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So as to talk about the unfold within the US, India is asking for the waiver of patent safety

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So as to talk about the unfold within the US, India is asking for the waiver of patent safety

Ground staff unload coronavirus disease (COVID-19) supplies from the United States at the cargo terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 30, 2021 in New Delhi, India.

Prakash Singh | Reuters

WASHINGTON – White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said Sunday that the Biden government plans to distribute the coronavirus vaccine to India and other countries after millions of Americans received their doses.

In the past few weeks, India has been grappling with a staggering surge in new coronavirus infections. Over the weekend, India reported 400,000 cases a day for a cumulative total of 19,557,457 cases. This is evident from numbers compiled by Johns Hopkins. The spike may have been triggered by a highly contagious variant of Covid known as B.1.617, which was first identified in the country.

The variant has since been identified in other countries, including the United States.

On Friday, the White House announced it would limit travel from India as the country works to counter the rise in Covid-19 infections.

“We are rushing to help India,” said Klain during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation program.

Klain said the US has sent therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators and protective equipment to the world’s largest democracy, as well as raw materials that are vital to vaccine production.

“Our US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, will go to the WTO next week to begin talks on how we can further distribute, license and distribute this vaccine,” he said when asked if the Biden administration would protect patents The coronavirus vaccine would loosen up.

Klain added that he expected the White House to have more to say on the matter in the coming days.

Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed with Biden about the revocation of patent protection for the coronavirus vaccine. The relaxation would give governments faster and more affordable access to the life-saving doses.

Last week, the Biden government announced that it would immediately provide the raw materials needed to manufacture coronavirus vaccines in India. The US response came after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid to India, the world’s largest democracy. Rich nations have come under fire in the past few days for hoarding the raw materials needed for the shots.

This repair improves multi-display setups on Home windows 10

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This repair improves multi-display setups on Home windows 10

Having multiple displays is a huge productivity boost when you’re streaming, editing, or trying to get distracted with a show in the background while grinding down on your favorite online game. It’s a shame Windows 10 makes them a chore.

If you put a Windows computer to sleep while using two or more displays, open windows jump to the main screen for some reason when the system wakes up, forcing you to reorganize your layout every time you turn off the PC start sleep mode.

Fortunately, Microsoft is working on a solution to the problem Microsoft is bringing up Fast hot-plug detection (Rapid HPD)– This will keep your open apps and folders where you left them before you put your PC to sleep. Microsoft assures that the update “is not limited to monitor manufacturer, hardware specifications, connector type or cable brand” and applies to all Windows 10 PCs with multiple monitors and laptops connected to an external display, regardless of a user’s system settings.

The Rapid HPD update will be released later this year as part of the October 2021 update. However, those who can’t stand shuffling their apps every time their PC wakes up can join the Windows Insider Program to get the update right away.

Note that the Windows Insider Program is not for everyone. While you are getting new features early on, the testing features are often not yet complete, system errors are more common, and you may need to update your PC more frequently. If you’re cool with those caveats, you can Join the Windows Insider Program here.

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Windows Insider Build 2187 (currently available on the Dev Channel) should be available for your PC shortly after signing up for the Insider program. However, you can check for available system updates Settings> Update & Security> Windows Updateand click on “Check for updates.”

You can also check in your version of Windows 10 Settings> System> Info. The OS build number is listed under “Windows Specifications.”

Insider Build 2187 (or the October 2021 update later this year) is the only requirement for fixing the Rapid HPD issue. Once installed, the desktop remodeling problem should no longer occur when using multiple displays.

[Engadget]

China is stepping up its diplomatic prowess and testing how exhausting Biden will push again

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China is stepping up its diplomatic prowess and testing how exhausting Biden will push again

Senior US government officials examine China’s growing diplomatic bravery and growing military assertiveness with the intensity of elite athletes pondering their most resourceful rival’s feature films.

From the CIA to the White House and from the Pentagon to Foggy Bottom, these officials report a far greater willingness on the part of China to go on the offensive in the first 100 days of the Biden administration. The Chinese stand ready to face real and imaginary problems facing the United States and its allies, even as warnings and military activity escalate in Taiwan.

The new message from Beijing was consistent: the Biden government is trying to undermine China’s rise and promoting a false and dangerous portrayal of competition between democratic and autocratic systems. Therefore, countries around the world must decide whether to follow the divisive but declining United States or embrace a rising, unified and nonjudgmental China.

Between the lines, Chinese President Xi Jinping says that human rights violations and democratic failures are internal issues that cannot be discussed. In addition, Chinese officials stand ready to publicly attack the US record for racism and democracy, as does Beijing’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi in an unprecedented 16-minute diatribe to mark the first high-level US-China talks of the Biden government in March to open 18 in Anchorage, Alaska.

“There has recently been a tendency to liken China and the United States to ‘democracy versus authoritarianism’ to … put labels on countries,” said Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister who built on the Alaska Embassy last week at the Council on Foreign Relations. “But democracy is not Coca-Cola, which tastes the same as syrup made by the United States around the world.”

Wang said: “If democracy and human rights are used to conduct value-based diplomacy, meddle in the internal affairs of other countries, or stir up confrontation, it will only lead to turmoil or even disaster.”

His use of the term “catastrophe” caught the attention of his audience and made it clear what he meant by that.

“The Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations,” he said, arguing that it should also be in US interests to oppose Taiwan’s independence and separatist instincts. “Playing the ‘Taiwan Card’ is a dangerous move, like playing with fire.”

Such rhetorical and possibly strategic changes do not occur by chance in (yes) authoritarian China. So it is both urgent and necessary to understand their meaning and respond appropriately. Given the contradicting mix of hubris and uncertainty in recent Chinese policies and actions, this will not be easy.

On the one hand, President Xi Jinping predicts growing national confidence that this is China’s historic moment. Xi hopes to build on what he sees groundbreaking in this centenary year of the Chinese Community Party that emerged from the pandemic and declared the end of absolute poverty in the country.

At the same time, Xi is responding to new challenges posed by the Biden government, which is rapidly escaping Covid-19 by delivering a formidable vaccine distribution and pumping $ 4 trillion, as well as considering stimulus and infrastructure development in the economy. US growth this year could be equal to or greater than China’s at a remarkable 6.5%.

The leaders of the two countries seem to agree that “we are at a turning point in history,” as President Biden said at a joint congressional session this week. “We are in competition with China and other countries to win the 21st century.”

Put it differently earlier this year, President Xi spoke to a Communist Party school meeting: “The world is undergoing profound changes that have not been seen in a century, but the time and the situation are in our favor. Here comes our determination and our trust. “”

In Biden, however, Xi sees a more methodical and coherent leader than his predecessor, more willing to work within institutions and with allies.

Biden convened the first Quadruple Security Dialogue Summit on March 12, attended by Japanese, Australian and Indian leaders. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga became the first foreign leader to visit the White House since Biden took office on April 16, and the two leaders made the first joint statement in support of Taiwan since 1969.

Chinese leaders were also surprised on March 22nd when the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada sanctioned Chinese officials for human rights violations against the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. Beijing’s response was an immediate and seemingly counterproductive response to punitive measures against EU citizens that were broader. The price for his tough message is that the European Parliament has put the recently announced China-EU investment deal on hold.

There appear to be three immediate targets for China’s current approach: the domestic audience, US partners and allies, and the developing world.

The priority of any authoritarian leader is political survival. President Xi appears to have strengthened his hand within the Chinese Community Party and weakened potential rivals by rallying nationalistically around Hong Kong and Taiwan and portraying the United States as a power determined to reverse China’s rise.

The second goal for Chinese valor is a preventive effort to reach U.S. allies and partners before the Biden administration has had enough time to get a bigger common cause off the ground. Wherever necessary, it wants to show that there will be a heavy price to pay for those who accept Washington at Beijing’s expense.

A US official cites a Chinese proverb to explain this strategy: “Kill a chicken to scare the monkey.” President Xi’s third target is the developing countries, where China’s progress has been greatest. The aim is to portray China as a more reliable and consistent partner in its development, with its own inspiring track record of modernization and commitment to staying out of the domestic affairs of other countries (and indeed providing the monitoring tools to other authoritarians) at the Staying in power).

At the same time, of course, China is also testing the Biden government. The aim is not to win Washington, where consensus on the Chinese challenge has grown. Rather, it is about testing the Biden government’s willingness to act on a range of issues – from technology controls to human rights – but especially on Taiwan.

Beijing is betting from previous experience that President Biden’s bark will be worse than its bite. If you are convinced of this, you can count on even more Chinese bravery and assertiveness in the next four years.

Frederick Kempe is a best-selling author, award-winning journalist, and President and CEO of the Atlantic Council, one of America’s most influential think tanks on global affairs. He worked for the Wall Street Journal for more than 25 years as foreign correspondent, assistant editor-in-chief and senior editor for the European edition of the newspaper. His latest book – “Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place in the World” – was a New York Times bestseller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. Follow him on Twitter @FredKempe and subscribe here to Inflection Points, his view every Saturday of the top stories and trends of the past week.

More information from CNBC staff can be found here @ CNBCopinion on twitter.

14 coloring books for popular culture obsessed

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14 coloring books for popular culture obsessed

We independently selected these products because we love them, and we hope you do too. Shop with E! has affiliate relationships, so we may receive a commission if you buy something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E !.

Sure, a face mask or essential oil diffuser can help you relax and unwind, but have you ever tried coloring to keep stress at bay?

Coloring books are a great way to pull the plug and boost your creativity. Plus, you can let your inner child come out to play. And coloring books have come a long way since you were a kid! Whether you’re still mourning the end of WandaVision, quoting Schitt’s Creek daily, or maybe you’re a die-hard Grey’s Anatomy fan, there’s a coloring book for your pop culture obsessions. Not to mention that they make great gifts!

Our favorite? You can use this coloring book to color Kanye West’s most notorious tweets.

Below are our 13 other pop culture coloring book recommendations!

Are 1-bedroom models a great funding?, Cash Information

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Are 1-bedroom models a great funding?, Cash Information

It’s probably no surprise to hear that one and two bedroom units in a new launch are always the first to sell out. You don’t even have to look too far for evidence on this either.

To give you an example, recent new launches like Midtown Modern (90 per cent of one and two bedroom units sold at launch), Irwell Hill Residences sold over 50 per cent of its units (81 per cent of its units are one and two bedroom), and One-North Eden on the weekend – selling out its one and two bedroom units by 10am.

Make no mistake, this could be down to developers understanding which unit type moves the fastest. So for most new launches today you’d see that majority of the unit types will be dedicated to the smaller one and two bedroom units.

But there’s no question that much of it is all down to its low quantum, as these small units represent the lowest barrier of entry to those looking to get into property investment.

In this article, we look at whether it’s worth jumping into old-school, single-bedder condo investments:

The performance of 1 bedroom units since 2011

District Breakeven Loss Profit Breakeven Loss Profit Loss (quantum) Profit (quantum)
1 1 37 10 2.08 per cent 77.08 per cent 20.83 per cent -$110,322 $53,562
2 1 24 60 1.18 per cent 28.24 per cent 70.59 per cent -$66,317 $64,578
3 1 16 66 1.20 per cent 19.28 per cent 79.52 per cent -$40,488 $77,841
4 11 4 0.00 per cent 73.33 per cent 26.67 per cent -$35,037 $36,950
5 16 42 0.00 per cent 27.59 per cent 72.41 per cent -$53,946 $64,975
7 9 0.00 per cent 0.00 per cent 100.00 per cent $90,450
8 25 15 0.00 per cent 62.50 per cent 37.50 per cent -$53,440 $35,954
9 58 39 0.00 per cent 59.79 per cent 40.21 per cent -$128,346 $70,268
10 32 36 0.00 per cent 47.06 per cent 52.94 per cent -$98,115 $78,960
11 34 18 0.00 per cent 65.38 per cent 34.62 per cent -$82,056 $60,399
12 1 76 218 0.34 per cent 25.76 per cent 73.90 per cent -$40,090 $63,370
13 18 98 0.00 per cent 15.52 per cent 84.48 per cent -$60,000 $68,562
14 168 528 0.00 per cent 24.14 per cent 75.86 per cent -$45,212 $61,757
15 2 107 156 0.75 per cent 40.38 per cent 58.87 per cent -$45,913 $48,157
16 1 46 120 0.60 per cent 27.54 per cent 71.86 per cent -$38,140 $72,896
17 14 126 0.00 per cent 10.00 per cent 90.00 per cent -$42,879 $59,271
18 25 229 0.00 per cent 9.84 per cent 90.16 per cent -$24,642 $70,866
19 2 86 488 0.35 per cent 14.93 per cent 84.72per cent -$28,503 $63,783
20 2 49 0.00 per cent 3.92 per cent 96.08 per cent -$87,500 $86,595
21 39 92 0.00 per cent 29.77 per cent 70.23 per cent -$43,832 $40,854
22 3 31 0.00 per cent 8.82 per cent 91.18 per cent -$24,467 $82,958
23 46 89 0.00 per cent 34.07 per cent 65.93 per cent -$32,319 $45,061
25 9 178 0.00 per cent 4.81 per cent 95.19 per cent -$43,148 $91,513
27 1 14 87 0.98 per cent 13.73 per cent 85.29 per cent -$35,444 $73,861
28 6 124 0.00 per cent 4.62 per cent 95.38 per cent -$32,341 $103,838

For the table above, we restricted our findings to units of 600 sq. ft. or below; units of this size would be considered a one-bedder today. We are looking at size because the term “one-bedder” has changed over time; for old condos there are even 900+ sq. ft. units that are labelled “one-bedders”.

We have also kept to transactions dated Jan 14, 2011 or later. This is when the Sellers Stamp Duty (SSD) was imposed. Transactions before this date could have been sub-sales (e.g., buying and selling the unit before it’s even completed), which would distort the view of potential returns.

The given rental yields are approximations based on available rental data; the given yield corresponds to the year of the sale.

Some key findings regarding 1 bedroom units

  • Prime region 1 bedroom units fare the worst for gains
  • There’s continued evidence that 1 bedroom units have superior yields
  • Returns can get worse over longer holding periods
  • Leasehold has generally outperformed freehold
  • Smaller 1 bedroom units generally lose more
  • Overall, profitable transactions significantly outnumber unprofitable ones

1. Prime region 1 bedroom units fare the worst for gains

There’s an old saying that, if you want to invest in a 1 bedroom unit, you should only consider prime or central locations. The theory is that expatriate tenants will always favour places like District 9 or 10. Perhaps that’s true when it comes to rentability. When it comes to gains however, the opposite applies: prime region one bedroom units have the lowest percentage of profitable transactions.

For example, in District 1 (Marina Square, Raffles Place) 37 out of 48 recorded transactions were unprofitable. District 11 (Newton, Bukit Timah) saw 34 unprofitable transactions out of 52.

Close to the prime region, District 7 (Bugis, Beach Road) did manage to get a 100 per cent score on profitable transactions; but it’s questionable if this really counts, as there were only nine transactions.

Overall, we look at the top 10 districts for percentage of profitable transactions, only two are in the RCR. All others are Outside of Central Region (OCR), and none are from the CCR:

RCR, District 7 (Bugis, Beach Road) – 100 per cent (but only nine transactions)

RCR, District 20 (Bishan, Thomson) – 96.08 per cent

District 28 (Seletar, Yio Chu Kang) – 95.38 per cent

District 25 (Woodlands) – 95.19 per cent

District 22 (Jurong) – 91.18 per cent

District 18 (Pasir Ris, Tampines) – 90.16 per cent

District 17 (Changi) – 90 per cent

District 27 (Sembawang, Yishun) – 85.29 per cent

District 13 (MacPherson) – 84.8 per cent

District 19 (Punggol, Sengkang) – 84.72 per cent

This is due to the low quantum of single-bedders in the OCR. Even today, it’s possible to find new 1 bedroom units in the OCR that are priced below $750,000. This allows significant room for appreciation.

That said, gains don’t take into account your rental income. Once you factor this in, the overall returns could still place a high-cost, prime region condo ahead. As is, suffice it to say that – if you’re not expecting to rent out – a prime region 1 bedroom unit could be a dicier investment.

2. There’s continued evidence that 1 bedroom units have superior yields

Size category to rental yield (gross) < 2.5 per cent 2.5 per cent – 3 per cent 3.5 per cent – 4 per cent 3 per cent – 3.5 per cent 4 per cent or more No Data
Less than 400 sqft 0 (0 per cent) 5 (1 per cent) 209 (24 per cent) 113 (44 per cent) 124 (26 per cent) 27 (6 per cent)
401 – 500 sqft 4 (0 per cent) 85 (4 per cent) 776 (44 per cent) 838 (41 per cent) 67 (4 per cent) 135 (7 per cent)
501 – 600 sqft 11 (1 per cent) 150 (10 per cent) 385 (44 per cent) 641 (27 per cent) 29 (2 per cent) 235 (16 per cent)
Grand Total 15 240 1370 1592 220 397

It’s a common saying that one bedroom units have the best rental yields among private property segments. The data so far continues to provide evidence that this is true.

The majority of one bedroom units (1,592 units) managed estimated gross rental yields of three to 3.5 per cent. Out of some 3,400+ one bedroom units tracked, only 15 units fell below a yield of 2.5 per cent.

ALSO READ: Are new launch big bedroom units getting more expensive?

For reference, the typical gross rental yield of a private residential unit in 2021 is between two to three per cent (HDB flats average five to seven per cent due to their lower quantum).

Investors who have less interest in gains, and just want to collect rent, will continue to favour these small units.

3. Returns can get worse over longer holding periods

Holding Period Breakeven Loss Profit Breakeven Loss Profit Loss (quantum) Profit (quantum)
> 5 years 6 683 1813 0.24 per cent 27.30 per cent 72.46 per cent -$53,642 $60,919
3 – 5 Years 3 206 991 0.25 per cent 17.17per cent 82.58 per cent -$51,844 $75,119
Less Than 3 Years 1 23 108 0.76 per cent 17.42 per cent 81.82 per cent -$67,049 $92,180
Total 10 912 2912 0.26 per cent 23.79 per cent 75.95 per cent -$53,574 $66,911

Among transactions where the unit was held for more than five years, about 72.4 per cent were profitable. However, this increases to 82.5 per cent for units held for three to five years.

Even among units held for less than three years, the percentage of profitable transactions is higher (81.8 per cent).

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact causes. However, one factor could be the huge spike in property prices leading up to 2013 (this was the cause of the cooling measures, which remain in place today).

From our start point of 2011 to 2013, we can see property prices climbing:

Are 1-bedroom models a great funding?, Cash Information

In addition to this run-up, there was a shoebox craze at the time; one that was only starting to subside in 2012. Due to the rising property market, many investors were eager to dive in even with limited capital; shoebox units were the most affordable units to them.

These buyers, who accepted inflated prices near 2013 but held for more than five years*, could account for many unprofitable transactions.

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On the other hand, those who bought in 2016 or later would have entered at a time when cooling measures had muted demand and prices. This likely improved their resale gains.

*The intuitive reaction would be to hold and try to ride out the down period, because the cooling measures were deemed “temporary”. Few thought they would last – and in fact be intensified – over the next seven years.

The other reason, coming from perspectives on the ground, is that buyers who have waited so long are eager to move on. Many of these buyers are ready for their next step up, which involves selling off their one bedroom unit to buy a bigger condo, a cluster landed property, etc.

However, some have been frustrated to find it’s a tougher environment to sell, due to the ABSD (most buyers of one bedroom units are investors who already own another home). In addition, buyers have shown a general preference for new one bedroom units, rather than older resale units.

As such, some sellers are ready to drop their asking price to ensure a quick sale. Note that, even if they don’t see resale gains, they may not have experienced a financial loss. Many have received more than five years of rental income at this point, which makes a low selling price more palatable.

4. Leasehold has generally outperformed freehold

Tenure Breakeven Loss Profit Loss Profit Loss (quantum) Profit (quantum)
Freehold 3 567 1048 -6.68 per cent 8.60per cent -$55,125 $52,000
Leasehold (60-years) 4 72 -2.84 per cent 9.66 per cent -$15,240 $43,450
Leasehold (900+ years) 37 39 -6.27 per cent 9.90 per cent -$49,664 $63,229
Leasehold (99-year above) 7 304 1753 -5.93 per cent 13.68 per cent -$51,660 $76,871
Total 10 912 2912 -6.40 per cent 11.70 per cent -$53,574 $66,911

This is because freehold units can have a premium of as much as 20 per cent, over leasehold counterparts; so it’s unsurprising that, as a whole, leasehold sees more profitable transactions (13.68 per cent, versus 8.6 per cent for freehold).

What is surprising is that, even when held for over five years, freehold status doesn’t seem to help much.

For freehold properties held for over five years, 63 per cent of transactions are profitable. For leasehold properties held over five years, the percentage increases to 82.7 per cent.

Even adding lease decay as a factor, investors seem to be better off picking leasehold one-bedders.

5. Smaller 1 bedroom units generally lose more

Size category Breakeven Loss Profit Breakeven Loss Profit Loss (quantum) Profit (quantum)
401 – 500 sqft 6 377 1522 0.31 per cent 19.79 per cent 79.90 per cent -$44,002 $67,897
501 – 600 sqft 3 385 1063 0.21 per cent 26.53per cent 73.26 per cent -$68,327 $69,306
Less than 400 sqft 1 150 327 0.21 per cent 31.38 per cent 68.41 per cent -$39,767 $54,544
Total 10 912 2912 0.26 per cent 23.79 per cent 75.95 per cent -$53,574 $66,912

Interestingly enough, if you were to divide the 1 bedroom units by different classification of unit sizes, you’ll find that one bedroom units that are less than 400 sqft (studios, usually), actually have a greater percentage that are loss making.

Perhaps there is a certain size barrier that most people can’t cross as of now. When it comes to purchasing it as a new launch before it is built, naturally that most affordable quantum price tag is attractive. But once it is built and sold on the resale market and buyers can see the real thing, that small size can be off putting to some.

6. Overall, profitable transactions significantly outnumber unprofitable ones

There are only five districts where 1 bedroom units saw more unprofitable than profitable transactions: districts 1, 4, 8, 9, and 11.

In most other districts we checked, the number of profitable transactions took a clear lead – only district 10 was at a near 50-50 split, with profitable transactions leading by around three percentage points.

ALSO READ: One-North Eden review: Attractive rentability with an element of ownstay

This suggests that, while 1 bedroom units are a more speculative investment than conventional-sized units, they’re not as risky as sometimes portrayed.

The key concern in 2021 is the buyer demographic

In the near term, most buyers are HDB upgraders – they’ve made up the majority since late 2019. The problem here is that HDB upgraders tend to be family units; one-bedders are too small to fit them.

On top of this, there are concerns about how many foreign tenants we’re likely to see, while the Covid-19 pandemic is ongoing.

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As such, this could make one bedroom units a tough sell in the near term; especially for resale units, as sellers need to contend with the slew of new launches. A one bedroom unit may not be right for every investor, despite the apparently high yields and low entry costs. 

This article was first published in Stackedhomes.

So seize a final minute tenting reservation this summer season

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So seize a final minute tenting reservation this summer season

Illustration for article titled How to Grab a Last Minute Camping Reservation This SummerPhoto: shutter_o (Shutterstock)

While there have always been people who enjoy camping, the limited travel options during the COVID-19 pandemic had people sleeping under the stars (or in a tent) who would not have considered doing so beforehand. Although we’re only a few months away from the vaccine launch about 30% the people in the country have been fully vaccinated, so it’s not that everything is “normal” again – including the way we travel.

This means campsites will be a hot commodity for the second year in a row. Yes, it’s a good idea to reserve a campsite ASAP, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get one on the week you plan to travel. In a newer one Article in the New York TimesMegan Michelson shares some tips on how to make a last minute campsite reservation. Here’s what to know.

Check both public and private campsites

If Reserve America and recreation.gov are your go-to places to reserve a campsite and you won’t find anything, don’t forget to like on private campsites KOAs.

Plus, there are so many other ways to camp on private property – like websites where you can book a place for your tent. (Don’t just wander onto someone’s land and prepare for the night without permission.) That includes Hip camp, Tentrr, Harvest hosts, GlampingHub, Storage place or Airbnb.

Find a campsite that comes first and is served first

Some campsites – including many in state parks and some national parks – have a certain number of campsites for walk-in customers who need to book a spot for the night. Check this out to find one of these List of campsites that are allocated based on availability compiled across the country by RVShare.

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Consider roughing it on (certain areas of) public land

Another option is to look into public land owned by the Land Management Office or the US Forest Service, which is free and does not require a reservation. Basically, you sleep in the wilderness, without the amenities of the simplest campground, and have to do your homework on what is and is not allowed on that particular land, including the “Leave no traces “ and campfire regulations. Check websites like Campendium and Freecampsites.net find a place to camp.

The right way to Get 50% Off Amtrak Fares for Your Summer time Journey

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The right way to Get 50% Off Amtrak Fares for Your Summer time Journey

Image for article titled How to Get 50% Off Amtrak Fares for Your Summer TravelPhoto: Laser1987 (Getty Images)

Amtrak has made some pretty good deals lately, but this one has the best value: As part of a 50th anniversary celebration, Coach and Acela Business Class fares are currently getting 50% off the regular fare for select routes in the whole country. Offer also includes flat rate pricing of $ 50 between major cities provided you travel by November 13th. Here’s what you need to know.

How the deal works

From now until May 5th you can book 50% rates for coach and Acela courses at amtrak.com/50th-anniversary-sale on selected routes across the country. Even better, the deal also includes a flat rate of $ 50 per segment on these routes (a segment is defined as every time you get on a train and then switch to another) which means you can travel from Los Angeles Can book seats on buses for $ 50 to Chicago or New York to Miami (although I see they fill up pretty quickly). Other tariffs are:

One-way Acela tariffs

  • Philadelphia, PA – New York, NY: $ 41
  • Washington, DC – Philadelphia, PA: $ 46
  • New York, NY – Providence, RI: $ 47
  • New York, NY – Boston, MA: $ 49
  • New York, NY – Washington, DC: $ 50

One-way tariffs

  • Boston, MA – Portland, ME: $ 15
  • Portland, OR – Seattle, WA: $ 18
  • Washington, DC – Philadelphia, PA: $ 19
  • Chicago, IL – Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN: $ 36
  • Atlanta, GA – New Orleans, LA: $ 41
  • Austin, TX – Chicago, IL: $ 50
  • New York, NY – Miami, FL: $ 50
  • Washington, DC – Chicago, IL: $ 50
  • Chicago, IL – Savannah, GA (two segments): $ 100

It’s also worth noting that by The Points Guy, Amtrak will remove blocked seats and return to full capacity 23. MaySo you should book earlier if you want to take advantage of the extra space.

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(Note that this offer does not apply to the following routes: New Haven-Springfield Shuttle, Pacific Surfliner, Philadelphia through the Pittsburgh portion of the Pennsylvanian Keystone, and 7000-8999 Thruways).

Remember to follow CDC guidelines

The CDC recommends postponing all non-essential travel until you are fully vaccinatedWhen travel increases your chances of receiving and spreading COVID-19. Social distancing, including masks, is still required when upset. If you are not fully vaccinated and need to travel, please follow the CDC Recommendations for non-vaccinated people.

Within the extremely candy love story of Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian

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Within the extremely candy love story of Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian

It was okay to postpone it as it was mainly responsible for the current situation. They had considered the idea of ​​having another baby. “And then suddenly I get a text from her with one [picture of a] Pregnancy test, “he said.” I just looked at her. Guess what. You’re pregnant. Baby inside you now “

Tiana’s arrival added to Johnson’s growing awe.

“I am in constant respect and grateful awe of all the things this incredible mother does on a daily basis,” he wrote in a tribute to Mother’s Day 2018, in which he detailed how Hashian juggles an active and sensitive toddler, newborn Places around the world, all year round based on my shooting and production schedule. As I continue to build an amazing career as a music and songwriter / producer. “

He was impressed with her talents as a “lyrical” storyteller and her ability to multitask, but what impressed him most: “Lauren does everything with a big, real smile and really is the kindest, cutest soul you have.” I’ll ever meet … Of all the people on earth that she could have as a partner – she chose me. A big, brown, bald, tattooed, very happy SOB. ”

The SpaceX crew splashes again to earth after the file mission

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The SpaceX crew splashes again to earth after the file mission

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon capsule is launched on April 23, 2021 with four astronauts on a NASA commercial crew mission to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Joe Skipper | Reuters

The four astronauts aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule have returned to Earth and parachuted to land in the Gulf of Mexico after a record-breaking mission to the International Space Station. The astronauts spent more than five months in space, the longest time any crew has spent in an American-built spaceship.

Shannon Walker, Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover from NASA and Soichi Noguchi from Japan reached the space station via the kite capsule last November.

After undocking from the space station at 8:35 p.m. on Saturday, the astronauts traveled through the atmosphere and parachuted to land in the Mexican Gulf near Panama City, Florida at around 2:57 a.m. CET on Sunday.

“There really couldn’t have been a more flawless journey home for Crew Dragon Resilience,” said Leah Cheshier, NASA public affairs officer.

SpaceX Mission Control greeted the astronauts with a bit of humor after they touched down: “We welcome you back to planet Earth and thank you for flying SpaceX. For those of you who have participated in our frequent flyer program, you have visited this one Traveled 68 million miles. “”

Fauci urges the People to not skip the second shot

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Fauci urges the People to not skip the second shot

Chauphuong Ly Dinh, 50, will receive a vaccination for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on April 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Lucy Nicholson | Reuters

The White House chief physician, Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday urged Americans to make sure they get their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccines, saying the second shot offers “dramatic” benefits.

Pfizer and Moderna’s Covid vaccines require two doses three to four weeks apart. Both vaccines are about 95% effective against the virus, but that strong protection doesn’t kick in until two weeks after the second dose, officials say.

Fauci said Friday that about 8% of Americans who received a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna Covid vaccines have not returned for their second shot. However, skipping the second dose could cause problems for these Americans, as a single shot of the vaccine triggers a weaker immune response than two.

Fauci cited numerous scientific studies, including a report published Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines to be 64% effective at reducing hospitalizations in the elderly after one Prevent shot, but 94% after two doses. The study examined 417 adults in 14 states in hospital from January through March.

“If you are on two-dose therapy make sure you get that second dose,” he said during a White House briefing about the coronavirus pandemic.

Early on, public health officials and experts said they feared it would be difficult for some Americans, especially workers who cannot easily take time off, to come back for a second dose. Even so, officials have said the second shot pickup is better than expected.

On Friday, Fauci also urged health care providers to ensure that canceled visits for second admissions are rescheduled.

Fauci’s remarks come because the US is seeing its first real slowdown in daily vaccination rates after months of steady growth. According to CDC data, the country had an average of 2.6 million reported vaccinations per day over the past week, up from a high of 3.4 million reported shots per day on April 13.

His comments also come as the US pursues highly contagious new varieties of the virus. Fauci previously said that two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s Covid vaccines are better than one to protect against variants.

Earlier this month, Fauci gave advice to those diagnosed with Covid after the first vaccination and before the second vaccination.

He said that people who contract the coronavirus between Covid-19 vaccinations can get their second dose after recovering from the disease and are no longer considered contagious.

– CNBC’s Nate Rattner contributed to this report.

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