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Home » Microbiology » Virology » Hepatitis D Virus – Structure, Genome, Replication, Pathogenesis,
Hepatitis D Virus – Structure, Genome, Replication, Pathogenesis,
Hepatitis D, commonly referred to as "delta hepatitis," is a viral infection of the liver (HDV). Hepatitis D is only transmitted to individuals who are ...
What is Hepatitis D Virus?
Key facts about Hepatitis D Virus
Epidemiology of Hepatitis D Virus
Transmission of Hepatitis D Virus
Structure of Hepatitis D Virus
Viral replication of HDV
Pathogenesis of HDV
Clinical significance of HDV
Diagnosis of HDV
Treatment of HDV
Prevention of HDV
Hepatitis D, commonly referred to as "delta hepatitis," is a viral infection of the liver (HDV). Hepatitis D is only transmitted to individuals who are simultaneously infected with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis D is transmitted when blood or other body fluids from an infected individual enter the body of an uninfected person. Hepatitis D can manifest as either an acute, short-term infection or a chronic, long-term illness. Hepatitis D can produce severe symptoms and disease, which might result in permanent liver damage or even death. People can become infected with both the hepatitis B and hepatitis D viruses simultaneously (known as "coinfection"), or they might acquire hepatitis D after being infected with hepatitis B (known as "superinfection"). No vaccination exists to prevent hepatitis D. Vaccination against hepatitis B also protects against potential hepatitis D infection.
HDV is the smallest human-infecting virus known to science. HDV is actually a satellite virus of HBV, which provides the envelope proteins necessary for HDV formation.
As a necessary stage in the formation of HDV virion particles, HDV attracts the HBV envelope proteins; hence, HBV and HDV share the envelope glycoproteins. A second oddity is that HDV has a circular RNA genome that is only 1.7 kb long.
HDV is the only known animal virus with circular RNA. In this way, HDV is frequently associated with viroids, a plant agent.
Approximately 15 million individuals worldwide are afflicted with HDV, out of the 240 million infected with its aiding virus HBV. Due to HDV's need on the presence of HBV envelope proteins, HDV can only develop effective infections in healthy individuals who are coinfected with HBV and HDV.
HDV can infect persons who are already infected with HBV. Hepatitis D is regarded as one of the most severe forms of viral hepatitis in humans.
HDV infection frequently exacerbates CHB patients' liver condition and frequently results in fulminant hepatitis or even liver failure.
Approximately 5% of CHB carriers also carry HDV. There are presently no specialised antivirals for treating HDV infection, and antivirals for HBV do not improve hepatitis D.
Certain regions, such as the Middle East and Southern Italy, have a higher incidence of HDV/HBV coinfected people. The HBV vaccine is preventative against HDV infection.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a virus whose reproduction requires hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infects around 5% of chronic hepatitis B virus carriers worldwide (HBV).
HDV infection develops when a person has hepatitis B and D simultaneously (co-infection) or hepatitis D after having already contracted hepatitis B. (super-infection).
Indigenous communities, beneficiaries of haemodialysis, and persons who inject drugs are more likely to be co-infected with HBV and HDV.
Since the 1980s, the number of HDV infections has dropped globally, primarily due to a successful global HBV immunisation programme.
The combination of HDV and HBV infection is regarded as the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis due to its accelerated development towards liver-related mortality and hepatocellular cancer.
Immunization against hepatitis B helps prevent hepatitis D infection, although treatment success rates are low.
Even though HDV is dependent on HBV, its geographical distribution differs from that of HBV due in part to transmission method differences. HDV is transmitted mostly by parenteral exposure to blood or blood products. While sexual transmission is uncommon (even among homosexual men), vertical transmission is uncommon.
The majority of HDV epidemiological data has been collected from HBV carriers who are also infected with HDV. It is estimated that approximately 5% of HBV carriers are infected with HDV.
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic fall in HDV transmission as a result of the declining incidence of HBV infection. This is primarily due to improvements in socioeconomic conditions, awareness of infectious disease transmission, and vaccination rates for hepatitis B.
HDV is most frequent in the Mediterranean region, East Africa, the Amazon basin, the Middle East, Central and Northern Asia, and certain Pacific regions.
In Western nations, HDV infection is uncommon and restricted to populations at high risk, such as intravenous drug users, immigrants from highly endemic regions, and recipients of numerous transfusions.
As with HBV, HDV is transmitted through broken skin (through injection, tattooing, etc.) or contact with infected blood or blood products. Transmission from mother to offspring is conceivable but uncommon. Vaccination against HBV reduces HDV coinfection; hence, the global incidence of hepatitis D has decreased due to the development of paediatric HBV immunisation initiatives.
Chronic HBV carriers are susceptible to HDV infection. People who are not immune to HBV (either due to natural disease or vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine) are susceptible to HBV infection, which increases their chance of HDV infection.
Indigenous individuals, drug injectors, and those with hepatitis C virus or HIV infection are more likely to be co-infected with HBV and HDV. The risk of co-infection appears to be higher among haemodialysis patients, males who have sex with other men, and commercial sex workers.
On the exterior of HDV is a spherical lipoprotein envelope carrying HBsAg. Inside the virion is a ribonucleoprotein containing the viral genome complexed with HDAg.
The viral genome consists of a 1.7 kb negative-polarity single-stranded circular RNA (ssRNA).
Due to the high concentration of GC, approximately 74% of the nucleotides complement themselves intramolecularly, may fold into a secondary structure resembling a rod, and are complexed to HDAg.
Delta antigen
The single protein encoded by HDV is the Delta (HDAg) antigen, a phosphoprotein that exists in two protein forms: HDAg-S and HDAg-L, with molecular weights of 24 kilodaltons (195 amino acids) and 27 kilodaltons (214 amino acids), respectively. HDAg-S enhances RNA replication whereas HDAg-L promotes HDV RNA enveloping to form the virion, according to studies.
During the replication cycle, the antigenome undergoes a post-transcriptional modification in which the gene encoding HDAg-S is modified by an enzyme known as Adenosine Deaminase (ADAR1), a host protein, by substituting an adenine for an inosine and indirectly exchanging the UAG-stop codon for a UGG-tryptophan, known as the Amber/W site, which will give rise to the gene.
The C-terminal portion of HDAg-L contains 19 extra amino acids, which distinguishes it from HDAg. Multiple functional domains are shared by both HDAg isoforms, including the RNA-binding domain (RBD), a nuclear localization signal (NLS), a coiled coil domain (CCD), and a proline- and glycine-rich C-terminal region. The 19 extra amino acids of HDAg-L constitute a virus assembly signal (VAS), a highly variable and genotype-specific sequence. It acts as a binding site interacting with HBsAg/membrane, which is important to virus assembly.
HDAg undergoes further post-transcriptional changes, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, and isoprenylation in the case of HDAg-L. HDAg subcellular localization and RNA replication were correlated with the methylation of Arg13, acetylation of Lys72, and phosphorylation of Ser177 and Ser123. The majority of these modifications are crucial for the roles of HDAg-S in HDV RNA replication, which acts by directly boosting the elongation of transcription via the substitution of the transcription repressor elongation factor connected to RNA polymerase II.
Structures of the two types of Delta antigen.
HDV RNA
Replication of the genome is entirely driven by RNA, i.e., all the synthesis of new RNA uses HDV RNA as its template, with no intermediate DNA template. In hepatocytes, HDV synthesises antigenome, which is complementary RNA, from its genome.
This activity is an absolute need for viral RNA replication; the genome and antigenome each contain one ribozyme domain with approximately 85 nucleotides that are capable of self-cleaving and self-binding.
The virion sticks to hepatocytes by an interaction between HbsAg-L and an uncharacterized membrane receptor in the host cell.
the virion penetrates the cell and loses its envelope.
The ribonucleoprotein (HDV RNA complexed with HDAg) is transported into the nucleus of the cell;
genomic RNA is transcribed in the nucleus into mRNA and antigenomic RNA, which serves as a template for new RNA genomic transcripts.
The mRNA is exported to the cytoplasm, where it is translated into HDAg-S in the endoplasmic reticulum;
the newly formed HDAg-S molecules then return to the nucleus to assist the synthesis of additional RNA. The two forms of HDAg combine with the new genomic RNA to generate new ribonucleoproteins.
which are then transported to the cytoplasm, where they interface with HBV envelope proteins via HDAg-L in the endoplasmic reticulum to form new viral particles.
By budding in an intermediate compartment.
these particles are exported from the hepatocyte via the trans-Golgi network in order to reinfect new cells.
Even though the pathophysiology of HDV infection is still poorly understood, it is dependent on two major mechanisms: direct cytotoxicity in the acute phase and immune-mediated hepatitis in the chronic phase.
Typically, the HDV infection is not immediately cytopathic. Large amounts of S-HDAg or HDV RNA synthesis are only directly harmful to the hepatocyte membrane in extreme cases, resulting in cell death.
In the chronic phase, inflammatory cells encircle hepatocytes, and numerous autoantibodies (e.g., liver-kidney-microsomal type 3 antibodies) have been discovered, suggesting an immunopathogenic involvement.
In addition, the interaction between HDV and HBV affects the natural progression: a chronic HDV infection might inhibit HBV multiplication, resulting in HBeAg and HBsAg seroclearance.
On the other hand, serum HBV DNA persistence increases the risk of liver disease progression.
HDV illness can manifest in one of three forms: First, simultaneous primary coinfection with HBV and HDV can generate an acute illness identical to that caused by HBV alone, with the exception that, depending on the relative concentrations of the two agents, two episodes of acute hepatitis may occur in succession.
In addition, the risk of deadly fulminant hepatitis induced by HDV is significantly higher than with HBV alone. The probability of progression to the second form of HDV illness (chronic coinfection with HBV) is also significantly elevated.
Cirrhosis and HCC, as well as liver failure-related mortality, occur more commonly than with HBV infection alone.
The third variation, primary HDV infection of a chronically HBV-infected individual, results in severe acute hepatitis after a brief incubation time and, in over 70% of instances, chronic HDV infection. Again, the chance of acute hepatitis becoming fulminant is substantially raised in this circumstance, and the persistent infection is frequently of the severe chronic variety.
HDV antibody (anti-HDV) is the serological marker of HDV infection and can be tested via radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgM anti-HDV, which corresponds to contemporaneous hepatic necroinflammation and predicts disease progression56 or remission of chronic HDV infection, is the most important diagnostic marker for active HDV infection.
IgM anti-HDV is not indicative of acute HDV infection as it is with hepatitis A or B, as the titer is frequently elevated in patients with persistent chronic HDV infection.
Using IgM anti-HBc, one may differentiate between patients with coinfection and superinfection: in HBsAg-positive individuals, the presence of both IgM anti-HBc and IgM anti-HDV supports HDV–HBV coinfection, whereas the presence of IgM anti-HDV alone suggests a superinfection with HDV.
Low levels of HDV antigenemia can be detected using a radiolabeled Western blot antibody. In addition, the real-time reverse transcription PCR technique may detect HDV viremia at concentrations as low as 100 copies per millilitre.
In the chronic phase, the serum HDV RNA level is related with liver damage and higher ALT levels. The presence of HDAg in the nuclei of hepatocytes is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic HDV infection, and liver biopsies continue to be the most definitive approach for assessing disease severity.
There is no treatment available for HDV infection. Due to the fact that HDV requires co-infection with HBV, strategies for preventing HBV infection are also helpful for preventing HDV infection.
There is no HDV-specific vaccination available. Those who are persistently infected with HBV can only be safeguarded from HDV by reducing exposure opportunities. Those who are protected from HBV infection through vaccination are not susceptible to HDV.
Because hepatitis D virus requires hepatitis B virus to proliferate, the hepatitis B vaccine offers protection against hepatitis D virus. [37][38]
In the absence of a vaccine against delta virus, risk groups must receive the HBV vaccine shortly after delivery.
(Reference needed)
Although the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing HBV is questionable, they may potentially assist reduce the transmission rate.
Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive can undergo a blood test for HBV to determine in advance whether or not the newborn should get HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin) and a vaccine.
Patients with hepatitis B may choose to avoid tattoos and piercings, as needles are a transmission pathway. This also applies to patients who take injectable medicines. Entering a treatment programme or refraining from sharing needles or other instruments with others may be advantageous for reducing transmission risk.
Masood U, John S. Hepatitis D. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470436/
Botelho-Souza, L.F., Vasconcelos, M.P.A., dos Santos, A.d. et al. Hepatitis delta: virological and clinical aspects. Virol J 14, 177 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-017-0845-y
Turon-Lagot, Vincent & Saviano, & Schuster, Catherine & Baumert, & Verrier, Eloi. (2020). Targeting the Host for New Therapeutic Perspectives in Hepatitis D. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 9. 222. 10.3390/jcm9010222.
Abbas Z, Afzal R. Life cycle and pathogenesis of hepatitis D virus: A review. World J Hepatol. 2013 Dec 27;5(12):666-75. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i12.666. PMID: 24409335; PMCID: PMC3879688.
Ryu, W.-S. (2017). Hepatitis Viruses. Molecular Virology of Human Pathogenic Viruses, 319–334. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800838-6.00023-0
Chen, D.-S., & Chen, P.-J. (2011). Hepatitis B and Deltavirus Infections. Tropical Infectious Diseases: Principles, Pathogens and Practice, 433–440. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-3935-5.00066-5
Louten, J. (2016). Hepatitis Viruses. Essential Human Virology, 213–233. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-800947-5.00012-0
https://viralzone.expasy.org/175
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Hepatitis-D.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hdv/index.htm#:~:text=Hepatitis%20D%20only%20occurs%20in,long%2Dterm%2C%20chronic%20infection.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-d
Hepatitis B Virus – Structure, Replication, Pathogenesis, Genome, Transmission
Rabies Virus – Structure, Genome Organization, Pathogenesis, Replication
Sourav Bio. (January 5, 2023).Hepatitis D Virus – Structure, Genome, Replication, Pathogenesis,. Retrieved from https://microbiologynote.com/hepatitis-d-virus-structure-genome-replication-pathogenesis/
Sourav Bio. "Hepatitis D Virus – Structure, Genome, Replication, Pathogenesis,." Microbiology Note, Microbiologynote.com, January 5, 2023.
Hepatitis A Virus – Structure, Replication, Pathogenesis, Genome, Transmission
Hepatitis C virus – Structure, Replications, Pathogenesis, Genome Structure
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With Michael Gough, Robin Askwith, Vanessa Shaw, Ellen Pollock, Skip Martin, Dennis Price.
Totally offbeat horror film about a musician (Askwitch) and his girlfriend (Shaw) who decide to take a vacation and end up at a health resort run by a mad doctor named Doc Storm (played with relish by Gough).
'Health resort,' indeed! It seems the good doctor practices some unorthodox medicine: he performs surgery on his healthy young patients and turns them into brain dead zombies which he commands via remote control. Yikes.
Gough chews up the scenery and tears up the premise in this wacko Brit horror with a gallows sense of humor.
No classic, but in the right frame of mind you might enjoy this minor effort which plays out like some Hammer film left out too long in the sun.
Also known as Computer Killers.


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Watch This Now
Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry Fetes the Country Music Legend
ALSO: Mike Birbiglia: The New One, The Voice, Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season, The Resident, and more
posted by Mike Attebery
Dolly Parton performs on Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry. (Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC)
Dolly Parton is having a moment. (But, really, when hasn't she?) Hot on the heels for her hosting stint at last month's CMA's and the release of Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on Netflix, NBC is airing a special celebrating her 50th year as a member of Grand Ole Opry. Not only will Parton herself deliver some of her bigest hits in front of a live audience, but country music superstars new and old will on hand to celebrate Parton's career and perform. Here's what's new and noteworthy on TV this Tuesday:
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams Jr. are among the big names taking the stage for Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry, but the biggest name is of course Parton herself. 9:00 PM ET on NBC
COMEDY SPECIAL: After a three month run on Broadway (and a subsequent national tour), Mike Birbiglia: The New One lands on Netflix. The king of the one man show, Birbiglia chronicles his life as a very nervous new dad in his Drama Desk Award-winnning performance. Watch the preview. Streaming on Netflix
LIVE ELIMINATIONS SHOW: It's that time of the week again on The Voice, with nine performers getting the all clear, while two will have to face off for an instant save and the chance to move on in the competition. 8:00 PM ET on NBC
DOCUMENTARY: The documentary Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season follows the accomplished competitive skier as she attempts to break the record for most World Cup wins. Watch the preview. 10:00 PM ET on HBO
NEW EPISODE: Devon (Manish Dayal) and Irving (Tasso Feldman) cover a hectic thanksgiving shift on The Resident, with the wave of patients including a celebrity with a medical emergency. Meanwhile, Nicolette (Emily Vancamp) and Conrad (Matt Czuchry) have plans for a private Thanksgiving, but Kyle (Corbin Bernsen) has other ideas. 8:00 PM ET on Fox
ALSO TODAY
Check Inn to Christmas stars Rachel Boston (American Dreams) and Wes Brown (True Blood) in a tale of romance and rivalry in the Rocky Mountains. 8:00 PM ET on Hallmark
Super Monsters Save Christmas sees the ghoulish preschoolers getting into the spirit of the holiday. Streaming on Netflix
Mike Attebery is Senior Editor at Primetimer and the author of seven mystery thrillers. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeattebery.
TOPICS: Dolly Parton, NBC
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Dive Deeper: Visit the Dolly Parton page
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Let's Eat Grandma – I'm All Ears
A world of youthful exuberance, glorious, carefree fun and pop brilliance.
Label: Transgressive Records
Released: 29th June 2018
Published: 4:19 pm, June 26, 2018Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
The future is supposed to be unknown, right? If the joy is in the journey, then knowing the final destination should spoil the fun. If that's the case, someone explain why 'I'm All Ears' is such a riotous blast.
Because, make no bones about it, Let's Eat Grandma have shown us what's coming. In a three-track blast at the front end of their second full-length, they showcase a world of youthful exuberance, glorious, carefree fun and pop nous that sets their peers back on their heels. From the audacious, warping brilliance of 'Hot Pink' through the glimmering 'It's Not Just Me' and the con dent, empowered battle cry of 'you got this' in 'Falling Into Me', it's a tour de force which becomes almost transcendental.
Be clear. This is all Let's Eat Grandma. Though Rosa and Jenny have convened a council of some of pop's brightest minds – including chief pop futurist SOPHIE and the Horrors' master of reinvention Faris Badwan – it's their raw attitude that ties the threads together. While 'I'm All Ears' may be a sonic leap from debut 'I, Gemini', it's that spirit that pulls a world of different, sparkling ideas together and makes them stick.
It's not just that run of standout singles that makes 'I'm All Ears' special, though. Throughout there's a spirit of invention that refuses to be tied to any single idea. Instead of an uneven listen, it makes for a visceral breath of fresh air, sweeping through with every new offering. 'Snakes & Ladders' cracks like a whipped tail over smouldering embers, while 'I Will Be Waiting' shimmers and pounds in equal measure. In their hands, even a nine-minute plus slow-burning epic grabs the attention and holds it for keeps, as 'Cool & Collected', evolving and twisting throughout.
In a world packed with old, boring men pushing old, boring ideas, it's hard not to frame Let's Eat Grandma as an antidote. In truth, forcing them into a comparison with such mundane drudgery does them a disservice. 'I'm All Ears' isn't an answer to a broken system – it's a new set of no-rules to replace all establishment norms. Fuck expectation. Be yourself. Do what you want. It's the future.
Featuring Let's Eat Grandma, Matt Maltese, Spring King, Pale Waves, Idles and more.


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The Ludic Reader
I read, therefore I am.
What is a ludic reader?
Book Graveyard
My Reader's Table
About my book club
I Must Say – Martin Short
Posted on July 21, 2016 by Christie
I think it's probably un-Canadian not to like Martin Short. He (and his alter egos) has been
making me laugh for at least 30 years, so I was really looking forward to reading his memoir I Must Say. Just the title alone conjures up an image of Ed Grimley, the horn-haired, high-waisted-pant wearing, triangle-playing nerd who coined the phrase.
Short was born in Hamilton, Ontario, the youngest of five. His father, Charles, an executive at the steel plant, and his mother, Olive, a classically trained violinist created a family environment that nurtured his offbeat creativity from an early age.
Outside, on Whitton Road, normal Canadian childhoods were taking place, with kids playing hockey in the streets until darkness fell and the streetlights came on. Inside, little Marty was snapping his fingers and singing, "Weather-wise, it's such a cuckoo- daaay!"
Despite his artistic leanings, Short hadn't planned on a career in show business and he credits Eugene Levy with encouraging him to try out for a Toronto-based production of Godspell. It was 1972 and Short had just graduated from McMaster University. His intention was to do social work, but he said he'd give the acting thing a year. We all know how that turned out.
I Must Say is a chatty, name-dropping memoir that is both fun to read (mostly because you'll know virtually every single name Short drops; it's a veritable who's who of Canadian comedy royalty) and also illuminating. Short makes us laugh – well, he makes me laugh at any rate – but his life has not been without its tragedies. He lost his older and much admired brother, David, when he was just twelve. He was young when both his parents died. And I read about the death of his wife of 36 years, Nancy, with a lump in my throat.
Other bits of the book are laugh-out-loud funny, especially when you are familiar with Short's iconic characters including Lawrence Orbach, Franck from Father of the Bride and my personal favourite, the ill-prepared, self-important, overweight celebrity interviewer, Jiminy Glick. I could watch Jiminy interview celebs for hours and pee my pants laughing every single time.
I don't read a lot of memoirs and certainly don't care that much about the cult of celebrity
to read those written by the rich and famous, but Short gets a pass because I have loved him for many years. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, he's my go-to guy. I was happy to 'read' that despite his Rolodex of famous friends he's a pretty down-to-earth guy – a creative, smart and self-deprecating man who often had painful bouts of self-doubt. If you have any love for SCTV, SNL or The Three Amigos, I Must Say is an enjoyable way to spend a handful of hours.
This entry was posted in Book Chat and tagged 2016, Book Review, Canadian, memoir by Christie. Bookmark the permalink.
2 thoughts on "I Must Say – Martin Short"
debbierodgers @Exurbanis on July 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm said:
I love Martin Short, too. I lived in Hamilton for a dozen years and have the opinion that just about anybody from there is down-to-earth; it's that kind of city. I'm putting this book on my TBR list. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Christie on July 21, 2016 at 7:11 pm said:
I also lived in Hamilton for a little while. 🙂 You can't read the book without hearing all those voices in your head. Fun.


Hardwick is located in Massachusetts. Hardwick, Massachusetts 01031 has a population of 3,008.
The median household income in Hardwick, Massachusetts 01031 is $59,148. The median household income for the surrounding county is $65,453 compared to the national median of $53,482. The median age of people living in Hardwick 01031 is 47.8 years.
I am interested in 20-22 Upper Church St, Hardwick, MA 01031.


To understand the awesome 'Power of Compounding' let us do some fun maths.
Let us take an example of Kid A, who gets a supposedly great paying job for a 20-year-old at $45,000 per annum. He actually survives on the same $15,000 a year that Kid B, going to med-school, survived on. Now let's assume that the 20-year-old who skipped med-school for that great paying job invested the remaining $30,000 of his salary in stocks.
The med-school student. Kid B, graduates 'on time' at the age of 28; secures a job paying $75,000 a year and pays all of his debts off by the age of 33—so theoretically, he's 33 before he actually has an effective salary of $75,000.
Kid A, who skipped med-school and invested in stocks, earned the historical average of 10.1% annually on his money (10.1% since 1926…but if you skip the Great Depression years the average is actually closer to 13%). So, where is this kid at the age of 33? He has $920,180 dollars in compounding assets. Coupled with his $45,000 annual salary, he will earn $135,000 at the age of 33 while the doctor earns $75,000.
The doctor cannot mathematically catch up to the scrub (Kid A) who's still at his 45k year salary (maybe more). 13 years hence, he has about 122k to reinvest in the market that year while the doctor will never be able to match that investment; he will always play the catch-up game no matter how much he may earn.
But none of this actually happens, does it? That kid, A doesn't invest, and the doctor stays in debt. The statistics mentioned above are just used as a guide to elucidate a point; it does not mean that the right education doesn't give fruitful results. .
The point is that understanding compounding, and starting out early makes you wealthy. It's surprising they don't teach real-life economics in school.
The Golden Rule of Accumulation and power of compounding is – START EARLY. Time, without a doubt, is the most important powerful weapon in an investor's arsenal. There is nothing that comes close to it.
The power of compounding accelerates and creates a snowball of money. At first, your returns may appear unsatisfactory, but if you're patient, eventually, your initial investment will grow enormously.
Another important facet of compounding is that a small change in the rate of return can produce a huge impact over time. For instance, if you gift your newborn son $10,000, and if his portfolio returns 10% annually, then your original gift of $10,000 will grow to $4.5 million by the time he is 65.
But if his portfolio returns 8%, then it grows to only $1.4 million. On the other hand, if it returns only 5%, the portfolio will increase to a mere $227,000. In other words, if the rate of return is halved then, the portfolio will be less than 1/20th the size.
This is a very crucial to remember—a minimal percentage change in interest rate can have a huge impact on the final outcome. So when you are investing or borrowing money for real estate/business, negotiate interest to the second decimal point. Banks and financial institutions understand this because it is their bread and butter. So should you, because if you do not negotiate hard no one will give you an inch.
In the game of money, he wins who understands money the best.


Essex Wasp Control is a professionally run family business, specializing in hornet nest removal & hornet nest destruction, protecting homes and businesses throughout Chigwell Row and surrounding villages.
Essex Wasp Control prides itself with referrals, recommendations and take a professional approach to pest control management, we consider ourselves to be one of the leading family run hornet nest removal companies in Chigwell Row and will not be beaten on service.
To book a prompt Hornet, Wasp or Bee appointment for the Chigwell Row area, contact us by phone or if you prefer, send your enquiry online.
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Years ago, I put together little 'thank you for your purchase' packets of premixed spices for dishes which could be utilized with our grass finished beef. Customers who purchased a certain amount of beef or lamb from us would receive a packet or two. Although, I no longer offer fully grass-finished beef and lamb at the retail level, I try to keep a few of these on hand for gifts and such.
Heat oil in Dutch oven or deep 12-inch skillet until hot. Cook and stir beef in hot oil until brown about 15 minutes. Add water, tomatoes (with liquid), onions, garlic, paprika, Salt, bouillon, caraway seed, and Pepper. Break up tomatoes with fork. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
Add potatoes; cover and simmer until beef and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Add green peppers; cover and simmer until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve in soup bowls with chunks of French bread for dipping into hot broth.
That's it! My packet of spices makes it easy in that you don't have to chop onions or garlic and there is no need to keep all those spices on hand. Additionally, my packets only contain certified organic or all natural ingredients and no preservatives. So these are best kept in the freezer for long term storage.
Recipe right on the packet!
As with any recipe – be flexible with what you have on hand and what you like. We aren't keen on cooked peppers, so i replace them with green beans or peas. It might accommodate sliced fresh okra as well, but haven't tried that one. I suspect using grass-finished ground beef would work, too! Of course, you don't have to use clean grass finished beef, but since that is what we raise, I tend to be biased that way!


Bono of U2 - Live on stage before a sell out crowd at Twickenham Stadium.
Punk rock poet and musician Patti Smith, at the Royal Festival Hall, to launch the Meltdown Festival. As well as performing a number of times in thie 2005 event, Smith was also the festival director.


Our bar has a vast selection of drinks for you to choose from, including beer, soju, double shots, whiskey combos, as well as tequila, vodka, and champagne combos. Our offerings will surely set the mood of your get-together. To make it even more special, we can even whip up a birthday cake for celebrants! Visit website for more details.


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ECOWAS, UN Agencies End 2-Day Joint Retreat
by Naomiemeka
The Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS), the United Nations Volunteers Program (UNV) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), have ended a two-day joint retreat in Monrovia.
The retreat was was an exercise to revise the existing partnership agreement between ECOWAS Commission and the UNV, and to further propose a new agreement between these organizations.
It was the first between the ECOWAS Commission and the UNV since the partnership was signed in 2005, under the ECOWAS Volunteer Program (EVP), which was also initiated by the ECOWAS Commission on November 5, 2004.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Industry and Private Sector Mamadou Traore, informed participants that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a cost–sharing agreement was signed between the UNV and ECOWAS Commission in 2005, but has not been re-commissioned to effectively establish the ECOWAS EVP with technical support, and funding from the UNV and the African Development Bank (ADB).
The retreat, Mr. Traore said, has provided framework that will formulate new ideas to mutually benefit the cooperation among the UNV, ECOWAS Commission and UNOSSC.
"We hope that this retreat will also provide the ground for heightening collaboration and development of new templates for a three–party South–South arrangement among UNV, ECOWAS Commission and the UNOSSC in the areas of youth migration, youth entrepreneurship, education, scholarships, gender development as well as volunteerism," Traore said.
Benedict D. Roberts, Head of ECOWAS National Office and Chair of the ECOWAS Coordinating Council of EVP-Liberia, said that the single most important instrument in the MoU, which binds them together and determines the roles individuals play was a subject for discussion at the meeting.
Roberts cautioned participants to contribute to make their gathering achieve its objectives.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Andy Quamie, expressed confidence that the meeting will help strengthen the existing partnership and also help Liberian youth, who are at a disadvantage.
The retreat was attended by representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, UNV program, and the UNOSSC, who discussed ways of strengthening the existing partnership among the three institutions to include Liberian youth.
Genocide Survivor Speaks of Healing and Forgiveness
Rwanda's international recognition is often defined by the horrific 1994 genocide, but to many of the country's citizens, the its story should not begin or end there.
Ebralie Mwizerwa, a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, relayed Rwanda's story of tragedy, strength, and regrowth to a packed classroom of students, faculty, and staff.
"Rwanda has risen from ashes. From the genocide, we completely lost the country. But thank God for the leaders who could rebuild and understand and for the Rwandans who could be so resilient to rebuild again. Its narrative has to be continued and known by the world," said Mwizerwa.
The genocide began in April 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War, following ethnic tensions between the Hutu ethnic majority and the Tutsi minority. The Hutu nationalists initiated the mass killings and called for local citizens to engage in the violence against their neighbors, the Tutsis.
As a result of this genocide, more than 2 million Rwandans fled the country and nearly 1 million were killed.
Mwizerwa hid for weeks with her children, emerging at the end of the 100-day genocide in July 1994 to step over piles of dead bodies, which included members of her extended family. This traumatic experience has become integral to her life and career, which she now uses to share her story and promote peace.
Mwizerwa and her family came to the United States as refugees and found the opportunity to mend the broken spirits of other refugees. She and her husband co-founded Legacy Mission Village in 2000, a non-profit that helps refugees adjust to their new homes and become active and productive members of their community.
Today, she lives in Tennessee and works as the Project Coordinator for the Outreach Foundation, which is a religious charity that hosts missions to provide aid to those in need across the globe.
As a survivor herself, Mwizerwa has used the tool of forgiveness to move on and continue to be strong for her family and herself. She said that the wounds are still sometimes fresh for survivors, but forgiveness has al- lowed her to no longer be a prisoner of the past.
Instead, she has become a champion for the future through her work with the Outreach Foundation.
Mwizerwa places her faith in God as the true power that al- lowed for her to be a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide and to be a forgiving individual. Through her spirituality, Mwizerwa survived the Rwandan Genocide while pregnant with her fifth child and surrounded by her other four. "I cannot tell you
how much we faced death. I cannot tell you how much we were saved by the Hand that protected us," said Mwizerwa.
The turning point of her path toward forgiveness began in 2011 when she and her husband accompanied a mission team to Rwanda. There, she encountered some of the Hutus who had killed her loved ones.
In this situation, Mwizerwa explained that there were two options: revenge or forgiveness. "The one [thing] we can do is to go to them, acknowledge that we know their mistake, and stand our ground of peace. Peacemaking has never been an easy situation," said Mwizerwa.
However, Mwizerwa and her husband took their forgive- ness one step further by performing an act of servanthood. "We took a basin and washed their feet as a sign to them [that] this is it. We are putting this down. We wash it away, and we are your servants," said Mwizerwa. She did this to prove to the Hutus that she forgave them.
Before this, the Hutus were hostile and aggressive because they thought Mwizerwa and her husband were coming for revenge.
However, with forgiveness does not come forgetfulness. Mwizerwa has still retained the memories of those she lost: her neighbors, uncles, cousins, and mother-in-law.
"Today the battle is how should we move on and how should we forgive. People are still stuck in 1994… because of the many things that came their way," said Mwizerwa.
Rwanda has started rebuilding itself from the ground up through convicting those responsible for organizing the genocide, growing their economy out of poverty, and uniting with one another through pride for their country.
The event was hosted by the Africa & African-American Studies Program and facilitated by Dr. J. Scott Hewitt, associate professor and director of teacher education. Hewitt is also the faculty leader for the Rollins field study that travels to Rwanda every other year
ECOWAS Court Orders FG to Investigate 2016 Agatu Killings
The ECOWAS Court of Justice sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the Federal Government to investigate the 2016 mass killings and destruction of properties in the Agatu Community in Benue State, identify and prosecute the perpetrators and redress the victims.
Delivering judgment in a suit brought by a catholic priest, Reverend Father Solomon Mfa, and eleven others, a three member panel of the Court found the government in 'violation of their obligation to protect the human rights of the Agatu Community and prevent its violation.'
Other plaintiffs in the suit no: ECW/CCJ/APP/11/16, are, Reverend Joseph Dooga, Dr. Sam Abah, Dr.David Iordaah, Hon. Ochepo Yakubu, Hon. Terse Tange, Favour Adah Paul, Samuel Msonter Ijoho, Iorbee Bajah, Ashi Bajah, Terseer Iorbee Bajah and Movement Against Fulani Occupation(MAFO), while the President of Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and the Minister of Internal Affairs are 1st to 4th defendants respectively.
The plaintiffs had dragged the Federal Government to the region Court to address the issue of the alleged violation of their fundamental human rights.
A statement from the Communication Division of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, said the Applicants claimed that within the last three years, Fulani Herdsmen had carried out over 50 major attacks on Benue communities the most prominent of them taking place in 15 out of 23 Local Government Areas of the State namely, Agatu, Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Tarka, Buruku, Katsina Ala, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Oju, Obi and Konshisha.
Furthermore, they alleged that affected communities had been completely overwhelmed and were now desolate and devastated as they have suffered wanton destruction of their properties and lives including: burning down and general destruction of houses and homes, sundry household items, farms, crops, economic trees, vehicles, machineries, food stuffs, schools etc.
The plaintiffs claimed that over 1000 people have been killed, according to documents filed before the Court with hundreds of thousands displaced while others are living in deplorable make shift camps and properties worth billions of naira destroyed in their communities by these ravaging Fulani Herdsmen this year alone.
They claimed that the action of the Defendants' by not constituting an investigation panel nor taking measures to forestall a reoccurrence, amounted to negligence, was oppressive, arbitrary, capricious, and for Injuring the dignity and pride of the Applicants and for causing them great physical and psychological trauma.
The court was presided over by the President, Honourable Justice Edward Asante, but the judgment was read by Honorable Justice Dupe Atoki, wherein the Court also ordered the government to provide adequate security by deploying more security personnel to the 'area to protect the Community and prevent further occurrences of that mayhem.'
Relying on Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Right, to which the country is signatory, the Court held that in 'view of the fact that the mass killings and destruction were admitted by both parties and uncontroverted therefore need no proof, the Respondent is under obligation to recognize the rights enshrined in the charter and adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to them.'
In other words: 'the Respondent is obliged to protect the human rights of its citizens, in the instant case, the Agatu communities as guaranteed under the African Charter and prevent their violations even by private actors.'
The Court had earlier rejected the argument of the defendants contesting the locus of the plaintiffs by holding that the law recognizes the right of individuals and corporate bodies who are not victims to bring an action in a representative capacity under the principle of Actio Popularis.
"The Court under this situation will allow NGO's and Public spirited individuals to institute actions on behalf of group of victims usually from a community or class of people based on common public interest to claim for the violation of their human rights, because this group may not have the knowledge and the financial capacity to maintain legal action of such magnitude which affects the general public interest", the statement read.
The Court also rejected the contention of the Defendants that they cannot be held responsible for any ethnic crime committed by unidentified and unknown persons which constitute a breach as these perpetrators are not connected or known to the Defendants or any of its agencies.
The Court however ruled that it could not award the monetary compensation of five hundred billion naira demanded by the plaintiffs as it has no record of the details of the victims, their names, gender, age, address while the properties destroyed have also not been specifically identified nor their value indicated.
Counsel to the first to fourth Defendants, Mr. Dayo Apata, had blamed the crisis that engulfed the State and its environment on ethnic differences between the Agatu community and the Fulani community over farming and rearing of animals as has been established by various panels of enquiry set up at different times in a bid to proffer solution.
He said that the crisis between the two rival communities are not based on security lapses or the inability of the Federal or State Governments to protect the lives and properties of the people of state as security agencies were deployed to the Agatu community for the purpose of ensuring the protection of lives and properties in the interest of peace and security.
Gambia's Ex-Chief Justice Wins US$200 Grand Damages For Wrongful…
The ECOWAS Court Wednesday ordered The Gambia to pay US$200,000 in 'nominal damages' to Justice Joseph Wowo, its former chief justice, for the violation of his rights to fair hearing, unlawful imprisonment and removal from office on allegation of corruption, false information and the abuse of office.
A three member panel of judges of the court presided over by Justice Edward Amoako Asante ordered that $150,000 of the amount or its equivalent in Dalasi should be paid to the former CJ as restoration mindful of the plaintiff's claims of inability to secure employment and the time spent in prison after he was wrongfully tried and sentenced although he was subsequently cleared.
The balance of $50,000 will be paid to the plaintiff as legal fees since he has 'not been working after his removal from office and may be constrained in meeting the financial obligations of his attorney.' The court also awarded costs against The Gambia as will be assessed under and by virtue of Article 66 of the Court's Rules of Procedure.
The court held that the plaintiff`s trial by a judge who was himself undergoing trial for corruption under the chief justice constituted a violation of his human rights to fair trial. The court also held that the acts of the defendant relative to the plaintiff`s removal from office, trial and conviction were biased, lacking in independence, inconsistent with due process, in breach of natural justice and thereby constituted a gross violation of the plaintiff`s right to fair trial.
In suit no: ECW/CCJ/APP/06/18, Wowo, a Nigerian who served as chief justice under former President Yahaya Jammeh sued the president for the alleged violation of his legitimate rights as enshrined in the African Charter, Articles 6&7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Section 24 of the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia.
He claimed that owing to his nationality, he suffered discrimination by most members of The Gambian Bar to the extent that Ubna Farage, the then president of the Bar, and Amie Joof, the minister of Justice, sometime in 2013, made frivolous allegations of corruption against him which led to his removal from office without prior investigation.
The former chief justice, who had asked the court for $20 million in damages, stated that he contested his removal through the security authority which initiated an investigation in to the matter whose outcome has not been announced.
Consequently, he called a press conference where he denied the allegations of corruption against him as false and noted that the then President erred in removing him from office without due process.
In reaction, he alleged that the then president perceived his action as an affront to his authority and publically threatened to send him to jail and subsequently instructed the then minister of Justice to file a frivolous case against him alleging the abuse of office and spreading false information.
In this connection the Plaintiff said he wrote a letter in his capacity as the acting chief justice to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, which investigated the allegation and exonerated him and surprisingly even commended him while two others who were indicted in the report were never charged.
He averred that during the trial, his counsel filed a motion urging the trial judge to recuse himself from the proceeding as he was himself on trial before the chief justice for corruption, a motion that was deliberately ignored by the trial judge. He alleged that the trial judge also ignored all the documents and testimonies of witnesses and instead convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment until his release under pressure by the governments of Nigeria and the United States.
The plaintiff therefore asked the ECOWAS Court for a declaration that his trial by a Judge who was undergoing corruption allegation proceedings before him is a violation of his human rights and for an order on the government to pay him $20 million dollars in damages and six percent interest per annum for violation of his human rights among others.
The defendant, however, denied the allegations of the plaintiff and instead contended that the former chief justice was removed from office by the president in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission after investigation and due deliberations pursuant to the petition.
Court Jails Kabiru Mohammed, 112 Boko Haram Members
The special court designated to try terrorism related cases sitting at the Wawa Military Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, has sentenced 113 Boko Haram members to jail over their involvement in act of terrorism.
The defendants who were sentenced to various jail terms were arraigned by the federal government, on various charges ranging from membership of the proscribed Boko Haram group, concealing information vital to security agencies, providing support to the sect, participating in acts of terrorism which resulted in the deaths of many persons and murder.
Those sentenced include, one Kabiru Mohammed from Kaban-Magadan, in Funtua, Katsina State. He was accused of receiving training in the use of explosive and other terrorism items.
He was also accused of participating in series of attacks in Bama, kunduga, baga in Borno State and Damaturu in Yobe State, which resulted to lots of deaths in the two states.
According to him, he joined the sect in 2013 and rose to become a leader. He was said to have led others in carrying out attacks as well as instructing them to carry out attack on people and communities.
Mohammed, who disclosed that he voluntarily joined Boko Haram, said that at a time he became tired of the kind of live he was leading and threw away his gun and ran to Katsina State, his home town.
He was arrested in 2015 at a motor park in katsina.
He pleaded guilty to all the 7-count charge and was consequently sentenced to 30 years imprisonment with hard labour on each of the counts, which are to run concurrently from the day of his arrest.
Next is one Adamu Mohammed, 22 years old from Gombe State, who was charged with the murder of six people as well as throwing a bomb at a market place. While he admitted to killing six persons through the use of a short gun, he however claimed he threw the bomb in a river and not in a market place.
He was sentenced to 25 full calendar years with hard labour in a maximum prison and without an option of fine.
Banzana Yusuf, from Kano State, on his part bagged 20yrs for his role in the planning and kidnapping of the Chibok School girls in 2014.
So also is 25 years old Shetima Modu, arraigned on a four-count charge of engaging in terrorism activities.
He admitted participating in attacks on a church in Mala village as well as another attack in Gonuri village where seven people were killed.
One Sabo Kyari Mohammed, who was described by the Department of State Service (DSS) as a "strong member of Boko Haram", however bagged a jail term of five full calendar years.
Part of his charge include providing surveillance for the group and participating in the attack known as " operation point and kill" in his village, Musau in Borno State.
He was arrested by men of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State along with his wife and two children.
In handing down the sentence, the trial judge stated that, though the defendant being a 1st time offender, the court ordinarily ought to have showed him mercy in the judgment, but, "due to the carnage and wanton destruction of lives their action caused society, he is to serve a 5 full calendar years imprisonment.
" This is to serve as a deterrent to himself and others like him ", the judge held.
Also sentenced is Zainab Idris, wife of Boko Haram commander, Babawo Idris.
Zainab was arrested in 2014 with her two children, while on her way to join her husband in Sambisa forest.
Her husband, popularly known as Idoko or Nagada was number 156 on the military's wanted list before his arrest last September.
The court sentenced her to 4 years imprisonment for being a member of a proscribed group.
However, the court held that haven been in custody since 2014, it is possible that she has served her jail term and consequently ordered that she be released.
The judge, in addition ordered that she be taking to a rehabilitation center, " for de-radicalization, and monitored under strict surveillance to avoid going back to Boko Haram".
The judge advised her to learn a trade at the center so as to become useful to herself, her children and society in future.
However, the case of a notorious member of the sect, Mohammed Zakariya, also known as "Butcher", could not be taken on the grounds that he was mentally sick.
The court consequently ordered that he be taken to a psychiatric for treatment and adjourned till November 14 for his arraignment.
The special sitting of the court, which held between Monday and Tuesday heard over a hundred cases.
A total of 111 persons were discharged / acquitted or had their cases struck out for lack of evidence to support the charges, while nine others were adjourned to Abuja.
SOURCE: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/07/12/court-jails-kabiru-mohammed-112-boko-haram-members/
Supreme Court Merges 2 Petitions seeking Philippines withdrawal from…
The Supreme Court (SC) has consolidated two petitions seeking to void the Philippine government's withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
With this consolidation, the high court is set to conduct oral arguments for the petitions on Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. at the SC New Session Hall, new SC Building, Padre Faura Street in Manila.
The SC also required the counsels for both parties to attend the preliminary conference for the oral argument on July 31 at the same venue.
The first petition was filed by opposition Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, Franklin Drilon, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, and Antonio Trillanes IV filed petition for certiorari and mandamus and said that under Article VII Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution, "entering into treaty or international agreement requires participation of Congress, that is, through concurrence of at least 2/3 of all the members of the Senate."
Last week, de Lima, one of the petitioners, asked the SC to allow her to participate in the oral arguments.
"This Honorable Court is respectfully asked to take judicial notice of its practice of permitting members of Congress to appear before it and argue their cases," de Lima said in her four-page manifestation with motion.
The detained senator is the lead counsel for the minority senators.
The lawmakers also asked the high court to compel the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations to notify the United Nations Secretary General that the Philippines is revoking the notice of withdrawal that it received last March 17.
The diplomatic note stated that the "decision to withdraw is the Philippines' principled stand against those who politicize and weaponize human rights, even as its independent and well-functioning organs and agencies continue to exercise jurisdiction over complaints, issues, problems and concerns arising from its efforts to protect the people."
The petitioners said the Rome Statute is a treaty validly entered into by the Philippines that has the same status as a law enacted by Congress.
In withdrawing its membership from the ICC, the petitioners claimed that the respondents committed usurpation of legislative powers, which is punishable under the Revised Penal Code.
The second petition was filed by the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) led by former Commission on Human Rights chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales.
Named respondents in the petition were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Ambassador to the UN Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
The respondents will be represented by the Office of the Solicitor General.
On March 14, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the Philippines' withdrawal of its ratification of the Rome Statute, a United Nations (UN) treaty creating the ICC.
In the statement, Duterte cited "baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks" against him and his administration as the reason for his withdrawal as a state party.
"Given the baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on my person as well as against my administration, engineered by the officials of the United Nations, as well as the attempt by the International Criminal Court special prosecutor to place my person within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, in violation of due process and the presumption of innocence expressly guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution and recognized no less by the Rome Stature, I therefore declare and forthwith give notice, as President of the Republic of the Philippines, that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately," the President said in a statement.
This came after ICC special prosecutor Fatou Bensouda began a preliminary examination on the alleged human rights violations amid the Duterte administration's intensified war on drugs. (PNA)
SOURCE; https://www.ptvnews.ph/sc-merges-2-petitions-vs-ph-withdrawal-icc/
31st AU Summit ends in Mauritania
The 31st African Union summit ended in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Monday with advisory decisions on Libya, Somalia and South Sudan.
Twenty two (22) African heads of states, four prime ministers and two foreign ministers attended the two-day summit.
In a statement, the African Union's Peace and Security Council said international actors should resume their efforts to implement a UN plan which aims to secure stability, territorial integrity and security in Libya.
The statement emphasized the humanitarian conditions in South Sudan and said the parties should fulfil their obligations.
On Somalia, it said the AU supports activities of its federal government in the transition period, while tasking the UN to finance the AU's mission in Somalia.
Chairperson of the AU and Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement was among issues that topped the summit's agenda.
Kagame said five more countries signed the agreement.
Nigeria: Herdsmen Attack 11 Plateau Villages, kill More Than…
Plateau State was on Sunday thrown into mourning with the killing of 86 persons in the attacks on about 11 communities in the Gashish District by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The Police Command in Plateau State had earlier on Sunday confirmed the attacks, saying it had only recovered 11 corpses from some of the villages. But residents had insisted that about 200 people were killed by the marauding herdsmen.
However, the police later issued a statement that indicated that the death toll in the attack on the communities in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Saturday night had risen to 86. It added that six people were injured, 50 houses burnt, 15 motorcycles razed while two motor vehicles were torched.
The spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Matthias Tyopev, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, in an updated statement issued on Sunday night, said the earlier 11 death toll in the attacks was due to the information at its disposal as of then before the arrival of the search and rescue team from the Barkin Ladi LGA.
Tyopev had identified the 11 corpses as Dalyop Vanode, Dom Danladi, Bururu Wade, Joju Rala,Titus Danladi, Bitrus Malat, Alu Matir, Noron Monday, Cecilia Yohana, Dam Bulus and Ladi Danladi.
He said, "Sequel to the attack in the Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA yesterday (Saturday) June 23, 2018, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Jos, Undie Adie, after deploying more personnel in the district sent a search and rescue team from the Command headquarters today (Sunday) for an on-the-spot assessment.
"The team headed by ACP Edeh John of the Department of Operations had also the DPO of the Barkin Ladi Division and a Unit Commander from Mopol 38. After a careful search of the villages attacked in the District, the following were discovered: 86 persons altogether were killed, six people injured, 50 houses burnt, 15 motorcycles and two motor vehicles also burnt.
"The team also carried out a detailed deployment. Corpses were released to the families for burial. The command earlier in the day confirmed only 11 people dead as the result of the attacks due to the information at its disposal before the arrival of the search and rescue team from the Barkin Ladi LGA. This is to update members of the public of the situation as regards the attacks in the Gashish District as promised earlier on."
Also, there were fears that some soldiers were missing during the attack but the Commander of the Special Military Task Force codenamed Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Anthony Atolagbe, dismissed the report. He said, "it's not true, no soldier died and no soldier is missing."
SOURCE: Punch. https://punchng.com/herdsmen-attack-11-plateau-villages-kill-86-torch-50-houses/
2018 NGO-ICC ROUND-TABLE HIGHLIGHT
The 2018 NGO-ICC roundtable held on the 14th of May and lasted to the 19th at the Hague, Netherlands. members of several civil society organizations attended and deliberated on the way forward for the International Criminal Court after 20 years.
Peter Lewis the registrar of the court opened the round-table by reiterating the importance of the Rome Statute and the great spirit that saw to the establishment of the Court. Speaking on the role of civil society organizations, he stated that they play a crucial role in supporting the court system and encouraged them not to relent as they are the conscience of the court and have continued to remind the court of its mission.
The ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in her speech, stated that we must invigorate a firm commitment to stand by the values of the court and continue to march forward in the fight against impunity for the worlds gravest crimes, she affirmed that international criminal justice is on the march and civil society organizations should continue to support the court to enhance and empower its ability to demonstrate the full potential of the Rome Statute
On his part the president of the court Chile Osuji stated that they is rallying call for the world to amplify its involvement in protecting and refreshing interest in the importance of the Rome Statute and call on everyone to do so as it is more urgent than ever..
Witness Tampering: Prosecutor Proposes Maximum Sentence for Bemba and…
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has proposed a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment for Congolese opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and his two former lawyers, who are due to receive fresh sentences for witness tampering. The prosecutor says she does not oppose the imposition of a monetary fine on the trio, who have up to the end of this month to make their own sentencing submissions.
Bemba and his former lawyers, Aimé Kilolo Musamba and Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, will receive new sentences following the March 2018 reversal of their earlier sentences by an Appeals Chamber at the ICC.
In the initial sentencing in March 2017, Bemba was handed a one-year prison term and a fine of €300,000; Kilolo received a two-and-a-half year suspended sentence plus a fine of €30,000; while Mangenda was sentenced to 11 months in jail, suspended for two years.
However, the Appeals Chamber found that the trial chamber committed errors in assigning lower sentences to accessories to a crime rather than to co-perpetrators in suspending the sentences for Kilolo and Mangenda, and in assigning less gravity to false testimony on "non-merit" issues relative to false testimony on "merit" issues of a case.
Furthermore, the Appeals Chamber overturned Bemba and his lawyers' conviction over presentation of false oral testimony but confirmed all the other convictions of giving false testimony and corruptly influencing witnesses.
In the April 30, 2018 sentencing submissions, prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stated that, in deciding on the new sentences, the trial chamber should increase the individual and joint sentences for each of the three convicted persons to a five-year term of imprisonment.
Bensouda contends that the false testimony given by witnesses on "non-merits" issues was grave because the information was crucial for the judges in Bemba's main trial to determine the credibility of witnesses and the reliability of their evidence.
The prosecutor argues that Bemba and Kilolo deserve a sentence that is commensurate with their criminal responsibility for having contributed to the false testimony of 14 of the 34 witnesses that testified for Bemba in his trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity. She says Mangenda's sentence should likewise reflect the true extent of his assistance to the false testimony of nine witnesses.
Article 70 of the Rome Statute on administration of justice, under which Bemba and his associates were convicted, provides that in the event of a conviction, judges may impose a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years, a fine, or both.
In the sentencing submissions, the prosecutor "welcomes" the imposition of a fine in addition to the five-year prison sentences. However, she notes that because the convicted persons' financial situations are unclear, the trial chamber should determine whether such an additional fine should be imposed.
In addition, the prosecutor asks judges to order Kilolo and Mangenda back into custody to serve the new sentences imposed. The two were released from ICC detention in October 2014, having spent eleven months in pre-trial detention.
SOURCE: International Justice Monitor https://www.ijmonitor.org/2018/05/witness-tampering-prosecutor-proposes-maximum-sentence-for-bemba-and-his-former-lawyers/


Each class, led by a single teacher (or two teachers in our Pre-K class), is supported by parent and caregiver volunteers working in the classroom. Our teachers are dedicated, experienced, creative, and fun. Every year our teachers attend the WAEYC Conference to continue their education and bring fresh ideas to the classroom. In addition, each class is assigned a professional Parent Educator who attends class several hours per month in order to observe and offer resources to teachers, parents, and students.
If you are interested in joining our teaching team, please contact our Vice Chair of Personnel at vc.personnel@magnoliacoop.org.
Adele began teaching at Magnolia Co-op in 1979, after spending several years participating with her three children. During that time she chaired various classes, served as Chair of the school and created and ran the Multi-Age Classroom.
Adele's training in Early Childhood Education has continued in classes at Seattle Central Community College, and through 34 years of conferences with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She completed training with Jean Illsley Clarke on Self Esteem: A Family Affair, and taught the series for several years.
In addition to teaching classes, Adele serves as the School Operations Advisor and works with committees to produce the Auction, the Toy and Clothing Sale, and other events throughout the year. Adele serves on the Executive board, and acts as liaison between our organization and the Magnolia United Church of Christ (our landlord) and Seattle Central Community College (our Parent Ed affiliate).
Sara Olson returned to the co-op at the start of our 2017-2018 school year, having attended with 3 of her children and later working as one of our teachers before taking time off to focus on parenting. Before returning, Sara had been teaching preschool at Villa Academy for 12 years.
Sara is a graduate of Bowdoin College and has pursued post graduate work at the University of Utah, Duke University, Seattle Pacific and Seattle University. She has attended the Washington Association of the Education of Young Children (WAYEC) for 20 years, completed her Pro Teach and is STARS certified.
Sara is the mother of four boys and lives with her husband Bill in Magnolia. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and many hobbies, including gardening, scrapbooking, writing and water aerobics.
Diana has been teaching at the Co-op since Fall 2014. Diana started teaching co-op in 1997 after attending a co-op preschool with her two children.
Diana taught the 3-5s and Pre-K at Ingraham Cooperative Preschool, as well as the Pre-3s and Toddlers. She also taught the Tots 2 and the Infant Baby Sign Class at Queen Anne Co-op, and the Northwest Toddler Class at the NSCC campus. She is a graduate of Cornish College of the Arts with a degree in Theater and prides herself on bringing creativity to the classroom.
Diana enjoys playing her guitar, gardening, hiking, rock climbing, surfing, and roller-skating. She lives in north Seattle with her Husband Ed, her cockatiel bird "Frisbee", and "Missy" the cat.
Gina came to the co-op as a Teacher in 2008. She is devoted to teaching our youngest students – the Toddlers! Gina's association with Magnolia Co-op Preschool began in the early 2000s when she and her family moved to Magnolia. In those early years, she could be found learning with her three little sons, enjoying the wonderful classes and community the co-op offers.
Gina holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Art from Skidmore College (NY) and is a certified Talaris Institute Parenting Counts Educator. She has also taught elementary and high school students Art, Ballet, and English as a Second Language.
Melrose joined the Co-op staff in 2012. Melrose has worked with children from various cultures and age groups as a babysitter, nanny, dance instructor drama teacher and preschool teacher. She brings her endless energy and enormous heart into the classroom with our 2 year olds.
Melrose earned her BA in Sociology at Silliman University in the Philippines. She is married and has 3 daughters.
Melissa Monokroussos joined the co-op staff as the Enrichment teacher for the 2018-19 school year. She has enjoyed attending the co-op with her youngest son and is excited to be part of the teaching staff.
Melissa has many years of experience as a teacher. She spent the majority of her teaching career as a reading specialist in upstate New York where she taught Academic Intervention Services to elementary students. Melissa also spent two years in Italy, where she enjoyed teaching English in an Italian school. Melissa is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY and has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Special Education and a Master's Degree in Reading.
Melissa is the mother of three boys, and lives with her husband, George, in Magnolia. She enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends.


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What can I do to help my stuttering daughter?
Asked by Karina, Doraville, Georgia
My 4-year-old daughter has been stuttering at the beginning of her sentences for the past month. It doesn't seem to bother her and she has a good vocabulary and talks in full sentences. I stuttered too when I was her age but it went away. What can I do to help her?
Expert answer:
Thanks for your question. Stuttering is most common between the ages of 2 and 5 years old, when a child's speech is quickly developing. It affects about 5 percent of kids but becomes less common with time, affecting less than 1 percent of adults.
This disruption in one's speech (also called a disfluency) can cause a repetition of a part of a word at the beginning of a sentence or at the middle of one, or there may be no sound at all for several seconds before a word comes out.
Stuttering can run in families and can occur in children with or without other speech problems. Most of the time, the stuttering will go away on its own within about six months. In the meantime it's best to wait and let the child finish her sentence rather than to advise her to take a deep breath, slow down or to relax.
Be patient, maintain good eye contact and show your child that what she's saying is important to you so she'll continue to feel comfortable talking.
If your child's stuttering seems to be severe (happening with every sentence, for example), frustrates her or doesn't go away after a few months, you may want to ask your pediatrician to recommend a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation and treatment.
Therapies may include teaching a child to speak in shorter sentences, control her breathing during speech, and slow down her speech. Once the stammering improves, she will then be encouraged to lengthen her sentences and speak at her usual pace.
Finally, it's very important for anyone who stutters after a brain injury or major stress to receive treatment, because this type of stuttering is less likely to improve without intervention.
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Ex-Intel CEO Andy Grove dies at age 79
Posted: 11:47 PM, Mar 21, 2016
Paul Sakuma

FILE- In this May 19, 2004 file photo, Intel Corp. founder Andy Grove looks on after the Intel shareholders meeting in Santa Clara, Calif. Grove, the former Intel Corp. chief executive whose youth under Nazi occupation and escape from the Iron Curtain inspired an "only the paranoid survive" management philosophy that saved the chip maker from financial ruin in the 1980s, has died. Intel said Grove died on Monday, March 21, 2016. He was 79. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Andy Grove, the former Intel Corp. chief executive whose youth under Nazi occupation and escape from the Iron Curtain inspired an "only the paranoid survive" management philosophy that saved the chip maker from financial ruin in the 1980s, has died. He was 79.
Intel said Grove died on Monday. It did not specify a cause of death.
Grove, who was instrumental in building Intel into the world's largest chip company during his 37-year career there, had suffered from Parkinson's disease. He also suffered from prostate cancer in the mid-1990s.
He was a mercurial but visionary leader who helped position Intel's microprocessors as the central technology inside personal computers.
Grove's bet-the-company gamble — moving Intel from memory chips to microprocessors in the mid-1980s to serve what was still a fledgling PC industry — helped rescue Intel from a financial crisis and set it on course to becoming one of the most profitable and important technology companies of all time.
"Andy made the impossible happen, time and again, and inspired generations of technologists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders," Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said Monday.
Robert Burgelman, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business who started teaching management classes with Grove in the late 1980s, called Grove "one of the most incisive thinkers that I have ever come across." He said Grove's technical and strategic abilities were critical in building Intel and fending off threats from Asian competitors.
"I don't think Intel would have been Intel as we know it, and therefore the U.S. chip industry would not have been what it is" without Grove, Burgelman said.
Intel created the world's first commercial microprocessor in 1971, but the company's primary focus was memory chips for mainframe computers. That was until the personal computer was invented and a new use for Intel's microprocessors emerged.
Grove's leadership of that transition affirmed his status as a key figure in the digital revolution and an icon of business leadership, whose maneuvers have been studied and dissected in management classes around the world.
Yet Grove, known at times as combative and vindictive to those who crossed him, was also pilloried for his role in one of the biggest missteps in Intel's history: the company's intransigence after a major calculating flaw was discovered in 1994 in Intel's flagship Pentium microprocessor, an error that Intel had known about but deemed too insignificant too fix.
Grove's response to the outcry was to require customers who wanted to return flawed chips to call Intel and convince the company they needed a replacement. He later capitulated and set aside nearly a half-billion dollars for a no-questions-asked exchange program.
His mentality helped shape a strict, often caustic management style that is now as much a part of Silicon Valley lore as Grove's relentless focus on sharpening Intel's technological advantages.
Grove wrote several well-received books, including "Only the Paranoid Survive," a 1996 treatise on the science of managing crises, and his 2001 autobiography, "Swimming Across," a harrowing memoir of Grove's childhood. Grove also dabbled as an advice columnist, penning a series of newspaper columns on workplace dilemmas that earned him the nickname "Dear Abby of the Workplace."
A Hungarian refugee born Andras Istvan Grof who fled to America by boat in 1957 and westernized his name, Grove's life was characterized by survival against all odds.
He got past scarlet fever at age 4, though it permanently damaged his hearing. A Jew growing up in Nazi-occupied Hungary, he survived the Holocaust by moving frequently as a child, boarding with family friends and taking on an assumed name. As the defeat of the Nazis opened the door for a brutal Stalinist regime, he made his escape in a daring run for the Austrian border.
Grove immigrated to the U.S. at age 20, a penniless refugee who would go on to amass a personal fortune believed to be worth about $400 million, according to Forbes magazine.
Overcoming a sizable language barrier, he enrolled at the City College of New York, where he studied engineering and paid his way by working as a student assistant. He moved west with his wife, Eva, and earned a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, after which Grove landed his first post-Ph.D. job at Fairchild Semiconductor, founded by the "traitorous eight" employees who left William Shockley's legendary Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory.
Two of the eight, Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce, went on to found Intel. Noyce also invented the first commercially viable integrated circuit during his time at Fairchild. Grove was Intel's third employee, though Intel considers him one of the Santa Clara, California, company's founders.
Grove was named Intel's president in 1979, took the chief executive job in 1987 and in 1997 added the chairmanship to his duties. He stepped down as CEO in 1998, and relinquished his chairman title in 2005.
In picking Grove as its Man of the Year in 1997, Time magazine called him the "person most responsible for the amazing growth in the power and innovative potential of microchips," the core ingredient of the digital revolution.
Time wrote: "His character traits are emblematic of this amazing century: a paranoia bred from his having been a refugee from the Nazis and then the Communists; an entrepreneurial optimism instilled as an immigrant to a land brimming with freedom and opportunity; and a sharpness tinged with arrogance that comes from being a brilliant mind on the front line of a revolution."


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OTT Review
Series Review | The Boys season 2: Gloriously gory and witty as ever
Lots of insanity, lots of blood, a little politics and loads of quirks. Season two of The Boys is a continuing toast to irreverence, taking the brutally bizarre superhero universe of the franchise to a new high.
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's bestselling comic book concept was always meant to be a cheeky re-imagination of the superhero space that is often trademarked by the sunshine superstars of Marvel, who thrive on the generic virtues of glory, valour and idealism. The heroes in The Boys are imperfect, and they stand as a brute reminder to the fact that humans being bestowed with abundant (super)power may not be a good thing.
Show runner Eric Kripke, who also scripts and executive produces the season, has used that premise smartly to leave a hint of socio-political comment. As heads explode and viscera gets gleefully sprayed all over the frames, Kripke's slant at using entertainment to disseminate opinion surfaces. If season one referenced capitalism in parts, the new season creates space for racism and white dominance in America of the Trump era, besides highlighting how those in power with vested interest invariably thrive by exploiting public paranoia.
The Boys in its second season also continues being blunt in the depiction of toxicity that fame and superpower might bring in the wake. Superheroes are famous people. Here, they are too drunk in their privilege as celebrities and influencers for their own good.
For those who came in late, a brief reckoner. The world of The Boys is one where individuals with superpowers, worshipped as gods by the masses, are managed and marketed by a powerful, multi-million dollar firm named Vought International. The superheroes do their heroic bits, but they are also often corrupt and evil. The plot essentially follows two sets of heroes. You have the Seven, Vought International's chosen selection, and then there are the Boys, who work at keeping a check on superheroes gone rogue.
Season two begins where the first season ended. The Boys are on the run from the law, desperate to regroup. While their leader Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) is initially absconding, other regulars including Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) line up for action.
Among the Seven, Starlight (Erin Moriarty) still genuinely wants to make a difference, while the group's leader Homelander (Antony Starr), who is Butcher's sworn enemy, is struggling with a new problem. His supremacy is challenged by new addition, the social media-savvy Stormfront (Aya Cash).
Non-conformism always works for fiction and The Boys is a winner in its second season for the unapologetic relish with which it balances wicked humour and blood-splattered mayhem. This was never meant to be a sombre observation of contemporary socio-politics (something that Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight films have already accomplished marvelously all those years ago). Rather, chucking aside all semblance of subtlety, The Boys 2 continues with the franchise's sardonic vibes, and yet manages to stay human about it.
The eight episodes of season two unfold as staggered release. While the first three episodes drop on September 4, a new episode follows every Friday with the finale premiering on October 9.
The Boys season 2 (series streaming on Amazon Prime); Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Antony Starr, Aya Cash, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher; Developed by: Eric Kripke
–IANS, Vinayak Chakravorty
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