Home Blog Page 367

Hillary Clinton E-Mail Scandal: State Department Releases 3,000 Pages of E-Mails

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hillary Clinton E-Mail Scandal: State Department Releases 3,000 Pages of E-Mails

More than 3,000 pages of emails from the private server former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used while in office have been released by the State Department on June 30.

The correspondence, released online, covers March through December 2009.

Among the 1,900 emails released by the State Department, on July 11, 2009, Hillary Clinton received an email from “Jimmy” — presumably former President Jimmy Carter — titled “N. Korea.”

The message seems to be about freeing journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who were charged and held with illegal passage into North Korea. It read:

The message read: “Hillary: As I explained to you on the phone, I don’t think it is appropriate to tell them that I will come only if they agree in advance to release the women. Your response was, in effect, <<They have already agreed.>> Is this correct? If not, I will go, by commercial airline if necessary, representing The Carter Center, and try to induce them to approve the release. JC”

Photo AP
Photo AP

Hillary Clinton forwarded the message onto a redacted email account with the comment “fyi.”

In May 2015, a District of Columbia judge ordered the State Department to release Hillary Clinton’s emails in batches ever 30 days, rejecting an agency plan to roll them out in early 2016.

The release will meet the court’s mandate that it match at least 7% of Hillary Clinton’s message traffic, department spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing on June 30.

John Kirby tried to explain away the strange timing of the release.

“You have to understand the enormity of the task here. It is a lot of stuff to go through,” he told reporters, adding the agency was “working right up to the deadline” to get the emails out.

Questions over Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server while serving as secretary of State have dogged her candidacy since she entered the White House race in April.

Also on June 30, the State Department handed over 3,600 pages of correspondence to the House Select Committee on Benghazi. Four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, were killed in the attacks on the diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.

The emails from Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the United Nations at the time of the deadly 2012 assault, and former Hillary Clinton aides Cheryl Mills and Jake Sullivan were provided under a subpoena the GOP-controlled panel issued in March.

In a letter accompanying the document delivery, Hillary Clinton’s old agency said that “to the extent the materials produced relate to your inquiry, we do not believe they change the fundamental facts of the attacks on Benghazi”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlMPC9RGH2o

Donald Trump Files Lawsuit Against Univision

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Donald Trump Files Lawsuit Against Univision

Donald Trump has filed a $500 million lawsuit against Spanish-language TV network Univision.

Univision had cancelled its contract to broadcast the Miss USA pageant which is co-owned by Donald Trump.

The network had said last week it would not air the Miss USA pageant because of what it called insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants.

Donald Trump is running for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.Donald Trump sues Univision 2015

He has accused Univision of stifling his freedom of speech in order to boost the Democratic Party frontrunner, Hilary Clinton.

While announcing his candidacy earlier this month, Donald Trump had accused Mexico of sending rapists and other criminals to the US.

Donald Trump also pledged to build a “great wall” on the US border with Mexico and insisted it would be paid for by Mexicans.

He later insisted he was criticizing US lawmakers, not Mexican people.

NBC has also said it would not be airing the Miss USA and the Miss Universe pageants both owned by Donald Trump.

Responding to the announcement, Donald Trump said he would consider suing NBC.

White House 2016: Chris Christie Launches Bid for US President

Diane A. Wade
-
0
White House 2016: Chris Christie Launches Bid for US President

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has officially launched his bid to become the next president of the United States.

The Republican said both political parties “have failed our country” and called for more compromise at a rally on Tuesday.

Many Republicans sought out Chris Christie, 52, to run in 2012, but he is now considered a long shot.

He is the 14th Republican to enter the race for the party’s nomination.

Chris Christie said he was running because Americans were “filled with anxiety because of bickering in Washington” and it was time for a strong leader to set the country on a new path.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

“I mean what I say and I say what I mean, and that’s what America needs right now,” he added.

The outspoken governor said he was now heading out on the campaign trail to New Hampshire where he will hold the first of what is expected to be a series of town hall meetings with voters.

Chris Christie is hoping to use these sessions to turn around his political fortunes and launch a comeback in the polls.

His image was badly by a scandal in New Jersey known as “Bridgegate” that involved politically motivated lane closures on a busy bridge to New York.

A close ally of Chris Christie’s pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges last month but he has denied any wrongdoing.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Confirm Divorce After 10 Years of Marriage

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Confirm Divorce After 10 Years of Marriage

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have confirmed their split following months of media speculation.

The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on June 29.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner said in a joint statement: “After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce.Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner divorce 2015

“We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding.”

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have three children: Violet, 9, Seraphina, 6, and Samuel, 3.

Over the years, the couple dealt with rumors about the state of their marriage, but they were always able to work their issues out.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner will file for divorce, however, it will reportedly not be done immediately until custody and property issues are resolved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X36gnNxInpk

Greece Requests New Bailout Deal from Eurozone

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Greece Requests New Bailout Deal from Eurozone

Greece has requested a new bailout deal from the eurozone, just hours before it must repay €1.6 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Greek government is asking for a new two-year €29.1 billion aid deal from a bailout mechanism for eurozone countries.

Eurozone finance ministers discussed the Greek offer in a teleconference on Tuesday evening, but made no decision.

If it fails to make the IMF payment, Greece could risk leaving the euro.

The European Commission, which is one of Greece’s creditors, wants Athens to raise taxes and cut welfare spending.

No advanced economy has ever missed a payment on an IMF loan.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Amid fears of a Greek default on its huge public debt of €323 billion – and a possible exit from the euro – long queues of people are continuing to snake from many cash machines in Greece, where withdrawals are capped at just €60 a day.

On Tuesday evening, thousands of pro-EU protesters braved stormy weather and gathered outside the Greek parliament in Athens to urge a “Yes” vote in a referendum on July 5 over whether the country should accept its creditors’ proposals.

It follows a similar demonstration by those advocating a “No” vote – the path preferred by PM Alexis Tsipras – on June 29.

Greek banks did not open this week after talks between Greece and its creditors broke down.

However, up to 1,000 bank branches will re-open from July 1 to allow pensioners – many of whom do not use bank cards – to withdraw up to €120.

The European Commission offered a slightly amended deal to Greece late on Monday night, which the Greek government did not accept.

Instead, Greece responded with a request for a two-year deal under the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the bailout mechanism for eurozone countries whose aim is to maintain the stability of the euro. The ESM did not exist when Greece was bailed out in 2010 and 2012.

However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted that the eurozone’s wealthiest member will not enter into new aid negotiations with Greece before its weekend referendum.

“Before a referendum, as planned, is carried out, we won’t negotiate on anything new at all,” Angela Merkel said.

The ECB is believed to have disbursed virtually all of its emergency funds for Greece, amounting to €89 billion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrwwELoy-rk

Tunisia Attack: Seifeddine Rezgui Prayed Moments Before Death

Roy Siemens
-
0
Tunisia Attack: Seifeddine Rezgui Prayed Moments Before Death

Seifeddine Rezgui, the suspected terrorist who killed 38 people at a Tunisian beach resort on June 26, reportedly prayed moments before his death.

Armed security officers shot at the gunman to try to stop him. According to some reports, Seifeddine Reazgui fell to his knees and started praying.Seifeddine Rezgui Sousse attack Tunisia

A Tunisian policeman shot the ISIS militant following 25-minute rampage.

The police officer spotted the 23-year-old gunman while he was praying in a side street and said he “put two bullets in him”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqpqV_Y8rI8

Indonesia: Military Plane Crash Kills at Least 100 People in Medan

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Indonesia: Military Plane Crash Kills at Least 100 People in Medan

A military transport plane crashed in a residential area of the Indonesian city of Medan killing more than 100 people.

The Hercules C-130 plane hit two houses and a hotel before bursting into flames, creating a huge fireball.

Air Force head Agus Supriatna visited the crash site and told reporters he believed there were no survivors among the 113 people on board.

At least 66 bodies have been recovered so far.

A major rescue operation is under way at the site which was covered in flames and thick black smoke.

Photo AFP
Photo AFP

There are reports that people are trapped inside wrecked buildings and the nearest hospital is continuing to receive bodies arriving from the crash site.

Many of the passengers are thought to have been relatives of servicemen and women.

Large crowds watched the emergency services search the flaming wreckage.

The plane had just taken off when it ran into trouble.

Agus Supriatna said that the pilot had asked to return to base because of technical difficulties.

“The plane crashed while it was turning right to return to the airport,” he said.

The Hercules transport plane was manufactured in 1964, but a military spokesman said he was convinced that it was in good condition.

Correspondents say that it is the second time in 10 years that a plane has crashed in Medan.

In September 2005, a Boeing 737 came down in a crowded residential area shortly after take-off from Medan’s Polonia airport, killing 143 people including 30 on the ground.

EU to Abolish Data Roaming Charges by June 2017

Nancy Clayson
-
0
EU to Abolish Data Roaming Charges by June 2017

The European Union reached an agreement on June 30 that will end data roaming charges for people travelling within its 28 member countries as of June 2017.

The ban will be preceded by a 14-month interim period, in which companies can still add surcharges – but at a reduced rate.

A deal, reached on June 30, also sets out rules requiring telecom operators to treat most internet traffic equally.

However, the net neutrality rules will allow blocking for some reasons, such as to counter cyber-attacks.

From April 2016, telecoms operators will be able to add a surcharge of no more than:

  • €0.05 extra per minute for calls
  • €0.02 extra per SMS sent
  • €0.05 extra per megabyte of data used

The cap would make roaming within the EU 75% cheaper during the interim period, the European Commission said.EU data roaming charges

The agreement is the culmination of years of campaigning to cut roaming charges and to define the EU nations’ approach to regulating internet traffic – particularly in light of the US adoption of net-neutrality rules.

It largely follows proposals put forward in March 2015, which analysts said were a weaker version of what European regulators had originally promised.

It will enshrine the principle of net neutrality, which stops internet service providers (ISPs) favoring some internet traffic, in European law for the first time.

However, as mooted in March, there will be exceptions to those rules.

ISPs will be able to favor services that require high-quality internet connections, such as internet TVs, as long as they do not impinge on the overall quality of internet traffic.

The commission said they would also be able to throttle traffic if it was in the public interest to do so.

The agreement will be presented to the EU’s member states between July and December 2015 for formal adoption.

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) – the fourth largest grouping of lawmakers in the European Parliament – has previously criticized regulators for trying to water down plans to end data roaming.

But it welcomed today’s announcement.

The president of the ALDE group, Guy Verhofstadt, said the “great roaming rip-off” was to be brought to an end.

The ALDE group blamed the delay in successfully negotiating the deal on member states, which have been accused of seeking to protect their national operators in the past.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYryU_0Kcps

SMS Pioneer Matti Makkonen Dies at 63

Nancy Clayson
-
0
SMS Pioneer Matti Makkonen Dies at 63

Finnish pioneer of texting tech Matti Makkonen has died at the age of 63 after an illness.

Matti Makkonen became known as the father of SMS after developing the idea of sending messages via mobile networks.

Despite the nickname, he was often quick to point out that he did not invent the technology single-handedly.

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the first text message, Matti Makkonen said that he considered the development of SMS a joint effort and that it was Nokia who helped to popularize the service.Matti Makkonen dead at 63

“The real launch of the service, as I see it, was when Nokia introduced the first phone that enabled easy writing of messages (Nokia 2010 in 1994),” he said.

Matti Makkonen added that he did not use “txt spk” himself, though he pointed out that texting could be thought of as having had an impact on the development of language.

Jarmo Matilainen, managing director of Finnish telecoms group Finnet Association, had been working with Matti Makkonen, himself a former managing director of Finnet Ltd, in recent years.

He described Matti Makkonen as a “grand old man of the mobile industry”.

Although the use of SMS has begun to fall, it remains popular worldwide with trillions of texts sent every year.

Leap Second 2015: Extra Second Added to Official Time on June 30

James J. Williams
-
0
Leap Second 2015: Extra Second Added to Official Time on June 30

On June 30, the entire world will get an additional second at midnight.

Midnight will come later on Tuesday as an extra second is added to the official time set by atomic clocks.

The “leap second” means the last minute of June will have 61 seconds in it.

Leap seconds – and leap years – are added as basic ways to keep the clock in sync with the Earth and its seasons.

A leap second is a one-second adjustment that is occasionally applied to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in order to keep its time of day close to the mean solar time, or UT1. Without such a correction, time reckoned by Earth’s rotation drifts away from atomic time because of irregularities in the Earth’s rate of rotation.

However, there are concerns the extra second could cause problems for some computer systems because it has to be added manually.

Timekeepers are divided over whether to keep the additional unit of time – and the issue is set to be debated at a meeting later this year.

The addition will mean that the last minute of June will have 61 seconds; while 23:59:59 usually becomes 00:00:00, the leap second will ensure the time becomes 23:59:60.Leap Second 2015

Basically, our clocks are better at keeping time than the Earth is. UTC is based on an atomic clock, which calculates the length of a second based on (very predictable) changes in cesium atoms. It takes more than a million years to lose a second on atomic time.

News coverage has focused on the potential for software problems that could affect financial trading and other operations around the world.

Because the irregularity of adding leap seconds causes problems for computer networks, several proposals have been put forward to abolish them.

The issue is still being considered by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and is set to be discussed at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva in November this year.

Delegates will aim to reach a decision to either end leap seconds or adopt a technical solution to reduce the problems they cause.

Since this system of correction was implemented in 1972, 25 such leap seconds have been inserted. The most recent one happened on June 30, 2012 at 23:59:60 UTC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLRUsL66Pvg

Japan: Two Dead in Shinkansen Bullet Train Fire

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Japan: Two Dead in Shinkansen Bullet Train Fire

Two people have died in Japan after one of them set himself on fire on board a Shinkansen bullet train, public broadcaster NHK reports.

The man had poured fuel over himself in the first carriage of the train, a Japan Rail spokesman said.

The train was going from Tokyo to Osaka with about 1,000 people on board.

It was near Odawara city when the emergency stop button was pressed – local TV media showed pictures of the train halted with white smoke inside.Japan Shinkansen bullet train fire

At least six others are injured, fire officials said. All trains on the Tokyo-Osaka high speed line have been stopped.

Officials have given no indication of the man’s motives but are treating the incident as a suicide.

Local media said the incident took place at 11:30 AM local time while the train was between Yokohama and Odawara.

Japan Rail officials said the train came to a stop after the emergency button was pressed and the man who set himself on fire was then discovered near the toilet stall.

The Kyodo news agency quoted transport officials as saying the driver had tried to put out the fire.

The other dead passenger, a woman, was reportedly found at the other end of the carriage.

A number of people were reported to be suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. Television footage showed people being removed from the train by emergency services and carried across the tracks on stretchers.

Bullet trains, which have a good safety history, travel at speeds of up to 198 mph.

Greece Debt Referendum Controversial Question

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Greece Debt Referendum Controversial Question

The question which will be put to Greek voters on July 5 will not be as simple as whether they want to stay in the euro or not.

Instead it asks Greeks to approve or reject the specific terms laid out by Greece’s creditors.

“Should the agreement plan submitted by the European Commission, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund to the June 25 eurogroup and consisting of two parts, which form their single proposal, be accepted? The first document is titled <<Reforms for the completion of the Current Program and Beyond>> and the second <<Preliminary Debt Sustainability Analysis>>.

Photo EPA
Photo EPA

“Not approved/NO

“Approved/YES”

The two appendix documents – “Reforms for the completion of the current program and beyond” and “Preliminary debt sustainability analysis” – don’t sound much more easily digestible than the ballot.

There is still a question over when and how voters will be presented with those documents, and whether world-class economists will be on hand at polling stations to explain them.

As well as being a little bit dense, the Greek ballot also controversially puts the “No” option – favored by the Greek government – above the “Yes” option, leading some to accuse it of bias.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aDYUKyQ5-0

Greece Bailout Referendum: PM Alexis Tsipras Asks Greeks to Vote No

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Greece Bailout Referendum: PM Alexis Tsipras Asks Greeks to Vote No

Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has urged population to reject international creditors’ demands in a snap referendum on the country’s debt crisis due on July 5.

Alexis Tsipras said a clear vote against austerity would help Greece negotiate a better settlement to the crisis.

Otherwise, the prime minister warned, he would not stay in office to oversee more cuts.

Greece’s bailout expires on June 30, the same day it faces a deadline to repay a €1.6 billion loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The loan is to be repaid by 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT).

EU leaders have warned that a rejection of the creditors’ proposals on July 5 would mean Greece leaving the eurozone – though Alexis Tsipras says he does not want this to happen.

Talks between Greece and its creditors broke down last week, leading to Greek banks having to shut this week. The uncertainty also caused stock markets to fall sharply on June 29.Alexis Tsipras Greece bailout referendum

Asian markets rebounded on June 30, with stock markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul all rising compared with June 29.

Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Greek parliament in Athens on Monday evening in a show of support for the government’s proposals. A rival protest organized by those calling for a “Yes” vote is due later on Tuesday, June 30.

Speaking live on state TV on Monday evening, PM Alexis Tsipras appealed to Greeks to reject the creditors’ proposals, saying this would give Greece “more powerful weapons” to take to the negotiating table.

“We ask you to reject it with all the might of your soul, with the greatest margin possible,” he said.

Alexis Tsipras told viewers he did not believe the creditors wanted Greece out of the eurozone “because the cost is immense”.

He also hinted strongly that he would resign if the result of the referendum was a “Yes” vote.

“If the Greek people want to proceed with austerity plans in perpetuity, which will leave us unable to lift our head… we will respect it, but we will not be the ones to carry it out,” Alexis Tsipras said.

The Greek government has already been forced to order all banks to be closed until July 6 after the European Central Bank (ECB) decided not to extend its emergency funding.

The ECB is believed to have disbursed virtually all of its ceiling for funds, amounting to €89 billion.

Long queues of people were seen snaking outside ATMs on June 29, with withdrawals capped at just €60 a day.

Elderly people, many without bank cards, were seen waiting outside closed bank branches in the hope of getting access to funds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMhDVc8Vljg

Tunisia Attack: Hotel Worker Filmed Seifeddine Rezgui During Sousse Attack

Roy Siemens
-
0
Tunisia Attack: Hotel Worker Filmed Seifeddine Rezgui During Sousse Attack

New footage has emerged of the attack at the Tunisian resort of Sousse on June 26, which left 38 people, mostly tourists, dead.

It was filmed by a staff member at one of the hotels where the shootings took place.

The unnamed hotel worker chased Seifeddine Rezgui moments after he slaughtered 38 innocent tourists including 18 Britons.Tunisia attack filmed by hotel worker

The man can be seen running after Seifeddine Rezgui as the ISIS militant selects his targets.

At one point he even picks up what appears to be a bottle of olive oil as he attempts to sneak up behind the 23-year-old assassin to disarm him.

The 11-minute video was released as Tunisia made its first arrests in connection with the terror attack.

Tunisia’s Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli said: “We have started by arresting a first group, a significant number of people, from the network that was behind this terrorist criminal.”

Najem Gharsalli added that officials were still verifying whether Seifeddine Rezgui had been trained in Libya in jihadist camps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSQeB_y7_Ic

Donald Trump Dumped by NBC over Mexico Comments

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Donald Trump Dumped by NBC over Mexico Comments

NBC has fired Donald Trump over “recent derogatory statements” that the mogul made about immigrants.

The network said it would now not be airing the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants that are co-owned by Donald Trump.

Responding to the announcement, Donald Trump said he would consider suing NBC.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump accused Mexicans of adding drugs and crime to the US as he announced he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

“They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some I assume are good people, but I speak to border guards, and they tell us what we are getting,” he said in his speech on June 16.Donald Trump dumped by NBC

Donald Trump also pledged to build a “great wall” on the US border with Mexico and insisted it would be paid for by Mexicans.

He later insisted he was criticizing US lawmakers, not Mexican people.

NBC had faced pressure from Hispanic advocacy groups to drop Donald Trump’s shows and a petition on the Change.org website gathered more than 200,000 signatures.

On June, NBC issued a statement saying: “At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values.”

Celebrity Apprentice would continue to be aired, the network added, as it is licensed from a separate group. Donald Trump stopped hosting the show when he entered the presidential contest.

Donald Trump issued a statement shortly after NBC’s announcement, saying he stood by his statements on illegal immigrations, “which are accurate”.

“NBC is weak, and like everybody else is trying to be politically correct – that is why our country is in serious trouble,” he said.

He claimed NBC had violated its contract and said the move would be “determined in court”.

NBC is the second network to drop Donald Trump after Univision, one of the largest US Spanish-language broadcasters, also ended its coverage of Miss USA.

Polls suggest Donald Trump is running second to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush in the crowded field of Republican hopefuls.

Grexit: EU Leaders Warn Greek People over Bailout Referendum

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Grexit: EU Leaders Warn Greek People over Bailout Referendum

EU leaders have warned Greek people that rejecting international creditors’ proposals in the bailout referendum called for Sunday, July 5, would mean leaving the euro.

German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said the vote would be “Yes or No to the eurozone”.

Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras has urged a “No” vote but insists he wants Greece to stay in the euro.

Talks between Greece and its creditors broke down last week, leading to Greek banks having to shut this week.

Global stock markets saw big falls on Monday, June 29, after the weekend’s events.

As well as Sigmar Gabriel, the leaders of the eurozone’s other two largest economies said Greek voters would effectively be deciding whether or not they wanted to stay in the eurozone on July 5.

Italian PM Matteo Renzi said the choice would be between the euro and the drachma, while French President Francois Hollande said: “What’s at stake is… knowing whether the Greeks want to stay within the eurozone.”Greece bailout referendum 2015

Speaking to Greek television on June 29, Alexis Tsipras urged as many Greeks to vote “No” as possible on July 5 to give the Greek government a stronger position to restart negotiations.

He said his government had a mandate “to be within the European framework but with more justice”.

“They will not kick us out of the eurozone because the cost is immense,” he said.

Earlier, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he felt “betrayed” by the “egotism” shown by Greece in the failed talks on giving heavily indebted Greece the last payment of its international bailout.

Jean-Claude Juncker said Greek proposals were “delayed” or “deliberately altered” but added the door was still open to talks.

Despite the public war of words, a Greek official said Alexis Tsipras had spoken to Jean-Claude Juncker on June 26 and asked him to extend Greece’s bailout until the referendum.

A critical deadline looms on June 30, when Greece is due to pay back €1.6 billion to the IMF – the same day its current bailout expires. There are fears of a default and a possible exit from euro.

Jean-Claude Juncker said that he still believed a Greek exit from the euro was not an option and insisted that the creditors’ latest proposal meant more social fairness.

The question which will be put to voters on July 5 will not be as simple as whether they want to stay in the euro or not – instead it asks Greeks to approve or reject the specific terms laid out by Greece’s creditors:

“Should the agreement plan submitted by the European Commission, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund to the June 25 eurogroup and consisting of two parts, which form their single proposal, be accepted? The first document is titled <<Reforms for the completion of the Current Program and Beyond>> and the second <<Preliminary Debt Sustainability Analysis>>.

“Not approved/NO

“Approved/YES”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ALwXwlXuJ8

Hisham Barakat: Egyptian Prosecutor General Killed in Cairo Bomb Attack

Roy Siemens
-
0
Hisham Barakat: Egyptian Prosecutor General Killed in Cairo Bomb Attack

Egyptian Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat has been killed in a bomb attack on his car in Cairo, officials say.

Hisham Barakat died of his wounds in hospital after the bombing in the suburb of Heliopolis.

According to state media, at least eight others were also hurt in the attack.

Hisham Barakat has referred thousands of Islamists to trial since the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Hundreds of Islamists have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment, as part of a crackdown on supporters of the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Jihadist militants have meanwhile stepped up their attacks on Egypt’s security forces.Prosecutor General Hisham Barakat killed in Cairo

Hisham Barakat is the most senior figure to have been targeted for assassination since a 2013 attempt on the life of the then-interior minister.

“He [Hisham Barakat] has passed away,” Justice Minister Ahmed al-Zind told AFP news agency.

The Egyptian state news agency Mena said that he had died after undergoing critical surgery. A medical official at the hospital told the Associated Press that Hisham Barakat had received multiple shrapnel wounds to the shoulder, chest and liver.

The attack involved a car bomb or an explosive device placed under a parked car near Hisham Barakat’s convoy, bomb squad chief Gen. Mohamed Gamal told AFP.

The explosion sent black smoke rising over the neighborhood and set fire to nearby trees. Images from the scene showed several damaged vehicles and bloodstains on the streets.

At least three civilians were killed, according to Mena. Witnesses said that the blast had been strong enough to shatter the windows of nearby homes.

At the hospital, an injured bodyguard said that the explosion had hit Hisham Barakat’s convoy on the way to the office.

“There was glass flying everywhere. It was as if there was an earthquake,” he said, according to AFP.

Hisham Barakat had received death threats in the past.

The Egyptian affiliate of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) recently called for attacks on the judiciary, after the hanging of six militants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eo4xo4iXZE

Top Styles That Can Help You Dress Up Your Jeans

Dana R
-
0
Top Styles That Can Help You Dress Up Your Jeans

Jeans are great. They are comfortable, hard wearing, and suitable for any casual situation. Unfortunately, for many of us, the sheer convenience of throwing on a pair of jeans in the morning can lead to them becoming something of a uniform. Yes, you know it’s summer and maybe you should get your legs out or try some of the beautiful sundresses that are in the stores, but why bother when your trusty jeans are hanging right there (or, more realistically, draped over a chair in your bedroom where you took them off last night)?

girl-698679_640

Royalty free photo

Wearing jeans as standard is the norm for a lot of women, but just because they are your go to thing for all but formal occasions, doesn’t mean you have to look boring. If you want to embrace your jeans habit, forget those plain tanks, boring t-shirts and bland sweaters and choose tops that make you look on trend, sexy and interesting. Here are three styles to consider using to create great jeans based outfits:

Dolman Tops

The dolman sleeve dress (or batwing dress) is all the rage this year, but you can take elements of that style to create good jeans looks too. A dolman sleeve is one that comes out from the waist and then tapers in around the elbow, and it is an interesting and flattering design feature that looks great on tops as well as dresses. You can choose casual dolman tops in prints like stripes for a more fashionable alternative to a normal jersey top, or evening styles in silky or flowy fabrics to wear on a night out (with your ‘going out’ jeans).

Cowl Necks

A cowl neck is a very loose, drapey high neck – imagine a very oversized roll neck. It drapes down creating the effect of a lower neckline (which, if you are busty, you will know looks way better than a high neckline on you!), while still effectively keeping you covered up. It is a chic and sophisticated style that is very flattering, and if you miss the winter because it’s too hot to accessorize with scarves in summer, you can get that same effect on your neckline without an added accessory. Again, choose jersey fabrics or light knits for daytime, or something silky with a slight stretch for evening. Sleeve length is up to you, though sleeveless cowl necks can be great for summer and also work well under jackets when it gets cooler.

Kimono Cardigans

A lightweight, semi transparent kimono style cardigan in a fabric like chiffon can be the perfect casual cover up with jeans, and it is a look that is really in style this summer. Wear it as is, or belt it for a more streamlined look. Choose pretty prints or lace detailing to add femininity and interest, and wear over simple, pretty camisole tops for a great summer jeans look – also works well with the shorts you made by cutting off last year’s jeans!

If you love wearing jeans but don’t want to look boring, pick tops that are in interesting, fashionable cuts and make these the focal point of your outfit!

Tunisia Attack: First Group Arrested over Sousse Massacre

Roy Siemens
-
0
Tunisia Attack: First Group Arrested over Sousse Massacre

A group of people have been arrested in Tunisia over the massacre of 38 people, mainly tourists, by gunman Seifeddine Rezgui at the beach resort of Sousse on June 26, the country’s interior minister has said.

Mohamed Gharsalli said 1,000 troops would now be deployed to protect Tunisia’s beach resorts.

Three European ministers have laid flowers at the scene of the attack in a sign of solidarity.

Islamic State (ISIS) has said it was behind the attack.Tunisia beach attack Sousse

“We have started by arresting a first group, a significant number of people, from the network that was behind this terrorist criminal,” said Mohamed Gharsalli, referring to Seifeddine Rezgui.

Tunisian authorities say Seifeddine Rezgui was the only attacker, but he had accomplices who provided him with weapons and logistical support, reports AP news agency.

“We are friends against one enemy,” said Mohamed Gharsalli, addressing his counterparts from the UK, Germany and France.

Seifeddine Rezgui came onto the beach from the sea either by jet ski or speedboat at about midday on June 26. He started shooting on the beach, entered the Hotel Imperial Marhaba and ran out of the front of the hotel before the police shot him dead.

The attack was the deadliest in Tunisia’s recent history. In March, militants killed 22 people, mainly foreigners, at the Bardo museum in the capital Tunis.

Tunisian authorities say army reservists will be deployed to tourist sites and that about 80 mosques accused of inciting violence will be closed within a week.

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

Ted 2 Fails to Knock Jurassic World off Top of US Box Office

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Ted 2 Fails to Knock Jurassic World off Top of US Box Office

Ted 2 has failed to knock Jurassic World off the top of the US and Canada box office chart, opening in third place behind Pixar’s Inside Out.

The comedy sequel, which stars Mark Wahlberg and a teddy bear voiced by Seth MacFarlane, made $32.9 million between Friday and Sunday, according to studio estimates.

Jurassic World and Inside Out made $54.2 million and $52.1 million respectively over the same period.

Canine drama Max, another new release, made its bow-wow in fourth place.

Max, about a military dog afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), made $12.2 million in its first three days in North American cinemas.Ted 2 box office debut

Ted 2‘s opening weekend tally is no disgrace for a film rated R, which requires under 17s to be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

Yet the Universal release had been expected to perform better given the success of its 2012 predecessor, which took almost $550 million at the worldwide box office.

“We could have had a higher gross, but we get the gross we get,” said Universal’s Nick Carpou.

“It was a very competitive marketplace this weekend.”

Jurassic World, which was also produced by Universal Pictures, has now spent three weekends as the US and Canada’s No 1 movie.

The fourth installment in the resurrected dinosaur franchise has now made more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

North American box office top 10:

  1. Jurassic World – $54.2 million
  2. Inside Out – $52.1 million
  3. Ted 2 – $32.9 million
  4. Max – $12.2 million
  5. Spy – $7.8 million
  6. San Andreas – $5.3 million
  7. Dope – $2.9 million
  8. Insidious: Chapter 3 – $2 million
  9. Mad Max: Fury Road – $1.7 million
  10. Avengers: Age of Ultron – $1.6 million

Chris Squire Dead: Yes Bass Guitarist and Co-Founder Dies Aged 67

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Chris Squire Dead: Yes Bass Guitarist and Co-Founder Dies Aged 67

Yes bass guitarist and co-founder Chris Squire has died at the age of 67, his bandmates have announced.

Current Yes keyboardist Geoffrey Downes tweeted: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”

Chris Squire revealed in May he was suffering from a rare form of leukaemia.

The band said Chris died “peacefully” in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday night.

A statement on Yes official website said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder, Chris Squire.” Chris Squire dead at 67

Chris Squire said in May that he had been recently diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia, which would force him to miss the band’s summer co-headlining tour with Toto.

Yes were formed in 1968 when singer Jon Anderson met self-taught bassist Chris Squire in London.

Their big break came a year later when they signed to Atlantic Records after opening for Janis Joplin at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Their debut single, Sweetness, and first album, Yes, were released later that year.

Other albums included 1971’s Fragile, 1972’s Close To The Edge and 1977’s Going For The One.

In 1983, Yes released the album 90125, which featured their classic hit Owner Of A Lonely Heart. That went on to become a US No 1 hit in January 1984 despite only reaching number 28 in their home country.

Chris Squire also released a solo album, Fish Out Of Water, in 1975.

The group’s most recent studio album, Heaven & Earth, came out in 2014.

Chris Squire, who was born in Kingsbury, north-west London, was the only member of the group to feature on every studio album.

Yes posted on their official website to say they would have more information for fans soon, adding: “Thank you for all your heartfelt tributes on Facebook and Twitter.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A_x0t_MijI

Why Coca Cola’s Stock Star Keeps Rising

Dana R
-
0
Why Coca Cola’s Stock Star Keeps Rising

Coca Cola. We all know the brand. That’s probably part of the reason they’re so successful. The thing is about Coca Cola is that it’s gone from strength to strength even in the last decade. It’s hard to believe that it was once just a small company. Of course, they’ve had over a hundred years to build their business and their brand. Part of their ability to do that is through their strength as a stock market giant.

Coca Cola’s advertising is mostly part of the reason they are as successful as they are. They are working on almost every level of advertising possible. Physical or digital, they are everywhere. Part of the reason their advertising is so successful is the amount you see it. That kind of exposure causes brand recognition from a young age.

coca-cola-branding

Image credit

When you know a brand, you will default to picking that one over any others. Say you’re looking to buy a cola drink. You’re set with two options, a can of Coca Cola and an unknown brand. The other cola could be incredible, but you’ll reach for the Coca Cola. Part of the brand recognition is knowing what you get. Why trust an unknown when you can have a known quantity? That’s part of why Coca Cola has the sales numbers to keep their stocks strong.

Another reason Coca Cola stocks are so very hot would be their partnerships with sports events around the world. Be it soccer, baseball, or even the Olympics. These kinds of partnerships are just another way to advertise.

Primarily, it increases the exposure of the branding. While everybody in developed countries may know what Coca Cola is, there’s a good chance the developing world does not. There are over one billion people in Africa alone, and not all African countries are developed.

Sports events like the World Cup and the Olympics do their best to bring in these developing nations, and, as a result, there is exposure of the events in these countries. The exposure will include video and press materials featuring the Coca Cola branding. That is Coca Cola’s foot in the door to all these people who haven’t bought their products.

Another reason for Coca Cola’s continued growth would be just how available it is. Now this might be a result of demand and not directly associated with how it reached its growth levels. What it does do is perpetuate the growth instead, simply by just making it so widely available. If a store sells drinks, it sells Coca Cola. It is incredibly rare if that is not the case. Effectively, it keeps the growth ticking over and maintaining itself.

If you are an investor, Coca Cola stocks are rock solid. They are immovable and unshakable. They are the bedrock of the stock market. They’re a bullet train, with no signs of slowing down. It seems the only threat to Coca Cola’s success will be when they’ve advertised to everybody on the planet. Maybe then they’ll start trying to advertise in space.

Glastonbury 2015: Lionel Ritchie’s Performance Draws More than 100,000 People

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Glastonbury 2015: Lionel Ritchie’s Performance Draws More than 100,000 People

Lionel Richie’s performance has drawn the biggest crowd of this year’s Glastonbury Festival, with at least 100,000 people estimated to have watched the singer.

The Pyramid Stage field at Worthy Farm was packed to see Lionel Richie playing hits like Dancing on the Ceiling, Hello and Say You Say Me.

This year’s festival closed with The Who performing their hits on the Pyramid Stage as part of a world tour that has been billed as their last.

Paul Weller and Patti Smith also played and the Dalai Lama visited the site.

The 177,000 festivalgoers are now making their way home from the Somerset site.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Lionel Richie’s performance in the festival’s traditional Sunday afternoon “legend” slot will be remembered as one of this year’s highlights.

Organizers suggested the field could have been near its 120,000 capacity when the star played.

Lionel Richie’s set included hits like All Night Long, We Are The World, Easy and Three Times A Lady.

Fans chanted the singer’s name and the security guards in front of the stage had even learned a dance that they performed when Lionel Richie played Dancing on the Ceiling.

After that song, the singer looked disbelievingly at the size of the crowd and repeated: “What the hell is going on?”

Lionel Richie was following in the footsteps of stars like Dolly Parton, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond, who have taken the Sunday afternoon slot in the past.

At the end of the night, The Who brought the festival to a close with a greatest hits set that included rock classics like Pinball Wizard, Baba O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again.

They also took a dig at Kanye West’s claim, made during his Saturday headline slot, to be the world’s greatest rock star.

The Who’s Glastonbury appearance was part of a world tour to mark their 50th anniversary, which singer Roger Daltrey has described as “the beginning of the long goodbye”.

Elsewhere at the festival, dance favorites The Chemical Brothers ended proceedings on a high on the Other Stage, while there were also appearances by Ryan Adams, art-pop auteur FKA Twigs and FFS – a group made from merging Franz Ferdinand and Sparks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lMxN07lCRQ

Glastonbury 2015: Dalai Lama Joins Patti Smith on Pyramid Stage

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Glastonbury 2015: Dalai Lama Joins Patti Smith on Pyramid Stage

Fans gave an enthusiastic reception to the Dalai Lama after he joined punk poet Patti Smith during her Pyramid Stage performance at this year’s Glastonbury festival.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader was introduced on the main stage by Patti Smith after earlier delivering a speech in the Peace Garden.

Patti Smith presented the Dalai Lama with a cake in advance of his 80th birthday on July 6 and led a rendition of Happy Birthday.Dalai Lama Joins Patti Smith on Pyramid Stage

The Dalai Lama said he was an admirer of Patti Smith and her band.

“I very much appreciate those singers and musicians – most of you with white hair,” he said.

“That voice and physical action looks very beautiful.

“That gives me encouragement. Myself, now 80 years old, I should be more like you.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XPO8B2QZ1g

Tunisia Attack: Terrorist Seifeddine Rezgui Had Help in Carrying out Sousse Attack

Roy Siemens
-
0
Tunisia Attack: Terrorist Seifeddine Rezgui Had Help in Carrying out Sousse Attack

According to the Tunisian authorities, terrorist Seifeddine Rezgui had help in carrying out the attack at Sousse holiday resort.

They believe the suspected accomplices provided the Kalashnikov assault rifle to Seifeddine Rezgui and helped him get to the scene, interior ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told AP.Tunisia attack gunman Seifeddine Rezgui

Mohamed Ali Aoui said Seifeddine Rezgui’s father and three friends he lived with in Kairouan, where he studied, had been detained for questioning.

Holiday companies put on extra flights over the weekend for people wanting to return home. Flights to Tunisia have also been cancelled.

The Tunisian government has brought in increased security measures.

A total of 38 people were killed on June 26 on a beach near Sousse by the gunman with links to Islamic State (ISIS) extremists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM1hki5weLA

1...366367368...1,234Page 367 of 1,234