■ Canada
Cleric refused entry
The country has denied entry to a British Muslim cleric over his radical views, broadcaster CTV said on Thursday. Sheik Riyad Ul-Haq was invited by the Islamic Foundation to speak at a youth conference in Toronto next week. But the Minister of Immigration, Monte Solberg asked authorities not to allow him into Canada, CTV said, even though as a British citizen he does not require a visa to enter Canada. Leslie Harmer, a spokeswoman for the minister, would not comment on the report. "I can't confirm or deny the information. But, the minister has said that anyone who comes here and practices hate speech would be arrested and prosecuted under Canada's hate laws," Harmer said.
■ United States
Career flip-flop
With more women wearing flip-flops to the office this summer, style gurus are warning that the casual shoe once mainly seen on the beach could be damaging to careers -- as well as to feet. Lauren Cardinale, 25, who works at West Glen Communications, wears beaded or other fancy flip flops to the office -- when she can get away with it. "Occasionally I wear flip flops to work," she said. "I wear nicer shoes if I'm meeting with clients or if I know there will be someone in the office who doesn't approve of flip flops." An online survey conducted for retailers Old Navy and Gap found flip-flops topped the list of wardrobe items that college and high school students planned to wear to work.
■ United States
`Statue of Christianity'?
A 22m tall replica of the Statue of Liberty erected at a Memphis church is green like the original, with the right arm extended upward in the familiar pose. But instead of a torch, this statue holds a cross. And the famous inscription -- "Give me your tired, your poor" -- has been replaced by Roman numerals representing the Ten Commandments. The Statue of Liberation, to be unveiled at a July 4 Independence Day ceremony at the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church, also has a tear running down her face, representing her concern for the US. "People don't talk about Christ anymore," said church pastor Apostle Alton Williams.
■ Cuba
More dissidents jailed
A dissident group monitoring human rights in the country said on Thursday there were at least 347 prisoners of conscience on the island and warned that the jailing of opposition activists was rising. "There is a worsening of the situation," said Aida Valdes Santana, of the National Coordinating Group of Prisoners and Ex-Political Prisoners. Valdes told a news conference that her group would begin offering periodic updates on the number of political prisoners. The Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, headed by veteran activist Elizardo Sanchez, for many years has created a similar report every six months.
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