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Main Reasons Why to Consider Business Funding in Texas

Dana R
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0
Main Reasons Why to Consider Business Funding in Texas

Generally speaking, small business loans are designed to sustain the activities of small and medium companies or to come to their rescue in difficult moments. Experts recommend that you apply for business funding only when the context requires such a financial movement. From renovating to upgrading your equipment, from hiring more help to improving your advertising campaigns, the money can be used for boosting up the number of your business. Unfortunately, due to today’s economic situation, a small cash advance can sometimes be the right solution to solve any problem that appears on the way. On the other side, applying is simple: all you have to do is access the funding calculator and then receive a personalized offer. The truth is that when you need help, you are granted help, who said is complicated to obtain financing for your business in Texas?

When it comes to boosting the numbers of your business, the simplest solution is to consider the possibility of applying for small business loans. For example, if you have a monthly credit card flow of $10,000 then you can easily obtain $500,000 in a short period and without too many papers. So, why should you consider applying for packages of business financing? Well, the answers can be varied, but they all conclude to the same purpose: to improve the activity of your business!

Let’s take some examples to understand why and when you need business financing. Which are the circumstances that request such an intervention? As specialists point out, even the simplest reasons can be a good excuse,’ so to say, to learn more about convenient small business loans. For example, these loans can be used for renovating or expanding the working space or changing and upgrading the current equipment and technologies. This can bring you more clients and improve consolidate your position in the market.

On the other hand, small business loans in Texas can be used for redesigning advertising and marketing campaigns. You can schedule a special event, print some flyers or design particular promotional items: with business financing all this can become true before you know it. Not to mention that you also invest in modern marketing strategies such as blogging, mobile marketing and so on: it’s a world to be discovered!

Also, many entrepreneurs in Texas decide to use small business loans for all sorts of emergency funding. Whether you need it for current payrolls left back because of a debt of a client or to cover unexpected expenses, this money has multiple uses. To know exactly just how much you can request, all you have to do is enter your data and the monthly gross of your business. You may be required to ask also the location, the years of experience or whether you accept or not credit cards.

The procedures don’t take too much and are quite easy to handle. So, don’t waste any more time: apply today for a special loan and step forward to a life of success and fulfillment.

Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning

Dana R
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0
Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning vs. Deep Learning

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning are three terms you’re going to hear a lot in the coming years. The artificial intelligence market is gaining ground at an explosive annual compound growth rate of 57.2 percent and will be worth $35.87 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, the $1.41 billion machine learning market is growing at an impressive CAGR of 44.1 percent and will be worth $8.81 billion by 2022. At the same time, the deep learning market is increasing at a CAGR of 65.3 percent and will be worth $1.7229 billion by 2022.

As these high CAGR rates indicate, all three of these markets are growing simultaneously, a reflection of their close relationship. But at the same time, the differing values for the size of these markets illustrate that they are not interchangeable, with AI representing the largest and most general of the three categories and deep learning representing the smallest and most specialized. Here’s a closer look at what these three technologies are, how they relate to each other and how they differ.

ai

Artificial Intelligence: Automating Routine Tasks

Artificial intelligence is the broadest of the three terms, including machine learning and deep learning as subsets. AI is a branch of computer science that uses computers to copy and automate human cognitive tasks such as logical deduction, mathematical computation, language processing and sensory perception.

An ultimate goal of artificial intelligence research is general AI, which envisions an artificial brain that could replicate all human cognitive functions, like androids in movies. But most AI research focuses on specific applications of AI. A familiar example of AI is intelligent personal assistants such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. Other examples include computers that play chess, spam filters and self-driving cars and drones.

Machine Learning: Making AI Flexible

Machine learning is a specialized application of artificial intelligence that enables computer programs to behave more flexibly than traditional AI. Traditional AI instructs programs to run set routines following predetermined rules that yield predictable outcomes. In contrast, machine learning uses probability to analyze patterns in data, testing a range of mathematical models that fit the same set of data until settling on a pattern than represents a best approximation. By “learning” from data in this way, machine learning can yield a more flexible range of outcomes than traditional AI.

Machine learning is typically used to analyze trends in data, make future predictions based on those trends, or suggest decisions based on how probable trends match up against a desired outcome. Qualcomm’s Artificial Intelligence platform uses machine learning for applications such as comparing scans of your fingerprints or face with those of a user trying to access your mobile device in order to verify that it’s really you. It also can interpret the audio in your surrounding area to detect and eliminate background noise and predict voice patterns.

Another common application of machine learning is when Netflix makes movie recommendations based on your previous viewing. Machine learning can also be used to adjust website options to user preferences, prevent credit card fraud or teach robots how to navigate.

Deep Learning: Using Data to Discover Patterns

Deep learning is an even more specialized application of AI and machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to find patterns in big data. Modeled on the way the human nervous system accepts and processes sensory input, neural networks process digital input through a series of layers before generating output. In each layer, a digital signal is assigned a logical or mathematical value that measures how closely the input corresponds to a desired outcome, such as how closely an image matches a target image. Each layer transforms the initial signal and passes it on for further assessment by another layer until a final output is generated. This multiple layering provides the “deep” aspect of deep learning.

Deep learning is extremely useful for pattern matching. A pioneering application of deep learning was Google teaching a neural network to identify images of cats by browsing YouTube videos. Other deep learning applications include computer vision, speech recognition and natural language processing.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning are closely related but distinct technologies. AI, the most general of the three, automates routine tasks, while machine learning opens up more flexible probability-based analysis, predictive modeling and decision-making; and deep learning applies artificial neural networks to machine learning in order to train computers to find patterns in data. All three technologies are poised for explosive growth over the next five years, and they will become increasingly common in the home, at work and where we shop.

Jerusalem Issue: UN Resolution Rejects Donald Trump’s Declaration

Diane A. Wade
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Jerusalem Issue: UN Resolution Rejects Donald Trump’s Declaration

A UN resolution calling on the US to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been decisively backed by a General Assembly vote.

The resolution says that any decision regarding Jerusalem status is “null and void” and must be canceled.

The text was approved by 128 states, with 35 abstaining and nine others voting against.

The vote came after President Donald Trump threatened to cut financial aid to those who backed the resolution.

Following the vote, state department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US was exploring “various options” and no decisions had yet been made.

The nine who voted against the resolution were the US, Israel, Guatemala, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Togo.

Among the 35 abstaining were Canada and Mexico.

Those voting in favor included the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia and the UK) as well as key US allies in the Muslim world.

There were 21 countries who did not turn up for the vote.

Image source Wikimedia

Jerusalem Issue: Donald Trump Threatens to Cut Financial Aid to UN Resolution Supporters

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Outrage in Arab World

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Protests in Occupied West Bank

The status of Jerusalem goes to the heart of Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and regards the entire city as its indivisible capital.

The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state and its final status is meant to be discussed in the latter stages of peace talks.

Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem has never been recognized internationally, and all countries currently maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. However, President Trump has told the US state department to start work on moving the US embassy.

The 193-member UN General Assembly held the rare emergency special session at the request of Arab and Muslim states, who condemned President Trump’s decision to reverse decades of US policy earlier this month.

The Palestinians called for the meeting after the US vetoed a Security Council resolution that was similar to the text approved on December 21.

The text put forward by Turkey and Yemen does not mention the US, but expresses “deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem”.

The resolution also says “any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council”.

The Future Of African Growth Is In Progress

Dana R
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The Future Of African Growth Is In Progress

city

Image source

The topic of Africa’s economics has long plagued commentators. The continent is just so fractured, so politically unstable, so corrupt, so hit by challenges and so fluid that making any prediction on its growth is a tough one to make. Almost eight years ago, the African economy was referenced as being like “lions on the prowl” and, despite the North slowing up, these prediction has actually been correct. The annual growth has continued to grow, with the last five-year stretch growing by 4.1%.

The big question is, where does future success lie? Well, according to both political and economic commentators, there are three long-term trends that hold the most positivity when it comes to Africa’s growth thriving and not just surviving.

  1. The Young Labor Force

Africa has one of the youngest and largest labour forces in the world, and that is a huge asset in this day and age. But it is the future that sings the loudest song because, by 2035, this working population is predicted to be over a billion, making it the biggest in the world. The problem is creating jobs at the same rate, although there has been some serious progress made on this front with 53 million new, stable and paying jobs being created in the last fifteen years alone, growing at a rate of almost 4% in that time; a rate higher than the labour force grew. It is still a long way off the need, but it is narrowing the gap.

  1. Urbanisation is Still Happening

This means that the major benefits of Africa’s combined effort are still to come to fruition. The urban expansion is the secret to Africa’s increased productivity and that is still growing, and growing fast. By 2027, an additional 185 million people will have moved to urban areas, which will boost productivity, growth and consumption. This has also triggered a rise in African development institutions that are keen to boost this growth and fill the gap, and they are doing so by investing modest amounts in high-tech power generation services, power supplies,roads and railways, infrastructure and mining. This, coupled with the current rate of consumption makes for a promising future – Africa’s consumers will spend more than $2 trillion dollars by 2024. As such, the emphasis has shifted from the consumer to companies needing to use detailed market intelligence to learn where the most promising markets are.

  1. Technology Always Has An Answer

The two points above are promising on their own, but they are also promising in terms of how they position the economy, making Africa ready to benefit from the advancements in technology. This is a change that could possibly unlock a huge amount of additional growth, and maybe even see this continent overtake the limitations currently in place due to the cost of physical infrastructure. Smartphones are the obvious example on this front with this market set to burst through the 50% marker in the next two and a bit years. It isn’t just cell phones that will boost growth, though; it is everything that comes with this increased connectivity. From healthcare to power, everything will get the boost needed.

It won’t be plain-sailing, but it will be progress.

Catalonia Holds Snap Elections Following Controversial Independence Referendum

Diane A. Wade
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Catalonia Holds Snap Elections Following Controversial Independence Referendum

Catalonia has voted in a closely watched regional election, called by Spain following a controversial independence referendum.

The snap election pits Catalan pro-independence parties against those who want the region to remain a semi-autonomous part of the country.

One exit poll suggested that separatist parties would win a majority.

It said the separatist Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the unionist Citizens (Cs) were neck and neck in the race to become the biggest party in the new parliament.

Image source Wikipedia

Spain Suspends Catalonia’s Autonomy and Takes Charge of Its Government

Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

Spain dismissed the separatist Catalan government in October after declaring the referendum to be illegal.

El Pais newspaper said on its front page that one million undecided voters could have the last word on December 21.

Polling stations opened at 09:00 local time and closed at 20:00, with the first official results expected shortly afterwards.

At 18:00 local time turnout was 68%, the Catalan authorities said – about 5% higher than the corresponding figure for the 2015 regional election.

Most results should have emerged by 22:00 local time.

How To Record a Skype Call

Dana R
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How To Record a Skype Call

business

Do you have your special someone staying overseas and Skype is the only way to get in touch with him? Wouldn’t it have been great if you could revisit your special Skype calls again and again? Certainly it would be. However, Skype does not allow us to record the calls. So, how to record a Skype call?

Let’s see how easily you can record Skype calls.

Download & install

The first task is to download & install a rcording program in your system. Needless to say, you have to do it before you start your next Skype call.

Adjust recording parameters

Now, take your cursor over Skype window & click to select recording area. You can select the recording area manually as well for the most precise selection. For that, you have to draw the capture frame manually over the recording window. In case, you wish to record the call in HD, go to Capture Area and choose Full Screen.

You will surely need to capture the audio part of the call as well. To do that, click on Microphone or Speaker icon (as per your need) and wait for them to turn green. It will take just a second. This way, the program will capture voice of both persons on the Skype call.

Capture Skype call

Click on REC tab & start capturing process as the call starts. Use options like pause, Cancel or Stop to control your recording session.

After the recording is done, the video call will be saved in MKV format.

Trim and convert

Is there any unwanted part in your video call that you wish to cut out. No problem. Just position the marker at the start of your undesired part and click on scissors tab. Then, follow the same process by taking the marker at the end of that unwanted section. Finally click on trash can to remove the part forever from recorded video. Click on Save As.

Next go to export window and choose the format for conversion of the recorded video call. Click on Save to save the converted version.

Useful tips for users:

Both Windows and Mac users can use hotkeys to control the recording process fast.

Windows users:

Press F9 to resume or pause

Press F10 to stop recording

Mac users:

Press ⌥ ⌘ 1  for pause or resume

Press ⌥ ⌘ 2 to stop.

Melbourne: 15 Injured as SUV Plows into Pedestrians on Flinders Street

Roy Siemens
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Melbourne: 15 Injured as SUV Plows into Pedestrians on Flinders Street

At least 15 people have been injured, with several in a critical condition, after a car drove into a crowd in Melbourne, Australia.

The car “collided with a number of pedestrians” on Flinders Street, a busy junction in the center of the city, said Victoria Police.

Police have arrested two people and said it was a deliberate act but is too early to say whether it was terrorist-related.

“The motivations are unknown,” police commander Russell Barrett said.

The white SUV struck pedestrians just after 16:30 local time.

Victoria Ambulance said in a statement that a child of pre-school age with serious head injuries was among those taken to hospital.

Image source Wikimedia

Jerusalem car attack kills at least one person

Times Square Attack: One Dead and 22 Injured after Speeding Car Drove into Pedestrians

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that the investigations had begun, and sent “thoughts and prayers” to those affected.

He tweeted: “As our federal & state police & security agencies work together to secure the scene and investigate this shocking incident our thoughts & prayers are with the victims & the emergency & health workers who are treating them.”

In January, six people died when a man drove a car into pedestrians on Bourke Street.

Afterwards, Melbourne authorities installed concrete blocks in various locations – including on Flinders Street – hoping to prevent vehicle-based attacks.

Jerusalem Issue: Donald Trump Threatens to Cut Financial Aid to UN Resolution Supporters

Diane A. Wade
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Jerusalem Issue: Donald Trump Threatens to Cut Financial Aid to UN Resolution Supporters

President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that back a UN resolution opposing the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as he took the step amid international criticism.

The president told reporters at the White House: “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us.

“Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.”

Donald Trump’s comments come ahead of a UN General Assembly vote on a resolution opposing any recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The draft resolution does not mention the United States, but says any decisions on Jerusalem should be canceled.

Earlier, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley warned member states that President Donald Trump had asked her to report on “who voted against us” on December 21.

The status of Jerusalem goes to the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, previously occupied by Jordan, in the 1967 Middle East war and regards the entire city as its indivisible capital.

The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state and its final status is meant to be discussed in the latter stages of peace talks.

Image source Flickr

Jerusalem Issue: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Expects EU Countries to Follow US Recognition

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Protests in Occupied West Bank

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Outrage in Arab World

Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem has never been recognized internationally, and all countries currently maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv. However, President Trump has told the US state department to start work on moving the US embassy.

The 193-member UN General Assembly will hold a rare emergency special session on December 21 at the request of Arab and Muslim states, who condemned President Trump’s decision to reverse decades of US policy earlier this month.

The Palestinians called for the meeting after the US vetoed a Security Council resolution, which affirmed that any decisions on the status of Jerusalem were “null and void and must be rescinded”, and urged all states to “refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the holy city”.

The other 14 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft, but Ambassador Nikki Haley described it as an “insult”.

The non-binding resolution put forward by Turkey and Yemen for the General Assembly vote mirrors the vetoed Security Council draft.

The Palestinian permanent observer at the UN, Riyad Mansour, said he hoped there would be “overwhelming support” for the resolution.

However, on December 19, Nikki Haley warned in a letter to dozens of member states that encouraged them to “know that the president and the US take this vote personally”.

According to journalists who were shown the letter, Nikki Haley wrote: “The president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us. We will take note of each and every vote on this issue.”

“The president’s announcement does not affect final status negotiations in any way, including the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem,” she added.

“The president also made sure to support the status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites.”

Nikki Haley also tweeted: “At the UN we’re always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don’t expect those we’ve helped to target us. On Thurs there’ll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names.”

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, accused the US of intimidation.

Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference in Ankara on December 20 before travelling to New York: “We see that the United States, which was left alone, is now resorting to threats. No honorable, dignified country would bow down to this pressure.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp74loUafkM

Nutrition Trends: Why are Millennials Growing their Food

Cate Palmer
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Nutrition Trends: Why are Millennials Growing their Food

The history teaches us how every generation makes its own unique impact on the overall society. According to the current situation, the generation that is making its impact on the modern society are the millennials.

The term “millennials” is a new word used to represent adults between ages of 19 and 35, which make up a big part of most Western and wealthy countries. As a result, the essence of doing business has been increasingly changing over the years, as millennials tend to influence the way business is run. It comes as no surprise that majority of company owners are working hard to attract this demographic, bearing in mind the fact that millennials dictate what is popular on the world market.

The follow-up consequence of millennials’ tendencies is the ever-spreading awareness of the importance of having homegrown food. Healthy domestic food is one of the key factors in the millennials’ life perspective, which also means that the food market is also experiencing changes and developments in that area. One of the examples of this fastly-growing lifestyle is the rise of meal preparation companies which provide their customers with nutritious, fresh ingredients that can be easily used for a cooked meal.

The concept of home-grown food used and promoted by the millennials can be explained by several key points:

1. Unique flavor

Commercial farming that most grocery stores and supermarkets rely on is characterized by fruits and vegetables that have a poor flavor for several reasons:

– only plants able to provide more per plant and to be harvested all at once are being grown

– these types of food are intended to have a longer shelf life.

– they are often almost equal in size and shape, while the ripening process is completed during the delivery on trucks.

Even though a certain amount of food in groceries comes from organic farming, the mentioned technique of breeding negatively affects the flavor nevertheless. The millennials often stress out the fact that home-grown food does not have the listed disadvantages.

2. Wide variety of choice

In organic gardening, there are two different ways to grow food. The first option is to purchase quality transplants in a local shop. The process of replanting the transplant in one’s own garden is quite simple. The second option is preferable for most millennials, as it includes growing plants from seed. This option enables the breeder to make a selection of various types of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, it gives the breeder the opportunity to make his or her own selection of the new seed from the best possible specimen from the garden. In the years to come, the selection will be improved every following year.

3. Chemical-free products

Many countries face the disturbing issue of food being treated with an excessive amount of chemicals, such as aggressive pesticides and insecticides. The benefit of home-grown food is that the owner is enabled to make his/her own decision on if chemicals will be used for treating the plants at all. Instead of resorting to unhealthy fertilizers, one can opt for an organic solution. In case of a plant that is irreversibly sick, there is always a possibility to remove it and plant something else. By using this method, other plants will be protected, and the overall growth process will not be disturbed.

4. Physical activity

The public is frequently warned by doctors of the dangers of the lack of physical activity on daily basis. The growing number of patients suffering from diabetes, heart problems, and high cholesterol sends a clear signal that every person should participate in a physical activity at least twice a week. Supporters of domestic food production accent the health benefits this type of production provides. Growing one’s own food implies a period during the day when the garden will need to be attended. Physical activities that are included are watering the garden, handling a retractable hose, weeding and much more. These types of activities are not reserved for fit people only, meaning that a broad spectrum of people can engage them.

5. Economizing

Most households are being forced to economize during periods of economic crises. Organic gardens help people to save money that is normally spent in supermarkets. There would not be the need to spend gas for reaching a supermarket. Another benefit is that a breeder of domestic food will be able to sell his/her own products in a matter of several years.

The millennials have been making a strong impact on the way people grow food today. Their efforts are certainly making a difference in the world food market and in people’s homes. How far will that influence go – remains to be seen.

Tax Bill: President Donald Trump to Sign His First Major Legislative Achievement

Diane A. Wade
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Tax Bill: President Donald Trump to Sign His First Major Legislative Achievement

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the tax bill, his first major legislative achievement and the biggest rewrite of the US tax code in a generation, in the coming days.

The bill slashes taxes for corporations and the wealthy, while offering mixed, temporary relief to working people.

However, Democrats have labeled the GOP tax bill “government for sale” as Congress sent the historic measure to the president’s desk.

Prominent Democrat Elizabeth Warren said: “It’s a heist.”

Meanwhile, President Trump, hosting Republican leaders at the White House, said: “We are making America great again.”

The president thanked congressional leaders for pushing through what he called “the largest tax cut in the history of our country”.

House Speaker Paul Ryan praised Donald Trump’s “exquisite presidential leadership” for the success of the bill.

Earlier, in a statement, President Trump said: “I promised the American people a big, beautiful tax cut for Christmas. With final passage of this legislation, that is exactly what they are getting.”

Image source Public Domain Pictures

Because of a procedural glitch, the bill had to be voted on for a second time in the Republican-dominated House of Representatives. The bill passed 224 to 201 on December 20.

Democrats say that error was caused by Republicans rushing the most sweeping overhaul of the tax system since 1986 through Congress.

In an often secretive process, no public hearings were held and multiple last-minute amendments that were pushed by lobbyists cropped up in the final version.

President Trump tweeted: “The Tax Cuts are so large and so meaningful, and yet the Fake News is working overtime to follow the lead of their friends, the defeated Dems, and only demean. This is truly a case where the results will speak for themselves, starting very soon. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!”

The unpopular bill is likely to be a major issue during the 2018 mid-term congressional elections.

Senate Passes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Bill

Donald Trump to Focus on Tax Reform after Healthcare Bill Failure

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 52% of adults said they opposed the tax plan, while only 27% supported it.

Non-partisan analysts say the greatest beneficiaries of the package will be the super-wealthy, multinational corporations and the commercial property industry.

In the immediate future, the plan will see the vast majority of taxpayers having lower tax bills, but those cuts expire in 2025.

By 2027, the Tax Policy Center estimates the overall change would be negligible.

And 53% of taxpayers would face higher bills, many of them in the lower income brackets.

The tax bill is projected to add $1.5trillion over the next decade to the $20 trillion US debt, which President Trump promised last year he would eliminate.

However, Republicans argue it will boost economic growth.

The legislation reaches beyond fiscal matters to tick off a wish list of conservative priorities.

It strikes a serious blow to ObamaCare, scrapping the fine levied on Americans who do not buy health insurance.

The Congressional Budget Office says this will increase premiums for people who have medical coverage.

The bill also opens Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, a major defeat for environmentalists.

Get It Cheap: 6 Ways For You To Buy Things For Less

Nancy Clayson
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Get It Cheap: 6 Ways For You To Buy Things For Less

Shopping is never-ending. You buy something, and yet you wait to buy more. But the best part of shopping is when you get to buy things at lower prices and tend to save some right amount.

Online shopping has become a significant venue for more customers inclined towards it than retail shopping. With more shopping portals covering every need, it’s like you don’t even need to step out.

What all can you buy online?

 Practically,everything! Yes, online shopping now offers everything at affordable rates. From apparel to accessories, daily food items to ordering food online, electronics to gadgets; you name it, and you get it.

But one thing that has grabbed my attention while shopping online are some sleep products. You can get these products at really affordable rates. The idea that attracted me more towards these sleep products wasn’t their price, but the ease in selecting the best fit product.

Wherever you go to the market to buy mattresses or other sleep products, finding the best product from so many varieties and brands is the real challenge.

While buying online, you get to view each such variety with its detailed description. This allows making a better-informed choice with ease. Such comfort is not available in the retail market.

Image source Flickr

Guide to buy things at less price

So, now the real thing. How to buy efficiently using the online portal and save money.  Well, here I will provide you tips and tricks that you can use to shop online and at best price.

  1. Compare and buy: now this is critical to understand. Just like you shop to shop, from market to market to inquire about price and then buy, likewise, it is imperative to compare the prices of a product on every portal for the best price. Now you will think how it’s different then. Well, buying online means you don’t have to go out from shop to shop physically, it saves you time, effort and money and helps you obtain at less price.

 

  1. Use coupons: there are shopping portals that give you coupons to buy products from their website. While there are sites that provide exclusive coupons that you can redeem for getting things at less price or get a particular benefit.

 

  1. Wait for deals and offers: every site has sometime in the month when it gives products on sale. Such sale gives from 20%-80% discounted products. You can take advantage of such deals to buy things at low prices.

 

  1. Varieties and brands: the primary benefit of buying online is you get hundreds of names and thousands of types of product to compare and sort the best one for you.

 

  1. Referrals: most of the sites now provide you cash points as the reward for referring to friends or family. You can refer and earn such points to redeem them for a cash discount on your purchases. There are points that you receive when your referral also makes purchases from that website.

 

  1. End of season sale: The season’s sale time is the best time to buy products you want at very less price. Like season end for winters or summers. You can also avail festive offers on thousands of products as well.

Well, I suppose emergence of e-commerce has opened new ventures for smooth and effortless shopping. You tend to save money all along the way. Like you don’t have to go out, and products are shipped to your location, so it saves your transportation cost, along with other product discounts.

One thing that e-commerce has given to every customer is access to products from different countries without the limitations of geographical boundaries. Access to international market and international products without having to go anywhere is something that has attracted buyers and sellers alike.

Buying for less is not a game or easy thing. You need to be aware of your surroundings and what is being offered to you. In such a case the portals become a natural source of such information. You get latest trends, fashion, and most recent technology, all in one place. And want all you need to get these, well a good internet connection and download shopping apps. Simple, hassle-free and effortless!

Tricks to Take the Headache Out of Your Health

Nancy Clayson
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Tricks to Take the Headache Out of Your Health

Headaches are an unfortunate fact of life for many people, but that doesn’t mean that
they need to suffer needlessly. There are almost as many headache cures as there are types of
headaches, so you are sure to find something which brings you relief.

1. Hot and Cold
Depending on the type of headache, having either a hot or a cold compress on it will
help immensely. Migraines are specifically said to be helped by cold, so having a bad
full of ice, or an ice pack, against the area which hurts can be very helpful
The opposite end of the spectrum – heat – is useful for both tension and sinus
headaches in particular. Hot compresses, hot showers, or even a long bath, can all
help to make these headaches less painful, or even to make them go away entirely.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

2. Loosen your Hair

Having your hair in a style which is too tight can cause headaches – it draws the scalp
up uncomfortably, meaning that you can’t move in a natural fashion. Loosening your
hair can be enough to ease your headache. To avoid these headaches, try and avoid
hairstyles which pinch your head, or which require you to twist your hair up tightly,
as this will make the scalp underneath tight as well. If you must wear these hairstyles,
try and keep them to a minimum, and spend the next several days with loose styles, to
give your head time to relax.

3. Live on the Dark Side

Migraines can be caused by flickering or bright lights, which can be a problem in
today’s computerised society. If you find that you are suffering from migraines, try
and limit your exposure to such light, and see if this helps you. The way to block this
light is to limit your screen time, put filters on windows and screens of all kinds, and
wear sunglasses on particularly bright days. This should hopefully work to get rid of
headaches.

 

4. Don’t Use Chewing Gum

We all know that chewing gum is an unsightly habit, that it is responsible for a lot of
the litter we see on the roads today, and that every teacher wages a campaign against
it. Chewing gum is very bad for your jaw, since it is constantly in motion, but what
people don’t know is that it can be bad for your head as well. The constant chewing
which is required for gum can cause impact headaches. Spit out your chewing gum,
and eat something else instead.

Being The Boss Is About Making The Tough Calls

Dana R
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0
Being The Boss Is About Making The Tough Calls

business-men

Picture From Pexels

A lot of people dream about being able to be in charge of a business. After all, what could be better than being able to guide the direction of an entire business and have total control over what happens to it? However, one thing that lot of people tend to forget is that business owners have a lot of pressure and responsibility on their shoulders. If you’re not prepared to handle that kind of thing, then you might not be cut out to own a business at all. The job of the business owners is often to make the tough calls that no one else can manage. If you’re not able to do that, then it can cause a lot of problems for everyone in your business. With that in mind, here are some of the tough calls that every business owner will need to make.

Terminating employees

The idea of having to fire someone is enough to send many people into fits of anxiety. However, it’s a necessary, if unpleasant part of every business owner’s role. Of course, you’re not just going to go around firing people left and right, you need to go through all the right processes of support to help them improve. But sadly, there will be occasions where people don’t take advantages of that support, and you will need to terminate their employment. Just remember to be calm and professional about it. You may also need to develop a thick skin because many people will become upset or angry when this happens.

Where to compromise

Compromise is one of the biggest parts of running any kind of business, and if you’re not able to do so, then you’re almost certainly going to fail. Whether it’s compromising on the number of products that you can ship at any one time or a compromise on the kinds of marketing available to you, being able to balance things carefully in your business is an extremely difficult but completely invaluable skill.

Walking away

There may come a time when your relationship with your business has reached its end, and it’s time to move on to something new. This kind of thing has happened quite publicly with a New Youi boss taking over from the previous CEO who has moved on to a new company. The choice to do something like this is never an easy one, but if you feel as though it’s the best option for both you and the business, then it’s something you have to seriously consider. Just don’t make any rash decisions. Make sure your choice is fully informed and really is the best option for everyone.

This might all sound like a lot of pressure to put on one person, but the key is to make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into as a business owner. The worst thing you can do is to be unprepared for what will happen. Make sure that you always do your research and know what you’re getting into. Otherwise, you could end up in a position that you really didn’t want to be.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Tough Business Decisions

Dana R
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0
The Ultimate Guide to Making Tough Business Decisions

The business world can be as cruel as the animal kingdom. And if you’ve been around long enough, you undoubtedly know that making tough decisions in the office is inevitable at some point. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the stress of a difficult call –– no matter how intimidating it might seem at first.

Recognize the Unknown

A good leader is not only knowledgeable in their field –– they’re able to understand that they don’t know everything. When faced with a difficult decision, it can be tempting to clam up and isolate yourself. Don’t do this. When you’re facing a problem you’re unfamiliar with, reach out to those who understand it more. For example: say you need to familiarize yourself with immigration laws more thoroughly to develop a modern hiring strategy. In this instance you might want to consult with an h1b lawyer to further understand the issue. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s just the opposite.

office

Walk Away from the Problem

Literally, take a walk and collect yourself. The movement will be good for you (in more ways than one) and take you out of your usual surroundings. Making difficult decisions relies on being able to see multiple aspects to a situation. So make sure that you don’t just sit in the same physical space the entire time. Consider the issue over a long stretch of time and in various places. It’ll help in the long run.

How Bad Could it Get?

Things could get real hairy if you’re not careful handling a tough decision. That’s why it’s imperative to consider the worst-case scenarios of a given option. If one path has a bevy of potentially detrimental consequences and a small chance of success, you need to take that into consideration. There’s nothing wrong with being a pessimist, sometimes.

Put Emotion Back Into It

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “take your emotions out of the decision.” It seems like sage advice. Considering a problem with an objective, disinterested viewpoint should yield the best result. Right? Well, not always. Chances are, if a decision looks good on paper, but doesn’t sit well with your gut or your heart, there’s something fundamentally wrong with it. That’s not to say you should fly by the seat of your pants and make choices based solely on intuition; however, no matter what you ultimately decide, you have to be able to live with the decision you make. Ensure it doesn’t go against your sensibilities even if it makes sense financially.

5 Options That Can Help Minimize Your Pores

Kathryn R. Bown
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0
5 Options That Can Help Minimize Your Pores

Let’s start with the bad news first: pore size is genetically determined, and some people may have larger-looking pores than others. The idea that you can shrink your pores is, unfortunately, nothing but a really prevalent myth. The good news is that you absolutely can minimize their appearance. Here are tips to help you do just that:

  1. Keep your skin clean.

Enlarged pores are caused by a number of factors. Most commonly, they may physically expand as a result of being clogged with sebum, dirt, or a nasty combination of both. These clogs may present themselves as unsightly blackheads or turn into full-fledged pimples.

Keeping your skin clean is your first line of defense against ugly breakouts and blemishes. Use a pH-balanced facial cleanser that doesn’t dry your skin out. You can also look for cleansers with charcoal that possesses the ability to bind with the grime and oil on your face. This ingredient lifts the gunk from the surface of your skin, allowing it to be rinsed away easily.

  1. Invest in a clay mask.

Clay masks are an effective oil control solution, and their effects can last for days. Since excess oil production is one of the most common causes of enlarged pores, investing in a product that will absorb it can only be in your best interests. Laneige’s Mini Pore Waterclay Mask is made with natural mineral mud from the Yellow Sea and mint water which effectively unclogs the pores and de-slicks the surface of the skin. This combination clears your skin of impurities, helps reduce shine, and refines the overall appearance of pores.

Image source Flickr
  1. Make a habit of exfoliation.

Manual extraction is still the best way to clean pores effectively. But if you can’t make regular appointments with your aesthetician, the next best thing is to exfoliate regularly at home. Slough off the surface layer of your skin with a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation. You can use a facial brush with your favorite cleanser, or look into scrubs to mechanically resurface your skin. If you’re after the benefits of chemical exfoliation, look into exfoliants that contain beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). BHAs effectively provide oil control and reduce the bacteria that cause acne.

  1. Anti-aging is for all ages.

As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which results in sagging, less firm skin. The sagging, in particular, contributes to pores appearing larger. Pores normally have a circular shape, but sagging causes them to shift into a droopy teardrop that is much more visible to the eye.

Combat the signs of aging with retinol and retinoid products, which can be used on the face underneath your favorite moisturizer. Retinol is an anti-aging ingredient that is well-known for fighting wrinkles and encouraging the production of collagen. This ingredient also helps clean out pores and decrease the size of oil glands, which in turn lessens oil production. What do all these mean for your skin? Firmer skin returns pores to the shape they’re meant to be, making them tighter and giving them a much smaller appearance.

  1. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sun damage is one of the major causes of premature skin aging and dullness. That’s because harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun break up the collagen in your skin, which is what keeps it tight and your pores small. Invest in a daily sunscreen lotion or cream that can protect your skin from those harsh rays. Anything with a high SPF and broad spectrum should serve your needs fine.

Reducing your normal pore size might be an impossible task, but it’s always possible to keep your pores from growing bigger. Follow these 5 tips and you’ll not only minimize their appearance, you’ll also get healthier skin in the process.

The Main Business Challenges of 2017 – And How To Overcome Them

Clyde K. Valle
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The Main Business Challenges of 2017 – And How To Overcome Them

Whether you established your business this year and are just becoming aware of the huge challenges that come with running an enterprise, or you are a veteran that is all too experienced with the struggle of juggling growing your business and completing regular admin, every year presents owners with problems to overcome – and 2017 has been no different. Business consultancy experts, Sage, performed a recent survey with small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) and discovered the most common issues entrepreneurs have faced this year.

These issues are particularly challenging for SMBs where teams tend to be much smaller than those of larger enterprises, so employees need to be able to bring a diverse skillset alongside an ability to manage their work-life balance effectively to avoid burning out. Fortunately, living in the digital age that we do, 2017 has also been the year of innovative, cheaper and highly available technology that offers solutions to these common problems.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

Industry Trends

Most owners are aware of the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest best practices for one’s respective industry, but when time is precious, it is easy to see why it quickly falls down the priority list. Yet, failing to stay informed has had negative impact on growth for even some of the world’s biggest businesses, so it is essential to integrate it into your long-term business model.

Sole traders can employee virtual assistants on short or long-term arrangements to provide them with regular reports, while teams can divide areas of responsibility among personnel and stay informed of the latest practices, trends and technologies by accessing free blogs, podcasts and industry magazines, then meeting for monthly deliberations.

Entrusting AI To Handle Admin

Coping with repetitive, time-consuming admin while also trying to expand a business is not a new challenge, but remains one of the most common for SMBs in 2017. However, this year has also seen growing popularity in new and large software developers adopting machine learning software to complete a range of otherwise mundane business tasks.

From using social media AI to track user demographic information and create targeted marketing material, to implementing chatbots to handle 24/7 first-line customer support, machine learning is enabling SMBs to automate a whole range of traditionally time-consuming tasks.

Prioritizing SEO To Win Clients

Search engine optimization continues to become more complex each year as search engine providers seek to make their results more accurate. It is no longer sufficient to simply overload a website with keywords or internal links. Fortunately, there is an abundance of information online in the form of guides, website builders to help non-developers build professional, responsive web pages, and plug-ins to make it easier to detect which parts of a website need SEO to ensure customers can find your business online.

With more businesses establishing themselves online each year, search engines will only continue to adapt and alter their methods for ranking websites. So, as we enter 2018, it is important to prioritize staying updated on your industry’s best practices, both online and offline, and to implement technology automation wherever possible, allowing you and your teams more time to focus on establishing and growing your brand.

8 Cutest Pairs of Matching Father Daughter Sneakers

Lisa.Felice
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0
8 Cutest Pairs of Matching Father Daughter Sneakers

We’ve heard of father and son as well as mother and daughter matching shoes. What you don’t hear about as much (and what might be the cutest of all) is father daughter matching shoes.

Like father like daughter is a phrase you hear all the time. Celebrate the closeness and similarities between a father and daughter by purchasing a pair of matching father daughter sneakers. No one will be able to resist the cuteness.

Your daughter will look back at photos of you both in matching sneakers and be so happy about the bonding time you had while she was young. With so many shoe stores online, it might be hard to find the right pair of shoe that matches both you and your daughter’s personalities (while still pleasing your wallet, too).

We’ve researched the most adorable pairs of matching father-daughter sneakers online and this is what we found!

Adidas

Adidas shell tops are in style again. They are everywhere.

Get a pair of these Adidas classics for you and your daughter and you both will be stylin’. The photo above is from the kids section, but you’d never guess because the kids and adult shoes look so similar.

Imagine a father daughter day out and how many heads would turn to look at the cuteness that is upon them.

Not only that, but if she hasn’t learned to tie her shoes yet, this is a wonderful experience to teach her. You’ll be wearing the exact same pair of shoes, so you can teach her how to tie laces and use your own as an example.

Ok, keep reading and try not to shed a tear!

Sperry

Though technically some of these pairs of are not sneakers, we just had to include Sperry. They did devote a whole section to parent/child shoe matching!

Sperry has a section specifically for kids to wear shoes like their parents called “Just Like Mom and Dad.” They have lots of adorable miniature sized shoes that are otherwise identical to what their parent would wear.

All of the shoes in this special section are shoes that a father could buy and match with his daughter. Go hiking, boating, or take a walk in the forest, braving the elements together in matching Sperrys.

How cute!

Converse

Universally cool, timelessly in fashion, Converse a fantastic choice for the rocker/alternative dad when matching shoes with his daughter.

These shoes look like they could easily be adult shoes. That’s because Converse offers most of the same styles in adult, so matching father daughter shoes are super easy (and cheap!) to acquire.

Vans

Like most of these choices, Vans are always in style. Easy to slip on and off, they made a practical kids shoe. Take advantage of the efficiency of the shoe and buy a pair for yourself as well!

Dressed up or dressed down, these vans come in a variety of colors and choices to wear to different events. Wear them on a walk to the park, a day at the playground, or celebrating someone’s birthday.

Whatever the choice, the people around you will be delighted.

Skechers

Light up your day and grab two pairs of light up sneakers – one for you and one for her!

Who knew light up shoes would not only come back in style, but that they would become hugely popular with adults of all ages?

Skechers offers adult male light up sneakers along with the kids. Imagine walking around the mall in matching light up shoes. So many kids will see and tell their parents they want to do the same!

Light up birthday parties, weddings, and anything else that calls for fun!

Nike

What’s cuter than tiny Nikes?

Be the coolest father daughter duo in town by grabbing a pair of matching Nikes. They’re comfortable, so you can walk around all day sporting your favorite athletic brand while father daughter bonding.

If you want to make it even more darling, you could even buy completely matching nike outfits.

Maybe that’s not such a good idea, because people will probably start fainting of cuteness-overload at that point.

Air Jordan

For those who are more into Jordans, there are unbelievably cute matching father daughter sneakers to buy.

These pairs definitely run higher on the price range, but true Jordan fans will sacrifice for their favorite brand.

You will be sporty along with your stylish daughter. Teach her how to pair Jordans with pants, jeans, and shirts for that perfect look. You’ll both be the talk of the neighborhood!

Keds

Dress simply in clean white Keds. They go with almost any outfit, and most importantly, you’ll match with your daughter. Heck, the whole family could wear these together!

She can wear these with a light sundress or dressed down in jeans and a t-shirt along with her father. However they’re worn, they’ll look nice. Afterall, they’re Keds!

The only challenge, of course, will be teaching her how to clean them clean.

Father Daughter Bonding

Sure, matching pairs of shoes is cute and all, but what it’s really about is bonding! Unforgettable childhood moments like this will live on in her memory forever.

Honestly though, you could wear matching shoes well into her adult life and it would still be awesome.

K-Pop Superstar Jonghyun Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

Sonia Pantiss
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0
K-Pop Superstar Jonghyun Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

K-pop superstar Jonghyun was found dead on December 18 in a suspected suicide.

Jonghyun, whose full name was Kim Jong-hyun, was found unconscious in an apartment. He was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

Korean media, citing police sources, are suggesting authorities are treating his death as a suicide.

Jonghyun was the lead singer of one of South Korea’s biggest pop groups SHINee.

A note said to be written by Jonghyun has been posted on social media by his close friend, Nine, a member of another pop group Dear Cloud, revealing a struggle with depression.

Pop artist Nine posted the note on Instagram. It said: “I was broken from the inside. The depression that was slowly devouring me, at last consumed me.”

She said Jonghyun had sent the note to her, instructing her to make it public if he “disappeared from the world”.

Dear Cloud’s management Mymusic Entertainment confirmed to news agency Yonhap the note was posted after consultation with Jonghyun’s family.

Image source Wikimedia

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The note spoke about his struggle with living in the public eye, saying “the life of fame was never meant for me”.

“What else can I say more. Just tell me I’ve done well. That this is enough. That I’ve worked hard. Even if you can’t smile don’t fault me on my way.”

However, no details were given as to when the note was written or sent to Nine.

Fans on Twitter were quick to pick up on what many saw as Jonghyun’s last request to them.

According to AFP, the singer had sent several text messages to his sister, including one saying “this is my last farewell”.

Jonghyun was considered by many of his fans to be a very sensitive young man who did not embrace the hedonism of stardom.

As well as being a singer and dancer, Jonghyun played a large part in Shinee’s songwriting and production. He also launched a successful solo career in 2015.

The management of SHINee, SM Entertainment, released a statement describing Jonghyun as someone “who loved music more than anyone”.

Fans were told they could pay condolences at a funeral hall at the hospital in Seoul, and were turning up there throughout December 19.

SHINee band was founded in 2008 as a five member group under SM Entertainment, and quickly rose to become of the biggest K-pop boy groups.

Conceived in South Korea in the 1990s as a Western-Asian hybrid, K-pop is now a multi-million dollar industry.

It is at the forefront of the so-called Korean Wave – the spread of Korean music, drama and film across Asia and worldwide.

Over the past years, SHINee recorded several albums in Japanese and in 2017 sold out the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome and part of their Japan tour. Earlier this year, they also played their first North American tour.

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

Track Palin: Sarah Palin’s Son Arrested After Assaulting His Father

Nancy Clayson
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0
Track Palin: Sarah Palin’s Son Arrested After Assaulting His Father

Sarah Palin’s eldest son, Track, has been charged with assault and burglary after a confrontation with his father involving a firearm.

According to police, Track Palin, 28, allegedly broke into his parents’ Alaska home through a window on December 16.

Court documents obtained by media say the former Republican vice presidential nominee’s son said he was on pain medication and had been drinking.

Track Palin was arrested in 2016 for allegedly punching his girlfriend.

After he eventually pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm while intoxicated, other charges were dismissed in that case.

Police documents, published by the LA Times, said Sarah Palin called the police at about 20:40 on December 16 to say her son was on “some type of medication” and was allegedly “freaking out”.

The affidavit by a responding officer said they found the former Alaskan governor “visibly upset” at the property.

Image source Wikimedia

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Police say that when they arrived they had a stand-off with Track Palin in which he moved around the house and at one stage went out onto the garage roof. They say he demanded police put their weapons on the ground and allegedly called them “peasants”.

According to police, the struggle between the two men happened after Track Palin said he was coming to the property to retrieve a vehicle, and threatened to beat his father.

Todd Palin, Sarah Palin’s husband, told police he armed himself with a pistol when his son arrived, but was disarmed and was left bloodied.

Track Palin was charged by police with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree assault and criminal mischief, and remains in police custody.

A statement to media from the family requested privacy, and said the Palins were unable to comment further on the case.

Earlier this year Track Palin’s ex-girlfriend Jordan Loewe applied for a protective order against him, having previously requested full custody of their one-year-old son.

Amtrak Train Derailment Kills at Least Six near Tacoma

Nancy Clayson
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0
Amtrak Train Derailment Kills at Least Six near Tacoma

At least six people died and dozens rushed to hospital after an Amtrak train on its inaugural run in Washington has derailed.

The carriages crashed on to the highway below at the height of the morning rush hour.

Police say there were “multiple” fatalities on board the train, which hit vehicles on the I-5 highway below.

Images from the scene show that all the carriages of the high-speed train appear to have left the track.

It was Amtrak’s first passenger service to run on a new, shorter route.

Train 501 had left Seattle, heading south for Portland, at 06:00 local time. The derailment happened on a section of track, south of Tacoma, previously only used for freight trains.

Reports suggest 77 people have been taken to hospital.

Several cars on the highway were struck by the derailed carriages. Aerial images show the train’s carriages littered across the ground, on both sides of the bridge carrying the railway over the highway.

Image source CNBC

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Pierce County Sheriff’s department spokesman Ed Troyer said there were “multiple” fatalities on the train but no motorists had been killed.

The fire department had taken many people out of the train and they had been transported to hospitals, he added.

President Donald Trump’s first reaction to the derailment was to tweet that it showed the need for his forthcoming infrastructure plan.

He tweeted: “The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!”

The president later added that his thoughts and prayers were with those involved.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency in two counties.

Amtrak said approximately 78 passengers and five crew members had been on board the train.

Gov Jay Inslee said he was praying for the many injured.

He tweeted: “Today’s tragic incident in Pierce County is a serious and ongoing emergency. Trudi and I are holding in our hearts everyone on board, and are praying for the many injured.”

Officials have set up a family reunification center at DuPont city hall, and asked people not to come to the scene of the crash.

Atlanta Airport Power Outage Affects Thousands of People

Nancy Clayson
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0
Atlanta Airport Power Outage Affects Thousands of People

Tens of thousands of people have been affected by a power outage at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson international airport that led to a partial shutdown on December 17.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the world’s busiest, handling more than 250,000 passengers and almost 2,500 flights every day.

Passengers were left in darkened terminals or on board planes.

Power is now restored at the airport, but there have been more than 1,000 flight cancelations, with hundreds more scheduled for December 18.

Many flights scheduled to arrive from other airports were being diverted elsewhere or held at their departure airport.

In a statement, the airport confirmed they had suffered a power cut shortly after 13:00 local time on December 17. Flights are expected to resume at 06:00 local time on December 18.

Image source Marine Corps Base Quantico

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Georgia Power, which supplies the airport’s electricity, said it believed a fire at an underground electrical facility was to blame for the power cut. According to officials, a piece of its switchgear could have failed and started the fire, causing cable damage.

Power was fully restored to the airport late on Sunday, December 17.

Atlanta’s mayor confirmed the fire’s cause was under investigation, and apologized to the thousands affected.

A number of major airlines, including United, Southwest and American Airlines, completely suspended their operations on December 17.

Images shared on social media showed passengers waiting in darkness. Some reported being stuck on board aircraft for six hours.

The local police department confirmed they had sent extra officers to help the airport with the situation.

About 30,000 passengers were reportedly affected by the power cut.

Atlanta is located within a two-hour flight of 80% of the US population, making the city a major port of entry into the US and a common stopover for travel within the country.

President Donald Trump Denies He Is Planning to Fire Robert Mueller

Diane A. Wade
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0
President Donald Trump Denies He Is Planning to Fire Robert Mueller

President Donald Trump has denied he is planning to fire Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Tensions have been rising between the White House and Robert Mueller’s inquiry.

On December 16, a lawyer for Donald Trump’s presidential transition group said thousands of emails had been unlawfully obtained by Robert Mueller’s team.

Responding to questions over the legal row, President Trump said it was “not looking good” and his people were “very upset”.

The president said, while returning from a weekend trip to Camp David: “I can’t imagine there’s anything on them, frankly, because, as we said, there’s no collusion.”

Donald Trump’s administration has denied working with Russia in the 2016 election and the president labeled the investigation “a witch hunt”.

Responding to a media question on the White House lawn on whether he was considering firing Robert Mueller amid his criticism, President Trump responded: “No, I’m not.”

Several Democratic lawmakers had expressed concern, and on December 15 the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Adam Schiff, said he feared Republican members wanted to shut the probe down.

Image source Wikimedia

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Several former members of Donald Trump’s campaign team are facing charges as part of the investigation.

Kory Langhofer, a lawyer working for the Trump for America (TFA) group – who helped Donald Trump’s transition to the White House after his election, complained on December 16 after the group became aware Robert Mueller’s investigation had obtained tens of thousands of their emails.

He sent a letter to congressional committees claiming the records had been obtained unlawfully.

The TFA group had used the facilities, including email hosting, of a government agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), in the period between Donald Trump’s election in November 2016 and inauguration in January.

In his letter, Kory Langhofer, says GSA staff “unlawfully produced TFA’s private materials, including privileged communications” to Robert Mueller’s investigation team.

The emails obtained reportedly involve 13 Trump transition officials, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI earlier this month.

The GSA, Kory Langhofer complains, “did not own or control the records in question” and maintains the constitutional rights of transition officials were violated.

A spokesperson for Robert Mueller said they had done nothing wrong.

Peter Carr said: “When we have obtained emails in the course of our ongoing criminal investigation, we have secured either the account owner’s consent or appropriate criminal process.”

GSA Deputy Counsel Lenny Loewentritt has denied another of Kory Langhofer’s accusations, that the GSA gave assurances that requests for Trump transition records would go through the group’s lawyers.

Lenny Loewentritt told BuzzFeed that the transition group knew materials would have to be provided to law enforcement “therefore, no expectation of privacy can be assumed”.

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell tweeted that the accusations were “another attempt to discredit Mueller as his #TrumpRussia probe tightens”.

US intelligence agencies believe Russia tried to tip the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump – a charge denied by both Moscow and the president.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gSLweKLru8

Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

Diane A. Wade
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0
Robert Mueller Accused of Unlawfully Obtaining Emails

Kory Langhofer, a lawyer for a group set up to help Donald Trump’s transition to the White House, has accused special counsel Robert Mueller of unlawfully obtaining thousands of emails.

He made the comments in a letter to congressional committees.

However, a spokesperson for Robert Mueller said the “appropriate criminal process” had been followed.

Robert Mueller is investigating allegations of collusion between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia.

Kory Langhofer works for the Trump for America (TFA) group. It used the facilities, including email hosting, of a government agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), in the period between Donald Trump’s election in November 2016 and inauguration in January.

In his letter, Kory Langhofer, says GSA staff “unlawfully produced TFA’s private materials, including privileged communications, to the special counsel’s office”.

The GSA, he complains, “did not own or control the records in question” and the constitutional rights of transition officials were violated.

Kory Langhofer goes on to ask Congress to act to protect future presidential transitions from having “private records misappropriated by government agencies, particularly in the context of sensitive investigations intersecting with political motives”.

The emails obtained reportedly involve 13 Trump transition officials, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI earlier this month.

A spokesperson for Robert Mueller said they had done nothing wrong.

“When we have obtained emails in the course of our ongoing criminal investigation, we have secured either the account owner’s consent or appropriate criminal process,” Peter Carr said.

Image source Wikimedia

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GSA Deputy Counsel Lenny Loewentritt has denied another of Kory Langhofer’s accusations that the GSA assured that requests for Trump transition records would go through the group’s lawyers.

He told BuzzFeed that the transition group knew materials would have to be provided to law enforcement “therefore, no expectation of privacy can be assumed”.

Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell tweeted that the accusations were “another attempt to discredit Mueller as his #TrumpRussia probe tightens”.

US intelligence agencies believe Russia tried to tip the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump – a charge denied by both Moscow and the president.

President Trump has called Robert Mueller’s investigation a “witch hunt” while other Republicans accuse it of bias.

Michael Flynn became the most senior Trump official to be charged as part of the invetigation after admitting making false statements to the FBI about meetings with Russia’s ambassador.

Another ex-aide, George Papadopoulos, has also pleaded guilty to making false statements to FBI agents.

In October, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and his business associate Rick Gates were accused of conspiring to defraud the US in dealings with Ukraine. Both deny the charges, which center on relations with a former Ukrainian president who was very close to Russia.

On December 15, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Adam Schiff, said he feared Republican members wanted to shut down their own investigation.

According to media reports, President Trump’s private lawyers are expected to meet Robert Mueller and members of his team next week to discuss the next phases of the inquiry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFdfkPkf_t8

#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

Nancy Clayson
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#MeToo: Anita Hill to Lead Hollywood Commission Against Harassment

Lawyer and academic Anita Hill will chair a special commission against harassment in the entertainment and media industries.

The first meeting of the commission, which was created by top industry executives, was attended by a wide range of entertainment industry giants.

Spearheaded by female executives, including Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy, it will reconvene in 2018.

It comes after a string of allegations made against dozens in Hollywood.

The group was announced on December 15 following a meeting convened by Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, Nike co-chair Maria Eitel, lawyer Nina Show and venture capitalist Freada Kapor Klein.

A wide range of industry leaders attended the first meeting, including the chairman of Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony and Universal.

The commission said it will meet in the new year to define its scope and priorities in the wake of weeks of allegations against prominent industry figures, including producer Harvey Weinstein.

Image source Wikimedia

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Kathleen Kennedy said: “The Commission will not seek just one solution, but a comprehensive strategy to address the complex and inter-related causes of the problems of parity and power.”

Anita Hill brought harassment to national prominence in the US in 1991 when she publically testified that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had harassed her when he was her boss at the Department for Education and at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

After her private allegations were leaked to the press, Anita Hill testified publicly at a televised investigative committee where her allegations came under attack. He was eventually confirmed in the position, despite her testimony.

Now a professor at Brandeis University in Boston, she said it was “time to end the culture of silence”.

She said: “I’ve been at this work for 26 years. This moment presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make real change.

“I’m proud to be leading this newly-formed Commission on a long overdue journey to adopt best practices and to create institutional change that fosters a culture of respect and human dignity throughout the industry.”

“We will be focusing on issues ranging from power disparity, equity and fairness, safety, harassment guidelines, education and training, reporting and enforcement, ongoing research, and data collection,” she added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BQkGF2D8w0

Alleged North Korean Economic Agent Arrested in Australia

Roy Siemens
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Alleged North Korean Economic Agent Arrested in Australia

Australian authorities have arrested a man for allegedly acting as an economic agent for North Korea.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) said that Chan Han Choi, 59, has been charged with brokering illegal exports from the country and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.

Police allege Chan Han Choi has broken both UN and Australian sanctions.

The case against Chan Han Choi, who has lived in Australia for more than 30 years, is the first of its kind in the country.

It is the first time anyone has been charged under Australia’s 1995 Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act.

Police say there was evidence that Chan Han Choi had been in contact with “high ranking officials in North Korea”.

They allege he had brokered services related to North Korea’s weapons program, including the sale of specialist services including ballistic missile technology to foreign entities, in order to generate income for the North Korean regime.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

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Chan Han Choi also was charged with brokering the sale of coal from North Korea to groups in Indonesia and Vietnam. He is facing six charges in total after being arrested at his Sydney home on December 16.

In a news conference, police confirmed the man was a naturalized Australian citizen of Korean origin who had been in the country for over 30 years.

They described him as a “loyal agent” who “believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose”.

However, police insisted Chan Han Choi’s actions did not pose any “direct risk” to Australians, with the actions occurring offshore.

“I know these charges sound alarming. Let me be clear we are not suggesting there are any weapons or missile component that ever came to Australian soil,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said.

“Any individual who attempts to fly in the face of sanctions cannot and will not go unnoticed in Australia.”

Chan Han Choi could face up to 10 years in prison and has been denied bail.

In October the Australian government said they had received a letter from North Korea urging Canberra to distance itself from the Trump administration.

North Korea had previously warned that Australia would “not be able to avoid a disaster” if it followed US policies towards Kim Jong-un’s regime.

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