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Nigella Lawson’s husband denies attack


British TV chef Nigella Lawson poses during a photocall for the television show 'Nigellissima' on October 9, 2012.

(CNN) — Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and her children have moved out of their home as her husband denies a report that he attacked her.

In response to a tabloid’s photos showing Charles Saatchi reaching his hand across a table and apparently holding her neck, Saatchi told another newspaper Monday that there was no attack.

“About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella’s neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasize my point,” Saatchi, an art dealer and former advertising mogul, told The Evening Standard.

“There was no grip, it was a playful tiff. The pictures are horrific but give a far more drastic and violent impression of what took place. Nigella’s tears were because we both hate arguing, not because she had been hurt,” he added. “We had made up by the time we were home. The paparazzi were congregated outside our house after the story broke yesterday morning, so I told Nigella to take the kids off till the dust settled.”

Lawson’s spokesman said only, “Nigella and her children have moved out of the family home.”

Sunday People, part of the stable of tabloids published by the Mirror Group, published the photos Sunday of Lawson and Saatchi at a restaurant.

The tabloid’s website includes the caption: “Nigella Lawson attacked in public by Charles Saatchi.”

Police have not received a complaint of an assault.

In a statement, London’s Metropolitan Police said they are making inquiries to determine “whether an investigation is necessary.”

The restaurant involved told CNN that its employees did not witness any such incident.

Lawson’s Facebook page is filled with messages from fans expressing their support for her.

Lawson is known as the “queen of food porn.” She has written numerous successful cookbooks and hosted TV shows.

Watch a CNN interview with Nigella Lawson

CNN’s Richard Greene and Bharati Naik contributed to this report.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/uk-lawson-inquiry/index.html?eref=edition

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Mandela’s wife stirred by global support


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Nelson Mandela, now 94, endured 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa's first president from 1994 to 1999. Pictured, Mandela in Mmabatho for an election rally on March 15, 1994.Nelson Mandela, now 94, endured 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa’s first president from 1994 to 1999. Pictured, Mandela in Mmabatho for an election rally on March 15, 1994.

Mandela married his second wife, social worker Winnie Madikizela, in 1958. At the time, he was an active member of the African National Congress and had begun his lifelong commitment to ending segregation in South Africa.Mandela married his second wife, social worker Winnie Madikizela, in 1958. At the time, he was an active member of the African National Congress and had begun his lifelong commitment to ending segregation in South Africa.

In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to overthrow South Africa's apartheid regime. Here, his wife, Winnie, leaves the courtroom after the verdict.In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to overthrow South Africa’s apartheid regime. Here, his wife, Winnie, leaves the courtroom after the verdict.

Winnie Mandela addresses a crowd of supporters in Johannesburg in 1988, standing in front of a pile of cards addressed to her husband at an event marking his 70th birthday. She led an international campaign calling for his release.Winnie Mandela addresses a crowd of supporters in Johannesburg in 1988, standing in front of a pile of cards addressed to her husband at an event marking his 70th birthday. She led an international campaign calling for his release.

Nelson and Winnie Mandela raise their fists to salute a cheering crowd upon his 1990 release from Victor Verster Prison. He was still as upright and proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison 27 years before.Nelson and Winnie Mandela raise their fists to salute a cheering crowd upon his 1990 release from Victor Verster Prison. He was still as upright and proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison 27 years before.

A jubilant South African holds up a newspaper announcing Mandela's release from prison at an ANC rally in Soweto on February 11, 1990.A jubilant South African holds up a newspaper announcing Mandela’s release from prison at an ANC rally in Soweto on February 11, 1990.

Mandela attends a rally celebrating his release from jail at Soweto Soccer City stadium on February 13, 1990. More than 100,000 people attended the event.Mandela attends a rally celebrating his release from jail at Soweto Soccer City stadium on February 13, 1990. More than 100,000 people attended the event.

Mandela and Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda arrive at an ANC rally on March 3, 1990, in Lusaka, Zambia. Mandela was elected president of the ANC the next year.Mandela and Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda arrive at an ANC rally on March 3, 1990, in Lusaka, Zambia. Mandela was elected president of the ANC the next year.

After his release in 1990, Mandela embarked on a world tour, meeting U.S. President George Bush at the White House in June.After his release in 1990, Mandela embarked on a world tour, meeting U.S. President George Bush at the White House in June.

At his Soweto home on July 18, 1990, Mandela blows out the candles on his 72nd birthday cake. It was the first birthday he celebrated as a free man since the 1960s.At his Soweto home on July 18, 1990, Mandela blows out the candles on his 72nd birthday cake. It was the first birthday he celebrated as a free man since the 1960s.

South African President Frederik de Klerk, right, and Mandela shared a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their work to secure a peaceful transition from apartheid rule.South African President Frederik de Klerk, right, and Mandela shared a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their work to secure a peaceful transition from apartheid rule.

An estimated 40,000 ANC supporters listen to Mandela's address during a 1994 rally ahead of South Africa's general election.An estimated 40,000 ANC supporters listen to Mandela’s address during a 1994 rally ahead of South Africa’s general election.

Mandela was elected president in the first open election in South African history on April 29, 1994. He's pictured here taking the oath at his inauguration in May, becoming the nation's first black president.Mandela was elected president in the first open election in South African history on April 29, 1994. He’s pictured here taking the oath at his inauguration in May, becoming the nation’s first black president.

After one term as president, Mandela stepped down. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, at right, was sworn in as his replacement in June 1999.After one term as president, Mandela stepped down. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, at right, was sworn in as his replacement in June 1999.

Mandela was sent to the infamous Robben Island, a prison five miles off the coast of South Africa, where he would spend 18 of his 27 years behind bars. His cell is shown here in 2003.Mandela was sent to the infamous Robben Island, a prison five miles off the coast of South Africa, where he would spend 18 of his 27 years behind bars. His cell is shown here in 2003.

Mandela sits outside his former prison cell on Robben Island on November 28, 2003 ahead of his AIDS benefit concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.Mandela sits outside his former prison cell on Robben Island on November 28, 2003 ahead of his AIDS benefit concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

The 46664 - Give One Minute of Your Life to AIDS concert was held on November 29, 2003. 46664 was Mandela's identification number in prison.The “46664 – Give One Minute of Your Life to AIDS” concert was held on November 29, 2003. 46664 was Mandela’s identification number in prison.

Mandela shows something to a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, May 2004.Mandela shows something to a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, May 2004.

Mandela welcomes a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg in May 2004.Mandela welcomes a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg in May 2004.

Mandela throws a rose on the grave of his son Makgatho in Qunu on January 15, 2005. He disclosed that his son had died of AIDS and said the disease should be given publicity so people would stop viewing it as extraordinary.Mandela throws a rose on the grave of his son Makgatho in Qunu on January 15, 2005. He disclosed that his son had died of AIDS and said the disease should be given publicity so people would stop viewing it as extraordinary.

The 46664 Arctic benefit concert was held in Tromso, Norway, on June 11, 2005. Mandela is pictured here surrounded by artists who performed at the event.The “46664 Arctic” benefit concert was held in Tromso, Norway, on June 11, 2005. Mandela is pictured here surrounded by artists who performed at the event.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton leans down to whisper to former South African President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation on July 19, 2007 in Johannesburg.Former U.S. President Bill Clinton leans down to whisper to former South African President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation on July 19, 2007 in Johannesburg.

A bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled in Parliament Square in London on August 29, 2007. The 9-foot statue faces the Houses of Parliament.A bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled in Parliament Square in London on August 29, 2007. The 9-foot statue faces the Houses of Parliament.

Mandela poses with the Webb Ellis Cup during the Springboks rugby team's visit to his Johannesburg home on October 27, 2007. South Africa became the holders of the cup after defeating England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.Mandela poses with the Webb Ellis Cup during the Springboks rugby team’s visit to his Johannesburg home on October 27, 2007. South Africa became the holders of the cup after defeating England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.

Mandela leaves the InterContinental Hotel after a photoshoot with celebrity photographer Terry O'Neil on June 26, 2008 in London, England.Mandela leaves the InterContinental Hotel after a photoshoot with celebrity photographer Terry O’Neil on June 26, 2008 in London, England.

Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday at a celebration in July 2008 in his rural village.Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday at a celebration in July 2008 in his rural village.

Mandela meets in 2009 with international children as part of his 46664 Foundation, named after the number he wore while imprisoned for 27 years. Mandela meets in 2009 with international children as part of his 46664 Foundation, named after the number he wore while imprisoned for 27 years.

Mandela votes April 2009 in South Africa's fourth democratic election.Mandela votes April 2009 in South Africa’s fourth democratic election.

South African defender Aaron Mokoena presents a jersey for the national team to Mandela when meeting before a semifinal match against Brazil, June 2009.South African defender Aaron Mokoena presents a jersey for the national team to Mandela when meeting before a semifinal match against Brazil, June 2009.

An inmate at the Groot Drakenstein Prison in February 2010 cleans the base of a bronze statue depicting Mandela walking to freedom in 1990. Mandela spent his final months of imprisonment in a private house at Groot Drakenstein.An inmate at the Groot Drakenstein Prison in February 2010 cleans the base of a bronze statue depicting Mandela walking to freedom in 1990. Mandela spent his final months of imprisonment in a private house at Groot Drakenstein.

Nelson Mandela and his third wife, Graca Machel, arrive at the 2010 World Cup before the final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010, at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto.Nelson Mandela and his third wife, Graca Machel, arrive at the 2010 World Cup before the final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010, at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto.

Surrounded by family members, Mandela celebrates his 92nd birthday at his home in Johannesburg on July 18, 2010.Surrounded by family members, Mandela celebrates his 92nd birthday at his home in Johannesburg on July 18, 2010.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Mandela, 94, at his home in Qunu, South Africa, on August 6, 2012.U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Mandela, 94, at his home in Qunu, South Africa, on August 6, 2012.


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(CNN) — The family of former South African leader Nelson Mandela is overwhelmed with support as the 94-year-old remains hospitalized in serious condition.

“So much love and generosity from South Africans, Africans across the continent, and thousands more from across the world, have come our way to lighten the burden of anxiety; bringing us love, comfort and hope,” former first lady Graca Machel said in a statement Monday.

She said well-wishers have sent messages via e-mail, social media, cards and flowers. Some sang for the family outside the Mandela home.


The whole world prays for one man


Zuma: Mandela responding to treatment


Mandela still ‘serious, but stable’

“We have felt the closeness of the world and the deepest meaning of strength and peace,” Machel said.

Mandela has been in serious condition since he was rushed to a Pretoria hospital June 8 with a recurring lung infection.

On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health has shown improvement despite his still being in a serious condition, the South African Press Association reported.

Mandela has been in and out of hospitals in recent years. His history of lung problems dates back to when he was a political prisoner on Robben Island during the apartheid era, and he has battled respiratory infections over the years.

He has not appeared in public since South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010.

Last year, he spent the Christmas holidays undergoing treatment for a lung infection and gallstones, one of his longest hospital stays since his release from prison in 1990.

Read: Mandela’s friend says ‘it’s time to let him go’

Read: Mandela’s unusual tributes: bird, nuclear particle named after him


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/africa/south-africa-mandela/index.html?eref=edition

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7 dead in bombing at popular Iraq cafe

Baghdad (CNN) — A string of attacks across central Iraq on Monday killed at least a dozen people and wounded more than 50 others.

At least seven people were killed and 20 others wounded when a bomb exploded inside a popular coffee shop in al-Taji, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Baghdad on Monday morning, authorities said.

Taji is a predominantly Sunni district.

Separately, a roadside bomb exploded at a police patrol and killed two people and wounded three others in Thiraa Dijla, about 10 kilometers north of Baghdad, police told CNN.

And in Falluja, west of Baghdad, a suicide bomber wearing a police uniform walked into an election center and detonated an explosives-filled vest, killing three and wounding 30 others. Most of the dead were members of the Iraqi police.

The violence comes on a special voting day for security forces, police and others to cast votes ahead of provincial elections.

Security forces are on high alert.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?eref=edition

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Cooltek Antiphon Review

Cooltek Antiphon Review

Manufacturer: Cooltek
UK price (as reviewed):
£59.40 (inc VAT)
US price (as reviewed): Currently unavailable

It’s rare to see cases where low noise is a genuine priority and a guiding design principle in the lower end of the market. In most such cases, the sheer cost of the extra materials (foam, rubber, thicker steel etc.) compared to ‘normal’ cases puts them at or around the £80 price point, as is the situation with Fractal’s Define R4 and Nanoxia’s Deep Silence duo, or even over £100 when you up the dimensions and material requirements, as we recently saw with Fractal’s Define XL R2 and the NZXT H630. We were intrigued and a little excited, therefore, to receive the Cooltek Antiphon, a sub-£60 ATX chassis with silence as its key focus.

As a small German company, Cooltek has very little presence on these shores. Currently, there’s only a few UK retailers that stock its products, and the Antiphon is the first of its range that we’ve come across too (although its all-aluminium cuboid CoolCube range of mini-ITX and micro-ATX cases also looks interesting).

Cooltek Antiphon Review Cooltek Antiphon Review
Click to enlarge – The Antiphon’s exterior design is the definition of minimalism
First impressions of the Antiphon are that it’s heavy for a budget chassis, which is reassuring, although it’s definitely lighter than costlier cases from Nanoxia and Fractal.
A few years ago, the super sleek, minimalist design the Antiphon boasts would have been jaw-dropping, but by now the existence of numerous similarly styled cases makes it less of a showstopper, although that’s not to say it isn’t attractive, and three other colours are available.

Impressively for a £60 case, the coating on the front door is constructed from real aluminium, rather than dressed up plastic, and this creates a lovely finish that many more expensive cases fail to match. The Antiphon is also solidly built with no issues of sturdiness, balance or loose panels. The foam lining on the feet will anchor the case to most surfaces, but don’t provide as much grip as rubber alternatives.

The front door also has a smooth action thanks to its use of magnets, and the inside of it is fully lined with foam. Behind the door are four clip out plastic grilles; three for the trio of optical drive bays and a large one for the pair of 120mm fan mounts. Each of the grilles is backed by dust filtering material too, but the clips holding them in place require a little bit more pressure to release than we’d like. Both of the fan mounts are filled with Cooltek’s CT-120 models, which draw air in from the ventilation along either side of the front panel.

Cooltek Antiphon Review Cooltek Antiphon Review
Click to enlarge – The aluminium front door is line with foam and hides the optical bays, fan cover and fan controller at the bottom
Cooltek has even included an integrated fan controller with the Antiphon. While this is always good to see in cheaper cases, its position at the bottom of the case behind the front door is hardly the most accessible location, but users shouldn’t need to reach for it too often. It can power up to three fans, running them at high or low speed or switching them off altogether. The plastic slider is a little flimsy, but the actuation points for the three modes are clearly defined and easy to feel without looking.

The I/O panel is well located and smartly designed, and the power button is particularly well built. We would have preferred a second USB 3.0 port over the USB 2.0 one, but the essentials are all there. Moving away from the front of the case, the steel roof and sides are all flat and featureless, with no extra fan mounts to speak of. While this does limit both your CPU and GPU cooling capabilities, it’s understandable that Cooltek has opted not to include extra fan mounts in a budget case that prioritises low noise over high airflow, with solutions like Fractal’s ModuVent blanking plates likely to drive costs upwards.

Cooltek Antiphon Review Cooltek Antiphon Review
Click to enlarge – The Antiphon features a smartly designed I/O panel and dust filtering material beneath it
A third CT-120 fan is found in the rear 120mm exhaust position, and having a trio of fans is always nice in a £60 chassis. Two small holes covered by secure rubber grommets can be used for external water-cooling too. A fourth, unfilled 120mm fan mount can also be found on the bottom of the case, and this along with the PSU intake area is protected by a thin sheet of dust filtering material that will require you to get underneath the case to remove or clean, but at least it’s there.

Specifications

  • Dimensions (mm) 195 x 500 x 445 (W x D x H)
  • Material Steel, aluminium, plastic
  • Available colours Black (reviewed), anthracite, silver, white
  • Weight 8kg
  • Front panel Power, reset, 1 x USB 2, 1 x USB 3, stereo, microphone
  • Drive bays 3 x external 5.25in, 4 x internal 3.5in, 5 x internal 2.5in
  • Form factor(s) ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX
  • Cooling 2 x 120mm front fan mounts (fans included), 1 x 120mm rear fan mount (fan included), 1 x 120mm bottom fan mounts (fan not included)
  • CPU cooler clearance 160mm
  • Maximum graphics card length 320mm
  • Extras Removable dust filters, dual speed fan controller

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Google to help fight child porn with industry-wide image-blocking tool

Google to help fight child porn with industry-wide image-blocking tool

Google’s new open database will allow 3rd parties to help block access to child porn.


Google is working on a plan to help block access to child pornography across the entire world wide web.

The technology will enable websites, law enforcement agencies and charities to build a collective database of abusive imagery that should be hidden or removed.

Although these groups have been working to block this sort of content individually for quite some time, Google’s new initiative will allow them to combine their efforts. The plan is simply to create an open database and allow any such group to easily contribute. With it, child porn images which have already been “flagged” by child protection organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), can be wiped from the web in one fell swoop.

The plan follows recent political pressure on Google and other search engine providers to make even greater efforts to block access to abusive content. In particular, Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “sickened” by the proliferation of child pornography online and said that firms should use their “extraordinary technical abilities” to censor the images.

Google, which has been blocking such content since 2008 via its own pattern-recognition technology, is setting up a £1.27 million ($2 million) fund that will be used to help independent software developers to produce new tools to combat child pornography.

The new database is expected to be operational within a year.

Source: The Telegraph

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From garbage to gold in Brazil


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ASMARE is a collective of some 200 icatadores/i who collect and separate recyclable materials. Many transform the items they find into jewelry or works of art before selling them. Here a necklace and earring combo have been fashioned from disused lighting and wire.
ASMARE is a collective of some 200 catadores who collect and separate recyclable materials. Many transform the items they find into jewelry or works of art before selling them. Here a necklace and earring combo have been fashioned from disused lighting and wire.

The artists and icatadores/i of the ASMARE cooperative pose together in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. Front right is Mauricio Soares, co-ordinator of the organization's art program.The artists and catadores of the ASMARE cooperative pose together in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. Front right is Mauricio Soares, co-ordinator of the organization’s art program.

 A number of ASMARE's employees are the formerly homeless, ex-convicts or individuals who have stumbled upon hard times and are seeking to readjust to society. Pictured are seats and a sculpture made by members of the collective. A 2010 report by the Business Commitment for Recycling association estimated that there were around one million icatadores/i in Brazil. A number of ASMARE’s employees are the formerly homeless, ex-convicts or individuals who have stumbled upon hard times and are seeking to readjust to society. Pictured are seats and a sculpture made by members of the collective. A 2010 report by the Business Commitment for Recycling association estimated that there were around one million catadores in Brazil.

Paper, cans, bottles and other recyclable objects are all of potential value, with some pickers specializing in locating just one type of material.Paper, cans, bottles and other recyclable objects are all of potential value, with some pickers specializing in locating just one type of material.

A necklace decked out with artificial roses as fashioned by members of ASMARE. The Belo Horizonte organization may be Brazil's first waste-pickers co-operative (founded 23 years ago) but they are not the only ones using art to lift the profile of the icatadore./i
A necklace decked out with artificial roses as fashioned by members of ASMARE. The Belo Horizonte organization may be Brazil’s first waste-pickers co-operative (founded 23 years ago) but they are not the only ones using art to lift the profile of the catadore.

A icatadore/i sifts through the trash at the Jardin Gramacho landfill site in Rio de Janeiro. The facility was closed in 2012 but featured as the backdrop for the 2010 Oscar nominated movie, Wasteland.A catadore sifts through the trash at the Jardin Gramacho landfill site in Rio de Janeiro. The facility was closed in 2012 but featured as the backdrop for the 2010 Oscar nominated movie, “Wasteland.”

The film depicted workers at the site as they became active participants in a project of the Brazilian artist, Vik Muniz, which eventually raised tens of thousands of dollars for the icatadores/i.The film depicted workers at the site as they became active participants in a project of the Brazilian artist, Vik Muniz, which eventually raised tens of thousands of dollars for the catadores.


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CNN goes On the Road to Brazil to capture the growing excitement as the country counts down to the 2014 World Cup. Throughout June, we look at what makes Brazil the powerhouse of Latin America– from its robust economy to sporting prowess and vibrant culture.

(CNN) — When trash disappears into the dumpster, where does it go?

A straightforward question for many of us, but in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte there’s seldom a simple answer where garbage is concerned.

That’s because the catadores (trash collectors) of the ASMARE cooperative are adept at transforming any old disused material into furniture, jewelry or even works of art.

“I have two jobs,” explained 39-year-old collector Edimar Ferreira. “I go and collect the trash and then I transform it into art. I make small sofas, wooden benches, tables, and other plastic adornments.”

“We have a phrase (at ASMARE): ‘o seu lixo e o meu luxo,’ (roughly translated as ‘your trash is our luxury,’)” he cheerily added.

See also: Brazil’s middle class boom

Catadores like Ferreira are a familiar sight in towns and cities across Brazil — a motley collection of individuals who sift through mountains of street trash or landfill to locate paper, cans, bottles, metals and other types of recyclable materials.

A 2010 estimate by the Business Commitment for Recycling (CEMPRE) association stated that there were roughly one million catadores in Brazil, although only a small number work officially for cooperatives and organizations like ASMARE.

Many are the formerly homeless, ex-convicts or individuals who have stumbled upon hard times, selling what they find to recycling companies.


Take a whirl through Rio’s secured slums

Arts and crafts

In recent years, however, the cash return for many of Belo Horizonte’s catadores has become too inconsistent to ensure a stable income.

The solution that ASMARE — a professional group representing nearly 200 pickers– came up with was to get creative with the one material they have plenty of — trash.

Recruiting the help of local artists and volunteers, ASMARE has run an arts program for the best part of a decade where workers are taught how to transform the recyclable items they find during their daily collections.

“The art center started with the purpose of us being able to make our own carts, and then for the catadores‘ children to learn how to make crafts and other art pieces with the material collected,” said Dona Geralda, founder and president of ASMARE.

“The main benefits are the generation of employment and income for the catadores and their children. We (have now) started to implement the culture of ‘garbage that is not garbage,’” added the 63-year-old, who has herself been a catadore since she was eight.

See also: Brazil’s thriving African culture

All items created at ASMARE are sold in a shop near the organization’s headquarters, with profits shared equally amongst the catadores.

Combining art sales and the money accumulated from selling on recycled materials, an ASMARE worker’s monthly income now averages out a respectable 1,700 Brazilian Reais (about $800).

Branching out

Yet although it was one of the first to introduce creative programs (as well as claiming to be the first catadore cooperative in Brazil), the Belo Horizonte outfit is far from alone in its aesthetic endeavors.

Other organizations and artists have adopted similarly imaginative tactics in undertaking creative projects with catadores in recent years.

In Sao Paolo, a street project called “Pimp My Carroca” has been adding colorful graffiti to the wooden carts used by many catadores since last summer.

The 2010 Oscar-nominated film Wasteland documented the catadores of Rio de Janeiro’s now closed Jardin Gramacho landfill as they became subjects of works by the Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. The artworks eventually sold for tens of thousands of dollars each.

See also: Does Brazil deserve its B for BRIC

According to Mauricio Soares, an artist who heads the ASMARE creative program, helping catadores to produce art is about much more than just the obvious financial or creative benefits.

“In Brazil the catadore is often discriminated against because of their origin,” Soares said.

“Therefore, linking art to recycling allows them to go to places that they have never been before and they end up having better acceptance because their creative work gives them a good visibility,” he added.

Recycling attitudes

Soares also sees the potential to promote the possibilities of recycling across the country.

“Art through recycling aims to arouse people’s consciousness to think about what trash is or is not,” Soares said. “This new consciousness will help us to promote waste reduction.

“When people see a recycled art piece, for instance, on a woman’s neck they may begin to understand that it is not (just) trash,” he added.

See also: Send us your favorite pictures of Brazil

This is something that Ferreira strongly agrees with. He points to what he has learned since he began the ASMARE program two years ago as an example of how attitudes to trash can change.

“This experience has made me look at recycling in a different way,” he said.

“There are materials that I used to throw away that now I keep, because I can already envision making some nice piece with it later. I don’t see the material only as trash anymore.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/12/world/brazil-catadores-trash-treasure/index.html?eref=edition

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Putin comes out swinging on Syria

(CNN) — Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Sunday against arming Syrian rebels “who kill their enemies and eat their organs,” referencing a widely circulated video that purports to show a rebel fighter eating the heart of a dead soldier.

Putin’s comments signaled a clear disapproval of a U.S. plan to increase military support to Syrian rebels, and his warning came just one day before he was to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama for talks at the Group of Eight summit in Northern Ireland where Syria is expected to top the agenda.

“I believe you will not deny that one should hardly back those who kill their enemies and eat their organs. … Do you want to support these people? Do you want to supply arms to these people?” Putin asked, speaking to reporters in London after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Explosion, fire at Damascus military airport

Syrian rebels leave their position in the northwestern town of Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, June 13. The White House said on Thursday that the Syrian government has crossed a red line with its use of chemical weapons. Tensions in Syria flared in March 2011 during the onset of the Arab Spring, escalating into an ongoing civil war. View the most compelling images taken since the start of the conflict.Syrian rebels leave their position in the northwestern town of Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, June 13. The White House said on Thursday that the Syrian government has crossed a “red line” with its use of chemical weapons. Tensions in Syria flared in March 2011 during the onset of the Arab Spring, escalating into an ongoing civil war. View the most compelling images taken since the start of the conflict.

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are seen near Qusayr on Thursday, May 30. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are seen near Qusayr on Thursday, May 30.

Syrian rebels take position in a house during clashes with regime forces in the old city of Aleppo on May 22.Syrian rebels take position in a house during clashes with regime forces in the old city of Aleppo on May 22.

Syrian army soldiers take control of the village of Western Dumayna north of the rebel-held city of Qusayr on Monday, May 13. Syrian troops captured three villages in Homs province, allowing them to cut supply lines to rebels inside Qusayr town, a military officer told AFP. Syrian army soldiers take control of the village of Western Dumayna north of the rebel-held city of Qusayr on Monday, May 13. Syrian troops captured three villages in Homs province, allowing them to cut supply lines to rebels inside Qusayr town, a military officer told AFP.

Rebel fighters fire at government forces in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday, May 12. Rebel fighters fire at government forces in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday, May 12.

Searchers use a flashlight as they look for survivors among the rubble created by what activists say was a missile attack from the Syrian regime, in Raqqa province, Syria, on April 25. Searchers use a flashlight as they look for survivors among the rubble created by what activists say was a missile attack from the Syrian regime, in Raqqa province, Syria, on April 25.

A Kurdish fighter from the Popular Protection Units (YPG) takes position inside a building in the majority-Kurdish Sheikh Maqsood area of Aleppo, on Apri. 21.A Kurdish fighter from the “Popular Protection Units” (YPG) takes position inside a building in the majority-Kurdish Sheikh Maqsood area of Aleppo, on Apri. 21.

People walk past destroyed houses in the northern Syrian town of Azaz on Sunday, April 21. People walk past destroyed houses in the northern Syrian town of Azaz on Sunday, April 21.

Free Syrian Army fighters take positions prior to an offensive against government forces in the Khan al-Assal area, near Aleppo on Saturday, April 20.Free Syrian Army fighters take positions prior to an offensive against government forces in the Khan al-Assal area, near Aleppo on Saturday, April 20.

Men inspect damage at a house destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo on April 15.Men inspect damage at a house destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo on April 15.

Syrian and Kurdish rebel fighters walk in the Sheikh Maqsud district of Aleppo on April 14.Syrian and Kurdish rebel fighters walk in the Sheikh Maqsud district of Aleppo on April 14.

A female rebel monitors the movement of Syrian government forces in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood on April 11.A female rebel monitors the movement of Syrian government forces in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood on April 11.

A rebel runs to avoid sniper fire from Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Thursday, April 11.A rebel runs to avoid sniper fire from Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Thursday, April 11.

Syrian rebels observe the movement of Syrian government forces around Al-Kendi hospital in Aleppo on Wednesday, April 10.Syrian rebels observe the movement of Syrian government forces around Al-Kendi hospital in Aleppo on Wednesday, April 10.

Rescue teams and security forces check out the scene of a deadly car bomb explosion in Damascus on April 8.Rescue teams and security forces check out the scene of a deadly car bomb explosion in Damascus on April 8.

The fighting has taken a toll on buildings in Aleppo's Saladin district, seen here on April 8.The fighting has taken a toll on buildings in Aleppo’s Saladin district, seen here on April 8.

A Syrian rebel runs for cover in Deir ez-Zor on April 2.A Syrian rebel runs for cover in Deir ez-Zor on April 2.

A rebel checks for snipers across the street toward the Citadel in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.A rebel checks for snipers across the street toward the Citadel in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.

A Free Syrian fighter mourns the death of a friend in Aleppo on March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.A Free Syrian fighter mourns the death of a friend in Aleppo on March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.

A Syrian opposition fighter runs for cover from Syrian army snipers in Aleppo on Wednesday, March 27.A Syrian opposition fighter runs for cover from Syrian army snipers in Aleppo on Wednesday, March 27.

A Syrian girl covers her face to protect herself from fumes as a street covered with uncollected garbage is fumigated in Aleppo on Sunday, March 24.A Syrian girl covers her face to protect herself from fumes as a street covered with uncollected garbage is fumigated in Aleppo on Sunday, March 24.

A Syrian man and his family drive past damaged buildings in Maarat al-Numan, on Wednesday, March 20.A Syrian man and his family drive past damaged buildings in Maarat al-Numan, on Wednesday, March 20.

Syrians carry the body of a Syrian army soldier during a funeral ceremony in Idlib province on Tuesday, March 19.Syrians carry the body of a Syrian army soldier during a funeral ceremony in Idlib province on Tuesday, March 19.

Syrian rebels take position in Aleppo, the largest city in the country, on March 11.Syrian rebels take position in Aleppo, the largest city in the country, on March 11.

Syrian men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq River on March 11.Syrian men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq River on March 11.

A Free Syrian Army fighter looks back as smoke rises during fighting between rebel fighters and forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on the outskirts of Aleppo on Saturday, March 2. A Free Syrian Army fighter looks back as smoke rises during fighting between rebel fighters and forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on the outskirts of Aleppo on Saturday, March 2.

Residents read Shaam News newspapers published by the Free Syrian Army in Aleppo on March 2.Residents read Shaam News newspapers published by the Free Syrian Army in Aleppo on March 2.

A member of the Free Syrian Army reacts to the death of a comrade who was killed in fighting, at Bustan al Qasr cemetery in Aleppo on Friday, March 1.A member of the Free Syrian Army reacts to the death of a comrade who was killed in fighting, at Bustan al Qasr cemetery in Aleppo on Friday, March 1.

A rebel fighter throws a home-made grenade at Syrian government forces in Aleppo on February 16.A rebel fighter throws a home-made grenade at Syrian government forces in Aleppo on February 16.

A member of the Free Syrian Army stands with his weapon as he looks at a rainbow in Aleppo on February 16.A member of the Free Syrian Army stands with his weapon as he looks at a rainbow in Aleppo on February 16.

A Syrian woman looks through a bus window in Aleppo on February 14.A Syrian woman looks through a bus window in Aleppo on February 14.

Free Syrian Army fighters walk through a dust-filled stairwell in Damascus on February 7.Free Syrian Army fighters walk through a dust-filled stairwell in Damascus on February 7.

A Syrian rebel gestures at comrades from inside a broken armored personnel carrier in Al-Yaqubia on February 6.A Syrian rebel gestures at comrades from inside a broken armored personnel carrier in Al-Yaqubia on February 6.

A rebel fighter throws a hand grenade inside a Syrian Army base in Damascus on February 3.A rebel fighter throws a hand grenade inside a Syrian Army base in Damascus on February 3.

People stand in the dust of a building destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria on February 3.People stand in the dust of a building destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria on February 3.

Free Syrian Army fighters run as they enter a Syrian Army base during heavy fighting in the Arabeen neighborhood of Damascus on February 3.Free Syrian Army fighters run as they enter a Syrian Army base during heavy fighting in the Arabeen neighborhood of Damascus on February 3.

An unexploded mortar shell fired by the Syrian Army sits lodged in the ground in Damascus on January 25.An unexploded mortar shell fired by the Syrian Army sits lodged in the ground in Damascus on January 25.

Fighters from Fateh al Sham unit of the Free Syrian Army fire on Syrian Army soldiers at a check point in Damascus on January 20.Fighters from Fateh al Sham unit of the Free Syrian Army fire on Syrian Army soldiers at a check point in Damascus on January 20.

A Free Syrian Army fighter walks between buildings damaged during Syrian Air Force strikes in Damascus on January 19.A Free Syrian Army fighter walks between buildings damaged during Syrian Air Force strikes in Damascus on January 19.

A Syrian rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in Aleppo on January 18. A Syrian rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in Aleppo on January 18.

Syrian rebels launch a missile near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab on January 16.Syrian rebels launch a missile near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab on January 16.

A Syrian boy walks near rubbish next to tents at a refugee camp near the northern city of Azaz on the Syria-Turkey border, on January 8.A Syrian boy walks near rubbish next to tents at a refugee camp near the northern city of Azaz on the Syria-Turkey border, on January 8.

Syrians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in Aleppo on January 7.Syrians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in Aleppo on January 7.

A father reacts after hearing of a shelling by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo on January 3.A father reacts after hearing of a shelling by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo on January 3.

A patient smokes a cigarette at Dar Al-Ajaza psychiatric hospital in Aleppo on December 18, 2012. The psychiatric ward, housing around 60 patients, has lacked the means to function properly since fighting broke out there in July.A patient smokes a cigarette at Dar Al-Ajaza psychiatric hospital in Aleppo on December 18, 2012. The psychiatric ward, housing around 60 patients, has lacked the means to function properly since fighting broke out there in July.

Syrians mourn a fallen rebel fighter at a rebel base in the al-Fardos area of Aleppo on December 8.Syrians mourn a fallen rebel fighter at a rebel base in the al-Fardos area of Aleppo on December 8.

Members of Liwa (Brigade) Salahadin, a Kurdish military unit fighting alongside rebel fighters, monitor the area in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.Members of Liwa (Brigade) Salahadin, a Kurdish military unit fighting alongside rebel fighters, monitor the area in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.

A member of Liwa Salahadin aims at a regime fighter in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.A member of Liwa Salahadin aims at a regime fighter in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.

Two young boys sit underneath a washline in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near Azaz on December 5.Two young boys sit underneath a washline in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near Azaz on December 5.

The bodies of three children, who were allegedly killed in a mortar shell attack that landed close to a bakery in Aleppo, on December 2, are laid out for identification by family members at a makeshift hospital at an undisclosed location of the city.The bodies of three children, who were allegedly killed in a mortar shell attack that landed close to a bakery in Aleppo, on December 2, are laid out for identification by family members at a makeshift hospital at an undisclosed location of the city.

Smoke rises in the Hanano and Bustan al-Basha districts in Aleppo on December 1 as fighting continues through the night.Smoke rises in the Hanano and Bustan al-Basha districts in Aleppo on December 1 as fighting continues through the night.

Damaged houses in Aleppo are seen after an airstrike on November 29.Damaged houses in Aleppo are seen after an airstrike on November 29.

A Syrian rebel mourns the death of a comrade in Maraat al-Numan on November 20.A Syrian rebel mourns the death of a comrade in Maraat al-Numan on November 20.

Syrians protesters stand on Assad's portrait during an anti-regime demonstration in Aleppo on November 16.Syrians protesters stand on Assad’s portrait during an anti-regime demonstration in Aleppo on November 16.

A Syrian rebel takes cover during fighting against Syrian government forces in Aleppo on November 15.A Syrian rebel takes cover during fighting against Syrian government forces in Aleppo on November 15.

Syrian opposition fighter Bazel Araj, 19, sleeps next to his pistol in Aleppo on November 11.Syrian opposition fighter Bazel Araj, 19, sleeps next to his pistol in Aleppo on November 11.

A rebel fighter fires at a Syrian government position in Aleppo on November 6.A rebel fighter fires at a Syrian government position in Aleppo on November 6.

A Syrian rebel leaps over debris left in the street while running across a sniper alley near the Salahudeen district in Aleppo on November 4.A Syrian rebel leaps over debris left in the street while running across a “sniper alley” near the Salahudeen district in Aleppo on November 4.

Rebels hold their position in the midst of a battle on November 3 in Aleppo.Rebels hold their position in the midst of a battle on November 3 in Aleppo.

A man cries while being treated in a local hospital in a rebel-controlled area of Aleppo on October 31.A man cries while being treated in a local hospital in a rebel-controlled area of Aleppo on October 31.

A man is treated for wounds after a government jet attacked the Karm al-Aser neighborhood in eastern Aleppo on October 31.A man is treated for wounds after a government jet attacked the Karm al-Aser neighborhood in eastern Aleppo on October 31.

A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman in Aleppo on October 26.A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman in Aleppo on October 26.

Smoke rises from a fuel station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk on a rainy day in the Arqub neighborhood of Aleppo on October 25.Smoke rises from a fuel station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk on a rainy day in the Arqub neighborhood of Aleppo on October 25.

A Syrian rebel fires at an army position in the Karm al-Jabal district of Aleppo on October 22.A Syrian rebel fires at an army position in the Karm al-Jabal district of Aleppo on October 22.

A wounded Syrian boy sits on the back of a truck carrying victims and wounded people to a hospital following an attack by regime forces in Aleppo on October 21.A wounded Syrian boy sits on the back of a truck carrying victims and wounded people to a hospital following an attack by regime forces in Aleppo on October 21.

A man lies on the ground after being shot by a sniper for a second time as he waits to be rescued by members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malek Battalion, part of the Free Syria Army's Al-Fatah brigade, in Aleppo on October 20.A man lies on the ground after being shot by a sniper for a second time as he waits to be rescued by members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malek Battalion, part of the Free Syria Army’s Al-Fatah brigade, in Aleppo on October 20.

Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters at Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on October 20.Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters at Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on October 20.

Smoke rises after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib on October 16.Smoke rises after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib on October 16.

A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on October 11.A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on October 11.

A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on October 10.A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on October 10.

A rebel fighter is carried by his friends and laid on a gurney to be treated for gunshot wounds sustained during heavy battles with government forces in Aleppo on October 1.A rebel fighter is carried by his friends and laid on a gurney to be treated for gunshot wounds sustained during heavy battles with government forces in Aleppo on October 1.

Syrian rebels help a wounded comrade to an Aleppo hospital after he was injured in a Syrian army strike on September 18.Syrian rebels help a wounded comrade to an Aleppo hospital after he was injured in a Syrian army strike on September 18.

Free Syria Army fighters are reflected in a mirror they use to see a Syrian Army post only 50 meters away in Aleppo on September 16.Free Syria Army fighters are reflected in a mirror they use to see a Syrian Army post only 50 meters away in Aleppo on September 16.

A Syrian man carrying grocery bags tries to dodge sniper fire as he runs through an alley near a checkpoint manned by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on September 14.A Syrian man carrying grocery bags tries to dodge sniper fire as he runs through an alley near a checkpoint manned by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on September 14.

A woman walks past a destroyed building in Aleppo on September 13.A woman walks past a destroyed building in Aleppo on September 13.

Free Syrian Army fighters battle during street fighting against Syrian army soldiers in Aleppo on September 8.Free Syrian Army fighters battle during street fighting against Syrian army soldiers in Aleppo on September 8.

A Syrian man wounded by shelling sits on a chair outside a closed shop in Aleppo on September 4.A Syrian man wounded by shelling sits on a chair outside a closed shop in Aleppo on September 4.

A woman sits in her wheelchair next to her house, damaged by a Syrian air raid, near Homs on August 26.A woman sits in her wheelchair next to her house, damaged by a Syrian air raid, near Homs on August 26.

Members of the Free Syrian Army clash with Syrian army soliders in Aleppo's Saif al-Dawla district on August 22.Members of the Free Syrian Army clash with Syrian army soliders in Aleppo’s Saif al-Dawla district on August 22.

A man mourns in front of a field hospital on August 21 in Aleppo.A man mourns in front of a field hospital on August 21 in Aleppo.

Wounded civilians wait in a field hospital after an air strike on August 21 in Aleppo.Wounded civilians wait in a field hospital after an air strike on August 21 in Aleppo.

People pray during the funeral of a Free Syrian Army fighter, Amar Ali Amero, on August 21.People pray during the funeral of a Free Syrian Army fighter, Amar Ali Amero, on August 21.

A man cries near the graves of his two children killed during a recent Syrian airstrike in Azaz on August 20.A man cries near the graves of his two children killed during a recent Syrian airstrike in Azaz on August 20.

A Syrian woman holds her dead baby as she screams upon seeing her husband's body being covered following an airstrike by regime forces on the town of Azaz on August 15.A Syrian woman holds her dead baby as she screams upon seeing her husband’s body being covered following an airstrike by regime forces on the town of Azaz on August 15.

A Syrian rebel runs in a street of Selehattin during an attack on the municipal building on July 23.A Syrian rebel runs in a street of Selehattin during an attack on the municipal building on July 23.

Syrian rebels hunt for snipers after attacking the municipality building in the city center of Selehattin on July 23.Syrian rebels hunt for snipers after attacking the municipality building in the city center of Selehattin on July 23.

Members of the Free Syrian Army's Mugaweer (commandos) Brigade pay their respects in a cemetery on May 12 in Qusayr.Members of the Free Syrian Army’s Mugaweer (commandos) Brigade pay their respects in a cemetery on May 12 in Qusayr.

Syrian rebels take position near Qusayr on May 10.Syrian rebels take position near Qusayr on May 10.

A Free Syrian Army member takes cover in underground caves in Sarmin on April 9.A Free Syrian Army member takes cover in underground caves in Sarmin on April 9.

Rebels prepare to engage government tanks that advanced into Saraquib on April 9.Rebels prepare to engage government tanks that advanced into Saraquib on April 9.

Men say prayers during a ceremony in Binnish on April 9.Men say prayers during a ceremony in Binnish on April 9.

A young boy plays with a toy gun in Binnish on April 9.A young boy plays with a toy gun in Binnish on April 9.

A Free Syrian Army rebel mounts his horse in the Al-Shatouria village near the Turkish border in northwestern Syria on March 16, a year after the uprising began.A Free Syrian Army rebel mounts his horse in the Al-Shatouria village near the Turkish border in northwestern Syria on March 16, a year after the uprising began.

Syrian refugees walk across a field before crossing into Turkey on March 14.Syrian refugees walk across a field before crossing into Turkey on March 14.

A rebel takes position in Al-Qsair on January 27.A rebel takes position in Al-Qsair on January 27.

A protester in Homs throws a tear gas bomb back towards security forces, on December 27, 2011.A protester in Homs throws a tear gas bomb back towards security forces, on December 27, 2011.

A man stands under a giant Syrian flag outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 24, 2011.A man stands under a giant Syrian flag outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 24, 2011.

A member of the Free Syrian Army looks out over a valley in the village of Ain al-Baida on December 15, 2011.A member of the Free Syrian Army looks out over a valley in the village of Ain al-Baida on December 15, 2011.

Members of the Free Syrian Army stand in an valley near the village of Ain al-Baida, close to the Turkish border, on December 15, 2011.Members of the Free Syrian Army stand in an valley near the village of Ain al-Baida, close to the Turkish border, on December 15, 2011.

Displaced Syrian refugees walk through an orchard adjacent to Syria's northern border with Turkey on June 14, 2011, near Khirbet al-Jouz.Displaced Syrian refugees walk through an orchard adjacent to Syria’s northern border with Turkey on June 14, 2011, near Khirbet al-Jouz.

A Syrian man holds up a portrait of President Bashar al-Assad during a rally to show support for the president in Damascus on April 30, 2011.A Syrian man holds up a portrait of President Bashar al-Assad during a rally to show support for the president in Damascus on April 30, 2011.

Syrians rally to show their support for President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on April 30, 2011.Syrians rally to show their support for President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on April 30, 2011.

A screen grab from YouTube shows thick smoke rising above as Syrian anti-government protesters demonstrate in Moaret Al-Noman on April 29, 2011.A screen grab from YouTube shows thick smoke rising above as Syrian anti-government protesters demonstrate in Moaret Al-Noman on April 29, 2011.

A screen grab from YouTube shows Syrian anti-government protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by security forces in Damascus on April 29, 2011, during the Day of Rage demonstrations called by activists to put pressure on al-Assad.A screen grab from YouTube shows Syrian anti-government protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by security forces in Damascus on April 29, 2011, during the “Day of Rage” demonstrations called by activists to put pressure on al-Assad.

Syrians wave their national flag and hold portraits of al-Assad during a rally to show their support for their leader in Damascus on March 29, 2011.Syrians wave their national flag and hold portraits of al-Assad during a rally to show their support for their leader in Damascus on March 29, 2011.

A woman sits by the hospital bed of a man allegedly injured when an armed group seized rooftops in Latakia on March 27, 2011, and opened fire at passers-by, citizens and security forces personnel according to official sources.A woman sits by the hospital bed of a man allegedly injured when an armed group seized rooftops in Latakia on March 27, 2011, and opened fire at passers-by, citizens and security forces personnel according to official sources.

Syrian protesters chant slogans in support of al-Assad during a rally in Damascus on March 25, 2011.Syrian protesters chant slogans in support of al-Assad during a rally in Damascus on March 25, 2011.


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Syrian civil war in photosSyrian civil war in photos


How will the U.S. arm Syria’s rebels?

The video referenced by Putin first surfaced online in May and generated outrage. The video, which was posted by a group loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, also raised questions abut the credibility of the rebels despite widespread condemnation of the act by the opposition.

Putin said those actions do not represent the “humanitarian and cultural values” of Europe or Russia.

Opinion: Why a man eats another man’s heart


What types of weapons do rebels need?


Rebels: U.S. unlikely to give heavy arms


McCain pushes more intervention in Syria


Fareed’s Take: U.S. arming Syrian rebels

“If we speak calmly, in a businesslike fashion, let me draw your attention to the fact that Russia supplies arms to the legitimate government of Syria in full compliance with the norms of international law,” he said. “We are not breaching any rules and norms. Let me emphasize that: we are not breaching any rules and norms, and we call on all our partners to act in the same fashion.”

Russia has been at odds with the United States, the UK and others over how to bring an end to the bloodshed in the civil war that has raged in Syria for more than two years, a conflict that the United Nations estimates has left more than 92,000 people dead and millions displaced.

Russia and Syria have an alliance dating back to the Cold War, and Moscow has been one of the leading weapons suppliers for al-Assad’s government.

Obama is expected during his meeting with Putin to make his case for increasing support to the rebels. Obama’s administration announced the move last week after it said Syria crossed a “red line” with the use of chemical weapons, including sarin gas, against the opposition.

Obama has not detailed the increased military support, but Washington officials told CNN that the plan includes providing small arms, ammunition and possibly anti-tank weapons to the rebels.

World leaders have put enormous pressure on al-Assad to end the war and step down, and U.N. Security Council efforts to take action have been repeatedly blocked by Russia and China.

Cameron, meanwhile, told reporters that Britain had not decided whether to provide weapons to rebels but was providing technical assistance and training alongside the United States, France and its other allies.

“I’m in no doubt that responsibility lies with President Assad. It is the onslaught that he is inflicted on his own people which is the primary cause of the suffering, the humanitarian catastrophe and the deaths we have seen,” he said.

Putin told reporters that he hoped the G8 summit would provide an avenue that would allow him to help broker a peace deal to end the Syrian conflict. He said he believed both sides were responsible for the bloodshed.

Will Rouhani alter Iran’s policy on Syria?

Cameron acknowledged that he and Putin have deep differences on the issue of Syria but said they agree that it will take political and diplomatic efforts to help end the carnage.

Putin did not address Russian concerns that the United States may attempt to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria, using F-16 fighter jets and Patriot missiles based in Jordan.

On Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the United States against taking such action, saying it would be a violation of international law, according to Russian state broadcaster Russia Today.

Russian television reported that Lavrov’s comments followed speculation in the media that a no-fly zone could be imposed through the deployment of the missile systems and fighter jets sent by the United States to global military drills in Jordan.

Those reports followed news that the United States had approved a Jordanian request to keep the fighter jets and missiles in the country after the conclusion of a joint military exercise.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki has dismissed media accounts that Obama has decided on establishing a no-fly zone. Those reports are incorrect, she told reporters on Friday.

U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes also addressed the matter Friday when he was asked how difficult it would be to establish a no-fly zone.

“In Syria, when you have the situation where regime forces are intermingled with opposition forces, they’re fighting in some instances block by block in cities. That’s not a problem you can solve from the air,” he said.

Syrian rebels have pleaded for anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, saying they are outgunned by al-Assad’s miltary.

In recent weeks, the rebels have suffered a series of devastating setbacks, including the loss of the stronghold of Qusayr near the Syria-Lebanon border, that coincide with the arrival of Hezbollah fighters who have been reinforcing government troops.

In recent days, al-Assad’s military and the Hezbollah fighters, backed by Lebanon and Iran, have been battling rebels for control of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city.

CNN’s Saad Abedine and Igor Krotov contributed to this report.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/16/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/eeZsdr9ZJpE/putin-comes-out-swinging-on-syria

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Explosion at Damascus military airport


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Syrian rebels leave their position in the northwestern town of Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, June 13. The White House said on Thursday that a href='http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/13/politics/syria-us-chemical-weapons/index.html'the Syrian government has crossed a red line/a with its use of chemical weapons. Tensions in Syria flared in March 2011 during the onset of the Arab Spring, escalating into an ongoing civil war. View the most compelling images taken since the start of the conflict.Syrian rebels leave their position in the northwestern town of Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, June 13. The White House said on Thursday that the Syrian government has crossed a “red line” with its use of chemical weapons. Tensions in Syria flared in March 2011 during the onset of the Arab Spring, escalating into an ongoing civil war. View the most compelling images taken since the start of the conflict.

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are seen near Qusayr on Thursday, May 30. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are seen near Qusayr on Thursday, May 30.

Syrian rebels take position in a house during clashes with regime forces in the old city of Aleppo on May 22.Syrian rebels take position in a house during clashes with regime forces in the old city of Aleppo on May 22.

Syrian army soldiers take control of the village of Western Dumayna north of the rebel-held city of Qusayr on Monday, May 13. Syrian troops captured three villages in Homs province, allowing them to cut supply lines to rebels inside Qusayr town, a military officer told AFP. Syrian army soldiers take control of the village of Western Dumayna north of the rebel-held city of Qusayr on Monday, May 13. Syrian troops captured three villages in Homs province, allowing them to cut supply lines to rebels inside Qusayr town, a military officer told AFP.

Rebel fighters fire at government forces in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday, May 12. Rebel fighters fire at government forces in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday, May 12.

Searchers use a flashlight as they look for survivors among the rubble created by what activists say was a missile attack from the Syrian regime, in Raqqa province, Syria, on April 25. Searchers use a flashlight as they look for survivors among the rubble created by what activists say was a missile attack from the Syrian regime, in Raqqa province, Syria, on April 25.

A Kurdish fighter from the Popular Protection Units (YPG) takes position inside a building in the majority-Kurdish Sheikh Maqsood area of Aleppo, on Apri. 21.A Kurdish fighter from the “Popular Protection Units” (YPG) takes position inside a building in the majority-Kurdish Sheikh Maqsood area of Aleppo, on Apri. 21.

People walk past destroyed houses in the northern Syrian town of Azaz on Sunday, April 21. People walk past destroyed houses in the northern Syrian town of Azaz on Sunday, April 21.

Free Syrian Army fighters take positions prior to an offensive against government forces in the Khan al-Assal area, near Aleppo on Saturday, April 20.Free Syrian Army fighters take positions prior to an offensive against government forces in the Khan al-Assal area, near Aleppo on Saturday, April 20.

Men inspect damage at a house destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo on April 15.Men inspect damage at a house destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo on April 15.

Syrian and Kurdish rebel fighters walk in the Sheikh Maqsud district of Aleppo on April 14.Syrian and Kurdish rebel fighters walk in the Sheikh Maqsud district of Aleppo on April 14.

A female rebel monitors the movement of Syrian government forces in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood on April 11.A female rebel monitors the movement of Syrian government forces in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood on April 11.

A rebel runs to avoid sniper fire from Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Thursday, April 11.A rebel runs to avoid sniper fire from Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Thursday, April 11.

Syrian rebels observe the movement of Syrian government forces around Al-Kendi hospital in Aleppo on Wednesday, April 10.Syrian rebels observe the movement of Syrian government forces around Al-Kendi hospital in Aleppo on Wednesday, April 10.

Rescue teams and security forces check out the scene of a deadly car bomb explosion in Damascus on April 8.Rescue teams and security forces check out the scene of a deadly car bomb explosion in Damascus on April 8.

The fighting has taken a toll on buildings in Aleppo's Saladin district, seen here on April 8.The fighting has taken a toll on buildings in Aleppo’s Saladin district, seen here on April 8.

A Syrian rebel runs for cover in Deir ez-Zor on April 2.A Syrian rebel runs for cover in Deir ez-Zor on April 2.

A rebel checks for snipers across the street toward the Citadel in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.A rebel checks for snipers across the street toward the Citadel in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.

A Free Syrian fighter mourns the death of a friend in Aleppo on March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.A Free Syrian fighter mourns the death of a friend in Aleppo on March 30, in this photo taken by iReporter Lee Harper.

A Syrian opposition fighter runs for cover from Syrian army snipers in Aleppo on Wednesday, March 27.A Syrian opposition fighter runs for cover from Syrian army snipers in Aleppo on Wednesday, March 27.

A Syrian girl covers her face to protect herself from fumes as a street covered with uncollected garbage is fumigated in Aleppo on Sunday, March 24.A Syrian girl covers her face to protect herself from fumes as a street covered with uncollected garbage is fumigated in Aleppo on Sunday, March 24.

A Syrian man and his family drive past damaged buildings in Maarat al-Numan, on Wednesday, March 20.A Syrian man and his family drive past damaged buildings in Maarat al-Numan, on Wednesday, March 20.

Syrians carry the body of a Syrian army soldier during a funeral ceremony in Idlib province on Tuesday, March 19.Syrians carry the body of a Syrian army soldier during a funeral ceremony in Idlib province on Tuesday, March 19.

Syrian rebels take position in Aleppo, the largest city in the country, on March 11.Syrian rebels take position in Aleppo, the largest city in the country, on March 11.

Syrian men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq River on March 11.Syrian men search for their relatives amongst the bodies of civilians executed and dumped in the Quweiq River on March 11.

A Free Syrian Army fighter looks back as smoke rises during fighting between rebel fighters and forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on the outskirts of Aleppo on Saturday, March 2. A Free Syrian Army fighter looks back as smoke rises during fighting between rebel fighters and forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad on the outskirts of Aleppo on Saturday, March 2.

Residents read Shaam News newspapers published by the Free Syrian Army in Aleppo on March 2.Residents read Shaam News newspapers published by the Free Syrian Army in Aleppo on March 2.

A member of the Free Syrian Army reacts to the death of a comrade who was killed in fighting, at Bustan al Qasr cemetery in Aleppo on Friday, March 1.A member of the Free Syrian Army reacts to the death of a comrade who was killed in fighting, at Bustan al Qasr cemetery in Aleppo on Friday, March 1.

A rebel fighter throws a home-made grenade at Syrian government forces in Aleppo on February 16.A rebel fighter throws a home-made grenade at Syrian government forces in Aleppo on February 16.

A member of the Free Syrian Army stands with his weapon as he looks at a rainbow in Aleppo on February 16.A member of the Free Syrian Army stands with his weapon as he looks at a rainbow in Aleppo on February 16.

A Syrian woman looks through a bus window in Aleppo on February 14.A Syrian woman looks through a bus window in Aleppo on February 14.

Free Syrian Army fighters walk through a dust-filled stairwell in Damascus on February 7.Free Syrian Army fighters walk through a dust-filled stairwell in Damascus on February 7.

A Syrian rebel gestures at comrades from inside a broken armored personnel carrier in Al-Yaqubia on February 6.A Syrian rebel gestures at comrades from inside a broken armored personnel carrier in Al-Yaqubia on February 6.

A rebel fighter throws a hand grenade inside a Syrian Army base in Damascus on February 3.A rebel fighter throws a hand grenade inside a Syrian Army base in Damascus on February 3.

People stand in the dust of a building destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria on February 3.People stand in the dust of a building destroyed in an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria on February 3.

Free Syrian Army fighters run as they enter a Syrian Army base during heavy fighting in the Arabeen neighborhood of Damascus on February 3.Free Syrian Army fighters run as they enter a Syrian Army base during heavy fighting in the Arabeen neighborhood of Damascus on February 3.

An unexploded mortar shell fired by the Syrian Army sits lodged in the ground in Damascus on January 25.An unexploded mortar shell fired by the Syrian Army sits lodged in the ground in Damascus on January 25.

Fighters from Fateh al Sham unit of the Free Syrian Army fire on Syrian Army soldiers at a check point in Damascus on January 20.Fighters from Fateh al Sham unit of the Free Syrian Army fire on Syrian Army soldiers at a check point in Damascus on January 20.

A Free Syrian Army fighter walks between buildings damaged during Syrian Air Force strikes in Damascus on January 19.A Free Syrian Army fighter walks between buildings damaged during Syrian Air Force strikes in Damascus on January 19.

A Syrian rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in Aleppo on January 18. A Syrian rebel fighter tries to locate a government jet fighter in Aleppo on January 18.

Syrian rebels launch a missile near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab on January 16.Syrian rebels launch a missile near the Abu Baker brigade in Albab on January 16.

A Syrian boy walks near rubbish next to tents at a refugee camp near the northern city of Azaz on the Syria-Turkey border, on January 8.A Syrian boy walks near rubbish next to tents at a refugee camp near the northern city of Azaz on the Syria-Turkey border, on January 8.

Syrians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in Aleppo on January 7.Syrians look for survivors amid the rubble of a building targeted by a missile in Aleppo on January 7.

A father reacts after hearing of a shelling by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo on January 3.A father reacts after hearing of a shelling by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo on January 3.

A patient smokes a cigarette at Dar Al-Ajaza psychiatric hospital in Aleppo on December 18, 2012. The psychiatric ward, housing around 60 patients, has lacked the means to function properly since fighting broke out there in July.A patient smokes a cigarette at Dar Al-Ajaza psychiatric hospital in Aleppo on December 18, 2012. The psychiatric ward, housing around 60 patients, has lacked the means to function properly since fighting broke out there in July.

Syrians mourn a fallen rebel fighter at a rebel base in the al-Fardos area of Aleppo on December 8.Syrians mourn a fallen rebel fighter at a rebel base in the al-Fardos area of Aleppo on December 8.

Members of Liwa (Brigade) Salahadin, a Kurdish military unit fighting alongside rebel fighters, monitor the area in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.Members of Liwa (Brigade) Salahadin, a Kurdish military unit fighting alongside rebel fighters, monitor the area in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.

A member of Liwa Salahadin aims at a regime fighter in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.A member of Liwa Salahadin aims at a regime fighter in the besieged district of Karmel al-Jabl in Aleppo on December 6.

Two young boys sit underneath a washline in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near Azaz on December 5.Two young boys sit underneath a washline in a refugee camp on the border between Syria and Turkey near Azaz on December 5.

The bodies of three children, who were allegedly killed in a mortar shell attack that landed close to a bakery in Aleppo, on December 2, are laid out for identification by family members at a makeshift hospital at an undisclosed location of the city.The bodies of three children, who were allegedly killed in a mortar shell attack that landed close to a bakery in Aleppo, on December 2, are laid out for identification by family members at a makeshift hospital at an undisclosed location of the city.

Smoke rises in the Hanano and Bustan al-Basha districts in Aleppo on December 1 as fighting continues through the night.Smoke rises in the Hanano and Bustan al-Basha districts in Aleppo on December 1 as fighting continues through the night.

Damaged houses in Aleppo are seen after an airstrike on November 29.Damaged houses in Aleppo are seen after an airstrike on November 29.

A Syrian rebel mourns the death of a comrade in Maraat al-Numan on November 20.A Syrian rebel mourns the death of a comrade in Maraat al-Numan on November 20.

Syrians protesters stand on Assad's portrait during an anti-regime demonstration in Aleppo on November 16.Syrians protesters stand on Assad’s portrait during an anti-regime demonstration in Aleppo on November 16.

A Syrian rebel takes cover during fighting against Syrian government forces in Aleppo on November 15.A Syrian rebel takes cover during fighting against Syrian government forces in Aleppo on November 15.

Syrian opposition fighter Bazel Araj, 19, sleeps next to his pistol in Aleppo on November 11.Syrian opposition fighter Bazel Araj, 19, sleeps next to his pistol in Aleppo on November 11.

A rebel fighter fires at a Syrian government position in Aleppo on November 6.A rebel fighter fires at a Syrian government position in Aleppo on November 6.

A Syrian rebel leaps over debris left in the street while running across a sniper alley near the Salahudeen district in Aleppo on November 4.A Syrian rebel leaps over debris left in the street while running across a “sniper alley” near the Salahudeen district in Aleppo on November 4.

Rebels hold their position in the midst of a battle on November 3 in Aleppo.Rebels hold their position in the midst of a battle on November 3 in Aleppo.

A man cries while being treated in a local hospital in a rebel-controlled area of Aleppo on October 31.A man cries while being treated in a local hospital in a rebel-controlled area of Aleppo on October 31.

A man is treated for wounds after a government jet attacked the Karm al-Aser neighborhood in eastern Aleppo on October 31.A man is treated for wounds after a government jet attacked the Karm al-Aser neighborhood in eastern Aleppo on October 31.

A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman in Aleppo on October 26.A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman in Aleppo on October 26.

Smoke rises from a fuel station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk on a rainy day in the Arqub neighborhood of Aleppo on October 25.Smoke rises from a fuel station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk on a rainy day in the Arqub neighborhood of Aleppo on October 25.

A Syrian rebel fires at an army position in the Karm al-Jabal district of Aleppo on October 22.A Syrian rebel fires at an army position in the Karm al-Jabal district of Aleppo on October 22.

A wounded Syrian boy sits on the back of a truck carrying victims and wounded people to a hospital following an attack by regime forces in Aleppo on October 21.A wounded Syrian boy sits on the back of a truck carrying victims and wounded people to a hospital following an attack by regime forces in Aleppo on October 21.

A man lies on the ground after being shot by a sniper for a second time as he waits to be rescued by members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malek Battalion, part of the Free Syria Army's Al-Fatah brigade, in Aleppo on October 20.A man lies on the ground after being shot by a sniper for a second time as he waits to be rescued by members of the Al-Baraa Bin Malek Battalion, part of the Free Syria Army’s Al-Fatah brigade, in Aleppo on October 20.

Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters at Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on October 20.Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters at Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on October 20.

Smoke rises after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib on October 16.Smoke rises after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib on October 16.

A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on October 11.A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on October 11.

A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on October 10.A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on October 10.

A rebel fighter is carried by his friends and laid on a gurney to be treated for gunshot wounds sustained during heavy battles with government forces in Aleppo on October 1.A rebel fighter is carried by his friends and laid on a gurney to be treated for gunshot wounds sustained during heavy battles with government forces in Aleppo on October 1.

Syrian rebels help a wounded comrade to an Aleppo hospital after he was injured in a Syrian army strike on September 18.Syrian rebels help a wounded comrade to an Aleppo hospital after he was injured in a Syrian army strike on September 18.

Free Syria Army fighters are reflected in a mirror they use to see a Syrian Army post only 50 meters away in Aleppo on September 16.Free Syria Army fighters are reflected in a mirror they use to see a Syrian Army post only 50 meters away in Aleppo on September 16.

A Syrian man carrying grocery bags tries to dodge sniper fire as he runs through an alley near a checkpoint manned by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on September 14.A Syrian man carrying grocery bags tries to dodge sniper fire as he runs through an alley near a checkpoint manned by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on September 14.

A woman walks past a destroyed building in Aleppo on September 13.A woman walks past a destroyed building in Aleppo on September 13.

Free Syrian Army fighters battle during street fighting against Syrian army soldiers in Aleppo on September 8.Free Syrian Army fighters battle during street fighting against Syrian army soldiers in Aleppo on September 8.

A Syrian man wounded by shelling sits on a chair outside a closed shop in Aleppo on September 4.A Syrian man wounded by shelling sits on a chair outside a closed shop in Aleppo on September 4.

A woman sits in her wheelchair next to her house, damaged by a Syrian air raid, near Homs on August 26.A woman sits in her wheelchair next to her house, damaged by a Syrian air raid, near Homs on August 26.

Members of the Free Syrian Army clash with Syrian army soliders in Aleppo's Saif al-Dawla district on August 22.Members of the Free Syrian Army clash with Syrian army soliders in Aleppo’s Saif al-Dawla district on August 22.

A man mourns in front of a field hospital on August 21 in Aleppo.A man mourns in front of a field hospital on August 21 in Aleppo.

Wounded civilians wait in a field hospital after an air strike on August 21 in Aleppo.Wounded civilians wait in a field hospital after an air strike on August 21 in Aleppo.

People pray during the funeral of a Free Syrian Army fighter, Amar Ali Amero, on August 21.People pray during the funeral of a Free Syrian Army fighter, Amar Ali Amero, on August 21.

A man cries near the graves of his two children killed during a recent Syrian airstrike in Azaz on August 20.A man cries near the graves of his two children killed during a recent Syrian airstrike in Azaz on August 20.

A Syrian woman holds her dead baby as she screams upon seeing her husband's body being covered following an airstrike by regime forces on the town of Azaz on August 15.A Syrian woman holds her dead baby as she screams upon seeing her husband’s body being covered following an airstrike by regime forces on the town of Azaz on August 15.

A Syrian rebel runs in a street of Selehattin during an attack on the municipal building on July 23.A Syrian rebel runs in a street of Selehattin during an attack on the municipal building on July 23.

Syrian rebels hunt for snipers after attacking the municipality building in the city center of Selehattin on July 23.Syrian rebels hunt for snipers after attacking the municipality building in the city center of Selehattin on July 23.

Members of the Free Syrian Army's Mugaweer (commandos) Brigade pay their respects in a cemetery on May 12 in Qusayr.Members of the Free Syrian Army’s Mugaweer (commandos) Brigade pay their respects in a cemetery on May 12 in Qusayr.

Syrian rebels take position near Qusayr on May 10.Syrian rebels take position near Qusayr on May 10.

A Free Syrian Army member takes cover in underground caves in Sarmin on April 9.A Free Syrian Army member takes cover in underground caves in Sarmin on April 9.

Rebels prepare to engage government tanks that advanced into Saraquib on April 9.Rebels prepare to engage government tanks that advanced into Saraquib on April 9.

Men say prayers during a ceremony in Binnish on April 9.Men say prayers during a ceremony in Binnish on April 9.

A young boy plays with a toy gun in Binnish on April 9.A young boy plays with a toy gun in Binnish on April 9.

A Free Syrian Army rebel mounts his horse in the Al-Shatouria village near the Turkish border in northwestern Syria on March 16, a year after the uprising began.A Free Syrian Army rebel mounts his horse in the Al-Shatouria village near the Turkish border in northwestern Syria on March 16, a year after the uprising began.

Syrian refugees walk across a field before crossing into Turkey on March 14.Syrian refugees walk across a field before crossing into Turkey on March 14.

A rebel takes position in Al-Qsair on January 27.A rebel takes position in Al-Qsair on January 27.

A protester in Homs throws a tear gas bomb back towards security forces, on December 27, 2011.A protester in Homs throws a tear gas bomb back towards security forces, on December 27, 2011.

A man stands under a giant Syrian flag outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 24, 2011.A man stands under a giant Syrian flag outside the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on December 24, 2011.

A member of the Free Syrian Army looks out over a valley in the village of Ain al-Baida on December 15, 2011.A member of the Free Syrian Army looks out over a valley in the village of Ain al-Baida on December 15, 2011.

Members of the Free Syrian Army stand in an valley near the village of Ain al-Baida, close to the Turkish border, on December 15, 2011.Members of the Free Syrian Army stand in an valley near the village of Ain al-Baida, close to the Turkish border, on December 15, 2011.

Displaced Syrian refugees walk through an orchard adjacent to Syria's northern border with Turkey on June 14, 2011, near Khirbet al-Jouz.Displaced Syrian refugees walk through an orchard adjacent to Syria’s northern border with Turkey on June 14, 2011, near Khirbet al-Jouz.

A Syrian man holds up a portrait of President Bashar al-Assad during a rally to show support for the president in Damascus on April 30, 2011.A Syrian man holds up a portrait of President Bashar al-Assad during a rally to show support for the president in Damascus on April 30, 2011.

Syrians rally to show their support for President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on April 30, 2011.Syrians rally to show their support for President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on April 30, 2011.

A screen grab from YouTube shows thick smoke rising above as Syrian anti-government protesters demonstrate in Moaret Al-Noman on April 29, 2011.A screen grab from YouTube shows thick smoke rising above as Syrian anti-government protesters demonstrate in Moaret Al-Noman on April 29, 2011.

A screen grab from YouTube shows Syrian anti-government protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by security forces in Damascus on April 29, 2011, during the Day of Rage demonstrations called by activists to put pressure on al-Assad.A screen grab from YouTube shows Syrian anti-government protesters run for cover from tear gas fired by security forces in Damascus on April 29, 2011, during the “Day of Rage” demonstrations called by activists to put pressure on al-Assad.

Syrians wave their national flag and hold portraits of al-Assad during a rally to show their support for their leader in Damascus on March 29, 2011.Syrians wave their national flag and hold portraits of al-Assad during a rally to show their support for their leader in Damascus on March 29, 2011.

A woman sits by the hospital bed of a man allegedly injured when an armed group seized rooftops in Latakia on March 27, 2011, and opened fire at passers-by, citizens and security forces personnel according to official sources.A woman sits by the hospital bed of a man allegedly injured when an armed group seized rooftops in Latakia on March 27, 2011, and opened fire at passers-by, citizens and security forces personnel according to official sources.

Syrian protesters chant slogans in support of al-Assad during a rally in Damascus on March 25, 2011.Syrian protesters chant slogans in support of al-Assad during a rally in Damascus on March 25, 2011.


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(CNN) — Two bombs struck a large military airport outside the Syrian capital of Damascus on Sunday night, the main rebel army said, with the explosions heard throughout the city.

The first explosion was near a checkpoint near the main door of the al-Mazzeh airport, and the second was near an exterior wall, said Louay Mikdad, a spokesman for the Free Syrian Army.

It wasn’t immediately clear who was behind the blasts.

CNN’s Fred Pleitgen in Damascus saw one of the explosions and described a white flash followed by a large plume of smoke and fire.

It was not known how many people were hurt, but Mikdad said witnesses told of “many ambulances” taking away the wounded.

After the explosions, mortar bombs were fired from inside the airport into surrounding neighborhoods, Mikdad said. The targets weren’t known.

Besides the military airport, the al-Mazzeh area is home to embassies, security buildings and the homes of some members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle, according to opposition activists.

Putin warns U.S., West against arming organ-eating Syrian rebels

CNN’s Fred Pleitgen in Damascus and Samira Said in Atlanta contributed to this report.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/16/world/meast/syria-explosion/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/weiU0bOCMOo/explosion-at-damascus-military-airport

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Photos: Anti-government protests in Turkey

A protester runs during clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the streets adjacent to Taksim Square in Istanbul on Sunday, June 16. Protests that began as a demonstration against the planned demolition of a park have grown into general anti-government dissent across the nation.

Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/0X1aaeH-3Gc/index.html

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/GxuCLvZEtfU/photos-anti-government-protests-in-turkey

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Body heat and shape- shifting engines


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Students from India's SRM University have designed a shape-shifting engine that uses intelligent materials (shape memory alloys) to reduce noise pollution. Students from India’s SRM University have designed a shape-shifting engine that uses intelligent materials (shape memory alloys) to reduce noise pollution.

Other ideas that have come out of the student FYI competition include planes powered by decomposed organic matter, or, bio-LNG -- a blend of sustainably produced liquefied biomethane and liquefied natural gas. The idea was put forth by students at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.Other ideas that have come out of the student FYI competition include planes powered by decomposed organic matter, or, bio-LNG — a blend of sustainably produced liquefied biomethane and liquefied natural gas. The idea was put forth by students at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Using the same technology employed in an air hockey table, students from the University of So Paulo have devised a system of loading and unloading luggage that allows bags to float on and off the aircraft. This should cut down on wait time at the carousel.Using the same technology employed in an air hockey table, students from the University of São Paulo have devised a system of loading and unloading luggage that allows bags to float on and off the aircraft. This should cut down on wait time at the carousel.

Students from the Technical University of Milan designed specially-shaped rechargeable batteries that drop into the cargo hold, creating a kind of hybrid engine. These could cut fuel usage by 60%.Students from the Technical University of Milan designed specially-shaped rechargeable batteries that drop into the cargo hold, creating a kind of hybrid engine. These could cut fuel usage by 60%.

Green fuels have been given a boost this month with the help of the a href='/2011/11/29/tech/solar-impulse/index.html' target='_blank'Solar Impulse/a, a solar-powered airplane a href='/2013/05/13/tech/solar-plane/index.html' target='_blank'making its way across America/a. The plane is breaking distance records for solar flight, and proving that aviation can be a zero-emission enterprise. Green fuels have been given a boost this month with the help of the Solar Impulse, a solar-powered airplane making its way across America. The plane is breaking distance records for solar flight, and proving that aviation can be a zero-emission enterprise.

Airbus has long toyed with the idea of implementing body-heat harnessing technology. Seats lined with a thermoelectric fabric could convert passenger temperature into electricity, which could in turn charge small electronics, or even the cabin lights. Airbus' Dale King admits the idea is a long way off, but concedes it has potential.!-- --/br Airbus has long toyed with the idea of implementing body-heat harnessing technology. Seats lined with a thermoelectric fabric could convert passenger temperature into electricity, which could in turn charge small electronics, or even the cabin lights. Airbus’ Dale King admits the idea is a long way off, but concedes it “has potential.”

Perpetua Power, a startup in Corvallis, Oregon, has pushed the technology along by developing a chip that can turn body heat into electric energy. Perpetua Power, a startup in Corvallis, Oregon, has pushed the technology along by developing a chip that can turn body heat into electric energy.

Architects from Paris Habitat have designed a system to harness the body heat emitted by passengers at the Rambuteau Metro station to supply radiant under-floor heating for 17 apartments in a nearby public housing project.Architects from Paris Habitat have designed a system to harness the body heat emitted by passengers at the Rambuteau Metro station to supply radiant under-floor heating for 17 apartments in a nearby public housing project.

Though new to flight, body heat capturing technology is well-established elsewhere. The Mall of America in Minnesota uses body heat from more than 40 million visitors to keep the space a comfortable 70 degrees year-round.Though new to flight, body heat capturing technology is well-established elsewhere. The Mall of America in Minnesota uses body heat from more than 40 million visitors to keep the space a comfortable 70 degrees year-round.


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(CNN) — Imagine a future in which planes run on a mixture of batteries, body heat and cow manure.

Or perhaps noise pollution would cease to exist (thanks to a shape-shifting engine, that is). Luggage could arrive at the baggage carousel quicker, because it would float on and off aircraft like pucks on an air hockey table.

These sci-fi-sounding concepts have been drafted by a handful of engineering students at the behest of Airbus, who has partnered with UNESCO to sponsor the third consecutive Fly Your Ideas competition.

According to Dale King, Airbus’ senior manager for research and technology, the goal is to engage tomorrow’s innovators, and perhaps nudge their eco-conscience in the process.

“We’re trying to encourage the next generation of leaders to think about ways in which the aviation industry could be made more eco-efficient, and to be sympathetic to its environmental impact,” he says.

The competition is in keeping with the company’s goal of halving CO2 emissions by 2050, and many of the solutions could mean the future of flight is zero-emission.

“Even if you replaced (jet fuel) with liquid natural gas, you could cut CO2 emissions 20%,” says Luke Spiteri, a finalist in the competition.

Read more: 3-D printer makes jet engine

Spiteri is leading the team from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, which has designed supercooled pods on the plane’s wings to deliver sustainable fuel to the engine. He envisions bio-LNG — a combo of bio-methane (a by-product of organic composed waste) and liquid natural gas — replacing traditional jet fuel. Overall, says Spiteri, the blend could reduce CO2 emissions by 97%.

University Putra Malaysia has presented another novel energy-saving technology involving converting passengers’ body heat into electrical voltage.

Tan Kai Jun, the team leader, envisions cabin seats upholstered with a thermoelectric fabric that can convert a person’s energy into 100 nanowatts of voltage. Alas, that amounts to about one-millionth of what your iPhone needs to stay on standby. Still, Jun maintains that it does ultimately add up.

“It’s a small amount, but imagine this collected from 550 seats throughout 10 hours of flight. A plane has a lifespan of a few hundred flights — over time that’s a big reduction,” he says.

Read more: Are flying cars the future of travel?

While King says the technology isn’t quite mature enough to roll out just yet, he says he’s keeping his eye on it.

“Currently, the difficulty is that these devices do weigh something, and weight has a direct impact on fuel. The trade-off doesn’t work just yet, but there is potential there in the future.”

Bertrand Piccard, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse, the solar powered currently flying across the USA, believes that wild ideas are what inspires innovation.

“The world of aviation loves pioneers, because they’re responsible for its existence,” says Piccard. “Of course, they don’t believe that what we’re doing can be done with commercial flight and they are correct; today it can’t be done. But when the Wright Brothers first flew in 1903, and Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic in 1927, no one would have imagined then that a plane carrying 300 passengers could make the same trip.”

Industry experts are taking a keen interest in the project. Virgin Atlantic’s Sir Richard Branson is a sponsor, and according to Piccard, he is thinking of using solar power to tow aircraft onto the runway — a process that could save up to two tons of fuel per flight.

“Our goal is not to make a revolution in air transport, because it would be arrogance for us to try and do this,” he says. “Really, we want to make a revolution in the mindset of the people.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/13/travel/airbus-fly-your-ideas-future-of-flight/index.html?eref=edition

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