World court upholds German immunity in Nazi cases

General view of the court showing the judges, rear, the delegation of Germany, front row right, and the delegation of Italy, front row left, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, as the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

General view of the court showing the judges, rear, the delegation of Germany, front row right, and the delegation of Italy, front row left, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, as the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Germany's Susanne Wasum-Rainer, director general for legal affairs and legal advisor, right, takes a sip of water while she and professor of law Christian Tomuschat of Germany, left, listen to presiding judge Owada in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, as the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Agent Paolo Pucci di Benisichi, state advocate Giacomo Aiello, and Professor Luigi Condorelli of the Italian delegation listen, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, at the start of the court session where the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

The Greek intervening delegation with from right, Professor Stelios Perrakis, ambassador John Economides, Counselor Efstathios Paizis-Paradellis, press counselor Mary Vaxevanidou and attache Ioannis Korovilas, wait for the start of the court session in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, where the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Professor of law Christian Tomuschat of the German delegation, left, and Professor Luigi Condorelli of the Italian delegation, right, talk prior to the start of the court session as Italy's agent Italy's agent Paolo Pucci di Benisichi, center right, and state advocate Giacomo Aiello, center left, listen, in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday Feb. 3, 2012, prior to the start of the court session where the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a dispute between Germany and Italy over World War II reparations. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) ? The U.N.'s highest court confirmed Friday that Germany has legal immunity from being sued in foreign courts by victims of World War II Nazi atrocities.

The International Court of Justice said that Italy's Supreme Court violated Germany's sovereignty in 2008 by judging that an Italian civilian, Luigi Ferrini, was entitled to reparations for his deportation to Germany in 1944 to work as a slave laborer in the armaments industry.

Germany argued that the Italian ruling threw into doubt a restitution system put in place after the Nazis' defeat that has seen Germany pay tens of billions of dollars in reparations since the 1950s.

The 15-judge world court said in a 12-3 ruling that the Italian case violated Germany's long-standing immunity, which has been recognized in international law, from being sued in national courts.

"The action of Italian courts in denying Germany immunity ... constitutes a breach of the obligation owed by the Italian state to Germany," world court President Hisashi Owada said.

Rulings by the International Court of Justice are final and binding on states.

German representatives argued last year that if the world court sided with Italy, it would open floodgates for restitution claims by individuals around the world, a situation it tried to avoid in negotiating reparation accords with Israel and with countries that had been occupied during the war, and with specific groups such as the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.

The international court rejected Italy's argument that states' immunity did not apply in cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by one country's army on the territory of another country.

Rome's case was supported by Greece, whose citizens have similar claims against Germany.

In 2008, the Italian court decided on the seizure of Villa Vigoni, a German-Italian cultural center on Lake Cuomo, to "enforce" the claims by Italians and Greeks seeking compensation. Germany's protest against the seizure formed part of its appeal to the World Court against Italy.

The Greek case involved residents of the Greek village of Distomo, where Nazi troops killed 214 civilians on June 10, 1944 ? one of the worst atrocities in occupied Greece.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-02-03-EU-World-Court-Germany-Italy/id-f08d4c69bd6f4ca2b0c1b70577a125f8

mumia mumia uss arizona memorial uss arizona memorial d day fun. words with friends

Taking next-gen augmented reality for an ARM-powered walk around the block

We know what you're thinking, because we initially thought it too, but this isn't your average AR. With the help of chip designer ARM, a number of developers are building a new type of augmented reality that is altogether more powerful than the usual sprite-on-a-surface routine. Instead of requiring well-lit, artificial and often indoor surfaces and markers, this new technology sucks every ounce of juice from a smartphone's processor in order to recognize, track and augment real-world 3D objects like people and buildings. It's still at an early stage and far from being practical, but the exclusive videos after the break ought to prove that this approach has potential. In fact, it's probably what augmented reality ought to have been in the first place. Read on for more.

Continue reading Taking next-gen augmented reality for an ARM-powered walk around the block

Taking next-gen augmented reality for an ARM-powered walk around the block originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/next-gen-augmented-reality-from-arm/

lemonade diet steve jobs action figure rose bowl johnny weir quadrantid meteor shower aretha franklin osu football

A Luxury Guide To Great Watches | Designer Jewelry ? Diamonds ...

Upscale and trendy watches are available around the world for consumers to buy. They are made with many elaborate materials and accessories. People have the choice to shop for many types of watches such as: silver, gold, diamond, and other high end watches. What many consumers need to realize is that it is not necessary to spend enormous amounts of money to buy a high quality watch. There are many trendy watches in the marketplace that most people would consider upscale, additionally these watches don?t cost as much as the big name items. If shoppers look carefully and search for great bargains they are sure to find some great deals on luxury watches!

A nice upscale watch can do wonders for the appearance of an outfit. These items will add plenty of style to many types of people ranging from: successful businessmen, good looking women, or anyone who enjoys being well dressed. Men and women have different preferences in what types of watches they tend to prefer.

For example: women love diamond watches, and men traditionally are drawn to golden watches. These upscale items have been a part of high fashion for many years and shows no sign of letting up. There are a countless number of wonderful outfits that can be put together with the combination of these items and stylish clothing.

One important tip shoppers should follow is to set a price range and follow it. This technique is effective because it makes people focus on a certain price point of products. This allows people to select the items which bring them the maximum amount of value. People should always be on the lookout for any sales or promotional events. At these events, people can find truly stunning deals. Another overlooked option is to browse through stores with an older inventory of watches. These stores are usually looking to unload a portion of their inventory and sometimes willing to sell a big discount. There are endless possibilities for people that shop with a purpose and specific game plan in mind..

Luxury watches are the perfect item for: gifts, holidays, and other occasions. A great thought would be to purchase one of these items for someone you love and care about. However, this type of gift can get a bit expensive. For this reason you should set a budget and make sure you can afford the products you are looking at.

For those people who have the disposable income to go on a shopping spree, then there are countless options available to you. These types of gifts can be the symbol of great affection in the special times throughout the year. If you are looking to go over the top, one option to consider is getting custom work done. Customization can make your message even better!

These sophisticated watches are still tremendously in demand in today?s world even when cell phones happen to be made use of enormously to inform time. These time pieces have no replacement in today?s manner. The effect they have on a classy wardrobe is difficult to compete with. You make sure to impress at celebrations as well as social events, go shop for your excellent watch today!

Looking to find the best deal on watches like the Timex 1440, then visit www.timex1440.com to find the best advice on Timex 1440 Sports Watch products.

Source: http://www.123designer-jewelry.com/watches/a-luxury-guide-to-great-watches/

laura dekker keystone pipeline drew peterson untouchable seal and heidi klum herman cain south carolina bath salts bill maher

Disaster And Planning Restoration ? COMMUNICATIONS ARTICLES

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Disaster can strike any commercial creating or residence anytime. Whether or not it is a storm that strikes or a fire that engulfs the creating, disaster in any form is often severely damaging towards the property in addition to ...

Source: http://communicationsarticles.info/2012/02/disaster-and-planning-restoration/

magic cube slaughterhouse cypher last man standing jim thorpe pa jim thorpe pa terry francona

Tips That Distinguish Personal Finance Experts From Amateurs ...

Managing personal finance can seem like an uphill struggle, but when you follow these simple tips, you will quickly find that it has become much easier to get your finances in order. Here is some great information that will teach you the tips and tricks needed to help you out.

Try using cash to pay for all of your purchases next week. When you buy goods with cash instead of plastic credits cards, it is easier to see exactly how much money you are parting with. Also, if you don?t have a credit card on your person you can avoid impulse buys.

A great personal finance tip that can help you save money is to take some of your unused clothing to a consignment shop. If you have any clothes that are just sitting in your closet, you can make a little bit of money by selling them to a consignment shop.

Adding your credit card issuer?s account management site to your list of daily online stops is a good way to keep up with your credit card purchases. It will also help you to spot possible problems, irregularities, or new account charges early on before they affect your spending and payment behaviors.

To really take control of your personal finances, strive to pay cash for everything. If you avoid using credit cards and bank loans completely, you will be in control. Using credit cards and bank loans means your lenders are in control. Taking this step involves extreme saving and extreme patience. In the end, it is always well worth the effort.

If you are fortunate enough to have any extra money in your checking account, be wise and don?t leave it there. Even if it?s only a few hundred bucks and only an one percent interest rate, at least it is in a traditional savings account working for you. Some people have a thousand or more dollars sitting in interest free accounts. This is simply unwise.

Sometimes it?s a good idea to take the ?personal? out of ?personal finance? by sharing your financial goals with others, such as close friends and family. They can offer encouragement and a boost to your determination in reaching the goals you?ve set for yourself, such as building a savings account, paying off credit card debts, or creating a vacation fund.

A great way to avoid being overburdened by expenses that only come around once a year is to set aside a little money out of each paycheck. To do this, divide your yearly expenses by the number of paychecks you receive in a year. The next time the expense is due, you?ll be ready for it.

Whenever possible, pay with cash. Carrying cash is a tangible reminder of how much or little money you have remaining, to meet your upcoming needs and expenses. Unlike debit and credit cards, cash is accepted practically everywhere and is perpetually free of annoying surcharges, fees and confusing fine print.

If you need a financial planner, it is better to hire one who charges a flat fee rather than commissions. Fee-based planners charge a fixed amount to advise you and invest your funds, but commission-based planners get paid when they trade for your account. This can give commission-based planners an incentive to trade your holdings excessively, increasing your costs.

In conclusion, you learned not only some basics about personal finance but also some specific ways that you can improve your situation in the long run. As long as you are committed and have a goal to work toward, the tips in this article should help you find success.

It matters not how much you think you are informed about Best Student Loans, read this wonderful site to be amazed at very important information.

Source: http://www.weightloss.org.uk/tips-that-distinguish-personal-finance-experts-from-amateurs/

aaliyah golden globe winners the express zappos hacked jane fonda morgan freeman jon huntsman

Nigeria secret police: Sect spokesman arrested (AP)

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria ? The purported spokesman for a radical Islamist sect responsible for hundreds of killings in recent weeks in Nigeria has been arrested, an official with the country's secret police said Wednesday.

The official with Nigeria's State Security Service declined to give many details about the man known by the nom de guerre Abul-Qaqa, simply saying that officers are questioning him. If it is him, the spokesman's arrest could prove to be a boon for Nigeria's weak central government, which has remained unable to stop attacks by the sect known as Boko Haram.

However, the same agency paraded a supposed spokesman only weeks earlier who apparently had only a loose affiliation with a group that has splintered and become even more dangerous. And a national spokeswoman tried to deny the reported arrest without being able to explain the apparent confusion gripping an agency charged with protecting the nation.

Ahmed Abdullahi, the Borno state director for the secret police agency, told The Associated Press on Wednesday night that officers tracked down the man through signals sent out by his mobile phone. The agency later flew him to Nigeria's capital Abuja for further questioning.

Abul-Qaqa served as the spokesman for the radical wing of the sect, often as a go-between between its leaders and trusted members of north Nigeria's media. He issued claims of responsibility typically the same day as attacks to journalists working for either the BBC's Hausa language service or The Daily Trust newspaper, the two most trusted sources of news in Nigeria's Muslim north.

Abdullahi declined to give the man's name, and it wasn't clear whether he faced criminal charges or had legal representation.

Reached Wednesday night, national secret police spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar denied the agency had arrested Abul-Qaqa, but was unable to explain why a top official with the agency would say otherwise.

"We don't have him ? at least I do not have information that we have him," Ogar said.

The State Security Service, which has plainclothes investigators across Nigeria, is charged with securing the nation, However, it is an agency long associated with suppressing political dissent, rather than putting down the sectarian violence now being carried out by Boko Haram.

In November, the secret police claimed it made a major breakthrough in stopping the sect by arresting Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, a supposed Boko Haram spokesman who used the name al-Zawahiri. Konduga implicated a Nigerian senator in taking part in the group.

But Konduga, later sentenced to three years in prison, acknowledged he had not made a statement on behalf of Boko Haram for months and that the group had expelled him on suspicion he was a government spy.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is sacrilege" in the local Hausa language, is carrying out increasingly sophisticated and bloody attacks in its campaign to implement strict Islamic law and avenge Muslim killings in Nigeria, a multiethnic nation of more than 160 million people.

The sect was blamed for at least 510 killings last year alone, according to an Associated Press count. This year, it is blamed for killing at least 270 people in January alone. On Jan. 20, the sect carried out a coordinated assault on police stations and government agencies in the northern city of Kano that killed 185.

Boko Haram has splintered into three factions, with one wing increasingly willing to kill as it maintains contact with terrorist groups in North Africa and Somalia, diplomats and security sources say.

With that wing viewing a wide variety of people and institutions as potential targets, even politicians with ties to Boko Haram can no longer consider themselves safe.

Violence by Boko Haram has increasingly begun targeting Christians, inflaming longtime tensions in a nation largely divided into a Christian south and a Muslim north. Thousands have died in rioting sparked by ethnic and religious differences in the country since it became a democracy in 1999.

On Wednesday, about 2,000 mourners gathered at a Catholic church near Abuja for a mass burial of victims of a Boko Haram bombing there that killed at least 44 people, church officials said.

___

Jon Gambrell reported from Lagos, Nigeria and can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/africa/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120201/ap_on_re_af/af_nigeria_radical_sect

seven days in utopia seven days in utopia big 10 championship game big 10 championship game state of play the national defense authorization act the national defense authorization act

BSkyB 1H net up 8 pct despite drop in ad revenue (AP)

LONDON ? British Sky Broadcasting PLC saw its profits rise 8 percent in the first half of its financial year as an increase in customer numbers helped offset a drop in advertising revenue.

Britain's biggest broadcaster by revenue said Tuesday that its net profit in the six months ending 2011 rose to 441 million pounds ($692 million) from 407 million pounds a year earlier.

Revenue at the company, which is 39 percent-owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., was up 6 percent to 3.4 billion pounds, while the dividend was raised 5 percent to 9.2 pence per share.

The company's solid results and dividend hike helped BSkyB shares rally 3.2 percent to 687 pence in early trading in London. Sky shares have been hit hard this year, partly because of the fallout from the hacking scandal involving the News of the World tabloid, which was part of News Corp. until it was shut down. One of the major impacts of the scandal was News Corp.'s shelving of its bid to buy the shares in BSkyB it doesn't already own.

BSkyB's results were helped by a 321,000 increase in customer numbers during the period, while subscriptions to various products, notably broadband and telephone, increased by 772,000.

Despite its further advance, there are concerns over the company's prospects, which is chaired by James Murdoch.

Steve Liechti, analyst at Investec Securities, is cautious about BSkyB because of possible competitive and regulatory problems.

He noted that auctions for football rights, which have been a key to building BSkyB, will be up for renewal in upcoming quarters. The company also faces growing competition in subscription video on demand.

Alongside its results, BSkyB announced that it was planning a cable-based broadband offering with unlimited usage, delivered via the cable network of telecoms company BT PLC.

Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch said he expected a tough year ahead, given Britain's sluggish economy and the squeeze on household incomes.

"No consumer business can be immune to these conditions and we will manage any short-term headwinds as they emerge," Darroch said. He added that BSkyB was planning more original productions and is launching a channel dedicated to Formula 1 auto racing.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/business/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120131/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_britain_earns_bskyb

philip rivers 11 11 11 meaning miracle berry billy crystal veterans day thank you veterans day thank you nigel tufnel day