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How to Find a Good Loan with Bad Credit

Clyde K. Valle
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How to Find a Good Loan with Bad Credit

When you have bad credit, it might seem like getting a loan is simply impossible. You could really use that extra money in an unexpected financial pinch, but you don’t know if anyone is going to help you out with a loan because of your credit. All is lost, and there is no hope for bringing it back around, right? Wrong.

Even if you have bad credit, there are workarounds to find a good deal on a loan. By playing your cards right, you can leverage offers from other lenders to get your loan exactly how you want it. To help you find a good loan with bad credit, we put together four tips that will make your hunt easier.

Image source Max Pixel

1 – Shop Around to Compare Rates

No one said you could only ask one lender, so why would you? You can talk to as many different lenders as you want, and you should. As you start to shop around, you can get a better understanding of what different lenders are willing to offer you on your loan. 

Say you need to cover an emergency home expense. You can find lenders that specialize in helping people secure a line of credit loans for bad credit. These lenders will be able to give you different offers on what you want, so put them head to head. You can compare them on interest rates, payment periods, and the overall amount the lenders are willing to give you. That gives you a good idea of what you can get with your credit.

2 – Understand You Will Pay More with Bad Credit

Your credit score will affect how much you pay on your monthly loan premium. If you enter your loan agreement with a bad credit score, you should be prepared for two things. 

The first is that you might not get the amount of money you were looking for when you enter an agreement with bad credit. Since you don’t have a good standing with credit, you may need to work your way towards larger loans. If you opt for something like a line of credit, you can raise the lending bar by paying back what you take, especially when you pay more than the monthly minimum. If you pay it all off month over month, you can watch your credit score change over time.

The second thing you need to keep in mind is that bad credit means you will usually have higher interest rates and payments. Since the lenders see a low credit score, they may assume they might not see all of the money come back, at least not at the pace they like. To counteract this, lenders may charge you higher premiums on a loan, so they can make sure they are getting what they can each month. Just like your limit, a good payment history can help reduce these monthly payments on something like a line of credit. 

3 – Work With Lenders That Trust You

If you can’t really find a lender that meets your needs, you might want to go back to the places you are in good standing with. Say you have had a bank account for a long time with the same institution. It wasn’t this account that started your credit issues, and as a matter of fact, you only have a shiny record with that bank or lender. You might want to take your other offers and see if they can do anything better. Even the bigger banks and lenders can bend their rules based on their discretion, so you might get a better offer from that lender than you could get from anyone else. 

4 – Don’t Extend Your Loan Beyond Your Needs

Even if you get an offer back that accepts you for far more than you were hoping for, you should still just get what you need. If you are starting a line of credit, you will start to see the maximum allowance go up as you pay back what you borrowed. That doesn’t mean you should just start tapping into that bigger budget because it’s there. If you can’t fit those additional expenses into your current budget, you will dig yourself into a hole. That hole will start to hurt your credit, and that’s the exact opposite of what we are trying to do here.

The same rule applies for fixed installment loans. Just because you are approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to use it all. Instead, try to have 20% of it for a budget for paying back your loan and getting the account in good standing. This will really help you out if you fall on hard months where you might not make the payments. When you get down to just that amount being owed, you can pay it all back at once.

Think About Your Budgeting

If you really go into this with a plan to pay it back on time, you will be able to make a loan work. If you take that plan and shop around, you can find the best deal on a loan, even if your credit is bad. Remember, you can talk to them about offers you already have to try and pull some leverage. Competition among lenders could turn into a better deal for you.

How Sleep and Exercise Can Combat Winter Blues

Kathryn R. Bown
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How Sleep and Exercise Can Combat Winter Blues

Image by Daniel Stuhlpfarrer from Pixabay

During the Winter months, when the temperatures are freezing and the snow is piling up, the desire to curl up by the fire with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate, and some freshly baked cookies is only natural. But when your desire to hibernate becomes all-consuming, and all you want to do is stay indoors and sleep until Spring, it could be a sign of a problem.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes called the “Winter Blues” affects as many as 10 million Americans every year. What makes SAD different from other forms of depression is that the symptoms — which include social withdrawal, fatigue, sleep disturbances, sadness, irritability, weight changes, and an increased desire for starchy foods — is that it’s directly tied to a change in the seasons, and the symptoms resolve on their own when the days get longer. Most experts agree that it’s the reduced exposure to sunlight that causes SAD, as it disrupts the natural production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our natural sleep cycle. Other possible causes of SAD include reduced levels of serotonin, and a deficiency in vitamin D, which contributes to reduced serotonin levels.

Regardless of the cause, there’s no need to suffer through a long Winter with depression. Although some people benefit from psychotherapy and medication to help alleviate their symptoms, lifestyle changes with a focus on exercise and a commitment to healthy sleep can reduce the symptoms of SAD.

The Exercise – Winter Blues Connection

Although there are several ways to treat the symptoms of the Winter Blues, including light therapy, one of the most effective is exercise. Even though you might feel like staying indoors for a Netflix marathon, physical activity is vital to preventing many of the effects of sunlight. Research indicates that 30-60 minutes of exercise each day can help manage symptoms.

Exercise helps control seasonal depression for several reasons. For starters, research indicates that exercise can work as well as antidepressants for some people. This is due in part to the endorphins, so called “happy” chemicals that help you feel better during and after a workout. In addition to endorphins, though, working out also increases the production of growth factor proteins, which improve your brain function by increasing nerve cell growth and new connections, in particular in the hippocampus. This increased brain function can improve mood, reducing the feelings of depression.

Even without all of the benefits to the brain, though, staying active during the colder months can help you avoid SAD in other ways. Exercising outdoors, for instance, will expose you to beneficial sunlight — even on a cloudy day — which can help spur vitamin D production and support your natural circadian rhythms and allow you to maintain a normal sleep cycle. Just getting outside for some fresh air can help you feel more energetic, and working out with friends and family helps you maintain those important connections that can boost your mood and get you through the long Winter.

Exercise, Sleep, and Depression

One of the most common symptoms of Winter depression is a change in sleeping habits. While some people suffer from insomnia, it’s actually more common to grapple with hypersomnia, or sleeping too much. This is due in large part to the changes in light. Shorter days and less natural sunlight disrupts melatonin production, throwing your sleep cycle out of balance. Melatonin essentially triggers your body to sleep when it’s dark and wake when it’s light, but when it’s dark for a larger part of the day, it’s difficult to maintain this natural rhythm.

So how can you combat the changes to your sleep schedule that Winter can bring? One of the best options is exercise. Multiple studies have shown that exercise benefits people with insomnia, with the best exercises to help you sleep moderate-intensity aerobic workouts like walking. At the same time, exercise is beneficial to hypersomnia, as it can help increase the production of melatonin, especially when you exercise outdoors in the early morning. Regularly working out in the morning triggers your body to create melatonin in the evening, so you can maintain a normal sleep schedule.

Of course, when it’s cold in the morning, getting out of a warm and cozy bed to work out can feel like the last you want to do. It can be easier to do when you get plenty of sleep at night, but avoiding some of the other habits that can come with SAD will also help regulate your sleep. For example, stick to a healthy diet, rather than constantly indulging in the creamy, starchy comfort foods you crave, and be conscious of your calorie intake if you are less active than normal so you don’t gain weight, which can affect your mood.

And while outdoor exercise is ideal, have some alternative options for indoor activities on days when the weather keeps you indoors. Do an exercise video at home, try a yoga class, or head to the skating rink for a few hours. Think about how you can exercise anywhere, and you’ll help improve your mood and your sleep all the way through to Spring.

Reasons Why Social Media is Vital to Small Businesses

Nancy Clayson
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Reasons Why Social Media is Vital to Small Businesses

When it comes to digital marketing tools, social media is among the most effective and affordable tools that small businesses use. You can use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Social media has grown tremendously over the years in terms of users. It used to be a small advertising mode, but now it’s a more significant marketing strategy for both the small and large businesses.

Social media is great for small businesses because it requires a small financial investment to be implemented, therefore helping small businesses to grow.

 Apart from using social media platforms to grow your business, you can also learn from business mentors like Tony Robbins who are always ready to share with the world some of the incredible strategies that one can use to make their business successful.

Here are some of the benefits of social media for small businesses.

  1. Increased inbound traffic

When you market your small business on social media, you can quickly increase your inbound traffic. People who are familiar with your products and services are likely to be searching for the same keywords that you already rank for.  You should include social media in your marketing strategy because if you don’t, it will be difficult for you to reach people beyond your customer circle.

When it comes to using social media, posting content in your account can be an excellent opportunity to get a new customer. Again, posting content on different social media platforms can allow your customers to reach your business organically. Marketing your business on social media can open your business to a large number of consumers across the globe.

  • Increases your brand awareness

When you have a strong social media presence, you can build your business reputation easily. Through the help of a digital marketing company who can execute a social media strategy, you can increase your brand recognition since you will engage a wide audience of consumers in platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

For starters, first, you have to create a social media account for your business, and start interacting with people. You can get people such as sponsors, business partners, and employees to like and share your page. The more you get the likes, the more your business gets recognized.

  • Increases your conversion rates

When your business gets increased visibility, it means that it has more chances for conversion. The comments, images, or videos can lead readers to your business’ site and increase traffic. Social media marketing gives your business the opportunity to interact with your customers on a personal level.

Research shows that social media has a 100% higher leads than the outbound marketing. Individuals use social media platforms to keep in touch with their family and friends. And because people are active on these platforms, you can throw in your brand in the mix. This will expose your business to people and individuals may mention your brand to a friend when your products or services are needed.

  • Social media improves customer satisfaction

It is no surprise that social media is a great networking and communication platform. Your small business can rapidly grow if you create a voice for it using these platforms. Nothing makes a consumer happy like knowing that if they post a comment on your page, they will receive personalized feedback and not an automated message.

One of the best ways to show that you value your customers and pay attention to their needs is to acknowledge each comment from them.

  • It is cost-effective

Social media is one of the most cost-effective methods of advertising. Creating a profile is free for almost all social media platforms. Moreover, any paid promotions that you sign up for are low cost compared to other methods of marketing.

If you are running a small business, a cost-effective marketing strategy will be best for your business since you may be working on a tight budget. A cost-effective method will also enable you to see a significant return on investment [ROI] and retain a huge budget for other business expenses.

Final thoughts

From the points above, you can clearly see how social media can be of significant value to your business. If your business does not already have the correct profiles, create them now. Fill in your business’ details and post interesting and engaging content. You don’t have any reason not to integrate social media into your marketing strategy. It is cost-effective, meaning you won’t lose a thing!

Stuck on Succulents: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Succulents Alive!

Kathryn R. Bown
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Stuck on Succulents: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Succulents Alive!
Image by 广扬 罗 from Pixabay

A succulent is a modest plant that makes a big statement. Think about it: rows and rows of potted plants with carved leaves arranged in intricate arrangements inside your family room.

The very fact that these plant heroes don’t need much fuss and care to keep them alive should make you their biggest fan! Of course, like any plant-life, they come with their own basic instructions manual that you must follow, if you’d like them to stay fresh and springy.

Tip #1: Drainage matters

This is an important one. When choosing the pots/container for your succulents, consider the containers they come in. Your local florist will be able to help you out with this. Florists usually keep scores of containers for floral arrangements and they deliver, too.

And if you’re lucky, you might get same-day delivery. That is if your florist is anything like Pearsons Florists. The containers you order need to have adequate drainage without appearing clunky.

Succulents don’t need much water, but even on occasion, it should be drained properly.

Tip #2: ‘Tis the season to water

It’s a popular misconception that succulents don’t need much water to thrive. This is completely wrong, however, so don’t put away your watering cans.

Succulents need to be watered according to specific seasons. Water your plants in the spring and summer seasons more frequently, followed by occasional sprays of water in oncoming months.

These tough little plants like to soak up water and retain it for colder months, so make sure they have enough to get them through.

Tip #3: Don’t spray away

You might be an expert at knowing when to water your succulents, but chances are, you’re not aware of where to do it.

Essentially, succulents don’t need to be watered on their surface, unless you’re cleaning them of course. Make sure to spray water directly into the soil and do this until you see water escaping the drainage holes.

This will ensure that water has been absorbed all the way through.

Tip #4: Avoid spring cleaning

When misting/spraying succulents on their leaves, it’s better to be cautious. This is because frequent misting or spraying can cause mold or rot to flower on the leaves.

Pungent mold can kill off your beautiful succulents so refrain from generous misting!

Tip #5: Let there be light

Succulents love light! If you have them, don’t keep them away from sunlight. However, make sure you rotate the containers so they’re not placed in the way of direct, scorching sunlight.

This is especially true for new succulents that are exposed to too much light. If this happens, their leaves will get scorched.

Think of them as babies with tough skin. Light exposure should be gradual, minimal and changeable. On the other hand, for older and tougher plants, make sure to rotate them frequently. This is so one side doesn’t absorb more sunlight than the other.

We hope these easy tips will help you care for your beloved succulents and keep them alive! Happy gardening.

Saudi Crown Prince Admits Responsibility for Jamal Kashoggi Murder and Warns of Iran Threat to Global Oil

Roy Siemens
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Saudi Crown Prince Admits Responsibility for Jamal Kashoggi Murder and Warns of Iran Threat to Global Oil

In a recent interview, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman has warned that oil prices could rise steeply if the world does not act to deter Iran.

The prince said failure to act could embolden Iran and lead to war, which he said would ruin the global economy, following an attack on oil facilities which he blames on Tehran.

Iran said the Saudi prince’s remarks would “bring [the Saudis] nothing but shame”.

Speaking to CBS’ 60 Minutes program on September 29, Prince Mohammed bin Salman also said he accepted some responsibility for journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s killing.

However, he denied personally ordering it.

The prince, who is considered the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, is suspected of personally targeting Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist critical of the government in Riyadh.

Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Turkey on October 2, 2018.

Image source: Wikipedia

Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Military Response To Iran Is Possible

Jamal Khashoggi Murder Recordings Revealed by Turkish Newspaper

During the interview, the prince said: “I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it [the killing] was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government.”

However, Mohammed bin Salman denied ordering the killing of Jamal Khashoggi directly, or having knowledge of it at the time.

Saudi authorities have since blamed a “rogue” operation for his murder and put 11 men on trial.

The crown prince also appeared to offer talks for a political solution to the civil war in Yemen, where government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition are fighting Houthi rebels supported by Iran.

Iran is Saudi Arabia’s regional rival and an opponent of the US, which pulled out of a treaty aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear program after Donald Trump took power.

US-Iran tensions have risen markedly this year, with the US blaming Iran on attacks on six oil tankers in the Gulf between May and July. However, Iran rejects the accusations.

Everything You Need to Know About Guns and Their Parts

Dana R
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Everything You Need to Know About Guns and Their Parts

The world keeps getting more complex, filled with niche groups and knowledge. While you can’t be expected to know everything, having some background in common topics keeps you in the global conversation.

Guns are a lot like computers when it comes to common knowledge. Everyone has picked up some basic terms about each but only the enthusiast crowd really understands their use. Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot of time to learn everything you need to know about guns.

The most important information can be gained in minutes! Perhaps you’re thinking of becoming an owner of one of the 857 million civilian firearms in circulation. Perhaps you just like knowing things.

Whatever your reason, getting started with a cursory knowledge of the types, parts, and lingo will let you go deeper at your own pace.

Everything You Need to Know About Guns

No understanding of guns and gun ownership can begin without first going over the safety rules. These rules have gone beyond boilerplate to be foundational to the concept of firearms.

Always treat firearms as dedicated tools with an equally dedicated purpose.

Safety First

Any hunter’s safety course, gun range placard, or conceal/carry class will go over these four rules ad nauseam. Learn them thoroughly before you pick up your first piece.

Rule 1 – All Guns Are Loaded Guns

Treat every firearm as though it’s loaded and ready to fire. This goes for any weapon that you didn’t personally unload. This accounts for times when you clean or modifies a firearm.

Pieces of a gun are not a gun any more than pieces of a car are a vehicle.

This rule protects you and others. Remember, a weapon that discharges while you are holding it is your responsibility.

Rule 2 – Only Point a Firearm at Things You Intend to Shoot

Any time you point the gun, you should be prepared to fire at whatever is at the end of the barrel.

This keeps you aware of what it’s pointing at. Same as in rule 1, if the weapon discharges, you bear the responsibility.

Rule 3 – Practice Trigger Discipline

Compounding on the previous two rules, don’t put your finger through the guard and onto the trigger. Not until you are intending to fire.

This keeps you from discharging the weapon until you are ready. It’s also about physical memory. Don’t ready your body and weapon until you ready your intent.

It’s a straightforward physiological reaction to tense up when stressed or surprised. You don’t want either reaction to fire a weapon you aren’t prepared to fire.

Rule 4 – Know Your Target and Beyond

Even when you have selected a target and point with purpose, it’s important to know what’s beyond the target. Comprehensive situational awareness matters when wielding deadly force.

Never take as granted that your shot will hit what you want. Know what it also might hit. Again, you own the consequences and responsibility of your shots.

Storage

Safety doesn’t end with the rules for holding a weapon. You also want to store your weapons carefully.

A gun that you own, that gets out of your possession, and ends up in the hands of someone else is also your responsibility.

Lock up your guns when not in use and promptly report a missing firearm.

Parts (by Firearm)

Now that you understand how to treat a firearm, it’s time to learn about gun basics.

In general, there are three different types of firearms: handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Variations exist within these basic types but everything falls within one of these designations.

Each type is composed of the same basic four parts: a frame, an action, a barrel, an ammunition storage device. Terms related to some of these basic parts change across types.

All modern firearms have a safety mechanism, usually in the form of a trigger lock or an action brake.

Handguns

Typically short-barreled and handheld, handguns have two current subgroups in service. Handguns are designed to be short-ranged firearms.

Frame

The frame of a handgun is made of metal, carbon fiber, titanium, or a similar alloy. The frame includes the grip, an ammunition storage device, and a trigger guard.

The other parts of a handgun mount to the frame. Expansion kits add additional tactical features to a handgun. Commonly, these attach to the frame or the housing along the barrel.

Check out the line of products from Arisaka Defense for ideas on advanced handgun tactical gear.

The top portion of a frame houses sights, mounting points for optics, or a slide, depending.

Action

The action of a handgun includes the hammer, firing pin, chamber, and trigger assembly.

Actions in a handgun are single action or semi-automatic. In rare cases, you’ll find a full auto action in something like a machine pistol.

Single action fires one round, cycling the spent cartridge out of the chamber without moving in another. Semi-automatic fires the loaded round when the trigger is pulled, ejects the cartridge, and then loads another in so it’s ready to fire.

Barrel

The barrel of a gun guides the bullet out of the breach, through the bore, and out the muzzle.

Rifling spins the round as it travels through the bore, causing it to travel further and maintain accuracy over distance.

Ammo Storage

The final part of a handgun is the ammo storage. In handguns this is usually a magazine. A magazine is a spring-operated box that pushes cartridges into the gun as it is fired. Magazines are detachable through a release and allow for rapid reloading.

Revolvers

Revolvers differ from pistols in the function of the action and ammo storage. In a revolver the magazine is replaced with a cylinder that rotates to bring the next cartridge in line with the breach.

The action of a revolver can also be double action, requiring the hammer to be pulled back or cocked before the trigger pull will release it.

Revolvers normally load one cartridge into one cylinder at a time. Some cylinders swivel out, allowing them to be speed-loaded with clips.

Rifles

Rifles include any of the long-barrel weapons that fire single shell projectiles.

Many of the parts are the same as a handgun but may have different names.

Rifles are intended for medium to long-range tasks.

Frame

The frame of a rifle is commonly referred to as the stock. The stock is also the butt-end that presses into your shoulder when aiming or holding a rifle.

Stocks, like handgun frames, come in carbon fiber, wood, and metal alloy varieties.

The frame supports the barrel, the trigger assembly, and the action.

Action

Single action rifles use a lever or bolt to load in a new shell and eject the previous one. These are called lever action and bolt action, respectively.

Semi-automatic actions can be spring or gas-driven to load and eject shells.

Fully automatic actions continue to fire as long as there is ammo remaining and the trigger is held down. Fully auto rifles may also have a burst fire option, which fires a number of rounds with a single trigger pull. Bursts can be in three, five, or more rounds per pull.

Barrel

The barrel of most rifles is identical to that of a handgun. The bullet travels from the breech, through the bore, spins via the rifling, and exits via the muzzle.

In the case of some fully automatic rifles, the barrel may have a shroud which assists in venting heat from the barrel to keep it from warping.

Ammo Storage

Most rifles use a magazine to hold ammo. Some older rifles make use of a spring-loaded receiver that pushes rounds into the action. These can use clips of ammo to quickly add rounds to the reservoir.

Though most people use the terms interchangeably it’s important to know the difference between a clip vs magazine. A clip is a disposable clamp that holds a string of ammo. A magazine is an enclosed box.

Lever action rifles frequently also have internal storage that has to be loaded one round at a time.

Shotguns

A shotgun is a long-barreled weapon that fires unrifled projectiles. Shotguns are meant to be short to medium ranged weapons.

Frame

The frame of a shotgun resembles that of a rifle. The key difference is the underside of the barrel may have a tube. This is an empty space used as ammo storage.

The frame of a shotgun typically doesn’t have optic mounting points.

Action

Shotgun actions have more mechanical variety than rifles though most are still single action.

Breech loaders have one or two tubes that must be manually loaded, secured, then fired. Ejection of shells may be assisted or manual when opening the breech.

Pump-action shotguns cycle the shell in the receiver the same as a lever-action rifle, ejecting the old and loading in a new shell.

Automatic shotguns come in cylinders, like a revolver, or a large spring-loaded drum.

Barrel

Shotgun barrels are smoothbore. This indicates that they have no rifling. The projectiles fire without being spun as in handguns and rifles.

Ammo Storage

Ammo storage differs widely for shotguns. One shell is loaded at a time in breech loaders. Side by side and over-under types hold two.

A tube for a pump-action holds up to eight shells loaded manually one at a time.

Drum and cylinder shotguns use large specialized magazines.

Stay in the Know

It’s a lot to take in at first, but now you know the terminology used in firearms. This represents everything you need to know about guns to gets started in the selection process. From here, it’s best to learn more about individual manufacturers.

There’s always more to learn, come back here for more articles on topics of interest.

Is Insurance More Expensive For A Salvage Car?

Clyde K. Valle
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Is Insurance More Expensive For A Salvage Car?
car-insurance

You might believe you got a good deal when you pay a meager price for a salvaged car. However, such cars have probably been rebuilt after being utterly destroyed in an accident. Car insurance companies usually quote higher premium rates to insure these rebuilt vehicles. Some automobile insurance agencies will not insure a salvaged car while others offer liability coverage. Very few insurance companies provide full coverage for such cars as it is difficult to assess all damages to the vehicle.

What Does It Mean When A Car Has A Salvage Title?

A salvage title, also popularly known as a branded title, is issued to a vehicle after it has been labeled as a total loss.  This is the opposite of a clean title which is what cars that have never suffered severe damage are issued. If a vehicle suffers extreme damage and the cost of repair is more than a certain percentage of the cars cash value, a total loss has happened. Different automobile car insurers in different states use varying levels as a benchmark for the total loss, but the value ranges between 90% and 60%.

Once a car insurance company makes a total loss declaration and issues a salvage certificate, the car can no longer be registered and can no longer be driven on public roads. Insurance companies typically go on to auction salvaged cars off to salvage yards or rebuilders. If a salvaged car is rebuilt correctly and passes the necessary tests, a rebuilt certificate can be issued for it. If the vehicle was restored but still declared unfit to drive, it is given a non-repairable title instead. Such a vehicle can never be driven again and is only used for parts or dumped altogether.

Does A Salvage Title Affect The Price Of Car Insurance Premiums?

There are varied reasons why the premium rate for car insurance will increase. Typically, the elements that cause premium rates to increase depending on how high risk the policyholder is. According to car insurance companies, driving a salvaged car makes you a very high-risk client. For this reason, premium rates for salvaged vehicles tend to be much higher than average.

A car can only be issued a salvage title if it passes inspection after rebuilding. But there could be many defects hiding in covered areas, waiting to manifest at the slightest encouragement. Such errors could even lead to unfortunate accidents, and that is the biggest concern of auto insurance companies.

Another reason most insurance companies will not touch a salvaged car with a 6-foot pole is they are difficult to value. Comprehensive collision insurance might be a good deal for your salvaged car, but since your insurance provider finds it hard to value the vehicle, you should expect costly rates. Other insurance covers, including uninsured motorist and liability insurance, might not cost more than usual because the value of the car is not considered for determining premium rates.

Is It Worth It To Buy Full Coverage On A Salvage Car?

The search for an auto insurance company that will cover a salvaged car is only the beginning; getting a reasonably priced quote is another ball game. While some people prefer to have full coverage, even for salvage title cars, some wonder if it is worth it. Car insurance companies generally estimate standard cars value lower than expected. You can assume that this will be lower for salvaged vehicles. Only about 80% of the cars salvage value will get to you.

Another consideration when contemplating full coverage for salvaged cars is that your vehicle starts worthless. Insurance is usually paid out based on the value of the car involved, so get ready to be paid much less if your salvaged car is badly damaged in the future.

Conclusion

Cars with a salvage title are typically much cheaper than conventional vehicles. A lot of professionals advice car buyers to avoid buying salvaged cars or rebuilding total loss cars but these cars can still be driven and insured. Some car insurance companies will not provide coverage for salvaged cars, some only offer limited liability, but a few can offer full salvage title insurance coverage for vehicles with salvage titles. 

If you have done proper research and decided to buy and use a salvaged car long term, you can be covered by individual car insurance firms. You should ask your car insurance provider about their stance on insuring salvage cars. Also, inquire about additional coverage you may be able to get with their regular packages. If you can find a provider with a good deal, go ahead and make an offer. Make sure you have confirmed that there will be no severe limitations for filing a claim with a salvage title car before you go ahead. Your insurance provider might even negotiate the value of the vehicle with you to provide you with the best premium rates possible.

5 Tips to Stay Sharp When In Between Jobs

Nancy Clayson
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5 Tips to Stay Sharp When In Between Jobs

The harsh reality of the modern job market is that few professionals stay at one company or in one position for more than a few years at a time. This obviously presents enormous opportunities for pros to follow various career paths. But at the same time, finding yourself in between jobs can be quite unsettling for some. Those used to a regular nine-to-five workday might even be overwhelmed by the amount of free time unemployment entails. With that in mind, today we’re going to share five tips that professionals can use to stay sharp in between jobs. Check them out here:

Take Job-Hunting Seriously

It can be very tempting to blast out hundreds –– or even thousands –– of resumes at one time. While this approach may produce results for some, the fact of the matter is that it’s much better to tailor your resume and cover letter to specific jobs you find. Not only do you have a better chance of landing an interview with this approach, but it also allows you to get to know a prospective employer and decide if their company a good fit for you. Remember, taking the first job you’re offered isn’t always the best way to go.

Learn Something New Every Day

Each day presents a chance to improve yourself and gain more knowledge. As such, make it a point to use your free time productively. Spend an hour at the library, sign up for a dance class, volunteer at a local charity –– just make sure to do something worthwhile that exposes you to new experiences.

Pick up a Side Hustle

Just because you’re in between jobs, it doesn’t mean the bills will stop coming. Thankfully, getting a part-time job can help you keep the creditors at bay. In addition to trendy side hustles like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb, you should also consider freelancing in your field. Writing blogs or designing web pages is a great way to bolster your C.V. when you don’t have a full-time position.

Study How the Best Work

If you want to become a better chef, then it makes sense to watch videos on how professionals like Gordon Ramsey cook. In the same vein, if your goal is to open up a small business, then it’s a good idea to peruse successful small business websites, like this one from OTW Safety, for instance. What’s more, speaking to leading minds in your industry can grant you valuable insights that you can use to further your own career.

Stay Positive

Sometimes it takes a while to find a job on the market. The key is to not get discouraged. Staying positive might be difficult, but it will enable you to reach your goals in the long run.

Jacques Chirac Dies At the Age of 86

Diane A. Wade
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Jacques Chirac Dies At the Age of 86

Former French President Jacques Chirac has died at the age of 86.

“President Jacques Chirac died this morning surrounded by his family, peacefully,” his son-in-law told AFP.

The former president was the statesman who championed the European Union, but whose later years were blighted by corruption scandals.

Jacques Chirac served two terms as president and twice as PM, and took France into the single European currency.

On September 26, the French National Assembly observed a minute’s silence in his memory.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission and former Luxembourg PM, said he was “moved and devastated” to learn the news.

He said in a statement: “Europe is not only losing a great statesman, but the president is losing a great friend.”

President Emmanuel Macron was expected to speak on TV at 20:00 local time to pay tribute to his late predecessor.

Former French President François Hollande also paid homage to Jacques Chirac: “I know that today, the French people, whatever their convictions, have just lost a friend.”

Another former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, said on learning the news: “A part of my life has disappeared today”, adding that Chirac “embodied a France faithful to its universal values.”

Jacques Chirac was born in 1932, the son of a bank manager. He served as head of state from 1995 to 2007 – making him France’s second longest serving post-war president after his Socialist predecessor Francois Mitterrand.

His health steadily deteriorated after he stepped down until his death on September 26.

Image source Wikimedia Commons

Jacques Chirac is not in a fit state to attend his corruption trial

Jacques Chirac also served as the French prime minister, but he was beset by a series of corruption scandals. In 2011, he was convicted of diverting public funds while serving as the mayor of Paris.

Despite his failings, Jacques Chirac won widespread support for his fierce opposition to French involvement in the Iraq War, and for being the first leader to recognize France’s role in the war-time deportation of Jews.

Among Jacques Chirac’s major domestic political reforms was a reduction of the presidential term of office from seven to five years, and the abolition of compulsory military service.

He moved during the course of his career from anti-European Gaullism to championing the European project and an EU constitution that was then rejected by the majority of French voters.

In 2005, Jacques Chirac suffered a stroke, and in 2014, his wife Bernadette said he would no longer speak in public, noting he had memory trouble.

Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Military Response To Iran Is Possible

Roy Siemens
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Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Military Response To Iran Is Possible

In a recent interview, Saudi Arabia’s minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir has said all options, including a military response, are open after attacks on two oil facilities, which it has blamed on Iran.

A US assessment claiming Iran was behind the attacks on the Saudi oil facilities was backed up by France, the UK, and Germany this week.

However, Iran has denied any involvement.

The Iran-aligned rebel Houthi movement in Yemen, which is fighting a Saudi-led coalition in the country’s civil war, has said it launched drones at the facilities.

Saudi officials say the range, scale and complexity of the attacks exceeded the capabilities of the Houthis.

Meanwhile, the US re-imposed economic sanctions against Iran last year after abandoning a 2015 nuclear deal, and in May said it would attempt to force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil and put pressure on Iran to negotiate a new nuclear accord.

On September 25, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN that the US wanted “a peaceful resolution with the Islamic Republic of Iran”.

He added: “In the end, it’ll be up to the Iranians to make that decision, or whether they’ll choose violence and hate.”

Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Foreign Affairs Minister Adel Al Jubeir Accuses Iran of Committing Attack on Humanity

French President Emmanuel Macron had attempted to broker an historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

However, President Rouhani told delegates at the UN that he refused to meet President Trump while Iran’s punishing economic sanctions were in place. He cast doubt on US intentions, referring to Mike Pompeo’s boast last year that it had imposed “the strongest sanctions in history” on Iran.

He said: “How can someone believe them when the silent killing of a great nation, and pressure on the lives of 83 million Iranians, especially women and children, are welcomed by American government officials?

“The Iranian nation will never, ever forget and forgive these crimes and these criminals.”

President Rouhani also dismissed the idea of a photo with President Trump, who has staged several photo opportunities with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un – including one apparently spontaneous handshake in the Korean peninsula’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Baby On Board: How to DIY Your Nursery on a Budget

Dana R
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Baby On Board: How to DIY Your Nursery on a Budget

If you’re expecting a baby, we know you can’t help but think about all the hard work it will take to prepare a place for them in your life and in your home. Since you are busy with so many important decisions, the last thing you want to worry about is how you are going to pay for all of it. This article hopefully removes some of that stress by providing you with helpful DIY suggestions on ways to build a nursery on a budget. For many, the fact that you actually can have a gorgeous nursery that doesn’t break the bank is welcome news.

Have DIY Ambitions

While things like curtains and bedding should be left to the professionals, you can save a lot of money by taking the DIY route. This often requires finding a tutorial online for the specific project you are interested in. Don’t be intimidated by a bit of research, as there are hundreds of tutorials for any project imaginable (no exaggeration!). Finding the right instructions together with some inexpensive, high-quality supplies will let you put together your own nightstands, under the bed storage units, closet organizers, curtain rods, etc.

Creative Use of Paint

A great and inexpensive way to really leave your mark on a nursery is to use paint in interesting and unusual ways. This often adds a more personal touch to the room and is cheaper than many expensive wall treatments. Consider adding patterns and shapes using stencils and painter’s tape. You can even paint and design the ceiling, something your baby will love given how much time they spend on their backs! If you really don’t think you’re up for this level of painting, then consider wall decals that match your room’s theme and colour scheme.

Lookout for Spare Furniture

Although there are plenty of beautiful pieces of baby furniture available at your local store, these can be very expensive, so if you are on a budget, don’t expect that you have to buy everything brand new for your baby to live in comfort. If you can find a good second-hand shop or if you have extra furniture somewhere that can be repurposed, a new coat of paint can breathe new life into old pieces. The Spruce provides some excellent examples of this, which include: reupholstering an old armchair with some baby-friendly fabric, painting a large ornate mirror an unexpected colour, or adding some new paint and custom drawer pulls to an old dresser.

Check online

Make sure to check out sites such as Gumtree and eBay, where you can find second-hand or even new items at discounted prices. This shouldn’t be surprising because babies are well known for growing out of clothes, toys, and furniture very quickly.

DIY Crafts

You can make another big impact by creating unique accessories, with just a handful of inexpensive supplies. A classic example is to capture your child’s tiny handprint or footprint in clay, along with some adorable photos, all in a nice frame. Better yet these pieces can serve as keepsakes for when your child becomes an adult. See Red Tricycle’s list of more DIY nursery accessories for those on a budget. A good rule of thumb is to try to use meaningful decorations such as family pictures and DIY accessories, rather than potential expensive and impersonal, artwork or other wall hangings.

Lack of Storage?

If you are desperate for some more storage on a budget, consider adding a few wicker or cloth baskets, or a handful of floating shelves. These can be inexpensive storage option for clothes or toys. Consider keeping plastic bins under the crib, which can be obscured with a crib skirt. You can even break large drawers into many smaller compartments by using food storage bins or Tupperware if you really want to use every little bit of space.

It is important to consider that because babies grow up so fast, the room will have to be redecorated after two or three years to accommodate the changing tastes and needs of your child. Try to keep it simple and enjoy the time you have together!

How to Become A Salesforce Certified Platform Developer

Nancy Clayson
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How to Become A Salesforce Certified Platform Developer

Do you know which tool is used by businesses that focus on enhancing customer experience continually?

It is Salesforce.

If you have not heard about Salesforce before, this post is a must-read for you.

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is a cloud computing service-as-a-software (SaaS) company that was founded in 1999 by a group of experts – Marc Benioff, Dave Moellenhoff, Frank Dominguez and Parker Harris. It was the first company to have successfully leveraged cloud-based CRM software for business. Salesforce focuses exclusively on customer relationship management (CRM) – by using cloud technology. Salesforce allows businesses to connect with both potential customers and business partners.

Salesforce is an integrated CRM platform designed to provide a 360-degree view of your customers to every single department of your business. This facilitates better decision-making and strategizing at every level of your business. You can identify the pain points of your customers, offer efficient solutions for the same, build, and deploy customer-oriented apps, and most importantly build a lasting bond with your customers. In other words, Salesforce has revolutionized enterprise software that is delivered and leveraged by businesses.

Of late, Salesforce’s popularity has been skyrocketing, so much so that, Jim Cramer, Founder of The Street, declared it as a ‘Cloud King’. In the third quarter of 2018, Salesforce awed investors when it brought home a $3.39 billion revenue.

Is a Salesforce Certification beneficial for your career?

Given that there’s a huge demand for technical skills in the market right now, having a Salesforce Certification can do wonders for your career. According to a recent IDC study, the Salesforce Ecosystem is estimated to create around 3.3 million jobs by 2022 and $859 billion in new business revenues globally.


Source

To add to that, in the Indeed best jobs of 2017 list, two of them were Salesforce-oriented jobs – Salesforce Administrator (4th rank) and Salesforce Developer (6th rank).


Source

Even Burning Glass maintains that Salesforce skills are one of the top 10 digital skills for a career in Marketing. A Salesforce Certification can be your ticket to higher salary packages. In 2018, the average annual salary of a Salesforce Administrator was $95k, while a Salesforce Developer earned around $125k. As for jobs that demand specific Salesforce skills like that of Sales Cloud and Visualforce, one can earn over $100k annually.

Apart from these benefits, a Salesforce Certification has the following benefits:

  • It will train you on how to use different tools along with cloud-based technology to obtain customer insights and improve sales and customer relations.
  • You get hands-on experience while working on real-world scenarios, industry projects, and case studies, thereby giving you a glimpse of what you will be doing.
  • Once you gain a good understanding of Salesforce, you will learn how to leverage its different services to handle customer requests, and boost business processes with strategic planning.
  • Using the platform to gain more in-depth insight into customer data will help sharpen your analytical skills.
  • Since you can help companies to enhance their CRM services, you will become a valuable asset for your employer organization.

Last but not least, it will revamp your resume and add credibility to it!

How to become a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer?

To become a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer, you need to pass the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam.

The Salesforce Platform Developer I exam is designed for aspirants who have the basic knowledge of and prior experience in developing and deploying custom business logic, applications, and UIs using the Lightning Platform.

To appear for this exam, one needs to have at least six months of experience in working with the Lightning Platform or 1-2 years of working experience as a Developer. Furthermore, a candidate must possess the following skills/knowledge/experience:

  • The ability to develop custom business logic and interfaces using the programming features of the Lightning Platform.
  • The ability to extend the capabilities of the Lightning Platform using Apex and Visualforce.
  • The ability to employ the relevant declarative capabilities of the Lightning wherever appropriate.
  • The ability to distinguish between the use-cases of declarative vs. programmatic methods.
  • The ability to know when to use an Apex Trigger and when to use the Lightning Process Builder.
  • Possess the basic knowledge of the Salesforce Mobile app features and capabilities.
  • Possess a fundamental knowledge of various development environments and familiarity with the development lifecycle (from development to testing).
  • Proficiency in working with OOP languages like Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and C#.
  • Experience in working with data-driven applications and relational databases.
  • Experience in working with both component-based architecture and Model View Controller (MVC) architecture.

Details of the exam

The Salesforce Platform Developer I exam comprises of 60 multiple-choice questions that are to be completed within 110 minutes. You must obtain at least 65% to pass the exam successfully.

While the registration fee is $200 (plus taxes as mandated by the local law), the retake fee is $100 (plus taxes as prescribed by the local law).

The exam judges a candidate’s skills and knowledge based on the following objectives:

  • Salesforce Fundamentals: 10%
  • Data Modeling and Management: 12%
  • Logic and Process Automation: 46%
  • Logic and Process Automation: 46%
  • Testing: 12%
  • Debug and Deployment Tools: 10%

Since this is a closed-book type exam, you cannot refer to online materials or any hard-copy during the exam.

To prepare for the exam, Salesforce recommends that candidates invest in both self-study and training course completion to master the areas/objectives mentioned above. There are two primary self-study materials for the exam:

Salesforce even has instructor-led, online training courses that you can find here. Two of the best Salesforce instructor-led training courses for this exam are:

You can also check out other online training courses for the Salesforce Platform Developer I exam. Whichever course you choose, one thing is for sure – the best mentors in the domain will train you so that you can nail the exam in the first attempt!

7 Ways You Can Help Prevent Domestic Violence

Kathryn R. Bown
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7 Ways You Can Help Prevent Domestic Violence

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey claim to have more than 33% of women and one in 12 men have encountered life-partner violence in their lifetime.

             What would be a good idea for you to do?

If you are charged with a domestic violence offence, you should seek advice immediately from experts like Marsh Blom Lawyers. You will be guided thoroughly and professionally which will make the things easier and smoother for you to handle properly.

Moreover, in case you’re in a fix about what you can do to help, you should study the following tips.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

                Effective Measures to Stop Domestic Violence

Here are 7 points you can adopt to help prevent domestic violence at home.

  1. Know the warning signs

White, black, young, old, rich, poor, educated, uneducated__ anyone can fall a prey to domestic violence at home. Sometime viciousness starts from the get-go in a relationship and on different occasions it takes months or even a long time to show up. On the other hand, some warning signs happen to appear. Be careful about the red flags an abuser may show anytime in a relationship:

  • Being envious of your companions or time spent away from your partner.
  • Disheartening you from investing time away from your partner.
  • Humiliating or disgracing you.
  • Controlling every budgetary choice.
  • Making you feel remorseful for all the issues in the relationship.
  • Preventing you from working.
  • Deliberately damaging your property.
  • Undermining brutality against you, your pets or somebody you like to gain obedience.
  • Pressurizing you to engage in sexual relations when you would prefer not to.
  • Threatening you physically, particularly with weapons.

2. Don’t overlook it

Cops hear something very similar from witnesses over and over—I heard/saw domestic violence but would not like to get engaged. If you hear your neighbours involved in a violent situation, call the police. This is your social and moral responsibility to keep your society free of the evils like domestic violence. It could help to spare a life in the end.

3. Hear out

If somebody ever opens his heart to you that they are encountering domestic violence at home, tune in without judgment. Accept what they are letting you know and ask how you can help. Your patient and attentive listening will not only console their heart but may also go a long way towards solving the issue sensibly.

4. Be available

If somebody you know is intending to leave or is in fear that the violence may shoot up, be prepared to help. Your cell phone should be with you with the ringer on, make sure your car tank is full and talk about a runaway plan or meeting place early. Mind it that your prompt availability counts a lot in many respects.

5. Keep the nearby shelter number

Nobody ever knows who may need a haven in no time. Keep numbers to shelters and your cell phone is equipped with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

6. Check consistently as well as randomly

If a loved one or friend is in peril, connect routinely to guarantee their security. You may keep in touch off and on as well. It will keep the victim well boosted and motivated all the time to face the things confidently.

7. Be empathic

Somebody encountering violence will most likely be unable to research shelters, escape plans or set up necessities like bank balances and mobile phones while living with their abuser. Offer to do the legwork to help ease stress and keep things hush-hush.

Conclusion:

Domestic violence in our society is in full swing. To cope with it, we need to pursue some effective techniques.

5 Important Foundation Art and Design Career Tips for An Emerging Artist

Sonia Pantiss
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5 Important Foundation Art and Design Career Tips for An Emerging Artist

Throughout the passage of time, the art world has become more accommodating of professionals with eccentric ideas and visions for their work. Today, painters, dancers and other creatives have been able to turn their innovative and unconventional ideas into pieces of art, many of which clash against traditional and monotonous forms of artwork. For those with a talent in the creative arts, there are many exciting, possible career avenues to choose from in a number of organisations, many of which are looking for new talent!

If you are planning to take up one of the Foundation Art and Design courses, this blog will provide you with a few success tips to help you reach your professional goals. Read on to find out how you can start on your journey to becoming an independent emerging artist.

Photo by Mimzy May from Pexels

Tips for emerging artists

1. Sell your work: In order to be successful in the modern art world, you have to be able to market your skills and make your work visible. Moreover, you must have a strong social presence and have an information-rich website that demonstrates your art and abilities. Remember, if you want to become an independent artist, you must treat yourself like a brand and work on promoting it.

2. Document: When you are starting off as an independent artist, you might think that selling your art without a contract is okay. Especially since word of mouth is of more significance than earning some cash. However, sealing deals without a contract might lead you into a tricky situation financially. Independent artists are entrepreneurs and it is difficult to get paid when you are in the initial stages of your career. Hence, irrespective of whether your client is a friend, a family member or a complete stranger, always draw up a contract before you deliver the product. Ensure that the contract has clearly mentioned clauses that state that the reproduction and exhibition rights are protected and remain with you. This is a great way to demonstrate that you are serious about your art, which can give you a good standing in the marketplace.

3. Price it right: When artists start their own business endeavour, they tend to underrate their work and its price. Once you get the whiff of success, you might be inclined to sell out your work for an unreasonable price. However, this might hinder your progress and can impact your brand’s image in the market. Before you decide the price of a particular art piece, analyse the market prices and the quality of work that your contemporaries are selling at the same price. Ensure that you maintain consistency in the pricing of your artwork. Refrain from selling anything for less than what you have sold a similar piece for.

4. Build a strong network: While on most days your work will do the talking, you also need the word of mouth to boost your market presence. Ensure that you maintain healthy and transparent communication with collectors, clients and galleries by keeping them informed of your latest work and developments. Continue making connections with other art enthusiasts, who can be instrumental to your business. Furthermore, you should plan ahead and set the future pricing strategies straight to ensure that the increase or decline in prices is sustainable.

5. Promote brand awareness: If you want your business to flourish and your art to garner widespread appreciation, ensure that you promote brand awareness and pitch your art to the media. Present your artwork to the press, with concise details of your work, including full credit details and include a link to the work on your website and press pages.

Starting a career in the creative industry as an independent artist can be exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of handling various aspects of launching your own business. If you are interested in forging a career in creative arts, search for the best Foundation Art and Design courses and sign up for it today!

Iowa Steak Fry 2020: 17 Democrat Presidential Hopefuls Attend Polka County Steak Fry

Diane A. Wade
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Iowa Steak Fry 2020: 17 Democrat Presidential Hopefuls Attend Polka County Steak Fry

Presidential hopefuls seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to fight President Donald Trump’s re-election bid in 2020 have gathered for the Polka County Steak Fry in Iowa.

The event comes less than five months ahead of Iowa’s caucuses – the first to take place nationwide in each presidential election.

Event organizers said more than 12,000 people attended the fundraiser.

Of the 19 Democrats left in the running, 17 spoke on September 21.

The attendees showed up for burgers and face time with 17 Democratic presidential candidates at the Polk County Democratic Party’s annual steak fry in Iowa on Saturday. Although 18 candidates were initially expected to attend, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped out of the presidential race on September 20.

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Image source: MSNBC

Organizers grilled 10,500 steak for the attendees. Around 1,000 vegan burgers were made — all of it made on 10 grills by 40 grillers. Senator Cory Booker is the only vegan in the presidential race.

Here are the candidates appearing at the steak fry:

  • Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke
  • Senator Kamala Harris
  • Senator Cory Booker
  • Senator Elizabeth Warren
  • Senator Bernie Sanders
  • Andrew Yang
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden
  • Mayor Pete Buttigieg
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar
  • Senator Michael Bennet
  • Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro
  • Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard
  • Tom Steyer
  • Former Congressman Joe Sestak
  • Governor Steve Bullock
  • Marianne Williamson
  • Congressman Tim Ryan

Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Foreign Affairs Minister Adel Al Jubeir Accuses Iran of Committing Attack on Humanity

Roy Siemens
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Saudi Arabia Oil Attacks: Foreign Affairs Minister Adel Al Jubeir Accuses Iran of Committing Attack on Humanity

Saudi Arabia has announced it will respond with “necessary measures” to attacks on two oil facilities as it reiterated the accusation that Iran was behind them.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said the weapons used were Iranian and vowed to release the full findings of the investigation.

However, Iran denies involvement in the attacks.

Earlier, a senior Iranian military official said Iran was ready to destroy any aggressor after the US announced it was sending troops to Saudi Arabia.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have said they were responsible for the drone and missile strikes on September 14 that affected the global oil supply.

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since President Donald Trump abandoned a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activities last year and reinstated sanctions.

Speaking to reporters in Riyadh, Adel al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia was in consultation with its allies and would take necessary and suitable measures after its investigation was complete, without giving details of possible actions.

The Saudi minister repeated that the strikes targeting the Abqaiq oil facility and the Khurais oil field had come from the north and not from Yemen but did not give a specific location, and urged the international community to take a stand.

He said: “The kingdom calls upon the international community to assume its responsibility in condemning those that stand behind this act, and to take a firm and clear position against this reckless behavior that threatens the global economy.”

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Saudi defense ministry showed off on September 18 what it said were the remains of drones and cruise missiles proving Iranian involvement.

The US has also accused Iran of being behind the attacks, and unnamed senior officials have told US media that the evidence suggests the strikes originated in the south of Iran.

On September 20, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said the US would send a yet-to-be-decided number of troops to Saudi Arabia to boost the country’s air and missile defenses.

President Donald Trump then announced new sanctions against Iran, focusing on the country’s central bank and its sovereign wealth fund, while signaling that he wanted to avoid military conflict.

Ebola Outbreak: DR Congo to Introduce Second Vaccine

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola Outbreak: DR Congo to Introduce Second Vaccine

The Democratic Republic of Congo is planning to use a second Ebola vaccine to help control an outbreak that has killed more than 2,100 people.

In July, former Health Minister Oly Ilunga opposed the vaccine use saying it had not been proved effective.

However, DR Congo health officials say the vaccine, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is safe.

This outbreak, in the east of DR Congo, is the second largest on record.

The largest was the epidemic that ravaged parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016, killing more than 11,000 people.

According to a government statement, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will complement the vaccine manufactured by Merck which has been administered to 225,000 people in the past year.

However, DR Congo’s Ebola response team have not yet said when it will be introduced.

Leading health experts have said that the second vaccine is safe and could be an important tool in holding back the spread of the virus.

Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson said it had 1.5 million doses available to be deployed.

The current Ebola vaccine, which is in short supply, is only being given to health workers and people who might have been exposed to the virus.

The new vaccine could create a protective wall, vaccinating people outside the immediate outbreak zone.

The Congolese authorities intend to use the second vaccine outside the infected areas in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. They first want to protect the small Congolese traders who regularly cross into Rwanda.

There have been concerns that the new vaccine – which requires two injections at least 25 days apart – may be difficult to administer in a region where the population is highly mobile, and insecurity is rife.

The Merck vaccine requires just one injection.

Ebola Outbreak Declared in DR Congo

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DR Congo has struggled to get the outbreak under control.

Insecurity in the east of the country and people’s suspicions of treatments have hampered efforts.

About 200 health facilities have been attacked in the country this year, causing disruption to vaccinations and treatments. In one incident, family members assaulted health workers who were overseeing the burial of their relative.

A 2018 study published in the Lancet medical journal says “belief in misinformation was widespread” concerning the Ebola outbreak.

In a statement in August, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on countries and NGOs that have offered help to “increase their presence in the field to stop Ebola and to address one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world”.

The current outbreak in eastern DR Congo began in August last year and is the biggest of 10 to hit the country since 1976, when the virus was first discovered.

In July, the WHO declared the Ebola crisis in the DR Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”.

President Trump Brands Whistleblower Complaint as “Ridiculous Story”

Diane A. Wade
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President Trump Brands Whistleblower Complaint as “Ridiculous Story”

President Donald Trump has branded a whistleblower allegation that he made a promise to a foreign leader – believed to be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – as a “ridiculous story”.

Donald Trump said his talks with leaders were always “totally appropriate”.

According to reports, President Trump wanted Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter – who was on a Ukrainian gas company board – in return for more US military support.

Joe Biden is frontrunner to be the Democrat’s 2020 presidential candidate.

He wrote in a statement: “If these reports are true, then there is truly no bottom to President Trump’s willingness to abuse his power and abase our country.”

Joe Biden called on President Trump to “immediately release” a transcript of the phone call “so that the American people can judge for themselves”.

In its report on the complaint by the whistleblower, the Washington Post said the intelligence official had found President Trump’s comment to the foreign leader “so troubling” that they went to the department’s inspector general.

The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, quoted sources as saying President Trump had urged President Zelensky about eight times to work with his lawyer Rudy Giuliani on an investigation into Joe Biden’s son, but had not offered anything in return.

Ukraine Elections 2019: Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky Wins Presidential Vote

Joe Biden Criticizes Donald Trump’s Attacks on Intelligence Community

On September 20, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that reports of the complaint raised “grave, urgent concerns” for US national security.

Presidents Trump and Zelensky spoke by phone on July 25. The whistleblower’s complaint is dated August 21.

Donald Trump described the complaint as “just another political hack job”.

Speaking alongside Australia’s leader Scott Morrison in the White House, the president said: “It’s a ridiculous story. It’s a partisan whistleblower. He shouldn’t even have information. I’ve had conversations with many leaders. They’re always appropriate.”

President Trump also called for Joe Biden’s finances to be scrutinized.

He told reporters: “It doesn’t matter what I discussed, someone ought to look into Joe Biden’s billions of dollars and you wouldn’t look into that because he’s a Democrat.”

On September 19, President Trump wrote on Twitter that he knew all his phone calls to foreign leaders were listened to by US agencies.

Ukraine says President Trump and President Zelensky will meet next week in New York during the UN General Assembly.

Democrats are trying to get the complaint turned over to Congress, with many details still unknown.

Earlier this month, before the whistleblower’s complaint came to light, House Democrats launched an investigation into President Trump and Rudy Giuliani’s interactions with Ukraine.

Three Democratic panel heads – Eliot Engel (foreign affairs), Adam Schiff (intelligence) and Elijah Cummings (oversight) – said Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani had attempted “to manipulate the Ukrainian justice system to benefit the president’s re-election campaign and target a possible political opponent”.

They allege that President Trump and Rudy Giuliani tried to pressure the Ukrainian government into investigating Joe and Hunter Biden.

How a Car’s Design Helps Make it Safer in a Crash

Clyde K. Valle
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How a Car’s Design Helps Make it Safer in a Crash

Nobody wants to be known for designing cars that people crash. But cars used to be designed to look beautiful, rather than promote the safety of their occupants. These days, manufacturers put their resources towards making a safe car, right at the start of the design process.

There is a huge difference in safety between the best and the worst cars. In fact, a driver in the least safe car is 10 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed than in the safest car. So what makes a car safe? There are three elements: good structure, passive safety and safety assist technologies.

Image by Saiful Anwar from Pixabay

Good Structure

The structure of a car is its shell, and this is the main protector. It has to withstand the force of a crash and channel those forces away from all occupants. A good structure will protect the driver and passengers and have effective crumple zones to absorb the energy of the crash.

During a crash, a safe car cabin can maintain its shape. The steering column, dashboard, roof pillars, pedals and floor panels do not push too much inwards. Doors remain closed, but can be opened afterwards for quick rescue. Side door strength, padding and seating all protect from common, side impact crashes.

Passive Safety Features

Well-designed cars now have built-in safety features, such as airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, seat belts and seat belt pre-tensioners to manage the forces of impact. While airbags have been around a long time, they have become a lot more sophisticated.

Always look for front, side, curtain and knee pedestrian airbags for maximum safety. For example, head-protecting side airbags such as curtain airbags, work well in side impact crashes and rollovers.

Safety Assist Technologies

Advanced driver assist (ADAS) technologies actively help to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash. They may be semi-autonomous or fully autonomous. For example, intelligent speed adaptation (ISA), blind spot monitoring (BSM) autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and active lane keep assist (LKA). Note manufacturers currently use different terms for the same kinds of systems, which can be confusing.

Crash Testing

How do we know some cars are safer than others? From the results of crash testing. US Insurance Institute for Highway (IIHS) and Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) are two bodies that routinely conduct crash tests and award star ratings.

IIHS front-end crashed a 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport/Chevrolet Venture. The door frame buckled, the steering wheel pushed into the driver’s face and the cabin completely collapsed. After a redesign in 2005 using high-tensile strength materials and a more rigid structure, crash forces dissipated through the floor. The engine slid under the vehicle rather than into the driver.

ANCAP compared two models of Toyota Corolla 5-door hatchback, one built in 1998 and one in 2015. The latest model has six airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist as standard. 1998 has none of these. The 1998 model crumpled heavily with extreme risk of serious head, chest and leg injury to driver and scored 0 stars. The 2015 model had minimal damage and scored 5 stars.

Design Saves Lives

Nobody wants to see a member of their family or a friend get hurt in a crash. We know the design of a car is crucial to keeping the driver and occupants safe. Moreover, most insurers reward people who drive safer cars with lower premiums. Safer cars help protect the vulnerable people around you, who are innocently going about their business.

It is worth buying a car that is not only designed to be beautiful, but keeps everyone safe.

A Brief History of the IUD

Kathryn R. Bown
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A Brief History of the IUD

Forms of birth control have been around for decades, and after the fog of shame and congressional gatekeeping lifted in the 1960s, birth control became more available and prevalent. One of the most popular and effective forms of birth control has been the IUD. The IUD or Intrauterine Device was initially conceived in 1909 when Dr. Richard Richter used insertions of a silkwood ring into the uterus.

In the 1920s, Dr. Ernest Grafenberg and Dr. Karl Prust also created silkwood rings for uterine insertion with varying degrees of modification to Richter’s original design. These IUD’s were reported to have an effective rate of 97% against pregnancies. Dr. Grafenberg, in a later revision, used pure silver around the ring and unfortunately, the women’s bodies absorbed the silver with their gums turning blue and black (gingival argyrosis). He used a silver alloy made from a mix of different metals, including copper, which alleviated the silver absorption problem and also increased the effective rate to 98.4% against pregnancy.

Image source: Wikipedia

Copper would play a part later on in the century with doctors discovering the effect that copper has on sperm, which increased effectiveness against pregnancy to 99%. These copper-wired IUD’s would later come into the market in 1988 under the Paragard name.

There have been some misfires on the road to the IUD’s of today. The A.H. Robins Company in 1971 put an IUD on the market called the Dalkon Shield. The marketing for this IUD was aggressive and was priced modestly compared to other IUD’s on the market. In 1974, it was pulled from the market due to a poorly-designed removal string that caused bacteria to enter the uterus. These bacteria caused thousands of women to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, and in some cases, sepsis. There were over 300,000 lawsuits filed against A.H. Robins in the late 1970s which caused the company to go bankrupt and fold.

There are five different kinds of IUD brands today, which consist of Skyla, Kyleena, Lilleta, Mirena, and Paragard. The first four are known as hormonal IUD’s because they contain the hormone Progestin (Levonorgestrel) which mimics the naturally-produced hormone Progesterone. These hormones help thicken mucus in the cervix, which can block and trap sperm from reaching the egg. In some cases, the hormones can stop the egg from leaving the ovaries, which eliminates the chance of impregnation due to no egg being available.

The fifth one listed, Paragard, is a copper-wrapped IUD with no hormones which can protect against pregnancy for 12 years. This is the most extended protection of any IUD available. The hormonal IUD’s protection range lasts anywhere from three years (Skyla) to seven years (Mirena and Lilleta). Paragard also carries the most risk associated with using it. Women have reported more massive period flows and more menstrual pain in comparison with other IUD’s. You can’t use Paragard if you’re allergic to copper or if you suffer from Wilson’s Disease.

One of the IUDs pros is that once it’s in, you’re done. Under normal circumstances, you can leave it in until you reach the end of its useful life. IUD’s also have the highest effectiveness against pregnancy short of total abstinence.

The cons of using an IUD are in the insertion process, which can be a bit painful. The pain could last for a few days after insertion, and there’s always a risk that the IUD could shift or even fall out, but that risk is small under normal circumstances.

If you’re interested in an IUD, please consult with your doctor or medical practitioner to learn more, we also created an FAQ the explains the process for getting an IUD.

The Power of Photos: Snap and Take the Shot

Nancy Clayson
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The Power of Photos: Snap and Take the Shot

When you ask people what they will rescue from a burning house, the standard reply is not jewelry, clothes, or trophies. The answers are photo books, pictures, and their laptop with all the digital photo files. This shows that people place a lot of value in their memories more than their material things. This compulsion to save pictures exhibits how significant photography is in people’s lives because of its power to preserve beautiful moments of quality time spent with loved ones. Here are some reasons why pictures matter and why you should continue taking them:

Image by Satya Tiwari on Pixabay

Photos Exhibit What is Valuable to You

People often like to show photos in their homes. You may even have them in your place in a picture frame or placed in mounting boards to highlight your favorite prints. Often, these pics document the important people and events in your lives from holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and the like. They can show your first house and your child’s move to college. When you travel, it is never complete if you don’t snap a photo. The massive amount of images in your possession tells the story of your life and the wonderful people who have become a part of it.

Photos are a Precious Part of Your Legacy 

It is common for pictures to outlive their subjects. It is a sad concept, but that is a real fact of life. The idea of your loved ones going before you is unthinkable, but it can happen. Continue taking a lot of photos because this helps in capturing their spirit and character. You can easily freeze a moment in time with photos. In fact, you may never have met some family members, but you are aware of who they are because of their photos mounted at your relatives’ homes. Without knowing it, photos become a precious part of your legacy as the days go by.

Photos can Bring You to a Place or Moment in Time

Photos allow you to see the beauty of the world. Even if you have never been there before, you can easily enjoy the photos of other people who have captured that amazing corner of the earth. This can help inspire you to travel, so you can see its beauty for yourself. Photos can also capture a particular moment in time that may be special for you. Always bring your camera because you’ll never know when a great opportunity will strike.

Photos Pave the Path for Sharing and Communicating

Images become so much more than simple recordings of your most important moments. Photos can actually be used to express yourself in the big wide world. With all the apps that support digital images like FB, Flickr, Pinterest, and Instagram, it is evident how the concept of photo sharing matters to people. What you show on these sites reveal a lot about your character, your choices, and your values. This paves way for conversations with people who share the same outlook as yours. Nowadays, it is so easy to react and show appreciation for other people’s photos because you can like, share, and comment on them easily.

Photos Can Tap your Artistic Side

Photography is actually an art form. When taken seriously, you focus on things such as composition, lights and shadows, depth of field, focal point, and the like. When you see a panoramic landscape, you are compelled to capture it right away. The desire to create is there when inspiration strikes, and this usually happens when you see interesting sights or people that spark something within you.

Photos are a Language

A picture paints a thousand words and it is a kind of visual language that carries a message. Sometimes there are things than cannot be said with words. They are better shown. A photograph is one of the best ways to make this happen because they can easily express a wealth of emotion from joy, sorrow, wonder, and more. To illustrate, the concept of mental illness is hard to explain in words. But a series of photos highlighting the plight of the subjects have done wonders to help many understand what this complex disease is all about.

Photos are Powerful

Photos have the power to grab your attention and keep you hooked. This is the reason why many trade shows rely on mounted photos to grab their target clientele’s attention. The fine art of photography is so powerful that it can persuade people, evoke emotion, convey ideas, connect you to the past, and preserve important moments. Without these images, life will certainly be very sad and empty.  And remember, it doesn’t matter if your photos are not professional looking.  What matters most is you take that shot!

Hamza Bin Laden: White House Confirms Son of Osama Bin Laden Killed in US Operation

Roy Siemens
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Hamza Bin Laden: White House Confirms Son of Osama Bin Laden Killed in US Operation

Hamza Bin Laden, the son of al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden, was killed in a US operation, President Donald Trump has confirmed in a statement released by the White House.

Osama Bin Laden’s son reportedly died in an air strike last month.

Hamza Bin Laden was officially designated by the US as a global terrorist two years ago.

Osama Bin Laden’s son was widely seen as a potential successor. Thought to be about 30, he had sent out calls for attacks on the US and other countries.

Image source: AFP/Getty Images

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President Trump said in a brief statement issued by the White House: “Hamza Bin Laden, the high-ranking al-Qaeda member and son of Osama Bin Laden, was killed in a United States counter-terrorism operation in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.

“The loss of Hamza Bin Laden not only deprives al-Qaeda of important leadership skills and the symbolic connection to his father, but undermines important operational activities of the group.”

The statement did not specify the timing of the operation.

As recently as February, the US government had offered $1million for information leading to Hamza Bin Laden’s capture.

Hamza Bin Laden was seen as an emerging leader of al-Qaeda. It was reported in August that he had been killed in a military operation in the last two years and the US government was involved, but the exact date and time were unclear.

Spain Flooding Kills at Least 5

Diane A. Wade
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Spain Flooding Kills at Least 5

At least five people have died after flash floods struck south-eastern Spain.

Other 3,500 people have been evacuated from their homes after rivers burst their banks as some areas of Valencia, Murcia and eastern Andalucía saw the heaviest rainfall on record.

Cars were swept away by rushing flood waters, causing at least three deaths.

One man was killed after getting stuck inside a flooded highway tunnel.

On September 13, another man was found dead in the village of Redovan in Valencia after leaving his home on foot, according to Reuters.

Torrential rain caused chaos on roads and public transport with two airports in Murcia and Almeria closing down, leaving travelers stranded.

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Image source: Al Jazeera

Thousands of police, fire-fighters and soldiers have been deployed in a rescue operation, some in boats and helicopters.

One emergency worker told Reuters that a man was holding onto a traffic sign as he awaited rescue from the flooding.

According to AFP, several railway lines and many schools in the region were shut down by the adverse weather conditions, with 689,000 students affected in Valencia alone.

Antonio Brown Accused of Rape by Former Personal Trainer

Clyde K. Valle
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Antonio Brown Accused of Rape by Former Personal Trainer

NFL star Antonio Brown has been accused of rape by his former personal trainer, Britney Taylor.

Britney Taylor, who decided to forgo her right to anonymity, said Antonio Brown assaulted her on three occasions, according to a civil lawsuit she filed.

Antonio Brown has denied the allegations.

His new team, the New England Patriots, said that the NFL was also launching an investigation.

The complaint says that the two met at a bible study class in 2010.

Antonio Brown later hired Britney Taylor, who is a gymnast, in 2017, to improve his flexibility.

However, according to the lawsuit, the NFL player assaulted her twice in training sessions in June 2017, and she stopped working with him.

The lawsuit reads that Antonio Brown “reached out to Ms Taylor, expressing contrition, begging forgiveness and pleading with her to train him again”.

It says she reluctantly agreed but in May 2018 he raped her.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

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Antonio Brown’s lawyer, Darren Heitner, said in a statement: “Mr. Brown denies each and every allegation in the lawsuit.

“He will pursue all legal remedies to not only clear his name but to also protect other professional athletes against false accusations.”

He added that “any interaction… was entirely consensual”.

Antonio Brown has been in the press this week after publicly demanding on Twitter that the Oakland Raiders release him and later receiving a reported $9 million signing bonus for the New England Patriots.

The Patriots are playing the Miami Dolphins on September 15 and it is not clear if he will be on the team.

Antonio Brown’s team said in a statement, in response to the lawsuit: “We take these allegations very seriously.

“Under no circumstances does this organization condone… violence or assault… We will have no further comment while that investigation takes place.”

Hong Kong Protesters Boo China National Anthem Before Soccer Match

Diane A. Wade
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Hong Kong Protesters Boo China National Anthem Before Soccer Match

Hong Kong’s protesters made their presence felt in a sports stadium and shopping malls on September 10.

Soccer fans attending a match drowned out the pre-game Chinese national anthem with loud booing.

Protesters have also staged flash events in shopping malls, singing Glory to Hong Kong which has become an unofficial anthem of the protest movement.

The protesters won a major concession last week when the extradition bill which sparked the unrest was scrapped.

However, this has failed to end the unrest as protesters continue to demand full democracy and an investigation into allegations of police abuses.

On September 10, thousands of protesters gathered in shopping malls across Hong Kong chanting slogans and singing Glory to Hong Kong.

In the popular shopping district of Mongkok, a sea of protesters dressed in black were seen congregating across the different levels of one mall.

Image source Getty Images

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“Go Hong Kong” is a phrase that has been used frequently as a sign of encouragement.

Shopping malls have been the scene of clashes in recent weeks, with one incident in July seeing riot police fight battles with protesters inside a mall in the district of Sha Tin.

However, the recent events have played out peacefully.

Glory to Hong Kong was written by a local musician in response to calls for an anthem for protesters.

The lyrics include lines such as “Do you feel the rage in our cries? Rise up and speak up” and “persevere, for we are as one”.

The new rallying cry has joined other popular songs used by the protest movement, including Do You Hear the People Sing? from musical Les Miserables and the Christian hymn Sing Hallelujah to the Lord.

It was also heard at the Hong Kong v. Iran soccer match on September 10 at Hong Kong Stadium.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier saw thousands of protesting booing when the Chinese national anthem played before the start of the game.

It is not the first time people in Hong Kong have been heard booing the Chinese anthem – though it is not clear how long they might be able to do this.

In 2017, China passed a law making it illegal to disrespect the anthem, but the law has yet to be passed in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, formerly a British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Under the “one country, two systems” rule, Hong Kong is granted a high level of autonomy, an independent judiciary and rights such as freedom of speech.

However, those freedoms – the Basic Law – expire in 2047 and it is not clear what Hong Kong’s status will then be.

There has been growing anti-mainland sentiment in recent years, and anger at what many feel is increasing mainland interference in Hong Kong affairs.

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