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Brain Bruised? Here’s What to Do After a Concussion

Dana R
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Brain Bruised? Here’s What to Do After a Concussion

Every year in the U.S., about 3.8 million people suffer through a concussion.

Concussions can happen when you get into an accident, fight, or sport’s injury. Since they’re so common, most people don’t think of them as life-threatening.

Although many people are familiar with the term, not everyone knows what to do after a concussion. In this article, we will walk you through the basics.

What is a Concussion?

A lot of people associate concussions with sports injuries. However, a concussion can happen to anyone.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries (TBI), that can happen due to a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Most TBIs happen when the blow causes the brain to move rapidly and shift back and forth.

The brain moves and shifts back and forth in the skull and as a result, it causes chemical changes in the brain. This can stretch and strain the brain cells and cause bruising, damaged blood vessels, and injure the nerves.

While most experts don’t consider concussions life-threatening, the effects of them can have serious consequences in the long run.

Concussions Warning Signs

Although concussions are common, sometimes they’re not as easy to diagnose. Unlike a visible cut or bruise, you can’t see concussions. It may take up to 48 hours for a concussion to show signs.

If you injured your head and think you might have a concussion, you should watch for these signs:

  • Enlargement of the pupils or unequal in size
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Behaviour that seems out of character
  • Seizures
  • Having trouble recognizing familiar faces
  • Uncontrollable dizziness
  • Headache that progresses over time
  • Trouble with double or blurry vision
  • A feeling of weakness or numbness in the extremities  
  • Fainting  
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty falling and staying asleep

If you suspect you might have a concussion, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What Steps to Take After a Concussion?

If you suffered from a concussion, your doctor might recommend some of the following in steps to speed recovery.

Become aware of any triggers. After a concussion, you will notice it’s difficult to perform certain activities. If any activity aggravates your symptoms, you have to identify it as a trigger.

You will recover a lot faster from a concussion if you identify and avoid your triggers.

For example, if exposure to bright lights aggravates your headaches, avoid direct exposure to bright light. It might be as easy as diming down the lights, closing the blinds, or wearing sunglasses.

Get enough sleep. When we’re injured, our bodies will begin the healing process while we sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep after your concussion, you might be robbing your body of recovery time.

Ensure you get a good night sleep every night to speed up the recovery after your concussion.

If you feel tired after you return to your everyday activities, you should try to take short naps throughout the day as necessary.

Rest your brain. Sometimes it might feel because we’re resting our bodies like we’re also resting our brains, but this is not the case. When our brains get overstimulated, they have a hard time resting.

When you’re in the process of recovering from a concussion, it’s important you give your brain the rest it needs. Brain stimulation is excellent for your brain under normal circumstances, but when you need to recover from a concussion, you need to tone it down.

If you’re reading, studying, and focusing on one thing for a long period of time, you are overstimulating your brain. Since you can’t stop these activities completely, make sure you take plenty of breaks.

Don’t forget about your body. After a concussion, your body and your brain suffered trauma. As important as it is for your brain to get rest, your body needs it too.

If performing simple activities is troublesome after a concussion, take a step back and take a break. Don’t force your body into activities until it’s ready. Talk to your doctor about which activities you should stay away from.

Make the best decisions. If you play sports or live an active lifestyle, you might have the urge to return to it after a concussion. However, you should ease into these activities.

Picking up where you left off might not be the smartest thing for your brain.

What to Avoid in After a Concussion?

After a concussion, your doctor will recommend what things to avoid while you’re in the recovery process. Most people generally stay clear of the following:

Since physical activity tends to elevate the heart rate, it’s not recommended after a concussion. Excessive physical activity will worsen your symptoms.

It’s also important you don’t do things that will aggravate your brain. For example, playing video games, watching TV, texting, and reading. Listen to your body when you attempt to perform any of these activities.

If after 15 minutes of watching TV you get a headache, take a break and return after the symptoms subside.

Your doctor might also recommend you stay clear of driving for a few days. Due to the concussion, your brain might take longer to react. Slower reaction times could increase your risk of accidents.

Although pain relievers might help lessen your symptoms, they can also increase your risk of bleeding. Ask your doctor about the recommended dosage.

Can You Prevent a Concussion?

Although it’s not always easy to prevent a concussion, taking a few steps might help lower your chances.

If you participate in a sport, make sure you always wear protective gear. When you drive, always wear your seat belt and avoid driving under the influence.

Even when you take the necessary precautions, concussions can happen as the result of negligence. If your concussion was the result of the liability of another, you might be entitled to compensation. Talk to a brain injury attorney about what your options are.

What to Do After a Concussion: The Bottom Line

Now that you know what to do after a concussion, it will be easier for you to identify the signs.

Remember to go see your doctor if you suspect you’ve suffered a concussion.

If you enjoyed these health tips and would like to learn more, check out the health section of our blog.

5 Ways You Can Help Manage Your Anxiety Condition Yourself

Dana R
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5 Ways You Can Help Manage Your Anxiety Condition Yourself

Living with anxiety can make even the most mundane of situations difficult to deal with. To get through the day often requires you to use coping mechanisms that others don’t understand or have no patience with. It can cost you your relationships, job, and self-esteem.

Although anxiety is a serious, chronic condition, there are ways that you can help manage it yourself if you are determined to get it under control. Here are 5 ways that you can work through your anxiety every day.

How to Keep Your Anxiety Controlled

1. Try some teas. It sounds like putting a band-aid on a serious wound, but there are numerous scientific studies that show that teas like chamomile and lavender have calming properties that work to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

Chamomile, for example, has certain compounds that connect to the same receptors in your brain that drugs like Valium do. If tea isn’t your thing, you can often find chamomile and lavender naturally in supplement form.

Image source Pixabay

2. Take a mental health break. Your entire future depends on what you do in each moment, and when you are making decisions with anxiety ruling your actions, it can be dangerous to your long-term health.

Instead of letting your anxiety mess up your chances for a successful, happy life, try to take mental health breaks when you need them. Go on a trip, visit friends, keep your mind off of things that make you inherently anxious. And if you need to take time off of work to avoid serious complications, you might want to look into short term disability for anxiety.

3. Get some exercise. It can seem like the hardest thing to do when you are in the throes of anxiety, but force yourself to get out of the house. You don’t necessarily have to hit the gym and spend an hour doing cardio. Even a brisk walk around the neighborhood is often enough to shake most people out of their anxious state in that moment.

4. Watch your food intake. Certain foods trigger feelings of anxiety, and others help reduce those triggers. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins and minerals, like folate or phytonutrients, your body may be kicking into panic mode or displaying symptoms of anxiety that could have easily been avoided if you were simply eating right.

5. Get real with yourself. When you catch your mind delving into those “What ifs” and nightmare predictions that might or might not come true, inhale a few deep breaths, take a break from what you are doing, and try to pinpoint what’s real versus what you may be blowing out of proportion.

Consider whether what you are worrying about so much is actually likely to happen, then take it a little further and explore the consequences that could occur if it did happen. Chances are, they aren’t as bad as you are building them up to be.

Then, take it a little further and ask yourself what you can possibly do to stop it from happening. If, as things do, life must unfold by itself without your superhero tendencies, then you should just do the best that you can do and let everything else happen as it will.

You Don’t Have to Take Anxiety Laying Down

None of these suggestions will work for everyone with anxiety, and if you have a serious case of this condition, you should speak with your doctor. However, the first step to healing is to admit you have a problem and then attempt to take control of your life.

With these 5 ways to manage anxiety yourself, you can put your life back on track and get a handle on your anxiety.

4 Things to Consider as You Shop for a New Car

Clyde K. Valle
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4 Things to Consider as You Shop for a New Car

So you’re ready to shop for a new car (or a used one) — great! But before you get started, you need to think about a few things. There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re shopping for something as expensive as a vehicle, and while you probably already have an idea of things like how much seating or horsepower you need, there are some burning questions that you should take a closer look at before you part with any of your hard-earned money. Here are four things to consider as you shop for your next vehicle.

What is your budget?

Americans are operating under tight budgets these days. Yet this year, many of us will head out and buy a car for far more expensive than we can afford. Lured by the siren songs of “zero down” financing and options for those with “bad credit or no credit,” we’ll take our lenders at their word and bury ourselves in debt. That may give us our dream vehicle in the short-term, but it can trigger financial disasters in the long-term.

Don’t let yourself become one of these people. Do the research yourself and make sure that you really can afford the car that you want to buy. Take all of your potential expenses into account, from the down payment to the maintenance and gas costs.

What about our planet’s future (and your wallet’s present)?

Gas-guzzling cars have played a major role in environmental problems like pollution and global warming. And, if you’re not careful, a gas guzzler could also play a major role in draining your wallet! Gas isn’t cheap, and if your car is burning through it faster than is necessary, you’re going to feel the pinch.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are now plenty of great environmentally friendly cars, including those that take alternate fuels, say the experts at a BioFuel company that handles used oil collections and other important tasks that make biofuels possible. Opting for a hybrid, an electric car, or even just a car that gets great gas mileage can help you save money while feeling better about your impact on our planet.

How will your vehicle of choice depreciate?

There are a lot of cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and other vehicles out there, and virtually all of them have at least one thing in common: They’re going to drop in value over time (and over the course of the miles you drive). It’s called depreciation, and it’s a certainty with most vehicles. But here’s the thing: Not all used and new cars depreciate at the same rate.

When you’re shopping for a vehicle, it pays to know which makes and models are known for holding their value — and which aren’t. Of course, you should remember that your dedication in caring for your vehicle will have a huge impact on its resale value down the line, too.

Where will you buy it?

Even after you’ve narrowed down your criteria and are well on your way to identifying your dream car, there is still some work to be done. Shopping for a car isn’t something that everyone does the same way, and some tactics have big advantages over others.

Take shopping online, for instance. Many shoppers dislike the dealership experience, where opaque pricing systems and pushy sales associates leave them feeling like they’ve been ripped off. With online shopping, on the other hand, you can bid in auctions on sites like Auto Auction Mall, research while you shop, and do your shopping on your schedule. That can lead to a more pleasant shopping experience and a better deal for you.

Advantages of Visiting Museums

Dana R
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Advantages of Visiting Museums

More than 850 million people made the trek to an American museum in 2018.

That number is greater than the yearly attendance for all major league sporting events and theme parks, combined.

This reveals to us all what wide-eyed kindergartners already know: Museums are fascinating places to visit, as long as you keep your sense of discovery.

Still not convinced that you should shell out your hard-earned cash to look at paintings, replicas and other exhibits?

Today, we’re setting out to change your mind. Here are seven reasons why visiting museums is a great way to spend your time, energy and money this year.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. They’ve Come a Long Way

A decade or so ago, a riveting museum visit would consist of donning a set of headphones and listening to a monotonous guided tour as you walked around dusty displays.

Today? Museums are more tech-savvy, interactive and hands-on than ever before.

Take the “Pulse” exhibit by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum, for instance.

The museum’s most immersive and technologically ambitious exhibit to date, it uses heart-rate sensors to create unique audio/visual experiences for visitors based on their personal biometric data. Those flashing lights, sweeping soundscapes, and ripples around you? That’s your body as art.

You can even visit the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California. Here, you’ll see such exhibits as cyber detectives, reboot reality, social robots and more. Especially for school-aged children learning to embrace technology, it’s an ideal way to make those dreams come to life.  

Museums today are also far more interesting, covering themes from UFO research to pizza culture. This list of unusual museums to visit is a great place to start your itinerary.

2. They’re a Feel-Good Diversion

Turn on the morning, afternoon or evening news and it’s easy to feel jaded. With so much negativity at our fingertips, museums offer a chance to play, explore and feel like a kid again.

Americans, specifically the Millennial generation, are favoring experiences over material gifts and museum visiting fits right into this category. This is why trends such as the tiny house craze are still going strong and show no signs of slowing down.

It’s easy to spend an entire day or two at one museum, giving each section your full attention. Do it to recharge and rejuvenate. Then, return with a deeper appreciation of who and where you are. It’s hard to feel cynical when you’re feasting your eyes on incredible artwork and thought-provoking displays.

Looking for a gift that’s meaningful and practical? Give someone a membership to your local museum instead of wrapping up another plastic knick-knack. You’ll grant them the chance to make memories that will last far longer than the latest toy craze ever could.

3. They’re Educational

Of course, this is one of the top reasons that anyone should visit museums. Yet, it’s not what you think.

Yes, you learn a ton when you read the placards and listen to the guide. However, modern educators are leveraging museums less as formal instruction and more as a guide to self-interpretation.

In this way, galleries are becoming classrooms, where there’s no wrong way to interpret an impressionist painting.

Rather than honing in on the object itself, educators are using art, history and natural science exhibits to explain to schoolchildren how those elements connect to their own lives.

They can look at a piece by Monet and see their own love of nature, or gaze at an ancient tool and marvel at how far we’ve come. This makes museums less stuffy and more approachable.

4. They’re the Heart of the Community

One of the most delightful ways to spend an afternoon alone is to wander through the rooms of your favorite museum.

When you’re feeling a little more social, however, it’s also a great place to meet up with friends, discover and support local talent, network with peers and even showcase your own skills.

Need a few examples? There was once a yoga class at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the American Museum of Natural History hosts one-day and three-day workshops for kids on a regular basis.

These buildings are more than homes for valuables. Rather, they’re living parts of a community that are vital to its core and culture.

From the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. to the Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles, the country is replete with museums dedicated to shaking up perspectives and stirring a buzz.

From book signings and poetry slams to wine tastings and professional development courses, there’s plenty to see and do. Hop online and check a museum calendar near you to find the next event.

5. They Inspire Change

It’s easy to get caught up in our day job and forget that we’re not alone in this world. We can become so set in our routines that we’re numb to the plight of others around us.

While this applies to adults, it also holds true for children. This is why there are museum installations such as the Compassion Experience Exhibit, which sheds light on the issue of global poverty in a kid-friendly, interactive way that even the littlest minds can understand.

Another highlight is “Evicted.” This new exhibit at Washington, D.C.’s National Building Museum reveals what reality is like for the millions of Americans who are evicted every year.

In short, museums offer us the chance to walk in someone else’s shoes and gain a new perspective. We walk away changed, whether we were prepared to be or not.

6. They Support Arts Education

Recently, there has been a push to cut funding allocated for the arts in schools. This is a nationwide change that’s felt everywhere, from Montessori preschools to public high schools.

One of the most prolific programs is the Arts in Education (AIE) program, worth around $40 million. While its long-term future hangs in the balance, other, smaller-scale educational arts programs are still on the chopping block.

Need more reasons to visit a museum? Do it to expose young minds to a level of culture, discovery and creative expression they may not get to experience in the classroom.

They may even aspire to a job in the arts, and your monthly jaunts can be the inspiration for a fulfilling career.

Want a little inspiration on where to go? Check out the 15 best children’s museums in the United States. Bring along your pint-sized pal and spend the day exploring. Learning will be a by-product of the fun!

The best part? Many museums offer on-site restaurants and snack shops. This means you won’t even need to mess with preparing a lunch!

7. They’re Less Expensive Than You Think

According to research, 38% of Americans fail to attend the arts due to a cost barrier. Does this apply to you?

As temperatures begin to warm up, most of us are holding tight to our wallets. After all, we just made it through the winter, where we spent most of our paychecks on firewood, generators for sale, and weighted blankets.

Now, it’s time to buckle up and save and museums can seem like a luxury we can’t afford.

If this is your mindset, it’s time to rethink your idea of museum admission. While there are still plenty that charge an annual membership fee, you’d be surprised at how many free alternatives there are.

Take the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, North Carolina, for example.

With free general admission and seven floors of interactive exhibit spaces, it’s a playground for all ages. Designated as the largest natural history museum in the southeast U.S., the museum also hosts programs, classes, lectures, movies and more.

Even if your nearby museum doesn’t offer free admission, check to see if there are any “free days” available during the month. Many will offer zero-cost or low-cost evenings for families and early-bird morning specials for parents.

Start Visiting Museums Today

Of all the things to do with your spare time, you may not think of visiting museums as one of your top destinations.

Still, they’re some of the most invigorating and inspiring places to take your entire family. From exhibits that make you think to those that make you laugh, there’s always something new.

Want more news on what to see and do in your area? We’d love to help.

We offer up-to-the-minute news on topics ranging from arts and entertainment to business and science. Check back in often for fresh content you can trust!

In the meantime, feel free to contact us to learn more ways to work, play and live better.

The Ultimate Camping Fridge Buying Guide

Kathryn R. Bown
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The Ultimate Camping Fridge Buying Guide

Whether you are planning to go on camping with your friends or family, rotten food and warm drinks are the last things that you’ll want on your trip. Camping fridges from CampSmart can be one of the most effective tools to make sure your food stays fresh and your drinks cool when you need them. A camping fridge can easily set you back with a bill of $350 to $2,500 depending on its size and brand.

To buy the best camping fridge as a part of your caravan and camping accessories, you’ll need to know exactly how you’ll use it. Some important questions that should come to your mind include ‘how many people will be using the fridge’, ‘how much time do you plan to spend on your camping trip’ and ‘how big is your vehicle’.

This camping fridge buying guide will help you pick the best fridge out there for your family camping trip.

The Types of Camping Fridges

Before you start your research into buying brand new camping fridges from CampSmart, it is a good idea to learn about what kind of fridges are available. Ideally, there are fridges that have two-way compressor and fridges that have three-way absorption. The biggest difference between the two is that the compressor fridge requires electric power which can be your car battery, whereas absorption fridges can run on an electric power source or gas.

How to Buy The Best Camping Fridge

When looking for a camping fridge, you must consider your budget, the size of your family, and any particular features you need in the camping fridge. Here are some key points you must consider before buying a camping fridge.

The Cost of Camping Fridge

Camping fridges can be bought anywhere from $350 to $ 2,500 depending on its size, type, and brand. When you have figured out the things you need in the fridge, then look for it under your budget.

The Size of The Camping Fridge

Size matters a lot when it comes to camping fridges. But keep in mind the larger the fridge is, the more space it will take on your vehicle. You should consider the size of the fridge based on these factors:

The size of the group – The more the people on the trip, the larger the fridge you’ll need.

The length of the trip – The longer you intend to spend outside, the more space you’ll need in your fridge. Bigger size are especially effective when you are traveling to remote areas with no shops to restock supplies.

The type of food you’ll be bringing – If you are a fan of fresh food, then you’ll need a fridge that is able to carry that food.

The size of your vehicle – Does your car have enough space to carry a big fridge? Consider this if you have a small car with limited space.

With these considerations in mind, you should easily be able to find the best camping fridge out there with affordability in mind.

The Importance of Having Your Jackets Custom Made

Lisa.Felice
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The Importance of Having Your Jackets Custom Made

When you think of custom jackets, the word ‘expensive’ usually comes to mind. Many people think custom made jackets are unnecessary and are only to fill the fashionists egos. But did you know that there are many benefits of having custom made clothes? They not only last longer but also showcase your personal style and take you a step above others when it comes to being well-dressed. This is why many men understand the importance of tailor-made clothes and why every man needs them.

Whether you are looking for a custom bomber jacket or a custom work jacket, these jackets are tailor-made to give you a sharper look that endures well in time. Here are some more reasons why you should have your jackets always custom made.

You’ll Get the Perfect Fit

Want to look your best at work? Custom jackets are the way to go. Anyone who wants to look good in their jackets knows what custom fit clothes look like. Fitting of jackets is the key to showing your body in the best way possible.

Custom jackets are well adjusted to your measurements while providing maximum comfort. If you’re looking for comfort, the clothes you wear must perfectly fit you. Any more looseness or tightness will always result in discomfort from a jacket that can bring your confidence down.

High-Quality Materials Are Used

If you often play sports while wearing a sports jacket, you would know how much the use of high-quality jacket materials matter. Custom jackets are usually made with premium material to ensure that they last longer. On the other hand, you also have the freedom to pick the material you want your jacket to be made.

So whether you are looking for custom windbreaker jackets or custom bomber jackets, always pick the highest material you can. In stores that sell cost-effective mass products, you’ll never find the same level of high-quality material that you would otherwise find on custom jackets.

You Can Customize the Jacket to Show Your Personal Style

Those of you who are very particular about what you wear, you know that the only way you can show your personality through your clothes and jackets is to have them custom made. With custom jackets, you have the freedom to have them made the way you want them to be made. You can ask the tailor or vendor to add particular details that showcase your personality.

If you’re wondering how celebrities look so sharp in their clothes, here is your answer. Nearly all of the celebrities we see on television and movies have their jackets and clothes custom made. This is how they are able to show their personalities through their clothes.

At the end of the day, the comfort, easiness, and endurance of custom jackets put them at the top of any other clothes purchased from a mass-producing vendor. So whenever you are buying your next jacket, make sure it’s custom made! 

Notre-Dame Cathedral on Fire!

Diane A. Wade
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Notre-Dame Cathedral on Fire!

A huge fire has broken out at Paris’ famous Notre-Dame cathedral and has spread rapidly across the building.

Images on social media show plumes of smoke billowing into the air above the 850-year-old Gothic building.

The cause of fire was not immediately clear, but officials say that it could be linked to renovation work.

Last year, the Catholic Church in France launched an urgent appeal for funds to save the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was starting to crumble.

A major operation is under way in Paris to tackle the blaze.

According to officials, an area surrounding the building in central Paris has been cleared.

Notre Dame Cathedral Church Paris

Image source Max Pixel

Suicide inside Notre-Dame de Paris

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has canceled his planned speech to the nation in light of the fire, which has engulfed the giant spire of the cathedral, an Élysée Palace official said.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo described it as a “terrible fire” and urged people at the scene to respect the boundaries set up by fire crews in order to ensure that they remain safe.

President Donald Trump suggested “perhaps flying water tankers” could be used to extinguish the fire.

The Notre-Dame cathedral, which is visited by millions of people every year, is undergoing renovations after cracks began to appear in the stone, sparking fears the structure could become unstable.

Sudan Coup: Protesters Demand Full Dismantling of “Deep State” Left Behind by Ousted President Omar Al-Bashir

Roy Siemens
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Sudan Coup: Protesters Demand Full Dismantling of “Deep State” Left Behind by Ousted President Omar Al-Bashir

Thousands of protesters in Sudan have demanded the full dismantling of the “deep state” left behind by ousted leader Omar al-Bashir.

On April 11, President Omar al-Bashir was toppled by the army after 30 years in power and a military council has pledged elections in two-years time.

From December 2018 onwards, Omar al-Bashir faced large-scale protests which demanded his removal from power.

However, protesters remain camped outside army HQ in the capital, Khartoum, demanding a civilian administration.

Reports on April 15 said there had been efforts to disperse the sit-in but protesters joined hands and troops stepped back from a confrontation.

The crowd chanted “Freedom” and “Revolution”, and appealed to soldiers to protect them, witnesses said.

Mariam Ibrahim: Sudan apostasy woman to campaign against religious persecution

Ahmed Mohamed Meets Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir in Khartoum

The Sudanese Professionals’ Association (SPA) which has spearheaded the protests, urged supporters to foil any attempt to disperse the sit-in.

“We hope that everyone will head immediately to the areas of the sit-in to protect your revolution and your accomplishments,” the group said in a statement.

The SPA was formed in 2016 and includes an array of professional groups including doctors, lawyers, journalists, university professors and engineers.

The pro-opposition umbrella group says it was established to counter Sudan’s mainstream trade unions which stood accused of being pro-government.

In 2018, with inflation rising and the value of the national currency falling, the SPA was at the forefront of campaigning for a national minimum wage.

On April 14, the transitional military council sought to appease protest leaders, telling them that key figures from the former government had been arrested. It is not clear who those officials are.

A military spokesman also promised not to disperse protesters and said the council was “ready to implement” whatever civilian government the opposition parties agreed.

In another development, 13 people were reportedly killed in an armed attack on protesters in the troubled region of South Darfur over the weekend.

“Gunmen” attacked the anti-government protest at a camp for displaced people about 10 miles east of the regional capital, Nyala, according to the privately owned Darfur 24 news website.

Omar al-Bashir has been indicted on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur by the International Criminal Court. He denies any wrongdoing.

Coup leader Defense Minister Awad Ibn Auf announced the military would oversee a two-year transitional period followed by elections and imposed a three-month state of emergency.

Dieselgate Scandal: Former VW Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn Charged with Fraud

Clyde K. Valle
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Dieselgate Scandal: Former VW Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn Charged with Fraud

Martin Winterkorn, the former chief executive of the German auto maker Volkswagen, has been charged in Germany over his involvement in the company’s diesel emissions scandal.

The public prosecutor in Braunschweig charged him and four other managers with fraud.

The auto maker said it would not comment on the indictments.

Martin Winterkorn, 71, is already facing criminal charges in the US, but is unlikely to face trial, as Germany does not extradite its citizens.

He resigned soon after the so called Dieselgate scandal erupted in September 2015.

In a statement, prosecutors accused Martin Winterkorn of a “particularly serious” fraud, as well as a breach of competition laws.

They said the former VW boss should have alerted car owners and authorities in Europe and the US about the manipulation of diesel emissions tests sooner.

They also accused Martin Winterkorn of approving a “useless” software update designed to conceal the true reason for the cars’ higher emission levels.

If found guilty, Martin Winterkorn could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

VW Emissions Scandal: Former CEO Martin Winterkorn Investigated for Fraud

Martin Winterkorn Could Receive $67 Million Severance Package

Prosecutors did not name the other four senior managers charged.

VW first admitted in September 2015 that it had used illegal software to cheat US emissions tests.

The devices, which allowed cars to perform better in test conditions than they did on the road, were installed on almost 600,000 vehicles sold in the US from 2009 though 2015 and millions more globally.

They came to light after a study of emissions by researchers at West Virginia University in the US.

The Dieselgate scandal sparked investigations in Germany and other countries.

To date, the emissions scandal has cost Volkswagen roughly €28 billion, ($31 billion).

Last month, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued VW and Martin Winterkorn, accusing the company of “massive fraud” over the emissions scandal.

The SEC claims VW misled investors by issuing billions of dollars worth of bonds and securities, without disclosing that it had cheated emissions tests.

VW said it would contest the SEC lawsuit vigorously.

Game of Thrones Returns for 8th and Final Season

Sonia Pantiss
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Game of Thrones Returns for 8th and Final Season

Game Of Thrones returned for its 8th and final season on April 15 after a near two-year absence.

HBO aired episode one simultaneously in the US and UK.

Secrets were revealed and families reunited as the battle for the Iron Throne intensified, with the ‘undead’ army inching ever closer.

According to Variety , the Game of Thrones writers have done something new this time around: “Hitting the accelerator and delivering major plot developments, hurriedly, in its home stretch.”

One of the most eagerly-anticipated TV moments of the decade is expected to have drawn a huge audience.

HBO said last month that 81 million people watched the trailer across all online platforms (including Twitter, YouTube, Facebook) in just 24 hours.

Game of Thrones return lit up social media again on the premiere day.

Game of Thrones Could Be Getting A Prequel Series

Game of Thrones Season 8 Will Be the Last

Peter Vaughan Dead: Game of Thrones Star Dies Aged 93

Many of the stars stepped out on April 12 for a screening in Belfast, where large parts of the series were filmed.

Maisie Williams, who has played Arya Stark since she was a teenager, was there and she told the Observer she has no intention of chasing more fame than she already has, once the show wraps up at the end of the series.

The first episode of Game of Thrones, starring Maisie Williams, Kit Harington as Jon Snow and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, as well as Lena Headey’s Cersei Lannister, had a running time of 54 minutes which is, apparently, the shortest of the whopping big-sounding eighth season.

The third installment is set to be the longest, running to 82 minutes.

What Is a Coworking Space? Use This Checklist for Finding the Right One

Dana R
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What Is a Coworking Space? Use This Checklist for Finding the Right One

Are you a location-independent freelancer or professional? Do you miss the creative juices that sometimes flowed in the office of your old job? Are you looking for a place to conduct business while remaining unbound by traditional job roles?

Welcome to the world of coworking!

Wait—what is coworking? And what is a coworking space? Do I need one?

We’re glad you asked. A coworking space allows you to do everything we just talked about—remain a remote employee, but with an area to call your own if you need it. It gives you that subtle, social motivation you might miss from your office days.

Coworking spaces must be doing something right. After all, there are at least 15,500 coworking spaces globally. And within them are as many as 1.27 million people.

So at the very least, consider one. And when you begin hunting for that perfect environment, let this checklist guide you to the best space!

What Is a Coworking Space, Exactly?

When you think of the building, the people, the location, what do you imagine? What are the demographics of the people there? Is it quiet or bustling?

You get all this (and more) with coworking spaces. No two are alike, offering locals many options to suit their lifestyles.

Here are a few statistics about these spaces that should give you a better understanding of its uses:

  • 40% of workspace workers are freelancers, independent contractors, entrepreneurs, or temps
     
  • 64% of workers find themselves better able to finish work on time
     
  • 70% feel healthier in this environment than they do a traditional office
     
  • 60% of workers also feel more relaxed at home after using coworking spaces
     
  • Almost 80% of workers are under 40

The stats say it all: remote workers love coworking spaces! And they’re a great place for budding startups, too. You get all the perks of an office without the high office overhead!

Whether you need somewhere to work on the reg or you want to drop in for a few hours a week, coworking spaces are your new go-to.

Here’s what you need to think about in your hunt for the ultimate space.

Is It Comfortable?

We’re talking about every sense of the word comfortable. The coworking space must be actually comfortable—ergonomic chairs, standing desks, conference rooms. And the community must feel like a proper fit for you, too.

What does this mean? Working close to like professionals and being able to network with those from similar positions. If you’re a stockbroker surrounded by artsy beatniks, well—it could be hard for you to settle in properly (and vice versa).

It also means the difference between ambient noise and distracting sounds or racket. Do you like your space to be quiet? Or are you most productive when there’s background noise?

When you walk into a new space, try and register your level of comfort as soon as possible.

What Are the Food and Drink Options?

Every coworking space should have a designated kitchen or kitchenette area. Whether it’s stocked for free, pay as you go, or supplies a microwave for you to warm food up—it’s necessary. And food aside, what about coffee?

Oh yeah, and water. And for those who don’t like coffee—tea. A few soda options or light snacks wouldn’t hurt, either.

If you’re going to be there for hours during prime meal times, you need a place that not only allows for that but maybe supplies food of their own. One coworking space in NY doubles as a restaurant at night, giving workspace workers access to a secret menu! (Visit this page to see what you could be missing out on.)

Your work is essential—but so is your belly.

How’s the Location?

All convenience falls by the wayside if the commute to your coworking space takes up too much time.

You want your space to be an ideal fit—within reasonable distance for you, as well as in a good place to hold conferences. If you need to have a meeting, can your guest make it to your coworking space in an adequate time? An ideal fit would be able to manage both of these.

Does It Provide Supplies?

We’re talking office supplies. We’re talking printers, copier machines, uninterrupted WiFi! What supplies does the coworking space you’re touring offer?

If the answer is none, well—you may as well stay at home.

If you need to print some important documents, a functioning printer on hand is excellent. If your pen runs out of ink, or your computer of battery, some extras would make the difference between leaving the space and staying. A good coworking space should have ample supplies on deck for their workers.

How Much Does It Cost?

Of course, the price should always be a consideration.

Coworking spaces vary greatly, and thus, so do their prices. A good space shouldn’t cost you more than the sum of your efforts there. If you’re spending more on the space than you’re making back, it’s not the best fit.

Is There a Gym?

Remember the statistic we mentioned earlier: 70% of people feel healthier using coworking spaces vs. traditional offices?

One reason for this could be that many coworking spaces are now including gyms or open rooms for physical activity. Within these rooms are yoga mats, workout gear like treadmills or weights, aerobic balls. If you really want some perks, see if it has a gym.

Is There a Host/Curator Available?

Who cleans the space? Who has responsibility for safety, both data security, and physical safety? Who manages, curates, and provides necessary supplies or food?

Get to know your host—if there is one. And there should always be a host there. Whether to help new workers or maintain a good environment, their presence is a helpful one.

Give Coworking Spaces a Try!

Now that your question—what is a coworking space?—has been answered, it’s time to find one that works for you. Luckily for you, coworking spaces are continually trying to improve for their remote users. This means that right now is the time to find the best of the best.

So, what’s your first task going to be in the new space? We’ve got an idea: work on your brand!

Here are 3 ways to market your business today!

Blockchain, Africa, and E-Commerce: Business Trends 2019

Dana R
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Blockchain, Africa, and E-Commerce: Business Trends 2019

The question of survival is omnipresent for businesses in 2019. In recent years, employee-centered business models have emerged. Companies recognize that work improvements lead to higher quality production.

Also prevalent is a focus on customers. Industries face the challenge of relating to an audience that demands more transparency. What we know is that the business landscape will continue to grow and change.

Keep reading to discover how business trends 2019 are changing the global market.

African Economic Revolution

The continent of Africa has seen the economy of only a few of its countries rise with the discovery of oil. Now, free trade agreements, industrialization, and technological advances are creating opportunities for others.

Industries like Ethiopia’s car manufacturing will continue to grow across the continent. This will create a surge of jobs and increase the number of households with disposable income. The advent of solar electricity panels will illuminate millions of homes without power. Electrification can only lead to increased internet access, learning, and wide-spread skills acquisition.

Bubble speech with cut out phrase “trends” in the paper.

Business Automation

Automation in business software has been a growing trend for years. As companies try to do more with less, specialized software rises to the occasion. For example, before, bookkeeping information had to be entered manually into accounting software. Now the fields auto-populate when you make a sale or scan a receipt.

2019 will see this trend rise in customer communication. Customer relationship management (CRM) tools will become a business necessity in the connected age. CRMs for small business collect customer data and facilitate automated communication through email.

Automation allows companies to maintain relationships based on a client’s position in the sales funnel. Better relationships lead to increased business success.

Customer Data Regulations

A connected society demands a personalized approach to marketing and communication with customers. To this end, collecting customer data has been the key to unlock success for large and small businesses alike. This also comes with increased threats to privacy and personal information.

Information security threats led Alabama and several other states to pass regulation. Legislators are looking at how companies protect and obtaining consumer information. As tech advances continue to connect us, regulators will be forced to keep up.

Remote Workers

4.3 million Americans reported working remotely at least half the time in 2016. 3.2% seems small until you consider that this is a 114% increase from 2005.  Employees who work remotely benefit from lowered stress levels and higher productivity levels.

Telecommuting is most popular in the finance, technology, and design industries. The trend has created opportunities for baby boomers, working mothers, and the disabled.

The number of people telecommuting is only expected to increase in coming years.

Mobile Banking Flexibility

The traditional form of banking is in for a major rejuvenation. Blockchain, mobile payments, and alternative lending are the new kids in class.

Blockchain is a system for tracking the spending of cryptocurrency. Compare it to a banking statement. Instead of using your personal information, it uses a digital signature. A digital signature is like a username.

Blockchain offers more security for the buyer. It may also be the answer to personal data security. We will see it continue to grow as the technology and use of bitcoins grow.

Mobile banking will see a growth in the coming years also. Customers who prefer different payment options now have a choice of hundreds of banks all over the country. If they don’t qualify for in-person loans, there are alternative lenders online with fewer restrictions.

Business Trends 2019

You don’t have to be the CEO of a public corporation to feel the changes in the market. A more connected, global economy means that everyone has a chance to compete for the same employees and customers.

Business trends 2019 will see a rise in banking flexibility and personal data security. Add to this flexible employment and the rise of new economies.

Proper market research can keep your business ahead of the trends. Click here for common mistakes to avoid.

7 Tips For Improving Health And Safety In The Workplace

Dana R
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7 Tips For Improving Health And Safety In The Workplace

Each year, injured workers cost businesses in the United States $62 billion dollars.

As an employer, it’s up to you to decide how you want to preserve health and safety in the workplace.

Developing safety policies or a basic safety program for your employees to follow is a great way to educate workers on recommended OSHA safety practices.

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and ensures the health and safety of employees across the United States. They’re in charge of enforcing employers to offer their employees a safe work environment.  

Businessman presenting work safety concept, hazards, protections, health and regulations

How Do You Improve Health And Safety In The Workplace?

Improving your workplace health and safety won’t result in an overnight transformation of your company’s safety culture.

It may take a bit of time to see a complete transformation, but in the long run, you’ll be decreasing your chances of an injury related lawsuit.  

Here are 7 tips for improving your company’s health and safety practices:

1. Create A Safety Committee

The biggest step that you could make towards addressing health and safety issues in your workplace is creating a safety committee.

Encouraging the development of a safety committee at your work helps to inspire the collaboration of a variety of backgrounds. It gives people that work different jobs the chance to speak on an open platform about different risks or challenges they’re facing. Together, the goal of the safety committee is to work towards eliminating safety risks.

Don’t forget to include people with a background in safety in your safety committee, although it is beneficial to have a team that’s made up of those who are equally passionate about safety.

2. Understand OSHA Regulations

As I talked about earlier, OSHA is responsible for ensuring that your employees have a safe place to work.

A great way to avoid possible OSHA fines is to have a solid understanding of what rules and regulations OSHA has for all employees and if there are any special rules that apply to you, based on the niche of your business.

3. Hire A Safety Manager

If you feel like starting your own safety committee is too big of a task or if you don’t feel like you have enough safety experience, you should look into hiring a safety manager.

A safety manager will have training and certifications to make them an expert in both workplace health and safety. Your safety manager will be the person responsible for handling any accident claims, creating a safety culture, properly train your employees in safety practices, lead safety meetings, and handle safety audits.

Not only will hiring a safety manager to ensure the health of your employees, but it’ll also help to take some of the stress off of your shoulders!

4. Develop An Incentive

We all like to be rewarded, right? Developing an incentive for your employees to work towards is a great way to uplift your team’s morale.

Not only that, but it gives your employees something to look forward to for their safe working behavior. Whether you decide to make team-based or personal incentives based on safe working practices.

A few ideas could include:

  1. An extra vacation day
     
  2. Yearly bonuses or raises
     
  3. An office pizza party

5. Have Your Equipment Inspected

Depending on what type of niche your business is in, having your equipment inspected on a regular basis can help to prevent machine malfunctioning. However, more importantly, having your equipment inspected by an authorized official can help to prevent accidents.

Not having your equipment properly inspected is an OSHA fine, and depending upon the size of your business, could leave you in a severe financial rut. Even if you aren’t passionate about safety and are more concerned about the financial aspect of your business, having your equipment properly inspected and maintained can actually help to extend the life of your machinery.

6. Train Your Employees

Trained employees are employees that know how to protect themselves without a safety manager constantly looking over your shoulder.

Even if you can’t afford to bring a safety manager on your team, you can have a safety consultant come in and lead monthly safety meanings to educate your employees. Hiring a safety consultant won’t be as expensive as hiring a safety manager, but a safety consultant won’t manage your workplace health and safety.

Getting your employees trained on techniques such as safe lifting practices, first-aid training, and CPR training can help to educate your employee on how to properly react in emergency situations.

Not only that but encouraging your employees to have a better understanding of what exactly unsafe work practices are is a great accident prevention measure to take. You can train your employees on what to look out for before an accident and what to do in the case that an accident does happen!

You and your employees could get a better understanding of the best health and safety practices by attending the Safety Conference of 2019.

7. Value A Clean Workplace

A workplace that’s messy increases the likelihood of an unnecessary accident. Making sure that floors are free of trip hazards and any materials that could cause someone to slip.

Another great way to ensure that your workplace is clean is to keep clutter surrounding your workplace at a minimum and that any machines that aren’t in use are locked up.  

Wrapping It Up

Discovering how you want to preserve health and safety in the workplace can not only help to save you and your business money, but it’s also vital to ensuring the safety of your employees. Building a safety culture that you and your employees are proud of is a great way to develop team building skills and boost morale!

What are some tips that you think are vital to creating a safe and healthy workplace? Leave your thoughts or questions in the comment section down below!

Freelance Freedom: 4 Top Tips for Starting a Successful Freelance Business

Dana R
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Freelance Freedom: 4 Top Tips for Starting a Successful Freelance Business

In 2027, approximately 86.5 million people will be freelancing in the U.S. That’s over 50 percent of the workforce in the U.S.!

Even though that’s a lot of people, there is still ample opportunity for you to create your own, successful freelance business. After all, there are all sorts of creative jobs out there you can turn into a freelance career.

However, it does take work, time, and dedication.

Building a successful business isn’t going to happen overnight. But if you are diligent and you stick with it, you can join the forces of freelancers around the country.

Some tips to help you get started and find success are highlighted here. Keep reading to supercharge your freelancing efforts.

1. Make Sure You’re Ready

When you read all the success stories of other freelancers, it may encourage you to jump in with both feet. However, this isn’t always the best strategy.

If you are working a traditional job, don’t quit or hand in your notice until you are sure your ready. It’s best to make the transition into freelancing gradually. You can build up your business while still working your day job (and earning a steady source of income).

While it may take longer, it’s the safest way for you to jump into the freelancing world.

2. Create a Professional Image

If you want to be successful as a freelancer, you need to present yourself in a professional manner. Yes, you may be working from home, in your pajamas – but there’s no reason a client has to know this.

A great way to create this professional image is by using a virtual office. You can the perks of typical office space without the huge amount of overhead. It also looks more professional when you create a resume, social profiles, and website.

3. Don’t Try to Do It All

You need to find what your niche is and then stick with it. You can’t just say you are a photographer or designer. People are going to want to know what it is that makes you unique or how you can solve their need or problem.

It’s important to be specific and market yourself accordingly. This is the key to success in the freelancing world.

Once you have built a good reputation in the chosen field, you can begin to branch out to other areas.

4. Make a Commitment

As a freelancer, you have to make a commitment. It’s easy to get distracted and avoid what you need to do, simply because there is no one there making sure you do it. Don’t let this happen or your efforts to be a freelancer are going to fail.

Building a Freelance Business: You Can Do It!

There is no question that the world of freelancers is growing. If you want to create your own freelance business, then be sure to use the tips and information here to help ensure your success.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to grow and succeed in anything you do. For more helpful tips, check out our blog on how to reduce your business expenses.

5 Trends That’ll Shape the Oil and Gas Industry in 2019

Dana R
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5 Trends That’ll Shape the Oil and Gas Industry in 2019

More than 4 billion metric tonnes of oil is produced annually. But as big as the oil and gas industry is, there are still significant factors affecting its success in 2019.

Here are 5 of the biggest trends set to shape the future of the oil and gas industry this year.

Oil Supply

The oil industry relies on the supply of oil from the world’s oil-rich exporters. Fluctuations in this supply can affect oil prices. And oil prices affect the standing of companies in the oil and gas industries.

For example, fluctuations in supply from the Permian Basin have reshaped the oil industry worldwide. US sanctions on some of the world’s top oil exporters such as Iran and Venezuela have also hit the industry hard. These hits have proven that a retraction in the oil supply can inflate oil prices.

Energy Outlook Publications

Energy outlook publications hold a lot of sway in the oil and gas industry. Publications like the International Energy Agency’s annual World Energy Outlook report don’t only offer projections. They themselves can have an effect on the industry as a whole.

When staying on top of industry trends, one must stay up to date with energy outlook publications.

Changing Energy Policies

Energy policies are strategies outlined by a government, intergovernmental agency, or firm to help balance resources and boost the energy landscape. These policies have shaped the oil industry for decades and will continue to do so.

Some great examples of such policies are those put forward by the US Department of Energy. Their policies refer to the production of all energy sources that affect the US.

The Popularity of Fracking

Fracking is a way of exploring gas and petroleum trapped beneath deep-rock formations. When fracking, fluid injects into rock formations under high pressure to crack the rock. This then releases hydrocarbons.

Fracking is common-practice but has come up against hurdles recently. The UK and Australia, in particular, are experiencing social and legal pushback when proposing new fracking projects.

Energy Transition

Energy transition refers to the long-term structural shift of a nation’s energy mix. A great example of energy transition in effect is the switch from oil and coal to natural gas.

Today, we’re seeing another energy transition underway with the rise of renewable energy. Many governments are now laying out energy policies aimed at fostering this energy transition.

The shift to renewables is one of the biggest trends to affect the oil and gas industries. It’s led many major companies to expand their portfolio or even shift wholesale into the renewable market.

The Oil and Gas Industry Is in Flux

The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest in the world but that doesn’t mean there aren’t factors affecting major change. Oil supply, energy outlook publications, changing energy policies, the popularity of fracking, and energy transition are only a few of the trends bucking the status quo this year.

Interested in renewable energy? We asked the question: is solar power really the best way to generate clean energy?

Where’s My Money?: 7 Tips to Streamline Payroll Processing

Dana R
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Where’s My Money?: 7 Tips to Streamline Payroll Processing

Almost 30 percent of small businesses report they spend six hours or more on payroll every month. When you consider most of these businesses have far fewer than 50 employees, it’s clear payroll adds up.

Like other accounting tasks, payroll can be quite time-intensive thanks to legislation. You may need to calculate time off, add up overtime hours, and deal with payroll taxes.

It’s a lot to ask, especially if you’re not a payroll professional yourself.

With all this in mind, it’s little wonder most small business owners want to know how to streamline payroll. With these seven tips, you can make sure payroll gets done right, while freeing up time and money.

1. Streamline Payroll by Reducing Frequency

One of the easiest ways to streamline payroll is to reduce the number of times you need to conduct it. Do you pay your employees every week? If so, you might think about moving to a bi-weekly schedule.

Make sure you check the regulations where you operate. Some states do have rules about how often you need to pay your employees.

You should also see if you can align payroll schedules. If you pay hourly employees on a different schedule than salaried employees, consider merging them. Combining schedules could reduce mistakes.

There’s another bonus to changing how often you pay your employees. It could help your business’s cash flow. With more funds freed up, you could find it’s easier to make ends meet and grow the business.

2. Maintain Payroll Compliance

The last thing you want is to have the IRS decide to conduct a payroll audit for your business. That’s why you should focus on payroll compliance.

It can be difficult to keep on top of all the ins and outs of federal and state law. Nonetheless, it’s important to incorporate this step into your payroll processes.

You should put in place an ongoing review of regulations and remittance schedules. If you use payroll software, see if you can link to government portals and other resources. Doing so can deliver the latest news right to your inbox.

If you have trouble keeping up with compliance, think about outsourcing payroll tasks. A payroll vendor monitors compliance for all their clients. That means you don’t need to worry about checking the headlines yourself.

4. Upgrade Your Payroll Software

We mentioned that some payroll software makes it easy to connect to news sources. In turn, you’ll have an easier time staying on top of compliance.

If your software doesn’t allow you to do this, it might be time to upgrade. Newer software includes this feature and more.

You could also consider an online epayroll system. These web-based clients allow your team to conduct payroll from anywhere in the world, any time.

There are many different options out there when it comes to payroll software. Take a moment and assess your needs, then look for software that addresses those needs. Payroll software backed by the vendor and a great support team is usually your best bet.

5. Delegate Payroll Paperwork

One of the reasons payroll is so time-intensive is because it involves a lot of paperwork. From the time you hire employees, your HR team will be busy filling in forms and filing them.

What if you shifted this data collection task to the employees themselves? Some companies ask new hires to fill out I-9 and W-4 forms themselves.

Take this a step farther and ask your employees to record their hours themselves. Your employees can turn in their timesheets to you for payroll on a certain day. Getting employees to track their hours means you’ll spend less time on timesheets at your end.

A great option for employee-led time tracking is using a paperless timesheet. Using an app or a desktop client, employees can login and record time information. You can learn more about the benefits of this option for your business.

6. Keep Learning

Great software can help you streamline payroll processes. The tools you use are only as good as the people who use them.

Any time you adopt a new payroll tool, be sure you offer your team the right support and training. With it, they can learn how to use new software to greater effect.

There’s another reason you’ll want to keep payroll training and development on the docket. Innovative payroll processing ideas might be hiding within your own team. With the right training, employees can put in place new ideas and even suggest their own.

Training provides employees not only with the skills to use new tools, but the skills to use tools like creative thinking. With some help from your team, you can get creative with the process and streamline payroll in new ways.

7. Combine Administrative Functions

Another reason payroll can become time-intensive is because it affects other tasks. If you administer employee benefits, you may need to know someone’s salary to determine the level of coverage they qualify for.

You may also need to know this information to make the right deductions from their paycheck. If you have a pension plan, for example, contributions may be based on salary. Those deductions may be taken from the employee’s paycheck.

Worker’s compensation insurance is another example. You may need to perform an annual reconciliation report for your insurance. By combining your payroll with your insurance, you can avoid this time-consuming audit.

Combining these systems helps you streamline payroll and other business functions as well.

Make Payroll a Breeze

When you streamline payroll, you’re making your business more efficient. You’ll also be reducing the chances of errors and audits. Finally, a streamlined process helps you get back to the tasks that really matter.

With more time to focus on what matters most, you can prepare your business for growth.

Looking for more great advice about how to grow your business? Check out some of our informative articles for the latest tips and tricks.

SDF Troops Attack IS Fighters in Syria with Backing from United States

Dana R
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SDF Troops Attack IS Fighters in Syria with Backing from United States

The Islamic State (IS) is on the brink of total defeat. This past March, Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) teamed up with the U.S. military to attack an IS stronghold in east Syria. The good news is that the coalition defeated the IS fighters and recaptured the final stronghold in Syria.

While SDF and U.S. attacks have been successful from a military perspective, it sometimes comes at a cost. The early March strike resulted in the deaths of roughly 50 innocent civilians.

Read on for the latest military and political news in Iraq and Syria. Learn more about the defeat of IS and the potential for a reemerging threat.

Background

Did you know that at its peak, the IS controlled over 34,000 square miles in Syria and Iraq? The IS also generated over $2 billion in revenue. This cash flow was produced by illegitimate means such as ransoms, drugs, oil production, and more.

The foundation of the IS actually dates back to 2006 during the Bush administration. The terror group started to become powerful and influential in 2013. They absorbed an Al-Qaeda group called the al-Nusra Front.

The IS reached peak power in 2014 when it declared the creation of a caliphate in Iraq and Syria. Its power surge grabbed the attention of the United States military. The democracy that it fought so hard to create in Iraq was being decimated by the IS.

At this point, the U.S. had no choice but to take action and redeploy troops to Iraq. In 2015, then-President Obama deployed additional military resources to Syria. For the next four years, the U.S. military partnered with the SDF to reclaim lands and defeat the IS.

Troop Levels

There are currently more than 2,000 American troops in Syria fighting the IS. However, there is some political pressure in the United States to bring troops home.

This is an intense debate with many foreign policy experts expressing concern about a premature withdrawal. Nevertheless, President Trump recently declared that American troops are withdrawing from Syria in the near future. The military is planning to leave 400 troops behind to serve as advisers to the SDF.

There are still thousands of defense contractors fighting the IS in Syria. According to the Department of Defense, there are over 5,500 defense contractors in the nation.

Many people wonder how defense contractors working in a combat zone are paid. One way is using a paystub generator to digitally create their paycheck from a remote location.

With the vast majority of troops coming home, the American public anxiously awaits the results. Withdrawing troops from the Middle East failed one time before and poses equal risks today.

A Recap of the Battle Versus IS Fighters

The SDF and U.S. military achieved victory in Syria. They have reclaimed all captured lands and put IS on the defensive.

These gains, however, may be short-lived if the IS regroups and starts to fight back. The world is watching to see if permanent peace can be achieved.

If you enjoyed this article about the battle versus IS fighters, check out our world blog for other great content.

Home-Based Income: How to Start a Photography Business from Your House

Dana R
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Home-Based Income: How to Start a Photography Business from Your House

Did you know photographers make an average of $35,800 annually?

More people are realizing that they can turn their love for photography into an income.

Selling high-quality photos is another way to earn money from home or from anywhere you choose.

Keep reading to learn here how to start a photography business from your house.

How to Start a Photography Business from Your House

Maybe you’re sick and tired of someone telling you when to clock in, clock out, when to eat and when to use the restroom, and are ready to fire your boss. Or maybe you want to make some extra money to splurge. If you love taking pictures then starting your own photography business might be the best option for you.

1. Type of Photography

First, you have to decide what type of photography you want to do. Do you want to take pictures or landscapes, people, houses, animals, flowers, etc? This is up to you and what you prefer snapping great pics of.

People nowadays need professional pictures for anything you can think of. Real estate agents need pictures of homes, businesses need pictures for their websites, people need pictures of their wedding day. Your options are endless.

2. Business Plan

If you are serious about your photography business sit down and write down your business plan. This will help you organize everything on paper where you can come back and revise as needed.

Your business plan will be a visual showing how you plan on making money and, ownership, expenses, etc.

3. Business Name

What will you call your photography business? First, you want to go for a name that’s not taken. Second, you want something catchy that people will remember. The name you choose will become part of your brand so choose wisely.

Double check to make sure the name you want to go with isn’t protected by a trademark and also check if the domain is available for a future website.

4. Gear

Depending on the type of photography you choose you will want to choose your camera gear accordingly. You might need extra lighting if you’re doing indoor photography or special lenses if you’re shooting landscape pictures.

When you’re starting out you might want to consider buying used gear that’s in great condition to keep your costs down.

5. What Will You Charge?

When you’re just starting out figuring this out is going to take some research. See what your competitors are charging when coming up with your pricing. Be honest about what you feel your hourly rate is worth.

Don’t forget to take into account the editing time after taking the pictures.

6. Website

In today’s world, people will go look through your website before calling you. They want to see what kind of pictures you take to see if you’re a good fit for their needs. You can consider having a collage template for your work to show off your skills.

If you choose to build your website on your own make sure you choose wisely because there are myriads of options out there. Don’t forget to include contact information because what’s the use if they love your pictures but can’t reach you.

Snap Away

Now that you have learned the basics about how to start a photography business, it’s time to take action. You can immediately put everything you learned above into action today. Starting a photography business can be profitable and if you love taking pictures already then this might sound like the perfect plan for you.

When it comes to staying in business keeping finances in order is key. Check out our business finance section to stay on top of your own business finances.

The Art of Music: 5 Popular Music Genres Explained

Dana R
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The Art of Music: 5 Popular Music Genres Explained

It’s impossible to overstate how powerful music can be. Perhaps that’s why people spend an average of 32.1 hours per week listening to their favorite music be it on vinyl, the radio, or streaming.

The right tunes can lift our spirits, provide catharsis, or just give us something fun to sing along to.

No matter why you love music, we bet you’ve never thought about your favorite genre’s roots.

Ready for a quick history lesson that’ll help you appreciate your music more? Here are five popular music genres explained.

1. Rap

Rap is the youngest genre of music, getting its start in the 1960s and 1970s in New York. Though it’s still relatively new, rap has become the most popular genre among music fans.

Generally, rap features a high rate of beats per minute (BPM) matched with an equally fast manner of speech. Other staples of the genre include rhyming and wordplay.

A stack of old retro vinyl records on an isolated gray background for a party or entertainment concept.

Artists to check out:

  • Outkast.
  • Childish Gambino.
  • Run DMC.
  • Tupac.
  • Run The Jewels.

Over the decades, rap has given birth to numerous offshoots such as gangster rap, mumble rap, dirty rap, and more.

2. Rock

Though rap is currently the most popular genre, that honor belonged to rock for several decades. Though rock is often thought of as a strictly American form of music, it owes much of its sounds and rhythms to African music.

Early genre pioneers like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry used elements of blues, gospel, and soul music to give rock its signature sound in the 1950s and 1960s.

Artists to check out:

  • The Rolling Stones.
  • The Foo Fighters.
  • Aerosmith.
  • Journey.
  • Muse.

Over the decades, rock’s signature sound shifted from a drum-centric genre to a primarily guitar-driven genre. You can see this shift, especially in the 1990s as grunge and Alternative Rock grew in popularity.

3. Pop

Popular music (often called pop music, for short) is an amalgamation of styles and genres designed to be fun, upbeat, and palatable to a widespread audience.

That isn’t to take anything away from pop music, however. Pop artists like Michael Jackson or The Beatles have made some of the most important, longest lasting music of all time.

Artists to check out:

  • The Beatles.
  • Michael Jackson.
  • Lady Gaga.
  • Elton John.
  • Billy Joel.

Typically, pop songs are short, intentionally repetitive, and rely on a ‘hook’ or chorus.

4. Metal

Few genres are as misunderstood as heavy metal. Often tossed aside as little more than loud, angry noise, the truth is that metal’s roots come from blues and jazz.

This soulful influence is best seen in early metal pioneers like Cream and Black Sabbath, who used the tritone known as ‘the devil’s chord‘ to create a darker, heavier sound.

Artists to check out:

  • Black Sabbath.
  • Between The Buried and Me.
  • Gojira.
  • Opeth.
  • Iron Maiden.

Like rap, metal is a splintered genre that offers something for listeners of every type of music. Artists like Ghost, for instance, may have a scary theatrical coating, but their music owes a lot to disco and pop music. Meanwhile, Opeth incorporates jazz fusion, classical, and rock elements into their style of metal.

5. Punk

The underground or anti-mainstream genre, punk music set out to be the polar opposite of pop and rock. It’s fast and passionate guitar-driven music with a fast BPM.

Artists to check out:

  • Misfits.
  • Bad Religion.
  • The Offspring.
  • Dead Kennedys.
  • The Clash.

Whereas pop music is intended to be easily digestible by a large audience, punk music can be intentionally off-putting and deliberately counter culture.

For example, the Dead Kennedys caught a ton of flack for their controversial name as well as songs like “Holiday in Cambodia” and “California Uber Allies” that had strong anti-war, counter-culture stances.

Your Favorite Music Genres Explained

There you have it, five of the most popular music genres explained.

Though we’ve provided a quick overview of these genres, our exploration is by no means comprehensive. Each genre is so much deeper than they seem on the surface, so why not branch out and listen to something new?

Or, if you’d rather create music, check out your options for a career in music production.

Julian Assange Arrested In London Following Ecuador’s Withdrawal of Asylum

Diane A. Wade
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Julian Assange Arrested In London Following Ecuador’s Withdrawal of Asylum

Julian Assange, the co-founder of WikiLeaks, has been arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

The Metropolitan Police arrests Assange for “failing to surrender to the court” over a warrant issued in 2012. He is found guilty and faces up to 12 months in prison, as well as extradition over US charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

Julian Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden over an assault case that has since been dropped.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 11, he was found guilty of failing to surrender to the court.

Julian Assange now faces US federal conspiracy charges related to one of the largest ever leaks of government secrets.

The UK will decide whether to extradite him, in response to allegations by the DoJ that he conspired with former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to download classified databases.

Julian Assange, 47, faces up to five years in US prison if convicted on the charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

His lawyer, Jennifer Robinson, said they would be fighting the extradition request. She said it set a “dangerous precedent” where any journalist could face US charges for “publishing truthful information about the United States”.

Jennifer Robinson said she had visited Julian Assange in the police cells where he thanked supporters and said: “I told you so.”

Julian Assange had predicted that he would face extradition to the US if he left the embassy.

After his arrest, the Australian national was initially taken to a central London police station before appearing in court.

Dressed in a black suit and black polo shirt, Julian Assange waved to the public gallery and gave a thumbs up. He pleaded not guilty to the 2012 charge of failing to surrender to the court.

Finding him guilty of that charge, District Judge Michael Snow said Julian Assange’s behavior was “the behavior of a narcissist who cannot get beyond his own selfish interest”.

He sent Julian Assange to Southwark Crown Court for sentencing, where he faces up to 12 months in prison.

The court also heard that during Assange’s arrest at the embassy he had to be restrained and shouted: “This is unlawful, I am not leaving.”

Russian Hacking: Donald Trump Backs Julian Assange

Julian Assange Questioned by Sweden’s Chief Prosecutor

Why is Ecuador protecting Julian Assange?

Julian Assange set up WikiLeaks in 2006 with the aim of obtaining and publishing confidential documents and images.

WikiLeaks hit the headlines four years later when it released footage of US soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq.

Chelsea Manning was arrested in 2010 for disclosing more than 700,000 confidential documents, videos and diplomatic cables to the anti-secrecy website.

She said she only did so to spark debates about foreign policy, but US officials said the leak put lives at risk.

Chelsea Manning was found guilty by a court martial in 2013 of charges including espionage. However, her jail sentence was later commuted.

She was recently jailed for refusing to testify before an investigation into WikiLeaks’ role in revealing the secret files.

The indictment against Julian Assange, issued last year in the state of Virginia, alleges that he conspired in 2010 with Manning to access classified information on Department of Defense computers. He faces up to five years in jail.

Chelsea Manning downloaded four databases from US departments and agencies between January and May 2010, the indictment says. This information, much of which was classified, was provided to WikiLeaks.

The DoJ described it as “one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States”.

Cracking a password stored on the computers, the indictment alleges, would have allowed Manning to log on to them in such a way as to make it harder for investigators to determine the source of the disclosures. It is unclear whether the password was actually broken.

Julian Assange had been in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, after seeking asylum there to avoid extradition to Sweden on a rape allegation.

The investigation into the alleged rape, which he denied, was later dropped because he had evaded the arrest warrant. The Swedish Prosecution Authority has said it is now considering whether to resume the inquiry before the statute of limitations runs out in August 2020.

Scotland Yard said it was invited into the embassy on April 11 by the ambassador, following the Ecuadorian government’s withdrawal of asylum.

Ecuadorian president Lenin Moreno said his country had “reached its limit on the behavior of Mr. Assange”.

The president said: “The most recent incident occurred in January 2019, when WikiLeaks leaked Vatican documents.

“This and other publications have confirmed the world’s suspicion that Mr. Assange is still linked to WikiLeaks and therefore involved in interfering in internal affairs of other states.”

Lenin Moreno’s accusations against Julian Assange also included blocking security cameras at the embassy, accessing security files and confronting guards.

Black Hole Picture 2019: First Ever Image Revealed By Scientists

James J. Williams
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Black Hole Picture 2019: First Ever Image Revealed By Scientists

The first ever photograph of a black hole has been revealed by scientists on April 11, 2019.

Until now we have only ever been able to imagine what a black hole might look like, but now scientists from all over the world have worked together to take the first ever picture of one.

Eight observatories from all over the world linked together back in 2017 to form one giant virtual telescope called the Event Horizon Telescope (or EHT for short).

The EHT has captured an image of a ‘monster’ black hole, which sits around 54 million light years away from Earth, in a different galaxy called Messier 87.

The black hole is three million times the size of the Earth, and spews out a hot jet stream of particles that stretches for 5,000 light years.

Image credit: EHT collaboration

Millions of supermassive black holes and hot galaxies spotted by WISE space telescope

Black Marble: Night-time view of Earth pictured by Suomi satellite

A black hole is a dying star that has collapsed inward under the pressure of its own weight.

The pull of gravity from its centre becomes so strong that even light can’t escape, which is why it looks black.

It essentially becomes a super massive ‘vacuum’ sucking in stars, planets or anything that gets too close – a bit like when you pull the plug in the bath.

Black holes are also invisible, technically speaking, which has meant it has been very tricky for scientists to capture them on camera.

As things get sucked into the black hole the radiation energy bursts out from behind it, which the EHT team have used to help them take a picture, and is the reason why it looks a bit like a silhouette.

Most galaxies are thought to have a supermassive black hole at their centre.

The Top 5 Social Media Tools to Make Your Job Easier

Nancy Clayson
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The Top 5 Social Media Tools to Make Your Job Easier

Mastering social media for marketing purposes is a daunting task—it’s even arguable that you cannot master it at all; only learn the tricks that work best and do what you can. Entrepreneurs, brand owners, and marketers have a lot to deal with between liking and commenting on other users’ posts, re-sharing material, following people, and not to mention the most important part: producing compelling content.

Fortunately, you do not have to travel the social media landscape alone. There are a variety of digital tools that can make your life significantly easier. Here are some of the best resources that can make your job less tedious and give you a boost towards achieving your online marketing goals: S

Hashtagsforlike

Creating content that provides your followers (and potential followers) with information and entertainment is time-consuming. Social media does not work like casting a reel and hoping the fish come, though; you need to let people know that you exist and give a little (or rather, a lot) in return. Unfortunately, once you have spent so much effort in creating content, you may not feel like you have the energy to reach out to and engage with other users.

Hashtagsforlikes can handle the tedious aspects of social media, specifically Instagram, for you. You still have creative control over your content, but SocialSteeze growth experts can handle targeting potential audience members by liking their posts, commenting on them, following and unfollowing strategic profiles, and more on your behalf. You’ll have much more time to focus on other aspects of your business when someone else is increasing your number of Instagram followers.

Canva

Most social media platforms are highly visual places. Instagram and Pinterest rely heavily on images and videos, and exciting pictures are excellent for capturing peoples’ attention on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others. You see it all the time yourself—but what if you are not a photographer, videographer, or have no Photoshop experience?

It doesn’t matter. Tools like Canva enable you to create stunning images that can communicate your message in enticing ways. Canva is free to use, so even if you do not consider yourself a graphic designer, you can still generate high-quality social media content that resonates with your audience while distinguishing your brand from competitors.

Buffer

While you do not need to be on every social media platform (only those that make the most sense for your business), you are probably still on more than one. Do you find separately managing Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts overwhelming and frustrating? You don’t need to stress, because resources like Buffer enable you to manage your various social media accounts from one place.

With Buffer, you can schedule social media posts ahead of time and add external content to your queue. There are numerous other post-scheduling tools out there, so what sets Buffer apart is its unique analytics capabilities. Buffer can provide you with insight into your audience demographics, how your posts perform, what kind of content is most successful, what times of day are best to publish at, and more. When you have a comprehensive look at which efforts are working and which are not, you can adjust them accordingly.

Buffer Reply

Buffer also offers a feature called Buffer Reply. Keeping in contact with your followers is an essential part of building an engaged audience: you do not want followers that sit idly, but people who comment on your posts and ask questions. However, you might find it challenging to keep track of dozens of conversations across different platforms at once, so Buffer Reply puts them all into one convenient location, so interacting with your followers one-on-one becomes a streamlined process.

Quuu.co

Creating a constant amount of intriguing content is challenging, so it’s understandable if you feel creatively drained after a while. Fortunately, not everything you post needs to be original—it’s even practical to share articles, images, and videos from other creators, as long as you give them credit. Collecting external material to share is known as “content curation,” but it can still be a time-consuming process in itself.

While other content curation tools exist (the internet is vast, after all; you do not have time to skim it for whatever you think your followers will enjoy), Quuu automates content curation with your audience in mind—and hand-reviews each piece in-house, so that you are only sharing high-quality pieces that keep your accounts active while building your brand’s authority.

Using social media for marketing requires a significant amount of effort and energy. There are numerous factors to consider when establishing your brand and growing your audience—but you do not have to do everything the long way. What are your favorite tools that make managing social media accounts easier?

President Trump Describes Robert Mueller Inquiry as “An Attempted Coup”

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Describes Robert Mueller Inquiry as “An Attempted Coup”

President Donald Trump says he has spoken to Attorney General William Barr about tracing the origins of the inquiry that cleared him of colluding with Russia.

The Republican president described the investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller as “an attempted coup”.

William Barr meanwhile said he believes US authorities did spy on the Trump campaign.

US intelligence officials have previously said they were spying on the Russians, not the Trump campaign.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on April 10, President Trump railed against the Department of Justice inquiry into whether the Trump campaign had conspired with the Kremlin to sway the 2016 election.

The investigation cleared him and his aides of collusion, making no determination on whether they had tried to obstruct justice.

Robert Mueller Report: “Trump Campaign Did Not Conspire with Russia”

President Donald Trump Denies He Is Planning to Fire Robert Mueller

Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

President Trump said: “This was an attempted coup. This was an attempted take-down of a president. And we beat them. We beat them.

“So the Mueller report, when they talk about obstruction we fight back. And do you know why we fight back?

“Because I knew how illegal this whole thing was. It was a scam.

“What I’m most interested in is getting started, hopefully the attorney general, he mentioned it yesterday.

“He’s doing a great job, getting started on going back to the origins of exactly where this all started.

“Because this was an illegal witch hunt, and everybody knew it. And they knew it too. And they got caught. And what they did was treason.”

While President Trump was flying off to Texas, William Barr was appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The attorney general was asked whether spying occurred on the Trump campaign during the 2016 White House race.

“I think spying did occur,” he said.

“The question is whether it was adequately predicated.

“I’m not suggesting it was not adequately predicated, but I need to explore that.”

William Barr said he did not understand why intelligence officials chose not to warn the Trump campaign that it could be vulnerable to infiltration.

He praised the “outstanding” FBI as a whole, but told the panel: “I think there was probably a failure among the group of leaders.”

He added: “I feel I have an obligation to make sure government power is not abused.”

President Trump and his conservative allies have repeatedly suggested the Obama administration planted a mole in his presidential campaign to undercut his candidacy.

The former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was asked on ABC in May 2018 if the FBI had indeed snooped on the Trump team.

James Clapper replied: “No, they were not. They were spying on – a term I don’t particularly like – but on what the Russians were doing.

“Trying to understand were the Russians infiltrating, trying to gain access, trying to gain leverage and influence which is what they do.”

The same day in an interview with CNN, James Clapper said: “The objective here was actually to protect the campaign by determining whether the Russians were infiltrating it and attempting to exert influence.”

According to the New York Times last year, the FBI sent an informant, an unnamed US academic who teaches in the UK, to speak to two low-level Trump aides, George Papadopoulos and Carter Page, after the agency became suspicious of the pair’s Russian contacts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy_SqtoNJr4

Israel Elections 2018: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Likely To Secure Record Fifth Term

Diane A. Wade
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Israel Elections 2018: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Likely To Secure Record Fifth Term

Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to secure a record fifth term as Israel’s prime minister after almost complete results from the country’s election suggested a new right-wing coalition.

The prime minister’s Likud party is expected to finish with the same number of seats as former military chief Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White alliance.

A coalition between Likud and smaller right-wing and religious parties could control 65 of the Knesset’s 120 seats.

In a late-night speech to supporters Benjamin Netanyahu claimed a “colossal victory”.

Exit polls had earlier predicted a tight race with no clear winner.

Israel Approves Controversial Jewish Nation State Bill

Jerusalem Issue: Mahmoud Abbas to Reject Any US Peace Plan with Israel

Jerusalem Issue: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Expects EU Countries to Follow US Recognition

If he can form a new governing coalition, Benjamin Netanyahu could become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister this summer, overtaking the country’s founding father David Ben-Gurion.

However, the prime minister could be indicted in three corruption cases in the coming months.

Benjamin Netanyahu told cheering supporters at Likud’s headquarters: “It will be a right-wing government, but I will be prime minister for all.

“I’m very touched that the people of Israel gave me their vote of confidence for the fifth time, and an even bigger vote of confidence than previous elections.

“I intend to be the prime minister of all citizens of Israel. Right, left, Jews, non-Jews. All of Israel’s citizens.”

No party has ever won a majority in Israel’s parliament and it has always had coalition governments.

Iran and Iraq Relations: Set to Expand Ties in Energy, Agro, and More

Dana R
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Iran and Iraq Relations: Set to Expand Ties in Energy, Agro, and More

President Hassan Rouhani of Iran met with Iraqi government officials in Baghdad.

Rouhani visited a Shia shrine in the heart of the capital of Iraq. Yet the president’s motives for visiting extended beyond tourism.

Reimposed sanctions on Iranian international trade led to Rouhani’s meeting with President Salih and Prime Minister Mehdi. In this meeting, Iran and Iraq nearly doubled their trade ties.

What led Iran to strengthen trade ties between the neighboring countries? And how will these new trade agreements affect US relations with Iraq? Learn the answers to these questions and more below.

Iran and Iraq Sign Agreements

The presidents came to agreements about oil, trade, health, agriculture and transportation routes.

Rouhani and Salih also agreed on bureaucratic reforms. These reforms aim to improve business relationships and transactions between Iran and Iraq. In a statement, the president of Iran thanked the Iraqi government for bypassing US-imposed sanctions.

Iran’s agreements with their neighbors in Iraq may be the only thing to save the country from economic implosion.

Iran’s Deteriorating Economy

Last year, Trump announced that the US was pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal.

This deal reduced sanctions on Iranian trade in exchange for the country’s agreement to cut back on nuclear ballistics. Trump claimed the original deal did nothing to curb Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Since the Trump administration’s decision, US-imposed sanctions have led Iran’s economy to deteriorate.

Iran has threatened to pull out of the nuclear deal if its economic benefits aren’t protected. But many European businesses are still shying away from Iranian investments.

At the same time, the Iranian oil market has decreased in profit and the Rial has dropped in value. Since Iran and Iraq already have a strong economic relationship, these new trade ties were inevitable.

Hopefully, Iran had a pay stub maker on hand for receipts, though, because Iraq may end up pulling out of these agreements.

The Impact on Iraq

Currently, Iraq is excused from US trade sanctions imposed on Iran. That leaves the country vulnerable now that they’re powerful trading allies with Iran.

Yet the Iraqi government must see some benefit to these new agreements. Benefits, one must assume, that will outweigh the cost of angering Trump.

Indeed, Iran and Iraq aren’t just partners in trade. Iran exerts considerable military and political influence over the neighboring country.

Senior officials from Iran often propose business to the Iraqi government and vice versa. During the Islamic State uprising in Iraq, Iran offered militant aide. Today, Iran continues to provide weapons and training to Iraqi paramilitary forces.

Some Iraqis worry that the paramilitary holds more allegiance to the Iranian government than to their home country.

What This Means on a Global Scale

From the EU’s declining investiture to a possible US fallout with Iraq, it is clear Iran’s economic troubles are making global waves. There’s no telling which global powers will get involved with the economic troubles in the middle east next.

The Trump administration has yet to respond to the new agreements between Iran and Iraq.

Read more about what’s going on in the world right now or visit our Economy and Politics page for more breaking news.

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