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Confederate Flag: NAACP Ends Economic Boycott of South Carolina

Diane A. Wade
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Confederate Flag: NAACP Ends Economic Boycott of South Carolina

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has voted to end its 15-year economic boycott of South Carolina a day after the Confederate flag was removed from the grounds of the state house.

The civil rights group had boycotted tourism and other services in protest at the flying of the Confederate flag.

The controversial flag was removed after a debate sparked by the shooting of nine black people.

The suspected gunman, Dylann Roof, had been pictured holding the Confederate banner.

The flag was the battle emblem of the southern states during the American Civil War but is now seen by many as a symbol of slavery and racism.

Members of the NAACP agreed the move at their annual convention in Philadelphia.South Carolina Confederate flag

“Emergency resolution passed by the NAACP National Board of Directors at #NAACP106, ending the 15 year South Carolina boycott,” the group said on its Twitter feed.

The Confederate flag was originally placed on top of the South Carolina state house in Columbia in 1961 as part of Civil War centennial commemorations.

However, critics said it was more of a sign of opposition to the black civil rights movement at the time.

The NAACP announced its boycott in 2000 and maintained it even though the Confederate flag was later taken down from the capitol’s dome and placed by a civil war monument in the grounds.

The future of the flag was thrust back into the limelight after nine black people were shot dead in a church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17 this year.

After a long and fractious debate, a bill calling for the flag to be taken down was signed on July 9 by Republican Governor Nikki Haley.

Relatives of some of the victims attended July 10 ceremony to remove the flag from outside the state house.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch the event, some chanting “take it down” while they waited for the ceremony to begin.

The Confederate flag’s supporters argue that it is an important part of southern heritage.

El Chapo Guzman Escapes from Mexican Jail for Second Time

Diane A. Wade
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El Chapo Guzman Escapes from Mexican Jail for Second Time

Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, aka “Shorty”, has escaped from a maximum security prison for a second time, officials say.

In a statement, Mexico’s National Security Commission said El Chapo Guzman was last seen in the showers of the Altiplano jail late on Saturday night.

Guzman was the leader of the Sinaloa cartel, which smuggles huge amounts of illegal drugs into the US.

His recapture in 2014 was hailed as a victory for Mexico’s government.El Chapo Guzman escapes jail

Officials say that Joaquin Guzman’s escape was discovered when officers checked his cell in the Altiplano prison, which is near Mexico City.

A search operation has been launched and flights have been suspended at a nearby airport.

El Chapo Guzman escaped from a Mexican high-security prison in 2001. He was smuggled out in a laundry basket after bribing prison officials.

He had been serving a sentence of more than 20 years, after being arrested in Guatemala in 1993.

El Chapo Guzman has been indicted in the US on federal drug trafficking charges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m72tYP1mgUQ

Greece Debt Talks: Eurogroup to Decide on Grexit

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Debt Talks: Eurogroup to Decide on Grexit

Eurogroup is due to resume talks in Brussels on a bailout deal for Greece.

Nine hours of talks on July 11 ended without agreement and Eurogroup leader Jeroen Dijsselbloem described negotiations as “very difficult”.

Eurozone finance ministers have expressed skepticism Greece will implement the austerity measures it has proposed.

They have little time to produce a working plan ready for European leaders who meet in Brussels later on Sunday.

“We have had an in-depth discussion of the Greek proposals, the issue of credibility and trust was discussed and also of course financial issues involved, but we haven’t concluded our discussions,” Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who heads the Eurogroup of finance ministers, told reporters as the earlier round of talks broke up.

“It is still very difficult but work is in progress.”

Talks are due to resume at 09:00 GMT.

Greek lawmakers have backed the latest measures proposed by PM Alexis Tsipras, despite the fact that many of the ideas were rejected by the Greek people in July 5 referendum.Greece debt talks in Brussels

Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos is attending the talks in Brussels, trying to convince his counterparts that his government can be trusted to push through their economic reform plan.

Before talks began on July 11, Jeroen Dijsselbloem said there were concerns not just about “the content of the proposals, but also on the even more difficult issue of trust”.

“How can we really expect this government to implement what it’s now promising? I think it’s going to be quite a difficult meeting,” he said.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said Greece would have to do more than promise reforms if it wanted more money.

“We will definitely not be able to rely on promises,” he said.

Reports on July 11 suggested that German ministers were drawing up a plan that would allow Greece to exit the eurozone temporarily if this weekend’s talks fail – something Athens says it is not aware of.

There were also unconfirmed reports that Finland had refused to agree to the new bailout proposals, although on its own it is unlikely to stop any deal going ahead.

Greece is asking creditors for €53.5 billion ($59.47 billion) to cover its debts until 2018.

However, the amount of the new bailout could reach €74 billion as Greece seeks a restructuring of its massive debt, which it says is unsustainable.

Of the €74 billion, €58 billion could come from the EU’s bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism, with €16 billion from the IMF, sources have said.

As talks drag on, Greece’s financial situation is close to collapse.

Banks have been closed for two weeks and a €60 ($66) daily limit on cash machine withdrawals, imposed on June 28, remains in force for Greek citizens.

Typhoon Chan-hom Hits China’s Zhejiang Province

Diane A. Wade
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Typhoon Chan-hom Hits China’s Zhejiang Province

Typhoon Chan-hom has hit eastern China in Zhejiang province.

Almost one million people have been evacuated from coastal areas in anticipation of a typhoon carrying wind speeds of 107mph. Some 4in of rain has fallen since July 10.

Chan-hom is now heading north past the city of Shanghai.

The typhoon hit Taiwan and Japan earlier in the week, uprooting trees and injuring several people.

Chan-hom first hit Zhejiang province on an island near the city of Ningbo at around 16:40 local time, the National Meteorological Center said.

No deaths or injuries were reported in the region by July 11, state news agency Xinhua said.Typhoon Chan hom China 2015

One village, Laiao, received more than 16in of rain, it said.

The BBC’s John Sudworth in Shanghai says more than 400 flights have been cancelled there along with a number of public events, and the government has told people they should stay at home.

Dozens of flights were also cancelled in Zhoushan, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou.

Zhejiang province has called its entire fishing fleet back to port.

Some 100 train services were also cancelled.

Chinese TV showed footage of coastal regions being battered by torrential rain as the typhoon neared.

Images from the region also showed flooded farmland.

China is well used to dealing with such storms, although this is possibly the strongest July typhoon to hit Zhejiang since 1949.

The highest red-alert warning remains in force, despite the storm being downgraded in category from Super to Strong.

Pope Francis Receives “Communist” Crucifix in Bolivia

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Francis Receives “Communist” Crucifix in Bolivia

Leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales has given a crucifix sculpted in the shape of a hammer and sickle to Pope Francis during his visit to Bolivia.

The gift combining Catholic and communist symbols has caused a stir among Catholic commentators.

One Catholic bishop suggested that Evo Morales had sought to “manipulate God”.

While some reports said Pope Francis was taken aback by the present, the Vatican has played down any row.

The crucifix was based on a design by Luis Espinal, a Jesuit Priest assassinated in 1980 by right-wing militia.

Bolivia’s communications minister, Marianela Paco, told Bolivian radio: “The sickle evokes the peasant, the hammer the carpenter, representing humble workers, God’s people.”Pope Francis gifted Communist crucifix in Bolivia

She added there was “no other” motive behind the gift.

There are differing interpretations of Pope Francis’ thoughts on it.

Some reports say Pope Francis was embarrassed, telling Evo Morales: “This isn’t good.”

However, the Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, said it was more likely Pope Francis had expressed surprise at the origins of the gift.

“I don’t think I would put this symbol on an altar in a church however,” he added.

Pope Francis himself has been accused of having Marxist leanings, after mounting strong criticisms of capitalism and inequality.

One of the strongest reactions came from Spanish bishop Jose Ignacio Munilla, who tweeted: “The height of arrogance is to manipulate God for the service of atheist ideologies.”

“This is a provocation, a joke” said Bolivian Bishop Gonzalo del Castillo, quoted by the AFP news agency.

There was also anger on the Facebook pages of the Catholic News Agency.

Pope Francis is now in Paraguay, the third and final country on his tour of Latin America, which ends on July 13.

Omar Sharif Dies in Cairo Hospital Aged 83

Sonia Pantiss
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Omar Sharif Dies in Cairo Hospital Aged 83

Omar Sharif has died in a Cairo hospital at the age of 83.

Egypt-born Omar Sharif was best known for his roles in classic films Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.

Omar Sharif won two Golden Globe awards and an Oscar nomination for his role as Sherif Ali in David Lean’s 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia.

He won a further Golden Globe three years later for Doctor Zhivago.

Earlier this year, the actor’s agent confirmed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Steve Kenis said: “He suffered a heart attack this afternoon in a hospital in Cairo.”

Born Michel Shalhoub in Alexandria in April 1932, Omar Sharif started out in his family’s lumber business before going to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).Omar Sharif dead at 83

He made his screen debut in the 1954 Egyptian film Siraa Fil-Wadi (The Blazing Sun) and rapidly became a star in his own country.

Omar Sharif’s big break came when David Lean cast him in Lawrence of Arabia, introducing the actor with a now-legendary shot of him riding a camel out of a shimmering heat haze towards the camera.

Peter O’Toole, who played TE Lawrence in the 1962 multiple Oscar-winner, considered Omar Sharif’s name ridiculous and insisted on calling him “Fred”. The pair soon became fast friends.

In later life Omar Sharif claimed to be baffled by the film’s success, saying it had merely been shots of people on camels walking from one side of the screen to the other.

David Lean went on to cast Omar Sharif in the title role of his next epic Doctor Zhivago, in which he played a physician caught up in the Russian Revolution.

Omar Sharif went through a daily routine of hair-straightening and skin-waxing in order to disguise his Egyptian looks and would later admit Doctor Zhivago had left him close to a nervous breakdown.

Other notable roles came opposite Barbra Streisand in her first film Funny Girl and as Julie Andrews’ lover in spy thriller The Tamarind Seed.

Omar Sharif also got to play a series of real-life figures, among them Genghis Khan and the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara.

After his initial stint in the spotlight, Omar Sharif would come to be seen more frequently at the gaming tables than the Hollywood soundstage.

He became particularly successful at bridge and was ranked among the world’s best players.

His film roles became increasingly sporadic, and those he did accept were in films he would later dismiss as “rubbish”.

In the late 1990s Omar Sharif began declining film offers, claiming he had lost his “self-respect and dignity”.

Earlier this year Omar Sharif’s agent confirmed the actor had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease after his son Tarek gave an interview in which he discussed his father’s deteriorating condition.

“He still knows he’s a famous actor,” Tarek El-Sharif told Spain’s El Mundo.

“He remembers, for example, [he was in] Doctor Zhivago but he’s forgotten when it was filmed.”

Following the announcement of Omar Sharif’s death, his grandson Omar Sharif Jr. posted a picture of him on Facebook with the simple caption: “I love you.”

Roller shutters & security grilles: Most effective night-time security devices revealed!

Dana R
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Roller shutters & security grilles: Most effective night-time security devices revealed!

It’s not just commercial premises that are protected by roller shutters and security grilles, homes and garages can all enhance their security and benefit from the introduction of these installations.

Security for every building

Roller shutters from here will provide you with a wide range of all types of security appliances to ensure your home or business is secure. Domestic garages don’t just house your prized car, they are often used for expensive tools, garden equipment and even boats and canoes.

Security shutters can be operated manually or electronically, and you can be confident that all of your precious possessions will be secure should you be absent from home. Insurance companies love any additional domestic protection, so make sure that you inform your insurer once you fit any security grilles to your home, your premiums might even come down in price.

Expense isn’t everything

An article in The Daily Mail highlighted the growth of security devices that can be controlled from a mobile ‘phone. The Qualcomm house, featured at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, had a huge range of gadgets that will alert homeowners to the presence of burglars in their property, from smoke detectors to advanced external lighting systems this house claims to be burglar proof.

The problem is that the system doesn’t provide comprehensive cover for your home or commercial buildings from the most determined of intruders. A power cut or WiFi failure can make these systems inoperable.

Security blinds work because not only do they protect a building, they also act as a highly visible deterrent. The opportunist thief probably won’t want to risk the noise and disturbance caused by damaging a metal security blind, however they might try to gain entry to a building that doesn’t have any visible signs of external protection.

Combine new technology with tried and tested methods

A combination of new technology as featured here might be the best tool in the fight against crime. The new Flare security system will only allow access to your home to those whom it recognises through its facial recognition technology. If you own a bar or need a secure store room in your building, you can always double up on security by having an internal roller shutter to ensure that only those who are authorised have access to valuable stock.

crime-scene

The ultimate night time deterrent

The Crime Prevention website, suggests that ‘external shutters create a primary barrier in front of your doors and windows and will delay entry into your home by an intruder.’ Anyone trying break into your property at night might well wake up the neighbours by rattling the shutters and prompt a telephone call to the police.

Shutters and grilles also prevent thieves from seeing what’s in your property and they might decide that an illegal intrusion might not be worth the risk. Adding CCTV and an alarm to your property will serve to make your buildings look even more undesirable to the criminal fraternity.

Princess Charlotte Christening Official Photos Released by Kensington Palace

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte Christening Official Photos Released by Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has released four official photos of the christening of Princess Charlotte.

In one photo took by Mario Testino, Princess Charlotte is pictured with her mother and father, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and brother Prince George.

The pictures were taken immediately after Princess Charlotte, the fourth in line to the UK’s throne, was christened at a church on the Sandringham estate on July 5.Princess Charlotte christening official photo

Among the photos is a group picture of Princess Charlotte’s immediate family.

That image was taken in the drawing room of Queen Elizabeth’s private Norfolk residence.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their whole family had a wonderful day on Sunday and were delighted to share the special occasion with the thousands of people who came to Sandringham.

“They are very happy to share these photographs and hope that everyone enjoys them as much as they do.”

Celebrity photographer Mario Testino has previously taken pictures of Princes William and Harry with their father, the Prince of Wales, and he took Kate and Will’s engagement pictures.

Kim Jong-un Oders Execution of Terrapin Farm Manager

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-un Oders Execution of Terrapin Farm Manager

According to new reports, the manager of a terrapin farm near Pyongyang, was shot on the orders of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un following a disappointing tour of the farm in May 2015.

The farmer was shot and killed after Kim Jong-un toured the facility in May. The tour left Kim Jong-un furious at the number of terrapin deaths and the failure to breed freshwater lobsters, sources inside the country told the Daily NK, a website run by Koreans from both sides of the border and funded by NGOs who emphasize democracy and human rights.Kim Jong un terrapin farm execution

The farm manager attempted to explain that the terrapins had died due to a lack of electricity, water and food for the terrapins. Regardless of the reasons behind the terrapin deaths, Kim Jong-un apparently decided to set an example by executing the farmer, according to another Daily NK source who corroborated the story.

At the time of the inspection the official state website KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un was unhappy with the breeding of lobsters which had been given to the farm to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of North Korea in October, but information about the death of the manager only emerged earlier this week.

In May 2015, Kim Jong-un also ordered the execution of the North Korean defense minister Hyon Yong-chol, who was charged with treason after falling asleep at an event where the Supreme Leader was the guest of honor.

Kim Jong-un has ordered the execution of 15 other state officials for challenging his authority in 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HZuoUi-ug

Confederate Flag: South Carolina House Approves Flag Removal

Diane A. Wade
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Confederate Flag: South Carolina House Approves Flag Removal

South Carolina House of Representatives has voted to take down the Confederate flag from its capitol grounds after a long and fractious debate.

The state House approval, by 93-27, follows a similar move in the Senate. After a final procedural vote, the bill will go to the governor for signature.

South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley supports the removal of the Confederate flag.

The backlash against the emblem grew when a gunman killed nine black people at a Charleston church last month.

Dylann Roof, the 21-year-old charged with the killings, was pictured holding the Confederate flag.South Carolina Confederate flag removal

The Confederate flag – used by the South in the American Civil War (1860-65) – is seen by some as an icon of slavery and racism while others say it symbolizes the United States heritage and history.

The banner could now be removed within days.

The House vote was taken on July 9 after 13 hours of debate.

During a heated session, dozens of amendments by Republicans aimed at slowing down passage of the bill were rejected.

Some Republicans argued the flag was part of US history that had been “hijacked” by racists.

The Confederate flag was originally the battle emblem of the southern states in the American Civil War which tried to break away.

South Carolina was the first state to leave the union in 1860. It restored the flag in the capitol grounds more than 50 years ago in protest at the civil rights movement.

Caring for Your Vision Through the Years

Dana R
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Caring for Your Vision Through the Years

You may never have to deal with vision loss, but caring for your eyes should still be a top priority even when you’re a child or teenager. Millions of dollars have gone into eye care, such as the work at Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, but there are simple things you can do to ease aging and strain every day. Follow a few care tips to really see your sight flourish even in advanced age.

vision-loss
Photo Source: www.prevention.com

Everyday Care

It’s common sense to keep your eyes away from direct sunlight and extremely bright lights, but other influences affect your vision too. Electronic devices, from laptops to smartphones, emit bright light. Focusing on that light for hours at a time is stressful and contributes to strain over the years. Allow your eyes to take a break every 20 minutes. Focus on an inanimate object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds, for instance. Allowing your eyes to focus on something other than a bright screen releases muscular stress and exercises your vision with beneficial effects.

Wearing Eye Protection

If you’re working with anything under tension, such as handling hand tools, always wear eye protection. You can instantly lose your vision in one eye if tools or other items strike the eye surface. Although eyes are safely housed in bony orbits, they’re still vulnerable to damage when force is applied. Safety goggles are a must for any person working with volatile items.

Yearly Exams

Even if you don’t have an actual vision problem, visit the doctor at least once a year to have an exam taken. Minute vision differences could occur from year to year, allowing them to be more apparent to doctors than to you. Visit your regular doctor or an ophthalmologist to have the best vision possible. They’ll be able to quantify any differences and rectify situations as necessary.

Donating to Vision Institutions

You can indirectly care for your vision by donating to eye research institutions. Professionals with extensive vision backgrounds are constantly experimenting and finding solutions to common ailments. Streamlining medication types or improving surgical procedures is part of their job, but they also want to reduce vision aging over time too. Any donations help you and many others with their potential vision issues as time wears on.

Connecting With Your Doctor

It’s not necessary to wait an entire year for a basic physical and talk about possible vision problems. If you start to see obvious vision changes, such as blurry images or even floating phenomena, make an appointment with your doctor. Working with your doctor as issues arise makes treatment possibly easier than if you waited many more months.

Your general practitioner may only perform basic eye exams on you, so be proactive and research skilled ophthalmologists for more in-depth vision care. A current doctor may even have a referral for you, giving you a chance to see a busy professional at the top of their game. You want the best care for your eyes to see children and grandchildren grow over the years.

The Civil Rights Division of the United States Justice Department

Dana R
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The Civil Rights Division of the United States Justice Department

The United States Justice Department is one of the executive branches of the federal government. Their main responsibility is to oversee and enforce federal law throughout the country. The head of the department is the Attorney General of the United States, who is nominated by the President of the United States before going through an approval hearing with the United States Senate.

The Attorney General position is one of the oldest positions in the government. It was created in 1789, and as time went on, it grew along with the government and the country. As the responsibilities of the position grew, the need for more staff grew with it. In 1868, the bill to create the Justice Department was introduced to the Senate by Congressman William Lawrence. Unfortunately, the bill failed, and the Justice Department was not created successfully until July 1st, 1870.

Milan shooting Palace of Justice
The Justice Department is made up of several divisions. These divisions include, the Antitrust Division, the Civil Division, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division, the Environment and Natural Resources Division, the Justice Management Division, the Tax Division and the War Division. The War Division no longer operates and went out of use after the end of the second World War. The last addition to the branches of the Justice Department was in 2007 when the National Security Division was created. Before that, the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department was established in 1957.

The Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice was created to help the federal government work against discrimination on the national level. The Civil Rights Division is devoted to protecting people from being discriminated against based upon their race, national origin, sex, disability or religion. The former leaders of this division of the Justice Department have been known to be prestigious civil rights lawyers. Many of these attorneys have diverse and impressive portfolios of cases, and former executive officer Bob Bratt’s portfolio is no exception.

There are also several law enforcement agencies involved in working with the Department of Justice. These law enforcement agencies operate under federal jurisdiction. Some of these agencies include the US Marshals Service, which was established in 1789 but did not receive full federal agency status until 1974. The Drug Enforcement Administration also operates within the Justice Department. The DEA was formed in 1973 by President Richard Nixon to help enforce drug laws and enhance the government’s drug control efforts. The Office of the Inspector General is the third main enforcement office in the Justice Department. The Office of the Inspector General does not make the news as often as the first two offices. They handle undergoing audits and inspections to prevent fraud and abuse in the Department of Justice operations. Their goal is to act as the police of the Department of Justice itself.

The Department of Justice is one of America’s oldest and most important agencies. The goal of the department and of the people who work there is to help guide and enforce laws to protect the citizens of the United States of America.

New Project Keeps Mental Health Suspects Out Of Jail

Dana R
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New Project Keeps Mental Health Suspects Out Of Jail

Jefferson County is starting a new project that hopes to keep those suffering from mental health issues out of jail. The project is headed up by the Department of Community Services. It hopes to introduce a third option for arresting officers when a suspect shows signs of mental illness.

At present, their two options are to send the suspect to jail, or to a hospital. Coordinator Timothy J. Ruetten says that instead, officers will be able to bring suspects to a crisis or respite center. This is opposed to adding strain on already overworked emergency rooms and jails.

The project also hopes for better communication between law enforcement and mental health workers. According to Ruetten, each side has its own concerns. If the project is successful, it could lead to better understanding between the groups.  And, most importantly, an ease on both organizations’ sets of resources.

Projects in similar areas within the County have already provided beneficial results. The Emotionally Disturbed Persons Response Team in Rochester has reduced the amount of injuries to officers in mental health incidents by 12%. Training can take up to 40 hours over a week-long course, but Mr. Ruetten is hopeful that other county forces will take up the idea.

prison-bars

source

It’s certainly an interesting step forward, and it will be interesting to see how the project develops. Currently, the crisis center will only be used for arrests that involve emotional disturbance. But the larger impact could be on how the state – and in the future, maybe the country – deals with mental health.

Mental health and crime are challenging fields, according to experts at Forensic Psychiatric Associates. They state that specific cases need the study of complex medical information to build – or defend – a case. Half of all American jail and prison inmates suffer from mental health issues at a cost of billions to the country. So, it’s clear there is a major problem. If anything can help those figures reduce, it can only be described as a good thing for everybody.

The news is the latest in a long line of ideas about mental health and crime. The VERA Institute of Justice reports that jails have become a de facto health care provider for those with mental health problems. However, there is also a suggestion that the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Affordable Care Act may help. With more care available to those who cannot afford it, there should be fewer people missing the vital treatment that they need. Can this multi-pronged solution help towards solving the current mental health crisis?

Well, there are high hopes for Obamacare – and these new projects. Bear in mind that mental health costs the country somewhere in the region of $30 billion every year. These ideas might bring a positive advantage to every US citizen, whatever your political persuasion. Not just in medical terms, but also to prevent crime through mental health. With a little investment in the right areas, perhaps the US can make a breakthrough.

Han Solo Movie Announced for 2018

Sonia Pantiss
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Han Solo Movie Announced for 2018

Disney has announced a Star Wars spin-off movie that will tell the back story of space smuggler Han Solo.

The new movie is to be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the men behind the hugely successful Lego movie.

The charismatic criminal turned Rebellion hero returns in Star Wars‘ next installment: The Force Awakens this Christmas.

Harrison Ford last played Han Solo in 1983’s Return of the Jedi.Han Solo movie 2018

No details or casting have been yet been announced but the Hollywood Reporter said the script would be written by father and son team Lawrence and Jon Kasdan.

The senior Kasdan co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the latter with director JJ Abrams.

There was a huge excitement in the fan community earlier this year when an extended trailer for the new film featured a brief appearance of Han Solo and his Millennium Falcon co-pilot Chewbacca, appearing to be on the deck of his famous spaceship, uttering the words, “Chewie, we’re home…”

The untitled Han Solo project is scheduled to be released on May 25, 2018.

The movie follows the first stand-alone Star Wars anthology film Rogue One, which is due in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjR62SL11yY

A Guide To Avoiding The Financial Pitfalls Of Running A New Business

Dana R
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A Guide To Avoiding The Financial Pitfalls Of Running A New Business

Few things in this world match the satisfaction of building a successful business from scratch. In today’s world of ample opportunity, it’s no surprise that more and more people try to make it. If you’ve got the right ideas, combined with the desired passion, there’s no reason you can’t become the next success story.

There are a number of entrepreneurs who made it big after starting a small startup. There are plenty of lessons to learn from their stories. However, it’s important to understand that the majority of new businesses don’t see the five-year mark. If you want to be the best, then that’s exactly what you have to be.

One of the biggest threats to your business is money. Simple as that. It can take time to become a truly profitable company. Raising quick money can provide a short-term solution, but the best way to reduce the strain is to lower your costs.

Money

Source:

Increasing profits is a tough challenge and is somewhat out of your hands. Lowering expenditure is very much under your control. Going paperless, outsourcing tasks, and teaming up with other companies to reduce certain business costs are all great starting points. The key is to be strict. After all, every dollar wasted could be better spent growing the company.

Avoiding needless expenses should give your company a much better chance of staying afloat, especially during its infancy. You shouldn’t make cutbacks that will cause a negative impact on the business. But finding the most efficient way of running things is vital.

Arguably an even more important aspect is the legal side of your operation. Not knowing where you stand could bring disaster to your company. Use lobbying firms to prevent government changes or other related issues causing a negative impact on your business. Likewise, you should always keep your legal documents and accounting files in good order.

Facing fines or legal action could be devastating in the early years of your organisation. The importance of understanding the financial situation cannot be emphasised enough. For the added peace of mind, you should probably use the professionals to ensure everything is in place.

There are many different motives for starting a new company. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that a business is only successful if it turns a profit. Avoiding unexpected problems is key. Always think about the worst possible scenario.

You should always ensure that your assets like business premises are covered with the right insurance. Finding the best insurance can be a little time-consuming, but it’s not a process you can afford to get wrong. The last thing you want is to see your business go up in flames due to something out of your control.

A business is your baby, and it is imperative that you take care of it. Like it or not, the financial aspects are central to whether the company will thrive. Knowing where you stand here is one of the most important parts of the whole operation. Don’t forget it.

Grexit: France Wants to Keep Greece in Eurozone

Clyde K. Valle
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Grexit: France Wants to Keep Greece in Eurozone

French PM Manuel Valls has said his country will do all it can to keep Greece in the eurozone, because allowing it to leave would be too risky.

“The basis for a deal exists,” Manuel Valls said ahead of an emergency eurozone summit.

However, Germany has warned against any unconditional debt write-off.

Eurozone ministers have called on Greece to put forward fresh proposals after Greek voters rejected the latest draft bailout deal in a referendum.

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras met Greek political party leaders on July 6 and headed to Brussels on July 7, where he is expected to present new proposals.

His plan is said to include a demand for Greece’s vast €323 billion ($356 billion) debt to be cut by up to 30%.

Greece’s teetering banks are to stay closed on July 7 and July 8.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is maintaining its pressure on the banks, refusing to increase emergency lending and ordering them to provide more security for existing emergency loans.Grexit Greece debt crisis 2015

European finance ministers and officials gathered in Brussels told reporters they wanted to hear new proposals from Greece’s new finance minister, Euclid Tsakalotos, ahead of a full summit of eurozone leaders later.

“On Sunday the Greeks gave their voice but there are also 18 other countries with a voice,” cautioned European Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici.

Peter Kazimir, finance minister of Slovakia – one of the countries with the highest exposure to Greek debt – said he was “skeptical” that a deal would be found, adding that debt relief was a “red line for my country”.

In his comments on July 7, Manuel Valls said the eurozone could not “take the risk of Greece leaving” – for economic as well as political reasons.

“There is no taboo subject when it comes to [Greek] debt,” he told French radio.

Germany, which takes a tougher line, has warned against any unconditional write-off of Greece’s debt, amid fears it would destroy the single currency.

“The other 18 member states of the euro can’t just go along with an unconditional haircut [debt write-off],” said German economy minister and vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel.

The differences between the French and German stances on Greece reflect a fissure running through the EU, say correspondents.

Several eurozone countries – including Malta, Slovakia and Estonia – are owed significantly more by Greece as a percentage of GDP than Germany or France.

Meanwhile, the ECB said it would keep emergency cash support for Greek banks, which are running out of funds and on the verge of collapse, at the same frozen level – refusing requests for additional support.

It told the banks to lodge more collateral – or assets – with the Bank of Greece, reducing the amount of spare cash the banks have.

Capital controls have been imposed, with people unable to withdraw more than €60 a day from cash points.

The European Commission – one of the “troika” of creditors along with the IMF and the ECB – wanted Athens to raise taxes and slash welfare spending to meet its debt obligations.

Greece’s Syriza-led left-wing government, which was elected in January on an anti-austerity platform, said creditors had tried to use fear to put pressure on Greeks.

Floyd Mayweather Stripped of WBO Welterweight Belt Won from Manny Pacquiao

Clyde K. Valle
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Floyd Mayweather Stripped of WBO Welterweight Belt Won from Manny Pacquiao

World boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has been stripped of the WBO welterweight belt won from Manny Pacquiao in May.

Floyd Mayweather, 38, failed to pay the WBO a $200,000 fee to administer the fight by the July 3 deadline.

He had been expected to relinquish the title by now, saying he planned to do so following his points victory over Manny Pacquiao.Floyd Mayweather Stripped of WBO Welterweight Belt Won from Manny Pacquiao

Fellow American Timothy Bradley will now become the full belt holder.

After Floyd Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao, he had declared he would vacate all his titles in order to give younger fighters the chance to win belts.

A statement on wboboxing.com said: “The WBO World Championship Committee is allowed no other alternative but to cease to recognize Mr. Floyd Mayweather Jr, as the WBO welterweight champion of the world and vacate his title.”

Floyd Mayweather, who still holds the WBA and WBC belts at welterweight, has until July 20 to appeal against the decision.

He is expected to stage one more fight in Las Vegas on September 12, although he has yet to name the opponent.

The WBO created a vacant interim welterweight belt for the June 27 fight between Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas.

Miss Universe Paulina Vega Will Not Give up Crown Despite Donald Trump Row

Lisa.Felice
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Miss Universe Paulina Vega Will Not Give up Crown Despite Donald Trump Row

Miss Universe Paulina Vega says she will not give up her crown, despite her home country Colombia withdrawing its bid to host the competition.

Paulina Vega had come under pressure to quit after Colombia’s condemnation of the pageant owner, Donald Trump.

Donald Trump caused a furor last month after he said Mexican immigrants who came to the US brought drugs and crime.

Paulina Vega called Donald Trump’s comments “unjust and hurtful”, but said she would continue as Miss Universe.

“The fact that I am not giving up my crown doesn’t mean I am changing my stance about everything I said,” Paulina Vega told local radio on July 6, adding that the Miss Universe organization did meaningful social work.Miss Universe Paulina Vega

“I have kept doing my job as Miss Universe all these days. The work continues as always despite all this craziness going on,” she added.

Donald Trump had attacked Paulina Vega for keeping her crown, saying: “Miss Universe, Paulina Vega, criticized me for telling the truth about illegal immigration, but then said she would keep the crown – hypocrite.”

While announcing his candidacy for the US presidency last month, Donald Trump had accused Mexico of sending rapists and other criminals to the US.

Donald Trump also pledged to build a “great wall” on the US border with Mexico and insisted it would be paid for by Mexicans.

He later insisted he was criticizing US lawmakers, not Mexican people.

Following Donald Trump’s remarks, several TV networks across the Americas said they would no longer air Miss Universe, including the Spanish language network, Univision and NBC.

Mexico also announced that it would not send a contestant to Miss Universe pageant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6PIVVbYYcY

Sakari Momoi: World’s Oldest Man Dies in Tokyo at 112

Nancy Clayson
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Sakari Momoi: World’s Oldest Man Dies in Tokyo at 112

World’s oldest man Sakari Momoi has died in Tokyo at the age of 112.

The Japanese, a former high school principal and father of five, died of kidney failure in a care facility on July 5.

Sakari Momoi had been named the oldest man by Guinness World Records in August.

In April the world’s oldest person and oldest woman, Misao Okawa from Japan, died at the age of 117. Her titles are now held by 116-year-old American Susannah Mushatt Jones.

Photo Kyodo News
Photo Kyodo News

Born in 1903 in Fukushima, Sakari Momoi – whose death was announced on July 7 – first worked as a teacher and later became a principal in high schools in his home prefecture as well as neighboring Saitama.

According to Guiness, Sakari Momoi enjoyed reading, especially Chinese poetry, and also travelling around Japan with his late wife.

When Sakari Momoi received his certificate from Guinness in August, he told reporters: “I want to live for about two more years.”

Guinness has not announced who is now the world’s oldest man, although it may well be 112-year-old Japanese Yasutaro Koide who was born a month after Sakari Momoi, according to wire agencies.

Susannah Mushatt Jones celebrated her 116th birthday on July 6 with friends and family in New York.

Known as T to her 100 nieces and nephews – the nickname is short for “auntie” – she has said the secret to her longevity is sleep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyO6e_hmMl0

Yanis Varoufakis Resigns as Greece’s Finance Minister

Clyde K. Valle
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Yanis Varoufakis Resigns as Greece’s Finance Minister

Greece’s chief bailout negotiator Euclid Tsakalotos has replaced the country’s outspoken Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who resigned on July 6.

Yanis Varoufakis had become a lightning rod in Greece’s talks with Europe. In resigning, he conceded that his poor relations with other European finance ministers had become an obstacle in the search for a solution to Greece’s debt crisis.

He wrote in a blog post on July 6: “I was made aware of a certain preference by some Eurogroup participants, and assorted <<partners>>, for my … <<absence>> from its meetings; an idea that the prime minister judged to be potentially helpful to him in reaching an agreement.

“I shall wear the creditors’ loathing with pride.”

During his time in government, Yanis Varoufakis refused to adopt the mannerisms of a conventional European politician. Instead, he dressed informally and loudly. He frequently appeared in media, launching biting rhetorical attacks against rival negotiators and governments.Yanis Varoufakis resigns

While it may have appealed to populists, critics said Yanis Varoufakis’ abrasive style alienated many in the negotiating room.

His resignation came just a day after Greece voted against Europe’s latest bailout offer, raising the prospect that Greece could now suffer a worse economic disaster and lose its place in the euro.

Euclid Tsakalotos’ first task will be to present Greece’s ideas for breaking the deadlock at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers on July.

Meanwhile, eurozone finance ministers say they expect to hear new proposals from Greece after Greek people voted to reject the terms of a bailout.

A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was currently “no basis” for talks on a new bailout and the ball was in Greece’s court.

Angela Merkel has met French President Francois Hollande in Paris ahead of a eurozone summit on July 7.

Meanwhile, Greek banks are to stay closed on July 7 and July 8.

Banks had been due to reopen on July 7 but the head of the Greek banking association, Louka Katseli, said the period had been extended following talks on July 6.

Germany’s economy minister has warned against any unconditional write-off of Greece’s debt, saying it would destroy the single currency.

Eurozone finance ministers are to meet on July 7 followed by a full summit of eurozone leaders. According to a Greek government official, PM Alexis Tsipras is expected to present fresh proposals at the summit.

Alexis Tsipras has noted that a recent IMF assessment confirmed that restructuring Greece’s debt of more than €300 billion ($331 billion) was necessary.

Roskilde 2015: Damon Albarn Removed from Stage After Five Hours

Sonia Pantiss
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Roskilde 2015: Damon Albarn Removed from Stage After Five Hours

Damon Albarn has been removed from stage on July 4 at the Roskilde festival in Denmark after a five-hour set.

The Blur’s singer was headlining the event with his Africa Express project and was joined on stage by artists like Laura Mvula and Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner.

The set – which overran until 04:00 – included covers of Randy Newman and reinterpretations of Gorillaz tracks.

After playing The Clash’s Should I Stay Or Should I Go, he encouraged the crowd to protest at the plug being pulled.Damon Albarn Roskilde 2015

“You want more, we’re going to give you more,” Damon Albarn declared before a man, thought to be the stage manager, emerged, put the singer’s jacket over his shoulders and lifted him off stage.

In a video, filmed by someone in the audience, Damon Albarn – who had refused to leave the stage- egged on fans who chanted “we want more”.

Damon Albarn’s Africa Express collective, a collaboration between African and Western musicians, has played at events such as Glastonbury and Electric Proms.

It has also seen Damon Albarn travel to countries including Mali to play with local musicians.

Saturday night’s performance included appearances by Nigerian artist Seye Adelekan and Malian band Songhoy Blues.

Damon Albarn is currently on tour with Blur who are playing dates across the world this summer following the release of album The Magic Whip.

Chicago Shootings: 7-Year-Old Amari Brown Killed Amid 4th of July Weekend Violence

Diane A. Wade
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Chicago Shootings: 7-Year-Old Amari Brown Killed Amid 4th of July Weekend Violence

At least 10 people, including a 7-year-old boy, have died and more than 50 wounded in Chicago gun violence over the weekend.

Amari Brown was shot in the chest by a gunman who was targeting his father, a known gang member, according to police.

Police chief Garry McCarthy said the boy’s father should not have been on the streets, telling reporters: “If [he] is in custody, his son is alive.”

Despite the multiple shootings since July 2, the number of incidents was lower than in the same period in 2014.

Last year, 16 people were shot dead and more than 80 others were injured, according to the Chicago Tribune.Amari Brown killed in Chicago shootings 2015

The worst period at the weekend came between 21:00 on July 4 and 05:00 on July 5, when 30 people were shot as residents celebrated Independence Day.

Among the other incidents, a 17-year-old was shot dead as he played basketball and a 19-year-old was injured as rival gangs fought near Navy Pier after the fireworks display there.

The shootings happened despite a 30% increase in the number of police officers on patrol in the city over the weekend, Garry McCarthy said.

He said police in the city recovered one illegal gun per hour across the city.

“We must stem the flow of guns into the city,” he said.

The police force is doing “everything we can to fight this” but the city needs to “repair a broken system”, Garry McCarthy said, adding: “Criminals don’t feel the repercussions of the justice system.”

Chicago has struggled to turn the tide of gun violence for several years and is one of the most deadly in the US.

It ended 2014 with 406 homicides across the city – although this was a 3% decrease from 2013, when there was 419 gun-related deaths.

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

Greece Referendum Results: Greeks Vote NO and Reject Bailout Terms

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Greece Referendum Results: Greeks Vote NO and Reject Bailout Terms

Greek people decisively rejected the terms of an international bailout, the first results from a controversial debt referendum have shown as two-thirds of ballots were counted.

Figures published by the interior ministry showed 61% of those whose ballots had been counted voting “No”, against 39% voting “Yes”.

Greece’s governing Syriza party campaigned for a “No”, saying the bailout terms were humiliating.

The “Yes” campaign warned this could see Greece ejected from the eurozone.

Some European officials had also said that a “No” would be seen as an outright rejection of talks with creditors.

However, Greek government officials have insisted that a “No” vote would strengthen their hand and that they could rapidly strike a deal for fresh funding in resumed negotiations.

Greek banks will reopen by July 7, they say.

Reacting to the result, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis called it “a big yes to a democratic Europe”.

Yanis Varoufakis said Greece would be “positive” in negotiations with its creditors.Greek referendum 2015

Euclid Tsakalotos, Greece’s deputy foreign minister, told Star TV that two developments would allow Greece to pursue “a solution that is financially viable”.

“Firstly, the government now has a new popular mandate and the second is the latest [International Monetary Fund] report which says that the Greek debt is unsustainable.”

Greece had been locked in negotiations with its creditors for months when the Greek government unexpectedly called a referendum on the terms it was being offered.

Banks have been shut and capital controls in place since June 29, after the European Central Bank declined to give Greece more emergency funding.

Withdrawals at cash machines have been limited to €60 per day.

State Minister Nikos Pappas, a close ally of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, said it was “absolutely necessary” to restore liquidity to the banks now the referendum was over.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni tweeted: “Now it is right to start trying for an agreement again. But there is no escape from the Greek labyrinth with a Europe that’s weak and isn’t growing.”

Belgium’s finance minister said the door remained open to restart talks with Greece “literally, within hours”.

Eurozone finance ministers could again discuss measures “that can put the Greek economy back on track and give the Greeks a perspective for the future,” he told the VRT network.

President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are scheduled to meet in Paris on July 6 to discuss the situation, the French president’s office said.

Greece’s latest bailout expired on June 30 and Greece missed a €1.6 billion payment to the IMF.

The European Commission – one of the “troika” of creditors along with the IMF and the European Central Bank – wanted Athens to raise taxes and slash welfare spending to meet its debt obligations.

Greece’s Syriza-led government, which was elected in January on an anti-austerity platform, said it had been presented with an “ultimatum”.

The Greek government’s opponents and some Greek voters had complained that the question on the ballot paper was unclear. EU officials said it applied to the terms of an offer that was no longer on the table.

The projected turnout in Sunday’s referendum was about 60%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElvC1P16BtY

Princess Charlotte Christened at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte Christened at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child, Princess Charlotte, has been christened at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.

Prince William and Kate Middleton pushed the princess in a baby carriage Queen Elizabeth II used for two of her own children.

With the christening of Princess Charlotte, the Cambridges made their first public outing as a family of four.

Several thousand well wishers greeted the royals, while Prince George delighted the crowds on foot.

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced ahead of Princess Charlotte’s christening that they had chosen five godparents for their second child.

The christening was held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, and attended by guests including the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Other attendees included Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and her two siblings, Pippa and James.Princess Charlotte christening July 2015

The baptism, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby, was held in private.

Princess Charlotte has two fewer godparents than her brother George, and none from within royal circles.

The five include Kate Middleton’s cousin Adam Middleton, Prince William’s cousin Lady Laura Fellowes and Thomas van Straubenzee, a friend of the duke’s.

The final two are Prince William’s friend James Meade – who read the lesson during the service – and Kate Middleton’s friend Sophie Carter.

Thomas van Straubenzee, whom William met at Ludgrove Prep School, and James Meade, a friend from Eton, were both ushers at the duke and duchess’s wedding and gave speeches at the reception.

Lady Laura Fellowes is the daughter of Baroness Jane Fellowes – a sister of Princess Diana.

Like her brother Prince George, Princess Charlotte was christened in a replica of the lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the princess royal, in 1841.

The original was worn by all royal babies until the christening of Prince Edward’s son James, Viscount Severn, in 2008.

Princess Charlotte was christened using the ornate silver gilt Lily Font which is usually on show as part of the crown jewels at the Tower of London.

Among those gathered to catch a glimpse of the princess was 80-year-old royal enthusiast Terry Hutt, who camped overnight to get a good spot.

Prince Harry was among those missing from the ceremony. He is currently spending three months in Africa.

St Mary Magdalene is the church used by Queen Elizabeth when she is resident on her private estate.

Following the service, Prince William and Kate Middleton hosted a tea at Sandringham House where guests were served slices of christening cake, which is a tier from their wedding cake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HLiUOPuAfQ

Who Are Princess Charlotte Godparents?

Lisa.Felice
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Who Are Princess Charlotte Godparents?

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced ahead of Princess Charlotte’s christening that they had chosen five godparents for their second child.

Princess Charlotte has two fewer godparents than her brother George, and none from within royal circles.

The christening was held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, and attended by guests including Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh.Princess Charlotte godparents

Who are the godparents?

  • Lady Laura Fellowes – cousin of Prince William, niece of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. As a child Laura Fellowes was famously pictured alongside a young, misbehaving Prince William at the Duke and Duchess of York’s wedding.
  • Adam Middleton – cousin of Kate Middleton. She attended his wedding to interior designer Rebecca Poynton in June 2014.
  • Thomas van Straubenzee – friend of Prince William’s since prep school. Known as “Van”, he accompanied Prince William on his first official overseas tour to New Zealand.
  • James Meade – friend of Prince William’s since Eton and the son of Olympic gold medal-winning equestrian Richard Meade.
  • Sophie Carter – a close friend of Kate Middleton’s who has attended charity events with her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1KP3udnjdU

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