Dior suspends Galliano after 'rant'

French fashion house suspends star designer after altercation with couple in Paris bar shortly before fashion week

The French fashion house Dior has suspended its star designer, John Galliano, after he was accused of assaulting a couple and making antisemitic insults following a drinking session at a Paris bar.

Galliano, who has been Dior's acclaimed creative director for 14 years, has been suspended from all duties during a police inquiry into the altercation in a bar in the Marais district of Paris.

"The House of Dior declares with the greatest firmness its policy of zero tolerance with regard to any antisemitic or racist statement or attitude," the head of Dior, Sidney Toledano, said in a statement.

Galliano had been due to present his autumn-winter collections for Dior and his own label at next week's Paris Fashion Week.

The flamboyant designer was briefly arrested after allegedly accosting a couple at La Perle bar, near his home. The couple, a Jewish woman and her Asian boyfriend, told French radio Europe 1 he had said to them: "Dirty Jewish face, you should be dead" and "Fucking Asian bastard, I will kill you". He allegedly repeatedly called the woman "ugly" and a "slag". A police official said that Galliano also exchanged slaps with the couple. The row began at around 9pm at the bar known for its hip fashion clientele.

Galliano was arrested and taken to a police station for a sobriety test, where he was found to be just over the legal limit. Police then escorted him to his home.

A police source told Reuters that the outburst was prompted by stress before fashion week. Dior's show is always in the spotlight, with Galliano under pressure each year to top his traditionally eccentric and lavishly decorated shows.

Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, told Agence France Presse: "There was an altercation. Mr Galliano was verbally attacked but at no moment did he make these insults. We have witnesses to that effect."

He said Galliano was not at all in the "state of mind" described and "will explain later". He added that "legal action would be taken against those making such accusations".

Galliano, 50, who took the creative reins of Dior in 1996, has been based in Paris for 20 years. He is a regular face in the Marais where he has often been seen driving a garish classic car, an old-fashioned yellow taxi. Born in Gibraltar, the son of a British plumber and a Spanish mother, the moustachioed Galliano's style has often been attributed to his mixed roots.

The Marais district is the historic centre of the Jewish community in Paris and was heavily targeted in the deportation round-ups of the Nazi occupation. In recent years, its narrow streets have been taken over by fashion shops and bars. Dior's quick action in suspending Galliano could be explained by a recent outcry over another racist remark for which its parent company, the luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton-Moet Hennessy, was seen as being slow to react.

Late last year, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Guerlain store on the the Champs Elysee calling for a worldwide boycott of the perfume house and its owner, LVMH, over a racist slur. One of Guerlain's best-known perfumiers had said on TV that he "worked like a nigger" to create a new scent. Jean-Paul Guerlain, 73, a descendent of the perfume house's founder, was interviewed on French state TV and asked about the creation of a new perfume, Samsara. He replied: "I worked like a nigger. I don't know if niggers have always worked like that, but anyway."

After being publicly slammed for not responding quickly enough, LVMH released a statement "condemning all forms of racism".

• Fashion
• Paris fashion week
• Fashion weeks

Angelique Chrisafis

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/25/john-galliano-suspended-by-dior

latest local news world sports news philippine news ethiopian news tv news

Apple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store

Apple's on a charge today and has just released the Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store. The good news is it's full of fancy new features, including Launchpad, an app launcher that displays all of your Mac apps in one easy to use screen; Mission Control, a unification of Expose, Dashboard, Spaces, and full screen apps; and some new multi-touch gestures. The bad news is that you're going to have to be a member of the Apple Mac Developer program to get in on the action. (Developers: check your email for a promo code that you can redeem on the Mac App Store to download Lion.)

Other highlights include: AirDrop, a new way to share files between Macs; a new iPad-inspired Mac Mail; Versions and Auto Save, which will auto-save your documents and let you view revisions, just in case; Resume, which gives you back your apps the way you left them when you restart; and an improved FileVault with local and external disk encryption.

It's a lot to chew on, but for now the general feel is that Apple's bringing the full screen experience people like from the iPad to the desktop. Hit the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Apple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store

Apple releases Mac OS X Lion developer preview via the Mac App Store originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/apple-releases-mac-os-x-lion-developer-preview-via-the-mac-app-s/

cnn news live news around the world today today world news nbc news news updates

How to Extend Your Laptop's Life

It wasn't too long ago that many users were still scared of the security, durability and performance of laptops. These concerns were only amplified by the difference in price between the portable computers and their desktop cousins. But as prices have fallen and durability risen, users continue to opt for more notebooks than desktops because of one thing: portability.

"The laptop revolution started about two years ago, and I'd say the war was won last Christmas," notes Derek Meister, a Best Buy Geek Squad Double Agent based in Cleveland. "But laptops absolutely decimated desktops this Christmas. It's actually rare for me to go out on a call and set up a desktop. Why? I think people who are looking for desktops either have a very particular reason for it or are only comfortable with it. Laptops are comparable in price and in functionality now, which wasn't always the case."

A survey completed in early February by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that desktop computers are most popular with adults ages 35-65, while millennials (defined as 18-34) are the only generation that is more likely to own a laptop computer or netbook than a desktop. That being said, laptop owners tend to really beat their computers up – taking it to work, to the coffee shop, perhaps to school or even to bed. It becomes imperative then that you take the proper steps to protect and extend the life of your investment.

"To me it's important to take a lot of steps while you're actually using the computer," says Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO of the Chicago-based Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). "But even more importantly, it's what you do when you're not using the computer—where you leave it and how you handle it—that really makes the difference."

Yes, hundreds of stories have been written about extending laptop life (just do a simple Google search). But in this guide, we'll explain the biggest mistakes most users make, simple tips you can take to fix them and also help you to navigate the vast options available as accessories by determining what matters and what you could easily avoid, all with an eye towards business owners and entrepreneurs.

How to Extend Your Laptop's Life: Biggest Mistakes Laptop Owners Make and How to Fix Them

There are plenty of steps you can take to help extend the life of your laptop, but first it is important to recognize what you may be doing wrong. Among the most common mistakes are not adjusting factory settings, charging your battery too often, backing up and memory, overheating and cooling issues, cleanliness and normal wear and tear from all of the transporting of the machine.

Factory Settings: Much like your smartphone, factory settings (namely brightness) are often much higher than necessary for any normal user. By adjusting the settings on your computer to a level that you are comfortable with, you will drain less battery and help your eyes.

"With so many people using computers before they go to bed, brightness is a big issue," Thibodeaux says. "It's really bad for your eyes to stare at a bright computer screen and then go to sleep."

Charging Your Battery Too Often: Laptop batteries, perhaps the most often discussed item on the portable device, is built to function without being plugged into a power source. Batteries are built to have a certain number of "charge cycles" or fully used and then recharged cycles in their lifetime (for an Apple Macbook, anywhere between 350-400). You see plenty of people who use laptops as their main device in the office or at home who leave the computer plugged in constantly while they are working on it, but it's much better practice to drain the battery life before plugging it back in.

Backup and Memory: The more programs you are running, the more RAM (random-access memory) you are taking up. And the more files you have saved (videos, audio, photos), the less space you have on your computer. While it's great to keep everything in one place, what would you do if the computer crashed? That's why it's great to back everything up both on the cloud (programs like Dropbox are a good option) and with an external hard drive (whose prices have also dropped considerably). If your computer is stolen, stops working or is just slow, taking some files off of it and on an external device can speed up performance.

Overheating and Cooling: Again often caused by heavy usage or by leaving it plugged in too often, laptops can easily overheat. It's important to make sure the computer can breathe (laying it down on bed or couch allows no air to do so). Also, if you're a user that is often using it on the couch or on your lap, recent research from Stony Brook University shows that you should have a pillow or a laptop desk between you and the computer.

Cleanliness: As Thibodeaux says, it's what you do with your computer when you're not using it that can affect it most. You should make sure you leave it in a place that doesn't hit any temperature extremes, where it will not be stepped on or damaged, where crumbs can easily get stuck in the keyboard, and where it will not gather too much dust.

"I've seen people permanently damage their screens because the protective coatings on the LCD are very fragile," Thibodeaux says. "But you see people with nasty streaks on their monitor because they cleaned it with Windex or something. That's just not going to work."

Wear and Tear: Based on their portability, laptops can be thrown in bags, tossed on the ground, in the backseat of the car, or more. It's important if you're carrying your computer around through your life to invest in a good sleeve or case, in addition to a padded bag.

Dig Deeper: Laptop Features for Mobile Workers

How to Extend Your Laptop's Life: What Accessories Really Matter

Beyond those simple steps and mistakes, a big part of extending your laptop life is the accessories you decide to invest in. If you walk into Best Buy, it's rather overwhelming to look at the mass number available. But it really isn't that hard to navigate.

"There are so many accessories out there it's sometimes hard to figure out what you need and what is optional," Thibodeaux says. "So for many, you often buy things trying to replicate this desktop experience and never end up using them."

External Hard Drives: As mentioned above, backing up your files and information is a great measure to help speed up performance and extend the life of your computer. But it also works as a great secondary backup if something happens to your computer. Prices have dropped considerably here as well, and you can get a terabyte of memory for less than $100 at many stores.

Cases/Sleeves: "Most people end up getting too much case or sleeve for their use," Thibodeaux says. "Unless you are a road warrior toting your computer around all the time, you don't need a heavy-duty bag and cushioning." You can buy simple sleeves for less than $50 to protect your computer as you throw it in your backpack.

Wireless Mouse: Perhaps the most popular accessory purchased and asked about at Best Buy, it's really unnecessary for many users. "If you're one of those users that just can't imagine life without a mouse, it's a fine accessory to buy," Meister says. "But to me, it's a waste of money because the trackpads today just work so well." Having a mouse won't affect the life of your laptop, but it's money better spent elsewhere.

Dig Deeper: 4 Rugged Notebooks

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inc/headlines/~3/G2nUhdHYQz8/how-to-extend-your-laptops-life.html

political news articles science news news papers unemployment news channel 6 news

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill taking away union rights

Source: http://columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/02/25/wisconsin-assembly-passes-bill-taking-away-union-rights/

channel 12 news long island current news stories abc news chicago news bbc health news articles

Bernie's autobiography

Spotted this earlier and thought it was worthy of discussion.
...

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?141413-Bernie-s-autobiography&goto=newpost

news for today news sites sbs world news latin america news latest news

Tips on Maintaining Good Vendor Relationships

It’s critical at the start of any vendor relationship to communicate your goals, business vision, and your expectations. When a vendor understands how important customer service is to you, for example, they will be encouraged to work harder in that area. Knowing your goals will help them make the best decisions in your favor.

Select a team leader or project manager to keep track of each vendor. This manager should check in with frequent phone calls and site visits to solicit feedback from the vendor. Remember: phone calls are more personal than e-mails, while site visits will go even further to bolster your confidence in the vendor and let them know that they are an important part of the team. This person should respond to any vendor questions and concerns promptly and make sure to keep the lines of communication flowing.

When establishing a vendor relationship make sure to put everything—responsibilities, best practices, expected sales volume, payment receipts—in writing. Follow up all verbal communications and requests with e-mails. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications.

Schedule periodic and detailed progress reports from the vendor. These reports will give you a clear insight into how the business is growing, bring to light any glitches or problems early on, and allow you to resolve any issues before they become big problems.

It’s important to respect your vendors’ time and resources. Delays on your end or last minute alterations can affect their profit margins and strain the relationship. Similarly, pay on time and if you can’t, explain to the vendor why, reschedule the payment, and don’t flake out again.

Don’t assume that vendors know your company’s unique needs. Determine if training might be necessary. The additional expense will be worth it.

It’s inevitable that mistakes will happen that may even result in lost business or clients, but don’t over react or jump to conclusions. State the problem without assigning blame and trust that it will be corrected.

Low balling your quotes and expecting something for nothing is a bad way to maintain a good vendor relationship.

When you’re loyal to your vendor by consistently giving them business and sticking with them through mistakes, misunderstandings or miscommunications, they may return the favor by offering discounts and incentives. If you are considering alternative vendors, under no circumstances should you let your current vendor know that. It may seem like a good way to negotiate for lower prices, but you risk your vendor feeling slighted.

Don’t get into the habit of asking for outrageous requests or favors from your vendors. But when you do occasionally, show some good will by offering some easier jobs, throwing them more business, giving them referrals, and understanding that they may not always be able to accommodate immediate or unexpected requests.

Don’t be afraid to be friendly with your vendors. Try not to make every communication with them a serious one. The more you get to know their team and the more they think of you as a friend, the more good will they’ll be willing to show you when you need it.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/inc/headlines/~3/J7sASs2WX80/tips-on-maintaining-good-vendor-relationships

latest world news headlines europe news live news the world news current news events

2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC ? WSBK Tech for the Masses

Fresh off its victory in the 2010 FIM World Superbike Championship, Aprilia is bringing its WSBK tech to the masses. Designated as Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), The Italian company first debuted its 8-stage adjustable traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and a quick shifter package on the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC, which debuted at the 2010 EICMA show. Now the company from Noale is bringing that same electronics package to its more affordable ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/kS7AYQsolAM/

news of the world world news live world current news economic news news world