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HSBC Cut 30,000 Jobs in Last Two Years

HSBC has reduced its number of staff by almost 30,000 in the last two years and said more job cuts are likely across the bank to achieve its cost efficiency targets.

The bank had 266,700 staff at the end of September, down from 296,000 at the end of 2010 and down about 21,000 this year.

HSBC Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver said about 15,000 of the reduction was due to disposals by the bank and he expected more cuts before the end of 2013 to improve cost efficiency. "We are probably likely to see the headcount reduce further...in terms of the organic reduction, there's still some way to go," he told reporters on a conference call.

Gulliver said in May 2011 he would cut about 30,000 jobs as part of a restructuring plan.

Source:- foxnews.com

Bahrain: 2 killed in bomb blasts in capital; government blames 'terrorism'

MANAMA, Bahrain – A series of bomb blasts in Bahrain's capital killed two people Monday, authorities said, a sign that some factions within the opposition may be increasingly turning to violence in the nearly 21-month uprising against the Gulf nation's Western-backed rulers.
The apparently coordinated string of five explosions in Manama — described by officials as "terrorism" — comes less than a week after Bahrain banned all protest gatherings in attempts to quell the deepening unrest in the strategic kingdom, which is home the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
Clashes have not eased, including crowds pelting three police stations with firebombs early Sunday. More than 55 people have been killed Bahrain's unrest since February 2011 as the nation's majority Shiites press for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled island nation.
Officials also suggested three could be crackdowns against Shiite religious leaders, and that could sharply intensify the clashes. Government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab blamed the attacks on statements by some Shiite "religious figures who haven't ceased inciting violence against civilians and police."
She said authorities would show "zero tolerance" in its efforts to stamp out unrest.
In Monday's violence, two Asian men were killed and a third person was injured as at least five homemade explosive devices were detonated, the Interior Ministry said. One man died after kicking a bomb and triggered an explosion, and the other died from injuries in a separate blast, officials said, but they did not immediately give names or nationalities.
Like all Gulf Arab countries, Bahrain has a large South Asian community of expatriate workers.
The official Bahrain News Agency described the blasts, over a nearly five-hour span, as an "act of terrorism."
Anti-government factions in Bahrain have used homemade bombs in the past, including a blast that killed a policeman last month in a mostly Shiite village. The latest attack suggests an expanding campaign of violence because of the scope of the bombings and their placement scattered throughout the heart of the capital, including near one area of restaurants and nightlife popular with Westerners.
On Wednesday, foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council plan to meet in Bahrain to discuss regional issues, including Bahrain's tensions and growing clashes in Kuwait between security forces and an opposition led by Islamists.
Bahrain's Western allies have urged renewed efforts at dialogue to ease the crisis, but opposition groups insist that talks cannot move forward unless the monarchy is willing to make greater concessions to loosen its hold on the country's affairs. Bahrain's leaders have so far made reforms that include transferring more oversight powers to the elected parliament.
Shiites make up about 70 percent of Bahrain's 525,000 citizens. They claim they face systematic discrimination, such as being blocked from top political and security posts.
Last week, the U.S. State Department issued unusually harsh criticism against ally Bahrain after its decision to outlaw public demonstrations. Previously, officials in Bahrain had permitted some protest marches, but most clashes have occurred outside the authorized rallies.
"The decision to curb these rights is contrary to Bahrain's professed commitment to reform and will not help advance national reconciliation nor build trust among all parties," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.

Source:-

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/05/bahrain-2-killed-in-bomb-blasts-in-capital

China tries to wear down Japan in island dispute

BEIJING – Chinese patrol boats have harried the Japanese Coast Guard many times a week for more than a month in an unusually relentless response to their latest maritime spat.
Four Chinese craft typically push to within hailing distance of Japan's ships. They flash illuminated signs in Japanese to press Beijing's argument that it has ancient claims to a set of tiny East China Sea islands now controlled by Tokyo. China says its craft have tried to chase the Japanese away at least once, although Japan denies any of its ships fled.
The huge uptick in incidents has brought the sides into dangerously close proximity, reflecting a campaign by Beijing to wear down Japanese resolve with low-level, non-military maneuvers but also boosting the risk of a clash.
Although China wields a formidable arsenal, it has yet to deploy military assets in such encounters. Instead, Beijing has dispatched ships from government maritime agencies — only one of which is armed — to keep a lid on gunfire. Those agencies are now receiving added attention, with new ships on order and a national call going out for recruits.
China says ships from its Marine Surveillance service are merely defending Chinese sovereignty and protesting illegal Japanese control over the uninhabited islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. The missions began after Japan's government purchased three of the five islands from their private Japanese owner in September, enraging a Chinese government that saw it as an attempt to boost Japan's sovereignty claim. It also sparked violent anti-Japanese protests in dozens of Chinese cities.
China's short-term goal has been primarily to force Japan to at least acknowledge that the islands are in dispute — something it has refused to do — but the boost in patrols raises the likelihood of a bigger confrontation, said Wang Dong, director of the Center for Northeast Asian Strategic Studies at Peking University.
"I'm very concerned about the current situation. The possibility of escalation cannot be ruled out," Wang said.
With emotions running high, any accident or miscalculation in these maritime missions could yield unexpected outcomes.
"One side might deploy a naval vessel in a support fashion, a move that the other would match," said M. Taylor Fravel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who is closely following the dispute.
Japan has made it clear that it intends to meet the Chinese challenge in kind.
Japanese Coast Guard spokesman Yasuhiko Oku said the dispute was a factor behind the government's allocation last week of 17 billion yen ($212 million) to beef up the Coast Guard fleet with seven new patrol ships and three helicopters, though he said the new assets are not only for use around the islands.
Oku declined, for national security reasons, to say how many ships patrol the islands. But he said the dispute has been a "significant draw" on resources.
Tensions in the region were highlighted by U.S.-Japan naval exercises that began Monday at various locations, involving some 37,400 Japanese and 10,000 U.S. troops. At the same time, Japanese and Chinese diplomats were in consultation in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
China's Foreign Ministry said the exercises were "not conducive to mutual trust in regional security," and urged the parties to "do more that helps regional peace and stability."
Already, the near-constant presence of Chinese ships around the disputed islands has stretched the Japanese Coast Guard, which pulled out of a recent fleet review to free up ships for patrols. That's a victory of sorts for Beijing's vow to claim what it calls sacred territory, between Taiwan and Japan's Okinawa. Taiwan also claims the islands, which were under U.S. administration after World War II before reverting to Japanese control in 1972.
Chinese outrage stems partly from lingering resentment over Japan's brutal World War II occupation of much of China, feelings that are constantly stoked by China's education system and state-controlled media. But control of sea lanes and potentially rich undersea minerals are also at play, along with China's burning desire for respect as a world power.
China and Japan have no formal agreement on preventing unintended incidents at sea, making it easier for events to spin out of control as they did when a Chinese fishing boat rammed a Japanese cutter in 2010, leading to a diplomatic standoff and anti-Japanese protests in China.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said last week that the sides need to calm down. "It's incredibly important that both countries appreciate what they have built and step back from the brink," Campbell said in Washington.
Chinese craft entered waters near the islands for the third consecutive day on Sunday, marking at least the 11th incursion in recent weeks. The Japanese Coast Guard has described all the incidents as routine without a risk of clashes, and said none of its ships have backed down.
However, the Chinese government said last week that its boats had performed "expulsion measures" against Japanese ships.
"Chinese law enforcement vessels have a foothold in the waters around Diaoyu and are expanding their activities to safeguard Chinese sovereignty," China's stridently nationalistic Communist Party tabloid Global Times said last Wednesday. It called that a warning to the Philippines, Vietnam and other neighbors to "think twice before they provoke China."
Some scholars say China's apparent strategy to gradually erode Japanese control through low-key actions has been abetted by a non-committal response from Washington, who has said it takes no stance on the islands' sovereignty despite recognizing its treaty obligations to back Tokyo in a conflict.
China uses a similar approach in the South China Sea where it has maritime disputes with several other nations.
Earlier this year, Beijing managed to nudge the Philippines out of a disputed shoal by entering a lengthy but nonviolent maritime standoff. After both sides stood down, China set up barriers with ropes and buoys to block further access. Chinese ships have also sought to cut sonar cables and otherwise harass ships of the U.S. Navy.

Source:-
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/11/05/china-steps-up-presence-near-disputed-islands-boostng-risk-military-clash-with

Hurricane Sandy Emergency Information

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Install a generator for emergencies.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
Consider building a safe room.

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. For more detailed information on how you can protect your property, view NFIP’s printer-friendly handout Avoiding Hurricane Damag

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.

If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Avoid elevators.

After a Hurricane

Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS/1-800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well site: www.safeandwell.org

The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.

If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Publications

FEMA Publications

If you require more information about any of these topics, the following are resources that may be helpful.

Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage. FEMA-247. A guide to hurricane preparedness.
Community Hurricane Preparedness. IS-324. CD-ROM or Web-based training course for federal, state and local emergency managers.
How to Guides to Protect Your Property or Business from High Winds.
Surviving the Aftermath of a Hurricane. A guide from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Other Publications

Returning Home after a Hurricane or Flood. American Red Cross.
Repairing Your Flooded Home. American Red Cross.
Avoiding Hurricane Damage. Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. Detailed information on how you can protect your property.

Related Websites

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:

Recommended Training

FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has developed a training program to encourage community hurricane preparedness. This computer-based course provides basic information about dealing with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Visit EMI online and select the ‘take this course’ option at the top of the right hand column to take the interactive web-based course.

Listen to Local Officials

Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Source:- http://www.ready.gov

obama vs romney

Mitt Romney at a Glance

Full Name: Willard Mitt Romney

Political Office: Governor of Massachusetts, 2003-2007

Business/Professional Experience: Consultant, Boston Consulting Group, 1975-77, Bain & Co., Boston, 1977-78, vice president, 1978-84, chairman, CEO, 1991—2001; managing partner, CEO Bain Capital, Inc., 1984—2001; president, CEO Salt Lake Organizing Committee (Winter Olympics), Utah, 1999—2002

Date of Birth: March 12, 1947

Place of Birth: Detroit, Mich.

Education: B.A., Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1971; J.D., Harvard Law School, 1975; M.B.A., Harvard Business School, 1975

Spouse: Married Ann Davies, 1969

Children: Taggart, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin, Craig.

Religion: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)

Home: Boston, Mass.

OBAMA at a Glance

Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Wikipedia

Born: August 4, 1961 (age 51), Honolulu

Full name: Barack Hussein Obama II

Siblings: Maya Soetoro-Ng, George Obama, Mark Ndesandjo, David Ndesandjo, More

Education: Harvard Law School (1988–1991), More

Children: Natasha Obama, Malia Ann Obama

Romney campaign returns to Granite State where it began

Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney's last full day of campaigning for the 2012 presidential race will take him Monday night to the battleground state where his quest began: New Hampshire.

For Doug and Stella Scamman, it's only fitting that Romney's election eve politicking includes their home state. They hosted his June, 2011 campaign launch, at their sprawling farm in Stratham.

"Mitt Romney was the best person and the best qualified," Stella Scamman said in a telephone interview. "From Day One, we have been with him."

President Obama leads Romney by an average of about 2 percentage points in New Hampshire, according to recent statewide polls compiled by RealClearPolitics. The GOP standard-bearer is a known quantity to Granite State voters, spending his summers with his family at their vacation home near Lake Winnipesaukee and from his days as governor of neighboring Massachusetts.

Romney's New Hampshire event is a rally in Manchester featuring Kid Rock, whose song Born Free has been the GOP nominee's campaign anthem. The Associated Press reports Romney is considering making an additional trip to Ohio on Tuesday.

Doug Scamman, a former speaker of the New Hampshire House, and his wife, also an ex-legislator, backed Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 GOP primaries. After checking out the 2012 crop of Republicans and hearing from Massachusetts lawmakers about Romney's record in the Bay State, the Scammans decided that Romney's business, government and Olympics experience would serve him well in the White House.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Scammans' property on that June day last year to hear Romney outline his vision and criticize Obama for having "failed America."

The old dairy farm, formerly known as the Bittersweet Farm, includes more than 200 acres in conservation and 40 acres for growing vegetables and where the Scammans' house and barn are located.

Supporters waved American flags as Romney spoke, and Ann Romney helped serve chili to the guests. Her recipe, along with pictures from the campaign launch, are featured in Stella Scamman's cookbook that came out last year.

Today, Stella Scamman says people who drive by the property mistake it as Romney's state campaign headquarters because their support for the candidate is readily apparent. She estimates as many as five people a day stop by the house, asking where to get similar yard signs.

Doug Scamman says he believes the race will come down to the economy, just as Romney noted on his farm last year.

"The country needs someone who can go in and be able to get efficiencies built into the government and work with all the people," Scamman said. "He can make things happen."

Source:- http://www.usatoday.com

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