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Navy Secretary Richard Spencer Fired over Navy SEAL War Crimes Controversy

Roy Siemens
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Navy Secretary Richard Spencer Fired over Navy SEAL War Crimes Controversy
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Navy secretary Richard Spencer has been fired over his handling of the case of Edward Gallagher demoted for misconduct.

The case of the Navy SEAL, who was convicted for posing with a corpse, had sparked tensions between President Donald Trump and military officials.

Edward Gallagher had been due to face a disciplinary review where he could have been stripped of his Seals membership.

There have been differing accounts as to why Richard Spencer was asked to resign.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he had lost confidence in Richard Spencer because his private conversations with the White House contradicted his public position.

However, President Trump said he was not happy with “cost overruns” and how Chief Petty Officer Gallagher’s trial was run, and suggested this was why Richard Spencer was fired.

Meanwhile, in a strongly worded letter, Richard Spencer said it was apparent that he and President Trump did not have the same view of “good order and discipline”.

He said: “The lives of our Sailors, Marines and civilian teammates quite literally depend on the professional execution of our many missions.”

Navy SEAL carries out two separate raids in Libya and Somalia targeting senior Islamist militants

US Navy SEAL accuses Barack Obama of using them as “ammunition” for his re-election campaign

President Trump has drawn criticism from parts of the military after pardoning army officers convicted of war crimes.

Edward Gallagher was accused of stabbing an unarmed 17-year-old Islamic State prisoner to death and randomly shooting civilians while serving in Iraq in 2017.

He was acquitted of those charges and convicted only of the lesser charge of posing with the ISIS prisoner’s corpse.

For that, he was demoted, but President Trump later reinstated his rank.

Edward Gallagher was formally notified by navy leaders last week that he would face a disciplinary review which could result in his being stripped of his membership of the Seals.

On November 21, President Trump tweeted his disapproval, saying the navy would “NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s Trident Pin”.

On November 24, the defense department said Mark Esper had asked Richard Spencer to resign due to “his lack of candor”.

Richard Spencer had made private proposals to the White House, which he did not share with Mark Esper, and had contradicted his public position, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffmann said in a statement.

Albania: 6.4-Magnitude Earthquake Kills at Least 13 People

Diane A. Wade
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Albania: 6.4-Magnitude Earthquake Kills at Least 13 People
Image source: Getty

At least 13 people have died in Albania after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck the country on November 26, bringing down buildings and leaving people trapped under rubble.

According to a defense ministry spokeswoman, one man was killed after jumping from a window in panic.

The quake hit 21 miles north-west of the capital, Tirana, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Hours later, a separate earthquake struck the city of Mostar in Bosnia. There were no reports of casualties.

Albanian PM Edi Rama tweeted: “We have victims. We are working to do everything possible in the affected areas.”

According to Albanian state media, more than 600 people have been treated in hospital, including more than 300 in Tirana and in the coastal city of Durres.

Schools will be closed for the day.

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Emergency workers told Albanian media that one of the dead was an elderly woman who had managed to save her grandson by cradling him with her body.

The defense ministry spokeswoman confirmed firefighters and army staff were helping residents caught under the rubble in Durres, where four people were killed.

Three of those who died were in the town of Thumane, 25 miles to the north-west of Tirana and close to the epicenter. There are fears more people are trapped under rubble.

The man who jumped from the balcony was killed further north, in Kurbin. Another person died in Lezha.

Rescuers in the city were seen trying to free a young boy trapped in the rubble.

Albania was ill-equipped to deal with the situation, he said, and had appealed for outside help.

There have been a number of aftershocks, including one of 5.3-magnitude, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center said.

The Balkans is in an area prone to seismic activity.

The November 26 earthquake has been described by authorities as the strongest to hit Albania in decades.

In 1979, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit Albania leaving 136 dead and more than 1,000 injured.

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort in the City of Las Vegas

Kathryn R. Bown
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The Westgate Las Vegas Resort in the City of Las Vegas
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Famous throughout the world such as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, Las Vegas is also a city visited for its tourism, and commercial and natural resources that surround it. In fact, many people who have visited the city as tourists have decided to stay in Las Vegas to live and even retire as retirees for their good residential areas. Although it is true that Las Vegas and other neighboring towns are in the Nevada desert, the city has important aquifer supplies, both to the east, in the nearby Colorado River and the large lakes it forms, as well as numerous springs. In fact, the name of “Las Vegas” was given by the first Hispanic settlers to discover an area of green and wooded areas.

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino

Located in Las Vegas, The Westgate Las Vegas Resort is within a 15-minute drive of McCarran International Airport and features a rooftop pool, hot tub and outdoor tennis courts. Offering free private parking on site, the resort offers unique 3.5-star accommodation and a bar. Built in the 1960s, the Westgate Las Vegas has recently been refurbished to ensure maximum comfort for guests. Services and services include body and facial treatments, 24-hour room service and a sauna.

The modern rooms in Westgate Las Vegas are all air-conditioned and include an iPod docking station, a private bathroom and on-demand movies. In the rooms there is an internet access in the rooms, a telephone and a flat-screen TV. On-site dining options include Benihana, which is the perfect place to enjoy a meal. A variety of breakfasts is available every morning.

Popular Las Vegas attractions are within easy reach of the resort, including Star Trek the Experience which is just minutes away. The Las Vegas Convention Center, Stratosphere Las Vegas and the Greek Isles Hotel & Casino Star Theater are around a 20-minute walk away.

Birth of Las Vegas

As for the birth of Las Vegas, although Mexican and Spanish explorers passed through the area, it was the American John C. Freemont , once the area passed from Mexico to the United States, who first unveiled the Las Vegas valley nationwide so that later it began to be colonized from 1855 by Mormons and the American army itself.

Today, the main street of Downtown Las Vegas is Freemont Street, in honor of the military and which in its western part has numerous accommodations to have fun and stay in Las Vegas .

It must also be said that Las Vegas is not the name given to a single city but to a metropolitan area of almost two million inhabitants and composed of several cities and counties such as Henderson, North Las Vegas and others that we will see later.

As for the geographic boundaries of the Las Vegas Valley, they reach west to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area; to the east, to the Colorado River, which creates Lake Mead, a large aquifer area that is the main water source for the city, and to the south to the Sloane Canyon conservation zone.

And the northern part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area are miles and more miles of arid mountains and desert.

Hong Kong Elections 2019: Voters Turn Out in Record Numbers for District Council Polls

Diane A. Wade
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Hong Kong Elections 2019: Voters Turn Out in Record Numbers for District Council Polls
Image source Wikipedia

Hong Kong voters have turned out in record numbers to cast their ballots in the district council elections.

By lunchtime, the number of voters had already surpassed the final total in the 2015 elections.

The election is seen as a test of support for Hong Kong’s embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

Pro-democracy campaigners hope the vote will send a message to the Chinese government after five months of unrest and anti-government protests.

On November 24, long queues formed amid fears polls might be closed by authorities if violence disrupted the election.

In the run-up to the election, pro-democracy protest groups had urged people not to cause disruption. No trouble has been reported so far.

A record 4.1 million people have registered to vote – more than half the population of 7.4 million.

More than 400 councilors are due to be elected to Hong Kong’s district council.

Hong Kong Protests: Five Injured in Knife Attack at Cityplaza Mall

Hong Kong Protests: Police and Protesters Clash in 13th Straight Weekend

Pro-democracy campaigners hope they will be able to increase their representation on the council, which traditionally has some influence in choosing the city’s chief executive.

Pro-Beijing candidates are urging voters to support them in order to express frustration at the upheaval caused by continuous clashes between protesters and police.

Polls opened at 07:30 local time on November 24.

According to government figures, by 16.30 more than 2.1 million people had voted (52.14% of all registered voters) compared to 754,705 (24.18%) within the same timescale in the last such elections in 2015.

In total, 1.467 million people voted in the last poll. Only 3.1 million people were registered to vote in that election.

More than 1,000 candidates are running for 452 district council seats which, for the first time, are all being contested. A further 27 seats are allocated to representatives of rural districts.

Currently, pro-Beijing parties hold the majority of these seats.

Police were seen outside some polling stations and on the streets but correspondents said they kept a low profile.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said after voting: “Facing the extremely challenging situation, I am pleased to say… we have a relatively calm and peaceful environment for (the) election today.”

Counting will start immediately after polls close at 22:30. Results are expected to start coming in before midnight.

How to Make Your Special Day Perfect

Lisa.Felice
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How to Make Your Special Day Perfect

Silhouette, neckline, style – how to not go crazy when looking for your perfect wedding dress

Finding the perfect dress for any occasion is always accompanied by a certain amount of stress. Imagine then that the dress you are looking for is meant for what will most likely be one of the most important days of your life. 

No stress? Yeah, right! 

Thankfully there is help. Regardless of if you are looking for your perfect wedding dress in the US or Europe, there are sites online that will ease your stress by offering near customized alternatives. 

The devil is in the details and in this case, it’s the dress!

It’s all about the dress. Well, perhaps not only but choosing the right wedding dress is going to be one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to your wedding. Rightfully so. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day. 

This is a day that is uniquely yours and you should be able to enjoy yourself.  

The right dress will set the tone for the entire experience and you shouldn’t compromise when it comes to choosing the one that is right for you. One way to not go crazy and stress to much over details such as fabric and waist style, is to go for the path of least resistance.

One decision made is better than no decision made

Finding your path of least resistance means, just as the title suggest to make one decision at a time to not feel overwhelmed. One decision made is better than no decision made. At no time is this truer than when it comes to finding your perfect wedding dress. The level of detail is important as is the design. Online it is possible to find suppliers that will allow you to basically customize your dress to your hearts content. 

You have the opportunity to add in as many details as you like and choose the perfect fit for you. Finding plus size wedding gowns onlinefor instance is no problem and you are able to create a flattering dress to your liking. 

Even though there are a million and one details that will require your attention, choosing your wedding dress should be fun and exciting. By committing to making one decision at a time you are making sure that it stays just that, fun and exciting. 

The perfect dress = the perfect day

Of course it is not as simple as this. However, having the perfect dress will make you feel good about yourself and it will without a doubt enhance the experience. The freedom that comes with the opportunity to near customise your own dress is exhilarating and you should make sure to take full advantage. 

By making one decision at a time (when this is possible of course) you greatly increase the chance of success and if there is ever a day when you deserve perfection it is on your wedding day. With the perfect dress, friends and family as well as your sweetheart, all you have to do is walk down the aisle, relax and enjoy.

Trump Impeachment Hearings: Former White House Aide Fiona Hill Claims President Trump Promoted Discredited Ukraine Theory

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Impeachment Hearings: Former White House Aide Fiona Hill Claims President Trump Promoted Discredited Ukraine Theory

Former White House aide Fiona Hill has told the impeachment inquiry that President Donald Trump disregarded the advice of senior advisers to push a false theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election.

She said the president had instead listened to the views of his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Fiona Hill called the claims about Ukraine a “fictional narrative”.

The inquiry is assessing if President Trump withheld aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival.

President Trump denies any wrongdoing.

According to a discredited theory, it was Ukrainians or individuals with Ukrainian connections who interfered in the 2016 vote, rather than Russia.

In a phone call with the Ukrainian president, President Trump urged him to look into the claims as well as open an investigation into Joe Biden, one of the main Democratic presidential candidates.

November 21 is fifth and last scheduled day of public hearings by the House Intelligence Committee.

Trump Impeachment Hearings: David Holmes Reveals What President Trump Said on Ukraine Phone Call

Trump Impeachment Hearings: Ambassador Bill Taylor’s Testimony Draws Direct Line to Donald Trump

President Trump Impeachment: Marie Yovanovitch Testifies Before Congress

In her opening statement, Fiona Hill – the former top Russia experts to the White House – accused other Republicans of sowing doubt about Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

She said: “Based on questions and statements I have heard, some of you on this committee appear to believe that Russia and its security services did not conduct a campaign against our country – and that perhaps, somehow, for some reason, Ukraine did.”

Fiona Hill urged lawmakers not to promote “politically driven falsehoods” that cast doubt on Russia’s interference in US elections.

“This is a fictional narrative that has been perpetrated and propagated by the Russian security services themselves,” she said.

During Fiona Hill’s testimony, Democratic lawyer Daniel Goldman asked her: “So is it your understanding then that President Trump disregarded the advice of his senior officials about this theory and instead listened to Rudy Giuliani’s views?”

“That appears to be the case, yes,” she replied.

In her later testimony, Fiona Hill warned that Rudy Giuliani had been making “explosive” and “incendiary” claims about Ukraine.

She said: “He was clearly pushing forward issues and ideas that would, you know, probably come back to haunt us.

“I think that’s where we are today.”

Fiona Hill testified that she had a couple of “testy encounters” with Gordon Sondland – the US ambassador to the EU who testified on November 20 – over Ukraine, because the ambassador did not keep her informed of “all the meetings he was having”.

US ambassador to Ukraine David Holmes also testified at November 21 hearing.

In his opening statement, David Holmes said that his work at the embassy in Kiev became overshadowed in 2019 by the actions of Rudy Giuliani.

He said: “I became aware that Mr. Giuliani, a private lawyer, was taking a direct role in Ukrainian diplomacy.”

David Holmes added that he was “shocked” on July 18 when an official from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that military aid to Ukraine was being withheld.

Israel: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Charged with Bribery, Fraud and Breach of Trust

Roy Siemens
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Israel: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Charged with Bribery, Fraud and Breach of Trust
Image source Wikimedia

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases, the country’s attorney general announced.

Benjamin Netanyahu is alleged to have accepted gifts from wealthy businessmen and dispensed favors to try to get more positive press coverage.

He described the charges as an “attempted coup”, blaming them on a “tainted” process.

The prime minister has also insisted he will not resign and is not legally obliged to do so.

In a TV speech, Benjamin Netanyahu said authorities “weren’t after the truth, they were after me”, and called on the country to “investigate the investigators”.

Earlier, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said he made the decision “with a heavy heart”, but said it showed nobody was above the law in Israel.

He said: “Law enforcement is not a choice. It is not a matter of right or left. It’s not a matter of politics.”

The announcement comes amid a political stand-off in Israel following two inconclusive general elections in April and September.

Benjamin Netanyahu Questioned over Corruption Allegations

On November 20, Benjamin Netanyahu’s rival for the premiership, Benny Gantz, said he had been unable to form a governing coalition with a majority in parliament. He had been given the opportunity to try after Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier failed to do so.

On November 21, President Reuven Rivlin asked lawmakers to agree on a candidate for prime minister within 21 days and avoid an unprecedented third election in a year.

After the charges were announced, Benny Gantz tweeted his support for the attorney general and law enforcement agencies, and wrote it was “a very sad day” for Israel.

In February, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit said that he intended to indict Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with three cases – known as Case 1,000, Case 2,000 and Case 4,000 – pending final hearings that eventually took place in October.

It is unclear what this means for the prime minister’s future.

Benjamin Netanyahu is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise, and there is currently no legal barrier to him staying in office as prime minister.

It could take many months before the cases are brought before a district court. And even if convicted, Benjamin Netanyahu would not be required to step down until the appeals process was exhausted – something that could take years.

Online Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Nancy Clayson
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Online Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
Image source PxHere

Nowadays, most of us don’t remember the pre-Internet era clearly. Since we are all living in a complex digital world, making the Internet one of the basic human rights, the United Nations declared that the Internet has given us the impeccable level of the freedom of expression and moreover, provided us with the endless possibilities for the development and prosperity of the whole mankind.

However, at the same time, the Internet became the floodgate for all kinds of crimes and fraudsters, which basically turned cybercrime into the fastest growing crime in the world. No matter, whether you’re shopping, chatting with someone or just looking for any kind of information, you may never know who’s on the other end. Kids tend to be more vulnerable to Internet threats if compared to adults, thus we will provide you with the best Internet safety tips every parent should know.

Learn More Yourself


Recent studies show that most of the modern-day parents are likely to be considered Internet-savvy, however, when it comes to the basic Internet safety rules, there’s a clear lack of knowledge in this area. You would only be able to protect your child only in the case you know something about the safety online yourself. You can find plenty of information on the topic online. For example, the US non-profit organization Tech Corps created the list of most-useful Internet safety resources that will help you educate yourself and your kid. There are also such useful websites like SafeKids.org.

Educate your Kid
The best thing you can do for your kids about online defense is to educate them properly. A kid that knows a lot more is not as vulnerable as it may seem. There are a whole bunch of precautions that can be taken to help your kid stay safe online:

  • Never ever let your kid make friends online – one of the most valid points is not to make any friends online. Getting acquainted in real life is among those vital precautions you may take to keep your child safe unless you know someone in person. This does not apply to school friends, next-door kids or brothers, and sisters.

  • Set Up Privacy Setting on Social Media Accounts – teach your kids to set up their social media accounts restricted from everyone’s access and moreover, to check from time to time whether it works properly or not. Leaving your kid’s account open makes him or her a  perfect target for online threats.

  • Avoid Posting Personal Information Elsewhere – you, as a parent, should be extremely careful with what is posted on your kid’s personal social media page. For instance, any content you post can be retweeted or reposted without your permission and you basically lose control over that information. Make sure to turn off Location Settings for both Twitter and Facebook, another lead to get your kid tracked.

  • Deactivate Old Accounts your Kid might have – the list is not only limited to the social media accounts only. God knows how much of personal information could be leaking from the old game profiles, sites like Netflix or Lego-forums. Make sure to remove everything that is not used and you are aware of.

  • Teach them the Basic Knowledge of Critical Thinking – teach your kids to think critically and recognize possible threats they might come across while being online along with not taking anything at a face value.

Don’t Ban Technology

There’s nothing worse for your kid than being cut off from the Internet access, even though you think it is a wise move. You will not gain great results if any at all. Moreover, the kids will probably serf the Internet at their friend’s home or at school, behind your back. In case you fail to help them with answering their questions, they would have no other option but search for the answers online. The Internet can be truly considered one of the inventions that helped the whole humankind to develop as faster as never before. All you need to do is to allow your kids to use it wisely for educational and entertainment purposes.


Set Up Parental Controls Why banning the whole Internet access for your kid when you are able to restrict access to the most sensitive content available online: violence, erotic scenes or simply the content you don’t want your kid to be aware of. All of the most popular streaming services like Netflix, Youtube, Disney or HBO have parental control options available. The same relates to videogames, browsers, and smartphones. You are even able to lock the certain IP address to block the access for your kid. In case you’re not tech-savvy, get help from your local Internet providers, they will be more than happy to help you out with that.

Set Up House Rules and Stimulate Open Communication

Gain trust and become a true friend for your kid. Modern children are pretty well-educated for their age and might know much more than their parents. Especially when it comes to navigating on the Internet and breaking restrictions. Let your kid know to appreciate the rules you set up for the basic Internet safety precautions and explain why obeying them is vitally important. Open communication will help your kid to follow the rules that were installed.

What to Do in Case you Think your Kid is in Danger?

The first thing you should do about that is to identify the kind of threat your kid is affected by. There is a whole bunch of options possible online. In case your kid is being bullied online, it would be a nice chance for you to step in and find the parents of that bully to put out the flame before it gets worse. Online scam or dangerous contacts with a stranger is a lot different story. Once you identify the threat, try to do reverse person lookup on Nuwber and pass the information to the law enforcement authorities.

In conclusion, we would like to stress the fact that the Internet may be quite a dangerous place nowadays in case it’s not treated with care and attention. With the help of the mentioned above, you would reduce the risk of any threats for your kid to minimum.

5 Things You Need to Know about Tooth Bonding Treatments

Dana R
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5 Things You Need to Know about Tooth Bonding Treatments

When you’re having fun and people catch a glimpse of your teeth as you smile or laugh, it would be unfortunate if chips or cracks in those teeth distracted onlookers. After all, no-one wants to draw attention for the wrong reasons, but this is a situation where tooth bonding can help.

“Tooth bonding” is a term for treatments where composite resin is used to cover unsightly parts of the tooth. Here’s what to know about these treatments before you consider them.

What a tooth bonding treatment involves

Once you’re ready to receive this treatment from a dentist, they will use a shade guide to determine a composite resin color closely matching your natural tooth’s color, as Healthline explains.

The dentist might then remove some surface enamel, though this may not be strictly necessary in all cases, as revealed in a Marie Claire article. The dentist will then apply a bonding agent, followed by the composite resin, which will then be cured with a special light before a final polish of your tooth.

Whether tooth bonding is right for you

As an entire tooth bonding treatment can be completed in a single appointment, it has obvious appeal compared to, say, porcelain veneers, the fitting of which could require more than two visits.

However, be careful to research the implications of bonding to help yourself to decide whether it would really be the best move for you. The treatment wouldn’t, for example, be able to correct an over- or under-bite that has lumbered you with a crooked smile.

How to look after your bonded teeth

Once the treatment is complete, you should remember to schedule regular check-ups at your dental practice, as the completed bonding could be prone to chipping or staining.

The chipping could occur if, for example, you bite on ice, hard food – including, yes, hard sweets – or your fingernails, while the resin could become discolored if you are a heavy smoker or coffee drinker. The saving grace here is that bonding can be easily repaired if it is damaged.

How tooth bonding differs from veneers

The ease of repairing damaged bonding marks it out from, say, veneers, which you would need to get replaced entirely were you to damage them. Given that veneers are significantly pricier than tooth bonding treatments to provide in the first place, replacements wouldn’t bode well for your finances.

Nonetheless, veneers do last longer than the results of bonding, so don’t rule them out too quickly.

The risks of tooth bonding treatments

The good news here is that, well, there aren’t any risks – and certainly not any serious ones. However, as the composite resin won’t match your natural teeth for strength even once hardened and finished, you do need to be careful with them, such as by heeding the information in this article.

It’s also recommended that you find a reputable provider of this treatment. London-based people will be in safe hands when receiving teeth bonding from Ten Dental, an esteemed local clinic group.

Jeffrey Epstein Case: New Accuser Jane Doe 15 Calls on Prince Andrew to Talk

Nancy Clayson
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Jeffrey Epstein Case: New Accuser Jane Doe 15 Calls on Prince Andrew to Talk

A new woman has come forward to accuse Jeffrey Epstein of abusing her as a 15-year-old, and called for Prince Andrew to share information on his former friend.

The woman, identified as “Jane Doe 15”, told reporters she suffered a “vicious, prolonged… assault”.

Jane Doe 15, now 31, is the latest of more than a dozen women to sue Epstein’s estate for alleged abuses.

It comes amid controversy over Prince Andrew’s ties to the disgraced finacier.

Jeffrey Epstein Case: Prince Andrew Defends His Friendship with US Financier

Prince Andrew named in US lawsuit against Jeffrey Epstein

In a recent interview, Prince Andrew was pressed on his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, and an accusation made by Virginia Giuffre that he had intercourse with her at Epstein’s house when she was 17.

Prince Andrew denied having any relation with Ms Giuffre, but the interview created a wave of criticism directed at the royal.

Jane Doe 15 gave a press conference in Los Angeles on November 18 with her lawyer, Gloria Allred. She accused Jeffrey Epstein of abusing her at his New Mexico ranch when she was 15, after she had met his secretary during a 2004 school trip to New York.

According to Jane Doe 15’s lawsuit, the secretary told her Jeffrey Epstein was interested in helping girls from poorer backgrounds. She was flown on his private jet to his ranch in New Mexico with several other young girls, she said. Jane Doe 15 alleges he told her to give him a massage, then assaulted her.

Jeffrey Epstein, 66, hanged himself in jail in August while awaiting trial. He was accused of abusing dozens of young girls, some as young as 14. He pleaded not guilty.

Jane Doe 15 did not accuse Prince Andrew of any wrongdoing but called on him to come forward with more information.

She said: “Prince Andrew, and any others who were close to Epstein, should come forward and give a statement under oath on what information they have.”

Attorney Gloria Allred said she had called on Prince Andrew to “voluntarily meet with the FBI and prosecutors who are investigating this criminal case in New York, and also to provide his deposition under oath”.

Why Home Insurance Is A Necessary Investment

Clyde K. Valle
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Why Home Insurance Is A Necessary Investment

Because your home is a special place where you and your family can relax while feeling secure. We know that buying your first home comes with plenty of overwhelming responsibilities. So, if you’re planning a big investment, homeowner insurance is exactly what you need to maintain and protect what you already have and gain a sense of security. For those who want to avoid the risk of a huge financial loss in the event of a tragic event or even natural disasters, homeowner insurance is what they need. Protecting your home should be a vital aspect of your investment plans. When it comes to your family’s future and safety this should be necessary, but as other huge investments in your life, this requires planning and patience.

Dwelling Coverage

The best thing about homeowners insurance is that even though something happens to your home, you can avoid huge repair costs. It might take the burden off your shoulders knowing that your home insurance can cover the costs of repair or rebuilding after a natural disaster or a burglary. Sometimes such events are unavoidable therefore looking for signing with the right insurance company is the wisest decision you’ve made. 

It depends very much of the place you live, a reason why you should know what type of insurance you actually need. If you live in Florida, then you’ll be more likely to encounter hurricanes, sinkholes or flood damage. You should consider wind insurance in Florida if you want to assure your family’s safety and peace of mind when it comes to their future. Ensuring your home for such disasters is what you can do best if you want to avoid huge financial losses. 

Other Structures 

Another great aspect of home insurance is that not only your house is covered, but other structures on your propriety too. Because everything can be possible at some point signing homeowner insurance is a smart move. It doesn’t matter if you have a backyard fence, a tool shed, a swimming pool or a detached garage, signing other structures coverage, will cover a fragment of the insurance you have on your dwelling, which is usually 10% of your total coverage. It doesn’t matter where you live as long as your goods and structures are insured. Having your garage covered will make you feel much safer in the event of a natural disaster or robbery.  

It Covers Your Personal Belongings

Because we all valuable items in our home, being afraid of unexpected future events it’s not a solution. Homeowner insurance will protect your goods such as electronics, clothes, fine art pieces and jewellery you certainly don’t want to lose. Before anything, the smartest move would be to plan an inventory. Whenever you sign insurance you want to be sure they pay you fairly for whatever you’ve lost. After an unfortunate event, you should make a list of every valuable item and validate the value of that loss. Your insurance company wants to make sure you’re honest about you loses and their value therefore, the following steps might help you build an idea on what you can do. 

  • Collect all your available receipts or cancelled checks that prove the value of your items. 
  • Most important, create a list with every damaged item and the degree of damage of each possession. You can even photograph or videotape the damage.
  • If possible, collect every surviving photo or video taken with your valuable goods before the damage.

Protects your Liability 

Having liability protection on your home insurance is considered by many a smart investment. Anything can happen on your propriety, maybe the neighbor slips on your icy stairs or maybe your dog bites the mailman. These small unexpected events may cost you more than you think, a reason why you should consider signing home insurance. This will help you cover your essential medical expenses, lost wages and legal fees. This will even allow you to preserve your house equity. Whenever you plan to make renovation and upgrade something in your house, the value of your home will increase. If you wish to protect your investment you should consider this liability protection as being a smart move. 

Additional Living Expenses 

Additional living expenses are an important part of your home insurance policy. It is perfectly developed to help you overcome financial loses and stay safe while your house is under repairs after a disaster. It covers restaurant and hotel bills and even the moving costs you encounter after an unexpected event. This additional living expenses will offer you great comfort in trying times. 

Your Lender May Require It

Even though you don’t have a proprietary yet, planning to invest in home insurance may offer you plenty of benefits. Given the unexpected events, more lenders require proof of your insurance. This should be a necessary move because it protects your home from damage caused by natural disasters, robbery or fire. In case you don’t have insurance, your lender can buy one on your name. But as you probably know, this will add the costs on your monthly expenses. Homeowner insurance will not cause a hole in your budget if you find the option that’s right for you. In most cases, its value adapts with the quality so this will offer you huge satisfaction. 

Because it doesn’t matter if you’ve just bought a house or you’ve just rented, insuring your home it’s a necessary investment. Just thinking about a catastrophic event like a tornado or a fire can be a nightmare. Those who already experienced such unfortunate events know very well what it takes to endure all those repair costs. Fortunately, these things can be avoided if you plan to invest in home insurance. This should be a wise decision if you wish to ensure your financial stability and your family’s safety. Having homeowner insurance will offer you’re a sense of comfort regarding your future and it will take a burden off your shoulders. 

 

Trump Impeachment Hearings: David Holmes Reveals What President Trump Said on Ukraine Phone Call

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Impeachment Hearings: David Holmes Reveals What President Trump Said on Ukraine Phone Call

State department official David Holmes has said at the impeachment inquiry that a US diplomat told Donald Trump Ukraine would carry out investigations the president had asked for.

David Holmes said he had overheard this during a call in July between President Trump and the US envoy to the EU, Gordon Sondland.

He said the call came a day after President Trump asked Ukraine to probe ex-VP Joe Biden.

President Trump has dismissed the impeachment inquiry as “presidential harassment”.

The inquiry is investigating whether Donald Trump withheld US military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure the country’s new President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce a corruption inquiry into Joe Biden, now his rival for the presidency.

Trump Impeachment Hearings: Ambassador Bill Taylor’s Testimony Draws Direct Line to Donald Trump

President Trump Impeachment: Marie Yovanovitch Testifies Before Congress

On November 15, President Trump launched a Twitter attack on another witness – former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

He tweeted in the middle of her testimony: “Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad.

“She started off in Somalia, how did that go?”

Asked for her response, Marie Yovanovitch called it “very intimidating”.

President Trump later hit back, arguing his tweets were not intimidating “at all”. He told reporters he had watched part of the impeachment hearing and considered it “a disgrace”.

David Holmes testified behind closed doors before us lawmakers in Washington DC.

The diplomatic aid said he had overheard the phone call between President Trump and Ambassador Sondland in which “investigations” are said to have been discussed.

He said Gordon Sondland called President Trump from a restaurant in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on July 26, 2019.

According to a copy of his opening statement obtained by CBS News, David Holmes said: “Sondland told Trump that [Ukrainian President] Zelensky ‘loves your ass.'”

“I then heard President Trump ask, ‘So, he’s gonna do the investigation?’

“Ambassador Sondland replied that ‘he’s gonna do it’, adding that President Zelensky will do ‘anything you ask him to’.”

Observers have drawn attention to the security implications of making the call from a restaurant, potentially exposing the conversation to eavesdropping by Russian intelligence.

David Holmes’ deposition appears to corroborate the testimony given to the impeachment inquiry by US ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor on November 13.

Bill Taylor said one of his aides heard the same chat.

The aide said President Trump had asked about “investigations” and Gordon Sondland had replied that Ukraine was ready to move forward.

According to Bill Taylor, Gordon Sondland then told the aide that the president cared more about the investigation of the Bidens than anything else involving Ukraine.

The call – which Donald Trump has denied any knowledge of – allegedly happened the day after the now-famous Trump-Zelensky phone call.

While giving her evidence, Marie Yovanovitch was alerted to the president’s criticism by the hearing’s chairman Adam Schiff.

Responding directly to Donald Trump’s tweet, in which he appeared to blame her for upheaval in Somalia, Marie Yovanovitch replied: “I don’t think I have such powers, not in Mogadishu and Somalia and not in other places.

“I actually think that where I’ve served over the years I and others have demonstrably made things better, you know, for the US as well as for the countries that I’ve served in.”

Marie Yovanovitch’s response was broadcast live during the televised hearing.

Adam Schiff, the Democratic Chairman of the Intelligence Committee overseeing the impeachment inquiry, suggested the president’s tweets could be classed as witness intimidation.

Marie Yovanovitch was removed as ambassador to Kyiv in May, two months before a controversial phone call between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, which is now key to the inquiry.

Israel to Investigate Civilian Deaths from Gaza Attack

Roy Siemens
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Israel to Investigate Civilian Deaths from Gaza Attack
(AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Israel’s military is investigating “harm caused to civilians” from an air strike it launched in Gaza.

According to Palestinian medics, eight members of one family died in the strike, among them five children.

However, Israel said the attack targeted the home of Rasmi Abu Malhous, who it called a militant commander from the group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Israel said no civilians were expected to be in harm’s way.

The Deir al-Balah attack, in central Gaza, was the deadliest episode in a two-day exchange of fire between Israel and the Palestinian group.

The attack took place on November 14, shortly before a fragile ceasefire came into effect.

On November 16, Israeli air raids struck Hamas targets for the first time in the latest violence.

Israel’s military originally insisted that the head of the family, who it said was killed, was a commander of a PIJ rocket-launching unit.

It now says the information about his identity is not certain and is being reviewed.

Islamic Jihad did not comment on whether Rasmi Abu Malhous was a member.

Gaza Violence: Ceasefire Agreed as Four Israelis and 23 Palestinians Were Killed

Israel Targets Hamas Sites in Gaza in Retaliation for Rocket Strikes

On November 16, Israel says its air defenses intercepted two rockets fired from Gaza at the southern Israeli city of Beersheva.

In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they struck “Hamas terror targets” in Gaza. Hamas’ al-Aqsa TV reported a naval facility and a site in Beit Lahia being hit.

Up till now, Israel has avoided targeting Hamas, which controls the Palestinian territory.

Fighting flared after Israel killed a PIJ commander in the early hours of November 12.

Israel said the commander, Baha Abu al-Ata, was a “ticking bomb” who was behind a planned imminent attack and responsible for recent rocket-fire from Gaza.

More than 450 rockets and mortars were fired at Israel, and several waves of air strikes carried out on Gaza in two days of violence.

How to Get the Most for Your Mortgage Note

Clyde K. Valle
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How to Get the Most for Your Mortgage Note
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

A mortgage note is a financial document detailing the payments for a loan used to buy a property. Those who hold one for a home, business, or other property can sell it and get a lump sum of cash. While that sounds enticing, before leaping in, you’ll want to know how to make money with mortgage notes and get the maximum amount you can.

The average mortgage loan as of January 2017 was $309,200, according to The Motley Fool’s Million Acres site. Still, no matter what the principal of your mortgage is, you won’t be getting that exact amount. The better news is that you can still receive a significant offer – and you can get the highest amount possible by following some industry tips.

Selling Your Mortgage Note

First, you’ll want to know how to sell your private mortgage note. While it might sound complicated and require quite a bit of time and effort, the process is relatively simple. There are plenty of companies out there willing to purchase your mortgage note, taking on the risk as the notes are backed with collateral. You’ll need your trust deed or mortgage, and to find the best company to work with. Typically, you’ll complete an online form or make a phone call to get an offer. The offer is based on the current market, the terms of the note, property appraisal, and the company’s rates. Most companies will provide an attorney, so you don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars for a real estate lawyer.

Getting the Best Value For Your Note

Insider industry experts say there are several ways to get the best possible value for your mortgage note.

Your buyer has decent credit. The higher the credit score of your borrower/property buyer, the more money you’ll be able to get for your mortgage note. Most notes that are owner financed are completed because the buyer has less than stellar credit, which is okay. Still, if it’s below 580, the note might be challenging to sell. Again, the higher the score, the higher your offer is likely to be for the note.

The note includes land and a home or building. Contracts that include both are generally more likely to be approved.

The down payment. The cash that you received from the buyer at the time of the sale, or down payment, determines if the note can be sold. The note will sell for more money, the higher the down payment is. If the buyer only put down 5%, for example, you’re unlikely to get much of an offer, and you may not get one at all. Typically, it should be at least 10%, but you’ll get a more significant offer if the down payment is between 20% and 30%.

Shorter terms. Mortgage notes with shorter terms will get you a larger offer.

Current interest rates. If the current interest rates are low, the value of your note will increase. If they’re higher, you may want to wait until they start to dip. If the interest rate attached to the note exceeds the maximum usury law amount where the property is located, the note will be worthless to note investors.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Shows Anti-Kurdish Video to Republican Senators

Diane A. Wade
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan Shows Anti-Kurdish Video to Republican Senators
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed Republican senators an anti-Kurdish video during his visit at the White House.

On November 13, President Erdogan played the video on an iPad during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and the lawmakers who vocally back the Kurds.

President Trump mostly observed the interaction, sources told media.

He has been widely criticized in the US for his decision to withdraw troops from Syria’s border region.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) – which are supported by the US – played a leading role in the fight against ISIS militants.

The senators involved in the White House meeting were Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, Jim Risch, and Joni Ernst.

All five have sharply criticized President Erdogan’s October move against Kurdish forces in Syria following President Trump’s announcement to pull US troops.

Turkey regards the Kurdish fighters as terrorists and is seeking to turn the area into a “safe zone” for resettling the Syrian refugees currently in Turkey.

President Erdogan reportedly believed he might change the senators’ views on the Kurds by showing them the short film, but instead received pushback from the entire group.

After viewing the film, Lindsey Graham asked Presidnet Erdogan if he wanted him “to go get the Kurds to make one about what you’ve done”, prompting a heated discussion, a source present during the meeting told the Axios news website, which first reported the incident.

Turkey Offensive In Syria: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Threatens to Crush Heads of Kurdish Fighters

Gaziantep Attack: Turkey Launches Artillery Strikes on ISIS and Kurdish Targets

President Trump only occasionally intervened in the conversation as the senators took turns debating President Erdogan.

Donald Trump said during a news conference on November 13 he was a “big fan” of President Erdogan. He has previously said that the Kurds are “not angels”.

President Trump had invited the lawmakers to speak to President Erdogan to try to persuade him to avoid buying Russian military equipment, administration sources told media.

Turkey has been threatened with sanctions if it continues to deploy Russian defense systems.

The senators have said they will not allow Turkey to purchase US fighter jets if President Erdogan continues to procure equipment from Russia.

Following the meeting, Senator Ted Cruz released a statement saying he has always viewed Turkey as “a deeply problematic ally, but an ally nonetheless”.

Which ISP Streams Netflix without a Hitch?

Nancy Clayson
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Which ISP Streams Netflix without a Hitch?

Summary:

  • Netflix online streaming collects monthly data in order to find out which ISP is able to stream its services better. They make this monthly report public to facilitate their users.
  • Cable service providers Spectrum and Cox topped the list of October 2019. They are providing great speeds that allow Netflix to stream smoothly.
  • Check local cable deals to find out the best internet packages for Netflix streaming.

Well, I guess most of you aren’t aware of the fact that Netflix stalks internet service providers. Well, I recently came across Netflix’s report which indicates which ISPs are doing a great job in providing a smooth Netflix experience to their users. Netflix has created an ISP leaderboard that ranks them with respect to their speed in megabits per second.

The recent analysis of Netflix has shown that in October 2019, cable service providers Spectrum and Cox delivered great speeds and facilitated Netflix users greatly. However, Verizon Fios topped the list of fiber optic internet service providers.

Which ISP streams the Netflix slowest?

Almost all the internet service providers are doing great in regards to Netflix streaming speed until they are not offering DSL internet service. Frontier, Verizon DSL, AT&T DSL failed to provide a smooth Netflix experience. We all know it for a fact that DSL provides low speeds than that of the cable and fiber internet connections. Spectrum internet is the best cable internet service provider however, Verizon Fios is among the best fiber internet service providers.

Which ISPs are doing great in streaming Netflix smoothly?

As you can see in the above graph, cable internet service providers Spectrum followed by Cox, Comcast, Optimum are doing great in providing high speeds that deliver smooth Netflix experience. They all are few decimals of one another, so certainly their users don’t have to encounter with the dread of Netflix’s spinning circle.

How does Netflix gather the data over different ISPs?

Well, Netflix monitors the average prime-time bitrates transmitted by different ISPs in the peak viewing hours. Mostly it is between 7 pm to 11 pm. Certainly, this index provided by Netflix isn’t the measure of the overall performance of the internet service but is just specified to their performance with Netflix.

Things to know in order to find out right ISP for Netflix:

Though you have the list of high performing internet service providers on you. But there are certain things you need to know before getting yourself an ISP for Netflix-ing.

  • Firstly, know what speeds are suitable for streaming. To stream HD videos on Netflix, one does require 5 Mbps, however for ultra HD or 4k video quality one requires internet speed of 25 Mbps for fluent video streaming. 25 Mbps is not much of high speed and most of the internet service providers have reasonably priced packages that offer 25Mbps. Visit http://www.localcabledeals.com to find yourself a suitable internet package in your area.
  • However, streaming songs online on Spotify or Deezer need you to have 2-10 Mbps. Cox and CenturyLink are offering lower-tier plans. These plans are great for elderly and kids which only have to play music and watch a few videos on YouTube.

By now you must have understood that high-speed and reliability is important in order to stream Netflix smoothly. We all have Netflix subscriptions and certainly don’t want to not be able to enjoy it just because of a slow internet connection. To enjoy Netflix at its best one does require a fast and reliable internet that doesn’t get stuck. Netflix’s leaderboard for ISPs keeps them in check and also help the masses to know which ISP is doing great with Netflix.

Trump Impeachment Hearings: Ambassador Bill Taylor’s Testimony Draws Direct Line to Donald Trump

Diane A. Wade
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Trump Impeachment Hearings: Ambassador Bill Taylor’s Testimony Draws Direct Line to Donald Trump

Bill Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine, told impeachment hearings that President Trump directly asked about a Ukrainian investigation into his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

In previously unheard testimony, Bill Taylor said a member of his staff was told President Trump was preoccupied with pushing for a probe into Joe Biden.

The top diplomat was speaking at the first public hearings in the impeachment inquiry.

President Trump told reporters he did not recall making such comments.

The president is accused of withholding US military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure the country’s new president to publicly announce a corruption inquiry into Joe Biden, among the favorites to take him on in the 2020 presidential race.

President Trump denies any wrongdoing and has called the inquiry a “witch-hunt”.

During a detailed opening statement, Bill Taylor said a member of his staff had overheard a telephone call in which the president inquired about “the investigations” into Joe Biden.

The call was with US ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland, who reportedly told the president over the phone that “the Ukrainians were ready to move forward”.

After the call, the staff member “asked ambassador Sondland what President Trump thought about Ukraine”, Bill Taylor said.

Bill Taylor said: “Ambassador Sondland responded that President Trump cares more about the investigations of Biden.”

When asked about Gordon Sondland earlier this month, the president had said: “I hardly know the gentleman.”

Responding to queries from reporters after the hearing, President Trump said: “I know nothing about that, first time I’ve heard it.”

He said he recalled Gordon Sondland’s testimony, in which the diplomat said he spoke to the president “for a brief moment” and President Trump had “said no quid pro quo under any circumstances”.

President Trump Calls for Whistleblower to Be Unmasked

President Trump Impeachment: House Democrats Release Inquiry Guidelines

President Trump Impeachment: Marie Yovanovitch Testifies Before Congress

Gordon Sondland said he did not recall the phone call Bill Taylor described, “not even a little bit”, and “in any event it’s more second hand information”.

The impeachment inquiry has been going on for more than a month – but all previous hearings were private, with reports based on leaks and sources speaking to the media.

Today’s public hearings were the first time the public heard from witnesses directly and a chance for Democrats and Republicans to win over voters.

How Is Medical Malpractice Determined?

Kathryn R. Bown
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How Is Medical Malpractice Determined?

Medical malpractice is a serious topic, but it’s also something that gets used inappropriately by many people who are simply looking for a handout. Studies, including one from Purdue University published in 2017, have found that over a quarter-million people die every year from medical mistakes.

That’s a good reason for doctors and victims alike to take this topic seriously, as there is the potential for some significant long term damage for either party involved. Victims of these situations can have life-threatening consequences while doctors can lose their careers over just one incident.

When trying to determine whether or not a case of true medical malpractice has occurred this is what is considered.

Promptness of Medical Malpractice Reporting

In order for medical malpractice to be determined and taken care of, it must be reported shortly after the incident or illness happens. This is to protect the doctor and medical staff involved from getting put at fault when it wasn’t caused by them.

Medical Negligence

It’s important to note that just because a patient’s condition gets worse, it doesn’t mean it’s a criterion for medical malpractice. Everyone is different, and if it happens that a certain treatment didn’t go as hoped, the doctor is not normally found at fault. The responsibility of the doctor is to act professionally and treat you to the best of his or her ability. In addition, there are some conditions that will only get worse over time and do not have any kind of immediate cure or treatment available.

A Doctor’s Recklessness

Much like what was mentioned above, with conditions that worsen over time, the same parameters exist for patients who are not treatable. If a person is injured in an accident and contracts an illness, the blame can’t be placed on the physician simply based on the outcome of the patient. As long as the doctor took the best course of action according to his or her knowledge on how to move forward with treatment, this is not considered to be recklessness or medical malpractice. If you believe that a medical professional intentionally gave you the wrong treatment to harm you, it’s important to take notes and save any documents related to the visit to the doctor as that is medical malpractice.

Treatability of a Victim’s Illness

Of course, in some cases, patients have a condition or illness that just isn’t treatable. Or, they can be treated with an expectation that things will not turn out how they want them to. Sometimes, people like to blame doctors who aren’t able to make them feel better, but recovery from a serious injury or illness completely depends on who’s involved and their body responds to the treatment. Medicine is not guaranteed to work for everyone, which is why it is certainly not considered malpractice to fail a plan for treatment. Malpractice laws are not in place to lend a hand to the unfortunate, but to make sure that people are getting fair treatment and the best approach for tackling a health issue.

Testimony From an Expert

A critical part of determining malpractice is to get advice from someone who is very familiar and comfortable with the industry. Someone like a medical malpractice lawyer can be a big help in these situations as well as to help you come out on top in the courtroom. In almost all cases, testimony from an expert is required by state law during a trial. Medical malpractice is not something that is taken lightly, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands after talking to an attorney or expert in this department.

Medical Officials Panel

When a patient makes a medical malpractice claim, it is taken seriously right from the very start. After the initial paperwork is done, a panel in the medical field has a meeting to determine if the person has a potential case. It’s important to know that this panel cannot replace a real trial in a courtroom, nor award damages, but this is one step that someone must do in order to officially file a malpractice situation. After all the evidence that is presented to the group is reviewed, it is then decided if this is a case of medical malpractice or not. Obviously, the ones that are real cases move forward to the legal system.

Venice Flooded by Highest Tide in 50 Years

Diane A. Wade
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Venice Flooded by Highest Tide in 50 Years
Image source Wikimedia

Venice mayor has said that the severe flooding affecting much of the Italian city is a direct result of climate change.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro tweeted that the highest water levels in the region in more than 50 years will leave “a permanent mark”.

“Now the government must listen,” he added.

“These are the effects of climate change… the costs will be high.”

According to the tide monitoring centre, the waters in Venice peaked at 6ft. Only once since official records began in 1923 has the tide been higher, reaching 6.4ft in 1966.

The city’s St Mark’s Square – one of the lowest parts of the city – was one of the worst hit areas.

St Mark’s Basilica was flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years, according to church records.

Venice flooding 2015: Carnival season clashes with unusually high tides

Venice floods: Floating City of love is underwater as the high tide mark reaches 59 inches

Venice flood barriers successfully tested

Mayor Brugnaro said the famous landmark had suffered “grave damage”. The crypt was completely flooded and there are fears of structural damage to the basilica’s columns.

Pierpaolo Campostrini, a member of St Mark’s council, said four of those floods had now occurred within the past 20 years.

The city of Venice is made up of more than 100 islands inside a lagoon off the north-east coast of Italy.

Two people died on the island of Pellestrina, a thin strip of land that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. A man was electrocuted as he tried to start a pump in his home and a second person was found dead elsewhere.

Mayor Brugnaro said the damage was “huge” and that he would declare a state of disaster, warning that a project to help prevent the Venetian lagoon suffering devastating floods “must be finished soon”.

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

Why have I had a car accident?

Dana R
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Why have I had a car accident?

When you live in the states, it’s almost impossible not to have a car. Everyone drives everywhere. This means that people are generally quite safe and experienced on the road, but accidents happen, and if you’ve been in an accident you’ll need to look for lawyers to help. However, if you’ve been in an accident, you might be left feeling worried, upset and confused about why it happened. So why might you have had a car accident?

Your car was faulty

Whilst cars are often built more for appearances than functionality these days, some cars are safer than others. Cars designed for safety are now built with sophisticated air-bags, sturdy seatbelts and anti-lock braking systems. However, even if your car is a good design and make, it may have faults that led to your crash. The most common faults in a vehicle that could lead to car accidents are defective brakes and underinflated tires. So, before you get back in the car, make sure you get it serviced and checked for any issues.

You were tired

Drowsy driving is a common reason for car accidents in the US, and people often underestimate the impacts of their tiredness behind the wheel. If you were on a long drive and weren’t taking enough breaks, you may have fallen asleep whilst driving. If this happens, even momentarily, you could crash into a fellow vehicle or swerve off the road. Next time you go on a long drive, make sure you take plenty of stops and alternate driving driving with others if possible. Listening to the radio, having caffeinated drinks or chatting to a passenger could help to prevent this, too.

You were on the phone

Whilst it helps to talk to a passenger whilst driving to avoid tiredness, there are certain laws about talking on the phone whilst driving in America, which vary from state to state. Generally, whilst driving you should not speak on a hand-held phone or use your phone to text or go on social media. If you need to make a phone call, your phone should already be set up with a Bluetooth device that allows you to be hands free. Likewise, fiddling with a satnav whilst driving can distract you and take your hands off the wheel. So, if you were distracted by your phone in any way, this may have been the reason for your accident.

Your vision was impaired

There can be many reasons for someone’s vision to be impaired whilst driving. Bad weather conditions, for example, can cause issues, and mist or fog could mean that you couldn’t see the road in front of you. Bright sunlight could also have shone into your eyes and created a glare on the windscreen. Differently, you might not have been able to see the road because of issues with your eyesight that you may or may not have been aware of at the time of the accident. You may need to get an eye test to see if you need glasses or a change in prescription.

Press Release: NASA Hides Astronaut Investigations

Nancy Clayson
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Press Release: NASA Hides Astronaut Investigations
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

NASA is refusing to release records of any investigations into their astronauts.

The secrecy of the U.S. space agency has reemerged as an issue after the international news coverage of a possible crime committed on the International Space Station by Astronaut Anne McClain. McClain was accused of hacking her wife’s banking information during a nasty custody fight.

Dolcefino Consulting requested five years of completed investigative reports in a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act.

The NASA Office of Inspector General says in their mission statement that they, “independently report to the Administrator, Congress, and the public,” and that the Office of Investigations, “investigates allegations of crime, cyber-crime, fraud, abuse or misconduct having an impact on NASA programs, personnel and resources.”

In a letter dated November 8, 2019, James Ives, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations denied our request for any completed investigations to protect the “privacy interest of third parties.”

“This agency is given tens of billions of dollars from taxpayers every year and that makes them accountable to the public, period,” says Wayne Dolcefino, President of Dolcefino Consulting. “The OIG’s job is not to protect NASA from scandal, but to protect the public.”

NASA has not been immune from scandal. In 2007, Astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested in Florida and charged with attempted kidnapping, burglary with assault and battery.

The fight between Summer Worden and Astronaut Anne McClain became national news this year. McClain dropped her attempt to gain rights for a child that was born before the couple met, but Judge Dunson has refused to sign the order ending the dispute.

It has been more than a month since Judge Dunson got a simple order to sign and she has refused. “We think the judge is abusing the power of her office to punish Summer for speaking out about decisions in that court,” says Dolcefino. “Summer is having to fight courthouse retaliation and NASA secrecy at the same time and that is outrageous for this mother.”

The OIG has failed to disclose the status of the McClain investigation. The media has described the allegations against her as the first possible crime in space.

“If the OIG tries to hide the results of its work, we may be forced to go to federal court to let the sunshine in,” says Dolcefino.

NASA Investigates First Allegation of Crime in Space

Cyclone Bulbul: 2 Million People Evacuated in India and Bangladesh

Diane A. Wade
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Cyclone Bulbul: 2 Million People Evacuated in India and Bangladesh

Cyclone Bulbul, expected to unleash surges as high as 7ft, has prompted the evacuation of more than 2 million people in India and Bangladesh.

The storm hit the Bay of Bengal at midnight local time on November 9, near Sagar Island in Indian West Bengal.

According to local reports, two people have already been killed by the cyclone.

Services at many seaports and airports in the region were suspended – including at the busy Kolkata airport.

Bangladesh’s two biggest ports, Mongla and Chittagong, were closed and flights into Chittagong airport were stopped.

Cyclone Fani Destroys More than 1,000 Homes in Bangladesh

Bomb Cyclone: East Coast Temperatures Hit Record-Breaking Low

Shah Kamal, Bangladesh’s disaster management secretary, told AFP that the evacuated residents had been moved to more than 5,500 cyclone shelters.

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister for the Indian state of West Bengal, tweeted before the cyclone made landfall urging people to stay calm.

She wrote: “Please do not panic.

“Kindly remain calm and co-operate with the administration in its rescue and relief efforts. Be alert, take care and stay safe.”

Forecasters expect Cyclone Bulbul to move north and weaken gradually.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the cyclone is set to reach wind speeds of up to 75mph, with gusts of 94mph, and create tidal surges in the sea and rivers when it hits the coastal regions.

Along Bulbul’s predicted path is the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the endangered Bengal tigers.

Indian authorities said military ships and planes have been put on standby to assist with emergencies.

Bangladesh’s low-lying coast is often hit by deadly cyclones, but it has successfully reduced the number of casualties in recent years.

North Korea’s Food Shortages Exacerbated by Worse than Usual Harvest

Roy Siemens
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North Korea’s Food Shortages Exacerbated by Worse than Usual Harvest

According to a monitoring group, North Korea’s harvest will be worse than usual, exacerbating already severe food shortages in the country.

Swiss-based Geoglam said, after using satellite images, that drought had affected crops in an area known as the “cereal bowl”.

According to the UN data, 4 in 10 North Koreans need food aid and crop production is at its lowest level in five years.

Food shortages in North Korea are made worse by international sanctions on the country over its nuclear program.

In May food rations – which feed about 70% of the North Korean population – were cut from 550g (19.5 oz) to just 300g per person following poor results in this year’s early harvest.

According to Geoglam, North Korea’s main harvest in the southern provinces of South and North Hwanghae and South Pyongyan was complete but was estimated to have produced a below-average quantity of crops.

The organization also said that North Korea’s overall food situation was not expected to improve.

The country experienced severe droughts in spring and summer, and in September it was hit by Typhoon Lingling, which flooded farmland.

North Korea cannibalism: parents kill their children for food after being driven mad by hunger in famine-hit country

North Korea Experiences Worst Drought in Century

North Korea requests immediate food aid after devastating floods

In September, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said poor rice and maize harvests had left more than 10 million people in urgent need of assistance.

North Korea has also had to cope with a regional outbreak of swine fever in its pig herd, leading to reduced pork production.

Earlier this year a UN team found families surviving “on a monotonous diet of rice and kimchi most of the year, eating very little protein”, according to a report by the World Food Program. The report said some families were eating protein only a few times a year.

China and other countries have already provided North Korea with food aid so far this year.

Despite its situation, North Korea has refused to accept 50,000 tonnes of rice from South Korea. This is reportedly because of tensions with the South linked to stalled talks between Pyongyang and the US over the North’s nuclear program.

Food shortages are regular in North Korea. In the 1990s a severe nationwide famine is thought to have killed hundreds of thousands of people.

President Trump Calls for Whistleblower to Be Unmasked

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Calls for Whistleblower to Be Unmasked

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for the whistleblower who triggered the impeachment inquiry to be unmasked, ignoring a cease-and-desist warning.

On November 7, a lawyer for a whistleblower told the White House that President Trump’s rhetoric was placing his client and family in physical danger.

However, the president renewed his attacks on the whistleblower and lawyer on November 8.

The whistleblower’s identity has so far been fiercely guarded by Democrats.

In August he filed a report that eventually triggered impeachment proceeding against President Trump.

The report expressed concern over a phone call a month earlier in which President Trump asked his Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, a Democratic front-runner for the 2020 presidential election.

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In the letter, sent to White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the whistleblower’s lawyer Andrew Bakaj cites many examples of Donald Trump’s “fixation” on the identity of his client in his comments to the media, at rallies and on Twitter.

Andrew Bakaj wrote: “Such statements seek to intimidate my client – and they have.”  

The lawyer continued: “Should any harm befall any suspected named whistleblower or their family, the blame will rest squarely with your client.”

However, the next day, President Trump launched a fresh attack at the White House.

“The whistleblower is a disgrace to our country… and the whistleblower because of that should be revealed,” the president told reporters.

“And his lawyer who said the worst things possible two years ago, he should be sued, and maybe for treason.”

President Trump may have been referring to the whistleblower’s other lawyer, Mark Zaid, who has been under fire from the president’s allies over tweet posted in 2017 in which he vowed – among other things – to “get rid of him [Donald Trump]”.

Meanwhile, first daughter Ivanka Trump said in an interview with the Associated Press that she did not believe the whistleblower’s identity was “particularly relevant”.

“The whistleblower shouldn’t be a substantive part of the conversation,” Ivanka Trump said, adding that the person “did not have firsthand information”.

Ivanka Trump echoed her father’s view that the impeachment investigation was about “overturning the results of the 2016 election”.

Democrats have said the whistleblower’s identity is immaterial. They argue that the complaint, which alleges abuse of power by President Trump, has been substantiated by witness testimony to the impeachment committees.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will next week hold televised hearings for the first time in this inquiry.

If the House eventually votes to impeach President Trump, the Republican-controlled Senate will hold a trial of the president.

If President Trump is convicted – which is widely viewed at present as unlikely – he would be removed from office.

How to Get the Lowest Insurance Quotes In US

Clyde K. Valle
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How to Get the Lowest Insurance Quotes In US
Image source Wikimedia

US insurance might be the most expensive thing in the market if you don’t have any knowledge about how this system actually works. If you don’t have any experience in this field then there is a higher probability that the companies will rip you off before giving you any advantage. In this article you will learn a few steps which you need to take before going for any insurance which will help you to get the lowest insurance quotes in US.

  1. Gather Information:

This is one of the major rules of life which you should apply on everything before taking any step. When it comes to insurance, there are multiple companies who are waiting for you to join their company so that they can ruin your life. You need to gather information first, get multiple quotes from different companies and when you have surveyed in the market then sit down and chose the best option. You cannot get the perfect choice in the first place; you need to work hard for it and once you have don’t it you will be able to see the result yourself.

2. Ask for Discounts:

There are multiple companies who have the discount options for new clients but they won’t bring it out until you ask them for it. Ask from people in your social circle who have got the insurance from the same company and get more discounts through referrals which is one of the most effective ways of getting bonuses. Always go for the bigger payments because the more you pay the more you will save. It is very obvious that the package which will you get annually will be much cheaper than the one which you will get on a monthly basis or quarterly.

3. Keep Your Record Clean:

In US people having the clear record get the most benefits. Many companies don’t even entertain their clients if they have any criminal background or have a criminal record. They consider it very risky and they take these matters very seriously. Even if they would agree to entertain you then the quotes or packages which you will get will be much higher than an average person.

4. Maintain Your Balance and Credit History:

This factor is considered as the backbone in this field. There are chances if you have a very good bank balance then the insurance company will be reaching you out with their latest exciting offers so that they can bring you in their company. The second part is your credit history which is also very important. If you are not paying your dues on time, then every company will be thinking twice before giving out any plan to you and it is expected that they would be coming up with high insurance quotes. On the contrary, a person having a good credit history who is paying his dues on time that person is known as a golden client for any company and they will go to their extreme so that you can join their company.

Conclusion:

These are the few steps or measures which you need to keep in mind at all times when you would be going for any insurance in US.

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