Chilean earthquakes: in pictures

Thursday, March 18, 2010

On February 27, Chile was hit by an magnitude 8.8 earthquake; almost 500 were killed, with resulting tsunami destroying most coastal towns between Llolleo and Araucanía Region. A second earthquake last week, with its epicentre in Pichilemu, caused destruction in the Coquimbo and Bío Bío regions.

A Wikinews contributor is in the area, and we look at the extent of this natural disaster’s damage through his photographs.


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People camping in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu. They even constructed little houses, to make their stay more comfortable. Image: Diego Grez.

People camping in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu. They even constructed little houses, to make their stay more comfortable. Image: Diego Grez.

Church of Santa Cruz, after the February earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Church of Santa Cruz, after the February earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

The Arturo Prat square before and after the earthquake and tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

The Arturo Prat square before and after the earthquake and tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Boat after the tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Boat after tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Military representatives in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Military representatives in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu, after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

On-scene soldiers on a truck, in Lolol, after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

On-scene soldiers on a truck, in Lolol, after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed balustrades and the ceiling of a kiosk over another balustrade, near Pichilemu beach. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed balaustrades and the ceiling of a kiosk over another balaustrades, near the beach of Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Lolol church after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Lolol church after the March earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses in Lolol were declared Historic Monuments of Chile. This is one of many that are going to be demolished. Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses in Lolol were declared Historic Monuments of Chile. This is one of many that are going to be demolished. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed building Mirador by the tsunami in Pichilemu, and also by a kiosk/container. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed building Mirador by the tsunami in Pichilemu, and also by a kiosk/container. Image: Diego Grez.

Cars driving to La Cruz Hill in Pichilemu, a few hours after the disaster. Image: Diego Grez.

Cars driving to La Cruz Hill in Pichilemu, a few hours after the disaster. Image: Diego Grez.

Chilean singer Joe Vasconcellos did a free solo tour in Chile after the Pichilemu and Maule earthquakes. Pictured is his performance in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Chilean singer Joe Vasconcellos did a free solo tour in Chile after the Pichilemu and Maule earthquakes. Pictured during his performance in La Cruz Hill, Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

House in front of the Main Beach of Pichilemu after the tsunami and earthquake combo. Image: Diego Grez.

House in front of the Main Beach of Pichilemu after the tsunami and earthquake combo. Image: Diego Grez.

Bucalemu was severely impacted by the February tsunami and earthquake; this picture taken after the March temblor. Image: Diego Grez.

Bucalemu was severely impacted by the February tsunami and earthquake; this picture taken after the March temblor. Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses were destroyed after the earthquake in Lolol because they were old and made with rustic materials. Image: Diego Grez.

Many houses were destroyed after the earthquake in Lolol, because they were old and made with rustic materials. Image: Diego Grez.

Another destroyed house, a few meters behind the Lolol church. Image: Diego Grez.

Another destroyed house, a few meters behind the Lolol church. Image: Diego Grez.

Pichilemu highway, the day of the earthquake and tsunami. Image: Diego Grez.

Pichilemu highway, the day of the earthquake and tsunami. Image: Diego Grez.

Most of the balustrades around Ross Park in Pichilemu were destroyed after the 2010 Pichilemu earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Most of the balustrades aroundRoss Park, in Pichilemu, were destroyed after the 2010 Pichilemu earthquake. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed kiosks after the tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Destroyed kiosks after the tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Just one kiosk and some bathrooms in front of the Arturo Prat Square survived the tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

Just one kiosk and some bathrooms in front of the Arturo Prat Square survived the tsunami in Pichilemu. Image: Diego Grez.

The Cahuil Bridge was severely damaged after both quakes. It is broken in half and is a serious danger to motorists. Image: Diego Grez.

The Cahuil Bridge was severely damaged after both quakes. It is broken in half and is a serious danger to motorists. Image: Diego Grez.

Several houses were destroyed in the town of Bucalemu, almost 40 kilometers from Pichilemu. In this picture, a house located in front of the beach was later thrown in the half of the roadway. Image: Diego Grez.

Several houses were destroyed in the town of Bucalemu, almost 40 kilometers from Pichilemu. In this picture, a house located in front of the beach was later thrown in the half of the roadway. Image: Diego Grez.

Cobquecura, epicentre of the February earthquake.

Cobquecura, the epicentre of the February quake.

The building Alto Río, in Concepción, collapsed after the February earthquake. Image: Claudio Núñez.

The building Alto Río, in Concepción, collapsed after the February earthquake. Image: Claudio Núñez.

A severely damaged building in Maipú. Image: Jorge Barrios.

A severely damaged building in Maipú. Image: Jorge Barrios.

Collapsed Vespucio Norte Express Highway in Santiago, after the February earthquake.

Collapsed Vespucio Norte Express Highway in Santiago, after the February earthquake.

The damaged Museum of Contemporary Art, after the February earthquake.

The damaged Museum of Contemporary Art, after the February earthquake.

Aftermath of the February earthquake and tsunami in San Antonio. Image: Atilio Leandro.

Aftermath of the February earthquake and tsunami in San Antonio. Image: Atilio Leandro.

Damaged Autopista del Maipo, near the city of Chada. Image: Lufke.

Damaged Autopista del Maipo, near the city of Chada. Image: Lufke.

People trying to buy gasoline, in Chillán. Image: JOjo Jose Tomas.

People trying to buy gasoline, in Chillán. Image: JOjo Jose Tomas.

Fire in the University of Concepción, after the February earthquake.

Fire in the University of Concepción, after the February earthquake.

Destroyed houses in the Maule Region. Image: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Destroyed houses in the Maule Region. Image: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Fire in a plastics factory, in Ruta 5 Norte.

Fire in a plastics factory, in Ruta 5 Norte.

Chillán‘s Medialuna, after the February earthquake.

Chillán‘s Medialuna after the February earthquake.

House in Pelluhue after the February temblor. Image: Caritas Linares.

House in Pelluhue after the February temblor. Image: Caritas Linares.

US President Barack Obama holds a conference call from the Situation Room of the White House concerning the February earthquake.

US President Barack Obama holds a conference call from the White House Situation Room.

President Sebastián Piñera visits ONEMI after the February quake. Image: Sebastián Piñera E..

President Sebastián Piñera visits ONEMI after the February quake. Image: Sebastián Piñera E..

Zones affected by the February earthquake. Image: B1mbo.

Zones affected by the February earthquake. Image: B1mbo.

Map of Chile showing the epicenter of the February quake.

Map of Chile showing the epicenter of the February quake.

USGS shake map of the February earthquake.

USGS shake map of the February earthquake.

USGS shake map of the March earthquake.

USGS intensity map of the March earthquake.

USGS intensity map for the most strong aftershock of the temblor. Image: USGS.

USGS intensity map for the most strong aftershock of the temblor.Image: USGS.

An animation showing the movement of tsunami waves caused by the temblor. (view large version) Image: NOAA Center for Tsunami Research.

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St. Lucian footballer Philip Tisson shot dead in Brooklyn, New York

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Philip Tisson, a member of the Saint Lucia national football team, has been killed by a gunshot wound to the head in New York. Tisson was in New York participating in the Digicel Caribbean Cup tournament.

Several members of the team were at Tropiks Bar and Grill in Brooklyn celebrating an earlier victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis. At 4.30am, Tisson entered a parked car outside of Tropiks. While seated in the rear of the car, Tisson was shot in the head. Three women were in the car at the time of the shooting, with one requiring medical attention for a shoulder wound.

According to teammate Sheldon Emmanuel, Tisson left the bar at 3:30 A.M. (EST) with an unknown woman. Tisson’s brother remained with his teammates and only found out about the shooting afterwards by phone. Emmanuel also stated that no one witnessed Tission involved an argument with anyone. A police official said that there are no known suspects. Police are waiting for video evidence.

Tisson had scored in the Saint Kitts and Nevis game. St. Lucia advanced to the finals with their win over Saint Kitts and Nevis to face Jamaica. The team stated they will still play in the final on Sunday “despite the loss of a friend, a teammate and one of their most powerful players”.

In St. Lucia, Tisson is survivied by his three year-old daughter.

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Spelbound declared winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

An acrobatic group known by the name of Spelbound has been declared as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2010, a televised variety talent show competition broadcast on ITV in the United Kingdom. As the winning act of the show, Spelbound have won £100,000 (US$144,580, €120,313, A$175,079) and a place at The Royal Variety Performance, an annual gala evening that is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family.

In no particular order, the top three acts were revealed to be two dancers known by their stage name of Twist and Pulse, gymnastic group Spelbound and Kieran Gaffney, whose act involves playing on the drum kit. After Kieran Gaffney was revealed to be in third place, Anthony McPartlin, who hosts Britain’s Got Talent with Declan Donnelly, said to Kieran: “Well done Kieran. Kieran, you’re a star, you came back, you got all the way to the final. I know you’ve loved this. You’ve loved this, haven’t you?” In response to this, Kieran Gaffney stated: “Thank you very much. Thank you, everyone for supporting me. Thank you.”

Shortly afterwards, on the episode that was broadcast live on ITV1 on Saturday, Anthony announced: “After tens of thousands of auditons, five semi-finals and an amazing final, this…this is it. One of you is about to walk away with £100,000 and a place at this year’s Royal Variety Performance. The winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2010 is…Spelbound!” Glen Murphy from Twist and Pulse commented about finishing in second place, stating: “Yeah, it’s amazing. I can’t even believe it. I can’t believe it at all.”

Alex Uttley, a 24-year-old member of Spelbound, commented on the gymnastic group’s victory, commenting: “Oh, my god. This is unbelieveable. We just want to say thank you to everyone out there. It just shows that all our hard work has paid off.” One of the coaches of Spelbound, named Neil Griffiths, stated about Spelbound: “Oh, they’ve worked so hard over the last few weeks. Um, since the semi-final, we…we really had to pull out the stops to try and up the game. They’ve not known they’ve worked in the gym from six in the morning till twelve…twelve o’clock of the night. I couldn’t have asked for more. Um, it’s a team of coaches. I don’t take all the credit myself. There’s, uh, two people up there that know who they are who’ve been fantastic.”

Spelbound consists of 24-year-old Alex Uttley, Nicholas Illingworth, aged 24, Adam Buckingham, aged 21, 20-year-old Adam McAssey, 19-year-old Douglas Fordyce, 18-year-old Edward Upcott, 18-year-old Leighanne Cowler, 17-year-old Katie Axten, 17-year-old Lauren Kemp, 15-year-old Jonathan Stranks, Abigail Ralph, aged 15, 13-year-old Hollianne Wood and Amy Mackenzie, aged 12. Bookmakers had previously predicted that Spelbound would be the most likely act to become the winner of the series.

The running order for the final started with Twist and Pulse. The second act to perform was Liam McNally, a 14-year-old singer. The running order subsequently continued with 40-year-old impressionist Paul Burling, singer Christopher Stone, aged 28, Tina & Chandi, a woman and dog dancing act, Connected, a five-piece singing group, Kieran Gaffney, aged 12, 22-year-old Tobias Mead, a dancer, 80-year-old singer Janey Cutler and Spelbound in that particular order.

Earlier on in the final, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has stated to Spelbound: “We are hosting the 2012 Olympics and I think ‘what a brilliant opening act’.” Fellow judge Piers Morgan also commented that “[t]he purpose of this show is to identify hidden great British talent. You are that act.” After Spelbound won in the final, another judge, named Simon Cowell, stated that “the right boys and girls won on the night” and that he could “only say on live TV that that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen. Seriously.”

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Five Remarkable Benefits Of Availing The Services Of Home Care In Massachusetts}

Submitted by: Scott F

Home care in Massachusetts has turned into a vital requirement in the present era, with young adults, not being able to give time to their aging family members. Aging is certainly a natural phenomenon that renders the senior citizen incapable and weak to move or look after themselves. It is here where professional assistance of caregivers is needed. Aged care or elder care is required for serving the specialized personal and social requirements of the elderly. To age with proper dignity is something that every human desire, but this becomes difficult to attain with myriad uncontrollable health related factors and to solve these problems it is best to join hands with Massachusetts home care providers.

Benefits that one can avail by letting an expert caregiver handle the difficult jobs

Time- time honestly is the most crucial factor if one desires in hiring home care services. In the present era most people do not have adequate time to manage a career, family as well as the care required for their elderly loved one

Accessibility- accidents can take place anytime. It is here where a home caregiver can ensure that ones elderly loved one receives the immediate care and take them to the doctor according to the severity of the condition. The best part is these professionals can be by the side of the senior citizen when they fall as well as assist them in getting back to their feet

Professional assistance- the reputed Homecare providers in Massachusetts are trained for handling every situation of a senior citizen. As they possess the experience to deal with emergency situations they will be capable of responding to such situations with immediate attention

24/7 care- as an elderly citizens condition begins to deteriorate with age, they will need someone by their side 24/7. This would be just impossible for anyone having a career and their own family and children to worry about. An expert home caregiver can be there 24/7. The costs of these services are comparatively less expensive than placing them in nursing homes or hospitals. The elderly patient too will feel at ease in their own home

Medication and patient support- taking meals and medications on time during old age is highly crucial. Having a professional caregiver at home will ensure that ones aging family member takes medications on time, eats a balanced meal as well as receive instant medical care as and when it is needed

All in all, expert home care services will help in bringing a client ease and lots of convenience at an affordable price. Utilizing these solutions will aid one in saving both money and time along with keeping them away from the hassles to look after everything on their own. The biggest plus of hiring the services of a caregiver is the companionship, convenience and comfort that they offer. With such home care services one need not have to take tension regarding getting a seat in the hospital or sitting in the doctors office reading old magazines. After all it is the commitment and dedication to the patients which makes these services the finest for getting better.

About the Author: Scott Fagan in this article has thrown light on how Home care in Massachusetts has turned into a vital requirement in the present era and also the remarkable benefits that one can avail by letting expert Homecare providers in Massachusetts handle the difficult jobs. Click here:

commonwealthcaregivers.com/service-area.html

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=1921759&ca=Home+Management}

Iranian International Master Dorsa Derakhshani discusses her chess career with Wikinews

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Dorsa Derakhshani in Baku, 2017 (Image: Gibraltar Chess Festival)

In February 2017, the Iranian Chess Federation announced two teenage chess players, Dorsa Derakhshani and her younger brother Borna Derakhshani, were banned from representing the national team. The federation announced their decision although Dorsa Derakhshani had previously decided and informed the chess federation she did not wish to play for Iran.

Dorsa Derakhshani is currently 21 years old and holds the International Master (IM) as well as Woman Grand Master (WGM) titles. Her brother, Borna, plays for the English Federation and holds the FIDE Master title.

Dorsa Derakhshani was banned since she did not wear a hijab, an Islamic headscarf, while competing at the Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival in January 2017. Under the laws of Islamic Republic of Iran, hijab is a mandatory dress code. Her brother Borna Deraskhsani was banned for playing against Israeli Grand Master (GM) Alexander Huzman at the same tournament. Iran does not recognise the existence of Israel, and previously, Irani athletes have avoided playing against Israeli athletes.

Mehrdad Pahlavanzadeh, the president of the country’s chess federation, explained the decision to ban the players saying, “As a first step, these two will be denied entry to all tournaments taking place in Iran and in the name of Iran, they will no longer be allowed the opportunity to be present on the national team.” ((fa))Farsi language: ?????? ????? ?? ??? ??? ?? ??? ????? ?? ?? ???? ???????? ?? ?? ????? ? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ? ???? ???? ???? ?? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ????. He further stated, “Unfortunately, something that should not have happened has happened and our national interest is paramount and we have reported this position to the Ministry of Sports.” ((fa))Farsi language: ????????? ?????? ?? ????? ????????? ?????? ??? ? ????? ??? ?? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ???? ? ?? ??? ???? ?? ?? ????? ???? ?? ????? ?????.

IM Dorsa Derakhshani, who currently studies at Saint Louis University in the United States and plays for the United States Chess Federation, discussed her chess career, time in Iran and the 2017 controversy, and her life in Saint Louis with a Wikinews correspondent.

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Several injured in Ben Nevis cable car accident

Thursday, July 13, 2006

As many as eight people have been injured after two cable cars collided at the Nevis Range near Fort William in Scotland.

Two RAF helicopters, an air ambulance, four ambulance crews, police, fire brigade and a mountain rescue team are among those present. Police have confirmed that three people have been injured, including one child. Injuries include broken legs, head and chest injuries. The Scottish Ambulance Service have reported that up to seven people had been thrown on to the hillside. A reporter at the scene said one car near the top of the mountain had slid down a cable, hitting another and then one of the cars fell to the ground.

Northern Constabulary have stated “It’s understood that two gondolas would appeared to have collided and a number of casualties have been reported. The local mountain rescue team, Inverness helimed and other air support are in attendance to remove casualties”.

The Doppelmayr gondola system is made up of eighty six-seat closed cabins running on a continuous 4.6km steel cable.

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What Benefits Are Provided With Packaging Services In Fort Myers, Fl?

byadmin

For Florida property owners, moving could present unique challenges that disrupt their daily routines. The requirements of moving begin with sorting through everything they own and packing up their entire lives. With packing services in Fort Myers FL, the owner avoids this chaos and achieves the move without major effort.

Reducing the Stress of Moving

A full-service moving company offers additional services to make this life event less hectic. They review the total requirements for the service based on the size of the property and volume of items that need transport. They arrange for a crew to come to the property with ample packaging supplies. The crew packs up all items inside the property and wrap the furniture appropriately. Once completed, the owner won’t have to worry about any aspects of the move other than scheduling it.

Avoiding Breakage Due to Ineffective Packing

Packing services are completed in a professional manner. The crew assigned to the property understands how to package shipments to avoid potential breakage. This includes added packing materials inside boxes to prevent glass and other fragile items from moving. All breakable items are wrapped carefully and positioned in the boxes to prevent damage due to movement or if the box is dropped.

Saving the Homeowner Time

The moving company helps the homeowner save time by providing these full-service opportunities. The homeowner can focus on their job or their parenting requirements. Their daily routine isn’t changed by the move. They have the opportunity to continue their day without interruption and transition to their new property without hindrances.

Quicker Transport Services

The moving companies provide quicker transport when packing services are utilized. They set up a schedule for packing and for transporting the items to the new location or storage facility. They maintain the schedule set up by the homeowner.

Florida moving services provide homeowners with invaluable choices for their next relocation. These choices prevent major changes in the individual’s daily routine. The moving service ensures that the items are packaged appropriately and gives the homeowner peace of mind. Anyone who needs Packing Services in Fort Myers FL for their next relocation should contact us for further details now.

Australian police seize one tonne shipment of ecstacy

Friday, April 15, 2005Police in Melbourne have seized over a tonne of ecstacy in a shipment of tiles from Italy. Four were arrested on Thursday and early Friday relating to the shipment, which the Australian Federal Police has called the biggest shipment of street-ready ecstacy pills in the world.

The four men were charged with aiding and abetting a prohibited import, according to ABC radio. Five million tablets were seized, with a reported street value of US$190 million (AU$250m). Two were additionally charged with attempting to possess a prohibited import.

Federal police were continuing to investigate a crime ring behind the shipment, a spokesperson told News24.com.

Federal Agent Mike Phelan said: “The AFP is now working with its counterparts in Italy and other parts of Europe to identify any overseas links with this latest seizure.”

X-rays taken of the shipment, which arrived in Port Melbourne earlier in the week, had revealed anomalies inside eight pallets which were stacked with tiles, said a report from Australian Associated Press.

Police then monitored the shipping container until it was delivered on Thursday to a suburban Melbourne factory, where two men were arrested, according to the News24.com report. Agents searched a dozen homes and businesses across Melbourne and arrested two more men early on Friday. All four suspects were due to appear in court later on Friday.

Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison praised the AFP, the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Crime Commission involved in the operation, which he told Australian Associated Press had been ongoing since January.

“This big seizure sends a very clear message to those who want to traffic drugs to Australia, you will be caught and face very serious penalties,” Senator Ellison told the news agency, saying the shipment “could have wreaked havoc”.

“Anyone who says this sort of seizure does not slow the supply of drugs is quite obviously out of touch with reality.”

The previous largest Australian ecstasy haul occurred in November 2004 in Sydney, when 1,800 pounds of ecstasy tablets and powder were seized, Australian Federal Police (AFP) told Reuters, compared to this shipment’s weight of 2,240 pounds.

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Viktor Schreckengost dies at 101

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Viktor Schreckengost, the father of industrial design and creator of the Jazz Bowl, an iconic piece of Jazz Age art designed for Eleanor Roosevelt during his association with Cowan Pottery died yesterday. He was 101.

Schreckengost was born on June 26, 1906 in Sebring, Ohio, United States.

Schreckengost’s peers included the far more famous designers Raymond Loewy and Norman Bel Geddes.

In 2000, the Cleveland Museum of Art curated the first ever retrospective of Schreckengost’s work. Stunning in scope, the exhibition included sculpture, pottery, dinnerware, drawings, and paintings.

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Nokia appoints Microsoft Business Division Head as chief executive

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Stephen Elop in 2008 Image: luca.sartoni.

The Finnish communications corporation Nokia announced that its Head will change on September 21. The previous chief executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo will continue to chair in non-executive capacity. The head of Microsoft Business division Stephen Elop will take the position. It is the first time a non-Finn becomes Nokia president and chief executive.

The change follows Nokia’s fall in world markets. It includes a decrease in Nokia’s American market share to less than ten percent after failed negotiations with a number of leading American phone providers. An analyst at a market analyst company Canalys, Pete Cunningham, said, “Despite holding 38 percent market share of the smartphone market, Nokia’s failure to compete with the iPhone and high-tier Android devices, combined with its lack of progress in gaining significant traction in the United States, has led to press and investor dissatisfaction.”

Some commenters suggested that Nokia chose Mr. Elop partly because he is a Canadian, following criticism of American candidates by the Finnish press. However a Nokia spokesman rejected this, saying, “Nationality was not a selection criteria.”

Stephen Elop was president and CEO of the graphics and web-development software house Macromedia prior to its acquisition by Adobe in 2005. He then joined Microsoft as President of Microsoft’s Business Division in January, 2008. Commenting on his new role he said, “Nokia has a unique global position as well as a great brand upon which we can build. The Nokia slogan clearly states our key mission: Connecting People, which will acquire new dimensions as we build our portfolio of products, solutions and services.”

In the announcement the Chairman of the Nokia Board of Directors Jorma Ollila stressed an expected shift of focus from hardware to software. “His [Stephen Elop’s] strong software background and proven record in change management will be valuable assets as we press harder to complete the transformation of the company. We believe that Stephen will be able to drive both innovation and efficient execution of the company strategy in order to deliver increased value to our shareholders”.

Nokia stated in an official blog post, “Nokia is transitioning from a hardware manufacturer of mobile devices to a software and solutions business. …Stephen’s background in the software industry is one of his key strengths.”

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