The head of Starbucks in more than 100 times reduced his salary to take the economy in difficult times

From 1.2 million to 10 thousand dollars reduced annual salary of the head of the company Starbucks Howard Schultz. This decision was made by the board of directors known worldwide network of cafes, at the request of the Schultz, decided to take the economy in difficult times.

On the same minus the cost of health insurance for the head of Starbucks will now earn less than four dollars a month news agency.

However, this move is unlikely to comfort the almost seven thousand employees, which, as announced on the same day, lose their jobs because of the closure of another 300 cafes. 200 of them are in the United States.

In a press release, Starbucks explained this step sharp decline in sales. In the first fiscal quarter, which ended for Starbucks December 28, 2008, the income of the company fell by 6% compared with the same period last year and amounted to 2.6 billion dollars. Net profit for the same period fell from 208 million to 64 million dollars.

In July last year, Starbucks announced the closure of some 600 cafes in the U.S. and more than 60 - in Australia: the first time in 16 years since opening in 1992, the company suffered a loss.

Founded in 1971, the company Starbucks has more than 11 thousand cafes in the U.S. and in 43 countries, including Russia. Its assortment includes more than 30 kinds of coffee blends and varieties, including latte, cappuccino, espresso, mocha and , which can consume as or chilled. At Starbucks, you can snack pastries, sandwiches and salads.

Starbucks cafe smashed by protesters in London - 10th Jan 2009 - ( National Demo ) infront of the Israeli embassy!

Alexei Kovalev, considered the best player of the match all stars NHL

Captain of the "East" Alexei Kovalev was considered the best player of all stars Match-2009, which was held last night in Montreal and culminated in a victory over the Russian team "West" in a series of shootout.

The meeting, held within the framework of celebrations of the 100 th anniversary of the Club Montreal Kanadienz ", ended with the score 12:11 in favor of Hockey East.

Kovalev made a double and gave the goal assist in the main time and victory in series. Total playing time at the gate was made for a total of 99 shots.

"Proved to be the best on the basis of a vote of fans, get into a starter, then become a team captain, and after that, even given the title of most valuable player the game - can no longer be on the dream, - said Alexei CBC television in an interview after the game. - Now I complete set of medals - it is remembered for a lifetime. "

Alexander Ovechkin, also protects the color of the Eastern Conference, also wrote himself into an asset, three points (1 +2). His fellow teammates Evgeni Malkin and Andrei Markov i one washer, but Ilya Kovalchuk was not able to gain points.

Halo 3 - Crow's Nest High Score - 191,373 Points Part 1

Iceland "in the fire: the protests against the government of all , may be appointed early elections

In Iceland, the mass protests against the government in times of crisis have become increasingly violent. The demonstrators blocking the parliament building in Reykjavik, attacked the prime minister Geir Haarde. Only at the last moment, managed to escape from the crowds in service armored vehicles.

However, this did not calm down the demonstrators - they were pelted eggs car, chanting slogans: "The government - to resign", "Stop the financial crisis in the country." Personal protection premiere by surrounding the car, was unable to prevent the action. Just arrived alongside the police managed to marginalize the crowd and allow the prime minister to leave news agency.

According to the radio station RUV, the first time during the demonstrations near Parliament appeared affected. Writes Iceland Revew, last night at least two policemen were seriously injured in the clash with the when they were pelted police order .

To pacify the crowd the police used tear gas - the first time since 1949, when the massacres took place last speech against the country's accession to NATO. As a result of spraying gas, several people have been forced to seek medical help.

Anti-shares in Iceland last for several days in succession, despite the rather severe frosts. They started back in November last year and was a response to the irresponsible actions of the government that its aggressive lending policies in recent years have contributed to the collapse of the three largest banks in the country.

According to international observers, "currently the state of bankruptcy of Iceland helps avoid only support the International Monetary Fund loans, and friendly nations."

The crisis in the country has increased unemployment, a sharp devaluation of the currency - crown.

Against a backdrop of protests in the ruling coalition threatened split: the Progressive Party believes early elections the best way out of the situation. Writes The Huffington Post, the party office in Reykjavik Calls to appoint the elections in May 2009.

In a normal situation, the elections would be held no earlier than 2011, said Reuters.

As noted recently economic columnist NEWSru.com Maxim Blant, Icelanders have not been the experience of "street" victory over the regime, now in an environment where society has been subject to economic disintegration, is more stable ground for the protests, and such experience may appear.

NYE 2008 Protest On Hotel Borg, Iceland (Raw Footage)

Barack Obama could not get the second half of the money "Paulson Plan"

According to the website CNNMoney.com, the outcome of today's vote on the second 350 billion dollars within the framework of TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Programme - a government buyout program problem assets of financial institutions) may be unfavorable for the U.S. president-elect Barack Obama.

According to the terms on which the U.S. Congress agreed to vote for granted to the Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson plan of redemption "bad" assets from banks worth 700 billion dollars, getting the second half of the U.S. administration is possible only after the re-approval of lawmakers.

It should be recalled that despite the criticism of TARP, Obama has repeatedly the Bush administration to send a request to Congress for the second half of the money previously approved. George W. Bush, which is formally still performs presidential duties, appealed to the Congress - on behalf of the President-elect Barack Obama - to highlight the second half of the financial package as part of a plan of saving the economy.

Senate majority leader said that the upper house can block the allocation of this money. In an interview with CNN television, he said that party leaders may be enough supporters to vote down the decision, but be sure not.

CNNMoney.com said that the eight senators from the Republican Party led by Senator from Louisiana David Vitterom will do everything to ensure that the Treasury does not go to taxpayers' money to continue funding programs TARP. "We must not give the new administration carte blanche, which provides program TARP" - quoted Vittera site.

The senator was well aware that the rejection of the allocation of money would cause another blow to the economy, but he believes that the program requires a substantial improvement, after which the allocation of money will bring much more benefit. It is these arguments led the Republicans Lower House of Congress voted on Wednesday against the allocation of money the new administration.

"I do not know how we spend, why we are spending and how the money will get back to me no more irresponsible step than voting for the following allocation of 350 billion - CNNMoney.com leads opinion Congressman from Ohio, John Boner

In turn, U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is threatening to veto the decision of the Senate, where it will block the allocation of money.

Takin' it Back with Barack Jack! (For Swing voters!!!)

Sechin, Shmatko leadership and Gazprom flew to Brussels

The delegation of representatives of the Government of Russia and the leadership of Gazprom on Monday went to Brussels to continue discussing the situation with gas deliveries to the EU leadership. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, transmits Interfax with reference to the press service of the government.

- Europe is preparing to Gazprom claims more than 500 million dollars

According to news agency, flew to Brussels and the head of the Ministry Sergei Shmatko The delegation of the Russian gas monopoly is also chairman of Gazprom Alexei Miller, deputy chairman of Gazprom, the general director of Gazprom Export and Alexander Medvedev, Gazprom export "Sergei Yemelyanov, reported gas information (AGI)

On Monday in Brussels, held an urgent meeting of ministers Energy of the European Union, which will discuss the situation with the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine.

In the Belgian capital, plans to sign the final document, which will resume deliveries of Russian gas to Europe.

Send representatives energy unit of the Russian government and Gazprom to participate in the meeting suggested the eve of Prime Minister Russia Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation with the chairman European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom

The crisis - it has come to stay, says Barack Obama

In his first since the election of U.S. President major speech on the economy Barack Obama called on Congress as soon as possible to approve 800-billion plan to stimulate the economy.

"I do not believe that it is already too late to change the course of events, but may be too late if we do not take decisive action as soon as possible - he said. - If nothing is done, the recession could take years." Obama spoke to reporters in Virginia, said the British BBC.

In his speech, he recalled that the output fell to its lowest level in 28 years. Many have been unable to pay the mortgage loans, and the majority of Americans concerned about the future.

He noted that the discount rate close to zero and the continued decline in economic activity the authorities must take action. "Only the Government may in the short term to ensure the recovery necessary to prevent prolonged and deep recession," - said to Barack Obama.

According to , in his speech, President-elect reiterated his support for the U.S. economy, which he intends to make its top priority soon after the forthcoming entry into office.

"I know that the scope of this plan is unprecedented, but the same is the severity of the situation," - said the future head of the White House, adding that if the country does not take action, "the recession could drag on for many years, and unemployment reached double-digit. "

Obama said that his plan will include a number of measures, including tax cuts for the middle class.

He said "95% of working families get a tax cut of $ 1 thousand dollars."

Obama plan also includes the expansion of unemployment benefits, health insurance benefits and doubling the production of alternative forms of energy in the United States.

Obama, whose entry into the post will be held on January 20, devoted his first week in Washington, plans to revive the American economy, at a very serious recession at any time since the 1930's. On Friday, is expected to publish official figures, according to which, in 2008 in the U.S. may have lost their jobs to 2.5 million people.

Obama said that by 2011 would create 3 million new jobs. To enlist the support of his plan from both Democrats and from Republicans, Obama also intends to reduce taxes for businesses and individuals, as well as provide funding for infrastructure development, particularly roads and schools.

Obama has promised that 95% of working families will receive tax relief in the amount of $ 1000 as part of a plan to stimulate consumption. This will be the "first phase of tax cuts for the middle class, which I had promised during the election campaign, which will be included in our next budget," - said the next U.S. president.

The task of Obama, the British journalists, makes it even more difficult is that, according to projections, the U.S. budget deficit in 2009 will reach 1.2 trillion. U.S. - without regard to any immediate plans for saving the economy.

"Plan for Change" Ad

Bulgaria, the Estonian authorities suspect the company of money-1.4 billion dollars from Russia

Judicial authorities are investigating Bulgaria international money laundering scheme, which allegedly involves the Estonian company AS Tavid, currency exchange and sale of gold, together with the Bulgarian and financial firm Optima Ca. According to local media, through the transfer of money between Bulgaria and Estonia "laundered Russian Ruble in the amount of 1,4 billion dollars, the portal Postimees newspaper, referring to AFP.

Press Secretary of the Bulgarian prosecutors Stelyana Kozhuharova confirmed that the investigation actually carried out, but refused to disclose details because it is confidential information. Associated with the investigation source said that the investigation covers the entire European Union.

According to the Bulgarian newspaper 24 Hours, originally large amounts of rubles transferred to the Bulgarian company Optima Ca, offering financial services, as well as buying and selling real estate.

The above company, presumably to apply half the amount in a bank account AS Tavi, which in turn sends them back to Russia. The remaining sum is transferred, according to the newspaper, to a bank account in Cyprus, Dubai, Hong Kong and other countries.

The owner of the company Optima Ca was born in Russia to Finnish passport Helen Elizabeth von Messing. According to her, the turnover of one billion euros, it has no idea of what it is accused.

In turn, one of their leaders AS Tavid Kuno Ryaak told reporters that the suspect in his firm with the international money-laundering nonsense. "We have not contacted any law enforcement authorities or from Bulgaria or from Estonia," - said Ryaak.

According to him, such as AS Tavid financial companies are under the control of the Estonian Bureau of Anti-Money Laundering and the company operates in accordance with all laws related to finance. According to Ryaaka, Bulgarian media have used the name of a foreign company to raise its interest to readers of news, reports .

The press secretary of the Sofia Court Elena Trifonova confirmed that on the instructions of the court were arrested von Messing and CEO of Optima Ca Dmitry Abramkin. December 23, 2008 von Messing was released from detention on bail, but she has no right to leave Bulgaria. Abramkin was still under arrest.

More than a decade ago, a Finnish court recognized von Messing guilty of tax crimes.

Bulgarians in Orange County, CA: Губя контрол когато...

"Indiana Jones" was headed by an annual rating of films with a record number

Film with the highest number of distorted reality is recognized in the current year 2008 painting "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull." Relevant top film compiled and published in Britain on Wednesday news agency.

Movie critics have found the tape in the last epic of Indiana at St. John's 64 errors. These relate to errors that were not observed during the installation of the tape, unexplained change of clothes and make-up of actors in one scene, "incoherence" movements, wrong place names that do not conform to the tape described in an era of equipment and utensils.

At second place in the ranking of the year the picture was published "Mama Mia" - 44 technical errors. Troika closes the latest tape on Betmene - "Dark Knight" - 43 errors. The new film - "Quantum of mercy" was the seventh position - 23 errors.