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African Union Demands Apology from President Donald Trump

Diane A. Wade
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African Union Demands Apology from President Donald Trump

The African Union has demanded that President Donald Trump apologize after he reportedly called nations on the continent “shitholes”.

The organization’s mission in Washington DC expressed its “shock, dismay and outrage” and said the Trump administration misunderstood Africans.

President Trump made the alleged remark in a meeting on immigration on January 11.

However, the president has denied using the language reported.

President Trump has been backed by two Republicans who were at the White House meeting, but Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said Donald Trump called African countries “shitholes” several times and used “racist” language.

On January 12, President Trump tweeted that his language he used at the private meeting with lawmakers to discuss immigration legislation had been “tough”.

However, he added that the words attributed to him were “not the language used”.

Image source Wikimedia

President Donald Trump Reportedly Lashes Out at Immigrants in Oval Office Outburst

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The African Union said the “remarks dishonor the celebrated American creed and respect for diversity and human dignity”.

The organization representing African countries added: “While expressing our shock, dismay and outrage, the African Union strongly believes that there is a huge misunderstanding of the African continent and its people by the current Administration.

“There is a serious need for dialogue between the US Administration and the African countries.”

It represents 55 member states throughout the African continent. The group succeeded the Organization of African Unity – which originated in the decolonization struggles of the early 1960s – in 2002.

President Trump’s remarks were allegedly made when lawmakers visited him on January 11 to discuss a bipartisan proposal that would impose new restrictions on immigration but protect the so-called “Dreamers” – hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the US illegally as children – from deportation.

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 instead be taking in migrants from countries like Norway.

The Washington Post quoted President Trump as saying: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”

Senator Dick Durbin said that when President Trump was told that the largest groups of immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) were from El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti, the president responded: “Haitians? Do we need more Haitians?”

However, in another tweet on January 12, President Trump denied that he insulted Haitians.

On January 11, many media outlets reported President Trump’s comments, quoting witnesses or people briefed on the meeting. However, the White House did not deny them.

Mega Millions Jackpot Claimed by 20-Year-Old Port Richey Man

Nancy Clayson
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Mega Millions Jackpot Claimed by 20-Year-Old Port Richey Man

Shane Missler from Florida has been named the sole winner of the $451 million Mega Millions jackpot.

The 20-year-old says he plans to “have some fun” after opted to receive a one-time payment of $282 million, instead of the full amount over a longer period of time.

Shane Missler matched five numbers and a bonus ball to scoop the fourth largest win in the US game’s history.

He said he had a feeling he could win on the night of the Mega Millions draw, says a press release.

Minutes after the draw a week ago Shane Missler posted on Facebook: “Oh. My. God.”

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Shane Missler presented his winning ticket at the state lottery headquarters in Tallahassee on January 12, accompanied by his father and a lawyer.

According to the statement, he said: “I’m only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity.”

Shane Missler told the Tampa Bay Times: “I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future.”

He had “retired” from his job at a company that carried out employment background checks, his lawyers say.

Shane Missler bought the winning ticket at a 7-Eleven in his hometown of Port Richey, 40 miles north of Tampa, using a “Quick Pick” option that selects the numbers randomly.

The winning numbers were 28, 30, 39, 59, and 70 with a “Mega Ball” of 10.

Healthy And Hopeful – Keeping Fit To Keep Cancer At Bay

Dana R
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Healthy And Hopeful – Keeping Fit To Keep Cancer At Bay

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Staying healthy is probably one of the most frequently quoted New Year’s resolutions. AIing to get fit and stay fit or just put an end to our vices is something many of us strive for. But there is a far more severe reason we should all be looking to improve our health.

Prevention estimates announced recently by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) stated that,eating a varied and healthy diet, taking part in regular physical activity, staying a healthy weight while limiting alcohol intake, could prevent as many as 340,000 cases of cancer in United States each year.

Get Screened Regularly

These tests can catch some cancers early and when they are small and contained, making them easier to treat. As for cervical and colon cancers, early screening can even prevent these diseases from developing to start with. You should speak to your medical practitioner for details about the procedure to test for breast, cervical, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. September was designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month following the 2008 Senate Resolution cosponsored by Republican  Senator Mike Crapo, a two-time survivor of cancer himself.

Watch Your Weight

You should aim to control your weight through regular exercise and healthy eating as being overweight is a risk factor for many cancers.

Keep Moving

Physical activity of any sort has been seen to lower the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon. Keeping active also reduces the risk of other life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity; this is the equivalent of a brisk walk. Alternatively, you could seek for 75 minutes each week of vigorous exercise, something that makes your heartbeat as well as breathing faster, and makes you break a  sweat. This activity is most beneficial when spread out through the week and not all at once. Children should be active for at least 1 hour of moderate or vigorous exercise every day, aiming for the vigorous activity at least three times a week.

You Are What You Eat

Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains, fish or poultry,  has shown to lower risk of developing certain cancers whereas consuming a diet high in processed foods and red meat is associated with a higher risk of certain cancers.

The recommendations from the American Cancer Society are that you should aim to eat 2½ cups of fruit and vegetables every day. Try to eat less red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb. It is beneficial to reduce intake of processed meat too like bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, and hot dogs. Choose bread, pasta, and cereals derived from whole grains as well as brown rice. Consume less sugary treats.

Stop Smoking

Tobacco in the USA is responsible for almost 1 in every five deaths – about 480,000 premature deaths every year. Approximately 80% of lung cancer deaths and an incredible 30% of all cancer mortality is caused by tobacco intake.

Banish The Booze

Research shows alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers. The more alcohol you partake of, the higher your risk. Men should limit themselves to no more than two drinks per day, women no more than one. That one drink is the equivalent of 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine.

No one can predict who will get cancer, though employing a healthy regime can only help to reduce the risk and stay healthy if diagnosed with any form of cancer.

President Donald Trump Reportedly Lashes Out at Immigrants in Oval Office Outburst

Diane A. Wade
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President Donald Trump Reportedly Lashes Out at Immigrants in Oval Office Outburst

According to recent reports, President Donald Trump has lashed out at immigrants in a foul-mouthed Oval Office outburst that a UN spokesman later condemned as “shocking”, “shameful” and “racist”.

President Trump reportedly asked lawmakers during talks on an immigration deal: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”

According to reports, the president was apparently referring to Haiti, El Salvador and African countries.

However, the White House made no attempt to deny the comment.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has been trying to limit the number of family members of immigrants who can enter the United States, and has moved to end the protected status of thousands of immigrants already in the US.

President Trump’s reported remark came as lawmakers from both parties visited him on January 11 to propose a bipartisan immigration deal.

According to media, Democratic Senator Richard Durbin had just been discussing US temporary residency permits granted to citizens of countries hit by natural disasters, war or epidemics.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that President Trump told lawmakers the US should instead be taking in migrants from countries like Norway, whose prime minister visited him a day earlier.

The newspaper quoted the president as saying: “Why do we need more Haitians? Take them out.”

Image source Flickr

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South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was in January 11 meeting at the White House, but would not comment on the president’s reported slur.

A statement from White House spokesman Raj Shah said: “Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people.

“Like other countries that have merit-based immigration, President Trump is fighting for permanent solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who can contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation.

“He will always reject temporary, weak and dangerous stopgap measures that threaten the lives of hardworking Americans, and undercut immigrants who seek a better life in the United States through a legal pathway.”

In response, UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said: “If confirmed these are shocking and shameful comments from the president of the United States, I’m sorry but there is no other word for this but racist.”

The UN official spoke of a 2016 presidential campaign speech in which Donald Trump called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists, and to his response last year to a white supremacist march that ended in violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, when the president said “both sides” were to blame.

Rupert Colville said such comments went against “universal values the world has been striving for” since the end of World War Two, and opened “the door to humanity’s worst side”.

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”.

Mia Love, a Utah Republican and the only Haitian-American in Congress, demanded President Trump apologize for the “unkind, divisive, elitist” comments.

The Washington Post broke the story with the word “shithole” in its headline and in the alert that the newspaper sent out to followers’ smartphones.

Fox News used asterisks to obscure the offensive word along the bottom of the screen, but CNN and MSNBC carried it in full.

Lawmakers reportedly proposed restoring so-called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) permits for certain countries, allowing their residents leave to remain in the United States because their home countries are temporarily unsafe for them.

In return, they were said to have offered $1.5 billion for a wall that President Trump wants built on the US border with Mexico.

This week the Trump administration announced it was withdrawing TPS for more than 200,000 people from El Salvador.

The decision gives Salvadoreans who have been living in the US for nearly three decades until next year to leave, seek lawful residency or face possible deportation.

People from El Salvador were granted provisional US residency after an earthquake devastated the Central American country in 2001.

#MeToo: James Franco Accused of Inappropriate Behavior by Five Women

Sonia Pantiss
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#MeToo: James Franco Accused of Inappropriate Behavior by Five Women

Actor James Franco has been accused of inappropriate behavior by five women, including students from his acting school.

Four of James Franco’s former students and an actress who said the actor was her mentor told the LA Times they were victims of “an abuse of power”.

The latest accusations come after claims against James Franco on social media following his best actor win at this year’s Golden Globe awards.

James Franco, 39, said the earlier allegations made on Twitter were “not accurate”.

On January 7, James Franco attended the Globes ceremony wearing a Time’s Up pin on his lapel, signaling his support for an initiative aimed at combating harassment in the film industry and other workplaces.

That prompted accusations of inappropriate behavior against him on Twitter from actresses Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Violet Paley.

On January 11, Sarah Tither-Kaplan told LA Times that James Franco participated in an “abuse of power” on film sets designed to create a “culture of exploiting non-celebrity women”.

Image source Wikimedia

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James Franco taught a number of acting classes at two film schools opened in 2014, both named Studio 4.

His attorney, Michael Plonsker, told the LA Times that the actor disputes the allegations.

Actress Ally Sheedy was among those to question James Franco’s appearance at the Globes, where he won an award for his role in The Disaster Artist, which details the making of notorious 2003 film The Room.

Ally Sheedy posted a series of cryptic tweets during the ceremony, one of which asked: “Why is James Franco allowed in?”

“James Franco just won,” another of her now deleted posts read.

“Please never ever ask me why I left the film/tv business.”

Rose McGowan, a prominent campaigner against inappropriate behavior in the entertainment industry, said on Twitter that Hollywood had been “selectively deaf” about James Franco.

This year’s ceremony saw several winners address Hollywood’s abuse scandal in their acceptance speeches.

Many attendees opted to wear black to express solidarity with victims of abuse and harassment.

Trump Administration to Allow Medicaid Work Requirement

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Administration to Allow Medicaid Work Requirement

President Donald Trump’s administration has issued new guidance that would allow states to impose work requirements on low-income healthcare recipients.

According to the document, able-bodied recipients of the Medicaid health program for the poor would be required to work, volunteer or prepare for a job through school or training.

However, critics argue that the move is aimed at cutting the number of people receiving government-funded Medicaid.

The administration contends the policy is to promote “community engagement”.

Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said: “This is about helping those individuals rise out of poverty.

“Our fundamental goal is to make a positive and lasting difference in the health and wellness of our beneficiaries, and today’s announcement is a step in that direction.”

Seema Verma said the new policy came about at the request of 10 different states including Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Arizona, Indiana and Utah.

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The new guidance also suggests considering exemptions or “reasonable modifications” for certain Medicaid recipients, including elderly, pregnant or disabled people; those in areas with high unemployment or people caring for children or elderly relatives; people with substance abuse disorders such as opioid addiction.

It states that a review of studies showed, “strong evidence that unemployment is generally harmful to health, including higher mortality; poorer general health; poorer mental health; and higher medical consultation and hospital admission rates”.

The report also states that people with a full-time job are less likely to suffer from depression.

As of October 2017, nearly 75 million individuals were enrolled in Medicaid and the children’s health insurance program (CHIP).

According to a study by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 60% of working-age Medicaid recipients are already employed full time or part time.

It is unclear how many Medicaid recipients who are actively seeking work may lose their insurance in the process if their state should choose to enact the new guidelines.

Several members of Congress were outspoken against the decision.

Under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare, 31 states expanded Medicaid coverage. Republicans have tried repeatedly to overturn the health law.

The Obama Administration had previously rebuffed proposals allowing states the right to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients, arguing it would result in fewer people having access to health insurance.

In order to implement any new policy based on the guidance, states would have to propose the changes through waivers and wait until they are granted federal approval.

How to deliver an effective presentation

Dana R
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How to deliver an effective presentation

Whatever your career path, it is important that you understand how to deliver an effective presentation. Whether you’re expected to give routinely presentations or if you’re preparing for suddenly being thrown into the deep end one day, knowing how to present yourself and the right, relevant information can be crucial. No one wishes to be caught off-guard, and for some, presenting can be completely nerve-wracking. No matter your skillset, it is still possible for you to ace your upcoming presentation. Below are four tips that will guide you through this process.

Be prepared

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. That is the mantra that you should have in mind when it comes to getting ready for your presentation. The more you prepare, the easier it will be for you to impress your audience. That is why you should use an online flash card maker to organize your points. You should also think about making handouts, as this will save your audience from having to take notes and will give them the chance to focus on what you are saying.

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Use plenty of interesting visuals

Although it is important not to distract your audience with too much text, you should be using plenty of images to capture their attention. If you are delivering a PowerPoint presentation, ideally you should have one large image on each slide. This is also true if you are using presentation boards or a projection screen. Simplicity is key if you are going to get your message across.

Encourage audience participation

If you are going to prevent the room from switching off during your presentation, you will need to encourage audience participation. Perhaps you could ask your listeners thought provoking questions throughout your speech. Another idea is to ask your audience members to work with the person next to them on a short exercise. This will save them from sitting in silence and will give you a quiet moment to collect your thoughts. Finally, you should leave plenty of time for questions at the end of your talk. You need to make this clear at the start of your presentation so that everyone has time to think of one to ask. You could even stage a few questions beforehand so that you don’t have to suffer through any awkward silences.

Use technology to your advantage

If you determined to establish yourself as an innovative and interesting speaker, it is important that you use technology to your advantage. Instead of using a simple PowerPoint, you should experiment with a Prezi Presentation. You could even give members of your audience tablets or ask them to text in their questions. Exploring the many uses of technology will help you to ensure your presentation stands out from the crowd. Just make sure that you have plenty of run-throughs before the big day. You should also have a back-up plan that doesn’t rely as heavily on technology, as this will be essential if anything goes wrong at the last minute.

Ten Steps to Expanding Your Business Internationally

Dana R
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Ten Steps to Expanding Your Business Internationally

With technology making our world smaller every day, going global has never been more vital in business. But where do you start? Here are ten highly recommended steps for that crucial expansion.

business
Image of businesspeople at presentation looking at virtual project
  1. Research Your Target

Every country you want to conquer has a unique sets of rules and traditions. Research what’s important to those customers, what they’re looking for and how your product or service fits in with that.

  1. Make a New Business Plan

This is very new territory for your company, so the original documents likely won’t cut it. Get to know the market; your sources as well as import and export prices and all additional costs, so you can be as prepared as possible.

  1. Develop Short, Mid & Long-Term Goals

Expanding internationally is a massive project. Keep yourself and your team on track with a variety of time-goals. This will also help you to prioritize important tasks.

  1. Embrace New Tech

The progress of new technology is remarkably fast. Keeping up with key developments will provide more avenues for sales, communication and innovation. It will also help you keep in touch with distant branches with ease.

  1. Take Advantage of Seasonal Differences

If you’re expanding across hemispheres – great! Use the opposing seasons to your advantage to get rid of stock or present a new line.

  1. Connect With Local Businesses

Foster relationships with businesses in the local area to improve your reputation and to get a helping hand when you need it.

  1. Taxes and Laws

Get clued-up on local laws and financial obligations. Legal processes could be more strict or more lapse, but knowing them will save you both time and money.

  1. Hire Carefully

Overseas branches can’t be monitored as closely as those at home, so make sure you know who’s in charge. It can be difficult to judge personalities in another culture, get professional advice if necessary.

  1. Be Physically Present

As much as new technology allows us to have meetings from anywhere in the world together, being physically present has its advantages. Turn up and get stuck in, you’ll gain a better understanding of your company for it.

  1. Protect Your IPR

Your Intellectual Property Rights may not be covered in certain countries, so it’s wise to check out how this works in your target area.

Overall, being prepared is key to any major development in your company. Conducting thorough research, alongside seeking advice and guidance when you require it will put you on a solid path to start your expansion. You may be managing the project, but you can’t do it alone – which is why it’s so important to have a great time both at home and overseas. Regardless of the market you wish to enter, Whether you’re SEO consultants in Germany or a law firm based in Arizona, the pattern remains – those who do their homework beforehand always have better luck at getting their foot in the door.

Logan Paul Removed from YouTube’s Google Preferred over Japan Suicide Video

Nancy Clayson
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Logan Paul Removed from YouTube’s Google Preferred over Japan Suicide Video

Logan Paul, the hugely popular vlogger who posted a video showing the body of an apparent suicide victim in Japan, has been banned by YouTube.

His channels were removed from YouTube’s Google Preferred program, where brands sell ads on the top 5% of the platform’s content creators.

YouTube also said it had put on hold original projects with Logan Paul.

Logan Paul posted the video with a man’s body on December 31, triggering widespread criticism.

The video showed Logan Paul and his friends at the Aokigahara forest at the base of Mount Fuji, known to be a frequent site of suicides.

Going in to film the “haunted” forest, they come across a man’s body and are shocked but also make jokes.

Image source Wikimedia

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The identity of the deceased man is not known.

Online comments have called the video, which garnered millions of views on YouTube before it was taken down, “disrespectful” and “disgusting”.

Logan Paul, who has more than 15 million subscribers on YouTube, later posted an apology on Twitter, saying he had been “misguided by shock and awe”.

The vlogger also uploaded a video apology, and said: “I should have never posted the video. I should have put the cameras down and stopped recording what we were going through.”

“I’m ashamed of myself,” he added.

“I’m disappointed in myself.”

Japan has one of the highest rates of suicide in the developed world.

Aokigahara has a reputation in Japan and internationally as a destination for people who want to kill themselves.

Data on the number of suicides there each year is not made public, to avoid publicizing the site. Signs are posted in the forest urging people to seek medical help rather than take their lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrCcXKcDeq0

California Mudslide 2018: Death Toll Rises to 15

Nancy Clayson
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California Mudslide 2018: Death Toll Rises to 15

At least 15 people have died after mudslides and flooding hit southern California.

Rescue workers are now searching for survivors.

More than 30 miles of the main coastal road have been closed and police said the scene “looked like a World War One battlefield”.

A group of 300 people are reportedly trapped in Romero Canyon neighborhood east of Santa Barbara, with rescue efforts due to resume at daybreak.

The death toll is expected to rise.

Up to now, more than 50 people have been rescued, but many places are still inaccessible. Several roads are closed, including the major Highway 101.

Some 163 people have been taken to hospital while other 20 had “storm-related injuries” and four were critically hurt.

The first rain in months caused mudslides when it hit ground that had been scorched by December’s huge wildfires.

According to specialists, after a wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil create a water repellent layer which blocks water absorption. Together with the loss of vegetation, this leads to an increased risk of mudslides and floods.

Image source Flickr

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says the risk of flooding stays “significantly higher” for up to five years after a wildfire.

The National Weather Service said in a statement: “Recent burn areas will be especially vulnerable where dangerous mud and debris flows are possible.”

According to officials, in some places mud was waist-deep.

Thousands had to leave their homes, many for the second time in two months. The emergency services declared an exclusion zone, saying anyone moving around the area would be in the way of rescuers and would be subject to arrest.

Those who have stayed in the area have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking it.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason said that heavy rain run-off caused a mudflow in the community of Montecito, where some homes were knocked off their foundations.

On January 9, County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said that five people were found dead in Montecito, possibly as a result of the storm.

The upmarket neighborhood includes homes owned by celebrities such as Rob Lowe, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey.

The US Coast Guard has sent “multiple airships to support rescue operations” and warned the public not to fly drones, otherwise the flights would be grounded.

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this comes after a record-setting year of $306 billion of weather and climate-related disaster costs in the US, with 2017 the third warmest year on record.

California has suffered severe drought in five out of six of the past years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG9ydw1-YqY

6 Places Where You Can Learn and Better Yourself

Dana R
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0
6 Places Where You Can Learn and Better Yourself

books

Image Credit: Pexels

If you want to continue your education after you have left school, then there are a lot of options available to you. Continuing to learn and expand your knowledge will help you to progress your career, better your self or perhaps pursue a hobby that you have always want to do. Here are some places where you can learn.

Online Resources

The internet is one massive resource and one that you should never discount. You can find information on the internet about so many different topics. This might how to code or use specific software, or it might be reading about the current political or economic landscape through news sites or academic articles. All of these can help you to learn about a specific topic. Wherever your interests lie, you can be sure to find a community of people who are also interested in that same thing where you can share information, hold a discussion and learn more about your chosen area. Most of these resources will be free as well, and the most you will likely need to do is sign up or make an account to access them. Certain academic resources might need to be paid for, but these are an anomaly, and there are often by trained experts so you can understand having to pay for their knowledge.

Online Courses

There are so many different kinds of online courses that you can access. Sites like Udemy have a lot of different courses in lots of different categories. There you can learn language skills, software skills or how to write a book. Each course is tailored and specific to a certain topic. Some are broader than others, but generally, they are very specific. The problem with Udemy is that the quality of the courses can be radically different because they are all made by different people with different standards. This is where the user reviews can be especially helpful. However, once you complete a Udemy course, you are presented with a certificate that confirms your completion. There are other online courses that you can access such as ones from companies that offer specific e-learning. The RPA Academy, for example, offers a range of courses to teach you about RPA and how to automate tasks within your business. They aren’t alone is providing online courses on this subject, so you might want to shop around for the best deals and most highly rated courses.

It isn’t just companies and individuals that are offering courses online these days, universities and colleges are as well. Many universities such as Spring Arbor University offer a lot of their courses online. If you want to get a position in a specific area such as MSN education jobs, then online courses provided by a university often have the level of detail and quality that you are looking for. The added benefit of learning online with a university is that you gain their renowned and have a qualification from their establishment once you graduate. This can go a long way even if you have completed an online course.

Smartphone

These days most people have a smartphone. The myriad of apps that you can access through your phone isn’t limited to Angry Birds and Evernote since you can now start learning on your smartphone. Apps like Duolingo provide an easy way to learn a language directly from your smartphone. They have a massive catalogue of languages to choose from including Japanese, German, Spanish and English. This means that if you have always wanted to learn a language, but never found time for an evening class, then you can download Duolingo to your smartphone and start learning. Duolingo provides a number of ways to learn and gradually teaches you a full vocabulary for your chosen language. You will type words, speak words and match pairs as you gradually start to understand how this language works.

Duolingo isn’t alone when it comes to learning from your smartphone; there are a lot of other apps that use similar techniques to help you learn a specific topic. You can learn to code with Tynker or learn how to play the piano with Synthesia. If you want to learn something, then you should have a search on your smartphone’s app store to see if there is an app that can help you. The chances are that there is. Most apps are either free or cost very little when compared to taking an online course or university course, so they can be a great introduction to the subject matter.

College and University

You might think that once you have left college or university, that your time with them is over. This doesn’t need to be the case. Even if you don’t end up going back to study for a Masters or PhD, you can still go to the university so learn in different ways. A lot of universities offer short courses and evening classes on a range of subjects. The exact subjects offered will vary between universities, but there will still be some options available to you. If it is a university or college that previously studied at, then you can perhaps get a discount on the cost of the course as well. This is probably the most expensive option on the list, but it can often be worth it due to the high standards of the teaching and the experience of learning together with other people. As well as learning about a topic, you will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded people, and the connections you make with them could help you in the future. Depending on the course it could also be accredited by governing bodies or national organizations which will give it extra merritt and give the qualification more weight.

For some people, they learn best in this kind of environment. Learning from a computer or smartphone in almost complete isolation won’t be for everything. You might learn better in a classroom setting where you can ask questions and gain face to face feedback. You might also learn better through doing, and that might not be as readily available through an online course (depending on the course), so attending a college or university might be the best option. You might also decide to go back and get your Masters or PhD, as you don’t need to decide straight away after graduating. You might have tried the job market and found that the role that you want in for your career is only available to people with these specific qualifications. Then again, you might never have gone to college or university, and you might want to start learning as a mature student to better yourself, further your career or change to a different one.

At Work

You will always be learning at work. You will learn your job and then learn how you can do it even better. There will always be a situation that you could have handled better, and you can learn how to do better in the future. A lot of this requires reflection how you can do this. However, your work might also send you on courses that are specific to your role. They might do this to help improve your skills and make you better at your job. You might have taken some additional responsibilities such as being first aid trained and need to go on a course to be retrained or learn about something specific to your workplace. If your work offers to pay for you to learn, then they are taking an interest in your future, and if you have any other learning plans, you could approach your boss to see if the company will pay for you to gain a specific qualification.

Daily Life

Your daily life will often mean that you learn something. That might in a passing conversation with a friend or by watching a documentary. While it might seem strange, but even watching TV and playing video games have something that they can teach you. When you are watching TV, you can dissect the meanings behind scenes, characters and stories. Each of these will show you the hidden depth (or lack of) in a particular film or TV show. A lot of these kind of media is designed to make you think while others are more there for raw entertainment. Think about the difference between watching something like Donnie Darko and Mission Impossible. They both have very different stories and messages they are trying to communicate. The same is true for video games. They have matured over the years to something far more than Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Games like Telltale’s The Walking Dead can tell a touching, heartfelt tale which makes the player analyse their own morality. Similarly, games like Nier Automata tell a nihilistic epic tale of war and the meaning of humanity. Each of these has a tale to tell and something to teach the player beyond how to improve their gameplay skills. Your daily life can teach you more than you think, you just need to let it.

 

#MeToo: Catherine Deneuve Warns About New Puritanism Sparked by Harassment Scandals

Sonia Pantiss
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#MeToo: Catherine Deneuve Warns About New Puritanism Sparked by Harassment Scandals

In an open letter, Catherine Deneuve and other French women has said that men should be “free to hit on” women.

The veteran actress is one of 100 French women who wrote the letter, warning about a new “puritanism” sparked by recent harassment scandals.

The letter deplores a wave of “denunciations” after claims that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has raped or assaulted dozens of women.

Harvey Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual contacts.

However, the mogul has admitted that his behavior has “caused a lot of pain”.

The letter by French women writers, performers and academics was published in France’s Le Monde newspaper on January 9.

The letter said: “Men have been punished summarily, forced out of their jobs when all they did was touch someone’s knee or try to steal a kiss.

“Rape is a crime, but trying to seduce someone, even persistently or clumsily, is not – and nor is men being gentlemanly a chauvinist attack.”

The authors argued that there was a new “puritanism” afoot in the world.

The signatories said that while it was legitimate and necessary to speak out against the abuse of power by some men, the constant denunciations have spiraled out of control.

Image source Wikimedia

#MeToo: Craig McLachlan Denies Harassment Allegations

#MeToo: Corey Lewandowski Accused of Assault

#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

According to the writers, this is creating a public mood in which women are seen as powerless, as perpetual victims.

Catherine Deneuve is by far the most prominent of them.

The other 99 women who signed the document include some well-known figures, such as actress Christine Boisson; conservative journalist Élisabeth Lévy; talk-show host Brigitte Lahaie; Catherine Millet, a writer and magazine editor.

There are also lesser-known names from the worlds of entertainment, the arts, the media, and academia. Most of them, however, are professionals who are not known to the French public.

The letter has stirred debate in France. On January 10, a group of about 30 feminists issued a statement accusing Catherine Deneuve and her co-signatories of seeking to “close the lid” on the scandals uncovered by the Weinstein case, and of “pouring scorn” on victims of harassment.

On social media, many expressed either anger or sadness at the open letter.

The debate has mostly pitted those belonging to the older generation, who view #Metoo and similar campaigns as a threat to the liberation achieved in the 1960s, against younger, activist types who feel that the battle against harassment is the latest stage in the fight for women’s rights.

Catherine Deneuve, 74, is not known as an activist star. However, last year she spoke out against social media campaigns shaming men accused of harassing women.

Women and men from all over the globe who have been harassed have been sharing their stories across social media using the hashtag #MeToo.

In France, Twitter users are using #Balancetonporc (“rat on your dirty old man”) to encourage women to name and shame their attackers.

Catherine Deneuve, an Oscar-nominated actress, has been in more than 100 movies, making her debut in 1957.

Steve Bannon Steps Down from Breitbart News amid Fire and Fury Scandal

Nancy Clayson
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0
Steve Bannon Steps Down from Breitbart News amid Fire and Fury Scandal

Steve Bannon has left Breitbart News organization, where he built his reputation.

The move comes amid a furore over remarks Donald Trump’s former chief strategist reportedly made about the president’s son, Donald Jr.

Steve Bannon described a meeting Donald Trump Jr. held in New York with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign as “treasonous”.

He was one of Donald Trump’s most trusted – and controversial – aides.

However, Steve Bannon left his post last summer after reports of a power struggle among President Trump’s White House staff.

Steve Bannon’s subsequent attempt to take on the Republican establishment suffered a severe blow when Roy Moore, the Senate candidate he championed in a special election in Alabama, lost to a Democrat – the first time that party has won in the state in decades.

Image source Flickr

Fire and Fury: Steve Bannon Tries to Reverse Treason Remark

Fire and Fury: Michael Wolff’s Donald Trump Book Goes on Sale Days Ahead Its Scheduled Release

Steve Bannon Book: Donald Trump’s Lawyers Issue Cease-And Desist Notice

President Trump has recently taken to referring to Steve Bannon as “Sloppy Steve”, a derogatory reference to his former aide’s famously disheveled appearance.

Rebekah Mercer, a wealthy benefactor of Steve Bannon, said at the weekend she had ended her support for his political efforts.

On January 7, Steve Bannon insisted that his “treason” comments – quoted in an inside account of the Trump White House, Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury – were not directed at Donald Trump’s son but at another former aide, Paul Manafort, who was also present at the meeting in Trump Tower.

The Senate, House of Representatives and a special counsel are all investigating alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, allegations denied by both Russia and President Trump.

Steve Bannon had served as executive chairman of Breitbart since 2012.

Breitbart issued a statement saying it and Steve Bannon would “work together on a smooth and orderly transition”.

The organization quoted Steve Bannon as saying: “I’m proud of what the Breitbart team has accomplished in so short a period of time in building out a world-class news platform.”

Larry Solov, the Breitbart chief executive, was quoted as saying: “Steve is a valued part of our legacy, and we will always be grateful for his contributions, and what he has helped us to accomplish.”

North Korea and South Korea to Hold Military Talks for First Time in Two Years

Roy Siemens
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North Korea and South Korea to Hold Military Talks for First Time in Two Years

North Korea has accepted South Korea’s proposal to hold military talks to defuse border tension, after their first high-level meeting in two years.

It will also send a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games taking place in South Korea in February.

According to the South Korean government, an agreement was also reached to reinstate a military hotline suspended two years ago.

However, the North Korean delegation was negative on the subject of denuclearization, South Korea added.

The US gave a cautious welcome to the meeting.

The state department said the United States remained in close consultations with South Korean officials who would ensure North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympics did not violate UN sanctions.

After a day of negotiations, both Koreas issued a joint statement which confirmed they had agreed to hold military talks on defusing military tension.

North Korea also agreed to send a National Olympic Committee delegation, athletes, cheerleaders, art performers, spectators, a taekwondo demonstration team and media to the games, while South Korea would provide the necessary amenities and facilities.

The statement also referred to exchanges in other, unspecified areas and other high-level talks to improve relations, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports.

Image source Wikipedia

North Korea Crisis: Kim Jong-un Offers Threats and Hopes in New Year Speech

UN Imposes New Sanctions on North Korea over Ballistic Missile Tests

South Korea asked North Korea to end any hostile acts that might raise tension, while the North agreed there was a need to guarantee a peaceful environment on the peninsula, a statement from the South’s government said.

The South also proposed that athletes from both Koreas march together at the opening ceremony in Pyeongchang as they did at the 2006 Winter Olympics. It also pushed for the reunion of family members separated by the Korean War – a highly emotional issue for both countries – to take place during the Lunar New Year holiday, which falls in the middle of the Games.

South Korea said it would consider temporarily lifting relevant sanctions, in co-ordination with the UN, to facilitate North Korea’s participation in the Olympics.

North Korea’s reaction to these proposals is not known.

In his opening remarks, the head of North Korea’s delegation, Ri Son-gwon, was fairly neutral. He said he hoped the talks would bring a “good gift” for the new year and that his country had a “serious and sincere stance”.

Talks were held in the Panmunjom “peace village” in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border.

Five senior officials on each side attended and the leaders of both were said to have watched the talks via a CCTV feed.

In his New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had said he was considering sending a team to the Olympics. South Korea’s Olympics chief had said last year that North Korea’s athletes would be welcome.

Following Kim Jong-un’s overture, South Korea then proposed high-level talks to discuss North Korea’s participation, but the North only agreed to the talks after the US and the South agreed to delay their joint military exercises until after the Olympics. North Korea sees the annual drills as a rehearsal for war.

Some critics in the US see North Korea’s move as an attempt to divide the US-South Korea alliance.

Russia Election Hacking: Robert Mueller Likely to Interview Donald Trump

Diane A. Wade
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Russia Election Hacking: Robert Mueller Likely to Interview Donald Trump

According to recent reports, President Donald Trump’s legal team is in talks with investigators who are seeking to interview him as part of a justice department probe.

The Washington Post, quoting an unnamed person close to President Trump, says investigation lead by Robert Mueller is likely to interview him within weeks.

President Trump’s legal team has not confirmed the reports.

Robert Mueller is investigating possible collusion between Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia in the US elections.

Tensions between Robert Mueller, the special counsel appointed to look into alleged Russian interference, and the president have risen since the investigation led to charges against several former members of Donald Trump’s campaign team.

Donald Trump’s administration denies working with Russia on the election, and the president has labeled the investigation “a witch hunt”.

Image source Flickr

Donald Trump Believes He Will Be Treated Fairly By Robert Mueller’s Investigation

Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

According to The Post, Robert Mueller first raised the possibility of interviewing the president in a meeting with his lawyers, John Dowd and Jay Sekulow, in late December.

President Trump’s lawyers are reluctant to allow him to sit down for open-ended questioning and are discussing whether to allow him to provide written answers to some of the questions, The Washington Post and NBC News report.

According to NBC, which cited three people close to the story, the talks are “preliminary and ongoing”.

President Trump’s lawyers did not confirm the reports, but told both media outlets: “The White House is continuing its full co-operation with the OSC [Office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller] in order to facilitate the earliest possible resolution.”

The Post, quoting an unnamed source, says the two sides planned to meet again to continue discussions on terms and substance of any interview.

Aside from the Russia angle, special counsel Robert Mueller may also look into whether the president and his inner circle sought to obstruct justice while in office following the firing of FBI director James Comey.

Robert Mueller was appointed by the justice department as special counsel shortly after James Comey’s dismissal.

Sitting presidents have been interviewed by prosecutors in the past, most notably when Democrat President Bill Clinton testified before a grand jury in 1998 over his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

Samsung Expects to Deliver Record Profits for Q4 of 2017

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Samsung Expects to Deliver Record Profits for Q4 of 2017

Samsung Electronics forecasts record profits for Q4 of 2017, but the estimate missed analyst expectations.

The world’s biggest memory chip maker forecast operating earnings of 15.1 trillion won ($14.1billion) – up 64% from a year earlier.

However, while chip prices boosted margins, a stronger won weighed on the figures.

The record guidance comes despite a corruption scandal engulfing Samsung top leadership.

The operating profit forecast is slightly below the 15.9 trillion won estimated by analysts surveyed by Reuters.

The forecast keeps the South Korean company on track for record annual profits, in a year when prices for computer memory chips kept surging.

However, the 2018 outlook is less certain, with Samsung shares having fallen nearly 10% from their all-time high in November, as some investors bet on an end to the chip boom.

Image source Samsung

Lee Jae-yong: Samsung Heir Sentenced to Five Years in Jail for Corruption

Galaxy Note Fan Edition: Samsung Launches New Phone Reusing Galaxy Note 7 Parts

Meanwhile, the market for smartphones and other mobile devices is facing increasing competition from Chinese rivals.

As well as the jailing of its heir apparent Lee Jae-yong for bribery and corruption, Samsung’s reputation was also hit by the global recall of its flagship Note 7 smartphone in 2016, following the fiasco with its overheating and exploding batteries.

However, the problems with the handset did not cause major disruption to Samsung’s finances, helped by its chip business as well as customers seeming unfazed by the incident.

Samsung Electronics is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Samsung Group conglomerate, which is made up of 60 interlinked companies and is one of South Korea’s massive family-run businesses known as chaebols.

#MeToo: Craig McLachlan Denies Harassment Allegations

Lisa.Felice
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#MeToo: Craig McLachlan Denies Harassment Allegations

Craig McLachlan has denied allegations of harassment made against him by three women.

The accusations against the 52-year-old Australian actor concern his time performing in a 2014 production of the Rocky Horror Show.

Three cast members accused the former Neighbors actor of inappropriate touching and harassment.

Craig McLachlan stepped down from the Rocky Horror Show‘s current Australian run on January 8, but rejected the allegations as “entirely false”.

The actor wrote in response to allegations published by the Australian Broadcasting Corp: “Frankly, they seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety.”

The three actresses, Christie Whelan Browne, Erika Heynatz and Angela Scundi, said they had come forward to protect other cast members. Craig McLachlan had been reprising his role as Dr. Frank N. Furter in Adelaide.

The allegations, also published by Fairfax Media on January 8, include Craig McLachlan’s inappropriate behavior against Whelan Browne during a performance.

“I think people who know him know that he’s very generous, warm, funny… I saw a very different side come out in him which was terrifying,” Whelan Browne told the ABC.

Image source IMDb

#MeToo: Corey Lewandowski Accused of Assault

#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

Erika Heynatz, who played Magenta, said she was forcibly kissed by the actor, while Angela Scundi, a chorus member, said she was the subject of unwanted advances.

Two actresses raised concerns with the show’s senior producers but no action was taken, the reports said.

In a statement on January 8, the musical’s production company said it was “shocked” to learn of the accusations.

Gordon Frost Organization said in a statement: “In response, we have spoken to Craig and have mutually agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production of the show.”

It said it would co-operate with authorities and conduct and internal investigation.

Craig McLachlan is a veteran of the Australian entertainment industry, having won Australia’s top TV award – the Gold Logie – and starred in programs including Home and Away and the Doctor Blake Mysteries.

Golden Globes 2018: The Full List of Winners

Sonia Pantiss
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Golden Globes 2018: The Full List of Winners

Fill list of winners at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards, held in Los Angeles on January 7, 2018.

Film categories

Best motion picture – drama

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best motion picture – comedy or musical

Lady Bird

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture – drama

Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – drama

Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture – comedy or musical

James Franco, The Disaster Artist

Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – comedy or musical

Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a motion picture

Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a motion picture

Alison Janney, I, Tonya

Best director – motion picture

Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

Best screenplay – motion picture

Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best animated film

Coco

Best foreign language film

In the Fade

Best original score – motion picture

The Shape of Water

Best original song – motion picture

This Is Me – The Greatest Showman

Golden Globes 2018: Anti-Harassment Speeches Dominate Awards Ceremony

Golden Globes 2018: Oprah Winfrey to Receive Cecil B DeMill Award

Television categories

Best television series – drama

The Handmaid’s Tale

Best television series – comedy

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Best actor in a television series – drama

Sterling K. Brown, This is Us

Best actress in a television series – drama

Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale

Best actor in a television series – musical or comedy

Aziz Ansari, Master of None

Best actress in a television series – musical or comedy:

Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Best television limited series or motion picture made for television:

Big Little Lies

Best actor in a limited series or motion picture made for television:

Ewan McGregor, Fargo

Best actress in a limited series or motion picture made for television:

Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies

Best supporting actor in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television:

Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

Best supporting actress in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television:

Laura Dern, Big Little Lies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J51mIRCCdk8

Golden Globes 2018: Anti-Harassment Speeches Dominate Awards Ceremony

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Golden Globes 2018: Anti-Harassment Speeches Dominate Awards Ceremony

Anti-harassment speeches and powerful statements of unity have dominated this year’s Golden Globe awards.

It was the first major Hollywood awards ceremony since the film industry was hit by harassment scandals, with stars wearing black to honor victims.

Oprah Winfrey summed up the mood, saying “a new day is on the horizon” as she collected an honorary award at the 75th edition of Golden Globes.

The big winner of the night was Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which took home four awards.

It won the best film drama award, with its star Frances McDormand also picking up a trophy for best actress.

Frances McDormand stars as a grieving mother who challenges police over the fact her daughter’s killer has not been found.

Big Little Lies won the most awards in the TV categories, including honors for its stars Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and Alexander Skarsgard. It was also named best limited TV series.

Nicole Kidman won the first award of the night for her role as a victim of domestic violence.

She dedicated her win to her castmates, daughters and mother, saying: “Wow, the power of women.”

Image source Flickr

Time’s Up: Hollywood Stars Launch Initiative Against Harassment

Golden Globes 2018: Oprah Winfrey to Receive Cecil B DeMill Award

The Golden Globes are organized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and are seen as an indicator of which films are likely to do well at the Oscars, which take place on March 4.

The main focus on the night was on the current atmosphere in Hollywood and campaigns like Me Too and Time’s Up, which are focused on bringing about change for women not only in the entertainment industry but also around the world.

Many winners and presenters at the Beverly Hills ceremony addressed the ongoing scandal – with host Seth Meyers setting the tone with his opening monologue.

It was Oprah whose speech had the biggest reaction, with stars applauding and rising to their feet.

Speaking as she was awarded the honorary Cecil B. DeMille trophy – the first black woman to get the honor – Oprah Winfrey said: “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up!”

The theme was echoed by Laura Dern, winner of a best supporting actress for Big Little Lies, who said: “Many of us were taught not to tattle.

“It was a culture of silencing, and that was normalized… May we teach our children that speaking out without the fear of retribution is our culture’s new North Star.”

Barbra Streisand used her presenting slot to express outrage that she remains the only woman to win the best director award at the ceremony – and that was back in 1984.

She said: “Folks, time’s up. We need more women directors and more women to be nominated for best director.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss6qQM054B0

Fire and Fury: Steve Bannon Tries to Reverse Treason Remark

Nancy Clayson
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0
Fire and Fury: Steve Bannon Tries to Reverse Treason Remark

Steve Bannon has tried to reverse remarks in which he called President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr., “treasonous”.

His accusation appears in Michael Wolff’s new book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Donald Trump’s former chief strategist was referring to a meeting in June 2016 between Donald Trump Jr. and a group of Russians.

However, on January 7, Steve Bannon said the barb was directed at former aide Paul Manafort, who was also present.

The Senate, House of Representatives and a special counsel are all investigating alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, allegations denied by both Russia and President Trump.

In a statement first reported by news site Axios, Steve Bannon called Donald Jr. “both a patriot and a good man”.

“My comments were aimed at Paul Manafort, a seasoned campaign professional with experience and knowledge of how the Russians operate,” he said. “He should have known they are duplicitous, cunning and not our friends. To reiterate, those comments were not aimed at Don Jr.”

Image source Wikimedia

Fire and Fury: Michael Wolff’s Donald Trump Book Goes on Sale Days Ahead Its Scheduled Release

Steve Bannon Book: Donald Trump’s Lawyers Issue Cease-And Desist Notice

The original remark, published in Michael Wolff’s book and not disputed by Steve Bannon, appeared to take aim at all three Trump campaign officials in the room, including Donald Jr.

It read: “The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor – with no lawyers. They didn’t have any lawyers.

“Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it’s all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.”

Steve Bannon’s attempt to clarify follows repeated denunciations by President Trump, who dubbed him “Sloppy Steve” and said his former aide “cried when he got fired”.

It also follows the loss of the main financial backer of his conservative Breitbart website, heiress Rebekah Mercer, who said in a rare public statement that she had cut off Steve Bannon from funding following his remarks to Michael Wolff.

Steve Bannon went on in his statement to say he regretted waiting five days to say something, and called Michael Wolff’s reporting “inaccurate”.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House rocketed to the top of the Amazon bestseller list upon publication last week and became the talk of Washington DC and beyond.

Based on first-hand reporting at the White House and, according to Michael Wolff, more than 200 interviews with top administration figures and others, it portrays the president as impatient, unable to focus and with no interest in reading or attempting to understand policy.

France Gall Dies from Cancer Aged 70

Sonia Pantiss
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France Gall Dies from Cancer Aged 70

French singer France Gall has died at the age of 70.

The singer, who rose to fame in the 1960’s, was suffering from cancer for two years.

France Gall was taken to hospital near Paris last month for a severe infection.

She won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 representing Luxembourg with the song Wax Doll, Rag Doll (Poupée de cire, Poupée de son).

France Gall enjoyed more international success in 1987 with her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Ella, Elle l’a.

The singer was born in October 1947 into a musical family – her father was singer and songwriter Robert Gall, who penned songs for music legends Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour, among others.

France Gall was known for her childish smile and sweet voice and, in the words of Le Figaro website, “embodied the emancipation of French girls in the post-war era”. Her career spanned 50 years and Culture Minister Françoise Nyssen described her as “a timeless icon of French song”.

She was just 16 when her first single, Don’t Be So Stupid (Ne Sois Pas Si Bête), sold some 200,000 copies.

However, it was France Gall’s Eurovision victory with Poupée de cire – written by Serge Gainsbourg, one of the biggest figures in French popular music – that helped catapult her to fame and make her a star on France’s Yé-yé (yeah yeah) pop scene, so-called because of its nod to English music at the time.

Image source Wikimedia

Johnny Hallyday Dies Aged 74

France Gall’s death comes a month after the loss of another giant of French music, Johnny Hallyday – widely seen as the leader of the Yé-yé singers.

Her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg later came under scrutiny, however, after she admitted she had been too young to fully understand the double meanings of some of his songs.

One of France Gall’s biggest hits was Les Sucettes (Lollipops), which tells the story of a girl who is “in paradise” every time “that little stick is on her tongue”.

Once she realized its full meaning, France Gall refused to perform the song and vowed never to work with Serge Gainsbourg again.

Her 1987 album Babacar, which included her tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, saw her shoot to international fame.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted about France Gall’s death: “She leaves behind songs that everyone in France knows and set an example of a life devoted to others.”

France Gall had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid-1990s, not long after the death of her husband and fellow singer Michel Berger at the age of 44 in 1992. He had written the music and lyrics for her Babacar album.

She retired from her music career following the death of the eldest of her two children, Pauline, from cystic fibrosis in 1997.

France Gall spent the final years of her life working on various humanitarian projects.

Fire and Fury: Michael Wolff’s Donald Trump Book Goes on Sale Days Ahead Its Scheduled Release

Nancy Clayson
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0
Fire and Fury: Michael Wolff’s Donald Trump Book Goes on Sale Days Ahead Its Scheduled Release

Michael Wolff’s book, Fire and Fury : Inside the Trump White House, went on sale on January 5, days ahead of its scheduled release, despite President Donald Trump’s attempts to block its publication.

The book reveals how White House employees believed Donald Trump’s “mental powers were slipping” and how his team was shocked and horrified by his election win.

Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, and the author have both been the target of the president’s ire over the past few days. Steve Bannon cried when he lost his job last year, President Trump said and Michael Wolff had written a book “full of lies”, the president added.

Image source Amazon.com

Steve Bannon Book: Donald Trump’s Lawyers Issue Cease-And Desist Notice

The book also claims that Melania Trump was in tears of sadness on election night – though she has denied this and the president’s son, Donald Jr., engaged in “treasonous” behavior, according to former Trump aide Steve Bannon (claims denied by the Trumps).

On January 5, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told CNN that he had “no reason to question” President Trump’s mental fitness.

Rex Tillerson said Donald Trump was “not typical of presidents of the past”.

“I think that’s well recognized. That’s also though why the American people chose him,” the secretary of state said.

Camp David Summit 2018: President Donald Trump Meets GOP Leaders to Thrash Priorities

Diane A. Wade
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0
Camp David Summit 2018: President Donald Trump Meets GOP Leaders to Thrash Priorities

President Donald Trump and leading GOP members are meeting to thrash out their priorities for 2018.

According to recent reports, the two-day retreat at Camp David is expected to focus heavily on a strategy before crucial congressional elections in November.

The meeting takes place as a row continues between President Trump and Michael Wolff, the author of a new tell-all book about his presidency.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House raises concerns over Donald Trump’s mental health. The president called Michael Wolff a “total loser”.

Image source WhiteHouse.gov

Steve Bannon Book: Donald Trump’s Lawyers Issue Cease-And Desist Notice

The Camp David summit begins two weeks before the end of President Trump’s first year in office. It will seek to tie up unfinished business by Republicans, who have rallied around Donald Trump during the release of Michael Wolff’s book.

President Trump said as he left for the Maryland retreat: “We have a lot of things to work on, a lot of things to accomplish.”

The agenda is not public, but various media outlets have said the talks could also look at immigration and the opioids crisis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TiyOektUw8

Bomb Cyclone: East Coast Temperatures Hit Record-Breaking Low

Nancy Clayson
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0
Bomb Cyclone: East Coast Temperatures Hit Record-Breaking Low

The US East Coast is shivering in a record-breaking freeze in the wake of a deadly “bomb cyclone” that dumped snow as far south as Florida.

In parts of US and Canada, temperatures were forecast to fall below -20F, with wind chill making it feel more like -90F on January 5.

In Canada, high winds have knocked out power for tens of thousands of residents in Nova Scotia.

Thousands of snow ploughs are clearing roads across the East Coast.

On January 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicted dangerously low temperatures moving into the weekend as frigid air lingering over the North Pole prowls towards the US mid-Atlantic region.

In Massachusetts, residents of Boston, which received over 1ft of snowfall, were clearing the streets with shovels.

It comes just days after a phenomenon described as a “bomb cyclone” brought heavy snowfall to a wide area along the East Coast, as well as hurricane-force winds.

Image source Fox News

Storm Eleanor Causes Power Outages and Affects Transport in Northern Europe

Giant waves caused by the storm saw freezing floodwaters inundate parts of the New England coast.

According to reports, the extreme weather has so far been linked to up to 19 deaths in the US and two more in Canada.

Four deaths were reported in traffic accidents in North and South Carolina. Further fatalities occurred in Wisconsin, Kentucky and Texas.

In Philadelphia, a car was unable to stop at a railway line at the bottom of a steep hill and was hit by a commuter train, killing a passenger in the vehicle.

In Virginia, a girl was fatally struck by a car while sledging, and a 75-year-old man was killed after being hit by a snow plough.

In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where the temperature averaged 20F on January 4, a 13-year-old girl died and 35 others suffered carbon-monoxide poisoning in an apartment building. Seven of those treated were first responders.

The extreme weather caused travel chaos and led to the cancellation of thousands of flights on January 4 and 5.

Most flights have since resumed at airports in New York and Boston.

Experts say the so-called bomb cyclone storm drew moisture and strength from as far south as the Caribbean Sea.

New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, which boasts of having the “world’s worst weather”, was forecast to experience a wind chill temperature as low as -90F on January 5.

Law enforcement in Indiana issued a joke warrant for the arrest of the heroine in Disney movie Frozen, blaming her for the cold snap.

Serena Williams Pulls Out of Australian Open 2018

Clyde K. Valle
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Serena Williams Pulls Out of Australian Open 2018

Serena Williams has decided to pull out of this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

The former world No 1 last week played her first match since giving birth in September.

Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner and the reigning Australian Open champion, said: “Although I am super close, I’m not where I want to be.”

On January 4, Andy Murray pulled out of the tournament, which starts on January 15.

Serena Williams, 36, was eight weeks pregnant with daughter Olympia when she won her seventh Australian Open title in 2017.

The now world No 22 said: “My coach and team always said ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’.

“I can compete – but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time.

“The memory of last year’s Open is one that I will carry with me, and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again.”

Image source Getty Images

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Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: “I’ve been in constant contact with Serena and her team and know this is why she has pushed it and pushed it until the 11th hour to make her final decision.

“Serena transcends the sport in the way she approaches all aspects of her life. It was never going to be good enough for her to just compete.”

Serena Williams lost an exhibition contest against Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi on December 30, 2017, in her first match since giving birth in September.

It is the first time since 2011 that Serena Williams has missed the tournament.

On January 4, men’s world No 4 Kei Nishikori withdrew because of a wrist injury.

There are also doubts over the fitness of No 1 Rafael Nadal and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, who won the title in 2014.

Novak Djokovic, a six-time Australian Open champion, may also miss out with an elbow injury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itU1UGxEy7g

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