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Japanese billionaire to become first moon space tourist

 


A Japanese internet entrepreneur is to be the first "space tourist" to fly round the moon.

Billionaire Yusaku Maezawa declared "I choose to go the the moon" after being introduced by SpaceX's chief executive Elon Musk at the company's headquarters in California.

The ex punk band drummer made his money in online fashion with his company Zozo and is the 18th richest person in Japan with a fortune of $3bn, according to Forbes magazine.

Maezawa, 42, will take his trip round the moon in SpaceX's Big Falcon Rocket (BFR) spaceship and will be the first man to travel to Earth's only natural satellite since the US ended its Apollo missions in 1972.

It is not clear how much he has paid for the trip. Nor is it known when the flight will take place as BFR has yet to be built.

Mr Musk has said he wants the rocket to be ready for an unpiloted trip to Mars in 2022, with a crewed flight in 2024.

In announcing the moon flight Mr Musk has stolen a march on his rivals for space tourist dollars.

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic are also battling it out to launch private-sector spacecraft, but neither have so far announced plans as ambitious as SpaceX.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber are among those who have so far signed up for 90 minute sub-orbital flights with Virgin Galactic at a cost of $250,000.

Sky News

Russia blames Israel after military plane shot down off Syria

 


Russia has said Syria shot down one its military planes – but laid the blame for the deaths of the 15 personnel on board with Israel.

The defence ministry said Israeli jets forced the Il-20 plane into the path of Syrian air defence systems on Monday after failing to give Moscow enough warning of a strike on Syrian targets.

The Il-20 disappeared off the radar at about 23:00 local time (20:00 GMT).

Israel is yet to comment on the allegations.

Israel rarely acknowledges carrying out strikes on Syria, but an Israeli military official recently said it had hit more than 200 Iranian targets in Syria over the past 18 months.

The Israeli government is concerned by what it calls Iran's "military entrenchment" in Syria, as well as shipments of Iranian weapons to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is fighting alongside Syrian government forces

The incident on Monday reportedly occurred about 35km (22 miles) from the Syrian coast as the Ilyushin Il-20 aircraft was returning to Russia's Hmeimim airbase near the north-western city of Latakia.

According to Russia's Tass news agency, the Il-20 plane "disappeared during an attack by four Israeli F-16 jets on Syrian facilities in Latakia province".

On Tuesday, the Russian defence ministry said the aircraft was shot down by Syria.

But it said Israel's "irresponsible actions" were to blame, saying it was given just a minute's warning ahead of the strikes, which was not enough time to get the military surveillance plane out of the way.

Exactly what happened to the aircraft is not yet known. It was last seen on the radar as it was returning to its base near Latakia on Monday evening.

A search-and-rescue operation is under way, co-ordinated through personnel located at the Hmeimim base, the ministry added.

Earlier, the Israeli military refused to comment on reports its planes targeted facilities in the Latakia area on Monday, saying: "We don't comment on foreign reports."

But reports on Syrian state media talked of an attack in the area shortly before the plane disappeared.

"Our air defences repelled enemy missiles coming from the open sea towards the city of Latakia and intercepted several of them before they could reach their targets," Sana news agency quoted the military as saying late on 17 September.

Syrian television reported explosions over the sky in Latakia just before 22:00. Thirty minutes later, the Sana Facebook page reported that Syrian air defences had responded to enemy missiles.

Hmeimim is Russia's main base for air strikes on rebel groups in Syria – strikes that have enabled President Assad's forces to recover much lost ground since 2015.


BBC

7 students killed in head-on collision

Seven people, all students have been reported dead in a gory accident involving a truck carrying manganese and a Mercedes Sprinter mini bus at Dompem, on the Agona Nkwanta – Tarkwa road in the Western region.

First eye witness reports to police indicate the bus, which was carrying students of various schools in the area who were heading home from school, was speeding and crashed into the stationary heavy truck carrying manganese from a mining concession.

Several others were injured and Police fear the casualty numbers could rise.

Graphiconline

Games of Thrones wins best drama Emmys

Claire Foy, Thandie Newton and Charlie Brooker were among the British winners at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Foy won the best actress in a drama series for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix's royal epic The Crown.

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys also took home one of the night's big prizes – best leading actor in a drama series.

Game of Thrones won two prizes – best drama series and supporting actor for Peter Dinklage – while The Marvelous Mrs Maisel scooped five comedy awards.

However, two hotly-tipped shows – Atlanta and The Handmaid's Tale – failed to replicate their successes from last year and went home empty-handed.

Elisabeth Moss had been the pre-show favourite to win best drama actress for the second season of The Handmaid's Tale, but lost out to Foy.

In her acceptance speech, the British star described her time on The Crown as "the most extraordinary two-and-a-half years of my life".

She said: "I was given a role I never thought I would ever get a chance to play, and I met people who I will love for ever and ever.

"And the show goes on, which makes me so proud. So I dedicate this to the next cast, the next generation, and I also dedicate this to [her co-star] Matt Smith."

Olivia Colman is due to take over the role from Foy as the show enters its third season. Stephen Daldry won best directing for a drama series for The Crown.

Newton was awarded best supporting actress in a drama series for her role in Westworld.

"I don't even believe in God but I'm going to thank her tonight," the actress said as she took to the stage to collect her trophy.

Rhys picked up best leading actor in a drama series for his role in The Americans.

Set in suburban Washington DC shortly after Ronald Reagan is elected president, the series tells the story of two KGB spies in an arranged marriage who are posing as Americans.

"Parts like these come along so rarely. I will forever be in your debt," he told series creator Joe Weisberg in his speech.

Charlie Brooker, the British creator of Black Mirror and his co-writer William Bridges won best writing for a limited series.

John Oliver added to the British success at the ceremony, picking up the prize for best variety talk series for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

The Marvellous Mrs Maisel was one of the night's other biggest winners – adding five trophies to the four it won last week at the Creative Arts Emmys.

The series took home best writing, directing, lead actress and supporting actress in the comedy categories, as well as one of the night's big prizes – best comedy series.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace was also one of Monday's big winners – scooping best limited series, best directing for a limited series, and best lead actor in a limited series for Darren Criss.

Henry Winkler won his first Emmy – supporting actor in a comedy series for his role in Barry – 42 years after he was first nominated for playing The Fonz in Happy Days.

"Skip Brittenham said to me a long time ago, 'If you stay at the table long enough, the chips come to you,' and tonight I got to clear the table," he said in his acceptance speech.

Biggest Emmy winners (including Creative Arts awards)

  • Game of Thrones – 9
  • Saturday Night Live – 8
  • The Marvelous Mrs Maisel – 8
  • The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story – 7
  • Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – 5
  • Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert – 5
  • RuPaul's Drag Race – 5
  • The Crown – 5

Jeff Daniels took home the prize for best supporting actor in a limited series or a television movie for his role in Netflix's Godless – described as a feminist western.

In addition to his family and co-workers, Daniels thanked the streaming service for "letting artists be artists".

He added: "Little tip for you young actors – when they call and say 'Can you ride a horse?' don't lie. You will find on day one that you're in the Kentucky Derby."

Put together with the Creative Arts Emmys handed out last week, this year's awards tally saw Netflix and HBO tied, with 23 awards each.

But one of the night's most memorable moments came from Glen Weiss, who proposed to his girlfriend from the stage during his speech.

While accepting outstanding directing for a variety special for The Oscars, he spoke to his partner Jan Svendsen, who was sitting in the audience.

"You wonder why I don't like to call you my girlfriend? Because I want to call you my wife," he said as the crowd began cheering.

Svendsen, who looked shocked and delighted, then made her way up to the stage to accept his proposal.

Weiss said he was giving her the ring "that my dad put on my mom's finger 67 years ago". His proposal came just two weeks after the death of his mother, which he also referred to in his speech.

Rhys joked about the moment later in the night, telling the audience as he collected his award that his girlfriend had whispered to him: "If you propose to me I will punch you clean in the mouth."

The ceremony took place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, with Kenan Thompson and Kate McKinnon kicking off proceedings.

"We're celebrating the fact that this year's Emmy Awards has the most diverse group of nominees in Emmy history," Thompson said.

"One step closer to a black Sheldon," he joked – referring to The Big Bang Theory's most famous character.

The pair then embarked on a parody song called We Solved It – suggesting the Emmys had single-handedly fixed Hollywood's lack of diversity – which featured cameo appearances from Sandra Oh and John Legend.

Ceremony hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che then took to the stage – referencing the fact that streaming service Netflix received the most nods this year in their opening monologue.

"NBC has the most nominations of any broadcast network," Che said, adding: "Which is kind of like being the sexiest person on life support".

BBC

US imposes new tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods

The US is imposing new tariffs on $200bn (£150bn) worth of Chinese goods as it escalates its trade war with Beijing.

These will apply to almost 6,000 items, marking the biggest round of US tariffs so far.

Handbags, rice and textiles will be included, but some items expected to be targeted such as smart watches and high chairs have been excluded.

China has previously vowed to retaliate against any further US tariffs.

The taxes will take effect from 24 September, starting at 10% and increasing to 25% from the start of next year unless the two countries agree a deal.

President Donald Trump said the latest round of tariffs was in response to China's "unfair trade practices, including subsidies and rules that require foreign companies in some sectors to bring on local partners.

"We have been very clear about the type of changes that need to be made, and we have given China every opportunity to treat us more fairly.

"But, so far, China has been unwilling to change its practices," he said.

He also warned that if China retaliated then the US would "immediately pursue phase three" which would mean imposing further tariffs with taxes on another $267bn worth of Chinese products.

If he does go ahead with a further $267bn worth of tariffs, it would mean virtually all of China's US exports would be subject to new duties.

Chinese stock markets opened lower on Tuesday.

Yes, it has. In fact, this latest round marks the third set of tariffs put into motion so far this year.

In July, the White House increased charges on $34bn worth of Chinese products. Then last month, the escalating trade war moved up a gear when the US brought in a 25% tax on a second wave of goods worth $16bn.

This latest round means that around half of all Chinese imports to the US are now subject to the new duties.

It is also the biggest set of tariffs to date, and unlike the earlier rounds this latest list targets consumer goods, such as luggage and furniture.

That means regular households may start to feel the impact from higher prices.

US companies have already said they are worried about the effect of higher costs on their businesses and warned of the risk of job cuts.

While economists generally estimate that the tariffs will have little impact on the overall US economy, they have warned that the effects are difficult to predict.

Officials have said they want to shield consumer goods from the taxes as much as possible.

But many everyday items such as suitcases, handbags, toilet paper and wool are included in this latest round of tariffs.

The list also includes several food items from frozen cuts of meat, to almost all types of fish from smoked mackerel to scallops and soybeans, various types of fruit and cereal and rice.

Products that help computer networks operate, such as routers, are also targeted.

The list slated for tariffs originally included more than 6,000 items, but US officials later removed about 300 types of items, including smart watches, bicycle helmets, play pens, high chairs and baby car seats.

The changes come after fierce opposition from companies, including global tech giants such as Apple, Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

The firms are worried the tariffs will increase their costs since many of their products are manufactured in China.

Earlier this month, Apple wrote to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warning that consumers would have to pay more for its products as a result of the proposed tariffs.

At the time, President Trump replied with a tweet urging Apple: "Make your products in the United States instead of China."

The White House says its tariffs are a response to China's "unfair" trade policies.

In theory, the tariffs will make US-made products cheaper than imported ones, and so encourage consumers to buy American. The idea is they would boost local businesses and support the national economy.

US officials hope the risk of economic harm will convince the Chinese government to change its policies.

The BBC's Asia business correspondent Karishma Vaswani said the escalating trade war between the two countries is in part due to a lack of understanding of the other's position.

"Given the diametrically opposing views Washington and Beijing have of their problems, this trade war is unlikely to get better before it gets worse – for them, or for any of us."

Many US businesses are critical of the tariffs.

Farmers, manufacturers, retailers and other industry groups have formed a coalition to oppose the tariffs, calling them taxes on American families.

"Tariffs have already resulted in layoffs, and this escalation will continue to squeeze American businesses with higher input costs and American farmers with decreasing commodity values," said Jonathan Gold, a spokesman for the coalition.

The Chinese have previously hit back with tariffs on $50bn worth of US products in retaliation, targeting their response against key parts of the president's political base, such as farmers.

The government has outlined a plan to impose further tariffs on roughly $60bn worth of US goods, and threatened other measures.

Talks between high-level officials ended in May without resolving the matter. Efforts to restart discussions have failed to progress.

US and China officials had discussed a new round of talks over the past week, but Mr Trump's latest move is likely to sour relations further.

China is reported to have said it would reject new trade talks if Mr Trump imposed the $200bn worth of tariffs on its exports.

Mr Trump's economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, earlier said they were still happy to talk: "We are ready to negotiate and talk with China anytime they are ready for serious and substantive negotiations," he said.

BBC

“Promote the spirit of reconciliation” –Akufo-Addo to new UEW Vice Chancellor

 


The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Very Reverend Father Professor Anthony Afful-Broni, to “use his full gifts” to promote the spirit of reconciliation in the University during his tenure of office, so as to help put the its immediate University behind all.

According to President Akufo-Addo, “it represents the surest route to success in the daunting task ahead.”

Speaking at the investiture ceremony of the Very Reverend Father Professor Anthony Afful-Broni, as the 4th Vice Chancellor of the University, on Monday, 17th September, 2018, the President stated that the ceremony is taking place on the heels of recent happenings in this University which disturbed all.

“It is worth noting, however, that the stakeholders have acted within the confines of the law to ensure that this University has a substantive leadership in place to help it achieve the goals for which it was established. To all whose diverse efforts helped in restoring normalcy to UEW, you have the appreciation of a grateful nation,” he added.

With UEW Central performing an important role in the social and economic transformation of Ghana, the President indicated that his Government has demonstrated its commitment to the growth of the University, “and we will help ensure that UEW fulfils its mandate. Our goal is to help restore the teaching profession to the status it once enjoyed, and make it an attractive career choice.”

In the new Vice Chancellor, President Akufo-Addo was confident that the UEW has a person capable of not only steering the affairs of the University for the next four years, but also spurring it onto even greater heights.

“His induction into office today is a mark of the trust that the Governing Council and Faculty of the University have reposed in him, and I am confident that this trust will not be broken. His wealth of experience, with decades of service to Church and classroom, makes him an appropriate person for this all-important assignment,” he added.

The President reminded the new Vice Chancellor of one of the most important, immediate challenges, which will confront the University and others, i.e. the dramatically increased population of students, who will be seeking admission in some two years, as a result of the Free Senior High School policy.

Despite the stance by some who continue to state that all the infrastructural needs of senior high schools should have been addressed before the roll-out of Free SHS, the President strongly disagreed.

“I take comfort in the words of Holy Scripture, in Ecclesiastes chapter 11, verse 4, which says: “If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never sow anything and never harvest anything”,” he said.

The President continued, “We have taken the first, bold step, because we cannot continue to watch as tens and tens of thousands of qualified Ghanaian children drop out of school, because they cannot afford fees. Free SHS is here to stay, and will be a permanent feature of our educational architecture.”

Touching briefly on the policy of Teacher Licensing, President Akufo-Addo stressed that this policy is not intended to put any impediments in the way of teachers from the Colleges of Education and other tertiary institutions.

“On the contrary, it is meant to enhance professionalism in teaching, and guarantee that our teachers meet a minimum standard of qualification, through an independent examination, so as to be able to teach in our classrooms. If education is important to us, then it requires that we maintain the best standards,” he added.
 

Coke to make marijuana-infused drinks

 

Coca-Cola is in talks with cannabis producer Aurora Cannabis to make marijuana-infused beverages, Canadian news service BNN Bloomberg reported on Monday.
The companies would likely develop health-focused beverages that will ease inflammation, pain and cramping, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter.

"Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world," Coca-Cola said in a statement, referring to cannabidiol, a constituent of cannabis.

"No decisions have been made at this time," the beverage group said, adding that it would not comment on further speculation.

Aurora, in a separate statement, said it would not discuss business development initiatives until they are finalized, but added: "Aurora has expressed specific interest in the infused beverage space, and we intend to enter that market."

A partnership between Coke and Aurora would mark the first entry of a major manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages into the market for cannabis-related products.

The news comes as more U.S. states move to legalize marijuana for recreational use and as Canada, where Aurora is based, prepares to fully legalize the recreational use of cannabis next month.

There is no guarantee that talks between the companies will be successful or that a commercial agreement would be made public, BNN Bloomberg reported.

Earlier this year, alcohol producer Molson Coors Brewing said it will make cannabis-infused drinks with Hydropothecary, while Corona beer maker Constellation Brands invested $4 billion more into marijuana producer Canopy Growth.

cnbc.com

Kofi Annan buried on stolen land – Ga-Dangme Youth

 


A leader of the Ga-Dangme Youth, Prince Derek Adjei says the remains of the late UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has been buried on an illegally acquired land.

According to him, the piece of land was forcefully taken from the La Traditional authority by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Mr Kofi Annan, Ghana’s illustrious son died on August 18 aged 80 at his home in Switzerland after a short illness and was laid to rest on Thursday September 13, after a state funeral attended by some world leaders, diplomats and traditional authorities among others.

Annan, was buried at the new Military Cemetery at Burma Camp and was accorded military honours including a 17 gun- salute.

But speaking on Kasapa News Prince Derek Adjei who has been in the forefront of the fight for the restoration of illegally taken La lands to the rightful owners, slammed government for allowing Kofi Annan , a well respected man across the globe to be buried on a land which is a subject of huge controversy.

“The land doesn’t belong to the Military; it belongs to the people of La. The Military took the vast land from the people of La illegally. After the Military stealing the land, the La Mantse (Chief) has written two petitions to the President over the issue, but several months after,  President Akufo Addo has not even accorded the Chief any respect and courtesy to respond to his petition, yet people are being buried on the land. That aberration must stop now and the state must start being responsible and respectful to traditional authorities across the country not just in Accra.

“The use of the land by the Military for a cemetery is not even authorized by the District assembly where the President has his own representative. After stealing the land, they’ve deliberately decided to bury very important personalities the likes of Kofi Annan, J.H Mensah, Prof. Atukwei Okai and former Vice President Amissah-Arthur there so that whenever we the indigenes speak about the stealing of that land, it will sound as though we are dishonoring the memories of these dead prominent Ghanaians. This is unfair to the people of La. Our lands must be returned to us immediately,” Prince Derek Adjei fumed.

Kasapafmonline

Burkina Faso botched FGM leaves 50 girls in hospital

 

Around 50 girls are being treated in hospital in Burkina Faso after botched circumcisions, or female genital mutilation (FGM), a minister says.

Not all girls who underwent the circumcision have been traced, Minister of Women's Affairs, Laurence Marshall Ilboudo, said.

Two 60-year-old women, along with the parents of some of the girls, have been arrested.

FGM has been illegal in Burkina Faso since 1996.

Offenders face up to three years in prison.

The circumcisions took place in the Kaya area, about 100km (60 miles) north of the capital, Ouagadougou, between 4 and 6 September.

Some of the victims are as young as four years, authorities say.

A dozen girls have been admitted to the Kaya Regional Hospital and 38 to the Chiphra Protestant Hospital in the capital.

Some of the girls had suffered serious complications, Dr Dieudonne Ouedraogo told the BBC.
BBC

MenzGold, SEC impasse could jeopardize economy – Expert

 

Dr. Tony Aubeng, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, says failure of the government to resolve the MenzGold and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) impasse could lead Ghana’s economy into chaos.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier issued a statement to Menzgold Ghana Company asking them to stop trading in gold without license.

Menzgold Ghana Limited after the SEC’s directive has since halted operations.

Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive Monday,  Dr. Tony Obeng asked government to resolve MenzGold’s dealings amicably to prevent customer’s monies from going down the drain.

According to Dr. Tony Obeng, some notable banks have invested  returns in MenzGold. He added that some high ranked security personnel have also invested their peace keeping monies and that the collapse of MenzGold will spell doom for such persons. 

“If MenzGold collapses, more Ghanaians will be affected than we can imagine. And we Should know that those that will be affected are Ghanaians and at the long run the cost will be incurred by the government,” he said.

He noted that Ponzi schemes are becoming rampant in Ghana and called on the government to tackle the situation.

Lawyers of gold trading company, Menzgold have, however, requested a meeting with the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) over the shut-down of  its operations.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa