Trump Offered China Better Trade Deal for Help on NKorea

President Donald Trump said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday he told Chinese President Xi Jinping the United States would be willing to be more lenient in a trade deal if his country helped out with its ally North Korea.

“I told him, I said, ‘You know we’re not going to let that [current trade deficit] go ahead,'” Trump said he told Xi at their meeting at his Mar-a-Lago estate last week. “‘But you want to make a great deal? Solve the problem in North Korea.’ That’s worth having deficits. And that’s worth having not as good a trade deal as I would normally be able to make.”

Trump said he also told Xi his administration would be willing to not label China a currency manipulator in a report this week, though he repeatedly promised to do so during his campaign.

Trump said earlier Wednesday he does not see China as a currency manipulator and “our dollar is getting too strong” because the American people have so much confidence in him.

As for America’s own actions with North Korea’s nuclear threat, Trump said a naval strike group heading to the area was meant to deter Pyongyang from further action. He said he told Xi in a telephone conversation Tuesday night to relay to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the United States has nuclear submarines to go along with its aircraft carriers.

“You cannot allow a country like that to have nuclear power, nuclear weapons,” Trump said. “That’s mass destruction. He doesn’t have the delivery systems yet, but he will. In many ways, that’s the easiest thing.”

Source: newsmax – Trump Offered China Better Trade Deal for Help on NKorea

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NATO Chief: No 'New Cold War' Between US, Russia

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday “it’s not a new Cold War” between the United States and Russia but “we have seen increased tensions — and the relationship between NATO and Russia has been worse for many years.”

“That just underlines the importance of what we call our dual approach for NATO,” Stoltenberg told Wolf Blitzer on CNN. “We need to have stronger defenses and credible deterrence against Russia.

“Russia is our biggest neighbor. Russia is here to stay.

“We have to find a way to manage a relationship with them and how to avoid the new Cold War and arms race.”

Stoltenberg’s interview came after a daylong meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House — and the president declared at a news conference NATO was “no longer obsolete.”

He told Blitzer he was happy with Trump’s new NATO assessment.

“That reflects the reality that NATO is adapting as the world is changing,” he said. “We have been able to change.”

Stoltenberg, 58, the former prime minister of Norway, said he trusted Trump commitment to the organization, as well as his leadership skills because he was “elected by the people of America, elected by a democratic process in a NATO country.

“But the strength of NATO is that we have always been able to agree that we protect each other and we stand together and we are stronger together.”

Regarding Russia, Stoltenberg said NATO remained very concerned about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s activities in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Baltic countries and Poland.

“But it is important now to react in a measured and responsible way,” he said. “We see increased tensions and see a more aggressive Russia, but we don’t see any imminent threat of military attack against any NATO ally country.

“NATO is strong and NATO has increased our military presence in the Eastern part of alliance.”

Source: newsmax – NATO Chief: No ‘New Cold War’ Between US, Russia

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Christian Bale to Play Dick Cheney in Adam McKay's Biopic

Christian Bale said Wednesday he will play Dick Cheney in Adam McKay’s upcoming biopic of the former vice president.

Bale was last week reported as being in talks to join the film that will reteam him with McKay following 2015’s Oscar-nominated “The Big Short.” The Oscar winner confirmed he has signed up to star in the untitled film in an interview with The Associated Press.

“In the same way as it was a journey of discovery with ‘The Big Short,’ Adam was able to take a story that most people would go comatose listening to,” said Bale of the script penned by McKay. “His ability to make it startling and entertaining and intelligent without compromising anything — he’s masterful at doing that.”

The film is also to star Steve Carell (who also co-starred in “The Big Short”) as the former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Amy Adams is set to play Lynne Cheney, the former vice president’s wife.

Like “The Big Short,” McKay’s film, which he’ll direct, is to be produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment. Shooting is planned to begin in September, with Paramount Pictures expected to distribute.

Bale was nominated for best supporting actor for his performance in “The Big Short.” He previously won an Oscar for his leading performance in “The Fighter.” He stars in the upcoming Armenian genocide drama “The Promise.”

McKay and screenwriter Charles Randolph won the best adapted screenplay Oscar for “The Big Short.”

Source: newsmax – Christian Bale to Play Dick Cheney in Adam McKay’s Biopic

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Russian Foreign Minister Reprimands NBC's Andrea Mitchell

NBC’s Andrea Mitchell was scolded by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday for calling out questions during a public portion of Lavrov’s meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s in Moscow, The Washington Free Beacon reported.

“Mr. Secretary, the Russians don’t believe the intelligence. How confident are you, Mr. Secretary . . .” Mitchell started to ask, as Lavrov was speaking.

“Who was bringing you up? Who was giving you your manners?” Lavrov is heard saying to Mitchell in response.

As #Tillerson and Lavrov enter room for photo-op, reporter yells question at Tillerson. Lavrov asks “Who gave you your manners?” http://pic.twitter.com/2OJCRQrSzC

— Patrick Reevell (@Reevellp) April 12, 2017

Tillerson met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lavrov on Wednesday and discussed the Syria crisis, North Korea, and Ukraine. He told reporters afterward “there is a low level of trust between our countries,” and “the world’s two foremost nuclear powers cannot have this kind of relationship.”

Shortly after, Russia vetoed a United Nations resolution condemning the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and urging a speedy investigation.

Source: newsmax – Russian Foreign Minister Reprimands NBC’s Andrea Mitchell

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Americans: Plastic Surgery More Common Than Ever

American patients are having more plastic surgeries and spending more on those cosmetic procedures than ever before last year, according to a new report.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that Americans spent over $16 billion on cosmetic plastic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures in 2016, more than has ever been spent on these procedures.

About 7 million Americans had wrinkle treatment injections such as Botox, which cost an average of $385 each. Breast augmentation, mostly through implants, represented the most surgeries with almost 300,000, followed by 235,000 liposuctions and 223,000 rhinoplasties (nose reshaping surgeries), USA Today reported.

Other popular types of procedures include tummy tucks, chemical peels, and laser treatments, according to WebMD.

Plastic surgery used to be a cause for ridicule or disapproval, ASPS spokesman Dr. Alan Matarasso said, USA Today reported. Now, it has become culturally acceptable and even desirable to have surgery to improve your appearance.

Advances in technology have also made surgeries safer and recovery times faster, and prices have come down for many procedures, which used to be more expensive, USA Today reported. Matarosso urged people to make sure their doctors are board certified and members of ASPS to ensure safety.

ASPS President Debra Johnson agreed. “Before you undergo any procedure, make sure you’re putting yourself in the hands of only the most qualified and highly trained plastic surgeons,” she said, USA Today reported. “The cost of any procedure is not nearly as important as doing your homework and selecting a surgeon whose primary focus is your safety.”

Source: newsmax – Americans: Plastic Surgery More Common Than Ever

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MLB Commissioner Urging Indians to Scrap Wahoo Logo

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has made his strongest comments on wanting the Cleveland Indians to eradicate their Chief Wahoo logo.

Manfred has been in talks with Indians owner Paul Dolan about abolishing the divisive symbol, which has sparked debate for decades.

In the past, Manfred has only gone as far as saying he understood why many people find the logo offensive. Now, Manfred appears to be pressuring the Indians, who have reduced Wahoo’s visibility in recent years, to make more significant changes.

MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday that league officials are confident about reaching a positive resolution for the game and the club.

“Thus far, there have been productive discussions with the Cleveland Indians regarding the Commissioner’s desire to transition away from the Chief Wahoo logo,” Courtney said. “We have specific steps in an identified process and are making progress.”

On Tuesday, protesters gathered outside Progressive Field to demonstrate against the team’s usage of the red-faced, smiling logo, which has been part of the team’s history dating back to the 1940s.

The Indians have decreased Chief Wahoo’s profile, switching their primary logo to a block “C” several years ago. However, the symbol still appears on some of the sleeves of some of the team’s uniforms and caps and the Indians have continued to sell Wahoo merchandise.

Some anti-Wahoo protesters want the team to change its nickname as well.

“We are people, not mascots, not logos, not imagery,” said Carla Getz, a member of the Potawatomi Tribe. Getz was one of several dozen peaceful protesters that chanted for change on a plaza outside Tuesday’s game.

There is also a sizeable contingent of Cleveland fans who understand the viewpoints of protesters, but cherish the logo and don’t want the team buckle to pressure to abolish it.

The Indians were recently awarded the 2019 All-Star game, and a possible compromise could be the Wahoo logo being completely removed from uniforms.

Bob DiBiasio, the team’s senior vice president for public affairs, said Dolan and Manfred have had ongoing dialogue since the World Series last year.

“We certainly understand the sensitivities of the logo, those who find it insensitive and also those fans who have a long standing attachment to its place in the history of the team,” he said.

“We fully expect to work with the Commissioner throughout the remainder of this season on finding a solution that is good for the game and our organization,” DiBiasio said. “Our primary focus right now is on the team and our pursuit of returning to the postseason.”

Source: newsmax – MLB Commissioner Urging Indians to Scrap Wahoo Logo

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VA Inspector General: DC Hospital Putting Patients at 'Unnecessary Risk'

Conditions are reportedly so dangerous at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C. — from dirty storage areas to missing equipment — that a watchdog warned in a scathing preliminary audit that patients were being put at “unnecessary risk.”

The VA Office of Inspector General found that in recent weeks the operating room at the hospital ran out of vascular patches to seal blood vessels and ultrasound probes used to map blood flow, USA Today reported.

The medical center — which serves more than 98,000 vets in the nation’s capital — also had to borrow bone material for knee replacement surgeries — and at one point, ran out of tubes needed for kidney dialysis, according to the newspaper.

Investigators also found that of 25 sterile storage areas inspected, 18 were dirty.

During the past three years, there’ve been 194 reports that patient safety has been compromised because of insufficient equipment, the OIG found. There were no findings of “adverse patient outcomes,” the audit showed.

“Part of OIG’s mission is to monitor the quality of patient care and outcomes for veteran patients who rely on VA for their health care,” VA Inspector General Michael Missal said in a statement. “When we become aware of deficiencies at VA that place patients at unnecessary risk, we will act immediately and aggressively to address those deficiencies.”

After getting an anonymous tip March 21, the OIG sent specialists to the hospital March 29 and 30, April 4, 5 and 6, and Wednesday, according to The Hill.

Hospital director Brian Hawkins was removed Wednesday and put on “administrative duty,” both reports said.

Source: newsmax – VA Inspector General: DC Hospital Putting Patients at ‘Unnecessary Risk’

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Report: Russia Vetoes UN Resolution on Syria

Russia on Wednesday vetoed a United Nations resolution condemning the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria and urging a speedy investigation, CNN reports.

The resolution would have required Syria to cooperate with an investigation and face full accountability for using chemical weapons last week in an attack in the Syrian village of Khan Sheikhou which left more than 85 people dead and hundreds injured.

Bashar Ja’afari, the Syrian envoy to the UN, dismissed as “lies” and “accusations” the belief that his country used “a chemical weapon we do not even possess.”

Western countries have accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of using sarin in the attack, and the U.S. retaliated by firing more than 50 cruise missiles at the Sharyat Airbase in Syria. A U.S. defense official told CNN the purpose of the attack was to send a message to the Syrian regime that “any use of chemical weapons would not be tolerated.”

The UN resolution was created by the United States, United Kingdom and France, and it was presented the same day U.S. officials charged that Russia was covering up the attack. Nikki Haley, the US envoy to the United Nations, also accused Russia of knowing that the chemical attack was going to happen.

“I think that they knew, yes,” Haley said Tuesday in an interview with CNN.

“I think they’re nervous,” Haley continued. “I think that they very much feel as if they’ve been weakened by Assad’s actions and their cover up. They realize the international community didn’t buy it and is not buying it. And they now have to figure out how to save face. We’re giving them all the options to save face.”

Source: newsmax – Report: Russia Vetoes UN Resolution on Syria

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Manafort Registering with US as Foreign Agent

President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman is registering as a foreign agent.

Paul Manafort’s spokesman says he was in talks with the government about registering before the 2016 election and is now “taking appropriate steps” in response to “formal guidance” from the government.

The spokesman says Manafort’s lobbying work was not conducted on behalf of the Russian government and began before Manafort started working with the Trump campaign.

It’s unclear whether Trump was aware that Manafort was in talks with the government about registering before he hired him.

Michael Flynn, who was fired as White House national security adviser in February, has also had to register as a foreign agent for lobbying work he did with ties to Turkey.

Earlier Wednesday, a Washington lobbying firm that worked under the direction of Manafort and another former Trump campaign adviser registered with the Justice Department as a foreign agent. The firm said its work could have benefited the Ukrainian government.

The Podesta Group’s cited details of lobbying it performed from 2012 through 2014 on behalf of the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine. The firm reported being paid more than $1.2 million for the effort.

The disclosure follows reporting by the AP in August that the firm of Manafort and his deputy, Rick Gates, who served in a senior role in the Trump campaign, had overseen the lobbying effort. The effort sought to promote a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party’s interests in Washington.

Source: newsmax – Manafort Registering with US as Foreign Agent

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Haley Tells UN: Assad's Actions Forced US Hand in Syria

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the United States’ hand was forced in Syria because of President Bashar Assad’s actions.

“The United States was compelled to act,” Haley said Wednesday at the United Nations. 

“We will not allow the use of chemical weapons to go unanswered. We are not going to look the other way. We are watching the regime’s actions carefully,” former Gov. Haley, R-S.C., said.

In her speech, she delivered a message to Russia about its support for Syria: “You are isolating yourselves from the international community every time one of Assad’s planes drops another barrel bomb on civilians, and every time Assad tries to starve another community to death.”

Russia must stop supporting Assad’s actions, she said.

“People, not just in the west, but across the Middle East and the world, are speaking out against Assad’s brutality,” she added. “It is long past time for Russia to stop covering for Assad.

“It is long past time Russia to push seriously for peace and not continue to be part of the problem.”

Source: newsmax – Haley Tells UN: Assad’s Actions Forced US Hand in Syria

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