Detroit is the largest American city to go bankrupt

 

Last act of the agony of the "Motor City". The city of Detroit, the birthplace of the American automobile industry, declared Thursday, July 18 bankrupt – the largest bankruptcy of a city in the history of the United States . The debt of the largest city in Michigan is estimated at 18.5 billion dollars (14 billion euros)! Governor Snyder has found that there was no other solution.

"I take this difficult decision so that the people of Detroit have access to basic public services and for Detroit to start over on a solid financial foundation that will allow it to grow the future, "said Rick Snyder, Governor of the State of Michigan, in a statement.

Before Detroit, major cities such as New York, Cleveland and Philadelphia found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy, but Detroit is the first American city to officially seek the protection of bankruptcy. 

U.S. President Barack Obama told by a spokesman for the White House that he was following the situation closely. But, unlike what happened with the great crisis of 2008, during which the federal government decided to bail out manufacturers General Motors and Chrysler , with billions of dollars, the president did not promise this time.

Detroit was once synonymous with industrial know-how. The giants of the automobile industry had developed from 1941 to 1945 to produce tanks, planes and ammunition, which had earned the city the nickname "arsenal of democracy" ,. Now synonymous with decline, ruin, crime, the city has seen its population melt gradually from 1.8 million in 1950 to 700,000 today. Now a third of the population lives in poverty and 20% are unemployed.

City destroyed

The loss of manufacturing jobs, the exodus of white residents to the suburbs, which accelerated after the race riots of the 60s, have left the city devastated. Today, Detroit has more than two for active retirees. With a quarter of abandoned buildings in some areas, no other American city has focused more heavily the burden of de-industrialization.

In addition, the city was rocked by corruption scandals over the years. Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit and ex-rising star of the Democratic Party, is in prison after being convicted of several corruption, including rigging bids, then his tenure.

The murder rate is at its highest level in nearly 40 years, only one third of the ambulance fleet was commissioned in the first quarter of 2013, and some 78,000 abandoned buildings in the city created , ent "problems additional public safety and reduce the quality of life in the city," said Michigan Governor in his letter.

With news

CINEMA: "Hijacking" Somali piracy seen by the Danish Film

 

To make a force of international news, attacks of Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean would one day be brought to the big screen. This fall, the United States, is expected "Captain Phillips", a film by Paul Greengrass with Tom Hanks and Catherine Keener in the title roles, which returns to the recent hijacking of a cargo U.S..

Outside Hollywood, Danish cinema has also discussed the issue with "Hijacking", panting and effective thriller Tobias Lindholm who, after receiving a warm welcome at the last Festival Venice, out Wednesday, July 10 in French theaters. 

Far from Hollywood guns

"Hijacking" back on two recently held hostage by Somali pirates on Danish oil and the film could have been lost in the water, sometimes disorders of the film "inspired by facts re , LIVE "in which more than a filmmaker could not avoid the wreck. But control and dexterity with which Tobias Lindholm directs his story – and plans held camera – allow him to avoid the many pitfalls of such .

The main highlight of this deeply human drama is in two characters: on one side, the ragged and bon vivant Mikkel (Pilou Asbaek), chef of the crew forced to play intermediate between pirates and employers, on the other, the austere Peter (Soren Malling), CEO of the Danish owner of the cargo company, which insists on not wanting to negotiate that & rsquo , with the attackers present on the ship. More than a meticulous reconstruction of a news story, "Hijacking" portrays two men brought, despite themselves, to manage an extreme emergency.

In fact, Tobias Lindholm is far from Hollywood guns. Here, no martial music, finely chopped editing, slow motion sequences heroic or breast tears with families of the hostages desperately waiting for news. The storming of the ship, which could ensure a great time sensational, is not even shown on the screen

.

Claustrophobia and intimate violence

The action scenes vitamin content, the Danish filmmaker rather claustrophobic anxiety of the hostages, cloistered in tiny cabins for months and Calvary subdued violence cold negotiations sanitized offices of Danish oil company.

Along the way, the film leaves its protagonists gradually shed their stereotypical traits to be in the public eye. Peter, for example, is not an uncompromising and ruthless boss with fine glasses. It is measured as a man whose sense of responsibility willingly push to pay any ransom to ensure the safe life for its employees.

Similarly, Omar (Abdihakin Asgar), the English spokesman for pirates, is more affable than actually threatening. In fact, Tobias Lindholm is careful to portray the attackers as bloodthirsty villains, and no hesitation to show in one of the few scenes of the film hope , trying to sing "Happy Birthday" with their hostages.

What good, after all?

But taking and well-crafted as it is, "Hijacking" ultimately not escape the question "why bother?" Neither pure entertainment or documentary – despite his relentless accuracy when it comes to restoring the facts – the film was not even the ambition to scrutinize, as brilliantly done Kathryn Bigelow "Zero Dark Thirty" the mecha , mechanisms leading to violence and moral sacrifice. 

In the press release of the film, Tobias Lindholm says "Somalis certainly will not agree with that, but the giant fridges sail off their country and I can understand why starving kids want to take it. Why the international community does it do anything? This is a terribly complicated problem. "

Essentially told the Danish point of view, the movie bears no little interest to the geopolitical issues that can lead to acts of piracy in this region. Film captivating and cleverly staged, "Hijacking" remains in the background, too to the surface to create an entire membership.

"Bloody Sunday" and "United 93", made, them, by Paul Greengrass, also followed this path of realistic reproduction of facts which, in spite of many qualities, let viewers a taste of too little. "Bloody Sunday" came back on the events of 30 January 1972 in Northern Ireland, when 14 protesters were killed by gunfire in the British army while "United 93" told the dice , tournement, September 11, the plane that crashed near Pittsburgh.

Hopefully his "Captain Phillips" fits into the no Kathryn Bigelow, which can not cease to admire the ability to overcome the constraints of strict reconstruction to better probe the complexity of the world.

TENNIS: Rafael Nadal's surprise elimination in the first round of Wimbledon

 

Rafael Nadal was eliminated in the first round of Wimbledon by Belgian Steve Darcis, world 135th, author of a huge surprise by winning in straight sets 7-6 (7/4 ), 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 on Monday.

This is the first time in his career that Nadal, winner of the London grass in 2008 and 2010, losing in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament.

Further evidence of the immense sensation that rocked Wimbledon since its opening day, the Spaniard was never inclined Grand Slam against a player ranked as badly as Darcis, 135th in World , 29 years.

Already last year, Nadal had left the tournament early with a defeat in the second round against the Czech Lucas Rosol. 

He suffered martyrdom because of his left knee, which was then forced to leave the circuit for seven months.

Revenue in February, he managed an amazing return by reaching the final of the nine tournaments he has played for seven titles in total, including two weeks ago won at Roland Garros.

But on Monday, knee pain, bandaged as usual, seems to have caught since Nadal became increasingly diminished over the game, though, as usual, n ' did not want to dwell on the subject.

"I do not want to talk about my knee this afternoon. All I could say would sound like an excuse. And I do not want that. This is not a good day to talk about it. This is sport, sometimes you play well, sometimes you play bad today not much has worked for me, "he said, refusing to validate the comparison with the defeat of the last year against Rosol.

"It is difficult to adapt to grass, this is probably the most demanding surface for me. I have not found my rhythm, "he added.

Before the tournament, he spoke without any preparation tournament on grass in the legs, he had confided his fear to find a very challenging area for the joints.

Struggling to his backhand from the start, he had more and more difficult to move stop to see his series of 22 consecutive victories since his dice faced Novak Djokovic in the final of Monte Carlo in mid-April.

Thus Darcis, unlikely hero with his 12 disposals in the first round of a Grand Slam in 18 occasions, created the event on the first day of the short N.1 Wimbledon with an ace on match point.

"Nobody expected my victory today. In agreement Nadal did not play his best tennis and I knew that the first match on grass is always difficult. But this is a great victory for me, "said the Belgian, 44th World in 2008 that had won a match so far at Wimbledon.

"Yes, but I've always played on grass, even if it has not necessarily been the case in this tournament. I had already beaten a Top 10 here on the Central with Berdych last year at the Olympics, "said Darcis.

While the Belgian find Polish Lucasz Kubot in the second round defeat Nadal releases a little the way Roger Federer, placed in the same part of the Spanish table and easy winner Romanian Victor Hanescu of Monday in the opening match on Centre.

AFP

INTERNET: Piracy: Justice delivered a first cut Internet

 

It took four years after the introduction of Hadopi (High Authority for the dissemination of works and protection of rights on the Internet). The district court of the Seine-Saint-Denis has just made the first cut internet for 15 days for a person convicted of illegally downloaded copyrighted works copyright. The judgment was made in late May, according to the PC Inpact who first revealed Wednesday, June 12 site is subject to a fine of 600 euros.

This ruling comes after three customary warnings required by law. The user affected by this procedure is believed to have hacked "two works." He would always post Inpact PC, especially not responded to warnings in the form of messages and emails. He would not even attend the hearing of the court to decide his fate. Still, it was another 10 days to appeal.

So far, the device fight against illegal downloading under Hadopi had given rise to a money judgment in September 2012. The user was then fined 150 euros for Rihanna songs illegally downloaded by his wife.

Technical difficulties

Internet disconnection is the sanction of last resort under the law. The conviction in late May by the district court arrived at this title at a pivotal moment in the troubled life of the Hadopi law, which was set up under the chairmanship , Presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy. The reason for this high authority, indeed, about to be gutted. The government intends to soon repeal the right to suspend, by court order, the Internet connection. "The decree is in the loop, it must obtain the opinion of the State Council," confirmed to PC Inpact, the French Minister of Culture Aurélie Filippetti.

The recent court decision could also bring grist to the mill of those who argue that the possibility of imposing an Internet disconnection is not effective. The suspension of the connection is, in fact, far from being effective. The implementation of sanctions not obvious. This is, indeed, not full access to the network can be cut, but only the "public" web.

In other words, the ISP (Internet Service Provider) must implement a selective cut. The user is condemned to continue to have access to his mailbox, instant messaging and all that belongs to the private email correspondence. In addition, digital TV and telephone – often involving the same networks as the Internet in three bunches in one – must be maintained. "All the operators do not have the technical capacity to carry out such a selective suspension," admitted Alex Türk, President of the CNIL (National Commission for Informatics and Liberties ) about this judiciaro engineering puzzle.

INTERNET: Yahoo! ready to get their hands on Tumblr for $ 1.1 billion

 

The board of Yahoo has approved the friendly takeover of the platform microblogging Tumblr for $ 1.1 billion (€ 857 million), announces the Wall Street Journal Sunday, citing sources close to the folder.

It would be the largest acquisition in the Internet portal since the arrival at its head Marissa Meyer, a former Google in July 2012.

Citing sources close to the situation, AllThingsD said that Yahoo, one of the oldest Internet names, is interested in the excitement by Tumblr youth.

Yahoo overshadowed for many years by new internet giants Google or Facebook, and wants his image and dust halting its activities. 

This comes after the failure of his plan to acquire 75% of the French online video site, Dailymotion, France Telecom.

Tumblr is one of the two social networks with the rage in recent months. The company hosts 108 million blogs and boasts 50.7 billion messages exchanged between them.

The network is just beginning to garner revenue through advertising.

Yahoo, which has declined to comment, has issued an invitation to the press conference for Monday in Manhattan "something special", without saying more.

REUTERS

Strong explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas

 

Some 60 to 70 people were killed and hundreds injured in a powerful explosion occurred Wednesday night in a fertilizer plant near Waco, Texas (southern United States), announced , a local chain, KWTX News, citing the head of emergency services.

The report could not be immediately verified by AFP. KWTX quotes the director of emergency services in West, north of Waco, George Smith.

The explosion occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. (0100 GMT Thursday) in West Fertilizer plant, said by telephone told AFP the spokesman of the firemen, Don Yeager, stating that its origin has not yet been determined but could be due to ammonia.

"The explosion was so powerful it caused fires in adjacent buildings," he added.

Firefighters were injured in a second explosion when they intervened at the scene, according to CBS News.

The injured were taken to hospitals in the region. 

According to local media, the windows of nearby houses were shattered, because the breath of the blast.

"There was initially a small fire and water came into contact with ammonia," then there was a huge explosion, said a receptionist in a hotel close.

"I live 300 meters away and my windows were blown out," said the witness, Jason Shelton, the Dallas Morning chain.

This tragedy comes two days after the attack that was carried out at the finish line of the Boston Marathon (north-east), which killed three people and injured 180 Monday, according to a latest report.

AFP

VENEZUELA: Nicolas Maduro wins the presidential election narrowly

 

The last will of Hugo Chavez has been met. His heir apparent, Nicolas Maduro, was elected Sunday, April 14, to succeed him as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Credited with 50.66% of the vote against the opposition leader Henrique Capriles (49.07%), Maduro won the presidential election by a narrow majority. The National Electoral Commission said results "irreversible" because 99% of the ballots were counted

.

"Today we can say that we have an electoral victory just legal, constitutional," he proclaimed Nicolas Maduro before a crowd of supporters gathered outside the presidential palace of Miraflores. "This is another victory, a tribute to our 'Comandante Hugo Chavez," continued the new president, 50, who achieves a score significantly lower than that of his mentor at the last election in October 2012 (55% of the vote). For its part, Henrique Capriles, refused to recognize the victory of Maduro and requested a recount.

Value in this election a referendum on Chavismo, Venezuelans have opted for the continuation of the socialist revolution. There is no doubt that the new president to the middle and the impressive mustache will have to respect the will left by his mentor, Jean Ortiz says, lecturer at the University of Pau refers to "plan for the country 2013-2019" presented by Hugo Chavez in June 2012. "This is the journey long planned to run the country," he says. This text is based on five main objectives: to guarantee the independence of the country, respect for national sovereignty, maintaining the country as a regional power, contribute to the establishment of a multipolar world and continue to build socialism the twenty-first century.

"Building a real economy"

Since the death of Hugo Chavez, on March 5, Interim President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006-2012) was committed to " , respect the will "of his mentor against" bourgeois "and" fascists. " Today elected Maduro, who defines himself as a worthy successor to Chavez, will be able to act and make a series of reforms, says Pascal Drouhaud, special cialist in Latin America. "A major challenge requires him build a real economy in the country," he says. As the new president inherits a Venezuela economically breathless with a barrel of crude blocked $ 100, a deficit of more than 15% of GDP and inflation record more 20% in 2012, according to official data.

Over the past 14 years in office Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), the Venezuelan oil revenues, holder of the largest oil reserves in the world, was mainly invested social programs. Since 1999, $ 550 billion have been committed on the 698 billion reported by oil exports, according to economists.

"The oil revenues structurally distorted the country," says Jean Ortiz. Today, Venezuela imports most of the products consumed by the population. "Agrarian reform now seems necessary because agriculture plays a very weak economy in the country," he adds. Since September 2012, shortages continue to complicate the lives of Venezuelans. According to statistics from the Central Bank, "the shortage index", which measures the missing products to cart base is 20%.

"After Chávez, it is the people"

However, the one who promised to be the "president of the poor" should not abandon all social programs, a symbol of the legacy of Chavez. Inspired by the Cuban model, these social tasks implemented in the education, health or housing, have helped reduce poverty significantly. It rose from 49.9% in 1999 to 27.8% in 2010 and extreme poverty was reduced from 21.7% to 10.7%, according to the Economic Commission UN for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

At the same time, the new president will have to "liberate" the Venezuela of "violence, crime and delinquency." The fight against insecurity remains one of the great failures of 14 years of chavismo in a country displays a record homicide rate in South America (55 per 100 000 in 2012 according to the government), nearly eight times higher than the world average. Maduro intends to propose a work plan for 79 municipalities focusing strongest evidence of crime. It intends to conduct another fight: "fight corruption wherever it is found." "I give my life […] if it is necessary," he said April 7.

To do this, it will build a new state, warns Jean Ortiz. "This is a huge project, but it is the only possible future for Venezuela," said the academic. Specifically, Maduro will build on local councils, "these local governments run by people who have often been overshadowed by the leadership of Chavez. "All Venezuelans keep saying that Chavez is irreplaceable, says Jean Ortiz. To make its mark, trade unionist and autodidact who gained confidence and depth throughout his campaign, has decided to rely on the doctrine of "popular power". "After Chávez, it is the people," likes to say the former bus driver who is distinguished by his direct style. "If not to be Chavez, Maduro has the advantage of playing the card of the group," concludes Jean Ortiz.

CENTRAL: Bangui has a new government formed by rebels and opponents

 

Djotodia Michel, who took office on March 24 after the Central blitzkrieg rebels Seleka, announced Sunday the composition of the new interim government in which he assumes five ministries, including defense.

According to an official statement, the new team to prepare for elections within three years will be led by outgoing Prime Minister, Nicolas Tiangaye.

Saturday, the new strong man of Bangui had excluded any act of reprisal against his opponents and urged his compatriots who fled abroad to return home.

"I appeal to patriotic and fraternal our compatriots who chose exile, to return", said the former diplomat trained in the Soviet Union. 

"There will be no witch hunt because we need to promote tolerance, dialogue and forgiveness," he shouted to a crowd of thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered near the palace Presidential.

He also requested assistance from the international community, including France, the former colonial power which has a small military contingent RCA responsible for the protection of the French community.

The coup d'état against President François Bozizé was condemned by the international community. The African Union has suspended its ranks Central and sanctions taken against their new leaders, including Michel Djotodia.

REUTERS

DIPLOMACY: At the UN, Ahmadinejad denounces intimidation against Iran

 

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday accused the West and Israel of trying to "intimidate" his country "the means of nuclear weapons."

"The persistent threats wielded by the Zionists uncultivated resort to military action against our great nation clearly illustrates this bitter reality," he said from the rostrum of the Assembly e UN General.

"The arms race and the means intimidation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction by the hegemonic powers prevail," said Mr. Ahmadinejad. "Test of new generation of ultra-modern weapons and threatening to brandish in time became a new way to threaten nations to force them to accept the hegemony."

During his last speech before the Assembly, the United States and Israel boycotted Ahmadinejad has nevertheless refrained from engaging in its usual diatribes, favoring long considerations philosophical peace or justice.

President Barack Obama said Tuesday morning before the Assembly that the United States would do "what to do" to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb. Europeans considering new sanctions against Iran, and Israeli leaders have threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities.

The West and Israel suspect Iran of wanting to develop a bomb under cover of a civilian nuclear program, which Tehran denies.

This was the last speech of Ahmadinejad in the General Assembly because he must leave power in 2013, after two terms as president, the maximum allowed.

During speeches in the past at this very podium, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied the Holocaust and relayed conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, triggering the start of the hall and Western U.S. diplomats.

AFP

FOOTBALL: Ligue 1: Lyon turns head, Montpellier finally wins

 

AFP – Lyon, with goals in Vercoutre, temporarily took the lead of the Championship of France by ending the unbeaten Valenciennes (3-2), while Montpellier was given a little air with his first win at Sochaux (3-1), Saturday, for the account of the fourth day.

OL, with 10 points, going so temporarily to Marseille (9 points), which may go up to his throne on success Sunday against Rennes.

After the setback in Valenciennes Gerland, Marseille is now the only team not to have conceded a goal this season in Ligue 1.

A Gerland, it was a special game. Lloris, who signed for Tottenham, came to do a lap of honor and farewell before the game. And his successor, Vercoutre, lived a very emotional evening. The former understudy, playing only his 63rd match of L1 in 32 years, committed an error of judgment on the first goal northerner, but had nothing to reproach himself on the second, showing even strong late in the game.

"It was a bit complicated these days, told Vercoutre, star of the day. I have not slept too well. I did not know, personally, what sauce I would be eaten. "

The first two goals were scored by Lyon Bastos and Gomis, two players who have had to leave the summer transfer window, according to the wishes of President Jean-Michel Aulas, in full austerity. The third goal of the OL, superb, was the work of Grenier, promising young Lyon, who also could go through an exchange of players with Nice. But coach Remi Garde was opposed and had to say Saturday that he had done.

Giuly first goal

Not to mention that aborted departures to Lyon, note the very good match Malbranque, a ghost, who despite his 32 years, has made a full match, in real boss.

The other event of the evening was the first victory of the season champion title in France, Montpellier, who occupied a position unworthy of his rank before that day: 18th with one small point. Montpellier is now 12th.

The inspiration called Belhanda, which led to a penalty and is responsible for sending the goals in Sochaux, rust machine. And Herrera, rookie offensive instructed to forget Giroud scored his second goal in L1. Cabella finished the work late in the game, after a score reduction Privat (3-1).

"We missed our start to the season, we still lacked something, we need to power up," said the micro BeInSport the side Montpellier Bedimo.

The situation is catastrophic for Sochaux, red lantern without any point. Martin's departure to Lille was not digested.

The beautiful story of Saturday's third place Lorient, who won 3-0 against Nancy, with, notably, the first goal of the season Giuly.  

Saint-Etienne, who had sprayed Brest (4-0) last weekend, went for a walk in Bastia (3-0) with a gem of a goal to toe Aubameyang, who smuggler was also decisive.

In other matches, Ajaccio beat Evian (2-0) defeated Brest Troyes on the wire (2-1) while Toulouse and Reims are neutralized (1-1).

Sunday is the game that everyone expects, Lille-Paris SG. With this question: PSG will he finally win this season after three draws, two non-profit?

Carlo Ancelotti can count on Ibrahimovic but not Thiago Silva, still injured.