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Top 5 Ways to Keep Your House Secure

Dana R
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Top 5 Ways to Keep Your House Secure

Are you worried how to keep your precious condo safe from prying eyes and unwanted intruders? Home security is as important as the upkeep and maintenance of the entire house itself. With social media updates on your vacation and lifestyle happenings, you’re leaving the door ajar for burglars to hit your place easily. Why live with such insecurity? Use my tips below to keep your wonderful house secure and inaccessible to any intruders.

Use a Proper Security System

Your house should have a thorough security system installed along with CCTV cameras, so you know what’s happening around your place. The system can check if there’s any suspicious person lurking around or is peering in through the windows etc. Have a nice security firm install Motion-sensor lights outside your home, especially in the patio and the car parking area. With such security gadgets, you can keep an eye on any unwanted person who intends to break into your place and run off with any expensive items.

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Keep Your Doors & Windows Locked

Have all your locks for the doors and windows properly checked from the local locksmith. For example, if you live in South Perth, then get in touch with South Perth Locksmith. Make sure they are expert in lock systems. Allow them to take a thorough look at all the doors including windows to make sure they are functioning properly. If you’re planning a sortie to run a few errands or heading off for work, check all the locks before you leave. Inspect the Garage lock, the entrance door and the backyard etc. Never leave your house without a complete lock-check for every gate/door.

Get Window Treatments

To ensure privacy and safety of your belongings, have a nice security company install window treatments for sliding glass doors and have the blinds or curtains like galvanized pipe double rods drawn especially during the day when someone observing the happenings inside can notice any movements clearly. With window treatments in place, intruders won’t be able to know where you keep your wallet, what time you go to bed or which rooms in the house are dark and easily accessible.

Use Perimeter Covering

Just like you mulch your home garden to keep the pests and insects away, have your entire house fenced or lined with a strong perimeter like a picket fence or iron fencing. These provide the much-needed cover to keep any burglars away because they’ll think twice about crossing the perimeter first before getting inside the place. Avoid planting too many hedges or shrubs around the front or backyard. These can serve as a good hiding spot for intruders; it’s good to have them trimmed at all times and preferably secured with wooden fencing for added security.

Have the Neighbors Informed

Ask the neighbors to collect your mail and turn on the lights when you’re away so that the piled up mail does not invite intruders for a break-in. As part of your time management in a busy routine, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your place is well kept and secured enough to avoid any damage or privacy issues. Even if it means assigning some time to implement safety measures once in a while, it’s worth the effort and it’ll give you the peace of mind.

Greece Wildfire: Three Days of Mourning as 79 Died and Dozens Are Missing

Diane A. Wade
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Greece Wildfire: Three Days of Mourning as 79 Died and Dozens Are Missing

Greek rescuers are searching for dozens of people missing after the deadly wildfires near Athens.

Up to now, at least 79 people have died, and a search continues for survivors who fled the blaze, including those who took to the sea.

According to authorities, high winds spread the fire, trapping many in homes and vehicles and forcing others into the water as they tried to escape the flames.

The fire is now widely reported to be the deadliest on record in Greece.

On July 24, PM Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of mourning.

There is no formal count of the missing. The fire brigade has received dozens of calls, but is unable to verify the exact number.

Relatives of those reported missing have posted photographs of more than 30 people online in the hope of tracing their whereabouts.

Coastal patrol boats combed the shoreline on July 25, searching for survivors and bodies, while rescue teams searched houses and cars.

Image source Wikimedia

Thomas Fire: California Governor Jerry Brown Brands Wildfires as New Normal

California Wildfires: At Least 17 Dead and More Than 150 Missing

The number of injured, meanwhile, continues to grow, and stands at more than 180, including two dozen or so children. Tourists were also caught up in the blaze, including one British man who was treated for burns.

Others have been evacuated to temporary accommodation.

On July 24, the bodies of 26 adults and children who apparently died embracing each other were found on a cliff top.

Among those killed in the fires that swept Eastern Attica were a Belgian tourist and a Polish woman and her son.

On July 23, hundreds of firefighters battled the flames, which were fanned by winds of up to 100km/h (60mph).

The prime minister has declared a state of emergency in Attica, saying all emergency services have been mobilized.

Meanwhile, Germany, Italy, France, Romania and Poland have all sent help in the form of planes, vehicles and firefighters, while Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus have also offered assistance.

The Greek government and emergency services are facing allegations that their response to  emergency was too slow.

A Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered a probe into the cause of the fire, amid allegations that there had been no evacuation plan in place.

Japan Heat Death Toll Rises to 65 after One Week

Nancy Clayson
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Japan Heat Death Toll Rises to 65 after One Week

Japan’s authorities have declared a heat wave sweeping the country a natural disaster, with at least 65 deaths recorded in the past week.

The country’s weather agency spokesman warned that “unprecedented levels of heat” were being seen in some areas.

According to emergency officials, more than 22,000 people have been admitted to hospital with heat stroke, nearly half of them elderly.

Forecasters say the heat wave shows no sign of abating.

On July 23, the city of Kumagaya reported a temperature of 41.1C (106F), the highest ever recorded in Japan.

Image source manichi.jp

India Heat Wave: Phalodi Records Country’s Hottest Day Ever

In central Tokyo, temperatures over 40C (104F) were also registered for the first time.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that temperatures of 35C (95F) or higher would continue until early August.

Spokesman Motoaki Takekawa said: “We are observing unprecedented levels of heat in some areas.”

He added that the heat wave was “a threat to life and we recognize it as a natural disaster”.

In Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo, a 91-year-old woman was found collapsed in a field and later pronounced dead in hospital. In nearby Saitama two elderly women were found dead in their homes.

With less than half of Japan’s public schools equipped with air conditioning, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the summer holidays could be extended to protect pupils.

Yoshihide Suga told a news conference on July 24: “As a record heat wave continues to blanket the country, urgent measures are required to protect the lives of schoolchildren.”

People are being advised to drink plenty of water, to use air conditioning and to rest often.

In some cities, people have taken part in an event known as uchimizu, or “water ceremony” – pouring or sprinkling cold water on to the hot pavements in an attempt to cool them.

The heat wave closely followed torrential rain that caused severe flooding and landslides in the west of Japan.

How Not to Invest Your Hard-Earned Money

Clyde K. Valle
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How Not to Invest Your Hard-Earned Money

investmentWhile there are several guidelines newcomers should follow when they invest, there are also certain practices they must absolutely avoid. Investing is not just about making the right or most reasonable decision, but it’s also about knowing how to avoid mistakes. As a new investor, you will face many challenges in your career, but by paying attention to a few pointers, overcoming these challenges would not be a problem.

Rushing to Invest Based on Anecdotes and “Tips”

Did you hear about the hot new stock or index fund with excellent returns that most people you know are raving about? You may be highly tempted to rush ahead and buy these super promising stocks before others do, but there’s some very simple advice for a person contemplating a decision like this: don’t. Investors, regardless of where they are putting their funds, should never rush to grab an asset. Some stocks or securities can be overhyped, often by pump-and-dump scammers who artificially inflate prices, therefore, be highly cautious when investing in hyped-up securities. Always research the company, its products, and check financial reports before spending your money.

Selling Stocks Hoping for Quick Millions

Time and time again, day trading has been presented as a wonderful, get-rich-quick opportunity for new investors. The practice refers to buying and selling stock in rapid succession, often within the span of a day. Whether daily stock trading is a legitimate practice or not really depends on who you ask. It’s important to understand that day trading is not a one-way ticket to making millions. Day traders do make money, but their earnings are not akin to winning the lottery, so if you do decide to become a day trader, start by understanding the possibilities and limitations of the practice. Get help from other experienced day traders in the beginning to master this particular art of investing. Lastly, finding a good tracker like Finviz stock screener can be helpful when you are looking at an abundant of ticker symbols.

Investing without a Qualitative Analysis

A qualitative analysis can be simply explained as a financial way of looking at the big picture. When you invest in the long term, especially in stocks, it’s vital to have an understanding of the sector as a whole. For example, imagine you were a tech investor in the late nineties. Back then, Blackberries were all the rage, but about a decade later, no one was interested in owning a Blackberry because nearly everyone wanted an iPhone. A qualitative analysis can show you where an investment is headed towards because it takes industrial factors into account. A company may have highly valued stocks, but you should also look at whether the stock value has gone up or down historically. Without this information, it’s simply not possible to make sound long-term investments.

Using Way Too Much Borrowed Money

Using margin, or borrowed money to buy stocks or shares should be done with caution. You may overvalue stock or underestimate the interest, thus ending up with worthless stock, or worse, massive debt. Margin should be used sparsely, if at all. Do a thorough calculation of how much returns you can expect considering the interest rate on the loan.

Toronto Shooting: Two Dead and 13 Injured in Danforth Avenue Attack

Nancy Clayson
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Toronto Shooting: Two Dead and 13 Injured in Danforth Avenue Attack

Two people, a 10-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman, have died after a gunman opened fire on a busy avenue in Canada’s largest city, police say.

Another 13 people, ranging in age between 10 and 59, were injured in the attack in the Greektown district of Toronto, police chief Mark Saunders told reporters.

The 29-year-old suspect had an exchange of gunfire with police officers before being found dead nearby.

The reason for the shooting is unknown.

Police have not named the suspect, who was from Toronto, and it is unclear if he was killed by police gunfire or took his own life.

The attack happened on July 22. In a video clip shared by Canadian media, a white man wearing a dark cap and dark clothing and carrying a shoulder bag can be seen stopping on a pavement and pulling out a handgun before firing shots.

PM Justin Trudeau sent his sympathies to the victims and the city in a tweet, while Toronto Mayor John Tory condemned the “despicable” attack on “people innocently enjoying a Sunday evening”.

Image source CBC.ca

Toronto: Van Attack Kills Ten Pedestrians and Injures Other 15

Emergency services were called out just after 10PM local time. The site of the attack is a piazza with a fountain that is popular with local people and was busy at the time, the Toronto Globe and Mail writes.

A number of people were reportedly hurt in a cafe called the Demetres, while others were hit in the street.

Detective Sgt Terry Browne, who is leading the investigation into the shootings, told reporters on Monday that “some individuals have what may be described as life-changing injuries” following the attack.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which looks into incidents involving police which result in death, the gunman was tracked by officers to Bowden Street, a short distance from the cafe.

The gunman fired at a crowd of people waiting to cross the street, he said.

Police chief Saunders told reporters that, as yet, they “don’t know why this has happened”.

It is unclear whether the suspect was shot by police or killed himself with his gun.

A post-mortem examination is planned for July 24, according to SIU spokeswoman Monica Hudon.

Gun violence is much rarer in Canada than over the border in the US, but Toronto has seen attacks increase dramatically in recent years.

The Changing Face of Charitable Giving

Dana R
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The Changing Face of Charitable Giving

The face of giving to charitable causes has changed a lot in recent years. With advances in technology and new ways of thinking, more people are becoming directly connected with their charitable beneficiaries. Do any of these changes resonate with you?

Modern Technology and the Battle Against Poverty

One of the most dramatic of these changes can be seen by a recent move by Unicef. The group has long focused on providing infant vaccinations, supporting education in impoverished countries, and bringing clean water and sanitation to communities without access.

For example, in South Sudan, the struggle for any water is ongoing, especially during the dry season, and during the rainy season, clean water is hard to get, leaving many families devastated by cholera. The UNICEF-supported solution is a solar-powered water system. These have gone up in several communities and have the advantage of not needing an expensive source of fuel or routine repairs. This modern approach to an old problem has made it easier for children to go to school, parents to bathe their children, and families to eat nutritious meals.

UNICEF has also turned their efforts to raising cryptocurrency. Rather than asking for cash donations, the organization is asking for computer processing power, so they can mine cryptocurrency. The proceeds from these efforts will go to help Rohingya refugees in Myanmar. The mining effort requires a significant amount of power, so the charitable organization has reached out to volunteers who are willing to donate a percentage of their computers’ processing power to the UNICEF effort.

Smartphone apps are also being used as a way to gather financial donations. Some apps, such as ShareTheMeal and One Today allow givers to make a one-click donation. Other apps invite users to donate photos, such as Donate a Photo or Feedie, and some apps generate funds through games, such as Charity Tap and FreeRice. Still others encourage donors to be active for a cause, including apps such as Walk for a Dog, Charity Miles, and Budge.

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Newly-Structured Charitable Organizations

It isn’t unusual today to see younger professionals involved in charitable work, such as the efforts of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva for UNESCO, but millennial philanthropists have different attitudes about their donations and volunteer efforts than their parents. In the past, volunteers saw established agencies or institutions as the source of solutions to current issues. Today, charitable organizations are more likely to represent the individual as part of the solution.

Modern non-profit organizations are more likely to provide several ways for donors to interact and contribute. For example, younger generations want to know where their money is going and see examples of how their gifts are impacting individuals and communities. Many charitable organizations are turning to social media to make information available and to reach out to new donors. For example, Pencils of Promise, a non-profit that supports new schools, scholarships, and teachers in developing countries, uses social media, an interactive website, and smartphone apps to keep volunteers engaged.

In today’s quest for donations and volunteers, charitable organizations are more likely to spend time offering transparency and creating meaningful stories. As potential donors are drawn into the lives of the suffering and as organizations are able to create connections between donors and recipients, more lives will be affected by donations of time, skills, money, and services.

Charites Are Taking Cues From Businesses

In the wealthiest countries, many charitable shops look like retail outlets where donated items are sold in a retail environment. The staff at these shops may be volunteers or recipients of the proceeds. The money earned from sales is often directed toward job training, housing, and food. What prompted this move?

Some charities have begun to bid for contracts (and some have been forced to do so.) For example, in order for a charity to receive money from the government, it may be required to provide evidence of reaching milestones, such as finding jobs for a specific number of unemployed. These charities may then face costs such as hiring trainers and related professionals with appropriate educational backgrounds. An increased number of college students are majoring in non-profit management and similar degree programs.

Those charitable organizations that depend on government and business backing have now turned to business peers to learn how to compete for financial support. In a newly competitive environment, these organizations have begun to pay more attention to the layout of their shops, invest in new technology, and ship donations to communities where they are likely to get the best returns. Some organizations may even list donations on eBay and other selling sites for better financial results.

As values and societal norms change, it isn’t surprising that expectations are changing as well. The world of charitable organizations is adapting to the new climate. As new trends take hold and younger professionals enter the scene, there may be many more changes on the horizon.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Australia

Dana R
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Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Australia

Relocating to another country is a huge and tough decision to deal with. There are a lot of things you need to consider prior to your move. And one of the major things you need to think of is where you plan to live.

Apparently, Australia is an amazing country to reside in with your whole family. If there is one destination you can choose to relocate in, then this could be your best option. Living in the Land Down Under is a great opportunity for everyone. It is definitely a wonderful place to dwell in with your loved ones.

Here are the reasons why you should opt to live a good life with your family in Australia:

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High standard of living

Truth be told, living in any cities in Australia is quite costly. But the minimum wage of each employee is doubled as compared in the United States. It might be expensive to migrate here, but everything is worth it because of the high standard of living it offers to every resident. This also proves that the economy is at its best since it can provide the citizens with all they need.

Top-quality education

Another major reason to settle in Australia is the kind of education it offers to students. In fact, the country is highly regarded as one of the best higher learning systems worldwide. Every permanent resident gets the chance to study in public schools without having to pay a single centavo, for the Australian government provides it for them. More so, there are some private schools that are made affordable for everyone.

Efficient transportation

Traffic is never a problem in this huge country as the transportation is extremely efficient. You can take public transportation, such as trams, buses, and trains any time. Bicycles are also widely used here, which you can rent or own yours to go from one city to another. Also, regular flight going to different states by air are available each day.

Premier healthcare

There is nothing to worry about once you get sick in Australia. There are public and private healthcare facilities of high quality that will take care of you. Each hospital offers cutting-edge equipment and tools as well as provides top-notch services to all the residents. In case you don’t own a health card, then you can rely on state-provided care any time.

Diverse culture

Living in Australia won’t be much of a hard time to anyone because it is a diverse country. You won’t feel like an outsider wherever you stay here, for the locals always treat you right and warmly welcome you. Whatever your race might be, it will never be an issue in Australia.

Indeed, Australia is such an exciting country to live in. This developed country offers a lot of great opportunities to its residents, so grab the chance to migrate here right away. If you are looking for a place to relocate in, there is a Lendlease home and land package near Brisbane, QLD that you can check out. It is certainly an ultimate spot to start anew with your family.

3 Ways to Manage Your Time Better

Nancy Clayson
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3 Ways to Manage Your Time Better
Image source Pixabay

As a business owner or manager, you’re always busy. Your time is valuable and it probably always feels like you don’t have enough time to mark off all the things on your to-do list. No matter how excellent you are at managing other people, it’s always a challenge to properly manage your own time.

But there are some things that you can do to make the best possible use of your time, without completely overhauling the way that you already operate.

Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your daily life, to get the most out of your waking hours.

Make routine tasks virtual or automated

One of the biggest time wasters in your day may simply be your drive to the bank or your time spent double checking whether or not you paid that credit card bill.

Whenever possible, take in-person tasks online, and make online tasks automated. This will save you the time of physically traipsing around town, and the time of worrying about whether or not you already accomplished some task.

For instance, while you previously may have applied for loans in person, there are now easy ways for you to apply for small loans online. This will save you driving time, and the time that it takes to wait in line at a bank or other loan center.

Further, you can automate tasks that you already accomplish online, such as monthly bill payment. Take one more item off your to-do list by setting your credit card bill to be automatically paid on a certain date every month, and save yourself from worry in the process.

Focus on one task at a time

Although multitasking may seem like the way to get more done in a shorter time period, research has shown that it actually slows you down.

Instead, focus on accomplishing one task at a time, and you’ll find that you save time in the long run. This is because multitasking splits your focus and makes it difficult for you to accomplish anything at all — you may accomplish two tasks in one hour, when you could have completed each task individually in 20 minutes.

Save yourself some time and focus on each objective in turn. As a bonus, you’ll likely find that the quality of your work also improves when your attention is undivided.

Block out time for yourself

Another counterintuitive way to save time in the long run is to block out personal time for yourself every day.

If you work every hour of every day — even if you’re just checking email during dinner or browsing through reports in bed — you’ll begin to feel constantly stressed and, eventually, burnt out.

You aren’t a robot, which means that you need time to unwind, relax, and think about something other than work. Block out regular time so that you can exercise and socialize without having work stresses still on the forefront of your mind.

You’ll soon find that this practice makes you productive when you are at work — and it might even help to break you out of a creative rut or a writer’s block that you would never have been able to just work straight through.

Prince George’s Fifth Birthday Marked with New Official Picture

Lisa.Felice
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Prince George’s Fifth Birthday Marked with New Official Picture

Prince George’s fifth birthday has been celebrated with the release of a new official picture.

George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born in the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, at 4.24PM on July 22, 2013.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s eldest child was photographed in the garden of Clarence House.

The picture was taken after the christening of Prince Louis.

Photographer Matt Porteous had also taken private pictures for Prince William and Kate Middleton at the christening of two-month-old Louis earlier this month.

Prince George was last seen, alongside his siblings and parents, at the christening in The Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace. It was the first time the family-of-five had been seen together.

Photo Matt Porteous

Prince George’s Fourth Birthday Marked with New Official Portrait

Prince George’s Third Birthday: Kate Middleton and Prince William Release Four Official Pictures

A great-grandson of the Queen, the little prince is third in line to the throne.

George has made a number of public appearances in the past 12 months, including on the balcony at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s official birthday celebrations in June.

He was seen having fun with Savannah Phillips, the 7-year-old daughter of Prince William’s cousin Peter and his wife Autumn Phillips, who jokingly told him to shush and put her hand over his mouth.

Prince George was also a page boy at the wedding of his uncle Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in May.

He recently completed his first year at school, Thomas’s Battersea in south London, where he played a sheep in the nativity play at Christmas.

The prince is said to love helicopters and flying – perhaps taking after his father, who worked as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

To mark Prince George’s birthday, a new £5 coin has been issued by the Royal Mint, showing St George and the Dragon on its reverse.

Why Application Performance Monitoring is So Important

Dana R
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Why Application Performance Monitoring is So Important

The daily function of the IT department in a business is often a necessary mystery to employees in other areas– they don’t really know what the IT department does, but they know it’s important.

Application Performance Monitoring is one of the many functions the IT department handles to keep things running smoothly. Without proper application performance management in place, the IT department isn’t able to do their job effectively. Here are some of the reasons application performance monitoring is so important.

What is Application Performance Monitoring?

 

Application Performance Monitoring or Management, collectively known as APM, is the software used by IT professionals to access the back end of a system and determine what’s wrong and how to fix it. In a nutshell, APM is a diagnostic tool that helps find a problem and highlights the best way to fix it.

For example, if you find that all of a sudden no one in your accounting department is able to process data in your invoicing system, but the sales department is having no trouble, APM could help solve this mystery.

Why APM Matters

Anyone with an educational background or work experience in IT knows that APM is important. However, it can be challenging to translate the concept into plain speech for those without the same experience. Here are some of the reasons APM matters, for those who need to know outside the inner sanctum of the IT department.

 

Acts as an Alarm System

 

Having proper APM in place can act as an alarm system, indicating that something is wrong before a peer or customer stumbles upon it. This feature helps the IT department take a proactive approach, rather than reacting to a complaint.

 

Think about it from a business perspective: when an issue arises do you want to know about it right away or wait until a customer complaint comes in? Is investing the money in APM preferable to losing money from disgruntled customers? The answer is obvious.

Helps Correct Performance Issues

How your systems work isn’t always a life or death scenario that could lose you customers. In fact, some issues won’t affect customers at all. Instead, they’ll directly impact employee morale and productivity.

Think about this scenario: it usually takes five seconds for your application pages to load for employees to get their work done. All of a sudden, it starts taking two minutes per page. Employees get (understandably) frustrated and the day’s work comes to a screeching halt.

 

While customers are merrily processing transactions and infusing the company with cash, think of the lost profits caused by having employees unable to keep the workflow moving forward. With APM in place, the IT department will be able to find and correct the problem much quicker than without.

Looks at the Bigger Picture

One of the most important aspects of APM is that it looks at the bigger picture, incorporating the various applications an organization uses to do their work, rather than bits and pieces. APM can see how everything is linked together– which is often a complex, tech-heavy process that can be hard to analyze– and identify problems across the board.

 

Essentially, APM goes beyond application troubleshooting and looks at the network in its entirety. This is essential for large businesses who have some customized application work to get things done. If you are in a large organization that handles specialty goods, the question is not about if you can afford APM, it’s can you afford not to have it?

 

The Ins and Outs of APM

If you have previously worked under the misconception that the IT department is made to handle advanced printer jams and ask you to turn your computer off and on again, you’re wrong. Having APM in place can help your IT department do their jobs well– identify problems, figure out how to fix them, and keep operations running smoothly.

How Soft and Hard Inquiries Affect Your Creditworthiness

Dana R
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How Soft and Hard Inquiries Affect Your Creditworthiness

Did you know that financial institutions and some retailers access your credit report? Did you know there could be errors in your credit report that could be damaging your score? Not knowing these facts can seriously damage your creditworthiness in the eyes of potential lenders. That’s why staying on top of your credit education matters.

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While companies might look into your credit report with or without your knowledge, such inquiries might harm your score depending on what they want to know about your financial background. An inquiry can either be classified as a hard or a soft inquiry. The more you understand about inquiries, the more you can use them to maintain a high credit score.

Here are a few details about inquiries and how they affect your score:

When Do Both Inquires Occur?

Hard inquiries will typically occur once a potential lender accesses your credits report to determine your creditworthiness. They are mainly done since responsible lending is a must for people that need money now, and lenders too need to protect their interests when offering loans. While a hard inquiry will remain in your report for at least two years, it will only affect the report during the first 12 months.

Soft inquiries, on the other hand, occur without your permission when a company or person checks your credit report as a form of background check. For instance, a soft inquiry will occur once a lender pre-approves you for credit. Unlike hard inquiries, however, they do not affect your credit score.

How Does A Hard Inquiry Affect Your Score?

While hard inquiries will lower your score, their effect is somehow insignificant when compared to other factors. Some significant factors that will affect your score include your credit utilization ratio and your credit history. In case you have a small credit history and limited numbers of credit accounts, a single hard inquiry can significantly lower your score.

 

Additionally, multiple hard inquiries in your report with a smaller amount of loans offered will showcase you as a risky borrower to lenders despite having a high score. This is because such a trend portrays you as a borrower who is desperate for credit.

Can You Avoid The Inquiries?

In case you aim to shop around for a loan, there is no avoiding these inquiries. Luckily, there is a silver lining in that some credit models might consolidate hard inquiries during a given time into one inquiry which means reduced damages to your score. Such models will tend to look for a pattern during the period when you are shopping for a loan in terms of the credit line that you are working with.

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The trick is to shop for credit fast and consistently to develop an identifiable pattern, mostly in the standard period of 14-45 days. Additionally, consider only applying for credit that you have a high chance of approval to reduce your chances of having multiple inquiries on your credit report.

How About Inquiries That You Didn’t Authorize?

Man is to err, and there are situations when you might have a hard inquiry on your report that you didn’t authorize. Since it has the potential to damage your score, the best way to get rid of it is to talk to the lenders who initiated it to have it removed. Alternatively, consider treating the inquiry like any other incorrect information in your report. Dispute the errors with your credit bureau to have them eliminated.  Since your credit score lies in the balance, you should do anything necessary to maintain an accurate score.

Conclusion

From the fear of credit rejection to the idea that your credit might drop ad hoc, applying for credit might look like a scary experience. Since the inquiries have a nearly insignificant effect on your score, knowing how the inquiries tick will help you maintain it. Apply for easily approved credit according to your score to reduce avoid having excessive hard inquiries in your report.

Donald Trump Sparks Outrage after Inviting Vladimir Putin in US

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Sparks Outrage after Inviting Vladimir Putin in US

President Donald Trump has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to visit the US, in a move that drew startled laughter from US intelligence chief Dan Coats.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said when he was told about the invitation during a live interview: “That’s gonna be special!”

President Trump’s presidency has been clouded by allegations that Russian hackers meddled in the 2016 US presidential election in his favor. However, the Kremlin denies the allegations.

At the Helsinki summit, President Putin offered access to 12 Russians indicted in absentia by the US authorities over the alleged interference, on condition the Russian authorities could question 12 Americans over a different case. President Trump first praised the suggestion as “incredible” but later rejected it.

Since his return from Finland, President Trump or the White House have had to correct or clarify other comments regarding Russia, creating confusion and prompting the Democrats to demand details of his private talks with President Putin.

Vladimir Putin, in power in Russia since 2000, last visited the US in 2015, when he met President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Image NBC News

President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

On July 19, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that discussions about a visit by Vladimir Putin to Washington DC this autumn were already under way.

Russian ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said Russia had always been open to the idea of a visit but it was “up to the Kremlin to decide how many summits are needed, and when”.

The announcement appeared to come as a surprise to US intelligence chief Dan Coats, who was told about it during a live interview at the Aspen Security Forum in the state of Colorado.

Dan Coats added that he did not yet know what President Trump and President Putin had discussed during their meeting, at which only the pair and their interpreters were present.

At the post-summit news conference in Helsinki, President Putin was asked whether he would extradite 12 Russian intelligence agents indicted in the US for hacking Democratic Party computers.

No extradition treaty exists between the US and Russia, but Vladimir Putin said he would meet the US government “halfway”.

President Putin said that US investigators could question the 12 suspects inside Russia if, in turn, Russian investigators were allowed to question US citizens with regard to a case against financier Bill Browder.

Bill Browder was instrumental in the US imposing sanctions in 2012 on top Russian officials accused of corruption in the Magnitsky affair.

One of the Americans on Russia’s list is a former US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul.

The idea of allowing Russia to quiz US citizens sparked outrage and the Senate voted 98-0 against it. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it was “not going to happen”.

Michael McFaul tweeted his gratitude to the Senate: “98-0. Bipartisanship is not dead yet in the US Senate. Thank you all for your support.”

At the news conference in Helsinki, President Trump said: “He [Vladimir Putin] offered to have the people working on the case come and work with their investigations with respect to the 12 people. I think that’s an incredible offer.”

Now, however, President Trump says he “disagrees” with President Putin’s proposal.

He has also clarified remarks at the news conference in which he said he saw no reason for Russia to have meddled in the 2016 US election – despite US intelligence concluding just that.

Speaking to CBS News on July 18, President Trump said he held Vladimir Putin personally responsible for interfering in the election, and that he was “very strong on the fact that we can’t have meddling”.

Vladimir Putin has also described the summit as “successful” but warned “there are forces in the United States that are prepared to casually sacrifice Russian-US relations”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJsIE9fHhB0

What Are The Various Benefits Of Using The PCB Software?

Dana R
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What Are The Various Benefits Of Using The PCB Software?

Do you have a small in-house manufacturing business and now you wish to increase the volume of production? If you are thinking something like, this means that the demand for your products have got increased and you need to increase your productivity to match up with the customer’s demand.

But increasing the level of manufacturing and production will not be an easy task that you are thinking. Either you need to increase your team to expand your in-house production or at the most, you can outsource the company. If you are running your business on a small level, it will be a much difficult task for you to maintain the hiring of some other company. In such a situation the first option can be taken care of.

Related image

The Use Of PCB Software

Are you thinking that how will you manage the production in-house? This is where the PCB software can be highly helpful. With the help of the software, you will be able to manage your products well and also you can get good pricing for them.

Normally, in any manufacturing unit, you have to go through the processes of designing the product, testing of the manufactured product and finally scrutinizing them carefully. This is not only a time-consuming process but also can incur a good amount of financial resources. The PCB software can be an option in lowering down the time consumed in the developing of the products and hence also reducing down the cost per unit.

Are you following the same process of manually handling everything in post-production? This may increase your confusion and also may at times it can become difficult in handling your customers. A much convenient way is to start using the PCB software and handle the clients and customers through it. The software can help you in dealing with the concerns in a much smoother way and also be allowing you to focus on the main task of delivering products to your customers on proper time.

PCB Software – A Companion For The Start-Ups

If you are new to the business or you are about to increase your business and take it to a new level, PCB Software download can be of great help in a number of ways. You can run the whole process of your business on the software in order to understand sharply the profits and losses that you are incurring in your business.

The software with its prototype is very much helpful in saving time and money in the manufacturing process. The prototype allows you to test the manufactured product in different levels before you launch the product out in the market. This is a great thing because the software allows you to recognize the error parts so that you can correct them and then manufacture it again in the right way. The smooth functioning of the software also helps you in correcting multiple numbers of products at a single time so that you can save upon your time. This, of course, offers you much better results when the products are out in the market.

Altogether, it can be said that if you are someone who has decided to be in the competitive market and be successful in it, getting the help of the software can be a great thing for you. There are so many different features that benefit the software in comparison to any other software. Here are some such benefits that you can enjoy when you are using PCB software for your small business or any manufacturing unit.

Great Design Services:

Are you tired of hiring different engineers and other designers without getting satisfied? The software can actually offer so much of design options that you do not have to waste your time anywhere else.

Go Green:

The proverb is easy to be said but following it can get a really tough task. There are so many places where the government has imposed a ban on a number of things so that the industries do not disturb the harmony of the environment much. The software can take a great part in recognizing the parts and points that can take your business and manufacturing unit against the go green campaign.

Tracking System:

The software is well-equipped with a proper tracking system so that you do not have to worry about the various stages of your production. It helps you in tracking the components even when you are working with a partner in your business. It can help you also in verifying different things carefully so that you can easily build up the store shelf.

Testing Products:

As mentioned before also, the most beneficial feature of the software is that it can help you in testing your products before you launch it in the market. There are so many times when manufacturers introduce a particular product in the market and realize later on about the fault in it. It not only leads to a loss of so much of money but also it leads to a complete embarrassment for the company. At times, the company may also lose upon the brand image and it may take much time for it to get back the same old place.

The software is a great option to stay away from such embarrassing situations. The prototype system of the software allows you to check and test the product after each manufacturing stage so that you can be sure that the product you will be launching in the market is absolutely the way you wanted it to be. It not only will save your time in the process but also will save a lot of money and your reputation.

There may have come a lot of time in past when you may have got a trouble in your system that may have taken a few days in getting resolved. You can trust upon the PCB software in such a situation and can enjoy the features and benefits offered by it. You just need to know the features that the software is offering and you can actually get your business house to an all new level.

Breaking the Myth: 8 Misconceptions about Oral Health You Need to Stop Believing Now

Nancy Clayson
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Breaking the Myth: 8 Misconceptions about Oral Health You Need to Stop Believing Now

How we take care of our teeth is an important aspect of keeping ourselves healthy. In fact, many dental health experts consider oral health as a window to our overall well-being. Thus, it’s no wonder that one of the health priorities of many people today is taking care of their teeth.

However, despite the many scientific studies about how we should prioritize our oral health, some people still buy into a lot of misconceptions that surround it. So, instead of keeping their teeth first-rate, wrong practices cause their teeth serious damage.

Therefore, it’s a must to separate fact from fiction. For a little help, here’s a list of myths that surround oral health that you need to know — and stop believing now! So take a read!

Myth 1: Just Chew a Sugar-Free Gum

Some people believe that munching a sugar-free gum is the same and as good as brushing your teeth. If this has any scientific basis, sugar-loving kids would surely jump for joy. However, this is just a myth.

Yes, chewing sugarless gum, especially one that contains xylitol can do the job in protecting your teeth. Chewing a sugar-free gum prompts the production of saliva in the mouth which in turn washes away acids from drinks and foods that damage your teeth.

Still, your sugar-free chewing gum won’t take the rightful place of your toothbrush in improving your oral health. In other words, it’s not enough! For you to get rid of plaque, acids, and tiny bits of food in your mouth, you still need to brush your teeth twice daily to achieve that fine smile that you want for yourself.

Myth 2: Sugar is the Only One to Blame for Cavities

The primary thing to blame for cavities is sugar. Yes, it’s true, but it’s not just sugar. Sugar has partners-in-crime when it comes to ruining your teeth. In fact, aside from candies and chocolates, chips and crackers can also do damage to your oral health.

Chips and crackers contain starch and carbs that cause cavities to your beautiful set of teeth. Not only that, but they also stick hard to your teeth. So, as far as possible, avoid overeating sugar as well as starchy foods.

Myth 3: White Teeth is Healthy Teeth

Some of us would likely believe that if a person has a white set of teeth he/she has a healthy teeth. Not, really. White teeth cannot be the standard for good oral health because the natural color of the teeth differs in every individual.

One person may have a yellower set of teeth than another, but it doesn’t mean that that person has bad teeth and the latter has healthy teeth. In fact, discoloration of the teeth can be more evident as we age. It will still depend on the teeth if they have cavities or a bad odor to consider it as not healthy.

Myth 4: Flossing is Not Important

Some people tend to neglect to floss their teeth after brushing. They’ll reason out that brushing their teeth is enough. Actually, not flossing your teeth can cause bacteria build-up.

There are areas in our mouth that are hard to reach just using your toothbrush, and that leaves 33 percent of your mouth not properly cleaned. So it’s advisable that you do regular flossing of your teeth to improve your overall health.

Myth 5: Bleaching Your Teeth is Not Ok

Before 1990, dentists use acidic materials in bleaching their patient’s teeth. During that time, they apply highly-concentrated whitening gels that can shock the teeth. As such, bleaching causes the enamel of the tooth to break down.

However, nowadays, dentists use materials for bleaching that are PH neutral. It makes your teeth whiter than ever. So, bleaching your teeth nowadays is safe for your oral health.

Myth 6: Brushing Your Teeth Hard Will Make It Cleaner

Brushing your teeth too hard will damage your teeth and gums. When you go too hard while brushing, it will wear away the enamel of your teeth that serves as protection from cavities and bacteria.

Thus, when you’re going to brush your teeth, it’s advisable that you make it gentle. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if your mouth is too sensitive. Use the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush the inside and outside area of your teeth, as well as your gums and tongue. Just remember: make it gentle.

Myth 7: If You Don’t Feel Anything, It’s Ok Not to See a Dentist

Not visiting a dentist is one of the biggest mistakes for a lot of people. Even if you’re not feeling bad about your teeth, it’s still a must that you see a dentist so that you can prevent the worst from happening.

Most oral health problems are not evident at the beginning. For instance, in cavity and gum disease, you won’t feel the pain right away. Thus, to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem, you should see a dental expert.

Myth 8: Using Aspirin Will Relieve Toothache

If the source of the pain comes from the gum area, there’s a possibility that placing aspirin on that area will alleviate the pain temporarily. But if the source is from the structure of the tooth, chances are the pain will not go away since the aspirin cannot enter the enamel to reach the affected nerve.

You should also avoid overusing the aspirin to alleviate your gum pain because it can cause complications to your gums.

Takeaway

It’s essential that we should prioritize our dental health. When you have healthy teeth, you can have a lower chance of getting diseases that can be dangerous not only to your oral health but also to your overall health. In fact, a study concludes that bad oral health can lead to heart complications.

However, there are myths with regards to taking care of your teeth. It’s essential that you know about them so that you can prioritize your oral health with the right knowledge.

Israel Approves Controversial Jewish Nation State Bill

Roy Siemens
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Israel Approves Controversial Jewish Nation State Bill

The Israeli parliament has approved a controversial bill characterizing the country as principally a Jewish state, fuelling anger among its Arab minority.

The so-called “nation state” law says Jews have a unique right to national self-determination there and puts Hebrew above Arabic as the official language.

Arab lawmakers reacted furiously in parliament, with one waving a black flag and another ripping up the bill.

Om Benjamin Netanyahu praised the law’s passage as a “defining moment”.

He said: “A hundred and twenty-two years after [the founder of modern Zionism Theodore] Herzl made his vision known, with this law we determined the founding principle of our existence. Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, and respects the rights of all of its citizens.”

Among its 11 provisions, the Basic Law describes Israel as “the national home of the Jewish people” and says the right to exercise national self-determination there is “unique to the Jewish people”.

The law also reiterates the status of Jerusalem under Israeli law, which defines the city as the “complete and united… capital of Israel”.

Controversially, the law singles out Hebrew as the “state’s language”, effectively prioritizing it above Arabic which has for decades been recognized as an official language alongside Hebrew.

Image source Wikimedia

Jerusalem Issue: Mahmoud Abbas to Reject Any US Peace Plan with Israel

Jerusalem Issue: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Expects EU Countries to Follow US Recognition

The law ascribes Arabic “special status” and says its standing before the law came into effect will not be harmed.

In one of its clauses, the law stresses the importance of “development of Jewish settlement as a national value”, though it is unclear whether this also alludes to settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The bill has been under discussion since it was first introduced in 2011 and has undergone multiple amendments, with the final version watering down or dropping altogether sections regarded as discriminatory.

Israel has no constitution but instead passed over time a series of Basic Laws which have constitutional status. The nation state law is the 14th such basic law.

The issue of Israel as a Jewish state has become increasingly important in recent years and a key dispute between Israel and the Palestinians.

The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly insisted that the Palestinians must recognize Israel as a Jewish state in any final peace settlement. Benjamin Netanyahu argues that the Palestinians’ refusal to do so is the biggest obstacle to peace, saying it demonstrates that the Palestinians do not genuinely recognize Israel’s right to exist.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he will never recognize Israel as a Jewish state, arguing that the Palestinians have long recognized the State of Israel and should not be expected to go further.

The law is important because it is hugely symbolic, and according to Israel’s large Arab minority, evidence that Israel is downgrading their status.

Israeli Arabs, many of whom identify as or with Palestinians, comprise about 20% of Israel’s 9 million-strong population.

Arabs have equal rights under the law but have long complained of being treated as second-class citizens and say they face discrimination and worse provision than Israeli Jews when it comes to services such as education, health and housing.

Israel is often accused by its fiercest critics of practicing a system akin to apartheid against Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israel vehemently rejects the allegation as a smear tactic used by those who reject its very right to exist.

8 Practical ways to reduce business costs

Nancy Clayson
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8 Practical ways to reduce business costs
Image source Max Pixel

Whether it is a grocery store, services provider, or an online store running its operations via internet, each and every business has its own costs and expenses to generate profits. Since all the business costs cannot be eliminated in full, there are a lot of ways to reduce business costs in order to maximize the profits in results. My making some significant but productive changes, a business can enjoy lower overall costs even without losing the work efficiency and performance.It is always beneficial for small business owners to explore more and more ways to cut the business costs down because it is the only best way to develop and expand business by getting more in less. Below are some practical ways to cut business costs and raise profits wonderfully.

Reduce employment costs by hiring interns

Highly experienced and professionally trained employees will always want attractive salary packages but interns can do the same work in less if trained for your business operations and processes accordingly. They can get valuable experience in the industry and you (as an employer or business owner) can enjoy lower employment costs to save business money for other productive things.Hence, always stare the resume carefully to hire an intern with relevant study and basic know how in the industry in order to get better results.

Lower the office space costs

If you can easily run your business operations or other office work from a less expensive office space without compromising the efficiency, be quick to move because you can save a lot of bucks by shifting to a less expensive office space instead of paying huge rental amount for an office situated in the famous commercial area of town.You can also opt for a virtual office if you are running an online business and there is no much need of physical presence.

Outsource where you can save more

Outsourcing is a great way to get most of the jobs done by freelancers or outside contractors where you can save more for your business. For example, you can hire a facility management company or professionals in order to get all the preventive maintenance related jobs done efficiently even without paying huge sum of money and hiring more employees to do so.In this way, you can save business money in terms of hiring no special employees and no investment in special maintenance tools and machines for proper asset maintenance. “Outsourcing your business processes can be beneficial only if a strategy is put in place first to make sure you will get the results you want,” says Mark Shapiro, CEO of Executive Boutique Call Center in the Philippines.

Never spend much on business meetings

No doubt business meetings are vital to make sure that everyone is doing his/her job very well and overall business operations are running smoothly, there are so many ways to cut the business meetings related costs effectively. You can choose your business conference hall as the meeting venue instead of paying lots of bucks for booking of an expensive place in the town. Making bit changes in the meeting meal menu can also help you save $$$.

Maintain your assets

Effective asset management and maintenance helps you keep all your business tools and machines in good working condition even without facing asset breakdown and failure. You can also invest in cmms maintenance software for your company or business in order to automate and streamline its maintenance management processes not only to save time but to cut the business costs down as well.

Pay your bills quickly

It is obvious that most of the vendors and suppliers always offer handsome discounts when a business pays bills or invoices before deadline or due date.So, you shouldn’t miss this golden opportunity to save money if you have enough cash on hand to make the immediate payments for recent purchases. In results, you can also make your business relations with vendors or suppliers stronger than ever by making payments ahead of time.

Ask your suppliers for rebates or discounts

When you are buying raw materials or other stuff for production in bulk, you should ask the vendors or suppliers for discounted rates or rebates specially when making payments via cash. In this way, you can buy more in the same amount to produce more for the rapid business growth and development.

Train your employees for multi taking

Skilled and competent employees are one of the great business assets and you can polish their skills and expertise to get more from them. First assess their skills and professional experience than train them for multi taking at the workplace. For example, if your employees are able to troubleshoot the tiny faults or issues in the equipment or machines without calling the technician, they will be more likely to produce more than their strengths and you can save the money in terms of not hiring an expert for troubleshooting.

President Trump Responds to Putin Summit Critics

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Responds to Putin Summit Critics

President Donald Trump has responded to those criticizing his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Writing on Twitter, President Trump condemned “haters” who did not want him getting along with Vladimir Putin, saying they suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome”.

President Trump said he misspoke at the press conference with President Putin.

He had sided with the Russian leader over his own intelligence services on claims of Russian election meddling.

That had sparked outrage from both sides of the political divide.

In a series of tweets, President Trump said: “So many people at the higher ends of intelligence loved my press conference performance in Helsinki. Putin and I discussed many important subjects at our earlier meeting. We got along well which truly bothered many haters who wanted to see a boxing match. Big results will come!”

Later, he added: “Some people HATE the fact that I got along well with President Putin of Russia. They would rather go to war than see this. It’s called Trump Derangement Syndrome!”

President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

The tweets came a day after he said he had missed out a word when appearing to support Vladimir Putin’s claim that there was no Russian involvement in the 2016 US presidential election.

President Trump said he accepted his intelligence services’ assessment that Russia had interfered.

The controversy centers on a response he gave to a question at a news conference on July 16 following the summit with President Putin.

The AP reporter asked at the news conference: “President Putin denied having anything to do with the election interference in 2016. Every US intelligence agency has concluded that Russia did. My first question for you, sir, is, who do you believe?”

President Trump responded: “My people came to me… they said they think it’s Russia. I have President Putin; he just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.”

President Trump said he had reviewed the transcript and realized he needed to clarify.

He said: “In a key sentence in my remarks, I said the word <<would>> instead of <<wouldn’t>>.

“The sentence should have been: ‘I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t’ or ‘why it wouldn’t be Russia’. Sort of a double negative.”

President Trump added: “I accept our intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election took place. Could be other people also. A lot of people out there.”

President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Criticized after Summit with Vladimir Putin

President Donald Trump has been widely criticized in the US after defending Russia over claims of interference in the 2016 elections.

At a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, President Trump contradicted US intelligence agencies, saying Russia had no reason to meddle.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, said President Trump must see that “Russia is not our ally”.

The president’s own intelligence chief publicly broke with him.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said in a statement that Russia is responsible for “ongoing, pervasive attempts” to undermine US democracy.

Vladimir Putin denied the claim.

On July 16, the two leaders held nearly two hours of one-on-one talks without their advisers in Helsinki.

Image NBC News

Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

At a news conference after the summit, President Trump was asked if he believed his own intelligence agencies or the Russian president when it came to allegations of meddling in the election.

He replied: “President Putin says it’s not Russia. I don’t see any reason why it would be.”

President Trump also blamed poor relations with Russia on past US administrations rather than Russian actions.

US intelligence agencies concluded in 2016 that Russia was behind an effort to tip the scale of the US election against Hillary Clinton, with a state-authorized campaign of cyber attacks and fake news stories planted on social media.

President Trump later backtracked, tweeting that he had “great confidence in my intelligence people”.

He tweeted: “As I said today and many times before, “I have GREAT confidence in MY intelligence people.” However, I also recognize that in order to build a brighter future, we cannot exclusively focus on the past – as the world’s two largest nuclear powers, we must get along! #HELSINKI2018”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We5vSlR9Krs

Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

Diane A. Wade
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Maria Butina: Russian Charged with Spying in US

A 29-year-old Russian woman has been charged in the US with conspiracy to act as a Russian government agent while infiltrating political groups.

According to media reports, Maria Butina had developed close ties with the GOP and had become an advocate for gun rights.

The charges are not related to Robert Mueller investigation that is examining alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Maria Butina allegedly worked at the direction of a high-level Kremlin official.

Her attorney, Robert Driscoll said in a statement released on July 16 that his client was “not an agent” and instead just an international relations student “who is seeking to use her degree to pursue a career in business”.

Robert Driscoll added the charges were “overblown” and there was “no indication of Maria Butina seeking to influence or undermine any specific policy or law or the United States”.

He said his client had “been co-operating with various government entities for months” over the allegations.

Maria Butina, who lives in Washington, was arrested on July 15 and was held in jail pending a hearing set for July 18, the DOJ said in a statement.

The announcement of Maria Butina’s arrest came hours after President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin, and defended the Kremlin against claims of interference in the 2016 presidential election.

President Trump said there had been no reason for Russia to meddle in the vote.

Maria Butina’s arrest also came days after the justice department charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking Democratic officials in the 2016 US elections.

In a sworn statement unsealed on July 16, FBI Special Agent Kevin Helson said Maria Butina’s assignment was to “exploit personal connections with US persons having influence in American politics in an effort to advance the interests of the Russian Federation”.

Maria Butina did so without registering her activities with the US government, as required under the Foreign Agent Registration Act, prosecutors say.

She sought to foster ties with an “organization promoting gun rights”, the DOJ said, without naming any group or politicians.

According to an affidavit, Maria Butina was trying to “establish a <<back channel>> communication for representatives of the Government of Russia”.

The criminal complaint states that Maria Butina focused on developing personal connections with influential US politicians to “advance the interest” of Russia.

Image source VK Page

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

As a part of that alleged mission, the complaint says she was organizing an event to further influence “the views of US officials as those views relate to the Russian Federation”.

According to the complaint, Maria Butina reported back to an official in the Russian government about her progress using Twitter direct messages among other means.

In one message, the Russian official told her: “Your political star has risen in the sky. Now it is important to rise to the zenith and not burn out (fall) prematurely.”

The affidavit also states that the unnamed official was sanctioned by the US Treasury.

Maria Butina, originally from Siberia, came to the US on a student visa to study at American University. The complaint alleges that she was in fact secretly working for the Russian government.

The woman founded a group called the Right to Bear Arms before she arrived in America, and US media have previously reported her ties to the National Rifle Association (NRA), the most powerful gun lobby in the US.

Maria Butina has previously denied having worked for the Russian government.

The Washington Post reported that she became an assistant to Russian banker and former senator Alexander Torshin. He was sanctioned by the US Treasury in April.

Alexander Torshin, who is a lifetime member of the NRA, and Maria Butina attended NRA events in the US beginning in 2014.

Maria Butina also attended a Trump campaign event and reportedly asked Donald Trump about his views on foreign relations with Russia.

According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump had answered: “We get along with Putin.”

Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

Diane A. Wade
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0
Trump-Putin Summit: Donald Trump Defends Russia over Claims of Election Interference

After face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, President Donald Trump has defended Russia over claims of interference in the 2016 presidential election.

President Trump contradicted US intelligence agencies and said there had been no reason for Russia to meddle in the vote.

President Putin reiterated that Russia had never interfered in US affairs.

The two leaders held nearly two hours of closed-door talks in the Finnish capital on July 16.

At a news conference after the summit, Donald Trump was asked if he believed his own intelligence agencies or the Russian president when it came to the allegations of meddling in the elections.

He replied: “President Putin says it’s not Russia. I don’t see any reason why it would be.”

Trump-Putin Talks Will Go Ahead Despite Russian Intelligence Officers Indictment

President Donald Trump Prepared to Be Questioned by Robert Mueller

Robert Mueller Investigation: Michael Flynn Admits Making False Statements to FBI

US intelligence agencies concluded in 2016 that Russia was behind an effort to tip the scale of the election against Hillary Clinton, with a state-authorized campaign of cyber attacks and fake news stories planted on social media.

Some US politicians had called for the Trump-Putin summit to be canceled after 12 Russian intelligence officers were indicted last week, accused of hacking the presidential campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Speaking at the press conference in Helsinki, President Putin offered to allow US investigators to visit Russia to question the officers.

Vladimir Putin made it clear that, in return, Russia would want similar access to people in the US it suspects of criminal activity.

China Economy Grows 6.7% in Q2 amid Trade War with US

Clyde K. Valle
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China Economy Grows 6.7% in Q2 amid Trade War with US

The Chinese economy grew at an annual pace of 6.7%  in Q2 of 2018, official data showed, meeting forecasts for the period.

The data marked a slight slowdown from a 6.8% expansion recorded in Q1 of 2018.

It comes as the Chinese government attempts to curb growing debt and as trade tensions with the US escalate.

Last week, the US raised the stakes in a trade war last week, listing another $200 billion worth of China’s goods to be hit by tariffs.

President Trump Threatens $100 Billion More in China Tariffs

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

Chinese stock markets, which have struggled recently amid the escalating trade dispute between the US and China, traded down slightly on July 16.

The US slapped tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese goods on July 6, opening the way for a tit-for-tat trade war with the world’s second-largest economy.

China retaliated, saying the US had launched the “largest trade war in economic history”.

Last month, China’s monthly trade surplus with the US hit a record high of nearly $29 billion as exports to America remained strong.

President Donald Trump recently suggested that more than $500 billion of Chinese goods could be hit by tariffs. That is almost equal to the value of China’s entire goods exports to the US in 2017.

Wimbledon 2018: Novak Djokovic Wins Fourth Title after Beating Kevin Anderson

Clyde K. Valle
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Wimbledon 2018: Novak Djokovic Wins Fourth Title after Beating Kevin Anderson

Novak Djokovic has won his fourth Wimbledon title after beating Kevin Anderson 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-3).

It is the Serb’s first Grand Slam title in more than two years, the first major since the 2016 French Open.

Novak Djokovic, seeded 12th, won his 13th Slam.

The 31-year-old quickly took control to win the opening set in 29 minutes, breaking twice more in the second set.

Image source Reuters

Wimbledon 2014: Novak Djokovic wins title after beating Roger Federer in thrilling final

Novak Djokovic saw off five set points in an even third set before dominating the tie-break to seal victory.

He is now in outright 4th place on the all-time list of Grand Slam men’s singles titles, moving clear of Roy Emerson and closing the gap on Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and Pete Sampras (14).

The former world No 1 will move back into the top 10 when the latest rankings are released on Monday.

It is Novak Djokovic’s first title since winning Eastbourne in 2017.

Heading Ball Too Often May Affect Balance Control

Kathryn R. Bown
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Heading Ball Too Often May Affect Balance Control

World Cup 2018: France Wins Second Title after Beating Croatia in Thrilling Final

Clyde K. Valle
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World Cup 2018: France Wins Second Title after Beating Croatia in Thrilling Final

France has won its second FIFA World Cup title after beating Croatia in a thrilling final in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Didier Deschamps’ side repeated the success on home soil at France ’98 by a margin that hardly looked possible as Croatia stood toe-to-toe with the favorites for an hour.

France’s victory meant Didier Deschamps, who captained them 20 years ago, became just the third man to win the competition as a player and coach.

In one of the most exciting World Cup finals of the modern era, played out to a soundtrack of thunder, Croatia and France delivered an enthralling spectacle that brought the joint highest goal tally in a final since 1958, a pitch invasion, and a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee that had a huge influence on the outcome.

The French team took the lead after 18 minutes when Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick deflected in off Mario Mandzukic’s head – but Croatia were by far the better side in the first half and deservedly equalized courtesy of Ivan Perisic’s left-foot finish.

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Croatians were left nursing a burning sense of injustice when France restored their lead seven minutes before half-time through Antoine Griezmann’s penalty, awarded by referee Nestor Pitana for handball against Ivan Perisic after a lengthy delay while VAR was consulted.

In a compelling second half, France looked to have wrapped it up with two strikes in six minutes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe either side of the hour mark.

Croatia showed unbreakable spirit and even threatened a comeback when Mario Mandzukic took advantage of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hesitating over a clearance to pull a goal back.

However, France closed out the win to bring redemption for Didier Deschamps after defeat at the Euros two years ago, sparking wild celebrations and ensuring Hugo Lloris lifted the World Cup.

France celebrated joyously at the final whistle after claiming the sport’s greatest trophy once more, with Didier Deschamps – the coach whose conservative methods have often brought criticism – tossed high into the air by his players.

Croatia return home as beaten World Cup finalists but their approach to this match will have won the hearts of neutrals and earned them a prolonged standing ovation from their fans at the final whistle.

Trump-Putin Talks Will Go Ahead Despite Russian Intelligence Officers Indictment

Roy Siemens
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Trump-Putin Talks Will Go Ahead Despite Russian Intelligence Officers Indictment

The Helsinki summit between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will go ahead as planned despite tension over Russia’s alleged election meddling, the White House says.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet for talks in the Finnish capital on July 16.

“It’s on,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

However, there are calls for the meeting to be canceled after the US charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with election interference on July 13.

For its part, Russia said it was looking forward to the meeting.

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said: “We consider Trump a negotiating partner. The state of bilateral relations is very bad. We have to start to set them right.”

The announcement that the Russians had been charged with hacking Democratic officials during the 2016 presidential election sparked a heated war of words between Washington and Moscow.

Russia’s foreign ministry said the claims were a “heap of conspiracy schemes” intended to “damage the atmosphere” before July 16 summit.

It said there was no evidence linking any of the dozen officials to hacking or military intelligence.

US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein insisted that “the goal of the conspirators was to have an impact on the election”.

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The 11-count indictment names the Russians defendants, alleging they began cyber-attacks in March 2016 on the email accounts of staff for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

The Russians are accused of using keystroke reading software to spy on the chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and hack into the party’s computers.

Rod Rosenstein said the conspirators used fictitious online personas, including “DCLeaks” and “Guccifer 2.0”, to release thousands of stolen emails.

They are also accused of stealing the data of half a million voters from a state election board website.

During a joint news conference with UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday, President Trump said he would “absolutely” ask Vladimir Putin about alleged election meddling.

Top Democrats have urged President Trump to cancel the planned summit altogether following the indictment.

Republican Senator John McCain said the summit “should not move forward” unless the president “is prepared to hold Putin accountable”.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating US intelligence findings that Russians conspired to sway the 2016 election in Donald Trump’s favor.

As of July 13, the inquiry has indicted 32 people – mostly Russian nationals in absentia – as well as three companies and four former Trump advisers.

None of the charges allege Trump advisers colluded with Russia to interfere with the presidential campaign.

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and George Papadopoulos, a former foreign policy adviser, have pleaded guilty to making false statements about their contacts with Russians.

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his deputy Rick Gates were charged with money laundering relating to their political consultancy work in Ukraine.

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