Yatsenyuk: Ukrainians fighting for freedom and 'will never surrender'

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WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and "we will never surrender," Ukrainian Interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said in Washington Wednesday.

"My country feels that the United States stands by the Ukrainian people," Yatsenyuk said during a media availability with President Obama at the White House. "Mr. President, it's all about freedom. We fight for our freedom, we fight for our independence, we fight for our sovereignty and we will never surrender."

President Obama praised Yatsenyuk and "the courage of the Ukrainian people standing up on behalf of democracy."

Obama reiterated earlier statements that the United States and the international Community "completely reject" Sunday's referendum in autonomous, pro-Russia Crimea, adding if the vote went forward, and Russia does not back away from its military incursion into Crimea, the international community would be "forced to apply a cost to Russia's violation of international law."

The international community has been clear it believes the increased Russian military presence Crimea beyond its bases violates international laws and agreements that Russia signed and violates the "territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."

"There's another path available and we hope President [Vladimir] Putin is willing to seize that path," Obama said. "But if he does not, I'm very confident that the international community will stand firmly behind the Ukrainian government."

While all would recognize the historic ties between Russia and Ukraine, Obama said Yatsenyuk and the government in Kiev communicated to Russia their desire to work through these ties diplomatically.

"But what the prime minister I think has rightly insisted on is they cannot have a country outside of Ukraine dictate to them how they should arrange their affairs, and that there is a constitutional process in place and a set of elections that they can move forward on that in fact could lead to different arrangements over time with the Crimean region," Obama said.

"But," Obama said, "that is not something that can be done with the barrel of a gun pointed at you."

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Yatsenyuk: Ukrainians fighting for freedom and 'will never surrender'

Freedom Industries submits first part of its decommission plan

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The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has approved the first phase of the tank decommission plan of Freedom Industries' Charleston facility where MCHM and other chemicals spilled into the Elk River Jan. 9, spoiling the water for 300,000 people in parts of nine southern West Virginia counties.

The plan was prepared by Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc., a company from Export, PA., and details the order of activities, procedures and safeguards workers will use to begin removing the above-ground storage tanks at the facility.

Freedom was ordered to begin the process of dismantling, removing and properly disposing of all of its above-ground storage tanks, as well as the associated piping and machinery at the Elk River site. The 14-page plan outlines dust control, stormwater management, precautions in case of spills or releases and regulatory compliance.

None of the materials stored in the tanks are considered "hazardous waste" under either West Virginia or federal law. The DEP has indicated that the odors associated with MCHM will again be present as construction activities at the plant intensify.

According to the DEP, most of the tanks' liquid inventory has been removed, with the exception of tank heel in a number of the above-ground storage tanks. Tank heel is the product that remains in the bottom of storage tanks because it can't be removed through the normal pumping procedures.

Freedom Industries conducted an asbestos survey to facilitate the demolition of the tanks and associated infrastructure. The company also will start a lead-based paint assessment study.

According to the tank decommission plan, contractors will first begin removing tanks at the north end of the property. Workers already have cut a hole in tank No. 393, the tank responsible for the Jan. 9 leak. It will be cleaned and sandblasted by the Chemical Safety Board. Contractors will remove the floor section of the tank, and it will be retained by the CSB.

To protect area water, liner materials that cannot be penetrated will be used to cover the areas exposed during tank removal operations, according to the DEP, and workers also must take all necessary steps to prevent spills or releases to the ground or the Elk River.

Freedom Industries is required to give a 48-hour notice to WVDEP representatives as well as representatives for litigation parties and counsel for the Unsecured Creditors Committee prior to entering into a demolition contract and commencing field work at the Elk River facility.

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Freedom Industries submits first part of its decommission plan

Freedom Park off limits: city

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Freedom Park will remain off limits indefinitely for protesters, authorities said yesterday, despite Prime Minister Hun Sen suggesting last month that a ban on public assembly was being lifted.

Pich Saroeun, chief of Russey Keo districts Chroy Changva commune, said Phnom Penh Governor Pa Socheatvong had announced during a road inauguration in his commune that he was placing a temporary ban on gatherings at the park.

The governor, Saroeun added, had given no firm indication of when that ban would be lifted, other than to say it would not be before investigations into the deadly violence of early January and other clashes were finished.

The governor decided to temporarily ban strikes or gatherings at Freedom Park because what they did last time seemed against the law, he said. We do not know when the ban will be lifted, but it wont be in place forever.

Socheatvong could not be reached for comment.

Groups wanting to protest or gather could seek permission from the authorities, who would organise a venue for them elsewhere, Saroeun added.

The governor appeals to everybody to understand that this ban does not mean he discriminates against all gatherings we respect and abide by the law.

Since the return to the country of opposition leader Sam Rainsy last July, the Cambodia National Rescue Party has held regular rallies at Freedom Park, some of which have drawn more than 10,000 people and involved opposition supporters sleeping there overnight.

After the CNRP began daily rallies at the park in December events that attracted many garment workers the authorities violently cracked down on a gathering on January 4, driving supporters out and banning all public assembly.

In a speech on February 25, Hun Sen suggested the ban would be lifted and that his supporters might also demonstrate in Freedom Park possibly with a brick wall or barbed-wire fence between them and opposition supporters.

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Freedom Park off limits: city

WVDEP Updates Freedom Cleanup Plan

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Freedom Decommissioning Plan

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has released Freedom Industries' demolition plan for the site of the January 9 chemical spill.

The Plan, which has been approved by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection was prepared for Freedom Industries by Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc., out of Export, Pa.

It details the order of activities, accompanying procedures and safeguards workers will use to begin the removal of above ground storage tanks (ASTs) at the facility, including tank No. 396 that leaked an estimated 10,000 gallons of MCHM and another chemical, PPH.

In January, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered Freedom to begin dismantling, removing and properly disposing of all ASTs, as well as associated piping and machinery at the Elk River site by March 15.

The governor's directive was included in Consent Order 8034 issued by the WVDEP and signed by Freedom Industries.

To comply with that order, Freedom Industries has begun the process of decommissioning and cleaning its tanks for demolition. Most of the tanks' liquid inventory has been removed, with the exception of tank heel in a number of the ASTs. Tank heel is the product that remains in the bottom of storage tanks because it can't be removed through the normal pumping procedures.

Freedom Industries also has conducted an asbestos survey to facilitate the demolition of the tanks and the associated infrastructure and will initiate a lead-based paint assessment in association with the ASTs.

According to the Tank Decommission Plan, contractors will first begin removing ASTs on the north end of the Freedom Industries' property, near the faulty tank No. 396. Workers have already cut a hole in Tank No. 393, located on the far north end of the site, to remove the tank heel. Tank No. 396 will be cleaned and sandblasted by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). Contractors will remove the floor section of the tank, which will be retained by the CSB.

During tank removal, steps will be taken to control dust and other airborne emissions from the property. No on-site burning will be permitted. It is likely that MCHM odors associated with the site will increase as construction activities intensify at Freedom Industries.

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WVDEP Updates Freedom Cleanup Plan

Freedom Industries submits first phase of tank plan

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(NEWS RELEASE) - Freedom Industries has submitted the first phase of the Tank Decommission Plan for its Charleston facility, site of the Jan. 9 chemical spill of MCHM into the Elk River.

The Plan, which has been approved by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), was prepared for Freedom Industries by Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc., out of Export, Pa. It details the order of activities, accompanying procedures and safeguards workers will use to begin the removal of above ground storage tanks (ASTs) at the facility, including tank No. 396 that leaked an estimated 10,000 gallons of MCHM and another chemical, PPH.

On Jan. 24, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered Freedom Industries to begin, by March 15, the process of dismantling, removing and properly disposing of all of its ASTs, as well as associated piping and machinery, at the Elk River site. The governor's directive was included in Consent Order 8034 issued by the WVDEP and signed by Freedom Industries.

To comply with Order 8034, Freedom Industries has begun the process of decommissioning and cleaning its tanks for demolition. Most of the tanks' liquid inventory has been removed, with the exception of tank heel in a number of the ASTs. Tank heel is the product that remains in the bottom of storage tanks because it can't be removed through the normal pumping procedures.

Freedom Industries also has conducted an asbestos survey to facilitate the demolition of the tanks and the associated infrastructure and will initiate a lead-based paint assessment in association with the ASTs.

According to the Tank Decommission Plan, contractors will first begin removing ASTs on the north end of the Freedom Industries' property, near the faulty tank No. 396. Workers have already cut a hole in Tank No. 393, located on the far north end of the site, to remove the tank heel. Tank No. 396 will be cleaned and sandblasted by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). Contractors will remove the floor section of the tank, which will be retained by the CSB.

During tank removal, steps will be taken to control dust and other airborne emissions from the property. No on-site burning will be permitted. It is likely that MCHM odors associated with the site will increase as construction activities intensify at Freedom Industries.

Efforts also will be made to control the infiltration of stormwater on site and to minimize its contact with other on-site and potentially contaminated water. Impervious liner materials will be used to cover areas exposed during tank removal operations. Workers also must take all steps necessary to prevent spills or releases to the ground or Elk River.

Prior to both entering into a demolition contract and commencing field work at the Elk River facility, Freedom Industries is required to give 48-hour notice to the WVDEP, representatives for the Litigation Parties per U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald Pearson's Feb. 21 Order, and to counsel for the Unsecured Creditors Committee.

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Freedom Industries submits first phase of tank plan

YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners – Video

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YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners
Business owners and entrepreneurs like us need a business Eco-System. Yes, a well defined BUSINESS ECO-SYSTEM that can organically grow our business and help...

By: Jayanagar yceeya

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YCEEYA business Eco-System for Business Startups, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners - Video

At SXSW, Neil Young Pumps PonoMusic, Denies Presidential Run

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AUSTIN, Texas (TheStreet) -- In a show appropriately resembling an Apple (AAPL) product rollout, Neil Young took the stage at SXSW Tuesday to present his new music media "eco-system," PonoMusic.

"'Pono' means the one, the whole," Young said. "It's a Hawaiian word."

The iTunes-like product for distribution of ultra-high-quality digital audio files includes an online store of downloadable files from major and independent labels, a software library that lives on the customer's device and a triangular piece of hardware about the size of a mobile phone that can fit in a pocket and can hold hundreds of albums of high-quality audio.

Musicians and their audiences like the sound, he added, because "Pono is about the music. It's about the people making the music. ... It's about making you hear what we hear."

"Can we get like a rebate?" one member asked. The basic answer came from Hamm: If you want the highest audio quality, then yes, you'll have to buy it again. Listeners may want to transfer their library of digital files to the Pono player for convenience, but those files don't take advantage of the high-end technology. It's possible to transfer CD audio or vinyl into a high-resolution digital audio file that will then be playable on Pono, but involves considerable investment of the user's time. It is doubtful that Pono alone can change the music market, which in the last few years has started trending toward streaming music through subscription services, with album sales to consumers becoming less of main source of revenue. But raising the bar on the listening experience could well have a significant impact across all channels. "It's a no-lose situation," Young said. "We win. Everybody wins." Pono's Kickstarter campaign has gained significant ground in its early stages. While it still had fewer than 4,000 backers Wednesday morning, it has already well exceeded its goal of $800,000, at a pledged amount of $1.28 million. Asked by a member of the audience who his running mate would be in a bid for president, Young acknowledged that David Crosby would be a bad choice for a ticket, although of Stills he said, "He is politically very savvy."

Taking a more circumspect strategic pose, he added: "You know, I don't think we should try, I think we're gonna lay back and we're just gonna let the opportunity kinda float by." -- Written by Carlton Wilkinson in Austin, Texas

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At SXSW, Neil Young Pumps PonoMusic, Denies Presidential Run

Battle of beaches could be in Parliament's hands

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Opponents of a proposed marine reserve on Waiheke Island are taking their case to Parliament.

They're submitting a petition from almost 3000 people, against a reserve they say would impact on the island's northern beaches and residential areas.

But Waiheke Local Board deputy chairwoman Shirin Brown says the impact would be minimal, and shouldn't include a ban on dogs.

She reckons the reserve would be a net positive for the island.

"You still have 99.5 percent of the Gulf that is still not a marine reserve. Fishing improves near a marine reserve and I think it would be another tourist offering for Waiheke. One of many."

Ms Brown says most people agree with the reserve, but some disagree about whether it should extend to the shore.

"One approach would be to exclude that area. The issue with that is that some people feel that it would be nice to be able to take your children to a family beach that also has amazing marine life in it."

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Battle of beaches could be in Parliament's hands

New Zealands most loved beaches announced

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New Zealands most loved beaches announced

Ohope was selected as New Zealands most loved beach after claiming nearly 100,000 of the more than 600,000 votes across a list of about 200 popular beaches, which included some favourites submitted by participants as part of a social media campaign by the AA.

Whangamata Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula came in second followed by Matai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula in Northland.

AA General Manager Membership and Brand Dougal Swift says while Ohope Beach won out at the end of the four week Facebook campaign, what was clear throughout was how important sun, sand and surf is to New Zealand culture.

Kiwis are never far from the ocean and because of that we become inextricably linked to a beach, sometimes many beaches, Mr Swift says.

While our favourite beaches might change over time, most of us still have happy, crowded memories and photo collections loaded with beach cricket, swimming, barbecues and the odd skinny dip.

Mr Swift says beaches are more than just a place to go for Kiwis, they often have special meaning for a myriad of reasons.

Thats why a lot of the participants who voted for New Zealands most loved beach were so passionate in their comments. Their beach is always going to be the most loved because of its hidden value.

The Whakatane District Council will receive an official AA sign crowning Ohope as New Zealands Most Loved Beach. The remaining beaches in the top 10 will receive similar signs.

-ENDS-

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New Zealands most loved beaches announced