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Zika Virus Could Treat Adult Brain Cancer

Kathryn R. Bown
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Zika Virus Could Treat Adult Brain Cancer

According to US scientists, the harmful Zika virus that can cause devastating brain damage in babies could offer up a surprising new treatment for adult brain cancer.

Until now, Zika has been seen only as a global health threat – not a remedy.

However, latest research shows Zika virus can selectively infect and kill hard-to-treat cancerous cells in adult brains.

Zika injections shrank aggressive tumors in fully grown mice, yet left other brain cells unscathed.

Human trials are still a way off, but researchers believe Zika virus could potentially be injected into the brain at the same time as surgery to remove life-threatening tumours, the Journal of Experimental Medicine reports.

The Zika treatment appears to work on human cell samples in the lab.

Image source Wikipedia

What Is Zika Virus?

Zika Virus Has Explosive Pandemic Potential

John McCain Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

There are many different types of brain cancer. Glioblastomas are the most common in adults and one of the trickiest to treat.

They are fast growing and diffuse, meaning they spread through the brain, making it difficult to see where the tumor ends and the healthy tissue begins.

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery may not be enough to remove these invasive cancers.

However, the latest research, in living mice and donated human brain tissue samples, shows Zika therapy can kill cells that tend to be resistant to current treatments.

It is thought that these glioblastoma stem cells continue to grow and divide, producing new tumor cells even after aggressive medical treatment.

Different, healthy stem cells are found in abundance in baby brains, which probably explains why regular Zika can be so damaging to infants, say the researchers.

Adult brains, however, have very few stem cells. This means Zika treatment should destroy only the cancer-causing brain stem cells without causing much collateral damage.

As an extra safety precaution, the research team from Washington University School of Medicine and the University of California San Diego School of Medicine has already begun modifying the virus to make it more tame than regular Zika.

Using viruses to fight cancer is not a new idea, but using Zika as the weapon of choice is.

UK scientists at the University of Cambridge are beginning similar trials with Zika.

Hurricane Irma Upgraded to Category 5 as Approaching Caribbean

Nancy Clayson
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Hurricane Irma Upgraded to Category 5 as Approaching Caribbean

Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to a category 5, making it “extremely dangerous” as it crosses the Caribbean.

Category 5 is the highest category for a storm, according to US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Irma has sustained winds of up to 175mph, the NHC said, advising islands in its path to speed up preparations.

The hurricane is projected to bring storm surges, life-threatening winds and torrential rainfall to the Leeward Islands.

Florida, where it is due to arrive on September 10, has declared an emergency.

Residents in two other states, Texas and Louisiana, are reeling from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, which struck as a category 4 storm, causing heavy rain and destroying thousands of homes.

However the NHC warned that it was too early to forecast Hurricane Irma’s exact path or effects on the continental US.

Image source Wikipedia

Hurricane Harvey Hits Texas with 130Mph Winds

Hurricane Otto to Batter Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Hurricane Nicole Hits Bermuda with 125Mph Winds

Hurricane Irma, which has been moving at a speed of 14mph, is set to reach the Leeward Islands, east of Puerto Rico, within the next 24 hours, the NHC said.

The NHC issued a hurricane warning for the following islands:

  • Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis
  • Saba, St Eustatius and Sint Maarten
  • Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
  • The British Virgin Islands
  • The US Virgin Islands
  • Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra

Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti, are on hurricane watch.

According to the NHC, rainfall of up to 12in may occur in some northern areas and water levels may rise by up to 12ft above normal levels.

Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard.

Governor Ricardo Rossello announced the opening of emergency shelters able to house up to 62,000 people, and schools would be closed on September 5.

Long queues of people formed in shops, with residents stocking up on water, food, batteries, generators and other supplies.

North Korea Crisis: Kim Jong-un Is Begging for War, Says US Ambassador to UN

Roy Siemens
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North Korea Crisis: Kim Jong-un Is Begging for War, Says US Ambassador to UN

US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is “begging for war” with his latest and most powerful nuclear bomb test.

The US envoy told an emergency meeting of the Security Council in New York that the US did not want a war but its patience was “not unlimited”.

The US will table a new United Nations resolution shortly to toughen sanctions.

On September 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin called sanctions “useless, ineffective and exhausted”.

China, North Korea’s main ally, has called for a return to negotiations and Switzerland has offered to mediate.

Image source CNN

North Korea Claims It Has Developed Hydrogen Bomb

North Korea Fires Missile over Northern Japan

North Korea Fires Three Short-Range Ballistic Missiles

Meanwhile, South Korea’s navy carried out live-fire naval drills on September 5, warning that if North Korea provoked them “we will immediately hit back and bury them at sea”, reported Yonhap news agency.

It comes a day after South Korea’s military simulated a missile attack on North Korea’s nuclear test site.

Reports suggest North Korea is preparing new test missile launches.

On September 3, North Korea tested a bomb underground, which was thought to have a power range from 50 kilotonnes to 120 kilotonnes. A 50kt device would be about three times the size of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945.

Nikki Haley argued that only the strongest sanctions would enable the problem to be resolved through diplomacy.

“War is never something the United States wants,” she said.

“We don’t want it now but our country’s patience is not unlimited.”

China Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi reiterated a call for all sides to return to negotiations.

“The peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully,” he said.

“China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula.”

Got In an Accident on Your Florida Vacation?

Dana R
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Got In an Accident on Your Florida Vacation?

 

Car-crash

In 2015, there were over 370,000 car crashes in Florida, which adds up to over a 1,000 per day. Add to that 2,939 fatalities and 159,795 injuries, besides over 200,00 instances of property damage. These huge numbers can really shock a person.

Given the millions of snowbirds and family vacationers touring the Sunshine State every year, a good deal of these frequent Floridian auto accidents will involve out-of-staters. It is good to familiarize yourself, therefore, with Florida’s auto accident and injury laws before your departure.

Here are 4 things to be aware of:

1. Out of State Auto Insurance

The first thing to realize is that whatever mandatory state minimums your home state imposes as to auto insurance, Florida’s standard of $10,000 PIP (personal injury protection) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) will apply. Insurers have cooperated across state lines to allow for these types of situations, so you don’t have to worry about your car insurance “not working” with an out of state claim.

2. First Steps After an Accident

As in all states, you are required to stop at the scene of the accident and to assist anyone who may be injured to the best of your ability. Often, that may mean calling 9-1-1. Conversely, if you are the injured party, the other motorist owes this duty to you.

In any accident where more than $500 of property damage or any bodily injuries take place, you must report the accident to the local police as soon as possible. And if your vehicle is blocking traffic, you must move it or get it towed away if you are in a condition to do so.

Getting in-state legal advice early on is also key. In Tampa Bay, for example, the Doan Law Firm has a reputation for guiding both Floridians and visitors through the legal steps necessary to collect compensation after an accident. Don’t bear the pain and costs of injury and a wrecked car needlessly when you are entitled to be reimbursed.

3. Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law

In Florida, personal injury law is not so simple as simply identifying “the” at-fault party and having him or her pay for all losses suffered by the wronged party. Instead, your claim will be equivalent to the percentage of fault assigned to the other driver (and vice versa).

Thus, if you are deemed by the judge to be 30% at fault and the other driver 70% at fault, you can only collect 70% of the losses you suffered. And you will have to pay 30% of any losses suffered by the “mostly at fault” driver.

Insurance companies and defendants know about this law and they use it to try to diminish your claim unfairly at times. That’s why you need a local Florida personal injury attorney on your side. A good lawyer with a track record of success will bring “clout” that will force all involved to “play fair.”

4. Florida’s No Fault Car Insurance Law

But in order to be able to file a claim at all, you have to qualify for an exception to this state’s no-fault car insurance statute. Your insurance will have to pay regardless of fault unless you suffer a serious personal injury or the damages go beyond what the insurance policy will cover.

A “serious” injury is one that is permanent, leaves permanent scars or disfigurement, or that results in the loss of a bodily function. If that sounds a little vague to you, it’s because it is, and it takes a good lawyer to know how these phrases in Florida’s car accident laws will be interpreted in an actual injury case.

DACA: President Trump Expected to End Program Protecting Young Undocumented Immigrants

Diane A. Wade
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DACA: President Trump Expected to End Program Protecting Young Undocumented Immigrants

According to new reports, President Donald Trump has decided to scrap a program that protects young undocumented immigrants.

The president will give Congress six months to draw up legislation to replace the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), sources quoted by media say.

According to a Politico report, the decision is considered a compromise amid strong support for the scheme.

However, the sources cautioned that President Trump could still change his mind.

President Trump is due to formally announce his decision on September 5.

The Obama-era DACA program protects hundreds of thousands of so-called “Dreamers” from deportation and provides work and study permits.

According to Politico, the White House informed House Speaker Paul Ryan of President Trump’s decision on September 3.

Paul Ryan last week urged the president not to scrap the scheme, arguing it left many young people “in limbo”.

“These are kids who know no other country, who were brought here by their parents and don’t know another home,” he said.

Image source Flickr

Supreme Court Blocks Barack Obama’s Immigration Plan

Barack Obama announces changes to immigration policy

Donald Trump Wants to Develop Immigration Tracking System

Paul Ryan is one of a growing number of Republican lawmakers and business leaders to speak out against scrapping the program.

While campaigning for office, Donald Trump took a hard-line on immigration and said he planned to “immediately terminate” the DACA program.

However, since then Donald Trump has said he finds the subject “very, very tough”.

The president said he intends to show “great heart” in dealing with what he described as, in many cases, “incredible kids”.

The decision to give Congress six months to draft an alternative is seen as a compromise after Republican lawmakers and business leaders from companies including Google, General Motors and Microsoft urged President Trump to retain the program.

On September 3, former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted: “Thanks to Dreamers’ courage & resolve, #DACA has allowed thousands of young people to contribute to our society. We’re better for it.”

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Cuban-American Republican Representative from Florida, also took to Twitter to vent her frustration, saying: “After teasing #Dreamers for months with talk of his <<great heart>>, @POTUS slams door on them. Some <<heart>>.”

The DACA program protects roughly 750,000 people in the US from deportation and provides temporary permits for work and study.

In order to qualify for DACA, applicants under the age of 30 submit personal information to the Department of Homeland Security.

They must go through an FBI background check and have a clean criminal background, and either be in school, recently graduated or have been honorably discharged from the military.

In exchange, the US government agrees to “defer” any action on their immigration status for a period of two years.

The majority of so-called Dreamer immigrants in the US are from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

The 5 Best Countries in The World to Work in

Dana R
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The 5 Best Countries in The World to Work in

The number of expats living and working in foreign countries is skyrocketing, touching the mark of nearly 56 million people worldwide. It’s almost an entire percentage of the world population, and the number is only expected to keep rising as we become increasingly connected.

It’s not to say the world is small, though, and if you’re considering to join the squad of expats, it’s a good idea to figure out which countries you should head off to right away – and which ones to steer clear off.

Image via: Pexels

Here is a list of the best countries to work in as an expat, making it a bit easier to find the kind of place that deserves to have your bright head showing up for work every morning.

Expats and work permits

No matter where you end up working, it’s important to have a job set up well in advance of your departure. It makes it a lot easier to locate decent condos for rent nearby your work, for example, as well as opening up for organizing a work permit before you leave. Keep in mind that a work permit may not be for you – even if you’re planning on living abroad to work.

You should absolutely consider a work visa when your current job has arranged the transfer, as you’ll be able to continue with your regular job in the foreign country. The downside to this kind of permit is that, when you simply apply for a random job in another country, the company will take responsibility for you and you’ll be bound to them.

You should, therefore, try to find a different kind of visa when you want a bit of independence while still being able to make a living. Have a look at this article, to begin with, and read up on your alternatives – keeping in mind that the regulations vary from country to country.

#1 Switzerland: Tourism, banking, and insurance

As an all-round option for a career abroad, Switzerland ranks at the top for the second year in a row. It is structurally similar to the US with regards to the government – as well as at a local level and offers a breathtaking scenery in addition to the comfortable working conditions.

You can expect around twenty days of paid salary and about thirty hours of work per week. They speak English throughout the country, by the way, as well as a variety of other languages in case you’re bilingual, such as French, Rumantsch, German, and Italian.

#2 Germany: Mechanical engineering and medicine

As an expat who would like to acquire new skills or build on their current ones, experience career progression and general work security, Germany is the country for you. According to a survey done by HSBC, more than 70 % of expats working in Germany says that their work security is better than what they had at home.

That means a lot when you’re looking for stable and predictable days at work; plus, there are more public holidays in Germany than in any other European country, which should be enough to win you over.

#3 Australia: Mining, steel, and industrial equipment

You won’t get bored while working in Australia, that’s for sure. With so much beautiful nature and its exceptionally large geographical diversity, you’ll be able to enjoy your life outside of work to the fullest. The country features more than 378 mammal species, 50 types of marine animals, and the exciting proximity of both the Indian and the Pacific oceans.

The healthcare is sponsored by their government, you can enjoy at least twenty days of holiday per year as well as about seven public holidays, and may expect a bit more than thirty hours of work per week.

#4 Norway: Petroleum and gas, shipping, and aquaculture

If you enjoy short hours of work per week, Norway is your dream come true. Enjoy the benefits of ending your day at around 4 PM, as well as a fantastic governmental system that provides both healthcare and parental leave at 80 % of your salary for 54 weeks – or 100 % of your salary for 44 weeks. When it comes to taking care of their citizens, Norway has it all covered.

It’s a wealthy country with the fourth highest per capita income in the world. You will get at least twenty-five days of holiday per year as well, and will not work more than about twenty-seven hours per week.

Where in the country you choose to work is up to you; just remember that the cities furthest up north will stay quite dark during the winter season and questionably bright during the summer. It’s a great experience, though, but remember to get yourself some blackout curtains for the summer as well as your vitamin D during the winter – or just live further south.

Image via: Pexels

#5 Netherlands: Agroindustries, metal and engineering products

As one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, you can expect a lot of great job opportunities here. The Netherlands is also known for being one the world’s leading exporter of flowers, particularly tulips, and you’ll be able to enjoy a rich cultural life when you’re not working.

Although they speak Dutch, 90 % of the population is proficient in English, so you won’t have any trouble with the communication.

Just like the workers in Norway enjoy short days of work, you can happily clock out at a decent hour in the Netherlands as well. Enjoy a week of work at about twenty-seven hours, at least twenty days of holiday per year as well sixteen weeks of 100 % paid parental leave.

Luckily, you don’t have to settle for lousy work arrangements in your home country when the world has so many great places to offer. Making the career leap isn’t as frightening when an amount of people have done it before you, found their dream job abroad, and are able to enjoy the benefits of waking up to work on their own terms.

Have a word with your boss about transfer opportunities or get in touch with an international recruitment company; they’ll be happy to help you with finding a job in the country of your dreams.

Camera That Can See Through Human Body Developed by University of Edinburgh

Kathryn R. Bown
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Camera That Can See Through Human Body Developed by University of Edinburgh

A camera that can see through the human body has been developed by the scientists at the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

The new device has been designed to help doctors track medical tools, known as endoscopes, during internal examinations.

Until now, doctors have had to rely on expensive scans, such as X-rays, to trace their progress.

The new camera works by detecting light sources inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscope’s long flexible tube.

Prof. Kev Dhaliwal from the University of Edinburgh said: “It has immense potential for diverse applications, such as the one described in this work.

“The ability to see a device’s location is crucial for many applications in healthcare, as we move forwards with minimally invasive approaches to treating disease.”

Image source MaxPixel

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Early tests have shown the prototype device can track a point light source through 20cm of tissue under normal conditions.

Beams from the endoscope can pass through the body, but usually scatter or bounce off tissues and organs rather than travelling straight through.

That makes it problematic to get a clear picture of where the tool is.

The new camera can detect individual particles, called photons, and is so sensitive it can catch tiny traces of light passing through tissue.

The device can also record the time taken for light to pass through the body, meaning it is able to work out exactly where the endoscope is.

Researchers have developed the new camera so it can be used at the patient’s bedside.

The project is part of the Proteus Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration, which is developing a range of new technologies for diagnosing and treating lung diseases.

Dr. Michael Tanner from Heriot-Watt University said: “My favorite element of this work was the ability to work with clinicians to understand a practical healthcare challenge, then tailor advanced technologies and principles that would not normally make it out of a physics lab to solve real problems.

“I hope we can continue this interdisciplinary approach to make a real difference in healthcare technology.”

Kate Middleton Pregnant with Third Baby

Lisa.Felice
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Kate Middleton Pregnant with Third Baby

Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, are expecting their third child, Kensington Palace has announced.

According to the palace statement, Queen Elizabeth II and both families are said to be “delighted with the news”.

As with her previous two pregnancies, Kate Middleton, 35, is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness.

The duchess will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children’s Center in London on September 4.

She is being cared for at Kensington Palace, the statement said.

Image source Wikimedia

Is Kate Middleton pregnant again?

Is Kate Middleton pregnant with twin girls? Kensington Palace denies rumors

Kim Kardashian vs. Kate Middleton Pregnant Fashion Style

Prince William and Kate Middleton have one son, George, and one daughter, Charlotte, aged 4 and 2.

With the previous two pregnancies, the royal couple was forced to announce them before the 12-week mark because of the duchess being unwell with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Kate Middleton’s first pregnancy was revealed when she was just a few weeks pregnant with Prince George after she was admitted to hospital in December 2012.

Her second pregnancy with Princess Charlotte was announced in September 2014, when she was treated at the palace for the condition.

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects about one in every 200 pregnancies and results in severe nausea and vomiting – with one of the main dangers being dehydration.

Los Angeles Battles Largest Wildfires in City’s History

Nancy Clayson
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Los Angeles Battles Largest Wildfires in City’s History

Los Angeles is battling the largest wildfires in the city’s history, Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

The fires, covering about 5,000 acres, started in La Tuna Canyon on September 1, triggering a state of emergency.

“We’ve turned the corner, but this is not over,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said on September 3 as he warned of “strong” winds.

At least three homes have been destroyed and four people are reported to have been injured.

The evacuations around the Glendale and Burbank suburbs were lifted on Sunday as rain and cooler temperatures helped firefighters to tackle the blaze, the Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted.

Hundreds of residents have been allowed to return home as fires appear to be easing.

However, Eric Garcetti, who earlier described the blaze as “the largest fire in the history of LA city in terms of its acreage”, told reporters on September 3 that the situation remained dangerous.

“We do not have this fire contained,” he said.

“But we do have a good sense of, in the next day or two, how we can bring this fire to rest.”

Image source Los Angeles Air Force Base

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California Sand Fire: Wildfires Prompt Evacuations Near Los Angeles

Fort McMurray: 90% of City Saved from Massive Wildfire

The mayor said four firefighters had suffered dehydration or minor burns.

He declared an emergency on September 2 and a further emergency order was made by California Governor Jerry Brown on September 3.

The declarations allowed state and federal funds to be provided as soon as possible.

California has been in the grip of a heat wave and strong winds have helped to fan the flames of the Los Angeles wildfire.

Major fires are also affecting other areas of the western US.

The government has already declared states of emergency in Montana and Washington State and thousands of residents there have been evacuated.

Princess Mako of Japan Announces Engagement to Commoner Kei Komuro

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Mako of Japan Announces Engagement to Commoner Kei Komuro

Princess Mako of Japan has formally announced her engagement to commoner Kei Komuro after receiving the emperor’s approval.

The engagement announcement kicks off a lengthy marriage process, and it also means the princess will lose her royal status.

Under a controversial Japanese law female imperial family members forfeit their status upon marriage to a commoner, whereas male members do not.

In a press conference on September 3, Princess Mako said she was first attracted to Kei Komuro’s “smile like the sun”.

She said: “I was aware since my childhood that I’ll leave a royal status once I marry.

“While I worked to help the emperor and fulfill duties as a royal family member as much as I can, I’ve been cherishing my own life.”

Image source Wikimedia

Princess Mako of Japan to Lose Royal Status after Marrying A Commoner

Emperor Akihito’s Abdication Approved by Japan’s Government

The formal announcement came from Japan’s Imperial Household Agency on September 3, after local media reported news of the planned engagement in May.

Kei Komuro is a 25-year-old law firm employee. The couple met five years ago while studying at the same university.

In a TV conference, Kei Komuro described Princess Mako as someone who quietly watched over him “like the moon”.

Princess Mako, 25, is the eldest child of Prince Fumihito, whose official title is Prince Akishino. She is pursuing a doctorate and works as a museum researcher.

The engagement announcement was originally expected in July, but was postponed after a rain disaster hit western Japan.

According to the public broadcaster NHK, the wedding is expected to take place in 2018.

North Korea Claims It Has Developed Hydrogen Bomb

Roy Siemens
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0
North Korea Claims It Has Developed Hydrogen Bomb

North Korea claims that it has successfully tested a nuclear weapon that could be loaded onto a long-range missile.

Pyongyang said its sixth nuclear test was a “perfect success”, hours after seismologists had detected an earth tremor.

North Korea said it had tested a hydrogen bomb – a device many times more powerful than an atomic bomb.

Analysts say the claims should be treated with caution, but its nuclear capability is clearly advancing.

Pyonyang last carried out a nuclear test in September 2016. It has defied UN sanctions and international pressure to develop nuclear weapons and to test missiles which could potentially reach the mainland US.

Image source CNN

Kim Jong-un Suggests North Korea Has Hydrogen Bomb

North Korea Successfully Tests First Hydrogen Bomb

North Korea Hydrogen Bomb: US, South Korea and Japan United in Response

According to South Korean officials, the latest test took place in Kilju County, where North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site is situated.

The “artificial quake” was 9.8 times more powerful than the tremor from North Korea’s fifth test, the state weather agency said.

It came hours after Pyongyang said it had miniaturized a hydrogen bomb for use on a long-range missile, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was pictured with what state media said was a new type of hydrogen bomb. State media said the device could be loaded on to a ballistic missile.

Initial reports from the US Geological Survey put the tremor at 5.6-magnitude with a depth of 6 miles but this was later upgraded to 6.3-magnitude at 0 miles. This would make it North Korea’s most powerful nuclear test to date.

Japan condemned the test and South Korean President Moon Jae-in convened emergency security council talks.

A series of recent missile tests has caused growing international unease.

In a report on September 3, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA said Kim Jong-un had visited scientists at the nuclear weapons institute and “guided the work for nuclear weaponization”.

The report said: “The institute recently succeeded in making a more developed nuke.”

“He (Kim Jong-un) watched an H-bomb to be loaded into a new ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile),” it added.

The report carried pictures of Kim Jong-un inspecting the device. It described the weapon as “a multi-functional thermonuclear nuke with great destructive power which can be detonated even at high altitudes”.

International experts say North Korea has made advances in its nuclear weapons capabilities but it is unclear if it has successfully miniaturized a nuclear weapon it can load on to a missile.

North Korea has previously claimed to have miniaturized a nuclear weapon but experts have cast doubt on this. There is also skepticism about North Korea’s claims to have developed a hydrogen bomb, which is more powerful than an atomic bomb.

Hydrogen bombs use fusion – the merging of atoms – to unleash huge amounts of energy, whereas atomic bombs use nuclear fission, or the splitting of atoms.

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

Hurricane Harvey: President Trump and First Lady Meet Flood Victims

Nancy Clayson
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0
Hurricane Harvey: President Trump and First Lady Meet Flood Victims

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met Hurricane Harvey victims and volunteers in Texas.

He praised the relief response to Hurricane Harvey on his second visit to flood-hit states.

“Things are working out well,” the president said of the efforts.

“As tough as this was, it’s been a wonderful thing,” he added.

“I think even for the country to watch and for the world to watch.”

The devastating hurricane made landfall in the state a week ago.

Some residents have been allowed to return to their homes but flood waters are still rising in other areas.

Image source WhiteHouse.gov

Hurricane Harvey: President Trump to Ask Congress for Emergency Funding

Tropical Storm Harvey Slams Louisiana after Hovering in Gulf of Mexico

Houston Flooding: Five People Dead in Hurricane Harvey Aftermath

Hurricane Harvey has been blamed for at least 47 deaths, and about 43,000 people are currently housed in shelters.

President Trump and his wife visited Texas earlier in the week but stayed clear of the disaster zone, saying they did not want to divert resources from rescue work.

However, the president was criticized for not meeting victims of the flooding and for focusing largely on the logistics of the government response.

Visiting Texas again on September 2, President Trump and the first lady made a point of meeting flood survivors and volunteers in Houston. They took part in food distribution at a shelter, handing out packed lunches, and posed for photographs with victims when they requested it.

During a tour of a shelter, President Trump said: “I think people appreciate what’s been done. It’s been done very efficiently, very well, and that’s what we want. We’ve very happy with the way things are going. A lot of love. There’s a lot of love.”

The president and his wife then traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana, which also suffered flash floods, before flying back to Washington.

Amid the destruction, stories have been shared of people opening their homes and businesses to others, and forming human chains to save people from treacherous rising waters.

However, many are also now returning to destroyed homes without the insurance to fix them.

Experts estimate that only about 20% of those in Houston’s worst hit areas have flood insurance.

President Trump has asked Congress for $7.8 billion as an initial payment to help with recovery efforts following the flooding in both Texas and Louisiana, which has also hit production at America’s main petrol and oil refining centre.

On September 2, the White House said that the president had authorized an increase in the level of federal funding available for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said the state may need more than $125 billion in aid.

The president has declared Sunday, September 3, a “National Day of Prayer” for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Administration officials say there will be further requests for funds when the full impact of Hurricane Harvey becomes known.

Hurricane Harvey dumped an estimated 20 trillion gallons of rain on the Houston area.

Governor Greg Abbott has warned that the recovery program will be a “multi-year project”.

“This is going to be a massive, massive clean-up process,” he told ABC News.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that floodwater can contain bacteria and other contaminants from overflowing sewers. It said the biggest threat to public health was access to safe drinking water.

Authorities in flood-hit Orange County, east of Beaumont, imposed a curfew on September 2 to give its residents “peace of mind”, officials said. Looting in Houston earlier in the week led to a curfew being implemented.

Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, and many schools are expected to remain closed on September 4.

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

Diane A. Wade
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Cuba Sonic Attack: State Department Reveals Details of Suspected Acoustic Attack on US Diplomats

According to US officials, a suspected acoustic attack on US embassy staff in Cuba was reported as recently as last month.

It was originally thought that the incidents had ended several months ago.

The State Department also said the number of staff who have reported health problems had increased to 19.

It comes as the union representing diplomatic staff says some victims suffered mild brain injuries and permanent hearing loss.

Cuba has denied any involvement in the attacks and says it is investigating the reports.

US embassy staff and at least one Canadian began to notice symptoms late last year.

However, the affair was first reported in August when the US expelled two Cuban diplomats from Washington.

Imae source Wikimedia

US Expels Two Cuban Diplomats after Mystery Incidents in Havana

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

Raul Castro Criticizes Donald Trump’s Rollback on Cuba

US officials said the expulsions were in protest at Cuba’s failure to protect its diplomats.

Sonic devices may have been used to emit inaudible sound waves that can cause deafness.

On September 1, the US government confirmed that an incident took place as recently as August and that the number of staff reporting problems had increased.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: “We can’t rule out new cases as medical professionals continue to evaluate members of the embassy community.”

In a statement, the American Foreign Service Association, which represents US diplomatic and international aid staff, said it had spoken to 10 people who had received treatment.

“Diagnoses include mild traumatic brain injury and permanent hearing loss, with such additional symptoms as loss of balance, severe headaches, cognitive disruption and brain swelling,” the statement said.

The American Foreign Service Association urged the government to do everything possible to help those affected and to “ensure that these incidents cease and are not repeated”.

The statement is the first time that the hearing loss has been described as permanent. It is understood that “mild traumatic brain injury” could include concussion or headaches.

The State Department is yet to blame anyone for the incidents.

The US mission in Cuba was reopened as a full embassy in 2015 following 50 years of hostilities between the two countries.

Serena Williams Welcomes Baby Girl

Lisa.Felice
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Serena Williams Welcomes Baby Girl

Serena Williams has welcomed a baby girl at a clinic in Florida on September 1.

The 35-year-old tennis star, whose partner is Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, was admitted to the St Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach on August 30.

Serena Williams said last month she was planning to return to tennis for the Australian Open in January.

Congratulations have been pouring in from sports stars and celebrities.

News of the birth came as her sister Venus Williams  prepared to go out on court at the US Open.

Image source Flickr

Serena Williams Pregnant with First Child

Australian Open 2017: Serena Williams Wins Her 23rd Grand Slam Title After Beating Sister Venus

Serena Williams Engaged to Alexis Ohanian

“Obviously I’m super-excited,” Venus Williams said.

“Words can’t describe it.”

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are yet to confirm the birth themselves but Serena’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, tweeted: “I am so happy for you and I feel your emotion.”

He added: “Btw … I wish you a speedy recovery… we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Serena Williams admitted she had revealed her pregnancy to the world in April by accident, after mistakenly uploading a photograph on Snapchat.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner confirmed she won the Australian Open title this January while newly pregnant, and in an article in Vogue last month she said she wanted to defend her title.

She said: “It’s the most outrageous plan.

“I just want to put that out there. That’s, like, three months after I give birth.”

In June, Serena Williams appeared in a cover photo for Vanity Fair, saying: “I don’t know what to do with a baby.”

The news has delighted the tennis world, with Rafael Nadal among the first to tweet his congratulations.

At a news conference Garbine Muguruza joked: “A baby girl? Well, I hope she doesn’t play tennis,” Reuters reported.

Beyonce also posted a portrait of a pregnant Serena Williams on Instagram, with the message: “Congratulations Serena!”

Kenya Presidential Election Annulled by Supreme Court

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kenya Presidential Election Annulled by Supreme Court

The result of Kenya’s presidential election has been annulled by the country’s Supreme Court after citing irregularities.

The court ordered a new election within 60 days.

The election commission had declared incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta the winner by a margin of 1.4 million votes.

His opponent, Raila Odinga, said the commission was “rotten” and demanded resignations and prosecutions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said he would respect the court’s decision but also branded the judges “crooks”.

Other elections in Africa have been annulled or canceled but this appears to be the first time on the continent that an opposition court challenge against a presidential poll result has been successful.

Chief Justice David Maraga said the August 8 election had not been “conducted in accordance with the constitution” and declared it “invalid, null and void”.

He said the verdict was backed by four of the six Supreme Court judges.

The announcement drew cheers from opposition supporters both inside and outside the courtroom.

The court ruling did not attribute any blame to Uhuru Kenyatta’s party or campaign.

Uhuru Kenyatta has been sworn in as Kenya's president after winning elections against Raila Odinga back in March
Image source Wikimedia

Justice David Maraga said the election commission had failed “to conduct the presidential election in a manner consistent with the dictates of the constitution”.

He said the commission had committed irregularities “in the transmission of results”, adding that the court would provide details in a full judgment within 21 days.

Dissenting judges said that the Nasa opposition alliance – which had petitioned the Supreme Court – failed to prove claims that the polls had been rigged.

The election sparked days of sporadic protests, in which at least 28 people were killed. The vote had raised fears of major political violence – as was the case after a disputed poll in 2007.

Raila Odinga, 72, said the ruling marked “a historic day for the people of Kenya and by extension for the people of the continent of Africa”.

He said: “It is now clear that the entire [electoral commission] is rotten.

“It is clear that the real election results were never shared with Kenyans. Someone must take responsibility.”

He added: “We won the elections and we are going to win them again.”

In a TV address, President Kenyatta said that it was “important to respect the rule of law even if you disagree with the Supreme Court ruling”.

He called for calm, saying: “Your neighbor will still be your neighbor, regardless of what has happened… My primary message today to every single Kenyan is peace. Let us be people of peace.”

Uhuru Kenyatta, 55, added: “We are ready to go back again to the people with the same agenda that we delivered to the people.”

The president was more combative later at a rally of supporters in a market in Nairobi.

He referred to Justice David Maraga and his fellow judges as wakora (crooks in Swahili), saying they had “decided to cancel the election”. He warned the chief justice that as the poll had been annulled he was now the president again, not president-elect.

“Do you understand me? Maraga should know that he is now dealing with the serving president,” the president said.

“We are keeping a close eye on them. But let us deal with the election first. We are not afraid.”

After the election, international monitors from the EU, the African Union and the US had said there was no major fraud on polling day and urged Raila Odinga to concede.

On September 1, Marietje Schaake, the head of the EU Observer Mission, said the court ruling represented “a historic day for Kenya and we have always said that people who feel aggrieved should seek the path of the courts”.

She said the monitors had at the time pointed to irregularities and encouraged the Kenyan authorities to deal with them.

Marietje Schaake said the monitors were awaiting the full details of the ruling.

Food for Thought: Food Items that Double as Efficient Cleaning Agents

Nancy Clayson
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Food for Thought: Food Items that Double as Efficient Cleaning Agents

Have you ever encountered that stain on the kitchen sink or on the carpet that just won’t go away? You decide to clean it up vigorously but to no avail. Finally, you leave it for a week in the hope that something would just take away the stain. Then finally, after a week’s past, you walk along and see that darn stain. You become hopeless as the stain feels like staring back at you.

You consider to call in the big guns or the professional cleaners but decide that it’s too expensive or it’s too much force for just one annoying stain. You feel hopeless again. However, the situation isn’t as hopeless as you think. As you begin to sulk in the corner, a yellow glimmer comes shining at the corner of your eye: The Lemons.

A lot of people think that lemons are just for making lemonades and lemon cakes. However, the humble lemon can do all sorts of magic when you want to clean up. In fact, a lot of food can become a useful tool for cleaning almost any stain or mess. If that’s not enough to excite you, certain food items can also fill the air with their sweet and fresh scents.

Before you pick up that lemon and finally say goodbye to that nasty and annoying stain, here’s a list of food items that are just probably sitting in your fridge.

Lemons

citrus, citrus fruits, close-up

Remember that first bite of a lemon as a kid? Remember how your face would swell up due to the sourness? Well, that’s what that annoying stain will get to experience. Lemons contain citric acid which has cleaning and antibacterial properties. Lemons are probably the most versatile food item in this list which has a lot of cleaning purposes.

Cut a lemon in half and rub it smoothly on a stain or even on brass kitchenware. For a fresh and lemony scent all around your house, try adding chopped lemon rinds to a vinegar solution and clean away!

Baking Soda

Flour in a jar

Baking Soda is the second most versatile cleaning ingredient in this list. Its power is most useful when combating foul odors, without any damage to any surfaces. Baking soda is also abrasive, which means it can leave a surface clean and smelling good without leaving any scratches or stains behind.

Another use baking soda excels in is when you have pets living in the house. These cuddly companions of ours will inevitably leave their scents, urine stains, and poop in the house. Try adding baking soda to it and smell the foul odors vanish.

For clogged pipes that emit a bad smell, try pouring vinegar and baking soda down the drain and cover it for a few minutes. Vinegar and baking soda have violent chemical reactions which can certainly make clogs and oily residues soften up. After the popping and crackling stops, pour in hot water to finish off the job.

Vinegar

salt pepper shakers vinegar table restaurant lunch dinner

Vinegar has two main components: Water and Acetic Acid. Acetic acid is a strong acid that when used on stains, works wonders in removing them. Although vinegar is a good cleaning material, it’s sour scent can sometimes discourage people in using it as a cleaning liquid. To prevent that vinegary smell from acting up, try diluting vinegar with water and add heavy scented ingredients to the mix.

You can add lemon rinds, basil leaves, tea leaves, and other scented ingredients, so you won’t have to worry about that pungent smell that pure vinegar leaves behind.

Table Salt

alcohol, background, bar

Due to its abrasiveness, salt is a perfect addition to your cleanup arsenal. Brass kitchenware or other brass type items with time, lose that shiny and attractive look. To make any brassware as good as brand new, squeeze a cut lemon on a sponge and add salt. Rub it vigorously on the brass surface, and rinse it with water thoroughly. Salt dissolved in water also creates saline, which most bacteria and fungi hate.

The Unusuals

bazaar, bottles, business

Believe it or not, there are more unusual food items that can also be good cleaning materials. Ketchup is one example of this food. Just add salt and brush away silver and other metal kitchenware. After cleaning, rinse the item with water, and it will get its brand new glow from before.

Mayonnaise is another unique food item that doubles as a cleaner and is also a good thing to use to shine the leaves of any indoor plants that you have. Use a clean cloth to apply the mayonnaise on the leaves and leave it on for at least three to five minutes. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to wipe away excess mayonnaise on the leaves. The leaves will look more healthy and vibrant for weeks to come.

See that rust stain inside the toilet bowl? Ever wonder how to get rid of such an annoying stain? Here’s another quirky food ingredient you can cleverly use to remove that awful stain. Try mixing powdered juice and water and brush the stain with the mixture. Not only does the citric acid in the powdered mix help with softening up the stain, but it’ll also make your bathroom smell fruitily fresh.

Takeaway

Who would have imagined that a lot of food in your fridge could double as reliable cleaning materials? In humid areas, some may find turning the ac in Houston as increasing the pungent smell that these food emit when used as a cleaning agent. However, with a little tweaking here and there, these scents won’t be a problem.

From lemons to powdered fruit juices, the list of unusual cleaning items goes on. Even ketchup is a good cleaning material if properly applied to silverware. With a little research and ingenuity, checking the fridge for food won’t be the same anymore.

 

Salvează

Hurricane Harvey: President Trump to Ask Congress for Emergency Funding

Diane A. Wade
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0
Hurricane Harvey: President Trump to Ask Congress for Emergency Funding

The White House has announced it will ask the Congress for emergency funding to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

President Donald Trump is expected to propose an initial $5.9 billion. Texas authorities say the state might need more than $125 billion.

At least 39 people have died in the storm and its aftermath. East of Houston, floodwaters are still rising.

Visiting Texas, VP Mike Pence promised federal help to “rebuild bigger and better than ever before”.

Mike Pence said 311,000 people had registered for disaster assistance. It is not yet clear how quickly funds might reach victims.

Visiting the battered town of Rockport, Mike Pence paid tribute to the people of Texas: “The resilience of the people of Texas has been inspiring.”

He added: “The American people are with you. We are here today, we will be here tomorrow and we will be here every day until this city and this state and this region rebuild bigger and better than ever before.”

Image source Flickr

Tropical Storm Harvey Slams Louisiana after Hovering in Gulf of Mexico

Houston Flooding: Five People Dead in Hurricane Harvey Aftermath

Hurricane Harvey: Texas at Risk of Severe Flooding

The White House also said President Trump would donate $1 million of his own money to the relief effort.

Firefighters in Houston have been carrying out door-to-door searches for survivors and bodies in an operation that could take up to two weeks.

Rescue operations are still continuing further east, where floodwaters are still rising.

Hundreds of thousands of residents who were evacuated or chose to leave are being warned not to return home until they are told it is safe to do so.

Earlier, a senior White House aide said about 100,000 homes, not all of which were fully insured, had been affected by the storm and the flooding that accompanied it.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said its teams had rescued more than 3,800 people, and more than 90,000 had already been approved for disaster assistance.

FEMA also warned that residents were being targeted by scams. There are reports of criminals impersonating inspectors and immigration officials.

Others were receiving fraudulent calls about flood insurance claiming a premium must be paid or coverage would be lost.

Energy suppliers in southern Texas were forced to shut down refineries and close off pipelines, sending petrol prices higher across the US. Many have restarted operations, but it could take weeks before production is back to normal.

Residents returning to their homes are also facing challenges.

The Environmental Protection Agency is warning residents that floodwater can contain bacteria and other contaminants from overflowing sewers. It said the biggest threat to public health was access to safe drinking water.

One chemical plant in Crosby, near Houston, caught fire on August 31, and more fires are expected in the coming days.

Chemicals stored at the flooded Arkema plant are no longer being refrigerated, making them combustible.

Residents have been evacuated from the plant in a 1.5 mile radius, and smoke was seen rising from the site on August 31.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to return to Texas on September 2.

The president visited Texas earlier in the week but limited his visit to Corpus Christi, which avoided the worst of the flooding, over fears his presence could divert resources from rescue efforts.

Storm Harvey has been downgraded to a tropical depression and is expected to dissipate in Ohio on Saturday evening.

Several inches of rainfall are expected in Tennessee and Kentucky over the next two days, and flood warnings remain in effect in parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, and Louisiana.

US Orders Closure of Russian Consulate in San Francisco

Diane A. Wade
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0
US Orders Closure of Russian Consulate in San Francisco

The US ordered Russia to close its San Francisco consulate and two trade missions in response to “unwarranted” Russian action, the State Department has announced.

The San Francisco consulate, and annexes in New York and Washington, must close by September 2.

The State Department’s move follows Moscow’s reduction of US diplomatic staff in Russia last month.

That in turn followed new US sanctions on Russia over Crimea and alleged election interference, which led to the expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats.

In December 2016, former President Barack Obama had ordered those expulsions, along with the closure of two compounds.

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond initially to that move, with President Trump set to assume office, he then announced on July 31 a reduction of 755 US diplomatic staff in Russia, in retaliation for the US sanctions.

The US diplomats expelled have until September 1 to leave Russia – a day before the US closures of the Russian consulate and two annexes, which are trade missions, must be completed.

Image source Wikimedia

A senior administration official said on August 31 that the consulate and the residence attached to it as well as the two trade missions would close but no Russian staff would be required to leave the US.

Russia will be allowed to maintain the properties, but not use them, the official added.

According to the State Department, the US actions were “in the spirit of parity”. It blamed Russia for what it called a downward spiral in bilateral ties, but suggested it wanted an end to the current spat.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement: “The United States hopes that, having moved toward the Russian Federation’s desire for parity, we can avoid further retaliatory actions by both sides and move forward to achieve the stated goal of both our presidents: improved relations between our two countries and increased co-operation on areas of mutual concern.”

The move leaves each country with three consulates in place, Heather Nauert added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a phone call on August 31, expressing “regret at the escalation of tensions in bilateral relations”.

According to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry, Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would study the order and respond accordingly.

Sergei Lavrov and Rex Tillerson are due to meet in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Earlier this month, President Trump said US relations with Russia were at a “dangerous low” amid a row with Congress over the fresh sanctions against Moscow.

The president, who wanted warmer ties with Russia, had opposed the bill, which included a provision that limits his ability to lift sanctions and forces him to consult Congress first.

President Trump has been dogged by claims that Russia tried to sway the election in his favor and several investigations are under way to determine whether anyone from his campaign colluded with Moscow.

However, Russia has repeatedly denied interfering and President Trump has insisted that there was no collusion, calling the investigations a “witch hunt”.

Favorite News Sources in the 21st Century

Dana R
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Favorite News Sources in the 21st Century

Everyone likes to get their news in different ways. How you enjoy learning about what’s happening in the world, or just in your town, will often depend on your lifestyle. Some people like to take in the news when they’re relaxing and have some time to really think about it. Others will read or listen to what they can while they’re on their daily commute or just waiting around for something else to happen. Here are some of the favorite ways for people to consume news.

Websites and Mobile Apps

It’s no secret that the internet has taken over when it comes to the media. You can’t get away from the internet, and sometimes it can be exhausting to be kept up to date with the news all the time. But mobile devices and various websites, from newspapers and media organizations to blogs, help us to check up on the news whenever we want.

Social Media

While social media posts often link to an external website, it’s still one of the ways many people get their news. In fact, thanks to the instantaneous nature of social media, many people hear about the latest stories on Twitter or Facebook before they see them confirmed elsewhere.

Television and Radio

Television and radio are still popular ways to hear about the news. Listening to the radio is great for many people while they’re driving. TV gives you a more visual way of learning about the news. And they can both be streamed over the internet.

Newspapers

Newspapers are still popular, both online and in print. They’re trying to keep up with the times, and many of them are managing.


Infographic Design By Cashfloat

Top 5 Best Tips To Manage Your Global Supply Chain Properly

Dana R
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Top 5 Best Tips To Manage Your Global Supply Chain Properly

earth

Flickr

Have you ever wondered how companies are able to manage an international supply chain that delivers their goods perfectly?

A good place to start is by controlling all costs by sourcing everything (to an extent) at a local level. If the items can’t be done this way, you will want to send as many items at a time as you can – in bulk. This will minimize the overall cost of transportation.

The only problem is that when you pass to an international element to your supply chain, it makes everything a whole lot more complicated. Having said that, there are ways to maintain the supply chain in an easier fashion. Here are a few tips.

Teamwork is a must

It’s all about the teamwork. It’s no good having one team working on operations, while the other team is looking at the numbers not understanding why they’re paying so much money for duty costs.

The first thing you will want to do is get everyone together for a team meeting so that everyone knows and understands the plan of action inside and out. Remember that in order to manage a successful supply chain, you must not only work with a few of the main departments, but the entire company as a whole.

Visit the experts first

You can’t expect to do everything on your own. No matter how many areas you cover on a daily basis, you will still need help when going international. You need someone with the expertise on the best locations, for example. This means searching for local, reputable producers that are known for delivering the best results.

You need to find yourself a business partner that is a master in the specific market that you’re looking to get into. It’s very important to work alongside someone that can help you develop your brand even further than you already have.

If you’re managing a smaller business, find a consultant that specifically deals with clients in that location. That way they can help you to figure out the best way to deal with transit options and taxes. The more time your potential business partner has spent in the country, the more knowledge you will be receiving from them. Having the right consultant can save you an awful lot of money, so don’t think you’re wasting your time, because really you’ll just end up wasting your precious money.

Timing changes everything

Time is one of those elements that can either make you as a business or break you just as easily. Use it the right way, and you can be building your supply chain and opening endless doors of opportunity. On the other hand, lose valuable time, and it could all be over in a second.

Good sales forecasting is essential

Timing is key when trying to keep up with sales forecasting. This is where you can either ride at a slow monotone pace, or become very successful in managing your supply chain.

It all comes down to having the realistic idea of how much bulk you are able to move from your inventory and sell. Moving goods internationally takes a lot longer, so if it doesn’t sell, you’re going to be left with a whole load of stock and nothing to do with it.

Companies like the Moons Industries, for example, have a very large inventory to shift, and they manage to move it because their product is used to manufacture 3D printers, stage lighting, security equipment and more. It works because not only is the product a handy one, but they meet their delivery times and excel on their customer’s demands.

Never just assume

One of the most common mistakes that get made is when small businesses consider international expansion and guess far too much, instead of going off facts. People assume that different cultures operate the same way – but they don’t – far from it in fact.

For example, internet access is very easy to get your hands on in the US, so dealing with business and clients is simple, whereas in another country it may not be so simple to get access to.

So now you know how to manage a supply chain internationally, you should be more confident in the actions you take when moving forward. You know all the things you need to look out for, and you know the best way to get things done. Now all that’s left to do is find the appropriate business partners that will help your company grow even stronger.

Tropical Storm Harvey Slams Louisiana after Hovering in Gulf of Mexico

Nancy Clayson
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Tropical Storm Harvey Slams Louisiana after Hovering in Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Storm Harvey has made landfall again in Louisiana after hovering in the Gulf of Mexico.

Low-lying New Orleans, devastated by 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, is bracing to receive up to 10in of rain in 36 hours, with flash floods a major risk.

Harvey, which earlier achieved hurricane status, has dumped record rainfall in the region.

Large parts of Houston are underwater, and more than 20 people are reported dead.

Thousands of people there have fled their homes in search of emergency shelter amid severe flooding.

Houston Flooding: Five People Dead in Hurricane Harvey Aftermath

Hurricane Harvey Hits Texas with 130Mph Winds

Hurricane Harvey Expected to Make Landfall on Texas Central Coast

Image source Department of Defense

Houston, America’s fourth most populous city, has implemented a night-time curfew to prevent looting from abandoned homes as authorities and volunteers battle to rescue stranded people and provide shelter for those made homeless by the rising waters.

The curfew runs from 00:00-05:00 local time for an indefinite period. Relief volunteers, first responders, and those going to and from work are exempt.

According to the National Weather Service, the rainfall in Texas set a new record for the continental US. A rain gauge in Cedar Bayou recorded nearly 52in of rain since August 25.

President Donald Trump visited Texas on August 29 to survey the damage brought by Harvey.

He arrived in Corpus Christi, where Hurricane Harvey first made landfall last week, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

President Trump said he wanted the relief effort to stand as an example of how to respond to a storm.

“We want to do it better than ever before.

“This storm, it’s epic what happened. But you know what, it happened in Texas and Texas can handle anything.”

President Trump will not be visiting Houston.

According to the White House, the president did not want his visit to disrupt the emergency response.

President Trump has declared a federal state of emergency in both Texas and Louisiana. The move releases emergency government funding and other assistance.

Harvey was the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years when it made landfall at Corpus Christi, 220 miles south-west of Houston. The storm is expected to continue dumping huge amounts of rain in the coming days over already flood-hit areas.

Venezuela: Constituent Assembly Votes to Put Opposition Leaders on Trial for Treason

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela: Constituent Assembly Votes to Put Opposition Leaders on Trial for Treason

Venezuela’s controversial constituent assembly has unanimously voted to put opposition leaders on trial for treason.

It said it would pursue those it accuses of supporting US economic sanctions against Venezuela.

The US approved the measures last week in response to what it called the “dictatorship” of President Nicolás Maduro.

Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of trying to cripple Venezuela’s economy amid an ongoing economic crisis.

On August 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban trade in Venezuelan debt or the sale of bonds from its state oil company.

The president’s reasons included “serious abuses of human rights” as well as the creation of the “illegitimate” constituent assembly, which the US accuses of usurping the democratically elected parliament.

Image source Wikipedia

Venezuela Constituent Assembly to Assume Powers of Opposition-Led Parliament

Venezuela Crisis: The Impact of Civil War?

Venezuela Crisis: Donald Trump Does Not Rule Out Military Response

The constituent assembly, which was convened by President Nicolás Maduro and is made up of government supporters, has been condemned by international leaders as unconstitutional.

On August 29, members of the assembly unanimously approved a decree calling for the investigation of “traitors” who supported the economic sanctions.

During the three-hour session, they took turns denouncing those who have been critical of the government in ever more colorful language.

Among those they attacked for allegedly being “engaged in the promotion of these immoral actions against the interests of the Venezuelan people” were not only members of opposition parties but also former supporters of the socialist government.

The sacked chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega, who over the past months has become one of the most vocal critics of the government, came in for particular vitriol.

Constituent assembly member Iris Varela called Luisa Ortega “scum”. She also said that Luisa Ortega “crawled like a worm” and “sold her homeland for a few dollars she stole from this country”.

Luisa Ortega was fired by the constituent assembly in its first session earlier this month and replaced by a loyal government supporter, Tarek William Saab.

She has since traveled to a number of Latin American countries denouncing alleged government corruption in Venezuela.

The head of the opposition-controlled parliament, Julio Borges, was named as “one of the real enemies of Venezuela” for asking US bank Goldman Sachs to stop buying Venezuelan bonds.

Julio Borges reacted by saying that it was time the government stopped looking for others to blame for Venezuela’s economic and political crisis.

“The only one responsible is Maduro and it’s time he takes a look in the mirror and accepts he has ruined Venezuela,” Julio Borges told reporters.

Dara Khosrowshahi Appointed as Uber’s New CEO

Clyde K. Valle
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Dara Khosrowshahi Appointed as Uber’s New CEO

Former Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has been appointed as Uber’s new chief executive, following a unanimous vote by its board, the company confirms.

Dara Khosrowshahi will meet with staff for the first time on August 30, a statement from Uber said.

His appointment ends months of speculation about who would take the top job at the troubled company.

Dara Khosrowshahi replaces co-founder Travis Kalanick, who resigned in June following investor pressure after months of turmoil.

He came to America when he was 9-year-old, after his family fled Iran on the eve of the Iranian Revolution.

Image source LinkedIn

In 2005, Dara Khosrowshahi became chief executive of the online travel site Expedia, which operates in more than 60 countries.

In an email to staff posted on its website on August 29, the company said it was confident Dara Khosrowshahi was “the best person to lead Uber into the future.”

The announcement was widely anticipated, as Dara Khosrowshahi had already told news outlets he planned to leave Expedia for Uber.

He told Bloomberg News he was aware of the challenges, but was interested in working at a company that is “redefining the transportation industry”.

“Are there difficulties? Are there complexities? Are there challenges? Absolutely, but that’s also what makes it fun.”

“I am not in this to coast. I’m in it to get my hands dirty and build a team and do something that people will look back on with tonnes of satisfaction,” he said.

Dara Khosrowshahi earned about $2.5 million in total compensation at Expedia last year.

His pay has fluctuated wildly because of stock options. In 2015, he earned more than $94 million in total compensation, primarily due to stock awards.

Dara Khosrowshahi will face a number of challenges in his new role, as he seeks to improve both the bottom line and the company’s tarnished image.

Uber said on August 29 that it is cooperating with a US probe into possible bribery law violations.

Travis Kalanick left the firm in June after clashes with regulators in many countries, a trade secrets lawsuit and controversies about harassment.

Euro Hits $1.20 for First Time Since January 2015

Diane A. Wade
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Euro Hits $1.20 for First Time Since January 2015

The euro has reached an 18-month high against US dollar as the prospect of a US interest rate rise recedes.

The European currency hit $1.20 for the first time since January 2015.

Hurricane Harvey’s impact has led analysts to assume the Federal Reserve will not want to risk curbing economic growth and fears over North Korea’s activities have unnerved investors.

A rise in interest rates tends to draw investors to a currency, taking advantage of the higher returns.

Meanwhile, the euro has itself been gaining against a range of currencies.

Against the dollar, the euro has risen by almost 15% so far this year.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

Greece elections 2015: Euro hits 11-year low against dollar on Syriza victory

Euro reaches 9-year low against US dollar

Europe Stock Markets Surge on Fed Interest Rate Decision

The euro has strengthened in recent months, as the eurozone’s economy improves and markets predict the European Central Bank could start to cut back the money-printing program it has been running to repair the ravages of the eurozone crisis and credit crunch of the late 2000s.

The dollar was also undermined by August 25 annual meeting of central bankers at the Jackson Hole resort in Wyoming at which Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen’s speech gave no hint that the central back was planning any policy change that would support the dollar.

At the same event, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi did nothing to talk down the euro.

Euro strength has left the pound at its weakest for almost a year. It buys 1.0759 euros in the wholesale currency markets, making a euro worth a much as 92.95p.

Sterling buys $1.2955 currently.

Tourist rates tend to be below those of the markets, sometimes by quite a bit.

Mark Zuckerberg and Pricilla Chan Welcome Second Baby, Daughter August

Lisa.Felice
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Mark Zuckerberg and Pricilla Chan Welcome Second Baby, Daughter August

Mark Zuckerberg has announced the birth of his second child with Priscilla Chan – a baby girl named August – in a new letter published on August 28.

The Facebook’s co-founder has urged his young daughter to play outside and enjoy the wonders of being a kid, in the heartfelt letter posted on his social media site.

In the gushing missive, Mark Zuckerberg and Pricilla Chan speak about the magic of childhood and the importance of play.

He wrote on his Facebook page: “Priscilla and I are so happy to welcome our daughter August! We wrote her a letter about the world we hope she grows up in, and also hoping she doesn’t grow up too fast.”

The couple posted a similar letter to daughter Max in 2015.

Image source Facebook

The post, which appears alongside a family photo on Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page, encourages the new baby not to “grow up too fast”.

“The world can be a serious place. That’s why it’s important to make time to go outside and play,” said the letter, signed “Mom and Dad”.

The call to discover a childhood outdoors is at odds with the aims of Mark Zuckerberg’s social media empire.

“I hope you run as many laps around our living room and yard as you want. And then I hope you take a lot of naps,” the parents wrote.

“Childhood is magical. You only get to be a child once, so don’t spend it worrying too much about the future,” they added.

It marks a lighter tone from the open letter written to welcome baby daughter Max, which reflected on the problems facing younger generations and how technological progress will drive change.

At that time, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan said they would donate their fortune to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to make the world a better place for Max to grow up in.

The organization has pledged billions of dollars to improve life for their children’s generation with goals such as eliminating disease.

However, the parents wanted to shield their latest addition from these kinds of concerns, telling their daughter not to worry about the future, adding: “You’ve got us for that.”

“You will be busy when you’re older, so I hope you take time to smell all the flowers and put all the leaves you want in your bucket now,” Mark Zuckerberg and Pricilla Chan said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmwAH4njPMw

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