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Get It Cheap: 6 Ways For You To Buy Things For Less

Nancy Clayson
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Get It Cheap: 6 Ways For You To Buy Things For Less

Shopping is never-ending. You buy something, and yet you wait to buy more. But the best part of shopping is when you get to buy things at lower prices and tend to save some right amount.

Online shopping has become a significant venue for more customers inclined towards it than retail shopping. With more shopping portals covering every need, it’s like you don’t even need to step out.

What all can you buy online?

 Practically,everything! Yes, online shopping now offers everything at affordable rates. From apparel to accessories, daily food items to ordering food online, electronics to gadgets; you name it, and you get it.

But one thing that has grabbed my attention while shopping online are some sleep products. You can get these products at really affordable rates. The idea that attracted me more towards these sleep products wasn’t their price, but the ease in selecting the best fit product.

Wherever you go to the market to buy mattresses or other sleep products, finding the best product from so many varieties and brands is the real challenge.

While buying online, you get to view each such variety with its detailed description. This allows making a better-informed choice with ease. Such comfort is not available in the retail market.

Image source Flickr

Guide to buy things at less price

So, now the real thing. How to buy efficiently using the online portal and save money.  Well, here I will provide you tips and tricks that you can use to shop online and at best price.

  1. Compare and buy: now this is critical to understand. Just like you shop to shop, from market to market to inquire about price and then buy, likewise, it is imperative to compare the prices of a product on every portal for the best price. Now you will think how it’s different then. Well, buying online means you don’t have to go out from shop to shop physically, it saves you time, effort and money and helps you obtain at less price.

 

  1. Use coupons: there are shopping portals that give you coupons to buy products from their website. While there are sites that provide exclusive coupons that you can redeem for getting things at less price or get a particular benefit.

 

  1. Wait for deals and offers: every site has sometime in the month when it gives products on sale. Such sale gives from 20%-80% discounted products. You can take advantage of such deals to buy things at low prices.

 

  1. Varieties and brands: the primary benefit of buying online is you get hundreds of names and thousands of types of product to compare and sort the best one for you.

 

  1. Referrals: most of the sites now provide you cash points as the reward for referring to friends or family. You can refer and earn such points to redeem them for a cash discount on your purchases. There are points that you receive when your referral also makes purchases from that website.

 

  1. End of season sale: The season’s sale time is the best time to buy products you want at very less price. Like season end for winters or summers. You can also avail festive offers on thousands of products as well.

Well, I suppose emergence of e-commerce has opened new ventures for smooth and effortless shopping. You tend to save money all along the way. Like you don’t have to go out, and products are shipped to your location, so it saves your transportation cost, along with other product discounts.

One thing that e-commerce has given to every customer is access to products from different countries without the limitations of geographical boundaries. Access to international market and international products without having to go anywhere is something that has attracted buyers and sellers alike.

Buying for less is not a game or easy thing. You need to be aware of your surroundings and what is being offered to you. In such a case the portals become a natural source of such information. You get latest trends, fashion, and most recent technology, all in one place. And want all you need to get these, well a good internet connection and download shopping apps. Simple, hassle-free and effortless!

Tricks to Take the Headache Out of Your Health

Nancy Clayson
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Tricks to Take the Headache Out of Your Health

Headaches are an unfortunate fact of life for many people, but that doesn’t mean that
they need to suffer needlessly. There are almost as many headache cures as there are types of
headaches, so you are sure to find something which brings you relief.

1. Hot and Cold
Depending on the type of headache, having either a hot or a cold compress on it will
help immensely. Migraines are specifically said to be helped by cold, so having a bad
full of ice, or an ice pack, against the area which hurts can be very helpful
The opposite end of the spectrum – heat – is useful for both tension and sinus
headaches in particular. Hot compresses, hot showers, or even a long bath, can all
help to make these headaches less painful, or even to make them go away entirely.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

2. Loosen your Hair

Having your hair in a style which is too tight can cause headaches – it draws the scalp
up uncomfortably, meaning that you can’t move in a natural fashion. Loosening your
hair can be enough to ease your headache. To avoid these headaches, try and avoid
hairstyles which pinch your head, or which require you to twist your hair up tightly,
as this will make the scalp underneath tight as well. If you must wear these hairstyles,
try and keep them to a minimum, and spend the next several days with loose styles, to
give your head time to relax.

3. Live on the Dark Side

Migraines can be caused by flickering or bright lights, which can be a problem in
today’s computerised society. If you find that you are suffering from migraines, try
and limit your exposure to such light, and see if this helps you. The way to block this
light is to limit your screen time, put filters on windows and screens of all kinds, and
wear sunglasses on particularly bright days. This should hopefully work to get rid of
headaches.

 

4. Don’t Use Chewing Gum

We all know that chewing gum is an unsightly habit, that it is responsible for a lot of
the litter we see on the roads today, and that every teacher wages a campaign against
it. Chewing gum is very bad for your jaw, since it is constantly in motion, but what
people don’t know is that it can be bad for your head as well. The constant chewing
which is required for gum can cause impact headaches. Spit out your chewing gum,
and eat something else instead.

Being The Boss Is About Making The Tough Calls

Dana R
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Being The Boss Is About Making The Tough Calls

business-men

Picture From Pexels

A lot of people dream about being able to be in charge of a business. After all, what could be better than being able to guide the direction of an entire business and have total control over what happens to it? However, one thing that lot of people tend to forget is that business owners have a lot of pressure and responsibility on their shoulders. If you’re not prepared to handle that kind of thing, then you might not be cut out to own a business at all. The job of the business owners is often to make the tough calls that no one else can manage. If you’re not able to do that, then it can cause a lot of problems for everyone in your business. With that in mind, here are some of the tough calls that every business owner will need to make.

Terminating employees

The idea of having to fire someone is enough to send many people into fits of anxiety. However, it’s a necessary, if unpleasant part of every business owner’s role. Of course, you’re not just going to go around firing people left and right, you need to go through all the right processes of support to help them improve. But sadly, there will be occasions where people don’t take advantages of that support, and you will need to terminate their employment. Just remember to be calm and professional about it. You may also need to develop a thick skin because many people will become upset or angry when this happens.

Where to compromise

Compromise is one of the biggest parts of running any kind of business, and if you’re not able to do so, then you’re almost certainly going to fail. Whether it’s compromising on the number of products that you can ship at any one time or a compromise on the kinds of marketing available to you, being able to balance things carefully in your business is an extremely difficult but completely invaluable skill.

Walking away

There may come a time when your relationship with your business has reached its end, and it’s time to move on to something new. This kind of thing has happened quite publicly with a New Youi boss taking over from the previous CEO who has moved on to a new company. The choice to do something like this is never an easy one, but if you feel as though it’s the best option for both you and the business, then it’s something you have to seriously consider. Just don’t make any rash decisions. Make sure your choice is fully informed and really is the best option for everyone.

This might all sound like a lot of pressure to put on one person, but the key is to make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into as a business owner. The worst thing you can do is to be unprepared for what will happen. Make sure that you always do your research and know what you’re getting into. Otherwise, you could end up in a position that you really didn’t want to be.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Tough Business Decisions

Dana R
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The Ultimate Guide to Making Tough Business Decisions

The business world can be as cruel as the animal kingdom. And if you’ve been around long enough, you undoubtedly know that making tough decisions in the office is inevitable at some point. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the stress of a difficult call –– no matter how intimidating it might seem at first.

Recognize the Unknown

A good leader is not only knowledgeable in their field –– they’re able to understand that they don’t know everything. When faced with a difficult decision, it can be tempting to clam up and isolate yourself. Don’t do this. When you’re facing a problem you’re unfamiliar with, reach out to those who understand it more. For example: say you need to familiarize yourself with immigration laws more thoroughly to develop a modern hiring strategy. In this instance you might want to consult with an h1b lawyer to further understand the issue. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s just the opposite.

office

Walk Away from the Problem

Literally, take a walk and collect yourself. The movement will be good for you (in more ways than one) and take you out of your usual surroundings. Making difficult decisions relies on being able to see multiple aspects to a situation. So make sure that you don’t just sit in the same physical space the entire time. Consider the issue over a long stretch of time and in various places. It’ll help in the long run.

How Bad Could it Get?

Things could get real hairy if you’re not careful handling a tough decision. That’s why it’s imperative to consider the worst-case scenarios of a given option. If one path has a bevy of potentially detrimental consequences and a small chance of success, you need to take that into consideration. There’s nothing wrong with being a pessimist, sometimes.

Put Emotion Back Into It

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “take your emotions out of the decision.” It seems like sage advice. Considering a problem with an objective, disinterested viewpoint should yield the best result. Right? Well, not always. Chances are, if a decision looks good on paper, but doesn’t sit well with your gut or your heart, there’s something fundamentally wrong with it. That’s not to say you should fly by the seat of your pants and make choices based solely on intuition; however, no matter what you ultimately decide, you have to be able to live with the decision you make. Ensure it doesn’t go against your sensibilities even if it makes sense financially.

5 Options That Can Help Minimize Your Pores

Kathryn R. Bown
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5 Options That Can Help Minimize Your Pores

Let’s start with the bad news first: pore size is genetically determined, and some people may have larger-looking pores than others. The idea that you can shrink your pores is, unfortunately, nothing but a really prevalent myth. The good news is that you absolutely can minimize their appearance. Here are tips to help you do just that:

  1. Keep your skin clean.

Enlarged pores are caused by a number of factors. Most commonly, they may physically expand as a result of being clogged with sebum, dirt, or a nasty combination of both. These clogs may present themselves as unsightly blackheads or turn into full-fledged pimples.

Keeping your skin clean is your first line of defense against ugly breakouts and blemishes. Use a pH-balanced facial cleanser that doesn’t dry your skin out. You can also look for cleansers with charcoal that possesses the ability to bind with the grime and oil on your face. This ingredient lifts the gunk from the surface of your skin, allowing it to be rinsed away easily.

  1. Invest in a clay mask.

Clay masks are an effective oil control solution, and their effects can last for days. Since excess oil production is one of the most common causes of enlarged pores, investing in a product that will absorb it can only be in your best interests. Laneige’s Mini Pore Waterclay Mask is made with natural mineral mud from the Yellow Sea and mint water which effectively unclogs the pores and de-slicks the surface of the skin. This combination clears your skin of impurities, helps reduce shine, and refines the overall appearance of pores.

Image source Flickr
  1. Make a habit of exfoliation.

Manual extraction is still the best way to clean pores effectively. But if you can’t make regular appointments with your aesthetician, the next best thing is to exfoliate regularly at home. Slough off the surface layer of your skin with a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation. You can use a facial brush with your favorite cleanser, or look into scrubs to mechanically resurface your skin. If you’re after the benefits of chemical exfoliation, look into exfoliants that contain beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). BHAs effectively provide oil control and reduce the bacteria that cause acne.

  1. Anti-aging is for all ages.

As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which results in sagging, less firm skin. The sagging, in particular, contributes to pores appearing larger. Pores normally have a circular shape, but sagging causes them to shift into a droopy teardrop that is much more visible to the eye.

Combat the signs of aging with retinol and retinoid products, which can be used on the face underneath your favorite moisturizer. Retinol is an anti-aging ingredient that is well-known for fighting wrinkles and encouraging the production of collagen. This ingredient also helps clean out pores and decrease the size of oil glands, which in turn lessens oil production. What do all these mean for your skin? Firmer skin returns pores to the shape they’re meant to be, making them tighter and giving them a much smaller appearance.

  1. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sun damage is one of the major causes of premature skin aging and dullness. That’s because harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun break up the collagen in your skin, which is what keeps it tight and your pores small. Invest in a daily sunscreen lotion or cream that can protect your skin from those harsh rays. Anything with a high SPF and broad spectrum should serve your needs fine.

Reducing your normal pore size might be an impossible task, but it’s always possible to keep your pores from growing bigger. Follow these 5 tips and you’ll not only minimize their appearance, you’ll also get healthier skin in the process.

The Main Business Challenges of 2017 – And How To Overcome Them

Clyde K. Valle
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The Main Business Challenges of 2017 – And How To Overcome Them

Whether you established your business this year and are just becoming aware of the huge challenges that come with running an enterprise, or you are a veteran that is all too experienced with the struggle of juggling growing your business and completing regular admin, every year presents owners with problems to overcome – and 2017 has been no different. Business consultancy experts, Sage, performed a recent survey with small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) and discovered the most common issues entrepreneurs have faced this year.

These issues are particularly challenging for SMBs where teams tend to be much smaller than those of larger enterprises, so employees need to be able to bring a diverse skillset alongside an ability to manage their work-life balance effectively to avoid burning out. Fortunately, living in the digital age that we do, 2017 has also been the year of innovative, cheaper and highly available technology that offers solutions to these common problems.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

Industry Trends

Most owners are aware of the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest best practices for one’s respective industry, but when time is precious, it is easy to see why it quickly falls down the priority list. Yet, failing to stay informed has had negative impact on growth for even some of the world’s biggest businesses, so it is essential to integrate it into your long-term business model.

Sole traders can employee virtual assistants on short or long-term arrangements to provide them with regular reports, while teams can divide areas of responsibility among personnel and stay informed of the latest practices, trends and technologies by accessing free blogs, podcasts and industry magazines, then meeting for monthly deliberations.

Entrusting AI To Handle Admin

Coping with repetitive, time-consuming admin while also trying to expand a business is not a new challenge, but remains one of the most common for SMBs in 2017. However, this year has also seen growing popularity in new and large software developers adopting machine learning software to complete a range of otherwise mundane business tasks.

From using social media AI to track user demographic information and create targeted marketing material, to implementing chatbots to handle 24/7 first-line customer support, machine learning is enabling SMBs to automate a whole range of traditionally time-consuming tasks.

Prioritizing SEO To Win Clients

Search engine optimization continues to become more complex each year as search engine providers seek to make their results more accurate. It is no longer sufficient to simply overload a website with keywords or internal links. Fortunately, there is an abundance of information online in the form of guides, website builders to help non-developers build professional, responsive web pages, and plug-ins to make it easier to detect which parts of a website need SEO to ensure customers can find your business online.

With more businesses establishing themselves online each year, search engines will only continue to adapt and alter their methods for ranking websites. So, as we enter 2018, it is important to prioritize staying updated on your industry’s best practices, both online and offline, and to implement technology automation wherever possible, allowing you and your teams more time to focus on establishing and growing your brand.

8 Cutest Pairs of Matching Father Daughter Sneakers

Lisa.Felice
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8 Cutest Pairs of Matching Father Daughter Sneakers

We’ve heard of father and son as well as mother and daughter matching shoes. What you don’t hear about as much (and what might be the cutest of all) is father daughter matching shoes.

Like father like daughter is a phrase you hear all the time. Celebrate the closeness and similarities between a father and daughter by purchasing a pair of matching father daughter sneakers. No one will be able to resist the cuteness.

Your daughter will look back at photos of you both in matching sneakers and be so happy about the bonding time you had while she was young. With so many shoe stores online, it might be hard to find the right pair of shoe that matches both you and your daughter’s personalities (while still pleasing your wallet, too).

We’ve researched the most adorable pairs of matching father-daughter sneakers online and this is what we found!

Adidas

Adidas shell tops are in style again. They are everywhere.

Get a pair of these Adidas classics for you and your daughter and you both will be stylin’. The photo above is from the kids section, but you’d never guess because the kids and adult shoes look so similar.

Imagine a father daughter day out and how many heads would turn to look at the cuteness that is upon them.

Not only that, but if she hasn’t learned to tie her shoes yet, this is a wonderful experience to teach her. You’ll be wearing the exact same pair of shoes, so you can teach her how to tie laces and use your own as an example.

Ok, keep reading and try not to shed a tear!

Sperry

Though technically some of these pairs of are not sneakers, we just had to include Sperry. They did devote a whole section to parent/child shoe matching!

Sperry has a section specifically for kids to wear shoes like their parents called “Just Like Mom and Dad.” They have lots of adorable miniature sized shoes that are otherwise identical to what their parent would wear.

All of the shoes in this special section are shoes that a father could buy and match with his daughter. Go hiking, boating, or take a walk in the forest, braving the elements together in matching Sperrys.

How cute!

Converse

Universally cool, timelessly in fashion, Converse a fantastic choice for the rocker/alternative dad when matching shoes with his daughter.

These shoes look like they could easily be adult shoes. That’s because Converse offers most of the same styles in adult, so matching father daughter shoes are super easy (and cheap!) to acquire.

Vans

Like most of these choices, Vans are always in style. Easy to slip on and off, they made a practical kids shoe. Take advantage of the efficiency of the shoe and buy a pair for yourself as well!

Dressed up or dressed down, these vans come in a variety of colors and choices to wear to different events. Wear them on a walk to the park, a day at the playground, or celebrating someone’s birthday.

Whatever the choice, the people around you will be delighted.

Skechers

Light up your day and grab two pairs of light up sneakers – one for you and one for her!

Who knew light up shoes would not only come back in style, but that they would become hugely popular with adults of all ages?

Skechers offers adult male light up sneakers along with the kids. Imagine walking around the mall in matching light up shoes. So many kids will see and tell their parents they want to do the same!

Light up birthday parties, weddings, and anything else that calls for fun!

Nike

What’s cuter than tiny Nikes?

Be the coolest father daughter duo in town by grabbing a pair of matching Nikes. They’re comfortable, so you can walk around all day sporting your favorite athletic brand while father daughter bonding.

If you want to make it even more darling, you could even buy completely matching nike outfits.

Maybe that’s not such a good idea, because people will probably start fainting of cuteness-overload at that point.

Air Jordan

For those who are more into Jordans, there are unbelievably cute matching father daughter sneakers to buy.

These pairs definitely run higher on the price range, but true Jordan fans will sacrifice for their favorite brand.

You will be sporty along with your stylish daughter. Teach her how to pair Jordans with pants, jeans, and shirts for that perfect look. You’ll both be the talk of the neighborhood!

Keds

Dress simply in clean white Keds. They go with almost any outfit, and most importantly, you’ll match with your daughter. Heck, the whole family could wear these together!

She can wear these with a light sundress or dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt along with her father. However they’re worn, they’ll look nice. Afterall, they’re Keds!

The only challenge, of course, will be teaching her how to clean them clean.

Father Daughter Bonding

Sure, matching pairs of shoes is cute and all, but what it’s really about is bonding! Unforgettable childhood moments like this will live on in her memory forever.

Honestly though, you could wear matching shoes well into her adult life and it would still be awesome.

K-Pop Superstar Jonghyun Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

Sonia Pantiss
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K-Pop Superstar Jonghyun Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

K-pop superstar Jonghyun was found dead on December 18 in a suspected suicide.

Jonghyun, whose full name was Kim Jong-hyun, was found unconscious in an apartment. He was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

Korean media, citing police sources, are suggesting authorities are treating his death as a suicide.

Jonghyun was the lead singer of one of South Korea’s biggest pop groups SHINee.

A note said to be written by Jonghyun has been posted on social media by his close friend, Nine, a member of another pop group Dear Cloud, revealing a struggle with depression.

Pop artist Nine posted the note on Instagram. It said: “I was broken from the inside. The depression that was slowly devouring me, at last consumed me.”

She said Jonghyun had sent the note to her, instructing her to make it public if he “disappeared from the world”.

Dear Cloud’s management Mymusic Entertainment confirmed to news agency Yonhap the note was posted after consultation with Jonghyun’s family.

Image source Wikimedia

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The note spoke about his struggle with living in the public eye, saying “the life of fame was never meant for me”.

“What else can I say more. Just tell me I’ve done well. That this is enough. That I’ve worked hard. Even if you can’t smile don’t fault me on my way.”

However, no details were given as to when the note was written or sent to Nine.

Fans on Twitter were quick to pick up on what many saw as Jonghyun’s last request to them.

According to AFP, the singer had sent several text messages to his sister, including one saying “this is my last farewell”.

Jonghyun was considered by many of his fans to be a very sensitive young man who did not embrace the hedonism of stardom.

As well as being a singer and dancer, Jonghyun played a large part in Shinee’s songwriting and production. He also launched a successful solo career in 2015.

The management of SHINee, SM Entertainment, released a statement describing Jonghyun as someone “who loved music more than anyone”.

Fans were told they could pay condolences at a funeral hall at the hospital in Seoul, and were turning up there throughout December 19.

SHINee band was founded in 2008 as a five member group under SM Entertainment, and quickly rose to become of the biggest K-pop boy groups.

Conceived in South Korea in the 1990s as a Western-Asian hybrid, K-pop is now a multi-million dollar industry.

It is at the forefront of the so-called Korean Wave – the spread of Korean music, drama and film across Asia and worldwide.

Over the past years, SHINee recorded several albums in Japanese and in 2017 sold out the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome and part of their Japan tour. Earlier this year, they also played their first North American tour.

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

Track Palin: Sarah Palin’s Son Arrested After Assaulting His Father

Nancy Clayson
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Track Palin: Sarah Palin’s Son Arrested After Assaulting His Father

Sarah Palin’s eldest son, Track, has been charged with assault and burglary after a confrontation with his father involving a firearm.

According to police, Track Palin, 28, allegedly broke into his parents’ Alaska home through a window on December 16.

Court documents obtained by media say the former Republican vice presidential nominee’s son said he was on pain medication and had been drinking.

Track Palin was arrested in 2016 for allegedly punching his girlfriend.

After he eventually pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm while intoxicated, other charges were dismissed in that case.

Police documents, published by the LA Times, said Sarah Palin called the police at about 20:40 on December 16 to say her son was on “some type of medication” and was allegedly “freaking out”.

The affidavit by a responding officer said they found the former Alaskan governor “visibly upset” at the property.

Image source Wikimedia

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Police say that when they arrived they had a stand-off with Track Palin in which he moved around the house and at one stage went out onto the garage roof. They say he demanded police put their weapons on the ground and allegedly called them “peasants”.

According to police, the struggle between the two men happened after Track Palin said he was coming to the property to retrieve a vehicle, and threatened to beat his father.

Todd Palin, Sarah Palin’s husband, told police he armed himself with a pistol when his son arrived, but was disarmed and was left bloodied.

Track Palin was charged by police with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault and criminal mischief, and remains in police custody.

A statement to media from the family requested privacy, and said the Palins were unable to comment further on the case.

Earlier this year Track Palin’s ex-girlfriend Jordan Loewe applied for a protective order against him, having previously requested full custody of their one-year-old son.

Amtrak Train Derailment Kills at Least Six near Tacoma

Nancy Clayson
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Amtrak Train Derailment Kills at Least Six near Tacoma

At least six people died and dozens rushed to hospital after an Amtrak train on its inaugural run in Washington has derailed.

The carriages crashed on to the highway below at the height of the morning rush hour.

Police say there were “multiple” fatalities on board the train, which hit vehicles on the I-5 highway below.

Images from the scene show that all the carriages of the high-speed train appear to have left the track.

It was Amtrak’s first passenger service to run on a new, shorter route.

Train 501 had left Seattle, heading south for Portland, at 06:00 local time. The derailment happened on a section of track, south of Tacoma, previously only used for freight trains.

Reports suggest 77 people have been taken to hospital.

Several cars on the highway were struck by the derailed carriages. Aerial images show the train’s carriages littered across the ground, on both sides of the bridge carrying the railway over the highway.

Image source CNBC

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Pierce County Sheriff’s department spokesman Ed Troyer said there were “multiple” fatalities on the train but no motorists had been killed.

The fire department had taken many people out of the train and they had been transported to hospitals, he added.

President Donald Trump’s first reaction to the derailment was to tweet that it showed the need for his forthcoming infrastructure plan.

He tweeted: “The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!”

The president later added that his thoughts and prayers were with those involved.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency in two counties.

Amtrak said approximately 78 passengers and five crew members had been on board the train.

Gov Jay Inslee said he was praying for the many injured.

He tweeted: “Today’s tragic incident in Pierce County is a serious and ongoing emergency. Trudi and I are holding in our hearts everyone on board, and are praying for the many injured.”

Officials have set up a family reunification center at DuPont city hall, and asked people not to come to the scene of the crash.

Atlanta Airport Power Outage Affects Thousands of People

Nancy Clayson
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Atlanta Airport Power Outage Affects Thousands of People

Tens of thousands of people have been affected by a power outage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson international airport that led to a partial shutdown on December 17.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the world’s busiest, handling more than 250,000 passengers and almost 2,500 flights every day.

Passengers were left in darkened terminals or on board planes.

Power is now restored at the airport, but there have been more than 1,000 flight cancelations, with hundreds more scheduled for December 18.

Many flights scheduled to arrive from other airports were being diverted elsewhere or held at their departure airport.

In a statement, the airport confirmed they had suffered a power cut shortly after 13:00 local time on December 17. Flights are expected to resume at 06:00 local time on December 18.

Image source Marine Corps Base Quantico

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Georgia Power, which supplies the airport’s electricity, said it believed a fire at an underground electrical facility was to blame for the power cut. According to officials, a piece of its switchgear could have failed and started the fire, causing cable damage.

Power was fully restored to the airport late on Sunday, December 17.

Atlanta’s mayor confirmed the fire’s cause was under investigation, and apologized to the thousands affected.

A number of major airlines, including United, Southwest and American Airlines, completely suspended their operations on December 17.

Images shared on social media showed passengers waiting in darkness. Some reported being stuck on board aircraft for six hours.

The local police department confirmed they had sent extra officers to help the airport with the situation.

About 30,000 passengers were reportedly affected by the power cut.

Atlanta is located within a two-hour flight of 80% of the US population, making the city a major port of entry into the US and a common stopover for travel within the country.

President Donald Trump Denies He Is Planning to Fire Robert Mueller

Diane A. Wade
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President Donald Trump Denies He Is Planning to Fire Robert Mueller

President Donald Trump has denied he is planning to fire Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Tensions have been rising between the White House and Robert Mueller’s inquiry.

On December 16, a lawyer for Donald Trump’s presidential transition group said thousands of emails had been unlawfully obtained by Robert Mueller’s team.

Responding to questions over the legal row, President Trump said it was “not looking good” and his people were “very upset”.

The president said, while returning from a weekend trip to Camp David: “I can’t imagine there’s anything on them, frankly, because, as we said, there’s no collusion.”

Donald Trump’s administration has denied working with Russia in the 2016 election and the president labeled the investigation “a witch hunt”.

Responding to a media question on the White House lawn on whether he was considering firing Robert Mueller amid his criticism, President Trump responded: “No, I’m not.”

Several Democratic lawmakers had expressed concern, and on December 15 the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Adam Schiff, said he feared Republican members wanted to shut the probe down.

Image source Wikimedia

Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

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Several former members of Donald Trump’s campaign team are facing charges as part of the investigation.

Kory Langhofer, a lawyer working for the Trump for America (TFA) group – who helped Donald Trump’s transition to the White House after his election, complained on December 16 after the group became aware Robert Mueller’s investigation had obtained tens of thousands of their emails.

He sent a letter to congressional committees claiming the records had been obtained unlawfully.

The TFA group had used the facilities, including email hosting, of a government agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), in the period between Donald Trump’s election in November 2016 and inauguration in January.

In his letter, Kory Langhofer, says GSA staff “unlawfully produced TFA’s private materials, including privileged communications” to Robert Mueller’s investigation team.

The emails obtained reportedly involve 13 Trump transition officials, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI earlier this month.

The GSA, Kory Langhofer complains, “did not own or control the records in question” and maintains the constitutional rights of transition officials were violated.

A spokesperson for Robert Mueller said they had done nothing wrong.

Peter Carr said: “When we have obtained emails in the course of our ongoing criminal investigation, we have secured either the account owner’s consent or appropriate criminal process.”

GSA Deputy Counsel Lenny Loewentritt has denied another of Kory Langhofer’s accusations, that the GSA gave assurances that requests for Trump transition records would go through the group’s lawyers.

Lenny Loewentritt told BuzzFeed that the transition group knew materials would have to be provided to law enforcement “therefore, no expectation of privacy can be assumed”.

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell tweeted that the accusations were “another attempt to discredit Mueller as his #TrumpRussia probe tightens”.

US intelligence agencies believe Russia tried to tip the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump – a charge denied by both Moscow and the president.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gSLweKLru8

Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

Diane A. Wade
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Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

Kory Langhofer, a lawyer for a group set up to help Donald Trump’s transition to the White House, has accused special counsel Robert Mueller of unlawfully obtaining thousands of emails.

He made the comments in a letter to congressional committees.

However, a spokesperson for Robert Mueller said the “appropriate criminal process” had been followed.

Robert Mueller is investigating allegations of collusion between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.

Kory Langhofer works for the Trump for America (TFA) group. It used the facilities, including email hosting, of a government agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), in the period between Donald Trump’s election in November 2016 and inauguration in January.

In his letter, Kory Langhofer, says GSA staff “unlawfully produced TFA’s private materials, including privileged communications, to the special counsel’s office”.

The GSA, he complains, “did not own or control the records in question” and the constitutional rights of transition officials were violated.

Kory Langhofer goes on to ask Congress to act to protect future presidential transitions from having “private records misappropriated by government agencies, particularly in the context of sensitive investigations intersecting with political motives”.

The emails obtained reportedly involve 13 Trump transition officials, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI earlier this month.

A spokesperson for Robert Mueller said they had done nothing wrong.

“When we have obtained emails in the course of our ongoing criminal investigation, we have secured either the account owner’s consent or appropriate criminal process,” Peter Carr said.

Image source Wikimedia

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

Robert Mueller Investigation: Donald Trump’s Campaign Adviser George Papadopoulos Lied About Russia Links

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GSA Deputy Counsel Lenny Loewentritt has denied another of Kory Langhofer’s accusations that the GSA assured that requests for Trump transition records would go through the group’s lawyers.

He told BuzzFeed that the transition group knew materials would have to be provided to law enforcement “therefore, no expectation of privacy can be assumed”.

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell tweeted that the accusations were “another attempt to discredit Mueller as his #TrumpRussia probe tightens”.

US intelligence agencies believe Russia tried to tip the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump – a charge denied by both Moscow and the president.

President Trump has called Robert Mueller’s investigation a “witch hunt” while other Republicans accuse it of bias.

Michael Flynn became the most senior Trump official to be charged as part of the invetigation after admitting making false statements to the FBI about meetings with Russia’s ambassador.

Another ex-aide, George Papadopoulos, has also pleaded guilty to making false statements to FBI agents.

In October, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and his business associate Rick Gates were accused of conspiring to defraud the US in dealings with Ukraine. Both deny the charges, which center on relations with a former Ukrainian president who was very close to Russia.

On December 15, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Adam Schiff, said he feared Republican members wanted to shut down their own investigation.

According to media reports, President Trump’s private lawyers are expected to meet Robert Mueller and members of his team next week to discuss the next phases of the inquiry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFdfkPkf_t8

#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

Nancy Clayson
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#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

Lawyer and academic Anita Hill will chair a special commission against harassment in the entertainment and media industries.

The first meeting of the commission, which was created by top industry executives, was attended by a wide range of entertainment industry giants.

Spearheaded by female executives, including Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy, it will reconvene in 2018.

It comes after a string of allegations made against dozens in Hollywood.

The group was announced on December 15 following a meeting convened by Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, Nike co-chair Maria Eitel, lawyer Nina Show and venture capitalist Freada Kapor Klein.

A wide range of industry leaders attended the first meeting, including the chairman of Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal.

The commission said it will meet in the new year to define its scope and priorities in the wake of weeks of allegations against prominent industry figures, including producer Harvey Weinstein.

Image source Wikimedia

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Kathleen Kennedy said: “The Commission will not seek just one solution, but a comprehensive strategy to address the complex and inter-related causes of the problems of parity and power.”

Anita Hill brought harassment to national prominence in the US in 1991 when she publically testified that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had harassed her when he was her boss at the Department for Education and at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

After her private allegations were leaked to the press, Anita Hill testified publicly at a televised investigative committee where her allegations came under attack. He was eventually confirmed in the position, despite her testimony.

Now a professor at Brandeis University in Boston, she said it was “time to end the culture of silence”.

She said: “I’ve been at this work for 26 years. This moment presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make real change.

“I’m proud to be leading this newly-formed Commission on a long overdue journey to adopt best practices and to create institutional change that fosters a culture of respect and human dignity throughout the industry.”

“We will be focusing on issues ranging from power disparity, equity and fairness, safety, harassment guidelines, education and training, reporting and enforcement, ongoing research, and data collection,” she added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BQkGF2D8w0

Alleged North Korean Economic Agent Arrested in Australia

Roy Siemens
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Alleged North Korean Economic Agent Arrested in Australia

Australian authorities have arrested a man for allegedly acting as an economic agent for North Korea.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) said that Chan Han Choi, 59, has been charged with brokering illegal exports from the country and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.

Police allege Chan Han Choi has broken both UN and Australian sanctions.

The case against Chan Han Choi, who has lived in Australia for more than 30 years, is the first of its kind in the country.

It is the first time anyone has been charged under Australia’s 1995 Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act.

Police say there was evidence that Chan Han Choi had been in contact with “high ranking officials in North Korea”.

They allege he had brokered services related to North Korea’s weapons program, including the sale of specialist services including ballistic missile technology to foreign entities, in order to generate income for the North Korean regime.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

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Chan Han Choi also was charged with brokering the sale of coal from North Korea to groups in Indonesia and Vietnam. He is facing six charges in total after being arrested at his Sydney home on December 16.

In a news conference, police confirmed the man was a naturalized Australian citizen of Korean origin who had been in the country for over 30 years.

They described him as a “loyal agent” who “believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose”.

However, police insisted Chan Han Choi’s actions did not pose any “direct risk” to Australians, with the actions occurring offshore.

“I know these charges sound alarming. Let me be clear we are not suggesting there are any weapons or missile component that ever came to Australian soil,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said.

“Any individual who attempts to fly in the face of sanctions cannot and will not go unnoticed in Australia.”

Chan Han Choi could face up to 10 years in prison and has been denied bail.

In October the Australian government said they had received a letter from North Korea urging Canberra to distance itself from the Trump administration.

North Korea had previously warned that Australia would “not be able to avoid a disaster” if it followed US policies towards Kim Jong-un’s regime.

#MeToo: Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd Blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein

Sonia Pantiss
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#MeToo: Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd Blacklisted by Harvey Weinstein

Mira Sorvino said she is “heartsick” after learning she may have lost out on major roles because of Harvey Weinstein.

According to Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, both Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd were “blacklisted” following conversations with Harvey Weinstein’s company.

Both actresses have claimed Harvey Weinstein harassed them.

Harvey Weinstein has denied allegations of misconduct, and of blacklisting the actresses.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was initially in development with Weinstein’s Miramax company, before being passed to New Line Cinema.

In an interview with Stuff.co.nz this week, Peter Jackson said he was interested in casting both women in the blockbuster franchise.

He told the website: “I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998.

“At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us.

“I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women – and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list.”

“In hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing,” he said.

Mira Sorvino tweeted: “Just seeing this after I awoke, I burst out crying.”

“There it is, confirmation that Harvey Weinstein derailed my career, something I suspected but was unsure. Thank you Peter Jackson for being honest. I’m just heartsick.”

Image source Wikipedia

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Ashley Judd, meanwhile, recalled how her involvement progressed far enough to be invited by Jackson to see preparation work for the blockbuster trilogy.

She tweeted: “I remember this well.

“They asked which if the two roles I preferred, and then I abruptly never heard from them again. I appreciate the truth coming out.”

In a statement through a publicist, Harvey Weinstein denied the allegations that he was involved in blacklisting Mira Sorvino and Ashely Judd, saying that the casting for Lord of the Rings was carried out by New Line Cinema – not Miramax.

The statement said that Ashley Judd was cast in two other movies by Harvey Weinstein, and that “Sorvino was always considered for other films as well.”

Harvey Weinstein’s denial prompted Peter Jackson to write a further response, carried by Entertainment Weekly, calling it a “deflection from the truth”.

“In the 18 months we developed the Lord of the Rings at Miramax, we had many casting conversations with Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and their executives,” the director wrote.

“The movies changed hands from Miramax to New Line before casting actually got underway – but because we had been warned off Ashley and Mira by Miramax, and we were naive enough to assume we’d been told the truth, [we] did not raise their names in New Line casting conversations.”

Harvey Weinstein is the central figure of the Hollywood harassment scandal, in which dozens of actresses have accused him of misconduct.

Mira Sorvino and Ashley Judd were among the first women to publicly share her experiences of harassment from Harvey Weinstein back in October.

Harvey Weinstein  has “unequivocally denied” any allegations of non-consensual acts.

Apotex Founder Barry Sherman and Wife Found Dead

Clyde K. Valle
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Apotex Founder Barry Sherman and Wife Found Dead

Canadian billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife have been found dead at their home in Toronto in circumstances that police described as “suspicious”.

The bodies of Barry and Honey Sherman were found in the basement by an estate agent, reports said.

Barry Sherman was the founder and chairman of pharmaceutical giant Apotex, which sells generic medicines around the world.

He was one of Canada’s richest men and a prominent philanthropist.

There was no sign of forced entry to the property, police said in a statement on December 15. Local media reported that investigators were not searching for a suspect at this time.

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Detective Brandon Price told Canadian broadcaster CBC that investigators were still trying to determine if there was foul play involved.

Police gave few details and did not confirm the identities of the deceased. However, they were named locally by friends and by officials who reacted with shock at the news.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau tweeted his condolences to the couple’s family and friends: “Sophie and I are saddened by news of the sudden passing of Barry and Honey Sherman. Our condolences to their family & friends, and to everyone touched by their vision & spirit.”

Ontario’s Health Minister Eric Hoskins also said on Twitter: “I am beyond words right now.

“My dear friends Barry and Honey Sherman have been found dead. Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care.”

Senator Linda Frum presented Barry and Honey Sherman with a Canadian 150th anniversary medal in late November, awarded to Canadians for “generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work”.

“Today I am gutted by the loss of Honey and Barry Sherman. Our community is steeped in grief. I am heartbroken,” she said.

A police spokesman said emergency services were called to the house just before noon on December 15.

“The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way,” said Constable David Hopkinson.

Barry and Honey Sherman had recently put their luxury home up for sale and their bodies were found by an estate agent who was at the property to prepare it for an open-house viewing, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported, citing a family member.

Barry Sherman’s company said in a statement: “All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”

The couple had four children.

Barry Sherman founded Apotex Inc in 1974 and the company says it is now the seventh biggest drug maker in the world.

Forbes magazine puts Barry Sherman’s personal net worth at $3.2 billion.

Finding Success In Real Estate Development

Dana R
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Finding Success In Real Estate Development

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The real estate industry is a popular one because it offers the perfect business model. There are always going to be consumers for this type of business because people will always want somewhere to live. Of course, that’s quite a basic “stripped-back” way of looking at the real estate industry. Getting into this line of business as a property developer and an entrepreneur requires some preparation. You most likely don’t have any experience or expertise but if you have money to invest then you’re good to go. Obviously, you need to do some research to avoid making costly mistakes. Let’s talk through the steps that will lead you towards success in real estate development.

Buying your first property.

Buying your first property is a daunting move but also the start of a new business, in a sense. Your goal is to buy somewhere with the potential for improvement because you want to make a sizeable return on your investment so as to pour more money into the next property. You’re looking to add value to whatever property you buy but you do also need to think about the area in which the property is based. Location has a massive impact on a house’s value. If you’re aiming to sell a property to a family then think about how close it is to local schools, playgrounds, and so on. If you’re aiming to sell a property to working professionals then think about how easy it is to commute from that area to the local town or city.

As for adding value to the property itself, you don’t need to burn additional money in order to do so. You’re aiming to keep your expenses as low as possible so that your gross profit is respectable when you eventually sell the property. If you take the DIY approach to sprucing up your home then you’ll reduce costs and maximize the resale value. You should start by repainting the walls a neutral color to both make the interior look brand new and to brighten up the house. White naturally reflects light. And you should make sure you tidy up the garden too because a property’s exterior makes the first impression on buyers. A vibrant, colorful front lawn could make all the difference to potential buyers.

Expanding your empire.

Buying and selling properties one at a time is time-consuming and you could ultimately make far more money by expanding your business to deal with multiple properties. You’ll probably need help if you’re expanding your empire beyond dealing with one property at a time, of course. It’ll be hard to ensure your business remains a one-person operation if you’re juggling multiple houses or flats. You could look into a company such as LJB Construction to help with constructing and developing a Homeowner’s Association community if you’re ambitious enough to develop and market an entire residential subdivision. Taking that leap is brave but it could definitely be rewarding in terms of the returns on your investment.

Marketing your business.

When it comes to finding success as a property developer, the final piece of the puzzle is marketing. You need to build a name for your brand so as to ensure good future relationships with both buyers and associates with whom you might have a relationship, as a real estate investor. Referrals are key, so you need to make sure you prioritize customer service so as to get the best testimonials possible for your business.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Date Set for May 19, 2018

Lisa.Felice
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Date Set for May 19, 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set their wedding date for Saturday, May 19, 2018, Kensington Palace has announced.

The palace tweeted: “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will marry on 19th May 2018.

“Today’s announcement follows earlier confirmation of the month of the wedding and its location at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.”

The date breaks with tradition as royal weddings usually take place on a weekday – Queen Elizabeth wed on a Thursday and Prince William on a Friday.

The wedding will be on the same day as the FA Cup Final, which Prince William normally attends as FA president.

Image source Getty Image

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding to Be Held at Windsor Castle in May 2018

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The time of the match has yet to be confirmed, but in recent years it has taken place at 17:30 GMT.

The Royal Family will pay for the wedding, including the service, music, flowers and reception.

The event will take place just a month after Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to welcome their third child to the family.

Meghan Markle will be baptized into the Church of England and confirmed before the wedding.

Earlier this week, Kensington Palace announced the couple will be spending Christmas together at Sandringham with the Queen.

Prince Harry and the 36-year-old American actor carried out their first official engagement in Nottingham on December 1.

5 Frequently Made Mistakes That Are Compromising The Results of Your Weight Loss Diet

Nancy Clayson
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5 Frequently Made Mistakes That Are Compromising The Results of Your Weight Loss Diet

When you decided to lose weight and managed to find a great diet to help you achieve this goal, you also imagined that things were going to run smoothly. But, after a while, you realize that your diet is not making you lose the promised number of pounds. The instant reaction triggered by the bad results of your weight loss diet is to actually blame the diet. While the diet you used may indeed be inefficient in your case, there are a couple of mistakes people frequently do when it comes to losing weight, which can compromise their weight loss expectancies. So take a look at them below and do your best to stay away from making such mistakes.

You didn’t manage to reduce your calories efficiently

The main purpose of a weight loss diet is to allow you to burn more calories than you actually eat. This is why constant exercising is needed, besides just following a diet. But, if you didn’t manage to cut calories efficiently, and you eat more than you consume, then the chances are that you’re going to gain weight instead of losing it. First, you need to determine how many calories you need to eat per day without gaining or losing weight. Once you know this, all you have to do is to cut their number and monitor your daily calorie intake.

Proteins are scarce in your diet

Many people have a wrong perception when it comes to consuming proteins while trying to lose weight. You need to stop believing the myth that proteins are bad for weight loss. They are actually helping you lose weight because proteins need more energy to be broken down so that means more calories burned while suppressing your appetite and building lean muscles.

You’re not having as many vegetables as you should

Vegetables are a must in any weight loss diet, so if you are not managing to lose sufficient weight than probably you’re not eating enough veggies. They contain a lot of fibers, high in water, have a high volume while providing little calories, and rich in macronutrients and antioxidants. In other words, they will keep you full for longer, allow you to eat them in generous quantities, and protect your body’s functions and health.

Your diet is made out of all the wrong foods

Not every diet you find out there is actually a good diet. For instance, although fruits juices are presented as diet-friendly, they are not, because they contain too much sugar and too little fibers. Thus, a good diet consists of whole and natural foods that have a great nutrient input in your diet. Also, do consider getting the help of weight loss supplements if you think that your diet is not sufficient. Forskolin extract is a type of supplement you seriously need to consider, Dr. Oz talked about in many of his shows. You can read more about it at Livin. This supplement is made out of an incredible exotic fruit that stimulates your body to burn fat while keeping cravings at bay.

You’re not eating foods that contain healthy fats

This is one of the biggest mistakes most people do when trying to lose weight. They consider that all fats are bad, so they stop eating foods with any kind of fat, including healthy fats. Your body needs fat in order to function well, so make sure you provide it from healthy sources. Olive oil, avocado, fish, these are all sources of healthy fats that will contribute to a great energy level throughout your diet while reducing the sensation of hunger and promoting weight loss.

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

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

Oprah Winfrey will be the next recipient of the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award at the 2018 Golden Globes ceremony.

Golden Globes head Meher Tatna announced: “For generations, Oprah has celebrated strong female characters on and off screen, and has been a role model for women and young girls for decades.”

Oprah’s honor was announced by actor Morgan Freeman – who won the same prize in 2012.

The TV star will receive her award at January’s Golden Globes awards.

They are voted for by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HPFA).

The Oprah Winfrey Show was one of the most-watched programs in US history.

Meher Tatna described Oprah as “one of the most influential women of our time”.

Image source Flickr

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The prize is presented annually at the Golden Globes ceremony, recognizing “a talented individual who has made an incredible impact on the world of entertainment”.

Meher Tatna described Oprah as a “global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress”, adding: “She has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today.”

Previous Cecil B. DeMille award winners include last year’s recipient, Meryl Streep, along with Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Sidney Poitier and Martin Scorsese.

Along with her famous chat show, Oprah has also enjoyed a career as an actress, including an Oscar-nominated role in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, in 1986.

She also starred in The Butler and Selma, which she produced.

Oprah Winfrey is also well-known for her charity work – this year marks the 10th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

Does the Gaming Industry Need a Shake-Up to Avoid Stagnation?

Nancy Clayson
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Does the Gaming Industry Need a Shake-Up to Avoid Stagnation?

One of the unwritten rules associated with these modern times is that what could be applicable today is often outdated or irrelevant tomorrow. This is particularly true when we consider the situation of the gaming industry. These sector must be able to keep pace with changing technologies alongside the needs of the players themselves.

In other words, the motto of this sector could very well be “change or die”. How can modifications be put into place while simultaneously avoiding the “business-as-usual” mentality? The answers to this question are actually much simpler than many have been led to believe.

Image source Flickr

The Role of Big Data

Some feel that big data is only important within fields such as sales, marketing and analytics. This is a very dangerous assumption. We must envision gaming providers much in the same way as any organization which is trying to understand what its clients desire. Big data is able to address several issues and some examples of important metrics include:

  • The playing habits of the client base
  • When customers access a specific page
  • Which games are the most popular
  • How often users interact with a dedicated social media page

Knowing how these variables can impact a gaming website is the first step involved with streamlining current processes to adapt to the changing needs of the consumer.

More Variety

One of the most notable trends throughout the gaming industry as a whole is the tendency for large providers to offer more games than ever before.  Game developers that are able to supply their clients with a greater number of choices are likely to enjoy higher retention rates; key within such a competitive marketplace.

The Insights of the Players Themselves

Developers need to know what players are thinking and how any recent changes may affect the overall gaming experience.  Allowing users to access games can provide invaluable insight into the creation process. By obtaining user-based opinions, it is much easier to know whether or not a specific idea should be implemented. In other words, the customer is (normally) right.

Adding New Life to Traditional Games

It is just as important to highlight the changing needs of home-based games. While their traditional appeal cannot be denied, we need to remember that they are facing rather stiff competition from the digital community. This is why thinking outside of the box is critical.

The role of technology cannot be overstated and when deployed in conjunction with physical gameplay, the results are often truly staggering. However, a good ideal of research is still required in order to determine which modifications will produce the best results over time.

Proactive Versus Reactive

Above all, game developers should strive to actively determine what their audiences enjoy on a regular basis. There is little use in correcting a problem after it has already caused players to lose interest. A proactive approach will provide the insight and clarity required to make the best decisions when the time is right.

Following these intuitive suggestions will help the gaming industry avoid any needless stagnation and to retain its loyal customer base.

What Finance Experts Have to Say About Bitcoin

Cate Palmer
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What Finance Experts Have to Say About Bitcoin

Bitcoin is clearly surging right now, with its value currently reaching $17,000 USD and is looking more and more like a sure investment. Yet it’s vital for anyone looking to invest in cryptocurrencies not to get lost in all the promises and actually stay well informed about Bitcoin’s technological progress.

Prior to considering if you should buy Bitcoin (BTC), you should know the history of the technological aspect of Bitcoin as well as what the experts believe lies ahead in its future.

With the biggest value of Bitcoin being its instant and secure P2P (peer-to-peer) payment transactions, it is now more than ever looking like it’s going to become the primary cryptocurrency in the global market, with over a 1,500% increased value in 2017 alone. Or is it? Let’s see what the finance experts have to say.

Is It a Bubble or Not?

According to the UBS Wealth Management, they are not boarding the hype train that bitcoin is ever to become a legitimate currency. Their global chief economist, Paul Donovan, highlights that cryptocurrencies are only valuable when they are accepted as currencies. Add the fact that bitcoin can’t be used for most important transactions plus that cryptocurrency supply can only rise, which makes them a bad store of value. His report further states that there’s no economic backing for the huge increase in bitcoin prices, which almost certainly means that it’s a bubble.

More Coins Means More Value

On the other hand, co-founder of FundStrat Global Advisor, Tom Lee, believes that Bitcoin will only gain in value over the next five years. He compares the Bitcoin to a social network, stating that the more engagement it gets the more it’ll grow in value. The idea behind is that the more coins are being issued, the more people will be using bitcoin as a master ledger – which basically means that bitcoin’s value is growing with the addition of more cryptocurrencies.

An Independent Cryptocurrency

Braden Perry, a partner at Kennyhertz Perry LLC, states that the world may be ready for a currency that’s decentralized and actually controlled by the people, especially since governments are known for power abuse – now more than ever. A currency without borders that’s available to anyone who can buy it might be a solution for the world we’re stepping in. However, he also states that Bitcoin may have a long journey ahead since it still requires greater adoption and more simplicity if it’s ever going to appeal to the general public.

Some Will Get Rich, Some Will Get Burned

At the moment, selling bitcoins probably seems like a great way to quickly raise a lot of money without any questions asked. Of course, some people will get rich out of it. In fact, some already are. But what about fears of being ripped-off? That’s almost as certain, state the experts, as some people will get burned while investing in cryptocurrencies.

Peter Smith of Blockchain company, which already went through the investment period with Bitcoin, is now looking to invest in Ethereum, a new cryptocurrency with a different architecture. Still, he advises people to be cautious and know what they’re doing before they actually start investing. As any leading accounting firm can tell you, you need to understand the market before you actually start investing.

Bottom Line

While there’s certainly going to be nay-sayers when it comes to cryptocurrencies, the concept itself is almost certainly going to survive and advance in the next couple of years. And what about bitcoin? No one can tell for sure, but the fact is that even though its prices are skyrocketing at the moment – it’s still volatile and can’t be easily used for trading. The best advice anyone can give you on cryptocurrencies is to actually know why they’re gaining so much popularity. Understanding them will mean that you can make a safer decision instead of just blindly following the hype train.

Kentucky House Republican Dan Johnson Kills Himself Following Assault Accusations

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kentucky House Republican Dan Johnson Kills Himself Following Assault Accusations

Kentucky House Republican Dan Johnson, who defiantly denied allegations that he assaulted a teenage girl in the basement of his home, died in an apparent suicide on December 13, the county coroner said.

According to Bullitt County Coroner Dave Billings, Dan Johnson, 57, died of a single gunshot wound on Greenwell Ford Road in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

Dave Billings said Dan Johnson stopped his car at the end of a bridge in a secluded area, then got out and walked to the front of the car. He said an autopsy is scheduled for December 14.

“I would say it is probably suicide,” he said.

Dan Johnson was elected to the state legislature in 2016, part of a wave of Republican victories that gave the GOP control of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the first time in nearly 100 years. He won his election despite Republican leaders urging him to drop out of the race after local media reported on some of his Facebook posts comparing Barack and Michelle Obama to monkeys.

Image source Fox News

The pastor of Heart of Fire church in Louisville, Dan Johnson sponsored a number of bills having to do with religious liberty and teaching the Bible in public schools.

He was mostly out of the spotlight until December 11, when the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting published an account from a woman saying the pastor assaulted her in the basement of his home in 2013.

At the time, the woman told police, who investigated the incident but closed the case and did not file charges.

On December 12, Dan Johnson held a news conference in the pulpit of his church, which he began by leading friends and family in singing a portion of the Christmas carol O Come All Ye Faithful. The lawmaker said the allegations against him were “totally false” and said they were part of a nationwide strategy of defeating conservative Republicans. He referenced Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who faces assault accusations from multiple women.

On December 13, shortly before 5PM, Dan Johnson posted a message on his Facebook page that asked people to care for his wife. He wrote that PTSD “is a sickness that will take my life, I cannot handle it any longer. It has won this life, BUT HEAVEN IS MY HOME.” The post appears to have been removed.

Top Software to Prepare Taxes For Your Property Business

Nancy Clayson
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Top Software to Prepare Taxes For Your Property Business

Thousands of taxpayers have yet to file their returns. However, if you happen to be among the 10 million Americans who have a relatively simple tax scenario, you can benefit from some of the best online tax software available.

Here are a few of the industry’s best tax preparation software.

TurboTax

Simple prompts and streamlined instructions make TurboTax the undisputed leader of all the tax software available on the market today. With a reliable customer support tool and intuitive features, tax calculation has never been any more comfortable.  

With TurboTax, you get a quick process that guides you to a friend and not a manual. Businesses like Karkanja property management have been using TurboTax for many years with great success. The software is loaded with applicable ‘FYI’s’ and links to TurboTax’s resources. All prompts are aptly placed to make sure nobody misses anything to make significant waves in return.

The Complete Check function does a comprehensive review of your tax return before you file. Therefore, the software guarantees error-free calculations for more accuracy.

TaxAct Online

TaxAct Online Premium offers reliable and affordable personal (and self-employed) tax preparation support that works for all types of tax scenarios. This fact is the reason why it ranks as the second-best tax software after TurboTax.  

Not only does it offer excellent support, TaxAct also does all of the necessary calculations when you enter your financial information. It accurately puts all answers onto the appropriate lines. There are all kinds of help options available at every step of the way.

TaxAct efficiently addresses all your queries and prompts you with quick reminders to highlight any potential problems before you print your paper returns. Similar to all other services, you don’t have to pay anything until that point.

TaxSlayer

Tax Slayer has three different types of versions you can choose. The software is critically acclaimed and can be used free of charge for both state returns by 1040EZ filers as well as by federal tax filers. To easily import the data payroll of W-2 tax filers, they can use the Classic version. Moreover, this version supports necessary IRS forms as well. It is also capable of extracting relevant information from the files before the current tax year. However, this is a paid feature. You will have to pay $22 as per the state you are applying for and $17 for all federal returns.

Users can decide on the kind of software version that suits them best. They can then start calculating returns by setting up an account by creating a username and password. Users who benefitted from TaxSlayer last year can save time as the software imports vital information while ensuring accuracy in every area. TaxSlayer provides an easy way to schedule all your needs by selecting the forms you have to complete.

Final Thoughts

There are many horror stories about how time-consuming and sometimes expensive tax preparations and bookkeeping can be. That may be the case if your financial situation is complicated. However, if you do not own multiple businesses or several homes; you can quickly benefit from the tax preparation software mentioned above.

Some of them are free while others charge a small fee, which is pretty much negligible considering the convenience and functionality their features can offer. Before you pay taxes, it’s important to incorporate your business and choose a legal entity that suits your tax budget.

 

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