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House Viewings: Things To Look Out For

Dana R
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House Viewings: Things To Look Out For

house

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It is said that you know whether a property is right for you or not within the first few seconds of a house viewing. In the excitement of discovering a home you think is perfect, it can be easy to overlook some important factors. Many homebuyers make the mistake of being too focus on the positives that a property has. This stops them from looking out for potential issues that could cost them a fortune in the future. While it’s good to have a strong gut feeling about a property, looking for the good and the bad is essential. So during your next viewing, look out for these possible concerns.

Damp

Damp is something that can cause a number of problems within a property. Not only can it affect the foundations and structure, but it’s also considered a health risk. So during a viewing, it’s essential that you keep an eye out for any signs of damp. Telltale signs include watermarks on the walls, uneven wallpaper, and a moldy odor. Fresh paint is often used to disguise the effects of damp so look out for this also. It’s also beneficial to look for plumbing concerns which could cause damp in future. Check for old gutters, holes in the roof and damaged seals in the bathroom and kitchen.

wall

Image by Flickr

Large cracks

Large cracks on the interior and exterior could be a sign that the property is not structurally sound. This could mean that the property may be unsafe to live in and require extensive repairs. So doing these checks now is crucial. Check the walls, ceilings, extension joins and windows on the inside and out for signs of significant cracking. You should also look for bowing and pieces which have already fallen away. If you feel concerned, your real estate agent should be able to put you in contact with a surveyor or structural engineer. You can find out more about home surveys and what they involve on sites like the Which website.

The Surrounding area

One thing many home buyers forget to check is the surrounding area. There might be noisy roads or railways lines nearby or you might underneath an airport’s flight path. You may find the house is miles aways from a local shop, doctor, and schools. The property might be located near to a nightclub or bar that could keep you up at night. While you can’t change these issues, it’s good to know about them beforehand. So look out of the windows during the viewing and try to visit at different times. This should inform you whether there is any cause for concern. Before the viewing, you can also use sites like the Entwistle Green’s website and Google Maps for more information on the area.

If you discover any of these problems, you may feel differently about the property altogether. Or you might think that it’s worthwhile fixing these issues when you become the owner. Remember to view a home multiple times at varying times of day to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Silvio Berlusconi Undergoes Heart Surgery

Diane A. Wade
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Silvio Berlusconi Undergoes Heart Surgery

Silvio Berlusconi has been placed in intensive care to recover after four-hour heart surgery to replace a defective heart valve, Milan’s San Raffaele hospital said giving no further details.

Sources told Ansa news agency the operation had been a success.

The 79-year-old former Italian prime minister is likely to take a month to recover.

Silvio Berlusconi served as prime minister four times but has since been convicted of tax fraud and bribery.

Italy's Court of Cassation has confirmed a two-year ban from public office imposed on Silvio Berlusconi after he was found guilty of tax fraud
Italy’s Court of Cassation has confirmed a two-year ban from public office imposed on Silvio Berlusconi after he was found guilty of tax fraud

He was admitted to hospital last week after suffering a heart attack his doctor said could have killed him.

Silvio Berlusconi is expected to remain in intensive care for another 48 hours.

“Everything is okay guys, now I can speak more calmly,” Gianni Letta, an ally of Silvio Berlusconi, told AGI news agency.

On June 13, Silvio Berlusconi wrote on his Facebook page he was “concerned” by the looming operation.

“But I am also very moved by the very many demonstrations of appreciation, support and affection which I have received from everywhere, even from political rivals,” Silvio Berlusconi added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TmGNnjdkWc

Sushma Swaraj’s Fridge Tweet Becomes Viral

Nancy Clayson
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Sushma Swaraj’s Fridge Tweet Becomes Viral

A tweet from Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has become viral after she had to gently tell a user that she is not the best person to approach for issues with appliances.

Sushma Swaraj’s tweet to a disgruntled owner of a Samsung fridge has gone viral in India and generated a spate of responses.

The minister tweeted to user @M_VenkatM: “Brother I cannot help you in matters of a Refrigerator. I am very busy with human beings in distress.”Sushma Swaraj Twitter

Sushma Swaraj often responds to users who reach out to her for help.

As the tweet gathered traction among people, many congratulated the minister for her response.

Others suggested their own innovative solutions to the problem – one user offered the services of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who once protested against high electricity prices by reconnecting power lines of those who had been unable to pay their bills.

The debate raged on about why a foreign minister would be the best person to approach for refrigerator problems.

Sushma Swaraj has a reputation for responding to Indians overseas who are in need of diplomatic assistance.

However, there has been at least one post accusing the minister of ignoring requests for help and trying to build social media popularity instead.

Sushma Swaraj has not tweeted again, despite the storm created by her initial response.

Rayani Air: Malaysia Bans First Islamic Airline for Breaching Regulations

Nancy Clayson
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Rayani Air: Malaysia Bans First Islamic Airline for Breaching Regulations

Malaysia has banned the first Islamic-compliant airline, Rayani Air, for breaching regulations.

The country’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) said it was revoking Rayani Air’s certification because of concerns over its safety audit and administration.

Launched in December 2015, Rayani Air offers only halal food, no alcohol and crew wearing modest clothing.

The airline has two Boeing 737-400 planes in its fleet, each able to carry about 180 passengers, eight pilots and 50 crew.

The DCA said on June 13 that Rayani Air could no longer operate as a commercial airline.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

It follows a three month suspension after Rayani Air failed to follow flight regulations. A safety audit was later conducted to assess its operations.

Malaysia’s aviation commission said in a statement that Rayani Air “had breached the conditions of its Air Service Licence [ASL] and lacks the financial and management capacity to continue operating as a commercial airline”.

The DCA said it had conducted a “thorough deliberation” on Rayani Air’s response to the safety audit.

In the lead up to its suspension, Rayani Air had faced criticism including complaints about cancelled flights as pilots went on strike.

Based on the island of Langkawi, Rayani Air had been flying to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and the northern city of Kota Bahru.

Rayani Air had plans to fly to more Malaysian cities and eventually schedule flights to Mecca for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, reports said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xluq3565qj0

How Faith Drastically Improves Your Health

Dana R
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How Faith Drastically Improves Your Health

Faith is something that is difficult to explain. People either have it or they don’t. Faith is believing in something that you can’t prove, see, or touch, without hesitation. Faith isn’t always about religion or God, although it plays a big role. Faith is about being positive in life, even when it seems like there is nothing to be positive about. Faith is important for both your mental and physical health. Here are some benefits to living your life with a strong faith.

Reduced Stress

People who have a strong faith tend to have less stress in their lives. When you have no faith, it’s like living in the dark. You’re going into life blind with no idea about what is going to happen next. While no one truly knows how life will turn out; people with a strong faith aren’t as worried about the future. They “have faith” that everything is going to be okay, which allows them to live their lives with greatly reduced stress. Those who don’t have a strong faith tend to worry much more about how life is going to work out for them. Giving them much higher stress and anxiety in their day to day lives. Whether your faith is through God, an unknown higher power, or just a positive attitude that everything will be okay, you can rest easy knowing that your stress levels are much lower than the average person. Praying also reduces stress, and people who have faith tend to pray at least once per day. Prayers will lower your blood pressure and allow you to remain calm in stressful situations.

Overall Emotional Health

Those with a strong faith tend to belong to some type of church community. This could be a Christian church, a Catholic church, a Unitarian church, or something else completely. It all depends on what you believe and what your faith is in. No matter what your beliefs are, being part of a community is good for your overall emotional health. The sense of community gives you a stability that is unlike any other. The community that you have decided to join, due to your faith, will help guide you when life is difficult, and that’s something that most people never find. You never have to worry about being alone when times are tough. Another organization with a strong sense of community is The Way International. It’s an organization that spends their time doing biblical research so they can live the way of God to the best of their abilities. They welcome those with the same beliefs and goals with open arms to join them.

Life’s Satisfaction

Your health can be improved simply by being more satisfied in life. How does faith satisfy you? People who have a strong faith and are part of the community that was talked about are more likely to do random acts of kindness for other people. In fact, many churches organize random acts of kindness on a regular basis. Churches also provide many other types of ministries. For example. You can find organize mission trips through churches all over the country. These mission trips go to local and international areas that have been hit by natural disasters. For example, people from churches all over the United States went on mission trips to help with disaster relief from Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters that occurred. Trips are also planned to third world countries to assist with building homes for the poor, handing out essential supplies for everyday life, and spreading the word of God. Some churches will go along with Doctors Without Borders who go to third world countries to administer vaccinations. Spending your life doing these things on your free time will increase your satisfaction with your own life and improve your own health in the process.

Encourage Healthy Behavior

People who have a strong faith are less likely to engage in risky behavior. Young people who believe in God are less likely to have sexual intercourse before marriage and have children out of wedlock. They’re also less likely to drink, smoke, or do illegal drugs. These behaviors are not the behaviors of people who have strong ties with the church and are spreading the word of God and are generally frowned upon in the church. If you do find yourself engaging in risky behaviors and finding yourself in need of help with addiction, the strong community of the church will be there for you to get your out of your dark actions. It’s much easier for people who are involved in church to break free of these behaviors than those who aren’t. Those who have faith also want to follow the word of God because they know there is a place for them in Heaven after they die. It makes them less likely to engage in activities that can possibly cause an issue with the afterlife. People who are involved in religion literally have a reduced chance of dying before old age.

Faith is an important part of life. You can’t see God and you can’t prove that there is a heaven, but you know all of it is real and that everything will be okay in the end. If you have faith, you can reap these health benefits every day of your life.

Reduce Your Risks of Serious Illness and Health Problems By Following This Advice

Dana R
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Reduce Your Risks of Serious Illness and Health Problems By Following This Advice

It’s pretty obvious that you need to look after your health these days. But, the problem is that there are a lot of risks to your health these days. You need to understand what these are so you can take steps to deal with them. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of long-term illnesses and health problems.

Make Sure Your Workplace is Safe

A lot of people don’t realise that their workplace can have a huge bearing on long-term health problems. For instance, poor posture can lead to chronic back pain in later life. There are also risks of RSI and exposure to asbestos which can cause cancer. So, you need to make sure your workplace is as safe as it can be. Your health can be affected at work, and you need to make sure you are in the safest career for you.

Clean Up Your Act

Illness can strike anyone at any time, and there’s not much we can do to change that. But, you can reduce the risk of serious illness by cleaning up your act. This means ditching the cigarettes and going for a vaporizer with premium e-liquids. It means cutting back on the boozing and only doing it at weekends. And it means getting off your backside and getting fitter. Taking these steps towards a healthy life is essential in cutting down on the risk of serious illness.

YouTube

Relieve Stress

It might not be a primary concern for you, but stress can play a big role in dictating your health. Too much stress can lead to serious problems with your heart, as well as chronic illnesses like psoriasis and other things. So, you need to try to make sure you reduce the levels of stress in your life these days. There are plenty of causes for concern if you are too stressed, so you need to take action as soon as you can before the problems become more serious. You might need to take time off work, or have some counselling. Whatever you need to do make sure you deal with the problem before it gets worse.

Watch Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an issue because it can lead to heart problems later in life. So you have to do what you can to cut down on your cholesterol intake. That means paying more attention to what you’re going to eat. Your diet matters a lot, and you might feel fine now, but the damage that’s being done is internal. Reduce your fat content and cut back on the amount of salt you eat as well. You need to go and get yourself checked out by the doctor as well. They may be able to give you tablets to help reduce your cholesterol as well.

It really is important to make sure you look after your health as you get older. You need to try to reduce the risks of serious illness that often present themselves as you get older. And the way to do this is to make sure you are careful in all areas of your life. Reducing the risks to your health is essential to ensure you live a long and happy life.

Playster Goes After Audiobook Market With Unlimited Streaming

Dana R
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Playster Goes After Audiobook Market With Unlimited Streaming

Do you love e-books and audiobooks, but hate the restrictions that come along with most of today’s streaming services? Are you tired of working around credit systems and paying a different fee for every book you want to enjoy? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘Yes’, then there’s a new service coming for you: Playster.

The Montreal-based startup is going up against industry heavyweights like Audible and Scribd by offering book lovers truly unlimited access to its e-book and audiobook catalogs for one low monthly fee.

By paying $9.95 per month, users can enjoy as many titles as they want — Playster has inked deals with the Big Five publishers (Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster) and its collection includes everything from the newest audiobook releases to New York Times Best Sellers and timeless classics — all of which can be read and listened to both online and offline.

Playster

“Most book subscriptions are unable to provide a sustainable model while also keeping publishers and authors happy,” Playster CEO Philip Keezer recently explained to Digital Book World. “But we’ve got a foot forward with that. We’ve already seen some of the big players being forced to shut down because they were unable to reach a scale that allowed them to sustain their business, and we’ll see this happening with more book subscriptions. Some will have to be more selective with their offerings and target niche audiences, such as comic books.”

Playster believes it has found the magic formula, however, which allows it to offer a book subscription with no limitations or restrictions. What’s more, the company is offering a second option for serious entertainment buffs who are searching for convenience and a money-saving alternative to their current streaming subscriptions.

For $24.95 month, Playster offers and all-in-one package that plays up its motto — Entertainment Unlimited — by giving members unlimited access to music, movies and games (in addition to e-books and audiobooks).

Its final selling point is to give away a free Playster Combo Box to anyone who signs up for 12 months. This includes an Android tablet and HD headphones, listed at a retail value of $250. From the looks of it, it’s a great secondary tablet to throw in your bag or give to your younger family members — up to three users can share one account!

If you’re curious about Playster, you can try it free for 30 days: www.playster.com

9/11: Secret Congressional Report to Clear Saudi Arabia of Any Responsibility

Roy Siemens
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9/11: Secret Congressional Report to Clear Saudi Arabia of Any Responsibility

A secret congressional report into the 9/11 attacks will clear Saudi Arabia of any responsibility if it will be published, CIA chief John Brennan has said.

Keeping 28 pages of the report secret has sparked speculation that the attack had received official Saudi support.

The documents are also central to a dispute over whether the families of 9/11 victims should be able to sue the Saudi government.

However, Saudi Arabia denies any involvement.

Fifteen out of the 19 hijackers in the 9/11 attacks were Saudi citizens.

America is remembering the victims of the 9-11 attacks in a series of memorials marking the 12th anniversary
America is remembering the victims of the 9-11 attacks in a series of memorials marking the 12th anniversary

Former senator Bob Graham, who headed the Senate intelligence committee that compiled the classified report in 2002, has said that Saudi officials did provide assistance to the 9/11 hijackers.

However, John Brennan said this was not the case.

In an interview with Saudi-owned Arabiya TV, he said: “So these 28 pages I believe are going to come out and I think it’s good that they come out. People shouldn’t take them as evidence of Saudi complicity in the attacks.”

John Brennan also described the 28-page section of the 2002 report as merely a “preliminary review”.

“The 9/11 commission looked very thoroughly at these allegations of Saudi involvement… their conclusion was that there was no evidence to indicate that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually had supported the 9/11 attacks,” he said.

Last month, a bill to allow Americans to sue Saudi Arabia over the attacks, in which nearly 3,000 people died, was passed by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has warned that the move could cause his government to withdraw US investments.

Bob Graham has said that the White House would decide whether to release the classified pages this month.

Orlando Shooting: 50 Killed and 53 Injured In Gay Nightclub

Roy Siemens
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Orlando Shooting: 50 Killed and 53 Injured In Gay Nightclub

Fifty people have been killed in a shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the city’s mayor Buddy Dyer has said.

Omar Mateen, who was named as the attacker by officials, was killed after taking hostages at the Pulse club.

President Barack Obama said Americans were united in grief, outrage and “resolve to defend our people” after “an act of terror and an act of hate”.

The Orlando attack is the worst mass shooting in recent US history.

A nationwide moment of silence will be held at 18:00 local time.

According to officials, the killings were likely to be ideologically motivated, though there was no information that the gunman was associated with a particular group.

However, Congressman Alan Grayson said it was “no coincidence” the attack happened in a gay club.Omar Mateen Orlando shooting

“It may be we’ve seen the commission of an awful hate crime,” he added.

Omar Mateen’s father Mir Seddique told NBC News that the incident had nothing to do with religion, and may have been triggered by the sight of a gay couple kissing in Miami.

However, NBC News reported that Omar Mateen called the emergency services before the attack and swore allegiance to ISIS.

The group later said – via its affiliated Amaq news agency – that an ISIS “fighter” had carried out the attack.

The claim did not specify whether ISIS was directly involved or simply taking credit for inspiring the attack.

President Obama described the attack as “the brutal murder of dozens of innocent people”.

“It was an act of terror and an act of hate,” the president said, adding that it was a heartbreaking day for the LGBT community.

An attack on any American was an attack on all, Barack Obama added.

“We are united in grief, in outrage and resolve to defend our people.”

Barack Obama has ordered flags on federal buildings to be flown at half mast until sunset on June 16.

The suspect, who was a US citizen from the Florida town of Port St Lucie and was of Afghan descent, was not on a terrorism watch list.

However, officials revealed that the FBI had twice interviewed Omar Mateen in 2013-2014 after he made “inflammatory remarks” to a colleague. But the investigation was closed.

The death toll of 50 given by Mayor Buddy Dyer means that the Orlando attack surpasses the 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech which left 32 people dead.

Another 53 people were injured in the shooting.

Security has also been boosted for the last day of the Capital Pride LGBT festival in Washington DC, which included a moment of silence for the Orlando victims at 13:00 local time, the Washington Post reported.

A gay pride parade has also been taking place in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Nicolas Maduro: Recall Referendum Will Not Take Place This Year

Diane A. Wade
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Nicolas Maduro: Recall Referendum Will Not Take Place This Year

According to Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, a referendum the opposition is trying to recall him will not take place this year.

There was no time to organize the recall referendum, said Nicolas Maduro.

On June 10 the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared more than 600,000 signatures on a petition for the referendum invalid.

Venezuela’s opposition says the electoral authorities are working alongside the government to derail the process.

Opposition leaders say their signatures on the petition have also been invalidated, revealing the electoral council’s bias.

Former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles is among those who say their signatures have been ruled out for “failing to meet the requirements”.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Henry Ramos Allup, described the move as “shameful” and “a provocation”.

Nicolas Maduro accused the opposition of fraud and said he would ask the Supreme Court on June 13 to annul the process.

“If they meet the requirements, the recall referendum will take place next year, full stop” said Nicolas Maduro at a rally in Caracas.

“If they don’t meet the requirements, there will be no recall referendum, full stop.”

Timing is essential for both sides. If the referendum is held by January 10, 2017, and President Nicolas Maduro loses, a new election will be called.

If it is held after January 10, 2017, and the vote goes against Nicolas Maduro, his vice-president takes over and remains in power until the end of the presidential term, in January 2019.

The opposition handed over the petition on May 2.Nicolas Maduro mango

It said it had gathered the signatures of 1.85 million voters backing a recall referendum, many more than the 197,000 needed at this initial stage. The CNE said on June 10 there were 1.97 million signatures on the list.

The voters whose signatures have not been struck off by the CNE – more than 1.3 million people – will need to turn up at regional electoral offices to confirm their identities later this month.

They will have five days from June 20 to have their signatures checked, CNE President Tibisay Lucena announced on June 10.

Henrique Capriles urged voters to get ready to comply with the CNE demand and go to government offices to have their identities checked later this month.

Venezuela is in a serious economic crisis, which the opposition blames on mistaken left-wing policies of Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-z03vGjo54

Christina Grimmie Death: It Is Unclear What Motivated Gunman Kevin James Loibl, Police Say

Sonia Pantiss
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Christina Grimmie Death: It Is Unclear What Motivated Gunman Kevin James Loibl, Police Say

It is unclear what motivated gunman Kevin James Loibl to kill Christina Grimmie, police say.

Christina Grimmie, 22, was shot while signing autographs after a concert in Orlando, Florida, on June 10, and died in hospital.

Orlando police chief John Mina said the gunman, 26-year-old Kevin James Loibl, came from the city of St Petersburg in Florida to confront the singer.

John Mina said Kevin James Loibl did not seem to know her personally but speculated that he may have been a deranged fan.

After a struggle with Christina Grimmie’s brother, Kevin James Loibl shot himself dead.

Christina Grimmie first came to prominence as a teenager for her renditions of hit songs, amassing a huge following on YouTube.

In 2014, she was a contestant on The Voice.

Police say Christina Grimmie was shot about 22:45 local time on June 10 at The Plaza Live in Orlando.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

John Mina said: “She was doing a meet-and-greet, just signing autographs and selling merchandise.

“This white male approached her and opened fire, striking her.”

The police chief praised Christina Grimmie’s brother Marcus for his “very heroic” actions in tackling the gunman, who he said was carrying two handguns and a hunting knife.

“It definitely could have prevented further loss of life,” John Mina said.

Other people have been issuing messages of support for Marcus Grimmie, including a survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in Connecticut.

Ashley Cech, who campaigns against gun violence, wrote an open letter to Marcus Grimmie.

She wrote: “Today the world was reminded that there is no love quite like that between an older brother and his little sister.”

Christina Grimmie had been performing with the band Before You Exit.

Up to 100 people were at the concert, but only a handful remained at the venue when the shooting happened, officials said.

John Mina said unarmed security guards had checked bags as people entered the venue, but no metal detectors were used and no body searches were made.

News of the attack spread quickly on social media, with many fans voicing their shock and anger.

When the first reports of the shooting surfaced, #PrayForChristina was the top trending hashtag on Twitter.

The hashtag changed to #RIPChristina after Christina Grimmie’s death was confirmed.

Venezuela Presidential Recall Referendum: Voters Need to Confirm Identities

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela Presidential Recall Referendum: Voters Need to Confirm Identities

1.3 million Venezuelans who signed a petition for a referendum to oust President Nicolas Maduro will need to turn up at regional electoral offices to confirm their identity, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has ruled.

Voters will have five days from June 20 to have their signatures checked.

According to Venezuela’s opposition, the CNE is working in tandem with government to slow down the process.

The opposition blames the government for Venezuela’s serious economic crisis.Nicolas Maduro imposes visas for Americans

The petition was handed over to the electoral authorities on May 2.

The opposition said it had the signatures of 1.85 million voters backing a recall referendum, many more than the 197,000 needed at this initial stage. The CNE said there were 1.97 million signatures.

Nicolas Maduro’s government said there was widespread fraud in the process.

It said the names of thousands of dead voters and children were on the petition, which has been confirmed by CNE President Tibisay Lucena.

More than 600,000 signatures have been invalidated by the electoral bodies.

The other voters who signed the petition will need to have their identities checked between June 20 and 24.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles urged voters to get ready to comply with the CNE demand and go to government offices to have their identities checked later this month.

Tibisay Lucena warned that the process would be immediately suspended until order was restored if there was “any act of violence, trouble or aggression”.

Christina Grimmie Dies After Being Shot Following Orlando Concert

Sonia Pantiss
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Christina Grimmie Dies After Being Shot Following Orlando Concert

Former Voice contestant Christina Grimmie has died at the age of 22 after being shot following a concert in Orlando, officials in Florida say.

Christina Grimmie was taken to a local hospital tonight in Orlando after being shot by a male suspect, who proceeded to shoot himself.

According to officials, the male attacker opened fire when the singer was signing autographs.Christina Grimmie shot dead

The assailant was tackled by Christina Grimmie’s brother.

In 2014, Christina Grimmie finished third during season six of The Voice.

Police say Christina Grimmie was shot about 22:45 local time on June 10 at The Plaza Live in Orlando.

The attacker, whose name has not been released, had two guns.

A police investigation is now under way.

After news of Christina Grimmie’s hospitalization, The Voice tweeted: “We are heartbroken. @TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family.  Our thoughts are with her and her family.  #PrayForChristina.”

Muhammad Ali Funeral: Thousands Attend Farewell Procession

Clyde K. Valle
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Muhammad Ali Funeral: Thousands Attend Farewell Procession

Thousands of fans are attending a farewell procession for Muhammad Ali in his home city of Louisville, Kentucky.

Onlookers lining the roadside waved, took photos and chanted “Ali, Ali” as a cortege led by the hearse carrying his coffin drove through the downtown area.

The boxing legend and rights activist died on June 3 at the age of 74.

The cortege is taking Muhammad Ali’s body past key sites in his life, ahead of an interfaith memorial service.

Will Smith and ex-boxer Lennox Lewis will be among the pallbearers, while former President Bill Clinton will deliver one of the eulogies.

Thousands of free tickets for the memorial service, taking place at a major sports centre, were snapped up within half an hour.

The motorcade procession began at about 10:35 local time, more than an hour behind schedule, and is taking the coffin past his childhood home, the Ali Center, the Center for African American Heritage and then down Muhammad Ali Boulevard.

Fans threw flowers at the hearse and rose petals were scattered along the route.Muhammad Ali funeral

The procession, expected to take about 90 minutes, will end at the Cave Hill Cemetery where Muhammad Ali will be laid to rest in a private ceremony.

The funeral service at the KFC Yum! Center is due to begin at 14:00 local time.

Billy Crystal will also deliver a eulogy, while sports journalist Bryant Gumbel, the daughter of civil rights activist Malcolm X, Attallah Shabazz, and Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie, and daughters, Maryum and Rasheda, are also expected to speak.

Among those expected to attend the service is King Abdullah of Jordan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended June 9 prayer ceremony and had been due at the service, but reports say he has cut short his visit to the US.

The reasons for his departure are not clear, though there are reports of differences with the funeral’s organizers.

President Barack Obama will not be there, as he is to attend his eldest daughter Malia’s graduation.

In a video message, Barack Obama said: “This week we lost an icon. A person who for African Americans, I think, liberated their minds in recognizing that they could be proud of who they were.”

Everything You Need To Get Your Home Ready For Summer

Dana R
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Everything You Need To Get Your Home Ready For Summer

House Lights Turned on

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June has just begun, and the hot weather of July and August will soon be upon us. It feels like this winter lasted forever and spring never really got started. So you might only just be starting to come out of hibernation mode! Don’t worry if you think you are slightly behind with getting your home all ready for summer. This guide is here to help you remember everything you need to do.

Test Your Air Conditioning

Before the summer heat really kicks in, you will need to check your air conditioning system. If you wait until it gets too hot and find that it doesn’t work, you could be in for a sweaty few days until a repairman can make it! You don’t have to do anything too complicated to test it. Simply switch it on and leave it for an hour or two. If it seems to be doing the job, then everything should be just fine. However, if there are any unexplained noises or it does not cool down your home sufficiently, you may need to install a new air conditioner. If the problem is small, you might be ok fixing it yourself. You will also need to remember that some air conditioning units will need servicing every couple of years. This will keep them free from many common issues. Do you think it is time to upgrade to a new unit or system? Check on consumer websites before you buy one to see their excellent product reviews.

Black Fly on Rock in Macro Photography during Daytime

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Pest-Proof Your Home

Summer will see an increase in the pest and creepy crawly population outside. Under no circumstance should they make it into your home! There are a few ways you can make your home pest-proof. Before the weather turns for the better, check your doors, windows, and any other entry ways into your house. If you notice any gaps or cracks, they will need to be filled in. Otherwise, they are the perfect opening for little insects to crawl through. Cracks in the wall can be blocked up with some filler. If you notice a gap in a door or window, you may have to replace the frames so that everything fits tightly. Another way to prevent any insects squatting your property is to double check your plumbing. Leaky pipes can create a water source that pests can use to survive. Fix leaks and clean up puddles and pools of water so that there is nothing in your home keeping pests alive. Remember to clean up straight away after cooking and baking. If you need to leave food out to cool down, don’t leave it out long enough to attract vermin.

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Air Out The House

You probably won’t have opened your windows at all through the winter. That means your home will be full of a lot of stale air. If it stays in your house while the weather gets hotter, it can create quite an unpleasant atmosphere. It can increase the temperature of your home too. To make your home fresh in time for summer, air it out. Check the weather forecast and see when the next bright day will be. When it comes, open all your windows to get a load of fresh air into your rooms. It’s not only great for your home, but it can help your health as fresh air isn’t so full of dust and particles!

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Defrost Your Freezer

The freezer needs to be ready to be filled with ice cream and popsicles! Take a look through all the food that is in there and see if there is anything that needs to be thrown out. If you have portions of leftover meals that have been in there more than a couple of months, they will be past their best. Check the use by dates on any packaged food. Generally speaking, nothing should be frozen for more than a few months. If you can remember putting something in there last summer, it needs to go in the bin, unfortunately. Once you have cleared out old food, defrost it to get rid of any excess ice. Once you have made some room in your freezer, you can fill it with lots of summer treats!

Smarten Your Garden

Not many people take care of their garden and other outdoor areas through the winter. So by the time summer rolls around, there is a chance your flowerbeds and lawns might be looking a bit tatty. So before you can invite anyone over for garden parties and outdoor playdates, you’ll need to smarten up your garden. Mow the lawn so that it looks neat and trim. Go around your flowerbeds and take out any weeds. If you have any patches of soil that are completely empty, dig them to turn the soil over. It can also be worth adding fresh compost to it before you sow any seeds. Once the soil is ready, plant seeds and bulbs. If you have any wooden garden furniture, give it a coating of wood stain so that it will be able to survive any rain showers.

Brown and White Wooden Lounger

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Bring Your Garden Inside

Bringing some plants and flowers from your garden into your home will make it feel extremely summery indeed! You can keep it simple and just pick some flowers to arrange in a vase. This would make a fantastic centerpiece for your dining room table. If you feel very green-fingered, you can add pot-plants to all your rooms. Once you have the windows open, and a light breeze makes the plants’ leaves rustle, you’ll feel like you’re outside in a park! If you want something to do with your kids, have a go at drying flowers to make pretty decorations.

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Use Light, Bright Colors And Fabrics

Take down heavy drapes from your windows as these can trap hot air in your rooms. This is great when you need to stay warm through winter, but it can quickly make your home turn stuffy through the summer months. Instead, replace them with some thin drapes made from soft cotton or silk. If they are in light pastel shades, they will look extra summery. Summer is also the perfect time to paint your home as the warm air will help the paint dry quickly. Think about the rooms you use most often in summer. For example, conservatories and summer rooms. Paint these in light colors to make them feel extra summery. Buy some bright tea and bath towels so you can add some color throughout your home. The brighter your home is, the more summery you’ll feel!

Buy Summer Necessities

Summer means lots of bees and wasps, so get stocked up on lots of anti-sting medication. Insect repellant will also come in very handy as well, especially if you are planning on lots of barbecues and outdoor dining. One of the most important products to stock up on is sunscreen. If you have young children in your family, make sure you have plenty of high SPF brands. Remember to also buy lots of aloe vera in case someone gets sunburnt. It’s not just medical stuff you need to stock up on, though! Buy some disposable plates and cutlery in case you decide to have a spontaneous picnic. Getting fresh towels and blankets ready now will also help if you decide to head to the beach for a day out. And kids will really appreciate a garage full of cricket sets, frisbees, and balls!

Now is the time to get your home ready for summer. Otherwise, it’ll already be time to start the winter preparations!

What’s in a Name? How to Select a Handle for Dating Chat Rooms

Dana R
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What’s in a Name? How to Select a Handle for Dating Chat Rooms

First impressions leave a mark. When you are immersed in the world of online dating chat rooms, a first impression is often garnered from a user’s screen name, also known as a “handle.” Handles for dating chat rooms vary as much as colors here on earth, and they give potential dates a small glimpse into your dating intentions and your personality. Since often people are looking for different things when it comes to online dating, it is important to send the right message. Woah, that’s a lot of pressure! Don’t worry, there are a few tips for crafting a witty, creative dating chat room name that will adequately reflect who you are and what you are looking for. Don’t forget to have fun!

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Embrace Your Hobbies and Interests – Especially if you want to attract dates with similar interests, using hobby lingo provides a bit of insight into how you spend your time. A few examples include:

HikingtheTrails85

FootballFrenzy-62

Dog_and_CatLover77

Include your Year of Birth – If you want to attract singles in the same age bracket as yourself, it will help to employ the common practice of including your year of birth within your handle as with the above examples. For instance, if someone sees the handle HikingtheTrails85, they will probably assume that the person behind the screen was born in 1985.

Keep it Casual – It is recommended to avoid extremely telling information such as first and last name or location when crafting your handle for dating chat rooms. This information can be shared once you connect with a specific user and do not need to be public information.

Avoid Strong Language – In certain dating chat rooms, strong language and sexual references within a handle can get you quickly booted out the door. Be sure to check the specific rules for the chat room that you are joining so that you are welcomed with open arms!

Ask for a Friend’s Advice – Are you having trouble being objective about yourself? You might consider asking a friend to describe you in their own words. What adjectives did they use? Fun, carefree, focused, sexy? Use another’s view of your many attributes as a jumping off point for crafting a handle for online dating chat rooms.

Use a Name Generator – If after pondering the previous tips, you are still drawing a blank, there are several chat room name generators available online. With most of these, you will answer a few questions about hobbies and interests and a name will be generated for you.

Think Outside the Box – If you are having trouble coming up with a screen name. Ask yourself a few of the following questions.

Do you have a favorite flower, tree, color?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

What accomplishment of yours are you most proud of?

Do you have a favorite author, book character, or fictitious location?

What can you do really well?

What is your favorite band, song, or even song lyric?

Pick a few answers and weave them together to form a unique screen name for dating chat rooms.

Bernie Sanders to Meet Hillary Clinton After Obama Meeting

Diane A. Wade
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Bernie Sanders to Meet Hillary Clinton After Obama Meeting

Bernie Sanders has announced he will meet Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton “soon” but has not endorsed her.

After speaking with President Barack Obama, the Vermont senator said he and Hillary Clinton would be meeting to discuss their common goal of defeating Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump.

Bernie Sanders virtually has no path left to the Democratic nomination but has not formally dropped out.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has captured enough delegates to become the nominee.

Speaking outside the White House after his meeting with President Obama, Bernie Sanders detailed a list of issues he plans to bring to the Democratic convention in July.

Bernie Sanders said the United States, as the wealthiest nation in the world, should not have students in huge amounts of debt and seniors and veterans without adequate social security benefits.

Before his talks with Bernie Sanders, President Obama said he hoped the Democrats would “pull things together” after Hillary Clinton became the party’s presumptive nominee for president.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Bernie Sanders has said he will participate in the District of Columbia primary on June 14, despite pressure to step down from party figures.

Barack Obama stopped short of calling for Bernie Sanders to drop out, instead saying the Vermont senator had made Hillary Clinton a “better candidate”.

The president has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton and called for the party to unite against Donald Trump.

Speaking on NBC’s Tonight Show, Barack Obama admitted the race had been “ouchy”.

However, the president went on to say that this was welcome.

“It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary,” he said.

“I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas. And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate.”

Barack Obama added: “My hope is, that over the next couple of weeks, we’re able to pull things together.”

Hillary Clinton won four out of six primaries on June 7.

Hillary Trump has pitched to Bernie Sanders’ supporters: “Bernie Sanders must really dislike Crooked Hillary after the way she played him. Many of his supporters, because of trade, will come to me.”

However, Bernie Sanders said his campaign would not support Donald Trump, “a candidate whose major theme is bigotry”.

During his interview, Barack Obama said he was “worried” for the Republicans, saying the US needed a “healthy two-party system”.

Peru Elections 2016: Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Wins Presidency

Diane A. Wade
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Peru Elections 2016: Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Wins Presidency

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski appears to have won the majority in Peru’s cliff-hanger presidential election after all were counted.

According to the electoral commission, economist Pedo Pablo Kuczynski received 50.12% of votes, against 49.88% for his rival, Keiko Fujimori.

About 50,000 ballots must first be settled by an electoral court before a winner can be officially declared.

Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede, but Pedro Pablo Kuczynski tweeted his thanks to the Peruvian people: “It’s time to work together for the future of our country.”

This has been the tightest fought election in Peru in five decades.Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wins Peru presidency

As the last few votes were counted, the candidates remained neck-and-neck, with Pedro Pablo Kuczynski leading by a tiny margin.

The closeness of the result came as a surprise after polls in the run-up to the election had suggested Keiko Fujimori had a comfortable lead.

Analysts said corruption scandals in Keiko Fujimori’s Popular Force Party may have dented her support since April, when she comfortably won the first round of voting.

Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of Peru’s former President Alberto Fujimori, who is in jail for crimes against humanity.

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who is an ex-Wall Street financier, said he would use his international financial experience to promote economic growth.

He has the support of prominent figures such as Nobel-Prize-winning novelist Mario Vargas Llosa and left-wing candidate Veronika Mendoza, who came third in the first round of voting.

However, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski he has faced scrutiny over his close relationship to Peru’s business elite.

Lenovo Unveils phab2PRO and moto Z

Nancy Clayson
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Lenovo Unveils phab2PRO and moto Z

Lenovo has unveiled two smartphones – the phab2PRO and the moto Z.

The phab2PRO uses special cameras to scan its surroundings.

Its sensors allow it to make sense of objects and close-by spaces, allowing graphics to be intelligently added to real-world views.

The moto Z uses magnets to add optional hardware modules to the phone’s rear including a speaker and a projector.

Analysts said the innovations might prove a tough sell.

That would complicate Lenovo’s efforts to turn around sales of its own phones and those of the Motorola division it bought from Google for $2.8 billion in 2014.

The announcements were made at an event in San Francisco, where bendy smartphone and tablet prototypes were also revealed.Lenovo unveils phab2Pro and moto Z

Lenovo is currently the world’s sixth bestselling smartphone-maker, according to IDC, after being overtaken by two other Chinese brands, Oppo and Vivo towards the start of the year.

The company reported in May that it had swung to a loss of $128 million in its last financial year.

It acknowledged at the time that it was having problems integrating Motorola.

The Phab2Pro is the first device to use Google’s Tango technology.

Google has developed a system that adds depth-sensing and motion-tracking cameras to the normal front and rear photo lenses.

Lenovo suggested this opened up several possibilities, including: video games in which characters could be superimposed over a view of a room; directions that could be drawn over a view of a store to show where goods are; the ability to see and move 3D models of furniture over a view of a home to help with interior decoration.

However, an on-stage demo proved problematic.

A game of virtual dominos – seen superimposed over a view of a real desk – saw the pieces repeatedly freeze part way through their intended run.

An effort to use the sensors to get the dimensions of a real-world table took several attempts to get the software to lock onto the object.

This raises questions about whether the tech is ready to go on sale as planned in September.

The Moto Z introduces the concept of Moto Mods – snap-on parts that connect to the back of the phone via 16 small metal pins.

Examples of modules it plans to offer alongside the phone include:

  • a projector capable of creating a 70in (178cm) display
  • a loudspeaker made by the audio specialist JBL
  • a power pack developed by Incipio that offers 22 hours of extra battery life “without adding bulk”

Lenovo said it was working with others to create new modules and also urged developers to create more following the phone’s release later this summer.

LG already has an alternative modular handset on sale – the G5 – and Google is working on Project Ara, a design that will allow several parts to be added at once.

They mark a break with a trend that has seen phone manufacturers integrate components as closely together as possible to maximize battery life and computing power.

Lenovo also showed off several concept devices at its presentation.

These included a smartphone and tablet with flexible screens.

This allowed the handset to be wrapped around a person’s wrist so that it did not have to be held, and a tablet to be folded in half, making it easier to use one-handed.

In addition, Lenovo briefly showed off a revised model of its smart shoes.

It said the Intel processor-equipped footwear could track its wearer’s movements and calorie burn.

Lenovo did not, however, say when any of these might go on sale.

Barack Obama Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Democratic Hillary Clinton as the party’s presidential nominee.

Barack Obama’s endorsement came after meeting Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders who has been battling Hillary Clinton for the nomination.

President Barack Obama and outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a rare joint interview for CBS’ 60 Minutes
President Barack Obama and outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a rare joint interview for CBS’ 60 Minutes

Speaking in a video tweeted out by Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama said she may be the most qualified person “ever” for the role of president.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are set to start campaigning together soon.

The two ran against one another for the Democratic nomination in 2008 and Barack Obama later made Hillary Clinton Secretary of State.

Speaking to Reuters following the endorsement, Hillary Clinton said Barack Obama’s endorsement “means the world”.

Hillary Clinton said: “It is absolutely a joy and an honor that President Obama and I, over the years, have gone from fierce competitors to true friends.”

Muhammad Ali Funeral Service Held in Louisville

Clyde K. Valle
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Muhammad Ali Funeral Service Held in Louisville

Muhammad Ali’s family and fans are attending a Muslim prayer service to honor the boxing legend in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

The two-day funeral was planned by Muhammad Ali in the years before his death, according to a family spokesman.

Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest”, wanted the Muslim prayer service, known as a Jenazah, to be “a teaching moment”, according to Imam Zaid Shakir, who is leading the service.

The legendary boxer died on June 3 at the age of 74.

More than 14,000 people have tickets to the event at the site of Muhammad Ali’s last fight in Louisville in 1961.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been taken to hospital after falling unconscious at home just days after his frail appearance at a funeral for Joe Frazier
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been taken to hospital after falling unconscious at home just days after his frail appearance at a funeral for Joe Frazier

American Muslims attending the service and watching on TV say they hope that the public prayers will help Americans to become more familiar with Islam and its practices.

In 1964, Muhammad Ali famously converted to Islam, changing his name from Cassius Clay, which he called his “slave name”.

He first joined the Nation of Islam, a controversial black separatist movement, before later converting to mainstream Islam.

Muhammad Ali traveled the world as a boxer and speaker, and inspired Muslims around the world.

The funeral will continue on June 10 with an interfaith memorial service and procession through Louisville passing key locations such as Muhammad Ali’s childhood home, and a museum dedicated to him.

Tickets to attend the June 10 service sold out only an hour after they went on sale.

World leaders and celebrities will attend, including former President Bill Clinton and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. President Barack Obama will not be able to attend due to his eldest daughter’s graduation on the same day.

Silvio Berlusconi to Undergo Heart Surgery

Diane A. Wade
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Silvio Berlusconi to Undergo Heart Surgery

Silvio Berlusconi is to have heart surgery after an attack that could have killed him, his doctor says.

The former Italian prime minister will undergo surgery by the middle of next week to replace a defective aortic valve, Dr. Alberto Zangrillo told reporters in Rome.

Silvio Berlusconi, 79, served as prime minister four times but has since been convicted of tax fraud and bribery.Silvio Berlusconi acquitted in Rubygate affair

His political influence has waned since he left office in 2011.

Dr. Alberto Zangrillo said Berlusconi had “arrived at the hospital in a severe state”.

“He risked his life, he risked dying and he knew it… We have identified in an exact and certain way a pathology of aortic valve that is called aortic insufficiency,” the physician said.

“There’s only one way to correct it, which is the substitution of the aortic valve.”

Alberto Zangrillo added that his patient had been shocked by the news.

“At the beginning he didn’t want to believe it,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

“For a man who wants to live to be 130, this is a very unpleasant jolt.”

Silvio Berlusconi, a billionaire businessman who leads the Forza Italia party, was taken into hospital for tests in his home city, Milan, earlier this week.

A spokeswoman for the party said at the time Silvio Berlusconi’s condition was not life-threatening.

Thailand Celebrates 70 Years of King Bhumibol’s Reign

Diane A. Wade
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Thailand Celebrates 70 Years of King Bhumibol’s Reign

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the world’s longest-reigning living monarch, celebrates 70 years since ascending to the throne.

The celebrations began with a religious ceremony in the capital Bangkok, led by 770 Buddhist monks, an auspicious number.

King Bhumibol, 88, is revered by Thais, for whom he has been a figure of stability through the country’s decades of political upheaval.

However, the monarch is in poor health and has not been seen in public for months.

On June 7, King Bhumibol had heart surgery, with what the palace said were “satisfactory results”.King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

The procedure, known as balloon surgery, was to widen his arteries after tests showed the king had insufficient blood in the heart muscles, the statement said.

King Bhumibol has spent much of the past few years in hospital, and his health is closely watched by Thais.

“The relationship between Thais and the King is deep, more than one can actually begin to explain,” Col. Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the royalist junta, said to Reuters.

“He is a father to the land.”

Several hundred people had gathered outside the palace on June 9 to wish the king well.

The king is not expected to make a public appearance.

King Bhumibol’s popularity stems partly from his long reign and service to Thai people, but also because he is seen as an arbiter in politics.

Thailand has been wracked by political strife in recent years and is currently governed by a military-led government.

Strict lese majeste laws ban any criticism of the king or the royal family.

Wrongful Death Attorney: Why You Need A Specialist

Dana R
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Wrongful Death Attorney: Why You Need A Specialist

Death can occur for many reasons because there are many life threatening illnesses in the world. When that happens, you have to accept it and move on with your life. What you can’t accept is a loved one’s death due to another person’s negligence. Although doctors do their best, they can make mistakes. And when they do, they can be fatal. The obvious step when this happens is to file suit, and you will need a lawyer. Here are the reasons why it is better to use a specialist.

Hammer, Auction, Authority, Attorney, Symbolic, Court

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They Aren’t In Mourning

After a friend or family member dies, there is always a period of grieving. You might not show it outwardly, yet it still happens regardless. There is nothing wrong with mourning because it is natural. The only issue is that it stops you from thinking clearly. When you have something else on your mind, you can’t concentrate. And, you need to concentrate so that you can build a good case. That is why a wrongful death attorney is a good choice. They didn’t know the person, and they have no need to mourn. It allows them to focus on the case and get the best possible result.

They Know Where To Look

An important factor in bringing a wrongful death lawsuit is providing evidence of negligence. After all, the court won’t take you at your word. They will want proof, and they will want irrefutable proof or as close as possible. Because you are a novice, you won’t know where to look to find the evidence. Lawyers are different. Due to their experience, they know what calls to make and what buttons to press. If there is any negligence, they will be able to find the trail.

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They Have More Resources

The reason they can find things you can’t is their superior resources. Wrongful death lawyers have a variety of tricks up their sleeves to help them find what they need. A good lawyer will use a mixture of research and contacts, for example. If they have been practicing the law for a while, they will inevitably know people in the right places they can squeeze. Also, they have an entire firm at their disposal. So, instead of one person looking for details, they have dozens of people all focused on your case. As the saying goes, many hands make light work.

They Know How To Negotiate

The odds are high that your case won’t see the inside of a courtroom. Hospitals can’t afford the publicity, plus they want to settle the matter out of court to avoid sanctions. Just because they are on the back foot doesn’t mean they are down. To do that, you need to play hardball. Lawyers understand the game, and they aren’t afraid to play. They won’t jump at the first offer because it is a lot of money. They will bide their time and wait for the deal that suits your needs. It sounds easy, but it is harder to achieve than you would imagine.

If you don’t think you need a wrongful death attorney, you might want to reconsider.

Ed Sheeran Sued for $20Million over Photograph Track

Sonia Pantiss
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Ed Sheeran Sued for $20Million over Photograph Track

Songwriters Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard are suing Ed Sheeran for $20 million over his single Photograph.

The California-based musicians claim the track has a similar structure to one of their songs.

They allege Ed Sheeran’s ballad, released as a single in 2015, has the same musical composition to their song Amazing.

Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard say they wrote their track in 2009.

In court documents, that include musical note comparison and chord breakdowns of the two songs, the musicians claim the chorus of Photograph shares 39 identical notes with Amazing.

They say the similarities are “instantly recognizable to the ordinary observer”.

The court documents say that Photograph has sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide.Ed Sheeran sings with Sesame Street gang

It says it also features prominently in Hollywood drama Me Before You, released last week, as well as trailers for the movie.

Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard’s song Amazing was adapted into a single of the same name for Matt Cardle, the winner of The X Factor in 2010.

Matt Cardle’s version of the track has more than one million views on YouTube, while Ed Sheeran’s music video for Photograph has 208 million.

Documents in the copyright infringement case were filed on June 8 at LA’s federal court in the Central District of California.

Other named defendants being sued include Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, who is credited as a co-writer on Photograph, as well as various divisions of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Warner Music Group and its subsidiary, Atlantic Recording Corporation.

Martin Harrington and Thomas Leonard, and their publishing company HaloSongs, want a trial and damages of more than $20 million, as well as royalties from the song.

They are using the same lawyers who won a case for the family of the late soul singer Marvin Gaye.

They successfully sued Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for copyright infringement last year over their single Blurred Lines, winning a $7.4 million settlement.

Photograph was the fifth single from Ed Sheeran’s 2014 album x (pronounced multiply).

The court documents say Ed Sheeran had called the song “the one that will change (his), kind of, career path”.

The singer has written and co-written tracks for artists like One Direction, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

British songwriter Martin Harrington has written tracks for Emma Bunton (What Took You So Long), 5ive (Let’s Dance) and Kylie Minogue (Love at First Sight) as well as working with Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Westlife, Busted, Atomic Kitten and Blue.

Thomas Leonard’s writing credits include Safe Place to Hide by Backstreet Boys as well as songs by Zero 7 and Echosmith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SImBgf12J0g

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