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Donohoe on Ukraine: We’re very conscious of their human suffering at this terrible time

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paschal donohoe
© European Union 2021

Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the Eurogroup meeting of 23 May 2022

Let me start this press conference with a thought for the people of Ukraine. While we are aware that the Eurogroup discussed the economic consequences of the war that has been inflicted upon them, we’re also very, very conscious of their human suffering at this terrible time.

That said, let me say a word about where we are economically. It’s now very clear that the economic toll of this war is worldwide. High prices and disruption to food supplies are crippling across the world with very serious consequences for the most vulnerable in our societies. And of course, the euro area is facing these challenges, too.

However, we do have the resilience to face this new shock with savings that were built up during the pandemic. Healthy balance sheets in the financial sector and the flexibility and agility of our economy can and will see us through this challenge.

There will be an impact on growth in the short term and the high price of energy and other commodities on world markets which does mean that, as a continent, our purchasing power has suffered. Our discussion today showed that many member states are indeed cushioning the blow for their citizens, especially for the most vulnerable households.

The Commission presented to the Eurogroup the package it issued today and the European Central Bank outlined how it is responding to higher inflation. The Eurogroup has consistently emphasised that our fiscal strategy should be agile and responsive to unfolding events. This approach remains all the more relevant as heightened uncertainty needs sufficient flexibility.

That’s why the Commission’s announcement on keeping the general escape clause activated for another year is an important development. At the same time, this decision doesn’t change our objective of progressively shifting our fiscal stance from supportive this year to neutral next year. There is broad agreement amongst ministers that we need to strive to continue to make our budgetary policies and decisions as sustainable as possible in this uncertain environment. So we will be following up on the discussion today in more depth in the next couple of months. The policy trade-offs are very complex and we will take the time necessary to get the policy balance right. We will aim to adopt a statement on the budgetary stance for next year at our July Eurogroup meeting.

On the subject of fiscal policy, we discussed the updated draft budget plans of Portugal and Germany. We welcomed the Commission opinions on them and we share the Commission’s positive assessment. As usual, we have adopted a short Eurogroup statement reflecting our views.

We also today discussed the candidacies for the upcoming vacancy of the Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism. The purpose of having this discussion within the Eurogroup was to assess the level of support that candidates receive and to play a role in facilitating the actual appointment which will take place at the ESM Board of Governors.

Following a brief presentation by my colleagues from Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal of their nominees, we then held an indicative vote. The Netherlands have decided to withdraw their candidacy. That means we now have three candidates in this contest: Marco Buti, Pierre Gramegna and João Leão. We will continue further informal consultations with a view to add to reaching an agreement at the ESM Board of Governors meeting on the 16th of June.

Today, we continued our discussion in inclusive format on the draft work plan to complete the Banking Union, building on the special meeting we had earlier this month and much work in in the high level working group. We had a full discussion on my proposal for a stepwise and time bound work plan. The meeting we had this evening fully met my expectations regarding our discussion.

What is on the table is very finely balanced, based on four policy areas, two phases and a political checkpoint. I have to acknowledge that differences of views remain. This is what I would expect at this point in the process.

Nonetheless, reaching agreement would be beneficial. It would send a sense of commitment on an important point and indicate that we’ve aimed and have been successful in reaching a fair balance for all parties. We will work hard in the time ahead to set the path for the future of this vital and common project.

I will re-engage on this again in June to find an agreement. I continue to reflect on all the arguments that I heard today on Banking Union, and I’ll engage with all ministers and do my very best to help reach a balanced compromise.

Male or female cat? It depends on how much you want to hug her

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Gaston de Persigny
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Male or female cat to take? Does this even matter so much? If you don’t think so, you’re obviously not yet in the “cat-trapped” category. There is a difference, and a serious one.

Although they have lived with humans for thousands of years, cats are not really fully domesticated.

In addition, they are territorial animals and loners, and this means that, unlike the dog, individual characteristics, including gender, are far more important because the cat is far more willing to listen to his own instinct than his owner. And much of her behavior is determined by whether she is male or female.

The obvious difference is that male cats are larger, with larger heads and paws. If you like cats in three colors – white, black and orange – these are females, and for males this combination is extremely rare. On the other hand, an orange or orange-and-white striped cat is far more likely to be male.

As a character, cats are more independent, less affectionate and less likely to seek attention. The cat is less likely to be left petted and cuddled if it does not want to. He does not tolerate masters and decides for himself when to allow you to caress, play and feed him. If you try to hug him without him wanting to, he can become aggressive, and quickly and sharply.

Since the home is an area in which he considers himself the master, the cat closely monitors everything that happens in it and shows great curiosity about any change. He is more inclined to study people and follow them to keep them under control. In other words, if you do something, the cat will almost certainly intervene and interfere with you.

If you want fluff purring in your lap, it’s best to target a female cat.

She, unlike the cat, will follow you everywhere, just to curl up on you the moment you sit or lie down. If the cat is impudent and dominant, the cat is more capricious and cunning in gaining control over its territory and over you. She seeks caresses, follows the man, rubs and licks him and generally stays closer.

In addition, in this way she communicates more actively, unlike the cat, which usually stands at a distance away.

Due to the more independent nature of cats, they are more suitable for people who are absent more often or all day – this will not bother them much.

If you decide to neuter your new pet – which is highly recommended for both sexes – the operation in males is easier and less noticeable – they remove the testicles, while females need to remove the uterus and ovaries.

Testicular surgery is a far simpler procedure and does not even require stitches, while castration of a female cat requires several days of recovery. For obvious reasons, castration of a male cat is cheaper than that of a female. In both cases, however, anesthesia is used.

It is good to keep in mind that female cats can get pregnant after 5 months. However, sterilization is recommended at a later stage – around the sixth month, when fully developed. Therefore, if you do not want kittens, you should not let the cat out.

However, if you do not want to neuter your cat, there is a difference in the way males and females are dispersed, although in both cases the situation is almost intolerable.

Males begin to mark territory with urine and secretions, and the smell is terrible and remains for a long time. The aim is, on the one hand, to attract scattered females and, on the other hand, to show potential rivals that this is their possession. The result is a stench that no one would want at home.

Males are more likely to pee outside their toilet – again to mark territory – and can continue to do so even if they are castrated.

In addition, uncastrated cats are more likely to want to run away from home and wander. They are also more aggressive by nature.

Female cats do not mark, but when they chase, they begin to meow loudly, and for some this may be constant and can drive anyone crazy. And, of course, if they are “dropped” or the owner just can’t stand the noise and provides them with a cat, there are – almost guaranteed – kittens that can’t always be given away easily.

Is this selfish lonely? How long can the cat stand alone

It depends on age, character and owner

Therefore, if we are looking for good and bad traits – both sexes in cats have such and it is good for a person to judge according to his own nature which one he would like more.

However, it should not be forgotten that these are still conditional characteristics, and cats are extremely wayward animals and can always surprise with something unexpected. But if you want a cat and you think you are ready to accept the role of a slave and not a master – then you will swallow the specifics of her sex.

What monsters are hiding in the Swiss Alps?

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Gaston de Persigny
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Removing skeleton from beach

Paleontologists have studied several fossils of three new to science ichthyosaurs (sea dinosaurs), which were probably larger than almost all animals that ever existed on the planet. The finds were made in the Swiss Alps between 1976 and 1990 – but have only recently been studied. These include the largest ichthyosaur tooth ever discovered. It is twice the size of the ichthyosaur’s record-breaking tooth, a previous 15-meter-long reptile. Therefore, it is assumed that the ichthyosaur they are currently studying was also at least twice as large. Other incomplete skeletal remains include the largest ichthyosaur vertebra ever discovered in Europe. More than 200 million years ago, layers of rock where the remains were found covered the seabed. But together with the formation of the Alps about 35 million years ago, they found themselves at an altitude of 2800 meters. Fearless Swiss explorers had to traverse icy alpine cliffs and carry the remains of ancient sea monsters on their shoulders to describe them to the scientific community. But such a unique find was worth the effort.

Ichthyosaurs, monstrous 80-ton reptiles, inhabited Pantalasa, the global ocean around the super-continent of Pangea in the late Triassic, approximately 205 million years ago. They also “bounced” in the shallow waters of the Tethys Ocean to the eastern part of Pangea, as evidenced by new finds. Similar in shape to modern whales, ichthyosaurs had elongated bodies and vertical tail fins. These giant species are found in the largest quantities in North America. A number of finds have been made in the Himalayas and the South Pacific. In this sense, the discovery of new giants in Switzerland is unique and also significantly expands the familiar range of these ancient sea monsters. So little is known about these giants that they are almost like ghosts in paleontology. Despite the enormous size of their fossils, paleontologists still know very little about these ancient reptiles. Thanks to the new find, scientists hope to supplement their knowledge of giant ichthyosaurs, as well as find more preserved fossils.

The EU is withholding 100m EUR form EU funding for Poland

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News desk
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The country has not complied with a court decision

The European Commission is withholding 100 million EUR from Poland, Figaro said.

This has been confirmed by European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.

“Poland has to pay one million euros a day for non-compliance with the decision. The accumulated amount is already over one hundred and sixty million EUR,” Reinders said.

The European decision provides for the termination of the disciplinary chamber for judges. It is believed to limit the independence of judges in the country.

The Polish government insists that the Chamber’s activities comply with all EU rules. Talks on the subject have been going on for a year. Poland is likely to reform the group to meet European requirements.

Why are there no parachutes in passenger planes?

By
Gaston de Persigny
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130417-F-LX370-462 Paratroopers of the U.S. Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division parachute over the Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on April 17, 2013. Nearly 60 soldiers jumped from the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. DoD photo by Justin Connaher, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

At a glance, the idea of every passenger on a plane having their own parachute is great – if something happens during a flight, the parachute dissolves and the passenger survives. Even a 1% chance of survival is better than 0%, right? However, alas: even this percentage seems too optimistic. To understand why, we need to ask ourselves some questions.

Question 1. Will the accident happen exactly when the parachute will be really useful? Boeing found that in 49 years, 12% of fatal crashes occurred on the runway, 20% during takeoff or ascent, and 36% during descent or landing. In all these 68%, parachutes would be absolutely useless due to their small height. That is: in only 32% of cases, parachutes would be useful.

Question 2. Will the average passenger be able to use the parachute properly? If you have jumped with a parachute, you know that it is not easy to attach the parachute equipment on its own with its numerous straps, belts, buckles and buckles. And many passengers have problems even with the small seat belt! And what about babies, children, the elderly, the disabled – or just excited people? Adding the inevitable chaos when everyone is trying to deal with all this in the cramped cabin …

Question 3. Let’s say that by some miracle everyone manages the equipment. But how will they jump off the plane? Passenger aircraft doors cannot be opened at altitude during flight due to the difference between internal and external pressure. If they do open, however, due to the aforementioned difference, passengers may be thrown out, where they will be sucked into the turbines of the engines or burned in the jets behind them.

Question 4. How much will the microscopic chance of success cost? An ordinary Boeing 737-800 takes 150 passengers and 6 crew members. The T-11 military parachute can be bought for about $ 600, but we have untrained users – that’s why we need spare parachutes, as well as those with automatic unfolding, and their price starts at $ 2,000. Parachute cabinets, constant maintenance, periodic replacement are needed. The cost of such additional aircraft equipment will exceed half a million dollars.

5. Where to put the parachutes? Each parachute takes up at least as much space as a suitcase on wheels. Where will we keep it? If it is under the seat, then there is no space for the legs or the seats will not unfold. If it is on top, there is no space left for hand luggage. 6. What to do with weight? The T-11 parachute weighs about 16 kilograms – so the plane will add about 2630 kilograms (excluding spare parachutes). To compensate for such a large weight, the seats for 26 passengers will have to be removed. Ticket prices will increase by at least 20 percent due to lost revenue. In short: huge costs with little or no payout.

And let’s not forget what the statistics say: the risk of dying in a plane crash is 1 in 20 million, and in a car – 1 in 9,200.

Siberian pianist arrested for “Nazi propaganda”

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News desk
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The musician publicly performed the Ukrainian national anthem

A Siberian businessman who publicly sang Ukraine’s national anthem has been found guilty of “Nazi propaganda”, a local court said Thursday in the latest example of Russia’s ongoing repression of military dissent, the Moscow Times reported.

A resident of Tyumen, identified as Vladimir Fofanov by the police surveillance website OVD-Info, was filmed performing the anthem on a piano placed on an embankment.

However, the city court accuses Fofanov of shouting slogans at the banned organizations UNA-UNSO and the Right Sector.

Russia has declared Ukraine’s far-right movement UNA-UNSO, part of the ultranationalist Right Sector group, a banned “extremist” organization after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

“In addition, the man posted a video of his ‘concert’ on the Internet,” the court said.

Fofanov’s videos of him playing the anthem, published online this week, do not show him shouting or uttering the slogans he is accused of.

However, the Central District Court of Tyumen sentenced the suspect, whom he identified as Vladimir F., to 14 days in prison on charges of misconduct related to Nazi propaganda.

He added that Fofanov pleaded guilty and vowed not to repeat the crime.

Russian airlines under sanctions

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News desk
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Travel news from Turprom reports Olga Tikhonova: Great Britain struck new sanctions on Russian air carriers – Aeroflot, its subsidiary a / c Rossiya and Ural Airlines. We are talking about freezing assets – a source of profit for companies from slots in British airports.

Reference: Slots are the time allotted at the airport for the arrival / departure of an airline flight on a specific day and hour.

According to the British media, citing the government’s website, Aeroflot is the largest airline in Russia, it supports the country’s government, and also receives support from it. This is possible thanks to doing business in the “strategically important transport sector.” In this regard, the British government refused to Russian airlines to receive income from slots at the airports of a European country. According to official figures, their amount was $62 million. The report specified that Ural Airlines is a strategically important link for Russia, so its assets are also frozen.

With the start of the Russian special operation, the UK closed its airspace to Russian civil aviation, imposed a ban on Russian airlines and confiscated the private jets of some Russian businessmen.

Tens of thousands protested in support of Turkey’s leading opposition

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News desk
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epa09963587 Supporters of the Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) hold pictures of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Turkish flags as they attend an anti-government rally in Istanbul, Turkey, 21 May 2022. EPA/SEDAT SUNA

Tens of thousands gathered on Saturday to protest in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, in support of leading opposition figure Janan Kaftanjioglu, the BBC reported.

Demonstrators also erected posters depicting Kemal Ataturk.

Kaftanjioglu, who heads the branch of the secular People’s Republican Party (CHP) in Istanbul, smiled and waved to her supporters.

She received a criminal conviction for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish state.

In 2019, Kaftanjioglu was sentenced to nine years, eight months and 20 days in prison. Following an appeal, the term was reduced to just under five years. Under Turkish law, sentences of less than five years are usually suspended.

The 50-year-old woman now faces a suspended sentence.

Some of the allegations are related to messages posted on Twitter 10 years ago.

She said the accusations against her were politically motivated.

Recall that in 2019 alone, more than 3,800 people in Turkey were sentenced to prison for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Al Arabiya reported at the time, citing Turkish media BirGun.

Turkish justice has jailed 3,831 people for insulting Erdogan, an 87% increase from 2018, when 2,046 people were convicted.

Turkey’s penal code provides for up to four years in prison for insulting the head of state. The sentence can be increased if the insult is expressed in the public sphere.

Human rights groups have called on Turkey to end the persecution of citizens for “insulting the president”. They accuse the government of using the law to shut up dissidents.

According to Turkish journalist Bulent Kenesh, who fled abroad, the Turkish government under Erdogan has drawn a very fine line between critical comment and insult. Kenesh received three life sentences and another 15 years in prison in Turkey after criticizing the head of state in July 2016. He fled to Europe. According to him, the so-called “insult” cases have nothing to do with real insult.

“It would be extremely unusual and abnormal to see 3,831 people imprisoned in a democracy in one year because they simply criticized their president. But under the Erdogan regime, it is normal to prosecute any dissident with fictitious trials in his arbitrary courts.” , the journalist emphasized.

A total of 36,066 people were investigated in 2019 for insulting Erdogan.

Kommersant: Russia has set the conditions for the export of grain to the EAEU

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Newsdesk
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Russia demanded from the members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to introduce quotas and duties on grain exports to third countries. This is reported by Kommersant sources, cited by the ura.ru news agency.

According to the interlocutors of the newspaper, at a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Russia insisted on the introduction by members of the EAEU of quotas and duties on grain exports to third countries. They note that the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation calls this measure necessary to prevent the re-export of Russian grain through the EAEU, bypassing restrictions.

It is noted that Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are preparing a decision on duties and quotas. Kazakhstan is opposed to the introduction of duties due to the fact that they may prevent local agricultural producers from fulfilling international obligations, the newspaper’s source added.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning the export of a number of products and raw materials. The Ministry of Agriculture noted that Russia’s food security is ensured, writes RT. Russia has imposed a ban on the supply of grain and sugar to its neighbors. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that the ban would apply to the export of wheat and meslin, rye, barley and corn. There were also restrictions on the export of fertilizers. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Russia will not export products to its own detriment.

Photo: The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation warns against the re-export of grain in circumvention of restrictions / Vadim Akhmetov © URA.RU

The best fruit juices for weight loss

By
Gaston de Persigny
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0

Many healthy juices promote weight loss. They are low in sugar, high in fiber and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Juices can be a quick and convenient way to add extra nutrients to your diet and aid weight loss. However, some types of juice are high in sugar and low in fiber, which can increase your calorie intake and even lead to weight gain over time. This is especially true of many store-bought fruit juices, which are often loaded with sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy and delicious juices you can make at home using a few simple ingredients and a juicer. You can also use a blender. This method is preferable because it retains more fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and manage your hunger.

Here are 8 of the best juices for weight loss

1. Celery juice

Celery juice has recently become a popular ingredient among health-conscious consumers. Not only is it low in calories, but it is also over 95% water.

Choosing foods and beverages that are low in calorie density could be beneficial for weight and fat loss. Celery juice is also a great source of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, which can help reduce oxidative stress and fight inflammation.

2. Beet juice

Athletes often consume beetroot juice when looking to improve their performance. Indeed, this juice contains beneficial compounds such as dietary nitrates. Dietary nitrates can help increase muscle efficiency and endurance, as well as lower blood pressure levels by dilating your blood vessels. Plus, whole beets are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote regularity, slow stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller longer to help with weight management. Since most of the fiber is removed during the juicing process, beet juice generally does not contain large amounts of this nutrient. That said, it is a lower calorie and more nutritious juice option when looking to lose weight.

3. Pomegranate juice

In addition to being delicious and refreshing, pomegranate juice is a healthy, low-calorie drink that can aid weight loss. Some research suggests that pomegranate may help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar that could otherwise lead to increased feelings of hunger. In fact, a study in 16 people found that the antioxidants in pomegranate juice stabilized blood sugar levels after they ate bread, which could otherwise have caused blood sugar to rise.

4. Green vegetable juice

While the exact ingredients of green juices can vary, most contain leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, or cabbage. These ingredients are high in fiber, low in sugar, and packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Interestingly, studies show that increasing fruit and vegetable intake may be linked to lower body weight and reduced risk of weight and fat gain over time. Plus, green juices are easy to tailor to your tastes by adding your favorite ingredients.

For a simple green juice you can make at home, try blending spinach, cucumber, green apples and celery, then enjoy. By using a blender rather than a juicer, you get all the nutrients and fiber from the green leaves. This makes the juice even more satiating and favorable to weight loss.

5. Watermelon juice

Watermelon juice is sweet, refreshing and very nutritious. Besides being low in calories, watermelon is an excellent source of heart-healthy micronutrients like potassium and vitamins A and C, antioxidants that boost the immune system. It also has a high water content, which may help you lose weight and feel fuller.

A 4-week study in 33 people gave participants 2 cups (300 grams) of fresh watermelon each day. They found a significant reduction in body weight, belly fat, hunger and food cravings compared to participants in a control group

6. Lime-ginger juice

Lime-ginger juice can be a vibrant and delicious addition to a healthy weight loss diet. In particular, lemons can help add flavor to your drink while providing some additional antioxidants. Some human and animal studies also show that ginger may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Alternatively, green vegetables like spinach or kale, when blended rather than juiced, can boost your fiber intake and keep you feeling full between meals. To start, simply add a small handful of peeled ginger, freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach to your food processor and blend.

7. Carrot juice

Carrot juice is a nutrient-dense drink, packed with plenty of vitamin A and other healthy carotenoids in every serving. Blending your carrots instead of juicing them can also help increase your fiber intake to improve feelings of fullness and help regulate your appetite. Additionally, carrots are high in carotenoids, a type of plant pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, an 8-week study of 28 men with obesity found that those who drank a carotenoid-rich drink daily had a significant reduction in belly fat.

8. Apple juice and kale

Apple and kale juice can be a healthy, fiber-rich alternative to store-bought sugary fruit juices. Kale, in particular, contains almost a gram of fiber per cup (21 grams). Studies have shown that it helps stabilize blood sugar levels after meals.

Apples are also high in fiber and a host of other nutrients. Their consumption is associated with increased weight loss and improved diet quality in both children and adults.

To make kale apple juice at home, simply blend a handful of kale leaves with a few sliced apples. You can boost the flavor and health benefits even further by adding other ingredients like celery, lemon juice, ginger, or carrots.

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