france24--2020-12-04--Remembering Giscard d'Estaing, fighting to ski despite Covid-19 & decoding 'The Crown'

After France lost former president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing to Covid-19 at 94 on Wed. , FRANCE 24 took a look back at the `` modernist '' ex-leader 's life and times .
This week , France dropped a controversial measure to curb the filming of police on duty , outlined its vaccine plan and weathered skiers ' dismay at slopes shuttered during the pandemic .
We explored Nagorno-Karabakh in flux , witnessed the hunt for jihadists in Africa 's Sahel , delved into the struggles of transgender children , visited France 's idyllic Vosges region and watched as the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
Former French president Valéry Giscard d ’ Estaing , who who was a leading force in laying the foundation of the European Union , died on Wednesday from complications linked to Covid-19 at the age of 94 .
Giscard grasped the 70s mood , but French women won their own rights The French presidency of Valery Giscard d ’ Estaing was marked by a series of breakthroughs on women ’ s rights , most famously with the legalisation of abortion in 1975 .
But was the self-styled “ moderniser ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he merely in tune with the changing times ?
‘ Less unpleasant but not fundamentally different ’ : Transatlantic divides after Biden win After Donald Trump ’ s “ America First ” agenda exposed longstanding strains in US-Europe relations , Joe Biden ’ s victory has prompted a Franco-German row over Emmanuel Macron ’ s vision of “ strategic autonomy ” – while transatlantic tensions simmer over tech taxes and extraterritorial US law .
China has recently stepped up its aggression towards Australia , from introducing new customs taxes to trolling on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rarely been so bad and , according to regional experts , the world should be paying attention to the way Beijing is treating Canberra .
The French parliament has dropped a controversial bill that would have curbed the right to film police officers in action , the speaker of parliament and leader of President Emmanuel Macron 's ruling party announced on Monday .
France unveils five-step Covid-19 vaccination plan , starting with those most at risk France 's national health authority on Monday unveiled its five-step plan for vaccinating the public , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those most at risk from Covid-19 followed by those over 65 with comorbidities .
Ex-interior minister faces legal complaint over death of woman , 80 , struck by tear-gas grenade Eighty-year-old Algerian national Zineb Redouane died shortly after she was struck by a tear gas grenade in her apartment in Marseille .
Two years after her tragic death , relatives have filed a legal complaint against former interior minister Christophe Castaner for “ concealing evidence ” , while investigative journalists have challenged the findings of a ballistic report that cleared officers of wrongdoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of opening ski resorts amid the Covid-19 pandemic has turned into a battle pitting France , Italy and Germany – whose slopes remain shut – against the defiant Alpine nations of Switzerland and Austria , backed by Spain .
Is season 4 of 'The Crown ' too close for comfort ?
It 's a show that , like the queen herself , needs little introduction : Alison Sargent and Olivia Salazar-Winspear dive into the fourth season of the Netflix drama `` The Crown '' , featuring much-awaited portrayals of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative gets closer to the present day , some find that its depiction of sensitive events hits too close to home .
Joan Armatrading : ' I was born to do this' She was the first British female singer-songwriter to achieve international success .
Hits such as “ Love and Affection ” and “ Me Myself I ” in the 70s made her a household name , but other songs like “ Barefoot and Pregnant ” , now a feminist anthem , and “ Rosie ” about a transgender character have become cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she speaks to Eve Jackson about getting a CBE from the Queen and the UK ’ s Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award , being asked to write a song for Nelson Mandela and how she sees the future of the music industry after the pandemic .
Nagorno-Karabakh : Christian sites ‘ not in danger of destruction , ’ says Azerbaijan minister In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 , Azerbaijan ’ s acting culture minister vowed that Christian heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh were not at risk after his Muslim-majority country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that any destruction on Azerbaijan ’ s behalf had been unintentional .
The hunt for jihadists in Africa 's Sahel region FRANCE 24 's team embedded with Niger 's special forces .
In this epicentre of West African jihadism , local `` franchises '' of the Islamic State group and al Qaeda are competing to establish a vast `` caliphate '' across the Sahel region .
Local villagers , caught in the crossfire , are afraid that jihadists may infiltrate the population and the former live in fear of reprisals .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 alone .
Niger 's government has twin aims : To keep people safe and to recover territory , in order to prevent the `` caliphate '' rising from its ashes on the African continent .
YOU ARE HERE Located in France 's eastern Vosges region , the Champ du Feu is a stunning patch of wildlife ; a giant meadow that stretches out 1,099 metres above sea level .
The vast area can be crossed on Icelandic horses during magical wintry treks .
But during the harsh Vosges winters , some locals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distillation , which produces different kinds of alcohol .
The result is a pure concentrate of the Vosges : A wild region brimming with natural beauty all year round .
Conquest and exile in the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh After a 44-day war with Armenian forces , Azerbaijan has recaptured swathes of territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus .
That includes about half of the disputed enclave itself , but also seven Azerbaijani provinces which were seized by Armenia in the early 1990s .
Those have been handed back under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan 's authorities permitted our reporters to film inside districts that have just changed hands .
In question : Transgender children and gender dysphoria in France At issue : The feeling of being born with the wrong gender .
It is estimated that one in 500 children are affected by that profound feeling of doubt and unease , a sentiment that has often been relegated to the lone fields of psychiatry and mental health .
Children confronted with such questions are often met with rejection , bullying , denial and isolation , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicide .
What is French society doing to reach out to these kids ?
We explore how the world of sports in France is handling the Covid-19 curveball .
With social distancing rules and two lockdowns upending many competitions and closing down most training facilities , it 's been a rough year for athletes , clubs and fans alike .
Faced with the dire consequences of this forced time-out , President Emmanuel Macron has met representatives and come up with a game plan .
But beyond the financial aspect , this health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletes , both physically and mentally .
Judo champion Clarisse Agbegnenou gives us her take on the situation .

WEEK IN REVIEW
After France lost former president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing to Covid-19 at 94 on Wed., FRANCE 24 took a look back at the "modernist" ex-leader's life and times. This week, France dropped a controversial measure to curb the filming of police on duty, outlined its vaccine plan and weathered skiers' dismay at slopes shuttered during the pandemic. We explored Nagorno-Karabakh in flux, witnessed the hunt for jihadists in Africa's Sahel, delved into the struggles of transgender children, visited France's idyllic Vosges region and watched as the "The Crown" unsettled viewers with season 4.
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ARTICLES
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing © Phillippe Wojazer, AFP/File
Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, ‘modernist’ French president, dies at 94
Former French president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, who who was a leading force in laying the foundation of the European Union, died on Wednesday from complications linked to Covid-19 at the age of 94.
Giscard grasped the 70s mood, but French women won their own rights
The French presidency of Valery Giscard d’Estaing was marked by a series of breakthroughs on women’s rights, most famously with the legalisation of abortion in 1975. But was the self-styled “moderniser” a driving force behind the reforms or was he merely in tune with the changing times?
‘Less unpleasant but not fundamentally different’: Transatlantic divides after Biden win
After Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda exposed longstanding strains in US-Europe relations, Joe Biden’s victory has prompted a Franco-German row over Emmanuel Macron’s vision of “strategic autonomy” – while transatlantic tensions simmer over tech taxes and extraterritorial US law.
Is China provoking a diplomatic fight with Australia?
China has recently stepped up its aggression towards Australia, from introducing new customs taxes to trolling on Twitter. Relations between the two countries have rarely been so bad and, according to regional experts, the world should be paying attention to the way Beijing is treating Canberra.
National Assembly majority leader Christophe Castaner, of Emmanuel Macron's La République en Marche party, on November 30, 2020, in Paris. © Anne-Christine Poujoulat, AFP
French parliament drops controversial draft law curtailing right to film police
The French parliament has dropped a controversial bill that would have curbed the right to film police officers in action, the speaker of parliament and leader of President Emmanuel Macron's ruling party announced on Monday.
France unveils five-step Covid-19 vaccination plan, starting with those most at risk
France's national health authority on Monday unveiled its five-step plan for vaccinating the public, with a first stage prioritising the elderly and those most at risk from Covid-19 followed by those over 65 with comorbidities.
Ex-interior minister faces legal complaint over death of woman, 80, struck by tear-gas grenade
Eighty-year-old Algerian national Zineb Redouane died shortly after she was struck by a tear gas grenade in her apartment in Marseille. Two years after her tragic death, relatives have filed a legal complaint against former interior minister Christophe Castaner for “concealing evidence”, while investigative journalists have challenged the findings of a ballistic report that cleared officers of wrongdoing.
Nicolas Rubin, the mayor of Châtel, has draped his town hall in Swiss flags in protest at France's decision to close ski lifts while resorts across the border remain open. © Fabrice Coffrini, AFP
Closed French ski resorts cry 'catastrophe' as neighbours keep slopes open
A European dispute over the wisdom of opening ski resorts amid the Covid-19 pandemic has turned into a battle pitting France, Italy and Germany – whose slopes remain shut – against the defiant Alpine nations of Switzerland and Austria, backed by Spain.
SHOWS
ENCORE
Is season 4 of 'The Crown' too close for comfort?
It's a show that, like the queen herself, needs little introduction: Alison Sargent and Olivia Salazar-Winspear dive into the fourth season of the Netflix drama "The Crown", featuring much-awaited portrayals of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Lady Diana Spencer. As the narrative gets closer to the present day, some find that its depiction of sensitive events hits too close to home.
Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. © BMG Rights
Joan Armatrading: 'I was born to do this'
She was the first British female singer-songwriter to achieve international success. Hits such as “Love and Affection” and “Me Myself I” in the 70s made her a household name, but other songs like “Barefoot and Pregnant”, now a feminist anthem, and “Rosie” about a transgender character have become cultural landmarks. As Joan Armatrading turns 70, she speaks to Eve Jackson about getting a CBE from the Queen and the UK’s Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, being asked to write a song for Nelson Mandela and how she sees the future of the music industry after the pandemic.
THE INTERVIEW
Nagorno-Karabakh: Christian sites ‘not in danger of destruction,’ says Azerbaijan minister
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Azerbaijan’s acting culture minister vowed that Christian heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh were not at risk after his Muslim-majority country gained control of the restive region, adding that any destruction on Azerbaijan’s behalf had been unintentional.
REPORTERS
The hunt for jihadists in Africa's Sahel region
FRANCE 24's team embedded with Niger's special forces. In this epicentre of West African jihadism, local "franchises" of the Islamic State group and al Qaeda are competing to establish a vast "caliphate" across the Sahel region. Local villagers, caught in the crossfire, are afraid that jihadists may infiltrate the population and the former live in fear of reprisals. Some 4,000 civilians died in this zone in 2019 alone. Niger's government has twin aims: To keep people safe and to recover territory, in order to prevent the "caliphate" rising from its ashes on the African continent.
YOU ARE HERE
Jessica Palmer heads the "Cheval-Alsace" equestrian centre in France's Vosges region. © France 24 screengrab
Winter in France's Vosges mountains
Located in France's eastern Vosges region, the Champ du Feu is a stunning patch of wildlife; a giant meadow that stretches out 1,099 metres above sea level. The vast area can be crossed on Icelandic horses during magical wintry treks. But during the harsh Vosges winters, some locals prefer more indoor activities such as fruit distillation, which produces different kinds of alcohol. The result is a pure concentrate of the Vosges: A wild region brimming with natural beauty all year round.
FOCUS
Conquest and exile in the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh
After a 44-day war with Armenian forces, Azerbaijan has recaptured swathes of territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus. That includes about half of the disputed enclave itself, but also seven Azerbaijani provinces which were seized by Armenia in the early 1990s. Those have been handed back under a ceasefire deal brokered by Russia. Azerbaijan's authorities permitted our reporters to film inside districts that have just changed hands.
In question: Transgender children and gender dysphoria in France
At issue: The feeling of being born with the wrong gender. It is estimated that one in 500 children are affected by that profound feeling of doubt and unease, a sentiment that has often been relegated to the lone fields of psychiatry and mental health. Children confronted with such questions are often met with rejection, bullying, denial and isolation, resulting in a high risk of self-harm and suicide. What is French society doing to reach out to these kids?
FRANCE IN FOCUS
French athletes struggle with Covid-19 restrictions
We explore how the world of sports in France is handling the Covid-19 curveball. With social distancing rules and two lockdowns upending many competitions and closing down most training facilities, it's been a rough year for athletes, clubs and fans alike. Faced with the dire consequences of this forced time-out, President Emmanuel Macron has met representatives and come up with a game plan. But beyond the financial aspect, this health crisis has also taken its toll on French athletes, both physically and mentally. Judo champion Clarisse Agbegnenou gives us her take on the situation.
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france24--2020-12-04--Patrick Vieira sacked as Nice coach after run of defeats

Patrick Vieira has been sacked as coach of Nice Patrick Vieira has been sacked as coach of Nice , paying the price for five consecutive defeats , the French Ligue 1 club announced on Friday .
The final straw for the former Arsenal player and France 1998 World Cup winner was Thursday 's 3-2 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen , which confirmed their elimination from the Europa League .
He has been replaced by his assistant , Adrien Ursea .
`` In a meeting after last night 's match , the Nice board informed Patrick Vieira of its decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the club said in a statement .
`` Patrick Vieira put all his heart and professionalism into his service for OGC Nice over the last two and a half years . ''
Appointed in 2018 , Vieira had been under growing pressure after last week 's shock home defeat by struggling Dijon left the ambitious Cote d'Azur club in the bottom half of Ligue 1 .
Nice had been hoping to challenge towards the top of the table this season following considerable investment from the club 's British owners Ineos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was `` weakened as any coach who has lost five consecutive games is '' .
`` We are as disappointed as the supporters , '' he said .

Marseille (AFP) –
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Patrick Vieira has been sacked as coach of Nice, paying the price for five consecutive defeats, the French Ligue 1 club announced on Friday.
The final straw for the former Arsenal player and France 1998 World Cup winner was Thursday's 3-2 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen, which confirmed their elimination from the Europa League.
He has been replaced by his assistant, Adrien Ursea.
"In a meeting after last night's match, the Nice board informed Patrick Vieira of its decision to put an end to their collaboration," the club said in a statement.
"Patrick Vieira put all his heart and professionalism into his service for OGC Nice over the last two and a half years."
Appointed in 2018, Vieira had been under growing pressure after last week's shock home defeat by struggling Dijon left the ambitious Cote d'Azur club in the bottom half of Ligue 1.
Nice had been hoping to challenge towards the top of the table this season following considerable investment from the club's British owners Ineos.
After Thursday's defeat, Vieira admitted he was "weakened as any coach who has lost five consecutive games is".
"We are as disappointed as the supporters," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--China turns on nuclear-powered 'artificial sun'

The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China 's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device and can reach temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius China successfully powered up its `` artificial sun '' nuclear fusion reactor for the first time , state media reported Friday , marking a great advance in the country 's nuclear power research capabilities .
The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China 's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device , and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source .
It uses a powerful magnetic field to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 150 million degrees Celsius , according to the People 's Daily -- approximately ten times hotter than the core of the sun .
Located in southwestern Sichuan province and completed late last year , the reactor is often called an `` artificial sun '' on account of the enormous heat and power it produces .
`` The development of nuclear fusion energy is not only a way to solve China 's strategic energy needs , but also has great significance for the future sustainable development of China 's energy and national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily .
Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006 .
They plan to use the device in collaboration with scientists working on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -- the world 's largest nuclear fusion research project based in France , which is expected to be completed in 2025 .
Fusion is considered the Holy Grail of energy and is what powers our sun .
It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy -- the opposite of the fission process used in atomic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ splits them into fragments .
Unlike fission , fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material .
But achieving fusion is both extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive , with the total cost of ITER estimated at $ 22.5 billion .

Beijing (AFP) –
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China successfully powered up its "artificial sun" nuclear fusion reactor for the first time, state media reported Friday, marking a great advance in the country's nuclear power research capabilities.
The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source.
It uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma and can reach temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius, according to the People's Daily -- approximately ten times hotter than the core of the sun.
Located in southwestern Sichuan province and completed late last year, the reactor is often called an "artificial sun" on account of the enormous heat and power it produces.
"The development of nuclear fusion energy is not only a way to solve China's strategic energy needs, but also has great significance for the future sustainable development of China's energy and national economy," said the People's Daily.
Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006.
They plan to use the device in collaboration with scientists working on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -- the world's largest nuclear fusion research project based in France, which is expected to be completed in 2025.
Fusion is considered the Holy Grail of energy and is what powers our sun.
It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy -- the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments.
Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material.
But achieving fusion is both extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive, with the total cost of ITER estimated at $22.5 billion.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Bangladesh ships Rohingya refugees to island despite outcry over dangerous and inhumane conditions

Bangladesh ships Rohingya refugees to island despite outcry over dangerous and inhumane conditions Bangladesh pursues its relocation of Rohingya refugees @ @ @ @ @ from the overcrowded camps near Cox ’ s bazar , near the Burmese border , @ @ @ @ @ a bay of Bhasan Char .
NGOs Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are demanding @ @ @ @ @ operations .

Bangladesh ships Rohingya refugees to island despite outcry over dangerous and inhumane conditions
01:33
Bangladesh pursues its relocation of Rohingya refugees, shipping thousands of people from the overcrowded camps near Cox’s bazar, near the Burmese border, to a controversial facility in a bay of Bhasan Char. NGOs Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are demanding an immediate halt to the operations.


france24--2020-12-05--Rodchenkov anti-doping bill signed into US law by Trump

US Anti-Doping Agency chif executive officer Travis Tygart says the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act signed into law Friday by President Donald Trump provides vital tools to punish dope cheats and protect clean athletes An anti-doping bill named for Grigory Rodchenkov , the whistleblower who unveiled a state-run Russian doping program , was signed into US law on Friday by President Donald Trump .
`` The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act '' imposes criminal sanctions on certain people involved in international doping fraud conspiracies and requires restitution for victims .
The Senate passed the measure last month , setting the stage for the act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It calls for fines and prison sentences for those involved in doping schemes at international sports events .
The law began with February 2018 discussions at a meeting of the US Helsinki Commission , a panel of US lawmakers that considers US-Europe issues .
`` Three years ago , the idea to criminalize doping fraud and the corruption it breeds was born at a briefing on Capitol Hill , '' said Jim Walden , Rodchenkov 's lawyer , in a statement .
`` The Rodchenkov Anti-doping Act is now law and part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving the Department of Justice a powerful and unique set of tools to eradicate doping fraud and related criminal activities from international competitions . ''
Rodchenkov exposed a doping program in Russia , saying he concealed positive doping tests and destroyed more than 1,000 urine samples as well as providing banned substances to Russian athletes at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics .
The McLaren Report confirmed the allegations , leading to partial bans for Russia at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics , and Rodchenkov has been living in hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extends his deepest thanks to the Helsinki Commission ( and all ) who have shown true patriotism and bipartisan leadership to stand up for athletes ' rights and make this law a reality , '' Walden said .
`` Now it falls to the Department of Justice to develop a robust program , cooperating with the US Anti-Doping Agency and international law enforcement partners , to bring the guilty to justice and create zero tolerance for doping in sports .
`` Dopers should be on clear notice : There is a new sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own peril . ''
When the measure passed the US Senate in November , US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive officer Travis T. Tygart said it was `` a monumental day in the fight for clean sport worldwide '' and would provide `` the tools needed to protect clean athletes and hold accountable international doping conspiracies that defraud sport , sponsors and harm athletes . ''
In addition to criminal penalties , the law also protects whistleblowers from retaliation and provides restitution for athletes harmed by doping .
`` This day could not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whistleblowers like Dr. Rodchenkov and ( Russian track doping exposer ) Yulia Stepanova who stepped forward to shine floodlights on Russia ’ s vast state-sponsored doping conspiracy , '' Walden said .
`` We hope that other countries will join us in this fight by adopting their own anti-doping laws and partnering with the US on cross-border law enforcement cooperation to protect the rights of clean athletes everywhere . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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An anti-doping bill named for Grigory Rodchenkov, the whistleblower who unveiled a state-run Russian doping program, was signed into US law on Friday by President Donald Trump.
"The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act" imposes criminal sanctions on certain people involved in international doping fraud conspiracies and requires restitution for victims.
The Senate passed the measure last month, setting the stage for the act to become law with Trump's approval.
It calls for fines and prison sentences for those involved in doping schemes at international sports events.
The law began with February 2018 discussions at a meeting of the US Helsinki Commission, a panel of US lawmakers that considers US-Europe issues.
"Three years ago, the idea to criminalize doping fraud and the corruption it breeds was born at a briefing on Capitol Hill," said Jim Walden, Rodchenkov's lawyer, in a statement.
"The Rodchenkov Anti-doping Act is now law and part of the United States criminal code, giving the Department of Justice a powerful and unique set of tools to eradicate doping fraud and related criminal activities from international competitions."
Rodchenkov exposed a doping program in Russia, saying he concealed positive doping tests and destroyed more than 1,000 urine samples as well as providing banned substances to Russian athletes at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The McLaren Report confirmed the allegations, leading to partial bans for Russia at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and Rodchenkov has been living in hiding since going public.
"Dr. Rodchenkov extends his deepest thanks to the Helsinki Commission (and all) who have shown true patriotism and bipartisan leadership to stand up for athletes' rights and make this law a reality," Walden said.
"Now it falls to the Department of Justice to develop a robust program, cooperating with the US Anti-Doping Agency and international law enforcement partners, to bring the guilty to justice and create zero tolerance for doping in sports.
"Dopers should be on clear notice: There is a new sheriff in town, so cheat at your own peril."
When the measure passed the US Senate in November, US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive officer Travis T. Tygart said it was "a monumental day in the fight for clean sport worldwide" and would provide "the tools needed to protect clean athletes and hold accountable international doping conspiracies that defraud sport, sponsors and harm athletes."
In addition to criminal penalties, the law also protects whistleblowers from retaliation and provides restitution for athletes harmed by doping.
"This day could not have been possible without the extraordinary courage of the whistleblowers like Dr. Rodchenkov and (Russian track doping exposer) Yulia Stepanova who stepped forward to shine floodlights on Russia’s vast state-sponsored doping conspiracy," Walden said.
"We hope that other countries will join us in this fight by adopting their own anti-doping laws and partnering with the US on cross-border law enforcement cooperation to protect the rights of clean athletes everywhere."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Southee swing masterclass forces West Indies to follow on

The West Indies could not handle New Zealand 's pace attack The West Indies folded for 138 in their first innings and were forced to follow on against New Zealand after a Tim Southee masterclass in swing bowling in Hamilton on Saturday .
Southee took four for 35 at Seddon Park as the West Indies could add only 89 runs to their overnight 49 without loss .
Injured wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich did not bat , and the nine wickets fell within 38 overs in the face of a prodigious swing attack that left the tourists 381 runs short of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heavy rain began to fall just after the final wicket which would delay the start of the West Indies second innings .
After New Zealand bowled without success for 26 overs the previous day , the wickets began to tumble immediately in overcast conditions on Saturday as Southee claimed John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks in his first two overs .
`` We were just more accurate .
We were n't quite consistent last night , '' Southee explained .
`` We 've been able to pick up wickets from both ends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we were able to get swing in the air early . ''
The West Indies struggled to 114 for five at lunch before Southee struck again in his second over after the resumption with the wickets of Jermaine Blackwood and Alzarri Joseph .
The rest of New Zealand 's highly vaunted pace pack joined , with Trent Boult , Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner all picking up wickets .
Campbell , who took a boundary off Southee 's first ball of the day , top-scored for the West Indies with 26 while @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Hamilton (New Zealand) (AFP) –
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The West Indies folded for 138 in their first innings and were forced to follow on against New Zealand after a Tim Southee masterclass in swing bowling in Hamilton on Saturday.
Southee took four for 35 at Seddon Park as the West Indies could add only 89 runs to their overnight 49 without loss.
Injured wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich did not bat, and the nine wickets fell within 38 overs in the face of a prodigious swing attack that left the tourists 381 runs short of New Zealand's first innings 519 for seven.
Heavy rain began to fall just after the final wicket which would delay the start of the West Indies second innings.
After New Zealand bowled without success for 26 overs the previous day, the wickets began to tumble immediately in overcast conditions on Saturday as Southee claimed John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks in his first two overs.
"We were just more accurate. We weren't quite consistent last night," Southee explained.
"We've been able to pick up wickets from both ends. It does swing here a little bit, we were able to get swing in the air early."
The West Indies struggled to 114 for five at lunch before Southee struck again in his second over after the resumption with the wickets of Jermaine Blackwood and Alzarri Joseph.
The rest of New Zealand's highly vaunted pace pack joined, with Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner all picking up wickets.
Campbell, who took a boundary off Southee's first ball of the day, top-scored for the West Indies with 26 while Jason Holder was not out 25.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Cuba talks on freedom of expression break down after rare protest

Cuban Vice-Minister of Culture Fernando Rojas speaks during a press conference in Havana , on December 4 , 2020 , a week after a rare artist protest Dialogue over freedom of expression between Cuba 's government and artists who organized a rare protest last week hit an impasse Friday as communist authorities accused some of them of being financed by the United States .
Cuba 's Culture Ministry said it would not meet the artist collective 's delegates , accusing them of receiving `` funding , logistical and propaganda support from the US government and its officials . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun calling itself `` 27N '' -- for November 27 , the date of the protest -- called for further dialogue , saying they were `` not enemies '' but Cubans seeking a better country .
Some of them said they had been prevented from leaving their homes by a large police presence and had received threats by telephone .
Officials initially agreed to a dialogue over the artists ' demands after the rare protest by around 300 members or supporters of the group outside its headquarters in Havana last weekend , spurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation of 30 demonstrators had been able to meet in the middle of the night after hours of protesting with the vice-minister of culture to present their demands to him related to freedom of expression .
Culture Ministry officials agreed to a dialogue with protesters ' representatives , and the unprecedented discussions were expected to get underway this week with Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso .
However , the communist authorities hardened their tone , denouncing a US conspiracy .
The ministry said in its statement that it took exception to an `` insolent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to `` impose unilaterally who should participate in dialogue , with whom it agrees to dialogue , and on what . ''
The group had demanded President Miguel Diaz-Canel participate in the talks .
Diaz-Canel , the first Cuban leader of the post-Castro era -- too young to have participated in the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and his brother Raul -- has accused the collective of being behind `` an unconventional war strategy to try to overthrow the revolution . ''
He made the comments at a `` defense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their protest .
The November 27 demonstration outside the Culture Ministry building followed the expulsion by police the previous day of members of a previously little known artists ' collective from their premises in the historic center of Havana .
Members of the San Isidro Movement had been protesting for 10 days , with six of them on hunger strike , and their movement had gained significant attention .
The ministry said it remained open to dialogue with a section of the artists ' community .
`` For the young people and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ministry on 27 November , who have not compromised their work with the enemies of the Cuban nation , the opportunities for dialogue remain open , '' the statement said .
`` But we can not get along with the mercenaries . ''
In a Facebook post , the 27N group said `` we demand the right to have rights . ''
`` We are not enemies , but Cubans who think differently and we dream of a better Cuba to pass on to our children , altogether and for the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a filmmaker who was part of the delegation that initially met culture ministry officials , said on Facebook he regretted the dialogue had been blocked and that those who protested were not part of any political agenda .
In recent days , Cuban state media have spoken of what they called the `` San Isidro farce '' while reporting on supposed US-financed destabilization efforts , such as the derailment of a freight train in 2019 .
On the day after the protest , the foreign ministry summoned the US Charge d'Affaires Timothy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provocative interference '' .
Tensions have been high since US President Donald Trump took office in 2017 , with the White House applying sanctions as it sought to undo the rapprochement between the two nations under predecessor Barack Obama .

Havana (AFP) –
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Dialogue over freedom of expression between Cuba's government and artists who organized a rare protest last week hit an impasse Friday as communist authorities accused some of them of being financed by the United States.
Cuba's Culture Ministry said it would not meet the artist collective's delegates, accusing them of receiving "funding, logistical and propaganda support from the US government and its officials."
The group of artists and intellectuals which has begun calling itself "27N" -- for November 27, the date of the protest -- called for further dialogue, saying they were "not enemies" but Cubans seeking a better country.
Some of them said they had been prevented from leaving their homes by a large police presence and had received threats by telephone.
Officials initially agreed to a dialogue over the artists' demands after the rare protest by around 300 members or supporters of the group outside its headquarters in Havana last weekend, spurred on by social media appeals.
A delegation of 30 demonstrators had been able to meet in the middle of the night after hours of protesting with the vice-minister of culture to present their demands to him related to freedom of expression.
Culture Ministry officials agreed to a dialogue with protesters' representatives, and the unprecedented discussions were expected to get underway this week with Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso.
However, the communist authorities hardened their tone, denouncing a US conspiracy.
The ministry said in its statement that it took exception to an "insolent letter" received on Thursday, which sought to "impose unilaterally who should participate in dialogue, with whom it agrees to dialogue, and on what."
The group had demanded President Miguel Diaz-Canel participate in the talks.
- 'War strategy' -
Diaz-Canel, the first Cuban leader of the post-Castro era -- too young to have participated in the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and his brother Raul -- has accused the collective of being behind "an unconventional war strategy to try to overthrow the revolution."
He made the comments at a "defense of the revolution" event two days after their protest.
The November 27 demonstration outside the Culture Ministry building followed the expulsion by police the previous day of members of a previously little known artists' collective from their premises in the historic center of Havana.
Members of the San Isidro Movement had been protesting for 10 days, with six of them on hunger strike, and their movement had gained significant attention.
The ministry said it remained open to dialogue with a section of the artists' community.
"For the young people and all the artists who met in front of the ministry on 27 November, who have not compromised their work with the enemies of the Cuban nation, the opportunities for dialogue remain open," the statement said.
"But we cannot get along with the mercenaries."
In a Facebook post, the 27N group said "we demand the right to have rights."
"We are not enemies, but Cubans who think differently and we dream of a better Cuba to pass on to our children, altogether and for the good of everyone."
Juan Pin Vilar, a filmmaker who was part of the delegation that initially met culture ministry officials, said on Facebook he regretted the dialogue had been blocked and that those who protested were not part of any political agenda.
In recent days, Cuban state media have spoken of what they called the "San Isidro farce" while reporting on supposed US-financed destabilization efforts, such as the derailment of a freight train in 2019.
On the day after the protest, the foreign ministry summoned the US Charge d'Affaires Timothy Zuniga-Brown, accusing him of "blatant and provocative interference".
Tensions have been high since US President Donald Trump took office in 2017, with the White House applying sanctions as it sought to undo the rapprochement between the two nations under predecessor Barack Obama.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Concussed Jadeja ruled out of Australia T20 series

Ravindra Jadeja was Saturday ruled of the final two games of India 's Twenty20 series against Australia with concussion after controversy marred the opening clash in Canberra .
The allrounder was hit on the helmet by a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc during his match-turning 44 not out on Friday evening .
He did not get immediate medical treatment but was examined at the innings break and replaced by substitute Yuzvendra Chahal , who then took three crucial wickets as India won by 11 runs .
`` The diagnosis was confirmed based on a clinical assessment in the dressing room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical team , '' the Indian cricket board said in a statement .
`` He will not take any further part in the ongoing T20 series . ''
Seamer Shardul Thakur was added to the squad as cover .
The substitution was controversial as Jadeja had earlier suffered a leg strain and received extensive treatment , casting doubt over whether he would be able to bowl , before being withdrawn for concussion .
Australia coach Justin Langer was furious , remonstrating with match referee David Boon , apparently unhappy that Chahal , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place of an allrounder .
Concussion substitutes were introduced to international cricket last year in a bid to improve player welfare .
It allows teams to replace someone with a `` like for like '' player , approved by the match referee .
After the game , Australia captain Aaron Finch said he accepted the decision , although allrounder Moises Henriques questioned whether Chahal was a suitable replacement .
`` I think the only real issue is you 've got to ask yourself was it a like-for-like replacement ?
Is he ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henriques told cricket.com.au .
`` That 's something they may need to look into , but those things are going to happen . ''
Australia , meanwhile , were sweating on the fitness of Finch who hurt his right leg while batting .
`` A bit of a hip or a glute ( buttock injury ) , I 'm not sure at the moment , '' he told reporters , with a scan scheduled for Saturday .

Sydney (AFP) –
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Ravindra Jadeja was Saturday ruled of the final two games of India's Twenty20 series against Australia with concussion after controversy marred the opening clash in Canberra.
The allrounder was hit on the helmet by a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc during his match-turning 44 not out on Friday evening.
He did not get immediate medical treatment but was examined at the innings break and replaced by substitute Yuzvendra Chahal, who then took three crucial wickets as India won by 11 runs.
"The diagnosis was confirmed based on a clinical assessment in the dressing room during the innings break by the BCCI medical team," the Indian cricket board said in a statement.
"He will not take any further part in the ongoing T20 series."
Seamer Shardul Thakur was added to the squad as cover.
The substitution was controversial as Jadeja had earlier suffered a leg strain and received extensive treatment, casting doubt over whether he would be able to bowl, before being withdrawn for concussion.
Australia coach Justin Langer was furious, remonstrating with match referee David Boon, apparently unhappy that Chahal, a specialist bowler, was allowed to take the place of an allrounder.
Concussion substitutes were introduced to international cricket last year in a bid to improve player welfare. It allows teams to replace someone with a "like for like" player, approved by the match referee.
After the game, Australia captain Aaron Finch said he accepted the decision, although allrounder Moises Henriques questioned whether Chahal was a suitable replacement.
"I think the only real issue is you've got to ask yourself was it a like-for-like replacement? Is he (Jadeja) an out-and-out spinner?" Henriques told cricket.com.au.
"That's something they may need to look into, but those things are going to happen."
Australia, meanwhile, were sweating on the fitness of Finch who hurt his right leg while batting.
"A bit of a hip or a glute (buttock injury), I'm not sure at the moment," he told reporters, with a scan scheduled for Saturday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--'Que pasa, New York?': John Lennon and the city that set him free

People gather at the memorial to John Lennon in the Strawberry Fields section of Central Park in New York , on the 20th anniversary of his murder in 2000 On December 8 , 1980 the filigree gates of New York 's Dakota residence across from Central Park went down in history as the spot John Lennon was shot dead .
But for nearly a decade prior to his shock murder , the former Beatle 's adopted hometown was where he rediscovered life .
The New York Lennon moved to in 1971 was near economic collapse , struggling with rampant crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city flush with artistic energy that maintained a blase attitude towards celebrities , where the already legendary musician could grab a coffee at his corner `` Cafe La Fortuna '' without facing mobs .
And he strolled hand in hand with his wife Yoko Ono , free from the British tabloid racism the Tokyo-born conceptual artist once called `` inhuman . ''
`` We really felt like we were on the same page with New Yorkers , '' Ono , now 87 , said in the 2010 documentary `` LENNONYC . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Yorkers who complain about it , but nobody moves out , '' Lennon said .
`` It 's the greatest place on earth . ''
The couple moved to 105 Bank Street in Greenwich Village , a neighborhood by then well-known as the haunt of creatives .
`` He did n't want to be John Lennon , former Beatle , famous guy , '' said Susan Ryan , a Bronx resident and writer who conducts Beatles walking tours in the city .
Standing in front of the two-room basement flat , Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , who once hosted Ono for a visit -- was typically cool about sleeping where Lennon once did .
`` You just are cognizant of the legacy , '' the 79-year-old said .
`` And it becomes an everyday thing . ''
Lennon and Ono quickly fell in with the era 's leftist radicals , releasing in 1972 `` Some Time in New York City , '' a politically charged album centered on racism , sexism and incarceration .
The FBI began wiretapping the artist over his activism as the Richard Nixon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that mushroomed into a years-long legal battle .
It was n't until 1976 that he secured permission to stay .
`` Que pasa , New York ? ''
Lennon sang on that album , paying homage to his new environs and referencing the case .
`` If the Man wants to shove us out / We gon na jump and shout / The Statue of Liberty said , 'Come ! '
'' During the songwriter 's standoff with the US government Bob Gruen thought to photograph Lennon flashing a peace sign in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture .
Gruen 's classic images of Lennon also include the superstar sporting his signature circular glasses and long wavy locks , in a muscle shirt emblazoned with the words `` New York City . ''
Gruen said Lennon was a delight to photograph for obvious reasons but emphasized the singer `` was always turning words into puns and making jokes . ''
`` I would 've loved to have seen what John would do on Twitter nowadays , because he was so good with the one-liners , '' the 75-year-old said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ portraits of Ono and Lennon , also noted the musician 's wry humor , which flecked even poignant moments .
He recalled taking stills while the pair filmed a video , undressing completely to `` simulate making love . ''
Lennon kissed Ono , `` going and going and going , '' Tannenbaum said , until the Liverpool-born artist turned and said `` What is this , Ben-Hur ? ''
referring to the nearly four-hour long film with an expletive .
`` That broke the ice , everybody cracked up , '' Tannenbaum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of that moment , him with a big grin on his face while he 's on top of Yoko .
And she 's laughing .
It was the best . ''
That photo shoot in November 1980 came as Lennon was returning to music , weeks earlier releasing with Ono `` Double Fantasy '' -- what would be his final studio album released in his lifetime .
Five years earlier the couple 's son Sean was born , approximately nine months after they reconciled following a break known as Lennon 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backstage at what went down as his final public concert appearance in 1974 at Manhattan 's famed Madison Square Garden , where he gave a surprise performance with Elton John .
After his second son 's birth Lennon took refuge at the Dakota , the chateauesque Upper West Side building where stars including Lauren Bacall and Judy Garland once lived .
Lennon and Ono had moved there in 1973 , seeking increased security their Village flat could n't provide .
`` I looked after the baby , and I made the bread , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lennon said of his nesting years .
`` And I 'm proud of it . ''
The history of the co-op building erected in 1881 would soon be marred by the hollow-point bullets that took Lennon 's life , later perfumed by the flowers from fans and mourners who gathered there in the days and years to come .
`` What strikes me , is besides the tragedy of him losing his life and his family losing him and the city losing him and all his fans losing him , was how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the 76-year-old Tannenbaum said .
`` It makes you want to cry , to think about that loss . ''
- 'Where it 's at ' - After Lennon 's death , Ono funded the construction of the tranquil Strawberry Fields living memorial in Central Park , across from the Dakota .
Its central feature , the `` Imagine '' mosaic donated by craftsmen from Italy , is now a place of pilgrimage .
Ryan , who was a 19-year-old college student when Lennon passed , said the murder wounded the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Everybody in the city knew he wanted to live here , wanted to be part of our town , and wanted to be one of us , '' she said .
In 1972 Lennon told the New Yorker that `` everywhere 's somewhere , and everywhere 's the same , really . ''
`` Wherever you are is where it 's at , '' he told the magazine from his stoop .
`` But it 's more so in New York . ''
`` It does have sugar on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

New York (AFP) –
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On December 8, 1980 the filigree gates of New York's Dakota residence across from Central Park went down in history as the spot John Lennon was shot dead.
But for nearly a decade prior to his shock murder, the former Beatle's adopted hometown was where he rediscovered life.
The New York Lennon moved to in 1971 was near economic collapse, struggling with rampant crime and entrenched poverty.
Yet it was a city flush with artistic energy that maintained a blase attitude towards celebrities, where the already legendary musician could grab a coffee at his corner "Cafe La Fortuna" without facing mobs.
And he strolled hand in hand with his wife Yoko Ono, free from the British tabloid racism the Tokyo-born conceptual artist once called "inhuman."
"We really felt like we were on the same page with New Yorkers," Ono, now 87, said in the 2010 documentary "LENNONYC."
"I've met a lot of New Yorkers who complain about it, but nobody moves out," Lennon said.
"It's the greatest place on earth."
- 'Regular person' -
The couple moved to 105 Bank Street in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood by then well-known as the haunt of creatives.
"He didn't want to be John Lennon, former Beatle, famous guy," said Susan Ryan, a Bronx resident and writer who conducts Beatles walking tours in the city.
Standing in front of the two-room basement flat, Roger Middleton -- the current tenant for 25 years, who once hosted Ono for a visit -- was typically cool about sleeping where Lennon once did.
"You just are cognizant of the legacy," the 79-year-old said. "And it becomes an everyday thing."
Lennon and Ono quickly fell in with the era's leftist radicals, releasing in 1972 "Some Time in New York City," a politically charged album centered on racism, sexism and incarceration.
The FBI began wiretapping the artist over his activism as the Richard Nixon administration ordered his deportation, a demand that mushroomed into a years-long legal battle. It wasn't until 1976 that he secured permission to stay.
"Que pasa, New York?" Lennon sang on that album, paying homage to his new environs and referencing the case.
"If the Man wants to shove us out / We gonna jump and shout / The Statue of Liberty said, 'Come!'"
- Jokester John -
During the songwriter's standoff with the US government Bob Gruen thought to photograph Lennon flashing a peace sign in front of Lady Liberty, a now iconic picture.
Gruen's classic images of Lennon also include the superstar sporting his signature circular glasses and long wavy locks, in a muscle shirt emblazoned with the words "New York City."
Gruen said Lennon was a delight to photograph for obvious reasons but emphasized the singer "was always turning words into puns and making jokes."
"I would've loved to have seen what John would do on Twitter nowadays, because he was so good with the one-liners," the 75-year-old said.
Allan Tannenbaum, whose work includes intimate portraits of Ono and Lennon, also noted the musician's wry humor, which flecked even poignant moments.
He recalled taking stills while the pair filmed a video, undressing completely to "simulate making love."
Lennon kissed Ono, "going and going and going," Tannenbaum said, until the Liverpool-born artist turned and said "What is this, Ben-Hur?" referring to the nearly four-hour long film with an expletive.
"That broke the ice, everybody cracked up," Tannenbaum recalls. "And I have the photo of that moment, him with a big grin on his face while he's on top of Yoko. And she's laughing. It was the best."
- 'House husband' -
That photo shoot in November 1980 came as Lennon was returning to music, weeks earlier releasing with Ono "Double Fantasy" -- what would be his final studio album released in his lifetime.
Five years earlier the couple's son Sean was born, approximately nine months after they reconciled following a break known as Lennon's "lost weekend."
The pair reunited backstage at what went down as his final public concert appearance in 1974 at Manhattan's famed Madison Square Garden, where he gave a surprise performance with Elton John.
After his second son's birth Lennon took refuge at the Dakota, the chateauesque Upper West Side building where stars including Lauren Bacall and Judy Garland once lived.
Lennon and Ono had moved there in 1973, seeking increased security their Village flat couldn't provide.
"I looked after the baby, and I made the bread, and I was a house husband," Lennon said of his nesting years.
"And I'm proud of it."
The history of the co-op building erected in 1881 would soon be marred by the hollow-point bullets that took Lennon's life, later perfumed by the flowers from fans and mourners who gathered there in the days and years to come.
"What strikes me, is besides the tragedy of him losing his life and his family losing him and the city losing him and all his fans losing him, was how much work he would've created," the 76-year-old Tannenbaum said.
"It makes you want to cry, to think about that loss."
- 'Where it's at' -
After Lennon's death, Ono funded the construction of the tranquil Strawberry Fields living memorial in Central Park, across from the Dakota.
Its central feature, the "Imagine" mosaic donated by craftsmen from Italy, is now a place of pilgrimage.
Ryan, who was a 19-year-old college student when Lennon passed, said the murder wounded the world but cut particularly deep in New York.
"Everybody in the city knew he wanted to live here, wanted to be part of our town, and wanted to be one of us," she said.
"New Yorkers loved John."
The feeling was mutual.
In 1972 Lennon told the New Yorker that "everywhere's somewhere, and everywhere's the same, really."
"Wherever you are is where it's at," he told the magazine from his stoop. "But it's more so in New York."
"It does have sugar on it, and I've got a sweet tooth."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Korda, Noh and Nordqvist share lead at LPGA Texas event

American Jessica Korda grabbed a share of the lead with US teen Yealimi Noh and Sweden 's Anna Mordqvist after Friday 's second round of the LPGA Volunteers of America Classic US teen rookie Yealimi Noh fired a five-under par 66 to grab a share of the lead with Jessica Korda and Anna Nordqvist after Friday 's second round of the LPGA Volunteers of America Championship .
The 19-year-old fired her second-best round of the year to stand on four-under 138 alongside compatriot Korda , who fired a second straight 69 , and Sweden 's Nordqvist , who shot 68 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noh , who started with a birdie on the back nine followed by her lone bogey at the par-3 11th , reeled off four birdies in a row starting at the par-5 17th and added another at the par-3 seventh to match the leaders .
Noh 's best finish was a runner-up effort at last year 's Portland Classic .
Korda sandwiched birdies at the par-5 second and sixth holes around a bogey at the fourth and sank back-to-back birdies at the ninth and 10th before taking a bogey at the par-5 13th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added another on the eighth and began the back nine with a birdie as well .
She also birdied the par-4 12th but closed with her lone bogey to miss out on sole possession of the lead .
American Lindsey Weaver was one stroke back in fourth on 139 with a pack on 140 including South Korea 's Park In-bee at 72-68 and Ko Jin-young , American Angela Stanford , Sweden 's Madelene Sagstrom and Thailand 's Pornanong Phatlum .

Washington (AFP) –
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US teen rookie Yealimi Noh fired a five-under par 66 to grab a share of the lead with Jessica Korda and Anna Nordqvist after Friday's second round of the LPGA Volunteers of America Championship.
The 19-year-old fired her second-best round of the year to stand on four-under 138 alongside compatriot Korda, who fired a second straight 69, and Sweden's Nordqvist, who shot 68 at The Colony in suburban Dallas.
Noh, who started with a birdie on the back nine followed by her lone bogey at the par-3 11th, reeled off four birdies in a row starting at the par-5 17th and added another at the par-3 seventh to match the leaders.
Noh's best finish was a runner-up effort at last year's Portland Classic.
Korda sandwiched birdies at the par-5 second and sixth holes around a bogey at the fourth and sank back-to-back birdies at the ninth and 10th before taking a bogey at the par-5 13th.
Nordqvist opened with a birdie, added another on the eighth and began the back nine with a birdie as well. She also birdied the par-4 12th but closed with her lone bogey to miss out on sole possession of the lead.
American Lindsey Weaver was one stroke back in fourth on 139 with a pack on 140 including South Korea's Park In-bee at 72-68 and Ko Jin-young, American Angela Stanford, Sweden's Madelene Sagstrom and Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Grillo fires 63 to seize four-shot PGA lead in Mexico

Argentina 's Emiliano Grillo outraced the darkness to fire an eight-under par 63 in Friday 's second round of the US PGA Mayakoba Classic , seizing a four-stroke lead in the Mexico event Argentina 's Emiliano Grillo , finishing in near darkness , fired an eight-under par 63 to seize a four-stroke lead in the sunset-halted second round of the US PGA Mayakoba Classic .
The 28-year-old South American , whose lone tour title came at the 2015 Frys.com Open , stood on 13-under 129 after 36 holes at Playa del Carmen , Mexico .
`` Played well all day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it close , '' Grillo said .
`` All I can ask for . ''
Americans Tony Finau and Tom Hoge shared second on 133 with Scotsman Russell Knox another stroke adrift .
With play starting an hour late due to bad weather , there were 18 players who were forced to finish their second round Saturday morning .
The lowest among them was American Andy Ogletree , making his pro debut .
He was 5-under for the round and 7-under for the tournament with three holes to finish .
Grillo is confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his performance so far at the weekend .
`` I did my work in the first few days , '' Grillo said .
`` I 've just got to keep doing the same work another two days -- I 'm pretty sure ( that ) will get it done .
`` It 's kind of hard to keep it this way for four days , so I 'm just going to again just hit it from the fairway and try to hit it close again . ''
Grillo opened and closed his front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the par-3 fourth , but took his lone bogey at the par-3 10th .
He responded by reeling off three birdies in a row , starting with a tap-in effort at the par-4 12th and closing with a 10-foot birdie putt at 14 .
He then dropped his approach at the par-4 17th and made a birdie putt and closed with a par to finish the low round of the week .
`` Everything worked today , '' Grillo said .
`` Played from the fairway , hit it close and when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putts .
It was one of those days . ''
Finau , seeking his second PGA title after the 2016 Puerto Rico Open , started on the back nine and would have owned second alone but closed with a bogey at the ninth to shoot 66 .
`` Made a lot of up and downs when I needed to and I was able to score on the holes when I was n't able to hit it in the fairway , '' Finau said .
`` I just seem to have the right combo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully that continues .
Just have to put it in the fairway .
If you do you will have a lot of good looks . ''
Finau , who needed only 24 putts , has made 168 career starts with only the lone win while Hoge has 165 US PGA starts without a victory .

Mexico City (AFP) –
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Argentina's Emiliano Grillo, finishing in near darkness, fired an eight-under par 63 to seize a four-stroke lead in the sunset-halted second round of the US PGA Mayakoba Classic.
The 28-year-old South American, whose lone tour title came at the 2015 Frys.com Open, stood on 13-under 129 after 36 holes at Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
"Played well all day, made some good putts and hit it close," Grillo said. "All I can ask for."
Americans Tony Finau and Tom Hoge shared second on 133 with Scotsman Russell Knox another stroke adrift.
With play starting an hour late due to bad weather, there were 18 players who were forced to finish their second round Saturday morning.
The lowest among them was American Andy Ogletree, making his pro debut. He was 5-under for the round and 7-under for the tournament with three holes to finish.
Grillo is confident he can capture the title by matching his performance so far at the weekend.
"I did my work in the first few days," Grillo said. "I've just got to keep doing the same work another two days -- I'm pretty sure (that) will get it done.
"It's kind of hard to keep it this way for four days, so I'm just going to again just hit it from the fairway and try to hit it close again."
Grillo opened and closed his front nine with birdies and added another at the par-3 fourth, but took his lone bogey at the par-3 10th.
He responded by reeling off three birdies in a row, starting with a tap-in effort at the par-4 12th and closing with a 10-foot birdie putt at 14.
He then dropped his approach at the par-4 17th and made a birdie putt and closed with a par to finish the low round of the week.
"Everything worked today," Grillo said. "Played from the fairway, hit it close and when it wasn't too close, I made putts. It was one of those days."
Finau, seeking his second PGA title after the 2016 Puerto Rico Open, started on the back nine and would have owned second alone but closed with a bogey at the ninth to shoot 66.
"Made a lot of up and downs when I needed to and I was able to score on the holes when I wasn't able to hit it in the fairway," Finau said.
"I just seem to have the right combo for this golf course this week. Hopefully that continues. Just have to put it in the fairway. If you do you will have a lot of good looks."
Finau, who needed only 24 putts, has made 168 career starts with only the lone win while Hoge has 165 US PGA starts without a victory.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Wales captain Jones backs under-fire Pivac's youth policy

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones believes under-pressure coach Wayne Pivac 's decision to blood new talent this autumn could yet prove to be a `` watershed moment '' .
Pivac has overseen just two wins from nine starts this year heading into Wales ' final match of 2020 , an Autumn Nations Cup fifth-place play-off against Italy in Llanelli on Saturday .
It 's all a far cry from 2019 when Wales , with Warren Gatland as their coach , won a Six Nations Grand Slam and reached a World Cup semi-final before Pivac 's fellow New Zealander stood down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pivac is contracted to take Wales through to the 2023 World Cup but there is a break clause in the deal that can kick in after two years .
And Wales ' recent run of results has led some observers to wonder if that might be activated if the team do n't return to consistent winning ways anytime soon .
But Jones believes the emergence in recent weeks of a clutch of fledgling Wales players in the likes of Gloucester win Louis Rees-Zammit , Bristol fly-half Callum Sheedy and Cardiff flankers James Botham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long run .
`` You have to give credit to Wayne , '' Jones said .
`` I know I am inside the tent , so I can add that element of bias , but when you strip it back and look at the decisions of the management , he has stuck to his guns and continued to give people opportunities . ''
Pivac 's hand has partly been forced by injury in some cases , with veteran lock Jones -- who will extend an ongoing world record of international appearances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisting : `` It is good when you see young guys coming in and asking the right questions .
`` They have not been found wanting .
`` From a spectator and an outsider 's point of view , you only see the 80 minutes .
I am fortunate to see how they operate and their application .
`` Eight or nine new caps , previously you would not see that in two years .
It could be a watershed moment in the way the new regime does kick on . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lows as a Wales player , with the Ospreys second row trying to lift the spirits of fans and players alike by saying : `` I have the fortune and misfortune of being in similar positions before , and you do come out of it .
`` I am comfortable with the fact that if my performances are n't up to scratch , they will be as scrutinised as anybody else 's .
`` Having been involved for a while now , ( I realise ) certain people need a poke and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is time for a rocket , but there is time for a level head as well .
`` Having someone ( Pivac ) at the head of the ship , who is continuing with a theme and backing what they say , I am comfortable to follow suit with that and support that . ''

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Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones believes under-pressure coach Wayne Pivac's decision to blood new talent this autumn could yet prove to be a "watershed moment".
Pivac has overseen just two wins from nine starts this year heading into Wales' final match of 2020, an Autumn Nations Cup fifth-place play-off against Italy in Llanelli on Saturday.
It's all a far cry from 2019 when Wales, with Warren Gatland as their coach, won a Six Nations Grand Slam and reached a World Cup semi-final before Pivac's fellow New Zealander stood down following the global showpiece in Japan.
Pivac is contracted to take Wales through to the 2023 World Cup but there is a break clause in the deal that can kick in after two years.
And Wales' recent run of results has led some observers to wonder if that might be activated if the team don't return to consistent winning ways anytime soon.
But Jones believes the emergence in recent weeks of a clutch of fledgling Wales players in the likes of Gloucester win Louis Rees-Zammit, Bristol fly-half Callum Sheedy and Cardiff flankers James Botham and Shane Lewis-Hughes will see Pivac vindicated in the long run.
"You have to give credit to Wayne," Jones said. "I know I am inside the tent, so I can add that element of bias, but when you strip it back and look at the decisions of the management, he has stuck to his guns and continued to give people opportunities."
Pivac's hand has partly been forced by injury in some cases, with veteran lock Jones -- who will extend an ongoing world record of international appearances with his 152nd Test this weekend -- insisting: "It is good when you see young guys coming in and asking the right questions.
"They have not been found wanting.
"From a spectator and an outsider's point of view, you only see the 80 minutes. I am fortunate to see how they operate and their application.
"Eight or nine new caps, previously you would not see that in two years. It could be a watershed moment in the way the new regime does kick on."
The 35-year-old Jones has had plenty of highs and lows as a Wales player, with the Ospreys second row trying to lift the spirits of fans and players alike by saying: "I have the fortune and misfortune of being in similar positions before, and you do come out of it.
"I am comfortable with the fact that if my performances aren't up to scratch, they will be as scrutinised as anybody else's.
"Having been involved for a while now, (I realise) certain people need a poke and certain people need an arm around them. There is time for a rocket, but there is time for a level head as well.
"Having someone (Pivac) at the head of the ship, who is continuing with a theme and backing what they say, I am comfortable to follow suit with that and support that."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--West Indies tumble in five-wicket New Zealand swing session

The West Indies ' Darren Bravo is clean bowled by New Zealand ’ s Kyle Jamieson on the third day of the first Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton The West Indies crumbled in the face of a Tim Southee-led masterclass of swing , losing five wickets in the first session on day three of the first Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday .
The visitors resumed the day at 49 without loss in reply to New Zealand 's imposing 519 for seven , and by lunch they had been reduced to 114 for five .
Jermaine Blackwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the innings with Blackwood on 18 and Holder on 14 .
In a dramatic two-hour period , Southee inspired the New Zealand pace pack with prodigious swing in the overcast conditions .
The morning started positively for the West Indies when John Campbell clipped the first ball from Southee to the fine leg boundary .
He advanced to 26 and gave the West Indies their first 50 opening stand in 13 innings since February last year .
But that one scoring shot was Campbell 's lot .
Four balls later , he scooped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-off and his innings was over .
In Southee 's following over , he produced a ball that swung late , caught the edge of Shamarh Brooks ' bat and Ross Taylor completed the dismissal at first slip .
West Indies dangerman Kraigg Brathwaite added one to his overnight 20 before he was caught behind .
Brathwaite came into the Test on the back of a double century in the West Indies warm-up game against New Zealand A but he could not handle a Trent Boult delivery that pitched on the leg stump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bravo had an early life when rapped on the pads by Southee but on review it showed the ball would have missed the leg stump by a wafer .
But when New Zealand brought on the 2.03 metre ( 6ft 8in ) Kyle Jamieson , he rattled Bravo with a rising ball that smacked him on the gloves and then bowled him two balls later with a full-length inswinger .
Roston Chase followed immediately for 11 , bowled by another good-length inswinger from Neil Wagner , who put away his notorious short-ball to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Hamilton (New Zealand) (AFP) –
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The West Indies crumbled in the face of a Tim Southee-led masterclass of swing, losing five wickets in the first session on day three of the first Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday.
The visitors resumed the day at 49 without loss in reply to New Zealand's imposing 519 for seven, and by lunch they had been reduced to 114 for five.
Jermaine Blackwood and Jason Holder were attempting to rebuild the innings with Blackwood on 18 and Holder on 14.
In a dramatic two-hour period, Southee inspired the New Zealand pace pack with prodigious swing in the overcast conditions.
The morning started positively for the West Indies when John Campbell clipped the first ball from Southee to the fine leg boundary.
He advanced to 26 and gave the West Indies their first 50 opening stand in 13 innings since February last year.
But that one scoring shot was Campbell's lot. Four balls later, he scooped a full-length delivery to Kane Williamson at mid-off and his innings was over.
In Southee's following over, he produced a ball that swung late, caught the edge of Shamarh Brooks' bat and Ross Taylor completed the dismissal at first slip.
West Indies dangerman Kraigg Brathwaite added one to his overnight 20 before he was caught behind.
Brathwaite came into the Test on the back of a double century in the West Indies warm-up game against New Zealand A but he could not handle a Trent Boult delivery that pitched on the leg stump and jagged across the batsman.
Darren Bravo had an early life when rapped on the pads by Southee but on review it showed the ball would have missed the leg stump by a wafer.
But when New Zealand brought on the 2.03 metre (6ft 8in) Kyle Jamieson, he rattled Bravo with a rising ball that smacked him on the gloves and then bowled him two balls later with a full-length inswinger.
Roston Chase followed immediately for 11, bowled by another good-length inswinger from Neil Wagner, who put away his notorious short-ball to make the most of the conditions.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-05--Palestinian teen killed in clashes with Israeli army: govt

Palestinian demonstrators face Israeli forces during a protest against Israeli settlements in Kafr Malik in the occupied West Bank on December 4 , 2020 , the same day a Palestinian teenager was killed in clashes in the village of Mughayir A Palestinian teenager was killed on Friday in clashes with the Israeli army on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank , the Palestinian health ministry said .
Ali Ayman Nasr Abu Aliya , 13 , `` succumbed to his wounds after he was shot with live rounds in the stomach '' during clashes north of Ramallah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The youth was hit during a demonstration in the village of Mughayir and was transported in critical condition to a hospital in Ramallah , where he died , it said .
UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said in a tweet he was `` appalled by the killing . ''
`` Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident , '' he added .
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it would prosecute Israel at the International Criminal Court over the shooting `` to ultimately hold Israeli war criminals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency WAFA reported .
The Palestinian Authority condemned `` the cold-blooded murder '' describing it in a statement as `` the latest episode in Israel 's crimes against the Palestinian people '' .
Mughayir mayor Amin Abu Aliya , quoted by WAFA , said the Israeli army had `` violently dispersed '' the protest against the establishment of an Israeli settlement in the area .
Four other people were wounded by Israeli army fire , WAFA reported .
The army denied live rounds were used , but said it was `` aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a Palestinian casualty '' .
An army spokesperson told AFP dozens of protesters had thrown rocks at security forces .
`` Rioters attempted to roll boulders and burning tyres from ridges above the Allon road , endangering the lives of civilians on the route , '' she said .
`` Security forces prevented the rioters from blocking the road and responded with riot dispersal means . ''
The Palestinian village of Mughayir is located near several Israeli settlements and has been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ras al-Teen area , where Israel has threatened to demolish a school , a move condemned in early November by the European Union , which co-funded its construction .
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 .
More than 450,000 Israelis live in settlements in the territory , home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians .

Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) –
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A Palestinian teenager was killed on Friday in clashes with the Israeli army on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said.
Ali Ayman Nasr Abu Aliya, 13, "succumbed to his wounds after he was shot with live rounds in the stomach" during clashes north of Ramallah, the ministry said in a statement.
The youth was hit during a demonstration in the village of Mughayir and was transported in critical condition to a hospital in Ramallah, where he died, it said.
UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said in a tweet he was "appalled by the killing."
"Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he added.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it would prosecute Israel at the International Criminal Court over the shooting "to ultimately hold Israeli war criminals to account", the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
The Palestinian Authority condemned "the cold-blooded murder" describing it in a statement as "the latest episode in Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people".
Mughayir mayor Amin Abu Aliya, quoted by WAFA, said the Israeli army had "violently dispersed" the protest against the establishment of an Israeli settlement in the area.
Four other people were wounded by Israeli army fire, WAFA reported.
The army denied live rounds were used, but said it was "aware of reports regarding a number of injured rioters and a Palestinian casualty".
An army spokesperson told AFP dozens of protesters had thrown rocks at security forces.
"Rioters attempted to roll boulders and burning tyres from ridges above the Allon road, endangering the lives of civilians on the route," she said.
"Security forces prevented the rioters from blocking the road and responded with riot dispersal means."
The Palestinian village of Mughayir is located near several Israeli settlements and has been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the past.
It is also near the Ras al-Teen area, where Israel has threatened to demolish a school, a move condemned in early November by the European Union, which co-funded its construction.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.
More than 450,000 Israelis live in settlements in the territory, home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--Jordan, Obama, Kaepernick jerseys set auction records

Basketball jerseys worn by NBA legend Michael Jordan at left and former US President Barack Obama at right set auction sales records Friday Jerseys worn by retired NBA legend Michael Jordan , former US President Barack Obama and ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick set world records on Friday at Julien 's Auctions .
The jerseys , along with another from NBA Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James , were feature attractions in a four-day auction that ended Friday .
The 1984 `` signing day '' number 23 jersey of former Chicago Bulls icon Jordan , who guided the club to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 320,000 .
That set a record sale price for any jersey worn by the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 14-time NBA All-Star playmaker .
The white jersey was the one Jordan lifted at his first news conference as a member of the Bulls as the club announced signing their top NBA Draft selection .
The previous record payout for a Jordan jersey was last July 18 for $ 288,000 for one worn in the 1998 Eastern Conference finals against Indiana .
Obama 's number 23 white jersey , worn by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Punahou School as a member of the 1979 Hawaii state champion squad sold for $ 192,000 , a record price for any high school jersey .
It broke the old prep sales mark of $ 187,500 from October 2019 for a James high school jersey and came with a copy of the 1979 school yearbook showing Obama playing in the jersey .
Kaepernick 's rookie jersey for the San Francisco 49ers , a white number 7 shirt signed by the controversial quarterback , was used in his NFL debut on October 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 128,000 , the most expensive NFL jersey ever sold at auction .
The prior mark ws $ 118,230 set by a 1960s Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colts jersey sold in 2015 and a Joe Namath 1960s New York Jets rookie jersey sold last July .
Kaepernick 's kneeling protests during the US anthem before NFL games gained national attention when US President Donald Trump called for kneeling players to be fired .
Kaepernick went unhired as a free agent after opting out of his 49ers contract and has not played since while becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A James 2003-2004 Cleveland Cavaliers rookie season jersey went for $ 128,000 to bring the total sales price for the trio of `` 23 '' jerseys to $ 640,000 .
Worn , signed and gifted by James , the jersey bears the earliest-known James autograph on a game-worn jersey .
Other items and winning bids included $ 38,400 for a signed NBA Finals jersey from the late Kobe Bryant , $ 22,400 for a 1984 Los Angeles Olympics relay torch and $ 10,240 for an official team captain 's armband from the 1958 @ @ @ @

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Jerseys worn by retired NBA legend Michael Jordan, former US President Barack Obama and ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick set world records on Friday at Julien's Auctions.
The jerseys, along with another from NBA Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, were feature attractions in a four-day auction that ended Friday.
The 1984 "signing day" number 23 jersey of former Chicago Bulls icon Jordan, who guided the club to six NBA crowns in the 1990s, went for $320,000.
That set a record sale price for any jersey worn by the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 14-time NBA All-Star playmaker.
The white jersey was the one Jordan lifted at his first news conference as a member of the Bulls as the club announced signing their top NBA Draft selection.
The previous record payout for a Jordan jersey was last July 18 for $288,000 for one worn in the 1998 Eastern Conference finals against Indiana.
Obama's number 23 white jersey, worn by the future president during his senior year at Punahou School as a member of the 1979 Hawaii state champion squad sold for $192,000, a record price for any high school jersey.
It broke the old prep sales mark of $187,500 from October 2019 for a James high school jersey and came with a copy of the 1979 school yearbook showing Obama playing in the jersey.
Kaepernick's rookie jersey for the San Francisco 49ers, a white number 7 shirt signed by the controversial quarterback, was used in his NFL debut on October 2, 2011.
It went for $128,000, the most expensive NFL jersey ever sold at auction. The prior mark ws $118,230 set by a 1960s Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colts jersey sold in 2015 and a Joe Namath 1960s New York Jets rookie jersey sold last July.
Kaepernick's kneeling protests during the US anthem before NFL games gained national attention when US President Donald Trump called for kneeling players to be fired. Kaepernick went unhired as a free agent after opting out of his 49ers contract and has not played since while becoming a symbol for Black social injustice protests.
A James 2003-2004 Cleveland Cavaliers rookie season jersey went for $128,000 to bring the total sales price for the trio of "23" jerseys to $640,000.
Worn, signed and gifted by James, the jersey bears the earliest-known James autograph on a game-worn jersey.
Other items and winning bids included $38,400 for a signed NBA Finals jersey from the late Kobe Bryant, $22,400 for a 1984 Los Angeles Olympics relay torch and $10,240 for an official team captain's armband from the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--World Cup final hurt driving on England's Jones

No pain , no gain - England coach Eddie Jones ( C ) oversees a training session ahead of Sunday 's Autumn Nations Cup final against France England coach Eddie Jones hopes to put the pain of last year 's World Cup final defeat to good use when his side face France in the climax of the Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham on Sunday .
Jones ' men were overpowered 32-12 by South Africa in Yokohama , the Springboks crushing England 's dreams of a second World Cup crown .
For Jones , it was a second World Cup final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia when they were beaten by England in the 2003 showpiece match in Sydney .
England , following an impressive semi-final win over reigning champions New Zealand in Japan , were many people 's favourites to win last year 's final , something Jones believes may have contributed to their eventual defeat .
`` I probably reflected on that World Cup final week every day , '' Jones told reporters after naming his team to play France on Friday .
`` When you lose a big final like that it stays with you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never put it to bed .
The result is what it is .
We were n't good enough in that World Cup final . ''
`` It does n't go away and you reflect and you think , ' I should have done that , would that have made a difference ? '
'' But Jones believes the final of the Nations Cup , created after the coronavirus pandemic led major southern hemisphere nations to cancel their tours of Europe , offers an England side featuring 13 survivors from the World Cup final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 months .
`` If you do n't learn from it you do n't get another opportunity to play in a final , so we have got a great opportunity to show that we have learnt from that World Cup final , '' he said .
`` What we 've noticed is that , in retrospect , we probably did n't attack the week like we normally do .
In the week of the World Cup final , we were probably more content about getting through the week .
`` This week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking the game and where we can improve . ''
France are the only team to have beaten England this year , defeating the eventual Six Nations champions 24-17 in their February tournament opener in Paris -- the first match for Jones ' men since the World Cup final .
The French , however , will arrive at Twickenham with a starting XV who have just 68 caps between them as a result of a player release agreement with the Top 14 clubs .
England 's run-on side , by contrast , boasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears their powerful pack will snuff out any French flair at the set-piece .
More broadly , with defences dominant in the Nations Cup amid much tactical , there are concerns that Test rugby is becoming an increasingly dreary spectacle .
Lifelong cricket fan Jones reckoned trying to play attacking rugby right now was akin to bowling to Steve Smith , having seen the Australia star batsman in action in Birmingham last year .
Jones , however , stressed the tide would turn .
`` His ability to control the bowler is fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Jones of Smith .
`` At the moment , defence is in the ascendancy but teams will work out how to attack rush defences and we 're in the process of developing our own attacking system to do that . ''
Meanwhile , England wing Johnny May , who bucked the trend with a stunning length of the field try against Ireland at Twickenham last month , said : `` Defences are getting smarter and players are more athletic .
`` It 's a difficult challenge at the moment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working on it and feel we can attack better . ''

London (AFP) –
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England coach Eddie Jones hopes to put the pain of last year's World Cup final defeat to good use when his side face France in the climax of the Autumn Nations Cup at Twickenham on Sunday.
Jones' men were overpowered 32-12 by South Africa in Yokohama, the Springboks crushing England's dreams of a second World Cup crown.
For Jones, it was a second World Cup final reverse after taking charge of his native Australia when they were beaten by England in the 2003 showpiece match in Sydney.
England, following an impressive semi-final win over reigning champions New Zealand in Japan, were many people's favourites to win last year's final, something Jones believes may have contributed to their eventual defeat.
"I probably reflected on that World Cup final week every day," Jones told reporters after naming his team to play France on Friday.
"When you lose a big final like that it stays with you for a long time.
"You never put it to bed. The result is what it is. We weren't good enough in that World Cup final."
"It doesn't go away and you reflect and you think, 'I should have done that, would that have made a difference?'"
- 'Didn't attack the week' -
But Jones believes the final of the Nations Cup, created after the coronavirus pandemic led major southern hemisphere nations to cancel their tours of Europe, offers an England side featuring 13 survivors from the World Cup final to demonstrate their progress during the past 12 months.
"If you don't learn from it you don't get another opportunity to play in a final, so we have got a great opportunity to show that we have learnt from that World Cup final," he said.
"What we've noticed is that, in retrospect, we probably didn't attack the week like we normally do. In the week of the World Cup final, we were probably more content about getting through the week.
"This week, we've had a real focus on attacking the game and where we can improve."
France are the only team to have beaten England this year, defeating the eventual Six Nations champions 24-17 in their February tournament opener in Paris -- the first match for Jones' men since the World Cup final.
The French, however, will arrive at Twickenham with a starting XV who have just 68 caps between them as a result of a player release agreement with the Top 14 clubs.
England's run-on side, by contrast, boasts a record 813 caps and there are fears their powerful pack will snuff out any French flair at the set-piece.
More broadly, with defences dominant in the Nations Cup amid much tactical, there are concerns that Test rugby is becoming an increasingly dreary spectacle.
Lifelong cricket fan Jones reckoned trying to play attacking rugby right now was akin to bowling to Steve Smith, having seen the Australia star batsman in action in Birmingham last year.
Jones, however, stressed the tide would turn.
"His ability to control the bowler is fantastic and that's where rugby is going," said Jones of Smith.
"At the moment, defence is in the ascendancy but teams will work out how to attack rush defences and we're in the process of developing our own attacking system to do that."
Meanwhile, England wing Johnny May, who bucked the trend with a stunning length of the field try against Ireland at Twickenham last month, said: "Defences are getting smarter and players are more athletic.
"It's a difficult challenge at the moment. But there are opportunities there. We are working on it and feel we can attack better."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-04--US firms gear up for distribution of Covid vaccines

US firms are gearing up for the massive logistical challenge of distributing Covid vaccines when they become available With the imminent arrival of coronavirus vaccines that will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures , US companies are gearing up for a massive logistical effort to aid their distribution .
Automaker Ford has ordered its own freezers while meat processing giant Smithfield said it is ready to put the cold room at its abattoirs at the disposal of vaccine roll-out operations .
Companies specializing in insulating containers have already been on a war footing for weeks .
US logistics giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 kilos ) of dry ice an hour in its depots and has developed portable freezers capable of storing the vaccines at temperatures of between -4 to -112 Fahrenheit ( -20 and -80 Celsius ) .
But companies not directly linked to the manufacture , storage or transport of vaccines are also stepping up .
`` We have assessed our ultra-low freezer capabilities and capacity and are ready and willing to assist health agencies if storage capacity becomes constrained , '' said meat giant Smithfield 's chief administrative director , Keira Lombardo .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cases of Covid-19 in some of its US slaughterhouses , said it now stands ready to help authorities distribute the vaccine , particularly to workers in the agricultural and food-supply sector , Lombardo said .
For its part , Ford has ordered a dozen ultra-cold freezers in anticipation of the arrival of vaccines , to offer them to employees who want them when they are available .
When the virus began to spread in the spring in the United States , the company had to temporarily close its factories .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with strict health precautions .
`` The health and safety of our workforce is our top priority , '' a spokesman told AFP .
General Motors has not gone that far but said it was in contact with US government agencies and health officials to `` coordinate as needed when the distribution plans are made available . ''

New York (AFP) –
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With the imminent arrival of coronavirus vaccines that will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, US companies are gearing up for a massive logistical effort to aid their distribution.
Automaker Ford has ordered its own freezers while meat processing giant Smithfield said it is ready to put the cold room at its abattoirs at the disposal of vaccine roll-out operations.
Companies specializing in insulating containers have already been on a war footing for weeks.
US logistics giant UPS is already producing 1100 lbs (500 kilos) of dry ice an hour in its depots and has developed portable freezers capable of storing the vaccines at temperatures of between -4 to -112 Fahrenheit (-20 and -80 Celsius).
But companies not directly linked to the manufacture, storage or transport of vaccines are also stepping up.
"We have assessed our ultra-low freezer capabilities and capacity and are ready and willing to assist health agencies if storage capacity becomes constrained," said meat giant Smithfield's chief administrative director, Keira Lombardo.
The meatpacker, which suffered a large number of cases of Covid-19 in some of its US slaughterhouses, said it now stands ready to help authorities distribute the vaccine, particularly to workers in the agricultural and food-supply sector, Lombardo said.
For its part, Ford has ordered a dozen ultra-cold freezers in anticipation of the arrival of vaccines, to offer them to employees who want them when they are available.
When the virus began to spread in the spring in the United States, the company had to temporarily close its factories. The group has since resumed its activities but with strict health precautions.
"The health and safety of our workforce is our top priority," a spokesman told AFP.
General Motors has not gone that far but said it was in contact with US government agencies and health officials to "coordinate as needed when the distribution plans are made available."
© 2020 AFP