| Who Benefits from the Land Policy? Posted: 29 Nov 2012 07:14 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com On Wednesday, Premier Wen Jiabao of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), chaired a State Council executive meeting, where he discussed and adopted the Land Management Law Amendment (Draft). Some experts have speculated that the amount of compensation for land acquisition under the current standards is likely to increase at least 10 times with this amendment. But can the increased compensation finally fall into the hands of farmers? See the following analysis reports. On November 28, Premier Wen Jiabao chaired a State Council executive meeting to hear reports on agricultural and rural work, and then modified the collectively owned land expropriation compensation system. In the "two meetings" closing session in 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao developed and introduced the Rural Collective Land Compensation Ordinance. Amendments to the Land Management Law have been mentioned for years, focusing on land requisition system reform. In July, it was said that the Rural Collective Land Acquisition Compensation Ordinance, created by CCP Ministry of Land and Resources, had been submitted to the State Council. Peking University Law School Professor Jiang Ming'an told the Beijing Times that the details of this modification are unknown, but compensation for expropriation should be at least 10 times the current value. He speculated that this draft amendment to the Land Management Law should be a modification of the provisions <b>...</b> | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 04:25 | More in News & Politics |
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| Song of Sorrow by Dawoe Posted: 29 Nov 2012 07:23 AM PST | Translation by High Peaks Pure Earth: highpeakspureearth.com Read the related blogpost: highpeakspureearth.com "Song of Sorrow" By Dawoe Ai ma! Three jewels! In the Land of Snows The heroic youth of Tibet Making offerings of their bodies The heroic youth of Tibet Making offerings of their bodies Counting the months and years with a rosary Life is still the most precious thing Offering their lives to the Snowland Our hearts will not forget Offering their lives to the Snowland Our hearts will not forget From the Potala Palace The supreme protector Tenzin Gyatso Traversed many passes and valleys The children remained behind Traversed many passes and valleys The children remained behind | Views: 25 8 ratings | | Time: 02:28 | More in News & Politics |
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| Looking for ancient Tibet, English Posted: 29 Nov 2012 07:20 AM PST | YOGIFILM Production www.yogifilm.de More Tibet videos at http A documentary team expands into the isolated power places in East Tibet to find the last living holders of a thousand year old Yogi tradition. The recordings, which were made in the picturesque Himalayan Mountains, put our western understanding of reality into question. | Views: 27 15 ratings | | Time: 10:01 | More in News & Politics |
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| Death Threats Alleged in Chongqing Official Sex Tape Scandal Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:28 PM PST | The 2007 tape, released only recently, has reignited the political tinderbox of Chongqing, in southwest China. It shows a district-level Communist Party Secretary, Lei Zhengfu, having sexual intercourse with an 18-year-old girl, who was supplied as a (quote), "gift", by a construction company in exchange for favors. However, this "gift" turned out to be more than she seemed; the girl videotaped the encounter as evidence with which the official could later be blackmailed. What followed was harsh intimidation against both the girl and the construction company which had used her—but no repercussion against the official. Rather, he was under the protection of Chongqing's police chief, Wang Lijun, a close ally of the city's Communist Party head, the now fallen Bo Xilai. Wang, known for violating civil rights at will and implementing abusive police practices, imprisoned both the construction company head and the girl involved in the encounter. No investigation or public mention of the case came until this year, after Wang and Bo's political disgrace in unrelated scandals. According to Zhu Ruifeng, the journalist who uncovered the tape and its dark history, he has four more similar pieces of evidence, all stemming from Chongqing during the Bo Xilai years. Yet he also says that some local officials are seeking to silence him: he believes his cell-phone calls are being monitored, and he's received explicit death threats from some locals with ties to the former Bo administration <b>...</b> | Views: 54 3 ratings | | Time: 01:58 | More in News & Politics |
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| "The Hobbit" Premiers in New Zealand Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:15 PM PST | The first film of "The Hobbit" trilogy premiered in Wellington on Wednesday, with the cast on hand and thousands lining up to see the stars for the much anticipated movie. Full Story: Thousands of people packed New Zealand's capital city Wednesday for the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." Wellington is the home of director Peter Jackson, along with much of the post production crew. The city renamed itself "the Middle of Middle Earth" for the event, with fans coming out with Hobbit ears and fantasy garb for the event. Some even camped out the night before along the red carpet path for the best view. Neil Finn and his band were on hand to play the theme song from The Hobbit, "Song on a Lonely Mountain." Most of the cast were on hand, including Martin Freeman, who stars as Bilbo Baggins, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Andry Serkis, and the familiar Elijah Wood, who starred as Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Wood appreciated the chance to revisit Middle Earth. [Elijah Wood, Frodo]: "Oh man, it was beautiful. You know, it was a time and a place and a character that I never thought I would revisit. so to get a chance to come, even for a brief amount of time and see old friends." The Hobbit is set 60 years before the Lord of the Rings movies, and all are based on the famous JRR Tolkien saga. Peter Jackson noted he was glad to have done the Rings movies first. [Sir Peter Jackson, Director]: "I am actually glad that we made The Lord of The Rings first. I'm <b>...</b> | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:38 | More in Entertainment |
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| Real Life Mech Warrior Battle Robots Selling for 1.3 Million Dollars Posted: 29 Nov 2012 12:10 PM PST | Check out this Japanese battle mech-styled machine. Inspired by the mecha anime and toys from his childhood, Kogoro Kurata set out to create this 4-ton, 13-foot tall robot. [Kogoro Kurata, Kuratas Robot Designer]: "The robots we saw in our generation were always big, always had people riding them. So I don't think those have much meaning in the real world. But it was really my dream to ride in one of those giant robots, and I think that it's a kind of Japanese culture. I kept thinking that it's something that Japanese had to do." The creator showed off the Kuratas Robot at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo. It is human controlled; from the cockpit, a driver can move the robot's arms and drive it up to 6.2 miles per hour. The battle mech is just a prototype, but Kurata's website is already taking orders. People have options for weapons, shields, and even an iPhone holder. This prototype was armed with Gatling cannons that can shoot BBs. But don't break out your wallet just yet. The Kurata Robot starts at around $1.3 million, and options can send it much higher. [Wataru Yoshizaki, Kuratas Programmer]: "If indeed giant robots and cars are being sold at the same price, then I would, of course, choose the giant robot. At this point however, with the current price buying one Kuratas is still too much for me." While Kurata didn't say how many have put money down, the robot has piqued many people's interest. Real Life Mech Warrior Battle Robots <b>...</b> | Views: 89 10 ratings | | Time: 01:30 | More in Science & Technology |
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| Phillippines Refuses to Stamp New Chinese Passports Posted: 29 Nov 2012 11:03 AM PST | The Philippines will not be stamping the new Chinese passports, said a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. [Albert del Rosario, Foreign Minister]: "So we're saying that that's fine, you can come into the Philippines. But we would not stamp this passport which has this imprint. We would instead stamp another application, visa application form." The imprint he is referring to is a hotly contested map in the new Chinese passport that shows disputed territory in the South China Sea as belonging to China. China has laid claim to the majority of the South China Sea, and has been in conflict with the Philippines and Vietnam over certain key areas. The Philippines is following Vietnam who said it would stamp separate visa applications instead of the new passports themselves. On Thursday, a group of activists protested outside the Chinese Embassy, saying the passports just aggravate already tense relations. [Walden Bello, Lawmaker]: "This is a very, very provocative move. It cannot be an accident. It's not a small bureaucratic mistake. It is a calculated move from the highest reaches of the Chinese government." Both the Philippines and Vietnam filed protests last week against the Chinese regime's attempt to claim disputed areas with it's passport map. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that people should not read too much into the placement of a new map in its passports. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on <b>...</b> | Views: 25 2 ratings | | Time: 01:29 | More in News & Politics |
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| Jennifer Lopez Performs First Concert in Hong Kong Posted: 29 Nov 2012 10:59 AM PST | Pop icon Jennifer Lopez gave her first concert in Hong Kong for thousands of screaming fans on Wednesday night. The concert kicked off with two of Lopez's well-known singles, "Get Right" and "Love Don't Cost A Thing." Lopez began her Dance Again World Tour in Panama in June and has since toured several dozen cities in Europe, South America and Asia. The pop star constantly shouted to encourage her fans to sing and dance with her. One fan says she admires Lopez for her versatility and her songs gave her strength. [Elphie Leung, Fan of Jennifer Lopez]: "I like J Lo very much 'cause she can dance, she can sing, and she can act. When I listen to her song, I feel really powerful, I can do everything." Another young fan agreed that Lopez is inspirational. [Chloe Medeiros, Fan of Jennifer Lopez]: "Because she inspires us to dance, and she's a good singer." Lopez released her first album "On The Six" in 1999 and has since produced six more albums. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 01:12 | More in Entertainment |
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| Fun Camp for Elephants Posted: 29 Nov 2012 10:21 AM PST | Over three dozen tame elephants from temples across southern Indian came together on Monday (November 26) for a special 48-day camp. They met in the province of Tamil Nadu where they were treated to special food and a long period of rest. The elephants brought their caretakers, who made sure they had large piles of sugarcane, leaves, and bucketfuls of grain kept at the ready. [Dinesh, Elephant Caretaker]: "We have come to this camp, where our elephants are given special food with vitamin supplements. The elephants are happy to see each other, as they are lonely at the temples. We are also happy as a result." One of the Elephant Caretakers says he appreciates how well the camp was organized. [Balan, Elephant Caretaker]: "These elephants are also being given special medicines. The camp is on the banks of the Bhavani river, and the arrangements made for the camp are very nice." Freed from their duties, the elephants rested, ate, and played, spraying dust over their bodies as protection against the sun. Visitors thronged to the camp to see the magnificent animals and some got to feed them with their own hands. Captive elephants are an important element of many religious ceremonies and festivals at temples and shrines across southern India. Many large temples in the region have their own elephants, while smaller ones rent elephants for important occasions. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 20 2 ratings | | Time: 01:32 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| Duchess of Cambridge Opens Gallery in London History Museum Posted: 29 Nov 2012 07:34 AM PST | Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge gets a tour of Britain's pioneering past in the field of natural history as she opens a new museum gallery in London. Full Story: On Tuesday (November 27) the Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton, opened a new gallery in London dedicated to the country's natural history treasures. London's Natural History Museum, where the gallery is housed, says each has a fascinating story to tell. The artifacts were selected to represent the museum's scientific, aesthetic, historical, social, and cultural value. The Duchess was given a tour of the gallery's treasure by Museum Director, Michael Dixon. Afterwards she announced the opening of the new exhibit and drew the curtain to the exhibit's sign. [Kate, Duchess of Cambridge]: "It is a real privilege for me to declare 'Treasures in the Cadogan Gallery' officially open." Kate greeted guests and museum-goers after the ceremony to finish up the evening's events. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 2 2 ratings | | Time: 00:51 | More in News & Politics |
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| Fans Great Psy with Gangnam Style in Bangkok Posted: 28 Nov 2012 05:31 PM PST | South Korean star Psy arrives in Bangkok as fans greet him with "Gangnam Style". Psy arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday before his concert and was greeted by throngs of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the South Korean star. Many Thai fans eagerly showed off their "Gangnam Style" horse-riding dance moves to the 34-year-old rapper. The music video for "Gangnam Style" is now the most-watched YouTube video of all-time, a record whose owner does not expect to beat. (Psy, Musician, Rapper): "I'm really concerned about the music video. How can I beat Gangnam Style? How can I beat 850 million views? I think I cannot beat Gangnam Style ever honestly, so I'm not going to beat Gangnam Style. I'm gonna try to be with Gangnam Style." Psy is set to perform later Wednesday before heading off to Hong Kong on Thursday. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 1047 18 ratings | | Time: 01:01 | More in News & Politics |
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| Egypt's Supreme Court Accuses Mursi of Campaigning Against It Posted: 28 Nov 2012 04:55 PM PST | Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court accuses President Mursi of taking part in a campaign against the judiciary. Fulll story: Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court accused President Mohamed Mursi on Wednesday (November 28) of embarking on a campaign against it. Mursi has angered much of the judiciary already with a decree that extends his powers and puts his decisions beyond legal review. In a speech on Friday (November 23), the president praised the judiciary as a whole but said there were corrupt elements that he would weed out. The Constitutional Court declared the Islamist-led parliament void earlier this year, leading to the parliament's dissolution. [Maher Samy, Supreme Constitutional Court Spokesman]: "Since it published its ruling denying the constitutionality of the Parliamentary elections, the Supreme Constitutional court has faced a fierce, organized and unjust campaign against it, led by a large faction of a certain political current, the members of which lost their seats in the Parliament, and were thereby deprived of their influence and benefits." Samy added that the court had been shocked that Mursi himself had questioned their legitimacy. [Maher Samy, Supreme Constitutional Court Spokesman]: "But the really sad thing that pained the judges of this court was when the President of the Republic joined in abruptly and in a vicious way, a long and continuing campaign against the Supreme Constitutional Court." Samy said Mursi had accused the court in a speech on <b>...</b> | Views: 9 1 ratings | | Time: 02:05 | More in News & Politics |
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| William and Kate Tour Cambridge for First Time as Duke and Duchess Posted: 28 Nov 2012 04:34 PM PST | The Duke of Cambridge speaks of his "immense pride" at being associated with Cambridge as he and the Duchess tour the city. Full story: Cambridge gave its Duke and Duchess a rapturous welcome on Wednesday (November 28) as the royal couple toured the city for the first time. Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets to greet William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Cambridge has been awaiting the royal visit since the Queen bestowed the dukedom on her grandson shortly before their marriage. [Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]: "We both feel immense pride at being associated with Cambridge, a place renowned the world over for its dynamism, beauty and learning, and it is lovely for us to be here together today." William paid tribute to the work of Cambridge University, saying its academic record down the centuries left them both feeling "very humble". On a more light-hearted note, William joked about his brother's visit to Trinity College five years ago. [Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]: "My brother Harry and I were fortunate enough to come to Cambridge five years ago, when we spent a couple of days at Trinity. I have to say, it's the closest Harry's ever got to university." William drew laughter when he spoke of the traditional rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge. [Prince William, Duke of Cambridge]: "This university has more Nobel prize-winners to its name than all but a couple of countries. That fact alone must shake even that other place along the M40 <b>...</b> | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 01:33 | More in People & Blogs |
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| China News Broadcast, November 28, 2012: Li Keqiang Snubs Henan AIDS Patients Posted: 28 Nov 2012 03:58 PM PST | In today's NTD China News, incoming Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledges to allow NGOS more freedom to help AIDS sufferers, but a group from Henan province who contracted HIV through botched blood transfusions was blocked from meeting with Li. A fishing boat sank off the northeast coast of China on Wednesday, killing at least 12 fishermen. Tibetans in exile have expressed anger at the worsening crisis of Tibetan self-immolations against Communist rule. 22 cases have been reported so far in November. Analysts say China's first landing of a fighter jet on aircraft carrier, Liaoning, may be directed more at establishing prowess at home, rather than showing off real military might. The United States Treasury says China has significantly undervalued the Yuan, but stops short of labeling it a "currency manipulator". Starbucks plans to more than double its stores in China, tweaking its menu to include drinks like "red bean Frappuccino" for Chinese tastes. Chinese state-run media reports the regime may consider easing its controversial one-child policy, by allowing urban couples to have a second child. A Hong Kong court postpones the trial of businessman Carson Yeung, the owner of Birmingham City FC accused of laundering more than $90 million. Former NBA Player Yao Ming receives a Honorary Doctor in Hong Kong. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 19 1 ratings | | Time: 15:28 | More in Shows |
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| Judges Strike to Protest Mursi's "Constitutional Declaration" Posted: 28 Nov 2012 10:29 AM PST | Tahrir Square fills with thousands of anti-government demonstrators as marches converge from around the capital as striking judges stage sit-in. Full Story: The crowd in Cairo's Tahrir Square grew slowly but steadily throughout Tuesday (November 27) protesting a decree by President Mohamed Mursi last week. The decree granted the president wide-ranging powers and put his decisions above legal scrutiny until a new parliament is elected. In reaction to the statement, a group of influential Egyptian judges staged a sit-in, demanding Mursi retract his "constitutional declaration." On Tuesday the Head of the Egyptian Judges Club had a message for President Mursi. [Ahmed el-Zind, Head of the Egyptian Judges Club]: "Mr. President, it's not shameful to revise what you have ordered, instead it will bring honor and pride to your record. Our country is in flames, and you can extinguish the fire of sedition with your hand alone. The Egyptian people have split into two sides for the first time in its history, this split is the beginning of events that can lead us to a place that only God knows." Mursi held crisis talks Monday (November 26) with the nation's highest judicial body to resolve the issue. Later on Monday (November 26), Mursi partially conceded, saying the new powers would only apply to sovereign matters. Not happy with the partial pull-back, the head of the Ismailia appeals court said the striking judges would take further action. [Khaled Al-Mahgoub, Head of Appeals Court <b>...</b> | Views: 12 4 ratings | | Time: 02:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Santas Scuba Diving Posted: 28 Nov 2012 10:19 AM PST | A scuba diving Santa Claus delights visitors at a Tokyo aquarium. And children couldn't get enough. Full Story: An underwater visit from Santa Claus kicked off the holiday season at an aquarium in Tokyo on Tuesday. "Merry Christmas, everyone," said Santa wearing flippers and a snorkel over his white beard, as he gave exotic sea creatures an early present -- a snack of chopped fish and shrimps. [Yui Fujiura, Nine-Year-Old]: "The Santa was quite a swimmer." [Little Boy]: "I want a toy from him." The show's highlight is swimming Santa holding a cardboard star surrounded by scores of tiny fish forming the shape of a Christmas tree. The Sunshine Aquarium is home to more than 15000 sea animals and around 2000 visitors come to see the show on weekdays. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 38 1 ratings | | Time: 00:42 | More in News & Politics |
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