African History Moment: Shaka Zulu - Durban, South Africa

The Isley Brothers on hiring the late Jimi Hendrix

The Isley Brothers on hiring the late Jimi Hendrix

Should the US National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Lakers trade LeBron James?

Op-Ed by Kirk Tanter
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

What would you get for LeBron? And remember, the LA Lakers also have freed up money for next year's big free agents. We know LeBron has a no-trade clause, but again, theoretically what would the Lakers GET?

Answer: Trading LeBron, in a three team trade, would demand Two All-Stars and First Round Pick from one team, and a prime player and complimentary Veteran from another team. Plus the two free agents next year from the Lakers freed up money. This trade would be similar to the Hershel Walker trade that propelled the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships (probably more if Jimmy Johnson was not fired by Jerry Jones).

But this trade makes too much sense, as we too know LeBron brings National TV money, higher priced home game tickets, and high-priced vendor leasing agreements - so that trade won't happen.

Young and in-their-prime players (like Kevin Durant) dont want to play with LeBron. LeBron justified this in today's ESPN interview, with James delusionally thinking that NBA All-Stars just did not want to live in Cleveland, as if the City's Lifestyle or freezing cold weather was the issue. Not!!

But the Lakers don't hear me tho'! However, this bold trade would build multiple-championships for a decade, versus "maybe" one with LeBron in his short 4 years stay with the Lakers. This year is already done, with little to no chance of winning a championship this year with current roster - unless a trade is made. Not speaking of a LeBron trade of course, that contractually cannot happen without LeBron's permission with the no-trade clause that he has with the Lakers.

Happy Holidays from the Congressional Black Caucus, plus invite to CBC Swearing-In Ceremony Thursday January 3rd, 2019

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Link to "CBC Swearing-in Ceremony" invite January 3, 2019: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/cb721c3fa3c24416bfd9b9a912373705?SFConfirm=K4qAiqI9gg2BIyQRwa0esZR4iwzdik15

Xi: Door Will Open Still Wider

China President X1 Jinping highlighted the importance of the Chinese consumer to the global economy with China’s "goods imports" expected to exceed $30 trillion and "services" $10 trillion over the next 15 years.

Story by Wall St. Journal
Written by Andrew Moody

Globalization cannot be reversed, big trade show told

https://partners.wsj.com/chinadaily/chinawatch/xi-door-will-open-still-wider/?mod=synd_Facebook&utm_medium=social&sr_medium=social&utm_source=Facebook&sr_source=Facebook&sr_lift=true&tier_1=paid_social_acquisition&tier_2=Facebook&tier_3=FB+-+Custom+Studios&tier_4=China+Daily+96559+-+FB&tier_5=96559+China+Daily+Door+Will+Open&nan_pid=1864803389&ad_id=8526236

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to opening up its economy in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo on November 5, one of the biggest events in China this year.

“China’s economic growth over the past 40 years has been achieved with a commitment to opening-up. In the same vein, high-quality development of China’s economy in the future can only be guaranteed with greater openness. I have made it clear once and again that China’s door will never be closed. It will only open still wider.”

The six-day expo in Shanghai is believed to be the biggest import exhibition ever held with 3,600 companies from around 130 countries and regions in attendance. Also present were leaders from 18 countries.

In his speech Xi once again made a strong defense of globalization as he did in his speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2017 as well as at the Boao Forum in Hainan in April.

“People with vision in the world would agree that economic globalization, as an irreversible trend of history, has greatly boosted global growth. This is an overarching trend, something that is independent of people’s will. What we mankind can do is to understand, adapt to, and apply the law of history instead of trying to prevent it from happening. The wheel of history, indeed, will keep rolling forward no matter what.”

Xi’s speech was welcomed by many commentators. Martin Jacques, the British journalist and author of When China Rules the World, said it clearly demonstrated the resolve of a strong leader.

“It was a strong statement of steady as you go. China is not going to be deflected from its basic strategy and position. Xi was saying that the Chinese economy is basically in a sound position and that it is more than capable of handling its current challenges, despite what the speculation might be in the West,” he said.

In his speech Xi highlighted the importance of the Chinese consumer to the global economy with China’s goods imports expected to exceed $30 trillion and services $10 trillion over the next 15 years.

“We will stimulate the potential for increased imports. China’s initiative to expand imports is not a choice of expediency. It is a future-oriented step taken to embrace the world and promote common development.”

Xi also pledged to continue opening up the China economy, building on the measures to open up the finance, including insurance, and the automotive sector to foreign companies that he announced at Boao.

Since that announcement German carmaker BMW has announced that it is taking majority control of its China joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings.

He said China would continue to steadily increase the openness of the financial sector, services as well as agriculture, mining and manufacturing, telecommunications, education, medical services and culture.

He also pledged that the foreign ownership limits in both education and medical services would be eased.

Xi’s message on openness was welcomed also by company executives.

Vladimir Makatsaria, chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, said Xi sent exactly the right signals to business.

“His messages on the deepening of China’s reform and opening up, promoting trade liberalization and optimizing the business environment certainly give us great confidence in continuing to grow our business in China,” he said.

Christian Hartel, a member of the executive board member of Wacker Chemie, the German chemicals company, said the projections for China’s imports contained in Xi’s speech were encouraging.

“We will surely benefit from the increasing consumption power in China. And we will continue our investment in expanding production capacity in China.”

Toshihiro Ueda, chief representative in China for AGC Co., the Tokyo-based manufacturers of glass, chemicals and other products, welcomed Xi’s message on further opening up.

“[This] has really boosted our morale. China has turned from global manufacturing powerhouse into an international open market. With it being more open, China will gradually become the hub of innovation.”

Xi in his speech placed considerable emphasis on innovation, which he said was now the “premier engine for development.”

China is aiming to make major advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing and the country also has a national goal to become a global technology leader by 2035.

“Only with bold innovation and reform can we break the bottlenecks in global growth. The world economy has just emerged from the shadow of the international financial crisis and recovery is still unstable. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts of countries in the world to promote scientific innovation and foster new growth drivers,” he said.

Edward Tse, chief executive officer and founder of Gao Feng Advisory, a management consultancy, said innovation was vital for foreign companies wanting to operate and sell into the China market.

“Companies complain a lot about market access in China but that essentially is the old game. The new game is technology. To be successful in China in the future companies will have to be engaged in all different types of partnerships centering around technology to be successful.”

National Association of Cannabis Businesses Advertising Standards

NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
NACB Advertising Standards

Standard Last Updated: November 5, 2018

The NACB's Standards Governance Board and Members voted to adopt the Advertising Standard in October 2018.

If you have a question or want to learn more about the NACB’s National Standards, please contact us at NationalStandards@nacb.com.


THE NACB NATIONAL STANDARD REVIEW PROCESS

The NACB’s National Standards are developed through a deliberative and inclusive process. We take input from government, NACB Members, and subject matter experts into careful consideration in initially drafting the standard. We then work with those stakeholders to refine the standard before soliciting comments from the public. Every comment will be reviewed and considered by the NACB and may result in a revision of the standard. Following the review period, a new draft of the standard will be circulated to NACB Members for a final vote to approve and adopt it.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE NACB NATIONAL STANDARD

Non-compliance with the NACB Advertising Standard, as with all NACB National Standards, can result in expulsion from the NACB or other consequences.

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ARTICLE 3. ADVERTISING
DEFINITIONS

(1) “Advertise” means the publication or dissemination of an Advertisement.

(2) “Advertisement” includes any written or verbal statement, illustration, or depiction that is calculated to induce sales of Cannabis or Cannabis Products, including any written, printed, graphic, or other material, billboard, sign, or other outdoor display, other periodical literature, publication, or in a radio or television broadcast, or in any other media. The term does not include:

any label affixed to any Cannabis or Cannabis Product, or any individual covering, carton, or other wrapper of that container that constitutes a part of the labeling under provisions of these Standards;
any editorial or other reading material, such as a news release, in any periodical or publication or newspaper for the publication of which no money or valuable consideration is paid or promised, directly or indirectly, by any Cannabis Establishment, and which is not written by or at the direction of the licensee;
any educational, instructional, or otherwise non-commercial material that is not intended to induce sales and that does not propose an economic transaction, but which merely provides information to the public in an unbiased manner;
a sign attached to the premises of a Cannabis Establishment that merely identifies the location of the Cannabis Establishment; or
identification of a Cannabis Establishment as the sponsor of a charity or public good, including but not limited to an Adopt-A-Highway program.
(3) “Underage” means under the minimum age required by a state’s cannabis laws (usually either 18 or 21 years of age) for undertaking a cannabis-related activity.

Standard 3.01. Signage for Cannabis Establishments.

If a Cannabis Establishment’s sign identifying its premises contains content, such as graphics and logos, aside from its business or trade name and location, the additional content shall conform to the requirements in this Article.

Standard 3.02. Required Statements.

All Advertising for Cannabis or Cannabis Products shall accurately and legibly identify the licensee responsible for its content.

All Advertisements shall include, in substance, the following statements:
for retail Cannabis or Cannabis Products, that the product is for use only by adults who are not underage;
for medical Cannabis or Cannabis Products, that the product is for use only by authorized patients
a warning that there may be health risks associated with consumption of the Cannabis or Cannabis Product; and
a warning that:
there may be additional health risks associated with consumption of the Cannabis or Cannabis Product for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; or
scientific research has not yet established the safety of the use of cannabis by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
An Advertisement may describe an intended physical or psychological effect of Cannabis or a Cannabis Product only if such statements:
comply with the requirements of Packaging and Labeling Standard 2.16;
include a warning that the effects of the Cannabis or Cannabis Product may vary by consumer; and
include a warning that the claim has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Standard 3.03. False or Misleading Statements Prohibited.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that is false or misleading or that contains false or misleading statements.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that contains health, medical, or disease claims about Cannabis or a Cannabis Product that do not conform with Packaging and Labeling Standard 2.16.

Standard 3.04. Prohibited Content.

A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that promotes excessive consumption of Cannabis or Cannabis Products.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that represents that Cannabis or a Cannabis Product is safe because it is regulated by a State Licensing Authority or because it has been tested by a Cannabis Testing Facility. This subsection does not prohibit a Cannabis Establishment from advertising the fact that the Cannabis Establishment is licensed or that its products are tested.
A Cannabis Establishment licensed in a state that permits only medicinal use of Cannabis or Cannabis Products shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that promotes or encourages non-medicinal use.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement depicting any person inhaling, exhaling, or ingesting Cannabis or Cannabis Products. This subsection does not prohibit depictions of the external use or application of topical Cannabis Products, such as lotions, salves, and transdermal productsA Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement intended to encourage underage persons consume Cannabis or Cannabis Products.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement intended to encourage underage persons to consume Cannabis or Cannabis Products.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement disparaging or degrading the image, form, or status of any group based on ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, minority, or other status.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that includes a cartoon character, toy, mascot, brand sponsorship, logo, animal, celebrity endorsement, or any other depiction that targets an underage person or is commonly used to market products to underage persons. For clarity, this subsection does not prohibit endorsements that do not target underage persons.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not make or cause to be made an Advertisement that portrays, encourages, or condones driving any motor vehicle while impaired.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not engage in advertising that encourages persons to transport Cannabis or Cannabis Products across state lines.

Standard 3.05. Logos.

If the state in which a Cannabis Establishment conducts business has specific requirements regarding logos, the Cannabis Establishment shall comply with the state law.

If the state in which a Cannabis Establishment conducts business does not have specific requirements regarding logos, a Cannabis Establishment’s logo shall conform to the requirements in this Article, including Standards 3.03 (False or Misleading Statements) and 3.04 (Prohibited Content).


Standard 3.06. Audience Composition.

A Cannabis Establishment shall not publish or otherwise disseminate an Advertisement via television, print, radio, the internet, or an event unless it is reasonably expected that no more than 15% percent of the audience is under 21 years of age. An Advertisement in any media that is intended to be distributed only in a location to which persons under 21 years of age are denied entry meets the requirements of this section.
Any advertising or marketing involving direct, individualized communication or dialogue controlled by the Cannabis Establishment shall utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is not underage before engaging in that communication or dialogue.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not engage in advertising that specifically targets persons located outside the licensing state.

Standard 3.07. Digital Advertising.

A Cannabis Establishment that advertises via web page must ensure that individuals visiting the web page are not underage by employing a neutral age-screening mechanism before allowing users to access the website. In this subsection, a “neutral age-screening mechanism” means an age verification page or pop-up that:
contains a data-entry point that allows users to enter their age accurately; and
restricts or permits access accordingly.
A Cannabis Establishment may not engage in advertising or digital marketing:
via unsolicited pop-up Advertisements on the internet; or
that is directed towards location-based devices, including but not limited to cellular phones, unless the advertising or marketing:
is a mobile device application installed on the device by the owner of the device who is not underage; and
includes a permanent and easy opt-out feature
Digital Advertisements that are intended to be forwarded by users shall include instructions to individuals downloading the content that they should not forward these materials to underage persons.
When using social media, a Cannabis Establishment shall conform to the requirements in this Article, including Standards 3.03 (False or Misleading Statements) and 3.04 (Prohibited Content).
Notes, Standard 3.07: Simply including a check box stating, “I am over 21 years old” would not be considered a neutral age-screening mechanism, and thus would not comply with Subsection (a) of this Standard. Conversely, a text box or drop-down allowing entry of the user’s full birth date would suffice.

Standard 3.08. Prohibited Advertisement Placement.

A Cannabis Establishment shall not place or cause to be placed an Advertisement on any public transit vehicle or shelter.

Standard 3.09. Event Sponsorship.

A Cannabis Establishment may sponsor a charitable, sports, music, or similar event, but a Cannabis Establishment shall not engage in advertising at, or in connection with, such an event unless:
the event is not targeted at underage persons; and
the Cannabis Establishment has reliable evidence that no more than 30% percent of the audience at the event or viewing advertising in connection with the event is reasonably expected to be underage.

Standard 3.10. Promotional Gifts.

A Cannabis Establishment shall not offer gifts or prizes in exchange for proofs of purchase. This Standard does not prohibit price discounts or gifts based on loyalty programs in which a customer has enrolled, provided such programs conform with the laws of the state in which the Cannabis Establishment conducts business.

Standard 3.11. Cannabis-Branded Merchandise.

If the state in which a Cannabis Establishment conducts business does not prohibit Cannabis Establishments from creating or disseminating promotional cannabis-branded merchandise or materials, the Cannabis Establishment may create or disseminate such merchandise or materials, so long as such merchandise or materials conform to the other requirements of this Article.
A Cannabis Establishment shall not offer, give, or sell branded merchandise or materials to underage persons.

Standard 3.12. Product Placement in Entertainment Media.

A Cannabis Establishment shall not directly or indirectly, through payment or other consideration given, promote the use of Cannabis or Cannabis Products in movies, TV shows, live performances, commercial films and videos, or video games, unless the Cannabis Establishment has reliable evidence that no more than 15% percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be underage.

Standard 3.13. Documentation of Advertising.

Cannabis Establishments shall maintain clear and complete records of their advertising activities, Advertisements, expenditures, and audience composition data for a period of no less than two years from the placement of the Advertisement.

Notes, Standard 3.13: In the case of a billboard or similar Advertisement that is widely visible to the public, the term “placement” in Standard 3.13 shall be construed to mean any day on which such Advertisement was publicly visible. Thus, if a business were to place an Advertisement on a billboard for a period of one year, the two-year period would run from the last day on which the Advertisement appeared on the billboard. In other instances (e.g., publication in a periodical), the two-year period shall run from the day on which the medium containing the Advertisement was first disseminated.

Standard 3.14. Effective Date.

Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this Standard, a Cannabis Establishment shall comply with the requirements of this Article beginning on the 90th day after the date this Article is finally adopted by the National Association of Cannabis Businesses.
If, before the date described by Subsection (a), a Cannabis Establishment contracts for or otherwise purchases advertising for publication or dissemination after the date described by Subsection (a), that advertising is not required to comply with the requirements of this Article, provided the advertising complies with any applicable local, state, or federal laws.
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Read more:
http://www.insideradio.com/cannabis-industry-adopts-rules-for-radio-ads/article_9d62ee2c-0432-11e9-b233-d7c4a77cdebc.html
https://www.nacb.com/national-advertising-standards

A Nancy Wilson Christmas

19 Christmas Songs from Nancy Wilson

Criminal Justice Bill "First Step Act" passes USA Senate; U.S. House of Representatives approval expected

Story by AP
Written by Kevin Freking

WASHINGTON DC, USA — The Senate passed a sweeping criminal justice bill Tuesday that addresses concerns that the nation's war on drugs had led to the imprisonment of too many Americans for non-violent crimes without adequately preparing them for their return to society.

Senate passage of the bill by a vote of 87-12 culminates years of negotiations and gives President Donald Trump a signature policy victory, with the outcome hailed by scores of conservative and liberal advocacy groups. The House is expected to pass the bill this week, sending it to the president's desk for his signature.

The bill gives judges more discretion when sentencing some drug offenders and boosts prisoner rehabilitation efforts. It also reduces the life sentence for some drug offenders with three convictions, or "three strikes," to 25 years. Another provision would allow about 2,600 federal prisoners sentenced for crack cocaine offenses before August 2010 the opportunity to petition for a reduced penalty.

"America is the greatest Country in the world and my job is to fight for ALL citizens, even those who have made mistakes," Trump tweeted moments after the vote.

"This will keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it. In addition to everything else, billions of dollars will be saved. I look forward to signing this into law!" Trump added.

The vote also thrilled Democrats. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said the nation's prisons are full of Americans who are struggling with mental illness and addiction, and who are overwhelmingly poor. He said the nation's criminal justice system "feeds on certain communities and not on others," and said the bill represents a step toward "healing" for those communities.

"Let's make no mistake, this legislation, which is one small step, will affect thousands and thousands of lives," Booker said.

When the bill appeared to have stalled in recent weeks, Sen. Charles Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pleaded with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring it up for a vote. With Trump's urging, McConnell eventually agreed, and voted for the bill as well.

"The First Step Act takes lessons from history and from states — our laboratories of democracy — to reduce crime, save taxpayer dollars and strengthen faith and fairness in our criminal justice system," Grassley said.

The Senate turned back three amendments Tuesday from Republican senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and John Kennedy of Louisiana, who said the bill endangered public safety. Supporters voiced concerns that passing any of the amendments would have sunk the bill.

One amendment would have excluded more prisoners from participating in educational and training programs that allow them to earn credits. Those credits can then be used to gain an earlier release to a halfway house or home confinement to finish out their sentence. Another amendment would have required that victims be notified before a prisoner gets that earlier release. The third would have required the Federal Bureau of Prisons to track and report the re-arrest rate for each prisoner who gets early release.

"While the bill has marginally improved from earlier versions, I'm disappointed my amendments to exclude child molesters from early release and to protect victims' rights were not adopted," Cotton said. "I also remain concerned that reducing sentences for drug traffickers and violent felons is a threat to public safety."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said the bill already carves out some 60 different crimes that make prisoners ineligible for early release to a halfway house or home confinement. He said Cotton's amendment was too expansive and would prevent at least 30,000 prisoners from participation.

Durbin said the Federal Bureau of Prisons also gives victims the opportunity to be notified upon a change in the prisoner's status, but it's a choice. He said about 10 percent of victims choose not to be notified because of the trauma involved in revisiting the crime. Meanwhile, the amendment from Cotton and Kennedy would make it a requirement.

"Supporting the Cotton amendment is basically saying to these crime victims, 'We're going to force this information on you whether it's in the best interest of your family, whether you want it or not,'" Durbin said. "That is not respectful of crime victims."

The bill would affect only federal prisoners, who make up less than 10 percent of the country's prison population.

An array of liberal and conservative advocacy groups rallied in support of the bill. For example, the Koch brothers-backed group, Americans for Prosperity, applauded senators for putting "policy ahead of politics." The American Civil Liberties Union said the bill was "by no means perfect. But we are in the midst of a mass incarceration crisis, and the time to act is now."

Law enforcement groups were more split. It was backed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police but opposed by the National Sheriff's Association. The union representing federal prison guards also joined in supporting the measure.

We Remember Singer Nancy Wilson (February 20, 1937 – December 13, 2018)

Nancy Sue Wilson (February 20, 1937 – December 13, 2018) was an American singer whose career spanned over five decades, from the mid–1950s until her retirement in the early–2010s. She was notable for her single "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" and her version of the standard "Guess Who I Saw Today". Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and won three Grammy Awards for her work. During her performing career Wilson was labeled a singer of blues, jazz, R&B, pop, and soul, a "consummate actress", and "the complete entertainer". The title she preferred, however, was "song stylist"




CBS Sunday Morning interview with Nancy Wilson


Song: Nancy Wilson "Live" - "How Glad I Am"


Song: Nancy Wilson - "Face Girl It's Over"


Song: Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderly - "Save Your Love For Me"


Nancy Wilson Live in Japan


Song: Nancy Wilson - "That's What I Want For Christmas"


Song: Nancy Wilson - "Guess Who I Saw Today"

Washington Redskins LB Mason Foster: Cousin responsible for Instagram remarks

Story by ESPN
Written by John Keim

ASHBURN, Virginia -- Washington Redskins linebacker Mason Foster, whose private Instagram account caused a stir with comments about the team and its fan base, said a cousin was responsible for the controversial words.

The cousin, however, said via Twitter that Foster wrote the first comment, which touched off the firestorm: "F--- this team and this fan base." It was followed by six laughing emoji's. The cousin says that message came from Foster but was meant to be sent to a private group -- and not to a random fan.

The exchange with the fan on the private account came to light Tuesday night -- about a week after it took place.

The comments that followed that first one, the cousin acknowledges, came from him. "Yeah and I'm not f----- wit it or being a scape goat to make fans feel better about all these big money ppl who ain't playin or getting dogged out," he told the fan. Finally, he said in the exchange, "Yeah I'll try my chances and go to a winning team next year...love the redskins but this ain't it for the African #LOVE".

Foster, a team captain who has always been accessible to the media, hasn't been available for interviews the past two days. But in a statement released through the team, Foster said he wanted to clear up the situation.

"Following the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, I gave my cousin permission to run my Instagram account to drive awareness for the My Cleats My Cause game the following week. It was brought to my attention this week that he was engaging fans on the platform in a negative light and was responding to messages directed at me with inappropriate language and derogatory remarks," Foster said.

He added that once he was aware of what happened, the account was immediately deactivated. Foster had previously deleted his Twitter account.

His cousin said via Twitter that he was tired of fans picking on Foster.

"I just be upset by all the disrespect he receives and I lashed out via DM not thinking it would be sent out to the public eye!" the cousin said.

Foster said he ultimately bears responsibility.

"These remarks in no way reflect my ideals and values as a teammate and a man," Foster said in the statement. "I want to sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, the entire Redskins organization and most importantly the fans for the negativity that these messages created. My cousin issued an apology on his personal Twitter account @RANBOY_D_Go. But ultimately, the decision to allow my cousin to run my social media lies on my shoulders and I take full responsibility for the damage this has caused."

Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard Lead Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Song: Janet Jackson - "Rhythm Nation (HBO Special: The Velvet Rope - Live in Madison Square Garden)"


Song: Janet Jackson - "The Pleasure Principle"


Song: Janet Jackson - "When I Think of You"


Song: Janet Jackson - "Miss You Much"


Song: Janet Jackson - "That's the Way Love Goes"


Song: Janet Jackson - "Love Will Never Do Without You"


Song: Janet Jackson - "If"


Song: Janet Jackson - "Control"


Song: Janet Jackson - "Nasty"


Song: Janet Jackson - "Rhythm Nation"

Story by New York Times
Written by Ben Sisario

Janet Jackson, Radiohead, Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next year at its 34th annual induction ceremony, along with the Cure, Roxy Music and the Zombies, the organization announced on Thursday.

The class of 2019, which will formally enter the pantheon on March 29 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, represents a varied cross-section of the last half-century of pop music, with giants of classic and alternative rock, as well as a couple of acts from zones that the hall still glances at only occasionally: dance music and crowd-pleasing 1980s pop-metal.


Janet Jackson - Rock and Roll Hall of Famer

The seven inductees — the biggest class since 2004 — are mostly uncontroversial choices, which may help the hall duck the criticism it has often received because of its opaque internal politics. Three acts — Def Leppard, Roxy Music and Nicks — were accepted the first time they appeared on the ballot, while Radiohead and the Cure made it in the second time around.


Song: Janet Jackson - Alright

The artists who didn’t make the cut, including LL Cool J, Kraftwerk and the funk band Rufus, say as much about the makeup of the hall as those that did. Here are some of the themes and inevitable squabbles of the latest Rock Hall class.

Who are the big winners?


Stevie Nicks has already joined the hall as a member of Fleetwood Mac, making her the first woman to be a multiple inductee.CreditAngela Weiss/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

In the early years of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which had its first induction ceremony in 1986, the winners were unquestioned gods of the genre, like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and the Beatles. But since at least 2007, when hip-hop finally arrived via Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the hall has been the focus of continual debate about the makeup — or even the existence — of a rock canon.

This year’s crop is unlikely to stir much controversy, unlike the recent inductions of Kiss, Bon Jovi or Journey, who, despite their success, have long been reviled by many critics and other gatekeepers on the hall’s secretive nominating committee.


Song: Stevie Nicks - Stand Back

The inclusion of Radiohead and Jackson should please some of the hall’s detractors. Radiohead’s snub last year mystified many observers who saw other 1990s alternative heroes like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Green Day enter the hall the instant they became eligible. And the absence of Jackson, who had been rejected twice before, was seen as symbolic of the underrepresentation of women and people of color. In a statement, Jackson said, “I am truly honored and I am happy to be in there with my brothers,” the members of the Jackson 5, who were inducted in 1997. (Michael Jackson was also inducted as a solo artist in 2001.)

Nicks, who was already in the hall as a member of Fleetwood Mac, has been recognized for her solo career. She will be the first female multiple inductee, joining more than 20 men, including Michael Jackson, Lou Reed and each Beatle.

In two of the more standard moves, the Zombies were recognized for crisp psychedelic pop like “Time of the Season” and Roxy Music, which included Bryan Ferry and Brian Eno, was inducted as one of the prime movers of 1970s art-rock.

Who was snubbed?

Those that did not make the cut this year include Devo, Todd Rundgren and John Prine, each nominated for the first time; Rage Against the Machine, on its second nod; the 1970s funk band Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan, rejected a third time; and LL Cool J, Kraftwerk and the Detroit rock band MC5, each on its fifth nomination.

That the snubbed nominees include a number of people of color, as well as genres like hip-hop and electronic pop that are poorly represented at the Rock Hall, will not go unnoticed. LL Cool J would have been just the seventh hip-hop act inducted.

Two years ago, the voters rejected Chic — the influential disco-funk band whose song “Good Times” became part of the basic vocabulary of hip-hop — for the 11th time, although as a consolation gave Nile Rodgers, one of its founders, the award for “musical excellence.”

Let there be victory laps and no-shows


Def Leppard was accepted upon its first appearance on the ballot.CreditSteve Marcus/Reuters

For some, being in the hall of fame is an unqualified honor, as well as a valuable credential. “It’s about time,” Jon Bon Jovi said last year, when his band was finally voted in after years of having been shut out by the Rock Hall’s old guard.

Def Leppard may be this year’s equivalent, a hugely popular act that sharpened hard rock with pop formulaics, in the process earning the scorn of critics. Joe Elliott, the band’s lead singer, said in a statement, “We stand alongside some amazing artists, past and present. What an absolute honor.”


Song: Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar on Me

Def Leppard won the annual “fan ballot” with 547,697 votes. That result counts as a single vote among the more than 1,000 submitted by a voting body consisting of critics and historians, industry figures and previous inductees.

No Rock Hall ceremony would be complete without some intrigue about intraband feuds or groups’ ignoring the event altogether.

This year Radiohead is the most likely no-show. After being nominated last year, the band showed no interest. If that was not clear when the band scheduled a South American tour date on the night of the induction ceremony, then the message became unmistakable when Jonny Greenwood, one of its guitarists, said “I don’t care” whether the group gets in.

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Watching the show

Highlights from the ceremony, including jam sessions and subtle (or not-so-subtle) score-settling speeches, will be shown later in the spring on HBO, and also broadcast by SiriusXM.

It's Official! NASA's Famed Voyager 2 Spacecraft Reaches Interstellar Space

It’s official for about the third time how many times has this craft left the galaxy

Story by Live Science
Written by Meghan Bartels

WASHINGTON — It's time to say goodbye to one of the most storied explorers of our age: Voyager 2 has entered interstellar space, NASA announced today (Dec. 10).

The announcement comes ahead of a news conference here at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union. You can watch it live here at NASA.gov/live.

Urban One Launches ‘Classix 107.9’ In Philadelphia.

Urban One debuts a new classic R&B station in Philly, as “Classix 107.9” displaces gospel “Praise 10.7.9” WPPZ-FM. The “Praise” brand moves to an HD side channel and continues to stream online and on the PraisePhilly app.

“Classix 107.9” is embracing the city’s R&B history, posting photos of the legendary Philadelphia songwriting and producing team Gamble and Huff and Patti LaBelle on its Facebook page, while offering an on-air mix of classic R&B and soul from the 70s and early 80s, including tracks from Labelle. Whitney Houston, Prince, Michael Jackson, Frankie Beverly and Maze, the Commodores, Al Green and Luther Vandross.

The addition of “Classix 107.9” to the Philly airwaves comes as Urban One sister urban AC WRNB (100.3) adjusts its music library, removing much of the gold and now identifying as “Philly’s R&B Station,” dropping the “Old School” reference from its moniker. Urban One also owns urban “Boom 103.9” WPHI-FM. Other market adjustments in the urban radio landscape include iHeartMedia recently dropping classic hip-hop “Real 106.1” on WISX in favor of soft AC “106.1 The Breeze.”

“We are excited that with the launch of Classix 107.9, Radio One Philadelphia will now have programming for the entire Philadelphia African American and urban communities,” station manager Ezio Torres remarked. “Philadelphia’s cluster of stations will now have Boom 103.9 targeting those 34 and under, 100.3 WRNB for Adults 25-54, hyper focused on 25-44, and Classix 107.9 for the 35 and older.”

The gospel format heard on the 107.9 signal since 2016 moves to WPPZ-HD2 and is available on streaming platforms. “You may be wondering where Praise 107.9 is on your radio dial?” the station posted on PraisePhilly.com. “We have just moved to HD 2 for radio only, but your favorite shows and hosts will all remain the same. Our mobile app, social media and PraisePhilly.com will not change.” Praise air talent Erica Campbell, Solomon Jones, Willie Moore Jr. and Darlene McCoy remain in place.

N.Y. federal prosecutors seek prison for former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen

U.S. President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen exits Federal Court after entering a guilty plea in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 29, 2018. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Story by Reuters
Written by Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK - Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday asked a judge to sentence Michael Cohen, U.S. President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, to a "substantial term of imprisonment" for paying an adult film star hush money on Trump's behalf and evading taxes.

Cohen, who has been cooperating with U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible collusion between Russia and Trump's 2016 election campaign, pleaded guilty to the charges in August.

Cohen pleaded guilty last week to a separate charge by Mueller's office that he lied to Congress about discussions over the construction of a proposed Trump Organization skyscraper in Moscow.

In a separate filing on Friday, Mueller's office said Cohen should serve any sentence imposed for that crime concurrently with the sentence imposed for the New York charges, saying he had gone to "significant lengths to assist the Special Counsel’s investigation."

The New York prosecutors said in their filing that Cohen should receive some credit for his cooperation with Mueller, but noted that he had not entered into a cooperation agreement with their office. They said his sentence should reflect a "modest" reduction from the roughly four to five years they said federal guidelines would suggest.

Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced next Wednesday by U.S. District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan on all of the charges to which he pleaded guilty. His lawyers have asked that he receive no jail time, saying he has cooperated extensively with Mueller and New York prosecutors and has taken responsibility for his actions.

Trump, who has called Mueller's investigation a "witch hunt" and repeatedly denied wrongdoing, said earlier this week that Cohen had lied about Trump's business dealings in Russia to get reduced jail time.

Mueller's office has charged or secured convictions against more than two dozen Russian nationals and entities, as well as a number of Trump's associates. The Manhattan prosecutors' charges against Cohen stemmed from a referral from Mueller's team.

Russia has denied meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/07/politics/donald-trump-rex-tillerson/index.html

Richard Sherman slams Redskins for not calling on Colin Kaepernick

Richard Sherman isn’t thrilled that the Redskins passed on signing Colin Kaepernick while “worse football players are getting chance after chance after chance.” (Getty Images)

Story by Yahoo Sports
Written by Liz Roscher

The Washington Redskins have needed two quarterbacks in recent weeks, and at no time did they call on Colin Kaepernick. And Richard Sherman, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive back who is now with the San Francisco 49ers, isn’t having any of it.

Sherman was asked about Kaepernick when he made an appearance on CBS Sports Radio. And he was crystal clear: it’s ridiculous that Kaepernick keeps getting passed over, and it’s obvious why. Here’s what he said to CBS Sports Radio’s Tiki and Tierney when he was asked if it’s fair that the Redskins would sign Reuben Foster, who has been arrested twice in 2018 for assaulting the same woman, but would pass over Kaepernick:

“I think it’s unfair because he’s a good football player and he’s not getting a chance to play football. And worse football players are getting chance after chance after chance after chance after chance after chance. Obviously the Washington situation is the most egregious at this moment, but there have been plenty of quarterback situations that have been worse than this, and quarterbacks that have played meaningful football in this league that are not as talented or have the resume that Colin Kaepernick has. The most frustrating thing is there’s nothing that anybody can do about it. The NFL is obviously belligerently freezing him out. Everybody sees it, it’s pretty obvious, and there’s nothing that can be done.

Kaepernick has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL for this very reason: it seems like a coordinated effort to keep him out of the NFL. The excuses keep getting less believable, too. Redskins coach Jay Gruden recently said that they decided to pass over Kaepernick because there was no time to get a new QB caught up on their system, or to install both a new QB and a new system.

Either that’s a terrible excuse for why they didn’t want to sign (or even seriously consider) Kaepernick, or the Redskins are just a really bad team that can’t do what the Baltimore Ravens have managed to do for several weeks. (Honestly, both could be true.)

It’s definitely fair to say that signing Kaepernick wouldn’t have suddenly turned around the Redskins’ failing season. But it’s hard to deny that based on his résumé alone, he would have been a better choice than either Mark Sanchez, who was called in to be the backup for QB Colt McCoy, or Josh Johnson, who was signed to be Sanchez’s backup after McCoy broke his fibula. Johnson hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2013. Sherman pointed out that Kaepernick has been to the playoffs and the Super Bowl, and has played in multiple Pro Bowls.

Sherman went on the “PFT PM” podcast on Tuesday and said even more, putting the entire situation into stunning and disheartening perspective. Via ProFootballTalk:

“[McCoy and Sanchez] had up and down years and Colin has played at a higher level than I would say any of those guys ever performed at the peak of their careers. You start to see stuff like that and it’s almost like teams are purposefully making it obvious that, like, they’re keeping him out. Unfortunately there has, to this point, been nothing that the courts or the league has done about it and that’s the disappointing part, because these good football players didn’t commit a crime, he didn’t put his hands on anybody, murder anybody, you know, do anything that’s that insanely crazy that he deserves to be banned from our football league.”

It doesn’t seem like Kaepernick’s résumé matters. His collusion grievance, as well as his position on kneeling during the anthem to protest social injustice, is going to continue to keep him from getting a job in the NFL. Meanwhile, Foster’s two assault arrests in less than a year didn’t stop him from being picked up by the Redskins a mere day after he was cut.

Watch Live: President George H.W. Bush casket travels by train and motorcade to the final resting place at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Texas A and M University in College Station, Texas

Video of President George H.W. Bush's Funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington DC

Video of President Bush's Funeral (C-Span)

Live Coverage of President George H.W. Bush Memorial in Washington DC 2018-12-05

President George H.W. Bush Memorial Link by NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/livestream-honoring-the-life-of-george-h-w-bush-1387219523768

2018-12-05 Video of President George H.W. Bush's Funeral (C-Span)

Radio Industry Group Wants FCC to Eliminate Competition Rules Limiting Ownership

Story by Billboard
Written by Ed Christman

With the Federal Communication Commission about to embark on the review it does every four years of whether its broadcast ownership rules remain necessary in the public interest of competition, the National Association of Broadcasters is encouraging the agency to relax, if not eliminate all together, any restrictions on how many stations a single owner can have in one market.

Currently, the FCC allows each radio broadcaster to own or control six FM stations and two AM stations in a major market (the FCC limits depend on size of markets).

In its review, FCC will look at the overall marketplace to decide if any adjustments are needed. As part of that review, it asks interested parties for comments; while that hasn't happened yet, the NAB and two music industry groups have pro-actively submitted comments in advance of the review process.

In a letter to the FCC and in comments to the agency, the NAB says it doesn't believe the existing radio ownership limits are needed to promote competition in today's audio marketplace.

In contrast, the Music First coalition of industry trade groups and the Future of Music, working together in a joint comment, are encouraging the FCC to keep restrictions in place, arguing that further consolidation will impact diversity of programming, and thus the public interest.

The NAB's argument is based on how the competition for listeners' time has changed dramatically due to new business models from satellite and digital radio, and on-demand services, let alone Facebook and YouTube. "The Commission cannot continue to ignore multiple major sources of competition for both listeners and advertisers in the audio marketplace," the NAB's letter says.

But the music industry counters that the radio industry already owns an advantage over all other audio delivery platforms in that terrestrial radio doesn't have to license and pay royalties to record labels and artists; while all the other audio content delivery platforms make such payments.

The NAB dismisses that component of the music industry's response as irrelevant because it has nothing to do with keeping a vibrant consumer offering through competition on behalf of the public interest.

"The Coalitions' and record labels' frustration that Congress has refused to change copyright law by imposing performance rights fees on terrestrial radio stations is not a reason for the FCC to opine on a legislative matter outside the scope of its regulatory jurisdiction and expertise," the NAB said in its commentary.

Yet, in its initial comments to the FCC, the NAB also brought into play a side issue/grievance too, noting that while it has made progress in its decade long campaign to get smart phone manufacturers and carriers to turn on the radio chip, "Apple has not yet provided its customers with this feature."

Nevertheless, the NAB says of the music industry grievance, "Third parties' unhappiness over congressional decisions on copyright law is no reason for the FCC to disregard its statutory obligation under Section 202(h) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act to "ensure" that its radio ownership rules "keep pace with the competitive changes in the marketplace."

Consequently, in a letter to the FCC in June, the NAB said radio ownership limits are not needed to promote competition, adding it should be "unencumbered by regulatory restrictions" in order for terrestrial radio to remain a meaningful competitor.

But if the FCC decides that it still needs to regulate broadcast radio ownership, then the limitations should be relaxed so that in the top 75 Nielsen Audio market -- the major metropolitan markets -- a single entity can own or control up to eight commercial FM stations with no limit on AM ownership.

Moreover, the NAB suggests that if an owner has reached the 8 FM stations it is proposing as the new limit, if that owner participates in the FCC incubator program it can be affiliated with 10 FM stations in one major market. (The FCC incubator program is designed to support new and diverse entrants into the radio broadcasting industry by encouraging established radio broadcasting operators to partner and assist those new players.)

Furthermore, outside the top 75 markets, the NAB argues there should be no restrictions whatsoever on radio station ownership in the smaller markets.

In addition to competing for ears, the NAB argues that it also goes up against gigantic internet services for advertising as well. As an example, it noted both Spotify and Google offer on-demand services and programmed content through playlists; and both are aggressively pursuing advertising dollars as well. In fact, Google is so successful that its advertising revenue swamps the radio industry, according to the NAB.

While Google in fiscal 2017 took in $95 billion in advertising revenue, or six times as large as the entire advertising revenue base of the $16 billion radio industry, Billboard estimates that Google's music related advertising revenue totals about $3 billion of the $95 million, if you consider Youtube's claim that it has paid out $1.8 billion to rights holders in the last 12 months; and extrapolate out from about 65 percent of revenue paid to content owners.

Regardless, the NAB argues if radio station ownership can be increased, broadcasters will be able to take advantage of economies of scale. It also claims that increased consolidation should enhance diversity of radio programming in its filings and letters to the FCC, which were mainly authored by Rick Kaplan and Jerianne Timmerman.

In its joint comments, signed by musicFIRST executive director Chris Israel and Future of Music Coalition director Kevin Erickson and aided in the drafting by Rachel Stilwell of Law Offices of Rachel Stilwell, both organizations disagree with that assessment.

"Such consolidation… causes homogenization of AM/FM music playlists such that listeners of commercial AM/FM music-driven stations now hear a substantially less diverse swath of artists and recordings than before consolidation," the industry reps commented to the FCC.

Moreover, despite all the audio competition, terrestrial radio still has a "substantial percentage of the number of listeners who tune into audio delivery platforms, particularly in cars," those comments add.

Finally, the Music First/Future of Music response points out that one of radio's biggest owners, iHeart, as well as radio groups like The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters and the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council are opposed to further deregulation of radio ownership.

The FCC has yet to begin the formal process for its review on radio competition. Sometime in December, the agency is expected to invite comments by formal notification via publishing its "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" in the Federal Register, the official daily journal of the U.S. Government. After that, interested parties will have 45 days to file initial comments.

Colin Kaepernick 'best of the available options' as the USA's NFL Washington Redskins look to sign Quarterback

Story by NBC Sports Washington
Written by JP Finlay

Washington worked out a group of quarterbacks following the season-ending injury Alex Smith suffered against Houston on Nov. 18 and ultimately settled on signing veteran Mark Sanchez.

It was then Sanchez who had to relieve the injured Colt McCoy in Monday night's 28-13 loss to Philadelphia after McCoy broke his leg in the first half and is now reportedly also lost for the season.

So the quarterback discussion resurfaces for Washington, again with one prominent name at the top of the list of possibilities.

“Obviously the biggest name is going to be Colin Kaepernick. It was discussed two weeks ago. It’s going to get discussed again now,” NBC Sports Redskins Insider JP Finlay said on Redskins Postgame Live Monday night.

“I don’t know. I think when you were bringing somebody in to back up Colt and Colt is your guy to give you a chance to keep this ship moving forward and maybe sneak into the playoffs, Kaepernick didn’t make sense. I’m not sure Kaepernick doesn’t make sense now.

“He’s the best of the available options and he’s probably better than the guy you have going. He hasn’t been in the NFL, hasn’t been in practice, hasn’t been in a game in some time. There’s a lot more to that equation. There’s a lawsuit against the NFL. There’s reported interest that the Redskins would never bring him in. There’s all sorts of things, but I think now the Colin Kaepernick discussion should at least be had.”

National attention has been focused on Kaepernick since 2016 after he took a prominent role in pregame demonstrations during the national anthem in support of social justice.

He last played in the NFL during the 2016 season when he started 11 games for the San Francisco 49ers. During that time, he completed 59.2 percent of his passes to go along with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

President Trump returns from the 2018 G20 Summit in South America

President Trump Participates in the G20 Summit in Argentina

President Trump returns from the G20 Summit

Yesterday, President Trump and the First Lady returned from Buenos Aires, Argentina, host of the 2018 G20 Summit. As world leaders gathered, President Trump kept his promise to put Americans first every step of the way.

The summit kicked off with a historic moment: the signing of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaces the outdated NAFTA. For years, NAFTA helped incentivize offshoring, leading far too many manufacturing jobs to leave the United States. USMCA will rebalance American trade for the 21st century.

USMCA Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-secures-modern-rebalanced-trade-agreement-canada-mexico/?utm_source=ods&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1600d

Another crucial meeting took place between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China. Incredible progress was made on two fronts in particular. “President Xi, in a wonderful humanitarian gesture, has agreed to designate Fentanyl as a Controlled Substance, meaning that people selling Fentanyl to the United States will be subject to China’s maximum penalty under the law,” Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

And on trade, the two leaders struck an understanding that leaves “unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China,” President Trump said. In exchange for the Trump Administration agreeing not to raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of product to 25 percent at this time, China will agree to purchase a substantial amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between America and China.

Former President George H.W. Bush White House Portrait

Official White House Photo by Keegan Barber

A portrait of 41st President George H. W. Bush is draped with black cloth in the Cross Hall of the White House | December 1, 2018

Live Coverage of President George H.W. Bush Memorial at the Capitol Hill Rotunda

Actual "Live" Coverage Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/livestream-honoring-the-life-of-george-h-w-bush-1387219523768

Presidential Proclamation Announcing the Death of George H.W. Bush

Issued on: December 1, 2018

It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States, on November 30, 2018.

President Bush led a great American life, one that combined and personified two of our Nation’s greatest virtues: an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to public service. Our country will greatly miss his inspiring example.

On the day he turned 18, 6 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, George H.W. Bush volunteered for combat duty in the Second World War. The youngest aviator in United States naval history at the time, he flew 58 combat missions, including one in which, after taking enemy fire, he parachuted from his burning plane into the Pacific Ocean. After the war, he returned home and started a business. In his words, “the big thing” he learned from this endeavor was “the satisfaction of creating jobs.”

The same unselfish spirit that motivated his business pursuits later inspired him to resume the public service he began as a young man. First, as a member of Congress, then as Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President, and finally President of the United States, George H.W. Bush guided our Nation through the Cold War, to its peaceful and victorious end, and into the decades of prosperity that have followed. Through sound judgment, practical wisdom, and steady leadership, President Bush made safer the second half of a tumultuous and dangerous century.

Even with all he accomplished in service to our Nation, President Bush remained humble. He never believed that government — even when under his own leadership — could be the source of our Nation’s strength or its greatness. America, he rightly told us, is illuminated by “a thousand points of light,” “ethnic, religious, social, business, labor union, neighborhood, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique” in which Americans serve Americans to build and maintain the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth. President Bush recognized that these communities of people are the true source of America’s strength and vitality.

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of one of America’s greatest points of light, the death of President George H.W. Bush.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of President George H.W. Bush, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. I also direct that, for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half staff over their embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense.

I do further appoint December 5, 2018, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President George H.W. Bush. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

IHeart Secures Overwhelming Creditor Support For Chap 11 Reorg Plan.

Story by Inside Radio

iHeartMedia announced today voting results for its fifth amended joint Chapter 11 plan of reorganization with every class of creditors entitled to vote having voted to approve the plan. In a sign of substantial support, more than 90% of the votes cast by creditors and shareholders who participated in the vote approved the plan, which the company says far exceeds the number of votes needed to confirm the plan.

The voting results show strong support for the plan, which would maximize iHeart’s value, comprehensively address its funded debt obligations and position the company for continued growth and long-term success. Under that plan, iHeart’s funded debt will be reduced by about $10.3 billion—to $5.75 billion. The restructuring would also separate the company’s radio and outdoor advertising businesses.

With significant support from its creditors and an expected confirmation of the plan, the company says it expects to wrap up the restructuring process and emerge from Chapter 11 in early 2019.

Final voting results will be filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston before a Dec. 11 hearing to confirm the plan.

Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel to iHeartMedia, Moelis & Company is serving as the company’s investment banker, and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as the company’s financial advisor.

Worst riot in a decade engulfs Paris; Macron vows action

Masked demonstrators wearing yellow jackets appear through tear gas near the Champs-Elysees avenue during a demonstration Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 in Paris. French authorities have deployed thousands of police on Paris' Champs-Elysees avenue to try to contain protests by people angry over rising taxes and Emmanuel Macron's presidency. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Story by AP
Written by Sylvie Corbet

PARIS (AP) -- France's most violent urban riot in more than a decade engulfed some of central Paris on Saturday as "yellow jacket" activists torched cars, smashed windows, looted stores and tagged the Arc de Triomphe with multi-colored graffiti.

Protesters angry about rising taxes and the high cost of living clashed with French riot police, who closed off some of the city's most popular tourist areas and fired tear gas and water cannon as they tried to quell the mayhem in the streets. At least 110 people were injured.

French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the violence from the G-20 summit in Argentina, saying those who attacked police and vandalized the Arc de Triomphe will be "held responsible for their acts." He said he will hold an emergency government meeting Sunday on the protests.

"(Violence) has nothing to do with the peaceful expression of a legitimate anger" and "no cause justifies" attacks on police or pillaging stores and burning buildings, Macron said in Buenos Aires. He refused to answer any questions from journalists about the situation in Paris.

It was the third straight weekend of clashes in Paris involving activists dressed in the fluorescent yellow vests of a new protest movement and the worst urban violence since at least 2005. The scene contrasted sharply with other protests in France, where demonstrations and road blockades elsewhere were largely peaceful Saturday.

The violence is Macron's biggest challenge so far as president, and even colored his international image as he had to defend his plans for fuel tax rises — the initial impetus for the protest movement — to other leaders at the G-20 summit. France's failure to quell the anger has led to copycat yellow jacket movements in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Thousands of French police were deployed to try to contain the violence, which began Saturday morning near the Arc de Triomphe and continued well after dark. Paris police said at least 110 people, including 20 police officers, were injured in the violent protests and 224 others were arrested.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, speaking on French television channel TF1, said one protester was in a life-threatening condition after being part of a group pulling down a metal fence at the Tuileries gardens. A video on social media shows the heavy fence falling on some protesters.

By the afternoon, clashed continued down several streets popular with tourists. Pockets of demonstrators built makeshift barricades in the middle of Paris streets, lit fires, torched cars and trash cans, threw rocks at police and smashed and looted stores.

Some demonstrators removed the barriers protecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I under the Arc de Triomphe monument to pose near its eternal flame and sing the national anthem. An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw other protesters and a soldier intervene to disperse the troublemakers and protect the flame. Police later fired tear gas in the area.

Graffiti sprayed onto the Arc de Triomphe read: "yellow jackets will triumph."

By Saturday afternoon, a large part of central Paris was locked down by police, with all roads leading away from the Arc closed off as more police moved in. Over 20 downtown Paris metro stations were closed for security reasons and police ordered stores in nearby neighborhoods to close early Saturday evening.

Hours later, some cars still smoldered and law enforcement and protesters were still facing off elsewhere in the capital.

French television showed police leading a shaken woman away from the protesters, and loud bangs rang out near the famed Champs Elysees Avenue where the violence was centered.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted her "indignation" and "deep sadness" at the destruction and clashes with police, saying that violence is "not acceptable."

In addition to rising taxes, the demonstrators are furious about Macron's leadership, saying that his government does not care about the problems of ordinary people. The grassroots protests began with motorists upset over a fuel tax hike, but now involve a broad range of demands related to France's high cost of living.

The violence in Paris, however, suggests that some protests appear to have been taken over by more radical far-right or far-left groups.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen urged the protesters to go home in a tweet.

French authorities said they counted 75,000 protesters Saturday across the country, including 5,500 in Paris, numbers that were less than last week's protest but produced much more destruction.

Earlier Saturday, several hundred peaceful protesters in Paris passed through police checkpoints to reach the Champs-Elysees. They marched on the famed avenue behind a big banner that read "Macron, stop taking us for stupid people."

Access to the Champs-Elysees was closed to cars and strictly monitored by police with identity checks and bag inspections.

"It's difficult to reach the end of the month. People work and pay a lot of taxes and we are fed up," said Rabah Mendez, a protester who came from a southern suburb to march peacefully in Paris.

"Our purchasing power is severely diminishing every day. And then: taxes, taxes and taxes," said Paris resident Hedwige Lebrun. "The state is asking us to tighten our belts, but they, on the contrary, live totally above all standards with our money."

Since the yellow jacket movement kicked off on Nov. 17, two people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes or accidents stemming from the protests.