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Innovation Process Management Is about Keeping it Simple

Dana R
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Innovation Process Management Is about Keeping it Simple

It is very difficult to run a successful business. However, there has been a tendency as of late for leaders and managers to make it even more difficult than it actually is. Because of this, they lose sight of what really matters and they make the business stagnate. Through good innovation process management, however, they can break through this.

What Is Innovation Process Management?

Innovation process management is about understanding the different elements of a business. As such:

  • Business is about delivering a service or product for which there is a demand.
  • You must find a way to make sure your product or service stands out from the crowd.
  • You must ensure your customers have trust and confidence in what you do.
  • You have to deliver a service to your customers.
  • You must have managers that are able to guide their teams through all of the above.
  • You must have leaders with a vision.

innovative-process

Innovation process management is both a top down and bottom up approach, and that is where it gets complicated for many. As such, to go through the process properly and to implement it within company culture, everybody has to let go of outdate values and hierarchical ideas.

A Top Down Approach

Through a top down approach, there is an understanding that things start at the top and trickle down to the rest of the organization. This is very true when it comes to innovation. Managers and leaders must be fully behind the notion that there is no such thing as a bad idea. They must believe and show that everybody has a voice that will be listened to.

A Bottom Up Approach

A bottom up approach is the opposite. It essentially means that those at grassroots level decide what will drive the organization, and they then expect the top to sign up to that and lead on it. This is very difficult to achieve at present because most company cultures are still hierarchical and a top executive continues to be valued more than someone who works in the stock room. This must change in an innovative business.

Innovation through the Ranks

For a business to be innovative, every voice matters. Everybody needs to know that their ideas and knowledge is of equal value as that of anyone else. Every employee must feel that they are able to steer the business they work for. This does not mean that every single idea has to be implemented. It only means that every single idea should be listened to and taken seriously and that it should be implemented if it is deemed to be beneficial to the rest of the organization.

Innovation is about doing things in a new way. It is the ultimate thinking outside of the box exercise. However, it is not really an exercise, it is a way of life. For it to be implemented properly, and for the amazing results to become visible, it has to become part of the overall culture of the organization.

A Buying Guide to Adhesives

Dana R
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A Buying Guide to Adhesives

When you enter a hardware or craft store, you may find that the number of adhesives on offer there is so large that you may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of choices. Some of these adhesives are designed specifically for certain tasks. Other adhesives are designed to join different materials together. Hopefully, the following information will be of benefit to you if you are considering purchasing adhesives.

Types of Adhesive

There are six main types of adhesives to choose from:

  1. Wood work adhesives, like Unibond.
  2. Contact adhesives, such as Thixofix and Evo-Stik.
  3. Two part epoxy adhesives, like Araldite.
  4. Cyanoacrylale adhesives, which most people know as “super glue”.
  5. Universal and other general purpose glues and adhesives like Durofix and UHU.
  6. Two part acrylic adhesives, which are more of an acrylic than an adhesive.

adhesives

There are also a number of specialist adhesives, which are mainly used in repairs. Some are made specifically for glass, PVC or even polystyrene. Others are for hobby work like paper and card glue, wallpaper glue or even bathroom tile glue to name just a few options.

How to Choose an Adhesive

When you are looking to use an adhesive, you need to first know what job you will be using it for. A few other things you should take into consideration include:

  1. What types of materials do you want to glue together? The adhesive you use has to be suitable for this, which is particularly important if the two elements are made from different materials. This can, unfortunately, be very difficult if you are dealing with plastic, because there are many types of plastic out there and it can be difficult to find out exactly which one you’re dealing with.
  2. How strong does the hold need to be? If you think of a wood glue, for instance, the bond it creates is often the same as the strength of the wood itself. However, if you use a plastic or metal glue, it will generally be much weaker. If strength is everything in your specific project, you may want to consider whether there are things you can do to reinforce the materials.
  3. In almost all cases, when you join two things together, you will need to fill a gap. The size of this gap is very important and different adhesives can deal with different sized gaps. For instance, a contact adhesive work on almost any medium sized gap. An eyanoacrylate, by contrast, will only work on a tiny gap. Choosing epoxy glue, finally, is a great idea if you have a wide gap, although epoxy works just as well on narrow gaps as well.
  4. How hot will the item become once it is glue. Some adhesives are so called ‘thermoplastics’, which means they will melt and let go if the temperature rises. If you know this could happen to your item, you may want to choose thermosetting glue instead, as this can withstand hotter temperatures.

First GOP Debate: Rick Perry Excluded from Fox News Debate

Diane A. Wade
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First GOP Debate: Rick Perry Excluded from Fox News Debate

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry is not among the 10 Republicans running for president who will take part in the first primetime TV debate.

Donald Trump, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker will take the stage in Cleveland on August 6 with seven rivals.

Fox News selected the 10 most popular Republicans based on five national polls, excluding Rick Perry and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.

Those two and five other candidates will take part in an earlier debate.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum reacted angrily to his omission.Rick Perry first GOP debate

“The idea that they have left out the runner-up for the 2012 nomination [Rick Santorum], the former four-term governor of Texas [Rick Perry], the governor of Louisiana [Bobby Jindal], the first female Fortune 50 CEO [Carly Fiorina], and the 3-term Senator from South Carolina [Lindsey Graham] due to polling seven months before a single vote is cast is preposterous,” his spokesman said.

In contrast, Rick Perry tweeted that he was looking forward to being on Fox at 5PM for “a serious exchange of ideas and positive solutions to get America back on track”.

The main debate takes place four hours later at 9PM local time.

All eyes will be on Donald Trump, who leads the polls and has made headlines with outspoken remarks about many of his rivals.

One of the Republican frontrunners, Jeb Bush, became embroiled in a row with leading Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton over women’s health funding on August 4.

The former Florida governor was attacked by Democrat Hillary Clinton after he told a conservative Christian audience he wasn’t sure “we need half a billion dollars for women’s health issues”.

Jeb Bush later said he “misspoke” after criticism of his remarks.

Top 10 Republicans Running for White House 2016:

  • Businessman Donald Trump
  • Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
  • Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
  • Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
  • Surgeon Ben Carson
  • Texas Senator Ted Cruz
  • Florida Senator Marco Rubio
  • Kentucky Senator Rand Paul
  • Ohio Governor John Kasich
  • New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

How to Choose the Best Conversion Kit for e Bikes

Dana R
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How to Choose the Best Conversion Kit for e Bikes

More and more people are choosing to ride electric bikes. This is because it is such an efficient mode of transportation. They are easy to ride and they don’t need any fuel, which means they have a lower carbon footprint than a gas bicycle, causing less pollution. Of course, not everybody already owns an electric bike, but most people do own a regular bicycle. It is now possible to purchase a conversion kit that will help you to transform your existing bike into an electric one. But how does this work and where do you find one?

What Is a Conversion Kit for e Bikes?

It is a known fact that electric bikes are becoming more and more popular. Indeed, according to Amazon, there has been a 6,000% increase on sales year on year. The problem with this is, however, that there are now a number of merchants out there who are simply trying to push cheap products onto the market to make a quick buck themselves. Good kits are designed to be installed on a regular bicycle, transforming it into a battery powered one. This is achieved using a number of different systems. What matters is that you learn how to avoid the poor quality, cheap knockoffs and find one that actually does what it is supposed to do.

conversion-kit
Photo Source: ecvv.com

How to Find the Best Conversion Kit for e Bikes

As a customer, you need to be aware of the fact that the poor quality merchants are out there, and you need to learn how to recognize a good conversion kit. One thing to know is that the best conversion kit for e bikes does not have to cost the earth. Unfortunately, if you search online for a conversion kit, you will find so many different options that it can seem overwhelming. If you have a better idea of the equipment you are actually looking for, however, you will have a better chance of finding the right type as well.

A good conversion kit will include everything you could possibly need to convert your regular bike into an electric model, including the tools for assembly. Some of the things that should be included in the kit, therefore, include:

  • The powerful motor needed to run the bike.
  • The specific wheels that actually fit the motor.
  • A battery charger.
  • An electric controller.
  • The brake pullers.
  • The battery power indicator.
  • The thumb gear changer.
  • The connecting harness.
  • The handlebar grips.

Naturally, all of this should be neatly packaged and it should come with full instructions.

There are many kits available online, ranging from very cheap to incredibly expensive. Try, therefore, to not be guided by price alone. Some of the cheaper kits actually work far better than the most expensive ones. Spend some time reviewing the different kits that are out there, which should give you a better idea of which merchants are trustworthy as well. Finally, never buy a kit that does not come with a full money back guarantee.

Sandra Bland’s Death: Family Sues Officer Brian Encinia and Texas Authorities

Nancy Clayson
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Sandra Bland’s Death: Family Sues Officer Brian Encinia and Texas Authorities

Sandra Bland’s family is suing the arresting officer and other Texas authorities.

Sandra Bland, who was black, died in police custody three days after a physical confrontation with a white police officer during a traffic stop.

Police say that Sandra Bland hanged herself while being held in the Waller county jail. The family has denied that she was suicidal.

In the last 12 months, the death of black Americans in police custody has caused debate and protests.

An official post-mortem examination report found that Sandra Bland had hanged herself while in her cell.Sandra Bland death 2015

The wrongful death lawsuit was announced in Houston by the family of the 28-year-old Chicago native.

In it, they name State Trooper Brian Encinia, the Texas Department of Public Safety in Waller County, the county’s sheriff’s department and two jailers as defendants.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified punitive damages “for egregious acts and omissions” and alleges Brian Encinia, 30, falsified an assault allegation to take Sandra Bland into custody.

The jail is accused of being “reckless” in disregarding her safety and failing to keep her free from harm.

Dash cam video shows Sandra Bland’s car being pulled over on 10 July for failing to signal during a lane change.

An argument began after Sandra Bland was asked to put out her cigarette and demanding she get out of her car.

Brian Encinia then points his stun gun at Sandra Bland, telling her “I will light you up” after she refuses his orders.

Sandra Bland was arrested for assaulting an officer. On July 13 she was found dead in her jail cell.

The Texas Department of Public Safety had previously said that Trooper Brian Encinia had acted improperly during the stop.

Harald Range: Germany’s Top Prosecutor Fired over Netzpolitik Treason Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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Harald Range: Germany’s Top Prosecutor Fired over Netzpolitik Treason Investigation

Germany’s top prosecutor Harald Range, who had accused the government of interfering with a treason investigation, has been fired by Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection Heiko Maas has announced.

Heiko Maas said he no longer had confidence in Harald Range, dismissing his statements as “incomprehensible”.

Prosecutors are investigating whether the Netzpolitik website revealed state secrets in articles about plans to step up state surveillance.

News of the case sparked street protests last week over press freedom.Harald Range fired

The outcry put the German government on the back foot, with senior officials stressing that Germany was committed to press freedom and casting doubts over whether the articles constituted treason.

On August 4, in a rare public row between the German judiciary and the state, Harald Range said the government had asked him to drop an independent investigator from the inquiry, who concluded that one of the articles published did amount to a disclosure of a state secret.

The request, said Harald Range, amounted to “an intolerable encroachment on the independence of the judiciary”.

He said that while the freedom of press was valuable it was not “limitless”.

Minister Heiko Maas responded at a news conference in which he called Harald Range’s comments “incomprehensible and misleading”.

He said his trust in the prosecutor’s ability had “suffered lasting damage” and he had requested his dismissal.

Harald Range, who is 67-year-old, was due to retire in 2016. Munich’s chief public prosecutor, Peter Frank, has been named by Heiko Maas as his successor.

The state investigation, into two journalists at Netzpolitik.org, is currently paused. The journalists have called for the case to be dropped.

Their first story, in February, alleged that Germany’s domestic intelligence agency wanted additional funds to increase its online surveillance program.

A later article in April concerned the spy agency’s efforts to set up a special unit to monitor social networking websites.

Critics have accused Harald Range of double standards, with the prosecutor earlier this year dropping an investigation into alleged tapping of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone by the US National Security Agency (NSA) over lack of evidence.

Cecil the Lion’s Head Wanted by Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

Nancy Clayson
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Cecil the Lion’s Head Wanted by Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

The head of Cecil the lion is wanted by a Zimbabwe conservation group to be mounted in a case in Hwange National Park, where he was killed last month.

Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, said the lion’s head was found in the home of Theo Bronkhorst, one of the co-accused.

Cecil the lion was shot in July by American dentist Walter Palmer. Zimbabwe is seeking his extradition.Cecil the lion head

The lion’s death made headlines around the world, sending Walter Palmer into hiding.

Johnny Rodrigues told the BBC the plan had been for the head to be sent to South Africa and then on to the US where Walter Palmer would be able to claim it.

He said the Task Force would raise the money for Cecil’s head to be mounted in a glass case and would ask the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority about the plan “once the dust had settled”.

“Any tourist should be able to come and see the cause of all this turmoil around the world,” Johnny Rodrigues said.

Johnny Rodrigues said he has been subjected to a torrent of abuse after speaking out against hunting following Cecil’s death.

“I had to put my phone off. Hunters are using this as a way to get to me, sending insults and remarks by email and by text.”

He said he had been accused of taking money from hunts, a claim he denied.

“I hate hunting, I don’t believe in it,” he said.

Cecil’s six cubs were being looked after by another lion, Jericho, according to Johnny Rodrigues.

“We were expecting the worst and for the other male to come in and take the female and kill the cubs. But Jericho is doing a good job.

“They are following him around and he is playing with them. We are monitoring them all the time and everybody is happy.”

Joe Jackson Released from Brazil Hospital

Lisa.Felice
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Joe Jackson Released from Brazil Hospital

Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, has been released from the Sao Paulo hospital where he had been treated following a stroke.

Joe Jackson, who was in Brazil to celebrate his 87th birthday, was diagnosed with a stroke associated with cardiac arrhythmia, the hospital said.Joe Jackson stroke Brazil

The Jackson family patriarch’s health had improved enough to warrant his release on August 3, the Albert Einstein hospital added.

Joe Jackson managed his sons’ musical group in the early 1960s.

He first worked with his three eldest sons, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine and then younger sons Marlon and Michael, forming the Jackson 5.

Although they would go on to achieve huge commercial success, it was reported that he was often abusive towards his family.

Michael Jackson, who went on to become a phenomenally successful pop star, died from an overdose of sedatives on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seroxJI3r8k

Cecil the Lion: Three American Airlines Ban Hunting Trophy Shipments

Nancy Clayson
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Cecil the Lion: Three American Airlines Ban Hunting Trophy Shipments

Three American airlines – Delta, United and American Airlines – have banned the shipment of big-game trophies on flights after the illegal killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.

They would no longer transport lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant or buffalo remains, the airlines announced.

The airlines have not, however, given official reasons for their announcements.

Delta flies direct to a number of African cities and was subjected to an online petition to ban such shipments.

American Airlines and United fly to fewer sub-Saharan cities than Delta, but United said in a tweet its decision to stop carrying trophies was “effective immediately”.Cecil the lion hunting trophy cargo

United spokesman Charles Hobart said: “We felt it made sense to do so.”

Cecil the lion was shot illegally in July by American dentist Walter Palmer of Minnesota. Zimbabwe is seeking his extradition and that of a doctor from Pennsylvania, named as Jan Casimir Seski, who is suspected of killing another lion in April.

Walter Palmer is believed to have paid about $50,000 to hunt Cecil, a major tourist attraction in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.

He says he thought the hunt was legal and was unaware Cecil was protected, but the killing triggered a huge online backlash.

Delta would not answer questions from journalists as to why it made its decision on August 3, nor would it detail how many hunting trophies it has transported in recent years.

“Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight,” Delta said in a brief statement.

Its announcement came as several other airlines indicated that they are – or soon will be – stopping the transport of all trophy-hunting kills.

As recently as May, Delta said it would continue to allow such shipments.

California Wildfire 2015: More than 13,000 People Evacuated

Nancy Clayson
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California Wildfire 2015: More than 13,000 People Evacuated

More than 13,000 people have been evacuated in California as firefighters struggle to contain some 20 wildfires.

Some 9,000 firefighters worked throughout August 3 in steep terrain and rugged conditions, officials said.

The biggest blaze – the so-called Rocky fire north of San Francisco – has already consumed more than 90 square miles of land.

On August 3, the fire jumped a highway that had been containing it.

Photo AP
Photo AP

The Rocky fire tripled in size over the weekend, with officials describing its rate of growth as unprecedented.

At least 24 homes were destroyed as the blaze was whipped up by winds that fuelled the flames.

More than 6,000 properties currently lie in the path of the flames.

Four years of drought in California left the landscape tinder dry. Coupled with unseasonably humid conditions, lightning strikes and gusting winds, this has posed a severe challenge for fire fighters and water-dropping aircraft.

While some progress has been reported in tackling the blazes, partially due to a slight fall in temperatures, there is no rain forecast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrUKlbA3J94

Puerto Rico Defaults on Debt Payment

Clyde K. Valle
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Puerto Rico Defaults on Debt Payment

Puerto Rico government has confirmed that it failed to make a debt payment at the weekend, in the latest sign of the economic crisis in the US territory.

It said it did not have the funds available to pay more than $50 million due on bonds.

The ratings agency Moody’s said it viewed the development as a default.

Puerto Rico’s governor said in June that the island’s debts of more than $70 billion were unpayable and that its finances needed restructuring.

The US commonwealth paid only $628,000 of a $58 million payment due on its Public Finance Corp (PFC) bonds, Government Development Bank President Melba Acosta Febo said in a statement on August 3.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Melba Acosta Febo said the reason was because the legislature did not appropriate sufficient funds.

The government said on July 31 that although it would not complete the full payment, it should not be considered a default under a technical definition of the phrase. But that argument has been discounted by Moody’s and other financial institutions.

Puerto Rico has $72 billion of public debt. That makes it by far the most indebted territory or state per capita in the United States.

Unemployment is at almost 14% – more than double the national average – and over the last decade there has been little or no growth, resulting in the economy teetering on the brink of oblivion.

Puerto Rico has been losing 1% (around 30,000 people) a year to Florida and other parts of the US. And it is mainly the economically active young who are leaving.

The government has rejected recommendations made by some economists from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that employers should pay less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

There is also resistance to cutting the bloated public sector, which accounts for almost 20% of the workforce.

Will Smith Divorce 2015: Actor Denies Rumors on Facebook

Lisa.Felice
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Will Smith Divorce 2015: Actor Denies Rumors on Facebook

For the first time, Will Smith has denied reports that he is going to divorce his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Radar Online reported on August 3 that Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett had decided to split and would make an announcement soon.

However, Will Smith has now posted a message on his Facebook page denying the rumors.

“Under normal circumstances, I don’t usually respond to foolishness… But, so many people have extended me their <<deepest condolences>> that I figured – “What the hell…” he said.Will Smith denies divorce rumors 2015

“So, in the interest of redundant, repetitious, over & over-again-ness … Jada and I are … NOT GETTING A DIVORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! : -)

“I promise you all – if I ever decide to divorce my Queen – I SWEAR I’ll tell you myself!

“#Dumb People Should Have to Wear Scarlet D’s.”

Will Smith married Jada Pinkett in 1997 and they have a son, Jaden, and a daughter, Willow.

Their marriage has been a subject of tabloid rumors for years.

Will Smith has never taken the unusual step of addressing that speculation before.

Jada Pinkett Smith, 43, recently appeared in Magic Mike XXL and TV crime show Gotham, in which she plays gangster Fish Mooney.

She also formed nu metal band Wicked Wisdom in the early noughties, appearing at Ozzfest in 2005.

Will Smith, 46, plays Deadshot in Suicide Squad, which is out next year, and has appeared in movies like Men In Black, Hancock, I Am Legend and Independence Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-FVKmScGkI

Gwen Stefani Files for Divorce from Gavin Rossdale After 13 Years of Marriage

Lisa.Felice
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Gwen Stefani Files for Divorce from Gavin Rossdale After 13 Years of Marriage

Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale are divorcing after nearly 13 years of marriage.

Gwen Stefani has filed her petition for divorce on August 3 at Los Angeles Superior Court citing irreconcilable differences.

She married the Bush singer at a church in London’s Covent Garden in September 2002 and they have three sons together.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale say they want joint custody of Kingston, 9, Zuma, 6, and Apollo, who was born last February.

In a statement the former couple said they were committed to raising their children together.

Photo Instagram
Photo Instagram

The singers said: “While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment.

“To that end, we respectfully request privacy from the media during this time.”

Gwen Stefani, 45, is a coach on The Voice.

The singer and her 49-year-old husband worked together on The Voice in 2013, but she later admitted it had been “awkward”.

“We’ve only collaborated on making babies,” she admitted.

Gwen Stefani is also a successful designer and launched her own fashion label L.A.M.B. in 2003.

She posted a picture online a week ago in which she appeared to be on holiday in Montana.

Gwen Stefani wrote: “Wow #Montana u r so beautiful #favoritevacaever #neverwanttogohome.”

Gavin Rossdale tweeted his 170,000 followers on July 29, saying: “Bye bye London. Flying home.”

No date of separation was listed in the Los Angeles court filings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9w3QKBnmLA

Lollapalooza 2015: Final Day Ends Early as Second Severe Storm Causes Evacuation

Sonia Pantiss
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Lollapalooza 2015: Final Day Ends Early as Second Severe Storm Causes Evacuation

Lollapalooza festival ended its final day early after a second severe storm threatened Chicago.

Florence & the Machine finished their set with Dog Days before running off stage on the final day.

Tens of thousands of festivalgoers had to leave the city’s Grant Park as lightning threatened the area.

Fans were told to evacuate and go to one of three underground parking garages designated as emergency evacuation shelters.

Promoters made the decision to evacuate about an hour before it began to rain.

Weather also caused the festival’s schedule to be interrupted in August 2012.

“We’ll push messaging out via our socials, we’ll also have on all of the screen stages, messaging light up, as well as announcements over the PAs throughout the park so that everyone is in the know,” said Brooke Leal, Fresh Clean Media.Lollapalooza 2015 storm evacuation

Some ticketholders thought the evacuation was unnecessary.

Before the storms put the stage acts scheduled to perform on Lollapalooza’s third and final day on hold, crowds were looking for some relief from the hot and steamy weather.

When the rain stopped, people started to head back to the park and waited for the music festival to officially re-open.

Excited music fans streamed through the entrance, ready to pick up where they left off.

No acts were canceled because of the storm.

Meanwhile, Chicago officials say rapper Travis Scott is facing disorderly conduct charges after encouraging fans to jump over security barricades during his performance at Lollapalooza on August 1.

Travis Scott, whose real name is Jacques Webster, was arrested on the second day of the three-day music festival in downtown Chicago.

Office of Emergency Management spokeswoman Melissa Stratton says Travis Scott performed one song, then began telling fans to come over the barricades.

She says Travis Scott left the scene but was taken into custody a short time later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxakoHmA-IQ

Bobbi Kristina Brown Buried next to Whitney Houston at Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey

Lisa.Felice
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Bobbi Kristina Brown Buried next to Whitney Houston at Fairview Cemetery in New Jersey

Bobbi Kristina Brown was laid to rest next to her late mother, pop icon Whitney Houston, in New Jersey.

Bobbi Kristina Brown, who died on July 26 at the age of 22, was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield on August 3 following the Brown and Houston families’ flights in from Atlanta.

The brief service ended just after 1 p.m.

Photo Instagram
Photo Instagram

Hours before the burial was expected to begin, fans stood at the front gate of the cemetery, holding photos of Bobbi Kristina Brown and Whitney Houston. Streets were closed and dozens gathered, but a heavy police presence allowed only foot traffic near the cemetery.

After the funeral in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 1, the Houstons gathered at The Estate in Buckhead, People magazine reported. Police and security made sure that only people who were invited were able to get inside or even on the premises.

Bobbi Kristina Brown died on July 26, nearly six months after she was found unresponsive in her bathtub on January 31.

Netherlands: Two Cranes Collapse in Alphen aan den Rijn Injuring 20 People

Diane A. Wade
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Netherlands: Two Cranes Collapse in Alphen aan den Rijn Injuring 20 People

Two cranes have collapsed on buildings in the Netherlands injuring at least 20 people, media say.

The cranes were employed to restore the Juliana Bridge in the central Dutch town of Alphen aan den Rijn.

Amateur video showed one crane trying to hoist a section of the Juliana Bridge and collapsing under the weight, bringing the second crane down with it.

Dutch media said rescue workers were in contact with at least one person trapped in the rubble.

Images on Dutch media showed a row of crushed buildings.

The images and video were carried on the De Volkskrant website.Netherlands crane collapse

The website said a Dutch team normally used for earthquakes and other disasters had been sent to the scene.

A large number of people were at the site watching the bridge operation when the accident happened.

Ton Koot, a spokesman for the local fire brigade, told NOS that heavy machinery had been moved in to help with the rescue work.

He had no more information on the condition of those injured.

One of the two cranes, linked together on a pontoon, was lifting a vast steel ramp that forms the central bridge span when it toppled, taking the other crane with it a few seconds later.

Amateur video showed people jumping from the pontoon, with screams heard in the background.

NOS said that the cranes had hit two shops.

A survey in 2010 had shown the bridge over the Rhine to be in poor condition. Its renovation began this spring and was expected to take all summer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNcm-Fv5Wv4

Phil Rudd Pleads Not Guilty to Breaching Home Detention Conditions

Sonia Pantiss
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Phil Rudd Pleads Not Guilty to Breaching Home Detention Conditions

Phil Rudd has pleaded not guilty to breaching the conditions of his current home detention by drinking alcohol.

The former AC/DC drummer has been under house detention since being sentenced for drug possession and making threats to kill last month.

Phil Rudd, 61, was banned from consuming alcohol as part of his eight-month sentence.Phil Rudd home detention

On August 3, a New Zealand judge allowed him to stay at home while on bail awaiting a November hearing on the possible breach.

Phil Rudd could face further sanctions, including jail time, if the judge decides he did violate his conditions.

Asked after the hearing whether he was nervous about the possible consequences, Phil Rudd told reporters: “No, the only thing I’m nervous about is I don’t actually don’t know what’s going on.”

Asked how he would spend time on bail, Phil Rudd replied: “Self-improvement.”

Phil Rudd was sentenced to house detention on July 9 for threatening to “take out” a former employee and possessing marijuana and methamphetamine.

Judge Thomas Ingram said home detention was the most appropriate punishment – but warned that he would be closely monitored and jail would be the next step if the drummer stepped out of line.

Following his latest arrest, Phil Rudd must undergo drug and alcohol testing when required.

Mirandole Beach Reopens for Public as King Salman Leaves French Riviera

Nancy Clayson
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Mirandole Beach Reopens for Public as King Salman Leaves French Riviera

Mirandole public beach in southern France that was closed for King Salman of Saudi Arabia has reopened after he cut his trip short.

King Salman had been due to stay for three weeks on the French Riviera, but left after only eight days to travel to Tangiers in Morocco.

The beach in Vallauris was closed for King Salman’s trip, causing uproar among locals.

The beach was reopened on August 3, and a lift installed for King Salman was being dismantled.Mirandole beach King Salman mansion

“All the security measures are gradually being lifted,” the region’s sub-prefect Philippe Castanet told France Bleu.

Jean-Noel Falcou, a town councilor in Vallauris who lodged a petition against the changes to the beach, welcomed the news that it had reopened.

“All the illegal building work, all the trouble it caused, all the refusal of dialogue by the French state – all of that for only eight days of holiday for the Saudi king,” he wrote on his Facebook page on August 3.

More than 100,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the beach. Critics of the move said it was a breach of French laws on equality.

The Mirandole beach is directly below King Salman’s private villa and French officials agreed to seal it off for the monarch’s security.

Building the lift had involved pouring a large concrete slab on the sand.

Greece Crisis: Athens Stock Market Plunges After Five-Week Shutdown

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Crisis: Athens Stock Market Plunges After Five-Week Shutdown

The Athens Stock Exchange index, the Athex, has fallen by 22.87% as trading resumes after a five-week closure.

Greece’s top four lenders – Piraeus Bank, National Bank, Alpha Bank, and Eurobank – were biggest fallers, all down by 30%, the maximum allowed. Banks make up about a fifth of the index.

The bourse was shut just before the Greek government imposed capital controls at the height of the debt crisis.

Traders had predicted sharp losses as a result of pent-up trading.

The Athex recovered slightly in morning trading, but was still down more than 18% in midday trading.Greece Stock market reopens August 2015

In accordance with conditions laid down by the government and the European Central Bank (ECB), local investors are not allowed to buy shares with money from their bank accounts, only with cash kept in safe deposit boxes or at home.

Meanwhile, data released on August 3 showed that Greek manufacturing activity plunged in July to its lowest level on record as a three-week bank shutdown caused new orders to dive and created serious supply problems.

Markit’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for manufacturing, which accounts for about a tenth of the economy, fell to 30.2 points, the lowest reading since records began in 1999. A measure of 50 denotes growth.

Not long after the market reopened, the Athex had plunged to 615.16 points, down by 182.36 points from the June 26 close.

By comparison with other global markets, the biggest one-day fall in the value of the US Dow Jones was 22.61%, seen on October 19, 1987, known as “Black Monday”.

Constantine Botopoulos, head of the Greek capital markets commission, told Skai radio: “Naturally, pressure is expected, markets will not fail to comment on such an extensive shutdown.”

He added: “But we must not get carried away. We must wait until the end of the week to see how the reopening will begin to be dealt with more coolly.”

Although Greece struck a bailout deal with its creditors last month, political in-fighting in Athens over the conditions could still result in PM Alexis Tsipras calling an early election.

The Greek economy has begun to reverse the gains it was making before Alexis Tsipras’s Syriza-led coalition took power in January on an anti-austerity platform.

The European Commission expects Greece to go back into recession this year, with the economy contracting by between 2% and 4%.

The Greek economy was in recession for six years until 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMPmHPMk5XE

Kate Middleton Gaines Advanced Open Water Diver Qualification

Lisa.Felice
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Kate Middleton Gaines Advanced Open Water Diver Qualification

Kate Middleton has become an advanced scuba diver, the Kensington Palace has announced.

The Duchess of Cambridge has passed her Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) advanced open water diver qualification.

This means she can now dive to a depth of 30 metres (98ft).

Kate Middleton is also an experienced diver and follows his father and grandfather in heading the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).Kate Middleton advanced scuba diver

When he took on the role as president of the BSAC, Prince William said he hoped his son Prince George would follow him by taking up snorkeling and scuba diving.

Kate Middleton is thought to have gained the qualification from a diving school on the Caribbean island of Mustique, according to the Telegraph.

During the course the duchess would have completed a deep adventure dive to learn how to deal with the physiological effects and challenges of deeper scuba diving.

Photography, buoyancy control, fish identification and exploring wrecks are also part of the course.

BSAC chairman Eugene Farrell said: “We are thrilled that The Duchess of Cambridge shares her husband’s interest in the underwater world and has further progressed her diver training.

“Last summer while diving with BSAC, the Duke of Cambridge suggested George may also one day follow in his footsteps, so we hope in the future the whole family may share the same passion for scuba diving.”

Mission Impossible 5 Rogue Nation Tops US Box Office with $56 Million

Sonia Pantiss
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Mission Impossible 5 Rogue Nation Tops US Box Office with $56 Million

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation has topped the US and Canada box office over the weekend with $56 million.

The fifth installment of the franchise is the second-highest opening for the series since Mission Impossible II‘s $57.8 million in 2000.

According to box office analysts Rentrak, 62% of the opening weekend audiences were male, and 81% over 25.Mission Impossible 5 tops US box office

Tom Cruise pulled off a turnaround after a string of underperforming movies, including Jack Reacher and Edge of Tomorrow, and managed to sidestep awkward questions about his belief in Scientology.

Vacation, billed as a semi-sequel to the classic 1983 National Lampoon road trip comedy, starring Chevy Chase, opened second with takings of $14.9 million.

Reviews of the comedy have not been particularly kind and, according to exit polls, audiences gave the film a B CinemaScore.

The already released Ant-Man, Minions and Pixels rounded out the top five.

North American box office Top 5:

  1. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation -$56 million
  2. Vacation – $14.9 million
  3. Ant–Man – $12.6 million
  4. Minions – $12.2 million
  5. Pixels – $10.4 million

Rowdy Roddy Piper Dies at 61

Clyde K. Valle
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Rowdy Roddy Piper Dies at 61

Pro wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper, known for wearing a kilt in the ring, has died on July 31 at the age of 61.

Born Roderick Toombs in Saskatchewan, Canada, Rowdy Roddy Piper was one of the main stars of the wrestling circuit from the mid-1980s.

During his career, Roddy Piper won more than 30 titles and was inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame in 2005.Rowdy Roddy Piper dead at 61

His death comes a month after that of Dusty Rhodes, another Hall of Fame member, aged 69.

The cause of Rowdy Roddy Piper’s death was not revealed. He had successfully fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006.

“Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE,” said chairman Vince McMahon.

He was best known for his rivalry with Hulk Hogan and together they headlined some of wrestling’s biggest events.

Hulk Hogan and his partner, Mr. T, beat Roddy Piper and his partner, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff at the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden in March 1985.

Cast as a villain early in his career, Roddy Piper once cracked a coconut over the head of one of his rivals, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.

Roddy Piper gained praise after branching out into acting, starring in the cult 1988 film They Live.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia Leaves French Riviera After Beach Closure Scandal

Nancy Clayson
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King Salman of Saudi Arabia Leaves French Riviera After Beach Closure Scandal

King Salman of Saudi Arabia has decided to cut short his luxury trip to France, where the closure of a French Riviera beach for his security caused uproar.

King Salman unexpectedly flew on to Morocco after only eight days of what was planned as a three-week stay, officials said.

With the king was at least half of his 1,000-strong entourage, regional official Philippe Castanet added.

More than 100,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the public beach at Vallauris.

The Mirandole beach is directly below King Salman’s private villa and French officials agreed to seal it off for the monarch’s security.King Salman French Riviera beach closure

Critics of the move said it was a breach of French laws on equality.

A Saudi source quoted by Reuters said King Salman’s departure was part of his vacation program and not connected to the media coverage the visit had attracted.

It is not clear if the king plans to return to the villa this summer.

Philippe Castanet told AFP news agency that the beach would reopen to the public on August 3.

He said a temporary lift connecting the beach with the villa – which had also angered local residents – would be removed in the coming weeks.

Building the lift had involved pouring a large concrete slab on the sand.

The royal party generated mixed emotions among the local population.

While some were unhappy at the closure of the beach, many traders warmly welcomed King Salman and his wealthy entourage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRW1C4rFD3Y

America’s Clean Power Plan to be Unveiled by Barack Obama

Diane A. Wade
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America’s Clean Power Plan to be Unveiled by Barack Obama

President Barack Obama will unveil the revised Clean Power Plan on Monday, August 3.

The new plan’s objective is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from US power stations by nearly a third within 15 years.

The measures will place significant emphasis on wind and solar power and other renewable energy sources.

However, opponents in the energy industry have vowed to fight the plan.

They say Barack Obama has declared “a war on coal”. Power plants fired by coal provide more than a third of the US electricity supply.

The revised plan will aim to cut carbon emissions from the power sector by 32% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

Each US state will have an emission-cutting goal assigned to it and must submit a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency on how it will meet the target.

Photo EPA
Photo EPA

The measures would give the president the moral authority he needs to argue for global reductions in greenhouse gases at a major conference in Paris later this year.

However, several state governors are already saying they will simply ignore the plans.

In face of the criticism, the White House said the release of the plan was “the starting gun for an all-out climate push” by the president and his cabinet.

In a video released by the White House, Barack Obama said the new limits were backed up by decades of data showing that without action the world faced more extreme weather and escalating health problems.

“Climate change is not a problem for another generation. Not anymore,” the president said.

“My administration will release the final version of America’s Clean Power Plan, the biggest, most important step we have ever taken to combat climate change.”

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she would defend the plan if she was elected to replace Barack Obama.

“It will need defending. Because Republican doubters and defeatists – including every Republican candidate for president – won’t offer any credible solution,” she said.

“The truth is, they don’t want one.”

One Republican presidential candidate, Marco Rubio, said the plan would be “catastrophic,” while another, former Florida governor Jeb Bush, said the plan was “irresponsible and over-reaching”.

Correspondents say the emphasis on renewable energy sources marks a significant shift from the earlier version of the plan that sought to speed up a transition from coal-fired power to natural gas plants, which emit less carbon dioxide.

It is believed the revised plan will aim to keep the share of natural gas in US power generation at current levels.

Power stations are the largest source of greenhouse gases in the US and account for about one third of all such US emissions.

Jan Casmir Sieski: Second American Doctor Accused of Illegal Killing of a Lion in Zimbabwe

Nancy Clayson
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Jan Casmir Sieski: Second American Doctor Accused of Illegal Killing of a Lion in Zimbabwe

A second American, named as Jan Casmir Sieski, is wanted in Zimbabwe over the illegal killing of a lion, as the outcry over the death of famous Cecil the lion continues.

Jan Casmir Sieski, a doctor from Pennsylvania, killed a lion in April, the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said.

A Zimbabwean landowner has since been arrested, the agency said.

Cecil the lion was shot illegally in July by American dentist Walter Palmer of Minnesota. Zimbabwe is seeking his extradition.Jan Casmir Sieski lion killing Zimbabwe

The National Parks authority gave little information on the new case, but said on August 2 that the killing of the lion had taken place without a permit.

It said the hunt had been arranged by a Zimbabwean man who owned a safari company.

The authority said in a statement that it had agreed to “undertake an industry-wide investigation to crack down and weed out any illegal hunting activities”, but it was not clear if the latest case had emerged from that investigation.

A Pennsylvania address said to be Jan Casmir Sieski’s was listed in the latest release, but no further details have emerged.

Walter Palmer is believed to have paid about $50,000 to hunt Cecil, a major tourist attraction in the Hwange National Park.

The dentist says he thought the hunt was legal and was unaware Cecil was protected.

There has been a huge online backlash against Walter Palmer.

The dental practice Walter Palmer runs in Minneapolis has been closed since he was named as the hunter who shot Cecil.

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