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Princess Anne mysterious gold jewellery in new video - rare sighting of little-known piece



PRINCESS ANNE, 69, appeared in a video on the Royal Family Instagram to celebrate the International Day of the Midwife. A video of the Princess Royal, the Queen's only daughter, was posted to the IGTV of the account.




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Leeds United team news: Predicted 4-1-4-1 line up vs Hull City - Casilla ban decision



Leeds United take on Hull City on Saturday and Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa faces an important decision after Kiko Casilla was issued an eight-match ban.




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Hull City vs Leeds United live stream, TV channel: How to watch Championship match



Hull City host Leeds United in the Championship today and Express Sport is on hand with all the live stream and TV information.




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Hull 0-4 Leeds: Tyler Roberts brace seals dominant win as promotion push continues



Leeds continues their Premier League promotion push with a dominant 4-0 win against Hull on Saturday.




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Climate change means ocean change

When talking about the impacts of climate change, we mostly hear about changes to land and the planet’s surface or atmosphere. However, most of the warming is going into the oceans where a lot of ecosystem changes are also occurring.

This update includes a couple of info graphics and charts as well as a video from an ocean and climate scientist that explains this further.

Read full article: Climate Change Affects Biodiversity




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Health and poverty; a vicious cycle

The relationship between health and poverty is reasonably well known; one can exacerbate and contribute to the other in a vicious cycle.

This update, as well as including a few health stats updates, provides further information on noncommunicable diseases (which cause some two-thirds of all deaths each year) and more details on the relationship with poverty.

Read full article: Global Health Overview




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Inequality in the US; the top 0.1% gaining even more than top 1%

In the US the protest movement is symbolically against the top 1%. Income data from the US Congressional Budget Office, however, shows that it isn’t just the top 1% benefiting far more than the rest of American society, but the top 0.1% in particular.

High levels of inequality is generally believed to affect social cohesion. Some findings suggest that once nations are industrialized, more equal societies almost always do better in terms of health, well-being and social cohesion and that large income inequalities within societies destroys the social fabric and quality of life for everyone.

This update to the poverty page adds a section on inequality in the US, as well as adding some additional information about research showing globally some 147 multinational companies having core global influence and power.

Read full article: Poverty Around the World




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Iran nuclear report: Regurgitating old stories as new information to justify sanctions?

A recent IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program was portrayed by most Western mainstream media and politicians as new proof Iran is close to building nuclear weapons. The US Senate passed sanctions on Iran targeting its central bank in response.

However, the report does not say what the mainstream media and politicians claim. It has been much more guarded and much of it is about the state of Iran’s program up to 2003. After that period, the report is much more uncertain. Furthermore, many experts contend that the speculations (not definitive proof) that are in the report are misguided, too, leaning on unreliable sources, for example.

This update to the page on Iran has more information about this. Although the page is long, look for the new section about half way down under the heading of Regurgitating old stories as new information to justify sanctions?

Read full article: Iran




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COP17 - Durban Climate Conference

An overview of the Climate Change Conference (also known as COP 17), held in Durban, South Africa in December 2011.

Predictably and sadly, the same issues have resurfaced: lack of media coverage, West stalling on doing anything trying to blame India and China instead, lack of funding, disagreement on how to address it, etc.

Geopolitical threats (real and imaginary) quickly focus a lot of political will and money is easily found to mobilize military forces when needed.

The economy also takes center stage as the current pressing issue, while climate change is easily deferred, in the hopes that the West can let China and India pick up the burden of addressing emissions even though they have not contributed to the historical build up of emissions that have started the recent changes in the climate.

This page is an overview of the Durban conference.

Read full article: COP17 - Durban Climate Conference



  • Climate Change and Global Warming

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Climate change: historic emissions still matter

China, India and other emerging economies are often the focus points for climate change negotiations. Many rich nation politicians and their media often point to their rising emissions as proof that they urgently need to be bound to emission reduction targets in the same way rich nations are.

But what is often easily forgotten or omitted is that greenhouse gases can stay in the atmosphere for a very long time. In other words, historic emissions matter.

Historical data show that the majority of greenhouse emissions have been by rich nations, known as "Annex I" countries in climate negotiation speak:

Apart from China and India, the remainder of the top 10 historical greenhouse gas emitters have been from Annex I countries.

This is why 2 decades ago the climate negotiations started by understanding there were "common but differentiated principles" and why "Annex I" countries were initially given target emissions while the rest were to be given space to grow given the urgent need for poverty alleviation and development.

Furthermore, climate negotiations frameworks have always said developing nations need to avoid a polluting path to industrialization, so they can’t just use historic emissions injustice as an excuse not to do anything. At the same time, the dirty path to development was also the cheap and easy path which developing countries need to avoid, so it was also agreed that the Annex I countries should help developing countries in various ways. Needless to say much of this has not really happened.

These and additional charts have been added based on updated data up to 2008 on historical carbon emissions plus estimated emissions for 2009 and 2010.

Read full article: Climate Justice and Equity



  • Climate Change and Global Warming

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Media in the US: lax campaign financing bad for democracy but good for media companies

US campaign financing rules have been relaxed even further in recent years, making a worrying problem about the state of American democracy worse (because those with money have even more ability to try and buy votes or influence policy).

Media coverage of this issue, though it may pop up from time to time, seems quite limited. Perhaps because it is estimated that television stations this year could make as much as eight billion dollars from political campaigns.

The state of US mainstream media has unfortunately been lamentable for many years, and after the issues around hurricane Katrina, it was thought that the media would be rejuvenated. Unfortunately it does not seem that way.

This page has been updated with further information about campaign financing issues and how limits in the US have been lifted making the problem worse. Also added were notes on US press freedom, and an info graphic on media ownership concentration.

Read full article: Media in the United States




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Media and advertising: manipulating photos of people; going too far?

It has long been known that advertisers will “photoshop” (slang for editing photos to touch up or airbrush out imperfections) photos to make the subject more attractive. But many have pointed out that this subtle manipulation often goes too far. Young people, girls in particular, are bombarded with images of how they are supposed to look, contributing to many social and health problems as a result.

The American National Advertising Division (the US advertising industry’s self-regulating watchdog) for example, recently moved to ban the misleading use of photoshopping and enhanced post-production in cosmetics adverts as it could be too misleading. In the UK some adverts have been banned because the effects of airbrushing has resulted in very misleading cosmetic adverts. France has even considered legislation to explicitly identify retouched images.

Some will claim it is up to parents to teach their children how to recognize these things, but parents cannot often win against an army of professional psychologists, marketers and others all focused on pushing their own images onto children, when studies also say that children are not old enough tell the difference between commercial and other content.

This page has been updated to add a section about this issue with further links, videos and examples.

Read full article: Media and Advertising




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Climate change and carbon emissions trading

Flexibility mechanisms were defined in the Kyoto Protocol as different ways to achieve emissions reduction as part of the effort to address climate change issues. These fall into the following categories: Emissions Trading, Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism.

However, these have been highly controversial as they were mainly included on strong US insistence and to keep the US in the treaty (even though the US eventually pulled out). Some of the mechanisms face criticism for not actually leading to a reduction in emissions, for example.

The updates to this article includes a couple of videos summarizing some concerns about cap and trade.

Image ©: Centre for Science and Environment

Read full article: Climate Change Flexibility Mechanisms



  • Climate Change and Global Warming

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Syrian unrest

Following the trend throughout the Middle East, the so-called Arab Spring appears to have spread to Syria. The government crackdown on anti-government demonstrators in Homs and other provincial cities began over a year ago and is thought to have claimed thousands of lives. Attempts at brokering ceasefires have predictably failed.

This page provides coverage of recent events via Inter Press Service’s news feed.

Read full article: Syria Unrest




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19% of reptiles under threat of extinction and 100 million sharks being killed each year

19% of the world’s reptiles are estimated to be threatened with extinction according to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Zoological Society of London. Reptiles include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises. But some species are at more risk than others. For example, freshwater turtles alone are at a 50% risk of extinction. Reasons vary, but include the usual suspects such as climate change and loss of habitat.

A recent study also estimated that some 100 million sharks are being killed each year — an unsustainable rate, given how long some species take to mature and reproduce. Much of the demand is driven by Chinese rising affluence and demand for shark fin soup in the mistaken belief it has various health benefits.

This small update to the biodiversity loss page has further details.

Read full article: Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions




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Austerity and Structural Adjustment for Europe

For a while now many European governments have resorted to austerity measures to deal with the recession and financial crises affecting them. This may have either been by choice, or pressured from the outside.

However, as has been warned countless times, excessive austerity rarely works. Furthermore, focusing on debts and deficits appears to miss the point that the economic problems were caused by a collapse in markets and banking sector in particular, resulting in less revenues for governments; not necessarily an excessive overspend by governments.

Some of the policies being forced through even when evidence appears to show they do not work lead many to think that austerity and structural adjustment policies are being ideologically pushed for — just as they were on most of the developing countries for almost 2 decades with devastating results.

Indeed, in the US, investigations have found billionaires pouring hundreds of millions of dollars on campaigns to fix the debt making it appear as a grassroots movement. Fixing the debt of course happens to leave the elite less affected, so it works to their advantage to push for something like that.

Without more focus on appropriate economic growth, there is a real risk in going backwards, and even undermining democracy.

The global financial crisis page on this web site has been updated with new sections and videos on this issue.

Read full article: Global Financial Crisis




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Surveillance State: NSA Spying and more

At the start of June 2013, a large number of documents detailing surveillance by intelligence agencies such as the US’s NSA and UK’s GCHQ started to be revealed, based on information supplied by NSA whistle blower, Edward Snowden.

These leaks revealed a massive surveillance program that included interception of email and other Internet communications and phone call tapping. Some of it appears illegal, while other revelations show the US spying on friendly nations during various international summits.

Unsurprisingly, there has been a lot of furor. While some countries are no doubt using this to win some diplomatic points, there has been an increase in tension with the US and other regions around the world.

Much of the US surveillance programs came from the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the US in 2001. Concerns about a crackdown on civil rights in the wake of the so-called war on terror have been expressed for a long time, and these revelations seem to be confirming some of those fears.

Given the widespread collection of information, apparently from central servers of major Internet companies and from other core servers that form part of the Internet backbone, activities of millions (if not billions) of citizens have been caught up in a dragnet style surveillance problem called PRISM, even when the communication has nothing to do with terrorism.

What impacts would such secretive mass surveillance have on democracy?

Read full article: Surveillance State: NSA Spying and more




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Tobacco kills. Higher taxes and advertising controls work

It is well known that tobacco smoking kills. But it also exacerbates poverty, contributes to world hunger by diverting prime land away from food production, damages the environment and reduces economic productivity. Second hand smoking also affects other people’s lives. Despite many attempts to prevent it, a global tobacco control treaty became international law in 2005.

However, challenges still remain as tobacco companies try to hit back, for example, by targeting developing nations, increasing advertising at children and women, attempting to undermine global treaties and influence trade talks, etc.

This update includes updated stats, as well as more information on the above issues.

Read full article: Tobacco




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Foreign aid: shortfall since 1970 almost $5 trillion; greater than aid given

Over 40 years ago, rich country governments agreed to give 0.7% of their GNI (Gross National Income) as official aid to poor countries for development assistance.

The average aid delivered each year has actually been between 0.2 to 0.4%. The shortfall has therefore accumulated to almost $5 trillion dollars at 2012 prices, while total aid delivered in that same time frame has reached $3.6 trillion.

This update includes updated charts and graphs that look into this further.

Read full article: Official global foreign aid shortfall: $4 trillion





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Action on climate change is cheaper than inaction

Many are afraid that tackling climate change is going to be too costly. But increasingly, studies are showing action will not just be cheaper than inaction, but could actually result in economic, environmental and even health benefits, while improving sustainability.

This new page includes more information on the above issues.

Read full article: Action on climate change is cheaper than inaction




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Jackie McNamara tips Rangers boss Steven Gerrard to bench two stars after internationals



Rangers could be without Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield for their trip to play Hearts on Sunday.




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Celtic hero Chris Sutton bites back at Robbie Savage trolling as Hoops leapfrog Rangers



Celtic legend Chris Sutton has bitten back Robbie Savage on Twitter, as the Hoops finished the week top of the Scottish Premiership table, after Rangers’ 1-1 draw against Hearts.




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Steven Gerrard slams ‘wrong mentality’ and ‘wrong attitude’ as Rangers slip up at Hearts



Steven Gerrard is very frustrated with Rangers’ poor performance against Hearts.




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Steven Gerrard makes Alfredo Morelos January transfer guarantee after Hearts win



Steven Gerrard spoke about Alfredo Morelos after the Colombian scored two in Rangers' Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hearts.




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Celtic held talks with David Moyes as stance on Hearts and Hibs jobs explained



David Moyes came close to joining Celtic on two occasions and has opens up on his quest to return to management.




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Celtic team news: Predicted line-up vs Hearts - Neil Lennon to make Ryan Christie decision



Celtic host Hearts as top takes on bottom in the Scottish Premiership, with Neil Lennon hoping to maintain his seven-point lead over title rivals Rangers. Express Sport is on hand to provide all of the Hoops' team news, as well the predicted line-up, as two stars return from injury.




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Celtic vs Hearts live stream, TV channel: Can I watch Scottish Premiership match today?



Celtic host Hearts in the Scottish Premiership today and Express Sport is on hand with all the live stream and TV information.




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Rangers boss Steven Gerrard to consider his future over the next 48 hours



Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has suggested he could leave Ibrox after their defeat to Hearts as the manager said he will consider his future over the next couple of days.




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Man City team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Sheffield Wed - Aguero knock, Bravo choice



Manchester City face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fifth round at Hillsborough on Wednesday night, and Pep Guardiola has a number of injury concerns for his starting XI. This is the Citizens' predicted line up, as Sergio Aguero could feature, while Claudio Bravo starts in goal.




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FA Cup draw: When is quarter-final draw? Who could Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal face? TV info



The FA Cup fifth round takes place on Wednesday evening and Express Sport is on hand with all the info you need as the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United find out their opponents.




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FA Cup draw: Ball numbers confirmed for quarter-final draw as Man Utd, Chelsea learn fate



The FA Cup quarter-final draw takes place this evening but what ball number is your team? Express Sport has all the details.




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Man City fans rage at Pep Guardiola's line up vs Sheffield Wed as two stars are snubbed



Manchester City fans are fuming with manager Pep Guardiola over his team selection for the FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, as both Phil Foden and Eric Garcia are left out of his starting line up for the clash at Hillsborough.




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Sheffield Wednesday 0-1 Man City: Sergio Aguero sets up Newcastle FA Cup quarter-final tie



Sergio Aguero kept Manchester City on course to retain the FA Cup with the only goal in a disappointing fifth-round tie at Sheffield Wednesday. City will travel to Newcastle in the quarter finals.




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FA Cup draw IN FULL: Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle learn quarter-final fixtures



Holders Manchester City were drawn away at Newcastle in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Sheffield United will host Arsenal, while Chelsea travel to Leicester.




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Man City player ratings vs Sheffield Wed - Mahrez impresses as Aguero fires City to win



Manchester City beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 in the FA Cup clash at Hillsborough, as Pep Guardiola's side progress to the quarter-finals, just in time for the FA Cup draw. Express Sport is on hand to bring you all of the Citizens' player ratings after a tough evening against the Championship club.




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An open letter to those working in the meat industry in Wales

In these unprecedented times, we have published the following open letter thanking those working in the meat industry in Wales for their co-operation.




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Fortnite live event time UK: Good news for Party Royale Concert fans missing out



THE next Fortnite live event is kicking off now and there's good news for UK gamers missing out on the Party Royale Concert.




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Bohemian Rhapsody 2: Freddie Mercury SEQUEL update from Queen's Brian May 'We've talked'



BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY 2, a possible Freddie Mercury sequel, has had an update from Brian May.




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Elvis Presley: Graceland chef reveals how to cook The King’s Sunday Meatloaf – WATCH



ELVIS PRESLEY's Sunday Meatloaf can be made at home and now Graceland chef's has shown fans how from the mansion's kitchen in a new video.




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Pirates of the Caribbean 6: Fans DEMAND Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow – 'Absurd without him'



PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 6 may go ahead without Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow and fans are having none of it.




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Queen and Adam Lambert tour CONCERNS: ‘We have to rethink absolutely everything’ Brian May



QUEEN and Adam Lambert's tour has already been postponed until next year but Brian May has concerns for performing in a post-pandemic world.




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Tom Jones Little Richard: Were Tom Jones and Little Richard friends? 'Sings to me'



TOM JONES had a huge number of famous friends - but did that include the late singer Little Richard?




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Next James Bond odds: Tom Hardy OVERTAKES Richard Madden in race to replace Daniel Craig



NEXT JAMES BOND odds favourite Tom Hardy has overtaken Richard Madden in the race to replace Daniel Craig after No Time To Die.




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Brian May in hospital: Why was Brian May taken to hospital?



BRIAN MAY is known for shredding it on his guitar for millions of Queen fans - but what has caused him to head to hospital?




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British Open cancelled for first time since WWII due to coronavirus as new dates scheduled



The British Open has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.




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Masters hero Danny Willett relives 'bonkers' 2016 triumph at Augusta



The Masters is all about the roars that sweep around Augusta National on the back nine on a Sunday but sometimes it is a different noise that carries through golf's most evocative landscape. The collective gasps of thousands of patrons; the soundtrack to calamity.




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Ryder Cup plea made by Bernhard Langer to PGA Tour after The Open cancellation - EXCLUSIVE



The Ryder Cup remains scheduled to take place in September despite other major golf tournaments being postponed.




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Brooks Koepka reveals how Michael Jordan stunned him after smack talking in golf showdown



Brooks Koepka admits talking smack with Michael Jordan backfired on the golf course.




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GREECE TRAVEL: Swan around on Skiathos



PINK sunsets, shady pines and views stretching for miles across the vivid blue waters of the Aegean… hotel settings don’t come more spectacular than this.