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What Are The Pros of Settlement Loans?

Clyde K. Valle
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What Are The Pros of Settlement Loans?

Pre-settlement funding is a type of funding which is available to those who have filed a settlement claim through a lawyer. Personal injury loans are probably the most common form of pre-settlement funding and can be especially important if you have lost your complete or partial working and earning capacity and your life has been marred by medical attention, attending to questions and calls made by the claims adjuster or frequent court visits.

Settlement loans could be of many types and car accident settlement loans is one of the most popular. Inheritance claim settlement funding, illegal termination of contract loan, etc are some of the others and each serve the single most important purpose of providing liquidity to the plaintiff or the victim at a time when not only his earnings have been affected but also a number of additional costs have been thrust upon him.

 

Mature business man discussing project with his colleagues and pointing at computer screen

How did Settlement Lenders revolutionize the lending business in Canada?

 

It was not until 1980s that lawsuit funding become available in Canada and Settlement Lenders was the first company to conceptualize and issue settlement funding to hundreds of needy Canadians, who were fighting for their right to justice. Settlement Lenders has disbursed over $100,000,000 in loans and provides flexibility in choosing the type of funding you need.

You could either take a lump sum amount and your case will be monitored and assessed every six months and further funding needs be also be met. You could choose to take recurring monthly payments to take care of your utility bills and court expenses and your case will be reviewed semi-annually. The final type is a line of credit which is akin to a bank account and you can withdraw and use funds up to a predetermined limit. However, you will be charged interest only for the funds you use.

Advantages of settlement funding

 

  1. Lawsuit loans help you to avoid forced settlement: Pre-settlement cash advance allows you to be patient and gives your lawyer more time to examine more witnesses and build up a solid case to make your case watertight. Empirical evidence shows that the more time a plaintiff gives to the case, the better are the chances of a fair settlement.
  2. Lawsuit loans can be used unconditionally: You can use pre-settlement loans to service some or all of your monthly or yearly expenses. You may channel it to meet foreclosures, settling other loans, paying for utility bills, tuition fees and mortgages. At no point will you be answerable to the lender.
  3. No credit checks or income verifications :Settlement lenders will not verify your ability to earn or your credit history.
  4. Pay only if you win: You won’t be needed to pay any money until the claim is settled, and if the claim is denied in a court of competent jurisdiction, the amount borrowed is forgiven.

Settlement funding is one of the best financial vehicles available to a plaintiff and it can give you a lot of support, confidence and peace of mind.    

5 Useful Tips on Leather Accessories Maintenance

Kathryn R. Bown
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5 Useful Tips on Leather Accessories Maintenance

Accessories are an important part of someone’s life. Whether we are referring to jewelry, clothes or technology, accessories are the elements that transform an ordinary appearance into an unforgettable one. Besides the aesthetic purposes that they have, accessories also have a very practical role: the one of protection.

 

They can protect valuable belongings like telephones, laptops, glasses, you name it. Everything can have a case nowadays, a means of protecting it from the harsh weather, scratches, dirt or fingerprints. And usually the best bet is to go with the leather accessories. Why? Because they are durable, beautiful, elegant and extremely handy.

 

Leather items can really make the person wearing them more classy and more interesting. As we all know, first impressions are very important so we all strive to make the best out of our first meetings. That’s why you have to be careful; leather might be the master, but it requires a special type of maintenance. Nothing too difficult, but definitely to be kept in mind.

tan-handbag2

5 Tips for Leather Accessories Maintenance

 

Be gentle – if leather happens to get too wet, dry it slowly. If you go too fast, you risk changing its chemical structure and leave it all wrinkled. Keep the object at room temperature and use gentle air. It will surely do the trick.

 

Simple – if leather gets dirty just use a damp cloth. You don’t need to go overboard with fresh dirt because a bit of water can do the trick. If it’s something more complicated, then you should use a specialized company to help you out.

 

Too dry? – if you rub something moist into it (cream or moisturizer) you will manage to keep the cracks to a minimum and you will give your leather accessory a fresh and new look. Choose something light like waxes or oils. You can’t go wrong with those ones!

 

Removing spots – try to be fast and remove spots as soon as you see them. A baby wipe can be useful in this situation (avoid wipes that contain fragrances or alcohol). Wipe the stain and the surrounding area but use moderate pressure. You don’t want to discolor the leather!

 

Coconut oil – although it might seem hard to believe, coconut oil can have a massive effect over your leather products. It prevents the leather from scratches and it preserves its natural look for a longer period of time. So it you need a cheap and effective trick, trust this type of oil. You won’t regret it!

 

As you can see, leather elements can be a bit pretentious to maintain, but their effect will be guaranteed. You won’t go unnoticed! And if you need some inspiration to renew your leather accessories collection don’t be afraid to do some research. Great offers are waiting for you on Oleksynprannyk.com. They’re practically calling your name!

 

Leather accessories are fabulous investments that can definitely create an impression. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to impress from the first try! Good luck!

How To Install A Window Air Conditioning System

Dana R
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How To Install A Window Air Conditioning System

This will be a step-by-step guide to installing a window air conditioner at your home or office in Australia. Window air conditioners are relatively simple to install, but there are a few points you need to keep in mind before you even buy the unit:

  • Decide which window you’ll be using to install the unit in. The required window must be close to a 3-pin outlet, and there must be some form of shelter to save it from rain. If the only window available to you doesn’t provide the required shelter, get a small roof made to keep the AC dry. If the window can’t be near a 3-pin outlet, get one installed by an electrician.
  • Make sure to check the load on the circuit the AC will draw its power from. Having other appliances, such as a refrigerator, or even a small blow-dryer, can overload the circuit, causing the AC to trip constantly.
  • Air conditioners come in different shapes and sizes. Measure the respective window to make sure your eventual unit will fit. It’s also a good idea to determine which type of window style you have. Most air conditions will fit perfectly in a double-hung window, which can be raised from the bottom.
  • You may need to add further insulation to the window after the AC is installed. Keep any such insulation on hand before you go about fitting the unit in.
  • It’s very important you know the power of your air conditioner. An AC’s power is determined by the size of the room it will cool. Once you’ve measured the area of your respective room, you can use this very helpful guide to make sure you get a unit that would work efficiently in your room.
  • Keep the following tools on hand: a drill, screwdrivers, and a level.

Image result for Window Air Conditioning System

Step 1: Unbox and prepare the unit:

Take the air conditioner out of its box, and remove any plastic from the accessories. These will typically be the top rail, and the side filler panels. Attach the top rail on the unit by aligning it with the respective holes, and screw it in.

For the filler panels, determine which panel goes on which side. Extend the panels themselves, and insert the ends all the way into the track and the frame into the guides in the unit. Your air conditioner should now be ready to place in the window.

Step 2: Position and secure the unit:

With the unit prepared, position it in the window such that the bottom rail sits against the outside edge. Lower the raised portion of the window pane down to the unit. Ensure that the top rail you attached in the first step rests against the window frame. Next, open up the attached panels to fill in the empty space on either side of the unit. These panels will be secured to the frame using frame locks, which the manufacturer would have provided.

Step 3: Make the assembly airtight:

Lock in the raised lower window pane with a bracket attached to the top pane. Once you’re certain that the unit can’t move, start filling in any open spaces with the weather stripping provided by the manufacturer. You’ll need to seal in the space between the top and bottom windows panes, and the small gap between your extended window panels and window frame.

Finally, make sure your unit tilts back ever so slightly. If you’ve positioned the bottom rails right, it should automatically do this. The tilt helps drain any condensation that forms within the air conditioner itself.

Step 4: Enjoy the cooling:

Plug in the device into the 3-pin socket, turn it on, and enjoy your newly chilled room. If you live in the Brisbane area and have any questions about the installation, or would like maintenance of your installed air conditioner, we recommend Snowdonia. They cover air conditioning service areas of whole Brisbane. Just call up a certified professional to come help you with all your AC needs.

For a visual guide to installing a window AC, check out this simple tutorial.

Venezuela Opposition Meets Nicolas Maduro amid Political Crisis

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela Opposition Meets Nicolas Maduro amid Political Crisis

Venezuela’s opposition parties and the government are meeting for the first time this year to try to resolve the country’s deep political crisis.

President Nicolas Maduro is attending the talks, which are being supervised by a Vatican envoy and other mediators.

Opposition is demanding a referendum be allowed to take place on whether Nicolas Maduro should step down.

For its part, the government wants the opposition to renounce violence and reject right-wing economic policies.

The meeting, at a museum in Caracas, follows a general strike and huge opposition rallies.Nicolas Maduro imposes visas for Americans

Nicolas Maduro shook hands with the five opposition leaders who including Jesus Torrealba, the leader of the Democratic Unity coalition.

Vatican envoy Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli urged both sides to engage in serious dialogue to defuse the mounting political crisis.

“The Pope is following the situation of this country very closely and hopes this process can continue peacefully,” he said.

Former political leaders from Spain, Panama and the Dominican Republic are also helping to mediate.

On October 28, opposition leaders in Venezuela organized a general strike to push for a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Many shops, businesses and schools stayed closed but adherence to the strike was patchy and poorer areas largely ignored it.

Hundreds of thousands of people rallied against Nicolas Maduro on October 26, angered that a recall referendum process – an attempt to remove Maduro from power – had been suspended.

Opposition activists had gathered about 1.8 million signatures petitioning for the referendum, 400,000 of which were validated by electoral authorities.

Supporters of Nicolas Maduro have also taken to the streets.

The government and opposition are at loggerheads over Venezuela’s dire economic problems which have led to food shortages, lack of medical supplies and regular power cuts.

The inflation rate, already the world’s highest, is expected to spiral even further in 2017.

Harry Reid: James Comey May Have Violated Hatch Act

Diane A. Wade
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Harry Reid: James Comey May Have Violated Hatch Act

Harry Reid, the Democratic leader in the Senate, says FBI director James Comey may have broken the law by revealing the bureau was investigating emails possibly linked to Hillary Clinton.

He accused James Comey of violating an act which bars officials from influencing an election.

News of the FBI inquiry comes less than two weeks before the Election Day.

The FBI has meanwhile obtained a warrant to search a cache of emails belonging to Huma Abedin, a top Hillary Clinton aide.

Emails from Huma Abedin are believed to have been found on the laptop of her estranged husband, former congressman Anthony Weiner.

There are reportedly 650,000 emails to search through, making it unlikely investigators can give a verdict on them before election day.

The FBI believes the emails might be “pertinent” to its previous inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server when she was secretary of state in the Obama administration.Hillary Clinton email scandal 2016

The case was closed in July without any charges being brought against Hillary Clinton.

Anthony Weiner is subject to a separate investigation on suspicion of sending explicit messages to an underage girl.

Harry Reid accused James Comey of practicing double standards with the intention of helping one political party over another.

In a letter, Harry Reid said James Comey may have violated the Hatch Act, which bars officials from using their position to influence an election.

“Through your partisan actions, you may have broken the law,” he said.

Harry Reid also accused James Comey of withholding “explosive information about close ties between [Republican candidate] Donald Trump, his top advisers, and the Russian government”.

“The public has a right to know about this information. I wrote to you months ago calling for this information to be released to the public,” Harry Reid said.

Richard Painter, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and the chief White House ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007, revealed on October 30 he had filed a complaint against the FBI with the Office of Special Counsel, which investigates Hatch Act violations.

Writing in the New York Times he said: “I never thought that the FBI could be dragged into a political circus surrounding one of its investigations. Until this week.”

Opinion polls showed Hillary Clinton’s lead against Donald Trump tightening even before the email controversy surfaced again.

An ABC News/Washington Post poll published on October 30 put Hillary Clinton just one percentage point ahead.

Hillary Clinton has described James Comey’s actions as “unprecedented” and “deeply troubling”.

However, Donald Trump has praised the FBI’s decision, accusing the Department of Justice of protecting Hillary Clinton in a “rigged system”.

“The Department of Justice is trying their hardest to protect the criminal activity of Hillary Clinton,” Donald Trump told a rally in Nevada.

It emerged on October 30 that the Department of Justice had urged the FBI not to inform Congress of the new inquiry so close to the election.

Moldova Elections 2016: Second Round between Igor Dodon and Maia Sandu

Diane A. Wade
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Moldova Elections 2016: Second Round between Igor Dodon and Maia Sandu

Moldova’s presidential election will go to a run-off on November 13 after pro-Russian candidate Igor Dodon narrowly failed to secure a majority of votes.

With almost all ballots counted, Igor Dodon won 48.5%. His closest rival, pro-European candidate Maia Sandu, has 38.2%.

Igor Dodon needed at least 51% to avoid a second round.

October 30 poll was the first direct presidential election in Moldova for 20 years.

Image source Publika.md
Image source Publika.md

It is seen as a battle between those supporting closer ties with Russia and those wanting integration with the EU.

With turnout put at about 48%, Maia Sandu said young people had been “impeded” from voting, but gave no details.

“Today the young had a small turnout. I think it happened because the authorities impeded them from doing so. We will do everything to remove such obstacles in the second round,” she said.

Igor Dodon thanked his supporters, adding: “The main conclusion is that voters no longer believe in this government. Our victory is inevitable.”

PM Pavel Filip said in a statement that he hoped the result of the run-off would “bring about both change and stability”.

Moldova, an ex-Soviet republic, is one of the poorest countries in Europe and has been hit by a string of high-profile corruption scandals.

Since 1996 presidents of Moldova have been chosen by parliament.

Both the EU and Russia seek greater influence over Moldova, which is wedged between Ukraine and Romania, but polls indicate that voters are divided about which offers them a better future.

Igor Dodon has pledged to push for new parliamentary elections if he wins. Maia Sandu, from the center-right opposition, has been praised for reforming the education system.

In Moldova, the president appoints judges and sets out foreign policy but other major decisions need the approval of parliament.

Popular election though could bring the post more influence and authority, correspondents say.

Moldova was thrown into political turmoil in 2014 with the vanishing of about $1 billion from the banking system.

There were weeks of street protests and six prime ministers took office in one year.

Since then, parliament has passed anti-corruption laws, forcing public officials to disclose their assets and making the misuse of EU funds a criminal offence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xym3GAtmfQ

Italy Earthquake: New 7.1-Magnitude Tremor Strikes Near Norcia

Diane A. Wade
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Italy Earthquake: New 7.1-Magnitude Tremor Strikes Near Norcia

A new strong earthquake has hit central Italy on October 30, Reuters reports citing the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and local broadcasters.

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes near of Norcia, 100 miles from capital Rome.

This comes only three days after two more tremors shook the region on October 26, leaving villages partly destroyed.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

There were no immediate reports on damage or casualties caused by the quake.

But local RAI TV reports that the quake was powerful enough to wake the residents of Rome, who reported walls of the buildings shaking.

Initial reports on the magnitude of the tremors varied – while USGS and Italian media talked of a 7.1-strong earthquake, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the tremor was 6.6-magnitude.

Italy’s National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks (CGR) cautioned on October 28 that more powerful earthquakes could hit the region in the nearest future, identifying at least three areas at risk for further seismic activity.

“There is no current evidence that the [seismic] sequence underway is coming to an end,” the commission warned.

Metropolitan Opera Evacuated After Human Ashes Sprinkled Into Orchestra

Diane A. Wade
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Metropolitan Opera Evacuated After Human Ashes Sprinkled Into Orchestra

Metropolitan Opera in New York halted an afternoon performance after an audience member sprinkled what is suspected to be cremated ashes on to the orchestra.

The incident happened during an intermission of Guillaume Tell, prompting anti-terror units to enter the Lincoln Center venue.

Some of those attending said a man told them he was there to release the ashes of a friend, police said.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

The man has been identified and the authorities are trying to reach him.

Cultural venues in New York are on alert for potential threats following the 9/11 attacks and the sprinkling of the unknown material caused the opera house to be evacuated.

The show was canceled, as was the night’s performance of L’Italiana in Algeri, while police investigated.

John Miller, the New York Police Department’s deputy commissioner in charge of intelligence and counterterrorism, said that while disposing of ashes may violate city codes: “I don’t believe at this point that we see any criminal intent here.”

Some of those attending said they were particularly sad to miss the fourth act of Guillaume Tell, which is considered to have the best music in the opera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V55KDRfC9M

Jose Fernandez Death: Miami Marlins Pitcher Had Cocaine and Alcohol In His System

Clyde K. Valle
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Jose Fernandez Death: Miami Marlins Pitcher Had Cocaine and Alcohol In His System

According to toxicology reports, Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez had cocaine and alcohol in his system when he was killed after his boat crashed into a jetty last month.

The reports released by the local medical examiner’s office record that the baseball star had a blood-alcohol content level well above Florida’s legal limit.

Jose Fernandez, 24, and two of his friends died on September 24 in the Miami Beach accident.

It is unclear who was driving the boat at the time.

Image source Wikimedia
Image source Wikimedia

Miami-Dade County Associate Medical Examiner Kenneth Hutchins reported that Jose Fernandez, 27-year-old Emilio Jesus Macias and 25-year-old Eduardo Rivero had each suffered blunt force injuries to their head and body.

Emilio Jesus Macias and Eduardo Rivero both had blood-alcohol levels below the state’s legal limit, while Rivero had cocaine in his system, toxicology reports say.

Investigators had found evidence that the boat was speeding when it hit the jetty, according to the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office.

Jose Fernandez was born in Santa Clara, in Cuba, and defected to Florida when he was 16, after three failed attempts. He made his debut for the Marlins in 2013.

Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Challenges FBI over New Email Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Challenges FBI over New Email Investigation

Hillary Clinton’s campaign team has condemned the FBI’s decision to brief lawmakers on a new inquiry into the Democratic candidate’s email use.

On October 28, FBI Director James Comey informed Congress of the move in a letter, 11 days before the election.

Hillary Clinton told supporters the move was “unprecedented” and “deeply troubling”.

However, Donald Trump has praised the FBI’s decision.

In his letter to Congress, James Comey said the FBI had learned of fresh emails which might be “pertinent” to its previous inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server when she was secretary of state in the Obama administration.

James Comey has defended the move, insisting that not making it public would be “misleading” and also risked being “misunderstood”, given that the FBI does not know the significance of the newly found emails.Hillary Clinton on Brussels attacks

Speaking to supporters in Florida on October 29, Hillary Clinton said: “It’s not just strange, it’s unprecedented. And it is deeply troubling because voters deserve to get full and complete facts.

“So we’ve called on Director Comey to explain everything right away, put it all out on the table.”

Hillary Clinton has said she is confident the investigation into the emails will not change the FBI’s original finding in July, which criticized her but cleared her of any illegal acts.

James Comey has been heavily criticized by Clinton supporters – and according to the New York Times, justice department officials – for his decision to make the information public so close to polling day.

In a memo, James Comey acknowledged “we do not ordinarily tell Congress about ongoing investigations”. But he said he felt an “obligation” to do so given that he had previously testified that the FBI investigation was complete.

Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta said the information provided by James Comey was “long on innuendo” and “short on facts”.

There was, he said, “no evidence of wrongdoing. No charge of wrongdoing. No indication this is even about Hillary”.

Donald Trump meanwhile has said the issue is the biggest political scandal in the US since Watergate, which brought down President Richard Nixon.

At a rally in Colorado on October 29, the Republican candidate said: “Her criminal action was willful, deliberate, intentional and purposeful.

“Hillary set up an illegal server for the obvious purpose of shielding her illegal actions from public disclosure and exposure.”

The FBI has already established that Hillary Clinton had held classified information on a private email server.

In July, James Comey said Hillary Clinton’s handling of sensitive material during her tenure as secretary of state was “extremely careless”, but cleared her of any criminal wrongdoing.

The latest emails were discovered as part of a separate investigation into the estranged husband of top Clinton aide, Huma Abedin.

Devices belonging to Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner, a former high-flying congressman, were seized in an investigation into whether he sent explicit emails to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina.

Investigators are reviewing the documents to see if they contain classified information.

Hillary Clinton’s private email server was first revealed in March 2015 by the New York Times.

She did not immediately express regret, and said the main reason for her “[email protected]” address was “convenience”.

Soon after that Hillary Clinton apologized in an interview with ABC News, and has since said sorry to voters a number of times.

Choi Soon-sil Scandal: South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye Urged to Resign

Diane A. Wade
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Choi Soon-sil Scandal: South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye Urged to Resign

Thousands of South Koreans have rallied in Seoul on October 29, demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye.

The protest comes after Park Geun-hye ordered 10 of her senior advisers to quit after admitting she had allowed an old friend to edit political speeches.

Choi Soon-sil, who holds no government job, is also suspected of meddling in policy-making and exploiting her links with the president for financial gain.

Park Geun-hye’s televised apology over the scandal last week sparked widespread accusations of mismanagement.

President Park Geun-hye has issued an apology to the nation after three officials of the country’s intelligence agency were charged with fabricating evidence in a spying case
Image source AP

Police said about 8,000 protesters took to the streets of Seoul on October 29. Organizers said some 20,000 people turned out.

Many held posters reading “Step down, Park Geun-hye”.

“Park has lost her authority as president and showed she doesn’t have the basic qualities to govern a country,” opposition politician Jae-myung Lee was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Park Geun-hye’s TV apology failed to defuse the situation.

The scandal has badly eroded the president’s popularity before next year’s elections, with some opposition parties calling on her to resign.

However, the row has not prevented Park Geun-hye from proposing that presidents be allowed to stand for a second consecutive term.

Park Geun-hye, 64, became the first woman to lead South Korea after winning presidential elections in 2012.

Choi Soon-sil is the daughter of shadowy religious cult leader Choi Tae-min, who was Park Geun-hye’s mentor until his death in 1994.

She left the country last month and is currently in Germany. She has denied in an interview with South Korean media benefiting financially from her government links.

Choi Soon-sil’s lawyer said she was well aware of the “gravity” of the situation and was willing to return to South Korea if summoned by prosecutors.

Hillary Clinton Says She Is Confident over New FBI Investigation

Diane A. Wade
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Hillary Clinton Says She Is Confident over New FBI Investigation

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton says she is “confident” a new FBI probe linked to her emails will not change its original finding that she should not be prosecuted.

She called on the FBI director to explain the new inquiry to the American people.

James Comey earlier said the FBI was looking into newly found messages.

The latest emails came to light during a separate inquiry into top Clinton aide Huma Abedin’s estranged husband, former congressman Anthony Weiner.

Devices belonging to Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner were seized in an investigation into whether he sent explicit emails to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina.

Hillary Clinton said: “The American people deserve to get the full and complete facts immediately.

“It’s imperative that the bureau explain this issue in question, whatever it is, without any delay.” Hillary-Clinton

She highlighted that James Comey had said he did not know the significance of the new emails, adding: “I’m confident (that) whatever they are will not change the conclusion reached in July.”

Donald Trump, however, described the FBI investigation as “the biggest political scandal since Watergate”, referring to the 1970s scandal that engulfed Republican President Richard Nixon.

“It’s everybody’s hope that justice at last can be delivered,” the Republican candidate told supporters at a rally in Iowa.

“The FBI would never have reopened this case at this time unless it were a most egregious criminal offence.”

James Comey said the FBI would investigate if the newly discovered emails contain classified information.

The FBI chief said in a letter to Congress that investigators had discovered the emails “in connection with an unrelated case… that appear to be pertinent to the investigation”.

James Comey said he “cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant, and I cannot predict how long it will take us to complete this additional work”.

The FBI has already established Hillary Clinton had classified information on a private email server.

In July, James Comey said Hillary Clinton’s handling of sensitive material during her 2009-2013 tenure as secretary of state was “extremely careless”, but cleared her of any criminal wrongdoing.

The revelation that Hillary Clinton handled sensitive information while breaking federal rules by running her own email server out of her upstate New York home has dogged her campaign since last year.

Her campaign chairman John Podesta criticised the FBI’s “extraordinary” timing.

The revelation comes just 11 days before Americans go to the polls in the presidential election.

Hillary Clinton is five points ahead of Donald Trump, according to a Real Clear Politics average.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vIFgC1rATI

Venezuela Opposition Leaders Stage General Strike

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela Opposition Leaders Stage General Strike

Venezuela’s opposition leaders have staged a general strike to push for a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Many stores, businesses and schools stayed closed on October 28 and public transport was quieter than usual.

However, adherence to the strike was patchy and poorer areas largely ignored it.

Nicolas Maduro, who had warned companies they risked being seized if they joined the strike, said the walkout had failed.

Speaking to crowds of supporters, the president said the oil industry had ignored the strike, as had basic industries, banks, schools and transport.

Nicolas Maduro also announced measures to offset economic hardship – mostly caused by plummeting oil prices – by promising to implement a 40% rise of the minimum wage. It was the fourth increment this year.

The move has been dismissed by analysts as insignificant when the country faces spiraling inflation.

The center-right opposition coalition is also angry over a decision to block a referendum on removing Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela.Nicolas Maduro imposes visas for Americans

The coalition won a majority in the National Assembly last December and staged huge anti-government protests earlier this week.

The mass demonstrations came after a recall referendum process – an attempt to remove Nicolas Maduro from power – was suspended.

Opposition activists had gathered about 1.8 million signatures petitioning for the referendum, 400,000 of which were validated by electoral authorities.

The process was halted last week after officials said the signature collection process had been marred by fraud.

Parliament voted on October 25 to open a trial against Nicolas Maduro, whom lawmakers accuse of violating the constitution.

The president called it a “political trial” and said anyone who violated the constitution by launching it should be jailed.

Nicolas Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, is blamed by the opposition for Venezuela’s dire economic situation and widespread food shortages.

In turn, he has accused the opposition of having links to foreign states, the US in particular, and of seeking to overthrow him to “lay their hands on Venezuela’s oil riches”.

Under Venezuela’s constitution, a recall referendum can be held once a president has served half of his term in office and the requisite steps are met.

So far, the opposition has only completed the first step of the process.

Bob Dylan Finally Accepts Nobel Prize In Literature

Sonia Pantiss
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Bob Dylan Finally Accepts Nobel Prize In Literature

Bob Dylan has finally said he accepts his Nobel Prize in literature, ending a silence since being awarded the prize earlier this month.

The singer-songwriter said the honor had left him “speechless”, the Nobel Foundation said in a statement.

The Nobel foundation said it had not yet been decided if Bob Dylan would attend the awards ceremony in December.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

However, Bob Dylan reportedly told the Daily Telegraph he intended to pick up the award in person “if at all possible”.

The award was announced on October 13 “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”.

However, Bob Dylan’s failure to acknowledge it raised eyebrows.

Last week, a member of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel prizes, described Bob Dylan’s silence as “impolite and arrogant”.

However, on October 28, the Nobel Foundation said Bob Dylan had called Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, telling her: “The news about the Nobel Prize left me speechless. I appreciate the honor so much.”

Although the statement said it was unclear if Bob Dylan would attend the prize-giving banquet in Stockholm, the Daily Telegraph quoted the musician as saying: “Absolutely. If it’s at all possible.”

In an interview with the publication he described the prize as “amazing, incredible”.

“It’s hard to believe. Whoever dreams about something like that?” the publication quoted Bob Dylan as saying.

Oregon Occupiers Cleared of Charges

Nancy Clayson
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Oregon Occupiers Cleared of Charges

The leaders of an armed militia who led a 41-day stand-off at a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon have been cleared of the charges against them.

The surprise verdict acquitted the seven men of conspiracy and firearms offences.

A lawyer for Ammon Bundy was tackled to the ground by marshals after shouting at the judge.

The militia occupied the refuge in early January, accusing the government of unlawful interference in the affairs of ranchers.

Image source Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Image source Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

One protester was shot dead by police during a confrontation outside the refuge when some of the defendants were arrested, days before the occupation was brought to a peaceful end in February.

The stand-off highlighted the simmering resentment among rural communities in the West over federal control of land.

A total of 26 people have been charged over the stand-off. Some have already pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

A second group of defendants is due to stand trial in February.

Prosecutors argued the defendants, led by Ammon Bundy and his brother Ryan, had kept federal employees from their jobs at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

However, defense lawyers say the jury was unable to find beyond reasonable doubt that the occupiers had intended to prevent federal officers from going to work.

Drama erupted in the courtroom after Ammon Bundy’s defense lawyer Marcus Mumford shouted at the judge, demanding the immediate release of his client. As the exchange escalated, court marshals tackled him to the ground and used a stun gun on him.

Judge Anna Brown said Ammon Bundy could not be released because he and his brother still faced charges in a separate armed stand-off case at their father’s ranch in Nevada in 2014.

Lawyers for the defendants expressed their surprise at the verdict, including Robert Salisbury who described it as a “stunning victory for the defense”.

Alongside the Bundy brothers, Jeff Banta, Neil Wampler, Kenneth Medenbach, David Fry and Shawna Cox were all cleared of the charges.

During the occupation , the group established armed patrols and vetted those who visited the refuge. They said the takeover was a justified act of civil disobedience against an overreaching federal government.

After several weeks one of the protesters, Robert “LaVoy” Finicum, was shot dead during a 26 January traffic stop outside the refuge as the Bundy brothers and several others were detained.

After the acquittals, US Attorney for the District of Oregon Billy Williams said he had “hoped for a different outcome”.

However, he said he strongly believed the case needed to be brought before a court and decided by a jury.

The FBI also said it was “extremely disappointed in the verdict”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AhSRPWUQVw

Rodrigo Duterte Would Stop Cursing After God Told Him So

Diane A. Wade
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0
Rodrigo Duterte Would Stop Cursing After God Told Him So

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for his colorful language and his short fuse, said he would stop cursing after God told him so.

Arriving in his home city of Davao after a trip to Japan, Rodrigo Duterte said God gave him an ultimatum on the plane.

He said that late at night while everyone was snoring on a flight back to the Philippines, he had heard a voice that said if he didn’t stop swearing: “I will bring this plane down now.”Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte

“I heard a voice telling me to stop swearing or the plane will crash in mid-air, and so I promised to stop,” Rodrigo Duterte told reporters at the airport.

His blunt speaking, often directed at the West, has contributed to his popularity at home.

All were responses to criticisms of his bloody war on drugs, that has seen thousands of alleged drug dealers and users killed by police and vigilante groups.

Rodrigo Duterte said he had promised God he would not “express slang, cuss words and everything”, and said a “promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people”.

However, he suggested his promise might have its limits. Whether he will stick to not swearing when talking about the US, EU or arch political foe Senator Leila de Lima, will depend on timing, local media quoted him as saying.

Like most Filipinos, Rodrigo Duterte is Roman Catholic, although he has boasted about his womanizing and called the Pope a “son of a whore” for causing traffic jams during his visit.

Rodrigo Duterte has spoken about being abused by an American priest as a child, saying that informed his political views.

Mike Pence Narrow Escapes as Plane Skids Off Runway at LaGuardia Airport

Diane A. Wade
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0
Mike Pence Narrow Escapes as Plane Skids Off Runway at LaGuardia Airport

Donald Trump’s running mate Mike Pence has had a narrow escape after his plane slid off the runway while landing in New York City.

The Republican VP candidate told reporters he was fine after the rough touchdown at LaGuardia Airport. No one was injured.

Mike Pence and the other 30 or so passengers were evacuated through the back of the plane. He was coming from a campaign event in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

LaGuardia Airport has been closed until further notice, said officials.

The pilot slammed on the brakes and passengers on the aircraft could smell burning rubber.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Live TV footage showed Mike Pence standing in the rain near the plane among emergency vehicles, talking to police and other officials.

The Iowa governor tweeted: “So thankful everyone on our plane is safe. Grateful for our first responders & the concern & prayers of so many. Back on the trail tomorrow!”

He said mud had splashed on the front windows of the cockpit.

Donald Trump called Mike Pence to check on him after the incident, the campaign said.

“Mr. Trump did reach out to Gov Pence. He’s glad that everyone on board is safe,” Donald Trump spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said in an emailed statement.

The Republican nominee was in a motorcade en route to a rally in Geneva, Ohio.

Donald Trump told supporters at his rally about Mike Pence’s plane mishap, saying: “You know, he was in a big accident with a plane.

“The plane skidded off the runway and was pretty close to grave, grave danger, but I just spoke to Mike and he’s fine. He got out. Everybody’s fine.”

Mike Pence canceled a fundraising event that he was to take part in at Trump Tower in Manhattan, and headed to his hotel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPjLDnPqb8Y

South Korea, US and Japan Agree to Pressure North Korea

Roy Siemens
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0
South Korea, US and Japan Agree to Pressure North Korea

The US, South Korea and Japan have agreed to work together to increase pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

The deputy foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and the US made the announcement after meeting in Tokyo.

The move comes after top US intelligence official James Clapper said that North Korean denuclearization was “probably a lost cause”.

North Korea carried out its fifth and largest nuclear test in September.North Korea mass rally after congress

The North also claims to have made rapid progress developing long-range rockets, which could be used to strike the American mainland.

Speaking after the Tokyo talks, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “We will not accept North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons, period.”

On October 25, James Clapper told an audience in New York that North Korea’s “paranoid” leadership saw nuclear weapons as “their ticket to survival” and the best the US could hope for was a cap on their capabilities.

Following the comments, the US State Department said its policy had not changed and it still aimed for a resumption of the six-nation talks that North Korea pulled out of in 2009.

Also on October 27 South Korea said it would restart talks with Japan on direct sharing of military intelligence on North Korea – information that currently goes via Washington.

South Korea is also expected to begin hosting an advanced US missile defense system soon, despite opposition from North Korea and China.

US Abstains for First Time in UN Annual Vote Against Cuba Embargo

Diane A. Wade
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US Abstains for First Time in UN Annual Vote Against Cuba Embargo

For the first time in 25 years, the US abstained from voting on the annual UN resolution calling for an end to America’s economic embargo against Cuba.

The US ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, said the historic decision reflected the new policy of engagement over isolation.

Diplomatic ties with Cuba were restored in 2015, but Republican-controlled Congress opposes lifting the longstanding embargo.

The vote passed overwhelmingly, with the support of 191 countries.

Only Israel abstained alongside the US.US lifts Cuba embargo 2015

The UN General Assembly has voted to approve the resolution every year since 1992, and the US has always strongly opposed it.

“After 55-plus years of pursuing the path of isolation, we are choosing to take the path of engagement,” Samantha Power said.

She added, however, that the abstention did “not mean that the United States agrees with all of the policies and practices of the Cuban government”, including “serious human rights violations”.

The decision at the UN General Assembly led to immediate protest from US politicians opposed to lifting the embargo.

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz tweeted that the act imposing sanctions on Cuba was “the law of the United States, which should always be defended and upheld”.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Cuba was “grateful” for Samantha Power’s efforts.

“A change in vote by the United States is a promising signal,” he said.

“We hope it will be reflected in reality.”

While UN resolutions of this type are non-binding and non-enforceable, the annual resolution has for 25 years allowed Cuba to demonstrate that global opinion is against America’s Cuba policy.

Cuba says the embargo prevents sick people from being treated with much-needed US medical equipment and farmers from modernizing their agricultural methods.

Italy: Two New Earthquakes Shake Buildings in Rome

Nancy Clayson
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Italy: Two New Earthquakes Shake Buildings in Rome

Two new earthquakes have hit central Italy, shaking buildings in Rome.

According to US Geological Survey, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 17:10 GMT south of Visso in the province of Macerata. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

It was followed just over two hours later by even more powerful quake.

The tremors come two months after a powerful earthquake struck slightly to the south, killing 295 people.

Image source Wikipedia
Image source Wikipedia

The 6.2 magnitude quake, on August 24, toppled buildings in villages in the mountainous region around Amatrice.

Amatrice is just 37 miles away from the epicenter of today’s first earthquake.

People in the towns of Pescara, Ancone and L’Aquila rushed out of their homes in panic as the ground shook.

The earthquakes rattled doors and windows in Rome, reports said. The mayor of one town said residents were without power, and there were reports of damaged buildings.

A section of a highway north of Rome was closed due to a landslide, said Ornella De Luca, a spokeswoman for Italy’s civil protection agency.

PM Matteo Renzi is on his way to Rome, local media report.

The first earthquake was relatively shallow, at a depth of nearly 6 miles.

Donald Trump Breaks from Campaign to Open New Hotel in Washington

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Breaks from Campaign to Open New Hotel in Washington

During the opening ceremony of his new hotel, Donald Trump has praised Newt Gingrich in his TV row with Fox News presenter Megyn Kelly over claims of misconduct made against the Republican nominee.

“Congratulations,” Donald Trump said.

“That was an amazing interview last night… We don’t play games, Newt.”

After the opening ceremony in Washington, he re-joined the campaign trail in North Carolina.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is spending her 69th birthday campaigning in the must-win state of Florida.

Donald Trump had some good news in a Bloomberg Politics poll that put him two points ahead in that state.

However, with less than two weeks until Election Day, Donald Trump continues to trail Hillary Clinton in other key battleground states.

Image source U.S. Marine Corps
Image source U.S. Marine Corps

The $212 million hotel opening at the Washington’s Old Post Office Pavilion was Donald Trump’s second marketing event of the week.

His campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, told NBC’s Today show on October 26 that his appearance at the opening was to showcase his accomplishments.

“Hillary Clinton took five days off to prepare for one debate and everyone looked at that as some kind of noble exercise,” Kellyanne Conway said on Today show.

“He’s got the most active campaign <<sched>> of the two candidates by far.”

The hotel opening was seized on by Hillary Clinton as further evidence that Donald Trump exploits American workers.

The Democratic nominee told a rally in Lake Worth, Florida, that Donald Trump relied on undocumented workers “to make his project cheaper”.

Many of the products in the hotel’s rooms were made overseas, Hillary Clinton said.

Megyn Kelly has previously angered Donald Trump for questioning his attitude towards women.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich claimed the media was spending a disproportionate amount of time on the accusations of assault, which Donald Trump has denied.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BdT8BqENfs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGy5wpY3kMI

How Barack Obama’s Daughter Taught Him Snapchat

Nancy Clayson
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0
How Barack Obama’s Daughter Taught Him Snapchat

President Barack Obama has revealed that his youngest daughter, Sasha, recently mocked him on Snapchat.

He said 15-year-old Sasha had recorded him discussing the social network at a family dinner and then quietly posted a reaction to her friends.

It is not the first time President Obama has discussed Sasha’s online activities.

In July, Barack Obama said Sasha also tweets, leading several media outlets to try to identify her account.

It remains secret.

Likewise a copy of the described Snapchat post has not been made public. Messages posted to the app are designed to disappear after being viewed or within a short period of time, but there are ways to circumvent the restrictions.

Barack Obama recounted the latest event on Monday’s edition of the Jimmy Kimmel Live TV show.

“Sasha gave me instructions on Snapchat,” said the president.

“One night at dinner we’re sitting there, and I had read that Snapchat was becoming really popular among her age cohort. So, I said: <<So, tell me about Snapchat.>>

“So, she starts explaining stuff – you can make little faces on your picture, and this and that and the other.

“And at the end of it, Michelle and I are sitting there. And I said: <<Isn’t this interesting?>>

“And I started talking to Michelle about the implications of social media and what all this means.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

“[And I] come to find out she was recording us the whole time, and then sent to her friends afterwards: <<This is my dad lecturing us on the meaning of social media.>>

“And she took a picture of herself sort of looking bored.”

The president added that the first lady – who joined Snapchat in June – and his eldest daughter Malia had “loved” the post.

Jimmy Kimmel joked that the event represented a security breach.

Barack Obama also mentioned that his own iPhone was limited to receiving emails and browsing the internet, and would not take photos, play music or make calls.

“My rule has been throughout my presidency, that I assume that someday, some time, somebody will read this email,” he said.

“So, I don’t send any email that at some point won’t be on the front page of the newspapers.”

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has been beset by a scandal over leaked emails, while her rival Donald Trump has been accused of using outdated software on his company’s email servers.

Barack Obama also said that he expected technology to preoccupy his successor.

“One of the biggest challenges… is going to be: how do we continue to get all the benefits of being in cyberspace but protect our finances, protect our privacy?

“How do we balance issues of security? Because people expect the government to monitor this enough to protect them from bad guys.

“But they worry that if government is in there too much, then who is going to protect them from government?

“This is going to be a big debate that we’re going to have for a long time.”

Did Justin Timberlake Break the Law While Taking Selfie at Tennessee Polling Station?

Lisa.Felice
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0
Did Justin Timberlake Break the Law While Taking Selfie at Tennessee Polling Station?

Justin Timberlake encourages people to vote while taking a selfie at a polling station in Tennessee.

But he has been spared a brush with the law after the picture he posted of himself voting caught the attention of Tennessee authorities.

Justin Timberlake uploaded a picture to Instagram of him casting a ballot in Memphis.

It became illegal to take photos inside polling locations in Tennessee in 2015.

Justin Timberlake flew from LA to his hometown of Memphis to cast an early ballot ahead of the November 8 election.

Image source Instagram
Image source Instagram

Earlier, the District Attorney’s office said it had been “made aware of a possible violation of state election law” and the matter was “under review”.

However, in a second statement, Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich said the initial response was “incorrect” and “released without my knowledge,” according to Local Memphis.

“I am out of town at a conference. No one in our office is currently investigating this matter nor will we be using our limited resources to do so,” she said.

Justin Timberlake is one of a few million voters who have cast early ballots in a number of states.

In his Instagram caption, he wrote to his 37 million followers: “No excuses, my good people!

“There could be early voting in your town too. If not, November 8th! Choose to have a voice! If you don’t, then we can’t HEAR YOU! Get out and VOTE!”

Any charge would have been considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of $50, or both.

Adam Ghassemi, a spokesman for the Tennessee Secretary of State, said people should only use their phones for help with voting.

But he added that officials are “thrilled Justin can’t stop the feeling” – which is a reference to the title of the singer’s latest song.

Justin Timberlake also took a few moments outside the polling booth to snap some selfies with his fans.

It is illegal to take a photograph in a voting booth in 18 states, according to the Associated Press.

However, it is legal to take a photo in about 20 states and the District of Columbia.

On October 24, a federal court sided with a Michigan man who said the law there that bans voters from taking pictures of their marked ballots and sharing them on social media violated his constitutional right to free speech.

In response, the court halted enforcement of the law.

Also on October 24, two voters in Colorado filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn a state law that criminalized showing a completed ballot to others, arguing the ban was unconstitutional.

Donald Trump Says Hillary Clinton’s Foreign Policy Plan in Syria Would Trigger WWIII

Diane A. Wade
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0
Donald Trump Says Hillary Clinton’s Foreign Policy Plan in Syria Would Trigger WWIII

Donald Trump has said Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy plan in Syria would trigger World War Three.

The Republican also said the US should focus on defeating ISIS rather than removing Syria’s president.

Hillary Clinton has proposed a no-fly zone over Syria. The top US military chief has said that could spell conflict with Russian jets in the region.

The Clinton campaign accused Donald Trump of “playing to Americans’ fears”.

The New York billionaire also attacked Republicans for not uniting behind his candidacy.

Photo AP
Photo AP

“If we had party unity, we couldn’t lose this election to Hillary Clinton,” Donald Trump told Reuters at Trump National Doral golf resort in Miami, Florida.

He struck an apocalyptic tone when criticizing his Democratic rival’s plan to control Syrian air space.

“You’re going to end up in World War Three over Syria if we listen to Hillary Clinton,” he said.

“You’re not fighting Syria anymore, you’re fighting Syria, Russia and Iran, all right?

“Russia is a nuclear country, but a country where the nukes work as opposed to other countries that talk.”

Donald Trump suggested there should be a refocus away from the long-held US position of trying to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying: “What we should do is focus on IS. We should not be focusing on Syria.”

He also suggested Hillary Clinton would be unable to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin after her sharp criticism of him.

Donald Trump questioned “how she is going to go back and negotiate with this man who she has made to be so evil” if she is elected president on November 8.

The Clinton campaign dismissed the criticism, saying both Republican and Democratic national security experts have denounced Donald Trump as unfit to be commander-in-chief.

“Once again, he is parroting Putin’s talking points and playing to Americans’ fears, all while refusing to lay out any plans of his own for defeating ISIS or alleviating humanitarian suffering in Syria,” Hillary Clinton spokesman Jesse Lehrich said in a statement.

Donald Trump’s warning of confrontation with Russia echoes concerns raised last month at a congressional hearing by the highest-ranking military officer in the US armed forces.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Marine General Joseph Dunford told lawmakers a “no-fly zone” in Syria could spell war with Russia.

“Right now, senator, for us to control all of the airspace in Syria it would require us to go to war, against Syria and Russia,” he told the Senate Arms Services Committee.

“That’s a pretty fundamental decision that certainly I’m not going to make.”

At the final presidential debate in Nevada on October 19, Hillary Clinton outlined her support for the measure.

“A no-fly zone can save lives and hasten the end of the conflict,” she said on stage.

However, in a 2013 speech to Goldman Sachs, Hillary Clinton said establishing a no-fly zone would “kill a lot of Syrians”, according to a transcript disclosed by WikiLeaks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFODDL6lmEI

iPhone Sales Beat Analyst Expectations

Clyde K. Valle
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0
iPhone Sales Beat Analyst Expectations

Apple has reported falling of iPhone sales and revenue for the third quarter in a row, but sales beat analyst expectations.

It sold 45.51 million iPhones in the three months to September 24, beating an average estimate of 44.8 million.

The company also forecast higher-than-expected holiday season revenue of between $76 billion and $78 billion.

But revenue in Q4 fell 9% to $46.85 billion.

That meant annual revenue fell for the first time since 2001, highlighting a slowdown in the smartphone market as well as intensifying competition, particularly from Chinese rivals.

Apple executives said demand for the new iPhone 7 was strong, despite fiscal fourth-quarter revenue falls in China and the Americas, its two most important markets.iphone-7-launch-2016

Revenue from Greater China, once seen as Apple’s next growth hope, fell 30% in the quarter, after dropping 33% in the previous quarter.

In the same period last year, revenue from Greater China doubled.

Apple’s shares were down 3% at about $114.80 in after-hours trading.

Net income fell to $9.01 billion in the fourth quarter, down from $11 billion in the same quarter in 2015.

For the year, net income fell to $45.7 billion from $53.4 billion.

Apple CFO Luca Maestri said it was “impossible to know” if there was any effect yet from rival Samsung halting production of Galaxy Note 7 phones earlier this month.

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