Home Blog Page 226

Singles Day 2016: Alibaba Announces Record $18BN Sales

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Singles Day 2016: Alibaba Announces Record $18BN Sales

Alibaba has announced record sales record its annual Singles Day event.

The e-commerce giant said sales this year had reached 121 billion yuan ($18 billion), a rise of 32% on 2015 sales which were worth $14.3 billion.

However, some have questioned the accuracy of the numbers, amid claims of inflated sales data at Chinese online retailers.

Merchants passing off counterfeit goods as genuine is also a problem in the industry.

The company reported 82% of purchases had been made on mobile phones during Singles Day.Alibaba Singles Day 2015

Alibaba has also been experimenting with new technology including augmented reality and virtual reality to give shoppers other ways of buying items.

This year’s Singles Day had a blistering start with sales hitting $5 billion in the first hour, Alibaba said, though that total included pre-orders made by customers who could “lock in” prices. It took 90 minutes to hit that milestone in 2015.

Singles Day is held every year on November 11. The day is also referred to as Double Eleven because of its date.

Originally claimed as a celebration for China’s young singletons, Alibaba turned it into a shopping bonanza in 2009.

While Alibaba is undeniably the driving force behind Singles Day, other retailers have also started to piggyback off the idea, including extending the concept to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Alibaba’s rival JD.com, which focuses more on electronics, reported receiving more orders in the first nine hours of trading on Friday than it had done during the whole of Singles Day 2014.

JD.com said sales passed last year’s Singles Day total in the early afternoon, but gave no figures.

As has now become tradition, Singles Day was kicked off with a televised gala event which this year included a performances by One Republic and appearances by basketball legend Kobe Bryant, soccer legend David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham.

Katy Perry, who had been scheduled to perform, withdrew citing a family emergency.

Analysts have predicted this year’s Singles Day could see Alibaba rack up sales of $20 billion despite a slowdown in China’s economy, partly due to the event having a broader audience.

Venexodus: Venice Residents Protest Against Rapid Depopulation

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Venexodus: Venice Residents Protest Against Rapid Depopulation

Venice’s residents have staged a protest against the rapid depopulation of the Italian city.

Hundreds of protesters hung a sign over Venice’s famous Rialto bridge and some carried suitcases to symbolize having to leave.

Locals say they are being forced out by high rents, housing shortages and a surge in the number of apartments being rented to visitors at inflated prices.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

Venice’s population has dropped to under 55,000, from about 175,000 in 1951.

Some of the demonstrators were received by the city hall and later said they were encouraged by the meeting.

The number of people in the picturesque and car-free lagoon-side city swells in the daytime, especially in peak season when as many as 60,000 tourists can visit.

Earlier this year, people on small boats tried to stop a cruise ship from docking.

Venice’s mayor has proposed taxing day trippers to help deal with the problem.

“Venice is losing 1,000 residents each year,” said Matteo Secchi, head of the association venessia.com which organized the rally.

“We are turning into Pompei, a town which people come to visit and say it’s magnificent, but no-one lives there.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPSE1VFi3A

Hillary Clinton Blames Election Loss on FBI Director James Comey

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hillary Clinton Blames Election Loss on FBI Director James Comey

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has blamed her surprise election loss on interventions by the FBI director, James Comey.

James Comey had revived the inquiry into her use of email while secretary of state shortly before Election Day had stopped her campaign’s momentum, Hillary Clinton said.

She was speaking to top party donors in a phone call, which was leaked to the media.

Protests are continuing against Donald Trump’s win.

In New York, about 2,000 marchers headed for the skyscraper where the president-elect lives, shouting “not my president”.Hillary Clinton on Brussels attacks

Anti-Trump activists have held daily protests in US cities since his election victory was confirmed on Wednesday.

Donald Trump seems to be rowing back on some of his campaign pledges. Having promised to scrap President Barack Obama’s Affordable Act – ObamaCare – he now says he is open to leaving intact key parts of the act.

The Republican is due to be sworn in on January 20, taking over from President Obama, who will have completed two terms in office.

Hillary Clinton, who served as Barack Obama’s secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, has been keeping a low profile since conceding victory.

On October 28, James Comey informed Congress that the FBI was examining newly discovered emails sent or received by Hillary Clinton, thus reviving an investigation which had been completed in July.

Then, on November 6, two days before the election, James Comey announced in a second letter that he was standing by his original assessment – that Hillary Clinton should not face criminal charges.

“There are lots of reasons why an election like this is not successful,” Hillary Clinton told the donors on a farewell conference call on November 12.

“But our analysis is that Comey’s letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless, proven to be, stopped our momentum. We dropped, and we had to keep really pushing ahead to regain our advantage.”

Hillary Clinton added that James Comey’s later recommendation that she should face no charges had energized Donald Trump’s supporters.

Her campaign team said that despite Hillary Clinton being cleared of criminal behavior, the move only revived Donald Trump’s claim that the Democratic candidate was being protected by a rigged system.

Sting Concert Reopens Bataclan One Year After Paris Attacks

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Sting Concert Reopens Bataclan One Year After Paris Attacks

Paris’ Bataclan hall will reopen for the first time since 90 people were killed by ISIS with a Sting concert.

Scores of survivors are expected to attend the concert, which is being held on the eve of the first anniversary of France’s bloodiest terror attacks.

Organizers said they decided to reopen the famed Paris concert venue to prevent it becoming a “tomb”.

Sting will donate the proceeds from the concert to two victims’ charities.

The Bataclan was the last place the militants targeted on November 13, 2015.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

The co-ordinated attack had already struck the Stade de France and restaurants filled with people enjoying their evening.

The 130 people who lost their lives that night will be remembered in a series of low-key events over the weekend.

The concert at the Bataclan, where about 1,500 people had been watching American band Eagles of Death Metal when the gunmen burst in last year, is one of the most symbolic.

Jules Frutos, who has co-run the venue for the last 12 years, told AFP: “We had to go on after such horror and not leave a mausoleum, a tomb.”

He contacted Sting, who first performed at the Bataclan in 1978, about the concert after reading he wanted to help.

Sting says he hopes the concert will “respect the memory as well as the life affirming spirit of those who fell”.

The 1,000 tickets on offer for the concert sold out within 30 minutes of going on sale.

Hundreds of tickets were held for survivors, and there will be psychologists and counselors on stand-by for anyone who needs.

The concert venue will be closed on November 13, the actual anniversary, when a plaque is due to be unveiled in memory of those who lost their lives.

The Bataclan, the interior of which has been completely replaced, is opening again on November 16 for a series of concerts by Pete Doherty, Senegalese star Youssou N’Dour and British Sixties legend Marianne Faithfull.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_jPJl9MmSA

Invictus Games 2018: Prince Harry Announces Sydney as Event Host

Roy Siemens
-
0
Invictus Games 2018: Prince Harry Announces Sydney as Event Host

Sydney will host the 2018 Invictus Games for injured, wounded and sick armed forces veterans, Prince Harry has announced.

The prince confirmed the chosen city in a video message, which ended with the backing of pop star Kylie Minogue.

The Invictus Games are a Paralympic-style multi-sport event ranging from archery and wheelchair rugby to road cycling and swimming.

The event began in London in 2014 and visited Orlando, Florida, in May ahead of Toronto in 2017.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

In the video message, Prince Harry said: “We have raised the bar higher with each successive games. I am happy to say the Invictus Games journey won’t end there.”

The prince said the competition had “shown us what can be achieved when wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women rediscover their fighting spirit through sport”.

He has been heavily involved in the organization of the event, after attending the Warrior Games, a similar gathering held in the US.

Prince Harry himself served 10 years in the Armed Forces and saw action in Afghanistan twice.

The video message, filmed at the Tourism Australia offices in Australia House, London, shows Prince Harry’s mobile phone ringing to the sound of the Kylie Minogue hit I Should Be So Lucky.

Prince Harry, surrounded by members of the Australian military, announces to cheers that the caller is Kylie.

He says: “Hi Kylie, good timing, the 2018 Invictus Games is coming to Sydney, can I guarantee the Aussies are going to bring it?”

In her own video message in reply, Kylie Minogue says: “Hey Prince Harry, listen – we’re stoked the Invictus Games is coming to Sydney, but you don’t need to tell the Aussies to bring it – it’s guaranteed, no worries.”

Prince Harry, who is patron of the Invictus Games Foundation which oversees the delivery of the tournament, said Sydney was chosen because it is an iconic location with a proud military heritage and a population that is “absolutely sports mad”.

The 2018 Invictus Games are set to take place in New South Wales from October18-29.

Robert De Niro Offered Italy Refuge After Donald Trump Win

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Robert De Niro Offered Italy Refuge After Donald Trump Win

Ferrazzano, where Robert De Niro’s great-grandparents lived, has offered the actor refuge, after he said he would move there if Donald Trump won the presidency.

Antonio Cerio, the mayor of the Italian town, told local media: “We are ready to welcome him with open arms.”

Robert De Niro has used strong language to describe Donald Trump, saying he would like “to punch him in the face”.

The actor’s ancestors emigrated from Ferrazzano in 1890.

Robert De Niro said he's happy to play supporting roles as his time as a leading actor is over

Nowadays Ferrazzano is home to 3,000 residents, and appears ready to welcome one more.

“If after the disappointment of Trump, he wants to take refuge here, we are ready to welcome him,” said Antonio Cerio.

“Naturally it would be an honor and give us great pleasure.”

The local emigration association has suggested making Robert De Niro president of Molise – the region where Ferrazzano lies – if only for a day.

The association noted that the Oscar-winning actor “is tied to his Molise origins and even speaks a good Italian-Molise dialect, even if he doesn’t like to flaunt it”.

Robert De Niro has both American and Italian citizenship.

“I’m going to probably have to move there,” he joked on the day of the election result.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, Robert De Niro conceded that knocking Donald Trump out was now off the table.

“I can’t [punch Donald Trump] now, he’s the president. And I have to respect that position,” Robert De Niro said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lZ0r1-mvMY

Donald Trump Pledges to Keep Key Parts of ObamaCare

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Donald Trump Pledges to Keep Key Parts of ObamaCare

Donald Trump has said he is open to keep key parts of President Barack Obama’s healthcare bill, the ObamaCare.

The president-elect, who has pledged to repeal the 2010 law, said he will keep the ban on insurers denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he also favored allowing young adults to be insured on their parents’ policies.

“I like those very much,” he said of the two pillars of the bill.

Photo AP
Photo AP

It was his meeting with President Obama on November 10 that had made him reconsider his calls for an all-out replacement of the Affordable Care Act, he told the newspaper.

Asked whether he would implement a campaign promise to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton over her use of a private email server while secretary of state, Donald Trump said: “It’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought, because I want to solve healthcare, jobs, border control, tax reform.”

Meanwhile, protesters angered by Donald Trump’s election gathered in several cities for a third night on November 11. Thousands took to the streets of Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, voicing anger at the president-elect’s comments about immigrants, Muslims and women.

In a separate interview with CBS, Donald Trump said the parts of ObamaCare he was “going to try to keep” were “the strongest assets”.

He said that while the bill would be repealed and replaced, the changes would provide Americans with “great healthcare for much less money”.

Donald Trump made the statement during an interview with the 60 Minutes program, which is due to air on November 13.

Also on November 11, Donald Trump put Vice-President-elect Mike Pence in charge of his transition team, replacing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Staying Out of the Red: Potential Solutions to Personal Finance Shocks

Dana R
-
0
Staying Out of the Red: Potential Solutions to Personal Finance Shocks

When your personal financial situation sustains a shock, it can be difficult to get your head around it. How do you pick yourself up and get back to normal? It’s certainly not easy to do that. But it does have to be done. Staying out of the red is a tricky task, but it’s a vital one. By leaping into action immediately, you will be able to put plans in place to protect yourself. Read on to find out more.

Cash Flow Problems Can be Solved by Short-Term Loans

Cash flow can be difficult to manage for some people. For people who don’t have a consistent income, such as people who work for themselves, things can be variable. One month, the money can be flowing easily. And then the next month, there can be a payment delay and everything is thrown into chaos. In situations like those, having a short-term loan to cover you can help a lot. Of course, you should be aware of the high interest rates that are usually attached to this kind of loan.

Unexpectedly High Credit Card Rates Can be Battled by Taking Out a Personal Loan

Credit card rates can go up and down. If they rise sharply and you didn’t expect it, you could find yourself in a tricky situation. Many people rely on their credit cards to get them through the month in a healthy financial shape. Rather than letting everything fall apart as a result of higher than expected rates, you should consider taking out a loan. There are plenty of lenders, such as Lending Tree, that can assist you with this. Just make sure that you don’t borrow more than you can afford to pay back.

Photo Source

If Debts Become Too Much, Consolidate Them

Getting into debt doesn’t need to be a disaster. There are good forms of debt. And most loans can be positive if they are handled in a way that is safe and stable. But, having said that, loans can get the better of some people. This usually happens when they have multiple debts that they have trouble balancing and juggling. There’s no doubt about it; it can be tricky. You just need to consolidate them to begin with. This helps to turn lots of small loans into one big one, making it a bit more sustainable.

When You Lose Your Job, Diversify Your Skills and Cut Back

Losing your job can be one of the most traumatic and worrying things you ever experience. You start to wonder where your money is going to come from and how you will cover the bills. Once you have looked at what welfare help you’re entitled to, you should take action. Start by assessing your spending habits and looking for ways to cut back. If you focus on the essentials and stop spending on things you don’t really need, you should be able to save a lot. Then you should start to look at your skills and diversify them. Consider how they can be used to earn money.

Donald Trump Praises Protesters’ Passion After New Demonstrations Against His Victory

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Donald Trump Praises Protesters’ Passion After New Demonstrations Against His Victory

Donald Trump has praised protesters’ “passion” after a new night of demonstrations against his election victory that included rioting in Portland, Oregon.

The president-elect tweeted: “Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country.

“We will all come together and be proud!”

Donald Trump had previously blamed the unrest on “professional protesters”.

He is in New York, believed to be discussing his future cabinet.

“Busy day planned in New York,” he tweeted.

Image source U.S. Marine Corps
Image source U.S. Marine Corps

“Will soon be making some very important decisions on the people who will be running our government.”

Donald Trump is due to be inaugurated on January 20, taking over the White House from Democrat Barack Obama, who served two terms.

President Barack Obama, one of Donald Trump’s most withering critics during the election campaign, said his priority was to “facilitate a transition that ensures our president-elect is successful”.

However, Harry Reid, the Democrats’ outgoing leader in the Senate, said Donald Trump’s victory had “emboldened the forces of hate and bigotry”. It “does not feel like America”, he added.

Protests have taken place across the US on both nights since the result of the election, which Hillary Clinton lost for the Democrats despite enjoying a lead in most opinion polls.

Only on November 10, Donald Trump had tweeted: “Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”

About 4,000 demonstrators gathered in the centre of Portland, the largest city in Oregon, which voted in favor of Hillary Clinton.

Some protesters smashed shop and car windows, threw firecrackers and set rubbish alight. Objects were thrown at the police, who responded with pepper spray and rubber baton rounds.

Police declared a riot and made 26 arrests.

In Oakland, California, police made 11 arrests after anti-Trump protesters lit fires on streets and in rubbish bins, smashed windows and sprayed graffiti.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZidYSmZIQ

Cecil the Lion: Zimbabwe Drops Charges Against Theo Bronkhorst

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Cecil the Lion: Zimbabwe Drops Charges Against Theo Bronkhorst

A high court in Zimbabwe court has dropped charges against Theo Bronkhorst , the professional hunter alleged to have helped American dentist Walter Palmer to kill Cecil the lion.

The court ruled that the charges against Theo Bronkhorst “were too vague to enable to him to mount a proper defense”.

Walter Palmer, who killed Cecil the lion last year, was not charged.

Photo AFP/Getty Images
Photo AFP/Getty Images

The famed lion – a favorite at Hwange National Park – was shot by Walter Palmer with a bow and arrow.

Walter Palmer is said to have paid about $50,000 to hunt the lion.

Cecil’s killing sparked international outrage, and prompted a global campaign to end lion trophy hunting.

Theo Bronkhorst said in court that he had obtained all the permits required to kill an elderly lion that was outside the national park boundaries.

Cecil the lion attracted photographic safaris and was part of an Oxford research project into lions at the Hwange National Park.

Singles Day 2016: Chinese to Spend $20BN In World’s Biggest Shopping Event

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Singles Day 2016: Chinese to Spend $20BN In World’s Biggest Shopping Event

Alibaba looks set to smash the sales record for its annual Singles Day event.

About 12 hours into the event, sales had reached 82.4 billion yuan ($12.1 billion), the e-commerce giant said. Last year’s record was $14.3 billion.

However, some have questioned the accuracy of the numbers, amid claims of inflated sales data at online retailers across China.

Merchants passing off counterfeit goods as genuine is also an industry problem.

Alibaba reported 85% of purchases had been made on mobile phones during Singles Day.singles-day-2016

The website has also been experimenting with new technology including augmented reality and virtual reality to give shoppers other ways of buying items.

Singles Day had a blistering start with sales hitting $5 billion in the first hour, Alibaba said, though that total included pre-orders made by customers who could “lock in” prices.

It took 90 minutes to hit that milestone in 2015.

Singles Day is held every year on November 11. The day is also referred to as Double Eleven (11/11) because of its date.

Originally claimed as a celebration for China’s young singletons, Alibaba turned it into a shopping bonanza in 2009.

While Alibaba is undeniably the driving force behind the event, other retailers have also stared to piggyback off the idea, including extending the concept to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Alibaba’s rival JD.com, which focuses more on electronics, reported receiving more orders in the first nine hours of trading on November 11 than it had done during the whole of Singles Day 2014.

More Anti-Trump Protests Held Across United States

Nancy Clayson
-
0
More Anti-Trump Protests Held Across United States

Anti-Trump protests have been held in several cities for a second night, but with smaller crowds.

They were mainly young people saying a Trump presidency would create deep divisions along racial and gender lines.

However, police in Portland said they were dealing with vandalism and aggressive behaviour.

In response, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that the protests were “very unfair”.

Image source Daily Pakistan
Image source Daily Pakistan

Earlier, Donald Trump met President Barack Obama at the White House and described him as a good man.

However, despite their cordiality, Donald Trump is intent on dismantling much of President Obama’s legacy. That includes ObamaCare, the act extending medical insurance to more Americans than ever before.

Crowds of protesters gathered in cities across the country on November 10.

Police in Portland, Oregon said the protest there should be considered a riot, with shop windows being broken, some demonstrators carrying bats and others arming themselves with rocks.

There were no reports of violence at the other protests, although demonstrators in Minneapolis briefly blocked an interstate highway in both directions.

In Philadelphia, crowds gathered near City Hall holding placards bearing slogans such as “Not Our President”, “Trans Against Trump” and “Make America Safe For All”.

In Baltimore, police said a peaceful crowd of 600 people marched through the city, blocking traffic. In San Francisco, high school students waved rainbow banners and Mexican flags.

A small crowd also gathered outside Trump Tower in Chicago, a day after thousands marched through the city centre. Some passers-by cheered them but at least one driver shouted that they should “shut up and accept democracy”, the AP reported.

Protesters also returned to Trump Tower in New York for a second night.

In his tweet, Donald Trump described them as “professional protesters” and said they had been “incited by the media”.

Meanwhile Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto said he was optimistic his country could have a positive relationship with the US under President Donald Trump, despite his anti-Mexican rhetoric during the campaign.

Enrique Pena Nieto said he and Donald Trump had agreed to meet, possibly during the transition period before President Trump’s inauguration in January.

In Russia, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said Donald Trump and the Russian president were “very much alike” in how they see the world.

Dmitry Peskov said Russian experts had been in contact with some members of Donald Trump’s staff during the campaign.

However, he said the Russian government had nothing to do with the theft of emails from the Democratic campaign that were later published by WikiLeaks.

NAFTA: Mexico Willing to Discuss Trade Deal with President-Elect Donald Trump

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
NAFTA: Mexico Willing to Discuss Trade Deal with President-Elect Donald Trump

Mexican government says it is willing to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with President-elect Donald Trump.

The NAFTA came into effect between the US, Canada and Mexico in 1994 when Bill Clinton was president.

The pact created one of the world’s largest free trade zones by reducing or eliminating tariffs on most products.

It was meant to benefit small businesses by lowering costs and reducing bureaucracy to facilitate buying and selling abroad.

Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said his country would try to explain the “strategic importance” of the deal for the region to Donald Trump, who has heavily criticized it.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also said he was open to talks.

Donald Trump has called the pact as the worst trade deal the US has ever signed.

His strong protectionist sentiments on the campaign trail helped to win support in areas that were formerly manufacturing centers. Donald Trump has pledged to bring back US jobs lost to globalization.

Mexico and Canada fear losing access to the US market, on which they heavily depend.

The Mexican peso hit a record low following Donald Trump’s unexpected election victory and fell again on November 10 after recovering slightly.

Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu said Mexico was willing to aim to “modernize” NAFTA with a Trump government and Canada, but also ruled out renegotiation.

Justin Trudeau said it was important to be open to discussion on trade deals.

No date has been set for talks but Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto has said he and Donald Trump have agreed to meet, possibly before the latter’s inauguration in January.

Aside from attacking NAFTA, Donald Trump has also heavily criticized the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a hugely ambitious deal signed between 12 countries that Mexico hoped to use to modernize NAFTA and expand its trade with Asia.

Ildefonso Guajardo said that in the event the TPP is not ratified by the US Congress, signatories should consider trying to implement the rest of the agreement without it.

President-elect Donald Trump has also angered Mexico by saying he would make it pay for a wall he wants to build on the shared border in order to keep out illegal migrants.

Leonard Cohen Dead: Legendary Singer Dies in LA Aged 82

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Leonard Cohen Dead: Legendary Singer Dies in LA Aged 82

Legendary Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82, a statement on his official Facebook page has confirmed.

The statement said: “It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away.

“We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries.”

There were no details about the cause of Leonard Cohen’s death. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date, the announcement said.

Leonard Cohen fired, and then sued, Kelley Lynch in 2004 over the theft of millions of dollars from his personal fortune

The Canadian singer’s hits included Suzanne and I’m Your Man and he released his 14th album, You Want It Darker, just last month.

Leonard Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

Born into a Jewish family, he later became a student of Zen Buddhism.

For five years, from 1994 to 1999, Leonard Cohen took a break from the music industry and lived at Mount Baldy Zen Center, east of Los Angeles.

Record label Sony Music said it was proud to have “celebrated Cohen’s artistry” over his six-decade career.

“Leonard Cohen was an unparalleled artist whose stunning body of original work has been embraced by generations of fans and artists alike,” it said in a statement.

“The Sony Music Canada family joins the world in mourning Leonard Cohen’s passing.”

Leonard Cohen’s songs included Bird On The Wire, Hallelujah and So Long Marianne, written about his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen, whom he met in Greece in the 1960s.

She also inspired the song Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye.

In July this year, when Leonard Cohen heard that Marianne Ihlen was near to death, he wrote to her: “Well Marianne, it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon.”

Singers, writers and politicians paid tribute to Leonard Cohen on social media.

Donald Trump: “It Was A Great Honor to Meet President Obama for Transition Talks”

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Donald Trump: “It Was A Great Honor to Meet President Obama for Transition Talks”

Donald Trump has said it was a “great honor” to meet President Barack Obama for transition talks at the White House.

President Obama said he was “encouraged” by their “excellent” and “wide-ranging” conversation, lasting over an hour.

During the election campaign, Donald Trump vowed to dismantle Barack Obama’s legacy and he has previously questioned his US citizenship.

Barack Obama, meanwhile, had called Donald Trump “uniquely unqualified”.

However, following Donald Trump’s shock defeat of Hillary Clinton in November 8 election, President Obama appealed for national unity and said he was “rooting” for him.

After today’s behind-closed-doors meeting in the White House, President Obama said: “My number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures our president-elect is successful.”

He said they had discussed domestic and foreign policy and he had been “very encouraged” by the president-elect’s interest in working with President Obama’s team on issues facing the US.

Image source AP
Image source AP

President-elect Donald Trump said he would “very much look forward” to dealing with President Barack Obama in future.

“I have great respect, the meeting lasted for almost an hour and a half, and it could’ve, as far as I’m concerned, it could’ve gone on for a lot longer,” Donald Trump said.

“We discussed a lot of different situations – some wonderful and some difficulties.”

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the two men did not resolve their differences but “the meeting might have been at least a little less awkward than some might have expected”.

“President Obama came away from the meeting with renewed confidence in the commitment of the president-elect to engage in an effective, smooth transition,” he said.

Donald Trump flew from New York on his private jet and landed at Reagan National Airport, just outside the nation’s capital.

He was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who had a meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama. President-elect Donald Trump, along with Vice-President-elect Mike Pence, then met Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, saying they “can’t get started fast enough, whether it’s healthcare or immigration”.

Paul Ryan described it as a “fantastic, productive meeting”.

President Obama congratulated Donald Trump in a phone call in the early hours of November 9.

The defeated Hillary Clinton also told supporters Donald Trump had to be given a “chance to lead”.

President-Elect Donald Trump Meets President Barack Obama at White House

Diane A. Wade
-
0
President-Elect Donald Trump Meets President Barack Obama at White House

President-elect Donald Trump meets President Barack Obama at the White House for what could prove to be awkward transition talks.

Donald Trump has questioned Barack Obama’s US citizenship and vowed to dismantle his legacy.

During the campaign President Obama called Donald Trump “uniquely unqualified”, but now says he is “rooting” for him after his shock defeat of Hillary Clinton.

Thousands have taken to the streets of major cities denouncing Donald Trump.

Donald Trump flew from New York on his private jet and landed at Reagan National Airport, just outside the nation’s capital.Donald Trump criticized by Barack Obama

The two men are expected to appear together for the cameras in the Oval Office after a behind-closed-doors meeting.

Donald Trump is being accompanied by his wife, Melania, who will have a meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama.

On November 9, Barack Obama – who campaigned against Donald Trump – urged all Americans to accept the result of the presidential election.

“We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” the president said.

The defeated Hillary Clinton also told supporters Donald Trump had to be given a “chance to lead”.

Despite their calls, protesters gathered in several cities across the country on November 9. Many chanted: “Not my president.”

In his victory speech, Donald Trump vowed to “bind the wounds of division”, after an acrimonious election contest, and to be “president for all Americans”.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest has insisted President Obama is sincere about ensuring a smooth handover when he meets Donald Trump, although he added: “I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy meeting.”

With the Republicans holding a majority in both chambers of the Congress Donald Trump has an easier path to pass his laws and scrap key Obama initiatives like his healthcare reforms.

President Donald Trump’s Cabinet In-Waiting

Diane A. Wade
-
0
President Donald Trump’s Cabinet In-Waiting

In his victory speech, President-elect Donald Trump praised some loyalists widely viewed as his cabinet-in-waiting.

Donald Trump’s aides had already circulated names of contenders in the final days of the White House race.

Here are some of the possible executive branch appointments being touted for Team Trump in the city of revolving doors.

Reince Priebus – Tipped as Chief of Staff

Reince Priebus, 44, is being widely tipped as Donald Trump’s White House aide.

As chairman of the Republican National Committee, Reince Priebus was a bridge between Donald Trump and a party establishment that was embarrassed by its own presidential standard-bearer.

Reince Priebus is close to House Speaker Paul Ryan, a fellow Wisconsinite, who could be instrumental in steering the new administration’s legislative agenda.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

Rudy Giuliani – Tipped as Attorney General

One of Donald Trump’s most ardent surrogates, the former NYC mayor is being mentioned for the post of America’s top prosecutor.

During 9/11, Mayor Rudy Giuliani became the face of the city’s resilience amid the rubble of the World Trade Center.

He also introduced NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy, which critics said was a form of racial profiling.

Donald Trump, who ran as the law-and-order candidate, has championed the tactic.

Rudy Giuliani, a former New York prosecutor, ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Newt Gingrich – Tipped as Secretary of State

The 73-year-old former Georgia legislator, an early Trump supporter who made it on to the shortlist of running mates, has been tipped as America’s top diplomat.

As Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1994, Newt Gingrich masterminded the Republican wave election that won control of the chamber from Democrats.

Newt Gingrich quit the speakership because of ethics violations.

Michael Flynn – Tipped as National Security Adviser

Michael Flynn, a retired three-star US Army lieutenant general, helped Donald Trump connect with veterans despite the candidate’s lack of military service.

He claims he was forced out of his role as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012-2014 because of his views on radical Islam.

During the campaign, Michael Flynn pilloried the Obama administration’s approach to the threat posed by ISIS.

Steven Mnuchin – Tipped as Treasury Secretary

Donald Trump himself has named his finance chairman for the post of Treasury Secretary.

However, it’s unclear whether Donald Trump’s populist supporters would welcome the idea of handing the levers of national tax policy to a consummate Wall Street insider.

Steven Mnuchin amassed a fortune during his 17 years at Goldman Sachs, before founding a movie production company that was behind such box office hits as the X-Men franchise and American Sniper.

Chris Christie – Tipped as Commerce Secretary

After his own Republican presidential campaign foundered this year, the New Jersey governor promptly endorsed Donald Trump.

Chris Christie, 54, currently overseeing Donald Trump’s White House transition, has been mentioned for various posts in the administration, including commerce secretary.

He has been tainted by a scandal over the closure of a major bridge linking New Jersey and New York City, allegedly to punish a local mayor.

Since any presidential cabinet appointment must go before the Senate, confirmation could be problematic while this cloud hangs over him.

Jeff Sessions – Tipped as Defense Secretary

The 69-year-old Alabama senator is being touted as a possible Pentagon chief.

At his victory bash in New York, Donald Trump said of Jeff Sessions: “He is highly respected in Washington because he is as smart as you get.”

Jeff Sessions was a supporter of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, which Donald Trump recently called “a terrible and stupid thing”.

He sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee.

The Trump campaign has declined to confirm cabinet speculation.

How Everyone Can Contribute In The Fight Against Cancer

Dana R
-
0
How Everyone Can Contribute In The Fight Against Cancer

If you want to look at the enemy of all mankind, take your attention away from politics for a second. With the elections over, it’s time to focus on the battles that all of us have a stake in regardless of our affiliations. To a lot of people, the enemy of our well-being is clear. Cancer diagnoses continue to rise in 2016, but cancer deaths are dropping. That’s down to the fight against cancer that has been going on for years. With your help, that fight can be fought even harder.

Image

Support the science

Cancer research is the trenches where the fight for a healthier future is being fought every day. We’re seeing breakthrough after breakthrough. Inching us ever closer to more effective treatments and even cures. For example, news from HeraBioLabs.com shows an advancement against malignant brain tumors. New and rising methods like toxicology using mouse xenografts are proving our most valuable tools in fighting cancer. Yet many parts of the medical research industry still face a lot of flak from lobbyist groups and government opponents. If you want a cause to rally around, make sure that the provision for medical research and methods is one of your causes. Without it, we’re taking swings in the dark when it comes to the fight against cancer.

Support the cause

The fight against cancer is a lot more than just the science behind it, of course. It’s also the everyday work that is done with people who suffer with it. People who have beaten it. People who have lost someone to it. There are movements and organizations all over the country and the world doing their bit. They provide care, treatment, counselling and resources. They make the lives of those suffering from cancer just a bit easier. Places like the Cancersupportcommunity.org help patients and families alike. If you have spare time, take it to help the organizations in your area. Reach out to those in need of help and provide it. Not everyone has the support structures they need in their life. They could use that help.

Support the person

You also need to learn how to take the fight against cancer to the personal level. Nearly 1-in-2 people will diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Learn how to help them cope and address the issue by being aware in advance. Be an advocate for prevention as well. Learn not only how to self-examine yourself, but teach it to other people, as well. Be a voice for healthy living, cutting out cancer risks like over-exposure to the sun, smoking and eating processed meat. Get educated and help educate your friends. Talk about the risks and the effects with those you care about. Keep the conversation on cancer going. Especially when things like awareness days provide the platform.

Every now and then, we need to take a reality check. All of mankind faces the suffering and death toll that the existence of cancer brings. Keep supporting it however you can and make sure no-one is left unaware.

Human Growth Hormone: How it benefits your body

Dana R
-
0
Human Growth Hormone: How it benefits your body

As the process of aging starts in our body, the development and production of certain growth oriented hormones slow down. When the production of some of the vital hormones slows down, our body starts losing the energy and sevral other effects of aging become visible. While it’s impossible to reverse the process of aging, but some medications can help you restore the levels of those hormones in your body which are experiencing slow production.

One such hormone is HGH, which is a natural testosterone booster and plays a significant role in the growth, regeneration and maintenance of healthy human tissues. As a result, you stay energetic, enthusiastic and get a youthful appearance. HGH is produced naturally in the pituitary gland, and is responsible for maintaining the cell growth and regeneration for brain and other imperative organs of the body. Once secreted by the pituitary gland, the HGH stays active in our blood stream only for a few minutes, allowing the liver to transform it into the growth factors. But, after the age of 30, the production of HGH drops.

Photo Source: Flickr

Owing to the low levels of HGH, you may start encountering many challenges. This is why, the synthetic HGH hormone was developed and was approved by FDA for the specific uses in children and adults. You can take the external dosage of HGH easily. The cost of HGH injections may vary in different parts of the world, but the benefits are same everywhere.

Benefits of HGH Injections

Increased Muscle Strength

The HGH injections help in improving the physical capacity of an individual by stimulating the collagen synthesis in the tendons and skeletal muscles. The HGH dosage also helps in increasing the muscle mass and improving the exercise performance.

Better Healing of Fractures

Regulation of bone metabolism and minerals is vital if your bones are fractured. The administration of the HGH is known for speeding up the recovery of the fracture by supporting the regeneration of the bones. The HGH also helps in fastening up the healing of wounds, injuries and expedites.

Weight Loss

The HGH enhances the lipolysis, the process of the breakdown of lipids and the hydrolysis of the triglycerides into the free fatty acids and glycerols. This accelerates the weight loss process and thus, when you take the HGH externally, the chances of losing weight faster increase considerably.

Better Sleep

The individuals who are having problems with sleeping and are experiencing sleep deprivation can be affected negatively during the day. The lack of sleep prevents your body from producing the growth hormones because such hormones are produced while you are in deep sleep. The HGH helps these people with an external dosage so that their body does not feel the lack of HGH. Also, HGH injections induce better sleep in people.

While HGH injections deliver a plethora of benefits to adults and children, many health experts across the globe accentuate the fact that these may have side effects too. So, if you are considering the HGH injection, its vital to understand the possible side-effects it may have on your body.

Indians Queue Outside Banks to Exchange 500 and 1,000 Rupee Notes

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Indians Queue Outside Banks to Exchange 500 and 1,000 Rupee Notes

Indians have queued up outside banks across the country to exchange 500 and 1,000 rupee notes after they were withdrawn as part of anti-corruption measures.

People will be able to exchange their old notes, which stopped being legal tender at midnight on November 8, for new ones at banks until December 30.

The surprise move is part of a government crackdown on corruption and illegal cash holdings.

Banks were shut on November 9 to allow them enough time to stock new notes.

There are also limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs.

Image source The Hindu
Image source The Hindu

There were chaotic scenes outside banks in Mumbai and Delhi.

Some banks extended working hours to deal with the rush, and have hired extra staff on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, Indian social media has been talking of little else.

The top trend on Twitter India has been #CashCleanUp with tweets ranging from the frustrated to the humorous, as many people came to terms with the fact that much of their day would be spent in queues.

New 2,000 (about $30) and 500 rupee denomination notes with new security features are being given to people to replace those removed from circulation.

A new 1,000 rupee note “with a new dimension and design” will also be introduced in due course, a senior government official said on November 10.

The government’s move is designed to lock out money that is unaccounted for – known as “black money” – which may have been acquired corruptly, or is being withheld from the tax authorities.

Finance Secretary Shaktikant Das warned people with large amounts of hidden cash that banks would closely monitor the exchange of old notes for new ones.

According to the government, the move will flush out tax evaders and that all old notes deposited in banks will be subjected to tax laws.

Brad Pitt Cleared in Child Abuse Investigation

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Brad Pitt Cleared in Child Abuse Investigation

According to recent reports, the investigation into Brad Pitt’s abusive behavior towards his son in September has ended with no finding of wrongdoing.

Social workers in LA had been examining claims Brad Pitt hit his 15-year-old son Maddox on a private jet.angelina-jolie-and-brad-pitt-divorce

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce the day after the incident. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had been married for two years, but together for more than a decade.

Brad Pitt is seeking joint custody of their six children.

A spokesman for the LA Department of Children and Family Services said the agency could not confirm it investigated Brad Pitt.

Angelina Jolie cited “irreconcilable differences” when she filed to end the marriage on September 19.

Brad Pitt, 52, and Angelina Jolie, 41, have six children together – Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, who are adopted, and biological children Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.

They, married privately at their French estate in Provence. Their children served as ring bearers and helped illustrate Angelina Jolie’s white Versace dress with their drawings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guwkErAgOBg

Election Results 2016: Anti-Trump Protests Erupt In Major Cities

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Election Results 2016: Anti-Trump Protests Erupt In Major Cities

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of several cities to protest against the election of Donald Trump.

Many of them shouted the slogan “Not my president”. Others burned orange-haired effigies of the businessman.

Donald Trump will become the 45th president after securing a surprise victory over Hillary Clinton.

The president-elect is due to meet current White House incumbent Barack Obama for talks aimed at ensuring a smooth transition.

President Barack Obama – who had branded Donald Trump “unfit” for office and campaigned against him – urged all Americans to accept the result of Tuesday’s election.

“We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” he said.

Image source Getty Images
Image source Getty Images

Hillary Clinton also told supporters Donald Trump had to be given a “chance to lead”.

Despite their calls, protesters gathered in several cities across the country.

In New York, thousands marched on Trump Tower, attacking Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, gay rights and reproductive rights. Fifteen people were arrested, the New York Times reported.

Protests were largely peaceful but in Oakland, California, some demonstrators smashed shop windows and threw missiles at riot police, who reportedly responded with tear gas.

A mass anti-Trump rally shut down the key 101 freeway in Los Angeles.

In Chicago, crowds blocked the entrance to Trump Tower, chanting: “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascists USA”.

In Portland, Oregon, demonstrators temporarily closed an interstate highway.

In Washington DC, protesters held a candlelit vigil. Organizer Ben Wikler told the crowd: “We are here because in these darkest moments, we are not alone.”

Demonstrations also took place in Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle and San Francisco, among other cities.

In his victory speech, Donald Trump vowed to “bind the wounds of division”, after an acrimonious election contest, and to be “president for all Americans”.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest has insisted Barack Obama will be sincere about ensuring a smooth handover when he meets Donald Trump, although he added: “I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy meeting.”

Donald Trump will be accompanied to the White House by his wife, Melania, who will have a meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House residence.

The president-elect’s transition team for the 10-week period until inauguration will be led by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Donald Trump, who has never held elected office, has said his immediate priorities will be restoring the country’s infrastructure and doubling its economic growth.

Hillary Clinton’s Concession Speech: “Donald Trump Must Be Given A Chance to Lead”

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hillary Clinton’s Concession Speech: “Donald Trump Must Be Given A Chance to Lead”

In her concession speech, Hillary Clinton said President-elect Donald Trump must be given a chance to lead.

Appearing in public for the first time since conceding defeat, Hillary Clinton said she hoped Donald Trump would be a successful president for all Americans.

“We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought,” she said.

Donald Trump will become the 45th US president after a surprising victory.

The Republican will hold his first transition meeting with outgoing President Barack Obama at the White House on November 10.Hillary Clinton on Brussels attacks

President Barack Obama, who congratulated his successor in a phone call in the early hours of the morning, said it was “no secret” that he and Donald Trump had pretty significant differences.

“Ultimately we’re all on the same team,” Barack Obama said, and people had to remember that “we are Americans first, patriots first, we all want what’s best for this country”.

Barack Obama was heartened by what he heard in Donald Trump’s remarks last night, he said.

Hillary Clinton also urged her supporters to respect the election result, saying the constitution enshrines the peaceful transition of power.

“I’m sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country,” she told her supporters in her address in New York.

“We have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But some day, someone will,” she said, referring to her failure to become the first female US president.

“To all the little girls watching… never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world,” Hillary Clinton said.

President-elect Donald Trump told cheering supporters at his campaign rally in the early hours of Wednesday that Americans must now “bind the wounds of division”, after the grueling, acrimonious electoral battle.

“I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone,” Donald Trump said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan paid tribute to Donald Trump, saying he had “turned politics on its head” and would lead a unified Republican government.

Paul Ryan, a lukewarm supporter of the president-elect, said that his party’s strong showing in elections to the Senate and House of Representatives was thanks in no small part to Donald Trump.

He referred repeatedly to Donald Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, as “my good friend” and “a good man”.

From January the GOP will control the presidency and both houses of Congress – defying pollsters’ predictions.

Election Results 2016: European Markets Take Stock After Initial Falls

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Election Results 2016: European Markets Take Stock After Initial Falls

European markets are taking stock after sharp initial falls following Donald Trump’s victory in US presidential election.

The UK’s FTSE 100 index fell 2% at the start of trading before paring back some losses to trade 0.7% lower at midday.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

Other major European stock markets also fell, with money flowing into safe haven stocks, gold and currencies including the yen.

Traders had expected Hillary Clinton to beat Donald Trump to become the next US president.

France’s Cac index and Germany’s Dax are each down about 1.5% after heavier falls at the start of trading.

Some analysts have likened the shock of a Trump victory to the Brexit result earlier this year.

However, neither markets nor currencies have swung as wildly as they did after June’s EU referendum.

US stock futures fell dramatically overnight as Donald Trump’s lead became clear, although the Dow Jones index is now expected to lose 2% – about 400 points when it reopens – compared to earlier predictions of a 4% fall.

Asian markets were described as a “sea of red” at one point, before seeing their losses narrow towards the end of Wednesday trading.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 finished 5.4% lower, but the Hang Seng in Hong Kong and the Shanghai Composite – which closed later – lost 2.2% and 0.6% respectively.

US Elections 2016: Republicans Keep Their Hold over Congress

Diane A. Wade
-
0
US Elections 2016: Republicans Keep Their Hold over Congress

Republicans have kept their hold over Congress, capping a dire night for the Democrats.

With Donald Trump elected as the 45th US president, the GOP retained its majorities in the House and Senate.

Republican dominance over Congress in principle enables Donald Trump to turn his policy plans into law.

However, how easily this will happen is unclear given that key GOP leaders had refused to back him.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

The night began with majority control of the Senate up for grabs, with 34 of the 100 seats available.

However, the Democrats have so far gained just one seat in the Senate, with Tammy Duckworth, a double amputee Iraq war veteran, taking Mark Kirk’s place in Illinois. During a TV debate last month Mark Kirk mocked Tammy Duckworth’s Thai heritage, but later apologized.

Another bright spot was in Nevada, which Cortez Masto retained for the Democrats, beating Republican Joe Heck to become the first Latina senator.

Democrats also failed to significantly dent Republican advantage in the House, with just five Republican incumbents losing.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who had distanced himself from Donald Trump after previously endorsing him, won re-election to the House of Representatives in Wisconsin.

Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American legislator, with victory in a House race in Minnesota. She came to the US while still a child, escaping Somalia’s civil war with her family and spending four years in a Kenyan refugee camp.

1...225226227...1,245Page 226 of 1,245