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The Most Affordable Cities for First-Time Buyers

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The Most Affordable Cities for First-Time Buyers

You need only look at the headlines to see how well the UK property market is doing. While this is excellent news for homeowners looking to cash in on the boom by selling their current property, it is a rather different story for those who are yet to get on the housing ladder.

The reality is that most first-time buyers are finding it more and more difficult to make that important first property purchase, which often comes at the cost of living in a small town or village and commuting to work.

For those looking for the best of both worlds, we have drawn up our list of the most affordable cities in the UK for first-time buyers. All of these cities are known for their culture, entertainment and thriving job market, making them attractive locations for young people. With plenty of property developers completing projects either in or very close to the city centre, first-time buyers can snap up a terraced house without giving up the perks of living in a city.

architecture-birmingham

Birmingham

Although house price in and around the city have been inflated due to the number of people relocated to the West Midlands from more expensive areas, Birmingham still remains one of the most affordable cities for first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder without moving somewhere more rural.

Despite the influx of Londoners driving prices up, terraced houses in Birmingham are selling at an average of £166,244 according to the latest figures from Zoopla. Coupled with a cost of living that’s 20.5% lower than in London, and the city becomes an attractive prospect indeed.

As the UK’s second city, Birmingham offers many of the same perks and benefits as London, only with a much smaller price tag.

leeds

Leeds

Hailed as the fastest growing city in the UK, now is the time for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder in Leeds before the demand for property in the area outpaces the supply. Offering plenty in terms of job prospects, culture, and entertainment, its easy to see why so many young people are flocking to this northern city from the crowded capital.

If property prices stay close to their current 12-month average, prospective homeowners can look forward to picking up the keys to a property in Leeds City Centre for around £160,000. For those willing to commute, terraced properties in Leeds and the surrounding area averaged out at a sale price of £146,744, making them a very reasonable first-time purchase indeed.

liverpool

Liverpool

Not to be outdone by rival city Manchester (more on that below), Liverpool’s thriving property market offers plenty of affordable choices for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, thriving employment market, and rich history make Liverpool all the more attractive to young people.

When it comes to house prices, Liverpool is one of the most affordable cities to live in, for those looking to get on the housing ladder without moving somewhere more remote. As with any other city, terraced houses are the most affordable with an average sale price of £115,686 during the last 12 months.

raining-manchester

Manchester

The unofficial capital of the North, Manchester is a thriving city with a growing economy and plenty of new developments to choose from for those looking to move into the area. The suburbs and the city centre proper are both home to numerous projects, meaning that there is a wide range of choices available no matter what type of property you are looking to purchase.

Although the city centre itself will be well out of the price range of first-time buyers, areas close to the centre like Newton Heath are still an attractive prospect. Less than 3 miles (4.83 kilometres) away from the centre of Manchester, terraced house prices sold for an average of £111,583 in the past year. Semi-detached properties can be snapped up for a slightly higher price, with the average sale coming in at £131,739 over the past 12 months.

Experts: The Consequences of Iran Blockading the Strait of Hormuz

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Experts: The Consequences of Iran Blockading the Strait of Hormuz

Iran blockading the Strait of Hormuz where a fifth of the world’s oil passes through will cause much economic damage to the global economy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that 18.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of seaborne oil passed through the waterway in 2016. That was about 30 percent of crude and other oil liquids traded by sea in 2016.

The reasoning with the Iranian action is that if the U.S. stops Iran selling their oil via enforced sanctions, then the Iranians want to halt shipments from other nations passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The American administration are putting severe sanctions on Iran to bring them to the table to discuss their nuclear programme in which the regime is processing weapons grade uranium in order to build up weapons of mass destruction.

About 17.2 million bpd of crude and condensates were estimated to have been shipped through the Strait in 2017 and about 17.4 million bpd in the first half of 2018, according to oil analytics firm Vortexa.

Incoming British prime minister, Boris Johnson, will naturally have to deal with any escalation, but the British tankers being hijacked will have to be first resolved diplomatically, and not militarily.

With the global price of crude rising to increased levels, if this event escalates further, this will have severe consequences to daily life in the West.

With global oil consumption standing at about 100 million bpd, that means almost a fifth passes through the Strait. Most crude exported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq, all members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is shipped through the waterway.

One must understand that logistically, all goods have to be delivered to shops via the road ways and shipping. If the price of delivering goods to places of commerce increases vastly, the price of goods will rise exponentially. This means the cost of your bread and milk will increase in cost by vast amounts.

Transport, will increase in cost, whether public or in private modes, the consequences of a blockade will cause many people to not be able to travel due to the sheer cost of filling a tank of petrol. This increase in daily transport costs will notably have an impact on the greater economy, as many will not be able to afford to travel to work, and companies will pass the price of transportation of goods onto the customer increasing prices to very high levels.

The Strait of Hormuz is also the route used for nearly all the liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced by the world’s biggest LNG exporter, Qatar.

The increase in oil prices will also impact air travel with flight costs increasing incrementally to compensate for the rise in crude prices.

China brings 90% of their oil through the Strait of Hormuz, as does Japan, and other South East Asian countries. Obviously, a decrease in oil deliveries will impact their economies as well.

There may well be shortages across Britain at petrol forecourts, not only due to the increase in price of fuel, but with the decrease in deliveries.

 

If events escalate to military confrontation and war, there may very well be rationing of fuel in Western countries. There is obviously an emergency supply, but in times of war, this would only be given to crucial services, and the military.

Unfortunately, due to vast cuts in military spending under the regime of David Cameron, Britain’s Royal navy has been severely impaired, and it is hopeful that any new administration increases funding not only for the navy but other military departments.

BREAKING: Iran Escalates War by Hijacking British Oil Tanker

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BREAKING: Iran Escalates War by Hijacking British Oil Tanker

A British-flagged oil tanker has been seized (16.00 GMT) in the Gulf by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Iran media say. The tanker was hijacked by Iranian forces and the crew imprisoned.

DRUMS OF WAR

Due to an Iranian oil tanker en route to Syria being detained in Gibraltar on 4th July, because of EU sanctions to Syria, the Iranians have been looking for a tit-for-tat action.

The owners of the Stena Impero, which was bound for Saudi Arabia, say they have been unable to contact the vessel and it is “heading north towards Iran”.

The company says there are 23 personnel on board and it was approached by “unidentified small crafts and a helicopter” in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Foreign Office says it is “urgently” looking into the reports.

This action by the Iranian regime escalates an already fragile situation, and will eventually lead to all out war. Twenty percent of global oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian forces are now attempting to thwart.

Earlier on today, the United States Navy shot down an Iranian drone.

DEVELOPING

A second tanker is also reported to have mysteriously diverted course towards Iran. Another British-flagged ship has probably been hijacked by the Iranians as well as the Stena Impero.

Lord Haw Haw Hammond Leads Group of Anti-Democratic Fanatic MPs Misusing Parliamentary Procedure to Stop Brexit

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Lord Haw Haw Hammond Leads Group of Anti-Democratic Fanatic MPs Misusing Parliamentary Procedure to Stop Brexit

On the eve of Boris Johnson becoming PM, a group of anti-democratic MPs led by outgoing Chancellor, Lord Haw Haw Hammond, have misused parliamentary procedure with the help of the corrupt toad House Speaker, Bercow.

“Today, we have successfully misused and abused parliamentary procedure so that we can thwart the legitimate vote of the people who took part in the largest democratic vote in Britain’s history on June 23, 2016. As corrupt parliamentarians, we are dishonourable members of a group who do not value the legitimate vote of the people, and we align ourselves with foreign powers, NOT with Britain!” Lord Haw Haw Hammond, said gleefully as the sordid procedure to stop Brexit was put through parliament.

Democracy seems to be a dirty word these days in a parliament that once used to pride itself in being fair about respecting the result of any vote by the masses.

One anti-democratic piece of shit, who receives large payments from Brussels, was unrepentant about betraying the British people and the country.

“I would happily sell my children to a medical experiment laboratory, and have no conscience about any of the sordid deeds I commit as an MP. Why do you think it would be hard for me to receive pay-offs from Brussels and lucrative expense deals to betray my country? Democracy? Bah! It was all an illusion to prevent the people rioting. There was never a democracy in Britain, and the EU Referendum is proof of this fact.”

It’s only one more step to Revoke Article 50. These actions by corrupt treasonous anti-democratic MPs are a direct action of speaking out and displaying any plans prior to action. If Boris Johnson and his people had kept quiet, then we would not have witnessed the disgraceful misuse of parliament today by traitors to Britain, and enemies of democracy.

There is however some method to the madness, and this action of floating the proroguing of parliament has revealed the people who are a direct threat to proceedings in the future. It has revealed who needs to be removed and deselected, and it also has positively fried the brains of the remoaners, who have been seen all running around the halls like headless chickens.

Avoiding a constitutional crisis via proroguing could possibly be achieved by triggering a General Election between 7th and 11th October which would result in the automatic and immediate suspension of parliament for an election day on 7 November and have the same effect as prorogation.

Meghan Markle Says Being in Royal Family Like Being On Welfare But Slightly Different

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Meghan Markle Says Being in Royal Family Like Being On Welfare But Slightly Different

At a recent visit to a toilet roll factory with Prince Harry in Scunthorpe, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle mused about her new role within the Windsor royal family.

Asked by a reporter what it’s like for a newcomer within the royal family, Meghan replied:

“It’s a bit like being on welfare, or they call it benefits in the UK. You get free housing, and if you need anything done in the house they do it and pay the bill. I get free travel, free food, free booze and never have to work a day in my life ever again plus we get free safari trips, you know like troubled kids do in urban areas controlled by Labour councils, innit.”

Apart from never having to work a day in her life ever again, Meghan Markle does have to make some sort of public appearance once every two weeks.

“Yeah, like signing on, except we have to smile and pretend we like the people trying to speak to us whilst opening some shitty supermarket. The only thing is the royals don’t have to do some poxy course or the benefits officer stops the dole money, they mainly have a brief stint in the army to acquire a few medals which they never earned in real combat. That’s what Harry tells me.”

European Union Commission President Addresses EU Army Troops

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European Union Commission President Addresses EU Army Troops

The newly unelected EU Commission President and Kommandant of the EU Army today addressed assembled troops and workers of the European Union Socialist Communist State.

“I can come to no terms with a Brexit which everywhere, as its first act after gaining power is – not the pursuit of the enslavement of nations – but the liberation of the British sovereign nation from the undemocratic tyranny of our beloved EU, the asocial creatures concentrated in the Britisher Brexit party – and then the letting loose of these wild beasts like Nigel Farage, and Boris Johnson upon the terrified and helpless world about them….

“Brexitism turns flourishing countrysides into sinister wastes of democratic ruins; European Union Socialism transforms a Reich of destruction and misery into a healthy communistic State and a flourishing economic life of collectivist misery for all….

“Brexit planned a world revolution of democracy, sovereignty and German Mercedes workmen would be used but as cannon-fodder for Britisher Brexit imperialism. But we European Union Socialists do not wish that our EU military resources should be employed to impose by force on other peoples what those peoples themselves do not want. Our EU army does not swear on oath that it will with bloodshed extend the European Union Socialist idea over other peoples, but that it will with its own blood defend the European Union Socialist idea and thereby the German Reich, its security and freedom, from the aggression of other peoples…. The German people as soldiers is one of the best peoples in the world: It would have become a veritable ‘Fight to the Death Brigade’ for the bloody purposes of these international disseminators of democracy. We have removed this danger, through the European Union Socialist Revolution, from our own people and from other peoples….etc etc…

(CROWD APPLAUDS LOUDLY)

Immigrant Congress Woman Tells Trump to Go Back to Glasgow to Sort it Out

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Immigrant Congress Woman Tells Trump to Go Back to Glasgow to Sort it Out

Congresswoman Munga Munga Punka, who emigrated to America from some African country at the age of 12, and still wraps her head in a cloth, has told Donald Trump of Scottish ancestry, after his infamous tweet regarding immigrants going back to their own shit hole countries instead of criticising the USA, to go and sort out the multitude of problems in Glasgow, Scotland. Now that’s a scenario.

How many generations of immigration does it take to make you an American?

That is a question left to be answered by great debate.

As for those of the non-white persuasion in America, the main reason for your discrimination is because of your obvious difference to the original pilgrims who came to the new world all those years ago from Western Europe. The skin complexion never lies, and it is an advertiser of the foreign status that will always be meted onto you, despite your possible attempts at integration. In this respect, the Democratic party is as much racist as the Republican.

If one thinks about it, it was only fifty years ago that America had signs up on public buildings restricting access to dogs and non-whites, so it is going to take at least a few more centuries for the inherent superiority of the original colonists to be completely eviscerated.

Everyone is inherently racist anyway. It is a mechanism which is part of the human condition, it distinguishes those of a different tribe, because what is the condition of the human diaspora but a bunch of different tribes? Those who think that they just came to America, and somehow were voted in to Congress have as much value as an American who can trace his ancestors to some bumpkin who sailed from Portsmouth, England 500 years ago and colonised a few acres of America by shooting some Indians is frankly pissing in the wind. Sure, in an ideal world, once you take the oath, you should be an American, but do you really see the nuances of being a true American borne from the genes of a puritan pilgrim Christian colonist?

American liberals are just as racist as the oldest conservative, simply because liberals have this preponderance to label everything, to then assign it a place to stay in and never move from, and to constantly proclaim they are inclusive when one glance at the hierarchy reveals otherwise.

Naturally, in all of this racist nonsense, the real Americans, the Native Americans are all but ignored, as it was their hunting grounds, and their people which were systematically destroyed by the lovely Christian colonists. By dashing the brains of native babies on the rocks, Christian pilgrims believed themselves doing ‘god’s’ work. The Native American race is now a sad former shadow of itself, a defeated people left to rot on their tiny reserves, a distant memory from their ancestors who died in vain.

One can only hope that one day the prairies will once again teem with buffalo and the rivers will yield fish that have not been tainted by chemicals. After that, the real Americans can come back to the land that they never said they owned, but they respected and gave back to it what they took.

Urgent Communique to Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs From Princeton Professor to Avert Imminent War

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Urgent Communique to Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs From Princeton Professor to Avert Imminent War

On the eve of imminent war with Iran. It is with great urgency that the Daily Squib is publishing a letter addressed to the Iranian Minister of Foreign affairs from a rather concerned Princeton University Professor.

Steven Strauss is a Lecturer and John L. Weinberg/Goldman Sachs & Co. Visiting Professor at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. He has advised governments on public policy issues in the U.S.A., Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He says he acquired his Phd from Yale and has been cited by a multitude of news organisations including, of course, now — the Daily Squib..

 

If Trump can be buddies with the leaders of North Korea and Saudi Arabia, peace with Iran is possible

To: Mohammed Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran

Your Excellency,

Iran and America are at a crossroads. Down one path are continued tensions, economic isolation for Iran, and a potential war no one wants. Down the other path is the possibility of resuscitating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, AKA the Iran nuclear deal) with a phone call, and a Trump-brand golf course in Iran. I urge you to choose the road with the phone call and the golf course.

President Trump’s State Department issued a list of 12 demands Iran must comply with for a new deal, but don’t take that too seriously. Trump often makes lots of demands – and folds like a cheap Trump-brand suit. Read carefully and you’ll see Trump’s statements already indicate he just wants a version of JCPOA, but with his name on it.

Remember, Trump claimed he was going to fundamentally renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – instead, he made a few cosmetic changes and declared victory. In similar negotiating style, so far North Korea’s genocidal-dictator has gotten public recognition, cancellation of joint South Korea-America war games, and an invitation to the White House. In return, Trump has gotten photo ops with another two-bit kleptocrat, and America has gained nothing – except public humiliation. So, you see, there is ample precedent for what I am proposing. If Iran plays its cards right – we can all get JCPOA back and avoid the possibility of war.

First, have one of your staff call Trump – he’s basically begging for a phone call. Flatter him, butter him up, hint that he can get a Nobel Peace Prize.

Next, invite Trump for a summit in Teheran, Trump can claim President Obama was never invited to Teheran – he will love it. Make clear this is an important meeting where decisions will be made, so ask Trump to bring his “top team” (his children and son-in-law Jared Kushner). Tell him the flunkies on his staff (e.g., Secretary of State Pompeo and National Security Advisor Bolton) should stay in Washington.

When Trump and company arrive, pull out all the stops to make them feel important. Show the Trump family where the Trump Teheran Igolf course could be built. Suggest a location and partners for a Trump tower in Teheran, and name some out-of-the-way village after Trump (look, it worked for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu). Hint that the Iranian people, in gratitude, would like to support Trump’s re-election campaign.

Now, you might be wondering how to do all this ethically and legally under American law. Don’t worry. Have you seen any evidence that Trump, and his family, are concerned about doing things ethically? Regarding legality, ask Trump to bring along his lawyer (AKA Attorney General Barr). The man is a unique legal genius (unique in the sense that many lawyers have no idea where his legal theories come from). In my opinion, Barr will figure out how to do this without legal repercussions.

Besides goodies for the Trump family, promise the biggest U.S. military weapons order in history – tell him it will be bigger than the $110 billion deal America did with Saudi Arabia. And to get the right-wing think tanks on board, mention that when sanctions end, Iran will be very interested in out-bribing (sorry, “replacing”) Saudi Arabia in Washington as a funder of war-mongering punditry. Maybe this time, the punditry can be turned against Saudi Arabia (from what I can tell, several pundits just seem to want a war, without caring who gets bombed).

Getting Trump’s senior advisor (President Putin of Russia) and communications team (Fox News) on board will be important. Reach out to Russia’s President Putin for his support. Seriously, many people believe Trump is Putin’s Puppet – so Russia’s view will be key. Invite Tucker Carlson and some Fox News executives to also join the summit. Point out all the opportunities for Fox to profit from a captive Iranian media market, and emphasize the similar approaches of Iranian leaders and many senior Fox staff: intolerance, a commitment to nepotism, and a lack of interest in facts. You should get along well with the Fox News/Murdoch Media Empire.

Finally, propose a slightly modified JCPOA – maybe call it the Trump Iranian-American Perpetual Peace Treaty. But make sure to structure it as a real treaty requiring Senate approval, so Trump can’t change his mind. This treaty should get easy passage in the Senate. The Democrats supported the original version, and the Republicans will do anything Trump says. Lastly, get the Norwegians on board to promise Trump a Nobel Prize if this treaty gets signed.

Seriously, this could work. For the sake of world peace, give it some thought.

Magnificent Khan-e Tabatabei historic house, Kashan , Iran
Magnificent Khan-e Tabatabei historic house in Kashan , Iran

The Good and Bad of Digital Currencies

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The Good and Bad of Digital Currencies

Everything these days is going digital that is why we even have currencies that we use online. We’ve seen the rise of Bitcoin around the world and how companies including casinos use it as a method of deposit and payment. We’ve also noticed that some fans predicting sports betting odds use digital currencies. This is all of course thanks to technology.

However, as we all know that everything comes with its good and its bad points, especially if it’s man made. That is why today we will look at what the good and the bad points are with using digital wonga.

The Good Points in Digital Currencies

Safety: One of the best parts about digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dash to mention but a few is that they are safe. It is very rare to come across a person telling you that hey have robbed of their digital money. Another part of this safety is seen at online pokies for real money, as players play with real money, and real money online can be a stress, so it is a much safer option to use a currency online for virtual gaming.

Decentralized: The other great part about the use of digital currencies is that they are not controlled by anyone. Such that they are very hard to steal and to manipulate. Meaning that the only funds that one manipulates are the funds that they would have bought with their one money. Or those that they would have mined for.

Low Cost: Because there are no governing cots, digital currencies are relatively cheap. This is as the transaction cost will be kept low. This makes it easier to send and recover money from abroad.

The Bad Points With Digital Currencies

Lack of Regulation: One of the main disadvantages of using digital currencies is that it is not regulated, such that it is hard to keep track of it, and anything that is not regulated can easily go out of control, and also, if one may by chance lose their digital money, not much can be done to help that person.

Volatility: Another thing about digital currencies is their price. The prices of digital currencies are known to be highly volatile and sky rocket from time to time.

Kiwis: “Sorry No New Zealand Lamb For England”

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Kiwis: “Sorry No New Zealand Lamb For England”

After winning the cricket World Cup in spectacular fashion, the upset Kiwis are now talking about a New Zealand lamb embargo.

New Zealand Trade Minister, Robert Ewe, called for a comprehensive embargo on all trade including the famously delicious New Zealand lamb which people in Britain love to slap on their plates for dinner.

“When England beat New Zealand to win the men’s cricket World Cup for the first time after being tied twice, I practically swallowed a possum and had to slap my self awake with a Chevron Skink! England will not be eating our New Zealand lamb chops for a long time. This is an outrage! What next? The rugger?”

In an emotional and electric atmosphere at Lord’s, both sides scored 241 in their 50 overs and were level on 15 when they batted for an extra over apiece.

The tied result meant England were crowned world champions by virtue of having scored more boundary fours and sixes – 26 to New Zealand’s 17 – in the entire match.

All across New Zealand, lambs were heard sighing in relief at the news that there would be an embargo for England.

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