Scottish News: Islands council 'faces challenges'

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Jan 10 2013

Shetland Islands Council faces difficult financial decisions in its efforts to continue delivering high-quality services, a report has found.

The Accounts Commission report revealed that while the local authority has made significant progress in addressing problems, it faces major challenges in the future.

The follow-up report was carried out by the Controller of Audit after previous reviews highlighted concerns about working relationships and governance at the council, and the management of finances.

The Commission welcomed the council's progress, particularly improved relations among councillors and between councillors and officers, and the significant improvements in how it manages finances and information.

However, it warned that careful consideration of options and costings would be required if services for islanders are to be delivered sustainably in the future.

Progress at the council was aided by local government elections in May last year, after which the council appointed a new political leader and convener, and welcomed 13 new councillors.

The Commission found that the new leader and the convener have been working well together and, with other members, are setting a clear direction for the council.

Accounts Commission chair John Baillie, said: "This is a very positive report.

"There has been a real desire to tackle long-standing problems at Shetland Islands Council. I am pleased that this has led to improvements in the way the council is run.

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Scottish News: Islands council 'faces challenges'

Vietnamese Complain As Chinese 3G Comes to Disputed Spratly Islands

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3g-vietnam-china In the ongoing dispute over the Spratly Islands claimed by China and Vietnam, the latest development is that China is opening up 3G services on the islands, not only to Chinese soldiers but also for the countrys fishermen. The development will be yet another drop of lemon in the souring of Sino-Vietnamese relations in the past year. The Vietnamese government even voiced its complaint on nguyentandung.org, the Vietnamese Prime Minister's website. The island disputes recently ignited with anti-China protests in May 2011 after Chinese patrol boats attacked two Vietnamese oil exploration ships near the Spratly Islands. Chinese soldiers and fishermen will now be able to text message, call, and chat online with family back home over the new 3G network. This upgrade to 3G from regular cellular coverage (started in 2011) and the recent 3G network in the disputed Paracel Islands in July 2012 signals a more permanent Chinese presence on the rocky outposts. Amid Chinas escalating 3G and infrastructure support for the islands, and other points of contention between the two neighbors, my question is this: Have Vietnamese telcos provided 3G to Vietnamese citizens living on those same islands? If not, Vietnam is falling behind in the race for an administrative claim over the islands. Vietnam has had cellular coverage on the Spratly Islands since 2006 but word on the street is there's no 3G yet. This news comes just a couple of weeks after a Chinese computer game was banned in Vietnam for showing the contested islands as being Chinese in the in-game maps. The Spratly Islands are claimed by six different countries in total, including Brunei, the Peoples Republic of China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. (Source: China Starts Providing 3G on Spratly Islands) The post Vietnamese Complain As Chinese 3G Comes to Disputed Spratly Islands appeared first on Tech in Asia.

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Vietnamese Complain As Chinese 3G Comes to Disputed Spratly Islands

Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Day

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The Northern Mariana Islands, officially called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), celebrates its Commonwealth Day today. This holiday commemorates the recognition of the Island's full commonwealth status on November 3, 1986, in its relationship with the United States of America.

The Commonwealth has a total land area of 179 square miles in 15 islands. The island's population is around 54,000, around 90% of which lives on the island of Saipan, the country's capital. The population of the island has been decreasing due to the recession, declining tourists, and the closing of some garment companies which employed some local residents. Saipan is located in Western Micronesia; together with Guam, they compose the Mariana Islands.

The official languages of the Northern Mariana Islands are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian although Japanese and Korean languages are widely spoken. The main religion is Roman Catholic.

The commonwealth's economy depends mostly on Japanese tourists and earnings from the garment manufacturing sector. The economy is also dependent on the government of the United States for development assistance and subsidies to the Commonwealth.

We congratulate the people and government of the Northern Mariana Islands led by Their Excellencies, United States of America President Barack H. Obama, Governor Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Governor Eloy S. Inos, Department of Labor Secretary Gil M. San Nicolas, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao, on the occasion of its National Day. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

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Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Day

FACTBOX-Soccer-African Nations Cup finalists Cape Verde Islands

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Jan 9 (Reuters) - Factbox on African Nations Cup finalists Cape Verde Islands ahead of this year's tournament in South Africa from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10:

Previous appearances in African Nations Cup finals: none

FIFA world ranking Dec. 2012: 69th

Coach: Lucio Antunes has won himself near-mythical status in his homeland for guiding the Cape Verdians to the Nations Cup. The 46-year-old worked his way up through the federation ranks as a coach of the national youth teams before being appointed in 2010 to take over the senior side. He previously won the national championship with Academica Sal.

Key players:

Heldon (Maritimo). Age: 24 Pos: Forward

Scorer of vital goals in the qualifying competition which ensured the island archipelago's progress to the Nations Cup finals. He moved to Portugal in 2007 and worked his way up through the amateur ranks to sign for Maritimo in 2010. He played and scored for the Madeira-based club in the Europa League this season.

Ryan Mendes (Lille). Age: 23 Pos: Forward

Pacey player who likes to run at defenders and has made a successful transition to Ligue 1 with former champions Lille from Le Havre this season. He was regarded as one of the best players in Ligue 2 over the last three seasons after Le Havre spotted him as an 18-year-old participating in a youth tournament.

Fernando Varela (FC Vaslui). Age: 25 Pos: Defender

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FACTBOX-Soccer-African Nations Cup finalists Cape Verde Islands

Islands council 'faces challenges'

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Islands council 'faces challenges'

Shetland Islands Council faces difficult financial decisions in its efforts to continue delivering high-quality services, a report has found.

The Accounts Commission report revealed that while the local authority has made significant progress in addressing problems, it faces major challenges in the future.

The follow-up report was carried out by the Controller of Audit after previous reviews highlighted concerns about working relationships and governance at the council, and the management of finances.

The Commission welcomed the council's progress, particularly improved relations among councillors and between councillors and officers, and the significant improvements in how it manages finances and information.

However, it warned that careful consideration of options and costings would be required if services for islanders are to be delivered sustainably in the future.

Progress at the council was aided by local government elections in May last year, after which the council appointed a new political leader and convener, and welcomed 13 new councillors.

The Commission found that the new leader and the convener have been working well together and, with other members, are setting a clear direction for the council.

Accounts Commission chair John Baillie, said: "This is a very positive report.

"There has been a real desire to tackle long-standing problems at Shetland Islands Council. I am pleased that this has led to improvements in the way the council is run.

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Islands council 'faces challenges'

Health Care Technology At Your Fingertips

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Posted: Jan. 9, 2013 | 2:04 a.m.

Scores of people from around the world are coming to Las Vegas to see the future of technology at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, the world's largest consumer technology trade show. What might surprise people is that the next cutting-edge technologies may not be a smart TV or a tablet - they are health-related innovations that are already in their hands.

A majority of Americans - 53 percent, according to a recent national survey - don't use consumer electronics to access important health care information, options and services. However, more than 60 percent of survey respondents anticipate increasing their use of consumer technology for just these purposes during the next year. This suggests the public is starting to realize how technology and consumer electronics can help them learn more about health, empower them to take better control of their individual health, and even simplify the entire health care system.

So what innovations at CES will help shape tomorrow's health care system?

Here are a few examples of how consumer technology already intersects with personal health:

Exergaming: Studies are showing that "exergaming," which refers to video games that also serve as a form of exercise, are becoming an increasingly popular and effective way to reduce the growing obesity epidemic among children and adults. Driven by interactive video game consoles that incorporate movement into game play, exergaming represents a new, fun way to get in shape, at home and in other settings. For example, UnitedHealthcare and Konami have teamed up to install DanceDanceRevolution Classroom Edition, the latest iteration of the popular dance game, in three schools. The participating schools, in Florida, Georgia and Texas, will track the impact the gaming system has on the students' health, well-being and exercise habits.

Health care pricing tools: Historically, patients often don't know how much their medical care actually costs, with the bill arriving months after treatment. That is starting to change as new online tools enable consumers to comparison shop for health care services, based on quality as well as cost. Some of these tools enable people to create side-by-side quality comparisons, ensuring consumers place just as much emphasis on quality as they do price.

Mobile applications: The growing prevalence of smartphones has started to empower consumers to take charge of their health like never before. The possibilities are almost limitless, with a range of apps already improving the health and well-being of people nationwide. Recently introduced apps enable friends, colleagues and families to participate together in health challenges of their own design, while other apps enable people to find in-network doctors, check benefit information and review the status of a specific claim.

CES is the place where America gets a sneak peek at the entertainment, information and education technologies of the future.

But we don't need to look too far ahead to see the future of health care in America; the answer is already in front of us. Just look down at the remote control, game console or smartphone that's already in your hand.

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Health Care Technology At Your Fingertips

Chamber Hosts Health Care Reform Seminar

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The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted an event Wednesday addressing changes in health care reform.

The Chamber pulled together a panel of industry experts to help businesses understand the impact of health care reform on them. Topics included small business tax credits as well as potential penalties for employers.

Organizers said one of the misunderstood components is a health exchange for individuals.

"For individuals that earn less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level, they would be eligible for some type of subsidy in the exchange. The exchange right now for Ohio is going to be run by the federal government. But, we're also assuming the state will be in some kind of partnership with them," said John Cooper of Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which was one of the event sponsors.

Health care experts also addressed the impact of changes on small businesses as well as large companies.

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Chamber Hosts Health Care Reform Seminar

Reed Tuckson: Health Care Technology at Your Fingertips

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Scores of people from around the world are coming to Las Vegas to see the future of technology at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, the world's largest consumer technology trade show. What might surprise people is that the next cutting-edge technologies may not be a smart TV or a tablet -- they are health-related innovations that are already in their hands.

A majority of Americans -- 53 percent, according to a recent national survey -- don't use consumer electronics to access important health care information, options and services. However, more than 60 percent of survey respondents anticipate increasing their use of consumer technology for just these purposes during the next year. This suggests the public is starting to realize how technology and consumer electronics can help them learn more about health, empower them to take better control of their individual health, and even simplify the entire health care system.

So what innovations at CES will help shape tomorrow's health care system?

Here are a few examples of how consumer technology already intersects with personal health:

Exergaming: Studies are showing that "exergaming," which refers to video games that also serve as a form of exercise, are becoming an increasingly popular and effective way to reduce the growing obesity epidemic among children and adults. Driven by interactive video game consoles that incorporate movement into game play, exergaming represents a new, fun way to get in shape, at home and in other settings. For example, UnitedHealthcare and Konami have teamed up to install DanceDanceRevolution Classroom Edition, the latest iteration of the popular dance game, in three schools. The participating schools, in Florida, Georgia and Texas, will track the impact the gaming system has on the students' health, well-being and exercise habits.

Health care pricing tools: Historically, patients often don't know how much their medical care actually costs, with the bill arriving months after treatment. That is starting to change as new online tools enable consumers to comparison shop for health care services, based on quality as well as cost. Some of these tools enable people to create side-by-side quality comparisons, ensuring consumers place just as much emphasis on quality as they do price.

Mobile applications: The growing prevalence of smartphones has started to empower consumers to take charge of their health like never before. The possibilities are almost limitless, with a range of apps already improving the health and well-being of people nationwide. Recently introduced apps enable friends, colleagues and families to participate together in health challenges of their own design, while other apps enable people to find in-network doctors, check benefit information and review the status of a specific claim.

CES is the place where America gets a sneak peek at the entertainment, information and education technologies of the future.

But we don't need to look too far ahead to see the future of health care in America; the answer is already in front of us. Just look down at the remote control, game console or smartphone that's already in your hand.

These innovations are enhancing the health care system, and people are taking more control of their personal health -- trends that will help create a happier and healthier America.

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Reed Tuckson: Health Care Technology at Your Fingertips

Damaged Heart Strengthened Using New Gene Therapy Method

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January 5, 2013

redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online

A team of US researchers has reportedly developed a way to reprogram scar tissue from damaged hearts into healthy muscle through gene therapy a discovery which could help strengthen hearts harmed as a result of cardiovascular events.

According to a recent statement, scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College, along with colleagues from the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Stony Brook University Medical Center have discovered a combination of three specific genes can turn cells in the scar tissue into fully-functioning muscle cells, and the addition of a fourth can stimulate blood vessel growth and make the process even more effective.

Typically, the hearts blood supply is cut off during a heart attack, causing muscles to die off and become scarred, the researchers explained. The result is a weakened heart which will eventually lead to heart failure for those who have experienced serious cardiovascular events. This, however, could be avoided if medical experts could find a way to transform scar tissue into normal heart tissue, thus strengthening the heart as a whole.

To that end, Dr. Todd K. Rosengart, chair at BCMs Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, and colleagues implanted either three forms of a gene that encourages blood vessel growth known as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene or an inactive material into the hearts of rats.

Three weeks later, the rats received either Gata4, Mef 2c and Tbx5 (the cocktail of transcription factor genes called GMT) or an inactive material. (A transcription factor binds to specific DNA sequences and starts the process that translates the genetic information into a protein), the researchers explained. The GMT genes alone reduced the amount of scar tissue by half compared to animals that did not receive the genes, and there were more heart muscle cells in the animals that were treated with GMT.

The hearts of animals that received GMT alone also worked better as defined by ejection fraction than those who had not received genes. (Ejection fraction refers to the percentage of blood that is pumped out of a filled ventricle or pumping chamber of the heart), they added. The hearts of the animals that had received both the GMT and the VEGF gene transfers had an ejection fraction four times greater than that of the animals that had received only the GMT transfer.

The idea of reprogramming scar tissue in the heart into functioning heart muscle was exciting, Dr. Rosengart, the corresponding author of the study, said. The theory is that if you have a big heart attack, your doctor can just inject these three genes into the scar tissue during surgery and change it back into heart muscle. However, in these animal studies, we found that even the effect is enhanced when combined with the VEGF gene.

This experiment is a proof of principle. Now we need to go further to understand the activity of these genes and determine if they are effective in even larger hearts, added Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. We have shown both that GMT can effect change that enhances the activity of the heart and that the VEGF gene is effective in improving heart function even more.

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Damaged Heart Strengthened Using New Gene Therapy Method

MIT researchers crack cheap, precise gene therapy

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Disease is on the run! An incredible advance in the realm of gene therapy has been made by top researchers in the US and Sweden. A single enzyme from a bacterias immune system can effectively be used to locate specific sections of DNA in a living cell. From there, entire genes can be neutralized or replaced with superior sections of DNA. Clearly, we are on the brink of gene therapy becoming a common and highly effective treatment for terrible diseases like AIDS and cancer.

A group of researchers from MIT, the Broad Institute, and Rockefeller University have been able to use bacterial protein-RNA systems to find and disrupt the DNA of a virus. Cas9, an enzyme that can break the bond in nucleotide subunits of the nucleic acids, is used to target specific parts of a genome. When it finds a match, the Cas9 effectively cuts that segment of DNA. From there, it either leaves the gene non-functional, or allows the researchers to insert replacement DNA into the genome. Impressively, this method is highly precise. Unlike previous attempts at snipping out chunks of DNA, this method will only activate if the DNA segment is an exact match.

Meanwhile, researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UC Berkeley, and Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine have published two papers in Science Express explaining their research on the Cas9enzyme. Harvard Professor George Church explains that Cas9 is five times more efficient than the TALEN (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) method of gene alteration. While the TALEN and zinc-finger nucleases techniques are useful, they require much more work and are less precise than Cas9. This new method needs only a tiny RNA molecule to be programmed to seek a specific section of DNA.

Once we pinpoint specific genes that cause a disease, Cas9 can be sent in to remove the offending base pairs. Clinical trials using the zinc-finger nucleases method are being performed already, and this breakthrough will provide even more options going forward. Feng Zhang, an MIT assistant professor, believes that this can even be used to study disease by causing mutations in healthy cells. Previously fatal diseases can now be targeted and even potentially cured. Correcting defective genes and stomping out rogue viruses are on the table now, and its only a matter of time before gene therapy becomes a common tool like vaccines and antibiotics for physicians.

Now read: Harvard cracks DNA storage, crams 700 terabytes of data into a single gram

Research papers:DOI:10.1126/science.1232033 RNA-Guided Human Genome Engineering via Cas9; DOI: 10.1126/science.1231143 Multiplex Genome Engineering Using CRISPR/Cas Systems; RNA-programmed genome editing in human cells [PDF]

[Image credit: Duncan Hull & Stuart Caie]

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MIT researchers crack cheap, precise gene therapy

Futurist & Business Forecaster Jack Uldrich to Keynote Four Agricultural-Related Events in the Coming Months

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Noted keynote speaker, global futurist and best-selling author, Jack Uldrich, has been selected to deliver keynote addresses on future trends in agriculture to the following organizations in the coming months: AgSpectrum, the Ag Connect Expo, the New Brunswick Agricultural Council and Mushroom Canada.

Minneapolis, Minn. (PRWEB) January 08, 2013

On January 16, Uldrich will be speaking at AgSpectrum's annual client meeting in La Jolla, California and on January 29th, he'll be in Kansas at the Ag Connect Expo to headline Case IH's client event. In March, Uldrich, a well-regarded farm futurist, will travel to New Brunswick to address the New Brunswick Agricultural Council, and in June, he'll keynote Mushroom Canada's annual conference.

In addition to covering many of the aspects in his popular book, "Foresight 20/20: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow," Uldrich -- who is also the author of "Higher Unlearning: 39 Post-Requisite Lessons for Achieving a Successful Future" -- will discuss how exponential advances in a variety of emerging technologies, including practical advances biotechnology, nanotechnology, information management, augmented reality, robotics, RFID, renewable energy sources and satellite and sensor technology will affect agriculture.

Uldrich will also cover how social networking, biofuels and water management will transform farming in the years ahead. (A sample of some of Uldrichs ideas on the future of agriculture can be found in this chapter from his latest book, Foresight 2020.)

In the past year, Jack Uldrich, who is also recognized as a leading expert in the field of change management and unlearning, has addressed dozens of agricultural corporations and associations, including The Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, The Agricultural Adaptation Council of Ontario, Land O'Lakes Cooperatives, The Christian Farm Federation, AgGateway, the California Ag Summit, Trimble Agriculture, InfoAg, the Minnesota-South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association, Growmark, and The National Cotton Council.

(A full list of his past clients can be viewed on his website. He is currently represented by a number of professional speakers' bureaus, including Leading Authorities, Convention Connection, Brooks International and Executive Speaker Bureau.)

Parties interested in learning more about Jack Uldrich, his books, his daily blog or his speaking availability are encouraged to visit his website. Media wishing to know more about either the event or interviewing Jack Uldrich as a farm futurist can contact him directly at 612-267-1212 or jack(at)schoolofunlearning(dot)com.

Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, best-selling author; editor of the monthly newsletter, The Exponential Executive, and host of the award-winning website, http://www.jumpthecurve.net.

Jack Uldrich Jump the Curve 612-267-1212 Email Information

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Futurist & Business Forecaster Jack Uldrich to Keynote Four Agricultural-Related Events in the Coming Months

Horsemanship; (Part 3) Overcoming Fear and Riding with Freedom. by Christa Pynn – Video

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Horsemanship; (Part 3) Overcoming Fear and Riding with Freedom. by Christa Pynn
Follow me on this exciting journey, as we "Overcome Fear and Ride with Freedom." http://www.animalkrackersmonthly presents our Cowgirlsdontkry Horsemanship Series. Christa Lynn works with a woman finally living out her life long dream of owning a horse. Realizing the fears she has and wanting to find a way to ride with the freedom she had as a child.

By: Christa Pynn

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Horsemanship; (Part 3) Overcoming Fear and Riding with Freedom. by Christa Pynn - Video

India, China termed 'unfree' in economic freedom index

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Washington, Jan 10 (IANS) India and China are ranked 119th and 136th respectively and both termed "unfree" according to the 2013 Index of Economic Freedom published annually by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to the world's freest economy, and its most repressed, according to the index released here Thursday.

For the 19th consecutive year, Hong Kong maintained its top position, while North Korea languishes at the bottom.

However, the Asia Pacific region's "foundations for long-term economic development continue to be fragile in the absence of effectively functioning legal frameworks", the index's editors write.

"Progress with market-oriented reforms has been uneven and has often backtracked under the influence of those with a political interest in maintaining the status quo".

Singapore, Australia and New Zealand finished 2-3-4 respectively, while the US is ranked 10th in the index that evaluates countries in four broad areas of economic freedom -- rule of law, regulatory efficiency, limited government, and open markets.

Based on its aggregate score, each of 177 countries graded in the 2013 index was classified as "free" (i.e. combined scores of 80 or higher), "mostly free" (70-79.9), "moderately free" (60-69.9), "mostly unfree" (50-59.9), or "repressed" (under 50).

Europe, the second-freest region and the world's most improved, narrowed the gap with North America in the 2013 index.

The scores of 32 countries improved, while just nine lost economic freedom.

Switzerland continues to be the only "free" economy in the region, which has only two "repressed" economies that score below 50 -- Ukraine and Belarus.

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India, China termed 'unfree' in economic freedom index

Time Running out to Nominate Employers for 2013 Freedom Award

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ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, is encouraging Guardsmen and Reservists to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award before the January 21 deadline. The Freedom Award is the nations highest recognition for employers supporting Guard and Reserve members. Employers of every size and industry are eligible to receive the honor. Guard and Reserve members, or a family member acting on their behalf, may nominate their employers at http://www.FreedomAward.mil.

"With today's evolving missions of the Reserve Component, as we adapt to the current national security policy, America's employers continue to provide steadfast support to the more than one million men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserve at home and abroad. The Freedom Award is your opportunity to honor your employer for their critical support," said James Rebholz, ESGR National Chair. "As a member of the Guard or Reserve who has received outstanding support from your civilian employer, take the time to nominate them for the 2013 Freedom Award."

Any civilian employer who has not previously received the award is eligible. Service members who have previously nominated their employers are encouraged to do so again. The Department of Defense will recognize nominees, semi-finalists and finalists. The 2013 recipients will be announced in early summer and honored in Washington, D.C. during a ceremony in the fall. Past recipients have met with the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

About ESGR and the Freedom Award:

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 175 employers have beenhonoredwith the award. Established as a DoD agency 40 years ago, ESGRdevelops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, please contact Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email atESGR-PA@osd.mil.

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Time Running out to Nominate Employers for 2013 Freedom Award

The Fraser Institute: Canada, Australia and Ireland Tied for Fourth in New Comprehensive Index of Human Freedom; New …

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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan 8, 2013) - Canada ranks fourth overall for its level of personal freedoms, tied with Ireland and Australia, while New Zealanders have the most freedom in the world, according to the most complete index of human freedom yet available, released today by the Fraser Institute, Canada''s leading public policy think-tank, and Germany''s Liberales Institut.

The index is contained in a new book, Towards a Worldwide Index of Human Freedom, which examines the characteristics of "freedom" and how it can best be measured and compared between different nations.

"Our intention is to measure the degree to which people are free to enjoy classic civil liberties-freedom of speech, religion, individual economic choice, and association and assembly-in each country surveyed. We also look at indicators of crime and violence, freedom of movement, legal discrimination against homosexuals, and women''s freedoms," said Fred McMahon, Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom (Fraser Institute) and editor of Towards a Worldwide Index of Human Freedom.

"The classical ideas of freedom from the time of the Enlightenment included economic freedom as essential to other freedoms, yet all the indexes available up to now either measure civil and political freedoms, often confusing what freedom actually is, or economic freedom alone. This is the first index that brings together these classic ideas of freedom in an intellectually consistent index."

The book is the first publication of the Human Freedom project sponsored by the Cato Institute (United States), as well as the Fraser Institute and the Liberales Institut.

New Zealand offers the highest level of human freedom worldwide, followed by the Netherlands then Hong Kong. Australia, Canada and Ireland tied for fourth spot, with the United States and Denmark tied for seventh, Japan and Estonia tied for ninth overall. The lowest-ranked countries are Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

Towards a Worldwide Index of Human Freedom also highlights the evolution of economic, political, and social freedoms from the ancient world to the present day over the course of 10 chapters by 13 academics and economists from Canada (Fraser Institute, Canadian Constitution Foundation), the United States (Cato Institute, Emory University), Germany (Liberales Institut, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main), and Russia (Institute of Economic Analysis). Chapters of note include:

"From Pericles to Measurement" by Fred McMahon (Fraser Institute)

This article traces the concept of freedom back to the classical world and examines more recent discussions of freedom from the Enlightenment through to modern analytical scholarship. McMahon concludes that modern indexes are incomplete and often inconsistent. He argues for a complete measure of freedom that is consistent with the most common sense idea of freedom-Isaiah Berlin''s concept of "negative" freedom, meaning the absence of restraints on individual actions.

"An Index of Freedom in the World" by Ian Vsquez (Cato Institute) and Tanja tumberger (Atlas Economic Research Foundation)

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The Fraser Institute: Canada, Australia and Ireland Tied for Fourth in New Comprehensive Index of Human Freedom; New ...