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5 Used Cars That You Should Consider

Nancy Clayson
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5 Used Cars That You Should Consider

Are you looking to buy a used car to save some money on your next purchase? Some cars don’t retain value well once they are sold. In fact, an average car loses up to 11 percent of its value once it’s driven off the lot. Some cars, however, are known to stand the test of time. Consider the following used car models next time you head out to buy a used vehicle.

2005-2008 Pontiac Vibe

pontiac-vibeImage via Flickr by nixternal

This generation of Pontiac Vibes make a fantastic vehicle for any commuter. The small hatchback car features a generous 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space, but when you fold the back seat down, you’ll get a full 54.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a great small car for transporting goods. The better news is that the 2005-2007 models all get up to 36 mpg highway while the 2008 model gets 33 mpg highway, making it a money-saving vehicle on the road.

As if that isn’t good enough, the Pontiac Vibe has been known to last with high miles on it. If you’re looking for one of these vehicles made during these years, aim for the 2007 model if you can as it has received favorable reviews across the board.

2007-2008 Hyundai Sonata

hyundai-sonataImage via Flickr by order_242

The Hyundai Sonata is a vehicle best known for its affordable luxury. With the 2007-2008 models, you’ll find a nice car at a price you can afford. With generous gas mileage — 34 on the 2007 and 31 on the 2008 — and features like heated seats, this comfortable ride will leave you enjoying the commute. While the car does not come with some of the features you’d expect on newer models like navigation and Bluetooth capabilities, it is a comfortable sedan with plenty of trunk space that will deliver a high level of practicality.

2004-2007 Toyota Prius

toyota-priusImage via Flickr by EarlRShumaker

Are you interested in getting a used vehicle with great gas mileage? Known to last for well over 200,000 miles, the 2004-2007 Prius models are a great used car pick for people who want fantastic gas mileage with a long-lasting vehicle. Each model in this range is rated at 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway, making it a wonderful purchase for people who drive a lot and would like to save money on gas. While prices will vary drastically depending on the condition of the vehicle, you could find a 2004-2007 Toyota Prius for under $10,000. Use a KBB used cars search to find one in your area.

You can also search for used cars on websites like AutoVolo to give you an idea of the price you can expect to pay for specific vehicles.

2005 Volvo S60

The 2005 Volvo S60 is worth checking out if you’re on the market for something cheap yet luxurious. Kelly Blue Book rates the retail value of this car under $5,000, so you could certainly get a great deal. The upside is that it features luxury options like a posh interior and unique Swedish styling. With mpg rated at 29 highway, you’ll get fair gas mileage at a highly affordable initial price. Additional perks include generous trunk space, impressive safety features, and heated seats.

2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

chevrolet-silverado-1500Image via Flickr by .Great Grandma & Grandpa T.

If a truck good for transporting heavy items is more your speed, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a great choice. You’ll get up to 21 mpg highway, which is pretty decent for a truck this size. With active fuel management features, the vehicle gets slightly more enhanced fuel economy than its counterparts. The great thing about the 2007 model is that it came with remodeled updates, so you’ll get a slightly better version than some of the older ones but at the same affordable price.

Whatever type of car you need, buying a used vehicle, whether from a dealer or a private seller, can cut your initial costs drastically. With one of the above mentioned vehicles, you can further save money via great gas mileage while ensuring that you’re getting a long-lasting vehicle. Which type of vehicle are you thinking about getting for your next used car purchase?

Biking at Night? 5 Ways to Ride Safely

Clyde K. Valle
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Biking at Night? 5 Ways to Ride Safely
Image Source – Shutterstock

While the darkness of the night may spell great fear for some, it can signal an unmatched amount of fun and excitement to many others. If you’re a lover of bikes, speed and thrill, driving through the night can turn out to be one of your favourite adventures. The freedom of having roads relatively empty to your disposal, the option to speed higher than possible in the day and the enjoyment of the gush of wind along with the adrenalin rush is something that can be experienced only while riding at night.

However, it is going to be so only if you’re completely safe and you manage to complete your journey without fighting any undue troubles or meeting unfortunate injuries. In that regard, if you’re planning to indulge in a night ride with your gang, here are some ways to ensure that your experience is completely safe and nothing short of enthrallment.

  1. Ensure Perfect Lighting for Your Bike

    Image Source – Shutterstock

It’s quite intuitive to understand how vital lights are from a safety standpoint while driving at night. If you’re planning for a night ride, you must see to it that the lights of your bike are in perfect order, so that you always have good visibility of the road and other vehicles.

You can start by checking whether your illumination, especially that of the headlight is bright enough to light up the dark roads. If you have worn out bulbs, you need to replace them with ones having the right wattage before you head on to any night adventure. Additionally, if you desire to amplify your visibility further, you can also consider fitting in some auxiliary headlamps to support you along with the main one.

  1. Increase Your Visibility

    Image Source – Shutterstock

After lights, the next most important thing you need to be cautious about is increasing your visibility to others on the road. This can be made possible with the help of reflective biking gear and clothing. You can invest in reflective clothing that is available with most of the brands that sell biking apparels. Alternately, you can even fix some reflective tape to your riding gear such as helmet, jacket, gloves or pants. For instance, you could wrap some tape around the sleeve of your jacket or the length of your pants to reflect light. Thus, becoming more visible.

In addition to wearing reflective clothing, you can also stick on reflective tape or neon coloured strips to your bike’s parts such as wheel rims and body panels to make yourself and the bike more visible. Doing so can help to increase the chances of your safety by a significant extent.

  1. Choose the Correct Route

    Image Source – Shutterstock

 It’s also helpful to pick a route that you’re familiar with, at least in the beginning. Because even your most acquainted route can appear unfamiliar at night.

Moreover, you should also pick routes that have better roads. Ideally, it is a safer bet that you stick to the trail centres on the road. That’s because the tracks are less likely to have stumps or rocks that could lead to a crash.

  1. Control Your Speed

    Image Source – Shutterstock

You might be a lover of speed and thrill and consider yourself as the most experienced biker with great eyesight. However, it’s crucial that you recognise the importance of practising self-caution and abiding by traffic laws even during the dark hours.

At all times, you must prioritise your safety and ride steadily and defensively. It is quite natural that at night, the degree of visibility is going to reduce. In that situation, you will need to be more careful when you try to overtake a vehicle and take turns. It’s also essential to be aware of the speed limit of the road you’re traversing through.

  1. Ride in A Group

    Image Source – Shutterstock

Riding in a group makes a lot of sense, both from the enjoyment and safety point of view. As the number of people increases with a group, the chances of being attacked by those having wrong objectives reduce significantly. Moreover, in case of any mechanical issue, there is help available instantly. It’s important that you leave and come back together. In case you get separated, it’s good to wait for your group for a few minutes and continue again when together. Besides that, being a part of a club or a group is always a good incentive and motivating factor to head out in the dark.

And Lastly, Make Sure You Have Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy

Riding bikes at night can be risky to your and your bike’s life. At night due to low visibility, lack of traffic control and rash driving of heavy vehicles, the chances of accidents increase. Therefore, it is crucial to protect yourself and your vehicle of these mishaps.

The best way to do that is to buy a comprehensive 2-wheeler insurance policy. The policy covers you against the damages caused to your vehicle and any other third-party during an accident. As a result, buying 2-wheeler insurance will not only help you stay clear of financial troubles and road mishaps but also avoid any legal skirmishes. Moreover, purchasing long-term third-party liability cover (5 years) for two-wheelers is made mandatory by the Supreme Court from September 1, 2018.

In conclusion, we can say that riding at night is fun, but it is crucial that you be careful and attentive than you usually are in the day. So, follow this checklist and experience the joy of night riding at its best.

George H.W. Bush Funeral: President Donald Trump Pays His Respects In Capitol Rotunda

Diane A. Wade
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George H.W. Bush Funeral: President Donald Trump Pays His Respects In Capitol Rotunda
Image source Jim McGrath Twitter

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have paid their respects to former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the United States Capitol.

President Trump made a brief visit to the rotunda, where the public can visit the coffin until the funeral on December 5.

Donald Trump has in the past clashed with the Bush family but will attend the funeral service.

George H.W. Bush, who died on November 30 at the age of 94, will later be buried at his Texas home alongside his wife, Barbara.

His coffin had earlier left Texas to a 21-gun salute and was carried to Washington on board Air Force One – temporarily renamed Special Air Mission 41 in homage to the late president.

George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st president between 1989 and 1993, had been receiving treatment for a form of Parkinson’s disease and had been admitted to hospital with a blood infection in April.

The public will be able to pay respects at the rotunda until December 5, when an invitation-only funeral service will take place at the National Cathedral.

President Trump will attend with the first lady but will not deliver a speech.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Dies Aged 92

According to Mark Updegrove’s book The Last Republicans, which came out in 2017, George H.W. Bush voted for Donald Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton in the election and had called him a “blowhard”.

Former President George W. Bush, worried he would be the “last Republican president”, despite Donald Trump running on the party’s ticket, the book said.

A service was held in the rotunda after George H.W. Bush’s coffin arrived on December 4, with members of the military serving as pallbearers. George W. Bush was in attendance and was clearly moved by the events.

In a eulogy, House Speaker Paul Ryan said: “Here lies a great man”, adding that “no-one better harmonized the joy of life and the duty of life”.

Paul Ryan said George H.W. Bush was a “great leader and a good man, a gentle soul of firm resolve”.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said: “Through the Cold War and the Soviet Union’s collapse, he kept us on course. When the rule of law needed defending in the Persian Gulf, he kept us on course.”

Vice-President Mike Pence said there was a “kindness about the man that was evident to everyone who met him”.

George H.W. Bush was a decorated fighter pilot in World War II, a head of the CIA and vice-president to Ronald Reagan before being elected president in 1988.

Also making the final journey with President George H.W. Bush was his loyal labrador service dog, Sully.

Hit and Run Does Not Pay Off: What Are the Potential Consequences of Driving Away from the Scene of an Accident?

Dana R
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Hit and Run Does Not Pay Off: What Are the Potential Consequences of Driving Away from the Scene of an Accident?

If you find yourself in a vehicle accident, you may feel scared, which is perfectly normal. Whether you feel you are at fault or not, what you do in that moment can have a significant impact on your life. Ignore the feeling to flee the scene of the accident if tempted. The ramifications of a hit and run could prove costly for you. Let’s look at some of the potential consequences of driving away from the scene of an accident.

Criminal Penalties

Different states have different criminal penalties for a hit and run, whether you crashed on a motorcycle or is involved in some other vehicular accident. Some states classify the criminal penalties for a hit and run as felonies or misdemeanors. The circumstances surrounding the incident will factor into what type of criminal penalty will be levied. A felony hit and run is generally characterized as leaving the scene of an accident, where a person, pedestrian, or vehicle occupant, suffer some kind of injury. States tend to impose steep fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. It is also possible to face incarceration of up to 15 years in prison for a felony hit and run. In the instance of a misdemeanor charge, a criminal fine of up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail could be the consequence.

calculator
Source: https://pixabay.com/en/calculator-calculation-insurance-385506/

Administrative Penalties

The majority of states impose administrative penalties associated with driver’s license through the particular state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Regardless of the penalty classification, felony or misdemeanor, any conviction for a hit and run, usually results in an automatic suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for the duration of six months, or in some states, revocation could last up to three years. Some states factor in the nature and circumstances of the hit and run accident and may even render a penalty of a lifetime revocation of your driver’s license.

Civil Penalties

If you caused the accident, another individual involved in the crash could file a suit against you for damages. If the victim suffers an injury, that person could seek monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. This is one penalty that is possible whether or not the accident was a hit and run. A court would likely order you to pay significantly more in damages if you are found to be liable not only for the hit and run, but for also causing the accident. This is called “treble damages” in many states.

Cancelled Insurance

While criminal penalties are generally considered more important or impactful, your insurance

company could also punish you for a hit and run accident. It is the practice of many insurance companies to cancel the automobile insurance policy if found guilty of a hit and run. You might be lucky enough to simply have your rates raised, though by a significant amount. Failure to report the hit and run to your insurance company could end in either a rate hike or cancellation

It is unwise to leave the scene of an accident. Doing so may lead to potentially dire consequences. You could face stiff penalties or jail time, have your driver’s license revoked and see your insurance coverage dropped by your insurer. The right instinct is to stay at the scene of the accident until the authorities arrive.

 

Why Do Athletes Use Clenbuterol for Cutting & Performance?

Kathryn R. Bown
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Why Do Athletes Use Clenbuterol for Cutting & Performance?
Image source Pixabay

Celebs using the dangerous banned drug Clenbuterol are risking their lives. But why do they do it? And what’s the alternative?

We all feel the pressure to look good sometimes. For celebrities and professional athletes, that feeling is ongoing. The urge to look great and perform at elite levels can lead to some dangerous decisions. One of the worst choices people in the public eye can make is using illegal drugs to drop weight. Like the current trend to use banned drug Clenbuterol (AKA Clen) to shed fat fast, or to put in a suspiciously good sports performance.

The biggest problem is Clenbuterol is a banned substance with some very nasty side effects.

Here’s what you need to know about the side effects of Clenbuterol, and why it’s so popular in certain circles – despite the known risks.

What Is Clenbuterol?

Clenbuterol hydrochloride, more commonly known as Clen, is a steroid-like drug that was originally developed for a legitimate purpose (to help people with breathing disorders such as Asthma). But these days it’s mostly used on animals to make them gain more muscle tissue for more profitable meat production (although it’s illegal in Europe for any animals which enter the food chain). It’s never been approved by the FDA for use in the USA, and it’s an offense to supply or have the intent to supply Clenbuterol in the UK.

Like so many of these drugs, it’s fallen into misuse. That’s because it has the powerful ability to help burn body fat, helping maintain a slim and lean body. It’s illegal to buy over the counter, but commonly used amongst athletes and even celebrities who want to maintain a certain look.

Of course, staying slim isn’t the only side effect of Clenbuterol. This dangerous drug comes with plenty of risks to short and long-term health.

The Side Effects Of Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol acts like amphetamines, helping the body burn more fat by heating it up and manipulating the nervous system. That’s why users often wind up trembling, overheating, and sweaty. The drug can also impact sleep because the body can’t wind down. It’ll ramp up your blood pressure (terrible news when you consider that heart disease, heart attack, and high blood pressure are already some of our biggest health threats). Muscle cramps are common on Clen, as all that excess energy means essential minerals are lost through sweat.

Most worryingly is Clenbuterol’s impact on the heart. Using the drug can lead to heart palpitations and even put users at increased risk of heart attack – no matter how young, fit, or slim they are. And the effects can be long-term, including left-sided cardiac atrophy which can develop in as little as a month from first use.

The Athletes & VIPs Using Clenbuterol

The number of people in the public eye using this drug is shocking. You might have heard about boxer Canelo Alvarez’s drug failure for Clenbuterol, or USA triple-jumper Will Claye’s drug test which showed trace amounts of Clen. Both athletes argued successfully their case for the drug showing up due to contaminated meat (red meat contaminated by Clenbuterol is a real problem in cattle from Mexico). It’s a counter-argument which has overturned numerous Clenbuterol drug fails across a range of professional sports.

But it doesn’t always fly; Tour de France champ Alberto Contador tested positive for the drug in 2010. He gave the contaminated meat argument but was handed a two-year suspension. And New Zealand rugby player Kalib Hamiora Whakataka received a two-year ban after he admitted ordering prohibited substances through an online Clenbuterol site and using the drug.

More worryingly are the cases which can’t be explained away by contaminated meat. These tend to be underground, unconfirmed cases which are nonetheless accepted truths in VIP circles. Actors, models, social media stars, and aspiring stars use Clenbuterol to drop weight fast before photo shoots, red carpet events, or to get coveted on-screen roles. We’re not gonna name any names, but everybody knows it’s happening.

It’s particularly popular in the celeb-driven city of Los Angeles, with Mexico right across the border. Celebrity personal trainers, gym owners, and stylists all confirm the use of Clenbuterol amongst their clients. Yes, those same celebs who always seem to be collapsing with mystery dehydration and exhaustion. It seems their punishing promotional schedules might not be the only culprit for their fragile health.

Why do these talented men and women take Clenbuterol when the health risks are so well-known? Human nature will always make people want things sooner, faster, and better. And the sports and entertainment industries will naturally attract more driven, type-A personalities. Clenbuterol is not the first illegal, dangerous drug to be used as a weight loss aid, and it probably won’t be the last. That doesn’t make it OK.

So what about those of us with less pressure on our shoulders (and more concern for our health)? Happily, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to the drug Clenbuterol. The most obvious answer will always be diet and exercise, of course. A moderate calorie deficit, combined with an increase in activity levels will lead to weight loss unless you have an underlying health issue which confounds the law of thermodynamics.

If you want a little extra help, there are ways to boost weight loss without turning to dangerous and illegal drugs like Clenbuterol. Nature has a host of ingredients which can support your metabolic rate, help you expend more energy, and retain healthy lean tissue as you lose fat. Some of the best are garcinia cambogia, guarana, caffeine, and citrus aurantium – all natural, safe, and legal! If your goal is losing weight, choose to do it safely and enjoy the results of your work. Health should always come first.

US and China Agree to Halt New Trade Tariffs for 90 Days

Clyde K. Valle
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US and China Agree to Halt New Trade Tariffs for 90 Days
Image source Pixabay

President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping have agreed to suspend new trade tariffs for 90 days to allow for talks, the White House announces.

At a post-G20 summit meeting in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, President Trump agreed not to boost tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10% to 25% on January 1.

China will buy a “very substantial” amount of agricultural, industrial and energy products, the US says.

Meanwhile, China says the two sides agreed to open up their markets.

It was the first face-to-face meeting between President Trump and President Xi since a trade war erupted earlier this year.

The dispute broke out after President Trump complained China was doing nothing to cut its large surplus in bilateral trade.

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At the summit in Buenos Aires on December 1, the G20 leaders agreed a joint declaration that notes divisions over trade but does not criticize protectionism.

Presidents Trump and Xi held a “highly successful meeting”, the White House said in a statement.

The White House says the US tariffs on Chinese goods will remain unchanged for 90 days, but warns: “If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent.”

The US says China agreed to “purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other products from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries”.

According to the White House, both sides also pledged to “immediately begin negotiations on structural changes with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft”.

President Trump said earlier this year he wanted to stop the “unfair transfers of American technology and intellectual property to China”.

According to the US, China has also signaled it will allow a tie-up between two major semiconductor manufacturers which Chinese regulators have been blocking.

The White House statement said China was “open to approving the previously unapproved Qualcomm-NXP deal”.

The US also says China agreed to designate Fentanyl as a controlled substance. The opioid – much of it thought to be made in China – is driving a huge rise in drug addiction in the US.

Both sides have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. The US has hit $250 billion of Chinese goods with tariffs since July, and China has retaliated by imposing duties on $110 billion of US products.

President Trump had also said that if talks in Argentina were unsuccessful, he would carry out a threat to hit the remaining $267 billion of annual Chinese exports to the US with tariffs of between 10 and 25%.

Yellow Vest Protests: 110 Injured and 270 Arrested in Paris after Clashes with Police

Roy Siemens
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Yellow Vest Protests: 110 Injured and 270 Arrested in Paris after Clashes with Police
Image source Pixabay

Dramatic Yellow Vest protests took place over several hours in the French capital, Paris.

Protesters have scaled the Arc de Triomphe, as clashes with riot police continued during a third weekend of rallies.

Riot police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon on the Champs-Elysées, while masked protesters hurled projectiles and set buildings on fire.

At least 110 people were injured, including 17 members of the security forces, and 270 arrests were made.

One building was set on fire on a major avenue near the Arc de Triomphe and protesters stole an assault rifle from a police vehicle in the center of Paris.

Stores and subway stations were closed as a result of the violence. However, protesters insisted the movement was peaceful.

Protests over fuel tax have grown into general anger at higher living costs.

Paris Protests: Yellow Vests Clash with Riot Police on Champs-Elysees

France Protests: One Dead and More than 200 Injured in Yellow Vests Blockade

President Emmanuel Macron says his fuel policies are needed to combat global warming.

One person was in a critical condition after protesters pulled down an iron gate at the Tuileries Garden near the Louvre museum, which fell on several people.

An assault rifle was also stolen from a police vehicle although it was unclear if it was loaded, AFP quotes a police source as saying.

According to the French interior ministry, at least 75,000 people had turned out across France for the latest “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) rallies – so called because the protesters donned the high-visible vest required to be carried in every vehicle by law.

Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set ablaze, the interior ministry said.

Responding to the day’s events from the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, President Macron said the protests “had absolutely nothing to do with a peaceful demonstration of a legitimate unhappiness or discontent.”

President Macron said those responsible did not want change, but instead intended to “wreak chaos”.

Earlier this week, he tried to strike a conciliatory tone, saying he was open to ideas about how the fuel tax could be applied.

However, President Macron’s speech does not appear to have gone far enough in assuaging people of the view that he is out of touch with ordinary people.

George H.W. Bush Dies Aged 94

Diane A. Wade
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George H.W. Bush Dies Aged 94
Image source Wikimedia

Former President George H.W. Bush has died at the age of 94.

The sad announcement has been made by his son, former President George W. Bush.

George Bush Sr. served as the 41st US president between 1989 and 1993, his term defined by the end of the Cold War and the first Iraq war against Saddam Hussein.

While his health had been failing in recent years, the former president still managed to make public appearances.

George Bush Sr. died at 22:10 local time on November 30, a family spokesperson said.

In April, he was admitted to hospital with a blood infection but had since been discharged. George Bush Sr. was also being treated for a form of Parkinson’s disease.

The former Republican president died seven months after his wife, Barbara.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Dies Aged 92

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His son George Bush Jr., who went on to serve as the 43rd US president, said in a statement: “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died.

“[He] was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.”

The US flag has been lowered to half mast at the White House.

George Bush Sr.’s single presidential term in office was dominated by foreign policy – the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

He was instrumental in building the international military coalition that forced Iraq’s Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait.

He became president after serving two terms as vice-president to Ronald Reagan, but he suffered the ignominy of becoming a single-term president – defeated by Bill Clinton in the 1992 election amid a weakening economy.

George H.W. Bush’s famous 1988 campaign promise – “Read my lips. No new taxes” – came back to haunt him when he felt compelled to reverse policy.

He entered politics in 1964 after starting a Texan oil business and becoming a millionaire by the age of 40.

During World War Two, George H.W. Bush was an aviator before being shot down by the Japanese in September 1944 while on a bombing raid.

Following his honorable discharge from the navy in 1945, George H.W. Bush married then 18-year-old Barbara Pierce. Their marriage would last 73 years and they would have six children together.

Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty to Lying to Congress

Diane A. Wade
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Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty to Lying to Congress
Image source Wikipedia

Michael Cohen has admitted he lied about a Trump property deal in Russia during the 2016 election.

President Donald Trump’s former lawyer pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. Michael Cohen said he did so out of loyalty to Donald Trump.

The president said his former right-hand man was “lying” to prosecutors in the hope of receiving a reduced sentence.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating Russia’s role in the 2016 election and whether Donald Trump colluded with it.

In August, Michael Cohen, 52, pleaded guilty to violating finance laws during the 2016 election by handling hush money for Donald Trump’s alleged lovers.

Appearing unexpectedly before a federal judge in Manhattan on November 30, Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to Congress.

The president’s former lawyer said at the hearing that he had submitted a false written statement about a Trump Organization plan to build a skyscraper in the Russian capital.

He said in court: “I made these misstatements to be consistent with individual 1’s political messaging and out of loyalty to individual 1.”

Michael Cohen has previously identified “individual 1” as Donald Trump.

He was interviewed in October 2017 behind closed doors by lawmakers conducting their own investigation into whether Donald Trump’s campaign worked with Russia to sway the US election two years ago.

According to the criminal complaint, Michael Cohen told the Senate and House intelligence committees that talks over the Moscow project had lasted from September 2015 until January 2016, while Donald Trump was running for the White House.

However, the document says that “as Cohen well knew”, negotiations over the Moscow project continued until June 2016.

Michael Cohen also told lawmakers he had had limited contact with Donald Trump about the project, when in fact it had been “more extensive”.

Prosecutors said Michael Cohen had tried to give a false impression that the Moscow project ended before the Republican presidential campaign properly began in 2016.

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In a press scrum outside court, Michael Cohen said nothing to reporters.

His lawyer said: “Mr. Cohen has co-operated. Mr. Cohen will continue to co-operate.”

As he left the White House for a G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Mr

President Trump told reporters of Michael Cohen as he left the White House for a G20 summit in Buenos Aires: “He’s a weak person and not a very smart person.

“He’s got himself a big prison sentence. And he’s trying to get a much lesser prison sentence by making up this story.”

The president told reporters of the Moscow real estate project, which never came to fruition: “When I’m running for president, that doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to do business.”

He added: “He’s lying about a project that everybody knew about. I mean, we were very open with it.”

Soon after those remarks, President Trump abruptly canceled a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Argentina, citing the current Ukraine crisis.

Kerch Strait Clash: Donald Trump Cancels Meeting with Vladimir Putin at G20 Summit

Roy Siemens
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0
Kerch Strait Clash: Donald Trump Cancels Meeting with Vladimir Putin at G20 Summit

President Donald Trump has decided to cancel a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the naval clash between Ukraine and Russia in Kerch Strait.

On November 25, Russian border guards fired on three Ukrainian ships and seized their crews off the Crimean Peninsula.

President Trump said he would not meet President Putin at a G20 summit in the coming days, “based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned”.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed the crisis “entirely” on Russia.

Angela Merkel said she would raise the issue with Vladimir Putin at the G20 meeting, which is due to be held in Argentina between November 30 and December 1.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has urged NATO to send ships to the area. He has implemented martial law across Ukraine’s border regions for 30 days in response to the crisis.

Image NBC News

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On November 29, President Poroshenko announced that Russians living in Ukraine would soon face restrictions on bank withdrawals, changing foreign currency and travelling abroad.

The incident happened on November 25, when two Ukrainian gunboats and a tug were sailing from Odessa to the port of Mariupol, in the Sea of Azov – which is shared between Russia and Ukraine.

The ships were stopped from entering the Kerch Strait and confronted by FSB border guards. After a lengthy standoff, during which the Ukrainian tug was rammed, the vessels began turning back towards Odessa, the Ukrainian government says.

The Russians opened fire, wounding at least three sailors, and seized the Ukrainian flotilla.

The Kerch Strait separates Russia from Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014.

However, Ukraine says Russia is deliberately blockading Mariupol and another Ukrainian port on the Sea of Azov, Berdyansk.

The 24 captured Ukrainian sailors have now been given two months in pre-trial detention by a court in Crimea.

Georgia Elections 2018: Salome Zurabishvili Becomes First Woman President

Diane A. Wade
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Georgia Elections 2018: Salome Zurabishvili Becomes First Woman President
Image source Wikimedia

Salome Zurabishvili has become Georgia’s first woman president after winning 59% of the vote.

The 66-year-old French-born ex-diplomat was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, while her rival, Grigol Vashadze was a united opposition candidate.

A new constitution is due to come into force, making the role of president largely ceremonial.

Salome Zurabishvili was born in Paris after her parents fled Georgia in 1921 following its annexation by Soviet forces.

She took up a career in the French Foreign Service and was posted to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, as ambassador in 2003. She later gave up her post and the then-president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, appointed her foreign minister.

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However, the strength of the vote for Salome Zurabishvili raises questions. In just a few weeks she managed to get 20% more votes than in the first round.

The vote is good news for the most powerful man in Georgia, billionaire Georgian Dream party chief Bidzina Ivanishvili.

It is the last direct election of a Georgian president, as the country is switching to a parliamentary system, following constitutional reforms adopted in 2017.

The presidential election is also seen as an indicator of how parliamentary elections in 2020 could go.

Georgia is seeking EU and NATO membership. But both ambitions are obstructed by Russia’s troop presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia – breakaway regions of Georgia.

The opposition complained of voting irregularities and attacks on its campaigners, but this has been denied by the ruling party.

Why Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) Are the Biggest Danger to Cyclists

Nancy Clayson
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Why Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) Are the Biggest Danger to Cyclists

Cycling should be an activity that everyone is able to enjoy safely; however, cyclists need to be aware of the dangers on the road. After all, 80% of cycling fatalities are caused by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) turning left at a junction and colliding with a cyclist.

Did you know that 64% of Londoners believe that it is too dangerous to cycle on the city’s street? That’s according to a 2014 survey by the UK’s Department of Transport. However, it doesn’t need to be this way. With improved awareness of some of the dangers that are on the road, cyclists can adapt to ensure that they stay safe.

Cycling has plenty of benefits – it’s a fantastic way to stay fit on your commute into work and it can save a fortune on train fares! This makes it even more of a shame that so many are put off from cycling on a regular basis.

What hazards should I look for?

As mentioned above, HGVs are the biggest dangers for cyclists on the road. This is largely to do with the fact that larger vehicles often have significant blind spots which can make it very difficult for drivers to spot other road users immediately around them. The onus should be on cyclists to make themselves visible to other road users, especially those in larger vehicles. Maintaining eye contact is a good way to start; this shows them that you are aware of their position and, in turn, they will take more notice of you.

When you are waiting at traffic lights, cyclists may want to consider moving further forward so that they are not directly in front of a HGV. This is because the driver usually sits high above the road and may not realize that there is a cyclist directly in front of them.

Similarly, cyclists need to take extra care when they are approaching a junction, even if they are in a designated cycle lane. It may be the case that anther road user is preparing to cross into the cycle lane to make a turn. A bike accident claims specialist explains that it is crucial that cyclists are aware of the movements of any HGVs as they approach a junction. These vehicles have to make a wide turn and it can often seem as though they are planning to carry on straight ahead; however, it is worth keeping a safe distance in case they are preparing to turn as your path will become blocked and you could find yourself in a hazardous position.

Cycle Claim Line adds that although cyclists are less likely to be involved in a collision with an HGV than a car, when this does occur, they are at far greater risk of serious injury or death.

Even if the road appears clear, smart cyclists are still on alert in case an unexpected hazard appears ahead of them. Assertive cyclists ensure that they stay safe as they are able to spot potential dangers quickly with plenty of time to react in an appropriate and safe manner to avoid the hazard. When cycling past parked cars it is wise to maintain a distance of around a metre just in case a pedestrian steps out into the road or a door suddenly opens unexpectedly.

Any cyclists who are concerned about riding amongst heavy traffic can consult a variety of apps and websites, including CycleStreets, to discover new and quieter routes to their destination. This is a great way for newer cyclists to gradually build their confidence before tackling busier routes as they can slowly introduce themselves to less traffic-ridden routes.

It’s important to point out that cycling is a safe activity. The UK’s Department of Transport found that people are more likely to die when walking than cycling! For every billion miles cycled, 31 cyclists were killed whereas 36 pedestrians died over the same distance. Also, four times as many motorcyclists were killed in accidents over that distance. These figures indicate that as long as cyclists ensure that they are assertive and possess the skills and understanding required to cycle safely, then there is no need to be too scared to ride.

3 Common Myths and Misconceptions About First Aid

Kathryn R. Bown
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3 Common Myths and Misconceptions About First Aid

What to do when someone around you suffers an electric shock? How about a cut, a fracture, perhaps even a heart attack? These events are relatively common today, and they can happen anytime to pretty much anyone, so knowing how to handle them is important. And there are many who can handle themselves well in such situations but, unfortunately, not nearly enough. And even those who have received some training in it still carry some pretty common misconceptions about first aid that can, under the right conditions, do more harm than good – like the ones on our list below.

1. Don’t fall asleep if you suffered a concussion

One of the longest-running myths – unfortunately, further propagated by the media – is that if somebody suffers a concussion, that person must be kept awake at all cost, otherwise they might slip into a coma. Thus, people who have suffered massive blows to their head are kept awake forcibly by the bystanders.

The truth is the only reason why a person who has suffered a concussion should be woken up (not kept awake) a few times in order to avoid throwing up in their sleep (this is one of the effects of a concussion). Otherwise, you should let them sleep – especially if a doctor has seen them beforehand.

Image source Pixabay

2. Put your head back if your nose bleeds

When your nose starts to bleed, the first thing those around you will tell you is to put your head back so that the bleeding can stop sooner. This is, in turn, a bad piece of advice – you should actually do the contrary.

If you put your head back when your nose bleeds, the blood will flow down your throat, and you will swallow it – once in your stomach, the blood can cause nausea and vomiting. Instead, you should tilt your head forward, pinch your nose right at your nostrils, and hold it for about 10 minutes. This should do it – if not, make sure to seek medical attention.

3. Pour alcohol on an open wound

You often see this one in the movies: the hero pours some vodka or whiskey on the gunshot wound, then gulps down a sip or two, and gets right into the fight. In real life, you shouldn’t act this way.

The open wound itself doesn’t need to be disinfected – the disinfectant serves as a measure to prevent germs from getting into the wound. The wound itself is cleaned out by the blood that flows out of it, that also serves as a sealant – something that alcohol can dissolve. So, if you suffer a cut or something more serious, make sure to disinfect the skin around it and don’t put alcohol inside. It won’t help – but it will sting like hell.

How to Differentiate Zika, Dengue & Chikungunya Infections?

Kathryn R. Bown
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How to Differentiate Zika, Dengue & Chikungunya Infections?

Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, are transmitted by their common vector, Aedes, which is found mostly in tropical regions.  The virus is found in the salivary gland of the mosquito and can be transferred to humans when an infected mosquito bites.

There are a number of climatic and environmental factors influencing the transmission and dynamics of transmission, such as the immunity factor in humans and the interaction between the pathogen and the host.

Dengue, chikungunya and Zika, all of them have common symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose it. Zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses share the same mosquito vector. Their symptoms and signs are also similar, which makes it indistinguishable even in the clinical grounds. Nevertheless, there are a few differences which can help in differentiating the diseases and prevent any kind of misdiagnoses. Caripill dosage is given to patients for immediate relief. The medicine is made from papaya leaf extracts, and it does not have any side effects.

The symptoms of Chikungunya can confuse anyone with the critical phase of dengue, and this often leads to misdiagnosis. Commonly, the symptoms include a rash, fever, joint, and muscle pain. As of now, there is no particular vaccine that curbs the disease and that is why treatment is directed towards reducing the symptoms.

Furthermore, with a diagnostic test, the complications can be prevented, managed and the complications can be reduced.

For instance, dengue-infected patients need to be checked for hemorrhagic fever. And chikungunya patients should be checked and treated for post-infectious chronic arthritis and acute arthralgia. And for Zika virus infection needs special care as it can result into birth defects during pregnancy.

Simply put, Dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses can cause serious health issues with almost similar clinical images. And it requires specific treatment to manage the patient and the complications resulting from the disease.

However, a misdiagnosis can have a huge effect on the overall treatment, how the signs and symptoms are relieved and can result in serious complications.

Misdiagnosis can be prevented with the help of the diagnostic procedures. However, if you are aware of the underlying symptoms of all the three diseases, it might help in the correct diagnoses of the disease.

Let’s have a look at the symptoms of all the three diseases to make it easier for you to comprehend on your own.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

Chikungunya is widespread is the majority of the countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. The symptoms of chikungunya can show up between 3 and 7 days of being bitten by the mosquito.

How to Know If You Have Chikungunya?

Some of the common symptoms include-

  • High temperature/fever
  • Acute joint pain on feet, hands, wrists, ankles, and feet in most of the cases

In some cases, people recover fully. Whereas in some cases, the joint pain can last for weeks and months and even 3 years, depending on the condition of the disease.

Major Symptoms of Chikungunya

  • A persistent headache
  • Severe back pain
  • Muscular pain
  • Maculopapular rashes on the skin (in the initial 48 hours, mainly on the hands, feet, and trunk)

Sometimes, Chikungunya might result in the following symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Swelling
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Vomit/ Nausea
  • A sore throat
  • Photophobia

Chikungunya is not considered as a fatal disease, but sometimes it can result into serious complications in children, elderly people and people with lower immunity.

How to Know Zika Virus Disease Symptoms?

As per the WHO reports, the incubation period of Zika virus disease is approximately between 3 and 14 days.

In most of the cases, infected people do not get any symptoms. However, some of the common signs are muscle pain, rash, fever, and headache lasting from more than 2 to 7 days.

Pregnant women infected with Zika virus need immediate medical treatment to avoid any complications in the baby within the womb.

Some of the common symptoms of Zika virus infection include:

  • Arthralgia
  • Fatigue
  • Low-grade fever
  • A headache
  • Maculopapular skin rash on face and spreading on the body
  • Itching
  • Mild joint pain ( in some cases it can extend to more than a month)
  • Red eyes

Sometimes, the disease might result in the following symptoms

  • Guillain-Barré
  • Muscular pain
  • Swelling (hands, feet, and legs)
  • Gastro-intestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomit
  • Retro-orbital pain behind the eyes
  • A sore throat
  • Ganglion cysts

The symptoms of Zika virus are usually mild and most of the patients recover fully without any major complications.

How to Detect Dengue Fever?

It is a viral infection that is transmitted by a mosquito bite (infected mosquito). The infections can result in minor and major symptoms. If not diagnosed and treated properly, it can be fatal also.

Proper diagnosis is important to prevent deaths. As per the WHO reports, almost half of the world’s population is vulnerable to this disease. Approximately, 5 lakh people with severe dengue symptoms require hospitalization every year. And, it results in 2.5% deaths out of all the cases every year.

The period of incubation ranges between 3 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 Some of the common symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Itching
  • A severe headache
  • Pain in joints
  • Severe muscular pain
  • Reduced white cell counts
  • Retro-orbital pain behind the eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Skin maculopapular rash (prominent after 2 to 5 days of fever)
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Loss of taste and appetite

Sometimes, dengue might result in the following symptoms-

  • Bleeding from gums and nose
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bad temper
  • Somnolence
  • Hypotension
  • Vomiting blood

Mild symptoms of dengue can sometimes be mistaken with a viral infection and common flu. People with low immunity and believed to be at a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever. It is a rare condition resulting in hemorrhage bleeding, and even shock and death within 24 hours. It is called dengue shock syndrome).

In a Nutshell!

It is important to diagnose Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya as there is no particular cure for these diseases.  It depends on the patient’s immune system and how he is able to fight the symptoms.

Timely diagnosis and the right treatment can helps to relive the symptoms.

There is no commercial vaccine for these infections. Any exposure to mosquitos should be avoided in the initial days of catching the infection. It will avoid spreading it further to other people. And, do not attempt to treat the disease with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin as it will increase the risk of the hemorrhagic syndrome.
If you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you must seek medical help.

Ukraine Approves Martial Law after Sea Clashes with Russia

Roy Siemens
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Ukraine Approves Martial Law after Sea Clashes with Russia

Ukraine’s parliament has voted to bring in martial law, after Russia seized three of its naval vessels and 23 crew members on November 25.

The ships were sailing off the coast of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, when they were captured.

Russia opened fire, before its special forces stormed the vessels. Between three and six Ukrainians were injured.

Ukraine said it was an “act of aggression” from Russia. However, Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters.

Image source Wikimedia

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On November 26, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he was proposing that parliament back a 30-day martial law – half the length of that recommended by the country’s security and defense council.

President Poroshenko said he did not want the measure to affect presidential elections set for March 31, 2019.

The Sea of Azov on November 25 clash is the first time Russia and Ukraine have come into open conflict in recent years, although Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists and Russia volunteers in the east since 2014.

A number of Western countries condemned Russia’s actions.

In New York, the UN Security Council met to discuss the crisis – but failed to agree a Russian-proposed agenda amid sharp disagreements between Moscow and the West.

4 Benefits Using a VPN Brings to Your Business

Dana R
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4 Benefits Using a VPN Brings to Your Business

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to create a secure connection while using public networks. However, today’s network environment is filled with issues like Firesheep and Wi-Fi spoofing, making the security of your online activity even more important. In addition, as virtual offices and telecommuting become more prevalent, relying unsecured public networks is a hazard.

vpn

You or your employees have probably taken advantage of free Wi-Fi at the airport or local coffee shop to upload business files via an unsecured connection. Working from a café is common in today’s world, but at a huge cost.

A VPN works like a firewall by protecting your computer data whenever you are online. Technically, a VPN is like a Wide Area Network (WAN) that features the same functionality, look, and security as expected on a private network. VPNs are now a popular choice for businesses and even private individuals concerned about their online security.

A VPN taps into various dedicated connections via encryption protocols that create virtual P2P connections. In the event a cybercriminal tries to access data transmission, the encryption ensures that they cannot read it. If you are still not sure whether a VPN service is for your business, consider the following benefits.

Reduced Cyber Attacks and Security Breaches

Being targeted by hackers may sound like something that happens to certain businesses and people. Unfortunately, the only headlines you see are those of the biggest breaches that have happened.

Case in point is the increase of zero-day vulnerability by a massive 125 percent from 2014 to 2015. When you use a VPN and keep your employees off public networks, you are taking a proactive step towards reducing the likelihood your business will be targeted.

Increased Productivity

When your employees are aware of Internet vulnerabilities, they are less likely to log into your business resources on public networks. If they travel a lot, they are less likely to work while on the road for long stretches. One sure way of boosting productivity is peace of mind, which employees get when they know when and where they can connect to your network.

Increased Client Trust

If your business involves collecting data from clients, patients or customers, you can increase their trust by using a VPN. You can also make use of tools, such as a network monitoring solution, to ensure that your network is up at all times.

While many of your clients may not understand what a VPN does, a little education will go a long way in making them feel secure. Wouldn’t you rely on a service provider that goes the extra mile to ensure your personal data is secure?

Stay Local, Even when Abroad

If your business processes require that you or your employees travel a lot, a U.S. based VPN may be necessary for replacing the real IP address you are at. Travel to some countries may see you come across restrictions that prevent you from communicating with your office. For example, the Great Firewall of China is used to reroute queries and even erase content.

Therefore, to stay in constant communication with your office and complete your work, you will need a VPN. Furthermore, some of your customers and clients may be wary of trusting emails sent from overseas. A VPN ensures that your business posts, emails and others represent your home base.

Conclusion

Implementing a VPN for your offsite employees is an easy, fast, and effective online security solution. However, it only works when everyone is on board, which you can do by informing everyone that you are starting the VPN protocol, its benefits, and how he or she can gain access to it.

5 amazing locations in Orlando, Florida

Dana R
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5 amazing locations in Orlando, Florida

Chances are the most you know about Orlando, Florida, is that Mickey Mouse lives there. The Orlando branch of Disneyland is one of the ubiquitous friendly rodent’s most popular theme parks, and covers almost as many square miles as San Francisco.

This is a behemoth of popular culture – but Orlando can offer tourists a lot more than mouse-eared hats and pedal-to-the-metal rollercoasters.

Around every corner of this sun-filled paradise, you’ll find top-notch restaurants, classy art galleries, major events and much more.

Despite the Disney Castle lumbering overhead, we’re here to show you what other attractions you can enjoy.

So strap yourself in, ditch your Goofy mask and set your sights on the non-Disneyworld of Orlando.

Orlando International Airport

First things first – let’s chat about the airport.

Orlando International Airport is located in Downtown Orlando, and handled a stonking 44,611,265 passengers in 2017 alone.

This giant international airport is teeming with recognizable brands. If you’re a local, you’ll be able to securely leave your car with Looking4.com while you travel, or find a spot yourself in the teeming mass of multi-story car parks that sprawl for miles.

When you enter the airport you’ll enjoy a modern setting, with fine dining and excellent shopping locations in plentiful supply. This is a capitalist’s wet dream, so enjoy it while you’re there.

Imagini pentru Orlando International Airport

Universal

It’ll arguably always live in the shadow of Disneyland, but Universal Studios’ theme park in Orlando is a wonder to behold.

Containing a huge number of rides based on famous film franchises, this is a cinephile’s paradise – it’s an ideal location for families searching for a day in the sun.

International Drive

There’s arguably a version of Orlando’s International Drive in every major city. This is a long street containing upmarket eateries, boutiques, gift shops and theme parks.

For some, the experience will leave your bank balance looking as healthy as a terminal patient. But the rest of us will be happy to stare into the windows of these luxury boutiques and dream.

Discovery Cove

For lovers of nature, Discovery Cove is the ideal location. Here you’ll get to swim with dolphins, pet stingrays, feed tropical birds and lounge next to the lazy river.

Think of Discovery Cove as your haven away from the more commercial aspects of Orlando – its serenity will be appreciated by anyone who loves peace and quiet.

Imagini pentru Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center

Waddup, nerds – head to the Orlando Science Center to drool over DNA samples, dinosaur fossils and mind-bending facts about our wondrous solar system.

This is the ideal location for parents and children, offering hands-on exhibits and 3D films to keep your little terrors occupied.

We all need a little brain food every once in a while –so visit here for some cranial stimulation.

Those are our hot tips! Want to recommend a few of your own? Then let us know in the comments below!

Brexit Deal Approved by EU Leaders in Brussels Meeting

Diane A. Wade
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Brexit Deal Approved by EU Leaders in Brussels Meeting
Photo Getty Image

EU leaders have approved the UK’s withdrawal agreement from the European Union (Brexit), President of the European Council Donald Tusk has announced.

The 27 leaders gave Brexit their backing after less than an hour’s discussion in Brussels.

On November 24, Donald Tusk signaled that the deal would be approved after Spain withdrew last-minute concerns over Gibraltar.

The Brexit deal needs to be approved by the UK Parliament, with many lawmakers opposed.

Donald Tusk tweeted: “EU27 has endorsed the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on the future EU-UK relations.”

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The Brexit deal follows more than 18 months of negotiations between the two sides, which began when the UK triggered Article 50 in the wake of the 2016 referendum.

The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29, 2019.

The UK Parliament is expected to vote on the deal in early December but its approval is by no means guaranteed, with Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, the DUP and many Conservatives lawmakers set to vote against.

UK’s PM Theresa May has appealed to the public to get behind the agreement, arguing it is the best deal she could have struck and honors the result of the Brexit referendum.

Paris Protests: Yellow Vests Clash with Riot Police on Champs-Elysees

Diane A. Wade
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Paris Protests: Yellow Vests Clash with Riot Police on Champs-Elysees

Paris riot police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters demonstrating for a second weekend against rising fuel prices.

Violence erupted on Paris’ best-known avenue, the Champs-Elysées, as protesters tried to get through a security cordon around sensitive sites.

About 5,000 “yellow vest” protesters had converged on the Champs-Elysées. At least 13 people were arrested after clashing with police.

Organizers billed the latest protests as “act two” in their rolling campaign.

Named after their distinctive high-visibility attire, the “yellow vest” protesters oppose an increase in fuel duty on diesel. All drivers in France have to carry the jackets in their cars as part of safety equipment for use in a breakdown.

Along with the familiar red reflective triangle which must be placed behind a broken-down vehicle on the side of a road, the high-visibility jacket – or “gilet jaune” – must be worn by the driver outside the car.

Failure to wear the jacket after a breakdown or accident can result in a €135 ($153) fine under a law introduced in 2008.

Synonymous with driving, the yellow vests have now morphed into the uniform of the movement against higher fuel costs.

Image source Pixabay

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Demonstrators on the Champs-Elysées came up against metal barriers and a police-enforced perimeter designed to stop them reaching key buildings such as the prime minister’s official residence.

Some demonstrators ripped up paving stones and threw firecrackers at police while shouting slogans calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner accused the demonstrators of being influenced by the leader of the far-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen. However, she accused him, on Twitter, of dishonesty.

Christophe Castaner put the number of people taking part across France at 23,000 by 11AM local time – much less than the first day of Yellow Jacket protests, which drew some 280,000 people a week ago.

The price of diesel, the most commonly used fuel in French cars, has risen by around 23% over the past 12 months to an average of €1.51 ($1.71) per liter, its highest point since the early 2000s.

World oil prices did rise before falling back again but the Macron government raised its hydrocarbon tax this year by 7.6 cents per liter on diesel and 3.9 cents on petrol, as part of a campaign for cleaner cars and fuel.

The decision to impose a further increase of 6.5 cents on diesel and 2.9 cents on petrol on January 1, 2019, was seen as the final straw.

President Emmanuel Macron has blamed world oil prices for three-quarters of the price rise. He also said more tax on fossil fuels was needed to fund renewable energy investments.

NCA 2018: Climate Change Could Cost US Hundreds of Billions of Dollars

James J. Williams
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NCA 2018: Climate Change Could Cost US Hundreds of Billions of Dollars

According to a government report, unchecked climate change will cost the US hundreds of billions of dollars and damage human health and quality of life.

The 4th National Climate Assessment says: “Future risks from climate change depend… on decisions made today.”

The NCA 2018 report says climate change is “presenting growing challenges to human health and safety, quality of life, and the rate of economic growth”.

The warning is at odds with the Trump administration’s fossil fuels agenda.

The world’s leading scientists agree that climate change is human-induced and warn that natural fluctuations in temperature are being exacerbated by human activity.

The report – compiled with help from numerous US government agencies and departments – outlines the prospective impacts of climate change across every sector of American society.

Image source Wikipedia

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The assessment says: “With continued growth in emissions at historic rates, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century – more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many US states.”

It also notes that the effects of climate change are already being felt in communities across the country, including more frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events.

However, the report says that projections of future catastrophe could change if society works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and “to adapt to the changes that will occur”.

Last month, President Donald Trump accused climate change scientists of having a “political agenda”, telling Fox News he was unconvinced that humans were responsible for the earth’s rising temperatures.

After taking office, President Trump announced the US would withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement, which commits another 187 other countries to keeping rising global temperatures “well below” 2C above pre-industrial levels.

At the time, President Trump said he wanted to negotiate a new “fair” deal that would not disadvantage US businesses and workers.

Dolce & Gabbana Pulls Products from China’s E-Commerce Sites

Lisa.Felice
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0
Dolce & Gabbana Pulls Products from China’s E-Commerce Sites
Image source Wikimedia

Dolce & Gabbana fashion house has decided to pull its products from Chinese e-commerce sites as the backlash against a controversial ad campaign grows.

The Italian fashion house posted videos this week showing a Chinese model struggling to eat pasta and pizza with chopsticks.

The D&G campaign was accused of trivializing Chinese culture and promoting unflattering stereotypes.

The controversy risks alienating Dolce & Gabbana from one of the world’s biggest luxury markets.

Chinese celebrities have called for a boycott of the brand.

The D&G crisis deepened when messages allegedly written by co-founder Stefano Gabbana, which included offensive comments about Chinese people, went viral.

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The company apologized for any offence but said it and Stefano Gabbana’s Instagram accounts had been hacked.

On November 23, D&G offered a fresh apology by publishing a video showing Stefano Gabbana and co-founder Domenico Dolce appealing for their “misunderstanding of Chinese culture” to be forgiven.

Earlier this week, the Italian company canceled its fashion show in Shanghai.

However, the backlash has continued as retailers in China retreated from the brand.

On November 23, Dolce & Gabbana products were not available in China on major e-commerce sites Taobao and JD.com, as well as smaller platforms Kaola and Secoo.

China is a crucial market for luxury brands. A 2018 report by consultancy Bain & Company forecast the luxury goods market in mainland China will grow by up to 22% this year.

Jamal Khashoggi Death: CIA Did Not Conclude Saudi Crown Prince Ordered Murder, Says President Trump

Roy Siemens
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0
Jamal Khashoggi Death: CIA Did Not Conclude Saudi Crown Prince Ordered Murder, Says President Trump

The CIA did not conclude that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, President Donald Trump has revealed.

Jamal Khashoggi was killed on October 2 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

However, officials told media such an operation would have needed the crown prince’s approval and Saudi Arabia maintains it was a “rogue operation”.

Asked about the CIA’s reported evaluation by reporters in Florida, President Trump said: “They didn’t conclude.”

The president’s comments on November 21 came as the Saudi crown prince began a regional tour of the Middle East, starting with the United Arab Emirates – his first official trip abroad since Jamal Khashoggi was killed.

Prince Mohammed is also expected to participate in a G20 meeting of world leaders in Buenos Aires at the end of the month that will be attended by leaders from the US, Turkey and a number of European countries.

Official White House Photo Shealah Craighead

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Meanwhile, France has announced that it is imposing sanctions on 18 Saudi nationals – the same individuals targeted with sanctions by the US, UK and Germany – allegedly linked to the Khashoggi murder.

Their list of individuals does not include Prince Mohammed, a spokesperson for the French ministry of foreign affairs said.

President Trump told reporters in Florida: “They have feelings certain ways. I have the report, they have not concluded, I don’t know if anyone’s going to be able to conclude the crown prince did it.”

He added: “But whether he did or whether he didn’t, he denies it vehemently. His father denies it, the king, vehemently.”

However, earlier this week, President Trump released a statement suggesting that Prince Mohammed “could very well” have known about the incident.

The president’s statement said: “[It] could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!”

He has repeatedly stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia to the US following the killing, calling Saudi Arabia a “steadfast partner” that has agreed to invest “a record amount of money” in the US.

Last week, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters that President Trump had confidence in the CIA following conversations with Director Gina Haspel and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the Khashoggi murder.

Sources quoted in the US media at the time stressed that there was no single piece of evidence linking the crown prince directly to the murder, but officials believe the killing would have required his endorsement.

Separately, the Hurriyet newspaper reported on Thursday that Director Haspel told Turkish officials last month that the CIA had a recording in which the crown prince gave instructions to “silence” Jamal Khashoggi as soon as possible.

When asked about the claims by reporters, President Trump said: “I don’t want to talk about it. You’ll have to ask them.”

Saudi Arabia says claims that the crown prince may have ordered the Khashoggi killing are false and maintains that he knew nothing about it.

As a prominent journalist, Jamal Khashoggi covered major stories including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the rise of Osama Bin Laden for various Saudi news organizations.

For decades, Jamal Khashoggi was close to the Saudi royal family and also served as an adviser to the government.

However, he fell out of favor and went into self-imposed exile in the US last year. From there, Jamal Khashoggi wrote a monthly column in the Washington Post in which he criticized the policies of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In his first column for the Washington Post, Jamal Khashoggi said he feared being arrested in an apparent crackdown on dissent overseen by the prince since.

In his last column, Jamal Khashoggi criticized Saudi involvement in the Yemen conflict.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Is Slowly Reducing Its Lean

Nancy Clayson
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Leaning Tower of Pisa Is Slowly Reducing Its Lean

Experts have revealed that the Leaning Tower of Pisa, known worldwide for its precarious tilt, it’s now going straight.

The tower’s Surveillance Group, which monitors restoration work, said the landmark is “stable and very slowly reducing its lean.”

The 186ft medieval monument has been straightened by 1.5in over the past two decades, the team said.

Professor Salvatore Settis explained: “It’s as if it’s had two centuries taken off its age.”

Nunziante Squeglia, a professor of geotechnics at the University of Pisa who works with the surveillance team, added: “What counts the most is the stability of the bell tower, which is better than expected.”

Image source Wikipedia

Colosseum of Rome is taking the place of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Back in 1990, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed to the public for the first time in 800 years amid fears it could be on the verge of toppling. At the time, it was tilting by 4.5m from the vertical.

An international committee led by Prof Michele Jamiolkowski, a Polish expert, worked to stabilize the tower between 1993 and 2001.

By the end, the tower’s tilt had been corrected by 45cm, at a cost of $240 million.

The lean is as old as the tower itself, having crept in five years after construction began in 1173.

The layer of clay and sand the tower is built on is softer on the south side than the north – so by the time builders got to the third storey, shifting soil had unsettled its foundations.

However, while engineers may ultimately take credit for rescuing the relic, visitors can rest assured it’s still available for the obligatory pictures…

How Thrift Stores Are Changing Communities

Dana R
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How Thrift Stores Are Changing Communities

Oh sure, it’s always great to check in with the local thrift store to find some forgotten treasures or see if you can add to your collection inherited by your grandmother. Sometimes it’s a fun outing to grab a friend and a high-end coffee and then go score a great buy on a like-new pair of jeans or winter boots. But have you ever considered that the storefront that has the second-hand items in the window is actually a front for something else, something much bigger? These days thrift stores seem to be moving away from merely a way to make a buck off of someone else’s cast-offs into a solid and important part of local communities. Take a peek inside and see what’s being used, who’s being helped, and how the shop is quietly making a difference in your world.

Using What’s Inside

When you walk into the store, take a moment to really see what’s going on. You may find that there’s a family in there that just lost everything in a fire and the store owner is helping them to find what they need to make it through this terrible time. Watch and see how everything is going home with them as a gift, not a purchase! What about that woman who looks like she’s been living on the streets for a while? She has a pile of clothing in her arms and the man at the counter is filling out a form instead of ringing up the cash register. Often, you may find that the local thrift store is connected to a local community outreach. That partnership creates a way for the outreach to use vouchers for the less fortunate to take to these stores to get necessary items like coats and shoes. However, more times than not the employees themselves are adding to the voucher and ensuring the individual gets everything he needs.

Imagine similară

Using Local Resources

These are not the resources you are thinking of. No, the thrift store isn’t using the resources; it is putting the resources to work. A great way for a retail industry like a second-hand store to have a lot of manpower at a low cost is to tap into local resources that need the hours or the experience in trade for labor. They provide training and service fulfillment for all walks of including

  •          Local Volunteers
  •          Lonely People Who Want to Be a Part of Something Greater
  •          People With Barriers Seeking Experience For Future Jobs
  •          Required Community Service Hour Workers
  •          Senior Talent
  •          Voluntary Community Service Workers for School Credits

This amazing use of local talent helps the staff and provides help in the store. Additionally, word of mouth brings in more customers and more staff. It’s a perpetual cycle of continuous help in every direction.

Using the Space

Additionally, these thrift stores are beginning to act like community centers where locals can find resources for food banks, other clothing providers, housing, and even employment within the community. They provide space for outreach services for children, adults, and recovery efforts. These stores work closely with other community centers like the Sullivan Community Space to make a difference in every sector of the community that needs provisions, guidance, and training.

So the next time you go into a thrift store, take a few moments and look around. See how the items inside are saving lives and providing for families. Look at the people who are helping the customers, cleaning the store, and restocking the shelves and notice much they really love their jobs. Finally, find out what the store offers the community beyond a good price. You may be surprised to find a lot more treasure than you bargained for.

Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Could Be Vital

Kathryn R. Bown
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Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Could Be Vital
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessica A DuVernay)

A recent study conducted by scientists based in Sweden and Manchester has found that patients with diabetes are up to 31% more at risk of developing cancer, and also have a worse chance of surviving that cancer. As a result, the early detection of diabetes is crucial, so that potential links to cancer can be discovered earlier.

Diabetes is a disease where the body does not make enough insulin, or use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas which helps to process glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. When the blood stream has too much sugar, or too little sugar in it, this can be a problem for people with diabetes.

In the UK, the incidence of diabetes has doubled in just 20 years, which makes it a very serious and fast-moving health issue for the population.

There are three main types of diabetes that most people are aware of: type 1 diabetes, type 2, and gestational diabetes, which occurs when women are pregnant. There are other, rarer types of diabetes that are usually linked to other illnesses, such as cystic-fibrosis-related diabetes.

The increase in diabetes is not well understood, but a big factor is that obesity also increases the risk of people developing type 2 diabetes. As obesity in the population becomes more prevalent, type 2 diabetes does as well. Some data suggests that the actual percentage of the population with diabetes is higher than what is reported, due to people being misdiagnosed or living with currently-undiagnosed diabetes.

The Link between Diabetes and Cancer

Diabetes alone is a major health issue that can have serious and even fatal impacts on people’s lives. Recent research showing links between diabetes and cancer makes the problem more complex, and more serious. The mechanism between diabetes and cancer is not well understood, but scientists believe that high amounts of sugar in the blood could lead to DNA damage, which could result in tumours.

Other than type 1 and 2, there is another type of diabetes that is less well-known, called type 3c diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that is linked with pancreatic cancer, and often this type of diabetes is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. This means that the patient may not get the correct type of treatment, or their pancreatic cancer may go undiscovered.

“The relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer is quite complex,” notes Lynn Matrisian, chief science officer at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). She explains that “diabetes can be both a risk factor and an early symptom of pancreatic cancer.”

Particular types of cancer are more connected to each type of diabetes. For example, those with type 1 diabetes are more at risk of developing cervical or stomach cancer, and those with type 2 diabetes are more at risk of developing pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, or cancers of the womb, bowel, breast, and bladder. Being aware of this information can help you to talk to your doctor about the increased risks you may be facing.

How Can These Problems Be Prevented?

A representative from a medical malpractice solicitors firm also explains that “It’s important for health professionals and the public to be aware of the link between diabetes and cancer, as the misdiagnosis of type 3c diabetes is a major problem”. Without diagnosis and detection, patients cannot be treated quickly and well.

Hulda Hrund Bjornsdottir from the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR), who completed research on the link between diabetes and cancer, emphasises that “with the number of people with type 2 diabetes doubling over the past 30 years our findings underscore the importance of improving diabetes care. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important factors in diabetes prevention and furthermore cancer prevention.”

Some of the additional steps you can take include stopping smoking and abstaining from alcohol. Patients with diabetes are recommended to go through additional evidence-based cancer screening, with particular focus on groups more at risk due to sex or age.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor about this link between cancer and diabetes, and be aware of symptoms. Make sure you take the above measures to protect and enhance your health, and keep aware of how to manage your diabetes in an effective way. With greater awareness and discussion of these issues, prevention can be better targeted and more likely to succeed.

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