A government minister has told peers that it is “not necessary” for all taxis to be accessible to wheelchair-users.Transport minister Andrew Jones said that such a policy would mean having to replace thousands of taxis across the country.But members of the Equality Act 2010 and disability committee told the minister that powers to force all taxis to be wheelchair-accessible had been passed by parliament 20 years ago through the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 but had not been implemented by successive governments.The Labour peer Lord Foster asked what evidence the government had for its claim that introducing these measures would be a “burden” on the industry, and how it balanced this against the burden caused to disabled people by an inaccessible taxi service.Jones (pictured giving evidence to the committee) said that about 56 per cent of taxis in England and Wales were wheelchair-accessible, and so he was “not sure the problem actually exists”.He said: “I don’t think we need to have every single taxi to be wheelchair-accessible. We need to have a significant number that are wheelchair-accessible so that people who require them can access them.”He said the burden on the industry would be the cost of replacing the 35,500 non-wheelchair-accessible taxis, when a new London taxi cost about £40,000.But he pointed to another measure from the DDA 1995, which would force taxi-drivers to provide assistance to disabled people, and had also not been implemented.He said he was “supportive” of this principle and that his department was hoping to make a decision on the measure “very shortly”.But Lord Foster questioned his claim that the lack of accessible taxis was not a problem.He said: “I am very surprised to hear that you don’t think the problem exists, because all the evidence we have had in front of our committee suggests that this is one of the biggest problems that disabled people have.”And Baroness Deech, who chairs the committee, said: “It has been the will of parliament for 20 years that taxis be accessible. How many more decades is this going to take?”When told that 100 per cent of London taxis were accessible, Jones admitted this meant that the proportion of accessible taxis was far lower in some parts of the country than 56 per cent, and in rural areas was just 13 per cent.Baroness Deech said: “Unless you bring those regulations into force on a rolling basis, taxi-drivers will never get the cars that are big enough to take wheelchairs. The will of parliament should be carried out.”Baroness Brinton, the disabled president of the Liberal Democrats, said a survey in Watford had shown that under 20 per cent of its taxis were accessible, and a very small percentage of those were wheelchair-accessible, with an even smaller percentage accessible to electric wheelchairs.She asked if the government could make it compulsory for any wheelchair-accessible taxi to use one ramp, rather than two, as only those with one ramp were accessible to users of electric wheelchairs.She said: “Many taxi-drivers hide behind the accessibility label and can’t deliver. It’s very easy to sort out, given the price of ramps these days.”Jones said that was a “very fair point” and that he was “extremely happy to take that forward” with his department.
A government minister has told peers that it is n
July 31, 2019
The BBC’s disabled security correspondent has spoken of his wish for a “normalisation of disability” in society.Frank Gardner, who was giving the third annual Jack Ashley Memorial Lecture, said he would like to see “the sharp edges of difference” between disabled and non-disabled people “sand-papered down so people don’t make a big deal about it anymore”.He said: “What I would like to see is the normalisation of disability, that people don’t look twice at somebody who’s blind or in a wheelchair… so they are 100 per cent part of mainstream society.”Gardner (pictured when he featured on the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?) told the invited audience in the state rooms used by the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, about many of the daily experiences of discrimination that have frustrated him since he became disabled 12 years ago.He described his continuing frustration with the barriers he encounters with air travel, including the ground staff who often grab him by the shoulders without asking in order to “manoeuvre” him off a plane, and how he is frequently left alone waiting for assistance at the end of a flight, long after the other passengers have disembarked.Gardner said that many of the problems he faced were due to the “attitude” of service-providers, and that there were “a lot of areas where life could be made easier without too much difficulty”.He also spoke of his frustration at non-disabled people who use accessible toilets, and the abuse of accessible parking bays in central London by non-disabled drivers.He said: “For me there might as well not be a single disabled parking spot in central London because I can never find them.“They are used by people who are able-bodied… it’s bloody annoying.”Gardner spoke also of how he became disabled, having been shot six times and left for dead by terrorists in Saudi Arabia in 2004, and how he then spent seven months in hospital and underwent 14 operations.He said that two things particularly helped him avoid falling into a “vortex of self-pity and despair”: the advice of a Navy psychiatrist, who told him to worry about the things he could still do and not those he would not be able to do anymore, and a letter from his bosses at BBC News which promised that his position as security correspondent would still be his when he was ready to return to work.The lecture was hosted by Disability Rights UK (DR UK), the all-party parliamentary disability group (APPDG) and the family of the late Lord [Jack] Ashley, the former deaf MP and peer who died four years ago after nearly half a century spent fighting in parliament for disability rights and equality, and who chaired the APPDG for more than 40 years.One of his daughters, Guardian journalist Jackie Ashley, said that her husband, BBC political journalist and author Andrew Marr, who was also at the lecture, had not wanted to be “that bloke with a stroke” after he became disabled, while her father had not wanted to be “that deaf MP”.But she said that they and Gardner had still been “inspirational” to disabled people, and she asked him how he felt about the idea of being a spokesperson for disabled people.Gardner said he did “not want to be associated with one particular thing” and although he did not have “anything against disabled people” he did not want to be a spokesperson for them any more than he wanted to be a spokesperson for people who drive Toyotas, although he said he hoped his work was “an inspiration for other people”.He pointed out that the disabled consultant Phil Friend, a former chair of Disability Rights UK, had once told him after he had apologised for not having time to help with a certain piece of work: “Keep doing what you’re doing, keep being on air… that’s enough.”But the disabled crossbench peer Baroness [Jane] Campbell pushed Gardner further, and asked: “Don’t you think you can do both?”She said that she speaks on disability in the House of Lords but also on other issues, and accepts that she has a privileged position, adding: “Don’t you think it’s a kind of duty that those of us who have the privilege of having the ear of people do a bit of both?”Gardner told her: “That’s why I’m here tonight. I think it’s a good thing to do. I don’t think it’s a duty.“Instead of going to my daughter’s school concert, I’m here. I think what I do is important and it’s a case of finding the right balance.”Liz Sayce, DR UK’s chief executive, told the audience: “We want everybody to have that chance, if you become disabled, to pursue the life you want, the career you want, as Jack Ashley did and as Frank you have described.“Unfortunately, for many disabled people it is still not happening; there are too many barriers.”She pointed to DR UK’s leadership programme, and said: “More and more people are coming through it, showing talent can break through.”She said the programme was producing a “cadre of disabled people” who are becoming role models and mentors for other disabled people.She said: “The more disabled people [there are] doing everything from being MPs to security correspondents to company directors, gradually we are going to… change the world.”
The number of disabled people living in poverty has risen by 200,000 in just one year, government figures have revealed.The new figures [summaryresults, tables 7a and 7b], published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP),show levels of absolute poverty rose between 2016-17 and 2017-18.Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) said the figures meant another200,000 disabled people living “terrible, degrading, miserable, half-lives”.The figuresare likely to be influenced by continuing government attempts to cut spendingon disability benefits, including policies such as the benefits freeze and cutsto payments to new employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants placed inthe work-related activity group (WRAG).The WRAGcuts of nearly £30 a week were introduced in April 2017, with ministers tryingto justify them by claiming they would “incentivise” sick and disabled peopleto find work.The newpoverty figures are part of the annual Households Below Average Income report,which was published last Thursday (28 April).They alsoshow that as many as 600,000 more disabled people are now in absolute poverty,compared with 2010, when the Tory-led coalition government came to power.Mediaattention focused on a rise in child poverty, but the report also showsincreased levels of absolute poverty – the government’s preferred measure –affecting disabled people.Householdsare said to be in absolute poverty if their income is less than 60 per cent ofaverage (median) income in 2010-11, adjusted for inflation.Beforehousing costs are taken into account, the proportion of individuals living inhouseholds including a disabled person who were in absolute poverty rose from16 per cent to 18 per cent, between 2016-17 and 2017-18.And thenumber of disabled people living in absolute poverty – before housing costs –rose from 3.6 to 3.8 million.Once housingcosts have been accounted for, the proportion of individuals living inhouseholds including a disabled person who were in absolute poverty also rose,from 22 to 23 per cent.And thenumber of disabled people living in absolute poverty – after housing costs –rose from 4.9 million to 5 million, an increase of 100,000.Bob Ellard, a member of DPAC’s national steering group, said: “Wealthypeople running the government think poverty means not having much money. “They don’t understand poverty, it doesn’t just mean little money; itmeans bleakness, fear, misery, hopelessness, day in day out, no rest and noremission, stretching into a degrading future. “It means hunger, it means cold in winter, it means worsening mentalhealth, it means bad living condition and fear of being on the streets. “And for some people it means death by suicide, starvation or othereasily preventable causes. 200,000 more disabled people in poverty isn’t just anumber. “Five million disabled people in absolute poverty is five millionindividual human beings living terrible, degrading, miserable, half-lives. Aliving nightmare.”MichelleMaher, from the WOWcampaign, said the figure of 200,000 moredisabled people in absolute poverty was “no surprise to campaigners whorecognise the multiple cuts disabled people face”, including the bedroom tax,and cuts to housing benefit and council tax support, the closure of theIndependent Living Fund, cuts to employment and support allowance, and theimpact of the benefits freeze and the benefit cap. She said WOWcampaignhad been fighting for seven years “to get the government to assess the impact ofall disability cuts” and to demonstrate a duty of care to disabled children andadults across the UK and to “make sure disabled people are not driven intopoverty”. She said: “Theyrefuse, as they know the figure would emerge that disabled families could useto fight for support, and shock the public.“Iabsolutely cannot comprehend the inhumanity and cruelty shown to our fellowcitizens.”Shepredicted that the roll-out of universal credit would make the number ofdisabled people in absolute poverty “far, far worse”. A DWP spokesperson refused to say if work and pensions secretary AmberRudd accepted that the increase in disabled people in poverty was caused bycontinuing government attempts to cut spending on disability benefits, or explainwhat other factors may have caused the rise.But she said in a statement: “Tackling poverty will always be a priorityfor this government, and we take these numbers extremely seriously.“Absolute poverty rates for people in a family reporting a disability arelower than in 2010, and we are spending £55 billion this year on benefits tosupport disabled people and those with health conditions – more than everbefore.“We are looking at what more can be done to help the most vulnerable andimprove their life chances.”Although DWP is correct that the proportions of households in absolutelypoverty are slightly lower (by one percentage point) than in 2009-10, thenumbers of disabled people in absolute poverty have increased by 300,000(before housing costs) and 600,000 (after housing costs) between 2009-10 and2017-18.A note from the editor:Please consider making a voluntary financial contribution to support the work of DNS and allow it to continue producing independent, carefully-researched news stories that focus on the lives and rights of disabled people and their user-led organisations. Please do not contribute if you cannot afford to do so, and please note that DNS is not a charity. It is run and owned by disabled journalist John Pring and has been from its launch in April 2009. Thank you for anything you can do to support the work of DNS…
Saints return to the Centurions for the first time since 2005 with what looks set to be the biggest away following at the Sporting Village to date.“It will be a tough battle for sure,” he said. “I am happy they are back in Super League. The game against Cas probably didn’t do them justice. It is a tough place to go and a tough first game for them.“But what you saw on Friday (against Leeds) was the Leigh we know. Derek (Beaumont) and all the boys involved there deserve more credit than they are getting.“It will be tough. Leigh and Saints always seem to get on but I’m sure they will be a fiery atmosphere on Friday night.”KC will be able to call on the returning Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook to fill the void left by Joe Greenwood’s departure to the Gold Coast Titans.“Louie was ready for week one but didn’t have enough miles in his legs,” Cunningham added. “Matty Smith is progressing well too. He is still in his boot and we’re doing all the things to make sure he is right for the rest of the season.”Saints have been given an allocation of East Stand tickets for the game at Leigh on Friday after they sold out the South Stand.Full ticket details can be found in the match centre.Buying from the club benefits us direct – you can purchase your ticket from the Ticket Office, online and by calling 0174 455 052.
Kick off is 2.30pm at Ruskin Drive in St Helens with entry priced at £2 for adults and under 16s free.
The game will be played at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli home of Betfred League 1 side West Wales Raiders.The Squad:Harry Anderson (Leeds Rhinos, Kippax Welfare, Brigshaw High School) Danny Attley (Leeds Rhinos, Kippax Welfare, John Smeaton Academy) Joe Barnes (Warrington Wolves, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Great Sankey High School) Lewis Baxter (St Helens, Wigan St. Judes, Standish High School) Jack Bibby (Wigan Warriors, Shevington Sharks, Hawkley Hall High School) Joe Burton (Leeds Rhinos, Kippax Welfare, St Wilfred’s High School) Oli Burton (Leeds Rhinos, Kippax Welfare, St Wilfred’s High School) Nathan Carter (Castleford Tigers, Kippax Welfare, Corpus Christi) Nathan Clemmitt (Newcastle Thunder, Cramlington Rockets, King Edward VI) Jacob Dugdale (Widnes Vikings, Wigan St Judes, Standish High School) Jude Ferriera (City of Hull Academy, West Hull, Hull Collegiate) James Patrickson (Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Panthers, St Wilfred’s High School) Jumah Sambou (St Helens, Woolston Rovers, Kings Leadership Academy) Harry Shackleton (Bradford Bulls, Hunslet Warriors, Rodillian Academy) Iwan Stephens (Leeds Rhinos, Drighlington ARL, Morley Academy) Robson Stevens (Huddersfield Giants, Birstall Victoria, Castle Hall Academy) Will Tate (City of Hull Academy, Skirlaugh Bulls, Caistor High School) Kai Tyson (City of Hull Academy, Skirlaugh, Malet Lambert)
For all the latest from the game, click on the Match Centre button to follow the feed and enjoy exclusive content throughout the 80 minutes! The game kicks off at 3:15pm and team news will arrive from around 2:15pm!
Saints face Salford Red Devils in a Heaven vs Hell clash on Friday at the Totally Wicked Stadium with kick off at 7:45pm before a Coral Challenge Cup Quarter Final tie with Wakefield Trinity.Friday’s opponents Salford have been rather inconsistent thus far, but Holbrook is well aware of the dangers they possess, especially through the likes of halves Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui.“We know what they are capable of. They had a great, dominant win over Warrington a couple of weeks back and went over to Catalans and thumped them over there which nobody has been able to do. So they are a real dangerous attacking team. They execute their plays really well. Every team run plays, but there is a difference between running plays and executing it well and Salford do run their plays really well.“Through Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui in the halves, they are the dominant playmakers in their side and do a really good job for them. ”Holbrook named his 19 man squad earlier as James Roby was left out with a minor injury niggle and he admits that he will make a few changes to the team if other players are not fit in time for the game on Friday.“We are looking OK, but we have got a couple of bumps and bruises after the game on Sunday that is for sure, so we will get a closer look closer to Friday and if they are all OK it will be pretty much the same, but if not, we will make a few changes.”Mark Percival, Luke Thompson and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook have been out for a few weeks, but Holbrook has revealed all three are on track with their injury recovery.“They are progressing really well. There are no setbacks which is great, but they won’t be back any earlier than we thought so they are still a couple of weeks away, but all three are going really well.”Holbrook also had some fond words for the Saints fans who played such an important role in our win over Huddersfield in the Coral Challenge Cup, whilst he believes Wakefield will pose a similar threat to that of the Giants.“It is such a big stadium which can be awkward, but for us to have so many fans there on a Sunday at 6pm for an awkward time slot, played a big part for us staying alive in the Challenge Cup so it was great to see.“Wakefield is another tricky game. I thought Huddersfield were always going to be tricky and they are capable of playing really well like they did on Sunday. Wakefield are in the same bracket. They are as good as anyone on their day, but it is fantastic to be playing it at home, I think that is awesome and something we are really looking forward to.”Before the Saints face the Red Devils and Holbrook admits he and the players are looking forward to the fans cheering us on at the Totally Wicked Stadium.“It is great to be back at home this week and the boys and myself are looking forward to that.”NEXT UP FOR SAINTS AT THE TOTALLY WICKED STADIUM IS A HEAVEN VS HELL CLASH WITH SALFORD RED DEVILS ON FRIDAY MAY 17TH WITH A 7:45PM KICK OFF. YOU CAN BUY TICKETS FOR THE GAME ONLINE HERE, OR BY CALLING INTO THE TICKET OFFICE AT THE TOTALLY WICKED STADIUM.
Police investigating after a crash on the Heidi Trask Drawbridge in Wrightsville Beach Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Some Wrightsville Beach firefighters are being honored for their response to an accident last year.In November, they responded to a car wreck on the Heide Trask Bridge where three people were trapped after their car flipped.- Advertisement – Fire Chief Glen Rogers says the team responded to the accident perfectly and everyone earned commendations from the department.Captain Jeff Williams, Captain Sara Jordan, Captain Robert Pugh, Lieutenant John Scull, firefighter Sam Proffitt, and volunteer firefighters Karli Smiraglia, Luke Parks, Bryan Dankanich, Tom Long and Dwayne Parnell all were honored.
Residents of Stoney Creek Plantation are forced to throw away furniture and belongings damaged in Hurricane Florence floods.(Photo: Matt Bennett/WWAY) RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s governor is asking Congress for more federal funding to recover from Hurricane Florence, saying the total $8.8 billion requested is comparable to the help Washington has provided for other disasters since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday asked congressional budget-writers and the state’s congressional delegation to provide another $6.3 billion in federal recovery funds on top of the $2.5 billion already expected.- Advertisement – If approved, the federal funding would make up for about half the total $17 billion in damage from September’s historic rains and flooding.The state has already committed $850 million. The General Assembly this week is discussing a plan to spend $300 million of that money mostly to help rebuild damaged schools and compensate farmers whose crops and livestock were destroyed.
Lucas Vazquez will be fully focused on today’s World Cup clash against hosts Russia but his representatives could be discussing terms with a number of Premier League clubs.According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all keen on the 27-year old, versatile Real Madrid player. Unai Emery is believed to be an admirer of the Spain international who has been at Real Madrid for over a decade. Vazquez played more than 48 games last season and contributed with 8 goals and 12 assists as Los Merengues won their third consecutive UEFA Champions League trophy.Vazquez would fit Liverpool’s attacking style of play but Jurgen Klopp has also shown interest in another Real Madrid player, Marco Asensio.Brought to you by Hublot<a href=”http://revive.newsbook.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a01a3708&cb={random}” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://revive.newsbook.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=34&cb={random}&n=a01a3708&ct0={clickurl_enc}” border=”0″ alt=”” /></a>WhatsApp <a href=’http://revive.newsbook.com.mt/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a7617b59&cb={random}’ target=’_blank’><img src=’https://revive.newsbook.com.mt/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=128&cb={random}&n=a7617b59&ct0={clickurl_enc}’ border=’0′ alt=” /></a> SharePrint
Developer(s) Criterion GamesFire Monkey (iOS/Android)[1]Publisher(s) Electronic ArtsDirector(s) Alex Ward (Creative)Craig Sullivan (Creative)Producer(s) Matt WebsterDesigner(s) Matt Follett[2]Composer(s) Chris Green[3]Series Need for SpeedEngine Chameleon(Modified)(Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Xbox 360 version)[4]Platform(s) Android[5]iOS[6]Microsoft WindowsPlayStation 3PlayStation VitaXbox 360 Advertisement Developer(s) Criterion GamesFire Monkey (iOS/Android)Publisher(s) Electronic ArtsOnce again, Electronic Arts, the publishers of Criterion Games’ Need For Speed Most wanted have made yet another mark in the gaming industry with the announcement of the New Need For Speed Most wanted, Though this is obviously a racing game, the first, most noticeable aspect of Most Wanted is the story and presentation. The game is draped in a crazily chromed out, sepia-tone landscape of industrial structures, and populated with heavily bloom-lit FMV characters. The first time you see the story being told, like me, you will probably gasp in horror,even when you have never played the game itself.Having had some bit of fun with the original Need For speed Most wanted,there appears to have been a craving for an even bigger and better version which prompted Criterion Games to work on a newer version. In an announcement on 4 June 2012, during EA’s E3 press conference, Most Wanted was the nineteenth title in the long-running Need For Speed series and would be released worldwide for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PlayStation Vita as well as iOS, beginning in North America on 30 October 2012, which is only a few weeks away. The game will pick up on the Most Wanted IP, as opposed to the Hot Pursuit reboot that Criterion developed previously.Need for Speed: Most Wanted takes on the gameplay style of the first Most Wanted title in the Need for Speed franchise. It allows players to select one car and compete against other racers to reach a destination. Cops are integrated into certain racing sessions, in which the police deploy vehicles and tactics to stop the player’s car and arrest the player, like the original Most Wanted. The single-player section will feature a Blacklist of 10 racers, similar to the single-player section of the original Most Wanted, which featured 15 Blacklist racers. This time, however, the setting is not Rockport with the cop cars being from the “RPD”; instead, it is now set in a place called Fairhaven City with the cops being FCPD. – Advertisement – The game will use Autolog, the competition-between-friends system developed by Criterion forNeed For Speed Hot Pursiut, and since used in other titles in the Need for Speed series. Autolog in Most Wanted plays a larger role and gives more information to players. Activities in-game allow players to earn Speed Points which can boost players up on the Most Wanted list. Autolog recommendations have now been integrated into the game world, rather than sit externally on the menu system.Most Wanted features a new social system called Cloudcompete, which strings together Most Wanted across all platforms in an inspired example of cross-compatibility. One profile will be used for all versions of the game, allowing the player to rank up on one format and continue progress on another.The release dates In North America,Australia and Europe were announced as 30 October 2012, 1 November 2012 and 2 November 2012 Respectively. However, the African game lovers have also not been left out since the game can be pre-ordered on the official Need For Speed Website with the Xbox,Playstation and PC download versions.
Advertisement In the last month, the world’s largest social network has lost 6m US visitors, a 4% fall, according to analysis firm SocialBakers. In the UK, 1.4m fewer users checked in last month, a fall of 4.5%. The declines are sustained. In the last six months, Facebook has lost nearly 9m monthly visitors in the US and 2m in the UK.Facebook has lost millions of users per month in its biggest markets, independent data suggests, as alternative social networks attract the attention of those looking for fresh online playgrounds.As Facebook prepares to update investors on its performance in the first three months of the year, with analysts forecasting revenues up 36% on last year, studies suggest that its expansion in the US, UK and other major European countries has peaked. – Advertisement – Users are also switching off in Canada, Spain, France, Germany and Japan, where Facebook has some of its biggest followings. A spokeswoman for Facebook declined to comment.“The problem is that, in the US and UK, most people who want to sign up for Facebook have already done it,” said new media specialist Ian Maude at Enders Analysis. “There is a boredom factor where people like to try something new. Is Facebook going to go the way of Myspace? The risk is relatively small, but that is not to say it isn’t there.”Alternative social networks such as Instagram, the photo sharing site that won 30m users in 18 months before Facebook acquired the business a year ago, have seen surges in popularity with younger age groups.Path, the mobile phone-based social network founded by former Facebook employee Dave Morin, which restricts its users to 150 friends, is gaining 1m users a week and has recently topped 9m, with 500,000 Venezuelans downloading the app in a single weekend.Facebook is still growing fast in South America: monthly visitors in Brazil were up 6% in the last month to 70m , according to SocialBakers, whose information is used by Facebook advertisers, while India has seen a 4% rise to 64m – still a fraction of the country’s population, leaving room for further growth.But in developed markets, other Facebook trackers are reporting declines. Analysts at Jefferies bank have developed an algorithm that interfaces directly with Facebook software and it “suggests user levels in [the first quarter] may have declined from peak”, according to a recent note.Jefferies saw global numbers peak at 1.05bn a month in January, before falling by 20m in February. Numbers rose again in April. The network has now lost nearly 2m visitors in the UK since December, according to research firm Nielsen, with its 27m total flat on a year ago.The number of minutes Americans spend on Facebook appears to be falling, too. The average was 121 minutes in December 2012, but that fell to 115 minutes in February, according to comScore.As Facebook itself has warned, the time spent on its pages from those sitting in front of personal computers is declining rapidly because we are switching our screen time to smartphones and tablets.While smartphone minutes have doubled in a year to 69 a month, that growth is not guaranteed to compensate for dwindling desktop usage.Facebook is the most authoritative source on its own user numbers, and the firm will update investors on its performance for the March quarter on Wednesday. Wall Street expects revenues of about $1.44bn, up from $1.06bn a year ago.Shareholders will be particularly keen to learn how fast Facebook’s mobile user base is growing, and whether advertising revenues are increasing at the same rate.Mobile represented nearly a quarter of Facebook’s advertising income at the end of 2012, and the network had 680m mobile users a month in December.According to Pivotal Research Group, advertising revenue could be up 49%, driven by international expansion and the FBX advertising exchange, which uses Facebook to target advertising related to other websites surfers have visited.The company warned in recent stockmarket filings that it might be losing “younger users” to “other products and services similar to, or as a substitute for, Facebook”.Wary of competition from services that were invented for the mobile phone rather than the PC, founder Mark Zuckerberg has driven through a series of new initiatives in the last year designed to appeal to smartphone users. The most significant is Facebook Home, software that can be downloaded on to certain Android phones to feed news and photos from friends – and advertising – directly to the owner’s locked home screen.Source: The Guardian
Advertisement Ghana’s Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Founder and Principal Consultant of cyber security firm, e-Crime Bureau Limited, will address the first meeting for 2015 of the Global Commission on Internet Governance scheduled for February 13 and 14 at Wilton Park, West Sussex in the United Kingdom at the invitation of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.Chaired by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, the Global Commission on Internet Governance seeks to inform concrete policy recommendations for the future of internet governance and is made of leading figures in internet evolution including Ghana’s internet pioneer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Information Technology Agency (Ghana), Dr. Nii Narku Quaynor.Mr. Antwi-Boasiako is expected to speak on the evolution of cyber needs in West Africa in a session titled ‘Enabling Access’ to be chaired by Carl Bildt on February 14 as contained in the invitation letter signed by Dr Patricia Lewis, Research Director of the International Security Department at Chatham House. – Advertisement – The Commission, supported by Chatham House and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), has already met three times in Sweden, South Korea and Canada and is scheduled to meet three more times in 2015. The meetings provide a forum for the Commissioners to discuss specific, identified issues related to internet governance which will inform and contribute to a final report that will be published by Carl Bildt at the beginning of 2016. The Commission is focused on finding ways to preserve the freedom and openness of the internet while at the same time ensuring that cyber security protections are in place.Commenting on the invitation, Mr. Antwi Boasiako said “This gives a clear indication of Ghana’s direct involvement in global discussions on cyber governance and internet security issues and the country’s keen interest in ensuring that emerging developments are addressed locally. Ghana has made some successes in these areas but we need to act more proactively in dealing with the risks.”
IN BITSA man who threw away a computer hard drive containing more than £4m of the digital currency Bitcoin has told Sky News he is devastated.James Howells, 28, binned the hard drive in the summer, but only realised his mistake last Friday.The IT worker threw away his Dell laptop after it started to overheat, forgetting that it contained a digital wallet containing 7,500 units of the virtual currency.Staff at the Docksway landfill site in Newport, South Wales, where the hard drive was taken, have told Mr Howells that by now it will be buried under at least three feet of waste in an area the size of a football pitch. Nottingham Forest v ReadingChampionship7.45pm, SKY SPORTSPLENTY OF INJURY WOESChampionship action to start the football weekend tonight as we head to The City Ground for Nottingham Forest v Reading.Both teams are just off the pace (5th plays 8th) in the table and will be looking to take three points to move fourth and get firmly into the promotion zone.Apart from in 2011 this match up hasn’t always produced too many goals.HEAD TO HEAD RECORD(Max last 10 only)Apr 2012 Championship Reading 1-0 Nottm Forest Nov 2011 Championship Nottm Forest 1-0 Reading Apr 2011 Championship Nottm Forest 3-4 Reading Aug 2010 Championship Reading 1-1 Nottm Forest Jan 2010 Championship Nottm Forest 2-1 Reading Aug 2009 Championship Reading 0-0 Nottm Forest Feb 2009 Championship Reading 0-1 Nottm Forest Aug 2008 Championship Nottm Forest 0-0 Reading Apr 2005 Championship Reading 1-0 Nottm Forest Nov 2004 Championship Nottm Forest 1-0 ReadingThere’s a long list of injury concerns for both managers.Forest are without captain Chris Cohen after he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.He joins Kelvin Wilson and Danny Collins on the long-term injury list, while Andy Reid, David Vaughan and Greg Halford are rated as doubtful.Reading pair Royston Drenthe and Mikele Leigertwood face late fitness tests.Sean Morrison, Jem Karacan, Wayne Bridge and Jason Roberts are still out with long-term injuries.Forest have won only one of their past five league games but have come in for plenty of support today as reported by Trevor on the Star Sports trading desk at lunchtime and are now 19/20 from odds against.Not sure it will be totally straightforward for the home side and prefer the draw for for tonight’s bet.STAR FORECAST(stake between 0.5 and 10 points)10 points DRAW at around 11/4
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen I was a kid, I used to love, more than anything, to go to open-race nights, at London dog-tracks, and watch bookmaker, Tony Morris, at work.He became a mentor, and to this day, I have his board on show in my office.It’s not really on show though. It’s there for me, as a reminder, of some of his lessons. They were normally delivered in a cutting fashion but they certainly reached their intended destination. During bad times, his board serves, to give me just a little bit more inner strength.Tony gave me many lessons, but here are two, for you, Blog:1) TM was a man who was never rushed. And if he was riled, he would never, ever, let it show. What’s that feeling? Who’s trying to get between your legs? Or stick that knife in your back? Well, don’t get in a tizz, because that’s not going to help you. However hot it gets in the kitchen – DON’T FLUSTER.2) As Bookmakers, we look for ‘Basis Changes’. What are they? When something unforseen, or extreme, can produce freak-results. Greyhound Derby, Quarter-Finals night, was one of these times, in Morris’ eyes. Top dogs run weekly, at most. They have now just run, on Saturday, then 3 days later, they run again on the Tuesday. THIS was THE night, TM, in all the year, wanted to be a Big Bookie. THERE IS A TIME TO PLAY BIG.After the extreme heat conditions at Towcester, on Saturday, and now a very quick Tuesday night run, this is something the dogs may not be used to. Maybe, some will miss the break. Or not quite stay the trip, as before. Maybe. Yes, yes, that might be the 20/1 chances. But a basis change, can affect all runners…even the 4/7 chances. I’LL BE THE LAYER ON TUESDAY NIGHT.In other news:Food Vlog 20: Lord Wargrave, 40 – 42 Brendon Street, Marylebone, W1H 5HE. WEB SITEOver and out, B x
“Richie Hawley is one of America’s premiere clarinetists andpedagogues,” said Robert Yekovich, dean of the Shepherd School. “Hisappointment as professor of clarinet adds further luster to an alreadystellar faculty roster. The Shepherd School is indeed fortunate towelcome Richie to our community of world-class artistteachers.”In the fall of 2011, Hawley will debut inhis new role at the Shepherd School, which has become one of thenation’s most prestigious music programs at a major university sinceits dedication 34 years ago. Its orchestral training program, of whichHawley will be a part, is widely considered to be among the veryfinest. Hawley succeeds Michael Webster, professor of clarinet, whowill retire from a distinguished teaching career at the end of thisacademic year.With his trademark velvety, sonoroustone, Hawley is dedicated to performing chamber music and appearsregularly as a chamber musician and recitalist throughout the UnitedStates and abroad. Hawley was appointed principalclarinet of the CSO in 1994 at the age of 23, only two years aftergraduating from the Curtis Institute of Music. He has since enjoyed arewarding and multifaceted career as an orchestral clarinetist,recitalist, chamber musician, teacher andclinician.During the summer season, Hawley serveson the faculty at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, oneof the premiere summer festivals for exceptionally talented musiciansfrom around the world.As both a performer and aneducator, Hawley has been the recipient of several coveted awards. In1988 his trio, “Trio Con Brio,” won first prize at the Coleman ChamberMusic competition. That same year he was one of five musicians toreceive the Gold Medal as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts fromRonald Reagan in a ceremony at the White House. He has received theLéni Fé Bland Foundation Career Grant twice, and he was awarded the2009 Glover Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the Universityof Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s convocationceremony.Originally from Los Angeles, Hawley beganhis clarinet studies with Yehuda Gilad at the Colburn School ofPerforming Arts at the age 9. He made his orchestral solo debut at age13, performing Weber with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as the winner ofits student stars competition. At age 14 he performed Rossini’s“Introduction, Theme and Variations” at one of the New YorkPhilharmonic’s young person’s subscription concerts as a winner of thePhilharmonic’s national talent search competition. While a student ofDonald Montanaro at the Curtis Institute of Music, Hawley appeared as asoloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Hawley graduated fromCurtis in 1992.A Buffet-Crampon artist, Hawleyperforms on the Tosca model of clarinet. He is also a Rico PerformingArtist and Clinician and plays exclusively on the Reserve Classicreeds.Hawley is married to Shepherd alumna MaureenNelson, who is a member of the Enso Quartet, which was the school’sresident graduate string quartet from 2002 to 2004. RICHIE HAWLEY AddThis Long Description ShareCONTACT: Jessica StarkPHONE: 713-348-6777E-MAIL: stark@rice.eduCritically acclaimed clarinetist joins Rice UniversityfacultyRichie Hawleywill begin teaching at Rice’s Shepherd School in2011RiceUniversity announced today that it has appointed critically acclaimedclarinetist RichieHawley as professor of clarinet in the Shepherd School of Music.Hawley is the principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra(CSO) and head of the Clarinet Department at the University ofCincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, which under his leadershipbecame one of the most outstanding clarinet schools in the country.
regions: Toronto Canada: birthplace of poutine and your potential business school destination. If you’re looking at the latter, the Schulich School of Business at York University should be at the top of your list. It’s at the top of Forbes’.The publication has ranked the business school as the best in Canada among two-year MBA programs. For all non-U.S. schools, Schulich came in fourth overall when looking at how long graduates take to make up the cost of their MBA.Forbes‘ annual ranking analyzes what business schools are the best—and which ones are worth attending. They base their lists on a school’s return on investment, or, ROI. With this qualifier in mind, Schulich won among one-year and two-year MBA programs in Canada. “Forbes has once again rated the Return on Investment provided by a Schulich MBA degree as one of the best in the world,” said Schulich Dean Dezsö J. Horváth, in a press release. “For MBA students, the Return on Investment they receive after graduating is a significant factor when determining the value of their degree. The latest Forbes survey captures an important statistical measure of the return on investment our MBA students can expect once they graduate.”The school is not far from the bustle of downtown Toronto, providing an international appeal to its students, most of whom come from beyond Canada. In 2016, half of the MBA students came from Asian countries. Schulich offers a number of MBA programs, which a person can take full-time or part-time. But there’s an executive MBA and accelerated MBA too (it takes just eight months!).Around 26 percent of applicants are accepted, so if Schulich is top of your list, you better be ready. It probably won’t be easy. Schulich Tops Forbes’ Canada Rankings Last Updated Oct 2, 2017 by Yessenia FunesFacebookTwitterLinkedinemail 
About the AuthorYessenia FunesView more posts by Yessenia Funes RelatedLondon Business School Achieves Best International Ranking from ForbesIf you’re set on getting the right bang for your buck, why not head to London? The London Business School just topped Forbes’ new list for two-year international schools with the best return on investment, or ROI. The business publication puts out lists every two years deciphering MBA programs’ ROI. One of…October 5, 2017In “Featured Region”Real Humans of the York University Schulich School of BusinessA half century after the opening of the York University Faculty of Administrative Studies (FAS), the York Schulich School of Business in Toronto continues to shape the Canadian MBA landscape. The business school, which was officially renamed in 1995 after a receiving sizable donation from esteemed Montreal philanthropist and entrepreneur Seymour…December 18, 2018In “Featured Home”What Are The Most Valuable Toronto MBA Programs?For prospective MBAs, looking at the price tag of earning a degree can be startling- and may even deter talented business leaders from pursuing an advanced education. The fear is certainly justified: an MBA from some of North America’s top business school can reach upwards of $100,000. Yet, when considering…January 17, 2018In “Featured Home”
RelatedWomen Leaders Headline 2018 MBA Commencement AddressesWith spring fully in sway, classes have come to an end on many leading business school campuses, and commencement activities fill weekend after weekend from now through June. The roster of speakers top schools invite to send their MBA graduates off into the world can be revealing. Graduation speakers are…May 29, 2018In “Boston”With $10 Million Alumni Gift, Wharton Enters Deferred-Admission MBA GameUndergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania will now have a unique opportunity to gain admission to the Wharton School MBA program as seniors in college thanks to a new program funded by a $10 million alumni gift, the Wharton School announced today. Named for Wharton alums and benefactors Ken Moelis…March 29, 2017In “Featured Home”Best MBA Internship Opportunities in the NortheastThere’s no doubt that summer internships play a critical role in an MBA student’s education and career. Not only do internships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the workforce, but they’re also known for helping students develop professional connections and earn top-tier salaries. But not all…July 10, 2018In “Amazon” As spring fully arrives, so do the business school announcements for commencement day. Clear Admit has already discussed the graduation speakers you can expect at Michigan Ross and Stanford GSB. Now, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and NYU Stern have also announced their graduation speakers.Harvard CommencementAt Harvard Business School, Carla Harris, vice chairman of Morgan Stanley, will deliver the MBA Class Day address. Harris (MBA ’87) has worked for three decades at Morgan Stanley, holding influential positions in mergers and acquisitions as well as equity capital markets. She’s also active at the university as a member of the Harvard University Board of Overseers. In addition, Harris is the focus of an HBS case study about emerging female and minority asset managers.Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2018Location: Baker LawnWharton GraduationHamdi Ulukaya, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Chobani, LCC, will speak at the Wharton MBA graduation ceremony. Raised in eastern Turkey, Ulukaya launched Chobani in 2007 with the goal of making good food more accessible. Within five years, Chobani had become the number one best-selling Greek yogurt brand in the United States. Beyond his business success, Ulukaya has also had a positive impact on communities through donations to charities, innovative profit-sharing, and paid parental leave.Date: Sunday, May 13, 2018Location: The PalestraNYU Stern CommencementAt NYU Stern, graduates can expect to hear from keynote speaker Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, a newly launched digital investment platform for women. Beyond her entrepreneurial work at Ellevest, Krawcheck is the chair of Ellevate Network, a global professional women’s network, and Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Index Fund, which invests in companies that advance women. She’s also a best-selling author and previously served as CEO of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Smith Barney, and Sanford Bernstein.Date: Friday, May 18, 2018Location: Theater at Madison Square Garden regions: Boston / New York City / Philadelphia This article has been edited and republished with permissions from our sister site, Clear Admit. Last Updated Apr 17, 2018 by Kelly VoFacebookTwitterLinkedinemail Harvard Business, Wharton NYU Stern Commencement Speakers Announced About the AuthorKelly Vo Kelly Vo is a writer who specializes in covering MBA programs, digital marketing, and personal development.View more posts by Kelly Vo 
About the AuthorJillian MarkowitzView more posts by Jillian Markowitz Last Updated Aug 21, 2018 by Jillian MarkowitzFacebookTwitterLinkedinemail York Schulich Alum Designs for Meghan Markle, and More – Toronto News RelatedRotman Prof Talks Theranos Fraud, and More – Toronto NewsPeople affiliated with Toronto’s finest business schools have been making the news. Below, we’ve laid out some of this week’s highlights. How Board Diversity Might Have Prevented the Theranos Fiasco – The Globe & Mail Andras Tilcsik, Canada Research Chair in strategy, organizations, and society at the University of Toronto’s…March 23, 2018In “Featured Home”Real Humans of the York University Schulich School of BusinessA half century after the opening of the York University Faculty of Administrative Studies (FAS), the York Schulich School of Business in Toronto continues to shape the Canadian MBA landscape. The business school, which was officially renamed in 1995 after a receiving sizable donation from esteemed Montreal philanthropist and entrepreneur Seymour…December 18, 2018In “Featured Home”The Best MBA Clubs in TorontoWhile getting your MBA at a top program is a great goal, if that’s all you do, you’re missing out on a myriad of opportunities to expand your skills and your network. Course work is important, but there’s so much more you need to do to get the most out…March 14, 2016In “Featured Region”
regions: Toronto Representatives from Toronto’s top business schools have been making the news this week. See what they’ve been up to below.Canadian Designer Bojana Sentaler Goes Global After Meghan and Kate Made Her Coats Famous – Notable LifeBojana Sentaler, graduate of York University’s Schulich School of Business, has attained enviable success in fashion design after both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were seen wearing coats from her collection. After years in the corporate world, Sentaler moved in a different direction, and decided to pursue her passion for design. Her business acumen was not wasted in her new field, as Sentaler quickly identified a need in Canada for outerwear that balanced elegance and warmth. She filled this need using alpaca fabric, which she discovered on a trip to Peru. In a recent interview, Sentaler said:“There are some truly brilliant designers here in Canada, that deserve to be recognized on a global platform. But first our consumers need to support Canadian by proudly wearing Canadian, and our industry as a whole needs to support and recognize Canadian potential.”Learn more about Sentaler’s journey here.CMHC Moves to Make It Easier for Self-Employed to Get a Mortgage – CBC NewsTraditionally, self-employed people in Canada have encountered more difficulty getting mortgages, making it much more complicated for them to purchase a home. However, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) has made changes that will increase the flexibility of mortgage grants. Lenders can now use factors such as predictable earnings and previous training and education to justify giving a mortgage to someone who is self-employed. Cynthia Holmes, Chair of the Real Estate Management Department at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management, was optimistic about the changes, particularly insofar as they might help younger professionals lay down roots more quickly.“This change could especially help young self-employed people access a mortgage more quickly, which supports innovation and entrepreneurship,” Holmes says to CBC News.Learn more about the CMHC’s changes here.All Work And No Play Can Make Us Less Productive, Research Shows – Australia Financial ReviewA forthcoming study has demonstrated that long hours and stressful work have long-term negative impact on employees. The study (“Implications of work effort and discretion for employee wellbeing and career-related outcomes”) demonstrated that running employees ragged could have long term effects on their health and success.According to the study, which was authored by Argyro Avgoustaki and Hans Frankfort, working more hours at a higher intensity does not enhance career prospects down the line. Efforts to protect the health of employees have generally emphasized shorter hours, but the study shows that controlling the intensity of the workload may actually be more important. Other researchers in the field have shown support for this perspective.Erin Reid, associate professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, co-authored an article with Lakshmi Ramarajan, assistant professor at Harvard Business School, for the Harvard Business Review. According to the article, “Valuing work time over work product—which motivates people to deceive others about how many hours they’re clocking—is an easy trap to fall into, especially for professionals, whose knowledge-based work is difficult to evaluate.”Read more about the new research here.