France in talks with Google over tax audit: minister

Nov 20 - France is in talks with Google over an ongoing tax audit and payment of back taxes, the country's budget minister said on Tuesday, adding the administration had "convincing" proof to back up its claims.

Tax authorities are examining whether Google's practice of charging French advertisers via its European headquarters in Ireland led it to underpay taxes in France.

Jerome Cahuzac said the company has been asked to regularise its tax affairs, adding that if talks fail the issue could go to court.

Cahuzac was speaking at a press conference on fiscal fraud in which he referred to the Google situation without citing the company by name, instead referring to a "search engine."

European Union rules on freedom of trade within the bloc generally allow firms to freely sell into one EU market from another.

Key to proving that Google should pay more taxes in France would be to show that enough work is done by French staff on French soil to merit that more of the revenues and profits be declared in the country, according to tax experts who are not involved in the Google case.

Without giving specifics, Cahuzac said that "evidence shows a business activity based in France that is uncontestable."

Google, the world's No 1 Internet search engine, has been investigated by the French tax authority since June 30, 2011 when its three offices in Paris were searched and computers and documents seized, according to court documents reviewed by Reuters.

Google sought to have the results of the searches thrown out, arguing that the tax authorities misrepresented themselves, but a court ruled against the search engine in August 2012.

Earlier this month, satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine reported without citing sources that the government had demanded 1 billion euros ($1.28 billion) in back taxes from the company. It later reported that the back taxes could be up to 1.7 billion euros, again without citing sources.

Google has denied repeatedly that it had received such a tax claim from the French authorities. [ID:nL5E8LV7MO]

"Google conforms with the tax laws in all the countries where the company operates," said a spokeswoman in an emailed statement on Tuesday.

"We co-operate with local authorities and we work with them to answer their questions about Google France and our services."

Google France reported sales of 68.7 million euros in 2010, the most recent period for which accounts are available. In that year, the company paid French income taxes of 2 million euros on its 4.4 million euros of income.

France, along with Britain and Germany, are intensifying efforts to clamp down on loopholes that allow big international companies to minimize their tax bills.

Last week, government spokeswoman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem told reporters France was discussing ways to tax internet companies both at the national and international levels.

($1 = 0.7803 euro)

(Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Leila Abboud, writing by Alexandria Sage; Editing by Louise Heavens)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/france-talks-google-over-tax-audit-minister-162204627--sector.html

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Ore. faces $700 million budget gap next year

SALEM, Ore. (AP) ? More painful Oregon state budget cuts are in store next year as the lethargic economic recovery fails to keep pace with the growth in costs for state services.

A quarterly revenue forecast delivered to state lawmakers Tuesday projects that the Oregon general fund and lottery will be nearly $700 million short of maintaining government services at their already-slimmed down level for another two years.

Still, the deficit is far less ominous than the $3.5 billion gap that lawmakers filled in 2011.

"It's not party time, but it's far less challenging than what we experienced last biennium," Sen. Ginny Burdick, a Portland Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, said of the latest revenue forecast.

For the two-year budget cycle that begins July 1, economists project Oregon will collect $16.5 billion in taxes. That's more than the $15 billion the state is expected to collect by the end of the current budget cycle, but it's not enough to keep pace with the $17.2 billion cost of continuing all services at their current levels. The spike in costs is driven by rising health care costs, expanded caseloads for government assistance and rising personnel costs, among many other factors.

The new Legislature, with Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, will take office Jan. 14, but lawmakers won't begin their actual work until February.

"The upcoming session will require a lot of difficult choices, and careful prioritization of the things that matter most," said Rep. Val Hoyle of Eugene, the incoming Democratic leader in the House.

A dose of good news in Tuesday's economic report: Oregon's manufacturing and housing sectors are showing signs of life, and economists expect the recovery to accelerate after the beginning of the 2013. Large businesses and profitable and are sitting on piles of cash they can spend to expand once they feel comfortable doing it, said Mark McMullen, the state economist.

Uncertainty around looming federal tax hikes and deep spending cuts is a drag on growth in the short term, he said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ore-faces-700-million-budget-gap-next-184218541--finance.html

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In Myanmar, Obama Lauds Courage Of Aung San Suu Kyi - KPLR 11

(CNN) ? Barack Obama met with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in Myanmar on Monday, lauding her ?courage and determination? during a historic visit to the once repressive and secretive country.

The first sitting U.S. president to visit Myanmar, Obama urged its leaders, who have embarked on a series of far-reaching political and economic reforms since 2011, not to extinguish the ?flickers of progress that we have seen.?

Obama said that his visit to the lakeside villa where the pro-democracy icon spent years under house arrest marked a new chapter between the two countries.

?Here, through so many difficult years, is where she has displayed such unbreakable courage and determination,? Obama told reporters, while standing side by side with his fellow Nobel peace laureate. ?It is here where she showed that human freedom and human dignity cannot be denied.?

The country, which is also known as Burma, was ruled by military leaders until early 2011 and for decades was politically and economically cut off from the rest of the world.

Suu Kyi repeated her warnings that Burma?s opening up would be difficult.

?The most difficult time in any transition is when we think success is in sight, then we have to be very careful that we are not lured by a mirage of success and that we are working toward its genuine success for our people and friendship between our two countries,? she said.

Before meeting Suu Kyi, Obama spent an hour with Myanmar?s President Thein Sein, whose reform drive has seen the release of hundreds of political prisoners and steps to open up the country?s economy.

Obama said the democratic and economic reforms begun by the president could lead to ?incredible development opportunities.? Thein Sein, who wore a long purple sarong and white shirt, told Obama he was committed to strengthening bilateral relations.

In a departure from usual protocol, Obama referred to the country as Myanmar. The name Myanmar was introduced by the former military regime 23 years ago and is preferred by the country?s current leaders, but the Obama administration has largely stuck to British colonial name of Burma that is also used by Suu Kyi and democracy activists.

As well as meeting Thein Sein and Suu Kyi, Obama delivered a speech at the University of Yangon, where he urged the country to continue with its ?remarkable journey.?

?The flickers of progress that we have seen must not be extinguished,? Obama said. ?Reforms launched from the top of society must meet the aspirations of citizens who form its foundation.?

?Obama fever? has gripped Yangon, with the street from the airport lined with crowds waving the stars and stripes, taking pictures and craning for a glimpse of the president.

Obama?s image also featured on T-shirts and mugs for sale in city stores.

On the eve of his Myanmar trip, Obama insisted that the visit was ?not an endorsement of the Burmese government.?

?This is an acknowledgment that there is a process under way inside that country that even a year and a half, two years ago, nobody foresaw,? Obama told reporters in Thailand on Sunday, the first stop on his Asia trip. He added that the country was moving ?in a better direction.?

Western governments have responded to Myanmar?s progressive efforts by easing sanctions that targeted the military regime. On Friday, the U.S. eased restrictions on imports of most goods from Burma.

But the country has also witnessed bouts of turmoil in recent months. Violence between Rohingya Muslims and local Buddhists broke out in the western state of Rakhine.

During the latest eruption of tensions, the United Nations said at least 89 people were killed in two weeks, and 110,000 were displaced.

Obama urged Myanmar to use its ?diversity as a strength, not a weakness.?

?I believe deeply that this country can transcend its differences, and that every human being within these borders is a part of your nation?s story.?

He met briefly with representatives of civil society organizations, including an advocate for Burma?s Rohingya population.

However, some aid organizations are questioning whether now is the right time for Obama to add legitimacy to Thein Sein?s government.

Burmese exile leaders and human rights advocates have expressed concerns that the visit is too soon, and may not yield the additional reforms that a presidential visit can deliver if it happens at the right time.
? ?
??
By Katie Hunt, Josh Levs, Holly Yan, Gabriella Schwarz, Paula Hancocks and Dan Rivers contributed to this report.

for CNN
?? & ? 2012 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
?

Source: http://kplr11.com/2012/11/19/in-myanmar-obama-lauds-courage-of-aung-san-suu-kyi/

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Ariel Winter's dad opposes actress's guardianship

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2012 file photo, Ariel Winter attends the World Premiere of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" at The Paley Center for Media, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winter's father, Glenn Workman, said Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in a court filing in Los Angeles that he opposes a guardianship for his 14-year-old daughter. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2012 file photo, Ariel Winter attends the World Premiere of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" at The Paley Center for Media, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winter's father, Glenn Workman, said Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in a court filing in Los Angeles that he opposes a guardianship for his 14-year-old daughter. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2012 file photo, Ariel Winter attends the World Premiere of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" at The Paley Center for Media, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Winter's father, Glenn Workman, said Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in a court filing in Los Angeles that he opposes a guardianship for his 14-year-old daughter. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? The father of "Modern Family" star Ariel Winter said Monday he is willing to care for his daughter and does not believe she should be placed in a guardianship after allegations that her mother has been physically and emotionally abusive.

One day before a hearing in the case was scheduled to convene, Glenn Workman filed an objection to a petition that would strip his estranged wife, Chrisoula, of custody of the 14-year-old.

Winter has been living with her adult sister, Shanelle Gray, since Oct. 3 when a judge created a temporary guardianship for the actress. Court filings described Chrisoula Workman as abusive to her daughter, including slapping her and calling her derogatory names. The judge ordered her to stay away and not contact the actress until at least Tuesday, when the guardianship will be re-evaluated.

Glenn Workman's objects to the contention in Gray's initial court filing that he is not in a position to care for the teen actress.

His filing does not address the abuse allegations against his wife, although he previously signed a handwritten declaration stating that the allegations were false and his daughter hadn't been beaten.

Glenn Workman acknowledges in the filing that problems with his wife have stymied his relationship with Winter at times, but he said he has been a caring father who is willing to care for her. He states that he does not need Winter's money to care for her.

"I want to provide for her a calm loving home environment that is a retreat from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood; a place where she can think and relax without any distractions," Workman's filing says.

Gray's attorney, Michael Kretzmer, declined to comment on the filing.

Glenn Workman wrote that he objects to Winter remaining in the care of Gray, who he claims has alienated the actress from her parents. "This whole situation has turned into a circus and places Ariel in a position she should not have to be in," he wrote.

"I ask this court to allow me the chance to function as a healthy parent and help Ariel through this ordeal," he wrote.

Winter has been acting since age 7, appearing in several TV series, including "ER" and "Phineas and Ferb," and movies such as "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," ''Ice Age: The Meltdown" and "ParaNorman." She plays middle child Alex Dunphy on ABC's "Modern Family."

___

Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP .

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-11-19-People-Ariel%20Winter/id-47fcf9a142f74b1b8ca50fd1fed4cc95

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Planck spots hot gas bridging galaxy cluster pair

Public release date: 20-Nov-2012
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Contact: Markus Bauer
Markus.Bauer@esa.int
31-715-656-799
European Space Agency

ESA's Planck space telescope has made the first conclusive detection of a bridge of hot gas connecting a pair of galaxy clusters across 10 million light-years of intergalactic space.

Planck's primary task is to capture the most ancient light of the cosmos, the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB. As this faint light traverses the Universe, it encounters different types of structure including galaxies and galaxy clusters assemblies of hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound together by gravity.

If the CMB light interacts with the hot gas permeating these huge cosmic structures, its energy distribution is modified in a characteristic way, a phenomenon known as the SunyaevZel'dovich (SZ) effect, after the scientists who discovered it.

This effect has already been used by Planck to detect galaxy clusters themselves, but it also provides a way to detect faint filaments of gas that might connect one cluster to another.

In the early Universe, filaments of gaseous matter pervaded the cosmos in a giant web, with clusters eventually forming in the densest nodes.

Much of this tenuous, filamentary gas remains undetected, but astronomers expect that it could most likely be found between interacting galaxy clusters, where the filaments are compressed and heated up, making them easier to spot.

Planck's discovery of a bridge of hot gas connecting the clusters Abell 399 and Abell 401, each containing hundreds of galaxies, represents one such opportunity.

The presence of hot gas between the billion-light-year-distant clusters was first hinted at in X-ray data from ESA's XMM-Newton, and the new Planck data confirm the observation.

It also marks Planck's first detection of inter-cluster gas using the SZ effect technique.

By combining the Planck data with archival X-ray observations from the German satellite Rosat, the temperature of the gas in the bridge is found to be similar to the temperature of the gas in the two clusters on the order of 80 million degrees Celsius.

Early analysis suggests the gas could be mixture of the elusive filaments of the cosmic web mixed with gas originating from the clusters.

A more detailed analysis and the possible detection of gas bridges connecting other clusters will help to provide a more conclusive answer.

The new finding highlights the ability of Planck to probe galaxy clusters to their outskirts and beyond, examining their connection with the gas that permeates the entire Universe and from which all groups of galaxies formed.

###

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[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 20-Nov-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Markus Bauer
Markus.Bauer@esa.int
31-715-656-799
European Space Agency

ESA's Planck space telescope has made the first conclusive detection of a bridge of hot gas connecting a pair of galaxy clusters across 10 million light-years of intergalactic space.

Planck's primary task is to capture the most ancient light of the cosmos, the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB. As this faint light traverses the Universe, it encounters different types of structure including galaxies and galaxy clusters assemblies of hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound together by gravity.

If the CMB light interacts with the hot gas permeating these huge cosmic structures, its energy distribution is modified in a characteristic way, a phenomenon known as the SunyaevZel'dovich (SZ) effect, after the scientists who discovered it.

This effect has already been used by Planck to detect galaxy clusters themselves, but it also provides a way to detect faint filaments of gas that might connect one cluster to another.

In the early Universe, filaments of gaseous matter pervaded the cosmos in a giant web, with clusters eventually forming in the densest nodes.

Much of this tenuous, filamentary gas remains undetected, but astronomers expect that it could most likely be found between interacting galaxy clusters, where the filaments are compressed and heated up, making them easier to spot.

Planck's discovery of a bridge of hot gas connecting the clusters Abell 399 and Abell 401, each containing hundreds of galaxies, represents one such opportunity.

The presence of hot gas between the billion-light-year-distant clusters was first hinted at in X-ray data from ESA's XMM-Newton, and the new Planck data confirm the observation.

It also marks Planck's first detection of inter-cluster gas using the SZ effect technique.

By combining the Planck data with archival X-ray observations from the German satellite Rosat, the temperature of the gas in the bridge is found to be similar to the temperature of the gas in the two clusters on the order of 80 million degrees Celsius.

Early analysis suggests the gas could be mixture of the elusive filaments of the cosmic web mixed with gas originating from the clusters.

A more detailed analysis and the possible detection of gas bridges connecting other clusters will help to provide a more conclusive answer.

The new finding highlights the ability of Planck to probe galaxy clusters to their outskirts and beyond, examining their connection with the gas that permeates the entire Universe and from which all groups of galaxies formed.

###

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/esa-psh112012.php

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I wish to make positive changes in society through ... - The News Tribe

The News Tribe (TNT): How would you define yourself as an artist?

Maddy: I see myself as a poet describing my life experiences and events through my words. Being a rapper it?s a tricky game to use your words wisely, and I try to keep it simple for everyone to understand the message being conveyed. For me music is passion; not a hobby, not a profession.

TNT: When you started music, what were the biggest obstacles in your way and how did you manage them?

Maddy: When I started my career the biggest challenge was to establish an audience. Hip Hop/Rap is a new genre in Pakistan and I?m glad to be the pioneer to introduce it here. I?ve done more than two hundred live shows till today with my crew, Rap Engineers. Now we have more fans following than most of the mainstream musicians.

TNT: What is your inspiration?

Maddy: Well my father has been the inspiration for me since forever, to be honest. But well yeah musical inspirations include the likes of Notorious BIG, BIG L, Big Pun, NAS, DMX, Tupac, Immortal Technique, Rakim, KRS-One, Opeth, Pink Floyd, Dimmu Borgir, Porcupine Tree, Insomnium, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Amon Amarth, Lamb Of God, Pearl Jam, Orphaned Land, Black Label Society, NFAK, and the list goes on and on.

TNT: Share your experience of working with other musicians.

Maddy: Well, I haven?t yet made music with other artists and I?m sticking to my crew Rap Engineers at the moment. I have done concerts with many mainstream musicians like Bohemia, Ali Azmat, Strings, Qayaas, Entity Paradigm [EP] etc, and it has always been a pleasure. The seniors love this new form of music that we [Rap Engineers] introduced. ?I?m sure you guys will see me and my crew collaborating with many fellow artists in the near future as well.

TNT: Say a few lines on local music scene. What are some of the few things Pakistani music industry need to get rid off?

Maddy: Well the local music scene is very strong and competitive. However, the local and national Hip Hop scene lacks good artists at the moment; we?re just a handful guys trying to get the genre established.

Pakistani music industry needs to get rid of Plastic musicians and self centered platforms, if you know what I mean.

TNT: Tell something about your music training.

Maddy: Well, old school rap music has been my training and my life has been my training too. Rap is all about freedom of expression and expressing what you feel. I write down what I do in real life and how I feel about things around me and convey it through my music.

TNT: What is your biggest wish as an artist?

Maddy: I wish to change the world. (LOL) It might sound an absurd idea to most of the people who read this, but I wish to make positive changes in our society through my music and other social platforms. Considering that people follow me and do take what I say seriously, I consider it an obligation to help bring a positive revolution in our country and also globally.

TNT: What was the most memorable moment of your life?

Maddy: That moment is still to come I think.

TNT: You love performing solo or with a band?

Maddy: I love to perform with a band, and that too my band, RAP ENGINEERS.

TNT: ?Lastly, what is your message?

Maddy: Just want to thank my family, friends and fans for their endless support and appreciation. Moreover, I want people to believe in their dreams and themselves. No matter how hard life might be, your passion and your will decide where you stand at the end of the day. Support good music and support real music.

Source: http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/11/19/i-wish-to-make-positive-changes-in-society-through-music-maddy-khan/

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BCS Rankings: Notre Dame 1 Win Away From Title Game; Alabama, Georgia Need 2

NEW YORK -- Notre Dame is a victory away from playing for the BCS title. Alabama and Georgia each need two, and could have to go through each other.

A day after Oregon and Kansas State lost to give up control of the BCS race, the Fighting Irish (.9973) moved into first place in the standings for the first time.

"Now we don't have to answer questions about style points or politics," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "Now we have a chance to play for the national championship this week."

Notre Dame (11-0), ranked No. 1 in both polls and by the computer ratings, needs only to beat slumping rival Southern California on Saturday in Los Angeles to earn its first trip to the BCS title game.

Alabama (.9333) and Georgia (.8763) also have rivalry games Saturday. The Crimson Tide hosts Auburn and the Bulldogs play Georgia Tech at home.

If the favorites win, the Southeastern Conference championship game will be a national semifinal of sorts, with the winner advancing to the BCS title game.

If form does not hold, and there are more upsets such as the ones that took out Oregon and Kansas State on Saturday night, there are a handful of teams that could be in the mix.

Florida (10-1) is in fourth heading into a huge game at 10th-place Florida State. The Seminoles (10-1) also will have an ACC title game to play.

Oregon (10-1) dropped to fifth and Kansas State (10-1) was sixth.

Notre Dame, which last won a national championship in 1988, has lost nine of the last 10 against USC, the lone victory coming in 2010, Kelly's first season as coach.

But the Trojans have been a major disappointment this season, starting it No. 1 and dropping to 7-4 after losing Saturday to UCLA. They also will be without quarterback Matt Barkley for the matchup with the Fighting Irish. Max Wittek will make his first career start after Barkley was injured at the end of the UCLA game.

If Notre Dame loses, it could leave a muddle of one-loss teams vying for a spot in the BCS title game, even opening up the possibility of a second consecutive all-SEC national championship game.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/18/bcs-rankings-notre-dame-alabama-georgia-standings_n_2156402.html

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