Icetruck

Iran's first Oscar submission directed by woman causes stir

A movie about a young girl whose fantasy world helps her escape the hard realities of growing up in the countryside near Tehran in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution is Iran's first-ever submission for the Academy Awards' foreign film directed by a woman.

But not everyone is celebrating.

The mixed reaction to Narges Abyar's film "Nafas," or "Breath," shows how art cuts across Iranian politics, both at home and abroad.

Hard-liners have criticized the movie, and it remains unclear whether Abyar and her husband would even be able to get a visa to attend the Oscars in March under President Donald Trump's travel bans. Nominations for the Oscars will be announced in January.

Yet the 47-year-old director and writer Abyar remains confident in the power of art to bridge cultural and political divides.

"Cinema, culture and art do not recognize any border, but in fact bring humanity closer together," she told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

"Breath" focuses on Bahar, a lively girl whose asthmatic father is bringing her and her siblings up on his own, with the help from the children's religious grandmother.

The film shows the rapid changes that hit Iran after the Islamic Revolution, and later, as Scud missiles fall, Iraq's invasion of Iran and the start of the ruinous eight-year war.

Parts of the film take place in Bahar's imagination as she tries to escape the hardship around her.

"Don't let her read so much. She'll go crazy," the grandmother tells Bahar's dad in a scene shown in the film's trailer.

"Granny is right," Bahar later muses. "You go crazy when you read books a lot."

Abyar acknowledges she made an anti-war film.

"The only thing that could destroy her fantasies and imagination was war," Abyar said of Bahar's character.

"This film shows us the obscene face of war that we should avoid, this is what politicians won't tell you," she added.

Bahar refuses to attend Quranic classes, alleging her teacher was being mean to her. Her uncle later teaches the girl how to read the holy book — though she prefers another that she found despite a plot she cannot grasp, a story about girls being kidnapped and put in a house full of prostitutes.

Not surprisingly, the film's topics have proven controversial for Iran's hard-liners who describe the Iran-Iraq war in religious terms as the "Holy Defense" of the Shiite power from dictator Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated government.

They have unleashed criticism on Abyar, despite the fact that her first film, "Shiar 143" or "Track 143," earned her hard-liners' praise for focusing on the role of mothers during the Iran-Iraq war.

"This movie is showing exactly what our enemies in the West want to see," said hard-line cleric Ahmad Alamolhoda, an ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Gen. Mohammed Reza Naghdi, a senior commander of Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, offered a similar view.

"The West is already spreading enough negative propaganda against us, so we shouldn't spend our taxes on such a film," Naghdi said, citing that the state-run Farabi Cinema Foundation submitted "Breath" for the Oscar.

Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani, now in his second term in office, has promised to increase women's participation in film, though it isn't clear whether his pledge helped tip the scales and win Abyar the nomination for "Breath."

Art can be a dangerous profession in Iran and filmmakers have fallen into trouble before.

Award-winning Iranian filmmaker Keywan Karimi was released in April, after serving about five months of his year-long sentence over his work, though he escaped the 223 lashes that were part of his sentence. He later told the AP that he doesn't know whether he'll make movies again in the Islamic Republic.

International politics also comes into play in Iran's cinema.

While the Farabi Cinema Foundation routinely submits films to the Academy Awards, tensions rise and ebb between Iran and the U.S. in the years since the 1979 revolution and takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

While tensions appeared to ease slightly under President Barack Obama and with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump has taken a much harder line than his predecessor. Iran has been on every iteration of Trump's travel ban predominantly targeting Muslim-majority nations. Iran also has been removed from the U.S. green card lottery as well.

Last year, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi won his second Oscar with his film "The Salesman," but declined to attend the award ceremony because of Trump's travel ban. But even he faces criticism from hard-liners and has been working on his next film outside of the country.

For Abyar, she and her husband would attend the awards if they are granted visas, she said, though she didn't hold back from criticizing Trump herself.

"We should go for a language that brings nations closer together, not the language of hatred or the one that creates a gap between nations," she said. "This is a thing that is happening in the U.S. and we see that the art community does not like this."

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Tourists say they contracted Hepatitis A on San Diego trip

Two tourists from Utah who visited San Diego this summer say they believe they contracted hepatitis A on their trip.

Mike Johnson and Josh Oviatt told the San Diego Union Tribune that they were in San Diego in August. They both were diagnosed with the liver-damaging virus a month later. The 44-year-old Oviatt was hospitalized for four days. A third friend traveling with them had been vaccinated and did not get sick.

San Diego County is battling the worst hepatitis A outbreak seen in the United States in decades. So far, 20 people have died in the past year, mostly homeless people.

Hepatitis A lives in feces.

The 43-year-old Johnson told the newspaper his eyes and skin turned yellow and doctors told him he was nearing liver failure.

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Texas couple flies family they saw in ABC News report on Puerto Rico to New York

WATCH Families in Puerto Rico still left without food, clean water and power 2 weeks later

A woman who was in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, taking care of her ailing parents as well as others, is back in New York and getting her family the help they need, thanks to one Texas couple.

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When Lisbeth Vasquez Delgado and her parents, Elmer and Gloria, got off the plane Saturday at New Jersey's Newark International Airport, they were greeted by Angel Gomez and his wife, Patsy, who'd paid for the trio to fly to New York.

"This is like a dream," Vasquez said, after she'd disembarked. "I still can't believe it. I'm here and I still can't believe it."

Angel Gomez said he and his wife had watched an ABC News report in October in which Vasquez and her parents appeared.

He said it broke his heart to see how her parents were living in Puerto Rico, eating cereal and water.

"I told my wife there's something that we gotta do to help this family," he told ABC News. "And the very next day, we started working on it."

The couple traveled from their El Paso home to meet the family at the airport, with hugs and well-wishes to spare.

"We don't have to know them," Patsy Gomez told ABC News. "They're our brothers and sisters and we want to help them."

ABC News

In October, when David Muir and his team were in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, they met Vasquez, a New York City resident who'd returned to the island to tend to her parents.

At the time of Muir's visit, Vasquez said no food or water had been brought to the apartment building. Windows and doors had been broken and shattered in the hurricane. Vasquez was sharing her food and water with other residents in the building, and her parents were lying in their bedroom, in need of medication.

Just today, nearly two months after Maria hit, authorities in Puerto Rico confirmed that more than 80 percent of the island was again back in the dark after a major power failure.

With little food, water or power, Puerto Rico residents say 'no one has come' to help

ABC News

Angel and Patsy Gomez, who help families in need in El Paso, Texas, said they reached out to ABC News to get Vasquez's contact information.

For two weeks, they spoke to Vasquez over the phone as the trio made arrangements to get her and her parents to New York. Angel Gomez said that he and his wife had cried after everything had been finalized.

"It's easy to see a story but it's better when you see their face, when you can hug them and give them hope," Patsy Gomez said. "That's what it's all about. It's about reaching out to human beings. You don't have to know them. They don't have to be your family members. It can just be somebody that's hurting and what we do, is help them endure during difficult times."

Before she left Puerto Rico, Vasquez said she was nervous about leaving the island but knew that the move was for the better. She said that Friday, the day before she flew to New York, had been the first time they'd had power in more than 40 days.

At the time they left, she said, the running water was still dirty.

"I'm not going to have to struggle like I have here," she told ABC News. "I can take my parents to the hospital … I've been trying to stay strong. I am going to make sure I can come back and help others."

ABC News

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“One of the hardest parts of life is deciding whether to walk away or try harder” – Anonymous

What happens when your relationship seems to be bringing more stress than it does happiness? Do you find that you have settled for a relationship that’s less than perfect? Perhaps you find yourself making excuses and simply hoping that you’re going through a rough patch, and things are going to get better.

While relationships can’t be all high, they definitely shouldn’t be all low, either! Here are some signs that your relationship is going through more than just a rough patch – and that maybe it’s time to get out.

8 Early Warning Signs of An Unhappy Relationship

1. YOU START THINKING OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS “GOOD ENOUGH”

While you can recognize that your relationship isn’t the best, you’ve convinced yourself that it’s good enough. You find yourself staying with your partner simply because they’re staying with you.

Any relationship is better than none, and you find that you would rather stay in a relationship that isn’t making you happy rather than endure being alone. If you find yourself thinking this, it’s a sign that your relationship is only going to be a source of stress, and that finding a way out will bring a joy to your life you didn’t know was missing.

2. IT’LL ALL WORK OUT … EVENTUALLY

If you find that you keep tacking on “eventually” to the thought of your relationship working out, it is a sign that your relationship isn’t working out at all. No matter what you do to try and fix it, it just doesn’t seem to be working, so you hold out hope that maybe it’ll all just work itself out… except this waiting starts to drag on and on, and you’re not sure if it’ll ever end.

This is a sign that the relationship would probably be better if it was over entirely. Don’t underestimate the stress that holding out hope for a dragging relationship can cause! You deserve a relationship that isn’t all waiting and hoping.

3. YOU’RE WAITING FOR YOUR PARTNER TO CHANGE … SOMEDAY

People can and do change. People grow into whole new personalities, opinions and ideas. However, if you’re staying with a partner who is making you unhappy in the hopes that one day they’ll finally grow into the person you need them to be, you’ll only be setting yourself up for hurt. You deserve a relationship where the other person is already who you need them to be! Waiting for someone to change, or trying to force that change, will only lead to more stress and destruction.

4. YOU DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE

Or, rather, being alone is terrifying to you. Being in a relationship that makes you actively unhappy is better than being alone. This could show itself in a string of short, unhappy relationships. If you find that you’re too afraid of being alone that it makes you get into a relationship with the first person who comes along, regardless of how well that relationship works, you may need to take a step back and examine the source of that fear. Low self-esteem can make people become afraid of being alone for fear of not being able to find someone new. If your relationship is maintained only to make sure you’re not alone, there’s a chance to learn to heal from that fear before starting another relationship.

5. YOU FEEL GUILTY

A sign of an unhealthy and unhappy relationship is feeling guilt for thinking about leaving your partner. Perhaps your partner is dependent on you for whatever reason: emotionally, mentally, financially. You know that the relationship isn’t working, but instead of walking away, you allow guilt to keep you. This isn’t a good reason to stay, not for you or for your partner.

Relationships should be founded on trust, love and communication – not guilt. It might hurt, but you can still help them get the support they need, just not as a romantic partner.

6. YOU’RE STAYING FOR THE KIDS

Sometimes, people stay in relationships that have long passed their expiration date because children are involved. If they’re quite young, this might seem like a good thing. However, the older they get, the more that children can realize what’s going on. Staying with a partner for the children can easily cause resentment, and will only create a messier split down the line.

According to Psychotherapist Sean Grover, “Staying in a toxic marriage is certain to cause children more damage than good. In many cases, children blame themselves, feeling their parents’ combative relationship is somehow their fault.” Children can be negatively affected by an unhappy relationship just as much as you can. Sometimes, making the decision to part ways is best for everyone.

7. THE ONLY THING GOOD ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP IS THE SEX

If you and your partner don’t get along, don’t enjoy spending time together, and can’t seem to compromise, but the sex is phenomenal … this is probably a sign that the relationship just isn’t going to work. Physical intimacy is important, but it won’t fix a relationship that doesn’t have all the rest of the foundations. Luckily, this is an issue that can be caught early, so it’s important to keep in mind how you’re going to feel in the long run.

8. YOU FEEL FORCED TO COMPROMISE

According to adjunct professor of psychology at Georgetown University, Andrea Bonior, “One of the first signs of a toxic relationship is when one partner is very controlling. It can simply be that you feel frightened to share your opinions—you’re constantly walking on eggshells because you’re afraid of your partner’s emotional reactions.”

In a relationship, compromise is important. In an unhealthy relationship, compromise is only met after an ultimatum. You may find that you’re constantly giving in to your partner’s demands and wishes because you don’t want to start an argument, or because your partner never seems to want to compromise on their end. If there’s no willing compromise, then the relationship isn’t equal. You deserve to have your thoughts and ideas acknowledged and your wants and desires considered.

Relationships can have both highs and lows. Not every relationship you have is going to have the honeymoon phase last forever, and that’s okay! Relationships change, people change, but the important thing is that the relationship stays healthy. Even through all the bad times, relationships are meant to be a source of strength and support. If you find that your relationship is hitting some, or all, of these points, it may be time to reconsider what is going to make you happiest in the long run.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

References:
30 Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20976691,00.html#relationship-red-flags-0
4 Reasons Why Bad Marriages Are Worse for Kids Than Divorce
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/201703/4-reasons-why-bad-marriages-are-worse-kids-divorce

The post 8 Early Warning Signs of An Unhappy Relationship appeared first on Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude.

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Prosecutors: German nurse may have killed over 100 patients

A nurse who is already serving a life sentence for two murders may have killed more than 100 patients over several years at two hospitals in northwestern Germany, prosecutors said Thursday.

Investigators have completed toxicological examinations on patients who died during Niels Hoegel's time as a nurse in hospitals in Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, prosecutors and police in Oldenburg said. They found a further 16 cases in which he is suspected.

In late August, they said they had determined that he might have killed at least another 84 patients beyond the ones for whose murder he is already serving time. At the time, they said that they were awaiting toxicology results on another 41 fatalities, which have now been concluded.

Prosecutors reiterated in a statement that they expect to file additional charges against Hoegel early next year. Additional convictions could affect Hoegel's possibility of parole, but there are no consecutive sentences in Germany.

Hoegel was convicted in 2015 of two murders and two attempted murders at a hospital in Delmenhorst and was sentenced to life in prison.

During his trial, Hoegel had said he intentionally brought about cardiac crises in some 90 patients in Delmenhorst because he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate them. He later told investigators that he also killed patients in Oldenburg.

Hoegel worked at the Oldenburg hospital from 1999 to 2002 and in Delmenhorst from 2003 to 2005.

Prosecutors said he is now suspected in 38 cases in Oldenburg and 62 in Delmenhorst, but that in five of those cases further examinations are needed. It isn't clear when those will be concluded.

As part of a wider investigation involving both hospitals, police and prosecutors reviewed more than 500 patient files and hundreds more hospital records. They also exhumed 134 bodies from 67 cemeteries, and questioned Hoegel six times.

Police have said if local health officials hadn't hesitated in alerting authorities, Hoegel could have been stopped earlier.

Authorities are already pursuing criminal cases against former staff at the two medical facilities.

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Source – abcnews.go.com

France's President Macron begins Saudi visit, amid Lebanon crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will stress the importance of stability in Lebanon as he began an unscheduled visit to Saudi Arabia.

This comes after Lebanese PM Saad Hariri resigned on Saturday while in Riyadh, saying he feared for his life.

This prompted suspicions that Mr Hariri was pressured by the Saudis to resign.

Mr Macron also said he would discuss the crisis in Yemen with Saudi leaders, after the Saudi-led coalition shut all aid routes to the war-torn nation.

The blockade was imposed on Monday after a missile was fired from Yemen at Riyadh. The missile was reportedly intercepted near the Saudi capital.

Saudi Arabia has blamed the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah for the attack.

The UN has warned that Yemen faces the world's largest famine in decades "with millions of victims" if the blockade is not lifted and aid deliveries are not resumed.

In a separate development, Saudi Arabia on Thursday told its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately.

Many Lebanese fear that their country is becoming embroiled in a wider conflict between Saudi Arabia, a major Sunni power, and Shia-led Iran, its biggest regional rival.

• Riyadh's night of long knives and long-range missiles

Speaking in the United Arab Emirates shortly before departing for Saudi Arabia, Mr Macron said he would hold face-to-face talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mr Macron said he would "emphasise the importance of Lebanese stability and integrity".

"My wish is that all Lebanese political officials live freely in Lebanon… which means having a very demanding stance on those who could threaten any leader", he added.

The French president added that he had been in informal contact with Mr Hariri.

Mr Hariri said in a TV broadcast from Saudi Arabia on Saturday that he was stepping down because of an alleged assassination plot.

In the video statement, Mr Hariri also attacked Hezbollah, which is politically and militarily powerful in Lebanon, and Iran.

Mr Hariri's father and former prime minister Rafik was killed by a bomb in 2005 in an attack widely blamed on Hezbollah.

Mr Hariri has made no further statement so far, but his office says he has been having meetings with foreign diplomats in Riyadh.

BBC Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher says the Saudi call for its nationals to leave Lebanon will fuel further tension in that country where concern over Mr Hariri's circumstances has been growing.

Hours later Saudi Arabia's neighbouring Gulf state and ally Kuwait issued a similar statement.

'Stop Saudi aggression'

On Monday, Saudi Arabia accused Hezbollah of launching a missile from Yemen which was intercepted near the Saudi capital Riyadh, CNN reported.

A day later Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accused Iran of "direct military aggression" by supplying missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Iran has dismissed the Saudi allegations as "false and dangerous".

Meanwhile, Hezbollah accused the Saudis of orchestrating Mr Hariri's resignation.

Source – bbc.com

Louis CK: Five women accuse US comic of sexual misconduct

US comedian Louis CK's movie premiere has been cancelled hours before the screening as five women levelled sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Four of the accusers told the New York Times he had masturbated during interactions with them and a fifth said he had asked to do so.

The BBC has contacted the Emmy-winning comic's manager for a comment.

The distributor of his new film, I Love You, Daddy, said it was reviewing plans for its general release.

Four comediennes – Dana Min Goodman, Julia Wolov, Rebecca Corry and Abby Schachner – and a fifth woman who spoke on condition of anonymity made allegations about the entertainer in Thursday's New York Times report.

Ms Goodman and Ms Wolov said Louis CK stripped naked and masturbated after inviting them to his hotel room during the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 2002.

Ms Corry told the newspaper that the comic was a guest star on a TV pilot she was appearing on in 2005 when he asked if he could go to her dressing room so she could watch him perform a sex act on himself.

She said she rebuked him and pointed out that he had a daughter and a pregnant wife.

Ms Schachner said she called Louis CK in 2003 to invite him to one of her shows and was dumbfounded to realise during their phone conversation that he was masturbating.

"I felt very ashamed," she told the New York Times.

A fifth woman, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper of alleged incidents involving the comic in the late 1990s while she was working in production on The Chris Rock Show.

Louis CK, who was a writer and producer on the show, repeatedly asked her to watch him perform a sex act, she said.

The accuser told the New York Times she went along with his requests even though she knew it was wrong.

"He abused his power," she said.

The premiere of Louis CK's new movie in New York City on Thursday night was abruptly called off.

I Love You, Daddy was written and directed by Louis CK, who also stars in the film as a father who tries to stop his 17-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) from having a relationship with a seedy 68-year-old film director (John Malkovich).

The movie's distributor, the Orchard, has not confirmed that it will go ahead with its release date in cinemas on 17 November.

"In light of the allegations considering Louis CK references in today's New York Times, we are cancelling tonight's premiere of I Love You, Daddy," the Orchard said in a statement to industry publications.

"There is never a place for the behaviour detailed in these allegations.

"As a result, we are giving careful consideration to the timing and release of the film and continuing to review the situation."

Louis CK's planned appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has also been cancelled.

On Thursday night, HBO announced it would purge Louis CK's past projects from its On Demand service.

The cable TV network also said the comic would no longer participate in a charity comedy special, Night of Too Many Stars, later this month.

In September at the Toronto film festival, where I Love You, Daddy, was shown, the New York Times said it had asked Louis CK about claims of sexual misconduct against him.

The divorced father of two daughters dismissed the reports as "rumours".

Louis CK joins a growing list of Hollywood figures including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and James Toback who have been engulfed by such allegations.

On Thursday, a Los Angeles County district attorney Jackie Lacey announced a task force of veteran sex crimes prosecutors to address "the widespread allegations of sexual abuse in entertainment industry".

Source – bbc.com

Louis CK: Five women accuse US comic of sexual misconduct

US comedian Louis CK's movie premiere has been cancelled hours before the screening as five women levelled sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Four of the accusers told the New York Times he had masturbated during interactions with them and a fifth said he had asked to do so.

The BBC has contacted the Emmy-winning comic's manager for a comment.

The distributor of his new film, I Love You, Daddy, said it was reviewing plans for its general release.

Four comediennes – Dana Min Goodman, Julia Wolov, Rebecca Corry and Abby Schachner – and a fifth woman who spoke on condition of anonymity made allegations about the entertainer in Thursday's New York Times report.

Ms Goodman and Ms Wolov said Louis CK stripped naked and masturbated after inviting them to his hotel room during the US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 2002.

Ms Corry told the newspaper that the comic was a guest star on a TV pilot she was appearing on in 2005 when he asked if he could go to her dressing room so she could watch him perform a sex act on himself.

She said she rebuked him and pointed out that he had a daughter and a pregnant wife.

Ms Schachner said she called Louis CK in 2003 to invite him to one of her shows and was dumbfounded to realise during their phone conversation that he was masturbating.

"I felt very ashamed," she told the New York Times.

A fifth woman, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper of alleged incidents involving the comic in the late 1990s while she was working in production on The Chris Rock Show.

Louis CK, who was a writer and producer on the show, repeatedly asked her to watch him perform a sex act, she said.

The accuser told the New York Times she went along with his requests even though she knew it was wrong.

"He abused his power," she said.

The premiere of Louis CK's new movie in New York City on Thursday night was abruptly called off.

I Love You, Daddy was written and directed by Louis CK, who also stars in the film as a father who tries to stop his 17-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) from having a relationship with a seedy 68-year-old film director (John Malkovich).

The movie's distributor, the Orchard, has not confirmed that it will go ahead with its release date in cinemas on 17 November.

"In light of the allegations considering Louis CK references in today's New York Times, we are cancelling tonight's premiere of I Love You, Daddy," the Orchard said in a statement to industry publications.

"There is never a place for the behaviour detailed in these allegations.

"As a result, we are giving careful consideration to the timing and release of the film and continuing to review the situation."

Louis CK's planned appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has also been cancelled.

On Thursday night, HBO announced it would purge Louis CK's past projects from its On Demand service.

The cable TV network also said the comic would no longer participate in a charity comedy special, Night of Too Many Stars, later this month.

In September at the Toronto film festival, where I Love You, Daddy, was shown, the New York Times said it had asked Louis CK about claims of sexual misconduct against him.

The divorced father of two daughters dismissed the reports as "rumours".

Louis CK joins a growing list of Hollywood figures including Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and James Toback who have been engulfed by such allegations.

On Thursday, a Los Angeles County district attorney Jackie Lacey announced a task force of veteran sex crimes prosecutors to address "the widespread allegations of sexual abuse in entertainment industry".

Source – bbc.com

The Latest: White House says no formal Trump-Putin meeting

The Latest on President Donald Trump's trip to Asia (all times local):

12:35 p.m.

President Donald Trump will not have a formal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin while the two are in Danang, Vietman, for a summit.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is blaming a scheduling conflict for the fact that the leaders will not meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Sanders told reporters traveling with Trump in Asia that it's still possible the two could have a less formal encounter on the sidelines of the summit in Vietnam or a later gathering in the Philippines.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters in Beijing on Thursday that there was no reason for the leaders to meet if they weren't able to make significant progress on issues including Syria and Ukraine.

———

12:15 p.m.

President Donald Trump has arrived in Vietnam to attend an international economic summit amid regional tensions.

Trump touched down Friday in the coastal city of Danang to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Trump plans Friday to deliver the second of his two major speeches during the trip. He'll address a CEO summit and aides say the president will outline his vision of free trade in the region, as well as threats posed by North Korea's aggressive nuclear weapons development.

Trump flew to Vietnam from China, where he abandoned the tough talk that defined his presidential campaign. Instead, he flattered Beijing on trade and its approach to North Korea.

———

11:30 a.m.

U.S. first lady Melania Trump has checked out the pandas at the Beijing zoo, before being serenaded in English and Chinese by elementary school children.

Mrs. Trump watched with students from the Shija elementary school as one panda chomped down on a late breakfast of bamboo shoots and leaves. She then presented the students with gifts of plush bald eagle toys.

Parts of the zoo in Beijing's western fringe were shut down for the visit, but Wang Xumei, pushing her 1-year-old granddaughter in a stroller, says she wasn't put off. Wang says Melania Trump is very beautiful and "we're happy to have her and the American president in Beijing."

Wang adds that Mrs. Trump should "come back soon."

———

6:55 p.m.

President Donald Trump has saluted the "growing friendship" between the United States and China.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump were the guests of honor at a state dinner Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Trump offered a toast to Chinese President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng), touting bonds "that will only grow stronger and stronger."

He then introduced a video of his granddaughter Arabella, the daughter of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, singing a traditional Chinese song in Mandarin.

The dinner capped off two days of pageantry and negotiations between Xi and Trump. At the dinner, neither man made mention of thorny issues like trade and attempts to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

——

6:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump is attending a state dinner in his honor in Beijing.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People Thursday evening.

The dinner was held in the Golden Hall, featuring crystal chandeliers, hanging lanterns and ornate traditional Chinese artwork.

The Trumps were greeted with a standing ovation and a video featuring clips of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Trump's Florida estate in February and the US president's ongoing two-day visit to Beijing.

Xi gave a toast in which he said the relationship between China and the US was growing by the day. He added that the two nations faced "limited challenges but boundless potential for growth."

Among the guests at the dinner: China native and former NBA star Yao Ming.

——

5:30 p.m.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says that when it comes to making progress on trade discussions with China, the accomplishments so far are "pretty small."

Tillerson spoke to reporters as Trump was wrapping up his second and final day in China. Tillerson says: "There is a lot of work left to do."

Trump earlier called on China to address unfair trade practices that drive what he called a "shockingly" large trade deficit.

But Trump stopped short of castigating Chinese President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng), saying he didn't blame the country for having taken advantage of past U.S. administrations.

——

5 p.m.

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) of China are presenting a united front following two days of meetings despite lingering differences over trade and North Korea.

Trump criticized the "very one-sided and unfair" trade relationship between the two countries, but said he doesn't blame the country for having taken advantage of the U.S. He says the two have made great progress on economic and security issue.

But Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is offering a blunter assessment:

He says, "in the grand scheme of a $3- to 500 billion trade deficit, the things that have been achieved are pretty small."

Trump heads to Vietnam on Friday for the first of two summits during his trip to Asia.

It's unclear whether he'll meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Source – abcnews.go.com