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Donald Trump Secures Republican Nomination at GOP Convention

Republican Donald Trump has secured his nomination for US president on day two of GOP’s National Convention.

House Speaker Paul Ryan urged delegates to unite behind Donald Trump, a day after splits in the party were evident as the convention opened.

The Trump campaign also faces accusations a speech by Melania Trump on July 18 was plagiarized from First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic Convention speech.

On the second day of the Republican National Convention, speakers focused almost exclusively on attacking Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former prosecutor, held a mock trial for Hillary Clinton as the crowd chanted “lock her up”.Donald Trump hails Brexit referendum result

Chris Christie and others criticized Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email account while she was serving as secretary of state.

An FBI investigation said Hillary Clinton was “extremely careless” but found her actions didn’t warrant criminal prosecution. However, Gov. Chris Christie and the crowd disagreed as he repeatedly yelled “guilty”.

Chris Christie said Hillary Clinton has “selfish, awful judgment” and was to blame for various foreign policy problems in Libya, Syria and elsewhere.

Donald Trump is expected to accept the nomination on July 21.

His children played a prominent role on July 19, standing with the New York delegation as he was declared winner and delivering remarks.

Donald Trump youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, whose mother is former model and dancer Marla Maples, told some personal stories about her father.

Tiffany Trump recalled scribbling notes in her school report cards and how excited she becomes when introducing her father to her friends.

Donald Trump is a “natural-born encourager” who has motivated her to work hard, his daughter said.

His son, Donald Trump Jr., described him as his best friend and role model.

“When people tell him it can’t be done, that guarantees it will get done,” he said of his father.

Donald Trump Jr. said Hillary Clinton was a risk the US could not afford to take and that “if she were elected, she would be the first president who can’t pass a background check”.

Donald Trump addressed the audience via a live-stream and said the nomination was an honor.

“This is a movement, but we have to go all the way,” he said.

“This is going to be a leadership that puts American people first.”

Parts of Donald Trump Jr.’s speech used segments of an article that had already appeared in the journal The American Conservative.

However, the article’s author, FH Buckley, said it was not plagiarism, as Buckley himself acted as one of the family’s speechwriters.

Turkey Coup Attempt: More Than 50,000 People Purged by Government

Over 50,000 people have been detained, fired or suspended from their jobs by Turkey’s government in the wake of last week’s failed coup.

The purge of those deemed disloyal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan widened on July 19 to include teachers, university deans and the media.

According to the government, they are allied to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who denies claims he directed the uprising.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Fethullah Gulen led a “terrorist organization”.

“We will dig them up by their roots,” the prime minister told parliament.

Turkey is pressing the US to extradite Fethullah Gulen and the issue was raised during a phone call between President Barack Obama and President Erdogan on July 19, the White House said.Turkey purge coup attempt

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said a decision on whether or not to extradite would be made under a treaty between the two countries.

A Turkish government spokesman suggested that the US should be able to extradite Fethullah Gulen “on grounds of suspicion” rather than requiring facts of the case against him.

“There is very strong suspicion for his [Fethullah Gulen’s] involvement in this coup attempt. So this is sufficient grounds,” said spokesman Ibrahim Kalin.

For his part, the preacher says claims he was behind the coup attempt are “ridiculous”.

“I urge the US government to reject any effort to abuse the extradition process to carry out political vendettas,” Fethullah Gulen said in a statement.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to chair meetings of his national security council and cabinet in the capital, Ankara, on July 20, after returning to the city for the first time since the attempted coup.

The meeting will be Erdogan’s first chance since the coup attempt to sit and talk in person with all key members of the government and armed forces.

His task is to re-impose stability amid the turmoil and to reassure the country and Turkey’s allies abroad that he is not embarking on a witch-hunt against his many critics.

The Pentagon said that talks also took place on July 19 between Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his Turkish counterpart, regarding the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey.

The base is used by the US-led coalition fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Turkish government crackdown widened on July 19 to include the education sector and government departments.

According to Turkish media,15,200 teachers and other education staff had been sacked; 1,577 university deans were ordered to resign; 8,777 interior ministry workers were dismissed; 1,500 staff in the finance ministry had been fired; 257 people working in the prime minister’s office were sacked.

Turkish media regulation body also revoked the licenses of 24 radio and TV channels accused of links to Fethullah Gulen.

The news came on top of the arrests of more than 6,000 military personal and the sackings of nearly 9,000 police officers. About 3,000 judges have also been suspended.

The removal of thousands of officials has alarmed international observers, with the UN urging Turkey to uphold the rule of law and defend human rights.

A senior German official said on July 19 that “a deep split” had opened in Turkey, and he feared the divisions would cause unrest among Germany’s large Turkish community.

“The danger of an escalation in violence between Erdogan supporters and opponents has also risen in Germany,” Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann told the Berliner Zeitung newspaper.

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has accused Turkey of carrying out “revenge” against its opponents and critics.

He also said a debate around restoring the death penalty was “deeply worrying”. The EU has warned such a move would end talks over Turkey joining the bloc.

According to official figures, last week’s coup attempt left 232 people dead and 1,541 wounded.

Pippa Middleton Engaged to James Matthews

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Pippa Middleton has confirmed she got engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews.

In a statement, Pippa Middleton – the younger sister of Kate Middleton – and James Matthews said they are planning to marry in 2017.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews became engaged on July 17 – reportedly during a trip to the Lake District.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said that Kate Middleton and Prince William are “absolutely delighted”.Pippa Middleton and Kate

Pippa Middleton was the maid of honor when Kate married Prince William in 2011.

Michael Middleton, Pippa’s father, said he and his wife Carole were “absolutely thrilled” with the news.

“They make a wonderful couple and we wish them every happiness together,” Michael Middleton added.

Pippa Middleton was wearing her engagement ring as she was pictured leaving her house this morning.

James Matthews and Pippa Middleton are reported to have been dating for about a year and were photographed at Wimbledon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ZNXHFb_Tw

Baby Wipe Ingredients to Know (And Steer Clear Of)

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Making sure your baby is healthy and happy is one of the most challenging learning experiences that all parents must go through. Learning which products work for you and your family is a complicated process that will take some trial and error; some chemicals in your everyday products might not be as safe for your baby as you’d like to think. Even though they are approved for use on human children, you still might not want to risk activating or agitating any potential allergies.

 

Which is exactly why we’re going to take a deeper look at some of the more harmful ingredients inside baby wipes, so you can be sure to avoid them.Baby wipes allergies

 

Formaldehyde

It’s pretty widely accepted that you can’t just put formaldehyde into stuff that people use on or in their bodies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave it the highest (i.e. worst) score for negative health impact. It is a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which is a type of eczema that develops usually within a few hours of contact with the allergen (the substance that the person is allergic to).

 

However, none of this has stopped the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – so keep an eye out for these ingredients:

 

 

  • Diazolidinyl Urea
  • DMDM Hydantoin
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Quaternium-15
  • Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin
  • Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
  • 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol)
  • Polyoxymethylene Urea
  • 5-Bromo-5-Nitro-1,3 Dioxane
  • Methenamine
  • Glyoxal
  • Benzylhemiformal

 

 

They may be hard to pronounce, but keeping an eye out for these ingredients will save you a lot of potential trouble later on down the road. Pro-tip: Baby wipes by companies like Honest do not have any formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances in their product. Options do exist, you just have to do your research.

 

Hydroquinone

Tocopheryl and Tocopheryl Acetate are compounds that are hugely beneficial for your skin, as they contain strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, they are often synthesized using hydroquinone, which is currently recognized as a carcinogen, and thus found to have evidence of carcinogenic properties. It is an allergen, skin toxicant and has been linked with other non-reproductive organs toxicity.

 

Phthalates

You will likely not see phthalates as a listed ingredient on any labels of baby wipes. However, you would likely find the words “fragrance” or “perfume” on labels, which is a mixture of hidden ingredients in baby wipes. According to the EWG, fragrance mixtures can often contain diethyl phthalate, which is associated with hormone disruption, allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and has potential effects on the reproductive system. The EWG has given it a rating of 8 on a scale of 10 – with 10 being the most harmful.

 

When looking for a great brand of baby wipes, it is good practice to look for varieties not containing a fragrance, as they tend to irritate sensitive skin, as well as steering clear of anything containing the suffix “-paraben” (a chemical preservative).

 

These aren’t the only hidden ingredients in baby wipes, but they are among the most harmful. If you do you due diligence and research, you can steer clear of these chemicals and have a happy, healthy baby with a happy, healthy bottom.

Did Melania Trump Plagiarize Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic Convention Speech?

Melania Trump is facing accusations of plagiarism after her speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention.

Commentators noticed similarities with First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic Convention speech.

Melania Trump’s speech also praised her husband as a “compassionate” man who would “fight for the country”.

It was her first speech of the campaign and she had the help of a speechwriting team.

In a section, Donald Trump’s wife said: “My parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect.”

Michelle Obama’s speech in 2008 carried the lines: “Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them.”

Melania Trump speech continued: “[My parents] taught me to show the values and morals in my daily life. That is the lesson that I continue to pass along to our son. And we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow, because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

Michelle Obama said: “And Barack Obama and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generations. Because we want our children, and all children in this nation, to know that the only limit to the height of your achievement is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”Melania Trump Michelle Obama plagiarism

Donald Trump’s communications adviser Jason Miller issued a statement saying: “In writing her beautiful speech, Melania’s team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations, and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking.

“Melania’s immigrant experience and love for America shone through in her speech, which made it such a success.”

Melania Trump, a Slovenian-born former model, had used the speech to portray her husband as a tough but compassionate unifying force.

“He’s tough when he has to be but he’s also kind and fair and caring,” she said.

“The kindness is not always noted, but it’s there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with.”

Melania Trump has kept a lower profile compared with other spouses of major candidates. Her adult children have often filled the role.

Her mostly personal speech contrasted with the night’s other speakers who spoke about “making America safe again”.

She said: “If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you, he is the guy.”

A wide range of speakers, including a county sheriff, a decorated combat veteran and a former model, told stories of military service, urban crime and the dangers of illegal immigration.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton took aim at presumptive Democratic nominee State Hillary Clinton, questioning her judgement in foreign affairs.

“Who would trust Hillary Clinton to protect them?” said Rudy Giuliani, whose rousing speech fired up the crowd at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

“I wouldn’t.”

Many GOP leaders – such as Ohio Governor John Kasich whose state is hosting the convention – have decided not to attend this year’s festivities, turned off by Donald Trump’s controversial stances on immigration and foreign policy.

Donald Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US and also advocated deporting almost 11 million undocumented immigrants.

A speech by Wisconsin police sheriff David Clarke strongly defended police officers in the wake of the deadly shooting in Baton Rouge, which killed three officers over the weekend.

“Blue lives matter!” David Clarke said to huge cheers from the delegates in the convention hall.

The killings prompted Donald Trump to say the country was falling apart – a claim strongly disputed by President Barack Obama.

Earlier, anti-Trump delegates failed in their final push to block Donald Trump’s nomination.

The vote that would have allowed delegates to back a candidate of their choice was quashed when three states reportedly backed out.

Some said the GOP officials had sabotaged their efforts on purpose.

The push was the last gasp for those who hope to see a different Republican candidate get the nomination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8f9ZXHHdZ0

Turkey Coup Attempt: Nearly 8,000 Police Officers Purged

Up to 8,000 police officers have been suspended in Turkey, reportedly on suspicion of having links to the failed coup attempt at the weekend, officials say.

Some 6,000 members of the judiciary and military, including generals, have been detained in connection with the coup.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to purge state bodies of the “virus” that caused the revolt.

The EU’s foreign policy chief says the rule of law in Turkey needs protection.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

The government claims cleric Fethullah Gulen was behind the plot.

Fethullah Gulen lives in the US and strongly denies any involvement.

Turkish state media reported on July 18 that more than 100 generals and admirals had been detained in raids across the country.

Eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece by helicopter are appearing in court in the Greek border city of Alexandropouli charged with entering the country illegally.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a crowd on July 17 that Turkey would consider reinstating the death penalty.

Capital punishment was abolished in 2004 as part of Turkey’s bid to join the EU. Nobody has been executed in the country since 1984.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, was speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers and Secretary of State John Kerry in Brussels, at which the events in Turkey are likely to be high on the agenda.

Federica Mogherini said there would be no excuse for any steps that would take Turkey away from the rule of law and that the foreign ministers would be sending a “strong message” on that.

Morocco Wants to Rejoin African Union After 32 Years

Morocco has announced its intention to rejoin the African Union (AU), 32 years after leaving the organization.

In a message to the AU summit in Rwanda, King Mohammed VI of Morocco said the time had come for his country to retake its place within its institutional family.

Morocco left the AU in 1984, after the organization recognized the independence of Western Sahara.

Morocco describes Western Sahara as its “southern provinces”.Morocco African Union

For more than three decades, Morocco has refused to be part of the AU.

In March, Morocco threatened to pull its soldiers out of UN global peacekeeping missions because of the dispute.

Now, the Moroccan authorities seem to have concluded their absence hasn’t helped them diplomatically over Western Sahara and many other issues.

They sent a special envoy to lobby African leaders at their summit in the Rwandan capital Kigali this weekend.

The AU has said that it will continue pushing for the rights of the people of Western Sahara to hold a self-determination referendum.

Morocco is the only African country which is not an AU member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2DKf25Vmrk

Baton Rouge Shootings: African-American Gunman Kills Three Police Officers

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Three police officers were shot dead in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by an African-American who had served for five years in the Marines.

The suspect, Gavin Long from Kansas City, Missouri, was also killed.

Gavin Long, 29, had posted videos on the internet complaining about police treatment of African-Americans.

Tensions in Baton Rouge have been high since another black man, Alton Sterling, was shot dead by police two weeks ago.

That death – and a second police shooting in Minnesota – sparked protests across the US and triggered a revenge attack by a black army veteran who shot dead five officers in Dallas.

In one video, posted on YouTube, Gavin Long said that should “anything happen” to him, he was “not affiliated” with any group.Gavin Long Baton Rouge shooter

“I’m affiliated with the spirit of justice, nothing more nothing less. I thought my own thoughts, I made my own decisions,” he said.

In a live broadcast from the White House, President Barack Obama called upon all Americans to unite and refrain from divisive language.

“Regardless of motive, the death of these three brave officers underscores the danger that police across the country confront every single day, and we as a nation have to be loud and clear that nothing justifies violence against law enforcement,” said the president.

“Everyone right now focus on words and actions that can unite this country rather than divide it further,” Barack Obama added, as the US begins two weeks of political conventions with Republicans meeting in Cleveland later on July 18.

“We need to temper our words and open our hearts… all of us,” said the president.

A vigil was attended by police officers and members of the public on Sunday evening at Saint John the Baptist Church in Zachary, just north of Baton Rouge.

The incident began on July 17 with shots being fired at a petrol station on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge.

Police received reports of a man with an assault rifle.

Shots were exchanged over a period of more than 15 minutes, leaving three police officers and the suspect dead, with three other officers wounded, one in a critical condition.

The dead officers were named as Montrell Jackson, 32, and Matthew Gerald, 41, of the Baton Rouge police department, and Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Garafola, 45. All three men had families.

Gavin Long, a former Marine, received an honorable discharge, and won several medals while in the military, including one for good conduct.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards told a news conference it was an “absolutely unspeakable, heinous attack.”

Although no other suspects have been identified, police said they were investigating whether the gunman had help from unknown others.

“We are not ready to say he acted alone,” said state police spokesman Major Doug Cain.

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden said he had spoken to White House officials who had offered assistance. He said it was “a defining moment” for community relations.

Kip Holden also told local media the “rhetoric from some people” after the death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge may be connected to the shootings, without elaborating who.

5 Simple Steps to Finding the Perfect Serviced Office in Auckland

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Sometimes, it can feel like providing all of the things needed to run a business takes more effort than actually running it. In a leased office or lot, there are all kinds of responsibilities to think about. Everything from heating to lighting, computers, stationery, furniture, cleaning, and safety equipment needs to be provided on a constant basis. This inevitably takes focus away from business objectives and ties up essential resources.

However, with a serviced office, like the ones offered by Servcorp, all of these things are taken care of on your behalf. These premium workspaces can be rented – on a short or long term basis – with everything that your business could ever need included in the deal. Unlike traditional office leases, you are paying for a personal space that is ready to use from day one. Plus, you can choose from one of two prestigious Servcorp addresses, in Auckland.

Step One: Establish a Budget

For smaller companies, budget is bound to be a priority. Fortunately, most reputable providers offer a range of different price tiers and packages. And, the majority of serviced office arrangements come with ‘user pay’ features. So, you don’t necessarily have to pay for a fully equipped workspace, especially if the package includes things that you don’t need. It is best to speak with a provider directly if you want more information on office rates.

Step Two: Pick a Great Location

Servcorp owns and operates from three prominent addresses in Auckland and Wellington. Its serviced office solutions are available at the Vero Centre and the PwC Tower. These are both prestigious Auckland addresses and they add credibility and authority to any business that makes it homes there. However, before you decide on a location, think carefully about things like distance from key clients, ease of parking, leisure (respite) areas, and equipment quality.

 auckland

Step Three: Start Small and Grow

If you have never used serviced office solutions before and you’re not sure how much space you need, the best approach is to start small. The great thing about this kind of service is that there are no rigid contracts. Businesses can downgrade or upgrade, as and when they see fit, by adding features to their existing deal or package. You can even pay on a monthly basis, so that you’re not locked into any long term arrangements.

Step Four: Select the Best Features

While budget is always going to be a consideration, skimping on features and perks is not a good idea if you want to take full advantage of the communication, secretarial, IT, and administrative benefits of serviced solutions. Make sure that you have a dedicated phone line and mailing address, as an absolute minimum. Also, check the policy on calls if you are planning to liaise with clients overseas. Most offer free local calls, but charge for international communications.

Step Five: Read the Rules Carefully

It is really important that you understand the terms of your arrangement, before you hand over any money. One of the best things about serviced offices is that they don’t have to lock you into a long term contract, so ultimately, if you are unhappy with the deal, you won’t have to wait long to change it. However, it is still best to read the terms and conditions carefully and know exactly what you are getting.

Choose Servcorp for Premium Serviced Office Solutions

With serviced office solutions from Servcorp, businesses can benefit from all the flexibility of ‘nomadic’ a work schedule, while also enjoying the security of a physical work environment. There are obligatory long term contracts, no charges for services that you don’t use, and there is no need to go it alone. The secretarial, administrative, and tech support teams are always on hand to provide advice, information, and onsite training.

Herbalife Reaches $200 Million Deal with FTC over Pyramid Scheme Label

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Herbalife has reached a deal with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to avoid being labeled a pyramid scheme.

The dietary supplement company agreed to pay $200 million to settle the accusations.

The FTC had been investigating whether Herbalife misled customers about the potential value of reselling its products.

The deal was a blow to activist investor Bill Ackman who was betting against the company.

Herbalife shares climbed over 18% at one point.

Bill Ackman made several public allegations that Herbalife was a “bad” company that relied on a hierarchical structure that focused on recruiting new salespeople rather than selling products.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

The FTC investigation also focused on this structure. Herbalife uses a direct sales method where products are bought by distributors to sell to the public and who are also encouraged to bring in new recruits.

The FTC settlement requires Herbalife to reorganize its compensation system to reward retail sales more than recruitment.

The regulator said, only a small proportion of Herbalife distributors earned anything near the amount the company promised.

FTC chairwoman Edith Ramirez said in a statement: “Herbalife is going to have to start operating legitimately, making only truthful claims about how much money its members are likely to make.”

Herbalife marketing material advertised that part-time sellers of its nutritional products would earn between $500 to $1,500 a month. Many distributors, in fact, lost money.

On July 15, Herbalife also announced it was changing its internal governance to allow investor Carl Icahn to own a larger stake in the company.

Carl Icahn will now be able to own 35% of Herbalife shares.

In a statement, Carl Icahan praised Herbalife’s management for the way it handled the investigation. He also said the company should move on and look at possibly acquiring some competitors.

“Now that the company has reached a settlement with the FTC, it is time to consider a range of strategic opportunities, including potential roll-ups involving competitors, as well as other strategic transactions,” he said.

Carl Icahan’s support of Herbalife led to a dispute with Bill Ackman.

Bill Ackman has been “shorting” the company – a strategy where an investor borrows stock and sells it hoping to buy it back at a lower price before the date of return.

The two exchanged insults during an interview calling each other a “liar” and a “cry-baby”.

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

Turkey Coup Attempt: 2,839 Soldiers and Officers Arrested

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Turkey’s PM Binali Yildirim has announced that some 2,839 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, have been arrested after an attempted coup that is now over.

At least 161 civilians have been killed and other 1,440 wounded during clashes.

Those held include two army generals, Turkish media say.

Explosions and firing were heard in key cities on Friday night, July 15, and thousands heeded a call by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to rise up against the coup-plotters.

It is unclear who was behind the coup.Turkey coup attempt 2016

The authorities also said 104 suspected coup-plotters had also been killed.

Some 2,745 Turkish judges have also been dismissed in the wake of the coup, state media say.

They are reported to include a member of Turkey’s top court.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed a “parallel structure” – a reference to Fethullah Gulen, a powerful but reclusive US-based Muslim cleric whom he accuses of fomenting unrest.

Fethullah Gulen has rejected any suggestion of links to what happened, saying he condemned “in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey”.

The Turkish government wants Fethullah Gulen’s extradition.

Events began on July 15 as tanks took up positions on two of the bridges over the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, blocking traffic. Troops were seen on the streets and low-flying military jets were filmed over Ankara.

Shortly after, an army faction issued a statement that a “peace council” was running the country, and it had launched the coup “to ensure and restore constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms”.

President Recep Tyyip Erdogan, then in the south-west resort of Marmaris, made a TV address via his mobile phone, urging people to take to the streets to oppose the uprising.

After flying to Istanbul, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “What is being perpetrated is a treason and a rebellion. They will pay a heavy price.”

During the violence, the Turkish parliament and presidential buildings in Ankara were attacked. Gunfire was also heard outside Istanbul police headquarters and tanks were said to be stationed outside Istanbul airport.

Broadcaster CNN Turk was temporarily taken off air after soldiers entered the building and tried to take it over. CNN Turk later tweeted a photo of soldiers being arrested by police.

There were reports of fierce clashes in Taksim Square in central Istanbul, and gunfire and explosions were heard near the square. One of the helicopters being flown by rebels was reportedly shot down by government troops in Ankara.

Qandeel Baloch Dead: Pakistani Social Media Celebrity Murdered in Honor Killing

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Qandeel Baloch, best known as Pakistani social media celebrity, has been killed by her brother in an apparent “honor killing” in the province of Punjab, police say.

The 26-year-old recently caused controversy by posting controversial pictures of herself on social media, including one alongside a Muslim cleric.

Police say Qandeel Baloch was strangled to death.

Cases of women being killed for “dishonoring” their family are commonplace in Pakistan.

Qandeel Baloch became a household name for posting bold, photographs, video and comments.Qandeel Baloch killed

Her parents told The Express Tribune that she was strangled to death on July 15 following an argument with her brother, Wasim.

They said her body was not discovered until the next day. Her parents have been taken into custody, the Tribune reported.

Qandeel Baloch had gone to Punjab from Karachi because of the threat to her security, police say.

Family sources quoted by the Tribune said: “[Her] brothers had asked her to quit modeling.”

Sources quoted by the newspaper said that Wasim Baloch was upset about Qandeel’s uploading controversial pictures online and had threatened her about it.

Police said Wasim Baloch had not been arrested and was on the run.

Qandeel Baloch’s murder was condemned by filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, whose documentary A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness won an Oscar earlier this year.

“I really feel that no woman is safe in this country, until we start making examples of people, until we start sending men who kill women to jail, unless we literally say there will be no more killing and those who dare will spend the rest of their lives behind bars,” Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy told the AFP.

Qandeel Baloch rose to fame in Pakistan in 2014 when a video of her pouting at the camera and asking “How em looking?” went viral.

In a recent interview Qandeel Baloch was bitterly critical of Pakistan’s patriarchal society and described herself as a leading exponent of girl power.

While many younger people saw Qandeel Baloch as a cultural icon and hailed her liberal views, she was also subjected to frequent misogynist abuse online.

Qandeel Baloch’s request for better security was ignored by the government, Dawn reported, despite pleas made three weeks ago to the interior minister and other senior officials.

Hundreds of women are murdered every year in Pakistan in so-called honor killing cases.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deaWVf99x2g

Nice Truck Attack: Police Detain Five People Linked to Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel

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French police have detained five people believed to be linked to Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, the man who killed 84 people in Nice, the Paris prosecutor’s office says.

According to Le Monde, three arrests were made on July 16 and two on July 15, including Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel’s estranged wife.

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a truck into crowds marking Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais on July 14 before he was shot dead by police.

ISIS claimed one of its followers carried out the attack.

Amaq, the news agency linked to ISIS,said: “He did the attack in response to calls to target the citizens of the coalition that is fighting the Islamic State.”

France’s Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel seemed to have been “radicalized very quickly”.

He said the “new type of attack… showed the extreme difficulty of the fight against terrorism”.

Prosecutors said Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, a 31-year-old Tunisian, drove the truck 1.2 miles along the promenade targeting people.

Of the 84 who died, 10 were children. Some 202 people were injured; 52 are critical, of whom 25 are on life support.

Stephanie Simpson, from the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice, said 5 children remained in critical condition, one was in a “very bad” condition, three were on artificial respiration, one had been stabilized and one 8-year-old child remained unidentified.

President Francois Hollande said 50 people were “between life and death”, while several people are missing.

Meanwhile, President Francois Hollande met with his defense and security chiefs and cabinet ministers on July 16.

He called for national unity in France and said: “We are in a time when, and we have seen it, there is a temptation to divide the country.

“Faced with these temptations, faced with this risk, we must recall the unity and cohesion of this country.”

Francois Hollande, who says the attack was a terrorist act, has already moved to extend a state of emergency by three months.

A state of emergency has been in place across France since the Paris attacks carried out by ISIS on November 13.

Francois Hollande had proposed lifting the state of emergency on July 26, but reversed his decision after the Nice attack.

Some 30,000 people were on the Promenade des Anglais at the time of the attack, officials said.

Residents of Nice and foreign tourists were killed, among them 4 French citizens, 3 Algerians, a teacher and two schoolchildren from Germany, 3 Tunisians, two Swiss, two Americans, a Ukrainian, an Armenian and a Russian.

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was known to the police as a petty criminal, but was “totally unknown to intelligence services… and was never flagged for signs of radicalization,” prosecutor Francois Molins said.

However, French PM Manuel Valls said he was “in way or another” linked to radical Islam and Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said the attack bore the hallmarks of jihadist terrorism.

Turkey Coup Attempt: Military Group Announces Takeover on National TV

A group of Turkish army has announced it has taken control of the country, with bridges closed in Istanbul and aircraft flying low over Ankara.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim earlier denounced an “illegal action” by a military “group”, stressing it was not a coup. He said that the government remained in charge.

Traffic has been stopped from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul.

There are reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara.

Soldiers were inside buildings of the Turkish state broadcaster in Ankara.

Gunfire was also heard outside Istanbul police headquarter and tanks are said to be stationed outside Istanbul airport. All flights are canceled, reports say.

CNN Turk reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “safe” but did not elaborate.Turkey coup attempt July 2016

A statement from the military group read out on NTV television said: “The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.”

Who represents the group remains uncertain.

A Turkish presidential source told Reuters that the statement was not authorized by the military command.

PM Binali Yildirim told NTV by telephone: “We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt. “

“Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,” he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a “coup”.

The prime minister said: “There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.”

There are reports Turkey’s top general has been taken hostage at the military headquarter.

Visiting Moscow, Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped for peace and “continuity” in Turkey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfTUhxX_-l8

Donald Trump Picks Mike Pence as Running Mate

Indiana Governor Mike Pence has been selected to be Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate.

Donald Trump’s campaign planned to announce his selection on July 15, but canceled the event because of the attack in Nice, France.

On July 15, Donald Trump confirmed the selection on Twitter.

Donald Trump hopes Mike Pence – a former congressman popular among social conservatives – can help him shore up support among wavering Republicans.

Other candidates in the running were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Before his current job, Mike Pence, 57, spent 12 years in Washington in the House of Representatives.

Mike Pence’s legislative experience and position of governor of a Midwestern state could give Donald Trump advantages in the general election.

The Indiana governor is strongly anti-abortion and signed a religious freedom bill, which some saw as anti-gay, into law.

The likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton quickly responded to the selection on the same day, emphasizing Mike Pence’s stances on gay rights and abortion.

The campaign hopes that Mike Pence will help boost Donald Trump’s image with social conservatives who have been unsettled by Trump’s brash persona.

Donald Trump has said he wants a running mate who could help him work with Congress.

However, Donald Trump and Mike Pence differ on some key issues including the billionaire’s call to ban Muslim from entering the US.

In 2015, Mike Pence tweeted that Donald Trump’s plan was “offensive and unconstitutional”.

He has also expressed support for free trade agreements and was in favor of the war in Iraq, which Donald Trump says he was not.

Mike Pence also criticized Donald Trump for his attacks on Hispanic judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana.

Donald Trump had said Gonzalo Curiel could not possibly rule fairly in a case against him became of his Hispanic heritage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgVg_y435v0

Nice Truck Attack: At Least 84 Killed And More Than 50 Injured

More than 80 people, including children, have been killed after a truck slammed through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the southern French city of Nice.

The driver ploughed on for 1.2 miles on the Promenade des Anglais at about 23:00 local time on July 14, before being shot dead by police.

Witnesses say the speeding truck swerved and zigzagged in an apparent attempt to hit more people.

Police reportedly found guns and grenades inside the lorry.

France’s President Francois Hollande said the attack was of “an undeniable terrorist nature”.

PM Manuel Valls has declared three days of national mourning for the victims from July 16.

A state of emergency, in place since November’s Paris attacks carried out by ISIS, in which 130 people died, has been extended by three months.

The attack in Nice began shortly after the end of a firework display on the seafront for Bastille Day, which is the country’s national holiday.

Photo AFP
Photo AFP

A white truck, the front of which was riddled with bullet holes, continued to be examined by police in Nice on July 15.

A journalist with the Nice Matin newspaper reported from the scene that there was “a lot of blood”.

According to officials, 84 people died in the attack and about 50 people have been injured, 18 of them critically.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi has told local media that about 10 children were among those killed.

No group has so far said it was behind the attack; prosecutors said the inquiry would be handled by anti-terror investigators.

According to AFP news agency, the identity papers of a 31-year-old French-Tunisian were found in the truck, citing an unnamed police source.

Local media reports named the man as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, but his identity has not yet been confirmed.

President Francois Hollande addressed the nation on July 15 saying France had been “badly hit” but was strong, adding “we need to do everything we can to fight against” such attacks.

“All of France is under the threat of Islamic terrorism,” he said.

Francois Hollande added that “operational reserves” would be deployed to support the army and security forces across the country, with particular focus on the borders.

Manuel Valls said later that the goal of terrorists was to “instill fear and panic”.

“But France is a great country and a great democracy that will not allow itself to be destabilized,” he said.

President Barack Obama condemned “in the strongest terms” what he said appeared to be “a horrific terrorist attack in Nice”.

Nice’s jazz festival has been cancelled and the southern city of Marseille has announced it is canceling a fireworks show planned to take place on Friday evening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1sOfQcPzI

Getting Divorced Abroad

Divorce is a financial and emotional nightmare. However, when international laws are applied, things tend to get even more complicated for foreign nationals and expatriates.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreement Reviews

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements play a key role in divorce proceedings. Devised with divorce in mind, these reviews are especially important abroad.

It’s the agreement itself that’s very likely to dictate the exact court that is to be in charge of divorce proceedings and that can hugely simplify the process. However, the level of significance of the agreement varies depending on the country. While in some countries, the prenuptial and postnuptial agreements carry great weight in determining which court will be responsible for divorce proceedings, others are more reliant on other factors.

Getting Divorced Abroad

The Question of Jurisdiction

A prime example of the upsides of being a part of the European Union, the set of rules that apply to divorce proceedings jurisdiction has made things simple for the EU member states, when it comes to divorce proceedings.

Complications arise, however, if the couple that is filing for divorce is living outside the boundaries of the EU and/or are foreign country nationals. In these cases, it’s possible that more than one court is eligible to oversee the case. This depends on the regular place of residence and/or other relation to a country. The actual problem here arises due to the fact that some countries have different laws and regulations.

On another hand, there is a possibility for a party to try and push for the divorce location which will get them a better settlement. Location and the number of children are important factors in determining both the proceedings’ location and the settlement itself.

This is further dependent on the location where the majority of couple’s mutual assets are located and the asset liquidity plays a vital role here.

The Matter of Children

The proceedings abroad tend to get complicated even further, once the matter of children is introduced into the equation.

Divorce is an extremely emotional experiences and, when it comes to their children, parents tend to get overprotective and, without thinking clearly, step out of boundaries of law. The most common issue here is where a parent takes their child or children to the parent’s own home country. This impulsive act can easily turn into a serious criminal offence, bringing along serious allegations such as child abduction, regardless of whether or not a child was willing to be taken by a parent in question.

Getting Divorced Abroad

While Canada is a good example of the ‘equal rights marriage policy’ which the country’s law fully abides by, most countries’ laws state that children are obligated to live with their mother, up to a certain age, which is why the proceedings tend to go smoother, as long as both of the parties agree on important issues (financial or child custody and support-related).

An uncontested divorce in Oregon, for example, is far easier to achieve if both parents agree on the modification of the Child Support Review Process (CSRP). This will likely make the entire proceedings go smoother, as well as quicker.

The reasons to come to an agreement outside of the court, when it comes to divorce, are sometimes heavily related to the harshness of laws in certain states. When you file divorce in California, for example, the wage withholding court order is put into force. It makes the employee of the parent, who doesn’t have the physical custody of the child, responsible for taking the child support out of the employee’s paycheck. This tends to cause further complications, especially in cases where courts of different countries or states are involved.

A well thought-out plan should account for any arrangements for the ‘non-resident’ parent to remain in contact with their children.

Divorce tends to be even more difficult when foreign nationals and expatriates are involved, than it is in regular cases. Naturally, seeking proper legal advice is always a good way to go, especially when a variety of specific and international laws are applied. Mutual agreement is the best way to handle a divorce abroad.

5 Unusual Ways Your Agribusiness Can Save Money

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It’s no secret that agribusiness has come under financial pressure in recent years. That’s why it’s so important that professionals in the sector look for different ways to cut their costs. Here are some ideas.

Look For Second-hand Farming Equipment

Brand new farming equipment is becoming ever more technological and expensive. And while that’s great for productivity, it;’s not so good for your capital budget. Sensible businesses won’t consider the new equipment that gets shown off at agricultural shows every year. They’ll also ask themselves whether using second-hand is a viable alternative. Second-hand equipment is often refurbished, but it doesn’t come with all the associated costs of buying equipment brand new.

Switch To Red Diesel

A combine harvester in use

en.wikipedia.org

Not many farmers know this, but there are in fact two types of diesel they can use for their farm equipment. We’re all familiar with white diesel, the type we ordinarily use. But there’s another kind of diesel, called red diesel, which is the same as white except for the color and the price. The original reason why red diesel was dyed was to mark it out as different from white diesel so that people couldn’t use it in their farm equipment. But back in 2013, the law changed. And now farmers are free to use a red diesel supplier to source diesel for their machinery. Since it’s cheaper than white diesel, it makes sense to make the switch.

Set Up Secondary Operations

Agribusiness doesn’t just have to be in the business of planting crops and growing meat. It can also be in the business of hospitality. In fact, hospitality is the one major area of growth the agricultural sector has seen over the last decade. And thanks to people’s interest in the countryside, that growth looks set to continue. There are plenty of options available to businesses in the sector. You could open up a hotel or a bed and breakfast. Or you could host a campsite, especially if you live in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Finally, you could set up a side business, selling produce from your farm directly. Homemade, bespoke ice cream is a product proving to be very popular at present.

Hire Out Machinery You Don’t Use

If you hold an extensive inventory of machinery you don’t use at certain times of the year, look for opportunities to hire it out. Hiring out machinery can often be a great money spinner for agribusinesses. Advertise the fact that you have machinery to rent on social media or through an online platform.

Invest In Energy Efficiency

As well as using cheaper energy, there’s also a case to be made for using the energy that you already have better. Most of the energy that farmers use is gobbled up by their farm machinery. And so that would suggest that the way that this machinery is operated has a bearing on fuel costs. Agribusiness can reduce fuel costs by making sure that the throttle is kept in the right position. And they can make sure that the vehicle itself is in an appropriate gear for the task at hand.

Brexit: UK PM Theresa May Starts Shaping New Cabinet

UK’s PM Theresa May has started forming her new government – as she begins her first full day in Downing Street.

Former London mayor and leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson said he was “humbled” having been named new foreign secretary, in one of Theresa May’s first cabinet appointments.

Philip Hammond became chancellor, Amber Rudd is home secretary, and Eurosceptic David Davis is new Brexit secretary.

Photo Facebook
Photo Facebook

Theresa May later told European leaders she was committed to the UK leaving the EU.

Asked about his first priorities as chancellor, Philip Hammond said there would be “no emergency Budget”.

Philip Hammond said he would work closely with the Bank of England and other economic experts and make “carefully considered decisions over the summer”, followed by an Autumn Statement “in the normal way”.

Before the EU referendum, Philip Hammond’s predecessor George Osborne said he would have to cut public spending and increase taxes in an emergency Budget if the UK voted for Brexit.

In a series of congratulatory phone calls taken by Theresa May on July 13, the UK’s second female prime minister spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, France’s President Francois Hollande and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

A Downing Street spokesman said Theresa May had “emphasized her commitment to delivering the will of the British people to leave the European Union”.

“The prime minister explained that we would need some time to prepare for these negotiations and spoke of her hope that these could be conducted in a constructive and positive spirit,” the spokesman added.

Theresa May will continue to fill out her new cabinet on July 14, with the new secretaries of state for health, education, and work and pensions among those expected to be appointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW3MqRXYO1E

Pokemon Go Release Boosts Nintendo Shares

Nintendo shares have seen a stellar rise since the release of Pokemon Go, gaining more than 50%.

Shares shot up 16% on July 13, making an overall increase of 56% since trading closed on July 8 – the day the game became available.

Pokemon Go players search locations in the real world to find virtual Pokemon creatures on their smartphone screens.

The game has become a global phenomenon since its release.

Photo Wikipedia
Photo Wikipedia

Pokemon Go topped the app store download chart on both iPhone’s App Store and Google Play just days after its initial release in the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Nintendo shares had already started the week with a 25% jump on July 11 alone.

The Pokemon creatures first emerged in the 1990s on Nintendo’s Game Boy device.

For Pokemon Go, Nintendo has partnered with Niantic and the Pokemon Company, which owns the rights to the characters.

Nintendo, which is also behind the iconic Super Mario game, has traditionally relied on sales of its gaming consoles.

However, sales of those have been slowing in recent years as more gamers move online and onto portable devices.

Analysts have long criticized Nintendo for lagging its rivals like Sony and being late to the game in catering to the growing smartphone market.

Is International Competition Becoming A Major Problem For Manufacturers?

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dirty, industry, stack

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By 2025, India is expected to have a twenty-five percent hold on the manufacturing industry. It’s not the only country that might grab a bigger piece of the pie either. Arguably China is the heavyweight when it comes to manufacturing, but there are still a lot of businesses established in America as well. As the EU deal is finalized, Britain will want to boost its economy, improving exports and making trade deals. Therefore, we might see a growth in the manufacturing industry there as well. There are several other developing countries with economies that are growing rapidly and will be a bigger presence. All of these factors lead to one question for manufacturers. Do you need to be worried about international competition? It’s an interesting question and one that requires careful analysis.

Cheaper Production

One of the biggest issues for manufacturing businesses in westernized countries is that they are not playing on a fair field. Arguably, in certain countries, production costs are always going to be cheaper. This makes the businesses there more competitive. They are then able to win contracts from other companies. For instance, a lot of tech companies buy products from factories in developing countries.

One of the reasons for this is undoubtedly the labor laws. Human rights are poorer in developing countries. They continue to be in areas of Asia and Europe. Workers are paid minimum wage meaning that companies can hire a cheap workforce. In some areas, there are also limited laws against child labor. Again, this means a cheap workforce. Over the last several years, numerous popular brands have been hit with controversy. This occurred after it was revealed products were made using child labor.

That said, it is understandable why companies set up internationally. They want to cheapen production costs as much as possible. Doing this increases the overall revenue of their model. It’s not just about labor laws either. Certain countries have offered tax incentives for businesses to set up there for cheaper taxation. Puerto Rico is perhaps one of the latest examples of this, though it was not entirely successful.

Ease Of Access

Timber, Sheet Products, Industry, Wood, Stack

Pixabay Source

Another reason for the growth of international manufacturing businesses is the ease of transportation. In the past, it made sense to buy products from manufacturers in the same country. Now, products can be shipped, transported and sold across oceans easily. Logistics businesses are making this process easier than ever, and businesses are taking advantage of it. This is one of the reasons why ninety-percent of products are manufactured in China. It may be quite a distance from countries where the products are sold. But shipping and air transportation is so simple it’s no longer a problem or a concern.

It’s clear that there are many advantages for companies buying products from international manufacturers. What does this mean for local manufacturers? It means that they have to step up their game. They need to cheapen production and become more competitive. They need to find USPs that make them a better choice for buyers. There are a few options manufacturers must consider here.

Quality Not Quantity

It’s an old message for sure, but one that companies would do well to heed. Rather than focusing on how many clients they are losing, they should focus on the ones that they have. They need to make sure that they are producing products that are higher quality than the competition. When you’re producing on the level that businesses in China are, things will slip through the cracks. We’ve already seen this occur with products needing to be recalled due to the materials used.

Local manufacturers who sell great products are going to win over more clients and customers. It is a distinct advantage that smaller firms have over larger manufacturing corporations.

Cheaper Methods Of Production

Pressure, Industry, Industrial, Meter, Measure

Image Via Pixabay

Local manufacturers do need to make sure they are doing everything they can to cheapen the production process. This might mean investing in new technology or looking at more efficient processes. For instance, this product from ReliantFinishingSystems.com is used for powder coating. The process is cheap, effective and efficient, delivering a high-quality final result.

As well as this, producers should be looking at incorporating new forms of energy saving into the production model. Every year, new tech and equipment is introduced into the market. It is designed to save business owners a lot of money in the long term.

Outsource

If you can’t beat them, join them, or rather use their services. You should stop worrying about what international businesses are doing to the local industry. Instead, manufacturers should use the growth of international factories to their advantage. Outsource certain processes to a place where production costs are cheaper. Doing this, you’ll keep your product cheap and you will be able to get a larger quantity of items produced. The only issue is quality control. If you’re not making the product yourself, you have very little input into the quality. That’s why you need to choose the businesses that you partner with carefully. Don’t make the mistake of using a cheaper business that could damage the reputation of your brand.

Lapadu, Duisburg, Landscape Park, Long Shutter

Image Source

Produce A Unique Item

You can look into producing something for the market that other companies can not make. This could be a unique product that requires a certain production method. If you own the copyright to a method of production, no other business will be able to make the same product. Many manufacturers have found success by making something unique to their company. Even if other companies do copy your idea, it’s always difficult to beat the original.

The International competition will not mean the death of local manufacturing companies. Local manufacturers just need to work to improve their business model. They need to make sure they are offering their consumers more at a cost friendly price. If they do this, they will be able to stay afloat in a sea filled with additional competition. Quality products will always win out over mass production, even in a dicey economic climate.

industry

Flickr Picture

 

8 Regional Foods You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Would you like some loco moco with your cheese curds? Unless you’re from the areas where these regional foods rule, you may not want to answer that question. The melting pot of America’s culture gives the U.S. some of the weirdest and unusual regional foods in the world. Here are 8 of the most popular regional foods you’ve never heard of or always wondered about.

#1. Deep-Fried Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are a staple in Canada, but the Upper Midwest adds it own twist with deep frying. The batter covered deep-fried cheese curd is one of the most popular Minnesota State Fair attractions every year. Minnesotans aren’t the only people who love deep-fried cheese curds. People in Wisconsin and Michigan love them, too.

#2. Paw Paw

If the only time you heard about paw paws was in the old children’s song, you’re missing out. People in the mid-Atlantic region know all about the paw paw. The wonderfully sweet fruit that tastes like a cross between a mango and a banana is often called the “custard apple.” Paw paws are indigenous to 26 states and grow wild from the Gulf Coast on up to the Great Lakes region. People eat the fruit by itself or turn them into delicious creations, including paw paw nut bread and ice cream.

You’ll find more regional bites in this Mid-Atlantic roundup.

#3. Chitlins

Chitlins, or chitterlings, is a Deep South  delicacy wildly popular during the holidays. It’s popularity remains purely local, however, possibly because it’s made of hog intestines. To make chitlins, the cook cleans and boils pig intestines. (The boiling creates an overwhelmingly offensive aroma, which is why they’re usually boiled outside.) After boiling, the intestines are chopped up, breaded and fried. A tangy sauce is added and the dish is served with cornbread and fried chicken. You probably can’t wait to try it!

#4. Loco Moco

Sounds a little crazy, but loco moco is a popular food in Hawaii. The Lincoln Grill in Hilo invented loco moco in 1949. Consisting of white rice with a topping of beef patty and fried egg, covered in brown gravy, loco moco is the comfort food of choice for Hawaiians and a must-taste for visitors.

#5. Goetta

If you’re from Cincinnati, you know all about goetta. Called “Cincinnati caviar,” goetta is a breakfast sausage originated by German immigrants. To extend ground pork or beef, thrifty home chefs added oats and shaped the mixture into a loaf. The loaf was sliced as needed and fried in pork fat until brown and crispy. Now, goetta is on the breakfast menu of many Cincinnati restaurants.

#6. Lutefisk

Many hard-working Norwegian immigrants settled in the Upper Midwest. The immigrants brought various traditions with them and one of them was lutefisk  The painstaking lutefisk-making process involves soaking dried whitefish in water and a lye-based mixture for up to eight days. The fish swells, losing approximately half of its protein, and turns into a jelly-like texture. And, that’s lutefisk. Norwegian-Americans serve lutefisk during the holidays. Not for the weak of stomach, the eating of lutefisk symbolizes hardship and courage.

#7. Fried Diamondback Rattlesnake

You’ve heard of diamondback rattlesnakes, of course. But in Sweetwater, Texas, the locals roundup the reptiles from the nearby desert and bring them to the Nolan County Coliseum. The snakes are then skinned, covered in batter and deep-fried. The highly divisive annual event remains popular with the Sweetwater locals.

#8. Shoofly Pie

Pennsylvania is Amish country and shoofly pie is a favorite. Bakeries, diners and restaurants all over Pennsylvania serve this rich, sticky, coffeecake-like dessert. It’s thought the name came from the fact that flies were attracted to the sugary confections as they cooled on window sills. Who wouldn’t be attracted to such sweet goodness?

Things to Beware Before Buying a House

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If you have watched any reality television shows about house hunting, or have paid attention to real estate stories that are online, there are always people who buy a house and then end up with a nightmare. Just because a home looks like it is one of the best and most picturesque listings you have ever seen, you still need to be cautious of what it really is. Any given home could be hiding a significant number of problems just out of sight, so you need to be certain to keep the following points in mind before you purchase a new house, even if it does look like it is the house of your dreams.

Have an Appraisal Done

As Yahoo News states, the cost of a home appraisal is not that expensive, but you need to have it done. On the basis of a market valuation you might be willing to pay a certain amount of money for a home, but you also need to be aware of just how much money it actually is worth. And, while you might also be worried that you will lose the house if you make it conditional on an appraisal, then you have to remember oftentimes the banks will want some sort of appraisal done anyways to ensure that they won’t actually be giving you more money than the building is worth.

The reason an appraisal is also such a good thing is because an appraisal will take into consideration everything from the comparable values or the market to also understand what your finances will be. As the appraiser looks at the house they may also even take into consideration some of the current values of the home itself, and might be mindful enough to tell you when certain aspects of the home might need to be replaced, updated, or repaired in order to get full value. The unit appraisal is a great benefit because it means you know the true value, and as you deal with the bank it also means you know exactly what numbers you are working with when it comes time to make an offer, obtain financing, or close on the house.

Photo Flickr TeeWilson
Photo Flickr TeeWilson

Know the Details of the Surrounding Area

The most important thing you have to do when it comes time to find a townhouse for sale with DDProperty is that you specify the areas you are comfortable with and know what type of environment you will actually be in. While every area is going to have their own benefits and their own problems, you just can’t afford to live in a spot where you know the hassle is too much. What if the crime is too high, the traffic and noise are too dense and loud, or even the schools aren’t that great? When you are looking for the next place to call your home and you have to understand exactly what you are getting yourself into, the one of the best things to do is find out about the area.

If you are unaware of the general area, you could always continue to seek out advice by asking your realtor. After all, they should be comfortable enough with a given location to tell you what you need to know. On the other hand, you might want to be sure you are getting the up to date information straight from the source and in that case you could always just speak with the neighbors of a potential home and see what they have to say. Take all information with a grain of salt just in case they are overly happy or unsatisfied with the area, but where there is smoke there is fire and you should also be able to spot trends if multiple people have the same opinions about an area. The last thing you want to do is to move into an area where you have things surprise you, after all.

Know Your Upfront Costs

While costs can absolutely change depending upon the location, the realtors, the type of loan and even the type of property, if you are looking to buy a home then you need to know the cost of the closing itself is expensive but everything leading up to it will absolutely nickel and dime you as well. The fees and taxes that are already mandated for the services you are expecting can be enough of a hit on your wallet or your purse, but when you start to think about the specifics of what else is going to start costing you then you have to know what you will be on the hook to pay.

According to Fox News, the other things you should be expecting to pay when you are looking to buy are the add-ons that most people know they pay but don’t realize how quickly they add up. Homeowners insurance is one, and PMI can be another. You don’t even know you need to pay them until you recall how expensive they actually become. Throw in the costs of maintenance for cleaning supplies and something like a lawnmower and your expected costs are through the roof.

Deciding on a house that you fall in love with will be exciting enough for anyone to want to rush through. Once you have found the unit of your dreams then why do you want to wait for anything else like specifics, fine print, or even paperwork? However, if you aren’t comfortable with the idea of making sure you know exactly what you are getting into, then perhaps home ownership isn’t for you yet.

Super Sexy Lingerie – Lingerie for that Special Night

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There comes, once in a while, an urge to relive certain beautiful, romantic moments. It may be with a current partner and you want to recreate old memories, or with someone new and you are feeling apprehensive. It may be with someone you have just fallen in love with, and you want that first time to be truly special. Whatever the reason for this special night, the most important thing is that you want it to be a night full of romance. Everyone hungers for romance and hardly anyone has enough. But if you can create a truly special night full of love and romantic fire, that spark may just be enough to turn your love and sex life around for good.

The thought of a night to remember, usually brings to mind a woman in super sexy lingerie, the ambiance of a dimly lit room, a bottle of sparkling wine and some exotic fruits on display. But things don’t always work out that beautifully for the majority of women, because most ladies are just too shy to step into the role of the seductive female.

It is a psychological block that prevents her from truly abandoning her ‘real self’ and taking up a more romantic or seductive personality. Unfortunately, this inability of many women to step into a ‘new role’ dampens the male ardor, and the relationship suffers as a result. On the other hand, if a woman could slip into super sexy lingerie, and simply ‘act the part’, then her lover’s desire for her will be uncontrollable, and his ardor, inexhaustible.

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The Role of a Super Sexy Lingerie

Some lingerie are just too plain, conservative or simply have no edge to them. This is mostly the result of their design, or mis-design, of not accentuating a woman’s best qualities. Super sexy lingerie highlights parts of a woman’s femininity, while maintaining either a partial or a total veiling of the other parts of her body.

There is a deep seated desire in every man to finish up what he started, and to also see those remaining, veiled parts of her body. This desire is what ignites the flame of male passion. Super sexy lingerie therefore is suggestive and revealing, inviting a man inside and giving him enough space to explore her body. At the same time, the lingerie is also restrictive, forbidding easy visual or physical access to certain ‘taboo’ zones. This is what gets a man’s blood pumping, because it ignites that ancient hunter and conqueror instinct in him.

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A Night that Changed History

It is 48 B.C., over 2,000 years ago, the Roman empire is the most powerful empire on earth, and Julius Caesar, the most powerful man in the world. Ptolemy XIV of Egypt has just managed to get rid of his sister and wife, Queen Cleopatra VII. He exiled her and made provisions to prevent her from ever returning to Egypt. Egypt is currently independent, but loyal to Rome, so Julius Caesar came to Alexandria this year to secure this loyalty. While in a meeting in the palace, Caesar receives a gift from a merchant, a rolled-up carpet, which the merchant carried on his shoulders. Expecting this present to be a rug, Caesar orders him to approach. So the merchant enters the court and rolls out the carpet, revealing a half-clothed Cleopatra who was hidden inside. She gently steps up like a goddess and as she started to speak, Julius Caesar fell under her spell and they became lovers that very night.

Love Lessons From Egypt’s Last Pharaoh

There are a few lessons any woman can learn from Cleopatra, the last active Pharaoh of Egypt and history’s most notorious seducer of great and powerful men:

– Subtlety
When the carpet was unrolled before Caesar, she was recorded as being ‘half-clothed’, probably a reference to a super sexy lingerie. Over 2,000 years ago, this 21 year old Queen perfectly understood the lingerie principle of enticement and restriction. A woman should offer a lot romantically, but not everything, and this is the lesson. You have to make him come and get the rest.

– Confidence
As a queen who was unguarded, she took great risks to come to Julius Caesar that way. But that confidence, and her confident attitude towards him, her confident seductive dressing and her famous low-toned, but confident voice, all helped to make Julius Caesar fall madly in love with her that fateful night. A confident woman is a woman who has totally accepted herself as she is, including her vulnerabilities, but remains courageous enough to move on with life.

– Hot & Cold
As with the enticement and restrictiveness of her clothing, Queen Cleopatra also had a hot & cold attitude, otherwise known as coquetry. Although most women use coquetry on men, from time to time, to get what they want, they never really get quite hot. It is more like cold & colder by the majority of ladies. Cleopatra not only dressed provocatively, she also actively courted and excited Caesar, regularly taking the active role in their encounters, before falling back into her feminine self and letting him devour her with all his tempestuous passions.

Conclusion

To assure success on that special night, the super sexy lingerie to wear is something that you can be totally comfortable expressing yourself in. It should be both enticing and revealing, while being restrictive at the ‘hot zones’. Babydolls do come to mind, but you are free to make your own choice. Just make sure that it is subtly sensual and not too overt. Then turn up your self-assurance and give him some heat.