French student who took knife to nightclub walks free as 'he was scared to live in Britain after Brexit vote'

 A French student who took a knife to a nightclub has walked free from court after magistrates accepted he was scared to live in Britain post Brexit.

Phillippe Roubert, 20, claimed he needed the knife to protect himself from Britain's "violent" streets over fears "foreigners" were subjected to attacks.

Magistrates, sitting at Exeter Magistrates Court, took a lenient course of action after accepting his fears in the aftermath of the Brexit votewere understandable.

Roubert, Exeter, had attempted to take a butterfly blade into the Unit 1 club in the city on December 11 but was stopped by door staff.

He told police he was scared by stories of how dangerous the streets of Britain could be and how Brexit had fostered a climate of xenophobia.

His solicitor Deborah Minett asked the magistrates to take "an exceptionally lenient" view of his actions because of his fears.

Magistrates agreed and gave him a conditional discharge.

They were told Roubert, who was born in France but had also lived in Germany and Slovakia, had secured a place at Exeter University to complete his studies.

He had been a student in Exeter for 18 months and did not carry the knife on campus.

But when he went out the stories of violent Brexit Britain concerned him and he felt he needed protection.

"He used to hear stories about how dangerous the streets of Britain were and animosity to people from foreign countries. This is in the background of the Brexit vote when he first started his degree and disproportionate reporting in the press," Ms Minett said.  

"This worried him. He didn't realise we had an excellent police force and stringent laws.

"There is no way that knife would have been brandished. The knife offered him some reassurance on the back of some press reporting and views he held wrongly."

Roubert, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to having a knife in a public place.

The magistrates said they would depart from the sentencing guidelines because they were satisfied with his reasons for carrying the knife, because of the particular context of the offence and the steps the defendant had taken to address his underlying fears.

North Korea’s Rich Kids Live Life Just Like Kim Jong Un and America’s 1%

We all know life in North Korea is a lot different than in the United States. A North Korean’s favorite foods aren’t staples in the U.S. You wouldn’t recognize most of North Korea’s national holidays. Even the morning commute is drastically different. Yet there is one thing the United States and North Korea share. North Korea’s rich kids live just like their leader, Kim Jong Un, and America’s 1%.

North Korea’s elite aren’t spending close to $1 million a year on coffee like Kim Jong Un. They probably don’t have billions in the bank like America’s richest people. So yes, there’s a slight difference in the ways America’s 1% and North Korea’s rich kids live, but on a relative scale, it’s similar. Coffee shops, water parks, and workout routines are all a part of life for North Korea’s rich kids.

The official salary is $10 a month 

• Poverty is way of life for most North Koreans

What you’ve heard is definitely true: Most North Koreans barely earn enough money to survive. Even the good jobs aren’t all that great. Some experts believe the per capita income is roughly $10 per month and somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per year, according to the BBC. With the Korean Won worth roughly ₩1,075 per $1, that’s a little over 1 million North Korean won per year. 

A North Korean’s average salary isn’t enough for city life 

• There’s city living, and then there’s everything else

In the North Korea capital of Pyongyang, 1 million won per year doesn’t go very far. Just like any other big city, things are more expensive.

Monthly rent for a 900 square-foot apartment in a regular part of town is 2.8 million won. A fast food lunch costs 1,000 won, and a monthly train ticket is 54,000 won. Only the elite are able to afford life in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the rest of the country struggles just to make ends meet. 

The donju know what they’re doing 

• The rich have mastered a very specific skill

Needless to say, North Korea’s richest are taking home far more than 1 million won per year. Even the lucky North Koreans who make $62 per month building products for South Korean companies aren’t considered truly rich. The North Korean term is donju, and they are masters of money, and in relative terms, they live just like the rich and famous 1% in America. 

How are the elite getting rich? 

• Kim Jong Un wouldn’t like it

So how are North Korea’s rich elite padding their bank accounts? The same way North Korea does, just on a smaller scale. Some people who escaped the country tell the Washington Post of their smuggling, drug dealing, and illicit trading to earn extra money.

Those methods of earning cash are risky. They aren’t totally legal and they could draw the ire of murderous leader Kim Jong Un, but that extra income helped finance their escapes. Not only that, but Pyongyang is home to a growing gray market that helps put some extra won in the pocketbook for the donju who know how to work the system. 

24-hour coffee shops 

• They don’t have a Starbucks, but they love their luxury coffee

There’s no word on whether North Korea’s rich kids go crazy for pumpkin spice lattes, but they do enjoy their specialty coffee. Apparently, there is no shortage of places in Pyongyang serving up luxury lattes. The drinks cost $4 each or more, but the richest North Koreans don’t mind shelling out. Though a $4 coffee is nothing to most Americans, in North Korea it’s a luxury only the 1% can afford. 

Dining out at steakhouses 

• The North Korean elite get to eat almost like Kim Jong Un

North Korea’s rich kids may not dine exactly like Kim Jong Un. Chances are they’re not eating cured meats and drinking expensive champagne, but the wealthy are coming close.

Steakhouses serve $50 cuts of meat, and kimchi and beer are on the menu at hotspots throughout Pyongyang. While rural peasants are slaving to survive, the urban elite are living a life luxury akin to America’s 1%. 

Smartphones 

• Everyone who’s anyone in North Korea needs a cell phone

There’s no Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, but the North Korean elite are falling in love with smartphones. In Pyongyang, the eyes of North Korea’s rich kids are glued to smartphones just like any other big city in the world.

Up to 3 million people subscribe to cell service in North Korea, and the luxury is reserved for North Korea’s version of the 1%. Each phone is rumored to cost $400, but the actual cost is much higher. According to one researcher, the phones offer a prime way for the government to spy on its citizens. 

Coffee, dinner, and phones are just the tip of the iceberg 

• There’s even more that North Korea’s rich people spend their money on

This is where we call on former infomercial salesman Billy Mays to tell you, “But wait, there’s more!” In addition to coffee, steaks, and smartphones, there’s so much more North Korea’s rich kids spend their money on. They buy gym memberships and work out religiously. The gym is a place to see and be seen in something other than conservative clothes.

All that gym time pays off when it’s time to hang out at Pyongyang’s sprawling waterpark, which is something only North Korea’s 1% can afford. And when it’s time to tie the knot, the bride and groom should be prepared to shell out $500 an hour minimum for a banquet hall. 

Department stores offer everything North Korea’s rich kids could want 

• Watches, whiskey, and perfume — for a price

Even a communist country like North Korea has some capitalist leanings. According to a report from CNN, North Korean department stores in Pyongyang are selling luxury goods to anyone who has enough cash.

The downside is the money funds North Korea’s nuclear program, which is killing its own people. The upside is being able to flash the latest fashion trends and other status symbols around town.

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This House, Built And Decorated In The 70s, Has Remained Untouched Since (10 Pics)

 This groovy house is a real time capsule and it is for sale.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in ’70s SHAG CARPET HEAVEN, well, check this out.

This yuuuuge house in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a total time capsule of 1970s glory.

7 Things Your Hands Say about Your Health

Our bodies give us an array of signals about our health, from our tongues to our toes. Let’s take a look at what your hands are telling you about your overall health.

WHAT YOUR HANDS SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

1. Arthritis

A study, published in the Arthritis and Rheumatism, found that subjects whose ring fingers are longer than their index fingers may be at higher risk for osteoarthritis. Women with this trait were three times more likely to develop arthritis.

2. Parkinson’s Disease

Has your big, looping cursive turned into cramped, small lettering? This could be an early sign of Parkinson’s Disease, called micrographia. Before you panic, though, talk to a doctor. Changes in vision or less dexterous fingers can also cause micrographia.

Shaking hands can also be a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, especially if your hands shake whether you’re moving them or not. If keeping them still stops your hands from shaking, the cause likely isn’t Parkinson’s. Again, this is definitely something to talk to your doctor about before you get too worried.

3. Kidney Disease

Your fingernails can tell you a lot about your kidney health. Ridges on your nails—either going across the nail or causing your nails to “spoon” can both indicate issues. If the ridges go across your nails, that can indicate kidney disease. If you’re seeing concave nails, that can indicate iron deficiency, which commonly accompanies kidney disease 

White streaks, white spots or nails that are white on the bottom half only can also indicate kidney issues. Definitely talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any dramatic changes to your fingernails.

4. Heart Condition

Grip strength can be an early indicator of heart attack or stroke risk, according to a 2015 study published in The Lancet. A loose grip can also predict your risk of dying from heart disease.

Grip strength is an indicator of something called biological age. You know the saying, “You’re only as old as you feel.” That’s biological age in a nutshell. Your biological age is how well your body functions compared to your actual age in calendar years.

Your hands can also indicate how likely you are to develop high blood pressure. A 1993 study found that patients with a “whorl” style fingerprint were more likely to have high blood pressure.

Thick fingertips, a condition called “clubbing,” can indicate heart disease, lung disease or a slew of other health issues. Definitely make a doctor’s appointment if you notice thick fingertips, “floating” nails that don’t seem to be attached well to your fingers, or nails that curve downward.

5. Liver Disease

If you have chronically blotchy, red palms, it could indicate a liver condition. This is another “don’t panic” situation, though. Red palms—also called palmar erythema—can be hereditary or caused by something less serious. Before you decide that you definitely have cirrhosis and call your whole family, talk to your doctor.

6. Hypothyroidism

Swollen fingers and joint pain can indicate a thyroid issue. Carpal tunnel can also accompany these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about a thyroid test if you are experiencing prolonged swelling and joint pain in your fingers.

7. Cyanosis

Cyanosis is a lack of oxygen in the blood, and blue fingernails are a common symptom of this condition. Cyanosis isn’t a condition itself, but it can indicate a number of health issues, like asthma, pneumonia or heart disease.

Of course, if you’ve just come in from a snowball fight, and your fingernails are blue, don’t panic. Cyanosis doesn’t describe the blue tint your fingers can get when your hands are cold. It’s persistent, regardless of temperature.

Chronic blue fingernails are definitely something you should discuss with your doctor. However, if you notice cyanosis and you’re experiencing shortness of breath or any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 right away.

10 Surprising Things That Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones

The thought of passing a kidney stone makes me cringe. Chances are you feel the same way since the pain of kidney stones is comparable to childbirth.

While kidney stones mostly affect men, in recent years, more women are forming stones due to increased obesity rates and other factors I’ll discuss below.

Kidney stones usually form when minerals like calcium, oxalate and phosphate become concentrated in the urine and form crystals.

It’s important to know what causes kidney stones if you want to prevent them. Here are things that increase risk of kidney stones.

1. Taking too many vitamin C supplements

According to a recent study, vitamin C supplements can cause kidney stones. The study tracked records of more than 22,000 men, over a period of 10 years, and found that those who toke high doses of vitamin C doubled their risk of kidney stones.

Those taking more than 7 vitamin C supplements a week had the highest risk. This is because vitamin C is excreted in the oxalate form, which may lead to stones.

Note that there was no link found between foods rich in vitamin C and kidney stones. 

2. Not eating enough citrus fruits

If you haven’t eaten an orange or grapefruit in the last few weeks, you may have higher risk of forming stones.

Citrus fruits contain citrate, a compound that lowers risk of kidney stones. Adding lime or lemon to drinking water is great way to get this nutrient.

3. Climate change

You may be surprised to find out that the number of patients seeking treatment for kidney stones is rising, as daily temperatures increase.

In a study that analyzed records of 60,000 adults and children with kidney stones, between 2005 and 2011, researchers found that as the daily temperatures rose in different cities, so did the risk of kidney stones.

The researchers said it’s possible that high temperatures increase risk in people who are predisposed to stone formation.

4. Low calcium intake

Most people assume that reducing calcium intake will prevent stones since calcium binds with other minerals to form stones. But this assumption is wrong. Research shows that people on low-calcium diets have higher risk of kidney stones.

It’s safer to get calcium from foods since calcium supplements have been linked to kidney stones.

5. Eating too many leafy greens

Leafy greens such as spinach, beets and rhubarb contain oxalates. As I mentioned earlier, oxalates bind with calcium to form kidney stones.

Even though leafy greens are healthy, stick to low-oxalate veggies like kale, especially if you have a family history of kidney stones.

6. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can increase risk of kidney stones. Make sure you drink 8 glasses or 2 liters of water a day.

7. High salt intake

Eating too much salt increases the amount of calcium excreted by the kidney, which makes it easier for stones for form.

Most of the salt we consume is hidden in processed foods, so cut out processed foods from your diet. And avoid adding too much table salt to food.

8. Genetics

You have a higher risk of forming stones if either of your parents had them. For some people, the body can’t efficiently absorb oxalate due to genetics.

9. Drinking soda 

If you’re thinking of drinking soda to stay hydrated, that’s bad idea. According to research, the fructose in sweetened drinks increases risk of kidney stones.

One study found that drinking a can of soda a day increased risk of kidney stones by 23 percent.

10. Eating too much meat

Eating too much red meat and poultry boosts uric acid in the body, which consequently increases risk of stones. In fact, fish-eaters and vegetarians have 30 to 50 percent lower risk of kidney stones.

The Most Common Health Issues the Average American Will Face in Their Lifetime

You’re going to have to die of something eventually. Debilitating diseases don’t have to be your downfall, though. If you live in the U.S., you’ll likely experience one or more of these health issues firsthand. Here’s what you have to look forward to — and what you might be able to do to prevent illness and live a longer, healthier life.

Cancer 

At the beginning of 2017, experts estimated that new cancer diagnoses would near 2 million in the U.S. According to the National Cancer Institute, risk factors for the development of many types of cancer include alcohol overuse, age, chronic inflammation, obesity, poor diet, and more. There is no miracle food that can cure cancer or stop it from happening. However, living an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and monitoring your alcohol consumption are all things you can start doing today to decrease your risk.

Blood poisoning 

Sepsis, or blood poisoning, may affect over a million Americans annually, says the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Cases are on the rise, probably because people with chronic diseases are living longer than they used to — conditions where sepsis is more common. Antibiotic resistance could also be to blame, since fewer bacterial infections are treatable. Officials are working on ways to help you avoid this potentially fatal condition.

Alzheimer’s disease 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this condition is the 6th leading cause of death in America. By 2050, over 16 million older adults could be living with the disease. Is it preventable? The National Institute on Agingsays regular exercise — both physical and mental — might be able to delay onset or decrease your risk altogether. Drinking less alcohol and sleeping more might also help.

Type 2 diabetes 

When your body can no longer regulate its own blood sugar, a doctor will diagnose a patient with Type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that over 8 million Americans might have diabetes without knowing it, Healthline says. You’re more likely to develop the condition if you’re older, overweight, or genetically predisposed to insulin resistance. Here’s what you can start doing right now to lower your diabetes risk.

Heart disease 

The American Heart Association says heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the U.S. It’s estimated to be responsible for 1 in every 7 deaths nationwide. You can live with heart disease for a long time, but there is no cure, and it usually isn’t reversible. It affects both the young and old, physically active, and chronically sedentary. However, exercising, eating a healthy diet, and attending regular checkups with your doctor can all help delay and even prevent its onset.

Stroke 

A stroke occurs when a blockage prevents oxygen from getting to your brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that on average, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds — and someone dies of stroke every four minutes. High blood pressure and many other chronic conditions significantly increase your stroke risk. Diet, exercise, stress management, and more can help you avoid having a stroke at any age.

Obesity 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over 1 in 3 American adults lived with obesity in 2014. Women showed a higher prevalence of obesity at that time than men. Risk factors range from unhealthy lifestyle behaviors to chronic sleep deprivation to genetics. Obesity increases your risk for many of the health issues summarized above. This is why many professionals focus on weight control to help individuals avoid other devastating conditions.