| Italy Volcano Erupts, Lighting Up Night Sky with Lava Posted: 20 Feb 2013 03:50 PM PST | Mount Etna puts on a spectacular show with lava and sparks spewing into the night air. Full Story: Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna, put on a stunning display on Tuesday (February 19) night with red hot lava spewing high into the sky. The main eruption was located at the south-eastern crater. The flow of hot lava was directed away from inhabited areas. Italian authorities did not issue any warning of danger to houses or people. The south-eastern crater, born in 1971, has been the most active in recent years. Etna, which is located above the Sicilian town of Catania, often erupts but rarely causes damage. While the eruptions themselves are not a risk, the local inhabitants do have to live with the ash showers that follow. This time local airports managed to remain open. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 00:49 | More in News & Politics |
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| Experts examine Vietnam's relations with China and the United States Posted: 20 Feb 2013 06:58 AM PST | Experts examine Vietnam's relations with China and the United States | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 03:51 | More in News & Politics |
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| LATEST: China Security Officers Chase CNN News crew Posted: 20 Feb 2013 04:48 PM PST | Click here www.youtube.com Chinese Government's Brutality in Tibet Exposed | Views: 5 3 ratings | | Time: 02:02 | More in News & Politics |
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| Syrian Chemical Weapons in Hands of Extremists? Posted: 20 Feb 2013 09:42 AM PST | Israel's pre-emptive air strike on the Syrian research lab near Damascus is giving rise to questions of how close the Middle East powderkeg is to exploding in full-out war. [Prof. Moshe Maoz, Political Science Dept., Hebrew University]: "Israel has taken a risk, because if they do retaliate Israel will have to strike back as well, and then a war would break in the region." Another question is who might end up controlling Syrian chemical weapons once Bashar al-Assad's regime topples. [Prof. Moshe Maoz, Political Science Dept., Hebrew University]: "As we all know, Syria has chemical weapons which were developed many years ago, most likely with the aid of North Korea, and perhaps also China. Syria now has long-range missiles with chemical warheads aimed at Israel, Turkey and neighboring countries. There are concerns that the weapons will fall into the hands of organizations which are even more extreme than the regime in Syria, first and foremost Hizbullah". The convoy hit by Israel turned out not to be carrying any chemical weapons. But, according to this expert on Syria and Hizbullah, with tensions running high in the region, Israel isn't taking any chances and is opting for pre-emption. [Prof. Moshe Maoz, Political Science Dept., Hebrew University]: "It is a major concern to Israel that Hizbullah might acquire chemical warheads with the support of Iran, and a war would break in the region". So far there has been no retaliation to the Israeli attack. [Prof. Moshe Maoz <b>...</b> | Views: 18 3 ratings | | Time: 03:09 | More in News & Politics |
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| Berlin's Beloved Polar Bear Knut Back in Action Posted: 20 Feb 2013 05:46 AM PST | Knut, the hand-reared polar bear who captured Germans' hearts before his early death in 2011, returns to his adoring Berlin public as a life-sized model bearing the animal's real fur. Full story: Knut the polar bear went on display as a life-sized model at a German museum on Saturday. This almost two years after his untimely death shocked his fans worldwide. Knut will stand for a month in the foyer of Berlin's natural history museum, which has modified its entrance for the anticipated rush of visitors. The museum is keen to stress that Knut has not been stuffed. Rather, a replica of the bear was made, based on Knut's skeleton, in one of his favourite poses. This was covered with the creature's pelt, in a procedure known as dermoplasty. One of Knut's countless fans is Karin Gude-Kohl who came to see her favourite animal wearing three Knut photographs on her jacket. [Karin Gude-Kohl, Knut Fan]: "The fur is the only original part that remains of him. Now he is on display here and as a big Knut fan, I would like to underline that this exhibition was not created out of a sensation but to remember him. It was a unique animal. Knut was a world-renowned star and to us, Knut was the eighth wonder of the world." Pensioner Inge Berg and her husband Klaus were among the first visitors to see the Knut model when the museum doors opened to the public. [Klaus Berg, Knut Fan]: "We witnessed his upbringing from his birth and how he then grew older. Through television, we had a very close <b>...</b> | Views: 0 1 ratings | | Time: 01:53 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| Ex-Navy Pilot Denies Role in 'Death Flights' in Argentine Dirty War Posted: 19 Feb 2013 10:29 PM PST | During a federal court hearing in Buenos Aires, a former navy pilot denies participating in so-called "death flights" during Argentina's Dirty War. Full story: On Monday a retired Argentine navy pilot was tried for alleged participation in "death flights" during Argentina's Dirty War. In death flights pilots brutally killed prisoners by dropping them into the sea. Julio Poch is only one of eight pilots with human rights charges related to the death flights. Poch has denied claims of any involvement. [Julio Poch, Former Argentine Naval Pilot]: "Judges, I also want to affirm, one more time, that I did not take part in those death flights. Not as a pilot, copilot, or crew member. I don't know anything about whether the death flights existed or not; whether they happened or not. Everything I know about that, and what I am going to say later, I know from what has been published in the media, from what I've read in books and I will mention them later. If these flights did exist it seems horrible, abhorrent and inhuman to me, but I never said I was involved with them. This is a complete absurdity." Human rights activists outside the courthouse, expressed doubts in the pilot's claims. Valeria Canal, a lawyer for Sons and Daughters for Identity and Justice Against Oblivion and Silence, also called HIJOS, said she hoped the truth would come out. [Valeria Canal, Laywer, HIJOS Organization]: "I'd like to know what they sincerely think and that they say it. They know a lot. There is a <b>...</b> | Views: 46 2 ratings | | Time: 02:14 | More in News & Politics |
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| Fourteen Dead in Indonesia Landslides Posted: 19 Feb 2013 10:03 PM PST | Indonesia authorities report 14 people have died in landslides across the country's eastern province of North Sulawesi. Full story: Families of landslide victims weep in the streets of the Indonesian city of Manado. According to officials Monday, landslides and floods have killed at least 14 people in and around the eastern city following torrential rains. The Sunday landslide struck an area inundated by water after hours of rain. Most of the dead were buried in the mud as it swept down from hillsides above. Indonesian authorities have dispatched search and rescue teams, who are still looking for survivors across the province, which is 2200 km north-east of Jakarta. Landslides are common in Indonesia, particularly during the country's wet season, due to illegal logging and clearing of farmland. For more news and videos visit ? ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ? http Add us on Facebook ? on.fb.me | Views: 6 0 ratings | | Time: 00:47 | More in News & Politics |
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| Lion Dance Brings Fortune Posted: 19 Feb 2013 09:07 AM PST | Few outside the Chinese community know that Chinese new year is celebrated over two weeks. The start of festivities is commonly marked by the wish of good luck and prosperity to people and their businesses. This Perth Saturday morning in the China town district of Northbridge, preparations are underway; with a lettuce and red envelope hung on high, to be plucked by the lion that brings good luck. The bigger the prize, the greater the challenge to the performers. The lion dancers are lured by the red envelope, containing money from shop owners and bystanders; meanwhile audience members take-in the dexterous display. It is traditional for the lion to jump and catch the lettuce and money. The money is chomped down, leaving only the lucky charm lettuce to businesses to draw in more customers. The highly skilled performers then leave their compliments of the season, before joining the festivities on the streets of Northbridge. | Views: 84 5 ratings | | Time: 01:17 | More in News & Politics |
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| UK Arrest for Possession of 800 Extreme Porn Films Posted: 19 Feb 2013 09:09 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com UK police have discovered a huge stash of 800 porn films on the computer of a British Chinese. The 40-year-old may face jail. China's netizens have found that this man is former CCTV (China Central TV) broadcaster Senyou Luo. UK's The Sun reported that the UK cop accidentally found 800 porn videos in Sen Luo's laptop during an unrelated fraud inquiry. This porn "featured oriental women", "involving animals and women being tortured". Investigating Detective Constable Kim Negus told the media, "These videos were disgusting and distressing. I viewed around 18 of them and had to have the sound turned down." The report said that in 2003, Sen Luo served as anchor of CCTV English program "Biz China". In 2008 Sen Luo left China to reside in the UK. Reportedly, Luo will be sentenced in March. According to UK law, possession of "extreme pornographic images" is punishable by a jail term of up to three years. Sen Luo refused to accept the charges. He argued that he used these porn films for "research" to write a Sex and the City-style book. The UK police said these videos have nothing to do with "Sex and the City". (Attorney, US) Ye Ning: "Has it fully and accurately reported the whole story? If the answer is yes, the UK police haven't done praiseworthy work. This is because in this way, worldwide police will follow suit, I am afraid. So the UK's police practice does not merit promotion." Ye Ning says, Sen Luo's <b>...</b> | Views: 14 0 ratings | | Time: 02:44 | More in News & Politics |
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| CFA's Corruption Campaign Crackdown Closed? Posted: 19 Feb 2013 08:11 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Finally after around four years, the Chinese football match-fixing scandals receive their final outcome. On February 18, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) punished clubs and individuals involved in the scandals, banning 33 players and officials from football events for life. Experts say the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) uses sports as tools for personal gain; it's abandoned any sporting spirit. CFA made an announcement on February 18, punishing clubs and individuals involved in football match-fixing scandals. Punishments include giving point-based penalties, fines, confiscating match reward items, and banning from involvement in football events for 5 years or even for life. 33 people have been banned for life, including Xie Yalong, Nan Yong and Yang Yimin, and 25 banned for 5 years. Clubs Shandong Luneng, Tianjin Teda and Shanghai Shenhu are facing a fine of 1-million yuan (US$160000), with the latter two also receiving 6-points in penalties and a stripping of their league titles. Changchun Yatai, Jiangshu Suntian, Hennan Jianye, and YilinYanbian have been fined 500000 yuan (US$80000) with YilinYanbian also being deducted 3 points. Many netizens along with the Discipline Committee say the punishments are too light. Since the CFA considered the whole football situation and gave lenient punishments, it seems the issue of avoiding Chinese football will start all over again. Chen Kai, a former <b>...</b> | Views: 9 0 ratings | | Time: 04:24 | More in News & Politics |
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| Chinese Communist Party Army Most Likely Behind Cyber Attacks Posted: 19 Feb 2013 08:07 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com The US computer security firm Mandiant released a report on Feb. 19th. Mandiant traced the attacks back to a CCP military secret unit that could behind other recent cyber attacks. Mandiant said they have identified the source of attacks coming from a 12-storey building in suburb in Shanghai. The report said, the hackers designated "Advanced Persistent Threat 1 (APT1). Since 2006, the hackers have stolen massive quantities of data from more than 150 organizations in 20 major industries. This includes information and financial industries, most of the targets were the US companies. The stolen information includes company acquisitions and senior managers' emails and related contents. Mandiant has identified the hackers as a Chinese military unit in a building in Shanghai, army code named "unit 61398". Hong Lei, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman repeatedly denied Mandiant's charges at a routine press briefing on Tuesday. Zhao HongXia's Lawyer: Special Issues To Expose On Feb. 18th, Zhang Zhiyong, lawyer of Zhao Hongxi, the main woman of Chongqing sex tape scandal, published a statement on his Sino Weibo saying that Zhao is still under investigation. Rumors said that Zhao had improper relationship with 11 officials, it isn't the truth, lawyer Zhang added. For the question about Zhao Hongxia's marriage, Zhang refused to answer saying that nothing to do with the case. Deutsche Welle reported that Zhang <b>...</b> | Views: 13 2 ratings | | Time: 02:34 | More in News & Politics |
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| CCP Pays US Members of Congress Travel Costs Posted: 19 Feb 2013 08:05 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com In recent years, US Congress staff visit China frequently with the CCP's funding. Such visits are usually arranged by lobbyists with business reasons. The CCP usually holds a one-day meeting with US officials and arranges a sightseeing outing for the next eight days. All expenses are paid by China. Outsiders pointed out that, the CCP would like to take advantage of weaknesses of US congressmen and of the United States. It is difficult to achieve this purpose, although bribery and corruption are seen as a cancer which will erode any humane Ideals, vigilance is necessary in this situation. Washington Post has reported that congressional staff members traveled to China for "Cultural Exchange" last summer. These Congress members lived in luxury hotels, visited the Forbidden City, and Geat Wall, and attended the introduction of dynastic antiquities at Shanghai museum. All expenses were paid by the CCP. Former Chinese intelligence officer Li Fengzhi: "The Chinese government plans to build a good relationship with them and exert some influence. Another reason is, the CCP wants to find those who share the CCP's appetite or are easy to develop further relations with during the visit. The CCP will have further and closer contact with these officials at a convenient time." It was reported that, according to the documents filed by the US Department of Justice, more than a dozen countries have hired lobbyists to <b>...</b> | Views: 10 0 ratings | | Time: 03:56 | More in News & Politics |
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| New Property Law Angers Mainlanders Posted: 19 Feb 2013 08:02 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Recently, several Mainland China cities swiftly implemented new measures to limit the search of property ownership data. They launched measures in specific areas, like Zhangzhou (Fujian), Yancheng(Jiangsu), Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen. The new measures ban searching by names of homeowners, only allowing legal departments to do the searches. The public thinks these new measures are to protect corrupt officials and stop people from publicizing officials' property. This pulls the "anti-corruption" initiative backward. In mid-February, Zhangzhou City in Fujian launched a "housing registration measures." It states, only homeowners themselves, the police, the court, or the legal departments can search for property information. The new regulation does not allow the public to check on homeowners' names and other related data. The public is only allowed to check property information by providing the property certificates numbers. The staff should keep the information confidential, as it is not allowed to provide information on properties. Yancheng City in Jiangsu also launched draft measures, allowing to check property information under a condition. Search on homeowners' names is prohibited, except for the homeowners, police, court, and legal departments, and they have to follow the required procedure, The measures say, some regions leaked homeowners data, "causing citizens to worry about their property <b>...</b> | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 04:11 | More in News & Politics |
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