Friday, December 26, 2025
Newsletter
Home Blog Page 128

CIA Director Mike Pompeo Had Secret Meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea

Roy Siemens
-
0
CIA Director Mike Pompeo Had Secret Meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea

According to new reports, CIA director Mike Pompeo travelled to North Korea for a secret meeting with Kim Jong-un.

The meeting to prepare for direct talks between President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader took place over Easter weekend, unnamed officials said.

President Trump had earlier alluded to high-level direct talks with North Korea.

However, this unexpected and clandestine meeting would mark the highest level US contact with North Korea since 2000.

President Trump said from Florida, where he is hosting Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe: “We have had direct talks at… extremely high levels.”

He added that he gave his “blessing” for talks between South Korea and North Korea to discuss a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-1953 Korean War.

South Korea has also signaled that it may pursue a formal resolution of the conflict. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un are scheduled to meet at the end of April.

The news that President Trump’s nominee for secretary of state had travelled to Pyongyang for a secret meeting with Kim Jong-un was first reported by The Washington Post.

Very little is known about the talks other than that they were to prepare for the upcoming Trump-Kim summit.

According to The Washington Post, the meeting took place soon after Mike Pompeo was nominated as secretary of state and is attributed to two anonymous sources “with direct knowledge of the trip”.

Later the Reuters said the report had been confirmed to them by senior officials.

The White House has not commented.

The US does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, although diplomats have visited in the past and there are some so-called “back channels” used to communicate with Pyongyang.

Image source Wikimedia

President Trump Fires Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Naming CIA Director Mike Pompeo as Replacement

Mike Pompeo’s trip was the highest level meeting with a North Korean leader since 2000 when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, in Pyongyang.

In 2014, the then-head of National Intelligence James Clapper visited North Korea in a secret mission to negotiate the release of two US citizens. James Clapper did not meet Kim Jong-un during his trip.

President Trump stunned the international community last month by accepting North Korea’s suggestion for direct talks. It would be unprecedented for a sitting US president to meet a North Korean leader.

Donald Trump said the summit would take place either in early June or “a little before that” and that several sites were under consideration but that none of them were in the US.

Analysts have speculated that a location for talks could be the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea, Beijing, another Asian country, Europe or even a vessel in international waters.

North Korea has been isolated for decades because of its well-documented human rights abuses and its pursuit of nuclear weapons, in defiance of international laws and UN sanctions.

Pyongyang has carried out six nuclear tests, and has missiles that could reach the US.

However, South Korea’s hosting of the Winter Olympics in February gave an unexpected window for diplomacy and in the weeks since there have been a flurry of visits to North Korea from China, South Korea and now the US.

President Trump’s estimate that a meeting could take place in June or earlier appears to be one the administration is taking seriously.

However, news of Mike Pompeo’s visit is also likely to overshadow the other key diplomatic balancing act under way, which is the important relationship with Japan, a key US ally and neighbor of North Korea.

There have been fears in Tokyo that President Trump’s plans for bilateral talks could sideline Japan and Shinzo Abe is currently in Washington for talks with the US leader.

Relations between the two men appeared cordial on this, the second time that President Trump has welcomed Shinzo Abe to his Mar-a-Lago resort.

On April 17, President Trump insisted that the two countries were “very unified on the subject of North Korea”, and PM Shinzo Abe praised the president’s handling of the North Korea issue.

However, observers say Shinzo Abe’s goal for his US trip will be to persuade President Trump as much as he can not to sway from the West’s hard line on North Korea.

PM Shinzo Abe has repeatedly sought to portray a close personal relationship with President Trump and was the first foreign leader to meet him in New York after his election victory in 2016.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Dies Aged 92

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Former First Lady Barbara Bush Dies Aged 92

Former First Lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92.

Barbara Bush was the matriarchal figure of a political dynasty that included two presidents – her husband George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush.

She was first lady from 1989 to 1993 and had been in failing health for some time and had declined further medical treatment.

George H.W. Bush, at 93, is the longest-lived US president. Their son, George W. Bush, was elected in 2000 and served two terms as the nation’s 43rd president.

George W. Bush said in a statement: “My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions.”

The former president said his mother had “kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end”, adding: “I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.”

Barbara Bush was also the mother of Jeb Bush, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and unsuccessfully ran for the White House in 2016.

As first lady, she went beyond the traditional role of a political spouse, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to help parents and children from disadvantaged communities to read and write.

Barbara Bush was a fierce advocate of civil rights and went against many of her husband’s Republican party supporters with her more liberal view on abortion rights.

Image source Wikimedia

Barbara Bush released from Houston Methodist Hospital

Barbara Bush hospitalized in Houston

In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump said the former first lady would be long remembered for her devotion to country and family, “both of which she served unfailingly well”.

Barack and Michelle Obama also described Barbara Bush as “the rock of a family dedicated to public service” and as “an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit”.

Former President Bill Clinton said Barbara Bush was “feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes”.

Bill Clinton said he and his wife, Hillary, would “never forget the courtesy she and President Bush showed us”.

Barbara Bush was known for her snow-white hair and was dubbed “The Silver Fox” by her family.

George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st US president, suffers from a form of Parkinson’s disease and uses a wheelchair.

It was recently announced that Barbara Bush had declined further medical treatment after a series of hospital visits, but the statement did not reveal the nature of her ailments.

The former first lady said she wanted to spend her last days in “comfort care” with her family.

Barbara Bush was born Barbara Pierce, the daughter of Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall’s magazine. She grew up in Rye, New York.

She met George H.W. Bush in 1941 at a Christmas party in Connecticut and the couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January this year.

They had six children including a daughter, Robin, who died of leukaemia aged three in 1953.

As well as George and Jeb, the other Bush children are Neil, Marvin and Dorothy.

Barbara Bush was one of only two women whose husband and son became US president, and the only one to have seen them both sworn in.

Abigail Adams was married to the second US president, John Adams, and was the mother of the sixth, John Quincy Adams, although she did not live to see their son elected.

Sean Hannity Revealed as Michael Cohen’s Mystery Third Client

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Sean Hannity Revealed as Michael Cohen’s Mystery Third Client

Fox News host Sean Hannity has been revealed as the mystery third client of President Donald Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen.

A judge ruled that the president’s personal attorney must reveal the link to Sean Hannity.

April 16 hearing in NYC follows an FBI raid this month on Michael Cohen’s home and office, which Sean Hannity has called an anti-Trump “witch hunt”.

A vocal Trump advocate, Sean Hannity denied he was a client of Michael Cohen.

Sean Hannity, who is known for passionately defending Donald Trump on his Fox News show against what he describes as biased attacks by the media, had never previously divulged any legal ties to the president’s attorney.

FBI agents who raided Michael Cohen’s home and evidence were looking for evidence on various matters, including a $130,000 payment made to actress Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had an affair with Donald Trump and was paid “hush money”.

During April 16 hearing, the judge deny Michael Cohen’s attempts to prevent prosecutors from reviewing the materials seized in the FBI raids.

Image source Wikimedia

Phil Robertson talks about ISIS on Hannity show

Phil Robertson campaigns for nephew Zach Dasher on Hannity show

President Trump’s attorney says the computers, phones and documents should be protected under attorney-client privilege.

However, Judge Kimba Wood ruled his application for a preliminary injunction was premature.

She allowed prosecutors to proceed with the cataloguing of evidence seized in the raids while a system is set up to ensure that records protected by attorney-client privilege are not disclosed to investigators.

However, the judge will also consider appointing a “special master” to play a supervisory role in the process.

Just before hearing, Michael Cohen said in a statement that he had only provided advice to three clients in the past year.

One was Donald Trump. Another was a Republican fundraiser who admitted to paying a former Playboy model after she became pregnant during their affair.

The third client, Michael Cohen said, had refused to give him permission to be publicly named.

However, Judge Wood made one of the lawyers identify Sean Hannity.

There were gasps and some laughter in the courtroom after the announcement, and some journalists raced out of the courtroom to report the revelation.

Sean Hannity responded on Twitter: “In response to some wild speculation, let me make clear that I did not ask Michael Cohen to bring this proceeding on my behalf, I have no personal interest in this proceeding, and, in fact, asked that my de minimis discussions with Michael Cohen, which dealt almost exclusively about real estate, not be made a part of this proceeding.”

He later issued a statement of denial, saying: “Michael Cohen has never represented me in any matter.

“I have occasionally had brief discussions with him about legal questions about which I wanted his input and perspective.

“I assumed those conversations were confidential, but to be absolutely clear they never involved any matter between me and a third party.”

After last week’s raid on Michael Cohen’s offices, Sean Hannity took to the airwaves to denounce the probe as a “declared war against the president of the United States”.

Also in the Manhattan federal court was Stormy Daniels, whose appearance triggered a scrum by photographers outside.

Michael Cohen has admitted making a payment to Stormy Daniel, who claims the money was to keep her quiet about an affair she says she had with Donald Trump in 2006.

The president’s attorney says he made the payment just before the 2016 election, but maintains Donald Trump did not know about it.

Michael Cohen is facing a criminal inquiry, which President Trump has strongly criticized.

According to legal analysts, the payoff to Stormy Daniels could amount to a campaign finance violation.

The White House has denied President Trump had an extramarital affair.

Head-to-Head: 3 Reasons You Need a Professional When Both Parties Cannot Agree

Dana R
-
0
Head-to-Head: 3 Reasons You Need a Professional When Both Parties Cannot Agree

It is true that most car accident claims can be resolved outside the court. In such a case, there will be no reason for filing a lawsuit. However, there are instances when the cases cannot be resolved and so it necessitate for filing a case in a court of law.

This post looks at three reasons why it may be necessary for you to seek the services of a professional in car accident case.

  1. When The Parties Are Unable To Agree On Who Was On the Wrong

When two parties get involved in a car accident, it is necessary that they determine who was at fault. Unfortunately, knowing the party that was on the wrong may not be easy. It can lead to a heated exchange making it difficult for the matter to be resolved without instituting a legal proceeding. In some cases, the parties may agree on who caused the accident but they may not agree on the amount to be paid as compensation to the injured plaintiff. When this happens, it is necessary that you get a professional to help sort this out. You need to find a competent attorney to institute a legal proceeding so that the injured party can be compensated.

calculator
Source: https://pixabay.com/en/calculator-calculation-insurance-385506/
  1. When Dealing With an Insurance Company

Most people think that dealing with an insurance company over personal injury matters is easy. However, the truth is that it is a difficult task that needs to be handled by an experienced personal injury attorney. Remember insurance companies are aware that they can avoid paying more by underestimating losses. In some cases, they may refuse to pay when they realize that the injured person does not have an attorney.

For this reason, it may be necessary that you get an attorney to investigate the accident and gather the evidence to use to argue the case out. Hiring a law firm allows the injured person to access professional investigators that will make it difficult for the liable person to dispute liability. Most companies have the best lawyer for car accidents who will help tilt the case in your favour.

  1. When the Case Requires Medical Experts Input

To maximize on car accident claims, it is important that you hire a law company that has the best lawyer for car accidents and is versed in medical matters. In accident cases, there is always a need to establish the connection between the injuries and the causes. An attorney must establish that the injuries were caused by the negligence of the defendant.

Hiring a company with an attorney that is skilled in medical progress documenting could be an added advantage because he will be able to portray the effect of the accident to your future life and demonstrate activities that you may not be able to do as a result of the accident. If the injured person is incapacitated, the attorney should demonstrate this and use the information to compute compensation.

The attorney needs to prepare the papers to be filed, organize the evidence that will be presented and the opening remarks. He will also be responsible for presenting the witness and cross-examining the defendant. Remember the amount of settlement the plaintiff gets is mostly dependent on the attorney’s negotiating skills.

How to Repair Your Marriage After Your Spouse Has Cheated

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
How to Repair Your Marriage After Your Spouse Has Cheated

Marriage is a wonderful thing, and being wed to the person you love is the culmination of all that is great about a relationship. However, even the strongest of marriages can endure problems, and cheating is a big issue in modern relationships. After one spouse has betrayed the other and cheated it might seem like there is no way back. But, if you want there to be, you can repair your marriage – it will take work though.

If you feel the relationship is worth salvaging there are options open to you, and you and your partner will have to work on them. It’s essential that you move forward together positively, and try to get the relationship back to what it was before. These are some of the best ways to repair your marriage after your spouse has cheated.

Image source Wikimedia

The best step to take initially is to enter into some sort of couple therapy. This is crucial for voicing concerns and grievances in a controlled environment, and that’s why you have to do what you can to follow professional guidance. You should both agree to undergo some sort of counseling to help you work on your differences and move forward together as a married couple. This is one of the most important ways of helping get your marriage back on track, hence why you need to look into doing it.

You also have to do whatever you can to try to build the trust back as well. After your partner has cheated, this is going to ruin the trust in your marriage. You have to work together to try to rebuild this as much as you possibly can. You’ve already seen the messages, carried out the phone number search, and confronted your partner. They’ve confessed to cheating, and now it’s time for the next stage of the process. Until the trust is rebuilt it is impossible to ever move on or get back to the place you were at before. Don’t forgive unless you are prepared to trust your spouse again.

Another thing that can help a lot is ensuring you make more time for one another. So many married couples drift apart because they are always busy and don’t take the time to be together. This is often what can drive one spouse to be unfaithful, so it is important that you work on this as much as possible. By making more time for one another you can grow as a couple and strengthen your marriage so there is less chance of infidelity happening again.

Cheating can be very destructive in a marriage, but it is still possible to save what you have built together. There are so many different avenues married couples can explore if they want to get things back on track. You have to be willing to forgive your partner’s adultery and work together with them in order to help rebuild and strengthen your marriage bonds. Cheating is never pleasant, but there are things you can do to help repair your marriage after the fact.

How To Swing In Style – Golf Fashion Guide

Lisa.Felice
-
0
How To Swing In Style – Golf Fashion Guide

Are you someone who doesn’t want your style compromised for you sport? Gold style is actually a huge pat on the game, and many people take pride in what they wear on the green. Afterall, we all like to look and feel out best while we’re enjoying ourselves, and golfers are certainly no different.

Beyond looking good, it’s also finding clothing that will aid and enhance your performance while you play. Golf companies are among the most innovative clothing manufacturers around. While most of us would throw of a cotton polo shirt, simple slacks and a jumper – these days it’s all about smart fabrics, like Cocona, ClimaCool and GoreTex. It can be a confusing world!

This is even more apparent when you’ve got a golfing trip on the cards. If you’re accustomed to playing golf mostly in the UK and Northern Europe, taking a golf holiday might be the only chance you get all year to dust off your shorts and get some sun of your forearms and calves.

So, if you are headed to sunnier climes and want a lfew style inspirations in materials you can trust, we’ve plenty of tips on how you swing in style this year…

A Solid Pair of Shorts

A good pair of shorts are an absolute must for your golf holiday. For style over substance, you’re safe to largely follow the same trends as trousers with plaid and check being big sellers and the classic lightweight cream and navy chino short if you are one of the more conservative players. You can even find some shorts these days that have  UV protection and a pocket for your smartphone! If you find some in a subtle print, you can easily move from the green to the beach house in style.

Spikeless Golf Shoes

You must have been living in a cave if you weren’t aware yet that spikes are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The trend today is 100% spikeless. What do you look for in a gold shoe?  Comfort, style, performance and reliability – there are what you should be looking for in every set of golf shoes you buy. Spikeless golf shoes have fast become the must-have footwear style for golfers thanks to their versatility, stylish design and performance on the green. Nike golf retailer, Golfposer, have a wide range of spikeless designs. The other big benefit of going spikeless is that they save you a lot of packing space, because you can wear them on and off course, in the clubhouse or to go out for dinner for example.

Heargear

Sunscreen alone won’t save you from the harmful sun rays, and being out on the green all day definitely calls for some protective headgear. Keep your eyes shaded and your face protected with a cap that has a simple design, or if  you want to make a statement, the new NIKE Magnolia Edition style is finished in an all over floral print – with a release date scheduled for Masters Week, 2018.

A Moisture-wicking Polo

Be honest, the last thing you need is sweat weighing down your swing and stinking up your game! A moisture-wicking polo is as important as maintaining the proper form – keeping you feeling and looking cool. For longevity, avoid white as a base colour. Instead, opt for red and navys – but not black as it will absorb too much heat on the green.

“Jazzy” trousers

Yes, it’s not lie that if any one item of golf clothing shows just how much golf fashion has changed, it’s the good old fashioned trousers.

Where one day, a classy pair of cream chinos where all you needed : comfortable, interchangeable and matched well with almost any colour – ideal! These days, the jazzier the better. Companies out there, like Loudmouth Golf and Royal and Awesome, are releasing increasingly outrageous slacks – and we can’t really get enough of them!

One of golf’s most eccentric characters, John Daly, has made surreal slacks his signature and people love it. In recent years check, plaid and pinstripe patterns in bright and playful colours have been all the rage for golfers.

Aside from being fashion conscious it is also important that you invest in lightweight and breathable golf trousers when playing abroad or in the sunshine.

Thin Sweater

Not all golf holidays are filled with sunshine and clear skies, so you need a plan for the overcast days. When it’s cloudy, it’s a good idea to throw on a thin, lightweight sweater over a collared shirt. Investing in a sweater like this is ideal because it can be worn when your home as well as on holiday. As with the polo, avoid black or white and opt for greys or navy instead.

Attention to detail with the Belt

You don’t have to wear a belt with a big logo if you’re not a professional golfer, but you can use your belt to enhance your golfing outfit . If you want to make a statement, switch up the strap and go for cool colors and patterns with a simple chino.

Top 5 Ways to Encourage Teamwork in the Workspace

Dana R
-
0
Top 5 Ways to Encourage Teamwork in the Workspace

There are many buzzwords that float around companies all over the world, which promise to help you gain success in your business. Where some of these are useful, others are widely considered to be jargon that can sometimes do more harm than good. Sorting through these ideas to find the best ones can be difficult, but one thing is certain- teamwork is one ingredient that is integral to success. In any sized company in any niche, you will need it to create a comfortable and productive work environment, which does wonders for productivity. Take note of some helpful tips to find out how you can encourage teamwork in your workspace.

Promote clear communication

The first step towards building a great team is making sure they are communicating effectively. This can be tricky when you have an entirely new team, or if your team has faced struggles in the past. In any case, you can boost communication by giving them a platform to exchange words and ideas on that makes it easier. This could be using social media groups, a company messaging app or email.

Image result for Teamwork in the Workspace

Do team building exercises

Building communication online is a good starting point, but you need good relations in person for your staff to work well together. This is where team building exercises come in and have been an important tool in promoting teamwork for years. You can spend your time participating in more traditional exercises, or you can try innovations such as escape rooms to get your team’s minds racing and working together to find a solution. For the most variation, you can visit the Escape Room Columbus.

Organize company excursions

Often, the key to developing a great team is to help them get along outside of work, where there is less pressure to do so. In this case, organizing company excursions is a foolproof way of doing this. These could be day trips or sending certain teams on weekend getaways. These are particularly beneficial to increase working relations between remote workers, where they might usually feel a disconnect from their team through distance.

Implement training

It is best for teamwork to be built organically if you are hoping to create a sustainable working team. Yet, having training on the importance of teamwork is sometimes essential if you want to emphasize to your staff how key their cooperation is to the success of their jobs and the company. To make these training sessions more useful, you can keep them short, snappy, and fun.

Address conflict effectively

When you have a team with lots of strong personalities, conflict can be inevitable. Sometimes, it can affect the entire team at crucial times in the business. The best way to stop this from happening is to address the conflict head-on, and away from the rest of the team. This way, any issues can be talked over and an amicable solution can be formed. If you make a habit of doing this, you can nip problems in the bud before they develop into something catastrophic, and you can make it easier for the rest of your team to stay focused.

Hungary: Tens of Thousands Protest in Budapest against Re-Elected PM Viktor Orban

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hungary: Tens of Thousands Protest in Budapest against Re-Elected PM Viktor Orban

Around 100,000 of Hungarians have protested in the capital Budapest against the re-elected right-wing government of PM Viktor Orban.

Viktor Orban’s opponents flooded Budapest on April 14 to protest at what they say is an unfair electoral system.

A similar number of people attended a pro-Orban demonstration last month.

The protests come just six days after the governing FIDESZ party won two-thirds of the parliamentary seats with half of the national vote.

Viktor Orban is a strong Eurosceptic who campaigned on an anti-immigration platform.

The march was organized through a Facebook group called “We are the majority”. Following the large turn-out for the rally, the organizers have called for a further demonstration next weekend.

Image source Wikimedia

Hungary Elections 2018: Viktor Orban Wins Third Term as Prime Minister

Refugee Crisis: Hungary PM Viktor Orban Says Europe’s Borders Are Threatened by Migration

A large number of police were deployed in Budapest, including riot officers, however the demonstration remained peaceful.

Speakers who participated in the event denounced what they called Viktor Orban’s theft of the election, and the corruption and abuse of power they say characterizes his rule.

Asked about the prospect of forthcoming demonstrations, Viktor Orban simply replied: “We won, that’s it.”

The protests’ organizers have demanded a recount of all ballots, a new election law, a non-partisan public media, and better organized co-operation among parties opposed to the FIDESZ government.

Many of those who marched the streets to the Hungarian parliament were young people.

Many parties and movements opposed to Viktor Orban’s government, including the right-wing nationalist Jobbik, participated in the demonstration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua6OLgAcQ4g

Milos Forman Dies Aged 86

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Milos Forman Dies Aged 86

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Amadeus director Milos Forman has died at the age of 86.

Milos Forman died on April 13 in the US after a short illness, his wife, Martina Zborilova, told Czech news agency CTK.

She said: “His departure was calm and he was surrounded the whole time by his family and his closest friends.”

The Czech-born film-maker was one of a small number of foreign directors to enjoy lasting commercial and critical success in Hollywood.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest won five Oscars in 1976, while 1984’s Amadeus won eight.

Milos Forman’s other English-language movies included 1996’s The People vs. Larry Flynt, which earned him his third best director Oscar nomination, and 1999’s Man on the Moon.

Image source Wikimedia

George A. Romero Death: Living Dead Director Dies of Lung Cancer Aged 77

Derek Martinus: Doctor Who director dies at 82

Director Ted Post dies in Los Angeles aged 95

Antonio Banderas, who has said he was inspired to become an actor when he watched Milos Forman’s 1979 musical Hair, described him as a “genius of cinematography and master in the portrayal of the human condition”.

Milos Forman was born in Czechoslovakia in 1932 and became an orphan when both his parents were killed in Nazi death camps during World War II.

He made his name as a leading figure in Czech new wave cinema in the 1960s, but moved to the US when Russian troops invaded in 1968.

Milos Forman’s first feature in the US, 1971’s Taking Off, was a critical if not commercial success. However, the follow-up, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, firmly established him in Hollywood.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was one of the biggest box office hits of 1975, taking more than $100 million, and became only the second movie in history to win Oscars for best picture, director, actor, actress and screenplay.

It starred Jack Nicholson as a man battling the system in a psychiatric establishment and was based on Ken Kesey’s novel.

Milos Forman followed that with Hair and 1981’s Ragtime before Amadeus, a look at the life of 18th Century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of his rival Antonio Salieri. Its Oscars included best picture and best director.

After 1989’s Valmont, Milos Forman made The People vs. Larry Flynt, with Woody Harrelson cast as the publisher.

Three years later, Milos Forman cast Jim Carrey to star in Man On The Moon, the biopic of comedian Andy Kaufman.

In 2012, when Milos Forman was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Directors’ Guild of America, the guild’s president Taylor Hackford said he “finds the universality of the human experience in every story”.

Milos Forman was married to actresses Jana Brejchova and Vera Kresadlova, having twin boys with the latter.

In 1999, Milos Forman married screenwriter Martina Zborilova, with whom he also had twin sons, Andrew and James – named after Andy Kaufman and Jim Carrey.

President Trump Orders Strikes on Syria

Roy Siemens
-
0
President Trump Orders Strikes on Syria

Multiple government targets in Syria have been bombed in an early morning operation launched by the US, UK and France targeting alleged chemical weapons sites.

The strikes follow a suspected chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma last week.

According to the Pentagon, explosions hit the capital, Damascus, as well as two locations near the city of Homs.

Meanwhile, Russian ambassador to the US responded by saying the attack on its ally “will not be left without consequences”.

President Trump said in an address to the nation from the White House at about 21:00 local time: “A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now under way.”

The wave of strikes is the most significant attack against President Bashar al-Assad’s government by western powers in seven years of Syria’s civil war.

Image source AP

Donald Trump Says Russia Should Get Ready for Missiles to Be Fired at Syria

Israeli F-16 Fighter Jet Shot Down by Syrian Anti-Aircraft Fire

At a Pentagon briefing shortly after President Trump’s announcement, Gen. Joseph Dunford listed three targets that had been struck: a scientific research facility in Damascus, allegedly connected to the production of chemical and biological weapons; a chemical weapons storage facility west of Homs; a chemical weapons equipment storage and an important command post, also near Homs.

Syrian state TV said government forces had shot down more than a dozen missiles, and claimed only the research facility in Damascus had been damaged.

It also said that 3 civilians had been injured in Homs.

US Secretary of Defense James Mattis told reporters there were no reports of US losses in the operation.

In his earlier address, President Donald Trump had said: “We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.”

However, Secretary James Mattis said that “right now, this is a one-time shot”. Gen. Joseph Dunford confirmed the wave of strikes had ended.

Gen. Joseph Dunford said the US had specifically identified targets that would “mitigate” the risk of Russian casualties. However, the Pentagon said that Russia – which has forces on the ground in Syria in support of the government – had not been given advance notice of the targets.

On the same time, UK PM Theresa May confirmed British involvement, saying there was “no practicable alternative to the use of force”.

She also said the strikes were not about “regime change”.

According to the UK ministry of defense, UK strikes carried out by four Tornado jets hit one of the targets mentioned by the Pentagon – a military site near the city of Homs which is believed to have housed precursor materials for chemical weapons.

France President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed his country’s participation in the operation.

“Dozens of men, women and children were massacred with chemical weapons,” President Macron said of the Douma incident a week ago – adding that “the red line had been crossed”.

Syria has denied carrying out the Douma attack and Russia had warned that Western military strikes would risk starting a war.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has dispatched a fact-finding mission to the site of the alleged attack in Syria. Investigators were due to start their probe on April 14.

Sana, Syria’s official state news agency, called the western action “a flagrant violation of international law”.

It said: “The American, French and British aggression against Syria will fail.”

A US official told Reuters that Tomahawk cruise missiles were being used against multiple locations in Syria.

#MeToo: LA Prosecutors Review Assault Accusation Against Kevin Spacey

Lisa.Felice
-
0
#MeToo: LA Prosecutors Review Assault Accusation Against Kevin Spacey

Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing a historical assault accusation against Kevin Spacey, officials confirmed on April 11.

Police have filed evidence about an allegation involving an incident with a man in West Hollywood in 1992.

More than 30 men have come forward with allegations of misconduct against Kevin Spacey in recent months.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said it began investigating the case in December, and presented it to the Los Angeles District Attorney office for review earlier this month.

No details of the allegation have been released.

It is unclear if California’s statute of limitations on prosecuting criminal assault, which is normally ten years, would apply.

Image source Flickr

Kevin Spacey Accused of Assault by Norwegian King’s Son-in-Law Ari Behn

Kevin Spacey Scandal: Old Vic Has 20 Claims of Inappropriate Behavior Against Actor

Kevin Spacey Erased from Completed Movie All the Money in the World

Kevin Spacey, 58, first became embroiled in controversy last November when actor Anthony Rapp accused him of assault in 1986 when he was 14 and Spacey was 26.

The Oscar-winning actor claimed to have no memory of the events, but publicly apologized. He has since issued an “absolute” denial of the other allegations that later emerged.

Meanwhile, London police are investigating three criminal cases against Kevin Spacey.

London’s Old Vic Theater, where Kevin Spacey was artistic director, has said it received 20 complaints of inappropriate behavior against him.

The controversy has led to Kevin Spacey being axed from a number of roles, including from Netflix series House of Cards and the 2017 movie All the Money in the World, which was re-shot without him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdJS0t6RkJ0

Paul Ryan Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2018

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Paul Ryan Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan has announced he will not run for re-election this year, in a big blow to Republicans with mid-term elections looming.

Congress’ most powerful lawmaker said he would not stand for another term in his Wisconsin district this November.

The clean-cut conservative, who has served in the House since 1999, was the Republican vice-presidential running mate for Mitt Romney in 2012.

Meanwhile, Republicans already face a tough challenge from Democrats to keep control of the lower chamber.

Paul Ryan joins nearly 30 House Republicans who have announced this year they are retiring outright.

Democrats need 23 seats to take over the House.

Photo Reuters

Paul Ryan Criticizes President Trump’s Decision to Pardon Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Paul Ryan Willing to Be House Speaker with Conditions

In a news conference on April 11, Paul Ryan said the decision was family-related.

He said: “You all know that I did not seek this job.

“I took it reluctantly.

“But I have given this job everything. I have no regrets whatsoever for having accepted this responsibility.”

Paul Ryan continued: “But the truth is it’s easy for it to take over everything in your life and you can’t just let that happen.”

He said he did not want to be known by his children as “only a weekend dad”.

The 48-year-old father-of-three said he would retire in January after finishing his congressional term.

According to Axios, which broke the story, Paul Ryan has found his job frustrating, partly because of President Donald Trump.

However, President Trump praised the speaker on Twitter as “a truly good man”.

The president tweeted: “Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Paul Ryan’s departure was an ominous sign for Republicans, months away from nationwide elections.

“Stay tuned for more retirements as Republicans increasingly realize that their midterm prospects are doomed,” the fundraising committee added.

According to analysts, Paul Ryan’s seat in Wisconsin’s first district could now fall into Democratic hands.

All 435 House lawmakers and 34 senators will face the voters this November, in what will amount to a referendum on Republican control of Congress and the White House.

The resignation of Paul Ryan – whose role as House speaker places him second-in-line to the president after VP Mike Pence – will spark speculation about whether he could one day mount a White House campaign.

In December Paul Ryan achieved his cherished goal of overhauling the US tax code, and according to Axios, regarded it as the capstone of his legislative career.

Republican congressman Steve Scalise and former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus are among those being touted as possible successors.

Mariah Carey Reveals She Was Dignosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Mariah Carey Reveals She Was Dignosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2001

Mariah Carey has revealed she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 17 years ago.

In an interview with People magazine, the singer said she was first diagnosed with the condition in 2001 after a mental breakdown which resulted in her being admitted to hospital.

Mariah Carey, who has sold 200 million records worldwide, said she only recently has sought medical treatment.

The singer said it came after “the hardest couple of years I’ve been through”.

Image source Pexels

Chris Brown diagnosed with bipolar disorder, severe insomnia and PTSD

Catherine Zeta-Jones bipolar: actress says she is not a victim and she is tired of talking about her mental condition

Bipolar disorder: new hope from stem cell research

Mariah Carey explained: “Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me.

“It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore.

“I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love – writing songs and making music.”

Mariah Carey said she is now having therapy and taking medication for bipolar disorder, which has caused her to have periods of depression and hypomania, which can cause irritability and insomnia.

She said: “I’m actually taking medication that seems to be pretty good. It’s not making me feel too tired or sluggish or anything like that. Finding the proper balance is what is most important.”

Mariah Carey added that for a long time she thought she had “severe sleep disorder” but whilst working on her album in the studio released “it wasn’t normal insomnia”.

“I was irritable and in constant fear of letting people down,” she added.

Mariah Carey told People: “I guess my depressive episodes were characterized by having very low energy. I would feel so lonely and sad – even guilty that I wasn’t doing what I needed to be doing for my career.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR4HUh1fg9k

Donald Trump Says Russia Should Get Ready for Missiles to Be Fired at Syria

Roy Siemens
-
0
Donald Trump Says Russia Should Get Ready for Missiles to Be Fired at Syria

President Donald Trump has said that Russia should “get ready” for missiles to be fired at its ally Syria, in response to an alleged chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Douma on April 7.

The president tweeted: “Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and <<smart>>!”

Senior Russian figures have threatened to meet any US strikes with a response.

The Syrian government denies mounting a chemical attack on Douma.

In one his tweets on April 11, President Trump called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a “gas killing animal”.

In another, President Trump painted a dark picture of US-Russia relations but said it did not have to be that way.

He tweeted: “Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?”

Meanwhile, the US, UK and France have agreed to work together and are believed to be preparing for a military strike in response to the alleged chemical attack at the weekend.

Syrian opposition activists and rescuers say government aircraft dropped bombs filled with toxic chemicals on Douma.

According to the Syrian-American Medical Society (SAMS), which operates in rebel-held areas, and local aid workers, more than 500 people had been treated for symptoms “indicative of exposure to a chemical agent”.

On April 11, the UN’s World Health Organization demanded access to verify reports from its partners, which include SAMS, that 70 people had died – including 43 who showed “symptoms consistent with exposure to highly toxic chemicals”.

Meanwhile, a team from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is due to deploy to Syria “shortly” to determine whether banned weapons were used.

The town of Douma, the last major rebel stronghold near the capital Damascus, was under renewed assault from Syrian and Russian forces last week.

Image source Flickr

Rebels have now been evacuating Douma under an agreement involving the Russian military.

Russia said it would deploy military police to Douma on April 12 and that the situation there had stabilized.

Several senior Russian figures have warned of a Russian response to a US attack, with Alexander Zasypkin, Moscow’s ambassador to Lebanon, repeating on April 11 a warning by the head of the military that missiles would be shot down and their launch sites targeted if they threatened the lives of Russian personnel.

Also on April 11, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asked whether the aim of Western strikes might be “to quickly remove the traces of the provocation… [so] international inspectors will have nothing to look for in terms of evidence”.

Addressing new ambassadors in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin said the world was becoming more chaotic. He said he hoped common sense would prevail and that the situation would stabilize.

President Putin said Russia would “keep all its international obligations in full”.

On April 10, President Trump cancelled his first official trip to Latin America so he could focus on Syria.

Israeli F-16 Fighter Jet Shot Down by Syrian Anti-Aircraft Fire

TPS: Trump Administration Extends Temporary Protection for Nearly 7,000 Syrians

US Urges Russia to Stop Supporting Syria’s Bashar al-Assad

On April 11, Defense Secretary James Mattis said the US was still assessing the chemical attack and that the US military stood ready “to provide military options if they are appropriate as the president determines”.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron said any strikes would “not target allies of the [Syrian] regime or attack anyone, but rather attack the regime’s chemical capabilities”.

However, The Times newspaper reports that the UK’s PM Theresa May has urged President Trump to provide more evidence of the suspected chemical attack.

A US Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Donald Cook, is in the Mediterranean Sea.

On April 10, the UN Security Council failed to approve moves to set up an inquiry into the alleged attack on Douma.

As permanent members of the council, Russia and the US vetoed each other’s proposals to set up independent investigations.

The US-drafted resolution would have allowed investigators to apportion blame for the suspected attack, while Russia’s version would have left that to the Security Council.

The OPCW’s fact-finding mission will not seek to establish who was responsible for the attack.

Zuckerberg Hearing: Facebook Founder Reveals His Data Was Harvested in Privacy Scandal

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Zuckerberg Hearing: Facebook Founder Reveals His Data Was Harvested in Privacy Scandal

Facebook founder Mark Zucker has revealed that his data was among that harvested in a privacy scandal.

He made the disclosure during his second day of being questioned in Washington.

In a related development, Cambridge Analytica, the political consultancy at the heart of the affair has announced its acting chief executive, Dr. Alexander Tayler, is stepping down from the post to resume his previous position as its chief data officer. Alexander Nix, who had been in charge until March, remains suspended.

Mark Zuckerberg also revealed that Facebook was exploring whether to take action against the University of Cambridge.

The institution is where the researcher who had collected and sold personal data to Cambridge Analytica was based.

Mark Zuckerberg said: “What we found now is that there’s a whole program associated with Cambridge University where… there were a number of other researchers building similar apps.

“So, we do need to understand whether there was something bad going on at Cambridge University overall that will require a stronger reaction from us.”

A spokeswoman for the University of Cambridge said it was preparing a response.

Image source Wikimedia

Cambridge Analytica Scandal: Facebook’s Shares Plunge Following Historic Data Breach

Russian-Planted Facebook Posts Seen by 126 Million American Users

Mark Zuckerberg Rejects Donald Trump’s Comments that Facebook Has Always Been Against Him

Mark Zuckerberg had earlier apologized for having failed to check in 2015 that Cambridge Analytica had deleted information gathered about millions of Facebook users.

Instead Facebook let Cambridge Analytica self-certify that it had destroyed the records, which had been acquired in violation of the social network’s rules.

Facebook’s chief executive said: “We have a responsibility to make sure what happened with [app developer] Kogan and Cambridge Analytica doesn’t happen again.”

He added that Facebook’s audit of other apps would take many months to complete. However, the 33-year-old said that the company had seen no evidence as yet that Russia or China had attempted to scrape people’s information.

Cambridge Analytica has denied breaking the law and said it did indeed delete the data.

Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce follows a five hour session in front of two Senate committees on April 10.

During a testy early exchange, Facebook’s chief executive declined to give a commitment to change all users’ default privacy settings to collect the minimum amount of personal information.

Elsewhere in the hearing, Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that he believed it was “inevitable” that the internet would need new regulations.

He also faced fresh accusations from Republican congressman Steve Scalise that the News Feed’s algorithm was discriminating against conservative news and content in favor of liberal posts. Mark Zuckerberg denied.

Another Republican pulled a surprise by displaying photos of illegal adverts for opioid drugs that he said had been live on Facebook on April 10.

Congressman David McKinley said: “Facebook is actually enabling an illegal activity and in so doing you hurting people.”

Mark Zuckerberg replied: “There are a number of areas of content that we need to do a better job of policing.” He added that he believed artificial intelligence tools would make this possible in the future.

Alternative Medicines: 5 Reasons Patients are Considering Alternative Pain Medications

Dana R
-
0
Alternative Medicines: 5 Reasons Patients are Considering Alternative Pain Medications

Those who suffer from severe or chronic pain need relief to live their lives. Opioid-based pain medication was unfortunately the doctor’s choice for years. Now, along with a variety of alternative medicines, cannabis has been finally getting the attention it deserves for its multitude of healing properties. Just last year, the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal published one of many scientific studies that offers empirical evidence supporting cannabis as a viable substitute for opioid pain medication. Here are just some of the reasons why more and more people are looking towards alternative medicines like cannabis over prescription pain medications:


Image result for Alternative Medicines

The answer is natural

One of the primary reasons many people turn away from pharmaceuticals is because they are not natural. Alternative remedies like plants or plant extracts originate in nature and have been minimally altered, if at all. Responsible growers of medical marijuana can easily provide you with information about the plant’s life cycle from seed to product, so you always know what you are putting in your body.

More effective…

In the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal study, a remarkable 81 percent of participants agreed that taking cannabis alone was more effective at managing their symptoms than their opioid-based pain medication. One of the dangerous pitfalls of opioids is the body’s ability to very rapidly build a tolerance. Patients require substantially higher doses over time to feel the same relief, leading them farther down an already perilous path.

…with fewer side effects

All medications come with an encyclopedia of unwanted side effects. Narcotic pain medication is no different, however the worst experience comes when the patient stops taking it. Withdrawal from long-term pain medication can be excruciating, making it even more difficult to overcome dependency and addiction. Not only do alternative medicines like cannabis come with minimal and harmless side effects, but they are being used to treat the very symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Several studies are already investigating whether cannabis may even play a role in healing receptors damaged by opioid use.

It’s a matter of choice

In most cases, alternative medicine offers so much more choice. Any individual can try different treatment options as they wish, and tailor them to what works best on a personal level. There is an element of control and self-awareness about your health that is lacking when following a prescribed regimen of pills.

Prevention and advocacy

Perhaps the most prevalent reason to opt for natural alternatives is prevention. Choosing other options such as medical marijuana safeguards patients from the frighteningly high rate of addiction associated with narcotic painkillers. Many patients also do not want to further support any product from major pharmaceutical companies that contributed to the current crisis.

Conclusion

With the opioid epidemic reaching unprecedented levels, it is vital that we look to smarter, safer solutions that can both heal those affected and prevent further harm. Individuals who suffer from pain on a daily basis finally have more natural options that offer long-term benefits. Check out Aleafia Medical Cannabis Care here to learn more about your options.

Tips to Help You Ace a Phone Interview

Dana R
-
0
Tips to Help You Ace a Phone Interview

When you started your job search, you might have assumed that any interviews would be done in-person. But as you have quickly found out, many companies like to do a phone interview, either in place of the traditional face-to-face interview, or as a pre-interview of sorts to tell you more about the job and determine if you are a good fit.

If you are feeling a bit anxious about phone interviews, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to prepare for those important calls that will help you to stand out among the competition. For example, check out these tips:

Record a Professional Voicemail Greeting

This has nothing to do with the actual phone interview, but it can help land you that all-important call. Because you might not be available to pick up the phone when a manager calls to schedule a phone interview, your voicemail should be as professional as possible. For instance, if you love music, avoid playing your fave tunes in the background and avoid using slang like ‘Hey homies, I’m out chillin’ right now.’

Instead, record a simple greeting with your name, the fact that you can’t make it to the phone, a request to leave a name and phone number, and a promise to call the person back ASAP. If it’s been some time since you have recorded a voicemail greeting and you are wondering how to set it up, your cell phone carrier should be able to assist.

phone-interview

Practice the Process

Talking on the phone with your mom or your friends is a piece of cake. When you are trying to make a good impression on a recruiter, it might not seem as natural. To help nail a phone interview, try recording some practice phone interviews with a trusted friend or relative. He or she can conduct a mock interview with you. After it’s over, go back and listen to it so you can hear if you use a lot of ‘uhhhs’ and ‘okays’ when speaking. Listening to your recording can also help you determine which answers need some work. If you don’t have a good old fashioned tape recorder — and most of us do not — no worries. Simply download a free voice recorder app like the Voice Recorder and Audio Editor app from iTunes.

Organize Your Info and Your Space

Prior to the phone interview, print out your resume and read through it to remind yourself of all of your qualifications. Review the job posting and jot down some reasons why you are a great fit for the position. Have paper and a pen handy during the call for easy note taking, or download a note taking app like Evernote. Also, make sure you are in a quiet room, free of people and even your beloved pets. While you might find it comforting to pet your dog during the phone interview, if the doorbell rings during the call, you don’t want the manager to hear frantic barking.

When the Phone Rings…

Answer the call yourself; don’t let your roommate or dad pick it up. Use the person’s title—Mr. or Mrs.—and their last name. Only start calling the manager or recruiter by a first name if asked. Also, smile while you are talking. Even though the person conducting the interview cannot see you, it can actually change the tone of your voice to one that is more upbeat and cheerful. Even though you may be excited or nervous, try not to interrupt the person doing the interview, and listen carefully to what he or she is asking.

You Have What It Takes!

Preparing for a phone interview is similar in some ways to an in-person interview; practicing ahead of time and making sure that your voicemail greeting is friendly and professional are great places to start. By following the aforementioned tips, you will be sure to impress the recruiter and will start your new job in no time.

Hungary Elections 2018: Viktor Orban Wins Third Term as Prime Minister

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hungary Elections 2018: Viktor Orban Wins Third Term as Prime Minister

Viktor Orban, the Hungarian right-wing prime minister, has claimed a landslide victory in the country’s general election on April 8.

He will serve a third consecutive term in office, with his party FIDESZ projected to keep its key two-thirds majority in parliament.

According to Hungary’s National Election Office, FIDESZ won almost half of the vote, with 93% of ballots counted.

Viktor Orban, 54, is a strong Eurosceptic who campaigned on an anti-immigration platform.

Image source Wikimedia

Hungary Votes on EU Refugee Quota

Hungary Protests Against Closure of George Soros’ Central European University

In a speech to supporters on the night of election, Viktor Orban said his victory gave Hungarians “the opportunity to defend themselves and to defend Hungary”.

Leaders of the second and third-placed parties have resigned in light of the result.

Polling stations were meant to close at 19:00 local time, but some stayed open hours later due to long queues. Voter turnout reached a near-record 69% – an outcome some believed would favor Viktor Orban’s opponents.

However, with almost all votes counted, the nationalist Jobbik party is in second place with 20% of the vote. The Socialists are in third with 12%, and the LMP, Hungary’s main Green Party, is in fourth with 7%.

Jobbik’s chairman Gabor Vona resigned on the night of election, telling a news conference: “Jobbik’s goal, to win the elections and force a change in government, was not achieved. FIDESZ won. It won again.”

Socialist Party President Gyula Molnar also resigned, saying: “We regard ourselves as responsible for what happened [and] we have acknowledged the decision of voters.”

Easter 2018: Millions of Orthodox Christians Commemorate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection

James J. Williams
-
0
Easter 2018: Millions of Orthodox Christians Commemorate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection

Orthodox Christians from around the world have celebrated Easter in overnight services and with holy fire from Jerusalem, commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

This year’s Orthodox Easter falls on April 8, seven days after Catholic Easter, due to the difference in calendars followed by both churches.

The day is known as Pascha and is the most important celebration from all the Christian holidays, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. The day of Easter was declared to be the first day of the full moon following the Spring Equinox that occurs on March 21. The Eastern and Western Churches still ended up with a difference in celebration due to the use of the Gregorian calendar at first and later the Julian calendar.

Image source kremlin.ru

Easter 2018: Pope Francis Calls for End to Syria Carnage during Urbi et Orbi Address

Some years, both Orthodox and Catholic Churches will celebrate Easter on the same day.

On the Great and Holy Saturday, Orthodox clerics from around the world transport the holy flame from Jerusalem by plane and it’s then flown to other churches around their countries. According to tradition, the holy flame appears each year at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and is taken to other Orthodox countries.

The celebration of Pascha is the most important celebration for the Orthodox Churches. It is the center of the Christian faith, the belief that Jesus Christ, after his death on the cross in Jerusalem, was resurrected.

Muenster Attack: Three Killed and 30 Injured as Van Is Driven Into Pedestrians

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Muenster Attack: Three Killed and 30 Injured as Van Is Driven Into Pedestrians

At least three people have been killed and about 30 injured in the city of Muenster, in western Germany, after a van drove into pedestrians.

According to police, the van’s driver has killed himself. Police did not provide further details and said they are not looking for more suspects.

The incident occurred near the Kiepenkerl statue in the old town.

Some of the injured are said to be in a serious condition.

Image source Wikimedia

Barcelona Van Attack Kills at Least One and Injures 32 on Las Ramblas Street

Breitscheidplatz: Truck Kills Nine at Berlin Christmas Market

Police have closed the area and asked people to avoid the city center.

There is a restaurant located in the vicinity of the Kiepenkerl statue and photographs posted on social media showed tables and chairs strewn at the scene.

Ulrike Demmer, the federal government’s deputy spokesperson, said the government’s thoughts were with the victims and their families.

In December 2016, a truck ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slc62yLSAnQ

Russell Crowe Held “Art of Divorce Auction” in Sydney

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Russell Crowe Held “Art of Divorce Auction” in Sydney

On his 54th birthday, Russell Crowe has held his “Art of Divorce” auction – a sort of parting of the wares – in Sydney.

The actor separated from Danielle Spencer in 2012 and today it would have been his 15th wedding anniversary.

Russell Crowe’s torso armor from Gladiator smashed expectations, making A$125,000 ($95,000) and his Master and Commander violin sold well too.

There was also fierce competition for the actor’s Cinderella Man jockstrap.

It went for A$7,000, more than 10 times the estimate.

Image source Wikimedia

Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer split after nine years

Russell Crowe launches campaign to screen Noah for Pope Francis

However, there was also some top-notch Australian art on show from artists such as Sidney Nolan and Margaret Olley. A piece called The Suitor by Charles Blackman fetched A$360,000.

That far outstripped the A$135,000 paid for the Leandro Bislach violin played by Crowe’s character in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The uniform he wore in the film fetched A$135,000.

The Gladiator replica chariot went for A$65,000, nearly seven times above estimate, but the neo-Nazi boots from Romper Stomper went on estimate at A$10,000.

A 1986 Grammy Award presented to Johnny Cash and other music artists made $150,000.

Russell Crowe appeared at the sale, hearing a rendition of Happy Birthday and three cheers, and saying: “G’day folks, how’re you doing?”

The New Zealand-born actor had earlier said the sale was all about moving on – a “watershed moment”.

Among the 227 lots of “stuff” (as Russell Crowe calls it) on sale were: a scarf and a pair of old shoes from State of Play; numerous guitars he’s collected (his band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts never won much critical acclaim); a Merc used on his wedding day in 2003; a Shane Warne Test cricket jersey; the cloth angel doll from The Sum of Us; the leather sketchbook from 3:10 to Yuma; chain mail and other clothing from Robin Hood and a Javert costume from Les Miserables.

President Trump Asks Texas to Deploy Troops to Mexico Border

Diane A. Wade
-
0
President Trump Asks Texas to Deploy Troops to Mexico Border

President Donald Trump has asked the state of Texas to deploy National Guard members to the border with Mexico.

According to a National Guard spokesman, 250 personnel would be sent to patrol the area within the next 72 hours.

Arizona is also planning to deploy 150 troops there next week.

The president says he wants to send up to 4,000 National Guard members to secure the border with Mexico, until his proposed border wall is built.

The states of California and New Mexico have been asked to take similar action to Texas and Arizona.

Also on April 6, President Trump outlined plans to end a practice dubbed “catch and release” as part of his stricter anti-immigration policies.

He wants illegal immigrants to be held in detention while they wait to hear if they will be deported, instead of being freed.

Image source Wikipedia

Donald Trump Vows to Build Mexican Border Wall Ahead of Schedule

Donald Trump to Close Down Government If Necessary to Build Mexico Border Wall

Border Wall Funding: Mexico to Respond with Retaliatory Tariffs

President Trump has asked the Department of Defense for a detailed list of military and other facilities that could perform that function.

He has sent several tweets over the past week railing against illegal immigration and accusing Democrats of allowing “open borders, drugs and crime”.

The president declared on Twitter that Republicans should “go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws [on illegal migrants] NOW”.

He also threatened Mexico, saying the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was at risk unless it stopped the movement of migrants over the border.

He tweeted: “Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S. They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flows, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!”

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has condemned what he called “threatening or disrespectful attitudes” from President Trump.

President Trump has called sending troops to the Mexico border a “big step”, but both his predecessors also dispatched the National Guard there.

President Barack Obama sent some 1,200 soldiers to guard the boundary, while President George W. Bush deployed about 6,000 troops to help Border Patrol in what was called Operation Jump Start. Both deployments lasted for around a year.

President Trump Threatens $100 Billion More in China Tariffs

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
President Trump Threatens $100 Billion More in China Tariffs

President Donald Trump has threatened $100 billion more in China tariffs, in an escalation of a tense trade stand-off.

These would be in addition to the $50 billion worth of US tariffs already proposed on hundreds of Chinese imports.

The president’s proposal comes after China retaliated to that by threatening tariffs on 106 key US products.

The tit-for-tat moves have unsettled global markets in recent weeks.

According to analysts, a full blown trade war between the US and China would not be good for the global economy or markets – and that ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations between the two giants were crucial.

However, market reaction in Asia trade on April 6 suggested investors were not too troubled by the latest twist, and that trade war fears were somewhat exaggerated.

In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was in positive territory, up 1.3%. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 was also trading higher in the afternoon session.

The US announced it would impose import taxes of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum. The tariffs would be wide ranging and would include China.

China responded this month with retaliatory tariffs worth $3 billion of its own against the US on a range of goods, including pork and wine. The Chinese government said the move was intended to safeguard its interests and balance losses caused by the new tariffs.

Image source Wikipedia

China Imposes New Tariffs of Up to 25% on 128 US Imports

White House to Announce Sanctions against China over Theft and Transfer of Intellectual Property

Meanwhile, there had been rumblings the US was preparing to slap between $50 billion and $60 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese-made goods in response to unfair Chinese intellectual property practices, such as those that pressure US companies to share technology with Chinese firms.

The draft details of those import taxes were released last week when the US set out about 1,300 Chinese products it intended to hit with tariffs set at 25% worth some $50 billion.

China responded swiftly by proposing retaliatory tariffs, also worth some $50 billion, on 106 key US products, including soybeans, aircraft parts and orange juice. This set of tariffs was narrowly aimed at politically important sectors in the US, such as agriculture.

On April 5, President Trump’s branded that retaliation by Beijing as “unfair”.

In a statement, he said: “Rather than remedy its misconduct, China has chosen to harm our farmers and manufacturers.

“In light of China’s unfair retaliation, I have instructed the USTR (United States Trade Representative) to consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate… and, if so, to identify the products upon which to impose such tariffs.”

The president said he had also instructed agricultural officials to implement a plan to protect US farmers and agricultural interests.

China has initiated a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the US tariffs, in what analysts say is a sign that this will be a protracted process.

The WTO circulated the request for consultation to members on April 5, launching a discussion period before the complaint heads to formal dispute settlement process.

Meanwhile, under US law, the proposed set of tariffs against about 1,300 Chinese products must now go under review, including a public notice and comment process, and a hearing.

The hearing is scheduled at the moment for May 15, with post-hearing filings due a week later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgY12RYC9nM

Salman Khan Guilty of Poaching Protected Animals

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Salman Khan Guilty of Poaching Protected Animals

Salman Khan has been found guilty of poaching rare antelope back in 1998, an Indian court has ruled.

The Bollywood star killed the two blackbucks, a protected species, in the western state of Rajasthan while shooting a film.

Four other actors who starred with Salman Khan in the movie and were also charged with the offence have been acquitted by the court in Jodhpur.

Image source Wikimedia

Salman Khan Cleared in Hit and Run Case

Salman Khan’s Sentence Suspended by Mumbai High Court

Salman Khan could now face between one and six years in jail. He can appeal against the verdict.

This is far from the Bollywood superstar’s first brush with the law. In December 2015, Salman Khan was cleared in a 2002 hit-and-run case in which a homeless man died.

This is the fourth case filed against the actor in connection with poaching animals during the filming of the 1998 movie Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Salman Khan has been acquitted in three of those cases.

YouTube Shooting: Woman Shoots Three People at San Bruno HQ

Diane A. Wade
-
0
YouTube Shooting: Woman Shoots Three People at San Bruno HQ

Three people have been shot and wounded by a woman attacker at YouTube’s headquarters in Northern California before killing herself, police say.

The suspect has been identified as Nasim Aghdam, 39, a Californian resident of Iranian descent, and police say they are still investigating a motive.

According to police, there is no evidence yet that Nasim Aghdam knew the victims, a 36-year-old man said to be in a critical condition, and two women aged 32 and 27.

Nasim Aghdam had in the past posted material venting anger at YouTube.

She is reported to have approached an outdoor patio and dining area at the offices in San Bruno, near San Francisco, at about lunchtime and opened fire with a handgun.

San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini said officers arrived at the offices at 12:48 local time to find a “chaotic scene”, with numerous people fleeing.

Parkland Shooting: At Least 17 Killed and Many Injured in Florida High School Attack

Rancho Tehama Shooting: Four People Shot Dead and Other Ten Injured in Rampage

Images broadcast on local TV stations showed employees leaving with their hands raised. Other footage showed evacuees forming a queue before being individually frisked by police.

One person with a bullet wound was found at the front of the company headquarters, Ed Barberini said. Minutes later officers found a woman who appeared to have shot herself, he said.

Two further victims were later discovered at an adjacent business.

An employee at a nearby fast food restaurant told Fox station KTVU he had treated a young woman who suffered a bullet wound to the leg.

The man said he had fashioned a makeshift tourniquet from a bungee cord as they waited for first responders.

Several YouTube employees tweeted about the attack as it was taking place.

The three victims were taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Officials said the 32-year-old woman’s condition was serious and the 27-year-old’s condition was fair.

A fourth person was also taken to hospital with an ankle injury sustained while trying to escape, Ed Barberini said.

Some 1,700 people work at the YouTube HQ. The company is owned by Google and is the area’s biggest employer.

Nasim Aghdam appeared often on YouTube and in one of her videos criticized the platform for discriminating against and filtering her posts.

YouTube terminated Nasim Aghdam’s account following the shooting. Her Instagram and Facebook accounts have also been removed.

On her personal website she accused YouTube of taking steps to prevent her videos from getting views.

“There is no equal growth opportunity on YouTube or any other video sharing site. Your channel will grow if they want to!” she wrote.

There had been earlier media reports that the man shot was her boyfriend, but police later said: “At this time there is no evidence that the shooter knew the victims of this shooting or that individuals were specifically targeted.”

President Donald Trump said he had been briefed about the incident. He wrote on Twitter: “Was just briefed on the shooting at YouTube’s HQ in San Bruno, California. Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved. Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene.”

1...127128129...1,227Page 128 of 1,227