All posts tagged: Stability

Europeans tried to win over the US this week in DC. Their efforts were lost in translation. – POLITICO

Europeans tried to win over the US this week in DC. Their efforts were lost in translation. – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Growing pains At finance industry gatherings in D.C.’s office buildings and historic hotels, the EU’s efforts to boost growth and stimulate investment by removing fragmentation in European capital markets was seen by industry and regulators alike with either curiosity, because they don’t understand the project, or skepticism because they doubt the EU can get over its internal rivalries and integrate. This week Bessent reiterated the U.S. mantra that “the biggest risk to financial stability is a lack of growth,” accusing the EU of being “unable to follow the Draghi Report … on how it would increase growth.” The existence of the bloc should “facilitate trade among the members, make it more seamless, create more prosperity, and it turns out it has probably been a hindrance,” he said. The Europeans struck a more conciliatory tone. U.K. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said Britain’s trade deal with the U.S. is “in both of our countries’ interests,” and said technical work with U.S. counterparts on the future of capital markets and financial services is moving forward. “That relationship and …

A trainer says these four kettlebell moves build strength, stability and power

A trainer says these four kettlebell moves build strength, stability and power

Published by Jenni Sidey

No matter what equipment you like to use, when workouts get repetitive (and dare I say, boring) it becomes harder to stay consistent. I enjoy kettlebell workouts, but sometimes I find myself zoning out, which could be down to my poor concentration, but I know that when I’m trying to learn a new movement, I stay more engaged. That’s why Melora Storm’s kettlebell workouts caught my eye. A strength-focused trainer and high-intensity interval training specialist (HIIT) at Chelsea Piers Fitness, Storm likes to loop dynamic movements together for a greater challenge. Article continues below You may like For instance, she combines a squat with an upper-body movement such as a kettlebell halo. The result? A flow of exercises for a multi-muscle challenge. This makes the workout more interesting and, to me at least, more fun. It does, however, mean it’s not especially beginner-friendly. If you’re new to kettlebell workouts, try this specially-designed routine instead. Here are four moves she recommends you try the next time you want to do a full-body kettlebell workout. 1. Goblet …

EU to game out bloc’s mutual assistance clause in case of attack – POLITICO

EU to game out bloc’s mutual assistance clause in case of attack – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The clause states that if a member of the EU is faced by “armed aggression,” other members have an obligation to come to its “aid and assistance by all the means in their power.” The clause does not specify whether such aid includes a military response, and contains language relevant to neutral states such as Austria and Ireland. The gaming out will be conducted in the EU’s Political and Security Committee, which is composed of senior EU diplomats. Most EU members also belong to NATO and so are covered by its Article 5 mutual defense clause, which does refer explicitly to the use of military force to aid other signatories. But transatlantic tensions, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of seizing Greenland, have shaken faith in Article 5 and sparked renewed interest in EU security arrangements. Aspiring members of the bloc now increasingly mention security as an incentive to join the bloc, alongside wealth and stability.   Another factor driving interest in 42.7 is the increased risk of attack against EU states. After being targeted …

US and Iran delegations in Pakistan for peace talks amid fragile ceasefire – POLITICO

US and Iran delegations in Pakistan for peace talks amid fragile ceasefire – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised the U.S. for committing “to achieving lasting regional and global peace and stability.” Vice President JD Vance is leading the American delegation, which includes U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are representing Tehran. The Iranian delegation met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and afterward the U.S. team met with the Pakistani leader. Tehran has set some preconditions to enter face-to-face talks with the Americans, including the release of Iranian frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim. “Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X. “These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin.” There were media reports on Saturday that Washington had agreed to the release of frozen Iranian assets, but they …

IDF conduct in Lebanon plunges Israel-Europe relations to lower depths – POLITICO

IDF conduct in Lebanon plunges Israel-Europe relations to lower depths – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Sánchez also called for the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel and for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire between Iran, the U.S. and Israel that was announced on Tuesday evening. His concerns are shared by some at the European Commission, too. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib wrote on X: “Today’s brutal attacks by [Israel] on [Lebanon], which have left more than 100 dead – with the toll still rising – and over 700 wounded, are an outrage.” And it’s not just Israel’s frequent detractors. Numerous European governments have tried to dissuade Israel from pursuing its ground operation in Lebanon. Even countries that didn’t sign up to joint statements, like stalwart Israeli ally Germany, have been critical of the Israeli government in recent weeks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz in March said “annexation measures” in the occupied West Bank would be a “big mistake.” Following the battlefield incidents, both Spain and Italy have talked up relations with Lebanon. While Tajani called up Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Robles met with Hani Chemaitelly, the Lebanese ambassador in Madrid. “The minister …

Kids Raised In A Calm Household With Steady Parents Usually Have These 11 Rare Traits As Adults

Kids Raised In A Calm Household With Steady Parents Usually Have These 11 Rare Traits As Adults

Published by Jenni Sidey

The tone of a home leaves a lasting imprint, even when it isn’t obvious at the time. A calm environment with steady, predictable parents shapes how a child learns to interpret stress and respond to everyday situations. These lessons don’t come from formal teaching so much as from repeated exposure to how things are handled. As those children grow into adults, certain traits begin to stand out in subtle ways. They show up in how someone communicates, how they approach conflict, and how they move through situations that would normally create tension. The consistency they experienced early on often becomes part of how they operate without needing to think about it. Kids raised in a calm household with steady parents usually have these 11 rare traits as adults 1. They stay grounded during situations that feel chaotic to others Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock When something unexpected happens, their response tends to remain steady instead of escalating with the situation. Their attention stays on what’s actually happening rather than getting pulled into the intensity around it. This …

No fitness equipment? Try this high-energy step workout to boost balance, strength and stability

No fitness equipment? Try this high-energy step workout to boost balance, strength and stability

Published by Jenni Sidey

As soon as the sun comes out, I love to take my workouts outdoors for a hit of vitamin D. The change of scenery and fresh air really energizes me. Plus, I don’t need any equipment, because I can use the steps in my yard to work up a sweat. Using a step provides an extra cardio challenge, boosting heart and lung health while improving balance, coordination and agility. It’s a great way to get a decent full-body workout without any equipment. If you don’t have any steps in your yard, you can use the stairs in your house or apartment, or try this aerobics step, which is currently on sale for under $25 on Amazon. Article continues below You may like To get you started, I’ve created a six-move step workout. All you need to do is set a timer for 30-second intervals, with minimal rest (10-15 seconds) in between exercises—this will keep your heart rate up. How to do the step workout Do each of the following six exercises for 30 seconds, taking …

No fitness equipment? Try this high-energy step workout to boost balance, strength and stability

No fitness equipment? Try this high-energy step workout to boost balance, strength and stability

Published by Jenni Sidey

As soon as the sun comes out, I love to take my workouts outdoors for a hit of vitamin D. The change of scenery and fresh air really energizes me. Plus, I don’t need any equipment, because I can use the steps in my yard to work up a sweat. Using a step provides an extra cardio challenge, boosting heart and lung health while improving balance, coordination and agility. It’s a great way to get a decent full-body workout without any equipment. If you don’t have any steps in your yard, you can use the stairs in your house or apartment, or try this aerobics step, which is currently on sale for under $25 on Amazon. Article continues below You may like To get you started, I’ve created a six-move step workout. All you need to do is set a timer for 30-second intervals, with minimal rest (10-15 seconds) in between exercises—this will keep your heart rate up. How to do the step workout Do each of the following six exercises for 30 seconds, taking …

UK’s Reeves ‘angry’ over Trump’s decision to attack Iran – POLITICO

UK’s Reeves ‘angry’ over Trump’s decision to attack Iran – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

After reaching their lowest point since Oct. 2024 before the invasion, yields on 10-year U.K. government bonds have now soared to their highest since the 2008 financial crisis.  Deutsche Bank has estimated that the increase has already stripped between £7 billion and £10 billion from the chancellor’s £23.6 billion fiscal headroom. “The costs of borrowing for government have gone through the roof,” Reeves noted in the interview. “This country hasn’t done anything to cause those prices to rise, but the decision of Donald Trump, the decision that Keir Starmer and this government did not want any part of and are trying to de-escalate, is causing real hardship for people now.” “I think that people can see that what Trump has done in the Middle East is going to cause economic challenges all around the world, with potentially higher inflation, weaker growth and weaker tax receipts,” she added. The Middle East war is the latest episode that has put Europe at odds with Trump’s America. Earlier Wednesday, Starmer said the “volatile” international situation requires Britain to …