Hess earnings rise on asset sales, higher prices

NEW YORK (AP) -- Oil exploration company Hess Corp. reported second-quarter net income more than doubled it sold its Russian subsidiary and got a lift from strong oil and gas selling prices even though production declined.

It reported net income of $1.43 billion, or $4.16 per share, for the quarter that ended June 30. If not for the sale of its Russian subsidiary Samara-Nafta, its net income would have fallen to $520 million, or $1.51 per share.

A year earlier it earned $549 million, or $1.61 per share in the second quarter.

Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been expecting an adjusted profit of $1.41 per share for the most recent quarter.

Revenue rose 23.6 percent to $4.11 billion from $3.32 billion a year earlier.

Oil and gas production fell 20.5 percent to 341,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day because of asset sales in Russia, the U.K. North Sea, and Azerbaijan, partially offset by an increase in the Bakken area. Bakken production rose 16 percent to 64,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Its full-year guidance was unchanged at 340,000 to 355,000 barrels per day.

Its worldwide average crude oil selling price, including hedging, was $97.89 per barrel, up from $86.86 a year earlier. Its average selling price for natural gas was $6.44 per thousand cubic feet, up from $5.94 a year earlier.

Hess has been shifting away from refining and toward exploration and production. As part of that plan, it's selling off some assets. So far this year it has sold $3.5 billion in assets. This week it also announced the sale of its energy marketing business to Direct Energy for $1.03 billion.

The rest of its planned sales for assets in Indonesia and Thailand, as well as sales of terminals, retail, and trading business, "are well underway," the company said. It also closed a New Jersey refinery in February.

It's using the money from asset sales so far to cut debt by $2.4 billion and add cash to its balance sheet.

Hess shares rose $1.91, or 2.6 percent, to $75.10 in midday trading.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hess-earnings-rise-asset-sales-162217553.html

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'New Frontiers of Space' Book Brings Universe Down to Earth

A new book celebrates the past and future of human exploration of the cosmos.

"New Frontiers of Space: From Mars to the Edge of the Universe" explores the most important people and breakthroughs in space science and spaceflight today. The team at TIME Books responsible for creating the coffee table book pulled their ideas directly from the headlines.

An asteroid flyby, exoplanet discoveries, NASA's Mars rover Curiosity, the meteor explosion over Russia all inspired the creation of the book. [See photos from TIME's "New Frontiers of Space" (Gallery)]

"You also have new breakthroughs in commercial space in terms of SpaceX docking with the International Space Station, kind of an international growth in space exploration," said Steve Koepp, the editor of "New Frontiers of Space." "So, all these things were converging and it seemed like it provided material for going after this topic in a way that had many themes."

The book features everything from a timeline of manned and unmanned missions to space to a section devoted to the major players on commercial spaceflight. Photos of the Earth from orbit, life on Mars and an African telescope are also explored in detail.

The writers of the book ? who included Jeffrey Kluger and Michael Lemonick ? also highlighted some of the major unsolved mysteries of the universe. Kluger and Lemonick wrote about the hunt for extraterrestrial life and dark matter in the cosmos among other subjects.

"There was such a variety in the topics that it seemed to lend itself to this broad approach with many different chapters," Koepp told SPACE.com. "It seems like rarely have we had this many breakthroughs and this many fascinating events regarding space all at one time."

The team working on the book continued to update it until the oversized book went to print, Koepp said. A section about searching the skies for asteroids was updated continuously, while new discoveries from Curiosity were added as they happened.

"New Frontiers in Space" also names the top 25 most influential people in space as chosen by a core group of editors and reporters. The list includes exoplanet scientists, private entrepreneurs and scientists from countries around the world.

"Some are probably obvious, practically household names ? people like [astrophysicist] Brian Green," Koepp said. "But we were going for diversity here: Diversity of academic pursuit, of business, global diversity, gender diversity. We wanted to show just how many different ways you can approach the frontiers of space."

"New Frontiers in Space: From Mars to the Edge of the Solar System" is in stores now. For more details on the book, visit: http://www.time.com/spacediscoveriesbook

Follow Miriam Kramer @mirikramer and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on SPACE.com.

Copyright 2013 SPACE.com, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/frontiers-space-book-brings-universe-down-earth-133741517.html

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Syria's president adds Instagram to his social media blitz

By Ben Brumfield and Saad Abedine, CNN updated 7:25 AM EDT, Wed July 31, 2013 |

A screen grab taken on July 31, 2013 shows the Syrian presidency's official Instagram page.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Viewer comments are mostly positive, but some sling mud
• No ugly images of bloody battle fields taint the feed
• There are photos of him and his wife being caring and being adored

(CNN) -- It's not quite as epic as posing with a tiger a la Vladimir Putin. But Syria's Bashar al-Assad has joined Instagram and the photos are propagandastically fantastic.

No ugly images of bloody battle fields taint the feed of the president caught in the middle of a brutal civil war. Instead, it's photo after photo of him and his wife being caring -- and being loved.

There's al-Assad talking to a little girl by the side of a hospital bed. There's his wife wiping away a little boy's tear. There's al-Assad intently listening to a group of women. There's his wife intently listening to a group of women. And lots of pictures of him being mobbed, greeted, hugged by adoring masses.

The embattled president announced he was adding Instagram to his social media blitz last week via a message posted to his Twitter account. He also has his own Facebook page and a YouTube channel.

And, judging from the comments, fans in Syria, Russia and Turkey.

"God bless you," "We love you," and "We want you to win this war" are common comments posted on the images.

But sensors have apparently not erased some critical remarks.

"This is not the real Syria," one writer posts. "Show as the actual Syria, please."

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/31/tech/syria-assad-instagram/index.html?eref=rss_latest

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Meet Ric Flair in Southwest Florida for Superstars of Wrestling Live debut

XSE Live announces a special appearance by The Nature Boy Ric Flair at the first Superstars of Wrestling Live event on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Charlotte Harbor Events Center, 75 Taylor St. in (Southwest Florida) Punta Gorda.

Flair will participate in a meet-n-greet which includes a VIP Q&A session, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the Nature Boy.

One of the most decorated and legendary figures in the history of professional wrestling, Flair is a 16-time champion and the only two-time WWE Hall of Famer.

World renown as the ?Dirtiest Player in the Game,? Flair was the cornerstone of one of the most elite units in professional wrestling history ? the Four Horsemen. The master of the figure four leglock won championships wherever he traveled and set the bar very high with in-ring performance.

The event will also feature former WWE superstars Brian Kendrick, Greg Marasciulo (Trent Baretta) and Michael Hutter (Derrick Bateman) along with current Ring Of Honor star Roderick Strong and more. There will be nine matches including divas and midgets in action and plenty of autograph and photo opportunities.

Superstars of Wrestling Live on tour pledges to bring a fully-interactive and fan-friendly experience to its audience ? including fan-fests prior to each show, special meet-n-greet opportunities with legendary wrestling figures, games, contests and more.

General admission is $25 adults, $15 kids.

Gold Circle (meet-n-greet with Ric Flair, one item signed, seat Rows C-D) $35.

Ric Flair VIP Experience (Q&A cocktail reception with Ric Flair from 6-7 p.m., reserved seating in Row A, up to three items signed, photo-op, VIP Lamintae Pass and Program) $100.

Get tickets at www.xselive.com or at Buddy?s Home Furnishings in Punta Gorda and Fort Myers or at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center box office from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/30/3532716/meet-ric-flair-in-punta-gorda.html

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Mayor on Yatim shooting: "I'm very sorry what happened"

The mayor of Toronto has spoken for the first time about the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim, since he was gunned down by police on a streetcar.

The incident happened on Dundas St near Bathurst St early Saturday morning.

While campaigning with PC candidate Ken Kirupa in Etobicoke this afternoon, mayor Rob Ford was asked about the shooting.

"We're talking about a huge election coming up on Thursday and I can't address what happened a couple of nights ago," Ford said. "It's unfortunate. It's sad. My heart goes out to the family.

"But none of us know all the facts."

Watch a video of his comments:

RELATED STORIES:

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WATCH: New security camera footage shows Sammy Yatim's final moments

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WATCH: Chief Blair comments on Yatim shooting: "I am also seeking answers"

Source: http://www.newstalk1010.com/News/localnews/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10573169

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FORD confirms participation in 2014 DAKAR

Ford Ranger entry built and designed in South Africa through collaborative global effort

PRETORIA, South Africa, 29 July, 2013 -Team Ford Racing has confirmed it will enter two South African-built Ford Rangers in the gruelling 2014 Dakar, taking place from 05 18 January 2013 in South America.

The design team responsible for bringing Fords Dakar contender to fruition includes a mix of South African and global minds. The purpose-built Ford Rangers are being prepared by Pietermaritzburg-based Neil Woolridge Motorsport while logistics will be handled by German-based South Racing. Similarly the driver line-up is made up of both international and local contenders including South American native Lucio Alvarez and South African Chris Visser.

We are extremely proud to be sending these South African-built Rangers to the 2014 Dakar, says Jeff Nemeth President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Dakar is the ultimate test of man and machine and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate with a phenomenal team comprised of local and global expertise.

Over 1-billion TV viewers from across the globe tuned in to watch the 2013 Dakar with 4.6 million spectators making their way to South America to witness the feat.

The Dakar is a truly international showcase of Off Road machinery. Last year 745 competitors participated, representing 53 nationalities. We are pleased to have put together a global team that represents exceptional knowledge of the event as well as the Ford Ranger, which is built at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Silverton says Dave Schoch Group Vice President and President, Asia Pacific.

Global collaboration

The newly designed Ford Rangers were built in Pietermaritzburg with assistance from Ford Motor Companys Global Product Developments division. Every aspect of the new Ranger has been carefully considered and built with precision and performance in mind.

A complex jigging system was used in the manufacturing process in order to ensure that each part is built as per the design in order to achieve the perfect fit on every vehicle built explains Neil Woolridge, Team Manager. Although the two new Rangers are locally built we received tremendous support from our global counterparts including the likes of Fords SVT division.

The technical aspects of the project will be managed from the NWM workshops in Pietermaritzburg and this will continue to be the main headquarters for the project. One of the two FIA Ford Rangers is already complete and will start testing this August. The second is under construction with planned completion at the end of October. They will be supported by a dedicated team of 24 full time staff in their quest for the top honours in the Dakar battle.

The logistics and European operations are being managed by South Racing GmbH, based near Frankfurt, Germany. South Racing is owned and managed by Scott Abraham whose family has a long history in South African motorsport, his father Arthur was a stalwart of South African motorsport for several decades. Abraham has been based in Europe for the past ten years during which time he has worked as team manager for X-raid BMW/MINI and Overdrive Toyota. He was integral to the launch of the Toyota Dakar project and thus has a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience.

South Racing will be supplying the team logistic structure including the MAN 6X6 Service Trucks, MAN T4 Race Trucks and service equipment. In addition to the vehicles and equipment South Racing will manage all logistic and administration requirements for the team including the relationship with ASO.

The combination of NWM and South Racing will ensure that the project has the necessary expertise and depth to be able to deliver the results, explains Abraham.

Competitive driver and navigator line-up

Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Graue have been confirmed as the first driver crew. They are part of the younger generation of drivers coming through the sport and have delivered impressive results on previous runnings of the Dakar. In their first outing in 2011 they finished 17th overall, in 2012 they managed to finish in an impressive fifth place while in 2013 they were lying third overall before mechanical problems dropped them down to 27th place. They demonstrated their determination and abilities by fighting their way back up to tenth position at the finish.

The second Ford Ranger will be crewed by South African Cross Country competitors Chris Visser and navigator Japie Badenhorst. Both are well known in South African motorsport having won the 2011 South African Cross Country Championship. The pair is currently leading the 2013 Donaldson South Africa National Cross-country championship. This will be their first time competing on the Dakar.

Gruelling test of man and machine

The 2014 Dakar Rally will be the 35th running of the event and the sixth successive running in South America.

The 2014 Dakar Rally Route is sure to be as trying as ever. The event will start in Rosario, Argentina on January 5 and finish in Valparaiso, Chile on January 18 after thirteen stages of competition, which will comprise a total distance of over 8,500 kilometres.

This year the Dakar Rally is continuing its exploration of the Andes regions by incorporating a visit to Bolivia for the first time. No doubt that this challenging stage will test the off-road endurance qualities of the drivers and teams.

There is much work to be done in the coming months. The Dakar is no small under taking but we have an exceptional team of hardworking and dedicated individuals who will be working round the clock in the coming months in preparation for the start of the Dakar early in the new year, concludes Schoch.

Ford fans will be able to keep track of the teams progress in the lead up to the event as well as follow the teams progress during the 2014 Dakar on Ford South Africas Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, join the conversation by using #FordDakar.

VEHICLE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Ford Ranger

Base Vehicle Regulations Engine Engine Management Power Torque Rev limit: Fuel consumption (L/100 km): Body Suspension Brakes Fue Cell Gearbox Cabin Differential Steering Internal Electronics Driveline Drive wheels: Top speed: Mass:

T6 Ford Ranger 4x4 Double Cab FIA / ASO T1 Ford Aluminum 5.0L-4V V8 with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing Magneti Marelli 260kW@ 4500r/min 560nm@ 4100r/min 5500rpm 90L / 100km in sandy racing conditions and 28L / 100km on normal road driving Full Composite Independent Front and Rear Twin BOS Dampers/Wheel Antiroll Bar Front and Rear Brembo Water Cooled Rear Brembo Air Cooled Front 500L Sadev 6 Speed Sequential, permanente 4 wheel drive Air conditioned LSD Unit Front and Rear Sadev GEMS GKN 16 inch Evocorse rims fitted with 245/85 16 Michelin tyres 170km/h 1975kg

Source: http://boxscorenews.com/ford-confirms-participation-in-dakar-p59084-94.htm

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Ariana Grande's 'Janoskian' Boyfriend Quits Twitter

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Source: www.ibtimes.com --- Sunday, July 28, 2013
Celebrities might get a lot of love from fans on social networking sites but they get the same amount of hate as well. Like Ariana Grande, Jai Brooks of ?The Janoskians? gets a fair amount of hate. Yet, it looks as if the fan hate was too much for Grande?s boyfriend to bear that he had to resort to quitting the social networking site, Twitter. ...

Source: http://www.ibtimes.comhttp:0//www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/495080/20130729/ariana-grande-jai-brooks-janoskians-twitter-quits.htm

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