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Politicians and Their Cars

Dana R
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Politicians and Their Cars

Those in government positions often sit at the top of the food chain when it comes to what happens in our country. They may not need to take defensive driving for auto insurance discounts like the rest of us, but they still have to get from place to another (and they can’t always take Air Force One to do it). Sometimes it’s fun to see what kinds of cars they drive to get more insight into who they are and what they want. Of all the vehicles in the world, they picked one to drive above all else. It doesn’t have to be fancy, perfect, or even expensive, it just has to connect with them in some way. See what some of the top names in our country have chosen throughout time as their one and only (at least, for a little while.)

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Hillary Clinton (Oldsmobile Cutlass)

Hillary Clinton doesn’t tend to do a lot of driving these days, but could probably be considered one of the top 10 defensive drivers in the world due to her being an overachiever. When she did choose to get behind the wheel though, she went with a 1986 Cutlass. Not exactly the most exciting car, but the Cutlass did have a certain longevity about it. The Cutlass may not be well remembered today, but it won many awards after it debuted for its reliable drive. Believe it or not, people were pretty into the design as well.

George W. Bush (Ford F-150)

It’s tough not to expect a Texan to drive a truck. These manly vehicles are built to haul, and they seem to have a touched a nerve in the former President. He’s had a lot of cars throughout the years, but the F-150 pickup seems to be one of his favorites. This truck has been around since the late 1940s, and comes in a variety of engine sizes. The interior is comfortable, and the technology of Ford is made to keep you connected to all things entertainment.

Barack Obama (Ford Escape Hybrid)

Celebrities have been famously opting for more environmentally friendly cars over the flashy ones that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just because they might be able to afford something better, doesn’t mean that they’re willing to sacrifice the Earth for a car that sucks down gas like it’s been in the desert for weeks without a sip of water. The Ford Escape Hybrid is obviously great on gas mileage, and it gives the President the family-friendly (not to mention safe) SUV you would expect a dad with two kids to want. With front-wheel drive and lots of room for the kids and their gear, this car gets up to 34 miles to the gallon.

John McCain (Cadillac CTS)

McCain may not have made his goal to be President, but he’s certainly had a lot of accomplishments under his belt. Just like the rest of these minted treasures, he’s had a lot of cars to his name. However, he seemed to be a huge fan of the CTS. Cadillacs have long been associated with wealth and comfort, and they certainly have enough space inside to ensure that no one feels crowded or cramped. With excellent fuel mileage, decent power, and incredible performance, it’s no wonder that Mr. McCain kept a special place in this heart for this vehicle.

Recognize any of the vehicles on this list as favorites of your own? Putting a space between politicians and you is the wrong way to think about the leaders of the country. They chose a different career path than you, but they look for many of the same things you do when it comes to getting around town!

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Spotify Has More than 140 Million Active Monthly Users

Nancy Clayson
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Spotify Has More than 140 Million Active Monthly Users

Spotify has hit more than 140 million active monthly users.

However, the music streaming company is still deeply in the red.

The Swedish company had revenues of more than 2.9 billion euros in 2016, up more than 50% compared with 2015.

However, operating losses rose at nearly the same pace to 349.4 million euros.

Spotify is considering going public and listing on the stock market, so its latest figures will be under scrutiny.

“We believe we will generate substantial revenue as our reach expands and that, at scale, our margins will improve,” the company said.

“We will therefore continue to invest relentlessly in our product and marketing initiatives to accelerate reach.”

Spotify reported a net loss of 539.2 million euros, more than double the figure for 2015.

Nevertheless the number of people listening to music on the platform continues to rise rapidly.

Paying subscribers to its premium service, which does not have advertising, rose by 20 million to 48 million.

Apple Music, a key competitor, now has 27 million subscribers, almost double the number 12 months ago. Unlike Spotify it does not offer a free tier.

More than 30 million tracks are available on Spotify, which has signed deals committing it to pay a minimum of 2 billion euros in royalties to record companies over the next two years.

Spotify raised more than $1 billion from investors in 2016 which it said would give it flexibility to expand regardless of the state of the stock market.

Some of the terms are tied to the IPO, putting pressure on the company to go public.

Greece Bailout: Eurozone Ministers Agree to Release Latest Tranche

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Bailout: Eurozone Ministers Agree to Release Latest Tranche

Eurozone ministers have agreed to unlock the latest tranche of Greece’s bailout cash.

The bailout fund will disburse 8.5 billion euros to Greece, they said in a statement.

The latest tranche of the international bailout will help avert a fresh debt crisis in July when the next €7 billion euro repayment of loans becomes due.

The payment is still subject to parliamentary approvals in some countries.

IMF Director Christine Lagarde said she would propose an approval in principle to her executive board.

The International Monetary Fund wants clarity on longer-term debt relief for Greece once the current funding scheme, worth up to 86 billion euros, runs out next year.

Christine Lagarde said the IMF was ready to participate to the third bailout program for Greece after the meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Luxembourg which capped months of negotiations.

However, the IMF could join the program with a financial support “in the range of $2 billion” only after a full deal on additional measures of debt relief for Greece, she said.

Time was beginning to press for this payment. Greece has repayments on other loans due next month, which it could not otherwise have made.

The decision reflects economic policy actions already taken by Greece and the new commitment by the IMF’s managing director Christine Lagarde to recommend that her board contribute financially to this bailout.

An IMF contribution was politically important for Germany, especially to strengthen the perceived credibility of the bailout.

The eurozone group welcomed the financial and structural reforms enacted by Greece, including income tax and pension reform.

Germany’s parliament will discuss the bailout deal on June 16, finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said.

Greek finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos said the agreement would allow market access ‘in due course’.

Takata to File for Bankruptcy after Faulty Air Bags Scandal

Clyde K. Valle
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Takata to File for Bankruptcy after Faulty Air Bags Scandal

Takata is reportedly filing for bankruptcy after its faulty air bags led to the biggest safety recall in automotive industry.

The filing could come next week in both Japan and the US, where it has a subsidiary and is seeking a buyer.

The Japanese car parts maker shares were temporarily suspended on the Tokyo stock exchange because of the news.

Takata faces billions of dollars in liabilities over the recall.

So far, about 100 million Takata air bags, which can rupture with deadly force and spray shrapnel at passengers, have been recalled globally.

Takata’s faulty air bags have been linked to at least a dozen deaths and more than 100 injuries worldwide.

Japan’s Nikkei newspaper estimates Takata faces liabilities exceeding 1 trillion yen ($9 billion).

Takata has not commented on the reports in Japan, from sources close to the case, of imminent bankruptcy.

The company is said to be in talks about a potential deal with US auto parts maker Key Safety Systems. The latter may buy some of its assets under a restructuring plan.

In January, Takata agreed to pay $1 billion in penalties in the US for concealing dangerous defects in its exploding air bags. It also pleaded guilty to a single criminal charge.

Takata paid a $25 million fine, $125 million to people injured by the air bags and $850 million to carmakers that used them. However, it still faces the possibility of more lawsuits.

Most major auto makers, including GM and VW, have been affected.

Honda Motor, which as Takata’s biggest customer is one of the worst affected, started recalling their popular Accord and Civic models in 2008 because of the air bags.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1S1oej215U

EU Abolishes Mobile Roaming Charges

Nancy Clayson
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EU Abolishes Mobile Roaming Charges

The EU law abolishing roaming charges for people using mobile phones abroad comes into force on June 15.

According to the new rules, citizens traveling within the EU will be able to call, text and browse the internet on mobile devices at the same price they pay at home.

The European Commission said the end of roaming charges was one of the greatest successes of the EU.

However, a UK consumer group warned phone users could face “unexpected charges”.

Until now roaming, or connection, charges have been added to the cost of calls, texts and internet browsing when consumers from one EU country traveled to another and connected to a mobile network there.

Image source Public Domain Pictures

In some cases, mobile users have faced huge bills if, for example, they have downloaded a movie.

The European Commission said in statement: “Each time a European citizen crossed an EU border, be it for holidays, work, studies or just for a day, they had to worry about using their mobile phones and a high phone bill from the roaming charges when they came home.”

It had been working hard over the last ten years to fix this “market failure”, it said.

“Eliminating roaming charges is one of the greatest and most tangible successes of the EU,” the Commission added.

The new legislation means travelers can use their regular data allowance anywhere in the EU.

However, exceeding data allowances would still be chargeable.

In addition, different providers included different countries in their roaming territories, such as the Channel Islands and Switzerland.

Users should check the detail of their tariffs with their phone providers to avoid being caught out by surprise charges.

Regarding Brexit, it would be up to a future government to decide whether to have the EU price restrictions on roaming or not after the UK leaves the EU.

They are contained within a European regulation, not a directive, so they have not been incorporated into UK law.

Donald Trump Investigated for Possible Obstruction of Justice

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Investigated for Possible Obstruction of Justice

According to recent reports, President Donald Trump is being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller for possible obstruction of justice.

Senior intelligence officials will be interviewed on whether President Trump tried to end an inquiry into his sacked national security adviser, and about the firing of FBI chief James Comey.

Donald Trump’s legal team said the latest leak to the media was “outrageous”.

Robert Mueller is leading an FBI inquiry into Russian meddling in the election.

Donald Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia, describing the ongoing inquiry as a “witch hunt”.

The latest development was first carried in the Washington Post. Later the New York Times and Wall St Journal reported the story, citing their own sources.

The Washington Post said the decision by Robert Mueller to investigate President Trump’s own conduct is a major turning point in the investigation, which until recently focused on the Russian angle.

The latest media reports say the obstruction of justice investigation began just days after Donald Trump fired James Comey on May 9.

James Comey, who had been leading one of several Russia inquiries, testified to Congress last week that President Trump had pressured him to drop the investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Mike Flynn was sacked in February for failing to reveal the extent of his contacts with Russian ambassador to Washington, Sergei Kislyak.

Image source Wikipedia

James Comey testified under oath that President Trump had told him during a private meeting: “I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go. He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go.”

The White House has said President Trump “has never asked Mr. Comey or anyone else to end any investigation, including any investigation involving General Flynn”.

James Comey had testified he was “sure” Robert Mueller was looking at whether Donald Trump had obstructed justice.

However, James Comey also testified that, to his knowledge, President Trump had not tried to stop the Russia investigation.

Meanwhile, the Wall St Journal quoted a source as saying that Robert Mueller would examine whether James Comey’s sacking was an attempt by the president to alter the course of the investigation.

President Trump said he had fired James Comey because of the “Russia thing”.

He reportedly told Russian officials at an Oval Office meeting a day after sacking Director James Comey that his position had now eased.

“I faced great pressure because of Russia. That’s taken off,” Donald Trump said, according to a US official quoted by the New York Times.

The latest reports also speak of an investigation into possible money laundering among Trump associates.

A former senior official told the New York Times that any collusion between the Trump team and Russian officials would have involved a pay-off, and that there may have been attempts to hide the route of the payments by using offshore banking.

The three names being mentioned in media are Daniel Coats, the director of national intelligence, Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, and Richard Ledgett, until recently Admiral Rogers’ deputy.

At a Senate panel last week, Daniel Coats and Mike Rogers declined to answer questions about conversations with the president, but said that they had never felt pressured to interfere in investigations.

The Washington Post says the three have agreed to be interviewed by investigators and the questioning could happen as early as this week.

The three were not involved in the Trump campaign but may be asked whether President Trump sought their help to end the Flynn inquiry.

A separate Washington Post report has said that Daniel Coats told associates in March that the president had asked him to try to get the FBI to back off.

However, the Times points out that the latest questioning does not mean a criminal case is being built against President Trump, simply that information is being gathered by the FBI. It will be passed to prosecutors who will then have to decide.

A Vehicle For Versatility – The 6 Common Roadblocks Stopping You From Reaching Peak Productivity

Dana R
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A Vehicle For Versatility – The 6 Common Roadblocks Stopping You From Reaching Peak Productivity

We all know that person who says “I was here until 7pm last night” and you think to yourself; doing what? Just because someone stays late doesn’t mean they productive. We all have things in our lives that we would love to change to be more creatively driven, or to achieve more. With that said, how do you go about being more productive? Well sometimes it isn’t about doing more; it’s actually about doing less. Here are 6 common roadblocks stopping you from reaching peak productivity.

  1. Work smarter not harder or longer

There are several arguments that suggest someone who works less, is actually more productive than those that work 14 hour days. However, to achieve this you need to make sure you have the resources necessary to succeed. Constantly reading emails, searching through folders or flicking between windows wastes time!

Check out this award-winning dual monitor mount, as this type of system means no more window changing, less time searching for the right document and offers a chance to work in two programs simultaneously. Productivity is all about working smarter, this system offers a chance to do that.

  1. Say ‘yes’ less often

We are all busy people, so when we are presented with an opportunity to take some things off our plate, of course we will take it! This usually takes the form of asking someone else to help. Being more productive is about better understanding your workload. Learn to know when you aren’t able to offer something your best attention. Say no when you reach that point. You’ll be amazed at how this simple word can make you so much more productive.

  1. Doing nothing isn’t always unproductive

It is important to clarify this point; I don’t mean sit down, watch TV all day and eat junk food. That would be unproductive and hazardous to your health. No, what I mean here is that time to turn off can be as productive as the time spent achieving goals. Walk away from your work, meditate, go for a walk or do some yoga. Allowing your mind to switch off a task you’ve been trying to do will allow you to approach the problem from a different perspective. Turning off will help boost your energy levels and make you happier as well.

  1. Fail to plan, plan to fail

This is a saying I am sure you have heard so many times it’s beginning to lose all meaning. Allow me to reinvigorate it for you. So much time is lost every single day because of not knowing what to do next. Instead of accepting this unproductive time, take 5 minutes at the end of every day to plan out what you want to achieve tomorrow.

Plan both professional and personal goals.

Then, in the morning, review the plan and start working toward it. Following a clearly defined plan will help focus your mind on outcomes vs workload.

  1. Notifications are a distraction

Everyone knows that friendly blue box in the bottom right hand corner of their computer screen a little too well. It’s a mini billboard that says, “stop what you’re doing and read me”. Emails are an important function in any workplace, but they are also a distraction that can act as a roadblock to reaching your peak productivity.

Instead, turn off the instant notifications or close your inbox all together during certain periods of the day. Allow yourself window periods of uninterrupted productivity without distraction. Alternatively, if you can’t close your inbox, make a rule that you don’t respond to emails until finishing a task at hand.

  1. Learn to release control

As anyone who has worked for one will tell you, micromanagers are the worst.

As a human being there is no way to reach peak performance when you are tyring manage every little item in your life. Relinquish control of some things and watch the roadblocks disappear.

Have faith or trust that the people around you can handle things.

You don’t need to be across every little change, decision or moment in your day. By releasing control of the little things to others, you leave yourself more time to focus on the things that matter.

Reaching your peak productivity can be a difficult thing to do because there are so many distractions in life. But following these 6 simple tips can help you through the process of removing common roadblocks in your life. Do so and you are sure to reach peak productivity.

IMAGERY:

Adigaskell – http://adigaskell.org/2015/09/17/what-role-does-technology-play-in-productivity/

VW Emissions Scandal: Company to Provide Two Year Guarantee for Europe Cars

Clyde K. Valle
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VW Emissions Scandal: Company to Provide Two Year Guarantee for Europe Cars

Volkswagen will provide a two year guarantee for the cars in Europe fitted with emissions cheating devices which it agreed to modify.

According to the auto maker, the two year guarantee will cover exhaust and emissions control parts.

The European Commission has been putting pressure on VW to compensate customers over its emissions scandal, but the company has refused.

And European class action lawsuits are picking up steam.

The guarantee has conditions attached -it will only cover certain car parts in vehicles that have been driven for under 250,000km (about 155,000 miles), and will depend on the service history of the car and the age of the affected parts.

In September 2015, VW admitted to US regulators that it had cheated on emissions tests there using software installed in as many as 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide – the majority of them in Europe.

In the aftermath of the diesel emissions scandal, VW agreed to modify millions of vehicles in Europe which were equipped with the software capable of undermining the emissions testing process.

In the US, VW agreed to pay substantial compensation and buy back cars.

However, emissions controls are not as tight in Europe, and VW has resisted paying compensation, despite pressure from the European Commission.

Fed Raises Key Interest Rate from 1% to 1.25%

Clyde K. Valle
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Fed Raises Key Interest Rate from 1% to 1.25%

The Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate by 0.25% for the second time this year.

It voted to raise its key rate target to a range of 1% to 1.25%.

That is the highest level since 2008, when policymakers cut rates to encourage borrowing and spending after the financial crisis.

The central bank also said it would begin cutting its bond holdings and other securities this year.

The Fed cited continued US economic growth and job market strength as reasons for raising its benchmark interest rate.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said on June 14: “Our decision … reflects the progress the economy has made and is expected to make.”

The rise was widely anticipated after a low unemployment rate, but other economic indicators, including inflation, have been weaker.

Data showed US consumer prices unexpectedly fell in May and retail sales recorded their biggest drop in 16 months.

This has raised questions about the bank’s future course.

US stock markets the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ edged down at the close.

However, the rate increase was already priced into most stocks.

Image source Flickr

The Fed policymakers have been grappling with when and how to alter the policies put in place after the 2008 financial crisis to boost economic activity.

At the time, they cut interest rates and bought up US treasuries and mortgage-backed securities to keep rates low.

The Fed has a $4.2 trillion portfolio of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities, most of which were purchased in the wake of the financial crisis and recession.

In 2014, the Fed stopped its bond purchase program, known as quantitative easing, but it has continued to reinvest the assets on its books.

On June 14, policymakers said they aim to reduce that balance sheet, by reinvesting payments from those securities only above certain caps, totaling $10 billion.

The cap would escalate in three month intervals. It would start implementing those policies this year, assuming economic growth continues.

Janet Yellen said she’s not sure how far the committee will want to reduce the holdings over the long run, but she said they would be levels “appreciably below” those seen in recent years though larger than before the financial crisis.

The Fed raised interest rates for the first time since the crisis in December 2015.

Policymakers acted in December 2016 and again in March.

The June 14 decision was made with an 8-1 vote, with Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, dissenting. Neel Kashkari also voted against the March rise.

Interest rates remain low by historic standards. The board expects to raise rates at least three times this year.

The moves depend on the strength of the economy, which has been mixed.

On June 14, the US Labor Department reported that prices for goods excluding food and energy increased by 1.7% from May 2016, slowing steadily from earlier in the year.

That fell short of the Fed’s target of 2%.

Janet Yellen said the bank is aware of the shortfall and it was “essential” to move back to the target.

However, she said this year’s data may be skewed by one-off factors, such as lower prices on cell phone plans.

“It’s important not to overreact to a few readings,” she said.

“Data on inflation can be noisy.”

For US consumers, interest rate increases tend to lead to increased borrowing costs.

Otto Warmbier Treated in Cincinnati after Being Brutalized in North Korea

Nancy Clayson
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Otto Warmbier Treated in Cincinnati after Being Brutalized in North Korea

Otto Warmbier’s parents say the 22-year-old student was “brutalized” by North Korea’s “pariah regime”.

The American student is in a coma after being freed this week by North Korea.

Otto Warmbier is now being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after the flight carrying him landed in Ohio on June 13.

He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for attempting to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel.

Otto Warmbier was given a sleeping pill after becoming ill after his trial in 2016 and did not wake up, North Korea said.

His parents, Fred and Cindy, said: “We want the world to know how we and our son have been brutalized and terrorized by the pariah regime.”

Former US ambassador and New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, who has previously served as special envoy to North Korea and in 2016 attempted to negotiate Otto Warmbier’s release, said the student’s family had updated him on their son’s condition.

“In no uncertain terms, North Korea must explain the causes of his coma,” Bill Richardson said.

If Otto Warmbier’s illness is the direct result of brutality in prison, there might be pressure on President Trump to take action against Kim Jong-un’s regime.

Otto Warmbier is an economics student from the University of Virginia, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was in North Korea as a tourist with Young Pioneer Tours when he was arrested on January 2, 2016.

Otto Warmbier appeared emotional at a news conference a month later, in which he tearfully confessed to trying to take the sign as a “trophy” for a US church, adding: “The aim of my task was to harm the motivation and work ethic of the Korean people.”

Foreign detainees in North Korea have previously recanted confessions, saying they were made under pressure.

After a short trial on March 16, Otto Warmbier was given a 15-year prison sentence for crimes against the state.

In a statement on June 13, Otto Warmbier’s parents said: “Sadly, he is in a coma and we have been told he has been in that condition since March 2016. We learned of this only one week ago.”

They were quoted by the Washington Post as saying they had been told Otto Warmbier had contracted botulism, a rare illness that causes paralysis, soon after his trial in March 2016.

Otto Warmbier was given a sleeping pill and had been in a coma ever since, the newspaper said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made no mention of Otto Warmbier’s condition in a statement, saying only that he was on his way home to be reunited with his family and would not make any further comment, out of respect for the privacy of the family.

Anita Pallenberg Dies Aged 73

Sonia Pantiss
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Anita Pallenberg Dies Aged 73

Former model and actress Anita Pallenberg, best known for her relationships with members of the Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 73.

Anita Pallenberg’s death was made public by Stella Schnabel, daughter of painter and film director Julian Schnabel, who said she had “never met a woman quite like” her.

Stella Schnabel wrote on Instagram: “Go in peace my Roman mother.”

Anita Pallenberg was the girlfriend of Brian Jones but left him for fellow Rolling Stone Keith Richards.

The former model was also alleged to have had an affair with Mick Jagger while they were making 1970 movie Performance, though she always denied it.

Born in Rome in 1944 to German and Italian parents, Anita Pallenberg began her career as a model and spent time in the 1960s at Andy Warhol’s famous Factory.

Image source Wikimedia

Anita Pallenberg met Brian Jones in 1965 but left him two years later for Keith Richards. Brian Jones went on to leave the band and died shortly afterwards.

In his autobiography, Life, Keith Richards described Anita Pallenberg as a “very strong” woman who was “extremely bright” and “a great beauty”.

Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg had three children together, one of whom died as an infant, before they finally separated in 1980.

Anita Pallenberg sang backing vocals on classic Rolling Stones track Sympathy for the Devil and was said to have had a “profound” influence on the band by their one-time PA Jo Bergman.

She had roles in movies including 1969’s Barbarella and 2007’s Mister Lonely.

Anita Pallenberg was accused of manslaughter in 1979 after a man named Scott Cantrell killed himself with her gun in the New York home she shared with Keith Richards.

Known for her colorful lifestyle and fascination with black magic, Anita Pallenberg sought help for her addictions in 1987 and went on to study fashion at Central St Martins in London.

Anita Pallenberg is survived by her two children and five grandchildren.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Zp421p92c

Donald Trump Sued by 200 Democratic Lawmakers over Foreign Payments

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Sued by 200 Democratic Lawmakers over Foreign Payments

Nearly 200 Democratic lawmakers have joined forces to file a legal case against President Donald Trump over receipt of payments from foreign governments via his businesses.

The plaintiffs accuse President Trump of violating the Constitution’s emoluments clause, prohibiting receipt of gifts without congressional approval.

They say this is the largest number of legislators ever to sue a US president.

State officials and private businesses are suing Donald Trump in similar cases.

The attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia announced their lawsuit on June 12.

The White House has denied their allegations.

Spokesman Sean Spicer said that “partisan politics” could be behind the lawsuit of the attorneys general.

Image source Flickr

The justice department declined to comment on the latest suit by legislators, but has said previously it is unconstitutional to sue the president in his private capacity.

At least 30 senators and 166 representatives are involved.

They say President Trump has not sought congressional approval for any payments received by his businesses from foreign governments since he took office.

“President Trump has conflicts of interest in at least 25 countries, and it appears he’s using his presidency to maximize his profits,” said Representative John Conyers, quoted by Reuters.

“We do this not out of any sense of pleasure or partisanship, but because President Trump has left us with no other option.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “The president’s failure to tell us about these emoluments… mean that we cannot do our job. We cannot consent to what we don’t know. He’s interfering with our constitutional duty.”

Donald Trump’s worldwide organization includes more than 500 business entities, including hotels, golf courses and apartment buildings, many of which have done business with foreign governments.

Since taking office in January, Donald Trump has turned day-to-day control of his real estate empire and other assets over to a trust managed by his adult sons.

However, he has not sold them off as critics said he should do in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

A non-governmental organization, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), lodged a similar legal action in January.

Donald Trump’s lawyers have argued the emoluments clause is intended only to stop federal officials from accepting a special consideration or gift from a foreign power and does not apply to payments such as a bill for a hotel room.

Down and Dirty: 4 Reasons Why Hiring a Professional Cleaning Crew is more Beneficial

Nancy Clayson
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Down and Dirty: 4 Reasons Why Hiring a Professional Cleaning Crew is more Beneficial

The world of cleaning isn’t for amateurs. In fact, it takes a lot of skill and technology to clean up spills, garbage, and other grimy stuff the world has to offer. A lot of people fall into the trap of DIY or doing-it-yourself methods when it comes to cleaning.

Although simple messes like litter can easily be picked up by an everyday jane or joe, complicated messes such as biohazard wastes, chemical spills, and oil stains require a much more professional approach.

If a person does insist on handling difficult cleaning tasks, grave harm to the environment and the people around, including themselves is a real possibility. The dangers of cleaning are genuine. The way people handle such tasks can be very detrimental to the well-being of a community.

For example, common roadkill animals include armadillos. Studies show that armadillos can easily transmit diseases like anthrax and leprosy to humans. If an ordinary clean up crew who have no knowledge of handling biohazardous waste were to clean it up, then an outbreak can occur.

The scenario above is just one reason why people should consider hiring professional cleaning services. Here are more reasons why people need to step back and let the professionals handle all the big spills that are bound to happen.

Better Equipment

In highly urbanized cities, tall buildings and skyscrapers are a common sight. Eventually, the windows on those structures are required to get dirty from all the smog and dust. Ordinary cleaning crews might try to clean those up, but those in the extreme higher levels need proper gear and cleaning materials.

An example of this situation is how professional window washers in Houston, Texas handle such heights. Professional services such as those in Houston, utilize military-grade ropes to scale buildings and look for dirty windows to wash.

Well-trained Personnel

Aside from the right gear, these people are well adapted to situations and are not afraid to get the job done, even if it is a dangerous one. Such situations would be near impossible for most people to get through, let alone doing a job.

Hazmats or Hazardous Materials found at home should only be handled by professional crews in the event a chemical or biological disaster happens. People who handle such cases are well trained and know the dangers of cleaning up.

Time

Most well-equipped teams work diligently to meet deadlines, especially that they are the experts when it comes to this field. A property owner can expect no less from a professional team to finish a task properly and finish it on time as well.

Insurance

Depending on contracts by the employer and the professional cleaning crew, both can decide what to do if the property is damaged, either through negligence or by accident. This fact is another great reason why hiring professionals are more practical than DIY jobs.

Takeaway

A lot of people view the cleaning industry negatively. In fact, a lot of people are afraid of even getting into the business because of all the grime and dirt involved. But the truth is, people, look at cleaning as something as simple as preparing breakfast.

A lot of people think this way and end up suffering the consequences. Toxic wastes from chemicals and other substances can be hazardous when handled by amateurs and ordinary citizens. You need to get the service of some professional cleaning crews to make sure the job gets done.

These experienced cleaners are fully equipped, well trained, and are prepared to handle anything that can cause a disaster when left lying around.

London Grenfell Tower Fire Kills at Least Several People

Nancy Clayson
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London Grenfell Tower Fire Kills at Least Several People

At least several people have died after a huge fire raged through the night at Grenfell Tower in west London, a fire chief says.

Eyewitnesses said they saw people trapped inside the burning 27-storey block, in north Kensington, screaming for help, and shouting for their children to be saved.

According to London Ambulance, more than 50 people are being treated in hospital.

The whole tower had been alight and there were fears the building might collapse.

Eyewitnesses said they saw lights – thought to be mobile phones or torches – flashing at the top of the block of flats, and trapped residents coming to their windows – some holding children.

The Met Police has set up an emergency number on 0800 0961 233 for anyone concerned about friends or family.

London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said there had been “a number of fatalities” but she could not say how many because of the “size and complexity” of the building.

“This is an unprecedented incident,” Dany Cotton told reporters.

“In my 29 years of being a firefighter, I have never ever seen anything of this scale.”

Dany Cotton said the cause was not yet known.

Image source AFP

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said questions will need to be answered over the safety of tower blocks.

Matt Wrack, of the Fire Brigades Union said something had clearly gone badly wrong with fire prevention procedures at the building.

Firefighters would normally fight a fire in a tower block from the inside, going up the fire escape, and fighting using the internal dry-rising mains, he said, but that’s not been possible in this case.

“Several hundred” people would have been in the block when the fire broke out, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Borough Nick Paget-Brown said.

Appeals are being made on social media for news of missing friends and relatives, who might have been caught in the blaze.

There are also local collections under way for spare clothes, toys and toiletries for those now homeless.

The first reports of fire in the Grenfell Tower, in Latimer Road, on the Lancaster West Estate, came in at 00:54 BST. Three hours later, people were still being evacuated from the tower, the police said.

Grenfell Tower was built in 1974 by Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council.

It is part of the Lancaster West Estate, a sprawling inner-city social housing complex of nearly 1,000 homes.

Grenfell Tower underwent a two-year £10 million refurbishment as part of a wider transformation of the estate that was completed in 2016.

Work included new exterior cladding and a communal heating system.

Grenfell Tower, containing 120 flats, is managed by the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organization (KCTMO) on behalf of the council.

The local Grenfell Action Group had claimed, before and during the refurbishment, the block constituted a fire risk and residents had warned that access to the site for emergency vehicles was “severely restricted”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVI2D_FFMms

Wu Xiaohui Resigns as Anbang Insurance Chairman

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Wu Xiaohui Resigns as Anbang Insurance Chairman

Wu Xiaohui, one of China’s best known billionaires, is resigning as chairman of Anbang Insurance.

Anbang gave few details but said he was no longer able to fulfill his duties for “personal reasons”.

A Chinese magazine had reported that Wu Xiaohui was detained by authorities last week, but later deleted its article.

Anbang is known for a number of high profile international acquisitions, like the purchase of New York’s Waldorf Astoria in 2015.

Image source Reuters

The company, which manages some 1.65 trillion yuan ($242 billion) worth of assets, said in a statement that the chairman’s duties would be managed by other senior executives.

Anbang did not comment on the report by the independent Caijing magazine that Wu Xiaohui had been detained.

According to local reports, Wu Xiaohui had been taken away from the Anbang Office Building on June 8 by two police cars.

It is not clear where Wu Xiaohui is now and whether he had been taken to the police or directly to the prosecution on that day.

Earlier, Anbang had denied a report by the Financial Times that Wu Xiaohui had been stopped from travelling abroad.

Anbang had recently been in talks with a real estate company part-owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner.

The two sides were reportedly negotiating a deal to redevelop one of Kushner Companies’ Manhattan buildings.

The possible deal had raised media speculation over a potential conflict of interest and was called off in “mutual agreement” without any reasons given.

Wu Xiaohui had long been considered one of the most politically connected men in China, having married the grand-daughter of former leader, Deng Xiaoping.

His company has over the past years been among the biggest players of Chinese companies pursuing high-profile overseas acquisitions and investments.

In 2016, Anbang paid private equity company Blackstone $6.5 billion for the ownership of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, a portfolio of up market hotels and resorts.

That purchase added 16 luxury properties across the US to Anbang’s holdings, including the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, and the Four Seasons hotels in Silicon Valley and Washington.

Jeff Sessions Testimony: Attorney General Denies Having Undisclosed Meetings with Russian Officials

Diane A. Wade
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Jeff Sessions Testimony: Attorney General Denies Having Undisclosed Meetings with Russian Officials

During a Congress hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has denied having undisclosed meetings with Russian officials at a Washington DC hotel.

Jeff Sessions also told the Senate Intelligence Committee any suggestion he colluded with the Kremlin was “an appalling and detestable lie”.

America’s top law official also repeatedly refused to answer questions about his private conversations with President Donald Trump.

Jeff Sessions vowed to defend his honor “against scurrilous and false allegations”.

His remarks came after sacked FBI Director James Comey said he believed he was fired to influence the agency’s investigation into Russian political meddling.

US intelligence agencies believe that Moscow interfered in the last year’s election in order to help Donald Trump get elected.

The Senate committee is of one several congressional panels that, along with a special counsel, is also investigating whether any Trump campaign officials colluded with the alleged Kremlin plot.

Image source Wikimedia

Jeff Sessions told the Senate committee he has never received a classified briefing about Russian meddling in last year’s election.

He also vehemently denied speaking to Russian officials about the election, during a campaign in which he was a close adviser to Donald Trump.

Jeff Sessions said on June 13: “I have never met with or had any conversation with any Russians or any foreign officials concerning any type of interference with any campaign or election in the United States.”

He is the most senior member of the Trump administration to testify before the Senate committee.

Jeff Sessions acknowledged he met Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak twice, but suggested he could not remember whether he met the envoy at a foreign policy speech event for then-candidate Donald Trump at the Mayflower Hotel on April 27, 2016, as media have reported.

The former Alabama senator also denied media reports that he offered his resignation when Donald Trump was reportedly angered by his recusal from the FBI Russia probe, telling the panel he “will not be deterred”.

Vice-Chairman Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat, pressed Jeff Sessions about his role in the sacking of James Comey.

Jeff Sessions said he never spoke to the former FBI director, who reports to the US attorney general, about his job performance before President Trump fired him in May.

However, Jeff Sessions did confirm James Comey’s assertion that he told the US attorney general that he felt uncomfortable speaking directly to President Trump in a one-on-one setting.

Several Democratic senators expressed frustration because Jeff Sessions repeatedly refused to answer questions relating to conversations he had with the president.

Similar answers were heard last week during testimony from intelligence chiefs before the same panel.

Otto Warmbier Released in Coma from North Korean Jail

Roy Siemens
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Otto Warmbier Released in Coma from North Korean Jail

American citizen Otto Warmbier has been released from jail in North Korea, but his parents say he has been in a coma for a year.

According to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the 22-year-old student was on his way home to the US.

Otto Warmbier’s family told media they had found out only last week that their son has been in a coma since shortly after his trial in March 2016.

He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for attempting to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel.

Otto Warmbier is an economics student from the University of Virginia, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was in North Korea as a tourist with Young Pioneer Tours when he was arrested on January 2, 2016.

Otto Warmbier appeared emotional at a news conference a month later, in which he tearfully confessed to trying to take the sign as a “trophy” for a US church, adding “the aim of my task was to harm the motivation and work ethic of the Korean people”.

Foreign detainees in North Korea have previously recanted confessions, saying they were made under pressure.

After a short trial on March 2016, Otto Warmbier was given a 15-year prison sentence for crimes against the state.

His parents Fred and Cindy told CNN in early May that they had had no contact with their son for more than a year.

In a statement, Fred and Cindy Warmbier said: “Otto has left North Korea. He is on a Medivac flight on his way home.

“Sadly, he is in a coma and we have been told he has been in that condition since March 2016. We learned of this only one week ago.”

They were quoted by the Washington Post as saying they had been told their son had contracted botulism, a rare illness that causes paralysis, soon after his trial in March 2016.

Otto Warmbier was given a sleeping pill and had been in a coma ever since, the newspaper said.

Rex Tillerson made no mention of Otto Warmbier’s condition in his statement, saying only that he was on his way home to be reunited with his family and would not make any further comment, out of respect for the privacy of the family.

The US has in the past accused North Korea of detaining its citizens to use them as pawns in negotiations over its nuclear weapons program.

The arrests have come at a time of heightened tension between North Korea and the US and its regional neighbors.

Otto Warmbier’s release comes hours after former NBA star Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea.

Dennis Rodman is a friend of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and has made several visits to the country in recent years.

There was some speculation that Dennis Rodman might plead the case for the American detainees, but en route to North Korea the basketball star told reporters “my purpose is to actually see if I can keep bringing sports to North Korea”.

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“Real Sun-Tan” Drug Could Prevent Skin Cancer

Kathryn R. Bown
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“Real Sun-Tan” Drug Could Prevent Skin Cancer

Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a drug that mimics sunlight to make the skin tan, with no damaging UV radiation involved.

According to researchers, the drug tricks the skin into producing the brown form of the pigment melanin in tests on skin samples and mice.

Evidence suggests the drug will work even on redheads, who normally just burn in the sun.

The team hopes the discovery could prevent skin cancer and even slow the appearance of ageing.

UV light makes the skin tan by causing damage.

Image source Pexels

This kicks off a chain of chemical reactions in the skin that ultimately leads to dark melanin – the body’s natural sun block – being made.

The drug is rubbed into the skin to skip the damage and kick-start the process of making melanin.

It is a markedly different approach to fake tan, which “paints” the skin without the protection from melanin, sun beds, which expose the skin to UV light or pills that claim to boost melanin production but still need UV light.

However, the team is not motivated by making a new cosmetic.

Tests, detailed in the journal Cell Reports, have shown the melanin produced by the drug was able to block harmful UV rays.

Eventually the scientists want to combine their drug with sun-cream to give maximum protection from solar radiation.

The way the drug works could also allow a ginger tan, as the genetic mutation that causes red hair and fair skin disrupts the normal process where UV light leads to dark melanin.

It is not yet clear if the drug might have the unintended consequence of affecting the glorious hair color, but it is thought the hair follicle is too deep in the skin for the drug to reach.

Anyway, whether you are ginger, blonde or brunette, the drug is not yet ready for commercial use.

Cristiano Ronaldo Accused of 14.7 Million Euros Tax Evasion

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Cristiano Ronaldo Accused of 14.7 Million Euros Tax Evasion

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused by Spanish prosecutors of defrauding the authorities of millions of euros in tax.

The prosecutor’s office in Madrid says it has filed a lawsuit against Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese player is accused of evading tax of 14.7 million euros ($16 million) from 2011 to 2014.

The world’s highest-paid sports star had previously said he was not worried about tax investigations as he had nothing to hide.

Image source Wikimedia

On this occasion Cristiano Ronaldo is accused of knowingly using a “business structure” to hide income made from his image rights.

In December, leaked documents suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo had avoided tax on income allegedly held in offshore accounts.

The soccer player denied the allegations.

When asked about that investigation, Cristiano Ronaldo told a journalist from Radio Television Portuguesa (RTP): “He who has nothing to hide has no fear.”

According to Forbes‘ annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid sportsperson for the second successive year.

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo earned $93 million from salary, bonuses and endorsements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkee1545Y-0

Dennis Rodman Returns to North Korea

Clyde K. Valle
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Dennis Rodman Returns to North Korea

Dennis Rodman is returning to North Korea after three years.

The controversial basketball star said he is travelling as a private citizen.

Dennis Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport, en route to North Korea: “I’m just trying to open the door.”

The former NBA star made headlines after befriending North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on previous trips to Pyongyang in 2013 and 2014. Dennis Rodman has called Kim Jong-un his “friend for life”.

The US state department said it is aware of Dennis Rodman’s visit.

Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon said, according to Reuters: “We wish him well. But we have issued travel warnings to Americans and suggested they not travel to North Korea for their own safety.”

Dennis Rodman told reporters: “My purpose is to actually see if I can keep bringing sports to North Korea, so that’s the main thing.”

Image source Wikimedia

It is unclear whether the former NBA player will also bring up the detention of US citizens in the country.

The US and North Korean tensions have intensified under President Donald Trump.

However, President Trump has also said he would be “honored” to meet Kim Jong-un, in the right circumstances.

Speaking at the airport on June 13, Dennis Rodman said: “I am pretty much sure that he [President Trump] is happy with the fact that I am over here trying to accomplish something that we both need.”

When asked about the former Chicago Bulls star ‘s North Korea visits in 2013, Donald Trump told Fox News: “You look at the world, the world is blowing up around us. Maybe Dennis is a lot better than what we have.”

Dennis Rodman had been a contestant on Donald Trump’s reality TV show The Celebrity Apprentice that same year.

In 2014, Donald Trump flatly dismissed rumors that the pair might travel to North Korea together.

Dennis Rodman also once encouraged former President Barack Obama to “pick up the phone and call” Kim Jong-un, emphasizing that the two leaders both liked basketball.

His trips have been referred to as “basketball diplomacy” in the US press.

In 2014, Dennis Rodman told luxury lifestyle magazine DuJour he had approached the US government for support but was rejected.

He has previously broken down in tears during TV interviews, saying he has had death threats over his trips, which have been condemned by human rights activists.

Although at one point he did tweet Kim Jong-un to ask if he would “do me a solid and let Kenneth Bae loose” – referring to a US-Korean missionary who served two years in prison for trying to overthrow the government.

Kenneth Bae later thanked Dennis Rodman for raising public awareness of his case.

On June 13, Dennis Rodman tweeted that his latest trip was being sponsored by a company that provides digital currency for the marijuana industry. He wore fully branded clothes to the airport.

A previous trip to North Korea was sponsored by a betting company.

Alexei Navalny Sentenced to 30 Days Administrative Arrest

Diane A. Wade
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Alexei Navalny Sentenced to 30 Days Administrative Arrest

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to 30 days’ administrative arrest for repeatedly violating the law on staging rallies.

Earlier on June 12, Alexei Navalny, 41, was detained at his home in Moscow, ahead of anti-corruption demonstrations in Russia.

Hundreds of people were held during the gatherings across Russia.

A court in Moscow announced its verdict, rejecting demands by Alexei Navalny‘s defense lawyers to drop the case.

Image source Wikimedia

Alexei Navalny later confirmed this on his Twitter page.

The opposition leader, who intends to stand for the Russian presidency in 2018, had been due to attend the unauthorized rally in Moscow on June 12.

OVD-Info, an independent NGO, said that 825 people had been detained at the protest in the capital.

Police in Moscow say about 5,000 took part in the demonstration there, Interfax news agency reports.

OVD-Info also said that hundreds of people were held in St Petersburg.

The Russian interior ministry says about 3,500 people attended the protest in the north-western city, and 500 were detained.

How Quick Lane Is Paced To Revolutionize The Car Service Industry In Canada

Clyde K. Valle
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How Quick Lane Is Paced To Revolutionize The Car Service Industry In Canada

The US-based Ford Motor company is hoping that their new Omnicraft aftermarket brand of parts made for non-Lincoln and non-Ford cars will increase the company’s presence in the Canadian market and abroad. The New “Quick Lane” service centers have the potential to explode globally and offer not only faster but more inexpensive service options than car dealerships or independently owned auto shops.

Currently, only about a fourth of the service performed at Quick Lane outlets in Canada and the US involve Ford and Lincoln automobiles, but in some of the outlets, it might be as much as fifty percent or more. Before now, the Quick Lane service centers only had minimal parts for non-Ford cars. Now offering more than just wiper blades and an oil change, the new aftermarket parts for off brands has made Quick Lane a more viable business to revolutionize the car service industry.

Recently launched just this past January, Omnicraft parts had to buy products from other suppliers, which was not only more expensive, but it was also a very inefficient way to acquire the parts. In the end, the cost was passed down to the consumer, and it decreased the speed of car service.

Quick Lane isn’t new to the car service industry; Ford originally launched the Quick Lane pilot as far back as 1997. To date, there are now over 815 Quick Lane service centers in North America, and the trend continues to grow. Some of the centers are attached to other Ford dealerships while others are stand-alone storefronts. Available at over 3200 dealerships in the US, the hope is to expand exponentially for the Canadian audience.

The push to include more aftermarket parts beyond the Ford company came at the request of Ford dealerships who maintained that only offering basic parts and service was limiting their capacity for both used car sales and services. It made stand-alone outlets barely sustainable. Many in the service industry can relate to how the addition of other parts by Omnicraft will increase the rapidity of service as well as customers’ satisfaction with Quick Lane, especially for non-Lincoln and non-Ford car owners.

Many looking for car service don’t have the luxury of having a Ford dealership nearby. That is what makes the satellite outlet centers attractive, but only if they have something to offer many car brand owners across the board. When limited to only certain brands, it cuts down the ability they have to make an impact on a community and provide the necessary service with convenience.

Quick Lane might have been a pilot just two decades ago, but they are now exploding across North America and cornering the market on car service for many manufacturers and brands. Having found a niche market in quick and convenient service, the hope is that they will overtake the “quick” car service market for vehicle owners looking for more than just a simple oil or windshield wiper change.

It isn’t just the Ford Motor company who is interested in funding and investing in Quick Lane. The new parts supply from Omnicraft is attracting car investors of all makes and models. Offering an alternative to traditional used car dealers in Langley services or expensive independent specific owners, having a literal one-stop shop is very attractive to almost all car owners and has investors interested.

There is hope that adding Omnicraft aftermarket parts will take Quick Lane from small to big-time and fill in the gaps for smaller towns and cities as well as major metropolitan areas. Not having to schedule a time for service, wait for parts to come in, and be without your car for days if not weeks on end, is something that many car owners find appealing.

The goal for Quick Lanes is to offer over 90 percent of different manufacturer parts through Omnicraft and service cars for all makes and brands. Dealerships are an excellent option to service your car, but that doesn’t make them inexpensive or timely. With the addition of Omnicraft to the Quick Lane service centers, the hope is to overtake the US and Canadian markets with fervor.

 

Donald Trump Sued for Accepting Payments from Foreign Governments

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Sued for Accepting Payments from Foreign Governments

President Donald Trump is being sued by officials in Maryland and Washington DC for accepting payments from foreign governments via his business empire.

The lawsuit cites the US constitution’s emoluments clause, which says no federal official should receive a gift or a fee from a foreign government.

The suit – which is the first of its kind filed by government entities – claims Donald Trump is “flagrantly violating the constitution”.

The White House has denied the claims.

The attorneys general for the District of Columbia and Maryland, Karl Racine and Brian Frosh, announced the lawsuit on June 12.

“Never in the history of this country have we had a president with these kinds of extensive business entanglements or a president who refused to adequately distance himself from their holdings,” said Karl Racine.

Image source Wikipedia

A non-governmental organization, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), lodged a similar legal action in January.

On June 9, the Justice Department said those plaintiffs did not suffer in any way and there were no grounds for the suit. The department also said it was unconstitutional to sue the president in his official capacity.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on June 12: “The president’s interests, as previously discussed, do not violate the emoluments clause.

“This lawsuit is just another iteration of the case that was filed by that group, Crew, filed actually by the same lawyers. So it’s not hard to conclude that partisan politics may be behind the scene.”

Sean Spicer added: “So we will continue to move to dismiss this case in the normal course of business.”

President Trump is already contending with inquiries by congressional committees and a special prosecutor into his campaign’s alleged links to Russia, which American intelligence agencies accuse of meddling in last November’s US election in a bid to boost support for the property developer.

Since taking office in January, Donald Trump has turned day-to-day control of his real estate empire and other assets over to a trust managed by his adult sons.

However, he has not sold them off as critics said he should do in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

“The emoluments clauses are a firewall against presidential corruption and the one thing we know about President Trump is he understands the value of walls,” Brian Frosh said, referring to Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

“This is one he can’t climb over and one he can’t dig underneath.”

The lawsuit will ask for a court injunction blocking Donald Trump from accepting foreign money.

The lawsuit is also seeking to access to his personal tax returns as part of the legal process known as discovery.

A key case in the dispute is Trump International Hotel in Washington DC, just down the road from the White House.

Donald Trump opened the business in 2016 by leasing a large building that used to be a central post office.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuE1ugS2Ykc

 

Lesbos 6.3 Earthquake Felt in Athens and Istanbul

Nancy Clayson
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Lesbos 6.3 Earthquake Felt in Athens and Istanbul

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck off the Aegean coast of western Turkey and the Greek island of Lesbos, with tremors felt in Istanbul and Athens.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was 3 miles south of Plomari, a town on the coast of Lesbos.

Several buildings were damaged but the village of Vrisa was worst hit with 10 people taken to hospital.

Turkey and Greece sit on significant fault lines and earthquakes are common.

Image source AP

The initial quake struck at 15:28 local time on June 12 and was followed by two aftershocks minutes later.

Details of damage and casualties in Vrisa took some time to emerge, but the mayor told Greek media the place looked like it had been “flattened by bombs”. A woman was trapped in the rubble of her home reportedly with a fractured spine. None of the injuries were said to be life-threatening.

Vrisa’s 500 residents were set to spend the night in tents or nearby hotels, Kathimerini website said. The main road from the island’s capital, Mytilene to Plomari was damaged by a landslide, public TV reported.

Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras said the safety of people on Lesbos and neighboring Chios was paramount. No injuries were reported on Chios.

Buildings also shook in the Turkish coastal city of Izmir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM5IJUYDEpk

Ivanka Trump Criticizes Attacks Against President Trump

Diane A. Wade
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Ivanka Trump Criticizes Attacks Against President Trump

In the interview with the Fox and Friends morning TV show, Ivanka Trump has criticized “the level of viciousness” her father has been subjected to.

President Trump’s daughter said that it went far beyond what she was expecting.

Ivanka Trump said that she had been left blindsided by the ferocity of some of the attacks leveled against the president.

President Trump is under intense scrutiny in the US, including over the Russia investigations and his business ties.

His daughter said that she felt “very vindicated” by James Comey’s recent Senate testimony, in which the former FBI director spoke about the probe into alleged links between the Trump election campaign and Moscow.

Image source Flickr

Ivanka Trump said his evidence supported her father’s insistence that he was not being personally investigated, and that James Comey had on at least one occasion supplied a leak to The New York Times.

She said that while she was “not expecting the intensity of this experience”, she realized that the business of government “isn’t supposed to be easy”.

“My father and this administration intends to be transformative, and we want to do big, bold things,” Ivanka Trump said.

“With all the noise, with all the intensity of the media coverage… ultimately, we’re really focused on why the American people elected Donald Trump as their president.”

Last week, President Trump’s son Eric told Fox News that he had “never seen hatred like this” and “morals have flown out the window”.

“They’re not even people,” he said as he described his father’s critics.

Ivanka Trump, like her husband Jared Kushner, is a special adviser to the president.

Fox News described her as “a political novice like her dad”, who had “glided past the more controversial interview topics like a seasoned vet”.

The Washington Post described it as a “largely friendly” interview, and noted that Ivanka Trump avoided answering two big questions about James Comey’s evidence and the work of her husband, “masterfully pivoting from an unfavorable subject to a better one”.

The New York Times also noted that Ivanka Trump dodged questions as to whether Jared Kushner had quarreled with other senior members of her father’s team.

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

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