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Compelling Reason to Invest in the UAE

Dana R
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Compelling Reason to Invest in the UAE

sea-beach-holiday-vacation

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The United Arab Emirates – or UAE – is like nowhere else on the planet. It has fantastic, golden beaches and is surrounded by warm, crystalline waters. The sun is out almost all year round, and there are a vast array of incredible structures – both ancient and modern. Of course, anyone thinking of investing in businesses in a foreign country shouldn’t be blinded by great weather and impressive scenery. But, the good news for investors who are eyeing up the UAE is that it delivers in spades. Here are some compelling reasons why investment in the United Arab Emirates is becoming more popular than ever before.

Low property prices

First of all, despite the fact that the UAE seems packed to the brim with incredible skyscrapers, there is still a lot of space in the region. And that means that somewhere like Dubai will give you a lot more square yardage than the equivalent money will get you in Paris, London, or New York. Even supposed cheap places such as Mumbai in India offer far less value for money. So, if you are a property investor, the question isn’t why should you go to the UAE and buy some real estate – it’s when.

dubai

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Local growth plans

The governing bodies of the UAE are putting a lot of pressure on developers – so much so that they are canceling licenses and even implementing fines to businesses that don’t deliver on completion. This fact shows the government is so fixated on growth in the area that they are willing to take strong action when things go wrong. While this might be worrying for developers, it’s a great sign for investors – you can almost guarantee that the UAE’s focus on growth in many sectors – not just for oil –  will be razor sharp for many years to come.

A growing economy

There are plenty of reasons why business people and investors are rushing to the UAE in their droves. But one of the most compelling factors is that the economy of Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi are pretty robust at the moment – and not just because of oil. Businesses of all descriptions are moving out there to get a presence in the Middle East, and tourism is also becoming an essential part of the national GDP. In fact, the UAE is expected to receive upwards of 40 million visitors every year by 2024.

Tax purposes

It doesn’t cost you a cent in taxes to invest in real estate in the UAE – and that includes investors from foreign countries. Other charges exist, of course, but in comparison the high tax levies paid in many other countries, the UAE offers significant savings.

Conclusion

The UAE paints quite the pretty picture for investors. As the government keeps trying to attract investors, businesses, and workers to the region, there is plenty of opportunities to get excellent returns on your investment. Even small assets could go on to make you a decent return, given the enormous influx of people, tourists, and companies coming into the United Arab Emirates. Good luck!  

Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korea and Malaysia Ban Each Other’s Citizens

Roy Siemens
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Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korea and Malaysia Ban Each Other’s Citizens

In a growing row over the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, North Korea and Malaysia have banned each other’s citizens from leaving their countries.

The extraordinary actions come amid North Korean fury at Malaysia’s ongoing investigation into Kim Jong-nam’s death at a Kuala Lumpur airport. He was killed with potent VX nerve agent.

Malaysia has not directly blamed North Korea for the killing of the North Korean leader’s half-brother, but there is widespread suspicion Pyongyang was responsible.

North Korea has fiercely denied any accusations of culpability and the row over the assassination – and who has the right to claim Kim Jong-nam’s body – has rapidly escalated over the past two weeks.

Both Malaysia and North Korea have already expelled each other’s ambassadors.

North Korea’s state news agency KCNA said on March 7 that “all Malaysian nationals in the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] will be temporarily prohibited from leaving the country until the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved”.

It said this was to ensure the safety of it citizens and diplomats in Malaysia.

Malaysians in North Korea country would be able to carry on their lives as normal, it added.

Image source Getty Images

Furiously, Malaysian PM Najib Razak said it was an “abhorrent act” which was “in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms”.

Malaysians were effectively being held hostage in North Korea, the prime minister said in a statement.

He said: “Protecting our citizens is my first priority, and we will not hesitate to take all measures necessary when they are threatened.”

Initially, Deputy PM and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that in response, North Korean embassy staff and officials would not be allowed to leave.

“We need to take similar steps as they have manipulated the murder,” he was quoted as saying.

However, PM Najib Razak later said the ban would extend to all North Koreans.

Malaysian officials have said there are believed to be 11 Malaysian citizens currently in North Korea, mostly diplomats. They also estimate there are about 1,000 North Koreans currently in Malaysia.

Until last week, North Koreans did not need a visa to enter Malaysia.

Such actions are highly unusual. Under Article 13 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, “everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country”.

Malaysia has signed that declaration, but North Korea has not.

The ban also breaks the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which both countries have ratified.

A post-mortem examination on Kim Jong-nam’s body found he was killed by a dose of VX nerve agent, a substance classified as a weapon of mass destruction, as he waited to board a flight to Macau on February 13.

So far, only two people – an Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman – have been charged with murder. They have said they thought they were taking part in a TV prank.

A detained North Korean was released last week because of lack of evidence, but Malaysia is seeking a number of other North Koreans, including a diplomat.

On March 7, Malaysia’s police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said he believed two of those suspects were hiding inside the North Korean embassy compound in Kuala Lumpur.

“We will wait and if it takes five years we will wait outside, definitely somebody will come out,” he told reporters.

Armed police have been deployed outside the North Korean embassy, cordoning it off, Malaysian media reported.

ObamaCare Replacement Plan Unveiled by House Republicans

Diane A. Wade
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ObamaCare Replacement Plan Unveiled by House Republicans

House Republicans have unveiled a plan to replace ObamaCare, the signature health care law of former President Barack Obama.

The ObamaCare replacement would repeal penalties for those who do not buy health insurance.

The legislation would also replace income-based subsidies to help with the cost of premiums with age-based tax credits.

Democrats immediately criticized the plan, saying it would drive up the costs of health care.

The Affordable Care Act helped 20 million previously uninsured Americans get health insurance.

However, increases in insurance premiums have irked many Americans.

The new plan would reduce the role of the federal government in helping Americans afford healthcare.

Millions of Americans will receive health insurance cover for the first time as ObamaCare comes into effect

The White House said in a statement: “Today marks an important step toward restoring health care choices and affordability back to the American people.”

President Donald Trump looked forward to working with Congress to repeal and replace the law, it said.

He has described ObamaCare, which was passed in 2010 and is seen as Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement, as “a disaster”.

The Republican Party has majorities in both chambers of Congress but divisions remain on the details of what should replace ObamaCare, which is popular in many states, including some governed by Republicans.

The new legislation is expected to cover fewer people than those who gained insurance under Barack Obama.

A group of four Republican senators have already said that a draft of the legislation they reviewed did not adequately protect low-income people who received Medicaid coverage under ObamaCare.

The proposal unveiled on March 6 would preserve some popular elements of the existing law, including allowing young people to remain on their parents’ insurance plans until the age of 26.

Insurers would also remain banned from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

While penalties for those who don’t buy health insurance would be scrapped, those who let their coverage lapse could see their premiums raised by 30% by insurers.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said the bill would “drive down costs, encourage competition, and give every American access to quality, affordable health insurance”.

He said no one would have “the rug pulled out from under them”.

However, some conservatives have already voiced concerns that the bill does not go far enough.

“It still looks like ObamaCare-lite to me,” said Senator Rand Paul.

President Trump Signs New Immigration Executive Order

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Signs New Immigration Executive Order

A new executive order placing a 90-day ban on people from six mainly Muslim nations has been signed by President Donald Trump on March 6.

Iraq, which was covered in the previous seven-nation order, has been removed from the new list after agreeing additional visa vetting measures.

The new order, which includes a 120-day ban on all refugees, takes effect on March 16 to limit travel disruption.

The previous order, which was blocked by a federal court, sparked confusion at airports and mass protests.

Citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, the other six countries on the original list, will once more be subject to a 90-day travel ban.

Iraq was taken off the banned list in the original order – which was issued on January 27 – because its government has boosted visa screening and data sharing, White House officials said.

The new directive says refugees already approved by the State Department can enter the United States; it limits the number allowed in to 50,000 for the year.

Image source Flickr

The order also lifts an indefinite ban on all Syrian refugees.

Green Card holders from the named countries will not be affected by the new order.

The new order also does not give priority to religious minorities, unlike the previous directive.

However, critics of the Trump administration had argued that was an unlawful policy showing preference to Christian refugees.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions held a joint news conference on March 6 to discuss the new directive.

Rex Tillerson the order was meant to “eliminate vulnerabilities that radical Islamic terrorists can and will exploit for destructive ends”.

Jeff Sessions said that, according to the FBI, more than 300 people who entered the US as refugees are under investigation for potential terrorism-related offences.

He said three of the countries were state sponsors of terrorism.

The other three, the top prosecutor said, had lost control of territory to militants such as ISIS or al-Qaeda.

John Kelly added that unregulated and unvetted travel was putting national security at risk.

He told reporters: “Our enemies will exploit our freedoms and generosity to harm us.”

John Kelly said the US cannot tolerate “malevolent actors using our immigration system to take American lives”.

None of the cabinet secretaries took any questions after the press conference.

Peugeot-Citroen to Buy Opel for 2.2 Billion Euros

Clyde K. Valle
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Peugeot-Citroen to Buy Opel for 2.2 Billion Euros

Groupe PSA, the French company that owns Peugeot and Citroen, has struck a 2.2 billion euro deal to buy General Motors’ European unit, including Opel and Vauxhall.

GM Europe has not made a profit since 1999 and the deal has raised fears about job losses at Vauxhall.

With GM’s Opel and Vauxhall operations, PSA would become the second largest automaker in Europe, behind Volkswagen.

Peugeot Citroen has set out plans to cut 8,000 jobs and close an assembly plant outside Paris as losses mount
Peugeot Citroen has set out plans to cut 8,000 jobs and close an assembly plant outside Paris as losses mount

Carlos Tavares, chairman of PSA’s managing board, said in statement: “We are confident that the Opel/Vauxhall turnaround will significantly accelerate with our support, while respecting the commitments made by GM to the Opel/Vauxhall employees.”

PSA said it would return Opel and its Vauxhall brand to profit, and expected to make savings of $2.2 billion per year by 2026, with most of the cuts made by 2020.

Next year PSA will decide where it will make the next generation of Astra cars currently made in the UK against the background of Brexit negotiations.

Global Population Challenges Predicted in Near Future

Dana R
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Global Population Challenges Predicted in Near Future

An ever growing global population is one of the biggest challenges that will face the world in the coming decades, several reports have shown. 2012 was a milestone year when the population was estimated to have passed seven billion for the first time. However, this is a figure that shows no signs of slowing down in coming years. According to a United Nations report, it will pass eight billion by the year 2027, before passing nine billion just over two decades later in 2050.

Stabilization of the world’s population is something that many people think should be prioritised in order for the human race to battle against many of the great challenges of our time including poverty, food and water shortage and climate change. Here are just a few of the challenges that have been identified by experts that will affect people all over the world.

Picture Credit

 

Ageing Population

People living longer – particularly in advanced western societies – is one of the main contributing factors to population growth around the world. As an illustration of this fact, in the UK, it has been estimated that 1 in 3 babies born in the year 2013 or beyond will live past their 100th birthday.

Firstly, this means that care bills and medical costs are likely to skyrocket in coming years as people need support for a complex range of health issues. As well as this, the retirement age is likely to be pushed up as it will become unsustainable for the working age population to support so many pensioners.

With age, comes experience so one of the challenges of future societies will be to harness the expertise of an older population for the good of mankind.

A Housing Crisis

Many western countries have found that they are struggling to build enough affordable homes for people. In the last two or three decades in particular, housing costs have spiralled out of control, and many young people have found it next to impossible to get their foot on the housing ladder without significant financial support.

Communities continue becoming more developed and urbanised, meaning the sites that are available for development have more complications and require a geotechnical consultant and other experienced planners to solve the issues. As the population increases, the issue of space becomes a major one.

Uneven Growth

Even though global population as a whole is on its way up quickly, that’s not to say that every country is growing at an equal rate. While many countries in Africa and Asia continue growing apace, countries in western Europe and other advanced areas of the world may see a decline.

With this imbalance, comes challenges. More people may see less populated countries as attractive places to live, causing a continuation of the mass migration we have seen in recent years. Within poorer countries themselves, cities may no longer be able to cope with population rises so people could be forced out into shanty towns or other temporary accommodation.

Growing Inequality

In the last few years in particular, we have seen a growing gap between very rich and very poor people. Rather than being constrained to a handful of countries, this seems to be something that is happening in nations across the globe. A rapidly growing population means that the concentration of wealth in the hands of the few will inevitably bring problems.

People from poorer communities, particularly those in underdeveloped countries, are likely to have the highest number of children. More people born in these conditions mean more people that are in need of the most support.

Feed the World

Photo Credit

Perhaps the most pressing concern is how to feed the extra billions of people who will be coming into the world in the next few decades. The 20th century saw a so-called ‘green revolution’ which significantly increased food production through irrigation, pesticides and fertiliser.

With the increase of industrialised agriculture, it was initially thought that global food production would continue at a rapid rate. However, some research has shown that it is currently stagnating. The current high yields of food require fossil fuels amongst other things. As they become more difficult to obtain, it is likely that prices will continue to be pushed higher and higher.

On top of this, soil erosion has continued to increase over time due to intensive farming practices, meaning there will be less space for growing crops in the future. Also, it is still unknown how any climate change of the next few years will impact on farming.

Environmental Pressure

There’s no doubt that human beings have has an enormous impact on the environment, and with a growing population, comes increased challenges. Global warming and climate change are two hotly debated issues that will continue to come up time and time again in the future.

One of the big challenges is that much of the population growth that is happening is is poorer areas of the world. Countries like China and India, which have the two biggest populations in the world, are in the process of rapidly industrialising. They also don’t have the same environmental and pollution controls of other western countries.

Whatever side of climate change people fall on, there is no doubt that the world will have to come together as a whole to take on the challenges of human’s impact on the environment. 

Only by tackling these issues head on will the world be able to deal with the challenges brought on by a rapidly increasing population. We now live in a more interconnected world than ever before, brought together by the power of technology. Responses will be required quickly, and the sharing of ideas is something that needs to continue in order for a consensus to be drawn.

Ultimately, there will be no right or wrong answers as population growth is something that will happen unevenly throughout the world. But despite this unevenness, the challenges that arise will affect each and every individual on Earth.  

France Elections 2017: Alain Juppe Will Not Replace Francois Fillon

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: Alain Juppe Will Not Replace Francois Fillon

Former French PM Alain Juppe has no intention to replace under-fire presidential hopeful Francois Fillon, despite pressure to do so.

Francois Fillon has denied allegations that members of his family were paid taxpayers’ money for fictitious jobs.

He has lost support within the center-right party and in opinion polls ahead of the first round of voting in April.

Alain Juppe, seen as his most likely replacement, attacked his rival’s “obstinacy” but said he would not run.

According to opinion polls, Alain Juppe would have progressed into the second round of the election. Francois Fillon is not projected to make it past the first round.

They have been rumbling on for more than a month now – and the longer they have gone on, the more Francois Fillon has dug in (seemingly at the expense of his own chances of the presidency).

The former prime minister has fought allegations that his Welsh-born wife, Penelope, was paid for a number of years for work that she did not do as his parliamentary assistant.

Image source Wikimedia

However, Penelope Fillon, who insists she did work for her husband, told French magazine Journal du Dimanche last week that “everything was legal and declared”.

Also under scrutiny are claims that two of Francois Fillon’ children, Marie and Charles, were paid by their father’s office for legal work even though they had not yet qualified as lawyers.

At a mass rally in Paris on March 5, Francois Fillon told tens of thousands of supporters, once again, that he would fight on.

However, key members of his campaign team have abandoned him and several leading Republicans have wavered in their support.

Alain Juppe, like Francois Fillon a former prime minister, did not hold back against any of the leading candidates on March 6.

However, he reserved his angriest comments for Francois Fillon, whose talk of a plot, and criticism of judges and the media, “has led him into a dead-end”.

“What a waste,” he said.

The pressure on Francois Fillon is likely to grow next week, when he is due to appear before a judge to be placed under formal investigation for embezzlement.

In the short-term, Francois Fillon’s party will hold a unity summit on March 6, a meeting he has been urged to attend.

His drop in favorability and Alain Juppe’s decision look like clearing the way for the young centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron to battle it out against Marine Le Pen in the second round. Polls give him a clear edge over the National Front candidate.

A big question mark now hangs over former President Nicolas Sarkozy. Defeated in the first Republican primary by Alain Juppe and Francois Fillon, he had called for an emergency meeting between the three of them.

North Korea Launches Four Ballistic Missiles into Sea of Japan

Roy Siemens
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0
North Korea Launches Four Ballistic Missiles into Sea of Japan

FourNorth Korean ballistic missiles have been fired towards the Sea of Japan, South Korea military says.

Three of the missiles fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) after flying some 600 miles in what Japanese PM Shinzo Abe called a “new stage of threat”.

They were fired from the Tongchang-ri region, near North Korea’s border with China, the South Korean military said.

The type of missile is unclear but North Korea is banned from any missile or nuclear tests by the United Nations.

According to a South Korean military official, the launch had taken place at 07:36 local time on March 6 and was being investigated to determine the type of projectile used.

The US military said later it had detected and tracked a launch but had determined that it did not pose a threat to North America.

Photo KCNA

State Department acting spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement: “The United States strongly condemns the DPRK’s ballistic missile launches tonight, which violate UN Security Council Resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea’s launches using ballistic missile technology.”

On March 3, Pyongyang threatened to fire missiles in response to the Foal Eagle military exercises under way between South Korea and the US. North Korea sees the annual drills as preparation for an invasion against it.

Today’s launches were just the latest in a long series of tests of North Korean missile technology, which experts say is likely to be improving with successive tests.

North Korea has repeatedly said its space program is peaceful but it is believed to be developing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the US.

However, most believe North Korea is still some time away from being able to miniaturize nuclear warheads so they could fit on to a missile.

Last month Pyongyang said it had successfully test-fired a new kind of ballistic missile in a launch supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The first test-firing since Donald Trump became president, it was condemned by the UN, the US, South Korea and Japan.

Recent activity in the Tongchang-ri region, home to the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, has been a cause for concern for Japanese officials.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, screens have been set up in key areas, probably to deter satellite surveillance.

On March 5, South Korea said it would quadruple the reward it pays defectors from North Korea who share information that will help enhance security to $860,000.

FBI Director James Comey Rejects Donald Trump’s Wiretapping Claim

Diane A. Wade
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FBI Director James Comey Rejects Donald Trump’s Wiretapping Claim

James Comey has rejected President Donald Trump’s claim that Barack Obama ordered a wiretap of his phone before he was elected president.

According to the New York Times and NBC, the FBI director reportedly asked the DoJ to publicly reject Donald Trump’s allegation.

James Comey is said to have asked for this because the allegation falsely insinuated that the FBI broke the law.

The DOJ has not commented.

It appears James Comey believed there was no evidence to support President Trump’s allegation.

The president, who faces intense scrutiny over alleged Russian interference in support of his presidential bid, made the claims in a series of tweets on March 4.

Image source Wikipedia

Donald Trump offered no evidence to support his allegation that phones at Trump Tower were tapped during his campaign.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer went on to say there had been “very troubling” reports “concerning potentially politically motivated investigations immediately ahead of the 2016 election”.

All the evidence indicates the answer is no. A spokesman for former President Barack Obama said Donald Trump’s allegation charge was “simply false”.

A warrant, if it existed, would most likely have been ordered by the DoJ independently of the White House.

The only way Barack Obama could have ordered surveillance without going through the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court is if there was no US citizens involved.

In this case, considering the target is allegedly Trump Tower in New York – which would definitely have involved American citizens – this would have been hard to argue.

James Clapper, who was director of national intelligence under President Obama, has categorically denied a FISA court order existed.

Leading Democrats have called on the White House to produce evidence to support Donald Trump’s claim.

Meanwhile, the White House has called on Congress to investigate whether the Obama administration had abused its powers.

Both Congress and the FBI are currently investigating contacts between the Trump election campaign and Russian officials, after US intelligence agencies assessed that Russia had interfered with the election to help Donald Trump win against his Hillary Clinton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLNKo5T_enY

SEO Techniques – How to Find Cost Effective Keywords You Can Realistically Rank For

Nancy Clayson
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SEO Techniques – How to Find Cost Effective Keywords You Can Realistically Rank For

Keywords are very important elements before you begin any search campaign. You need to include the right keywords in your content so that search engines can quickly tell what your website is about when they crawl and index its web pages. With so many keyword research tools available today, there’s no excuse for not finding the right keywords. Let’s look at a few tips to help you find a set of perfect keywords you can rank for.

Use the Google keyword tool

Using the keyword tool, you can get numerous ideas of keywords based on your product or service title. Opt for long-tail keywords which are basically 3 to 5 phrases and may have lower search volumes. Long-tail keywords are easier to rank for, cheaper to bid and more likely to send targeted traffic that’s easier to convert.

There are many tools that you can choose from in terms of keyword research. You can also explore the Amazon research tool when it comes to the titles of your products or services. You’ll certainly learn about ways on how to rank better using particular keywords.

Trending search queries

beverage, black coffee, business

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/beverage-black-coffee-business-chart-33972/

You may also want to figure out what is popular on search and use it to come up with keyword ideas. Look for trendy search queries or topics. List down those related to your product or service. You can use Google Trends to discover trending search queries and add them to your list of keywords.

Add a location to generic keywords

When you have a list of generic keywords, consider adding your location to make them stand out from the crowd. You can add the name of your city or country to the keyword. This will help to ensure that your site appears on local search results. Location-based keywords are usually very effective if you have a physical location for your business. These keywords can even improve site rankings by making sure your business shows up on Google Maps.

Review your analytics data

business, charts, commerce

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-charts-commerce-computer-265087/

Google Analytics can also give good ideas on what kind of keywords are bringing in the traffic to your website. Look at the search traffic each page gets. Review some of the keywords that are getting the most traffic. You can add these words to your keyword list and use them in your website copy to boost rankings.

Check the competition

You may also review some of the keywords or phrases that your competitors are ranking for. There are tools for keyword analysis that can help you to check which words and phrases each web page is being optimized for. You can then consider looking for variations of that keyword.

Salvează

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Dana R
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For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Image source

It is still early doors in Trump’s mind-boggling presidency, but I’d say we have reason to fear. He has already tried to implement a ‘Muslin ban’, which failed, so he is now trying again. He has tried to protect working class Americans by appointing billionaires to his administration. He has tried to limit the rights and access of the free press. He has made DeVos responsible for the education of our children. He has hit out at ‘fake-news’ while perpetually spreading fake news, such as his latest unsubstantiated and unsupported claim of a wire-tapping organised by Obama. He has denied speaking to the Russians despite having spoken to the Russians. And he has consistently used Twitter to vent his rage without consulting with his advisors about the very topic in which he is venting his rage.

Unfortunately, he seems to be every inch the president we feared he would be, a danger to society, to equality, to the environment and to the balance of the world (oh we wish we were being dramatic, but we’re not).

As such, we have come up with a few pieces of advice that we hope will help protect you, the people you love and the society around you from whatever harm his presidency may bring. Think of this as a sort of survival guide.

Image source

Know Your Rights

Way before Trump ever announced he was going to run for president he has come out with controversial comments; controversial comments that only got worse as he announced his decision to run, and comments that have become a real threat since he took office. There is the wall, there is the bigotry, the Muslim ban and the abolition of Obamacare. All of these things suggest you need to know your rights and protect yourself with a complete understanding of the law. Depending on your race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or religion, you focus may change, but use every and any source you can to protect yourself. It could be you need to learn about asylum law, or what rights a refugee has. It could be you need to know about your rights as a homosexual and whether they are under threat. As such, a great place to start is to head to the American Civil Liberties Union and educate yourself on the different rights that affect you and your loved ones. These tights may be subject to change, so stay up to date with the news, read what you can and speak to lawyers. You may not need to worry, but it could be better to be safe than sorry.

Be Medically Responsible

Trump promised to repeal Obamacare in his campaign, and he wasted no time in doing so once he took to the office. In fact, the Republicans dismantled Obamacare without even having a replacement lined up. What’s more, our President has now brazenly said that the issue of medical care is more complex that he thought. Duh. However, before Trump dismantles the current health care law anymore, now is a great time for you to speak to your doctor and discuss any long-term medical needs you may have. This should be focussed on your specific needs. So if you are a veteran of the armed services, find out what your rights are. If you are a young woman, get clarity on things like birth control and hormones. If you have a long-standing diagnosis, then talk to your doctor about medications for your chronic illness. No one knows what rules and laws will change, but think about the future, say about 4-years into the future.

Time To Rally At A Local Level

The major cities have already shown constant protests taking place, especially in Washington with more people turning out for the Women’s March than for Trump’s inauguration (which is amazing for society and totally embarrassing for Trump). However, the chances are that the rules will change to prevent protests gaining traction on a national scale. But that is okay because it could be more effective to protest and join hands at a local level. So identify a cause you care deeply about and see if there is a local organisation working on that issue and if there is any way you can be of assistance and lend your voice. It could be you do this in your school or through the local government or just looking online, but the more you make noise the more your representatives will have to listen. Four years may feel like a long time to have Trump in The White House, but there will be votes on the houses before then, and that is where you can really hurt Trump’s progress.

Protect Those With More To Fear

There are a lot of people who are fearing for the civil liberties and their human rights, and you may be one of those. But you must not forget that there are others who are in more immediate danger of certain laws being given the go ahead, laws that could completely change their lives. It could be that you are white, able-bodied and straight and therefore have nothing to fear. But have a little compassion for those who aren’t. Have some empathy for those that face a rather uncertain future because of Trump’s right-wing policies. As such, it could be that you uphold a civil duty to protect those less fortunate than yourself. That is what society is all about. It is strength in numbers and protecting one another from harm.

Your Data May Be Unsafe

Chances are, given what Trump has insinuated in the past, there will be an increased focus placed on surveillance activity and a new focus placed on monitoring the online activities of civilians. As such, you may want to invest in certain data protection software, such as Tor and Signal, which will offer you that extra safeguarding. What’s more, it could be worth sharing this piece of advice with friends and family to ensure they are protected from big brother as well.

 

James Clapper Denies Donald Trump’s Wiretapping Claim

Diane A. Wade
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James Clapper Denies Donald Trump’s Wiretapping Claim

James Clapper, the director of National Intelligence at the time of the US election, has denied there was any wire-tapping of Donald Trump or his campaign.

He told NBC that he knew of no court order to allow monitoring of Trump Tower in New York.

Donald Trump had accused President Barack Obama of ordering the wiretap but offered no evidence.

The White House has asked Congress to examine whether the Obama administration abused its powers.

Meanwhile, the New York Times quoted senior officials as saying that FBI director James Comey had asked the justice department to publicly dismiss President Trump’s allegation this weekend.

The officials were quoted as saying that James Comey believed there was no evidence to support the allegation, which he thought insinuated the FBI had broken the law.

However, the DoJ has made no such statement, and the Times said neither it nor the FBI had officially commented.

James Clapper, who left his post when Donald Trump took office on 20 January, told NBC’s Meet the Press: “There was no such wire-tap activity mounted against the president-elect at the time, as a candidate, or against his campaign.”

He said that as intelligence director he would have known about any “court order on something like this. Absolutely, I can deny it”.

However, James Clapper added: “I can’t speak for other authorized entities in the government or a state or local entity.”

Some media reports had suggested a warrant was sought from the foreign intelligence surveillance court (FISA) in order to monitor members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials.

James Clapper’s comments appear to contradict the reports, which said that a warrant was at first turned down, but then approved in October 2016.

Under FISA, wire-tapping can only be approved if there is probable cause to believe that the target of the surveillance is an agent of a foreign power. President Obama could not lawfully have ordered such a warrant.

In his interview, James Clapper also said that no evidence had been found of collusion between the Trump team and the Russian government.

Donald Trump, who has faced intense scrutiny over alleged Russian interference in support of his presidential bid, made his wire-tapping allegation in tweets written from his weekend home in Florida early on Saturday.

The president called the alleged tapping “Nixon/Watergate”, referring to the notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon.

Donald Trump’s claims sparked Republican and Democrat politicians alike to demand details to back them up. Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio was the latest, saying on March 5 that “the White House will have to answer as to exactly what he was referring to”.

However, in his series of tweets on March 5, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer did not provide any further evidence.

Sean Spicer said: “Reports concerning potentially politically motivated investigations immediately ahead of the 2016 election are very troubling.

“President Trump is requesting that as part of their investigation into Russian activity, the congressional intelligence committees exercise their oversight authority to determine whether executive branch investigative powers were abused in 2016.”

The press secretary added: “Neither the White House nor the President will comment further until such oversight is conducted.”

White House deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told ABC News that if President Trump’s allegations were true, “this is the greatest overreach and the greatest abuse of power that I think we’ve ever seen and a huge attack on democracy itself”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrO7ePSOM6w

Trump Tower Wiretapping: President Donald Trump Urged to Provide Evidence

Diane A. Wade
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0
Trump Tower Wiretapping: President Donald Trump Urged to Provide Evidence

President Donald Trump has been urged to provide evidence to back his allegation that former President Barack Obama ordered his phones to be tapped during the election campaign.

Republican Senator Ben Sasse said the president’s comments were “serious” and he should explain the alleged wiretapping and how he came to know about it.

Donald Trump has supplied no details to back his claim.

Yesterday, Barack Obama’s spokesman, Kevin Lewis, said the former president had never ordered surveillance of any US citizen.

Donald Trump’s tweets follow allegations made by conservative radio host Mark Levin, including that the Obama administration “sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop” on the Trump campaign last year.

Other media reports had previously suggested the FBI had sought a warrant from the foreign intelligence surveillance court (FISA) in order to monitor members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials.

The warrant was first turned down but then reportedly approved in October 2016, though there has been no official confirmation.

Under FISA, wiretapping can only be approved if there is probable cause to believe that the target of the surveillance is an agent of a foreign power. President Barack Obama could not lawfully have ordered such a warrant.

Donald Trump, who has been facing intense scrutiny over alleged Russian interference in support of his election campaign, made the allegation in a series of tweets on March 4.

Writing from his weekend home in Florida, Donald Trump called the alleged tapping “Nixon/Watergate”, referring to the most notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon after a web of political spying, sabotage and bribery was exposed by the media.

Kevin Lewis said the accusation was “simply false”.

He said that a “cardinal rule of the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice”.

The statement left open the possibility that a judicial investigation had been taking place.

Earlier Ben Rhodes, who was Barack Obama’s foreign policy adviser and speechwriter, also addressed Donald Trump’s claims in a tweet, saying: “No President can order a wire-tap. Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you.”

China Cuts 2017 Growth Target to 6.5%

Clyde K. Valle
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0
China Cuts 2017 Growth Target to 6.5%

China has cut its 2017 growth target to around 6.5%, down from 7% in 2016, PM Li Keqiang has announced.

Li Keqiang was addressing China’s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People’s Congress (NPC), which has gathered in Beijing for its annual session.

The Chinese economy expanded at its slowest pace in 26 years in 2016.

Li Keqiang said he would tackle state “zombie enterprises” producing more coal and steel than the market needed.

Similar pledges in the past have proved hard to fulfill.

More than 3,000 legislators are meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

The NPC and its advisory body hold ceremonial meetings every year known as “lianghui” or “two sessions”.

Image source Flickr

PM Li Keqiang described the world’s second-largest economy as a butterfly struggling to emerge from a chrysalis.

The premier said this transformation was filled with promise but also great pain.

Li Keqiang repeatedly paid tribute to Communist Party leader Xi Jinping and said that under the sound leadership of the Party, the Chinese people had the courage and ingenuity to overcome all difficulties.

His list of China’s difficulties ranged from the smog which blankets much of the country to the laziness of some government officials.

In a veiled reference to President Donald Trump’s complaints about China’s exchange rate and trade policies, PM Li Keqiang warned of a far more complicated global picture in the year ahead with China facing the threat of growing protectionism.

NPC leaders are tolerating slightly slower economic growth this year to give them more room to push through some painful reforms to deal with a rapid build-up in debt, Reuters reports.

On the subject of tackling China’s pollution issues, Li Keqiang pledged to “work harder” to address the issue exacerbated by heavy industry.

This year’s “lianghui” comes ahead of a major Chinese Communist Party congress, due to be held later this year.

That congress will confirm party chief and President Xi Jinping’s second term in office, as well as announce changes in the party’s top leadership.

Penelope Fillon Insists She Did Carry Out Parliamentary Work for Francois Fillon

Diane A. Wade
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0
Penelope Fillon Insists She Did Carry Out Parliamentary Work for Francois Fillon

Penelope Fillon, the wife of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon, has insisted that she did carry out parliamentary work for her husband, for which she was paid.

Penelope Fillon told French magazine Journal du Dimanche, rejecting allegations she was paid without actually working: “He needed someone that carried out his tasks.”

As calls mount for Francois Fillon to quit, he is due to attend a big rally near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on March 5.

His Republican party has brought forward crisis talks to March 6.

The former prime minister has seen his popularity slip in opinion polls.

Penelope Fillon told the magazine: “If it hadn’t been me, he would have paid someone else to do it, so we decided that it would be me.

“Everything was legal and declared.”

Image source Wikimedia

Penelope Fillon said that she has repeatedly told her husband to “go all the way” but said that the final decision would be down to him.

She urged Francois Fillon’s supporters to get behind him in his presidential campaign and not to give up.

Speaking to supporters in Paris on March 4 as he marked his 63rd birthday, Francois Fillon said that those attacking him over his presidential bid were “trying to kill a desire for change”.

The latest opinion polls suggest that he would be eliminated in the first round of presidential election voting on April 23, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen and liberal Emmanuel Macron likely to progress to contest the election run-off on May 7.

A survey published in Journal du Dimanche suggests that 71% of those polled want Francois Fillon to step down.

In another blow to Francois Fillon’s campaign, his spokesman announced on March 3 that he was quitting.

Thierry Solere’s resignation is one of a slew of notable departures, including the campaign treasurer on March 2.

Francois Fillon’s woes have raised speculation that Alain Juppe, also a former prime minister, could return to the race if he were to pull out.

Alain Juppe was overwhelmingly defeated by Francois Fillon in the Republicans’ primary in November, securing only 33% of the vote to Fillon’s 66%.

Sources close to Alain Juppe said he would be prepared to step in, but only with the unanimous support of the party and only if Francois Fillon were to go voluntarily.

Francois Fillon has so far said he has no intention of stepping down despite the continuing hemorrhage of allies.

South Korea Increases Reward It Pays for North Korean Defectors to $860,000

Roy Siemens
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0
South Korea Increases Reward It Pays for North Korean Defectors to $860,000

South Korea has decided to quadruple the reward it pays defectors from North Korea who share information to $860,000.

North Korean defectors can expect to receive the six-figure payout if they cross the border with intelligence that helps enhance South Korea’s security.

Defecting can be an expensive process as a result of dealing with people-smugglers.

Other amounts will be given to soldiers who defect with weapons.

Photo Reuters

South Korea’s unification ministry said funds would be paid to individuals bringing artillery ranging from aircraft and tanks to small arms.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the sums paid would be determined on a sliding scale of importance.

This is the first such increase in 20 years. So far Pyonyang has not reacted.

North Koreans who wish to defect face crossing the border with China and the risk of being caught and repatriated by the Chinese authorities. They then face a prison sentence back home.

Many rely on people-smugglers to help them arrive in South Korea, with the brokers often demanding large payments to escape North Korea.

Last year, Thae Yong-ho became one of the highest-ranking officials ever to defect from North Korea. He had been a diplomat for Pyongyang in London.

Barack Obama Denies Ordering Donald Trump’s Wiretapping

Diane A. Wade
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0
Barack Obama Denies Ordering Donald Trump’s Wiretapping

President Donald Trump’s accusation that Barack Obama ordered his phones to be tapped is “simply false”, the former president’s spokesman, Kevin Lewis, has said.

Kevin Lewis said that “neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any US citizen”.

President Trump had tweeted: “Terrible! Just found out Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!”

The president gave no details to back the claim.

In his statement, Kevin Lewis said a “cardinal rule of the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice”.

Image source AP

The statement left open the possibility that a judicial investigation was taking place.

Earlier Ben Rhodes, who was President Obama’s foreign policy adviser and speechwriter, also addressed Donald Trump’s claims in a tweet, saying: “No President can order a wiretap. Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you.”

Donald Trump, who is at his Florida resort, fired off a series of tweets from just after 06:30 local time on March 4.

The president called the alleged tapping “a new low” and said “This is Nixon/Watergate” – referring to the most notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon after a web of political spying, sabotage and bribery was exposed by the media.

McCarthyism, which Donald Trump referred to in one of the first posts, relates to the persecution for US Communists and their allies led by Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950s.

The tweets followed allegations made by conservative radio host Mark Levin, which were later picked up by Breitbart News, the website run by Steve Bannon before he became Donald Trump’s chief strategist.

Mark Levin said there should be a congressional investigation into what he called President Obama’s “police state” tactics in his last months in office to undermine Donald Trump’s campaign.

Breitbart summarizes Mark Levin’s accusations, which say that “the Obama administration sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign; continued monitoring the Trump team even when no evidence of wrongdoing was found; then relaxed the NSA (National Security Agency) rules to allow evidence to be shared widely within the government”.

President Trump has come under constant pressure from FBI and congressional investigations into alleged contacts between his aides and Russian officials during the election campaign.

Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Ambassador Declared Persona Non Grata by Malaysia

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kim Jong-nam Assassination: North Korean Ambassador Declared Persona Non Grata by Malaysia

Malaysia has expelled North Korean Ambassador Kang Chol after he criticized the country’s investigation into the killing of Kim Jong-nam.

Ambassador Kang Chol must leave within 48 hours, Malaysia’s foreign ministry says.

Malaysia demanded an apology after the ambassador said North Korea could not trust its handling of the probe, but says it did not receive one.

Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, died on February 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport.

Malaysia has not directly blamed North Korea for the attack, in which two women smeared the nerve agent VX on Kim Jong-nam’s face. However, there is widespread suspicion North Korea was responsible.

Kang Chol, who had become a fierce critic of Malaysia, said the probe into the killing had become “politicized” and was being interfered with.

The foreign minister declared the ambassador “persona non grata”, and said his country had demanded an apology for the comments, but this was not forthcoming.

Image source Getty Images

Anifah Aman said in a statement: “Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation.”

Ambassador Kang Chol also failed to turn up for a meeting at the Malaysian foreign ministry on March 4, he added.

Malaysia is seeking to question several North Koreans, including an embassy official, over the death of Kim Jong-nam.

Two women, one from Vietnam another from Indonesia, have been charged with murder. They both said they thought they were taking part in a TV prank, but are yet to make a formal plea in their case.

The expulsion of the North Korean ambassador also comes after the Malaysian government announced an investigation into a company called Glocom, which has been operating in Malaysia for several years.

According to a confidential United Nations report, Glocom is run by North Korea’s top intelligence agency to sell military communications equipment, in violation of UN sanctions.

Malaysia was one of very few countries that had relatively friendly relations with North Korea.

However, it canceled visa-free travel for visiting North Koreans in the wake of the killing, citing security reasons. It had already recalled its ambassador in Pyongyang as it investigated the case.

North Korea has not yet confirmed that the body is that of Kim Jong-nam, acknowledging him only as a North Korean citizen.

Kim Jong-nam was traveling using a passport under a different name.

6 Best Ways To Get a Job In Today’s Economy

Nancy Clayson
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0
6 Best Ways To Get a Job In Today’s Economy

Let’s face it – getting a job is hard, at times it is even a heftier task than it should be! When was the last time you’ve been on an interview? Those are no longer one-on-one session with your potential employer. Colossal in size and creativity, HR departments puzzle us with psychological tests, evaluate our troubleshooting capabilities, skills and background.

To make things worse, sometimes they do it in a group so you can see your competition right beside you. When you are invited to an interview, you may be accompanied by an entire group of 10-12 people desiring the same position you do. If that’s not intimidating – what is?

And do you know what the best part is? Not everyone is invited to that interview in the first place! People are spending years to find a decent job because of demolished economy or the lack of opportunities. That’s why I’ve decided to write this article. Today I will teach you six handy tricks you can use to finally get the job of your dream.

Learn foreign languages

Languages open countless doors, especially to international companies. If your potential employer has partners from Sweden, Italy, Poland, China, Russia or any other country – mastering their language is pivotal to your ongoing success. And I don’t mean knowing like a couple dozens of words or so. I mean really mastering a foreign language. Today, with the endless capabilities that the Internet offers us, it shouldn’t be too troublesome.

With the help from an Arabic tutor online – Preply, a service designed for studying via Skype gave me everything I needed for getting into a new project in less than a month. Feel free to use it.

Forget about passion

Most tips are all about how one should follow his or her dreams towards success. And you know what? Dreams don’t pay your rent, they don’t do grocery shopping, they don’t pay up your college debt.

A job is a job and, if it pays well, go for it without second thoughts. It is always worth it.

Master the art of listening

Imagination is the scourge of job hunting. More often than not we invent an unrealistic pool of expectations and color every new opportunity with them. Regardless of what the site of the company says or even the HR manager on the interview – we’ve already have it covered on the part of thinking big. We expect appropriate treatment, efficient salary levels, decent team morale, etc.

On that note – we tent to avoid any words that shatter this illusion. We don’t listen to warnings and suggestions. And we pay the bitter price for it.

Look for a job from top down

Let’s face it, you will always have a chance to get a lower rate job. So why start there and push yourself to the limits, when you can clearly begin higher by sending your resume onto leading positions in companies?

You’d be surprised, but, at times, it is easier to become a manager than a worker. Don’t go too far though. Applying for the position of a CEO without relevant experience is, well, stretching your limits, to say the least.

Be friendly

You have to be serious on the interview. But that does not mean you can’t find people from the company you are interested in on social networks and befriend them. This way you will have a feel for the corporate culture and learn about your upcoming roles as well as responsibilities.

You will be the part of the crowd before your first day!

Stay confident!

This is my last advice, but not the least. Confidence conquers mountains, you know. If you show yourself as a confident person who knows what he or she wants, your chances will surely skyrocket.

Donald Trump Accuses Barack Obama of Wiretapping His Phone A Month Before Election

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Accuses Barack Obama of Wiretapping His Phone A Month Before Election

President Donald Trump has accused Barack Obama of wiretapping his phone a month before he was elected.

The president tweeted on March 4: “Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my “wires tapped” in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!”

Donald Trump went on to say that a court had earlier denied a wiretap request.

He has given no details to back up the claim – or suggested which court order he was referring to.

Media reports in the past few weeks have suggested the FBI had sought a warrant from the foreign intelligence surveillance court (FISA) last summer in order to monitor members of the Trump team suspected of irregular contacts with Russian officials.

The warrant was first turned down but then approved in October, according to the media reports.

There has been no official confirmation and it is also not clear if this evolved into a full investigation.

There has been no comment yet from former President Barack Obama.

Donald Trump tweeted: “I’d bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to the Election.”

The president called the alleged tapping “a new low” and said “This is Nixon/Watergate” – referring to the most notorious political scandal of 1972, which led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon after a web of political spying, sabotage and bribery was exposed by the media.

Donald Trump also called it McCarthyism – the persecution for US Communists and their allies led by Senator Joe McCarthy in the 1950s.

His tweets followed allegations made by conservative radio host Mark Levin, which were later picked up by Breitbart News, the website founded by Steve Bannon, now Donald Trump’s chief strategist.

Mark Levin said there should be a congressional investigation into what he called Barack Obama’s “police state” tactics in his last months in office to undermine Donald Trump’s campaign.

Breitbart summarizes Mark Levin’s accusations, which say that “the Obama administration sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign; continued monitoring the Trump team even when no evidence of wrongdoing was found; then relaxed the NSA (National Security Agency) rules to allow evidence to be shared widely within the government”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odMebRCRZ4E

China to Increase Its Defense Budget by 7% in 2017

Roy Siemens
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0
China to Increase Its Defense Budget by 7% in 2017

China has announced the increasing of its military spending by about 7% in 2017 just days after President Donald Trump outlined a boost to the US defense budget.

The announcement was made ahead of the annual National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing.

China has been modernizing its armed forces recently as its economy expands.

Its announced defense budget remains smaller than that of the United States. But many observers argue the real figure could be much higher.

China’s announcement marks the second consecutive year that the increase in its defense spending has been below 10% following nearly two decades at or above that figure.

It means that total spending will account for about 1.3% of China’s projected GDP in 2017, the same level as in recent years, said government spokeswoman Fu Ying.

The precise figure for China’s military spending will be provided by PM Li Keqiang when he addresses the NPC on March 5.

Earlier this week, President Trump said he was seeking to boost defense spending by 9% in his proposed budget for 2018.

China’s military build-up – and projection of naval power – has caused concerns in the region, where it has taken an increasingly assertive stance in territorial disputes.

Beijing has been building artificial islands on reefs in waters also claimed by other nations in the South China Sea.

Pictures published in 2016 show military defenses on some islands, a think-tank says.

Defending its right to build, China has said in the past that it has no intention of militarizing the islands, but has acknowledged building what it calls necessary military facilities for defensive purposes.

There have been sporadic incidents between American and Chinese ships in the South China Sea. At the end of 2016, a Chinese ship seized a US navy underwater drone off the Philippines, but later agreed to return it.

Chinese ships have also been involved in clashes and stand-offs with ships from Vietnam and the Philippines.

Japan signed off a record defense budget in December 2016 in the face of territorial disputes with China in the East China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

In Beijing, Fu Ying said on March 4 that China advocated “dialogue for peaceful resolutions, while at the same time, we need to possess the ability to defend our sovereignty and interests”.

Kim Jong-nam Assasination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol Says He Is Victim of Conspiracy

Roy Siemens
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0
Kim Jong-nam Assasination: North Korean Suspect Ri Jong-chol Says He Is Victim of Conspiracy

Ri Jong-chol, the North Korean suspect questioned in connection with the death of Kim Jong-nam, has said he was the victim of a conspiracy by the Malaysian authorities.

The suspect said his detention was a “plot” to “damage the honor of the republic”, Reuters reports.

Ri Jong-chol made the comments outside the North Korea embassy in Beijing after he was deported from Malaysia on March 3.

He was released from police custody due to insufficient evidence.

Speaking to reporters early on March 4, Ri Jong-chol accused Malaysian investigators of using coercion in an attempt to extract a confession.

He said: “If I just accept everything, they will make arrangements for a good life in Malaysia.”

Ri Jong-chol added: “This is when I realized that it was a trap. It was a trap to bring down the reputation of my country.”

When questioned about reports of a car discovered near the airport said to be registered in his name, Ri Jong-chol said: “It was in my car garage. Malaysian police accepted this too.”

He admitted to investigators that he was an expert in chemistry, but said that he worked in Malaysia “importing ingredients needed for soap”.

Malaysian authorities are continuing their investigation into the death of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was killed with nerve agent VX at a Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13.

Ri Jong-chol, who said he was not at the airport on the day of the incident, was the only North Korean held in connection with the death.

Malaysia is seeking to question several North Koreans, including an embassy official.

Two women, Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah from Indonesia, were charged on March 2 with killing Kim Jong-nam by smearing his face with VX, a banned chemical weapon.

Both women said they thought they were taking part in a TV prank. They have yet to make a formal plea in their case.

Malaysia, which has condemned the use of the powerful nerve agent in the attack, is also investigating a company thought to be used by North Korea to evade sanctions on military exports.

According to Reuters, Ri Jong-chol had lived in Malaysia for three years, but his work permit expired on February 6.

Malaysia’s immigration director-general Mustafar Ali said Ri Jong-chol, who was escorted out of the country by two North Korean embassy officials, was blacklisted from re-entering the country.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government said it had launched an investigation into a company called Glocom, which has been operating in the country for several years.

According to a confidential UN report, Glocom is run by North Korea’s top intelligence agency to sell military communications equipment, in violation of United Nations sanctions.

On March 3, Malaysian police said that an arrest warrant had been issued for 37-year-old Kim Uk-il, who works for North Korean national airline Air Koryo. He is believed to be still in Malaysia.

Security checks on North Koreans had been stepped up at all border crossings to prevent them from leaving, Reuters reported.

On March 2, Malaysia announced it was cancelling visa-free travel for visiting North Koreans, citing security reasons.

It has not directly blamed North Korea for the attack, but there is widespread suspicion Pyongyang was responsible.

North Korea has strongly rejected the allegations. Pyonyang also rejected the findings of the post-mortem examination, having objected to it being carried out at all, and has demanded the body be handed over to them.

It has not yet confirmed that the body is that of Kim Jong-nam, acknowledging him only as a North Korean citizen.

Kim Jong-nam was traveling using a passport under a different name.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Quits The New Celebrity Apprentice and Blames Donald Trump’s Involvement

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Arnold Schwarzenegger Quits The New Celebrity Apprentice and Blames Donald Trump’s Involvement

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to quit The New Celebrity Apprentice, blaming Donald Trump’s involvement.

In an interview with Empire, Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed that low ratings were due to Donald Trump’s credit as executive producer.

The actor said he would like to work “on a show that doesn’t have this baggage”.

Donald Trump – who left the show to run for the White House – has previously ridiculed his TV boardroom successor.

In March 3 interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger claimed an anti-Trump social media campaign had impacted the ratings of the show, on which he debuted in January.

Image source Flickr

He said: “When people found out that Trump was still involved as executive producer and was still receiving money from the show, then half the people [started] boycotting it.

“It’s not about the show… because everyone I ran into came up to me and said, <<I love the show… but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trump’s name I’m outta there!>>

“It’s a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division.”

He added that he would decline if asked to host again.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has often clashed on Twitter with Donald Trump.

Last month at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, President Trump mockingly asked people to “pray for Arnold… for those ratings”.

The president said the show had been swamped “in comparison to the ratings machine, DJT”, using his own initials.

The Celebrity Apprentice, whose 15th season ended last month, averaged fewer than five million viewers per episode.

Donald Trump became a household name as the show’s host for 14 seasons.

Some 20 million Americans were regular watchers in its first year before the viewing figures tapered to six million for Donald Trump’s last episode.

With Foxx, President Trump and Secretary of Education DeVos have a New Ally

Roy Siemens
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0
With Foxx, President Trump and Secretary of Education DeVos have a New Ally

With Republicans in control of all branches of government, they seem to be running on all cylinders to unravel the education legacy of President Obama. In fact, Republicans seem poised to put authority and funding back into the hands of the states.

The person leading this new charge is none other than the newly appointed House Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman, Virginia Foxx. When interviewed, she clearly explained her mission for the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Her goal is to have the federal government involved as little as possible, and to let each state handle issues within individual borders. For those with a master of education in learning, this means there could be radical changes within school districts in the next four years.

Not Feasible to Abolish Department of Education

In fact, the staunch Republican from North Carolina does not have any problems with the idea of having the Department of Education completely abolished. She has admitted that if she could, she would definitely do so. However, she is aware that it is not politically feasible to do so.

So, instead the GOP is busy trying to chip away specific regulations from the Obama administration that are related to the recent education law, known as ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act). The new administration also decided to axe the very controversial transgender restroom law called Title IX. Foxx was in approval of the repeal, and added that during his term in office, Obama attempted to ‘circumvent’ the due legislative process and interpreted this law into something that the law never intended.

A Strict Constitutionalist

There are those who describe Foxx as being a very strict constitutionalist. She has been a congresswoman for seven terms and she believes that powers that are not federally specific or are granted to the executive branch per the Constitution should be left at state level. This includes educational issues as well. Professionals with a cognition and development degree in education have mixed emotions about that idea. She has further asserted that previous federal intervention in the education sector has not been very effective.

Foxx also made a point of showing that the United States government has spent over $2 trillion on funding for Title I. This funding was given to help improve conditions and outcomes for students from low income homes. However, Foxx has claimed that the reading levels of these students have not improved since the mid-1960s.

The National Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that the reading scores for students in grades 4 to 8 have slightly improved over the past few decades. However, reading scores for 12th graders have remained the same, and has decreased slightly over the last few years.

A Straight Speaking Woman

Both in person and in interviews, Foxx is known as one who does not hold back on her words. Her direct style of speaking and undeniable moxie is partially shaped from an amazing personal journey from poverty to success. She frequently talks about the stress of growing up in a poor area, but she did not let it interfere with her goal to succeed. Now, her goal is to provide the same opportunity for anyone growing up in the same type of circumstances.

 

 

 

 

Salvează

Jane Fonda Is A Rape Survivor and She Was Abused as A Child

Lisa.Felice
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0
Jane Fonda Is A Rape Survivor and She Was Abused as A Child

Jane Fonda  dropped the bombshell by revealing she is a rape survivor and that she was abused as a child.

In an interview with fellow Brie Larson for The Edit, the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress also said she had once lost a job because she refused her boss’s advances.

Jane Fonda added she thought being a young actress now was “terrifying” because of female sexualization.

She said she “felt diminished” growing up because the men in her life were “victims of a [patriarchal] belief system”.

Jane Fonda also said she had been “brought up with the disease to please”.

Image source Wikimedia

“To show you the extent to which a patriarchy takes a toll on females – I’ve been raped, I’ve been sexually abused as a child and I’ve been fired because I wouldn’t sleep with my boss and I always thought it was my fault; that I didn’t do or say the right thing.

“I know young girls who’ve been raped and didn’t even know it was rape. They think, <<It must have been because I said no the wrong way>>.

“One of the great things the women’s movement has done is to make us realize that [rape and abuse is] not our fault. We were violated and it’s not right.”

Jane Fonda has been a long-time activist and advocate for women’s rights and supporter of the Rape Foundation and Rape Treatment Centre in Los Angeles.

The actress revealed at a benefit in 2014 that her mother, Frances Ford Seymour, was abused as a child aged eight. She eventually took her own life at 42, when Jane Fonda was 12.

Speaking to mark International Women’s Day, Jane Fonda said she was happy actresses were now fighting to close the gender pay gap in the entertainment industry, as it wasn’t considered an issue 40 years ago.

“I never thought about it – I’m talking about at the height of my career in the ’70s and ’80s – I never got paid a huge amount of money. I never thought I was worth it,” she said.

“For me, it was just the way things were. Guys earned more. I am so glad people are feeling righteous anger about it now.”

Jane Fonda has been Oscar-nominated seven times and she won the Academy Award for best actress twice – in 1971 for crime thriller Klute and in 1979 for war romance Coming Home.

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