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El Chapo Guzman Transferred to US Border Jail

Roy Siemens
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El Chapo Guzman Transferred to US Border Jail

Mexican convicted drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has been moved to a prison close to the border with the US.

He was taken to a prison near Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso in Texas, as part of a normal rotation of prisoners for security reasons, officials said.

The head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, El Chapo Guzman, also known as Shorty, was re-captured in January, six months after he escaped from prison.

Joaquin Guzman is wanted in the US on charges of smuggling drugs into the country.

Photo AP
Photo AP

His transfer to Ciudad Juarez was not a precursor to extradition, Mexican officials told Reuters.

According to Mexico’s National Security Commission, the move was in line with security protocols, and it had rotated more than 7,400 inmates as part of new security strategy.

The authorities said that El Chapo Guzman was moved to a new prison “because of works taking place to reinforce security” in Altiplano – his old prison near Mexico City.

Analysts suggested the move was to prevent him escaping during the works.

El Chapo Guzman, who was named Public Enemy Number One by the Chicago Crime Commission in 2013, has been indicted by at least seven US federal district courts.

According to Mexican officials, the process to extradite him to the US could take at least a year.

In March, El Chapo Guzman asked to be extradited rapidly so he could receive better treatment in prison.

His lawyer said El Chapo Guzman had asked him to stop fighting his extradition because guards at his prison would not let him sleep.

El Chapo Guzman was captured in January and returned to the Altiplano maximum security jail near Mexico City after six months on the run.

He had escaped from Altiplano in July through a one mile-long tunnel under the floor of his shower stall in his cell.

Leaked security footage of El Chapo Guzman’s prison break showed how guards failed to detect his escape until more than 20 minutes after it had happened, despite the sound of loud banging coming from his cell.

Mexican marines arrested him in the western state of Sinaloa after he fled a safe house through a storm drain.

Altiplano director and a number of guards were arrested in connection with El Chapo Guzman’s escape.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia Dismisses Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi

Clyde K. Valle
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King Salman of Saudi Arabia Dismisses Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi

Saudi Arabia’s veteran oil minister Ali al-Naimi has been removed by King Salman as part of a broad government overhaul.

Ali al-Naimi has been replaced after more than 20 years in the role by former health minister Khaled al-Falih.

Saudi Arabia – the world’s largest crude exporter – unveiled major economic reforms in April, aimed at ending the country’s dependence on oil.

In 2015, about 70% of Saudi Arabia’s revenues came from oil, but it has been hit hard by falling prices.

The Saudi government shake-up, announced in a royal decree, sees a number of ministries merged and others, such as the ministry of electricity and water, scrapped altogether.King Salman of Saudi Arabia Removes Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi

A public body for entertainment is being created, and another for culture.

King Salman’s son Prince Mohammad directs Saudi Arabia’s economic policy, and Ali al-Naimi’s removal is an indication that he wants tighter control over the commodity.

Khaled al-Falih has spent more than 30 years working at state oil giant Aramco, most recently serving as chairman.

He will take charge of a new department managing energy, industry and mineral resources.

Years of oil profits have allowed the Saudi government to offer generous benefits and subsidies to its citizens.

However, with another huge budget deficit forecast in 2016, last month saw the approval of wide reforms including plans to create the world’s biggest sovereign wealth fund and widen the participation of women in the workforce.

Many of the changes announced by King Salman in this overhaul focus on areas where reforms have been promised.

Nobel Laureates: Sanctions Imposed on North Korea Hamper Health and Science

James J. Williams
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Nobel Laureates: Sanctions Imposed on North Korea Hamper Health and Science

A group of three Nobel laureates have said that sanctions imposed on North Korea are hampering health and science and should be eased.

They were speaking in Beijing after visiting Pyongyang in what was billed as an attempt to promote dialogue.

International sanctions on North Korea were further tightened in 2016 after the secretive country claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb and launched a missile into space.

The laureates’ visit came as a rare Workers’ Party congress opened in North Korea, with Kim Jong-un hailing his country’s “great success” in its nuclear advancements.

Photo EPA
Photo EPA

The congress is widely seen as a chance for Kim Jong-un to cement his power within the ruling party.

South Korea urged the foreign delegation not to visit North Korea, fearing it would become a propaganda coup for the North.

“We didn’t come to criticize them,” said Aaron Ciechanover, who won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2004.

“We really came to converse and to exchange dialogue with students.”

On sanctions, Aaron Ciechanover said “you cannot turn penicillin into a nuclear bomb… You don’t pressurize via making people sicker”.

Foreign visits to North Korea are carefully monitored and public access to information such as the internet strictly limited.

Nobel laureate for medicine Richard Roberts said he was “quite impressed” with what North Korean scientists had achieved despite sanctions.

“This embargo is really hurting the scientists and that’s a great shame,” he said.

The visit was organized by the Vienna-based International Peace Foundation (IPF) and also included Nobel laureate for economics Prof. Finn Kydland, Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein and IPF chairman Uwe Morawetz.

The latest sanctions on North Korea, approved by the UN in March, included export bans on materials used in nuclear and military production as well as restrictions on luxury goods and banking.

A UN resolution stressed the new sanctions were not intended to have “adverse humanitarian consequences” for civilians, many of whom face financial hardships and shortages of food.

Fort McMurray Fire to Double in Size over Next 24 Hours

Nancy Clayson
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Fort McMurray Fire to Double in Size over Next 24 Hours

According to Canadian officials, the huge wildfire which devastated the oil town of Fort McMurray could double in size over the next 24 hours.

The fire now covers an area larger than New York City and is being fanned by winds and feeding on dry vegetation.

The flames are moving away from Fort McMurray, most of whose inhabitants have reached safety.

Many are still stuck north of Fort McMurray and evacuations by road and air are resuming.

More than 80,000 people were evacuated from the city earlier this week.

Photo CBC
Photo CBC

Thousands of people have been airlifted out but a mass convoy evacuating people from oil worker camps in the north was halted on May 6 as huge flames flanked the road.

At least 2,500 made it through the flame-damaged city and small convoys resumed early on Saturday. Another 4,000 people are also due to be flown out.

There is growing concern over the air quality for those still north, CBC reported.

The provincial government said on May 6 that the fire had grown to 386 sq miles.

Wildfire prevention manager Chad Morrison said there was a “high potential that the fire could double in size” by the end of Saturday, May 7.

However, he added that it would expand into a more remote forested area north-east of Fort McMurray.

Dry conditions and 27C heat were expected during the day, but cooler temperatures would prevail and there was a possibility of rain on May 8 and 9.

No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Alberta provincial government has declared a state of emergency and will provide C$100 million ($77 million) in cash to evacuees.

According to the Canadian government, more than 1,000 fire fighters and 150 helicopters, 295 pieces of heavy equipment and 27 aircraft tankers have been deployed.

Despite the evacuation order, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they found an elderly man and a family of five in Fort McMurray. They were led to safety.

Entrain App Reveals World’s Sleeping Patterns

Kathryn R. Bown
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Entrain App Reveals World’s Sleeping Patterns

A new research has revealed the world’s sleeping patterns after analyzing data collected from the Entrain app.

The team at the University of Michigan released the Entrain app in 2014 to help people overcome jetlag.

The new study, published in Science Advances, showed the Dutch have nearly an hour more in bed every night than people in Singapore or Japan.

It also found women routinely get more sleep than men, with middle-aged men getting the least of all.

The researchers say the findings could be used to deal with the “global sleep crisis”.Entrain app sleeping pattern

Entrain app users could choose to share data on their sleeping habits with the research group.

The study found people in Japan and Singapore had an average of seven hours and 24 minutes sleep while the people in the Netherlands had eight hours and 12 minutes.

Prof. Daniel Forger, one of the researchers, said there was a conflict between our desire to stay up late and our bodies urging us to get up in the morning.

The study also showed women had about 30 minutes more per night in bed than men, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60.

And that people who spend the most time in natural sunlight tended to go to bed earlier.

A strong effect of age on sleep was also detected. A wide range of sleep and wake-up times was found in young people but “that really narrows in old age,” said Prof. Daniel Forger.

Disrupted sleep in shift workers has been linked to a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

Who Is Supporting Donald Trump’s Nomination?

Diane A. Wade
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Who Is Supporting Donald Trump’s Nomination?

Here is a list of major Republican figures and where they stand on Donald Trump -right now:

Supporting:

  • New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte
  • Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson
  • Former Vice President Dick Cheney
  • Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
  • Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
  • New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
  • Former Senator Bob Dole
  • Former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
  • Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval
  • Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

    Photo Getty Images
    Photo Getty Images

Not supporting:

  • House Speaker Paul Ryan
  • Former President George H. W. Bush
  • Former President George W. Bush
  • Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
  • South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham
  • Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
  • Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse

Yet to comment:

  • Texas Senator Ted Cruz
  • Ohio Governor John Kasich
  • Florida Senator Marco Rubio

 

Elections 2016: Jeb Bush Refuses to Support Donald Trump’s Campaign

Diane A. Wade
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Elections 2016: Jeb Bush Refuses to Support Donald Trump’s Campaign

Jeb Bush has said he will not vote for his former rival Donald Trump in November’s presidential election.

The former Florida governor joins several high-profile Republicans who have refused to support Donald Trump’s campaign.

On May 5, House Speaker Paul Ryan said he “was not ready” to support Donald Trump, but will meet him next week.

Breaking with tradition, Jeb Bush’s father and brother – both former presidents – also withheld support.

Some Republicans have said they would back Democrat Hillary Clinton but Jeb Bush ruled that out.Jeb Bush Hispanic

He said: “Donald Trump has not demonstrated that temperament or strength of character.

“And, he is not a consistent conservative. These are all reasons why I cannot support his candidacy.”

Jeb Bush had previously pledged to support the eventually Republican nominee while he was still a candidate for president.

Republican Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina also announced on May 6 that he would not vote for Donald Trump.

He told CNN: “I think Donald Trump is going to places where very few people have gone and I’m not going with him.”

Donald Trump swiftly responded to Lindsay Graham who also was a Republican candidate for president: “While I will unify the party, Lindsey Graham has shown himself to be beyond rehabilitation. And like the voters who rejected him, so will I.”

Many Republican candidates for lower offices are concerned about running on the same ballot as Donald Trump, who has alienated minority voters through his rhetoric about building a wall with Mexico and banning US entry to Muslim travelers.

Many Americans choose to vote for either the Democrat or Republican Party, rather than weighing the individual candidates.

Republican representatives fear that voters who oppose Donald Trump may eschew the Republican Party all together.

Some Republicans have begun to openly call for the party to oppose the presumptive nominee and to work to independently elect a conservative candidate, such as Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, who has indicated that he will not be supporting Donald Trump.

Cumhuriyet Trial: Can Dundar and Erdem Gul Jailed for Revealing State Secrets

Diane A. Wade
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Cumhuriyet Trial: Can Dundar and Erdem Gul Jailed for Revealing State Secrets

Turkish prominent journalists Can Dundar and Erdem Gul have been jailed for revealing state secrets, in a case widely criticized by international observers.

Erdem Gul received five years and Can Dundar five years and 10 months.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, editor and Ankara bureau chief of opposition daily Cumhuriyet, had reported that Turkey had tried to ship arms to rebels fighting the Syrian government.

Shortly before the verdict, a gunman attempted to kill Can Dundar.

The attacker fired several shots while Can Dundar was briefing reporters outside the courthouse. The journalist escaped unharmed and the gunman was arrested. A reporter was lightly injured in the leg.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Speaking after the verdict, Can Dundar said the sentence, and the assassination attempt, were “not given only to suppress and silence us” but to “intimidate the Turkish media and make us scared of writing”.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul were acquitted of more serious charge of espionage, which could have carried with it a life sentence. But their very prosecution has proved controversial, drawing sharp criticism from human rights campaigners and fellow journalists.

The two journalists are expected to appeal against the verdicts.

John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Director for Amnesty International, called the convictions a “travesty of justice”.

He said: “The decision, which punishes good journalism with five years’ imprisonment, shows how the law has buckled and broken under political pressure in Turkey.”

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul were charged in November with espionage after their reports in May 2015 alleging that Turkey’s intelligence services were sending weapons and ammunition to Islamist rebels fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkish security forces intercepted a convoy of trucks near the Syrian border in January 2014, and Cumhuriyet alleged these vehicles were linked to Turkey’s MIT intelligence organization.

Alongside the newspaper report was video footage showing police discovering crates of weapons hidden beneath boxes of medicine.

The Turkish government insisted that the trucks were not carrying weapons to the Islamist rebels as alleged, but bringing aid to Syria’s Turkmen minority, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the video footage was a state secret, and by publishing it Cumhuriyet newspaper had engaged in an act of espionage.

He said in a TV address: “Whoever wrote this story will pay a heavy price for this. I will not let him go unpunished.”

Referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Can Dundar said: “Today, we know that the reason for the threats we have been receiving for weeks and the bullets fired from that gun today are due to the fact that we have been shown as targets by the highest office in the state.”

Media freedom has plummeted in Turkey, which now ranks 151st of 180 countries in an index by the watchdog Reporters without Borders.

John Doe: Panama Papers Source Speaks for First Time

Diane A. Wade
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John Doe: Panama Papers Source Speaks for First Time

John Doe, the anonymous source behind the leak of the Panama Papers, has spoken for the first time, offering to help law authorities make prosecutions in return for immunity.

In a 1,800-word statement, the source reveals he has never worked for a spy agency or a government.

John Doe starts the statement by citing “income equality” as a motive.

The Panama Papers have shown how some wealthy people use offshore firms to evade tax and avoid sanctions.

The documents were leaked from the Mossack Fonseca law firm. The company denies any wrongdoing and says it is the victim of a hack.

The Panama Papers were investigated by hundreds of investigative journalists, who worked in secret with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) for months.

The documents have revealed the hidden assets of hundreds of politicians, officials, current and former national leaders, celebrities and sports stars.

They list more than 200,000 shell companies, foundations and trusts set up in tax havens around the world.What are Panama Papers

The John Doe statement came shortly before President Barack Obama delivered an address on the economy, in which he cited the Panama Papers as highlighting the problem of corruption and tax evasion.

Barack Obama said the US would require banks to identify those behind shell corporations. He said his administration’s actions would allow it to do a better job of making sure people paid taxes.

Although the name John Doe is used, the gender of the source has not been revealed.

In the statement, The Revolution will be Digitized, John Doe starts by saying: “Income equality is one of the defining issues of our time.”

He adds: “Banks, financial regulators and tax authorities have failed. Decisions have been made that have spared the wealthy while focusing instead on reining in middle- and low-income citizens.”

John Doe goes on to say: “Thousands of prosecutions could stem from the Panama Papers, if only law enforcement could access and evaluate the actual documents.

“ICIJ and its partner publications have rightly stated that they will not provide them to law enforcement agencies.

“I, however, would be willing to co-operate with law enforcement to the extent that I am able.”

John Doe adds: “Legitimate whistleblowers who expose unquestionable wrongdoing, whether insiders or outsiders, deserve immunity from government retribution.”

Responding to speculation about his or her identity, John Doe’s statement says: “For the record, I do not work for any government or intelligence agency, directly or as a contractor, and I never have.

“My viewpoint is entirely my own, as was my decision to share the documents with Suddeutsche Zeitung and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), not for any specific political purpose, but simply because I understood enough about their contents to realize the scale of the injustices they described.”

John Doe says that global judicial systems have “utterly failed to address the metastasizing tax havens spotting Earth’s surface”.

He says: “I decided to expose Mossack Fonseca because I thought its founders, employees and clients should have to answer for their roles in these crimes, only some of which have come to light thus far.

“It will take years, possibly decades, for the full extent of the firm’s sordid acts to become known.”

Panama-based Mossack Fonseca says it was hacked by servers based abroad and has filed a complaint with the Panamanian attorney general’s office.

Mossack Fonseca says it has not acted illegally and that information was being misrepresented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lakGjXEbbM

Erdogan: Turkey Will NOT Change Anti-Terror Laws in Return for Visa-Free Travel

Roy Siemens
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Erdogan: Turkey Will NOT Change Anti-Terror Laws in Return for Visa-Free Travel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told the European Union that his country will not change its anti-terror laws in return for visa-free travel.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “We’ll go our way, you go yours.”

In response, the EU says Turkey needs to narrow its definition of terrorism to qualify for visa-free travel – which is part of a larger deal between the sides aimed at easing Europe’s migration crisis.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan was speaking a day after Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who largely negotiated the EU deal, said he was stepping down.

Ahmet Davutoglu had also reportedly opposed Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plan to give more power to the presidency. The president said the proposed constitutional changes were a national need, not a personal requirement.Recep Tayyip Erdogan song Germany

The wide-ranging EU-Turkey deal involves the return of refugees, mainly Syrians, from Greece to Turkey, along with increased aid and other measures.

One of these is to allow Turkish citizens visa-free travel for short stays in the EU’s Schengen area which comprises 22 EU and four non-EU members.

However, the EU wants Turkey to narrow its broad definition of terrorism to match tighter EU standards. It is one of five EU criteria Turkey still has to agree to in order to meet the visa-free requirements.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected this, saying in a TV speech on May 6: “Turkey, when it’s under attack from terrorist organizations from all sides, the European Union is telling us to change the anti-terror law in exchange for the visa deal.”

Referring to tents erected by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, near the EU parliament in Brussels, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “You [the EU] will let terrorists build tents and provide them with opportunities in the name of democracy.

“And then [you] will tell us ‘if you change this [anti-terrorism legislation], I will lift the visas’. Sorry, we’ll go our way, you go yours.”

In recent months, the Turkish government has used the terms “terrorist” or “terrorist supporter” to prosecute critics including journalists, suggesting they are supporting Kurdish militants or other armed organizations.

If Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not meet the EU requirements, the European Parliament and EU leaders will not vote on the visa waiver at the end of June.

Another part of the EU-Turkey deal had been to hold new talks on Turkish accession to the EU.

However, analysts say Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been less convinced of EU alignment than Ahmet Davutoglu, and he will certainly be a tougher negotiator.

Kim Jong-un Opens North Korea Workers’ Party Congress by Praising Nuclear Achievements

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-un Opens North Korea Workers’ Party Congress by Praising Nuclear Achievements

Kim Jong-un has opened the North Korea’s Workers’ Party congress by praising the country’s nuclear achievements.

Appearing before thousands of delegates, the North Korean leader said: “Unprecedented results have been accomplished.”

This year, North Korea announced its fourth nuclear weapon test and that it sent a rocket into space.

The showpiece congress, the first in 36 years, is a chance for Kim Jong-un to cement his power.

More than 100 foreign journalists were invited but were barred from the April 25 House of Culture, where the party congress is being held.

Photo AP
Photo AP

They were instead taken on a tour round a wire-making factory.

News of Kim Jong-un’s comments came via state television, which showed him on stage speaking to a packed venue.

This is the seventh meeting of the North Korea’s Worker’s Party and it is being closely scrutinized for any signs of political or economic change.

Few details were released before the congress, but it is due to elect a new central committee, which appoints a Politburo – the central decision-making body of the Communist party.

The appointments will be watched carefully.

In 2013, Kim Jong-un had his uncle executed for “acts of treachery” and there have followed many reports of purges of high-profile figures.

Some experts have said that Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong is tipped for promotion.

Pyongyang was spruced up ahead of the event, with North Koreans planting flowers and hanging up huge banners with slogans like “Defend the Headquarters of the Korean Revolution at the Cost of our Lives”.

No congress was held during the rule of Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il. His death in 2011 brought Kim Jong-un to power when he was still in his 20s.

The 1980 congress, held before Kim Jong-un was born, saw Kim Jong-il presented as successor to the North’s founding leader Kim Il-sung.

Despite his death in 1994, Kim Il-sung, who has been named North Korea’s “eternal president”, still officially presides over the latest congress, which is expected to run for several days.

Can Dundar: Turkish Journalist Shot outside Istanbul Court

Roy Siemens
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Can Dundar: Turkish Journalist Shot outside Istanbul Court

Turkish journalist Can Dundar, who is standing trial on charges of revealing state secrets, has been attacked by a gunman outside an Istanbul court.

The gunman fired at least three shots outside the court, eyewitnesses said.

Can Dundar escaped unharmed but a reporter was reportedly injured.

Police say they have arrested the suspected gunman.Can Dundar shot outside Istanbul court

Erdem Gul, a former colleague of Can Dundar who is also on trial, said the attacker shouted “traitor” as he fired.

Can Dundar, a former newspaper editor, was briefing reporters outside the courthouse when the incident occurred.

The journalist is standing trial alongside Erdem Gul over a series of reports in Cumhuriyet newspaper that alleged Turkish intelligence operatives were transporting weapons to Syria in early 2014.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul face life in prison if convicted.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has faced international criticism over the decision to prosecute the two journalists.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul are among a number of journalists and human rights activists who have been detained or prosecuted in Turkey in recent months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YlDTDg2k1s

Kim Yo-jong: Kim Jong-un’s Sister to Take up Important Role in North Korea’s Core Leadership

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Yo-jong: Kim Jong-un’s Sister to Take up Important Role in North Korea’s Core Leadership

Kim Jong-un’s younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, is expected to take up an important role in North Korea’s core leadership as the secretive country gears up for a rare party congress this weekend.

South Korea’s news agency Yonhap has quoted experts as saying that Yo-jong may take up a minister-level post within the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

The move will likely be seen as part of a larger plan by Kim Jong-un to cement power within his party and over the country.

According to North Korea Leadership Watch, a website run by scholar Michael Madden, Kim Yo-jong is the youngest daughter of late leader Kim Jong-il, and shares the same mother as Jong-un and brother Jong-chol.

Born in 1987, Kim Yo-jong is said to be very close to Kim Jong-un, who is four years older than her. The two of them lived and studied in Berne, Switzerland at the same time.Kim Jong un sister Kim Yo jong

Kim Yo-jong is reportedly married to the son of Choe Ryong-hae, the powerful party secretary.

Her main job has been to protect her brother’s image, taking up a key role in the party’s propaganda department in 2014.

Kim Yo-jong is said to manage all his public appearances, including his itineraries and logistics, as well as act as a political adviser.

Kim Jong-un’s sister has sporadically been in the spotlight in recent years, appearing at the state funeral of her father in 2011 and the election of her brother in 2014, and occasionally seen trailing her brother in state media pictures.

In October 2015, Kim Yo-jong she was rumored to have been sacked from the propaganda department by Jong-un for doing a poor job.

However, observers believe that she is still destined for a top job in the leadership, with a place said to be carved out for her as early as 2008, when major succession planning was conducted following Kim Jong-il’s deterioration in health.

Kim Yo-jong was even speculated to be a possible, though unlikely, candidate to take over from her brother when Jong-un disappeared from public view for a prolonged period in 2014.

She has been described as having a sweet, good-natured disposition, with a bit of a tomboy streak in he.

However, reports say Kim Yo-jong also has had a sheltered upbringing, and other members of the Kim family have not interacted with her much.

School officials in Switzerland have said Kim Yo-jong was over-protected by the coterie of guards and caretakers – she once reportedly had a mild cold and was immediately pulled from school and taken to the hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3tTwPak4yk

North Korea Workers’ Party Holds Its First Congress Since 1980

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea Workers’ Party Holds Its First Congress Since 1980

The North Korean Workers’ Party is holding its first congress since 1980.

Analysts believe the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, will cement his status within the party’s structure at this rare political gathering.

The first full congress of the ruling party in 36 years is being closely watched for any shift in policies or changes in political leadership.

Kim Jong-un is expected to reassert his nuclear ambitions, amid speculation he will soon conduct a fifth nuclear test.

Foreign media have been invited but are not allowed inside the venue.

Capital Pyongyang was spruced up ahead of the event and citizens laid flowers in central squares as it got under way.

The streets are lined with National and Workers’ Party flags with banners that read “Great comrades Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il will always be with us” and “Defend the headquarters of the Korean revolution at the cost of the our lives”.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

It is the seventh meeting of North Korea’s Worker’s Party and the first since 1980, and is being held inside the April 25 House of Culture, now covered in vast red and gold banners and massive images of the current leader’s father and grandfather.

This year’s event is shrouded in secrecy. About 100 foreign journalists have been invited to the congress and reporters are being closely monitored.

Kim Jong-un is inside the hall with guards lined up outside.

Instead of being allowed into the congress, reporters have instead been taken to on a factory tour.

The agenda and duration of the event is not known but experts say Kim Jong-un is likely to declare his so-called “byongjin” policy, which is the simultaneous push towards economic development and nuclear capability.

It could also see a new generation of leaders put in place.

The meeting will elect a new central committee, which appoints a Politburo – the central decision-making body of the Communist party – and many say loyalists to the current leader will be rewarded with high profile posts.

Who he chooses will be watched carefully. In 2013 Kim Jong-un had his uncle executed for “acts of treachery” and there have followed many reports of purges of high profile figures in the establishment.

Some experts have said that Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong, with whom he attended school in Switzerland, is tipped for promotion.

Many observers will scrutinize announcements carefully to evaluate North Korea’s commitment to a planned economy and hints at reform, but the congress is also being seen as the public stage for Kim Jong-un to define his leadership for the years to come.

No congress was held during the rule of Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il. His death in 2011 brought Kim Jong-un to power when he was still in his twenties.

The 1980 congress, held before Kim Jong-un was born, saw Kim Jong-il presented as successor to the North’s founding leader Kim Il-Sung.

Despite his death in 1994, Kim Il-Sung, who has been named North Korea’s “eternal president”, still officially presides over the latest congress.

Fort McMurray Fire: 8,000 People Airlifted by Authorities

Diane A. Wade
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Fort McMurray Fire: 8,000 People Airlifted by Authorities

Some 8,000 people who fled north of Fort McMurray have been airlifted by authorities as blaze engulfed the Canadian city.

Fort McMurray has been devastated by a massive wildfire.

Officials also hope that the only highway to the south will become safe on May 6 to move the remaining 17,000 people, who are in danger of becoming trapped.

The entire city of Fort McMurray – more than 88,000 people – was evacuated three days ago. Most fled south but some went north.

The fire in the province of Alberta has grown to 328.2 sq miles.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze using helicopters and air tankers.

Photo CBC
Photo CBC

The fire, which covers an area almost the size of Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, has slowed down and is now heading away from Fort McMurray.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley warned city residents that they were facing a long wait before they would be able to return home.

The blaze has already destroyed more than 1,600 homes and other buildings in Fort McMurray.

A rare province-wide fire ban has been declared to try to reduce risk of further blazes.

Most of those who fled north have been staying in oil sands work camps in the remote area.

About 4,000 of them have already been flown in military and civilian transport planes to Edmonton and Calgary and another 4,000 are expected to be rescued within hours.

The authorities hope that Highway 63, passing through Fort McMurray, will be safe on May 6 to move the rest. A helicopter is expected to lead that evacuation convoy.

The evacuees are being moved again because urban areas in the south are better able to support the displaced, officials say.

“Our focus right now is on getting those people south as quickly as possible,” Rachel Notley said.

“I must be very, very direct about this – it is apparent that the damage to the community of Fort McMurray is extensive and the city is not safe for residents.”

On the prospect of returning to the city Premier Rachel Notley said: “Unfortunately, we do know that it will not be a matter of days.”

The fire is growing in size due to high winds but it is “under control”, officials say.

It started on May 1 in Canada’s oil sands region and many oil sands projects have cut production.

Some people were forced to flee twice: first to temporary refuges south of Fort McMurray then again as the flames grew.

The government is working on finding temporary housing for families who lost their homes and belongings in the blaze.

There are still no known casualties from the fire but there was at least one vehicle crash with fatalities on the evacuation route.

Scott Long of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency called the blaze “an extreme fire event” and said that rain would be needed to fight it.

Cooler temperatures and rain are forecast, giving hope that it could become easier to contain the fire.

Donald Trump: “UK Would Be Better without EU”

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump: “UK Would Be Better without EU”

In a recent interview, Donald Trump has said the UK would be “better off without” the European Union.

The Republican presidential hopeful told Fox News the migration crisis had been a “horrible thing for Europe” and blamed the EU for driving it.

Donald Trump said he was not making a “recommendation” but his “feeling” was that the UK should vote to sever ties with the EU in its June 23 referendum.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

When he visited the UK last month, Democratic President Barack Obama expressed support for the UK remaining in the EU.

Donald Trump, who has emerged as the Republican presumptive nominee for the US presidency, told Fox News: “I think the migration has been a horrible thing for Europe, a lot of that was pushed by the EU.

“I would say [the UK] are better off without [the EU], personally, but I’m not making that as a recommendation, just my feeling.

“I know Great Britain very well, I know the country very well, I have a lot of investments there.”

However, Donald Trump added: “I want them to make their own decision.”

Last month, President Barack Obama said Britain would go to the “back of the queue” for trade deals with the US if it votes to leave the European Union, sparking anger among Leave campaigners in the UK.

Barack Obama said Britain was at its best when “helping to lead” a strong EU and membership made it a “bigger player” on the world stage.

Brazil: Lower House Speaker Eduardo Cunha Suspended by Supreme Court

Diane A. Wade
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Brazil: Lower House Speaker Eduardo Cunha Suspended by Supreme Court

Brazil’s Lower House Speaker Eduardo Cunha has been suspended by the Supreme Court, following a request by the country’s attorney general, officials say.

Eduardo Cunha has been accused of trying to obstruct a corruption investigation against him and intimidating lawmakers.

He is an outspoken critic of President Dilma Rousseff and has led an impeachment drive against her.

Next week, the Senate is due to vote on whether to launch an impeachment trial against Dilma Rousseff.Eduardo Cunha corruption

If a simple majority votes in favor, Dilma Rousseff will be suspended from office for 180 days while Vice-President Michel Temer takes over as interim president.

Under Brazil’s constitution, Eduardo Cunha was the next in line for the presidency after Michel Temer, who is facing impeachment proceedings on charges similar to those facing Dilma Rousseff.

Dilma Rousseff has accused Michel Temer and Eduardo Cunha, who belong to the opposition PMDB party, of being the ringleaders of a “coup attempt” against her.

Eduardo Cunha is suspected of obstructing an investigation into allegations he took $5 million in bribes from companies seeking to secure contracts with state-oil giant Petrobras, which he denies.

Petrobras is at the centre of a massive kickbacks scandal which has led to the arrest of dozens of lawmakers and top businessmen.

Waldir Maranhao, who is also under investigation for his alleged role in the Petrobras corruption scandal, is to become the next Speaker of the House.

4 Problems A Chiropractor Can Fix

Nancy Clayson
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lower-back-pain1

If you experience chronic pain of any kind, or have recently suffered an injury and are wondering how to deal with the new pain you’re feeling, then a visit to a chiropractor could benefit you. Chiropractors are experts in dealing with pain symptoms and offer a much wider range of treatment options than most people usually realize. Below are four common health problems that a chiropractor can fix.

1) Tension Headaches

Headaches are oftentimes caused by lingering tension in the muscles of a person’s neck or back. These types of pain are what licensed chiropractors alleviate for patients every single day. They do this by massaging and manipulating muscles to make them looser and less tense, which reduces headaches instantly. If you experience chronic headaches caused by neck and back tension, then regular visits to your chiropractor will help you manage your pain, and hopefully, eliminate it altogether. 

2) Lower Back Pain

For many chiropractors, the issues that they most often see while consulting with patients have to do with back pain, and particularly pain centered in the lower back. Lower back pain is typically caused by straining while moving or picking things up. Your chance of experiencing any kind of back pain also increases as your bones and muscles age. The good news here is that modern techniques for reducing back pain are highly effective. Much of the pain reduction work done on a person’s lower back will be concerned with the sacroiliac joint, which, when aligned in the proper way, will dramatically improve the health of a person’s back and help them to feel little or no pain at all going forward.

3) Discomfort During Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant have very limited options when it comes to pain medications, making alternative methods of pain reduction necessary. For pregnant women experiencing any sort of back or pelvic discomfort, this can usually be taken care of by a pelvic alignment performed by a licensed chiropractor. Chiropractic care can also benefit pregnant women during the labor process as research shows that proper pelvic alignment can decrease the pain a woman feels while in labor.

4) Whiplash Pain

Whiplash is a condition caused by a person’s head being jerked one way or another under great force. Most whiplash cases are caused by car accidents or other traumatic collisions. People suffering from whiplash feel intense neck and head pain, nausea, and dizziness, all of which are things a chiropractor can fix by way of muscle and spinal adjustments.

As you can see, the ways that a chiropractor can help a person manage pain are numerous. If you are experiencing pain from any of the sources mentioned here, consulting with a local chiropractor will set you on the path to a pain-free lifestyle.

Turkey: Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Step Down

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey: Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Step Down

Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu has announced he will resign at an extraordinary congress of his ruling AK Party later this month.

Ahmet Davutoglu is believed to have fallen from favor having disapproved of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to move Turkey to a presidential system of government.

However, in a speech, Ahmet Davutoglu pledged his loyalty to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying he bore no anger to anyone.

His successor will be chosen when the congress meets on May 22.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Earlier on the day, presidential aide Cemil Ertem said there would be no snap elections following the appointment of a new leader.

Cemil Ertem also said Turkey and its economy would stabilize further “when a prime minister more closely aligned with President Erdogan takes office”.

Ahmet Davutoglu met Recep Tayyip Erdogan for nearly two hours on May 4 but differences were clearly not resolved.

The prime minister said he would continue as a party legislator and would not try to divide the AKP.

“I feel no reproach, anger or resentment against anyone,” Ahmet Davutoglu said.

“No-one heard, or will ever hear, a single word from my mouth, from my tongue or my mind against our president.”

After Recep Tayyip Erdogan was elected president in 2014, he hand-picked Ahmet Davutoglu to succeed him as head of the AK Party (Justice and Development Party).

However, the prime minister’s unease with Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to move to a presidential system, among other policies, has been evident in recent months.

In a sign of his weakening influence, Ahmet Davutoglu was stripped last week of the authority to appoint provincial AK Party officials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKkU947fuks

Nairobi Collapse: Woman Pulled out Alive from Rubble After Six Days

Diane A. Wade
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Nairobi Collapse: Woman Pulled out Alive from Rubble After Six Days

A Kenyan woman has been rescued from rubble in Nairobi, six days after the building collapsed in heavy rains.

The woman is being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, Kenya Red Cross says.

Thirty-six people have been confirmed dead following the building collapse of the six-storey residence on April 29 and more than 80 people are still missing.

The building’s presumed owners have been released on bail after being arrested on May 2.

Rescuers worked to get the survivor free after the woman was found on May 5.

Photo CBS News
Photo CBS News

Bystanders who had been watching the rescue in Nairobi’s Huruma neighborhood applauded as she was carried away on a stretcher.

The head of Kenya’s National Disaster Management Unit, Pius Masai, said there is still hope that more people would be found alive.

A six-month-old child was pulled alive from the rubble on May 3, but her mother was found dead the following day.

Nairobi authorities say they had earmarked the building for demolition after it was declared unfit for human habitation.

An official audit of Kenya’s buildings found that more than half in Nairobi are not suitable for people to live in.

Rolling Stones: Donald Trump Does NOT Have Permission to Use the Band’s Songs

Sonia Pantiss
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Rolling Stones: Donald Trump Does NOT Have Permission to Use the Band’s Songs

The Rolling Stones have issued a statement saying that Donald Trump does not have permission to use the band’s music.

“The Rolling Stones have never given permission to the Trump campaign to use their songs and have requested that they cease all use immediately.”

The legendary rock band told the Republican candidate to stop playing their songs during his presidential campaign.

Donald Trump has been playing the Stones’ songs at his rallies for months.

Their 1969 hit You Can’t Always Get What You Want has been a particular favorite.

The Rolling Stones are not the first to protest at Donald Trump – now the Republican front-runner – using their music during his campaign.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

In February, Adele issued a statement distancing herself from Donald Trump, after he had been playing her hit Rolling In The Deep as Trump’s “warm-up” music at his rallies.

Adele issued a statement making it clear she had “not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning”.

Aerosmith have also protested over their music being used in Donald Trump’s campaign

Steven Tyler’s lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter, saying the use of the band’s song Dream On “gives a false impression” he endorses Donald Trump’s presidential bid.

The singer, who is a registered Republican, said it was not a “personal” issue but one of permission and copyright.

Prior to that Neil Young demanded that Donald Trump stop using his song Rockin’ in the Free World, which the businessman had used when he announced his candidacy in June 2015.

Neil Young demanded that Donald Trump stop using the song and declared his support for Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders.

Michael Stipe from REM issued a strongly worded statement when Donald Trump then used the band’s song It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).

The statement read: “Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign.”

Donald Trump is now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, after his last rival John Kasich quit the race on May 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5yq-if_Lg

Craig Wright: Bitcoin Creator Cancels New Proof

Nancy Clayson
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0
Craig Wright: Bitcoin Creator Cancels New Proof

Craig Wright, who has claimed to be the inventor of Bitcoin, has reneged on a promise to present new “proof” to support his case.

The Australian entrpreneur had pledged to move some of the virtual currency from one of its early address blocks, an act many believe can only be done by the tech’s creator.

This would have addressed complaints that earlier evidence he had published online was misleading.

On his blog, Craig Wright said: “I believed that I could put years of anonymity and hiding behind me.

“But, as the events of this week unfolded and I prepared to publish the proof of access to the earliest keys, I broke. I do not have the courage. I cannot.

“When the rumors began, my qualifications and character were attacked. When those allegations were proven false, new allegations have already begun. I know now that I am not strong enough for this.”

Craig Wright had earlier indicated that he would transfer some Bitcoins from “block 9” by using a private key thought to be known only to Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonym used by the person or team that designed the crypto-currency.Craig Wright Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto

Satoshi Nakamato is known to have used the address in 2009 to send coins to a computer scientist.

Craig Wright had promised the “proof” in light of a growing backlash against one of his blogs.

On May 2, he posted what seemed to be evidence that he had Satoshi Nakamoto’s key by describing a process that led to the creation of a “digital signature”.

However, soon after, this was attacked by security researchers who linked the signature to an earlier Satoshi Bitcoin transaction that could be found via a search engine.

Craig Wright subsequently wrote that he was the victim of “false allegations” and would prove his case by both moving the coins and by sharing “independently verifiable documents”.

His claims had initially been bolstered by the fact that two senior members of the Bitcoin Foundation – an organization set up to protect and promote the virtual currency – had said they were convinced he was indeed behind the technology.

Bitcoin is often referred to as a new kind of currency.

It may be best to think of its units being virtual tokens rather than physical coins or notes.

However, like all currencies its value is determined by how much people are willing to exchange it for.

To process Bitcoin transactions, a procedure called “mining” must take place, which involves a computer solving a difficult mathematical problem with a 64-digit solution.

For each problem solved, one block of bitcoins is processed. In addition the miner is rewarded with new bitcoins.

This provides an incentive for people to provide computer processing power to solve the problems.

To compensate for the growing power of computer chips, the difficulty of the puzzles is adjusted to ensure a steady stream of several thousand new bitcoins a day. There are about 15 million bitcoins currently in existence.

To receive a bitcoin a user must have a Bitcoin address – a string of 27-34 letters and numbers – which acts as a kind of virtual post-box to and from which the bitcoins are sent.

Since there is no registry of these addresses, people can use them to protect their anonymity when making a transaction.

These addresses are in turn stored in Bitcoin wallets which are used to manage savings.

Bitcoin wallets operate like privately run bank accounts – with the proviso that if the data is lost, so are the bitcoins owned.

Zimbabwe to Issue US Dollar Equivalent

Clyde K. Valle
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Zimbabwe to Issue US Dollar Equivalent

Zimbabwe has announced it will print its own version of the US dollar in order to ease a cash shortage in the country.

John Mangudya, the governor of Zimbabwe’s central bank, said the cash, known as bond notes, will be backed by $200 million support from the Africa Export-Import Bank.

The specially-designed two, five, 10 and 20 dollar notes will have the same value as their US dollar equivalents.

Zimbabwe introduced the US dollar after ditching its own currency in 2009 following sustained hyperinflation.

In 2009, Zimbabwe started using foreign currencies, including the US dollar and South African rand, when inflation hit 500 billion per cent.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

John Mangudya stressed that the issuing of bond notes was not the first step on the way to reintroducing the defunct currency, the Zimbabwe Herald newspaper reports.

He also introduced a number of other measures to steer people away from using US dollar cash.

This includes setting a $1,000 limit on how much cash can be taken out of the country.

John Magudya wants to encourage people to make greater use of the rand since a large portion of Zimbabwe’s trade is with South Africa.

However, people are reluctant to hold rands as they are not confident that the currency will maintain its value against the dollar.

John Mangudya adds that not all shops and traders accept the full range of currencies officially in use.

Zimbabwe’s central bank brought in so-called bond coins of one, five, 10 and 25 cents, pegged to the US dollar, in 2014.

John Mangudya said the bank was still working on a design for the new notes, but they should be in circulation “within the next two months”, the Herald reports.

The Hazards And Highs Of Running A Startup

Dana R
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The Hazards And Highs Of Running A Startup

You have an idea, and that’s where it will all start. One single idea can blossom into a successful business. It may be a simple vision of a product or service that makes someone’s life easier. And your ambition is to turn that into a profitable venture. Dreams of fame and fortune, accolade and adoration all creep into the mind when you know you have something special. But that doesn’t mean your startup will be plain sailing. Many entrepreneurs of note have tried and failed to get their startups off the ground. So what are the hazards and highs of following your dreams into entrepreneurship?

Money

Some would say ploughing money into a new business idea is a lot like gambling. There is certainly a degree of risk involved. Others would say that it is a calculated risk. After all, why would you throw your hard earned cash at something you didn’t truly believe in? Anyone with good business sense knows to research their investments thoroughly to be sure of a good return or profit. However, without that initial investment, it’s nearly impossible to get your startup off the ground.

money

Image provided by Flickr.com

Every business needs an initial investment. It may be in the form of raw materials, or simply business stationery. You may need formal premises so there is rent, rates, and utilities to consider. It takes money to make money. And this investment can appear in many guises. You may feel it is necessary to gain further qualifications to help boost your confidence and skill set for your business. Or you may just need a little bit of cash behind you while to feed your family while you’re getting things started.

Family

Your family will miss you when you leap into the world of the entrepreneur. There will be many occasions when you need to travel for meetings. This could involve a lot of overnight stays in strange cities away from your family. You’ll miss mealtimes because you’re busy calculating a profit projection. And attending soccer games and recitals could become a thing of the past. It’s easy to feel guilt when you need to prioritize your business over your family life. But you know that you’re doing this now to secure your family’s future.

If you have a partner, chances are they are incredibly understanding and supportive of your new role. They know this business is important to you, and they will do what it takes to make your home life worry-free. Of course, you want to spend time with your family. And if this start-up goes well, you may have a lot of time when you can retire early! But right now, your family may have to take a back seat. This can be incredibly challenging for all of you to cope with.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle will also change as you work harder and harder to get your business off the ground. Social engagements may be put off for weeks or even months. Those lazy Sunday mornings could become a thing of the past as you leap out of bed to prepare the next contract. You know that your time is money. So many other things in your life, like hobbies and interests, have to be put aside for now. Life has become fast-paced and focused. And it’s all on you to keep up with it.

meeting

Image provided by Flickr.com

You may find you are living out of a suitcase more and more as you travel for work. Strange beds and strange cities become the norm very quickly as you try to secure more clients. Eating in restaurants or rest stops may also leave you missing the taste of a home-cooked meal. And you may not remember the last time you went for a leisurely walk.

Health

All this hard work, convenient meals, and lack of exercise will quickly take its toll. You may feel you don’t have enough time to sleep. But a lack of sleep will impair your cognitive function. This can lead to poor decision making and mistakes. Stress will also quickly take its toll on your health. High stress levels can lead to high blood pressure. This can be incredibly hazardous for your heart.

Hard working people who don’t give themselves the breaks they need can appear older too. Deep lines and wrinkles may start to appear. You may even start to gain weight now you can’t make it to the gym as frequently. Of course, health problems may motivate you to work harder. You want to provide for your family, so you’ll work hard while you can to make sure life is easier for them. You can look here for info about how one entrepreneur uses his own mortality as a motivator to push for success.

Economy

No matter how hard you work, the economy is going to affect your business. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the startup phase or you have a multinational, billion-dollar enterprise. A good entrepreneur is aware of the potential for crash and boom. Staying up to date with business and economy issues is easy. There are plenty of websites, online publications, and newspapers to detail the trends and movements.

strategy

Image provided by Flickr.com

A tough economy needn’t be one that beats you, though. Preparation for the tougher times will help prevent disaster for your business. We can’t all run businesses that are recession-proof. But we can tailor our companies to the needs of the customers as their spend needs to fluctuate. Cheaper versions of the products we sell or providing products to a new market that is less influenced by the economy could be a way to manage tough times.

Competitors

Your competitors will also be working just as hard as you to make sure you don’t steal their market share. One way to overcome this is to create a new market. Of course, everybody would love to have the ability to do this! Finding a completely new product that has zero competitors is almost impossible these days. Instead, we have to settle for a share of what may already be a pretty crowded marketplace.

Drawing a competitor’s customer toward you to increase your market share is the secret of success. It can feel a little cut-throat, but healthy competition is considered best for the consumer. The choice is important for the consumer. If you can provide the service, product, and access they desire then why wouldn’t they come to you?

Marketing

It all comes down to marketing. You may have the most incredible product idea in the world. You may even have found investors to mass produce it. But the stock will sit in the warehouse forever if you don’t let the paying consumer know they can have it. Product and brand awareness are enormously important if you want to sell anything. You need to carefully craft your marketing strategy to reach the maximum number of people that will want what you have.

Many entrepreneurs have a clear idea of the channels they wish to exploit. You may need to hire an agency to manage the creation and placement of your marketing messages. This can be incredibly expensive. It’s no wonder that the bulk of startup investment funds goes on marketing. However, no customers mean no sales. That will quickly translate into another failed business.

Hiring

As well as contracting outside agencies, you will undoubtedly need some staff working for you to build the business up. Sales, production and administration, are the most common areas that startups struggle to cover. You may need skilled machinists. Or perhaps you need a good closer to secure those big corporate clients. Don’t believe for a second you can go from zero to global without some help. Hiring can be expensive. You might prefer to use temps or freelancers in the beginning. Be wary of taking on staff if you are not well versed in the legal implications of doing so.

Business Meeting

Image provided by Flickr.com

Contracts And Deals

Your business relies on the goodwill of suppliers, business partners, and customers. And your customer relies on your assurances about the product quality and service you provide. Contracts between your business and others will define the expectations. They also give you legal backing should disagreements arise. Some suppliers will expect payments in a timely fashion. And you should make sure your contracts bring in the cash flow you need to honor them.

Making a deal with another business could be the boost your business needs to go from startup to successful corporation. Always use legal representation to ensure good deals don’t go bad. If all of your income is derived from just one or two key clients, you could be setting yourself up to fail.

Your Future

Some may say that the success of a business relies on hard work and luck. In reality, this may have an element of truth. But it is down to the entrepreneur to carefully navigate all the hazards and highs of running their startup. Without you and your good health, your company could fail. And without your due diligence, your business could fall foul of any number of hazards. Take care of you and your business to better your chance of success.

Fort McMurray Fire: State of Emergency Declared in Alberta Province

Diane A. Wade
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0
Fort McMurray Fire: State of Emergency Declared in Alberta Province

Canadian government has declared state of emergency in the province of Alberta after a wildfire forced all 88,000 residents of Fort McMurray to flee.

According to officials, the fast-moving blaze could destroy much of the city.

The blaze, which broke out on May 1 in the heart on the country’s oil sands region, has gutted 1,600 buildings, including a new school.

The evacuation was largest-ever in Alberta. Oil companies operating in the area have been forced to cut output.

Several companies have shut down some pipelines. This was done to help evacuate non-essential personnel, reports say.

Photo CBC
Photo CBC

So far there have been no reports of deaths or injuries in the wildfire, but two women gave birth in one evacuation centre, Reuters reported.

Bernie Schmitte, an official at Alberta’s agriculture ministry, said on May 4 that the “catastrophic fire” had so far “resisted all suppression methods”.

After flying over the burning city, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said the blaze had moved north and east across Fort McMurray.

First Nation communities 30 miles south of Fort McMurray were given mandatory evacuation orders on May 4.

Unseasonably high temperatures and strong winds have combined with dry conditions to leave much of Alberta and neighboring Saskatchewan under an extreme fire risk warning.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said he would send military aircraft to help if they were needed.

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