International Headlines and Stories

 

The Internet giant strikes another blow. Google announced an update to its search engine in the U.S. who will soon be extended to the world, to refine and contextualize his responses. To make, in short, more in tune with reality, according to the ambition of the group. So you type "taj mahal"? Google offers, in a box right, to limit the results to the famous Indian monument, a singer using this pseudonym or a casino in New Jersey of the same name. Also new is learned as well as the results page of Google as the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, it opened in 1648 and it is 174 meters high. Research "Taj Mahal" is associated with that of "Ustad Ahmad Lahauri," the name of the architect of the monument.

"This is not just a catalog of objects is a presentation of the relationships between them. One is understanding between these different elements is the key, "says Amit Singhal, Google's vice president. To add to these changes a lighter note, Google will also offer information on the unusual subject of research. Consequence: the user can get answers to their questions without leaving the Google page.

Behind these new features lies a technology: the "graph of knowledge," or "knowledge graph", "built to understand the real things of the world," says an official from Google, Ben Gomes payday advances. The group has worked there since the acquisition in 2010, the company specializes in managing Metaweb database of movies, books, companies or celebrities. Thus, Google has learned, and quickly: from Freebase, Wikipedia or the CIA World Factbook, the giant has registered 500 million objects, places, characters and memorized some 3.5 billion relations between them.

Update Bing last week

In parallel, the group has expanded his knowledge on user searches. Google has announced in January new privacy policy to share user accounts on all its sites (like Gmail and Youtube). A change that is controversial and will be subject, in France, a meeting with the CNIL next week to clarify the new rules.

The goal for Google is taking another step ahead to face competing search engines, starting with Bing Microsoft announced last week its largest update since its launch three years ago. Among the new Bing strengthens its integration within the social network Facebook, which Microsoft is a shareholder. According to the firm Comscore, Google has widened its lead over its competitors, concentrating 66.4% of online searches in the U.S. in April, against 65.7% a year earlier. Well ahead of the 15.3% posted by Bing and 13.7% for Yahoo!.

Some cheap term life insurance policies may look cheap, but what matters the most is that you must get it.Getting a cheap term policy is not an easy task.

 

Even at age 20, Mickey is still not profitable in France. While the festivities celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris are in full swing, the company operating the theme park never ceases to sink into the red. In the first half ended March 31, 2012, Euro Disney SCA posted a loss after minority interests of 100.8 million euros. Last year at this time, this loss amounted to 82.9 million euros.

The 2012 vintage, however, is not lost. It is now that he plays. "The group's business is seasonal and annual results depend significantly on the activity of the second half of the year, which is traditionally the busiest season for Disneyland Paris," says Euro Disney. Depending on the success of its summer season, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company still manages to erase a part of twelve months more or less consistently the deficit incurred in the first half. Still, in five years, ever the operator had also started the year badly.

However, against this outperformance is assumed. It is explained by a surge in costs, with nearly 20 million of additional operating costs of a semester to another. "We have significantly increased our investments," said Philippe Gas, President of Euro Disney, citing "the introduction of new products and offers entertainment and construction of improvements targeted in both parks and hotels."

Many efforts to mark the twentieth anniversary, Euro Disney sees as a great growth opportunity. "We expect a significant impact of these investments this year," says management. "We are already seeing encouraging signs for the second half with an increase in bookings in hotels," says Mark Stead to AFP, the Deputy Director General.

European ghost

This gamble is to counterbalance the gloom throughout Europe. In the first half, at least, attendance has plummeted by 1% to 6.8 million visitors. Italian, Dutch, Belgians, or Spaniards are rarer in the twirling teacups and ghost trains Marne-la-Vallee.

Meanwhile, Italians and Britons shunned hotels, who billed 33,000 fewer room nights compared to the first half of 2011. The operator has managed, however, to partially offset this drop in price increases, allowing boost of 43.24 to 44.11 euros average spending per visitor.

To fund these developments in lean period, Euro Disney had to draw 136 million in its treasury, which reached 230 million at end-March. If the situation worsened, the group has the right to postpone deadlines royalties or interest owed to Disney and other creditors.

Note also that, by dint of being planed by the losses, shareholders' equity went into the red at – 15.5 million euros. Danger? The group expects to be back above the waterline at the close of its fiscal year to September 30.  

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Nestle will soon be able to give free rein to its ambitions on the Chinese baby milk market. After several months of a tight battle with its main competitor, Danone, the Swiss have been selected by Pfizer to buy its infant nutrition business, the Wall Street Journal. The agreement could be signed before the end of the month.

The amount of the transaction be around ten billion. "This operation has a real strategic sense for Nestle, said Andrew Wood, analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, because it deals with good grades and good markets and is performed at a reasonable price. "Nestle has maintained through his status as favorite, because of its financial muscle and posture. He chose to go it alone, while Danone had allied his forces earlier this year with the U.S. Mead Johnson. The French had indicated during February to be interested only in "certain assets, certain brands in some countries," adding that he was not on the verge of acquiring a structuring of the type of Numico in 2008. It might have sinned, according to some experts, by his lack of enthusiasm on this issue. The alliance with Mead Johnson made it more complex to build a competitive offer.

Assets to be sold

Danone, however, could catch up. For competitive reasons, Nestlé will indeed be compelled to give up certain activities, including Mexico, Southeast Asia or South Africa. Danone will then compete with Heinz. The king of ketchup, which carries 11% of its sales with child nutrition, waived bid for the branch of Pfizer, but he is interested in potential sales, particularly in Latin America. Nestlé is about to offer a real nugget, who made last year $ 2.1 billion in sales (+15%). Activity following the acquisition by Pfizer in 2009, the Wyeth for $ 68 billion. Pfizer had announced its intention last summer to focus on the heart of its business. Officially, the pharmaceutical group was still hesitating between an assignment and a split.

Returning to the child nutrition branch of Pfizer, world number five in the sector, with over half of its business in emerging countries, Nestlé could catch up in China. With the SMA brand, Pfizer is already comfortably installed, with 6.7% market share.

Arrived late in the Middle Kingdom, the group of Vevey occupies only the eighth (3.7% market share), behind Abbott. But this market dominated by Mead Johnson, which are born each year 16 million babies, weighs 7 billion. It is set to double by 2015, according to Euromonitor. Number 3 in China, Danone sells more boxes of Dumex baby milk in France. In a rapidly growing market, the cards of infant nutrition are about to be reshuffled in the coming months.

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"A woman absolute," "a completely different girl who really won in serenity" (agent). Words do not fail to salute the comeback of Laure Manaudou who just qualified for the Olympic Games in London. Despite a break of over two years which has enabled him to become a mom, swimmer who joined the club last fall swimmers of Marseille, confirmed her comeback to the front of the stage.

His former sponsors are silent

His performances have not gone unnoticed on the part of sponsors. Two years after being dropped by his former partners – Lancel, EDF, Arena … – Laure Manaudou has signed a two year contract with Reebok * to be for the next two years and its supplier, the Ambassador Program crossfit (fitness) that the brand sponsors. The former protected by Philippe Lucas will also sign another four-year contract with a company whose name will be announced after the championships of France. Many companies that will join Cadum (shower products) and Aubert (Juvenile) in the list of sponsors of the swimmer. "We are not on the same amounts with Lancel, Arena or EDF, but these are fine contracts that prove that Laura still interested brands," says Jean-François Salessy, his new agent since last October.

The latter even said last November in Paris-Today in France, "he could never have the money she had with Poulmaire (his former agent). I have no strategy and the economic context is no longer the same. Today, companies do not sign checks over his eyes closed. " After signing a "big" check with Lancel in 2008, its annual revenues were $ 2.5 million. "For other sponsors, I do not close any doors. Laura can not remain confined to sectors related to her status as mother or luxury, "explains Jean-François Salessy. None of his former sponsors have taken the time to contact her. Probably they are waiting to see if Laura will perform at the London Olympics. "I find it disconcerting that there are so few brands that benefit it is also inexpensive to create a" story "with her, said Gilles Dumas, co-founder of Sportlab, sports marketing specialist. Brands lack boldness. "

The French do not forget

Returned to the front of the sports scene, Laure Manaudou will however have to learn to manage his star status. She has done a lot about her on social networking yesterday after his "misadventure" on Twitter. "This is a non-event, says Jean-François Salessy. It has proved that, unlike some sports, it does not live in a bubble. Laura was certainly awkward on some terms she used. We talked about it. But it was steady and did not need a "community manager". " And Gilles Dumas added: "Brands must agree with Laure Manaudou, there will be some" jerks ", as with Eric Cantona in his time. These are the vagaries of modern sponsorship. "

Sometimes regretted not being a person "normal and anonymous," Laure Manaudou remains for many a sports icon. "Laure Manaudou will perhaps not be Olympic champion in London but the athlete is the most anticipated and one that will be the most observed," said Gilles Dumas. Which is not always easy to manage, including his agent. "It is sometimes surprised by the extent of its popularity, says Jean-François Salessy. My goal is to show a French Laure Manaudou as natural as possible and get out of his bubble "people". " In the latest ranking of favorite sporting the French published in January by The Team, swimmer Rhone ranked seventh and the second … for sport.

* Signed before the championships of France, this contract will not be broken even if Laure Manaudou had to stop swimming

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Fitch upgrades Greece. After the swap of debt that was a huge success – over 80% participation – there is more good news for the country. "This exchange and losses imposed on creditors have raised the profile of debt service and reduces the risk of a repeat of its short-term repayment difficulties," said Fitch in a statement. The rating agency notes that the country-B, no longer considers Greece in default … for now. Three days ago, its American competitor, Moody's, had preferred to maintain the rating of Greece to C, the lowest in his scale. For its part, Standard & Poor's is expected to meet the CCC.

Fitch remains cautious nonetheless. She stressed that the challenges the country faces are important. The next decision that the agency will take vis-à-vis the Greek debt will be dictated by the analysis that she will do "performance of Greece in terms of the parameters set by the new EU-IMF and the ability and willingness of the sovereign State to honor its obligations related to restructured debt. '"A broad program success through maintaining significant budgetary surpluses, structural reforms and a concerted demonstrable economic recovery would put pressure bullish on the notes, "the agency says.

Troika, comprising representatives of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the IMF, concurs. She said Greece will have to make further budgetary adjustment efforts in the next two years. The report reached this conclusion based on the primary surplus target (that is to say outside debt service) Greek public finances which should reach 4.5% in 2014. Given this goal will require "an adjustment path in the short term that implies a primary deficit of 1% in 2012, followed by an adjustment of 2.75% of GDP in 2013 and then in 2014".

According to the report, "there are significant risks that the decline of the debt is interrupted or even a reversal occurs as a result of economic shocks." In a more pessimistic scenario presented in the report, the country's debt could exceed 145% of GDP in 2020. In addition, a high degree of uncertainty and the debt burden makes "the uncertain outlook for Greece to be able to return to the markets at the end of the program" help, either in 2015, the report notes.

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In the sports world, too, women were honored today. Gathered in Barcelona for the Global Sports Forum around a round table on women and sport, many iconic figures in women's sport (Conchita Martinez, Natalia Via Dufresne, Maria Vasco …) are back on the steps, the determinants and difficulties in their careers.

Difficulties that often go for female athletes on the side of the portfolio. As in a traditional business, where wage differences between men and women reach 20% in favor of men, women athletes are often less rewarded for equal performance. Less publicized, women's sports breaststroke often much less money than her male counterpart. For example, the Blue French football earn on average between 1500 and 2000 euros per month, against 42,000 euros for a player in Ligue 1, which thus is not necessarily at the international level. Therefore, the ability of an athlete to match the income of her male counterparts to take over its ability to sell its image among brands, to improve athletic performance.

Brands begin gently female sponsorship

However, "few sponsors invest in women" analysis Yannick Puaux, founder manager of Hamaé Council payday advance. "Their resources are not sufficient to consider it not to work after their sporting career. In the end, nothing very different to male / female ratio in ordinary society where, to access the same professional status, at the same level of professional remuneration or benefit from the same quarry, we must do more than men. "

As for event organizers, attitudes are changing, however slowly. In recent years, the tournament at Roland Garros and Wimbledon distribute the same earnings for men and women, or about 1.2 million euros for the tournament winners of the Porte d'Auteuil, and those in the capital in London. Faced with these ad hoc efforts, inequality remains a persistent problem that continues once hung up the cleats. "The conversion of women is also more difficult, says Yannick Puaux. They must keep a job more often in parallel and be concerned for their retirement earlier. "

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One can enjoy the river traffic and see a very dim view of Voguéo expansion projects, the public transport network on the Seine. While the Syndicat des transports d'Ile-de-France (Stif) until March 3 launches public consultation on its new project Voguéo providing three transmission lines serving 31 stops between Suresnes and Vitry-sur-Seine, several sailing clubs West Paris began to give voice. After mobilizing their members, they come to question the Sports Minister, David Douillet, in a letter.

According to them, canoeing-kayaking, rowing and sailing would be greatly threatened in western Paris by the arrival of motorized shuttles Voguéo. The nautical base of the island of Sir, Sevres, would be most affected. Opened in 2007 this space accommodates 900 oarsmen, 500 followers of canoeing and sailing fans from 150 clubs from neighboring villages (Sevres, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint Cloud, Ville d'Avray and Chaville).

"There are quite some barges in our area but then with water buses with 150 seats running every ten minutes (runs every 20 minutes in both directions), it would be really possible," says Francois Banton President ACBB rowing, the biggest club occupying the premises.

Condemnation of water activities

These water activities are practiced in calm water and it takes several minutes after the passage of a big boat that caused the stir constantly. Besides the security problems created by passing shuttles, unlike barges, from one bank to another. Eventually, the associations believe that the project would condemn outright the activity of their members and 15 employees they employ.

"We did not necessarily identified this aspect of things by launching our project, we admit to Stif. But it's also why is the public consultation. "For now, the project will start in 2013. Meanwhile, the website vogueo.fr that collects users' comments recensait originally an enthusiastic majority of opinions is an increasing number of protests rowers who spread the word to defend their favorite pastime.

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Claire begins the interview by asking Michel on his dream career. Our candidate outlined his conception of director of human resources. He considers to be against the grain of current practice and conceded its inability to address the general managers or owners of that business unit are those who could recruit.

Following this exchange, Claire suggests that the former HR Director to adopt a less categorical. His strong determination, he may have closed its doors in search of employment. The coach also advises Michael to explore new avenues.

The conversation continues in a more informal and Claire confides in Michael that his desire to persuade is at the expense of the caller and this dessert. Claire asks him to position itself at the service rather Recruiter he meets.

Michael realizes the message Claire, is to apply it in service by being more attentive to his interlocutor. To find out if Michael will succeed, go in an upcoming episode of "My Job Coach."

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Warren Buffett returned to the Tax imposed on it wishes to super rich. In a letter to an elected Republican congressman, Tim Huelskample, billionaire furnish in support of his argument precise details of income and tax it performs.

The third richest man in the world it reveals an annual income of $ 62.8 million in 2010. But thanks to various deductions which it benefits, taxable income does not exceed $ 39.8 million, he had already made clear this summer, so he paid $ 6.9 million in U.S. Treasury as 2011au the tax. Either a tax rate of 17.3%, lower than that fulfill many Americans from the middle class, including his secretary, said, according to AFP, the billionaire in a letter dated Tuesday.

Call for Rupert Murdoch

Warren Buffett, who supports the Obama administration's desire to impose more richer to reduce the U.S. deficit, has also urged his countrymen to publish very easy to turn their tax form no fax cash loans. "It is clear that many ultra rich pay even lower percentages than me on the federal government, and get the amount of taxes could be useful to legislators to establish a fair tax code," he wrote to Tim Huelskamp.

Warren Buffett had called last week Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Wall Street Journal, to publish its tax-bill, after the publication of an editorial highly critical of the "Buffett tax" in the popular business daily.

A report published on October 7 by the Office of the U.S. Congress is in support of the speech of Warren Buffett.According to the report, 25% of American millionaires, or 94,500 people actually pay less tax than the 10.4 million households earning less than $ 100,000 a year. On average, however, the millionaires perform according to the report of a tax rate of 30% when these middle-class households are taxed at only 19%.