2012/4/28
April 28, 2012
UN
UN Monitoring Mission Head On Way To Syria
April 29, 2012
The UN says that the new head of its monitoring mission in Syria is on his way to Damscus to start his mission.Spokesman Neeraj Singh told reporters in Damascus that Major General Robert Mood will arrive on April 29 in the capital and be the world body's chief military observer in Syria.
Mood, a veteran Norwegian peacekeeper, was head of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, which monitors Middle East truces, from 2009 until 2011.
He was also twice part of the international force in Kosovo between 1999 and 2002.
Last Saturday the U.N. Security Council decided to send 300 monitors to the country in order to observe the ceasefire announced on April 10.
In the meantime, there are two monitors stationed in Homs, two in Hama and two in Idlib.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP
The president...
Obama to dish out, and take, some digs
By the CNN Wire Staff April 28, 2012
Washington (CNN) -- Whose turn is it to squirm?
At least one person wasn't laughing at last year's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
Remember Donald Trump's frown when comedian Seth Meyers lampooned him about his hair and political aspirations?
"Donald Trump has been saying that he will run for president as a Republican, which is surprising, since I just assumed he was running as a joke," said Meyers.
Taking his turn, President Barack Obama credited Trump with making hard decisions -- such as firing Gary Busey over Meatloaf on an episode of "The Celebrity Apprentice."
North ,South Korea
North Korea said it would South Korea to take special action level the super taeyonpyong event
Source: China News
London :Welcome to Shopping
London Olympic Games is no limit on number of visas to China: Welcome to Shopping
British Immigration Minister Damian Green confirmed recently in Beijing, held during the Olympic Games in London, the British government on the Chinese citizen is no limit on the number of issuing visas. He also revealed that the UK visa applications in China, from April 30, via the Internet, online booking and submit in order to reduce the waiting time for applicants. For outgoing earlier "Britain will limit the number of Chinese tourists to visit to Britain." During the Olympics, Green on the 25th specialized rumor, said: "This is purely a rumor, Britain will not set any limit on the number of visitor visas issued in China. contrary, we welcome the visit to Britain this summer, the Chinese people, and regardless of whether they come for the Olympics, or come for business, leisure or shopping. " The UK Border Agency regional manager of the Department of International Organizations He Simin added, do not need tickets to the Olympics can apply for and obtain a visa visit to Britain during the Olympics. In recent years, Fu Ying tourism and doing business more and more Chinese citizens. In 2011, the United Kingdom the number of visitor visas issued to Chinese citizens reached 205,000, an increase of 30% compared to 2010, an increase of nearly 80% compared to 2009. Moreover, in 2011, citizens of China, Fu Ying visa application success rate of 95%. Eyes of the world in the summer, focusing on the occasion of the London Olympics, there will be more Chinese citizens to the United Kingdom. In response to the growing visa demand, the British government launched a series of new visa measures. First of all, from April 16 onwards, the British launched a new online application system. He Simin the China Youth Daily reporter said that the appointment online, via the Internet to apply for a visa queue waiting time can be about one and a half hours shortened from the previous to no more than half an hour, and thus save the waiting time for visa applications. Moreover, from April 30, all UK visa applications must be submitted through the online way, the United Kingdom will only accept online fill out the visa application form. Secondly, the new "five days to get the special services of the visa policy, on April 16 launched British visa center in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shenzhen in six cities. He Simin told the China Youth Daily reporter, who has visited the countries of the Commonwealth Business visa applicants, just extra per person to pay 520 yuan, you can guarantee to get a visa, and without an appointment within 5 working days; ADS tourist visa applicants, the appointment under the premise, just per person to pay additional 260 yuan, are available five working days to get visa "preferential treatment. Under normal circumstances, 15 days to complete the whole process from the submission of the application to obtain a visa. Third, the UK Border Agency has promised the delegation of the Chinese Olympic athletes, coaches, and certified registered media staff and officials, outside the United Kingdom in advance to submit their biometric information, that is as personal as fingerprints and digital photos. At present, the UK Border Agency has placed the Chinese Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Beijing, a special equipment used to collect this information. We are generally concerned about the "media access to the UK reported that the Olympic Games whether the program is simple," this issue, He Simin the China Youth Daily reporter said that media reporters are officially issued by the Media Certification Pass "will no longer need a visa. Fourth, beginning in April, the British Government still in China Visa Center an additional 150 visa officer to meet Fu Ying needs of Chinese citizens. In addition, the British Crown is still the Chinese new launch of the British visa inquiry service (via e-mail and telephone), optional query languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese and English; new Chinese website of the information of the delivery of the visa application process; provide a Chinese version visitor visa application to fill in a form guide. Despite this series of measures, the British Minister for Immigration, Green remains of Chinese citizens to make recommendations: "If you intend to during the Olympics to the UK must apply for a visa as early as possible, it is best to start now to apply for Source: China Youth Daily : Zhe KunPhilippine Speaker
Philippine Speaker said that China did not fire the only reason the Department of the United States for the Philippine allies
Abstract: The confrontation in the Huangyan Island, the South China Sea between China and the Philippines has entered the first 19 days, the Philippines has been to promote a high-profile confrontation with China. April 27, the Philippines, former Secretary of Defense, now Senate Speaker Juan Ponce Enrile (JuanPonceEnrile) called on the Philippine National People's Solidarity President Corazon Aquino behind, to compete with China on the sovereignty over the South China Sea. The speaker also declared that the Chinese did not dare to use force against the Philippine warships the only reason is because the American superpower is the ally of the Philippines.
Global Network reporter Liang reported that the confrontation Huangyan Island in the South China
Delmon Young
Delmon Young needs to change his image to teams, fans
NEW YORK – The last time Alex Rodriguez faced the Tigers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium, he stood against a team that could do no wrong. He whiffed for the last out in the Tigers' historic series-clinching victory last October.
But Friday night, A-Rod had the benefit of confronting a Tigers team that can't do anything right at the moment.
The Tigers can't even stay out into the wee hours of the morning without embarrassing themselves.
MORE: Young charged in hate crime
Rodriguez didn't even need to swing the bat to win the game. The Tigers' damage was all self-inflicted, losing their fifth straight — and seventh in their last eight — thanks to a ninth-inning wild pitch on a walk and then a passed ball with A-Rod at the plate.
"That's just how it goes when you're in a funk," catcher Alex Avila said. "The wild pitch skipped off the dirt, then my glove then off (umpire Joe West's) leg and rolled to the back wall. And I just missed (the passed ball). Those things just seem to happen more frequently when you're struggling."
An already bad day for the Tigers got progressively worse with their 7-6 loss.
They had a losing streak and a slumbering offense when they woke Friday morning to the disturbing news that Delmon Young allegedly had a little more pop in his mouth than his bat.
Young missed the game after spending much of the day in police custody following his arrest on a hate-crime accusation. As his teammates prepared to open an important three-game series against the Yankees, Young stood before a judge in a Manhattan criminal court. He was arraigned on a misdemeanor aggravated harassment charge and released when he posted a $5,000 bond.
According to New York police and court documents, an inebriated Young hurled an anti-Semitic slur outside the Tigers' midtown Manhattan hotel about 2:30 a.m. and then a scuffle ensued with a 32-year-old man.
The extent of the fight reflected the Tigers' recent offensive woes: There wasn't much contact.
The victim sustained an injured elbow that didn't require medical treatment. Young spent time in the hospital because the arresting officers believed that he was in an intoxicated state.
The Tigers hoped that Justin Verlander would return a little sanity to a crazy day. He battled through a rare off night, giving the Tigers a late lead that the bullpen couldn't hold.
"We just have to keep fighting through this," manager Jim Leyland. "We know that we're a good team. We don't have to convince ourselves of that. But we're just going through a little funk right now. But we'll break out of it."
Leyland snapped at a television reporter following the game who asked whether he had any reaction to the Young arraignment.
"Get lost," he barked at the reporter. "Get lost. Do yourself a favor (and) get lost."
Young's incident gained national attention throughout Friday, ironically coming just days an African-American Washington Capitals player, Joel Ward, got hit with a Twitter barrage of racially charged insults from Boston Bruins fans after he scored the Game 7-winning overtime goal in their first-round series.
Any potential Young fallout isn't about political correctness or overly heightened sensitivities. If Young were the recipient of racially influenced venom against African Americans there would be considerable outrage against the perpetrator and sympathy toward him. The disgust should be just as strong if it's true that Young was the verbal dispenser of such narrowed stupidity against Jewish people.
Young, now 26, needs to grow up. Aside from potentially damaging his reputation for, at the very least, putting himself in a needlessly embarrassing situation, Young might have compromised his marketability since this is his contract season. He will hit the free-agent market for the first time next winter. And he will have to work hard to rectify the character blemish he likely will sport for the remainder of this season.
Young issued a statement.
"I apologize to everyone I affected," the statement read, "the Ilitch family, the Detroit Tigers organization, my teammates, my family and the great Tigers fans that have supported me since Day One. I take this matter very seriously, and assure everyone that I will do everything I can to improve myself as a person and player."
Restoring the confidence of the organization becomes an immediate and necessary first step.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper can handle this challenge, ready or not
As the sun sets over the San Gabriel Mountains on Saturday night, Bryce Harper will stroll to the plate for the first time as a major leaguer, thousands of gazes focused on him, the baseball nation watching from home. He may or may not get a hit. It will not be a challenge for him.Do you want to know what a challenge is for Harper? When he was 13 and 14, which is not so long ago, he traveled across the country, without his parents, to play baseball in the best tournaments, the best leagues, for 15- and 16-year-olds. The other kids teased him. The other parents were jealous. Harper could gain acceptance if he played baseball well. Then he would fly to another tournament, put
CinemaCon 2012
Charlize Theron Jokes: "I Should Have Gotten a Boob Job 10 Years Ago"
Charlize Theron has a few regrets in her career: She should have gotten a boob job and never watched the movie Splash!The actress got personal when she accepted the award for Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film Thursday at the CinemaCon 2012 Awards Show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
PHOTOS: Charlize's hottest looks of all time
“To some people that [the reel] might look like I’m completely bipolar. To the actors in this audience that shows what a lucky bitch I am," Theron, 36, joked of her wide ouevre of gritty dramas, comedies and action-adventure flicks. The Oscar-winner is a new mom and revealed on March 14 in a statement to Us Weekly that she adopted a baby boy named Jackson. "Thanks for giving me an opportunity in an industry that I love so much. And can just say if I knew that 3D was going to be such a big deal, I would have gotten that boob job 10 years ago."
PHOTOS: Charlize's surprise hookup with Keanu Reeves
After the audience quieted down from Theron's joke, she continued, "I want to thank every director,
NBA Playoff Preview
NBA Playoff Preview - Miami vs. New York
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
Miami Heat: 2nd Seed, East (46-20)
New York Knicks: 7th Seed, East (36-30)
(Sports Network) - A classic rivalry gets revisited in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals when the Miami Heat and New York Knicks square off.
Chicago is the top seed in the East but No. 2 Miami is the team everyone was trying to avoid. Unfortunately for the New York Knicks their final game of the regular season was against the woeful
Stendra
Stendra Approved for Erectile Dysfunction
Stendra is marketed by Mountain View, CA-based VIVUS Inc.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Stendra (avanafil), a new drug to treat erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. An estimated 30 million men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction.
Stendra is a pill that patients take on an as-needed basis 30 minutes before sexual activity. Doctors should prescribe the lowest dose of Stendra that provides benefit.
"This approval expands the available treatment options to men experiencing erectile dysfunction, and enables patients, in consultation with their doctor, to choose the most appropriate treatment for their needs," said Victoria Kusiak, M.D., deputy director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Stendra belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which are used to help increase blood flow to the penis. As with other PDE5 inhibitors, Stendra should not be used by
They do – again!
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Renew Wedding Vows in Paris
by people.com
They do – again!Almost four years after their surprise wedding in the Bahamas, Nick Cannon got down on one knee before Mariah Carey in a vow renewal ceremony Friday night atop the Eiffel Tower.
In a photo shoot beforehand, Carey is beaming in a stunning white mermaid dress with spaghetti straps and a black bow at the waist as Cannon, in a white suit and black tie, locks his eyes with hers.
"Tonight was an incredible night," the singer Tweeted. "I can't express how amazing it was to renew our vows in Paris at the top of the Eiffel tower."
The couple have much to celebrate beyond their four-year anniversary, which falls on Monday. Along with enjoying nearly 1-year-old twins, Cannon appears to be on the mend from frightening health problems, including kidney disease.
After leaving the hospital in January, Cannon called Carey his "hero" and "the virtuous person who is my angel." Carey returned the compliment by telling him he was her "incredible husband" who, despite his struggles, was still "all strong and healthy and big."
PHOTOS: Mariah & Nick: Their 10 Best Photos Ever!
The couple arrived in France by private jet around 1 a.m. Friday. During the day, Carey was spotted shopping at Baby Dior – the couple's twins turn 1 on Monday – and at the Louis Vuitton flagship store on the Champs-Elysees.
Friday night, after they posed for their wedding renewal photos, the couple were spotted dining Le Jules Verne restaurant on the Eiffel Tower.
Limited results so far from Obama’s ‘reset’ with Russia, ‘pivot’ to Asia as counter to China
By Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s “pivot” to China’s neighborhood and the “reset” in relations with Russia have produced limited results for signature foreign policy initiatives designed to improved America’s standing with its former Cold War rivals.Obama has succeeded in increasing cooperation with Moscow on nuclear arms reduction and shoring up U.S. partnerships in Asia to counter expanding Chinese power. But on other questions crucial to U.S. interests, those countries have proved stubbornly unyielding.
From nuclear-armed North Korea to potentially nuclear-armed Iran, the Obama administration has won only lip-service pronouncements of agreement on the endgames, but little more. U.S. officials say Russia and China supported new penalties on Iran and fresh condemnations, but previous administrations had similar records.
China and Russia have blocked Obama’s attempts to get the United Nations to take significant action against Syria’s government and ignored U.S. warnings that they will end up on the wrong side of history.
Rights defender thorn in China's side
By Ben Blanchard
Robbed of his sight as a child, the rural-born Chen taught himself law and used his knowledge with gusto, drawing international attention in 2005 after accusing officials of enforcing late-term abortions and sterilizations.
His campaign appeared to pay off initially, after the government sacked and detained officials in his home province of Shandong for forcing pregnant women to undergo abortions or sterilizing couples with more than two children.
Typically combative, Chen said the move really did not amount to much.
"It falls far short of the number of officials who should be punished," Chen told Reuters at the time, dismissing the government crackdown.
Now, aged 40, he finds himself at the center of what could become a damaging diplomatic spat between China and the United States, adding to tensions between the two countries already at loggerheads over everything from trade to the South China Sea.
He is believed to be under U.S. protection in Beijing after fleeing 19 months of house arrest.
Tear
Tear gas for 25,000-strong Malay fair vote rally
by http://rt.com
Police in Kuala Lumpur used tear gas grenades and chemical-laced water to break up what they say was a 25,000-strong demonstration for electoral reform in Malaysia. The mass rallies in the capital were the country’s largest in a decade.For several hours, the demo remained peaceful, with demonstrators waving banners, chanting slogans and singing the national anthem. Protesters dressed in yellow T-shirts reportedly made an attempt to access Independence Square, but were stopped by riot police and barbed wire. Authorities announced that demonstrators had no right to rally in the public square, reserved for military parades and national celebrations.
The organizers of the rally then announced the event a success and told supporters to head back home. Once the majority of demonstrators started to leave the scene, a small group reportedly made a sudden attempt to break through police ranks.
Officers fired tear gas grenades, and cannons were used to pour water with chemicals on the crowd. The battle lasted for half an hour as police armed with batons chased fleeing demonstrators to
With air fares soaring, how can passengers trim ticket costs?
(CBS News) Airlines have raised ticket prices three times this year - that's ON TOP of the 20 percent that they've risen since 2010. And just in time for your summer vacation, air fares are expected to jump another 3 percent.
What is an air traveler to do?
CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg says it's not rising fuel prices - or even the fear of rising fuel prices - that is pushing fares higher.
April 27, 2012
NBC’s ‘30 Rock’
NBC’s ‘30 Rock’ live performances: Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey shine without a net
Sendup of 'Honeymooners' highlight on funny episodeby nydailynews.com
In a break from its usual filmed style, NBC’s “30 Rock” went live Thursday night with an episode that was full of fun and, yes, very lively.
As promised, the setup for the episode had boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) delivering the bad news that, as a cost-cutting measure, “TGS,” the fictitious show-within-a-show produced by Liz Lemon (series star Tina Fey), would henceforth be filmed, not broadcast live.
“From now on,” he said, “you write and shoot the season in two weeks, like ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and Fox News.”
Liz erupted in protest.
American work,sleep, why?
41 million American workers don't get enough sleep, CDC say
By Ryan Jaslow
CBS News) If you happen to be at work right now and you're feeling tired, you've got a lot of company. A new CDC study finds more than 40 million workers get fewer than six hours of sleep per night - that's about 30 percent of the country's civilian workforce.
Study: Sleeping less may mean you'll eat more
Dozing on duty? Survey finds sleepiest transportation workers
PICTURES: Sleepy states: 15 most fatigued
And by not getting the National Sleep Foundation's recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye per night, the CDC says these workers pose a serious and potentially fatal risk to themselves and coworkers. The CDC's study is published in the April 26 issue of its journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Some workers were hit harder in their slumber time, the survey of more than 15,000 workers found. Forty-four percent of night-shift workers reported not getting enough sleep with rates highest among workers in the transportation or warehouse industries, followed by health care and social assistance
By Ryan Jaslow
CBS News) If you happen to be at work right now and you're feeling tired, you've got a lot of company. A new CDC study finds more than 40 million workers get fewer than six hours of sleep per night - that's about 30 percent of the country's civilian workforce.Study: Sleeping less may mean you'll eat more
Dozing on duty? Survey finds sleepiest transportation workers
PICTURES: Sleepy states: 15 most fatigued
And by not getting the National Sleep Foundation's recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye per night, the CDC says these workers pose a serious and potentially fatal risk to themselves and coworkers. The CDC's study is published in the April 26 issue of its journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Some workers were hit harder in their slumber time, the survey of more than 15,000 workers found. Forty-four percent of night-shift workers reported not getting enough sleep with rates highest among workers in the transportation or warehouse industries, followed by health care and social assistance
veto yes or not
Obama would veto Republican student loan bill, says White House
By Olivier Knox | The Ticket
The pitched political battle over student loans isn't going away. On Friday, the White House threatened to veto a bill to keep interest rates on a popular kind of loan from doubling come July 1 because the Republican-crafted legislation pays for it by tapping a special fund in President Barack Obama's landmark health care law. The House ignored the veto threat and passed the bill anyway on Friday, with a 215-195 vote.Obama criss-crossed the country this week in support of legislation that would keep more money in the pockets of cash-strapped college students. Republicans initially resisted the idea, but Mitt Romney quickly moved to neutralize the issue as a political weapon by embracing it in principle. House Republicans adapted by finding a clever "pay-for" solution to defray the cost of the legislation (lower interest rates = lower payments = lower revenue for the government). They chose the Prevention and Public Health Fund included in what all sides have now agreed to call "Obamacare," which Republicans
How can you Retirement ...
IRA and 401(k) Retirement Drawdown: Just Tell Me What to Do!
By Steve Vernon | CBS MoneyWatch
How can you generate income from your retirement savings that lasts the rest of your life, no matter how long you live and no matter what happens in the economy? This is one of the most difficult retirement planning challenges facing boomers, and you'd get lots of different answers if you were to ask financial planners or analysts that question.But many people don't have enough retirement savings to have access to planners who are qualified to make effective recommendations, or who are unbiased by financial incentives and truly have your best interests at heart. So this post -- and my next two -- continues the spirit of my last post, where I'll offer some simple solutions that will be effective in most circumstances and will help you get a fair shake from the financial institutions you deal with. While I prefer you take the time to learn about the various strategies and approaches so you can make informed choices, if you don't have the time or inclination to make that effort, this series of posts describes the next best thing.
The overall strategy
G D P
Growth slows on inventories, weak business spending
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Economic growth cooled in the first quarter as businesses cut back on investment and restocked shelves at a moderate pace, but stronger demand for automobiles softened the blow.Gross domestic product expanded at a 2.2 percent annual rate, the Commerce Department said on Friday in its advance estimate, moderating from the fourth quarter's 3 percent rate.
While that was below economists' expectations for a 2.5 percent pace, a surge in consumer spending took some of the sting from the
Brazil sex worker may sue U.S. embassy over injuries
(Reuters) - A former Brazilian prostitute plans to sue the United States embassy and five of its personnel for injuries sustained outside a strip club late last year, complicating the second of two embarrassing incidents to emerge recently involving American officials and sex workers in South America.
Romilda Aparecida Ferreira, 31, and her lawyer said they plan to file suit for injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and psychological trauma after an embassy van ran over her and left her stranded in the club parking lot with a broken collarbone, punctured lung and other injuries. The incident occurred December 29 when an embassy driver was dispatched to the club to pick up three marines and one civilian staffer.
A civil suit would compound a case in which Brazilian prosecutors have already said they are considering criminal charges, including assault and failure to provide assistance to an injured person. It also threatens to further tarnish the image of overseas U.S. personnel in the wake of a separate scandal involving U.S. Secret Service members and prostitutes in Cartagena, Colombia, earlier this month.
Little noticed at the time, the incident in BrasÃlia, Brazil's capital, gained traction this week when a local reporter asked U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, then on a visit to the country, about what happened. Panetta said the United States had investigated the matter, "severely punished" the marines, and pulled them out of Brazil.
(Reuters) - A former Brazilian prostitute plans to sue the United States embassy and five of its personnel for injuries sustained outside a strip club late last year, complicating the second of two embarrassing incidents to emerge recently involving American officials and sex workers in South America.
A civil suit would compound a case in which Brazilian prosecutors have already said they are considering criminal charges, including assault and failure to provide assistance to an injured person. It also threatens to further tarnish the image of overseas U.S. personnel in the wake of a separate scandal involving U.S. Secret Service members and prostitutes in Cartagena, Colombia, earlier this month.
Little noticed at the time, the incident in BrasÃlia, Brazil's capital, gained traction this week when a local reporter asked U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, then on a visit to the country, about what happened. Panetta said the United States had investigated the matter, "severely punished" the marines, and pulled them out of Brazil.
Help to slow down brain aging
The study found women to eat more blueberries and strawberries help to slow down brain aging
according to Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao" reported on the 27th, a U.S. study found that women eat more blueberries and strawberries to help slow down brain aging. The researchers found that women who ate the most food of berries, brain aging can delay for up to two and a half years, because the berries food will help slow the brain of the older women cognitive decline. The results of this study is particularly important to the increasing aging population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2000 to 2010, the U.S. population over the age of 65 increased by 15%.
Source: China News
according to Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao" reported on the 27th, a U.S. study found that women eat more blueberries and strawberries to help slow down brain aging. The researchers found that women who ate the most food of berries, brain aging can delay for up to two and a half years, because the berries food will help slow the brain of the older women cognitive decline. The results of this study is particularly important to the increasing aging population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2000 to 2010, the U.S. population over the age of 65 increased by 15%.
Source: China News
Standard & Poor's lowered Spain's long-term sovereign credit rating to BBB +
Source: Sina Finance original link
Sina Finance Beijing April 27 morning news, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Thursday released a report, Spain's long-term sovereign credit rating cut two grades from "A" down to "BBB +" rating outlook is negative "(Negative).
In the report, Standard & Poor's said the downgrade reflects the agency fears enhanced by the Spanish government bonds risk, the country is currently facing the economic downturn and the banking sector need to obtain additional support for the possibility of rising predicament.
Standard & Poor's, said: "So we believe that the risk of financial performance and flexibility in Spain is growing sovereign debt burden facing the risk is also enhanced, especially in the government balance sheet or debt even more there may be entities of the situation This is particularly true. "
At the same time, Standard & Poor's also lowered this year's GDP growth rate in Spain is expected from the originally expected growth of 0.3% to 1.5% decline.
(æ–‡æ¦/编译)
'American Idol' Reject Elise Testone: I Don't Really Feel Judges' Advice Helpful
Elise Testone doesn't believe that the advice she received from the judges of "American Idol" help her in the competition. In fact, when met backstage after her elimination on Thursday, April 26 night, the 28-year-old honestly admitted to E! Online, "I'd like to say they were, but I don't really feel that. I'm sorry. I feel bad about that."
"It's different for me," she went on to explain. "I'm 28, so I'm young, but I've learned so much. Some of the things they say don't line up with what I feel I have learned on my own, so I don't think it was always helpful. I'm not meaning to sound like I'm the best. Sometimes it was helpful, but for the most part I don't think it always made sense and I think it's hard to judge someone in such a short amount of time in that situation."Asked about her thought on her elimination, the aspiring singer from Charleston, South Carolina said, "I think that my brain is just worried in a way that I just accept everything that happens so as soon as I heard my name, I feel like I heard it before [Ryan Seacrest] said it and I was immediately like, 'OK, now I gotta do my best.' I just want to do my best in every moment."
The contestant, who shared bottom three position with Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine this week, added, "If I could do it over again, I probably wouldn't. I just keep going. Remember what you learned. I never really was a huge fan of [reality television] in the beginning and everyone was shocked I did it, but I'm glad I did."
from aceshowbiz.com
China's banks are important for America too
By Douglas J. Elliott
Douglas J. Elliott is a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, where he specializes in analyzing the global financial system and its regulation.
We all realize by now that China's economy matters greatly to America, directly affecting our trade, our investments, the value of the dollar, and inflation.
Indirectly, it affects us even more through its impact on our other trading partners, especially Europe, and also by propelling China forward as a global power at all levels, not just economically.
Less well understood is the critical role that China's banks play in all this.
Douglas J. Elliott is a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, where he specializes in analyzing the global financial system and its regulation.We all realize by now that China's economy matters greatly to America, directly affecting our trade, our investments, the value of the dollar, and inflation.
Indirectly, it affects us even more through its impact on our other trading partners, especially Europe, and also by propelling China forward as a global power at all levels, not just economically.
Less well understood is the critical role that China's banks play in all this.
US and Japan revise Okinawa agreement
WASHINGTON, April 26 – The US and Japan announced on Thursday a revised agreement on streamlining US military presence on Okinawa that will shift 9,000 marines from the southern Japanese island to Guam and other Asia-Pacific sites.
The new plan, unveiled days before Yoshihiko Noda, Japanese prime minister, meets President Barack Obama in Washington, helps the allies work around the central but still-unresolved dispute over moving the Futenma air base from a crowded part of Okinawa to a new site that has vexed relations for years.
“I am very pleased that, after many years, we have reached this important agreement and plan of action.
WASHINGTON, April 26 – The US and Japan announced on Thursday a revised agreement on streamlining US military presence on Okinawa that will shift 9,000 marines from the southern Japanese island to Guam and other Asia-Pacific sites.
The new plan, unveiled days before Yoshihiko Noda, Japanese prime minister, meets President Barack Obama in Washington, helps the allies work around the central but still-unresolved dispute over moving the Futenma air base from a crowded part of Okinawa to a new site that has vexed relations for years.
“I am very pleased that, after many years, we have reached this important agreement and plan of action.
Jets
2012 NFL draft: NY Jets pick North Carolina pass rusher Quinton Coples in first round, No. 16 overall
Defensive end could help pressure QB in Rex Ryan's scheme
By Manish Mehta / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Amid a wild start to the NFL draft that included one swap after another, the typically trade-happy Jets uncharacteristically didn’t budge before grabbing one of the most intriguing players on the board. Rex Ryan & Co. selected North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples, widely regarded as the best — and most confounding — pass rusher in the draft with the 16th pick of the first round on Thursday night.
The 6-6, 284-pound Coples, who has drawn comparisons to former UNC great Julius Peppers,
April 26, 2012
Amazon Amazon
Housing, profits lift Wall Street, Amazon up late
By Caroline Valetkevitch | Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose for a third day on Thursday after upbeat housing data and stronger-than-expected results from companies, including Citrix Systems Inc , overshadowed some high-profile earnings misses.
An index of pending home sales rose to nearly a two-year high in March, sending the Philadelphia Stock Exchange index of housing-related shares <.HGX> up 3 percent. Shares of homebuilder Lennar climbed 5.7 percent to $27.38.
The stock of PulteGroup Inc , the No. 2 U.S. homebuilder, soared 10.1 percent to $9.58 after it reported a narrower-than-expected loss and its biggest increase in new orders in seven years.
After the closing bell, shares of Amazon.com jumped 8.6 percent to $212.50 as the world's largest
By Caroline Valetkevitch | Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose for a third day on Thursday after upbeat housing data and stronger-than-expected results from companies, including Citrix Systems Inc , overshadowed some high-profile earnings misses.An index of pending home sales rose to nearly a two-year high in March, sending the Philadelphia Stock Exchange index of housing-related shares <.HGX> up 3 percent. Shares of homebuilder Lennar climbed 5.7 percent to $27.38.
The stock of PulteGroup Inc , the No. 2 U.S. homebuilder, soared 10.1 percent to $9.58 after it reported a narrower-than-expected loss and its biggest increase in new orders in seven years.
After the closing bell, shares of Amazon.com jumped 8.6 percent to $212.50 as the world's largest
Warren Buffett announced last week that he has stage 1 prostate cancer
Guidelines limiting prostate cancer screening are widely ignored
By Thomas H. Maugh II / For the Booster Shots blog
April 24, 2012, 1:28 p.m.
do more harm than good, according to Dr. Scott E. Eggener of the University of Chicago Medical Center. The issue has been in the news lately with the report last week that 81-year-old Warren Buffett, the well-known entrepreneur, was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer and would begin receiving radiation treatment for it. Because stage 1 prostate cancer is very slow-growing, an elderly man is more likely to die of some other cause before the tumor gets large enough to do any damage. Critics thus charged that Buffett should never have had a PSA test in the first place, that he definitely should not have had a biopsy for a slightly elevated PSA level, and that he should not have been treated. All three actions, critics said, are a waste of medical resources.
In August 2008, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which issues recommendations that are generally followed by Medicare and many insurers, said that men over the age of 75 should not receive the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures blood levels of a protein secreted by the prostate gland. In younger men, elevated levels are usually a sign that a biopsy needs to be performed. But because most prostate cancers are very slow growing -- 80% of men over the age of 80 have them with no apparent harm -- such testing is not advisable in older men. The task force noted that "there is moderate or high certainty the service has no net benefit or that the harm outweighs the benefits." Side effects from treatment of a prostate tumor can include incontinence, impotence, rectal bleeding and many other complications.
Eggener and his colleagues used data from the 2005 and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys, in which a representative sample of the U.S. population was interviewed. They reported Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. that in 2005, before the recommendation was released, 43% of men over age 75 received the test. In 2010, two years after the new guidelines were released, the percentage had grown to 43.9%. In both years, the researchers excluded men who had a test because of a specific prostate complaint, restricting it only to those who received the test as part of routine screening. Only 12.5% of men in their 40s and 33.2% of men in their 50s -- both groups that could benefit much more greatly from early diagnosis and treatment -- received the test. Among men ages 60
Frozen Foods
10 Best and Worst Frozen Foods
By The chicks at TotalBeauty.com | Healthy Living
For someone who loves eating healthfully, I'm a terrible cook. If a recipe calls for more than five ingredients or uses a word like "julienne," I bail and curl up with a bag of baby carrots on the kitchen floor, rocking myself.Related: 7 Simple Diet Secrets You Can Start Today
So for me, the frozen foods aisle at the grocery store can be a savior. The only problem? A lot of frozen meals have hidden health horrors.
"Most frozen meals are high in sugar and sodium, contain tons of preservatives, and don't have much to offer in terms of fruits, vegetables, or fiber," says Laura Cipullo, a registered dietician and certified d
Powerball jackpot
Center City ticket wins huge Powerball jackpot
A ticket sold in Pennsylvania hit the big one Wednesday night.
And it was purchased right here in Philadelphia at the Newsstand at the Gallery.
An official news conference was scheduled to take place there at 3 p.m.
The Powerball jackpot was worth $172.7 million in 30 yearly payments, or $107.7 million cash, and only the Pennsylvania ticket matched all the numbers: 4, 25, 29, 34 and 43, with a Powerball of 29.
It’s the second jackpot win in Eastern Pennsylvania in six months. In November, Steven Lloyd of
‘American Idol’ Top 6 Night
‘American Idol’ Top 6 Night: But Is It Art?
By Lyndsey Parker | Reality Rocks
J.Lo annoyingly, almost ignorantly called the DMB jam "too artsy," and even voiced concerns that it might land Phillip in the bottom three for the very first time. "Each one of you has a shot to win--especially you, Phillip--so I get a little scared when you do that. I need you to
sports news
Packers cut Nick Collins because of health issues
By Melissa Rohlin
The Green Bay Packers have released veteran safety Nick Collins because of lingering concerns over a neck injury he suffered seven months ago.
Collins suffered a season-ending neck injury Sept. 18 while trying to
re-transplant kidney
Illinois surgeons re-transplant kidney into second patient in unusual operation
By Thomas H. Maugh II / For the Booster Shots blog
In what is claimed to be the first operation of its kind, surgeons at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago have removed a transplanted kidney from its original recipient and implanted it in a second recipient. The kidney was failing in the first patient, but began fluorishing in the second and is now healthy.
The first recipient of the kidney was Ray Fearing, a 27-year-old Arlington Heights, Ill., resident who
Student Loan
Student Loan Debt Is A “Ticking Time Bomb”: Here’s How To Deal With Your Bills
By Morgan Korn
Zac Bissonnette hates student loans. Good thing the 2011 University of Massachusetts graduate and author of the new book "How to Be Richer, Smarter, and Better Looking Than Your Parents" does not have any, unlike 37 million other Americans. Bissonnette paid for his higher education by working throughout high school and college but acknowledges that many of his friends were not as lucky and will be struggling to pay off their student loan debt well into adulthood.
An investigation by the Associated Press found that more than half of recent college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed, making it that much more difficult to pay off their loans. President Obama visited college students in Colorado, North Carolina and Iowa this week, underscoring the urgency to keep interest rates low for current and future college students.
"At this make-or-break moment for the middle class we've got to make sure you're not saddled with debt before you even get started in life," the president told students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Obama shared that he and Michelle paid off their "mountain of [student loan] debt" just eight years ago.
U.S. student loan debt surpassed credit card debt and auto loans for the first time last year and estimates for the total number of outstanding student loans range from $850 billion to $1 trillion. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York projects that at least 37 million Americans, or 15 percent of the population, are actively paying off student debt. About two-thirds of student loans are held by individuals under the age of 30 but the New York Fed has determined that people age 50 and older are carrying as much as $135 billion in student loan balances.
The House will vote Friday on legislation that would keep the interest rate on government subsidized undergraduate student loans at 3.4 percent. The low rate expires after July 1 and will double to 6.8 percent if Congress cannot reach an agreement.
The Obama administration says 7.4 million students currently have subsidized student loans and millions more will be applying for federal aid this year. The White House asserts that a rate increase would add another $1,000 a year to students' debt. The federal government backs about 84 percent of student loans; the average amount owed was $25,250 in 2010 according to the Institute for College Access & Success.
Students and recent college graduates are starting to realize the seriousness of the nation's student loan crisis. Demonstrations took place Wednesday in major U.S. cities to protest what was billed as "One Trillion Dollar Day" - the day when student loan debt was expected to reach $1 trillion.
Bissonnette has written extensively about the escalating cost of college and the 23-year-old rising financial star is on a mission to help his peers tackle their mounting student debt, which he calls "a ticking time bomb."
"My biggest takeaway is if you have private student loans, pay them off as quickly as you possibly can," he says in an interview with The Daily Ticker. "I would throw every nickel I had at the private loans."
Unlike government loans that have a fixed rate, private loans offered by banks are variable and are likely to move higher in the next few years. Bissonnette recommends that recent graduates stick to a 10-year amortization schedule and pay the monthly amount in full. The alternative would be to stretch out the loan repayment process but these lower monthly bills come at a high cost: more interest.
Bissonnette writes in his book that student loan debt does not equal "good debt" and the interest accrued on student loans can be written off as a tax deductible — but not for those making more than $75,000 a year. Bissonnette firmly believes college, despite its skyrocketing costs, will always be a good investment and encourages young people to earnestly think about how they're going to pay for their education.
"Probably 10 percent of borrowers have essentially ruined their lives with student loans," he says.
By Morgan Korn
Zac Bissonnette hates student loans. Good thing the 2011 University of Massachusetts graduate and author of the new book "How to Be Richer, Smarter, and Better Looking Than Your Parents" does not have any, unlike 37 million other Americans. Bissonnette paid for his higher education by working throughout high school and college but acknowledges that many of his friends were not as lucky and will be struggling to pay off their student loan debt well into adulthood.An investigation by the Associated Press found that more than half of recent college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed, making it that much more difficult to pay off their loans. President Obama visited college students in Colorado, North Carolina and Iowa this week, underscoring the urgency to keep interest rates low for current and future college students.
"At this make-or-break moment for the middle class we've got to make sure you're not saddled with debt before you even get started in life," the president told students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Obama shared that he and Michelle paid off their "mountain of [student loan] debt" just eight years ago.
U.S. student loan debt surpassed credit card debt and auto loans for the first time last year and estimates for the total number of outstanding student loans range from $850 billion to $1 trillion. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York projects that at least 37 million Americans, or 15 percent of the population, are actively paying off student debt. About two-thirds of student loans are held by individuals under the age of 30 but the New York Fed has determined that people age 50 and older are carrying as much as $135 billion in student loan balances.
The House will vote Friday on legislation that would keep the interest rate on government subsidized undergraduate student loans at 3.4 percent. The low rate expires after July 1 and will double to 6.8 percent if Congress cannot reach an agreement.
The Obama administration says 7.4 million students currently have subsidized student loans and millions more will be applying for federal aid this year. The White House asserts that a rate increase would add another $1,000 a year to students' debt. The federal government backs about 84 percent of student loans; the average amount owed was $25,250 in 2010 according to the Institute for College Access & Success.
Students and recent college graduates are starting to realize the seriousness of the nation's student loan crisis. Demonstrations took place Wednesday in major U.S. cities to protest what was billed as "One Trillion Dollar Day" - the day when student loan debt was expected to reach $1 trillion.
Bissonnette has written extensively about the escalating cost of college and the 23-year-old rising financial star is on a mission to help his peers tackle their mounting student debt, which he calls "a ticking time bomb."
"My biggest takeaway is if you have private student loans, pay them off as quickly as you possibly can," he says in an interview with The Daily Ticker. "I would throw every nickel I had at the private loans."
Unlike government loans that have a fixed rate, private loans offered by banks are variable and are likely to move higher in the next few years. Bissonnette recommends that recent graduates stick to a 10-year amortization schedule and pay the monthly amount in full. The alternative would be to stretch out the loan repayment process but these lower monthly bills come at a high cost: more interest.
Bissonnette writes in his book that student loan debt does not equal "good debt" and the interest accrued on student loans can be written off as a tax deductible — but not for those making more than $75,000 a year. Bissonnette firmly believes college, despite its skyrocketing costs, will always be a good investment and encourages young people to earnestly think about how they're going to pay for their education.
"Probably 10 percent of borrowers have essentially ruined their lives with student loans," he says.
Contracts for US homes rose last month
By Christopher s. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy U.S. homes rose in March, the latest sign the battered housing market is slowly improving.The National Association of Realtors says its index of sales
Five-Year Engagement
'Five-Year Engagement' is several years too long
A review of the cute but long-winded romantic comedy "The Five-Year Engagement," starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.
By Moira Macdonald
Nicholas Stoller's romantic comedy "The Five-Year Engagement" is one of those movies that you badly want to like much more than you actually do. It stars Jason Segel, that puppy-eyed Muppet of a man, and the always-enchanting Emily Blunt as Tom and Violet, an engaged couple who seem believably and happily in love. It lets us spend two hours in the company of two characters we genuinely like and root for. And, just to tip things over the edge, it features a scene in which Blunt and Alison Brie (as Violet's sister Suzie) have a meaningful conversation while impersonating Cookie Monster and Elmo. (I've never really thought of a cookie as a metaphor for
A review of the cute but long-winded romantic comedy "The Five-Year Engagement," starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.
By Moira Macdonald
Nicholas Stoller's romantic comedy "The Five-Year Engagement" is one of those movies that you badly want to like much more than you actually do. It stars Jason Segel, that puppy-eyed Muppet of a man, and the always-enchanting Emily Blunt as Tom and Violet, an engaged couple who seem believably and happily in love. It lets us spend two hours in the company of two characters we genuinely like and root for. And, just to tip things over the edge, it features a scene in which Blunt and Alison Brie (as Violet's sister Suzie) have a meaningful conversation while impersonating Cookie Monster and Elmo. (I've never really thought of a cookie as a metaphor for Gingrich to reassess bid for Republican nomination
By Samuel P. Jacobs
(Reuters) - Newt Gingrich's wild ride of a presidential campaign could soon be coming to an end.
The Republican candidate is reassessing his candidacy after rival Mitt Romney easily won Delaware, one of five northeastern states holding presidential primaries on Tuesday, and the state where Gingrich campaigned most heavily.
"I think we need to take a deep look at what we are doing," Gingrich told NBC in an interview on Monday.
Republican front-runner Romney delivered a speech billed by his campaign as his first address of the general election campaign against Democratic President Barack Obama.
Romney won all 17 delegates up for grabs in Delaware and 56 percent of the vote, almost 30 points ahead of Gingrich, results showed with almost all votes counted.
5-year-old boy with 50 packages of heroin to school "showing off" his stepfather was arrested
Source: China News
April 11, media reports, local police said the U.S. state of Connecticut a five-year-old boy carrying 50 packets of heroin to school "showing off" The boy's stepfather was arrested. Police said the boy went to kindergarten with their stepfather's jacket, in front of teachers and students to "show" in the jacket pocket 50 packets of heroin. The teacher immediately confiscated drugs, and notify the school alarm. The boy's stepfather found the jacket but not go to kindergarten to find, just to be arrested by waiting police. He was charged with the crime of drug dealing crimes and crimes against the safety of children. At present, the boy has been shelter, until the other family members to come.
American engineers invented "the lazy killer" alarm clock
According to AP
An engineer invented a "lazy killer" alarm clock: it is a ring, users have obediently get up.
This alarm clock to use the external power supply, built-in battery at the same time, does not ring a few minutes before. "Snooze" button. Close to the ringing time, the user can not reset the time. The bell rang, if the power is pulled, the alarm can make use of the batteries continue to perform their duties. Want to turn off the alarm, the user must get up, went into the kitchen or bathroom, with matching keyboard to enter the current date.
Associated Press reported on the 10th, the inventor named Paul Sammut, 25-year-old, who lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, he used the spare time to invent this alarm clock, every day use.
Sammut said that his inspiration from high school every morning and rush to get out of bed by her mother experienced. Him to accept the recommendation of a friend, and video release in the kick-starter.com website to promote this alarm clock. Sammut said that last a half months to raise $ 150,000, received more than 400 orders. Sammut admitted that "lazy people" shatter the alarm clock can stay in bed, only the unit price of $ 350 enough to get another look.
An engineer invented a "lazy killer" alarm clock: it is a ring, users have obediently get up.
This alarm clock to use the external power supply, built-in battery at the same time, does not ring a few minutes before. "Snooze" button. Close to the ringing time, the user can not reset the time. The bell rang, if the power is pulled, the alarm can make use of the batteries continue to perform their duties. Want to turn off the alarm, the user must get up, went into the kitchen or bathroom, with matching keyboard to enter the current date.
Associated Press reported on the 10th, the inventor named Paul Sammut, 25-year-old, who lives in Hoboken, New Jersey, he used the spare time to invent this alarm clock, every day use.
Sammut said that his inspiration from high school every morning and rush to get out of bed by her mother experienced. Him to accept the recommendation of a friend, and video release in the kick-starter.com website to promote this alarm clock. Sammut said that last a half months to raise $ 150,000, received more than 400 orders. Sammut admitted that "lazy people" shatter the alarm clock can stay in bed, only the unit price of $ 350 enough to get another look.
Ichiro Ozawa was acquitted will restore party members eligible to return to Japanese politics
The morning of April 26, the Tokyo District Court on the former Democratic Party, Ichiro Ozawa, was charged with violation of the "political capital" case to make the first sentence, Ozawa not guilty verdict. The picture shows the Ozawa stepped into the court to hear judgment.
BEIJING, April 26, according to Japanese news network reported, on the 26th, Koshiishi East, Japan's ruling Democratic Party Secretary General, said after the hear the former party, Ichiro Ozawa, the Tokyo District Court sentenced innocent messages, will be resumed as soon as possible Ozawa Koizumi's party membership. After more than a year ago, Ichiro Ozawa, was charged with violation of the political capital, the Democratic Party to stop his party membership. Ozawa within the party lost all their rights. April 26, when the Tokyo District Court made Ozawa's verdict of not guilty, said Democratic Party Secretary General Koshiishi East, will perform the procedures for restoration of Ichiro Ozawa, the party membership as soon as possible, goes well, will be on the 7th of next month, the party's highest cadres to discuss this matter. Restore the party membership is considered to be the first step in Ichiro Ozawa returned to Japanese politics. Ichiro Ozawa and his 100 Members Group strongly opposed Noda, Japanese Prime Minister-led "policy of raising the consumption tax, as part led to the investigation chairman of the Democratic Policy Maehara, Ichiro Ozawa, is the opposite of the cadres, opposed recovery Ozawa party members eligible to issue.
by chinanews.com
BEIJING, April 26, according to Japanese news network reported, on the 26th, Koshiishi East, Japan's ruling Democratic Party Secretary General, said after the hear the former party, Ichiro Ozawa, the Tokyo District Court sentenced innocent messages, will be resumed as soon as possible Ozawa Koizumi's party membership. After more than a year ago, Ichiro Ozawa, was charged with violation of the political capital, the Democratic Party to stop his party membership. Ozawa within the party lost all their rights. April 26, when the Tokyo District Court made Ozawa's verdict of not guilty, said Democratic Party Secretary General Koshiishi East, will perform the procedures for restoration of Ichiro Ozawa, the party membership as soon as possible, goes well, will be on the 7th of next month, the party's highest cadres to discuss this matter. Restore the party membership is considered to be the first step in Ichiro Ozawa returned to Japanese politics. Ichiro Ozawa and his 100 Members Group strongly opposed Noda, Japanese Prime Minister-led "policy of raising the consumption tax, as part led to the investigation chairman of the Democratic Policy Maehara, Ichiro Ozawa, is the opposite of the cadres, opposed recovery Ozawa party members eligible to issue.
by chinanews.com
America bankers admit bribery accused and senior officials of their children in China are closely related
Source: China Economic Net
China Economic Net, April 26 (Zhang the United States and the United States) Reuters reported that Morgan Stanley (Morgan Stanley, the former head of China, Peterson, Garth Peterson, also known as real estate fund of Morgan Stanley) Thursday pleaded guilty to conspiracy internal control requirements to evade U.S. anti-corruption law. Peterson also admitted the allegations of violation of the securities
Source: China Economic Net
China Economic Net, April 26 (Zhang the United States and the United States) Reuters reported that Morgan Stanley (Morgan Stanley, the former head of China, Peterson, Garth Peterson, also known as real estate fund of Morgan Stanley) Thursday pleaded guilty to conspiracy internal control requirements to evade U.S. anti-corruption law. Peterson also admitted the allegations of violation of the securities
The Attorney General was free exposure from Venezuelan justice shady "to the right on behalf of France"
Source: CCTV network
The CNTV message (Network News Network the compiled Zouxian reported) "The New York Times reported on April 25, that the deposed Venezuelan Attorney General Eladio Peng Special Eladio Aponte, exposed in a U.S. television talk show The Inside Story of the criminal justice system in Venezuela, said the country's criminal justice system is actually a "farce".
Senior Prosecutor of Venezuela, the Minister of Justice, Attorney General, High Court judges, police chiefs and senior
Source: CCTV network
The CNTV message (Network News Network the compiled Zouxian reported) "The New York Times reported on April 25, that the deposed Venezuelan Attorney General Eladio Peng Special Eladio Aponte, exposed in a U.S. television talk show The Inside Story of the criminal justice system in Venezuela, said the country's criminal justice system is actually a "farce".Senior Prosecutor of Venezuela, the Minister of Justice, Attorney General, High Court judges, police chiefs and senior
US unemployment aid requests near 3-month high
US unemployment benefit applications little changed at 388,000, near highest level in 3 months
By Christopher s. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that hiring has likely slowed since winter.
The Labor Department says weekly applications dipped 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 388,000. That's little changed from the previous week's figure, which was the highest since Jan. 7.
The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose to 381,750, also the highest in three months.
Applications jumped sharply three weeks ago, a sign that employers had stepped up layoffs and added fewer jobs. Economists said the increase might have been inflated by temporary layoffs during the spring holidays, when many school employees are laid off.
But applications haven't dropped back since then. The increase follows a report earlier this month that showed hiring slowed in March.
US unemployment benefit applications little changed at 388,000, near highest level in 3 months
By Christopher s. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that hiring has likely slowed since winter.
The Labor Department says weekly applications dipped 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 388,000. That's little changed from the previous week's figure, which was the highest since Jan. 7.
The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose to 381,750, also the highest in three months.
Applications jumped sharply three weeks ago, a sign that employers had stepped up layoffs and added fewer jobs. Economists said the increase might have been inflated by temporary layoffs during the spring holidays, when many school employees are laid off.
But applications haven't dropped back since then. The increase follows a report earlier this month that showed hiring slowed in March.
Geithner’s Talk of TARP ‘Profits’ Is All Wrong: Romero
By Aaron Task
Follow The Daily Ticker on Facebook here!
As big banks have repaid TARP loans in the past few years, it's become commonplace for government officials and certain pundits to tout the "profits" taxpayers made on the hugely controversial program.
Even back in 2009, just a year after the program was launched, the Treasury Department started spinning stories about the profits accruing to taxpayers as banks began repaying their TARP loans.
How to Make Perfect McDonald’s-style French Fries at Home
By Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! blogger | Shine Food
Even food snobs who shun McDonald's have to admit that they serve the mother of all French fries. Ray Kroc, one of the chain's founders wrote in his autobiography that the fry was "almost sacrosanct for me. Its preparation a ritual to be followed religiously." The end result is a crispy golden-brown baton showered with just the right amount of salt. The exterior's initial crunch yields to a tender and steaming white center. More, please?
Related: The Best and Worst Burgers
"They are consistent," says David Myers, chef/owner of Comme Ca in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. "I can't imagine how many millions of dollars in research and development they have spent in order to achieve a perfect fry around the world." Myers is no stranger to fried potatoes. His restaurants, which serve classic French brasserie fare, cook hundreds of orders of "pommes frites" (French-fried potatoes) a week.
McDonald's French fries are shipped to outlets frozen. "We do all of ours fresh everyday," says Myers who uses the same recipe at his restaurants and at home. Myers also uses the best Idaho russet potatoes, French sea salt, and super fresh cooking oil.
He says the key to making a perfect, consistent, McDonald's-style fry is in the advance preparation. The cut potatoes need to be soaked for at least two hours before cooking which pulls out excess starch and
By Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! blogger | Shine Food
Even food snobs who shun McDonald's have to admit that they serve the mother of all French fries. Ray Kroc, one of the chain's founders wrote in his autobiography that the fry was "almost sacrosanct for me. Its preparation a ritual to be followed religiously." The end result is a crispy golden-brown baton showered with just the right amount of salt. The exterior's initial crunch yields to a tender and steaming white center. More, please?Related: The Best and Worst Burgers
"They are consistent," says David Myers, chef/owner of Comme Ca in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. "I can't imagine how many millions of dollars in research and development they have spent in order to achieve a perfect fry around the world." Myers is no stranger to fried potatoes. His restaurants, which serve classic French brasserie fare, cook hundreds of orders of "pommes frites" (French-fried potatoes) a week.
McDonald's French fries are shipped to outlets frozen. "We do all of ours fresh everyday," says Myers who uses the same recipe at his restaurants and at home. Myers also uses the best Idaho russet potatoes, French sea salt, and super fresh cooking oil.
He says the key to making a perfect, consistent, McDonald's-style fry is in the advance preparation. The cut potatoes need to be soaked for at least two hours before cooking which pulls out excess starch and
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor found guilty of war crimes in Sierra Leone
(AP) LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands - In a historic ruling, an international court convicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor on Thursday of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity for supporting notoriously brutal rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone in return for blood diamonds.
Taylor is the first head of state convicted by an international court since the post-World War II Nuremberg military tribunal.
Presiding Judge Richard Lussick said the 64-year-old warlord-turned-president provided arms,
Joshua Ledet continues to impress on 'American Idol'
By Associated Press entertainment staff
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Joshua Ledet earned another pair of standing ovations on "American Idol."The powerful 20-year-old gospel singer from Westlake, La., got the Fox talent contest's judges on their feet again Wednesday after his energetic take on Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and restrained rendition of India.Arie's "Ready for Love." The finalists were tasked with tackling both a Queen classic and a song of their own choosing.
"Is it bad for me to say Joshua's part of the show is my favorite part of the show?" beamed Jennifer Lopez.
Skylar Laine, the 18-year-old country rocker from Brandon, Miss., who impressed the panel with "The Show Must Go On" and Jason
Bo Xilai officials 'wiretapped call to President Hu Jintao'
New claims may shed light on why Bo – previously accused of unspecified disciplinary violations – was ejected from post
Bo Xilai, the former party secretary of Chongqing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP
The spotlight on the Bo Xilai affair has turned back on to political tensions in China following reports that officials in Chongqing wiretapped a call to the country's president, Hu Jintao – helping to trigger the scandal that unseated Bo.
Iran Nuclear Program Attack Fears Ease
By Ladane Nasseri
Iranian and Israeli officials offered what may be conciliatory signs this week, easing concerns of a possible strike on the Persian Gulf country’s nuclear installations.
Iran’s envoy to Moscow, Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi, yesterday said officials are considering a Russian proposal to avert sanctions. Israel’s top military chief, meanwhile, said Iran’s leadership is “rational” and won’t seek to build a bomb, in comments that were
Packers release injured S Nick Collins
When Nick Collins suffered a herniated disk in Week 2 of last season, it was unclear whether the Packers safety would ever get a chance to resume his career.
In the aftermath of his injury, Collins, seemingly intent on playing again, underwent cervical fusion surgery, and doctors said it would be six months before they knew whether Collins could resume his career.
Seven months later, Green Bay has made the determination that if Collins plays, it won't be with
When Nick Collins suffered a herniated disk in Week 2 of last season, it was unclear whether the Packers safety would ever get a chance to resume his career.
In the aftermath of his injury, Collins, seemingly intent on playing again, underwent cervical fusion surgery, and doctors said it would be six months before they knew whether Collins could resume his career.
Seven months later, Green Bay has made the determination that if Collins plays, it won't be with
Capitals Beat Bruins 2-1 in OT to Advance
Tim Thomas had every reason to be confident heading into overtime of Game 7 in Boston's first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals.
After all, the Bruins won three seventh games in last year's run to the Stanley Cup title.
"I'm probably in shock," Thomas said Wednesday night after Joel
Tim Thomas had every reason to be confident heading into overtime of Game 7 in Boston's first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals.
After all, the Bruins won three seventh games in last year's run to the Stanley Cup title.
"I'm probably in shock," Thomas said Wednesday night after Joel
Fed a slight increase this next year's economy is expected to
Fed on April 25 the latest economic forecasts Table
According to the Federal Reserve just released the latest economic forecasts, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) on the expected economic growth this year is expected and this next year the unemployment rate slightly improved, while the rate of inflation is expected to increase slightly, but basically had not crossed the 2% red line for the U.S. economy is a good signal, but also means that the third round of quantitative easing (QE3) the possibility of decline.
Fed right in the middle of 2012 real GDP growth rate trend is
April 25, 2012
Hand sanitizer drinking
More hand sanitizer drinking cases reported in dangerous trend
The California Poison Control System has received 60 reports of teenagers drinking hand sanitizer since 2010, showing the dangerous trend is not unique to Los Angeles.
Hand sanitizer, which has 62% ethyl alcohol, produces a potent drink that can cause alcohol poisoning. Some of the cases involve teenagers who used salt to separate out the alcohol.
Fed Holds Rate Steady
Fed Holds Rate Steady as Recovery Pace Still Drags Along
By: Jeff Cox
The Federal Reserve, citing concerns about the pace of recovery, held its key interest rate near zero and indicated the economy would have to improve substantially for any changes in policy to take place.
The central bank gave no indications toward any further easing measures would take place, a key consideration as the stock market looks for direction. Stocks have come off their highs following a robust rally that began in October, shortly after the Fed introduced its last easing program.
A 9-1 vote accompanied the statement, which renewed the pledge to keep rates low through 2014. The discount rate remains unchanged at 0.75 percent.
By: Jeff Cox
The Federal Reserve, citing concerns about the pace of recovery, held its key interest rate near zero and indicated the economy would have to improve substantially for any changes in policy to take place.The central bank gave no indications toward any further easing measures would take place, a key consideration as the stock market looks for direction. Stocks have come off their highs following a robust rally that began in October, shortly after the Fed introduced its last easing program.
A 9-1 vote accompanied the statement, which renewed the pledge to keep rates low through 2014. The discount rate remains unchanged at 0.75 percent.
Retirement
Retirement Outside United States More Rhetoric than Reality
By Philip Moeller | U.S.News & World Report LP
The past two years have been tough times for many Americans. If the grass was ever going to look greener somewhere other than the United States, you'd think it would have been after the Great Recession.There has been no shortage of stories extolling this country or that as a retirement mecca, due to a mix of lower living costs, pleasant climates, and cultural attractions.
US-Philippine military
US-Philippine military exercises staged a "seize the island in Palawan, South China Sea coast show
CNS Philippines Puerto Princesa, April 25 (Zhang), the United States and the Philippines "shoulder to shoulder 2012" joint military exercises on the 25th held in the South China Sea, Palawan Island, the northwest coast of Aru Gan Wan "amphibious landing drills, China and the US-Philippine Marines nearly 100 celebrities to participate in this "seize the island surprise" show. US-Philippine "side by side, 2012," the opening of the joint military exercise in 10 days since, opening up the media of the largest in a military activity. The exercises take place in the Aru Gan Bay and along the western military region of the Philippine Navy the Kuna Nan naval base. China news agency reporter in live
CNS Philippines Puerto Princesa, April 25 (Zhang), the United States and the Philippines "shoulder to shoulder 2012" joint military exercises on the 25th held in the South China Sea, Palawan Island, the northwest coast of Aru Gan Wan "amphibious landing drills, China and the US-Philippine Marines nearly 100 celebrities to participate in this "seize the island surprise" show. US-Philippine "side by side, 2012," the opening of the joint military exercise in 10 days since, opening up the media of the largest in a military activity. The exercises take place in the Aru Gan Bay and along the western military region of the Philippine Navy the Kuna Nan naval base. China news agency reporter in live
Lost 103 Pounds
How I Lost 103 Pounds
By Abigail Cuffey
The reality of an empty nest forced Joyce Anderson, 41, of Richmond, KY, to change her focus. Here she shares how she finally got fit and took back her life.
My secret binge eating started when I was 13, after my grandpa died. I really looked up to him and we were very close, so when he passed away, I turned to food to comfort myself. In high school, I was very active and ran cross-country, but I still gained weight because I was overeating when no one was around. At 19, I shed about 30 pounds in the months before my wedding by going on a crash diet. But after I had my daughter and son, the weight gradually crept back on and before I knew it, I was over 200 pounds. I felt so unattractive that I hardly have any family photos from that time. Occasionally I'd lose 30 pounds but then I'd gain back 35 more. It was a vicious cycle.
20 Ways to Burn More Fat
Wall Street
Wall Street surges on Apple results
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wall Street jumped on Wednesday after forecast-beating results from Apple cleared away a weeks-old market overhang and lifted optimism in an earnings season already far outstripping expectations.Quarterly profit at Apple Inc (AAPL) almost doubled after a jump in iPhone sales. The stock, which dominates U.S. markets because of its size, had sold off recently, partly on fears earnings could disappoint.
Apple shares jumped 10 percent to $615.40 and could propel the market back to 2012 highs hit earlier this month. The Nasdaq soared almost 2 percent at the open.
It's "another amazing quarter from Apple that is single handedly driving markets this morning," wrote Peter Boockvar, an equity strategist and portfolio manager at Miller Tabak in New York in a note.
The earnings season so far has been stronger than expected. With results from 153 S&P 500 companies, more than three-fourths have topped estimates, according to Thomson Reuters Proprietary Research as
Why British police
Madeleine McCann: Why British police want to reopen missing child case
Madeleine McCann went missing five years ago. British police say they have 195 possible leads and are trying to get Portugal to reopen the case.
On the left, four-year-old missing child Madeleine McCann and an age progression computer generated image of her at 9 years old. London's Metropolitan Police released the new image of the girl, who went missing on a family vacation in the Algarve coast in Portugal in May 2007.
LONDON
British police on Wednesday asked Portugal to reopen the case of missing girl Madeleine McCann, saying that as the fifth anniversary of her disappearance approaches there is a possibility she is still alive
Police also released a new image of what McCann would likely look like today, expressing hope that she would be found even years after the then-3-year-old vanished on May 3 while on a trip to Portugal with her family.
Madeleine McCann went missing five years ago. British police say they have 195 possible leads and are trying to get Portugal to reopen the case.
On the left, four-year-old missing child Madeleine McCann and an age progression computer generated image of her at 9 years old. London's Metropolitan Police released the new image of the girl, who went missing on a family vacation in the Algarve coast in Portugal in May 2007.
LONDON
British police on Wednesday asked Portugal to reopen the case of missing girl Madeleine McCann, saying that as the fifth anniversary of her disappearance approaches there is a possibility she is still alive
Police also released a new image of what McCann would likely look like today, expressing hope that she would be found even years after the then-3-year-old vanished on May 3 while on a trip to Portugal with her family.
Apple's WWDC 2012
Apple's WWDC 2012 will be June 11-15, focusing on iOS and OS X
After some nervous waiting on behalf of Apple's developer community, the dates for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference have been announced. The conference will take place from June 11-15 in San Francisco, where developers will "learn about the future of iOS and OS X."
After some nervous waiting on behalf of Apple's developer community, the dates for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference have been announced. The conference will take place from June 11-15 in San Francisco, where developers will "learn about the future of iOS and OS X."
younger voters
Once Obama's, younger voters in play this election
By PHILIP ELLIOTT | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Once thought to be solidly behind President Barack Obama, younger voters burdened by a bleak employment picture, high gas prices and student loan debt are being aggressively wooed by the Democrat and his likely Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.
In 2008, Obama had a 34-point advantage over Republican Sen. John McCain among voters under age 30. He won about two-thirds
By PHILIP ELLIOTT | Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Once thought to be solidly behind President Barack Obama, younger voters burdened by a bleak employment picture, high gas prices and student loan debt are being aggressively wooed by the Democrat and his likely Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.In 2008, Obama had a 34-point advantage over Republican Sen. John McCain among voters under age 30. He won about two-thirds
promise
Terrence Jones keeps promise to bring flowers to Louisville cheerleader
Never let it be said Terrence Jones doesn't keep his promises.
Three weeks after the Kentucky forward barreled into Louisville cheerleader Jerica Logue chasing
Never let it be said Terrence Jones doesn't keep his promises.
Three weeks after the Kentucky forward barreled into Louisville cheerleader Jerica Logue chasing
Rosie O’Donnell Doesn’t Want Lindsay Lohan Playing Liz Taylor
By Lizbeth Scordo | Now: Your Daily Dose of Celebrity News
Rosie O'Donnell has had more than a few over-the-airwaves feuds over the years, and on Tuesday morning she added another celeb battle to her resume when she bashed the casting of troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan as the iconic Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming Lifetime TV movie "Liz and Dick."
Mad cow
Mad cow disease found in one Central Valley bovine
Health officials say the diseased cow never entered the human food chain and U.S. dairy and beef products are safe. It is the first confirmed case in the U.S. since 2006.
By Diana Marcum, Los Angeles Times
April 25, 2012
FRESNO — The first confirmed case of mad cow disease in the U.S. since 2006 surfaced in California's Central Valley on Tuesday, triggering concerns about food safety. But health officials stressed that the diseased animal never entered the human food chain and that U.S. beef and dairy products are safe.
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