Why North Node Taurus Politicians Must have Awareness of the Predictions for 2022

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According to astrologers, when Taurus is positioned as the North Node of a lunar nodal cycle, Taureans must have collective awareness of what makes sense. We should take advantage of the period by gravitating to stabilizing conditions and choices, in order to enhance the security of our present situation. Currently, since January 18, 2022, the North Node is in the house of Taurus and will continue in that position up to July 19. 2023. Apparently, such an awareness will have a great impact on the outcomes of the social and political predictions for the current year.

Do All North Node Zodiacs Have Positive Impact for the 2022 Predictions

What if the North Node is in Aquarius, do the events have the same effect on Aquarians, particularly for the millennials who believe in horoscopes? Unfortunately, North Node in Aquarius has a different effect since the events are linked to the past etched in the house of Leo, being the South Node opposite the Aquarius North Node.

First off, it should be clear that not all Aquarians will experience the same effect but only those born in specific years when the North Node position was in Aquarius.

The  north node in aquarius south node in leo implies an inverse or contradicting relationship to the North Node in Taurus, South Node in Scorpio position. Analysis reveals that North Node Aquaruans tend to carry on or form complicated relationships during this lunar nodal cycle.

Apparently, certain shadowy forces can adversely impact the usually generous, tolerant and intellectual Aquarians. The energy could make North Node Aquarians decide on what is reckless, dangerous and fearless rather than stay on the safe side. However, the inclination to veer away from the normal is due to a tendency not to believe in what is popular because they prefer to be inventive and unconventional. They harbor beliefs that the potential outcomes can be exceptional.

Still, astrologers say that the outcome is highly dependent on the forces generated by Saturn, being the ruler of the Aquarius zodiac sign.

What Should North Node Taurus Politicians Know About the General Predictions for 2022

Esteemed psychological astrologer Jennifer Freed,predicted that the year 2022 opens up lots of opportunities and energies for repair and reevaluation of impaired relationships, as well as to embark on rapid expansion. That being the case, North Node Taurus politicians have to use their energies wisely by connecting with genuine compassion with the environment and their constituents. Planets aligned with the Taurus Zodiac such as Neptune will foster compassion while the planet Jupiter signifies abundance.

The political theme called out for the year 2022 is to quash the pervading idea that people are divided. The solution starts with making health care affordable and accessuble to all. At the same time, communities should create opportunities for implementing policies, running programs and supporting practices of using public funds to attend to the needs of the poorest and most neglected.members of communities.

In encouraging the people to focus their energy and attention on these matters, there will be an explosion of artists and celebrations, inspired by the healing phenomena that they have been witnessing.

People in communities will find a reason to renew their spiritual beliefs. They will be motivated to channel their energies and creativity in spreading evidence that oneness has been pervading in communities. This is to oppose lies that promote the hatred and discord destroying the bond between community people belonging to all race and culture.

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Haarlem, A Champion to Holland’s Push for a Circular Economy

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Haarlem is a mid-sized city in the province of Noor Holland that has a big reputation for being a robust supporter of The Netherlands‘ circular economy goals. Winner of the 2020 Procurement Initiative Award bestowed by the European Procura + organization, Haarlem is a frontrunner in embracing the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility in innovative and sustainable procurement processes.

The prestigious Procura+ Award is given by a group of European public authorities who provide support and advice to any public authority looking to practice and carry out sustainable and innovative procurement.

Haarlem was recognized for successfully integrating such processes by pioneering the “Social Return on Investment” (SROI) program. A special condition that suppliers or providers must render or perform as part of a procurement contract entered with the city. The method has been proven effective in the creation of employment opportunities for people who have poor chances of landing a job, particularly those with disabilities.

Haarlem’s Incorporation of the Social Return on Investment Program

Since 1995, the public authorities of Haarlem have incorporated Social Return on Investment in its procurement processes. Throughout the years that SROI was implemented, the city’s procurements have been reviewed and assessed as 100% sustainable. Even more notable is that the city authorities make sure that the requirements of all business stakeholders are met.

How Does the Dutch SROI Sustainable Procurement Work

Actually, there are several approaches by which Social Return on Investment can be carried out as part of a city or municipality’s sustainable public procurements.

The following are examples of special terms, such as:

  • Performance-based condition
  • Awards-based criteria
  • Reserved contracts for sheltered companies, which are entities that employ persons with disabilities or people not covered by labor standards.

How Does SROI in Public Procurement Contracts Work

Take note that the above mentioned programs are only examples, as there are various types of SROI implementations in the different cities and municipalities of Holland.

In Haarlem, bidders to the city’s public procurement process must agree to contribute a corresponding amount equal to 5% of the contract value. The contribution will be used to support a sector of the labour market by offering internships or other economic activities to people who have poor chances of finding employment, including those with disabilities.

To cite an example, an out-of-school youth looking to get hired as a loodgieter Haarlem apprentice has lower chances of getting hired since plumbing companies prefer to hire those recommended for internships by plumbing schools. Here, the value of an SROI offer for a contract is carried out by way of increased labor participation, by agreeing to support and at the same time train, some of the aspiring out-of-school plumbing apprentices.

The value of the SROI is usually based on the scope of the work or services that a company must render in relation to a labor procurement contract. A 5% or lower SROI value, usually applies to procurement contracts with a low
labour value.

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Understanding a Computer Science Discipline Known as Computational Politics

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Computer science is so broad and diverse that its application is also in use in the political arena as an analytical skill known as computational politics. Basically, the primary step in computational politics is the mining of data about a particular political topic or agenda. The data is then computationally analyzed usually for use of politicians. They use the analyzed data as foundation of their political platform in which they are expected to present laudable solutions.

What Exactly is Computational Politics?

Computational politics is actually a cross between political and computer science as its use of analysis tools and models is mainly for political purposes. The most common of which is for political speeches and debates during campaigns. That being the case, the application of computational politics must include analysis relevant to different groups of target audience.

It’s somewhat similar to social network analysis, which uses and analyzes data derived from social media sites to present statistical information. The figures will be presented as nodes of a graph, showing interactions between users of a specific social media platform.

Like social networking analysis, computational politics also use natural language processing methods and algorithms to recognize positive or negative sentiments and in fact-checking fake news.

The first political campaigns to which computational politics had a significant impact was that of Barack Obama’s in the 2012 presidential elections. One of the data sources used for computational politics was as a Facebook app created for such purpose. Since then, computational politics created a large shift in the method of performing political science research, as it collects individual rather than aggregate information. Doing so made targeting likely voters during campaigns more efficient. Today, many firms offer analysis of information tied to registered voters, which more often than not resulted in victories.
Since computational politics analysts can classify if a post has neutral, positive or negative sentiments, a social media political campaign team can explore or exploit ways for effectively swaying political opinions in favor of a political candidate or political party.

Average Salaries of Computer Science Professionals

According to Computer Careers, graduates of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering generally land entry jobs that on the average, pay hourly salaries of $49.25. This equates to as much as $102,450 per year.

Computation scientists in the US earn a higher than average salary of $105,112 annually. Depending on the location and educational attainment of a computational scientist, salary figures can still be higher at $144,327 per year.

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Etsy Sellers to Form a Union after Holding a Successful Week-Long Strike

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After thousands of Etsy sellers waged a weeklong strike to protest a recent 30% increase in transaction fees, they’re now organizing themselves to form a union. Kristi Cassidy, who led the strike by posting a call to action at Reddit, said the strike had brought sellers together, which made them realized they share many concerns regarding the Etsy marketplace.

In an interview with CNBC, Ms. Cassidy and other sellers who joined the strike said they are not convinced that the 30% increase in fee will translate into improvements that will benefit the sellers. According to Ms. Cassidy, who has been selling Gothic wedding dresses at Etsy since 2008, the 2018 raise in transaction fees from 3.5% to 5% had resulted in minimal payoff.

Factors Driving the Etsy Sellers to Organize and Unionize

In addition to the transaction fees, Etsy sellers pay for payment processing fees, listing fees, and shipping fees. Also, when a shopper makes a purchase after clicking on the seller’s product ad in the company’s Offsite Ads program, the seller will have to pay Etsy an additional 12% to 15% on top of all other fees paid.

As it is, smaller creators are finding it harder to turn a profit. Marie Hart says the continuing transaction fee increases and other service fees are making her art, charms and pins small  business, not sustainable. Soudabeh Rouhandeh, a small indie creator who designs art merchandise and apparel for her garment shop, said she is losing money and hours of labor over the cost of using the Etsy platform.

Some other long-time Etsy sellers have been calling on the company to take action on resellers and dropshippers who have inundated the marketplace with mass-market goods. Their presence at Etsy disconnects the platform from its origins as a marketplace for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted wares, often sold on a made to order arrangement.

Ms. Cassidy said that while they are not employees of the company, they are hoping that by banding together as a union, they can advocate for better changes. As of this writing, Etsy has not yet responded to requests for comments on the sellers’ plans to unionize.

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Strategic Cost Analysis : Avoiding the Impact of Inflation

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As the aftermath of the economic recession caused by COVID-19 led to inflation, companies try to avoid its impact by making adjustments on manufacturing costs. However, when doing so in times of inflation, it would be more advantageous to perform strategic cost analysis to be able to offer cheaper alternatives that do not sacrifice quality as a competitive pricing strategy.

A Harvard Business Review article cited that during periods of inflation, most companies simply follow the trend of raising the prices of their products, mainly to maintain profit margins for the benefit of investors. Yet companies that deviated from such pricing trend found themselves in a better market position by adopting operating cost reduction strategies.

What Does Strategic Cost Analysis Involve?

Strategic cost analysis involves diagnosing all economic values, from the most basic costs up to the price paid by the consumer. The process involves creating a value chain diagram that analyzes every value added in each stage of the entire production and market processes to reveal the changing cost components.

The analysis also involves evaluating and comparing the long-term shifts in cost position between competitors and how they relate to the company. The final step involves factoring in the potential effects of future inflation into the company’s own operational and manufacturing costs and to that of the competition.

Having an understanding of how these values come into play in the company’s business operations provides a clearer background when formulating effective strategies when seeking a way out of the competitive pricing trap. This is important when aiming to establish and distinguish one’s company as a low-cost producer of quality product in a particular segment of the market.

Case Example : Microsoft’s Surface Pro Series vs. Surface Pro Alternatives

When smart tablets became popular to many business owners and professionals who are often out and about as part of their daily routine of activities, Microsoft came out with a series of laptops that can be converted into powerful tablet forms.

However, production of the hybrid Microsoft laptops known as Surface Pro series required investing in longer processes and raw materials that made the device way too expensive for ordinary businessmen and professionals.

Moreover, Microsoft focused on following the sustainability trend by complying with all requirements in order to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a gold-registered sustainable product in accordance with the EPA’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT),

As a certified producer of eco-friendly products, Microsoft attained recognition as a company worthy of the attention of the emerging breed of investors who prefer to provide funding on companies that focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Nonetheless, other laptop manufacturers came out with their own versions of the 2-in-1 laptop that offered the basic features of Microsoft’s Surface Pro. This made their hybrid devices stood out in the market as the more economical choice, thereby establishing their position in the market by becoming the more economical brands over Microsoft.

Although these companies are not making sustainability claims about their products, they adhere to environment-responsible practices such as using renewable energy to reduce both operational and manufacturing costs, as well as using recycled packaging materials to help reduce wastes that go into landfills. Now that inflation has reduced the buying power of consumers, those looking to purchase a 2-in-1 personal device automatically search for surface pro alternatives.

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Digital Marketing Benefits that Can Help Small Businesses Grow

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Prior to the shutdown of nonessential business caused by the ubiquitous COVID-19, many startup entrepreneurs believed they didn’t have to compete online. As a result, some subsequently scrambled to set up their online stores, while others used their social media accounts to connect with their regular customers, assuming they’ll get by after one or two months. Unfortunately, a large number of small businesses didn’t survive since their online outlets were not well equipped to meet the challenges posed by the digital marketplace.

The events that transpired during the 2020 health crisis only proved that businesses, regardless of size and even if new, should not overlook the importance of the digital space and of having knowledge on how to use the different channels in growing their enterprise.

For those who think digital marketing is too complicated and intimidating, there is an easier way to attract potential customers. There are professionals in the digital marketing world that concentrate on helping small businesses struggling to promote their services and products online. These entities believe that every business and not just the well established brands, should gain from the benefits afforded by SEO and digital marketing strategies.

Benefits of Digital Marketing for Small Businesses

There are a lot of prospective customers to whom you can promote your products and services not only locally but globally. Attaining an audience worldwide is possible through affordable, measurable, and extensible digital marketing techniques. Aside from that, other key benefits that can be gained by way of digital marketing include:

1.  Knowing your customers better and what exactly they are looking for as solutions to their problems or as fulfillment of their desires.

2.  Knowledge of when to focus on the right target market in the right places and the most appropriate time and without complications,

3.  Harnessing the absence of geographical boundaries in reaching audience who could be converted into active customers ;

4.  Having the ability to communicate and offer help to buyers at every stage of the selling process in order to build trust.

5.  Having capabilities to reach and connect with customers at lower costs,

6.  Getting customer feedback about your products and your marketing efforts and;

In successfully achieving all these, the overall benefit you will reap from your digital marketing efforts is the creation of brand loyalty, which you can sustain by launching customer loyalty reward schemes that will give you more opportunities to engage and know more about your audience.

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The Gender-Lens Companies and Their Impact on ESG Investing

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Gender equity is fast advancing as a focus in the social, environmental, and governance investing movement as the gender-lens has been receiving much attention. Gender-lens investing favors companies that have high representations of women in management positions and in boards. It also takes into consideration companies that value pay equity and other workplace policies that particularly help women.

What Financial Advisors are Saying about Gender-Lens Investing

Financial advisor at Artemis in Boston, Kathleen McQuiggan, said they’re now seeing more women investors who apply gender lens principles in building their investment portfolio.
Gender-lens research and advisory firm Parallelle Finance reported that around $3.6 billion is invested in over two dozen exchange-traded funds, mutual funds and other equity products using this investment strategy.

According to Morningstar, the $3.6 billion is only a fragment of the $330 billion invested in the category of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) financial market. This category comprises companies that takes ino to consideration the impact of the business and its operations on the well being of employees, protection of the environment and growth of the community.

Over the past five years, the funds coming from gender-lens investors have been steadily increasing, along with the launch of campaigns in support of women, such as the #MeToo movement. The number of high-profile sexual harassment cases that have been filed also contributed to the growing support for companies with policies that encourage gender equity; or those that are largely represented by women.

How Well are Gender-Lens Businesses Performing?

Although several of gender-lens companies underperformed during this year, some others did well. Nonetheless, Morningsta’s Director of ESG strategy, Jon Hale countered there is no reason to believe that gender-lens companies are bound to underperform all the way. Hale added that giving focus to gender equality does not mean disregarding important investment criteria.

McQuiggan believes the funds will be more profitable in due time as women women in a firm;s workforce are the real secret ingredient why investors are choosing gender-lens companies over other business organizations.

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House Painting : Don’t DIY, Hire a Full Service Contractor Instead

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If you’ve been planning to have your house painted, now is the right time of the year to get things done because early fall offers the best weather conditions. That being the case, you should already look for a house painting contractor as the best ones have had their hands full since early summer.

While some will encourage you to do the job yourself by showing you how to apply paint, there’s actually a longer story before you get to that part. House painting, especially if you’re thinking exterior painting, requires more than just paint brushes and cans of paints. Bear in mind that professionally painted homes have that distinguishable quality of craftsmanship simply because they were done professionally from start to finish.

Genuine professional exterior painters don’t just apply new paint over old paint. There’s a lot of preparatory work involved. One survey revealed that about two-thirds of people who attempted to DIY ended up looking for a full service house painting contractor. Mainly because the prep work alone has taken up much of their time, they had to juggle their schedules just so they can attend to other chores during the day.

Advantages of Hiring a Full Service House Painting Contractor

Highly recommended house painting contractors are those who have spent years mastering their skill and it always shows in their completed projects. Moreover, since the aesthetic quality of their work will outshine the quality of a DIY painted house, you’ll be increasing the value of your home.

Full service as the description denotes means the painting contractor will include services necessary to prepare the surfaces and the area. That includes doing some minor repairs just to make sure the paint job will withstand the usual wear and tear that houses go through. This alone is already an advantage since you don’t have to look for a carpenter just to do some minors repairs.

Since a full service contractor commits to complete the project according to the agreed schedule and timeframe, a crew of highly trained house painters armed with the right tools and equipment will carry on with the painting project. What most DIYers are not aware of is that different types of paint calls for different types of brushes and rollers in order to achieve that razor-edge quality in a painting job.

Moreover, the contractor’s services include cleaning all the clutter and any stray streaks or drops of paint. Actually, most painting contractors use high quality drop cloths to protect the floors, landscapes and any fixtures present in the area.

The next best thing about hiring a full service painting contractor is that you don’t have to feel anxious about any damage that a crewmember might do or of one getting injured while painting your house. In nearly all states, professional painting contractors are required to obtain a General Liability Insurance policy. The insurance coverage is to cover any cost that arise from accidents or safety incidents associated to a contracted work.

Since now is the right time for this type of home improvement, hiring a full service contractor to perform whatever kind of painting job (exterior, interior or both) will ensure that your house will be ready to shine with a new paint color before the holiday season arrives.

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A Brief on the Driver Shortage Problem Faced by the U.S. Trucking Industry

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Driver shortage has been a growing concern in the trucking industry, which became more pronounced after the pandemic made online purchasing a norm for consumers. Higher wages, lowering of age requirement for interstate driving and shorter routes are the most recommended solutions to address the problem. Although the first two recommendations are feasible, their implementations require federal legislation. Actually the third recommendation has already been proven as the most workable solution, as it also addresses some of the underlying causes of driver shortages in the U.S.

However, implementation of shorter routes is difficult if planned manually and executed without proper data communication. Nevertheless, trucking organizations that use truck management software in running their day-to-day operations have had success in meeting many of the challenges faced by the trucking industry. Particularly the factors that have been driving the continuous increase in driver shortages.

In 2016, driver shortage in the U.S. trucking industry reached an alarming number of 36, 000. The number continued to surge, which in 2018 was monitored to have nearly doubled at 63,000. The American Trucking Association expects the number to go higher since driver turnover rates have propelled by up to 90 – 100 percent.

Apparently, driver shortage is only one of the consequences of the problems that beset the trucking industry. While some lawmakers have already proposed bills that would help the industry address certain trucking issues, Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan is seen as the most comprehensive. The proposed legislation intends to overhaul the country’s crumbling infrastructure, which at the same time gives focus to improving driver-safety.

Underlying Causes of Driver Shortage in the U.S. Trucking Industry

Safety issues specifically those related to long hauls are among the factors that have been driving the increase in driver shortage. Truck driving ranks high in the list of the most dangerous occupations, especially in the U.S. where roads and bridges have been in poor conditions for several decades now.

Lifestyle is another factor, because more often than not, drivers have to spend a lot of long hours, even several days on roads far away from the comfort of family and home. The divorce rate among long haul truck drivers has been noted as high, and likewise expected to go higher if not met with workable solutions.

After all, the trucking industry is under increasing pressure to meet the surges in demand for prompt and quick delivery of food supplies, ecommerce merchandise and raw materials which is in light of President Biden’s plan to revive and boost local manufacturing.

The population of American truck drivers are aging, where many more are likely to retire a few years from now. Actually, the retirement movement in trucking operations accelerated during the pandemic due to health issues. Some preferred to downshift by taking on driving jobs in less hazardous work environments, instead of returning to former jobs in the trucking industry.

While there are several other underlying reasons why driver shortage has become a major problem in trucking businesses, most of them have been attributed as consequences of long haul transportations.

Why Implementation of Shorter Routes is Seen as the Most Feasible Solution

In taking into account all the reasons that have been discouraging new batches of drivers to stay longer in the trucking business, Industry experts agree that shorter trucking routes are the most feasible solution. Where truck drivers are paid-by-the-mile during long hauls, many have come to realize that the amount they earn do not compensate for the long uncomfortable hours they spend on a dangerous job.

The shorter route solution is a delivery system in which a driver takes a long distance load order to a specific drop-off point. Another driver originating from that drop-off picks up the load to deliver them to their destination or to another drop-off point. The rationale behind shorter routes is that truck drivers will have better opportunities to enjoy their occupation and while earnings will be lower, it’s a fair enough exchange for being able to go home every day.

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Biden Administration to Work with Environment Responsible, Metal-Producing Allies

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The Biden administration acknowledges that China is a major source of electric vehicle and battery materials, but also recognizeshttps://www.a-pln.org/how-wow-in-china-was-affected-by-local-politics/ that so are other countries. As President Biden resolved to continue to correct the lack of reciprocity in US-China trade deals, the White House announced that the U.S. will work with allies instead, in the country’s acquisition of metals and minerals needed in the production of electric vehicles.

Rather than depend on Ch (more…)

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Covid Cases Rise in 21 States Where Govs Eased Mitigation Measures

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COVID-19 Infection cases are increasing in 21 U.S. states as governors have eased up on lockdown restrictions over businesses like gyms, restaurants, and bars. Even at the rate by which citizens are getting vaccinations, other emerging variants of the disease continue to spread quickly across the affected regions.

The 21 US.states include: Connecticut, Hawaii, Alabama, Idaho, Maine, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, and North Dakota.

Public Health Officials Warn that New COVID-19 Variant Can Become the Dominant Infectious Disease

According to public health officials, about 30% of coronavirus cases have been identified as that of the extremely contagious variant that first surfaced in the U.K. The anticipation is that by late March, there is a possibility that it could become the dominant infectious disease. New CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has strongly advised against the quick reopening of states, as continuous transmissions will only compromise the progress achieved in battling the pandemic.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is now the White House Chief Medical Advisor, had mentioned during last Friday’s briefing that it is too soon to celebrate; not until after the level of infection has gone lower. Dr. Fauci said that even with the distribution of 2 to 3 million vaccines everyday, including in locations where public health measures have been withdrawn, the situation is quite worrisome. It is quite unfortunate that a number of states, cities, and municipalities have been withdrawing mitigation methods, particularly the wearing of protective masks.

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Trump Faces Another Impeachment This Time for Incitement of Insurrection

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Donald Trump has been impeached again, as the House of Representatives passed articles seeking to ban him from holding any public office in the future. The charges are based on speeches that encourages his whitw supremacist supporters to act seditiously by forcing their way into the Capitol Hill building in Washington D.C.

The ensuing riot resulted in the death of five persons, including a police officer who was hit by a fire extinguisher on the head. Not only did Trump tried to incite the blockades at the Capitol, he also directed their attacks to Vice President Pence. The latter chose to disobey Trump’s orders of not performing his constitutional duties as vice president, tasked to declare the official results of the election. The rioters had in fact prepared a makeshift but working noose, while calling Pence a traitor who must be hanged.

The articles of Trump’s second impeachment saw 10 of the Republican Representatives agreeing with all of House Democrats, resulting in a majority vote of 232 in favor of the impeachment action

Trump’s Former Ally, Senator McConnell Fends Off Calls for Speedy Impeachment Trial

The final outcome of the House’s resolution to impeach Donald Trump rests on the Senate, where a trial to hold him criminally liable will be held. Unlike with the first Trump impeachment, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was able to save Trump from being evicted from his position as president. This time however, Senator McConnel who expressed disapproval of Trump’s action of inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol, is all for Trump’s impeachment.

Still, Senator McConnell has not called for the holding of the second impeachment trial; perhaps not wanting to be a central part of a Congressional action that could make him the next target of Trump’s white supremacist supporters. It is likely that the trial will take place after January 21, to be called by Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer who will replace Senator McConnel as new Majority Leader. If so, there is a possibility that Trump’s second impeachment will result to a criminal conviction for treason, which completely bars him from running in the 2024 elections. .

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Trump’s Erratic Behavior Drawing Attention to the 25th Amendment

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Trump’s erratic behavior while undergoing heavy drug treatment as a Covid-19 patient has been drawing attention to the U.S. 25th Constitutional Amendment. Currently, questions are being raised about succession, in the event that any President becomes mortally ill, or deemed not mentally fit to carry out his leadership functions.

That is why, it is widely believed that the 25th amendment provides answers on who would replace Trump and on who must make the initials steps to replace Trump; or any other future leaders who become physically or mentally incapacitated while still in office.

The Questions Raised about Trump’s Fitness to Lead the Nation

While Trump’s fitness, whether morally and/or mentally have already been raised as concerns before, the matter has become more important now that Trump is COVID-19 infected. In addition, he has been disregarding all safety measures in preventing the virus from spreading.

Several medical experts are also questioning the effects of the experimental medications that Trump has been receiving as cure for the infectious coronavirus disease, as they are being administered in combination with steroids and so called cocktail drug treatments.

After being discharged from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre last October 5, Trump has been disregarding his doctors’ medical advice. On the other, White House officials have been issuing conflicting and confusing statements about Trump’s medical conditions, particularly with regard to results of his COVID-19 tests, if any. As a matter of fact, after being discharged just a few days after contracting the virus, and while still infectious and coughing during Fox News interviews, Trump announced that he will resume his political rallies as planned.

What Does the 25th Amendment Require as Preliminary Actions When Replacing a President?

The 25th Amendment states that when the Vice President and the majority of the Cabinet, comprising at least 8 members, deduce that the current president is unfit to fulfill his presidential duties, they have the legal power to take action.

To be specific, this is stated in Section 4 of the amendment. Once a decision has been reached, it will be formally written and the memorandum forwarded to the Speaker of the House and to the Senate President. In the meantime, until Congressional decisions have been made, the incumbent vice president will temporarily replace the disabled or incapacitated president, whilst using the constitutional powers of a U.S. president.

If the president is against this action, it would be up to the Congressional lawmakers to resolve the issue with a vote. The required number of votes to keep the “acting president” in position is two-thirds of the majority vote by both Republican and Democratic parties. If the required number of votes isn’t reached, the president would reclaim his lost powers.

Obviously, with Vice President Pence clearly afraid of Trump and Republican Senate Speaker Mitch McConnel unashamedly stating that he will do everything he can to keep Trump in power despite his ongoing COVID-19 affliction, the 25 Amendment remains as a mere passage in the U.S. Constitution.

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Horse Races Amidst the Pandemic : The Need to Provide Thoroughbreds with Race Events

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Thoroughbreds are raised to run races and while its important for them to take a spell, it’s also critical for them to run the races as soon as they are ready. The horse racing industry knows that when horses are physically and mentally prepared, they are happiest when running fast the way they have been trained to do so.

That is why despite the lockdown orders some time in mid-March, some races were allowed to continue behind closed doors. Nonetheless, only the necessary personnel were allowed to participate, such as the jockeys, trainers and stewarts.

Although in other states, horse racing did not resume until around May and June, the state of Florida made a difference by providing the thoroughbreds the races they needed to run in despite the ongoing pandemic.

”Domestic Spending” Proves the Racing Industry Right in Letting Horse Racing Events Continue Amidst the Pandemic

Some time in February, and before the closed door races in Tampa Bay Downs, “Domestic Spending,” a 3-year old gelding ran its maiden race and proved ready. The horse demonstrated full understanding of the nuances it committed to memory after months of training. After which, “Domestic Spending” went on to perform impressively when he ran an allowance race at Belmont Park in New York last June 07, 2020.

An offspring of “Son of Kingman,” the thoroughbred then went to compete in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2T) at the Saratoga Race Course in July and came out with a strong finish. “Domestic Spending” emerged as third top finisher next to “Get Smokin,” while “Decorated Invader” triumphed as the race winner.

Finally, “Domestic Spending” proved its mettle by achieving its first win in the Saratoga Derby last August 15, 2020. The gelding’s rider Irad Ortiz Jr. said the 3-year old thoroughbred responded really well, running much closer to the pace compared to its previous performances in the three starts.

Knowing that “Domestic Spending” has what it takes to make a strong finish, Ortiz, Jr. said he kept riding until they got the jump in the final eighth pole, when they started switching leads with “Gulfo;” until they finally held the lead all the way to the finish line.

Readers who want to know more about “Domestic Spending” can continue reading about the thoroughbred at Blood-Horse magazine. The horse racing resource website not only carries the latest results of horse race meets, but also bloodstock information by way of its Stallion Register, True Nicks and Auction.

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Trump ‘s Conflicting Claims about Intel Report on Russia Bounties

Politics, Statements,

Trump claims reports about Russia’s offer and payment of bounties for the killing of American soldiers in Afghanistan is a complete hoax. However, it appears that Republican lawmakers are not going to let it go at that. Some are supporting Democratic House Speaker Pelosi’s call for an investigation of the matter.

In fact the calls for a Congressional hearing has heightened as more information about the Russian bounty report attests to the credibility of the intel info.

Background to the Russia Bounties News Report

Last June of this year, both the Washington Post and The New York Times reported that Russia was paying cash rewards to Talibans in Afghanistan, as incentives to kill as many American soldiers as they can. The discovery was made after a successful raid of a Taliban outpost revealed large amounts of U.S.dollars. Related interrogations further disclosed that the money came from Russian intelligence units as rewards for killing U.S. soldiers.

Although Trump says the story is just another “fake news” just to make him look bad, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany confirmed that the U.S. intelligence agencies made such a report, which debunks Trump’s claim that it’s fake news.

However, McEnany claims that there was a general consensus among White House and intelligence officials not to brief Trump about the matter; mainly because the intel was not verified. Yet unnamed White House officials stated the contrary, saying Trump was briefed about it.

Nevertheless, whether or not Trump was briefed was not the question, as the issue raised is what actions were taken to protect U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan? Further assessment of the events revealed that the intelligence reports came at the time Trump was making a push to withdraw the U.S deployment in Afghanistan. It was also the time when Trump was purportedly holding peace talks with the Taliban, in an effort to end the long running conflict between them,

Additional News Reports Say that the Russia Bounty Intel was Verified by Financial Analysts

Later news developments revealed that U.S. financial analysts were able to intercept large financial transfers that were received by Afghan businessmen, who served as go-between for Russian agents and the Taliban group. The financial transactions purportedly went through the “hawala” system, which has been touted as the invisible source of funding for terrorism.

Republican Lawmakers Who Were Post-Briefed About the Matter are Concerned

Inasmuch as the financial verifications tank White House claims that the intel report was not credible and was not verified, several Republican lawmakers are calling for a Congressional hearing in order to get down to the real truth on whether Trump was informed or not. .

Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, Mac Thornberry also of Texas, Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Sen. Pat Toomey of Philadelphia, and Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, all strongly support Congressional investigations on the matter. That way, the White House administration can take swift and decisive actions to hold Russian president Putin responsible, once the intelligence officers have completed the review process.

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Biden on Track to Win Democratic Prez Nomination

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Results of the Democratic primary elections held during March 10’s SuperTuesday continue to show that Biden is on track to win the presidential nomination.

To date, former Vice President Joe Biden is ahead with 858 delegates; claiming victories in the states of Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi and Missouri. Biden bested Sander even in Michigan, where Sanders’ supporters had hoped for a repeat of the senator’s win over Hillary Clinton in 2016.

So far, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has won 702 delegates after winning in North Dakota, the only state where he claimed victory from the March 10 SuperTuesday caucus. Nonetheless, the status could still change. That is, if Sanders garners the majority of Washington’s pledged delegates,in order to bring down the gap between him and Joe Biden.

Although early results in the Washington caucus show Sanders in the lead, his numbers are too close to Biden’s showing.

Apparently already feeling comfortable with his edge over Sanders, VP Joe Biden delivered a speech at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia at 11 p.m. Only Biden’s wife Jill, his staffers and members of the media were in attendance to listen first hand to Biden’s speech. He made a promise to restore dignity to the White House Oval Office; whilst criticizing Donald Trump for his incompetence in dealing with the Covid-19 plague.

As a gesture of goodwill, the former veepee also acknowledged Senator Bernie Sanders as an ally in continuing the fight to remove Donald Trump from office. Biden thanked the Vermont Senator, addressing

“Bernie Sanders and his supporters for their tireless energy and their passion.”…”We share a common goal, to defeat Donald Trump.” “We will defeat him and bring this nation together.”

March 17 SuperTuesday Primaries Predicted to Favor Biden

Apparently acknowledging the impact of his defeat in the March 10 primaries, Sanders headed home to Vermont without delivering a speech. Although many are not giving up on a possible Sanders’ win in March 17’s SuperTuesday polls, the odds are against Sanders. Latest Florida surveys among Democratic voters show support for Biden.

Still, the senator appeared in a late night talk show last March 12, to deliver a message.

To give readers an idea of the states that could make or break Sanders’ bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, below is a breakdown of the forthcomingMarch 17 SuperTuesday primaries:

  • Arizona to pledge 67 delegates
  • Florida to pledge 219 delegates
  • Illinois to pledged 155 delegates
  • Ohio to pledge 136 delegates.

The state of Lousiana has decided to postpone its primaries in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Pew Study of U.S. Political Tweeters Finds Mostly Adult Democrats Who Disapprove Donald Trump

Politics,

Pew Study of U.S. Political Tweeters Finds Mostly Adult Democrats Who Disapprove Donald Trump

A Pew study published last October 2019 helped analyze the type of tweeters who indicate interests in U.S. national politics. Twitter presumably became a likely choice since U.S. president Donald Trump is known to be an active user; posting and reposting tweets mainly for political purposes.

Pew analyzed the answers of 2,427 respondents using a public Twitter account. Collectively, respondents had generated more than 1.1 million tweets from June 10 2018 through June 09, 2019. In classifying the participants as posting tweets related to national politics, Pew Center utilized guided machine learning model.

The most notable of the findings analyzed by the Pew Research is that of the political tweets mentioning Trump, 55 percent of all American adults using Twitter, have indicated strong disapproval of the U.S president. This information is consitent with Pew’s analysis that about 67% of political tweeters are either identified as Democrats or have Democratic leaning. Only 28% identify as Republicans or inclined to support the Republican Party. .

How Pew Categorized the Participants Responding to the Survey

The Pew analysis qualifies a tweet as one that pertains to national politics if mentioning or expressing support for or opposition against national politicians, political parties, elected officials, political institutions, ideological groups or even specific political behaviors such as voting. Excluded from the definition of political content are mainly tweets about state or local politics.

A general discussion of national interest is regarded as political in nature only if the tweet makes mention of a national political figure, political party, political institution or behavior of a political organization. Of those general discussions, the Pew research found out that the most prolific political tweeters are those with intense views on Donald Trump.

Basically, the Pew study defines political tweeters those who have tweeted at least five (5) times during the study period, in which a discussion about national politics was made in at least with two (2) of those five (5) tweets.

The study defines a prolific political tweeter as one who has posted political content at least ten (10) times, and who have discussed national politics in at least 25% of their posts.

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Russia and China Continue to Show Military Partnership in Joint Military Exercises at Tsentr

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Russia is carrying out another large-scale military exercises with China, this time inviting forces coming from India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Russia research experts like Mathieu Boulegue, of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, perceive the military drills as Moscow’s way of sending a message of power to the West.

Actually, Russia and China started holding joint military exercises via naval drills held as far back as 2012. Even a decade ago, the display of military partnership by the two countries was already regarded as their way of showing those in the West that they do not stand alone.

Fortunately for Russia, the U.S. through Trump has become vulnerable by playing right into Russia’s strategic move by accepting help in getting him installed in 2016 as the president of the U.S. Even more favorable to the strategic Russia-China military partnership is the trade war initiated by Trump versus China, which weakened not only the U.S. economy but in multiple economies in the West.

Still, Russia’s Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, stated earlier this September that the continuation of their series of joint military exercises is not directed against any specific country, but only as a means of countering threats of international terrorism,

Yet, observers like Mathieu Boulegue view this year’s show of military partnership by Russia and China as one that sends

“a very much anti-Western message, specifically anti-American message to convey that Russia is not isolated and Russia can operate even with a potential rival like China; albeit Russians still cautiously regard China as both friend, enemy and potential competitor.”

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According to Boulegue, it is also Russia’s opportunity to show off military wares that it can provide, not only to China, but to the new forces participating in this year’s “Tsentr-2019” military exercises.

About the “Tsentr-2019” Joint Military Exercises

“Tsentr-2019” is this year’s holding of Russia’s grandiose annual war games, which will put up for demonstration more than 20,000 military weapons and equipment, 600 aircrafts, as well as 15 naval ships and support vessels, whilst involving 128,000 military personnel.

According to the Russian defense ministry, drills are likewise designed to tryout the readiness for combat of military commanders and troops stationed within Russia’s central military district in Tsentr, Russia. In addition, participants will get to see Russia test its military prowess in the Arctic.

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Major Hotel Companies Make Known Their Refusal to Take Part in ICE Deportation Actions

Business, ,

When the announcement was made that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will push through with immigrant deportation actions on July 13, use of hotels was made mention as potential temporary detainment facilities for those who will be arrested.

In response, the major hotels made it clear that they have no intention of allowing their respective establishments to be used as detention facilities, even if temporarily.

Best Western,Choice, IHG , Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, MGM Resorts and Wyndham Hotels, had all released statements signifying their refusal to accept business from the government in relation to the ICE immigrant deportation arrests.

Although hotels usually cooperate with government agencies, they participated only for purposes of holding conferences, in hosting defence contractors, or in providing shelter for displaced flood victims.

Marriott International’s statement included intention to decline future requests from ICE agents to use its hotels as detention facilities, as well as the reason for their decision, which read

“Marriott hotels are not configured to be detention facilities; they are open to guests and community members as well,”

Reports say that the major hotels were pressured by advocacy groups and workers unions in arriving at the said decision. It is also worth mentioning that even as early as 2016, the CEO of Marriott Hotels had expressed a similar stance in a letter to then incoming president, Donald Trump.

Through an open letter, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson beseeched the newly elected president not to deport illegal immigrants. CEO Sorenson suggested that instead of deporting the more than 11 million illegal immigrants, it would be better if appropriate steps were taken to allow them to make contributions to communities and to help make America stronger by making them pay taxes. Additionally, he also wrote

”It is heartless as well as impractical to think that we will evict all these people. Let us find a way to let them live their lives productively,”

Choice Hotels Makes a Clarification

Choice Hotels, the owner of the Quality Suites brand had previously signed a contract with the Department of Homeland Security in 2016 in connection with ICE proceedings. The hotel made it clear that it does not plan to renew the contract.

Still, a representative of Choice Hotels issued a subsequent clarification of their position as a hotel franchisor. All hotels in their system are owned and operated independently, to which owners of each property make independent decisions about their respective operations as long as they are within the boundaries of applicable laws.

Apparently, one of the franchised Quality Suites had recently housed more than three migrants. In a single occasion in the fall of 2017, it had as many as 120 migrant detainees.

However, the hotel’s involvement drew negative reactions from Quality Suites customers who were staying at the hotel at the same time the immigrants were detained. Some complained, while some wrote negative reviews in the Quality Suites website; making mention of the noise coming from the group of detainees who were placed in the same floor just doors away from the guest rooms.

Pennsylvania State University’s Hospitality Management professor Daniel Mount explains that hotel companies also need to reassure customers of safety while in their properties. That it is not being overrun by armed guards keeping watch over migrants.

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Understanding the Significance of the Non Proliferation Treaty from which Trump Withdrew U.S. Support

Statements,

The Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a multilateral covenant between 120 United Nations member states, which serves as the first legally binding international agreement, in working toward the adoption of a Nuclear Weapons Ban. New York. This Treaty included the negative security assurances given by the 5 Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) China, the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Russia, to the Non Nuclear Weapons States (NNWS).

Although a Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was signed in July 2017 in New York, it remains symbolic. Mainly because nine (9) states known to have nuclear armaments including the five NWS that previously signed the NPT, boycotted the convention held for the signing of said Nuclear Ban covenant.

As the turn of events has it, U.S. president Donald Trump issued a statement in February 2019 that the U.S. intends to officially withdraw its support to the agreement founded by the Non Proliferation Treaty. Many of the NNWS UN members fear that such action would trigger yet another global proliferation of nuclear weapons.

As it is, the NPT remains as the only legally binding international agreement addressing the problems posed by the international nuclear arms race.

As the NPT aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons among nations, the covenant stated three (3) specific elements vital to the fulfillment of the purpose on which UN members agreed: First, is non-proliferation, the second is disarmament,, and lastly, is the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Three Elements Constituting the NPT Accord between NWS and NNWS

Three vital elements constitute the so called “grand bargain” agreed upon by the five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) and the Non Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS):.

Non-Proliferation : Non-Acquisition of Nuclear Weapons by NWWS

Articles I, II, and III of the NPT covers an agreement that Nuclear Weapon States will not in any way shift or transfer nuclear weapons to any recipient whomsoever. Moreover the NWS will not provide assistance, show encouragement or cause to induce any Non Nuclear Weapons States to produce, develop or manufacture, or procure nuclear weapons.

On their part, the NNWS group, has an obligation not to receive nuclear weapons being transferred to their jurisdiction, as well as to desist from manufacturing or procuring such armaments. In line with the NNWS agreement to the Non Proliferation covenant, the NNWS members have to accept the “International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)” countermeasures on all nuclear materials existing in their territories, or under their jurisdiction and control.

Disarmament – NWS will Pursue Nuclear Weapons Disarmament

Articles VI of the NPT states that all parties to the treaty, specifically the NWS group, must embark on negotiations in good faith to come up with effective measures pertaining to the cessation of nuclear arms race and disarmament. The general agreement and understanding on which the treaty is founded is for complete disarmament that will be undertaken under rigid and effective international control.

Peaceful Use: Both NWS and NNWS Maintain the Right to Access Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Use

Article IV is an assertion of the right of all states, NWS and NNWS parties to develop, produce, and harness nuclear energy for peaceful use, bu<>t subject to the provisions stated in Articles I and II. All parties to the NPT commits to facilitate, and maintain a right to participate, in the exchange of materials, scientific and technological knowledge, as well as equipment necessary for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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