Bankwest‚ a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)‚ has announced that it is closing 45 of its branches and transitioning the remaining 15 CBA branches in an effort to go fully digital by October 2024. Article by Olivia Cook‚ republished with permission from Naturalnews.com This announcement comes as Sydney-based banking software company Constantinople‚ a startup founded by two former executives of major bank Westpac‚ unveil a new app called Business+. They claim that this app will be an all-in-one mobile app that can offer Australia’s first end-to-end digital banking platform for the country’s 2.4 million businesses with fewer than 10 employees. CBA and Westpac are two of Australia’s “Big Four‚” or the four largest banks that have traditionally dominated Australia’s banking industry in terms of market share‚ revenue and total assets. The two others are ANZ and National Australia Bank. (Related: Financial preparedness: What are the dangers of a “cashless” economy?) Last year‚ Constantinople raised AU$32 million ($21.2 million) from investors to develop its “bank-in-a-box” platform aimed at getting more people to shift away from traditional financial institutions and toward digital banking. Great Southern Bank‚ one of the country’s largest credit unions‚ has already signed up to launch Business+. CEO and Managing Director Paul Lewis said the company had “taken the best of the neo-bank proposition‚ digitally first‚ with what we’re good at‚ which is the banking license side‚ regulatory requirements.” Neobanks are digital-only banking platforms that operate solely online. “We’ve got the whole package‚ which I think is a first in Australia‚” he said‚ noting that other neobanks launched with only a handful of basic products such as savings accounts‚ but no lending capability. Small businesses would be able to sign up for an account in under 10 minutes‚ a time frame he called “fantastic.” Australian transition to cashless society hitting roadblocks Australia is transitioning to a cashless society faster than almost anywhere else. Last year‚ the Australian Banking Association reported that the use of digital wallet payments on smartphones and watches had increased from AU$746 million ($494.28 million) in 2018 to over AU$93 billion ($61.62 billion) in 2022. Nevertheless‚ the response to Bankwest’s branch closures shows that there is still strong opposition to Australia’s transition to a fully cashless society. Many of the bank’s customers‚ for example‚ are up in arms over its decision to become Australia’s first major digital-only bank. “How dare they limit our access to our own cash money and their services‚ which should be widely available to us‚” said Lyn who‚ after over three decades of loyalty to Bankwest‚ will be closing all of her accounts with the bank after its “disrespectful” move that will make vulnerable customers have a more difficult time accessing financial services. “My main concern is not for ourselves‚ but for our seniors‚ for whom it can be very difficult to adapt to the new technological ways‚ physically move around‚ drive or travel large distances‚” said Lyn. The Australian Senate has also demanded that Bankwest executives appear for an inquiry. National Party Sen. Matt Canavan‚ chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee‚ has noted how Bankwest’s decision was disappointing. “These closures will impact all the communities that they operate in‚ reducing banking choice and the ability to get an essential service‚” he said. Watch this video warning of a possible collapse of the American banking system. This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden’s government caught surveilling bank transactions of conservatives and Trump supporters. Fast-food chains under Yum! Brands to go CASHLESS soon: Taco Bell‚ Pizza Hut‚ KFC to REJECT cash. American businesses‚ big-box stores increasingly rejecting CASH as forced shift to cashless society accelerates. Portent of things to come: Move to go cashless by McDonald’s greeted with calls for BOYCOTT. The next phase of the globalist takeover requires surrender to a new CASHLESS society‚ complete with digital passes and IDs to engage in commerce. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com AU.Finance.Yahoo.com WAToday.com.au Brighteon.com RELATED: WARNING: New Study Shows “Rat Poison” Found In Many Top Brand Name Spices! If you don’t like eating literal “Rat Poison” with your salt and pepper‚ then pay attention… This is a major consumer products alert! Do you love to cook with spices? Of course‚ who doesn’t? Variety is the spice of life‚ and spices are the‚ uhhhh‚ spice of cooking! But what happens when you reach for the Onion Powder or the Oregano‚ and along with those you get a heavy dose of Arsenic? Arsenic would otherwise be known as literal “rat poison”. Or Cadmium‚ which is a heavy metal. Or Lead! You know how we can no longer use lead-based-paint or leaded gasoline because of how toxic it is to humans? What if the big companies had been putting it in your spices all along and you didn’t even know? What if one of the reasons you constantly feel tired‚ slow and unmotivated is because you’re slowly being poisoned by what you eat? It’s a Red Alert situation‚ and I’m here to not only give you the bad news but also to give you a solution! I never like to leave you with only the bad news‚ so keep reading and I’ll give you the solution to fix this for yourself and your family. Check this out: “The analysis found that roughly one-third of the tested products (40) had ‘high enough levels of arsenic‚ lead‚ and cadmium combined… to pose a health concern for children’… and adults.” Holy crap. Spice companies are literally poisoning Americans!https://t.co/FoEbMCtW7x — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) March 26‚ 2023 Literally poisoning Americans: “Lead‚ arsenic‚ and cadmium can increase the risk of cancer‚ cognitive and reproductive problems‚ and other adverse conditions—even in small amounts. Exposure puts children at risk for lowered IQ‚ behavioral problems (such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)‚ Type 2… — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) March 26‚ 2023 Maybe you’re not just tired‚ maybe you’re being slowly poisoned like that one episode of Dateline I saw where the woman poisoned her husband by feeding him small doses of antifreeze each day for a whole year. Anyone else see that episode? Except the wife is played by the Big Consumer Goods Companies that hate you and you’re the dying husband. Sorry folks‚ I’m not making this stuff up‚ I’m just reporting the news. According to this report‚ OVER ONE-THIRD of 126 large big-brand products tested had EXCESSIVE heavy metal levels: No I’m not saying heavy metals are excessive in all your store bought spices‚ I’m saying over a third of 126 varied brands products tested have excessive heavy metals levels. pic.twitter.com/rBrqD5XvMd — Whip (@WhipSpoon) April 1‚ 2023 FOUR Lawsuits have been filed already: Four lawsuits have been filed over the last two years over significant levels of #toxic #HeavyMetals in big brand names of #herbs and #spices. An analysis by Consumer Reports (CR) in 2021 detailed the problem. https://t.co/ooFp6MuIec — Epoch Health (@EpochHealth1) March 26‚ 2023 From Popular Mechanics: In new research‚ Consumer Reports tested a total of 126 products from stores like Walmart and Trader Joe’s and found that 40 “had high enough levels of arsenic‚ lead‚ and cadmium combined‚ on average‚ to pose a health concern for children when regularly consumed in typical serving sizes.” Beyond big-brand names like McCormick and private labels‚ the offenders also include spices and herbs from the beloved Wauwatosa‚ Wisconsin-based brand Penzeys. It’s important to note that there is no safe amount of lead‚ especially for children. That’s because our bodies don’t have a way to digest heavy metals‚ so they can easily accumulate in the body‚ physically interfering with other processes. (Remember when Entourage’s Jeremy Piven blamed a public outburst on mercury poisoning because he’d been subsisting on only sushi?) “In children‚ [lead] can affect brain development‚ increasing the risk for behavioral problems and lower IQ‚” Consumer Reports explains in the report‚ published last month. “In adults‚ it can contribute to central nervous system problems‚ reproductive problems‚ and hypertension‚ and can damage kidney and immune function.” Lead in foodstuffs is usually tested through a standard protocol laid out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‚ known colloquially as “EAM 4.7.” EAM stands for Elemental Analysis Manual for Food and Related Products. “This resource serves as a reference‚ for analysts at the FDA and around the world‚ providing not only general analytical information and procedures and detailed laboratory methods‚ but also helpful notes from analysts’ experiences using these methods‚” the FDA explains online. In this testing‚ an acid chemically “digests” foods before they’re fed through a mass spectrometer machine that identifies the chemical signatures of different elements. Which Herbs and Spices Contained High Levels of Lead? Consumer Reports tested a total of 126 products across 38 brands‚ using two or three samples for each product. They ranked products from least to most concerning with the following system: no concern‚ some concern‚ moderate concern‚ and high concern. Here are the products that ranked as moderate or high concern: La Flor Ground Oregano La Flor Ground Turmeric Happy Belly (Amazon) Ground Thyme Spice Islands Sweet Basil Tone’s Ground Thyme And from Consumer Reports: Roughly one-third of the tested products‚ 40 in total‚ had high enough levels of arsenic‚ lead‚ and cadmium combined‚ on average‚ to pose a health concern for children when regularly consumed in typical serving sizes. Most raised concern for adults‚ too. For two herbs‚ thyme and oregano‚ all the products we tested had levels that CR experts say are concerning. In 31 products‚ levels of lead were so high that they exceeded the maximum amount anyone should have in a day‚ according to CR’s experts. When people think about heavy metals in their diet it’s probably the lead in their drinking water. But our tests show that dried herbs and spices can be a surprising‚ and worrisome‚ source. Also troubling: There was no single predictor of which products contained higher levels of heavy metals—for example‚ brand name didn’t matter‚ and neither did “organic” or “packed in USA” claims. Now‚ as I promised….let’s talk solutions. I NEVER leave you with just the problem. You know I’ve got the solution! In fact‚ this is EXACTLY why I started my new Mission back in February. The new mission is simply this: to help build out the Parallel-Economy. Because here’s what I realized… You THINK you have a choice between all these companies listed below in the circle‚ but what most people don’t realize is they’re all owned by only 11 companies.   11. Interesting number. Will probably be even less than that in the future when these merge even further. It’s an ILLUSION of choice. The same goes for all your media… It’s just an ILLUSION of different choices‚ but owned by these 6 companies: Now back to my Mission and my solution. I figured I would eventually need to build a Parallel-Economy from the ground up. I knew that would be a ton of work. So it was on my back-burner. In fact‚ it had been there on my back-burner since about 2016. Until suddenly‚ in January of 2023‚ I connected with a company I had never heard of before….but they’re MASSIVE. They’ve been in business for over 35 years and they’re a VERY pro-American‚ pro-Liberty‚ pro-Conservative values company! They’re an American based‚ Made-In-America‚ warehoused-in-America‚ shipped-from-America company! In fact‚ they’re the last private‚ family-owned‚ pro-American consumer goods company left in America NOT owned by those 11 companies I showed you above. Oh‚ and what if I told you the products are BETTER and often CHEAPER than what you get from those 11 companies above? Yes‚ for real. And their founder was once placed on Barack Hussein Obama’s list of the Top 10 most “Dangerous Conservatives” in America? (a list I one day hope to make myself!) Once I learned all of that‚ I knew I no longer had to build this from the ground-up by myself‚ I simply needed to partner with this awesome company to help them get the word out. So on top of being the last Family-owned major consumer goods manufacturer not part of the Big-11‚ comparable or often lower prices‚ supporting American jobs and families‚ here’s the part that ties in to the main point of this article”. Non-toxic products! That means no Arsenic‚ Cadmium‚ and Lead in their Spices! Which really‚ if we’re being honest‚ should be the bare minimum for everyone‚ right? Stunning I even have to tell you that‚ but I guess I do! But it also means no Red Dye 40 or flouride in the toothpaste or chemicals in the cleaning products‚ or Deet in the mosquito repellant. What novel concepts‚ right? Oh‚ and Black Angus beef‚ pasture raised on hundreds of thousands of acres. Free roaming with plenty of open air between all the cattle. Grass fed. No hormones and no antibiotics.  Never! Oh‚ and it’s CHEAPER than Omaha Steaks! But that’s a whole other topic! Sound good to anyone else? Me too! The reason you’ve never heard of them is because it’s Invite Only. I can get you in‚ but you can’t just go sign up. They only want people on the same mission to join and they’re happy to say “no” to the Far-Left Libs! They’ve been doing it for 37 years and it’s been working great. Everyone gets a personal‚ white glove‚ concierge customer service support to get you access to everything they have. Imagine that! No call centers from India. Just real‚ friendly‚ helpful and NICE Americans helping Americans! Wow‚ like going back in a time-machine. So it is Invite only…and good thing you know someone that has the invites….(me!). If you’d like to find out more and get a FREE personal invite‚ just go here and tell them Noah sent you:  https://SwitchWithNoah.com It’s the real deal‚ and because they don’t raise the Black Angus like the big companies do‚ they may have the SHUT OFF invites if they grow too fast. So if you want in‚ let me know soon. There’s only one pro-American‚ American made and manufactured‚ chemical free‚ toxin free‚ hormone free‚ company left….and I’m teaming up with them to FIGHT BACK! Who’s with me? Watch this: As I said‚ it’s Invite Only and the invite is completely free! In fact‚ I’ve assembled a team of patriots who will personally get you invited and signed up….if you want in. Americans Helping Americans. Patriots Helping Patriots. It’s called “Patriot Switch” and I think the name says it all. Folks‚ we don’t have many strongholds left. This is one. And I’m all in. If you’d like to find out more and get a FREE personal invite‚ just go here:  https://SwitchWithNoah.com Tell them Noah sent you and I promise you will get a personal call‚ text or email. Don’t freak out when you do. And make sure you tell them you are interested in the Black Angus beef too! I know I tend to get concerned when I get messages from numbers I don’t recognize‚ but if you request a Free Invite (Link here: https://SwitchWithNoah.com) you WILL have someone from my Inner Circle reach out to you….so be ready! These are awesome people and I think you’ll love getting a chance to talk with them. And they’ll help get you all set up. Who’s with me and who’s ready to stop eating Arsenic‚ Cadmium‚ and Lead? Your friend‚ – Noah p.s. Since everyone gets personal attention‚ we will take these in the order in which they come in.  So if you are excited‚ ask for your invite now or you might be far down on the list.  I have a great team‚ but they can only do so much and they’ll work on a first-come‚ first-served basis. Request a free Invite here:  https://SwitchWithNoah.com SHARE!

The vast majority of Covid patients who died in hospital were murdered by medical staff who received “massive financial incentives” to implement lethal procedures‚ according to the bombshell testimony of a world-renowned doctor. Covid patients [...] The post Top Doctor Details ‘Huge Financial Incentives’ For Hospitals To Murder Covid Patients appeared first on The People's Voice.

Review &; photos by Jordan West The Peppermint Club was the scene of a rare SOCAL show by Canadian singer and guitarist Colin James that showcased what an incredible talent he is. He and his backing band‚ guitarist Chris Caddell‚ bassist Kenny Neal Jr‚ and drummer Geoff Hicks‚ along with special guest‚ the incredible “Sugarmill Slim” on harmonica‚ treated us all to an evening that we won’t soon forget. Many of the patrons‚ long-time fans such as myself‚ were thrilled to see this band‚ incredibly popular north of the border‚ in such an intimate setting. Colin James has performed for years in many facets. Rock guitarist‚ blues revivalist‚ and leader of a terrific‚ swinging big band‚ with which he recently performed with in Canada. But tonight‚ it was all about the blues. “Chicago-Style” blues for the most part. Up tempo‚ highly charged shuffles had his rhythm section in sync throughout the show. James’ command of the guitar‚ in particular his slide technique‚ combines with his versatile voice‚ which ranges from a high tenor to a growl that perfectly accompanies his instrument and style of material. “21 albums‚ and all by the age of 30‚” joked James‚ towards the beginning of the show. He said his new album will be released later on this year. His latest‚ 2021’s Open Road won a Juno Award‚ (Canada’s version of a Grammy) for Best Blues Album. He did a few numbers from it‚ which includes some classic takes on some of the best of Chicago’s blues giants. Otis Rush’s fabulous “It Takes Time” got the place jumping‚ and had some ladies dancing aggressively on the clubs dancefloor. The exotically dressed‚ special guest Sugarmill Slim was such a treat. His harmonica playing is superb‚ and he can channel all the greats such as Little Walter and Paul Butterfield. He brought new life to Colin James “Just a Little Love” originally released in 2015 and combined with James great slide guitar and sing-along chorus‚ it brought out smiles from all in attendance. The two of them really shined on a take on Muddy Waters “One More Mile” that was featured on Colin James 2018 Miles to Go release. James and Slim were trading licks for what seemed like an eternity‚ and obviously were in awe of their respective talents. You could tell by the looks on their faces.  James “Man’s Gotta Be a Stone” a very ZZ Top-style Texas boogie‚ brought out yet another facet of James playing. I could have listened to that song all night. My feet were tapping throughout‚ and the crowd as well as the band‚ seemed to be enjoying every second. Colin James went back to his 1988 debut LP for a cover of Morgan Davis’ “Why’d You Lie‚” a slow blues number that spotlighted not only his lovely white Fender Stratocaster’s clean tone‚ but his spectacular bluesy crooning. This was also evident during his performance of “That’s Why I’m Crying‚” originally done by the great Koko Taylor‚ which was absolutely breathtaking in its smooth groove. James truly can be spellbinding in his flawless delivery. He never seems to hit a bad note. The assembled crowd roared its approval at the song’s end. James dipped into his soul-influences in the song “Freedom” that he explained he originally recorded with guitarist Waddy Wachtel and vocalist Mavis Staples‚ that had a classic Stax soulful and gospel sound that was punctuated by James’ brilliant guitar breaks‚ and was yet another side of the styles that James possesses. He also played “Protection” from his forthcoming new release‚ which was written and performed by singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams in 2015. This number is a straight-ahead statement song with a great chorus‚ and James added the perfect amount of his own flair to it. The familiar opening riff to the Fleetwood Mac classic “Oh Well” opened up quite a few eyes‚ and Colin James and his band produced a bang-up version of this seasoned rocker. Second guitarist Chris Caddell and his Fender Stratocaster complimented James’ Gibson Les Paul perfectly‚ with James making ample use of his wah-wah pedal‚ his crunchy tone gave this song some added balls. Another number from Open Road entitled “There’s A Fire” is a classic Colin James song. Very T-Bone Walker in its winding‚ sleepy blues‚ accompanied by his pleading vocals just made you close your eyes and magically transform yourself inside a southern blues joint. During this number‚ James hopped off the stage‚ and walked around the Peppermint Club floor‚ like the great Buddy Guy used to do. Naturally‚ the crowd went wild as James stood face to face with adoring audience. Yet another highlight of the evening was the instrumental “Speechless‚” which was dedicated to the memories of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Healey. James channeled their respective guitar tones with a dreamy‚ soaring performance that originally appeared on his 1995 Bad Habits release. An emotional song for sure‚ and it was well received by his loyal fans. Sugarmill Slim then rejoined the band for a smokin’ version of Otis Rush’s “If You Were Mine” that closed the set. After the band briefly left the stage‚ Colin James appeared for an encore‚ donning an acoustic guitar for a touching version of the Van Morrison classic‚ “Into the Mystic‚” a song he recorded on his 2005 album entitled Limelight. It was a lovely performance‚ and spotlighted yet another side of Colin James many talents‚ this one as an acoustic pop singer. James thanked his fans for coming. I can honestly say that he made some new fans this evening. After the show‚ he told me that he would like to have more of a presence in California‚ so he’ll be returning again after the release of his new album. I look forward to that and I am so glad that I got a chance to see him in a venue that was so personal. The staff and especially the security at the Peppermint Club were outstanding and gracious all evening. That is something I have not given props to in quite a while. Performance venues around the world‚ take note. Treat your customers well. The post Colin James | March 15‚ 2024 | The Peppermint Club | Beverly Hills‚ CA – Concert Review first appeared on VintageRock.com.

A "incident" in the ship's engineering area claimed the lives of two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship‚ the cruise line reported.

A Pennsylvania prisoner who had escaped and gone on the run for more than three months was arrested as he was leaving a Philadelphia Planet Fitness.