Mainstream News

Why Did Chinese ATMs Stop Working Last Week?

"On Sunday morning, while China was taking a weekend breather from the financial fireworks caused by the government’s weeklong self-inflicted cash and credit crunch, customers of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the world’s largest bank, woke to an unpleasant surprise: Their deposits were not available for withdrawal by ATM or teller (online or in-person). Sunday’s outage appears to have started at about 10:30 a.m., and by 11 a.m. there were photos on Sina Weibo of stymied bank customers left mulling in shut-down bank lobbies." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWhy Did Chinese ATMs Stop Working Last Week?

Pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong draws tens of thousands

"Younger activists have become increasingly politicized. Surveys show they identify themselves more as Hong Kong citizens than Chinese nationals – a trend that alarms Beijing, which is eager for the city to show more 'patriotism' to the motherland. Despite China’s pledge to allow a direct poll for the city’s leader in 2017, recent signs from senior Chinese officials have raised concern Beijing may somehow try to rig the rules to screen out opposition candidates from taking part. The former British colony returned to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, with the promise of universal suffrage as an 'ultimate aim' in its mini-constitution." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPro-democracy protest in Hong Kong draws tens of thousands

Jobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

"For many, mass migration or further education have been the answer. Rapti is among those who do not want to join the exodus that has already seen about 120,000 young professionals emigrate – mostly to Germany and other countries in the eurozone’s wealthier north but also as far as away as Australia, Canada and the US. But force of circumstance has pushed growing numbers to think outside the box. Exploiting their flair for enterprise and entrepreneurship – a spirit doused by decades of dependence on state largesse – young Greeks are also behind an explosion of bars and restaurants nationwide, but especially in Athens." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

Jobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

"For many, mass migration or further education have been the answer. Rapti is among those who do not want to join the exodus that has already seen about 120,000 young professionals emigrate – mostly to Germany and other countries in the eurozone’s wealthier north but also as far as away as Australia, Canada and the US. But force of circumstance has pushed growing numbers to think outside the box. Exploiting their flair for enterprise and entrepreneurship – a spirit doused by decades of dependence on state largesse – young Greeks are also behind an explosion of bars and restaurants nationwide, but especially in Athens." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJobless Greek youth find innovative ways to make a living

Unique institute unites capitalists who want to save the world

"The Unreasonable Institute, founded by University of Colorado graduates Teju Ravilochan and Daniel Epstein in this college town at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, is an attempt to solve real-world problems by linking innovative thinkers from around the world. Entrepreneurs wanting to join the camp submit written applications and go through a series of interviews. Successful applicants pay $10,000 for a single and $12,000 for a pair to take part. The institute helps participants raise the fee through crowd-sourcing and the support of donors like Hewlett-Packard and Vodafone." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUnique institute unites capitalists who want to save the world

Unique institute unites capitalists who want to save the world

"The Unreasonable Institute, founded by University of Colorado graduates Teju Ravilochan and Daniel Epstein in this college town at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, is an attempt to solve real-world problems by linking innovative thinkers from around the world. Entrepreneurs wanting to join the camp submit written applications and go through a series of interviews. Successful applicants pay $10,000 for a single and $12,000 for a pair to take part. The institute helps participants raise the fee through crowd-sourcing and the support of donors like Hewlett-Packard and Vodafone." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUnique institute unites capitalists who want to save the world

Saudi prince sues Forbes after it says he’s only worth $20 billion

"Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has sued Forbes magazine for libel in a British court, alleging its valuation of his wealth at $20 billion was short of the mark by $9.6 billion. The prince, a grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder and nephew of King Abdullah, had attacked the US magazine’s ranking of world billionaires as flawed and biased against Middle Eastern businesses. Through his Kingdom Holding Company, Prince Alwaleed owns large stakes in Citigroup, News Corp and Apple Inc, among other companies. He is also owner or part-owner of luxury hotels including the Plaza in New York, the Savoy in London and the George V in Paris." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSaudi prince sues Forbes after it says he’s only worth $20 billion

Saudi prince sues Forbes after it says he’s only worth $20 billion

"Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has sued Forbes magazine for libel in a British court, alleging its valuation of his wealth at $20 billion was short of the mark by $9.6 billion. The prince, a grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder and nephew of King Abdullah, had attacked the US magazine’s ranking of world billionaires as flawed and biased against Middle Eastern businesses. Through his Kingdom Holding Company, Prince Alwaleed owns large stakes in Citigroup, News Corp and Apple Inc, among other companies. He is also owner or part-owner of luxury hotels including the Plaza in New York, the Savoy in London and the George V in Paris." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSaudi prince sues Forbes after it says he’s only worth $20 billion

Robbers posing as police steal $261,000 from Saudi government official

"Robbers posing as policemen made off with 200,000 euros ($261,000) belonging to a senior official from the Saudi youth and sports ministry just after he landed in Paris, police said Monday. The audacious robbery was staged on the busy A1 highway near Le Bourget airport. The robbers were armed and used two cars equipped with flashing lights and the word 'Police' on them. They stopped the car the Saudi official was travelling in and demanded an inspection of the boot. They then made off with a suitcase containing 162,000 euros, $30,000 and 10,000 pounds. It was not immediately clear why the official was travelling with so much cash." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRobbers posing as police steal $261,000 from Saudi government official

Robbers posing as police steal $261,000 from Saudi government official

"Robbers posing as policemen made off with 200,000 euros ($261,000) belonging to a senior official from the Saudi youth and sports ministry just after he landed in Paris, police said Monday. The audacious robbery was staged on the busy A1 highway near Le Bourget airport. The robbers were armed and used two cars equipped with flashing lights and the word 'Police' on them. They stopped the car the Saudi official was travelling in and demanded an inspection of the boot. They then made off with a suitcase containing 162,000 euros, $30,000 and 10,000 pounds. It was not immediately clear why the official was travelling with so much cash." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRobbers posing as police steal $261,000 from Saudi government official