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Thailand: King Maha Vajiralongkorn Granted Full Ownership of Crown Assets

Diane A. Wade
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Thailand: King Maha Vajiralongkorn Granted Full Ownership of Crown Assets

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has been granted full, personal ownership of royal assets thought to be worth at least $30 billion.

Following a change in the law last year, the Crown Property Bureau, which controlled the royal fortune on behalf of the monarchy, transferred ownership of the assets.

It means taxes are liable on royal assets for the first time.

The 65-year-old king succeeded his much-revered father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch when he died in October 2016.

He became king in December 2016.

Thailand has strict lese majeste laws, which ban criticism of the monarchy. The laws have also shielded the royal family from public view and scrutiny.

Image source Wikimedia

King Maha Vajiralongkorn: Crown Prince Proclaimed Thailand’s New King

In a statement, the Crown Property Bureau (CPB) said it was required “to return whatever asset of the Crown property previously under its charge to His Majesty so that His Majesty may take decisions on all matters pertaining to their charge and management at his discretion”.

The assets include shares in various companies.

The Crown Property Bureau’s statement went on to say: “His Majesty made the decision to make the ‘Crown Property Assets’ be subject to the same duties and taxation as would assets belonging to any other citizen.”

The CPB also pledged to ensure the management of assets would be “transparent and open to scrutiny”.

It has been managing royal assets since it was established in 1938 and, until now, has been run by at least four royally-appointed directors and included the minister of finance.

The extent of the CPB’s wealth is not known. In 2012, Forbes magazine estimated the CPB’s value in property and other investments came to more than $30 billion.

Stock exchange data in March showed King Vajiralongkorn acquired a nearly $150 million stake in Siam Cement Group Pcl and, in October, shares worth over $500 million in Siam Commercial Bank were transferred to the king, Reuters reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOBe0qysN0Q

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Business Expenses

Dana R
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Smart Ways to Reduce Your Business Expenses

Business owners who are always in search of ways to reduce their expenses and become more efficient are more likely to enjoy higher profit margins. But what are some the best ways to trim your company’s expenses on a day-to-day basis? Check out the tips below if you are a businessperson who wants to be more financially savvy.

Business

Analyze Your Vendors Often

Sure, you could receive some much-needed funding quickly by working with a group like Lendr, but when you want to lower your expenses for the long run, checking on the vendors that you use is a great place to start.

A semi-annual or even an annual, review of your most important and most often used vendors is a way that you can check on what you are spending, and whether it is all worthwhile. And this is especially important if you are locked into contracts that renew, as you could stop an automatic renewal if you realize that you are overspending. You could even go to a vendor and let them know that you are thinking about heading to a competitor if they are unable to reduce their prices for you.

Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

Outsourcing is a surprising way to save money when you need to get something done, whether you need to have a website designed, articles written for your blog, or videos made for your YouTube channel. If you outsource by hiring contractors, rather than hiring full-time staff for all of these tasks, you can really cut back on your expenses.

Because there are many websites that make it easy to find freelancers from around the world, locating the professionals that you need is no longer a difficult process, and you can find the right pro who will work with your budget too.

Make Purchases Instead of Renting

Paying monthly fees isn’t always avoidable, such as when it comes to your internet and phone service provider, but if you are renting equipment and paying a fee every month instead of purchasing it, you might be spending far more than you should.

A lot of businesses need office equipment, manufacturing equipment, company vehicles, and more. Instead of purchasing these items, they might end up leasing what they need. But if you crunch the numbers, you might find that a lease will cause you to spend more money over the long run than the purchase price itself. Ouch! So, before you sign on to another lease, calculate what your costs will be. If it makes sense to purchase, and you have the funds available or you could get on a payment plan that works with your budget, consider choosing that option.

These are just a few of the many ways that you could begin to reduce your business’s expenses every month. Then, as you begin to cut back on more and more of your costs, you should find that your profits increase. And with more money in the bank, you could focus on growing your business.

France: Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron’s Dinner Service Sparks Cash Row

Nancy Clayson
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France: Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron’s Dinner Service Sparks Cash Row

France’s President Emmanuel Macron and the first lady are the center of allegations that the Élysée Palace is shelling out a fortune on a new dinner service while complaining about the scale of the welfare budget.

The 1,200-piece set, chosen by Brigitte Macron, cost €50,000 ($59,000), the state said.

However, a leading satirical magazine says the real cost is nearer €500,000.

The claim surfaced as a video emerged of President Emmanuel Macron talking of “shedloads of cash” spent on benefits.

The video, posted on Twitter by Emmanuel Macron’s communications spokesman, went viral and prompted accusations of contempt for the poor, feeding into perceptions of a privileged president aloof from how the public live.

Some of the Élysée crockery dates back to Jacques Chirac’s time as president over a decade ago, and some even from René Coty’s time in the 1950s.

According to officials, the dinner service has to be replaced because it is getting old and is no longer complete.

Image source Wikimedia

Emmanuel Macron’s Dog Nemo Filmed While Urinating on Elysée Fireplace

The Sèvres porcelain factory has historically supplied the Élysée with its ceramics since 1848. The Bleu Élysée design by Évariste Richer is a sketch of the presidential palace itself.

The Élysée said the bill for producing the 900 plates and 300 side plates came out of the factory’s annual budget. So the cost of €50,000 was for paying the artists involved in creating the design.

However, Le Canard enchaîné magazine calculated the real cost of hand-painting 1,200 plates was far higher, at least €400 a plate. That would be almost 10 times the official estimated cost.

Others have put the bill at closer to €200 a plate and pointed out that the factory is 60% funded by the culture ministry to the tune of €3.6 million a year. The head of the porcelain factory supervising the project said the price of the dinner service had not yet been worked out, but the bill would not be charged to the presidential palace.

Observers say the timing of the dinner revelations is awkward, after a video went viral showing President Macron talking about money in colloquial language.

In the video, circulated by his head of communications, Sibeth Ndiaye, Emmanuel Macron is heard saying in passionate terms: “Look where we are on welfare. We plough a shedload of cash into subsistence benefits, and people are still poor.

“They don’t get out. People who are born poor stay poor. We’ve got to have something that enables people to get out of it.”

President Macron later gave a speech in the southern city of Montpellier spelling out the need to review a benefit system that lacked humanity, paid out increasing amounts of in-work benefits and stigmatized recipients.

Commentators pointed to a remark made by the president last year when he accused opponents of his plans to reform French labor laws as “lazy”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lq-RbIitMM

Exploring Why IoT Is So Crucial and Irreplaceable Nowadays

Nancy Clayson
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Exploring Why IoT Is So Crucial and Irreplaceable Nowadays

In the modern world of technology, there is no wonder we have a lot of terms appearing day by day. Just for a moment, imagine a world in which every gadget is connected to other ones, where the lights turn on automatically when a vehicle approaches, and the front entry consequently opens when there is an individual near it, however, stays locked when a person is on the front step. Do you like the scene? Well, that is the kind of world the Internet of Things can make effortlessly nowadays.

Whether you are a student that wants to try custom research paper writing service for writing essay about IoT or an ordinary man/woman interested in technology, you will get something useful from this article. Sounds interesting? We are here to give you the basic information about the Internet of Things and its specifics. At the present time, the IoT is not the same speedy web – rather it is a developed system of gadgets that are associated with the Internet, that are utilized every day with Google, transfer pictures and interact with friends.

Image source www.flickr.com

The Definition and the Most Famous Deatures of the IoT You Will Appreciate

As for now, let us look deeper into the topic. In the broadest sense, the term IoT includes everything associated with the web, however, it is progressively being utilized to characterize objects that “talk” to one another. Essentially, the Internet of Things is comprised of devices: from straightforward sensors to cell phones and wearables which are associated together. That is the simplest way how the Internet of things is explained to those who know a little about technologies today and the value of the Internet of Things within Web.

By joining these associated gadgets with computerized frameworks, it is conceivable to accumulate data, investigate it and make an activity to help somebody with a specific assignment or gain from a procedure. As a general rule, this reaches from brilliant mirrors to signals in shops and beyond. Here are some of the characteristics of the Internet of Things today:

  • The service promises perfect insight of one’s expectations. Calculations and registers (i.e. programming and equipment) give the “spark” that influences an item. Consider Misfit Shine, a fitness tracker, contrasted with Nest’s shrewd indoor regulator. The Shine encounter conveys figure assignments between cloud and a cell phone. The Nest indoor regulator has more process drive for the AI that make them keen
  • Some of the most famous features we have is the availability and connectivity users enjoy. Availability empowers organizing openness and similarity. Openness is getting on a system while similarity gives the regular capacity to expand and deliver information. If this sounds recognizable, that is because it is Metcalfe’s Law and it seems to be accurate for IoT
  • With this service, you are able to detect the most precious innovations quickly. We strive to underestimate our capacity to comprehend the physical world and individuals around us. Detecting innovations give us the way to make experiences that mirror a genuine attention to the physical world and the general population in it. This is basically the simple contribution from the physical world, however, it can give rich comprehension of our world
  • It guarantees you a perfect communication and adhering to one’s needs. It empowers intelligence among individuals and within the physical world. Regardless of whether it is a savvy home or a homestead with keen horticulture innovation, communicating gives us a way to make items that cooperate brilliantly with this present reality. This implies something other than rendering excellent UIs to a screen. Communicating enables us to yield to this present reality and straightforwardly associate with individuals and the earth
  • Vitality of a service that brings user to a great world of energy. Without energy, we cannot breathe life into our manifestations. The issue is we cannot produce and make millions of things that all keep running on batteries. Vitality collecting, control effectiveness, and charging foundation are fundamental parts of a power astute environment that we should outline. Nowadays, it is sadly deficient and does not have the focal point of numerous item groups
  • A user might be sure about his or her security. As we pick up efficiencies, novel encounters, and different advantages from the IoT, we should not disregard security. As both the makers and beneficiaries of the IoT, we should outline for wellbeing. This incorporates the security of our own information and the wellbeing of our physical prosperity. Securing the endpoints, the systems, and the information moving over every last bit of it implies making a security worldview that will scale

By confining IoT outline with these attributes, multi-train groups can work over their spaces to influence tradeoffs in cooperation to plan programming structures and plans of action. Normally a solitary item or administration may dial up or dial down these qualities relying upon the idea of client experience and requirements forced by ecological and business factors.

Image source www.flickr.com

The Role of the IoT Today

As for now, we can think why the Internet of things is important if there are other methods to connect some devices. The importance of IoT is widely discussed among students and scientists. It is clear why. During the time of the development of the IoT, there have been numerous issues to consider. What do simple users get while using the IoT, if they are not interested in collecting energy, waste management, security, etc.?

Imagine a teacher’s, doctor’s or firefighter’s facility with connected gadgets. The information gathered from those gadgets outputs data on the status of patients and conducts an investigation on the different checking and monitoring machines, helping the healing center to keep running as ideally as could be allowed. The accumulation of information from gadgets will permit shoppers, organizations and even whole associated urban areas to run more proficiently. Nonetheless, gathering a lot of information presents some challenges.

Macedonia to Become Republic of North Macedonia after Reaching Name Deal with Greece

Diane A. Wade
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Macedonia to Become Republic of North Macedonia after Reaching Name Deal with Greece

Greece and Macedonia have reached a deal regarding the latter’s name, which called itself Macedonia at the break-up of the former Yugoslavia.

After 27 years of talks – and many protests, Greece and its northern neighbor have settled on the name Republic of North Macedonia, or Severna Makedonija in Macedonian.

Greece had objected to the name Macedonia, fearing territorial claims on its eponymous northern region.

It had vetoed Macedonia’s bid to join NATO and the European Union.

The name Republic of North Macedonia will now need to be approved by the Macedonian people and Greek parliament.

Under the deal, the country known at the UN as Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will be named Severna Makedonija, or Republic of North Macedonia.

Its language will be Macedonian and its people known as Macedonians (citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia).

Image source Wikimedia

Greece: Huge Athens Rally over Macedonia Name Dispute

The two countries agreed that the new name would be used both internationally and bilaterally, so that even the 140 or more countries that recognize the name Macedonia will also have to adopt North Macedonia.

They also agreed that the English name could be used as well as the Slavic term.

The two sides had earlier dropped a number of alternatives, including Gorna Makedonija (Upper Macedonia), Nova Makedonija (New Macedonia) and Ilinden Macedonia.

The name Macedonia already belongs to a northern region of Greece that includes the country’s second city Thessaloniki. By adopting the same identity in 1991, the new Slavic nation infuriated many Greeks, who suspected their northern neighbor of territorial ambitions.

The new Macedonians did not help matters when they named the main airport in the capital, Skopje, after Ancient Greek hero Alexander the Great, as well as a key motorway running from the Serbian to the Greek border.

During the 4th Century BC, the Macedonia of Alexander and his father Philip II before him ruled all of Greece and much beyond it.

When the Ottomans were driven out of the broad region known as Macedonia during the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, it was split up, mainly between Greece and Serbia, but a small part went to Bulgaria.

In World War Two, Greek and Yugoslav Macedonia were occupied by Bulgaria, an ally of Nazi Germany and Italy. Communists from both Yugoslavia and Bulgaria played a part in the Greek civil war that followed, so memories are still raw.

When Yugoslavia broke up, Greece would only accept the new country as “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)” at the UN, even though much of the world came to recognize it as Macedonia.

Trump-Kim Summit: Donald Trump Praises Historic Talks With North Korean Leader

Diane A. Wade
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Trump-Kim Summit: Donald Trump Praises Historic Talks With North Korean Leader

President Donald Trump has praised his historic talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that ended in a joint agreement were “tremendous”.

The agreement includes a pledge from Kim Jong-un to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons.

However, in an extraordinary media conference later, President Trump announced details not in the paper.

The American president said he would halt US military exercises in South Korea, something widely seen as a concession.

The Singapore meeting was the first time a sitting US president has met North Korea’s leader, and caps a remarkable turnaround for the two.

For both leaders the meeting brought much to gain as well as considerable risk.

The meeting is seen by North Korea as a way of bringing legitimacy to a nation long regarded as a pariah.

The summit centered on nuclear disarmament and reducing tensions.

The agreement said the US and North Korea would co-operate towards “new relations”, while the US would provide “security guarantees” to North Korea.

On nuclear weapons, Kim Jong-un “reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula”.

Observers say the document lacks substance, in particular on how denuclearization would be achieved.

Photo AP

Trump-Kim Summit To Take Place at Capella Hotel on Singapore’s Sentosa Island

Speaking to reporters, President Donald Trump revealed:

  • The US would suspend “provocative” drills it holds with South Korea. He wanted to see US troops withdraw from South Korea. A spokesperson for the US forces said they had yet to receive any new guidance
  • On denuclearization, Kim Jong-un had agreed to it being “verified”, a key US demand ahead of the meeting
  • they had also agreed to destroy a “major missile engine testing site”
  • however, sanctions would remain in place for now and argued “we haven’t given up anything”.

Several reporters asked whether President Trump had raised the issue of human rights with Kim Jong-un, who runs a totalitarian regime with extreme censorship and forced-labor camps.

President Trump said he had, and did not retract his description of Kim Jong-un as “talented”.

He said: “Well, he is very talented.

“Anybody that takes over a situation like he did at 26 years of age and is able to run it and run it tough. I don’t say he was nice.”

In a post-summit interview with ABC News, President Trump said he was confident that the agreement meant full denuclearization.

“Yeah, he’s de-nuking, I mean he’s de-nuking the whole place. It’s going to start very quickly. I think he’s going to start now,” he said.

“I think he trusts me and I trust him,” the president added.

Sitting alongside each other, ahead of a one-on-one meeting, President Trump and Kim Jong-un appeared relaxed against the odds.

Kim Jong-un said: “It was not easy to get here.

“There were obstacles but we overcame them to be here.”

The two leaders, accompanied only by interpreters, spoke for a little under 40 minutes. They were then joined by small delegations of advisers for a working lunch.

Over lunch Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un shared a mix of Western and Korean dishes, including stuffed cucumbers and Daegu jorim, a soy-braised fish dish.

French Open 2018: Rafael Nadal Wins His 11th Title After Beating Dominic Thiem

Clyde K. Valle
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French Open 2018: Rafael Nadal Wins His 11th Title After Beating Dominic Thiem

Rafael Nadal won his 11th French Open title at this year’s Roland Garros tournament by beating Dominic Thiem in straight sets.

The 32-year-old world No. 1 won 6-4 6-3 6-2 to earn his 17th Grand Slam, three adrift of Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record.

Rafael Nadal edged an intense opening set, tightening his grip in the second.

Despite having cramp in the third the Spaniard increased the tempo further, beating the Austrian in his first major final when the 24-year-old returned long.

Image source WTA

French Open 2018: Simona Halep Wins Her First Grand Slam Title After Beating Sloane Stephens

After the match, Rafael Nadal said: “It’s a dream to win 11 times.

“It was important to play the way I did. It was a tough moment when I got cramp. He is a player who pushes you to the limit.”

The victory means the past six Grand Slam titles have been won by either Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer with the next generation of players finding it hard to break the veterans’ stranglehold on the game.

Rafael Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973.

French Open 2018: Simona Halep Wins Her First Grand Slam Title After Beating Sloane Stephens

Clyde K. Valle
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French Open 2018: Simona Halep Wins Her First Grand Slam Title After Beating Sloane Stephens

Simona Halep, the current world No 1, finally won her first Grand Slam title with a gutsy comeback victory over American 10th seed Sloane Stephens in this year’s French Open final.

The 26-year-old had lost in two previous French Open finals – to Maria Sharapova in 2014 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2017 – and against Caroline Wozniacki in this year’s Australian Open showpiece.

Simona Halep, went a set and a break down at Roland Garros.

However, the Romanian battled back to take a see-saw second set against the US Open champion.

Simona Halep then raced away with the third to win 3-6 6-4 6-1.

Image source WTA

Indian Wells 2015: Simona Halep wins BNP Paribas Open final after beating Jelena Jankovic

She said in the build-up to this match that she felt relaxed and would not be fazed by the pressure of winning her first Slam.

After the match, Simona Halep said: “I did everything I could. It is amazing what is happening now.

“I have been dreaming for this moment since I started playing tennis.”

Simona Halep clinched victory with her first match point, Stephens unable to return a powerful first serve.

The top seed dropped her racquet in celebration, covering her face with both hands before Sloane Stephens walked around the net to warmly hug the champion.

Given a standing ovation by the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, a tearful Simona Halep climbed into the stand behind the baseline to celebrate with her family and coaching team.

Game of Thrones Could Be Getting A Prequel Series

Sonia Pantiss
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Game of Thrones Could Be Getting A Prequel Series

HBO has announced that Game of Thrones could be getting a prequel series, one of five potential spinoffs of the series.

Author George RR Martin created the new series alongside screenwriter Jane Goldman.

The channel has ordered a pilot episode for the show, set thousands of years before the battles over the Iron Throne.

HBO executives say any spinoff will not be broadcast until after Game of Thrones‘ final season in 2019.

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The channel said in statement if picked up, the prequel will chronicle “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour”.

“From the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East, to the Starks of legend… it’s not the story we think we know.”

British author Jane Goldman, who wrote Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class and the Kingsman films, will serve as a showrunner for the as-yet-unnamed show.

Game of Thrones is HBO’s most popular series to date. It has won multiple Emmy awards and drawn tens of millions of viewers worldwide.

G7 Summit 2018: President Trump Wants Russia to Be Readmitted

Diane A. Wade
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G7 Summit 2018: President Trump Wants Russia to Be Readmitted

President Donald Trump, who is attending the G7 summit in Canada, says Russia should be part of the group.

Russia was expelled in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, but President Trump said he wanted the country readmitted.

Fellow members of what was then the G8 suspended Russia after it took control of Crimea, saying it would remain until Russia “changes course”.

The build-up to the meeting has seen major disagreements between President Trump and other nations over his imposition of trade tariffs.

There are also likely to be disagreements with the US president over Iran and climate change.

The G7 summit, which groups the US, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and Germany, is being held in the town of La Malbaie in Quebec.

Image NBC News

G7: Russia faces further economic sanctions over Ukraine crisis

The leaders of the nations, which represent more than 60% of global net worth, meet annually. Economics tops the agenda, although the meetings now always branch off to cover major global issues.

President Trump said he regretted the meeting had shrunk in size, putting him at odds with most other G7 members on yet another issue.

He said: “You know, whether you like it or – and it may not be politically correct – but we have a world to run and in the G7, which used to be the G8, they threw Russia out. They should let Russia come back in.”

President Trump found support in the shape of the newly installed Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, who tweeted that it was “in the interests of everyone” for Russia to be readmitted.

Canada, France and the UK though immediately signaled they remain opposed to Russian re-entry. A Kremlin spokesperson said they were interested in “other formats”, apart from the G7.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is currently in Beijing, where he was presented with a friendship medal by Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain Found Dead in France

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain Found Dead in France

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has been found dead in a hotel room of an apparent suicide.

The 61-year-old was near Strasbourg, France, working on a shoot for his CNN series, Parts Unknown.

CNN said in a statement on June 8: “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain.”

Anthony Bourdain was a best-selling food, fiction and nonfiction author.

The network’s statement continued: “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.

“His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Image source Wikipedia

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Authorities in France’s Alsace region confirmed Anthony Bourdain’s death at Le Chambard luxury hotel in Kaysersberg, AFP reported, adding that no foul play was suspected.

Anthony Bourdain’s death comes days after the suicide of another much-loved celebrity, 55-year-old fashion designer Kate Spade, in New York.

He shot to fame in 2000 with a best-selling book called Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, a behind-the-scenes expose on the world of haute cuisine.

His first TV show was A Cook’s Tour on the Food Network in 2002. Three years later he joined the Travel Channel with Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, picking up two Emmy Awards.

Anthony Bourdain moved to CNN in 2013 with a new travel and food show, Parts Unknown, which is in its 11th season.

China: US Embassy Removes Staff over Mystery Illness

Diane A. Wade
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China: US Embassy Removes Staff over Mystery Illness

Several American officials have been removed from China over fears they have contracted the same mysterious illness that affected staff in Cuba.

The US employees, who were working in the southern city of Guangzhou, had reported hearing odd noises.

In 2017, twenty four US staff working at the Cuba embassy suffered brain injuries after reporting “auditory sensations”.

The incidents have raised concerns that a government or agency may be targeting the US with a new type of sonic weapon.

The cases come at a time when China-US relations have been strained amid fears of a trade war.

This month, the State Department issued a health warning to its staff saying an employee in China had reported “subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure”.

Image source Pixabay

Cuba Sonic Attack: US Withdraws Embassy Staff

Cuba Sonic Attack: State Department Reveals Details of Suspected Acoustic Attack on US Diplomats

Cuba Mystery Illness: Canadian Diplomat Treated for Hearing Loss and Headaches

The State Department said it was taking the reports seriously, but did not yet know the cause, and warned staff to move to a safe place if they encountered any “unusual acute auditory or sensory phenomena accompanied by unusual sounds or piercing noises”.

One US official was diagnosed with mild brain trauma, the same injury that affected the Cuban embassy staff.

The State Department has warned that US diplomats should alert their mission’s medical staff “if they note new onset of symptoms that may have begun in association with experiencing unidentified auditory sensations”.

It said it had sent a team to Guangzhou and set up a task force to oversee the response to the mystery attacks in China and Cuba.

Cuba has denied targeting embassy staff, and the US has not blamed the country’s government for the suspected attacks.

According to specialists, symptoms of a sonic attack may include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, bowel spasms, vertigo, permanent hearing loss and even brain damage.

Trump-Kim Summit To Take Place at Capella Hotel on Singapore’s Sentosa Island

Diane A. Wade
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0
Trump-Kim Summit To Take Place at Capella Hotel on Singapore’s Sentosa Island

President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meeting will take place at the five-star Capella Hotel on the Singaporean island of Sentosa, the White House has confirmed.

The June 12 summit was called off two weeks ago by President Trump but has since been salvaged after a flurry of contacts between the two sides.

On June 5, President Trump said that plans were “moving along very nicely”.

The US wants Kim Jong-un to commit to giving up his nuclear weapons.

However, it is unclear exactly what is on the table for the discussions in Singapore. President Trump has suggested the first meeting will kick off a longer process of negotiations, calling it a “get-to-know-you situation”.

He told reporters: “A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip.

“It’s very important – it’ll be a very important couple of days.”

The summit would represent the first ever meeting between a US sitting president and a North Korean leader.

Photo AP

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White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed on Twitter that the summit would take place at the Capella Hotel.

However, it appears that the two leaders will stay elsewhere. President Trump will likely be at the Shangri-La Hotel, where US presidents have stayed before, while Kim Jong-un will probably stay at the St Regis Singapore, the Straits Times newspaper reports. The two hotels are on the main island, near the famous Orchard Road shopping strip.

Sentosa is one of 63 islands that make up Singapore.

The 500-hectare island, only a short distance from the main island, is home to luxury resorts, private marinas and plush golf clubs.

The island also has a dark history of piracy, bloodshed and war.

Singapore was established as a British trading post in the 19th Century. Its prime location on the major sea route between India and China made it an ideal choice.

Even before British rule, Singapore was a flourishing trade centre, frequented by merchants and traders, as well as pirates.

Sentosa was known at that time as Pulau Blakang Mati, which directly translates as the “island behind death” – a reference to its violent piracy reputation.

The island’s population was mostly Malay, Chinese and the Bugis – seafarers originally from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Guatemala: Fuego Volcano Eruption Kills at Least 25

Nancy Clayson
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Guatemala: Fuego Volcano Eruption Kills at Least 25

At least 25 people have been killed by Guatemala’s most violent volcano eruption in more than a century.

The Fuego volcano, about 25 miles south-west of the capital Guatemala City, spewed rock, gas and ash into the sky on June 3.

Fast-moving flows hit villages, killing people inside their homes. Hundreds were injured and many are missing. Guatemala’s main airport is closed.

President Jimmy Morales has declared three days of national mourning.

In a statement issued on June 3, President Morales spoke of Guatemala’s “deep pain” caused by the “irreparable losses” in human lives.

Image source Wikimedia

Hawaii: Kilauea Volcano’s Explosive Eruption Sends Ash 30,000Ft into Sky

Turrialba Volcano Ash Covers Central Costa Rica

Hundreds of personnel from the police, Red Cross and military have been deployed, organizing evacuations and setting up temporary shelters.

Videos published by local media show rescuers attending to people covered in ash and bodies lying on top of lava flows.

Sergio Cabañas, head of the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (CONRED), said the town of El Rodeo had been “buried”.

Other towns affected include Alotenango and San Miguel los Lotes. Rescuers are still trying to reach a number of villages and the death toll is expected to rise.

Fuego is one of Latin America’s most active volcanoes. A major eruption devastated nearby farms in 1974, but no deaths were recorded.

Another eruption in February this year sent ash 1.1 mile into the sky.

Today’s event was on a much greater scale. Hot rock mixed with gas rushed down the mountainside and engulfed villages. Ash reached up to more than 4 miles.

This is Guatemala’s deadliest such event since 1902, when an eruption of the Santa Maria volcano killed thousands of people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s43ecfXxPM4

White Kitchen Designs 2018

Dana R
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White Kitchen Designs 2018

Crossing the divide

There are few things that can both live in classic and contemporary kitchen worlds but one of them is a clean, white kitchen. It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a new kitchen in a bygone, farmhouse style or conversely, with a sleek, modern look, a white kitchen can make the space feel clean and fresh, adding a perceived dimension of space to even the smallest of areas.

Kitchen

Everything fits

It’s always important to plan ahead but it’s not that difficult to obtain all the materials required for an ice white kitchen look. A fireclay sink is possibly the best choice, as it’s resistant to scratches and staining, whilst being easy to clean. Another option is an enamel-coated cast iron sink, which is very durable but requires strong cabinets to support the weight. White fridge styles can vary to fit any modern or classic style whilst white cabinetry is among the most varied options on the market. White subway tiles add a touch of class whilst there is a fine array of white material options for kitchen worktops.

A materially good option

One of the most important choices for any white kitchen is the kitchen worktop. Two of the most popular options are marble and quartz. Marble kitchen worktops are classic and beautiful and would adorn any kitchen but there are some drawbacks. Marble is susceptible to chipping and cracking when not treated well, as well as staining when coming into contact with wine, chemical detergents and other acidic liquids, like juices. There is some maintenance and it needs to be sealed, as marble is porous and can house bacteria

Quartz worktops are fast becoming the most popular white surface for consumers and designers. Coming in a variety of patterns, there is an almost unending choice of quartz worktops. Furthermore, quartz is one of the hardest substances on earth and is resistant to scratching, chipping and staining and being non-porous it is a very hygienic substance for white kitchen worktops.

Kitchen.

A splash of colour

Even those homeowners, who are focused on a pure white kitchen, can still have their creation benefit from a hint of colour, to contrast the whiteness of: cabinetry, shelving, appliances, sinks and kitchen worktops. Perhaps an all-white kitchen with a dark wood floor or a hint of lime or red on the window panels, can add a touch of contemporary class to this clean, white finish. Even adorning the pure white island with dark stools can just give that much needed warmth, and will avoid a cold, clinical, even surgical look that should be avoided.

The people’s choice

White kitchen worktops are the favourite concept for homeowners, interior designers and architects today. There are so many choices, styles and materials available to suit any taste, especially when there are kitchen specialists on hand with their creative and innovative collections to turn dreams into reality.

Jordan: Thousands Protest against Tax Rises and Austerity Measures

Diane A. Wade
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Jordan: Thousands Protest against Tax Rises and Austerity Measures

Thousands of demonstrators have protested in Jordan for a third consecutive night against tax rises and austerity measures.

There are the biggest demonstrations in years.

Riot police fired tear gas and blocked roads in the capital Amman to stop protesters getting close to the cabinet office.

The protesters say a new tax bill backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will hurt the poor and middle class.

King Abdullah of Jordan has called for compromise from all sides.

Protesters chanted anti-government slogans and called for King Abdullah to dismiss PM Hani Mulki have been holding vigils near the cabinet office.

Image source Wikimediameasures

Iran Protests: Revolutionary Guards Threaten Crackdown

There have also been some protests in provincial towns, where police have reportedly used tear gas. In the southern town of Maan protesters burned tires on highways and there were scuffles with police, Reuters reported.

Jordanians have seen prices rise with salaries failing to keep up.

On June 1, King Abdullah intervened to freeze an increase in fuel prices.

However, the protesters are angriest about the proposed tax bill, which they fear will further worsen living standards.

PM Hani Mulki has refused to scrap the IMF-backed tax bill, saying it was up to parliament to decide whether to pass it or not.

The government says it needs the money to fund public services and says the new tax bill will see higher earners pay more.

Earlier this year sales tax was increased and bread subsidies were scrapped as part of a plan to cut Jordan’s debt.

Hani Mulki said he hoped the reforms needed to get Jordan’s economy “back on track” would be complete by mid-2019.

King Abdullah has said that conflict in neighboring Syria and Iraq has worsened Jordan’s financial situation.

Trump-Kim Summit Is Back On

Diane A. Wade
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Trump-Kim Summit Is Back On

President Donald Trump has announced his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12 is back on, a week after it was scrapped.

The president made the announcement after talks with senior North Korean envoy Kim Yong-chol at the White House.

General Kim Yong-chol hand-delivered a letter from Kim Jong-un to President Trump.

President Trump at first said the letter was “very interesting” but later said he had not yet opened it.

He also said the issue of formally ending the Korean War would be on the table in Singapore.

The 1950-1953 war only ended with a truce, not a final peace treaty.

Photo AP

North Korea: Former Spy Chief Kim Yong-chol Travels to US for Talks

President Donald Trump Pulls Out of Upcoming North Korea Summit

North Korea Destroyed Punggye-ri Nuclear Tunnels

President Trump told reporters on the White House lawn: “We’ll be meeting on June 12th in Singapore. It went very well.”

“We’ve got to know their people very well,” he added.

President Trump cautioned that the summit might not achieve a final deal on North Korea’s controversial nuclear program.

“I never said it goes in one meeting. I think it’s going to be a process, but the relationships are building and that’s very positive,” President Trump said.

The historic meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un would be the first between sitting US and North Korean leaders. President Trump has offered to help rebuild North Korea’s economy if it scraps its nuclear weapons. Kim Jong-un says he is committed to “denuclearization” in some form but his precise demands are unclear.

Steel Tariffs: EU, Canada and Mexico Plan Retaliatory Moves

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Steel Tariffs: EU, Canada and Mexico Plan Retaliatory Moves

The EU, Canada and Mexico are planning retaliatory moves after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US.

The EU issued a 10-page list of tariffs on US goods ranging from Harley-Davidson motorcycles to food products.

It also plans to challenge the move at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

President Trump claimed the tariffs would protect US steelmakers, which were vital to national security.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron called President Trump to tell him the tariffs were “illegal” – a term echoed by Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee.

The European Parliament hoped a trade war could be avoided but warned that President Trump’s action demonstrated the US president was “not willing to stick to the rules”.

Image source Wikimedia

Trump Administration to Investigate Cheap Steel Imports

President Trump Threatens $100 Billion More in China Tariffs

Germany’s Economy Minister, Peter Altmaier, hoped a decisive EU response would make President Trump reconsider his decision.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said the US move was “totally unacceptable” and rejected the claim that his country posed a national security threat to America.

Canada plans to impose tariffs of up to 25% on about $13 billion worth of US exports from July 1. Goods affected will include some American steel, as well as consumer products such as yoghurt, whiskey and coffee.

Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said his country was planning new duties for imports of steel, pork, apples, grapes, blueberries and cheese from the US.

Opposition to the tariffs was also voiced by prominent Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan, the most influential Republican in Congress, said the move “targets America’s allies when we should be working with them to address the unfair trading practices of countries like China”.

President Trump first announced plans for the tariffs in March, but granted some exemptions while countries negotiated.

Steel prices in the US have already risen due to the uncertainty and may increase as the tariffs hit imports.

Consumers outside the US could see prices of some goods fall, while those in America may end up paying more.

Kim Kardashian Meets President Trump to Discuss Alice Marie Johnson’s Pardon

Nancy Clayson
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Kim Kardashian Meets President Trump to Discuss Alice Marie Johnson’s Pardon

Kim Kardashian has discussed with President Donald Trump a potential pardon for Alice Marie Johnson, a great-grandmother who is serving life in prison.

Alice Marie Johnson, 63, has been behind bars for more than two decades for a first-time drug offence.

President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has also been speaking with Kim Kardashian West about the case for months.

The president tweeted that they had a “great meeting”.

Alice Marie Johnson’s story first caught Kim Kardashian’s eye after she saw a short video about the case posted on social media.

Kim Kardashian was moved to ask her longtime personal lawyer, Shawn Holley, to take a look at the case and is paying for a new legal team for Alice Marie Johnson.

She was also able to join forces with Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to President Trump who has been pushing for federal prison reform.

Image source Twitter

Kim Kardashian Drops Court Case Against Media TakeOut

Jared Kushner’s First Step Act, which allots $50 million for rehabilitative programs for inmates, in the House of Representatives last week.

According to Alice Marie Johnson’s daughters, the process has sped up considerably since Kim Kardashian’s involvement.

On the meeting with President Trump, Kim Kardashian said she was hopeful Johnson would get a “second chance at life”.

Alice Marie Johnson was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for a first-time, non-violent drug offence. The woman was convicted of being a “telephone mule”, relaying messages between drug distributors and sellers.

According to her family and supporters, Alice Marie Johnson has been a model inmate who is active in many programs, including work in the prison hospice. She fitted all of the criteria for former President Barack Obama’s Clemency Project 2014, but was denied just days before the end of his term.

Despite that, Kim Kardashian’s interest appears to have revitalized the effort.

Amy Povah, the founder of CAN-DO Clemency, has been advocating for Alice Marie Johnson’s release since 2014 and says she has helped collect signatures from 70 organizations who support the pardon, as well as a letter of support from the retired warden of Johnson’s prison.

All of that material may be submitted to President Trump.

Makeup Trends in 2018

Lisa.Felice
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Makeup Trends in 2018

What colors, shapes, and products will make you look gorgeous this year? The nude and pastel ones. Everything that is almost invisible is exactly what you need in 2018.

https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-highlighting-contouring-kits-12717

Adopting Your Makeup To 2018 Trends

A new year means new makeup trends. The following five directions are going to appear a lot this year both on the red carpet and on the streets. Fashion trends affect not only closing styles, colors, design, forms, textures, and other, but also the face image which fulfills the general idea. Though trends are changing each year and fashion often concerns not only pure unconditional beauty and health but also many other aspects including even politics.

Ways of figuring out the trends

There are several ways to determine your makeup set for the current season. The easiest way is to follow a blogger who will tell you everything from A to Z about which tones, brands, applicators to use and why. Cons of the method are time-consuming. You will need at least good hour to check everything out. Another option is to read a favorite magazine like Vogue or HarpersBazaar. There you can find the best overviews of fashion shows and trendsetting brands together with the celebrities’ looks. In other words, you will see the complete guideline in a magazine. The most complicated and time-consuming way is to research the latest fashion shows yourself and make your own opinion. It is hardly necessary for women who are not bloggers or celebrities.

No more contouring, only highlighters

During the last few years, the fashion setting makeup trend always included contouring. 2018 has become the official end of the exaggerated face contouring. Instead, Rihanna has started the trend of gold highlighter which is not actually lighter than a skin tone but is gold. It fits perfectly for those who have warm skin undertone. The pastel or silver tones fit perfectly for a cooler skin. The application is effortless. You only have to apply it as a regular highlighter or making a creative form on your cheek for a special occasion.

Eyeliner, lines

At the end of the day in 2017, there was only one official look to draw a line on the corner of your eye. Makeup brushes will be necessary for a gentle gradient. The line should have been very long, bold in the middle, and pointy towards the outside until it vanishes. 2018 offers more creative opportunities to make this line look trendy. The thick and filled wings, mini wings, unfilled wings, upside down lines and anything else that comes to your mind.

Peachy smokey

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/116249234113520386/

If you are a student and don’t have time and money for qualitative skin care products, the next trend will make you look gorgeous in a few minutes. You also can gain more time by shifting a few home works to the guys who will write my assignment in Australia service. The look is perfect for daily use. You can keep it quite discreet which also looks fresh at all ages. The idea is taking a technique of smokey eyes and perform it in a warm peachy or rose pastel palette. Gel texture will make it glow which is quite impressive.

Inner corner

It may be not perfect makeup for sensitive skin, especially the under eye area, but the inner corner of the eye must be highlighted. 2018 involves very subtle looks which involve not the whole area around the eye decoration but just the inner part of it. The rest area remains bare. It is not only cheap makeup but fast as well. You can do it right before going out with your fingertip. The matching tones remain pastel like white, cream white, silver, or pearl. It also looks very refreshing.

Pantone: purple

http://www.india.com/lifestyle/the-pantone-2018-color-is-ultra-violet-5-ways-to-use-pantone-ultra-violet-in-your-makeup-2728172/

Cheap cosmetics often has its cons like not lasting, wrong texture, not shimmering, and other. On the other hand, there is no point in buying trendy sets for significant amounts of money. The trends are changing, and the unused products go to the trash. It applies to purple pallets. In fact, purple and violet is a significant trend of 2018 no only in makeup. You will see it everywhere. You have plenty of options to apply the tone both on the lips and on the eyes.

To sum up, keep it nude

Organic makeup was and will always be trendy all times. Apart from decorative cosmetics remember to take good care of your scene which includes everyday hydrating, sun protecting, cleaning, massaging and treating if needed. The best makeup is the one that doesn’t include hiding your screen under bases and powders. They won’t do your pores healthier. The healthy shine comes from inside and makes you gorgeous. Here are the step-by-step daily scan care and decoration.

  1. Apply nursing SPF crème. Every day. This is the must.
  2. Light BB crème if you have different colors on your face skin.
  3. Under eye, concealer to cover the problem zones if needed.
  4. Superlight cheekbones contouring.
  5. Make the eyebrows visible by filling the spaces without changing the existing form.
  6. Brow pencil/shades for highlighting the under eyebrow area and make you look awake.
  7. Mascara and lip glow.
  8. Add one trendy element. If needed.

North Korea: Former Spy Chief Kim Yong-chol Travels to US for Talks

Roy Siemens
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0
North Korea: Former Spy Chief Kim Yong-chol Travels to US for Talks

General Kim Yong-chol, one of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s most senior officials, is thought to be travelling to the US, as preparations for a possible summit gather pace.

South Korean news agency Yonhap said Kim Yong-chol was due to arrive in the US on May 30, via Beijing.

His trip to the US could be part of preparation for a proposed meeting between the North Korean leader and President Donald Trump.

The summit was thrown into doubt after President Trump pulled out last week.

However, both sides have been working to get the summit – scheduled for June 12 in Singapore – back on track.

It would be the first time a North Korean leader has met a sitting US president.

Photo AP

President Donald Trump Pulls Out of Upcoming North Korea Summit

North Korea Destroyed Punggye-ri Nuclear Tunnels

Kim Yong-chol was scheduled to fly to New York on May 30, after speaking with Chinese officials in Beijing, Yonhap reported, citing diplomatic sources.

The former spy chief would be the most high-profile North Korean official to visit the US since 2000.

The apparent introduction of Kim Yong-chol to negotiations would be significant, as it would underline North Korea’s desire to ensure the talks go ahead.

He has been part of recent high-profile diplomatic overtures by North Korea.

Kim Yong-chol, 72, is a controversial figure in neighboring South Korea, and previously served as a negotiator in inter-Korean talks.

During his time as a military intelligence head, Kim Yong-chol was accused of being behind attacks on South Korean targets, including the torpedoing of a South Korea warship which killed 46 seamen, as well as the 2014 hacking of Sony Pictures.

As a result of these incidents, the US imposed personal sanctions on him in 2010 and 2015.

Despite reportedly being punished for an “overbearing attitude” in 2016, Kim Yong-chol has continued to hold senior posts in the army and party, and was the head of North Korea’s delegation to the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.

He is regularly seen at Kim Jongg-un’s side and has attended meetings with the leaders of China and South Korea, and met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang.

In February, Kim Yong-chol was sent to the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where he sat close to President Trump’s daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump.

5 Cities To Visit In California On Your Trip Out West

Dana R
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5 Cities To Visit In California On Your Trip Out West

california

Image Credit:  Pixabay

California has long been known as one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S.  With beautiful beaches, warm weather and some of the most amazing sightseeing spots in the country, there are countless things that make the Golden State such a highly sought-after place to visit.  I personally make it a point to carve out some time each year and take a roadtrip to many of these great California cities.  If you’re planning a road trip out West this summer, here are 5 of the best California cities to visit.

Joshua Tree, CA

While Joshua Tree isn’t exactly a city (the quaint area is home to approximately 7,000 people), it has all the charms of a city ten times its size.  Nestled in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles city life.  The area is also home to the Joshua Tree National Park, which is a big draw for tourists looking to explore the outdoors.  Joshua Tree has also become a popular road trip stop, as the area boasts some unique attractions, like the World Famous Crochet Museum and the Hicksville Trailer Palace.  Joshua Tree was by far one of the coolest places i’ve ever visited, and I recommend making it a point to visit on your trip out West.

San Francisco, CA

There’s a reason San Francisco has been the subject of some of the greatest songs of our time.  Scott McKenzie, Tony Bennett, and even the Arctic Monkeys have all penned songs about the iconic city, and San Fran continues to attract artists and free spirits of all kinds.  Although the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s most famous points of interest, there are tons of other fun and exciting things to do in San Francisco.  Whenever i’m in San Francisco, one of my favorite things to do is hang out in Crissy Field and watch all the cars driving over the bridge.  Crissy Field is a beautiful place to sightsee, and there are always plenty of friendly dogs to pet.  If you visit, be sure to check out the city’s historic Chinatown area, as well as Ghirardelli Square and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Fresno, CA

Fresno is one of those cities that often gets overlooked by people visiting California, but the city is actually home to some of the most interesting attractions in the state.  One huge draw for tourists is the city’s close proximity to Yosemite National Park, which is only a short drive away.  I had the chance to visit Yosemite a few years ago and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  The feeling of standing underneath the Giant Sequoia trees is something that can’t be described.  Fresno real estate is also relatively more affordable than homes in other parts of the state, and many people who visit end up staying after experiencing all of the city’s charms.

Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is probably one of my favorite places on this earth.  In recent years, Palm Springs has gained a reputatin for being less of a retirement haven and more of a hipster paradise, due to the city’s close proximity to Indio (aka Coachella).  If the music festival vibe doesn’t appeal to you, there are countless other things to do in the area.  One of Palm Springs’ biggest appeals is the city’s unique Mid-Century Modern architecture, and many A-list celebrities have been known to purchase vacation homes in the area.  Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Steve McQueen, and countless other celebrities all once owned homes in Palm Springs, and most of these homes are still standing to this day.  If you decide to visit, be sure to check out one of the area’s unique motels, something the city is known for.

Eureka, CA

For those looking to head North, look no further than Eureka.  While underrated, Eureka is one of the coolest cities in California, and truly has something for everyone.  I visited Eureka on a roadtrip through California, and I instantly fell in love with the city.  The downtown area is quirky and quaint, and there’s plenty to do any night of the week.  The city is full of old Victorian homes, and there are historic structures on nearly every street.  The Carson Mansion is one of the city’s most popular attractions, as the building is known as the most grand Victorian home in America.  Eureka is also home to the Sequoia Park Zoo, as well as the Clarke Historical Museum and the Redwood Discovery Museum.

Honorary Mentions

Cities that didn’t make the top 5 list but still deserve some recognition include:

  • San Diego
  • Sacramento
  • Venice
  • Anaheim
  • Laguna Beach

EU Plans to Ban Drinking Straws and Other Single-Use Plastics

Diane A. Wade
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EU Plans to Ban Drinking Straws and Other Single-Use Plastics

The EU is proposing a ban on drinking straws and other single-use plastics to help protect marine life.

The proposal is aimed at outlawing many commonplace plastic items including cotton buds, balloon sticks, cutlery, straws and drink stirrers.

The European Union also wants almost all plastic bottles to be collected for recycling by 2025.

The EU’s proposals are targeting disposable food containers and dining ware, from plastic plates and cups, to packaging for food products such as fast-food.

The plan will need to be approved by the 28 member states and the European Parliament before it can be passed.

The European Union estimates that the ban will help: to avoid 3.4 million tons of carbon emissions; to prevent damage to the environment that would cost the equivalent of €22 billion by 2030 and to save consumers €6.5 billion.

Image source PxHere

EU bans refillable bottles and dipping bowls of olive oil at restaurant tables

EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem.

“Today’s proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures.

“We will ban some of these items and substitute them with cleaner alternatives, so people can still use their favorite products.”

The plan does not set a deadline for a total ban on single-use plastics.

If it is approved, EU member states will need to make an active effort to reduce the number of single-use plastic food containers and cups available for sale in supermarkets.

What Are the Requirements When Getting an EIN?

Nancy Clayson
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What Are the Requirements When Getting an EIN?
Image source Pixabay

Applying for an EIN number may seem like a task you feel will be overwhelming or with loads of paperwork. However, it is actually quite the easy and fast process with IRS-EIN-Tax-ID.com! We provide an ease of service and have 24/7 customer service available to help you through the process or guide you to the proper application. If you are applying for an EIN (employer identification number) you will need to have a few things prepared and meet some requirements. With our efficient website the server will not time out and you can receive your EIN number Colorado within just a day! You won’t have to wait several weeks for processing and filing. Our service gets you what you need when you need it.

If you or your business meets any of the criteria below you will need an EIN number:

  • Has employees
  • Operates as a partnership or firm
  • Files excise, alcohol, tobacco, employment, or firearms tax returns
  • Withhold taxes on revenue, besides pay, paid to a foreign alien
  • Have a Keogh plan
  • Are involved with a trust, IRA, estate, non-profit, real estate mortgage investment conduit, farmers’ cooperative, or plan administrator program

To apply for an EIN number you will need a valid tax ID which is one of the following: a social security number (SSN), an individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITIN), or another EIN belonging to an existing legal entity (which you cannot have unless you have an SSN or an ITIN). You will need one of these to apply for an EIN number.

IRS-EIN-Tax-ID.com makes it simple and convenient to get an EIN online anywhere today. With no hassle and no waiting, your EIN number Virginia will be distributed to you typically within one day! All you need to do is fill out and submit the online application.

How To Exercise On The Keto Diet

Dana R
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0
How To Exercise On The Keto Diet

You must have heard about the popular Ketogenic Diet – that allows you to take fats with protein and completely avoid carbs. This diet has mainstreamed into the fitness world and gained immense appeal. Exercise can go along really well if you’ve started realizing the benefits of the keto-diet. However, you ought to know certain things if your plan to exercise with keto-dieting.

Clouded Consciousness

Initially, the workouts may play you down and make you feel mental fogginess. Due to the glucose in carbs being a vital source of energy for the brain, the switch to fats can alter the body responsiveness and may take some time to adjust. The clouded consciousness will fade in some time usually after the first few days but it is necessary to avoid hi-response workouts. In fact, go for an easy low-intensity exercise like cycling or hiking.

Image result for weight loss

Don’t Switch Workouts in the First Few Weeks

You have to be consistent in what you are doing. Following a monotonous workout routine for the first few weeks can be boring but due to your body adjusting to the switch from carbs to fat, you have to keep going with the same exercise. Don’t try any new workouts – the grogginess of the initial days carries on to subsequent weeks in some cases. It is highly recommended to lower the number of variables when experimenting with new diet practices. Too many changes can obscure the elements that triggered a change. So, go easy on the workouts!

Undereating is Prohibited

It is essential to balance energy to the body and clamp down on calories. You should check out these keto supplements online to ensure that you are not underfeeding your body. To get an effective insight into what may work for you, find the right ketone supplements for you. The misconception of a calorie deficit is likely to develop among people new to this diet. Remember, undereating will only undermine the results of the keto-diet. Restricting an entire group of food can have diet-suppressing effects and can reduce your appetite even when you should feed yourself. Effects on workout performance and results can go awry if you don’t keep track of your calories.

Rethink Your Workouts

Long workout with less eating is no longer sustainable and is considered impractical. What you eat on keto-diet is the most important factor influencing your desired fitness goals. It is vital to include proteins and fats in the right amount to maintain a steady ketogenic diet. Additionally, exercise with focused targets can actually produce results faster and retain them for longer. Here are some considerations to keep ahead of you while squeezing an exercise routine with your ketogenic diet.

Aerobic Exercises – Popularly known as cardio training, can range from a mere 3 minutes to 15 minutes. The intensity of this exercise is low and steady that burns fat at a normal rate which is also pleasant for the keto-dieter.

Anaerobic Exercises – Characterized as High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), anaerobic exercise focuses on shorter spans of hi-energy training. Weight training is also a great substitute for it. Make sure to load up on sufficient carbs because fat can’t help you alone with this kind of workout.

Flexibility Exercises – This group of exercises supports muscle motion and increases overall stretch-ability. It also aids in the prevention of muscle shortening injuries. Yoga is an excellent example of this workout.

Stability Exercises – Focused on the core, these exercises help improve posture, strengthen muscles and enhance muscle movement.

Although ketogenic diets can be helpful in weight loss if coupled with the right amount of energy and exercise, the essence still lies in keeping a balance between eating habits and exercise routines. Our bodies may take some time to adapt the changes but settle for what’s best for you.

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