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China Cuts 2017 Growth Target to 6.5%

Clyde K. Valle
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China Cuts 2017 Growth Target to 6.5%

China has cut its 2017 growth target to around 6.5%, down from 7% in 2016, PM Li Keqiang has announced.

Li Keqiang was addressing China’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress (NPC), which has gathered in Beijing for its annual session.

The Chinese economy expanded at its slowest pace in 26 years in 2016.

Li Keqiang said he would tackle state “zombie enterprises” producing more coal and steel than the market needed.

Similar pledges in the past have proved hard to fulfill.

More than 3,000 legislators are meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

The NPC and its advisory body hold ceremonial meetings every year known as “lianghui” or “two sessions”.

Image source Flickr

PM Li Keqiang described the world’s second-largest economy as a butterfly struggling to emerge from a chrysalis.

The premier said this transformation was filled with promise but also great pain.

Li Keqiang repeatedly paid tribute to Communist Party leader Xi Jinping and said that under the sound leadership of the Party, the Chinese people had the courage and ingenuity to overcome all difficulties.

His list of China’s difficulties ranged from the smog which blankets much of the country to the laziness of some government officials.

In a veiled reference to President Donald Trump’s complaints about China’s exchange rate and trade policies, PM Li Keqiang warned of a far more complicated global picture in the year ahead with China facing the threat of growing protectionism.

NPC leaders are tolerating slightly slower economic growth this year to give them more room to push through some painful reforms to deal with a rapid build-up in debt, Reuters reports.

On the subject of tackling China’s pollution issues, Li Keqiang pledged to “work harder” to address the issue exacerbated by heavy industry.

This year’s “lianghui” comes ahead of a major Chinese Communist Party congress, due to be held later this year.

That congress will confirm party chief and President Xi Jinping’s second term in office, as well as announce changes in the party’s top leadership.

Penelope Fillon Insists She Did Carry Out Parliamentary Work for Francois Fillon

Diane A. Wade
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Penelope Fillon Insists She Did Carry Out Parliamentary Work for Francois Fillon

Penelope Fillon, the wife of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon, has insisted that she did carry out parliamentary work for her husband, for which she was paid.

Penelope Fillon told French magazine Journal du Dimanche, rejecting allegations she was paid without actually working: “He needed someone that carried out his tasks.”

As calls mount for Francois Fillon to quit, he is due to attend a big rally near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on March 5.

His Republican party has brought forward crisis talks to March 6.

The former prime minister has seen his popularity slip in opinion polls.

Penelope Fillon told the magazine: “If it hadn’t been me, he would have paid someone else to do it, so we decided that it would be me.

“Everything was legal and declared.”

Image source Wikimedia

Penelope Fillon said that she has repeatedly told her husband to “go all the way” but said that the final decision would be down to him.

She urged Francois Fillon’s supporters to get behind him in his presidential campaign and not to give up.

Speaking to supporters in Paris on March 4 as he marked his 63rd birthday, Francois Fillon said that those attacking him over his presidential bid were “trying to kill a desire for change”.

The latest opinion polls suggest that he would be eliminated in the first round of presidential election voting on April 23, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen and liberal Emmanuel Macron likely to progress to contest the election run-off on May 7.

A survey published in Journal du Dimanche suggests that 71% of those polled want Francois Fillon to step down.

In another blow to Francois Fillon’s campaign, his spokesman announced on March 3 that he was quitting.

Thierry Solere’s resignation is one of a slew of notable departures, including the campaign treasurer on March 2.

Francois Fillon’s woes have raised speculation that Alain Juppe, also a former prime minister, could return to the race if he were to pull out.

Alain Juppe was overwhelmingly defeated by Francois Fillon in the Republicans’ primary in November, securing only 33% of the vote to Fillon’s 66%.

Sources close to Alain Juppe said he would be prepared to step in, but only with the unanimous support of the party and only if Francois Fillon were to go voluntarily.

Francois Fillon has so far said he has no intention of stepping down despite the continuing hemorrhage of allies.

South Korea Increases Reward It Pays for North Korean Defectors to $860,000

Roy Siemens
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South Korea Increases Reward It Pays for North Korean Defectors to $860,000

South Korea has decided to quadruple the reward it pays defectors from North Korea who share information to $860,000.

North Korean defectors can expect to receive the six-figure payout if they cross the border with intelligence that helps enhance South Korea’s security.

Defecting can be an expensive process as a result of dealing with people-smugglers.

Other amounts will be given to soldiers who defect with weapons.

Photo Reuters

South Korea’s unification ministry said funds would be paid to individuals bringing artillery ranging from aircraft and tanks to small arms.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the sums paid would be determined on a sliding scale of importance.

This is the first such increase in 20 years. So far Pyonyang has not reacted.

North Koreans who wish to defect face crossing the border with China and the risk of being caught and repatriated by the Chinese authorities. They then face a prison sentence back home.

Many rely on people-smugglers to help them arrive in South Korea, with the brokers often demanding large payments to escape North Korea.

Last year, Thae Yong-ho became one of the highest-ranking officials ever to defect from North Korea. He had been a diplomat for Pyongyang in London.

Barack Obama Denies Ordering Donald Trump’s Wiretapping

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama Denies Ordering Donald Trump’s Wiretapping

President Donald Trump’s accusation that Barack Obama ordered his phones to be tapped is “simply false”, the former president’s spokesman, Kevin Lewis, has said.

Kevin Lewis said that “neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any US citizen”.

President Trump had tweeted: “Terrible! Just found out Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!”

The president gave no details to back the claim.

In his statement, Kevin Lewis said a “cardinal rule of the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice”.

Image source AP

The statement left open the possibility that a judicial investigation was taking place.

Earlier Ben Rhodes, who was President Obama’s foreign policy adviser and speechwriter, also addressed Donald Trump’s claims in a tweet, saying: “No President can order a wiretap. Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you.”

Donald Trump, who is at his Florida resort, fired off a series of tweets from just after 06:30 local time on March 4.

The president called the alleged tapping “a new low” and said “This is Nixon/Watergate” – referring to the most notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon after a web of political spying, sabotage and bribery was exposed by the media.

McCarthyism, which Donald Trump referred to in one of the first posts, relates to the persecution for US Communists and their allies led by Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950s.

The tweets followed allegations made by conservative radio host Mark Levin, which were later picked up by Breitbart News, the website run by Steve Bannon before he became Donald Trump’s chief strategist.

Mark Levin said there should be a congressional investigation into what he called President Obama’s “police state” tactics in his last months in office to undermine Donald Trump’s campaign.

Breitbart summarizes Mark Levin’s accusations, which say that “the Obama administration sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign; continued monitoring the Trump team even when no evidence of wrongdoing was found; then relaxed the NSA (National Security Agency) rules to allow evidence to be shared widely within the government”.

President Trump has come under constant pressure from FBI and congressional investigations into alleged contacts between his aides and Russian officials during the election campaign.

Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Ambassador Declared Persona Non Grata by Malaysia

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Ambassador Declared Persona Non Grata by Malaysia

Malaysia has expelled North Korean Ambassador Kang Chol after he criticized the country’s investigation into the killing of Kim Jong-nam.

Ambassador Kang Chol must leave within 48 hours, Malaysia’s foreign ministry says.

Malaysia demanded an apology after the ambassador said North Korea could not trust its handling of the probe, but says it did not receive one.

Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, died on February 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport.

Malaysia has not directly blamed North Korea for the attack, in which two women smeared the nerve agent VX on Kim Jong-nam’s face. However, there is widespread suspicion North Korea was responsible.

Kang Chol, who had become a fierce critic of Malaysia, said the probe into the killing had become “politicized” and was being interfered with.

The foreign minister declared the ambassador “persona non grata”, and said his country had demanded an apology for the comments, but this was not forthcoming.

Image source Getty Images

Anifah Aman said in a statement: “Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation.”

Ambassador Kang Chol also failed to turn up for a meeting at the Malaysian foreign ministry on March 4, he added.

Malaysia is seeking to question several North Koreans, including an embassy official, over the death of Kim Jong-nam.

Two women, one from Vietnam another from Indonesia, have been charged with murder. They both said they thought they were taking part in a TV prank, but are yet to make a formal plea in their case.

The expulsion of the North Korean ambassador also comes after the Malaysian government announced an investigation into a company called Glocom, which has been operating in Malaysia for several years.

According to a confidential United Nations report, Glocom is run by North Korea’s top intelligence agency to sell military communications equipment, in violation of UN sanctions.

Malaysia was one of very few countries that had relatively friendly relations with North Korea.

However, it canceled visa-free travel for visiting North Koreans in the wake of the killing, citing security reasons. It had already recalled its ambassador in Pyongyang as it investigated the case.

North Korea has not yet confirmed that the body is that of Kim Jong-nam, acknowledging him only as a North Korean citizen.

Kim Jong-nam was traveling using a passport under a different name.

6 Best Ways To Get a Job In Today’s Economy

Nancy Clayson
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6 Best Ways To Get a Job In Today’s Economy

Let’s face it – getting a job is hard, at times it is even a heftier task than it should be! When was the last time you’ve been on an interview? Those are no longer one-on-one session with your potential employer. Colossal in size and creativity, HR departments puzzle us with psychological tests, evaluate our troubleshooting capabilities, skills and background.

To make things worse, sometimes they do it in a group so you can see your competition right beside you. When you are invited to an interview, you may be accompanied by an entire group of 10-12 people desiring the same position you do. If that’s not intimidating – what is?

And do you know what the best part is? Not everyone is invited to that interview in the first place! People are spending years to find a decent job because of demolished economy or the lack of opportunities. That’s why I’ve decided to write this article. Today I will teach you six handy tricks you can use to finally get the job of your dream.

Learn foreign languages

Languages open countless doors, especially to international companies. If your potential employer has partners from Sweden, Italy, Poland, China, Russia or any other country – mastering their language is pivotal to your ongoing success. And I don’t mean knowing like a couple dozens of words or so. I mean really mastering a foreign language. Today, with the endless capabilities that the Internet offers us, it shouldn’t be too troublesome.

With the help from an Arabic tutor online – Preply, a service designed for studying via Skype gave me everything I needed for getting into a new project in less than a month. Feel free to use it.

Forget about passion

Most tips are all about how one should follow his or her dreams towards success. And you know what? Dreams don’t pay your rent, they don’t do grocery shopping, they don’t pay up your college debt.

A job is a job and, if it pays well, go for it without second thoughts. It is always worth it.

Master the art of listening

Imagination is the scourge of job hunting. More often than not we invent an unrealistic pool of expectations and color every new opportunity with them. Regardless of what the site of the company says or even the HR manager on the interview – we’ve already have it covered on the part of thinking big. We expect appropriate treatment, efficient salary levels, decent team morale, etc.

On that note – we tent to avoid any words that shatter this illusion. We don’t listen to warnings and suggestions. And we pay the bitter price for it.

Look for a job from top down

Let’s face it, you will always have a chance to get a lower rate job. So why start there and push yourself to the limits, when you can clearly begin higher by sending your resume onto leading positions in companies?

You’d be surprised, but, at times, it is easier to become a manager than a worker. Don’t go too far though. Applying for the position of a CEO without relevant experience is, well, stretching your limits, to say the least.

Be friendly

You have to be serious on the interview. But that does not mean you can’t find people from the company you are interested in on social networks and befriend them. This way you will have a feel for the corporate culture and learn about your upcoming roles as well as responsibilities.

You will be the part of the crowd before your first day!

Stay confident!

This is my last advice, but not the least. Confidence conquers mountains, you know. If you show yourself as a confident person who knows what he or she wants, your chances will surely skyrocket.

Donald Trump Accuses Barack Obama of Wiretapping His Phone A Month Before Election

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Accuses Barack Obama of Wiretapping His Phone A Month Before Election

President Donald Trump has accused Barack Obama of wiretapping his phone a month before he was elected.

The president tweeted on March 4: “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!”

Donald Trump went on to say that a court had earlier denied a wiretap request.

He has given no details to back up the claim – or suggested which court order he was referring to.

Media reports in the past few weeks have suggested the FBI had sought a warrant from the foreign intelligence surveillance court (FISA) last summer in order to monitor members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials.

The warrant was first turned down but then approved in October, according to the media reports.

There has been no official confirmation and it is also not clear if this evolved into a full investigation.

There has been no comment yet from former President Barack Obama.

Donald Trump tweeted: “I’d bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to the Election.”

The president called the alleged tapping “a new low” and said “This is Nixon/Watergate” – referring to the most notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon after a web of political spying, sabotage and bribery was exposed by the media.

Donald Trump also called it McCarthyism – the persecution for US Communists and their allies led by Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950s.

His tweets followed allegations made by conservative radio host Mark Levin, which were later picked up by Breitbart News, the website founded by Steve Bannon, now Donald Trump’s chief strategist.

Mark Levin said there should be a congressional investigation into what he called Barack Obama’s “police state” tactics in his last months in office to undermine Donald Trump’s campaign.

Breitbart summarizes Mark Levin’s accusations, which say that “the Obama administration sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign; continued monitoring the Trump team even when no evidence of wrongdoing was found; then relaxed the NSA (National Security Agency) rules to allow evidence to be shared widely within the government”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odMebRCRZ4E

China to Increase Its Defense Budget by 7% in 2017

Roy Siemens
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China to Increase Its Defense Budget by 7% in 2017

China has announced the increasing of its military spending by about 7% in 2017 just days after President Donald Trump outlined a boost to the US defense budget.

The announcement was made ahead of the annual National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing.

China has been modernizing its armed forces recently as its economy expands.

Its announced defense budget remains smaller than that of the United States. But many observers argue the real figure could be much higher.

China’s announcement marks the second consecutive year that the increase in its defense spending has been below 10% following nearly two decades at or above that figure.

It means that total spending will account for about 1.3% of China’s projected GDP in 2017, the same level as in recent years, said government spokeswoman Fu Ying.

The precise figure for China’s military spending will be provided by PM Li Keqiang when he addresses the NPC on March 5.

Earlier this week, President Trump said he was seeking to boost defense spending by 9% in his proposed budget for 2018.

China’s military build-up – and projection of naval power – has caused concerns in the region, where it has taken an increasingly assertive stance in territorial disputes.

Beijing has been building artificial islands on reefs in waters also claimed by other nations in the South China Sea.

Pictures published in 2016 show military defenses on some islands, a think-tank says.

Defending its right to build, China has said in the past that it has no intention of militarizing the islands, but has acknowledged building what it calls necessary military facilities for defensive purposes.

There have been sporadic incidents between American and Chinese ships in the South China Sea. At the end of 2016, a Chinese ship seized a US navy underwater drone off the Philippines, but later agreed to return it.

Chinese ships have also been involved in clashes and stand-offs with ships from Vietnam and the Philippines.

Japan signed off a record defense budget in December 2016 in the face of territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

In Beijing, Fu Ying said on March 4 that China advocated “dialogue for peaceful resolutions, while at the same time, we need to possess the ability to defend our sovereignty and interests”.

Kim Jong-nam Assasination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol Says He Is Victim of Conspiracy

Roy Siemens
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Kim Jong-nam Assasination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol Says He Is Victim of Conspiracy

Ri Jong-chol, the North Korean suspect questioned in connection with the death of Kim Jong-nam, has said he was the victim of a conspiracy by the Malaysian authorities.

The suspect said his detention was a “plot” to “damage the honor of the republic”, Reuters reports.

Ri Jong-chol made the comments outside the North Korea embassy in Beijing after he was deported from Malaysia on March 3.

He was released from police custody due to insufficient evidence.

Speaking to reporters early on March 4, Ri Jong-chol accused Malaysian investigators of using coercion in an attempt to extract a confession.

He said: “If I just accept everything, they will make arrangements for a good life in Malaysia.”

Ri Jong-chol added: “This is when I realized that it was a trap. It was a trap to bring down the reputation of my country.”

When questioned about reports of a car discovered near the airport said to be registered in his name, Ri Jong-chol said: “It was in my car garage. Malaysian police accepted this too.”

He admitted to investigators that he was an expert in chemistry, but said that he worked in Malaysia “importing ingredients needed for soap”.

Malaysian authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was killed with nerve agent VX at a Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13.

Ri Jong-chol, who said he was not at the airport on the day of the incident, was the only North Korean held in connection with the death.

Malaysia is seeking to question several North Koreans, including an embassy official.

Two women, Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah from Indonesia, were charged on March 2 with killing Kim Jong-nam by smearing his face with VX, a banned chemical weapon.

Both women said they thought they were taking part in a TV prank. They have yet to make a formal plea in their case.

Malaysia, which has condemned the use of the powerful nerve agent in the attack, is also investigating a company thought to be used by North Korea to evade sanctions on military exports.

According to Reuters, Ri Jong-chol had lived in Malaysia for three years, but his work permit expired on February 6.

Malaysia’s immigration director-general Mustafar Ali said Ri Jong-chol, who was escorted out of the country by two North Korean embassy officials, was blacklisted from re-entering the country.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government said it had launched an investigation into a company called Glocom, which has been operating in the country for several years.

According to a confidential UN report, Glocom is run by North Korea’s top intelligence agency to sell military communications equipment, in violation of United Nations sanctions.

On March 3, Malaysian police said that an arrest warrant had been issued for 37-year-old Kim Uk-il, who works for North Korean national airline Air Koryo. He is believed to be still in Malaysia.

Security checks on North Koreans had been stepped up at all border crossings to prevent them from leaving, Reuters reported.

On March 2, Malaysia announced it was cancelling visa-free travel for visiting North Koreans, citing security reasons.

It has not directly blamed North Korea for the attack, but there is widespread suspicion Pyongyang was responsible.

North Korea has strongly rejected the allegations. Pyonyang also rejected the findings of the post-mortem examination, having objected to it being carried out at all, and has demanded the body be handed over to them.

It has not yet confirmed that the body is that of Kim Jong-nam, acknowledging him only as a North Korean citizen.

Kim Jong-nam was traveling using a passport under a different name.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Quits The New Celebrity Apprentice and Blames Donald Trump’s Involvement

Sonia Pantiss
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Quits The New Celebrity Apprentice and Blames Donald Trump’s Involvement

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to quit The New Celebrity Apprentice, blaming Donald Trump’s involvement.

In an interview with Empire, Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed that low ratings were due to Donald Trump’s credit as executive producer.

The actor said he would like to work “on a show that doesn’t have this baggage”.

Donald Trump – who left the show to run for the White House – has previously ridiculed his TV boardroom successor.

In March 3 interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed an anti-Trump social media campaign had impacted the ratings of the show, on which he debuted in January.

Image source Flickr

He said: “When people found out that Trump was still involved as executive producer and was still receiving money from the show, then half the people [started] boycotting it.

“It’s not about the show… because everyone I ran into came up to me and said, <<I love the show… but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trump’s name I’m outta there!>>

“It’s a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division.”

He added that he would decline if asked to host again.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has often clashed on Twitter with Donald Trump.

Last month at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, President Trump mockingly asked people to “pray for Arnold… for those ratings”.

The president said the show had been swamped “in comparison to the ratings machine, DJT”, using his own initials.

The Celebrity Apprentice, whose 15th season ended last month, averaged fewer than five million viewers per episode.

Donald Trump became a household name as the show’s host for 14 seasons.

Some 20 million Americans were regular watchers in its first year before the viewing figures tapered to six million for Donald Trump’s last episode.

With Foxx, President Trump and Secretary of Education DeVos have a New Ally

Roy Siemens
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With Foxx, President Trump and Secretary of Education DeVos have a New Ally

With Republicans in control of all branches of government, they seem to be running on all cylinders to unravel the education legacy of President Obama. In fact, Republicans seem poised to put authority and funding back into the hands of the states.

The person leading this new charge is none other than the newly appointed House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman, Virginia Foxx. When interviewed, she clearly explained her mission for the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Her goal is to have the federal government involved as little as possible, and to let each state handle issues within individual borders. For those with a master of education in learning, this means there could be radical changes within school districts in the next four years.

Not Feasible to Abolish Department of Education

In fact, the staunch Republican from North Carolina does not have any problems with the idea of having the Department of Education completely abolished. She has admitted that if she could, she would definitely do so. However, she is aware that it is not politically feasible to do so.

So, instead the GOP is busy trying to chip away specific regulations from the Obama administration that are related to the recent education law, known as ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act). The new administration also decided to axe the very controversial transgender restroom law called Title IX. Foxx was in approval of the repeal, and added that during his term in office, Obama attempted to ‘circumvent’ the due legislative process and interpreted this law into something that the law never intended.

A Strict Constitutionalist

There are those who describe Foxx as being a very strict constitutionalist. She has been a congresswoman for seven terms and she believes that powers that are not federally specific or are granted to the executive branch per the Constitution should be left at state level. This includes educational issues as well. Professionals with a cognition and development degree in education have mixed emotions about that idea. She has further asserted that previous federal intervention in the education sector has not been very effective.

Foxx also made a point of showing that the United States government has spent over $2 trillion on funding for Title I. This funding was given to help improve conditions and outcomes for students from low income homes. However, Foxx has claimed that the reading levels of these students have not improved since the mid-1960s.

The National Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that the reading scores for students in grades 4 to 8 have slightly improved over the past few decades. However, reading scores for 12th graders have remained the same, and has decreased slightly over the last few years.

A Straight Speaking Woman

Both in person and in interviews, Foxx is known as one who does not hold back on her words. Her direct style of speaking and undeniable moxie is partially shaped from an amazing personal journey from poverty to success. She frequently talks about the stress of growing up in a poor area, but she did not let it interfere with her goal to succeed. Now, her goal is to provide the same opportunity for anyone growing up in the same type of circumstances.

 

 

 

 

Salvează

Jane Fonda Is A Rape Survivor and She Was Abused as A Child

Lisa.Felice
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Jane Fonda Is A Rape Survivor and She Was Abused as A Child

Jane Fonda  dropped the bombshell by revealing she is a rape survivor and that she was abused as a child.

In an interview with fellow Brie Larson for The Edit, the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress also said she had once lost a job because she refused her boss’s advances.

Jane Fonda added she thought being a young actress now was “terrifying” because of female sexualization.

She said she “felt diminished” growing up because the men in her life were “victims of a [patriarchal] belief system”.

Jane Fonda also said she had been “brought up with the disease to please”.

Image source Wikimedia

“To show you the extent to which a patriarchy takes a toll on females – I’ve been raped, I’ve been sexually abused as a child and I’ve been fired because I wouldn’t sleep with my boss and I always thought it was my fault; that I didn’t do or say the right thing.

“I know young girls who’ve been raped and didn’t even know it was rape. They think, <<It must have been because I said no the wrong way>>.

“One of the great things the women’s movement has done is to make us realize that [rape and abuse is] not our fault. We were violated and it’s not right.”

Jane Fonda has been a long-time activist and advocate for women’s rights and supporter of the Rape Foundation and Rape Treatment Centre in Los Angeles.

The actress revealed at a benefit in 2014 that her mother, Frances Ford Seymour, was abused as a child aged eight. She eventually took her own life at 42, when Jane Fonda was 12.

Speaking to mark International Women’s Day, Jane Fonda said she was happy actresses were now fighting to close the gender pay gap in the entertainment industry, as it wasn’t considered an issue 40 years ago.

“I never thought about it – I’m talking about at the height of my career in the ’70s and ’80s – I never got paid a huge amount of money. I never thought I was worth it,” she said.

“For me, it was just the way things were. Guys earned more. I am so glad people are feeling righteous anger about it now.”

Jane Fonda has been Oscar-nominated seven times and she won the Academy Award for best actress twice – in 1971 for crime thriller Klute and in 1979 for war romance Coming Home.

Donald Trump Defends Jeff Sessions Amid Calls for Him to Quit

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Defends Jeff Sessions Amid Calls for Him to Quit

President Donald Trump has defended under-fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions amid calls for him to quit.

According to the Democrats, Jeff Sessions “lied on oath” at his confirmation hearing about contacts with the Russian ambassador.

President Trump said Jeff Sessions “could have stated his response more accurately but it was clearly not intentional” and accused Democrats of a “witch hunt”.

However, Jeff Sessions has removed himself from an FBI probe into alleged Russian meddling in the US election.

The Democrats have maintained their attacks on Jeff Sessions, saying his explanation regarding his contacts with the Russian ambassador in 2016 were “simply not credible”.

Donald Trump said the Democrats had “lost the election and now they have lost their grip on reality”.

The Trump campaign was dogged by allegations that some of his team had met with Russian officials and that Moscow had interfered in the election on his behalf. Donald Trump has branded the allegations “fake news”.

Image source Flickr

It stems from Jeff Sessions’ comments at his confirmation hearing in January.

He was asked: “If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government, in the course of this campaign, what will you do?”

Jeff Sessions responded: “I’m not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. And I’m unable to comment on it.”

However, it then emerged Jeff Sessions and Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak held a private conversation in Sessions’ office in September and spoke at a meeting with several other envoys on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in July.

Jeff Sessions was at the time a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. However, he was already a prominent member of Donald Trump’s campaign team.

The former Alabama senator also had meetings with more than 25 foreign ambassadors in the course of the year.

He insists he did not lie at the confirmation hearing, saying his comments were “honest and correct as I understood it at the time”.

Jeff Sessions said he had spoken with the Russian ambassador as a US senator and not as Donald Trump’s “surrogate”.

He said: “I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign.”

Jeff Sessions admitted that in his confirmation comments he “should have slowed down and said, <<but I did meet one Russian official a couple of times>>”.

He said that during his meeting with Sergei Kislyak they talked about terrorism and then “somehow the subject of Ukraine came up”.

Nancy Pelosi repeated her call for Jeff Sessions to quit. She said his “his narrow recusal and sorry attempt to explain away his perjury” were totally inadequate.

Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said Jeff Sessions “clearly misled” the Senate and his explanation was “simply not credible”.

Although some top Republicans in the House and Senate agreed Jeff Sessions should recuse himself from the investigation, senior figures rallied behind him, resisting demands for the appointment of an independent prosecutor.

For Jeff Sessions to be charged with perjury, prosecutors would have to show that he not only made false statements, but knowingly and willfully misled members of the committee about an indisputable fact.

Bitcoin’s Value Exceeds Gold for First Time

Clyde K. Valle
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Bitcoin’s Value Exceeds Gold for First Time

The price of a Bitcoin has surpassed the price of an ounce of gold for the first time.

A unit of the digital cryptocurrency closed at $1,268 on March 2 while a troy ounce of gold stood at $1,233.

The current high is being attributed to surging demand in China, where authorities warn it is used to channel money out of the country.

The past months’ surge is a major reversal for Bitcoin, which plummeted in value in 2014 after the largest exchange collapsed.

Bitcoin’s value has been volatile since it was first launched in 2009, and many experts have questioned whether the crypto-currency will last.

Earlier this year, Chinese authorities cracked down on Bitcoin trading in an attempt to stop money flowing out of the country illegally.

However, the closer scrutiny from Beijing only briefly sent the currency lower. After it had soared to record highs in January, it has since picked its steady rise in value.

Bitcoin is attractive to some users because of its anonymity, as well as its lack of government control.

The website Silk Road was closed in 2013 following raids by the FBI and other agencies amid allegations of drug dealing. Authorities seized millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin during the raids.

Oscars Mistake: Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz Given Protection after Death Threats

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Oscars Mistake: Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz Given Protection after Death Threats

Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, the two accountants who muddled up the main award envelopes at this year’s Oscars ceremony, have been given bodyguards following reports they have received death threats on social media.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said security has been beefed up at the residences of Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz following the mistake.

According to TMZ, the pair were in fear of their lives.

The error briefly saw La La Land named as best picture instead of Moonlight.

On March 1, it emerged that Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz will not be employed to do the Oscars job again.

However, TMZ reported that they will not lose their accountancy jobs.

Image source Getty Images

PwC spokeswoman Carey Bodenheimer said that Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz had been given protection after their home addresses and photos of their families were published in the media.

On February 26, the team behind La La Land had to be interrupted mid-acceptance speech before the real winner was revealed.

It has been described as the biggest mistake in 89 years of Academy Awards history.

Brian Cullinan mistakenly handed the wrong envelope to the two presenters, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.

They were given the back-up envelope for best actress in a leading role – rather than the envelope which contained the name of the winner for the best picture.

PwC counts the votes and organizes the envelopes. It has apologized for the mix-up.

On March 1, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said that the relationship with PwC was now under review.

Brian Cullinan tweeted a picture of best actress winner Emma Stone minutes before handing the presenters the wrong envelope, and Cheryl Boone Isaacs blamed “distraction” for the error.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAO6coBSFbE

This Software Will Improve Your Company’s Competitiveness

Dana R
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This Software Will Improve Your Company’s Competitiveness

To be successful in today’s competitive business environment, your organization needs to be outfitted with tools that get them in-line with company goals. Thankfully there are software tools available that can get everyone on the same page and increase your company’s efficiency and output. Here are some of the most critical tools available for getting your organization operating at maximum efficiency:

Workforce Management Software

In way too many companies, time registration and employee management are still disconnected processes. Branch and even inter-office set-ups often use separate staff planning and management paperwork for each location, causing overlap and inefficiencies that decrease the bottom line. Without integrated employee management processes, it is impossible for those in charge to see the whole organization and to manipulate it for the best benefit of the company. This includes things like checking that staffing costs comply with the budget, verifying that enough staff are in the right place during busy periods and identifying errors and duplicitous activity in a timely manner. Workforce management software alleviates all of these issues and many more within your organization. You can automate functions such as pay rules, work rules, leave management, scheduling and attendance, union contracts, overtime reporting, and many more relating to managing your workforce. Workforce management software becomes a central tool for all workforce management activities. It provides real-time data, visibility, and even forecasting abilities that allow you to make better administrative decisions about your staff. Workforce management software helps businesses:

  • Improve Overall Business Performance
  • Increase Compliance
  • Efficient Scheduling
  • Save Money / Reduce Costs

 Related image

Business Strategy Software

Simply put, business strategy planning determines where an organization is doing over any time period, how it will drive itself to any desired destination, and the measures it will use to determine when and whether it has arrived. Business strategy software helps teams set short and long-term goals, identify potential obstacles, and prioritize plans, timelines, and tasks for implementation. There is a particular focus on monitoring and measuring results; making course corrections as necessary. Business strategy software focuses on tracking and reporting budgets and operational measures, and enables companies to:

  • Analyze and visualize your strategic market position
  • Identify the most attractive markets
  • Objectively evaluate your competitive advantage
  • Develop roadmap strategies for product introductions
  • Manage the in-market product portfolio
  • Align new initiatives to strategic goals
  • Plan for alternative scenarios to manage uncertainty

 

Time Management Software

There are major benefits for implementing time management software within your organization. The most important and the most immediate advantage is that it keeps the employees accountable for how they spend their time at work. There are studies that confirm that billions of dollars are lost every year because staff is performing non-job related task during billable hours. In addition to tracking people, project time and resources, time management software provides employees access to companywide processes, as well as project specific forms and information, and automated notifications and reminders, in an integrated and consistent software design, thereby reducing time spent communicating important information and enforcing rules. And administrators gain access to real time reporting and oversight. Time management software provides the following benefits:

  • More accurate project scheduling
  • Helps with on-time delivery
  • Reduces your project costs
  • Allows you to focus your process improvement efforts on the more important tasks
  • Better work flow
  • Increases efficiency
  • Create realistic budgets
  • Eliminate unnecessary tasks and activities
  • Keep priorities properly aligned
  • Effectively assign needed administrative or other support

Snapchat Owner’s Shares Leap 40% on NYSE Debut

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Snapchat Owner’s Shares Leap 40% on NYSE Debut

Snapchat owner’s shares have begun trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

In Snap’s opening minutes, its price hit $24.48 a share, a jump of about 40%.

The flotation valued Snap at $17 a share, or $24 billion in all, although the company has never made a profit.

Snap’s IPO is the biggest for an American tech company since Facebook in 2012 and will its founders, Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, into multi-billionaires.

Image source Flickr

Snapchat, which is especially popular with teenagers, allows users to send images and messages which then vanish.

Snap’s losses widened in 2016, and user growth is slowing down in the face of intense competition from larger rivals such as Facebook.

Despite the challenges in converting “cool” into cash, Snap’s valuation is the richest for a US tech flotation since Facebook in 2012.

At the beginning of February Snap’s formal announcement to regulators of its plans revealed that the company had revenue of $404 million in 2016, but made a loss of $515 million.

Unlike in most listed companies, people who buy the floated shares in Snap will not get any voting rights.

Some analysts argued the company was overvalued, but others were more positive.

European Parliament Lifts Marine Le Pen’s Immunity over ISIS Pictures

Roy Siemens
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0
European Parliament Lifts Marine Le Pen’s Immunity over ISIS Pictures

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has lost immunity from prosecution after she tweeted pictures of ISIS violence.

Her position as a member of the European Parliament has so far meant she could not be prosecuted.

Marine Le Pen is under investigation in France for posting three images of ISIS killings in 2015, including the beheading of American journalist James Foley.

She is currently running to be French president.

Opinion polls suggest Marine Le Pen is on course to win the first round in April, but centrist Emmanuel Macron is gaining ground and looks likely to beat her in a second round in May.

A Le Figaro/LCI poll on February 26 put Emmanuel Macron – who was unveiling his manifesto at the same time as it was revealed Marine Le Pen had lost her immunity – on 58% in the run-off, against 42% for Le Pen.

The European Parliament vote – carried by a “big majority”, according to acting parliament speaker Dimitrios Papadimoulis – confirmed a preliminary decision taken on February 28 by the legal affairs committee of the European Union legislature.

Marine Le Pen had dismissed efforts to lift her immunity as “part of the system that wants to stop the French people’s candidate that I am”.

The allegations date back to December 2015, when she tweeted the pictures in response to a journalist who drew an analogy between her anti-immigration Front National (FN) party and ISIS extremists.

James Foley’s parents accused Marine Le Pen of using the image of their son for her own political ends.

However, the vote only lifts Marine Le Pen’s immunity in this particular case and will not cover a separate investigation into whether the FN misused European Parliament funds.

Marine Le Pen has refused to attend a police interview over the latter allegations. She denies wrongdoing and claims that they are a plot to derail her campaign.

The Law of Attraction and Your Wardrobe

Nancy Clayson
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The Law of Attraction and Your Wardrobe

The law of attraction is without a doubt a powerful concept. It, in short, means that “like attracts like.” If you zero in on things that make you feel good, you’ll attract things that make you feel good. If you zero in on things that make you feel bad, on the other hand, you’ll attract them, instead. That’s how the law of attraction goes. People who follow this law believe that they are in charge of their lives. They believe that their futures are in their own hands. If you’re interested in the law of attraction in any way, you may be able to use it to your advantage. It may be able to help your love life. It may even be able to help your wardrobe. It can come in handy in so many diverse ways. That’s because it largely depends on your individual thought process. The law attraction is all about you and no one else.

Fashion and Daily Frustration

Fashion can be a lot of fun. It can also be quite frustrating. Looking good isn’t always as easy as it seems. Style isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Some people dislike waking up early to get ready, too. It can be stressful to have to pick out a great outfit at 6:00 in the morning when you’re still groggy and exhausted from the night before. People often don’t have the energy for that. That’s why they frequently settle for daily outfits that are less than fashionable and put together. If you’re tired of being someone who never dresses to impress, however, the law of attraction may be able to help you out, interestingly enough. There’s not much the law of attraction can’t do for determined and focused individuals.

Clothing Shopping and the Law of Attraction

Shopping can be a daunting and unpleasant experience for many people. People often despise changing in dressing rooms. Dressing room mirrors tend to be unflattering and discouraging. It can also often be tough to find clothing in the right sizes. These factors all can contribute to experiences that are less than positive and motivating. If you’re looking to transform your wardrobe, however, you just can’t think that way. You have to adopt a much more upbeat and optimistic outlook. If you’re planning on going shopping for a whole new wardrobe, you have to picture success. Picture yourself walking out of the biggest department store at your mall with a huge smile on your face. Picture yourself finding everything you want and need with ease. Picture all of your favorite styles, patterns, designs and colors. Picture everything being available in your size, too. Positive thinking can be a magnet for positive results. If you want to approach your wardrobe shopping experience with confidence and peace of mind, you have to prioritize the law of attraction. Don’t drive to the mall with dread. Don’t drive to your favorite boutique anticipating failure, either. Negative thinking attracts negative outcomes.

Daily Dressing and the Law of Attraction

The law of attraction can help make your shopping trips significantly more productive and efficient. The law can also make dressing every morning considerably easier. If you want to dress for success in the morning, you have to envision looking good. Close your eyes. Imagine selecting an outfit that fits your body perfectly. Imagine choosing an outfit that’s comfortable, and that makes every curve on your body look A+. Then imagine walking out your front door looking and feeling like a million dollars. If you do those things, you may notice a big change in how you feel. You may exude a sense of confidence that’s brand new. You may even feel like you’re walking on air. If you want to take your wardrobe to the next level, you need to own your confidence. You need to own your daily outfit choices as well. Try checking online sites like Pinterest for inspiration to become an individual who’s confident in their style. Strong self-esteem levels are necessary.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

The law of attraction can be beneficial for people who are looking to improve their lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to improve your wardrobe or if you’re searching for a new career. Positive thinking is the key. Focus is key as well. If you lack focusing skills, you won’t be able to accomplish what you need in life. Strong concentration skills are essential for people who want to soar. You should strive to be a person who pays zero attention to distractions. You should aim to be an individual who understands priorities in great detail. If a better wardrobe is your priority in life, you have to acknowledge that. You have to be committed and devoted, too. Dedication can take you where you want to go. It’s a lot like the law of attraction in that it can be an extraordinary.

Jeff Sessions Met Russian Ambassador During Donald Trump’s Campaign

Diane A. Wade
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0
Jeff Sessions Met Russian Ambassador During Donald Trump’s Campaign

According to the DoJ, Jeff Sessions met Russia’s ambassador during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, despite telling his confirmation hearing he had “no communications with the Russians”.

The justice department confirmed Jeff Sessions met Sergei Kislyak in July and September 2016 as part of his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

On March 1, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said his comments at his confirmation related to his role on the Trump campaign team.

Democrats accused him of lying on oath.

They said Jeff Sessions must resign, and also called on him to step aside from an investigation by the FBI – which he oversees as attorney general – into alleged Russian interference in the US election, including contacts between Russian officials and those involved in campaigning.

The US intelligence community has concluded that alleged Russian hacking of DNC was carried out to help Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton.

Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired last month after he misled the White House about his conversations with the Russian ambassador, allegedly regarding sanctions against Moscow.

As reported in the Washington Post and confirmed by the justice department, Jeff Sessions met Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee twice last year.

The Post reports that they held a private conversation in Jeff Sessions’s office in September and had spoken earlier in the summer at a meeting with several other ambassadors.

Jeff Sessions had meetings with more than 25 foreign ambassadors in the course of the year.

However, Jeff Sessions’ meetings with Sergei Kislyak came while he was a prominent part of Donald Trump’s campaign team – a so-called surrogate – and amid growing reports of Russian meddling in the US election.

Image source Flickr

During his confirmation hearing on January 10, Jeff Sessions was asked by Democrat Senator Al Franken: “If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government, in the course of this campaign, what will you do?”

Jeff Sessions responded: “I’m not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. And I’m unable to comment on it.”

In a statement on March 1, Jeff Sessions reiterated: “I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.”

DoJ spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said there had been “absolutely nothing misleading about his answer” at the confirmation hearing.

She said: “He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign – not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee.”

Jeff Sessions was also backed by the White House, which condemned the “latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats”.

Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi accused Jeff Sessions of “lying under oath” and demanded he resign.

While Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said that if the reports were accurate, Jeff Sessions must withdraw from the FBI investigation.

Nikolai Lakhonin, press secretary of the Russian embassy in Washington, said the diplomatic mission did “not comment on numerous contacts” between Russian diplomats and “local partners”, Russia’s Interfax news agency reports.

News of Jeff Sessions’ meetings broke just after a congressional committee agreed to an investigation into Russia’s alleged interference in the election.

The House intelligence panel inquiry will scrutinize contacts between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Moscow.

The White House denies any improper behavior during the election campaign, and Russia has consistently rejected allegations of interference.

Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol to Be Released and Deported

Roy Siemens
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0
Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol to Be Released and Deported

North Korean national Ri Jong-chol, who was held by Malaysia in connection with the death of Kim Jong-un’s half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, is to be released and deported on March 3.

Malaysia’s Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Ri Jong-chol was “a free man” as there was “insufficient evidence to charge him”.

Kim Jong-nam died on February 13 minutes after being poisoned with VX nerve agent.

Two women were charged with his murder on March 1.

Malaysia is seeking to question several North Koreans, including an embassy official, suspected of being involved in the murder.

Also on March 2, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans, citing security reasons.

North Koreans can currently visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without securing a visa, under a reciprocal deal.

However, Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that is changing as of March 6, the Bernama state news agency reports.

Kim Jong-nam Assassination: Two Women to Be Charged with Murder

Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah from Indonesia are accused of smearing the nerve agent on Kim Jong-nam’s face while he was preparing to fly out of the budget airport in Kuala Lumpur.

Ri Jong-chol, who has lived in Malaysia for the last three years, was arrested four days later. Police did not provide details on why he had been detained.

On March 2, officials said Ri Jong-chol will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents.

Reuters reported that the North Korean held a work permit that was valid till February 6, 2017.

Diplomatic ties between North Korea and Malaysia were initiated in the 1970s, and as trade in resources such as palm oil and steel increased, North Korea eventually established an embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 2003.

However, Kim Jong-nam’s death has converted this relationship into a full-blown diplomatic rift, with Malaysia even recalling its ambassador from Pyongyang.

Oscars Mistake: PWC Accountants Will Not Be Employed Again

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Oscars Mistake: PWC Accountants Will Not Be Employed Again

Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, the two accountants responsible for muddling up the main award envelopes at this year’s Oscars ceremony, will not be employed to do the job again, the academy president has announced.

Cheryl Boone Isaacs said that the relationship with the accountancy company PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) was also under review.

Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were responsible for the Oscars’s mishap.

Image source Getty Images

La La Land musical was mistakenly announced as the winner of the best picture award.

Oscars 2017 Big Mistake: Moonlight Wins Best Picture After La La Land Wrong Announcement

The team behind the movie was in the middle of their speeches before it was revealed the accolade should have gone to Moonlight.

The moment has been described as the biggest mistake in 89 years of Academy Awards history.

Brian Cullinan mistakenly handed the wrong envelope to the two presenters.

He gave Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the back-up envelope for best actress in a leading role – rather than the envelope which contained the name of the winner for the best picture.

PWC, which counts the votes and organizes the envelopes, has apologized for the mix-up.

Brian Cullinan tweeted a picture of best actress winner Emma Stone minutes before handing the presenters the wrong envelope, and Cheryl Boone Isaacs blamed “distraction” for the error.

PenelopeGate: Francois Fillon Vows to Continue Election Campaign Despite Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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0
PenelopeGate: Francois Fillon Vows to Continue Election Campaign Despite Investigation

Francois Fillon says a judge is placing him under investigation over a fake job scandal – but has vowed to continue his campaign for France presidential election.

For weeks, the center-right presidential candidate has fought allegations that his wife, Penelope, was paid for years for work she did not do.

Francois Fillon called the investigation “a political assassination” against him.

President Francois Hollande criticized his words, and accused him of attacking France’s judicial system.

The president said: “Being a presidential candidate doesn’t authorize you to cast suspicion on the work of police and judges.”

Francois Fillon says he has been summoned to appear before the judge, Serge Tournaire, on March 15.

Image source Wikimedia

The date is just two days before the deadline for candidates to submit their final applications. The first round takes place on April 23, followed by a second-round run-off on May 7.

In a combative speech on March 1 announcing the formal investigation, Francois Fillon called on his supporters to “resist”, saying it was up to voters to decide his fate.

“It’s not just me that is being assassinated, it’s the presidential election. The voices of millions of votes have been muzzled,” he complained.

Francois Fillon said he would respect the summons and tell the judge the truth.

The judge has heard several high-profile cases, including those of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and tycoon Bernard Tapie.

Francois Fillon was selected late last year in national primaries held by the centre-right Republicans that attracted some four million voters.

For a time he was the favorite in the race to succeed Francois Hollande as president – until the fake job allegations emerged.

His appearances have recently been accompanied by loud protests.

He has slipped to third in the polls, behind far-right National Front (FN) leader Marine le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Marine Le Pen also faces allegations that she misused EU funds – a claim she denies.

The allegations circling around the Fillon family focus mainly on his Welsh-born wife Penelope.

Le Canard Enchaine alleged Penelope Fillon was paid €831,400 ($900,000) over several years for working as a parliamentary assistant for her husband and his successor, but had no parliamentary pass – raising questions over whether she did the work she was paid for.

Penelope Fillon was also alleged to have picked up €100,000 for writing a handful of articles for a literary journal.

The family has consistently denied the claims. Initially Francois Fillon said he would stand down as a candidate if his case was placed under formal investigation, but recently he insisted that he would fight on “until victory”.

“The closer we get to the date of the presidential election, the more scandalous it would be to deprive the right and centre of a candidate,” he said.

Penelope Fillon also faces a formal investigation, AFP reports, citing a source close to the investigation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVbFLTXUKg4

Steps To Refresh Your Company’s Image

Dana R
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Steps To Refresh Your Company’s Image

Picture Source

Creating an appealing brand and business image is no easy task, because most potential customers latch on to far more than aesthetically-pleasing logos and the design of marketing material or the website which operates as a “front of house” for most businesses in the modern age. Creating an image which really makes a mark on people is about the substance and the real story behind that image; people are smart, and they can suss out something which is only true on the surface. If you want your business to follow through and prove that it has something real to offer, here are some ways to refresh your company’s image to really entice potential customers from your target audience.

Online marketing can transform your image.

There’s no denying that the internet is the key to developing and sharing an enticing brand image in the modern day. Consumers use the online world to shop for goods and services, but also to discover new brands, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Your business needs to be making use of social media, then, but simply having a profile and making occasional posts is not enough. Customers rate frequent, interesting content, and that’s what you must deliver if you want to come across as professional and tech-savvy as a business. As I’ve said, customers can figure out whether a business is all it claims itself to be or not.

In addition, online marketing involves SEO, which entails optimising your business’ website to rank highly in search engine results. This could be the key to giving your company’s image a reboot, because a fresh face for your webpage in terms of responsiveness to all manner of devices and using the correct keywords will not only impress visitors, turning them into customers, but it’ll push your website up Google and Bing rankings, given the algorithms these sites use.

Make the brand internal.

You should be impressing your employees just as much as you impress your customers, and this starts with turning your attention towards the internal operations of your business. If employees feel uninspired, they project an uninspired and unmotivated image to potential customers who will then start to doubt the validity of your company’s core message and branding.

If you want your brand to be real, it has to be real on all levels within the business. This could start with something as simple as a well-designed office. Companies such as Arnold’s Office Furniture offer new furnishings to really help lift drab, uninspiring workplace areas. The key to making your brand look appealing is to ensure it actually is appealing beneath the surface. As I mentioned earlier, people can tell when a business is all-talk, so follow through on the claims you make about your company and the values for which it stands.

Referrals show the company is reputable.

Your business needs to improve its reputation in order for the brand image to mean something, and this depends on the existing customers your business has accumulated. These people will refer friends and family to your service if they like it, but they’re more likely to do so if you offer rewards to them for it. A good brand is all about mutual loyalty and respect. Your image is more than an aesthetic feature.

President Donald Trump Delivers His First Speech to Congress

Diane A. Wade
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0
President Donald Trump Delivers His First Speech to Congress

In his first speech to Congress, President Donald Trump has said the US is witnessing a “renewal of the American spirit”.

Adopting a measured, upbeat tone, Donald Trump spoke of a “new chapter of American greatness”.

The Republican president condemned recent vandalism of Jewish cemeteries and a hate crime in Kansas that left an Indian man dead.

Donald Trump’s primetime address sought to bolster his low approval ratings after a bumpy start to his fledgling presidency.

At the outset of the hour-long speech, President Trump tackled recent suspected hate crimes, saying “we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its very ugly forms”.

On immigration, Donald Trump dangled the intriguing possibility of a major policy shift towards a goal that eluded his two predecessors, insisting that “real and positive” reform was possible.

Image source Flickr

That line came hours after he told news anchors off the record at a White House lunch that he might be open to granting legal status to undocumented immigrants.

In his remarks on Capitol Hill, President Trump also talked tough on the issue, pledging to make US communities safer “by finally enforcing our immigration laws”.

The president defended his early actions in office, touting his moves to withdraw the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and order work to start on a US-Mexico border wall.

However, the most thunderous ovation of the night came when a war widow wept as Donald Trump paid tribute to her husband.

Navy Seal Ryan Owens died in a US raid on a suspected al-Qaeda base in Yemen, days into Donald Trump’s presidency.

“Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity,” President Trump told the grieving Carryn Owens, who sobbed and looked upwards.

It was one of the rare moments when lawmakers on both sides of the aisle applauded.

Despite the president’s appeal for both parties to “unite for the good of our country”, Democratic lawmakers mostly sat in silence or openly laughed at parts of the speech.

Donald Trump’s feel-good exhortation for national unity, some noted, was in stark contrast to his doom-laden inauguration speech of a month ago.

In his concluding remarks, Donald Trump – whose political honeymoon has been soured by acrimonious spats with the media – said “the time for trivial fights is behind us”.

Among First Lady Melania Trump’s special guests in the gallery were three California residents whose relatives were killed by people in the US illegally.

At least a dozen Democrats brought as their guests young undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children.

Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear delivered the Democratic rebuttal to the speech, accusing Republicans of planning to “rip affordable health insurance” from Americans and being “Wall Street’s champion”.

According to RealClearPolitics, Donald Trump’s popularity has hit a historic low for modern presidents after a month in office – just 44% of Americans think he is doing a good job.

In a Fox News interview broadcast earlier on February 28, President Trump gave himself an overall “A plus” for effort, but added that “in terms of messaging, I would give myself a C or a C plus”.

Donald Trump’s first month in office was overshadowed by missteps that included a high-profile court defeat to his controversial travel ban and the firing of a top aide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH_231dBLGI

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