Thursday, March 31, 2011

Opening bell to ring in 83rd Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament

Cleveland, Ohio -- Twelve bouts are scheduled to go Friday on the opening night of the 83rd Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament.  All three divisions will be represented at the Brook Park Recreation Center, 17400 Holland Road in Brook Park, at 7 p.m.  In the open division for experienced fighters, two-time defending champion Zeddie Adams from the Salvation Army...

Cleveland, Ohio -- Twelve bouts are scheduled to go Friday on the opening night of the 83rd Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament. 

All three divisions will be represented at the Brook Park Recreation Center, 17400 Holland Road in Brook Park, at 7 p.m. 

In the open division for experienced fighters, two-time defending champion Zeddie Adams from the Salvation Army Boxing Academy takes on Cassius Foster from the Old School Boxing Club at 141 pounds. Super heavyweight Marc Ward, a three-time champion from the Thurgood Marshall Police Athletic League, faces Aaron McCoy from the MLK Premier B.C. 

Tickets are $20 reserved, $15 general admission and $10 12-and-under. Call 216-662-7445. 

Friday's card 

Open Division 

141 - Zeddie Adams (Salvation Army Boxing Academy) vs. Cassius Foster (Old School Boxing Club); 152 - Julius Thompson (Thelma George/Empire Recreation) vs. Royce McCormick (Good Shepherd B.C.); Levi Patterson (Empire) vs. Jonathan Gregory (Unattached). 201+ Aaron McCoy (MLK Premier B.C.) vs. Marc Ward (Thurgood PAL); Wesley Tripplett (Unattached) vs. Enam Danley Jr. (Thelma George). 

Novice Division 

132 - Delonte Heath (West Side B.C.) vs. Jeremy Abram (Kings B.C.); 152 - Abdus McGlothin (Lonnie Burten) vs. Dustin Bates (Freedom Fighters); Mohamad Bodair (West Side) vs. Edwin Santos (Raul Torres B.C.); Charles Paschall III (Cleveland B.C.) vs. Patrick Brown (Downtown B.C.). 201 - Daniel Infante (Unattached) vs. Jerrell Brown (Cleveland B.C.); Deyah Darwish (West Side) vs. Shawndell Hood (Rock Hard Cash B.C.). 

Sub-Novice Division 

152 - Josah Rosenberger (Burnside B.C.) vs. William Green (Inner City B.C.). 

Saturday's Card 

Open Division 

123 - Ronald Rosenboro (Cleveland B.C.) vs. Antonio Nieves (Old School). 132 - Marco Hall (Southside B.C.) vs. William Flenoy (Thurgood PAL). 141 - Thomas Mattice (SABA) vs. Angel Figueroa (Freddie's B.C.); Christian Maynor (Thurgood/PAL) vs. Adams/Foster winner. 

Novice Division 

132 - Christopher Butler (Thelma George) vs. DeAndre Hill (Unattached); Elhan Nevzadi (SABA) vs Heath/Abram bout. 141 - Mario Butler (Kings Gym) vs. Ronnie Hamayel (Southside); Tyler Smith (Salem B.C.) vs. Isaiah Chapman (Rock Hard Cash). 201 - Franklin Barnes (Cudell Recreation) vs. Infante/Brown winner; Ryan Skinner (Terminator B.c.) vs. Darwish/Hood winner. 

Sub-Novice Division 

141 - Alessandro Cutrona (Salem B.C.) vs Chris Hall (MLK Premier); Pierre Harris (Kings Gym) vs. Radad Hamayel (Southside). 

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/03/opening_bell_to_ring_in_83rd_c.html

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The Neuberger ?threat?

The imminent return of Baroness Neuberger to the rabbinate is continuing to cause a stir in the Orthodox world.
In the newly redesigned Jewish Tribune, enjoying a fresh lease of life after talk of its demise a few months ago, columnist Alex Strom sees a threat in her public profile.
?It would be disastrous if someone representing a movement that rejects Yiddishkeit and has brought about a spiritual churban [catastrophe] to Jewry became Jewry?s spokesman simply by default,? he declares.
Whoever becomes next Chief Rabbi must not only be ?elegantly eloquent? but also ?a real champion of uncompromising Orthodox Judaism?. And whoever selects him must be keen to put clear blue water between the Chief Rabbinate and ?the dangerous alternative?.
Two names floated as possible candidates for Chief are ?fully paid-up members of the Charedi community?, he says, namely Rabbi Harvey Belovski of Golders Green and Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag of Whitefield.
While Lord Sacks?s ?communal achievements have been largely unremarkable?, he argues, ?there are few who would question his oratory and writing skills.?
Meanwhile, here are some of his views about the Liberals and Reform:
Baroness Neuberger is ?a Liberal Jewess who is now being appointed to lead the most cathedral of the Reform Synagogues. (The use of the word cathedral is not entirely accidental, as the Reform synagogues have probably more in common with a cathedral than a synagogue.)?
And: ?There are subtle differences between the two movements. Reform Judaism in its struggle for recognition has a adopted a few more of the traditional tenets of Judaism such as services on Shabbos rather than the Liberal Movement?s Sunday services, bris milah and the retention of Hebrew in prayers.?
And: ?The failure of their philosophy is evident in that there are very few second generation Reform or Liberal Jews.?
Let's see if the Tribune carries a letter next week from the Liberals, among other things pointing out that they do not hold Shabbat services on a Sunday....

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/the-neuberger-%E2%80%9Cthreat%E2%80%9D

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Rabbi Pinter?s blackberry?

? and other stories.

A fascinating piece on Charedi life in Stamford Hill in today?s Telegraph. A well-balanced, in-depth look at the community, full of fascinating insights and colourful details.

Far better a report than, say, this piece in the Independent last year.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/rabbi-pinter%E2%80%99s-blackberry%E2%80%A6

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Lake County Captains' Delvi Cid piling up stolen bases

The speedy "El Cid" is drawing attention every time he reaches base, and he'll be important to the Captains as they start the Class A playoffs.

lake-county-captains-delvi cid.JPGView full sizeIndians farmhand Delvi Cid, center fielder for the Class A Lake County Captains, has stolen 71 bases in 87 attempts this season. The right-handed hitter is batting .253.

EASTLAKE, Ohio — A Delvi Cid comparison to Kenny Lofton wouldn't be fair at this point.

Cid's still a kid, just 21, with much to learn, especially at the plate.

But watching the Lake County Captains center fielder race down line drives and pile up stolen bases like hot dogs on 50-cent night, well, Indians fans can dream that maybe there's another "K-Love" percolating deep in the Tribe's farm system.

For the Class A Captains, who, along with the Indians' minor-league affiliates in Columbus (AAA) and Kinston, N.C., (Advanced A) begin their playoffs today, the speedy "El Cid" is drawing attention every time he reaches base. At least Manager Ted Kubiak suspects as much.

"I'm just surmising," he said, "but I think the organization is opening its eyes to him. At least I hope it does because he's a force."

Especially when Cid is dashing from first to second base.

Cid set a Captains' record this season with 71 steals in 87 attempts. The previous mark was 47 steals in 2008 by outfielder Lucas Montero, who added 13 more with Kinston that season. (Chris Morris holds the Midwest League record with 111 steals for Peoria in 2001.)

The 6-2, 170-pound Cid, a native of the Dominican Republic, said his goal for the season was 60 steals, but quickly approached that mark and had to raise it to 70. Then he smashed that, too.

He went on a summer tear, with 20 steals in July and 17 in August, and demonstrated impressive speed in center field as well.

"His jumps have been incredible," Kubiak said.

The Indians signed Cid as an undrafted free agent in 2006, a talent discovered by Cesar Geronimo, who played centerfield for Cincinnati's famed "Big Red Machine" in the 1970s.

As if it were hard to spot the fastest guy on the field.

Kubiak, who played against Geronimo in the majors, said the right-handed Cid's dash to first takes about 4 seconds, compared with 4.3 seconds for the average right-handed hitter and 4.2 for lefties.

"He'll get there in 3.7, 3.6 sometimes," said Kubiak, who added that Cid still needs work on getting a better jump from first base and on shifting his weight to reach top gear quicker.

Cid, whose favorite player back home was Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore, is also working on shortening his swing and learning the strike zone.

He finished the regular season batting .253, with 16 doubles and two triples, but struck out almost every fourth time up -- way too often for a player whose legs, not power, will be what carries him to the big leagues.

Part of the problem was the Indians had Cid switch-hitting almost immediately for the first few years. He struggled from the left side of the plate until they dropped the experiment earlier this season. He's now exclusively a right-handed hitter, and said he's more confident at the plate.

"I'm just trying to put the ball in play every time," said Cid, with the Captains' Puerto Rican catcher Roberto Perez serving as translator.

If his swing can ever match his mind-set and he learns to be a contact hitter, Kubiak believes Cid could hit .275, .280 in the major leagues, where the names of some of the greatest steals leaders may sound familiar.

Vince Coleman, who holds the minor-league stolen-base record with 145 in 1983, also holds the National League record for rookies, stealing 110 bases for St. Louis in 1985.

And in the American League, an Indians rookie set a record with 66 in 1992. His name? Kenny Lofton.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/09/lake_county_captains_delvi_cid.html

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?Katzav is innocent?

Israeli ex-President Moshe Katzav awaits sentencing after being convicted of rape last month.

But he still commands support from a group of Israeli rabbis who believe in his innocence. See this story on Failed Messiah.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/%E2%80%9Ckatzav-innocent%E2%80%9D

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Remembering Debbie Friedman

There is a memorial concert on Saturday night (March 26) for Debbie Friedman, the influential American Jewish singer who sadly died in January aged 59, shortly after her last appearance at the Limmud UK conference.
It begins with havdalah ? her tune for the ceremony is used by many communities here and overseas? at 8p at the Jewish Community Secondary School, Castlewood Road, East Barnet, and features educators and musicians from across the community.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/remembering-debbie-friedman

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Lady Bears get win on softball field: North Royalton Sports Roundup

The Lady Bears (1-0) got off to a good start this year by beating Parma, 4-3, in their season opener March 28. Kaylin Clarke pitched for the win while Katey Newman went 2 for 3 at the plate with one run batted in and two runs scored.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/sunstarcourier/index.ssf/2011/03/lady_bears_get_win_on_softball.html

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Quilliam's Libyan Connection

Since writing a piece for this week?s Jewish Chronicle urging people to back the anti-extremist think tank Quilliam, I received some disturbing information warning me off. I believe this came from a source close to government. The claims made against Quilliam were serious and my support for the organisation needs to be examined in the light of what they said.

The most worrying suggestion was that Quilliam had been chasing money from some very unsavoury sources, including Saudi Arabia and, of all places, Libya. My informant also suggested that the Home Office was concerned about how much tax payers? money Quilliam was spending on offices and travel. All these claims have since been rebutted by Quilliam co-founder Maajid Nawaz. He says Quilliam has indeed had approaches from the Saudis (rather than the other way around), but on the condition the think tank stop its criticism of the Wahhabi kingdom. No money has been received from Libya either, I am told.

It has also been pointed out to me since I wrote the piece that Quilliam founder Ed Husain was critical of Israel during operation Cast Lead and it has been suggested that his comments at the time vilified and delegitimized Israel. It is true that Quilliam issued a press release condemning Israeli action, although I believe Mr Husain?s comments fell short of delegitimisation. Ed Husain is no longer with Qulliam, while Maajid Nawaz remains at its head.

Readers of the Jewish Chronicle should look carefully at the words of Mr Nawaz on The Guardian?s Comment is Free website in January 7th 2009 condemning Hamas commander Mahmoud Zahar for saying that Jewish children everywhere were legitimate targets: ?Yes, Israel is not free from blame, as our Quilliam Foundation press release stated, it has acted with utter disregard for human life. There is however, one crucial difference that slices through this debate like a hot knife through butter. Israel does not have an active policy of deliberately capturing children to murder them, or even deliberately murdering civilians for that matter. Israel acts irresponsibly, with impunity and total disregard for the consequences of its military onslaught, and this leads to the deaths of many Palestinian civilians and some children. But it does not deliberately select children to murder, nor justifies doing so. Hamas just has.?

Many, if not most, readers of the JC would take issue with this characterisation of Israel, as would I. But Mr Nawaz?s position on Hamas is categorical and courageous. And it is, after all, the job of Quilliam to take on the Islamists. It is not required of its leadership to support the actions of every Israeli government in every instance.

So to Quilliam?s Libyan problem. In August 2010 Quilliam appointed former Libyan jihadi Noman Benotman as a senior analyst. I knew Mr Benotman as a useful contact for stories on London jihadis during my time at The Observer. He was always thought to have been a prominent member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group [LIFG] and fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan. He certainly seemed phenomenally well-informed and plugged in and we met on several occasions around the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More recently, Mr Benotman has become an advocate for de-radicalisation programmes and even returned to Libya to help his home country?s authorities ?turn? jihadis. His work was not secret, nor was Saif al-Islam?s interest in promoting this work. This ultimately led to six prominent members of LIFG renouncing violent jihad and the release 600 former activists from prison.

A Wikileaks cable from the US embassy in Tripoli from late 2009/early 2010 said the following: ?The revised LIFG ideology is the result of a two-year initiative, led by Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi in his capacity as QDF [Qadhafi International Charity and Development Foundation] chairman and brokered on behalf of the Libyan government. According to press reports and Libyan officials, Saif worked closely with the UK-based former LIFG leader, Noman Benotman, on the effort to work on a revised ideology with the LIFG in exchange for amnesty.?

The problem for Quilliam is that Saif al-Islam is now toxic. Once he could parade through western capitals as the reasonable, democratising face of the new Libya. Now it is clear he is as psychopathic as his father and quite prepared to support the systematic massacre of his fellow Libyans.

I believe Noman Benotman made a terrible error of judgement by believing that it was possible to work with Saif al-Islam to deradicalise jihadis, just as the Labour government was wrong to believe it could work with Gaddafi to further its interests in the war on terror. The price of such compromise is always too high. Your enemy?s enemy is not always your friend. Why should Libya?s deradicalisation programme have been any more credible than Saudi Arabia?s or Egypt?s or that proposed by dangerous opponents of Quilliam in Whitehall who believe this work must be left to radical ?street? Islamists? An authoritarian is an authoritarian, whether Islamist, Baathist, Arab nationalist, or, in the case of Gaddafi, some unique combination of totalitarian psychoses. Mr Benotman recently condemned Gaddafi?s tyranny in the pages of the New York Times, we now need full disclosure in this country of his dealings with the tyrant?s son.

The Libyan connection has dripped its poison through the political and academic life of Britain as Tony Blair, Jack Straw, Mike O?Brien, the LSE, Anthony Giddens, the British Council, the Foreign Office and several other government departments have discovered in recent weeks. As anti-Semitic states go, Libya is difficult to beat. When Gaddafi came to power there were only a handful of Jews left in the country after the pogroms of the post-war period. One of the new dictator?s first actions was to confiscate all their remaining land and property and that of any Jewish exiles. This was before he graduated to funding international terrorism and bumping off Libyan dissidents, the so-called ?stray dogs? of his regime. One of these was the father of my friend Huda Abuzeid, who was murdered in his grocery shop in west London. Gaddafi?s hired assassins pushed kebab skewers through his face in a particularly brutal ?hit?. Those who thought it was a good idea to treat with Gaddafi seemed to forget that he was prepared to kill on the streets of our capital city as well as over the skies of Scotland.

Quilliam has always provided an intelligent and sober critique of Islamist ideology. There is a question, of course, whether it should receive government money to do so, but I remain convinced it would be a tragedy if it closed its doors. However, in order to retain the support of those who have argued for its survival, it must clarify, reassess and ultimately consider severing its Libyan connection. Otherwise it will risk losing all the friends it has.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/quilliams-libyan-connection

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Those darn Jews...

What a week it has been - accusations flying all over the shop about anti-Jewish comments by everyone from Hollywood celebrities to fashionistas and internet renagades.

I could attempt to write something superbly witty about these - and perhaps I will later - but for now take a look at Jeffrey Goldberg's deliciously funny take on "the great advantages of being Jewish".

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/those-darn-jews

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New Facebook Intifada page after first one closed

Facebook has blocked a page calling for violent uprisings and a "Third Palestinian Intifada" following complaints from users and Jewish organisations.

Nearly 350,000 people had registered support for the Arabic language page, which people to rise up against Israel on Nakba Day - May 15 - the date on which Palestinians mourn the establishment of Israel.

Critics said the page was "a call to arms" for Palestinian terrorists and accused Facebook of providing a forum for further conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Although a spokeswoman for the social networking site said earlier that upsetting comments or content would not alone be "a reason to remove the discussion", links to the page now redirect to the homepage.

However the creators of a page, set up to petition Facebook to monitor anti-Israel abuse better, warned against complacency. A new "Third Palestinian Rising" page has been set up and has already attracted more than 4,000 supporters.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/news/israel-news/47165/new-facebook-intifada-page-after-first-one-closed

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Goedert's 20th homer of season backs Espino's strong start for Clippers: Minor league report

Beau Mills' 3 RBI help Akron rout Trenton, Captains win pitching duel.

columbus clippers new logo.jpg

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 5, Indians 2: 3B Jared Goedert (.271) hit his 20th home run, Paolo Espino (3-2, 4.30) struck out seven in seven innings, and Columbus won the International League game Tuesday in Indianapolis. Espino, a right-hander, gave up two runs (earned) on three hits and three walks. Columbus 2B Cord Phelps (.323) had two doubles.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 10, Thunder 4: 1B Beau Mills (.241) hit his 10th home run and had three RBI, DH Jerad Head (.312) drove in three runs, and Akron won the Eastern League game in Trenton, N.J.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 9, Keys 2: Kinston 3B Kyle Bellows (.255) belted his 10th home run and knocked in three runs, Marty Popham (4-4, 4.28) threw six strong innings, and the K-Tribe won the Carolina League game in Frederick, Md.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 1, Silver Hawks 0: Three Lake County pitchers combined on a four-hitter and the Captains won the Midwest League game over South Bend (Ind.) in Eastlake. Left-hander Francisco Jimenez (3.63) started for Lake County and allowed three hits in five innings. Lefty Nick Kirk (5.11) gave up one hit in 2 innings and righty Jose Flores (1-1, 2.25) earned the win with 11/3 hitless innings.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Doubledays 3, Scrappers 1: Mahoning Valley outhit Auburn (N.Y.), 6-4, but the Doubledays scored two in the top of the ninth to win the New York-Penn League game in Niles, Ohio. Righty Michael Goodnight (4.05) started for the Scrappers and pitched five scoreless innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 2, Wild Things 1: Lake Erie DH Matt Sutton (.186) hit a one-out ninth-inning single to drive in 3B Lee Huggins (.238) from second base and the Crushers beat Washington (Pa.) in the Frontier League game in Avon.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/08/goederts_20th_homer_of_season.html

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Philip Roth up for International Man Booker prize

American author Philip Roth is in the running for the 2011 Man Booker International prize.

Mr Roth, whose 31st book Nemesis was published last year, is one of 13 finalists for the prize, which has been given out biennially since 2005 and is worth �60,000.

The 78-year-old author of Portnoy's Complaint has won several prestigious awards in the past, including America's National Book Award twice and a Pulitzer Prize in 1997. He has been a finalist for the Man Booker International finalist on two previous occasions, in 2005 and 2007.

Many of his books have dealt with Jewish subjects, including his 2004 novel The Plot Against America, which imagined an alternate reality in which the US refused to fight Adolf Hitler.

Australian Jewish writer David Malouf, author of the 1993 book Remembering Babylon is also one of the final 13.

The judges will announce the winner on June 28.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/literature/47197/philip-roth-international-man-booker-prize

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The Neuberger ?threat?

The imminent return of Baroness Neuberger to the rabbinate is continuing to cause a stir in the Orthodox world.
In the newly redesigned Jewish Tribune, enjoying a fresh lease of life after talk of its demise a few months ago, columnist Alex Strom sees a threat in her public profile.
?It would be disastrous if someone representing a movement that rejects Yiddishkeit and has brought about a spiritual churban [catastrophe] to Jewry became Jewry?s spokesman simply by default,? he declares.
Whoever becomes next Chief Rabbi must not only be ?elegantly eloquent? but also ?a real champion of uncompromising Orthodox Judaism?. And whoever selects him must be keen to put clear blue water between the Chief Rabbinate and ?the dangerous alternative?.
Two names floated as possible candidates for Chief are ?fully paid-up members of the Charedi community?, he says, namely Rabbi Harvey Belovski of Golders Green and Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag of Whitefield.
While Lord Sacks?s ?communal achievements have been largely unremarkable?, he argues, ?there are few who would question his oratory and writing skills.?
Meanwhile, here are some of his views about the Liberals and Reform:
Baroness Neuberger is ?a Liberal Jewess who is now being appointed to lead the most cathedral of the Reform Synagogues. (The use of the word cathedral is not entirely accidental, as the Reform synagogues have probably more in common with a cathedral than a synagogue.)?
And: ?There are subtle differences between the two movements. Reform Judaism in its struggle for recognition has a adopted a few more of the traditional tenets of Judaism such as services on Shabbos rather than the Liberal Movement?s Sunday services, bris milah and the retention of Hebrew in prayers.?
And: ?The failure of their philosophy is evident in that there are very few second generation Reform or Liberal Jews.?
Let's see if the Tribune carries a letter next week from the Liberals, among other things pointing out that they do not hold Shabbat services on a Sunday....

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/the-neuberger-%E2%80%9Cthreat%E2%80%9D

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Review: Memories After My Death

By Yair Lapid (Trans: Evan Fallenberg)
Elliott & Thompson, �18.99

The notion is bizarre - that a son might so totally steep himself in his father's life, his innermost thoughts, that, after his father's death, he can recreate the man and write the autobiography his father never penned. But this is what Yair Lapid has done. The result is a literary tour-de-force in which the son reassembles the voice, the spirit of the father so absolutely that, for most of this big book, it is the man himself who turns the pages of his life and speaks directly to the reader.

And Yosef "Tommy" Lapid has a lot to say. As a journalist, a politician, a celebrity, Tommy Lapid wrote, recorded, broadcast and shared with his close and loving family so many of his experiences, his thoughts, his emotional highs and lows, that his son Yair, himself a high-profile journalist and broadcaster in Israel, had an abundance of sources.

Born into a comfortable, intellectual and secular Jewish family in Novi Sad, in the Serbian republic of former Yugoslavia, Tomislav Lampel (later Hebraised to Lapid and the Tommy prefaced by Yosef - which nobody called him) lived in Budapest with his mother after his lawyer father had been taken by the Germans (he died in Mauthausen two weeks before the Liberation).

Mother and son were on a death march to the banks of the Danube, where they were to have been shot and left to die under the ice, when a Soviet reconnaissance plane temporarily distracted the Hungarian and Nazi escort. Young Tommy was pushed into a nearby public toilet by his mother and when both emerged the march had moved on. Not one of the marchers survived.

It was this scarred but street-smart teenager who arrived in Israel with his mother just as the state was born and there, seizing every opportunity he could make for himself in the next 60 years, carved out a remarkable career as journalist, author, radio and TV star, later head of the Israel Broadcasting Authority, Knesset Member, a founder of the anti-clerical Shinui party, deputy prime minister and, in his last years, chairman of Yad Vashem.

But this dry catalogue in no way captures Tommy's gusto for life, of a man flamboyant in his many loves: of food (he grew to be a Falstaffian figure), of his writer wife, their children, and of friends, who included humorist Ephraim Kishon and Ariel Sharon.

He embraced almost everyone but Hungarians and it's impossible not to forgive him his delight in his own celebrity. Former Prime Minister Olmert sat in tears at Tommy's bedside as he lay dying from cancer having asked his doctors not to prolong his life.

Having first met Tommy when we were both young journalists in London in the '60s (he for the Israeli newspaper Maariv), I am familiar with his voice and it is remarkable how his son and intimate friend Yair brings it back to booming, ebullient, opinionated life in this extraordinary memoir.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/arts/books/47126/review-memories-after-my-death

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Supersub Ben Haim puts Israel back in contention

A second-half strike from supersub Tal Ben Haim lifted Israel to joint-second in Euro 2012 qualifying Group F as they overcame Georgia at the Bloomfield Stadium.

Having beaten Latvia 2-1 on Saturday, Luis Fernandez's men ran out deserved winners in a match that featured the comeback of captain Yossi Benayoun following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The Maccabi Petah Tikva player ? not to be confused with the Portsmouth defender ? was in the right place at the right time seven minutes after coming on to finish an excellent move involving Maor Buzaglo and Lior Refaelov.

One of the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Benayoun who came off the bench with 71 minutes on the clock.

Buzaglo came close with two free-kicks that landed on top of the net.

There were scenes of jubilation at the final whistle as Israel climbed above Georgia after inflicting their first defeat of the group stages.

Matchwinner Tal Ben Haim said: "It was a dream debut. I scored with my first kick. It was a great moment for me but the important thing is that the team won and we are back in with a chance to reach the Euro 2012 finals."

Israel manager Luis Fernandez said: "We were fresher than the Georgians and controlled the game. Welooked confident in defence and eventually the midfield and attack found a way through.

"We are back in the race to qualify and I always said we should not give up."

Israel's next group match is away in Latvia on June 4 followed by tough games against group leaders Greece and Croatia.

Israel: Dudu Awat, Tal Ben Haim, Dani Bondarv, Rami Gershon, Bebras Natcho (sub: Tal Ben Haim 52), Biram Kayal, Almog Cohen, Lior Refaelov (sub: Gil Vermouth 63), Elyaniv Barda (sub: Yossi Benayoun 71), Maor Buzaglo, Dekel Keinan. Subs not used: David Goresh, Gal Alberman, Talk Twatha, Ben Sahar

Source: http://www.thejc.com/sport/sport-news/47179/supersub-ben-haim-puts-israel-back-contention

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Rabbi Pinter?s blackberry?

? and other stories.

A fascinating piece on Charedi life in Stamford Hill in today?s Telegraph. A well-balanced, in-depth look at the community, full of fascinating insights and colourful details.

Far better a report than, say, this piece in the Independent last year.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/rabbi-pinter%E2%80%99s-blackberry%E2%80%A6

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Danny Caro's Team of the Week - March 27

This week's top JC Team was arguably the toughest to pick this season, with some big performances in some important matches.

David Grossman (FC Team A) - "outstanding and commanding" display in the goalless draw against promotion rivals Brady. Brilliant performances from Ollie Segal, Jake Weiner and Jason Wood ensured that there was no way past him

John Lessem (Glenthorne United A) - "after his team went down to 10 men early on, Lessem stepped in at centre half and was solid, winning everything in the air and on the ground?

Darryl Green (Woodford Wanderers) - "striker filled in at centre back. Was solid all game and got the team playing good football from the back"

Alex Taylor (Faithfold A) - was an absolute rock at the heart of the Faithfold defence which restricted a Neasden team containing Gershfield, Cash and Ellis to just one goal from a set-piece. One of many heroes in the famous Superhoops shirt on the day

Eddie Manson (Oakwood) - impressed both managers with a commanding performance as he blunted the Raiders attack

Adam Rosenfeld (UJIA) - "worked the Catford full-back hard for 90 minutes"

Scott Ackerman (Inter Borehamwood) - scored one and involved in several others. Back to his best

Simon Levene (North West Neasden C) - "had an outstanding game in the middle and scored an excellent goal"

Toby Katz (North London Raiders C) - "a stunning winner with eight minutes to go and wonderful assist for Jamie Marks' first goal for the club. Toby ran the midfield for Raiders and put in a performance to savor and a goal worthy of winning any match"

Ben Isaacs (Temple Fortune A) - "back to his best with two quality strikes, including the second one where he ran half the length of the pitch, beating three defenders and popping it in the corner"

Daran Bern (Redbridge Jewish Care A) - scored two goals and took the game to Raiders at every opportunity. Will be the key man over the next couple of weeks when Redbridge attempts to seal a first-ever Premier Division title followed by the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final

--------------------------------------

JC NOMINATIONS:

GK - Ben Law (Faithfold), Ryan Selsdon (Zig Zag), Jake Doffman (Brixton), Ed Bloom (NW Neasden C), Rob Levene (Team JLGB), Alex Kanter (NL Raiders C), David Grossman (FC Team A), Joe Levy (Inter Borehamwood), Mark Brahams (LM Lions C), Josh Shindler (Heath Banta)

Defenders - James Frenner, Alex Taylor, Paul Savitz (all Faithfold A), Ed Weicz (Brixton), Adam Levene (NW Neasden C), Lee Stone (Team JLGB), Josh Colman (NL Raiders C), John Lessem (Glenthorne A), Darryl Green (Woodford), Ollie Segal, Jake Weiner (both FC Team A), Ilan Scorah, Adam Levene, Eddie Manson (all Oakwood), Gideon Wetrin (Temple Fortune A)

Midfielders - Alex Levack, Paul Babai (both Faithfold A), James Levy (Zig Zag), Benji Gourgey, Simon Cohen, Simon Levene (all NW Neasden C), Josh Danan (Team JLGB), Toby Katz (NL Raiders C), Adam Rosenfeld (UJIA), Josh Cohen (Glenthorne A), Hadley Silver (Redbridge JC C), Jason Wood (FC Team A), Scott Ackerman, Joel Lassman (both Inter Borehamwood), Sam McCarthy (Redbridge JC A)

Strikers - Josh Toff, Joel Winton (both Zig Zag), Dan Oade (Shirley Park), Ben Isaacs (Temple Fortune A), Jonny Haik (Faithfold A), Steve Summers, Daran Bern (both Redbridge JC A)

Manager - Zuriel Solmon (Faithfold A), Oli Shorts (NL Raiders C), DJ Neal Cohen (Zig Zag), Louis Taylor (NW Neasden C)

Referee - Luke Eppel (Athletic Bilbaum vs Shirley Park)

Source: http://www.thejc.com/sport/sport-news/47158/danny-caros-team-week-march-27

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US and UK may arm rebels if Gaddafi clings to power

Hillary Clinton and William Hague claim arming rebel groups may be legal under the recent UN resolution

The US and Britain have raised the prospect of arming Libya's rebels if air strikes fail to force Muammar Gaddafi from power.

At the end of a conference on Libya in London, Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, said for the first time that she believed arming rebel groups was legal under UN security council resolution 1973, passed two weeks ago, which also provided the legal justification for air strikes.

The British foreign secretary, William Hague, agreed that the resolution made it legal "to give people aid in order to defend themselves in particular circumstances".

But Clinton admitted the Americans "do not know as much as we would like to" about the interim national council (INC). In Washington, Admiral James Stavridis, Nato's supreme allied commander in Europe, told the Senate that intelligence analysis had revealed "flickers" of al-Qaida or Hezbollah presence inside the movement, and argued it required further study.

America's envoy to the UN, Susan Rice, told Fox News she was "reading much the same stuff" and distanced herself from Stavridis's comments. "I think we can't rule out the possibility that extremist elements could filter into any segment of Libyan society and it's something clearly we will watch carefully for," she said.

The west's main Arab ally, Qatar, also said providing weapons to Gaddafi's opponents should be considered if air strikes failed to dislodge him. The Gulf state's prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jaber al-Thani, said the effect of air strikes would have to be evaluated in a few days, but added: "We cannot let the people suffer for too long."

A prolonged conflict appeared more likely after pro-Gaddafi forces launched a powerful counterattack against Libyan rebelstoday, sending the revolutionaries fleeing from towns they had taken only two days earlier.

Mahmoud Shammam, a spokesman for the INC said the opposition lacked weapons. "We don't have arms at all, otherwise we would finish Gaddafi in a few days. We ask for the political support more than we are asking for the arms. But if we get both that would be great."

However, international law experts have warned that the US is likely to be in breach of the UN security council's arms embargo on Libya if it sends weapons to the rebels. Lawyers analysing the UN's 26 February arms embargo said it would require a change in the terms for such a move not to breach international law.

"The embargo appears to cover everybody in the conflict, which means you can't supply arms to rebels," said Philippe Sands QC, professor of international law at University College London.

The French and Italians have also disagreed with Washington and London's interpretation of the UN resolution.

Asked about the possibility of arming the rebels, the French foreign minister, Alain Jupp�, said: "I remind you it is not part of the UN resolution ? which France sticks to ? but we are ready to discuss it with our partners."

French and Italian officials said the issue had been discussed at the conference in London, contradicting US and British assurances to the contrary.

There appeared to be greater consensus on offering Gaddafi a way out of the conflict through exile, with Italy leading the way in seeking a haven prepared to accept the Libyan leader. The UK was not looking for somewhere for him to go, said Hague. "That doesn't exclude other countries from doing so."

Barack Obama said in television interviews on Tuesday he thought it was too early to negotiate an exit for Gaddafi. He told CBS News Gaddafi's inner circle was beginning to recognise that "their days are numbered". He said some may be negotiating to leave the regime. "But that information may not have filtered to Gaddafi yet."

Clinton said the UN's special envoy to Libya, Abdul Ilah Khatib, was due in Tripoli soon to explore "a political solution that could involve [Gaddafi] leaving the country".

The INC was not formally invited to the London conference, and has only been recognised so far by France and Qatar. However, it emerged from the conference with its status enhanced.

The group launched its political manifesto, A Vision of a Democratic Libya, from the Foreign Office's official briefing room. Shammam said Clinton herself had "just stopped short of recognition", but she had dispatched a senior US diplomat, Chris Stevens, to Benghazi to strengthen ties.

"We have been told here that a lot more delegates will be coming to Benghazi soon," said the INC spokesman.

The conference agreed to study a Qatari proposal to sell oil from opposition-held areas of Libya, to provide revenue for the insurgents.

Pro-Gaddafi forces bolstered by recent reinforcements bombarded rebel positions in Bin Jawad, 45 miles from the politically and strategically significant town of Sirte on the Libyan coast.

Revolutionaries around Bin Jawad eventually fled under the intense assault.

The government army moved into the town and then pressed east for 20 miles to within striking distance of Ras Lanuf, which was left dangerously vulnerable. Towns on the road to Benghazi have changed hands several times since the beginning of the uprising two months ago.

The rebels' see-sawing military fortunes, which saw them charge down the road to Bin Jawad on Sunday after western air strikes sent Gaddafi's forces fleeing only to charge back up again yesterday, is further confirmation that they are unlikely to be able to defeat the regime without foreign air forces continuing to destroy government tanks and artillery.

It was not immediately clear if there had been any air strikes near Sirte or Bin Jawad on Monday, but the advance of the regime's forces did not appear to have been slowed.

Rebel fighters demanded to know if Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, who is a favourite of the revolutionaries after his government recognised them, was sleeping.


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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/29/libya-rebels-armed-by-us-uk

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'It feels like we are all still shaking': message from Japan

In the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, those with friends and family in the country understandably rushed to contact them and check if they had been affected.

One couple, who have visited Japan on several occasions, contacted Tokyo-based Rabbi Antonio Di Ges�. They kindly offered to share his response with JC readers.


?It has been quite a Shabbat: mostly quiet but with an underlying anxiety that made us all look at the cell-phones waiting for that earthquake alert message affecting Tokyo.

I?m good as are most of our congregants, as far as I know. I?ve found a few emails directly from them and I?ve spoken with some of them too.

A few months ago I had put on the [Jewish Community of Japan] home-page a link to a registration form aimed at Jews living outside of Tokyo and inviting them to let us know where they are. Of the couple of dozen people who responded none lives in the affected areas. Our building withstood the hits: it was scary to see it sway, but thank God, there are no damages.

We had a very low key Shabbat: one foreign visitor for Kabbalat Shabbat and three for Shachrit. And since the JCJ cook had not finished preparing any meal, and my fridge was completely empty, Arie, the person responsible for our security and me took out a couple of challot, some strawberries and a plate of cut pineapple and that was our Shabbat meal that we shared with the visitor. Same menu also at lunch?

I still don?t know what we could do as a community to help. My Japanese is not still at a level where I can interact freely on serious topics like this, so I will need to coordinate this with someone on the board, but it feels like we are all still shaking, so we?ll wait at least until tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers and your good thoughts."

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/it-feels-we-are-all-still-shaking-message-japan

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U2 confirmed as other main headline act

Glastonbury Festival has revealed more of its line-up for this year, following the confirmation that U2 will headline on the Pyramid Stage on the Friday night.

U2 are the third of the headliners to be announced, joining Coldplay and Beyonce for the festival's top slots. Coldplay will headline on Saturday and Beyonce on Sunday.

Festival organiser Emily Eavis has announced that BB King, Primal Scream, Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, The Chemical Brothers, Anna Calvi, Big Boi, Crystal Castles, Friendly Fires, Gruff Rhys, Janelle Monae and Warpaint will all be performing at this year's festival.

Mumford & Sons are to play on Friday evening, before Primal Scream, a prime billing for the folk rock act, who have broken into the American charts, won a Brit award for best album, and performed at the Grammys since their appearance at Glastonbury Festival last year.

Irish rock legend U2 were forced to cancel their headline appearance at the festival last year when singer Bono injured his back.

The news that they would play this year was announced at the NME awards in a video message from U2 guitar player The Edge, who said: "It's more a way of life than a festival. I made it last year to the Friday show – got to play with Muse, got to hang out, ate a veggie burger and fries, and got to play on the Pyramid Stage.

"I have to say there is something really special and iconic about that stage. So we're all looking forward to coming back to pick up where I left off. And we're so excited to get to play in front of the world's greatest festival audience."

Festival founder Michael Eavis said: "After the disappointment of U2 being unable to play last year, we're now doubly excited at the prospect of the Friday night supergroup breaking the sound barrier."

Tickets for this year's festival, which takes place from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 June, have sold out.

However a limited number of Sunday tickets are available for central Somerset residents only (price �70, including travel to and from the festival by bus). For an application form please send a stamped addressed envelope to Sunday Tickets, Glastonbury Festival Office, 28 Northload Street, Glastonbury BA6 9JJ. Completed applications with payment must be received by April 7. People who have bought Sunday tickets in recent years will automatically be sent an application form.

Source: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/glastonburyfestival/U2-confirmed-main-headline-act/article-3305879-detail/article.html

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Cord Phelps has five RBI to lead Columbus Clippers to win: Minor League Report

Jason Kipnis and Jordan Henry combine to drive in four runs in the Akron Aeros' Class AA win over New Britain, Conn.

Jason Kipnis.jpgView full sizeAkron second baseman Jason Kipnis.
AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 12, Bats 4 Second baseman Cord Phelps (.335) smacked a grand slam and drove in five runs, and right fielder Jose Constanza (.303) went 4-for-4 with a triple, a double and three RBI to lead host Columbus past Louisville, Ky., in International League play Friday. DH Jared Goedert (.286) doubled twice and drove in two for the Clippers. Pitcher David Huff (7-0, 3.75 ERA) allowed three runs in seven innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 11, Rock Cats 7 Second baseman Jason Kipnis (.333) had a homer, two RBI and two of host Akron's 17 hits in an Eastern League win over New Britain, Conn. Center fielder Jordan Henry (.285) singled twice, tripled and drove in two for the Aeros. DH Cristo Arnal tripled, singled and drove in three runs.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Hillcats 6, Indians 1 LHP T.J. McFarland (10-4, 2.74) allowed five runs -- but only one earned -- in six innings as Kinston, N.C., lost a Carolina League game in Lynchburg, Va.

A Lake County Captains

TinCaps 3, Captains 2 1B Chris Kersten hit a two-run homer, but Lake County lost a Midwest League game in Fort Wayne, Ind.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 3, Spinners 2 LHP Kirk Wetmore (2-6, 7.19) allowed one run in four innings of relief to earn the victory for Mahoning Valley in a New York-Penn League game in Lowell, Mass.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Miners 6, Crushers 5 Arden McWilliams had four of Lake Erie's 12 hits, but the Crushers dropped the Frontier League game at Southern Illinois.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/08/cord_phelps_has_five_rbi_to_le.html

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Wedding will start effort to woo tourists

wdnews@bepp.co.uk

Tourism chiefs are to launch a massive campaign after the Royal Wedding to attract tens of thousands of overseas visitors to the West.

They will use global coverage of the wedding at the end of May as a springboard to market the attractions of the rest of the nation.

The announcement came as a major report was published that found Bristol is the second most popular destination on the English coastline for foreign visitors.

The study marks the start of British Tourism Week today which is launched with parties on piers around the country, including the West.

The Daily Press reported last week how the Government published its Tourism Strategy, which is expected to provide a �250 million bonanza for the region.

The policy aims to put the West at the centre of a massive drive to attract overseas visitors and cash in on a series of events over the next four years, including the Royal Wedding and the Olympics.

Yesterday's new research from VisitBritain found 13 per cent of the 30 million overseas travellers to Britain went to a coastal town or city, and the 3.9 million seaside-loving tourists spent �2 billion on their trips.

Bristol attracted almost 120,000 foreign visitors, behind only Brighton in England, while Bournemouth was sixth with 55,000 and Weston-super-Mare just outside the top 20 with 14,000.

The Germans are the nationality keenest on going to the coast, with half a million visits, which is good news for their favoured destinations as they are the second biggest spenders behind Americans.

Patricia Yates, co-chair of British Tourism Week, said: "This new report shows how our coastal towns and seaside locations are an important part of our appeal to overseas visitors. As we open British Tourism Week with parties on piers across the country this research reminds us all that visiting one of our great piers at a seaside town offers visitors a quintessential coastal experience which is unique to Britain."

Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis was today due to meet Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne and Somerset tourism chiefs in Shepton Mallet to discuss a tourism strategy, including developing Asian markets.

Meanwhile Tourism Minister John Penrose will attend the main launch of British Tourism Week and Party on the Pier in his Weston constituency, along with actor Timothy West, patron of the National Piers Society.

They will start a giant conga along the quarter-mile length of the pier, with local groups including dance troupes, scouts, guides and sea cadets invited to take part.

There are events taking place around the country, including at Clevedon today and Burnham-on-Sea's tomorrow.

Source: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/glastonburyfestival/Wedding-start-effort-woo-tourists/article-3322825-detail/article.html

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Crimefighters celebrated at police awards ceremony

The top police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset were celebrated this week. Daniel Evans reports

Source: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/glastonburyfestival/Crimefighters-celebrated-police-awards-ceremony/article-3316696-detail/article.html

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Reminder of Royal Fusiliers' grit

Newly refurbished museum at Tower of London highlights regiment's 325 year history

Private W Reginauld may not have been the Royal Fusiliers' most distinguished soldier, but the boot he wore will have pride of place at the newly refurbished regimental museum in the Tower of London.

It was not the sort of footwear anyone would want to wear ? a heavy iron contraption stretching from toe to knee that an exasperated colonel ordered Reginauld to put on in 1808 following years of malingering with a bad leg.

The painted inscription tells it all: "Found of great use after imposing on the regiment for three years and six months, was cured in 12 days ..." To complete the cure, Reginauld was sentenced to 500 lashes to dissuade him from swinging the lead again.

The Royal Fusiliers, drawing recruits from London, has had plenty of more gallant soldiers than Reginauld, among them 20 winners of the Victoria Cross, with 12 of those medals on display in the museum in an interactive display case whose touchscreen will describe how each came to be won.

The regiment, first raised at the Tower in 1685 and now amalgamated with three regional fusilier regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, has missed few significant battles in the last 320 years.

"We have only been absent from Waterloo and D-day," said Colin Bowes-Crick, the museum's curator, whose connection with the regiment stretches back nearly 50 years. "We missed Waterloo by a day and for D-day were still fighting in Italy."

There is also a Russian musket ball extracted from the thigh of a fusilier wounded at the battle of Inkerman in 1854 ? together with the soldier's letter home to his family describing the incident, written the same day ? and a white tablecloth waved by German troops surrendering at the end of the prolonged and bloody battle at the Italian monastery of Monte Casino in the second world war.

A mannequin in a display case depicts the surprisingly diminutive figure of George V ? much smaller than Michael Gambon in The King's Speech ? wearing his uniform as colonel of the regiment, complete with bearskin.

And, some things never change, there is also a letter from a regimental colonel to William Howard Russell, the first war correspondent, complaining about his coverage of the Crimean war.

There is also the Napoleonic imperial eagle on its pike, captured from the French in 1809, in a battle at Martinique. "That really makes my temples tingle," said Bowes-Crick. "It's the thought that Napoleon himself would have touched the eagle in presenting it to his troops."

Entry to the museum, reopening to the public next week after the �850,000 refit, will be included in the price of admission to the Tower.


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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/mar/28/fusiliers-tower-museum-revamp

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Monday, March 28, 2011

China's science publishing boom

Royal Society report shows China pushing UK into third place in scientific publishing and predicts it will soon surpass the US

China could overtake the United States as the world's dominant publisher of scientific research by 2013, according to an analysis of global trends in science by the Royal Society. The report highlighted the increasing challenge to the traditional superpowers of science from the world's emerging economies and also identified emerging talent in countries not traditionally associated with a strong science base, including Iran, Tunisia and Turkey.

The Royal Society said that China was now second only to the US in terms of its share of the world's scientific research papers written in English. The UK has been pushed into third place, with Germany, Japan, France and Canada following behind.

"The scientific world is changing and new players are fast appearing. Beyond the emergence of China, we see the rise of South-East Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and other nations," said Chris Llewellyn Smith, director of energy research at Oxford University and chair of the Royal Society's study.

"The increase in scientific research and collaboration, which can help us to find solutions to the global challenges we now face, is very welcome. However, no historically dominant nation can afford to rest on its laurels if it wants to retain the competitive economic advantage that being a scientific leader brings."

In the report, published on Monday, the Royal Society said that science around the world was in good health, with increases in funding and personnel in recent years. Between 2002 and 2007, global spending on R&D rose from $790bn to $1,145bn and the number of researchers increased from 5.7 million to 7.1 million.

"Global spend has gone up just under 45%, more or less in line with GDP," said Llewllyn Smith. "In the developing world, it's gone up over 100%." Over the same period, he added, the number of scientific publications went up by around 25%.

To compare the output of different countries, the Royal Society's report collated information on research papers published in two time periods, 1993-2003 and 2004-2008. It counted research papers that had an abstract in English and where the work had been peer-reviewed.

In both periods, the US dominated the world's science, but its share of publications dropped from 26% to 21%. China's share rose from 4.4% to 10.2%. The UK's share declined from 7.1% to 6.5% of the world's papers.

Projecting beyond 2011, the Royal Society said that the landscape would change "dramatically". "China has already overtaken the UK as the second leading producer of research publications, but some time before 2020 it is expected to surpass the US." It said this could happen as soon as 2013.

China's rise is the most impressive, but Brazil, India and South Korea are following fast behind and are set to surpass the output of France and Japan by the start of the next decade.

The quality of research is harder to measure, so the Royal Society used the number of times a research paper had been cited by other scientists in the years after publication as a proxy. By this yardstick, the US again stayed in the lead between the two periods 1999-2003 and 2004-2008, with 36% and 30% of citations respectively. The UK stayed in second place with 9% and 8% in the same periods. China's citation count went from virtually nil to a 4% share.

The overall spread of scientific subjects under investigation has remained the same. "We had expected to see a shift to bio from engineering and physics [but] overall, the balance has remained remarkably stable," said Llewellyn Smith. "In China, [the rise] seems to be in engineering subjects whereas, in Brazil, they're getting into bio and agriculture."

As it grows its research base, Llewellyn Smith said that China could end up leading the world in subjects such as nanotechnology. "The fact is they've poured money into nanotechnology and that's an area where they are recruiting people back from around the world with very attractive laboratories ? that's my feeling."

In addition, there are new entrants to the scientific community. "Tunisia in 1999 had zero science budget ? now it puts 0.7% of GDP into science," said Llewllyn Smith. "This isn't huge but it's symbolic of the fact that all countries are getting into science. Turkey is another example. Iran has the fastest-growing number of publications in the world, they're really serious about building up science."

Turkey's R&D spend increased almost six-fold between 1995 and 2007, said the Royal Society, and the number of scientists in the country has jumped by 43%. Four times as many papers with Turkish authors were published in 2008 as in 1996.

In Iran, the number of research papers rose from 736 in 1996 to 13,238 in 2008. Its government is committed to increasing R&D to 4% of GDP by 2030. In 2006, the country spent just 0.59% of its GDP on science.

Llewellyn Smith welcomed the internationalisation of science. "Global issues, such as climate change, potential pandemics, bio-diversity, and food, water and energy security, need global approaches. These challenges are interdependent and interrelated, with complicated dynamics that are often overlooked by policies and programmes put in place to address them," he said.

"Science has a very important role in addressing global challenges and collaboration is necessary so that everybody can agree on global solutions. The more countries are involved in science, the more innovations we will have and the better off we will be."


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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/mar/28/china-us-publisher-scientific-papers

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One for the pulper

Clare Solomon had a busy winter ? apologising for making apparently antisemitic remarks on Facebook, proposing herself as a leader of the student fees protests-cum-riots, and being mauled by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight in the wake of said riots.

The University of London Union President?s appearances in the media gained her notoriety, making her a hate figure in the blogosphere but elevating her to heroine status among the more militant sections of the student world.

Having somehow escaped the opprobrium that should have followed her Facebook comments (and having clung on to her ULU job), she is now back, this time purporting to be an author and editor.

Springtime ? The New Student Rebellions is edited by Ms Solomon ? who even managed to get herself thrown out of the Socialist Workers Party ? and promises to be a ?high-quality, high-speed response to the new student rebellions?.

Work started on the tome in December and all the proceeds will go to Gaza children?s charity, Palestine Connect.

A number of writers provide other chapters, including Jody McIntyre (who is now promoting himself as a ?freelance journalist?, apparently). He contributes ?My wheelchair is the beginning?.

Promotional material claims: ?Springtime also comes from and looks at events on the ground: the demonstrations and the police tactics of kettling, cavalry charges and violent assault.?

Nothing about throwing fire extinguishers off the top of buildings I presume?

And what about the timing of the book?s release? ?The launch of Springtime coincides with Clare Solomon?s re-election campaign as President of University of London Union.?

Fancy that.

Any student in their right mind will know exactly where to place their vote come election day.

They should consign the odious Ms Solomon, and her book, to the bargain bin of history.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/one-pulper

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Irresistible draw of items in one gallery for first time

From a shrunken head to gold treasures that were hidden underground for centuries, anyone with an interest in Somerset is in for a treat when the new-look Museum of Somerset opens its doors this summer.

And it is the ancient treasures from mid-Somerset – that will be on display all together for the first time under one roof – that are likely to prove an irresistible draw.

Nationally, if not internationally, important artefacts will all be in one gallery for the first time.

The ambitious three-year �6.9 million refurbishment project of the county's flagship museum is entering its final stage.

The building itself – the 12th century Taunton Castle – has been modernised and upgraded, new lifts have been installed and sympathetic extensions added, allowing even more space and linking sections together.

Historic rooms that were mothballed in the past for storage or library space have been gloriously redecorated and put to use. It means that, in some cases, architectural gems will be seen by the public for the first time when the museum reopens in the school summer holidays.

Head of museums Steve Minnitt explained how during the extensive modernisation, historical nooks and crannies have been discovered, ancient fireplaces uncovered and part of a medieval roof exposed.

In fact no flagstone has been left unturned in the preserving of the building, while inventive design and colourful layouts lend themselves to the displays – with spectacular effect.

Special galleries house collections by age as well as by themes, including the geology and archaeology galleries and the impressive new military section.

The Great Hall of the castle houses the geology of Somerset with a screen showing aerial footage of Somerset that has been especially shot for the museum. While views of landmarks such as Cheddar Gorge can easily be spotted, there is much of the county from the air that will surprise many.

The new military gallery has been designed around the theme of the Union Jack with the ceiling marking out the red of the flag while the floor to ceiling cases – holding displays about the Somerset Light Infantry – are triangular shaped.

A new space dedicated to the Monmouth Rebellion is housed in the actual room where the rebels from across Somerset are likely to have been jailed prior to their hangings.

One display in the room – near to a new artwork completed with help from a re-enactment group and under a number of hanging nooses – includes the names of every recorded rebel hanged for his 'crimes' during the Battle of Sedgemoor.

For the first time exhibits from across the world will go on display in a gallery dedicated to the antiquarian collectors and Somerset's own African explorer John Hanning Speke, who discovered the source of the River Nile.

A collection of Egyptian artefacts and other worldwide pieces will be housed here, including a shrunken head, brought back to Somerset. Research has been undertaken to ensure that ethically the museum can display the piece.

The newly-opened round room at the base of the tower is home to a collection based on gatherings – with early archive footage of harvest time in Somerset to events such as the Cheddar valley's harvest homes.

While the museum has its basis in the past, it also has an eye to the present and the future.

One room is dedicated to oral history accounts from what it was like to be a gypsy, supplied from the Smith -Bendall family of Ashcott, to working for the Street-based Clarks empire – with footage from the new Houndwood distribution warehouse, and the thoughts of Glastonbury Festival's founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily.

The Museum of Somerset will be free to visitors, with a charge for some visiting exhibitions. The date of the opening will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/glastonburyfestival/Irresistible-draw-items-gallery-time/article-3358866-detail/article.html

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Israel and Britain. Just good friends?

Unfortunately I missed this yesterday, but Ben Brogan had a fascinating piece in the Telegraph looking at Britain?s relationship with Israel.

As well as some interesting insight into the position of William Hague and the Foreign Office, Ben considers the delegitimisation campaign and the ?perversion of the narrative?.

He concludes:

It seems that Mr Netanyahu is unlikely to visit the UK this year. And I am told that there are no plans for Mr Cameron to visit Israel. Yet it is more essential than ever that the relationship between the two countries be strengthened, rather than be allowed to weaken. For once, next year in Jerusalem is not good enough. The Prime Minister should find a reason to visit his friends and tell them, face to face, why our links are indestructible.

The entire piece should be a must-read.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/blogpost/israel-and-britain-just-good-friends

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TV murder of common sense

I am about to reveal a secret so shocking that I advise readers of a nervous disposition to cease reading this column and - better still - to screw up this entire copy of the JC and pop it without further ado into the nearest environmentally friendly, newspaper recycling container.

For the shocking secret I am about to reveal is that the extremely popular ITV drama series, Midsomer Murders, has never featured Jewish characters (and hopefully never will).

For the handful of you who haven't a clue as to what Midsomer Murders is, let me explain that it is one of the most successful, and successfully exported, British-made TV detective dramas. I am addicted to it.

Each episode is set in one or more of the fictional villages in the fictional and quintessentially "English" county of "Midsomer", which locates itself somewhere between Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. The central character is (or was) Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, brilliantly played from the inception of the series in 1997 until last year by actor John Nettles. He needs to have all his wits about him because, believe me, Midsomer is a very dangerous place.

Since 1997, the Midsomer constabulary has had to deal with no less than 222 gruesome murders. But not one of them has been of a Jew, and not one of the murderers has turned out to be Jewish. Or Afro-Caribbean. Or Indian. Or Arab. Or Chinese.

This is because, irrespective of whether members of any ethnic minority might actually live in the fictional villages in the fictional and quintessentially "English" county of Midsomer, this super-successful TV series has only once ever featured an "ethnic" character (a Chinese orchid smuggler - as if you didn't know). In an interview in the Radio Times last week, Midsomer's cocreator and producer, Brian True-May, explained matters thus: "We just don't have ethnic minorities involved. Because it wouldn't be the English village with them? We're the last bastion of Englishness, and I want to keep it that way."

And now, because he has told the truth, and kept faith with his evidently exceptionally appealing dramatic vision, Mr True-May has incurred the wrath of the politically correct brigade, aided and abetted by a miscellany of ethnic lobbies and their white cheerleaders and dogsbodies. Worse still, an ITV spokesperson has confessed to being "shocked and appalled at these personal comments by Brian True-May which are absolutely not shared by anyone at ITV. We are in urgent discussions with All3Media, the producers of Midsomer Murders, who have informed us that they have launched an immediate investigation? and have suspended Mr True-May pending the outcome."

At this point, all of you who have stayed with me thus far need to join me in asking what the? (sorry, swearing, along with sex scenes and "graphic" violence, is banned from Midsomer) is going on here.

The villagers of Midsomer are all white because the series is a piece of fiction - just like Hardy's "Wessex," which, though incorporating a great deal of raw realism, never actually existed. Hardy painted a picture of what late Victorians might have imagined and even wanted rural Dorset to have been 50 years earlier.

By the same token, True-May presents us with a south-of-England county that might have existed had England's green and pleasant land not been intruded upon by Indian curry houses, Chinese take-aways and Asian open-all-hours corner shops. And before any of you demand that I too be suspended and "immediately" investigated, let me say that I love curry, am an avid fan of (kosher) Chinese food and have a particular admiration for the Anglo-Asian capacity for hard work.

But that's beside the point. The hue-and-cry that has been unleashed against True-May is a typical display of unashamed intolerance on the part of multicultural morons. In that phrase, I include the executives of All3Media and ITV who have cravenly hitched themselves to this wagon of small-mindedness.

That Jews have been absent from Midsomer is perhaps a little surprising given that one of the early writers of Midsomer episodes was our own Anthony Horowitz.

I suspect that Mr Horowitz knows what you and I know - that, though we Jews like to visit rural England, we are not naturally drawn to dwell in it.

And that, besides, Jews would have more seichel than to live in any village where three murders a week is the ghastly norm.

Source: http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/columnists/47124/tv-murder-common-sense

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