Syria expects more financial aid from Russia, Iran

By Michael Stott and Samia Nakhoul

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syria hopes to clinch more financial aid from its allies Russia and Iran soon, but still has enough foreign reserves to pursue its war on rebels trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad, the central bank governor said.

Speaking at the bank's headquarters, hit by a car bomb on April 8, Adeeb Mayaleh said: "We are expecting much more support from friendly countries... Yes, financial support from Iran and Russia and it could also be from other friendly countries.

"Discussions are going on. We are in the process of putting the final touches on the subject of financial aid in a clear way," he told Reuters in an interview, without specifying how much money Iran and Russia would provide.

He said Tehran had already given Syria a $1 billion credit line, more than half of which had been used, and that Russia was now printing Syrian banknotes, formerly supplied by Germany and Austria until the European Union imposed sanctions on Syria.

The central bank chief, whose office features a large Syrian flag and gold-framed portraits of Bashar al-Assad and his father Hafez, said Syria's foreign reserves were more than sufficient to guarantee essential imports and pay state salaries.

Syria had reserves of $17 billion when the uprising against Assad began just over two years ago. It now had "much more" left than the "incorrect" $4 billion figure which some bankers have quoted, Mayaleh said. He would not give a specific figure.

"If we compare the prices of commodities in Syria to those in neighboring countries, you find they are cheaper in Syria despite the fact that other countries do not have war being waged on them by countries from around the world," he said.

"This means that reserves are still enough for Syria to stand fast against this conspiracy."

Mayaleh said the war had caused economic losses of "over 25 billion euros" as well as halting growth, which he said had been running at 6-7 percent a year before the fighting began.

"STOLEN MONEY"

Mayaleh criticized the EU for deciding last week to modify sanctions on Syria to allow oil purchases from rebel forces in control of some eastern oil-producing areas.

"I don't understand how the European Union can give these terrorist armed groups the right to export oil from Syria to Europe," he said. "Under what law?...This is money laundering, this is stolen money and these are stolen goods."

"They (Europeans) are nurturing these militant extremists," he said. "When they finish their role in Syria ... they will go to Europe...The Europeans are trying to bring up a monster who will turn against Europe and its citizens."

The Syrian conflict has devastated the economy. Electricity is sporadic and Damascus residents have to queue for long hours for bread or petrol, which often run out. Prices of many basic foods and goods rose between 50 and 80 percent last year.

Mayaleh spoke of how the authorities were coping with the economic challenges posed by a war now entering its third year.

"(The opposition) spread rumors that salaries would not be paid for employees and that the state has gone bankrupt," he said. "Two years have passed in this crisis ... and the salaries have always been paid...a month in advance."

Syria had tackled rumors of forged banknotes in circulation by telling citizens they could exchange any suspect currency at face value in banks for Russian-printed official notes, he said.

Nevertheless, the Syrian pound has slumped to 115 to the dollar in exchange houses from 46 before the uprising.

Mayaleh acknowledged that the pound was weak and that inflation was running at 50 percent a year, but said many other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Iraq and Kuwait, had suffered worse devaluations in times of conflict.

He did not answer a question on whether the government had a specific target for the Syrian pound's value.

Like other government officials here, Mayaleh questioned why the West was "fostering and protecting" Syrian rebels.

"Aren't the Europeans afraid of these groups turning on their countries and turning them into a hell, as happened in America?" he said of al Qaeda's September 11, 2001 attacks.

Downstairs in the central bank building, scaffolding covered walls of an internal courtyard where windows had been blown out by the car bomb. Blinds on the front windows hung twisted. Outside, the blast had shriveled a palm tree to a black husk.

A crane lifted concrete blocks spray-painted with the Syrian flag into position to protect the building from future bombings.

(Editing by Alistair Lyon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/syria-expects-more-financial-aid-russia-iran-131304994.html

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18000rmb AP chemistry teacher needed in Kunming,Yunnan - eslHQ

18,000rmb AP chemistry teacher needed in Kunming,Yunnan

The high School is a coeducational, public high school for Grades 10-12 located in the city of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. Founded as a private school in 1905, it is one of the oldest and most respected schools in China. We moved to our current location in 1950 and currently have an average enrollment of 1,000 students per year and a total student body of 3,000 students. We have distinctive characters that make our school special among an array of appealing high schools in China.

Teaching condition:
*Available start date:Sept,2013
*Vacancy:1
*School type:High school
*Location:Kunming city,Yunnan
*Salary: 13,000-18,000RMB/month(depends on education and experience)
*Teaching Load: 15-22 teaching classes per week (40 min each)
*Airfare: Round away
*Free accommodation
*Working Visa: Yes
*Student?s age:16-18
*Students per class :30-40

Requirements:
1. Native speaker+ 25-58 years old
2. MA or above with major in Chemistry+2 years revelant teaching experience

If you are interested, Please send your CV/Resume, Passport, Education Diploma/Teaching certificate relevant, one recent photo copy and Reference Letter to: Ivy2003@eslengtop.com or eslengtop@yahoo.cn

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Source: http://www.eslhq.com/forums/jobs/asia/china/18-000rmb-ap-chemistry-teacher-needed-kunming-yunnan-62906/

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E! Slate Includes WWE Women, Josh Schwartz-Stephanie Savage Drama

By Tim Molloy

NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - E! unveiled six new shows Monday, including a reality series about the WWE, and announced that its new series in development include the drama "Laurel Canyon," from "Gossip Girl" co-creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.

Besides including the WWE-focused "Total Divas," the network's new shows include "Hello Ross" (a working title) about "super fan" Ross Matthews and "The Trend," about fashion, beauty and design. It announced them ahead of its upfront presentation to advertisers in New York.

The development slate also includes shows from "Walking Dead" producer Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Warren, and Kevin Spacey, who also had a series in development for E! last year.

"Songbyrd," from "Grey's Anatomy" writer Krista Vernoff, is about a songwriter who's inspiration turns out to be a lie. It features songs from Grammy winner Diane Warren and draws on her experiences. She also executive produces along with "Smash" and "Chicago" producers Craig Zadan & Neil Meron.

"Dirty/Pretty," which Hurd is executive producing, is about a blue-collar guy from South Boston who is scouted to be a Miami model. His friends take advantage of his new life to expand their criminal activities.

The Spacey project, "Fortunate Son" is about a formerly hard-partying golden boy who becomes a criminal informant forced to work in the slums. Last year, E's development slate included "Upstarts," a Spacey-produced project about Silicon Valley's boom in the late 1990s.

The network's slate also includes a previously announced reality series about pop group "The Wanted," which will be accompanied by a Ryan Seacrest special about the group.

"With its tremendous reach and influence, E! delivers original programming that achieves our network's mission to inspire and entertain the pop culture fan in all of us," said E! president Suzanne Kolb. "We are continuing to build on the success of our signature programming with new projects featuring a diverse mix of genres, formats and points of view that are centered in pop culture and are sure to excite our fans."

Here are E!'s upcoming projects, as described by the network:

NEW SERIES

"The Wanted Life" - Sunday, June 2 at 10:30pmET/PT (moves to regular timeslot starting Sunday, June 9 at 10:00pmET/PT)

This new half-hour series will chronicle the personal and professional lives of the edgy pop music powerhouse, The Wanted, who has already taken the world by storm. Viewers will see an unfiltered look inside the world of the chart-topping UK pop band as they head to sunny California to record their third album, gear up for their new US & Europe tour later in 2013 and solidify their top ranking on American pop music charts, along with their surprising dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions, Scooter Braun Projects and Global Talent TV.

"Total Divas" - Sunday, July 28 at 10:00pm ET/PT

Revealing the real women behind the WWE Divas for the first time, this new one-hour series proves that the drama is even bigger when the sexy superstars step outside the ring. "Total Divas" goes inside the personal lives of these glitzy, glamorous celebrities who entertain sold-out crowds in arenas around the world and are adored by millions of fans. "Total Divas" is produced by WWE and Bunim-Murray Productions. Jon Murray, Gil Goldshein, Jeff Jenkins and Russell Jay are Executive Producers for Bunim-Murray Productions.

"Pop Innovators" - July 2013

This new series showcases the most influential names in pop culture in their own words. We love them for what they bring to our world, and how they have helped define pop culture and captured the collective zeitgeist. These are the people who, as leaders in their respective fields, have taken their fame and gone in new directions to become influencers across a wide range of topics, and who inspire others to do the same. The first episode of "Pop Innovators" will offer an in-depth look at the life and career of Will.i.am from his point of view and will also feature interviews with other celebrities that he's influenced most.

"Love and Other Contact Sports: Eric and Jessie" - Late summer 2013

From Khlo? & Lamar to Kendra & Hank, E! has followed the romantic celebrity relationships of popular athletes and their gorgeous companions for years. The new "Love and Other Contact Sports" franchise will take viewers inside the confines of even more celebrity/athlete romances starting with country/pop singer Jessie James and her fianc?, Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker whose wedding is quickly approaching. The series will chronicle the sexy young couple's road to the altar as they juggle careers, relationships, family and more. Currently residing in their Denver dream home, they share an ambition to succeed, a charmingly fun and unfiltered outlook on life, and most of all, a red hot attraction for each other. Produced by Shed Media U.S.

"Hello Ross" (working title) - Fall 2013

As the ultimate pop culture fan forum, this new interactive talk show is hosted by the super fan himself, Ross Mathews. Fans will have the unique opportunity to share their opinion on all the latest in pop culture, debate the most buzzworthy topics and come face to face with their favorite celebrities. From Borderline Amazing Productions.

"The Trend" - Fall 2013

This news series will feature a team of experts and celebrity contributors discussing all things fashion, beauty and design.

NEW SPECIALS

"Blinging Up Baby" - Thursday, May 2 at 10:00pmET/PT

There is nothing more buzzworthy in Hollywood these days than celeb parents and their star tots who fill the pages of weekly magazines. In this one-hour special hosted by Melissa Rycroft, E! explores how the stars are heralding stork visits, from preparing luxurious nurseries, to exotic and ultra-pricey "babymoons," to dazzling "push presents," outrageous celebrity baby and toddler gifts, and more. If it is hot in the world of celebrity mommyhood, you'll find out about it here. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.

"Nick Cannon's Big Surprise" - Thursday, May 9 at 10:00pmET/PT

Sexy actor, singer and TV personality Nick Cannon has a big surprise. Grateful to his grandparents who helped raise him, Cannon shows his appreciation with a surprise home makeover. Through the process, the star will share childhood memories, photos and videos as the audience gets an intimate look back at his life. But will his highly opinionated grandmother, actually like what he does with her place? There's only one way to find out. Produced by Entertainment One.

"Holly Has A Baby" - May 12 at 9:00pmET/PT

Holly Madison just took on the biggest role of her life when she became a mommy to a baby girl she named Rainbow Aurora Rotella. In this one-hour Mother's Day special, viewers will follow Holly to the hospital for the big event, and share in all she did to prepare for her new arrival with boyfriend Pasquale Rotella. Then, we're invited home with the trio as they share with us exactly what the future holds for Holly and her new family, including the possibility of wedding bells. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.

"The Untold Story: Jason Derulo" - Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00pmET/PT

Simon Cowell said he would be huge, Lady Gaga said he's "a freakin' superstar," and Jordin Sparks calls him, boyfriend. He was well on his way to the top when an injury sidelined his career, and could have nearly ended his life. This half-hour special is a turbulent ride with Derulo as he battles his way back from injury. With never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, we'll uncover the real man behind the persona of music royalty's newest member. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.

"Ryan Seacrest with The Wanted: An E! Special" - Monday, May 27 at 10:30pmET/PT

Days before the premiere of their highly anticipated new E! series, Seacrest is sitting down with the bad boys of pop, and no topic is off limits. Discussing their music, rock star lifestyles and their much-buzzed-about personal lives, The Wanted open up to Seacrest in this new one-hour special.

"Bigger, Badder Celebrity Feuds" - Tuesday, May 28 at 10:00pm

The Hatfields and McCoys had nothing on some of Hollywood's biggest and most explosive feuds, and this one-hour special pulls out all the stops to reveal the gritty details of what went down between Chris Brown and Frank Ocean, Halle Berry's ex and her current squeeze, Kelsey and Camille, and many, many more. From Comcast Entertainment Studios.

"E! Special: Brooke Burke" - June 2013

Giuliana Rancic is sitting down with the sexy actress and TV personality who has helped make Dancing With the Stars one of today's biggest television sensations. Opening up about her career, family and personal life, Burke shares her ups, downs and everything in between with Giuliana from her home in Los Angeles.

"Secret Societies of Hollywood" - Late Summer 2013

Beyond the red carpet and behind the security gates lies a forbidden Hollywood that only the rich and famous know about ...until now. "Secret Societies of Hollywood" is a two-hour documentary that will expose the cults, cabals and underground clubs that exist in today's entertainment industry. From Prometheus Entertainment.

"50 Hours with 50 Cent" - Fall 2013

What is it like to be 50 Cent? One lucky super fan gets to find out. This special captures 50 hours with 50 Cent as one of his biggest fans gets to spend exactly that amount of time with him. Viewers will experience over two full days with this iconic rapper, entrepreneur and businessman as he enters global promotional mode leading up to the release of his newest album.

"Inner Circle" - Fall 2013

A new experiment in storytelling from Executive Producer Ashley Tisdale, these specials will feature celebrities picking a member of their inner circle (a trusted friend, family member or close confidant) to tell their real story and to ask the questions. More conversation than interview, it's an emotionally charged journey where the celebrities let their guards down, open up and have fun with someone from their "inner circle." From Blondie Girl Productions and Relativity Television.

NEW UNSCRIPTED PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):

"Young Sonoma"

This series chronicles the personal and professional lives of premier families at the top of their game in world renowned wine country, Sonoma Valley. Featuring Envolve Winery's Ben Flajnik ("The Bachelor"), Mike and Kate Benziger, Danny and Collette Fay, and B.R. Cohn Winery's Vallerie and Tasha Cohn, the series goes inside the day-to-day drama that comes from living in a small town, working with friends and family, as well as being local and national celebrities. From Mandt Bros Productions.

"Queens Are Wild"

Docu-soap that goes inside the high-stakes world of gambling and follows four of the top female poker players as they live together, travel the world and compete to win millions. From Tollin Productions, Inc.

"Palazzo Riggi"

Through the eyes of the outrageous family who lives there and the staff that run it, this new docusoap takes viewers inside a unique, luxurious world filled with eccentric personalities and gives viewers a glimpse into a jaw dropping, elaborate 24,000-square-foot family estate in upstate New York that boasts an authentic English pub, Balinese wellness spa and perfectly heated lawn that is designed to keep the paws of the family's 35 dogs warm year-round. From AEP Media and Machete.

"Flash"

This self-contained competition elimination series pits up-and-coming photographers against one another. In each episode, the photographers are given a real world challenge with real clients from the world of pop culture, who expect an amazing photo to sell their brand, talent or idea. Each week the winning photographer will get the exposure that could help launch their career. From Super Delicious.

"Sex & Real Estate"

Set in Miami, this new docusoap follows the personal and professional lives of a group of hot, successful real estate agents at the top of their game as they juggle a world where business always mixes with pleasure. From FremantleMedia North America and Purveyors of Pop.

"The Soup Investigates"

"The Soup Investigates" is a new spin-off series of E!'s popular comedy franchise "The Soup" that will answer all the questions that pop culture fans never thought to ask, and then some. How DOES that rose get from the grower's field to The Bachelor's hand just in time for the all important rose ceremony? What is life like inside the fascinating world of the "Mother Duckers," the families who make their living creating duck callers who WEREN'T cast in "Duck Dynasty"? Host Joel McHale and our investigative reporters will be working around the clock to get to the truth, or at least a very plausible facsimile thereof.

NEW TOPICAL / COMEDY PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):

"James Davis Show"

Sketch comedy show parodying a wide range of pop culture subjects and personalities starring actor/comic/writer, James Davis. From Funny or Die Media, Inc.

"White People Can't Dance"

From Executive Producer Jack Osbourne and Vin Di Bona, this tongue-and-cheek format show features a team of experts who analyze some of the more outrageous stereotypes perpetuated by pop culture. Each episode our team will put multiple stereotypes to the test to determine which are fact and which are fiction. From FishBowl Worldwide Media and Schweet Entertainment.

"Secrets & Lies"

Secrets & Lies is the game show, based on the classic parlor game three truths and a lie, that tests pop culture fans' knowledge of their favorite celebrities while revealing shocking secrets about the stars we THINK we know and love. From Shine America's format label Ardaban.

NEW SCRIPTED PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT (working titles):

"Laurel Canyon"

In this drama from executive producers Josh Schwartz (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Chuck) and Stephanie Savage (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Carrie Diaries) and executive producer/writer Karen Croner (Admission, One True Thing), a young woman returns to her dysfunctional, extended family in Laurel Canyon with her son after hearing her rock-star legend father has passed away. Based on Croner's experience of growing up in the Hollywood Hills, the project is from Schwartz and Savage's Fake Empire in association with Warner Horizon Television. Fake Empire head of television Len Goldstein (The Carrie Diaries) also serves as executive producer.

"The Stand-In"

A darkly psychological re-telling of "The Prince & the Pauper" set behind the scenes of one of Hollywood's most famous actresses, who, tired of the spotlight, runs away in search of a normal life. Desperate, her family secretly hires a look-a-like to step into the star's glamorous world and high profile career - only to have the doppelganger slowly lose herself in the process of becoming someone else. From Executive Producers Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass and Adam Sher, Ryan Seacrest Productions, Universal Cable Productions and writer Craig Chester.

"Songbyrd"

From writer Krista Vernoff (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Shameless), a young, prolific songwriter of some of the best love songs struggles to find love in her personal life after her inspiration is revealed to be a lie. Featuring the songs and experiences of Grammy winner Diane Warren, who Executive Produces with Craig Zadan & Neil Meron (The 2013 Academy Awards, Chicago, Smash) and Vernoff. From Universal Television and Universal Cable Productions.

"Expectations"

From writer Ron Bass (Oscar winning writer of Rain Man, Sleeping with the Enemy), inspired by the classic Dickens work, a soap about a morally corrupt family in the diamond business set in New York City. Executive produced by Oscar winner Dan Jinks (American Beauty, Milk). From CBS Television Studios.

"The Shoreline"

The golden child of a small coastal town in South Carolina returns home to see that a major Hollywood prime time soap, The Shore Line Yacht Club, is the biggest employer in town. An enormous class divide separates the cast and producers from the townspeople, yet their lives are now continuously and irrevocably intertwined - for better or for worse. From writer Carolyn Ingber and executive produced by Becky Hartman Edwards (Switched at Birth, Parenthood). From Fox Television Studios.

"Dirty/Pretty"

From Keith Eisner (The Good Wife, Law & Order), Jason Markarian and John Mirabella, a dark comedy centering on a blue collar guy from south Boston who gets scouted to be a model in Miami. Life gets turned upside down when his two best friends join him and see his new life as a way to expand their criminal activities. Gale Anne Hurd/Valhalla Entertainment will act as Executive Producer. From Universal Cable Productions.

"Fortunate Son"

Framed for a drug deal by a friend from his hard-partying days, society golden boy Michael Baron becomes a criminal informant and is at the mercy of the police. He bounces between his privileged west side of Los Angeles existence and the case he is forced to work in the slums. But his dark past gives Michael some leverage over his fate, and he makes a dangerous deal that could clear his name. Or get him killed. From writer and Co-Executive Producer Joey Falco and Executive Producers Kevin Spacey, Michael DeLuca and Dana Brunetti. From Universal Cable Productions.

"The Royals"

Part fairy tale, part cautionary tale, this contemporary family ensemble is steeped in all of the regal opulence of the British Monarchy and framed by Shakespeare's Hamlet. It's a tale of men and women corrupted by power, wealth and desire while looking at the nature of celebrity from a Royals' point of view. Executive produced and written by Mark Schwahn (One Tree Hill) and executive produced by Brian Robbins and Joe Davola (One Tree Hill, Smallville). From Lionsgate.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/e-slate-includes-wwe-women-josh-schwartz-stephanie-104931646.html

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Senators: Red flags were missed (CNN)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/300787634?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Suburbs now playing a key role in gun legislation

In this photo taken April 19, 2013, Lisa Inglis, 43, of Quakertown, Pa., sits in a booth at John's Plain & Fancy Diner in Quakertown, Pa. Inglis, who calls herself a liberal Republican, said the Sandy Hook massacre left her deeply ambivalent about guns and gun control, but believes the Senate should have been able to compromise on legislation. In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence. The Senate's defeat last week of new firearms restrictions underscored the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and in the suburbs. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

In this photo taken April 19, 2013, Lisa Inglis, 43, of Quakertown, Pa., sits in a booth at John's Plain & Fancy Diner in Quakertown, Pa. Inglis, who calls herself a liberal Republican, said the Sandy Hook massacre left her deeply ambivalent about guns and gun control, but believes the Senate should have been able to compromise on legislation. In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence. The Senate's defeat last week of new firearms restrictions underscored the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and in the suburbs. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

In this photo taken April 19, 2013, Lisa Inglis, 43, of Quakertown, Pa., sits in a booth at John's Plain & Fancy Diner in Quakertown, Pa. Inglis, who calls herself a liberal Republican, said the Sandy Hook massacre left her deeply ambivalent about guns and gun control, but believes the Senate should have been able to compromise on legislation. In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence. The Senate's defeat last week of new firearms restrictions underscored the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and in the suburbs. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (AP) ? In the emotional politics of gun control, the suburbs seem to be emerging as a new sphere of influence.

The Senate's defeat last week of firearms restrictions underscored the nation's shifting demographics and a pronounced divide on the gun issue between Americans in rural areas and residents of suburban enclaves, like Quakertown, outside Philadelphia.

Packed with married women and political independents, vote-rich communities like these are starting ? in the wake of a string of shooting massacres ? to act more like urban centers that long have been concerned with the threat of local gun violence and have favored stricter laws. Those include the expansion of background checks, viewed by gun control advocates as a way to prevent criminals and the mentally ill from buying firearms.

Like most Pennsylvania voters, Lisa Inglis, 43, a stay-at-home mom of two from the Philadelphia suburbs, is a supporter of expanded checks of gun buyers, part of the legislation defeated last week. She said she was very disappointed by the Senate action, though she also questioned whether such measures would prevent many crimes.

"The reality hits you that nobody can keep anybody safe. You really depend on the stability of other people's thinking. You just hope for the best," said Inglis, eating at John's Plain & Fancy Diner in Quakertown, about 45 miles north of Philadelphia.

Voters like her in suburbs like this are a big reason why a handful of Republican lawmakers broke ranks with the GOP last week to support the expanded checks, raising the possibility that gun control could end up becoming more acceptable to other Republicans as suburbs in swing-voting states swell and push farther into rural areas where people cherish their gun rights.

Four Republicans backed the proposal, including three ? Sens. Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, Mark Kirk of Illinois and John McCain of Arizona ? where suburbs play a strong role in their home states' politics. The proposal also won support from Democrats such as Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, two states that are home to many hunters living in rural areas ? but also to booming suburbs outside Washington and Denver.

To be sure, rural interests still play a powerful role in Congress, and the gun vote showed how small states can shape the debate. Democrats representing rural states bucked members of their party and President Barack Obama to help scuttle the legislation. Among Democrats, five opposed the plan, including rural state lawmakers like Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Begich of Alaska and Max Baucus of Montana, all of whom face the voters next year.

Polling bears out the geographic divide.

In the months since the deadly Newtown, Conn., elementary school shooting, polls showed an overwhelming support for expanding background checks and strong sentiment for tighter gun measures among women. An Associated Press-GfK poll this month found that 52 percent of people living in suburban areas supported stricter gun laws compared with 41 percent rural residents. An additional 44 percent who live in rural areas say gun laws should remain the same, 13 percent think they should be made less strict.

The poll found that 58 percent of women favored stricter gun laws, compared with 41 percent of men. The difference held up across party lines, though 34 percent of Republican women supported stricter gun laws compared with 80 percent of Democratic women.

Republicans said many GOP members were challenged by the larger context of Obama's agenda ? including likely votes ahead on immigration and growing support in the nation for gay marriage. "They can't go all in. They have to pick and choose," said Chip Felkel, a South Carolina-based Republican strategist. "The NRA doesn't want to give an inch on anything because they think it's the beginning of the slide."

Toomey's role offered an apt case study. A reliable conservative and former head of the free-market advocacy group Club for Growth, Toomey joined forces with West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin to push for expanded background checks. Toomey has garnered strong ratings from the National Rifle Association but faces re-election in 2016, a presidential year in which elections in his home state tend to pivot on voters in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh suburbs.

Inglis, of Quakertown, calls herself a "liberal Republican" ? she voted for Obama twice and Toomey in 2010 ? and she credited Toomey with picking "the right issue to break out of his mold on." She said it made her view him as a pragmatist working to solve problems.

Bob Linquist, 73, a retired utility worker from Quakertown, used to belong to the NRA but dropped his membership because of the group's views on military-style assault weapons, which he believes do not belong in private hands. Linquist, a Democrat who sometimes votes Republican, said he supported Toomey's position on background checks even though he questioned whether it would solve the problem and thought it was politically calculated.

"Politicians don't always stand up for their country or ideologically what's right or morally right. They worry about their job," Linquist said.

Toomey sought to explain his position to a gathering of conservatives during the weekend. "My hope is that we can agree to disagree on this and move on to the many, many areas on which we agree," he told the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference in Camp Hill.

Terry Madonna, a pollster and political scientist at Franklin & Marshall College, said that with more than 9 in 10 Pennsylvanians supporting universal background checks, Toomey staked out a very safe political position. He said Toomey's bill was probably designed to appeal to swing voters in suburban Philadelphia, noting that "the largest area of support for gun control measures comes from the Philly suburbs."

The pressure points on the bill were found in the suburbs. A gun-control group backed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg focused its persuasion campaign ? with mixed results ? on areas represented by Republicans that include pivotal suburbs. The organization, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, aired ads in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Atlanta, Las Vegas and parts of Ohio.

Despite the measure's failure, some Democrats view it as evidence of how the issue has taken hold of suburban voters.

"Pat Toomey is no moderate. The fact that he's doing it in the state he's from tells you the power of the suburbs," said Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., who represents a suburban district outside Washington.

___

Thomas reported from Washington.

___

Follow Ken Thomas http://twitter.com/AP_Ken_Thomas and Michael Rubinkam on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MichaelRubinkam

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-04-22-Gun%20Politics%201st%20Ld-Writethru/id-9de22b3f2ce94c55af80d15f52ddc6ce

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Un-bagging safe solvent: A look at Martin Reisch's camera gear

Martin Reisch, aka safe solvent is iMore's go-to videographer for events like CES and Macworld, and he's just joined us in New York City for our big, upcoming [Redacted]. The moment he landed he walked in with a giant Crumpler Dry Red No. 9 gear bag, and we just knew we had to get a look inside it.

Starting at the top, Martin had his 5D Mark III, and since he's a firm believer in backup bodies, he had his 5D Mark II as well. For lenses, he brought with him his Canon 24-70 F2.8 L, Canon 50 F1.2 L, and Canon 70-200 F2.8 L.

He also packed his RED Scarlet, a massively impressive 4K camera with an EF mount that lets him use the very same Canon lenses.

Despite all that glass, Martin's daily driver is still his iPhone 5, along with a Joby Gorilla Pod GripTight. You can see samples of that work over on Instagram, and as for the work he's doing this week...

... Stay tuned!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/Ma3HIJEY-Mc/story01.htm

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Police identify possible suspect in 4/20 celebration shooting

DENVER (AP) ? Denver police Monday said they have learned the identity of a suspect seen on a YouTube video of people leaving a shooting at a marijuana celebration that wounded two people and scattered a crowd of thousands.

The man is shown walking away from the shooting scene as sirens wail in the background, Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. The suspect is a described as an accomplice to the primary, unidentified suspect in the shooting who was wearing a blue hat, grey sweatshirt and black pants.

"We've identified the man. We're not releasing his name because he's not in custody yet," Jackson said.

Saturday's shooting happened at the end of an outdoor celebration of the first 4/20 counterculture holiday since Colorado legalized marijuana. A man and a woman suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds. A juvenile grazed by a bullet was treated at a nearby hospital, police said.

The police gang unit has taken over the investigation, although it isn't yet clear if gangs were involved, Jackson said.

As was the case in the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, Denver police asked those at the rally to share anything they may have seen, photographed or recorded at the event.

"When gunfire happens people run away. Now that things have calmed down, we would like them to come back and talk to us," Jackson said.

The jovial scene at the downtown Civic Center Park turned to panic when the shots were heard. Several thought firecrackers were being set off, then saw a man bleeding.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/police-identify-possible-suspect-colo-shooting-015902068.html

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