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Tours to the Arab Emirates  is an opportunity to get acquainted with the Arab culture, enjoy high quality service and relax by the sea. This is especially nice to do when the weather at home is not at all happy.

The autumn-winter trip to the UAE has many advantages, you:

• change the climate, and this will help get rid of the blues;
• you can celebrate Christmas or New Year in an unusual setting;
• see the sights in comfortable conditions, without the crazy heat, while sunbathing on the beach and even swimming;
• save a substantial amount.

There is a stereotype that the Emirates is a country for an elite holiday. Yes, the level of service here is excellent. But in winter, the cost of a tour to the UAE can be quite compared with the cost of traveling to the same Egypt. And if you choose  early booking tours in the UAE , you can get a trip even cheaper!

What are good last-minute tours in the UAE "All inclusive"?

A hot tour is suitable for those who can pack up in a couple of days or even hours and go on an adventure. Bonus - a very pleasant price for the rest. And the All Inclusive format will save you from worries about catering and leisure!

Weather in the UAE in winter by months

• Weather in the UAE in October. This month, the tourist season is just beginning. It will be good for those who came to the sea, and those who want to spend more time on excursions. Daytime temperature - up to 35-36 degrees, water - up to 31 degrees.

• Weather in the UAE in November. November is the peak of the tourist season. Daytime temperature - up to 31 degrees, water - up to 28 degrees.

• Weather in the UAE in December. In December, the UAE is dry and quite warm: the average daily temperature is 25-26 degrees, the water temperature is up to 25 degrees.

• Weather in the UAE in January is not hot: it's time for sightseeing and shopping! Daytime temperature - up to 24 degrees, water temperature - up to 22 degrees.

Where to relax: UAE resorts

• Dubai is an emirate of high prices and developed infrastructure. It is here that the Palm Islands, the building of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, a lot of shopping centers are located. Separately, it is worth noting the buggy ride dubai. 

• Sharjah is ideal for a family holiday. You also need to know that alcohol is prohibited in this emirate.

• Fujairah attracts tourists who love to snorkel and dive. Also, the emirate is very green, there are mineral springs.

• Abu Dhabi is a place of chic entertainment and perfect beaches.

• From the small emirate of Ajman it is convenient to go on excursions throughout the country!

• In the rest of the emirates, conditions for tourism are just beginning to develop.

Which hotel to choose: popular options

We offer you an overview of the most popular hotels in the UAE for families with children. All hotels have all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable pastime: restaurants, cafes, opportunities for sports and business meetings.

1.  Coral Beach Resort S harjah 4 * , Sharjah. Located near the historical sights of Ajman and Sharjah, on the coast. The hotel has a large park-like area and its own sandy beach. The rooms are located in the same 6-storey building. Meals - from BB (breakfast only) to UAI (expanded All Inclusive format). For children there is an outdoor pool, a children's menu and a club, high chairs in the restaurant and a crib in the room. You can also order babysitting services.

2. Grand Hotel Sharjah 4*, Sharjah. Non-alcoholic hotel for families, located on the beach. It is one 7-storey building, the hotel has Russian-speaking staff. The hotel has its own sandy beach. Meals - from the format "No meals" to "All inclusive". For children, an outdoor pool, a games room and a playground, a cot in the room and a chair in the restaurant, as well as a children's menu are available.

3. Kempinski Hotel & Residence Palm Jumeirah 5*, Dubai. The hotel, more like a palace, is located on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah overlooking the Persian Gulf. The complex consists of a 7-storey building and 12 villas. Spacious territory, spa center, Russian-speaking hotel workers, private sandy beach. Meals: from the format "Without meals" to half board (breakfast and dinner). There is a playground, a swimming pool and a club, there is a children's menu, paid cooking classes and babysitting services. The hotel provides free milk before bed, as well as a stroller and a potty.

4. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa 5 *, Dubai. Located near the Burj Khalifa and other attractions, just 15 minutes drive from the airport. Guests will relax on a private sandy beach, try different cuisines in the restaurant, visit the spa, gym. For children there is a shallow paddling pool.

5. Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah 5*, Dubai. The "Harbor of Peace" (namely, this is how the name of the hotel is translated) has literally everything you can dream of: from 40 restaurants to an Arab bazaar! Guests also receive unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water Park. The beach is private, sandy. The hotel is housed in a 7-storey building. Meals - from the format "Without meals" to half board (breakfast and dinner). For children, there are water slides, a swimming pool, a playground, a children's menu and a club, as well as paid babysitting services. The restaurant has high chairs and a cot can be provided in your room upon request.

6. Atlantis The Palm 5*, Dubai. The hotel is located on the island of Palma. It is suitable for both youth and families. The building consists of 2 towers, which are connected by an arch. The hotel is connected by a monorail road, guests have unlimited access to both Aquaventure water park and The Lost Chambers underwater museum. The hotels own a sandy beach, which is located inside the island, so the sea is always calm here. Meals - from breakfast to the All Inclusive format. For children there is an outdoor pool, a playground, a club, a special menu and high chairs, educational programs, a crib in the room, and babysitting services.

What to visit and what to try?

Even if you have chosen an All Inclusive holiday, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying the national dishes of the UAE. Remember that, as devout Muslims, the locals do not eat pork. We advise you to try manakish - cheese with herbs and olives, wrapped in bread, falafel, hummus, various fish (for example, briki or Al-Madrubu) and meat dishes (biryani, shawarma), as well as coffee and numerous desserts.

In winter, as we have already mentioned, is the time to go sightseeing. It will be interesting for you to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi: markets, skyscrapers, islands, mosques, everything is done insanely beautiful and on a grand scale. Popular locations are the ethnographic village of Umm al-Nar, the Musandam Peninsula, the city of Al-Ain. Also, winter time is favorable for shopping: you can buy quality items at a solid discount.

In any space, objects and room aesthetics play an important role. They help to place accents, add variety to the color scheme, and provide the space with a complete appearance.

Such things often do not have a functional load at all, but still contribute to the creation of a cozy, inviting and warm atmosphere. It is they who often act as the component that distinguishes a room where it is pleasant and comfortable to be, from sterile and soulless government offices or hospital wards with modern furniture and decoration.

Objects and decor elements are those little things that help transform the interior. They can play both a key role, forming complex design compositions, and remain in the background, emphasizing the overall design concept or acting as a not the most catchy addition.

A variety of decor items are in demand for interior design. These can be both things made by hand from improvised materials, as well as floristic compositions with stabilized flowers correctly selected by specialists. Fortunately, modern technologies are constantly expanding the choice of various items and interior elements.

What are the elements of decor for the interior

In a broad sense, decor is a variety of items used to decorate and decorate various rooms. Depending on the characteristic features, it can be divided into three groups:

• architectural decor. In fact, these are elements that are part of the decoration, for example, columns, arches, gables, window openings of the original form, etc.;
• sculptural decor. Within this group, the widest range of products is presented, ranging from various figurines to plaster or clay compositions;
• picturesque decor. The most striking representative of this type of interior items are paintings.

Interior design elements are also classified by origin.
These can be such products:

• made by the owner of the interior;
• made to order;
• mass production.

Items of the first two categories are considered more valuable, as they are associated with the creative process, and are more likely to bring individuality, originality and originality to the design.

Decor created to order by specialized specialists is often even more valuable than self-made. It is suitable for complex stylistic decisions, allowing you to ensure that the finished decor fits perfectly into a specific concept. That is why exclusive floral arrangements are ordered from florists, and forged products are ordered from special workshops working with metal.

All decor items can also be divided into groups depending on the location in the interior:

1. Outdoor: various large vases, lamps, decorative trees, etc.
2. Desktop: clocks, lamps, figurines, flower arrangements.
3. Wall: paintings, clocks, mirrors, sconces, phytopannos.
4. Ceiling: chandeliers, various lamps, mirrors, etc.

In the world of modern technologies, new techniques appear daily, innovative materials are used for the manufacture and processing of decor. Therefore, decorative elements and objects can be classified according to the materials from which they are made.

The most popular include:

• wooden crafts. They can be made of various breeds, provide elements of carving and other design;
• stone. It can be various installations, sculptures, figurines and much more;
• metal. Most often in the interior use products obtained by forging or casting;
• ceramics. Porcelain can be considered the most popular material for interior solutions. Decor items are often made from it, repeating various national and cultural motifs;
• gypsum. Characteristic material for the manufacture of sculptures;
• glass. It is used to create both stained glass mosaics and individual accessories, including vases, lamps, etc.;
• different types of plastic and paper. Popular due to their availability and flexibility in processing. From plastic today you can get decor items of any size and shape;
• textile. The material is also in demand for decoration. Firstly, some functional elements of decor are made from it, for example, curtains, as well as interior dolls, tablecloths, decorative pillows, etc.
• recyclables. A separate species, the popularity of which is growing every year, is the result of the processing of various materials for the purpose of their reuse. This is due, first of all, to the threatening environmental situation in the world. The use of recycled materials in decor, clothing and interiors is intended to draw attention to the problem of saving resources.

The use of elements of wildlife in the decor is also addressed to the issues of resource conservation. First of all, we are talking about stabilized flowers, greenery and moss. Since the live juice of such flora is replaced by a special saline or glycerin solution and ensures the preservation of a natural look from 5 to 10 years, the use of such material reduces the consumption of ordinary flora, while pleasing its owners for many years with a fresh look and lack of care.

For many individuals, meat is the star of a meal. But cutting back on meat — or cutting it out altogether — could help you become a healthier version of yourself. A vegetarian diet can offer unique benefits to your body and the environment. So, whether you are considering going vegetarian or you’ve been eating that way for years, let’s explore some of the unique benefits of eliminating meat from your diet.

Vegetarian Diet

First things first, a vegetarian diet could refer to several different eating patterns. Generally, vegetarian diets include non-animal products, like fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, etc. But when it comes to animal byproducts, like eggs and dairy, vegetarian diets can differ.

On EatLove, we categorize a vegetarian diet into the following groups:

• Vegetarian (lacto-ovo): A diet that excludes meat and seafood but includes dairy and eggs
• Lacto-vegetarian: A diet that excludes meat, seafood, and eggs but includes dairy
• Ovo-vegetarian: A diet that excludes meat, seafood, and dairy but includes eggs
• Vegan: A diet that excludes meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs

For the purpose of this blog post, we mean the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet when we refer to a vegetarian diet.

Note that a vegetarian diet is a general approach to eating. It does not include specific macro or micro requirements. This diet just focuses on eating more plant-based foods.

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of a vegetarian diet, let’s dive into some of the surprising benefits.

Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

When individuals follow a vegetarian diet that provides them with the adequate nutrients they need, this type of diet can result in a number of health benefits. Check out the list below to discover some of the unique advantages to a vegetarian diet.

1. Boost Heart Health

A vegetarian diet has been shown to help boost your heart health in a number of different ways.

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce risk of heart disease
• Lower cholesterol

A vegetarian diet may offer these heart-healthy benefits due to foods that are higher in fiber and unsaturated fats. Both of these nutrients help manage the body’s cholesterol. Plus, a vegetarian diet has lower levels of saturated fats, total fats, and cholesterol in the diet compared to meat-based diets.

2. Help the Environment

Eating a vegetarian diet can also benefit the environment. Animals emit greenhouse gases, resulting in a larger carbon footprint than vegetables or grains. In fact, a meat-based diet increases carbon emissions 2.5 times more than a plant-based diet. These greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and climate changes around the world.

In addition to contributing to greenhouse gases, a meat-based diet requires a lot of other resources. Animals need water to survive and grow. A single chicken breast requires over 140 gallons of water. In contrast, plants generally don’t require as much water throughout their lifetime compared to their yield. A study by the European Commission revealed that a vegetarian diet could reduce water consumption by 27% to 41%.

Finally, animals require more land than plants to thrive. Cattle, in particular, take up more agricultural land than other domesticated animals and crops combined! A vegetarian diet requires less than half of the agricultural land that domesticated animals need.

3. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

A vegetarian diet may also help you avoid Type 2 diabetes as you age. In studies, sticking to a vegetarian diet was associated with a 35% to 53% lower risk of developing diabetes.

How can plant-based foods help reduce the risk of diabetes? Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include obesity and fat distribution in the body. Fatty tissue causes the body to be more resistant to insulin. A plant-based diet reduces saturated fats and cholesterol, which can help reduce fatty tissue in turn.

4. Manage Weight

Plant-based diets can help you manage your weight, too. While this lifestyle choice doesn’t inherently cause weight loss, it can help you cut down on fatty tissues and empty calories so that you can better manage your weight.

However, a vegetarian diet could cause you to gain weight if your portion sizes are too big or if you eat more high-calorie or high-fat foods. To best manage your weight, you should follow a vegetarian diet tailored to your health and body composition. EatLove makes it easy to find meals with the perfect balance of nutrients to help you manage your weight while sticking to a vegetarian diet.

5. Keep Your Brain Sharp

Plant-based foods can help keep your brain healthy. Studies have shown that consuming more plant-based foods could be linked to lower rates of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive impairments. This could be because produce and whole grains are rich in polyphenols, which have been found to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is needed to determine the exact correlation between a vegetarian diet and cognitive performance.

6. Prevent Cancer

Eating a vegetarian diet could also help you reduce your risk of developing cancer. Plants contain phytochemicals that may help protect your cells from damage. They are also high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, helping individuals remain healthier. Plus, a vegetarian diet may help manage weight — as we’ve discussed — which is a risk factor for cancer.

Additionally, red meat and processed meats have been linked to certain kinds of cancers, including colon, rectum, prostate, pancreatic, and stomach. By eliminating these meats from your diet, you can reduce cancer risk.

7. Reduce Risk of Food-Borne Illness

Have you ever had food poisoning? Not fun. While eating vegetarian doesn’t completely eliminate your risk of food-borne illness, it does significantly cut down on the risk. That’s because meat, poultry, seafood, and fish are the common culprits in cases of food-borne illness. But don’t think that a vegetarian or vegan diet will keep you from getting sick. There are still plenty of bacteria and contaminants that can appear on your produce as well.

Conclusion

A vegetarian diet could help you boost your overall health and reduce your risk for health complications if you stick to proper portions and nutrient levels for your body. However, you don’t have to be a strict vegetarian to enjoy these benefits. You can try eating vegetarian for 1 or 2 meals each week. Get ideas on vegetarian meals that fit your nutritional needs and food preferences on EatLove. Sign up for a free trial to get started.

Casino online. Smartphone or mobile phone, slot machine, dice, cards and roulette on a green table in casino. 3d illustration

With advancements in technology, almost every industry has gone digital. Today, online casinos have become the go-to place for punters in the digital space, with almost every operator looking for ways to improve the experience in this highly competitive market. That includes giving them attractive bonuses and promotions, immersive live casino games, mobile gaming, and other innovations. As such, online casinos have proven to offer various benefits to gambling enthusiasts, including:

• Availability of Bonuses & Promotions

To attract more players and get their customers to regularly visit their gambling platforms, online casino operators offer various bonuses and promotions to them. For instance, leading casinos offer new players a no deposit bonus for creating betting accounts on their platforms. That gives them enough bankroll to get a taste of what a platform has to offer, even before spending their money.

Besides the no deposit bonus for new players, online casino operators also offer various promotions to existing players, including free spins for slots. Additionally, some casino websites go a step further to ensure that the promotions are always fresh to increase customer satisfaction and transparency.

• Online Casinos Match Your Schedule

Unlike land-based casinos where most table games run according to a preset schedule, online gambling platforms will always match the player’s schedule. You can access the casino games at any time or pause your game to attend to different daily chores. Additionally, online casino games are a great pastime during your break after long hours at the office, making them highly flexible for players to multitask.

• Global Access

The global access of online casinos is one of the greatest advantages of wagering on the internet. That means punters can place bets from anywhere in the world, even from jurisdictions that don’t license casino operators. That has been made possible by the availability of cross-border payment platforms that allow you to deposit your wager from anywhere in the world. Additionally, players can gamble from any device.

• Minimizes Pressure

Online casinos offer players the privacy they need to gamble, minimizing their pressure when playing games. That is achieved by reducing the waiting time when playing and there’s no crowd surrounding you when playing. Additionally, you don’t need to share your hand with other players or wait for them to finish playing to take your turn.

• Wide Variety of Games

While land-based casinos have a considerable amount of floor space with various games, they suffer from physical constraints and can’t host every casino game available. However, online casinos don’t have a space problem. As such, they’re able to host as many games as possible, thereby serving a wide range of gamblers.

Players can find most games available in land-based casinos online, plus a variety of other innovative titles. You can choose between classic titles like poker, blackjack, craps, Baccarat, and roulette or modern slots, esports and sports betting.

• Value for Money

Online casinos give the player the value for the money they put in, unlike in land-based casinos. That’s because land-based casinos only have several gaming slot machines and tables while trying to maximize their profits. That means they can’t allow players to enjoy any game for free and risk potential paying customers walking away due to the unavailability of space.

With online casinos, gamblers have the chance to test them using play money and practice before starting to put in their hard-earned cash. That’s because gamblers can play risk-free without taking up the space for potential paying customers.

• Great Source of Entertainment

Online casinos are an excellent source of your daily entertainment for anyone looking for a gambling thrill. That makes the online casino market a great place for people looking for heart-thumping gaming action involving money. Thankfully, there are lots of games to choose from, hosted by reliable companies that deliver a secure gaming environment and an immersive experience.

• Self-monitoring

Problem gambling is a major problem in the casino industry. Fortunately, online casinos make it easier for players to monitor their gambling habits and avoid such issues. That’s why these online casinos allow you to access your gambling history at any time so that you can monitor your expenditure over a certain period. Additionally, most web-based casinos have several measures put in place to avoid gambling addiction while having fun with their games.

Peony season is almost upon us! From the months of April to June we get to welcome these beautiful blooms into our British gardens. Coral peonies are the first to arrive, shortly followed by traditional pink peonies in the early summer.

What’s not to love about this beautiful cloud-like bloom? Keep reading to learn more about this prevalent summertime flower…

The history of the peony flower

There are numerous tales in existence as to how the peony bloom first got its name. One such tale suggests the name originates from the Greek word Paeon. Paeon was the physician of the gods in Greek mythology.

Having extracted a liquid from a peonies root, which cured Pluto, Paeon was said to have angered Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing – and also his tutor. In order to protect Paeon from Asclepius, Zeus, turned Paeon into a beautiful flower.

Another Greek myth surrounds a nymph named Paeonia. Having attracted the attention of Apollo, it is said that Aphrodite turned Paeonia into the plant we know today out of spite and jealousy.

In the gardens of China, Peonies are said to date back to 1000BC. By the eighth century, they were introduced to Japan, which is now a major supplier of the peony.

In the Eastern world, instead of being used for their aesthetic appeal, peonies were mainly used for their medicinal properties. Both the seeds and roots were often used to treat the likes asthma and headaches and to relieve pain associated with childbirth.

It wasn’t until the 1800s that peonies were first introduced to Europe, having been discovered by the explorers of the period. Their beauty caught the attention of Impressionist painters, including Manet and Renoir, who include the blooms in a number of their works.

Today, they’re one of the most prevalent flowers in existence and are used in a variety of ornamental gardens, as well as in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Peony facts

Find out more about this prevalent bloom and discover why you might want to add peonies to your home or garden space. They require minimum care when grown outdoors and should be planted in sunny spots that aren’t overly exposed to high winds. You may want to add them to borders or to hanging baskets.

• Most of today’s peony plants come in the shape of hybrids of the native true varieties.
• It is thought that peonies have been on Earth for more than 4,000 years!
• All in all, there are around 40 peony species, all of which originate from Europe, Asia, and North America.
• In terms of height, peony blooms can grow up to 25 cm in diameter.
• They’re available in every hue imaginable – apart from blue – and are bowl-shaped in style.
• These blooms flower from late spring to early summer.
• Peonies have the natural ability to perform self-pollination.
• Sweetened petals and partially cooked peonies are consumed in China as desserts. Fresh petals can also be added to salads or used as a garnish in cocktails.
• The peony is one of the most prevalent blooms for use in summer wedding bouquets and is also the official 12th wedding anniversary flower.
• The peony, as a perennial, can live for up to 100 years when cared for correctly and cultivated under optimal conditions.

This bloom is one of the world’s most adored perennials. Few blooms boast petals as delicate and rich in texture as the peony. They also offer a stunning fragrance and promise to add an instant injection of hue to the home or garden, when placed in a bouquet or when planted on a border.

As well as being extremely aesthetically pleasing, these blooms are in fact extremely low-maintenance, yet have the ability to last for lengthy periods.

Different hues represent different emotions

If you intend to gift a beautiful bouquet of peonies to a loved one, it’s important to research what the hues mean. Each individual colour stands for something different.

White peony blooms

Subtly elegant, timeless, and incredibly sophisticated, the white peony boasts a reserved appeal. It exudes romance, whilst injecting any room in the home with a crisp, airy, beach-like aura. This bloom denotes feelings of enduring beauty and is unmatched for its regal appearance.

Light pink peony blooms

One of the most prevalent peony hues is light pink. Subtle and pale in style, blush tones are often associated with luck, romance, and prosperity. They’re equally suited to Valentine’s Day gifts and anniversary celebrations.

Hot pink peony blooms

Hot pink peonies are eye-catching, bold, and passionate in style. This intense hue conveys passion and drama in a single look. This is why this colour is often associated with feelings of deep appreciation, allure, and attraction. Pink peonies are also symbolic of joy, radiance, happiness, and romance, thanks to their uplifting shades.

The US administration and members of Congress are discussing new instruments of pressure on Moscow

Washington will continue to increase pressure on Russia, as well as provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine. This follows from the discussions that have unfolded in recent days in the US Congress. If on other topics there are many contradictions between the parties and the administration, then an enviable unity reigns as regards approaches to Russia. In particular, the possibility of including the Russian Federation in the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, as well as transferring the frozen assets of Russian businessmen and companies to help Ukraine is being discussed. This conclusion can be drawn from the speech in the Senate by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, as well as the bill passed in the House of Representatives. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the United States is considering "measures of an idiotic nature," which, if approved, will not go unanswered.

Wednesday saw the end of a two-day hearing in the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the State Department's budget. They were held with the participation of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The hearing was broadcast by C-Span. Learn more at https://newsfuturist.com/. 

Central to these hearings was the situation in Ukraine. Mr. Blinken just returned from Kyiv and actively shared his impressions of what he saw with the legislators. And the main leitmotif of the past discussions: Congress and the US administration will actively work together to further confront Russia and more actively help Ukraine.

Perhaps the main news was that the United States is indeed considering the inclusion of Russia in the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. With a request for this during telephone conversations two weeks ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed US President Joe Biden, The Washington Post reported.

When asked by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham about the likelihood that the State Department will include Russia in this list, Anthony Blinken answered in the affirmative. And noted that this step is "under consideration." “The issue (and this is what lawyers are paying attention to) is the need to make sure that we really meet the statutory requirements for this definition,” the diplomat said. In response, the senator assured that for such an occasion, the Senate is ready to assist in changing the rules.

“If you need to change the law so that Russia fits, you will have 100 votes,” Mr. Graham assured.

Under current rules, for a country to be recognized as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the US Secretary of State must provide evidence that the government of that State has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism. The list of such countries now includes Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea. If Russia is recognized as a sponsor of terrorism, this will entail restrictions on foreign aid and a ban on arms exports. At the same time, as The Wall Street Journal notes, such a decision by the State Department will be more of a declarative nature: after the start of the “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, sanctions have already been imposed on most trade with the Russian Federation.

Perhaps the only one who even slightly wondered about other reasons for what is happening in Ukraine was Senator Rand Paul, who reminded Anthony Blinken that Moscow had repeatedly warned Washington about “red lines” – in particular, the inadmissibility of NATO expansion and Ukraine's entry into it.

During a skirmish with the Secretary of State, the senator noted that "there is no justification for the invasion," but "there are reasons for the invasion."

The legislator also accused American diplomacy of "agitation" for joining NATO, while "opponents called it a red line." Mr. Paul recalled that Ukraine and Georgia had been part of the USSR for many years.

In response, the head of the American foreign policy department objected: this does not mean that these countries do not have the right to independence, and the NATO open door policy is a fundamental principle of the organization and cannot be questioned. In addition, Anthony Blinken assured that American diplomacy was open to mediation in negotiations on the neutral status of Ukraine.

With the exception of the position of Rand Paul, there was unanimity in the Senate these days: Russia should be put under more pressure, and Ukraine should be supported more actively. In particular, in opening remarks on Tuesday, Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez and Republican Jim Risch, who previously chaired the committee, expressed solidarity that the current administration is not doing enough. “You are doing, but not as much as you can and should,” said Mr. Risch, addressing the Secretary of State.

Anthony Blinken did not object to the deployment of an even wider front of assistance to Ukraine. True, noting that this will require more funds and joint discussions. The senators expressed their readiness to approve all this as soon as possible.

“For us to be able to accomplish this task, we will need continued funding, new powers, and, perhaps most importantly, partnership with Congress,” the Secretary of State noted and added that this channel is necessary for more rapid authorization by lawmakers of the State Department’s activities in the context of Ukraine. “We look forward to working hard with you,” he stressed.

Robert Menendez asked Mr. Blinken what the head of the State Department discussed during his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In particular, the senator was interested in what other assistance Ukraine wants to receive. “I’m sure committee members will want to hear about President Zelensky’s requests for help, both militarily and otherwise. Do we agree with his requests? Will we move forward and strive to fulfill his requests?” asked Mr. Menendez.

To which he received an affirmative answer.

“In a nutshell, yes,” said Anthony Blinken, “we are making sure the Ukrainians have the equipment they need to repel potential Russian aggression.”

Then Robert Menendez asked another question: "So I'm assuming we're going to consider an additional request?" The senator expressed confidence that such a request - if it comes - will be supported by both parties.

“I suppose so. Yes, today we have seen tremendous solidarity. Although it took a lot of work,” Mr. Blinken answered the question of whether we should expect new requests from the administration for assistance to Ukraine.

It should be noted that in addition to budget financing of Ukraine's needs, the US Congress found another source of funds. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill calling on President Joe Biden to sell the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs and use the funds to provide additional military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

The law is non-binding, but its passage by a vote of 417 in favor and eight against reflects a bipartisan desire for the president to take a more aggressive stance, The New York Times recalls that the same calls come from the administration itself. In particular, a day earlier, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in the Senate that the authorities would ask Congress to expand its powers to confiscate and liquidate Russian property in the United States.

“All the measures that they will take, even of such an idiotic nature, will be developed and continued. We, of course, leave nothing unanswered, and they must understand this, ”Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday on the Soloviev Live TV channel.

 

Over the past several years, cryptocurrency has grown in popularity. Thanks to relatively low fees, investors find buying and selling cryptocurrency particularly attractive. Crypto isn’t connected to any world government, and it offers significant profit potential.

If you’re just getting started with investing in cryptocurrency, you may need some help navigating the exchange waters. Whether you intend to trade frequently or to purchase coins and hold them long term, this article recommends four of the best crypto exchanges based on exchange score, average liquidity and trading volume. 

4 of the Best Crypto Exchanges

The cryptocurrency space is rapidly growing, and crypto traders need a reliable source to track their assets. CoinMarketCap is the most referenced crypto asset price-tracking website worldwide. It provides investors with well-researched, unbiased and accurate information to make the most informed cryptocurrency buying and selling decisions.

The following chart lists four of the 25 most widely used cryptocurrency exchanges according to their exchange score, average liquidity and approximate trading volume, as reported by CoinMarketCap as of March 14.

To understand how cryptocurrency exchanges are rated, you’ll want to know more about what each rating category means. 

Here’s a look at each type: 

• Exchange score: Cryptocurrency exchanges are ranked and scored based on their amount of web traffic, average liquidity, volume and legitimacy confidence level. These factors are weighted, and an exchange is assigned a score between 0.0 and 10.0. 
• Average liquidity: Simply put, liquidity is the ability of a crypto asset to be converted to cash essentially on demand. The average liquidity of cryptocurrency can also be determined by its bid-ask spread, which is the difference between the best available price to buy or sell an asset. 
• Trading volume: A cryptocurrency’s trading volume is the number of assets or coins that have been traded, usually within a 24-hour period. 

1. Coinbase/Coinbase Pro

Overview: Founded in the U.S. in 2012, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges around. The service is available in more than 100 countries and has more than 89 million users worldwide.

Users can buy and sell Bitcoin using their bank accounts, credit cards and debit cards. You can also use the platform to trade USD coin, a Coinbase-built stablecoin.

Customers report that rates are on par with other exchanges, but according to the Better Business Bureau, Coinbase Pro’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

Services and features: Coinbase’s main offering is a platform for buying and selling cryptocurrency. The exchange has a relatively good reputation and marketing strategy and a user-friendly interface.

Here are some of the available features:

• Coinbase and Coinbase Pro wallet: Coinbase offers independent Android and iOS mobile wallets. Coinbase Pro offers more advanced features such as multiple wallets, open-order tracking and real-time market reports. The wallets store an investor’s private keys on their mobile device, and only the user has access to the crypto funds.
• Funds transfer: You can instantaneously transfer funds between your linked Coinbase account and Coinbase Pro account for free using your same login credentials. Each account has a separate wallet.

Accepted currencies and payment methods: Coinbase Pro accepts the following currencies: U.S. dollars (USD), euros (EUR), Canadian dollars (CAD) and British pounds (GBP).

Number of coins available for trade: Hundreds including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), EOS (EOS) and Stellar Lumens (XLM)

Fees:

• 0.05% to 0.60% fee for placing an order at the market price
• Flat fee for transactions under $200 or a percentage of the transaction (whichever is greater)
• Most standard buy transaction fees are 1.49%, and credit card buys are 3.99%.
• Deposits are free via ACH transfer, but otherwise, users pay $10 per transaction.

Supported countries: Coinbase and Coinbase Pro offers services in more than 100 countries. See the website for a complete listing.

Average customer rating on G2.com: 3.9 out of 5

Best for: Traders of all levels looking for a simple yet secure way to exchange a wide variety of crypto

Pros:

• Funds kept in FDIC-insured custodial wallets
• Supports almost 150 cryptocurrencies
• Earn crypto rewards if you qualify for the Coinbase Visa
• Tutorials available for beginners

Cons:

• High level of BBB customer complaints
• Potentially high order fees of up to 0.60%

2. Kraken

Overview: Established in 2011, Kraken is headquartered in San Francisco. It claims to be one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges in terms of liquidity and euro volume. Kraken offers an advanced crypto trading platform with over-the-counter and margin trading options. 

Previously, Kraken’s unstable platform gave it a bad name. However, the exchange has redeemed itself and updated its services, focusing more on security and customer support. Additionally, its trading fees are very competitive.

Services and features: Kraken offers crypto traders an array of services on its platform, including:

• Spot and margin trading: For more experienced users
• OTC services: For high-volume trades (over $100,000). Frequent high-volume traders have access to a dedicated account manager to make trades for them.
• Staking services: Crypto investors can earn a return on crypto assets that would normally be held and unused by other investors.
• Personalized support: Kraken offers an upgrade to the platform’s Account Management program that provides one-on-one support with a dedicated Kraken representative.

Accepted currencies and payment methods: Kraken currently accepts the following fiat currencies: U.S. dollars (USD), euros (EUR), Canadian dollars (CAD), Australian dollars (AUD), British pounds (GBP), Swiss francs (CHF) and Japanese yen (JPY). 

Number of coins available for trade: Currently over 120, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK) and Curve (CRV). 

Fees: Among all the major Bitcoin exchanges, Kraken has some of the lowest fees. Your fees depend on your last 30 days’ trading volume and are generally based on a maker-taker basis. If you’re a maker and add limit orders to the exchange, you pay a lower fee than takers who fulfill existing orders. 

Here are the details on some of the fees you might encounter: 

•  Spot trading fees range from 0% to 0.26%. 
•  Stablecoin trading fees range from 0% to 0.2%. 

Supported countries: Currently, Kraken is available worldwide with some exceptions, including Cuba, Iraq, North Korea and Syria, but restrictions might apply. U.S. traders, except for residents of New York and Washington state, can participate on Kraken’s exchange.

Average customer rating on G2.com: 3.9 out of 5 

Best for: Advanced crypto traders interested in margin trading, futures and options

Pros:

• Relatively low fees
• Over 120 cryptocurrencies available
• Supports a wide range of popular currencies

Cons:

• May be too complex for new traders
• Lack of tutorials on crypto

3. Binance

Overview: The word Binance is a mashup of the words binary and finance. Launched by Binance, the spinoff Binance.US is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Under full U.S. regulatory compliance, Binance.US offers customers in all but five states — Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Texas and Vermont — the same crypto trading services loved by traders worldwide. 

Services and features: Binance.US has quickly become an excellent trading platform for U.S residents because of the following features:

• High liquidity
• Attention to innovation and user security
• Better customer service than its predecessor, Binance

In addition, staking is available for ALGO, ATOM, EOS, ONE VET and XTZ with no lock-up periods. 

Accepted currencies and payment methods: Binance.US accepts USD only.

Number of coins available for trade: Binance.US has more than 60 different cryptocurrencies on its platform, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Binance Coin (BNB) and Tether (USDT). 

Fees: 

• Spot trading fee of 0.1%
• Instant Buy/Sell fee of 0.5%
• Trading fees depend on your trading volume over the past 30 days and your daily Binance Coin balance.

Supported countries: Binance.US is open to users in the United States only, except for residents of the five aforementioned states.

Average customer rating on G2.com: 3.8 out of 5

Best for: U.S.-focused crypto investors and traders

Pros:

• Dollar-cost averaging/recurring buys available
• Lower fees for active crypto investors
• Platform supports investors of all levels offering advanced tools and beginner tutorials

Cons:

• Not available in five states
• Only USD is supported

4. Bittrex

Overview: Bittrex is a U.S.-based exchange founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seattle. It was developed by three cybersecurity engineers who placed a great emphasis on security, helping it grow among investors in search of a secure place for their crypto. Speed and stability keep users satisfied. 

Bittrex offers a suite of updated features, including an improved user experience, lower fees and a new referral program. Other benefits of trading crypto on Bittrex include: 

•  Effective and reliable technologies
•  Elastic, multistage wallet strategy (80% to 90% fund safety)
•  Quick-loading trading interface with no hanging or lagging
•  Automated trading features (stop loss, instant buy or sell)

Although Bittrex recently updated its exchange, it offers minimal customer support and has no option for margin trading. Additionally, user accounts can be suspended without prior notice. 

Services and features: Bittrex offers several convenient services to its cryptocurrency traders, including: 

• Bittrex Credits promotions: Bittrex Credits are airdropped to recipients within 72 hours of a qualifying event.
• Mobile app: Available on iOS and Android
• Robust order types: Market orders, stop limit, ladder limit and limit 
• Personalized trading: Several layout options and themes help make your trading experience unique.

Accepted currencies and payment methods: Identity-verified users within and outside of the U.S. are eligible for USD trading, withdrawals and deposits on Bittrex. Residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, New York and Vermont are not permitted to be customers.

Number of coins available for trade: Bittrex offers hundreds of coins for trade, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC) and Tether (USDT).

Fees:

• Bittrex claims it offers customers some of the lowest fees in the industry.
• Maker fees vary between 0%-0.35%, and taker fees range from 0.05%-0.35%.
• Fees decrease as you trade more.

Supported countries: Currently, Bittrex is available worldwide. However, over 40 countries, including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Crimea and Cuba, are excluded

Average customer rating on G2.com: 3.7 out of 5 

Best for: Crypto traders in search of a secure, robust platform offering a large number of currencies

Pros:

• Fast, lightweight platform loads quickly 
• 250 currencies available
• $3 minimum trade 

Cons:

• Growing list of excluded countries
• Margin trading unavailable, although Bittrex says it’s working on a trading engine that will allow it