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What’s Water Treatment All About & Why is it So Important?

Dana R
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What’s Water Treatment All About & Why is it So Important?

You’ve probably heard about water treatment, but what is it all about? You couldn’t survive without it, so it makes sense to find out a little more about how that clear water ends up running from your taps at home. The information below will give you a complete overview of what it’s all about and why it matters.

What is Water Treatment?

Water treatment is one of those things that we all benefit from without even realising it properly. To put it simply, water treatment is the name of the process of purifying water, making it safe to use. The water is stored, then it is screened to remove any debris and large things that might be in it. Then any smaller particles that might be present in the water are removed via the processes of flocculation and filtering.

Finally, there is the last treatment. This is where a very small amount of chlorine is added to the water to kill off any remaining bacteria that might be lurking in it. You can then be sure that the water is safe, and it starts to flow to homes and businesses all over the country. When it reaches you, it is fully treated and safe to use without worrying. Of course, things can go wrong in the process, but this is rare.

Photo Source

Smaller Examples of Water Treatment

Not all forms of water treatment are about treating water that is for public consumption, though. There are many small examples of water treatment that we take for granted. They might not seem as important, but they do a job. For example, many of us use water filtration systems in our home. And many kettles have filters to prevent limescale from setting in and causing problems further down the line.

In the world of business and manufacturing, water treatment can also be very important. Cooling water treatment, for example, is very common. Cooling towers are used in all kinds of industries, and where there are cooling towers, there needs to be water treatment. It can stop corrosion and scale, and that’s why there are so many industries that rely on this kind of process each day.

Why is is So Important?

So, all in all, why is water treatment so important? As we’ve seen, it keeps industries safe, efficient and productive. In the long-term, this can have a positive impact on the success of a business or a wider economy. And that means there are also jobs that are sustained by it. The impact of water treatment goes further than most people think. And that’s before we even mention the health benefits of water treatment.

Water is a chemical compound, and we all consume it. If the water we consume is not clean and properly treated, it can contain things that have serious ramifications for our health. Water treatment deals with all that, and can stop the spread of very serious diseases and illnesses. This is why delivering clean water to the most deprived parts of the world is one of the most urgent tasks out there.

Photo Source

Russia: Rosneft in Surprise $1.3 Billion Deal

Diane A. Wade
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Russia: Rosneft in Surprise $1.3 Billion Deal

Commodities trader Glencore and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund are together buying a 19.5% stake in Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil company, the Kremlin has announced.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “It is the largest privatization deal, the largest sale and acquisition in the global oil and gas sector in 2016.”

The surprise move sees Glencore and Qatar paying $11.3 billion for the stake in Rosneft, where BP already owns 19.75%.

However, the state will keep the controlling stake.

The long-planned sale is part of the Russian government’s efforts to sell some state assets to help balance the budget amid a two-year recession caused by a drop in global oil prices and Western sanctions.

Image source kremlin.ru
Image source kremlin.ru

A deadline for the sale was missed, and speculation grew that Rosneft was struggling to find a buyer.

The deal also marks a turnaround for London-listed Glencore, which had seen a collapse in its share price amid a plan to sell assets and cut its huge debts.

Glencore’s shares have rebounded this year. The Qatar Investment Authority is one of the biggest investors in Glencore.

Speaking at a TV meeting with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, Vladimir Putin noted that the deal follows a rally in global oil prices after OPEC’s decision to cut production.

Russia, although not a member of OPEC, has agreed to cut its output in line with the cartel, and will attend a meeting with its member countries on December 10 to discuss specific details.

Igor Sechin said that Glencore and the Qatari fund will form a consortium and have equal stakes. He added that Rosneft had conducted talks with more than 30 potential bidders before striking the deal.

It had been thought that the US and EU sanctions imposed on Russia following the Ukraine conflict would deter huge investment in Russia, although companies were not explicitly prohibited from participating in the Rosneft sale.

Donald Trump’s election as US president has, however, raised speculation of a thaw in relations with Moscow.

In a statement, Glencore said that it would finance part of the deal by putting up €300 million of its own equity, with the rest financed by banks and by the Qatari sovereign fund. QIA had yet to make a statement.

Glencore stands to benefit by gaining access to Rosneft’s crude output, while Qatar will further establish itself as a major investor in some of the world’s biggest businesses.

Donald Trump Urged to Continue Cuban Thaw

Clyde K. Valle
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Donald Trump Urged to Continue Cuban Thaw

Cuban business owners have appealed to Donald Trump not to reverse a recent thaw in bilateral relations.

In a letter, more than one hundred business owners said additional measures to boost travel, trade and investment would benefit both nations.

The president-elect, who takes office on January 20, has said he will end a deal under which ties were restored in 2015 unless Havana offers a “better deal”.

Cuba hopes to sign 12 agreements with the United States before Donald Trump’s inauguration.

On December 7, officials from both governments held talks in Havana to discuss how this could be achieved during President Barack Obama’s remaining weeks in office.

Cuban Foreign Ministry’s Director of US Affairs Josefina Vidal said: “At the moment we are negotiating 12 more [agreements] with the aim to be able to conclude and sign a majority of them.”

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Josefina Vidal said that a number of agreements had already been signed with Washington since 2015.

She also expressed hopes that the bilateral relations would continue improving but “within the respect of the existing differences and without having to make any kind of concession to the principles in which Cuba firmly believes”.

Barack Obama has worked to improve relations with Cuba, culminating in his historic visit to Havana in March 2016.

In November, Donald Trump threatened in a tweet to put an end to the detente following the death of Fidel Castro.

He said that if “Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the US as a whole, I will terminate deal”.

Donald Trump’s camp accuses the Obama administration of giving too much away to Cuba without receiving enough in return.

Under President Barack Obama, diplomatic ties were restored in July 2015 after being severed in 1961.

Some trade restrictions have been eased and the White House has been lobbying the US Congress to terminate the Cuban economic embargo that has been in place for decades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzVS9of_KSI

Italy: PM Matteo Renzi Resigns Three Days After Losing Referendum Vote

Diane A. Wade
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Italy: PM Matteo Renzi Resigns Three Days After Losing Referendum Vote

Italy’s PM Matteo Renzi has handed in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, three days after losing a constitutional referendum he had staked his career on.

Matteo Renzi had promised to wait until the Senate passed the 2017 budget, which it did earlier in the day.

President Mattarella will start consultations with political parties over forming a caretaker government at 18:00 on December 8.

In the meantime, Matteo Renzi is to act as a “caretaker prime minister”.

The consultation, which is due to end on December 10, will look at where support lies for a new government, presidential aide Ugo Zampetti told reporters on December 7.

According to Reuters, President Mattarella is expected to ask a member of Matteo Renzi’s cabinet, or a politician from his Democratic Party (PD), to try to form a new government.

However, some are calling for the election, due in 2018, to be called early.

Italians voted on December 5 by a margin of 59% to 41% against Matteo Renzi’s plans for constitutional reform, prompting his decision to stand down.

Matteo Renzi is the youngest prime minister in Italy's history, and one of its least experienced

However, Matteo Renzi still wants to stay on the frontline of politics as he remains the leader of the biggest party in parliament, the PD, and will play a considerable role in suggesting the name of his replacement.

Before heading to the Quirinale presidential palace, Matteo Renzi told the PD it should only participate in a “government of national responsibility” if it has the support of the other political parties.

Otherwise, he said, “the PD is not afraid” of early elections.

Two of the big winners in December 3 referendum, the anti-EU Northern League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement, are pushing for early elections.

Other parties, such as the centre-right Forza Italia, are trailing in the polls and want elections delayed. Forza Italia leader Silvio Berlusconi, 80, had tests in a Milan hospital on December 7, six months after he had heart surgery.

Names suggested as a possible leader of a new administration include PD Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan and Senate leader Pietro Grasso, who is apolitical.

According to a source quoted in Italy, President Sergio Mattarella believes it is “inconceivable” that elections can be held before electoral laws governing both houses of parliament are synchronized.

The law was changed to the so-called “Italicum” system last year to give the leading party a parliamentary majority through bonus seats in the lower Chamber of Deputies. But there has been no such change in the Senate, which is elected by proportional representation.

Senate reforms were part of the package rejected on December 3. Another factor is that the constitutional court will rule on January 24 on whether the lower house reforms are legitimate.

Italy’s political turmoil has also led to days of uncertainty in international markets, amid questions over the fate of Italy’s indebted banks, especially its third largest, Monte dei Paschi, which is seeking €5 billion ($5.3 billion) to recapitalize.

Donald Trump to Nominate Terry Branstad as US Ambassador to China

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump to Nominate Terry Branstad as US Ambassador to China

Donald Trump will nominate Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as US ambassador to China.

Terry Branstad was seen entering Trump Tower in New York on December 6 for talks with the president-elect.

He called Xi Jinping a “long-time friend” when the he visited Iowa before becoming Chinese president.

After Bloomberg first reported the nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, Beijing responded by calling Terry Branstad an “old friend”.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said: “We welcome him to play a greater role in advancing the development of China-US relations.”

However, Terry Branstad’s spokesman said reports of the nomination were “premature”.

Image source Flickr
Image source Flickr

Donald Trump has also reportedly tapped General John Kelly to run the Department of Homeland Security.

John Kelly would be the third general Donald Trump has selected for a high-level position in his administration.

Terry Branstad’s appointment is seen as key at a time of trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.

Donald Trump has accused China of “raping” the US by devaluing its currency and giving itself an unfair exporting advantage.

There has also been a political row over a phone call between Taiwan’s leader and Donald Trump.

The call broke decades of US diplomatic protocol and prompted a protest from China.

Although the Trump team said it was spontaneous, there is growing evidence that it was planned weeks in advance.

Most recently, the New York Times reports that former Senator Bob Dole worked behind the scenes to engineer the communication.

Terry Branstad said in a statement after December 6meeting that he had enjoyed a “very cordial conversation” with Donald Trump.

His spokesman said reports of his nomination were “premature and not accurate”.

President Barack Obama has been helping Donald Trump with his appointments, the Republican businessman said on December 7.

One of Barack Obama’s recommendations had been followed, said Donald Trump, without naming which job it was.

In an interview after he was named Time Magazine Person of the Year, Donald Trump also confirmed a report that he had sold all his stocks in June.

Without any tax returns disclosed, there is no evidence to support his assertion, or to assess the value of the sale.

Donald Trump has promised to make an announcement next week on how he intends to step away from his multi-billion-dollar business empire.

Cassini Mission Sends First Images from Its Orbit Around Saturn

James J. Williams
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Cassini Mission Sends First Images from Its Orbit Around Saturn

NASA’s Cassini mission has sent back the first views from its new orbit around Saturn.

In November, Cassini spacecraft began a new phase of its mission – one that involves making a series of daredevil maneuvers over the next nine months.

The phase will end with Cassini being destroyed in the atmosphere of a planet it has been studying for 12 years.

The new photos show the hexagon-shaped storm in Saturn’s northern hemisphere.

Cassini began what are known as its ring-grazing orbits on November 30. Each of these week-long orbits – 20 in all – lifts the spacecraft high above Saturn’s northern hemisphere before sending it hurtling past the outer edges of the planet’s main rings.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

NASA said that it would release images from future passes that included some of the closest-ever views of the outer rings and small moons that orbit there.

Head of Cassini’s imaging team Carolyn Porco said: “This is it, the beginning of the end of our historic exploration of Saturn.

“Let these images – and those to come – remind you that we’ve lived a bold and daring adventure around the Solar System’s most magnificent planet.”

The destructive ending being planned for Cassini is a result of the spacecraft having nearly exhausted its fuel.

However, NASA is also concerned about the small, yet important possibility that the probe will crash into one of Saturn’s moons at some point in the future.

Given that some of these bodies, such as Enceladus, are potential targets in the search for extra-terrestrial life, it has the potential to contaminate these bodies with terrestrial microbes borne on Cassini.

Starting from April 2017, Cassini will begin its grand finale, in which it will make the first of 22 dives through the 2,400km gap between the planet and its innermost ring.

Cassini will make its final plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn on September 15, 2017.

Investment Investigations: Which Ones Have High Returns?

Dana R
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Investment Investigations: Which Ones Have High Returns?

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https://pixabay.com/en/stock-trading-monitor-desk-1863880/

If you were to throw a (metaphorical) dart randomly at the internet, the chances are that it would land on an article about investing of some sort. And this is no different, on the surface! Investing is a minefield for so many people that they have no idea where to begin, where to go and what to do. If you have never thought about investing before, and it tends to be that the average Joe doesn’t, it is a worthwhile practice to help get set up for your future, or for your family. It is a bit like taking a gamble, but there are investment ideas that generally have a high rate of return.

Forex Trading

This is one of the best options to ensure a good income. It’s a market where currencies are traded. Put simply, it is buying, selling and exchanging currencies at the current rate. It is the biggest market for investment in the world. As an investment option, it is unique because it has high liquidity characteristics, uses leverage to maximize potential earnings and many other positive aspects.

Collectibles, Coins Or Paintings

finance

flickr

Aside from the standard methods of investing, you could indulge your passions or hobbies as an idea for investment to generate a good income. Antiques or paintings or even rare iraq dinar are options for investment. As time goes by, their value will increase, so investing in something you have a good feeling about can be an option, especially as there are so many people that are now keen to invest in antiques themselves, you can sell it off to the highest bidder when the item is extremely profitable.

US Treasury

With a high rate of return, the US Treasury bill is a reliable bond with a high return rate. It has the guarantee and assurance of the US Government, which gives you a distinct advantage over other investments. While the global market is prone to inflation, needing a reliable source of revenue is needed, and this is a favored investment approach in many countries in the world, not just in America itself.

Bonds

cash

image from pixabay

Bonds that mature within the 3-year mark proves to be a safe investment option for many people. They are in much demand due to the growth of the US economy and the high rate of return. Two bonds that are best are municipal bonds and corporate bonds. Just, before you start, make sure you do your research into the potential losses or benefits of such an investment.

Index Funds

This is recommended by finance experts over investing in common stocks. For the past three decades, the returns have been on a large scale. As Index Funds increase in number by gathering “low beta” and “high dividend” paying stocks, this is a good combination of safe investment but with high returns. If you are looking to invest safely, you cannot go far wrong with this type, as the security of your money is ensured. But, the individual stocks is lower in safety, so be careful in your choice of investment.

Indonesia Earthquake: At Least 97 People Killed in Aceh Province

Diane A. Wade
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Indonesia Earthquake: At Least 97 People Killed in Aceh Province

At least 97 people are reported after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s northern Aceh province, say local military officials.

The quake struck just off the north-east coast of Sumatra island, where dozens of buildings have collapsed and many people are feared trapped under rubble.

“So far, 97 people have been killed and the number keeps growing,” Aceh military chief Tatang Sulaiman said in a live TV interview.

Hundreds of people have been injured.

In 2004, a huge undersea quake off the coast of Aceh caused a tsunami that killed more than 160,000 people in Indonesia alone.indonesia-earthquake-2016

There was no tsunami after December 7 tremor, which struck just offshore at 05:03 local time at a depth of 8km, according to USGS.

A spokesman for Indonesia’s national disaster agency said more than 200 stores and homes had been destroyed, along with 14 mosques. A hospital and school were also badly damaged.

Maj. Gen. Tatang Sulaiman said four people had been rescued alive from the rubble and he believed there might be four or five more still buried, though he did not say whether they were alive.

Pidie Jaya is along the north coast of Aceh, and has a population of about 150,000.

It is about 68 miles from the provincial capital of Banda Aceh.

The quake shook Banda Aceh and prompted many people across the region to flee their homes. Many are said to be reluctant to go back indoors, amid a number of aftershocks.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because it lies on the Ring of Fire – the line of frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions that circles virtually the entire Pacific rim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCcOdTjmUb8

Ghost Ship Fire May Have Been Caused by Fridge

Nancy Clayson
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Ghost Ship Fire May Have Been Caused by Fridge

The deadly fire at Oakland’s Ghost Ship warehouse party may have been caused by a fridge or other electrical appliance, investigators say.

Investigators say they are looking at “anything electrical” on the first floor of the venue, where the blaze started on December 2.

According to California officials, 36 people are now confirmed dead, and 35 have been already identified.

They earlier warned that murder charges were also possible.

Image source Twitter
Image source Twitter

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said on December 5 that her office had yet to determine whether a crime had occurred.

Charges could range from murder to involuntary manslaughter, Nancy O’Malley added.

On December 6, special agent Jill Snyder, the head of San Francisco’s office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said a fridge was a potential source of the blaze.

However, she stressed that the investigators were yet to make their final conclusions.

Jill Snyder added that “we have no indication” that the fire had been set intentionally.

It is thought 50-100 people were inside the venue when the fire broke out.

The fire caused the roof to collapse on to the second floor, part of which then fell through to the ground floor.

The building was used to house artists in improvised studios but several reports say people were illegally living there too.

Oakland media named Derick Ion Almena as the co-operator of the collective with his partner, Micah Allison.

A Facebook post by Derick Ion lamenting the loss of his belongings but saying he was “blessed that my children and Micah were at a hotel safe and sound” drew a barrage of criticism online.

Choi Soon-sil Ordered to Appear Before Parliamentary Hearing

Diane A. Wade
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Choi Soon-sil Ordered to Appear Before Parliamentary Hearing

Choi Soon-sil, the South Korean president’s friend who is accused of being behind a massive corruption scandal in the country has been ordered to appear before a parliamentary hearing.

She has been charged over allegations she colluded with President Park Geun-hye to gain influence and money for herself.

Park Geu-hye, who denies corruption, faces an impeachment hearing on December 9.

Amid ongoing street protests, Park Geun-hye has said she will resign once parliament finds a way for her to do so smoothly.

The parliamentary hearing in Seoul is questioning the heads of some of South Korea’s biggest companies, including Samsung, Hyundai, SK, Lotte and LG.

All the companies gave large donations to foundations run by Choi Soon-sil. They are being quizzed over whether the donations were used to gain them favorable treatment by the government.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

All have denied improper activity, though suggested there had been pressure to make donations.

One of the corporate bosses acknowledged that it was difficult for companies to say no to government requests.

“It’s a South Korean reality that if there is a government request, it is difficult for companies to decline,” said Huh Chang-soo, head of the GS Group and chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries lobby group.

Choi Soon-sil, who is in police detention along with two other aides of Park Geun-hye, has so far refused to attend the hearing as a witness, citing ill health.

However, on December 7 she and several other key witnesses, including members of her family, were ordered to appear.

“This hearing is being criticized as a Choi Soon-sil trial without Choi Soon-sil,” said the committee chairman Kim Sung-tae, according to the AFP.

Kim Sung-tae said the panel would “undertake all measures” to make her and other witnesses appear, before sending security officers to collect the group.

They could face jail or fines if they refuse.

The extraordinary scenes are being broadcast live on TV. The panel has no power to punish but its chairman has said the hearing is a place for apologies.

President Park Geun-hye has apologized multiple times to the public for allowing Choi Soon-sil inappropriate access to government decisions but has stopped short of resigning.

Chapecoense Plane Crash: LaMia Airline Head Arrested in Bolivia

Nancy Clayson
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Chapecoense Plane Crash: LaMia Airline Head Arrested in Bolivia

The head of LaMia airline, which was involved in a plane crash last week that killed 71 people, including most of the Brazil’s soccer team Chapecoense, was arrested in Bolivia.

Gustavo Vargas, a retired air force general, has been arrested as part of an investigation into the crash.

The plane, operated by the tiny LaMia airline, was taking Chapecoense team to Colombia when it ran out of fuel.

Bolivian official Celia Castedo says she warned the pilot of the problem before departure.

She has now sought asylum in Brazil, saying she suffered threats and abuse.chapecoense-plane-crash

Chapecoense were travelling to the city of Medellin to play the first leg of the Sudamericana Cup final against Atletico Nacional.

The British-made Avro RJ85 aircraft ran out of fuel as it approached the airport in Medellin on November 28.

In a leaked tape, pilot Miguel Quiroga can be heard warning of a “total electric failure” and “lack of fuel”.

Celia Castedo says she warned Miguel Quiroga before departure that the long flight between southern Bolivia and Medellin was at the limit of the plane’s maximum range.

She has now sought asylum in Brazil, saying she is being persecuted.

Her asylum process could take a year to be processed, the authorities in Brazil said.

Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero urged the Brazilian authorities to turn her back.

“What she has done is very serious,” Carlos Romero said.

“It’s a way of escaping the judicial system.”

Six people survived the crash. One of them, crew member Erwin Tumuri, said an initial stop for refueling in the northern Bolivian city of Cobija had been dropped by the pilot.

There was no warning to the crew or the passengers that the plane was facing electrical or fuel problems, Erwin Tumuri told Brazil’s Globo TV.

LaMia was originally registered in Venezuela, before moving its headquarters to Bolivia. It only had three planes, but only two of them were operational.

Chapecoense club, from the southern Brazilian city of Chapeco, was only founded in 1973 and had never reached a final of an international tournament.

A day after the tragedy, Atletico Nacional said it wanted to forfeit the title.

On December 5, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) declared Chapecoense officially champions of the Sudamericana Cup, the second most prestigious continental competition.

For its gesture, Atletico Nacional has been granted CONMEBOL’s special centenary fair play award.

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

Pizzagate: Donald Trump’s Aide Michael Flynn Jr Loses Job After Tweets

Diane A. Wade
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0
Pizzagate: Donald Trump’s Aide Michael Flynn Jr Loses Job After Tweets

Michael Flynn Jr., one of Donald Trump’s aides, has lost his job after fanning so-called Pizzagate conspiracy theory that climaxed at the weekend in gunfire at a pizzeria.

The 33-year-old left the president-elect’s transition team on December 6 following his tweets about the Pizzagate fake news story.

His father, Michael Flynn Sr., Donald Trump’s pick to be US national security adviser, has also shared fake news.

The Pizzagate hoax led to a gunman firing shots in a restaurant on December 4.

No one was injured in the incident at Comet Ping Pong in Washington DC.

Image source Flickr
Image source Flickr

The suspect told police he had turned up to “self-investigate” online rumor-mongering that the pizzeria was the nexus of a pedophile ring involving Hillary Clinton and one of her aides, John Podesta.

The bizarre and unfounded theory had been spread online by right-wing blogs.

The claims were also pushed by Michale Flynn Jr., who tweeted after December 4 gunfire that Pizzagate would remain a story until “proven to be false”.

The New York Times reports that he was fired from the Trump transition team on December 6 but, according to CBS News, he resigned before he was sacked.

The Trump team confirmed the departure of Michael Flynn Jr. – who had reportedly been given a .gov email address – but did not confirm it was related to the tweets.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence acknowledged that Michael Flynn Jr. had been helping his father with scheduling and administrative items during the transition but said “that’s no longer the case”.

Asked repeatedly whether a security clearance was requested, Mike Pence refused to answer directly.

Michael Flynn Sr., 57, has also tweeted out unsubstantiated conspiracy theories accusing Hillary Clinton and her aides of child-s** trafficking.

Among the retired lieutenant general’s other tweets was an allegation that President Barack Obama was a “jihadi” who “laundered” money for terrorists.

Critics have said Michael Flynn Sr. is unfit to advise Donald Trump on the veracity of national security threats facing the US.

In December 4 armed confrontation, the suspect allegedly walked into Comet Ping Pong and pointed a rifle at an employee before firing shots into the ground.

Edgar Maddison Welch, 28, from North Carolina, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

The Pizzagate theory originated on alternative message board 4chan, based on emails hacked from the Democratic Party and leaked by WikiLeaks.

The restaurant’s owner, James Alefantis, a Democratic Party donor, appears in the emails in relation to organizing a Democratic fundraiser.

Users of 4chan and Reddit had said words in the emails such as cheese, hot dog, and pizza were code for young children and s** acts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgsNq16t5lc

Donald Trump Wants to Cancel Air Force One Boeing Order

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Donald Trump Wants to Cancel Air Force One Boeing Order

Donald Trump has announced he wants to cut government costs by cancelling the order for new planes to carry the American president.

Six weeks ahead of taking office, the president-elect tweeted: “Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!”

The government has a contract with Boeing to build two or more new planes.

They would enter service around 2024.

Boeing shares fell more than 1% after Donald Trump’s tweet, but recovered most of their losses in afternoon trading.

Donald Trump would not fly on the new planes unless he won a second term in the 2020 election.

He also announced on December 6 that Japan’s SoftBank has agreed to invest $50 billion in the US aimed at creating 50,000 new jobs.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

Donald Trump revealed the plan after meeting with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son at Trump Tower.

The president-elect tweeted: “Masa said he would never do this had we (Trump) not won the election!”

Donald Trump now uses his own plane, but as president he would travel aboard Air Force One, which is equipped with special safety, defensive and communications equipment.

The real estate mogul is known for his admiration of his Trump-branded Boeing 757 jet, boasting to Rolling Stone in 2015 that his aircraft was “bigger than Air Force One, which is a step down from this in every way”.

“Did you know it was featured on the Discovery Channel as the world’s most luxurious jetliner?” Donald Trump said at the time.

He told reporters on December 6 at Trump Tower in New York that Boeing was “doing a little bit of a number” and the cost was “ridiculous”.

“We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money,” Donald Trump added.

The US Air Force released a statement saying it had budgeted $2.7 billion for the project, “but expects this number to change as the program matures with the completion of the risk reduction activities”.

The White House said it was not clear where Donald Trump got the $4 billion figure he cited to replace the Air Force One plane.

Spokesman Josh Earnest said: “Some of the statistics that have been cited, shall we say, don’t appear to reflect the nature of the financial arrangement between Boeing and the Department of Defense.”

The Government Accountability Office estimates that the project’s overall cost will be $3.2 billion, a figure that is expected to rise.

Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher, in a statement, said: “We are currently under contract for $170m to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the president of the United States.

“We look forward to working with the US Air Force on subsequent phases of the programme, allowing us to deliver the best planes for the president at the best value for the American taxpayer.”

Fashion Awards 2016: Gigi Hadid Named International Model of the Year

Lisa.Felice
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0
Fashion Awards 2016: Gigi Hadid Named International Model of the Year

Gigi Hadid has won international model of the year award at this year’s Fashion Awards.

The 21-year-old beat off competition from her sister Bella and best friend Kendall Jenner at the ceremony in London.

To celebrate, Gigi Hadid took part in a mannequin challenge on stage at the Royal Albert Hall with the audience getting involved as well.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

Other winners on the night included Jayden Smith and Willow Smith as new fashion insiders.

Accepting her international model of the year award, Gigi Hadid said: “I just want to say that I know that I’m in the generation of social media, and I’m so blessed for that.

“But the fashion industry is my family, and you guys are the ones that I’m here for.”

The model continued: “To everyone who has been so genuine and looked beyond what the rest of the world looked for, that has meant so much to me.”

Gigi Hadid is the daughter of LA real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former model Yolanda Hadid, who appears in reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The model is dating former One Direction singer Zayn Malik and her sister Bella is also a top model.

Peter Vaughan Dead: Game of Thrones Star Dies Aged 93

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Peter Vaughan Dead: Game of Thrones Star Dies Aged 93

Game of Thrones star Peter Vaughan has died at the age of 93, his agent has confirmed.

The British actor played Maester Aemon in the HBO series.

Peter Vaughan’s many other roles included parts in TV shows Porridge, Citizen Smith, Chancer and Our Friends in the North.

Sally Long-Innes said: “This is to confirm that very sadly Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10.30 this morning. He died peacefully with his family around him.”

Peter Vaughan began acting in the 1950s and became a recognizable face by playing numerous mainly supporting roles on stage, TV, radio and movie.

Image source HBO
Image source HBO

He specialized in characters with a tough edge – such as police officers, secret agents and authoritarian elders.

Peter Vaughan described himself as a character actor, saying he did not have the looks to play romantic leads.

He was never out of work for long, but Peter Vaughan was not overly fond of only being recognized for Porridge.

However, Game of Thrones brought Peter Vaughan a new level of fame with a younger audience at the age of 86, and he remained in the show for five years.

Peter Vaughan was married to actress Billie Whitelaw for 14 years until 1966 and then married Lillias Walker.

Grammy Nominations 2017: Full List of Nominees

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Grammy Nominations 2017: Full List of Nominees

The 59th Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12, 2017, and will be hosted by James Corden.

Album Of The Year

  • Adele – 25
  • Beyonce – Lemonade
  • Justin Bieber – Purpose
  • Drake – Views
  • Sturgill Simpson – A Sailor’s Guide To Earth

Record Of The Year

  • Adele – Hello
  • Beyonce – Formation
  • Lukas Graham – 7 Years
  • Rihanna ft Drake – Work
  • Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out

Song Of The Year

  • Adele – Hello
  • Beyonce – Formation
  • Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
  • Lukas Graham – 7 Years
  • Mike Posner – I Took A Pill In IbizaGrammys 2017

Best New Artist

  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • The Chainsmokers
  • Chance The Rapper
  • Maren Morris
  • Anderson .Paak

Best alternative album

  • David Bowie – Blackstar
  • PJ Harvey – The Hope Six Demolition Project
  • Bon Iver – 22, A Million
  • Iggy Pop – Post Pop Depression
  • Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

Best pop album

  • Adele – 25
  • Justin Bieber – Purpose
  • Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
  • Demi Lovato – Confident
  • Sia – This Is Acting

Best rap album

  • Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book
  • De La Soul – And The Anonymous Nobody
  • DJ Khaled – Major Key
  • Drake – Views
  • Schoolboy Q – Blank Face LP
  • Kanye West – The Life Of Pablo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z_3AV5ahLc

Grammys 2017: Beyonce Earns Nine Nominations

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Grammys 2017: Beyonce Earns Nine Nominations

Beyonce has scored nine nominations for the 2017 Grammy Awards, extending her lead as the most-nominated woman in Grammys history.

The singer is up for the main prize, album of the year, for her ambitious visual album, Lemonade, which tackles themes of race and female identity.

Beyonce’s single Formation is also up for song and record of the year.

In all three categories, Beyonce is up against Adele – who previously won the ceremony’s top three prizes in 2012.

Beyonce now has 62 Grammy nominations across her work as a solo artist and as part of Destiny’s Child, making her the fourth most-nominated artist ever.

Beyonce has topped Forbes’ Highest-Paid Women In Music List in 2014

The pop star has won 20 trophies altogether, although she has yet to clinch the album of the year prize, having been beaten to the title by Beck in 2015 – much to the disgust of Kanye West, who stormed the stage in protest.

Kanye West receives eight nominations this year for his album The Life Of Pablo – all in the rap categories.

Rihanna and Drake also have eight nominations, including three for their hit collaboration, Work.

Making Grammy history is Chicago-born musician Chance The Rapper, whose album Coloring Book is the first streaming-only record to be recognized by the Recording Academy.

Chance The Rapper achieves seven nominations, including best new artist, without ever releasing a physical album or digital download.

Beyonce and Adele go head to head with Justin Bieber, Drake and Sturgill Simpson in the best album category.

If Adele wins, she will become only the second woman to receive the best album prize twice, after Taylor Swift.

Notably absent from the shortlist is David Bowie, who was tipped to win for his critically-acclaimed Blackstar album.

The record does make an appearance in the best alternative album category, as does Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool.

Coldplay have also fared badly, receiving just one nomination – best music video – despite selling millions of copies of their latest album, A Head Full Of Dreams.

Prince receives a posthumous nomination for his final album, Hit N Run Phase Two, in the best engineered, non-classical category, where Blackstar also makes the shortlist.

British star James Corden will host

The 2017 Grammy Awards, which take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12, will be hosted by James Corden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z_3AV5ahLc

Jayalalitha Death: Tens of Thousands Mourn Indian Influential Politician

Diane A. Wade
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0
Jayalalitha Death: Tens of Thousands Mourn Indian Influential Politician

Thousands of Indians are flocking to pay their respects to Jayaram Jayalalitha, one of the country’s most influential and colorful politicians.

J Jayalalitha, the chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu suffered a heart attack on December 4 and died at 23:30 local time on December 5 at the age of 68, Chennai’s Apollo Hospital says.

The politician’s body, draped in the Indian flag, is on display at a large public hall.

India’s PM Narendra Modi was among those who visited to pay tribute.

Extra police have been deployed in the state amid fears of unrest.Jayaram Jayalalitha to return as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

The extreme devotion J Jayalalitha inspires among her supporters, many of whom refer to her as “Amma” (mother) have led to concerns that they could resort to self-harm or violence.

Earlier reports of J Jayalalitha’s death, which were swiftly withdrawn, prompted scuffles between police and her supporters outside the private hospital.

However, lines have been orderly so far, despite the visible emotion among the crowds who are queuing up to catch a final glimpse of Jayalalitha. Many are openly weeping while some are beating their heads and chests.

A seven-day period of mourning has been declared in Tamil Nadu. The central government in Delhi has announced that December 6 will be a national holiday as a mark of respect and that J Jayalalitha will be given a funeral with full state honors.

She had been receiving treatment for months.

J Jayalalitha is revered by many but was seen by her critics as having created a cult of personality over the years.

Tributes began to pour in for J Jayalalitha as soon as her death was confirmed by Apollo, which had been treating her since September 22.

Her AIADMK party – which had earlier lowered the flag to half-mast before hoisting it up once more – also confirmed she had died, tweeting “our beloved leader, the Iron lady of India… Amma, is no more”.

“RIP Jayalalitha” has been trending on Twitter, while Facebook is also filled with elegies for a woman who is widely respected for managing to hold her own in the male-dominated world of Tamil Nadu politics.

A senior AIADMK politician, O Panneerselvam, was sworn in as chief of Tamil Nadu within hours of J Jayalalitha’s death, the party’s Twitter account confirmed.

Choi Soon-sil Scandal: Samsung, Hyundai and other South Korean Companies Face Corruption Inquiry

Diane A. Wade
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0
Choi Soon-sil Scandal: Samsung, Hyundai and other South Korean Companies Face Corruption Inquiry

Eight of South Korea’s biggest businesses, including Samsung and Hyundai, are being questioned by parliament in a rare TV hearing as part of a huge corruption inquiry.

The companies admitted giving millions of dollars to funds linked to President Park Geun-hye, but denied seeking favors.

Samsung admitted to giving the daughter of Park Geun-hye’s friend an expensive horse.

Parliament is due to vote on December 9 on the president’s impeachment over her involvement in the scandal.

Massive protests have been held in recent weeks demanding the president’s resignation.

The executives are being questioned by a cross-party committee of lawmakers. The panel has no power to punish but its chairman has said the hearing is a place for apology.

One of the corporate bosses acknowledged that it was difficult for companies to say no to government requests.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

“It’s a South Korean reality that if there is a government request, it is difficult for companies to decline,” said Huh Chang-soo, head of the GS Group and chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries lobby group.

The conglomerates all gave large donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a close confidante of Park Geun-hye.

Choi Soon-sil has been charged with coercion and attempted fraud.

Lawmakers spent the most time grilling Samsung’s Lee Kun-hee. Samsung has been accused of giving donations in exchange for support of a controversial merger that effectively strengthened his position in the company.

Samsung gave a total of 20.4 billion won ($17.46 million) to the two foundations.

Like the other leaders, Lee Kun-hee denied the allegations, saying Samsung “never provided support or gave donations in return for something”.

However, he admitted that his company provided a one billion won ($855,000) horse to Choi Soon-sil’s daughter, a professional equestrian, and said he regretted it.

Lee Kun-hee apologized for Samsung’s involvement in the scandal and said his company would “take all responsibility” if there was any.

South Korea’s family-owned conglomerates, known as chaebols, have increasingly been perceived as a symbol of the out-of-touch elite, and have become a target of public fury in recent protests calling for Park Geun-hye’s resignation.

The president has apologized multiple times to the public for allowing Choi Soon-sil inappropriate access to government decisions but has stopped short of resigning.

Last week Parke Geun-hye said she would leave it to parliament to decide her fate, and on December 6 she was quoted by her party’s leader as saying she would accept the outcome of December 9 impeachment vote.

What is PTSD?

Kathryn R. Bown
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What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder which can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or a prolonged traumatic experience.

People naturally feel afraid when in danger, but the legacy of some traumatic events is a change in perception of fear.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

They may feel stressed or frightened in day-to-day life.

PTSD can be caused by any traumatic event – including military conflict, serious road accidents, natural disasters, assaults, and muggings.

Patients typically tend to re-experience the event in flashbacks, avoid talking about it, have trouble sleeping, or experience a change in mood.

Lady Gaga Reveals She Suffers from PTSD Since Being Raped

Lisa.Felice
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0
Lady Gaga Reveals She Suffers from PTSD Since Being Raped

Lady Gaga has revealed she has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since being raped at the age of 19.

The pop star talked about her mental illness during a visit to a homeless shelter for young LGBT people last month.

In a TV interview about the visit, Lady Gaga said: “I suffer from a mental illness – I suffer from PTSD. I’ve never told anyone that before.”

The 30-year-old singer first spoke publicly about the rape two years ago.

Lady Gaga has since admitted she blamed herself and did not tell anyone about it for seven years.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

She made the revelation during an interview with the Today Show, which was broadcast on NBC on December 5.

It is the first time Lady Gaga has talked about having PTSD.

During her visit to the Ali Forney Centre in New York, Lady Gaga told the homeless LGBT teenagers that her trauma helped her understand others.

She said: “The kindness that’s been shown to me, by doctors as well as my family and my friends, it’s really saved my life.”

“Meditation helps me to calm down,” the singer said, adding that she was struggling with her mental illness “every day”.

The pop star brought presents to the teenagers at the center.

Lady Gaga later tweeted: “Today I shared one my deepest secrets w/ the world. Secrets keep you sick w/ shame.”

A tearful young person from the center she visited said: “Lady Gaga’s act of kindness today was a reminder that love still exists – and that there’s still some for me.”

On social media, Lady Gaga’s fans opened up with their own experiences in response.

She is one of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, with a string of hits across her first five albums. Her sixth album, Joanne, was released two months ago.

Lady Gaga has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ community; campaigning for Hillary Clinton during the election and protesting outside Trump Tower when the results were announced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xEHWq19mE

Italy Referendum 2016: PM Matteo Renzi to Hand in His Resignation

Diane A. Wade
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Italy Referendum 2016: PM Matteo Renzi to Hand in His Resignation

Italy’s PM Matteo Renzi will meet President Sergio Mattarella to hand in his resignation after suffering a defeat in a constitutional referendum.

President Sergio Mattarella must either appoint a new prime minister or call early elections, as demanded by Italy’s opposition anti-establishment parties.

The president might also try to persuade Matteo Renzi to stay in charge until the 2017 budget is passed later this week, reports say.

European leaders have been playing down the risks of fallout from the crisis.

Matteo Renzi’s resignation comes amid fears of long-term instability for Italy’s troubled banking sector in the long-term. Shares in Italian banks lost ground following news of Matteo Renzi’s defeat.

Matteo Renzi is the youngest prime minister in Italy's history, and one of its least experienced

The No vote in December 4 constitutional referendum was widely seen as a rejection of establishment politics in Italy.

Matteo Renzi held a final cabinet meeting on December 5, before traveling to the presidential palace to submit his formal resignation.

In spite of the pressure from the opposition, early elections are thought to be unlikely.

Instead, the president may appoint a caretaker administration led by Matteo Renzi’s Democratic Party, which would carry on until an election due in the spring of 2018.

Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan is the favorite to succeed Matteo Renzi as prime minister.

With most ballots counted, the No vote leads with 60% against 40% for Yes, with a 70% turnout, a heavier than expected defeat for the government.

Matteo Renzi staked his political future on his attempt to change Italy’s cumbersome political system. He wanted to strengthen central government and weaken the Senate, the upper house of parliament.

His opponents – including some within his own party – had argued that the reforms would give the prime minister too much power. The electorate agreed.

However, more than a resounding victory for the No camp, it was a chance for a medley of populist parties to reject establishment politics.

The opposition, headed by the Five Star Movement, capitalized on Matteo Renzi’s declining popularity, years of economic stagnation, and the problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving in Italy from Africa.

After the vote, Matteo Renzi defended his record, saying exports and job numbers were up and unemployment was down to 11.7%.

Five Star’s leader, Beppe Grillo, has called for an election “within a week”.

President Sergio Mattarella, who praised the high voter turnout, called for a political climate with “serenity and mutual respect”.

There are obligations and deadlines which Italy’s institutions will have to honor “guaranteeing a response that meets the problems of the moment,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZzP8TIIc-g

Oscars 2017: Jimmy Kimmel to Host Academy Awards Ceremony

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Oscars 2017: Jimmy Kimmel to Host Academy Awards Ceremony

Jimmy Kimmel has been tapped to host the 2017 Oscars, it has been announced.

It will be the first time Jimmy Kimmel has fronted the ceremony, which takes place on February 26, 2017.

Jimmy Kimmel addressed Kanye West's profanity-studded Twitter rant during Thursday’s monologue
Jimmy Kimmel addressed Kanye West’s profanity-studded Twitter rant during Thursday’s monologue

Jimmy Kimmel has previously hosted the American Music Awards and has twice fronted the Emmys – in 2012 and 2016.

Previous presenters of the Oscars include Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Seth MacFarlane, Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris.

Since 2003, Jimmy Kimmel has hosted his own nightly hour long talk show – Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Regular features on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show include celebrity guests reading out insulting tweets about themselves and parents filming their children’s reaction to being told all of their Halloween chocolate has been eaten.

Jimmy Kimmel has also made cameo appearances in movies such as Pitch Perfect 2 and Ted 2, as well as TV shows including Sesame Street and Entourage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRp68xs7cno

Donald Trump Picks Ben Carson to Lead US Housing

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Picks Ben Carson to Lead US Housing

Donald Trump has picked Ben Carson as secretary of housing and urban development.

“Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities,” the president-elect said in a statement about his former rival for the Republican nomination, adding that the two had discussed his “urban renewal agenda”.

Ben Carson is the first African-American to be nominated for Donald Trump’s cabinet.

The retired neurosurgeon endorsed Donald Trump in March after ending his own bid for the White House.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

“Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a presidency representing all Americans,” Donald Trump’s statement said.

However, Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the nomination of Ben Carson calling him a “disconcerting and disturbingly unqualified choice to lead a department as complex and consequential as housing and urban development”.

The agency has an annual budget of about $50 billion.

Donald Trump has not always been so positive about the man he has chosen to join his administration.

In November 2015, when Ben Carson briefly overtook him in the polls for the Republican nomination, Donald Trump launched sustained attacks on his rival’s character.

In one tweet, he brought together three of Ben Carson’s most controversial statements, bringing up Carson’s own admissions about his violent behavior growing up in a poor family in Detroit.

Ben Carson has since reiterated statements about his teenage years first made in his autobiography, in which he admitted to wanting to hit his mother on the head with a hammer and to trying to stab a friend.

His assertion that the Egyptian pyramids were not built to entomb pharaohs but instead by the Biblical figure Joseph to store grain were widely ridiculed when they emerged in November.

Ben Carson is a devout Protestant Christian who is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church.

Cabinet appointments need to be confirmed by the Senate.

There are still major cabinet positions yet to be announced, including the next secretary of state.

As well as his top team, Donald Trump has about 4,000 government positions to fill.

Preparing Your Startup For Additional Costs Before The Business Frosts

Dana R
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0
Preparing Your Startup For Additional Costs Before The Business Frosts

The overriding factor in any startup environment, aside from the location or the people you need, is the finances. If you evaluate your business plan in enough detail, you will understand how much money is needed in order to get the venture started with enough money to spare. This is a common misconception among smaller businesses, that if you start out strong you can keep the momentum. Unfortunately this isn’t always the case. If you run out of resources early on, you can run the business into the ground very quickly. Prior to starting your business officially, there are some things that you can prepare for, and all it involves is making lists.

profits

pixabay.com

Business Assets

These are what you will need in the long term. The fundamental items of equipment you will need, in other words, the inventory. From the machinery and tables, right down to the din 2093 spring, make an inventory of what you will need at the outset. These will consist of your starting assets, discounting the money you have in the bank. For each item, you need to make an educated guess of what each item will cost. If you really are not sure, either do some research or overestimate.

Business Expenses

Different from an asset, as everything you purchase is not an asset. You can spend business money on expenses, for example, the cost of setting up your business website, or the cost to fix up your offices, or the salaries you pay your employees. Now you add the starting assets and the starting expenses together to calculate the vast majority of your starting costs.

Figure Out The Amount Of Money You Will Need To Begin

This is the last piece of the jigsaw. Knowing how much money you will need in your accounts for the first few uncertain months of the business will be the deciding factor in keeping the business afloat. Now, there are different ways to do this. A lot of people would say that you need to cover 6 months of expenses, maybe 12 months, but the best way would be to estimate the sales, the expenses and the costs of the sales and expenses over the first year. You may wish to create a sales forecast to help guide you.

What you should now have is a list of 12 months with the costs, expenses and estimated sales for each individual month. The costs and the expenses are then subtracted from the sales for each month, you should then see if you are short of money or not. Using that, you can then start to see how long it will take for you to break even and how much cash you are lacking in. The amount is what you need to have behind you as the total starting cash for the business.

stock-exchange

https://pixabay.com/en/stock-exchange-world-economy-man-911609/

The great thing about this method of calculation, is that if you have not had a business plan put in place, this will be a starting point for you to make a business plan! Get prepared, by understanding your additional costs!

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