Wednesday 26 November 2014

Passengers push frozen jetliner free






Passengers rallied round to get give their plane a push when ice prevented it taking off from an airport in Siberia.Passengers rallied round to get give their plane a push when ice prevented it taking off from an airport in Siberia.

The plane, a Tupolev Tu-134 like the one pictured here, is reported to have taken off and completed its journey with no further problems.The plane, a Tupolev Tu-134 like the one pictured here, is reported to have taken off and completed its journey with no further problems.

The plane, a Tupolev Tu-134 like the one pictured here, is reported to have taken off and completed its journey with no further problems.The plane, a Tupolev Tu-134 like the one pictured here, is reported to have taken off and completed its journey with no further problems.









  • Temperatures of minus 50 Celsius cause aircraft's landing gear to freeze

  • Videos show passengers rallying to push the Tupolev plane into position

  • Aircraft reportedly completed its journey without further problems




(CNN) -- Yes, this really happened! A bunch of passengers left their seats to give their frozen plane a push at a snowbound airport in Siberia.


That was the situation at Igarka Airport earlier this week where temperatures of minus 50 Celsius left a Tupolev Tu-134 aircraft stranded on the runway.


Passengers rallied to the rescue when oil in the plane's landing gear iced up, according to UTair, the airline whose livery the plane carries.


According to the Komsomolskaya Pravda website, there were cries of "Let's go!" as two rows of passengers, dressed in heavy coats and thick gloves, each took a wing and apparently began shoving the aircraft into position.


"We all want to get home," one of the burly volunteers was quoted as saying.


Video and images circulated on social media show the passengers succeeding in their mission, despite biting winds and freezing temperatures.


Komsomolskaya Pravda said Russian officials were investigating whether any aviation safety regulations had been breached by the unorthodox take off.


UTair said the aircraft was operated by a subsidiary, Katekavia, and that the parking maneuvers of aircraft and departure conditions were the responsibility of airport ground services.


"The problems at departure were caused by weather conditions, in particular, extremely low air temperature which is typical for this part of Krasnoyarsk region and sometimes gets as low as minus 50 Celsius," an UTair spokesperson told CNN.


"While the aircraft was parked at Igarka airport, its landing gear froze on to the aerodrome surface. In order to quickly resolve this issue the passengers assisted the tow truck to move the aircraft."


The plane and passengers were reportedly able to take off and landed safely several hours later in Krasnoyarsk, to the south of Igarka.


Thankfully there was no need for further pushing as the temperature at their destination was a balmy minus 11 Celsius.



Putin's tiger attacks goat herd






Assisted by a Russian scientist, Putin fixes a satellite transmitter to a tiger during his visit to the Ussuriysky forest reserve of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Far East on August 31, 2008.Assisted by a Russian scientist, Putin fixes a satellite transmitter to a tiger during his visit to the Ussuriysky forest reserve of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Far East on August 31, 2008.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a Persian leopard cub at a breeding and rehabilitation center in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Perhaps the most important vote in Russia's public selection of a new Olympic mascot was cast when Putin said he wanted a funky leopard to represent the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Browse through for more photos of Putin trying his hand at different activities.Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a Persian leopard cub at a breeding and rehabilitation center in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Perhaps the most important vote in Russia's public selection of a new Olympic mascot was cast when Putin said he wanted a funky leopard to represent the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Browse through for more photos of Putin trying his hand at different activities.

Putin skis at the Laura Cross Country and Biathlon Centre near Sochi on January 3.Putin skis at the Laura Cross Country and Biathlon Centre near Sochi on January 3.

Putin holds a pike he caught in the Siberian Tuva region of Russia on July 20, 2013. Putin holds a pike he caught in the Siberian Tuva region of Russia on July 20, 2013.

Putin enjoys some fishing during his vacation to the Tuva region on July 20, 2013. For years, Russia's leader has cultivated a populist image in the Russian media.Putin enjoys some fishing during his vacation to the Tuva region on July 20, 2013. For years, Russia's leader has cultivated a populist image in the Russian media.

Putin submerges on board Sea Explorer 5 bathyscaphe near the isle of Gogland in the Gulf of Finland on July 15, 2013.Putin submerges on board Sea Explorer 5 bathyscaphe near the isle of Gogland in the Gulf of Finland on July 15, 2013.

Putin studies a crane during an experiment called Flight of Hope on September 5, 2012, in which he piloted a hang glider, aiming to lead the birds into flight. It's part of a project to save the rare species of crane.Putin studies a crane during an experiment called Flight of Hope on September 5, 2012, in which he piloted a hang glider, aiming to lead the birds into flight. It's part of a project to save the rare species of crane.

Putin takes part in a training session for young ice hockey players before the "Golden Puck" youth tournament final in Moscow on April 15, 2011.Putin takes part in a training session for young ice hockey players before the "Golden Puck" youth tournament final in Moscow on April 15, 2011.

Putin rides a Harley-Davidson to an international biker convention in southern Ukraine on July 14, 2010.Putin rides a Harley-Davidson to an international biker convention in southern Ukraine on July 14, 2010.

The Russian president aims at a whale with an arbalest (crossbow) to take a piece of its skin for analysis at Olga Bay on August 25, 2010 .The Russian president aims at a whale with an arbalest (crossbow) to take a piece of its skin for analysis at Olga Bay on August 25, 2010 .

A wetsuit-clad Putin embarks on a dive to an underwater archaeological site at Phanagoria on the Taman Peninsula on August 10, 2011.A wetsuit-clad Putin embarks on a dive to an underwater archaeological site at Phanagoria on the Taman Peninsula on August 10, 2011.

Famed for his love of martial arts, Putin throws a competitor in a judo session at an athletics school in St. Petersburg on December 18, 2009.Famed for his love of martial arts, Putin throws a competitor in a judo session at an athletics school in St. Petersburg on December 18, 2009.

Putin during his vacation in southern Siberia on August 3, 2009. Putin during his vacation in southern Siberia on August 3, 2009.

Putin swims the butterfly during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in southern Siberia on August 3, 2009.Putin swims the butterfly during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in southern Siberia on August 3, 2009.

Putin carries a hunting rifle in the Republic of Tuva on September 3, 2007.Putin carries a hunting rifle in the Republic of Tuva on September 3, 2007.

A shirtless Putin fishing in the headwaters of the Yenisei River in the Republic of Tuva on August 13, 2007.A shirtless Putin fishing in the headwaters of the Yenisei River in the Republic of Tuva on August 13, 2007.

Putin in the cockpit of a Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber jet at a military airport on August 16, 2005, before his supersonic flight.Putin in the cockpit of a Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber jet at a military airport on August 16, 2005, before his supersonic flight.








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  • Tiger released by Russian President Vladimir Putin thought to have attacked goats in China

  • Dead goats have 'finger-sized' holes in their skulls, consistent with a tiger bite

  • This is not the first raid blamed on a tiger released by Putin




Hong Kong (CNN) -- A daring cross-border raid by one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's associates has -- so far -- yet to sour Sino-Russian relations.


According to Chinese state media, Ustin, one of three rescued Amur tigers released by the Russian leader earlier this year, has attacked a herd of goats on Heixiazi Island in the northern province of Heilongjiang.


The region shares a border with Russia's far-eastern Amur region, and it is thought that the tiger crossed the Heilongjiang river to hunt.


Russian conservationists rescued five cubs in 2012, and the Russian president was on hand for their release following rehabilitation and hunting training.


The animals were fitted with tracking devices and in October, Ustin, along with another released tiger, Kuzya, were found to have made their way to China.


Positive ID


A wildlife protection expert from China's Northeast Forestry University, Zhu Shibing, said that footprints and other traces left near the goat's shelter belonged to Ustin.


Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that the skulls of the two dead goats were crushed and had puncture wounds the "size of a human finger" -- a testament to the power of the tiger's bite. Three further goats remain missing.


"Our monitoring data and this attack all tell that Ustin is in good physical condition, and has a large range of activities on Heixiazi Island," Xinhua quoted Zhu as saying.


He also warned villagers to keep their distance, should they spot the goat killer, and to not throw food at it.


Repeat raid


Kuzya, the other tiger known to have crossed into China, was previously blamed for an attack on a Chinese hen-house.


The Russian leader has been involved in conservation efforts of the species.


He is often photographed with tigers and other wild animals, and takes part in a number of outdoor activities in an apparent effort to bolster his image as a strong, intrepid leader.


Putin becomes eighth-degree karate black belt



Justice Ginsburg has heart surgery


Washington (CNN) -- Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 81, underwent a heart procedure Wednesday morning to have a stent placed in her right coronary artery.


A blockage was discovered after Ginsburg "experienced discomfort during routine exercise" Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital, according to a release from the Supreme Court.


Ginsburg is resting "comfortably" at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and is expected to be released in the next 48 hours.


Ruth Bader Ginsburg Fast Facts


Since being sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice in 1993, Ginsburg has been treated for colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.


She said in an interview this summer she has no plans of retiring soon.


"As long as I can do the job full steam...I think I'll recognize when the time comes that I can't any longer. But now I can," she told Elle magazine.



From 'Fresh Prince' to king of 'DWTS'

Rare Shakespeare's First Folio found


An example of a valuable Shakespeare


An example of a valuable Shakespeare "First Folio", a collection of some of his plays, dating from 1623.






  • A librarian stumbles across a previously unknown Shakespeare's First Folio

  • The copy had been misfiled decades ago in the library in Saint-Omer

  • The book, printed in 1623, is one of fewer than 240 known to exist in the world

  • A U.S. Shakespeare expert authenticated the copy found in Saint-Omer




Paris (CNN) -- A librarian in northern France made what may be the discovery of his lifetime when he uncovered a rare Shakespeare's First Folio in his library's collection.


There are fewer than 240 known copies of the First Folio -- the first printed collection of 36 of William Shakespeare's plays, produced in 1623, seven years after his death -- so turning up a new one is an unlikely event.


For Remy Cordonnier, director of the medieval and early modern collection at the library in Saint-Omer, the moment he realized what he held in his hands was one of excitement -- and disbelief.


He was preparing an exhibition on Anglo-Saxon authors in September when he came across the First Folio. It was missing some pages, which is why it had been misfiled many decades ago.


"We looked deeper and we realized quickly that it was not a common edition," Cordonnier told CNN.


At first, the director could not believe what he had found. "I think I have 2.5 million pounds in my hands," he told his boss.


He then sought advice from Eric Rasmussen, a Shakespeare expert at the University of Nevada in Reno.


"I am not an expert myself on Shakespeare's pieces, so I wanted to have the opinion of an expert," said Cordonnier.


"This is why I contacted Eric Rasmussen to make sure they did not already know about the First Folio. He was actually in London working on the Shakespeare year at the British Library and agreed to come to authenticate the document."


Rasmussen's authentication, just this past weekend, confirmed what Cordonnier had suspected. The Saint-Omer library was home to a Shakespeare's First Folio.


This discovery "will add prestige to the region and help reconnect with our illustrious history, unfortunately forgotten for a century and a half," Cordonnier said.


The library still plans to make the First Folio part of the Anglo-Saxon exhibition, but it will not be put on display. "It is going to be digitized to be accessible to the public, at least virtually," Cordonnier said.


The precious book, meanwhile, will be stored in a safe to protect it from any damage.


According to the British Library, which holds four copies, the First Folio was produced by two of Shakespeare's fellow actors and closest friends, John Heminge and Henry Condell.


Although some of the playwright's works had been published before in a smaller, poorly edited format, the roughly 900-page book was the first to unite almost all of them, categorized as "Comedies, Histories and Tragedies."


Without the First Folio, much of Shakespeare's work would have been lost to subsequent generations.


The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, with 82 First Folios, has the single largest collection of the books, representing one-third of the world's existing copies.


Shakespeare turns 450 this year


CNN's Marion Lory reported from Paris, and Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported in London.



Opinion: A 'Tax Day' all could love?







  • In November, all tax returns of every citizen are made public in Finland on "Tax Day"

  • Edward McCaffery: Even most zealous foes of privacy are committed to privacy of tax returns

  • He says despite the Great Recession and financial crisis, our tax system is unchanged

  • McCaffery: Even with income inequality at unimaginable levels, there's no impact on tax policy




Editor's note: Edward J. McCaffery is Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in law and a professor of law, economics and political science at the University of Southern California. He is the author of "Fair Not Flat: How to Make the Tax System Better and Simpler." The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.


(CNN) -- November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. In Finland, there is a different type of celebration. It turns out that all tax returns of every Finn are made public this month, which leads to a "media frenzy of gossip, boasting and finger-pointing about who has paid their fair share in income tax," according to an article on Foreignpolicy.com.


Good times for all, it would seem, in the small Nordic country widely praised for its generous social welfare policies.


Well, not quite for all. Take banker Bjorn Wahlross, one of the richest Finns. He moved to Sweden of all places earlier this year to avoid the high tax rates in his homeland. And high they are. The average income tax rate in Finland fell from 37.5% in the 1990s to around 30% in the 2000s, and is now rising, set to hit 31.1% next year.



Edward J. McCaffery


In the United States in contrast, the average tax rate in 2010 was 11.81%, according to a study published by the non-partisan Tax Foundation. Another study shows that in 2014, 95% of Americans paid an effective income tax rate under 10%; the top 1% of income earners reached an average of 24.6%, still significantly below the average tax rate for all taxpaying Finns.


So what would happen if Americans had a "Tax Day" like Finland, and tax returns of every citizen were all released in one fell swoop to unleash a media frenzy?





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How much are strikes costing taxpayers?




Will Congress close tax loopholes?

It is hard to predict counter-factual history, of course, beyond stating the obvious -- it ain't going to happen, ever.


Even the most zealous foes of privacy when it comes to terrorists and other outcasts seem firmly committed to privacy of tax returns. Don't tread on me -- and don't look at my 1040 -- seem equally sacred principles in the United States.


But putting reality aside for a moment, what is my best guess as to what would happen if America went the Finnish way?


Nothing.


Nothing has been happening a lot lately. According to the online Wiktionary, the saying that "the more things change, the more they stay the same" is a proverb "making the observation that turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to cement the status quo."


We certainly have seen a lot of turbulent changes. Consider the situation in 2008: the United States was facing a Great Recession, a worldwide credit crisis exacerbated by sketchy lending policies, not to mention two major wars (Iraq and Afghanistan), each part of a broader war against terrorism, sovereign debt crises around the globe (Iceland, Greece, more) and mounting fiscal deficits at home.


The turbulence led to the election of Barack Obama, our first African-American president, a Democrat, and something of a liberal to boot. So what happened to tax policy, which might be thought to play a starring role as both cause and effect of the drama?


Well, pretty much, nothing. It was not until the early hours of 2013 that we saw any changes to the income tax at all, and these were mainly to add a few percentage points to the rate bracket in which a handful of the highest earners found themselves -- those couples earning more than $450,000 a year.


Earlier this year, the French economist Thomas Piketty saw his monumental work "Capital in the 21st Century" translated into English and promptly rocket up all kinds of bestseller lists. Piketty's volume tells the tale of how the United States, in particular, is approaching the highest levels of wealth and income inequality in recorded history. And what has been the policy response to Piketty's prognosis?


Well, again, nothing, unless you consider a return to a Republican Senate, and a fully divided government, something. (In fact, that is the ideal structure in which nothing gets done, hence it makes stock markets happy.)


Then there is the fact that when we do disclose tax returns in the United States, nothing much happens. Presidential candidates tend to do this. When they do not, or just release summaries, nothing much happens. From the disclosures, we learn that Hubert Humphry was not very wealthy, but Mitt Romney is, and life pretty much goes on -- with some wailing and gnashing of teeth among tax cognoscenti over such odd tidbits as the fact that Romney was able to amass more than $100 million in a Roth IRA. The tax policy impact? Well, nothing.


There was also the much ballyhooed self-disclosure of Warren Buffet's 2010 tax returns, leading to a proposal for a "Buffet Rule," a flat 30% effective tax rate on millionaires -- still lower than the average Finnish tax rate. What happened there? Well, nothing, again.


So, how about it? Could we force all tax returns in the United States to be made public so that we could have a "media frenzy of gossip, boasting and finger-pointing" too? Well, no and no. No, it ain't going to happen and no, it would not lead to that result. Not here, not now. No doubt, tax compliance might improve, by means of shame if nothing else, and perhaps some entrepreneurs would even find a way to make some money by "whistleblowing" on tax crimes and misdemeanors they unearthed from the massive data dump.


Yet being America, publicly disclosed tax returns would more likely lead to an assault from financial advisors offering their services to help the rich lower their taxes. Just think -- who would not want a $100 million Roth IRA? Taxes could thus even go down, as the tax-avoidance-industry found new targets, with fees to these helpful souls going up.


The facts of life in 21st century America are different than those in Finland, a nation with a population about the size of Wisconsin. We have gotten pretty much inured to indifference about levels of wealth and income inequality unimaginable to people from other times and places. The details simply bore us.


Our media frenzies and gossip are about other pressing matters. In fact, I have to run; I have to find out just what's going on with Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth, and I have yet to see the latest Kim Kardashian photos. Happy Thanksgiving to all.


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