Fiji NGO wants applied Biketawa Declaration to ease tensions with Tonga - Radio New Zealand International

Posted at 07: 38 on May 23, 2011 UTC

Fiji citizens Constitutional Forum is asking for the Pacific Islands Forum to consider the possibility of starting the Biketawa Declaration to deal with the current diplomatic impasse of Fiji and Tonga.

Fiji waiting for a response from Tonga after sending his Prime Minister a request for the extradition of Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara, who is wanted on charges of sedition.

The Biketawa Declaration was agreed by countries of the Forum of the Pacific Islands in the year 2000 and outlines guiding principles for good governance and courses of action for a regional response to the crisis.

The citizens Constitutional Forum, the Reverend Akuila Yabaki, executive director said that there should be consensus between the two countries in any resolution.

"This is to stop what could be a likely deterioration of the historical relationship." He is people of status mainly, in this country, could involve the vanua, the military, and I think that we get to the issues of diplomatic relations, and it could be of quite peacefully.

Executive Director of the citizens, the Reverend Akuila Yabaki Constitutional Forum.

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Young warriors in Tonga - Taimi Media Network

Agnatius Paasi

Next time you turn on the television to watch the Junior warriors play in the Australian rugby league competition NYC for children under 20 years, wait the names Konrad Hurrell, Agnatius Paasi and Visesio Setefano.

In a team with talent observed probably already the names of Tongans which indicates the strong lines Tongans in the champions of the Toyota Cup (competition of degree of age junior to the NRL). Names like Lousi, Palavi, Fotofili, Taukeiaho, Houma, and Likliki are immediately recognizable to fellow Tongan.

What is less recognizable however is Konrad Hurrell, Agnatius Paasi and Visesio Setefano are also Tonga and specifically the three are born Tongan.  Although their names are not your typical monikers of Tongans, are certainly stories about how they got to be in New Zealand and play rugby league.

In interviews Konrad (from Ngele'ia) and Agnatius (of Lapaha), while his travels may be familiar to many of us, is also curious how similar yet contrasting each of them is each other.  Both are a family of seven children, but while Konrad, a center of blockbusting, is the youngest of children of 4 and 3, Agnatius, which is a powerful built forward, is the oldest of a family of 5 boys and 2 girls.

Konrad moved to New Zealand 3 years with a rugby scholarship; Agnatius moved to the 3 years of age with the rest of his family.

Both boys played Rugby at secondary schools in the central city: Konrad in the powerful Auckland Grammar rugby union; Agnatius in rugby league fortress St Pauls. Both changed to the League of rugby to the recognition and the highest honors in the National Rugby Union team were not so close as the Warriors club Scout.

And while in the form typically Tonga both players come from religious families, Agnatius reflects his Catholic land to be named after a Saint while Konrad may be the first Warrior Junior from a background of Baha ' I.

However when it comes to the business of rugby league, both players are entirely in agreement to pursue a career in sports requiring commitment, sacrifice and discipline.

Warriors Junior Team Manager and former warriors duro-hombre, Jerry Seuseu, speaks highly of their charges born Tongan and is particularly pleased with the attitude and the ethics of Konrad, Agnatius and Visesio work to his training and his performances.

Konrad Hurrell

Seuseu, as players, however admits that there are no guarantees in professional sports and that there is enormous competition for places in the squad of game and ultimately for fulltime professional contracts in the Senior ranks.

Konrad and Agnatius are in their final year of eligibility for the Junior warriors and, with a number of members of his team-mate, he has established his eyes pick up a contract of full-time next year, if not with the Warriorsthen hopefully with one of the other NRL clubs.

Konrad has been in outstanding form this season winning criticism for his strong performances while Agnatius has played in every game this season, a feat that given the high level of competition among the forwards.

When asked what that so many in the Warriors Tongans Junior, both players laughed and said that it was "impressive". However they were quick to add that Warriors Junior all configuration was as a family atmosphere, which helped "all the guys treated each other as brothers".

And one final thing that both players agreed - I'd love to represent Tonga a day and play for Mate Ma' Tonga.  It is hoped that someone in the Tonga Rugby League is looking at the Junior warriors game and noting.

-By Essendon Tu'itupou

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Cowboys lose season Winterstein - ABC Online

Crisis of updated Center on June 15, 2011 11: 40: 00 North Queensland has worsened with unfortunate Cowboys recruit to Antonio Winterstein ruled out for the rest of the NRL season.

Analyses on Wednesday confirmed that the international Kiwi requires surgery after badly breaks his pectoral muscle in 24-4 on Saturday night loss to Manly.

The former wheel of the Broncos joins a list of injuries of long backline to the Cowboys with others that centres Brent Tate, extreme and Willie Tonga test full backup Shannon Gallant and Michael Bani also margin.

It was announced as an area of strength for the club, coach Neil Henry has had to be creative in their backline due to problems.

Rower back Gavin Cooper play at their third meeting this season in the centres against the Warriors on Saturday night while the usefulness of former roosters Ben Jones has been called feeder Club Mackay cutters.

Henry not hasten recovery of Tate of the reconstruction of his knee, but round 18 - his and Tonga likely return - could not come soon as the depth of its center was a huge success.

"It has eroded safe," he said.

"We have had to be a bit creative-Ben Jones, slotting what there is and (man 18th) will be of Tupou out there also."

"I thought cooperatives, Gavin, has made a good fist of exit on the left edge, as well."

"(But) we do not need to happen." "We will have to turn people around and try and get results to Tonga and Tate to return."

Winterstein injury, suffered in the second half as he failed to stop Steve Matai scoring at Brookvale Oval, continues his season's debut of horror in Townsville.

Their problems began in the offseason, breaking his jaw against Brisbane in Alice Springs, which forced him to miss the first five rounds.

The warriors have called Inu former Parramatta star Krisnan centres for the first time after moving to Lewis Brown on the bench.

The Cowboys also will be without second rower Glenn Hall (suspension), while Cory Paterson is still a fortnight away after undergoing knee surgery following his transfer from the middle of the season for the Knights.

Henry has also given opportunity of passes and overcome his wounds of war by resting him in training on Monday and Tuesday blocking workaholic Dallas Johnson.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby league, nrl, australia, Queensland, townsville-4810 recorded the first 11: 27: 00 on June 15, 2011

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Fiji and Tonga downplay Minerva Reef spat - Radio Australia

Updated on June 15, 2011 17: 08:29Relations between Fiji and Tonga are in sight this week.

Tensions between the two countries have apparently erupted on reefs Minerva contested claim that both countries, and the alleged involvement of Tonga with the defection of high-profile military former Fiji, Ratu Tevita Mara.

Ratu Tevita is currently in Australia trying to promote his new role as an activist for democracy, and the Government of Fiji is requesting his extradition from Australia.

But a reef in the Pacific Ocean also has people talking.

Presenter: Janak Rogers
Speakers: Ahongalu Fusumalohi, Special Adviser for the first Tongan Minister; Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum; Interim Prosecutor of Fiji; Dr. Clive Schofield is the Director of research at the Australian National Centre for ocean resources and security; It Rod Alley, Member of the Center for strategic studies of New Zealand

ROGERS: The Minerva reefs is an isolated reef claimed by Fiji and Tonga. Its been the source of tensions in the past, as the Tongan Government has repeatedly accused Fiji destroy navigation beacons set up. In recent days, a ship of the armed Tongan had allegedly persecuted outside an armed ship Fiji at the Minerva reefs. But Ahongalu Fusumalohi, a Special Adviser for Tongan Prime Minister, is willing to play by reports of a naval incident between Fiji and Tonga.

FUSUMALOHI: as I am concerned about there was nothing. However, they may have met and waved one to the other, but rather I don't want to speculate, and deduce that a confrontation or something more than was simply probably meeting at sea.

ROGERS: It is also alleged that Fiji and Tonga enjoy good relations.

FUSUMALOHI: And I think that there are no tensions between Fiji and Tonga. Our relationship has been warm and cordial throughout many years and until today, I think that it is continuing and I can only hope that our counterparts in Fiji that you want to discuss with us the issues of Minerva.

ROGERS: The Acting Attorney General of Fiji, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, also said reports of tensions between the two countries are exaggerated.

SAYED-KHAIYUM: and I think that it seems not much HAA hoo by the means of communication Australians and New Zealanders, about called fallout, there are consequences. There are various issues that must be met. We have taken the legal line, the legal process on several other issues that have been raised in the Minerva reefs and the Government, a statement from last week. We are going to follow the legal process under the provision of the Convention of the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea and which is under way.

ROGERS: But both countries have also released statements written in the last few days each intentionally stating its property on the reef. In a written statement published Friday, the Government of Fiji accused Australia and New Zealand of Tonga by manipulating the Minerva reef. Rod Alley is a Member Senior of the Center for strategic studies in New Zealand. He said while tensions on the reef had broken out again this year, but it seemed that there was no hope of a more amicable solution.

Alley: I am absolutely convinced that the bet rose sharply after Colonel Mara defected to Tonga and aired on YouTube, the world of Tonga on its deep dissatisfaction with the regime of Bainimarama.

ROGERS: Rod Alley also said that a number of countries appeared to want to gain political mileage from the Minerva reef tensions.

Dead end: There is no doubt in the entire system of Fiji is I think using the dispute to raise their concerns about the involvement of Australia and New Zealand and have said some very unparliamentary things about Mr Smith, Mr Rudd and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. McCully in New Zealand claiming that he is trying to handle the situation or manipulate Tonga as a way to return to Fiji. It is getting all rather messy.

ROGERS: Dr. Clive Schofield is the Director of research at the Australian National Centre for ocean resources and security. He says the time reef can be politically controversial, legally reefs could not form the basis of a territorial claim.

SCHOFIELD: Somewhat suggest that this is much ado about nothing in legal terms, but when we break down and see really what kind of roles that we are looking to the North and South Minerva reefs, are as their name suggests: reefs. These are features that are in fact submerged during much of the cycle of the tides. Now turn it has international legal implications for their ability to generate claims to maritime jurisdiction.

ROGERS: Clive Schofield says also that the prospect of mining rights and potentially lucrative fishing maintains much of the Minerva reef competition.

SCHOFIELD: There has been a realization that very small islets can suddenly be able to generate large maritime claims and the marine resources in those areas that are traditional resources that we think in terms of fishing and oil and gas, but also of deep-sea mineral resources. They are a major driving force in disputes over such small coming to the fore.

ROGERS: Rod Alley, Center of strategic studies said that the Pacific region countries are eager to see that not worsen tensions between Fiji and Tonga.

Alley: The conflict itself, Australia and New Zealand have said practically they do not have a dog in this particular fight, but that they want to see settled, because they recognize that if tensions between Fiji and Tonga much worse, could affect relations in the wider Pacific. And they have a meeting very important to come here in New Zealand later in the year and do not want talks that is putting much effort here derailed by a bilateral dispute between Fiji and Tonga.

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IRB Junior World Championship Rugby match view prior: France vs Tonga - Boxscore news

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First batch of left of seasonal workers of PNG for Australia - Radio Australia

Updated on May 23, 2011 16: 45:21After nearly three years, Australia seasonal workers pilot scheme finally accepted its first batch of workers in Papua New Guinea.

A group of nine workers left Port Moresby today towards Robinvale in Victoria to almond crop.

According to the plan, up to 2,500 visas were made available to workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to work in Australia up to seven months in any 12 month period.

But since its introduction in August 2008, he has taken part only a couple of hundreds of workers of the Pacific - most of Tonga.

Chairman of seasonal workers from the PNG, Alexis Maino task force said that nine men PNG will work in Australia up to 4 months.

It is said, they had to go through a rigorous process to select the first batch of PNG seasonal workers.

Presenter: Firmin Nanol
Speaker: Alexis Maino, President of the force for the season worker of the PNG task

MAINO: Will go to Melbourne and Melbourne, the employer will be organized buses to take them to Robinvale in Victoria, which is where they will be based for the next four months.

NANOL: how the Papua New Guinea nine or ten selected and where they come from across the country?

MAINO: We are following the provisions of the memorandum of understanding we signed with the Australians last year and we have established what they call a ready labour pool and we work about 250 more or less of the reserve. Your request is usually highly dependent on the application by farmers in Australia. So that particular farmer based in Victoria, wanted to hire 10. Thus of the reservation took place about 20 of them recommended that the employer. To try to balance it out, we had 15 men and five women.

Later the businessman returned to say that only it would be necessary to male employees, the work will mainly be pruning of almond. We allow only 15 men and 15 men, the employer...Rental of work they were able to select ten and ten, nine are now. We have a very strict criteria to follow, knowledge of English, but focus primarily rural. So we have people of interest in rural areas and we have done that at this moment we have some of the Highlands of the East, some of East New Britain, and have some Central Province and morobe to Iran now.

NANOL: these nine men, it really have to do in Victoria?

MAINO: You will be working on the farm of almond and season of preparation is now complete, but it will be necessary to do the pruning and that, which is why you using small chainsaws to do all the work of pruning for the next four months until Septemberend of September should be going.

NANOL: how much are going to be paid in Australian dollars?

MAINO: Seeking $ 18, $19 an hour, so the rate is similar to any Australian worker. So that even within that period of four months, they may be a little fair of money and the idea is not for them and unnecessarily use revenues to win. We have another task force has been configured, because to configure by connecting them with the financial institution to help them start small businesses primarily out of rural areas.

Do NANOL: once these nine people finished after four months of seasonal work and back, there will be another batch down or it will depend on the needs of farmers and the farm in Australia or victory?

MAINO: Yes, some farmers have expressed interest, and I just returned from a forum of countries of sending work - with seasonal work in Tonga and while he was there I met with the Australians and New Zealanders staff members as representatives of the growers association. From Australia, there are one or two groups or farmers concerned to Papua New Guinea, which is why we are going to examine. The other, of course, which is New Zealand have only a New Guinea whose contracted in accordance with the New Zealand what they call recognised seasonal employer scheme. So I spoke to the Association of growers in the first place and he's going to do the work there, but they are usually willing to accept more Papua New Guinea there, for it is another area that we are going to start looking. But we have the approval of Cabinet for both our participation in the pilot scheme, as well as the New Zealand schema.

Do NANOL: collectively after four months, how much you think that they are likely to recover in Australian dollars?

MAINO: Being up about $20,000, and if you change in kina, which is a little right of money for an individual, a quantity that may help to start some small businesses.

NANOL: and Australia, which will take care of them, such as farm or another contractor of the work or hire the company?

MAINO: We have an agreement with the memorandum of understanding that the employer will provide housing, Medicare, pastoral care and all that. What is the part of the agreement which has been accepted by both Governments, Government of PNG and Australia.

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Italy to overcome Tonga take Final of plate - ESPNscrum.com

Italy A Tonga 27-18, Churchill Cup Italy to overcome Tonga take 18 of StaffJune of FinalESPNscrum of plate, 2011 celebrate a Italy with the silverware of Churchill Cup plate © Getty Images to Italy claimed the title of plaque for Churchill Cup with a victory 27-18 on Tonga at Sixways on Saturday. Mosca-Mitad Riccardo Bocchino opened the scoring after a dominant scrum of Italians in opposition ' 22 and Tito converted Tebaldi. A penalty of Etimoni Paea reduced the margin after 16 minutes, but it was quickly followed by three points of the Azzurri after indiscipline in the breakdown of the Tongans. Bocchino astillas away on the scoreboard with a second penalty success, while the Tongans continued dents with their normally fierce tackles, but has not been able to do an impression on the scoreboard before the break. A quick start for the second half saw Italy progress with Tebaldi slotting again his third successful penalty to take his hand 13-3. With the momentum on their side, the Italians found an injection of style when it becomes fictional of Joshua Furno wing on the second attempt of the Italians Andrea Pratichetti. Having struggled to ward off an attempt during 50 minutes of play, the Tongans were in style Viliami Iongi struck from inside the 22, woven through a handful of defenders and scored in the corner. The conversion was lost by leaving Tonga 12 points. A period of trade between the two parties ended when Etimoni Paea slotted three others for the Tongans, reduce the margin of nine points. Venditti Giovanbattista scored a try to equal the Iongi panash, will go to the length of the pitch to score the third attempt on his side. An attempt on the record of Mateo Malupo closure and conversion of Kurt Morath was but consolation of Tonga. Italy captain Marco Bortolami, whose side had sputtering throughout the tournament, was delighted to see his side come in handy. "We have improved a lot now and put in a good performance," Bortolami said. "We have some young players and they have experience." "It was terrible against Canada, better against Tonga but today was a real improvement".

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IRB Junior World Championship Rugby match view previous: Fiji and Tonga - Boxscore news

Headlines:
Fiji ? have given 569 points in 17 games, the highest total of any team.
? Fiji had more red cards and yellow combined than any other team, with yellow and red and 17.
Only victory of Tonga?s ? in 11 matches of group came to beat Canada 36-20 in 2009.
Tonga ? been awarded 73 tries in his 17 games played, which is the highest of any team.
Fiji ? will have an advantage of 115 kg of weight in the scrum.

Summary of Group B:
? This match will decide who ends up third and fourth in Group B, once both sides lost to Australia and France in their two opening games. Fiji are in third place in points.

Team news:
? Fiji has made seven changes to his line of output from the lost side 50-25 to Australia and five players will be started in every game of group; underpin TOMASI KOLO, block AMINIUM NASILIMOSI, flanker SIMIONE SAWENE, Center of SOLOMONI RASOLEA and wing JOSATEKI LALAGAVESI.
? Tonga has made four changes to their line of departure from the side that lost 27-14-France, with TALIA?ULI SAMIU return at prop, NEHUMI VANISI in the blockade, MONA PARAKI earned its first exit the fly half and OTULEA KATOA in workplaces.

IRB Junior World Championships facts and figures

Fiji (time tournament record all):
? Terminó 14 in 2008, 12 in 2009 and eighth in 2010.
? Only won two of the 11 matches played in the pool stages, defeating Italy in 2009 and Samoa in 2010.
? Concedió 569 points in 17 games, the highest total of any team.
? Concedió 70 attempts, second highest sets after Tonga.
? Awarded 120 points to penalties, the second highest after Ireland in 132.
? have only won three games in general and only allowed half time twice, the worst records of the 12 teams competing.
? Have been a red sample and 17 yellow cards in the 17 games that have played, it is the highest of all teams.

Tonga (time tournament record all):
Terminó 13 ? in 2008, in 2009 10 and 11 in 2010, when he defeated Samoa 23-3 to secure his place in the Championship of year?s.
? Only victory in 11 matches of group came to beat Canada 36-20 in 2009.
? Concedió 550 points, the second highest of any team after Fiji.
? Concedió 73 attempts, the highest of any team.
? Has the worst rate of conversion of all the teams that will compete with only 48.5 per cent (16 successful kicks out of 33 tries scored).
? At the receiving end of 14 yellow cards, the second highest of the competing teams behind Fiji.
? Not kicked a drop goal in 17 games played.

It allows to obtain physical
? Fiji are six months by a man of Tonga and have a great physical advantage in the starting line and scrum, with an average eight centimeters per man differential height and 14 kg by weight of man superiority.

Children of high
? Fiji?s AMINIUM NASILIMOSI is the tallest man on the Court to 200 cm (6 ft 6ins), which is three cm over the highest player's Tonga?s, SAMIU TALIA?ULI prop.

The heavy weight Division
? The combined weight of the package of Fiji is 875 kg, which gives them a lead of 115 kg against Tonga in the scrum.
? Fiji prop TOMASI KOLO is the heaviest man on the Court in 120 kg (1.82 13 lb), which is three more than his counterpart kg, Tonga?s ELISI PULU.

History
? will be the second time that Fiji and Tonga are gathered at the IRB Junior World Championships. Tonga defeated Fiji 28-20 in the work of 13th place in 2008.

Experience
? Fiji has four players in their line of departure until she appeared in the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship; underpin SANDAY KIRWAN, block the advance of MAIKELI, of yoghourt, who scored a try in the defeat to Australia on Tuesday, flanker NALASEKATA KOLI and SOLOMONI RASALE of the Centre.
Tonga ? have three players who took part in the last Championship year?s; Hooker SEFO SAKALIA, flanker OFA FINAU and Centre OTULEA KATOA, who scored a try against Samoa in 2010.

The man in the Middle
? JP DOYLE of England takes care of this game, his fifth in the IRB World Junior competition. In the final tournament of year?s he published four yellow cards in the three games officiated, three of them to Fijian players in his defeat of 44-11-New Zealand and the victory of 15-12 on Samoa, in which NALASEKATA KOLI was one of the players ordered to the sin bin.
? Doyle was in control of game against Australia Tonga?s in the first round of matches this year, they lost 54-7.

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Government of Tonga warns about the scam of "Kingdom of Hawaii" visa - Radio New Zealand International

Posted at 23: 37 on May 22, 2011 UTC

The Tongan Government has issued a warning to travelers to United States that visas issued by a group known as the "Kingdom of Hawaii" are not valid and it cannot be used for the entrance to the United States.

Quotes online of Taime Tonga, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the money collected by the Kingdom of Hawaii to the issuance of these visas can be part of a fraudulent scheme.

Tonga Assistant, Commander of the police, 'unga Fa' aoa, says police have passports with stamps of these visas from the "Kingdom of Hawaii".

He said that they had received complaints from people who are enfadadas for this visa fraud.

The Embassy of the United States in Suva, Fiji has confirmed that visas issued under the Kingdom of Hawaii are not valid.

It also said warned that anyone who tries to use these false visas to enter United States on Board of a plane of Tonga or any other country will not be permitted.

Reports of Tonga say that an officer from the Division of immigration was victim of the scam and who filed a formal complaint with the police.

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Cabinet of Tonga meet in Vava'u ' or for the first time - Radio New Zealand International

Posted at 07: 35 on May 23, 2011 UTC

Cabinet of Tonga is celebrating a refuge on the island of Vava'u ' u, the first time that he met in the capital.

The meeting is to review progress since he took power last year and make strategic plans for the future.

The Ministers are looking for in the new budget, the strategic framework for development of Tonga and what the Government has to change to allow this application.

They are also thinking in its priorities for the period of four years.

The first Minister Lord Tu'ivakano said that the Government wants to establish strong and complete basis for the next few years.

He says, as a result of the withdrawal, when the legislature will open early next month, that the Ministers will have a clear vision of Tonga economic and development situation.

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Willie Lose: the black baby are defeat - IRB

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  Luke Whitelock scores one of New Zealand's 14 tries against WalesThe question could anyone stop New Zealand’s dominance of the IRB Junior World Championship had already been posed in many circles, even before they took Wales apart to win 92-0 on Tuesday.

We sat down with TV commentators Nigel Starmer-Smith and Willie Lose to get their thoughts on the rout and to put them on the spot with the big question ... will anyone beat New Zealand in Italy?

Let's just say, they couldn't quite agree on that one.

IRB.COM: What impressed you about the Baby Blacks against Wales?

Willie Lose: “I just think the New Zealand team got on a roll, they found mismatches, they broke tackles and then it became a bit like a Sevens festival where forwards were running like backs and backs were going in and cleaning out.

“Disappointing for the Welsh team obviously, but I think part of it was it they were targeting their last game against Italy and were possibly saving a bit in reserve, which is disappointing because I thought they should have given New Zealand a real crack.”

Nigel Starmer-Smith: “I didn’t see this match, but I saw them against Italy and the thing I find terrifically enjoyable about their performance is the fact they don’t grind teams down, they are actually beating them for skills.

"Their back division is small by comparison with many of the other teams and yet they have this individual ability, like Charles Piutau and the midfield players and Gareth Anscombe. A confidence, an ability to just vary the game and keep the ball in the hands which other teams seem to be a little bit negative about, yet they seem a class above everyone else by a mile at the moment.”

VIDEO: John Kirwan reflects on New Zealand's performances at JWC 2011

IRB.COM: So, the big question, how do you stop the Baby Blacks?

Nigel Starmer-Smith: Well I think they have tried that for three years at the Junior World Championship and no-one has really got very near to them! I mean England did a couple of years ago but first impressions are that there is one team and the rest. I don’t see anyone at the moment who is actually going to give them a fight.

“You keep thinking well maybe the other teams are sort of getting their act together, but put it this way, the northern hemisphere teams have all had five matches in preparation to get their team together, New Zealand just come in after a warm up against Tonga and suddenly they are in the groove and at the moment they look, it is rather like men and boys.

“Having said that, I think there is a lot of potential with England and South Africa.”

Willie Lose: “For me, I think the way you beat New Zealand is you take them on at your own strength. I think you have got to psychologically get inside their heads by matching them at set pieces, at scrum and lineout, and then attacking them with ball in hand. I think if you are going to kick them you are basically saying we don’t know what to do with the ball, here you go, you run it back to us and we will try and defend you.

“I think there are teams – like England, South Africa, Australia – who are really going to push them and even Argentina, who are proud at the set pieces will test them there. Sadly for Argentina they kick a lot of ball away, which plays into New Zealand’s hands.

“For me, having watched New Zealand, I don’t think this is as skilful a side as the one that we saw last year, or as fit I should say because I thought the team last year was the fittest I have seen a New Zealand side.

“This team is not as fit and I don’t think they are as skilful as last year, I think there are some weaknesses and Italy exposed it. You saw how the Italians defended so magnificently in that opening game and then they scored a try to their full back, [Michele Visentin].

“Why, because they ran straight, their full back came off an angle, went straight at the backs, bumped off Sopoaga, then the offload and they scored, so if you are prepared to actually chance your arm against these guys, put doubt in their mind, that is how I think you beat New Zealand.

“They are great at attacking and I just think it is still a psychological game for me and I think that New Zealand are a confident side and they build momentum because of that, if England can muscle up against them, South Africa certainly won’t have a problem, nor will Australia, and you have got to fight fire with fire, you can’t try and break them down and try and find an individual weakness because in the team environment they all cover those, so you have got to attack them as a team.

Nigel Starmer-Smith: You say that, but having seen two of the real challengers, England and South Africa, they had a mighty problem to suppress Ireland and Scotland. All credit to those two sides. England had slaughtered Scotland in the Six Nations back at home early on, but against Ireland and then Scotland they really had a battle.

“I can’t see any weaknesses in this New Zealand side and not having seen them play against Wales I still do think they look the same calibre of last year when they were again head and shoulders above the rest.

 “I have absolutely no doubt already that there’s only one winner yet again and it looks like four in a row for the Baby Blacks.”

VIDEO: New Zealand run riot in Italy

Willie Lose: “New Zealand have scored 122 over the years in this competition, they’ve only conceded 13. That tells me that this is a side and a country that loves to attack but they’re also proud on defence. That is what other teams have got to get over is being able to score against the side.

“The biggest danger for New Zealand in my view is how do they keep their feet on the ground. I spoke with [captain] Luke Whitelock’s father after the game and he said to me the danger he feels at the moment is that, after 92 points, what do you say to the guys at the next training session for them not to start thinking that they’re actually better than they are. It’s a matter now of keeping their feet on the ground and making sure they don’t start thinking they’ve won the game even though the final is two weeks away."
Nigel Starmer-Smith: “By contrast, England and South Africa have had hard games. Some would say, coaches would say, in a way that’s a better preparation. If you’ve won a game within 15 minutes of the game starting, how do you suddenly jump from an easy, comfortable win to a real contest. The others will be battle prepared. They [New Zealand] won’t be battled hardened because they haven’t had a battle.”
IRB.COM: Haven’t we said that every year though, that they haven’t been tested in the pool stages and they’ve still won the title?

Willie Lose: “I think this year’s different. I don’t think this side is as good as ones in the past, with respect, and so it’s going to be interesting who actually has a crack at them, who’s prepared to roll their sleeves up and say we’ll take you on at your own game.”
Nigel Starmer-Smith: “I find that hard to understand. I mean, you win by 92-0 against Wales, you beat Italy 64-7. To me they looked every bit as good as last time, but then we’ll only know the truth when it comes to the crunch games.”
Willie Lose: “The fear I have about sides not taking on New Zealand at their own game is that these guys look good because they are comfortable. They’ve got a great platform, they’re going forward, you could put any of the first fives from other teams in that position and they also would look good.

“So it all comes down to pressure. We’ve seen when guys are put under pressure whether they cope or not and that’s what you need to do, you need to put the class players like the Gareth Anscombes and the Lima Sopoagas under pressure and just see whether they can control it.”

Only time will tell if Lose or Starmer-Smith are proven right.

Listen to the full interview to find out what Lose and Starmer-Smith have made of Australia, England, South Africa and France, the other contenders for a semi final spot.

View the original article here

Anthony Fullman - source: Newstalk ZB - TVNZ

updated 7: 59 pm
Posted: 5: 39 AM Monday, May 23, 2011 source: a news/Newstalk ZB
Anthony Fullman - source: Newstalk ZB
Concerns are growing about the welfare of a man trapped in the row between Fiji and Tonga's New Zealand.
Anthony Fullman, former head of the authority of Fiji water, was transported in for questioning by the police of Fiji because of its close links with outside control officer Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara, who has fled to Tonga.
 
A friend of the family, said that businessman suffers severe diabetes, which, if left untreated, can be life threatening.
"Needs it [diabetes medication]."He takes it very often, I do not know how many times, but you need it, lucky De Silva told one news.
Friends say Fullman is not answering his phone or respond to email messages.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade said it is studying the matter and has been in contact with Fullman.
Fullman has extracted interrogation because phone records show that he had been talking with Mara Lieutenant Colonel before leaving for Tonga.
Mara escaped a charge of sedition in Fiji last weekend, but is in Tonga under the protection of the Royal family, to which it is linked.
A correspondent Barbara Dreaver News spoke yesterday to Mara and told him that it was natural that the two had talked about because "they are friends", he said.
Fullman is the former head of the authority of Fiji water and is one of a number to be questioned about how Mara came to be in Tonga.
Fullman has had his passport confiscated.
Instructor of surf Tim McBride, who has U.S. passport, has also been arrested on suspicion of helping to Mara.
According to the latest report of Amnesty International, there is reason to worry.
"Recently, we have seen politicians, officials, etc. in the Queen Elizabeth barracks physically and sexually abused and intimidated so it would be very concerned about no one is taking their interrogation by the military," Patrick Holmes of Amnesty InternationalHe said.
Mara said news that people were being taken to the barracks and beaten.
"Fear for my family", he said.
"This oppressive regime has done in the past, its specific people who voted, has led to their families".
Pressure on Bainimarama
First Minister John Key says New Zealand and Australia have kept pressure on Commodore Frank Bainimarama hold elections.
 
John Key says economic sanctions can last a long time before you have great impact, but have a dramatic impact on the plight of the people every day in that country.
Key said that the Government knows that they are working the travel bans and frustrate the regime.
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North Queensland Cowboys centre Willie Tonga knocked out shortly before call up to Australia team

Willie Tonga... rey-hit in Townsville just before the call to rows Australia nightclub. Source: News Limited
Centre of North Queensland Cowboys Willie Tonga was unconscious in a Townsville Disco just a few days before he received a final call to rows in the Australia Squadron.
Shane Robert Alexander, 23, pleaded guilty to drunk and disorderly conduct in the Court of magistrates of Townsville later Thursday that he rey-hit Tonga in the tavern of Flinders St this mad cow in the early hours of May 2.
The next day, Cowboys management denied that Tonga had been attacked. On Thursday, the club maintained his silence, saying that the matter had been resolved by the courts and there was nothing that could add.

Kieran Crowley, the dissident of maple leaf - Stuff.co.nz

There will be seven coaches of Kiwi and many attendees at the upcoming Rugby World Cup. Marc Hinton brings together one and it is enjoying its own special problems.
When Kieran Crowley landed in Canada to train the perennial minnows of the World Cup, he moved to remove a perspective in action throughout the country. It was a flight of eight hours for 80 minutes, however, decidedly rugby's base.

Worcester bring Sione Tu'ipulotu and George Porter - BBC News

Sione Tu ' ipulotu played in two cups in the world of TongaWorcester Warriors have signed Center Sione Tu'ipulotu and shore up George Potter of Plymouth Albion, after his promotion to the Premiership.
Tonga your ' international Tu'ipulotu of 32 year old recently was named player of the season Plymouth.
Porter, 21, won the Mike Turner Player most promising youth in Albion last season.
The former England under-18 international played in each of the games of Plymouth League, last season.
Sione Tu ' ipulotu, who has played in two World Cup for Tonga, in 1999 and 2007, previously played for Pontypool, Caerphilly, Newport Gwent Dragons.
He joined Plymouth in 2009 and has been a performer or star performer for the club during the last two seasons in bricks.
"I registered Sione since dragons and we are confident that you can make a big impact at Sixways and they join us in mainly playing as a centre," Richard Hill warriors coach told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Sione has been one of the main performers of Plymouth Albion the last two seasons."
George had an excellent year in the Championship and played almost every minute of Plymouth
Worcester coach Richard Hill
"It is a very powerful Centre and in the Premiership Aviva need these types of players because defences are so well drilling and strong," he added.

Injury: Joel Reddy. Image: Brett Costello source: The Daily Telegraph - Herald Sun

Injury: Joel Reddy. Image: Brett Costello source: The Daily Telegraph
It was a day for Parramatta busy yesterday after that lost Joel Reddy to a lesion of the pectoralis of end of season, signed the center of the coast of gold Esi Tonga, released controversial young Brad Murray and then Tom Humble had cleared to play after a load of drugs in the term.
Humble and former eels Brendan Oake were to serve as interim suspensions for testing positive to a banned stimulant.
An audience last night, retired judge Laurence Street said that he felt that the couple took the illegal agent unaware and since then it has fully cooperated with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
His suspension immediately ended with humble to play for new South Wales Cup this weekend.
Eels Chief Executive Paul Osborne said:
"I am really satisfied with both children, has been a difficult time for them and with Tom, let us hope that, not will it take long to return to the routine."

Tonga language to be tested - the Zimbabwe

HARARE – the Tonga language be tested in grade seven for the first time in Zimbabwe. (In the photo: David Coltart)

Five other languages are currently struggling to get tested by the Ministry of education, according to an official of the promotion of indigenous languages of Zimbabwe (ZILP).  Minister Coltart had agreed that Tonga proved by his Ministry at the level of grade seven at the end of this year, the official said.
This occurred after several consultations were held by people of Binga who asked why their language was marginalized. An estimated one million people used the daily language in that region.
The official said that the language would be tested under the regulation of ZIMSEC which regulates all examinations in the country.
"We also want other languages be recognised by the Government." I can actually say that other languages like Venda, Tonga, Kalanga and Nambu have been fighting for recognition and the Ministry has agreed in Tonga this year. "As you know language unites people and culture".

Fiji and Tonga: asylum's Island - The Economist

SEVERAL hundred years ago, the State of Fiji, the Pacific Islands was a place of refuge for the Princes exiled from neighbouring Tonga. It is now Tonga that serves as a destination for asylum-seekers blue-blooded of Fiji. Roko Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, son of the founder of the modern State, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara final, fled by sea, with the help of the Navy of Tonga.

 It is now under the protection of the use of homburg Tonga monarch, King George Tupou V, a distant relative of the father of the Mara Mr.
Contrasting fortunes switches does not end there. Tonga, long an autocratic monarchy, took a giant step towards democracy in November, when the country elected its first elected Government. Meanwhile, Fiji has entered into increasingly more authoritarian.

 Draconian public emergency regulations have been in force, with few let-ups, since a military coup in December 2006.
Until it was suspended in October, Mr Mara was commander of the regiment of Fiji. He had been a loyal ally of the coup leader and military Chief, Frank Bainimarama. Now in freedom in the capital of Tonga, Nuku'alofa Mr Mara denounces what he says is hurtful Commodore Bainimarama Government control exercised by the Attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. It calls for regime change.

No conflict Minerva Reef: fiji

There was no conflict between Fiji and Tonga on the question of Minerva Reef, as reported by media overseas communication says Mara's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs only.
of FBCL-news.

Hunt star in Broncos trial

The Titans opened marker in the first two minutes from the Centre of Esi Tonga, who ended the game with a broken nose poorly but the Broncos slipped directly into top gear, five tries of accounting in a barrage of 15 minutes.
through ABC Sport - Hunt stars in Broncos tests.

Ratu Iloilo was a true gentleman of the Pacific

Your ' first Minister Lord of Tonga ivakano has described Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda - as a loyal Chief and a true gentleman of the Pacific.
of FBCL-news.

Tonga ferry trial resumes

Tonga's largest criminal trial has resumed in the capital Nuku'alofa with the Court that he was told that the operator of a ferry that sank killing 74 people had been advised that the vessel was not able to navigate.
from Tongan ferry resumes trial.

Crown due to the case of opening try again in the trial of the Princess Ashika of Tonga

Prosecutors in Tonga open appropriate today in the murder of Princess Ashika test, within one week delay from.
on the Crown in the case of opening try again in the trial of the Princess Ashika of Tonga.

magnitude 6.1 earthquake seems out of Tonga

A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck under the sea, 55 km (34 miles) of the capital of Tonga on Sunday, said that the US Geological Survey (USGS), but no tsunami warning was issued.
through magnitude 6.1 earthquake seems out of Tonga: USGS: The China Post.

Strikes of earthquake in the sea near Tonga

A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck under the sea, 55 kilometres from the capital of Tonga.
through ABC Radio Australia News: stories: earthquake hits in the sea near Tonga.

Free flight to Tonga Baroness housekeeper

Baroness Scotland, Loloahi Tapui, former housekeeper returned to Tonga today in a flight paid by the Government.
through flight free Baroness housekeeper Tonga | Online email.

Tonga PM says IRB unfair rules for Pacific Nations

First Minister of Tonga says that Cup this year the world will not be real, competition because unfair rules prevent that the Nations of the Pacific fielding some of their best players.
through the Network Australia News: stories: the PM Tonga says IRB unfair rules for Pacific Nations.

Ashika trial to resume in Tonga

Will be a New Zealander and other three trials today about the sinking of the Princess Ashika Tonga in August 2009
from Ashika tries to restart Tonga - Newstalk ZB.

California... Sweeping Greenhouse Gas Rules

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California regulators Thursday approved the first system in the nation to give polluting companies such as utilities and refineries financial incentives to emit fewer greenhouse gases.

The Air Resources Board voted 9-1 to pass the key piece of California's 2006 climate law — called AB32 — with the hope that other states will follow the lead of the world's eighth largest economy. State officials also are discussing plans to link the new system with similar ones under way or being planned in Canada, Europe and Asia.

California is launching into a "historic adventure," said Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the state's air quality board.

"We're inventing this," she said. "There is still going to be quite a bit of action needed before it becomes operational."

California is trying to "fill the vacuum created by the failure of Congress to pass any kind of climate or energy legislation for many years now," Nichols said.

A standing-room only board chambers featured testimony from more than 170 witnesses Thursday. Outside the chambers, a few climate change skeptics held signs reading "Global Warming: Science by Homer Simpson."

Some businesses that would fall under the new rules say the system could dampen California's already flagging economy, complicate lawmakers' efforts to close a $28.1 billion revenue shortfall and lead to an increase in the price of electricity.

The rate increases, however, would still need approval from the state.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told the board he is sensitive to the recession, but argued that many of the new jobs being created under the system are in the clean technology industry.

"The real jobs we're creating right now are green jobs. Since 2006 or so green jobs have been created 10 times faster than in any other sector, so it's also an economic plus," he said.

But he said reducing greenhouse gas pollution is not just about climate change, but about human health and national security.

"I despise the fact that we send $1 billion a year to foreign places for our oil and to places that hate us. We send this money to people that hate us and that are organizing terrorists and trying to blow up our country," he said.

Supporters say the system will help spur economic recovery and innovation, pushing business to invest in clean technologies.

They say the billions of dollars the state collects in the system could help fund clean air programs and help offset any increases in utility rates. Details of the uses of these new funds are still uncertain.

California has already enacted the strictest climate-related regulations in the country involving renewable energy mandates for utilities, tighter fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles and low-carbon fuel standards.

The state's landmark climate law had a Jan. 1, 2011, deadline for devising and enacting the so-called cap-and-trade system.

Here's how it would broadly work:

A company that produces pollution, such as a utility or a refinery, buys a permit from the state that allows it to send a specified amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air each year. Those permits could then be bought and sold by the polluters in a marketplace.

If a company in Fresno is 15 percent under its pollution allowance, it can sell the unused portion to a company in Long Beach that has exceeded its quota. The Fresno company gets to keep the money. Polluters can even make a profit, if the marketplace sets a price above the initial cost of the permit.

The lone dissenting board member, Dr. John Telles, said he had concerns that the new market created by the regulation was too vulnerable to cheating.

"We're potentially vulnerable here to be manipulated," he said. "And I don't see enough safeguards in the design of the market."

The board's staff said it would be working on market issues in the coming year before the launch of the program, but recognized that they were creating something that had not been tried before.

Adding another wrinkle, a company that exceeds its allowance can also buy what are called "offsets." These can be bought by companies with forestry or other projects that reduce greenhouse gases.

Those companies can sell those to polluters in the marketplace, also at a profit.

Under the new California rules, regulators would enforce limits on heat-trapping gas emissions beginning in 2012, eventually including 85 percent of the state's worst polluters.

The amount of allowed emissions would be reduced over time, and the regulations would expand in 2015 to include refineries and fuel distributors, such as oil companies.

The cap would reach its lowest level in 2020, when California wants its greenhouse gas emissions reduced to 1990 levels.

Ninety percent of the allowances would be free in the first years of the program to give industry time to upgrade to cleaner equipment or account for increased future costs as the cap tightens.

Over time, as the cap gets lower and fewer allowances are available, costs would rise.

"The idea is to incentivize clean technology over fossil fuels by putting a price on carbon," said Jon Costantino, a senior adviser at a Sacramento law firm who formerly served as the climate change planning manager at the Air Resources Board.

Business groups raised concerns that the board had not yet given hard details about what each facility's allowances would be.

"It's crucial for companies to know what their compliance requirements are going to be far in advance," said Dorothy Rothrock of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

"There are definitely going to be some costs incurred right up front for these companies," she said.

State officials say they had to act, because of years of delays in Washington.

"The goal of (the law's) authors in 2006 was to lead by example, and being a leader you have to bring others along with you," Nichols said.

A bill to place a limit on the amount of greenhouse gases nationwide narrowly passed the U.S. House in the summer of 2009, after arm-twisting by President Obama and other Democratic leaders.

But the measure died in the Democrat-controlled Senate because all Republicans and some Democrats from coal- and industry-heavy states balked about how it would raise electricity bills.

Obama, who made the climate bill the centerpiece of his Democratic agenda, pulled support for it after the midterm elections put Republicans in control of the House. The president said he would be looking at other ways to address climate change.

While the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the first-ever rules to reduce greenhouse gases from large industrial polluters, the GOP, with some support from Democrats, vows in 2011 to block it from moving ahead with the regulations.

California's system, however, could end up being linked to ones being developed in other countries. State officials are talking with the European Union as well as provinces in China and Canada to link systems.

In the U.S., New Mexico narrowly approved its own cap-and-trade program last month and OK'd the state's participation in a regional market. There is another market proposed in the Midwest and in New England.

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Alvin the research sub has made more than 4,600 dives to sites like the Titanic and the BP oil well.

The global demand for eco-friendly products has Chilean vineyards examining their carbon footprint.

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Bids that risk insurance invites

You can say that there is a history of good growth. Crunched together, the two insurers would have leading positions in key Asian markets. Value new Prudential business in the region has increased by almost 30 per cent a year over the last decade, six times the rate of growth in other places.

Prudential is buying American international assurance, A.I.G., unit after two years of hard times for his rival in Asia attributable in part to the associations with the A.I.A. turbulent father. United States Government, majority shareholder of A.I.G., is interested in a quick exit. Simply remove A.I.G. A.I.A. could restore the trust of customers - and growth. 1.7 Times had embedded value, a secure common valuation metric A.I.A. seems relatively cheap.

However, some perspective is useful. Purchase A.I.A. imply heroic contortions. The financing agreement will need to raise $ 20 million equivalent to the market value of preannouncement Prudential, through the use of a rights issue. Also give shares and other instruments for which will be released with an 11 per cent stake in Prudential A.I.G..

Duplicate database sales agents could prove problematic too. Prudential and A.I.A. have been rivals in Asia and routinely spent lavishly to personal Cook. Many agents A.I.A. expected shares in an initial offering of shares now moot. Rivals will be be licking their chops at the prospect of nabbing A.I.A. agents and customers.

Shareholders seem to buy the growth story by now. But still it is not clear that the agreement will offer returns to justify the thrill of Prudential. Based on operating earnings for 2009, A.I.A. would have created a mere 5 percent return, even the cost deducted $ 340 million Prudential says that he thinks you can squeeze out three years. It is much lower than the cost of capital A.I.A.. Double synergies and earnings increase of 50 per cent and the return is still below 8 percent. Prudential might be safe but skepticism seems prudent.

Trusted advisor?

Wall Street gets most of guff for potential conflicts of interest. But the bankers should not feel too lonely when advisers legal white-shoed as Cravath Swaine & Moore work together with them in agreements.

Cravath is arguing in a Delaware Court that its work for a company, Airgas, there should be no prevents work it on the other hand, Air Products, a hostile $ 5.1 million bid for - you adivinado: his former client, Airgas.

Airgas argues that Cravath work provides access to privileged information, which now offers Air products an unfair advantage. If Airgas gets its way in the courts, lawyers Cravath banned represent the products of Air and could be responsible for damages.

In strict legal terms Airgas faces a high barrier. Addition, the case is heard by a judge dismissed charges of similar conflict last year against Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the firm now to the other side of the argument as an advisor to Airgas.

Cravath says that you wasn't that cozy with Airgas. But even if you lose the Airgas by publicly called into question the ethics of Chief Advisor his rival, Airgas could buy yes some time in the acquisition attempt. Cravath has placed in the uncomfortable position of arguing it had only "routine" advised Airgas, not what one would expect for 2 million dollars in legal fees.

While the Cravath may not have violated the law, you will need to reassure other clients for their loyalty. Not enough simply to keep in mind that Airgas hired Goldman Sachs, an adviser had long with Air products. All in all, the executives expect this kind of behavior from their bankers.

When times are difficult, even as Cravath law firms might be more willing to sully his white shoes. Jilting casual for a commercial sense more generous sugar daddy dating partner. But with these conflicts outside in the open clients, companies wishing to reach agreements with their law firms in advance about how much loyalty to wait.

For more independent financial commentary and analysis, visit www.breakingviews.com.

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British company buy Asian A.I.G. Unit

The sale of American international warranty, which is based in Hong Kong and is commonly known as A.I.A., would lead to the return of more large, however, towards the more than 180 million dollars, what United States Government has invested in A.I.G. as part of a large number of ransoms. The Bank of the Federal Reserve in New York, which has preferred shares in A.I.A., would receive the first of $ 16 million in proceeds from a sale.

With a shot of A.I.A., Prudential to become the undisputed leader in Asia. Prudential said that the combined group would be the starter of life in Hong Kong, Singapore Malaysia Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand and Philippines and leading foreign life insurance business in China, the India.

A company of 162 years - is not related to Prudential Financial in United States: Prudential UK already draws a large portion of their revenues from Asia, with more than 11 million policyholders in 13 markets.

"We are combining the two strongest in Asia international life insurers," Tidjane Thiam, Prudential Ejecutivo Chief, said on a conference call on Monday announced the agreement.

A.I.A. acquisition accelerates a strategy outlined by Mr. Thiam to sharply increase revenue the company in Asia. The region is considered one of the fastest growing insurance life thanks to a savings culture and increase the influx in many countries markets.

"Transformational is an overused word", said Mr. Thiam, "but this treatment is transformational". Noted that, in 2008, 44 percent of the new benefits of Prudential originated in Asia; If A.I.A. and Prudential merged in 2009, the figure would have been 60 percent. This geography, said, promises "sustainable growth" in the coming years.

Prudential said that the new company would assume the Prudential name, headquarters and incorporated into United Kingdom and traded on the London Stock Exchange with the New York Stock Exchange-listed depositary receipts American.

That said, A.I.A. brand is not set to disappear. "We like good brands and we tend to not kill them unnecessarily," says Mr. Thiam. A.I.A. is a strong brand.

Once the transaction is complete, the company said, "timely" intends to seek a dual primary listing on the stock exchange of Hong Kong.

Prudential said that "this transaction offers the opportunity to bring together two leading companies, combined to capture the opportunity of future growth in Asia, positioning group".

Under the terms of the agreement, Prudential would pay about 25 million dollars in cash and a combination of values, preferred shares and convertible preferred shares $ 10.5 million. The company said that he would get the cash for the transaction on a question of rights of 20 million dollars and 5 million dollars in debt.

The issue of rights must be approved by shareholders and business faces other regulatory approvals. Prudential said provides that the rights in question shall take place in May and was going to close the transaction in the third quarter.

Several analysts degraded Prudential action on Monday.

"Will greatly be dilutive," analyst ING Kevin Ryan told Reuters, speaking the issue of rights. "No one knows exactly what contains A.I.A. how cost-effective is or how it overlaps with the existing companies in the Insurance".

Prudential first approached A.I.G. last year, but was rejected since his bid was too low, according to people who was briefed on the matter.

A.I.A., founded in 1919 and one of the most ancient divisions of A.I.G., is considered one of the main business of A.I.G. The Division has about 20 million policyholders throughout Asia, served by 23,000 employees and agents of 300,000. It has customers in Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Korea South, Taiwan, Thailand Viet Nam.

In accordance with Prudential, A.I.A. took a $ 1,438 million operating profit after-tax during the financial year ending November 30, 2009, based on unaudited figures.

Chris V. Nicholson reported from Paris and Andrew Ross Sorkin from New York. Bettina Wassener contributed reporting from Hong Kong and Michael j. of the Merced in New York.

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A.I.G. puts $ $17.8 million in selling shares of the unit

American international assurance, known as A.I.A., said Friday that its price of its shares in Serbia $ Hong Kong, or $2.53 - at the top of a range of previously - announced by the list of the initial public offering largest ever view in Hong Kong and the insurance as a whole.

Bankers said that he had seen the offer of the strength of demand for both institutional and retail investors, are trying to capitalize on rapid economic growth in Asia, and the market position of A.I.A. in a sector expected to a significant growth in the coming years.

Increasing wealth among populations generally fast-growing Asia is expected to face the growing demand for insurance and savings products in what is today still a market generally penetrated, say analysts.

This has also contributed to make the region battlefield for companies, insurance local and foreign banks seeking to expand its reach.

A.I.A. is headquartered in Hong Kong and with roots dating back to a company founded in 1919 in Shanghai, an established leader in business insurance, with a well recognized brand, employees of 23.500, 320,000

agents and policies from 23 billion across 15 countries.

As A.I.G. teetered on the brink of disaster, sending shockwaves around the financial world, A.I.A. Asia focus provided insurance giant island of relative stability.

"We are very pleased of the bid price is set at the end of the spectrum, reflecting the future of a very strong in the A.IA. confidence vote" "and our ability to capture and realize the potential of exceptional growth in the Asia Pacific region," Mark Tucker, Executive Director of the A.I.A. said in a statement Friday.

Jumbo A.I.A. flotation could grow by another 15 per cent if wide demand allows more actions that will be published in a cash call option.

This would make the announcement ever, third largest of the of two Chinese banks – also testimony to the fact that Asia has become increasingly important as a location and font share offerings.

At the beginning of this year, the agricultural Bank of China, raised 22.1 million in a listing in Hong Kong and Shanghai, becoming the largest in history. In 2006, ICBC, another giant China lender I.P.O. raised 21.9 million $ 16 million dollars in Hong Kong.

A.I.A. adds another heavyweight financial for the exchange of Hong Kong, say analysts. Shares start trading on 29 October.

"All this enhances the reputation of Hong Kong as a leading centre of fundraising," said Francis Lun, general manager of Fulbright in Hong Kong, which adds that next year could see some significant announcements from Russia and other foreign companies choose the city as a place to show their stock values.

For A.I.G., meanwhile, spin-off will draw a line under contours and prolonged for raising efforts A.I.A, which was released in the block, together with a string of other assets, after United States insurance giant money was rescued from the brink of collapse two years by a series of injections of cash mass with a total of $ 180 million.

A first effort to float Asia business was put on hold once the British insurer Prudential offered $ 35.5 million for A.I.A. at the beginning of this year. That bid later collapsed in the middle of the shareholder, opposition causing A.I.G. to return to his original plan of a listing in Hong Kong.

A.I.G. held 33 percent of A.I.A. If you exercise the option box, A.I.A., said on Friday. Even so, spin-off marks an important step in Asia for A.I.G.

The U.S. giant also recently announced that it would sell its two Japanese life insurance units: A.I.G. Star life insurance and Edison A.I.G. - United States by $ 4.8 million financial Prudential life insurance.

Also attempted to sell the Nan Shan Taiwan, life insurance business while those plans have been implemented Taiwan Government opposition.

Mr. Tucker, who was once the head of rival Prudential and took over as Director Executive A.I.A., in July, has undertaken to do business "the preeminent life insurance provider." The announcement, said in a statement Friday, mark "a critical moment for A.I.A."

"I think that once they become independent, will be able to grow the business," said Mr. Lun of Fulbright Securities. "Have been in a holding pattern since 2008: this is a new beginning for them," he said, referring to the uncertainties surrounding the main problems of the A.I.A. in two years.

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The families of fallen soldiers are denied Cash profits insurers

Inside was a letter on his son $400,000 policy. And another thing, which seemed a checkbook. The letter told Ms. Lohman that the total amount of your winnings would be a desirable interest account, which allows you time to decide how to use the benefit. Small letter in a disclaimer that Ms. Lohman said that she not noticeable, Prudential revealed that what he called his account of the Alliance is not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, according to a report in the Bloomberg Markets magazine.

The Mrs Lohman, 52, had left the money during six months after the death of his son in August 2008.

As time went on, said, she tried to use one of the controls to purchase a bed, and the seller turned him down. Happened once again this year, he said, when I went to buy a camera.

Ms. Lohman, a public health nurse said that she always had believed his son life insurance money was secured by the F.D.I.C. Bank This money - as a millones-beneficio death $ 28 million managed by insurers accounts: really wasn't sitting on a bench.

I was celebrated in Prudential, general company account earn investment income. Prudential survivors paid as interest of 1 per cent of Ms. Lohman in 2008 on their accounts of the Alliance, while earned a 4.8% return on their corporate funds according to regulatory filings.

Ms. Lohman wrote checks were really I.O.U. issued by Prudential or drafts. Although it had the name of JPMorgan Chase them, their money was not in the Bank; held by Prudential. Before that a check may be erased, Prudential should send money to JPMorgan, said a spokesman for the Bank, John Murray.

The practice of issuing checkbooks to survivors, instead of paying the sums fixed, extends beyond the military. In the last decade, these asset accounts maintained calls have become in the insurance industry standard operating procedures.

Prudential nor the United States's largest life insurer MetLife secretes benefits of death in a separate fund.

Prudential, the insurer of second life, suspension of payments in their own overall, according to a regulatory filing.

MetLife, dealing with insurance for federal employees remarked, survivors in a standard letter said: "to help you through what may be a very difficult, emotional and confusing time, we created a settlement, the option accounts total control money market option." "Is guaranteed by MetLife".

Letter from the company ignores that the money is in business investment and MetLife F.D.I.C. insurance account.

Checkbook system deceives the families of the deceased, says Jeffrey Stempel, a Professor of law of insurance in the William S. Boyd School of law of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"Has institutionalized bad faith," he said. "In my opinion, this is a scheme to defraud by inducing beneficiary of the policy to allow the company insurance life to preserve assets that no right to." "Becoming the death claims a profit center."

Prudential Alliance account is useful to the families of soldiers, said a spokesman for the company, Bob DeFillippo. For some families, the account is the difference between earn interest on a lot of money and let it sit idle,"said. Prudential follows the law said, regularly discloses the nature and terms of account to account holders.

A spokesperson for MetLife, Joseph Madden, said its enterprise customers were pleased with the account of Total Control. "The T.C.A. offers beneficiaries security, tranquility and time to make an informed decision - while gaining interest in the meantime," he said.

Insurers are holding at least 28 million dollars due to survivors, in accordance with three companies that handle asset accounts retained approximately 130 of life insurance companies. There was no public showing record how enterprises held in such accounts.

Since 1999, the Department of Veterans Affairs has allowed Prudential send to the surviving accounts linked to your account Alliance cash. Prudential policies promise a payment vouchers or 36 monthly payments. Approximately 90 percent of survivors opt to receive the total amount in advance. When do them not gain control; get a cash account.

Stephen Wurtz, Assistant director for insurance in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and who has overseen the insurance program for 25 years, does not fully understand the nature of the programme of Prudential.

"Prudential runs the program on a basis of costo-reembolso only", the Department said initially, referring to 4.2 million dollars in fees paid Prudential in 2009. "Are really good." Do patriotically. "Don't make any money from the account of NATO".

Mr Wurtz said had thought that money from the account of the Alliance entered into a bank. Once learned payments were in the general fund of Prudential, said Mr Wurtz, Prudential asked how much money from the insurance company made from these accounts, and how many dollars held in maintaining assets.

Prudential refused to respond, saying that the information was proprietary, said.

Prudential, which has been the insurance contract with the Department since 1965, launched checkbook earnings in 1999 as an additional benefit to survivors, said Mr Wurtz.

"Maybe not ask enough questions," he said.

In response to this report, the Department of Veterans Affairs said it was investigating.

"The possibility of life insurance companies are leveraging unduly sacrifice of the members of these services is totally unacceptable," said Michael Walcoff, acting under Secretary for management benefits of Veterans of the Agency, in an email. "The V.A. is carrying out a thorough investigation on their procedures and life insurance companies in this program."

The Chairman of the camera, Ike Skelton of Missouri, armed services Committee said survivors provide more information about how to handle the death benefits. Said that insurers should be considered to be "be sure to not misrepresent the options offered to the surviving members of the family".

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TUNEUP FINANCIAL; Time for an audit of security, as the needs and changing options

A few things in our financial life could be so tedious even as important as the review of policies that ensure we possess. Hours may seem completely discussed wasted spent on pages written in arcane language. Therefore do not.

But avoiding the question does not make it disappear. Without entering through their policies each year, do you know if all of its assets are really covered?

"People do not keep your insurance policy with their lifestyles,", said Charles Williamson, President of customer private in Chartis, a subsidiary of the international group of United States insurance group.

Beyond the annual checkup, recommended people to seek new offerings for all of its policies for nonlife every three or four years. "This business changes and opportunities to get more coverage, service and perhaps save some money, are," said.

Here is a glimpse of what you have to do as part of any review of financial health:

AUTO n ° night passes television without a barrage of ads car insurance all promising to save money. But, while insurance companies try to woo to him, their releases not always compare apples and apples.

"You can say I saved $100 in my car insurance, but what desist in Exchange?", said Brad Cooper, senior Vice President of marketing for InsWeb, an online brokerage. "Any insurance agent can save you money, but you can raise your deductible. Can you afford this deductible of $1,000? "

This is read the small print where is crucial. Otherwise might find you in an accident car without means to pay for repairs.

The other area that needs revision is coverage of young drivers. If you are on your policy, will be certainly spike rates. But discounts available when their children are disappearing at University and are not driving year-round, so you should check your policy, said Lisa Lobo, Vice President of personal lines in the Hartford Financial Services Group. Similarly, persons who drive less because you are working from home may be eligible for discounts.

Uninsured motorist coverage is another thing to check your policy. Is quite expensive - a couple of hundreds of dollars a year for every million dollars in coverage - but because it is designed for your protection against someone without damaging your car or injures insurance you. James a. Fiske, Chubb, national marketing director noted that in California one of every four uninsured drivers, and New York, that number is one in seven.

HOME to the fall in house prices in the past two years, many consumers seem to think that they can save money, decreasing the value insured your home. If you pay $500,000 for the home and could now sell for only $350,000, why not reduce the coverage? That might seem logical, but the cost of reconstruction of the House may not have fallen as sharply.

"Sticks and bricks and labour and construction have not decreased," said Mr. Fiske. "Has been pretty flat in recent years."

Of course, a total loss in a House is a rare. For this reason, generally more important to maintain the current updates on your policy. Put an addition on the House is an obvious time to call your insurer - physically added to the size of your home. But if you have upgraded your kitchen with granite countertops and high-end devices, has changed the value, too, and your insurance company will want to know.

Mrs Wolf said that "If the company is aware the update, which will not be in politics,".

Even if nothing has changed, the most recent owners policies contain innovations. Last year, dozens of Bernard l. Madoff victims received payments under a relatively new "fraud safeguard provision" in Chartis policies. "Some claims were up to $100,000, which is not much with a loss of $ 15 million, but is something," said Mr Williamson.

Policies of the owners of PERSONAL property and cover some of the contents of the House, there are limits. The average homeowner probably thinks $50,000 for content is fine, but add in screen televisions flat, some audio, video equipment and camera and this limit is hit very quickly. Now imagine unique jewelry, expensive watches, a collection of wine or antiques - all those mean that it is the time to register for a valuable personal property policy.

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Oh, Christmas tree: stay hydrated and Don't Catch Fire!

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A fire department Cadet oversees a burning Christmas tree during a holiday safety demonstration on December 9 in Menlo Park, California.

' Tis the season for announcements of public security of Christmas trees.

Last week, New York City Fire Department held a demonstration showing how easily a Christmas tree or a Menorah may cause a fire.

He told the New York Daily News that he decided to opt for an artificial tree of demonstration City Fire Commissioner. "Don't feel comfortable with a real tree in my house," he said.

Are Christmas trees: true or false: really much of a threat?

 

On the surface, the numbers seem not too threatening. Every year, Christmas trees play a role in some 250 fire and 14 deaths and caused more than 13.8 million dollars in damage to property, for management of fires in United States, an agency within the Department of national security.

But John Drengenberg, director of safety of consumers in the Underwriters Laboratories in United States says security Christmas tree is not a joke. "Only one death is too", says Drengenberg.

The national fire protection Association agrees that Christmas tree fires are not too common, but "when they occur, it probable that exceptionally serious". According to estimates by the partnership, one of each 18 Christmas tree fires in the House in a death, while only the results of one 134 regular fire House in a death in average results.

Expand ABC, United Feature Syndicate Inc. through the AP

Be careful, Charlie Brown: the tree may not be enough fresh.

ABC, United Feature Syndicate Inc. through AP Beware, Charlie Brown: the tree may not be enough fresh.

The National Association of Christmas, which represents producers of Christmas trees tree isn't too want to demonize the tree. Counters that newspapers and magazines are 13 times more likely to result in a fire at home of a person.

Despite warnings are serious, waiving or releasing in the Christmas tree, fortunately is not necessary. Drengenberg, who said he plans to put artificial trees and real home this year, has some tips for people who want a real tree, but who don't want to see it conflagrate:

Start with a fresh tree. A Charlie Brown Christmas-tipo tree simply cannot. To see if a tree becomes meeting, execute the hand through its branches. Quitting a lot of needles in her hand is not fresh enough.hydrate your tree. Perform a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk and put the tree in water and water daily. A dry tree goes up in flames more easily that one watered. For proof, withdraw the harrowing below.Keep Underwriters Laboratories video your heat source which can dry it tree. And be sure to not block escape routes.Pitch tree when they reach old age. Even if you water them, trees usually last a maximum of four weeks. SafetyAtHome.com

An Australian tree is less likely to go up in flames.

Source: YouTube

Plastic trees can be dangerous too, Drengenberg says, in part because they burn very hot and very fast. This means that it may have less time to exit. However, in comparison with real trees, which takes more time for them power.

If you fancy plastic, Drengenberg recommended buy flame-retardant or fireproof artificial trees. But points out that there is no associated with these tags - Protocol is something that gives as a result of a manufacturer.

But for those wishing more assurance than the single party flames in the House comes from the chimney or mistletoe, Underwriters Laboratories says that it will have a rigorous test of artificial trees by the year 2012 Christmas.

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Lunar eclipse is a highlight of winter Sky

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The shadow of the Earth will pass over the moon late Monday, Dec. 20, into Tuesday morning. Meteorologist and sky watcher Joe Rao discusses the lunar eclipse, and other astronomical events to look out for this winter, including an early dawn visit by Venus on Christmas Day.

Copyright © 2010 National Public Radio®. For personal, noncommercial use only. See Terms of Use. For other uses, prior permission required.

IRA FLATOW, host:

This is SCIENCE FRIDAY, from NPR. I'm Ira Flatow.

Mark your calendar for next Monday night. You have a date with a lunar eclipse. The exact time of the eclipse depends on where you live, but if you are able to stay up late and brave the cold, most people in North America should get a great view of the Earth's shadow passing in front of our moon.

The lunar eclipse is just one of the highlights of the winter sky. Joining me now to talk more about what we might find if you look up is my guest, Joe Rao. He's associate and guest lecturer at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. He's also a meteorologist at Cablevision News 12 Network, and the publisher of Skyway, Inc., newsletter. Actually, you get this one mailed to you.

Welcome back, Joe.

Mr. JOE RAO (Meteorologist, News 12 Network; Associate, Hayden Planetarium; Publisher, Skyway, Inc.): How are you doing, Ira?

FLATOW: Hi, there. So big deal next Monday night?

Mr. RAO: Yeah, I think so, because this is the first time in about three years - actually, 34 months - that we've had a chance here in North America to see a total lunar eclipse. And although there'll be one next December, it'll be visible only across the Western part of the United States. Folks in the central and Eastern states will miss out because the moon will set before the eclipse begins.

So this is going to be, really, the best lunar show for us until April of 2014. So I would take full advantage if the skies happen to be clear over your area next Monday night.

FLATOW: And so it's the whole continental U.S.? How about Hawaii and Alaska, too?

Mr. RAO: It's the whole continental U.S., the whole part of North America and much of South America. Hawaii will be in a perfect view to see it, as well. It will also be visible, to a degree, in Western and Central Europe, and also in portions of Eastern Asia, where, for example, the moon will be rising when the eclipse in progress for Japan, and also for portions of New Zealand and eastern Australia.

In total, those who will be able to see the moon go through the total phase of the eclipse number 1.5 billion. And the total number of people that'll be able to see any part of the eclipse will be about three billion, or roughly one-half of the Earth's population.

FLATOW: Let's go through the ABCs of the eclipse. First, what time should we expect to see it?

Mr. RAO: Okay, well in Eastern Standard Time, you would be looking for the first little bite of the shadow of the Earth falling upon the upper-left portion of the moon's disk at around 1:33 a.m. Now, that translates to 10:33 p.m. on the evening of the 20th of December, Monday night. Of course, in the eastern United States and for those areas where the eclipse occurs after midnight, it's the calendar date of December 21st, which is also the date of the winter solstice.

The moon will continue to progress into the shadow, and then at approximately 2:41, it will be completely in the shadow, 2:41 Eastern Time, 11:41 p.m. Pacific Time. And for 72 minutes, while the moon is completely immersed in the shadow of the Earth, one would think that since the shadow is going to cut off all sunlight from the moon, that it would black out completely. It will not.

Instead, around the time of total eclipse, it's going to appear to light up like a coppery orange or reddish ball, and the reason for that is that the sunlight is going to be strained through the Earth's atmosphere, and our atmosphere is going to act like a lens and bend that ruddy hue - the same ruddy color that you see in sunrise and sunset -onto the surface of the moon while it's immersed in the shadow.

And that will be the only light source that will be hitting the moon, during totality, will be that faint, coppery glow. And that's why the moon will appear to light up with a reddish color. And that will be for about 72 minutes during totality, and then totality will come to an end. That'll come at approximately three - well, let's see, Eastern Standard Time, 3:53, or Pacific Standard Time 12:53 a.m. The moon will slowly exit the shadow, and then the last little bite will disappear on the moon's lower right edge - if you have enough gumption to stay up - 5:01 a.m. Eastern Time, 2:01 a.m. Pacific Time.

FLATOW: And also, the great news about a lunar eclipse is you don't have to be afraid to look at it with the naked eye, right?

Mr. RAO: Absolutely. People sometimes get this confused with solar eclipses, and, of course, if you're watching a partial eclipse of the sun, when the moon is covering the sun, you dont want to look directly at the sun, lest you wreck your eyes.

But a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to look at. In fact, I use the analogy, Ira, of a lunar eclipse, the equivalent of when, you know, folks go to a movie.

When you go to a movie theater, you go into a big, dark room. You have a number of seats. You're going to be sitting with a number of other people. You're all facing a giant movie screen, and you're waiting to be entertained by a film that'll appear on that screen for a few hours.

Same thing with a lunar eclipse. Consider all of us on the dark side of the Earth to be inside the movie theater, you and your neighbors all around at that part of the Earth's hemisphere, and you're all looking up - not at a movie screen, but you're looking up at the moon. And you're waiting for something to be projected upon the moon's face, and that will of course be the moon's shadow - the Earth's shadow, I should say, as it slowly creeps across the disk of the moon and will provide you with some entertainment for a few hours next Monday night.

FLATOW: You know, we don't get to talk very much about occurrences of a lunar eclipse. Are they very rare?

Mr. RAO: No, not really. Actually, lunar eclipses are more common, though actually a little less frequent than total solar eclipses. To see a total eclipse of the sun, for example, you have to be in a specific spot at a specific moment when a narrow track of the moon's shadow passes you by.

That's why for any one singular spot on the Earth to see a total eclipse of the sun, you may have to wait as long as 300 or 400 years. But a lunar eclipse, because it's visible, whenever it does occur, to half of the Earth, is more commonly observed.

In fact, on average, I'd say roughly, per decade, if you are, you know, aware of things and keep track of your astronomical almanac or calendar, you could see maybe four or five total lunar eclipses per decade. So they, again, are a bit more common to the man on the street, as opposed to a total solar eclipse.

FLATOW: And so a lunar eclipse has to happen when there's a full moon.

Mr. RAO: That's correct.

FLATOW: So the alignment is the Earth is at exactly on the opposite of the sun than the moon is.

Mr. RAO: The Earth is in between the sun and the moon and throwing its shadow - getting between the two and throwing its shadow upon the moon and blacking it out, or at least diminishing it during an eclipse.

And during totality, depending upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere - and I mentioned the coppery color. Depending upon how clear the atmosphere is, if there aren't any clouds, if there are not any, you know, large amounts of particulate matter in the atmosphere, then the moon, during the total phase, could light up like a fiery orange color.

But then if there are more particulates - for example, there were a couple of volcanoes that erupted during the past year, one in Iceland, most recently one in Indonesia. If there are some aerosol clouds up there to block out that red light from reaching the moon, then instead of an orange or red color, the moon could appear murky brown or dusty red-gray. It all depends upon the effects of cloud and haze elsewhere around our globe.

So this is good for, you know, those like myself or - you know, meteorology. It gives us a clue as to the state of the atmosphere, the clarity of the atmosphere, to see just how bright or how dark the moon will get during the total phase next Monday night.

FLATOW: All right, now, we've got all that time out there bundling up and staying warm, and we've got the winter sky. What else should we look for?

Mr. RAO: Well, directly below the moon, during totality on Monday night, early Tuesday morning, will be the most beautiful of all constellations, the constellation of Orion the Hunter, four bright stars making up the body or torso of the hunter, and three stars in the middle forming the belt.

Although at this time of the year, Ira, at planetarium shows, I like to point Orion out as the giant Christmas package in the sky, the four stars outlining the package and the three stars in the middle outlining the bow.

You could also see, nearby to Orion, Taurus the Bull, a V-shaped face to the upper right of Orion. And the brightest star in the nighttime sky is Sirius, the Dog Star, below and to Orion's left.

Also dominating our evening sky, people going outside during the first half of the night might be noticing a bright, silvery-white star with not much twinkling to it, and that's the planet Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. Take a look at that if you have a telescope.

FLATOW: Wow. It's a good telescope night.

Mr. RAO: It is. It's going to be a great telescope night. And, in fact, anyone in the New York metropolitan area who's hearing me right now, the sound of our voice, at the Hayden Planetarium this coming Monday evening between 6:30 and 8:00 o'clock, we're going to have a solstice/eclipse party.

We're going to celebrate the winter solstice and talk about the lunar eclipse. We're first going to have people come in, look at the simulation of the winter sky and also the eclipse using our Zeiss 9 planetarium projector in our space theater. And then after we do that, we're all going to adjourn to the Rose Center Terrace, where we'll have telescopes set up by the Amateur Astronomer's Association, and you'll be able to look at the moon and look at Jupiter and other objects.

We won't be out there for the eclipse. It'll be a little late for that, but...

FLATOW: I imagine planetariums and museums around the country are doing the same thing.

Mr. RAO: I'm sure they are. It's a great night for having a moon party.

FLATOW: And if we miss this one, and, you know, when's the next best time? What about the Perseid showers? That's gone. That's not happening in 2011?

Mr. RAO: Well - yeah, it's happening in 2011. The unfortunate part about next year for those who like to watch the August shooting-star display is it coincides with a full moon. And that...

FLATOW: Oh, yeah. That's what I imagine. That...

Mr. RAO: That full moon will just wipe everything out, or most of the meteors out.

FLATOW: So your best shot at a sky event is going to be this one -within the next, let's say, 12 months.

Mr. RAO: Absolutely. This'll be the highlight of the year, unless you happen to be listening to us on a feed over in Europe. They will have a chance to see a partial eclipse of the sun at sunrise on January the 4th. This will come two weeks after our lunar eclipse.

And - but, I mean, looking ahead to next year, it's kind of like -unless we have an unexpected sky event, like a comet coming our way - I mean, there's always a lot of wonderful things to see in the sky. But, you know, headline events such as this one I don't really see in the foreseeable next 12 months.

As I mentioned, there's a lunar eclipse next December on the 10th, and that'll be visible in the Western part of the country before sunrise. But for all of North America to enjoy what we're going to enjoy Monday night, Tuesday morning, you'll have to wait until April of 2014.

FLATOW: And the key here is if you're going to go out, really dress for the occasion, because you're going to hate yourself out there if it's too cold and you're not ready.

Mr. RAO: Well, I've often told people - a good friend of mine uses this, too, my friend Sam Storch(ph). He taught astronomy in the New York City School System for over 40 years, and he used to tell kids to watch events like this.

And, of course, when they gave him that blank stare, he said: Well, all I can tell you guys is if you don't decide to get up and watch it, if you decide to stay in bed, it's going to happen without you. So take full advantage of it, because time and tide and eclipses wait for no man - or woman, either.

FLATOW: Or woman. Joe, I want to thank you for taking time to be with us this hour.

Mr. RAO: I thank you, Ira. I want to wish you and all of our SCIENCE FRIDAY listeners a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and hope to talk to you again sometime in the new year.

FLATOW: We will. Joe Rao is associate and guest lecturer at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. He is a meteorologist at Cablevision News 12 New York. And that's in the network, here. And he's also - I understand he writes at Space.com. Also, you can get his stuff over there.

So we're going to take a break and come back and switch gears and then talk about the unusual story of a woman who knows no fear, literally. It's quite interesting.

Stay with us. We'll be right back. Our number: 1-800-989-8255. You can tweet us @scifri, that's S-C-I-F-R-I. We'll be right back after this break.

(Soundbite of music)

FLATOW: I'm Ira Flatow. This is SCIENCE FRIDAY, from NPR.

Copyright © 2010 National Public Radio®. All rights reserved. No quotes from the materials contained herein may be used in any media without attribution to National Public Radio. This transcript is provided for personal, noncommercial use only, pursuant to our Terms of Use. Any other use requires NPR's prior permission. Visit our permissions page for further information.

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