Monday, December 8, 2025
Newsletter
Home Blog Page 157

Charlottesville Violence: Steve Bannon Attacks White Nationalists as “Clowns”

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Charlottesville Violence: Steve Bannon Attacks White Nationalists as “Clowns”

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon has attacked white nationalists as “clowns” as the fallout from violent protests in Charlottesville continues.

Steve Bannon once headed the right-wing Breitbart News, seen as both a major channel for nationalism and key in helping Donald Trump win election.

However, the former film executive told The American Prospect: “Ethno-nationalism – it’s losers.”

Questions surround Steve Bannon’s future, with President Trump refusing to say whether he still had confidence in him.

President Trump has reportedly been urged to fire Steve Bannon, who in his role has enjoyed direct access to the president and whose influence has been seen in decisions like the US withdrawing from the Paris climate accord.

At a news conference this week, President Trump would only say “we’ll see” when it came to Steve Bannon’s future.

Donald Trump is under fire for his response to August 12 clashes between far-right and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, in which he blamed “both sides” for the violence.

Image source Flickr

Steve Bannon Removed from National Security Council

Donald Trump Gives Key Roles to Reince Priebus and Steve Bannon

Anthony Scaramucci Removed as White House Communications Director After 10 Days

The rally, attended by neo-Nazis and white supremacists, was in protest at the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, a general who fought for the pro-slavery Confederacy during the US Civil War.

A memorial was held on August 16 for Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old woman killed when a suspected far-right sympathizer drove a car into a crowd of counter-protesters.

Meanwhile Apple CEO Tim Cook has become the latest business leader to criticize President Trump, saying he did not agree there was a “moral equivalence” between white supremacists and “those who oppose them”.

In his interview with The American Prospect, Steve Bannon was asked if there was a connection between the economic nationalism that he supports and the white nationalism seen in Charlottesville.

“Ethno-nationalism – it’s losers,” he said.

“It’s a fringe element. I think the media plays it up too much, and we gotta help crush it, you know, uh, help crush it more.”

“These guys are a collection of clowns,” he added.

Steve Bannon has distanced himself from “ethno-nationalism” before, telling the New York Times his interest in nationalism stems from wanting to curb the negative effects of globalization.

Charlottesville: Tim Cook Latest to Disagree with Donald Trump’s Take on Neo-Nazi Violence

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Charlottesville: Tim Cook Latest to Disagree with Donald Trump’s Take on Neo-Nazi Violence

Tim Cook has become the latest chief executive to criticize President Donald Trump over his response to the white nationalist rallies in Virginia.

The Apple boss said he did not agree there was a “moral equivalence” between white supremacists and “those who oppose them”.

President Trump has disbanded two business councils after top bosses resigned.

Tim Cook said Apple will also make donations to human rights charities.

In an email to staff obtained by BuzzFeed News, Tim Cook said: “I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights.

“Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans.”

Image source Flickr

Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Now Blames Violence on Both Sides

Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Condemns Racist Violence

Charlottesville Protests: Governor Terry McAuliffe Blames White Supremacists for City Violence

Tim Cook added that “in the wake of the tragic and repulsive events in Charlottesville, we are stepping up to help organizations who work to rid our country of hate”.

Apple will donate $1 million to both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. It will also match two-for-one any staff donations to these and several other human rights groups until September 30, the Apple boss said.

On August 16, Presidnet Trump said he was scrapping two business councils after more bosses quit over his handling of the violent clashes in Virginia.

Business leaders left the White House manufacturing council after the backlash against how he reacted to the far-right rally last weekend.

The clashes culminated in Heather Heyer’s death and 19 wounded when a car ploughed into a crowd of anti-fascist protesters.

President Trump’s reaction has sparked outrage and generated global headlines.

His announcement on Twitter came as the heads of 3M, Campbell Soup, Johnson & Johnson and United Technologies announced their resignations on August 16.

President Trump said: “Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both.”

Before Donald Trump’s announcement, the Strategy and Policy Forum announced it was a joint decision to disband the council.

Businesses have been under pressure to distance themselves from President Trump over his handling of the clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia.

On August 14, President Trump belatedly condemned the white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups that rallied in a small Virginia town on August 13.

However, in a rancorous news conference on August 15, the president backtracked and again blamed left-wing counter-protesters for the violence too.

On August 16, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, a member of the Strategy and Policy Forum, released a separate statement saying he strongly disagreed with President Trump’s recent statements, adding that “fanning divisiveness is not the answer”.

“Constructive economic and regulatory policies are not enough and will not matter if we do not address the divisions in our country. It is a leader’s role, in business or government, to bring people together, not tear them apart,” he said.

Denise Morrison of Campbell Soup said she could not continue to participate in the advisory panel after President Trump’s comments. Activists had called on Campbell Soup, among other firms, to take action.

Ryanair Accuses Lufthansa and German Government of Air Berlin Conspiracy

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Ryanair Accuses Lufthansa and German Government of Air Berlin Conspiracy

Ryanair has accused the German government and Lufthansa of conspiring to carve up collapsed airline Air Berlin.

Lufthansa is negotiating over buying Air Berlin planes, which are still flying following a 150 million euro German government loan.

Ryanair said there was an “obvious conspiracy” between Germany, Lufthansa and Air Berlin to carve up the assets.

The German government rejected the accusation and said its support for Air Berlin did not breach anti-trust rules.

Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy on August 15, after its biggest shareholder, the Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad, withdraw its financial support.

Over the past year Air Berlin’s passenger numbers have been in freefall. Last month the airline – Germany’s second-biggest carrier – lost a quarter of its customers compared with July 2016.

Germany’s economy minister, Brigitte Zypries, said that a deal whereby Lufthansa took over part of the insolvent airline should be struck in the next few months.

Ryanair said: “This manufactured insolvency is clearly being set up to allow Lufthansa to take over a debt-free Air Berlin which will be in breach of all known German and EU competition rules.

“Now even the German government is supporting this Lufthansa-led monopoly with 150m euros of state aid so that Lufthansa can acquire Air Berlin and drive domestic air fares in Germany even higher than they already are.”

Image source Wikimedia

Ryanair jets collision at London’s Stansted Airport

Germanwings crash: Lufthansa puts aside $300 million to cover possible costs

A German economy spokeswoman said: “I reject the accusation by Ryanair today that it was a staged insolvency application.”

Ryanair has lodged a complaint with the German regulator, the Bundeskartellamt, and the European Commission.

Lufthansa said it was already in negotiations with Air Berlin to take over parts of the company and was considering hiring more staff: “Lufthansa intends to conclude these negotiations successfully in due time.”

Ryanair has in the past made other criticisms of the relationship between Air Berlin and Lufthansa.

Lufthansa has been operating 38 Air Berlin Airbus jets on its behalf under a “wet lease” arrangement. In January Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary described the deal as a “joke”.

Michael O’Leary told the German magazine WirtschaftsWoche that the deal was “a takeover with the aim of dominating the market. Lufthansa controls the capacities of its most important competitor, sets the prices and decides where aircraft will start. The German authorities are doing nothing”.

Lufthansa’s interest in Air Berlin has also upset its own staff.

At its Eurowings subsidiary, unions are balloting cabin crew about industrial action after pay talks broke down – something the unions blame on Air Berlin’s collapse.

German cabin crew union UFO said: “The reasons why no solution could be worked out with Eurowings management became clear yesterday: the Lufthansa group can obtain cheap aircraft through Air Berlin’s insolvency and doesn’t need to take on its staff or their wage agreements.”

However, the demise of Air Berlin could open up the German market to more competition.

Ryanair and EasyJet have only managed to get a toehold at airports such as Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt.

Gerald Khoo, transport analyst at Liberium Capital, said: “Based on August schedules, Germany currently represents just 9% of EasyJet’s capacity and 7% of Ryanair’s, compared with 76% of Lufthansa’s, highlighting the relative importance of that market to each carrier.”

Ryanair has been targeting the German market, with new routes to and from Frankfurt.

Gerald Khooo said: “We would expect German airports to move up the list of priorities for next summer for both major low cost carriers, whether or not they attempt to pick up assets and/or staff from Air Berlin’s bankruptcy process.”

Reuters reported on August 15 that Easyjet was in talks to buy assets from Air Berlin. EasyJet declined to comment.

Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Now Blames Violence on Both Sides

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Now Blames Violence on Both Sides

President Donald Trump has again blamed both sides for the violent unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which left Heather Heyer dead and 19 others injured.

In a statement on August 14, the president had condemned white supremacists.

However, in New York on August 15, Donald Trump also blamed left-wing supporters for charging at the “alt-right”.

The president’s latest comments drew swift criticism, including from many in his Republican party.

Many echoed Senator John McCain’s view: “There is no moral equivalency between racists & Americans standing up to defy hate & bigotry.”

The right-wing march had been organized to protest against the proposed removal of a statue of General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the pro-slavery Confederate forces during the American Civil War. The event drew white supremacy groups.

Image source Flickr

Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Condemns Racist Violence

Charlottesville Protests: Governor Terry McAuliffe Blames White Supremacists for City Violence

Violence broke out after they were confronted by anti-racism groups. A car ploughed into one group of anti-racism protesters, killing Heather Heyer, 32, and injuring 19 others.

Speaking at the White House on August 14, President Trump had said that the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and white supremacists were “repugnant” to everything Americans held dear.

However, at a bad-tempered press conference at Trump Tower on August 15, Donald Trump reverted to blaming “many sides” for August 12 violence.

“You had a group on one side that was bad, and you had a group on the other side that was also very violent. And nobody wants to say that, but I’ll say it right now,” he said.

“What about the alt-left that came charging… at the, as you say, the alt-right? Do they have any semblance of guilt? (…) There are two sides to a story.”

President Trump called the driver of the car that ploughed into the anti-racism protesters a disgrace to himself and his country, but said that those who had marched in defense of the statue had included “many fine people”.

He also asked whether statues of former presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson should also be torn down, because they had been slave-owners.

President Trump’s remarks were welcomed by David Duke, a former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, who tweeted: “Thank you President Trump for your honesty & courage to tell the truth about #Charlottesville & condemn the leftist terrorists in BLM/Antifa.”

Daniel Craig Confirms He Is Coming Back as James Bond in 2019

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Daniel Craig Confirms He Is Coming Back as James Bond in 2019

Daniel Craig has confirmed that he will come back as James Bond.

The 49-year-old actor was asked whether he will play James Bond again during his appearance on The Late Show.

“Yes,” Daniel Craig told host Stephen Colbert, before standing up to shake his hand.

Daniel Craig, who has played James Bond in the past four films, has until now refused to say whether he will do it again.

However, he revealed he has known for a “couple of months”.

“We’ve been discussing it, we’ve just been trying to figure things out,” he said.

“I always wanted to, I needed a break.”

Image source Flickr

The next Bond movie, the 25th in the series, is due out in November 2019.

Daniel Craig said it will be his last outing as James Bond.

“I just want to go out on a high note, and I can’t wait.”

The actor was still refusing to confirm speculation about it as late as yesterday.

“No decision has been made,” he told Boston radio station Magic 106.7.

“I know they’re desperate to get going and I would in theory love to do it, but there is no decision just yet.”

Daniel Craig succeeded Pierce Brosnan as James Bond and made his debut in Casino Royale in 2006.

He has since played the spy in Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).

Bill Gates Makes $4.6 Billion Donation

Clyde K. Valle
-
0

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has given away $4.6 billion to charity in his largest donation since 2000.

Bill Gates remains the world’s richest person, despite giving away 64 million shares in Microsoft.

The shares are equivalent to 5% of his total fortune, currently estimated to be $89.9 billion.

Since 1994, Bill Gates, 61, and his wife Melinda have given away a total of $35 billion in cash and stocks to a range of charitable causes.

The donation was made in June but became public on August 14 following the filing of a document with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Bill Gates’ share in Microsoft is now just 1.3%. Prior to this, he gave away $16 billion in Microsoft shares in 1999 and $5.1 billion in 2000.

The majority of all previous donations have been made to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is primarily focused on reducing world poverty, combating infectious diseases and providing universal access to computers.

Image source Flickr

It is not known who the recipient of Bill Gates’ latest donation is, however when federal documents are filed, it usually means new money is being given to a foundation, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports.

In 2010, Bill and Melinda Gates and the well-known investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett created the Giving Pledge, and as of May 2017, 158 individuals or couples have agreed to contribute at least half of their wealth to charity.

This latest donation is the biggest charitable gift to have been made anywhere in the world so far this year.

The second largest was made by Warren Buffett, who donated almost $3.2 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation last month.

The third biggest came from Dell Computer Corporation founder Michael Dell and his wife Susan.

In May, Michael and Susan Dell gave more than $1 billion to their foundation, which focuses on children’s issues and community initiatives.

How We Are Working To Solve The Food Crisis

Dana R
-
0
How We Are Working To Solve The Food Crisis

Image source

The global food shortage the world faces is as terrifying and real as Donald Trump being President of the United States of America. Just look at Venezuela right now. But, unlike this administration, the horrors of such food shortage won’t come to an abrupt halt in *eight years time (*we mean four), instead it will have drastically worsened unless we come collectively fight for sustainability.

Luckily, among all this doom and gloom, there is the silver lining of a solution, which requires us to simultaneously close the food gap, promote economic development and reduce the current impact the agricultural industry has on the environment. And here is how we can do that:

Reduce Food Waste

40% of all the food produced is wasted. On top of that, 25% of all the food created on the fields is lost before it makes it to the fork. Just reducing these figures by half could close the food gap by 20% before 2050.

Image source

Promote Aquaculture

Nearly half of all the fish consumed is produced through aquaculture, which proves a huge shift in paradigms has taken place and continues to take place. To continue this momentum, we need to take what the Global Salmon Initiative is doing and encourage the world’s fishing enterprises to get certified. That way we can continue to reduce the reliance we have on wild-fishing being used as feed.

Not Beef Or Lamb

Beef and lamb create around six times the amount of CO2 emissions as other protein sources, including pork, chicken, fish and eggs, making them the biggest culprits in terms of greenhouse gases. As such, we need to continue urging people to shift away from beef because even just a 20% shift will protect millions and millions or forests from harm. Feeding grounds, water consumption, CO2 emissions; beef affects all of these.

Image source

Conservation Agriculture

For those who aren’t aware, the term conservation agriculture includes processes like crop rotation, mulching and reduced tillage all improve yields, which is especially important in African countries. Not only that, but agroforestry improves yields too. This works by improving land fertility and better managing water usage, which is why these techniques need to be encouraged across all sub-Saharan countries.

Locally Sourced

There is no point being a vegan if your fruit and veg have endured truck rides, boat trips and long-haul flights before making it to your plate. Instead, eating locally sourced foods is the best way forward. This could mean using FarmDrop – who source all foods from within 150 miles of the buyer – to supply your groceries, or it could be you grow your own produce in your garden. Either way, a shift towards locally sourced foods needs to happen.

It is imperative to understand that there isn’t a single solution that is going to reduce the food gap that we currently face. Instead, a cocktail of strategies must be put in place, which is what seems to be happening. However, it is not just enough for governments and businesses to be pushing this, we need to be pushing it as a society too. That is the only way of making this movement a success.

Venezuela Crisis: The Impact of Civil War?

Dana R
-
0
Venezuela Crisis: The Impact of Civil War?

Image Credit

As the crisis in Venezuela continues, talk of the issues escalating into civil war is becoming less far fetched by the day. And certainly, there are plenty of international oars being stuck into the pot – Donald Trump’s in particular. The reality for most of us, however, is that no matter what the news is saying, it’s impossible to get a grip on what is happening on the ground, whichever side you think is in the right.

There is another reality, though – rebel forces are growing, and the kindling for war needs only the slightest spark for things to ignite. Plus, now that President Maduro has won an election, even if you agree with the likes of Smartmatic who claim the ballot was tampered with, the simple fact is that once that constitution is rewritten, it will be challenging to defeat the current leader next time around.

With all this in mind, it’s hardly surprising the election itself was boycotted by the opposition. Given they see it as a phoney election – and with the likes of the United States starting to make less diplomatic noises from the north – it seems sensible that they are doing all they can to avoid legitimizing Maduro and his party. Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Canada are all throwing their two cents-worth, too, so a waiting game is probably the most useful option.

But for anyone that thinks a rebellion and civil war will see a return to a thriving Venezuela, there are a few troubling questions to answer. First of all, why is President Trump taking so much interest in Venezuela right now? And why are we seeing so much about it on the news? Yes, the reports appear to be damaging for the Maduro government, but we are most definitely seeing a one-sided picture. Many other dictators around the world are going about their business in a much more violent manner, to citizens and political opponents alike, with little to no rebuke in the mainstream news. In fact, some of them have been getting arms deals while the likes of Venezuela get sanctions.

Also, there is little talk of who these rebels really are, who they are being backed by, and what their intentions are. And the reality is that when democracies – however shambolic those democracies are – fall, they are generally replaced with something far worse.

President Maduro doesn’t deserve much sympathy, of course, given the huge mistakes the government have made which have resulted in appalling economic performance. And there is no excuse for the kind of bloodshed and violence allegedly carried out by the government. But for the Venezuelan people who will, no doubt, be severely hurt by a civil war, may not be any better off after one, even if Maduro is overthrown. And there are plenty of others with blood on their hands, too, not just government forces and supporters. Should these rebels find themselves in power one day in the not-too-distant future, one wonders what that power might look like.

A Football Phobic’s Guide To Surviving The Season

Dana R
-
0
A Football Phobic’s Guide To Surviving The Season

All over the world, football fans are preparing themselves for the season’s drama with fevered anticipation. For those of us who don’t follow the beautiful game, however, it can be a gruelling chore especially if we have spouses, kids and friends for whom it’s absolutely everything. For men and women all over the planet who’d rather watch paint dry than invest ninety minutes (let alone a season’s viewing) in watching sports then it can create friction and even full blown arguments with football obsessed family members. Thus, we’ve created a guide to familial bliss throughout the football season that will prevent any of your family members from having to be shown the red card.

Image by Flickr

Build personal investment

Most people love football because they’ve built a tribalistic connection to their favourite team. Sure, as they get older they may develop a technical appreciation for the skill, technical proficiency and strategy of the game but it all boils down to a primal “us vs them” mentality. This psychology is often forged at an early age and it can be virtually impossible to develop that kind of investment as an adult. Football likely has psychological associations with family, togetherness and a shared experience much like a pop concert or a live theatrical performance. While you may not be able to recreate this kind of investment for yourself there may be some ways to create investment. Place a bet at the start of the season to give yourself a vested interest (just be sure to bet responsibly). Even picking a team arbitrarily because you like the sound of their name or the colour of their kit can be a fun entry point.

Make football time YOU time

Many men and women take their football seriously as watching it allows them an opportunity to leave their troubles behind for an hour and a half and invest their attention completely in the game. So, why not afford yourself the same opportunity? Take some time to visit a friend, read a book, watch a film or play video games. Whichever way you prefer to unwind, you’ll feel much better when the match is over..

Create a trade off

For many of our partners, and especially children, it’s not enough to enjoy the football, they want to feel that we’re enjoying it too. Even if watching the game is boring or tortuous for you, then grin and bear it under the proviso that tomorrow the family can spend the same amount of time doing an activity of your choosing, whatever that may be.

And if you can’t beat them, join them

Most football fans are not made in front of the TV, they’re made in the stands. Even if you’re not a football fan, there’s a certain atmosphere around live football that should really be experienced by everyone, even those with no personal investment in the sport. Football fans are very often misrepresented as being aggressive, rude and violent. However the vast majority are friendly, approachable and passionate, creating a welcoming atmosphere that you may just appreciate.

North Korea: Kim Jong-un to Wait and See before Taking Action on Guam Strike

Roy Siemens
-
0
North Korea: Kim Jong-un to Wait and See before Taking Action on Guam Strike

According to North Korean state media, supreme leader Kim Jong-un reviewed plans to fire missiles towards the US Pacific territory of Guam but will hold off.

Although prepared for “the enveloping fire at Guam”, North Korea said it would watch what “the foolish Yankees” do before taking a decision.

Last week’s threat against Guam escalated the sharp rhetoric being exchanged between the two sides.

This latest report points to a pause in the increasingly bitter war of words.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has urged the US not to launch an attack on the Korean peninsula without its consent, saying “no one may decide to take military action without the consent” of the South.

The KCNA report said Kim Jong-un “examined the plan for a long time” and discussed it with senior military officials.

Kim Jong-un was now merely waiting for orders “after rounding off the preparations for the enveloping fire at Guam”.

However, crucially, the report also said that Kim Jong-un would watch the US before making any decision, signaling an apparent deceleration in the provocative rhetoric.

North Korea Planning to Fire Four Missile Near Guam

Donald Trump: “US Military Is Locked and Loaded to Deal with North Korea”

North Korea Warns US over Fresh UN Sanctions

Correspondents say that after days of menacing threats it might seem that the North Korean leader could be in the mood to finally hit the pause button – but in a nation as secretive as North Korea, one can never be sure.

Analysts say it could simply mean North Korea is not fully ready to launch an attack on Guam, so it could just be buying more time.

South Korea and China – North Korea’s closest ally – have been urging calm and a renewed push for diplomatic resolutions.

On August 15, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the US should not act unilaterally. The two countries’ defense agreement states that they must “consult together” when either is threatened.

On August 14, China’s foreign ministry reiterated its “suspension for suspension proposal” where North Korea stops its missile tests in exchange for a freeze on military exercises by the US and South Korea.

Defense Secretary James Mattis earlier warned that any attack could quickly escalate into war, and if North Korea fired a missile towards Guam, “then it’s game on.”

He told reporters that the US military would defend the country “from any attack, at any time and from any quarter”.

James Mattis also sought to reassure residents of Guam, home to US military bases and about 160,000 people, that they were well-protected and if a missile was fired, “we’ll take it out”.

Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Condemns Racist Violence

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Charlottesville Protests: Donald Trump Condemns Racist Violence

President Donald Trump has spoken out against racist violence after the killing of a protester in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12.

He told reporters: “Racism is evil and those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs.”

President Trump said the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and white supremacists were “repugnant” to everything Americans held dear.

He was criticized for not specifically denouncing extremists in his initial comments on the violence.

Heather Heyer, 32, died and 19 others were injured when a car rammed into people protesting against a far-right march.

On August 14, James Alex Fields, 20, was formally charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and one count of hit and run. He was also denied bail during his appearance in court via video from jail.

Image source Flickr

Charlottesville Protests: Governor Terry McAuliffe Blames White Supremacists for City Violence

Frazier Glenn Miller Verdict: Kansas White Supremacist Sentenced to Death

Donald Trump Condemns Alt-Right Group for Celebrating His Victory with Nazi Salutes

James Alex Fields is said to have harbored Nazi sympathies.

The justice department is opening a civil rights investigation into the incident.

On August 14, President Trump arrived back at the White House from his golf estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, to issue a comprehensive condemnation.

The president said: “We condemn this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence.

“It has no place in America.

“Those who spread violence in the name of bigotry strike at the very core of America.”

Donald Trump paid tribute to Heather Heyer as well as two police officers killed in a helicopter crash after helping to tackle the unrest.

Heather Heyer’s mother, Susan Bro, thanked the president for his “words of comfort and for denouncing those who promote violence and hatred”.

Susan Bro told NBC News in a statement she also sent her condolences for the families of the two state troopers who were injured.

However, some felt President Trump’s comments came too late.

Civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton criticized President Trump for waiting 48 hours before issuing a full condemnation.

“We had the head of state of Germany speak before we had the president of this country,” Rev Al Sharpton told MSNBC.

“His silence spoke volumes to people. It was too little, too late.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJdU1Xb5BXI

Taylor Swift Wins Assault Case Against Former DJ David Mueller

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Taylor Swift Wins Assault Case Against Former DJ David Mueller

Taylor Swift has won an assault case against ex-radio DJ David Mueller, who she said had groped her at a 2013 concert.

David Mueller assaulted the pop star by grabbing her bottom beneath her skirt during a photo shoot, a jury in Denver, Colorado, found.

Taylor Swift was awarded a symbolic $1 in damages that she had sought.

David Mueller had originally tried to sue Taylor Swift, saying that her claims had cost him his job. However, that lawsuit was thrown out by a judge last week.

On August 15, the jury also rejected similar claims David Mueller had made against the singer’s mother, Andrea Swift, and her radio liaison, Frank Bell.

Image source Flickr

Grammys 2016: Taylor Swift Becomes First Woman to Win Album of the Year Twice

Judge Dismisses Taylor Swift Copyright Lawsuit

Taylor Swift Accused of Stealing Shake It Off Lyrics

In a statement following the verdict, Taylor Swift said: “I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this.

“My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help assault victims defend themselves.”

The assault took place during a Denver stopover on Taylor Swift’s Red tour.

David Mueller, then a host on the radio station KYGO, had been invited to meet the singer before the show.

Taylor Swift complained to KYGO and the station fired David Mueller two days later.

On August 11, Taylor Swift’s former bodyguard, Greg Dent, gave evidence, supporting her assault claims by testifying that he saw the DJ reach under her skirt.

Greg Dent told the Colorado court he “did not see his hand touch her physically”, but “saw his hand under her skirt”.

Versatile Dresses: From Day to Night

Dana R
-
0
Versatile Dresses: From Day to Night

Summer is a busy time; especially the weekends. If you’re finding it hard to find the time to squeeze everything in, your wardrobe could give you a helping hand. You may start your Saturday morning off with a quick gym visit, followed by shopping and lunch, and more shopping. By the time you’ve finished you’ve barely got enough time to get home and change your outfit ready for a night on the town. But, what if you didn’t have to? What if you could change a few simple details about the outfit you’ve been wearing all day and completely transform it? Here are some ideas.

Flickr

Shirt Dress

On a hot Summer’s day, a shirt dress is an easy option that keeps you cool, comfortable and stylish. It’s easy to move around in and all you need to do is throw on a pair of trainers and a nice watch before you can head out the door. When it comes to nighttime, this dress doesn’t exactly scream sexy…until you add a few things. Swap the trainers for some fabulous heels, add some statement jewellery and let your hair down. Voila!

Sundress

You can do anything in a sundress! Go to the beach, do your food shopping, have a picnic in the park. It’s one of the most versatile dresses for daytime activities, but it isn’t often thought of as an occasion dress. There are so many cute sundresses out there, but when you want a sundress that can turn into a fun-dress, you need to look out for certain things. Go for dresses with cut-outs and ones that accentuate your figure. Then all you need to do is swap the sun hat and glasses for beach waves in your hair, statement earrings and a pair wedges before you’re ready for the cocktails.

Flickr

Maxi Dress

There’s no way you can turn a maxi dress into an evening look, right? Wrong! A maxi dress is an easy-breezy look for Summer and they’re so easy to wear. If you’re going to brunch with friends on a glorious day, you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress. When it comes to going out in the night, look for a maxi dress with a side split and it will change the game completely. You won’t even have to wear heels to make the dress sexy. You can change up your look by adding some jewellery and changing your make-up. Glittering eyeshadow is always a winner with maxi dresses.

Off the Shoulder Dress

An off the shoulder dress is ideal for keeping you cool on a hot day and you can keep the accessories to a minimum during the day, creating a chic look. To down-dress your outfit in the day, wear with a pair of flats and keep your hair up. To transform the look during the evening, wear your hair up and put on a sparkling choker and heels. You could even make the most of your exposed skin and wear layered necklaces if you want your evening look to stand out.

Pencil Skirt Suit

If you have to go to an event straight from work, it doesn’t mean you can’t transform your outfit. A pencil skirt suit is an ideal way to show your styling skills. When it comes to the evening, get rid of your jacket and add a statement necklace to your blouse. Match your heels to the colour of your statement necklace and you’ve got an easy pop of colour added to a black or grey suit. If you want to make a killer impression, go for a red necklace, red heels and pair them with red lipstick. You’re sure to turn heads when you walk in the room.

Flickr

Wrap Dress

If you’re spending the day at the beach in your bikini and you want something easy to throw on when you’re ready for some night-time fun, a wrap dress could be the perfect solution. There’s no hassle; you can even throw it on top of your bikini when you’ve finished sunbathing. All you’ll need is some sandals and sunglasses for the beach. When it’s time to hit the bar, swap your sandals for heels and add some gold or silver bangles to your wrists. Keep your hair down and natural.

When enough thought is put into it, there aren’t many outfits that can’t be turned into something suitable for a special occasion. So, take a good look through your accessories and get creative. You never know what you could come up with until you try!

Japan Q2 Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in Two Years

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Japan Q2 Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in Two Years

Japan’s economy grew at its fastest pace for more than two years in Q2 as consumer spending and capital expenditure ramped up.

GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 4% in the April-to-June period, government data showed, beating expectations for a 2.5% rise.

The world’s third-largest economy grew 1% compared to the previous quarter.

Japan is enjoying its longest economic expansion in a decade, buoyed by spending and investment.

The country’s economy has been gaining strength thanks to rising exports, including smart phones and memory chips.

Investment tied to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has also given the country’s economy a boost in recent months.

Image source Wikimedia

Japan economy enters contraction starting with Q3 2012

Japan’s Economy Shrinks 0.4% in Q4 of 2015

Japan’s economy slips into recession

Strong domestic demand helped to offset a drop in exports during Q2.

Japan has been trying to lift consumer spending, which accounts for more than a half of the country’s GDP.

The latest figures could be a help to PM Shinzo Abe who pledged to reignite growth and spending through his Abenomics reforms.

Shinzo Abe has seen his popularity sink recently over a series of scandals including claims he exploited his political power to help a friend.

Japan has battled years of deflation, or falling prices, and slow growth following an equity and property market bubble in the early 1990s.

The Abenomics program, a mix of monetary easing, government spending and structural reforms, was designed to reignite the once-booming economy and lift consumer prices.

Falling prices can discourage spending by consumers, who might put off purchases in the hopes that prices will drop further.

That hurts businesses, as it can stop companies from increasing production, hiring new staff or increasing wages.

Tesla Expects to Raise $1.77 Billion By Selling Junk Bonds

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Tesla Expects to Raise $1.77 Billion By Selling Junk Bonds

Elon Musk’s company, Tesla,  expects to raise nearly $1.8 billion by selling “junk” bonds to private investors – even more than the electric automaker aimed for when it announced the offering this month.

Tesla said the money will keep its balance sheet steady as it ramps up manufacturing of its newest car.

The company aims to make 5,000 of its mass market Model 3 a week by the end of this year.

It has estimated it is already spending about $100 million a week to hit that target.

On August 4, Tesla said was looking to raise $1.5 billion by selling bonds, but after one week it said it now expected to raise $1.77 billion from the sale.

The fundraising is limited to major institutions and not private investor.

Image source Twitter

Elon Musk: Tesla Model 3 Pre-Orders Total 276,000

Junk bonds are ones that pay a higher yield than normal bonds (5.3% in Tesla’s case), but also carry a higher risk of not being paid back. The bonds are set to be repaid in 2025.

Analysts said Tesla‘s ability to raise more than $1.5 billion indicated an appetite for risk among investors, as low interest rates have limited returns in many other types of investments. High stock market valuations have also made it harder to make a profit.

“Without the proceeds from the note offering, Tesla’s liquidity position would be stressed,” analysts at Moody’s said, warning of risks to potential investors.

Tesla had about $3 billion in cash at the end of June, but it spent more than $2 billion in the most recent quarter.

The company has frequently turned to investors to overcome persistent operating losses.

Tesla plans to eventually make more than 500,000 of the new Model 3 cars a year at its Fremont factory – or about 10,000 per week.

Moody’s said the target was ambitious given the relatively small size of the US electric car market.

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

Charlottesville Protests: Governor Terry McAuliffe Blames White Supremacists for City Violence

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Charlottesville Protests: Governor Terry McAuliffe Blames White Supremacists for City Violence

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has said that his only message for the white supremacists who brought chaos to the city of Charlottesville is “Go home”.

On August 12, a woman has been killed and 19 people were injured when a car rammed a crowd of people opposing a far-right rally there.

The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident.

Earlier, street brawls erupted between white nationalists and counter-protesters.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said “the violence and deaths in Charlottesville strike at the heart of American law and justice.

He said: “When such actions arise from racial bigotry and hatred, they betray our core values and cannot be tolerated.”

The alleged driver of the car – James Alex Fields, 20, from Ohio – is in detention on suspicion of second-degree murder.

In addition to those injured in the car incident, the Charlottesville Police Department said 15 were wounded in other violence related to the far-right march.

Late in the afternoon, a Virginia State Police helicopter crashed in woodland south-west of the city, killing two police officers. The helicopter had been part of the operation to monitor the clashes.

The “Unite the Right” march was called to protest against plans to remove a statue of General Robert E. Lee, who had fought for the pro-slavery Confederacy during the US Civil War.

Image source Getty Images

Virginia TV Shooting: Reporter and Cameraman Shot Dead on Live TV

Governor McAuliffe told a press conference: “I have a message for all the white supremacists, and the Nazis who came into Charlottesville today. Our message is plain and simple: Go home. You are not wanted in this great commonwealth. Shame on you. You pretend that you’re patriots, but you are anything but a patriot.

“You came here today to hurt people. And you did hurt people. But my message is clear: We are stronger than you.”

The Democrat governor said he had spoken to President Donald Trump, and twice urged him to begin a movement to bring people together.

Terry McAuliffe thanked the police and law enforcement officials, who he said had prevented “a much worse day”, and praised the emergency services who helped the wounded.

The violence in Charlottesville – a liberal college town – is a stark demonstration of the growing political divide in the United States, which has intensified since President Trump’s election last year.

Right-wing blogger Jason Kessler had called for a “pro-white” rally, and white nationalists promoted the gathering widely.

Oren Segal, director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, said several “white power” groups were present – including neo-Nazis and factions of the Ku Klux Klan.

The New York Times reports that some were chanting “You will not replace us,” and “Jew will not replace us.”

Anti-racism organizations such as Black Lives Matter held protests at the scene.

On August 11, the white nationalists held lit torches and chanted “White lives matter” as they marched through the University of Virginia in the city.

President Trump condemned “in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence on many sides”.

Speaking in New Jersey, where he is on a working holiday, President Trump told reporters: “The hate and the division must stop right now.

“We have to come together as Americans with love for our nation.”

DMZ Concert 2017: Thousands Enjoy K-Pop Extravaganza at Korean Border

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
DMZ Concert 2017: Thousands Enjoy K-Pop Extravaganza at Korean Border

Thousands of people have enjoyed a pop concert close to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.

The South Korean “peace concert” takes place every year near the zone which splits the Korean peninsula.

This year, it comes as North Korea is threatening to fire missiles towards the US territory of Guam, while President Donald Trump has threatened them with “fire and fury like the world has never seen”.

There are two events – the first and more popular one is a Korean pop (or K-pop) extravaganza on August 12, followed by a classical music concert on August 13.

Though they are marketed as “DMZ Concerts”, they are obviously not held within the demilitarized zone, but at a tourist spot called Nuri Peace Park in the South Korean city of Paju, north of Seoul.

The free and public event is organized by South Korean broadcaster MBC, the Ministry of Unification – which promotes and prepares for potential future reunification of the Koreas – and local authorities. The concert will be broadcast on August 15 on national TV.

North Korea Planning to Fire Four Missile Near Guam

North Korea Tests New Rocket Engine

This year’s K-pop concert was taglined “Again, Peace!” and boasted top acts like Girls Generation and BTOB.

The concert is in part a celebration of National Liberation Day, a public holiday in both Koreas and a potent symbol of their shared history.

The date the show will be broadcast on TV – August 15 – marks the end of Japanese colonial rule on the Korean peninsula in 1945. The Korean War began a few years after that and ended in an armistice, so the two countries are still technically at war with each other.

The current series of concerts began in 2011, but back in 2000, South Korea tried to convince North Korea to hold a joint concert in Pyongyang as a cultural exchange. The plan fell through reportedly over a financial disagreement.

The organizers position the concerts as a way of encouraging the resolution of the Korean conflict through cultural exchange.

Korean acts are already hugely popular across Asia, and have an increasing following worldwide.

Despite their heavily controlled lives, many North Koreans are reportedly huge fans of South Korea’s music and other cultural imports such as soap operas, which are often smuggled in.

North Korean defectors have previously said that South Korean entertainment helped them learn the realities of life outside their country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S95tckz7MTk

Venezuela Crisis: Donald Trump Does Not Rule Out Military Response

Roy Siemens
-
0
Venezuela Crisis: Donald Trump Does Not Rule Out Military Response

President Donald Trump has announced he is not ruling out a military option in dealing with the crisis in Venezuela.

The president said: “The people are suffering and they are dying.”

Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said President Trump’s suggestion was “an act of craziness”.

President Nicolas Maduro’s new constituent assembly has been widely criticized as anti-democratic. The US recently imposed sanctions on Nicolas Maduro, branding him a dictator.

President Trump told reporters on August 11: “We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary.

“We have troops all over the world in places that are very far away. Venezuela is not very far away and the people are suffering and they’re dying.”

The White House later said that President Maduro had requested a phone call with President Trump.

In response, the White House said President Trump would gladly speak to his Venezuelan counterpart, when democracy had been restored in the country.

Image source NBC

Venezuela Government Websites Hacked

Venezuela: President Trump Warns Nicolas Maduro over Jailed Opponents

Venezuela’s Supreme Court Attacked by Helicopter

Regional pressure on the Venezuelan government has continued, with Peru ordering the expulsion of the Venezuelan ambassador from Lima after Caracas sent an “unacceptable” response to regional condemnation of its new constituent assembly.

Ambassador Diego Molero has five days to leave Peru, officials say.

The move by Peru’s foreign ministry, announced in a statement on Twitter, follows the condemnation by 11 other major countries in the Americas of Venezuela’s controversial constituent assembly.

The new body has the ability to rewrite the constitution and could override the opposition-controlled parliament, the National Assembly.

In a separate development, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a fierce critic of Nicolas Maduro, has urged him to resign, saying he lost any credibility after the election of the new body.

Pablo Kuczynski told Reuters: “He’s a dictator and has carried out a coup through a fraudulent election to eliminate Congress.”

The Peruvian president also rejected an offer from Presidnet Maduro to meet face-to-face.

The Venezuelan opposition, which boycotted the election for the constituent assembly, accuses Nicolas Maduro of trying to cling on to power, which he denies.

Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly said that the new assembly would bring peace to Venezuela.

Violent demonstrations since April have left more than 120 people dead in Venezuela.

Egg Scandal: 15 EU Countries, Switzerland and Hong Kong Received Contaminated Eggs

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Egg Scandal: 15 EU Countries, Switzerland and Hong Kong Received Contaminated Eggs

According to the European Commission, 15 EU countries as well as Hong Kong and Switzerland have received eggs contaminated with the insecticide fipronil.

The commission will hold a meeting with ministers and regulators on September 26.

Its food safety chief has called countries to stop “blaming and shaming” each other.

A row has erupted over how long Belgian and Dutch authorities have known about the contamination.

Eggs, coming mainly from the Netherlands, have been found to contain fipronil, a substance used to kill lice and ticks on animals that is banned by the EU for use in the food industry.

It is thought fipronil was used to combat lice in some chicken farms, affecting the eggs of laying hens.

The insecticide can damage people’s kidneys, liver and thyroid glands if eaten in large quantities. However, food standards agencies are playing down the risks for anyone who has already eaten the tainted eggs.

Farms were shut down in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France after authorities confirmed that fipronil had been used, European Commission spokesman Daniel Rosario said on August 11.

The EU countries that have received the eggs are the UK, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Denmark. Non-EU Switzerland is also affected.

Image source Pexels

EU Egg Scandal: 20 Tonnes Fipronil-Tainted Eggs Sold in Denmark

Aldi Withdraws Eggs from Germany Stores over Insecticide Contamination Fear

Organic eggs fraud investigated in Germany

The revelation that tainted eggs had also been sent to Hong Kong marks the first time the widening scandal has spread outside Europe.

Supermarkets in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany have also withdrawn millions of eggs from sale.

On August, France’s Agriculture Minister Stéphane Travert said about 250,000 affected eggs had been sold in the country since April, adding that all products containing eggs from contaminated farms would be taken off the shelves.

In Hong Kong, the government’s Center for Food Safety says it identified two samples of imported Dutch eggs containing excessive levels of fipronil last week and asked shops to remove the products.

It has since tested other European egg imports and has not found any more “unsatisfactory samples”, the South China Morning Post newspaper quoted a spokeswoman as saying.

European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis said on August 11: “Blaming and shaming will bring us nowhere and I want to stop this.

“But first things first. Our common job and our priority now is to manage the situation, gather information, focus on the analysis and lessons to be learned in a view to improve our system and prevent criminal activity.”

Perseid Meteor Shower 2017: Where, When and How to See It

James J. Williams
-
0
Perseid Meteor Shower 2017: Where, When and How to See It

This year’s Perseid meteor shower will peak over the weekend, giving stargazers the opportunity to spot scores of shooting stars in the sky.

According to astronomers, hundreds of meteors will streak across the sky in a display that may be visible around the world.

The Perseid meteor shower occurs every July and August as the Earth passes debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Typical rates are about 80 meteors an hour, but in outburst years (such as in 2016) the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour.

Image source Flickr

The meteor shower’s actual peak is around 1PM EDT August 12, which means that the night before and the night after will both have good rates. The show would be slightly better in the predawn hours of August 12, but that there’d be a decent show both nights.

However, experts say the Perseids could be harder to see this year as the Moon will be three-quarters full.

Earth will pass through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle from July 17 to August 24, with the shower’s peak — when Earth passes through the densest, dustiest area — occurring on August 12. That means you’ll see the most meteors in the shortest amount of time near that peak, but you can still catch some action from the famed meteor shower before or after that point.

The moon will be three-quarters full during the peak. Since the moon will rise late in the evening (around roughly 11 p.m.), there will be some interference from its light that will make it more difficult to see meteors.

You can see the Perseid meteor shower best in the Northern Hemisphere and down to the mid-southern latitudes, and all you need to catch the show is darkness, somewhere comfortable to sit and a bit of patience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXr4I0qm_P4

What are Legal Methods to Track Phone Location?

Dana R
-
0
What are Legal Methods to Track Phone Location?

What makes us monitor actions and behavior of our relatives, significant ones, and children? Most people track someone’s location to protect this person and not to worry about him or her. However, there are cases when we just can’t trust a person for some reasons and need a way to learn the concealed truth. There are many situations that induce people to spy on someone, and the majority of parents and spouses monitor their children or significant ones without any remorse. To track phone location is a habitual thing today, as we have a great number of different applications and programs for mobiles and laptops allowing to monitor whereabouts of a gadget’s owner.

smartphone

In the epoch when “Big Brother is watching you,” we turned into followers and spies. Sometimes we can infringe someone’s rights and invade privacy without even noticing it. In this case, some problems with the law will be inevitable. Speaking about this danger, we would like to explain when monitoring a person is normal and when we may turn into criminals without even knowing it.

How to Track Phone Location Legally

As for the legitimacy of monitoring actions, we can say that it is generally illegal. However, if you have access to a phone or laptop or possess one of them, tracking won’t break any rules. During investigations, the police may hack your devices if it is necessary, but they usually have an official permission of the court or a warrant to do this. So, if you don’t own a cell phone that you want to track and do not work in the police, you may have problems with the law. Installation of a special spy app or tracking services on a gadget may lead to serious problems, so make sure you do everything right.

Let’s imagine that you have access to a targeted mobile. Then, you may use three ways to monitor every movement of its owner. They are as follows:

  • Major phone carriers
  • Specific options on the targeted phone
  • Tracking software

So, if you have a gadget that you want to monitor, you should consider these methods more closely. Learn how to spy on your relatives and friends legally and choose the way you like the most to do this.

    Tracking with Phone Carriers

Many US carriers can provide you with necessary information about the whereabouts of your children, spouses, and friends. If their phones and numbers are connected to one account, it is great. Thus, you have full rights to monitor the location of these devices. When using special applications provided by phone carriers, you may easily find out where your child plays at the moment, or where your wife is. For example, Verizon Family Locator enables you to be aware of your relatives’ location. Besides, this app is automatically upgraded and has the function of “hotspots”, which sends notifications in case a person visits or leaves a certain place.

Cell Phone Special Functions

Android and iPhone operating systems have some specific options to monitor the location of a targeted device from another gadget like a smartphone, tablet, and so on.

  1. Android has an option to locate a device remotely. When you turn it on and log in to the Google Account, you will see the location of this mobile on the map.
  2. Select the option iCloud and make sure your Find My iPhone setting is on. After entering the Apple ID, you will track a targeted phone immediately.

Monitoring Software

It is the most effective method to track someone’s location, as there is a great number of spy apps both at the App Store and Google Play Store. All you need to do is to choose a reliable and good one to start spying on your kids or employees. You can buy one of such programs at https://www.mspy.com/current-gps-location.html and find out how useful and easy these applications may be. However, don’t forget about access permission to a targeted phone if you don’t want to break the law.

Some Extra Features of Tracking Apps

We can say that applying any spy software is much more useful than it may seem at first sight, as you can find more than just the location of a phone. In fact, using tracking apps is one of the most widespread and popular methods allowing to set up an efficient parental control over children and teenagers who went out of control. Such apps may provide access to chats and call history of your kids, for instance.

Some concerned parents can even restore deleted messages to know the truth or prevent troubles. Besides, we can learn what sites our relatives and kids visited lately and what interest they have. Moreover, there is also a very useful function of recording conversations. A little bit creepy, isn’t it? However, people rarely use these features every day, as they are designed for some extraordinary or very serious cases when no other legal means of learning the truth can be applied. If you are simply curious, try speaking to a person first before invading his or her privacy.  

Donald Trump: “US Military Is Locked and Loaded to Deal with North Korea”

Roy Siemens
-
0
Donald Trump: “US Military Is Locked and Loaded to Deal with North Korea”

President Donald Trump has announced that the US military is “locked and loaded” to deal with North Korea, ramping up the rhetorical brinkmanship.

He tweeted: “Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong-un will find another path!”

President Trump spoke as North Korea accused him of “driving” the Korean peninsula to the “brink of a nuclear war”.

Pyongyang has announced plans to fire missiles near the US territory of Guam.

On August 11, Guam’s homeland security agency issued a fact sheet with tips for residents to prepare for any missile threat.

The sheet states: “Do not look at the flash or fireball – it can blind you.”

“Lie flat on the ground and cover your head. If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit.”

Photo AP

North Korea Planning to Fire Four Missile Near Guam

North Korea Warns US over Fresh UN Sanctions

Rex Tillerson: “US Government Is Not Seeking Regime Change in North Korea”

Russia said the exchange of threats between the US and North Korea “worry us very much”.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rated the risk of military conflict as “very high” as he put forward a joint Russian-Chinese plan to defuse the crisis.

President Trump’s tweet follows his threat earlier this week to rain “fire and fury” on Pyongyang.

His latest post came hours after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attempted to cool tensions by emphasizing a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Speaking in California late on August 10, the Pentagon chief said it was his job to be ready for conflict.

However, he said the effort by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley “has diplomatic traction, it is gaining diplomatic results”.

Jim Mattis added: “The tragedy of war is well enough known. It doesn’t need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic.”

When asked about US military plans for a potential conflict, Jim Mattis said the country was ready, but he would not “tell the enemy in advance what I’m going to do”.

Also on August 11, North Korea’s official KCNA news agency accused the US of a “criminal attempt to impose nuclear disaster upon the Korean nation”.

North Korea’s media outlet said America was making “desperate efforts” to test weapons in the Korean peninsula.

Washington is “the mastermind of nuclear threat, the heinous nuclear war fanatic”, the report said.

Tensions have escalated since North Korea tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July.

The regime was further angered by last week’s UN decision to increase economic sanctions against it.

North Korea has said it will within days finalize a plan to fire medium-to-long-range rockets towards Guam, where US strategic bombers are based, along with more than 160,000 US citizens.

There has been no indication that any actual attack on the Pacific island is imminent.

On August 10, President Trump suggested that his own statements on North Korea had not been tough enough, warning the regime to be “very, very nervous”.

However, the president added that the US would always consider negotiations.

Donald Trump also chided North Korea’s closest ally, China, saying it could do “a lot more”.

China’s state-run Global Times newspaper wrote that Beijing should stay neutral if North Korea launches an attack that threatens the US.

However, it also said that if the US and South Korea attacked North Korea to force regime change, then China must intervene to prevent it.

CNN Fires Pundit Jeffrey Lord over Nazi Salute

Diane A. Wade
-
0
CNN Fires Pundit Jeffrey Lord over Nazi Salute

CNN has cut ties with conservative commentator Jeffrey Lord after he tweeted a Nazi salute at a prominent liberal critic.

The pundit tweeted “Sieg Heil” in response to an exchange with the head of Media Matters for America.

Jeffrey Lord later said his comment had been misunderstood and that he was mocking fascists.

A CNN spokesperson said in a statement: “Nazi salutes are indefensible. Jeffrey Lord is no longer with the network.”

The broadcaster described Jeffrey Lord as one of its best known commentators and the first explicitly pro-Trump commentator to join the network.

Image source CNN Money

Donald Trump Tweets Video of Him Wrestling CNN

Piers Morgan leaves CNN after four years

CNN expelled from Venezuela

Jeffrey Lord has regularly sparred with Angelo Carusone, president of Media Matters for America.

Things came to a head on August 10 when Jeffrey Lord tweeted at Angelo Carusone, linking to a column he had written describing the group as “Media Matters Fascists, the anti-free speech bigots”.

Angelo Carusone, whose name had been misspelt as “Corusone” in the headline, responded: “Your headline has a mistake in it. Why do you expect anyone to take you seriously when you don’t take yourself seriously.”

Jeffrey Lord responded with: “Sieg Heil!”

The pundit later defended his actions, saying he was mocking Nazis and fascists, and criticized CNN’s decision to sever ties with him.

Jeffrey Lord said in a telephone interview: “I feel they are caving to bullies here.”

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

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Cuba Mystery Illness: Canadian Diplomat Treated for Hearing Loss and Headaches

At least one of Canada’s diplomats stationed in Cuba was treated for hearing loss and headaches, the country’s foreign ministry says.

The announcement comes a day after the US said its diplomats in Havana were experiencing strange physical symptoms.

Reports suggest the diplomats could have been targeted by a covert sonic device that causes hearing loss.

Cuba denies the allegation, but the US has removed two Cuban diplomats from Washington DC in retaliation.

Cuba’s foreign ministry responded: “Cuba has never, nor would ever, allow the Cuban territory to be used for any kind of action against accredited diplomats or their families.”

Global Affairs Canada, the country’s foreign ministry, says the government is working with US and Cuban officials to find out what happened.

The Associated Press reported that a US investigation determined that the US diplomats’ hearing loss could have been linked to sonic devices which emit inaudible sound waves that can cause deafness.

Image source Wikimedia

US Expels Two Cuban Diplomats after Mystery Incidents in Havana

Raul Castro Criticizes Donald Trump’s Rollback on Cuba

Hillary Clinton Accuses Donald Trump of Violating Cuban Embargo

US officials, speaking to the agency anonymously, said investigations had determined devices had been deployed either inside or outside diplomats’ homes.

Investigators are also considering the possibility that a third country, such as Russia, was behind the incidents, officials familiar with the inquiry told AP.

According to US officials, about five diplomats, including some spouses, had been affected, but no children were involved.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauer said staff began complaining of the strange symptoms late last year.

While they were not life-threatening, she revealed that a number of people had been brought home to the US as a result.

The US and Cuba only re-established ties in 2015, following 50 years of hostilities between the two countries.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio said the alleged incidents were just the latest examples of harassment toward US diplomats in Cuba.

“Personal harm to US officials shows the extent the Castro regime will go and clearly violates international norms,” the senator said.

If true, the use of sonic devices to cause harm to diplomats would be unprecedented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdKo09V-w2E

EU Egg Scandal: 20 Tonnes Fipronil-Tainted Eggs Sold in Denmark

Diane A. Wade
-
0
EU Egg Scandal: 20 Tonnes Fipronil-Tainted Eggs Sold in Denmark

At least 20 tonnes of insecticide-tainted eggs have been sold in Denmark, the country’s food safety authority says.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said in a statement, the boiled and peeled eggs were mainly sold to cafeterias, cafes and catering companies.

Denmark is the latest European country to discover eggs contaminated fipronil in its food chain.

According to specialists, the insecticide can damage people’s kidneys, liver and thyroid glands if eaten in large quantities.

However, the Danish food administration urged calm, saying the eggs bought by Danæg Products posed no risk to human consumption.

“Samples analyzed in the Netherlands show traces of fipronil in the eggs, but not as a health hazard,” the agency said.

“Because the content is illegal, Danæg Products must withdraw the eggs from their customers.”

LSD-tainted Wal-Mart steak sends Tampa family to hospital

Wal-Mart China recalls tainted Five Spice donkey meat

Salmonella outbreak: Quality Egg to pay $6.8 million fine

Denmark is believed to be the tenth country to be affected, with Romania and Luxembourg among the latest to report finding contaminated products.

On August 10, Romanian authorities said that one tonne of liquid egg yolk contaminated with fipronil had been found in a warehouse in the west of the country.

The product was imported from Germany but had not been sold to consumers, food safety officials said.

Two company managers have been arrested during joint raids by the authorities in Belgium and the Netherlands, as the scandal involving insecticide-tainted eggs widens.

The company- named as Chickfriend by local media – allegedly used fipronil at poultry farms, prosecutors said.

Fipronil is banned from use in the food industry under EU rules.

1...156157158...1,225Page 157 of 1,225