North and South Korea agree talks on family reunions
South Korea says it has in principle accepted a North Korean offer to resume talks on humanitarian issues.
These include the reuniting of families divided since the Korean war ended in 1953, and joint tourism and industrial projects.
South Korea's unification ministry said a date and venue for talks mediated by the Red Cross would be set after resumed military talks had ended.
The military meetings, which began on Tuesday, are continuing.
They are the first since the North shelled a South Korean island in November, killing four people.
The last in the intermittent programme of temporary family reunions took place shortly before the shelling.
Family reunion talks were last held in 2009 after a two-year hiatus caused by cross-border tensions.
"We conveyed our agreement to hold the Red Cross talks, as it is important for the North and the South to discuss and resolve such issues of humanitarian concerns," said a spokeswoman for South Korea's unification ministry, Lee Jong-joo.
North Korea had proposed that the Red Cross agencies from the two sides meet to discuss two projects that give the North much-needed foreign exchange.
Wide-ranging
The suspended joint tourism project at Mt Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex are both in North Korea, co-managed by South Koreans using workers from the North.
Meanwhile, the talks between military officials from North and South Korea, at the border village of Panmunjom, are continuing, with the hope of laying the groundwork for higher-level meetings.
Relations have been extremely tense since 46 South Koreans died when their warship was sunk last March.
Seoul blamed the North for the incident, something Pyongyang denies.
The South is wary of a talks process that wins aid for Kim Jong-il's administration in the North without concessions in return.
South Korea says the North must show "sincerity" before receiving economic assistance. Pyongyang has spoken instead of an "exchange of views".
Nadal, Vonn win top Laureus awards
Rafael Nadal was glowing with pride after winning the prestigious Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, following in the footsteps of his greatest tennis rival Roger Federer.
The Spaniard was honored along with American skier Lindsey Vonn, who won the top women's prize at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
"It is very important (in terms of) personal satisfaction," the nine-time grand slam winner told CNN's Pedro Pinto.
"This nomination is voted for by the world of sport ... the best sportsmen and sportswomen in the world voted for me, it's a real honor. It was an emotional season for me, probably the most emotional of my career, so thank you very much for everyone who made this possible for me."
Federer won the men's award four successive times until champion sprinter Usain Bolt reigned in 2009 and 2010, but Nadal took this year's gong after reclaiming his world No. 1 ranking and winning three of the four tennis grand slam events.
The 24-year-old, who won the best newcomer category in 2006, headed off footballers Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, basketball star Kobe Bryant and boxer Manny Pacquaio.
He said he was looking forward to returning to action after a leg injury effectively ended his hopes of completing a grand slam at the Australian Open last month.
"For me, the most important thing is not being No. 1 but to be healthy and keep being competitive in every tournament I play," Nadal said.
It was a big night for Spain as the country's 2010 World Cup-winning footballers took out the team award, while German golfer Martin Kaymer claimed the sporting breakthrough prize and Kelly Slater notched a second U.S. success as he won the action sports category for the third time.
Kaymer's compatriot, visually-impaired skier and biathlete Verena Bentele, won the sportsperson with a disability award while motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi was honored for best comeback achievement.
French football legend Zinedine Zidane received a lifetime achievement award, while Europe's Ryder Cup-winning team -- which featured Kaymer -- won the spirit of sport prize.
The 26-year-old Vonn won the top award for the first time after a year in which she won gold and bronze medals at the Winter Olympics in Canada and a third consecutive overall World Cup title.
The most successful U.S. woman skier of all-time, she triumphed ahead of three-time winner Serena Williams, her compatriot's fellow tennis stars Kim Clijsters and Caroline Wozniacki, and athletes Jessica Ennis and Blanka Vlasic.
Spain's football team continued the trend that has seen the FIFA World Cup holders triumph every time since the award's inception in 2000, this time heading off treble-winning club side Inter Milan, the Ryder Cup golfers, Bryant's NBA champions the LA Lakers, Vettel's all-conquering Red Bull outfit and rugby's New Zealand All Blacks.
Kaymer, who was crowned Europe's No. 1 and has risen to second in the world rankings, was honored ahead of fellow golfers Louis Oosthuizen and Matteo Manassero, Germany World Cup star Thomas Muller and French athletes Christophe Lemaitre and Teddy Tamgho.
Rossi recovered from a broken leg to return to the track in just 41 days, but could not add to his seven world MotoGP titles.
The Italian won the comeback award from tennis star Justine Henin, athletes Carolina Kluft, Tyson Gay and Merlene Ottey, plus U.S. golfer Paula Creamer.
Bentele triumphed ahead of fellow Paralympic star Lauren Woolstencroft of Canada, who also won five gold medals in Vancouver last year, skier Jakub Krako, swimmers Matt Cowdrey and Daniel Dias, plus wheelchair tennis star Esther Vergeer, a two-time winner.
Slater, who won a record 10th world title in 2010, headed off nominees including Australian women's surfing star Stephanie Gilmore, last year's winner who like the American has also been shortlisted eight times.
Steve Harvey Camp: Document Proves Ex Wife’s Claims are False
Steve Harvey’s reps say a Texas judge has approved the release of a legal document “which verifiably proves” that the allegations from his ex-wife Mary Harvey (spurred by her appearance on YouTube) were indeed false.”
Despite an existing gag order in the case stemming from their 2005 divorce proceedings, the Honorable Judge Dry of the District Court in Collin County has temporarily lifted the order “so that Steve Harvey will have the opportunity to set the record straight with the hope that the plethora of media outlets that reported these false allegations wlll now report the truth,” read an e-mail sent to EUR from his reps.
Steve’s camp says the released document disproves the following allegations from Mary:
(1) Mary Harvey was not left broke or destitute by Mr. Harvey after their divorce in 2005. She was paid $40,000/month until March 2009 and then paid a lump sum of $1.5 million;
(2) Mary Harvey was not left homeless after her divorce from Mr. Harvey in 2005. She was awarded three (3) homes in their property settlement;
(3) Mr. Harvey is the primary custodian of their 13 year old son, whom Mary Harvey willingly put on an airplane to his father. Mary Harvey sent him to his father without Mr. Harvey’s knowledge; and
(4) The 2005 divorce of Steve and Mary Harvey was granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences and his current wife was not named in the original divorce proceeding nor was she the cause of the marital break-up.
Beijing bows to inevitable tightening
With China celebrating the New Year, central bank officials had to break into their holiday to consider changing interest rates. But it cannot have taken them long to decide on an increase.
After two increases late last year, many economists thought it was only a matter of time before the People's Bank of China delivered another rise in an attempt to tackle inflation with rising food prices a particular concern. On Tuesday it said it would lift rates for one-year deposits and one-year loans 25 basis points to 3 per cent and 6.06 per cent respectively.
Financial markets took the news in their stride. Copper, where Chinese buying is a big demand driver, slipped slightly before recovering most of the lost ground and trading at $9,974 a tonne for three-month metal, down from $10,045 on Monday.
A ripple of concern passed through emerging markets, where inflation is a concern, with an average fall of 1.2 per cent on east European stock markets.
"Most people expected a rate increase around now," said Mark Williams, a China specialist at Capital Economics, the UK-based research company.
Most economists expect a further 25 basis point rise in future. With inflation expected to rise from 4.6 per cent year-on-year in December to about 5-6 per cent, real interest rates remain in negative territory. So incentives remain to spend savings and borrow -- notably to invest in the fast-growing property market.
However, the Chinese authorities have been cautious about raising rates amid concerns the economy could be held back at a time when China is contributing greatly to global growth. The country saw GDP rise about 10 per cent in 2010.
They are also keen not to put extra upward pressure on the currency for fear of hurting exports. But Beijing is concerned about soaring property prices, which if unchecked could destabilise the economy and trigger social discontent.
As well as raising rates, the central bank has increased the ratio of deposits banks must place in reserve with the central bank. Following eight increases, the reserve ratio has gone from 15.5 per cent to 19.5 per cent in a year and is expected to go further, perhaps to 22 per cent.
But what matters is the actual impact on loans, which have been growing faster than the central bank intended, with a jump last year of Rmb7,950bn ($1,215bn) in new loans, compared to the Rmb7,500bn target. With the official target for 2010 not yet set -- although it is expected to be about Rmb7,000bn-7,500bn -- it is unclear how tightly banks will be corralled.
China bulls contend that the authorities are by and large managing a huge job well -- controlling inflationary risks as much as they can without taking more than perhaps 1 percentage point off GDP growth. Mr Williams says: "I am not sure that the Chinese economy requires much more policy action. Growth has already cooled."
The bears disagree, arguing inflation is taking root. Companies are under pressure from rising costs, which are hitting margins and undermining export competitiveness.
Charles Dumas, chairman of Lombard Street Financial, a research company, says: "The policy actions amount to too little too late." The level of rate rises needed to control inflation will squeeze growth hard, he says. "They are between a rock and a hard place."
Even at this stage, some of the price pressure could be reduced by faster currency appreciation. But Chinese exporters are a strong lobby. They will not give ground easily.
Brazilian protesters criticize dam project
Environmentalists and indigenous-rights supporters gathered in the Brazilian capital Tuesday to protest a hydroelectric dam project that they say would be devastating to the Amazon region.
The demonstration, in front the congressional building in Brasilia, seeks to stop the construction of the Belo Monte dam, which they say would flood at least 400,000 hectares (nearly a million acres) of forest, displacing 40,000 indigenous people and other local residents, and destroying various species of wildlife and insects.
The construction of the controversial reservoir -- a $17 billion project -- was authorized in January by Brazil's Environmental Institute.
The contractors working on the dam, to be located on the Xingu River in Para state, have permission to clear 238 hectares of the forest, an area larger than Monaco.
The protesters want to give Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff a petition signed by half a million people from around the world who criticize the project.
The government argues that the hydroelectric dam, with a potential capacity of 11,000 megawatts, is needed to guarantee a supply of energy for a country that is growing economically.
Set for completion in 2015, Belo Monte would be the second-largest dam in the country, behind Tucurui.
Serena aims to blossom in the spring
Serena Williams is targeting a spring return to the tennis circuit after a lengthy injury layoff which culminated in the 13-time grand slam winner being unable to defend her Australian Open crown.
Williams picked up a freak foot injury when she cut her foot in a restaurant after claiming her fourth Wimbledon crown last July.
Complications in her recovery after initial surgery meant the former world number one not only missed the U.S. Open but was forced out of the first grand slam of 2011 in Melbourne; she could only watch from the sidelines as Belgium's Kim Clijsters picked up both titles.
The 29-year-old American told CNN that she was anxious to return to the court after being out of the game for seven months and counting.
"I'll blossom again in the spring. It'll be fun," she said.
It has been a frustrating spell for Williams, with further surgery required to correct her troubling injury.
When she spoke with Open Court just before the Australian Open she still had her right foot in a cast and was clearly frustrated.
"I'm going to be back sooner than later, I hope. This comes off very soon, so by the time this airs this'll probably be off. But I don't know," she added.
Despite the setback and talk of retirement, Serena has a steely determination to add to her already impressive career record.
"There's so much more that I want to do in tennis, just to keep playing and keep winning. It's just something that I really enjoy," she said.
"Most of all I want to get back to doubles. I really love playing doubles."
Serena's doubles partner is, of course, elder sister Venus, herself a seven- time grand slam singles winner.
As a formidable doubles partnership they have claimed a further 12 grand slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.
Venus has also been troubled by injury and had to retire early in her third-round clash with Andrea Petkovic at the Australian Open.
But it would be foolish to write off the record-breaking sisters, and Serena is certainly making no plans for retirement.
"I plan to be back in the spring, which is a good time, you know," she repeated.
That would leave Williams time to prepare for the French Open, starting May 17, before the defense of her Wimbledon crown the following month.
The Paris event is the sole grand slam that she has won only once, back in 2002.
Civil Recoveries/Third Turtle Club
Yet another major development has come under the spotlight of the Civil Recoveryteams as this time RTC can reveal that on 14 January 2011, the Turks & Caicos Islands Government issued civil proceedings against Oceanpoint Developments Limited and Richard Padgett arising out of the development known as the Third Turtle Club on Providenciales.
Those proceedings have now been served on the Defendants.
TCIG's claim against Oceanpoint and Mr Padgett alleges that by a series of corrupt transactions (namely, secret commissions, illicit rewards or inducements, and/or bribes provided or paid to Michael Misick and Floyd Hall, both directly and indirectly and through payments to the Progressive National Party) made by or on behalf of Oceanpoint, and/or fraud, Oceanpoint and Mr Padgett secured for Oceanpoint benefits and advantages in relation to the Third Turtle development, namely, the promotion in Cabinet of papers in support of the development, the execution of a Development Agreement, the grant of concessions, benefits and discounts, and the allowing, and/or favourable treatment, of Oceanpoint's appeals against the conditions that had been imposed by Cabinet in relation to planning permissions.
TCIG further alleges that Oceanpoint and Mr Padgett conspired together in order to secure those benefits and advantages. TCIG is seeking a declaration that it is entitled to terminate the Development Agreement, a further declaration that it is entitled to terminate all related licenses and permits, as well as damages, interest and costs.
These are the latest set of proceedings issued by the Civil Recovery team since they began their work at the end of 2009. Proceedings have now been issued by the Civil Recovery Team in respect of most of the major development projects identified by Sir Robin Auld in the Commission of Inquiry Report. The Civil Recovery team continues to be involved in a substantial number of active recoveries and further sets of proceedings are expected to be brought.
Janet Jackson ‘Still Has Issues’ With her Body
Janet Jackson says she continues to have issues with her body image.
In an interview with “Today” host Meredith Viera set to air Friday (Feb. 11), the 44-year-old singer admits she has always struggled with her self-confidence, and though she now feels more comfortable with her appearance than she did in her 20s, she still has periods of feeling unattractive.
“I would literally bang my head up against the wall because I didn’t feel attractive. There was a lot of pain in my life. But I did. I felt very unattractive.
“I still have issues with it. I don’t bang my head up against the wall, but I still have those moments. And I think it’ll probably continue but at least I know how to deal with it now. And I’m in a much better space.”
As Janet has mentioned before, many of her insecurities, she believes, stem from the nicknames she was given by her famous brothers, including “horse, pig, cow, and slaughter-hog.”
“It makes you laugh, it really does. It makes you laugh,” she said. “I guess some people could say, ‘Oh that’s, you know, brothers and sisters joking, it’s all affection, it’s all, you know, it’s in a loving way.’ But not everybody can brush it off, and I was one of those.”
Miss Jackson also spoke about her relationship with her father Joe Jackson, admitting he banned her from calling him “Dad.”
“He said, ‘I’m Joseph to you. You do not call me dad.’ That affects you as a kid,” she told Viera. “I know my father loves me. He just has a very, very different way of showing it.”
Janet recorded the “Today” interview to plug her new book, “True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself,” and world tour “Up Close and Personal.” Both launch on Friday.
Machel: ‘I will lose 20 pounds’ for Soca Monarch
Soca star Machel Montano has vowed to be Trinidad and Tobago’s next Soca Monarch winner. Montano, who had stayed away from the Carnival circuit last year, said this while performing for a large crowd at the Sting nightclub on Friday night. The event also featured the other members of the HD family, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy and Zan. During his performance of his popular song Advantage, Montano acknowledged the presence of Attorney General Anand Ramlogan in the nightclub’s VIP section and thanked the Government for increasing this year’s Soca Monarch prize money to $2 million.
“I want to thank him (AG) for taking the time out to come and support Machel and I am glad they increased the prize money so I could take advantage of it,” he said. He also promised to shed a few pounds in time for the competition. “In one month’s time I will lose 20 pounds...and fly off the stage as the new Soca Monarch and advantage it,” he said. Earlier in the night, Benjai started the live entertainment segment at 2 am with a 30 minute performance. Montano then took center stage immediately after amidst loud cheers and screams from his fans.
Source:Guardian Media
Kartel, Tifa big winners at YVAs
Deejay Vybz Kartel brought the Youth View Awards patrons to their feet as he delivered a surprise performance that was the highlight of the night for his young fans.
Held once again at the National Indoor Sports Centre, the artistes and primarily young fans came out to an event that delivered entertaining performances and interesting fashion.
Despite the appearance of countless artistes, it was the appearance of Vybz Kartel halfway through the show that caught the attention of persons in the grand stand that immediately started to scream in delight. The deejay would later have the grand stand audience and members of the VIP on their feet as Trever Off Key did his Fake Jeans Admit It which led into Kartel and Russian entering the stage for Straight Jeans and Fitted. Kartel then moved to Cakesoap before inviting Sheba onstage for Wha Mek Yuh Do Me Dat and teased with Like Christmas.
smoothly run event
Prior to Kartel's entrance, the entertainment was diverse with numerous dance performances from the likes of 'On the Verge' winners, Infamous Dancers, among others.
Hosts ZJ Bambino and 106 & Park's Rocsi did a good job throughout the night, ensuring for a smoothly run event.
Denyque kicked off the night followed by singer Raine Seville, who returned to the stage for the first time since giving birth. The singer did a tribute to Bob Marley, whose birthday was hours away, singing I Wanna Be Loved.
Khago took to the stage with an energetic rendition of Nah Sell Out, White Tees and Addidas as well as performing his tribute to Coppercat, whose funeral he was just coming from.
Munga went through a number of his hits with Buss It Like An Earthquake, Clean and Fresh among others, while Ce'Cile brought something different to her act, as her performance started with a very young female dancer who danced alongside the singjay for Whoot Whoot, Cyaan Done before exiting for two male dancers to take the stage for Coffee.
Richie Loop and a slew of dancers followed for My Cupp, and D-Major joined for Party Like It's Your Birthday.
Ikaya brought a touch of consciousness to the stage for Hard Way while Bambino brought humour with his Trever Off Key personality.
Tifa closed the night with a medley of Move Yuh Body, Cyaan Stop Shine, Certified Divas with Tami Chynn, among others. The young diva showcased her performing skills as she danced and even did a little gymnastics as she was thrown into the air, closing the show with a bang.
Winners:
Favourite Music Video: 'Straight Jeans and Fitted' - Vybz Kartel and Russian
Sound of the Year: Coppershot
Favourite Dance Group: Card Unit
Chart Topping Song of the Year: 'Clarks' - Vybz Kartel, Popcaan and Gaza Slim
Favourite Selector: ZJ Liquid
Favourite Local Artiste of the Year (female): Tifa
Favourite Local Artiste of the Year (male): Vybz Kartel
Favourite Group/Duo: Voicemail
Favourite Producer of the Year: Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor
Favourite Male Dancer of the Year:
Ding Dong
Favourite Gospel Artiste: DJ Nicholas
Favourite Media Personality: ZJ Bambino
Favourite New Artiste: Khago
Fashion Icon (Female): Tifa
Fashion Icon (Male): Beenie Man
Favourite Song Collaboration: 'Straight Jeans and Fitted' - Vybz Kartel and Russian
Celebrity Role Model: Yendi Phillipps
Best Entertainment Show: Intense
Favourite Dancehall Female: Tifa
Favourite Dancehall Male: Vybz Kartel
Young, Hot and Hype (Male): Ding Dong
Young Hot and Hype (Female): Tifa
Video Director of the Year: Jay Will