Tuesday, May 26, 2009

North Korea fires short-range missiles

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea fired two short-range missiles from its east coast Tuesday -- a day after conducting a nuclear test -- South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing a South Korean official.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-II is suspected to have suffered a stroke last August.
"The North is continuing its saber-rattling," the unnamed official said.

The firings came a day after the reclusive communist state conducted a nuclear test and fired another short-range missile.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said Tuesday the international community would not be intimidated by North Korea's "provocative and destabilizing" missile tests.

"If they want to continue to test and provoke the international community, they're going to find that they will pay a price, because the international community is very clear -- this is not acceptable, it won't be tolerated, and they won't be intimidated," Rice told CNN's "American Morning." Watch Rice's reaction »

The U.N. Security Council -- which includes North Korea's closest ally, China -- on Monday unanimously condemned Pyongyang's nuclear test as a "clear violation" of international law.

After passing the non-binding statement of criticism, the Security Council is now working on passing "a strong resolution with teeth," Rice said. "Those teeth could take various different forms - they are economic levers, they are other levers that we might pursue," she said.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

North Korea confirms nuclear test

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea has conducted its second nuclear test, the country's state news agency announced Monday.

This screen grab from North Korean television on April 9 shows leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang.
The confirmation came little more than an hour after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 4.7 seismic disturbance at the site of North Korea's first nuclear test in October 2006. The North Korea's Korean Central News Agency said Monday's test was conducted "as part of the measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way."

In Seoul, South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak's office said the country was investigating the reported test and would hold an emergency meeting of its national security council.

And in Tokyo, Prime Minister Taro Aso's office said it has set up a special task force to look into the test and how to respond.

There was no immediate response from Washington or Beijing.

"The current nuclear test was safely conducted on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control and the results of the test helped satisfactorily settle the scientific and technological problems arising in further increasing the power of nuclear weapons and steadily developing nuclear technology," KCNA announced.

There was no immediate information on the yield of the weapon used. But the first North Korean test produced, according to U.S. intelligence estimates, an explosion equal to less than 1,000 tons of TNT -- a fraction of the size of the bombs the United States dropped on Japan at the end of World War II.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Chinese boats harassed U.S. ship, officials say

By Barbara Starr
CNN Pentagon Correspondent

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two Chinese fishing vessels came "dangerously close" to a U.S. military ship in the Yellow Sea off the coast of China last week -- the fifth such incident in the past few months, two U.S. officials told CNN Tuesday.

The USNS Victorious is an unarmed ocean surveillance ship operated by a civilian crew.
The officials -- who could not be identified because the incident has not yet been formally announced -- said the two Chinese boats approached the USNS Victorious, a military sealift command ship, in international waters Friday in the Yellow Sea, which lies between China and North and South Korea.

Over a period of several hours, the officials said, the Chinese vessels repeatedly came close to the Victorious in what was described as deliberate maneuvers -- once coming within 30 yards of the U.S. vessel.

Both officials said the Chinese vessels came to a dead halt in front of the Victorious at one point, in heavy fog, causing the U.S. ship to have to come to a dangerous sudden stop. The officials did not know the exact size of the Chinese ships but described them as being smaller than the 235-foot long U.S. vessel.

The crew of the Victorious turned its fire hoses on to keep the Chinese ships away but did not directly spray them at the smaller boats, one official said. The Victorious also sounded its danger alarm system and radioed for assistance to a larger Chinese fisheries service vessel nearby. That vessel did shine a light on the small Chinese vessels but took no further action, the official said.

The USNS Victorious is an unarmed ocean surveillance ship operated by a civilian mariner crew working for the Military Sealift Command. The mission is to conduct authorized undersea listening operations in international waters, according to the U.S. Navy. There is video of this latest incident, but it has not been released by the Pentagon.

The Victorious was involved in another incident with a Chinese ship on March 4 in the Yellow Sea, when a Chinese Bureau of Fisheries Patrol vessel used a spotlight to illuminate the Victorious and crossed the U.S. vessel's bow "at a range of about 1,400 yards in darkness without notice or warning," according to a Pentagon statement.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Barack Obama Memorabilia - Making History

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States and a new chapter in American History officially began. Barack's campaign and presidency have created Obama mania and people cannot seem to get enough. The intense search for any and all Barack related news, memorabilia and family information has swept the country, and folks are clamoring for anything that has to do with our new president. The reality is this: the demand of Obama related merchandise has exceeded the supply. Advise: don't wait any longer if you want your piece of this groundbreaking history.

Barack Obama memorabilia is amongst some of the most highly sought after merchandise and there are hundreds of websites to search for that special item you may be looking for. The disappointment comes when you find it, but it's sold out. However, there are some very industrious people who have created websites that deal exclusively with Barack Obama collectibles, memorabilia and other Barack information. If you are interested in learning the latest newsworthy information coming from the Oval Office, speeches from the campaign, inauguration or current day-to-day Obama news, it can be found quickly and easily. Keep up with Michelle Obama and the girls as well by using one website for everything!

Books (like Barack Obama's book, "Dreams from My Father"), DVDs and posters are just a few of the items people are searching for. Unique pieces such as limited edition framed artwork and even snowboards depicting Obama in a superman suit are amongst the hottest merchandise to find. Tote bags bearing a photo of Barack, stars and stripes hockey jerseys with the Obama name emblazoned on the back, presidential action figures, Barack and Michelle bobble heads, 44th president buttons, and "Yes We Did" T-shirts are a few more of the hot items to own. Collectibles such as 24K gold coins, engraved crystal plates, and shot glasses bearing the image of Barack and even trading cards are all highly sought after merchandise.

These specialized shopping websites not only have an inventory of the latest merchandise, but they also have the latest top news from the office of the President. Read what the Chicago Tribune or Newsday has to say about decisions coming from White House. Stay abreast of what is happening on the Hill while you are doing your one-stop shopping for Barack Obama specialty items. Be the first one to own limited edition collectibles and memorabilia depicting this historical figure as he begins his journey as the 44th President of the United States. Wear your rhinestone jeweled Obama hat or your winter beanie with Barack's name across the front with pride and let people know you were a part of the greatest election ever!

Begin now searching for the website that will give you everything you could possibly want to know about Barack, Michelle and the White House. Look for all of those incredible memorabilia items that will last and be talked about for generations to come. The definition of memorabilia is: things worthy of remembrance. Remember this time in history with something special and unique. Have fun finding the perfect Barack Obama merchandise to commemorate this incredible time in our history!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Barack Obama Memorabilia.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

How To Find Work Overseas - 5 Tips To Get That Job Abroad

So you want to know how to find work overseas?

First you need to know, working in your own country alone can be a challenge so if you desire to work abroad then there is one quality that you simply must have. Determination. If you are planning to work, move or travel to say, Italy , France , Thailand or some exotic island, then this quality is vital.

Once you have the determination you then need to have a strategy on how to find work overseas and getting that job abroad. So how do you make it happen?

Here are 5 strategies that you can use to start your journey.

1) Just Do it

Pack your bags and GO. Now this strategy is simple but definitely not for the weak of heart. Pick a country, go there and hope all goes well. But of course you need to so some planning before hand. Do some research on your chosen countries job market, get some contacts that you can use or call when you arrive. Be sure you have some pocket money on the side to last you until you find a job there.

As you can see, there are risks involved. You may, or may not find a job. If anything else, you have had an adventurous experience.

2) Get Posted Abroad

Find a company that is known for sending their employees abroad and work for them. Of course its no guarantee that you will be chosen when the next posting comes around so letting your manager know of your interest might help. I know of a few friends who worked for 5 star hotels and actually got transferred abroad.

3) Volunteer Programs

Take time out and do something worthwhile! Volunteer. There are several volunteers programs you can check out. Often times volunteering can be very hard but the sense of achievement is enormous.

4) Go Back to School

There are plenty of opportunities in other countries, from teaching courses, language courses to ongoing programs in archeology. Once you are there, try and get as many local connections that you need in order to get a paid job. These information you can use later in the future. Having said that, you should also be fully aware of the rules and restrictions for work permits.

Remember, you are there under a student visa, so taking a full time job may get you into trouble. And that is the last thing you need.

5) Freelance

Everyone has their own skills that they could benefit from. What you can do here, you can most probably do overseas. You can freelance as consultants, technical writers, journalists, graphic artists, modeling, teach English or any language that you know. You will be surprised at how quickly your income generates by just freelancing.

Hope that helps and get you started on how to find work overseas.