NEW YORK — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded "the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”OTTAWA — The Atlantic Liberal caucus is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign as party leader in a letter expressing "deep concern" about the future of government. The letter dated Dec. 23 was shared publicly Sunday by New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, who has been saying since the fall that Trudeau should step down. Long wrote in a Facebook post that he shared the letter for "openness and transparency." "If we are to have any chance in the next election, and prevent a Pierre Poilievre government, we need new leadership with a new vision for our party and the country," Long wrote. Atlantic caucus chair and Nova Scotia MP Kody Blois penned the letter, saying it is no longer "tenable" for Trudeau to continue to lead the party. The letter notes that the country faces "instability" amid U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats and signals from opposition parties that they will declare non-confidence in Trudeau's government at the first opportunity. The letter thanks Trudeau for his nine years of service as prime minister, saying he leaves a "positive and consequential legacy." It cautions Trudeau that could be undone if he stays on as leader. The letter comes less than two weeks after Chrystia Freeland's resignation from Trudeau's cabinet as finance minister and deputy prime minister. "Our colleagues this morning expressed their deep personal affection for you, their pride in our work as a Liberal team, but also their deep concern that without a leadership change that progress will be lost under a Pierre Poilievre-lead government," Blois wrote to Trudeau. The letter concludes with a call for a national caucus meeting in early January so the Liberal MPs can discuss their next steps. Blois did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Trudeau is said to be thinking about his future during the holiday break. Conservative MP John Williamson said Friday he plans to introduce a non-confidence motion at the next public accounts committee meeting on Jan. 7. If that motion is successful at committee, it would be forwarded to the House of Commons and could be voted on as soon as Jan. 30, triggering an election if it passes. The Conservatives brought forward three non-confidence motions during the fall sitting of the House of Commons, which the Liberals survived thanks to support from the NDP. However, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now says that his party has lost confidence in the government and intends to bring forward a non-confidence motion in the new year, regardless of who is Liberal leader. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. David Baxter, The Canadian PressDevastated former FA Cup winner Derek Mountield, 62, launches appeal for return of stolen motorhome
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The death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday led to a swift outpouring of support and condolences from notable figures in both political parties. President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump issued statements Sunday, and both said Carter was a president who worked to better Americans’ lives. “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.” Trump said Carter dealt with “enormous responsibility” that only other presidents could relate to. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump said in a post to Truth Social. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” ‘One of my heroes’ Fellow Georgia politicians, including Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, issued passionate statements following the news Sunday. Warnock referred to the Plains native as “one of my heroes.” “His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity,” Warnock said. “For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service.” Ossoff said Carter’s work “changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world.” “The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter,” Ossoff said. Former Sen. Sam Nunn, from Georgia, lauded Carter for his “spine of steel and intrepid focus and determination.” “Colin Powell and I had front row seats to these unique Carter traits in Haiti in 1994,” he said in a statement. “I will never forget nervously watching President Carter negotiate every word of the Haitian military’s peaceful turnover of authority, while the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne prepared to land on the roof of the military headquarters, where we were finishing the agreement.” Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, said Carter devoted his life to serving the U.S. “As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe,” Raffensperger said in a statement Sunday. “His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.” The Democratic Party of Georgia’s Chair, Rep. Nikema Williams, said Carter “leaves one of the greatest legacies of humanitarianism in history.” “My husband Leslie and I named our son Carter after our 39th president because he showed us that ordinary Georgians can do extraordinary things,” Williams said. “He was one of the greatest public servants of our time – and he was also a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia. From a southwest Georgia town of a few hundred people to the Oval Office, President Carter went from sowing crops to sowing the seeds of peace around the world.” Georgia Lt. Gov. Ines Owens said Carter “represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from.” Georgia’s Carter had ‘calm spirit and deep faith’ Major national lawmakers outside the Peach State offered their thoughts too, including GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell. McConnell said Carter’s “calm spirit and deep faith seemed “unshakable” during difficulties in his presidency. “President Carter lived a truly American dream,” McConnell said. “A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.” Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, called Carter “one of our most humble and devoted public servants.” “President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy,” Schumer said. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” This is a developing story and will be updated.Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. Support Hyperallergic’s independent arts journalism for as little as $8 per month. Become a Member The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale closed yesterday, November 24, with another strong attendance showing, organizers announced. Excluding the 27,966 visitors who attended its preview, the international art festival saw 699,304 visitors over the course of its seven-month run — the second-highest turnout in its 129-year history since 2022, when over 800,000 visitors flocked to Venice for The Milk of Dreams . The numbers signal a continuation of attendance trends that have drawn increasingly younger and foreign crowds to the “ Olympics of the art world ” in spite of the Italian city’s efforts to mitigate over-tourism . International visitors comprised a majority of attendees at this year’s event, Foreigners Everywhere , accounting for 59% of all visitors. Attendance also veered younger: Organizers reported that 30% of ticket-holders were young people and students under 26 years old. In both cases, these trends were a continuation from both 2022 and the pre-pandemic edition in 2019, which also had a high number of young attendees . The upticks in the biennale’s attendance follow an extension of the exhibition’s run time by about two weeks; iterations in 2019, 2017, and 2015 all kicked off in early May, as opposed to the third weekend of April. The festival has also recently incorporated more programming for young visitors, like its Biennale College Arte , which supports emerging international artists under the age of 30. For the program’s second year, the biennale presented the work of artists Agnes Questionmark , Joyce Joumaa , Sandra Poulson , Nazira Karimi in the Arsenale and Central Pavilion. Additionally, this was the 12th consecutive year of the Biennale Sessions project , an educational program which saw 3,000 university students from six continents participate. The 2024 biennale also saw a 67% increase in attendance to its programming focused on accessibility for individuals with mental health disabilities, housing instability, addiction issues, and other factors. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities Although organizers have not yet announced the curator for 2026, plans are already underway for the next edition, as countries including Canada , Estonia , and France have announced the artists that will represent their pavilions. In the meantime, the city is preparing for the 19th architecture exhibition , curated by Carlo Ratti and scheduled to open on May 10, by extending its pilot tourist tax through 2025 . This upcoming April 18 through July 27, daytrippers visiting Venice on weekends and holidays will be expected to pay a €10 (~$10.80) fee — double the charge implemented this past spring and summer. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn FacebookShare Tweet Share Share Email Home equity loans have long been a popular way for homeowners to access funds for various purposes, including smart investments. With the right approach, these loans can be leveraged to improve your financial situation and increase your wealth over time. What is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan is a type of loan where homeowners borrow money using the equity in their home as collateral. Equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. Home equity loans provide a lump sum of money that you pay back with fixed monthly payments, usually over 5 to 30 years . For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $150,000 on your mortgage, your equity is $150,000. This means you could potentially borrow up to that amount, depending on the lender’s policies. These loans are often used for large expenses such as home renovations, debt consolidation, or medical bills. However, with a smart investment strategy, you can use a home equity loan to fund investments that could significantly grow your wealth. How Do Home Equity Loans Work? Understanding how home equity loans work is critical to making informed decisions about using them for investment purposes. Fixed vs. Variable Rates Home equity loans typically offer fixed interest rates, meaning your monthly payments remain the same throughout the loan term. This provides predictability and stability, making it easier to plan your finances. Some platforms may offer variable rates, where the interest rate fluctuates based on market conditions. While variable rates can be lower initially, they come with the risk of increasing costs if interest rates rise. Loan Amount and Terms The amount you can borrow is determined by the equity in your home and the lender’s guidelines. Generally, lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% to 85% of your home’s value. The terms for repayment vary depending on the loan amount and the lender’s policies. It is important to carefully assess the loan terms to ensure they fit with your long-term financial goals. Closing Costs and Fees Most home equity loans come with closing costs and other fees, which can include application fees, appraisal fees, and title search fees. Make sure to factor these costs into your decision-making process, as they can add up quickly and impact the overall affordability of the loan. Smart Investment Strategies Using Home Equity Loans Leveraging a home equity loan for smart investments requires careful consideration and planning. The goal is to use the loan to generate returns that exceed the cost of the loan itself, including interest, fees, and principal repayment. Real Estate Investment One of the most popular and effective ways to use a home equity loan is for real estate investment. By purchasing additional properties, you can generate rental income or benefit from property appreciation over time. Real estate investments can provide stable cash flow through rental income and long-term capital gains if property values rise. However, it is important to research the real estate market and ensure the investment property is in a desirable location to maximize its potential return. Additionally, consider the costs involved in managing and maintaining the property. Stock Market Investments Another common way to use a home equity loan is by investing in the stock market. With the potential for higher returns compared to other investment vehicles, the stock market offers various opportunities, including individual stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While investing in the stock market can yield substantial profits, it also comes with increased risk. It’s important to have a diversified investment portfolio and avoid putting all your money into high-risk stocks. Additionally, be sure to have a clear understanding of your risk tolerance and time horizon before investing borrowed funds. Starting or Expanding a Business If you have a business idea or want to expand an existing business, a home equity loan can provide the necessary capital to get started. By using your home as collateral, you can access a lump sum to fund business operations, marketing campaigns, or expansion efforts. When using home equity loans for business purposes, it is essential to have a well-thought-out business plan and strategy. Ensure that the business has a high potential for growth and profitability, as you’ll need to repay the loan regardless of how the business performs. Moreover, small businesses often face challenges and competition, so it’s important to be prepared for potential setbacks. Education and Skill Development Investing in education can be a highly beneficial way to use a home equity loan. Whether you’re pursuing higher education, attending a professional development program, or obtaining certifications to advance your career, borrowing against your home’s equity can provide the funds needed to enhance your skills and qualifications. Higher education often leads to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater job security, making it a smart long-term investment. Be sure to weigh the cost of education against the potential return on investment in terms of increased earning power . Choosing the Right Home Equity Loan Platform With a variety of lenders and platforms offering home equity loans, it’s essential to choose the right one for your investment needs. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a platform: Interest Rates and Fees Interest rates and fees vary from platform to platform, so it’s important to compare options to ensure you’re getting the best deal. While a lower interest rate can reduce your overall cost, be sure to account for any hidden fees that could increase the total cost of the loan. Loan Flexibility Some platforms offer flexible terms, such as allowing you to borrow up to 90% of your home’s equity or providing options for early repayment without penalties. Flexibility is especially important if your investment plans may change over time. Customer Support and Service Look for platforms that offer excellent customer service, as you may need support throughout the loan process. A responsive customer service team can help resolve issues and answer questions about loan terms, payments, and investment options. Online Tools and Resources Many modern home equity loan platforms offer online tools and resources to help you assess your loan options. These tools can help you calculate monthly payments, determine your loan eligibility, and evaluate your overall financial situation. A platform with intuitive online tools can simplify the loan application process and make it easier to manage your loan once it’s approved. Risks and Considerations While home equity loans offer great potential for making smart investments, there are risks involved that you should consider before borrowing. Since the loan is secured by your home, failing to repay the loan could result in foreclosure. It’s crucial to have a clear repayment plan in place and ensure that you’re not taking on more debt than you can handle. Additionally, some investments may not perform as expected, which can lead to financial losses. Always carefully evaluate investment opportunities and assess your risk tolerance before proceeding. Conclusion Home equity loans offer a powerful tool for homeowners looking to make smart investments. By leveraging the equity in your home, you can fund a variety of investments, including real estate, the stock market, business ventures, or education. However, it’s essential to carefully choose the right platform, understand the terms of the loan, and have a solid plan for repayment. With careful planning and smart investment strategies, home equity loans can help you achieve your financial goals and make equity work for you in a meaningful way. Related Items: Home Equity Loan , Making Equity Work for You , Platforms for Smart Investments Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Documents You’ll Need to Apply for a Home Equity Loan Comments
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Katie Price put an end to rumours she has split from boyfriend JJ Slater this week as she headed for a joint botox appointment with the Married At First Sight star. Taking to Instagram, the former glamour model shared some clips from Chester-based aesthetics clinic 1111aestheticsjm as she filmed herself and said "Ooh it's time for some Botox". Panning the camera to JJ, whom she went public with earlier this year, she added: "All Of us!" Joking that JJ 'can't handle it' as he squeezed a stress ball in the clinic, Katie was then injected in her arm with B12 - a vitamin shot which can help prevent or treat pernicious anaemia and B-12 deficiency. The joint appointment comes after fans feared Katie and her reality TV beau JJ might have called it quits , as they appeared to spend Christmas separately. While JJ was absent, Katie joined her son Harvey and close friend Kerry Katona for festive celebrations. Despite the speculation, Katie's reps assured that she and JJ are still an item, and Katie even flaunted gifts from him on social media. Meanwhile, the pair were spotted together outside Northwich's Memorial Court, where Katie is currently starring in the Cinderella pantomime alongside her best pal Kerry . In the photos, Katie is sporting leopard print trousers and an oversized hoodie, while JJ wears a yellow T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. Previously, Katie has opened up about making the first move with her new beau, JJ Slater from Married At First Sight , after learning about his type 1 diabetes. The former glamour model reached out to JJ, whose real name is John Joe, via Instagram following his public announcement of his condition . Their initial interaction led to a casual coffee date and eventually sparked a romance. Katie confessed that JJ had actually tried to contact her two years earlier, but she hadn't noticed his message at the time. In an intimate chat with Woman's Own, Katie shared that she wasn't on the lookout for love when she stumbled upon JJ. However, she felt compelled to reach out after hearing about his diagnosis, wanting to offer support. They struck up a conversation, and things took off from there. Katie recounted: "I'd read in the paper that he'd got diabetes. I thought, 'Wow, that's quite harsh,' as diabetes is a life-changing thing to have. I messaged and said, 'I hope you're okay with your diabetes'. And he said, 'Oh, I'm really embarrassed.' I went 'Why? ' Turns out he'd messaged me two years ago but I never saw it. It must have been deleted so it was obviously meant to be."MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves delayed their game against the San Antonio Spurs by one hour on Sunday night due to an issue with the court at Target Center. The Timberwolves announced the decision about three hours before the originally scheduled tipoff time. The Spurs discovered the problem during their morning shootaround, Timberwolves spokesman Patrick Rees said. The team decided to delay the game so arena staff had enough time to install the replacement court that had to be delivered from elsewhere. The Timberwolves have played at Target Center since 1990. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA The Associated Press