Donald Trump “would be the most reckless president” in US history, a group of 50 Republican national security officials has warned in an open letter.
The group, which includes the former CIA director Michael Hayden, said Donald Trump “lacks the character, values and experience” to be president.
Many of the letter’s signatories had declined to sign a similar note in March.
In response, Donald Trump said they were part of a “failed Washington elite” looking to hold on to power.
The open letter comes after a number of high-profile Republicans stepped forward to disown the New York billionaire.
Donald Trump has broken with years of Republican foreign policy on a number of occasions.
He has questioned whether the United States should honor its commitments to NATO, endorsed the use of torture and suggested that South Korea and Japan should arm themselves with nuclear weapons.
Photo LA Times
“He weakens US moral authority as the leader of the free world,” the letter read.
“He appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US Constitution, US laws, and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary.”
“None of us will vote for Donald Trump,” the letter states.
In a statement, the Republican candidate said the names on the letter were “the ones the American people should look to for answers on why the world is a mess”.
“We thank them for coming forward so everyone in the country knows who deserves the blame for making the world such a dangerous place,” Donald Trump continued.
“They are nothing more than the failed Washington elite looking to hold on to their power and it’s time they are held accountable for their actions.”
Also among those who signed the letter were John Negroponte, the first director of national intelligence and later deputy secretary of state; Robert Zoellick, who was also a former deputy secretary of state and former president of the World Bank; and two former secretaries of homeland security, Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff.
The letter echoed similar sentiment shared by some Republican national security officials in March, but the new additions came after Donald Trump encouraged Russia to hack Hillary Clinton’s email server, according to the New York Times.
Donald Trump later said he was “being sarcastic” when he made the remarks about hacking his rival’s emails.
Missing from the letter were former secretaries of state Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, James Baker, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.
Some of the latest letter’s signatories plan to vote for Hillary Clinton while others will refuse to vote, but “all agree Trump is not qualified and would be dangerous,” said John Bellinger, a former legal adviser to Condoleezza Rice who drafted the letter.
The open letter follows a fresh round of Republican defections in the wake of recent controversy surrounding Donald Trump.
Lezlee Westine, a former aide to President George W. Bush, announced her support for Hillary Clinton in a statement to the Washington Post on Monday.
Wadi Gaitan, a prominent Latino official and chief spokesman for the GOP in Florida, announced he would leave the party over Donald Trump’s candidacy.
Meanwhile, George P. Bush broke with his father – Jeb Bush – to lend his support to Donald Trump on August 7, the Texas Tribune reported.
George P. Bush urged party members to unite behind his father’s former Republican primary rival.
Namibian Jonas Junius is the second boxer arrested by Brazilian police on suspicion of attempting to assault a maid in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic village.
The maid alleged Jonas Junius, 22, had grabbed her and tried to kiss her. The woman also accused the boxer of offering her money.
Jonas Junius is competing in the light-welterweight division.
Photo Getty Images
Last week, Moroccan boxer Hassan Saada was arrested by police after allegedly assaulting two female cleaners.
A judge has ordered Hassan Saada to be detained for 15 days, pending an investigation, media reports said.
This could mean Hassan Saada is unable to take part in the Games.
Jonas Junius, Namibia’s flag-bearer in the opening ceremony on August 5, is scheduled to fight French boxer Hassan Anzille on August 11.
However, that could also be in doubt if he has to remain in custody.
Athletes from 206 nations and a refugee team are in Brazil to compete in 28 sports. They will be watched by a global audience of billions.
A new case of Zika contracted in Florida is being investigated by the Department of Health.
The patient lives in West Palm Beach County about 70 miles north of the initial transmission zone.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott said the state officials still believe that active transmission zone for the virus is one square mile in Wynwood neighborhood in North Miami.
The infected person had recently traveled to the Miami area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a travel warning for the neighborhood, particularly focused on pregnant women.
Zikavirus is known to cause a severe birth defect called microcephaly, which can infants to develop abnormally small heads.
With the school year about to begin, Gov. Rick Scott said the state is sending mosquito repellent to school districts in affected and neighboring counties.
The outreach covers primary school through public universities.
In Miami, where 16 locally transmitted cases of Zika have been confirmed, the authorities have sprayed against mosquitoes and tried to remove standing water, where the insects breed.
Authorities have also encouraged the public at large to use insect repellent on their own.
Tens of millions of Android devices have been affected by serious security flaws that could give attackers complete access to phone’s data.
The bugs were uncovered by Checkpoint researchers looking at software running on chipsets made by US-based company Qualcomm.
Qualcomm processors are found in about 900 million Android phones, the company said.
However, there is no evidence of the vulnerabilities currently being used in attacks by cyberthieves.
A flaw in the latest version of the Android operating system has resulted in the month of December disappearing from People app for storing information about contacts
Affected devices included:
BlackBerry Priv and Dtek50
Blackphone 1 and Blackphone 2
Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6 and Nexus 6P
HTC One, HTC M9 and HTC 10
LG G4, LG G5, and LG V10
New Moto X by Motorola
OnePlus One, OnePlus 2 and OnePlus 3
US versions of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung S7 Edge
Sony Xperia Z Ultra
According to the company, it took six months of work to reverse engineer Qualcomm’s code to reveal the problems.
The flaws were found in software that handles graphics and in code that controls communication between different processes running inside a phone.
Exploiting the bugs would allow an attacker to gradually be able to take more control over a device and gain access to its data.
Checkpoint handed information about the bugs and proof of concept code to Qualcomm earlier this year.
In response, Qualcomm is believed to have created patches for the bugs and started to use the fixed versions in its factories.
It has also distributed the patches to phone makers and operators. However, it is not clear how many of those companies have issued updates to customers’ phones.
Checkpoint has created a free app called QuadRooter Scanner that can be used to check if a phone is vulnerable to any of the bugs, by looking to see if the patches for them have been downloaded and installed.
Android owners should only download apps from the official Google Play store to avoid falling victim to malicious programs.
If you always dreamed of starting your own business, but never had enough time or courage to do so, 12 months of maternity leave might be the chance you were looking for. Planning a maternity leave can be stressful, taking into account that you will have to abandon your workplace and regular daily routines for a significant amount of time. However, if you discover that you still have a considerable period of maternity leave ahead, you can use that time to rearrange your thoughts and start with something new.
Before you start
First of all, you should think about your goals and priorities in life, and in which way your carrier is going. Starting your own business is a big change and it requires careful planning before you actually embark upon this journey. Weigh down the benefits and downsides of being self-employed. Although you choose what, where, and how much is being done, trying to balance home and work can be tiring, so make sure you can rise up to the challenge.
Choose your business
Consider whether you want to keep your job while you are starting another one. When it comes to choosing an area of profession, think about your interests and abilities. Consider your hobbies and skills and try to combine them. Your new business does not have to be radically different from your current job. However, if they are similar, and you choose to keep both jobs, it is best to present your idea to your employers to avoid conflicts and see if you can reach an agreement.
Make a plan
There are many sources of information that can help you opt for a particular area of profession. A significant amount of literature is available in libraries, bookshops, as well as on the Internet. Once you start working from home, you can also resort to the Internet for help with juggling work and family. Also, bear in mind the matter of funding. Starting a new business requires sufficient amount of money, so make sure you have a budget that fits your needs.
Computer-based business
One of the most popular and most common types of small business start-ups is computer-based business. It offers a variety of choices, from freelance writing and graphic design to personal accounting and marketing. All you need is a home computer and an Internet connection.
Service business
Service-oriented business is another profitable idea. This type of business encompasses a wide range of jobs, such as tutoring, consulting, carpentry, gardening, plumbing, home health care, and so on. Among these, carpentry might be an interesting idea for a new business.
Carpentry
Carpentry is a long-standing and gainful business. One potential benefit of making it your new business is that you can team up with your partner if he has prior experience in this field. In that way you can start a business together and therefore make the entire process easier. However, for proper woodwork, it is also important to have the right power tools. A quality Jet drill press is designed to achieve maximum performance. In addition, it contains many specific features, such as built-in LED work light. If you opt for carpentry as a start-up business, this drill press should become an essential part of your tool equipment.
Starting a new business on maternity leave can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but with proper organization it can be achieved. Choose a job that suits your interests and skills, get informed thoroughly, make a plan, follow advice on balancing work and family, and start fulfilling your forgotten dreams and ambitions.
If you’re like most people, you probably wear jewelry without giving a second thought to why you do. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when jewelry was first worn. Ancient people all over the world have worn jewelry of one type or another throughout history. Some pieces are more glamorous with large precious stones inlaid in precious metal. Others are simple, consisting of only a leather string and a bone or tooth.
Why wear jewelry?
According to Maslow’s pyramid, jewelry isn’t a primary need for us humans, and yet, we spend billions of dollars every year on it. Both men and women buy jewelry, but why do women specifically have such an attachment?
Jewelry makes women more attractive
Although jewelry is not a primary need according Maslow’s pyramid, it does play a role in encouraging romantic interactions that lead to the fulfillment of some of the primary needs including s**, security and family.
Women (and really most people regardless of gender) are conscious about their looks. They do their best to make themselves appear attractive to the opposite sex. This is an inborn instinct that even wild animals have. Women adorn themselves with jewelry and attractive clothes to command attention.
As an interesting side note, many of the locations at which jewelry is worn are strongly s**ual (e.g. long necklaces draw the eye to the breasts and earrings draw attention to the ears that are an erogenous region for women.
Photo Flickr
As a sign of social status
Women also wear jewelry as a sign of the society status in the following ways:
Symbol of marital status and affection
Certain pieces of jewelry have been used symbolically since pre-historic times. Rings, for example, are used in many societies today as a symbol of an everlasting union between couples. People who view a woman’s engagement ring will know that she’s already spoken for and will not attempt any romantic advances.
Symbol of wealth
Jewelry can also be a way to exhibit wealth and a high economic status in society. Men give expensive gifts of jewelry to women in an attempt to show their status and therefore attract a mate. According to the National Retail Federation, men spend an average of $150 on jewelry alone on Valentine’s Day. Expensive jewelry is associated with people of high economic and social status.
Symbol of affiliation
Social status can also be expressed in who you know. Jewelry can be worn as a sign of affiliation to a certain group (e.g. a sorority). Family heirlooms can also be a symbol of affiliation.
As a means for self-expression
Many women wear jewelry as a way to show forth their personalities. Women purchase jewelry that expresses their style and ideas. Some like classic earrings while others will wear eccentric pieces to express their quirky personalities. You can therefore tell a lot about a woman by studying her jewelry.
For the power in the jewelry
Humans have attached great meaning and significance to certain stones and metals. Some stones are believed to have healing power. Jewelry may be worn for their religious power (e.g. crosses). Others may be worn for the healing properties of the gemstones.
Great value for money
Whatever your reason for wearing jewelry, it’s important to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Search online for jewelry deals and compare prices on different sites. Shopping online not only gives you the opportunity to easily compare prices but also to find unique pieces at an affordable price. Jewelry can prove to be an investment not only in your relationship or appearance, but also in your financial future.
In a rare TV address to Japan, Emperor Akihito has strongly indicated he wants to step down, saying he fears his age will make it difficult to fulfill his duties.
His comments came in only his second-ever TV address to the public.
Emperor Akihito, 82, did not explicitly say he wanted to abdicate as it could be interpreted as political interference.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government would take the remarks “seriously” and discuss what could be done.
“Upon reflecting how he handles his official duty and so on, his age and the current situation of how he works, I do respect the heavy responsibility the emperor must be feeling and I believe we need to think hard about what we can do,” he said.
Japanese Emperor Akihito has undergone a successful heart bypass operation at the University of Tokyo Hospital
Emperor Akihito, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, has been on the throne in Japan since the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989.
In his 10-minute pre-recorded message, Akihito said he had “started to reflect” on his years as emperor, and contemplate his position in the years to come: “While, being in the position of the emperor, I must refrain from making any specific comments on the existing imperial system, I would like to tell you what I, as an individual, have been thinking about.
Ever since my accession to the throne, I have carried out the acts of the emperor in matters of state, and at the same time I have spent my days searching for and contemplating on what is the desirable role of the emperor, who is designated to be the symbol of the state by the constitution of Japan. As one who has inherited a long tradition, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect this tradition.
At the same time, in a nation and in a world which are constantly changing, I have continued to think to this day about how the Japanese imperial family can put its traditions to good use in the present age and be an active and inherent part of society, responding to the expectations of the people.”
If Emperor Akihito were to abdicate, it would be the first time a Japanese emperor has stepped down since Emperor Kokaku in 1817.
Japan’s right wing nationalists who support Shinzo Abe’s government do not want any change to the current law, which insists emperors must serve until they die.
Emperor Akihito said he hoped the duties of the emperor as a symbol of the state could continue steadily without any breaks.
He said one possibility when an emperor could not fulfill his duties because of age or illness was that a regency could be established.
However, the emperor suggested this was not the ideal outcome, saying: “I think it is not possible to continue reducing perpetually the emperor’s acts in matters of state and his duties as the symbol of the state.”
Emperor Akihito’s eldest son, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito is first in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, followed by his younger brother Prince Akishino.
Women are not allowed to inherit the throne and so Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito, cannot succeed her father.
Abdication is not mentioned under Japan’s existing laws, so they would need to be changed for the emperor to be able to stand down. The changes will also have to be approved by parliament.
The emperor is constitutionally not allowed to make any political statements, and the desire to abdicate could be seen as being political.
The public seems to support Akihito’s desire to abdicate, with the younger generation in particular saying he should be allowed to relax in his old age.
A recent survey by the Kyodo news agency found more than 85% saying abdication should be legalized.
The move is opposed by some more conservative sections of society.
A debate about whether or not a woman would be able to ascend the throne was discussed in 2006 when the emperor had no grandsons, but was postponed after a boy was born to a family.
Prince Akishino also called for a debate on whether a retirement age should be set for the Emperor in 2011, but it did not result in a law change.
Under Japan’s constitution, the emperor’s role is defined as “symbol of the state”. He has no political powers and has several official duties, such as greeting foreign dignitaries, holding receptions and handing out awards.
Japan’s monarchy is entwined in the Shinto religion and the emperor still performs religious ceremonies.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would approve the return of the death penalty if it was backed by parliament and the public, he said during a huge rally in Istanbul.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan was speaking to a crowd of at least a million who had gathered in Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city.
The rally followed last month’s failed military coup.
President Erdogan also said the state would be cleansed of all supporters of the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Fethullah Gulen is blamed by the Turkish government for the attempted uprising. He denies any involvement.
Religious figures and leaders of two of Turkey’s three opposition parties attended the rally. The Kurdish party was not invited.
More than 270 people died in events surrounding the July 15 coup attempt, which triggered a government crackdown.
Thousands of alleged supporters of Fethullah Gulen have been detained or dismissed from government jobs.
Western nations have been critical of the government’s response to the coup. The EU – which Turkey has applied to join – refuses to accept capital punishment in member states.
The parade ground, built to hold more than a million people, was overflowing, with streets of surrounding neighborhoods clogged by crowds, Reuters news agency reports.
According to government sources, five million people had attended, with the event broadcast live on public screens at smaller rallies across Turkey’s provinces.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the rally: “It is the Turkish parliament that will decide on the death penalty… I declare it in advance, I will approve the decision made by the parliament.
“They say there is no death penalty in the EU… Well, the US has it; Japan has it; China has it; most of the world has it. So they are allowed to have it. We used to have it until 1984. Sovereignty belongs to the people, so if the people make this decision I am sure the political parties will comply.”
He then railed against Fethullah Gulen’s movement, hinting of further hard-line measures to come: “July 15 showed our friends that this country isn’t just strong against political, economic and diplomatic attacks, but against military sabotage as well. It showed that it will not fall, it will not be derailed.
“Of course we have to uncover all members of this organization and eradicate them within the framework of the law, but if we content ourselves with just that, then we as a state and a nation will leave weak our defense against similar viruses.”
The “Democracy and Martyrs’ Rally” was the climax of three weeks of nightly demonstrations by Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s supporters around the country.
Speaking ahead of President Erdogan, PM Binali Yildirim told the rally that Fethullah Gulen would be brought to Turkey and made to pay the price for the coup attempt.
“Let all of you know, the leader of this terrorist group will come to Turkey and pay for what he did,” Binali Yildirim said.
In a rare address to a public rally, the head of Turkey’s armed forces, Hulusi Akar, said “traitors” would be punished in the harshest way, and thanked civilians for their role in defeating the uprising.
The crackdown in Turkey has seen tens of thousands of public sector workers suspended or dismissed, with many having their passports cancelled. There has also been a massive reshuffle of the military.
About 18,000 people have been detained or arrested.
Local branches of the AK Party have been told to begin a purge of suspected Gulenists in their ranks.
Fethullah Gulen was a close ally of Recep Tayyip Erdogan until a bitter split between his movement and the party of the president three years ago.
Turkey has listed Fethullah Gulen’s movement as a terrorist organization.
Sao Tome and Principe’s President Manuel Pinto da Costa has boycotted his own run-off election, handing victory to his rival.
The president of the West African state withdrew from August 7 poll, alleging fraud in the first round held on July 17.
Manuel Pinto da Costa’s rival, Evaristo Carvalho, a former prime minister, is now certain to win the race.
Evaristo Carvalho had won the first round with 49.8% of the vote while Mamuel Pinto da Costa had taken 24.8%.
Ahead of August 7 run-off, Manuel Pinto da Costa had called on his supporters not to vote, and later reports said many of them had stayed away.
Manuel Pinto da Costa ruled Sao Tome with an iron fist for the first 15 years after independence from Portugal in 1975.
He lost the presidency after introducing reforms in 1990, including multi-party democracy, but in 2011, he was re-elected to office.
Sao Tome and Principe, a former Portuguese colony, consists of two islands of volcanic origin and a number of smaller islets lying off the western coast of Africa.Sa
The FDA plays a major part in food-based businesses, and the health of the public is its highest priority. However, Sen. Chuck Schumer isn’t too pleased with their latest work when it relates to recalls. In particular, he cites the delays in the process as being a “recipe for disaster”. He went on to explain his viewpoint further.
“…the FDA must come to the table with a healthy, new plan, detailing how they will revamp and execute a reformed food recall process. One that gets potentially contaminated food off the shelves before Americans risk getting sick, not after.”
He also went on to mention that “thousands and thousands and thousands got sick” as a result of a recent recall. He’s referring to a flour-related E.coli outbreak. The outbreak wasn’t recalled for (allegedly) six months after it was first identified.
“In some cases, the FDA waits months before issuing recalls on potentially contaminated food products. That’s why I’m urging the FDA to conduct a top-to-bottom review of their contaminated food recall process with an eye towards speeding things up.”
Chuck Schumer also identified other recent cases that had concerned him to back up his suggestions.
“Earlier this summer, New Yorkers were directly impacted in massive beef recalls that had E. coli contamination,” — “This February, New Yorkers saw a mass chicken recall because of Listeria.”
As always, there have been plenty other stories in the press recently regarding the FDA. They’re constantly working hard to monitor food and drug-related establishments. Let’s look at some of the most notable stories.
The FDA has warned that we need to be much more careful with the food we’re giving to dogs. An FDA Veterinarian was quoted as saying that “Our bodies may break down foods or other chemicals that a dog’s can’t tolerate.” Among the list of harmful foods for dogs is raw meat, grapes, fried foods and of course, chocolate. It was noted that cats are much pickier eaters, and you don’t need to be quite as careful with them! You can get the full list of harmful dog consumables at this link.
Hampton Creek won an important case recently regarding their product: ‘Just Mayo’. The FDA’s concerns related to the confusion behind the name for the most part. After meeting and ironing out their concerns, both Hampton Creek and the FDA came to an agreement. “…the FDA considers the issues cited in the warning letter to be resolved…”. The company has now committed to altering their label to prevent any confusion. You can read more on Hampton Creek and this story by clicking here.
The FDA has had concerns regarding the amount of salt in our foods. Now, they want food makers to voluntarily reduce the amount of salt they’re using. Susan Mayne, director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, explained her worries. “There is important work to be done. People will always have the choice to add salt to their foods. What they don’t have now is the choice to take it out.” The ultimate goal is to reduce the average daily salt intake of an American adult to 2,300mg a day. You can read more about this story by clicking here.
Kansas-based North American Enterprises, LLC felt the wrath of the FDA recently. They have been in trouble for repeated food safety violations. Major restrictions have been placed on the company until it improves. The FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs was quoted as saying that “The FDA took action against Native American Enterprises, LLC to protect public health, and as a result, the company’s adulterated food products are prevented from entering the marketplace.”. This link has the full story.
We’ve only picked four examples of FDA stories on the web, and you can find hundreds more by conducting a simple Google search.
The FDA carry out extensive processes to ensure that businesses around the world are operating in a safe manner. They’re also there to stick up for the consumers and make sure they remain as healthy as possible. We’re going to take this opportunity to refresh your mind about the FDA’s advice regarding safe food handling.
Clean To Prevent Bacteria Spreading
Before you engage in any activity, it’s obvious that you must wash your hands. Failing to do this can lead to bacteria spreading. You must also clean your utensils, surfaces and anything else you plan to use. Fresh fruits and vegetables should always be washed before use as well.
Store Food Correctly
It’s important to separate foods in order to prevent cross-contamination. This is particularly important when handling things like seafood and raw meat. Always separate them, whether you’re storing them or preparing them to be consumed.
Cook At The Right Temperatures
The purpose of cooking at the correct temperatures is to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the correct temperatures, times and visual signs. Having a good understanding of these is crucial to result in fully-cooked foods. A food thermometer is recommended for this task, while those who use the microwave often should be careful also. When using the microwave, always allow standing time to complete the cooking process.
Understand The Signs Of Illness
Despite doing your best to reduce the possibility of illness, it could still strike at any point. You need to be able to identify the signs of food-related illnesses. Normally, illness will result with 1-3 days after consuming the affected food. Sickness can result very quickly, though, and a food-related illness can be lethal in some cases, and a minor annoyance in others. If you suspect a food-based illness, you must inform your healthcare provider immediately. They will assist you with the next steps.
So, to recap. Chuck Schumer is concerned by the FDA recall process, calling for a “top-to-bottom review.” He states that “the FDA must come to the table with a healthy, new plan, detailing how they will revamp and execute a reformed food recall process.”.
Brazilian plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy has died at the age of 90, just one day after passing the Olympic torch for the Rio Games.
Ivo Pitanguy died of a heart attack at his home in Rio de Janeiro on August 6, a spokeswoman said.
On August 5, Ivo Pitanguy had held the torch in the Rio neighborhood of Gavea, on the final leg of the Olympic relay.
He cemented Brazil’s place as a destination for plastic surgery, giving the world the “Brazilian butt lift”.
Ivo Pitanguy first earned the respect of his fellow citizens by providing his skills free of charge to victims of a disaster.
After a huge circus tent burned hundreds of spectators in the Brazilian city of Niteroi in 1961, Ivo Pitanguy tended to disfigured victims.
Brazil’s interim President Michel Temer said in a statement: “Ivo Pitanguy dedicated his life to helping people live better.
“He will be missed.”
Trained in Paris and London, Ivo Pitanguy became a pioneer of plastic surgery in Brazil and a “cultural icon” in the “beauty-obsessed” country, Reuters writes.
Yet Ivo Pitanguy still offered his staff and services free of charge to less well-off patients one day a week, the news agency adds.
Salvador Dali painted Ivo Pitanguy and in 1999 he received one of the highest honors in Rio when a samba school used him as their theme: “The Universe of Beauty – Master Pitanguy.”
French artistic gymnast Samir Ait Said has tragically broken his leg while performing in the vault at the Rio Olympics.
Samir Ait Said’s left leg folded beneath him as he landed badly during the men’s qualification event.
The 26-year-old, who won gold on the rings at the 2013 European Championships, was taken off on a stretcher and acknowledged the crowd as he departed.
French team leader Corrine Moustard-Callon said: “We don’t know what happened, except it was his tibia.”
She added: “He is in the hospital with a doctor now. We will do more exams to see if it is just the bone.
“It is very difficult for the team. He was one of the friendliest on the team which is very difficult – he came to win a medal and gave everything, 200%.”
Thailand begins voting in a referendum on a new constitution, written by a military-appointed committee.
The military government threw out the old constitution when it took power in 2014, after months of political instability and sporadic violence in the country.
It says that if approved, the new constitution will be a major step towards returning to full democracy.
However, opponents call the vote unfair as campaigning has been restricted.
The Referendum Act, brought in to govern the referendum process, criminalizes “anyone who disseminates text, pictures or sounds that are inconsistent with the truth”.
Photo Wikipedia
Rights groups have said that the new law “restricts expression and access to information about the draft constitution”.
Offenders face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Dozens of people have been charged in connection with the referendum.
Independent election observer groups have requested accreditation to monitor the vote, but this has not been granted by the Election Commission.
The 40 million voters will answer yes or no to the question: Do you accept the draft constitution? They will also be asked a supplementary question, whether or not the appointed senate should be allowed to join the lower house in selecting a prime minister.
If the majority of voters say yes, the draft becomes the constitution, enhancing the military government’s legitimacy in the run-up to an election which PM Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the 2014 coup, has promised will happen next year.
If the constitution does not pass, what will happen is uncertain, but the military government will remain in control.
The junta argues that corrupt politicians are to blame for the last decade of instability and divisive politics.
Made public in March, the draft constitution proposes a voting system which would make it difficult for a single political party to win a majority of seats in the lower house.
One of the most controversial clauses calls for the 250-seat senate to be fully appointed by the military government.
Before the coup, just over half of the upper house seats were directly elected and the rest were appointed.
Donald Trump has publicly backed House Speaker Paul Ryan days after snubbing him in a spat at the top of the Republican Party.
The Republican candidate shocked party members on August 2 when he refused to endorse Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain in their campaigns for re-election in November.
Paul Ryan, the GOP’s highest-ranking elected official, had himself long delayed endorsing Donald Trump.
“I support and endorse our Speaker… Paul Ryan,” Donald Trump said on August 5.
“We need unity – we have to win this election,” he said during a campaign stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin – Paul Ryan’s home state.
While they might “disagree on a couple of things”, they agreed on a lot as well, Donald Trump added.
The billionaire also endorsed Arizona Senator John McCain and New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte.
In his earlier interview for the Washington Post, Donald Trump had said he was “just not quite there yet” when asked if he would endorse Paul Ryan and John McCain.
It was the same phrase used by Paul Ryan before he finally endorsed Donald Trump.
Paul Ryan and John McCain had both criticized Donald Trump’s attacks on the bereaved parents of Captain Humayun Khan killed in Iraq.
The Muslim soldier was killed by a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq at the age of 27.
Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games have been formally opened with a lavish and ceremony at Maracana stadium.
Broadcast to an estimated audience of three billion, the ceremony celebrated Brazil’s history, culture and natural beauty, before former marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima lit the Olympic cauldron.
The build-up to Rio 2016 has been played out against a deep recession and political protests in Brazil.
Rio Olympic Games, the first to be held in South America, have also been disrupted by concerns over the Russian doping scandal, the Zika virus and problems with the city’s security, infrastructure and venues.
Organizers will hope the focus can now shift to the action in 28 sports, with 207 teams, after the Games of the 31st Olympiad were officially opened.
The Olympic cauldron was lit by Vanderlei De Lima, who won bronze for Brazil in the marathon at the 2004 Games after he was grappled by a spectator while leading the race.
Soccer legend Pele had ruled himself out of performing the role saying he was not in the right “physical condition”.
With Brazil’s economy struggling, the budget for the opening ceremony was thought to be considerably less than the $50 million spent on London 2012’s extravagant display.
While Rio’s event did not match the enormous ambition of the ceremony directed by Danny Boyle four years ago, those inside the Maracana were treated to a show that mixed light displays, fireworks, dancing and music.
After a simple but emotional rendition of the Brazilian national anthem, sung and played on acoustic guitar by singer-songwriter Paulinho da Viola, video projections beamed on to the floor of the stadium explored the history of the nation.
Starting with images of micro-organisms dividing and giant sculptures of microbes – representing the beginning of life – the ceremony showed the contributions made by the nation’s indigenous peoples, by Portuguese explorers, by African slaves and by Japanese immigrants to Brazil’s history and culture.
Performers strode across projections of giant buildings, symbolizing the cities of Brazil, and a recreation of a 14-bis biplane – the invention of Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont, which first flew in 1906 – drew one of the biggest cheers of the evening as it flew out of the arena.
One of the warmest welcomes of the evening was given to a team consisting of refugee athletes – the penultimate team to enter the stadium.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said the refugee athletes were sending “a message of hope to the millions of refugees around the globe”.
The local crowd of 60,000 exploded with noise as the Brazil team, with London 2012 modern pentathlon bronze medalist Yane Marques flying the nation’s flag, emerged into the stadium to chants of “Brasil, Brasil, Brasil”.
Thomas Bach shone a positive light on the Games, despite the problems around the organization in the build-up to Rio 2016.
“These first Olympic Games from South America go from Brazil to the entire world,” he said.
“All Brazilians can be very proud tonight. With the Olympic Games as a catalyst, you have achieved in only seven years what generations before you could only dream of.
“You have transformed Rio de Janiero into a modern metropolis and made it even more beautiful. You managed this at a very difficult time in Brazilian history. We have always believed in you.”
Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman said he was “the proudest man alive”.
He added: “I am proud of my city, proud of my country. Let’s celebrate together as we work together to build the Games.”
Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games will officially start on August 5 with the opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.
Athletes from 206 nations and a refugee team are in Brazil to compete in 28 sports and be watched by a global audience of billions.
These are the Games of the 31st Olympiad but are the 28th to be held as those in 1916, 1940 and 1944 did not take place because of war.
The Olympic Games – held in South America for the first time – officially take place between August 5 and 21, but they have actually already started.
The opening ceremony is taking place on August 5 at 7.30 PM ET/PT, but the action kicked off two days ago with the women’s soccer.
The range of starting times is vast. The ceremony starts at 20:00 in Brazil, 01:00 in Denmark and 11:00 in Fiji.
An estimated three billion people will watch the ceremony, which has taken five years to produce and includes 300 dancers, 5,000 volunteers and 12,000 costumes.
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen and Judi Dench are confirmed to have roles in the production before the 207 competing teams take part in the Parade of Nations.
There will be 10,500 athletes from a record 207 teams competing in Rio, including the Refugee Olympic Team, while it will be the first time Kosovo and South Sudan have taken part in the Games.
The Refugee Olympic Team will compete under the Olympic flag and has 10 members – five from South Sudan, two from Syria, two from DR Congo and one from Ethiopia.
With 554 athletes, the US has the largest Olympic team and 100m runner Etimoni Timuani is the only athlete from the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu.
The Rio Games will be the first to feature Olympians born since the year 2000 – and the youngest is 13-year-old Nepalese swimmer Gaurika Singh.
Competitions will take place across 32 venues in Rio, with football matches also scheduled for the cities of Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Salvador and Sao Paulo.
There are 306 events in 28 Olympic sports but none are bigger than the 100m sprint final and the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.
Moroccan boxer Hassan Saada has been detained in Brazil over allegations of assaulting two female cleaners in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic village.
The 22-year-old boxer was held on suspicion of committing the assaults on August 3, a police statement said.
Hassan Saada, who fights in the light-heavyweight category, was due to take part in his first bout on August 6.
A Brazilian judge has ordered Hassan Saada be detained for 15 days, pending an investigation, media reports said.
His detention could mean Hassan Saada is unable to take part in the Games.
Brazilian media reports quoted police as saying the boxer had pushed one of the maids against a wall and tried to kiss her.
There has been no immediate comment from Hassan Saada or Moroccan Olympic officials.
Judge Larissa Nunes Saly said the boxer must remain in detention while the allegations were investigated because of the risks he could reoffend or try to flee the country.
The 2016 Olympic Games officially start in Rio on August 5 with the opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium.
Athletes from 206 nations and a refugee team are in Brazil to compete in 28 sports. They will be watched by a global audience of billions.
The build-up has been dominated by a Russian doping scandal, the Zika virus and issues with the city’s security, infrastructure and venues.
Gianni Infantino has been cleared of wrongdoing following a FIFA investigation into his expenses, recruitment and alleged sacking of whistleblowers.
He took charge of soccer’s world governing body in February after the disgraced Sepp Blatter resigned.
Photo Getty Images
FIFA’s ethics committee found no “conflicts of interest” and no breaches of the organization’s ethics code.
“The benefits enjoyed by Mr. Infantino were not considered improper,” it said.
A leaked internal FIFA memo outlined a series of claims relating to 46-year-old Gianni Infantino. The claims were that he: left himself exposed to claims of a possible conflict of interest by using private jets laid on by a World Cup bidding country; filled senior posts without checking people’s eligibility for the role; billed FIFA for mattresses, flowers, a tuxedo, an exercise machine and personal laundry; demanded FIFA hire an external driver, who then billed the governing body for driving his family and advisors around while he was abroad.
Three types of vaccine have been shown to be completely protective against the Zika virus.
Scientists found all three offered protection in tests on rhesus monkeys.
Zika virus has been deemed a public health emergency, because it can cause serious birth defects.
Photo AFP/Getty Images
Teams around the world are working to design a vaccine that can be given to people, but it is likely to be years before any is ready for widespread use.
More than 60 countries and territories now have continuing transmission of Zika virus, which is carried by mosquitoes.
The scientists in this latest study used three different approaches often used in vaccine development – one was an inactive, and therefore harmless, replica of the virus and two others used parts of the Zika virus’s genetic code.
All three offered complete protection and none were linked to major side-effects.
American scientists, including experts from the military, say their results mark a further promising step forward in the search for a jab against the Zika virus.
The next step will be early trials, possibly later this year, to establish that the vaccine is safe and effective in humans.
The police and city of Baton Rouge have been sued by Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson over mass arrests during protests against police killings.
DeRay Mckesson said police acted in a “militarized and aggressive manner” in detaining him and nearly 200 other people last month.
The protests were against the killing of Alton Sterling, a black man, in the Louisiana city.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has previously said the police’s response was appropriate.
DeRay McKesson was held on July 9 on a charge of obstructing a highway.
In the lawsuit, the Black Lives Matter activist and two other fellow protesters claimed that police were unnecessarily aggressive during the arrests.
The document said that “defendants used excessive force in attacking, battering, beating and assaulting plaintiffs and class members without provocation or the need for defense”.
The three arrested protesters said they wanted the lawsuit to have class action status.
Alton Sterling’s death was one of a string of police killings of black people by white police officers in recent years that triggered mass protests and rekindled debates about race relations in the United States.
Selling women’s shoes is one of the best businesses you can do. It is undeniable that many women love shoes and enjoy shopping for them too. If your customer base is made up of women, you can be assured of getting a lot of business all year round. There is a huge variety of women’s shoes available today. When buying wholesale shoes for your business, consider this:
Sandals
Sandals may seem like the simplest category of women’s shoes but there is a lot to think about. You need to consider the season and the environment in which you are selling the shoes. If you are on the east or west coast, beach sandals should make up a lot of your sandals stock, especially in summer. Other types of sandals include thong sandals, flats, wedges, strappy sandals and so much more. Sandals are a trend in the warmer seasons, especially in nudes, beiges, browns and blacks. You should stock up sandals in all sizes as almost all women wear them, especially if they are really comfortable.
Pumps
Pumps are also versatile shoes and just like sandals, they are worn by a lot of women. It is advisable to add pumps to your store if you have a women’s shoe store. Pumps come with a range of heel heights. If your target demographic were the young, trendy and fashionable, then higher heels would be great. Choose a variety of colors and fabrics too as the fashion for pumps is quite versatile.
Boots
Boots are ideal for a turn of the weather. They make up most women’s looks for fall, winter, and early spring. Boots should be comfortable and weather proof. It is also worth noting that boots have evolved beyond cold weather and muddy puddles. Open toe boots are still a hit for the warmer seasons like late spring and summer. Depending on the design, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few in stock even in the warmer months.
Sneakers
There is a very specific demographic of women who buy sneakers. Most women will own many pairs of sandals and pumps but only one or two pairs of sneakers. Unless your target is sports and fitness for women’s wear, do not load up too much on the sneakers. If you do, keep then trendy and comfortable. Choose designs that can make a part of an everyday look rather than focus on the exercise look.
Melania Trump has rejected suggestions that she violated visa rules when she started working as a model in New York.
In a statement, Donald Trump’s said she had followed immigration laws “at all times”.
Melania Trump has yet to clarify what type of visa she used during a 1995 photo shoot in New York.
The Republican candidate has taken a hard line on illegal immigration in his campaign.
So far, the Trump campaign has refused to say exactly which visas Melania Trump had, and when she had them.
Photo Flickr Marc Nozell
The development comes during a turbulent week for the billionaire property developer.
There are reports of deep divisions in the GOP after a series of controversial statements by the nominee.
Melania Trump said she began working as a model in the US in 1996, but photos published at the weekend by a New York tabloid appear to have been taken in 1995 for a now defunct French magazine.
This discrepancy has raised questions about Melania Trump’s immigration status at the time and whether she had the right to work.
Paolo Zampolli, the owner of one modeling agency, says he sponsored Melania Trump for an H1B work visa in 1996.
Melania Trump has said that she had to go back to her native Slovenia every few months to renew her permit – something that is only generally necessary for tourist and business visas that do not permit work.
Donald Trump has also railed against the use of the H1B visa specifically, suggesting abuse of it is widespread and rampant.
Australia is a country famous for many things such as the weather and more relaxed way of life. It’s also an island nation rich with culture and history. But, what you may not know is that it’s also a country that boasts plenty of innovation!
1. Black Box Data Recorder
All airliners carry a “black box” data recorder that gets analyzed if a crash occurs. It got developed back in 1961 by Dave Warren, an Australian scientist.
2. Cervical Cancer Vaccines
A vaccine that helps to prevent cervical cancer got developed by Professor Ian Frazer. Cervical cancer is the world’s second-leading cause of cancer death in women.
3. Wi-Fi
You might think that wireless networking is an American innovation. But, it actually got invented by an Australian, John O’ Sullivan, back in 1992.
4. The Ultrasound Scanner
Ultrasounds are useful tools to help doctors diagnose medical conditions and treat them. The technology got developed in 1976 by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
5. The Electric Drill
Believe it or not, the electrical drill first got invented in Australia in the 19th century! It was developed by an engineer named Arthur James Arnot back in 1889.
6. Plastic Banknotes
Most of the world’s currency gets printed on paper. The world’s first nation to use polymer (plastic) banknotes was Australia. The country adopted polymer banknotes in 1988.
7. Combine Harvester
Some of you might know that the combine harvester was an American concept. But, an Australian company turned it into a commercially successful machine in 1885. Australians are quite the pioneers when it comes to agriculture, as the infographic below depicts:
Donald Trump has insisted that his campaign is united despite reports of deep divisions in the GOP after he made a series of missteps.
Speaking at a rally in Florida, the Republican presidential nominee said the campaign was “doing really well”.
According to media outlets, it was in turmoil after Donald Trump repeatedly attacked parents of a fallen Captain Humayun Khan.
Staffers told CNN that they “feel like they are wasting their time”.
Donald Trump said in Dayton Beach: “I just want to tell you the campaign is doing really well.
“It’s never been so well united… I would say right now it’s the best in terms of being united that it’s been since we began.”
Earlier Donald Trump’s campaign chairman Paul Manafort blamed reports of disunity on Trump’s opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton.
“This is another Clinton narrative that she put out there and the media is picking up on,” he said.
“Mr. Trump has appeared this week at crowds that are overflowing into the street,” Paul Manafort added.
Donald Trump has been sharply criticized for his attacks on the bereaved parents of the Muslim soldier killed in Iraq.
His ongoing war of words with Khizr and Ghazala Khan has intensified rifts within the Republican Party.
NBC News reported that senior Republicans plan to stage an “intervention” to get the campaign back on message, stressing issues such as jobs and trade deals.
According to NBC, the effort will be led by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and Donald Trump allies, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
“I think some of what Trump has done is very self-destructive,” Newt Gingrich told Fox Business Network on August 3.
Three prominent Republicans – including New York Congressman Richard Hanna – have said this week that they would vote for Hillary Clinton, saying Donald Trump was unfit to serve as president.
Many Republicans opposed to Donald Trump have stopped short of supporting Hillary Clinton, saying they would vote for a third candidate instead.
One person who did say he would back Donald Trump on August 3 was Clint Eastwood.
While stopping short of endorsing Donald Trump, Clint Eastwood said he would vote for him.
“I can understand where he’s coming from, but I don’t always agree with it,” Clint Eastwood, 86, told Esquire magazine.
Clint Eastwood also said Donald Trump was an enemy of political correctness, adding: “We see people accusing people of being racist and all kinds of stuff. When I grew up, those things weren’t called racist.”
