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North Korea Tests-Fire Another Ballistic Missile

Roy Siemens
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North Korea Tests-Fire Another Ballistic Missile

According to South Korean and US military officials, North Korea has test-fired another ballistic missile.

The missile exploded shortly after take-off, they said – the second failed launch in the past fortnight.

President Donald Trump accused North Korea of showing “disrespect” towards China and its president.

The missile was fired in the early hours on April 29 from a site in South Pyeongan province, north of Pyongyang, South Korea said.

President Trump wrote on Twitter: “North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!”

He recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and praised his Chinese counterpart for “trying very hard” on North Korea.

The failed launch came just hours after the United Nations Security Council discussed North Korea’s missile programme.

Donald Trump‘s Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for a tougher international approach to the isolated communist state – but also signaled that the US might be prepared to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Tensions in the region have increased lately, with both North and South Korea conducting military exercises.

North Korea is believed to be continuing efforts to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on long-range missiles capable of reaching the US.

After April 29 failed launch, the Japanese government condemned the test and said it had lodged a strong protest with North Korea through its diplomatic channels.

“North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early this morning,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said in a statement, Yonhap reports.

The statement added that the missile apparently exploded, just seconds after the launch.

Meanwhile, Commander Dave Benham, a spokesman for US Pacific Command, also said the launch occurred near the Bukchang airfield.

Dave Benham added that the missile did not leave North Korean territory.

US officials told Reuters that they believed the missile was a medium-range type known as KN-17.

The launch occurred a matter of hours after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on the rest of the world to help force North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions.

Rex Tillerson warned of “catastrophic consequences” if the Council did not act, saying it was “likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland”.

The US would use military force if necessary, he said.

Rex Tillerson accused Council members of not fully enforcing existing sanctions against North Korea, and called on China in particular to leverage its trade links as influence.

However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the key to solving the problem did not lie with his country.

UN sanctions include a ban on selling arms and fuel to North Korea, as well as a host of items that could be used for weapons-making.

Also on the list are luxury goods including pearl jewellery and snowmobiles worth $2,000 or more.

Since 2016, all cargo entering or leaving North Korea must also be inspected.

However, a recent UN study found that fragments from a North Korean missile test included electronics that had been obtained either from or via Chinese enterprises.

The US has separate, stricter sanctions including a blanket ban on trade and a blacklist of anyone dealing with North Korea.

Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Lifting Arctic Drilling Ban

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Lifting Arctic Drilling Ban

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at reducing restrictions on oil drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic in order to “unleash American energy”.

He said it would create “thousands and thousands” of jobs, despite a downturn in the oil market.

The executive order could reverse a ban put in place by President Barack Obama in order to protect swathes of the ocean from development.

However, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the decision was better than being held hostage by “foreign entities”.

Image source Wikimedia

Getting rid of Barack Obama’s environmental protections was one of Donald Trump’s promises to voters while on the campaign trail.

As he signed the order, called the America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, President Trump said: “Our country’s blessed with incredible natural resources, including abundant offshore oil and natural gas reserves, but the federal government has kept 94% of these offshore areas closed for exploration and production.

“This deprives our country of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth.”

The order instructs the Department of Interior to come up with a new development plan for all federal waters off US coasts.

It is debatable how much income might be generated by a reversal of Barack Obama’s order. Worldwide prices for oil have dropped in recent years, with a review by news agency Reuters finding the amount of money oil companies spent in the central Gulf of Mexico’s annual lease sale dropped by more than 75% between 2012 and 2017.

US Open to Negotiations with North Korea

Roy Siemens
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US Open to Negotiations with North Korea

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that the US is open to negotiations with North Korea aimed at removing nuclear weapons from the region.

However, Rex Tillerson said the US would use military force if necessary.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a peaceful settlement was the “only right choice”.

Rex Tillerson told a UN Security Council meeting that the threat of North Korea launching a nuclear attack on its neighbors was “real”.

Thousands of American soldiers are stationed in North Korea’s regional neighbors – South Korea and Japan.

Image source Wikimedia

The secretary of state called on other countries to isolate North Korea diplomatically.

Speaking to the UN Security Council, Rex Tillerson said the US would use diplomatic and financial measures against North Korea – including potential sanctions on companies or individuals with ties to North Korea – but would be willing to consider military action if necessary.

For years, he said, North Korea had dictated the terms of its dangerous course of action.

“It’s time for us to retake control of the situation,” he said.

“The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland.”

The foreign minister of China, North Korea’s greatest ally, warned against military intervention.

“The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters,” Wang Yi said.

“Peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula through dialogue and negotiations represents the only right choice that is practical and viable,” he added.

Wang Yi also repeated a Chinese offer to halt Pyongyang’s military program in return for a freeze on joint US-South Korea military drills.

The US has rejected the idea in the past, saying the nuclear program must be halted first.

Russia said use of force would be “completely unacceptable”. Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov also called on North Korea to end its nuclear and missile programs.

“The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there’s going to be a war or not,” he told the Security Council.

“One ill-thought-out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences.”

North Korea has made repeated attempts to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on long-range missiles capable of reaching the US.

It has also made several military shows of strength in recent weeks and the US has sent warships and an anti-missile system to the region in response.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya Case: Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Red Bull Heir

Nancy Clayson
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Vorayuth Yoovidhya Case: Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Red Bull Heir

An arrest warrant has been issued in Thailand for Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, in a move critics say is long overdue.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya is accused of knocking down and killing a policeman while speeding in Bangkok in 2012.

He has repeatedly failed to meet police to face charges, which include reckless driving causing death.

The closely watched case has fuelled criticism that Thailand‘s elite enjoy special treatment by the authorities.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya is the grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, who co-founded the Red Bull empire with Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz.

Image source EPA

He was first arrested shortly after the incident and later let go.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya was subsequently summoned repeatedly to face charges, but each time his lawyers said he was unable to do so, citing overseas work commitments and illness. A charge for speeding has since expired.

Thai prosecutors asked police to request the arrest warrant after Vorayuth Yoovidhya failed to meet another deadline on April 27.

If found guilty of reckless driving causing death – a charge which expires in 2027 – Vorayuth Yoovidhya could be jailed for up to 10 years.

Many Thais have questioned why the police have not tried to arrest Vorayuth Yoovidhya before now to face charges.

Before the arrest warrant was issued, the office of the attorney-general said it would explore applying for extradition of Vorayuth Yoovidhya, who it said was recently seen in London, if a warrant was issued.

US Economy Slows Dramatically in Q1 2017

Clyde K. Valle
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US Economy Slows Dramatically in Q1 2017

According to official data, the US economy slowed dramatically in the first quarter of 2017.

GDP expanded at an annual rate of 0.7% in Q1 of 2017, which was a sharp slowdown from the 2.1% growth rate in the final three months of 2016.

It was also the lowest rate of growth since Q1 of 2014, when the economy contracted by 1.2%.Sustainable Economy In Afghanistan

The Bureau of Economic Analysis blamed lower levels of government spending and private investment.

In recent years GDP growth has often been sluggish in the first quarter, but has picked up later in the year.

Meanwhile economists blame that trend on the way the data is collected.

Nancy Curtin, chief investment officer at Close Brothers Asset Management, said: “US GDP figures are typically weaker in the first quarter, so this reading is in line with the seasonal trend.

“We haven’t yet had the expected fiscal stimulus from Trump, the effects of which may not be seen until the end of this year or the start of 2018.”

Nancy Curtin also pointed out that other data suggested strength in the US economy: “While investors might be disappointed with the reading, it has been a steady start to the year with inflation looking benign, a resilient jobs market and positive PMI [purchasing managers’] data.”

Alexei Navalny Hospitalized after Being Sprayed with Green Liquid

Diane A. Wade
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0
Alexei Navalny Hospitalized after Being Sprayed with Green Liquid

Alexei Navalny has been hospitalized after an antiseptic green dye was splashed on his face in Moscow.

It is the second time the Russian opposition leader has been attacked with zelyonka (“brilliant green” in English) this year.

The dye is a common antiseptic in Russia and has been used in protests there and in Ukraine.

Alexei Navalny tweeted: “It looks funny but it hurts like hell.”

It is not clear who carried out the attack, which happened near the offices of the Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK) that Alexei Navalny founded.

Image source Twitter

According to a Russian report, he was diagnosed with a chemical burn to the eye.

Alexei Navalny is one of the foremost Russian critics of President Vladimir Putin and has announced his intention to run for president himself.

However, his intentions may be thwarted – he has been convicted of embezzlement, which would bar him from running for office, although he denies it.

Alexei Navalny was among 500 people arrested after organizing an anti-corruption rally last month. Rallies across Russia were the biggest opposition demonstrations in the country in several years.

He has said repeatedly that he wants to challenge President Putin’s control of the Kremlin and expose what he claims is the “myth” that Putin commands more than 80% popular support.

Meanwhile a separate opposition group, Open Russia, says its office has been raided by police, a day after the group was blacklisted by the authorities.

Activists said more than 20 riot police raided the office and removed computer equipment and 100,000 flyers for an unsanctioned rally planned for this weekend.

Open Russia was founded by former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who lives in exile after spending 10 years in a Siberian prison on fraud charges, which he says were politically motivated.

Doctor, Doctor, You’re Far Too Expensive!

Dana R
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Doctor, Doctor, You’re Far Too Expensive!

(Image Credit)

It’s not secret that medical issues and visits to the doctors or hospital can cost a small fortune. A lot of people dread the day that they will have to visit a place like this. But, of course, sometimes you don’t have a choice. Health is more important than money. This doesn’t make any difference to the industry, though. So, for now, at least, you’ll have to start finding ways to make this cheaper for yourself. This isn’t impossible. And, it doesn’t even have to be that hard. To help you out, this post will be going through some of the best ways to make your medical expenses much cheaper.

One of the best ways to solve this issue is with prior planning. Often, medical procedures can cost a fortune. But, having yourself insured against them will make take the worry of cost away completely. A lot of people don’t think that they can afford this sort of cover. But, if you have the funds to go out for a meal at a restaurant each month; you have the fund and resources to get basic medical insurance. Choosing the right cover is very important. Some will only protect you against a small amount of money. And, anything over will have to be covered by you. So, it’s worth looking up the average costs of different issues; to find where you would feel most comfortable.

(Image Link)

Some issues won’t require a trip to the hospital or any time in surgery. Instead, they can be handled with simple visits to a doctor. Of course, this will still cost you money. And, if you don’t have insurance; it will cost loads over time. With some conditions, it’s easy to scale back the time you spend at the doctors. You can use the treatments they provide and administer them yourself. Or, you can even find your own treatments. The array of conditions that can be treated like this with safety is huge. Using resources online, you can find information like the fact that angular cheilitis can be treated at home with these remedies. A lot of people choose to avoid these sorts of treatments; thinking they’re bad. But, with the right research, it’s easy to find credible information that can save loads of cash.

Getting your treatments from your government will often be a costly ordeal. The prices of medicines are hugely inflated; simply because companies can get away with it. But, there are often cheaper routes to get your medication. In response to high prices, smaller pharma companies have started producing their own versions of medicines. These are sold at a much more reasonable price. And, often contain an almost identical mix of chemicals. So, you know that they’ll work, without having to worry about paying too much for them. It’s wise to talk to a doctor before starting to take something like this, though. Along with this, you should do plenty of personal research.

Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what needs to be done to make sure you don’t shrink your wallet to the point of no return with your medical bills. As mentioned above; life is much more important than money. So, if you have to pay loads of a treatment, and there’s no other option; you should just do it.

The Three Keys To Advancing Your Nursing Career

Dana R
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The Three Keys To Advancing Your Nursing Career

A career in nursing does not get the kind of respectful consideration that it should. They are by far the most numerous professionals in the medical field, but many fail to understand just how far a nurse’s career can go. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, read here to learn about accelerated nursing programs, but if you’ve already started your education or work experience as a nurse, then you are already benefiting from a job that does real good, that always has need of you, and offers benefits like a well-above average wage and flexible work arrangements. But if you want to climb that ladder, it can offer even more.

nursing

Pixabay

Not just for hospitals

Many think that a hospital is the only place for a nurse to work in, but there are a much broader variety of opportunities and work environments available than that. A comprehensive look at the data from Arizona College shows that only 63% work in hospitals. The rest are spread between a diversity of different roles in different institutions. Care facilities, outpatient centers, schools, residences, with HR teams, you could end up playing an essential role in all kinds of industries. Each work environment has something different to offer so you don’t have to feel like you can only work in one kind of environment if it doesn’t suit you as a person.

A lot more progression than you might think

There are also many who make the mistake of believing that there’s little room for progression as a nurse. That is demonstrably untrue. There’s room to keep educating yourself and keep moving up to positions that are both more challenging and more lucrative. Many work happily with an RN diploma all their life, but there are positions for those moving into bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates like the Doctor of Nursing Practice qualifications available at Maryville Online. With a DNP, many more career opportunities, such as working as an anesthetist in the operating room and as a psychiatric nurse, become real options for you. Nursing gets a lot more specialized the further you decide to take your career.

Get to the core of nursing

It’s more than just a job or a role in an institution. Nursing is a craft and a vocation all of its own. To that end, it should be no surprise there are networks of nurses looking into research and practices that can help the industry as a whole progress. There’s a lot to learn and also a lot to gain by networking as a nurse. Besides informing you as to possibilities, it can open new opportunities for your career. Networking gives you the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than just yourself alone but it also gives you the chance to give your career a real boost.

Nurses are a vital part of our healthcare system and those with the hunger to make it should know that there are plenty of new environments to work in, new positions to be attained and new contacts who can make you a true expert in your field.

Donald Trump Congressional Briefing on North Korea

Roy Siemens
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Donald Trump Congressional Briefing on North Korea

President Donald Trump’s strategy on North Korea is to tighten sanctions on the secretive country and step up diplomatic moves aimed at pressuring it to end its nuclear and missile programs.

The strategy was announced after a special briefing for all 100 US senators.

Earlier, the top US commander in the Pacific defended the deployment of an advanced missile defense system in South Korea.

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula raised amid fears North Korea is planning new weapons tests.

A joint statement issued by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said: “The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

“We remain open to negotiations towards that goal. However, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies.

“The president’s approach aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with our allies and regional partners.”

The US already has extensive sanctions in place on North Korea, including a blanket ban on trade and a blacklist of anyone dealing with North Korea.

It is not clear what further sanctions the US could impose.

Democratic Senator Christopher Coons told reporters that military options were discussed at the special presidential briefing for senators.

“It was a sobering briefing in which it was clear just how much thought and planning was going into preparing military options if called for – and a diplomatic strategy that strikes me as clear-eyed and well-proportioned to the threat,” he said.

Image source Wikipedia

A White House official said an option under consideration was to put North Korea back on the state department’s list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

President Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, imposed sanctions over a year ago following a nuclear test and satellite launch by North Korea.

North Korean government property in America was frozen and US exports to, or investment in, North Korea was banned.

The order also greatly expanded powers to blacklist anyone, including non-Americans, dealing with North Korea.

The senators received a highly unusual briefing by the Trump administration on the seriousness of the threat from North Korea and Donald Trump’s strategy for dealing with it on April 26.

Earlier Admiral Harry Harris, head of US Pacific Command, said the US would be ready “with the best technology” to defeat any missile threat.

The deployment of Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea was aimed, he argued, at bringing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un “to his senses, not to his knees”.

Admiral Harry Harris said he believed that North Korea would try to attack the US as soon as it had the military capabilities.

China says the deployment of THAAD will destabilize security and there have been protests in South Korea itself, where three people were injured in clashes with police as the system was being delivered to a former golf course on April 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLPkF_Btl5I

United Airlines to Offer Up to $10,000 to Passengers Who Give Up Seats on Overbooked Flights

Nancy Clayson
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0
United Airlines to Offer Up to $10,000 to Passengers Who Give Up Seats on Overbooked Flights

United Airlines has announced it will offer up to $10,000 to passengers who give up seats on overbooked flights.

The change comes as part of a review following an inquiry set up after Dr. David Dao was dragged screaming from a fully booked plane early this month.

Dr. David Dao lost two front teeth and suffered a broken nose when he was removed from the Chicago to Louisville flight to make room for crew members.

The incident caused outrage and widespread condemnation of the airline.

Shocking footage was shared and watched by millions of people online.

The latest incident to hit United Airlines’ reputation came on April 26 when it announced an investigation into the death of a giant rabbit which was being transported on one of its planes.

Image source Flickr

The 90cm-long bunny, called Simon, was found dead in the cargo hold when the flight arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare airport from London Heathrow.

Law enforcement officials dragged Dr. David Dao off the flight forcibly after the 69-year-old Vietnamese-American physician had refused to leave, saying he needed to go home to see his patients.

David Dao’s lawyer later said that the man found the experience “more horrifying and harrowing than what he experienced when leaving Vietnam”.

The ordeal led to demonstrations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and turned into a public relations disaster for United Airlines.

United Airlines offered compensation to all customers on board the flight.

In addition to the $10,000 compensation offer, the series of actions announced as part of the report into the incident includes:

  • No more use of law enforcement officers to remove passengers from flights unless it is a matter of safety and security
  • Seated passengers will not be asked to leave involuntarily
  • Crews to be booked on flights 60 minutes before departure
  • Annual training for staff to handle “the most difficult situations”

Last month, United was heavily criticized on social media after two girls were reportedly barred from flying for wearing leggings on a flight from Denver to Minneapolis.

United Airlines said the girls were travelling on a special pass, for employees and their guests, which has a dress code.

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News and Events that Affect Forex Market Dynamics and Volatility

Clyde K. Valle
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0

Overall, the world of trading is highly volatile, and numerous events determine its trends every day. Knowing these events and keeping an eye open for these news in the global arena may help you make a fortune on wise and timely trading decisions. Learn about the most significant and influential events to look for in search of profitable deals in Forex.

Central Bank Rate Changes 

Changes in different countries’ Central Bank rates traditionally occur on a monthly basis, so it is strategically wise to track them and make trading decisions based on feasible changes. The Central Bank’s increase of rates typically leads to valuation of currency, the unchanged or reduced rates of which may have different effects on it depending on the overall economic perceptions.

GDP Reports

Since GDP determines the national economic health and affects tempos of economic growth, monitoring national GDP statistics may also help to make thoughtful and lucrative trading decisions. With downward GDP trends, the devaluation of currency may be expected in the near future.

Information on Inflation

This one is mostly determined by the Consumer Price Index, which reflects fluctuations in consumer prices and helps national banks to make policy decisions. Checking it becomes easier if you remember about metatrader 4 free download widely available today. Once the CPI rises, traders may expect the rise of currency value and can make a good profit on that fluctuation.

FOMC Meeting Reports

With the US dollar remaining a global currency on which the world’s trading community relies, reports of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) enjoy high influence on the Forex market’s volatility. FOMC reports usually do not contain open statements about further course of the Central Bank, but a talented and observant trader can find implied and suggested trends for investment decisions.

How to Trade on News Releases?

The daily issue of trading news is another traditional source of brokers’ information and decisions. Due to time difference, news is released at different times in different countries, and a thoughtful broker monitors them at the markets of interest to determine the current trends and anticipate market fluctuations. The key points significant to Forex market include the industrial production, unemployment rate data, business and consumer confidence polls, trade balance information, etc. The most volatile news reports relevant to the Forex market include those of NFP, FOMC, trade balance, CPI, and retail sales. Therefore, maximum attention should be focused on them for profitable decisions. All these are a potential source of viable trading data, but the most crucial aspect here is the timing of trading steps. While breaking news of global importance may have effects lingering for months in the market, the majority of regular news has a short-term of effect of 2-3 days.

Make sure you take all of these into account when trading. It will surely help you a lot.

If you don’t have enough free time or doubt your ability to predict market’s reaction to these important news there’s still a way to capitalize on them. During the last decade online trading industry evolved to provide solutions for people who aren’t professional traders. One of these solutions is using automated trading software which allows traders to execute orders on preset terms without physically being in front of their trading terminal. The software receives data feed from the exchange 24/5, so no big events and associated opportunities will be missed.

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Donald Trump Tax Plan Proposal: Sharp Reduction in Business Tax Rate

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Donald Trump Tax Plan Proposal: Sharp Reduction in Business Tax Rate

President Donald Trump is to announce his intention to cut the rate of corporation tax when he presents his tax plan later.

According to White House officials, the centerpiece of April 26 announcement will be a sharp reduction in the business tax rate, from 35% to 15%.

Economists say the tax cuts will add trillions of dollars to the deficit over the next decade.

However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said the tax plan “will pay for itself with economic growth”.

Steven Mnuchin declared it “the biggest tax cut and largest tax reform in history of this country”, according to The Hill.

Image source Flickr

Also expected in the plan:

  • some sort of repatriation tax, giving big companies an incentive to bring back money they hold overseas
  • tax breaks for childcare expenses
  • large increase to standard tax deduction
  • a cut in individual rates, although few details expected yet
  • more tax rate cuts for hedge funds, and other enterprises that pay taxes at individual rates
  • easing the tax form process

Donald Trump’s blueprint is not expected to include any proposals for raising new revenue.

The much-discussed border tax that would put a tariff on imports – favored by House Speaker Paul Ryan – will not be in the plan.

The Basic Things You Need To Know About Pink Tax

Nancy Clayson
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The Basic Things You Need To Know About Pink Tax

The “Pink Tax” raises concerns on gender inequity, which many women see as a tool that forces them to pay more than men.

Named as such because of the color that marketers deliberately used to market products to girls and women, the Pink Tax refers to the state-sanctioned price difference between female-specific products and goods that cater to any gender or those that are for men in particular.

Women still pay more compared to men when it comes to gender-specific items such as razors, makeup, dry cleaning, or even toys. With Women’s History Month almost at a close, there is still the issue of gender-based pricing. The society, the people, and the government have yet to resolve this together with equal pay for an equal degree of work.

Women face another issue of inequality with price discrimination. That is why many women find it harder than men to make ends meet. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicated that from 2004 to 2014, women only earned around 80 to 83 percent of the average earning of men. The fact that the issue has been around for decades already shows that there is still much to do when it comes to fighting for gender equality.

 

Women’s Products vs. Men’s Products

Back in 2015, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs published a study that looked at around 800 products of at least 90 brands. The proponents of the study looked at the differences in the price of items that cater to different genders. The research presented that on average, the products for females are 7% more expensive than similar products that cater men.

Some of the findings of the study saw that women’s clothes cost around 8 percent more than men’s clothing. Even apparels for girls are 4 percent more expensive than boy’s wear. On average, the toys and accessories for girls are 7 percent more costly than similar products for boys.

The personal care products of women are some of the most expensive according to the research. In fact, they are 13 percent more expensive than men’s personal care products.

 

Scope of the Pink Tax

In general and historically speaking, women already have the short end of the stick. What the Pink Tax does to the already unequal system is to put women at an even bigger disadvantage by covering broad range products, including clothing, cosmetics, and bedding.

What many large enterprises have brushed off as a system error, becomes a substantial issue that builds up in time. Indeed, it is an error in the current system to put women on a different plane with men when it comes to social, economic, and political standing.

 

Takeaway

Now is the time to address such issues especially because women are more empowered, aware, and inspired than ever. A difference in gender should not equate to a difference in price. There shouldn’t be an extra payment for the products geared towards women.

Legislation might help address the issue of Pink Tax. But an even stronger and reliable step is collective action from people to demand what is right. When businesses realize their markets have changes in the demands or their products are no longer selling, things will change.

 

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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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0
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

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