#and seriously if you have american dollars to donate even like. $5. would make a huge difference.

[bigcats-birds-and-books]

dear followers: i don’t normally do this sort of thing, but!: if i linked to a gofundme for a friend of a dear friend, would anyone here be willing to take a look and see if it’s the sort of thing you could throw a few dollars at?

the friend of dear friend has been accepted into a master’s program (linguistics!) in the US, but he’s from (and currently living in) tunisia, and he’s having a hard time scraping together the funds to Get Over Here. the exchange rate is brutal, which isn’t helping. dear friend was hoping we could get a bunch of people to give a little bit of money, but the campaign has sort of stalled out, so i’m trying to throw a wider net.

i can vouch for the authenticity of said gofundme! but since it’s not the sort of thing i typically post, i wanted to do a Vibe Check before i dropped a link.

are there any potential takers? given the slightest interest, i will, in fact, drop the link haha. thanks for reading, y’all!

[phoenixyfriend]

What can I do to limit Amazon’s* negative impacts without harming vulnerable communities who rely on their services?

* or any similar company that people are forced to use to survive if they are poor, disabled, elderly, rurally isolated, or any combination of the above

My post on Amazon has been circulating pretty far these past few weeks, and a lot of people keep trying to argue about what can be done right now. 

1. Contact your representatives

If you live in the US, there are several sites you can use to figure out your senators (you have two) and your representative (you have one). Call them if there’s a phone number. Email them if there isn’t. They’re obligated to have SOME form of contact. If your rep is already on your side, they can use your email as evidence for how citizens feel about the issue when Congress is in session to argue. If your rep is NOT on your side, they will see the email as evidence that a portion of their constituency is NOT willing to reelect them if they don’t play nice, and that scares them a lot. Either way, make yourself heard. Harass them if you have to.

(For more local issues, especially things like minimum wage and labor laws, you can find your representatives for your state or city government, like your mayor or governor or county rep, and contact them as well. Make yourself heard.)

Write emails in your own words about one of the following subjects:

Supporting the USPS. It’s the backbone of the US shipping industry, and major shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon use it for overflow.

Monopolies and antitrust acts. Reference past antitrust acts leveled against oil, railroad, and telecom monopolies.

Raising the minimum wage. Reference inflation.

Enacting a marginal tax rate on high earners (re: the 1%, but phrased in a way that they’ll take seriously). Reference the marginal tax rates of the fifties.

Increasing disability benefits. Try to work something in about how stringent the requirements to qualify are, and how benefits don’t cover enough for medical care, transportation, assistive technology, and so on.

Increasing social security benefits for retirees. People pay into this fund all their lives as part of their income tax; it’s supposed to benefit them right back! (You can circle back to marginal tax rates and how the rich usually have savings and don’t need social security, but the poor often don’t have savings and rely on it.)

Enforcing corporate taxation. Find some statistics on who paid corporate  taxes in the past few years and who didn’t. Make sure to find a few big names and what their tax rate SHOULD have been. Emphasize how much extra money the government would be making.

Nationalizing the health care industry. Reference how well it works for countries like Canada, Korea, or Sweden, and how often hard-working Americans are bankrupted by unexpected medical emergencies.

Enacting or enforcing higher standards of employee rights. Did you know that minimum wage employees in Indiana don’t have the right to a lunch break unless they’ve been working at least twelve hours?

Legal repercussions for predatory pricing practices. Walmart is the best-known for this, but Amazon does it too, and they’re a fair bit sneakier about it.

Capping rent prices. Housing costs are among the highest financial pressures Americans face right now, and the fact that housing costs have risen SO much faster than the minimum wage is why it’s impossible to rent a one-bedroom apartment on a minimum wage anywhere in the US right now.

Capping upper management incomes. A CEO should not be earning several thousand, or several million, times as much money as their employees. It’s a long stretch (so argue the more achievable things first), but imagine if we could convince the government to say “actually, you can only make up to twenty times as much per hour as your lowest-paid employee.”

Banning police as threats against unions. UNIONS ARE GOOD THINGS. SUPPORT THEM.

Anything else that comes to mind! There are lots of subjects. This list is not an exhaustive one.

2. Vote

Pretty self-explanatory, I think. Vote in every election. Sometimes you won’t be able to vote for your top choice, and that sucks, but remember that our system is fucked and you have to go for the lesser evil that’s still capable of winning. So vote Blue (because ambivalence to our desires is better than glee at our suffering), and then send as many emails and make as many calls as you can to force them to recognize that, since you helped them get into office, they have to honor the deal to actually represent you now.

3. Support small businesses

Okay, so supporting local businesses probably isn’t too easy in a pandemic. You can’t just walk to your nearest mom and pop store to see if there’s an affordable option. That said, if you can afford to do so, try to see if there are small businesses in your area that are doing delivery or curbside-pickup.

If you live in a more rural area, see about ordering from small online businesses for non-essentials. If you’re thinking “hey, I’d like a new scarf” or something, check Instagram or Etsy first. All faults aside, Etsy is only a marketplace, not a seller themselves, so they rely on the vendors using their site to remain in business. (Whereas Amazon tries to drive their vendors out of business to take over their market share.) You can also use Google Shopping, eBay, or Craigslist.

4. Don’t Use Amazon (or similar), but don’t shame people for using it either

Some people rely on loss leaders to survive. That’s a fault of the American economy being a horrifying mess, and I listed a whole litany of the causes above. Money talks, so avoid using Amazon unless there is NO other way to get your product, but if someone you know uses Amazon, and you know they’re struggling, keep your mouth shut. If they’re not struggling, mention your distaste for Amazon but don’t push the issue; they’re more likely to come around if they feel like you’re not passing a moral judgement on them for it.

5. Recognize that many fairly-priced products are more expensive than you’re used to

The example I usually use is fashion. We’re used to a shirt costing ten or twenty dollars, even at places other than Walmart or Target. This price is what we’re led to believe is reasonable, but it’s really a factor of incredibly underpaid workers, usually overseas. If you can’t afford it, feel free to blame the low minimum wage (I certainly do), but remember to take a step back and remind yourself that it’s not that the piece is expensive, it’s that you are underpaid, and the current system is trying to teach you to expect cheaper items as the norm so they can get away with paying even more people less than they deserve.

6. DONATE

Yeah! There are a whole lot of nonprofit agencies that focus on issues that relate to this topic. I prefer to donate to organizations that focus on enacting systemic change through legal or institutional channels, like the ACLU and AAPD, but there are a lot of options, some of which focus on more direct help, or on specific parts of the country. Figure out one that speaks to you, check it against a trusted charity rating system like Charity Navigator, and set up a monthly donation if you can afford to. Constant support can cause compassion fatigue, but consistent support is how you Get Shit Done.

7. March

Join an activist group and march. Sometimes there are other major events going on (hijacking one of the current marches against racism and police brutality in favor of one about monopolies would be in bad taste AT BEST), but there will come an opportunity to make your voice heard by showing up on the street and just yelling with a sign.

Now go forth and unleash hell.

[the-daily-tizzy]

ITALY’S COMMUNIST RECIPE FOR DISASTER

Published March 24, 2020 |  By Giacomino Nicolazzo

Montecalvo, Lombardy, Italy. 

As I sit here in my involuntary isolation, it was just reported that overnight 743 more people died and 5.249 new cases have been reported. This brings the total cases of infection to 69,176 and the body count to 6,820. We take relief in knowing that 8,326 people have recovered so far. ( Numbers as of 3/24, 8:30pm in Italy.)

Most towns here in Italy, from the upper reaches of the Alps to the ancient shores of Sicilia and Sardenia, while not deserted, are closer to being ghost towns than the bustling centers of tourism, business and daily life they were just a few weeks ago.Stores and shops have been shuttered. Restaurants and coffee shops no longer serve customers. Schools, universities, sporting arenas…even our museums and theaters…all closed. Even the Vatican City has closed its gates and armed patrols monitor the 20 foot tall walls that protect it!

Streets and roads are now empty for as far as the eye can see. Normally they would be filled with crazed Italian drivers in tiny cars and scooters (the ones that sound like demonic insects) darting here and there, reaching the limits of centrifugal force on our roundabouts. In the piazze of our towns and cities, there are now officially more pigeons than people.Many of us know someone who has been infected and recovered. Some of us know someone who did not recover…now they are dead. But everyone knows someone who has been affected by this microscopic monster in one way or another.

Sixty million of us are in lock-down…it is like a war zone here. We are being held prisoner in our own homes by an unseen enemy that sneaked in unnoticed…by most of us. As you will read in just a few more minutes, there were those who knew something like this was coming…or at least they should have.So who is to blame? With all this craziness swirling like a whirlpool at our feet, I just had to find the blame answer. And so I have spent my free time (of which I have a lot in these days) digging and researching. I was literally shocked to discover how this has come to be.I am not going to bore you with talk of Patient ‘0’ who spread it to Patient ‘1’ and how mathematics efficiently explains the rapid expansion of infection. No…I am going to tell you how (as I see it) the virus came to Italy.It has everything to do with communists. Allow me to explain.Beginning in about 2014, Matteo Renzi, the imbecile ex-mayor of Firenze (Florence) acting as the leader of the Partito Democratico (synonymous with the Italian Communist party), somehow managed to get himself elected as Italy’s Prime Minister. To give you a proper frame of reference, Matteo Renzi was so far left, he would make Barack Obama look like Barry Goldwater!

At the same time that Renzi was leading Italy into oblivion, strange things were happening in Italy’s economy. Banks were failing…but not closing. Retirement ages were being extended…for some reason the pension funds were dwindling or disappearing. The national sales tax we call IVA (Value Added Tax) rose from 18% to 20%, then to 21% and again to 22%.And in the midst of all this financial chicanery, the Chinese began furiously buying up Italian real estate and businesses in the North.Now the reason I mention Renzi and the Chinese together is that strange things were also going on between the governments of Italy and China. A blind eye was being turned to the way the Chinese were buying businesses in the financial, telecommunication, industrial and fashion sectors of Italy’s economy, all of which take place in Milano.

To be brief…China was getting away with purchases and acquisitions in violation of Italian law and EU Trade Agreements with the US and the UK…and no one in either of those countries (not Obama in the US or Cameron in the UK) said a thing in their country’s defense. As a matter of fact, much of it was hidden from the public in all three countries.In 2014, China infused the Italian economy with €5 billion through purchases of companies costing less than €100 million each. 

By the time Renzi left office (in disgrace) in 2016, Chinese acquisitions had exceeded €52 billion. When the dust settled, China owned more than 300 companies…representing 27% of the major Italian corporations.The Bank of China now owns five major banks in Italy…all of which had been secretly (and illegally) propped up by Renzi using pilfered pension funds! Soon after, the China Milano Equity Exchange was opened and much of Italy’s wealth was being funneled back to the Chinese mainland.

Chinese state entities own Italy’s major telecommunication corporation (Telecom) as well as its major utilities (ENI and ENEL). Upon entry into the telecommunication market, Huawei established a facility in Segrate, a suburb of Milano. It launched is first research center there and worked on the study of microwaves which has resulted in the possibly-dangerous technology we call 5G.China also now owns controlling interest in Fiat-Chrysler, Prysmian and Terna. You will be surprised to know that when you put a set of Pirelli tires on your car, the profits are going to China. 

Yep…the Chinese colossus of ChemChina, a chemical industry titan, bought that company too!Last but not least is Ferretti yachts…the most prestigious yacht builder in Europe. Incredibly, it is no longer owned by the Ferretti family.

But the sector in which Chinese companies invested most was Italy’s profitable fashion industry. The Pinco Pallino, Miss Sixty, Sergio Tacchini, Roberta di Camerino and Mariella Burani brands have been acquired by 100%.Designer Salvatore Ferragamo sold 16% and Caruso sold 35%. The most famous case is Krizia, purchased in 2014 by Shenzhen Marisfrolg Fashion Company, one of the leaders of high-priced, ready-to-wear fashions in Asia.

Throughout all of these purchases and acquisitions, Renzi’s government afforded the Chinese unrestricted and unfettered access to Italy and its financial markets, many coming through without customs inspections.

Quite literally, tens of thousands of Chinese came in through Milano (illegally) and went back out carrying money, technology and corporate secrets.

Thousands more were allowed to enter and disappeared into shadows of Milano and other manufacturing cities of Lombardy, only to surface in illegal sewing shops, producing knock-off designer clothes and slapping ‘Made In Italy’ labels on them. All with the tacit approval of the Renzi government.It was not until there was a change in the governing party in Italy that the sweatshops and the illegal entry and departure of Chinese nationals was stopped. Matteo Salvini, representing the Lega Nord party, closed Italy’s ports to immigrants and systematically began disassembling the sweatshops and deporting those in Italy illegally.

But his rise to power was short-lived. Italy is a communist country…socialism is in the national DNA. Ways were found to remove Salvini, after which the communist party, under the direction of Giuseppe Conte, reopened the ports. Immediately, thousands of unvetted, undocumented refugees from the Middle East and East Africa began pouring in again.

Access was again provided to the Chinese, under the old terms, and as a consequence thousands of Chinese, the majority from Wuhan, began arriving in Milano.

In December of last year, the first inklings of a coronavirus were noticed in Lombardy…in the Chinese neighborhoods. There is no doubt amongst senior medical officials that the virus was brought here from China.

By the end of January 2020 cases were being reported left and right. By mid-February the virus was beginning to seriously overload the Lombardy hospitals and medical clinics. They are now in a state of collapse.

The Far-Left politicians sold out and betrayed the Italian people with open border policies and social justice programs. One of the reasons the health care system collapsed so quickly is because the Renzi government (and now continued under the Conte government) redirected funds meant to sustain the medical system, to pay for the tens of thousands of immigrants brought in to Italy against the will of the Italian people.

If you remember the horrible earthquake that decimated the villages around Amatricia, in the mountains east of Rome in 2015, you would also remember how the world responded by sending millions of dollars to help those affected.

But there is a law in Italy that prevents private donations to charitable Italian organizations. All money and donations received must be turned over to a government agency, who in turn is to appropriate the funds as needed. But that agency is corrupt just as are all the others.Most of the money never reached a single victim in the mountains. The Renzi government redirected the vast majority of those funds to pay for the growing immigrant and refugee costs.

As the economy worsened under the burden of illegal immigration, compounded by gross government spending and incompetence, unemployment rose quickly…especially among young people. The unemployment rate for men and women under age 35 is close to 40%.

So more money was diverted from the health care system and used to pay what is known here as guaranteed income. Whether you work or not you are paid here, especially if you belong to the PD! The government simply raises taxes on those who do work

.Let me give you a quick example of the height of insanity to which Italian taxation has risen.

If you live in a building that has a balcony or balconies…and any of those balconies cast a shadow on the ground, you must pay a public shadow tax! I will say no more!

The point I am trying to make here is that not only did the Chinese bring the virus to Italy (and the rest of the world) it was far-Left politics and policies that facilitated it.

This should hopefully be a warning to Americans that while they work to rid themselves of the China Virus, they should just as vehemently endeavor to rid their government of any politician that circumvents the Constitution and ignores the laws of the land…plain and simple.

Giacomino Nicolazzo  is one of Italy’s most beloved writers.  Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, he lives in a small village in Lombardy where he writes his books.

[readingraebow]

Dark Places Section One

Libby Day (Now) - Libby Day (Now) (approx pages 1-120)

1. Why does Libby not have to work? What does Jeff come to visit her about? In what way might Lyle be able to help solve her problem with Jeff? Libby's entire family was murdered when she was seven and a donation fund was set up for her. When she was eighteen she got access to the fund and she's been living off the money in the thirteen years since then. The fund has expanded a few times due to the tragedy reentering the press and small appearances and such in the years since. But now that Libby is 31, people don't really want to donate anymore because she's a grown woman now and there are new little girls who need their help. That's why Jeff sees Libby. He's basically her accountant/is in charge of the fund and he warns her that there's only 900 and something dollars left in the fund and it's time to start thinking about what to do when the money runs out. He suggests Libby find a job. But a letter from Lyle offers Libby a business proposition. She's to meet with his club and he'll pay her $700 just to show up.

2. When Libby gets to the place where the Kill Club meets, she sees booths all around of people obsessed with different crimes and murders. If you were part of the Kill Club, which crime would you have your booth themed? This is a super hard question because there are honestly so many that interest me? Lizzy Borden, Belle Gunness, Gertrude Banizewski, Aileen Wuornos, The Zodiac Killer, The Golden State Killer, H. H. Holmes (as you can see, American Horror Story has only added to my obsession with serial killers; oops), JonBenét Ramsey, Ted Bundy. But honestly the crime that probably interests me the most/I've researched the most/the one I'm most obsessed with is Columbine. So if I had a whole booth dedicated to something, it would be that one. I can literally talk for hours/days/years about Columbine and one time we had friends staying with us and they mentioned Columbine aND I WHIPPED OUT A POWERPOINT to talk about it. It's fine.

3. When Libby gets a chance to talk to the members of the Kill Club, what does she learn about how some of them feel? What does Libby admit that she didn’t actually see?She learns that most of them think Ben is innocent. One of the members in the group is actively trying to get him out of prison. But most of them think that Libby couldn't have possibly seen what she says she saw and that she was lying and was just led by the prosecution to convict the most easy target. They said the case had a spectacular lack of physical evidence and even Libby's testimony was incoherent at best and, yet, Ben was still convicted. The leading theory, though, is that Libby's father, Runner Day, is the actual killer. And while Libby staunchly believes that Ben is the killer, she honestly doesn't know because she was hiding in her mother's closet at the time of the murders and when she heard the murderer start searching the house for her, she jumped out the window and hid until morning. So while she testified that she saw Ben do it, she didn't actually see anything. But she heard everything.

4. What does Patty do for a living, and how is it working out for her? What bad news does Len bring to Patty? Patty runs the family farm. When she married Runner, they took it over from her parents. That was during the boom times and Runner was a little too enthusiastic about it. They ended up taking a loan out from the bank to expand and buy new equipment, thinking that the farm would perform well and they could easily pay it back. But that didn't happen and Runner ended up leaving and now Patty is running the farm alone. Well, she hasn't paid on the loan in three years and her crop doesn't even yield enough to support them and when she does make money from the crops it goes toward the loan but it's just not enough. And the last time Len visited, she had to have an auction and sell off her farming equipment for way less than it was worth and I honestly don't even know how she's running the farm at this point?? Anyway, when Len comes this time, it's to tell Patty that they're foreclosing and she's run out of options.

5. Who is Diondra? Who is Krissi? Diondra is Ben's girlfriend. She's two years older than him (she's 17, he's 15) and rich. Her parents hae another house in Texas and they spend most of their time there so she's left alone a lot and basically does whatever she wants, including not going to school most of the time. And she's who Ben's always talking to on the phone and her house is where he usually goes when he's out. She is basically the biggest influence in his life, at this point, and as soon as he turns 16 and can drive, Ben wants to run away to Wichita (of all places) with her and live in their own apartment and work in her Uncle's sporting goods store. However, there's also Krissi. She's in the grade above Michelle's and has a crush on Ben. He was asked to help with an after school art class one day and he did and that's where he met Krissi. He ended up volunteering to help that art class for another month. Krissi also lives like an hour or so away so she has to wait forever for her dad to pick her up after school so Ben started waiting in the stairwell with her for her dad. Well, one day just before Christmas break, he ended up making out with Krissi.

6. Why does Libby think it’s just as much everyone else’s fault Ben is in jail as it is her fault? Because the entire trial was basically a circus. Libby's testimony was all over the place but the prosecution lawyer led Libby exactly where he wanted her to go and basically convinced her to say Ben was guilty. The defense lawyer treated her like he was walking on egg shells which didn't help Ben in the slightest because all Libby did was defend the prosecution. And then were was Ben himself. He acted like he didn't care at all about the trial and when they asked him about Satanic worship, he just fed right into it. He also wore his long black hair in a ponytail and basically didn't really clean up for court and just looked and acted like a criminal. He didn't try to defend himself at all. The defense lawyer also tried to bring up the evidence that didn't match with Ben but he failed to really make a case and really defend Ben. So while Libby's testimony was the cornerstone of the trial, the entire thing was so poorly handled that it wasn't just Libby's fault Ben was convicted.

7. In what way does Ben act about being in jail when Libby goes to see him? Ben says he's okay with it. It's been almost 25 years and he's made his peace with being in prison. He realizes that a lot of it was his fault because he didn't take the trail seriously enough. He never, ever thought he would be convicted. He thought he would be acquitted and then he'd be more popular at school. But, clearly, that didn't happen. But he also doesn't blame Libby for her testimony and he doesn't think she's the reason he was locked up. He's honestly surprised that anyone believed her because she was seven and so clearly coached. He thinks the fact that anyone believed her just meant that they wanted him locked up and there's nothing he could do about it. And when Libby asks if he wants to get out, he says of course he does but he doesn't see that happening unless they find who really did it. He also says he doesn't have a good alibi for that night so it's not like he really has any ground to stand on if he wanted to appeal. So he's made his peace with being in prison and he's okay with it. It's like he thinks he's making up for not being home to save his family and not being man enough in the first place. But he's glad to see Libby because he really is homesick.

8. Who does Lyle think murdered the Day family and why does he think this? He thinks the Day family was murdered by Lou Cates, Krissi Cates's dad. Apparently the Cates family accused Ben of molesting Krissi and Lyle thinks that Lou came over that night to question Ben about it and went into a rage and just murdered the whole family. Apparently Lou had done time for manslaughter previously. He had a wild temper and finding out someone had hurt his daughter would've definitely set him off. (I don't buy that theory at all though??? The murderer called Libby's name and looked for her. If Lou was looking for Ben and just started murdering, he didn't know any of them and he wouldn't have known to look for Libby. He would've been looking for Ben.)

9. When Libby calls Krissi’s mother, where does she say Lou would be? Where does she say Krissi would be? She says Lou would be in a bar probably somewhere in the state of Kansas (helpful) and to find Krissi just go west on I-70 past Columbia (Missouri, I'm assuming? Since Columbia, Kansas is literally abandoned; also why is Kansas basically just a copy and paste of Missouri with the state name changed???? There are so many towns wITH THE SAME NAME O.O) and take a left into any of the strip clubs. So. Also wildly helpful. (Wow, Krissi's mom. Top job with your first family. You sound like a wonderful human being. Not. *eyeroll*)

  Section One Reading Journal

Okay so. We all know that I hated Gone Girl. But for some reason I, at some point, bought all of Gillian Flynn’s novels. And I even started reading one of the others (I thought it was this one but the first chapter isn’t what I remember reading so apparently it was Sharp Objects) but just never got around to finishing it. But her other novels honestly really do interest me. So all of that being said, I’ve been really excited to read this one and I honestly enjoyed this first section so much?? I really didn’t want to put it down.

I love that this story takes place in Missouri and Kansas. I love that Libby currently lives in Kansas City; that’s one of my absolute favorite cities. And that restaurant where she meets Jim Jeffreys I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten at with my aunts??? (It honestly sounded like it might’ve been Jack Stack.) So. Lots of fun little fangirl moments. (Also why do all of Gillian Flynn’s novels seem to take place in Missouri? That fascinates me so much. Though throwback to when I originally read Gone Girl and was talking to my mom about North Carthage and she was like “it’s just Carthage” and I was like no, it’s the one by St. Louis and she was like “no, it’s by Joplin, on the other side of the state.” So apparently that’s a town Gillian Flynn made up, ahaha.)

ANYWAY, I love that this is a really engaging and well written mystery. I’m definitely feeling more of a connection to it than I ever did to Gone Girl. I already like these characters more. And I didn’t figure out the twist five minutes into reading. (I do already have several theories about the murderer, though.) And basically I’m just all around liking this one more.

Though the only thing that’s really bothering me is that I hate that all of the flashbacks are written in third person but all of the present day Libby is written in first. That feels like a weird transition to me and I hate going from the past to present chapters because of it. I’m a big fan of continuity and that format isn’t it.

Also. Side note. Did we pick this book as the first book written by a popular author? Because this is actually Gillian Flynn’s second. We should’ve read Sharp Objects (which I also really want to read because the show looks AMAZING). So. Uh. Oops. I love that we’re so good at picking things. Throwback to picking Lolita for a classic romance. (Oops.) We are on top of things. Go us!

But all kidding aside, I really am loving this book and I can’t wait to devour the next section!!!! (Watch me not go to bed tonight and just read this entire book. That’s what I almost did last night. *shifty eyes*) Okay back to reading =))

[erhiem]

“I think inheritance is quite distasteful.”

Not all kids of the rich and famous are living life like their celebrity parents. While these stars lead a lavish lifestyle, they also want to make sure that their children know the value of hard work. In fact, some celebs have decided that their children will not inherit any of their huge wealth when the time comes.

Instead, celebrities such as Daniel Craig and Gordon Ramsey have decided that most of their wealth will be distributed to more philanthropic causes, such as charities founded by them. And while some may disagree with their choice to leave their children to be their provider, it’s a decision these celebs are clinging to.

Know which celebs will not leave their children as a legacy…

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1. Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig may be worth over $100 million, but he isn’t planning on leaving any of it to his kids. The actor shares a 2-year-old with his wife Rachel Weisz as well as 29-year-old Ella from his previous marriage to Fiona London. Daniel explained that he believed the inheritance to be “distasteful” and that he would give away his money instead.

“Isn’t there an old saying that if you die a rich man, you have failed? I think Andrew Carnegie [an American industrialist] Given what would be about $11 billion in today’s money, that shows how rich he was because I’ll bet he kept some of it. But I don’t want to leave big bucks for the next generation. I think inheritance is quite distasteful. My philosophy is to get rid of it or give it before it goes,” Daniels said UK’s Candice Magazine.

2. Elton John

Elton John wants to make sure his twin boys, Eliza and Zachary, are in a “strong financial position” in life, but doesn’t believe in giving kids the silver spoon. Instead, she and her husband, David Furnish, want to instill respect for both money and work.

Elton said, “Boys lead the most incredible lives, they’re not normal kids, and I’m not going to pretend they are. But you have to have some semblance of mediocrity, some respect for money, some respect for work.” ” Mirror.

David continued, “Warren Buffett, America’s third richest man, has a really good model that he leaves enough money for his kids to have a house, a car and all of their basic needs. And take care of them so they never need to worry.. But it’s not crazy, silly, unneeded money to buy a Picasso or a private jet. Anything beyond basic, they have to go out and earn it themselves. “

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3. Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay is one of the most famous chefs in the world, having owned restaurants and numerous television programs around the world. But despite his millions, Gordon says he won’t leave any of it for his five kids, whom he seats in economy class when they’re traveling.

“It’s definitely not going to them. And it’s not in a mean way; it’s not to spoil them. The only thing I agree with Tana is she gets a flat 25% deposit, but Not on the whole flat. I’ve been super lucky with that career in America for the past 15 years,” Gordon told The Telegraph. Seriously, it’s earned me a fortune and I’ve been very lucky, so I respect whatever I get.”

4. Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher says he and his wife Mila Kunis do not plan to set up a trust or leave a legacy for their children, Wyatt and Dimitri. While they plan to leave their money on charity and other causes, Ashton says that he will invest in his children’s business if he presents a good business plan.

“I’m not setting up a trust for them. We’ll give our money to charity and various things. My kids are living a really privileged life, and they don’t even know it. And they will never know it. , because it’s the only one they’ll know… If my kids want to start a business, and they have a good business plan, I’ll invest in it but they’re not getting the confidence.” Ashton said on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast.

instagram

Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis Troll Bathing Criticism: ‘You’re Pouring Water on Kids?!’

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5. Nigella Lawson

Television personality Nigella Lawson does not believe in giving financial security to her children. She says that she will not leave her adult children, Cosima and Bruno, to any of her millions, despite the fact that her stepfather, Charles Saatchi, thought differently.

“I’m determined that my kids shouldn’t have any financial security. It doesn’t ruin people to make money. I argue with myself [now ex] Husband Charles, because he believes you should be able to leave money for your children. I guess we have to agree to disagree,” Nigella once said my weekly.

6. Simon Cowell

Just before the birth of his first child, Simon Cowell expressed that he did not plan to leave his fate to a son. Instead, Simon said he hoped he would be able to provide enough opportunities for his family to be successful on their own.

“I’m going to leave my money for someone. A charity, maybe – kids and dogs. I don’t believe in passing from one generation to the next. Your legacy should be that hopefully you gave enough people an opportunity so that they may do good, and you have given them your time, and you have taught them what you know.” said Esquire UK.

NBC

AGT fifth judge results: Simon Cowell yells at Acts for ‘disappointing’ live show – says only three steps up

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7. Mark Zuckerberg

Following the birth of his daughter Max, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that he and his wife would not pass the majority of their fortune to Max and any future children. Instead, Mark and his wife will be donating 99% of their Facebook shares, then valued at $45 billion, to advance the mission of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – to advance human potential and promote equality.

“When you start the next generation of the Chan Zuckerberg family, we also start the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to join people around the world to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation. Our initial area of ​​focus will be personalized education, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities. We will continue to pursue this mission with 99% of our Facebook shares – currently about $45 billion – for the rest of our lives. Will give during,” Mark wrote in an open letter to his daughter Facebook.

8. George Lucas

In 2012, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney for $4.05 billion. Despite the sale taking their net worth to over $6 billion, neither of their four children will see much money. Instead, George opted to put the bulk of the money into a foundation that would primarily focus on educational issues.

“George Lucas has expressed his intention, if the deal closes, to donate the majority of proceeds to his philanthropic efforts,” a spokesman said. heart.

Twitter

Texans believe snow is fake and sent by Bill Gates

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9. Bill Gates

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is valued at over $100 billion, but plans to pass the vast majority to charitable causes. As owner of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private charitable foundation, Bill will reportedly leave his three children right now $10 million each, which is less than 1% of his fortune.

“I definitely think it’s not doing them any favors to leave huge amounts of money to the kids. Warren Buffett was part of an article talking about this in 1986, before I even met him and it made me think about it. thought and decided he was right. Some people disagree with this but Melinda and I feel good about it,” wrote Bill reddit ama.

10. Andrew Lloyd Webber

Musical theater composer Andrew Lloyd Webber once expressed that he would not leave his fortune to his five children and had no plans to take over his company, The Really Useful Group. Following his passing, Andrew says he hopes his fortune is invested in helping struggling singers and musicians.

“They don’t bother. They don’t think that way. It’s about a work ethic – I don’t believe in inherited wealth at all. I’m not in favor of kids suddenly getting a lot of money in their way Come on. Because then they have no incentive to keep working. I’ll give them a head start in life but they won’t be really useful group owners,” explained Andrew daily mail.

Getty/Everett Collection

Andrew Lloyd Webber calls Cats movie ‘ridiculous’

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11. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, the second richest man in the world, was one of the first to talk about where his fortune would go when he passed away and influenced many other wealthy people in his succession decisions. Investor and enthusiastic philanthropist They say He plans to give 100% of his billion-dollar fortune to various charities, leaving nothing for his children. Instead of giving directly to his children, he plans to give more than $2 billion of stock to his three children for each of his donations.

12. sting

Iconic musician Sting doesn’t plan on leaving any money for his kids – because he may have spent it all! The musician, who has more than 100 people on his payroll, says he wants his six children to know the value of the work. While many may believe that they were “born with a silver spoon in their mouth,” this simply is not the case.

“I told them there wouldn’t be much money left because [my wife and I] are spending! We have a lot of commitments. We spend what comes, and there is not much left. I certainly don’t want to leave those trust funds with albatrosses around their necks. They have to work. All my kids know this and they rarely ask for anything from me, which I really respect and appreciate. Obviously I would help them if they were in trouble, but I’ve never really had to. They have a work ethic that makes them want to be successful on their own merit,” Sting explained. daily mail.

peter yang

Simu Liu breaks down barriers with Men’s Health cover, talks ‘reductive’ kung fu master stereotype and shang-chi

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13. Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan reportedly plans to leave one of his two children to donate his fortune to protest. Jackie believes that her children are capable of making their own money instead of wasting theirs.

“If he’s able, he can make his own money. If he’s not, he’ll just be wasting my money,” Jackie Allegedly Told the channel NewsAsia.

Source

The post These Celebs Won’t Be Leaving Their Vast Fortunes to Their Children appeared first on Spicy Celebrity News.

[johnmauldin]

MAULDIN: 20 Positive Trends That Will Make You Feel Good About the World in 2018

I’m probably one of the most optimistic people you will ever meet. I’m confident in the future of humanity. But I also recognize that we must overcome many challenges to get to the future we ultimately want.

In other words, I try to stay balanced.

For whatever reason, we tend to tune into bad news more eagerly than we do good news. The media is partly to blame, because murders, fires, and nasty weather sell advertising. But something deeper is at work.

It’s an instinctive bias toward watchfulness for danger. This behavior makes perfect sense as the consequences of ignoring bad news are higher. On the other hand, it distorts our collective perception of reality, which creates all sorts of consequences.

Overcoming this bias takes an intentional effort, and to mark the holidays, I’m going to help you do it.

I ran across a great list from the Future Crunch website recently: “99 Reasons 2017 Was a Great Year.”  Here, I’ll list some of the best things that happened this year and add my own comments.

Breakthroughs in Medicine

1. This year, the World Health Organization unveiled a new vaccine that’s cheap and effective enough to end cholera, one of humanity’s greatest-ever killers. New York Times

2. Cancer deaths have dropped by 25% in the United States since 1991, saving more than two million lives. Breast cancer deaths have fallen by 39%, saving the lives of 322,600 women. Time

3. In July, UNAIDS revealed that for the first time in history, half of all people on the planet with HIV are now getting treatment, and AIDS deaths have dropped by half since 2005. Science 

4. Leprosy is now easily treatable. The number of worldwide cases has dropped by 97% since 1985, and a new plan has set 2020 as the target for eradicating the disease. New York Times (Seriously, did you read that? That’s awesome!)

5. And on November 17, WHO announced that global deaths from tuberculosis have fallen by 37% since 2000, saving an estimated 53 million lives.

I'm bullish on all kinds of life-extension technologies. I really expect to live well beyond age 100 with all my faculties intact.

One by one, killer diseases like cholera are giving way to humanity’s fast-growing medical knowledge. Some of the greatest threats to human beings will be essentially under control within 10 years: Heart disease, arteriosclerosis, cirrhosis, you name it, will have mainstream cures.

And don’t even get me started on induced tissue regeneration, which has the potential to reverse your body's aging to the point where you will be—oh, pick an age—let’s say, 25 again, but with all of the experience you have today. 

All these developments are wonderful news from a human standpoint, but also economically. Think of all the potential genius and innovation the world never sees because disease robs it from us. By preserving these lives, we enhance everyone’s life.

A Beautiful World

6. Chile set aside 11 million acres of land for national parks in Patagonia, following the largest-ever private land donation from a private entity to a country. Smithsonian

7. A province in Pakistan announced it has planted one billion trees in two years, in response to the terrible floods of 2015. Independent

8. Cameroon committed to restoring over 12 million hectares of forest in the Congo Basin, and Brazil started a project to plan 73 million trees, the largest tropical reforestation project in history. Fast Co.

9. In 2017, the ozone hole over Antarctica shrank to its smallest size since 1988, the year Bobby McFerrin topped the charts with “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” CNET

Nations and individuals increasingly set aside land for preservation and replant trees by the millions.

The United States is now the major supplier of wood for the United States, and all from renewable areas. We now have more 9 billion more cubic feet of trees in the US than we did in 1953!

That’s 50% more than we had 60 years ago (US Agricultural Service). And the trend is not happening just in the US; Europe and other areas of the world are seeing a real upturn in the growth of forests.

In 1630, roughly half of this country was forest. Today the figure is about 35%, but the bulk of that loss came during the 1800s. Since 1900, we’ve seen overall growth in forests to the point that today we have 820 million acres covered in trees.

Up from Poverty

10. The International Energy Agency announced that nearly 1.2 billion people around the world have gained access to electricity in the last 16 years.

11. In the last three years, the number of people in China living below the poverty line decreased from 99 million to 43.4 million. And since 2010, Chinese income inequality has been falling steadily. Quartz

12. The United States’ official poverty rate is now 12.7%, the lowest level since the end of the global financial crisis. And the child-poverty rate has reached an all-time low, dropping to 15.6%. The Atlantic

Since the turn of the century some 1.2 billion people have gained access to electricity. That’s one of the first steps out of poverty. All the modern technologies that enrich our lives and wallets need electricity to work. 

It may be surprising that 12.7% of Americans live below the poverty line. Of course, we define poverty differently than much of the rest of the world does, but we still leave too many people behind through no fault of their own. 

Much remains to be done, but I think we've at least noticed the problem now. That’s the first step to fixing it.

The rich are also getting richer. The number of households with a net worth of $1 million (measured in 1995 dollars) grew from 2.4 million in 1983 to 10.8 million in the latest survey in 2017, far outpacing average household income growth.

As a nation, I know we worry a great deal about wealth and income inequality, but in general, we are all getting better.

Endless Energy

13. In the United Kingdom, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, carbon emissions fell to the lowest levels since 1894, and on April 21 the country did not burn any coal, for the first time in 140 years. UK Independent

14. The cost of solar and wind power plummeted by more than 25% in 2017, shifting the global clean energy industry on its axis. Think Progress

The cost of solar has been plummeting 20–25% a year for years now. By 2030, at the latest, we will not be building any natural gas power plants, other than in areas that receive very little solar energy. There are many places in the world where this is possible now with our current technology. But with the improvements that are coming down the pike? Oh my.

15. A new report from the European Union said that between 1990 and 2016 the continent cut its carbon emissions by 23% while the economy grew by 53%. So much for the propaganda of fossil fuel lobbyists.

Something marvelous happened in the UK this year, when that country burned no coal at all on April 21st —the first such day since 1877. How is that even possible? Renewable energy sources are finally stating to show the capacity to displace fossil fuels. That doesn’t mean coal, oil, and gas will disappear in the near future. They’ll still have a place, but as parts of a bigger and cleaner energy menu.

Further, the world’s biggest polluter, China, is beginning to acknowledge the danger and discomfort of living in polluted cities. They are planning to spend $367 billion on renewable energy by 2020 and to make renewable energy 20% of China’s total energy supply by 2030. 

Better Life

16. Saudi Arabia said women would no longer need male permission to travel or study. A few months later, women received the right to drive. BBC

I like this new Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Not saying it’s all rainbows and ponies, but he is doing his best to pull Saudi Arabia into the 21st century. 

17. New figures showed that the gender pay gap in the United States has narrowed from 36% in 1980 to 17% today. For young women the gap has narrowed even further, and now stands at 10%. Pew Research

18. Global deaths from terrorism dropped by 22% from their peak in 2014, thanks to significant declines in four of the five countries most impacted: Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. ReliefWeb

19. Rates of violent crime and property crime have dropped by around 50% in the United States since 1990, yet a majority of people still believe they have gotten worse. Pew Research

20. Snow leopards have been on the endangered list since 1972. In 2017, they were taken off, as the wild population has now increased to more than 10,000 animals. BBC

Sometimes humanity is its own worst enemy.

The things people do to each other through war, crime, or simple disrespect hold back progress for everyone. But 2017 brought some improvements.

We see women and minority groups gaining new recognition and equality. Terrorism deaths and crime rates have fallen. Some endangered species have recovered.

Cleaner Water and Air

There is good news on this front, too. As you can see in the chart below, we are using roughly the same amount of water in the US as we did back in 1970, but the population has grown by almost 50%. 

We are producing vastly more food, generating more hydroelectric energy, and doing more of all the other things that can only be done with water.

Source: USGS Water Science School

And if you go to the EPA website, you find that carbon monoxide emissions are down 77% since 1990; lead in the air is down 99%; total nitrogen dioxide is down over 50%; particulate matter emissions are down on average about 44%; and sulfur dioxide is down 85%. And that’s just in the last 25 years.

Some of us with a few gray hairs on our heads remember flying into this Los Angeles and not being able to see the city or the Valley for the smog.

Again, you can read the full list for more good news. I might quibble with the authors on some items, as they represent government interventions that may have negative side effects, but most of the 99 items represent welcome progress.

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Sharp macroeconomic analysis, big market calls, and shrewd predictions are all in a week’s work for visionary thinker and acclaimed financial expert John Mauldin. Since 2001, investors have turned to his Thoughts from the Frontline to be informed about what’s really going on in the economy. Join hundreds of thousands of readers, and get it free in your inbox every week.

[badthingstrumpdidtoday]

A Summary of Bad Things Trump Did This Week, 2/5/17-2/11/17

It’s been quite a week indeed. While we may not have been able to provide daily coverage on the bad things Trump did, here’s a summary of this week’s worst offenders.

Trump says that a new healthcare law to replace the ACA may not be ready until 2018

Source: The New York Times

Mr. Trump acknowledged that replacing former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act is complicated, though he reiterated his confidence that his administration could devise a plan that would work better than the law — despite having provided few details of how such a plan would work.

“You have to remember Obamacare doesn’t work, so we are putting in a wonderful plan,” Mr. Trump said.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan has vowed to move legislation for a replacement for the Affordable Care Act by the end of March. But some Republicans are worried about a political backlash if they repeal the law without an adequate replacement — potentially throwing millions of people off their insurance — and have urged a more methodical approach.

Trump threatens to defund California over potential sanctuary state status

Source: CNBC

In a 2016 analysis by WalletHub that ranked most and least federally dependent states, the Golden State came in at number 46 on the list.

However, the University of California receives at least $9 billion in an assortment of grants, financial aid and research—all of which could be imperiled if Trump made good on a threat he made last week to deprive the university of funds in response to protests that roiled the school.

Trump claims that any negative polls are fake news

Source: The Hill, Independent

Image taken from Donald Trump’s Twitter page

Trump also said that "everyone knows" he calls his own shots, "largely based on an accumulation of data."

"I call my own shots, largely based on an accumulation of data, and everyone knows it. Some FAKE NEWS media, in order to marginalize, lies!" he tweeted.

An article in the Independent always provides coverage of these recent tweets, and can be read HERE.

Betsy DeVos confirmed as Education Secretary by tie-breaking vote from VP Mike Pence

Source: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters

Despite a majority of Republicans voting in DeVos’ favor, two broke ranks and voted against her confirmation:

The two Republicans who voted against the nominee, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, said Ms. DeVos was unqualified because of a lack of familiarity with public schools and with laws meant to protect students.

“I have serious concerns about a nominee to be secretary of education who has been so involved in one side of the equation, so immersed in the push for vouchers, that she may be unaware of what actually is successful within the public schools, and also what is broken and how to fix them,” Ms. Murkowski said last week when the two announced their opposition.

The Washington Post and Reuters provide additional coverage of the confirmation results, which can be found HERE and HERE.

Trump incorrectly claims that murder rates in the US are highest they’ve been in 47 years

Source: CNN

"I'd say that in a speech and everybody was surprised because the press doesn't like to tell it like it is," Trump said during a meeting with US sheriffs at the White House. "It wasn't to their advantage to say that. The murder rate is the highest it's been in I guess 45-47 years."

But the reason there's no reporting on a 45- or 47-year high murder rate is because the US murder rate isn't even close to such record highs.

Trump repeatedly cited this faulty figure during his presidential campaign as he sought to paint the US as besieged by crime unseen in decades presenting his leadership as necessary to clean up the country.

The reality is that the US murder rate in 2015, the latest full year available, was lower than it was 45 years prior.

Jeff Sessions confirmed as Attorney General

Source:  Reuters

Sessions was confirmed by a Senate vote 52-47, almost exclusively along part lines. The New York Times provides a breakdown of how the Senate voted HERE.

Trump reports he’s surprised at how big the job of being president is in an interview with Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly

Source: Independent

The leader of the free world told Fox News interviewer Bill O'Reilly he works "long hours" and often gets only about four or five hours' sleep a night.

Mr Trump said that at the start of his presidency he has been surprised by "the size, the magnitude of everything" and being president can be a "surreal experience in a certain way".

Trump’s national security adviser Michael Flynn reportedly discussed potential American sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador

Source: The New York Times, NY Daily News

Despite his initial claims otherwise, Flynn is reported to have spoken to Russian ambassador regarding the Trump administration’s stance on Russia, among other things:

Throughout the discussions, the message Mr. Flynn conveyed to the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak — that the Obama administration was Moscow’s adversary and that relations with Russia would change under Mr. Trump — was unambiguous and highly inappropriate, the officials said.

The accounts of the conversations raise the prospect that Mr. Flynn violated a law against private citizens’ engaging in diplomacy, and directly contradict statements made by Trump advisers. They have said that Mr. Flynn spoke to Mr. Kislyak a few days after Christmas merely to arrange a phone call between President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Mr. Trump after the inauguration.

This information directly contradicts statements given on the subject by Vice President Mike Pence, which the NY Daily News reports on HERE. That article by the Daily News also goes on to state that Flynn later backtracked on his statement regarding whether sanctions were discussed during the phone call:

Flynn initially denied the allegations but later walked that back, telling the Post through a spokesperson "that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up."

Trump takes aim at Senator John McCain over criticism of mission in Yemen

Source: CNBC

The Arizona Republican, who was briefed on last month's mission, told NBC News on Wednesday that he cannot call it a success "when you lose a $75 million airplane and, more importantly, an American life is lost."

In addition to the death of Chief Petty Officer William Owens, the mission resulted in the death of an 8-year old child.

Donald Trump thinking seriously about potentially moving U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Source: CNBC

Trump’s remarks to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom may signify an increasing divide between his and the previous administration’s stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict:

The inflammatory promise – made on the campaign trail – has been condemned by the international community.

Observers worry such a symbolic move could spark renewed violence in Israel and the Muslim world, and risks showing the US is no longer interested in pursuing a two-state solution.

Trump reportedly to approve weapons sale to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain that was blocked by Barack Obama

Source: The Washington Times, Independent

While the White House declined to discuss its plans, one U.S. official directly involved in the transfers told The Washington Times that a roughly $300 million precision-guided missile technology package for Riyadh and a multibillion-dollar F-16 deal for Bahrain are now in the pipeline ready for clearance from the new administration.

The deals, if approved, would send a significant signal about the priorities of the new administration, where the security challenge posed by forces such as Islamist jihadi groups and Iran is taking a much greater precedence in setting foreign policy.

Additional coverage from the Independent can be found HERE.

Trump brings up voter fraud in meeting with several current and former U.S. Senators

Source: Politico

Trump reportedly began discussing voter fraud due to the presence of former Senator Kelly Ayotte, who was defeated in her recent bid for reelection:

The president claimed that he and Ayotte both would have been victorious in the Granite State if not for the “thousands” of people who were “brought in on buses” from neighboring Massachusetts to “illegally” vote in New Hampshire.

According to one participant who described the meeting, “an uncomfortable silence” momentarily overtook the room.

Hillary Clinton narrowly won New Hampshire’s four electoral votes over Trump by nearly 3,000 votes. Ayotte’s margin of defeat was even slimmer: 743 votes.

Trump promises to win fight over travel ban, while referring to potentially signing off on a new order

Source: BBC

Despite his original travel ban having been temporarily blocked by a judge in Seattle, Trump refers to possibly drafting and signing off on a new order instead:

Flying to Florida on Friday afternoon, the president told reporters: "We'll win that battle. The unfortunate part is it takes time. We'll win that battle. But we also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order."

It is unclear what a new order might look like. Mr Trump said it would change "very little".

Want to learn more about how we can stop more bad sh*t from happening?

Donate to charities dedicated to fighting against the Trump agenda.

Learn from former congressional staffers on best practices for making your representative listen to you.

Register to vote in the November 6, 2018 Congressional midterm elections, save the date, and vote!

Learn how to run for office or get involved in your local political party.

Attend peaceful political protests and know your rights as a protestor.

Support organizations dedicated to investigative journalism and protecting our First Amendment rights.

Be sure to follow for tomorrow’s Bad Things Trump Did Today.

[worthsomethingtoday]

Our Interview with Young Graves

1. What is your names & what do you play in the band? Hector Sabino - vocals Chris DiBella - guitar/vocals James Reilly - bass/vocals Quintin Fernandez - drums 

 2. • How did the band get started? In late-2013, myself (Chris) and 2 previous members who worked at Guitar Center together just started writing/practicing. Eventually after realizing it was more serious then just basement jamming, we went through a vocalist or 2 before enlisting Hector. The other 2 members (James and Quintin) found their way into the mix early 2015. 

 3. •What has the funniest thing that has every happened to you on stage? I wouldn't say it's funny, per say. But one time, a guy was air punching or whatever during our set and actually hit me in the face. I didn't mind because I knew it was accidental, but he left a note on our merch table with his personal info in the event I wanted to sue and that he understood completely. Also, that I was handsome. Thanks, Greg. 

 4. •If you had 1 million dollars in the music industry what would you use it for? Honestly, I'd throw a charity battle of the bands. Winning band donates to a charity of their choice. 

 5. • If you could tour with any band or musician dead or alive who would it be with & why? MISERY SIGNALS/POISON THE WELL/GLASSJAW/YOUNG GRAVES WORLD TOUR. But seriously, those three. PTW was my first "heavy" piece of music I ever acquired, and I don't think I can ever put on one of their albums without listening to the rest. MS because each album of theirs came out at significant times in my life, and I can associate a good majority of their songs to specific instances in my life where I needed them the most. And Glassjaw because who the fuck wouldn't wanna tour with Glassjaw?

 7. What do you think of the media frenzy over mental illness meaning should we talk about it more in the world? Yes. 110%, yes. It's sad that even in 2017 there are people who look at those diagnosed with a mental illness or depression and have the audacity to suggest "hey man, life's not that bad! Just cheer up! Everything is always ok!" And even between those who suffer, everyone deals and copes with their issues in their own unique way, and I think that if society exercised a lot more empathy (a pretty basic human trait, in my opinion) then there'd be a lot more attentive care given to those who need it. 

 8. Have you ever dealt with depression or any other mental illness & if so how did you handle it? I was diagnosed with severe anxiety/manic depression in 2011. I spent some time overseas in Iraq in my early and mid-twenties. My first tour over there (2006), there was a lot of fighting because it was during the "surge" period of Operation Iraqi Freedom. By my third time overseas (2010-2011), it was most definitely a lot calmer and Iraq and Kurdish people had gotten more comfortable with American military in their daily lives. But because it was so different and calmer, and because I was taught earlier in my career that "something could always happen", I ended up having really bad anxiety attacks because I was constantly expecting the worst in a relatively peaceful community. Like my brain literally could not handle that I was completely safe in a place that, 5 years prior, I could've easily been killed. Now, again, everyone suffers and copes differently. What helped me was talking to someone. A completely neutral, third party, non-biased individual who would just listen. Being able to vent and say the things I felt without judgement definitely helped to not have them floating around in my head all day. 

 9. What would you say has been the most difficult or hardest part of your life so far? My dad died when I was 12, leaving my 6 siblings and my mother (who never remarried) to continue to grow. Even 3 tours in Iraq doesn't come close to the struggle of growing up and watching your family hurt.

 10. What would you tell a fan that is struggling with self harm ? I'll say what someone very wise told me once: "You're in 2 feet of water, and you're drowning. Stand up. Suicide and severe harm is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Please talk to someone. If you don't like what they said, talk to someone else. Didn't like that either, find another who'll listen. Don't stop until you've found someone who can help. Every few minutes, someone commits suicide in the US. And the minute after that, a family is left to deal with that pain. You matter. You matter so much to someone. You are the reason that someone smiles."

 11. What is like when a fan comes up too you & tells them your music saved there life or get them though hard times in life? It definitely makes you take a step back and almost knocks the wind out of you (in a good way). When you connect with someone through each other's heartache, it reassures each of us as to why we're doing this. We've never cared about playing in front of large crowds, we'd much rather have 1 kid losing his mind at his first "rock show" and leaving with a smile. 

 12.  Does any of your songs talk about anything dealing with depression or self harm or anything along them lines. Our song "Overwhelm" I think would be the best example for this. There's a line that says "I write this letter to a future me", and the following lines after are ensuring the listener that they understand they're not perfect, that there's definitely struggle, the things you had planned in life won't always work out, but that it's ok that those things happened because you're still alive to hear the message. 

 13. What would you tell some ones that scared to ask for help because they don't wanna be looked at differently. That that's ok. And that you should ask someone for help only when you're ready. Someone will be there with open arms when you are. 

 14. Do you think we as society should be able to have a conversation about mental health without being judge or looked at differently & do you think we should be able to talk about it in our school systems? Absolutely to both of those questions. I think since it's gradually becoming more of an issue not just in adults, but also younger kids that we should definitely be open about the discussion. And as far as being discussed in schools, it's imperative that kids are made aware of the issues that could potentially be affecting their friends or family members. Getting children to understand this at an earlier age would definitely prepare them to face or combat it as an adult. 

 15. Do you think the media should look at mental health in a positive light, more then just jumping to conclusions on the news? Yes. The media often uses the word 'illness' and it sometimes casts a negative connotation over a completely common condition. I think, and going back to the school question, if the media spent time showing stories of constructive individuals who cope with their condition successfully, it would help to erase the dismissal of the issue.

[politicalfilth-blog]

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ETH – 0x9124589c4eAD555F04a7214214c86EA80E129abB

Bittube – bxdigY3LEr3hL2cScYqTJaiafeDxhpt9bK9FcxXbkuFeDyc9sZfF97iAmqSPR6NyfQ8wp34d7PeAU95gsZYQBpib1YEKz5aY4

Transcript

And I think one of the core principles at this kind of movement at this kind of conference promoted the idea.

Self-determination and also doing the right thing without having a centralized command or government telling you what to do and then you take the responsibility for yourself to be the best person and also help all the other people around you that to me is the main philosophy philosophy of Anarchy and you really have to live by it and you guys are trying to do that would also the support and local work you guys are doing with the orphanage as well as to tell something about that already when you’re not going to believe this but a crazy bunch of bikers three years ago approached us and told us hey maybe we should we have to do something really cool with a local orphanage so they hooked us up to take us over there.

I was very hungover and I got to drive a Harley over to the orphanage and we made you know.

We made 75 meals for all the children and and then we brought just bags and bags of food to help take care of them for for the next couple of weeks.

However long it would last.

And then we came back again the next year and we did it again.

And then now they’re doing it again this year and it these guys are from Divi project stepped-up they brought computers they they put their time.

Effort into this they went in there and they were teaching the kids how to code.

It’s just a great thing and we’re looking forward to helping to.

Try to maybe drum up some donations here before the conference is over and and make another run go there get him some of the stuff that they need I know they don’t need any of this beer but I’m going to drink it anyway and let you guys know that learning is a racist and bigoted and you can’t say that to people anymore what’s wrong with you guys okay what will people find out more about you guys in and what you guys doing in the comment about the work that you guys are due.

Jesse posted a little bit about the orphanage thing on our Twitter at Divi project and you can obviously find us on on our website to be project.org about a year ago we said we have to I heard about this orphan.

And I said we have to get involved in that saw Danny was like so many people I have so many even Immortal Technique last night’s like I think I’m going to go down a lot of people really what do we find out about.

I really said I wanted to start anarchapulco Foundation by want to keep it a bit quiet you know like.

I don’t brag about those sort of things at all.

Lino ideas.

Done because I’ve got people a great staff this you’re doing a lot of great.

Oh yeah very very heartwarming day today.

We’re open to all possibilities and ideas but I think Jeff and and Danny you guys could explain the principles of Anarchy and I.

Again as we’ve been talking here it’s about self-reliance of responsibility not going to a centralized command of bureaucratic Force someone over you and being empowered in yourself having a backbone in yourself and believing that you can determine your own destiny while not hurting anyone else I do have some major philosophy what’s your guys take on a turkey and the kind of shocked reaction cuz I titled this video one of the largest and her kissed me right now happening live and people are like.

Sample I know you want to say something is the word just is a Greek word that means and without our key rulers it means.

People shouldn’t be forced to be slaves if you have a ruler then what are you you’re a slave is who were against slavery and back and we’ve seen from this conference.

I could be there with that black white yellow brown rich-poor you can be anything but as long as you just don’t believe that people should be enslaved you’re an anarchist.

I just don’t believe in.

And any Authority other.

Godzilla.

Natural I just I never did and I just think I just completely hang it like the reason I don’t go and kill people to Rob is cuz it’s not in my nature to do so.

Yeah I never have never paid taxes and never paid income taxes.

I know seriously like I used to not talk about it.

It’s like it is so immoral to support government at this point like when I was I was blessed when I was at age 16 actually work for the government to some summer job or something at the end of the summer I got a bill for like 5 minutes until we actually over text you cuz it was only a short job so we actually owe you a thousand bucks.

So I filled out the form the government would have sent me a thousand bucks and I was just a little voice in my head thank God it was my Spirit guides are who I don’t.

It was just like if you fill out this form they’re always going to be asking you for money so just let him keep a thousand bucks so I never fill out the phone they never ask me again I left my country and I was 2,000 never fucking.

And another script of self yeah I’m just I’m just going to shoot you or put you in jail if I could you it’s it’s a shitshow and when the day of what country forms when all the money goes to helping people like really curing diseases helping people helping the poor like really what weight when they fight when a country farms in all the money goes to the benefit of people I’m going to go to that country I’m going to register as a citizen I’m happy to pay tax but I’m still waiting for the country to come along I haven’t seen one yet paper at presearch and this is what the whole deal is.

120 seconds into minutes.

I get it done in 2 minutes.

I knew that there was going to be D platform Ed listing D and you’re not allowed to say anything against a man for the man has it and you’re not allowed.

If you thought that you’re going to use the DARPA to demands internet and go to say what you want against the man that was not going to happen we were preparing for.

The last couple years we’ve been setting up IP up a servers to where we can take our entire content and Dad about other people like Luke Witkowski James Corbett is way down the road on it Richard Roeper majety and hope Dan Dick’s Josh Segerson all the guys we have been setting up ipfs servers for guys like Luke to put all their data up and they sync up with each other all our servers have all of our content so nobody can take it down now we have to wear it searched so calling it research all we got some of those guys and pulling working on and working with Derek schlopy from agarest hosting and this is it you can have all these hashtag can never take down these files but how do you search it so we need to make sure that you like Yahoo used to be they just put up cool stuff back in the mid-nineties so you got cool stuff send us a form of your cool stuff and will list your cool stuff so that’s what we’re doing is the format of listing everything is also. Nypfl search AMP Research and whoever else wants to do it now all the content is forever you can always find it and threw the man.

Crown is dead.

John Nash.

Can you give us a 2 minutes of crypto.

Okay so so pretty quick what we’re going to.

What we’ve been talking about is securing the individual versus securing the market and what that meet everyone so against securing the individual versus securing the market so.

Do you as a Libertarian.

Would you rather have a coin that secures the individual.

You know you’re fungibility you’re an anonymity your privacy.

I would rather have a point as secure as a market in other words what are you allowed are you would you welcome a coin that invite everyone to compete and it’s crypto development and its crypto government’s governance.

Know what I mean everyone I mean even statist.

So right now the two manifestations of those coins the one that secures the interests of the individual and anime with complete anonymity.

Fungibility.

Yeah we really Champion winner at the dollar vigilante.

It’s because we we everything starts with the individual.

Now the other coin that we that we brought in a guy by mr. X and mr. X.

Is is opsec is awesome.

Call me when you someone like that so he really Champions Monera.

And I butt heads hit little bit between like actually quite a bit between.

Bsv and Bitcoin cash.

And so we have three sibling chains Racing for the market at this moment.

Bitcoin cash.

Bitcoin Satoshi vision and Bitcoin BTC.

They’re all been turning the market in different ways.

At this moment out of all of them the one the chain that it has been.

Where it’s a proof of War.

Has not been interrupted in other words were.

There has not been any.

A communal planning.

Is an opposition.

To the.

Choice of mining to the autonomy of miners is bsv now that’s a very state is going to as we all very well now.

But again the game plan is this where we’re going to have to quit.

We have a coin that’s hasn’t as an anarchist project that is completely private.

An anonymous in one that is completely open to the powers of the free market allows everyone to come.

Max Eagan here who’s a researcher in philosopher at all around just amazing amazing critical thinker you’ve been very critical of also a Bitcoin because I was so yeah it could be a Honey Trap they call it a Honey Trap any traffic could be a setup and could be a wider system and it’s important to be skeptical of everything but for me it’s just a new technology in with any other technology can be used for good and it could be used for bad.

Ramen.

The wise present it’s a good thing to freeze.

And the umbrella they creating over the whole digital rail.

Because whenever he comes digital then you’ll put your.

I know you don’t even know what’s happening and what they doing with this digital realm is essentially putting.

Area between you and nature and EV.

And that did your Lexus of your granted will be determined on what are you saying what you do you know liquid ass keep putting on videos like this I mean suddenly once once it all guys did you just got to buy a plane ticket when Diane gets hold you.

Denise I will who do I call this now.

That’s what they doing with it going to how much Bitcoin you go.

I seen a real well we were we going to normal governance and things are transparent in the world is run open and the government is actually working to improve society and improve The Human Condition because I would be great and I even the government would be saying this is a great idea you refer yourself in the central bank is but when it’s old one mechanism it’s all one organism yeah they are allowing the the cryptocurrency people to build this infrastructure.

Social credit system I’ve already bought this in in Shaun of the 7.3 million people in the social credit.

Apple devices now saying would never happen in the West on the in Shawna but now your Apple device has a trust score the device itself has a trust was cuz it’s not you who’s using it if it’s just for you to worry you know.

  The post Americans Flee To Mexico For TRUE FREEDOM! Did They Find It? appeared first on We Are Change.

from We Are Change https://wearechange.org/americans-flee-to-mexico-for-true-freedom-did-they-find-it/

[thehappyhourguys]

Drinking in Korea: Update from the Blonde Guy.

Editor's note: More from our 'Adjunct Faculty'! The Blonde Guy has recently returned from Korea, and to celebrate his feet replanting on American soil, we present a series of his observations from those Eastern shores. Enjoy!

Hello Happy Hour Nation! 

Well, I guess now we are technically Happy Hour WORLD!  How cool does that sound!?  Last we spoke I left you all in the sleepy town of Daegu with a briefing on the craft scene here in Korea.  Since then we made our way to eight more cities in Korea, I teamed up with a Korean brewery to make a beer, and made we it back to the states!  Now, becausenot all of these cities were very "craft-forward" (and also due to an inconvenient stomach bug), there won't be a comprehensive breakdown on each city.  I will, however, leave yall a list of top bars that were found either by comrades or myself at the end of the post with links to each if you find yourself thirsty in Korea.  Whew, ok with all that being said time to dive into my favorite city we have been to outside of Seoul...  *We hear the king of travel, food, and booze, Anthony Bourdain, starting to narrate...

 Anthony

    "Busan, South Korea.  The second most populated city in the secluded Korean Peninsula. It boasts a sprawling coastline, an exciting culinary scene, and only recently, craft beer."

    Thanks, Tony. We'll send your check in the mail.**

    In all seriousness, Busan is not only the fifth largest port town in the world but one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited, and definitely the most beautiful in Korea.  Bridges over the ocean connecting the downtown business center with the beachside restaurants, and a vast array of architecture create a skyline that requires taking an obscene amount of photos. (See obscene amount of photos below)

Only three blocks west of Namcheon Beach lays the headquarters of the aptly named, Galmegi Brewing Company. Galmegi (Korean for "seagull." Get it? Seagulls are on the beach... just like the brewery... ) started in a third story bar space and now is housed in a old surf shop that has been repurposed into a full fledged micro brewery and restaurant.  With 12 of their own, rotating, beers on tap you can bet that anyone from a craft-beer-virgin to a certified Cicerone will find something they enjoy.  Some favorites from my December visit were:

Yuja Gose, a deliciously dry and salty Gose brewed with Yuzu to give it a nice citrus snap. 

Winter Ale:Winter warmer style with the perfect balance of Ginger and cinnamon, a favorite amongst the cast that was with me as it was the day after Christmas. F

Galmegi IIPA and IPA: The Galmegi IPA is one of their best selling beers and honestly one of the most solid IPA's I've had to date.  It sits at a mid-low ABV so you can have a few at the beach and gives you the perfect, balanced, hop-forward flavor profile you want from an IPA.  Now their IIPA... Oooo their IIPA.  When I sat down and chatted with their CEO, Steven Allsopp, he poured a chalice of this sweet elixir for me to try and I almost wept.  I was immediately swept away through clouds made of flowers and citrus on tiny magic carpets made of hops and bubbles before landing softly in a peach orchard.  Seriously folks, I thought he had poured me a Heady Topper or Sip O' Sunshine this beer was so good.  Galmegi IIPA is only brewed a few times a year, so if you find yourself in Busan while it's on tap consider buying a growler or two or ten of this truly masterful execution of the IIPA style.

Galmegi paved the way for craft to take wing in Busan with Gorilla Brewing opening down the block and Akitu Brewing Company headquartering just outside of the metro area opening shortly after Galmegi hit the city's palate. British company, Owl and Pussycat, also opened a bar right on the beach offering a wide array of international and domestic brews and artisan dishes, and a bottle shop of the same nomenclature right across the street from Galmegi's flagship location.  This beach oasis was quickly climbing to the top of my list of favorite cities. 

Another exciting opportunity presented itself while visiting Busan: brewing my very first beer!  I presented the idea of brewing a Jekyll and Hyde themed beer (a la Broadway Brews) to Galmegi CEO, Steven Allsopp, on our first night of meeting and he loved the idea.  Two days later we nailed down a recipe and the day after that I met him at the brewery early in the morning for a full day of brewing!  

    We decided to make a sweet and spicy beer, incorporating the theme of duality from the show, using caramely(is this a word? It is now) German malt, and Korean chilis from a local market.  After transferring everything to the fermentation tank, Steve brought out a huge surprise for me: the magical yeast we would be using to turn our work into beer were the same creatures that are used at Alchemist Brewing to make HEADY TOPPER.  Yes, THE Heady Topper. The perfect micro organisms were pumped into the tank and we left it for two weeks to let them feast on the sugar, and poop out their delicious phenols and esters.  It was distributed throughout Busan and to a couple bars in the many neighborhoods of Seoul and surprisingly well received by the craft community in both cities! So much so that Galmegi almost went through every keg before I could get my hands on it!

    Jekyll and Hyde had a beautiful peach and pepper aroma with a sinister red hue. At first sip you get a malt forward flavor with a hint of the peach and rye.  It then evolves into the "Hyde" profile with a dry Korean gochu (chili pepper) kick at the end.  Not going to lie, this beer is weird (in a good way, like people who like to run for fun... Jimmy) but rolling in at 5.5% ABV this brew is goes down surprisingly easy even with the spicy finish. Topping the list of reasons why this beer is great is that we are donating a dollar from every pint sold at the brewery to a local orphanage in Busan.  Unfortunately Galmegi doesn't have a canning or bottling system yet so there wasn't a way to get it back to the states.

It pained us all to leave this beautiful beach town, but alas, we had to move on with the show. The cities that we traveled through from Busan to our two and a half month sit down in Seoul varied with what they had to offer in the craft beverage department.  I also experienced food poisoning and a back injury that required me to take medicine that prevented me from drinking for about a month all together.  So my beer expertise is not so high on some cities, however I was incredibly lucky to have a craft cohort, Ian Jon Bourg, on this journey who never failed to look into more beer places to check out and is to thank for the lists below.

    Like I said above, we have just now completed the run of the show and returned to the states.  This is a short update so stay tuned for a "Korea in Retrospect" post in the coming weeks after the exciting Broadway Brews news.  Believe me, there is A LOT, to report on from my stay in Seoul. A LOT.

Cheers,

Tim, AKA The Blonde Guy

Daejeon - 

The Ranch Pub - https://m.facebook.com/ranchpubdaejeon/

Cheonan - 

Tap Five - https://m.facebook.com/TAP-5-FIVE-1452013848381909/

Plate and Ale - http://mollakorea.com/detail.php?number=1741&category=1129

Gimhae  

BAOBAB - http://www.baobabfam.com/front/store/store_view.php?no=6&page=1&area=%EA%B2%BD%EB%82%A8&areaNo=9&area2=%EA%B9%80%ED%95%B4%EC%8B%9C&service=

Beerlab Project 2 Korea Craft Beer Pub - https://m.facebook.com/borimarutaphouse

Gwangju

First Alleyway - http://firstalleyway.com

AfterWorks - https://m.facebook.com/afterworks.brewpub/

Wheat Field Brewing co. - https://m.facebook.com/pages/%EB%B0%80%EB%B0%AD%EC%96%91%EC%A1%B0%EC%9E%A5-Wheat-Field-Brewing-co/1022959184436639

**Anthony Bourdain was not in anyway contacted for this article.  However, if he reads this, please contact us so we can travel, eat, and drink.

[ourplanetary-blog]

OBAMA’S LIFE POST-PRESIDENCY

New Post has been published on http://ourplanetary.com/obamas-life-post-presidency/

OBAMA’S LIFE POST-PRESIDENCY

12 months ago, during the Democratic Presidential-number one debate in Flint, Michigan, Senator Bernie Sanders turned into railing against “the crooks on Wall Street” when he became to his opponent, Hillary Clinton, and stated, “One of us has a remarkable percent. One folk has raised fifteen million bucks from Wall Street for that high-quality %. One folk have given speeches on Wall Street for loads of hundreds of greenbacks.” Clinton had a ready reaction: “If you have been going to be in some way distrusted or brushed off about whether or not you could take on Wall Street in case you ever took cash, President Obama took extra cash from Wall Street inside the 2008 campaign than each person ever had!” Obama had still stood up to Wall Street, she stated, and so would she. But there has been a problem with that argument: even though Barack Obama’s campaigns had raised approximately twenty-5 million bucks from Wall Street, he had now not in my view obtained massive prices from the enterprise. Meanwhile, for the reason that 2001, Hillary and Bill Clinton’s paid speeches had earned them a hundred and fifty-three million dollars.

Obama may additionally yet seize up. Last week, it turned into said that having returned from cruising around Tahiti with friends, he could embark on the operating degree of his put up-Presidency with the aid of giving a speech for which the economic services company Cantor Fitzgerald would pay him four hundred thousand bucks. During his time in the White House, Obama made his share of errors, however, he labored tough. While enduring insults approximately his family and his citizenship, he gained landmark revolutionary victories—consisting of the expansion of fitness-care get right of entry to millions of Americans—all without a hint of sordidness or scandal, and then he campaigned tirelessly for Clinton. He deserves a comfy retirement. But isn’t that what the joint e-book deal that he and Michelle Obama recently signed, for a stated sixty-five million bucks, is meant to offer? For that count, what should a post-Presidency provide? A motive that Obama has been criticized for the Cantor Fitzgerald rate can be no longer that he would take the cash however that he could do so before his identity out of doors the White House has been solidly defined. Now nearly the first factor that the public is mastering about this next stage in his lifestyles is the only element they think they already recognize approximately politicians: they are financially beholden to corporate hobbies.

Obama will now not run for office once more. And, except the Obamas have learned not anything from the Clintons’ enjoy, his choice to accept the speak fee need to eventually put to rest any notions that Michelle might run. Still, one hopes and Obama has stated, that he isn’t done with public existence. Last month, in Chicago, he pointed out looking to encourage young humans to feel good about politics as a profession. He may bear in mind how the economic selections he makes within the following few years may want to compromise that purpose, and others. He is dedicated to operating with Eric Holder, the previous Attorney General, within the warfare over congressional redistricting, which will require fund-raising for kingdom campaigns.

Obama has additionally started accepting money from donors like John Doerr, the venture capitalist, and Reid Hoffman, of LinkedIn, for the Obama Presidential Center. The layout for the twenty-one-acre library-and-museum complicated, at the South Side of Chicago, turned into discovered ultimate week, at an occasion close to the site. Obama announced that he and Michelle could donate a million greenbacks to a youngsters-jobs program, and emphasized that, even as different Presidential libraries had concerned retrospective “ego-tripping,” his would appearance ahead. According to the Times, the fund-raising target is eight hundred million bucks, to cover creation charges and the initial endowment. The cutting-edge imperative for a former President to collect coins for a monument to himself as quickly as he leaves workplace permits little respite from the lifestyle of political financing. The minute you forestall being pharaoh, you have to begin constructing a pyramid. Until pretty currently, it was taken into consideration flawlessly right for a former President to alternate his communique and his companionship for a take a look at. Jimmy Carter, who eschewed non-public enrichment in want of quietly affecting humanitarian advances around the world, was viewed as an outlier. Yet, if the way of life changed into ever a healthful one for our democracy, electorate no longer seem to peer it that manner. Russian hackers may additionally have been an issue in Hillary Clinton’s defeat, but so were some of Americans who believed that the Clintons had sold their independence. The Democratic superb percent Priorities USA currently commissioned a take a look at of citizens in Wisconsin and Michigan who had selected Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, and located that thirty in keeping with cent had voted now not for Trump but towards Clinton. Many additionally distrusted the Democrats’ monetary allegiances. The G.O.P., meanwhile, turned into brief on elder statesmen who had sufficient credibility with its populist wing to halt the lurch towards a demagogue who said that all politicians were crooks and that he knew it due to the fact he had bribed them himself.

Obama may additionally feel that he’s had sufficient of this kind of a headache, but the reality is that his birthday celebration nevertheless wishes him. If he ought to just quit the reins to successors with country wide reputations and, crucially, the capacity to articulate what the Democratic Party stands for, it would be exceptional for him to recognition on his personal initiatives till the subsequent time he’s referred to as on to provide a Convention speech. The Democratic area, however, is in a country of unproductive entropy, in element because the Party has no longer resolved the divisions and the contradictions that drew younger voters, specifically, to Sanders. The listing of capacity preferred-bearers consists of every person from Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, who will be in their seventies in 2020, to conventional device politicians, like Andrew Cuomo and Terry McAuliffe, and more youthful senators, which includes Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris, and Chris Murphy, who as yet lack the constituencies and the institutional assist that they’ll want with the intention to prevail at the countrywide level. But, if any of them are standing on a number one debate degree in 2020, they’re going to need to offer better answers than those Clinton gave in Flint.

Her campaign was complete of confidence after that discuss, but Sanders, in a disenchanted, received the Michigan primary, and Clinton went on to lose the country, narrowly, to Trump. Many observers puzzled why the candidate hadn’t performed more polling or deployed a higher area operation, or, at the least, made better use of a surrogate who could be a tremendous asset there: President Barack Obama. Maybe subsequent time. ♦

Writing Memoirs – If Barack Obama Can Do it So Can You Many folks have notable lifestyles reports to share and yet, they aren’t, why is a whole different question which has mostly to do with them now not wishing to seem too ego-centric or conceded, however in this unfortunate mindset they forget things, One, others might also, in reality, get something out of what they have to say; and two, their subsequent generations will need to recognise what they have been all about.

If they fail to submit those works or even write them into an eBook, then no one will ever realize or receive the advantages in their expertise or benefits in their observations. So, in case you are or have ever considered writing a memoir, then let me help try and push you over the edge, seriously, why no longer start these days. But if you do no longer feel comfortable then permit me to endorse superb books to you:

“Writing Articles from the Heart: How to Write and Sell Your Life Experiences” through Marjorie Holmes; A Writer’s Digest Book; Cincinnati, OH; 1993. ISBN: 0-89879-540.

“How to Write and Sell Your Personal Experiences; Turning Everything that Happens to You Into Salable Writing” by Lois Duncan; A Writer’s Digest Book; Cincinnati, OH; 1979. ISBN: 0-911654-seventy four-7.

Believe me, when you read these books and don’t forget how to write thrilling stuff, you will be amazed how many humans will later thank for the ebook you wrote, or the fast stories or articles you have written approximately your own existence enjoy. I realize you can try this, so I simply desire you’ll get commenced these days. Please keep in mind it.

[topinforma]

New Post has been published on Mortgage News

New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2qqHKoA

Trump tax reform: He’s got some explaining to do.

President Trump’s administration unveiled its tax plan, which was short on details. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

This week the administration revealed its wish list of tax changes.

The reveal brought to mind the expression, “the devil is in the details.” The plan, such as it was, took up all of one page.

So before you get all excited about a possible tax cut, you’ve got some reading to do. And the president has to deliver on some details.

The stock market wasn’t impressed, closing down after the White House unveiled its plan.

Stock indexes wobble as White House unveils tax plan

Here’s what’s the administration put on the table:

— Cutting the top corporate tax rate to 15 percent from the current 35 percent.

— Eliminating the seven existing income tax brackets, which top out at 39.6 percent, and replacing them with just three brackets: 10 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent. The plan didn’t detail the income that would land folks in which bracket.

— Doubling the standard deduction that Americans can take. For example, the deduction for married couples would increase from $12,600 to $24,000.

— Getting rid of the deduction for state and local taxes.

— Eliminating the estate tax and the alternative-minimum tax.

White House unveils dramatic plan to overhaul tax code in major test for Trump

The Washington Post’s Jonnelle Marte lays out six ways Trump’s tax plan could affect you

Marte writes, “Without more details, it is difficult to know exactly how some taxpayers will fare. The White House will need to work with Congress on the final plan, which could look very different if lawmakers push back against some of the proposed changes.”

Here are some comments from Bankrate.com’s chief financial analyst, Greg McBride, and senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick on Trump’s tax plan:

McBride: ” Wake me when something actually gets signed into law.”

Hamrick: “As we know, the failure of the president and the Republican-led Congress to make good on his promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was a dramatic swing and miss. The challenge in pushing through a tax reform package of substance might well be even tougher. When discussing health care, we’re talking about a segment of the U.S. economy. When discussing individual and corporate tax reform, we’re basically talking about the entire economy. The split within the GOP over taxes might well be just as difficult to overcome.”

Color Money question of the week What are your thoughts on Trump’s tax plan? Send your comments to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state. In the subject line put “Trump Tax Plan.”

Live chat today Join me at noon (ET). Let’s talk about poverty. For this month’s Color of Money Book Club Selection I picked an essay, “Falling,” written by novelist and former Washington Post journalist William McPherson. The essay was printed in 2014 in The Hedgehog Review and can be found on the journal’s website.

McPherson died last month at 84. After dropping out of college and serving as a Merchant Marine, he eventually got a job at The Post writing literary criticism, for which he was later awarded the Pulitzer Prize. His two novels also earned him wide acclaim.

But as I wrote in my review of the essay, McPherson’s life is literally the tale of rich man, poor man. As the essay details, his professional accomplishments were followed by a descent into poverty.

McPherson writes: “The rich are all alike, to revise Tolstoy’s famous words, but the poor are poor in their own particular ways. I started life comfortably middle-class, maybe upper-middle class; now, like a lot of other people walking the streets of America today, I am poor. To put it directly, I have no money. Does this embarrass me? Of course. . . . It’s humiliating to be poor, to be dependent on the kindness of family and friends and government subsidies.”

I’d like to hear your thoughts on the essay. Click this link to participate in the discussion.

If you’re reading this online you can get this newsletter delivered right to your email address. Stay informed about money matters. Subscribe here.

Get a tax refund every year? Why you probably shouldn’t. Most financial experts say it’s not a good thing to get a large refund year after year if there’s been no change in your tax situation. Yet many people ignore this advice. So last week I asked: Why do you like getting a tax refund year after year?

Deirdra Logan of Portland, Maine wrote, “Our family uses the annual federal income tax refund to prepay home heating oil for the next year. We’ve done this since we bought our first home and we’ve never ‘noticed’ having a heating oil bill because of this choice.”

Marissa from Hawaii wrote, “I use my tax refund to splurge. I’m pretty tight with money throughout the year, so whatever I get back at tax time (usually just a few hundred dollars) is just for me and I buy that little something extra that I’ve been wanting.”

Mary Phillpotts of Leominster, Mass., wrote, “I don’t exactly ‘like’ getting a refund, but as a retiree with stocks as part of our income, I really do not know year to year what our earnings will be. I use tax software to prepare our taxes and base the estimated taxes on the year just finished. Better to pay estimated taxes than a big surprise bill. I’m just happy to have an income to be taxed.”

Marilyn Ferrick of Rohnert Park, Calif., wrote: “I have always used my income tax refund to pay my property taxes. This way I don’t have to worry about setting money aside each month to be able to pay my property taxes when they come due. Interest rates are so low that I have no concern that I am losing out on much money if I had been saving it. I have neither the knowledge nor the interest to try investing in the stock market.”

Stacy Stafford of Falls Church, Va., said, “Every year, I receive a federal tax refund that amounts to about one quarter of my monthly salary. I always save every penny of it in a separate interest-earning savings account. Since joining the workforce five years ago, these tax refunds have grown enough so that I can invest more seriously for the first time ever. Even though the federal government doesn’t pay me any interest for holding this money all year, I’m still very excited that my ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ attitude toward refunds has allowed me to diversify my finances.”

Kate McRae of Aurora, Colo., wrote, “I like getting a tax refund because it’s a painless way to make the bulk of my annual charitable contributions. I file my return on October 15, and the funds arrive right around ‘Colorado Gives Day’ in early December, when local companies band together to match donations to charitable organizations. I then forward the amount of my refund, plus whatever additional I can afford, to the selected charities who are then eligible for matching funds.”

Finally, the Eades of Washington, a married couple in their late 30s who have two kids (7 and 5). On average they get a federal refund of $4,000.

Their reasoning isn’t without merit. Ryan Eades wrote, “We like getting this refund because the alternatives on adjusting our withholdings wouldn’t net a huge amount in our daily lives and the small lump sums allow us to do several things:

1) We immediately set aside $3,500 to pay for summer camps — they are expensive in DC! 2) We use any remainder to replenish our small $2,000 slush fund, if needed. 3) We put the rest into our ‘don’t touch 6-month emergency fund.’ 4) If none of the above on 2 or 3 is needed, we buy something nice for our family/house (think new outdoor couch for the deck) because gosh darn it, life is busy and a grind and we deserve it!”

Color of Money columns this week Knowledge isn’t power. The right knowledge is power.

Stay informed about your money. Read and share my columns for this week. Five lessons we can all learn from federal workers who may be facing a furlough

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Have a question about your finances? Michelle Singletary has a weekly live chat every Thursday at noon where she discusses financial dilemmas with readers. You can also write to Michelle directly by sending an email to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Personal responses may not be possible, and comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer’s name, unless otherwise requested. To read more Color of Money columns, go here.