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3 Ways to Double Your Sales Without Increasing Costs

Clyde K. Valle
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3 Ways to Double Your Sales Without Increasing Costs

You have to spend money to make money: We’re told that. While that’s true in a lot of cases, it’s not always an absolute requirement. With the right tips, you can improve sales and efficiency at your call center by just spending smarter rather than spending more.

The main issue

The research indicates that 70 percent of people switch to a business rival not because they didn’t like your products or services, but because they didn’t like the customer experience. Increase your customer satisfaction and you will see sales go up accordingly. Here’s how to spend smarter to do just that:

Go omnichannel

Change out your multichannel call center software for omnichannel. Omnichannel seamlessly coordinates communications from your customers across all possible platforms. In practicality, that means your agents can communicate via IVR calls, video or audio calls, messaging, live chat, emails, and more.

Imagine this scenario: You have an issue with a business, so you navigate to their website and pull up the live chat. After a brief conversation, a chat agent advises you to call. You do so, and now you’re talking with a whole new person.

This new person knows nothing about your issue, so you have to explain the whole thing again. Once they hear the issue, they give you another number or an email because they aren’t actually the one who can deal with your issue.

This scenario is exactly how you lose customers to other businesses, even if you have a superior product. Omnichannel call center software is how you integrate all your channels for service that customers will love.

Train your people well

All the software in the world won’t help you get sales if you don’t have the best people on the job. Too many call centers make the mistake of thinking that training is all about scripts, questions, and answers. If you’re wasting money on this sort of training, it’s time to redirect your resources.

Great call center agents need to keep their cool with an irate caller. They need to be good listeners. They need to be smart and capable with the kind of cognitive skills that make it possible to really understand and solve problems.

Great call center agents also need to know how to make good decisions. They need to be warm, polite, and understanding. Some of these traits are natural; others can be taught. Spending your money in recruiting the right people and then training them in these skills is money well-spent.

Set up as many self-service options as you can

Some people always want to talk with a live person when they have a question or issue; but many of your customers would prefer to fix their problems by themselves whenever possible.

Redesign your website by improving your FAQ section and making it easy to find. Provide a search bar that’s easy to spot and returns useful answers. Rewrite technical pages and information in layman’s terms.

You should also get good IVR call software capable of doing more with voice recognition. You want as many callers as possible to get the answer they need early on in a call. Chatbots on your website can provide a similar helpful function.

It will cost a bit to set this all up, but you make it all back, and more, quickly as customers get their questions answered fast. Better yet, pleased customers will start spending more and talk about their good experience on social media.

The bottom line

You can do lots of things to slash costs here and there; but nothing will make such a profound difference in the end as excellent service. To improve your customer service, you don’t need to make drastic, expensive changes. Instead just spend your money wisely, and then watch your profits grow as satisfied customers come back again and again.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Name Royal Baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Lisa.Felice
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Name Royal Baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have named their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Introducing the royal baby to the cameras earlier in the day, the Duchess of Sussex said: “He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm. He’s been the dream.”

As they laughed, the Duke of Sussex said: “I don’t know who he gets that from.”

The announcement came after the Queen and Prince Philip met their eighth and newest great-grandchild for the first time at Windsor Castle.

By deciding to call their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen not to use a title for their first born.

Image source: Getty

It’s A Boy! Meghan Markle Gives Birth to Royal Baby

As the first born son of a duke, Archie could have become Earl of Dumbarton – one of Prince Harry’s subsidiary titles – or have been Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, but instead he will simply be Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.

On which parent the baby resembled more, Prince Harry said: “Everyone says that babies change so much over two weeks.

“We’re basically monitoring how the changing process happens over this next month really. But his looks are changing every single day, so who knows.”

Pictures of the new family’s first photocall were then shared on the SussexRoyal Instagram account.

The post said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family.”

The images shared on social media were taken by Chris Allerton, who was the couple’s private wedding party photographer, and took the picture of the newlyweds watching fireworks in the grounds of Frogmore House at their evening reception.

The royal baby, who is seventh in line to the throne, was delivered at 05:26 BST on May 6, with Prince Harry saying after the birth that he and Meghan were “absolutely thrilled”.

Prince William has welcomed his brother to “the sleep deprivation society that is parenting”.

The Duke of Cambridge – a father-of-three – said he looked forward to seeing the new parents “when things have quietened down”.

Prince Charles has also expressed his joy at the birth.

During an official visit to Germany with the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince Wales said: “We couldn’t be more delighted at the news and we’re looking forward to meeting the baby when we return.”

Mac or PC? How to Decide Which Computer is Right for You

Dana R
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Mac or PC? How to Decide Which Computer is Right for You

Are you in the market for a new computer and trying to decide between Mac or PC? Read on to learn the pros and cons of each!

Mac or PC? That debate has raged for decades, ever since Microsoft and Apple have had the most dominant operating systems.

You might remember the 2006 ad campaign that put the cool Macs against the geeky and fumbling PCs. That sums up the cultural place of Macs and PCs.

There’s much more to the cultural debate when you’re deciding to get a new computer. You want to make sure that you get a computer that suits your unique needs.

Read on to find which side of the PC or Mac debate you should fall on when you’re buying a new computer.

1. What’s Your Budget?

The first thing you need to figure out is how much you can afford to spend on your computer. Macs are going to be up to three times as much as PCs. Of course, that will depend on the model that you want.

There are powerful PCs that can be just as expensive as Macs, too.

You need to know how much you’re willing to spend on a computer. If you’re using it for work, then you’re more likely to see the computer as a potential for a return on investment.

You can also consider getting a credit card to pay for your system, too. Many retailers will offer low to no interest credit cards for the first 6 months, allowing you to pay for your purchase over time.

2. What Do You Want to Do?

What do you need a computer for? Do you need to get a computer for a freelancing business? For designers and creative types, Macs certainly lead the way as far as usability and power.

That’s because some of the top design programs are built with Macs in mind. There’s also the cool creative factors that attract creatives to Mac machines.

For tasks like writing, keeping spreadsheets, email, and web browsing, you’ll want to invest in a PC. These are basic tasks that most affordable PCs can take on very easily.

For gamers, the question is a little more complex. You’ll need something that will be powerful enough to handle the needs of gaming. Gamers tend to gravitate towards PCs because they’re powerful, easily customizable, and they can connect to other devices, as we’ll explore below.

3. Connectable Devices

Each system has its own ecosystem of devices that you can connect to. For example, if you already have an Apple TV device and an iPhone and iPad, having a Mac will fit well with your other devices. It’ll be easier to send files between devices and mirror your screen to the TV.

On the PC side, gamers will love the ecosystem between the Xbox and PCs.

4. Security & Privacy

When was the last time you heard about a virus that targeted Mac devices?

It doesn’t happen nearly as often as PCs. PCs tend to be the dominant tool in businesses, making it a major target for hackers. They know that there is sensitive data to mine and money to be made in these machines.

Apple has also positioned itself as the defender of security and privacy of its users. It doesn’t make money from your data the way that other big the companies do. 

5. Upgrades & Customizations

Are you a technical type that likes to customize computers and upgrade them yourself? It’s much easier to do on most PCs than Macs.

The parts tend to be less expensive and you can find instructions on performing upgrades everywhere on the internet.

This is a big deal for many computer users because new software always demands more computer resources. Your computer can be rendered obsolete in a matter of months unless you upgrade.

6. Portability

Do you need an all-in-one computer or desktop machine or do you need the portability of a laptop computer?

Both Macs and PCs have a great selection of laptops for all purposes. Macs tend to be designed for power in a smaller, sleeker package. PC laptops tend to be heavier and slightly bulkier, but you still have a lot of power packed in. Plus, you can easily customize the devices.

Gamers are likely to love having the power and portability of gaming laptops, which they can upgrade and customize themselves.

7. Technical Support

Are you a do it yourselfer when it comes to diagnosing computer issues?

PCs are known for having little to no technical support for devices outside of the warranty, which means you better learn how to solve your own computer problems.

Macs usually have better coverage and you can always take your device to an Apple store to get some help solving your issues.

8. Usability

No matter what you decide, if you switch from a Mac to PC or vice versa, you’re going to be in for a learning curve.

It will take a bit of time to adjust to using a Mac after using a PC, especially if that’s all you’ve known. You have to give yourself the time to adjust. If you’re buying a new system in a pinch because your old one broke down, then you might be more inclined to stick with what you already know.

Otherwise, you’re going to want to use your old computer and your new computer to maintain productivity and adjust to a new operating system.

Mac or PC: It’s Up to You

There’s no right or wrong answer to the Mac or PC debate. Fortunately, both systems offer users a lot in terms of computing power and stability.

At the end of the day, there’s only what’s right for you. You have to decide what your needs are, what your budget is, and whether or not you have the time and patience to adjust to a new operating system.

Would you like to learn more tech tips? Find out how you can record your computer screen for future use.

5 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Lawyer

Nancy Clayson
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5 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Lawyer

If you’re facing criminal charges, you are in serious trouble which can easily be quite stressful, scary and depressing. No one should go through such ordeal no matter what has happened to them. Hiring a domestic battery attorney to protect your rights, support you legally, and create a strong defense against the charges is a smart thing to do in such unfortunate occasions.

If you’re not sure how a criminal defense attorney can help you, here are some reasons why you should hire one immediately.

Lawyer’s Know the Law

Criminal law in the United States is complex and vast. In many cases, it is impossible to understand the law if you have no educational background. And there is always a chance that the criminal charges against you are not easy to deal with. An experienced attorney, on the other hand, is very familiar with the law and they are good at collecting evidence, evaluating your plea bargain options and providing you with the best available defense. They know exactly what to expect when such cases go to trial.

They Have Strong Strategies

Every case is different from others and this is the real challenge attorneys have to deal with. A criminal defense attorney spends a lot of time investigating the nature of every case to find out the best results and figure out specific strategies to protect you.

They Are Good At Finding Witnesses

Since attorneys fight legal battles on a daily basis, they are already related to expert witnesses in some way from the previous cases they have fought. Even if they do not have a relation with a witness from a previous case, they are able to get in touch and contact with such witnesses on a given notice within their industry.

They Can Save You Money And Time

In today’s world, time is money. The more time you lose, the more money you lose. This is true for any legal battle as well. The more time you spend on arguing your case, the less time you are working and the less money you are making. A talented lawyer knows exactly how the legal process works and they can figure out about the case on their own while you concentrate spending time on your work. In the long run, you actually save a lot of money this way.

They Work For Your Best Interests

Unfortunately, in the world of law and legal battles, not every prosecutor is honest or follows the law. In fact, you may be surprised that some coach witnesses even hide evidence. With an experienced attorney to back you, it could mean a huge difference between being guilty and non-guilty.

As with any legal suit, it is very important to pick a lawyer carefully for your case. You must be aware of your rights and know the circumstances in which you’ll be needing a lawyer. Having good knowledge of this will help you dodge even the worst charges against you.

2 Big Reasons to Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Kathryn R. Bown
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2 Big Reasons to Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney

A medical malpractice attorney or a Miami medical misdiagnosis attorney protects you when a medical professional or a institution handled your case with negligence. Medical malpractice is a very common but a lot of people feel overwhelmed because they have been hurt by the very same person that set out to help them.

If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice at the hands of a doctor, a nurse, or an institution, you have every right to receive compensation for additional medical expenses you have to go through to sort out the new problems created by this negligence.

But proving a doctor or a medical institution is a very tricky business. Doctors and institutions have a strong legal team that protects them against cases of medical malpractice. This is why if you believe you have been hurt by a doctor’s negligence, you should seek help from a medical malpractice lawyer in Miami.

Here are 2 top reasons why should hire a medical misdiagnosis attorney today.

Getting help from a medical malpractice lawyer is a lot of relief from the stress you may have gotten from the negligence of the doctor. These professionals have specialized knowledge about negligence law which they apply to your case in order to help you win the the case against giant medical institutions and popular doctors. With a medical negligence lawyer on your side, here are some of the most common benefits you’ll enjoy.

Get the Full Compensation You Deserve

Insurance companies have strong legal teams that try to reduce the expenses of the company by making sure that compensation stays limited, no matter what the case is. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot convince them until you have a professional negotiator on your side.

As it turns out, medical malpractice attorneys are perfect negotiators that do so well to win an argument that they almost always get you more compensation that you could ever imagine. This is why having one at your side in such a case is so important.

Higher Chances of Winning a Case

So you have decided to sue a medical institution or a doctor with accusations of medical malpractice? How do you know that you have a solid case against them? Just being injured by the doctor isn’t enough to help you win the case, it requires good knowledge of the medical system as well as the negligence law.

Lawyers have spent years studying negligence law and they practice it every day in the court to help victims like you. With one at your side, you can be certain that you’ll have high chances of winning the case as opposed to going out there alone.

Just like any other legal battle, you should always pick your attorney very carefully. No matter what the case is or how strong the opponent is, an experienced and talented lawyer will make a huge difference. This is why when you are hiring a lawyer, never be hesitant to ask them about their experience and achievements.

What is Marketing Automation?

Dana R
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What is Marketing Automation?

If you would like to take your business to a whole new level, you have come to the right place. You can use marketing automation to take your results to where you have always wanted them. Doing so is much easier than you might think, and many marketing automation companies are willing to help. Marketing automation gives you a range of unbeatable benefits to which you would otherwise not have access:

· Boost Your Profit

· Save Your Time

· Expand Your Reach

In simple terms, marketing automation consists of software and systems that do the hardest parts of your marketing for you.

Boost Profit

Since your profitability is one of the most vital aspects of your business, let’s cover it first. Most businesses that fail do so because they don’t get their marketing right. They focus on the wrong things and overlook the most critical needs of their target customers.

Even when they get it right, marketing takes a lot of time and energy to implement. You can boost your profit more than you once thought possible when you use the right marketing automation plan. You can learn about your prospects and give them what they want without much additional effort, and the outcome will impress you.

Save Time

All business owners and marketing experts know that time is a limited and valuable resource. Anything that steals time away from running your business also hurts your bottom line. Some tasks that take time are essential to your bottom line, and marketing is one of them.

The good news is that the right marketing automation plan reduces the amount of time you spend on marketing. You can then use that time to work on the other areas of your business, and the rewards are exponential.

Email Funnel

An email funnel is the perfect example of marketing automation. While it can include chatbots and social media autoresponders, we are going to focus on the email funnel. In a classic funnel, you send people to an opt-in page and collect their email addresses. You then send out emails to your prospects to build relationships with them over time.

You then pitch your offer and go for the sale. You lose people at each step of your funnel, but it acts as a filter. The people who remain at the end are your most valuable customers, and they will stay with you over the long run if you treat them right.

Lead Generation

Lead generation is the first step in your marketing automation plan. To automate your lead generation process, put tracking pixels on your website and social media pages.

Also, you can use web code that reads cookies on your prospect’s browser and show them benefits unique to their needs and desires. For example, imagine you sell weight loss videos and diet plans. Your lead generation page should give valuable advice and offer a free video. Require your prospects to enter their email address to access the video.

Email Automation

Most marketing automation companies that know what they are doing use email automation. Once people join your list, your marketing automation software automatically sends them emails over several days or weeks.

It can then send the sales email after building enough trust with your prospects, and you don’t need to put in any additional effort once your system is in place. You might, however, want to change a few elements to see what gives you the best results possible.

Conversion Tracking

The old way of email marketing involved sending the same content to everyone on an email list. This approach causes you to lose more sales than you can imagine. You defeat that problem with conversion tracking software, which is included with most reputable email responders.

This software tracks which of your customers buy something in your email offer and when they do it, but it also tracks the ones who don’t. Based on the system you set up, the software places your customers into different groups based on their spending habits. Knowing the different behaviours and spending habits of your prospects is a powerful way to improve your sales rate.

Upsells

Upselling is an effective tool that skyrockets your profit when you use it the right way. You upsell the people who buy your first offer right away. These are the ones who enjoy your products and have enough money to buy them. Going with the weight loss example, your first product could be a video course selling for $47.

Your upsell could be private coaching sessions with experienced fitness experts, or you could offer membership programs. As long as you offer solid advice that gets results, a lot of your past customers will pay several hundred dollars or more for your advanced products.

Downsells

If you have ever added an item to your online cart but did not buy it right away, you have seen a downsell in action. Downselling works because it helps you get sales from those who would otherwise not buy from you.

Some of these people don’t have the budget for your products, but others are not comfortable paying the asking price. To use downsells, separate the people who don’t buy your first offer into a group. You then send that group discount codes or offer them a cheaper version of your product. If you are selling digital products, you lose nothing by offering discount codes.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, marketing automation is an effective way to increase your sales and boost your bottom line. Investing the extra profit you earn back into your business lets you expand to new areas if that’s your goal. You can also use the time you save to come up with even more product or service ideas. You now have the information required to implement your own marketing automation plan.

As with most things in business and life, you go through a trial-and-error process while discovering what approach is the best fit for your business. You can skip the roadblocks by hiring a marketing automation company to do it for you, and you then enjoy the rewards much sooner. No matter the path you choose, marketing automation can do wonders for your bottom line.

It’s A Boy! Meghan Markle Gives Birth to Royal Baby

Lisa.Felice
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It’s A Boy! Meghan Markle Gives Birth to Royal Baby

Prince Harry has announced that his wife, Meghan Markle, has given birth to a boy.

The royal couple’s first child is seventh in line to the British throne.

It is not know if the royal baby was born at home or in a hospital.

The Duke of Sussex said they were both “absolutely thrilled” and thanked the public for their support during the pregnancy.

Meghan Markle Pregnant: Royal Couple Expecting Their First Baby Next Spring

The Duchess of Sussex and the baby were doing “incredibly well”, the prince said.

Prince Harry also said they were still thinking about names for the infant, who was delivered at 05:26 BST on May.

The baby weighs 7lbs 3oz and Prince Harry was present for the birth, the Buckingham Palace has confirmed on Twitter.

Meghan Markle is a former American actress and lifestyle blogger, who rose to fame after starring in legal drama Suits.

Russian Aeroflot Plane Fire Kills 41 In Moscow

Diane A. Wade
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Russian Aeroflot Plane Fire Kills 41 In Moscow

An Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet-100 made an emergency landing and burst into flames just after takeoff from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport killing at least 41 people.

Two children are among the dead. The jet had 73 passengers and five crew members.

“There are 37 survivors – 33 passengers and four members of the crew,” said Yelena Markovskaya, an official involved in the investigation of the crash.

A flight attendant was also reportedly killed in the incident. Five people are in hospital. One witness said it was a “miracle” anyone escaped.

Dramatic video shows passengers using emergency exit slides to escape the burning Russian aircraft.

Survivors suggest the plane was struck by lightning, but Russia’s national carrier said only that it returned to the airport for technical reasons.

Initial reports suggested the plane had landed on fire, but sources quoted by Russian news agency Interfax said the jet caught fire after a very bumpy landing.

The plane landed with full fuel tanks because the crew lost contact with air traffic controllers and decided it was too dangerous to dump fuel over Moscow, Interfax added.

Ethiopian Airlines Plane Crashes Near Addis Ababa Killing All on Board

Cuba: Plane Crashes at Havana Airport Killing More than 100

PM Dmitry Medvedev has ordered a special committee to investigate the disaster.

The aircraft left the airport at 18:02 local time, bound for Murmansk.

Its crew sent a distress signal when “malfunctions” occurred in bad weather shortly after take-off.

After making an emergency landing at the airport, the aircraft’s engines caught fire on the runway, Aeroflot said, adding that the crew “did everything to save the passengers”.

Aeroflot published a list of survivors who have been identified so far.

Murmansk’s Acting Governor Andrey Chibis has reportedly said that the families of those killed in the fire will each receive one million rubles ($15,300), while the victims being treated in hospital will be given 500,000 rubles ($7,650).

With millions of commercial flights taking place every year, lightning strikes in the air are relatively common.

Traditional planes, built using aluminum, are usually able to withstand such strikes as the shell or “skin” of the aircraft acts as a cage, distributing the electricity without causing damage and allowing them to continue their journey safely. Some newer aircraft are constructed using lighter materials that have lower electrical conductivity, such as carbon fiber, which need to be protected – often using wire mesh or foil.

Gaza Violence: Ceasefire Agreed as Four Israelis and 23 Palestinians Were Killed

Roy Siemens
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Gaza Violence: Ceasefire Agreed as Four Israelis and 23 Palestinians Were Killed

A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has been agreed between Palestinian militants and Israel after a weekend during which Palestinians launched hundreds of rockets into Israel prompting retaliatory air and artillery strikes.

At least four Israelis and 23 Palestinians were killed.

Israel has not confirmed the ceasefire. However, reports say emergency measures have been lifted in southern Israel.

The violence flared up on May 3 during a protest against the blockade of Gaza.

A TV station run by Hamas – the militant movement which controls Gaza – announced that both sides had agreed the ceasefire, beginning at 04:30 local time.

Egypt is said to have brokered it – assisted by the UN and Qatar.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not mentioned the ceasefire. However, the Times of Israel said that protective restrictions imposed on residents in southern Israel since the flare up began were being lifted, including schools reopening.

Jerusalem Embassy: Dozens Killed in Gaza Clashes as US Opens Embassy

Israel Targets Hamas Sites in Gaza in Retaliation for Rocket Strikes

On May 6, the IDF said militants had fired 690 rockets into southern Israel during the past 48 hours – 240 of which had been intercepted by the country’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

In response, the IDF said, Israel had targeted 350 sites belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

On May 5, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to “continue its massive strikes on terror elements” in Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu says the country’s forces around the strip would be “stepped up with tank, artillery and infantry forces”.

Israel had also closed all schools within 25 miles of the Gaza strip and opened some shelters to the public.

The May 6 agreement comes as the holy month of Ramadan begins for Palestinian Muslims and as Israel prepares to mark its memorial day and independence day.

Four people have so far died from the violence in Israel.

The Gaza health ministry says 23 Palestinians have died across the weekend. Most of the deaths came on Sunday. The Islamic Jihad group said seven of the dead were its members.

Civilians, including a 12-year-old boy and two pregnant women, were also among those reportedly killed.

Israel has contested the account of the death of one woman and her 14-month-old niece on Saturday. They blamed their deaths on a Palestinian rocket that fell short of its target.

Chinese Stock Markets Tumble on President Trump’s New Tariffs Announcement

Clyde K. Valle
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Chinese Stock Markets Tumble on President Trump’s New Tariffs Announcement

China stocks tumbled on May 6 after President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Chinese goods, putting a trade deal in doubt.

President Trump announced on Twitter that the US would more than double tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods on May 3 and would introduce fresh tariffs.

Recent comments had suggested both sides were nearing a trade deal.

A Chinese delegation was due to travel to Washington this week for talks aimed at ending the trade war.

However, according to recent reports, China is now considering cancelling those talks, led by Vice-Premier Liu He, that were scheduled to resume on May 8.

Some reports said the Chinese were due to send a 100-person delegation to the negotiations.

US and China Agree to Halt New Trade Tariffs for 90 Days

US to Impose New Tariffs on Chinese Handbags, Rice and Textiles

China Imposes New Tariffs of Up to 25% on 128 US Imports

The Chinese government has yet to officially comment on President Trump’s tweets.

In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped 3.7%, while the Shanghai Composite plunged 5.3%.

US stock futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street.

On May 3, President Trump tweeted: “For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods. These payments are partially responsible for our great economic results. The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday. 325 Billions Dollars….”

“The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!” he continued.

After imposing duties on billions of dollars worth of one another’s goods last year, the US and China have been negotiating and in recent weeks, appeared to be close to striking a trade deal.

Last week US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described talks held in Beijing as “productive”.

So far, the US has imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods, having accused China of unfair trade practices.

Beijing hit back with duties on $110 billion of American goods, blaming the US for starting “the largest trade war in economic history”.

President Trump’s latest move will raise duties on more than 5,000 products made by Chinese producers, ranging from chemicals to textiles and consumer goods.

He originally imposed a 10% tariff on these goods in September that was due to rise in January, but postponed this as negotiations advanced.

However, both US and international companies have said they are being harmed by the trade war.

Fears about a further escalation caused a slump in world stock markets towards the end of last year.

The IMF has warned a full-blown trade war would weaken the global economy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_LKxaTLh3g

North Korea: Kim Jong-un Oversees Short-Range Projectile Tests

Roy Siemens
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North Korea: Kim Jong-un Oversees Short-Range Projectile Tests

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a “strike drill” testing various missile components on May 4, state media has confirmed.

“A number of short-range projectiles” were also fired from the Hodo peninsula into the Sea of Japan, the state media said.

Kim Jong-un gave the order of firing to “increase the combat ability” of North Korea, the announcement said.

President Donald Trump tweeted he believed Kim Jong-un would not jeopardize the path towards better relations.

He added that Kim Jong-un “knows that I am with him & does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen!

President Trump tweeted on May 4: “Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong-Un fully realizes the great economic potential of North Korea and will do nothing to interfere or end it.”

Donald Trump walked away from what he described as a bad deal offered by the North Korean at a summit meeting in Hanoi in February.

North Korea Preparing to Launch Missile or Satellite from Sanumdong Site

In its report on May 5, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim Jing-un had stressed the need to “defend the political sovereignty and economic self-sustenance” of North Korea in the face of threat and invasion.

The aim of the drill, which was testing “large-caliber long-range multiple rocket launchers”, was to “inspect the operating ability and the accuracy of striking duty performance,” the report said.

Kim Jong-un told troops to bear in mind “the iron truth that genuine peace and security are ensured and guaranteed only by powerful strength”.

It is believed that latest test is intended to increase pressure on Washington to move nuclear talks forward.

Last month, North Korea said it had tested what it described as a new “tactical guided weapon”.

That was the first test since the Hanoi summit.

Analysts say a short-range solid fuel ballistic missile was fired on May 4, making this the most serious test since North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2017.

However, the test does not violate North Korea’s promise not to test long-range or nuclear missiles.

Cyclone Fani Destroys More than 1,000 Homes in Bangladesh

Diane A. Wade
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Cyclone Fani Destroys More than 1,000 Homes in Bangladesh

More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed in Bangladesh as Cyclone Fani hit the Asian country.

At least five people died and 63 were injured.

With more than a million people evacuated to safety, the director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said “fear of a major disaster is mostly over”.

Cyclone Fani was downgraded to a depression as it swept north-eastwards from India into Bangladesh on May 4, but was still powerful enough to submerge dozens of villages on the low lying coast.

Gusts of up to 43mph were registered.

Image source: Wikipedia

Cyclone Winston Hits Fiji as Category Five Storm

Cyclone Chapala Hits Yemen Mainland with Hurricane-Force Winds

Houses were also destroyed in the Noakhali district, where 30 people were injured and two children killed, one aged 12 and another two years old.

India also moved more than a million people to safety to avoid Cyclone Fani.

A least 16 people were killed by the storm when it hit India on May 3, but officials said the loss of life could have been far worse.

In 1999, a super-cyclone in the Bay of Bengal ravaged the coast of Orissa for 30 hours and killed 10,000 people.

Early cyclone warning systems have since improved, giving authorities more time to evacuate people. The chief minister of Orissa said this was one of the largest evacuations in human history.

Building a Business on Healthy Habits

Kathryn R. Bown
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Building a Business on Healthy Habits

Staying healthy requires us to eat well, exercise, take the right medicines and supplements, and regularly visit our doctors. But these aren’t all things that we do consciously. If we had to check our schedules every time we ate an apple or ran a mile, we’d never do any of that stuff. In reality, of course, health is built on habits.

Our habits are incredibly powerful. They’re what we do when we’re not thinking. And when we’ve managed to shape our habits in a positive way, we achieve a healthy long-term lifestyle.

That’s a gift that we can share. We can dedicate our lives — and our careers — to the healthy habits and products that have made such an enormous difference in our own lives. Here’s how.

The health and lifestyle industry

Businesses are started with purposes. If you’re a health nut with the mind of an entrepreneur, your calling may lie with the health and lifestyle industry.


You can’t take other people’s supplements for them or do their exercise routine for them, but you can help them — while also making a few bucks for yourself. In the health and lifestyle industry, you can guide customers to great healthy products, supplements, and solutions.

The health and lifestyle space is a great choice for small-business owners and entrepreneurs. These sorts of businesses are things that you can run out of your own home. Start-up costs and overhead are manageably low. And the potential for real earnings is definitely there. Americans are waking up to the consequences of years of unhealthy living, and we’re seeing more and more trends that indicate just how drawn people are to exercise options, diet choices, health supplements, and other related solutions, services, and products.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, then you’ll want to read on.

Getting started

Starting a business is never easy. Health and lifestyle businesses are no exception.

Before you get started, you’ll need a business plan. You need to work hard on your plan and do your research carefully and extensively. Before you put your money and your future on the line, you need to know your business’ target customer base, long-term goals, and immediate financial situation.

Work with an attorney to set your business up properly. Making your business a legal entity can help to insulate you from potential financial stresses your business could encounter. It will also make life a whole lot easier — and whole lot less expensive — at tax time.

You’ll also need the right business partners. Running a store that offers supplements or branding products online does not require you to make your own vitamins in your basement (please don’t do this). You’re going to partner with supplement manufacturers and suppliers. They’ll keep you stocked with healthy products and, in many cases, can even help you brand your products. Your customers will know your brand, and you’ll know that they’re getting the finest supplements and health products.

Finding your purpose

The health and lifestyle industry is a unique place to be in. You’ll be working to make money, just like everyone else, but your purpose will be greater than that. For those of us who dedicate our lives to helping our customers live healthier, each day on the job matters. You’ll still have tough days, of course, and regular business concerns. But the entrepreneurs, managers, manufacturers, and others who make their living in health and lifestyle products can know in their hearts that their work is making life better for others, and that’s a truly wonderful thing.

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice?

Kathryn R. Bown
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0
What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice?

If you or someone you know was a victim of medical malpractice, you know how devastating and overwhelming these circumstances can be. You might lose time, money, and functions you have otherwise grown accustomed to having.

Many people think they can file a lawsuit against a physician for anything they feel they did wrong. But the truth is that there are specific requirements for a case to be considered malpractice and qualify for a hearing.

Breach of standard of care

Failure to deliver standard of care is one of the most important elements in determining whether or not an incident is malpractice. It’s an often misunderstood legal term that basically means the patient was treated with acceptable medical care by competent health care professionals. And if it can be proven that this was not the case, then it might be possible to bring a lawsuit for against the individual or establishment responsible.

Negligence

But breach of standard of care is not enough to present a case. The patient must also prove that the physician or institution was negligent in doing so. They must prove that their pain, injury, or death (in the case of a family suing on behalf of a loved one) was the direct result of negligence.

For example, let’s say there is a treatment available that has been very successful with a certain type of cancer. If a physician knows about it and does not use it, he or she could be liable if the patient suffers in any way as a result.

While malpractice laws vary slightly from country to country, negligence is a fairly standard criteria for warranting a lawsuit. This means California lawyers and Kamloops lawyers, for instance, would be looking for the exact same evidence to build a case against a medical professional when there is suspected malpractice.

Damages

If both breach of care and negligence is found in a medical situation, it must then be proven that they resulted in significant damages. In some cases, even small amounts of damages can be approved for litigation. But the legal fees to pursue it may not be worth the effort.

Damages can be broken down into economic and noneconomic categories. And either one is allowable for recovery, provided they meet all the criteria. Economic losses might include lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses, etc. And noneconomic damages can be things like mental anguish, disfigurement, death, or anything else that diminishes the patient’s quality of life.

Examples of medical malpractice

One example of medical malpractice that could likely meet all the above criteria is a misdiagnosis. For example, say a patient goes to the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack, but the attending physician fails to run the appropriate tests. If this patient ends up actually suffering a heart attack, the doctor could be held responsible. In this case, you can clearly identify neglect and breach of standard of care.

Another example could be medication errors. Let’s say someone who just finished a medical assistant diploma program gave a patient in his care the wrong dosage of medicine. If the patient becomes ill because of this mistake, the caregiver will probably be liable. But in this situation, the case becomes a bit trickier.

For one thing, there are very few medical professionals actually trained and allowed to administer medication. Many facilities do hire medication aides with only certificates for this task. But if the person who made this error was not trained, his supervisor and possibly attending physician will also be held responsible.

Things Most New Homeowners Waste Money On

Dana R
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Things Most New Homeowners Waste Money On

Most adults dream of owning a home. In most cases, renting an apartment is something a person will do out of necessity. When the time to buy a home arrives, finding the right residence to invest in will not be easy.

Roughly 5 million homes are purchased in the United States on a yearly basis. Once you have found and purchased the home of your dreams, the real work will begin. As a homeowner, you will have to focus on things like budgeting your money and performing routine maintenance.

Wasting money is something first-time homeowners are bound to do. The following are just some of the common things a new homeowner will waste money on.

High Energy Costs Can Be Reduced

While having electricity is a necessity, you will need to avoid paying more than you have to for it. Some first-time homeowners make the mistake of settling for an energy provider before doing their homework.

Luckily, there are helpful websites like Texas Electricity Plans on the market. This website is designed to provide consumers with information about the rates certain energy companies in the state of Texas charge. You can learn more about Texas Electricity Plans and the services they provide by visiting their website.

Updating the Outside of a Home Can Be Expensive

Modern homeowners are notoriously impatient. While fixing up the exterior portion of a home is a good idea, it needs to be further down on your list of priorities. Adding things like a pond or intricate landscaping elements will take time and money.

Rather than wasting money on these updates immediately, take the time to knock out a few outdoor projects over the course of a few years. This will not only help you save money; it can also minimize the amount of stress in your life. Oftentimes, hiring professionals to help with this process is a good idea. They will have the tools and experience needed to get this work done quickly and correctly.

Shopping Around For Homeowners Insurance Is Crucial

Newcomers to the world of home ownership fail to realize how many different insurance policy options they have. Instead of rushing through the selection of a homeowner’s insurance policy, take your time to ensure the best decision is made.

When meeting with an insurance agent, be sure to make a list of questions you want to ask. Finding out things like what your deductible is and what type of damage the policy in question covers is a good idea. Once you have this information, you can begin the process of narrowing down the list of insurance policies on the market.

Replacing Appliances That Are Functional

Over time, you will probably start to notice things about your residence you want to change. Taking on various home improvement projects will not only make your property look better, but it can also add value. One of the most common home improvement projects is a kitchen remodel.

Generally, this project will include replacing cabinets and countertops. One of the biggest mistakes you can make during this process is replacing appliances that are functional. New appliances are extremely expensive, which is why you need to keep your existing appliances in operation for as long as possible.

Staying on Budget is Hard Work

Avoiding stress and worry as a homeowner is only possible with a detailed budget. While it will be difficult to stay on this budget at times, it is well worth the aggravation you face. Working with a financial adviser is a great way to figure out how to properly structure a budget.

Beginner’s Guide to Vaping

Dana R
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Beginner’s Guide to Vaping

Have you just decided to start using e-cigs? You are about to join the wonderful world of vaping. If you want to take up vaping in order to stop smoking, you are on the right track. First, you have to know the different products that you will require.

Electronic Cigarettes

The most important vaping product is an e-cig. It works by vaporizing flavored e-liquids into the vapor that you inhale to get a hit. Nowadays, an e-cig does not just play the role of a vaporizer. It also comes with several built-in features that make the vaping experience much more enjoyable.

When shopping for your first e-cig, you are bound to come across one that falls within your price range. Advanced e-cigarettes contain high-end tanks, rechargeable batteries, as well as some sophisticated controls. If you have no idea where to begin, consider starting with something simple and working your way up.

Image source: Flickr-Sarah Johnson

Vape Mods

This refers to a vaporizer that is highly customized. It is usually more powerful than a typical e-cig and comes with more features. A vape mod is a product that will cater to your specific vaping needs. If you would like more flavor and thicker smoke, you can choose a vape mod that meets these criteria.

On the other hand, if you prefer an e-cig that is easy to carry and use, you can have one just like that. Would you like to be able to perform tricks? You can get a mod just for this purpose. For beginners, it would be prudent to switch to another mod only when ready.

Make sure that you do plenty of research about different mods to figure out the right one for your needs. By doing this, you will know what you want before you start shopping.

Vape Tank

You can find a vape tank in vape mods. It holds vape juice and contains coils that turn e-liquids into vapor. When you inhale, some tanks automatically produce vapor but you have to trigger others manually. You will come across four types of tanks in the market: RBAs, standard, RDAs, and sub-ohm tanks.

This classification has much to do with the tank’s suitability for different vape mods. When it comes to buying vape products, choosing the right tank is probably the hardest part. As a beginner, you need to consider choosing a tank that will match your mod.

E-liquid

This liquid fuels your e-cig. If you want to stop smoking, you should opt for a vape juice with nicotine as it will allow you to reduce your nicotine consumption over time. When you inhale, an e-liquid turns into vapor thus mimicking traditional cigarette smoke. If you do not want to have nicotine in your e-juice, you should opt for nicotine-free varieties.

An e-juice contains a few base ingredients: vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture of both. VG and PG are usually combined with natural and artificial flavors such as chocolate, watermelon, and vanilla to create a satisfying and distinct recipe. VG is a thick and sweet liquid that is based on veggies.

On the other hand, PG carries flavor in food products. Combining it with VG creates a better product than using 100 percent PG. If you have no idea how to choose the right combination, you should consider experimenting with different ratios. When you try different PG/VG ratios, you will be able to find your favorite one.

Conclusion

As you can see, the world of vaping is not straightforward. You will have to try different things to find the best vaping products for your needs. Consider asking for advice from long term vapers.

Alternative medicine

Dana R
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Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine is nothing new; in fact, archaeologists have found traces of medicinal plants dating back as far as 60,000 years ago! If you are an entrepreneur and would like to help people use private label supplements to improve their health and wellness, be informed about your new venture.

Decide on the Target Audience

What kind of vitamin shop would you like to open? Keep your target audience in mind. Think about who you are selling for and stock products accordingly. You might also look into private label dropship for a more convenient way of ordering stock.

  • If athletes are your key demographic, some logical products would be things like protein powders, calcium, zinc and antioxidants. You might also stock more than vitamins and carry products like ACE bandages, slings and ointment.
  • Elderly people’s bones are more brittle as they age, so proper nutrition and the right supplements are important in their daily lives. Some of these might include vitamin B12 for proper digestion; calcium for bone and joint strength; and vitamin D for energy.
  • What about a medicinal marijuana or CBD store for patients of chronic illness or pain? Since marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States, know the laws in your area before considering this kind of store.
tobacco-plant
Photo Source: en.wikipedia.org

Product and Inventory

Remember this rule of thumb when beginning any retail business: do not sell anything that you, yourself, would not use. That being said, do not buy a stock of product simply because it’s cheap. Understand what you are buying, how it is manufactured, and if it is FDA and GMP-certified. If you would not be comfortable putting one of your own products into your body, it’s bad business to try and sell it to customers. Contact several vendors and have a list of questions ready to go beforehand. Some questions to ask might be:

  • What are your safety standards for your supplements? How do you process and manufacture them? What certifications can you show me and are you able to produce a liability insurance certificate?
  • What is the price? My payment terms? Are you firm on your price or is there wiggle room?
  • How long have you been in business? How long have you been producing this product? May I have references?

Insurance and Liability

You don’t want to be held responsible for someone who misuses your products and tries to sue you. Cover yourself and your company by knowing the laws and legalities and by investing in insurance.

  • Find an insurance company that specializes in business law. Ask questions, understand the process inside and out, and purchase a plan that works best for you and your situation.
  • Speak to an attorney if you have questions about your legal rights, as well as what customers can and cannot use against you in a potential lawsuit.

Financing and Taxes

Starting any business requires money, so have a plan as to where that money will come from. Remember that you will be filing business taxes from here on out, so consult your accountant or financial advisor for the best tips on how to do that.

  • Contact banks for taking out a business loan. This process can be a bit complex, so again, speak to your financial consultant before doing so.
  • Open a business bank account. This will keep your personal money separate from your business funds and will make tax season much easier.
  • Save and document ALL spending. This can be simplified by using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, or for a free version you can also use Google Sheets.

As more studies are done and scientific research validates the good in daily vitamins and supplements, natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Know what you are selling, be educated on the products and be cautious when advising consumers.

Dental Secrets You Need To Know

Kathryn R. Bown
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Dental Secrets You Need To Know

With several dental secrets floating around the internet, there has been a rise in the number of cheap dental implant providers in London and other locations up and down the UK which are becoming more and more popular. This is due to the amazing results that they provide at a significantly lower cost. Here we are going to look at some of the other well-kept secrets that you need to know before your next visit to the dentist.

Image source: Pixabay

You Don’t Need To Visit Every Six Months

One of the secrets that dentists will never tell you is that you do not need to visit the dentist every six months, but rather once every year- this is only if your oral hygiene is as up to date! It is important that you visit the dentist as quickly as possible if you are feeling any discomfort as this could be the beginning signs of a much bigger issue.  

Oil Pulling Does Work

Another secret that dentists will never tell you is that oil pulling does work. This unorthodox method of whitening teeth is often glossed over by dentists who would much rather you opt for a conventional tooth whitening method in their office which could cost you significantly more. This is an at-home treatment that uses oils such as coconut oil to gradually remove the stains from your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals or even a visit to the dentist. With some simple online research, you can undertake an oil pulling treatment at home completely risk-free.

Fluoride Is Not All Bad

Many sources have been reporting on the use of fluoride in oral hygiene for several years with differing results. Although it is scientifically proven that too much fluoride can be harmful to the teeth, it has also been proven that a little amount of fluoride can gradually strengthen the teeth and help to strengthen enamel. This small amount of fluoride can be found in specialised mouthwash and can be added to your every day routine with ease. This is vital as this ensures that you have the fluoride that you need to keep the teeth health without using to much.

Fish tanks Are There To Calm The Patient

The fish tank that you often see in the dentist isn’t just for decoration. This fish tank is most likely there to calm the patients in the waiting room by creating a calming environment. With a combination of bright coloured fish and the calming whir of the pump, this can help to calm those that are waiting whilst creating a calming environment post-treatment. This is particularly beneficial for those that fear the dentist as this is a distraction tactic to help calm the patient and ensure that they are feeling as relaxed as possible both before and after.

Each of these are top tips that your dentists do not want you to know and are something that you can look out for on your next trip.

Tricks to help you win at e-Commerce

Dana R
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Tricks to help you win at e-Commerce

Ask any retail expert and they will tell you that online is the place to be. Old-school bricks and mortar shops still have their place, but the explosive growth and market expansion is all happening on the internet. Outfits like Alibaba, Shopify and Wish have led the way, but there are countless other niche stores, smaller operations and of course online presences for traditional retailers. The reality is that online increases the size of the shopper base exponentially while at the same time lowering costs – you need fewer staff, cheaper premises and you don’t need to hold such large amounts of stock. It is a retailer’s dream. But in an already competitive market, how do you end up with clients? Here are a few tips and ideas that you might want to consider.

Drive traffic smartly

A site with no traffic is never going to manage any sales, so make sure that you know what you are doing in terms of acquiring traffic. Either through paid search or organic search, or both, you want to ensure that when people look for items that you stock, that you are positioned at the top of the Google results page. This is something that can be achieved through a national SEO campaign, something strategic that is run and managed for you by an agency that specialises in this type of work. You could look to hire your own internal expert to take care of this important process, but the reality is that when starting out it might be too expensive to hire a fulltime SEO expert.

Know your market

You are doomed to fail if you think that just because you have a potential base the size of the world’s population that you are going to get rich. The truth is that there are a lot of companies out there who are a lot more established than you are and who have a significantly greater budget for advertising and acquisition. So, you need to be very good at what you do, and you need to have something that sets you apart from the rest. Do one thing and do it well. Don’t try to be the next Alibaba, rather set yourself up to cater for a niche audience. Be the best place to buy socks, or be a lip-gloss specialist, or a kitchenware site. Whatever it is, know the market and the product and don’t try to be all things to all people.

Make payment easy

Paying for online purchases is the biggest failure point for transactions, so make sure that once you have landed a client that you are able to finish the deal. Credit card payments from as many types of card are essential. Being able to accept online wallets and payment systems like PayPal, is also important. If you are able to process Crypto-currencies even better. In short, the easier it is to pay, without login details and passwords and other verifications, the more likely you are going to be to have successful transactions.    

Venezuela: Juan Guaido Accused of Coup Bid

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela: Juan Guaido Accused of Coup Bid

Members of the Venezuelan government say they are putting down a small coup attempt after opposition leader Juan Guaido announced he was in the “final phase” of ending President Nicolas Maduro’s rule.

He appeared in a video with uniformed men, saying he had military support.

Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president in January, called for more members of the military to help him end Nicolas Maduro’s “usurpation” of power.

However, military leaders appeared to be standing behind Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela’s defense minister appeared on TV to stress the point. However, pictures from Caracas show some soldiers aligning themselves with Juan Guaido’s supporters.

Nicolas Maduro’s detractors hope the military will change its allegiance as resentment grows following years of hyperinflation, power cuts, food and medicine shortages.

So far, the armed forces have stood by President Maduro – despite dozens of countries, including the UK, the US and most of Latin America, recognizing Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s rightful leader.

As a result, John Bolton, the US national security adviser, said what was taking place in Venezuela was not a coup, but a legitimate leader trying to take control.

Protesters supporting both sides have gathered at different points in the capital, Caracas.

There are running clashes between Juan Guaido’s supporters and armed military vehicles. Protesters were also seen throwing rocks, but being repelled by tear gas and water cannon.

TV cameras also caught the moment armored vehicles drove into a crowd but it is unclear if there were any injuries.

According to El Universal newspaper, at least 37 people had been injured across Caracas.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the uprising by some members of the military had been “partly defeated”, but warned of possible bloodshed.

He warned: “The weapons of the republic are here to defend the nation’s sovereignty and independence.”

Vladimir Padrino also revealed one soldier had suffered a bullet wound.

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A three-minute video by Juan Guaido was published on April 30. In the video, he announced he had the support of “brave soldiers” in Caracas.

“The National Armed Forces have taken the correct decision… they are guaranteed to be on the right side of history,” he said.

Juan Guaido was filmed alongside another opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, who has been under house arrest since being found guilty of inciting violence during anti-government protests in 2014.

Leopoldo Lopez, who leads the Popular Will party of which Juan Guaido is a member, said he had been freed by members of the military.

He went on to urge Venezuelans to join them on the streets.

Meanwhile, Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed he, his wife Lilian Tintori and their daughter had entered Chile’s embassy in Caracas to seek protection.

Juan Guaido, the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, has been calling on the military to back him ever since he declared himself interim president.

He argues that President Nicolas Maduro is a “usurper” because he was re-elected in polls that had been widely disputed.

The video appeared to have been recorded at dawn in or near La Carlota air force base in Caracas.

Late: New Type of Dementia Discovered

Kathryn R. Bown
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Late: New Type of Dementia Discovered

According to a recent research, published in the journal Brain, millions of elderly people have a form of dementia that has been misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease.

One expert called it the most important dementia finding in years.

The condition, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, or Late, shares similar symptoms to Alzheimer’s, but it is a distinct disease.

The new discovery may partly explain why finding a dementia cure has failed so far.

Dementia is not a single disease, but is the name for a group of symptoms that include problems with memory and thinking.

There are lots of different types of dementia and Alzheimer’s is said to be the most common and most researched.

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However, up to a third of Alzheimer’s in elderly people may instead be Late, says the international team of researchers, although both dementias can co-exist.

The newly discovered dementia appears to affect the “oldest old” – people over 80 – according to the work that looked at evidence from thousands of post-mortem results.

One in five in this age group has it, meaning the public health impact of the disease will be large, say the researchers.

Unlike Alzheimer’s, Late tends to cause a more gradual decline in memory, they believe.

Currently, there is no specific single test for dementia.

Signs of it can sometimes be seen in the brain after death.

Late appears to be linked to the accumulation of a certain protein, TDP-43, in the brain, while Alzheimer’s is linked to two other brain proteins – amyloid and tau.

Scientists have been striving to find a cure for dementia, but with so many different types and causes of the disease, the goal has proved difficult.

Trials of drugs to reduce proteins in the brain that were thought to cause Alzheimer’s have failed.

There have been no effective new treatments and some pharmaceutical companies have dropped out of the dementia drug race.

According to researchers, having a better understanding of Late might lead to the discovery of new treatments.

Japan: Emperor Akihito Abdicates After 30 Years of Ruling

Diane A. Wade
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Japan: Emperor Akihito Abdicates After 30 Years of Ruling

Japan’s Emperor Akihito has abdicated at the age of 85 in a historic ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

In his last public address as emperor, the emperor handed over the symbols of power and thanked the public for their support during his 30-year reign.

He was given permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfill his role because of his age and declining health.

Akihito is the first Japanese monarch to stand down in more than 200 years.

He technically remained emperor until midnight, local time.

Crown Prince Naruhito, the emperor’s eldest son, formally ascends the throne on May 1. A new era – called Reiwa, meaning order and harmony – will begin in Japan’s unique calendar.

While the Japanese emperor holds no political power, he serves as a national figurehead.

Akihito has endeared himself to many people during his reign as he has interacted with those suffering from disease and disaster.

In the morning, Akihito took part in a Shinto ceremony to report his plans to the mythological ancestors of Japan’s imperial family.

The main “Ceremony of the Abdication” took place in a state room of the Imperial Palace in front of about 300 people including PM Shinzo Abe, Crown Prince Naruhito, and Crown Princess Masako.

Imperial chamberlains carried the state and privy seals into the hall, along with a sacred sword and a jewel which are considered symbols of the imperial family.

In a short ceremony, PM Shinzo Abe addressed the emperor, saying: “While keeping in our hearts the path that the emperor has walked, we will make utmost efforts to create a bright future for a proud Japan that is full of peace and hope.”

In his final speech as emperor, Akihito said: “I am deeply grateful for the people that accepted me as a symbol and supported me.”

“I sincerely wish, together with the empress, that the Reiwa era which begins tomorrow will be a stable and fruitful one,” he added.

“I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world.”

Emperor Akihito had surgery for prostate cancer in 2003 and a heart bypass operation in 2012.

In a rare speech in 2016, he said that he feared his age would make it hard for him to carry out his duties and strongly hinted that he wanted to stand down.

Opinion polls showed that the vast majority of Japan sympathized with him, and a year later parliament enacted a law that made his abdication possible.

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Emperor Akihito’s Abdication Approved by Japan’s Government

Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will become Japan’s 126th emperor – and will officially lead the country into the new Reiwa era. It will mark the end of the current Heisei era, which began when Akihito ascended the throne in 1989.

Naruhito, an Oxford University graduate, is married to Crown Princess Masako. Their only child, Princess Aiko, was born in 2001.

Japan’s current law prohibits women from inheriting the throne, so Princess Aiko’s uncle Prince Fumihito is now first in line, followed by her cousin, 12-year-old Prince Hisahito.

Japan’s monarchy is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world. Legends date it back to about 600 BC.

The emperors used to be seen as gods, but Hirohito – the father of Akihito – publicly renounced his divinity as part of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War Two.

It was Emperor Akihito who helped repair Japan’s post-war reputation.

Previous emperors rarely interacted with the public, but Akihito redefined the role – and has come to be known for his compassion.

He also took up the role of a diplomat, becoming an unofficial ambassador for Japan and travelling abroad extensively.

While Akihito’s abdication was the first in 200 years, it wasn’t so rare historically.

According to Japan’s state broadcaster NHK, about half the emperors or empresses have done the same, and it happened frequently from the 8th Century to the 19th Century.

Donald Trump Memo: Asylum Seekers to Pay Application Fee

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Memo: Asylum Seekers to Pay Application Fee

President Donald Trump has issued a memorandum saying that asylum seekers should pay a fee to have their applications processed in the latest move in his crackdown on migration.

The presidential memorandum, issued on April 29, called for a slew of new rules.

The president also wants to disqualify asylum seekers who enter the US illegally from obtaining temporary work permits.

Critics say that fees would put the process out of reach for many people.

In his memo, President Trump said the fee would not exceed the cost of processing the applications, but estimates have not yet been provided of what this may be.

The vast majority of countries do not charge asylum application fees.

Victoria Neilson, a former official at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency that accepts asylum applications, told Reuters: “The majority of people coming to the United States seeking asylum are coming with little more than the shirts on their back.”

Under the current system, asylum seekers who enter the US both legally and illegally are allowed to work while their claims are processed.

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President Trump said regulations should be drawn up to ensure that asylum claims are adjudicated in immigration court within 180 days, except under exceptional circumstances.

While asylum cases are already meant to be finished within this timeframe, a backlog of more than 800,000 cases means that asylum claims can take years to be completed.

The orders given by President Trump to the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security mark a dramatic shift in US policy.

The president has given officials 90 days to come up with the new regulations.

The orders come amid Donald Trump’s efforts to stem the surge of Central American migrants trying to cross into the US.

Why it may be time for a Communications Audit in the Workplace

Dana R
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Why it may be time for a Communications Audit in the Workplace

Whether you are in charge of a large or small business, you rely on a constant streamline of communications between your business management and your clients to ensure they receive the best possible service. The better your communication, the more likely your customers will trust your brand and remain loyal to you, especially if you address all of their concerns. However, do you truly know how well your Communications function for your audience? If you are looking for a way to make sure that your Communication Tools are up to standard, why not initiate a Communications Audit to ensure that your services are the best that they can be?

What is a Communications Audit?

A Communications Audit is an evaluation of an organisation’s communication programmes. This includes sending, receiving and sharing information with a potential audience. The better the communication the more proficient your tools clearly are. It will also determine how efficient your organisation’s communication strategies, activities and programs are.

Image source Pexels

What is the Process of a Communications Audit?

A Communications Audit can be split into four separate areas. These include:

Research: Where your internal team is researched and information is drawn out about their communication conduct through research and interviews. It will also look into key communication channels of your business.

Analysis: This is where the Research is filtered and put into context, such as what your business is marketing towards and your customer service. It will also include a
SWOT analysis of your business .

Recommendations: Once your communications have been analysed, the strong and weak points will be noted and recommendations will be made on how to improve them.

Future Plans: Looking ahead, the recommendations will then be used to improve the business for the future. You can also use it to determine what future resources you will need to grow your company.

Why does your Company need a Communications Audit?

If you are looking for a way to improve your marketing plans then a Communications Audit is truly the perfect way for you to get to know your audience. Whilst it is known that there are challenges of implementing unified communications, this does not detract from the fact that you can research into what sort of communications best fit with your audience’s daily lives. You can also use it to utilise your businesses approach into potential goals, challenges and what your business aims to accomplish in the future.

Your research can also focus on both internal and external research about your company. Are you experiencing growth because your clients can reach your staff by email or by phone? Which of these is more effective for your brand? A Communications Audit will give you an insight into the best methods.

A Communications Audit can help improve the communication within your business and will allow you to build trust between your employees. This is because the internal communications will allow your employees to focus on their work, as well as allow them to feel valued and listened to if their communications are easily accessible by management.

Tips for a Successful Career as an Online Teacher

Dana R
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0
Tips for a Successful Career as an Online Teacher

Working as an online teacher is a really rewarding and fun experience. You get to help students achieve their dreams without leaving the comfort of your home. Also, if you love traveling, you can take online teaching jobs that will allow you to tutor students as you travel the world. For those who already have jobs, online teaching can serve as a side job to supplement their income. If you are considering a career as an online teacher, the following tips can help you in getting started and succeeding.

Standards

Online teaching is as serious as classroom teaching. Therefore, while you get the freedom to work from home, you have to adhere to standards. Each organization has standards that should be met in order to ensure that students get quality education. For that reason, you not only risk losing your job when you fail to adhere to these standards, but you will also compromise on the quality of education that the students get.

Education

To become an online teacher with an accredited organization, you will require an education degree and a teaching license. If you have not completed your higher education yet, consider private tutoring jobs that require a high school diploma. Some institutionswill require a master’s degree or PhD. Thanks to online masters in education programs, you can easily advance your education as you work as an online tutor. These online programs allow tutors to study at their convenience and they also tend to be cheaper.

The Skills You Need

To succeed in online teaching, you need the following skills:

  • Time management: To be a successful online teacher, you have to be good with time management. Time management skills will ensure that the syllabus -including tests – are completed on time, you are never late for online interactions, and issues are resolved on time.
  • Dependability: Students who take classes online will email, text and post questions on forums at any time of the day or night. You have to be someone they can rely on to answer their questions,even the ones that arise after your working hours. Make it clear how the students can contact you and when they should expect to hear back from you after asking a question.
  • Communication: Even though you will not be meeting one on one with students, proper communication skills are still important. Any document that you send to them whether written, video or audio should be clear and concise. When doing an online lecture, prepare your notes well and ensure that you are audible.
  • Self-discipline: Since you will be working from home, self-discipline is an essential skill for success.
  • Management and leadership: As an online teacher, you need skills to manage your classes and lead your students. You should constantly evaluate how your students are doing, motivate them and give extra help to those who are lagging behind.

If you are not so good at one or several of these skills, you can take some online classes, get some coaching and read online resources to help you become a better teacher. Make it a habit to learn new skills every year.

These tips should help you on your way to becoming an online teacher!

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