Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader
Ginsburg was discharged from the hospital following cancer surgery and is
recuperating at home, a court spokeswoman has announced.
The 85-year-old had surgery to
remove two cancerous nodules from her left lung in New York on December 21.
The Notorious RBG, who is the most
senior justice on the Supreme Court’s liberal wing, has previously had surgery
to treat colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Supreme Court judges serve for life
or until they retire.
Supporters of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
have expressed concern that if anything happened to her, she could be replaced
by a conservative justice.
Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy
Arberg said in a statement: “Justice
Ginsburg was discharged from the hospital yesterday [December 25] and is
recuperating at home.”
According to an earlier statement released
by the court, the malignant nodules were initially discovered when Ruth Bader Ginsburg
broke three ribs in November.
Both were successfully removed at
New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and afterwards “there
was no evidence of any remaining disease”, it added.
No further treatment is planned.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to
the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton.
She had previously focused her work
on women’s rights and started the first law journal dedicated to the topic.
Some of her legal opinions, coupled with her refusal to step down during the Obama era, have seen her gain popularity in some quarters.
A deadly tsunami triggered by Anak
Krakatau volcano’s eruption struck Indonesia on December 22, at 21:30 local
time, during a local holiday.
Giant waves crashed into coastal
towns on the islands of Sumatra and Java, killing at least 281 people and
injuring 1,016.
Sea water did not recede as it would
with an earthquake tsunami and experts say that even if there had been warning
buoys near the volcano, there would have been minimal alert time.
On December 23, coastal residents
near Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano have been warned to keep away from
beaches amid fears it could trigger a new tsunami.
It is thought that volcanic activity
set off undersea landslides which in turn generated the killer waves.
Anak Krakatau erupted again on
December 23, spewing ash and smoke.
Video shot from a charter plane
captured the magnitude of the volcanic event in the Sunda Strait, between
Sumatra and Java.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by
blocked roads but heavy lifting equipment is being transported to badly hit
areas to help search for victims.
The spokesman for the National
Disaster Management Agency, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, told a news conference that
another tsunami is a possibility because of the continued volcanic eruptions of
Anak Krakatau.
He said: “Recommendations from [the] Meteorology, Climatology and
Geophysical Agency are that people should not carry out activities on the beach
and stay away from the coast for a while.”
Anak Krakatau, which emerged in 1927
from the caldera that was formed during the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, has
seen increased activity in recent months with people asked to avoid the area
around its crater.
On December, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho put
out a series of tweets explaining why there was no early warning for this
tsunami. He said that Indonesia’s early warning system is set up to monitor
earthquakes but not undersea landslides and volcanic eruptions, which can also
generate deadly waves.
With 13% of the world’s volcanoes in
Indonesia alone, it was crucial for the country to develop such system.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho confirmed there was no tsunami advance warning system the night of the disaster, adding that because of lack of funds, vandalism to the buoys and technical faults there had been no operational tsunami warning system since 2012.
Brett McGurk, the US special presidential envoy
for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, has quit over President Donald Trump’s
decision to pull troops from Syria.
He brought his departure forward from February.
Before President Trump’s announcement he had insisted that the US would
continue working against ISIS in Syria.
President Trump described Brett McGurk’s resignation as a “nothing
event”.
The president tweeted: “Brett
McGurk, who I do not know, was appointed by President Obama in 2015. Was
supposed to leave in February but he just resigned prior to leaving.
Grandstander? The Fake News is making such a big deal about this nothing event!”
Brett McGurk’s decision to quit follows the resignation of Defense Secretary
Jim Mattis on December 20.
General Jim Mattis had also opposed withdrawing troops from Syria as well as
reducing the US presence in Afghanistan.
Brett McGurk, 45, is an experienced
diplomat who was appointed to his current role in 2015 under the Obama
administration.
In early December, the envoy told
reporters: “We want to stay on the
ground and make sure that stability can be maintained in these areas.”
He added: “It would be reckless if we were just to say, well, the physical
caliphate is defeated, so we can just leave now. I think anyone who’s looked at
a conflict like this would agree with that.”
In his resignation letter, seen by
AP news agency, Brett McGurk said that ISIS militants in Syria were on the run
but not yet defeated. He said that withdrawing US forces from Syria would
create the conditions that gave rise to ISIS.
In an email to staff quoted by the New York Times, Brett McGurk said
President Trump’s decision to pull out troops “came as a shock and was a
complete reversal of policy”. It “left our coalition partners
confused and our fighting partners bewildered”, he said.
Brett McGurk went on to say: “I ultimately concluded I could not carry out these new instructions and maintain my integrity.”
There is an opinion that electronic cigarettes
are less harmful than regular (tobacco) ones. In fact, this question has not
been thoroughly studied. Of course, facts confirming that people are switching
to e-cigarettes, with time, no longer feel short of breath, get rid of the pain
in a chest and strong cough. There are many other benefits. Scientists do not
argue that the electronic cigarette is a panacea for smokers because hovering
is quite a young thing and so far there are no serious tests to confirm or
refute this hypothesis. The question of the harm or benefit of vape is far from
the only one of those that hover around these electronic devices. Often the
financial issue is important, and in this article, we will figure out what is
cheaper – electronic cigarettes or regular ones.
To begin with, smoking any cigarette, including vape pen, is harmful. Before
you buy electronic cigarettes, think again about the potential harm that you
cause to health, as well as the possible addiction to nicotine. Remember that
although electronic cigarettes are less dangerous for the body than tobacco
products, their detrimental effects on the body have not been studied for a
long time. So far it is only known that steam can cause diseases (including
cancer) of the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous and other systems.
Therefore, if you want to protect yourself from harm completely – do not smoke or steam at all. At the same
time, it can be said that an electronic cigarette is a reasonable alternative
to regular cigarettes. If by virtue of habit or personal factors you cannot
give up nicotine, it is better that it enters your body without toxic
impurities, tar, carcinogens, poisons, which are more than enough in tobacco
smoke. Steam is safer.
Is it cheaper to soar or smoke?
More and more people around the world give their preference to modern cigarettes, completely refusing tobacco. This is connected not so much with concern for their own health, but with the desire to reduce their costs. It is secretly assumed that an electronic cigarette is a very expensive pleasure, but this is more a legend than a reality. Indeed, some ten years ago, when e-cigarettes rushed into the markets, it was not easy and expensive to buy them. They cost a lot of money, and the service noticeably hit the bill. Today the situation is completely different, which can be fairly justified by high competition, as well as rapid development in the field of technology and appearance of vape shops (Vapindaily, for example). Often, a smoker who has to choose whether to switch to “nanotechnological” smoking compares the cost of his cigarettes with the cost of an electronic cigarette and makes a choice in the direction of tobacco. To a newcomer in this business, it may seem that the price of a gadget is ten times higher than the price of one pack of cigarettes, and therefore there is no point in changing an ordinary tobacco cigarette to an uncharted device. But here it is worth remembering that an electronic cigarette is bought once and with proper maintenance it can be used for a long time. For a beginner, it is often important that an electronic cigarette be similar in appearance and shape to a regular one. The myths that e-cigs are much more expensive than regular cigarettes are most likely created to maintain the budget of tobacco corporations. Probably, it is clear for what reasons – they just do not want to lose their income. It turns out that the benefits and advantages of an electronic cigarette over obsolete tobacco products prevail. Safe for life and health of the components that make up the liquid, getting rid of unpleasant odors, and as a bonus, a very pleasant saving of your own wallet. In conclusion, it is worth noting that smoking or hovering is a matter for everyone individually. It is worth remembering that tobacco products are definitely harmful and weightily hit the budget. As for electronic soaring, little is known about the harm here, but this does not exclude the fact that it does exist. An average smoker who needs one pack of cigarettes a day spends about $ 650 a year to buy cigarettes. A considerable amount, isn’t it? And if you take into account what cigarettes do to you, it may seem absurd. Now imagine what you could spend all the money saved! And, finally, you have a question: “How much will it cost to use an electronic cigarette?” Initially, when switching from cigarettes to vaping, the cost of the starter kit is taken into account, which ranges from $ 15 to $ 40, the remaining costs are buying vape juice and replaceable components (evaporators). According to our calculations, it will cost about $ 50 a month, depending on your device and the amount of liquid that you evaporate. More advanced devices cost more money – better specifications require higher production costs. But, having made a purchase of a device, all your future costs are limited to the purchase of liquids and consumables, the service life of which often exceeds one month. By simple calculations, you can answer the main question yourself. But for clarity, we will demonstrate the numbers. Keeping your e-cigarette and maintaining a supply of liquid will cost you $ 100- $ 250 per year. Agree, it is clearly more profitable than spending $ 650 on cigarettes. Ideally, vaping should help you to throw both cigarettes and steam, which will reduce your expenses on a bad habit to zero! Well, do not forget that, according to the research department of the Department of Health of the United Kingdom, vaping is 95% safer than traditional cigarettes. An electronic cigarette, if we are talking about a good model, is financially more profitable than daily buying cigarette packs. In conclusion, we only note that it is recommended to buy e-cigarettes and consumables from trusted suppliers, which will protect you from counterfeits, unsafe and low-quality products. Remember that for each different consumer models of devices and liquids may be ideal – be prepared for a conscious independent choice.
About the author: Christina Matthews, the
journalist who studies the latest news in the health industry. Now she studies
the effects of smoking and vaping on health and reasons of such its popularity.
One of the
most important decisions any family will make is the choice of an automobile.
The mainstay of the automotive industry – the family car segment – is the most
competitive in the marketplace. As such, it bristles with highly capable offering.
To help you
sort through them, Parents magazine,
one of the most respected family-oriented publications, recently named its list
of the best vehicles for large families.
We’ll focus on five of them here, but you’ll find the entire list at Parents.com.
Chevrolet Traverse
All-new for
the 2018 model year, Chevrolet’s Traverse is exceptionally commodious,
adequately powered and delightfully comfortable. It’s also well thought through
for its primary mission as family transportation. You’ll find six USB charging
ports, seating for eight, accommodations for four child safety seats and
outstanding cargo capacity. This makes Traverse ideal for family vacations as
well as mainstream family duties. A built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot keeps teens
connected (and relatively complaint-free) wherever you go. Heated seats and
climate control vents for rear passengers add to the sanctity you’ll experience
with a Chevrolet Traverse.
Honda Odyssey
Universally agreed upon by experts to be the smartest solution ever devised for family transportation, the minivan stands head and shoulders above its more popular crossover SUV competition. And yet, the minivan segment is very nearly decimated. Perhaps proof the best hold on regardless, Honda’s Odyssey has been revised for the 2018 model year. Long recognized as the leader in its class, this new Odyssey is the best one Honda has ever offered. The second-row seats slide apart to keep squabbling siblings in neutral corners and an interior camera helps you keep tabs on a sleeping infant in the back seat. However, the single most innovative feature of the 2018 Honda Odyssey is the way its navigation system links with the “Are We There Yet?” app so you’ll never have to suffer that query again.
Image source Wikimedia
Subaru Outback
Blending the
attributes of a car and a traditional SUV better than most crossover SUVs,
Subaru’s Outback is well suited for light off-roading, while offering plenty of
cargo capacity for outdoorsy families. All-wheel drive and roof racks further
bolster the Subaru’s credibility in this regard. Capable of seating five and
accommodating up to three child safety seats, the Subaru will also expand right
along with your family as the kids mature.
Toyota Prius Prime
Among its lengthy list of qualifications for family duty is the fact the Toyota Prius Prime delivers 54 miles per gallon. If you’re a budget conscious parent, that sentence is going to be particularly appealing. Prius Prime’s interior is also more than adequate for the needs of a family. Capable of seating five passengers and accommodating two child safety seats, it’s suitably spacious and will remain so even as adolescence morphs into puberty and legs get longer. Nicely equipped and eco-friendly, now you know why there always seems to be a Prius in front of you wherever you go.
Volkswagen Atlas
Debuting as
an all-new product for Volkswagen in 2017, Atlas is a seven-passenger crossover
sport utility vehicle with a decidedly Germanic attitude. This means it rides
comfortably at highway speeds, exhibits significant agility and is quite
maneuverable around town—despite its size. The Atlas Car-Net app allows you to
keep tabs on the security of the VW when you’re away from it and help you find
it in a crowded parking lot. With seating for seven, Atlas is capable of accommodating
five child safety seats. The Volkswagen Atlas also boasts a six-year
/72,000-mile warranty and is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Any of these five vehicles for large families will serve you well, regardless of the nature of your activities. They also have strong resale value should you ever need to get a refinance car loan like those offered by RoadLoans.
Even better,
they all have above average safety ratings and host of standard safety features
such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and proximity sensors.
Picking the Right Vehicle
So, if you are shopping for a vehicle to fit the needs of your large family, start by considering the safety features first. After all, you are carrying very precious cargo!
The next
step is to make sure there is enough room of kids, parents, pets, backpacks,
soccer cleats and anything else you might be packing. And finally, you’ll want
to make sure your chosen vehicle fits nicely into your budget.
Hopefully,
these tips have put your on the right track to picking a vehicle for your
family. Happy trails!
Ever considered a career in reselling or wholesale? If you’ve heard anything about it, you know that it’s a fast-paced and exciting way to turn profits on popular retail goods. Top resellers run their own businesses, set their own hours, and call the shots. Plus, it’s not all that difficult to break into a career in the industry. Once you find the right distributors, you’re well on your way. Here’s how to purchase returned merchandise pallets to kickstart your career as a reseller.
Finding the right distributor
When it comes to reselling, your industry relationships are incredibly important. Whether you’re working with a sole distributor or you’re trying to build an entire network that your business can rely on, surrounding yourself with the right colleagues is an essential component of your overall success. It’s important to remember that just because what someone’s offering you might seem like a good deal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good deal. For every quality distributor working these days, plenty more are all too willing to take advantage of newer resellers for their own gain.
Deciding on a distributor requires patience, perseverance, and some solid interpersonal skills. As with any retail business, reselling relies heavily on the relationships you forge. If you’re unsure of how to go about finding a distributor, a good place to start is requesting referrals from industry peers.
Another good tactic is to reach out to the manufacturers of products you intend to stock. If they’re not willing to sell to you directly, they may consider parting with their list of trusted distributors. For example, if you’re interested in purchasing returned Amazon pallets, reaching out to Amazon might yield greater rewards than simply asking around to find the right distributors.
Ask about the auction houses
No one can deny that auctions are fairly intimidating, especially if you’re new to the reselling business. They’re incredibly fast-paced, they require a keen eye, and you have to be able to make snap judgments. To put it bluntly, the auction scene isn’t for every business owner. However, if you have a true sense of what you’re looking for and understand the value of the returned pallets you’re purchasing, you’re one step ahead of many auction attendees.
Although in-person auctions are the most common, especially with the vast number of trade shows that take place every year across the nation, digital auctions are only growing in popularity. Some of them are invite-only, which means you’ll need to establish a relationship with the specific manufacturer before you’re allowed to attend. However, many others are public and are a great starting point for acquiring returned merchandise pallets. Ask around about upcoming public auctions and try to gain a bit of insight as to how they work. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste your valuable time at a venue that won’t help propel your business.
Preferred vendors are essential
When all else fails, see whether your desired manufacturer works exclusively with preferred vendors. These distributors are sometimes the sole resale point of contact for top retailers and might be your only shot at acquiring the returned pallets you’re interested in stocking. A major benefit to using preferred vendors is that many of them extend the same warranties, guarantees, and return policies as their parent manufacturers, which means that you’re able to buy merchandise with a peace of mind that returned products don’t typically afford you.
Whether you’re an industry veteran or a reselling rookie looking to break into the scene, learning more about where your products come from is crucial to your business’ success. Finding the right returned merchandise distributor takes time, but once you’ve crafted a solid business relationship, you’re in a great position to start growing and expanding.
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates
again despite President Donald Trump’s opposition.
The Fed’s key interest rate has been increased by 0.25% to a target range of
2.25%-2.5%.
However, the Fed officials also said future increases could come at a slower
pace amid concerns about global growth.
The move comes two days after President Trump warned the Fed against making
“yet another mistake” in raising rates, urging it instead to
“feel the market”.
The president also urged the bank not to wind down a multi-billion dollar
stimulus program brought in after the financial crisis.
President Trump – who appointed the Fed’s chairman, Jerome Powell – has
repeatedly blamed the central bank for unsettled markets and dismissed analysts
who cite other factors, such as rising trade tariffs.
His remarks have put pressure on the Fed, as presidents generally avoid criticizing
the bank publicly, for fear of politicizing the institution.
President Trump tweeted: “I
hope the people over at the Fed will read today’s Wall Street Journal Editorial
before they make yet another mistake. Also, don’t let the market become any
more illiquid than it already is. Stop with the 50 B’s. Feel the market, don’t
just go by meaningless numbers. Good luck!”
At a press conference on December
19, Jerome Powell defended the Fed’s independence, saying that political
pressure played “no role whatsoever” in its discussions or decisions.
The Fed’s chairman added that the
central bank had no plans to change its ongoing reduction of its portfolio of
Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.
The central bank has been gradually
raising the benchmark rate since 2015, moving the US away from the ultra-low
rates put in place during the financial crisis to spur economic activity.
The decision, which was widely
expected, marked the ninth increase since 2015 and the fourth this year.
However, the moves have made
borrowing more expensive, contributing to slowdowns in some sectors, such as
housing.
With economic growth expected to
slow, some worry that further increases risk stifling economic activity.
On December 19, officials did cut their forecasts for economic growth in
2019 to 2.3%, down from the 2.5% they anticipated in September.
Estimates released by the bank showed most Fed members expect two rate
increases in 2019 – not three, as previously forecast.
It follows a downturn in financial markets and concerns about slowing growth
in the US and abroad.
However, Jerome Powell said the strength of the US economy – which is
expected to grow about 3% this year – justified another rate rise, despite
recent “cross currents” that have weakened the outlook.
He said: “We think this move was
appropriate for what is a very healthy economy.
“Policy at this point does not
need to be accommodative.”
In its official statement, the Fed also said increases to its benchmark rate
would help the US economy sustain its expansion, keeping the unemployment rate
low and inflation near 2%.
Shares sank after the announcement, reversing earlier gains. The Dow and S&P 500 closed about 1.5% lower, while the NASDAQ fell than 2%.
When an e-commerce business reaches a certain point
managing stock and determining which marketing channels are producing results
becomes difficult. This is where a Product Information Management (PIM) system
really helps.
In this post, we’ll look at how a good PIM solution can make your business more agile and productive.
What is a PIM?
Put simply PIM software helps you better manage every aspect of your e-commerce system. From tracking sales and stock accurately to determining which marketing channels are performing well, a good productive information management system will help you see the information you need faster and more accurately.
Access to the information and purchasing approvals can be
controlled using a hierarchal system. This provides good management control
systems, approval purchase tracking, and security.
Accounting
PIM systems allow for much better and faster accounting. Seeing your bottom line is easy, seeing your best selling items, successful marketing campaigns, and vice versa are made simple. You can keep track of the sales process from start to finish. Every aspect of accounting is now visible to you. This leads to better decisions from a financial view.
Business Intelligence
Once a PIM system is in place and configured correctly making faster and better business decisions become possible. Consider, no more data mining across various spreadsheets. Simply discover the information when needed. The better PIM systems such as Sales Layer can run reports based on your input. The information you need to make the big calls are at your fingertips.
Better Stock
Management and Distribution
Stock management and distribution is vital to the success
of an e-commerce based business. Aspects such as re-order levels can be set and
configured to re-order when needed. No more losing sales because you have run
out of stock. Distribution networks can be managed more effectively with stock
levels at each of your plants made visible and easily accessible.
All of this adds up to the oh so important better customer
service.
Better Marketing
A PIM system ensures that your marketing is brought
into the hub. Images, social media updates, can all be brought together and
published from the system itself. This makes the update process far easier to
keep track off and makes tracking the success of your marketing channels far
easier.
PIM Cloud
PIM systems can be cloud-based avoiding hefty
infrastructure costs and allowing for better more agile and flexible working.
This results in better productivity across your teams. Better productivity and
workflow results in better profit and better business.
Having a cloud-based system also means there are less
clash and conflicts. Under the older systems, a team can make changes which
another team can’t see. This can result in chaos and lost time. Now, everyone
works from the same data hub, making changes visible to all departments.
Your teams can now work remotely with PIM cloud and you
can use the hierarchal controls to apply security measures to control who can
access what.
Final Thoughts
Once a PIM system is in place you can manage your
business more effectively, improving workflow and productivity. If you find
you’re spending hours looking across spreadsheets to find answers, it is time
to invest in a product information management system.
US troops are being withdrawn from Syria, after President Donald Trump said the ISIS group had been “defeated”, the Trump administration has announced.
However, the Pentagon said it was transitioning to the “next phase of the campaign” but did not give details.
Some 2,000 troops have helped rid much of north-eastern Syria of ISIS, but pockets of fighters remain.
It had been thought defense officials wanted to maintain a US presence to ensure ISIS did not rebuild.
There are also fears a US withdrawal will cede influence in Syria and the wider region to Russia and Iran.
Both the Pentagon and the WhiteHouse statement said the US had started “returning United States troops home as we transition to the next phase of this campaign”.
The Pentagon said it would not provide further details of what that next phase is “for force protection and operational security reasons”.
The White House said the US and its allies stood “ready to re-engage at all levels to defend American interests whenever necessary, and we will continue to work together to deny radical Islamist terrorists territory, funding, support and any means of infiltrating our borders”.
Israel said it had been told the US had “other ways to have influence in the area” but would “study the timeline [of the withdrawal], how it will be done and of course the implications for us”.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on state-controlled Channel One TV that the US decision could result in “genuine, real prospects for a political settlement” in Syria.
Pulling troops out of Syria had long been promised by President Trump.
The state department abruptly canceled its daily briefing on December 19 after the withdrawal was announced.
One of President Trump’s supporters, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who sits on the armed services committee, called it a “huge Obama-like mistake”.
In a series of tweets, Lindsey Graham said ISIS was “not defeated”, and warned withdrawing US troops puts “our allies, the Kurds, atrisk”.
This week Turkey said it was preparing to launch an operation against a Kurdish militia in northern Syria, which has been an ally of the US in its fight against ISIS.
A newly discovered amphibian that buries its head in the sand has been named after President Donald Trump, apparently in response to his comments about climate change.
The Dermophis donaldtrumpi, which was discovered in Panama, was named by the head of a company that had bid $25,000 at auction for the privilege.
EnviroBuild said it wanted to raise awareness about climate change.
The company’s co-founder Aidan Bell in a statement: “[Dermophis donaldtrumpi] is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and is therefore in danger of becoming extinct as adirect result of its namesake’s climate policies.”
The small, blind, amphibian is a type of caecilian that primarily lives underground, and Aidan Bell drew an unflattering comparison between its behavior and President Trump’s.
He wrote: “Burrowing [his] head underground helps Donald Trump when avoiding scientific consensus on anthropomorphic climate change.”
The amphibian is not the first creature to be named after Donald Trump.
In 2017, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, was discovered by biologist Vazrick Nazari in a collection of moths from the Museum of Entomology, at the University of California. Vazrick Nazari said the moth’s unique head coloring reminded him of President Trump.
CBS’ former chairman and chief executive Les Moonves will not receive a $120 million severance package after an inquiry into alleged harassment and assault.
CBS said that Les Moonves misled the company over the allegations and failed to work with investigators, meaning ithad grounds to fire him.
Les Moonves stepped down in September following fresh claims he had harassed or assaulted six more women.
He said that the accusations made in The New Yorker magazine were untrue.
In a statement, CBS said Les Moonveshad displayed “willful and material misfeasance” and failed to co-operate fully with the company’s investigation into the allegations against him.
CBS also said Les Moonves had had violated company policy and was in breach of his employment contract and as a consequence he would not receive any severance payment from the broadcaster.
At the time of Les Moonves’departure as chairman and chief executive at CBS, where he had worked for 23 years, CBS said it had set $120 million aside as possible payment for him pending an investigation.
Actress and writer Illeana Douglas, known for her roles in the filmsGoodfellas and Cape Fear, was oneof the first women to speak publicly about an alleged assault by Les Moonves.
In the first of two articles The New Yorker published on Les Moonves, Illeana Douglas said: “What happened to me was a sexual assault, and then I was fired for not participating.”
The article also said there was a culture of harassment at CBS.
Following an investigation by external law firms, the company said they had concluded “that harassment and retaliation are not pervasive at CBS”.
“However, the investigators learned of past incidents of improper and unprofessional conduct, and concluded that the company’s historical policies, practices and structures have not reflected a high institutional priority on preventing harassment and retaliation.”
Malaysia has filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs and two former bankers in connection with a corruption and money laundering investigation at the state-owned investment fund 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Goldman Sachs has been under scrutiny for its role in helping to raise funds for the 1MDB.
The US bank is being investigated in at least six countries.
Goldman Sachs called the charges
“misdirected” and said it would “vigorously defend them”.
The bank added: “The firm continues to co-operate with all authorities investigating these matters.”
Malaysia filed the charges against Goldman Sachs and its former employees Tim Leissner and Roger Ng.
Tim Leissner served as Goldman’s South East Asia chairman, and left the bank in 2016. Roger Ng was a managing director at Goldman until his departure in May 2014.
Malaysia has also brought charges against former 1MDB employee Jasmine Loo and financier Jho Low.
Malaysia’s attorney general Tommy Thomas said in a statement: “The charges arise from the proceeds of three bonds issued by the subsidiaries of 1MDB, which were arranged and underwritten by Goldman Sachs.”
Last month, Tim Leissner, Roger Ngand and Jho Low were served with criminal charges in the US in relation to 1MDB.
Tim Leissner pleaded guilty in the US to conspiring to launder money and violating anti-bribery laws.
In that case, prosecutors said Tim Leissner and Roger Ng worked with Jho Low to bribe government officials to win 1MDB business for Goldman Sachs.
US authorities said billions of dollars were embezzled from the state fund to buy art, property, a private jet- and even to help finance the Wolf ofWall Street movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The scandal has prompted investigations around the world and played a role in the election defeat earlier this year of Malaysia’s former PM Najib Razak, who is accused of pocketing $700 million from the fund he set up.
Vine and HQ Trivia co-founder Colin Kroll has been found dead in his New York flat at the age of 34.
Colin Kroll was found by police after his girlfriend reportedly asked them to check on him.
An HQ spokesperson confirmed the death of the CEO “with deep sadness”.
HQ Trivia app, a live trivia game on mobiles, became hugely popular, although its appeal waned this year.
NYPD officers went to Colin Kroll’s flat in Manhattan to carry out a welfare check and found his body along with drugs paraphernalia nearby, TMZ reported in the initial media coverage of his death.
The HQ statement read: “We learned today of the passing of our friend and founder, Colin Kroll, and it’s with deep sadness that we say goodbye. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The company confirmed Colin Kroll’s age after police had initially said 35.
Alan Kroll, Colin’s father, told the NewYork Times: “He had so much talent and had accomplished so much at such a young age. It truly is a waste.”
Colin Kroll co-founded HQ Trivia with Rus Yusupov, who paid tribute on Twitter: “So sad to hear about thepassing of my friend and co-founder Colin Kroll. My thoughts & prayers goout to his loved ones. I will forever remember him for his kind soul and big heart. He made the world and internet a better place. Rest in peace, brother.”
HQ Trivia was launched in the US in 2017 and Colin Kroll was appointed CEO this September.
The free app live-streams quiz shows, with a pot of money – often thousands
of dollars – available to split between winners.
The quiz show was guest-hosted by some big names, from Jimmy Kimmel to Bert from Sesame Street.
HQ’s popularity faded this year, dropping out of the App Store’s list of top 100 apps.
Colin Kroll was also a co-founder of Vine, a six-second video streaming service that was bought out by Twitter in 2012 for $30 million.
Vine announced in December 2016 that Twitter was discontinuing the mobile app.
Mick Mulvaney is Donald Trump’s choice of new acting White House chief of staff, but he was not always a fan of the president, a 2016 video has revealed.
A video shows Mick Mulvaney describing Donald Trump as “a terrible human being”. He made the disparaging remark in a debate shortly before the 2016 presidential election.
He said: “Yes, I am supporting Donald Trump, but I’m doing so despite the fact that I think he’s a terrible human being.”
Mick Mulvaney also describes Donald Trump’s then opponent, Hillary Clinton, as “just as bad”.
The 51-year-old is a formerRepublican Congressman.The video, which was obtained by the Daily Beast was taken during a debate with Democratic challenger Fran Person in York, South Carolina.
Mick Mulvaney is currently director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and takes up his new role in January.
An OMB spokeswoman told the New York Times that the remarks had been made before Mick Mulvaney had met President Trump and was “old news”.
Meghan Burris said Mick Mulvaney “both likes and respects the president, and he likes working for him”.
The White House has not responded.
Meanwhile, a 2016 Facebook post shows that Mick Mulvaney described Donald Trump as “not a very good person”, NBC reported.
Mick Mulvaney was responding to the release of a tape from 2005 in which Donald Trump made inappropriate comments about women.
He wrote in a post: “I think one thing we’ve learned about Donald Trump during this campaign is that he is not a very good person.
“What he said in the audiotape is disgusting and indefensible. My guess is that he has probably said even worse.”
However, he added: “I’ve decided that I don’t particularly like Donald Trump as a person. But I am still voting for him. And I am still asking other people to do the same. And there is one simple reason for that: Hillary Clinton.”
Mick Mulvaney replaces General John Kelly, who steps down at the end of the year.
Did you realize that firefighters respond to nearly359,000 home fires each year? The majority of these fires are caused by things like faulty cooking equipment or electrical wiring issues.
If you are one of the brave men or women who put their life on the line to put out these fires, having the right equipment is vital. The right tools can mean the difference between a home totally burning down or being saved just in the nick of time.
The following are some of the most important pieces of equipment you need to make sure are on your fire truck before rolling out.
1. An Easy To Use Electrical Tester
One of the first things most firefighters are taught is that electricity can kill. Unless you see electrical lines arcing, it can be difficult to detect whether or not they are live. Rather than risking electrocution, you need to put an easy to use electrical tester on your fire truck.
With this tool, you will be able to assess the threat posed by electrical lines and keep others in the area safe. You need to remember that any electrical wire should always be approached like it is live. Once you have tested the line in question, you can rule it out as a possible source of danger.
2. Every Fire Truck Should Have a Window Punch
When fires are raging and lives are at stake, having a trusty window punch can be extremely. Putting these devices behind yourfire truck doors will both keep them safe and make them accessible to other firefighters.
In most cases, these punches are used to break out the window of a car that is on fire. Instead of using a tire iron and making a mess, you can control the amount of force used to break the glass with this punch. This is especially helpful if there are still people trapped inside of the vehicle. With a window punch, you can reduce the chance that the broken glass will get on the individual in the car.
3. Keep Plenty of Door Wedges on Hand
In some situations, keeping a door open can mean the difference between life or death. Often times, firefighters will leave home doors open toventilate following a fire. The best way to ensure these doors stay open is by using wooden or rubber wedges.
If the building in question is extremely hot, then using a wooden wedge is probably a good idea. Generally, the molded rubber wedges will melt in these extreme temperatures.
4. Rechargeable Flash Lights are a Must
In most cases, firefighters will have to do most of their work in the dark. If a home has just burned down, all of the lights and electrical wiring will be destroyed. Instead of going into a home blindly, having a bright rechargeable flashlight is a must.
When trying to find a flashlight to put on your truck, be sure to consider how durable it is. Skimping on the quality of this flashlight to save money will generally lead to big problems. Investing in a durable and well-made flashlight will make searching homes and commercial structures much easier.
By putting high-quality tools on your fire truck, you can do your job with ease. Constantly inspecting and changing out damaged tools will help you avoid problems when it comes to dealing with fires.
Cherif Chekatt, who attacked Strasbourg’s Christmas market on December 11, has been shot dead by police, France’s interior minister has announced.
A police unit came across Cherif Chekatt in a Strasbourg street and shot him after the suspect opened fire.
Three people have died following the shooting at the Christmas market and several more were seriously injured. Previous reports had said that four people had been killed in the attack.
Cherif Chekatt, 29, had a string of criminal convictions in France and Germany and had become a radical Islamist in jail.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said three members of the National Police saw a suspicious individual on rue du Lazaret, in the Neudorf area of Strasbourg at 21:00 local time.
The officers stopped the man, who turned round and fired on the police. Police fired back and “neutralized”the attacker, said Christoph Castaner, who later went to the scene.
Hundreds of French police and security forces had been searching for the gunman.
A large police operation had taken place in Neudorf earlier on December 13, but ended apparently without results.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack. They include Cherif Chekatt’s parents and two of his brothers.
Strasbourg mayor Roland Ries said that finding Cherif Chekatt meant the worried people of his city would now be able to return to a normal life.
On December 11, at about 20:00 local time, a man opened fire close to the famed Christmas market near Place Kléber, which attracts thousands of visitors.
France’s anti-terror prosecutor, Rémy Heitz, said the man had shouted
“Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest”) as he opened fire.
The suspect was armed with a gun and a knife and escaped the area after commandeering a taxi, Rémy Heitz said.
As the attacker fled he came into contact with four soldiers, Rémy Heitz said, and began firing at them. The soldiers fired back, apparently hitting him in the arm.
The gunman boasted to the taxi driver that he had killed 10 people, and also said he had been injured during a firefight with soldiers.
Cherif Chakett ordered the taxi driver to drop him near the police station in Neudorf. When he got out of the vehicle, he fired at police officers before escaping.
Cherif Chekatt was born in Strasbourg and was already known to the security services.
The man was the subject of a “fiche S”, a watch list of people who represent a potential threat to national security.
Cherif Chekatt had 27 convictions for crimes including robbery spanning France, Germany and Switzerland, and had spent considerable time in prison as a result.
On December 11, in the morning, police were seeking him in connection with another case, but did not find him at home.
A search of his apartment in Neudorf revealed a grenade, a rifle, four knives – two of which were hunting knives – and ammunition.
The death of Kamal Naghchband, originally from Afghanistan, was announced on December 13. The father of three died in hospital. His mosque announced that his funeral will take place after Friday prayers.
According to Le Figaro, a retired bank worker aged 61, from Strasbourg, was also killed in the attack.
The third victim is believed to be a Thai tourist who was on holiday with his wife. Anupong Suebsamarn, 45, has been named by Thai media as one of the dead.
So high-profile is the case that President Donald Trump said he could intervene if it helped to avoid a further decline in relations between the US and Canada, which are locked in a trade war.
However, President Trump’s own officials frowned on the idea, with US Assistant Attorney General John Demers remarking: “What we do at the Justice Department is law enforcement. We don’t do trade.”
Michael Spavor is a businessman based in Dandong, near the Chinese border with North Korea. He has ties to the North Korean government and has met Kim Jong-un many times.
Ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig currently works for a think tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), which has said it is concerned for his health and safety.
He is being held officially “on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China’s state security”.
However, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, suggested another reason, saying the ICG had not been registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in China and therefore it was unlawful for its staff to work there.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has said Michael Kovrig’s case was raised directly with Chinese officials.
Canadian foreign ministry spokesman Guillaume Bérubé confirmed that Michael Spavor had contacted them earlier in the week because “he was being asked questions by Chinese authorities”.
President Donald Trump threatened a government shutdown over funding for his proposed border wall in a budget row with top Democrats in the Oval Office.
During a heated exchange with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, President Trump said he would be “proud” to shut down the government over border security.
If lawmakers cannot agree on a federal budget, funding for some departments will run out at the end of next week.
President Trump has asked to include $5 billion in the deal for border security.
However, Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said they had agreed to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security at current levels of $1.3 billion until September 30, 2019.
President Trump opened the Oval Office meeting calling it a “great honor” to have Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi present, in their firstmeeting since Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in theNovember mid-term elections.
The meeting soon turned contentious as Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer argued that the Republican-controlled Congress could pass legislation before funding for some agencies was set to expire on December 21.
President Trump contended that it could only pass if it met his demands for more funding for his proposed borderwall along the US southern border.
He said: “If we don’t get what we want, one way or the other, whether it’s through you, through military, through anything you want to call, I will shutdown the government.
“And I am proud to shut down the government for bordersecurity. I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down.”
Two people have been killed and 11 others wounded in a shooting at the famed Christmas market in Strasbourg, France.
The gunman, who was identified by security services, is on the run and is being hunted by police. According to police, the suspect had been injured in an exchange of gunfire with a soldier.
The shooting happened in one of Strasbourg’s central squares, Place Kléber.
France’s counter terrorism prosecutor has opened an investigation.
Confirming the death toll had risen to two, the French interior minister, Christophe Castaner, who is on his way to Strasbourg, called it a “seriouspublic security incident”.
Seven of the injured are said to be in a serious condition.
Police said the gunman was already known to the security services as a
possible terrorist threat.
According to France’s BFM TV the suspect had fled his apartment in the Neudorf district of the city in the morning as it was being searched by police in connection with a robbery.
Grenades were found during the search.
Residents in Neudorf have been urged to stay indoors amid unconfirmed reports he has been tracked down and cornered by police in the area.
The European Parliament, which is close to the scene, is currently in lockdown. The parliament’s president, Antonio Tajani, tweeted to say it would”not be intimidated by terrorist or criminal attacks”.
The attack unfolded at around 20:00 local time close to the city’s famed Christmas market.
Emmanuel Foulon, a press officer for the European Parliament, wrote that there was “panic” in the center following the sound of gunfire andthat police with guns were running through the streets.
Nowadays, businesses are so diverse, and even the smallest local businesses can have a huge range of jobs and tasks to complete on a daily basis that leaves not a lot of hours left in the day for anything else.
However, with the rise of this mountain of jobs comes to the latest technological developments, most importantly automation. There are so many areas of your business you can automate using software, allowing you to streamline your operations in terms of production and quality.
Not sure where to start? Check out these six areas of your business you can start automating today!
#1 – Streamline Communication
Think about how many different channels you communicate through with different people within your business. From instant messaging and social media to emails and phone calls, staying in touch has never been easier.
However, by dedicating a channel to a different topic, such as instant messaging for urgent communications only, and email for information, you can streamline how you stay in touch and augment the way you communicate.
#2 – Emails
No automation list would be complete without a mention of automating your emails. There are so many platforms and software packages out there that you’re seriously missing out if you’re not already using one to manage your customer emails.
From breaking your mailing lists down into demographics, A/B testing your emails and manage thousands of emails, there’s no denying the power that email automation can bring to your business.
#3 – Social Media
It’s far more difficult and time-consuming if you’re thinking of things to post of your social media channels and then taking the time every day to post. Instead, why not dedicate a few hours into bulk creating posts and thenscheduling the posts automatically, so you don’t have to do anything.
This will save you so much time in the long-term, meaning you’re able to stay on top of and optimize your social media campaigns while spending minimal time doing it.
#4 – Automate Your Lead Tracking
Depending on how long you are currently spending watching, monitoring, organizing and managing your leads, why not get a super-fast andeffective lead tracking application to do it for you? Of course, when you’re competing for every lead possible, this efficiency is essential.
#5 – Look Out of Opportunities
Every business is different, and there’s no be-all-and-end-all solution to what you can automate or not automate. Your business could be very different from another. However, the best way to look for automation opportunities is simply to look out for areas of work which are repeated over and over again.
This could be anything from generating newsletters, sorting emails, counting stock, checking till balances or anything in between. All you need to do is lump these tasks together to make things far easier for yourself and your employees.
#6 – Implementing AI and Deep Learning
There’s no denying the rise and boom of AI technologies is going to change the world and everything in it completely. When it comes to your business, this technology is readily available right now, whether that’s through asales automation CRM or a third party, that can help.
Take the data points and analytics from your business and website, feed them into your platform and get automated control over your prices, your business processes, and operational functions; easily one of the best ways to optimize your business.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enhance your business using automation. Simply look for the areas in your business that are repeated regularly and see what solutions that are out there can help.
Adel al-Jubeir criticised the way Turkey has shared information with Saudi Arabia.
He said: “The Turkish authorities have not been as forthcoming as we believe they should have been.
“We have asked our friends in Turkey to provide us with evidence that we can use in a court of law. We have not received it in the manner that it should have been received.”
President Erdogan says the order to kill Jamal Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government but insists he does not want to damage the Saudi royal family.
The Saudi government denies that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the killing.
The Saudi public prosecutor has said Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate as a result of a “rogue operation” on the orders of an intelligence officer.
Jamal Khashoggi was given a lethal injection after a struggle. The journalist’s body was then dismembered inside the consulate in Istanbul and the body parts were handed over to a local”collaborator” outside the grounds, the prosecutor said.
Violence broke out in Paris during a fourth consecutive weekend of Yellow Vest protests on December 8.
French riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets. Nearly 90,000 officers had been deployed,including 8,000 in Paris where 12 armored vehicles were also used.
More than 1,700 people were arrested, but the violence was not on the same level as a week earlier.
According to the interior ministry, an estimated 125,000 people took part in marches across the country protesting against fuel tax rises and high living costs. Around 10,000 people demonstrated inParis, where the scenes were the most destructive. Windows were smashed, carswere burned and stores were looted.
Video footage showed protesters hitby rubber bullets – including in the face. At least three members of the press were among those hit.
Prime Minister Édouard Philippe hasvowed to “restore national unity” and said that discussions with peaceful protesters “must continue”.
He added: “No tax should jeopardize our national unity. We must now rebuild
that national unity through dialogue, through work, and by coming
together.”
The prime minister said President Emmanuel Macron – who many protesters want to stand down – would soon “putforward measures to foster this dialogue”.
Interior Minister ChristopheCastaner praised police – who had been deployed in force – for containing much of the unrest.
In a tweet, President Macron thanked the security forces for their “courage and exceptional professionalism”.
Robert Mueller’s memo is mainly to guide sentencing for crimes President Trump’s ex-lawyer has admitted.
A second memo sets out the case against Donald Trump’s ex-campaign chief Paul Manafort for breaching a plea bargain deal.
Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort are among a number of President Trump aides being investigated in Special Counsel RobertMueller’s investigation.
Both have been co-operating with his team but Robert Mueller now accuses Paul Manafort of lying.
In a separate court filing onDecember 7, prosecutors in New York made their case for the length of Michael Cohen’s sentence when it is delivered on December 5.
They say Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer should serve a “substantial” jail term after admitting violating campaign finance laws, committing tax evasion and lying to Congress.
President Trump has repeatedly denied there was any collusion with Russian officials, calling the investigation a “witch hunt”.
The White House said the memos offered nothing new or damaging about the president.
President Trump tweeted: “Totally clears the President. Thank you!”
Michael Cohen had admitted making false statements about a Trump property deal, out of loyalty to the president.
The memo says that although this crime was serious, any sentencing should be served concurrently with the NewYork prosecutors’ recommendations on other crimes.
The memo says Michael Cohen has taken
“significant steps to mitigate his criminal conduct”.
The memo’s key elements are about the Russian links.
Kitchen deems the essential part of your home. It needs careful consideration upon planning and installation. Everything you need to include and design in your kitchen must undergo critical preparation to achieve the design that you want to incorporate.
That said, one of the most prominent kitchen design which stayed traditionally for a couple of years is minimalism. A minimalist kitchen design showcases a sexy and sleek design look. Additionally, it also produces an environment where you use fewer materials but looks more upon completion.
Hence, we’d like to lay out to you some few ways on how to achieve a minimalist kitchen design without spending too much. These things will help you save a lot of money at the same time gives your kitchen a simple decor and furniture.
Less is More
The primary objective of having a minimalist kitchen design must be making all things simple. On the other hand, the simplification of the plan does mean the absence of your overall design.
In this case, you have to make sure that you gather everything you need to put in your kitchen. Do not include unnecessary details and focus more on the design. Choose top and base cabinets that have strong door panels for more extended storage. Lastly, the monochromatic color palette will surely help in achieving a minimalist kitchen design.
Clean Lines
The true meaning of a minimalist kitchen design would be achieving a clean and crisp line. Always consider properly concealed handles and hinges, square edges, and sharp corners. These finishing lines should come primarily of every tile and floform finishes.
Also, the minimalist kitchen design emphasizes the simple horizontal lines, vertical lines, and solid cube forms. Make sure that you play with these shapes upon designing your kitchen to achieve a minimalist kitchen trademark ideally.
Single Focal
When planning a minimalist kitchen design, you have to make sure you get your focal point. Always stick with a single color palette to add a personal touch to your kitchen. Holding with one color palette will not dilute the overall effect of the design.
Moreover, you may also add a prominent light fixture over the island to make sure that your kitchen has a life and personality.
Clutter Free
Decluttering everything that’s unnecessary in your kitchen demands the most significant factor in achieving a minimalist kitchen design. You have to put everything in place and arrange them in order.
That said, you may include smart storage types for some appliances and concealed trash bins to have a fuss-free look. Bear in mind that the true meaning of minimalism associates an open, free, and clean spaces.
Ditch Items in the Right Place
In attaining a sleek look for your kitchen, you have to make sure that you put every kitchen utensils and appliances in the right place. Relocate everything that doesn’t belong to the kitchen and put them in an area where they should accord.
Furthermore, find a location in your home where you can transfer the items that don’t belong to the kitchen in the first place.
Material Beauty
Every minimalist kitchen design must celebrate the laxity of materials included upon installation. Make sure that you choose the right surface and textures which should be needed upon installation.
Also, designing a small kitchen prefers a minimalist theme. It is to make sure that you don’t overwhelm your kitchen space with a lot of materials and storages. At the same time, countertops, concrete, and wood grains should have beautiful qualities to achieve your goal.
Takeaway
Always consider that the true essence of minimalism must be making every space in your kitchen creative and sleek. Hiding every kitchen appliances that don’t need daily usage and clearing kitchen counters helps you achieve a minimalist kitchen appearance.
Thus, choosing the right material, ditching everything in the proper place, focusing on a single color palette, decluttering, and cleaning every line will surely help you achieve your goal of having a minimalist kitchen space.
Kevin Hart had said hosting the Oscars was “a goal on my list for a
long time”.
In a tweet on December 6, the actor said he had chosen to step down” because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists”.
He said: “I’m sorry that I hurt people.. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
Comments Kevin Hart made during a comedy routine in 2010 have been put under
the spotlight in recent days.
“One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay. That’s a fear,” the actor told the audience.
“Keep in mind, I’m not homophobic, I have nothing
against gay people, be happy. Do what you want to do.
“But me, being a heterosexual male, if I can prevent my
son from being gay, I will.”
In 2015, by which time Kevin Hart’sprofile had risen significantly, the actor addressed the comments in an interview with Rolling Stone.
He said: “I wouldn’t tell that joke today, because when I said it, the
times weren’t as sensitive as they are now.
“I think we love to make big deals out of things that aren’t necessarily big deals, because we can.”
When Kevin Hart revealed he would bethe Oscars host earlier this week, he said it was the “opportunity of alifetime for me as a comedian” and that his mother was “smiling fromear to ear right now”.
