Russian President Putin Orders International Students To Return Home

Vladmir Putin, Russia's president and 2016 most powerful man in the world according to Forbes has ordered the children and relatives of all it's officials to return home amidst rising tensions between Russia and the West and the possibility of an all out World War sooner rather than later according to Kremlin sources and Daily Star UK.

 Putin's call for Russians to come home comes after Russia recently held defence drills for 40 million citizens, Puttin also cancelled a state visit to France after France President Hollande accused him of committing war crimes in Syria, and now he thinks that America might rally it's 'friends' against his country so he wants to be more than ready for that.

This order also comes after Russia shipped nuclear-capable ballistic missiles (Iskander-M missle system) into it's central European border between Poland and Lithuania.

Disruptive Mega Deals As Former Game Changer Yahoo!

Yahoo was once regarded as the “King of the Internet”, worth $125 billion in its time the way Facebook or Google are today. Now it’s being sold to Verizon for comparatively chump change.

This morning, Verizon announced the end of the long process of acquiring Yahoo’s core business for just under $4.8 billion. This transaction ends the independence of one of Silicon Valley’s most iconic pioneering companies. Yahoo’s seventh and final CEO, Marissa Mayer, will reportedly depart with severance pay worth more than $50 million.

The sale will unite Yahoo with AOL, the first web portal Verizon bought last year for $4.4 billion. The United States’ largest wireless provider is betting nearly $10 billion that combining the two formerly dominant websites will give it an edge in mobile content and advertising technology it can leverage across its more than 140 million subscribers.

World Champion, Lionel Messi Quits International Football

World Champion, Lionel Messi has announced his resignation from International football after losing to Chile in a penalty shootout in the Copa America final last night, BBC reports.

“It’s not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” the 29-year-old forward said.

The Argentina team has lost in 3 Copa America final games in the last 9 years – two to Chile on penalties and one to Brazil in 2007. The team also lost the 2014 World Cup final game to Germany after an extra time goal by Mario Gotze.

“It’s been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.

I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, and then for everyone. I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.

It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back,” he added.

RIP Toronto Most Famous Mayor Rob Ford

Rob Ford, one of Toronto’s most prolific and polarizing mayors and councilors, has passed away at the age of 46.

Ford was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital Tuesday morning after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer called pleomorphic liposarcoma since 2014.

“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at the age of 46,” his family said in a release.

Down Payment For Mortgage Increases to 10% On Homes Over $500K

The federal government is increasing the minimum down payment required to buy a home for more than $500,000 in an effort to cool the red-hot housing markets in Toronto and Vancouver, but some economists say the impact on housing activity will be minimal.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau made the announcement in Ottawa on Friday. "We are looking at ways to ensure our market is stable and we want to make sure people are making the appropriate decision as they buy a new home," Morneau said during a news conference.

Starting in February, CMHC will require a 10 per cent down payment on the portion of any mortgage it insures over $500,000.

I Am Running For President

source: national journal

Governance in the 21st century has become a playground for who has the ball rolling. There was a time in the world where we were all ruled by a sect. The selected few had to come from a given family name and history. It has nothing to do about the “best hand of rule” but the willful sovereignty of the sect. As the human race evolved through civilization and modernization, the Greek first demonstrated representative democracy in the 6th century as a political system of government. 

Centuries past by, new world leaders have emerged from Egypt to Italy to England to Germany and now United States of America. Apparently as the lion of the western world, America has been characterized as the main proponent of democracy in the rule of nations. Concurrently we have a political system that is always ready to provoke change and challenge the norm. What could not have been possible in ages past is fast becoming living realities.

Read full on ablethoughts

Hillary Clinton declares interest to run for US Presidency in 2016

Wife of former US President Bill Clinton, and former US Secretary of State. Hillary Clinton, 67, has declared her interest to run for president of the United State sin 2016. She announced her interest to run today April 12th.

"I’m running for president. Everyday Americans need a champion. And I want to be that champion. So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote - because it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join me on this journey.” she said

UK One Direction's Zayn Malik Quits After Five Years

Zayn Malik (second from left) has quit One Direction after five years with the chart-topping boy band that was formed on X-Factor in 2010. The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to bow out of the group leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne & Louis Tomlinson to continue as a four-piece. 

In a statement released to Daily Mail this afternoon Wednesday March 25th, Zayn said;

'My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let you down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.'

First of Three Avatar Sequel Pushed Back to 2017, James Cameron Says

Nolan Feeney TIMES

Director James Cameron announced the news

The first of three planned Avatar sequels has been pushed back to late 2017, according to director James Cameron.

The film was most recently expected to open in 2016, according to the Hollywood Reporter, but Cameron says that date was somewhat ambitious, as writing all the follow-up films at once has been “very involved.”

"Canadian prince of pot" wife won’t run for Liberals election in Vancouver

The Canadian Press
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s much talked about support for legalizing marijuana has not helped the wife of a high-profile pot crusader get a shot at running for the party in the next election.

Jodie Emery’s attempt to seek the nomination in the riding of Vancouver East has gone up in smoke.

Liberal spokesman Olivier Duchesneau has confirmed that the party’s so-called green light candidate review committee rejected her bid.

Jodie’s husband Marc Emery was extradited to the U.S. in 2010, where he pleaded guilty to selling marijuana seeds to American customers and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Florida Jameis Winston to Declare for 2015 NFL Draft

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston already had a Heisman Trophy and national title under his belt by the end of his redshirt freshman season.

On Wednesday, Winston's father told ESPN.com's David M. Hale that Jameis will forgo his final two years as a Seminole and enter the 2015 NFL draft:

Jameis Winston won't be back in a Florida State uniform next season, his father said Wednesday, opting instead to enter the NFL draft.

Initially, Antonor Winston said his son planned to wait until after the College Football Playoff Game Presented by AT&T to announce a decision, but instead, Jameis Winston came to a firm decision Tuesday night that he was ready to enter the NFL draft.

Erin O'Toole appointed to Veterans Affairs, but Fantino stays in cabinet

Canada's Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa December 9, 2014. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press 

On the night of last year's infamous televised showdown between Julian Fantino and angry veterans, one of those sent in ahead of time to smooth the way was Erin O'Toole, the man who on Monday took over the troubled portfolio.

Prior to the confrontation, O'Toole, two other Conservative MPs and Fantino's chief of staff met with the group of ex-soldiers, but failed to ease the concerns of the veterans, who were upset over planned office closures.

As recounted by some who were in the room, the encounter is instructive for the veterans community, which is wondering whether O'Toole's fresh face will actually mean a fresh approach in a department that has become a political liability for the Conservatives in the run-up to this year's election.

After Long Wait, Singer Akon Set to Release 5 Albums Simultaneously in 2015

Konvict Music star Akon, has major plans for the year.

According to the 41-year-old artist, seven years after he released his last album, he is making up for lost time by releasing a five-part concept album titled, Stadium, this year. He tweeted the news on New Year’s Day and he explained that his new effort will span five albums, each rooted in a different musical genre.

His website is currently streaming one single from each disc: “Better” (featuring Niko the Kid) from Stadium: Euro; “To Each His Own” from Stadium: Pop; “Whole Lot” from Stadium: Urban; “Just a Man” (featuring Stephen Marley) from Stadium: Island; and “Feeling a Nikka” (featuring D’Banj) from Stadium: World.

Expect it! Higher tariffs on some imports

CBC
In a follow-on to the 2013 budget, new tariffs amounting to some $333 million annually will be applied to 72 countries, including such prominent consumer product exporters as Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Singapore and South Korea.

Those countries had been on a list of less developed countries that were subject to lower tariffs since 1974 but which are now considered "higher-income and trade-competitive."

Less than two per cent of imported goods will be affected, and certain high-profile consumer goods, such as iPods and MP3 players, have been exempted

Goodnews! Child care tax break for parents

Prime Minister Stephen Harper does arts and crafts with a student at the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan, Ont., in October, after announcing an income-splitting proposal and other tax breaks for families. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

CBC

Families with children under 18 will receive new tax breaks starting Jan. 1, though Ottawa won't begin paying them out until July, just a few months before the federal election set for Oct. 19.

The universal child care benefit per child under six is to rise from $100 to $160 a month or $1,920 a year. For each child six to 17 years old, families can also now receive a federal tax credit of up to $720 per year. 

Those families will receive their first cheques in July, a lump-sum payment for the first half of 2015.

Canada free trade with SouthKorea begins

Korean President Park Geun-hye, left, listens to Prime Minister Stephen Harper respond to a question during a joint media availability in September after the two leaders formally signed a free-trade agreement. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

The Canada-South Korea free trade agreement comes into force Jan. 1. The Canadian government forecasts exports to Korea will increase 32 per cent.

The agreement is especially good news for  Canadian cattle and pork producers. For example, the 40 per cent Korean tariff on Canadian beef will be gradually eliminated over 15 years.

The agreement was signed in Ottawa on Sept 22. Ottawa sees the pact with Korea as a stepping stone to other free trade agreements in Asia.

NewYork Jets Sacks Head Coach

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan listens to a questions during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Jets won 37-24. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Dennis Waszak Jr. The Associated PressWoody Johnson was tired of all the losing, the four straight seasons without going to the playoffs.

So, the New York Jets owner decided to completely clean house.

Johnson fired coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik on Monday, one day after completing one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

“We’re in the win business, and we’re not winning,” Johnson said at a jam-packed news conference at the team’s facility. “So, I thought this was something I had to do.”

Sierra Leone President summons prayer over Ebola

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma asked the country to begin a week of fasting and prayers on Thursday to end the Ebola virus that has killed more than 2,700 of his countrymen, Voice of America reports.

The worst outbreak on record of the virus is still spreading in West Africa, especially in Sierra Leone, and the number of known cases globally has exceeded 20,000, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

In a New Year’s Day broadcast, Koroma said the seven days of prayers and fasting would begin immediately. “Today I ask all to commit our actions to the grace, mercy and protection of God Almighty,” he said.

The death toll from the outbreak, which has been mostly confined to West Africa, has risen to 7,905, the WHO said, following 317 fatalities recorded since it last issued figures on December 24.

Finally, Sony announces limited release of ‘The Interview’

This image released by Columbia Pictures - Sony shows James Franco, left, and Seth Rogen in "The Interview."Ed Araquel/AP 

The Associated Press
Sony Pictures Entertainment announced Tuesday a limited theatrical release of “The Interview” beginning Thursday, putting back into the theatres the comedy that prompted an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its cancelled release.

Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said that Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce “will be in a number of theatres on Christmas Day.” He said Sony also is continuing its efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more theatres.

“We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview,”’ Lynton said in a statement Tuesday. “While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.”

NYC to ban fracking to salvage the environment

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo talks during a cabinet meeting at the Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Cuomo's administration will move to prohibit fracking in the state, citing unresolved health issues and dubious economic benefits of the widely used gas-drilling technique. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Handing environmentalists a breakthrough victory, New York plans to prohibit fracking for natural gas because of what regulators say are its unexplored health risks and dubious economic benefits.

New York, which overlies part of the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation that has led to a drilling boom in Pennsylvania and other nearby states, has banned shale gas development since 2008, when the state began an environmental review of the drilling technique also known as hydraulic fracturing.

Wednesday’s announcement, though not final, means a ban is all but etched in stone.

“Never before has a state with proven gas reserves banned fracking,” said Deborah Goldberg, an attorney with Earthjustice, adding that the decision “will give courage to elected leaders throughout the country and world: Fracking is too dangerous and must not continue.”

Industry and its supporters expressed outrage at the decision.