By Refusing to Buy His Excuses, NFL Is Saving Josh Gordon

To understand why Josh Gordon's appeal was denied (per Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1), and why he will sit out one full calendar year, you first have to understand the man who ostensibly made the Gordon decision: Harold Henderson.

I've known Henderson since he came into the NFL decades ago. I broke the story of Henderson joining the league when I was working at The Washington Post. I know him well and respect him a great deal. I knew Gordon's appeal would be rejected because I know Henderson.

Not because Henderson is unfair—he's the opposite. Henderson is easily one of the most decent, intelligent and fair men I've ever known. He's a graduate of Harvard Law School and has been a part of every aspect of NFL life. He's dealt with the union, players, coaches, owners—everyone. There isn't a part of NFL existence over the past 25 years that Henderson hasn't touched and, mostly, made better.

But I knew Gordon's appeal was doomed because Henderson isn't a man who believes in excuses. The A-sample, B-sample stuff doesn't fly with someone like Henderson. You must also remember that Henderson was instrumental in negotiating with the union many aspects of the modern drug policy. Henderson knows the policy, the rules—all of it—better than almost anyone.

This is what I think Henderson saw: a guy who broke the rules, a guy who's been busted smoking pot going back to college, several times, and got caught again.

I also believe, knowing Henderson, that a part of him believed Josh Gordon needed to be disciplined this way, because he needed saving.

It's just pot. I get that. And I get that pot is nothing compared to the Toradol players inject into their bodies and that Ray Rice got two games for knocking his then-fiancee unconscious. Yet while the appearance of a guy beating up a woman and getting two measly games while Gordon smokes weed and gets a year is bad, those are the rules. The drug punishments are automatic triggers. This is the way of the NFL. Adapt or get busted.

But I also think Gordon was heading down a potentially dangerous path. Gordon knew that if he smoked weed, he was gone, yet weed was in his system. You can believe the secondhand smoke excuse all you want, but Gordon's track record with pot is long. As one league official explained to me: Gordon doesn't get the benefit of the doubt.

And what's also lost in all of this is that Gordon recently was arrested for driving under the influence. That part of Gordon's history is conveniently forgotten by his supporters.

Cleveland fans are blaming the NFL, yet the Browns made a series of mistakes with Gordon. They knew that Gordon faced suspension but failed to draft a wide receiver in anticipation of probable discipline. Then they let Gordon take practice reps away from others, again knowing there was a good chance Gordon was gone.

Pages 24-25 of the substance abuse policy outline the procedures for an appeal. It's extremely complex stuff and very time-consuming. The Browns have known for months Gordon was suspended pending appeal, yet they did nothing to prepare for this possibility. That's not the NFL's fault. 

It also seems as if Gordon was unable to stop smoking pot despite knowing that smoking it would lead to the temporary termination of his career. Throw in the alleged DWI, and it's not insane to say that Henderson may have saved more than Gordon's football life. He may have saved his career, and he may have saved much more.

Gordon still doesn't seem to get it. "I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans," he said in a statement released through the union. "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case."

He's still blaming others for him having pot in his system.

Maybe the year away from football will allow Gordon to enter rehab and put things in perspective. Again, the NFL should revisit its marijuana policies—allowing players to use it for medicinal reasons—but I think Gordon had a problem, and his pot use, combined with a DWI, indicated something worse than a dude who just smoked a few blunts.

Henderson was strict when it came to some of the NFL's policies, but he was also compassionate. At one point he ran the rookie symposium, where current and former players speak to incoming rookies about the rigors and possible pitfalls of NFL life. What I remember about Henderson was that he wanted players to constantly learn: what it was like to be a better player, better man, better father.

I think Henderson's decision will help Gordon do just that—save Gordon from himself.

'Sons of Guns' canceled after star Will Hayden arrested for allegedly repeatedly raping minor

“Sons of Guns” star Will Hayden has been arrested again, this time for aggravated rape, according to documents sent to FOX411 by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

The allegations have prompted the cancellation of his Discovery Channel series.

“Given the serious and horrific nature of the charges against Will Hayden, we have decided to halt further production of 'Sons of Guns' and cancel the series," the network said in a statement. 

Hayden is accused of raping a minor “almost daily” since March 2013 and taking her virginity when she was 11 years old. TMZ reports the girl is Hayden’s daughter.  

During an interview with detectives, the alleged victim said she did not report the sexual abuse because she was afraid Hayden would hurt her. The most recent abuse of the now-12-year-old girl occurred during July 2014, according to the documents. 

According to police documents, the alleged victim claims that Hayden told her “don’t tell them nothing because I’m all you got.”

Hayden was booked on Wednesday and his bail is set at $250,000. There was a warrant out for Hayden’s arrest, and The Times-Picayune reports he was apprehended in Livingston as a fugitive from East Baton Rouge.

Discovery Channel’s reality show “Sons of Guns” follows Hayden and his Red Jacket Firearms company, which buys, sells, designs and rebuilds firearms.

The company distanced itself from the reality star on Tuesday, posting a statement on its website.

“Red Jacket Firearms LLC has initiated and received full legal separation as an entity, from William M. Hayden,” the statement read. “With heavy hearts, we will be continuing to operate and ensure the fulfillment of new customer orders, back orders and to provide support to those affected by these new developments.”

Earlier this month, on Aug. 9, Hayden was arrested for molestation of a juvenile and aggravated crimes against nature. He posted his $150,000 bond and was released. At the time, his lawyer told FOX411 the charges were stemmed from a conflict with a fired ex-employee who was seeking revenge.

His lawyer did not respond immediately to a separate request for comment on Wednesday.

Following the initial allegations, his daughter Stephanie Hayden Ford, who appears on the show with her dad, took to her Facebook page to deny reports that the hit series was in trouble.

“Guys the show is NOT cancelled! We so appreciate the outcry of injustice but [it’s] not true, I guess some [people] just need ratings… We are on a hold with filming while my family takes care of a few things. You guys are the best fans ever & we love you so much! Thank u for standing strong with us!”

She has since deleted her message.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt marry in France

HOLLYWOOD’S hottest couple have made it official, with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt tying the knot in an intimate ceremony at their home in France over the weekend.

A spokesman for Jolie, 39, and Pitt, 50, confirmed the film megastars wed in an intimate ceremony attended by just 22 loved ones.

The photogenic pair exchanged vows in a small chapel in the French hamlet of Correns, at Chateau Miraval — a sprawling 1000-acre estate where the famous family has lived since 2008.

According to a source, Jolie wore a small gold locket to the ceremony that once belonged to her late mother Marcheline Bertrand.

“It was very much a family affair,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.

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The actress also “had a veil,” and when “Brad lifted it [he] gasped because she looked so stunning,” the source told E! News.

The couple’s six children took part in the wedding. Jolie walked the aisle with her eldest sons Maddox and Pax. Zahara and Vivienne threw flower petals. Shiloh and Knox served as ring bearers, the spokesman says.

Here's where to find the SEC Network on your TV

The SEC Network will get the 2014 college football season underway tonight when it airs Texas A&M and South Carolina at 6:00 PM ET.

This is great news for everyone because football is finally back and everyone loves football. The problem of course is that the SEC Network is brand spanking new and you’ve probably never watched it before today.

 

Of course you will be keeping an eye on the action on the field between No. 20 Texas A&M and No. 9 South Carolina – since whoever loses this game basically ends their season before it starts.

In addition to a high stakes matchup, it is the first chance many of us will get to see what life after Johnny Manziel is like for Texas A&M. Just writing that feels boring. Hopefully it isn’t boring. It’ll probably be a little boring.

Hey, at least Jadeveon Clowney will be there for South Carolina – oh, never mind. This is going to be the night of the little brother. Sophomore Kenny Hill will  have to step up in place of Johnny Football, and redshirt Sophomore Darius English will assume the Clowney role for the Gamecocks.

But let’s all be honest for a moment, this is Tim Tebow’s moment and everything else is secondary. Tebow is the star of the SEC Network, and the moment his chiseled chin comes across your television screen, his NFL career is effectively over. Give the moment whatever emotion you feel it deserves.

Joan Rivers 'rushed to hospital after she stopped breathing'

The 81-year-old star was reportedly undergoing an operation on her throat when she stopped breathing.

According to TMZ, Joan was having the surgery at a clinic and the procedure was on her vocal cords. The site reports she stopped breathing, which is when she was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

The comic star's daughter Melissa is said to be on her way to be with her mother.

At the moment no further information is available and the specifics of Joan's operation have not been released.

Joan is best known for her acerbic tongue, which she regularly shows off on TV show Fashion Police! in which she and a panel comment on stars' outfits. Just this week singer Jessie J appeared on the programme, with the group discussing the looks donned at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Monday.

As well as passing comment on clothing, Joan often talks about other stars. Justin Bieber has come in for a tongue lashing in the past, although recently the comedian insisted she is generally misunderstood.

India says it is willing to discuss Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Days after calling off talks with Pakistan, and two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan, India on Thursday signalled its willingness to discuss the Kashmir issue with Islamabad in a bilateral format.

India’s disruption of this month’s proposed foreign secretaries’ talks had set off strong disapproval of Mr Modi’s decision across world capitals, including in Washington where the Indian prime minister is due to meet President Barack Obama next month.

Japan, due to host Mr Modi for five days from Saturday, is a staunch supporter of India-Pakistan dialogue. Reports said Mr Modi was hoping to clinch a hitherto elusive civil nuclear supplies deal with Japan during the visit.

Reports said the latest affirmation of discussions on Kashmir came from Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin, who was reacting to Pakistan government’s remarks that the Indo-Pak dialogue without discussions on Kashmir was “unacceptable”.

“As regards engagement with Pakistan, we have made it very clear that we will engage in the framework of Simla agreement and Lahore Declaration and both these provide for discussing all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Our view is very clear, a bilateral framework to discuss all outstanding issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He was asked about the comments by Pakistani National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz, who has reportedly said that Islamabad offered talks to New Delhi in “good faith,” but holding a dialogue without addressing the Kashmir issue was unacceptable to Pakistan.

Mr Aziz was also quoted as saying that Pakistani officials have met leaders from the Indian portion of Kashmir in the past and New Delhi had not objected until now.

India had called off the talks between Foreign Secretaries slated for August 25, telling Pakistan bluntly to choose between an Indo-Pak dialogue or hobnobbing with the Hurriyat Conference.

India also objected to Pakistan terming the Kashmiri separatists as “stakeholders” in the resolution of Kashmir issue saying that, as per Simla Agreement, it was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and any other approach will “not yield results”.

Asked about the Border Security Forces chief’s remarks that India has witnessed heaviest ceasefire violations along the International Border since 1971 war, the spokesman was quoted as saying that Indian forces are best equipped to respond to such incidents.

PAT supporters ‘lose their marbles’

ISLAMABAD: A mini truck loaded with batons and marbles was stopped by security personnel before it entered Constitution Avenue via Margalla Road on Wednesday evening, police officials said.

Police officers deployed at the Margalla Road picket intercepted the truck and asked the driver where he was going. The driver told them that he was carrying supplies for the participants of the sit-ins, prompting the security team to search his cargo. 

During the search, policemen turned up a large quantity of marbles, slingshots and batons. The driver told them that they were for workers of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek. Police confiscated the cargo and allowed the vehicle and its driver to proceed without taking any punitive action.

A police official told Dawn they did not want to cause a scene and had only confiscated the material so that it would not be used against police officials who were supposed to be protecting sensitive buildings on Constitution Avenue. He said that the driver and vehicle were released because the government did not want a confrontation with the protestors.

However, later in the evening, journalist covering the sit-ins for a foreign news agency tweeted a photograph of a bag of marbles, saying they were being distributed among PAT supporters at the sit-in

Many refuse polio drops for children

LAHORE: A monitoring team of the City District Government of Lahore (CDGL) on Thursday rushed to Iqbal Town’s Neelum Block (Union Council 108) after some parents refused to get their children administered polio drops.

The team led by District Coordination Officer Muhammad Usman reached the spot after various field teams deputed to administer polio drops to thousands of children in the three-day drive informed the District Health Office about the development.

“The team met the parents and tried to convince them to get the facility. But some of the parents refused to budge from their stance. The team directed the field officials to keep in touch with the remaining parents and cover their children during the catch-up days,” an official told

He said the team was also informed about a similar situation in UC 38. The officials went there and involved the notables to complete their task.

A spokesman said the field teams would cover all such children within next two days. He said the drive’s target of covering 1.5 million children in Lahore had almost been met.

MEAT: A CDGL livestock team on Thursday unearthed an illegal slaughterhouse at Kot Kamboh and seized a huge quantity of unhygienic meat.

A spokesman said the team led by the district officer (livestock) also found tags of the Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company’s automated slaughterhouse that were meant to prove hygienically slaughtered animals and their meat. It discarded the meat (2,200kg) and sought inquiry into recovery of the PAMCO operated slaughterhouse tags.

400 policemen found missing from duty

ISLAMABAD: Police personnel on security duty at the sites of the sit-ins staged by the PTI and PAT seem to be fed up with their long hours duties.

During the last three days, over 400 police personnel were found disappeared from their places of duty at the Red Zone. Besides, some of the senior police officers have either gone on leave or were found not available at their duty points.

A senior police official on the condition of anonymity told Dawn that over 400 personnel from the Punjab police had disappeared from the high security area.

When the in-charges of the policemen were asked about the whereabouts of the policemen, they claimed that the officials had fallen ill.

“However, only about 100 of the policemen were actually ill and needed medical rest,” the officer said, adding the remaining policemen had left for their stations in Punjab without informing the authorities concerned.

He said the office of the inspector general of the capital police had been approached with a request to contact the Punjab police to take action against the officials. He said action was also sought against the in-charges of the policemen in the capital city for their failure to stop the officials from leaving their duty spots.

Similarly, a deputy superintendent of the capital police was found absent from his duty point. “He has only been communicating with his senior officers through the official wireless set from his office or home since August 15.”

Likewise, a superintendent of police went on leave when he was asked to perform duty at the Constitution Avenue.

“Weather, unhealthy conditions, long duty hours and late delivery of meal seem to be the reasons behind the policemen’s shirking from duty,” he said.

About 23,000 security personnel – 6,063 from the capital police, 3,000 from the Frontier Constabulary, 6,860 from the Punjab police, 4,687 from Punjab Constabulary, 1,015 from AJK police, 942 from railway police and 280 from Punjab Elite Force – have been deployed in the capital.

'Dama dam mast qalandar' if demands not met by today: Qadri

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri once again warned of 'dama dam mast qalandar' if its demands over the Model Town Fist Information Report (FIR) and resignation of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif were not met by today.

Addressing his supporters after meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif Tahirul Qadri said that the meeting took three and a half hours because each and every agenda including the sacking of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, cancellation of existing Model Town FIR and registration of a fresh FIR, electoral reforms, formation of a national government and the mechanisms involved was discussed.

Giving details of the demand for the cancellation of the Model Town FIR, Qadri claimed that the documents of the FIR released to the media were in fact a portion of the complaint filed by the PAT whereas the original FIR filed by the government excluded certain clauses and contained additional pages which exonerate the Sharif brothers and their associates.
He said "I showed the original copy of the FIR to Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif and even he was shocked to see it. We have asked for the cancellation of the FIR first thing in the morning and for the registration of a new FIR based on actual facts."
"If the three demands are met (news FIR, Sharif brothers then the other issues of electoral reforms, formation of a national government and the mechanisms involved would be discussed later," Qadri said while also appreciating the army chief for lending a listening ear to the PAT chief.
He said there would be no further extension in deadlines given by the party and warned of 'dama dam mast qalandar' if the PAT demands over the Model Town FIR and resignation of the Sharif brothers were not met by today.
Qadri said that no member of the Sharif family or any accused in the Model Town case would be allowed to become the prime minister after Nawaz Sharif resigned.
Earlier on Thursday night Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and PTI Chairman Imran Khan had announced they had given the prime minister 24 hours leeway upon General Sharif’s assurances.
They had also added that General Raheel Sharif had been appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'mediator' and 'guarantor' for bringing the current crisis between the government and protesters to an end.
Both PTI and PAT have been holding anti-government protests and sit-ins in Islamabad's Red Zone area and are demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.

Did you know Burnes Road was named after a British spy-doctor?

For those of you who're not aware of it, Burnes Road in Karachi is named after James Burnes, a doctor who also worked as a spy for the British Raj in the subcontinent, back in the 18th century.

In Sindh ke Darbar, a book based on the memoirs of James Burnes, the former secretary of Sindhi Literary Board, Aijaz Mangi preludes with the following passage on Burnes:

Dr Burnes was the member of a nation which planned to take over Sindh and systematically make it part of the British Raj. As such, he deemed the native population there to be inferior and despicable. But one must admit that the observations of Dr Burnes are an invaluable and accurate insight into how things were back at that time; very informative and highly interesting.

Following Partition, the road named after Dr Burnes was renamed to 'Shahrah-e-Liaquat', but if you ask around for directions with that name, I doubt a single soul would be able to help you.

Ask for 'Burns Road' and just about anyone will be able to point you to the street of Mazaydar Haleem, biryani, dahi baray, quorma, gola kabab, halwa puri, mithai and what not.

Rigging allegations: Army assures oversight of judicial commission, Imran Khan says

ISLAMABAD: Following his late-night meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said the army chief had assured him that a judicial commission would be formed to investigate election rigging allegations.

Addressing his supporters early on Friday, Imran stated that General Sharif promised the army would play the role of a "neutral umpire" in the investigation.
Imran's meeting and consequent speech followed after it was announced that the COAS was appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to act as 'mediator' and 'guarantor' for bringing the current crisis between the government and protesters to an end.
The PTI chairman said that he told COAS that without Nawaz's resignation there could be no independent investigation.
Imran said he had expressed his concerns to the army chief and told him “we can compromise that he (Nawaz) remain party leader and his ministers remain on their seats but he should step down for 30 days for an independent investigation to take place.”
The PTI chairman further said “If the government accepts our demand for resignation by tomorrow afternoon, we will celebrate here otherwise we will announce our further course of action of how to expand our protests tomorrow”.
Earlier on Thursday night Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and PTI Chairman Imran Khan had announced they had given the prime minister 24 hours leeway upon General Sharif’s assurances.

US sees crisis moving towards peaceful resolution

The United States said on Thursday that it was carefully monitoring the situation at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, which seemed moving towards a peaceful resolution.

At a news briefing in Washington, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki once again urged the government and the protesters to show restraint and avoid any step that could further deteriorate an already tense situation. 

Also read: No extra-constitutional changes in Pakistan acceptable: US

“We have been carefully monitoring the demonstrations in Islamabad. We continue to urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, respect the rule of law,” Ms Psaki said.

She also noted that “peaceful protests and freedom of expression” were “important aspects of democracy” but they should be exercised with restraint.

Responding to a question on cross-border firing between India and Pakistan, the US official asked the two nuclear-armed countries to resolve their differences through negotiations.

“We encourage dialogue between the two countries,” she said.

Govt given 24 hrs as Gen Raheel Sharif made 'mediator'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on late Thursday night announced that Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has been appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a 'mediator' and 'guarantor' for the current crisis between the govt and protestors in the federal capital.

Speaking to their respective supporters, Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan said they have given the prime minister 24 hours upon Gen Sharif’s assurances.

Both of the leaders urged their supporters to stay in the federal capital for one more day and wait until the deadline ends so that they can plan a future course of action, after these latest developments.

Earlier in the day the Wall Street Journal had reported that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was close to reaching an agreement with the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif regarding important policy matters and to end the ongoing protests against the government.

Speaking to marchers on the day dubbed by him as ‘Inquilab day’, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri termed supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and his party as first cousins. He also said that he and PTI Chairman Imran Khan were brothers.

He said that they would not believe in reports that a First Information Report (FIR) in the Model Town tragedy case has been registered as desired by his party until he or his party’s counsel gets a copy of it.

Later, when local TV channels obtained a copy of the FIR, he rejected it, claiming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s name was not included in it. He also said that sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, pertaining to terrorism have also not been incorporated in the FIR.

Imran Khan PTI Chairman to announce yet another course of action

ISLAMABAD: Addressing a small crowd of supporters in the federal capital on Thursday, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said that he would announce his future course of action today (Thursday).

In his address, Imran reiterated his anti-government statements along with his unwavering demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. On stage by his side was veteran politician and senior PTI leader Javed Hashmi, who said he joined Khan because he "could not bear to see him alone".

"I was in the hospital," said the frail 66-year-old Hashmi, his voice quivering. "Could not watch Imran standing alone so came here."

 Hashmi also reiterated PTI's call for the resignation of Nawaz and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Encamped at D-chowk for 10 days, Khan is usually flanked by prominent PTI figures during his public appearances, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Arif Alvi, Jahangir Tareen and Asad Umer. However, with Qureshi and Alvi scheduled to speak at a Karachi sit-in at 5pm today, Khan — although apparently defiant and charged — was speaking on a stage that is growing less crowded.

Participants at the PTI's protracted sit-in in the heart of Islamabad are also growing weary. While the rally witnesses a significant swell in numbers as the sun sets and music begins, journalists on the ground put the number of attendees in the day time at a few hundred.

Party insiders requesting anonymity say that Khan's unflinching resistance to negotiate with the government on anything other than the prime minister's resignation betrays his helplessness over bringing a favourable conclusion to what he had billed as a "million man march". Some believe that despite the stalemate arising from the government's refusal to accept his demand, Khan is pressing on for the crowd.

“Any commitments that happen in the background can change according to the mood of the crowd," a party official requesting anonymity had told Dawn as Khan approached the capital. "A leader feeds off the energy of his supporters, and the workers are gaining strength in numbers.”

Two weeks later today, Khan reiterated allegations that Nawaz Sharif had orchestrated the biggest election rigging ever to be witnessed in history. He also said that he would announce his 'future course of action'.

Imran demanded that those who had stolen the people’s mandate should be dealt with as per Article 6 of the Constitution.

He said if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif thought that protesters would remain quiet, then he was under a false impression. The PTI chief said that they were not hindering anyone's way and were only protesting in a small corner.

Ready to register Model Town FIR, govt says

ISLAMABAD: After months of stalling, the government on Thursday said it is ready to begin a process for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in the Model Town case that resulted in the death of 11 Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters — a move that may mitigate growing friction between the government and Dr Tahirul Qadri over his ominous call for a 'revolution'. 

As anti-government protesters thronged the road outside Parliament, on the floor of the National Assembly Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said the government is ready to nominate the prime minister and other ministers in the FIR.

"A process for the FIR has started and the government will not appeal against court orders," Asif said during a debate in the NA.

However, he maintained that the government’s fresh move amidst the heated political climate and resulting deadlock should not be misconstrued as vulnerability.

"Our offer for FIR was considered our weakness but nothing against law and constitution would be accepted," Asif said, dubbing it a “mature” suggestion.

The government's fresh offer is one of radical Dr Qadri's demands to the government, along with the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as well as the dissolution of assemblies for the formation of what he terms a "people's parliament".

Later at a press conference outside the assembly building, Asif along with Railways Minister Saad Rafique pledged to fight for the supremacy of Parliament and constitution.

“Pakistan is for all – we are ready to the register case in the Model Town tragedy, we are willing to look into his demands,” Asif continued.

“Our patience must not be taken to be our weakness,” he said, adding, ““This is not about satisfying someone’s ego. The prime minister had said that the Pariament as well the system needed to be protected.”

Awaiting Coke Studio: 23 artists, 22 musicians, 28 songs

Coke Studio, Pakistan's highly anticipated music platform, revealed its artist line-up for Season 7, which is due to launch on September 7.
The show's new producers, Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia of Strings are set to showcase a diverse line up of pop, rock, folk and sufi artists from different genres, alongside a reimagined house band and other guest musicians.
Featuring this season is a line-up of some of Pakistan’s most prolific mainstream, traditional and upcoming artists including:

• Abbas Ali Khan
• Abida Parveen
• Abrar-ul-Haq
• Akhtar Chanal Zahri
• Asrar
• Fariha Parvez
• Humera Channa
• Javed Bashir
• Jawad Ahmed
• Jimmy Khan
• Komal Rizvi
• Meesha Shafi
• Momin Durrani
• Naseer Shahab
• Niazi Brothers
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
• Rachel Viccaji
• Rahma Ali
• Sajjad Ali
• Sanam Saeed
• Sara Haider
• Usman Riaz
• Ustaad Raees Khan
• Ustaad Tafu Khan
• Zoe Viccaji
• Zoheb Hasan

Three days, two visits: PM Nawaz meets COAS

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif and discussed the prevailing political situation in the country, DawnNews reported.

Credible sources told Dawn that PM Nawaz took the COAS into confidence over the several rounds of talks that the government had held with the PTI and PAT leadership. Both agreed on the need to resume dialogue in order to end the political deadlock in the country.

The premier made it clear that the government had shown flexibility on certain matters during talks with the PTI and PAT leadership, however, he said that certain demands made by the PTI and PAT were against the Constitution.

The premier also took the COAS into confidence over registration of First Information Report (FIR) on the Model Town incident and assured him that all government functionaries, including ministers, nominated in the FIR would extend full cooperation.

This is the second such meeting in a week between the premier and the COAS, the first was held on Tuesday, August 26 during which the two had agreed to immediately resolve the political cul-de-sac.

A political deadlock currently clouds the horizon of the country as two political parties Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and PAT have been holding anti-government protests for more than two weeks.

The protesters holding sit-ins in the federal capital are demanding the ouster of the premier through his resignation, with PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri calling for an overhaul of the system altogether.

A Critical Evaluation of Ariana Grande's Acting

As a pop star, the 21-year-old caters to an older crowd. Her first single "The Way" was a throwback to peak Mariah Carey, built around a sample made famous by Big Punisher's 1998 hit "Still Not a Player," while "Right There" interpolated Lil Kim's "Crush on You," released in 1997, when Ariana was just four. Even newer stuff like "Bang Bang" and "Problem" has a jazzy maturity that feels miles removed from the slick EDM-pop that fellow ex-kid TV stars like Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato are currently trading in. 

Consequently, Ariana is much more likely to appeal to 20-and-30-somethings than your average Nickelodeon-bred pop star, but unless they already have kids themselves, a lot of those older fans were likely introduced to her through her music, and were thoroughly unfamiliar with her TV work. At some point, us older fans new to the Ariana bandwagon have to get a little curious: What was she like on TV? Was she any good? Were her shows any good?

For those of you still that unfamiliar with her pre-music days, a little background on Ariana's acting career: she started out as a Broadway actress, playing the supporting role of cheerleader Charlotte in the kiddie musical 13. A couple years later, she moved to TV when she landed what would be her signature role: Cat Valentine, classmate and friend of protagonist Tori Vega (Victoria Justice) on the Nickelodeon show Victorious. That show lasted three seasons (technically four, since the last was subsequently split in two) before being canceled, at which point the Cat character was given a joint spin-off with Jeanette McCurdy's Sam Puckett character from fellow Nick hit iCarly, creatively titled Sam & Cat.

Ketua MK Hamdan Zoelva: Saya Sudah Melepas Atribut Partai

Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK) bakal menggelar sidang pertama gugatan sengketa Perselisihan Hasil Pemilihan Umum (PHPU) Pilpres 2014 yang diajukan pasangan Prabowo-Hatta pada Rabu, 6 Juli besok. Ketua MK Hamdan Zoelva menyatakan, dirinya akan netral saat memproses sidang besok.

Hamdan pernah menjadi politisi Partai Bulan Bintang (PBB). Sementara PBB merupakan parpol yang mendukung pasangan Prabowo-Hatta.


"Saya sejak sebelum masuk jadi Hakim MK, sudah melepaskan seluruh ikatan saya dari organisasi apapun, termasuk PBB. Saya kerja di MK secara mandiri dan independen. Begitu juga hakim lain," ujar Hamdan di gedung MK, Jakarta, Selasa (5/8/2014).

Hamdan juga meyakinkan, sikap netral bakal ditunjukkan pula oleh 8 hakim MK lainnya. Selama menyidang bersama, tak ada putusan yang tak sesuai konstitusi.

"Pengalaman saya, semua memutus perkara memutus dengan independen," ucap dia.

Sebelumnya, Hamdan pernah menjadi Wakil Sekretaris Jenderal Partai Bulan Bintang (PBB) pada 1998. Di parlemen, Hamdan pernah menjabat anggota Bamus DPR, anggota Baleg DPR, dan Wakil Ketua Komisi II dari Fraksi PBB. (Mut)

Sharm el Sheikh resort bug 'leaves 100 British tourists bed-ridden' and many on a drip

Up to 100 British tourists staying at a four-star resort in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, have endured a holiday from hell after a sickness bug struck leaving some of them so ill they were put on intravenous drips in their hotel rooms.

Angry holidaymakers took to review site TripAdvisor to express their disgust after suffering from diarrhoea, sickness and fever at the Coral Sea Waterworld resort. A number of the tourists blamed the bug on what they described as unclean buffet food containers and utensils and an alleged poor standard of general hygiene.

Writing on TripAdvisor one reviewer, calling themselves, tim308, wrote: "Just as I was recovering from my illness when my wife was struck down with one far worse, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever that continued for the duration of our holiday and is still not 100% now."

Another, calling themselves 'Bristols' wrote: "Sickness and diarrhoea was rife throughout the hotel, seven out of our party of nine were really poorly including myself.I became ill on the second night and was unable to eat, drink, use the pools or waterpark for the whole holiday.

"I had two drips, injections, antibiotics, tablets coming out of my ears."

Another user, LynneNorman, wrote: "The food was good at times, but the hygiene in the restaurant was poor."

"Like many others, we all came down with the mystery illness very quickly and we spent a lot of time in our room with crippling cramps and fever."

Another, Elaine M, said: “My husband started vomiting and having diarrhoea and subsequently later on that day I also became very ill with sickness and diarrhoea like I’ve never had it before. There is a major cleanliness/hygiene issue. We won’t be back.”

According to reports, the illness struck so quickly that the resort was forced to draft in extra doctors in order to cope with the outbreak.

Lawyer Nick Harris, of Simpson Millar, who is acting for a number of the tourists told the Daily Mirror: “I have been inundated with people contacting me about ruined holidays. Some of the reports I have heard are horrific."

A statement from First Choice Holidays said: "First Choice is aware of a small number of cases of sickness at the Coral Sea Water World, Egypt, with symptoms similar to a virus.

"Reported cases of sickness have reduced and an independent health and safety consultant has been undertaking a thorough investigation in resort, ensuring that the correct containment procedures are in place.

"We would like to reassure customers that we closely audit all the resorts to which we operate to ensure that health, hygiene and comfort levels are maintained."

The illness struck at the same resort where five-year-old Chloe Johnson, from Forest Hill, southeast London, drowned in one of the swimming pools in 2013.

Staff at Coral Sea Water World had not responded to Independent requests for comment by the time of publication.

'Woman Troubles' Allegedly Caused Kim Hyun Joong To Assault Girlfriend Of Two Years On Several Occasions

Korean entertainer, actor and SS501 leader Kim Hyun Joong has reportedly been accused of assaulting his girlfriend throughout their two-year relationship, for what are being described by a friend as "woman troubles."

According to the media publication Dispatch, Joong's girlfriend filed charges against the K-pop idol at the Songpa police station, claiming she suffered injuries from multiple assaults between May and July.

"The two started dating since 2012," said a source claiming to be a friend of the victim, according to the website allkpop."After this past May, various women troubles came up and during then [Kim Hyun Joong] severely assaulted [her]."

"Woman troubles arose, and it turned into assault," the source added.

"The past two months were a repetition of beatings, apologies, and forgiveness. However, the situation got worse, and that's why [she] decided to report it."

The alleged victim accused Kim Hyun Joong of punching and kicking her, causing injuries on her face, chest, arms and posterior in May. She also claimed to have suffered a fractured rib in July from another assault incident.

These charges against Kim Hyun Joong have since been reportedly confirmed by the Songpa police station.

"It is true that a report has been filed for assault by someone who says she is Kim Hyun Joong's girlfriend," said a rep of the police station. "However, we still need to investigate more."

Since these allegations against the 28-year-old idol surfaced, Kim Hyun Joong's talent agency Key East Entertainment released a statement on the matter.

"We found out just now after reading the article," said a rep to TV Report. "We will have to confirm it."

"Because it was impossible to suddenly adjust his schedule, his performance in Thailand will be carried on as planned on the 24th. He is currently keeping himself at home. We will release an official statement regarding this matter after we accurately assess the situation."

Malala urges young people to campaign for change

Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education, told more than 500 young people Monday that they should start working right now to change the world.

The 17-year-old said raising her voice helped bring a change for girls who were not allowed to go to school in Pakistan's troubled Swat valley where she lived until she was shot.

Malala spoke at an event to launch 500 days of action to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals to fight poverty, which include ensuring that every child has a primary school education.

“So my message to you is that you raise and highlight the issues that you are facing and you are suffering,” she said.

Malala also urged the young people to believe in themselves because “we are all the same” regardless of fame or whether you live in a rich developed country or a poorer developing country.

“We all have talents and we all are special, so just continue your hard work, continue your campaigns and you are going to be the leaders of this world, you are going to be the future of this world,” she said.

"And if you want to see your future bright and if you want to see development in our future, and if you don't want to see so many troubles already put for us, then we should try and start work right now."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, sitting beside her, echoed Malala saying “each and every one can make a difference,” even a fifth grader who saves just one drop of drinking water or turns off a light bulb. “Be proud of yourself,” the UN chief said.

"At the same time be responsible as a global citizen. Then we can change this world."

The UN chief said there are still 1.2 billion people who don't have access to clean drinking water and 1.4 billion who don't have electricity and global action is crucial.

World leaders agreed in 2000 on anti-poverty goals including cutting extreme poverty by half, halting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and increasing the number of people with access to clean water and sanitation by the end of 2015.

Ban said “against the predictions of cynics” the UN goals have helped the world unite and cut poverty in half, increase the number of girls attending school, and reduce deaths from malaria, tuberculosis and other deadly diseases. But challenges remain including achieving equality for women, reducing maternal and child deaths, reaching universal education, and improving sanitation — and the UN is working on new goals for 2030.

Nawaz meets COAS to discuss security situation

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday and discussed issues pertaining to national security.

Senior civilian and military leaders also attended the meeting to discuss the strategy to defuse the situation in the federal capital which had arisen due to the sit-ins staged by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).

Military leadership apprised premier Nawaz Sharif about the progress made in the ongoing 'Zarb-i-Azb' military operation in North Waziristan.

Prime Minister told the meeting that the government has opened political dialogue with both PAT and PTI to call off their protest rallies, but their leadership have refused to talk.

The decision by Indian government not to send its Foreign Secretary to Pakistan for scheduled talks was also discussed in the meeting.

Dangerzone is a dangerous game: PTI to march into Red Zone with women, children

The Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) has devised a dangerous strategy to march into the Red Zone and Constitutional Avenue.

PTI sources have said that women and children will be included in the march towards areas guarded by riot police,

K-P Minister Shaukat Yousafzai confirmed that women and children would march in the second row, right behind key PTI legislators and Imran Khan. The PTI Youth Wing would follow behind the women. When questioned about the inclusion of women and children, Yousafzai said the march would be peaceful, and the women and children were being placed in the centre for their safety.

Federal Minister for Safron Abdul Qadir Baloch has termed the PTI's plan "inhuman". He alleged that the PTI leadership was using the children and women as a human shield.

Speaking to media in front of Parliament House, Baloch said including women and children in a march - where violent clashes are expected - was unacceptable.

A PTI legislator on condition of anonymity said party members were clueless as to the logic behind Imran's decisions.

"He [Imran] is on his own. He doesn't listen to anyone and party leaders are really annoyed, but they don't know what to do".

Tom Hiddleston took on the ice bucket challenge – and now he wants Benedict Cumberbatch to follow suit

Man commonly known as Loki has become the latest celebrity to take part in the fundraising social media craze, after being nominated by Guardians Of The Galaxy star Nathan Fillion.

And despite his initial shock at being drenched in freezing water – in a video which appears to have been shot in someone’s back garden – the actor took to the challenge like a pro.

But here’s the really exciting bit – he went on to nominate Benedict Cumberbatch for the challenge, which means you could well be seeing the Sherlock star coming face to face with an ice bucket in the near future.

We can’t pretend we’re not a little excited at the prospect. But let’s not forget that it’s all in a good cause, with the challenge aimed at raising money and awareness for the neurodegenerative illness ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Motor Neurone Disease in the UK).

So far a whole host of celebrities have stepped up to the task, with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Michael Zuckerberg, Taylor Swift and Cristiano Ronaldo taking part – as well as Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard stepping up to the plate on Good Morning Britain.

Pertamina CEO Karen Agustiawan to resign in October -domestic media

The chief executive of Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, Karen Agustiawan, will resign as of October 1, domestic media quoted a government minister as saying on Monday.
"It's true, the CEO of Pertamina has resigned," State Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan told reporters at his office, as quoted on the Liputan6.com news website.
Agustiawan, who was Pertamina's CEO for more than five years, had repeatedly asked to leave her post, Iskan said. "This time I couldn't keep her any longer... In the end Mrs Karen agreed to end (her post) on the 1st of October."

Louis van Gaal's starting lineup in Manchester United's opener blew everyone's mind

The Louis van Gaal era is underway at Old Trafford, and Manchester United fans were in for a bit of a surprise with the opening day starting lineup Saturday against Swansea. Expected starters Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw were unavailable, so van Gaal turned to two players most fans had never heard of until today.

Manchester United debuted a new 3-4-1-2 formation featuring a back three of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and 20-year-old Tyler Blackett. 21-year-old Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young played as wing backs.

New arrival Ander Herrera and Darren Fletcher were in central midfield, with Juan Mata playing just behind a front two of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez. That left the likes of United veteran Nani, Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj

on the bench.

Blackett and Lingard played in preseason games, but each made their Manchester United debut Saturday. Blackett spent last season on short loans at Blackpool and Birmingham in the English second division, where he made a combined 13 appearances. Lingard, meanwhile, was a star for United in the 2013 preseason but was sent out on loan to Birmingham and Brighton & Hove Albion.