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Kincade Fire: State Emergency Declared in California as Wildfires Rage

Nancy Clayson
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Kincade Fire: State Emergency Declared in California as Wildfires Rage

A statewide emergency has been declared in California as wildfires, whipped up by fierce winds, continue to sweep through the area.

Tens of thousands of homes are under threat from the wildfires and some 180,000 people in the north have been ordered to leave their homes and roads around Santa Rosa were packed with cars as people tried to flee.

Another million people are expected to lose their supplies in the hours ahead.

The evacuation order encompasses a huge area of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa.

The biggest blackouts in California’s history have already left a million people without electricity.

Power companies are trying to stop damaged cables from triggering new fires.

Sonoma has been ravaged by the Kincade Fire, which has burned through at least 30,000 acres of land.

Image source Wikipedia

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Fears about the extent of the wildfires led PG&E to initiate a precautionary blackout expected to be the largest in state history.

PG&E said the power cuts would affect 940,000 households and businesses across 36 counties in northern California – hitting an estimated two million people.

In a statement, PG&E warned customers that they could be affected by a mass blackout, citing forecasts of potential extreme weather.

The warning came as the gas and electricity company faced scrutiny over its possible role in the fires.

The Kincade Fire in northern California began seven minutes after a nearby power line was damaged, but PG&E has not yet confirmed if the power glitch started the blaze.

PG&E is already seeking bankruptcy protection as it faces lawsuits over last year’s Camp Fire, which killed 85 people. The deadliest wildfire in the state’s history was sparked by ageing equipment owned by PG&E. It spawned billions of dollars in liability claims against the company.

In a video posted to Twitter on October 26, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the power cuts were “infuriating everyone, and rightfully so”.

“We are going to do our best to get through these high wind events… and get these lights back on and do everything in our power to make sure PG&E’s never in a position where they’re doing this to us again,” he said.

The Kincade Fire was about 10% contained as of October 27.

According to the state fire department, the fire was burning in remote, steep terrain, making access difficult.

Things to Consider Before Renting a New Apartment

Dana R
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Things to Consider Before Renting a New Apartment

As a tenant, you’d better know what type of problems and opportunities are associated with renting an apartment. For example, most renters suffer from parking issues or a shortage of storage space. Selecting the right apartment to live in is a great problem these days. Landlords cause too many problems when they come to rent out their property.

Not only tenants are facing problems but landlords also. Our article is about the problems that they both face and their solutions.  For instance, most of the time, Landlords complain that their tenants refuse to pay rent on time. It happens because of the number of reasons, including temporary unemployment, shortage of cash, or maintenance or repair disputes. Sometimes communication is difficult when confronting such problems.  So whenever homeowners come to rent out their flats, make sure to understand the tenants and nature of issues to overcome these problems. In order to avoid these issues, make sure to build an adjustment paper so that in the future, you can legally confront the homeowner.

On the other hand, tenants also have to face a lot more issues when they come to live in their new flats. Their landlords don’t help them with fixing things that they promise. So we have basically created a complete guide for those who are looking for renting apartments. So if you’re one of them, then you’ve opened the right page.

1. Set Your Budget

Before visiting other’s property, make sure to set your budget. I have seen numbers of people renting out posh flats, but they end up with pressure on their budget. If you don’t want to waste your time, then setting your budget is a good idea. Through this, you narrow down your search, which will help you to save your time.

2. Pay a Visit to Property Before Paying Advance

Most of the time people overlook the importance of visiting a property. Sometimes pictures that are available on the internet can be a scam. Most homeowners and property dealers tend to attract customers. They hire professional photographers to capture their property pictures, which can easily attract people. So make sure to visit your selected flat before moving in. In this way, you’ll be more likely to identify which type of family you have in your neighborhood. Whether the flat looks the same as it is in pictures or not. After considering these options, you’ll be able to make the right decision.

 

3. Check out the Location

Do you want to live in an apartment away from the cinema, hospital, school, and society market or close to them? I think everyone likes to live in a comfort zone. I have seen a number of tenants complaining that the location is not the same as their property dealer or homeowner tells them. If you want to get your new place near facilities, then pay a visit to identify whether your apartment is near or far.

4. Paper Work

Most tenants overlook the paperwork process because it consumes time. Paperwork legally supports you if your landlord creates any issue, or he/she tries to increase your monthly rent. After completing paperwork make sure to ask for a copy; this will save a lot of headaches later.

Essex Truck Deaths: 39 Chinese Nationals Found Dead in Refrigerated Trailer

Diane A. Wade
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Essex Truck Deaths: 39 Chinese Nationals Found Dead in Refrigerated Trailer

Thirty nine Chinese nationals were found dead in a refrigerated trailer in Essex, UK.

Police have been granted an extra 24 hours to question truck driver Mo Robinson, 25, on suspicion of murdering the eight women and 31 men.

Three properties in Northern Ireland have been raided and the National Crime Agency is working to establish if “organized crime groups” were involved.

The truck arrived in Purfleet on the River Thames from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Ambulance staff discovered the bodies in the container at Waterglade Industrial Park in Grays just after 01:30 local time, on October 23.

The trailer left the port at Purfleet shortly after 01:05.

According to police, the tractor unit – the front part of the truck – entered the UK via Holyhead in Wales on October 20, having travelled from Dublin.

Speaking after a magistrate granted Essex Police more time to question Mo Robinson on October 24, Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said her priority was “preserving the dignity of the 39 people who have died and ensuring that we get answers for their loved ones”.

The truck has been moved to a secure site at Tilbury Docks and police are due to begin the process of moving the bodies to a mortuary at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

They will be taken by private ambulance so that post-mortem examinations can take place, with the force expecting all the bodies to have been moved by the weekend.

Image source AP

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Global Trailer Rentals Ltd confirmed to RTE News that it owned the trailer and said it had leased it on October 15.

The company said it had given Essex Police the details of the person and company they had leased it to.

Essex Police said it was the largest murder investigation in the force’s history and the victims were all “believed to be Chinese nationals”.

It said formal identification of the 39 people, one of whom is a young adult woman, “could be a lengthy process”.

China’s ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming tweeted that the embassy had read the reports of the deaths “with heavy hearts” and was in close contact with British police.

Police initially suggested the truck could be from Bulgaria, but later said officers believed it entered the UK from Belgium.

A spokesman for the Bulgarian foreign affairs ministry said the truck was registered in the country under the name of a company owned by an Irish citizen.

The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office said the container arrived in Zeebrugge at 14:29 on October 22 and left the port later that afternoon.

It was not clear when the victims were placed in the container or if this happened in Belgium, a spokesman said.

Top 5 Apps to Spy on Your Spouse Android Phone

Nancy Clayson
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Top 5 Apps to Spy on Your Spouse Android Phone
Image source: PxHere

All the misconceptions in a love relationship will be settled if we communicate with our spouse about it. But, Grandma’s well-known tip doesn’t work when a partner has heart-broken feelings in the heart of being beguiled.

Technology has brought a great revolution in our life If it appears everything is sneaking out of your hands, it’s a great opportunity to screen him/her and secure your wedded life! In this regard, Yvonne Allen Matchmakers services are best to choose your best spouse so that you may not have to face inconvenience after marriage. 

In this article, we have referenced the best 5 spy apps which will help you in spying your swindling partner’s text messages, telephone calls, IM chats – Whatsapp, Viber and Facebook Messenger discussions and much more.

  1. mSpy – The Diverse Features!

This mSpy is one of the top software in the android market that furnishes you with all that you need in the hours of doubt. It offers you the most flawless and practical app for life-partner monitoring. This spying app keeps running in undercover mode and furnishes you with extensive logging highlights. You can remotely watch all the activities occurring on the target’s cell phone. Keeping its clients on need, mSpy offers diverse features including various bundles.

2. Mobistealth – Vital Monitoring Software!

Baffled with the thoughts of spouse disloyalty, you need to use app Mobistealth to monitor your spouse. Now, it’s a great opportunity to just install Mobistealth on the unfaithful partner’s cell phone to uncover all the secrets. Their customer service team provides you a perfect watch for 24/7. It functions in stealth mode. Also, it is cross-stage spy app that gives you a chance to screen all the activities on the target’s iPhone, android or blackberry gadget.

3. FlexiSPY – An Efficient App!

FlexiSPY is one of the handy spy apps to detect all the lies of your unscrupulous partner. It is a very efficient app which is purposely designed with advanced technology. This app helps you listen to the live calls and possibly you can participate between the call discussions, which may leave your trickster partner dismayed! Simply snatch the cell phone of your partner for a couple of minutes and instantly install the app on it. Try not to stress! The app is undetectable to the target client. He/she will never come to realize they are being observed.

4. Spyera – It Runs Silently Unnoticed!

This app once installed in the cell phone runs quietly and impeccably by social affair all the fundamental proof for you to guarantee that your partner is truly undermining you. The Mobile Spy always keeps you updated with your life partner clowning around. It does everything from SMS following to finding GPS location. 

5. Highster Mobile – Spy and Filter Smartphone and Tablets

Highster Mobile is highly designed with a rich program. If you install on the target’s cell phone, you can easily approach all the text messages which are sent and got on his/her cell phone. All activities are automatically recorded in the online account from where you can check the call logs. On top of that, it also helps you view the multimedia remotely from anyplace and whenever you like.

Conclusion

All these apps are very handy if you want to keep an eye on your partner.

Chile Protests: President Sebastian Pinera Announces Reforms

Diane A. Wade
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Chile Protests: President Sebastian Pinera Announces Reforms

Chile’s President Sebastian Piñera vowed to increase the basic pension by 20% and proposed a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatments after days of violent protests.

The protests were sparked by a rise in subway prices but grew into something bigger as thousands took to the streets over austerity and inequality.

Fifteen deaths have been reported during protests as more than 5,000 were detained.

Speaking from the presidential palace in the capital Santiago, Sebastian Piñera said he had received a clear message from Chileans.

He said he hoped to turn recent violent protests into an “opportunity” for Chile “to make up for lost time, pick up the pace and take concrete and urgent steps”.

The president vowed to increase the minimum wage as well as introducing a new higher tax bracket. Electricity rates will also be cut under the reform plan.

People began to protest in Santiago in the wake of an increase in subway fares. High school pupils and university students called on passengers to evade fares by jumping over the turnstiles. The rise in subway prices has since been overturned.

Image source: AFP

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Protests quickly turned into mass demonstrations in several cities as Chileans sought action on rising living costs and low wages.

Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in the region but has high levels of inequality.

Ten cities have been placed in a state of emergency and under a night curfew. There have been outbreaks of looting and arson.

On October 22, many schools and shops remained closed in both Santiago and other cities, and long queues formed at petrol stations.

In Santiago, rioters damaged the city’s subway system with repairs estimated to total at least $200 million. The subway is still only partially running due to the damage.

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

A keen eye: How to spot the right influencer for your brand

Dana R
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A keen eye: How to spot the right influencer for your brand

Nowadays, influencers and social media are indispensable when it comes to the marketing of your brand – you simply cannot live without them. Influencer marketing is particularly popular because it adds authenticity to the content you are delivering. Selecting influencers that naturally fit within your brand, while allowing them to hold onto their style means they’re able to create relatable content and in turn, this equates to better engagement.

But just how do you spot the right influencer for your brand? While the advantages of influencer marketing are clear, it can prove to be a wasted investment if you fail to spot the right influencers. It’s important to look beyond simple single-metric definitions such as web traffic and Twitter followers. Assess how influential potential candidates are offline…

Know your audience

Audiences are one of the main cornerstones of any influencer marketing strategy; you must ensure that your target audience is the one following a particular influencer. For instance, if you own a sportswear brand, you must sell products and to do so you decide work with a fitness blogger – you need to understand that not every ‘fitness inspo’ has the same kind of target audience. Some may target older women as their audience whilst others may target young males with different goals.

Reach

In regards to metrics, there are other important factors out there but reach is certainly something to consider. Avoid falling into the trap of just looking at unique visitors as a measure of reach; traffic and followers are only useful in regards to the influencer successfully reaching the chosen target audience of your brand.

If you’re a restaurant owner, a fitness inspo with a small reach is more influential than a photography blogger with 100,000 unique monthly visitors. You must note what other social platforms your customers visit – if you’re a car manufacturer, someone with a large following on Facebook or Instagram might prove more valuable than someone on Pinterest with a large fan base. It’s all well and good analysing their Twitter statistics or using an Instagram Influencer Agency but you must also understand the reason behind this.

Engagement

Now, this is paramount as this is an indicator of how interactive a blogger’s audience is with their content and will be a huge determining factor in the success of this collaboration. Do readers comment, respond and share content? Look at how many readers are regular visitors and how many are new. How much readers engage with influencers and how frequently they return are a huge indicator of how meaningful those relationships are.

Relevance

Of course, metrics are important but it’s also essential that you look at how much the potential influencer’s content would support your messaging – read through their archived posts for a sense of what kind of consumer they are. Just because a blogger posts workout routines, it doesn’t make them a guaranteed match for your sportswear brand. What are you looking for? It’s important to answer this question in detail as content and the audience of an influencer will always be more important than traffic generated.

Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer: What to Look For and How to Choose

Dana R
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Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer: What to Look For and How to Choose

Getting into a car accident can be a disorienting and traumatizing experience. During all the chaos that follows an accident, you might end up jeopardizing your chances in court without even realizing it. 

That’s why it’s always a good idea to have representation after being involved in a car accident. But not all lawyers are created equated. Continue reading and we’ll help show you how to find the best car accident lawyer in your neighborhood.

Experience

Car accidents can be costly. Both to your body and your property. A lawyer with experience in the field will be more likely to help guide you since they’ve seen the kind of problems that their clients have to face. 

They’ve most likely handled cases similar to yours in the past. They will know what works best in court and what won’t. This can help give you some peace of mind during this very hectic time.

Contingency Fees

After a car accident, you should look for a law firm that works on a contingency fee basis, like this law firm. When a lawyer works for a contingency fee, this means that they only get paid if you win your case. If you win, your lawyer will receive a percentage of the money you get.

When lawyers work for contingency fees, they have more skin in the game and thus have more of a reason to help you win. This also shows that your law firm is confident. Accepting contingency payments for car accident cases is fairly standard, so any firm that doesn’t operate this way should be avoided.

An average of 6 million car accidents happens every year. With a number that high, there are bound to be people who want to exploit these situations.

Reliability

You want a lawyer who is going to be there for you when you need them. They shouldn’t view you simply as a paycheck. Because of the intricacies involved with car accident cases, your attorney should be orderly, organized, and timely.

If they take an excessively long time to receive your calls, that’s a bad sign. Also, if they lose documents or get important information wrong, that’s also a bad sign. 

Check Reviews

Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to see the reviews of all of your local businesses. General review sites like Yelp are great but you can also find sites specifically meant for reviewing lawyers. 

Also, check out the website of law firms you are considering working with. See if there are any testimonials on their site and pay attention to what they are praised for. 

Just remember that when you read online reviews, people can often exaggerate and be extreme. A lot of people tend to just write reviews when they are either feeling excessively happy or disappointed. 

Choosing the Best Car Accident Lawyer for You

When choosing the best car accident lawyer for you, it’s important that you act quickly but also efficiently. Don’t just pick the first name that shows up online. Otherwise, you might end up worse off.

Want to read other helpful business articles? Check out our blog for more today!

How To Find The Right Personal Injury Representation To Fit Your Case Needs

Dana R
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How To Find The Right Personal Injury Representation To Fit Your Case Needs

Amazing tips and strategies for finding the right personal injury representation to fight for you. How to find the right lawyer to fit your case needs.

People can underestimate how jarring a personal injury can be.

Some people have money troubles because of missing work, or they may not be able to work again. Others have to deal with the psychological trauma of going through a serious accident.

You can’t turn back time and prevent the injury from ever happening, but you can find personal injury representation that can help you get the restitution you deserve.

If you’re new to the legal world, finding legal help can seem like a daunting task. We’re going to give you a quick rundown on three things you’ll need to do if you want to find the right lawyer for your needs.

1. Think About Specialities

When you do a quick Google search for a personal injury attorney, you’re going to see a variety of results pop up.

The truth is that personal injury law is an umbrella term for different kinds of lawyers that focus on a specific kind of personal injury. You should be able to find one that has unique experience dealing with your kind of injury.

There are personal injury lawyers that deal with people that have been in automotive accidents or workplace injuries. You can even find lawyers that handle very specific kinds of injuries like slip and falls and burns. 

Don’t settle for the first attorney you see. If you find one with specific expertise in your situation, you could have a better case outcome.

2. Ask Important Questions First 

You probably have a lot of questions surrounding your case, but you shouldn’t ask your lawyer every single one of them during your first consultation visit. 

If you come prepared with too many questions, you could end up forgetting to ask the ones that matter the most. When you’re talking to a lawyer about your case for the first time, make sure these questions are at the top of your list:

  • Will you personally be working on my case, or will a different lawyer in your practice handle it?
  • Will I need to pay you upfront, or do you work on a contingency basis?
  • What’s your experience with this particular kind of case?
  • How long do you think my case will take?

3. Carefully Read Reviews

You can find a lot of reviews for lawyers on specialty law sites or regular review sites like Yelp. It’s important to pay attention to what people are saying and to make sure that you’re focusing on the right things.

Don’t take much stock into whether or not people are saying the lawyer won their case. Everyone’s case is different, so a positive outcome on one case doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have one too. 

Pay attention to what people are saying about their experience. See if they felt like their case was given the right amount of attention and if they felt comfortable working with the lawyer and their legal team.

Next Steps After Finding Personal Injury Representation

Now that you’ve found the right personal injury representation, it’s time to think about other aspects of your post-injury life. 

Have you thought about when you’ll go back to work? Do you know how to find the right physical therapist to help get you back on your feet? Is your family handling your injury the right way?

We have a lot of helpful content on our website. Be sure to browse our topics so you can find answers to your most important questions.

The Beet Breakdown – How to Grow Root Vegetables

Dana R
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The Beet Breakdown – How to Grow Root Vegetables

Are you an avid gardener? Looking to widen your gardening skillset by growing your very own root vegetables? If so, this is the article for you. Root vegetables are composed of a variety of vegetables, ranging from the most common ones such as Beetroot, Carrots, Parsnips and Onions all the way to more unusual varieties such as Horseradish and Celeriac. Regardless of what kinds of root vegetables you are looking to plant in your garden, there are certain tips and tricks that every gardener should follow to ensure a bountiful harvest. Today we look at some of the top tips when it comes to growing your own root vegetables, so read on to find out more!

vegetables
  1. Moisture Is Key

When growing root vegetables, moisture is key. Moistening the seedbed before sowing is an absolute essential. The top tip for growing healthy root vegetables is to ensure low volume but frequent and even moisture to aid in germination. You can do this by pre-irrigating your seedbeds with the help of various irrigation supplies which will help you ensure that your beds are routinely watered and always kept moist. Many expert farmers also take this one step further by covering pre-moistened rows with fabric or grass clippings to keep moisture in whilst waiting for seedlings to emerge. A good irrigation system is an absolute necessity when looking to grow your own root vegetables!

2. Consider the Seasons

When growing your own root vegetables, timing is a key factor. Root vegetable crops often prefer to mature in cool weather, which is why many farmers tend to plant their crops between November to January so that they are ready for Autumn harvesting. Planting in cooler weather ensures that the colours of your roots develop more vibrantly, grow better and taste the best. Always remember to carefully select your varieties in accordance with the seasons, saving the faster maturing varieties for Spring and slower maturing varieties for Autumn harvest storage.

3. Ensure Sufficient Space

Root crops, especially Onions and Carrots, often require a fair amount of space to ensure optimal growth. One of the best tips is to thin out young seedlings when they are about 1 month old by either snipping them or pulling them out until they are properly spaced. A rule of thumb is to ensure that crops such as Onions are at least 4 inches apart, whilst carrots need at least 3 inches apart. Potatoes needn’t be thinned, but it is important that you plant them at least 8-10 inches apart for optimal growth.

4. Pay Attention to Your Soil

All root vegetable crops prefer soil that is loose, well drained and fertile. Root crops also grow best in raised beds (with the exception of Potatoes), and require at least 4-6 hours of sunshine a day for optimal growth. The best way to prepare your soil is to add at least 4 inches of manure or compost at least 3 months prior to planting. This is to ensure that your crops aren’t overexposed to nitrogen which can inhibit good root and tuber formation. When performing soil tests, it is important to ensure that your soil has adequate levels of phosphorus which promotes healthy root growth. If you find that your soil is lacking in phosphorus, we recommend adding bone meal or rock phosphate fertiliser to your soil before planting to ensure the healthiest roots possible.

5. Regularly Weed Your Crop Patch

Last but not least, if you’re looking to grow healthy and delicious root vegetables, it is important that you regularly weed your crop patch. Weeding is essential to give your root vegetable seedlings the best chance as they will not have to compete for resources and space.

After thinning, focus on hand weeding beds of onions and carrots. For crops such as Potatoes, you can weed with a hoe. Always remember to mulch your beds with straw or hay, ensuring that you mulch around the beds and keep them well moistened.

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Growing your own vegetables at home can be one of the most rewarding tasks as a gardener. Aside from ensuring that your veggies are of highest quality, you will also be rewarded with some of the most mouth-watering vegetables that you’ve ever had the privilege of tasting. We hope that this article has given you some valuable insight into how you can embark on growing your own root vegetables in your garden.

Brexit: UK Parliament Votes to Postpone Deal

Diane A. Wade
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Brexit: UK Parliament Votes to Postpone Deal

UK’s PM Boris Johnson has said he will press on “undaunted” with Brexit on October 31, despite losing a crunch Commons vote.

He must now ask the EU for an extension to that deadline after the Prliament backed an amendment aimed at ruling out a no-deal Brexit, by 322 votes to 306.

Boris Johnson has told EU Council President Donald Tusk that he will now send a letter seeking the delay.

Under the terms of the so-called Benn Act, passed last month by UK lawmakers, he has until 23:00 local time on October 18 to send it.

Having spoken to the prime minister at 19:15 local time, EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he was “waiting for the letter”.

An EU source said that once Donald Tusk received the letter, he would start consulting EU leaders on how to react.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Boris Johnson has vowed to bring in legislation on October 21 to implement the deal he struck with Brussels this week.

Lawmakers could also be given another vote on the deal then, if Commons Speaker John Bercow allows it.

The Commons defeat is a major setback for the prime minister, who has repeatedly insisted that the UK will leave at the end of the month come what may.

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Brexit: EU Explains Leaving Procedure

PM Boris Johnson told the Commons he was not “daunted or dismayed” by the defeat and remained committed to taking Britain out by the end of the month on the basis of his “excellent deal”.

In a letter to lawmakers and peers on October 19, Boris Johnson warned the EU could reject “Parliament’s request for further delay”.

He wrote: “It is quite possible that our friends in the European Union will reject Parliament’s request for further delay (or not take a decision quickly).”

The PM added that it was to his “great regret” that lawmakers had voted for more delay, and that he “will not negotiate a delay”.

“I will tell the EU what I have told the British public for my 88 days as prime minister: further delay is not a solution,” he said.

Downing Street refused to offer any explanation as to why the prime minister did not consider he was obliged to negotiate a fresh extension.

The EU said it was up to the UK to “inform it of the next steps”.

Turkey Offensive In Syria: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Threatens to Crush Heads of Kurdish Fighters

Roy Siemens
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Turkey Offensive In Syria: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Threatens to Crush Heads of Kurdish Fighters

At a recent event, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey will “crush the heads” of Kurdish fighters if they do not withdraw from a planned safe zone area in northern Syria.

On October 17, Turkey agreed to suspend an offensive for five days to allow the Kurds to retreat from the area.

However, on October 19, both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire.

Turkey views the Kurdish forces as terrorists and wants to create a “safe zone” buffer inside Syria.

Despite the temporary ceasefire, some sporadic violence has continued – particularly around the border town of Ras Al-Ain.

Speaking at an event in the central Turkish province of Kayseri on October 19, President Erdogan said that if Kurdish fighters did not withdraw by October 22 in the evening – as agreed in the ceasefire – “we will start where we left off and continue to crush the terrorists’ heads”.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to hold talks next week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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On October 19, he said that if those talks did not produce a solution, Turkey would “implement its own plans”.

Turkey’s defense ministry earlier accused Kurdish forces of carrying out 14 “provocative” attacks in the last 36 hours, mostly in Ras Al-Ain, but insisted Turkish forces were fully abiding by the agreement.

But the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused Turkey of violating the ceasefire.

They also accuse Turkish troops of failing to create a safe corridor for the evacuation of civilians and wounded people from the besieged town.

On October 19, the SDF urged US VP Mike Pence, who helped to broker the temporary ceasefire, to pressure Turkey to allow the passage of civilians.

The SDF said in a statement: “Despite the constant communication with the American side and the promise made by them to solve this problem, there has not been any tangible progress in this regard.”

What Is Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Kathryn R. Bown
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What Is Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is essentially cold therapy. Cold therapy has been around for decades, possibly even centuries, although only recently the true science around its benefits are being realised. In fact, the benefits of being submerged into an extreme temperature -110° Celsius (166°F) is a lot more recent, with the first whole body cryotherapy chamber being invested in the late 1970s in Japan.

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is just that. You get yourself in a chamber, where around -110°C cold air is blown on you for around 2 to 4 minutes. It is either refrigerated cold air or liquid nitrogen that is used. It is necessary to wear few clothing, only gloves, socks, a mouth, ear and nose mask that are usually wear for protection.Whilst cryotherapy doesn’t have many serious risks, precautions should be taken to avoid side effects (such as starting off easy i.e. 2 minutes maximum for the first session.) So, why do it? Here are some of the main benefits that have been studied and discovered.

Physical benefits

Most of us are aware of the benefits of old school cold therapy such as ice baths. WBC shares some of these benefits but given its more extreme nature, it has some unique ones too.

  • Pain relief – muscle pain is a nightmare for those who do lots of sports or exercise. Cryotherapy can increase the blood flow and relieve the pain as well as accelerate the healing process. It’s not just for athletes though. People with arthritis and general muscle pains have found great relief from using WBCs.
  • Inflammation – Inflammation can be reduced through the use of cryotherapy. Chronic inflammation is linked to problems like dementia, diabetes and cancer.
  • Weight loss – Cryotherapy has a lot of evidence for directly aiding weight loss. The therapy can increase metabolism, expend more energy (calories) to stay warm and finally it allows those with muscle injuries/pain to recover faster, thus increasing their potential for exercise. The increase in basal metabolic rate means we burn fat that’s stored.
  • Skin – Some eczema sufferers have seen improvements from the use of cryotherapy. It is also shown to rejuvenate skin and make it softer. The cold should also close skin pores.

Mental benefits 

Back in the early 1900s, it was common to treat mental illness patients, for example those with psychosis, by putting them in an ice bath. This may be as futile as it was barbaric, but it doesn’t mean there are no benefits for our mental health by cold treatment. 

Plucking up the courage voluntarily put yourself through the adversity of an uncomfortable and freezing cold experience is character building in itself. If you can do that, even if it’s as benign as a cold shower, then you’re less likely to spend the rest of the day following the path of least resistance (being a couch potato). 

Whilst you wouldn’t regularly do whole body cryotherapy like you do cold showers, they are an uncomfortable experience for many. Submerging into minus -110°C  temperatures (authentic cryotherapy) is thought to help reduce the risk of developing dementia (due to the reduced inflammation), as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

How to Make Your POS System Delivery Ready

Nancy Clayson
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How to Make Your POS System Delivery Ready

If you’re thinking of adding a delivery service to your retail store or restaurant, it’s important to remember that your POS may not be set up yet for such extras. This is easily remedied, however, with these simple tips on getting your POS delivery-ready. Keep reading to learn how to best prepare your system for the transition.

Decide on Your Rates

First and foremost, you’ll need to decide on what rates you’ll be charging for your services. Are you going to offer free or discounted delivery for orders above a certain dollar amount, or one flat-rate for all deliveries? Once you’ve decided what to charge customers for the service, you can program the new services to your POS system.

Rates can vary based on distance, and you’ll want to decide what your max delivery area is as well. You’ll likely have no shortage of out-of-area customers requesting delivery once you add the service, so it’s important to define the delivery area on your website.

Account for the Extra Labor

You’re likely going to incur extra labor costs with a delivery service. You’ll want to account for these extra costs when you set your delivery charge. You’ll also want to decide if you’re reimbursing your drivers for mileage or not (this is pretty standard with delivery services).

These extra costs, while adding a premium service to your business, can also increase your costs as well.

Most POS systems have easy-to-use tools from which you can set pricing and keep track of sales and services. The best POS software for android is vend HQ, with some of the best tools in the business.

Whether you’re a retail store adding delivery services to increase your brand awareness or a new restaurant looking to expand your reach, Vend has everything you need to get started.

While many POS systems only offer platform-specific software, Vend can be used on pretty much any pre-existing hardware there is. This makes it versatile and efficient, and the perfect option for both startups and established brands alike.

Use Your Data for Improved Function

Your POS system will come equipped with powerful analytics tools that you can use to observe the impact your delivery services have on your business.

From daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports to individualized item reports, POS systems can help you streamline every aspect of your business and your new services.

Don’t underestimate the power of data; it’s the best tool you have at your disposal for increasing your operations and identifying problem areas. Data also helps boost your marketing efforts, making them reach further and with improved accuracy.

You’ll be able to collect customer information, send promotions, and build a comprehensive database of your customers’ preferences and favorite items. You can even add gift cards and a loyalty program to certain POS systems.

Add Mobile Terminals

Mobile terminals will make it easier for your delivery customers to pay their bill and add tips during their delivery. POS software will work with most mobile devices unless they’re iPad-specific. Mobility makes for greater convenience and a better customer experience.

BOPIS

Buy online pick-up in-store is something that many major retailers have started offering in recent years. Rather than pay expensive shipping fees, some customers choose to combine the convenience of online payments with the ease of in-store shopping.

This option can easily be integrated into your POS system, but you may need to manually enter an option to pull items from stock to hold for a certain period of time.

Your customers will love a BOPIS system for the simple fact that they won’t have to shop around the store for what they need. Shopping from the comfort of their own home, they’ll feel more at ease and more likely to add extra items to their order(s).

Why POS Systems Are Essential

Besides simple payment processing, POS systems offer an effective lineup of business-changing tools; from inventory management and organization to employee management to marketing tools and customer databases.

As payment methods continue to grow and change, a good POS system becomes an essential component of any business.

The ability to accept multiple payment methods will help put you ahead of the competition and ensure that no matter what method your customer brings to your store, you can accept it.

Whether you’re running an eCommerce platform, brick and mortar store, or both, having a reliable POS will help improve your overall efficiency and make for better organization within your business.

Conclusion

Offering delivery is a huge step-up for most businesses, but you’ll want to be certain your POS system and your team are ready for the change. These tips will help you prepare your business, your POS system, and you for the coming changes to ensure no efficiency or data is lost in the process.

Kim Jong-un Climbs Mount Paektu on Horseback

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-un Climbs Mount Paektu on Horseback
Image source: KCNA

Kim Jong-un has climbed North Korea’s highest mountain, Mount Paektu, on horseback, according to state media.

A series of photos released by KCNA show the North Korean leader astride a white horse on a snow-covered mountain.

This is not the first time Kim Jong-un has scaled the 2,750-meter peak and analysts say such gestures have been known to precede major announcements.

Mount Paektu holds a special place in North Korea’s identity and is feted as the birthplace of Kim Jong-un’s father.

A KCNA report released on October 16 said: “His march on horseback in Mt Paektu is a great event of weighty importance in the history of the Korean revolution.

“Sitting on the horseback atop Mt Paektu, [he] recollected with deep emotion the road of arduous struggle he covered for the great cause of building the most powerful country, with faith and will as firm as Mt Paektu.”

In 2017, Kim Jong-un visited the mountain a few weeks before his New Year’s address, where he hinted at a diplomatic thaw with South Korea.

The North Korean leader has reportedly climbed Mount Paektu at least three times, and made a joint visit to the mountain with South Korean president Moon Jae-in in 2018.

Kim Jong-un climbs Mount Paektu

KCNA previously released photos of Kim Jong-un atop the mountain, after apparently climbing it in black leather shoes.

Mount Paektu, an active volcano, is said to be the birthplace of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean kingdom more than 4,000 years ago.

The mountain is hundreds of kilometers from the capital Pyongyang, and sits right on the border between North Korea and China.

Earlier this month, North Korean officials held talks with US officials in Sweden, the first since President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un met briefly at the DMZ in June.

Catalonia Protests: Thousands Return to Streets for Second Day

Roy Siemens
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Catalonia Protests: Thousands Return to Streets for Second Day

Thousands of protesters took the streets of Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona in support of Catalonia’s independence from Spain for a second day, leading to clashes with police.

Fires were started and protesters attempted to storm government offices in the regional capital.

The protest was sparked by the sentencing on October 14 of nine Catalan separatist leaders.

A spokesperson for Catalonia’s regional government, Meritxell Budó, said they sympathized and understood the anger of the protesters.

Meanwhile, Spanish authorities say they are investigating who is coordinating the disruption.

Protesters have reportedly been using an app known as Tsunami Democratic, which directs them to protest sites in Catalan cities.

In Barcelona, riot police fired tear gas and charged a crowd of protesters who were trying to access government buildings.

There were three arrests, and local media reported that nine people had been treated by medical services.

Protests were also reported in the Catalan cities of Girona and Tarragona.

Pro-independence leaders – who control the Catalan regional government – say they will keep pushing for a new referendum on secession from Spain.

The protests began after nine Catalan independence leaders were handed jail sentences of between nine and 13 years by Spain’s Supreme Court on October 14.

Image source Wikipedia

Catalonia Holds Snap Elections Following Controversial Independence Referendum

Spain Suspends Catalonia’s Autonomy and Takes Charge of Its Government

Catalonia Declares Independence from Spain

The separatists were convicted of sedition over their role in an independence referendum in 2017, which Spain said was illegal.

Another three were found guilty of disobedience and fined, but not jailed. All 12 defendants denied the charges.

Joan Tardà, the former deputy leader of a pro-Catalan independence party, has called for peaceful protests.

He tweeted: “There is nothing more lethal to independence than the combination between a violent minority action on the street and an uncontrolled police force.”

On October 14, thousands of protesters blocked roads to Barcelona’s El Prat airport – a major transport hub.

More than 100 flights were canceled as demonstrators fought running battles with riot police at the terminal buildings.

Catalan nationalists have long complained that their region, which has a distinct history dating back almost 1,000 years, sends too much money to poorer parts of Spain, as taxes are controlled by Madrid.

The wealthy region in Spain’s north-east is home to about 7.5 million people, with their own language, parliament, flag and anthem.

In September, a march in Barcelona in support of Catalonia’s independence from Spain drew crowds of about 600,000 people – one of the lowest turnouts in the eight-year history of the annual rally.

Hunter Biden Defends His Foreign Business Dealings

Diane A. Wade
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Hunter Biden Defends His Foreign Business Dealings

Hunter Biden has defended his foreign business dealings amid attacks by the White House and increasing media scrutiny.

The son of former Vice-President Joe Biden – who has had business ties in Ukraine and China in recent years – told ABC news that he had done “nothing wrong”.

However, he admitted to “poor judgment”, leaving him open to political attacks.

Hunter Biden’s foreign work and President Donald Trump’s intervention have sparked impeachment proceedings against the president.

His interview with ABC comes ahead of Tuesday evening’s Democratic debate, where Joe Biden – a 2020 frontrunner – will square off against 11 other presidential hopefuls.

Breaking his silence on his foreign business dealings, Hunter Biden, 49, dismissed claims of impropriety.

“Did I do anything improper? No, and not in any way. Not in any way whatsoever. I joined a board, I served honorably,” he said, adding that he did not discuss such business with his father.

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However, Hunter Biden acknowledged the possible political ramifications of his work, saying his failure to do so previously demonstrated “poor judgment”.

“Did I make a mistake? Well, maybe in the grand scheme of things, yeah,” he said.

“But did I make a mistake based upon some ethical lapse? Absolutely not.”

Hunter Biden stressed his record on the board of the UN World Food Program and work for US corporations to defend his lucrative role as a board member for a Ukrainian gas company.

He said: “I think that I had as much knowledge as anybody else that was on the board, if not more.”

However, he acknowledged the appointment may have resulted from his father’s clout.

“I don’t think that there’s a lot of things that would have happened in my life if my last name wasn’t Biden,” Hunter Biden said.

His foreign business ventures have pulled him to the epicenter of the ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

President Trump and his allies have claimed that as vice-president Joe Biden encouraged the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor because the prosecutor was investigating Burisma, a gas company that employed Hunter Biden.

These allegations – though widely discredited – were raised by President Trump in a July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This call has fuelled the Democratic-led impeachment investigation. The inquiry is trying to establish whether President Trump withheld nearly $400 million in aid to nudge President Zelensky into launching an inquiry into the Bidens.

President Trump tweeted: “A big scandal at @ABC News. They got caught using really gruesome FAKE footage of the Turks bombing in Syria. A real disgrace. Tomorrow they will ask softball questions to Sleepy Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, like why did Ukraine & China pay you millions when you knew nothing? Payoff?”

The president has continued to seize on Hunter Biden’s dealings in Ukraine and China to stage political attacks against him and his father, charging both Bidens with corruption, without offering specific evidence.

In an interview on October 15, Hunter Biden dismissed the president’s claims as a “ridiculous conspiracy idea”.

Last week, Hunter Biden announced he would step down from the board of BHR (Shanghai) Equity Investment Fund Management Company.

His lawyer, George Mesires, told media his client had not acquired an equity interest in the fund until 2017, after his father had left office.

Hunter Biden said last week that he would not work for any foreign-owned companies if his father is elected president.

4 ways the virtual can help you achieve your vision in 2020

Dana R
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4 ways the virtual can help you achieve your vision in 2020

For businesses, a new year comes with a new strategy and a new set of goals to achieve. With 2020 fast approaching, you want to start preparing sooner rather than later to help you achieve what you set out to do in the new year.

As a start-up business, growth should be top of the agenda for 2020, and a virtual office can help you do just that. Want to know how? Here’s 4 reasons to choose a virtual office.

Photo Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adults-airport-architecture-blur-518244/

Professionalism

A virtual office will give you a business address, all while you work in the comfort of your own home. This is one of the key benefits to virtual offices, because they allow you to portray a professional business image without the pricey accommodation.

For any small business looking to grow in the new year, a virtual office can certainly help with that. Having a business address and phone number rather than your personal details gives the impression that your business is well-established and trustworthy. Virtual office providers can also give you access to meeting places at a discounted price, allowing you to meet clients in a more professional setting rather than your home or a coffee shop.

Photo Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-white-chair-1181434/

Less overheads

As a small business, you know sometimes funds can be tight. But with a virtual office, you’ll pay much less than you would renting a traditional office or coworking space. There’s no lease, no utility payments and none of the associated costs that come with having a brick-and-mortar space, explains American Express.

Of course, the cost of your virtual office depends on the services you add such as call handling or your location (a London address might come with a higher price tag). However, these prices still won’t break the bank, and this means that you can invest your money in the new year into other areas of your business such as hiring an employee or upping your marketing spend.

Flexibility

Being an entrepreneur gives you the control, meaning you can set your working hours. Having a virtual office means this flexibility is still guaranteed, unlike renting your own office space where typical 9-5 working hours might come back into play.

With a virtual office, you aren’t tied down to a single location. You can still work from wherever you are, whenever, so long as you’ve got the devices you need with you all while maintain a professional image with your virtual business address. This is perfect if you want to maintain a work-life balance or have any other responsibilities such as school runs to take care of.

Other added bonuses

If one of your main goals for 2020 is to spend more time doing business and less time focusing on admin, then a virtual office is for you. A virtual office can offer more than a city centre address and business telephone number – you can get a receptionist too!

If you’re looking for a Virtual Office in London, Be Offices provide a front of house reception team in addition to use of a business address. This will allow your business to give an excellent impression to current and potential clients as well as relieving you from a load of admin duties.

Office Décor Ideas that Communicate Innovation to Any Visitor

Dana R
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Office Décor Ideas that Communicate Innovation to Any Visitor

As a business owner, you should be using your office as a business tool. Your office can have a huge impact on your employees, your company culture, and how you present your business to the outside world.

When it comes to showing visitors your innovative company culture, you want your office décor to reflect that. But if you’re struggling for some inspiration, here are some office décor ideas that showcase your business’s innovative side.

Three Woman Sitting on White Chair in Front of Table
Photo source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-woman-sitting-on-white-chair-in-front-of-table-2041627/

Promote your mission statement

Your mission statement defines your business’s existence and communicates what you’re all about. So, what better way to show your innovation to visitors than displaying your mission statement throughout the office?

Displaying your mission statement lets visitors know exactly what your business is trying to achieve. Having your mission statement on display will also help employees to be more productive, as well as embody your company’s core values.

Smiling Man and Woman Both Sitting on Sofa Both Looking at Silver Macbook
Photo Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/advice-advise-advisor-business-7075/

Encourage creativity

One of the best ways to showcase your innovation is to introduce furniture or wall fixtures that your employees can use for creative thinking. When it comes to problem solving, having a creative space can help stimulate creativity amongst your employees.

Try introducing walls or tables that your staff can write on when brainstorming ideas or solving problems. Not only does this demonstrate you value innovation and creativity but it allows staff to hold onto ideas rather than searching for a notepad and pen.

Go green with your décor

Having a green office can change the look and feel of any workspace environment. Decorating your office with plants and greenery has been proven to have health benefits for workers. On top of this, it can improve employee productivity too.

A green office with access to natural sunlight communicates to your staff and any visitors that you care about employee wellbeing. Designing an office inspired by nature also helps your office become sustainable too – offering plenty of innovative opportunities that make your business eco-friendly!

Dynamic office spaces

The modern-day workplace has seen open plan office design become a common layout, increasing communication and collaboration between employees. However, you still want designated “zones” in your office such as a private conference room for meetings, a collaborative work area for employees to work on projects or a quiet area that allows staff to focus on their work.

With dynamic office spaces, however, you don’t have to compromise on that open plan layout. One of the best ways to communicate innovation to your visitors is to show the flexibility of your office. For example, moveable walls, desks on wheels or sit-stand stations are just some of the ways you can facilitate this.

Use your space wisely

Of course, for your office design to be truly functional and innovative, you need to use your space wisely. The layout of your office will make or break your workflow, so no matter how big or small your space, you want to make the most of it. Another area of the office that’s often neglected is the bathroom. Experts from https://onepointpartitions.com/ can help you build a better and more comfortable bathroom, so make sure to put that on your list as well.

When planning your new office space, a company such as Maris Interiors can help you to fully optimise your office workspace. A creative workspace that’s well designed encourages movement, creating more opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Typhoon Hagibis: Japan Hit by Worst Storm in 60 Years

Nancy Clayson
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Typhoon Hagibis: Japan Hit by Worst Storm in 60 Years

Japan has been hit by Typhoon Hagibis, the worst storm for 60 years.

The eye of Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on the country’s main island shortly before 19:00 local time, in Izu Peninsula, south-west of Tokyo.

The typhoon is now moving up the eastern coast, with wind speeds of 140mph.

One man was killed in Chiba, east of Tokyo, when his car overturned, and at least 60 people have been injured.

More than seven million people have been urged to leave their homes amid severe flood and landslide warnings, as torrential rain and tornado-like winds are lashing large parts of the country.

 However, it’s thought only 50,000 are staying in shelters.

Train services have been halted, and more than a thousand flights grounded. Thousands of homes lost power in and around the capital earlier on Saturday, though some were swiftly reconnected.

Two Rugby World Cup games scheduled for October 12 have been canceled and declared as draws – England-France and New Zealand-Italy. Formula 1 has also canceled qualifying races for October 12 Japanese Grand Prix.

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Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that half a metre of rain could fall on the Tokyo area between midday on October 12 and 13.

JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told a press briefing: “Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued.

“The possibility is extremely high that disasters such as landslides and floods have already occurred. It is important to take action that can help save your lives.”

Hagibis, which means “speed” in the Philippine language Tagalog, is forecast to hit the main Japanese island of Honshu.

Typhoon Hagibis could be the strongest storm Japan has faced since Typhoon Vera in 1959, which hit Japan with winds of 190mph and left more than 5,000 people dead or missing.

Locals stocked up on provisions before Hagibis’ arrival on the authorities’ advice, leaving supermarkets with empty shelves.

Homeland Security Chief Kevin McAleenan Resigns After Six Months

Diane A. Wade
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Homeland Security Chief Kevin McAleenan Resigns After Six Months

Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan has resigned after six months in the post.

In a tweet, President Donald Trump said Kevin McAleenan wanted to spend more time with his family. He said his replacement would be named next week.

Kevin McAleenan, 48, is the fourth person to serve as the head of Homeland Security during President Trump’s tenure.

He has overseen Donald Trump’s tough policies aimed at curbing immigration across the Mexican border.

However, analysts have described a turbulent relationship between the two and Kevin McAleenan has criticized the tone of the immigration debate.

Recently he was shouted off stage by student protesters at a university in Washington DC.

Announcing his resignation, President Trump said Kevin McAleenan had done “an outstanding job”.

“We have worked well together with border crossings being way down,” the president said.

“Kevin now, after many years in government, wants to spend more time with his family and go to the private sector.”

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Kevin McAleenan became acting head of the department after the resignation in April of Kirstjen Nielsen.

President Trump had often accused her of not being tough enough on controlling immigration.

During the administration of President Barack Obama, Kevin McAleenan served as deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

In 2015, Kevin McAleenan received the highest civil service award from the then-president.

In 2018, he faced criticism in the media for carrying out President Trump’s zero-tolerance policy that led to the controversial separation of families at the US southern border, but he has maintained his agency’s duty is to carry out the law, not create it.

Earlier this month, the Washington Post described Kevin McAleenan as increasingly isolated within the Trump administration and overshadowed by others more vocal in their support for President Trump.

In an interview, Kevin McAleenan lamented not having control over “the tone, the message, the public face and approach of the department in an increasingly polarized time. That’s uncomfortable, as the accountable, senior figure”.

President Trump Impeachment: Marie Yovanovitch Testifies Before Congress

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Impeachment: Marie Yovanovitch Testifies Before Congress

Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has told Congress she was ousted over “unfounded and false claims by people with clearly questionable motives”.

She said she was “incredulous” at being dismissed by President Donald Trump in May.

Marie Yovanovitch’s testimony is part of an impeachment inquiry against President Trump.

The Democratic probe is looking into whether the Republican president improperly pressured Ukraine to investigate his political rival Joe Biden.

The scandal was sparked by a whistleblower complaint about a July phone call between President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

During that conversation, President Trump described Marie Yovanovitch as “bad news”, according to a rough transcript released by the White House.

The decision to dismiss Marie Yovanovitch several months earlier reportedly followed President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and other conservatives arguing she was biased against the president.

Image source Getty Images

President Trump Brands Whistleblower Complaint as “Ridiculous Story”

Joe Biden Criticizes Donald Trump’s Attacks on Intelligence Community

Rudy Giuliani had been working in Ukraine to press the authorities to investigate widely debunked corruption allegations against Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter, who was associated with a Ukrainian company.

The lawyer is coming under increasing scrutiny over his work for the president. Asked by reporters on October 11 if Rudy Giuliani was still his lawyer, President Trump answered ambiguously: “I don’t know. He’s a very good attorney and he has been my attorney.”

In a prepared statement, Marie Yovanovitch said:“Although I understand that I served at the pleasure of the president.

“I was nevertheless incredulous that the US government chose to remove an ambassador based, as best as I can tell, on unfounded and false claims by people with clearly questionable motives.”

Marie Yovanovitch said she did not know Rudy Giuliani’s reasons for attacking her.

“Equally fictitious is the notion that I am disloyal to President Trump,” she said.

“I have heard the allegation in the media that I supposedly told the embassy team to ignore the president’s orders ‘since he was going to be impeached.’ That allegation is false.”

She warned of the harm that will come to the US when “bad actors” realize “how easy it is to use fiction and innuendo to manipulate our system”.

Marie Yovanovitch said she had never met or spoken with Hunter Biden and that Joe Biden had never raised with her the subject of his son or the Ukrainian gas company that employed him.

She also said she learned that President Trump had called for her ousting since 2018 despite Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan telling her she had done nothing wrong.

Marie Yovanovitch said: “He said that the president had lost confidence in me and no longer wished me to serve as his ambassador. He added that there had been a concerted campaign against me.”

A Barack Obama-appointee, Marie Yovanovitch was confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate and served as US ambassador to Ukraine from August 2016 until last May.

The whistleblower complaint noted Marie Yovanovitch’s surprise dismissal was a red flag for some officials.

The Best Rooms for Oak Laminate Flooring in Your Home

Kathryn R. Bown
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The Best Rooms for Oak Laminate Flooring in Your Home
Image source Pixabay

When you are choosing floors for your home, it is incredibly important that you consider both the material you use and its durability in addition to the colour and style. One type of floor which will always look classy and timeless no matter what is oak laminate flooring. This might be the perfect addition to your home and it will seamlessly tie into a few different styles. Here are some of the best rooms for you to lay down oak laminate flooring.

Hallway

If you have a hallway from your front door instead of just opening straight into a room then you might want to look into an oak laminate floor for the flooring. This will create a beautiful room which will serve as a fantastic place to welcome people into your home from. The hallway is the first place visitors will see when they come in so you want it to be as impactful as possible.

You might think that laminate flooring is not hard-wearing enough to protect against all the wear and tear a hallway might face. However, it is an incredibly hard-wearing surface and it will last much longer than you think. What’s more, it is also incredibly easy to keep clean so no matter how much mud you trek in, it will be easy to clean up again.

Bathroom

The right oak laminate flooring can make for a beautiful and unusual floor for a bathroom. Most people would expect a tile or a vinyl floor for a bathroom but a laminate floor can create just as interesting an impact if used correctly.

Just make sure you get a waterproof one if you decide to opt for an oak laminate flooring for a bathroom. Laminate flooring has a tendency to warp if too much water gets on it; something which is not ideal for a bathroom. Waterproof laminate flooring has been properly treated to ensure that it cannot warp in the same ways.

Living Room

A family’s living room is used for a variety of things. Some people like to use it as a place to come together to watch television, others use it as a place to chill out with a book, and some even use it as a place to eat. With all uses comes the chances for spills and scuffs from furniture being moved out.

You need a floor which is going to stand up to whatever your family can throw at it. This is why oak laminate flooring is one of the best options you could choose. It is durable and, with a little protection for your floors in the form of felt stoppers on the feet of your furniture, it should last you a very long time.

These are just some of the rooms you could place oak laminate flooring. It is by far one of the most versatile floors out there and will help you to create a beautiful room no matter where you try to use it in your home. Choose the first room you are going to place oak laminate flooring in today!

Top Tips for Redecorating Your Bedroom Before Winter

Kathryn R. Bown
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Top Tips for Redecorating Your Bedroom Before Winter
Image source Pixabay

Autumn is the perfect time to start thinking about some of the ways you can make your bedroom all the more cosy and snug in preparation for the cold winter months. From something as simple as new bedding to completely overhauling how the room looks, there are plenty of ways you can get prepared as the nights get longer.

A New Colour Scheme

If you feel like your room is a little bit tired then one of the first things you can do is change out the colour scheme. A new wall colour might be the perfect thing you need to reset things and make everything feel like you have just moved in again. Try to go with no more than three colours if possible. You should try to aim for something either bright or dark, an accent colour, and a neutral to tie them all together.

You can even very easily rejig the room so you can easily switch things out if you like to change things frequently. All you need to do is opt for something neutral for the walls and furniture. Focus the colours in the soft furnishings and other things which are going to be easy to change.

Laminate Flooring

While you might first think that a carpet would be best for a bedroom, especially when going into winter, you might be surprised to learn that laminate flooring is also a great option. One of the key reasons why laminate flooring is just as good is that it is one of the flooring types that can have underfloor heating placed underneath it.

This is truly a touch of luxury and can completely transform your bedroom. Whilst it is lovely to dig your toes into a thick carpet on a cold winter’s morning, being able to step directly onto a warm floor is just as nice.

Better Bedding

You might think that your current bedding is fine but the colder winter weather is the perfect excuse to invest in a thick duvet and some high-quality bedding. For the winter, you want a duvet which is about 13.5 tog to help keep you warm. You can also find many amazing blankets to heap on top and help you keep even warmer.

The material of the bedding itself is incredibly important too. For winter, we would recommend brushed cotton. It has all the advantages of cotton such as breathability whilst also being incredibly warm and cosy. With this on your bed, you will want to curl up and never get out again!

Update Your Wardrobe

When was the last time you went through all of your clothes and decided what you want to keep? If the answer was not very recently then you should definitely think about doing a sort through; especially if you have bought new wardrobes as part of your update. It is much nicer to fill the new wardrobe and have some room for new purchases instead of cramming everything you currently own into the new one.

If you cannot cut down your wardrobe, or you feel like you still don’t have enough space, consider buying some discrete storage for under the bed. This will allow you to put your bulky winter clothing out the way in summer while also allowing you to put some of your nicer summer dresses away when you aren’t going to be wearing them.

Think About Lighting

Most people light their bedrooms very simply with a pendant light above and a bedside light for when it is time to go to sleep. However, redecorating offers you the perfect chance to play with lighting in your room. The way you light your room can actually help you to zone your room quite successfully.

Do you have a designated dressing area? You can now source lights quite easily which brightly light your face when doing your makeup and can even change colour to let you know how you will look in different light sources. If you have a desk, a small lamp here can help you feel like it is a place to work in. Finally, check that your bedside lights aren’t too bright. You want to be able to comfortably read in bed but you don’t want them to be so bright that you may as well have the top light on.

Consider Cutting Down on the Electronics

It has been shown time and time again that too much blue light can seriously interfere with your sleep patterns. Being able to watch TV in bed is a true luxury but it is not always the best for your night’s sleep. As difficult as it might be, try to move your television out of your bedroom and save that piece of luxury for hotels.

Likewise, if you use your phone as your alarm clock, try to place it on night mode when you are sleeping and make sure it is not in the bed with you. Have a side table you can definitively place it on to keep it out the way. The night mode will also save your eyes from the harsh blue light of the phone if you wake up early and want to check the time. If you are using a digital alarm clock instead, make sure that it has some sort of night mode.

Make It You

No matter what you are doing, you need to make sure that your remodel is completely and utterly you in design. Everyone would like a room to look like it is straight from a magazine but that just isn’t always feasible. If you prefer a certain configuration of furniture, make sure you put it in. Hang up photos, put a vase of your favourite flowers on your chest of drawers. It is your bedroom and you need to make sure that it is a place you want to stay in, no matter what.

4 Freelancers Who Can Help Your Business Succeed

Clyde K. Valle
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4 Freelancers Who Can Help Your Business Succeed
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They say that a company is only as good as its employees. And that’s true. After all, employees are the ones who implement strategies, deal with customers, and deliver results on a daily basis. However, in 2019, not all employees work for a company in a full-time capacity. Indeed, many companies hire freelancers on a semi-regular basis, and some reports predict that freelance professionals will outnumber “traditional” employees by the end of the next decade. The good news for business owners is that hiring the right freelancers can give them a massive edge and set their company up for success. Here, we’ll list four kinds of freelancers who can help your business significantly. Check them out below:

Copywriters

In an era when “content is king” a good copywriter can provide a company with many tangible advantages. Copywriters are able to process new information quickly, compose engaging content efficiently, and can often offer support to social media channels through posts as well. Even if your business doesn’t create content regularly, it’s a good idea to have a trusted copywriter on your side.

Financial Advisor

Hiring a freelance financial advisor or analyzer to take a look at your books from time to time can help you avoid major financial mistakes and form a cogent investment plan for the future. A little advice is in this matter can go a long way toward ensuring the viability of your business.

SEO Expert

Many startups could benefit from the experience of a professional marketer like an SEO expert or a PPC consult. Freelance marketers can help small businesses maximize their visibility on search engines and garner more meaningful leads in the process. Investing in marketing support early on could set your company up for sustained success down the line.

Web Designer

A company’s website is one of –– if not its most –– important commodities. Websites allow businesses to promote themselves, engage with customers, and, crucially, make sales. As such, it’s imperative that new businesses hire a professional web designer to guarantee that their site is not only operational and functional, but that it’s appealing and modern as well. A poorly designed website can undermine even the most solid business models. 

The Bottom Line

As your company grows, it may make sense to hire one or more of these freelancers to a full-time position. But until that day comes, you should look for help from professionals in the freelance market. Just because you can’t afford to bring on an employee in a full-time capacity, doesn’t mean you should ignore marketing or web development issues. Instead, find capable freelancers and build relationships with them. Doing so is essential to your business’s future.

Nobel Prize 2019: Peter Ratcliffe, William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza Share Physiology or Medicine Prize

Kathryn R. Bown
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Nobel Prize 2019: Peter Ratcliffe, William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza Share Physiology or Medicine Prize

Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe, of the University of Oxford and Francis Crick Institute, William G. Kaelin, of Harvard, and Gregg L. Semenza, of Johns Hopkins University share this year’s Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine.

The three scientists discovered how cells sense and adapt to oxygen levels.

Their work is leading to new treatments for anemia and even cancer.

The role of oxygen-sensing is also being investigated in diseases from heart failure to chronic lung disease.

Image source Twitter

The Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, said: “The fundamental importance of oxygen has been understood for centuries but how cells adapt to changes in levels of oxygen has long been unknown.”

Peter Ratcliffe said: “I’m honored and delighted at the news.

“It’s a tribute to the lab, to those who helped me set it up and worked with me on the project over the years, to many others in the field, and not least to my family for their forbearance of all the up and downs.”

2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded for Groundbreaking Work on Parasitic Diseases

The oxygen-sensing ability of the body has a role in the immune system and the earliest stages of development inside the womb.

If oxygen levels are low, it can trigger the production of red blood cells or the construction of blood vessels to remedy this.

More red blood cells mean the body is able to carry more oxygen and is why athletes train at altitude.

Oxygen levels vary in the body, particularly:

  • during exercise
  • at high altitude
  • after a wound disrupts the blood supply

And when they drop, cells rapidly have to adapt their metabolism.

So, drugs that mimic it may be an effective treatment for anemia.

Tumors, meanwhile, can hijack this process to selfishly create new blood vessels and grow.

So, drugs that reverse it may help halt cancer.

Levels of hormone erythropoietin (EPO) were shown to rise as those of oxygen fell.

The scientists discovered this was because a cluster of proteins called hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) was changing the behavior of DNA, the genetic code.

Further work showed when oxygen levels were normal, cells constantly produced HIF only for it to be destroyed by another protein, VHL.

However, when oxygen levels fell, VHL could no longer stick to HIF, leading to the build-up sufficient levels to change the behavior of DNA.

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