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These Crazy Social Media Facts Will Blow You Away

Dana R
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These Crazy Social Media Facts Will Blow You Away

It’s no secret that just about everybody uses social media these days. There’s the ever popular Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat – the list goes on. However, you might still be surprised to learn some of these crazy social media facts. Take a look!

1.28 Billion People On Facebook
In any month, around 1.28 billion people are active on Facebook. To put this into context; it’s the entire population of India, which is the second largest populated country in the world.

Over 5 Million Facebook Users Are Under The Age Of 10
Studies showed that some of the parents of these children didn’t know about the account, while others helped them make it. However, users aren’t supposed to be under 13!

The Famous Oscar Selfie Was The Most Retweeted Tweet
You know the selfie – Ellen, JLaw, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and so many more famous celebs feature in this photo. It became the most retweeted tweet, hitting 3.3 million!

Katy Perry Is One Of The Most Popular Ladies On Twitter
Katy has over 89 million followers. That’s 9 million more people than the entire population of Germany, not to mention 14 million more than the former president, Barrack Obama!

The NBA Were The First Professional League To Get 1 Billion Followers
Whether you like the NBA or not, this fact is pretty incredible. Sports teams and leagues are now utilizing social media to gain more followers and exposure! You can find more facts like this on the infographic below!


credit to Adelphi Degree in Sports Management Online

The Safety Project: 6 Ways on How to Avoid a Car Accident

Nancy Clayson
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Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/car-vehicle-fire-smoke-48125/

Cars are undoubtedly one of the most astounding inventions ever made by humans. They give easy transport and freedom and taking a person anywhere for hundreds and even thousands of miles with just a tank of gasoline.

However, cars are also machines of destructions filled with flammable liquid and large metal projectiles that can harm anyone if the person maneuvering behind the wheel is not cautious and responsible. It could easily transport one’s life to eternal trauma and even death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2.44 million people get injured in the US due to vehicle crashes in 2015. The figures are mind-boggling and yes, alarming. Different insurance companies give different numerical perspective, concluding that one driver is average to one car accident per decade.

There are simple precautions that you can follow to reduce your risks. The paramount keys are to steer clear of alcohol and drugs, avoid distractions, be predictable and obey the traffic laws, always. Do them, and you’ll make the road safer and less dangerous for everyone.

Follow Speed Limits

Speed Limit 25 Signage

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/speed-limit-25-signage-164524/

Speed limits exist because you have to abide them. Exceeding speed limits means that you chose to drive faster than what is intended to be safe for the road, irresponsibly putting others at risk and at the same time consuming more fuel.

The science behind this law is that when you drive faster, the reaction time for you to stop reduces, thus higher maneuvering skills are obligatory to avoid an accident. As the speed of the vehicle ascends, the forces and braking distances increase too which can lead to disastrous rollovers and collisions.

Another explanation why over speeding is hazardous is that when you over speed, you’re out-driving your car’s headlights, thus you lose the time to react properly to unexpected scenarios when they appear in your field of vision.

Better be safe than sorry, so follow speed limits and be extra attentive in the dark.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Person Driving and Drinking

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-backlit-car-drive-192638/

Drunk driving as always is a very dangerous stunt that every driver needs to avoid, and yet there are still people who are just too hard-headed to follow the rule. They get behind the wheel while their bloodstreams are boiling with alcohol.

According to NHTSA, every two minutes, one person gets injured due to a drunken driving crash, and the casualty cost is up to $132 billion dollars a year. Now, if you’re out to have fun, be sure to designate a driver for you or better yet, do not drive when you drink.

Steer Clear from Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an act of doing another activity that corrupts your attention away from driving. Acts like trying to send a message or answer a call, looking at sceneries instead of the road and watching other vehicles are the common forms of distracted driving.

The fatalities due to road accidents in the US rose to 35,092 last year, the highest growth in 50 years, and 10 percent of this data is due to distracted driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There is a slogan that says “hung up and drive” reminding us to avoid texting or doing things that may arrest your attention from driving. If the call or message is very urgent, pull over before you respond.

Precautions on Parking Lots

Vigilance should be observed not just on the road but also on parking lots. Most people gets absorbed on finding a parking space that they are not watching what else is going on.

Children are hard to spot at busy parking lots especially at night so be vigilant and pay attention. You can never tell when an excited kid will dart out in front of your car in an instant. Fortunately, there are cars now with a backup camera that makes it possible to look at the space behind the car that would otherwise be unseen.

Choose the Right Car

Green Scale Model Car on Brown Pavement

Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-scale-model-car-on-brown-pavement-35967/

Another paramount component of being a conscientious driver is picking the right car. What I mean by the word ‘right’ is that it must have outstanding safety features and robust reliability background when it comes to quality and manufacturing.

Consumer Reports recommends checking on the accident avoidance capability of the car through simulated maneuvering as well as dry and wet braking.

Wise evaluation of vehicles should include ease of use for controls, visibility, and handling, all of which are helpful in avoiding road troubles. Reliability is also a significant factor when it comes to safety concerns because extreme cases may happen like a car breakdown on the road that will put you in danger.

Get a Good Lawyer and Feasible Insurance

It pays to be insured and ready. You can be a cautious and responsible driver behind the wheel, but you can never tell what will happen to you on the road, never.

It’s vital that you get a good insurance from credible insurance companies and appoint an experienced lawyer that you can trust. There are many competitive and reliable law firms in different states that you can go to for legal services.

When it comes to personal injury protection insurance, make sure to check on the coverage and see if it is feasible enough to your source of income and if it offers a lot of deductibles and limits.

Takeaway

A single car accident can alter your life in an instant before it happens, practice vigilance wherever you go. Vigilance is the byproduct of many factors that you can acquire if you start doing the things listed above.

Author Bio:

Dana Atkins is a researcher who is knowledgeable about technology and entrepreneurship based in Michigan. She is also an active advocate of safety driving and continuously supports safety-driving related campaigns in different states. In her free time, she likes to write her thoughts as a form of artistic outlet and whatever article she comes up to, she shares them with her readers.

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Stealth Vaping: Exhaling Within the Law and Around Others

Dana R
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Stealth Vaping: Exhaling Within the Law and Around Others

Stealth vaping has become an important technique for many people who choose to use electronic cigarettes, especially those who work at jobs with a strict break policy. The technique involves taking a pull from the electronic cigarette without the people around you noticing.

Whether you believe that stealth vaping is okay or not is up to you: there are no real laws against it, but you can put yourself in an awkward situation with your boss or others around you just for a quick vape, rather than waiting for the proper time. If you choose to stealth vape, here are a few things to think about before you try to vape without getting caught.

Image result for Stealth Vaping

Choose a Subtle Flavoring

One of the coolest things about vaping is that you can choose from a variety of flavorings to add to your device so you can vary your experience. Sites like Element e-liquid offer everything from traditional tobacco flavoring to fruity flavors and dessert flavors. If you are going to stealth vape, you want to choose a flavoring that doesn’t have a very strong smell.

Other than the vapor cloud, the smell is the first noticeable thing for others, and keeping a low profile means using a flavor that doesn’t call attention to yourself. You may have to experiment with several different flavors that go well with the natural smells of your office or other place you plan on stealth vaping, but you should soon find one that hides pretty well.

Control Your Cloud

The number one rule for stealth vaping is to control the size of the cloud that you exhale. Your exploits won’t last very long if there is a haze hovering over your desk or cubicle. This is where the stealth comes in.

First, empty your lungs with a long exhale so you’ll have enough room. Take a pull from your device and hold it for about 15 seconds: the longer you hold it, the less vapor you’ll exhale. When you finally exhale, do so into your sleeve or some piece of fabric so that the majority of the vapor is filtered through something. Then, find an excuse to lean under your desk — drop your electronic cigarette, tie your shoe — and blow the rest out under there. This will help keep the cloud contained and should do the trick as long as you don’t try to pull it off every five minutes.

Should You Stealth Vape?

Again, the decision as to whether or not to stealth vape is up to you. Many places have no vaping policies for a reason, and you will be blatantly ignoring them if you choose to vape secretly.

Take the other people around you into your consideration before you attempt to stealth vape: some people can have negative reactions to the flavorings of your vaping, so always think about others before you take a pull.

Stealth vaping has become more popular as places crack down on the act.

Data Keeps The World Safe But How Is It Used?

Dana R
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Data Keeps The World Safe But How Is It Used?

Intelligence agencies around the world collect an enormous amount of data every single day. They use that information to search for concerns and keep the public safe. Today, we’re going to take a quick look at just some of the ways in which it’s used to identify threats. It’s been a big issue since the Twin Tower attacks, and our government has stepped up to the mark.

Identifying geographic locations

As the infographic at the bottom of this page highlights, agencies can use the data they collect to determine locations. That is an excellent advancement because it means they can intercept people and groups who might want to cause harm to the public. To learn more, just scroll down the page.

Searching for keywords that raise concerns

It would be impossible for security personnel to look through all the data they collect every day. However, they have systems in place that flag messages and information based on a list of keywords. So, if anyone mentions the word “bomb” or something similar, it’s easy to check their communications.

Identifying individuals involved in terrorism

Terrorism is the number one threat to global security today. The data collected by the CIA and other agencies helps to profile dangerous people. They then go onto a list that ensures their communications are monitored more often.

So, now you know how data is used to keep us all safe, you should manage to sleep better at night. Thankfully, our government employs the world’s leading experts. For that reason, we should always beat our enemies.


Created by University of Southern California Online

Robert Dabate Case: Fitbit Snares Husband in Wife’s Murder

Nancy Clayson
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Robert Dabate Case: Fitbit Snares Husband in Wife’s Murder

Robert Dabate has been charged with killing his wife after police said data from her Fitbit contradicted his version of events.

The 40-year-old cheating husband claimed to have seen Connie Dabate shot to death more than an hour before her Fitbit device recorded her last movements.

Robert Dabate told detectives that his wife was killed by a home intruder in Connecticut on December 23, 2015.

However, police say Connie Dabate’s wearable fitness tracker tells a different story.

Robert Dabate was charged this month with murder, tampering with physical evidence and making false statements about his 39-year-old wife’s death.

Police say the man initially told them he had just returned home at around 09:00 after dropping off his two sons when he was attacked by a home intruder.

Image source Flickr

Robert Dabate claimed the perpetrator was a “tall, obese man” with a deep voice like actor Vin Diesel’s and wearing “camouflage and a mask”, according to an arrest warrant.

The accused said a .357 revolver registered in his name was used by the purported attacker to shoot Connie Dabate.

The victim, a pharmaceutical representative, was shot twice, once in the back of her head, with the pistol that her husband had purchased two months earlier, say prosecutors.

Robert Dabate, a computer technician, claimed the home intruder then tied him up after a struggle.

Police found Robert Dabate with an arm and leg bound by zip ties to a chair in the kitchen at the crime scene.

He had what police described as superficial knife wounds.

Investigators say physical evidence showed no sign of the struggle described by Robert Dabate.

Data found on a Fitbit that Connie Dabate had worn for an exercise class that morning shows she did not take her last movements until 10:05, more than an hour after her husband claimed to watch her die.

Also, police sniffer dogs picked up no scent of other people in the house in the hours before Connie Dabate’s death.

Robert Dabate was in a relationship with another woman, who was expecting his baby – which detectives suspect as a motive for the attack.

According to investigators, the man had texted his wife a year before her death saying: “I want a divorce.”

According to bank statements obtained by the Hartford Courant newspaper, credit card charges from hotels and bouquets of flowers for his girlfriend.

The accused is currently not in custody after posting bail of $1 million.

Robert Dabate’s next trial date is scheduled for April 28.

Donald Trump’s Sanctuary City Order Blocked by California Judge

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump’s Sanctuary City Order Blocked by California Judge

A ruling that blocks President Donald Trump’s order barring funding for cities that shelter illegal immigrants has been labeled as “bananas” by the White House.

A San Francisco judge has placed January’s executive order in limbo, but the White House is vowing to appeal.

San Francisco and Santa Clara County sued in February.

The Trump administration has warned so-called sanctuary cities they could lose federal funds if they do not co-operate with federal immigration officials.

On April 25, Judge William Orrick issued a temporary injunction against the presidential order as the case continues in the courts.

White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said, in reference to the San Francisco-based appeals court, which conservatives often accuse of liberalism: “It’s the 9th Circuit going bananas.”

Image source Wikipedia

President Trump’s measure cast doubt on the transfer of some $1.2 billion for San Francisco and $1.7 billion to Santa Clara County, home to many Silicon Valley communities.

It is another legal defeat for Donald Trump in his efforts to curb immigration – his plan to curtail travel from seven Muslim-majority nations was twice blocked in federal courts.

Lawyers for the federal government had argued in the sanctuary cities case that only funding related to law enforcement would be withheld.

However, Judge William Orrick said any doubt about the scope of the “vague” order was erased by public comments made by President Trump, such as those calling the measure a “weapon” to use against jurisdictions that disagree with his immigration policies.

Judge William Orrick accused the Trump administration of a “schizophrenic approach” to the order.

The 49-page court ruling added that the plaintiffs challenging President Trump’s order are likely to succeed in proving the order unconstitutional.

The judge wrote: “Federal funding… cannot be threatened merely because a jurisdiction chooses an immigration enforcement strategy of which the President disapproves.”

However, Judge William Orrick’s ruling allowed the justice department to follow through with threats made to nine cities last week to cut specific program grants if they do not adequately co-operate with federal immigration officers.

In a press release last week, the department accused sanctuary cities of “crumbling under the weight of illegal immigration and violent crime”.

There are several sanctuary cities across the US, including Donald Trump’s home of New York.

New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio praised April 25 ruling, saying President Trump went beyond his authority to cut funding to cities that “don’t share his illogical and unconstitutional desire to scapegoat immigrants”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK8-fdbPv30

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Elton John Cancels US Tour Following Bacterial Infection

Sonia Pantiss
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Elton John Cancels US Tour Following Bacterial Infection

Elton John has canceled his US tour after suffering a “potentially deadly” bacterial infection.

He became violently ill at the end of a tour of South America last week and was forced to spend two nights in intensive care, his management says.

Elton John returned to the UK for urgent treatment.

Consequently, nine concerts that were due to be staged in Las Vegas and California over the next two weeks have been canceled.

The 70-year-old singer is now resting at home.

A statement by his management said infections of the kind suffered by the star were “rare and potentially deadly”. It gave no other details.

“Thankfully, Elton’s medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery,” the statement added.

Elton John is due to resume his schedule of live performances in the UK on June 3.

“I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologize for disappointing them. I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well,” the star said.

Elton John’s Million Dollar Piano tour is due to end its run in May 2018.

Optimistic Issue: 5 Reasons Why Positivity Is Good For Your Health

Nancy Clayson
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Image result for positivity

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/martazappia/8705332490

You know the famous adage that goes like this, “What your mind will conceive, your body can achieve,” well, it’s not just a golden rule to stay sane anymore. Science proves that positive thinking is beneficial to your health.

 

There are countless of reasons why a person needs a daily dose of optimism every day which most people don’t know about. Keeping your mind in good shape is as vital as keeping your whole body fit.

 

When you have a positive view of life, your health and wellbeing will also reap benefits. On the same note, if you indulge in negative thoughts, it will only generate opposite effects and may take a toll on your health. Besides, you wouldn’t want to be called a ‘pessimist’ in the first place right?

 

Here are the top five reasons why you need to keep your acts together and be optimistic no matter how many slices of lemons life will throw at you.

 

Positive Thoughts Fight Depression

 

 

Experts reveal that thinking about positive things is a major part of treating depression. This only makes sense because psychologists even prove that depression and anxiety start from pessimistic thinking.

 

Of course, you cannot command yourself to be positive all the time, and it’s a fact, we’re just humans after all. But, this doesn’t mean that you will not encourage yourself to move on to the brighter side of life.

 

You have family and friends that you can count on whenever things are too impossible for you to handle. Don’t keep everything to yourself. You can talk, you can shout, you can even curse if everything is already unbearable because it is right for you.

 

Improve your ways of thinking by changing your thought patterns, gradually; your mood will change and improve.

 

Positivity Improves Longevity

Image result for freedom

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/josefgrunig/1732787905

Many scientific studies show that optimism decreases death rate, especially among postmenopausal women.

 

Positive people are less likely to suffer from diabetes or hypertension compared to those who are always sulking and tends to be pessimistic most of the time.

 

Positive thoughts is also a game changer when it comes to your sex life. Experts claimed that positive attitude in the bedroom increases the physical intimacy and connection between the couple which lead to satisfying intercourse.

 

Further studies even prove that positive thinking reduces your odds of getting a severe disease like cancer and so on. On the other side of the coin, those people who keep harboring negative thoughts have a high probability of developing heart diseases and cancer.

 

Positivity Strengthens Your Immunity

 

 

Buddhism practices highly praise the effects of positive thinking to your body. Apart from warding off dangerous diseases, positivity also strengthens your immune system.

 

When a person always thinks about negative things, what happens is that some areas of your brain send harmful signals which weaken your immune system. Medical research even shows that negative thoughts and emotions cause massive electrical activity in your brain that incapacitates the immune response.

 

Positivity Helps You Cope With Stress Easily

 

Another benefit of positive thinking is that it helps you to recover faster from sickness, anxiety and even surgery. For sure, you’ve seen patients who have significant recovery after seeing their family and loved ones. That’s not a miracle, that’s the power of positivity.

 

Stress is a constant variable in your life that you cannot stop. It comes to everyone. Your best line of defense is to supply your mind with positive thoughts and keep the harmful effects of negativity off the shore. It’s not hard to do.

 

Take a look at the warm smiles of your family and friends, you’ll realize that your problems are next to nothing when you have great people on your side.

 

Positivity Helps In Coping Up With Stress and Hardship

 

 

It’s impossible to live a life without challenges unless you’re in a fantasy world. You will experience and face difficult times for as long as you live. That’s the bittersweet truth about life.

 

When you set your mind to positive mode, you’ll have better chances of coping better with hardships, and in that way, you lessen the stressors in your life. If your thoughts tell you that you are not going to accomplish a certain task, tell yourself that you’re going to achieve it using a different approach. Always feed your thoughts with positive excuses.

 

Takeaway

 

Come on, life is too short to spend it sulking and bathing on negativity. For every bad situation that you face, something positive will come out. Even a dead clock shows a correct time twice a day, so stay in positive in life. The best is yet to come for you.

 

Author Bio:

 

Harry Beckett is a blogger and active advocate for environmental protection and preservation. His interests also include health and wellness. He spends most of his time writing about wellness, especially about men and generously shares them with his readers and followers. His current endeavor is traveling in different cities and states to promote environmental issues and health issues as well.

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US Submarine Sent to South Korea amid North Korea Nuclear Threats

Roy Siemens
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US Submarine Sent to South Korea amid North Korea Nuclear Threats

The US has sent a submarine to South Korea, amid worries of another North Korean missile or nuclear test.

The missile-armed USS Michigan is set to join an incoming group of warships led by aircraft carrier Carl Vinson.

North Korea is celebrating its army’s 85th founding anniversary on April 25. It marked the event with a large-scale firing drill, South Korea said.

Tensions have risen in the Korean Peninsula in recent weeks, with the US and North Korea exchanging heated rhetoric.

Experts fear North Korea could be planning more tests – it has marked some key anniversaries in the past with nuclear tests or missile launches.

However, South Korea’s defense ministry said “no unusual development had been detected”.

Image source Wikimedia

Instead, Pyongyang conducted a large live-fire drill around the city of Wonsan, South Korea said.

“Our military is closely monitoring the North Korean military’s movement,” the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

North Korea conducted a failed ballistic missile test on April 16, prompting VP Mike Pence to warn it not to “test” President Donald Trump.

In an unusual move, the entire Senate has been asked to attend a briefing on North Korea on April 26 at the White House.

The USS Michigan docked at South Korea’s Busan port on April 25, in what it called a routine visit. It is a nuclear-powered submarine carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 60 special operations troops and mini-subs, reported the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo.

The submarine is expected to take part in military exercises with the Carl Vinson warship group, which the US said it was dispatching to North Korea earlier this month to “maintain readiness” in the region.

At the time, President Trump said that he was sending an “armada” to the region and that the US had submarines which were “very powerful, far more powerful than the aircraft carrier”.

North Korea reacted angrily to the aircraft carrier deployment, threatening to sink it and launch a “super-mighty pre-emptive strike” against what it called US aggression.

However, the US warships caused some confusion and attracted mockery when it emerged that they actually sailed in the opposite direction, away from North Korea, after the announcement. However, US Navy officials said they are now proceeding to the region as ordered.

China is North Korea’s only ally and main trading partner – and the US has been urging Beijing to help put pressure on Pyongyang.

China’s President Xi Jinping spoke to President Donald Trump on April 24, urging all sides to “maintain restraint and avoid actions that would increase tensions”.

France Elections 2017: Marine Le Pen Steps Down as Front National’s Leader

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: Marine Le Pen Steps Down as Front National’s Leader

Marine Le Pen has announced that she is stepping aside as leader of her National Front (FN) party.

The move comes just a day after the far-right presidential candidate reached the second round of the French election, where she will face centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Marine Le Pen told French TV she needed to be above partisan considerations.

Opinion polls suggest Emmanuel Macron is firm favorite for the second round but Marine Le Pen said: “We can win, we will win.”

The French term Marine Le Pen used signaled that the move to step aside would be temporary.

She told France 2 that France was approaching a “decisive moment”.

Photo Reuters

Marine Le Pen said her decision had been made out of the “profound conviction” that the president must bring together all of the French people.

“So, this evening, I am no longer the president of the National Front. I am the candidate for the French presidency,” she said.

Marine Le Pen took over the FN leadership from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, in January 2011.

She won 7.6 million votes on April 23 – the strongest ever result for a FN candidate, and 2.8 million more than her father won in 2002.

Her party wants to slash immigration, clamp down on trade, and overturn France’s relationship with Europe.

Emmanuel Macron, a former economy minister, is widely expected to win the run-off vote on May 7.

On April 24, he won the backing of President Francois Hollande, to go with that of two defeated candidates.

Francois Hollande said the far right would threaten the break-up of Europe, “profoundly divide France” and “faced with such a risk, I will vote for Emmanuel Macron”.

The president said his former economy minister would “defend the values which will bring French people together”.

Francois Fillon and Socialist Benoît Hamon both urged their supporters to vote for Emmanuel Macron.

US Embassy in London Criticized for Promoting Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort

Diane A. Wade
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0
US Embassy in London Criticized for Promoting Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort

The US embassy in London has been criticized by Democrats for a blog post on its website about President Donald Trump’s luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

The blog post, published on April 5, details the history of the 114-room mansion, which is often described as Donald Trump’s “winter White House”.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden accused the state department of promoting President Trump’s “private club”.

The department has issued no comment.

In her tweet, Nancy Pelosi wrote: “Why is @realDonaldTrump’s State Dept promoting the President’s private club? #Trump100Days.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Wyden wrote: “Yes, I am curious @StateDept. Why are taxpayer $$ promoting the President’s private country club?”

Image source Wikimedia

State department spokesman Mark Toner was not aware of the post when the issue was raised by the media on April 24, CNN reports.

The blog post says that “Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s Florida estate, has become well known as the president frequently travels there to work or host foreign leaders”.

Donald Trump has hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe at the resort.

The post also states that Donald Trump “is not the first president to have access to Mar-a-Lago as a Florida retreat, but he is the first one to use it.

“By visiting this <<winter White House>>, Trump is belatedly fulfilling the dream of Mar-a-Lago’s original owner and designer.”

Since taking office, Donald Trump has spent seven weekends at Mar-a-Lago, which he bought in 1985 and turned into a private members club.

The president’s visits have led to concerns over costs and mixing business with politics.

The club has raised its initiation fees from $100,000 to $200,000 following Donald Trump’s election.

Since President Trump’s inauguration, Democratic groups and ethics watchdogs have been monitoring whether there has been a potential conflict of interest that could benefit his business holdings while he is in office.

In December, Donald Trump announced that he planned to shut his charitable foundation, although an investigation into its practices continues.

Arkansas to Become First State to Hold Two Executions on Same Day in 17 Years

Nancy Clayson
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Arkansas to Become First State to Hold Two Executions on Same Day in 17 Years

Arkansas will hold two executions on the same day, if two inmates are put to death as planned on April 24.

This the first double execution held in the US in 17 years.

Lawyers for inmates Jack Jones and Marcel Williams are seeking stays of execution on grounds of poor health.

Arkansas initially planned to execute 8 inmates over 11 days before a drug used in executions could expire.

Last week, Ledell Lee was put to death in Arkansas’ first execution since 2005.

Another inmate, Kenneth Williams, is due to be put to death on April 27, though his lawyers say he is intellectually disabled.

The remaining four of the eight planned executions have been placed on hold by court order.

However, Arkansas’ top prosecutor has vowed to overcome legal obstacles and haul the condemned back to the death chamber.

The last time a state executed two inmates on the same day was in 2000 in Texas.

Image source KATV

Both inmates due to be put to death on April 24 have admitted they are guilty.

Jack Jones was convicted in 1996 of raping and strangling Mary Phillips and attempting to murder her 11-year-old daughter.

He was also convicted of rape and murder in Florida.

Marcel Williams was sentenced to death in 1997 for kidnapping, raping and murdering Stacy Errickson.

He also abducted and raped two other women.

Jack Jones is scheduled to be put to death at 19:00 local time at Cummins Unit prison, while Marcel Williams is due up next in the chamber at 20:15.

Their application for a stay of execution to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on April 23 is expected to be among a last-minute flurry of such motions.

Jack Jones and Marcel Williams argue that obesity and related conditions mean midazolam, a sedative used in the three-drug cocktail for lethal injections, may not work on them.

Attorneys for Jack Jones say he could suffer from a “torturous death” because he may be resistant to midazolam.

They say the inmate is already taking high doses of two other drugs for a host of maladies, including diabetes, high blood pressure and neuropathy.

Lawyers for Marcel Williams say it may be difficult to find a vein on their client for the lethal injection because he weighs 400lb.

On April 21, a federal judge in Little Rock, Arkansas, rejected a challenge on health grounds from Marcel Williams and Jack Jones.

A lawsuit from the company that makes one of the execution drugs has been among a wave of legal challenges to the state’s unprecedented execution schedule.

Arkansas Supreme Court last week threw out the manufacturer’s lawsuit, which had argued that the state did not make clear if wished to use the supplies for executions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7_ua3qYiJE

Jimmy Choo Seeks Potential Offers to Sell Its Business

Lisa.Felice
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Jimmy Choo Seeks Potential Offers to Sell Its Business

Jimmy Choo has announced it is seeking potential offers for a sale of the business.

The luxury shoe maker, which has a market value of about $900 million, has not received any bids yet and is also weighing other options.

As well as shoes, Jimmy Choo produces a range of luxury goods, but has seen sales slow in recent years.

The company’s recent move received backing from Jimmy Choo’s main shareholder JAB Holdings, which is also an investor in Krispy Kreme donuts and Coty.

Jimmy Choo’s shoes are often seen on the red carpet worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce.

Kate Middleton is also a fan of the British shoe designer, as is Emma Stone.

Image source Flickr

The company said in a statement: “The board of Jimmy Choo announces today that it has decided to conduct a review of the various strategic options open to the company to maximize value for its shareholders and it is seeking offers for the company.

“Jimmy Choo has discussed the strategic review process with its majority shareholder, JAB Luxury GmbH, and JAB Luxury has confirmed that it is supportive of the process.”

JAB Luxury, which owns 68% of Jimmy Choo, said there was “no certainty that a sale” would take place.

Jimmy Choo’s sales growth was 2% in 2016 compared with 7% in 2015 and 12% in 2014, analysts at HSBC noted last month.

The company’s shares rose 8% on news of the possible sale.

Jimmy Choo’s shares have now gained about 30% this year, helped by a boost from the weaker pound and improved sales in Asia.

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Tony Kim: North Korean University Names US Citizen Detained

Roy Siemens
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0
Tony Kim: North Korean University Names US Citizen Detained

Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) has named the American citizen detained in North Korea on April 22 as Kim Sang-duk, also known as Tony Kim.

The Korean-American lecturer taught at the North Korean university for several weeks prior to his arrest.

Tony Kim was arrested just as he was about to leave Pyongyang.

North Korean authorities have not yet disclosed the reason for the arrest.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, Tony Kim, who is in his late 50s, was involved in aid programs and had been in North Korea to discuss relief activities.

Kim Sang-duk reportedly taught at Yanbian University of Science and Technology in China, which is affiliated to PUST.

Image source CNN

PUST’s chancellor, Park Chan-mo, was quoted by Reuters as saying that Tony Kim “had been involved with some other activities outside PUST such as helping an orphanage”.

The US State Department said it was aware of reports of the detention, but would not comment further because of “privacy considerations”, US media reported.

The detention comes as tensions ratchet up in the Korean peninsula, with US warships steaming towards the region as Pyonyang threatens a “super-mighty pre-emptive strike”.

Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump spoke on the phone again on April 24.

Xi Jinping reiterated his call for calm saying he “hopes relevant parties exercise restraint, and avoid actions that would increase tensions”, and both leaders promised to keep in touch regarding the Korean peninsula, reports said.

US officials have not yet confirmed the call.

The US has in the past accused North Korea of detaining its citizens to use them as pawns. Tony Kim is one of three US citizens currently being held by North Korea.

In April 2016, Kim Dong-chul, a 62-year-old naturalized US citizen born in South Korea, was sentenced to 10 years’ hard labor for spying. He was arrested in October 2015.

American student Otto Warmbier, 21, was arrested in January 2016 for trying to steal a propaganda sign from a hotel while visiting North Korea.

Otto Warmbier was given 15 years hard labor for crimes against the state in March 2016.

Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro Wants to Resume Talks with Opposition

Diane A. Wade
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0
Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro Wants to Resume Talks with Opposition

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has said he wants to resume talks with the opposition.

Nicolas Maduro also said he wanted local elections to take place.

The president’s comments came as another large demonstration is planned for April 24 after three weeks of tense protests across the country.

Demonstrators have been calling for presidential elections due next year to be brought forward and for Nicolas Maduro to step down.

The 2016 negotiations between the opposition and the government broke down when the opposition accused Nicolas Maduro of breaking agreements and using the talks to buy time.

Image source Wikimedia

Speaking during his Sunday TV program, Nicolas Maduro endorsed the idea of elections for mayors and state governors but did not mention a vote at presidential level.

“Elections – yes, I want elections now,” the president said.

“That is what I say as the head of state, and as the head of government.”

Elections for state governors were to have taken place in December 2016, and local mayoral elections are due this year.

April 22 saw silent marches across Venezuela as protestors, wearing white, showed their respect for around 20 people who have died in recent demonstrations.

Human rights campaigners say more than 1,000 people were detained during recent disturbances and over 700 are still in detention.

The opposition blames the government for a severe economic crisis which has left Venezuela with shortages of food, basic goods and medicine.

The protests were sparked by an attempt by the government-controlled Supreme Court to assume some powers of the opposition-dominated Congress.

Top Car News Today

Dana R
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Top Car News Today

Those who know and love cars are always on the lookout for the latest stories about them. Real car enthusiasts can determine what’s a truly big story, and what’s marketing fluff that’s trying to pass for news. We’ll look at two big car stories ripped from the headlines, and what you should know about them.

Tesla

If you live in certain parts of the US, this car maker seems to be on everyone’s lips. The lucky few who have had the pleasure to drive them (or even sit in them) could reasonably describe the experience as seeing into the future. That’s how innovative this car has managed to be in an age where that word has all but lost its meaning. Elon Musk may not be the only person who’s implementing autonomous vehicle technology into his cars, but he is managing to appeal to some of the most demanding buyers on the market, like those who have learned the benefits of driving for the TLC.

When the Model 3 hit the market last year, even the most optimistic employee at Tesla was likely blown away by the response. People who ordered the car months ago won’t even get to test drive it until this summer. They might not get to take one home until potentially next year, especially considering Tesla has not been able to keep up with its forecasted numbers. Production wasn’t necessarily meant to accommodate the 400,000 pre-orders Tesla saw, which means that they’re very much under the gun to get everything finished on time. Some say that this could be their downfall when it comes to future sales, because it will take a while for Tesla to figure out the best way to meet demand. However, it’s likely that Tesla will just go through an adjustment period before smoothing out the rest of their processes.

car-news

Apple

And speaking of technology, Apple’s introduction to the autonomous driving market should not surprise anyone, but it may surprise people they waited so late. Instead of letting Tesla be the iPhone of cars, it looks like Apple wants their own name at the top instead. While other tech giants like Google may have already had a head start, the iPhone developers are certainly no slouch when it comes to gaining the upper hand in the public eye. Apple doesn’t just look at what customers want today, they look ahead to how customers will feel when the product debuts. By aiming to fulfill needs that customers may not have known they even had, the company manages to stay fresh regardless of how crowded the market is.

Apple is notoriously close with their money, meaning the investments they do make speak volumes about what they picture the future to be. Regardless of how ubiquitous Apple is, they haven’t had a lot in the way of breakthrough products as of late. The iPad was really the last thing that attracted mass numbers to try something completely new. As the company struggles to fill the shoes of the inimitable Jobs, they’re prepared to use their massive buying power to stay ahead of a game they may have gotten to just a few minutes late.

Whether you’re excited about these stories or are tired of hearing about how your driving skills may be obsolete in the future, there’s a lot to be said about keeping up with today’s trends. For now, consider taking a defensive driving course to increase your safety on the road, and to potentially lower your auto insurance bill. Defensive driving classes can help you understand how to use technology to your advantage, and keep you from being overly reliant on technology as well.

French Election Results: Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen Win First Round

Diane A. Wade
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0
French Election Results: Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen Win First Round

Centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen will face each other in the second round of the French presidential election.

Emmanuel Macron, a former banker, is seen as a political outsider, having never run an election campaign before.

After topping April vote, Macron is now favorite to win the run-off on May 7.

It is the first time in 60 years that neither of France’s main left-wing or right-wing parties has had a candidate in the second round.

With 97% of votes counted, Emmanuel Macron stands on 23.9% with Marine Le Pen on 21.4%.

Their nearest challengers, center-right François Fillon and hard-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon, fell behind, with just over 19% each.

In a victory speech to supporters, Emmanuel Macron borrowed language favored by his rival to describe himself as the patriotic choice for France.

Image source NBC News

“I hope that in a fortnight I will become your president. I want to become the president of all the people of France – the president of the patriots in the face of the threat from the nationalists,” he said.

Marine Le Pen also made an “appeal to all patriots”, saying a vote for her was the key to the “survival of France”.

“Wherever they come from, whatever their origin, whatever they voted for in the first round, I invite them all to join us and to abandon ancient quarrels and to concentrate on what is essential for our country,” she said.

Marine Le Pen’s campaign for the Front National party centers on wanting to slash immigration, clamp down on free-trade, and overturn France’s relationship with Europe.

Emmanuel Macron was current President Francois Hollande’s economy minister but quit to create his own party, En Marche, which pushes a liberal, pro-EU agenda.

The 39-year-old could now become the youngest president France has ever had.

Various political rivals are now expected to unite in a bid to keep the Front National from power.

Benoit Hamon, the candidate of President Hollande’s Socialist Party who failed to make an impact in the first round, urged those who voted for him to support Emmanuel Macron in the next stage.

Francois Fillon has done the same.

As the results came in, Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in front of an EU flag, giving hope to European leaders who are keen to strengthen the union after Brexit.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman, Steffan Seibert, tweeted: “It’s good that Emmanuel Macron was successful with his course for a strong EU and social market economy. All the best for the next two weeks.”

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also congratulated Emmanuel Macron, as did EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

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France Elections 2017: Polls Open amid High Security Following Champs Elysees Attack

Diane A. Wade
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France Elections 2017: Polls Open amid High Security Following Champs Elysees Attack

French voters are going to the polls to choose their next president, amid high security following a deadly attack on Champs Elysees three days ago.

About 50,000 police and 7,000 soldiers are being deployed across France to secure polling.

Eleven candidates are vying to be France’s next president, with leading candidates spanning the political spectrum from far-left to far-right.

The two with the most votes will go to a run-off round in a fortnight’s time.

Polling stations in France opened at 08:00 local time, although some overseas territories began the voting on April 22. Voting ends at 20:00, with exit polls expected quickly afterwards.

Four candidates are currently seen as being within reach of the presidency: conservative François Fillon, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, liberal centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

Image source France24

The candidates have created plenty of debate in France, all offering dramatically different visions of Europe, immigration, the economy and French identity.

Extra security measures are in place on polling day after Karim Cheurfi, a convicted criminal, shot dead a police officer on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Karim Cheurfi was killed by security forces and a note defending ISIS was found near his body.

National security had been one of the main talking points during the campaign, but candidates have been accused of exploiting the most recent attack for political gains.

The race between the leading contenders is considered too close to call.

However, no candidate is expected to get the 50% of votes required for an outright win.

A second round between the top two will be held on May 7.

Francois Fillon is the only one among the leading contenders from an established party of government.

Benoît Hamon, the socialist candidate from the same party as the current president, is seen as out of the running.

President François Hollande is not seeking a second term, and is the first French president in modern history not to do so.

King Salaman of Saudia Arabia Reinstates Bonuses and Special Allowances for Public Sector

Clyde K. Valle
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0
King Salaman of Saudia Arabia Reinstates Bonuses and Special Allowances for Public Sector

King Salman of Saudi Arabia has reinstated bonuses and special allowances for civil servants and military personnel that had been cut in September 2016 as part of austerity measures when oil revenues were low.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud fired his civil service minister and put him under investigation for abuse of office.

The king also named his son Prince Khalid as new ambassador to Washington.

King Salman’s decrees saw a new national security centre created under the Royal Court.

Photo Getty Images

He also ordered two months extra salary be paid to frontline military personnel taking part in Saudi-led operations in Yemen.

Prince Khalid is a fighter pilot who has trained in the US and carried out air strikes against ISIS in Syria.

The decree said the pay cuts for ministers and government employees – the first in Saudi Arabia, where about two-thirds of working Saudis are employed in the public sector – had been in response to falling oil prices, which sank to a low of $28 a barrel in January 2017.

The oil price has since risen to about $52 a barrel and ministers said budgetary performance had been better than expected in Q1 of 2017.

Under the cuts, ministers had their salaries reduced by 20% and housing and car allowances for members of the advisory Shura Council were cut by 15%.

Wage increases for lower-ranking civil servants were suspended, and overtime payments and annual leave capped.

Salaries and allowances accounted for 45% of government spending in 2015, or $128 billion, and contributed to a record budget deficit of $98 billion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o3_BJUNwPk

Happy Days Star Erin Moran Found Dead at 56

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Happy Days Star Erin Moran Found Dead at 56

Erin Moran has died at the age of 56.

The actress was best known for playing Joanie in 1970s sitcom Happy Days.

Police said an emergency team in Indiana responded to a call on Saturday afternoon and found her dead.

The cause of death is not yet known.

Image source Wikipedia

Erin Moran also starred in the show’s spin-off series Joanie Loves Chachi, which began in 1982. She played Joanie Cunningham, the younger sister of lead character Richie.

Richie was played by Ron Howard, who has been among those posting the first tributes online.

Erin Moran joined the Happy Days cast in 1974 when she was 13.

She also made appearances in Murder She Wrote and The Waltons.

In recent years, Erin Moran was reported to be living in an Indiana trailer park.

In 2010, Erin Moran joined various Happy Days co-stars in filing a lawsuit against CBS, claiming they were owed money from merchandising revenues.

The suit was settled in 2012, with the actors each receiving a payout of $65,000. They originally asked for $10 million.

American Airlines Employee Removed from Duty After Baby Stroller Clash

Nancy Clayson
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American Airlines Employee Removed from Duty After Baby Stroller Clash

An American Airlines employee has been removed from duty after an ugly clash over a baby’s stroller in San Francisco.

A passenger who uploaded video of the aftermath of the incident said a mother had been struck with the stroller as it was forcibly removed by the employee.

The video shows the employee saying, “Hit me! Come on, bring it on”, when challenged by another male passenger.

In a statement, American Airlines said it was “deeply sorry for the pain we have caused” the woman passenger and her family.

The incident follows another high-profile clash on a United Airlines plane two weeks ago, when a passenger was violently dragged from an overbooked flight.

The American Airlines incident took place at San Francisco International Airport as flight 591 prepared to take off for Dallas/Fort Worth.

Passenger Surain Adyanthaya, who posted the video to Facebook, said that preceding the footage the employee had “violently” taken the stroller from the mother, hitting her and narrowly missing her baby.

The footage shows the mother clearly distraught as other employees and passengers try to intervene.

One male passenger demands the name of the employee involved and when a man dressed in American Airlines uniform enters the plane, the passenger tells him: “Hey, bud, you do that to me and I’ll knock you flat.”

The employee confronts the passenger, telling him to “stay out of this”, then saying: “Hit me! Come on, bring it on.”

He adds: “You don’t even know what the story is.”

The passenger replies: “I don’t care what the story is. You almost hurt a baby.”

American Airlines said in its statement: “What we see on this video does not reflect our values or how we care for our customers. We are deeply sorry for the pain we have caused this passenger and her family and to any other customers affected by the incident.”

The airline said it was “making sure all of her family’s needs are being met while she is in our care”.

American Airlines upgraded the woman and her family to first class when she took another flight to Dallas.

Michele Scarponi Killed after Being Hit by Truck during Training Ride

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Michele Scarponi Killed after Being Hit by Truck during Training Ride

Italian cyclist Michele Scarponi has died during a training ride after being involved in a collision with a van. He was 37.

The crash happened close to Michele Scarponi’s home in Filottrano, a statement from his Astana team said.

Michele Scarponi won the 2011 Giro d’Italia after Alberto Contador was stripped of the title and claimed victory in stage one of the Tour of the Alps on April 17.

“This is a tragedy too big to be written,” said the Astana statement.

The statement described Michele Scarponi as a “great champion” and a “special guy”, adding: “The Astana Pro Team clings to the Michele family in this incredibly painful moment of sorrow and mourning.”

Michele Scarponi leaves behind a wife and two children.

Image source Flickr

After finishing fourth in the Tour of the Alps on April 21, Michele Scarponi returned home by car with his masseur before heading out for a ride on the next day.

Specialist climber Michele Scarponi turned professional in 2002 with the Acqua & Sapone-Cantina Tollo team, finishing 18th in his debut Giro d’Italia.

In 2007, he was banned for 18 months after being implicated in Operation Puerto – a major Spanish doping scandal involving some of the world’s top cyclists at the time.

Michele Scarponi admitted his involvement in the scandal but denied doping, having been charged with using or attempting to use banned substances and possession of those substances.

Returning in November 2008, he won the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race in 2009 before initially finishing second in the 2011 Giro d’Italia.

He was later awarded his first Grand Tour title after original winner Alberto Contador was stripped of his title by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2012 after a positive test for clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France.

Michele Scarponi joined Astana in 2014, primarily riding Grand Tours as a domestique and helping team-mate Vincenzo Nibali to victory in the 2014 Tour de France and 2016 Giro d’Italia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0zKKwtOYP0

Earth Day 2017: Environmental and Climate Literacy

James J. Williams
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Earth Day 2017: Environmental and Climate Literacy

Earth Day is observed every year on April 22, when more than one billion people across the world mark the event by showing support for environmental protection.

Festivals, rallies and outdoor events are held in nearly 200 countries – often, with the support of A-list celebrities and political leaders.

Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970 and aims to encourage people across the world to be more environmentally friendly.

This might mean increasing the amount they recycle, volunteering for a local green project or installing solar panels in their home.

The very first event for Earth Day, which was held in America following a devastating oil spill, is credited as the beginning of the modern environmental movement. The idea for a national day to focus on the environment came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

April 22, falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, was selected as the date to celebrate Earth Day.

The height of counterculture in the US, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. War raged in Vietnam and students nationwide overwhelmingly opposed it.

Since its launch, Earth Day has been supported by an array of famous people like Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Watson.

Now it is coordinated globally by the non-profit Earth Day Network, which describes it as “the largest secular holiday in the world”.

Each year, festivals, parades and rallies are held in at least 192 countries to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Earth Day has its own flag, which was created by peace activist John McConnell and features a picture of the world on it.

It also has its own anthems – one of which is performed to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode To Joy, but with lyrics about protecting the planet.

In 2017, more than one billion people are expected to celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day 2017’s Campaign is Environmental & Climate Literacy.

Trump Administration to Investigate Cheap Steel Imports

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Trump Administration to Investigate Cheap Steel Imports

President Donald Trump has launched an investigation into countries that export steel to the United States, raising the prospect of new tariffs on imports.

The investigation is designed to stop countries from flooding the US with artificially cheap steel and undercutting local suppliers.

China is most often associated with the practice but President Trump said it had “nothing to do” with Beijing. The president said it was about protecting US security.

The news caused shares in US steelmakers to rise sharply.

However, Asian steelmakers also climbed as investors appeared to shrug off the news.

The US government has previously attempted to shield national steelmakers from cheap foreign steel through the World Trade Organization, but the Trump administration says this has had little impact.

Image source Wikimedia

Instead, the investigation will fall under the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which lets the president impose restrictions on imports for reasons of national security.

“Steel is critical to both our economy and our military,” President Trump said.

“This is not an area where we can afford to become dependent on foreign countries.”

China is the largest national producer and makes far more steel than it consumes, selling the excess output overseas, often at subsidized prices.

However, Japan and South Korea have also been accused of dumping in the past.

Commenting on the probe, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Chinese exports now accounted for 26% of the US steel market.

Wilbur Ross said exports had risen “despite repeated Chinese claims that they were going to reduce their steel capacity”.

“The artificially low prices caused by excess capacity and unfairly-traded imports suppress profits in the American steel industry,” the administration said in a statement.

Wilbur Ross said that if the investigation found the US steel industry was suffering from excess steel imports, he would recommend retaliatory steps that could include tariffs.

President Trump has been highly critical of China’s trade practices in the past but has softened his tone of late as he seeks greater cooperation over North Korea.

Earlier in April, Donald Trump said his administration would not label China a currency manipulator, rowing back on a campaign promise.

Donald Trump had previously accused China of suppressing the yuan to make its exports more competitive against American goods.

US steel stocks rallied on April 20 with the Dow Jones US Iron and Steel Index closing 5% higher.

However, Asian steel stocks also climbed with Japan’s Nippon Steel up 1.3% on April 21 and South Korea’s Posco gaining 2.5%.

Meanwhile China’s Baoshan Iron & Steel Co, Angang Steel and Baotou Steel each gained around 0.3%.

Finance In Your 40s

Dana R
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Finance In Your 40s
Mother Together Kids Happy Family Baby Newborn

Image source: Max Pixel

Hitting age 40 can be a major wakeup call for a lot of people. The cold, hard fact of the number often throws people into a panic, reminding them that they haven’t got all that long to work for their own future, and the future of their whole family. If you’re approaching this big milestone, or you’ve just passed it, here are some important steps you should be taking to assure a stable future…

Shave Down your Debt

If you still have credit card debt, student loan debt or outstanding debts from medical bills, the next priority on your list should be shaving down and ultimately eliminating that debt, so you can put more towards saving and investing for the future. With credit card debt, the only real option you have is to set a plan for paying it down quickly, and then stick to it. If you still have debt from a student loan, the first thing you should do is see if it’s tax-deductible based on your bracket. If not, you’ll simply have to work at paying it down, but your cards should take priority. Aside from this basic financial planning, you should also check the interest rates on your cards and loans, and see if you can find anything lower.

Save for College

The advice from most financial advisors is that you should start planning to save for your kids’ college education more or less as soon as they’re conceived, even if you’ve only got a small amount to spare. Hopefully, you’ll be able to increase the amount you regularly put away through stocks, real estate, forex or other investments. You can enter a 529 college savings plan in order to shave down the amount you or your kids have to borrow in order to go to college. A lot of state universities run their own paid tuition plans that will allow you to lock down the cost of tuition at current rates. Obviously though, you or your child may have a more prestigious (but less accessible) school. A lot of families will need to sit down and think of realistic ways to minimize the cost of education, like spending a couple of years at a community college before a four-year university.

Max Out your Employee Benefits

As soon as you reach your 40s, you should be putting as much money in your 401(k) as your employer matches as a bare minimum. Even if you aren’t making any profit on this investment, your money will double just from your employer matching it. Retirement plans vary from business to business, so take steps to find out how much you can contribute, and if it’s practical, maximize what you’re putting in up to that limit. There’ll usually be someone at your work who can explain everything you need to know about different investment options. Most importantly, you need to understand why it’s generally better to make proactive investments when you’re in your 40s, rather than when retirement is just around the corner.

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