Obama closes nuclear summit, calls modern-day threat 'cruel irony of history'
By Lee-Anne Goodman, The Canadian Press
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Barack Obama closed his landmark nuclear summit on Tuesday with a tip of the hat to Canada for its move to rid itself of some of its weapons-grade uranium and for its call on nations to spend billions more on nuclear security.
There was just one problem. Canada hasn't, in fact, made such an appeal, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper - at least not recently.
"I have not made that request, but I can assure you there have been discussions among the G8 partners ... it began as a G8 initiative," he told a news conference at the end of the summit.
"Canada is not the originator of the request, but obviously we are going to be looking at this request very seriously and I know all our G8 partners are doing the same."
The confusion came at the conclusion of a historic summit that was billed by the Obama administration as the largest gathering of world leaders on U.S. soil since the United Nations founding conference in San Francisco in 1945.
The summit resulted in consensus among the 47 nations in attendance. They agreed on a wide range of initiatives aimed at reining in errant nuclear materials that could fall into the hands of terrorists.
"Today the United States is joining with our Canadian partners in calling on nations to commit $10 billion to extending our highly successful global partnership to strengthen nuclear security around the world," Obama said in his closing remarks, a nugget of news that quickly popped up on websites and blogs from the U.S. to India.
Canada has already pledged $1 billion to the global partnership, Harper said, explaining that Obama was calling for an additional $10 billion from countries around the world to extend the lifespan of a program Canada spearheaded. The latest request for more money, however, does not originate with Canada.
There was no immediate explanation from the White House explaining the confusion.
The nations at the summit issued a communique late Tuesday, agreeing to lock down the world's most vulnerable and volatile nuclear materials within the next four years in an attempt to prevent terrorists from unleashing a global catastrophe.
"Nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to international security and strong nuclear security measure the most effective means to prevent terrorist criminals or other unauthorized actors from acquiring nuclear materials," it stated.
It emphasized "the need for co-operation among states to effectively prevent and respond to incidents of illicit nuclear trafficking and agree to share....information and expertise through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms in areas such as nuclear detection, forensics, law enforcement and the development of new technologies."
Canada's original billion-dollar commitment was made during the G8 meeting in Kananaskis in 2002 as part of a new initiative called the Global Partnership Program - $20 billion over 10 years to ensure the destruction of nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union.
Canada has so far spent some $650 million on the plan, which arose in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to keep groups like al-Qaida from getting their hands on nuclear material. Obama, it would appear, wants to extend the program for another 10 years.
Earlier Tuesday, Obama called it a "cruel irony of history" that the threat of nuclear terrorism is mounting even as the possibility of nuclear war between countries diminishes.
"The risk of a nuclear attack has gone up," Obama told the summit amid the tightest security in D.C. since the president's inauguration last year.
"Terrorist networks such as al-Qaida have tried to acquire the material for a nuclear weapon, and if they ever succeeded, they would surely use it. Were they to do so, it would be a catastrophe for the world, causing extraordinary loss of life, and striking a major blow to global peace and stability."
Obama urged nations to move beyond discussion and take concrete action over the next four years to ensure that nuclear weapons do not fall into terrorist hands.
"It is increasingly clear that the danger of nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats to global security - to our collective security."
On the eve of the summit, Harper did his bit. He agreed to send highly enriched uranium from the Chalk River Laboratories reactor near Ottawa back to the United States, where it will be rendered useless in terms of making nuclear weapons.
Canada has been exporting weapons-grade uranium for decades from the United States to manufacture medical isotopes at Chalk River. Hundreds of kilograms of the highly enriched uranium has accumulated there, enough to make several "Hiroshima-sized" nuclear weapons, Canadian scientist John Polanyi has said.
As the summit got underway on Tuesday, Canada, the United States and Mexico announced an agreement to work together to convert the highly enriched uranium in Mexico's research reactor into low-enriched uranium. Canada will kick in $5 million to help transport the uranium to the U.S. and fully convert it.
All three countries lauded the announcement as something that will strengthen nuclear security in North America.
"I welcome this critical step forward, which is a signal of our strong political partnership and our shared commitment to nuclear security in North America," Obama said in a statement.
Harper added: "This nuclear security project demonstrates that collective action can deliver concrete results."
Ukraine has also announced it intends to rid itself of weapons-grade uranium in the years to come.
Although Canada stressed Monday that Canadian security measures at its nuclear reactors were "world class," massive amounts of plutonium and weapons-grade uranium in countries around the globe are believed to be insufficiently protected from terrorist groups and organized crime.
The issue was a major focus of the summit as it shone the spotlight on countries like Iran, North Korea and others that are viewed as a threat to global nuclear security.
European Union President Herman Van Rompuy called on all countries on Tuesday to sign and ratify the convention on the 1980 Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. That pact was amended in 2005 to require states to protect materials like plutonium and weapons-grade uranium at all times, not just when it's in transit.
"Nuclear terrorism ... represents a most serious threat to international security with potentially devastating consequences to our societies," Van Rompuy said.
The leaders agreed to hold a followup nuclear security summit in South Korea in 2012.
Cashing a 401k for Investment Purposes?
By Sequoia
Cashing 401k accounts is typically frowned upon in the investment world. However, many people do it and it can sometimes provide you with benefits. If you are considering cashing out your retirement account for investment purposes, here are a few things to consider.
Alternative Investments
Sometimes you want to invest in something that you simply cannot invest in through your 401k. When this happens, it may become necessary for you to cash out the account and invest. For example, you might want to invest in a start-up company or some other type of investment that you are unable to choose with a 401k. When this happens, the only way to go about doing it is to cash out your account.
Investment Considerations
When you take this step, you need to be very sure about the investment that you are making. When you cash out your retirement account, you are playing a very dangerous game with your ability to retire the future. Therefore, this should basically be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to get involved in a solid investment. Since you will have to pay a 10% early distribution penalty and taxes on the money that you take, you should at least be able to recoup that cost through your investment.
Cashing 401k accounts is typically frowned upon in the investment world. However, many people do it and it can sometimes provide you with benefits. If you are considering cashing out your retirement account for investment purposes, here are a few things to consider.
Alternative Investments
Sometimes you want to invest in something that you simply cannot invest in through your 401k. When this happens, it may become necessary for you to cash out the account and invest. For example, you might want to invest in a start-up company or some other type of investment that you are unable to choose with a 401k. When this happens, the only way to go about doing it is to cash out your account.
Investment Considerations
When you take this step, you need to be very sure about the investment that you are making. When you cash out your retirement account, you are playing a very dangerous game with your ability to retire the future. Therefore, this should basically be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to get involved in a solid investment. Since you will have to pay a 10% early distribution penalty and taxes on the money that you take, you should at least be able to recoup that cost through your investment.
Consumer Reports urges consumers NOT TO buy Lexus Cars
Consumer Reports gives Lexus GX460 'Don't Buy' warning
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK - Consumer Reports has given the Lexus GX460 a rare "Don't Buy" warning in yet another blow to Toyota's reputation.
The magazine says problem that occurred during routine handling tests that could lead the SUV to roll over in real-world driving. During a test of how the SUV handled unusual turns, the rear end slid until it was nearly sideways before a stability system kicked in.
Consumer Reports said in real-world driving, such a scenario could cause a rollover accident.
As a result, the magazine has given the seven-seat SUV a "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" label until the problem is fixed.
Consumer Reports said the last vehicle to receive such a warning was the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited.
"In a real world situation, by that time, the car can hit the curb or the side of the road and that's the situation where, in a vehicle like that, it could cause it to roll over," said Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports, who was one of four testers to experience the problem.
Starting at about $52,000, the GX460 is a small-volume vehicle for Lexus, Toyota Motor Corp.'s luxury brand. But the warning represents yet another blow for Toyota's tarnished reputation for safety following recalls of millions of vehicles for faulty gas pedals. The GX460 is not covered by the pedal recalls.
Consumer Reports said the problem occurred during a handling test on its test track. During the test, the driver approaches a turn unusually fast, then releases the accelerator pedal to simulate a typical driver's response. This causes the rear of the vehicle to slide.
In normal cases, the vehicle's electronic stability control should quickly correct the loss of control. But Shenhar said in the case of the GX460, the stability control took too long to adjust, causing a risk of rolling over.
However, Consumer Reports said it is not aware of any reports of the vehicle rolling over. The magazine said it tested two separate vehicles, both of which experienced the problem, but neither rolled over.
Consumer Reports said it has notified Toyota and said the automaker is investigating the problem.
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK - Consumer Reports has given the Lexus GX460 a rare "Don't Buy" warning in yet another blow to Toyota's reputation.
The magazine says problem that occurred during routine handling tests that could lead the SUV to roll over in real-world driving. During a test of how the SUV handled unusual turns, the rear end slid until it was nearly sideways before a stability system kicked in.
Consumer Reports said in real-world driving, such a scenario could cause a rollover accident.
As a result, the magazine has given the seven-seat SUV a "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" label until the problem is fixed.
Consumer Reports said the last vehicle to receive such a warning was the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited.
"In a real world situation, by that time, the car can hit the curb or the side of the road and that's the situation where, in a vehicle like that, it could cause it to roll over," said Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports, who was one of four testers to experience the problem.
Starting at about $52,000, the GX460 is a small-volume vehicle for Lexus, Toyota Motor Corp.'s luxury brand. But the warning represents yet another blow for Toyota's tarnished reputation for safety following recalls of millions of vehicles for faulty gas pedals. The GX460 is not covered by the pedal recalls.
Consumer Reports said the problem occurred during a handling test on its test track. During the test, the driver approaches a turn unusually fast, then releases the accelerator pedal to simulate a typical driver's response. This causes the rear of the vehicle to slide.
In normal cases, the vehicle's electronic stability control should quickly correct the loss of control. But Shenhar said in the case of the GX460, the stability control took too long to adjust, causing a risk of rolling over.
However, Consumer Reports said it is not aware of any reports of the vehicle rolling over. The magazine said it tested two separate vehicles, both of which experienced the problem, but neither rolled over.
Consumer Reports said it has notified Toyota and said the automaker is investigating the problem.
Will Haiti ever come out of poverty?
After the January 2010 earthquake Haiti has become one of the most publicized country. The world sympathized with Haitians by giving - or promising - tremendous amount of money in the shape of donations. Critics say that the poorest country in the western hemisphere should take advantage of this catastrophe to take at least a step forward. But the question is How much money does Haiti need really need to come out of misery and poverty? What is expected from Haitians to develop their own country? Please post your comments or email them.
6 Career-Killing Facebook Mistakes
By Erin Joyce, Investopedia.com
Monday, April 12, 2010
provided by Forbes
With more than 400 million active visitors, Facebook is arguably the most popular social networking site out there. And while the site is known for the casual social aspect, many users also use it as a professional networking tool. With that kind of reach, Facebook can be a valuable tool for connecting to former and current colleagues, clients and potential employers. In fact, surveys suggest that approximately 30% of employers are using Facebook to screen potential employees – even more than those who check LinkedIn, a strictly professional social networking site. Don't make these Facebook faux-pas – they might cost you a great opportunity.
It may go without saying, but prospective employers or clients don't want to see pictures of you chugging a bottle of wine or dressed up for a night at the bar. Beyond the pictures you wouldn't want your grandparents to see, seemingly innocent pictures of your personal life will likely not help to support the persona you want to present in your professional life.
2. Complaining About Your Current Job
You've no doubt done this at least once. It could be a full note about how much you hate your office, or how incompetent your boss is, or it could be as innocent as a status update about how your coworker always shows up late. While everyone complains about work sometimes, doing so in a public forum where it can be found by others is not the best career move. Though it may seem innocent, it's not the kind of impression that sits well with a potential boss.
3. Posting Conflicting Information to Your Resume
If you say on your resume that your degree is from Harvard, but your Facebook profile says you went to UCLA, you're likely to be immediately cut from the interview list. Even if the conflict doesn't leave you looking better on your resume, disparities will make you look at worst like a liar, and at best careless.
4. Statuses You Wouldn't Want Your Boss to See
Everyone should know to avoid statuses like "Tom plans to call in sick tomorrow so he can get drunk on a Wednesday. Who cares that my big work project isn't done?" But you should also be aware of less flamboyant statuses like "Sarah is watching the gold medal hockey game online at her desk". Statuses that imply you are unreliable, deceitful, and basically anything that doesn't make you look as professional as you'd like, can seriously undermine your chances at landing that new job.
5. Not Understanding Your Security Settings
The security settings on Facebook have come a long way since the site started. It is now possible to customize lists of friends and decide what each list can and cannot see. However, many people do not fully understand these settings, or don't bother to check who has access to what. If you are going to use Facebook professionally, and even if you aren't, make sure you take the time to go through your privacy options. At the very least, your profile should be set so that people who are not your friend cannot see any of your pictures or information.
6. Losing By Association
You can't control what your friends post to your profile (although you can remove it once you see it), nor what they post to their own profiles or to those of mutual friends. If a potential client or employer sees those Friday night pictures your friend has tagged you in where he is falling down drunk, it reflects poorly on you, even if the picture of you is completely innocent. It's unfortunate, but we do judge others by the company they keep, at least to some extent. Take a look at everything connected to your profile, and keep an eye out for anything you wouldn't want to show your mother.
Facebook Can Help You Get Hired - Or Fired
The best advice is to lock down your personal profile so that only friends you approve can see anything on that profile. Then, create a second, public profile on Facebook purely for professional use. This profile functions like an online resume, and should only contain information you'd be comfortable telling your potential employer face to face. Having a social networking profile is a good thing – it presents you as technologically and professionally savvy. Just make sure your profile is helping to present your best side – not the side that got drunk at your buddy's New Year's party.
Monday, April 12, 2010
provided by Forbes
With more than 400 million active visitors, Facebook is arguably the most popular social networking site out there. And while the site is known for the casual social aspect, many users also use it as a professional networking tool. With that kind of reach, Facebook can be a valuable tool for connecting to former and current colleagues, clients and potential employers. In fact, surveys suggest that approximately 30% of employers are using Facebook to screen potential employees – even more than those who check LinkedIn, a strictly professional social networking site. Don't make these Facebook faux-pas – they might cost you a great opportunity.
It may go without saying, but prospective employers or clients don't want to see pictures of you chugging a bottle of wine or dressed up for a night at the bar. Beyond the pictures you wouldn't want your grandparents to see, seemingly innocent pictures of your personal life will likely not help to support the persona you want to present in your professional life.
2. Complaining About Your Current Job
You've no doubt done this at least once. It could be a full note about how much you hate your office, or how incompetent your boss is, or it could be as innocent as a status update about how your coworker always shows up late. While everyone complains about work sometimes, doing so in a public forum where it can be found by others is not the best career move. Though it may seem innocent, it's not the kind of impression that sits well with a potential boss.
3. Posting Conflicting Information to Your Resume
If you say on your resume that your degree is from Harvard, but your Facebook profile says you went to UCLA, you're likely to be immediately cut from the interview list. Even if the conflict doesn't leave you looking better on your resume, disparities will make you look at worst like a liar, and at best careless.
4. Statuses You Wouldn't Want Your Boss to See
Everyone should know to avoid statuses like "Tom plans to call in sick tomorrow so he can get drunk on a Wednesday. Who cares that my big work project isn't done?" But you should also be aware of less flamboyant statuses like "Sarah is watching the gold medal hockey game online at her desk". Statuses that imply you are unreliable, deceitful, and basically anything that doesn't make you look as professional as you'd like, can seriously undermine your chances at landing that new job.
5. Not Understanding Your Security Settings
The security settings on Facebook have come a long way since the site started. It is now possible to customize lists of friends and decide what each list can and cannot see. However, many people do not fully understand these settings, or don't bother to check who has access to what. If you are going to use Facebook professionally, and even if you aren't, make sure you take the time to go through your privacy options. At the very least, your profile should be set so that people who are not your friend cannot see any of your pictures or information.
6. Losing By Association
You can't control what your friends post to your profile (although you can remove it once you see it), nor what they post to their own profiles or to those of mutual friends. If a potential client or employer sees those Friday night pictures your friend has tagged you in where he is falling down drunk, it reflects poorly on you, even if the picture of you is completely innocent. It's unfortunate, but we do judge others by the company they keep, at least to some extent. Take a look at everything connected to your profile, and keep an eye out for anything you wouldn't want to show your mother.
Facebook Can Help You Get Hired - Or Fired
The best advice is to lock down your personal profile so that only friends you approve can see anything on that profile. Then, create a second, public profile on Facebook purely for professional use. This profile functions like an online resume, and should only contain information you'd be comfortable telling your potential employer face to face. Having a social networking profile is a good thing – it presents you as technologically and professionally savvy. Just make sure your profile is helping to present your best side – not the side that got drunk at your buddy's New Year's party.
Some Individuals Turn To MBA Programs As A Way To Stand Out
Many job seekers are finding that the market is not what it used to be, and millions of qualified individuals are being shut out of a chance at employment. Because the job market has become more competitive, some people are returning to school to pursue an MBA degree in order to stand out to potential employers.
Despite the cost of an MBA, some individuals feel it's worth the price as those who hold the degree earn an average of 20 percent more a week than those with a bachelor's degree, according to the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, some believe that putting the job search on hold during a financial crisis in order to go back to school will only provide benefits in the long run.
According to USA Today, a number of workers went back to school after being laid off of their previous profession. It's been recommended that MBA students have some work experience they can adapt to their programs.
Having an MBA may increase your chances of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for an MBA is lower than for individual's with bachelor's degrees alone.
Despite the cost of an MBA, some individuals feel it's worth the price as those who hold the degree earn an average of 20 percent more a week than those with a bachelor's degree, according to the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, some believe that putting the job search on hold during a financial crisis in order to go back to school will only provide benefits in the long run.
According to USA Today, a number of workers went back to school after being laid off of their previous profession. It's been recommended that MBA students have some work experience they can adapt to their programs.
Having an MBA may increase your chances of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for an MBA is lower than for individual's with bachelor's degrees alone.
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