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Catalonia: Sacked leaders due in Madrid court

Sacked members of Catalonia's regional government have been ordered to appear in Spain's high court to face rebellion and sedition charges, after October's disputed independence referendum.

Madrid's court summoned 13 officials as well as former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who has already said he will ignore the order.

"This is a political trial," said Mr Puigdemont, who is now in Belgium.

Prosecutors could order the officials' arrest if they fail to appear in court.

Spain has been gripped by a constitutional crisis since the referendum was held on 1 October in defiance of a constitutional court ruling that had declared it illegal.

Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy imposed direct rule on Catalonia, dissolving the regional parliament and calling snap local elections.

This came after Catalan lawmakers voted to declare independence of the affluent north-eastern region.

The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part in the referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.

• Catalonia crisis in 300 words
• What next for Spain?
• Puigdemont: The man who wants to break up Spain

What is expected in the Madrid court?

On Monday, Spain's chief prosecutor said the Catalan leaders were accused of rebellion – which carries a maximum 30-year jail term – as well as sedition and misuse of funds.

They were ordered to appear in Madrid's Audiencia National (high court) on Thursday morning for questioning.

They are yet to be formally charged.

A judge will have to decide whether the officials should go to jail pending an investigation that could potentially lead to a trial.

The judge can also grant them conditional bail and order them to surrender their passports.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

It is unclear how many of those summoned will actually appear in court.

However, Mr Puigdemont earlier made it clear he would not be coming to Madrid.

"Those summonses are part of proceedings that lack any legal basis and only seek to punish ideas. This is a political trial," he said in a statement.

Mr Puigdemont previously said he would return to Spain if he and his colleagues received guarantees of a fair trial.

The Spanish government insists it has no influence over the country's judiciary, the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona says.

But if those Catalan politicians appearing in court are denied bail it will cause further anger among those who want Catalonia to break away, our correspondent adds.

The court summons also gave them three days to pay a deposit of €6.2m ($7.2m) to cover potential liabilities.

Source – bbc.com

Catalonia: Sacked leaders summoned to Madrid court

Sacked members of Catalonia's regional government have been ordered to appear in Spain's high court to face rebellion and sedition charges, after October's disputed independence referendum.

Madrid's court summoned 13 officials as well as former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who has already said he will ignore the order.

"This is a political trial," said Mr Puigdemont, who is now in Belgium.

Prosecutors could order the officials' arrest if they fail to appear in court.

Spain has been gripped by a constitutional crisis since the referendum was held on 1 October in defiance of a constitutional court ruling that had declared it illegal.

Last week, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy imposed direct rule on Catalonia, dissolving the regional parliament and calling snap local elections.

This came after Catalan lawmakers voted to declare independence of the affluent north-eastern region.

The Catalan government said that of the 43% of potential voters who took part in the referendum, 90% were in favour of independence.

• Catalonia crisis in 300 words
• What next for Spain?
• Puigdemont: The man who wants to break up Spain

What is expected in the Madrid court?

On Monday, Spain's chief prosecutor said the Catalan leaders were accused of rebellion – which carries a maximum 30-year jail term – as well as sedition and misuse of funds.

They were ordered to appear in Madrid's Audiencia National (high court) on Thursday morning for questioning.

They are yet to be formally charged.

A judge will have to decide whether the officials should go to jail pending an investigation that could potentially lead to a trial.

The judge can also grant them conditional bail and order them to surrender their passports.

Media playback is unsupported on your device

It is unclear how many of those summoned will actually appear in court.

However, Mr Puigdemont earlier made it clear he would not be coming to Madrid.

"Those summonses are part of proceedings that lack any legal basis and only seek to punish ideas. This is a political trial," he said in a statement.

Mr Puigdemont previously said he would return to Spain if he and his colleagues received guarantees of a fair trial.

The Spanish government insists it has no influence over the country's judiciary, the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona says.

But if those Catalan politicians appearing in court are denied bail it will cause further anger among those who want Catalonia to break away, our correspondent adds.

The court summons also gave them three days to pay a deposit of €6.2m ($7.2m) to cover potential liabilities.

Source – bbc.com

Unintentionally hurting people’s feelings is often more painful for the person who did the hurting, whereas for the one who got hurt, it can be just as difficult to heal from as a physical wound. Words can hurt, but you have the power to control what you say to someone else, so read on for 10 rules to avoid causing hurt feelings.

10 Rules You Need To Remember To Not Hurt People’s Feelings

1. They are not you

Before you speak, remember that treating someone as if they should act the same as you do is unfair. They have different experiences, support systems, finances, beliefs, values and other things that make them so different from you that you cannot expect them to behave how you would in the same situation.

2. Your expectations may influence their behavior

What if what you say causes the person to completely change their opinion and do the opposite of what you think they should do? Would you be disappointed that they didn’t listen to your opinion?

3. Check your intentions

When you speak, do you intend to help, to inform, to encourage, to discourage, to support, or do you even know what your intent is? Most people speak with the goal of helping, but end up with the other person feeling like they were criticized. If you heard the words you are about to say to another from your own parent, would they sound patronizing? How could you best help this person?

4. Some words are just socially negative

If I called you fat and you are not fat, you can either be upset or not upset about hearing that word. Your reaction and response to my words is on you, not me. However, in general, the word ‘fat’ is not a positive or uplifting word in our society. As a test, ask yourself if the words you use are kind, joyful, or something you would say to your boss. If the answer is no, use another word or way to convey your meaning. Again, what is your intention in saying this?

5. Your perception of what hurts is not the same as theirs

You have no way to know a person’s history of pain, even if you know some of the details. Knowing your audience is good, but might not be good enough to avoid hurt feelings.

6. Avoid uncomfortable topics

Family history, health concerns, religious or spiritual beliefs, politics, and intimacy issues are all topics that have unease and emotional sensitivity associated with them. Let the other person have privacy around these topics unless they engage you first.

7. Avoid excluding people

Researchers in the Journal Behavioral and Neural Evidence say that social rejection activates the same brain region as physical pain and that even taking an over-the-counter remedy like acetaminophen can help when we have hurt feelings. Turning your bodies to keep someone out of a conversation is a great way to hurt someone’s feelings. If your discussion is not meant for them, please say that you need some time to talk with so and so alone for just a few minutes, and then you’ll be happy to include them.

8. You aren’t perfect either

No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. Do you find it enjoyable when others point out your mistakes to you?

9. Avoid talking about physical appearance

Other people are still worthy of our respect no matter their appearance. Researchers studying the causes of hurt feelings found that low self-esteem and relationship unhappiness were associated with people who reported having hurt feelings. The perceived experience of having hurt feelings was dependent on the level of intensity of the hurt feelings, their desire to avoid the person who hurt them, and their feelings about how they reacted when they were hurt.

10. Text is no substitute for voice or face-to-face

If you cannot show someone the look of concern on your face, they might be hurt by your words if they are just reading them without knowing your emotional state. If you have something to say and it could be perceived as hurtful, make sure you try to speak in person, by video, or by phone. The additional information of your voice inflection as well as your body language helps avoid hurt feelings as you convey your concern.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Sources:
http://www.lovepanky.com/my-life/better-life/how-not-to-hurt-peoples-feelings
Social rejection as physical pain
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610374741
Causes of Hurt Feelings
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232552528_Why_Does_It_Hurt_The_Perceived_Causes_of_Hurt_Feelings

The post 10 Things to Remember to Avoid Hurting Someone’s Feelings appeared first on Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude.

Source – powerofpositivity.com

Introverts are all too familiar with the daily struggle of forcing themselves to socialize and be a productive member of society when they’d love nothing more than to curl up in bed with a good book. Introverts don’t necessarily dislike people, but they just can’t deal with them in large doses like their extroverted counterparts can. They need more time to decompress, contemplate the world, and have some quiet time away from all the overwhelming noises and chaos of today’s society.

According to research, introverts make up 16-50% of the population. This means that a good portion of the world must try to figure out how to survive in an overly extroverted culture when it doesn’t come naturally to them. Having to act out of character just to fit into society’s expectations can get quite tiring, and can even lead to something called “introvert burnout.”

Yes, this is a real thing and must not be taken lightly. Introverts have a very delicate nervous system which can easily become overtaxed by society. They have limited energy to deal with social situations, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to handle them with coping mechanisms.

So, how can introverts deal with burnout, and even spot it before it happens? We have some ways to deal with introvert exhaustion below.

HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH INTROVERT BURNOUT:

1. Get away from people for a bit.

Introverts must have time to themselves each day in order to maintain some semblance of sanity. They don’t have a high tolerance for all the stimuli in today’s world, so in order to decompress and recharge, alone time is an absolute must. If they go too long without solitude, burnout is almost imminent. Therefore, scheduling even 30 minutes a day to yourself can do wonders for your mental health.

If you work a normal job, try to convince your boss to allow you 5-10 minute breaks a couple times a day in addition to your lunch. Or, maybe you could take lunch outside and enjoy fresh air and solitude for a bit. Once you get home from work, don’t immediately start chores. Take time to unwind by soaking in a hot bath with your favorite essential oils, or go for a walk. Do whatever you need in order to keep your mind calm and healthy.

2. Don’t do things you don’t want to do with people you don’t like.

While you can’t avoid all social events, such as a family member’s wedding or birthday party, you can pick and choose who you hang out with and where you go, for the most part. Do things that bring you enjoyment with people who make you happy, but remember not to overburden yourself with obligations. Introverts can get social exhaustion from even small hangouts, so pace yourself and listen to your body.

Also, if you have to go to a big event for a family member or friend, try to talk to a few people you feel comfortable around at the gathering – don’t mingle with every single person just to seem friendlier if it tires you. Give yourself a few days before the event to mentally prepare by not scheduling any social activities. Just relish in the silence and solitude for now, because otherwise, you might get overwhelmed at the party if you schedule too many social gatherings in one week.

3. Practice self-soothing techniques when you go out.

You don’t have to talk to people every minute that you go out; take some time to just listen to others and enjoy their company. Talk only when you feel like it, and when you don’t, escape into your mind a little and daydream. Recite soothing mantras that help you feel calmer, or even meditate for a few minutes. You could always use your phone as a tool to escape, even though that might seem a little rude depending on the circumstances.

4. Live a life that makes you comfortable.

Don’t try to go against your personality by taking jobs that you have to force yourself to get up for every morning, or having friends that drain your energy, even if they are well-meaning extroverts. Live a life that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin, and never apologize if your definition of happiness looks vastly different from someone else’s.

5. Learn to love yourself.

Introverts have been given a hard time by others just because they don’t seem as “friendly” or outgoing or social as some people. People still don’t fully understand introverts, but that doesn’t mean you have to put on an act just so others will accept you. Learn to love and accept yourself, and just forget what the world thinks. You have the free will to act as you wish (as long as it doesn’t harm others), so stay true to your personality and never change for someone else.

Though surviving in an extroverted world comes with many challenges for an introvert, that doesn’t mean they can’t find happiness and enjoy life in their own way. They might need more alone time than extroverts, but this doesn’t make them hermits who despise society. This makes them human, and introverts should never feel guilty for their natural disposition. It means they’re more sensitive to external stimuli and are just trying to cope with it how they see fit. So, never beat yourself up if you need a few days in your room away from the world. You’re protecting yourself from burnout and taking care of yourself, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

So we hope you can use these tips to deal with (or even prevent) burnout and learn to love your introverted self.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thrive/201205/are-extroverts-happier-introverts
https://introvertdear.com/news/yes-there-is-such-a-thing-as-an-introvert-hangover/
http://www.lovepanky.com/my-life/better-life/introvert-burnout

The post 5 Tips For Introverts to Deal With Social Exhaustion appeared first on Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude.

Source – powerofpositivity.com

Berta Caceres: Report throws light on Honduras activist murder

A report by international experts says energy company executives and state agents conspired to kill renowned Honduran activist Berta Caceres last year.

She was shot dead in March by gunmen in her home. The murder sparked international outrage.

She had opposed plans by the company, DESA, to build a dam across a river on which her indigenous community depended.

The company has denied the allegations.

Two Nobel Peace laureates, Tawakkul Karman and Shirin Ebadi visited Honduras this month and called for the investigation into her murder to be deepened.

The 92-page report compiled by a five-member panel of academics and lawyers from the US, Guatemala and Colombia was commissioned by Berta Caceres's indigenous rights organisation.

The panel made several trips to Honduras to interview more than 30 people, and studied evidence and reports from international human rights organisations.

The report said: "The existing evidence is conclusive regarding the participation of numerous state agents (police, military and officials) and senior managers and employees of DESA in the planning, execution and concealment of the murder."

It said that when the murder was planned, indigenous and tribal communities were protesting against a project to build a dam on the Gualcarque River, on land belonging to the Lenca ethnic group and considered sacred by them.

A spokesman for the country's renewable energy association said the report commissioned by Berta Caceres's family was an attempt to influence elections next month in favour of her daughter who is a candidate.

DESA has said that the report "contains false and malicious interpretations from certain conversations taken out of context".

It said the arrest of eight of its executives was "unjust".

Source – bbc.com

Breakups hurt in so many ways for both people involved – two lives once conjoined literally become severed, in both physical and mental aspects. Many people don’t know how to release feelings and cope after a breakup, and reach for substances such as drugs, food or alcohol to fill the void. Even though a broken heart takes time to mend, however, covering up the pain with numbing agents will only make the feelings worse once you come down from the high. You CAN get through this difficult time in your life in healthier ways, and we’re here to show you how. We sincerely wish you the best and hope your heart heals quickly and fully.

6 Ways To Heal After A Breakup

1. Take the opportunity to practice more self-love.

In relationships, we tend to put ourselves second and cater to our partner’s needs above our own. We love our significant other with all our heart but forget to show ourselves the same love back. Now that you’re newly single, use the opportunity to learn what you love doing and who you really are. Fall in love with life all over again by discovering things about yourself you never knew before. Go deep within and find what makes your heart soar, and then follow that inner guidance. Maybe what you need is a long solo backpacking trip to find yourself all over again. If that’s what your heart wants, follow it. It won’t steer you wrong.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they’re right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”- Marilyn Monroe

2. Keep busy.

They say an idle mind attracts demons, and they can strike when you least expect it. Your mind can be your worst enemy if you allow it, and having too much free time will certainly leave the door open for negativity and self-loathing. However, keeping a busy schedule will make sure that you don’t spend all your time dwelling on the past and wondering what you could’ve done differently or how you could’ve saved the relationship. You might want to revisit the relationship again someday, but for now, allow you and your ex to heal. Find purpose in your job, family, or friends, and don’t get wrapped up in negative thoughts about the relationship.

3. Learn to feel all your emotions.

Covering up your emotions with pills, alcohol, or food will only mask your feelings and prolong the pain. Allow yourself to go through the healing process, and realize that grieving is a stepping stone to healing. You must get through the dark nights if you want to see the stars shining, so remember that as you’re reaching for the bottle or driving to the nearest fast food joint. It can be very tempting to forget about the pain and escape into a world of numbness, but it won’t do you any good in the long term. Allow your emotions to come and go, and accept them rather than fight them. Then you’ll see that they don’t have as much control over you as you thought.

4. Lean on friends and family for support.

Your support system, no matter who they are, would not want you to go through this difficult time alone. Call them up if you need to talk, because no one deserves to go through heartbreak alone. Hearing their words of wisdom or just simply hanging out when you need a good laugh will help you heal faster. After all, sitting in your bedroom alone mulling over the past will only intensify the pain and fill your mind with unpleasant thoughts. If you feel you have no one to talk to about it, consider getting professional help. Counselors and therapists can help you work through your emotions so you can get back to living a happy, fulfilling life once again.

5. Move your body.

Exercise has a mountain of benefits, and one of those is helping you get over your ex.

“Wait, whaaaa? How does sweating my butt off help me mend a broken heart?”

Well, for starters, it takes the attention off your breakup and onto something else. It allows you to have goals and get into a flow state where nothing else matters but lifting those weights and getting through that last rep. It releases feel-good hormones that will lift your spirits and make you feel like you’re on top of the world instead of down in the dumps. So, when you feel like you’re in the bottom of hell, go down to your nearest fitness club and get a membership. You can focus on bettering yourself and taking care of #1 rather than someone else for a change.

6. Volunteer.

It’s no secret that taking the attention off yourself and your problems and putting it on others with (probably) far more problems helps immensely with emotional pain. You’re helping someone else better their life while spending an hour or two not thinking about the recent heartbreak in yours – win-win, right? That’s not to say that your feelings don’t matter, because they certainly do, but it’s important to zone out from them sometimes. Plus, seeing a smile on someone else’s face because of the help you’ve given them will make a lasting impact on you and help you see that life is full of beauty, even in the midst of pain.

You might see a breakup as the end of the world, but don’t look at it that way. Instead, think of it as a new beginning – an opportunity for something better down the road. Be thankful for your experiences and memories with your ex, but also allow yourself to remain open (in due time) to other people somewhere down the road. They say when one door closes, another one opens, so make sure to keep following your path, and you’ll eventually find the door you’re meant to open.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/laugh-cry-live/201502/after-the-break-when-moving-seems-impossible
https://www.powerofpositivity.com/8-ways-heal-major-breakup/

The post How to Release Attachments to Someone You Used to Love appeared first on Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude.

Source – powerofpositivity.com

Venezuela unveils largest-ever bill, worth a few US dollars

Venezuelans living with hyper-inflation and a scarcity of cash for buying daily goods will soon have the country's largest paper bill circulating in recent history.

The country's president announced Wednesday that the new 100,000- bolivar note will hit the streets this week. It will be worth less than $2.50 in U.S. currency in black market dealings.

In a nationally broadcast appearance, President Nicolas Maduro held up the new paper bill, while also unveiling a 30 percent boost to the minimum wage.

The new denomination is stop-gap measure in an economic plan by Maduro's government aimed at doing away with the need for paper money.

"The use of the physical currency is being replaced," the socialist leader said.

Economists warn that measures such as those Maduro announced Wednesday are likely to drive up inflation rather than bring relief to the oil-rich country wracked by economic problems and deep social tensions.

Residents in the capital of Caracas line up for hours to withdraw small amounts of paper money from bank machines. Food shortages also spawn long lines along sidewalks outside markets.

At the beginning of 2017, new notes of 500, 5,000 and 20,000 bolivars entered the market, but these have not been enough to meet demand. The 20,000-note has a value in U.S. currency of roughly 50 U.S. cents.

Maduro announced a rise in pensions that retirees collect. An increase in the minimum wage for workers means they will take home the equivalent of $132 a month at the strongest of two official exchange rates or $11 at the widely used black market rate.

Henrique Capriles, a leader in Venezuela's opposition movement, derided Maduro's economic measures. He said on Twitter: "With inflation the highest on the planet, the official salary announcement is a mockery of the Venezuelan workers!"

Maduro also threatened punishment for opposition parties that do not participate in December elections of mayors. Two of Venezuela's leading opposition parties have said they will boycott the mayoral elections to protest what they called rigged gubernatorial elections held in October.

Maduro asked key government bodies to take "draconian measures" against parties that abstain from the mayoral races, such as disqualifying them from taking part in future elections.

• Star

Source – abcnews.go.com

Sam Smith reflects on becoming a gay 'spokesperson'

WATCH 'Real Live': Sam Smith releases exclusive music video on Spotify

Sam Smith may be good at communicating through his music, but saying the “right thing” doesn’t always come easily to him.

In an emotional new interview with The New York Times, the singer talks about the challenges of being a public figure.

The backlash against him reached a fever pitch after his infamously botched Oscar acceptance speech last year, during which he mistakenly claimed to be the first gay person to win an Oscar.

“I’m not the most eloquent person,” he admitted. “I didn’t get the best grades in school. I mean, I’m just good at singing.”

Sam Smith says he feels 'as much woman as I am man' Sam Smith explains why he's losing so much weight

Smith, 25, says he looks to the late George Michael as a guide — not just in music, but in the way he used his platform to be a spokesperson for the gay community.

“I just feel like I’m going to offend someone every time I open my mouth,” he said. “I feel like George Michael had a way of being authentic to himself and honest in a way that was warm.”

“People forget but no one learns about gay history in school. Nothing. So I didn’t know anything about my history as a gay man and then words like ‘spokesperson’ are being thrown at me when I’ve just brought out my first album," he continued. "It scared me because I was like, I don’t know anything about being gay, really.”

To that end, the Oscar winner made it a point to start educating himself, but he said he’s still learning.

“The only thing I’d like everyone to know is I’m really sorry if I say the wrong things,” he said. “I don’t want to offend anyone and my intentions are genuinely pure and good. I’m still trying to figure [expletive] out and I’d like to be treated like a human. If I make mistakes, don’t kill me.”

• Star

Pakistan polygamy: Lahore man jailed over unapproved second marriage

A Pakistan court has jailed a man for six months for marrying a second woman without his wife's permission.

The court in Lahore also ordered Shahzad Saqib to pay a £1,433 ($1,900) fine, rejecting his argument that Islam allowed him to have up to four wives.

Saqib's first wife Ayesha Bibi had successfully argued that marrying without her written approval was a breach of Pakistan's family law.

Women's rights activists said the verdict would discourage polygamy.

They also said it would empower women and could result in more women in similar situations taking up their cases with the courts.

"It is encouraging that a wronged woman has used this law to complain to the court," Romana Bashir, who heads the Peace and Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, told Reuters news agency.

"The decision augurs well for women's empowerment," she added.

In Pakistan, men who take multiple wives usually do so after a period of several years – and must get written approval from their first wife prior to a second marriage.

Pakistan's Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), a body that provides legal advice to the government on Islamic issues, has often criticised the country's family law.

However, recommendations by the CII are not legally binding.

Saqib has the right to appeal against Wednesday's verdict.

Source – bbc.com

Student charged after smearing bodily fluids on roommate's bag

A white US university student is facing a hate crime charge after admitting to smearing bodily fluids on her black roommate's possessions, in an apparent attempt to force her out of the room.

Brianna Brochu, 18, has already been charged with misdemeanour criminal mischief and breach of peace.

Police in West Hartford, Connecticut, said they had asked a judge to add a felony bigotry charge.

University president Greg Woodward said Ms Brochu was no longer a student.

Her campaign against roommate Chennel Rowe apparently came to light via Instagram posts in which she bragged about her actions.

In one post, published by local media and described by Ms Rowe in a Facebook video, she reportedly wrote: "Finally did it yo girl got rid of her roommate!! After 1 ½ month of spitting in her coconut oil, putting moldy clam dip in her lotions… putting her toothbrush places where the sun doesn't shine, and so much more I can finally say goodbye Jamaican Barbie."

In a statement addressed to students, Mr Woodward said Ms Brochu's actions were "reprehensible" and the incident "deeply disturbing".

"As of this morning, Brianna Brochu is no longer a student at the University of Hartford. She will not be returning to the institution," he said.

Ms Brochu appeared at Hartford Community Court on Wednesday morning but did not comment during the brief appearance.

In the Facebook video, Ms Rowe said she had felt "unwanted" and "disrespected" by Ms Brochu after moving into the room.

She described becoming sick and said she had suffered "extreme throat pain", which she alleged was connected to Ms Brochu's actions.

"I keep looking at this paragraph, right, because the paragraph said so much stuff she'd done, at the same time she said she's done so much more.

"But I don't know the so much more. I've been using my toothbrush for how long? She says she put my toothbrush places the sun doesn't shine."

Source – bbc.com