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Norway Helicopter Crash Kills 13 People near Bergen

Diane A. Wade
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Norway Helicopter Crash Kills 13 People near Bergen

Thirteen people have been killed in a helicopter crash near the Norwegian city of Bergen, rescuers say.

Eleven of those on board were Norwegians, one was Italian and one Briton. No survivors have been found.

A major rescue operation was launched but ended within hours of the crash.

Meanwhile, Norway’s civil aviation authority has imposed a flight ban on the type of helicopter that crashed – the Eurocopter (EC) 225L Super Puma. Reports say it was “totally destroyed”.

Civil aviation officials told Norwegian newspaper VG that servicing for the helicopter which crashed had been delayed twice in 2015, for a total of 200 flying hours.

Photo ITV.com
Photo ITV.com

The aircraft was flying from the Gullfaks oil field to Bergen, a centre for the North Sea oil and gas industry.

Eleven bodies have been found, and two other people are still missing.

Norwegian PM Erna Solberg said news of the crash was “horrible”.

King Harald and Queen Sonja cancelled a trip to Sweden, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported.

Oil company Statoil said the helicopter was “on assignment”. All the passengers were Statoil employees.

Both Statoil and the UK energy company BP have suspended use of the Super Puma.

Statoil has also suspended oil production at the Gullfaks B platform “so that we can take care of the staff in the best way possible”, company vice-president Arne Sigve Nylund told journalists.

The aircraft came down near the small island of Turoy, just west of the village of Solsvik.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter’s rotor blade come loose and shear off.

Photos from the scene showed thick smoke coming from an area of rocky islets.

Local media said the helicopter dropped 2,200ft in the last 10 seconds before it crashed. Some wreckage was found on the rocks, and parts of the fuselage are in the sea.

Elections 2016: Ted Cruz Endorsed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence

Diane A. Wade
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Elections 2016: Ted Cruz Endorsed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence

Indiana Governor Mike Pence has backed Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, four days before the state’s GOP primary.

Campaigning on April 29, Ted Cruz praised the governor, saying he would enthusiastically welcome his support.

Indiana’s primary on May 3 is Ted Cruz’s best chance to stem the momentum of Republican front-runner Donald Trump.

Donald Trump has won a string of states, taking him closer to being the nominee.Ted Cruz endorsed by Mike Pence

However, if Donald Trump does not win 1,237 delegates, there will be a contested Republican convention in July.

This would mean the delegates – local party activists and senior GOP officials – being free to pick an alternative candidate like Ted Cruz or the third candidate John Kasich.

It has been an eventful week for Ted Cruz, taking a beating in five state primaries, picking Carly Fiorina as his running mate and then being called “Lucifer” by ex-House Speaker John Boehner.

Governor Mike Pence made his announcement on radio on April 29, saying the Texas senator was the best conservative among “three good men”.

Make Sure Your Business is Doing Everything Above Board

Dana R
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Make Sure Your Business is Doing Everything Above Board

The key for successful business owners is making sure they run their business well. You need to make sure you do important things like looking after your staff and their interests. If you can run an ethically sound business people are going to notice and you will thrive as a result. So, you need to make sure you do what you can to be a success and keep everything above board. Here are a few of the best things you can do to achieve that.

Pixabay.com

Don’t Cut Corners

It’s important to make sure everything is done properly and above board. And the way to do this is to ensure you don’t cut corners. You have to carry out all your business practices properly. Cutting corners can lead to problems and difficulties further down the line. And, it also raises questions about how you run the company. Never cut corners, and always make sure you follow the right way of doing things. It’s important to have morals and good ethics when you’re trying to run a business.

Protect Yourself Legally

You also have to take steps to ensure that you protect yourself and the company legally. There are so many ways in which the business might be at risk. You are vulnerable from legal action on all sides. So it’s vital to ensure that everyone and everything is protected in a legal sense. In order to achieve this, you need to make sure you get in touch with law firms. You need to hire business attorneys so you always have legal advice to help your company. This is a sensible and practical step to take in the process.

Be Fair and Ethical

It’s crucial that you make sure you are fair and ethical as an employer. That means you have to consider your staff in all the decisions you make. Try to do what is best for them, and figure out how you can improve their working lives. The basic way of doing this is to try to make sure you are a fair and sound boss. You need to adhere to employment law regulations as well as making sure everyone is treated fairly. Try to be as compassionate and understanding towards your employees as you can.

Pic

Equal Opportunities

If you really want your business to stand out in the modern world you should make yourself an equal opportunities employer. This means you give opportunities for employment to people from all different backgrounds. You need to try to make sure you have a diverse and varied staff base. This means giving everybody a chance irrespective of their background, orientation, religion or gender. It might also be good to try to have a diverse pool of international employees in the company. This will also help when you are trying to look for ways to take your business global.

As a small business owner, you have to make sure your company is well run. That means you need to iron out creases and make sure everything is above board. Running a sound and successful company is the best way to cement your legacy as a great business owner. So, you need to do what you can to ensure this happens.

Ford Posts Record Profit in Q1 2016

Clyde K. Valle
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Ford Posts Record Profit in Q1 2016

Ford has reported a record profit in Q1 of 2016 following strong sales in Europe and moving more pick-up trucks and SUVs in North America.

The automaker’s profits for Q1 rose to $3.8 billion, compared with $2.1 billion for the same period in 2015.

The stronger performance in Europe helped Ford to outpace Detroit rival General Motors.

Ford CEO Mark Fields said the company had an “absolutely terrific start to the year”.

Shares rose 3.2% in New York, but are still 11% lower than this time last year.Ford profits Q1 2015

The company’s European business made a pretax profit of $434 million in Q1 2016 – higher than the total for all of last year – and substantially better than a $42m loss for the same period in 2015.

By comparison GM made a $6 million loss in Europe during the first quarter of 2016, better than the $239 million loss in 2015.

Ford remained the region’s best-selling commercial vehicle brand, reflecting the popularity of the Transit and Ranger lineups.

In North America, the automaker’s F-150 trucks and SUVs were a major contributor to the company’s profit growth.

Pretax profit in North America rose to $3.1 billion, outpacing GM’s $2.3 billion and more than double the $1.5 billion for Q1 of 2015.

Earlier this month the automaker said it had set up a new subsidiary, Ford Smart Mobility, in a bid to combat growing competition from the technology sector.

Ford has been investing in driverless cars and earlier this year tested a self-driving vehicle in the snow.

Amazon Profit Hits $513 Million in Q1 2016

Clyde K. Valle
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Amazon Profit Hits $513 Million in Q1 2016

Amazon’s profit surged to $513 million in Q1 of 2016, helped by a 28% jump in sales.

The company’s sales hit $29.1 billion for Q1 of 2016, helped by rising sales of its Kindle reading devices and Fire tablet computers.

Both sales and profits were higher than analysts had been expecting and Amazon shares jumped in after hours trading.

Amazon reported strong growth in customers for its Prime service, which includes free delivery and TV shows.

The results were a positive sign for investors who had been rattled by disappointing earnings from Apple and Microsoft.Amazon Prime Air drone testing

Amazon’s cloud services unit was an important source of sales growth.

The cloud business rents data storage space and software services to companies, and is Amazon’s fastest growing unit.

Amazon’s revenue rose 64% year-over-year, reaching $2.5 billion.

Investors have been watching Amazon’s cloud operation closely, particularly after one of its biggest customers, Apple, announced it would be moving some of its business elsewhere.

Since the start of 2016 Amazon has added new televisions shows and films to its Prime service, which helped to attract new users.

In April, the company introduced options to pay monthly for the service.

The plan is part of an effort to compete with video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

Amazon also attributed the increased number of Prime members to the expanded list of products eligible for free two-day shipping.

It did not detail sales of devices like the Kindle and Fire table, but did say that the division has seen growth.

“Amazon devices are the top selling products on Amazon, and customers purchased more than twice as many Fire tablets than first quarter last year,” CEO Jeff Bezos said.

Giants Club Summit 2016: African Leaders Gather to Save Elephants from Extinction

James J. Williams
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Giants Club Summit 2016: African Leaders Gather to Save Elephants from Extinction

The Giants Club is holding its inaugural summit in Laikipia, Kenya, from April 29 to April 30, to discuss how to save Africa’s elephants from extinction.

The exclusive forum brings together African Heads of State, global business leaders and elephant protection experts to secure Africa’s remaining elephant populations and the landscapes they depend on.

The summit will be led by the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

As well as heads of state, the conservation group will bring together business leaders and scientists.First Giants Club summit 2016

The Giants Club was founded by President Uhuru Kenyatta with the presidents of Botswana, Gabon, Kenya and Uganda, with support from Space for Giants and its patron, Evgeny Lebedev, the owner of The Independent and London Evening Standard newspapers. The body was formed to combat the poaching crisis by bringing together visionary leaders who can work together to provide the political will, financial resources and technical capacity required to protect Africa’s remaining elephant populations.

The summit is to be staged at Mount Kenya Safari Club. Delegates will also be invited to visit local conservation projects to see practical examples of Kenya’s leadership in the area of wildlife protection. Attendance is by invitation only.

According to experts, Africa’s elephant population has fallen by 90% over the past century. They warn that the animal could be extinct within decades.

After the summit, Kenya will set fire to nearly its entire confiscated stock of ivory, 105 tonnes, equivalent to the tusks of more than 6,700 elephants.

The ivory has been piled into a dozen giant pyres, which will be lit by dignitaries at the summit.

The mass burning on April 30 will be seven times the size of any stockpile destruction so far, and represents about 5% of global ivory stores.

Some 1.35 tonnes of rhino horn will also be burned.

The street value of the ivory destroyed is estimated at more than $100 million, and the rhino horn at $80 million.

Kitili Mbathi, director general of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), said: “We don’t believe there is any intrinsic value in ivory, and therefore we’re going to burn all our stockpiles and demonstrate to the world that ivory is only valuable on elephants.”

Africa is home to between 450,000 to 500,000 elephants, but more than 30,000 are killed every year for their tusks.

List of Foreigners Detained in North Korea

Diane A. Wade
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List of Foreigners Detained in North Korea

Kim Dong-chul, a 62-year-old naturalized US citizen born in South Korea, was sentenced to 10 years of hard labor in April 2016 for spying.

Otto Frederick Warmbier, a US student who was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in March 2016 for trying to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel and “crimes against the state”.

Hyeon Soo Lim, a Canadian Christian pastor of South Korean origin, was sentenced to a life term of hard labor in December 2015, also for “crimes against the state”.Foreigners detained in North Korea

Sandra Suh, an American aid worker, was arrested then expelled in April 2015, accused of gathering and producing anti-North Korea propaganda.

Matthew Todd Miller, an American citizen who was sentenced to 6 years of hard labor in September 2014 for what North Korean state media described as “hostile acts”, but was released in November 2014.

Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American Evangelical Christian Missionary who was arrested in November 2012 and accused of using his tourism business to form groups to overthrow the North Korean government. He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in May 2013 but was released along with Matthew Todd Miller.

Jeffrey Edward Fowle, an American citizen was detained for five months and charged with “anti-state” crimes. He was released in October 2014.

Merrill Newman, a Korean War veteran who was held in October 2013 on charges of “hostile acts”. He was released in December 2013.

Kim Dong-chul: North Korea Sentences American Citizen to 10 Years of Hard Labor

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Dong-chul: North Korea Sentences American Citizen to 10 Years of Hard Labor

US citizen Kim Dong-chul has been sentenced to 10 years of hard labor in North Korea.

Kim Dong-chul, who was born in South Korea, was arrested in October 2015 after being accused of spying.

In March, the 62-year-old had made an apparent confession in Pyongyang in front of reporters, saying he was paid by South Korean intelligence officers.

The US has previously accused North Korea of using its citizens as pawns in a diplomatic game. The North Korean government denies the accusations.

Last month, US student Otto Frederick Warmbier was jailed for 15 years for stealing a propaganda sign and “crimes against the state”.Kim Dong chul sentence North Korea

North Korea has previously said Kim Dong-chul had a USB stick containing military and nuclear secrets on him when he was arrested in the special economic zone of Rason.

Kim Dong-chul, who used to live in Virginia, had said he was introduced to South Korean spies by US intelligence officers.

Forced public confessions by foreign prisoners are common in North Korea.

Kim Dong-chul’s imprisonment comes amid a period of high tensions. North Korea has recently conducted a series of missile tests following its fourth nuclear test in January, both of which break UN sanctions.

Pyongyang attempted to launch two mid-range ballistic missiles on April 28 which crashed shortly after their launches, prompting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

It is believed North Korea will attempt a fifth nuclear test soon.

The recent burst in activity is thought to be a ramp-up to a rare party congress due to be held on May 6, where leader Kim Jong-un is expected to consolidate power.

US Economy Slows to a Pace of 0.5% in Q1 2016

Clyde K. Valle
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US Economy Slows to a Pace of 0.5% in Q1 2016

According to new figures, the US economic growth slowed to an annual pace of 0.5% in Q1 of 2016.

That was a sharp fall from the 1.4% rate of growth in Q4 of 2015 and the slowest pace in two years.

The slowdown, which was bigger than most economists forecast, has been blamed on a fall in domestic demand and a strong dollar that has put a brake on exports.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

With shoppers buying less, businesses have been reluctant to order new stock.

Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the US economy, increased at a rate of 1.9%, down from 2.4% in the previous quarter.

Business investment fell by 5.9% – the biggest quarterly decline since the depths of the financial crisis in 2009.

Oil and gas exploration fell by a record 86% as energy companies cut back on spending following the dramatic slide in oil prices.

Although cheaper oil has given consumers more spare cash, it has also cut the profits of businesses dependent on the oil industry.

Despite the economy slowing, unemployment fell below 5% in January, and April 29 jobs report is expected to show steady growth in employment numbers.

On April 28, the Federal Reserve said that “labor market conditions have improved further even as growth in economic activity appears to have slowed”.

Lego Admits Internal Mistake in Rejecting Ai Weiwei’s Bulk Order

Nancy Clayson
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Lego Admits Internal Mistake in Rejecting Ai Weiwei’s Bulk Order

Lego has admitted its decision to reject Ai Weiwei’s request for a bulk order of its bricks in 2015 was a “mistake”.

Vice-Chairman Kirk Kristiansen told The Wall Street Journal an employee had misinterpreted the company’s policy on political neutrality.

In October 2015, the Chinese artist said his request was declined because Lego considered his planned exhibition to be too political.

Ai Weiwei is known for criticism of the Chinese government.

“It was an internal mistake,” Kirk Kristiansen said.Lego and Ai Weiwei controversy

He said the decision had been made “very low in the organization by our consumer service department”, and that Lego’s board had not been involved at the time.

Kirk Kristiansen’s son and successor Thomas added: “It is a typical example of what can go wrong in a big company.”

Lego’s refusal to provide bricks for Ai Weiwei’s artwork on political dissidents prompted people around the world to donate bricks at “Lego collection points” set up in different cities.

Ai Weiwei ended up making a new series of artworks based on the incident as a commentary on freedom of speech and political art.

In January 2016, Lego decided to stop asking bulk customers what they wanted to do with the bricks.

It said such customers should instead make clear that Lego does not endorse works shown in public.

The artist said Lego’s U-turn was a victory for freedom of speech.

Ai Weiwei also appeared to react to Lego’s decision by posting a picture on Instagram of a young boy sticking bricks onto his face, accompanied by a grinning emoji caption.

Prince Death: Police Ask for Drug Enforcement Administration’s Help

Sonia Pantiss
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Prince Death: Police Ask for Drug Enforcement Administration’s Help

Minnesota authorities investigating Prince’s death are requesting assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Police found prescription painkillers in Prince’s possession following his sudden death in Minneapolis on April 21, NBC News reported.

Officials have yet to say what role, if any, those drugs may have played.

Photo Instagram
Photo Instagram

Last week’s autopsy discounted suicide – but a medical examiner said full results could take several weeks.

Prince Nelson Rogers, 57, was found dead in a lift on his Paisley Park estate.

Sheriff Jim Olson said there was no sign of trauma on Prince’s body, suggesting the singer had died alone.

The DEA will be working to “determine such things as where the medications came from, and what prescriptions Prince had obtained,” NBC reported.

There have been suggestions Prince was addicted to the painkiller Percocet, which he had been taking since 2009 to relieve hip pain.

The singers former percussionist, Sheila E, told the news agency Prince had suffered the effects of years of jumping off speakers on stage while wearing high heels.

However, claims of drug dependency have been refuted by Prince’s long-time lawyer, L Londell McMillan.

Although he admitted that Prince may have taken pills to manage pain, the lawyer said the musician was “not on any drugs that would be any cause for concern”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34A3pBAC748

Bank of Japan Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged

Clyde K. Valle
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Bank of Japan Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged

Japan stock market traded low as the yen surged after the Bank of Japan decided against any extra monetary easing.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept interest rates unchanged despite coming under pressure to take further action.

The central bank had introduced negative rates in January but this failed to provide a much needed boost for the economy.Bank of Japan QE decision 2015

The Nikkei 225 index finished 3.6% lower at 16,666.05. New economic data also showed a slip back into deflation while industrial production expanded.

Japan has for years been trying to boost its economy and end a period of stifling deflation.

One way to try to achieve this is by monetary policy, which is one of PM Shinzo Abe’s three key “Abenomics” policies to turn around the economy.

However, even negative rates – meaning commercial banks will be charged if they deposit money with the central bank – have not trickled down to get banks to lend more and companies and people to invest or spend more.

Inflation is still far off the 2% target.

The BoJ’s decision to hold rates also sent the yen currency soaring, which is likely to have a negative effect on the crucial export sector.

The yen rose nearly 2% against the dollar, with one dollar worth 109.33 yen.

How To Stand Out From The Crowd When Applying For A Job In 2016

Dana R
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How To Stand Out From The Crowd When Applying For A Job In 2016

In this day and age, competition for jobs is fierce. It’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for a new job, or you’re hoping to secure a promotion, here are some tips to set you apart.

resume

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/124247024@N07/14066879786

Creating a resume

Your CV, or resume, is incredibly important. This short summary is often the first opportunity you get to impress a potential employer. It could make the difference between getting an interview or having your application thrown on the ‘no’ pile. When creating your resume, it’s essential to sell yourself to the best of your ability. List your achievements. Include all the information, which may distinguish you from other candidates. In the employment section, mention only relevant roles. You don’t need to note down every job you’ve ever had. Try and be original, but don’t stray too far from tried and tested formulas. For ideas of how to format your resume, check out http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mkl45eejl/tips-for-creating-the-best-possible-resume/.

Selling yourself

Often, when you apply for a job, you’ll be competing against people with the same qualifications, so it’s vital to show off other skills. Encourage your employer to invest in your potential and show off your passion. Use your experience and training to demonstrate your capability and your ability to learn. In the modern age, it’s beneficial to look to the future and keep ahead of the crowd. Tailor your application to suit the role. If you’re looking for a job in business development, for example, showcase your talents in this field. Training in areas such as digital marketing and cloud computing may be particularly appealing. Are you interested in expanding your skill set to make your application more enticing to prospective recruiters? If so, check out sites like http://www.simplilearn.com/virtualization-and-cloud-computing/exin-cloud-computing-certification-training.

Interview tips

An interview is a fantastic opportunity to show off your personality. This is your chance to try and convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. Always make sure you prepare for an interview. Read up on the company, and learn about the role. Note down some questions to ask the panel and try and predict what they may ask you. If you’re doing a presentation, rehearse it several times, and make sure you have all the facts and figures nailed down. Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact.

It is essential to create a positive first impression when you go for an interview. Dress smartly, and ensure you feel comfortable. Make an effort to wash and style your hair, and pay attention to detail. Polish your shoes, and iron your outfit the night before. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to give you chance to go through your presentation, and get yourself mentally prepared. Most of us feel nervous before an interview or an important meeting. Try and stay as calm as possible, and take deep breaths. Take your time when you are speaking, and think about your answers before you respond to questions.

business-men

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/89228431@N06/11220931254

In 2016, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. If you’re applying for jobs, take these tips on board. Hopefully, you’ll catch an employer’s attention and ensure that they remember you for all the right reasons.  

Red Dragon: Elon Musk Plans Mars Landing by 2018

James J. Williams
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Red Dragon: Elon Musk Plans Mars Landing by 2018

SpaceX’s Elon Musk has announced he is planning to send his Dragon spacecraft to Mars by 2018.

The billionaire has long targeted a trip to Mars and has previously said he can get humans to the red planet by 2026.

SpaceX is planning “Red Dragon” missions to Mars to test technology for bigger missions.

In a tweet, Elon Musk said that its Dragon 2 spacecraft is “designed to be able to land anywhere in the solar system”.

Photo PANews
Photo PANews

However, Elon Musk “wouldn’t recommend transporting astronauts beyond Earth-moon region” as the internal area of the spacecraft is only the size of a large car.

“Wouldn’t be fun for longer journeys,” he said in a tweet.

SpaceX has been developing rockets and has a $1.6 billion contract with NASA to supply the International Space Station (ISS).

On April 27, the company won an $83 million contract from the US Air Force to launch a satellite for GPS navigation services.

It is a significant win for SpaceX as, for the last decade, Lockheed Martin and Boeing have been supplying space launches for the military.

In December 2015, SpaceX had another breakthrough, landing its Falcon-9 unmanned rocket upright.

That was an important development in its plan to cut the cost of space launches by re-using rockets.

Facebook Reports 195% Jump in Profit in Q1 2016

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Facebook Reports 195% Jump in Profit in Q1 2016

Facebook has posted a 195% jump in profit in Q1 of 2016 as the company continued to generate new advertising income.

The social network reported $1.5 billion in earnings for Q1 2016, compared to $512 million in Q1 2015.

As well as enticing advertisers to new products like live video, Facebook boosted sales on existing services.

The company also proposed a new class of shares, which will allow founder Mark Zuckergerg to sell his shares without losing control of Facebook.

It said the move will “encourage Mr. Zuckerberg to remain in an active leadership role at Facebook”.

Photo Facebook
Photo Facebook

Facebook shares rose over 9% in after-hours trading.

Sales for Q1 2016 reached $5.3 billion up from $3.5 billion in Q1 of 2015.

Mobile advertising made up 82% of Facebook’s overall advertising revenue, up from 73% at the same time last year.

Total monthly active users (MAU) increased 15% from a year earlier to 1.65 billion, which was ahead of analysts expectations.

On a call with investors, the social network said it intended to continue buying other companies, but only those offering services that could be “ubiquitous”.

Facebook has invested heavily in other companies – in 2012 it paid $1 billion for the photo-sharing site Instagram.

However, it is hard for investors to judge the success of such deals, as Facebook has not detailed earnings from acquired companies.

The announcement of the new share structure comes four months after Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced they would give away 99% of their wealth.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan made the announcement after the birth of their daughter Max in December.

Rio 2016: Olympic Flame Handed over to Brazilian Authorities

Clyde K. Valle
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Rio 2016: Olympic Flame Handed over to Brazilian Authorities

Greece handed over the Olympic flame to the Brazilian authorities during a ceremony in Athens.

The Olympic torch will arrive in Brazil next week and then will travel around the country ahead of the games in August.

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes says the Olympic park is almost ready but there are concerns about delays to some projects.

The impeachment proceedings against Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff mean there is uncertainty as to who will be in power during the Olympic Games.

Photo Yahoo News
Photo Yahoo News

Brazil’s unemployment has also risen to about 10% as the economy has contracted for the second year in a row.

Rights group Amnesty International has also criticized the number of killings by police in the city’s shantytowns, known as favelas, where residents were “living in terror”.

Officers have killed 11 people in the favelas so far this month, Amnesty said, and were behind 307 such deaths last year.

Nevertheless, the head of Rio’s organizing committee Carlos Nuzman said the city was “ready to make history” as the flame was handed over to the Brazilians.

The Olympic torch will arrive on May 3 in the capital Brasilia after a short stopover in Switzerland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS8nlAs35O0

Ted Cruz Names Carly Fiorina as His Vice Presidential Pick

Diane A. Wade
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Ted Cruz Names Carly Fiorina as His Vice Presidential Pick

Ted Cruz has named Carly Fiorina as his running mate, in the event he becomes the GOP nominee at a campaign event in Indianapolis on April 27.

He called Carly Fiorina a “consistent, courageous fighter”.

The former presidential candidate is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard.

Carly Fiorina dropped out of the presidential race after a poor showing at the New Hampshire primary.

She has been an active supporter for Texas Senator Ted Cruz on the campaign trail.

The early announcement is unusual because vice-presidential picks are not normally decided until after a candidate secures the nomination.

Photo AP
Photo AP

“Over and over again, Carly has shattered glass ceilings,” Ted Cruz said.

Carly Fiorina could help Ted Cruz in his battle against front-runner Donald Trump, who has made disparaging comments about women – including her.

“Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?” he said.

Carly Fiorina responded: “I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said.”

Ted Cruz alluded to this exchange in introducing Carly Fiorina in Indiana, saying she handled it with “grace and class”.

While at Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina laid off 30,000 people and was fired by the company’s board, though she has argued that her leadership “saved” the company.

Carly Fiorina also had a failed bid for a California Senate seat.

Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump called the move desperate.

While addressing the crowd, Carly Fiorina broke into song.

She sang about Ted Cruz’s daughters and their times together on the Cruz campaign bus.

“Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two sides of the same coin,” Carly Fiorina said, and Ted Cruz’s presidential bid is not over yet, despite what “the media says”.

Donald Trump Unveils America First Foreign Policy Plan

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Unveils America First Foreign Policy Plan

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has detailed his foreign policy just one day after winning in five primaries.

In a speech in Washington on April 27, Donald Trump said he would pursue an “America First” policy.

The New York businessman called the foreign policy of President Barack Obama’s administration “a complete and total disaster”.

On April 26, Donald Trump called himself the Republican “presumptive nominee” after his primary wins.

He claimed victories in Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Before the speech, Donald Trump promised it would not be a “Trump doctrine”, and that he would retain some flexibility to make changes if elected.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Much of his speech focused on what he called the “weakness, confusion and disarray” of the Obama administration, and his hope of reversing it.

Before the audience in Washington, he vowed to “shake the rust off America’s foreign policy”.

Donald Trump said that, under his administration “their days are numbered – I won’t tell them when, and I won’t tell them how”.

He had previously said he would weaken ISIS by cutting off their access to oil, and supported waterboarding and other strong interrogation methods against them. He did not return to these proposals on today’s speech.

“Containing the spread of radical Islam must be a major foreign policy goal of the United States and indeed, the world,” Donald Trump said, adding that he would work closely with US allies in the Middle East to combat extremism.

He also said that new talks would be sought with the US’ allies in NATO to try and reshape the organization’s structure and discuss a “rebalancing” of US financing towards it.

Donald Trump said he would also aim to hold talks with Russia to seek common ground, possibly over Islamist extremism.

“Some say the Russians can’t be reasonable,” he said.

“I intend to find out.”

Donald Trump said China “respects strength, and by letting them take advantage of us economically like they are doing, we are losing all their respect”. He said he would seek to “fix our relations with China” but did not suggest how.

On US allies, he said: “The countries we defend must pay for the cost of this defense.

“If not, the US must be prepared to let these countries defend themselves. We have no choice.”

Speaking to the New York Times last month about the US-Japan relationship, Donald Trump said: “If we’re attacked, they do not have to come to our defense, if they’re attacked, we have to come totally to their defense. And that is a, that’s a real problem.”

Donald Trump once said he was his own best foreign policy adviser, but, in recent months, has expanded his backroom team. Some of his appointments have proved controversial.

His team is led by Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama.

Another member, retired Gen. Joseph Schmitz, resigned from the military in 2005 amid accusations of misconduct. However, Joseph Schmitz was never charged with wrongdoing.

Another adviser, Walid Phares, was criticized when he was named as part of Mitt Romney’s foreign policy team in 2011.

Muslim advocacy groups took issue with Walid Phares’s close ties to right-wing Christian militia groups during the Lebanese civil war.

Ahmet Davutoglu: “Turkey’s New Constitution Will Feature Principle of Secularism”

Diane A. Wade
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Ahmet Davutoglu: “Turkey’s New Constitution Will Feature Principle of Secularism”

Turkey’s new constitution will feature the principle of secularism, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced.

Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey’s secular and democratic character was “not up for debate”.

The prime minister’s comments came a day after parliamentary speaker Ismail Kahraman – a key member of the ruling AK party (AKP) – called for secularism to be taken out of the constitution.

Ismail Kahraman, who is overseeing the draft charter, said Turkey was a Muslim country and should have a religious constitution.

Turkey is a NATO member and aspires to join the European Union, which has traditionally regarded the country as a model of secular democracy in the Islamic world.

However, critics of the government fear the modern state’s secular foundations are being eroded.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Opposition parties also fear the new constitution could concentrate too much power in the hands of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who wants an executive presidency to replace the current parliamentary system.

In a speech on April 27, Ahmet Davutoglu said: “Secularism will feature in the new constitution we draft as a principle that guarantees citizens’ freedom of religion and faith and that ensures the state is an equal distance from all faith group.”

Ismail Kahraman said on April 25: “We are a Muslim country… Secularism cannot feature in the new constitution.”

He later said his comments were “personal views”.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head of Turkey’s main CHP opposition party, condemned Ismail Kahraman’s comments, tweeting: “The chaos that reigns in the Middle East is the product of ways of thinking that, like you, make religion an instrument of politics.”

The AKP, which has Islamist roots, has been pushing to replace the existing constitution, which dates back to a 1980 military coup and does not promote any religion.

Over the past two years, the Turkish government has lifted bans on women and girls wearing headscarves in schools and civil service. It also limited alcohol sales and made efforts to ban mixed dorms at state universities.

The government has pledged that European standards on human rights will form the basis of the new text.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP holds 317 of the 550 seats in parliament. To submit its draft constitution to a referendum, it would need 330 votes , so it will need to win over lawmakers from other parties.

Mitsubishi Scandal: Domestic Orders Halve on Fuel Tests Irregularities

Clyde K. Valle
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Mitsubishi Scandal: Domestic Orders Halve on Fuel Tests Irregularities

Mitsubishi Motors’ domestic orders for its vehicles have halved since the Japanese automaker revealed last week that it had been falsifying fuel efficiency tests.

Company president Tetsuro Aikawa said the situation was “very serious” but said he had no plans to resign immediately.

Tetsuro Aikawa said he did not know if sales abroad had been affected yet.

Mitsubishi shares have more than halved since the scandal broke.

Investors are worried that Mitsubishi Motors – Japan’s sixth-largest automaker – will face fines and compensation claims.

Last week, Mitsubishi admitted that it had falsified fuel economy data for four “minicar” models sold only in Japan.Mitsubishi fuel test 2016

The inaccurate mileage tests involved 157,000 of its eK wagon and eK Space, and 468,000 Dayz and Dayz Roox vehicles produced for Nissan. All were sold in Japan only.

On April 26, Mitsubishi admitted to manipulating test data for the past 25 years, far longer than initially thought.

The company’s board has formed a panel to investigate the case, and US regulators have also launched an investigation into whether car models complied with their fuel economy rules.

At a news conference on April 27, Mitsubishi Motors said that because of uncertainty about the potential damage to its brand it could not make forecasts for the financial year 2016-2017.

However, Tetsuro Aikawa was able to announce better-than-expected results for the year ending in March 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors reported that its operating profit rose 1.8% to 138.4 billion yen ($1.2 billion) while revenue increased by 4% to 2.27 trillion yen.

Why Is CFD Trading So Popular?

Dana R
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0
Why Is CFD Trading So Popular?

Just this week, broker Core Spreads launched a new affiliate program, letting partners earn a capped commission rate. Besides indicating that Core Spreads is doing fine, this shows us how popular and successful CFD trading has become in recent years.

Trading is still a gray area to many, and the benefits are even more so. Just as people are afraid of the unknown, many will be reluctant to place any cash in a declining market, or a market they know nothing about. CFD trading makes both these issues much easier to handle, and as such, could be right for a brand new investor, or learning trader.

So, if you’re considering joining the game, here are some of the main reasons why CFD trading is so utterly popular.

Make profit in any market

Success, Joy, Emotion, Profit, Successful, Innovative

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Gone are the days when you absolutely needed a rising market to make a decent profit. With CFD trading, you can make profit in a declining market by selling short that particular CFD. This kind of trading rewards strategy, critical thinking and a keen eye. It’s not potluck. It’s careful thought and planning.

The same goes for a booming market, too. You can make hefty sums of cash by buying that CFD. Of course, making profit in a rising market will always be easier than a declining one. But in CFD trading, it’s irrelevant. You can thrive in any scenario. Other forms of trading usually rely on a successful market, and only money can make money. You can now dispel that notion!

It’s convenient, and simple

File:Forex.jpg

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And that’s an understatement. If you’re already trading forex, it will be quite simple for you to trade a range of commodity CFDs on the same platform. The tools and software are largely the same and have similar functions. It’s not like CFD trading will feel absolutely alien to people who have traded in the past. It’s still an easy process.

Plus, it’s never been quicker and easier to get started with your trades. Most platforms are designed with this idea in mind, in order to aid usability. Many thoughts in the Plus500 review, for example, encompass this notion about that platform. Of course, if you’re new to trading, you still have a long way to go, but once you’ve learned it will be easy to jump between commodities.

Less ownership and commitment

Trading, Analysis, Forex, Chart, Charts

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There’s no fixed lot size when trading CFDs, so you have more options in terms of scale. Also, to begin a trade, you must only put down a small amount of the value of that total trade. You won’t need to account for the total cost. You’ll have more flexibility with your trades, and can be frugal where necessary.

Additionally, you aren’t required to own the commodity being traded. CFD traders aren’t at risk by taking ownership of any form of physical instrument. CFD is the representation of the commodity, if you will.

So, in short, CFD trading is a much more flexible option for those that desire it. It’s more secure, and carries less risk. Does that mean there’s less chance for greater profits? Maybe. But where certain trades can result in a heavy drop, CFD allows you to be more frugal, and more protected.

Paris Attacks: Salah Abdeslam Extradited to France

Roy Siemens
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Paris Attacks: Salah Abdeslam Extradited to France

Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam has been extradited from Belgium to face trial in France.

Salah Abdeslam, 26, was wounded and arrested in a dramatic raid in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run.

The French national was born in Brussels and lived there before the Paris attacks.

Salah Abdeslam would be held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison in the Paris area, said Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas.

The co-ordinated attacks carried out by so-called Islamic State in Paris on November 13, 2015, claimed 130 lives and left dozens more severely wounded.Salah Abdeslam charged with terrorism

Belgium’s federal prosecutor said Salah Abdeslam had been “surrendered to the French authorities this morning [in execution of the European Arrest Warrant issued by France on March 19, 2016]”. He was then formally placed under arrest.

Although Salah Abdeslam was initially held at a prison in Bruges, he had most recently been in custody at a high-security jail at Beveren, near Antwerp.

He is charged in France with participation in terrorist murder and the activities of a terrorist organization.

He was also indicted by Belgian authorities last week over a shoot-out in the Forest area of Brussels in which four police were wounded, three days before he was arrested.

Earlier, French criminal lawyer Frank Berton told French media that he would be taking on Salah Abdeslam’s defence in France following a two-and-a-half-hour meeting between the two last Friday at Beveren.

Frank Berton BFMTV he hoped the man would be judged “for what he has done and not what he has not done… not for what he represents because he is the last survivor”. Most of the Paris attackers are now dead.

He described Salah Abdeslam as “falling apart because of the drama that unfolded in France” and said he wanted to explain his actions.

Frank Berton said he was aware of the risks in representing his client, but insisted “he has the right to a fair trial”.

Salah Abdeslam’s Belgian lawyer, Sven Mary, has spoken of the dangers he faced in representing him – telling France’s Liberation website that he was threatened, assaulted physically and verbally in his office, and that on occasion police had escorted his daughters to school.

What To Do If Your Small Business Is Affected By Disaster

Dana R
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What To Do If Your Small Business Is Affected By Disaster

We live in turbulent times, not least due to extreme weather conditions. And, the consequences of natural disasters can be severe for small businesses. In today’s guide, we’re going to take a look at how you should react if your small business suffers from a natural disaster. Read on to find out more.

business

https://flic.kr/p/dpZfHv

Preparation is essential

Do you have insurance protecting you from natural disasters? In some states, it is a necessity, but if you aren’t located in one of those areas, it’s not something you should avoid. Insurance means you get the cover and protection you need in the result of an extreme weather event. Nobody – not even meteorologists – can give you a 100% assurance nothing will happen where you work. Get the protection in place, and you will not have to shoulder the burden of clearing up alone.

Contact all employees

First of all, you will need to contact all your employees. Their safety is your responsibility, and you have to find out if there are any injuries in your workplace due to the event. You should also start to take names and contact details of everyone that is still available to work so that you can plan your business in the days ahead. Don’t forget that many employees will have family and friends suffering from the disaster, so may not be able to focus on their work activities. It’s important to weigh up each employee on an individual basis. Some might need to stay away while others can feel undervalued if they aren’t working.

Cleaning up

When the dust settles, there’s the matter of cleaning up after the event. Of course, how you approach this depends largely on the event itself. In an earthquake scenario, things can be changed forever – and you might be looking at a move elsewhere. However, some disasters, such as floods, are recoverable. Get hold of a disaster cleanup company to help you get everything back in order.

Identify critical activities

The next step is to start getting your business back on track. Make sure you outline all the business critical activities that need doing. The idea here is to keep your business running as normally as possible. You may need to find temporary accommodation – but if you have insurance, this might be already in place. In a worst-case scenario, you can ask your employees to work from home if suitable.

Find funding

Even with insurance, you might struggle to afford to recover your business. The good news is that there are funds available. Contact the Small Business Administration, who can provide loans for natural disasters of up to $2 million. Interest rates tend to be competitive, so it’s best you start your search for funding there.

IT recovery

Another important aspect of your business lies in your data. It is essential that you contact a disaster data recovery firm who will – hopefully – be able to save your vital information. One good way of preparing for the worst is to start using cloud-based services such as Dropbox and Google Drive.

We hope this has helped. The main thing to remember is that your business can survive the biggest natural disaster. We wish you all the best.

Donald Trump Wins in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Wins in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has won primaries in all five states that voted on April 26, while Democrat Hillary Clinton triumphed in four out of five.

Donald Trump called himself the Republican “presumptive nominee” after victories in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

The results bring the New York businessman closer to the number of delegates he needs before the party’s national convention in July.

For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton was denied a clean sweep by Bernie Sanders.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders won in Rhode Island and vowed to fight to the end of the primaries process.

Speaking at the Philadelphia Convention Center after securing the four other states, Hillary Clinton said her campaign was setting “bold, progressive goals” to improve lives in the US.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

“We believe in the goodness of our people and the greatness of our nation,” she said.

After his sweep of the five states, Donald Trump said of the battle for the Republican nomination: “It’s over. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”

He told supporters in New York he would not moderate his policies if elected president.

Donald Trump said: “You know I went to the best schools. I’m like a very smart person. I’m going to represent our country with dignity and very well.

“But I don’t really want to change my personality. You know, it got me here.”

After their victories, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton turned their fire on each other.

Donald Trump said his Democratic rival’s only advantage in the presidential race was being a woman.

“Frankly, if Hillary Clinton were a man, I don’t think she’d get 5% of the vote,” he said.

Hillary Clinton hit back at his accusation that she was playing the “woman card”.

“Well, if fighting for women’s healthcare and paid family leave and equal pay is playing the woman card, then deal me in,” she told cheering supporters in Philadelphia.

Donald Trump’s rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, have already shifted their attention to forthcoming states.

As part of a new campaigning pact, John Kasich will give Ted Cruz a “clear path” to tackle Donald Trump in Indiana on May 3, with Cruz reciprocating for Kasich in the Oregon and New Mexico primaries.

Donald Trump has condemned their pact as a sign of weakness and desperation, and another sign of the GOP colluding against him.

Neither John Kasich nor Ted Cruz has a chance of securing the Republican nomination outright. The hope of a contested convention this July in Cleveland is keeping them in the race.

This scenario would see party delegates – Republican officials and activists – choose the nominee.

Analysts believe that Indiana, with its 57 delegates, will be crucial if Donald Trump’s rivals are to stop him securing the 1,237 he needs to win outright.

Opinion polls suggest Donald Trump has 39% support there, Ted Cruz 33% and John Kasich 19%.

Up to $800 Million ISIS Cash Destroyed in Airstrikes

Roy Siemens
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0
Up to $800 Million ISIS Cash Destroyed in Airstrikes

Between $500 million and $800 million in cash from ISIS funds has been destroyed in airstrikes, a US military official says.

In a briefing to reporters, Maj. Gen. Peter Gersten, who is based in Baghdad, said the US had repeatedly targeted stores of the group’s funds.

The blow to ISIS’ financing has contributed to a 90% jump in defections and a drop in new arrivals, he said.

In 2014, the US Treasury called ISIS “the best-funded terrorist organization” it had encountered.ISIS captures Maheen in Syria

Maj. Gen. Peter Gersten, the deputy commander for operations and intelligence for the US-led operation against ISIS, said under 20 air strikes targeting the group’s stores of money had been conducted.

He did not specify how the US knew how much money had been destroyed.

In one case, the general said, an estimated $150 million was destroyed at a house in Mosul, Iraq.

Forces fighting ISIS received intelligence indicating in which room of the house money was stored. The room was then bombed from the air, he said.

While it was difficult to know precisely how much money had been destroyed in total, estimates put the figure at between $500 million and $800 million, Maj. Gen. Gersten said.

ISIS’ exact wealth is not known, but, after seizing oil fields and setting taxes, it approved a budget of $2 billion and predicted a $250 million surplus in 2015.

Since then, however, ISIS has lost territory, and its oilfields have been targeted in air strikes by the US-led coalition.

US intelligence indicated ISIS’ cash troubles had led it to start selling vehicles to make money.

The number of those arriving to fight for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria had fallen to about 200 a month, Gen. Peter Gersten said, down from a peak of between 1,500 and 2,000 per month a year ago.

In February, the White House said it believed there were some 25,000 people fighting for ISIS, down from close to 31,500 in 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDzXMLu7Iso

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