Google profits disappoint market

Hi viewers,There were signs of a slowdown at Google after it reported disappointing profits in its most recent quarter.

Google's profits were up 17% to $1.21bn (£608m) for the three months to the end of December.
Some analysts had been hoping for stronger profit growth and its shares fell sharply in after hours trading.
Google's shares have fallen more than 18% so far this year on concerns that the slowing US economy will cause advertisers to cut back on spending.

"Disappointing"
Investors have become used to Google reporting extremely strong profit growth.Analysts say the latest quarter shows that even Google is not immune to an economic slowdown in the US."I think its essentially an in-line quarter for Google which, given the history of beating expectations is disappointing Wall Street.
"There was a slight softness in revenue which perhaps portends softness going forward due to the US economy," said Clayton Moran, senior vice president of the Stanford Group.

Google's sales for the quarter were $3.39bn, up 52% but not as much as analysts were hoping.

Democratic pair hold key debate

Hi viewers, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are facing each other in a televised debate as they strive to become the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.The two are debating head-to-head after John Edwards withdrew from the Democratic race on Wednesday.In the Republican race, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger added his support to John McCain's bid.Rudy Giuliani, who pulled out of the Republican contest this week, has also said he is backing Mr McCain. The endorsements could give Mr McCain extra momentum ahead of "Super Tuesday", when 24 states will vote.The Democratic race is also getting more tense ahead of the potentially decisive series of contests.Both candidates paid tribute to Mr Edwards in opening statements at Thursday evening's debate in Los Angeles.Mr Obama said the US was facing a "defining moment"."What is at stake right now is whether we are looking backwards or forwards," he said.Mrs Clinton said that the Republican administration of President George W Bush had created a "stack of problems".

"It is imperative that we have a president who can begin to solve these problems," she said.

Dating Violence

Hi viewers, Teenagers often experience violence in dating relationships. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship. In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women, who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Young women need a dating safetyplan.

Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:

• are inexperienced with dating relationships.
• are pressured by peers to act violently.
• want independence from parents.
• have "romantic" views of love.

Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others.

Young men may believe:

• they have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary.
• "masculinity" is physical aggressiveness
• they "possess" their partner.
• they should demand intimacy.
• they may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive toward their girlfriends.
  
• Young women may believe:

• they are responsible for solving problems in their relationships
• their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness and even physical abuse, is "romantic."
• abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused.
• there is no one to ask for help.

Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.

Help is available for teenagers
If you are a teenager involved in an abusive relationship, you need to remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Remember you cannot change your batterer, and in time the violence will get worse. You need to take care of yourself. Talk to a trusted adult or locate a shelter or agency serving victims of domestic abuse in your community. Together, you can talk about making a plan to end the relationship and remain safe.

love is respect

Hi viewers,I just found out last night that last week, my daughter’s boyfriend slammed her head against his car window a few times while they were arguing. She isn’t hurt now, but I am very worried about her. My daughter knows this is wrong but she believes it won’t happen again. My daughter is 18, so I can’t make her do anything. But what can I do?

You’re obviously right to be concerned for your daughter. While she may really believe this won’t happen again, this isn’t usually the case with physical abuse.

If you can, discuss the situation in a very low pressure way with her and ask if she might consider giving loveisrespect a call. A peer advocate can talk to her about abusive relationships and help her make a plan to safely end this relationship when she’s ready. All of our calls and chats are confidential. She doesn’t even have to give her name.

Some things you might suggest to your daughter:

* Try not to be alone with her boyfriend.

* Keep a cell phone with her and use it to call for help if needed.

* Try talking to a counselor locally (alone).

This is truly a difficult situation for a parent. Trying to force your daughter to make a decision about this relationship will likely only push her further from you. Let her know you’re concerned and available for support. Consider calling us yourself if you’d like to talk more about the situation.

*We don’t generally answer questions in detail through email. If you have a question or concern about dating abuse in your life, please call us or log in to our live chat. This is a representation of a question only.