Monthly Archives: July 2017

Lottery rigging accomplice used payout for offshore tax scam – Minneapolis Star Tribune

Posted: July 5, 2017 at 11:32 pm

IOWA CITY, Iowa After Robert Rhodes collected a Wisconsin Lottery jackpot that had been rigged by his friend, he used the windfall for an investment scheme that produced another wave of undeserved government money, court records show.

Rhodes, an accomplice in a scandal that has shaken state lotteries, recently explained under oath how he used the $783,000 payout to receive an additional $180,000 in bogus tax refunds. The Texas businessman sent his lottery winnings offshore to buy a phony insurance policy for a personal corporation that never did any business except receive the lottery prize. He then claimed the policy as a tax-deductible "business expense."

The upshot: Rhodes received roughly $150,000 from the U.S. government and $36,200 from Wisconsin in tax refunds on the lottery payout. But in an ironic twist, the St. Lucia-based insurer where Rhodes sent his cash would later be accused of duping investors and, in Rhodes' words, "abscond" with a chunk of the loot.

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NOAA gives more time to comment on offshore seismic tests – Charleston Post Courier

Posted: at 11:32 pm

Federal regulators are giving people two more weeks to comment on plans for permitting seismic testing offshore because of the deluge of comments already received. Drill-or-don't-drill has become a controversy.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has received thousands of comments, a news release said.

"These requests indicated that additional time was needed to consider more fully the information supporting the proposals and to provide comments on the proposed authorizations," said NOAA spokeswoman Kate Brogan.

"Multiple commenters indicated a need for additional time to review the proposal to consider the information more fully and provide comments," she said.

The new deadline for commenting is July 21. Email comments to ITP.Laws@noaa.gov or submit electronically by going to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits and following the links.

Five companies have filed permit requests to explore for oil and gas, and all of them want to explore at least part of the waters off South Carolina. The National Marine Fisheries Service in June issued the rules for how the tests would take place regarding the safety of marine mammals. Those rules are up for public comment.

Seismic testing entails firing powerfully loud sonic guns underwater every 16 seconds to read echoes from the bottom geology. The tests take place over miles of ocean for months at a time.

Industry representatives say it's been done for a half-century without any demonstrated real world harm. Controlled studies have indicated it harms sea life as basic as vital zooplankton food organisms.

Opposition to the drilling and testing has grown to millions of East Coast residents, more than 120 municipalities, 1,200 elected officials, 41,000 businesses and a half million fishing families.

For many people, the fight over drilling cuts to the heart of coastal life, where interests are divided between exploring for potential the economic benefit of fossil fuels to restricting exploration to protect marine life and a billion-dollar tourism economy.

Reach Bo Petersen Reporter at Facebook, @bopete on Twitter or 1-843-937-5744.

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NOAA gives more time to comment on offshore seismic tests - Charleston Post Courier

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Offshore drilling is a loser – Baltimore Sun

Posted: at 11:32 pm

Ocean City may bill itself as a year-round resort, but its no secret that the Fourth of July marks the start of the real season the eight or nine weeks of booked summer rentals, hotels at capacity, overflowing restaurants and shoulder-to-shoulder sunbathers on the beach that define the local economy. It is somewhat ironic that this past Monday also marked the beginning of Ocean Citys last chance to plead with the Trump administration to spare its tourism industry from the grave threat posed by off-shore drilling.

In late April, President Donald Trump signed an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to reverse policies developed during the waning months of the Obama administration protecting the Atlantic Oceans outer continental shelf from oil and gas exploration. Last week, the administration officially released the result of that executive order, a new five-year plan to open up those federally-controlled waters to the petroleum industry, a frightening prospect to the millions of Americans who vacation on, own property along or whose livelihoods depend on Atlantic beaches. The notion that the tourism economy and the billions of dollars invested in it might be compromised by non-sustainable oil and gas exploration is absurd. But with Mondays publication of the regulations in the Federal Register, the 45-day clock has started: Americans have until August 17 to express their opinion to Interior officials.

Matthew Daly and Josh Boak

Opening up coastal drilling is deeply and universally unpopular in beach towns far beyond Ocean City. Memories of the Deepwater Horizon, the 2010 BP oil spill that involved nearly 5 million barrels of oil released into the Gulf of Mexico that devastated fisheries and tourism and ultimately cost that company more than $42 billion in payouts, are still fresh. So is the Exxon Valdez, the 1989 oil tanker that hit a reef in Prince William Sound and left 1,300 miles of coastline drenched in crude oil. With coastal communities already dealing with pollution and compromised water quality and fisheries, why worsen the problem when it will neither produce the jobs nor the energy independence that the Trump administration claims?

Indeed, trouble is already brewing with the Trump administrations earlier approval of seismic testing for underground oil and gas deposits in the Atlantic (the comment period for which ends July 6). Soon, boats towing enormous air guns pointed at the ocean are expected to be dispatched across thousands of square miles of potential drilling sites from New Jersey to Florida. Experts fear the impact these sonic blasts will have on marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, whales and migrating schools of fish. Why? As a 2016 study by the National Ocean Economics Program at Middlebury College pointed out, jobs in the U.S. coastal economy depend more on living resources than oil and gas exploration. Fracking and horizontal drilling technology have already given the U.S. a record boost in oil and gas production from inland sources, including the nearby Marcellus Shale basin.

And its not just losing tourists that has waterfront communities worried. If President Trump continues to lead the U.S. away from global norms on climate change and allows non-sustainable exploitation of fossil fuels that contribute heavily to the problem, the threat of rising sea levels alone could doom towns like Ocean City or at least force them to erect major sea walls or relocate to higher ground. How quaint that Ocean City officials were just weeks ago debating the merits of off-shore wind turbines and whether tourists might be annoyed by their miniature appearance on the horizon. Globs of crude oil stuck to beaches and marine life and coastal flooding are considerably worse hardships.

The Trump administration might ignore public opinion, but Marylanders ought to make their voices heard anyway. They will certainly find a great deal of company including in states like South Carolina where Republicans hold political sway. Gov. Larry Hogan has been strangely silent on a matter that ought to be a no-brainer for him. An estimated 90,000 jobs and $5.4 billion in gross domestic product can be traced to Marylands coastal economy. Being pro-business requires standing up for those jobs as publicly and firmly as possible so that nobody in the White House or Congress gets the idea that Maryland is the least bit undecided about the wisdom of offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling.

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Icebreaker Almirante Irizar expected in Puerto Belgrano for high seas trials – MercoPress

Posted: at 11:31 pm

Wednesday, July 5th 2017 - 15:28 UTC The recovered and refurbished Almirante Irizar is heading for Puerto Belgrano before joining as flagship of the Argentine navy Antarctic effort

The emblematic Argentine navy icebreaker Almirante Irizar, responsible for the country's Antarctic effort left Buenos Aires on Tuesday for high sea trials. The Atlantic incursion was its first in ten years, since in 2007 the icebreaker suffered a major fire that almost destroyed the vessel, originally built in Finland.

Icebreaker ARA Almirante Irizar leaves Buenos Aires for the dry dock in Puerto Belgrano (the Argentine Navy's main base to the south of the Buenos Aires province) where it will undergo the hull systems' verification, according to an official release from the Defense ministry.

Defense minister Julio Csar Martnez said that the trip to Puerto Belgrano is a high seas trial, the previous step to start ice trials and before her full reincorporation to the Argentine navy Antarctic effort.

In April 2007, on its return from the Antarctic campaign, Almirante Irizar caught fire at the generators' room which rapidly extended to the rest of the vessel. She was sailing 250 kilometers off the Argentine coast and its 296 crew members were rescued by two fishing vessels after six hours in the high seas in lifeboats.

In early 2010 it was decided to recover the icebreaker at the Tandanor dry dock, and following a seven years odyssey of insufficient funds, unending red tape and corruption allegations emerging from soaring over costs, Almirante Irizar finally emerged from the Argentine Naval and Industrial complex, heading for Puerto Belgrano.

However last 25 April the icebreaker was involved, successfully, in sailing trials to test systems, equipments and engines.

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Meet President of Molossia, a micronation of just 33 citizens with its … – TUKO.CO.KE

Posted: at 11:31 pm

There are small nations, and then there are micronations. The Republic of Molossia, which is in Nevada, US, is one such micronation.

Molossia has a paltry 33 citizens and not even all of them are people some are cats and dogs. It has its own border control, rules, currency and traditions.

The self-declared sovereign entity is not officially recognized by legitimate governments around the world. however, it has its own president, His Excellency Kevin Baugh, whom his wife Adrianne describes as a "benevolent dictator."

Self-declared President of Molossia Kevin Baugh. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

The welcome message. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

President Baugh stamps passports of visitors. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

READ ALSO: These brave Somali women attend college despite poverty and culture

Besides President Baugh, who has ruled for 40 years over the 5-acre territory, and First Lady Adrienne, other citizens include their seven children, two grandchildren and other relatives.

President Baugh, 54, dresses in a ceremonial outfit complete with medals during special occasions, including raising his nation's flag. He stamps the passports of visitors and says Molossia pays taxes, which he calls "foreign aid," to the US government.

In an interview, President Baugh, 54, said: "I love being dictator; it is fantastic but it is also intentional. When I remodelled Molossia, I chose to be a dictator."

He also conducts regular tours of his nation. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

He has ruled the 5-acre country for 40 years. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

The President with his wife, First Lady Adrienne, and their daughter. Photo: Daily Mail/Jamie Kingham

READ ALSO: Research reveals African countries with the best English speakers

Watch more about the micronation below.

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Work, education has early impact on rural health – Van Buren County Democrat

Posted: at 11:30 pm

Sara Greene

Van Buren is one of five counties in Arkansas with a high level of youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 who are not in school and not working, which is described as youth disconnect, in the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, County Health Rankings Key Findings 2017.

It is the eighth year for the nationwide report which provides a snapshot of how healthy the nation is by county and the ways communities are working to improve health, but 2017 is the first year the youth disconnect measurement has been included in the report.

Why is youth employment and education being included in a health report?

Youth disconnect has health and economic consequences for the community. Youth disconnect is higher in rural areas and these same areas also have high rates of teen births, single-parent households, child poverty, and lower levels of educational attainment.

According to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services Local Area Unemployment Statistics report from April, the unemployment rate in Van Buren County is about five percent, which is higher compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics statewide average of 3.4 percent as of May.

Its a possible indicator of less part-time jobs for teens and young adults in areas such as clerical or food service, because older members of the workforce are either in, or seeking those jobs. This lack of employment for teens isnt just a lack of income. Its a missed opportunity to learn some of the life lessons only a first job can teach and the new measurement points out something many rural folks already know: keeping young people busy can keep them out of trouble.

Among Arkansas 75 counties, Van Buren ranks 25th in health outcomes, which measures how healthy residents currently are; but ranks 51st in health factors, which measures opportunities for residents to be healthy in the future.

In the demographic breakdown for Van Buren County, the report found that about 21 percent of the population smokes, 36 percent of the adults are considered obese, and 33 percent of the population is physically inactive.

Van Buren County outpaced the state average in other areas. The report found only 12 percent of the population drinks excessively compared to 15 percent statewide, 17 percent are involved in social associations compared to 12 percent statewide, and 91 percent of the population are high school graduates, compared to 85 percent statewide.

The featured finding in the report was that premature death is rising across all ethnic groups and community types, particularly when it comes to drug overdoses.

Drug overdose was the leading cause of premature death in all age brackets and community types, but motor vehicle crashes and firearms fatalities contributed heavily to premature death among 15 to 44 year olds. The study included both intentional injury deaths; such as homicide and suicides, and unintentional injury deaths, such as accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes, falls, and suffocation.

Residents in rural areas had the highest death rate due to suicide and unintentional injuries, while residents in urban areas had the highest death rate due to homicide, but lower rates of death due to unintentional injuries.

As the report points out, each county and community is unique, but this annual statistical study helps community leaders evaluate their situations, think about available resources, and develop plans for better outcomes.

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Neutron stars could be our GPS for deep-space travel – The Independent

Posted: at 11:29 pm

Nasas Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, or Nicer, is an X-ray telescope that was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in early June. Installed on the International Space Station, by mid-July it will commence its scientific work to study the exotic astrophysical objects known as neutron stars and examine whether they could be used as deep-space navigation beacons for future generations of spacecraft.

What are neutron stars? When stars at least eight times more massive than the sun exhaust all the fuel in their core through thermonuclear fusion reactions, the pressure of gravity causes them to collapse. The supernova explosion that results ejects most of the stars material into the far reaches of space. What remains forms either a neutron star or a black hole.

I study neutron stars because of their rich range of astrophysical phenomena and the many areas of physics to which they are connected. What makes neutron stars extremely interesting is that each star is about 1.5 times the mass of the sun, but only about 25km in diameter the size of a single city. When you cram that much mass into such a small volume, the matter is more densely packed than that of an atomic nucleus. So, for example, while the nucleus of a helium atom has just two neutrons and two protons, a neutron star is essentially a single nucleus made up of 1057 neutrons and 1056 protons.

We can use neutron stars to probe properties of nuclear physics that cannot be investigated in laboratories on Earth. For example, some current theories predict that exotic particles of matter, such as hyperons and deconfined quarks, can appear at the high densities that are present in neutron stars. Theories also indicate that at temperatures of a billion degrees Celsius, protons in the neutron star become superconducting and neutrons, without charge, become superfluid.

The magnetic field of neutron stars is extreme as well, possibly the strongest in the universe, and billions of times stronger than anything created in laboratories. While the gravity at the surface of a neutron star may not be as strong as that near a black hole, neutron stars still create major distortions in spacetime and can be sources of gravitational waves, which were inferred from research into neutron stars in the 1970s, and confirmed from black holes by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatoryrecently.

The main focus of Niceris to accurately measure the mass and radius of several neutron stars and, although the telescope will observe other types of astronomical objects, those of us studying neutron stars hope Nicerwill provide us with unique insights into these fascinating objects and their physics. Nicerwill measure how the brightness of a neutron star changes according to its energy, and how it changes as the star rotates, revealing different parts of the surface. These observations will be compared to theoretical models based on properties of the star such as mass and radius. Accurate determinations of mass and radius will provide a vital test of nuclear theory.

Another aspect of neutron stars that could prove important for future space travel is their rotation and this will also be tested by Nicer. Rotating neutron stars, known as pulsars, emit beams of radiation like a lighthouse and are seen to spin as fast as 716 times per second. This rotation rate in some neutron stars is more stable than the best atomic clocks we have on Earth. In fact, it is this characteristic of neutron stars that led to the discovery of the first planets outside our solar system in 1992 three Earth-sized planets revolving around a neutron star.

The Nicermission, using a part of the telescope called sextant, will test whether the extraordinary regularity and stability of neutron star rotation could be used as a network of navigation beacons in deep space. Neutron stars could thus serve as natural satellites contributing to agalactic (rather than global) positioning system and could be relied upon by future manned and unmanned spacecraft to navigate among the stars.

Nicer will operate for 18 months, but it is hoped that Nasawill continue to support its operation afterwards, especially if it can deliver on its ambitious scientific goals. I hope so too, because Nicer combines and greatly improves upon the invaluable capabilities of previous X-ray spacecraft RXTE, Chandra, and XMM-Newton that are used to uncover neutron stars mysteries and reveal properties of fundamental physics.

The first neutron star, a pulsar, was discovered in 1967 by Jocelyn Bell Burnell. It would be fitting to obtain a breakthrough on neutron stars in this 50th anniversary year.

Wynn Ho is an associate professor at the University of Southampton. This article was originally published on The Conversation (www.theconversation.com)

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3D Printed Hydroponics Part of Large-Scale Space Travel Simulation – 3DPrint.com

Posted: at 11:29 pm

[Image: NASA]

Before astronauts go to Mars, they can go to M.A.R.S. the Modular Analog Research Station, a project which simulates a mission to the moon or Mars. Located in Poland, the M.A.R.S. habitat consists of four underground modules plus a central office that includes a kitchen and social room. The first module consists of a bedroom, gym and hygiene room, while the second will contain bioreactors and research instruments. The third module will be for storage of food, equipment, etc. while the fourth will serve as a laboratory.

The six participants in the two-week experiment will live in the base and travel from module to module on foot or in a small two-person vehicle, wearing space suits that measure oxygen levels, carbon dioxide, pressure and temperature. They will collect research samples via a Mars rover that was created by students atRzeszw University of Technology. Meanwhile, they will receive notifications such as sandstorm warnings and energy level notifications from nuclear reactor simulators.

One of the first questions that springs to mind regarding long-term space missions is: what will the astronauts eat? That question will be addressed in the simulation, of course: the participants will receive vitamins, microelements and proteins from produced in bioreactors, and they will also cultivate edible plants through hydroponics. Thats where 3D printing comes in to this particular mission. Verashape, creator of theVSHAPER3D printer line, will be 3D printing the equipment that the participants will use to cultivate the plants.

We decided to combine hydroponics with 3D Printing and create a modern hydroponic cultivation dedicated to space solutions. Containers that will be included in its composition will be printed using 3D Printing technology in cooperation with the VSHAPER Printer manufacturer, said Olga Grabiwoda of the Design Institute in Kielce.

Other nutrition will come from insects and algae, via the bioreactors. Thats obviously going to take some getting used to, as is everything involved in a mission to the moon or Mars, and the goal of the simulation is to see how well astronauts can adapt to the conditions of such a mission. Sociological and psychological examinations will be performed, in addition to the gathering of data such as sleep quality, hormones, pulse and sugar levels. The results of the experiment will be made available to the public in the form of scientific and popular science publications.

Several Polish companies are involved in the simulation, providing technology such as a lock through which the participants will enter the habitat, bioreactors and a microgravity simulation machine. The Verashape team, for its part, is thrilled to be participating in such an experiment.

We could not be indifferent to such an interesting initiative, said Jacek Wach, Marketing Manager at Verashape. There are only a few places like this one in the world in China, Hawaii and the Deserts of Utah. We are very willing to engage in research projects. Participating in the M.A.R.S. project weindirectly contribute to the development of the space industry in Poland.

The M.A.R.S. initiative was developed by Dr. Agata Kolodziejczyk, a neuroscientist from the European Space Agency. She is also involved with plans to build a moon village, or base, on the moon a project that will depend heavily on 3D printing. The hope is that the M.A.R.S. simulation will be the first of many, depending on funding from sponsors. Discuss in the 3D Printed Hydroponics forum at 3DPB.com.

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Dancers prepare to shake it for a purpose – The Advocate

Posted: at 11:25 pm

The nine dancers who signed up for Dancing for a Cause are fine-tuning their dance steps and making the last-minute adjustments to their costumes.

They'll bring their sambas, jives and rumbas to the stage 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center 4-H Building.

The event raises money for the Arc of East Ascension, a nonprofit that provides services for disabled residents in the parish.

The Arc Executive Director Norma Dukes said the dancers have worked hard to prepare a great show.

"We want to encourage people to come out and see for themselves, said event organizer Sharon Morris. "It's all about fun and supporting the Arc of East Ascension.

Dancing for a Cause is modeled after the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars."

The lineup includes Jackie Baumann, chief engineer with the city of Gonzales; Trevor Gautreaux, assistant vice president and branch manager of Neighbors FCU; Jackie Tisdell, public information officer for Ascension Parish public schools; Terri Kaaihue, a community liaison with Life Source Hospice; Tasheba York Leblanc, owner and manager of Triple Threat Dance Studio; Cheryl Mercedes, WAFB anchor; Malcolm Carter, plant manager at The Scotts Company; Craig A. Stevens, owner of Genesis 360 Construction; and Louis LeFebvre III, dentist and owner of Main Street Dental Care.

Ascension Clerk of Court Bridget Hannah and Ascension schools Superintendent David Alexander will emcee the fundraiser. Sheriff Jeff Wiley is the honorary chairman.

Special performances will be provided by Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, Triple Threat Dance studio and by dancers from the Arc.

The doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

It's not too late to pick up tickets. Tickets are $30 in advance at the Arc's office, 1122 S.E. Ascension Complex Blvd., Gonzales. Call (225) 621-2000. Tickets will be available at the door for $35 and VIP seats are $75 in advance and $80 at the door.

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Packers: Joe Callahan continues ascension at QB – La Crosse Tribune

Posted: at 11:25 pm

GREEN BAY As underdog training-camp narratives go, Joe Callahans improbable run for a spot on the Green Bay Packers 53-man roster last summer has to rank among the more compelling since the teams renaissance began 25 years ago.

While there have been plenty of other out-of-nowhere stories cornerback Tramon Williams 2007 ascension is up there, too and other longshots who earned their keep with unexpectedly impressive preseason performances, Callahan was supposed to be little more than a camp arm last year.

Coach Mike McCarthy had decided to limit two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers preseason snaps, and hed earmarked the extra exhibition playing time for young backup Brett Hundley not some 6-foot-nothin, Division III unknown.

But when an ankle injury limited Hundley to just seven preseason passes, Callahan shined so much so that McCarthy was telling everyone by camps end how Callahan had earned a spot on the team as the No. 3 quarterback. (How the hell does he not make the team? McCarthy asked rhetorically and forcefully after Callahan made it). And more than a few longtime observers couldnt help but see some Brett Favre-ian improv in the kids game.

A year later, Callahan is preparing for his second NFL training camp the Packers first practice is in three weeks, on July 27 with an eye on being more than just a heartwarming story going forward.

I still have to prove myself, Callahan said during organized team activity practices last month. I need to show how much Ive improved.

Callahan did just that during the spring quarterback school and OTA practices, and itll be interesting to see how good the Packers feel about Callahan if Hundley puts together an impressive enough preseason to attract trade suitors. It seems unlikely theyd turn the No. 2 job over to him if they moved Hundley when Hundley started drawing interest during the April NFL Draft, the Packers reportedly were planning to bring in a veteran to replace him but after what Callahan did last year, who can bet against him?

To know where he came from, trying just to get somebody to look at him, to see him go from there to where he finished and what he did, for me, knowing Joe personally, it was awesome, Hundley said. Knowing it was my playing time, its frustrating to a point. But its also intriguing to me when you can see somebody grow from where he started to where he finished. That was awesome.

As much as the Packers liked Callahan, they actually bid him adieu last Oct. 13 when injuries forced them to shuffle the roster. The team waived him with the intention of signing him to the practice squad when he went unclaimed, and McCarthy, who didnt want Callahan cut to begin with, was livid when the New Orleans Saints claimed his pet project.

Callahan spent just over a week with the Saints before being released, but then the Cleveland Browns claimed him and kept him on their 53-man roster for more than a month before cutting him on Nov. 29.

The Packers finally got him back on the practice squad on Dec. 2, then promoted him onto the 53-man roster again on Dec. 17, keeping him there through the end of the year.

As well as Callahan played last summer he completed 54 of 88 passes (61.4 percent) for 499 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions (88.2 rating) he was playing mostly on the instinct and play-making knack he showed in college at Wesley College in Dover, Del. As a three-year starter for the Wolverines, Callahan went 33-7 and threw for 12,852 yards and 130 touchdowns, including 5,068 yards and 55 touchdowns in 2015, when he won the Gagliardi Trophy, the Division III equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Scrambling and making something out of nothing was a key part of Callahans college production, and the Packers coaches like that aspect of his game. But the next step is for him to make more plays while doing so within the framework of the offense.

Thats a big part of it. Second year, you can go through any read in the offense and hell spit the read right out to you. So hes picking it up, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said. He just has to continue to do what hes doing.

Hes growing. His footwork has gotten a lot better, his understanding of the offense has gotten better in his second year. Just continue to do that and then show it in the preseason when he gets to play.

Jason Wilde covers the Packers for ESPN Wisconsin. Listen to him with former Packers and Badgers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher weekdays from 9-11 on Wilde & Tausch on ESPNWisconsin.com.

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