August getaway: 7nts in Cyprus from £364pp incl. apart hotel & flights - 4 share

Grab a cheeky week this August in Ayia Napa, Cyprus with your mates. Enjoy temperatures in the mid to high 30s - perfect for topping up that tan! You'll be staying at the Green Bungalows Apartments which boasts a great location, within walking distance of both the beach and the bars So what are you… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Extend your summer with a Malaga mini-break: 3nts B&B, flights & funky hotel stay from £272pp

Who says the summer has to end in August? Jet off to Malaga this September and make the most of the late season bargains out there. For 3 nights the4* Barceló Malaga will be your home, only a few minutes walk from the beach, its the ideal place to plonk yourself. Holiday details: Travel duration:… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

WhatsApp’s Founder Jan Koum Quits Facebook, Following Differences Over Privacy.

When Facebook paid $19bn for WhatsApp in 2014, it seemed like an astonishing price for a messaging app that had very little revenue. Four years later, it now has more than a billion users, but still barely makes a cent.

Much of that might be down to Jan Koum, WhatsApp’s founder and, until yesterday, its boss, who has always sought to keep the app independent. Koum announced last night that he was leaving Facebook to collect rare Porsches and play ultimate frisbee.

It has to be one of the better Silicon Valley leaving notes; the question now is what happens to WhatsApp

ENCRYPTED DEPARTURE

Koum did not elaborate on why he was leaving WhatsApp, but the Washington Post reports that his departure is down to clashes with Facebook management over the parent company's apparent attempts to use personal data and weaken encryption.

WhatsApp’s founder, who grew up in Communist Ukraine, has always been a staunch privacy supporter and occasionally a critic of advertising-supported social media, and it seems possible that his philosophy differed from Mark Zuckerberg’s.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WHATSAPP?

Since buying WhatsApp, Facebook has struggled with the question how to make money from it. An initiative to have businesses pay to communicate through the service has often been mulled, but so far struggled to take off.

Meanwhile the app’s encryption has often been criticised by politicians and police, who say it makes it more difficult to catch criminals. Interestingly, Koum’s departure comes as Russia and Iran both crack down on encrypted app Telegram.

As Facebook itself faces growing political scrutiny, could the company be tempted to weaken WhatsApp’s encryption as a potential bargaining chip

Source : Telegraph.

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Uber to offer free rides to the polls for wheelchair users

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Ride-hailing app Uber will be offering wheelchair users free rides to and from polling stations during next Thursday’s local elections. Uber is teaming up with Whizz-Kidz, a charity which works to improve the lives of disabled children and young people, to help wheelchair users cast their votes.Rides to and from polling stations between 7am and 10pm on Thursday will be free up to £10 on the uberACCESS option which uses fully wheelchair accessible vehicles and currently operates in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds and Liverpool.Existing users of uberACCESS will be given a special code to access the free rides and new users will be sent one by charities such as Whizz-Kidz. Riders will then receive two free rides up to £10.Ruth Owen, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz, said:“The outcome of Local Elections can have huge implications for young wheelchair users and the services they access within their local communities. Therefore it is crucial that the barriers that can prevent them from making their voices heard are removed. We’re delighted that our partner Uber are making things easier by providing free uberACCESS rides to polling stations in major cities. We hope Uber’s generous move will inspire many young wheelchair users to get out and vote on May 3.”Tom Elvidge, General Manager of Uber in the UK, said:“We’re proud to offer fully wheelchair accessible vehicles in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and Liverpool through Uber ACCESS. We believe that everybody should be able to get to the polls and have their say, so we’re delighted to be working with Whizz-Kidz to offer wheelchair users free trips to and from the polls.”Michael Sani, CEO of Bite the Ballot, said:“At a time when many question how we best strengthen our democracy and ensure greater representation, this beautiful collaboration between Whizz-Kidz and Uber demonstrates the power of cross sector collaboration. Members of our communities with disabilities have been disenfranchised and marginalised for years because of access barriers preventing them the ease of going to the polls and ensuring they are active citizens. This collaboration will support people to ensure they have made their voice and opinions heard without worrying about how to do that.”

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Last minute Menorca bargain group getaway from £133pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, we have come across this bargain getaway to the beautiful Balearic Islands, this last minute holiday will see you heading to the island of Menorca for a week in the sun. The holiday is based on 4 sharing so grab your squad and get booking, you can of course holiday as a couple if… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Greece luxury break 4nts from £330pp - incl. Nikki Beach lifestyle hotel, breakfast & flights

Ahoy mateys! We do love our design-led, luxurious accommodation and next up we've laid eyes on this gorgeous escape to Porto Heli in Peloponnes about 2h 50mins drive from Athens airport. You will be staying at the stylish 5* Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, part of the famous Nikki Beach hotel group with luxe… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super romantic Mauritius escape: 7nts all inclusive from £974pp incl. flights, 4* hotel & more

Arrr Pirates, whether you're looking for that dream honeymoon destination or just after a romantic break with the other ship mate in your life, stop the search now. Jet off to the magical island of Mauritius this summer with this amazing all inclusive deal we've found on our package finder. All other dates are at… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The GMB union withdraw from Uber relicensing court hearing

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The GMB union has withdrawn from participating in the up and coming court hearing surrounding Uber’s operating licence in London.

The union were due to be part of the hearing but yesterday withdrawn following reassurances from the ride-hailing service about health and safety issues.

In contrast, the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association has submitted an application to extend the list of issues to be raised at the hearing due to start on 25th June.

In a statement made by a GMB spokesperson they said:

“At a hearing on 19th December 2017, the Court granted the GMB Union permission to intervene in the appeal being taken by Uber against TfL‘s decision not to grant it a license to operate in London. GMB was granted permission to intervene on a single issue, namely that Uber’s business model operated to encourage its drivers to work excessive hours, putting public, passenger and driver safety at risk.

“Following the granting of permission, in January 2018, Uber launched its Driver Hours Policy that imposes a cap on the amount of time drivers can be ‘on trip’. In April 2018, Uber confirmed it will develop a feature that stops drivers been offered long journeys when they approach the hours cap, they will maintain the Driver Hours Policy over the course of any licence period as granted; and will continue to encourage with and report to TfL about the implementation of the Drivers Hours Policy.

TfL has confirmed that it will continue to discuss the safety issues raised by the GMB union with Uber and other operators and will consider adopting policies which are aimed at ensuring safe, active, sustainable and efficient transport in London, including policies relating to driver conditions and working hours. It has not ruled out consideration of whether TfL could use regulatory powers to address excessive working hours.

“In light of these change of circumstances,

GMB has decided not to continue with his intervention in the Magistrates Courts. It intends to monitor the implementation of these commitments, aiming to ensure they are rolled out nationwide.”

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Fuerteventura winter break 4nts from £257pp - incl. SENTIDO hotel, half board & flights

Ahoy early birds! Secure your winter holiday now with a stay at the sleek 4* H10 SENTIDO Playa Esmeralda Hotel in Fuerteventura right on the gorgeous Costa Calma. We opted for a 4 night stay with half board included, however you can adjust this holiday any way you please changing the dates or extending your… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Worcester Private Hire driver found guilty of being part of Heroin and Crack Cocaine drugs gang

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Private hire driver Shakur Hussain has been found guilty of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possession of criminal property at Worcester Crown Court. The verdict was handed down on Monday 30 by a majority decision (10 to 2). Operation Blade was launched by the police force in an attempt to tackle the supply of class A drugs into Worcester from larger cities. Hussain was found with £1,890 in criminal cash, money made from drug dealings. A room being rented in Hussain's name was also found to be used to prepare the drugs. Hussain had claimed to have no idea what the room was being used for. The ring leader of the drugs gang was Asgar Khalfe, described by Hussain's barrister, Miss Sophie Murray, as a man that would manipulate and prey upon people like Hussain. Hussain pleaded his innocence to ever knowing Khalfe was a drug dealer and claimed to of never transported drugs. A jury took six hours and 20 minutes to hand down a guilty verdict. A date has not yet been set for Hussain's sentencing.

May 01, 2018 at 09:34AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Yorkshire glamping experience from £19pppn - variety of accommodations available (sleeps 2-8)

We all love a little bit of glamping isn't that right Pirates? Well then you'll love the range of accommodations they offer at Camp Kátur, situated in between Harrogate and Middlesbrough, this site offers a great UK based staycation with a twist. Comprising of a number of wooden bungalows and plush tents, sleeping between 2… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Mexican escape in June: 7nts B&B from £619pp incl. flights, hotel & 20KG checked bags

Don't wait until August to dust off your sunnies and get the cases down from the loft early this year. The beaches of Mexico await you early this summer so too does the 5* Eurostars Hacienda Vista Real Hotel. Jet off to Playa del Carmen for 7 nights this June with your best shipmate to… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* Barcelona hotel stay from £47pppn - with rooftop pool (flights from £46rtn)

Pirates, take a look at this really cool hotel in Barcelona we have found, with some great rates spanning through September to November. If you would rather go sooner there are still good rates available throughout the Summer. The hotel is located within walking distance of the beach and it also offers it's own rooftop… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Glasgow Taxis boss hits out at city council after Uber licence green light

Chairman of Glasgow Taxis Stephen Flynn poses for a photograph at the Glasgow Taxis offices Picture: Jamie Simpson

A TAXI boss has claimed the city council is harming one of Glasgow's most important businesses.

In a raft of criticisms, Glasgow Taxis chairman Stephen Flynn said the council is:

*handing out too many licences

*causing pollution in the city centre despite a policy to make Glasgow greener

*over-stretching its Taxi Enforcement Team

*Failing residents with too few ranks in the city and

*Should suspend granting licences while a city-wide survey of provision is underway.

Mr Flynn spoke out following Glasgow City Council's licensing committee awarding a new booking office licence to private hire app firm Uber.

As told in the Evening Times earlier this month, union Unite said it is considering reporting the council to the ombudsman over the decision.

Glasgow Taxis, Unite and the Greater Glasgow Private Hire Association all claim Uber's bookings will go through an office in Holland and not its Buchanan Street premises.

Uber strongly denies this.

Having a booking office in the city that directly deals with customers' bookings is one of the conditions of being granted a licence.

Mr Flynn said Glasgow Taxis has been in the city for more than five decades - but he worries for the firm's future in the face of council actions.

He said: "We try our best to help the city and sometimes we feel let down.

"As a company our first instinct is to make sure the people of Glasgow are safe and can travel in the safest way possible.

"I am worried about the where the taxi trade will go in the next 10 years because of council decisions being made now.

"The only people who suffer are the people of Glasgow."

Mr Flynn points to his company's ethos of corporate social responsibility, citing the annual taxi trip to Troon for additional needs children and support for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

Glasgow Taxis also pays £58,000 each year towards the NightZone in Glasgow City Centre, manned ranks helping people get home from nights out.

Glasgow City Council has commissioned a survey looking at unmet demand in the city.

Mr Flynn added: "The council wants less vehicles in the city centre for environmental reasons and yet it gave out another 1000 licences last year.

"There could be another 500 licences given out between now and the unmet demand survey.

"And what will happen if the results of the survey show the city is at saturation point? It can't ask for licences back.

"The city is at saturation point.

"It's not about competition, it's about following the rules and regulations."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said the council works closely with the taxi trade and "understands a number of their concerns."

However, he added: “All decisions in relation to the taxi and private hire car trade are made entirely in accordance with the rules that govern the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, as set out in the Civic Government Scotland Act.

“We have initiated an independent assessment of whether demand for taxis and private hire cars is unmet by the current provision of drivers and vehicles in the city.

"It would be wrong and unlawful of the council to prejudge the findings of that independent assessment."

He said the Taxi Enforcement Team is meeting its current targets and carried out 8000 roadside inspections and deals with 1000 complaints from the public.

The spokesman added: "The council wants the city centre to be used by cleaner and fewer vehicles and has updated its vehicle standards to allow the use of suitable low emission and electric vehicles for the taxi and private hire car trade.

“We are in regular dialogue with the taxi trade about the provision of taxi ranks in the city and adjust their location as circumstances demand."

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5* Sicily luxury break 3nts from £270pp - incl. flights, top-hotel w. Clarins spa & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Next up we've spotted this gorgeous Sicily getaway placing you on the west of the island close to some of the island’s finest beaches. You will be staying regally at the refined (and top-rated) 5* Giardino di Costanza situated in a tranquil haven of palm trees and fountains, all surrounded by olive groves… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lux in Bucks: Cosy 5* UK inn from under £30pppn

Pirates, for a spot of country comfort, head into rural Bucks, UK (only a 33-minute bus from Maidenhead) and enjoy an overnight stay at the 5* Olde Bell Hotel from £30pppn. Add breakfast for two to your booking with the room rate from £75pn (it's cheaper to add breakfast through the room rate with Booking.com,… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sardinia holiday 7nts from only £168pp - incl. flights & aparthotel

Ahoy mateys! We've spotted this great value for money Sardinia holiday placing you at the popular Badus Residence in the north of the island situated only a 15-minute bus ride away from the sandy beach boasting 2 pools, amongst other things. There are cheap May and September dates starting from as little as £168pp for… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Say 'Hallo' to Berlin: 2nt German city break from £118pp incl. flights & quirky 4* hotel

Ahoy Pirates, if you're looking for a chic city break away then why not hop on a plane to Germany's capital?With an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and shops mixed with a whole host of history, Berlin is the ideal place to escape to for 2 nights. We have paired the aptly named 4* Hotel… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mega bargain Greek getaway from £102pp - 7nts hotel near the beach, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, we have come across yet another bargain break in Greece this time you will head to Thassos and stay for a week in the sun. The holiday is based on 2 sharing and as there is limited availability you will need to act fast to grab this Greek getaway at this bargain price. Holiday… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber In Westminster Magistrate Court For Case Management Hearing.

Uber has sought to “repair and reform” its business as it faces being banned from London, a court has heard.

The firm was told last year that it would not have its licence renewed in the capital by Transport for London because of public safety concerns.

It is due to appeal against the decision at a full hearing in the summer.

During a case management hearing today at Westminster magistrates’ court, Philip Kolvin QC, representing the cab-hailing app, said lessons had been learned from extensive criticism by TfL.

He said operational changes have allowed the list of issues to be discussed in the appeal to reduce from 25 to 11.

Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot, however, asked if the changes were just a "smokescreen."

"They were villains then, I’m exaggerating for effect, but now they’ve transformed themselves," Arbuthnot said. 

She said if there were still examples of Uber operating in an unlawful way, "then I want to know about it."

TfL accepted changes had been made but felt “it is really for the court to decide whether, in light of the changes made, Uber is fit and proper”, according to a statement read by Mr Kolvin. 

He said: "TfL served a 21-page letter ... it was a most thorough document and the issues included not just what Uber did but how it did it, and underpinning those issues was a critique of Uber's approach.

"The reaction of Uber to that letter has been one of repair and reform.

"It has accepted a large number of those criticisms made by TfL. It admits it has failed in many respects. It has apologised.

"It has made changes to the way it operates - it has changed its leadership, its directors."

The operational changes made by Uber reduce the list of issues to be discussed in the appeal from 25 to 11, he said.

He continued: "Making these cultural changes has put a huge burden on Uber, but we also recognise that it has put a huge burden on TfL and I would like to publicly acknowledge that."

Uber has also altered its app, so a user is now told that the booking has been accepted by them before they are linked with a driver.

Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said behaviour of Uber in the past was “pretty abysmal.”

The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA), which has been allowed to participate in the appeal, made an application to extend the list of issues.

The GMB union was also supposed to be involved in the proceedings but has since sadly been withdrawn following reassurances about health and safety from Uber. This will not go down well with the GMB's Licensed Taxi branch members who were expecting full support of the Union.

TfL has a number of concerns about Uber, including its approach to reporting serious criminal offences, how drivers’ medical certificates are obtained, how criminal record checks are carried out, and its use of technology which allegedly helps it to evade law enforcement officials

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