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Get Yourself Out Of Scurry Of Debts With Refinance Student Loan

Dana R
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Get Yourself Out Of Scurry Of Debts With Refinance Student Loan

Refinance Student Loan is the heaven of ease for students as it allows them to pay less than ever rates in terms of interest and small installments to pay back their loans. Students, who are eager to get higher education but can’t pay bucks of university fee, usually look for the option of getting loans. Once they get finances, and reach in their stop of studying; it takes time to be settled and find a job. During this whole scenario it becomes difficult for them to meet up the expenses and find enough saving to pay their loans – here comes the role of Refinance Student Loan.

Mature business man discussing project with his colleagues and pointing at computer screen

What Is Refinance Loan?

Refinance is a process of allowing students to consolidate their number of debts into a single entity and later paying them, conveniently. It also offers the cheaper rate of interest that would be easy to bear and will be payable by a student with his part-time job. Anyhow, the problem occurs when some lenders reject the application of a student. It happens because they do not fulfill the eligibility criteria in right manner to get the approval of refinancing.

How to get Refinance Loan approval?

You will have to complete your application with all the required documents before applying for a refinance loan. These documents will be;

  • Your Credit History record, make sure it scores 700 or higher
  • Your written income and job approval that helps to determine that you have a job and are getting a good salary to pay the loan.
  • You can also use an about-to-get job approval from any company in case you are jobless.
  • A co-signer person who could be any of your acquaintances to give the guarantee of yours to the lender that he/she will pay the loan on your behalf in case you lose to pay it.

Where to apply for a loan?

Well, there are numerous private and federal companies allowing students to refinance their loans. You will have to figure out which one is well-reputed and offering you refinancing on possible conditions. The Internet is a great place to find anything regarding everything. Hence, go online and search for some good lenders in your area and apply for the loan.

Numerous sites provide you with a finance calculator online. You can put your income, details of debts and the rate of interest you can afford to pay; the calculator will bring out one plan from several options that will suit your needs. Moreover, different apps like Sofi, also helping you to figure out your expense.

How many times can I apply for refinance student loan?

Well, you can apply for a student loan many times and in some companies at a time. In this way, even if your request will be disapproved once will have the option to be approved next time.

By considering these points, you will surely be able to get a good financer to finance your loans.

Catalonia Independence: Madrid Calls on Carles Puigdemont to Participate in Elections

Diane A. Wade
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Catalonia Independence: Madrid Calls on Carles Puigdemont to Participate in Elections

Spain’s central government has said it would welcome the participation of sacked Catalan President Carles Puigdemont in new elections.

Madrid has ordered that fresh elections for the regional parliament of Catalonia should take place in December.

The central government suspended Catalonia’s autonomy after the Catalan parliament voted to declare independence.

Carles Puigdemont is urging “democratic opposition” to direct rule from Madrid.

He condemned the suspension of Catalonia’s autonomy and promised to continue to “work to build a free country”.

Spain has been gripped by a constitutional crisis since an independence referendum, organized by Carles Puigdemont’s separatist government, was held on October 1 in defiance of a ruling by the Constitutional Court which had declared it illegal.

The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90% were in favor of independence.

Image source Wikimedia

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

Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

Catalonia Independence: King Felipe VI of Spain Says Referendum Organizers Put Themselves Outside the Law

On October 27, Catalonia’s parliament declared independence, with the central government responding by declaring the move illegal.

Spain’s PM Mariano Rajoy then announced the dissolution of the regional parliament and the removal of Carles Puigdemont as Catalan leader, and ordered that fresh regional elections should be held.

A large anti-independence demonstration is expected to take place on October 29 in Barcelona, Catalonia’s regional capital.

The political crisis will also be played out on the soccer pitch in the afternoon when Real Madrid, the defending Spanish champions, travel to Catalonia to play Girona, the team supported by Carles Puigdemont.

A central government spokesman in Madrid, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, said Carles Puigdemont had the right to continue in politics, despite his removal from office.

“I’m quite sure that if Puigdemont takes part in these elections, he can exercise this democratic opposition,” Íñigo Méndez de Vigo said, quoted by Reuters.

“The Catalans will be able to say what they feel about what they’ve been seeing in this last year, with all sorts of failing the law, abusing the law and putting themselves outside the law,” the official added.

Íñigo Méndez de Vigo spoke after Carles Puigdemont, in a pre-recorded address to Catalans on October 28, said the central government’s actions were “premeditated aggression” that ran “contrary to the expressed will of the citizens of our country, who know perfectly well that in a democracy it is parliaments that choose, or remove, presidents”.

He added: “We continue persevering in the only attitude that can make us winners. Without violence, without insults, in an inclusive way, respecting people and symbols, opinions, and also respecting the protests of the Catalans who do not agree with what the parliamentary majority has decided.”

A poll published by El Pais on October 28 suggests more Catalans (52% to 43%) are in favor of the dissolution of the regional parliament and the holding of elections.

Fifty-five per cent of Catalan respondents opposed the declaration of independence, with 41% in favor.

Barack Obama Summoned for Jury Duty in Illinois

Nancy Clayson
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Barack Obama Summoned for Jury Duty in Illinois

Ex-President Barack Obama has been summoned for jury duty in Illinois and is planning to serve, a court official says.

Details have not been released but Barack Obama, 56, is expected to appear in Cook County next month.

The former president owns a home in Washington DC and also in Chicago and could be called for civil or criminal cases.

Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also appeared for jury selection after leaving the White House.

Photo Reuters

George W. Bush Called for Jury Duty in Dallas

Barack Obama went to Harvard Law School and lectured at the University of Chicago’s law school for 12 years before he joined the Senate. He also worked as a civil rights lawyer.

According to Chicago Tribune, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans said: “He made it crystal-clear to me through his representative that he would carry out his public duty as a citizen and resident of this community.”

Judge Timothy Evans said that Barack Obama’s security was a priority. A spokesman for the former president has not commented.

Jurors in the county get paid $17.25 for each day served.

If chosen, Barack Obama would not be the first high-profile person to appear on a jury in Cook County – celebrity Oprah Winfrey sat on a jury for a murder trial in 2004, NPR reports.

Annabella Sciorra Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Rape and Daryl Hannah Shares a Story

Lisa.Felice
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Annabella Sciorra Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Rape and Daryl Hannah Shares a Story

The Sopranos actress Annabella Sciorra has come forward to accuse disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein of rape.

The Italian-American actress told The New Yorker that Harvey Weinstein forced his way into her New York apartment and assaulted her in 1992.

Annabella Sciorra alleges that Harvey Weinstein harassed her in the subsequent years. In the article Daryl Hannah also says she was harassed by Harvey Weinstein.

His spokeswoman again said the producer denies claims of non-consensual contacts.

On October 26, another actress, Natassia Malthe, accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in a London hotel room in 2008.

More than 50 women have now accused the movie mogul of a range of allegations ranging from rape to harassment.

Image source Wikimedia

Natassia Malthe Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Raping Her after BAFTA Awards Ceremony

Harvey Weinstein’s Former Assistant Claims She Was Paid for Silence

Lena Headey Joins List of Women Accusing Harvey Weinstein of Harassment

Annabella Sciorra told the New Yorker‘s Ronan Farrow that the assault happened in 1992 after she had filmed The Night We Never Met, which Harvey Weinstein produced.

Harvey Weisntein forced himself into Annabella Sciorra’s apartment in New York while she was getting ready for bed after he had dropped her off following a group dinner.

The actress said Harvey Weinstein “pushed the door open” and refused to leave when asked, before shoving her onto the bed and raping her.

“I struggled, but I had very little strength left in me,” she said.

“Like most of these women, I was so ashamed of what happened. And I fought. I fought. But still I was like, Why did I open that door?… I felt disgusting.”

Annabella Sciorra said she did not report the incident to the police, but alleges her career began to suffer and did not work again until 1995.

“I just kept getting this pushback of <<We heard you were difficult; we heard this or that>>. I think that that was the Harvey machine.”

Daryl Hannah, who starred in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill series that Harvey Weinstein produced, also came forward with new allegations.

She said the producer tried to force himself into her hotel room when they were promoting Kill Bill and its sequel.

Daryl Hannah said that on one occasion the producer asked to grope her and then requested that she expose herself.

Since claims against him began to surface in early October, Harvey Weinstein has joined a rehabilitation program, but he has “unequivocally denied” all allegations of non-consensual contacts.

How To Study for The Law Oriented Test On A Financial Plan Essay Writing Service

Nancy Clayson
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How To Study for The Law Oriented Test On A Financial Plan Essay Writing Service
It can be extremely costly to select in a thorough bar examination planning course. Costs for these courses extend from $1,000 to $4,000. In the event that you can’t manage the cost of this cost and you don’t have a law office or liberal relative paying for a course, how might you think about for the law oriented test?

Obtain Study Materials

To start with, you will require contemplate materials. On the off chance that you know somebody who did the law oriented test amid the most recent year or two, inquire as to whether regardless they have their books. Perhaps they will offer them to you for nothing or pitch them to you modest.
On the off chance that you can’t discover somebody with books, keep an eye on Craigslist, E-sound, Amazon or essayontime.com.au for utilized bar prep materials. Since the law tried by the banish once in a while changes much from year to year, you can generally escape with purchasing books that are over a year old.
In the event that you can’t discover anything available to be purchased on the web, you can attempt to get exam branch of knowledge plots from a companion or scan Google with the expectation of complimentary diagrams. Bunches of individuals post their bar plots on online journals and spots like DocStoc and Scribd, so you can presumably discover a comment as a reason for considering.

Get MBE Practice Inquiries

Except for a couple of locales, you should get ready for the numerous decision part of the law oriented scrutinization known as the Multistate Bar Examination or MBE. Here, you will presumably need to burn through cash in the event that you couldn’t discover utilized bar prep materials to buy.
A few organizations offer remain solitary MBE planning materials. The most well known of these is Kaplan-PMBR which makes absurdly troublesome practice questions. In any case, in the event that you can answer the PMBR-style questions, you ought to have the capacity to pass the MBE amid the genuine test.
On the off chance that you like to hone on the web, there are a few organizations who give online MBE courses. These can be useful in light of the fact that you can hone anyplace you have a web association. I utilized Adaptibar when I was considering for the California law oriented test, and thought it was a decent esteem.

Discover Practice Papers and Execution Tests

 In the event that you obtained an utilized thorough bar prepare course, you should as of now approach such material. If not, at that point check your state’s bar site for test exposition and execution test questions. On the off chance that your state bar does not have test inquiries and answers posted on the web, contact your state bar and inquire as to whether you can buy test inquiries and answers.
On the off chance that you actually can’t bear to buy test composed materials and your state’s bar does not give free specimens, look to another state bar to check whether it has posted a few examples. The California bar posts test expositions and execution tests alongside show answers from the previous quite a while. These are to a great degree supportive. Simply recall, the California bar permits a hour for every article and 3 hours for an execution test, so if your state has shorter time limits, change your training reactions as needs be.

Make an Investigation Timetable

Ultimately, once you have the greater part of your investigation materials, you have to make an examination timetable and stay with it. Record your timetable! You need to ensure that you bear in mind to cover any themes, and the most ideal approach to do that it to have a timetable to take after. After you have examined for up to 14 days, return to your timetable and ensure despite everything it appears to be proper and reasonable. Try not to be reluctant to increment or decrease your examination time. Know yourself and how you learn, and plan your examination time in like manner.

The World’s 10 Largest Cranes

James J. Williams
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The World’s 10 Largest Cranes

They are larger than a television tower and can carry twice the weight of the Eiffel Tower. The top 10 largest and strongest cranes in the world are simply incredible. We introduce you to the ranking published by the online marketplace Machineseeker.com and go beyond your imagination.

Image source machineseeker.com

The crawler-type crane Liebherr LR 13000 exceeds the world’s highest church tower – the Ulm Cathedral (162m) – by as much as 86 metres. This makes it the world’s largest mobile crane. Inconceivable: By combining the 120 m long main mast with the 126m long luffing jib, the monstrous lattice mast system achieves an impressive 246 m.

Image source machineseeker.com

“The crane can be assembled on site from several individual parts in no time at all and is immediately ready for use”, explains Thorsten Muschler of Machineseeker.com, the world’s leading online marketplace for used stationary machinery. Unbelievable: The monster can carry up to 3,000 tons of ballast at a tare weight of just over 600 tons – more than ten large trucks. This makes it the largest crawler crane in the world.

The most powerful crane in the world is the Thialf – with a length of 200 metres and a width of 90 metres, the floating crane is as large as two football pitches in a row. In addition, the giant has room in its cabins for up to 736 people, as much as two passenger aircrafts.

Image source machineseeker.com

Incomprehensible: Due to its enormous carrying capacity, the monster can carry up to 14,200 tons of ballast. That’s the weight of an average submarine. The Dutch manufacturer HMC Heerema carries the world record for the highest load-bearing capacity.

The used machine marketplace Machineseeker.com has put together a photo gallery of these monstrous machines for you. Have fun clicking through.

Machineseeker is the world’s leading online marketplace for used stationary machines. More than 5,000 dealers currently offer more than 140,000 machines on the platform. As a global marketplace, the company is available with its domains Machineseeker and Maschinensucher in more than 60 countries. Used machines worth more than 700 million euros are inquired every month.

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US Economy Stronger than Expected in Q3 of 2017

Clyde K. Valle
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US Economy Stronger than Expected in Q3 of 2017

The US economy expanded at an annual pace of 3% in Q3 of 2017, which was stronger than expected.

The growth extended the robust activity reported in Q2, when GDP grew at an annual pace of 3.1%.

Analysts had been expecting a sharp slowdown after back-to-back hurricanes battered several states in the quarter.

However, consumer spending held steady, despite a drop in homebuilding investment.

According to the Commerce Department, together the two quarters mark the strongest six months of economic activity for the US since 2014.

Consumer spending, which increased at a hearty 3.3% rate in the second quarter, slowed to 2.4% growth – a deceleration probably caused by the hurricanes.

Construction spending also fell, but exports and business investments in equipment and intellectual property accelerated from Q2.

Image source The Blue Diamond Gallery

US Economy Adds 209,000 Jobs in July 2017

IMF Cuts US Economy Growth Forecasts

US Economy Slows Dramatically in Q1 2017

Economists warned that estimates of business inventories, a major factor in the GDP rise, can vary significantly quarter-to-quarter.

Excluding that category, GDP – a broad measure of goods and services made in the US – increased at an annual pace of 2.3%.

The Commerce Department cautioned that its figures did not capture all the losses caused by the storms, which caused widespread closures of factories, offices and airports in states such as Florida and Texas.

Its GDP estimates, for example, do not measure activity in US territories, such as Puerto Rico, which suffered some of the most severe damage.

The Commerce Department estimated that storm-related damage to fixed assets, such as homes and government buildings, totaled more than $131 billion.

It also said it expected the government and insurers to pay more than $100 billion in insurance claims, with foreign companies accounting for more than $17.4 billion.

Commerce Department Secretary Wilbur Ross claimed Friday’s GDP report a sign of progress, calling it a “remarkable achievement in light of the recent hurricanes”.

President Donald Trump has made hitting annual GDP growth of 3% a goal, and pledged tax cuts and other policies intended to reach that pace or higher.

On a year-on-year basis, GDP was up 2.3%, the Commerce Department said in its report, which is an advance estimate that will be revised as more data is collected.

That pace is roughly in line with US expansion since the 2007-2009 recession.

Economists said the underlying economic strength shown in the report makes it more likely that central bankers at the Fed will raise interest rates again by the end of the year, as expected.

The price index for consumer spending, a closely-watched measure of inflation, increased at 1.3% in Q3, excluding food and energy. That remains below the Fed’s 2% target.

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

Diane A. Wade
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Spain Suspends Catalonia’s Autonomy and Takes Charge of Its Government

Spain’s government has stripped Catalonia of its autonomy and taken charge of its government.

The decision came into effect on October 28 after the Catalan parliament voted to declare independence on October 27.

An official state bulletin dismissed Catalan leaders and handed the region’s control to Spain’s Deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria.

Earlier, Spain’s interior ministry took charge of Catalonia’s police after firing senior Catalan police officials.

On October 27, PM Mariano Rajoy announced the dissolution of the regional parliament and the removal of Catalonia’s President Carles Puigdemont and called snap local elections.

Demonstrations for and against independence went on into the night.

More are expected today, with a rally “for the unity of Spain and the constitution” to be held in Madrid.

Image source Wikimedia

Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

Catalonia Independence: Spain’s PM Mariano Rajoy Unveils Plans to Remove Separatist Leaders

Catalonia Independence: King Felipe VI of Spain Says Referendum Organizers Put Themselves Outside the Law

The crisis began on October 1, when Catalan leaders held an independence referendum, defying a ruling by the Constitutional Court which had declared it illegal.

According to the Catalan government, of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90% were in favor of independence. Others boycotted the vote after the court ruling.

On October 27, the Catalan regional parliament voted to declare independence from Spain.

Soon after, the Spanish Senate granted Mariano Rajoy’s government the power to impose direct rule on Catalonia.

It did so on October 28 by publishing an official bulletin that dismissed Carles Puigdemont and all government members.

The announcement came hours after Spain’s government removed Josep Lluís Trapero Álvarez as chief of Catalonia’s autonomous Mossos police force.

Josep Lluís Trapero Álvarez was already under investigation for sedition, accused of failing to help Spain’s Guardia Civil police tackle thousands of pro-independence protesters in Barcelona during the run-up to the referendum.

Pere Soler i Campins, the Mossos director general, has also been dismissed.

Regional elections are scheduled for December 21.

Carles Puigdemont has urged supporters to “maintain the momentum” in a peaceful manner, but Spanish prosecutors say they will file charges of “rebellion” against him next week.

Separatists say the independence move means they no longer fall under Spanish jurisdiction.

However, Spain’s Constitutional Court is likely to declare it illegal, while the EU, the US, the UK, Germany and France all expressed support for Spanish unity.

Russia Election Hacking: First Charges Filed in Robert Mueller’s Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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Russia Election Hacking: First Charges Filed in Robert Mueller’s Investigation

According to new reports, the first charges have been filed in the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller into alleged Russia interference in the 2016 election.

However, it was not clear what the charges were and who they targeted, CNN and Reuters reported quoting unnamed sources.

According to CNN, anyone charged could be taken into custody as soon as Monday.

US intelligence agencies said earlier this year the Russian government sought to help Donald Trump win the election.

According to the document, Russia led a campaign to “denigrate” Hillary Clinton by hacking into email accounts and paying social media “trolls” to make nasty comments.

Image source Wikimedia

Russia Election Hacking: Donald Trump Accuses Obama Administration of Inaction

Pyotr Levashov: Russian Programmer Arrested in Spain over US Election Hacking

Senate Panel Investigates Alleged Russian Interference in US Election

Robert Mueller’s investigation is looking into any links between Russia and the Trump campaign. Both deny there was any collusion.

The charges, approved by a federal grand jury in Washington, are sealed under orders from a federal judge, the reports added.

A spokesman for Robert Mueller has declined to comment on the reports. His team is known to have conducted extensive interviews with several current and former White House officials.

The former FBI director was appointed by the DoJ as special counsel in May shortly after President Trump fired FBI director James Comey.

On October 27, President Trump tweeted that it was now “commonly agreed” that there was no collusion between him and Russia, but said that there were links between Moscow and Hillary Clinton.

Republican lawmakers have said that a uranium deal with a Russian company in 2010, when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state, was sealed in exchange for donations to Bill Clinton’s charity.

An investigation has been opened into the case. Democrats say it is an attempt to divert attention from the alleged ties between Russia and Donald Trump.

Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

Diane A. Wade
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Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

Catalonia’s regional parliament has voted to declare independence from Spain, while the Spanish parliament has approved direct rule over the region.

Catalan lawmakers easily approved the move amid an opposition boycott.

PM Mariano Rajoy had told senators direct rule was needed to return “law, democracy and stability” to Catalonia.

The crisis began on October 1, when Catalonia held a controversial referendum on independence.

The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part, 90% were in favor of independence. However, Spain’s Constitutional Court had ruled the vote illegal.

Image source Wikimedia

Catalonia Independence: Spain’s PM Mariano Rajoy Unveils Plans to Remove Separatist Leaders

Catalonia Independence: Spain Prepared to Suspend Catalan Autonomy

Catalonia Independence: King Felipe VI of Spain Says Referendum Organizers Put Themselves Outside the Law

A motion declaring independence was approved on Friday with 70 in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions in the 135-seat chamber.

The measure calls for the transfer of legal powers from Spain to an independent Catalonia.

However, the Constitutional Court is likely to declare it illegal, while the US, UK, Germany and France all expressed support for Spanish unity.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said the EU “doesn’t need any more cracks, more splits”.

Catalonia’s President Carles Puigdemont has called for supporters to “maintain the momentum” in a peaceful manner.

Crowds have been celebrating the declaration of independence and Spanish flags have been removed from some regional government buildings in Catalonia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-5Ip3f1ekY

JFK Assassination Files Released to Public

Diane A. Wade
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JFK Assassination Files Released to Public

About 2,800 classified files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 has been released following President Donald Trump’s approval.

The president said the public deserved to be “fully informed” about the event, which has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories.

However, some documents have been withheld at the request of government agencies.

One memo revealed that the FBI had warned police of a death threat against the assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

FBI director J. Edgar Hoover wrote: “We at once notified the chief of police and he assured us Oswald would be given sufficient protection.”

Lee Harvey Oswald, a former Marine and self-proclaimed Marxist, was shot dead in the basement of the Dallas Police department two days after JFK was killed.

As the documents are pored over and analyzed, other findings include a CIA memo that suggests Lee Harvey Oswald spoke with a KGB officer at the Russian embassy in Mexico City. The memo says the KGB officer Lee Harvey Oswald spoke with worked for a department “responsible for sabotage and assassination”.

Another memo showed that Soviet officials feared an “irresponsible general” would launch a missile at the USSR in the wake of JFK’s death.

Image source Wikimedia

Donald Trump to Allow Opening of Classified Files on JFK Assassination

JFK Assassination Film: Orville Nix’s Granddaughter Sues US Government

JFK Fatal Limo License Plates Fetch $100,000 at Auction

One memo tells how a British regional newspaper, the Cambridge News, received an anonymous call about “some big news” in the US, hours before the assassination.

A copy of the memo was released by the National Archives in July, but had gone unreported.

JFK was shot dead on November 22, 1963 as he travelled through Dallas in an open-topped limousine.

The Warren Commission’s report into the shooting, published in September 1964, said that Lee Harvey Oswald had fired the fatal shots from the Texas School Book Depository building.

There was “no evidence that either Lee Harvey Oswald or Jack Ruby was part of any conspiracy, domestic or foreign”, the commission said.

A 1992 law passed by Congress required all records related to the assassination – around five million pages – to be publicly disclosed in full within 25 years.

The deadline was October 26.

More than 90% of the files were already in the public domain.

Allegations of a government cover-up are unlikely to be assuaged by reports that the CIA, FBI, Department of State and other agencies lobbied at the last minute to keep certain documents under wraps.

In a memo directing heads of executive departments to release the files, President Trump said the American public deserves to be “fully informed about all aspects of this pivotal event”.

“Therefore, I am ordering today that the veil finally be lifted,” he wrote.

Some redacted documents are undergoing a further six-month review, but it is possible those records could stay secret after the deadline on April 26, 2018.

According to White House officials, President Trump was reluctant to agree to agency requests to hold the remaining documents.

“I have no choice – today – but to accept those redactions rather than allow potentially irreversible harm to our Nation’s security,” the president added in his memo.

The JFK assassination records have been released on the National Archives website.

North Korea to Free South Korean Fishing Boat Seized for Illegally Sailing into Its Waters

Roy Siemens
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North Korea to Free South Korean Fishing Boat Seized for Illegally Sailing into Its Waters

In a rare move, North Korea has announced it will release a South Korean fishing boat it seized six days ago for “illegally” sailing into its waters, state media report.

The fishing vessel and its crew will be released “at the military boundary in the East Sea”, North Korean state news agency KCNA reported.

The decision was made after the crew apologized for the “offence”, it added.

North Korea’s decision comes at a time of heightened tension in the region with both sides running a series of military exercises.

It said the release of the fishing vessel on October 27 follows an admission of wrongdoing from those on board, who it said had “repeatedly asked for leniency”.

An investigation had “proved” that the fishermen had entered North Korean waters on October 21.

Image source Wikimedia

North Korea Crisis: US Flies Bombers over Korean Peninsula

North Korean Hackers Reportedly Stole US, South Korea War Plans and Other Military Secrets

US Denies War Declaration Against North Korea

A South Korean government spokesman said it was a “relief” that the crew would be returned.

It is not uncommon for fishing boats from both sides to drift into waters not under their country’s control.

In August 2010, a South Korean fishing boat went missing in the Sea of Japan and was temporarily detained by North Korea.

North Korea said it was seized because it was poaching in its exclusive economic zone.

The latest incident comes amid ongoing military exercises in the region as North Korea seeks to realize its nuclear ambitions and the South deploys a US-backed missile defense system.

Opioid Crisis: Donald Trump Declares Nationwide Painkiller-Addiction a Public Health Emergency

Diane A. Wade
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Opioid Crisis: Donald Trump Declares Nationwide Painkiller-Addiction a Public Health Emergency

President Donald Trump has declared the nationwide opioid crisis a public health emergency.

Calling the epidemic “a national shame”, President Trump announced a plan to target the abuse of opioids, which kill more than 140 Americans each day.

Donald Trump has previously promised to declare a national emergency, which would have triggered federal funding to help states combat the drug scourge.

The move instead redirects grant money to be used in dealing with the crisis.

Image source Wikipedia

Donald Trump to Allow Opening of Classified Files on JFK Assassination

Trump Administration Rolls Back Free Birth Control Access

Donald Trump Bans Transgenders from US Military

On October 26, President Trump said at the White House: “More people are dying from drug overdoses today than from gun homicides and motor vehicles combined.

“These overdoses are driven by a massive increase in addiction to prescription painkillers, heroin and other opioids.”

The president added: “The United States is by far the largest consumer of these drugs using more opioid pills per person than any other country by far in the world.”

According to senior White House officials, Donald Trump is signing a presidential memorandum directing his acting health secretary to declare a nationwide public health emergency and ordering all federal agencies to take measures to reduce the number of opioid deaths.

The order will also ease some regulations to allow states more latitude in how they use federal funds to tackle the problem.

However, the White House plans to fund the effort through the Public Health Emergency Fund, which reportedly only contains $57,000.

The Trump administration will then work with Congress to approve additional funding in a year-end spending package, senior officials said.

Proponents suggest President Trump’s announcement is a critical step in raising awareness about the nationwide epidemic, while some critics argue the move does not go far enough.

George H. W. Bush Issues Second Apology Following Assault Claims

Nancy Clayson
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George H. W. Bush Issues Second Apology Following Assault Claims

Ex-President George H.W. Bush has issued a second apology to “anyone he has offended” after a second allegation of assault emerged.

Jordana Grolnick told website Deadspin George Bush Sr. groped her in 2016 after announcing his favorite magician was “David Cop-a-Feel”.

Another actress, Heather Lind, had already come forward to say George Bush Sr. had “touched me from behind”.

The former president’s spokesman said it was supposed to put people “at ease”.

In a statement supplied to media outlets, the spokesman said: “At age 93, President Bush has been confined to a wheelchair for roughly five years, so his arm falls on the lower waist of people with whom he takes pictures.

“To try to put people at ease, the president routinely tells the same joke — and on occasion, he has patted women’s rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner.

“Some have seen it as innocent; others clearly view it as inappropriate. To anyone he has offended, President Bush apologizes most sincerely.”

Image source Wikimedia

George Bush interviewed by granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager on his 88th birthday

George HW Bush Will Allegedly Vote for Hillary Clinton

George H.W. Bush Hospitalized After Breaking Bone in Neck

Like Heather Lind, Jordana Grolnick shared a photo of the moment the alleged assault took place on social media platform Instagram.

The picture, taken during the interval of a play Jordana Grolnick was performing in, appears to show George Bush’s hand on her bottom.

The actress told Deadspin: “He reached his right hand around to my behind, and as we smiled for the photo he asked the group, <<Do you want to know who my favorite magician is?>>

“As I felt his hand dig into my flesh, he said, <<David Cop-a-Feel!>>”

Heather Lind made a similar allegation against George H.W. Bush, who served one term as president starting in 1989, saying he had “touched me from behind from his wheelchair” and told a “dirty joke” while posing for a photo in an Instagram post which has since been deleted.

The incident allegedly took place during an event in 2014 for the TV show Turn: Washington’s Spies, in which Heather Lind is one of the main cast members.

Heather Lind finished her post with the hashtag #metoo, which has seen widespread use by victims of assault to share their experiences in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein Hollywood scandal.

In his initial apology, George Bush’s spokesman said the wheelchair-bound former president “most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms Lind”.

George H.W. Bush, the father of former President George W. Bush, who served two terms in the office between 2001 and 2009, suffers from a form of Parkinson’s disease.

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

Natassia Malthe Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Raping Her after BAFTA Awards Ceremony

Lisa.Felice
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0
Natassia Malthe Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Raping Her after BAFTA Awards Ceremony

Natassia Malthe has accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in a London hotel room after the 2008 BAFTA awards ceremony.

The Norwegian actress and model told a press conference in New York she met Harvey Weinstein at an after party and felt pressured into telling him she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel.

Natassia Malthe alleges Harvey Weinstein banged on her door, she let him in and he raped her.

The movie mogul has previously issued a statement saying he denies all allegations of non-consensual contacts.

Natassia Malthe, who has appeared in movies including This Means War alongside Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine, said she was asleep when she was awoken by Harvey Weinstein’s “repeated pounding” on the door.

The actress said she heard someone yelling: “Open the door Natassia Malthe, it’s Harvey Weinstein.”

She said she received a script the next day and then returned to Los Angeles. Natassia Malthe said she was given the impression she had landed a role in the movie Nine, a film produced by Harvey Weinstein that would star Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Dench.

Image source Wikimedia

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Natassia Malthe said Harvey Weinstein later asked her to meet him at the Beverly Hills Peninsula Hotel, telling her an assistant would be present.

However, the actress said when she got there, he instead asked her to join him and another woman.

She says she refused and when she later called him to turn down a role in one of his movies, he became angry and verbally abusive.

Natassia Malthe’s lawyer, Gloria Allred, said the Norwegian actress is “considering” whether to make a report to police over the allegation.

The news comes the day after a former production assistant, Mimi Haleyi, also accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her in 2006.

Another actress and model, Dominique Huett, also said she was raped by Harvey Weinstein. She has now has become the first woman to sue The Weinstein Company, alleging a single count of negligence.

Dozens of women have made accusations against Harvey Weinstein this month, including rape and assault.

Kenya Elections 2017: Re-Run Presidential Election Boycotted by Main Opposition

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kenya Elections 2017: Re-Run Presidential Election Boycotted by Main Opposition

Kenyan voters go to polls amid tight security in a re-run of the presidential election, which is being boycotted by the main opposition.

Riot police have clashed with opposition supporters, some of whom have been blocking access to polling stations.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner in an August vote, but it is being held again over “irregularities”.

Uhuru Kenyatta is seeking a second term while opposition leader Raila Odinga has pulled out of the contest.

Uhuru Kenyatta – Image source Wikimedia

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On October 26, the polls opened at 06:00 with tens of thousands of police and other security staff deployed to protect voters and polling stations.

International observers have scaled down their missions for security reasons.

According to unconfirmed reports, police have fired live rounds into the air to disperse opposition supporters in the western city of Kisumu and the Kibera area of Nairobi. Tear gas has also been used.

After casting his vote in the town of Gatundu, Uhuru Kenyatta urged people to cast their ballots so the country could move on.

He said: “We’re tired as a country of electioneering. It’s time we moved forward.”

Uhuru Kenyatta also said most of Kenya was “calm and peaceful”.

Thailand Holds King Bhumibol’s Cremation Ceremony A Year after His Death

Diane A. Wade
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0
Thailand Holds King Bhumibol’s Cremation Ceremony A Year after His Death

Thailand has begun the ceremony for the royal cremation for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died one year ago.

Hundreds of thousands of Thais have lined the streets of Bangkok to pay their last respects to the late king.

A symbolic funeral urn was taken by chariot to the cremation site, in a procession marked by drums, flute music and an artillery salute, as the main part of a five-day funeral ceremony.

Many buildings are draped in yellow marigolds, while crowds of mourners are dressed in black as a mark of respect.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in October 2016 at the age of 88.

The funeral officially started on October 25 with a merit-making ceremony, a Buddhist rite, in the Grand Palace.

Image source Flickr

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On October 26, a series of Buddhist rites began in the royal palace ahead of the procession.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be cremated later in a royal pyre to be lit by his son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The chariot carrying the urn in the second part of the funeral procession has been used since the late 18th Century. Weighing just under 14 tonnes, it was pulled by more than 200 soldiers.

The urn was then carried for several rounds around the cremation site, for the last leg of the procession.

The elaborate ceremony is estimated to have drawn as many as 250,000 people from across Thailand.

Many of the mourners arrived in Bangkok days ago, and waited in the streets overnight for the procession, clutching portraits of King Bhumibol.

Bloodhound SSC: 1,000 mph Car to Make First Public Run

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Bloodhound SSC: 1,000 mph Car to Make First Public Run

Bloodhound SSC, the British car designed to go 1,000mph, will make its first public runs in the UK.

The car is conducting initial “slow-speed” trials and should get up to about 200mph on the runway at Newquay Airport.

Driven by RAF Wing Commander Andy Green, the car aims to break the world land speed record in 2019.

This will take place on a special track that has been prepared on a dried-out lakebed in Northern Cape, South Africa.

It is exactly 20 years since the RAF man drove the jet-powered Thrust SSC vehicle through the sound barrier in the American Nevada desert to register a speed of 763mph.

Image source Flickr

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Bloodhound benefits from two decades of technological improvement and will have the assistance not only of a state-of-the-art Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine but the thrust of a rocket motor.

It seeks in the first instance to push the existing record above 800mph, but then ultimately to reach a speed that no-one is ever again likely to want to try to match.

The sleek, arrow-shaped car has taken some 9 years to develop and still awaits its Norwegian rocket motor.

The shortness of Newquay’s runway (1.7 miles) severely limits the speed Bloodhound can attain before it needs to brake and safely stop. However, the thousands of ticketed spectators should still get a good sense of the car’s potential.

Along with the absence of the rocket motor, the other big difference from the race set-up of Bloodhound is the wheels. These will be thin, rubber-shod discs; the tires are actually refurbished Dunlops from 1960s-era English Electric Lightning jet fighters.

Uranium One Scandal: Congressional Republicans Investigate Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

Diane A. Wade
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Uranium One Scandal: Congressional Republicans Investigate Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

Republicans have announced parallel Congress investigations into a uranium deal under President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s emails.

One committee will investigate how the Obama administration approved a 2010 acquisition that gave Russia control of 20% of the US uranium supply.

Two other panels will scrutinize the FBI decision not to charge former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over her private email server.

Democrats pilloried the investigations as “a massive diversion”.

Both issues to be placed under the spotlight by the committees are longstanding political grievances of President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump’s campaign aides are currently the subject of congressional investigations into whether they colluded with alleged Russia attempts to sway last year’s presidential election.

On October 24, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy announced investigations into the previous administration.

They said there were “outstanding questions” about the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails.

Bob Goodlatte and Trey Gowdy said they wished to know why former FBI director James Comey chose to divulge the inquiry into Hillary Clinton, but not the one about Trump aides and Russia.

Image source AP

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Meanwhile, Devin Nunes, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, announced his panel’s investigation into the sale of a Canadian mining company that had mines in the American West.

Uranium One – which owned a fifth of US uranium supplies – was acquired seven years ago by Russian state-owned company Rosatom.

President Donad Trump tweeted on October 19: “Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesn’t want to follow!”

The State Department, under Hillary Clinton, helped approve the deal.

Last week, The Hill reported that at the time of the sale the FBI was investigating alleged attempts by Russia to gain influence in the US nuclear industry through bribery and extortion.

The New York Times and The Hill have reported that Russian nuclear officials and Uranium One’s chairman donated millions of dollars to the Clinton charitable foundation.

Devin Nunes told reporters at Capitol Hill on October 24: “One of the things we are concerned about is whether or not there was an FBI investigation, was there a DOJ investigation and if so, why was Congress not informed of this matter.”

However, Democratic congressmen accused Republicans of creating a distraction.

Elijah Cummings and John Conyers in a statement on October 24: “This new investigation is a massive diversion to distract from the lack of Republican oversight of the Trump administration and the national security threat that Russia poses.”

In an interview with C-SPAN on October 23, Hillary Clinton said that the Uranium One allegations are “baloney”.

Venezuela: Henrique Capriles Leaves Opposition Coalition

Diane A. Wade
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0
Venezuela: Henrique Capriles Leaves Opposition Coalition

Henrique Capriles, one of Venezuela’s opposition leading members, has announced he was leaving the coalition.

The former presidential candidate said the move was in protest at the decision by four newly elected opposition governors to pledge allegiance to the constituent assembly.

The Roundtable for Democracy (MUD) regards the constituent assembly as illegitimate.

The MUD governors were elected in regional polls this month in which the government won 18 out of 23 states.

The outcome of the October 15 elections, which the MUD said were fraudulent – and President Nicolas Maduro’s insistence that all new governors bow to the constituent assembly – has caused a rift among members of the opposition coalition.

Image source Flickr

Henrique Capriles Ban: Thousands of Venezuelans March in Protest

Venezuela’s Supreme Court rejects Henrique Capriles’ election appeal

Henrique Capriles demands votes recount after rejecting Nicolas Maduro’s election

On October 24, Henrique Capriles said that he “would not be part” of the opposition MUD “because it is not unity as a concept or a vision”.

“It is just some people that grab the bones that are thrown to them,” he said.

Five MUD governors who won seats opted to boycott a previous event in which 18 newly elected socialist governors were sworn in to the constituent assembly.

However, four of them – the governors for Táchira, Mérida, Nuevo Esparta and Anzoátegui – later changed their stance and pledged allegiance, defying their coalition’s official position.

President Maduro, who has described the election result as a victory, said governors who refused to be sworn in by the constituent assembly would not be allowed to take up office.

The MUD have published what they say is evidence of fraud in the state of Bolívar, where the government candidate was declared the winner after a two-day delay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn_cDAD8Z58

Harvey Weinstein’s Former Assistant Claims She Was Paid for Silence

Lisa.Felice
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0
Harvey Weinstein’s Former Assistant Claims She Was Paid for Silence

Harvey Weinstein’s former assistant Zelda Perkins says she was paid £125,000 ($165,200) to keep quiet after accusing the movie mogul of harassment.

She told the Financial Times she signed a non-disclosure agreement in 1998 after making the accusations.

Zelda Perkins said Harvey Weinstein asked her to give him massages and tried to pull her into bed, but she “was made to feel ashamed for disclosing his behavior”.

Harvey Weinstein, 65, has denied any allegations of non-consensual contacts.

Zelda Perkins said she reported her allegations after a female colleague told her she had also been harassed by the film producer.

The two women subsequently sought damages and were awarded a sum of £250,000 ($330,500), split equally, but also signed a non-disclosure agreement, prohibiting them from discussing the allegations.

Image source Wikimedia

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Lena Headey Joins List of Women Accusing Harvey Weinstein of Harassment

Rose McGowan Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Raping Her

By breaking the agreement, Zelda Perkins could be liable to repay the settlement, and potentially pay damages and other legal fees stipulated in the contract.

However, Zelda Perkins told the Financial Times: “I want to publicly break my non-disclosure agreement.

“Unless somebody does this there won’t be a debate about how egregious these agreements are and the amount of duress that victims are put under.”

Zelda Perkins claims that Harvey Weinstein would ask her to massage him while he was in his underwear, when they were alone in hotel rooms.

Her testimony is similar to that of a number of Hollywood actresses – Lupita Nyong’o and Gwyneth Paltrow both claimed Harvey Weinstein suggested a massage in his bedroom and hotel room respectively.

Zelda Perkins added that she often had to wake him up in the morning and “he would try to pull me into bed”.

Harvey Weinstein has apologized for the way he has “behaved with colleagues in the past” and acknowledged that his actions have “caused a lot of pain”.

However, the film producer has said many of the accusations against him are “patently false”, and in a statement to the FT, said he had “confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances”.

Zelda Perkins is one of scores of accusers who have come forward after a New York Times investigation into Harvey Weinstein’s conduct.

Rose McGowan claimed that she reached a $100,000 settlement with Harvey Weinstein in 1997 after an alleged incident in a hotel room at the Sundance Film Festival.

The New York Times said a legal document confirming the settlement stipulated it was “not to be construed as an admission”, but intended to “avoid litigation and buy peace”.

Allegations against Harvey Weinstein are subject to criminal investigations in London, Los Angeles and New York.

Weinstein Company is also under civil rights investigation in New York.

Do You Know What to Do When Disaster Strikes?

Nancy Clayson
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0
Do You Know What to Do When Disaster Strikes?

America has seen its fair share of natural and man-made disasters in 2017. From a historic hurricane season, to terrible mass shootings, the headlines have been dominated by disasters on a scale we don’t see very often. Most recently, wildfires in Northern California have eviscerated entire communities in the span of a few hours.

It is worth asking ourselves if we know what to do during a catastrophe. There are some common sense and practical steps you can take to ensure your safety even in the worst of disasters.

Know What You Are Up Against

The first part of developing your safety plan, is to be informed about the kind of disasters you are threatened by. For example, if you live in California, you are more likely to experience an earthquake, flash flood, or wildfire. The chances of a tornado or hurricane are much smaller, almost non-existent. On the other hand, people in the Midwest do have to take precautions against tornados and other major storms. However, they are less likely to experience a wildfire or earthquake. This goes for any region. Finding out what specific threats affect the area you live will let you then move forward and develop a sensible plan to combat them.

Image source Wikimedia

 Plan Accordingly

Once you know what you are up against you can start to lay out your disaster plan. Whether you are single or have a family, putting a plan together can increase your chance of surviving an emergency event. Simple things like knowing where your exits and safe places are, what essentials you plan on bringing with you, and knowing who or what you need to worry about, are all part of a disaster plan.

The idea is when a disaster happens, you aren’t caught with your shorts down. Run through your plan mentally or in real life as practice for when you will need it. Make sure you have an “Out-of-Town” contact to confirm your well-being with. If you have a family, designate a spot where you will all meet in the event of an emergency. That way, should you be separated at the time of the emergency, everyone will still know where to go. If you know a disaster is coming (like a hurricane) you can stock up on gas, food, and water, as well as check your homes safety readiness.

Again different regions have specific risks you will need to plan for. Having insurance related to those specific risks can help mitigate the costs that come with natural disasters. Earthquake, fire, flood, and tornado insurance are all available depending on where you live. It would also be wise to keep a lawyer on hand in case there is legal issues stemming from a disaster. You can’t guarantee you will be home when a disaster strikes. Businesses, public areas, and your place of employment can all be culpable for not taking proper precautions against emergency events. A lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim, a personal injury claim, a bad faith insurance claim, and more.

Build and Maintain a Disaster Kit

Not every disaster will afford you the time to shop and look around for the essentials you will bring with you. In fact, most disasters like earthquakes, floods and fires can leave a person with little, to no time to evacuate. Having a disaster kit filled with essential items, that is both easy to locate and carry, can provide you with the bare necessities to help you get by. A basic kit could include a few days’ supply of water and non-perishable food, a flashlight with batteries, a first aid kit, sanitation and hygiene items, matches, extra clothes, cash, photocopies of your ID, and any special medications or items specific to you or your family. Keep your Disaster Kit in an easy to reach and convenient location. You don’t want to be stuck looking for it when the evacuation orders come through.

Many people also use their cars as a mode of transportation and safety in a disaster. Having maps, extra gas, spare batteries, spare tires, a tire repair kit, and booster cables will keep your car prepared for a disaster.

Again, depending on the region you live in you might have to tweak your Disaster Kit to fit your needs. For example, people living in an area vulnerable to cold weather might want to include extra blankets, a heavy jacket, or anti-freeze to their disaster kits.

Of course none of this means anything, or will be of any use if you don’t maintain your Disaster Kit. It is hard to predict exactly when a disaster or emergency will happen. Sometimes there will be years in between them. Consistently checking and testing the readiness of your Disaster Kit will ensure that no matter when the next emergency event occurs, you will be prepared.

Act Fast

When the time comes, if you have prepared accordingly, you should have a clear plan in place to help you get by. Move quickly to secure what you need and should the order to evacuate come through, listen to it. As long as you have prepared and planned ahead of time you should be able to respond to any disaster with a clear head.

Kim Jong-nam Murder: Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong Revisit Crime Scene

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kim Jong-nam Murder: Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong Revisit Crime Scene

Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, the two women charged with killing Kim Jong-nam, are revisiting the crime scene in Malaysia.

They were at Kuala Lumpur airport on October 24.

Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong are accused of rubbing the highly toxic VX nerve agent on the face of the half-brother of North Korea’s leader as he waited for a flight.

The two women have pleaded not guilty to murder, saying it was a TV prank and they were tricked by North Korean agents.

North Korea has denied any involvement in the February 13 killing, but four men – believed to be four North Koreans who fled Malaysia on the day of murder – have also been charged in the case.

Image source Getty Images

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Kuala Lumpur International Airport was packed with journalists on October 24 as the women arrived, escorted by dozens of security officers.

Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong wore bullet proof vests, and were seen in wheelchairs at one point.

According to local media, they were accompanied by their lawyers and the judge presiding over the trial.

Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong are expected to visit the check in hall where Kim Jong-nam appeared to have been attacked, and the medical center where he sought assistance.

If found guilty, Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong face the death penalty. Their defense lawyers are likely to argue that the real culprits are the North Korean agents, who left Malaysia.

Kim Jong-nam, who was in his mid-40s, was the estranged older half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

At the time of his death, Kim Jong-nam was believed to have been living in self-imposed exile in Macau and was thought to have had some links to China.

Weinstein Company Investigated for Possible Civil Rights Violation

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Weinstein Company Investigated for Possible Civil Rights Violation

New York prosecutors are investigating the Weinstein Company following allegations of assault made against its co-founder, Harvey Weinstein.

The civil rights inquiry seeks to identify employees who have been subject to harassment.

According to prosecutors, company documents will be seized as part of the investigation. These include documents relating to complaints about harassment and how such complaints were handled.

The Weinstein Company, which is based in New York, has come under intense pressure over the scandal and fired Harvey Weinstein from its board earlier this month.

More than two dozen women, including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan, have made a number of accusations against the film producer.

Image source Flickr

Harvey Weinstein Resigns from Company’s Board amid Multiple Allegations of Assault and Harassment

Harvey Weinstein Expelled from Motion Picture Academy

Bob Weinstein Denies Company’s Sale

Harvey Weinstein, whose films have received more than 300 Oscar nominations, has “unequivocally denied” any allegations of non-consensual sex.

Meanwhile, LAPD announced its first investigation involving Harvey Weinstein in California.

Elsewhere, in London, police say Harvey Weinstein is accused of assaulting three women in separate incidents in the late 1980s, 1992, 2010, 2011 and 2015.

Officers are looking into claims they were attacked in Westminster, Camden and west London.

No arrests have been made over any of the allegations, police say.

Meanwhile, Matt Damon said he became aware of Harvey Weinstein’s alleged harassment of Gwyneth Paltrow in 1999.

In an interview with ABC News, the actor said: “I knew the story about Gwyneth [Paltrow] from Ben [Affleck], because he was with her after Brad [Pitt], so I knew that story.”

In the same interview George Clooney, whose big-screen break was a Weinstein film, said it is “beyond infuriating” that “predator” Harvey Weinstein was “out silencing women”.

On October 23, at a film premiere in Los Angeles, George Clooney spoke about the need to believe women who speak out about assault.

“Maybe this is the watershed moment, where we believe women, where they feel safe that they can talk about what they’re experiencing,” he said.

George Clooney and Matt Damon join the list of Hollywood stars who have spoken out to condemn Harvey Weinstein.

5 Effective Tips to Improve Workplace Productivity That Cost Less

Dana R
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0
5 Effective Tips to Improve Workplace Productivity That Cost Less

In an 8-hour workday, the average office worker is only productive for about 3 hours, according to a recent study. Yet companies pay for every second they spend at their desks. It is thus important for businesses to bring out the full potential of their employees.

Here are five productivity tips that can help businesses do just that.

workplace

Measure Performance Regularly

Businesses should measure the performance of their employees every now and then. Doing so allows them to know exactly how the employees are performing and whether they need to improve.

Measuring performance does not necessarily mean going through the quarterly performance reviews of each employee. Simple things like punctuality, timely completion of projects, personal habits, attitude, personal presentation, client feedback, and random checks can tell a lot about the performance of an employee.

Set Goals and Objectives

When setting the performance standards for employees and measuring them, managers should know the current state of their business and set rules and expectations in advance.

For instance, if an employee spends three hours on office applications and emails and two hours on personal sites, his actions may be considered not productive. If he spends one hour on personal sites and the rest on office work, he may be considered fairly productive. Above all, businesses should have regular check-ins to see if everyone is on track regarding the goals set.

Be Personal

Businesses should know their employees better. This is very important because employees often struggle with personal problems such as drug abuse, domestic violence, or financial crises. Such problems can take a toll on their productivity at work, making the business to suffer in the process. Earlier intervention can save the employee and increase the overall productivity of the business.

For instance, if an employee is severely underperforming, business managers can hold drug tests like marijuana testing to check if their performance has been affected by particular substances. After that, the proper course of action can be determined from there.

Do Not Impose So Many Internet Restrictions

Businesses need to relax on internet restrictions, especially for social media platforms. There are a lot potential that might remain unexploited if the employees are unable to access these sites and interact with prospective customers. Businesses should allow employees to market freely on social media and keep up-to-date with the latest moves from the competitors.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Business managers should provide feedback in a constructive way on a regular basis. The feedback should be encouraging, not disheartening. An encouraging feedback does not mean there must be a positive message. The message can be negative, but the communication should be done in a carefully calculated and thoughtful manner. It shouldn’t make the employee to feel bad about himself, but rather it should give him the motivation and desire to do better next time.

Employee productivity forms the foundation on which a company achieves success and prosperity. Companies should ensure they provide constructive feedback, allow social media access, and measure performance regularly in order to keep their employees productive at work.

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