At least 43 people have been killed after a suicide bomber attacked a gathering of religious scholars in the Afghan capital, Kabul, officials say.
Other 83 people were also wounded as the clerics met at the Uranus wedding hall, a large banqueting complex near the airport, to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
The attack is one of the deadliest in Kabul in recent months.
No-one has yet admitted responsibility for the blast.
Some 1,000 people were said to be in the complex at the time of the attack.
The suicide bomber gained entry and headed for the centre of the gathering, where he detonated his explosives.
Religious studies lecturer Mohammad Hanif said there was a deafening explosion and “everyone in the halls was screaming for help”.
1TV News quoted the health ministry as saying that 24 of the wounded were severely injured.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the “terrorist attack”.
The president declared November 21 a day of national mourning, with the flag to be flown at half mast.
The UN mission in Afghanistan tweeted: “UNAMA outraged by #Kabul bombing when communities across #Afghanistan are marking day of special religious significance. Credible reports of heavy civilian casualties. UN human rights teams establishing facts. UN family extends deepest condolences to the many families affected.”
Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan condemned the “cowardly act of terrorism” and sent his condolences to the bereaved families.
The Islamic State in Afghanistan group, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan, has claimed responsibility for most of the recent deadly attacks of this kind.
It said it was behind two attacks in Kabul in August that killed dozens of people.
The Taliban have also continued attacks, although many of them target security forces.
A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujeed, has denied the group had any involvement in November 20 attack.
When a couple is heading toward divorce, it doesn’t only affect them, but it has an impact on family members on both sides. If they have children, then a divorce will affect them more than others, and they may seem angry or sad.
If you and your spouse are contemplating divorce, telling your kids can be difficult but it must be done. Use these tips to decide how you will approach the topic of divorce with them.
Be Age Appropriate
When sitting down with children to tell them about divorce, use age appropriate language and don’t burden them with the reasons behind it. Younger children are not going to understand the reasons behind the decision and their primary concern will be who is going to take care of them.
As children get older, they will understand more, so it’s important to avoid blame. According to research, three things will help children adjust well to the situation:
A stable relationship with both parents, if the circumstances make it possible.
The reliable presence of both parents in their lives.
Minimizing their exposure to conflicts.
Don’t Assign Blame
Even though it could be difficult to do, try not to assign blame for the divorce on the other parent. The goal shouldn’t be to make children decide who is the better parent but to reassure them that both parents will still be in their lives.
Also, emphasize that the divorce isn’t their fault. Some kids will assume it was something they did wrong to cause the split, so they may feel guilty. However, both parents should make sure their kids know they are not to blame for the marriage splitting up.
Plan the Conversation
It is ideal for both parents to be present for telling children about divorce and for both to reassure them of their safety and security. Plan what to tell them, how to tell them, and don’t make them choose between you.
Even though divorces can be very emotional, and spouses can be angry with each other, their goal should be to try to do what’s best for their children. When a spouse is moving out of the home, speak to family law firms, like CLW lawyers, about temporary custody arrangements before the talk.
Part of providing a stable foundation is letting children know where they are going to live and that both parents will still be in their lives.
Expect Strong Reactions
A child’s reaction to a divorce may take you by surprise, but if you prepare for them, then they can be better handled. A child’s reaction will depend on their age. Very young children may seem sad but almost unaware of what is happening because they don’t understand the situation.
Some young children will be insecure, they may blame themselves, and kids who are older may be angry. By preparing for the conversation, you can address their concerns thoughtfully, and reassure them that everything will be okay.
The most important aspect of a divorce may be reassuring your children that they will be taken care of, both parents still love them, and to ensure their safety. The best way to address the situation is by being as honest as possible with your kids.
Work together and plan the conservation, so both you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can prepare your children for the changes in their lives.
Speaking in the town of Paradise, President Trump described the scene as “sad to see” and revisited his disputed claim poor forest management was to blame.
He said: “We do have to do management maintenance and we’ll be working also with environmental groups, I think everyone’s seen the light.”
According to experts, the main causes of the wildfires are the weather, climate change and population shifts.
On top of the Camp Fire, firefighters are also tackling several other blazes, including the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles which has claimed at least three lives.
Meanwhile, scores of people have become sick after outbreaks of the norovirus at shelters and the air quality in northern California has been rated the world’s worst.
Heavy rain is forecast next week that could douse the flames but also bring mudslides and floods on hillsides stripped of vegetation.
Arriving in California, President Trump was greeted by Governor Jerry Brown and his successor Gavin Newsom, both of whom are Democrats and have sparred with the president over the wildfires.
Governor Brown wrote on Twitter: “Now is a time to pull together for the people of California.”
In Paradise, President Trump praised the efforts of local law enforcement, politicians and the teams searching for survivors on the ground.
Some locals held up pro-Trump signs, although one called him a “moron”.
On November 16, the death toll rose to 71 after more bodies were found in Paradise, which has been all but destroyed by the fire.
Military troops are assisting forensics teams and cadaver dogs as they continue to search for human remains eight days on after the Camp Fire first broke out.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea put the number of people unaccounted for at 1,011, a sharp leap from the 631 reported just 24 hours earlier.
However, the sheriff described the list as “dynamic”,
He said: “The information I am providing you is raw data and we find there is the likely possibility that the list contains duplicate names.”
According to authorities, some of those on the list may be fine but unaware they have been reported missing, or unable to call.
The Camp Fire is now about 50% contained but fire officials say they may not have it fully under control until the end of the month.
Historically, California’s “wildfire season” started in summer and ran into early autumn – but experts have warned that the risk is now year-round.
According to recent reports, the CIA believes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Sources close to the CIA said it had assessed the evidence in detail.
It is understood there is no “smoking gun” but US officials think such an operation would need the crown prince’s approval.
However, Saudi Arabia has called the claim false and insisted that Prince Mohammed knew nothing about plans for the killing.
Saudi Arabia insists Jamal Khashoggi was killed as a result of a “rogue operation”.
The White House says President Donald Trump has spoken to CIA Director Gina Haspel and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about the CIA’s assessment of the Khashoggi murder.
Press secretary Sarah Sanders gave no details but said President Trump had confidence in the CIA.
Before the briefing, the president stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia to the United States, as he has done since news of Jamal Khashoggi’s killing emerged.
While there has been widespread international condemnation of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder there has been little in the way of substantial action.
Jamal Khashoggi was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a marriage document. The journalist’s body has not been found.
Turkey also insists the order to the Saudi dissident came from the highest levels.
The Washington Post, which Jamal Khashoggi worked for, says the CIA assessment was based partly on a phone call made by the crown prince’s brother, Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the US.
Prince Khalid allegedly called Jamal Khashoggi at the direction of his brother and gave him assurances that he would be safe to go to the consulate.
However, Prince Khalid, now back in Saudi Arabia, tweeted that he had not been in contact with Jamal Khashoggi for nearly a year.
The prince said he had never suggested Jamal Khashoggi – who had been in London for a conference until the day before his disappearance – should go to Turkey for any reason.
It is understood CIA agents have also examined a call made to a senior aide of Crown Prince Mohammed by the team that carried out the killing.
Sources quoted in the media stressed that there was no single piece of evidence linking Crown Prince Mohammed directly to the murder, but officials believe such an operation would have needed his approval.
At a news conference in Riyadh on November 15, Deputy Public Prosecutor Shalaan bin Rajih Shalaan said Jamal Khashoggi was given a lethal injection and his body was dismembered inside the consulate after his death.
The body parts were then handed over to a local “collaborator” outside the grounds, the prosecutor added.
A composite sketch of the collaborator has been produced and investigations are continuing to locate the remains.
Eleven unidentified people have been charged over Jamal Khashoggi’s death and the prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five of them.
One female protester has died and more than 200 were injured as about 280,000 people took to the streets of France, angry at rising fuel prices.
The “yellow vests”, so-called after the high-visibility jackets they are required to carry in their cars, blocked highways and roundabouts.
They accuse President Emmanuel Macron of abandoning “the little people”.
The protester who died was struck after a driver surrounded by demonstrators panicked and accelerated.
President Macron has not so far commented on the protests, some of which have seen demonstrators call for him to resign.
However, he admitted earlier in the week that he had not “really managed to reconcile the French people with their leaders”.
Nonetheless, President Macron accused his political opponents of hijacking the movement in order to block his reform program.
Some 280,000 people took part in protests across France, the interior ministry said in its latest update.
According to the interior ministry, 227 people were injured during the day, seven seriously, with 52 people arrested.
Most of the protests have been taking place without incident although several of the injuries came when drivers tried to force their way through protesters.
The 63-year-old woman was killed in the south-eastern Savoy region when a driver who was taking her daughter to hospital panicked at being blocked by about 50 demonstrators, who were striking the roof of her vehicle, and drove into them.
The female driver has been taken into police custody in a state of shock.
In Paris protesters approaching the Élysée Palace, President Macron’s official residence, were repelled with tear gas.
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, AFP reports.
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 1 January 2019 was seen as the final straw.
Speaking on November 14, President Macron 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.
The Yellow Vests movement has broad support. Nearly three-quarters of respondents to a poll by the Elabe institute backed the Yellow Vests and 70% wanted the government to reverse the fuel tax hikes.
More than half of French people who voted for Emmanuel Macron support the protests, Elabe’s Vincent Thibault told AFP.
They have certainly tried to tap into it. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who was defeated by Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the presidential election, has been encouraging it on Twitter.
Marine Le Pen tweeted: “The government shouldn’t be afraid of French people who come to express their revolt and do it in a peaceful fashion.”
On November 14, the French government announced action to help poor families pay their energy and transport bills.
PM Edouard Philippe announced that 5.6 million households would receive energy subsidies. Currently 3.6 million receive them.
A state scrap page bonus on polluting vehicles would also be doubled for France’s poorest families, he said, and fuel tax credits would be brought in for people who depend on their cars for work.
Protesters have mocked President Macron relentlessly as “Micron” or “Macaron” (Macaroon) or simply Manu, the short form of Emmanuel, which he famously scolded a student for using.
A Saudi intelligence officer ordered dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, and not Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor has concluded.
The intelligence officer was tasked with persuading Jamal Khashoggi to return to Saudi Arabia, a spokesman said.
Jamal Khashoggi was given a lethal injection after a struggle in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, he added.
The Gulf kingdom’s public prosecutor has charged 11 people over the murder and is seeking the death penalty for five of them.
Their cases have been referred to a court while investigations into another 10 people suspected of involvement continue.
Meanwhile, the US treasury department imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials who it said had “targeted and brutally killed” Jamal Khashoggi, who lived and worked in the US, and had to “face consequences for their actions”.
They included Saud al-Qahtani, a former adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who the treasury department alleged was “part of the planning and execution of the operation” that led to Jamal Khashoggi’s murder; Maher Mutreb, who it said had “coordinated and executed” the operation; and Mohammed Alotaibi, the Istanbul consul-general.
According to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the sanctions were “an important step in responding to Khashoggi’s killing” and vowed to “continue to seek all relevant facts, consult Congress, and work with other nations to hold accountable those involved”.
At a news conference in Riyadh on November 15, Deputy Public Prosecutor Shalaan bin Rajih Shalaan said Jamal Khashoggi’s body was dismembered inside the consulate after his death.
The body parts were then handed over to a local “collaborator” outside the grounds, he added. A composite sketch of the collaborator has been produced and investigations are continuing to locate the remains.
The prosecutor did not identify any of those charged with the murder.
However, Shalaan bin Rajih Shalaane said investigations had “revealed that the person who ordered the killing was the head of the negotiations team” sent to Istanbul by deputy intelligence chief Gen Ahmed al-Assiri to force Jamal Khashoggi to return to Saudi Arabia from his self-imposed exile.
“[The crown prince] did not have any knowledge about it,” the prosecutor insisted.
Crown Prince Mohammed, the son of King Salman and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, has denied any role in what he has called a “heinous crime that cannot be justified”.
However, critics believe it is highly unlikely the crown prince would not have been aware of the operation.
Several of the 21 people arrested over the murder have been seen in his security detail in the past. Gen. Ahmed al-Assiri and Saud al-Qahtani have also been sacked over the incident.
The prosecutor said Saud al-Qahtani had been banned from travelling and remained under investigation, but he did not say what had happened to Gen. Ahmed al-Assiri.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said “the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government” but that he does not believe King Salman gave it.
On November 15, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that some of the statements by the Saudi deputy public prosecutor were “unsatisfactory”.
Turkish officials have alleged that the 15 Saudi agents who flew to Istanbul in the hours before the murder, one of whom is believed to have been a forensic pathologist working for the Saudi interior ministry, were carrying a bone saw.
Mold is not unique to any business, building or structure. Mold can grow anywhere, affecting everyone from tenants, pets and employees to homeowners, property managers and building owners. In recent decades, increased awareness of the dangers of mold has made this spongy fungi more unwelcome than ever.
In fact, in an Institute of Medicine study on building dampness and mold, experts found that about half of U.S. homes have visible evidence of a dampness problem or mold contamination. They also found that 45 percent of U.S. office buildings had water leaks and 30 percent of schools had plumbing problems—all of which provide fertile breeding grounds for mold.
So what does this mean for building owners? To help you understand its effects, let’s break down everything you need to know about mold exposures.
Molds are fungi that are commonly found both indoors and outdoors. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, no one knows how many species of fungi exist—but estimates range from tens of thousands to three hundred thousand or more.
While some molds can produce toxins, the mold itself is not toxic or poisonous. The term mildew refers to a particular mold—a white or grayish compound that often grows in shower stalls or bathrooms.
Where is mold found?
You can find mold in almost every environment. While mold grows best in warm, damp conditions (where mold is most likely to spread and reproduce), spores—the reproductive unit of molds and other fungi—can also survive in harsh, dry conditions that don’t usually support mold growth. Common locations include:
Inside: Showers, basements or other high-humidity places.
Outside: Damp or shady areas or spots with decomposing leaves.
What are the health dangers of mold exposures? Here are some of the things you can expect from mold exposure:
Mild sensitivity. Some people are a little sensitive to molds and may have symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, wheezing, a stuffy nose or irritated skin.
Severe reactions. If someone is allergic to mold or suffers from asthma, their symptoms may be more dramatic. Severe reactions are also common in workers who have been around large amounts of mold for extended periods of time — like farmers working near moldy hay, or hospitality employees who spend a lot of time in an infected building.
These symptoms may include shortness of breath or fever. In some cases, mold or dampness can lead to the development of asthma.
Weakened immune reactions. Mold infections are most common in people with weakened immune systems. If someone is receiving cancer treatment, medicines to suppress their immune system or need or recently received an organ transplant, that person is at much higher risk.
How mold affects property owners
If an owner does not prevent, contain or remediate mold properly, the consequences can be grave. Here are a few of the things you risk if your property has high levels of mold exposures:
If mold has infested a property, tenants may choose to seek legal action—especially if the mold is toxic. Toxic mold lawsuits are known to be very complicated and can pull in a wide array of plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses and specific medical and scientific experts. This can quickly become debilitatingly expensive. Mold in the Broward County (Fla.) Courthouse, for example, led to a $166,500 settlement payment and another 19 lawsuits.
High costs. Often, professionals can clean up mold before it becomes a health hazard. But in other cases, particularly if you cannot identify the source of the mold growth, it can become a persistent, costly challenge. Not only will you have to clean and remove the mold, but mold removal companies may have to correct your moisture issue by installing proper ventilation and drainage systems.
Property damage. Due to its ability to decompose matter, mold can drastically alter the appearance and structure of your home—ultimately lowering the property’s value. Few buyers or renters are interested in investing in facilities with mold infestations (without a healthy discount, at least).
Damaged reputation. Even if you go through all of the processes and procedures to properly remove mold, human fear will kick in. Most people won’t want to be in a place known for mold problems—which means your business, and reputation, could take a severe hit.
When it comes to limiting mold exposures and the serious damages that occur with it, be proactive—test for air quality, get your ventilation system inspected and make sure you’re adequately insured. If you do suspect you have a mold problem, it’s crucial that you address it right away.
It’s no surprise to find that industrial equipment can come with a hefty price tag. Buying new equipment may not readily fit into your budget. If you are looking to replace a single piece or a few pieces of equipment, you don’t want to spend more money than your budget allows. Buying industrial equipment at an auction is a great option and you may find that it will save you both money and time. Here are five reasons why industrial equipment auctions will help you save time and money.
Stretch Your Equipment Budget
One of the best things about buying industrial equipment through the use of auction listings is that it can be a much more affordable option than walking into a store to make a purchase. If you are on a tight budget or looking to stretch your equipment budget, an auction provides the opportunity to do just that. You get quality equipment at a price that falls within your budget. You’ll probably spend less from your budget than you had anticipated.
Professional Service
If you are familiar with auctions, you know what to expect. The staff is generally professional, and the process is pretty predictable. You avoid dealing with individual sellers, the risk of potentially fraudulent transactions, or encountering sellers who lack an understanding of the buyers’ needs. There is no aggressive or hard sales push, or haggling to make a purchase. You know the exact item that you need for your business, and the auctioneer organizes the auction and manages the bidding and sale process with very minimal interference.
Convenient Location
With an industrial equipment auction, you don’t have to waste time shopping around for the particular item that you are interested. You know exactly where the auction will take place and the items up for bid. Equipment yards are sometimes located in an area where access and transport is easy, such as near major highways and shipping ports. This means that you may save money on gas and on the time it would take to transport the equipment.
Great Value
One of the many advantages of an industrial equipment auction is the money that you can save by not buying a brand-new equipment and still get a great piece of equipment. Buying used industrial equipment lowers the purchase price and depreciation is not a huge factor either. Unlike a new equipment that depreciates significantly the minute it leaves the store, with used equipment you avoid that initial depreciation. The biggest benefit is that by purchasing used equipment at an auction you get several years of reliable service at a discount.
Inspect Equipment in Person
Many equipment auctions provide buyers the opportunity to preview the equipment. During this time, you’ll get the opportunity to see the equipment and perform a test and inspection in person. There may also be the chance of viewing an inspection report if one is available. You can learn about and know exactly the kind of product you’ll receive if you win. You’ll walk away not having to pay someone else for any inspection of the equipment. What you pay for is what you’ll get.
Industrial equipment auctions are a great way to save time and money. They offer something different from the everyday retail store shopping. You get great value in an equipment at a discounted price. It’s a one stop shop for your equipment needs and you get great professional service from auctioneers.
Starting a business today is easier than ever, and today is a great time to be an entrepreneur. Perhaps you’ve been researching your market and have a niche product you think will fit in nicely and sell. You’re excited to get going! Once you’ve got a great concept and an initial product/prototype—and have patented your product—it’s time to start looking for a manufacturer to produce it.
However, if you want to avoid the fate that many startups face (a whopping 90% of startups fail), it’s important to choose the right manufacturer. A bad partnership can cost you a lot of money, and potentially end your business. Sourcing products isn’t exactly a walk in the park, and takes research, dedication, and perseverance. On the plus side, it’s much easier to look for a manufacturer today than it was a decade ago. Here’s how you can find the right partnership:
Determine the Type of Manufacturer You Need
There are many types of manufacturers. There are manufacturers who produce your own product idea from scratch; a supplier that purchases and utilizes existing products and parts; and a dropshipper, which supplies and fulfills product orders that are already on the market, in hopes of getting you a profit without you having to do any heavy lifting. These manufacturers and suppliers are all very experienced, and use complex machine tools to get the job done. Think about the type of product you have and what it needs most. What type of manufacturer will cause the least stress, and generate higher revenue?
Image source Wikimedia
Should You Go Overseas?
You’ll also need to decide whether you want an overseas supplier or a domestic supplier. Of course, there are pros and cons to either situation. When you manufacture locally, there tends to be a higher standard of quality, and you can ensure that the employees working on your product adhere to a certain level of labor standards. There’s also the marketing appeal of being locally sourced, as this is something that many consumers care about today. And lastly, you’ll be able to verify reputable manufacturers much more easily, and communicate seamlessly with no language barrier or cultural differences.
Similarly, going overseas has many pros as well. The biggest advantage is that overseas production costs significantly less. This is the biggest appeal of international manufacturers, as sometimes the margins are so high, it’s hard to find a competitive strategy stateside. Additionally, when you start looking into international manufacturers, you’ll find that there’s a much larger selection to choose from.
Where to Begin Your Search
Once you understand what you’re looking for in a manufacturer, the hunt begins. There are several resources and directories you can use as a starting point. Two of the most popular domestic options are Maker’s Row and ThomasNet. Maker’s Row believes in “factory sourcing made easy” and has an aesthetically pleasing and intuitive site with free registration (although you’ll have to pay for advanced features). ThomasNet dubs themselves as the premier “product sourcing and supplier discovery platform,” has more than 5,000 manufacturer listing, which you can sort by company type, quality certifications, and more.
If you’ve decided you want to manufacture your products overseas, there are several directories here, too, including Alibaba, AliExpress, Oberlo, Bambify, and Sourcify.
Request Multiple Quotes
When you’re making a huge business decision, it’s important to gather several quotes and speak to multiple manufacturers. You can request a quote by sending the manufacturer a well-written email that covers all your bases. One of the most crucial questions you’ll want to ask is, “What’s your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?”
Depending on the supplier, this number can vary widely. If you’re just starting out, chances are you want to work with suppliers who can produce lower quantities, which allows you to better test your market. If a manufacturer has an MOQ of 10,000 on your first ever product, chances are you’ll want to go elsewhere.
You’ll also want to ask for sample and production pricing. Sample pricing is when the manufacturer makes a sample product for you to see before the order is placed, to ensure you are satisfied with the initial product. Some suppliers will even produce samples for free.
Production pricing is also important because this is what determines what your product will cost to produce. This number will steer the rest of your efforts as you move forward. You’ll also want to know if they offer discounts on production prices depending on the quantity ordered.
Be sure your initial email is clear and concise. Emails that are lengthy and contain unnecessary information—like the background and history of your company—could possibly be ignored.
You’ve probably heard a lot about superfoods, but might be wondering exactly what these nutrient-dense ingredients can do for your health. In this post, we’ll show you ten of the best, as well as their amazing benefits!
Broccoli
We can’t rave about broccoli enough! It’s a fabulous source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as B vitamins and folate. It’s also packed full of fibre, which is great news for the digestive system! Finally, it’s full of minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and selenium. It’s basically the king of all superfoods! Plus, it’s super versatile. Add broccoli to a salad, stir fry, pasta dish, curry, or as an accompaniment to dinner. Bellissimo!
Spinach
Spinach is recognised as an excellent source of iron, making it an ideal choice for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who restricts their consumption of meat. But there’s so much more to spinach than iron! It also contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as vitamins B6, B9, C, E, and K. Add spinach to salads, omelettes, and smoothies for a shot of nutrients!
Sweet Potatoes
These delicious root veggies are packed with vitamin A, which is a crucial nutrient that protects the health of our teeth and gums, which can help to prevent the need for treatments like dental implants. Switch sweet potatoes for the white variety and enjoy them simply boiled or steamed, or as jackets, wedges, fries, or mash.
Kale
We love this delicious green powerhouse! Kale is a great source of antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol, which are thought to help prevent depression, inflammation, and cancer. It also contains vitamins A, C, K, and B6, as well as copper, calcium, and potassium.
Photo Source: healthylifeharbinger.com
Salmon
Packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids, this delicious fish is also an excellent source of protein, which can help people trying to lose weight to feel fuller for longer.
Eggs
While we’re on the subject of protein, eggs are also a great source. In addition, they contain vitamins B2, B6, B12, and D. Vitamin D helps to promote absorption of calcium, which strengthens bones and keeps them healthy.
Blueberries
These yummy berries are full of antioxidants, which can help prevent some forms of cancer, in tandem with a healthy lifestyle. They’re also a source of vitamins A, C, and E. Enjoy on their own, with Greek yoghurt, or blitzed in a smoothie.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Maybe not, but they are a wonderful source of fibre, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, and manganese – making them perfect for protecting all-round health!
Flaxseeds
This underrated superfood has lots of brilliant benefits, including the promotion of blood sugar control, lowering of cholesterol, and protection of digestive health. A sprinkle in your morning cereal is a delicious way to get your daily dose!
Garlic
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you do enjoy garlic, you’ll be in for some health-boosting benefits! Garlic can help to reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease. It can also shorten the length of the common cold, and promote blood sugar control. Amazing!
Which is your favourite superfood? Let us know in the comments below!
Arizona has elected its first female senator, after Democrat Kyrsten Sinema beat Republican Martha McSally in a tight race.
Kyrsten Sinema, 42, is Arizona’s first Democratic senator since 1994.
The win narrows the Republican majority to four seats (51-47), with two more Senate races remaining unresolved.
In Florida, a recount has been ordered by law after unofficial results fell within a 0.5% margin. Mississippi will hold a run-off vote later this month.
With almost all the votes counted, Kyrsten Sinema had a lead of 1.7% of her rival. She now becomes Arizona’s first female senator.
Kyrsten Sinema later addressed her cheering supporters in Phoenix, speaking of the urgent need to heal the bitter political rancor dividing Americans.
She paid tribute to the memory of the late John McCain, who represented Arizona in the Senate, saying he had set a shining example of how to put national interests above party political ones.
Martha McSally, a former combat fighter pilot, conceded defeat.
In a video message posted on Twitter, the 52-year-old said: “I just called Kyrsten Sinema and congratulated her on becoming Arizona’s first female senator after a hard-fought battle.”
Votes are being recounted in the Florida senate race, which pits incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson against the state’s Republican Governor Rick Scott.
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner has ordered that all 67 of the state’s counties complete machine recounts for the Senate by 15:00 local time on November 15.
In Georgia’s gubernatorial election, Democrat Stacey Abrams is refusing to concede in her race against Republican Brian Kemp.
Brian Kemp declared victory on November 7 with a narrow lead but campaign officials for Stacey Abrams have started a legal challenge to ensure all votes are counted.
Stacey Abrams’ supporters have claimed that issues such as ballot machines supplied without power cables and four-hour queues unfairly helped Brian Kemp.
An ongoing tally has whittled Brian Kemp’s lead slightly to under 60,000 votes, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on November 11.
However, Stacey Abrams still needs another 22,000 votes to trigger a run-off election next month, and it is unclear how many ballots remain outstanding.
Meanwhile, in Mississippi, Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith faces Democrat Mike Espy in a run-off vote after neither managed to reach 50% in the first round, winning 41.5% and 40.6% respectively.
The Mississippi vote will take place on November 27.
For an artist, their portfolio is everything. It gives them the ability to showcase their body of work and gives the viewers an idea of their artistic range. In the art world, first impressions are everything; the right piece can sometimes elevate an artist into stardom. It’s an industry where you’re only as good as your last piece. Artists are constantly pouring their heart and soul into the canvas in hopes of achieving greatness and one day be mentioned alongside greats such as Warhol, Dali, or Pablo Picasso.
Nowadays, most mainstream artists have switched to a digital or online art portfolio to showcase their work; this increases their visibility and provides the audience a convenient way to view their work. The internet is the greatest tool that an artist can have. Their career relies on their body of work, but also on the amount of exposure they have. You can be the greatest artist on the planet, but if no one has ever heard of you, none of that matters.
As an artist, you need to stay relevant for your reputation and for your livelihood. You need to give the audience a platform to view your work. It can also be a convenient tool for an artist who is trying to get their work into a gallery; oftentimes, galleries want to see your complete body of work. An online portfolio makes that a lot easier than having to haul around a bulky portfolio book. This also helps the curator pick whichever pieces will complement the showing and ensure your opening is well received.
Imagine if artists seventy years ago had the same technology and telecommunication we have today. A lot has changed in the past hundred years. Here’s an example. Let’s say it’s 1922 and you’re the most brilliant artist in the world, but you happen to be living in the Appalachian Mountains. Trying to get noticed by a gallery owner or to receive any sort of recognition would be nearly impossible, unless they were to physically travel to you or vice versa. Art has been around longer than the internet, but creating an online portfolio will broaden your reputation and expose you to new audiences who are completely unfamiliar with your work.
Here Are 5 Artists Who Could Have Greatly Benefited from Having the Internet
Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh is arguably one of the most influential impressionist painters who has ever lived, sadly most of his work didn’t start to gain appreciation until after his death. Van Gogh is probably best remembered for cutting off his own ear. He endured bouts of mental illness, which caused him to be institutionalized a number of times in his life, until his death at age 37. If Van Gogh had the exposure of the internet, he may have been able to find the recognition he was looking for.
Monet
Another impressionist who never received the success he desired is Claude Monet. Monet is now regarded as one of the greatest painters of all time, but in his lifetime his work was often rejected. He was never quite able to properly connect with his audience, and it wasn’t until he was in his 40s that his work started to garner more appreciation. If Monet had the internet he would have been able to connect to a wider audience and ignite the Post Impressionism Movement.
Da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci is considered to be one of the most brilliant minds that ever lived; he was a painter, inventor, and sculptor that mastered architecture, sciences, astronomy, and literature, a true renaissance man. He was able to accomplish more 500 years ago than most modern scientists can accomplish in a lifetime. If Da Vinci had a way to digitally showcase his work, it would drastically alter history as we know it. This is a guy who invented everything from crossbows to parachutes, he even tried to design his own flying machine. If he had been able to successfully introduce the world to flight, that would have changed everything we knew about aviation.
Warhol
Andy Warhol is an artist that will forever be embedded in the fabric of our culture; he’s famous for inspiring the Pop Art Movement. His art has inspired not only artists, but musicians, directors, and almost anyone who strives for creativity. Sadly, he died right before the big internet bubble broke. He worshipped the “celebrity” lifestyle and relished any attention the media would give. If alive today, Andy would have used the internet to help market his work, and push the envelope.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has confirmed that his country’s intelligence has heard an audio recording of the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
He said: “Canada has been fully briefed up on what Turkey had to share.”
PM Trudeau is the first Western leader to confirm his country has listened to the purported tape of the murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
On November 10, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had given copies to the US, UK, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia.
“We gave them the tapes,” he told reporters before flying to Paris for a gathering of world leaders commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
“They’ve also listened to the conversations, they know it.”
However, the US has not said whether it has received a tape and France’s foreign minister has said it is not in possession of one as far as he is aware.
Saudi Arabia has admitted a team of agents murdered Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic who was living in self-imposed exile in the US and writing for the Washington Post, and it has arrested 18 people allegedly involved.
At a news conference in Paris on November 12, PM Justin Trudeau said Canadian intelligence agencies had been working very closely with Turkey on the murder investigation.
He added: “I had a conversation with Erdogan a couple of weeks ago over the phone. Here in Paris we had brief exchanges and I thanked him for his strength in responding to the Khashoggi situation.”
When asked whether Canada had heard the purported audio recordings, PM Trudeau said “yes”. But he added that he had not listened to them personally.
According to recent reports, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Canada’s spy service, travelled to Turkey to discuss the investigation and listened to the recording.
The director then briefed PM Trudeau and other Canadian officials on his visit to Turkey.
Justin Trudeau sidestepped a question about whether such evidence would have consequences for Canada’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.
“We are in discussions with our like-minded allies as to the next steps with regard Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Justin Trudeau has faced calls to cancel a $13 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia for tanks and armored fighting vehicles built by an Ontario-based unit of the American firm General Dynamics.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada are already strained. In August, Saudi Arabia accused Canada of violating its sovereignty and froze new trade after Canadian officials called for the release of detained civil society and women’s rights activists.
On November 12, Turkey reacted angrily after French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian contradicted President Erdogan’s assertion that France had received an audio recording from the consulate and accused the Turkish leader of playing “political games”.
Jean-Yves Le Drian told France 2 television: “The truth isn’t out yet. We want to know the truth, the circumstances of his death and the identity of the culprits. Then we will take the necessary actions.
“If the Turkish president has information to give us, he must give it to us. For now, I don’t know about it.”
Asked if that meant President Erdogan was lying, the foreign minister replied: “It means that he has a political game to play in these circumstances.”
The Turkish presidency’s communications director called the comments “unacceptable” and insisted a representative of French intelligence had listened to the tape on October 24.
Fahrettin Altun told AFP: “If there is miscommunication between the French government’s various agencies, it is up to the French authorities – not Turkey – to take care of that problem.”
According to recent official reports, California fires death toll has risen to 31, with more than 200 people still unaccounted for.
Six more people were confirmed killed in the Camp Fire in the north of California, taking the toll there to 29.
That fire now equals the deadliest on record in California – the 1933 Griffith Park disaster in Los Angeles.
In the south of the state, the Woolsey Fire has claimed two lives as it damaged beach resorts including Malibu.
An estimated 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to avoid three major blazes in the state.
With strengthening winds threatening to spread the flames, California Governor Jerry Brown has urged President Trump to declare a major disaster, a move that would harness more federal emergency funds.
The appeal came a day after President Trump threatened to cut funding for California, blaming the fires on poor forest management.
Emergency teams have been sifting through the remains of more than 6,700 homes and businesses burned down in the town of Paradise.
Paradise and surrounding area bore the brunt of the inferno, which started in nearby forest on November 8.
At a news conference on November 11, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the bodies of five people had been found in their burned-out homes and a sixth was found inside a vehicle. He said that more than 200 people were still unaccounted for.
The fire is the most destructive in the state’s history and the joint deadliest.
According to fire officials, it has burned more than 109,000 acres and is nearly 25% contained.
The blaze started on November 8 near Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles north-west of central Los Angeles.
By November 11 the fire had consumed 83,000 acres and destroyed at least 177 buildings, officials said. It is only 10% contained. The smaller Hill Fire, nearby, has scorched 4,530 acres and is 75% contained.
Some looting was reported in the southern fire area over the weekend and police said arrests had been made.
Luxury homes in Malibu and other beach communities are among properties that have fallen victim to the flames.
Gerard Butler shared a picture of a charred house on Twitter, writing: “Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at http://SupportLAFD.org .”
Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, where the HBO series Westworld is filmed, was also destroyed.
On November 10, firefighters used a respite from strong winds to drop fire retardant in a bid to strengthen firebreaks.
However, officials warned against complacency, with winds of up to 70mph expected over the coming days. They said fires could spread quickly and unexpectedly.
Los Angeles County fire chief Daryl Osby said: “Winds are already blowing. They are going to blow for the next three days. Your house can be rebuilt but you can’t bring your life back.”
Meteorologist David Gomberg told the Los Angeles Times that fire tornadoes were possible.
Governor Jerry Brown’s request to President Donald Trump was aimed at bolstering the emergency response to what he called the “catastrophic” nature of the wildfires.
In a letter, the governor said: “We’re putting everything we’ve got into the fight against these fires and this request ensures communities on the front lines get additional federal aid.”
The president’s response to the fires has been criticized as unsympathetic and ill-informed.
On November 11, during his trip to Paris, President Trump tweeted: “With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!”
The president has previously blamed Californian officials for wildfires and threatened to withhold federal funding.
In a tweet on November 10, President Trump accused California authorities of “gross mismanagement” of forests.
Governor Brown’s spokesman, Evan Westrub, called President Trump’s comments “inane and uninformed”.
Historically, California’s “wildfire season” started in summer and ran into early autumn. However, experts have warned that the risk is becoming year-round.
The current fires are being blamed on a combination of climate change and transient weather conditions.
Low humidity, warm Santa Ana winds, and dry ground after a rain-free month have produced prime fire-spreading conditions.
California’s population stands at 40 million, almost double what it was in the 1970s, and the number living close to at-risk forest areas is rising.
And recent years have produced record-breaking temperatures, earlier springs, and less reliable rainfall.
Citing the role of a warming climate, Governor Jerry Brown declared: “This is not the new normal, this is the new abnormal. The chickens are coming home to roost, this is real here.”
Neil Young made the same link, writing on his website: “I have lost my home before to a California wildfire, now another.
“We are vulnerable because of climate change; the extreme weather events and our extended drought is part of it.”
Alibaba Group chief executive Daniel Zhang said the spending bonanza demonstrated “customers’ continued pursuit to upgrade their everyday lifestyles”.
Singles Day was kicked off on November 10 with a gala featuring Mariah Carey, a Japanese Beyoncé impersonator and a shoe-shopping-themed Cirque du Soleil performance.
Alibaba invented the sale event to celebrate the unattached as an antithesis to the romantically involved on Valentine’s Day.
According to Bloomberg, Singles Day is now the world’s biggest online sales event and this year’s total was more than Black Friday and Cyber Monday’s totals combined.
Some 180,000 brands are available in the shopping blitz, including top technology companies Xaomi, Apple and Dyson.
In 2017, Alibaba expanded the event to the Western market, with downloads of its app AliExpress surging in the US and UK.
The shopping frenzy has broken world records in e-commerce sales – surpassing last year’s record at 17:34 Hong Kong Time.
However, observers believe as the event matures, its growth rate will slow down.
This year Alibaba has also faced new challenges, such as new rivals in the market, a slowing economy and its stock dropping 16% thanks to China’s trade war with the US.
The November sale event is expected to be founder Jack Ma’s last at the helm of Alibaba. The current chief executive will take over as chairman in 2019, Alibaba announced in September.
Commemorations took place around the world on November 11 to mark the centenary of the Armistice that ended WWI.
President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, were among those who attended a service beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
About 70 world leaders gathered in Paris on November 11 for remembrance events.
French President Emmanuel Macron led the main event of the centenary – a somber commemoration at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to France’s fallen under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
President Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended a peace conference – the Paris Peace Forum – with leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
On November 10, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel visited the town of Compiègne in northern France. They signed a book of remembrance in a railway carriage identical to the one in which the 1918 Armistice was sealed.
President Donald Trump caused controversy by canceling a trip to a cemetery for the war dead because of bad weather.
A group of around 50 activist organizations held a demonstration in Paris in protest against President Trump’s visit.
The reported phone call to the White House came before Saudi Arabia admitted Jamal Khashoggi had been killed.
There is still no consensus on how Jamal Khashoggi died. The journalist entered the consulate to sort out documents for his marriage.
Initially, Turkish media had quoted sources as saying Turkey had audio recordings proving that Jamal Khashoggi had been tortured before being murdered.
Last week, however, Turkey said he had been strangled immediately after entering the consulate and Jamal Kashoggi’s body dismembered “in accordance with plans made in advance”.
Nobody has been found and a Turkish official said the body had been dissolved.
Saudi Arabia has changed its account of what happened to the journalist.
When Jamal Khashoggi first disappeared, Saudi Arabia said the journalist had walked out of the building alive. Saudi Arabia later admitted he had been murdered, saying the killing was premeditated and a result of a “rogue operation”.
Eighteen suspects have been arrested in Saudi Arabia, where will be prosecuted. However, Turkey wants the suspects to be extradited.
Turkey has not publicly blamed Saudi Arabia for the killing.
President Erdogan said in a TV speech on November 10: “We gave the recordings, we gave them to Saudi Arabia, we gave them to Washington, to the Germans, to the French, to the English.”
“They listened to the conversations which took place here, they know,” he said.
No other country has admitted hearing the said recording.
Michelle Obama has released a memoir in which she reveals that she had a miscarriage and used in vitro fertilization to conceive both children, Malia and Sasha.
In the book, Becoming, the former first lady reveals difficulties about her marriage and pregnancy with her two daughters.
In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Michelle Obama said that she felt “lost and alone” after her miscarriage 20 years ago.
The first African-American first lady also criticized President Donald Trump for putting her family’s safety at risk.
Michelle and Barack Obama sought couples therapy, she also revealed for the first time in her 426-page book, which will be released on November 13.
Following publication, Michelle Obama will tour ten cities.
Michelle Obama, a former lawyer and hospital administrator, told ABC that after her miscarriage: “I felt like I failed because I didn’t know how common miscarriages were because we don’t talk about them.”
She added that “it’s important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen”.
The former first lady also said that when she was around 34 years old, she realized that “the biological clock is real” and that “egg production is limited”, which made her decide to seek in-vitro fertilization.
She told Robin Roberts: “I think it’s the worst thing that we do to each other as women, not share the truth about our bodies and how they work.”
Michelle Obama revealed that the couple’s relationship struggled at times, especially after her husband joined the state legislature, leaving her at home where she was forced to administer IVF shots herself.
“Marriage counseling for us was one of those ways where we learned how to talk out our differences,” she said.
“I know too many young couples who struggle and think that somehow there’s something wrong with them. And I want them to know that Michelle and Barack Obama, who have a phenomenal marriage and who love each other, we work on our marriage.
“And we get help with our marriage when we need it.”
Michelle Obama also describes falling in love with the former president one summer night in Chicago.
In Becoming, Michelle Obama says she would “never forgive” Donald Trump for championing the “birther” theory that her husband was not born in the US, according to excerpts obtained by media.
She wrote: “The whole [birther] thing was crazy and mean-spirited, of course, its underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly concealed.”
“What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family’s safety at risk. And for this I’d never forgive him.”
Michelle Obama said she reacted in shock to Donald Trump’s presidential victory and “tried to block it all out”.
Before departing the White House for Paris on November 9, President Trump addressed some of the quotes from Michelle Obama’s book.
He said: “Michelle Obama got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always insist you come up with controversy. I’ll give you some back.”
Referring to his predecessor, Barack Obama, President Trump said: “I’ll never forgive him for what he did to our United States military by not funding it properly.”
The UK’s autumn Budget 2018 was announced recently, with a series of changes brought in across the board. These changes are set to shape household finances across the country, with projected timeframes for some stretching ahead to 2023.
When it comes to housing and helping first-time buyers in particular, this Budget has implications for those who are planning on making the leap from rental properties to having a mortgage to pay off.
If you are hoping to buy your first home soon, here is all you need to know about what is in store.
Help to Buy Scheme
The Help to Buy First scheme has been extended by two years to March 2023. It was originally due to come to an end in April 2021, so more homeowners-to-be can start planning further into the future, and more people have a chance to save for the deposit. Plus, house builders can plan ahead so that there are more homes available to accommodate buyers.
First introduced in 2013, the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme sees the Government lend buyers between 20% and 40% of the cost of a new house that is worth up to £600,000. By signing up to the scheme, buyers need a smaller deposit. It also means the mortgage is cheaper. Property experts such as those at Andrews can talk you through your options.
Stamp Duty
As well as the extension of Help to Buy, the Budget also saw the announcement of a cut to stamp duty for first-time buyers. This cut in the property tax applies to buyers of shared-ownership homes in England and Northern Ireland that are worth up to £500,000.
This has been backdated, so it will also apply to anyone who bought a property like this since the last Budget, therefore anyone who bought through shared ownership since 22nd November 2017 will receive a refund of the stamp duty that they paid. There are more than 200,000 shared ownership properties in the UK and this type of property opens up more possibilities for first-time buyers.
Lifetime ISA
One change that hasn’t been made in this Budget is to the Lifetime ISA scheme. Despite facing criticism for being complex, and even calls for it to be abolished, the scheme is still in place. The Chancellor has only stated that there is a £20,000 subscription limit for adult ISAs and that the Junior Isa and Child Trust Fund will see increases in the annual subscription limit.
The Lifetime ISA was introduced in April 2017 and offered a 25% government bonus to younger people saving for retirement or first-time buyers saving for their deposit. There are three cash Lifetime ISAs available, although it is mostly available in the form of stocks and shares.
Are you a first-time buyer in the UK? What do you make of the changes announced in the Budget?
Since the very first e-cigarettes appeared on the market just over a decade ago, the devices and vaping practice have undergone a few regulation changes. Vaping laws were introduced to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, preventing the sale of them to anyone under the age of 18 and limiting the quantity of e-liquids and refillable tanks available. When it comes to actually vaping though, there is currently no law in place to restrict or prevent it.
In the Office
There are state based vaping restrictions across the USA which legally ban it in certain places, including the workplace. However, in the UK there is no official regional legislation regarding the use of e-cigs. This means legally you can vape in your office, but the majority of places will have their own bans in place as they are private property, which you must follow. Check with your manager first though, as not all workplaces will have implemented a ban and you may be able to vape in the office.
Down the Pub
The government has not banned vaping in any particular location, the closest it came was in Wales when a prohibition was nearly passed in public places where children may be present. A beach in the country did proclaim itself to be smoke-free including e-cigs but there is no legal sanction in place. That’s because currently the decision to allow vaping in any space is down to the property owner, which is why some pubs allow vaping while others don’t.
On Public Transport
There has been something of a blanket ban for vaping on public and private transport, with the majority of buses, trains, aeroplanes and taxis, despite being exempt from smoke-free legislation. There is concern that if people can’t vape in such places then they are less likely to quit tobacco products, as they may as well wait or go elsewhere where they can smoke cigarettes. Dedicated vaping carriages on trains could be one such solution. While it’s not illegal, you are likely to be asked to stop or potentially kicked off if caught doing so.
At Gigs and Sports Events
The majority of stadiums and arenas also have a blanket ban on vaping, though it can be worth checking first. Vaping is banned in all Premier League stadiums, and you can’t leave to vape and re-enter either, for examples. Punishments for getting caught include ejection from the ground and even the right to take away your season ticket, so it’s not worth the risk in most cases (unless your team loses every week).
So, while there are no laws against vaping in the UK, most places have their own terms you need to comply with to stay safe.
As Christmas draws ever nearer, a lot of our thoughts start to lean towards buying presents. There are a lot of lauded heroes around this time, from the bar and catering staff working to put on your Christmas party, to those in retail keeping their shops open right up until Christmas Eve and reopening for the Boxing Day sales. Yet one category of hero that often gets overlooked but are even more important in these days where online delivery is king, are the couriers. From customers to businesses, without them we’d all be stuck.
Helping Out Customers
According to research, in 2017 at least 12 million parcels were expected to go missing around Christmas. This was a follow up to a survey that claimed one in five people had ordered gifts which failed to arrive, with many consumers complaining about delays or products arriving in a damaged condition. This can ruin Christmas if customers’ presents, especially for their children, don’t arrive in time or turn up broken.
Couriers are under a lot of stress and pressure over the festive period, which is why choosing a reliable one is essential. Yet they can also be that lifeline for thousands of consumers who are either too busy to get out to the shops and do their Christmas shopping or leave it too late. Without the convenience of couriers, it would be a lot harder for many retail customers.
The festive period, from Black Friday onwards, offers a lot of opportunity for many businesses. For start-ups and SMEs, it can be a great time to earn extra exposure, entice new customers with exciting deals and jump on the Cyber Monday, January sales and Christmas bandwagon.
New customers may try out an SME if they spot a good deal at this time especially and there are many factors which can help make them return. Price and quality are two important elements but so is the speed and reliability of delivery, which is why using a reputable courier service is vital for SMEs.
Enhancing Big Business Growth
Selecting the right courier for your business will depend on everything from the size of your company, what products you sell, in what regions and any specific delivery options you want to provide (next day, time specific etc.). For big, established online retailers relying on couriers is just as important over Christmas as that’s when many aim to hit sales targets.
Losing parcels, late deliveries and damaged goods arriving can quickly lead to even the most well-established businesses gaining a poor reputation. Couriers are the unsung heroes over Christmas who can help to maintain and even improve this for all sorts of companies.
According to a recent report, part of the Global Burden of Diseases analysis and published in the Lancet, there has been a remarkable global decline in the number of children women are having.
Their researchers found that fertility rate falls meant nearly half of countries were now facing a “baby bust” – meaning there are insufficient children to maintain their population size.
They said the findings were a “huge surprise” and there would be profound consequences for societies with “more grandparents than grandchildren”.
The study followed trends in every country from 1950 to 2017.
According to the report, in 1950, women were having an average of 4.7 children in their lifetime. The fertility rate all but halved to 2.4 children per woman by 2017.
However, that masks huge variation between nations.
The fertility rate in Niger, West Africa, is 7.1, but in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus women are having one child, on average.
Whenever a country’s average fertility rate drops below approximately 2.1 then populations will eventually start to shrink (this “baby bust” figure is significantly higher in countries which have high rates of death in childhood).
At the start of the study, in 1950, there were zero nations in this position.
More economically developed countries including the US, most of Europe, South Korea and Australia have lower fertility rates.
It does not mean the number of people living in these countries is falling, at least not yet as the size of a population is a mix of the fertility rate, death rate and migration.
It can also take a generation for changes in fertility rate to take hold.
Half the world’s nations are still producing enough children to grow, but as more countries advance economically, more will have lower fertility rates.
The fall in fertility rate is not down to sperm counts or any of the things that normally come to mind when thinking of fertility.
Instead it is being put down to three key factors: fewer deaths in childhood meaning women have fewer babies; greater access to contraception and more women in education and work.
Without migration, countries will face ageing and shrinking populations.
The report says affected countries will need to consider increasing immigration, which can create its own problems, or introducing policies to encourage women to have more children, which often fail.
China has seen huge population growth since 1950, going from around half a billion inhabitants to 1.4 billion.
However, China too is facing the challenge of fertility rates, which stood at only 1.5 in 2017, and has recently moved away from its famous one child policy.
The reason developed countries need a fertility rate of 2.1 is because not all children survive to adulthood and babies are ever so slightly more likely to be male than female.
However, in China, the report shows for every 100 girls born there were 117 boys which “imply very substantial gender-selective abortion and even the possibility of female infanticide”.
That means even more children need to be born to have a stable population.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has fractured three ribs in a fall on November 7, the court says.
The fall happened in her office at the Supreme Court in Washington.
The 85-year-old went home but was in discomfort and went to George Washington University hospital on November 8, a statement said.
Tests showed that Ruth Bader Ginsburg had fractured three ribs on her left side and she has been admitted for observation and treatment.
It meant that the most senior justice on the court’s liberal wing was not present for November 8 investiture of Brett Kavanaugh, whose appointment led to protests following allegations of assault.
Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment, confirmed last month by the Senate, restores the nine-member court’s conservative majority. The court has the final say on issues such as abortion, gun control and voting rules.
President Donald Trump, who nominated Brett Kavanaugh and described the claims against him as a “hoax”, attended his investiture.
On Twitter, many were quick to offer Ruth Bader Ginsburg assistance in the form of extra ribs and human shields to ensure she made it through the Trump presidency.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. She had previously focused her work on women’s rights and started the first law journal dedicated to the topic.
The liberal justice has survived cancer and in 2012 cracked two ribs in a fall at her home.
Some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legal opinions, coupled with her refusal to step down during the Obama era, have seen her gain popularity in some quarters and earned her the nickname Notorious RBG.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the subject of both a recent documentary, RBG, and a forthcoming feature film, On the Basis of Sex, in which she is played by actress Felicity Jones. The feature film is about a landmark Supreme Court case in which Ruth Bader Ginsburg argued for fathers’ rights and against gender discrimination.
US Marine Corps veteran Ian David Long has been identified as the killer of 12 people in a busy bar in California, including a police officer, officials say.
The shooting began at 23:20 local time on November 7 at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks about 40 miles north-west of Los Angeles.
The 28-year-old gunman is suspected to having mental health issues.
At least 200 people were reportedly inside the bar, which was hosting a student line-dancing night.
Earlier this year, police mental health professionals cleared Ian David after he was found behaving “irrationally” at his home, said authorities.
Police say the suspect was dressed in black, and forced his way into the bar after shooting the bouncer.
A college country music night was under way when the suspect apparently threw a smoke grenade before opening fire, witnesses say.
Police say Ian David used a legally owned .45 caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun, which had an extended magazine that is illegal in the state of California.
The extended magazine allowed the gun to carry more than its typical 11-bullet capacity.
Police say they do not yet know how many shots were fired, or whether the suspect reloaded during the attack.
People escaped the bar by using chairs to break windows, while others reportedly sheltered inside the venue’s toilets.
At least 10 people are known to have been wounded and others are self-reporting with injuries at local hospitals.
One survivor said he and his friends also escaped death last year in the deadliest US mass shooting of modern times, when a gunman killed 58 people at a Las Vegas country music concert.
Popular among students, the Borderline Bar and Grill is close to California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University and Moorpark College.
When online business began, several immediate benefits got realised. Both the lending companies and borrowers got the favour including streamlined work. The usage of digital tools makes everything accessible with ease unlike in the past. Due to the scammers in the industry, customers fail to know who is genuine. The following are the reasons you should consider taking a loan with Asteria. Here are the benefits of the newly implemented technologies.
Authorised
Verification of lending companies is vital aspects for every borrower. You must consider the process to know if the operators comply with the regulating bodies regulations. The agency should always offer receipts and invoices after every transaction made. In this manner, you can prove the proper tax mapping, monitoring, and government certification. If the company fails to show such information, one should report straightaway. Working with Asteria reduces your suspicions as all of the details are available.
2. Traceable
Another essential thing you need to know is validity and approvable. Look for company details like email address and contact numbers as at no time will such not suffice. Even though online lenders work from the site, make sure there is also a physical office. You can visit the workplaces easily and securely engage with the support team. With Asteria, your private information is safe and not compromised.
In the present day, many verification points like social media platforms are existing. With such places, your confidence in the company gets boosted. Trust becomes built on what is openly seen as here people get to express the views. The experiences concerning online lenders will naturally make new borrowers to develop confidence. Positive reactions without doubts get noticed and attract individuals. Many clients will end up taking notice of the reviews, and the companies can react depending on what gets stated.
3. Professionalism
The right lenders also have wrong spots, and the thing that matters is transparency. The skills used to solve the problems are worth getting into the business. In this way, the way you consult as clients, the response should make you comfortable. Never rush into making deals as some agencies fake and need to get regarded.
Above all else, the reliable lending company, Asteria knows the worth of the customers. The personal authenticity matters to the agencies like theirs. So, proper efforts should be an interest in validating your information as well.
4. Available System
Since the lending process calls for detailed documentation, the validation should exist every time. The responsible lending companies like Asteria will always be here to help you. With this, you stand no risk of falling under the people who take advantage of you. The systems used, however, do not mean you will never become a victim. You must remain up-to-date and opt for partners having the best approaches to secure financial services.
The bottom line is when every borrower understands what is necessary, supporting the authentic agents will be easy. With such caution, the illegal peoples in the trade will get called off due to the breaches.
The best way is to report to the authorities as escaping the trades is not a valid measure. Be aware the offers are tempting, but will never get worth the resulting damage. Opt for the validated traders, Asteria and avoid scams. The company has existed for long and assures healthy business relations and services.
