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.
Tracy Morgan has settled the lawsuit against supermarket giant Walmart over a crash which left him seriously injured, and killed his friend, comedian James McNair.
In June 2014, a Walmart truck crashed in to the back of Tracy Morgan’s limo.
Prosecutors alleged the driver had not slept for more than 24 hours.
James McNair, known as Jimmy Mack, was killed in the crash.
Tracy Morgan’s lawyer, Benedict Morelli, said Walmart “took full responsibility for the accident”.
All sides had worked hard to reach the undisclosed agreement, the lawyer added.
Tracy Morgan said Walmart “did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families”.
“I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
A representative for Walmart also called it an “amicable settlement”.
Tracy Morgan, 46, was left in a critical condition following the crash, suffering a traumatic head injury, a broken leg, nose and ribs.
The 30 Rock star will give his first interview since the crash to NBC’s Today on Monday, June 1.
Tracy Morgan will be interviewed by Matt Lauer live in the Rockefeller Center – which was the setting for 30 Rock – and will be joined by his lawyer Benedict Morelli.
Walmart had previously reached an agreement with the family of James McNair, 62, who grew up with Tracy Morgan in New York.
Walmart driver Kevin Roper of Jonesboro, Georgia, has pleaded not guilty to death by auto and assault and is currently on bail.
Thousands of people took to streets of Memphis, Tennessee, on May 27 to pay tribute to B.B. King, who died earlier this month.
A Dixieland jazz band walked ahead of a black hearse down Beale Street – a street synonymous with American blues music.
The place is where the young King was nicknamed the Beale Street Blues Boy – a moniker later shortened to B.B.
B.B. King died on 14 May. US authorities are investigating claims the blues legend was poisoned after his daughters have alleged he was given “foreign substances to induce his premature death” by his business manager Laverne Toney and personal assistant Myron Johnson.
Photo Commercial Appeal
Lawyers for B.B. King’s estate have said the claims are unfounded and disrespectful.
The coroner initially said B.B. King had died of a series of small strokes connected to his Type 2 diabetes, although a further autopsy has now been carried out, with results expected in eight weeks.
At the street procession honoring B.B. King’s memory, the Memphis-based Mighty Souls Brass Band played the song When the Saints Go Marching In.
Drummer Rodd Bland – the son of the late blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland – carried one of B.B. King’s signature Lucille guitars.
Artists including singer Ruby Wilson, Bobby Rush and the Ghost Town Blues Band all performed tributes on stage.
B.B. King’s body is being taken to Indianola, Mississippi, which the blues legend considered his hometown, for his funeral on Saturday, May 30.
A mystery drone rained money down on people enjoying a picnic in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 26.
People started screaming with excitement while scurrying to grab $1 bills from the ground.
Children and adults scrambled to collect the bills as an estimated $100 was released above picnickers, amid suggestions the operators were seen on top of a nearby JW Marriot Hotel.
However, no one has yet stepped forward to claim responsibility for the philanthropic stunt.
Although police admitted the event looked “fun”, they said they should have been warned in advance because of safety concerns.
Sgt. Terry Dixon, from Grand Rapids Police Department, told Fox 17: “In a situation like this, this looks fun – fun for everyone involved – especially the kids that are out there. There’s money dropping from the sky and how often does that happen?
“The problem is that it could become a safety hazard for the kids or the youths that are running to get to the money – they could be crossing the roadway and inadvertently be struck by a car or something like that.”
Madrid is the city that has it all. Sun and culture combine in a vibrant mix. Even the colour of the buildings in Madrid has a party atmosphere. Pastel oranges are lining the streets in curved rows.
Madrid is Spain’s beating heart. It survives and thrives because of its past, and its future. The youth of Madrid really comes to the foreground when you see the street art. Simple acts graffiti are made into outdoor art galleries.
If you’ve come to Madrid for indulgence, you’re well catered for. If you’ve never tried tapas before, there’s no better place than Biotza.
Tapas is a meal consisting of small snack-like dishes. For those amongst you who get bored with your food quickly, this is for you.
The Mediterranean countries are known for their cooking. Spain is no different, and Madrid makes you know that.
You’ll be able to practically smell where the good food is.
Likewise for drinks, expect something different but opulent. The Roof is situated on the top of the Plaza de Santa Ana. It’s a cocktail bar, but on top of a building. Not great for those who don’t like heights, but provides a spectacular view with your drink.
If you prefer something more grounded, try the Teatro Joy Eslava. It’s a dance club. So if pounding music and moving your body like no tomorrow is what you’re into, get ready to shake it.
In keeping with the finesse and beauty of the city, Madrid hotels are often pretty swanky. Stylish rooms and stylish lobbies alike from my experience. Check out Venere to see some of them.
If you want to have a night out on the down low, try La Venencia. La Venencia is a sherry bar, with a real old school feel. Lots of wood, and no music. Conversation is your soundtrack in here.
If you want a little culture in your visit the Museo del Prado is a great place to go look at some art. Appreciate it properly though, don’t go with a hangover.
You don’t want some of the greatest works mankind has made to be wobbling all over the place.
For a more everyday experience in Madrid try hanging around Plaza Mayor. While quite an extravagant building, it’s a nice place just to take a seat and enjoy yourself.
Nothing says you can’t just sit down with a book on holiday.
You can get a little stiff with inactivity if you’re having a relaxing holiday. Besides walking, keeping yourself active can improve your experience.
Madrid has cycling tours for instance. Get to know the area while on the move. Stay fit, and learn about the local area.
If you’re looking to spend some money though, El Rastro is the premiere flea market of Madrid. There’s no guarantee you’ll see anything you like.
The chance to find a figurative diamond in the rough is always there though. Besides, you might find something that’ll make a nice souvenir to take home with you.
Madrid is a city that likes to have fun. It has a quieter, gentler side though. Whether you’re looking to party all night or browse the markets, you could have the time of your life.
FIFA will open its annual congress despite warnings from sponsors that they may review ties over the arrest of seven top officials on corruption charges.
FIFA’s key sponsors have issued statements putting increasing pressure on the soccer governing body over the mounting corruption allegations.
Visa warned that it will reassess its sponsorship unless FIFA makes changes.
Coca-Cola said: “The lengthy controversy has tarnished the mission and ideals of the FIFA World Cup.”
Adidas, McDonald’s and Hyundai Motor also expressed concern and said they were monitoring the situation closely.
The European football body UEFA will decide whether to boycott May 29 vote for the next FIFA president.
Incumbent President Sepp Blatter has yet to appear in public since the arrests.
Sepp Blatter, who is hoping to secure a fifth term at FIFA’s congress in Zurich, was not named in the corruption investigations.
FIFA provisionally banned from football-related activity 11 of the 14 people charged by the US authorities on Wednesday.
They are accused of racketeering, fraud and money laundering, including charges of receiving 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. South African’s main football body has denied the claim.
Sepp Blatter said on May 27: “Such misconduct has no place in football and we will ensure that those who engage in it are put out of the game.”
Swiss prosecutors plan to interview ten FIFA executive committee members as part of a separate investigation into the bidding process for the World Cup tournaments in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.
UEFA reacted to the latest events by saying they were “a disaster for FIFA and tarnish the image of football as a whole”.
The European body said Friday’s congress risked becoming a “farce” and that the vote should be postponed.
Those indicted in the US case are accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150 million over a 24-year period beginning in 1991.
Spelling out details of the US case, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said some FIFA executives had “used their positions to solicit bribes. They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament”.
The seven arrested in Zurich were vice-presidents Jeffrey Webb and Eugenio Figueredo; Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel and Jose Maria Marin. They face extradition requests from the US.
An eccentric customer, who enjoyed a gumbo and a beer at Blue 44, a restaurant in upper Northwest Washington, left a $2,000 tip on a $93 bill, the Washington Post reports.
The owner of the four-year-old restaurant, Christofer Nardelli, said the man left the tip on May 25 after he and a friend ate fried chicken, gumbo and the patron’s favorite brew — Old Chub Scotch Ale.
After the men left the restaurant, bartender Laura Dally noticed something unusual.
She picked up the bill holder and noticed that inside was the credit card slip with a $2,000 tip, including details of how it should be divided among the three: $1,000 for chef James Turner and $500 each for the bartender and Christofer Nardelli.
The customer also wrote: “Thank you for the gumbo!”
According to the restaurant’s owner, the customer lives in the area and frequents the bar a few times a month. He is partial to the restaurant’s gumbo, chicken and andouille sausage base with a dark roux.
The customer and his friend ordered the Monday night special – a three-course meal of salad, fried chicken and dessert – with gumbo interspersed throughout, the bartender said.
Christofer Nardelli said he plans to use his money to help offset his toddler’s monthly day-care bill and believes chef James Turner will spend his money on his family as well.
Bartender Laura Dally, 29, said she plans to use her $500 to pay for a summer class at Montgomery College. She is working to become an occupational therapist.
The competition is fierce in the fast food industry. If you’re in this game, you know. If you’re just getting started in it, you’re in for a rough ride, especially in this economic climate. Here’s how to boost sales and profits to avoid becoming just another statistic.
Offer Collectibles
Collectibles are things that big brands have used for years to attract customers. For example, a brand might offer branded drinking glasses, Customized mugs, or figurines. It could even be toys for the kids.
Whatever it is, if you promote it as a “limited edition” something or other, you’re bound to get customers to “bite.” There’s almost always a crowd for collectible items, and it’s a great way to get referral business.
Photo Source: www.tquality.co.uk
Segment Your Market
Segmentation is a way to separate out your “A” customers from “B” customers. In the fast food industry, this information is usually obtained through research surveys, asking your demographic about their age, income, and household size.
You might learn that most of your customers, for example, are between 24 and 34 years old, instead of the typical 18 to 24.
Once you know your target demographic, hire a mailing list broker, collect names and addresses of everyone within your target age or household income bracket, and send out a mailer to them inviting them to come into your restaurant to try something new.
You could even mention that if they’re between the ages of 24 and 34 (or whatever your target demographic’s age happens to be), they’ll get a free dessert or gift just for stopping by. Since you did your market research beforehand, you can expect a high response rate. Get ready for a flood of business a few days after your mailer goes out.
Brand Your Products
Branding your products sounds intuitive, but you’d be surprised by how many missed opportunities there are in the industry. Are your napkins branded? What about your coffee cups? What about your frozen yogurt cups? If you haven’t branded everything, step it up.
Hand Out Samples
Handing out free samples is one of the simplest ways to prove that you have something worth stopping in for. Have employees set up a stand in town or in an area where you don’t have a store.
Have them hand out free samples of your food to people walking by, along with directions to your restaurant.
Hand Out Menus With Every Order
Chinese food restaurants have been doing this for ages, and for good reason: it works. Every time someone orders take out, include a copy of your menu. You’ll be encouraging future orders.
Hand Out Free Gifts With Orders
Every week, rotate a free gift when people buy. It doesn’t have to be anything huge, but it should be something that reminds your customer of your brand. Whether it’s a pin, a toy for kids, or a coupon for some free food, or discounted tickets for a local event, you should do something that will make you stand out from the giants in the industry that aren’t giving away free stuff.
Kelly S. Phillips is a business marketer. She likes to post about her experiences online. Her articles can be found on many marketing and business websites.
Former Chicago Bears defensive end Ray McDonald has been arrested for the second time this week.
He was arrested on May 27 for violating a restraining order by being at a residence in Santa Clara, the Santa Clara Police Department said.
The restraining order was issued after a domestic violence incident on May 25 in Santa Clara in which Ray McDonald allegedly broke down a bedroom door to get to his former fiancée and their infant.
Ray McDonald, 30, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and child endangerment, but was free on bail. The Chicago Bears released the lineman hours after that arrest.
On May 27, Santa Clara detectives found Ray McDonald at a Togo’s Sandwiches in Santa Clara, where they arrested him without incident. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on $5,000 bail.
Ray McDonald’s attorney, Steve DeFilippis, told the San Jose Mercury News that neither he nor his client had been notified about the restraining order.
Steve DeFilippis told the newspaper McDonald had gone to the residence on May 27 to meet with a defense investigator, who had spoken to the woman who lived there. She told him she would not be home.
The 49ers released Ray McDonald in December citing a “pattern of poor decision-making”.
That move came just a month after Santa Clara County prosecutors declined to file charges against Ray McDonald in a separate domestic violence investigation stemming from an arrest on August 31, 2014, while celebrating his 30th birthday at his home. Prosecutors cited conflicting versions of what happened, a lack of verifiable eyewitnesses and a lack of cooperation by the alleged victim, Ray McDonald’s fiancée, in explaining their decision.
Researchers have unearthed a new species of ancient human in the Afar region of Ethiopia.
The study, published in the journal Nature, says the research team discovered jaw bones and teeth, which date to between 3.3 million and 3.5 million years old.
It means this new hominin was alive at the same time as several other early human species, suggesting our family tree is more complicated than was thought.
The new species has been called Australopithecus deyiremeda, which means “close relative” in the language spoken by the Afar people.
The ancient remains are thought to belong to four individuals, who would have had both ape and human-like features.
The age of the remains means that this was potentially one of four different species of early humans that were all alive at the same time.
The most famous of these is Australopithecus afarensis – known as Lucy – who lived between 2.9 million and 3.8 million years ago, and was initially thought to be our direct ancestor.
However, the discovery of another species called Kenyanthropus platyops in Kenya in 2001, and of Australopithecus bahrelghazali in Chad, and now Australopithecus deyiremedaI, suggests that there were several species co-existing.
Nebraska became first conservative state in more than 40 years to abolish the death penalty after a veto-override was passed through its Legislature.
The lawmakers defied their Republican governor, Pete Ricketts, a staunch supporter of capital punishment who had lobbied vigorously against banning it.
The measure was backed by a coalition of conservatives who oppose execution as a form of punishment.
After more than two hours of emotional speeches at the Capitol here, the Legislature, by a 30-to-19 vote that cut across party lines, overrode the governor’s veto of a bill repealing the state’s death penalty law. After the repeal measure passed, by just enough votes to overcome the veto, dozens of spectators in the balcony burst into celebration.
Nebraska joins 18 other states and the federal district of Washington, DC, in banning capital punishment, and is the first traditionally conservative state in four decades to do so.
The state has not executed an inmate since a 1997 electrocution.
Some of the lawmakers said that they support the death penalty in principle, but said that legal obstacles meant the state would be unable to carry out executions in the future.
A Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman said her agency was investigating death threats made against a state senator who supported the measure.
Ten men are on currently Nebraska’s death row.
The state has never executed a prisoner using lethal injection – the current method for carrying out the death penalty in the state.
The state lost its ability to carry out an execution in December 2013, when one of the three lethal injection drugs used in the procedure expired.
North Dakota, another traditionally conservative state, abolished the death penalty in 1973.
The most recent state to eliminate the death penalty is Maryland, which ended capital punishment in 2013.
