Three tobacco companies have been ordered to pay C$15.5 billion ($12 billion) in damages in Canada.
It the largest award for damages in Canada’s history.
The plaintiffs were Quebec smokers who said the companies failed to warn them of health risks associated with smoking.
Imperial Tobacco Canada, Rothmans Benson & Hedges and JTI-MacDonald vowed to appeal against the decision.
The class-action lawsuits were filed in 1998, but only recently went to trial in the courts.
The companies argued that Canadians have had a “high awareness” of smoking health risks since the 1950s.
The director of Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, an anti-smoking lobby group, Mario Bujold, said it had been “a long process” but it was a “big victory for the victims and against the tobacco companies”.
JTI-Macdonald said in a statement: “That awareness has been reinforced by the health warnings printed on every legal cigarette package for more than 40 years.”
However, the plaintiffs argued that the companies did not properly warn their customers and failed in their general duty “not to cause injury to another person”, according to the Quebec Superior Court decision.
They represent nearly one million smokers who were unable to quit or who suffer from throat or lung cancer, or emphysema.
Explaining his ruling, Judge Brian Riordan said: “The companies earned billions of dollars at the expense of the lungs, the throats and the general well-being of their customers.
“If the companies are allowed to walk away unscathed now, what would be the message to other industries that today or tomorrow find themselves in a similar moral conflict?”
At least 5 people have died and hundreds are missing in China after a cruise ship carrying 458 people capsized on the Yangtze River.
According to officials, 14 people have been rescued, with some found alive inside the upside-down hull of the vessel. Three of them were rescued from inside the upside-down hull of the ship after it was cut open, Xinhua reports.
The boat, the Eastern Star, reportedly sent no emergency signal. The alarm was raised by those who had swum to shore.
The captain and the chief engineer, who both survived, have been detained. They say the boat was caught in a cyclone.
Chinese media quoted them as saying the vessel sank within minutes, while many people were asleep.
Most of those on board were tourists aged around 50 to 80 travelling from the eastern city of Nanjing to Chongqing in the south-west – a journey of at least 930 miles.
The ship sank in the Damazhou waterway section of the Yangtze, where the world’s third longest river reaches depths of about 50ft.
Strong winds and heavy rain have been hampering the rescue efforts. According to the People’s Daily, three bodies were recovered in Yueyang, Hunan province, some 30 miles away from the site of the sinking.
Thousands of soldiers and rescue personnel have been deployed, and a high-powered salvage ship is on the way to pull the boat upright, reported China Central Television (CCTV).
Footage aired on state TV showed divers knocking on the submerged hull with hammers to try to make contact with people believed to be trapped below.
Chinese PM Li Keqiang has arrived at the scene, according to the People’s Daily.
Eastern Star – Dongfangzhixing in Chinese – had been carrying 406 Chinese passengers, five travel agency employees and 47 crew members.
The 76m-long ship weighs 2,200 tons, and could accommodate a maximum of 534 people.
The boat sank at about 21:30 local time on June 1, but rescuers did not reach the vessel until at least two and a half hours later.
CCTV said the vessel was owned by the Chongqing Eastern Shipping Corporation which runs tours to the scenic Three Gorges river canyon area along the Yangtze River.
San Andreas has topped the US box office, taking $53.2 million over the weekend.
The earthquake disaster movie, which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, knocked last week’s top film Tomorrowland, which debuted with $40.7 million, into third place.
Pitch Perfect 2 was at No 2 and Mad Max: Fury Road was fourth.
Avengers: Age of Ultron – 2015’s biggest US film so far – was fifth.
The Marvel comic film has so far taken $427 million at the US box office.
Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution for Warner Bros, which distributed San Andreas, said: “Some people felt they’d be a little nervous watching such a disaster hit both Los Angeles and San Francisco, but there was a curiosity factor.”
Box office tracker Rentrak said
It was also Dwayne Johnson’s biggest debut for a non-sequel as the top-billed actor, according to Rentrak.
San Andreas also features Kylie Minogue, as the sister of one of the key characters, Emma, played by Carla Gugino.
Aloha, starring starring Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams and Bill Murray was in sixth place.
Despite its stellar cast Aloha‘s reviews have not been particularly positive and it was in the spotlight last year after leaked emails from Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chair Amy Pascal said its script was “ridiculous”.
Some native Hawaiian groups opposed the title; while an Asian-American group slated the use of a nearly all-white cast in a film shot in Hawaii.
The film, which took $10 million, cost about $37 million to make.
So far this year, US and Canadian box office takings are up nearly 5% at $4.26 billion, while attendance is up more than 4%.
Enrique Iglesias has been receiving treatment after two of his fingers were injured by a drone camera during a concert in Mexico on May 30.
The Spanish singer had been attempting to grab the drone, used to get crowd shots during his concerts.
A representative for Enrique Iglesias revealed on Instagram: “Something went wrong and he had an accident.”
Enrique Iglesias, 40, continued to perform after the accident before flying to Los Angeles to see a specialist.
Photos posted on social media after Saturday’s concert at the Plaza de Toros de Playas in Tijuana appeared to show the singer with a bandaged right hand and a bloodied white T-shirt.
According to his press agent Joe Bonilla, Enrique Iglesias – son of veteran singer Julio Iglesias – “decided to go on and continued playing for 30 minutes while the bleeding continued throughout the show”.
Enrique Iglesias was then “rushed to the airport where an ambulance met him [and he] was then put on a plane to LA to see a specialist.”
The next date in Enrique Iglesias’ world tour is scheduled for July 3 in Mexico City.
An American tourist has been killed in a lion attack at a game park in South Africa, local media reported.
The feline, a lioness, jumped through the open window of the couple’s car and started mauling the woman, a park official said.
Paramedics were called to the scene but she died from her injuries, while the man is still receiving treatment.
The popular Lion Park is 19 miles north of Johannesburg.
The park’s rules forbid visitors from driving through the lion enclosure with their windows down
Park rangers chased the lioness away after the attack, and it is not clear whether the animal will now have to be put down.
Local media are reporting that the woman’s death marks the third incident in the past four months at the park.
The official South African tourism website describes the park as a “hybrid between a zoo and a game reserve”, while the Lion Park’s website says “super close-up animal views” are guaranteed. Cheetahs, spotted hyenas and giraffe are also in the park.
The Lion Park is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations, attracting tourists from around the world.
KFC is suing three Chinese companies it accuses of using social media to spread false rumors about its food, including that it used eight-legged chickens.
The fast food giant is seeking compensation of 1.5 million yuan ($242,000) and an apology.
One of the posts said chickens used by KFC were genetically modified to have six wings and eight legs.
A case has now been filed before a court in Shanghai.
KFC says the rumors appeared in posts on the WeChat app.
The company said in a statement that the rumors had spread through at least 4,000 subsequent posts.
KFC China’s president Qu Cuirong said: “This not only seriously misled consumers, but also hurt our brand.”
The fast food giant named the original posters as Shanxi Weilukuang Technology Company Ltd, Taiyuan Zero Point Technology Company and Yingchenanzhi Success and Culture Communication Ltd.
The companies have not commented on the court complaint.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has officially launched his 2016 White House campaign in his hometown of Central, South Carolina.
Lindsey Graham underlined his foreign policy experience telling supporters: “I have more experience with our national security than any other candidate in this race. That includes you, Hillary.”
He also promised “limited and effective government” and strong national defense.
Lindsey Graham is the ninth Republican and fourth US senator to join the race for the presidential nomination.
He joined Congress in 1994, winning re-election twice.
The South Carolina senator chairs several Senate subcommittees related to security and has travelled extensively, giving him a strong foreign policy brief.
An active-duty Air Force lawyer for six years, Lindsey Graham is a 30-year veteran of the Air Force Reserve.
In his remarks on June 1, Lindsey Graham said the US would “never achieve peaceful coexistence with radical Islam”.
“I want as president to defeat the enemies that are trying to kill us. Not just penalize them, or contain them, but defeat them,” he said.
Lindsey Graham has spoken out against President Barack Obama’s foreign policy, calling for US ground troops in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS).
He said he would protect US government benefit programs like Medicare and Social Security, having known what it is like to need them himself.
In a video that preceded his speech, Lindsey Graham is described as the first in his family to go to college and a “battle-tested leader who has fought to protect the American dream”.
Kim Kardashian has revealed in the May 31 midseason finale of Keeping Up With the Kardashians that she is pregnant with her second child with Kanye West.
Kim Kardashian, 34, has confirmed the exciting news to her family, in the scenes teasing the second half of KUWTK‘s season: “I just got the blood test back and I am pregnant!”
Photo Instagram
Before the episode aired, Kim Kardashian took to Twitter saying: “Who is excited for tonight’s KUWTK finale?!?!?! There’s some exciting news to share so make sure you tune in!!!!!”
Kim Kardashian, the mom of daughter North West, 23 months, has been vocal about her struggle to conceive a second child. The reality star even allowed KUWTK cameras to document her visits with a fertility doctor throughout season 10.
Bruce Jenner’s first photo shoot as a woman, named Caitlyn Jenner, has been unveiled.
Caitlyn Jenner shot the cover with photographer Annie Leibovitz in Malibu for Vanity Fair magazine.
Former Olympian Bruce Jenner confirmed his plans to transition into a woman in an interview in April 2015.
Now, as he became Caitlyn, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star says: “If I was lying on my deathbed and I had kept this secret… I would be lying there saying, <<You just blew your entire life>>.”
Photo Vanity Fair
Caitlyn Jenner also tweeted: “I’m so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can’t wait for you to get to know her/me.”
E! channel plans to document Caitlyn Jenner’s life as a transgender woman, starting in July in a new series.
Bruce Jenner’s stepdaughter Kim Kardashian West also tweeted support for the cover shoot.
It comes a day after Kim Kardashian confirmed she was pregnant with her second child with husband Kanye West.
Khloe Kardashian also posted about the cover shoot on her Instagram account.
Bruce Jenner’s stepdaughter wrote: “We were given this life because you were strong enough to live it! I couldn’t be prouder!!! Caitlyn, You are beautiful!!!”
Solar Impulse 2 has made a forced landing in Nagoya, Japan, aborting a Pacific crossing due to deteriorating weather ahead of it.
Solar Impulse is the only airplane of perpetual endurance, able to fly day and night on solar power, without a drop of fuel.
The aircraft, which set off from China on May 31, had hoped to reach Hawaii by the end of the week.
However, a developing cold front over the ocean is blocking its path and pilot Andre Borschberg has decided to play safe by putting down in Nagoya.
Andre Borschberg will now wait in Japan for a new weather opportunity to present itself.
Solar Impulse 2 is attempting to make the first circumnavigation of the globe by an airplane powered only by the sun.
The 17,000 photovoltaic cells on its wings drive propellers during the day but also charge batteries that sustain flight during the night.
The China-Hawaii stint was to be the seventh leg in the quest that began back in March from Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Andre Borschberg brought Solar Impulse into Nagoya airfield at 23:49 local time. A line of brilliant LEDs on the front edge of the plane’s wings announced his approach to the runway.
Because Japan was never a scheduled stop, the project has had to scramble to get its ground crew and equipment to the airport to meet the vehicle.
This saw the Swiss adventurer having to circle above Nagoya while preparations were made beneath him.
Solar Impulse 2 will now be tied down and protected from the elements in a mobile hanger while meteorologists and flight strategists look for a new possibility to cross the Pacific.
Flying the more than 8,000km from Nanjing in China to Kalaeloa in Hawaii was always considered the big test in the round-the-world flight.
Although disappointed at having being forced to make a stopover, the team is nonetheless delighted with the performance of its aircraft.
Just the journey from Nanjing has covered more than 2,850km – a new distance world record for a manned solar-powered plane. The time in the air, also, 44 hours, is a record in the same aviation class.
In completing a full day-night cycle on Sunday into Monday, Solar Impulse has proven its credentials as an “eternal plane”. That is, given the right weather conditions, Solar Impulse has the ability to stay aloft indefinitely.
Quite when the airplane will now get to go to Hawaii is anyone’s guess at the moment. It is unlikely to get a chance before next week. Andre Borschberg will need some time to rest, as will his ground crew.
Ideally, the team needs to cross America, and then the Atlantic, before the hurricane season starts to peak in August.
The owner of the Rana Plaza complex has been charged with murder over the Bangladeshi building’s collapse in 2013, killing more than 1,100 people.
Sohel Rana and more than a dozen government officials are among 42 people to face charges in Bangladesh.
They are accused of ignoring warnings not to allow workers into the building the day before it collapsed.
It was the worst industrial disaster in Bangladesh’s history – and prompted criticism of global retail practices.
The 41 people accused of murder, who include owners of factories housed in the complex and government officials, initially faced charges of culpable homicide.
Prosecutors say that the seriousness of the accident meant that the charges have been upgraded to murder. If convicted, defendants face the death penalty.
Eighteen people, including 17 of those charged with murder, have been charged with building code violation.
Sohel Rana should now appoint a lawyer ahead of the trial process, the prosecution says. A court hearing is due to take place on June 28 to decide further proceedings.
He was arrested days after the disaster as he attempted to flee to India.
The building code violation charges allege that three extra stories were added to the factory.
The factory, in Savar, some 20 miles outside Dhaka, collapsed suddenly on April 24, 2013.
More than 2,500 people were rescued alive, some suffering from terrible injuries.
The disaster drew attention to the poor working conditions in Bangladesh’s garment industry, one of the world’s largest.
Bangladeshi factories provide cheap clothing for major Western retailers, which benefit from the country’s widespread low-cost labor.
Malaysia Airlines CEO Christoph Mueller has announced the airline is “technically bankrupt”.
Christoph Mueller also announced a restructuring program and plans to cut about 6,000 jobs.
The announcement follows the twin air disasters which forced Malaysia Airlines nationalization in 2014.
Malaysia Airlines said it had “offered jobs” to 14,000 of its 20,000 workforce.
The move was expected and follows the appointment of new CEO, Christoph Mueller, in May.
Christoph Mueller told a news conference in Sepang, Malaysia: “We are technically bankrupt.”
“The decline of performance started long before the tragic events of 2014.”
Malaysia Airlines is operating as normal and no flights are currently affected.
In March 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared with 239 passengers and crew aboard. The plane is still missing.
Four months later, flight MH17 was shot down by a suspected ground-to-air missile while in Ukrainian airspace, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew.
The two disasters proved to be the final straw for the already struggling business, which had reported losses for several years as a result of strong regional competition.
Christoph Mueller was making his first public appearance as chief executive since being hired by the carrier’s owner, Malaysian state fund Khazanah, to lead the restructuring.
He has previously had senior roles at Ireland’s Aer Lingus, Belgium’s Sabena and Germany’s Lufthansa airlines. Famed for slashing jobs at the airlines, Christoph Mueller has earned the nickname “the Terminator”.
Malaysia Airlines had previously disclosed plans to cut 6,000 jobs, shrinking its workforce to 14,000.
Christoph Mueller said the airline could not expect that all of the job offers it had made to existing staff would be accepted. He said this was because the company expected staff to have received offers from rival carriers.
“We will embark on a second round in two weeks’ time and that will allow others to accept our offers and that may change the numbers,” he added.
Malaysia Airlines plans to announce a rebranding on September 1st.
Christoph Mueller would not be drawn on whether this would mean a change to the airline name, but said “all constellations were open”.
He admitted that in certain markets Malaysia Airlines was a tarnished brand, but he would not say whether the rebrand would involve a change in name, logo or other alterations.
He also would not be drawn on whether the airline would withdraw from some costly long-haul flights to Europe.
In more general terms, Christoph Mueller said it was possible the airline might reduce the frequency of flights on certain routes, or reduce the size of aircraft on those routes.
The carrier would look at joint ventures before closing routes, Christoph Mueller said, and would be having conversations with potential partners in the coming weeks.
In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said its immediate priority was to “stop the bleeding” in 2015, then to stabilize in 2016 and start growing again by 2017.
We call baseball America’s Favorite Pastime, and MLB athletes are some of the highest paid in the world. Lucrative salaries from their teams are expanded by the endorsements they receive for their legendary status. As baseball salaries have exploded, 28 top players will each take home at least $20 million this season. Here are some of the highest paid MLB players this year.
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers
Image via Flickr by Keith Allison
An MLB 2008 debut, Clayton Kershaw is a starting pitcher with salary tied for top spot. His endorsements push him to the top of the stack, with his total expected earnings reaching $31.2 million this year. His sponsors include Under Armour, Rawlings, Subway, Time Warner Cable, Wilson, and Muscle Milk, adding $1.2 million to his $30 million contract for this season. His seven-year contract is worth a total of $215 million and includes an $18 million signing bonus paid out over last year.
Jon Lester: Chicago Cubs
Though his total contract is only $155 million with the Cubs, Jon Lester is looking at a payout of more than $30 million, with half of his $30 million signing bonus helping to double his salary in 2015. After leaving New England, his $400,000 in endorsements ended. He will likely make at least as much in Chicago this year, though, with Nike remaining his biggest sponsor.
Robinson Cano: Seattle Mariners
Image via Flickr by Keith Allison
With Derek Jeter’s retirement, there’s a large space to be filled in the endorsement world. Robinson Cano is one of the players who has really taken advantage of the opening. With his $27.5 million in salary, Cano is set to earn an additional $3.5 million in endorsements with Pepsi, DirecTV, Wilson, Topps, Nike and more. Check out the free baseball picks and tips on DocSports to see how Cano measures up this season.
Justin Verlander: Detroit Tigers
With a seven-year contract worth $180 million, Justin Verlander will take home $28 million in 2015. The 32-year-old’s average salary will end up being nearly $26 million, with $500,000 currently in endorsements from companies including Reebok and Majestic. A $22 million vesting option could push his total contract to $202 million in 2021.
Josh Hamilton: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
This year, Josh Hamilton will take a salary of $25.4 million from his five-year $125 million contract with the Angels. His contract is set to end in 2019, and his salary will rise to $30 million for the last two contract years. His $500,000 in endorsements comes from Vita Coco, among others. His relapse with cocaine and shoulder surgery could lead to his trade back to the Texas Rangers, which would drastically affect his earnings for 2015.
Cliff Lee: Philadelphia Phillies
Image via Flickr by Keith Allison
At age 36, Cliff Lee is set to rake in $25.3 million in 2015. While his salary had him tied for the highest MLB salary of 2014 and 30th for athletes across the globe in 2014, he has dropped down to sixth in 2015. A mere $200,000 in endorsements comes from J.P. Mascaro & Sons, a waste hauler who has placed Lee’s image on their garbage trucks.
Zack Greinke: Los Angeles Dodgers
As the top free agent pitcher on the market during the 2012 off-season, Greinke signed a six-year contract with the Dodgers for $147 million. He set a record for 22 straight starts where the other team earned two runs or fewer. His endorsements only add up to $50,000, making the 31-year-old pitcher’s total salary $24.5 for 2015.
Ryan Howard: Philadelphia Phillies
While injuries kept this first baseman from more than half of the games in 2012 and 2013, Ryan Howard tied for top salary in 2014 with Cliff Lee in 2014. With a salary of $21.7 million plus $700,000 this year in endorsements, he stands to see a cool $22.4 million this year. Companies endorsed by Howard include New Balance and Subway. He also adds to his salary with memorabilia and appearances.
In 2014, average MLB salaries ($3.92 million) nearly doubled that of average NFL salaries ($2 million), but still fall short of NBA athletes’ average salaries ($4.9 million). With their various endorsements and sponsors, these MLB players take home some of professional sports’ top salaries.
Have you picked your fantasy football players? The more tactical approach toward building an unbeatable team is to find players, regardless of positions, that have consistently beat the odds against them. However, since there is still plenty of time for the most sought out players to rise and fall in the ranks, keeping tabs on your lineup is a smart move.
Top 5 for First-Round
Image via Flickr by SD Dirk
Le’Veon Bell, Steelers – RB:Bell’s performance last year makes him a popular choice for the number one spot on sites like FanDuel and RotoGrinders. However, his recent arrest for possession of marijuana has many fans concerned that he may face a suspension. Even if suspended for a few games, he would still be worthy of at least a number four spot.
Eddie Lacy, Packers – RB: Many fans will be slightly reluctant to add Lacy to the roster because of his injury record. Despite Lacy’s history, he has only missed two games over two seasons and “… finished as fantasy’s No. 6 running back in 2014”. Therefore, 2015 looks very promising for him.
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs – RB:Though Charles was a top scorer in earlier fantasy leagues, many worry that he is working too hard and due to burn out soon. Despite concerns, he will remain the Chief’s mule and bring results.
Antonio Brown, Steelers – WR:Several sources proudly dub Brown the most consistent receiver. Even though keeping that kind of consistency rate is difficult, Brown continues to amaze with averages of 119.5 receptions, 1598.5 yards, and 10.5 touchdowns per season.
DeMarco Murray, Cowboys – RB: Murray has suffered a few injuries but has shown remarkable ability to recover. Concerns about whether he will be playing for another team this year has some debating his rank for this year’s lineup. Whether or not he can hold up for another 16 games is in question.
Rising Through the Ranks
Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks – RB:Lynch has averaged at least 1,200 rushing yards, 1,400 total yards, and 12 touchdowns per season. He is definitely worth a close watch and perhaps a top ten place.
Matt Forte, Bears – RB: Forte is one of the most versatile players in the league. The issue with Forte is workload. He is overdue for a breakdown.
Demaryius Thomas, Broncos – WR: Thomas has brought his A-game while averaging 1,494.3 yards and 11.7 touchdowns per year. However, many are skeptical that he would be able to do as well if Peyton Manning were not at the helm.
Of course, many fans are looking forward to another big year from Calvin Jonson, aka Megatron. However, he has missed several games over the last two seasons, which cannot simply be overlooked. If he can manage to stay healthy, you can expect him to score around 16 touchdowns and get over 1,700 total yards.
As you can see, there are players who have suffered injuries and continue to bring much value to the game. There are others who continue to amaze, but have yet to sustain an injury — making their ability to bounce back questionable. It is in your best interest to choose a few of each for a well-rounded league.
Keeping your tablet or smartphone secure is an important aspect of protecting yourself from web hackers. Even if your device is in your hands, hackers are becoming more skilled at getting through firewalls and finding personal information in your email or other saved accounts. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening to you.
Passcode Protect Your Device
Image via Flickr by Chris F
Most tablets and smartphones come with an option to set a passcode so that you are the only one who can get into the information stored on the device. If you leave your phone or tablet sitting out, anyone who picks it up can get into your apps, messages, and emails. Some of the newer devices also have an option to set a password instead of a four-digit passcode for increased security. The iPad Mini 3 with fingerprint identity sensor makes it even easier to keep unwanted users out of your information since only your finger will unlock the device.
Back Up Data
If your phone or tablet breaks or is stolen, you will probably realize how much information was stored on the device. Instead of waiting for an issue to arise, take a few minutes every day or two to back up the data that is on the device. You can download free or paid security apps that will automatically back up your data, or you can use cloud-based services that you can access from anywhere. If you have security concerns about keeping your information in the cloud, you can also back up to your computer.
Modify Default Settings
When you first take your new phone or tablet out of the box, it will have default security settings that may not offer enough protection for your information. Start by disabling any location tracking services, since these can make it very easy for hackers to pinpoint exactly where you and the device are at any time. When you need to use location services, such as mapping, just enable it for that usage. NFC and Bluetooth can also allow hackers to connect wirelessly to your device, so keep them off unless you are using them.
Use Devices on Your Network
If you choose a tablet or phone that isn’t compatible with your network, you will have to root or jailbreak it to make it work. This means that you will override manufacturer settings and this can result in a loss of security features. Mobile malware programs are more likely to pop up and cause damage to these types of phones and tablets, since traditional devices used on their own networks have stricter security restrictions that help keep hackers out.
Remote Wiping
Most phones and tablets have the option to remotely wipe the data stored on the devices. If you engage a remote wiping, it will restore the device to its original factory settings. This can help protect your personal information in case your device is stolen or hacked. If your device has the option to reset itself if too many wrong passcode attempts are made, be sure to enable it. There are also apps that make it easier to find your device.
Watch Out for Bad Apps
Many mobile device users have found that the most common reason that their devices are compromised is because they have downloaded bad apps. When you are considering downloading an app, make sure to read reviews and double-check permissions to make sure the app won’t access information it doesn’t need. You can also enable a security setting that won’t allow another user, such as a family member or friend, to download an unsecured app.
Use Caution on Public Wi-Fi
Accessing free Wi-Fi networks in public places can be an easy way to lessen your mobile data usage. However, if you use your device to shop or do online banking, it is a lot easier for hackers to access this information. Make sure that you only use private and secured networks when you are using credit card information or other personal details.
With a few easy tips, you can keep yourself protected from hackers and thieves who are looking for ways to get into your private data.
Whether your business is large or small, you’ve probably seen first-hand the importance of email marketing on your existing consumer base. However, managing the various aspects of the company’s email campaign can be challenging, especially for a business that lacks the manpower. The following tips showcase the increasing importance of a managed email service.
Strategy
When it comes to growing your business, the use of a website is instrumental in promoting your product or service. However, when it comes to reaching your consumer base through email, a managed email service can dramatically improve your sales and increase your email list. Managed email service companies have the experience and knowledge to identify various business opportunities and provide tools to see that it succeeds. Because you don’t have to recruit or train anyone in-house to handle this task, you can better utilize your precious time to more productive endeavors for the company.
Targeting the Right Audience
Adhering to the industries practices is a difficult feat because the rules and regulations are constantly changing. A managed email marketing service knows how to build trust among your subscribers. They also know what’s at stake when it comes to targeting the right audience. Through your brand and future vision, the service can design a specialized campaign for your customer base. They also know that ongoing communication is just as important once you’ve found your targeted audience. As your subscribers go through various changes such as a change in careers, they can keep in touch with your customers to ensure that your business is meeting their needs.
The Increasing Importance of Managed Email Services
Devising Content
When it comes to email content for your subscribers, a marketing service has the experience to devise the right promotional material. Whether you’re looking for newsletters, videos, letters or blogs, they can help put together something creative that sets you above the competition. The marketplace for business owners is cut throat, so you need to put together something unique and useful for your subscribers.
Make Your Presence Known
Once your email marketing service has helped you implement the right strategic plan, you’ll need their guidance when it comes to keeping on-task. Delivering fresh content in a timely manner shows your subscribers that you’re on top of your game. Whether you send a newsletter daily, weekly or monthly, an email marketing service can assist you in making sure things get out on time. They also have a team of experts who can provide new and entertaining ideas that are sure to attract and captivate their attention throughout the year.
Integrate Social Media
Social media outlets such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are instrumental in connecting with your customers. By providing your email marketing service with your company’s Facebook site or Twitter handle on your email marketing materials, you’ll be able to garner a number of followers. It’s also a way for your subscribers to have a voice and personally connect with you. This allows you the chance to find out if the product or service that you’re providing is good or there kinks to work out.
Build a Better Relationship
In today’s world of mass emails, you may be wondering if your marketing voice is being heard. Email marketing services know what it takes to build a relationship with your customer base. This includes putting together interesting emails that actually get read. It’s also about including privacy links, so your audience knows that you won’t use their personal information for any other purposes.
Tracking and Reporting
When it comes to the analytical side of email marketing, tracking the information can be overwhelming, especially if you’re involved in other aspects of the business. An email marketing service can keep track of the campaigns metrics such as the shares, clicks, bounces and emails that have been actually read.
The UAE recently postponed their participation in airstrikes in December after concerns about their pilots’ safety while flying. Leaders in the UAE were worried that the plans to rescue captured personnel, if necessary, were insufficient.
However, the UAE decided to reinstate its airstrike mission, and UAE F-16s station in Jordan recently took part in attacks. Due to the collaboration between the Iraqi and Syrian governments, as well as the aid provided by the UAE and some US-led missions, some territory has been regained from ISIS. However, although some success has been made against the terrorist group, ISIS continues to make their own strides.
The History of ISIS
ISIS started as ISI in 1999. In 2013, it announced its merger with al-Nusra Front, and the group has been using extreme force to take over cities in both Iraq and Syria. The ISIS extremist group took over Iraq and Syria last year. Since then, the group has murdered a good number of foreigners. Right now, ISIS has nearly 20,000 members, and thanks to continuous recruitment efforts by the group, more and more people continue to flock from different parts of the world in order to join the terrorist group, including Americans. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians have fled the areas that are now controlled by ISIS in order to preserve their safety. ISIS has been known to execute natives in the cities they take over for no reason.
Recent ISIS Victories
Even with airstrikes in place and minimal success efforts, ISIS is continuing to further their endeavors. In early May, ISIS seized control of Ramadi as the government decided to pull back forces. Militants detonated multiple car bombs, and the Iraqi security forces were forced to retreat, giving ISIS access to take full control. Officials in Ramadi have reportedly warned against ISIS’s advances and have asked for more backup regarding airstrikes, yet ISIS was still able to overcome the city.
Along with Ramadi, the ISIS fighters have also recently took control of Palmyra, a desert city in central Syria. The reason this is a big win for ISIS is due to the city’s gas fields and network of roads that connect it across the country’s central dessert. This will allow ISIS to have an easier way to perform illegal trafficking, as well as easier access to other major cities in Syria. While many residents have fled the town, it’s been reported that thousands of residents have been executed, although ISIS claims to restore power and healthcare within the next few days to those residents who have stayed behind.
Both the Iraqi and Syrian governments are working toward overtaking the ISIS group, although both claim that efforts will be time-consuming. Both countries are working together, as well as with US-led teams, in order to take back their countries.
About the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a country located in the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is made up of seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Rulers of the emirates, including Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi of Ras al-Khaimah, demonstrate the Pro Western stance of the United States, its allies, and moderate Muslim countries around the world.
Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has been honored with a huge monument in the capital city, Ashgabat, featuring his likeness atop a golden horse.
The Turkmen leader is galloping ahead in race to construct a cult of personality bigger than his predecessor’s, the late dictator Saparmurat Niyazov.
Cast in bronze and covered in 24-carat gold leaf, the statue of Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov soars 70 ft from the ground and is perched on an outcrop of white marble cliff.
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who has run Turkmenistan since 2006 and is accused of presiding over one of the most pervasive personality cults in the world, is widely known as Arkadag, or the patron.
The composition was unveiled in Ashgabat on May 25, to cheers of “Glory to Arkadag!” from assembled students, as white doves and balloons were released into the sky, Reuters reported.
Officially, the monument was commissioned after public clamor.
Photo Reuters
In 2014, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov responded to the proposal to honor him with a statue: “My main goal is to serve the people and the motherland. And so, I will listen to the opinion of the people and do as they choose.”
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s image is ubiquitous in Turkmenistan, with huge portraits adorning billboards and buildings across the country. The gold statue, however, recalls the reign of his predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, who was known as Turkmenbashi, or leader of all the Turkmens.
Saparmurat Niyazov ensured that gas-rich Turkmenistan remained one of the most isolated countries in the world, ensuring no free media, allowing little foreign travel and enacting a series of decrees that renamed the days of the week and months of the year after himself and members of his family. Hospitals outside the capital were closed, opera and the circus were both banned, and all schools and universities had mandatory classes for studying the Ruhnama, Saparmurat Niyazov’s book. His ministers were forced to perform a gruelling annual “walk of health” through the capital. The dictator travelled by helicopter and met them at the finishing line.
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who was formerly a dentist and then became Saparmurat Niyazov’s health minister, presided over a very gradual liberalization when he first came to power after Niyazov’s death, reversing some of the late president’s more eccentric decrees.
In time, however, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov built up a personality cult that now rivals that of his predecessor.
Saparmurat Niyazov famously had a gold statue of himself erected in the centre of Ashgabat that rotated to face the sun throughout the day. When Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov took over, the monument was moved to the outskirts of the city.
Members of soccer governing body FIFA are set to vote for their new president at their congress in Zurich, amid a huge corruption scandal.
Incumbent President Sepp Blatter is seeking a fifth term. His only challenger is Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.
The vote of FIFA’s 209 members comes two days after seven top officials were held in Zurich in a US fraud inquiry that indicted 14 people.
Sepp Blatter, 79, has faced calls to quit but says he is not responsible for the scandal and is favorite to win.
Both Sepp Blatter and Prince Ali bin- al-Hussein, 39, will have 15 minutes to address the delegates.
Each of the 209 member associations can then vote.
In the first round, a candidate must get two-thirds of the votes to win outright, or 140 votes.
If that is not achieved there will be a second round requiring a simple majority, even though there are only two candidates.
Sepp Blatter, who is in office for 17 years, remains the favorite, with strong support in Asia, the Americas and Africa.
At the congress opening on May 28, Sepp Blatter addressed the issue of corruption, insisting it fell to him to “fix things”.
He said: “We cannot allow the reputation of football and FIFA to be dragged through the mud and it has to stop here and now.”
However, Sepp Blatter distanced himself from the scandal, saying: “Many people hold me ultimately responsible for the… global football community… I cannot monitor everyone all of the time. If people want to do wrong they will also try to hide it.”
He said the “actions of individuals” had brought “shame and humiliation on football”.
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein has the support of most of Europe.
Responding to the scandal, Prince Ali said that FIFA needed leadership that “accepts responsibility for its actions and does not pass blame… and restores confidence in the hundreds of millions of football fans around the world”.
He said: “I am a straightforward person with straightforward ideas and ethics – a person who loves our sport.”
The head of European football’s governing body, UEFA, Michel Platini, was one of those calling for Sepp Blatter to quit.
At an emergency meeting with other FIFA confederation heads and Sepp Blatter on May 28, Michel Platini said he had asked the president “as a friend” to resign, saying: “I have had enough – enough is enough, too much is too much.”
Sepp Blatter refused, and the other confederations agreed with him that Friday’s vote should go ahead.
Two criminal investigations were announced on May 27.
The US investigation accuses those indicted of bribery, racketeering and money-laundering involving tens of millions of dollars over 24 years since 1991.
It includes allegations of bribes to influence the outcome of bids to stage football tournaments such as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2016 Copa America in the US.
Two FIFA vice presidents were among those arrested in Zurich.
One of them, Jeffrey Webb, was on May 28 “provisionally dismissed” as head of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
Swiss prosecutors have launched a separate investigation into the bidding process for the World Cup tournaments in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.
Meanwhile, many of FIFA’s major sponsors have expressed concern over the investigations.
Coca-Cola, Visa, Adidas, McDonald’s, Hyundai Motor and Budweiser are pressing FIFA to take immediate action to restore its reputation.
Neverland Ranch, the famed 2,700-acre property in Los Olivos, California that once belonged to the late Michael Jackson, is officially on the market for $100 million.
Now called again Sycamore Valley Ranch, the property was bought by private investment company Colony Capital in 2008 for $23.5 million.
With millions put into its restoration, the listing is being split by Sotheby’s broker Harry Kolb and Hilton & Hyland’s Jeffrey Hyland.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal Jeffrey Hyland said that they’re “not encouraging a lot of showings”.
A Sotheby’s representative also said: “We’re not going to be giving tours.”
Michael Jackson owned the Neverland Valley Ranch from 1988 to 2005. The musician named the property for Neverland, the fantasy island in the story of Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up.
Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, media speculated that his family intended to bury him at the Neverland Ranch, eventually turning it into a place of pilgrimage for his fans, similar to how Graceland has become a destination for fans of Elvis Presley.
Since 2009, the Neverland Ranch rides Balloon Samba, Jeeps, Wave Swinger and Dinos have been featured attractions at the California State Fair in Sacramento.
Twelve young women have tried to leave Melbourne to join the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group.
According to Australian police, the women, aged between 18 and 29, have been recruited on social media.
Five of them are now living with ISIS militants in the conflict zones, according to a special investigation by Victoria Police.
Concern has been rising since mid-2014 about Australians going to the Middle East to fight for ISIS.
Australia’s government will soon introduce legislation allowing it to strip dual citizens fighting in Iraq or Syria of their Australian citizenship.
People working in Australia to support militant groups will also be targeted by the changes.
Task Force Pax was established in April to monitor Victorians believed to be involved with insurgents.
Officials from the task force told local media on May 29 that another four Melbourne women made it as far as Turkey before being turned back by authorities.
One other was stopped by customs officers in Australia while two remain unaccounted for.
The young women are all from Melbourne’s northern and south-eastern suburbs.
According to Assistant Commissioner Tracy Linford, two forensic psychologists had been embedded in the task force to help investigators understand why the young women were trying to join IS.
“The use of psychologists provides us with a far more comprehensive risk assessment and also assists in identifying early intervention opportunities,” she said.
“This gives us the chance to focus on identifying those youths most at risk of radicalization and to engage with them or their families directly.”
Police said the young women were being sold a romantic view of life with ISIS, and had lied to their families about their travel plans.
Authorities were warning parents and friends of young women about the lure of ISIS, saying the women could end up in arranged marriages, or forced into s**ual servitude in the Middle East.
The Australian government believes at least 100 Australians are fighting with militant groups in the Middle East.
Another 150 people in Australia are known to be supporting such groups, while Australia’s intelligence agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), is investigating about 400 high-priority terrorist cases.
Eight people have been found guilty of exploiting L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, according to a court in Bordeaux, France.
Liliane Bettencourt, 92, is one of the world’s richest people.
Among those convicted was celebrity photographer Francois-Marie Banier, given three years in prison and ordered to pay €158 million ($170 million) in damages.
François-Marie Banier, who had befriended Liliane Bettencourt, 25 years his senior, argued that he was the only person who made her laugh.
However, a former ally of ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy was acquitted.
The verdict brings to an end a long-running case that began with a feud between Liliane Bettencourt and her daughter Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers.
In 2007, Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers filed charges against Francois-Marie Banier, who had become a close companion of her mother.
Liliane Bettencourt had lavished Francois-Marie Banier with gifts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, including artworks by Picasso and Matisse.
The L’Oreal heiress even made Francois-Marie Banier her sole heir – although this was later revoked.
At the time Liliane Bettencourt said she was a free woman, and her daughter would just have to accept it.
Francoise Bettencourt-Meyers said her mother, who medical records later revealed suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, was being exploited by Francois-Marie Banier.
The court agreed. The president of the hearing in Bourdeaux said Francois-Marie Banier had “a real moral and psychological hold” on Mrs Bettencourt.
Patrice de Maistre and Pascal Wilhelm, who oversaw Liliane Bettencourt’s estimated $40.1 billion fortune, were given fines and 18-month jail sentences.
Eric Woerth, who served as campaign treasurer during Nicolas Sarkozy’s successful bid for the presidency in 2007, was cleared of taking donations from her.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was placed under criminal investigation for allegedly receiving illegal funding from Liliane Bettencourt but this was dropped in 2013.
According to South Africa’s police minister Nathi Nhleko, President Jacob Zuma will not have to repay state money spent to upgrade his private home in Nkandla.
Nathi Nhleko said that the upgrades, including a pool costing almost 4 million rand ($328,000) were in fact security features.
In 2014, an independent inquiry found Jacob Zuma had “unduly benefited” from the upgrades.
Jacob Zuma has been heavily criticized over the issue.
In February, the Nkandla controversy prompted chaotic scenes in parliament as leftist lawmakers scuffled with security.
They had been interrupting a key annual speech by Jacob Zuma and demanding answers over the row.
In 2014, a report by South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog found Jacob Zuma had “unduly benefitted” from the renovations and recommended he pay back some of the money.
However, Jacob Zuma has maintained he would only pay money back if ordered to do so by Nathi Nhleko.
At a news conference Nathi Nhleko justified his decision not to make Jacob Zuma pay back any of the money by saying the upgrades were security features.
For example, Nathi Nhleko explained the pool was in fact intended for use in fighting fires, and he even had a video of four policemen demonstrating how this security feature worked.
A chicken run, a cow enclosure, an amphitheatre and visitors centre were also all classed as security features by Nathi Nhleko.
According to new reports, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have secretly separated after ten years of marriage.
The splitting rumors are surrounding the Hollywood stars in the run up to their 10th wedding anniversary.
National Enquirer and OK! Magazine have reported this week that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s marriage is in trouble, but the stars have yet to respond to the claims.
Photo Getty Images
A source told OK! Magazine that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, who married in 2005, have “already separated”.
Ben Affleck, 42, and Jennifer Garner, 43, share children Violet, 9; Seraphina, 6; and Samuel, 3, have already separated, according to the Enquirer, and heading for a $150million divorce.
The publications also claim an official statement will be released before their 10th anniversary in June.
Ben Affleck met on the set of film Pearl Harbor in 2001 and later starred alongside each other in Daredevil.
Jennifer Garner was previously married to actor Scott Foley while Ben Affleck was previously engaged to Jennifer Lopez.
Lenovo has unveiled the Smart Cast, a phone with a built-in laser projector that can be used to display a virtual keyboard or display.
The interactive display can replicate the phone’s touch screen, a full-size computer keyboard or even piano keys.
The laser projector can also be used to beam images and videos onto walls.
The Smart Cast phone was unveiled at Lenovo’s Tech World conference in Beijing, where the Chinese electronics giant also unveiled a new type of smart watch, called Magic View.
The laser projector measures just 34mm by 26mm by 5mm and, said Lenovo, does not need focusing to project sharp images onto walls or other flat surfaces.
A video showing the Smart Cast in action shows how twisting the mounting for the device’s lens turns it from a standard wall projector into “surface mode” that beams the display on to a table top.
A kickstand mounted on the back of the phone keeps the device upright while the virtual keyboard is in use.
At the Tech World conference, Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang used the virtual keyboard to play a version of The Entertainer.
Tech World also saw Lenovo show off a smartwatch, called Magic View, that has two screens.
Magic View smartwatch has a standard “public” screen viewable by anyone and a second “private” projected screen only visible when the watch is held close to the face and at a specific angle.
