The personal-finance website WalletHub today released the results of its nationally representative 2018 Banking Survey, along with the latest market averages in its Banking Landscape Report and editors’ picks for the Best Online Checking Accounts. Here are some highlights:
For the complete survey, please visit: https://wallethub.com/best-online-checking-account/#survey
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: 202-646-5188
January 23, 2018
Judicial Watch: Justice Department Refuses to Release Mueller’s Budget Proposal for Special Counsel Office
(Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch today announced that Justice Department refuses to release the proposed budget of Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel Office. Judicial Watch is seeking the information through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit.
Judicial Watch sought “the copy of the budget prepared or submitted” by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But, on Friday, January 19, the Justice Department notified Judicial Watch that it refuses to turn over documents, stating: “seven pages were located that contain records responsive to your … request. We have determined that this material should be withheld in full because it is protected from disclosure under the FOIA.” The Justice Department asserts the Mueller budget information cannot be released because its release could interfere with “law enforcement proceedings” and the material is protected from disclosure by the “deliberative process privilege.”
Judicial Watch filed a FOIA lawsuit against the DOJ on October 5, 2017, after it failed to respond to a July 10, 2017, request (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:17-cv-02079)). Judicial Watch is seeking:
The Justice Department has thus far ignored Judicial Watch’s requests for documents about its management of the Mueller operation.
The Justice Department also sent Judicial Watch a copy of a previously published document showing expenditures by the Special Counsel’s Office from May 17, 2017, to September 30, 2017. The total was $3,213,695, nearly a million dollars per month.
On July 7, 2017, The Washington Post reported that Special counsel Mueller submitted a proposed budget to the Justice Department, “but officials declined to make the document public and committed only to releasing reports of the team’s expenditures every six months.”
Judicial Watch is pursuing numerous additional FOIA lawsuits related to the surveillance, unmasking, and illegal leaking targeting President Trump and his associates during the FBI’s investigation of potential Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election.
“Special Counsel Mueller’s operation is not above the law. The American people have a right to know how much taxpayer money is planned for his massive investigation,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “No one else in DC seems to be providing oversight of the Mueller operation, so once again it is up to the citizen’s group Judicial Watch to go to fight for accountability.”
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American Tortoise Rescue “Shellebrates”
World Turtle Day® on May 23, 2018
January 22, 2018 - Malibu, CA - American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is celebrating its 18th annual World Turtle Day® on May 23, 2018. The day was created by ATR to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. Now celebrated around the globe, turtle and tortoise lovers are taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the UK, Greece and many other countries.
ATR launched World Turtle Day to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures. These gentle animals have been around for 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel pet trade. It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world. (See slide show here.)
Biologists and other experts predict the disappearance of turtles and tortoises within the next 50 years. Adults and children can do a few small things that can help save turtles and tortoises for future generations.
Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
If a tortoise is crossing a busy highway, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again (but be safe yourself!).
Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to endangered sea turtle deaths.
Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
Report tiny turtles less than four inches sold at pet stores and street vendors or used as prizes at carnivals and other events. Their sale has been illegal since 1974.
ATR’s ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the world. The first priority here in the U.S. is to ask pet stores and reptile shows to stop the sale of hatchling tortoises and turtles without proper information for the buyer. For example, many people buy sulcata tortoises as an impulse buy because they are so adorable when they are tiny. The breeders and pet stores frequently do not tell the buyers that this tortoise can grow to 100 pounds or more and needs constant heat throughout the year since they do not hibernate.
ATR also educates people and schools about the real risk of contracting salmonella from water turtles. Wash hands thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring turtles into schools or homes where children are under the age of 12.
Some of the highlights to make World Turtle Day special, include:
Everyone can join the party at home, at a pub or at work! ATR created a World Turtle Day Party Pack that can be accessed for free here http://bit.ly/1YwebJR
Like the World Turtle Day page on Facebook and join thousands of fans who are enjoying selfies, baking and other contests and prizes in honor of World Turtle Day.
Follow @WorldTurtleDay on Twitter where last year it trended at the top when thousands of people tweeted #worldturtleday to spread the good word about turtles.
About Us
American Tortoise Rescue is a nonprofit founded in 1990 for the protection of all species of turtles and tortoises. We have rescued more than 4,000 since inception. Foundlings that cannot be adopted because of ill health remain in the care of ATR for the remainder of their lives. ATR acts as a clearinghouse for information about turtle care. We work to abolish “live market” slaughter of turtles in the US, the sale of reptiles on sites like craigslist.com and the cruel importation and exploitation of a variety of species.
Contact Information
American Tortoise Rescue, 30745 PCH, #243 Malibu, CA 90265
email info@tortoise.com www.worldturtleday.org http://www.tortoise.com
Facebook: American Tortoise Rescue and World Turtle Day
Twitter @tortoiserescue and @worldturtleday YouTube: AmericanTortRescue
Instagram: TortoiseRescue
Tweet these tweets
#Shellebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats on #WorldTurtleDay
#shellebrate #worldturtleday
Free #WorldTurtleDay Party Pack http://bit.ly/2qdo4El
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Biased Algorithms are everywhere, so at a critical moment in the evolution of machine learning and AI, we need to talk about the societal issues this poses, according to Ralph Müller-Eiselt, an expert in education policy and governance. Müller-Eiselt was interviewed by C. M. Rubin for The Global Search for Education.
How do we ensure that algorithms are always conceived to achieve a positive impact for societies and education, rather than a danger or a risk? Müller-Eiselt states in The Global Search for Education interview that discussions and debate about “the goals of software systems with social impact” are needed since “it is up to us as a society to decide where such systems should be used and to make sure that they are designed with the right purposes in mind.” He believes that even “algorithms designed with good intentions can produce bad results.”
Müller-Eiselt also discusses how algorithms and AI will impact evolving education systems. While the use of algorithms and AI in education is “still in its initial phase,” he asserts that policy makers should not be waiting to see what happens and react after the fact, but that they should “actively shape regulation now towards sustaining the public good.” He adds that those organizations involved in the design and development of algorithms also have a critical role to play and should be reflecting on their “social responsibility” and how best to create “common standards for professional ethics in this field.”
Read the Interview here
Ralph Müller-Eiselt is an expert in education policy and governance who heads the Bertelsmann Foundation's taskforce on policy challenges and opportunities in a digitalized world.
CMRubinWorld launched in 2010 to explore what kind of education would prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing globalized world. Its award-winning series, The Global Search for Education, is a highly regarded trailblazer in the renaissance of 21st century education, and occupies a widely respected place in the pulse of key issues facing every nation and the collective future of all children. It connects today’s top thought leaders with a diverse global audience of parents, students and educators. Its highly readable platform allows for discourse concerning our highest ideals and the sustainable solutions we must engineer to achieve them. C. M. Rubin has produced hundreds of interviews and articles discussing an extensive array of topics under a singular vision: when it comes to the world of children, there is always more work to be done.
For more information on CMRubinWorld
Contact Information
David Wine
david(at)cmrubinworld(dot)com
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*** Media Advisory for Thursday, January 25 ***
Poll briefing to reveal Mountain West voters' views on public lands and water, outdoor recreation and energy industries, and Trump administration policies
Eighth annual Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll surveys voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado College State of the Rockies Project will release its eighth annual Conservation in the West Poll on a press conference call this Thursday at 10am MST, which will reveal the views of Mountain West voters on the Trump administration’s priorities for managing the use and protection of public lands.
The media briefing call will provide in-depth analysis of the bipartisan survey across eight Western states. The findings cover some of the most pressing issues involving public lands and waters, including proposals to eliminate or alter national monuments and plans to open new lands to mining and drilling.
For media outlets and reporters in the Denver area: Conservation in the West Poll findings will be the topic of a panel discussion at the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show at noon on Thursday at Le Meridien Denver Downtown, 1475 California Street. The discussion is open to media. For more information, please visit https://outdoorindustry.org/industry-lunch-2018-state-rockies-conservation-west/.
MEDIA BRIEFING CALL DETAILS
WHAT: Media briefing call discussing Colorado College State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll
WHEN: Thursday, January 25th at 10 a.m. MST
WHERE: Dial conference number (855) 796-8563 and enter ID code 8558416
To follow the poll presentation during the call, go to: http://presentain.com/ccpoll
WHO:
NOTE: Poll results, infographics and briefing call slides will be available on the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project website when the media briefing call begins at 10 a.m. MST
About Colorado College
Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its 2,000 undergraduate students study one course at a time in intensive three and a half-week segments. For the past twelve years, the college has sponsored the State of the Rockies Project, which seeks to increase public understanding of vital issues affecting the Rocky Mountain West through annual reports, free events, discussions, and other activities.
About Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3)—a national Democratic opinion research firm with offices in Oakland, Los Angeles and Madison, Wisconsin—has specialized in public policy oriented opinion research since 1981. The firm has assisted hundreds of political campaigns at every level of the ballot—from President to City Council—with opinion research and strategic guidance. FM3 also provides research and strategic consulting to public agencies, businesses and public interest organizations nationwide.
About Public Opinion Strategies
Public Opinion Strategies is the largest Republican polling firm in the country. Since the firm’s founding in 1991, they have completed more than 10,000 research projects, interviewing more than five million Americans across the United States. Public Opinion Strategies’ research is well respected, and prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, and CNBC rely on Public Opinion Strategies to conduct their polling. The firm conducts opinion research on behalf of hundreds of political campaigns, as well as trade associations, not-for-profit organizations, government entities, and industry coalitions throughout the nation.
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This weekend, Skullcandy celebrated all weekend long in partnership with Skate Kitchen, Crystal Moselle's film that is premiered at Sundance, highlighting a group of female skateboarders in NYC. Jaden Smith, Usher, and Diplo all made appearances to show their support of Skullcandy and the brand's partnership with the film.
Skullcandy kicked off the weekend on Saturday with a Skate Jam BBQ, with live performances provided by DJ Kitty Cash, DJ Cam Tang, and Doja Cat. Jaden Smith was seen hitting Skullcandy's skate ramp with the Skate Kitchen crew. The celebrations continued Sunday evening at the DirectTV Lounge with performance by Diplo and appearances from Usher, Jaden Smith, and Black Eyed Peas member, Apl.de.ap.
I’ve included images and formal details on the events below. Please let me know if it might be a fit for party coverage.
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DAY 1
WHAT: Skullcandy x Skate Kitchen Skate Jam & BBQ | Sundance 2018
WHERE: Skullcandy Headquarters (6301 N Landmark Drive, Park City, UT)
WHEN: Saturday, January 20
WHO: Hosted by Skullcandy in partnership with Skate Kitchen in honor of their Sundance 2018 world premier, guests included Jaden Smith and the cast of Skate Kitchen. Live performances were provided by DJ Kitty Cash, DJ Cam Tang, and Doja Cat. Jaden Smith and the Skate Kitchen crew was seen hitting Skullcandy's skate ramp celebrating the film's debut at Sundance.
Link to Images from Saturday's Event: HERE
Photo Credit: Dave Brewer, Photo Collective Studios
DAY 2
WHAT: Skullcandy x Skate Kitchen Party | Sundance 2018
WHERE: DirectTV Lounge (660 Main Street, Park City, UT)
WHEN: Sunday, January 21
WHO: Hosted by Skullcandy, iHeartComix, Bow and Arrow Entertainment, and RT Features continued the celebration of the Sundance film, Skate Kitchen, and the film's partnership with Skullcandy with DJ sets provided by Diplo and Kitty Cash. Guests included Jaden Smith, Usher and Black Eyed Peas member, Apl.de.ap.
Link to Images from Sunday's Event: HERE
Photo Credit: Dave Brewer, Photo Collective Studios
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ABOUT SKULLCANDY
Founded at the intersection of music, sports, technology, and creative culture, Skullcandy creates world-class audio products for the risk-takers, innovators, and pioneers who inspire us all to live life at full volume.
ABOUT THE COLLAB
This year, the brand has partnered with Skate Kitchen, a film that premiered at Sundance, highlighting a group of female skateboarders in NYC. Due to the obvious cultural links, Skullcandy decided this partnership would be the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together at their office and celebrate the film and bring Sundance to their brand new HQ.
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DENVER—A draft of President Trump’s infrastructure plan leaked to Axios today, laying out the administration’s “principles” for new infrastructure legislation. In response to the leak, the Center for Western Priorities issued the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has said time and again that he would oppose any attempt to sell off America’s public lands. Once again, the secretary is telling the public one thing while doing another behind closed doors. This plan calls for the disposal of federal lands, it’s right there in black and white. The secretary owes the American public an honest answer: will he continue to be complicit in President Trump’s attempts to sell off our public lands?”
On page 3 of the infrastructure plan, the Trump administration calls for the “Disposition of Federal Real Property” by executive order, making clear its intention to sell America’s public lands.
The paragraph reads in full:
Disposition of Federal Real Property: would establish through executive order the authority to allow for the disposal of Federal assets to improve the overall allocation of economic resources in infrastructure investment.
A major part of Secretary Zinke’s political persona is his opposition to transferring or selling off public lands. In 2016, he resigned as a delegate to the Republican National Committee over its support for transferring public lands to the states. In his confirmation hearing, Secretary Zinke testified that he is “absolutely against the sale of public lands.” Since becoming Interior Secretary, however, his commitment to protecting public lands and opposing transfers or sell-offs has been repeatedly questioned.
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Record year for accountancy firm with £2m turnover
The chartered certified accountants firm Howards has started 2018 the way it finished 2017 – with even more qualified staff, unsurpassed growth, record-breaking turnover and its name going forward into yet another prestigious small business award.
Based in Stafford, Howards has just announced year-on-year growth of 18% and a turnover of £2 million. This has been achieved by the company taking on a diverse range of new local and regional clients who value the support provided on such matters as workers’ pensions auto enrolment, flat rate VAT changes, recent alterations to the dividend tax system and last November’s Budget. Howards’ success is also down to the company forging ever closer partnerships with such popular small business accounting software providers as Xero and QuickBooks.
Howards is an accredited advisor for Xero and ProAdvisor for QuickBooks, which means the company is able to support forward-thinking businesses looking to benefit from Cloud-based accounting.
At the same time, Howards has revealed that in the latest ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exam results all eight members of its staff who studied for their qualifications had passed. ACCA is a globally recognised body and the qualifications are highly respected in the accountancy profession. Rachael Wilson and Rachel Sawbridge (see photos) passed their final exams and are now fully qualified.
Buoyed by all this good news, Howards has entered into the 2018 Sentinel Business Awards after reaching the final three of the Small Business of the Year category in the 2017 West Midlands Finance Awards and being commended in the same category in the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. A major reason for this level of success has been Howards’ pro-active social media strategy and the creation of such advanced accounting solutions as its highly popular app. Also, Howards’ clients receive a high-class service because of the company’s strong administrative infrastructure managed by Jo Austin.
Managing Director Matt Bailey says: “What a year we’re having already, with incredible growth, record turnover and a clean sweep across the board for everyone who took their ACCA exams. This can only be good news for all our customers and for the continued expansion of the business.”
He adds: “Last year will be remembered by everyone at Howards as the time when the company went from strength to strength – not just by doing so well in two prestigious business awards but also with many new members of staff joining that have taken us to record levels of personnel.”
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Gov. Herbert to deliver 2018 State of the State address
What: Gov. Gary R. Herbert will present his vision for the legislative session in his 2018 State of the State address.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Utah State Capitol, House Chamber
Notes: A pool video feed will be provided through KTVX. Pool photography will be provided by the Salt Lake Tribune. Seating is available for capitol-credentialed reporters in the media section of the House gallery on a first-come, first-served basis.
Embargoed hard copies of the remarks will be available to capitol-credentialed reporters in the Governor’s Office (Utah State Capitol, Suite 200) on Wed., Jan. 24 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The remarks are embargoed until 7:00 p.m.
The full text of the address will be released at www.governor.utah.gov at 7:00 p.m.
