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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

Donald Trump Warsaw Speech: “Russia Has to Stop Destabilizing Ukraine”

Ukraine Bans All Russian Planes from Using Its Airspace

Ukraine and Russia to Cease Direct Flights

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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Brexit: EU Explains Leaving Procedure

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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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.

Victoria Beckham joins stars backing Elton John’s #BoycottDolceGabbana campaign

Dolce & Gabbana launches baby perfume

Stefano Gabbana responds to Elton John’s call for D & G boycott

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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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

Jamal Khashoggi Case: CIA Claims Saudi Crown Prince Approved Murder

Jamal Khashoggi Death: Saudi Arabia Identifies Journalist’s Killer

Jamal Khashoggi Case: Turkey Shared Murder Tapes With Key Foreign Nations

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.

Kabul Suicide Attack: At Least 43 Killed at Religious Gathering

Roy Siemens
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Kabul Suicide Attack: At Least 43 Killed at Religious Gathering

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.

Image source Pakistan Today

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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.

Talking to Children About Divorce

Dana R
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Talking to Children About Divorce

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.

divorce

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.

California Fires: President Donald Trump Tours Camp Fire’s Damage

Diane A. Wade
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California Fires: President Donald Trump Tours Camp Fire’s Damage
Photo Wikipedia

President Donald Trump has toured Camp Fire’s damage, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history.

Named after Camp Creek Road, its place of origin, the fire started on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, and killed at least 71 people.

More than 1,000 people are reported to be missing, although officials say that figure could fluctuate.

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”.

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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.

Jamal Khashoggi Case: CIA Claims Saudi Crown Prince Approved Murder

Roy Siemens
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0
Jamal Khashoggi Case: CIA Claims Saudi Crown Prince Approved Murder

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.

Official White House Photo Shealah Craighead

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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.

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

Diane A. Wade
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France Protests: One Dead and More than 200 Injured in Yellow Vests Blockade

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.

Image source AFP

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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.

Jamal Khashoggi Death: Saudi Arabia Identifies Journalist’s Killer

Roy Siemens
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0
Jamal Khashoggi Death: Saudi Arabia Identifies Journalist’s Killer

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”.

Image source www.alaraby.co.uk

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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.

Everything Building Owners Need to Know about Mold Exposures

Nancy Clayson
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Everything Building Owners Need to Know about Mold Exposures

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.

Image source Pixabay

What are molds?

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.

5 Reasons Why Industrial Equipment Auctions Will Help You Save Time and Money

Dana R
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5 Reasons Why Industrial Equipment Auctions Will Help You Save Time and Money

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.

Imagine similară

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.

How to Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Product

Clyde K. Valle
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How to Find the Right Manufacturer for Your Product

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.

The Top 10 Superfoods for All-Round Health

Kathryn R. Bown
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The Top 10 Superfoods for All-Round Health

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.

Healthy-Food
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!

 

Midterms 2018: Democrat Kyrsten Sinema Becomes Arizona’s First Female Senator

Diane A. Wade
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Midterms 2018: Democrat Kyrsten Sinema Becomes Arizona’s First Female Senator

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.”

Image source Wikimedia

Midterms 2018: President Trump Hails Big Victory as Republicans Consolidate Senate Grip

Midterm Elections 2018: President Trump Warns of Left-Wing Violence If Democrats Win

Paul Ryan Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2018

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.

The Artists and Their Portfolio: A Great Combination

Dana R
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The Artists and Their Portfolio: A Great Combination

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.

Imagini pentru Van Gogh

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.

Jamal Khashoggi Case: Canada Confirms It Heard Murder Tape

Roy Siemens
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Jamal Khashoggi Case: Canada Confirms It Heard Murder Tape

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.”

Image source www.alaraby.co.uk

Jamal Khashoggi Case: Turkey Shared Murder Tapes With Key Foreign Nations

Jamal Khashoggi Case: Saudi Arabia Admits Journalist Was Murdered

Jamal Khashoggi Was Killed in Consulate Fight, Saudi Arabia Says

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.”

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