Tom Petty died of an accidental overdose after taking various painkillers, his family has announced in a statement.
The musician “suffered from many serious ailments…most significantly a fractured hip”, the statement said.
Tom Petty’s family members say they believe he was overusing prescription pain medication when he died in October at the age of 66.
The musician found fame as the lead singer of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, with hits like American Girl and Breakdown.
Tom Petty was also a co-founder of the Traveling Wilburys group in the late 1980s, recording albums with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and George Harrison.
The singer was found unconscious, not breathing and in full cardiac arrest at his Malibu home on October 2.
Tom Petty was taken to hospital, but could not be revived and died later that evening.
His family met with a medical examiner on January 19 and updated his fans on Facebook.
The statement said: “On the day he died he was informed his hip had graduated to a full on break and it is our feeling that the pain was simply unbearable and was the cause for his over use of medication.
“We knew before the report was shared with us that he was prescribed various pain medications for a multitude of issues including Fentanyl patches and we feel confident that this was, as the coroner found, an unfortunate accident.”
The family added that Tom Petty’s death “may spark a further discussion on the opioid crisis and we feel that is a necessary and healthy discussion”.
The Los Angeles coroner’s office attributed Tom Petty’s death to “multisystem organ failure” due to a “mixed toxicity” of seven medications. They are fentanyl, oxycodone, emazepam, alprazolam, citalopram, acetyl fentanyl, and despropionyl fentanyl.
Years of over-prescription of opioid painkillers in the United States has created a nationwide addiction crisis, with patients turning to heroin and other street drugs when their prescriptions stop.
In 2016, opioid-related overdoses increased by 28%, killing 42,249 people.
To become one of the most valuable sports franchises these days you really need to be pulling in some big numbers. To put it o you in numbers, this year’s figures were up 18% on last years. 18% in one year. And that’s just the cutoff to make it onto the list of the Top 50. To put it you another way, over 35 teams that are worth over $1 billion did not make it onto the Forbes hallowed halls.
How is a growth like this even possible? TV contracts have grown exponentially, labor deals made with the players, sponsorship deals and ticket prices; they’ve all gone up and that means the value of the franchises have gone up. So, with all that in mind, who made up the top 5:
Dallas Cowboys
For the second year running, the Dallas Cowboys took home the top spot with a market value of $4.8 billion. What makes their value so staggering, though, is the fact they haven’t won an NFL Championship in over two decades. How have they managed it then? Well, a lot of it is to do with their stadium which a) is worth $1.2 billion and b) the stadium naming rights were sold for almost $600 million.
New York Yankees
There is another second-time on the list, this time with the New York Yankees being the only MLB franchise to make it onto the top 10. What are they worth? $3.7 billion. Sure, it has been a while since they themselves won a championship (2009 to be precise), but they have accumulated 27 World Series’, they do make $120 million from sponsorship and they have a $130 million revenue from seating.
Manchester United
This was once the most valuable sports team in the world, but third place isn’t bad, not by any means, not when you look at their worth of $3.69 billion, which has gone up by over 10% in one year. The reason they are so successful is partly to do with their heritage on the field but mainly to do with their mastery in commercial income. Yup, we’re alluding to the 10-year $1 billion sponsorship deal with Adidas.
FC Barcelona
There is a load of reasons why FC Barcelona is worth $3.64 billion. Some of it has to do with the man, the myth, the legend that is Lionel Messi, some of it is to do with their vast global reach, all of which lead back to their great clinics in Barcelona, and some of it is to do with their kit deal with Nike, that is said to be worth $175 million per year (and it doesn’t run out for another ten years). Of course, their stadium capacity may well have a lot to do with it as well. Basically, they’re a big club.
Real Madrid
Unlike everyone else on this list, Real Madrid’s net worth actually declined in the past year, meaning it’s most valuable soccer team crown has been taken from it. That said, a market value of $3.58 billion is hardly worth complaining about. And they put that money to use as well, securing what one of the world’s biggest earners – and global icon – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Every business starts somewhere. Whether you’re just starting out, or have already jumped in, you need to know the essentials of setting up your business. You’re not going to use all of these essentials at once, but you’ll want to keep them all in the back of your head. The first step in success is making sure you have a plan for that success!
Step 1: What is your business going to look like?
When you’re starting a business, you need to consider what form it is going to take.
What’s your idea?
Before investing you time and money in your business, make sure that you have a good idea. What seems like a great idea to you might not appeal to everyone. Ask people around you for input on the idea, and accept their feedback.
So what are the steps to take in order to make sure your idea is strong?
Look at the current state of the business. You should be familiar with the area surrounding your business. Is there a demand for your product or service?
Look at your area. Who are your competitors going to be? Are you going to be fighting for customers? Make sure that you’re able to find customers, and target the ones you’re looking for.
What’s your plan?
Don’t get so excited by your great idea that you let this step fall to the side. If you don’t have a plan for your business, then you’ll find yourself scrambling to figure out what to do down the line.
Your great idea for the business was a good first step, but you need to sit down and plan out your future. When bringing in potential partners or investors, you’ll want to show them what you intend for the future of the business.
What’s your marketing plan?
So you know your plan for the future of the business, but how about your plan for reaching customers? As a new business, you have to make yourself known to your new base of customers. This will be a continuous process; you want everyone to know of your existence. Include some marketing ideas in your business plan, and make sure to give thought to how you’ll spread the word of your arrival.
Image source Max Pixel
What’s your name?
Here’s the fun one that you have probably already been mulling over: your business needs a name! The name is very first thing that customers will hear or see; it represents your business to the world. When brainstorming, be sure to consider how your business will be viewed based on the name. Does it fit the tone and feeling you intend for your business? You can source ideas from others for this step, you never know who might come up with the perfect idea!
When considering ideas, make sure that you don’t get too attached to any one name. Write down a list of potential ideas that you like. Once you’re narrowed these down to a handful, be sure to do your research. Search online for existing company names via a company formation site, and make sure it isn’t already registered to another company. You’ll need to be sure that it isn’t already trademarked, or you could run into all kinds of trouble in your future.
What’s your logo?
Just like the name, the business logo is representing you to your entire base of potential customers. Give some thought to the design and appearance you want. Just like the name, make sure that the logo matches the feeling you want customers to receive from your business.
When it comes to designing the logo, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! If you’re an artist, or handy with online art editors, try your hand at creating your own! There are many DIY logo sites online that can help you design the face of your business. If you have friends or relatives that are artists, consider enlisting their services. Make sure that you don’t use an image you don’t own! Don’t pull random logos from the internet, as the copyright already belongs to someone else.
Other options include hiring graphic designers and artists, but expect to pay more for their artwork. Do your research, and be sure to select a well reputable artist. Often you’ll be able to view their portfolio, and make sure their art style is suitable for you.
Do you have an online presence?
In today’s age, almost all businesses will have a website or social media account. It’s important to consider what you want your business’ digital footprint to be, and how you plan to make it happen.
If you plan on having a website, make sure it’s well designed. You can build the site yourself, or hire a web designer. If a website isn’t for you, then consider social media. Use social media to your advantage when reaching new customers, as well as posting engaging content for your existing customers.
Step 2: How will your business run?
So far so good! You know what shape your business will take. Now you need to decide how your business will function.
How do you handle finances and banking?
Your business is going to be spending (and hopefully making!) money. You’ll need to plan out how that money is going to be handled. Some things to consider:
Set up a bank account for your business. Don’t trust yourself to keep all the figures straight within your personal account.
Be careful when financing your business. Starting the business alone will be expensive, even before the costs of keeping it running. Decide now if you plan to self-fund, raise money from people around you, or apply for a loan. Whichever idea you choose, be sure to include it in your business plan.
Where is your business?
Many startups begin running out of home. Consider if this is an option for you. If possible, it will drastically cut costs for you when starting your business.
Your business addresses will be important when it comes to shipping or receiving products.
If you cannot run from home, then you’ll need to obtain a location for your business. Some things to consider about locations:
How much is the location? Can you afford it? Decide if you should lease or purchase the building or location, and make sure it realistically fits within your budget.
Visit the location before designing anything. Property that looks great online or on paper might have issue that become apparent when you visit. Work with brokers or property managers to ensure that you find the right fit for your business.
Who are your employees?
When hiring employees, you’ll take on certain responsibilities as their employer. Consider how you will pay them, follow health and safety requirements, and acquire employer’s insurance.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider the kind of people you want working for you. Be sure to interview candidates before hiring them. You want to hire a team that is a good fit for you and your business.
Be sure to look into the different types of business insurance policies you might need.
How are delivering your product or service?
If your business involves shipping products, consider how you will be doing so. Think about how you will send your products. Will you charge? Offer different delivery options and speeds?
Do your research to find out the regulations when it comes to packaging and shipping. If you are selling a food or drink item, there are special regulations from the Food Standards Agency that you must follow.
How will you handle customer returns? As a business, you must offer a refund if a product is faulty, not as described or does not do what it is supposed to do. If customers return the product within 14 days they are entitled to a refund. Decide if you plan to extend this to 30 days or more.
If your product doesn’t need to be shipped, consider any other communications you might need: Stationary, letterheads, business cards, etc.
Step 3: How will you protect your business?
So now your business is up and running! You’re off to a great start, but don’t forget to check these most important items off your checklist. Company registration is essential for new businesses.
What is your legal structure?
You’ll need to decide what legal structure you plan to use to run your business. Research the different structures online, and see which one fits your business first. Chances are you already have a structure in mind, and just don’t know they name of it. Some of the most common structures are:
Sole trader.
Private company limited by shares.
Private company limited by guarantee.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Do you need any additional permits?
When running your business, you need to do your research. Find out if there are any licenses or permits that you need to obtain in order to ship or trade your products. If you know any friends of family within similar business, use them as a resource.
Are you keeping information secure?
As a business, you will be collecting information from customers, employees, and even suppliers. You’re responsible for keeping that information secure.
If your business if creating ideas or any other content, you’ll want to protect them! Patents and copyright rights can help ensure that you don’t see another company using your intellectual property (IP).
Are you paying your taxes?
As with any business, you will need to register your business with the HMRC for taxes. Your legal structure will determine what taxes you pay, so pay special care when looking into structures. You may need to consult an accountant when it comes to running your business, and ensuring that you’re following all your financial responsibilities.
Use this checklist as a launching point, and hopefully have success in starting your new business!
Michael Douglas has been accused of harassment more than a week after he issued a pre-emptive denial of the claims.
His former employee, author and journalist Susan Braudy, said the actor’s alleged treatment left her feeling “humiliated”.
Susan Braudy’ claims include that he performed an act in front of her.
Michael Douglas responded by saying: “This is a complete lie, fabrication, no truth in it whatsoever.”
The actor’s statement came 10 days before Susan Braudy’s allegations were published by The Hollywood Reporter.
Michael Douglas explained he “felt the need to get ahead” of the situation and share his concerns about the “nightmare” scenario.
Susan Braudy worked for Michael Douglas’s company Stonebridge Productions in the late 1980s.
She claims he used inappropriate language in front of her, including openly discussing extra-marital affairs, while she was running the company’s New York office.
Susan Braudy also alleges that Michael Douglas commented about her body, which made her then wear loose, dark clothing.
“I realized he thought he could do anything he wanted because he was so much more powerful than I was,” she said, adding that she ran home and vowed to never be alone with him again.
Susan Braudy finished working for the actor in 1989.
Michael Douglas, who originally spoke to Deadline, said: “I pride myself on my reputation in this business, not to mention the long history of my father and everything else.
“I don’t have skeletons in my closet, or anyone else who’s coming out or saying this. I’m bewildered why, after 32 years, this is coming out, now.”
The actor also claimed there is no evidence against him and he feared that such accusations could set back the #MeToo movement that has grown in the wake of the Hollywood harassment scandal.
Michael Douglas said: “Being accused, without a chance [to defend yourself] in court. To not even really have the information in front of you, to be able to argue or defend yourself.
“There is no due process, no chance of seeing evidence in front of me from my accuser. It worries me.”
Susan Braudy told The Hollywood Reporter she was not surprised by the way Michael Douglas had issued his denial.
She claimed the manner in which he did so was “part of the problem, as is his pretext of victimization”.
Susan Braudy added: “These are some reasons why so many women don’t come forward with their stories – Lord knows it’s taken 30 years and a movement for me to gather my courage.”
David and Louise Turpin, the California couple accused of holding their 13 children in shackles at their home, have pleaded not guilty.
The parents are facing charges of torture, abuse and false imprisonment.
David Turpin, 56, and Louise Turpin, 49, were arrested after their daughter escaped from their home where police found some of her siblings chained to their beds and severely malnourished.
They appeared in court hours after prosecutors detailed the horrific abuse allegations against them.
According to Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, David and Louise Turpin had allegedly punished their children by tying them up – first using ropes and later chaining them to their beds with padlocks.
Mike Hestrin said the alleged punishments would last weeks or months, and intensified over time.
According to prosecutors, circumstantial evidence showed the children were not released from their chains to go to the toilet.
Image source Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
The children, who are aged between two and 29, have been treated in hospital since being freed on January 15.
Mike Hestrin detailed some of the gruesome allegations against David and Louise Turpin at a news conference on January 18.
An investigation has found that:
David and Louise Turpin’s children were accustomed to frequent beatings, including strangulation
The children were only allowed one shower a year
They would stay awake all night until going to sleep at four or five in the morning and slept during the day
The children were not allowed to play with any toys but many were found inside the house in their original packaging
If the children washed their hands above the wrist they were subjected to punishments, allegedly accused of “playing with water”
David and Louise Turpin allowed their children to eat only one meal a day but the parents would sometimes buy food, like pumpkin pies, and place it where the children could see it but not eat it
The children have never seen a dentist and haven’t visited a doctor in over four years
They lack basic knowledge of life, and did not know who a police officer was
According to authorities, the two-year-old was of normal weight but the other children were severely malnourished.
The 12-year-old weighed as much as a 7-year-old and the 29-year-old weighed only 82 lbs.
Mike Hestrin said that several of the children have cognitive impairment and “neuropathy, which is nerve damage, as a result of this extreme and prolonged physical abuse”.
Though little is known about the children’s education, some of them were able to read and write. David Turpin registered a private school in their California home, known as Sandcastle Day School.
Police have obtained hundreds of journals that the children were allowed to write in.
Before moving to California, the Turpins lived in Texas.
At one point, the parents allegedly lived in a different house from their children and would drop off food from time to time, officials said.
If found guilty of the dozens of charges against them, David and Louise Turpin face 94 years to life in prison, Mike Hestrin added.
The 13 children were found in an emaciated state in their filthy, foul-smelling house, police revealed earlier. Officers had at first thought all the children were minors but later realized some were frail and malnourished adults, they said.
Mike Hestrin said that when officers arrived, three of the couple’s children were chained to their beds.
According to official data, China’s economy grew by 6.9% in 2017 – the first time in seven years the pace of growth has picked up.
The figure beats the government’s official annual expansion target of about 6.5%.
China is a key driver of the global economy and so the better-than-expected data is likely to cheer investors around the world.
However, many China watchers believe the GDP numbers are much weaker than the official figures suggest.
This month alone, the governments of Inner Mongolia and of the large industrial city of Tianjin have admitted their economic numbers for 2016 were overstated.
Taking the figures at face value, the 2017 growth rate is China’s highest in two years and it represents the first time the economy has expanded faster than the previous year since 2010.
However, as Beijing ramps up efforts to reduce risky debt and to increase air quality, analysts said this may impact 2018 growth.
The numbers released on January 18 also showed that in O4 of 2017, the economy grew at an annual rate of 6.8% – slightly higher than analysts had been expecting.
The country’s debt has risen significantly in recent years, with worrying numbers around local government loans, corporate and household debt and non-performing bank loans.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said recently that China’s debt had ballooned and was now equivalent to 234% of the total output. It said China needed to concentrate less on growth and instead help improve banks’ finances, among other efforts.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government says it has been taking steps to contain risky debt despite the impact that might have on economic growth – efforts the IMF said it recognized.
The government has promised to continue tackling local government debt, among other efforts, and on January 18 vowed to help state-owned enterprises “leverage and cut debt … and to repay their bonds on time this year”.
China’s strict anti-pollution measures, which were introduced across 28 cities in 2017, are also expected to hurt economic growth in the short term.
The measures have included shutting down or cutting back production at factories in heavy industry like cement and steel.
Households have also been asked to switch to natural gas and electricity from coal, in an effort to curb pollution.
However, this policy left millions without proper heating, and so was temporarily abandoned in December.
According to officials, Beijing’s air quality improved sharply in the winter of 2017. They also heralded their efforts as a “new reality” for China.
There’s no doubt that there have been rapid developments in technology with regard to robotics. And with AI continually advancing, automation will make a stronger presence in the workforce. In fact, theInternational Federation of Robotics (IFR) predicts that there will be 1.4 million new industrial robots by the time 2019 rolls in. That’s only in the in field of manufacturing. Imagine how robots will affect other industries too.
Many tech companies have already delved into robotics to improve their processes. Nix Solutions have been giving updates about the world of modern robotics via social media sharing. Their experts believe that this technology, among many others, will shape the future. The field of robotics has a vast potential. But how have they impacted human productivity so far? Let’s take a look:
Increase Competitiveness
First, robots will increase the level of competitiveness of a company. This is especially true for small to medium sized businesses that cannot afford to have a lot of manpower yet. By making use of automated systems likeRPAs, they can make their processes more efficient and effective.
Make Tasks Easier
There are many times when employees get stuck in certain tasks. Because of this, they waste a lot of time which can otherwise be spent doing more productive things. As productivity becomes low, revenue decreases as well. Robots can help eliminate the wasted time by taking over repetitive tasks. When they are programmed to perform those tasks, they can do them more quickly and efficiently.
Increase The Number of Jobs
While most employees might disagree with this, it is actually quite true. Increased productivity can lead to an increase in demand. An increase in demand will also lead to an increase in job opportunities. There are a lot of tasks that can’t be done by robots anyway. Thus, there will still be a high demand for people who can work well.
Work Without Assistance
If a robot has been programmed to do a certain task, it will do it automatically. Let’s take RPAs for example. RPAs are rule-based. In other words, you set the rules for it, and they follow those rules. As long as you tell a robot what to do, it will carry out the task intelligently by making use of the information in its database. Sometime in the future, robots will eventually be able to work without much programming from humans. That way, robots can think and finish projects like humans do.
Conclusion
Considering all points stated above, robots have definitely created a big impact in the workforce. When it comes to finishing tasks, robots have the capacity to handle them easily. Despite popular belief, robots have already impacted the workplace positively. If you combine robotics and AI, you will be able to create a greatly productive company.
To know what the experts of Nix Solutions are saying about robotics, you can check out the company contacts here:
Association of the file in Windows is used to assign a single program which will be used in future to open files of the specified extension. For example, sometimes files .ink or executable programs .exe exposed incorrectly and are opened by the wrong programs which leads to the corruption of files, so you need to restore those afterwards.
If you want to know what kind of program is better to use for opening a specific file type, visit Wiki Ext website containing data about all kinds of file extensions.
Why File Association Is Important?
If a wrong program is used to open the specified file, you will get a zero result. So you need to make sure the files are associated correctly, so that you wouldn’t have to open the file manually using specific program. Correct association will also allow you to use the most convenient programs among those installed on your computer to open the specified types of files.
Restoration Of Files Associations In Windows 10
In the Windows 10 parameters there is a section allowing to drop all associations of files to default settings (which operates with some restrictions that will be disclosed below).
Enter the “Parameters” (Win+I keys) — System — Applications by default. If you manage to enter the specified section “Reset to Recommended Microsoft by Default Values”, you can click “Drop” button. Then all associations of files will be downgraded to the default one.
As it was already mentioned, there are some restrictions to this option. The thing is that when the option is used, the comparisons of files set by the user are deleted: in most cases, it works to correct typical violations of files associations.
However, sometimes it works the other way. For example, if we are taking the associations of the .exe and .lnk files, it is very important to set up a correct program to open those. And if chosen incorrectly, the damage to the registry could be done.
Also, as well as in prior versions of OS, in Windows 10 it is possible to recover associations of system files using the register editor. Without entering the appropriate values in the register manually, and using .reg files for import to the register the system could be corrupted. And most often it is about .lnk (labels) and .exe (program) files.
When you open editor at the end of the specified page you will find the list of file types that need correction of associations. Load .reg file for these file types which are required to be corrected and launch those (or click with the right mouse button the file and select “merge”). Do not forget to acquire administrator rights before you do that.
You will see the editor register window message that the procedure can lead to inadvertent change or deleting values; agree and after the message about successful adding of data to the register appears, close the editor and reboot to restore associations.
Apple has data centers in seven states. On January 17, it broke ground on an expansion of its operations in Reno, Nevada.
The company plans to spend more than $10 billion on data centers over five years, as part of a $30 billion capital spending plan for the US.
The location of Apple’s new campus, which will house technical support staff, will be announced later in 2018.
The company had earlier said it planned $16 billion in capital expenditures in 2018, up from about $15 billion in the prior year.
Apple is the latest company to promote plans to invest in America following the overhaul of the US tax code.
According to new rules, the corporate rate has been cut from 35% to 21%. They also stopped applying the corporate rate to profits that companies make overseas, in exchange for a one-off tax payment.
President Donald Trump had argued the cuts would make the US more competitive and spur domestic companies to invest at home.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican congressman who spearheaded the tax overhaul, celebrated Apple’s plans to invest in a post on Twitter.
He said: “This is great news for the American economy and for America’s workers.”
Opponents to the new tax law predicted much of the money companies saved from the cuts would go to share buybacks and higher dividends.
Apple has spent $166 billion already to repurchase shares under a plan to return $300 billion to shareholders by March 2019.
It has previously called for simplification of the tax rules, amid criticism of its large overseas cash holdings and investigation by US tax authorities.
Apple reported nearly $230 billion in sales and more than $48 billion in profit for the 12 months ended September 30.
North Korea and South Korea will march together under a single “unified Korea” flag at next month’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
In rare talks at the truce village of Panmunjom, the two Koreas also agreed to field a joint women’s ice hockey team.
These are the first high-level talks between North Korea and South Korea in more than two years.
It marks a thaw in relations that began in the new year when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered to send a team to the games.
The games will take place between February 9 and 25 in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
If the plans are realized, a hundreds-strong North Korean delegation – including 230 cheerleaders, 140 orchestral musicians and 30 taekwondo athletes – could cross into South Korea via the land border to attend the Winter Olympics.
It will mean the opening of the cross border road for the first time in almost two years.
The two Koreas have also agreed to field a joint team for the sport of women’s ice hockey. It would be the first time athletes from both Koreas have competed together in the same team at an Olympic Games.
North Korea has also agreed to send a smaller, 150-member delegation to the Paralympics in March.
The agreement will have to be approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on January 20, because North Korea has missed registration deadlines or failed to qualify.
South Korea will also need to find ways to host the North Korean delegation without violating UN Security Council sanctions outlawing cash transfers to Pyongyang and blacklisting certain senior North Korean officials.
South Korea’s hockey coach and conservative newspapers have expressed concern about the prospect of a united hockey team, saying it could damage South Korea’s chances of winning a medal.
Tens of thousands of people are said to have signed online petitions urging South Korean President Moon Jae-in to scrap the plan.
However, the president told South Korean Olympic athletes on January 17 that North Korea’s participation in the Games would help improve inter-Korean relations.
President Moon Jae-in has said the Olympic agreement could pave the way for the nuclear issue to be addressed and lead to dialogue between North Korea and the US, according to Yonhap news agency in Seoul.
According to the White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, President Donald Trump has shown no abnormal signs following a cognitive exam and is in excellent health.
Dr. Ronny Jackson said at a White House briefing on January 16: “I have no concerns about his cognitive ability or neurological functions.”
Last week, Donald Trump, 71, had a three-hour examination in his first medical check-up since becoming president.
The medical check-up comes after the release of a controversial book fuelled speculation about the president’s mental health.
Dr Jackson said: “All data indicates the president is healthy and will remain so for the duration of his presidency.”
“He continues to enjoy the significant long-term cardiac and overall health benefits that come from a lifetime of abstinence from tobacco and alcohol,” the physician added.
When asked by a reporter how a man who consumes fried chicken and Diet Coke and does not exercise could be in good shape, Dr. Ronny Jackson replied: “It’s called genetics… He has incredible genes.”
However, he added that President Trump could benefit from a lower-fat diet and more exercise.
On January 12, the president was examined by military doctors at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in tests that were said to have gone “exceptionally well”.
Among them was Dr. Ronny Jackson, whose official title is Physician to the President.
A rear admiral in the US Navy, Dr. Jackson tended to Donald Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama.
To check for possible cognitive dysfunction, the US Department of Veterans Affairs uses the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) neuropsychological test. This test assesses an individual’s attention and concentration, memory, language, conceptual thinking, calculations and orientation.
Questions have been raised about the president’s cognitive ability, particularly with the publication of Michael Wolff’s book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.
Some neurological experts had compared earlier clips of President Trump speaking with more recent instances in which he had used fewer words and appeared to ramble.
Michael Wolff has alleged the president is intellectually incapable of carrying out his role and questioned his mental fitness. He claimed all of the president’s White House aides saw him as a “child” who needed “immediate gratification”.
In December 2015, Donald Trump’s own long-time doctor, Harold Bornstein, declared in a pre-election assessment that his client would be the “healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency”.
With the hustle and bustle of daily life in the modern age, it’s really no wonder that stress levels are higher than ever before. As you go about your routine, you may find it hard to remain anchored in the moment, as worries about the past or future weigh you down. If you find yourself struggling in these times, then you may need to incorporate a little spiritual mindfulness into your daily routine. You may be surprised by how much peace it brings you.
Daily Meditation
There are actually many health benefits behind daily prayer and meditation. It doesn’t matter how much time you take out to do it or how you do it, so long as you have that moment to anchor yourself in the “now”. Some benefits of daily mindfulness practices like prayer or meditation can include a reduction in the symptoms brought on by pain, anxiety, stress, or depression. It can even help with physical ailments like low blood pressure, or help with symptoms that are associated with insomnia, heart disease, or even cancer. Additionally, you’ll be able to achieve a sense of internal peace and calm, which is quite a rarity in the busy haze of daily life.
Mealtime Prayers
One great way to anchor yourself in the here and now and attain a sense of peace is by remembering just how much good there is in your life. Mealtime prayers are the perfect opportunity for you to not only reflect on those good things, but to show thanks and gratitude for them, as well. People often feel more centered after expressing gratitude, and everyone could use the occasional reminder that not everything is as bad as it sometimes seems. The stressors of modern living can sometimes blind you to the joys in your life, so little reminders are more important than you may think.
Find Likeminded People
It’s also possible to attain a greater sense of peace by surrounding yourself with others seeking the same things. Organizational websites like the way international and others exist to help tie people together through a shared faith. You likely already know that your general mood and outlook on life can be greatly impacted by those you spend the most time with. Accordingly, if you’re seeking for something particular in your life, you may want to spend time with those with similar goals, outlooks, desires, and so on. Inner peace is more easily attainable if the people around you have already attained that, or are on their own journeys to discover it.
Practice Positive Thinking
It’s no secret that positive thinking has a huge impact on your mood. But did you know that it can also hugely impact your emotional, mental, and even physical health? That’s right. Being negative will not only affect your ability to achieve internal peace, but it can even result in health complications like migraines, and lower immune system tolerance which can result in you catching more illnesses. Positive thinking can easily be tied into your faith or beliefs. It’s similar to mindfulness, but it can be more self-directed. For example, practice resisting the urge to put yourself down if you don’t get something done perfectly right away! Remind yourself that you were made this way for a reason and that the struggles you face have meaning in the end. In doing this, you’ll be able to start looking at things in a positive light again.
Do Volunteer Work
Helping to better the world around you is a very powerful way to balance your inner self. If you’re looking for an anchor or seem to be unable to find a sense of peace, you may want to keep looking inward. The answer that you’re looking for might lie outside of yourself, however. Try volunteering at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, blood banks, or any other location that has personal significance and meaning to you. If you can visibly make a difference in other people’s lives, it’s likely that you will achieve your own sense of personal fulfillment in the process. The connection that you make with others while doing volunteer work is truly irreplaceable, and the experience can be life-changing for those who decide to embark on these journeys.
Be Kind To Others
You don’t have to pick up big volunteer projects or dedicate lots of your time to meditation to be spiritually mindful. Small acts of kindness can also make a big impact not only in the lives of others, but in your own as well. Hold the door open for people. Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. Give out compliments freely. In no time, you’ll be able to feel the stresses of the modern day ebb, and peace will be easier for you to achieve.
These are just a few of the ways to attain peace through spiritual mindfulness, though. Many others exist out there, just waiting for you to find what works best in your own life.
According to recent reports, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, has been summoned to testify before a grand jury.
Steve Bannon was reportedly subpoenaed by former FBI director Robert Mueller, who is leading an investigation into alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election campaign.
On January 16, he appeared separately before a Congressional panel.
Congress is holding its own inquiry into the allegations.
The New York Times, quoting an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter, reports that Steve Bannon was subpoenaed last week.
However, the summons could be a negotiating tactic by Robert Mueller to persuade Steve Bannon to agree to be questioned by investigators in the less formal setting of the special counsel’s offices in Washington, the newspaper’s source added.
The House Intelligence Committee is also investigating the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Its proceedings on January 16 were not open to the public.
This is one of four investigations being conducted by Congress into the alleged collusion, with others launched by the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee.
2017 was a year of experimentation for interior designers and home owners alike. Trendsetters are predicting this trend to go even further in 2018 with many designers pushing boundaries. However there are some trends from 2017 that will disappear this year, like decorating in turquoise. On trend couches will no longer be sporting the colour, instead we’ll see emeralds, plum and autumn colours, like reds and deep yellows.
Typography
Typhography will still be in, in 2018. Make way for more words like EAT over the kitchen counter, DREAM in the living spaces and RELAX in bathrooms. This trend isn’t set to die out anytime soon, in fact we’re predicting to see even more of it in 2018. Instead of wooden blocks with printed words, expect to see more framed art pieces from artists and typographers rather than homemade replicas.
Parrots
Parrots are the new flamingos. Flamingos are still on trend in January but expect to see less and less of them as the year progresses and more brightly styled parrots on everything from your couch cushions, bedding to art prints and even dresses and aprons to match. Interestingly, the Parrot, while on trend when it comes to home décor, didn’t fare as well in the Guardian’s poll of Australia’s favourite bird for 2017. The Australian Magpie came in top place with the King Parrot further down the list in 12th place with just 3,446 votes to the winning, Magpie’s 19,926.
Floral Prints
Continueing on with our trend of bright and bold colours for 2018, the floral print is back this year and bigger than ever. You’re likely to start spotting it on large billowing fabrics like drapery and Manchester, but you can expect it on chairs and throw pillows as well.
Earthy Lux Vibes
As we’re bombarded with technology in our everyday lives, we’re moving away from this when it comes to decorating our homes. Instead of cold and austere industrial furniture and finishes we’re now moving towards a more earthy and natural vibe. Think hippy but paired with luxury for relaxation. As our work lives are so hectic we want to unwind in more natural feeling spaces.
One of a Kind
Continuing with the theme of earthy lux vibes and more natural tones in the home, one of a kind pieces are forever on trend. This includes buying second hand homewares to find one of a kind pieces instead of mass produced ‘on trend’ items that are only fashionable in the now. Shoppers are becoming more savvy and don’t want to compromise quality for price, instead opting for higher quality used pieces at a discounted rate. You can also find unique pieces at NW Rugs store in Jantzen Beach.
Lavender Hues
Everyone is still loving on Millennial pink but we’re moving on from that and adjusting to lavender hues instead. Lavender creates equally soft and pastel pops to your home, like Millennial pink, without actually having to be Millennial pink. Nancy Fire, Creative Director of HGTV HOME, Design Works International and Studio NYC Design stated “People were sarcastic about Millennial pink at the beginning, but it’s being used to bring out beautiful, soft tones with accents that are deeper.”
History would attest that America is a land of immigrants, but why is it that the nation is more divided now than ever? A country that has once prided itself of its own cultural and ethnic diversity is now fighting a war against something far worse than its enemies outside its borders. For what could be worse than fighting a battle against your own?
Hate crimes in the country are mainly triggered by prejudice and hatred against a certain gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or belief. When people turn their prejudice, hatred, and tainted ideals into violent actions, these become hate crimes. It may be surprising to some that the US, a country of immigrants, would still have crimes of this nature. In fact, reports show that hate crimes in several major US cities have been spiking up at an unsettling rate in the last few years. In particular, the state of California has had one of the highest increase in hate crimes in the country.
Image source Fox News
According to the California Department of Justice, hate crime related activities went up by 11.2% from 2015 to 2016. Moreover, state statistics show that majority of the hate crimes from 2007-2016 are motivated by racial biases, taking 57 percent of all hate crimes during that period. This is followed by sexual orientation bias with 22.5 percent and religious bias with 17.9 percent. These alarming statistics translate to real life, and recent events in the country prove just how real these numbers are.
In August of this year, Alberto Campos, a Latino man, was sentenced to three years in prison after he had beat up Kevin Raspberry, a black man, who he thought was hitting on his girlfriend. The defendant was also accused of yelling at Raspberry and calling him the “N-word”. San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Victoria Ramirez addressed the court, saying that the defendant was remorseful for his actions and only thought that he was defending his girlfriend. “That is the day I will regret for the rest of my life,” said Campos. Raspberry was not present the day Campos was sentenced to jail.
In October 2017, an attack took place at a restaurant on University Avenue against a Somali Man who was knocked down by Sean Arevalo and his friends Terrance Crow Jr. and Scott Peretti. The men were reported to have yelled inside the restaurant proclaiming their patriotism and condemning Muslims. They went on to barrate two Muslim women, and attacked the Somali Man. The men convicted of the hate crime were were brought in at San Diego Superior Court this October 2017 wherein Crow Jr. was sentenced to 120 days in jail.
More recently, two men, Samuel Wickwire and Wade Rutledge, were charged for allegedly terrorizing and spitting on a gay couple in a beach parking lot in Orange County. The pair threatened them with violence if the gay couple did not leave the premises. As the couple were getting in their car, Rutledge pushed one of the victims in the car and slammed the door on the victim’s hand. Both men were arrested in December, and currently face a maximum of six to seven years in prison.
These hate crimes are just a few of the many offenses done in California. Learning about the different accounts of hate crime victims in the country is both surprising and disheartening. People guilty of hate crimes are bullies that spread anger and terror, and this should not be tolerated. These people are pushing to further divide the country, and this is the last thing the country needs.
David Allen Turpin and his wife, Louise Anna, have been arrested after police found their 13 children were held captive at home, some “shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks”.
The couple was held on charges of torture and child endangerment.
Their children – aged two to 29 – lived in Perris, 59 miles south-east of Los Angeles.
Police officers were alerted by one of the victims, a 17-year-old girl.
On January 15, the girl – who appeared to be “only 10 years old and slightly emaciated” – managed to escape and call the emergency number using a mobile phone found inside the house, the Riverside Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
Officers later found “several children shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks in dark and foul-smelling surroundings”.
They were “shocked” to discover that seven of them were actually adults aged between 18 and 29.
“The victims appeared to be malnourished and very dirty,” the police said.
The children are now being treated in local hospitals.
The head of one of the hospitals, Mark Uffer, told Reuters: “It’s actually heartbreaking for the staff and it’s unbelievable what you see.”
Image source Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
According to public records, David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49, lived in Texas for many years before moving to California in 2010.
David Turpin has twice been declared bankrupt. At the time of his second bankruptcy he is said to have had a relatively well-paid job as an engineer at aeronautics and defense technology company Northrop Grumman.
However, with so many children and his wife not working, records suggest David Turpin’s expenses exceeded his income.
The man’s parents, James and Betty Turpin, said that they had not seen the family for four or five years.
They told ABC they were considered a good Christian family in their community and that “God called on them” to have so many children.
The family’s Facebook page shows numerous pictures of them, apparently happy and smiling, some from events where David and Louise Turpin renewed their vows.
Many posts have comments from family or friends.
David Turpin’s parents said their grandchildren were home-schooled, but it is not entirely clear what that means.
On the California Department of Education website, David Turpin is listed as the principal of Sandcastle Day School – a private school operated out of his home.
According to the website, the school was opened in March 2011. Six pupils are enrolled there, all in different grades.
In California, private schools operate outside the jurisdiction of the education department and most regulations. They are directly accountable to students and their parents or guardians, and the state has no authority to monitor or evaluate them.
Teachers at private schools in California also do not need to hold a valid state teaching qualification.
One neighbor told Reuters that the Turpin family “were the type that you didn’t really get to know anything about them”.
He said: “You would never see them on visit, you would never see anyone come outside. All you would really see is that they go out and maybe do a grocery round. And that was about it.”
Another neighbor from across the street, Kimberly Milligan, 50, told the Los Angeles Times they seemed strange and wondered why the children never came out to play.
“I thought the kids were home-schooled,” Kimberly Milligan said.
“You know something is off, but you don’t want to think bad of people.”
Kimberly Milligan recalls on one occasion saying hello to the children but said they looked at her “like a child who wants to make themselves invisible”.
A highway bridge under construction in Colombia has collapsed, killing at least 9 workers and injuring 5 others.
The bridge in Chirajara was to be part of a highway connecting Bogotá with the city of Villavicencio.
Images from the scene show a large part of the 450m-long bridge lying in the ravine below.
Colombia’s Transport Minister Germán Cardona spoke of a “tragedy” and said the cause of the collapse would be investigated.
One of the workers injured in the collapse described the moment it happened.
Luis Alvarado told El Tiempo newspaper: “Everyone started shouting that the bridge was falling, I didn’t have time to do anything and then I felt a blow to my head.”
Construction officials said that fortunately not many workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse as staff were receiving a safety briefing.
The bridge is part of an ambitious program to improve the route leading from the capital to the eastern plains by turning parts of it into a dual carriageway.
The planned works include the construction of 18 new tunnels and 42 bridges and viaducts as well as new lighting and CCTV cameras.
The existing – winding and narrow – road faces frequent closures with trucks supplying the capital with produce often breaking down, blocking traffic.
The company tasked with the works is Coviandes, which is majority-owned by a Colombian investment corporation.
On January 15, Coviandes issued a statement saying it would do everything it could to help the families of the workers who died or were injured in the collapse.
Irish musician and singer-songwriter Dolores O’Riordan has died suddenly at the age of 46, her publicist has confirmed.
She led The Cranberries to international success in the 90s with singles including Linger and Zombie.
A statement from Dolores O’Riordan publicist said: “The lead singer with the Irish band The Cranberries was in London for a short recording session.
“No further details are available at this time.”
The statement added: “Family members are devastated to hear the news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The Cranberries shot to international fame with their 1993 debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? and went on to sell over 40 million records worldwide.
Last year, The Cranberries announced a tour including dates in Europe, the UK, and the US.
However, in May – shortly into the European tour – The Cranberries had to cancel the remainder of the European dates as a result of Dolores O’Riordan’s health issues.
The band’s official website cited “medical reasons associated with a back problem” preventing singer Dolores O’Riordan’s from performing.
However, just before Christmas Dolores O’Riordan had posted on Facebook saying she was “feeling good” and had done her “first bit of gigging in months”, leading fans to believe she would soon be performing again.
The singer tweeted a picture of herself with her cat to fans in early January saying she was “off to Ireland”.
In 2014, Dolores O’Riordan split from her husband of 20 years, Don Burton. The singer and Dan Burton, who is the former tour manager of Duran Duran, have three children together.
Dolores O’Riordan suffered from bi-polar disorder and was spared a criminal conviction after an air rage incident in 2014.
Saving for something cardinal like an engagement ring takes a bit of heady planning, prehensile prep work, and some frugality. The hassles associated with the ‘how to’ of savings can easily be overcome if you’re penny-wise and thrifty. Add to that the tips below and you’ve got yourself a dazzling engagement ring that is trendy within a stringent budget, courtesy money-saving. Take a look:
Planning is Key
Any project’s success depends on a well-thought-out plan that provides a lucid roadmap to follow. It makes the overall vision clear and the entire task easier. Consider savings as a project that will require prudent and witty groundwork. Research well on the subject! This essentially means you should search for the basic 4C’s of an engagement ring precisely; color, carat, clarity, and cut. Execute a comprehensive market-analysis to finalize the type you want. Remember you have to compromise on the 4Cs depending on your budget and savings duration. Buying a .85 or .95 carat diamond instead of a one-carat weight will make the diligence worthwhile.
Define A Budget
It’s essential to have a defined budget, so you are clear on how much you need to stash away for the purchase. For example, if you decide on a 0.85 rose-cut diamond with S12 clarity and $5,000 price tag, then you know what your target is. Once you’ve set the budget along with the plan, proceed to savings and ‘how to’.
Calculate Savings And Plan The ‘How To‘
Without proper planning, it can be hard to calculate how much to spend on an engagement ring. Once you have the budget defined, use a calculator to work out how much you can put away every month keeping in mind the duration of the savings that is usually the time till the purchase date. So, if you have a budget of $5,000 and are planning on buying the ring a year from now, you will have to save approximately $420 every month. With the monthly savings defined, plan the ‘how to’ by reworking your spending and monthly income to ensure you can save the required ballpark hassle-free. Remember, frugality and penny-pinching are the keys.
Set Up Automatic Transfer And Savings Account
Set up a separate savings account and online banking functionality, so you can transfer the savings every month to your account. If you could chip in large amounts, in the beginning, it’d be great, as this will allow you the flexibility to manage your savings better. Combine this with a financial product like a loan to step up the savings and ease troubles.
Avoid Impulse Spending And Big Purchases
The essence of saving is thriftiness and this means avoiding impulse buying, large purchases and opting for affordable corporate catering options. You know you need to buy an engagement ring, have worked out the monthly cash flows and the how-to, so stick to the plan. Ditch the costly high-tech stereo system, Xbox, and the Ralph Lauren suit because you can always purchase these accessories later. There’s always a choice of opting for less expensive items or products on sale. It will take a bit of effort in having to let go of expensive things and cool stuff you pine for but all that will vanish when you hold that diamond ring in your hand.
There comes a day in every man’s life when he realizes that he is ready to settle down. For me, that day came three years ago. I realized that I wanted to be a husband and a father more than hang out with friends in bars and clubs each week. Thinking about how to get a girlfriend to settle down with, I decided to become a member of a dating site. In this article I will tell you, based on my three-year experience, how to become a man can win a woman’s heart online.
Why online dating?
I think that online dating is the universal way to get a girlfriend, as people who join dating sites are searching for a romantic partner and are ready to start a new relationship. So, if you think, “I need a girlfriend now!” dating sites are the first places you should go.
Also, here people share information about themselves and their dating preferences, so you can quickly determine whether the owner of the profile is a good match for you.
Another advantage of this way of meeting people is that you can choose secure platforms where you will be protected reliably from scammers and fraudsters. And it’s very important if you are stranger to building a relationship online. Read this article to get more information about anti-scam protection – VictoriaBrides.com Review – Dating Site that Worth to Try in 2018.
Of course, you can also connect with people through sites which gather fans of a certain sport, hobby, online game, or TV show. If you are into such kind of things, you’ll probably find someone with whom you have a lot in common, but there’s no guarantee that this person will be open to a new relationship. Statistically, it’s easier to make new friends than a romantic partner on such sites.
Image source Pexels
Step one. Understand what kind of woman you are searching for
Choosing a dating site, you should understand what you are looking for. If you want to find another one-night stand or brief affair in your location, join dating apps like Tinder. If you are wondering how to find a good woman for marriage, pay attention to dating sites that focus on a meaningful relationship. Follow this link to get more information – http://datingreviewer.org/victoriabrides-review/.
If you are serious about relations, choose a woman who has the same level of attraction as yourself. Your perfect candidate should also be near your age range and share your values and interests.
Step two. Keep calm and join one of the popular online dating sites
Most single people waste a lot of time on trying to discover the reason for their loneliness. Please don’t go that way. Try to fix the situation, instead of asking yourself, “Why can’t I get a girlfriend?”
Start with creating an account on a dating site. If you don’t know how to do it, read this VictoriaBride review, in which the author clearly explains the process. The registration procedures are quite similar on different dating platforms, so this information will be helpful, even if you choose another site to join.
Here are two bits of advice I can give you:
Be honest when creating your dating profile. Don’t lie about your job or body type. The right woman will accept you for who you are. If you’re lying at the beginning you have a very little chance for a trustful loving relationship.
Describing yourself, try to be original and show your sense of humor.
Keep an open mind. Sometimes the profiles of your true soulmates don’t tell you that you might connect with these people. So, sometimes go chatting with women who don’t seem your best halves at first sight.
Step three. Choose the best pictures for your profile
Use a photo of good quality as a primary picture. Don’t upload a webcam one.
Groom yourself and dress up for this photo.
It’s a very important trick of how to find love online, as your profile picture as your chance to make a great first impression.
Step four. Read women’s profiles before sending the first message
What is a girlfriend? It’s a woman with whom you can build a trustful romantic relationship. So, you should have both physical and emotional connection with her. Make an effort to get to know the women you’ve met on a dating site. Start with reading their profile information. It helps you to create an original first message and allow you to stand out from hundreds of neglectful men.
Step five. Improve your communication skills
I have a friend who has never had an issue of how to find a date. He isn’t a handsome guy, but he is a perfect listener.
Show a genuine interest in your date’s life. Ask open questions and try to remember facts that your online dating partner shares with you. Treat her with respect and make compliments about the worth of her personality.
Keep in mind that it is one of the most important steps of this “How to find a girlfriend online” guideline. So, don’t be lazy. Improve your communication skills.
Step six. Take her on a date
If you are thinking of how to make a girlfriend fall in love with you, there is only one thing you should know – online communication will never replace meeting in person. Hugging, kissing, and hand-holding are the most delightful parts of a romantic relationship. So, if you’ve liked some lady, take her on a date.
Step seven. Keep trying whatever happens
Remember that only one man amongst the million is fortunate enough to meet a special woman on the first try. If you are looking for someone special online, you’ll probably meet dozens of people who are not just right for you. And it’s OK. Just keep trying – and one day you will meet the lady you have been looking for so long.
So, now you know how to find a girlfriend on a dating site. Follow these instructions and never give up – and one day you will certainly meet your dream woman, as I did.
Local media has been told by police spokesman Argo Yuwono that some of the victims, who had injuries to their hands and feet, had been taken to nearby hospitals.
Argo Yuwono told Metro TV: “We are still investigating the cause, but for now our priorities are the casualties.”
The incident happened shortly after 11.56AM local time, according to Metro TV journalist Marlia Zein, who was in the building.
Marlia Zein added that there was a “loud banging”, leading people inside to “immediately” run out of the building.
The Jakarta stock exchange has re-opened for the afternoon session, with exchange chief Tito Sulistio saying the system was “not affected”.
Following a row broke out over the president’s alleged use of the word “s**thole” to describe African nations, Donald Trump has denied that he is racist.
President Trump reportedly used the term last week during a bipartisan Oval Office meeting on immigration reform.
“I am not a racist. I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed,” he told reporters.
It is the first time President Trump has responded directly to the racism accusations.
Donald Trump made the denial to White House press pool reporters at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach in Florida on January 14.
The scandal broke out on January 11, when lawmakers from both parties visited the president to work on a proposal for a bipartisan immigration deal.
In recent weeks the Trump administration has been withdrawing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from a number of nationalities currently living in the US.
Reports later emerged in media that President Trump had asked during the meeting: “Why are we having all these people from s**thole countries come here?”
The president was said to have told them that instead of granting temporary residency to citizens of countries hit by natural disasters, war or epidemics, the US should be taking in immigrants from countries like Norway.
Accounts suggest that when President Trump was told that the largest groups of immigrants with the status were from El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti, the president responded: “Haitians? Do we need more Haitians?”
Donald Trump tweeted on January 12 that the language he used in the meeting was “tough” but disputed the wording of the reports.
The president also posted another tweet denying he had insulted Haitians, accusing Democrats of making it up.
However, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin stood by claims, and said that President Trump had used “hate-filled, vile and racist” language during the meeting.
Several senior Republican lawmakers at the meeting, including Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, have said they do not recall President Trump making the remark.
However, another Republican senator who was there, Lindsey Graham, did not deny the comments were made.
He said: “Following comments by the president, I said my piece directly to him yesterday. The president and all those attending the meeting know what I said and how I feel.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan said that President Donald Trump’s immigration comments were “very unfortunate” and “unhelpful”.
On January 14, when he was asked whether he thought the comments had made it harder to achieve any immigration deal, President Trump responded: “Have you seen what various senators said about my comments? They weren’t made.”
On January 12, the African Union demanded that the president apologize expressing their “shock, dismay and outrage” at the “clearly racist” remarks.
Meanwhile, the UN human rights spokesman, Rupert Colville, told a Geneva news briefing: “There is no other word one can use but racist. You cannot dismiss entire countries and continents as <<s**tholes>>.”
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) accused President Trump of falling “deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole of racism and xenophobia”.
Several Democratic representatives have said they intend to skip Donald Trump’s State of the Union address later this month over the comments, accusing the president of racism.
Like it or not, we aren’t immortal, and our bodies go through a process of wear and tear as we get older. It’s therefore a good idea to have a quick check-up from time to time; and what better time than the New Year to book in for some routine check-ups.
Unlike a medical check-up at work, which you just want to sail through – particularly if it’s something like a drugs test… when looking at your personal health it’s best to have things flag up as early prevention makes most conditions much more treatable. However, you may want to get a second opinion, as for example, there are 12 Things That Can Make You Fail A Drug Test such as tonic water due to the quinine in it – which goes to show that modern tests, just like doctors, are not infallible and it’s always best to get a second opinion.
EYE TEST
The majority of people today, particularly given the intensive use of computers, televisions, and mobile devices we all use require a little help to correct their sight; as we age the health of our eyes can start to deteriorate so it’s good to have a check-up, not just for glasses, but to confirm your holistic optical health and rule out conditions such as glaucoma.
HEARING TEST
The good news is hearing evaluations are one of the less invasive tests required, yet so many of us begin to lose the edge of our ability to hear others, which leads to severe and totally unavoidable communication issues. The ability to communicate is so important, and if you are struggling with your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a quick test – as it’ll be over in a jiffy and could save a lot of embarrassment down the line. The other thing to note is that some hearing aids are now totally hidden within the ear itself.
ORAL HEALTH
Many of us fear visiting the dentist, and perhaps this is for good reason on the basis that nobody likes the invasive feeling of having fingers crammed into one’s mouth and sharp implements prodded around the gums resulting in the inevitably metalic taste of blood – but it’s much better to keep your oral health in check, rather than only access dentistry due to a problem such as toothache.
CHOLESTEROL
Given the processed diets we often find ourselves living on, out of convenience, a lot of us suffer with high levels of cholesterol – which results in the arteries beginning to clog up, become furry, and eventually harden. This is a major cause of heart disease, and if you do have high cholesterol, it’s something that should be addressed by a change in diet, sooner rather than later. You can even order self-testing kits to measure your own cholesterol levels online.
CANCER CHECK-UP
We all feel a little timid to get sensitive parts of ourselves tested; particularly for something as significant as prostate cancer or breast cancer; but there’s no benefit in burying your head in the sand – as, unfortunately, ignorance is not bliss.
According to statistics, today, as many as 1 in 2 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. Of course, healthy living is the best tool to keep cancer at bay, but if you have reason to suspect something it’s best to get checked out. The likelihood is you’ll have the all clear and benefit from a greater sense of peace of mind; but if something does come back positive, at least you are in the empowered position to treat it promptly; which is going to provide a much better outcome than leaving it for months or even years.
In summary prevention is better than cure, but in the alternative to this, early detection is going to seriously improve the chances of treating the issue with optimal results.
Over the last couple of years, politics around the world have been going through some major change. For the first time in history, digital technology can have a real impact on an election, and it isn’t just in the voter’s booth. Nowadays, social media and other online tools are major influencers when it comes to this field, with people using them as their main sources of news during elections and other races. From the outside, this might not seem so bad, as it gives everyone access to information they need. But, of course, there has to be a dark side, and this post is going to be exploring it for you.
The single biggest issue with digital technology being mixed with politics is ignorance. A lot of people working in this field aren’t of a generation which has been exposed to computers for their entire lives, making it far too easy for them to miss key factors when using them. A great example of this comes in the form of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Without proper knowledge of the technology being used, her team illegally accessed government emails from a private server. While this blow didn’t see Mrs. Clinton in jail, it still had a huge impact on her success in 2016’s elections.
When you find ignorance in computing, you often find that things will be insecure and easy to access, as users simply don’t have the knowledge to keep their data safe. While most countries have mandatory training for users of government machines, this sort of learning is rarely taken seriously, and mistakes are still made. This sort of issue can lead to data theft or loss, and has even seen information accidently given away, in the past. Of course, though, there’s not much point in learning about security if computers go without updates, anyway, and a lot of businesses don’t go through this process.
Of course, the impact that technology has on the world of politics isn’t all bad. In fact, in a lot of countries, keeping up with this field is only possible thanks to the power of modern tech, as it provides information to everyone with a phone. Along with this benefit, though, a lot of people don’t realize that voting has gone digital in quite a few places. Using tools made by companies like Smartmatic, loads of places are now relying on the internet to handle their elections. Security issues aside, this sort of system offers the chance for people unable to vote to have their voices heard, while also making instant counting possible without having to involve a single human. A lot of people are seeing systems like these more and more often.
Hopefully, with all of this in mind, it should be nice and easy to understand the problems with technology in politics. While there are benefits to the way the world currently works, there are also plenty of negatives which have to be considered. Of course, though, you only have to worry if things start to get really bad.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has hit the south-western Peru’s Pacific coast killing at least one person and injuring at least 65, as buildings collapsed.
The tremor struck at 04:18 local time, at a depth of 22 miles, 25 miles south-west of Acari.
Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said rescue teams were on their way to verify the extent of the damage.
The areas affected are mainly rural and blocked roads are slowing down aid.
Early reports that 17 people were missing at a collapsed mine were later discounted.
According the US Geological Survey, the area between the South America and Nazca plates, where the tremor occurred, is prone to earthquakes, with 13 above magnitude 6.5 occurring over the past century.
The regions of Arequipa, Ica and Ayacucho have been affected.
According to officials, falling rock crushed a man to death in the town of Yauca, in Arequipa.
Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said adobe houses had collapsed in some areas and landslides were blocking some roads. Power cuts were also reported.
President Pedro Pbalo Kuczynski said he was heading for Acari and Chala to assess the damage and needs of local people.
