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How on Earth are Philips Hue white LED bulbs back down to $11 each? | Well guess what: today is the day youve been waiting for. Philips Hue White A19 Single LED Bulbs went on sale last week for about $11 each, and people practically tripped over themselves to get them. In fact, more than 10,000 of our readers got in on the action. If you missed out though, dry those eyes because this killer deal is somehow back. Hurry over to Amazon and youll find white bulbs on sale for just $11 and change. If youd like to add some color bulbs into the mix, youll also find a deep discount on those today. Back to the white bulbs, you should be aware that they will almost certainly sell out at this price probably within a few hours so get a move on! This dual wireless charging pad works with the iPhone and Apple Watch, and it's only $30 This $64 sous vide cooker works just as well as a $200 Joule VOICE CONTROL: The Philips Hue White Smart Bulb works with Amazon Alexa to support dimming through voice control. For the full Hue experience and to take advantage of voice activation purchase the Philips Hue Hub (Model: 458471). Search Philips Hue Hub or B016H0QZ7I to find this product on Amazon. SCHEDULE YOUR OWN CUSTOM LIGHTING SCENES: Philips Hue can make it seem like youre home when youre not, using the schedule function in the Philips Hue app. Set the smart bulbs to come on at a pre-set time, so the lights are on when you arrive home. You can even set rooms to light up at different times. And of course, you can let the smart lights turn off gradually in the night, so you never have to worry whether youve left any lights on. This is the perfect way to personalize your smart home. EASY INSTALLATION: To install, simply screw the smart bulbs into your desired light location, download the Hue mobile app and pair your Hue Hub (sold separately). Control smart-bulb-equipped lamps and overhead lights via the Philips Hue App EXPAND YOUR ECOSYTEM: Connect the smart bulb directly to your other Smart Home Devices like Amazon Echo Plus, Nest, or SmartThings systems. Easily expand your smart lighting system with hue accessories (sold separately), such as a Hue Dimmer Switch, Hue Tap, or Hue Motion Sensor Sign up for BGR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Trending Right Now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com | https://news.yahoo.com/earth-philips-hue-white-led-113102270.html |
Can brutal Bethlehem slaying ever be solved after 40 years? | BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) The package arrived in the mail several months ago and landed on Bethlehem Detective Tom Galloway's desk with a thud. There was no return address. It held a plastic three-ring binder, containing several pages of meticulously organized notes. A young woman's smiling face on the cover, the photo framed by the words "Justice for Holly." Nearly 40 years after 17-year-old Holly Branagan was stabbed to death in the kitchen of her Bethlehem home, tips continue to pour in about the Lehigh Valley's most vexing unsolved murder. Many, like the binder, come from anonymous sources who summarize the evidence and suggest a suspect. Nearly all of the tipsters get key facts wrong, Galloway said. That question, police concede, may never be answered. "In every case, obviously, the further you get from the event, it becomes more difficult," said Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. "And when you're this far away, it becomes really difficult." 'We are enamored of the dark side' Holly was home alone and on the phone with a friend when she heard a knock on her door. It was March 28, 1979. She never told the friend who was there before she hung up, but it was clear that the pretty and popular Freedom High School senior knew her visitor. More than 11 hours later, Holly's brother found her in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor, a large kitchen knife in her back. Whoever brutally stabbed Holly walked away undetected. Galloway, who inherited the case in 2007 from a string of detectives, has a theory: Holly knew and trusted her killer enough to let the person in her home. But when the conversation did not go as expected, Holly may have grabbed a knife to defend herself, enraging her visitor. Holly could expose her killer if she lived, Galloway surmises. She fought for her life, but died on her kitchen floor. As the case went cold over the next four decades, public fascination heated up. And no wonder. The crime had all the elements of a television drama: A popular teenager savagely murdered in her home. A parade of sometimes reluctant witnesses from an affluent neighborhood. An investigation by inexperienced officers who inadvertently tainted the crime scene. Holly's father, a widower, was still reeling from his only daughter's death when his son Sean, 19, died in a gas station explosion just a few months later. The second shocking family tragedy only deepened the mystery. Google Holly Branagan's name, and you'll find people on dozens of blogs and true crime fan sites discussing the homicide. With the advent of the internet, people across the country over the past decade have tried to solve the crime through podcasts, online crime communities and through a network of former and current Bethlehem residents who keep in touch via Facebook. "We are enamored of the dark side," said Frank H. Farley, a past president of the American Psychological Association who studies crime. "An unsolved murder like this evokes uncertainty, and that in turn causes the human mind to become creative, to think of ways to solve the mystery." ___ An unsolved murder like this evokes uncertainty, and that in turn causes the human mind to become creative, to think of ways to solve the mystery. Frank H. Farley, a past president of the American Psychological Association ___ Farley, who teaches at Temple University's Psychological Studies in Education program, believes the people who send tips about Holly's murder to police are likely superfans of television crime dramas. "They feel they can be of help," Farley said. "They enjoy the experience." Morganelli bluntly refers to some of those would-be sleuthers as "kooks" who want to involve themselves in the investigation for whatever reason, often wasting police time and resources. But investigators say they remain hopeful that some of the tips may prove useful. Unfortunately, nothing discussed online or dropped in detectives' mailboxes has brought Holly's killer closer to justice. Police, however, think they know who did it. A killing in Bethlehem Morganelli, the county's top law enforcement official to probe the killing, recently said he would discuss with police whether to release some evidence that was previously undisclosed, including an FBI profile of the suspect. "I think as long as we have unanswered questions, which we still do in this case, I certainly don't want to put it to rest," said Morganelli. "I'd like to try and find out more, if we can." Morganelli says he understands the fascination with the case a violent murder in a town relatively unmarred by crime with a teen brutally slain in her own home. Having grown up in Bethlehem and a law student at the time of the killing, Morganelli always hoped the crime would be solved. For many of Holly's classmates, on the brink of adulthood, her death was a reminder of their own mortality and end of innocence, said Bethlehem police Chief Mark DiLuzio. The affluent neighborhood filled with large homes and dotted by woods and an apple orchard was a place where doors were left open and everyone knew each other. ___ I think as long as we have unanswered questions, which we still do in this case, I certainly don't want to put it to rest. Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli ___ The Branagan case is one of about 35 unsolved homicides in the county, Morganelli said. It's a case stymied by lost or destroyed evidence over the decades, family members, investigators and classmates who have died and an exhaustion of investigative techniques and forensic testing, he said. "Unless someone comes forward and says, 'Oh, this person confessed,' and it matches, I'm not overly optimistic about solving the Holly Branagan case," Morganelli said. "I wish we could. I don't know who killed Holly Branagan." Contaminated crime scene Former Bethlehem police officer Craig Stefko was one of the first officers on the scene when Holly's body was found. He recently shared some new details about the early days of the investigation with The Morning Call. There was a chilling statement on the radio: "Base, I've got a party with a knife in her back on the floor. Can I break in?" Stefko arrived a short time later and found Holly's brother, Sean, and a friend, at the home. Sean led police into the kitchen and said, "There she is." After clearing the house to make sure no one else was inside, Stefko said the home soon became "flooded" with officers, some of whom normally would not be at a homicide scene, including officers from the traffic division. "It was an unusual thing to have a murder and I was kind of shocked myself," Stefko said. "I tried to get out of the house to get to my paperwork and I remember going back in and thinking, 'Wow, there's too many people in here.'" Stefko said he saw officers move items around inside the home, including two chairs in the kitchen near where Holly's body was found. As more personnel arrived to take photos, Stefko said officers moved back several items, including the chairs. He said camera equipment used by police was placed on the kitchen table, another thing that could contaminate potential evidence. ___ There are things investigators did years ago that we look at now and think, 'Wow, I can't believe they did that.' Bethlehem police Chief Mark DiLuzio ___ "That should have never been," Stefko said. "I don't fault them. It (a murder) didn't happen a whole lot. I don't think they had the education or the training." DiLuzio stopped short of saying the crime scene was botched, but acknowledged crime scene processing techniques have changed greatly in the four decades since Holly's murder. Back then, he said, the main investigative techniques were interviews, photos of the scene, fingerprints and identification of blood types. He agreed that in today's standards, moving kitchen chairs would be considered contaminating a crime scene. "There are things investigators did years ago that we look at now and think, 'Wow, I can't believe they did that,' " DiLuzio said. "Law enforcement is constantly advancing with education, new crime scene techniques and technology." Other evidence gathered in the case has been exhausted. Even though DNA was unknown to crime scene investigators in 1979, Morganelli said, the knife that was used to kill Holly was tested for the presence of DNA as well as other forensic evidence. Police say that testing cost "in the tens of thousands of dollars," but yielded no results. Fingerprints found at the scene were also re-examined, but that effort was also unsuccessful. Some evidence in the case, including clothing, has deteriorated because of the way it was stored at the time. Crime scene photos show officers, and even the coroner, without rubber gloves or other protective gear worn today to help preserve any shred of evidence. Both Morganelli and DiLuzio say they believe the case cannot be solved unless someone comes forward with new information. "You might have a missing piece of a puzzle," DiLuzio said. "We may have the whole puzzle and just need that little piece to make it clear." Police have a suspect Morganelli and Bethlehem police have a "divide" over an unnamed suspect in the case, a stunning development announced in 2014. Police say today they still believe that suspect killed Holly, but Morganelli isn't so sure. Both agree the evidence is only circumstantial. Authorities would not release the suspect's name because the case remains open. At one point, investigators identified six people who may have been involved, including male and female classmates of Holly's as well as a person who lived in the neighborhood, Morganelli said. All were cleared over the years. "There are cases out there that we feel we know who did it, but just can't prove it," Morganelli said. "I can't personally say that the Branagan case is that kind of a case, but there are some detectives who think they know who did it. But I'm not convinced that's the case." Morganelli said he's familiar with police's theory about the suspect, but said speculation is not enough to make an arrest, let alone a possible conviction. Galloway has doggedly documented Branagan's killing, filling several filing cabinet drawers in his office with yearbooks, documents, police interviews, photos and records of the suspect. Being careful not to name the person, both Galloway and DiLuzio say the suspect was identified after repeated interviews that left them with more questions than answers about that person's actions and behavior following Holly's death. Police would not identify whether the person is a man or woman, or dead or alive. "As we developed more and more information about this person, I can say that the person moved from someone we were seeking information about to a person whom we had a very strong suspicion in being involved in the crime," Galloway said. "I personally believe that this person did that, but we can't use my opinion in court." The clock With the case languishing, Galloway still dutifully checks out every lead, even if most ultimately prove fruitless. The three-ring binder that recently arrived in his office is an example of one of those dead-end tips. A Morning Call article published in April 1979 appears to be the first mention of a "grandfather clock in the hallway," that was stopped at 5:20 with a pendulum lying broken on the floor. It's a chilling detail that some theorized stopped at the exact time of Holly's murder, a concept plucked straight from television crime drama. But it's not correct. There was a clock stopped inside the home at 5:20, but it was a small cuckoo clock in the Branagan kitchen. Authorities say the cuckoo clock wasn't damaged, nor do they know if there is any relevance to the stopped time, which could have stopped at 5:20 a.m. or 5:20 p.m. It's a clock that Holly's father, Richard Branagan, often reset each day by pulling on a set of weights shaped like pine cones at the end of a long chain. Richard Branagan died in 2016, but the clock remains in the home of his widow. The clock is one of several inaccurate leads that people often think is a critical part of the investigation, authorities say. But it's a detail police only recently publicly acknowledged. "It's not my job to correct people's mistakes or tell them something in their theory isn't true," Galloway said. "What if that person is the killer who is trying to see what police know?" A drink never shared Most of Holly's immediate family are buried in a plot at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem, a simple gravestone marked with a cross overlooking a nearby farm where several horses play in the snow. The plot marks the resting place for Holly, Sean and their mother, who died in 1976. Richard Branagan's thoughts were never far away from his children, but he had to find a way to move on, said Richard's widow, Lee Branagan, who recently spoke about Holly's murder. She married Holly's father several years after the deaths of his children. Although he hailed the efforts of law enforcement, Richard Branagan believed his daughter's killing would never be solved, Lee Branagan said. For years, he didn't talk about Holly's murder. "Dick was a strong person, strong-minded and he was of great faith and believed in prayer," Lee Branagan said. "I think that's what pulled him through, to know that he had to go forward. "You just keep these things to yourself and you suffer in silence and go forth and I think he did that," she said. ___ You just keep these things to yourself and you suffer in silence and go forth and I think he did that. Richard Branagan's widow on how he handled his daughter Holly's murder ___ Richard Branagan's quiet quest for justice isn't lost on law enforcement authorities. During his many visits to speak to Richard Branagan about the case, DiLuzio said, he was struck that Branagan wished mostly to know the truth about why someone would kill his daughter. With each update in the case, DiLuzio said, he'd again visit the Branagan home and Holly's father would often offer him a vodka martini. DiLuzio would always politely decline, but made a promise to raise a toast when police found the killer. "Every time I'd see him, he'd ask if it was time for that martini and I'd have to say, 'Not yet,' " DiLuzio said. "I regret that I was never able to share that drink with him." ___ Online: https://bit.ly/2Fh88b7 ___ Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/crime/article/Can-brutal-Bethlehem-slaying-ever-be-solved-after-13710820.php |
Why is Trumps Golan Heights announcement controversial? | The Golan Heights is a narrow strip of mountainous land, roughly 1,800sq km, bordering Syria, Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. It has officially been recognised as part of Syria since 1944 when the country was recognised as an independent republic but was captured by Israeli forces in the 1967 Six-Day War, thereafter becoming Israeli-occupied territory. No country in the world has recognised Israels annexation of the Golan Heights which might change soon, following Donald Trumps call for recognition. Syria tried to get it back in a surprise attack in the 1973 Arab-Israel War, but was defeated in a huge tank battle and forced to sign a ceasefire deal. A UN peacekeeping force has been deployed in the Golan Heights since that time to monitor the ceasefire and patrol the demarcation line between Syrian and Israeli-controlled areas. The United Nations considers the Golan Heights as part of Syria, and passed UN Resolution 242, which calls on Israel to withdraw from all territory it occupied in the 1967 war including the Golan Heights, Gaza and the West Bank. Israel has refused to do so. Israel occupies two-thirds of the territory, and in 1981, formally recognised it as part of the country. It has also in violation of international law began construction in the territory and moved settlers there. Initially secret talks began in the late 2000s between Syria and Israel that reportedly included the possibility of Israel returning the territory in exchange for a peace deal with Damascus, but negotiations collapsed after Israel launched a war in Gaza in 2008. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the Golan Heights will always be part of Israel, and Syria, which does not recognise Israel, wants the territory back. It is a strategically important territory for the two enemy countries with its elevated position nearly 3,000m above sea level allowing a viewpoint into southern Syria, northern Israel and southern Lebanon. When Syria had control of the Golan Heights, its military was able to use positions to shell Israeli communities below. But Israels possession of the land also gives its military a clear view into Syria, all the way to the capital Damascus some 60km away. It is also resource-rich and borders the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus allegedly walked on water. The sea is an important freshwater source and Israels largest reservoir once accounting for 30 per cent of the countrys water sources. But it is starting to dry up, which is having a knock-on effect on the Jordan river, which it feeds into, and the rapidly shrinking Dead Sea. The US, in line with international law and consensus, had refrained from accepting Israels claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights. But although Mr Trumps announcement is controversial, it is unlikely to have taken many by surprise. It follows a series of moves that have delighted Israel but infuriated the Arab world, including recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital and moving the US embassy there. This announcement has also reportedly been in the works for some time. According to a Reuters interview with the countrys intelligence minister Yisrael Katz in May 2018, the matter was topping the agenda in bilateral talks, with Israel pressing the Trump administration to recognise its sovereignty over the territory as part of the US pushback against perceived regional aggression by Iran. Iran is a key ally to Damascus and its military support in the Syrian war has been crucial to giving Syrian president Bashar al-Assad the upper hand. This is the perfect time to make such a move. The most painful response you can give the Iranians is to recognise Israels Golan sovereignty with an American statement, a presidential proclamation, enshrined [in law], Katz said. Today more than 40,000 people live in the Golan Heights, according to Israeli government estimates. The population is a mix of Syrians and Israeli settlers. Most of the Syrian residents are those that fled there during the 1967 war and are members of the Druze faith. | https://news.yahoo.com/why-trump-golan-heights-announcement-133626252.html |
How do I file an extension on my taxes? | CLOSE More people are filing taxes online than ever. USA TODAY The countdown to the tax filing deadline is underway. Most taxpayers have until April 15 to file their federal returns. Residents in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 due to local holidays. If you dont file on time, you risk getting slapped with a late-filing and/or late-payment penalty. But if youre missing key documents, dealing with an unexpected life event or simply running out of time to get your taxes done by the deadline, you can file for a six-month extension. Whatever your reason, Its a simple process to get those extra months. Here is what you need to do to give yourself the extra time you need. Taxes, unpopular though they may be, fund government services Americans count on every day. Individual income taxes may be especially hated -- but they are also important, accounting for 48% of federal tax revenue. For the vast majority of states, income taxes are also critical to governments' balance sheets. Most Americans pay income tax twice every year -- once to federal government, and once to their state. No two state tax codes are exactly alike, however, and there are a handful of states that manage to function without levying an individual income tax. To identify the states with no income tax, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed state level tax codes using tax data compiled by tax policy research organization Tax Foundation. In the vast majority of states, individual income taxes represent over 15% of annual tax revenue. Because income tax is such an important and reliable revenue source, the states with no income tax make up for the lost potential revenue in other ways. Two states on this list, for example, have major tourist industries and raise revenue through higher than average sales taxes . Three other states that levy no income tax are rich in natural resources and are able to bring in additional revenue through taxes on mineral and gas extraction operations. Largely as a result, despite the missed income tax revenue, these states manage to balance their budget just as well as the average state, and do not necessarily have higher debt on a per capita basis. To identify the states with no income tax, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the tax code in each state using the latest tax data compiled by tax policy research organization Tax Foundation. Personal income per capita for each state is for 2016 and came from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. All other data came from the Tax Foundations Facts & Figures 2018: How Does Your State Compare? report. (Photo: LIgorko / Getty Images) File for an extension You can e-file an extension for free using any of the Free File software offered by the major tax preparation companies. These often help you estimate your tax due so you can make a payment. You can also print out Form 4868 and send it in to the IRS address for your state by April 15. Once the IRS approves your extension, you have until Oct. 15 to file your return. If you expect a refund, you won't get it until after you file your tax returns and the IRS processes that return. Paying the IRS You still need to pay what you owe by April 15, even if you file for an extension. If you underestimate what you owe, you may end up paying interest on what you dont pay by the deadline. If you pay less than 85 percent of the tax you owe, youll be charged a penalty of 0.5 percent of the underpayment every month until you pay the balance. State extension Each state has their own tax filing extension rules. Check your state's tax authority website for more information. NEWSLETTERS Get the Managing Your Money newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong A collection of articles to help you manage your finances like a pro. Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-872-0001. Delivery: Fri Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for Managing Your Money Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. More newsletters If youre abroad You automatically get two extra months until June 15 to file your federal tax returns without submitting an IRS extension request for if youre a U.S. citizen or resident alien and you live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico.This also applies to military members serving outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. When you do file your return, include a statement that explains why you qualified for the later deadline. If you can't file by the automatic two-month extension date, you can file a Form 4868 to request an additional extension to Oct. 15. You have until June 15 to file this form. CLOSE Its tax time again. In your rush to get your taxes done, dont make these six mistakes. Josmar Taveras, USA TODAY Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/03/23/tax-refund-how-file-extension-taxes/3139941002/ | https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/03/23/tax-refund-how-file-extension-taxes/3139941002/ |
Are The Risks Of Drugs That Enhance Imaging Tests Overblown? | Enlarge this image toggle caption Morsa Images/Getty Images Morsa Images/Getty Images One of the most widely used drugs in the world isn't really a drug, at least not in the usual sense. It's more like a dye. Physicians call this drug "contrast," shorthand for contrast agent. Contrast agents are chemical compounds that doctors use to improve the quality of an imaging test. In the emergency room, where I work, contrast is most commonly given intravenously during a CT scan. Around 80 million CT scans are performed annually in the U.S., and the majority are done with contrast. Most contrast agents I use contain iodine, which can block X-rays. This effect causes parts of an image to light up, which significantly enhances doctors' ability to detect things like tumors, certain kinds of infections and blood clots. One thing about contrast agents that makes them different from typical drugs is that they have no direct therapeutic effect. They don't make you feel better or treat what's ailing you. But they might be crucial in helping your doctor make the right diagnosis. Because these drugs are used in some people who might not turn out to have anything wrong with them, and in others who may be seriously ill, contrast agents need to be quite safe. And by and large they are. Some patients may develop serious allergic reactions or cardiovascular complications, but these are rare. Others may experience nausea or headache. But there is one widely feared adverse effect of contrast kidney damage. As a result, contrast is often withheld from patients deemed by their doctors to be at risk for kidney problems. The downside is that these patients may not receive the diagnostic information that would be most useful for them. In recent years, though, new research has led some physicians to question whether this effect has been overstated. The first report of kidney damage after intravenous contrast, which became known as contrast-induced nephropathy, or CIN, appeared in a Scandinavian medical journal in 1954. An early form of contrast had been given to a patient for a diagnostic test. The patient quickly developed renal failure and died. The authors proposed that the contrast may have been responsible, because they could find no other clear cause during an autopsy. With other physicians now primed to the possibility, similar reports began appearing. By the 1970s, renal injury had become a "well-known complication" of contrast in patients with risk factors for kidney disease, like diabetes. By 1987, intravenous contrast was proclaimed to be the third-leading cause of hospital-acquired kidney failure. The belief that contrast agents were risky had a significant effect on how often doctors used them. In a 1999 survey of European radiologists, 100 percent of respondents believed that CIN occurred in at least 10-20 percent of at-risk patients, and nearly 20 percent believed it occurred in over 30 percent of such patients. A 2006 survey found that 94 percent of radiologists considered contrast to be contraindicated beyond a certain threshold of renal functiona threshold that nearly 1 in 10 middle-aged American men could exceed. But Dr. Jeffrey Newhouse, a professor of radiology at Columbia University, had a hunch that something wasn't quite right with the conventional wisdom. He's administered contrast thousands of times, and rarely did it seem to him that contrast could be said to have been directly toxic. There were often far too many variables at play. Newhouse decided to go back to the primary literature. In 2006, he and a colleague reviewed over 3,000 studies on contrast-induced nephropathy and came to an astounding conclusiononly two had used control groups, and neither of those had found that contrast was dangerous. "Everyone assumed that any kidney injury after contrast was a result of the contrast," Newhouse said, "but these studies had no control groups!" In other words, there was no group of patients who hadn't received contrast to use for comparison. Newhouse discovered that nearly every study supporting CIN had fallen prey to this shortcoming. The importance of controls in any experiment is elementary-level science; without them, you can't say anything about causation. What came next was brilliant. "Having criticized those that did the experiment without the control, we decided to do the control without the experiment," Newhouse said. He reviewed 10 years of data from 32,000 hospitalized patients, none of whom received contrast. He found that more than half of the patients had fluctuations in their renal function that would have met criteria for CIN had they received contrast. This raised the possibility that other causes of kidney injury and not the contrast could have explained the association found in earlier studies. Other researchers stepped up after Newhouse published his findings in 2008. Physicians in Wisconsin conducted the first large study of CIN with a control group in 2009. In more than 11,500 patients, overall rates of kidney injury were similar between people who received contrast and those who hadn't. There was one major weakness with the study, thoughit was retrospective, meaning it relied on medical records and previously collected data. When a study is performed this way, randomization to different treatments can't be used to guard against biases that could distort results. So, for instance, if the physicians treating patients in the Wisconsin study were worried about giving contrast to high-risk patients, they may have steered them into the group receiving CT scans without it. These sicker patients might have been more likely to have kidney injury from other causes, which could mask a true difference between the groups. The next generation of retrospective studies tried to use a special statistical technique to control for these biases. The first two appeared in 2013. Researchers in Michigan found that contrast was associated with kidney injury in only the highest-risk patients, while counterparts at the Mayo Clinic, using slightly more sophisticated methods, found no association between contrast and kidney injury. A third study, from Johns Hopkins, appeared in 2017. It, too, found no relationship between contrast and kidney injury in nearly 18,000 patients. And in 2018, a meta-analysis of over 100,000 patients also found no association. "Nearly harmless and totally harmless we're somewhere between those two," he says. We just don't know." Still, Dr. Michael Rudnick, a kidney specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, isn't so sure it's time to clear contrast agents completely. He thinks there still could be some danger to the highest-risk patients, as the Michigan researchers found. And he pointed out that even sophisticated statistical analyses can't control for all possible biases. Only a randomized trial can do that. Here's the rub, though, Rudnick says we're unlikely to get a randomized, controlled trial because there's still a possibility that contrast could be harmful, and ethics committees are unlikely to approve such a trial. It's a conundrum that existing belief about contrast agents could actually limit our ability to conduct the appropriate trials to investigate that belief. Matthew Davenport, lead author of the 2013 Michigan study, and chair of the American College of Radiology's Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media, says that "the vast majority of things we used to think were CIN probably weren't." But he does agree with Rudnick that there could still be real danger for the highest-risk patients. He echoed the current American College of Radiology recommendations that the decision to use contrast in patients with pre-existing renal disease should remain an individualized clinical decision. For now, if you are in need of a scan that could require contrast, talk about the risks and benefits of the medicine for you and make the decision together with your doctor. Clayton Dalton is a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. | https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/03/23/705492079/are-the-risks-of-drugs-that-enhance-imaging-tests-overblown?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr |
Could shoe contract factor into UNLV coaching search? | At her March 15 press conference announcing the firing of Marvin Menzies, UNLV athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said she had enough pledged money from outside sources to make the schools next basketball coach the highest-paid in the Mountain West. We have the financing in place, Reed-Francois said. Most took that to mean program boosters were pitching in to raise the hiring budget. But there could be an additional factor impacting how much money UNLV will have available to spend on its next coach: the universitys apparel contract. UNLV has had a school-wide apparel deal with Nike since 2009 (and the mens basketball team has been a "swoosh" squad for much longer than that), but the current five-year contract expires on May 31. The university will become a free agent at that time, and with shoe companies vying to become the next exclusive merchandising partner of UNLV, it could open up new avenues for paying the next basketball coach. When UNLV courted Cincinnatis Mick Cronin in the spring of 2016 it was reported that the Rebels offer would have been heavily supplemented by Under Armour. UNLV would have paid Cronin around $1 million per year, and Under Armour would have chipped in between $1 million to $2 million per year to foot the rest of the bill and that was when UNLV still had three years left on its deal with Nike. Now that the school is free to sign with any shoe company in a few months, the coaching opening could make UNLV a target for competing bids. According to sources, Under Armour is eager to add an influential west-coast program to its stable of sponsored teams, and UNLV fits that description. Shoe-company contracts can be lucrative. Cincinnati signed a 10-year contract with Under Armour in 2015 that will be worth $47 million over the course of the deal; UA will provide Cincinnati with $36 million in apparel and equipment while also paying the school $11 million in cash. UNLVs current apparel deal calls for Nike to provide the school with up to $1 million per year in shoes, uniforms and equipment, but no cash. According to sources, Reed-Francois believes she has between $1.7 million to $2.8 million per year available to attract the next coach. Reed-Francois did not respond to a message seeking comment, so its unclear how much of that has been pledged by private donors and how much she could be hoping to receive as part of the next apparel deal. If Under Armour (or Nike, or any other company) were to offer cash in addition to apparel/equipment, it could help offset the salary of the next coach or be put toward paying the buyout for a coach who is currently under contract to another school. VCU coach Mike Rhoades has a $1-million buyout provision in his contract, and Buffalo coach Nate Oats has a $750,000 buyout. If UNLV can score a favorable apparel contract, those buyouts could become less of an obstacle. Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala. | https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/mar/23/could-shoe-contract-factor-into-unlv-coaching-sear/ |
How healthy is the cabane sucre? And does it matter? | Healthy eating is all the rage, so how does one reconcile that with one of Quebecs and Canadas time-honoured traditions: an annual visit to the cabane sucre, a.k.a. For Pierre Faucher, there is no dilemma. I dont like that people say (cabane sucre food) is not healthy, said the owner of Sucrerie de la Montagne, in Rigaud, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Ive been eating this stuff for the past 41 years, Faucher said. I have no cholesterol problem, no diabetes. Im in great shape. Im 72 years old, going on 73, and I work 12 hours a day. On the Sucreries all-you-can-eat menu are favourites including mountain dwellers pea soup, sugar-cured country ham, tourtire from Quebecs Beauce region, traditional meatball stew, country-style sausages in syrup water, grilled salt pork, baked beans with molasses, mashed potatoes, pancakes with maple syrup, and sugar pie. Its about recreating the heritage of our ancestors, Faucher explained. We tend to forget these things. The experience is about more than just food, he insists. Its about tradition, music, the cuisine, the aromas. People appreciate coming together, chez moi, in a warm atmosphere with homemade food. Its very festive. I compare it to grandmas cooking. Cast in the unenviable role of party pooper, dietitian Tamara Cohen chose her words carefully between eruptions of laughter when the Montreal Gazette asked her to weigh in on the nutritional merits of a trip to the cabane sucre. Its a celebratory time, said Cohen, who is Concordias Webster Scientist in Nutrition and Lifestyle. With it comes education, especially for kids, and a chance for people to spend time together. Its very positive in that sense. And now for the bad news. The danger with the cabane sucre, she warned, is the altered sense of reality you can get from being away from your routine, surrounded by things you wouldnt normally consume. People are eating sugary foods that are outside of what theyre used to. They tend to be very distracted, so there is the possibility of overeating. A lot of these dishes are high in saturated fats and salt. Before you get all up in arms, relax. Cohen isnt trying to keep anyone away from the cabane sucre; she is merely doing her thankless job. In that respect, she would advise clients to go in with a game plan. This is what I would call a sometimes food, she said. In all our cultures, we have traditional foods with Italians, its a lot of pasta; Im Jewish, so theres a lot of fried that are best in moderation. While we had her attention, just for kicks, the Gazette asked Cohen to pipe up on the pros and cons of various cabane sucre staples. She gamely played along. We started with a classic: pea soup. Oh my gosh. I dont even know how to go there. Theyre probably full of fat, if theyre fried. Baked beans: Very fibrous, full of protein, but often have a lot of added fats and can be very, very high in salt. Sausages, she noted, are very high in salt, and then you have the fat. Its the same thing, over and over. Meatballs with gravy: Im getting thirsty. You should definitely drink a big bottle of water on your way home, and maybe pack some Tums. Its not all so over-the-top. Most cabanes sucre will offer an omelette. Great! Cohen said, sounding relieved. Eggs are a great source of protein, and low in fat. Im not going to lie, I find that delicious, she admitted. Its totally awesome, but its a sometimes food. And when youre at a sugar shack, its part of the experience I cant believe Im admitting that to you. Oh god, Im going to lose my job. Which brings us to desserts, and that old standby, sugar pie. Again, I feel like Im repeating myself: its full of fats, likely made with butter and loads of sugar, plus plus. The key words are to be mindful of what youre eating, Cohen counselled. Not to necessarily load your plate, but to have little servings of each thing. Whet the palate. Yeah, um, fat chance. Im shaking my head right now. I dont even know what to say. This is exorbitant. That seems like more of a dental issue, Cohen said, but thats just me. Again, if youre a healthy individual, your body can totally take care of the extra sugar. Youll just feel really off, physically. Cohen works out of Concordias PERFORM Centre, where she is conducting a study on how well a phone app can assess peoples food intake. She describes herself as a very relaxed dietitian and encourages people to embrace the cabane sucre experience, but to be mindful. It is possible to partake in the fun without going off the deep end. In that respect, she has one piece of advice that sounds like common sense but which many people tend to ignore en route to the cabane sucre. Dont starve yourself before. Eat a normal breakfast. Dont go to these things starving, because then you know youre going to overeat. And thats about as much as Cohen can do for you. Because when it comes to guilty pleasures, at the end of the day, she said, people are going to do what they want. If you simply dont trust yourself, there is help. Louis-Robert Handfield is part of a wave of cabane sucre owners who are adapting their menus to the changing times. His Cabane sucre Handfield, in the Montrgie, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year; it is attached to Auberge Handfield, which will mark 90 years in 2020. Without ixnay-ing excess, Handfield has tried to make certain dishes healthier in recent years, even offering vegan, pork-free and gluten-free options. More and more, we have to cater to special dietary requests, he said. We all have to face these kinds of concerns sooner or later, whether on doctors orders or because over time our bodies ask us to be more considerate. Handfield is aware that the standard cabane sucre offerings dont hold up to scrutiny when it comes to their impact on the body. Beans in lard, soupe au jambon, crpes with crispy pork rinds, eggs fried in bacon fat its not very healthy, he acknowledged. We have changed a lot of recipes to better answer the demand. Handfield has reduced the fat content of his pea soup; now omits the lard from his baked beans; has begun using duck fat instead of pork fat for his cretons; makes his homemade pork sausages thinner than he used to; and has eliminated gluten and reduced the sugar content of many of his desserts. People notice at the end of their meal, he said. They like it. Its not as heavy, and not too sweet. Things get a little tricky when it comes to other meaty classics. But thats where the above-noted alternatives come in. Theres something for everyone, Handfield said. Our objective is to satisfy every person at the table. Were not a vegetarian restaurant, and were not a medical clinic, but when people ask us for something, we try to work it out. Ultimately, he explained, the goal is simple. We want families to get together, learn about the folklore and for everyone to feel at home. AT A GLANCE For more information on Sucrerie de la Montagne, visit sucreriedelamontagne.com. For more on Cabane sucre Handfield, visit aubergehandfield.com. For information on Concordias PERFORM Centre and to participate in Tamara Cohens study, visit concordia.ca/research/perform. [email protected] twitter.com/TChaDunlevy | https://montrealgazette.com/life/food/how-healthy-is-the-cabane-a-sucre-and-does-it-matter |
Will legalization redeem lives ruined by war on marijuana? | CLOSE More than 18,000 people and 678 vendors gathered in Las Vegas for the MJBizCon, a conference all about the cannabis industry. Wochit The power and prosperity of some of Americas most prominent white families were built in the underground economy. The descendants of alleged bootlegger Joseph Kennedy and alleged brothel owner Friedrich Trump have not only enjoyed the spoils of their ancestors fabulous and ill-gotten wealth, but the influence that wealth affords. Black families have also tried to build generational wealth through the underground economy, but their efforts have been far more likely to lead to prison than the presidency. In her fascinating and heart-warming memoir, The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mothers Life in the Detroit Numbers, Bridgett M. Davis describes a childhood that was largely organized around her mothers status as the banker for a successful street lottery operation. Davis childhood was defined by the affluence and opportunities afforded by her mothers illegal activities, but also by the terror that it could all come tumbling down with one policemans knock at the door. Davis argues that societys dim view of the street lottery was largely shaped by a newspaper-fueled perception that the lottery was a black mans game, much in the way that 1930s propaganda convinced Americans that marijuana was inherently evil because it was the intoxicant of choice for black and brown people. (Photo: Getty Images) But as with marijuana, whites were just as likely as blacks to play the street lottery in its heyday; they were just much less likely to go to jail for it. Despite efforts to vilify both numbers operators and their customers, Davis meticulously-researched book offers plenty of evidence that street lottery bankers were critical to the black communitys financial stability. Davis describes how black numbers operators funded black institutions and social justice organizations, a fact that is well-known among black leaders. A former executive director of a local NAACP branch in Ohio once told me that his branch nearly went under until a numbers man stepped in to make payroll. My late paternal grandfather, who was an accountant for a numbers operation on Detroits west side, once explained to me that numbers operators would help black families make mortgage balloon payments in the days when racism made it impossible for them to get traditional bank financing for their homes. And while those familiar with the pain of gambling addiction might not describe the street numbers as a victimless crime, the lottery like most entertainment designed for adults is a perfectly fine hustle and hobby for the vast majority of people who use it. In the end, Fannie Davis numbers story had a happy ending. While her business declined with the introduction of the Michigan State Lottery in 1972, she still was able to raise her family with upper middle-class luxuries, and somehow she was never arrested. Bridgett Davis used her mothers wealth to earn college degrees from prestigious schools and build a successful career as a filmmaker, writer and college professor. But for every Fannie Davis, there are dozens of black people for whom the underground economy has been far less empowering. In her groundbreaking 2010 book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Michelle Alexander documents how low-level prosecutions for the sale or possession of a marijuana contributed to the mass incarceration of black people, a phenomenon that has destabilized the black community, ruined black families and severely undermined the ability of blacks to build prosperity. And theres little doubt that race has been a major factor in how marijuana laws are enforced. According to a 2013 ACLU study, blacks are 3.73 times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites, although rates of use are roughly comparable. Equally galling, some people whose political fortunes soared because of the effects of marijuana criminalization, like former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, who described himself as being unalterably opposed to marijuana legalization as a legislator, and former Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca, who routinely prosecuted people for low-level marijuana dealing and possession, are now lining up to make their fortunes with legal marijuana operations. Happily, some policy makers have recognized the dawn of legal marijuana sales as an opportunity to undo some of the damage of marijuana-linked mass incarceration. For example, an ordinance in Oakland, California mandates that half of the permits for marijuana dispensaries must go to people who have either had a cannabis conviction in Oakland after November 5, 1996, or has lived for 10 of the last 20 years in neighborhoods with disproportionately higher number of cannabis-related arrests. The ordinance also gives equity applicants access to capital and technical assistance to help their legal cannabis businesses thrive. Here in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has begun a process to assess how to expunge the records of Michiganders who have marijuana possession convictions. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has already dropped four criminal marijuana prosecutions since she took office in January. But so far, no legislation has emerged to give the disproportionately black casualties of the war on drugs a leg up in the states marijuana industry. Its not hard to imagine that 20 years from now, most Americans will view the decades when marijuana possession was a felony offense as a backwards era, the way most Americans view the folly of Prohibition or street lottery police raids. But thats of little comfort to the thousands of black families torn apart by incarceration for low level marijuana offenses. When former Detroit Recorders Court Judge (and later Congressman) George Crockett Jr. refused to sign warrants for 27 defendants accused of participating in a Detroit street lottery operation in 1972, he said he could not ignore the role that race played in Detroit law enforcement, where mafia-led numbers were rarely raided. There seems to be a tendency for the law to work one way for the poor and black and another for the wealthy and white, Crockett said. Heres hoping that policy makers in our state acknowledge the damage that has been done by racial disparities in law enforcement and leverage regulations for the legal marijuana industry to engineer happy endings for victims of the war on drugs. Kim Trent was elected to an eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors in 2012. She previously served as the director of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's southeast Michigan office. Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2019/03/23/underground-economy-race/3250863002/ | https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2019/03/23/underground-economy-race/3250863002/ |
How many perfect March Madness brackets are left after first round? | There were 17.2 million brackets entered in the ESPN Tournament Challenge for the 2019 NCAA tournament. After one round, only nine are still perfect. The tournament's first 32 games captivated audiences as always, and like in most years, they also poked holes in many people's predictions on how the Big Dance would play out. And then...there were 9. After the first two days, of the over 17.2 million completed brackets in ESPNs Tournament Challenge... there are just 9 perfect brackets remaining. Some other notes: pic.twitter.com/SS8c9yB2bL Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 23, 2019 Of all the upsets that took place, No. 11 Ohio State over No. 6 Iowa State in the Midwest Region and No. 12 Liberty over No. 5 Mississippi State in the East Region had the most lasting effects on brackets. Nearly 30% of ESPN brackets had Iowa State in the Sweet 16 and almost a quarter of them had Mississippi State making it that far. The second round of the tournament gets started at noon Saturday and is sure to bring some more chaos to everybody's brackets. | https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/03/23/nine-perfect-march-madness-brackets-after-first-round |
Could charitable giving become a tax law casualty? | People don't necessarily give to charity because of tax benefits, but it doesn't hurt. However, the new tax law, among other things, has eliminated or sharply reduced the benefits of charitable giving for many would-be donors. Even though the deduction for donations is unchanged, you still need to itemize to claim it, and that's a much higher bar with the now nearly doubled standard deduction. Under the new law, an individual will need total itemized deductions to exceed $12,000, the new standard deduction for individual taxpayers, up from the former $6,350 standard deduction. Married couples would need deductions exceeding $24,000, up from $12,700. As a result, fewer people will likely itemize this year, which means many won't reap the tax benefits of their charitable contributions. One analysis from the Tax Policy Center found that 21 million taxpayers will stop taking the charitable deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Not only did the number of taxpayers itemizing shrink, but lower tax rates reduced the marginal benefit of giving, as well, the Tax Policy Center said. | https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/23/could-charitable-giving-become-a-tax-law-casualty.html |
What Does 'Love in Sadness' Have Going For It Beside A Scandal? | MBC Love in Sadness is an interesting blend of the soapier kind of Korean drama, updating a 40s noir plot, sprinkled with some Hallmark Channel-worthy flower allegories, some fine poetry, and plenty of lovely cinematography. It also has one standout performance. Every time Ryu Soo Young is on the screen viewers may sink back into their seats in terror. Ryu plays Kang In Wook, a successful businessman who spent his life under the thumb of his cruel father. He takes more abuse than he should from his father, who he was once terrified of and is now desperately eager to please. Instead of learning from his fathers abusive behavior, which ultimately resulted in his mothers death, he perpetrates it by locking up his wife and brutalizing her. The frightened wife, Yoo Ma Ri, played alternately by Park Ha Na and then Park Han Byul, turns to a plastic surgeon for help, because she feels the only way she can escapein a world with extensive CCTV coverageis to alter her face. The kind hearted surgeon, played by the ever affable Ji Hyun Woo is the opposite of her husband. He wishes only the best for her but winds up giving Yoon Ma Ri the face of his beautiful yet indifferent late wife, Woo Ha Kyung. Generally the kind doctor alters peoples faces to help them overcome injury or disfigurement but in this case, his motives might be more complicated. The theme of plastic surgery giving a person a chance at a new life and altering their perception of the world inspired two 40s noir films. In A Womans Face a blackmailers disfigurement made her see the world in a different way. In Dark Passage, a man undergoes surgery to hide from the law. Both those themes are at play in this drama as Yoon Ma Ri sees life differently with her new face but is also in hiding. The plot offers many dualities, comparing the difference between the two Woo Ha Kyungs, one of whom is kind. The other is not. It compares life before and after plastic surgery, as well as how Ji Hyun Woos character Seo Jung Woo is the complete opposite of Kang in Wook. While there are shades of gray in both characters, they are still so far apart that Ryu is shot a lot in black and white, while Ji is often captured in warm colors and surrounded by flowers. Ryu Soo Young is really bone chilling as the obsessive, cold-hearted and yet so desperately vulnerable husband. His gaze is meant to send chills and when he glares at anyone who gets in his way, he does so with the cold fury of a snake-haired Gorgon. He wants to find his wife and lock her up in a cage, slowly shredding and devouring her sense of self. Its a common theme in k-dramas that an innocent character will be abused by unbridled power and that good people do not always realize they have the means to fight back. When they do realize that they have agency, power can crumble in ways that have far-reaching implications. Ironically, its a theme that also plays out in the real-life drama that has created negative associations for Love in Sadness. The drama received negative publicity because the main actress, Park Han Byul, is married to Yoo In Suk, one of the alleged key players in the Burning Sun scandal. As a partner in Yuri Holdings, with Big Bangs Seungri, he was implicated in allegations of violence and drugs, as well as possible police bribery, taking place in the Burning Sun nightclub. The MBC drama began broadcasting in late February and when the scandal broke had only completed a few episodes. Some viewers requested that Park Han Byul be removed from the drama, because she was married to Yoo In Suk, but the dramas producers did not agree and she remains for the 40-episode drama. The unfolding plot will provide an interesting comparison with the real-life scandal. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanmacdonald/2019/03/23/what-does-love-in-sadness-have-going-for-it-beside-a-scandal/ |
What's the deal with microdosing? | Silicon Valley swears by taking tiny amounts of psychedelic drugs. Can it really improve your health, asks Maria Lally. Gwyneth Paltrow has always seen herself as something of a bellwether in the world of wellness. As far back as 2004, Paltrow introduced the world to the ancient Asian art of cupping when she showed off the telltale circular bruises on her upper back at a New York premiere. Since then mostly via her wellness website, Goop she's bought us vaginal steaming, conscious uncoupling and even once claimed that nobody would have heard of yoga if it wasn't for her. Continuing with her theme, in a recent interview with the New York Times, Paltrow said: "When we [Goop] talk about something incendiary, I always see in six months other people starting to write about it, and 18 months later, businesses popping up around it." "I think how psychedelics affect health and mental health and addiction will come more into the mainstream," she replied. Advertisement Paltrow's comments follow a new study on rats from the University of California that found evidence that small doses of hallucinogenic drugs could have therapeutic benefits, including a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and pain. Microdosing LSD has been used for a while among a growing number of Silicon Valley professionals who claim that taking it in small doses offers a "productivity hack", making them sharper, more creative and less stressed. One of Silicon Valley's biggest stars the late Steve Jobs, creator of the iPhone once said that taking LSD was "one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life". He went on to say that Bill Gates, his biggest tech rival, would have been "a broader guy if he had dropped acid". Steve Jobs. Getty Images Microdosing involves taking a 10th of the recreational dose of psychedelic drugs such as LSD (which is the most commonly microdosed drug) and psilocybin, more widely known as magic mushrooms. Its proponents say that, while a regular dose of LSD can powerfully alter your mood and cognitive processes, and cause hallucinations, small doses can heighten alertness and creativity and can help with things such as stress, anxiety and even PMT. Or in the words of English countess Amanda Feilding: "Microdosing just adds a little sparkle. It loosens your state of consciousness a little, but not to the point it's perceptible. It's like a psychedelic vitamin." In 1998 Lady Feilding founded the Beckley Foundation, a charitable trust that promotes drug policy reform. Feilding was introduced to LSD in 1965 before it had been criminalised and says: "I was studying comparative religion and mysticism and found LSD fascinating. Then I realised, at a lower dose, it could improve mood health, thinking and creativity. It became a major interest of mine, especially its potential to be used in a very low non-toxic dose." However, in 1966, LSD was made illegal in the UK and US. The following year it was criminalised in New Zealand. "Ayelet Waldman, the American novelist who at the time was a magistrate who had never broken the law, told me when I met her that she had become quite depressed and had writer's block," says Feilding. "She discovered microdosing, and within a month wrote her bestselling book, A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life." In it, she talks of putting 10 micrograms of acid under her tongue every three days for a month. "The US, in particular California, is very interested in microdosing right now," says Feilding. "It's particularly caught on in Silicon Valley, the thinking powerhouse of the world. They're very forward-thinking with their health and interested in peak performance, and I know several high-up people who have taken up microdosing quite enthusiastically. These are people behind some of the big breakthroughs of our time." Gwyneth Paltrow. Photo / AP She won't name them, of course, because microdosing is still illegal. However, LSD is about to enter more scientific trials to see if there is any evidence whether its medical effectiveness, displayed during the Fifties and Sixties, holds true today against the more rigorous standards of modern science. "We're currently studying psilocybin [magic mushrooms] for depression," says clinical psychologist Rosalind Watts, who works for the psychedelic research group at Imperial College London. "In the last study, with a small sample size, we saw a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. We are now in the middle of a larger study, comparing psilocybin to antidepressant medication. "Microdosing is interesting, but there haven't been many scientific studies yet. A 'self-blinding' microdosing study (part of the Imperial Beckley research programme) is under way, where voluntary participants who are currently or planning to start microdosing with LSD track their own progress. It will be a while before robust scientific evidence can shed more definitive light on microdosing. Until then, it's too early to say. But the model for microdosing has potential for creative mood management, PMT, anxiety and a whole host of things. "One of the interesting things with psychedelics is they may work on something much deeper down. In other words, mental health problems from eating disorders to depression may share similar roots. We hear sufferers feel disconnected from other people and the world around them and psychedelics may help with that disconnect. But we need studies to answer those questions. "However, research into psychedelics ground to a halt in the Sixties. Psychedelics showed promise as therapeutic treatments in the Fifties but soon became tarnished due to a number of factors, including irresponsible recreational use. Hopefully, this is starting to change now, thanks to a new wave of modern psychedelic research which in the UK was spearheaded by Amanda Feilding, and my colleagues at Imperial, David Nutt and Robin Carhart-Harris." However, Watts says that LSD and other psychedelics can be unsafe in an unsafe setting or where the purity of the drug isn't known, or if they're taken alongside other drugs or alcohol. During trials, she sits with study participants during their trips, as they can elicit very strong emotions. Countess Amanda Feilding. Photo / Francesco-Gudiccini/Beckley Foundation "These emotions can be beneficial in a therapeutic context but could be frightening and counterproductive otherwise," she adds. Feilding's trial is about to test 25 volunteers who will take microdoses of LSD, fill in psychological questionnaires and play the Go. "It's a no-luck Chinese board game involving pattern recognition," she says, "and I've found that it [LSD] has improved my playing of Go over the years. "However, much more research is needed on the effects of LSD, and hopefully this study will start the conversation again." Putting it to the test Microdosing means regularly taking very small doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin (magic mushrooms) over a period of weeks or months. The practice has made countless headlines over the past couple of years, with claims it can improve health, strengthen relationships and increase productivity. These claims are surprising because microdosers take doses so small there are no noticeable effects. These can be just 1/20th of a typical recreational dose, often every three or four days. With such small amounts, microdosers go about their daily business, including going to work, without experiencing any typical drug effects. Previous research suggests microdosing may lead to better mood and energy levels, improved creativity, increased wisdom and changes to how we perceive time. But these previous studies have mainly involved asking people to complete ratings or behavioural tasks as one-off measures. Our study, published today in PLOS One, tracked the experience of 98 users over a longer period six weeks to systematically measure any psychological changes. Overall, the participants reported both positive and negative effects from microdosing, including improved attention and mental health; but also more neuroticism. What we did As you would expect, there are many legal and bureaucratic barriers to psychedelic research. It wasn't possible for us to run a study where we actually provided participants with psychedelic substances. Instead, we tried to come up with the most rigorous design possible in the current restrictive legal climate. Our solution was to recruit people who were already experimenting with microdosing and to track their experiences carefully over time, using well validated and reliable psychometric measures. Each day we asked participants to complete some brief ratings, telling us whether they had microdosed that day and describing their overall experience. This let us track the immediate effects of microdosing. At the beginning and end of the study participants completed a detailed battery of psychological measures. This let us track the longer-term effects of microdosing. In a separate sample, we explored the beliefs and expectations of people who are interested in microdosing. This let us track whether any changes in our main sample were aligned with what people generally predict will happen when microdosing. What we found There are five key findings. 1: A general positive boost on microdosing days, but limited residual effects of each dose. The idea is that each microdose, every three or four days, has a residual effect that lasts for a few days. The daily ratings in our study do not support this idea. Participants reported an immediate boost in all measures (connectedness, contemplation, creativity, focus, happiness, productiveness and wellness) on dosing days. But this was mostly not maintained on the following days. 2: Some indications of improvements in mental health. We found that after six weeks, participants reported lower levels of depression and stress. We recruited people who were not experiencing any kind of mental illness for the study, so levels of depression and stress were relatively low to begin with. Nevertheless, ratings on these measures did drop. 3: Shifts in attention. The microdosers in our study reported reduced mind wandering, meaning they were less likely to be distracted by unwanted thoughts. They also reported an increase in absorption, meaning they were more likely to experience intense focused attention on imaginative experiences. Absorption has been linked to strong engagement with art and nature. 4: Increases in neuroticism and some challenging experiences. Not everyone had a good time microdosing. Some participants reported unpleasant and difficult experiences. In some cases, participants tried microdosing just once or twice, then didn't want to continue. 5: Changes do not entirely match people's expectations. People have strong expectations about the effects of microdosing. But when we looked at the specific variables participants most expected would change, these didn't match up with the changes actually reported by our microdosers. Two of the biggest changes microdosers expected were increases in creativity and life satisfaction, but we found no evidence of shifts in these areas. This suggests the changes we found were not simply due to people's expectations. There are promising indications of possible benefits of microdosing, but also indications of some potential negative impacts, which should be taken seriously. It's important to remember this was an observational study that relied heavily on the accuracy and honesty of participants in their reports. As such, these results need to be treated cautiously. - Additional reporting: The Conversation | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=12215633&ref=rss |
When is the last time LeBron James missed the NBA playoffs? | For the first time since 2005, the NBA playoffs won't feature LeBron James. His Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Brooklyn Nets 111-106 on Friday and were officially eliminated from the postseason. It has been a long time since we've gone without LeBron playing hoops in May. Like, a really long time. And after 13 straight playoff appearances, this was not what people were hoping for during his first year as a Laker. So now is the time where we remind you about all the things that used to be popular back when LeBron last played in the playoffs and all of the things that are super popular now and meant basically nothing to most people in 2005. Its been a while ... since LeBron missed the playoffs pic.twitter.com/5s8xJqzmZi ESPN (@espn) March 23, 2019 Last time LeBron missed the playoffs was in 2005 That year Netflix was delivering DVDs Apple didnt have an iPhone YouTube was founded Aubrey Graham wasnt Drake yet, he was Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi pic.twitter.com/Yi20zF9I5Z Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 23, 2019 The world was quite a different place the last time LeBron James missed the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/5cF4jxYp2g theScore (@theScore) March 23, 2019 The last time LeBron James missed the playoffs was 2005. Tiger won 2 majors that year. pic.twitter.com/PKdVcQTCrA Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 23, 2019 The most popular songs in 2005, the last time Lebron missed the playoffs: 1. We Belong Together - Mariah Carey 2. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani 3. Let Me Love You - Mario 4. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson 5. 1, 2 Step - Ciara pic.twitter.com/VxuNNoXDEn SB Nation (@SBNation) March 23, 2019 Last time LeBron missed the playoffs: - The best selling phone was a Nokia 1110 - The Office was just a few weeks old - 1, 2 step by Ciara was one of the songs dominating charts - The SuperSonics were still a thing. - There was no Twitter or Instagram. The last time his team was officially eliminated from the playoffs (Cavs, 4/20/05) was the same week the Green Bay Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers. That was the last time LeBron James missed the playoffs... pic.twitter.com/Qmd1FKrW0J Stadium (@Stadium) March 23, 2019 The last time LeBron missed the playoffs in 2005, Steph Curry had 0 Finals MVPs. Now, Steph....well.....still has 0 Finals MVPs. In 2029 we can do this when again we talk about the Warriors finally not winning the title. | https://www.si.com/nba/2019/03/23/lebron-james-missing-playoffs-first-time-2005-lakers |
Could parole board make a comeback in Minnesota? | After decades behind bars, Minnesota inmates serving life sentences must pin their hopes for freedom on just one man. Paul Schnell, the newly appointed Department of Corrections commissioner who determines which offenders are granted supervised release, isnt sure thats fair or wise. Should justice be dependent on who sits in the commissioner of Corrections role? he said recently. Its a huge responsibility. I certainly dont want to release anybody thats going to pose a public safety risk. Schnell believes that responsibility should be shared. Hes endorsing a bill now being debated in the Legislature to establish a five-member, bipartisan review board tasked with deciding lifers fates. If approved, it would roll back sole discretionary powers awarded to the DOC commissioner in 1982, when Minnesota abolished its formal parole board system. That system was really a product of the time, said Kelly Mitchell, executive director at the University of Minnesotas Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. Concerns over the subjective nature of parole decisions and the possibility of unfair racial disparities prompted Minnesotas transition to its current determinate sentencing system where there is no early release for good behavior. Corrections chief Paul Schnell talked to Patrick Nunn Jr., who he had once arrested. This is full circle for me, to hear him talk to people in a human way, Nunn said. That change left only a small number of lifers hanging in the balance, a percentage that lawmakers likely saw as too insignificant to retain a parole board for, Mitchell said. It probably says that our Legislature was trying to be efficient and streamline the process, she said. Minnesota is one of only four states where the commissioner maintains unilateral authority over who is freed. Schnell says hes not trying to shirk the weighty obligation. He argues that asking an independent body of criminal justice experts to vote on those issues would reduce bias and better reflect the interests of Minnesotans. We believe that, in the interest of fairness, it is important that a broader segment of people have the opportunity to be included in this, Schnell testified earlier this month during a public safety committee hearing at the Capitol. Rep. John Lesch, D-St. Paul, was receptive to the idea. Granting a governor-appointed commissioner sole decisionmaking power, politicizes a process that shouldnt be politicized, Lesch said. The proposed new board would award equal voting power to five members, with the commissioner as chair. Panelists with at least five years criminal justice or related experience would be appointed by leaders of both parties, serve staggered four-year terms and make release decisions by simple majority. Rep. Marion ONeill fought for an amendment that would require a supermajority, saying she was troubled by the potential for constant 3-2 splits along partisan lines. If you only have a vote of three, it would be very easy for one ideology one political party to really control that board, warned ONeill, R-Maple Lake. But if you have a supermajority the voice of the minority would not be silenced. But Safia Khan, the DOCs lobbyist, counters that the whole point [of having a five-member board] is to depoliticize it. These are not meant to be political operatives. Hope as a motivator Of the 610 lifers housed in Minnesota state prisons, roughly 75 percent or 470 inmates could rejoin society one day. Many are first-degree murderers, who must serve a minimum of 30 years in prison before being considered for supervised release Minnesotas version of parole. But there is no guarantee theyll ever get out. Those lucky few who do see freedom are under surveillance for life. And if former inmates fail to stay out of trouble or regularly check in with their assigned community service officer, theyll quickly find themselves back inside a cell. Each month, Schnell studies a massive three-ring binder on those petitioning for release. Among other factors, he must weigh the inmates risk of reoffending, progress in treatment, behavior while incarcerated, psychological evaluations and victim impact statements. The offender appears via livestream to discuss their potential release plans. Schnell is then advised on how to proceed by deputy commissioners and the facilitys warden, but its ultimately his decision. If a person has demonstrated a sense of remorse for their involvement in the offense, theyve participated in programming, they have complied with all the rules of the facility what penological benefit is there in keeping them in our prison? Schnell said. He has yet to grant any releases, but is expected to oversee about 70 requests this year. Hope of rebuilding a life outside is a powerful motivator to improve, Schnell said. Without it, inmates have little incentive to remain social and engaged. Shane Price, co-founder of a popular prison program that stresses personal accountability, regularly works with lifers. We like to say, It only takes 30 seconds to get 30 years, said Price, who runs the Power of People Leadership Institute. Now you have 30 years to consider [what youve done]. The program empowers offenders to make positive choices and teaches them that they are not defined by their worst mistakes. Price notes that many of his students have transformative self-discoveries around the 10-year mark. The street myths fall away, he said, and the men reshape their thinking about who they are as a person. From inmate to mentor Willie Lloyd Jr. is proof that radical change is possible. At barely 18, the Minneapolis teen was sentenced to life in 1988 for his involvement in a gang-related shooting that killed a man. He was just two credits shy of his high school diploma and had recently become a father. Over 24 years behind bars, Lloyd finished his degree, learned some carpentry skills and began to read voraciously. He says the turning point came about five years in, when his mother died. It never dawned on me that I wouldnt see her again, he recalled. I decided from that point on I would be the best man I could be. I didnt want my son to go through what I had. It took at least three hearings with former DOC Commissioner Tom Roy before Lloyd was granted supervised release in 2012. Now 49, he is an instructor for Summit Academy OIC in north Minneapolis, helping certify low-income and minority students in construction trades. And hes a mentor for others navigating their re-entry into the community. It shows that with the right support, anyone can change, Lloyd said. | http://www.startribune.com/could-parole-board-make-a-comeback-in-minnesota/507567012/ |
How did dogs become our best friends? | Man's best friend a saying that refers to a long and loyal relationship with our canine companions. With huge variance among modern breeds, it's easy to forget that all dogs from chihuahuas to great danes descend from Canis lupus or the grey wolf. New research shows that this cross-species cooperation is likely to be an original wolf trait that domesticated dogs have adapted over time to suit their more submissive personalities. Humans are naturally social creatures and the success of our species would have been impossible without our ability to cooperate with each other to achieve a shared goal. Other animals such as chimpanzees and elephants are also known to cooperate with each other and in some animals, this trait can transfer across different species such as with humans and dogs. To try to understand the evolution of cooperation, scientists set up an experiment using wolves and domesticated dogs to try and figure out how far back this cross-species collaboration might go. Advertisement The researchers used 15 grey wolves and 12 mixed-breed dogs that had all been socialised with humans in the same way from an early age at the Wolf Science Centre in Austria. The animals were given a task known as the loose string paradigm where two trays of food were placed on a table 10m apart and out of reach of the test subjects. The goal of the task was to bring the food within reach by simultaneously pulling on two lengths of loose string placed on opposite sides of the table. If only one end of the string was pulled, the string would come loose and the food stayed out of reach. The test is said to help researchers understand whether animals understand the idea of cooperating and has previously been passed by chimpanzees, elephants and even keas. For this study the activity was split into two formats: the first involved the animals arriving in the room slightly before the humans so that the animal could choose which side of the table it wanted to pull the string from. The second test involved the animal being released after the human had already decided which end of the string they were going to pull forcing the animal to coordinate with the human's decision instead. The results published in the journal Scientific Reports found that both wolves and dogs were able to successfully complete the task even if it was the first time they had seen the equipment. However, the wolves were much more dominant in their strategy for solving the problem and 14 out of the 15 wolves tried to steal the string from the human to enforce their preferred side of the table compared to only 2 of the 12 dogs. Although both the wolves and dogs were highly successful in working with the humans to achieve the goal, the wolves were much more likely to initiate and start the task and have the human help whereas the dogs would wait for the human to start and then come in to offer aid. The results suggest that rather than the cooperation between dogs and humans being introduced over time through living together, it likely evolved from an original trait of their wolf ancestor. As submissive tendencies were selected during the domestication process, it seems that the partnership shifted from one of strong animal leadership to one of compliant cooperation, which avoided conflict. So the next time you throw a ball for your dog in the park, be grateful that their evolved cooperative submissive nature means that they now bring it back to you rather than expect you to bring it back to them. | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/science/news/article.cfm?c_id=82&objectid=12214795&ref=rss |
What's going on with the UK economy? | More than 1,000 days since the referendum, and with the clock ticking down to 29 March, the path of Brexit remains unclear. Ahead of the 2016 vote, the Treasury warned that leaving could damage the economy. And yet, for all the political turmoil and uncertainty, the economy continues to trundle along - and appears to be doing very well on some fronts. Almost 30 years ago, US economist David Shulman introduced the phrase "Goldilocks economy" to describe one that's neither blowing too hot nor cold but expanding at just the right pace, with good jobs growth. Time to check the temperature of the UK economy. Employment is at record highs, unemployment at its lowest for almost 45 years. Wages are growing at their fastest rate for a decade, with pay rises typically outpacing the cost of living. If the jobs market was a bowl of fairy tale porridge, it might be Daddy Bear's blisteringly hot serving, steaming away with few signs of damage from the Brexit "fog". But hiring tends to lag behind changes in activity by between six and nine months on average, while firms determine whether changes in circumstances are permanent, and then recruitment (or redundancy) takes time. After the financial crisis, firms opted to hang on to workers as they were relatively cheap compared with investing; the same could be happening again as they grapple with uncertainty. And while real wages are rising, they have only resumed that growth in recent months; the average post-inflation wage is still 7 a week lower than it was a decade ago. The economy expanded by 0.2% in the latest three months - and by 1.4% across 2018; steady but lacklustre. GDP growth is the Mummy Bear porridge bowl - disappointingly lukewarm. As the Bank of England noted, expansion has been held back by a lack of business investment since the referendum - and also by a slowdown in our major trading partners, particularly China and the EU. As the chancellor has said, the UK is in "the middle of the G7 pack" growth-wise. But it could have been better - various estimates suggest that the economy is up to 2% smaller post-referendum than it previously expected. And even with a deal, the Treasury, the Bank of England and the City are broadly agreed that the UK could be on track for the weakest growth this year in a decade. With prices rising by 1.9% in the year to February - within a whisker of the official target of 2% - inflation appears to be the Baby Bear bowl of the bunch: just right. Prices are rising sufficiently to signify there's life in the economy but not so fast to be punitive or destabilising. For over a decade, the base rates set by the Bank of England have been below 1%; great news for borrowers, less so for savers. The Bank sets those rates to keep inflation close to its target in two years' time - that's how long it estimates it takes for interest rates to influence prices (largely via the spending and borrowing habits of households and businesses). If the trend of faster real wage growth continues and a Brexit deal is swiftly agreed, with little disruption to the economy, some economists think there could be a small rate rise later this year. That's quite a few ifs. With prolonged uncertainty, or a disruptive exit, some argue that the next move in interest rates may be down rather than up. For now, the economy's in a decent state. But not all fairy tales have happy endings. The last time the US economy was widely deemed to be in a Goldilocks state, the financial crisis swiftly followed. With much of the global economy slowing again, and the risk of a disruptive Brexit lingering, the UK economy could be in for a few twists and turns. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47655114 |
How long will the undercover policing inquiry take? | Image copyright Getty Images In February 2019, one of the UK's longest-running and most controversial inquiries confirmed what's been long suspected - that it may be another year before it hears any evidence at all. The inquiry into alleged undercover policing abuses was launched four years ago, in March 2015. It was supposed to have reported in 2018 - yet as it passes another anniversary, it has still not resolved some of the fundamental questions about how it should hear and publicise evidence. Given that it won't hear any before 2020, it won't remotely get to the full facts before the 10th anniversary of the unmasking in 2011 of Mark Kennedy, one of the officers whose actions led to miscarriages of justice. Victims have walked out of court in protest at how the inquiry is being run, a move backed by Baroness Lawrence, mother of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in 1993. It was the allegation that an undercover officer had infiltrated the Stephen Lawrence justice campaign that triggered the inquiry. Police officers who thought they had been promised lifelong anonymity have threatened not to co-operate. And amid all of this, it has spent 13m trying to navigate a legal and logistical quagmire relating to anonymity, national security and privacy. The key objective of the inquiry is to get answers from the officers who made up two disbanded units - the Metropolitan Police's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU). Of the more than 160 former SDS officers who are still alive, more than 100 have sought some form of anonymity - and two-thirds of those have got it. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Baroness Lawrence backed the victims' walkout An even greater proportion of the more than 60 NPOIU officers are expected to be similarly protected because many of them are still serving in the police - and potentially still undercover. This anonymity process - we'll have the final figures by the summer - has been at the heart of complaints from the victims of abuses. They say that unless campaigners who were targeted know who the officers were, they cannot provide meaningful evidence to the inquiry. Lawyers for the officers argue that undercover officers are entitled to anonymity because their lives may be in danger - although in some cases the pleas are simply based on concerns about privacy. The story of the officer codenamed HN16 shows how difficult this exercise has been. HN16 was in the SDS and infiltrated groups between 1997 and 2002. In his anonymity application he said some of his targets were violent. Now the ruling from Sir John Mitting, the inquiry chairman, is that he won't be named unless there is a good reason to do so - despite campaigners saying that he won't know what the good reason is unless the officers are named. In the case of HN16 he came to a halfway-house position. Image copyright Julia Quenzler Image caption Sir John Mitting, a retired judge, is heading the inquiry In late 2017, he disclosed the officer had infiltrated the Animal Liberation Front and hunt saboteurs in Croydon and Brixton, south London. And he'd used two cover, or fake, names: James Straven and Kevin Crossland. The latter was the name of a real five-year-old boy, who died in an air crash in August 1966. When it came to building his undercover identity, HN16 apparently obtained Kevin's birth records, and created a fictional life by legally resurrecting a boy who had died in an awful disaster. This "stealing" of the names of dead children is one of the major limbs of the inquiry. And revealing HN16's cover name led to him being implicated in a second strand. Two women came forward to say the officer had tricked them into sexual relationships. HN16 has now admitted both relationships. Their stories came to light only when there was enough information about the officer for them to join the dots. The upshot is that the chairman has declared that HN16 will have to be named, despite his protests. Three years. And it will be a lot longer before we hear from HN16 about why he did it. Here, the second challenge the inquiry faces becomes clear. Scotland Yard has described the process of tracking down and assessing undercover documents dating back to the late 1960s as "unprecedented". There are now 100 police officers and staff working full-time on helping the inquiry - and a further 30 lawyers and legal staff advising them. Scotland Yard couldn't give the BBC an up-to-date figure, but their last estimate was that the inquiry was now costing 14m a year. But there's more. The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), the umbrella group for chief constables, is also involved. It has uncovered the data equivalent of 40 million pages of records relating to the National Public Order Intelligence Unit's activities. The NPCC thinks it could take a team of officers more than four years to go through them to assess whether they need redacting (censoring) before being disclosed to the public. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The vast numbers of documents involved is one of the inquiry's main challenges And as the inquiry limbers up to record the officers' actual accounts about their undercover lives, the strain to manage all this information - and work out what can safely be put in the public domain - will only increase. The NPCC predicts the total costs across all forces will be in the tens of millions of pounds. There is also now a new and bewilderingly complex issue of the right to privacy. On Monday 25 March the inquiry holds the second of two complicated hearings into the handling of personal information about the people officers targeted. Let's say the inquiry has an intelligence report from Officer HN16 on an animal-rights meeting he watched. That report would name attendees, what they said and did, and who they associated with. If they're redacted, they won't make much sense: it will be difficult to understand who was being targeted - and why. The inquiry wants to show uncensored reports to the officers, so it can ask them to justify their actions. But the inquiry may have a legal duty under data protection laws, as the custodian of this historical document, to ask the individuals first what they want retained by the inquiry - and therefore disclosed. Image caption Helen Steel is concerned that private information about victims will be made public At the inquiry's last major hearing in January, Sir John Mitting revealed that based on 26,000 documents from the decade up to 1984, SDS officers each produced 1,000 pages of intelligence reports. In total, they gathered information concerning around 5,000 people. When one of the lawyers for victims suggested the inquiry contact all of the 5,000 to give them the same opportunity to seek anonymity and privacy as the officers, Sir John replied: "We will not finish this decade." Helen Steel, who was tricked into a relationship, said it would be "absolutely outrageous" to deny victims the chance to withhold sensitive personal information. In her case, she has already discovered enough to be sure that information about her health made it into the files. "It feels like entirely double standards," she said. "We have had three years of hearings about protecting the police and their privacy and fears, and now effectively it feels like we are being told it is too great a burden to protect the privacy of those who were actually spied on, who have already had their privacy invaded by the state." So these are just some of the monumental challenges the inquiry still has to resolve. It would have to run for 13 years and three months to beat the record (which concerned investigations into hospital deaths), according to the Institute for Government. So if I'm still watching it in 2028, I'll let you know... | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47625246 |
Can bolting bovine replace Germany's oracle octopus? | German football fans were delighted that Yvonne the cow's decision to tip Portugal to beat Germany at the Euro 2012 soccer championship in the Ukrainian city of Lviv on Saturday turned out to be wrong. Yvonne shot to fame in Germany last year after she escaped from a farm where she was due to be slaughtered and roamed free around Bavaria for three months, eluding the farmer, hunters, animal activists, Ernst the bull and even her best friend. Paul, the mystical mollusk correctly predicted the outcome of all matches involving the German team in the 2010 World Cup, including defeat to Spain in the semi-finals by choosing to eat from one of two containers placed before him. One container carried the German flag and the other the flag of the opposing national side. The bolting bovine was offered a choice of troughs decked out with national flags on Friday and ate from the Portuguese one, Germany's radio Bayern 3 reported. However, she also swiftly moved on to the German trough. Germany won the match 1-0. Since Paul's death in 2010 at the age of almost three, a ripe old age in octopus terms, Germany has been scouring the animal kingdom for a worthy successor. (This version of the story includes outcome of game) (Reporting by Elisa Oddone, editing by Gareth Jones and Paul Casciato) | https://www.foxnews.com/sports/can-bolting-bovine-replace-germanys-oracle-octopus |
Could Facebook Start Mining Decrypted WhatsApp Messages For Ads And Counter-Terrorism? | Getty Facebook has touted an encryption-first future in which the companys properties would be increasingly combined into a unified communications platform with end-to-end encryption protecting its users from outside access by governments or harvesters. Yet, the company has been careful in its statements not to make any mention that its own access might be curtailed, with the underlying unencrypted metadata still being archived and mined by the company as usual. Facebooks efforts to monetize an end-to-end encrypted environment and recent remarks by Mark Zuckerberg himself raise the question of whether the company in the future might mine those communications in their unencrypted state on the senders and recipients devices. To the general public, end-to-end encryption may seem like a near-perfect form of communicative security, ensuring messages between a pair of devices are protected in transit and at rest while awaiting delivery. Indeed, such encryption, if implemented properly and without governmental or commercial backdoors, offers strong guarantees of message privacy. The problem is that end-to-end encryption only protects a message during transit. The senders device typically retains an unencrypted copy of the message, while the recipients device necessarily must decrypt the message to display to the user. If either of those two devices have been compromised by spyware, the messages between them can be observed in realtime regardless of how strong the underlying encryption is. Yet, there is another side of this equation that is often overlooked when considering ad-supported empires like Facebooks: the messaging app itself has access to the cleartext message on both the sender and recipients devices. As Facebook faces increasing pressure to monetize its encrypted empire, it will need to find ways of replicating the behavioral indicators of its legacy platform in a world in which its servers no longer store cleartext messages. Communications metadata will allow it to fill in some of these gaps, inferring behavioral and interest traits of users through their communicative patterns. For example, if a given users political leanings are unknown, but they use WhatsApp on a weekly basis to call a group of friends that are all Democrats, while calling their Republican friends only sparingly, Facebook might infer their contemporary political leanings edge towards the Democratic party, even though Facebook has no access to the actual contents of their calls or messages. If they formerly spoke exclusively and regularly with their Republican friends, but over the past year have shifted to speak only to their Democratic friends, Facebook could even identify the user as a potential voter in transition, reminding us of the immense power of metadata. The real question is whether Facebook, under pressure from its investors and executives to maximize profit, decides to go further and actually mine encrypted communications like it has historically done with unencrypted messages. As its encrypted applications are increasingly used by terrorists and criminals and to share hate speech and horrific content, the company will come under further pressure to peel back the protections of encryption. One possibility would be for Facebook to modify its encrypted messaging clients to perform content analysis directly on users devices. The senders device would mine the cleartext message before encrypting it for transit, while the recipients device would unencrypt the message for display and then mine the decrypted version. Facebook could even deploy on-device audio transcription and image recognition to mine the contents of voice and video calls. Performing such analysis on users devices would permit infinite scalability and mean Facebook could deploy sophisticated content analytics without requiring any further hardware investment of its own. One could imagine Facebook starting small, adding simple keyword searches, Nave Bayesian and mobile-optimized deep learning classifiers to build a small set of basic advertising classifiers that are computed for each user by their WhatsApp client directly on their device on the decrypted version of the messages they send and receive. Over time as the capabilities of smartphones improve, Facebook could eventually deploy models capable of computing all of its traditional advertising selectors and incorporate realtime analytics on voice and video calls as well. The company could easily add filters to flag terrorism and criminal content and refer those users to law enforcement automatically, raising entirely new issues as false positives result in police knocking on innocent peoples doors as Facebooks algorithms misclassify or mistranscribe their calls and messages. Indeed, the idea of encouraging or requiring companies that offer end-to-end encryption communication tools to scan messages on the client side against terrorism blacklists has been a topic of active discussion within certain areas of the counterterrorism community. Most importantly, by moving content mining from its own servers to users devices, Facebook would be able to claim to be fully securing its users data with end-to-end encryption, while still performing all of the content mining and analysis it needs to fuel its rich advertising business. In fact, by outsourcing the most computationally expensive aspect of its advertising business to users devices, the company could actually massive increase the richness of its mining activities while reducing its total hardware needs. As content storage moves to users devices, the company could dramatically reduce its total hardware and bandwidth requirements. Zuckerberg himself lent some credibility to the idea that the company might seek ways around the protections of encryption when he noted that the company might combat terroristic use of its end-to-end encryption both through monitoring patterns in their unencrypted metadata and through other means. The company unsurprisingly declined to comment on what other means might entail, including whether other means might include encryption backdoors or message scanning. Putting this all together, it is a near certainty that Facebook did not propose its grand vision of platform-wide end-to-end encryption without a clear plan in place to ensure it would be able to continue to monetize its users just as effectively as in its pre-encryption era. The most likely scenario is a combination of behavioral affinity inference through unencrypted metadata and on-device content mining. In the end, as end-to-end encryption meets the ad-supported commercial reality of Facebook, it is likely that we will see a dawn of a new era of on-device encrypted message mining in which Facebook is able to mine us more than ever under the guise of keeping us safe. Orwell would be proud. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2019/03/23/could-facebook-start-mining-decrypted-whatsapp-messages-for-ads-and-counter-terrorism/ |
Is Harlow being used to socially cleanse London? | Reports of children who are frightened to go home and cant sleep at night because they are petrified; concerns about the potential for grooming of vulnerable adults and youngsters; suspected drug dealing; alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour; incidents of domestic abuse ... Harlow in Essex is being left to pick up the pieces because London councils are socially cleansing their boroughs and sending hundreds of vulnerable and troubled people to live in converted office blocks in the town. That is the claim from some politicians and officials in Harlow, which appears to have become a flashpoint for a government policy that allows developers to cram huge numbers of rabbit hutch flats into unused office buildings without planning permission. Harlow was built after the second world war to ease overcrowding in the capital. Seventy years on, some locals claim the town has become a dumping ground for people on London council waiting lists. Harlows Conservative MP Robert Halfon said recently that the office-to-residential boom has been a disaster, as London councils have socially cleansed their residents and sent hundreds of troubled families to his constituency. There is clearly money to be made. Guardian Money can reveal that one of the companies apparently making a fortune in rental income from two of the biggest office-to-residential conversions in Harlow, and a string of other developments in the south of England, is Croydon-based property group Caridon. This is the same group behind plans to squeeze 26 studio flats into a building on an industrial estate in Balham, south London, which Money featured on 2 March in an article headlined Will these be the worst new rabbit hutch flats in Britain?. According to its website, Caridon is run by Mario Carrozzo, who has generated a self-made property portfolio worth in excess of 100m. The group says its goal is to maximise return on investment while helping to ease the housing crisis with bespoke, inexpensive, modern accommodation for those with challenging requirements. Planning documents indicate some of its flats are less than half the recommended minimum floor area for a new home. However, the company told us: The homes are not intended as a permanent living solution, with tenants typically staying 12 months, and by making them compact we can help house more people. It adds that it invests significantly in its residents wellbeing. It was only in May 2013 that ministers changed the rules so that offices could be turned into housing without planning permission but this policy has already had a huge impact on towns such as Harlow and Crawley in West Sussex. In Harlow the council has identified 13 office blocks that have been converted, resulting in more than 1,000 individual flats. While on the face of it that might sound like a good thing when the UK is arguably not building nearly enough homes, some of these flats are very small, and the majority are located in industrial areas, which can throw up problems with access to public transport, schools, health services and shops, as well as road safety dangers and air quality. About 40% of the 1,000-plus flats in Harlow are owned and managed by Caridon, whose latest big development in the town is Terminus House, a nine-storey 1960s office building that sits on top of a multistorey car park. This has been converted into more than 200 flats and opened its doors to its first tenants last April. The company also owns two-storey Templefields House, which according to Harlow council now contains 180 flats, and houses a mixture of social and private tenants. Planning documents indicate that some of the Templefields House flats measure as little as 18 sq metres. National space standards state that the minimum floor area for a new one-bedroom one-person home (including conversions) is 37 sq metres. However, these minimum sizes are not compulsory. One resident living at Templefields House with her partner and two children told the EssexLive news website in May 2018 that she struggles to live in the tiny flat, adding: My bed is in my living area... [My sons] bed is in my kitchen area and my daughters cot is in the living area. She said she had to pull her son out of nursery as it was too far away, adding: There is a very busy road nearby. Huge lorries come rushing down. Among those objecting to the Templefields House conversion was Harlow Civic Society, which argued that as an industrial area this was a totally inappropriate location for people to live, adding: There are no facilities nearby that are essential for civilised family life. Both Terminus and Templefields were allowed to go ahead. Under so-called permitted development rights (PDR), office-to-residential conversions dont require the permission of the local planning authority. A Harlow council report stated: It is evident that properties ripe for this type of development are cheaper to purchase in some parts of Essex than in London, and it provides London boroughs and other councils with something of a solution to the ever-increasing demand for temporary and other types of accommodation in their own areas. It added that the negative impact on families placed out-of-area can be huge, with people left feeling isolated and unsupported, and potentially exposed to antisocial and criminal behaviour. Mark Ingall, Harlow councils Labour leader, told Money that it is a disgrace that London boroughs are packing their families off to Harlow and using often unsuitable converted office blocks in the town to deal with their housing shortages. These already vulnerable families are ... being forced to live miles away from their communities, their families and friends and where they work or where their children go to school. The London boroughs that make that decision and the government who created the permitted development rules could stop this now, he says. A Harlow council report published last October said concerns had been reported about families with children being housed in converted offices. While not yet fully substantiated, these included a high volume of calls to Essex police, suspected drug-dealing and drug use, incidents of domestic abuse resulting in the police being called, and lone males hanging around the site leading to concerns about the potential for grooming of vulnerable adults and children. On its website it says it is projected to increase its property portfolio to 5,000 residential units by 2020. The latest accounts for Caridon Holdings, for the year ending 31 March 2018, lists a string of sites described as investment properties, including the two Harlow developments. There are also several sites in Crawley, including Ashburn House (for which floor plans suggest that some flats are as small as 15 sq metres), Maplehurst House, Sutherland House and Central House. The accounts state that the 2018 value of the investment properties was 113m, and that the profit for the year also expressed as total comprehensive income was 11.2m. Caridon Property said: Working in partnership with charities and local authorities such as Harlow council, we provide affordable and social rent accommodation to individuals and families on low incomes and in difficult circumstances The majority of our residents in Harlow are originally from the area. It added: While we are a profit-making business, we invest significantly in our residents wellbeing by hosting regular community events and creating new facilities ... We collaborate extensively with organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Harlowsave [credit union] and Rainbow Services ... Caridon Group also has a charitable foundation whose sole aim is to help our residents better their situation. Caridon said the Harlow council report was several months old and included claims the report admitted were not wholly substantiated. Our building managers have never had any dealings with the police concerning some of the serious crimes listed, including the grooming of children. It also said: The financial information listed also refers to the wider Caridon Group and not Caridon Property, the company that operates both buildings [in Harlow]. Caridon said the company had offered the Guardian guided tours and interviews with tenants. It put us in touch with two current Templefields House tenants and two ex-tenants, all of whom spoke positively about the building and Caridon. One of them, Susannah Gladwin, who lives in a Templefields House flat with her partner, daughter, six, and son, two, told us: To be fair, I think its perfectly safe there are massive security gates, and you have to have a key fob to get in. She said that when she moved in just over two years ago, there was quite a bit of dramas going on, but since then there has been new management. Everything has completely changed, and theres been no trouble at all my daughter doesnt feel scared any more. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/16/is-harlow-being-used-to-socially-cleanse-london |
How should I fund my help-to-buy home purchase? | Q I am currently in a process of securing a mortgage and help-to-buy equity loan on a new build with a purchase price of 420,000. My mortgage adviser has proposed that, to fund the purchase, I put down a cash deposit of 40,000 with a mortgage of 212,000 and apply for a help-to-buy equity loan of 168,000. When I enquired about securing a mortgage before I went down the help-to-buy route, I was told I could get a loan of up to 366,000. So I am a bit puzzled as to why my current mortgage adviser is suggesting that I go for a mortgage of only 212,000. With a bigger mortgage, I could go for a smaller equity loan which would be smaller and easier to pay off after the five-year interest-free period comes to an end. Or am I wrong in thinking that getting the maximum mortgage amount of, say 360,000 plus my 40,000 deposit would require an equity loan of only 20,000. I am very confused with this and would like to have the reassurance that my mortgage adviser is actually trying to secure me the best deal possible. JM A The figures that your mortgage adviser has put in front of you are the minimum contributions that the help-to-buy rules require. So for help-to-buy purchases in London (which is where you are buying) the minimum combined cash-and-mortgage contribution you must make is 60% of the purchase price which means that you can get a help-to-buy equity loan of 40%. Outside London, in the rest of England, the minimum combined cash-and-mortgage contribution you must make is 80% of the purchase price meaning an equity loan of no more than 20%. Whether you are buying in or outside London, the maximum purchase price is 600,000. But while the rules say that you cant exceed any of the maximum limits laid down by the help-to-buy scheme, theres nothing to say that you cant contribute more than the minimum contributions if you want to. So you are correct in thinking that you could increase the size of mortgage you get to reduce the size of equity loan you applied for to 20,000 which would represent just under 5% of the purchase price. You are also right to think that the lower the equity loan, the less youll have to pay back after five years to avoid paying interest on the loan which kicks in after five years. The lower the equity loan, the less of a shock it will be when you realise that you dont pay back the amount you borrowed when you come to repay the equity loan. Rather and this is what puts quite a few people off the help-to-buy scheme you pay back the same percentage of the value of your home that you originally borrowed. So if you had a 40% equity loan, youll have to pay back 40% of the value of your home including any increases in value since you bought it. However, there are other rules which may affect the size of mortgage you can apply for. If you (together with any joint purchaser) require a mortgage which is more than 4.5 times your household income, you cant use the help-to-buy scheme. So if your household income is 80,000 or less, a 360,000 mortgage would not be an option with help-to-buy. Similarly, if your monthly costs (including mortgage repayments, service charges and help-to-buy admin fees) are more than 45% of your net disposable income) the help-to-buy scheme will not be open to you. It may be that your mortgage adviser has taken these extra rules into account in the proposal you were given but if you would rather keep your equity loan as low as possible, it would be worth asking for revised figures to take into account your wishes. And I cant help wondering whether given that you say you can afford a 360,000 mortgage and are able to put down a deposit of 40,000 you might see if you could manage to buy somewhere without government help. | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/mar/16/help-to-buy-mortgage-government-loan |
Is using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt a good move? | CLOSE Credit score, debt and income are all factors in getting a personal loan, and the requirements vary by lender. Here are 5 tips for getting a loan. USA TODAY When it comes to borrowing money, not all debt is equal. A mortgage, for example, has a much lower interest rate than credit card debt. On top of that, a mortgage helps consumers purchase a necessity that can gain value over time. The same cannot often be said of credit card purchases. That's why mortgages are generally considered "good" debt, while credit card debt is almost universally deemed "bad." Car loans can fall into either category, as their interest rates vary widely. An auto loan with a low rate (maybe 5 percent interest or lower) might be considered good debt, while higher-rate auto loans, while sometimes a necessary evil, are far from great. Personal loans, meanwhile, can't be easily classified. They tend to have relatively high interest rates, but then, many people take them out to consolidate credit card debt that previously carried even higher rates. That's why it's both encouraging and that personal loans are the fastest growing form of debt for Americans, according to a report from Experian. Attitudes toward personal loans have softened. While personal loans don't get the publicity that credit cards do, there are currently 36.8 million of them in the U.S. right now. That's 10.8 percent of the population and the balance on those loans has been rising since 2015, according to Experian. The number of personal loans in the U.S. jumped to 16 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 and total loan debt climbed to $291 billion for the same time period. This type of loan used to be heavily stigmatized, a sort of loan of last resort for people desperate to find a short-term way out of debt. In many cases, the high rates associated with these loans would merely forestall problems. Get that application accepted: 5 tips to boost your chance of winning approval for a personal loan Intuit moves: Why the tax software leader wants to disrupt the personal loan process Attitudes toward personal loans, however, have softened. A personal loan can allow you to consolidate higher-rate loans into a single, lower-rate loan as a first step toward getting out of debt. Average personal loan balance: $15,143 Average monthly payment: $353 Average annual percentage rate (APR): 9.37 percent Number of outstanding personal loan accounts: 36.8 million New personal loan accounts: 6.1 million Number of consumers with a personal loan: 9.7 million Existing personal loan debt: $291 billion Data source: Experian. NEWSLETTERS Get the Managing Your Money newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong A collection of articles to help you manage your finances like a pro. Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-872-0001. Delivery: Fri Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for Managing Your Money Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. More newsletters It all depends on how you use the money If you've racked up credit card debt and can pay it off with a personal loan that offers a lower APR, then that makes sense. The problem is that many people do that but don't stop using their credit cards, which leaves them with more debt to pay off than they started with. Taking a personal loan is still something of a last resort. It's generally not money you should borrow to take a vacation or do something frivolous. Personal loans, however, do make sense as a way to lower your interest rates, and they can serve as an alternative to using credit cards to pay off unexpected emergency expenses that can't be avoided. If you take a personal loan to pay off debt or to avoid putting an unplanned expense on a credit card with a high interest rate, make sure you have a plan to pay the money back. As with any form of high-interest debt, you'll want to pay the loan off as fast as you can to minimize how much you spend on interest. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. Offer from the Motley Fool: The $16,728 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,728 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2019/03/16/personal-loan-paying-off-credit-card-debt-can-good-move/39157119/ | https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2019/03/16/personal-loan-paying-off-credit-card-debt-can-good-move/39157119/ |
Why did Teddy Bridgewater turn down a starting job to stay with the Saints? | The Miami Dolphins offered Teddy Bridgewater some things the New Orleans Saints could not: A chance to walk into the 2019 season as the starting quarterback and a chance to play in his home town. Still, Bridgewater chose the Saints, signing a one-year, $7.25 million contract that could net him as much as $12.5 million if he hits performance incentives. Bridgewater explained his rationale Friday (Mar. 15) in a teleconference with reporters. 3 reasons why Malcom Brown chose to sign with the Saints Brown, a former first-round pick of the New England Patriots, fills a critical offseason need for New Orleans First, his age: Im still 26 years old, Bridgewater said. The way I look at it is that Ill have another opportunity to start in this league at some point. Second, the resources and the opportunity to be a part of something big: I get to compete (with) and learn from a guy who is going to be a Hall of Famer (Drew Brees), to get to be a part of a team that was a call away from being in the Super Bowl, I get to be a part of a team and a coaching staff that grinds on a daily basis, that spends numerous nights at the facility to make sure the players are in the best position to win. Third, an offense with a track record: You look at what this offense has done over the past decade, its like, shoot, everythings right there. Its proven, its a proven offense, its a proven staff. Of course, it didnt just happen by just rolling the ball out there. Mario Edwards Jr., new to Saints, follows dads path from Florida State to NFL He's a defensive lineman from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There also, of course, is the little matter of a potential succession plan. Brees turned 40 years old in the days before the NFC championship and does not yet have a clear idea of when he may retire. Bridgewater declined to speak about any sort of plan to speak about following Brees as the Saints starting quarterback, saying he is zeroing in on this season alone. We were a call away from being in the Super Bowl, and I think everyone is returning with the mindset that we need to get back to that stage and win, Bridgewater said. Thats the focus right now. | https://www.nola.com/saints/2019/03/why-did-teddy-bridgewater-turn-down-a-starting-job-to-stay-with-the-saints.html |
Can Felicity Huffman's and Lori Loughlin's careers ever recover from college bribery scam? | Millionaires, college athletic coaches and ACT proctors are all entwined in the college-admissions bribery scandal heard 'round the world. But its two TV stars who have become the faces of the bombshell story, after it was revealed Tuesday that Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman allegedly paid thousands of dollars to fake test scores and disguise their children as athletes in order to gain access to prestigious schools. And that's the downside of fame, experts say. "Although there were (more than 30) parents involved, theyre the two that are going be the face of it again and again and again. And thats the price you pay for being in Hollywood," says crisis-management expert Howard Bragman, CEO of La Brea Media. First, a look back at their alleged crimes. How we got here Federal prosecutors allege Huffman spent $15,000 on a cheating scheme to aid her daughters SAT test-taking, according to the investigation. Ultimately Huffman's daughter scored 1420 on the SAT, an improvement of approximately 400 points over her PSAT" she'd taken a taken a year earlier, according to the affidavit. 'Expel this cheater': Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia is being trolled over bribery case And Loughlin, who was charged alongside her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, allegedly paid bribes totaling $500,000 "in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the University of Southern California crew team, despite the fact they did not participate in crew, thereby facilitating their admission to USC." Actually, most image experts say no. But first, both actresses have some explaining to do. It's just that they probably can't say much. "Their criminal lawyers are saying, 'Shut up, dont say anything, dont talk to anybody,'" Bragman says. "And thats the best advice, although Im sure they want to talk and they want to say, We thought we were doing whats best for our kids and we made a mistake." In court, their lawyers could take a variety of stands. If I was their attorney, my argument would be, How are these people really different than people who have made donations directly to the school? Its more of a cultural issue," says criminal defense lawyer Lara Yeretsian, who has represented celebrity defendants including Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson. But if they are innocent, "then they need to vigorously dispute the charges and focus on their history of being credible and trusted citizens," says Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants. "If they are guilty, they must remain careful and quiet because the last thing they want to do is deceive the public, as it will destroy any chance of rebuilding their brand and trust after the case is adjudicated. Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy in September 2018 in Los Angeles. Both women have a busy 2019 planned. Huffman has two Netflix projects slated for spring releases: the mom-centric film "Otherhood" (streaming April 26), opposite Angela Bassett and Patricia Arquette; and Ava DuVernays Central Park Five series "When They See Us" (May 31), in which Huffman plays former New York city prosecutor Linda Fairstein. Though Loughlin's IMDb page also shows four upcoming "Garage Sale Mysteries" TV movies for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, the network cut ties with her Thursday, scrapping any upcoming productions. "We are saddened by the recent news surrounding the college admissions allegations. We are no longer working with Lori Loughlin and have stopped development of all productions that air on the Crown Media Family Network channels involving Lori Loughlin including Garage Sale Mysteries, an independent third party production," Crown Media Family Networks said in a statement sent to USA TODAY. Netflix had no comment about Huffman's or Loughlin's participation in their projects. | https://news.yahoo.com/felicity-huffman-apos-lori-loughlin-142425841.html |
Are delivery apps hurting Montreal restaurants? | Its a busy Friday night at Atma restaurant on St-Laurent Blvd. Customers are pushing away thoughts of sub-zero temperatures by scooping nose-tingling butter chicken and chili paneer onto smoky naan bread. So far, the kitchen has had no trouble keeping up, but its almost 7:30 prime time for delivery. The restaurant has three tablets that transmit orders from three food-delivery companies: Foodora, SkipTheDishes and Uber Eats. When the first order comes in, its from Foodora, which means Atmas kitchen has 20 minutes to get the tandoori chicken, chicken biryani and daal makhani into recyclable takeaway containers for Foodoras courier to pick up. Foodora bases prep time on behavioural trends, order size and time of day and week, and will take $5 off if the foods not ready, unless the restaurant uses the in-app chat to request more time. According to Foodora marketing specialist Sadie Weinstein, the fee is to ensure Foodora customers receive the same customer service level as they would dining at the restaurant. For Atma co-owner Ravi Anand, losing that $5 would hurt, since most apps in Montreal take a 25 to 30 per cent commission (newcomer GOLO takes about 18 per cent). A 30 per cent commission with an average 30 per cent food cost leaves 40 per cent for the restaurant to pay staff, rent, hydro and hopefully make a profit; thats $12 on a $30 order, or just $7 if the food is late. Anand can get up to 60 online orders per night, so Atmas kitchen isnt swamped yet, but when all the tablets start pinging at once, he hits pause on one or all of the apps. This doesnt just happen at Atma. It could be any night, said Jonathan Dresner, co-owner of four Notre-Boeuf-de-Grce locations. On a Monday, you dont have four or five cooks, so it can still get busy. Sometimes you pause it for 20 minutes and then turn it back on. Thats why your favourite restaurant might not appear on your favourite app around 7 or 8 p.m. Consider popular Qing Hua; there are only so many pork dumplings a person can hand-wrap per minute. Fortunately, there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from SkipTheDishes has more than 1,000 in Montreal, and Foodora has more than 750 in Montreal and Laval. But the growing popularity of delivery apps has turned them into a double-edged well, knife, said Dresner. Other restaurateurs have asked me, Should I do it? I always tell them, You make money, but its not the money you want to make. If youre at a period where you can handle a little more, youre not losing money. But if youre going to hire extra staff to do it, youre going to break even or lose. You have to have a busy restaurant as well. Notre-Boeuf-de-Grce doesnt even advertise that it offers delivery on its website. I want guests to come in and have an experience. So anything we get from takeout, pickup, delivery is something extra, Dresner said. In Canada, the restaurant-to-consumer delivery market is estimated to be worth about $1.36 billion, according to Statista, an international market and consumer data research company. Howard Migdal, SkipTheDishes managing director for the Canadian market, says it could be as high as $4 billion and is growing at approximately 15 per cent year over year, based on SkipTheDishes internal data. Some restaurants even add second prep areas to their kitchens, install pickup shelves and open drive-through windows for online orders. Despite the growth, SkipTheDishes which merged with the Just Eat Group in 2016 isnt profitable yet, though its board and trading update from January states that its on track to be the first profitable food delivery organization by the end of 2019. I think there was some nervousness around delivery apps, Migdal said, but convenience is something everyones used to. Especially for independent restaurants, they wouldnt have the infrastructure to do delivery on their own. We give independent restaurants a tremendous opportunity to grow revenues and meet consumers needs. And brands think that we can do logistics cheaper than they could on their own. But Michel Lvine, owner of la Carte Express, is skeptical because of the high commissions. If your restaurants core sales are consumer delivery, or (if consumer delivery is) an important part of your total sales, its a problem, he said. Market saturation convinced him to shift la Cartes focus to larger corporate orders, which make a commission rate of about 30 per cent easier to swallow. We couldnt fight in the consumer market, so we went business-to-business, he said. These guys are not into profit-making theyre into gaining market share. We used to pay $7, $8 for a customer on AdWords. Now its more than $20 for customer acquisition. Sandra Ferreira of Campo restaurant is glad to let the apps handle the logistics of delivery. Its a love-hate relationship, she said. With the insurance, bike, gas and problems of recruiting, I prefer paying a little bit more and not having to worry with that. All I have to do is make sure my product comes out nice. Some restaurant owners, like Jojo Flores of Filipino restaurant Junior and Hyun Woo Lee of Japanese restaurant Raku, say the online platform is good marketing, but they dont see that translating into more in-person customers, who are much more profitable for restaurants. When theyre in the restaurant, theyll order drinks, theres a bar, maybe theyll have dessert, coffee, said Flores. There are things that arent on the delivery menu that youd be curious to try. At home, youre watching TV and eating. You just want to get it over with and move on to something else. Lee says hes had only three customers come to the restaurant after placing online orders since November, despite Raku being one of the Plateaus top-selling Japanese restaurants on Uber Eats and about 90 per cent of his sales coming from delivery. Its not really worth it. We are just working hard for the delivery company, he said. Flores doesnt mind if online customers dont come to Junior. Our restaurant is more like a neighbourhood restaurant. The reason people are ordering is they wouldnt come anyway, he said. His strategy is to use four apps at once. When you add them all together, youre making not a lot, but a decent amount, he said. About 10 to 15 per cent of Floress business is delivery, and hed be OK with it going up to 30 per cent. For Atma, delivery is about 50 per cent and can go up to 70 per cent on busy nights. At Campo, its approximately 20 per cent, which is about right for Ferreira, though shed like to see that increase at off-peak hours. Margins at Raku would be better if Lee could increase prices on delivery to offset the commissions, but Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes require his in-restaurant and delivery prices be equal. The delivery company checks our prices at the restaurant. Only Foodora lets us increase the price, he said. Comparing menus of other Montreal restaurants, however, its clear that restaurants are increasing prices usually about $1 per item, but sometimes more. Others get around the no-markup policy by setting a higher delivery fee, using their own couriers and offering only larger sizes of menu items, which command higher prices and save cooks from making lots of tiny, individually packaged items. Despite Lees frustration, he wont drop Uber Eats and Foodora even once he has his own couriers, which is his goal. Its a good way to promote my restaurant, he said, adding that a lot of tourists use delivery apps. According to Notre-Boeuf-de-Grces Dresner, its not a case of good guys and bad guys. The delivery services are trying to make a living, too and theyre not there yet. Its a tough business. Doing the marketing, the customer service of course they have to charge commission to make money. Why shouldnt they profit? How restaurants can make money with delivery apps 1. Sign up with multiple apps to be seen by more users. 2. Increase delivery menu prices to make up for the commission, but not so much that you drive away customers. 3. Offer only large sizes of dishes. 4. Only sell dishes that travel well (or else expect bad reviews). 5. Hire your own couriers. 6. Have a big kitchen space to accommodate orders from restaurant guests and delivery pickups. 7. Have a separate entrance for takeout and delivery. 8. Run a ghost restaurant that only does delivery. 9. Increase your delivery fees, if possible. 10. Buy your own tablet, if possible, instead of buying one from the app company. | https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/are-delivery-apps-hurting-local-restaurants |
Have we hit peak beef? | Meat production is central to the debate on climate change and ethical food. The meat on Richard Viness Wild Beef stall at Borough Market in London is purple. Puce, really; a cartoonish shade that old men sometimes go when they are really angry. Meat that is an unexpected hue would typically raise an eyebrow, but for Wild Beefs devoted customers its the reason they come here. The colour comes from the protein thats been in the ground, the deep-rooted grasses, it gives that flavour of sweetness and that bit of fat taste as well, explains Vines, who has 40 acres of wild pasture in Devon, on which he keeps Devon cattle and Welsh Blacks. Dartmoor is mineral-rich country, God-given for cattle farming. Washed by the Gulf Stream, grass grows most of the year and theres a lot of freedom for the cattle once they are up on the moor. For the carnivore, the chilled cabinet at Wild Beef is the promised land. There are all the familiar cuts (steaks, ribs), alongside parts of the cow you dont see so often (cheeks and a giant, lolling tongue that is practically black). And, if you get there early and ask nicely, Vines will slip you a bag of bones from under the counter. One thing thats changed: people dont sit down for Sunday lunch any more, he says. Just doesnt happen, we dont sell many joints. But Im working out ways of making steaks all the time. Last year we did flat iron steaks; I didnt know what they were but they sell. And 20 years ago, we used to waste buckets of liver and such like, which nobody wanted. Now the offal all goes before the meat. On this Thursday morning in early February, business is brisk perhaps surprisingly so. There are many reasons why, right now, you might be thinking hard about how much meat you eat. That you believe eating less meat will improve your health. Or that youve read the increasingly ominous projections: like those in the Guardian article from December titled Why eating less meat is the best thing you can do for the planet in 2019. Another record-breaking Veganuary has ended with 250,000 people taking part globally, one-third more than 2018. In many ways, our consumption of meat and especially beef has become the food issue of our times. By 2050, its estimated that the worlds population will be almost 10 billion, a rise of a third from today. Meanwhile, global meat consumption steadily, relentlessly grows at about 3% a year. (Growth in Europe and the US is slowing or even declining: the US reached peak meat in 2004 when an average of 83 kilograms was consumed by each person in a year. In the UK, were eating more chicken, less lamb, and about the same amount of beef. However, demand in the likes of China and Brazil continues to rise. In China, they now eat 55kg of meat a year, compared to 14kg per head in the early 1970s.) Chicken might be the worlds most popular meat 65 billion birds are consumed each year but beef is by some margin the hardest to defend. Raising livestock is notoriously inefficient: last year an article in the journal Science found that meat and dairy provides just 18% of our calories and 37% of our protein while taking up 83% of farmland. Cattle are responsible for an unholy proportion of agricultures greenhouse-gas emissions. The controversial planetary health diet published in the Lancet in January a three-year project compiled by 37 scientists in 16 countries advised that global consumption of red meat needs to reduce by half. The recommended changes would be particularly severe in Europe and the US: Europeans should eat 77% less red meat and 15 times more nuts and seeds to meet the guidelines, while Americans should cut back on red meat by 84%. Vines, 76, has heard all these arguments. Its disproportionate, he says. When you offset the fact that animals on the ground have a part to play in natures cycle as well. Sometimes people suggest to Vines that his land could feed many more people if it was covered in plants not cows. Would that be more efficient? he counters, more curious than argumentative. It wouldnt in our case because you couldnt have vegetables on Dartmoor; there are too many rocks and blocks. Chicken might be the worlds most popular meat but beef is by some margin the hardest to defend Viness sales are pretty consistent, and in fact this January they were up on previous years. As we talk, he gives potted biographies for some his regulars: the paleo boys, a German composer, a BBC radio presenter, a chap with tattoos and chains who is vegetarian but buys three or four bags of casserole steak every week for his dog. They are people who care about where their food comes from, who believe they are making an informed, considerate choice and are willing to pay extra for that. Wild Beef describes its meat as beyond organic. All governments want cheap food and you cannot do what we do at an affordable price for people on low incomes, Vines acknowledges. It becomes a lifestyle choice and people who have money to spend on preferential food will shop from us. For all the media discussion of Greggs new vegan sausage roll and the coverage of Beyonc and Jay-Z offering free tickets for life well, for 30 years to their concerts for a fan if they pledge to eat more plant-based meals, change is taking place slowly. Viness anecdotal experience of demand is, perhaps surprisingly, backed up by the statistics. Although veganism receives considerable attention, a 2018 study found that only 0.2% of the British population stopped eating meat in the previous year. Its hard to be exact, but its estimated that vegans make up 2% of the population, vegetarians are 7% and flexitarians those choosing not to eat meat for one or more meals a week hover around 20%. Still, nine out of 10 British households regularly buy red meat. Simon Fairlie has spent much of the past three decades thinking about our consumption of meat and asking whether it can ever be ethical and sustainable. He was a co-editor of the Ecologist and now edits a magazine called The Land; hes also the author of a book, Meat: A Benign Extravagance, a thoughtful and rigorous trawl through the evidence. He was a vegetarian for six years and now he runs a microdairy with Jersey cows at Monkton Wyld Court, a commune in Dorset, and makes and sells Austrian scythes. For Fairlie, its inarguable that we should all eat less meat: its not a great cornerstone for a diet and its harming the planet. He doesnt think so. Meat is a luxury, he argues, but so too are strawberries or coffee and any number of foods: also, meat can lay claim to being a luxury staple in that it provides protein, fat, vitamins and carbohydrate. The main problem we face is climate change and over two-thirds of global warming is caused by fossil fuels and industrial processes, says Fairlie, citing US Environmental Protection Agency figures from 2014. If the whole world went vegan it wouldnt stop global warming. To do that, we have to stop using fossil fuels; and when we do we almost certainly wont be able to produce as much meat as we do now, because of a lack of artificial fertilisers and the need to use land for biofuels, and diets will change accordingly. This is a topic that is both intensely tribal and resistant to simplification. In an unexpected recent development, avocados are now almost as vilified as red meat (sample headline from the Daily Mail about the Duchess of Sussex: Is Meghans favourite snack fuelling drought and murder?). Technically, a vegan diet probably is sustainable, but it is not sensible, says Fairlie. A diet with modest amounts of dairy, fish and meat requires less land than a completely vegan diet because a substantial proportion of livestock are fed on waste products. We also keep grazing animals for maintaining biodiversity, preventing forest fires, and keeping land clear for amenity use or renewable energy generation. Their populations have to be controlled, and if we are to cull them, we might as well eat them. A vegan diet is wasteful because it cannot use this valuable source of protein; whereas a high-meat diet is wasteful because it relies on feeding livestock inefficiently with grain that humans could eat. What makes this issue so hard to resolve is that, in Britain, we expect food to be cheap. We spend an average of 8% of household expenditure on food to eat at home. Thats lower than any country except for the US and Singapore (in Nigeria, for example, the figure is close to 60%). Its also lower than it has ever been: go back 60 years and Britons spent twice as much on food, in relative terms, as we do now. And, much like fast fashion, when you come to expect a price for a product whether its a T-shirt or a 99p burger it is difficult to turn back the clock. The most effective way to reduce our meat intake, in Fairlies view, is to charge more for it. (This is also the logic behind the sugar tax on soft drinks brought in last April: it is expected to raise 240m for the Treasury, which will be invested in school sports and breakfast clubs.) He would ideally prefer a swingeing tax on fossil fuels, but feels the only pragmatic way is to add VAT directly to meat that is sold in supermarkets, especially animals from industrial farms, though he would like to see small producers and farmers markets exempt. An unprecedented time has led to some unprecedented proposals. One of these is lab-grown meat. Engineered or clean meat has some stigmas to overcome: in a recent survey only a quarter of people found the idea very or even somewhat appealing. But theres considerable money behind it: Google co-founder Sergey Brin has backed Dutch-based Mosa Meat, while Tyson, the US food giant, funds Future Meat Technologies. (Tyson is also investing heavily in Beyond Meat, a California-based company best known for its plant-based burgers and new facilities for rearing organic poultry: no one seems sure which horse to back.) Optimistic estimates suggest that lab-grown meat will be in shops and restaurants by 2021. One person who doubts the immediate impact of engineered meat is Abi Aspen Glencross, a farmer and chef whose PhD at Kings College, London had the grand aim to create steak without cows. After a degree in chemical engineering, Glencross, 27, decided she wanted to work in food, and lab-grown meat seemed a no-brainer. She secured funding from a big charity in the US and became one of only a handful of researchers globally looking into cultured meat. But after 18 months, Glencross became disillusioned with the project and quit. It just felt like an ego trip, thinking you were saving the world, she says. I was trying to create a new product and it was going to cost a lot of time, money and resources. Or we could all be more vegetarian. And thats already there, its feasible and socially accepted. It kept ringing in my head. We might never be able to grow a steak in a lab, we dont know yet, she goes on. Thats a long way off. We can hardly vascularise a small piece of tissue that big her fingers are about a centimetre apart so a steak is a very far-fetched thing. Part of the reason Glencross abandoned her PhD was that she read chef Dan Barbers 2014 book The Third Plate, which lays down a blueprint for a new food system, where vegetables dominate each dish and meat is merely a sauce or a seasoning. She spent a few months working at Barbers farm and restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns in upstate New York. There, she became interested in heritage and alternative grains and now grows them on a small farm in Hertfordshire. Duchess Grains currently only supplies E5 Bakehouse in east London, but will soon sell more widely. Glencross is also co-founder of a supper club called the Sustainable Food Story. Shes not vegetarian, as it happens, and jokingly calls herself a bad vegan. At the Sustainable Food Story, we use offcuts, offal, even byproducts of cheese-making in our dinners, she says. Last time we did blood pudding, using back fat and blood, and theres a whole conversation to be had about that. It seems youre one thing or the other: either you eat meat and youre proud or youre vegan. Well, some weeks I eat vegan, and some weeks I dont. It is perhaps a forlorn hope, but Glencross would like to see less focus on the turf war, often vicious, between farmers and vegans, and more information for people who care about such things and can afford to pay for them about where food comes from, how it was grown. Quite often farmers will get attacked when you really want to be attacking factory farming, she says. But theyre faceless and you cant shout at them, so you shout at the farmer killing pigs on his farm. Which is sad. Or, vice versa: people shout at vegans, because they are angry and hairy or whatever it always used to be said. Again, youre still fighting the wrong people. I feel we should be anti-industrial farming as much as possible. Lower-income households in Britain actually spend more on food, as a percentage of their income, than the better off A Bureau of Investigative Journalism/Guardian report from 2017 found there were at least 789 megafarms in the UK, many of them owned by foreign multinationals. (A megafarm, by the US definition, houses at least 125,000 broiler chickens, 82,000 laying hens, 2,500 pigs, 700 dairy or 1,000 beef cattle; in the UK, a farm is described as intensive if it has at least 40,000 poultry birds or 2,000 pigs grown for meat or 750 breeding sows.) Two of the biggest operators in the UK are the US-owned Cargill, with more than 100 farms, and Moy Park, based in Northern Ireland but backed by a Brazilian company. Another Bureau/Guardian investigation last year discovered that American-style intensive cattle farms, where livestock have restricted or no access to pasture, were becoming more common in the UK. The largest farms fatten up to 6,000 cattle a year on feedlots. Such practices receive only a fraction of the coverage of the Greggs vegan sausage roll. But at the same time, there is something unsettling about meat becoming mainly available to the well off, whether its due to the price of beyond organic beef or an extra tax. There is much that is disturbing about intensive farming; at the same time it would seem nostalgic and questionable to return to a system where only an elite stratum of society has access to animal protein. Already, lower-income households in Britain spend more on food, as a percentage of their income, than the better off: 14% of their annual spend. As a concerned individual, its not always clear what to do next. Foodies can cut back on their meat intake, and make sure what they do eat is either offcuts or of impeccable provenance. Vegetarians and vegans will likely continue to grow in both numbers and influence, and the sharing of recipes on sites such as Instagram will inspire more people to eat differently. All of us can lobby our politicians for better standards and monitoring of intensive farms. Were told that the stories of chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-pumped beef are inflammatory and misleading, by the US ambassador to Britain, but post-Brexit, there will be new concerns over food safety and animal welfare. And, in the end, we might have to accept that, on a personal level, our efforts feel insubstantial. Its difficult, because if you look at history, the biggest changes in our diet have come through things like war or natural disasters, says Glencross. Its interesting to think: Unless something really big happens, are we drastically going to change? She shakes her head and sighs, Which is slightly worrying. Something that both Glencross and Simon Fairlie would like to see is more smallholdings, farmed organically. Fairlie has worked out that we would have to eat half the meat we currently consume to cut emissions, but the production of dairy would remain similar. At present, it is difficult and expensive for a farmer to certify as organic; Fairlie would like to see those methods as the standard, while farms that want to use chemicals on their land pay a premium. It sounds like a utopia, but for Richard Vines trying to do things the right way has turned into a decent business. He launched Wild Beef in 1993 with very low expectations. He didnt set out to be a high-end producer: It was forced on me. I was going down the tubes otherwise. Vines was 50, his marriage had just broken down, hed lost his job and was unemployable, in his words. I had a Land Rover, a Yorkshire terrier, 20 cows and 20 acres, he recalls, as the wind whips through a frigid Borough Market. The owner of the local abattoir predicted that Wild Beef wouldnt last three weeks. Well, that was 26 years ago, chuckles Vines. Back then the conventional wisdom was that if you wanted to make serious money in farming, you had to operate on the biggest scale possible. Now, Vines believes, there is an alternative, more ethical model. Thanks to farmers markets and selling direct to consumers online, a farm can be compact, small-scale and focus on quality rather than quantity. Discerning consumers are out there who care about taste and actively seek out good welfare practices. Vines admits that he relied on luck as much as good judgment when he was starting out, but the modern farmer can choose what kind of operation he or she aspires to run. He smiles and says, Therell always be people who want to eat good food. | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/16/peak-beef-ethical-food-climate-change |
Did Saint Patrick Bring Whiskey To Ireland? | Its St. Patricks Day, an occasion to celebrate the feast day of Irelands patron saint and all things Celtic and Irish. Historically, Irish whiskey has been a ubiquitous part of the annual celebration. According to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), more Irish whiskey, upwards of 5 million bottles, is consumed in the week of St. Patricks Day than on any other week of the year. The close association between St. Patricks Day and Irish whiskey has given rise to the widely held belief that it was the venerable Saint himself that first brought the art of distillation, and by extension whiskey, to Ireland. The first reference to whiskey in Ireland, or at least its predecessor, was in 1170. Shortly after his invasion of Ireland, Henry II noted that the Irish were in the habit of making and drinking aqua vitae. In Gaelic, it was called uisce beatha, a term that was eventually corrupted by the English into whiskey. Henry IIs reference to aqua vitae, Latin for water of life, was the earliest recorded reference to the manufacture and consumption of distilled spirits in Ireland, and preceded their introduction into Scotland by several centuries. While the origins of whiskey distillation in Ireland are unclear, there is no doubt who showed the Scots how to make whiskeythe Irish taught them. It is impossible for the practice of distillation to have been introduced into Ireland by St. Patrick, regardless of the close association of St Patrick and Irish whiskey. St. Patrick had grown up in Roman Britain during the 5th century. There is no historical record of the distillation of alcohol anywhere in the British Isles during this period. Moreover, while there is evidence that minute quantities of alcohol were being produced during Roman times for use in religious rituals, there is no record that any significant quantities of alcohol, for consumption as a beverage, was being produced anywhere in the Roman Empire. Roman writers produced a prodigious number of publications concerning Roman gastronomy in general and, in particular, the production and appreciation of fine wines. Nowhere in this literature is there any reference to the consumption of alcohol as a beverage. It is not clear how St. Patrick would have obtained a knowledge of distillation, much less that he taught the Irish how to do it. It has also been suggested that distillation was a remnant of Celtic civilization. Here too there is no evidence of this link. Today we associate Ireland with Celtic culture. Traditional Irish music is often referred to as Celtic music. Celtic symbols, folklore and legends are all deeply woven into the fabric of Irish life. Its easy to conclude, as a result, that Ireland was the center of the Celtic world. That conclusion, however, is incorrect. At its peak, Celtic civilization ranged from Ireland to the Black Sea, and from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. In antiquity, the center of Celtic civilization was northwest France, centered in the region that today we call Champagne. Beginning in the 1st century BC, the majority of the Celtic world was systematically conquered by Romes legions and progressively absorbed into the Roman Empire. Ireland, Hibernia, to the Romans, at the very fringes of the known geography, was the only part of the Celtic world that escaped Roman conquest. The Romans did send a few exploratory expeditions into Ireland during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but they found little of value there to spur their interest. Roman Britain was one of the few Roman provinces that actually operated at a loss. The cost of Roman administration, and keeping Roman troops, there exceeded the tax revenues generated by the province. The Romans concluded that garrisoning and administering Ireland would just be a drain on the treasury and left Hibernia alone. If the distillation of alcohol had been part of Celtic civilization, then it is likely that the Romans would have become familiar with it during the conquest of Gaul, the very heartland of the Celtic world, and the subsequent conquest of Britain. There is, however, no record of alcohol distillation anywhere in the Celtic world in antiquity. The more likely explanation is that knowledge of distillation diffused from the Middle East via various routes sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries. Monasteries became the repository of that knowledge, and it was passed on by traveling monks to other monasteries. This is probably how the knowledge of distillation first arrived in Ireland. This was the beginning of Irish whiskey, although it would take the better part of five centuries before modern whiskey would begin to emerge. Regardless of how the Irish learned to make whiskey, the close association between Irish whiskey and St. Patricks Day remains. So, this St. Patricks Day raise a wee dram of Irelands fine whiskey to celebrate the feast day of Irelands patron saint. St. Patrick may not have taught the Irish how to make whiskey, but he has certainly exerted a considerable influence on its consumption. Slinte | https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/03/16/did-saint-patrick-bring-whiskey-to-ireland/ |
Why Were Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google Allowed to Get So Big? | The rise of global technology superstars like Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google created new challenges for the competition watchdogs who enforce the nations antitrust laws. Those companies dominate markets in e-books and smartphones, search advertising and social-media traffic, spurring a global debate over whether its time to rein in such winner-take-all companies. The U.S. has largely been hands off, but that may be changing. 1. Theyre powerful, for sure. Google and Facebook Inc. together control almost 60 percent of digital ad revenue in the U.S. and 64 percent of mobile ad revenue, according to eMarketer. Apple Inc. has about 45 percent of the U.S. smartphone market. About 47 percent of all U.S. e-commerce sales go through Amazon.com Inc. But under modern antitrust enforcement, those percentages alone arent enough to alarm regulators in the U.S., which long ago stopped equating big with bad. (For comparisons sake, Standard Oils market share got as high as 88 percent late in the 19th century.) Whats illegal is for a monopoly to abuse its market power to prevent rivals from threatening its dominance. Federal courts ruled Microsoft Corp. did so in the 1990s. 2. The Microsoft lawsuit was the last major monopolization case brought by the U.S. The ensuing 20-year dry spell is often cited by those who argue enforcement has been too timid. President Barack Obamas administration vowed to get tough on dominant companies in 2009, but it didnt follow through. The number of monopoly cases brought by the U.S. dropped sharply from an average of 15.7 cases per year from 1970 to 1999 to less than three between 2000 and 2014. 3. Some lawyers and economists think its time to move past conventional antitrust enforcement to consider harmful effects from increased concentration such as lower private investment, weak productivity growth, rising inequality and declining business dynamism, or the rate at which firms enter and exit markets. Theyve gained a high-profile backer in Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her partys 2020 presidential nomination and who has proposed dismantling tech giants like Facebook and Google. 4. As the middlemen for todays essential products and services, platforms like Amazon and Facebook have leverage over both producers and consumers. Amazon used its power over the book market in 2014 to block pre-orders for some Hachette Book titles during a dispute with the publisher over pricing. The tech giants are also growing by snapping up potential rivals that might threaten market share. Data compiled by Bloomberg show the big five Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft have made 431 acquisitions worth $155.7 billion over the last decade, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The companies also have control over vast amounts of data about their customers, raising concerns about threats to privacy. 5. In the U.S., theyre primarily focused on the harm to consumers from reduced competition. Thats usually not an issue in high-tech tie-ups, because big firms are often gobbling up much smaller rivals or buying companies for the purpose of entering new markets. The European Union has been more aggressive, as evidenced by the $2.7 billion fine against Alphabet Inc.s Google in 2017 for favoring its shopping-comparison service over those of its rivals. Google was hit with an additional $5 billion fine by the EU last year. 6. EU law sets a lower bar for finding dominance by a company, so its easier to run afoul of anti-monopoly law. (The U.S. chose not to bring charges against Google for the same conduct the EU found illegal.) EU enforcers also have been more wary of big companies collecting consumers personal data. Strict new privacy rules that took effect in the EU last May under the General Data Protection Regulation gave regulators unprecedented powers to protect people from having their data misused by companies doing business there. Already, Google has been fined 50 million euros ($56.8 million) for privacy violations the highest such penalty ever in the EU. (Google has appealed.) 7. They argue that their dominance is hardly durable because barriers to entry are low for new competitors. As Google is fond of saying, competition is just one click away. Due to the nature of competition in the digital marketplace, tech platforms benefit from network effects: As more people use them, the more useful and dominant the platforms become. Network effects can give a company scale quickly and create what investor Warren Buffett calls competitive moats. | http://fortune.com/2019/03/16/google-amazon-antitrust-laws/ |
Can cheats prosper in the race to give their children a leg-up at school? | It is an extraordinary claim by any measure: rich parents, real live Hollywood celebrities among them, were named by the FBI allegedly paying between $15,000 and $75,000 in bribes and cheat fees to get their kids into university. Up to 50 people, including Felicity Huffman, are alleged to have taken part in a scheme that involved either paying someone else to take the entrance exam or bribing university coaches and officials to admit their children as athletes even if the student had never played sport. William Rick Singer, CEO of life coaching and college counselling company The Key, is claimed to have orchestrated the operation, earning around $25m. Its currently unclear what will now happen to those privileged students on campus, whether their parents are found guilty or not. But one thing is certain: parents have always used nefarious and sometimes illegal means to get their kids a better education. Here are just a few... The climb any wall approach Parents are often keen to impress the value of good exam results on their kids. This is the sort of gung-ho, gritted-teeth spirit that says if you work hard enough, any mountain can be conquered. If you kick hard enough, any door can be knocked down. And if youre climbing the wall to success, be prepared to do so literally as in the case of some 300 parents in the Indian state of Bihar. In 2015, as more than 1.4 million students across the eastern state prepared to take their school-leaving exams at more than 1,200 centres, hundreds of parents were caught scaling two- and four-storey buildings to pass answers through the windows. Students were seen copying answers from smuggled-in note sheets while police posted outside test centres were bribed to look the other way. The scandal saw at least 750 students expelled. The then state education minister PK Shahi argued that it was too difficult to conduct fair exams. Is it the responsibility of the government alone to manage such a huge number of people and to conduct a 100% free and fair examination? he asked. Well, quite. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Brasenose College, Oxford, glowing in the golden hour light on High Street. Photograph: Tracy Packer/Moment Editorial/Getty Images The hows your father? sub-plot Its one thing having enough wealth and privilege to gloss over low grades and still get into your Oxbridge college of choice. Its quite another to boast about it. And yet, in his 2001 memoir, How To Lose Friends and Alienate People, Toby Young did just that. Having missed the marks to make it into Brasenose College, Oxford, Young received a letter suggesting he had got in anyway. A second letter saying that he had not got in followed. And so his father, Michael Young, Lord Dartington, made a phone call to the admissions tutor to complain. In delicious or unfortunate irony, depending on your view, Young senior was the sociologist and politician who coined the term meritocracy. magazine, and shaped Labours manifesto for the 1945 general election. He also ensured his son, Toby Young, would win his place at one of the worlds most prestigious institutions. The finding God moment Many life-changing events can lead people to find solace in religion. Marriage; death; and the race to ensure a child secures a place at the local faith school. In 2012, a YouGov poll indicated that 6% of atheist parents had attended church services simply so their child could attend a well-performing church school. In 2015, a similar poll conducted for ITV programme How To Get In To A Good School found that the number had doubled: one in eight parents was faking religion to get their children into popular, oversubscribed Church of England schools. One journalist, Andrew Penman, got a book deal for his efforts and published School Daze: Searching for Decent State Education. He wrote: I faked being a Christian to get my children into the local Church of England primary school. My plea: guilty. I am an atheist, but for at least two years before my son reached primary-school age I went to the local church, along with my wife. And so it came to pass that our son got the school place. Penman blamed the state of education. Its an abhorrent situation, he wrote. And one that is made worse when parents are forced to play a system that they didnt create and are then accused of being odious, despicable hypocrites. The catch of the catchment area If you build it, they will come. And so it proves with parents moving heaven, earth and home to be near the best schools. Research shows that one in four British families have moved house to obtain a school place for their children, paying up to 18% more for a property to do so. However, one in six families say they have deliberately bought or rented a second property to do the same. A Sutton Trust report last year found that almost one in three parents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds knew a parent cheating the system to gain access to a particular school, be it by using a relatives address or by temporarily renting a second property. Ten years ago, one mother became the first parent in the country to be taken to court for alleged school application fraud. That case was dropped but the practice remains rife. The family matters method In the US, family connections have always helped students get into Ivy League universities. Students dubbed legacies predominantly white and wealthy young people with a parent who had attended the institution are 45% more likely to be admitted, as they are widely seen as a reliable future source of alumni donations. According to a 2011 study by a Harvard researcher (a university with a 33% acceptance rate for legacy students versus an overall acceptance rate of 6%), the impact across 30 elite universities is dramatic: the system openly discriminates in favour of affluent, privileged children. Overall, students from the top 1% of the income scale are 77 times more likely to attend the best American universities than those from the bottom 20%. | https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/mar/16/scams-cheats-tricks-get-child-into-better-school |
Is AI Headed For Another Winter? | AI (Artificial Intelligence) has experienced several periods of severe funding cuts and lack of interest, such as during the 1970s and 1980s. They were called AI winters, a reference to the concept of nuclear winter where the sun is blocked from a layer of smoke and dust! But of course, things are much different nowadays. AI is one of the hottest categories of tech and is a strategic priority for companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft and many others. Well, its really tough to tell. Keep in mind that prior AI winters were a reaction to the fact that many of the grandiose promises did not come to fruition. But as of now, we are seeing many innovations and breakthroughs that are impacting diverse industries. VCs are also writing large checks to fund startups while mega tech companies have been ramping their M&A. Simply put, there are few signs of a slowdown. History doesnt repeat itself but it often rhymes, said Mark Twain. And this may be the case with AI -- that is, we could be seeing a new type of winter. It's where society is negatively affected in subtle ways over a prolonged period of time. According to Alex Wong, who is the chief scientist and co-founder of DarwinAI, the problem of bias in models is major part of this. For example, AI is being leveraged in hiring, which involves screening for candidates based on large numbers of resumes. While this approach might seem data driven and thus objective, there are significant gender and cultural biases in these past hiring practices, which are then learned by the AI in the same way a child can pickup historical biases from what they are taught, said Alex. Without deeper investigation, the system will start making biased and discriminatory decisions that can have a negative societal impact and create greater inequality when released into companies. But this is not a one off. Bias is really a pervasive problem, corrosive and often goes undetected. In fact, a big reason is the culture of the AI community, which is more focused on striving for accuracy rates not necessarily interested on the broader impact. Another factor is that AI tools are becoming more pervasive and are often free to use. So as inexperienced people build models, there is a higher likelihood that well see even more bias in the outcomes. "An intern can write a couple lines of code in Python to create a sophisticated model in TensorFlow," said Nick Caldwell, who is the CPO of Looker. "This was something that may have taken days or even months for a data sceintist to do not long ago." Explainability is about understanding AI models. True, this is difficult because deep learning systems can be black boxes. But there are creative ways to deal with this. Consider the following from Christian Beedgen, who is the co-founder and CTO of Sumo Logic: Early in our development of Sumo Logic, we built a generic and unsupervised anomaly detection system to track how often different classifications of logs appeared, with the idea that this would help us spot interesting trends and outliers. Once implemented, however, we found that -- despite a variety of approaches -- the results generated by our advanced anomaly detection algorithms simply were not meaningfully explainable to our users. We realized that the results of sophisticated algorithms don't matter if humans can't figure out what they mean. Since then, we've focused on narrower problem states to create fundamentally simpler -- and therefore more useful -- predictive machinery." It was a tough lesson but it wound up being critical for the company, as the products got much stronger and useful. Sumo Logic has gone on to raise $230 million and is one of the top players in its space. Going forward, the AI industry needs to be much more proactive, with an urgency for fairness, accountability and transparency. A way to help this along would be to include building features in platforms that provide insights on explainability as well as bias. Even having old-school ethics boards is a good option. After all, this is common for university research. AI-influenced decisions that result in discrimination and inequality, when left unchecked by humans, can lead to a loss of trust in AI, which can in turn hinder its widespread adoption, especially in the sectors that could truly benefit, said Alex. We should not only strive to improve the transparency and interpretability of deployed AI systems, but educate those who build these systems and make them aware of fairness, data leakage, creator accountability, and inherent bias issues. The goal is not only highly effective AI systems, but also ones that society can trust. Tom serves on the advisory boards of tech startups and can be reached at his site. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomtaulli/2019/03/16/is-ai-headed-for-another-winter/ |
Did Errol Spence Jr Bite Off More Than He Can Chew By Fighting Mikey Garcia? | We're just hours away from one of the most anticipated fights of 2019 if not the most anticipated fight. As I am writing, the fighters and their respective camps in addition to the droves of media that has congregated in the greater Dallas area have made their way to and from the weigh-in yesterday and are now preparing to head to AT&T Stadium along with the estimated 30,000 fans that will attend this megafight. There are no more words and no more face-offs and stare downs until Spence Jr and Garcia are standing inches away prior to the opening bell tonight. Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that my headline was a mistake and that what I meant to say is if Mikey Garcia bit off more than he can chew. It's not a mistake. In fact, it could be the most telling thing about this fight. The pure concept of the smaller Mikey Garcia defeating the bigger Errol Spence Jr is simply counterintuitive to not only most boxing fans but most boxing insiders. Both Spence Jr and Garcia are undefeated fighters with high boxing IQ's that both possess power at their best weight. Now that's important because Garcia is moving up two weight classes while Spence Jr is theoretically fighting at his prime weight. ON PAPER If we're strictly looking at the tale of the tape then it's understandable why the consensus of experts sees Spence Jr as too big and too strong. If we're being completely honest with ourselves, it's true. Furthermore, Spence Jr looked great at the weigh-in. He actually looked a little lighter than usual and relaxed. Not a forced perception of relaxed, but a true expression of confidence. The lighter look might be in anticipation of having to be more mobile against the smaller Garcia, who will look to use movement as his main weapon against Spence Jr. Remember though, this is boxing, looks can be deceiving. Don't let Garcia's physique fool you, he's a world class fighter at the highest level in a body that is built for success, not for centerfold spreads. NOTHING TO LOSE But this is boxing and looks can be deceiving. There's a reason that Garcia pursued and accepted this fight and it's not just the reported $8 million dollars he'll be receiving. Even if Garcia were to lose, he wins, especially if he looks competitive. Garcia, the already four division world champion and current WBC lightweight strap holder is risking it all to win in a fifth weight division, against who many consider to be the best welterweight in the world right now in Spence Jr. Garcia obviously sees something beatable in Spence Jr and if we're also being completely honest, Spence Jr hasn't faced anyone close to Garcia's caliber in the professional ranks. Yes, there will be a 10-pound or more weight difference when they step in the ring tonight, yes, Garcia is dealing with the height and reach disadvantage as well, however, boxing is not just a physical game. It's mental. Garcia very well might hold the advantage in the mental part of this contest in many ways. Both corners have experienced trainers, however, the Garcia's have the better track record in this department as well. For decades. I have to believe the work Garcia put in with Mike Bazzel and team at Victor Conte's SNAC progam is going to make a difference. REALITY Look, I'm not saying that Mikey Garcia is going to defeat Errol Spence Jr. Garcia would have to fight a perfect fight that would include a level of focus and awareness that takes an intense amount of inner fortitude. He can't simply fight from the outside or count on power because he doesn't have the advantage in either of those departments, but he can win the mental game and do the little things to win rounds. When it comes down to it, a championship fight is nothing more than 12 three minute fights independently scored of each other. It's a very simple process. Garcia only needs to win seven of them to gain a victory. What I am saying is that Spence Jr might have bitten off more than he can chew in underestimating what Garcia brings to the table as a complete fighter, despite the physical disadvantages and can very well find himself in an uncomfortable position tonight to play catch up or be reduced to looking for the knockout if he falls behind on the scorecards. Garcia's height disadvantage might be the perfect height for Garcia to land a counter overhand right on Spence Jr who at times has shown the inability to effectively move his head. Spence Jr isn't the most mobile fighter either, while usually using his boxing skills and power to break down his opponents, he might very well have trouble adjusting to Garcia's constant movement and use of angles. In my opinion, although both are superb, Garcia is the more well rounded and complete boxer with more experience. SIZE MATTERS (OR DOES IT?) We've seen these type of contests before. Roy Jones Jr was able to do it against John Ruiz, however, Oscar De La Hoya couldn't do it against Bernard Hopkins and more recently Guillermo Rigondeaux couldn't do it against Vasyl Lomachenko. Sometimes the size is just too much, hence why weight classes exist in boxing. We can take the time to look at many instances where the smaller man has been able to move up and be successful in addition to the opposite as expressed above. Regardless, I certainly give Garcia a chance to pull off the upset if and only if he can mitigate the size and strength disparity that could make this an insurmountable mountain to climb. The perfect combination of Spence Jr's overconfidence along with Garcia's boxing IQ, game plan and ability to adapt, can have Spence Jr wondering if he made the right decision, especially if Garcia is able to execute a flawless gameplan. Spence Jr can't rely on size alone. If his game plan is to be patient and let his size and strength be the difference, this could backfire if he's giving away rounds. Don't underestimate the fact that Spence Jr also might be cautious to not leave himself open to Garcia. These are two of the best pound for pound fighters in the world today that will be looking to make their mark in boxing history. Once again, regardless of who the winner is tonight, boxing wins and boxing fans win. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterkahn/2019/03/16/did-errol-spence-jr-bite-off-more-than-he-can-chew-by-fighting-mikey-garcia/ |
Why are truffles are so darned expensive? | They're difficult to find, a pain to grow and lose their sexy aroma within a week Truffles the non-chocolate kind, sorry are edible fungi, like mushrooms. expensive, sometimes as much as thousands of dollars per pound. Truffles are costly because they're hard to find, frustrating to grow, and impossible to store for any length of time. They generally range from strawberry- to apple-sized, though larger ones have been discovered. Though multiple species are found worldwide, prestige truffles come from specific areas, much like wine from celebrated regions of Europe and California. Black truffles from France and white truffles from Italy are the two most highly valued. Even though they resemble evil spores from a 1960s Outer Limits episode, truffles are prized delicacies in gastronomy, the art of cooking and eating good food. More: U.S. farms grow $1,000-per-pound truffles with help from dogs Some U.S entrepreneurs are cultivating truffles to become part of an industry estimated to grow to nearly $6 billion globally over the next two decades. Truffle farms face formidable agricultural challenges, since truffles thrive only in a narrow band of weather conditions. Black truffles, for example, need mild winters, no frost, warm (not hot) summers, and dry winters, according to modernfarmer.com. Black truffles are found in the Prigord region in France. Getty Images Grow a good truffle, however, and you'll be rewarded by food fanatics clamoring for a seat at your table. Ask aficionados to describe truffles and you'll get baskets of adjectives: garlicky, mushroomy, earthy, pungent, musky, gamey. That's because the truffle's flavor comes not from its taste, but its aroma. Writers wax poetic about it: Presently, we were aware of an odour gradually coming towards us, something musky, fiery, savoury, mysterious, a hot drowsy smell, that lulls the senses, and yet enflames them the truffles were coming. William Makepeace Thackeray, Memorials of Gormandizing, 1841 Truffles' peculiar odor comes from a multitude of chemicals. In white truffles, bis(methylthio)methane is the key compound, according to the American Chemical Society. In black truffles, dimethyl sulfide and 2-Methylbutanal are found. In addition to those scent molecules, truffles have pheromones, chemical substances that affect animals and insect behavior. They have androstenol, a steroidal pheromone found in humans, and androstenone, which boars produce for mating. White truffles come from Italy's Piedmont district. Getty Images Modern research suggests truffles affect people because of the human pheromone. Others have commented on the phenomenon: "The truffle is not a positive aphrodisiac, but on occasion it can make women more loving and men more lovable." Alexandre Dumas, Grand Dictionnaire de Cuisine, 1871 The smell is also why pigs were originally used to sniff out truffles they were drawn to the boar pheromone. Specially trained dogs are employed these days, since they don't gobble up truffles as pigs do. Unfortunately the unique odor starts to fade as soon as the truffle is dug up. Truffles don't last longer than 7 to 10 days. Truffles can be cooked, but are usually cleaned by hand and grated or sliced paper-thin atop warm food, which absorbs the truffle's aroma. Other cooks put truffles in closed containers with food to impart a truffle flavor. You don't need much since a little goes a long way. In lieu of actual truffles, some people use less expensive truffle oil, which is "cooking oil, such as olive or sunflower oil, that has been infused with the aroma of white or black truffles," according to Bon Apptit magazine. Black truffles served over polenta, a type of yellow cornmeal. Getty Images It can be difficult to find truffle oil that includes real truffles. It's out there, but most of it is cooking oil scented with chemicals found in truffles (but not truffles themselves). You shouldn't cook with truffle oil since heat tends to alter it, advises RecipeGeek. It's considered a finishing oil, best when sprinkled sparingly over prepared food like eggs, cooked vegetables, pasta or potatoes. Even french fries are subjected to the treatment. Truffle oil has its passionate defenders and detractors. Anthony Bourdain, the late celebrity chef, was unsparingly critical: "Truffle oil. It's horrible. It's not even food. It's really on a par with about as edible as Astroglide, and made from the same stuff." SOURCE americantruffle.com; American Chemical Society; Scientific American; mssf.org; Forbes; foodreference.com; wideopeneats.com; smithsonian.com; modernfarmer.com; Bon Apptit; recipegeek.com; USA TODAY research; TOP IMAGE: Getty Images | https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/world/2019/03/16/truffles-why-so-expensive/3161242002/ |
What made Troy Dannen change his mind about Mike Dunleavy Sr. at Tulane? | More than four weeks passed from the time when Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen gave a public show of support for basketball coach Mike Dunleavy Sr. to the moment the two met at 9 a.m. Saturday (March 16). During that meeting, Dannen told Dunleavy he planned to make a change in leadership of the basketball program. In other words, the AD fired Dunleavy after the three losing seasons that ended with a 21-game losing streak, the schools longest in 55 years. If you dont feel progress is being made, if youre not looking forward to what lies ahead, you have to ask yourself, why not?" Dannen said Saturday during a news conference to discuss the firing. I dont know that there was a day where that switch hit, but it was really obvious over the course of the last few weeks, we werent in position to get better over the next year or the next two years. Dannen said the show of support Feb. 13 came in part to keep other programs from contacting current players and prospective recruits to encourage them to either transfer or consider committing to a different school. Dannen wanted to take those external pressures off his coach and players as they neared the finishing stretch of the season. He used the four-plus weeks since then to continue his evaluation of the basketball program, and at some point met with university president Michael A. Fitts to remind him that a he felt a basketball turnaround at Tulane would be more difficult than other sports. At some point, Dunleavys fate was sealed, even after Dannen said in his show of support to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune that Mike Dunleavys not going anywhere. Dunleavys .258 winning percentage (24-69) is the second-poorest among all coaches in school history. The only coach with a poorer winning percentage is Ted Lendhardt, whose 1963-64 team lost the first 22 games before beating LSU in the final game for a 1-22 record (.043). We just werent making the progress we wanted to make, Dannen said. I said from the very beginning when I got here, we want to win at everything. Mike Dunleavy, Tulane were a bad fit, now Green Wave needs to find the right one Tulane had no choice but to move on from former NBA coach after abysmal 4-27 season Dannen insisted Dunleavy was the right hire at the time it was made in March 2016. Dannen said Tulane had a team grade-point average of 1.99, which has since improved to 3.19 in the recent fall semester. Dunleavys ability to develop talent has been well documented with how Melvin Frazier and Cameron Reynolds are now on NBA rosters, with Frazier on the Orlando Magic as the first Tulane player selected in the NBA Draft since 1997 and Reynolds recently signing a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Green Wave this season won four of the first 10 games but then lost the remaining 21 contests, including an 0-18 record in American Athletic Conference play. The season ended with a conference tournament against Memphis on the Tigers home floor. Dannen followed his meeting with Dunleavy on Saturday by meeting with the players. They played hard, Dannen said. I told the guys when I met with them, its really easy when things are going the way they went, to quit, to give up. The last thing that they never did was quit or give up. They played as hard in the last minute of the season as they did in the first. I was very proud of that. But it also goes back to Mikes leadership inside the program. Tulane hired Dunleavy with more than 1,300 games of NBA coaching experience. Dannen said the next coach will come from the college ranks, either as a current or former head coach, or a current assistant. He said if he had a list of 20 candidates for the job, 15 or so would be coaching in the NCAA tournament as a head coach or assistant. | https://www.nola.com/tulane/2019/03/what-made-troy-dannen-change-his-mind-about-mike-dunleavy-sr-at-tulane.html |
Does Nuggets Michael Malone deserve NBAs Coach of the Year? | Any validation Nuggets coach Michael Malone needed about the job hes done in Denver or the culture hes instilled was finalized hours before this season started when his contract extension became official. The Nuggets were in Los Angeles prior to their season opener against the Clippers, and Malone was almost reticent to address the news, wary of preempting any formal release. But if the ensuing six months have provided any clarity, Malone has already made good on the deal, which extends through the 2020-21 season. Hes navigated a flood of injuries to prominent pieces like Gary Harris, Will Barton and Paul Millsap, emboldened reserves Monte Morris and Malik Beasley to play beyond their years and guided Denvers budding contender to at least one round of homecourt advantage this postseason, if not more. End-of-season awards can often be a crapshoot, but Malone is on the shortlist for Coach of the Year. That list also includes Milwaukees Mike Budenholzer, Indianas Nate McMillan and Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers. Budenholzer turned the Bucks into an efficiency powerhouse and unleashed MVP-caliber Giannis Antetokounmpo; McMillan didnt allow the Pacers to collapse after Victor Oladipos season-ending injury, and theyre still in contention for a top-three seed in the East; Rivers had his best player traded at the deadline yet the Clippers are all-but assured of a playoff appearance. All three have valid claim to the award. So does Malone. The Nuggets jumped from the worst 3-point defense in the league last year all the way to eighth this year. Overall, they have the 11th-best defensive rating this season, up from 23rd last year. Our numbers defensively have shot through the roof from last year, Morris said. Hes put in rotations, he gave us chances to win. For Malone, his case is built not just on the Nuggets improbable leap from barely missing the playoffs in two consecutive seasons to flirting with the top seed in the Western Conference; its how Malone has traversed the season with his young team, often reflecting the mood he wants his team to exhibit. If a winning streak has the locker room satisfied, expect Malone to expose their shortcomings and demand more focus. As recently as this week, when the Nuggets were safely in the No. 2 seed, he wouldnt concede that the playoffs were a foregone conclusion. But if an extended losing streak has sapped the fun out of a given week, Malone can be counted on to keep the stretch in perspective, cognizant that the team is taking its cues from him. Consequently, Malone has excelled at managing the locker room. It helps that Denvers core Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Harris has grown up under Malones watchful eye, but the truth is that Malone holds everybody, including his star players, accountable. If Jokic isnt aggressive enough, Malone tells him. Same thing if he feels Murray is playing selfishly. He knows you can lose a locker room quickly if you dont. Related Articles Rockies Insider: Mark your calendar to see Colorado and the Nuggets on the same days in Denver Kiszla: Baywatch boxers and tricks shots at the buzzer. Making the case for Nuggets center Nikola Jokic as MVP. Jokics stunning game-winner saves Nuggets vs. Mavs Nuggets Thomas declines to address reporters after benching Why Isaiah Thomas DNP vs. Minnesota casts doubt on his Nuggets future Hes got great guys, Millsap joked. But on top of that, youve still gotta be able to manage the talent level that we have. Weve got a lot of guys that can play. For him to manage the times and to manage the egos on that end, where guys want to play and cant, its been pretty good. Most recently, he made the trying decision to bench Isaiah Thomas, whose personal relationship with Malone dates back to their time in Sacramento and was one of the reasons Thomas opted to come to Denver in the first place. Malone first addressed it with Thomas so he wasnt blindsided when his name wasnt called to check in against Minnesota. Just because thats professional protocol in the NBA doesnt make it any easier. I think the more honest and upfront you are with guys, the more they respect you, Millsap added, speaking generally about Malones candor. I think hes been that for the whole year. Guys respect people who come to them and tell them the truth even if you dont want to hear it. Not scared to tell them the truth. Hes good at that. Hopefully hell win it. | https://www.denverpost.com/2019/03/16/nuggets-michael-malone-coach-of-the-year/ |
When it comes to songwriting, is Spotify really the bad guy? | AUSTIN, TexasStreaming platforms have become the most ubiquitous purveyors of music and also the most vilified. But an unexpected ally spoke out on their behalf Thursday at the South by Southwest music conference. Theres a lot of noise coming from the media about streaming services such as Spotify, said Merck Mercuriadis, a business partner of songwriter-producer Nile Rodgers. A lot of darkness, doom and gloom that these services dont pay enough, that artists arent getting a big enough piece of the pie which is right, but the pie is exploding. Its growing every day. There is money coming into the music business that has never been there. Merck Mercuriadis and Nile Rodgers attend the Featured Session: Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 14 in Austin, Texas. ( Matt Winkelmeyer / GETTY IMAGES for SXSW ) The bottom line, Mercuriadis said, is we need to allow these streaming services to grow. Spotify, the 10-year-old Swedish corporation that is the biggest player in the streaming pond, takes in $6 billion (U.S.) in annual revenue and doles out 70 per cent to rights holders. But most artists see only micro-fractions of a penny for each stream by the time the revenue trickles down to them from a variety of middlemen, including publishers and record labels. The thing that propelled my career was songwriting, but the remuneration was not fair, Rodgers said, a problem that predates the streaming era. When Bernard Edwards (cofounder of Rodgers band Chic) and I started out, we were splitting 3 per cent of the revenue on a song we wrote. Article Continued Below Spotify is not the reason songwriters havent had a seat at the table, Mercuriadis said. They did not have a seat at the table with Universal and Sony (record companies) either. To change that, Rodgers and Mercuriadis have created the Hipgnosis Songs Fund, a publicly traded music investment company. Its based on the idea that songs have value in the same way that gold or oil do. They claim to have raised $3 million so far for investors. Its the only music rights company on the London Stock Exchange, but it may spawn imitators if it continues to build. My career has proven that hit songs are highly investible, Rodgers said. But he also pointed out hes written songs that stiffed that later become hits when repurposed by other artists. Songs can have a third, fourth, five, sixth life. Artist compensation remains an annual issue at South by Southwest and Hipgnosis provides the latest attempt to unify the artistic community to gain market leverage. The big holistic goal is to make an environment thats better for songwriters, Rodgers said. Theres no reason that the person who distributes the message should get far more than the person who creates the message. Read more about: | https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2019/03/15/when-it-comes-to-songwriting-is-spotify-really-the-bad-guy.html |
What does Tulane AD want after dismissing Mike Dunleavy Sr. as basketball coach? | Troy Dannen could have a list of 20 coaching candidates for the Tulane mens basketball program, and 15 of them could be attached to schools in the NCAA tournament. The next coach at Tulane will have strong college credentials, the Tulane athletic director said Saturday (March 16) as he discussed the dismissal of former coach Mike Dunleavy Sr. after three losing seasons. Dunleavy came to the school in March 2016 with zero college experience after an NBA coaching career that covered more than 1,300 games. Whenever you terminate a coach, almost invariably you hire the opposite, Dannen said. Im not saying were hiring the opposite, but my focus is going to be on sitting college head coaches, those who have been sitting college coaches and Im sure there will be a couple of elite-level assistants in there as well. If I have 20 guys in mind, 15 of them will be coaching in the NCAA tournament next week in one form or another and the rest will have coached in the NCAA tournament. Thats my focus to start. In the eight months after Tulane hired him in December 2015, Dannen hired new coaches in football, baseball and basketball. The football program is now coming off its first bowl win since 2002 under coach Willie Fritz and the baseball team is off to a strong start under third-year coach Travis Jewett. Tulane has not experienced the same result with basketball. Dannen said he told university president Michael Fitts when the school hired Dannen that a basketball turnaround would be more difficult than the other sports. We have six or seven schools in this league who are basketball-first schools who have great traditional, historical success and made great investments, Dannen said. 'We just werent making the progress we wanted to make,' Tulane AD says. Tulane hopes to have a new coach before the Final Four begins April 6, but the school will not conduct an interview unless that candidates season is complete, Dannen said. There are some people I can start talking to on Monday that are not in the tournament, Dannen said. Certainly I would like to have it done by the Final Four but there may be circumstances that prevent that. The Tulane season ended with a conference-tournament loss against Memphis on the Tigers home floor. Dannen attended the game and could see the difference in the squad coached by former Memphis standout and NBA player Penny Hardaway and the Tulane team coached by Dunleavy. We shot 62 percent most of the first half against Memphis and we trailed most of the first half, Dannen said. It was athleticism that was the difference. We need to get more athletic. Tulane ended the season with a 21-game losing streak and an 0-18 record in league play and a 4-27 record overall. Green Wave freshmen played 44 percent of the minutes, with sophomore Caleb Daniels as the team leader in minutes played along with points at 16.9 per game. We need to up our level of recruiting, Dannen said. That will obviously be a primary focus of whoever I turn to as the next head coach. We have to catch up. Weve got a good young core, and it is a young core, but we need more of them and we to surround them at all five positions and make sure we have talent across the board. | https://www.nola.com/tulane/2019/03/what-does-tulane-ad-want-after-dismissing-mike-dunleavy-sr-as-basketball-coach.html |
Are Liberals ready to take on the risk of shared equity mortgages? | On a sunny afternoon two years ago, as panic about the overheated housing market in Canadas big cities was spreading, three key policy-makers hunkered down in Toronto to figure out what to do. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, Toronto Mayor John Tory and then-provincial finance minister Charles Sousa emerged with an acknowledgement that the housing market was indeed in a precarious state. They made a vow: they would try to take some action, but they would certainly not do anything that would make matters worse. Real estate markets in the big cities may have stabilizing but at high price levels. And since the federal government has made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage, finding a way for first -time buyers to enter the market is proving to be tricky for the Liberals. ( Graeme Roy / THE CANADIAN PRESS ) Morneau put a finer point on it. Government measures that would bolster the demand for housing were verboten. Thats because government helping out buyers would only drive prices up further, exacerbating the problem. That vow hasnt aged well, and now the federal government is thinking of jumping into the fray with budget measures on Tuesday to help young people to get into the housing market for the first time. On the surface, there shouldnt really be much of a public-policy problem any more. The housing market has cooled significantly in Toronto and Vancouver. Talk of a housing bubble wiping out homeowners wealth has quieted. Article Continued Below But to conclude that all is as it should be would be wrong. In its most recent analysis of overheating in major cities across Canada, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) concluded that there was a high degree of overall vulnerability at the national level, for the 10th quarter in a row. Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Hamilton are particularly susceptible. More concerning and this is where the federal budget comes in is affordability. Real estate markets in the big cities may have backed away from the precipice, but prices are stabilizing at high levels. At the same time, the federal government has made it more difficult for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage. And mortgage rates have risen. At RBC, where economists have been measuring how affordable houses are at a national level and in big cities, its index is at the highest point since 1990. Put another way, homes are at their least-affordable point in almost 30 years. Average homeowners in Canada are putting 54 per cent of their familys income towards carrying a house. In Vancouver, its 87 per cent. In Toronto, 75 per cent. This means that moving to the big cities for a good job is unfathomable for many, unless they commute long distances or find substandard accommodation. Theres a growing concern that urban housing exacerbates income inequality, favouring those who already own homes in the cities to the detriment of newcomers, and to the detriment of companies hoping to hire new talent. The federal Liberals believe the affordability problem is even worse for millennials, and point to recent research from CMHC that shows first-time homebuyers in the millennial age-bracket are stretched to the max. This group also happens to be fertile ground for Liberals looking for votes. Justin Trudeaus victory in 2015 was thanks in part to new, young voters. And polling shows support among that demographic is still strong. But the solutions are tricky, especially given the vow made two years ago to steer clear of bolstering the demand side of the equation. Article Continued Below The bubblelike conditions of Toronto and Vancouver are not yet a distant memory, and so policy-makers would want to avoid pushing markets in that direction so soon. And anything that would encourage homebuyers to take on debt is imprudent right now because the countrys dramatically high levels of household debt are probably Canadas number one economic risk. However, pouring more federal money into building more homes bolstering supply is extremely expensive. The federal government has already earmarked $40-billion for housing over the next decade. Adding more, or speeding up its delivery, wouldnt necessarily hit the specific demographics that the Liberals have in mind. So the vow has been quietly revised, internally. Instead of dont touch demand, its now if you boost demand, you also have to boost supply. Some of the ideas have been around for a while: enhancing the ability of first-time homebuyers to use retirement savings for a down payment; or extending the length of time buyers can stretch out their mortgages. Theres a new idea decision-makers are eyeing too: shared equity mortgages. Government would partner with certain first-time homebuyers in taking on a share say 30 per cent of a mortgage. When the time comes to sell the house, government would reap part of the reward, taking profits in proportion to its equity stake. Unless, of course, there is no profit, and instead theres a loss posing a risk to the federal balance sheet. Given the political points to be gained, its a risk the Liberals may well be ready to take. Heather Scoffield is an economics columnist based in Ottawa. Follow her on Twitter: @hscoffield | https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/2019/03/16/are-liberals-ready-to-take-on-the-risk-of-shared-equity-mortgages.html |
Is Formula One Overpriced? | Liberty Media has cast doubt on the sustainability of Formula One by claiming that its race hosting fees accelerated too much under the former management even though it previously claimed they were not overpriced. F1's season-opener gets underway in Australia today and marks the start of the second full year with Liberty in the driving seat. At the start of 2017 it got the keys to F1 in a $4.6 billion takeover and listed it on the Nasdaq with the ticker FWONK. The series had revenue of $1.8 billion last year and Grand Prix hosting fees represent the largest single source of it. The 21 races each paid an average of $29.4 million bringing the total to $616.7 million. It has been fueled by two factors. Firstly, F1 company documents reveal that the race agreements usually include annual fee escalators over the life of the contract, which are typically based on annual movement in a selected consumer price index or fixed percentages of up to 5% per year. F1 has also benefited from competition between the countries vying for a prized spot on its calendar. One of Libertys first decisions was to give the wheel of F1 to 21st Century Fox vice chairman Chase Carey. In January 2017 he replaced British billionaire Bernie Ecclestone who had transformed F1 over 40 years from being an amateur past time into one of the worlds most-watched annual sports series. It is also one of the richest thanks, in part, to Ecclestones decision to market F1 to governments of emerging nations. They usually pay top Dollar as a Grand Prix puts them on the sporting map alongside developed nations such as France, Germany and the United States. F1 races also drive tourism as they promote the host country to the 490 million viewers who watch the series on television. It explains why the the average annual hosting fee accelerated by 49.2% over the 15 years to 2018 whilst the number of races in traditional European locations fell by 12.7% over that period. However, an F1 race isnt a ticket to profits for the organizer and there is good reason for this. Unlike many sports event hosts, Grand Prix organizers generally dont receive a cut of the income from broadcasting, official on-site corporate hospitality or even advertising at the venue. Instead, these revenues race in F1s direction. Ticket sales are usually the main source of income for race organizers and just about cover the running costs of the event. The local or federal government then usually funds the hosting fee which is paid to F1 so the races tend to break even at best. In a bid to improve the situation, 16 of the race organizers have formed an association and, as we revealed in Britains Daily Telegraph newspaper, one of them said last year that no contract will be renewed under the existing financial conditions. We are talking about a reduction in fee for sure. This commitment will soon be put to the test as five of the race contracts expire this year and as we revealed, they pay around $131 million in annual fees. Several of these organizers have said that this could force them out of F1. In August last year Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), said that the 2017 Italian Grand Prix made a strong loss, and the 2018 budget will not be different either. It is clear that such a situation is not sustainable in the long term. The ACI is ready to do its part, but not under any conditions. The contract for the British Grand Prix is another which is coming to an end in 2019 because its organizer, the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC), has put the brakes on it seven years early. The race, which is held at the BRDCs Silverstone circuit, was the first on the F1 calendar when the championship launched in 1950. It holds a special significance as seven of the ten teams are based in Britain along with the operating company of F1 itself. In 2017, when the BRDC announced its decision to give the red light to the race, its chairman John Grant said it is not financially viable for us to deliver the British Grand Prix under the terms of our current contract. He added that by running the British Grand Prix we sustained net losses of 2.8 million [$3.7 million] in 2015 and 4.8 million [$6.4 million] in 2016 thats 7.6 million [$10.1 million] over two years. We expect to lose a similar amount this year. To continue on this path is not only unsustainable, it would put at risk Silverstone, the home of British motor racing. Talking at this weeks Deutsche Bank Media, Internet & Telecom Conference, Libertys chief executive Greg Maffei blamed Ecclestone for driving up the hosting fees so high that it had drained the race organizers. However, research has revealed that F1 didnt actually believe they were overpriced. Maffei said that Bernie had done a very good job, arguably too good a job, and had drained the promoters. But just two years earlier, Carey told the Financial Times that actually nobody was tricked...Its not that the deal is overpriced, its more, did we deliver where we should deliver? Maybe Maffei believes that the fees are not overpriced even though Ecclestone did too good a job by extracting so much from the organizers that it drained them. It seems hard to reconcile the two views as the definition of overpriced is costing too much and Carey said this didnt apply to F1 race fees. However, his boss says he thought the fees had been driven up so much that they had drained the race organizers. Maffei didnt just point the finger of blame at Ecclestone for revving up F1s fees but also for telling the organizers that they are overpriced. Bernie suggested to a lot of them that they were over-paying and that didnt help the cause, he said. It may seem logical to assume that Ecclestone said this in spite because Liberty replaced him but, in fact, it is nothing new. In October 2016, long before Liberty forced Ecclestone to give up the wheel, he told the Daily Mail that the solution to declining crowds was to give the teams less money and charge the promoters less so tickets are less. Then wed get back people queuing up for a ticket. After all the finger-pointing, the fact remains that Liberty needs to extend the contracts of five races and ensure that others stay on track, including the US Grand Prix which is under threat as we have reported. Ecclestone didnt always manage to extend contracts for races and prevent them from hitting the wall. However, he did have a knack for finding replacements thanks to nearly 40 years of experience in the business. Maffei doesnt seem concerned. Soon after Liberty acquired F1 he raised the possibility of it adding to its collection as we revealed in British newspaper the Daily Telegraph. Returning to that theme this week, he said that there are things we have looked at to add on to the business that we think are synergistic...There are a couple [of acquisitions] that could be interesting that are motorsport related and there may be other things that fit well that are extensions to the brand. If Liberty doesnt renew or replace the race contracts which expire this year, expansion may well be a case of running before it can walk. Its a game of inches and dollars. Get the latest sports news and analysis of valuations, signings and hirings, once a week in your inbox, from the Forbes SportsMoney Playbook newsletter. Sign up here. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/csylt/2019/03/16/is-formula-one-overpriced/ |
Was The 'Apex Legends' Season 1 Battle Pass Delayed? | Despite widespread rumors, leaks and whatever you might want to call the dissemination of unconfirmed information, the Apex Legends season 1 battle pass did not release on Tuesday, March 12. Respawn, aware of the fact that most people thought the battle pass was coming out that day, took to Reddit to tamp down expectations, once again not saying much more than that the developers were working hard on Season 1 and that it would be out soon: as far as we know, it's still slated for March. There's a lot of suspicion, however, that the battle pass was originally slated to come out on March 12, and that it was delayed past this originally planned release date. The best evidence for this is that Origin pushed out an ad for Season 1 on that day featuring suspected new hero Octane before quickly pulling it, which seemed to confirm a bunch of leaks and rumors that had already given us that date last week. And, dataminer Shrugtal also noted that the servers seemed to be attempting to give out Season 1 loot but couldn't do it because it wasn't in the game yet: If you needed any more proof that the battle pass was supposed to come out on 12th, Apex Servers attempt to distribute Unreleased (Season 1) content in Apex Packs but fail because the associated item hasn't been patched in yet. https://t.co/ow55AolA01 Shrugtal (@shrugtal) March 14, 2019 I wouldn't be surprised if Respawn pushed back this March 12 date after the game exploded as quickly as it did. Less popular games get a little more wiggle room than big ones because a higher percentage of the people playing are going to be committed to the game. That's not the case with a hit: when you've got 50 million people playing the game you risk either losing them or, in the case of a free-to-play game, not making any money off of them. Season 1 and the first battle pass are set to be the first major events in the world of Apex Legends, and the sudden success puts a whole lot of pressure on them to be perfect. On top of that, a massive increase in the number of players with no beta leads to all sorts of unexpected networking and server-side problems, and that can take development resources away from making new content. The team may also have been surprised by the tepid response to the currently available cosmetics and decided to take some of the planned skins back to the drawing board. Overall, I'd say that this is a good thing if true. It shows that the team knows how important this eventual release is, and it shows that nobody is rushing to meet pre-planned schedules. Live service games thrive on flexibility, and I think we saw some of that here. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/03/15/was-the-apex-legends-season-1-battle-pass-delayed/?src=rss |
Can Terry Franconas grassroots movement cause MLB to rethink 3-batter rule? | CLEVELAND, Ohio If Terry Franconas grassroots movement to overturn MLBs three-batter rule doesnt work, hes going to have to make some changes in the way he manages a game come 2020. That is the last year of Franconas contract with the Tribe. As for the last time hell be able to use lefty Oliver Perez to face one batter before telling him to hit the showers, well, that just may be this season. Francona loves to run a bullpen. In his first big-league job, managing a bad Philadelphia Phillies team, he was criticized for not being able to handle a bullpen. Hes been making up for that slight ever since. His best moment came in 2016 when the Indians traded for Andrew Miller and he turned the 6-7 lefty into reliever who could not only save games, but pitch anywhere from the sixth inning on to compensate for a badly wounded starting rotation. Backed by strong-armed relievers Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen, the Indians rode Miller to the AL pennant before losing the World Series in seven games to the Cubs. Now a big part of Francona and every other managers strategy could be taken away. MLB and the MLPA introduced a blizzard of rule changes Thursday for 2019 and 2020. The three-batter rule, implemented by Commissioner Rob Manfred for 2020 and grudgingly agreed upon by the Players Association the release said the union would not grieve the rule says a starter or a reliever must pitch to either three batters or the end of that inning. The days of the one-and-done lefty vs. lefty or righty vs. righty are numbered because Manfred thinks it bogs down the game. Last year Indians relievers led the big leagues with 64 appearances in which they faced just one batter. Perez, 37, made 19 such appearances while saving a struggling bullpen. He became Franconas go-to guy and it wasnt just a left-on-left monster. Lefties hit .194 (12-for-62) and righties .104 (5-for-48) against Perez. The Indians thought so much of him that in a winter where they slashed payroll and traded the bulk of their offense, they brought him back on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. They even gave him a vesting option for 2020. Now this rule comes along and could ruin a beautiful relationship. Francona leaned heavily on Perez with his one-and-done strategy, but the rest of the pen was not ignored. Lefty Tyler Olson made 11 one-batter appearances. Righties Dan Otero, Neil Ramirez and Cimber made seven, five and four appearances, respectively. Departed lefties Jeff Beliveau made five and Marc Rzepczynski three. Francona told reporters on Thursday that he could adjust to the other new rules, but was worried about the three-batter rule. "I really hope that during this year that enough people voice concerns where maybe they'll rethink it," said Francona. "I'm not trying to be critical of MLB because that's not how I feel. I just think that when you start to get into the competitive part of the game, we spend our whole lives trying to figure out how we're going to try and be smarter than the other team or to use our bullpen to our advantage. "That one really worries me. He used this example to highlight his concern. The other day when we were playing the Padres, said Francona. They had Eric Hosmer (left-handed hitter) and Manny Machado (right-handed hitter) batting second and third. If Corey Kluber goes 7 1/3 innings and we have Hosmer and Machado (due to hit), we're going to want (lefty) Oliver Perez and (righty) Adam Cimber." The new rule would not allow Francona to match up. Perez, Cimber or another pitcher would have had to face Hosmer and Machado. The new rule will be used in the independent Atlantic League this year in a deal with MLB. Its been reported that if problems arise the rule could be tweaked for 2020. If it does become a rule, it not only will change the way managers manage, it could change the career paths of a lot of pitchers. Submarine relievers, such as Cimber, are going to have to get proficient at getting righties and lefties out. His motion makes him tough on right-handers, but if the one-and-done option goes away, Cimber is certain to be facing a lefty pinch-hitter or two depending on what situation hes facing. It could also change how teams groom relievers. The development of a third pitch would be important and teams may stockpile big-league ready relievers at Triple-A because there could be a greater turnover on the big-league club. Francona often talks about unintended consequences when baseball changes its rules. At the moment, most of the consequences of the three-batter rule are out in the open. They do not appear to be that appealing to managers and match-up relievers. | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/03/can-terry-franconas-grassroots-movement-cause-mlb-to-rethink-3-batter-rule.html |
Is JetBlue ready to launch flights to London? | Thats long been a source of speculation in the airline industry, and that seems only likely to increase after some of the most direct comments yet by the carriers executives. "Were actively looking at it now, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said about the possibility of London service in an interview with The Independent. What JetBlue has always done since we started nearly 20 years ago is bring low fares with a better service, and wed love to bring that to Europe, Hayes added to London newspaper. Hayes offered no specifics about when such service might begin, but he did offer some details as to what it might look like if it was added. London flights would operate from JetBlues two busiest hubs New York JFK and Boston and would be on Airbus A321LR narrowbody jets. The LR stands for long range, meaning the aircraft could easily handle trans-Atlantic routes between the U.S. Northeast and much of western Europe. JetBlue does not currently have any A321LRs in its fleet, but it is expected to begin receiving the first of more than 80 Airbus A321neos this year. JetBlues order with Airbus gives it the option convert some of those deliveries to the long-range variant. IN PHOTOS: Airbus delivers U.S.-made A321 to JetBlue Hayes told the Independent that business-class fares on competitors' routes like Boston-London have risen so much that theres a lot of room to come in and undercut those with JetBlues new Mint lie-flat seats. He pointed to whats happened on cross-country routes in the USA where JetBlue has rolled out those seats. Since we launched (Mint), transcontinental fares have approximately halved, he said to the Independent. The Independent noted the airline's staff has been alerted to an April 10 meeting in New York described as a chat about JetBlues vision and strategy. Hayes is scheduled to deliver a speech to the Aviation Club in London on April 11. Despite the attempt to connect the dots, JetBlue said its not ready to reveal anything definitive about the launch of London flights. As weve said previously, we plan to announce our decision on the Long Range version of the A321 in 2019, JetBlue spokesman Doug McGraw said in an email to USA TODAYs Today in the Sky blog. The transatlantic market especially in the premium category suffers from the same lack of competition and high fares that transcon routes in the U.S. saw before JetBlue introduced Mint. | https://news.yahoo.com/jetblue-ready-launch-flights-london-181209412.html |
Why outrage at Boeing but not gun manufacturers? | The grounding of the 737 MAX 8 is the right thing to do while authorities figure out what happened and how it can be fixed. We want to continue to feel the confidence weve come to expect from the incredible safety record of air travel as a result of federal regulations, the commitment of airlines and the aeronautical engineering prowess of firms like Boeing. We can only let our hearts go out to the families of the more than 300 victims of the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines disasters. Yet, some perspective is called for. There were nearly 40,000 gun deaths in the U.S. in 2017, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. P.S. Im a gun owner. Vince Barnes, Edmonds | https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/why-outrage-at-boeing-but-not-gun-manufacturers/ |
Who Has Time for Doomsday, Anyway? | On July 4, 2017, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that had serious ramifications for the United States. The ICBM traveled more than 1,700 vertical miles before ultimately landing in the Sea of Japan. Some experts warned that if the missile had been sent on a flatter trajectory, it could have made contact with Alaska. The Communist regime was finally capable of nuclear destruction stateside. The missile test seemed to be on every front page in mainland America that day. But when the filmmaker David Freid Googled the news from Alaska, almost no headlines surfaced. I saw barely a mention in the local reporting of what was a big deal to the Lower 48, Freid told me. He saw articles about an increase in bear attacks in Anchorage. He saw news that the salmon run wasnt as strong as in years past. He read an article about rising sea levels in the North, which were forcing an Inuit town to relocate. These are important things, Freid said. But when it came to Kim [Jong Un]s nukes, there was a surprising lack of local coverage. In an article published two days following the missile test, The Guardian reported that many Alaskans were more worried about bears than bombs. Freid decided to find out for himself if the characterization of nonchalance held any water. The filmmaker knew he couldnt reach a representative sample of the states population, but he tried to cast as wide a net as possible. For his short documentary Alaska DGAF, Freid interviewed urban and rural Alaskans, military officials, a scientist, and a nuclear-war specialist. Most people he spoke with were indeed unfazed by the prospect of a nuclear disaster in their home state. The one thing Alaskans worry about most is driving home, says Peter Haussler, a U.S. Geological Survey researcher interviewed in the film. Theyre more scared about the things close to them. The hazards that we see on a daily basis are strong on our minds. | https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/584713/alaska-icbm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AtlanticNational+%28The+Atlantic+-+National%29 |
Was a killer filmed on his way to committing a murder? | Produced by James Stolz and Jaime Hellman After three murders with chillingly similar scenarios occurred in Austin, Texas, police began to wonder if they were chasing a serial killer. But whomever committed the crimes left no evidence, no DNA. Cops went into a frantic investigation. The hunt for clues changed when a man testing out a new thermal imaging scope recorded the nighttime movements of a stranger the night of the first murder. As "48 Hours" correspondent Maureen Maher reports, it was evidence cops never expected and would help them break the case. A SHOCKING CRIME These days in Texas, it seems like all roads lead to Austin. The sleek skyline of the Lone Star capitol---glittering. A boom town that welcomes newcomers, chasing dreams. It's a city charged with life -- an unlikely place to find tragedy as dark as the death of a dreamer, like Kathy Blair. Kirsten Mathieson | Kathy Blair's sister: She loved life you loved being around her. Kirsten Mathieson: She had, I think, a sense of justice, right and wrong. Kirsten Mathieson's is Kathy's younger sister. Kirsten Mathieson: Kathy was larger than life. she's my big sister. I have always thought everything Kathy did was amazing. And even as kids in California, it was clear, Kathy had a passion. Kirsten Mathieson: She was always singing. She had a God given talent, which was her voice. Kathy Blair's passion for music led her to a life in Austin, Texas, where she was a well-liked choir director. Kirsten Mathieson It was music that led Kathy to Austin. Kirsten Mathiesen: Kathy went to U.T. Austin to get her master's degree in vocal performance. She loved Austin. But love didn't always work out for Kathy; she'd divorced twice. Still, her affair with Austin held firm. And by 2013, Kathy was renting a house on a quiet street on Tamarack Trail. Kirsten Mathieson: It was home. She loved the people here. She loved the vibe. In a city known around the world for music, Kathy Blair fit right in. She had melody and rhythm in her soul. But you wouldn't find her singing the blues on Austin's famed 6th Street. Instead, she chose a more spiritual stage for her talents. Barbara Szalay: Christian Choral Society was a positive social setting. The kids were kind to each other. Barbara Szalay's daughter was one of hundreds of students touched by Kathy's talent as a choir director and teacher. Barbara Szalay: I think she lived, breathed, ate, slept music. Szalay, along with Kathy's student Kristin DeGroot, met with "48 Hours" to share their memories of Kathy. Kristin DeGroot: She was so kind, um, just believed in me wholeheartedly, which was something I really needed. And for DeGroot, Kathy was a role model. Kristin DeGroot: She and I were the same. That music needed to be in our lives or we would die. Maureen Maher: It's like she gave you permission. Kristin DeGroot: Yeah. It's OK for this to be the way that you love the world. Kirsten Mathiesen: She was their teacher and their mentor. One of her friends called it the Kathy Nation. Maureen Maher: The Kathy Nation. Kirsten Mathiesen: The Kathy Nation. It was Dec. 6, 2014. Kathy's son Joe was staying with her while waiting for his assignment from the Navy. After a night out, he came home to Tamarack Trail. What he found was shattering and echoed across that Kathy Nation: JOE HARGIS TO 911: Hey, I need you to come to my house right away. JOE HARGIS: I think my mom is dead. There's a lot of blood. Think someone broke in and killed my mom. JOE HARGIS: Her name is Kathy Blair. Det. Derek Israel: This is a case that sticks with you throughout your life. Detective Derek Israel was working in the Austin Police Department's homicide unit at the time of the murder. Det. Derek Israel: This case was clearly different, really, right from the -- right from the get go. Starting with the location. Det. Derek Israel: Oh, this is a nice neighborhood This is a place where people I think feel safe. Up until this case -- which would frighten and chill Austin, and shock veteran detectives Scanlon and Israel. Det. Maureen Maher: Yeah, "Why this house?" Det. Derek Israel: There's nothing about this house that makes this house stand out from all the other ones. This is the living room right here. Then, in Kathy Blair's bedroom ... Empty jewelry drawers sit stacked on the floor of Kathy Blair's bedroom Evidence photo Det. Derek Israel: There's a full-size jewelry case right here with large drawers. All the drawers have been pulled out, and they're stacked up. And they're empty. So it's like someone dumped 'em out and then put 'em in a pile right there. Maureen Maher: Someone who had time to do that. Det. Derek Israel: Correct. A jewel thief who had time, because Kathy Blair was already dead. Det. Derek Israel: This murder started right here on the bed. Kathy Blair, 53, lay alone, asleep in her own bed. She awoke to the ultimate nightmare. Det. Derek Israel: Probably having no idea what's going on, why this is happening, who this person is. Maureen Maher: You are describing a horrific, violent fight to the death Det. Derek Israel: Yeah, Kathy Blair fought like hell. Choked, stabbed, and finally, slashed across the neck. Detective Kerry Scanlon was the lead investigator on the case. Det. Kerry Scanlon: The wound is a fatal wound. But she still has time, you know, to put up that fight. Det. Derek Israel: She she fought for her life. Kathy's here [points to her bed] and there's blood all around her. There was so much blood, that it formed the timeline of a murder. Det. Derek Israel: There's a light switch, and on that light switch we saw blood, like a blood swipe That told us that the perpetrator had come in here after the murder and -- and switched that light on. There are more blood swipes on these drawers. That tells me the murder of Kathy Blair occurs before these drawers were removed. Word soon spread across Austin and across the Kathy Nation. Kristen DeGroot: And I said, "No -- that's not what happened. That cannot possibly be what happened." Barbara Szalay: No. She didn't have a malicious bone in her body. You know, it doesn't make sense. It would be the first in a hideous series of senseless events. Kirsten Mathieson: It's just one of those moments where you're in disbelief. You think you're living in a dream. This does not happen. But it did happen. And the killer left almost no evidence. No DNA. Det. Derek Israel: No. Israel and Scanlon would need all their street smarts and then some. Because just nine days later Det. Derek Israel: I get notified that there has been another murder. THE SEARCH FOR A SUSPECT For Austin detectives Israel and Scanlon, images of Kathy Blair's death were harrowing. Det. Derek Israel: Attacked in the middle of the night And it was a really horrific scene. But there was no physical evidence from a killer who made virtually no mistakes. That meant there was no clear suspect. Then, suddenly, the search for a suspect changed in a way no one could imagine. It was around 1:30 a.m. on the night that Kathy Blair died. One of her neighbors was out for a late-night walk. What he saw and what he did would give the detectives their first big break in the case. Rob Leef: I was out testing a thermal scope I needed to get some video of some deer. And we've got some deer up and down the street. Rob Leef lived a few short blocks from Kathy Blair. Rob Leef: So, it's a thermal scope, so it picks up a heat signature. Maureen Maher [looking through the scope]: Wow, it's like daytime. Except it was the dead of night. And Leef was only looking for deer. Rob Leef: I saw the headlights of a car coming up. Rob Leef: On this street. Leef kept recording. Rob Leef: I zoomed in with the scope. And by the time I had zoomed in, someone had gotten out and walked over to the sidewalk. You can flip the setting to red to see the image more clearly. Rob Leef: I first focused in on the person. And he turns left on Tamarack. Kathy Blair's street. Rob Leef: I mean it was late. But no. The next day, Leef flew to Las Vegas on a planned trip with old friends. Rob Leef: Reading the news on my phone. Saw a murder story. I clicked on it and I saw the address. Maureen Maher: And right then do you think, "I got the guy?" Rob Leef: I thought there was a high probability that I had something relevant and I needed to get back to Austin. Leef raced back to Austin. He checked the video of that stranger on his street and called Austin police. Det. Kerry Scanlon: Very -- very important. The video was tantalizing, but blank on images that did not give off heat. So you couldn't actually identify the man, a license plate number or even if there was anyone else inside the vehicle. Still, there was one important clue. Det. Kerry Scanlon: It gave us an idea what kind of vehicle our murder suspect arrived at the crime scene with. And it was a sedan of some sort. These cops needed much more evidence. Then, nine days after Kathy Blair's murder, in another peaceful Austin neighborhood, just 15 minutes from Kathy's home, they would get it. Det. Derek Israel: The victims are an elderly couple murdered overnight. Maureen Maher: Viciously. Det. Derek Israel: Viciously. Sidney Junior, Johnny and Brenda want their parents to be remembered as the outstanding people they were, not the grim headlines they became. Billie and Sidney Shelton were hard-working, devoted to family, and happily married for 64 years. Sidney and Billie Shelton Sidney Shelton Jr. Johnny Shelton: We were never rich, but not once did daddy ever complain about it. Not once did mama ever complain about it. A life well-lived, and peacefully slowing down. Billie was 83, her husband Sidney was 85. Dow Kotrla: These are sweet people that'll, you know, send you on your way with some cookies. Home nurse Dow Kotrla was making her scheduled visit on Dec. 15, 2014. Dow Kotrla: I knocked nobody answered. The front door was splintered. It was clearly -- had been busted open. Dow nervously headed to the Shelton's modest bedroom. Dow Kotrla: Their room had been ransacked. And then to the left I saw him . on the bed And I I ran. I just turned around and I ran. Sidney and Billy Shelton had been beaten and stabbed. Det. Derek Israel: Yes. Det. Derek Israel: That's correct. Det. Derek Israel: Yeah, I was seeing some of the same things. The "same things" found at Kathy Blair's murder scene. Starting with an empty jewelry box. Det. Derek Israel: And again, the drawers are pulled out, they had been emptied and stacked. "I thought we were dealing with a serial killer," said Det. Kerry Scanlon, left. "If word gets out that it's a serial killer, it kicks it to a whole other level," said Det. Derek Israel. CBS News Three people had been slaughtered in their own beds. The crime scenes were eerily similar. And investigators were privately wondering, was there a serial killer loose on the streets of Austin. Det. Derek Israel: If word gets out that there is a serial killer, it kicks it to an entirely different level. So, investigators kept their worst fears to themselves. Det. Derek Israel: None of these people had any enemies that we could figure out. Det. Besides the killer. Det. Derek Israel: Nothing. Det. Kerry Scanlon: Nothing. Every lead was chased down. Then, almost three weeks after Kathy was killed, the name of a stranger surfaced: Tim Parlin. He'd done yard work at Kathy's house. And a friend reported Parlin was weird and rude. Det. Kerry Scanlon: I go to our computer system. It was a simple and easy search. Tim Parlin had spent decades in prison. Det. Derek Israel: And he stole jewelry. Det. Kerry Scanlon: And he stole jewelry. Maureen Maher: Specifically, jewelry. Det. Kerry Scanlon [affirms]: Mm-hmm. At night. Det. Kerry Scanlon: I am. Det. Derek Israel: This is the InTown Suites Tim Parlin where he was living at the time that the murders happened. Israel and Scanlon went to look up the life-long convict and snapped photos of Tim Parlin. Detectives photographed Tim Parlin outside of the hotel where he was living at the time of the Austin murders in 2014 Court evidence Det. Derek Israel: Told him, we're homicide detectives Det. Kerry Scanlon: So, he asked us a few questions as well. Det. Kerry Scanlon: Well, yeah, like so, "How'd she die?" You know, stuff like that. Maureen Maher: Wow that's bold He's sussing out to see Det. Kerry Scanlon: What we know. Maureen Maher: Cat and mouse. Det. Derek Israel: It is. Parlin spoke to the cops in the hotel's parking lot. But when they asked to see his room he refused, claiming his wife was inside and asleep. Det. Kerry Scanlon: I said, "This is our guy". Maureen Maher: You did. Det. Kerry Scanlon: Yeah. And Derek says, "Well, I don't know yet." A return trip to the InTown Suites, just a few days later pays off. Parlin wasn't home, but his wife was. Det. Derek Israel: Explained what we were investigating. And she knew the Sheltons. His wife knew the Sheltons. Tim Parlin's wife knew the Sheltons from church. And Tim Parlin had worked in Kathy Blair's yard. It was tenuous, but it was a connection. Det. Derek Israel She gave us permission to search the apartment. Det. Derek Israel: We did. A pawn receipt for a piece of jewelry, a nugget pendant. And it turned out that pendant belonged to Kathy Blair. It was pawned on the same night that Kathy Blair was murdered. But one thing didn't add up. Tim Parlin drove a van. And in that grainy nighttime video, shot by Rob Leef the night Kathy Blair was killed, Israel said, "It's definitely not a van. It's a car." Det. Kerry Scanlon: So, we found out that his sister had a green Toyota. A side-by-side view of the car seen in the grainy thermal scope video and Tim Parlin's sister's green Toyota Court evidence Parlin had been using his sister's car, a green Toyota. Its outline appeared similar to the car in Rob Leef's video and one caught on security footage approaching that Austin pawn shop less than 24 hours after Kathy was murdered. Det. Kerry Scanlon: We took it. We had it towed. The car was towed and tested. On the passenger seat was a brown stain -- traces of dried blood. Det. Derek Israel: The blood belonged to Kathy Blair that was in that car. Austin was on edge and hoping for an arrest. CBS AUSTIN REPORT | HEMA MULLUR: Kathy Blair was found dead inside her home The wait for justice has been troubling for her students, family, and friends. Hema Mullur | CBS Austin anchor : It was very very shocking in the community and it was really unsettling. But now, justice was closing in on one man: Tim Parlin. Det. Kerry Scanlon: Oh, yeah. A MYSTERY MAN When Kathy Blair's blood was found in Tim Parlin's car, detectives Israel and Scanlon were convinced that he had killed her. Det. Derek Israel: At that point we're all jubilant, we're super excited. We got our guy. Parlin fit the bill perfectly. He had done yard work for Kathy Blair and was a career criminal with a long rap sheet of burglaries. Det. Derek Israel: Now I just need to question him, confront him, hopefully he'll confess. But if he doesn't, we have hard, physical evidence to tie this guy to the murder. Tim Parlin Travis County Sheriff's Office Israel had Parlin arrested for an unrelated parole violation and brought in for questioning. Det. Derek Israel: It seemed like a pretty short and straight road to charging Tim Parlin with murder. It turned out it wasn't a short road, and it certainly wasn't a straight road." The first step was to get Parlin to corroborate some of details of Kathy's murder. Det. Derek Israel: I just straight up told him that...you know, we knew that he had killed uh, Kathy Blair." Det. Derek Israel: "I didn't do it." And this was the thing he really liked to say: "These hands didn't kill anyone." So, the detectives asked him, "Who did?" But Parlin wasn't giving up that information so easily. Det. Derek Israel: So, after hours of this conversation he finally says, "OK, I'll tell you who it was." And that's when he said, "Shawn Gant-Benalcazar." Det. Derek Israel: That's what I said. "Who is that?" Det. Derek Israel: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah This sounded completely made up. And I knew as soon as he said it that he had screwed us. Maureen Maher: Because now, you had to go chase it down. Det. Derek Israel: Because now we gotta go hunt some mystery guy down and prove that he didn't commit a murder. With their lead suspect behind bars for now, the detectives reluctantly contacted Parlin's mystery man. Shawn Gant-Benalcazar had never been in trouble with the law. He had a degree in microbiology, was once a high school science teacher and seemed an unlikely acquaintance of a serial jewel thief. Det. Derek Israel: This guy lived in Galveston, he didn't cause any trouble. Gant-Benalcazar readily agreed to meet with them that night at the Galveston Police Department: DET. DEREK ISRAEL: Have a seat on the couch there. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: Alright. DET. DEREK ISRAEL: We're investigating a murder in Austin and, in particular, we're looking at Tim Parlin as the person that we -- we believe committed the murder. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: I'm completely in the dark on this, um. He tells the detectives he barely knows Parlin, and that he just met him a few months earlier when his sister began dating Parlin's nephew: Det. Derek Israel: So, we started talking. " "Well, I've been in Austin a few times over the last month." He was in town during the weekends of both of those murders. And on top of it, he was staying with Tim Parlin. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: The thing is, honestly, I wanna help you guys out because this guy ... wolf in sheep's clothing, basically. He didn't tell me anything about his -- his past, and I'm starting to feel like he set me up like a patsy or something. The detectives knew from Parlin's criminal record that he did have a history of being a master manipulator. DET. Before long, the mystery man who initially said he knew nothing slowly started to crack. Gant-Benalcazar now says he was sitting in the car when Parlin went into Kathy Blair's house: DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: Passenger seat. Det. But Gant-Benalcazar had an explanation. He says Parlin came back to the car clutching a bloody pillowcase: SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: Came back with this sack. Had blood on it. Threw it on the passenger floorboard. And I took a peek at it. It had jewelry in it and I didn't want anything to do with it. DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: The fact that it had blood on it was not a good sign. As he walked down a hallway Det. Kerry Scanlon: And he was walking in front of me, I looked up and it just, I mean, I got a chill, because I was like, "that's the same walk as the guy in the video." Det. Kerry Scanlon: You know it's just the broadness, the deliberate steps I thought it was him, I definitely believed it could be him. Det. Derek Israel: We started pursuing, you know the line of questioning ... along the lines of maybe he was in the house. DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: I was scared and y' know, he -- he was taking a threatening tone He told me to go in the house and get the stuff. Det. Derek Israel: And finally he admitted, "I did go into the house. And I did steal the jewelry" DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: Yeah. It was open. DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: Unlocked, yeah I looked around and kind of prowled and snuck through quietly. I turned on a couple of lights in rooms where I didn't see her. I found the room where she was, and she was fast asleep. That was the room her jewelry box was in. And so, I -- I opened the jewelry box, took the stuff out put it in the -- the thing Maybe he went back, I don't know, but I didn't kill her. Det. Derek Israel: I told him, "That's impossible. Everything you said is true, except that it's not possible that she was still alive when you left " And I explained, "That the person who turned on those light switches, you talked about turning on. The person who removed that pillowcase, you talked about removing. The person who removed those drawers, you talked about removing. That person had Kathy Blair's blood on his hands. So, the person who did all that, killed Kathy Blair." " kept pushing him for the reason "Something happened in that room when you were there. What happened?" And that's when he said, "I was standing there, I was looking at her" Motioning with his hands, Shawn Gant-Benalcazar describes to detectives how he killed Kathy Blair. Court evidence With no room left to lie, he breaks down: SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: [sighs] She woke up, she lunged at me. Grabbed the knife, started trying to wrestle it out of my hand. And then -- it was a struggle [raises and lowers his clasped hands in a stabbing motion] and I stabbed her in the neck. The confession came unexpectedly. The witness was now the prime suspect. Det. Derek Israel: We had gone to clear the guy, and instead he confessed to capital murder. Gant-Benalcazar kept talking and claimed that after murdering Kathy Blair, he handed off her jewelry to Parlin: DET. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR: No, he didn't give me anything. I got nothing You're gonna to have to ask him where he fenced it. Shawn Gant-Benalcazar appears to have gained absolutely nothing from this senseless murder. Det. Derek Israel: I've never met anyone who would go into someone's house and sneak in at night and, and murder them in their bed. Det. Derek Israel: None. For their own gratification. That's it. DET. DEREK ISRAEL [interrogation]: We're going to place you under arrest for capital murder..." Detectives immediately read Gant-Benalcazar his rights and wanted to learn what he knew about the murder of the Sheltons. Shawn Gant-Benalcazar Travis County Sheriff's Office Det. Derek Israel: We started talking again. Asked him about the Sheltons. Try as they might, Gant-Benalcazar wasn't talking anymore. Det. Derek Israel: "Well I wasn't there for that one, I don't know anything about that one." Det. Derek Israel: By this point, everyone is exhausted. And, so eventually he just, he terminated the interview. Maureen Maher: He said, "I'm done." Det. Derek Israel: "Done." SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: Wish this all had never happened. After the arrest, Detective Scanlon made a video of Gant-Benalcazar on his cell phone. His hunch seemed right. Maureen Maher: That's the moment that you think, "It's him." Det. Kerry Scanlon: Yeah. That's when I thought it was him. Four days later, Austin police announce that they had made two arrests. CBS AUSTIN REPORT | MALE ANCHOR: Two men are in jail in connection with the murder of a beloved choir teacher. 30-year-old Shawn Gant-Benalcazar of Galveston is charged with capital murder. CBS AUSTIN REPORT | HEMA MULLUR: 49-year-old Timothy Parlin is ... also expected to face charges related to Blair's murder. Tim Parlin had an answer. Later, while in custody, Parlin admitted to the cops that he had driven Gant-Benalcazar to Kathy Blair's house and to the Shelton residence on the nights they were murdered. And Parlin says he knew all along that Gant-Benalcazar had killed all three of them. Investigators now thought they understood what happened. Det. Derek Israel: Shawn murdered the Sheltons. Tim Parlin was a party to that murder. He planned it, he facilitated it, he profited from it. He assisted in it. Maureen Maher: But you are 100 percent convinced that it was Shawn who murdered that couple. Det. Derek Israel: Yes. Det. Derek Israel: It seems unlikely. Unlikely, because there was no direct evidence linking Gant-Benalcazar to the Shelton murders he would always deny he killed them. Prosecutors would focus instead on building their strongest case, using Gant-Benalcazar's confession to convict him of killing Kathy Blair. But when Shawn Gant-Benalcazar finally gets his day in court, no one could have anticipated what happened next. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: It makes you worry because this guy cannot be out on the streets. SEEKING JUSTICE Three years after Shawn Gant-Benalcazar confessed to the murder of Kathy Blair, his trial begins. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: You never know what a jury's going to do, but, it was a very, very strong case. Assistant D.A. 's Andrea Austin and David Levingston present the state's case: PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN: The man who sits among us in this courtroom, the defendant Shawn Gant-Benalcazar, is Kathy Blair's killer. Kirsten Mathiesen | Kathy Blair's sister: It was really hard. There were some pictures throughout that that I saw that I can't unsee. Kathy's neighbor, Rob Leef, testifies about the video he recorded on the night she was murdered: ROB LEEF: There was a car that that parked while I was out on the walk. Rob Leef [to Maher]: And by the time I zoomed and zoomed back in, someone was already out of the car and was crossing onto the sidewalk. "This video showed the murderer walking from the car towards Kathy Blair's house," Det.Derek Israel told Maureen Maher. "The actual killer." Court evidence That someone, the prosecutor tells the jury, was Shawn Gant-Benalcazar on his way to murder Kathy Blair. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: I just kinda looked through the rooms. You know, and I I turned on a couple lights in rooms where I didn't see her. The prosecution's case hinges on Gant-Benalcazar's rambling five-hour confession where he describes breaking into Kathy's house: SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: [Sighs] She woke up. She lunged at me. PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN: He had a knife out ... they fought over the knife SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: And I stabbed her in the neck. Det. Derek Israel: He didn't just kind of confess. he straight up confessed to all the details of of killing Kathy Blair. That confession was vital to the prosecution's case. Prosecutor David Levingston: He gave enough details in this confession that were kept out of the media so we could show the confession was from the actual killer, and that he knew enough about this crime to have either been there or done it himself. DEFENSE ATTORNEY ARIEL PAYAN: There's no question that this is a horrible, horrible crime. It was all a lie a false confession coerced by Detectives Israel and Scanlon. The defense tells the jury that during that 5-minute bathroom break in the hallway when Gant-Benalcazar was not being recorded, detectives threatened him: DEFENSE ATTORNEY ARIEL PAYAN: Law enforcement went down there, we believe the evidence will show, with the express idea, plan, purpose, and intent, to try to get him to confess to something he didn't do. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: They have to come up with something they have to argue that it's an involuntary statement, but we obviously knew that wasn't true. During his trial for the murder of Kathy Blair, Shawn Gant-Benalcazar takes the stand and blames investigators for his confession. Gant-Benalcazar takes the stand to blame the cops for his confession: SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [testifying]: Their exact words were, "This is important and we're not you're not going anywhere until we finish." SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [testifying]: That if I I didn't explain a reason for having done it -- even though I didn't do it um, I would get the death penalty. And he maintains that it was actually Tim Parlin who killed Kathy Blair on that chilly December evening back in 2014. Det. Derek Israel: Well, you always have to worry with juries. PROSECUTOR DAVID LEVINGSTON: You don't get blood on your hands and put it on a jewelry chest At closing arguments, prosecutors insist Gant-Benalcazar voluntarily confessed, and offered details about the crime only the killer could have known. Prosecutor David Levingston: I think it comes...down to a credibility -- Prosecutor Andrea Austin: And hopefully, you're sitting there thinking, "This guy confessed, why are we here?" The case goes to the jury. Maureen Maher: When the hours started ticking away with deliberations, two, three, five six, seven, eight, nine Prosecutor Andrea Austin: You feel you feel awful. Det. Derek Israel: Yes. The idea that he would get out -- it was just unthinkable. I mean, Shawn is gonna kill somebody else if he got out. After 19 hours of jury deliberations, the judge declares a mistrial. The jury cannot reach a verdict. Det. Kerry Scanlon: One person held out. She didn't want to consider the confession. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: I mean, look, that's what the system is about. We -- we're required to get a unanimous verdict, we didn't get a unanimous verdict. Kirsten Mathieson: Really hard. Yeah, that was that was tough. With a retrial in the works and Tim Parlin's trial less than a month away, prosecutors were worried. JUSTICE SERVED PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN: This man, Timothy Parlin knew that Shawn Gant would go in and murder Kathy Blair. With Shawn Gant-Benalcazar's mistrial still fresh in her mind, Prosecutor Andrea Austin is determined to put Tim Parlin away for life. He stands trial for both the murders of Kathy Blair and the Sheltons. Prosecutor David Levingston: In Texas, if you were part of the crime, then you are also guilty of that crime You can convict him, even if you don't believe he stepped foot inside that house. Maureen Maher: Because he was there and he participated. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: Correct. PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN [addressing jurors]: I'm going to ask you to ... find him guilty of capital murder. Detectives were convinced Gant-Benalcazar had killed the Sheltons, but had no evidence to charge him with their murders. Tim Parlin stood trial for the murders of Kathy Blair and the Sheltons. CBS News So, Tim Parlin would prove to be an easier target for prosecutors. Parlin admitted he drove Gant-Benalcazar to both murder scenes and the car Parlin was driving had Kathy Blair's blood in it. Kirsten Mathieson: Oh, he did much more than sit in the car. He's the one who targeted Kathy. He's the one, for whatever reason said, hey, you know what this would be a good person for you to murder. Parlin's lawyer, Keith Lauerman, argues that despite his client having confessed to driving Gant-Benalcazar to both murders, there is no evidence placing Parlin inside the two the houses. DEFENSE ATTORNEY KEITH LAUERMAN [to jurors]: He never set foot in either one of these homes And at the very end, you're gonna realize that this man and those hands never participated in any murders. After a nine-day trial, the jury didn't take long to reach a verdict: guilty of capital murder. Parlin is sentenced to mandatory life in prison, without the possibility of parole for his role in the murders of Kathy Blair and Sidney and Billie Shelton. Five months later Gant-Benalcazar went to trial a second time -- for the murder of Kathy Blair. Prosecutor David Levingston: The nerves were much higher the second round. Maureen Maher: Well, there's a lot at stake. ROB LEEF: Yes sir, I did. PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN [addressing jurors]: I want you to watch this. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [interrogation]: It was a struggle and I ... stabbed her in the neck. PROSECUTOR ANDREA AUSTIN: Look what he does with his hands. Involuntarily, he's doing this ... He remembers doing, because he's the one who murdered her. Once more, Gant-Benalcazar swears the cops coerced his confession: SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [testifying]: The police wouldn't let me go. SHAWN GANT-BENALCAZAR [testifying]: And I come out of the bathroom and they keep saying, "Oh, we know you did it. There's no doubt you did it" and they keep saying it, keep saying it, and I just got worn down. This time out the jury deliberates less than three hours. JUDGE: We the jury find the defendant, Shawn Gant Benalcazar, guilty of the offense of capital murder. Prosecutor David Levingston: We poured our emotions out into this case. Prosecutor Andrea Austin [emotional] : It was justice delayed, and yeah ... Maureen Maher: But delivered. Prosecutor Andrea Austin: But delivered. Like Tim Parlin before him, Shawn Gant-Benalcazar was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. KIRSTEN MATHIESON [POST-TRIAL PRESS CONFERENCE]: We're pleased. We miss Kathy. This isn't gonna bring her back. Our hearts are never gonna completely heal. A few months after the verdict, Maher spoke with Gant-Benalcazar via a prison video phone. Two convicts blame each other for brutal Austin murders Instead, with no evidence of any remorse, he repeated what he'd told the jury: that he was innocent, the cops had forced him to confess, and that Tim Parlin was the one who had killed Kathy Blair: Shawn Gant-Benalcazar: When I went to go see him at four, four a.m. um, he said "Well, we're gonna go get breakfast." And, uh, drove me out to the place, and then said that he had killed her, and told me about it. Shawn Gant-Benalcazar: Yeah, that's right. Shawn Gant-Benalcazar: Anything that, um, I said was something that either uh, y'know, Tim told me or I just made up. And not surprisingly, when Maher visited Parlin at a prison in northeast Texas, he pointed the finger at Gant-Benalcazar, and claimed he knew absolutely nothing about the murder of Kathy Blair: Tim Parlin tells Maureen Maher that Shawn Gant-Benalcazar is responsible for the murder of Kathy Blair. CBS News Maureen Maher: After Shawn viciously kills Kathy Blair, gets back in your car and drives away, and he goes back to Galveston. Tim Parlin: He never said a thing. Maureen Maher: Never said a thing. Tim Parlin: He never said a thing. A stone-cold individual actually. Maureen Maher: You've been described as the master manipulator. Tim Parlin: [laughs] Maureen Maher: That you talked him into doing it. Tim Parlin: My IQ is very low -- Maureen Maher: Oh, I don't believe that. Tim Parlin: -- and I have a big heart. Maureen Maher: I don't believe that. Tim Parlin: It is, it's very low actually. And I have a big heart, so I'm not the mastermind behind anything. Maureen Maher: You're just a big teddy bear behind bars. Tim Parlin: Yeah, pretty much. Rob Leef is the accidental hero of this story someone who never knew he'd be called upon to help solve a murder. Austin citizen Rob Leef is commended for his role in helping solve a murder and making Austin a safer place. Rob Leef: I did. Rob Leef: I did, absolutely. Kristin DeGroot: I would not be where I am as a a professional actor and musician without her influence. Kathy Blair's student, Kristin DeGroot, is moving to New York to pursue her dream of a career in music. Kristin DeGroot: One of my greatest regrets is that I never was able to tell her that she did this for me. Kristin DeGroot [cries]: I hope she'd be really proud of me. Det. Derek Israel: They're just evil people ... in the end it's just two -- just broken human beings who, you know, basically put a path of destruction through, you know, two families. Kathy Blair, left, and Sidney and Billie Shelton Kirsten Mathieson/Sidney Shelton Jr. Two families who will forever share the same tragedy. Johnny Shelton: They were the best parents you could ever want. Kirsten Mathieson: I just miss her And at the end of the day, she's gone. And I can't call her tonight. Learn more about the scholarship created by Kathy Blair's family and the Texas Choral Director's Association in her memory. | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kathy-blair-murder-was-a-killer-filmed-on-his-way-to-committing-brutal-austin-texas-murder/ |
Where does Cal mens basketball go after awful two-season run? | Darius McNeill lived up to his preseason guarantee. Just barely. The sophomore guard said he was 100 percent confident that Cal would improve this season on its 2017-18 record of 8-24 the most losses in program history. Snapping a school-record 16-game skid with three wins to close out the 2018-19 regular season, the Bears managed to finish 8-23. Now, Cal has to decide what to do to return the program to some semblance of relevance, and it might not be as simple as firing Wyking Jones. The first-time head coach is 16-47 in his first two seasons. If the Bears were to open next season with 17 straight victories, Jones would still be percentage points behind Dick Kutchen (80-112, .417) for the worst coaching record in school history. But Jones has three years and $3 million left on his guaranteed contract, and at a time when the athletic department is in massive debt and is trying to raise funds for softball and beach volleyball facilities, it may be impossible to buy out Jones, hire a search firm and find a surefire replacement who is willing to work for $1 million per season. Plus, the disjointed nature of Cals improvements and regressions make it difficult to evaluate the source of the problems. Athletic director Jim Knowlton hasnt spoken publicly on the subject since a wide-ranging interview with The Chronicle on Jan. 31, when he offered a vote of confidence to Jones and the competitive level of the team. Shortly after that, the Bears won their final three Pac-12 games, becoming the first team in a century to start 0-15 in conference play and close with a three-game winning streak. During that stretch, 7-foot-3 Connor Vanover, who averaged just 7.5 points, three rebounds and 1.25 blocked shots on the season, provided some hope in racking up 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots. Freshman guard Matt Bradley displayed more abilities as a playmaker and continued to shoot 3-pointers at an efficient rate, finally jumping to the top of the conference stats by making 50 of 106 (47.2 percent). Much of the rest of the season was stagnation and regression. After promising freshman seasons, forward Justice Sueing bumped his scoring average by only half a point and endured a slight dip in his shooting percentage, and McNeill did the opposite (dipping 0.3 point and boosting his shooting by 1 percent). Cal was slightly more competitive in 2018-19, with a minus-8.6 scoring margin as opposed to the minus-9.9 points from Jones debut. After averaging 98.2 points per 100 possessions (ranked No. 296) in 2017-18, the Bears allowed 110.2 points per 100 possessions (ranked No. 289) this season. Even against a historically weak schedule, Cal finished No. 230 in NET, a metric aimed at identifying the strength of a team. The Bears finished 24 spots behind the next worst team from a Power 5 conference, and No. 206 Washington State recently fired head coach Ernie Kent. Cal hasnt had consecutive seasons with so few wins since the 1978-80 teams went 14-40, including the programs worst-ever winning percentage of .222 (6-21) in 1978-79. The Bears five conference wins over the past two seasons mark the worst run for the school since 1948-50, when they went 5-19 in the Pacific Coast Conference. In the corner of one of two huge grease boards in Knowltons office, he lists creating a basketball-only training facility as a priority. Soon, it should be known if the AD believes Jones is the coach to lead the team into the new facility. Every single day, Im evaluating. Im looking at concessions, ticket takers, fan engagement, marketing, promotions, coaches, everything we do, Knowlton said at the end of January. Im evaluating what we do and how we do it and how it plays out on the court. Its a constant process. I provide continuous feedback, and well sit down and do an end-of-year evaluation. Rusty Simmons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Rusty_SFChron | https://www.sfchronicle.com/collegesports/article/Where-does-Cal-men-s-basketball-go-after-awful-13694648.php |
How do the NCAA Tournament brackets work? | NASHVILLE, Tenn. Despite the LSU Tigers early exit in the SEC Tournament, theyre a lock for a high seed in this years NCAA Tournament. The process for selecting the field of 68 teams in the big dance has changed some since LSU last took part in 2015. For one, the big metric used for seeding is different. There are three overarching steps in the process Selecting the best 36 at-large teams Seeding the field of all 68 teams Placing the teams in the bracket Heres what to know regarding how the process works ahead of Selection Sunday: LSU drops in latest NCAA Tournament bracket projections The Tigers are still seeded highly, though. Selecting the at-large teams: The members of the NCAA Selection Committee submit hundreds of ballots by the end of the process, but they first cast their initial ballot," which includes the names of all the eligible teams. That initial ballot has two columns. One is for the teams that the member believes deserves at-large berths. The other column is for teams the member believes should be under consideration. On that first ballot, selection committee members cant pick more than 36 teams to receive at-large berths. There is no limit for teams under consideration. If a team receives all but two votes to be an at-large team, then that team is in the field. LSU will be an at-large team since the Tigers didnt get the automatic qualifying berth for winning the NCAA Tournament. [Theres a full process, which you can find here, but for the sake of brevity because of LSUs prominence, we wont dive into the nitty gritty on that.] There are plenty of resources the committee members lean on to come up with the teams on their ballot, as well as when it comes to seeding: The NET The NCAA Evaluation Tool, known as the NET, is in its first year and will be one of many factors used by NCAA sports committees when evaluating team selection, seeding and bracketing. The NET replaced the outdated Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). The factors going into the NET include the Team Value Index, which is based on game results game location, the opponent and outcome, as well as net efficiency, winning percentage, adjusted winning percentage and a capped scoring margin. The exact formula of the NET isnt known and currently suspended LSU head coach Will Wade has been outspoken about why thats not a good thing. Theyre going to have to adjust their formula, Wade said during his radio show in January. Their formula is wrong. Theyre going to have to go back and adjust it in the offseason. Theres a play on numbers thats wrong. The fifth most important category in the NET is your margin of victory, and its capped at 10 points. The second most important is your offensive and defensive efficiency, and there is no cap." ... So theyre going to have to readjust the formula because they dont want people to blow people out, but theyre basically telling people to blow people out because thats weighted more than the 10-point (cap). As of noon Saturday, LSU is No. 14 in the NET. Comparatively, LSU is currently No. 13 in the RPI. LSUs Will Wade on the NET Rankings: Their formula is wrong' The NCAA created the NET NCAA Evaluation Tool to replace the RPI, but it has received some backlash from coaches. NET Team Sheet A look at the NET team sheet breaks things down for each individual team and what various wins/losses mean. But before diving into that, a primer on the quadrant system. The quadrant system (Quadrants 1, 2, 3 and 4) was introduced for the 2018 tournament, replacing the RPIs top 50, 100, 150 categories. The quadrants show how good a teams wins are, or how bad their losses are. Each quadrant is divided based on a combination of the location of the game home, neutral court, or away and the opponents NET ranking. So, Quadrant 1 wins are the most impressive, while Quadrant 4 wins arent one to write home about. Even though the NCAA moved away from the RPI to the NET rankings system, the quadrants are the same from last season: Quadrant 1: Home NET 1-30; Neutral NET 1-50; Away NET 1-75 Quadrant 2: Home 31-75; Neutral 51-100; Away 76-135 Quadrant 3: Home 76-160; Neutral 101-200; Away 136-240 Quadrant 4: Home 161-plus; Neutral 201-plus; Away 241-plus. Javonte Smart was cleared to play; Will Wade is still suspended. Heres why. Breaking down the factors that led to Friday's decision to let the freshman guard play How this translates to LSU: LSU has nine Quadrant 1 wins and three Quadrant 1 losses. Six of those Quadrant 1 wins came away from home (Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida) and one was a neutral-court game against Saint Marys. The Tennessee and Auburn wins were the lone Quadrant 1 wins in the PMAC. LSUs three quadrant one losses were at Houston and in neutral-site games against Florida State and Florida. The Tigers have seven Quadrant 2 wins and three Quadrant 2 losses. The wins over Furman, Missouri, UNC Greensboro and Memphis all fell in Quadrant 2, as did the home win over Alabama, the road win over Texas A&M and the road win over Georgia. The three Quadrant 2 losses were the home losses to Arkansas and Florida and the ugly early-season Oklahoma State loss. LSU is 7-0 against Quadrant 3 opponents. The Tigers also went 3-0 against Quadrant 4 opponents. According to LSUs team sheet, the Tigers have the 20th-toughest schedule overall and had the ninth toughest non-conference schedule. Other factors: The NCAA Selection Committee looks at a host of things when determining seeding. According to an article from the NCAAs website, here are some of the other facts the committee addresses: Complete box scores and results Head-to-head results and results versus common opponents Imbalanced conference schedules and results Overall and nonconference strength of schedule The quality of wins and losses Road record Player and coach availability Various computer metrics The second-to-last bullet point is applicable with LSU. If the NCAA Selection Committee believes that Wades suspension hurts the Tigers, than that can affect their seeding. The NCAA Selection Committee has already said that its going to take a longer look at LSU because of this situation. Several mock bracketologies have LSU as a No. 3 seed. Going into the SEC Tournament, the Tigers were mostly a No. 3 or No. 4 seed. Seeding Once the field of 68 is determined, the committee members then place those teams on the seed list from No. 1 to No. 68. But first, the members submit a list of their top eight teams or the full No. 1 and No. 2 seeds. Those teams can be automatic qualifiers or at-large qualifiers. After the committee agrees on the top eight teams, then those teams are ranked. The team receiving the least amount of points is the No. 1 overall seed. Then the other seven teams are placed on the seed list in order after that. The process, with eight teams, continues until all 68 teams are on the seed list. There are 16 levels (i.e., the seeds, 1 through 16) in the bracket over the the four regions. The teams on the seed lines, so all No. 4 seeds for example, should be as equal as possible. Placing teams in the bracket The committee then assigns four teams into each bracket grouping (seeds 1, 16, 8, 9), (4, 13, 5, 12), (2, 15, 7, 10), (3, 14, 6, 11) to the same first/second round site. There will be two pods at each first/second round site which may feed into different regional sites. The NCAA Selection Committee tries to look at a few other things too when putting the bracket together. The NCAA Selection Committee does its best to keep teams close to their respective geographic footprint, but that doesnt always work. It also mandates that conference opponents shall not meet before a regional final if theyve played three or more times during the season. (So LSU fans dont need to worry about potentially facing Florida anytime soon.) If teams have played each other two or more times during the season, they shall not meet until the Sweet Sixteen. The earliest two teams from the same conference if they only played once can be matched up against one another is in the second round. If a potential conflict of interest arises, committee members have to leave the room when their own school or schools are being discussed. They may be invited to answer factual questions regarding their team or teams. An athletic director may be present when other schools from their conference are discussed, but they may only speak if asked. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart is currently on the selection committee. Hes the lone selection committee member that LSU has a tie to. How to watch the Selection Show: Who: The announcement of the 68 NCAA Tournament teams When: 5 to 6 p.m. CT, Sunday TV: CBS Sports Stream: Here. | https://www.nola.com/lsu/2019/03/how-do-the-ncaa-tournament-brackets-work.html |
Can intermittent fasting help with weight loss? | Silicon Valley types seem to think so, many of which have determined that intermittent fasting is the trick. Biohacking fasting regimens have been popular for at least a couple of years, but its profile got a boost when @jack (Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey) recently tweeted that hed been playing with fasting, had done a 3 day water fast, and, on normal days was down to one meal dinner. He noticed that time slowed down and that days were longer since eating breaks up the day. Dr. Jason Fung subscribes to the theory that skipping or delaying breakfast for as long as possible every other day will give your body more fat-burning hours and fewer fat-storing hours. ( handout ) Twitter CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey in New Delhi in November 2018. Dorsey tweeted that hed been playing with fasting, and noticed that time slowed down and that days were longer since he didnt spend so much time eating. ( PRAKASH SINGH / AFP/GETTY IMAGES ) Cue the angry twitter responses. Some likened the tech bro-fasting regimen to an eating disorder; others were bothered by the cult of productivity, since @jack seemed to be saying that, if you dont eat, theres more time to work. Still others pointed out that Silicon Valley types are unhealthily obsessed with transhumanism and escaping the limitations of the human body. All great critiques, too. But, at the root of the vitriol, some of that anger must come from the fact that fasting flies in the face of years of breakfast-is-the-most-important-meal advice as well as the snacking dogma, which holds that we need to keep our blood sugar from crashing by snacking throughout the day. Possibly, say some doctors who are endorsing fasting, including Torontos Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist (kidney specialist), author and founder of the Intensive Dietary Management program. Article Continued Below If you look at the 1970s, for example, people were eating three meals a day breakfast, lunch and dinner and no snacks, says Fung. And then we switched to We should snack all the time. By 2004, it was breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack, so now were eating six times a day and obesity has simply exploded. Fung started thinking about diet when dealing with patients with Type 2 diabetes, who were generally treated with insulin a treatment that, in his estimation, failed to make patients better. In fact, insulin typically caused his patients to gain weight, owing to the fact that its is a hormone that signals the body to start storing fat. This prompted Fung to look for alternative treatments and the results are in his book, The Obesity Code, in which he suggests that intermittent fasting, in addition to eliminating sugary, refined and processed foods, will lead to weight loss and healthier bodies. You basically skip or delay breakfast (which literally breaks your fast) for as long as possible every other day, which, theoretically, gives your body more fat-burning hours and fewer fat-storing hours. If you can make it to dinner without eating and only drinking coffee, tea, water and maybe broth, the body will respond by burning fat, which is what its meant to do. To paraphrase Fung, fat isnt on your body for decorationits there to be burnt when we need energy. Some of Fungs patients have experienced dramatic weight-loss results, but hes still a long way off from proving that fasting is the mechanism, since, as he states in the introduction to The Obesity Code, the research isnt conclusive at this point. The regimen for the 24-hour fast in his book involves skipping six to eight meals per week and reducing your intake of refined and processed foods. That might just be enough of a caloric reduction to account for the weight loss. A lot of people come to my office and want to know about fasting and if it will work to lose more weight, says Andy De Santis, a registered dietitian with a private practice in midtown Toronto. And I say that the evidence is not necessarily more effective than just reducing your calories every day the usual way. That said, De Santis says fasting might well be the right path for some patients, if it makes people feel good or helps them assert control over their habits and eat a healthy diet. He just points out that dietary science is tough to prove and, at this point, the consensus among most researchers is that what you choose to eat and the sum of what you eat are considered the factors that affect your weight. I asked Fung about the calorie reduction involved in his regimen. He doesnt find the calorie in/calorie out theory compelling, since it doesnt draw a distinction between foods that make your insulin spike (cookies) and those that dont (salmon). He cites a 2018 study published in the journal of the American Heart Association that found a correlation between the Southern diet (high in processed meats, added fats and sugar-sweetened beverages) leading to increased risk for cardiovascular problems, despite the fact that the subjects in the study consumed relatively small amounts of these processed foods (often less than 2,000 calories a day). Article Continued Below Like @jack, I played with fasting a little while writing this. Actually, even before this, I noticed that, no matter what time I broke my fast with my usual berries and yogurt, I was hungry almost immediately after. Breakfast begets lunch and snacks just seem to always lead to more snacks. Fung says thats because even small portions get you salivating and stimulate your appetite so you want to eat until youre full. People think that eating will make you less hungry but its clearly not true. Think about it in terms of an appetizer. Clearly not, says Fung. Its clear that, if you eat more frequently, you eat more over time. Thats not so hard to understand. The idea that we should eat constantly to lose weight sounds really stupid. And it is stupid. I just dont understand the argument. And, when you put it that way, neither do I. Although Ill wait for the peer-reviewed research to come in before I decide to engage in a three-day, water-fast biohack, I think I might just play some more by putting off breakfast for as long as I can every other day. And, giving up my snacks a much harder task, since I use them to break up my work days. Christine Sismondo is a Toronto-based writer and contributor to the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @sismondo | https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/opinion/2019/03/17/can-intermittent-fasting-help-with-weight-loss.html |
Why shouldn't there be a Yelp-like app for Trump-supporting diners? | Geez! Across the country, people who openly display their support of the president usually via some type of Make America Great Again clothing are getting harassed in public restaurants and other places of business. Thank goodness a clever entrepreneur has come up with a solution: its called 63red Safe. 63red Safe is a mobile app that differs from other review services in one major way: it provides information to its users about whether a business is safe from politics, especially for those that lean right. Businesses may not like the overtime rule, but best not to mess with it | Gene Marks Read more Im trying to position it as an everyday where can I go eat safely app, Scott Wallace, the apps founder, told the Daily Beast. The app which according to the companys website is temporarily unavailable in the Google and Apple stores (possibly due to reported security issues) but can be downloaded elsewhere online if you choose to take the risk is just a very simplified version of Yelp. Users are asked four simple questions that have nothing to do with the food or ambience but instead are about whether the restaurant owners make social media posts, allow customers to carry weapons, are open to all political beliefs and would protect their customers if they are attacked for political reasons. You know, the important stuff you want to know about a place before you dine there. Back before the civil rights era many black people relied on the Green Book. And, yes, I agree the similarity is ironic The idea isnt entirely new. Back before the civil rights era many black people relied on the Green Book, a useful publication that listed safe establishments for African American travelers who themselves also faced many threats when dining out. And, yes, I agree the similarity is ironic. But all jokes aside, the app to me is a good idea and instead of scoffing or demeaning its creator (as many online are doing) we should be applauding Wallace. Because 63red Safe is one of a few apps (theres also a chat and soon-to-be released event management tool) nested under the umbrella of a conservative news site 63red that caters to a Trump-supporting customer base. This is not illegal nor is it in any way infringing on the rights of non-Trump supporters. Its just providing a service to a specific group of customers not unlike the growing crop of social media and dating apps that also cater to a conservative crowd. Clearly theres an audience for this stuff and when theres a potential market, smart entrepreneurs whether they support our president or oppose him should be applauded for taking advantage of it. The app is free, but assuming its issues gets resolved and its made widely available the attention its already receiving could generate a lot of business, particularly as the country heads into what is expected to be a very tumultuous 2020 election year. I may or may not be a fan of politicians like Trump or his opponents. But Im definitely a fan of entrepreneurs like Wallace. We should all be. | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/17/a-yelp-style-app-for-trump-supporting-diners-why-not |
Did the Catholic Church commit the worst crime in US history? | PHILADELPHIA Horseplay, a term used to denote child rape, is, says Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, part of a sinister glossary of euphemisms by which the Catholic Churchs bureaucracy obfuscates in documents the churchs pattern of abuse and conspiracy of silence that goes all the way to the Vatican. Benevolent bishops are those who allow predatory priests, shuffled from other dioceses, to continue as priests. The fuse for the national explosion of fury about sexual abuse by Catholic clergy was lit in Boston the excellent 2015 movie Spotlight recounts The Boston Globes victory against the stonewalling Catholic hierarchy in 2001-02. But the still-reverberating detonation occurred last August in a Pittsburgh grand jurys report on the sexual abuse by approximately 300 priests of at least 1,000 victims in six Pennsylvania dioceses. Seven months later, the nationwide stonewalling and cover-up continue by the church that, Shapiro says, has resisted discovery every step of the way. And bishops are still involved. The church fought his offices jurisdiction, and fought the release of the report with its sickening details of, for example, giggling priests photographing and fondling boys, and whips, violence and sadism. Shapiro says that his being Jewish has not adversely affected public perceptions of his offices scrutiny of the church. This might be because of credible reports about a boy being raped and then forced into a confessional to confess his sin. Or a boy having his mouth washed out with holy water after oral sex. The churchs crime wave is global. A French cardinal is convicted of concealing decades of sexual abuse by a priest in his jurisdiction; The Washington Post reports how clerical pedophiles preyed on the most isolated and submissive children, at an institute for the deaf in Argentina. Scrutiny of Latin America, from which todays pope came, will be interesting. In America, the acid drizzle of stomach-turning revelations might become a deluge now that 45 states attorneys general have contacted Shapiro about possible investigations in their states. It is highly unlikely that the abuses and conspiracies of silence about them are confined to Pennsylvania. Asked if this might be, cumulatively, the worst crime in American history, Shapiro says: Perhaps, considering the power of the guilty institution, the scale and prolonged nature of the crime, and the sophisticated criminal cover-up. He speaks of charging the guilty when possible; many predatory priests have died, and statutes of limitations shield others the way you would typically charge the mob. An issue that used to bedevil Western nations negotiating the border between the powers of civil authorities and the churchs prerogatives of self-governance has been settled in favor of the former. So, when other states attorneys general consult with him, Shapiro says do not trust the church about voluntarily surrendering archives. The U.S. Justice Department has put dioceses on notice about preserving records concerning such things as the shuffling of predatory priests to benevolent bishops. In November, a much-anticipated meeting of American bishops in Baltimore concerning sexual abuse was neutered by the Vatican, and the popes February meeting on the subject produced nothing reassuring. In America, the unfolding story Shapiro says this is only the third or fourth inning will involve legislating. Pennsylvania might open a civil window for suing the church, a measure fiercely resisted by the insurance industry that has sold liability policies to dioceses. The Faith is Europe and Europe is the Faith, said the Catholic writer Hilaire Belloc in 1920, a statement wisely construed by Georgetown University professor emeritus James V. Schall, S.J. : Europe is where Old Testament, New Testament, and Greek and Roman traditions melded. ... Catholic origins united (Europe) under common assumptions about what life, liberty, God, man and cosmos were about. It is therefore momentous that the church is in perhaps the worst self-inflicted and self-prolonged crisis since the Reformation. Many common locutions e.g., Catholic Italy and Catholic Ireland no longer denote anything real. In the United States, the most religious modern nation, Catholics are leaving their religious affiliation at a higher rate than any other Christian sect. In December, Illinois attorney general said the church in that state concealed the names of all but 185 of the 690 priests accused of sexual abuses. The former archbishop in the nations capital, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, came to Washington from Pittsburgh. The churchs leaders, says Shapiro, have shown over decades, centuries really, a focus on protecting the power of their institution. In a homily last September, the pope discerned something Satanic in the sexual-abuse scandal. He meant, however, that the Great Accuser, aka Satan, was attacking the popes bishops. George Will is a columnist for The Washington Post. | https://lasvegassun.com/news/2019/mar/17/did-the-catholic-church-commit-the-worst-crime-in/ |
Is Jane Sanders the most powerful woman not running in 2020? | WASHINGTON Before Bernie Sanders took the stage to formally launch his 2020 presidential campaign this month, the candidates most influential adviser took the mic. To cheers, Jane Sanders introduced herself to the Brooklyn crowd as Bernies wife, then conceded that wasnt the most politically correct label. To be sure, identifying Jane Sanders as the wife hardly captures the scope of her influence on her husbands political career. Across 30 years and a dozen campaigns for federal office, she has served variously as her husbands media consultant, surrogate, fundraiser, chief of staff, campaign spokeswoman and top strategist. His political revolution has become her career. And her political and business activities have, at times, become his headache. As the Vermont senator undertakes his second presidential run and scrambles his inner circle, Jane Sanders remains his closest adviser, making her perhaps the most influential woman in the 2020 campaign who isnt a candidate. Bernies top adviser always has been and will continue to be Jane, said Jeff Weaver, a Sanders adviser. She has a voice in almost every major political decision her husband makes, travels with him for major events and is deeply involved in formulating policies, issues and campaign infrastructure. At every level, Weaver said, Jane is intimately involved. That involvement has drawn questions sometimes about her political judgment, family opportunism and flawed ethics from political foes, good government advocates and longtime Sanders-watchers in Vermont and in the progressive movement. Most recently, critics questioned the role played by the Sanders Institute, a non-profit co-founded by Jane Sanders and her son, for blending elements of fundraising, family and campaign policy development. Her dual roles at the institute and in her husbands campaign carried echoes of the Clinton Foundation, which Bernie Sanders criticized in 2016 as a possible ethics conflict and back door for foreign donors seeking to influence his then-rival Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders ran against Hillary Clinton in 2016 criticizing her for the vast sums of money she raised and he seems to be following in some of her footsteps, said Lawrence R. Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesotas Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Now hes raising vast sums of money and its being controlled and shaped by his family. Jane Sanders acted this past week to remove the think-tank as a possible campaign ethics target, telling The Associated Press that the institutes operations and fundraising would be suspended for the balance of her husbands 2020 presidential campaign. Since its creation in 2017, the group raised more than $700,000, but has not disclosed most of its donors. She said the decision to put the Sanders Institute on hiatus was a forward-looking way to deal with potential concerns. Sanders may prove an important surrogate for her husband, particularly in a race crowded with female candidates and potentially hinging on how women vote. She publicly defended her husband when he faced criticism for the way his 2016 campaign handled accusations of sexual harassment. Shes become an essential liaison to the progressive activists at the heart of the Sanders base, using the institute to host meetings of policymakers and activists. An affable, if low-key public speaker, she was the star of the December Gathering in Burlington, Vermont, a three-day policy gathering that featured progressive speakers including environmentalist Bill McKibben, actor Danny Glover and her husband. Steeped in years of involvement in progressive causes, Sanders comfortably slipped into the role as the events emcee. Before a crowd of more than 250 progressive activists, she stoked applause lines for favoured organizations and lavished compliments on institute fellows. Similarly, in videos posted on the institutes website, she has led numerous policy conversations with experts in a Brooklyn accent fainter than her husbands. Jane Sanders is not compensated for her role at the institute. Her son, David Driscoll, has been paid $100,000 a year as a co-founder and executive director, she confirmed. Driscoll previously worked for a Vermont snowboarding company and had no previous non-profit experience, according to his LinkedIn profile. Like her husband, Jane Sanders has learned not to trust a lot of people. Family is a lot more dependable than outsiders, said University of Vermont political science professor Garrison Nelson, an acquaintance and veteran Sanders-watcher. Jane Sanders expressed frustration about concerns that she and some of her children have at times benefited from their activities affiliated with Sanders expanding political apparatus. It just doesnt fit, she said. She added that the Sanders Institute has developed policy and the content that we get completely separate from her husbands campaign. Politics has long been a family project for the couple. Jane Sanders first worked with her future husband as director of the mayors youth Office in Burlington. They were both displaced New Yorker, Jane noted at the launch rally, stamped by childhood days on Brooklyns city streets. We had very similar experiences, she said. We spent a lot of time playing stickball, running races and just hanging out on the streets with the kids in our neighbourhoods. They wed in 1988 a second marriage for both two years before Sanders won his first election to Congress. Jane Sanders went to Capitol Hill as his volunteer deputy gaining experience in policy, legislation and as chief of staff. In the early 2000s, she took on a new role along with her daughter, Carina. Two women set up a consulting firm, paid more than $90,000 in consulting fees by Bernie Sanders House campaigns. In 2004, the year before Bernie Sanders launched his winning Senate campaign, his wife was named president of Burlington College, a local small liberal arts college. In 2010, she worked out a $10 million deal for the college to buy 32 acres of waterfront land on Lake Champlain and a 77,000-square-foot former orphanage and administrative offices of Vermonts Roman Catholic Church, which needed the money to settle a series of priest sex abuse cases. She promised at the time the deal would be paid for with increases in enrolment and about $2.7 million in donations. But her plans never took wing and under fire, she resigned from the college in 2011. The school closed in 2016, citing debt from the land deal as a major reason for its failure. Prompted by complaints filed by a Republican lawyer about her involvement in the land deal, federal investigators looked into Jane Sanders stewardship but informed her last November that she would not be charged. Weve learned were going to be attacked, she said during an interview, adding thats the fact of todays politics. But she said she was confident that the decision to put the think-tank on hiatus was best for the institute to not have the possibility of misinterpretation. The move, she said, will allow her to expand her campaign work freely for the Sanders campaign, including more solo stops on her husbands behalf. I will be more active throughout, she said. Ring reported from Montpelier, Vermont, and Peoples from New York. | https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/is-jane-sanders-the-most-powerful-woman-not-running-in-2020 |
Who are Britain's best wine retailers? | Oddbins is in trouble again, having called in the administrators after a terrible Christmas trading period. Its sad news for those of us who retain a deep affection for the eclectic chain where they learned to love wine. All the more so since, in recent years under the supervision of master of wine Ana Sapungiu, the stores were once again full of a diverse range of interesting, well-priced wines. The news isnt all that surprising. The company has always seemed a bit rickety and never, under a succession of different owners, quite able to buck the long-term trend that has seen off its high street rivals, from Unwins to Victoria Wine, Threshers and Bottoms Up. According to administrators Duff & Phelps, the latest incarnations problems were down to brutal market conditions for bricks and mortar retailers: stagnant wages and rising living costs meaning a big drop in consumer spending, plus escalating business rates and rents (an average rise of 17.8% across the Oddbins estate). On top of all that, in the past year, wine retailers have also had to try to cope with the latest inflationary duty rise and a weak pound putting up the price of their stock. What makes this feel slightly different from previous Oddbins blowouts is that wine lovers have so many more alternatives. Its not quite true to say that this is a golden age of wine retail in the UK, not when the big three supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda), which collectively account for almost half of wine sold in the UKs off-trade, have arguably never been more dull. And Brexit could still change everything for a business so dependent on imports. But there are plenty of bright spots. A putative Observer best supermarket gong would probably go to Waitrose, narrowly pipping Marks & Spencer thanks to the breadth of its range and an injection of excitement in the past couple of years with improvements in its South American, South African and Australian selections. For value, the Co-op edges Aldi: while the German discounter has the odd fabulous bargain, the caring sharing convenience giant is more consistently good for those looking for change from a tenner. The best wine club, the Wine Society, has outstanding value and variety once youve paid your 40 lifetime membership fee. And then you get to the real excitement. According to trade magazine The Wine Merchant, the UK now has 913 specialist independent wine shops, a number which has grown hugely in the past 10 years. Hyper-local and personal by their very nature, its hard to single out just one for praise, so Ive highlighted a few personal favourites in the wine recommendationsbelow. Collectively these are the places to look if youre after the same kind of fun and originality so many of us loved in Oddbins. Six of the best bottles Facebook Twitter Pinterest Photograph: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer Umbrele Syrah, Romania 2016 (from 7.50, noblegreenwines.co.uk; symposium-finewine.co.uk; ampswinemerchants.co.uk) Independents dont just deal in expensive kit: this superb value, succulent, spicy Romanian syrah is sold by three of my favourite small merchants: Cambridgshires Amps Fine Wines, Lewess Symposium and Hampton Hills Noble Green. The Societys Exhibition Limar Chardonnay 2017 (10.50, thewinesociety.com) The Wine Societys non-profit mutual model translates into brilliant value and range, not least in its own-label wines, such as this wonderful new-wave cooler-climate Chilean with its star-bright acidity and freshness contrasting with luscious orchard fruit. Domaine de lldylle Cuve Orangerie, Savoie, France 2017 (11.95, yapp.co.uk) An old favourite Alpine white wine, in typically pretty, genteel and graceful form this vintage. From an old favourite independent, Dorsets Yapp Bros, which is celebrating 50 years of selling brilliant off-the-beaten track French wines. Remy Ferbras Ventoux, Rhne, France 2016 (6.99, reduced from 8.79 until 19 March, 2019, Waitrose) The bigger Waitrose and M&S stores are the only supermarkets Id choose to go to solely for wine. This is one of the best value bottles in the Waitrose line-up: a bright but savoury red blend that handles stews and sausages beautifully. Cullen Amber Wine, Margaret River, Australia 2017 (31, bottleapostle.com) From one of Western Australias best producers, this is an immaculate take on orange wine, with a nervy clarity, tanginess and floral prettiness. Its one of many delicious curiosities sold by the superb London indie mini-chain, Bottle Apostle. Cop de Ma Priorat, Spain 2017 (13, the Co-op) The Co-op has some real gems in its range. You wont find all of them in all 7,000 stores (some of which can be a bit disappointing wine-wise), so its worth hunting around for this gem of a deep plummy, gamey-savoury Catalan red. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set. More information. | https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/mar/17/britain-best-wine-retailers-indies-supermarkets |
Is Amazon killing retail? Or is retail killing itself? | Its not even three months into 2019, and 10 retailers have filed for bankruptcy, including clothing companies Gymboree and Charlotte Russe in San Francisco. The effect is visible on the streets, with hundreds of stores shuttered and thousands of workers laid off. The sector is on pace to surpass the closures and restructurings it experienced during the recession. But these failures come as retail spending hit a record $6 trillion in 2018, according to U.S. census figures, not an economic downturn. Companies often cite a tough retail environment, despite the increase in overall spending, with shifts to online shopping and declining foot traffic, particularly at the malls many retailers made their homes over past decades. But another culprit shows up prominently in their filings: debt laden on in past private-equity buyouts. Gymborees January filing was its second use of Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code, having filed in 2016 to reduce debt from a $1.8 billion acquisition by private-equity firm Bain Capital in 2010. Gymboree cut $900 million in debt and emerged from bankruptcy. It wasnt enough. Payless ShoeSource, which had more than 30 Bay Area stores and plans to close all of them nationwide, also went through two rounds of bankruptcy. Charlotte Russe, which filed for bankruptcy in February, said it planned to reduce debt from a $380 million acquisition by private-equity firm Advent International in 2009. Retailers are an attractive target for private-equity firms. The threat of Amazon and other online outlets discourages public-market investors from betting on their futures, which drives down their stock price and makes them cheap to buy. Retailers typically have real estate and other hard assets which are easy to borrow against, as well as cash flows from their current businesses that private equity firms can harvest. In leveraged buyouts, private equity firms take control of a company and prompt it to borrow money against those assets, taking little risk themselves. They sometimes pay themselves dividends from the borrowed money which means they may make a profit on an investment even if the company goes bankrupt. Once you do that, youve loaded debt on the retailers balance sheet and when interest payments on the financing are due, retailers have to pay, said Kirthi Kalyanam, director of the Retail Management Institute at Santa Clara University. Competing in e-commerce adds costs, while the decline of customers shopping at malls leaves private-equity-backed retailers struggling. It handcuffs retailers who are trying to respond to competition because they have to pay down the debt, said Robert Marticello, a bankruptcy attorney in Costa Mesa (Orange County). Trade publication Retail Dive estimates that 15 percent of retailers that have filed for bankruptcy since 2002 are wholly owned or have a majority stake held by one or more private-equity firms. In the last three years, almost 40 percent of retailers filing for bankruptcies are in that category, according to Debtwire, a financial news service in New York. Gymboree will shut down its namesake childrens clothing stores, as well as its Crazy 8 stores. Its high-end Janie and Jack line was bought by Gap this month for $35 million. The company is laying off 425 people, 69 of them at company headquarters in San Francisco. Charlotte Russe is laying of 333 employees, including 161 at its corporate headquarters. In court documents, Brian Cashman, managing director of Berkeley Research Group and Charlotte Russes chief restructuring officer, said the company failed to trim store expenses to better balance brick-and-mortar operations with necessary e-commerce investments. For loyal customers and would-be workers, the shuttered stores bring a wave of sadness. Swaran Williams, a Vacaville resident whos been shopping at various Gymboree locations around the Bay Area for years, said she was dismayed about the bankruptcy. I shopped at Gymboree for my daughters clothes, she said. Shes tall for her age, so I liked going into the stores. Its hard to shop for her online, Williams added. Hiba Younus, 20, said her plan for work this summer was to do exactly what she did last summer take a part-time job at the Charlotte Russe store at the NewPark Mall in Newark. It feels so sudden. I wasnt expecting the company to go bankrupt, she said. Shoppers and employees should expect more failures. A recent report by Moodys Investors Service, the credit ratings firm, named 17 retailers including Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney and Davids Bridal that may file for bankruptcy this year. In their place may be some online businesses, who arent as weighed down by debt and see stores as a way to reach new customers. Bonobos, an online menswear company owned by Walmart, plans to increase its number of stores from 60 to 100 by 2020. New York eyeglass company Warby Parker, which opened its first San Francisco store in 2014 and a Union Square location in 2017, plans to open more stores, as does Los Angeles activewear retailer Fabletics. Retail isnt going anywhere, Kalyanam said. What is changing is how retail is done. Shwanika Narayan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @shwanika Retail bankruptcies since 2015 Restructurings and closures among American retailers, including some well-known local names, have accelerated in recent years. Year Bankruptcies Notable names 2019 10 (through March 15) Gymboree, Charlotte Russe, Payless 2018 17 Gumps, Sears, Mattress Firm 2017 21 Wet Seal, RadioShack, Toys R Us 2016 9 Nasty Gal, American Apparel 2015 12 A&P, Quiksilver Sources: CB Insights, Retail Dive | https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Is-Amazon-killing-retail-Or-is-retail-killing-13693105.php |
How good are Arizona schools, and what could make them better? | Opinion: Everyone agrees that Arizona schools need more funding. Let's talk about it. Math teacher Kori Hayles helps Angelina Parr, 12, and Raul Samano, 12, in the seventh grade math class at the NFL YET College Prep Academy, a seventh-12th grade charter school in south Phoenix, on Nov. 5, 2018. Ask that question to 10 parents in Arizona, and Id bet at least eight of them would say yes. But ask those same parents if the education system in Arizona is good, and Id bet at least six of them would say no. Partly because our schools arent as bad as we often paint them. Schools aren't horrible, but there's work to do Yes, there is wide agreement across the state that our schools are underfunded. There are far too many stories of classrooms without enough books, where roofs leak and teachers barely can pay their rent. There also is wide agreement that too many students in Arizona are falling behind. There are equally too many stories of kids failing to meet basic proficiency on standardized tests, failing to graduate high school and go on to college or a trade school. But we also are making healthy progress. Its often pooh-poohed, but our charter schools outscore even the highest-achieving states on a key standardized test. And lest you say thats because they only teach the best of the best, district school scores are improving faster than their peers in most other states. Were not where we need to be, by any means. But were improving, despite teacher shortages and funding challenges that should be tanking our performance. The real question Arizona should be asking And that leads to an important question, particularly now that the state has made significant commitments to restore funding to schools, with more on the way: NEWSLETTERS Get the Opinions Newsletter newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong Our best and latest in commentary in daily digest form. Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-332-6733. Delivery: Mon-Fri Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for Opinions Newsletter Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. Because lets be honest: We havent exactly done that. Money won't solve everything, nor can we afford to do everything. But when we do have money, it tends to be thrown at the problem du jour teacher salaries, broken-down buses. Sure, we may plug a hole and fill a critical need. The first step toward answering that question is agreeing on what we mean by giving kids a good education. As a mom of a preschooler, my definition isnt just about how well schools do on standardized tests. A good education means my kids school: Prepares him to be successful in the real world, to excel in jobs that havent been created yet. Encourages him to think on his own and solve problems, not simply regurgitate facts. Focuses on more than just reading, science and math (though those are important). I want a school that offers adequate time for art and social studies and, yes, even recess. In other words, I want a school that can maximize my kids strengths. And not just my kids strengths. I want schools that can do this for every child in Arizona, because they are our future. How well we educate kids today has a direct relationship on how well we all live tomorrow. Let's talk about it So, thats my goal for the next few months to walk through the many answers and debunk some of the myths that surround this fundamental question of what could move the needle most for education. There are tons of ideas out there, everything from boosting teacher training to lowering class sizes and consolidating districts. Its time to dig into the research, glean whats most relevant and discuss how it could impact our kids. Not because I hope it will lead to some tidy little funding package that we can pass in a legislative session (and then forget about in the next), but because I think its about time we choose a few things we thought could work for schools and stick with them. Things that say it with me now could truly move the needle on the quality of education in Arizona. Reach Allhands at [email protected]. On Twitter: @joannaallhands. This opinion series aims to find out. (Photo: Arizona Republic) Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/joannaallhands/2019/03/17/arizona-schools-education-funding-move-needle-quality/2671725002/ | https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/joannaallhands/2019/03/17/arizona-schools-education-funding-move-needle-quality/2671725002/ |
Can a Dolphin Really Commit Rape? | These Shark Bay dolphins are also viciously violent. When breeding season comes around, there is fierce competition for access to females, as happens in many sexual species. In most cases in nature, that competition is between individual males. The bottlenose dolphins have a different tactic: They form gangs. Alliances are an essential part of the mating strategies of the males. First-order partnerships will single out a female, rush at her, and then herd her away to have sex, which is coercive (this is a general assumption, because it is rarely seen). During this aggressive corralling, the female repeatedly tries to escape, and does so in about one of every four attempts. The males restrict her attempts at freedom by charging in, and bashing her with their tails, head-butting, biting, and body-slamming her into submission. Read: If you insulted a dolphin 20 years ago, hes probably still bitter about it Second-order alliances do the same, but the team-up makes a ratio of five or six males to one female. The males are often closely related in these alliances, so as a means of transferring their genes into the future, this fits perfectly well within evolutionary theory. On occasion, they form looser super-alliances, where multiple second-order gangs will join forcesup to 14 individual malesto corral a single female. These gangs dont tend to be closely related. It should be noted that forced copulation has not been directly witnessed, as far as I am aware. The evidence comes from observations of the pre-copulatory behavior, and physical evidence of violence on the females. Many people say semi-jokingly that in contrast to their cute and smart image, dolphins rape. There is no doubt that sexual coercion is part of their reproductive strategy, as it is in many organisms, and that the behavior is violent. But we must be careful not to anthropomorphize their behavior, whether it be cute, smart or horrid. Infanticide is another unpleasant behavior seen in dolphins. It often gets translated into murder in the popular press, but it should be noted that in plenty of other organisms, both males and females kill the young of others within their own species as a reproductive strategy. A female lion lactates for more than a year when she is nursing cubs, and during this time wont breed. Males acting alone or sometimes in packs will kill her young in order to bring her back to being fertile so they can then sire a pride. Mother-and-daughter teams of chimps in Tanzania have been seen killing and eating the babies of other parents for reasons that are not clear. Alpha-female meerkats will kill the litters of subordinate females so that they will be free to help nurture the alphas litter. Female cheetahs get around all these issues by copulating with multiple males. Their sperm mixes internally in the female, and she will give birth to offspring of several paternities in a single litter. | https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/03/animals-rape-murder-morality-humans/585049/?utm_source=feed |
Is Johnny Manziel exactly what the Memphis Express need at quarterback? | CLOSE Memphis Express coach Mike Singletary called the midway point of the season a critical time but not of panic or desperation Evan Barnes, The Commercial Appeal MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Memphis Express have not been blessed with consistent quarterback play in the six games they have played so far in the Alliance of American Footballs inaugural season. So when 26-year-old Johnny Manziel a legendary college quarterback at Texas A&M who became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy became a ready-and-willing option for the AAF in early March, Memphis ears perked up. (Manziel had his contract terminated by the CFL's Montreal Alouettes after Manziel "contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league.) The AAF employs a unique system that gives each of its eight teams rights to players within their allocation footprint. In Manziels instance, Texas A&M players are allocated to the San Antonio Commanders. But the Commanders waived their rights to Manziel, making him available to the team with the lowest winning percentage. Thats where the Express came in. The 1-5 team wasted no time claiming Manziel. Pretty well, at the moment. The Express are desperate for consistency at the quarterback position. Christian Hackenberg was a bust (277 passing yards and no touchdowns) through 10 quarters and found himself benched in Week 3 in favor of Zach Mettenberger. YOUR DAILY DOSE:Top sports headlines, delivered daily MORE AAF: Pro game being pushed where college is king "We have a guy (Manziel) we think can do some great things for us," Express president Kosha Irby told The Commercial Appeal late Saturday. "We pride ourselves on being a league of opportunity. Whether that's with people trying to ignite or reignite their careers. But we also want to put the best players on the field to help the Express. (Manziel) is a player with plenty of talent. We saw an opportunity and we think it'll be a reciprocal situation." Mettenberger started strong in one half against the Orlando Apollos (120 yards and two touchdowns), but saw mixed results in his next two starts. Then, against the Salt Lake Stallions Saturday, Mettenberger went down with an ankle injury. Brandon Silvers was called upon and was 23 of 37 for 242 yards and a score in a 22-9 loss. Part of the issue at quarterback has been an offensive line that head coach Mike Singletary admits is still in search of chemistry. Express quarterbacks have been sacked 10 times in the past two weeks. NEWSLETTERS Get the Sports newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong Sports news, no matter the season. Stop by for the scores, stay for the stories. Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-872-0001. Delivery: Daily Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for Sports Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. More newsletters Perhaps a more mobile quarterback, like Manziel, could help alleviate those troubles. The former Cleveland Brown and Allouette has 474 rushing yards on 75 carries (6.3 yards per) and one touchdown in 23 games as a pro quarterback. Aside from what Manziel can do on the field for the Express, he will almost certainly give the team a shot in the arm at the box office. In two home games, Memphis has announced crowds of 11,980 and 13,621 respectively. That ranks around the middle of the pack in the AAF. "It's gonna be a fun," Irby said. "(Manziel) coming to Memphis will create a lot of buzz. We see it as an opportunity to be a draw for us with a guy of his appeal. But, first and foremost, we want to figure out ways to win football games. And (coach Mike Singletary) will tell you this, we're going to put the best 11 people on the field at a time that allows us to accomplish our goals. "Everyone has to earn their spot and that can take time." The Express get back on the field at 7 p.m. Sunday against the Birmingham Iron, a team they lost to 26-0 on the road in the season opener with Hackenberg at quarterback. | https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/03/17/aaf-football-johnny-manziel-memphis-express/3193647002/ |
Should the U.S. lower the voting age to 16? | by Cait Bladt Nancy Pelosi has become one of the highest-ranking lawmakers to voice their support for lowering the voting age to 16. As youth activism in the country has increased in the wake of a series of deadly school shootings, many have argued these children deserve the right to vote for the lawmakers representing them. Several states, including Oregon and California, are currently considering bills which would lower the voting age from 18. Others say 16 is too young to make such important decisions. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reaffirmed her support of lowering the voting age. According to the Hill, Pelosi believes high school kids are the most civically engaged and should be allowed to jump into politics while they are still enthusiastic about it. "I myself have always been for lowering the voting age to 16," Pelosi said. "I think it's really important to capture kids when they're in high school, when they're interested in all of this, when they're learning about government, to be able to vote." Pelosi's comments Thursday echoed those she has made previously, including in a 2015 New York Times interview in which the Speaker said she was "all for" lowering the voting age. Pelosi told the Times that she wanted to expand voter access to 16 and 17-year-olds because when kids are in school, theyre so interested, theyre so engaged. Pelosi says she backs lowering voting age to 16 https://t.co/AmFxC3HU3U pic.twitter.com/blsVuieNrF The Hill (@thehill) March 14, 2019 Laurence Steinberg, a psychology professor at Temple University, wrote in a New York Times op-ed that people who start voting earlier are more likely to continue voting. Because there is evidence that people who dont vote the first time they are eligible are less likely to vote regularly in the future. Considering that people between 18 and 24 have the lowest voter turnout of any age group in the United States (a country that has one of the lowest rates of voter turnout in the developed world), allowing people to begin voting at an age at which they are more likely to vote might increase future turnout at all ages. Rep. Ayanna Pressley recently presented a bill in Congress that would lower the voting age. Per Teen Vogue: Congresswoman Pressley has stood witness to deep and meaningful levels of engagement in policy and our political processes by 16- and 17-year-olds. Young people across the country have mobilized, marched, and protested in support of important issues like gun control, climate change, school safety, and social injustice, a fact sheet from Pressleys office reads. At 16 years old, young people can work, pay taxes and contribute to the economy. It is beyond appropriate that we extend an opportunity for young people to play a role in electing our Representatives both in the halls of Congress and the White House. Constitutional law expert Michael Morley told PBS the arguments used to lower the voting age to 18 do not translate to lowering it to 16. You had the notion that 18 was already adulthood in several other contexts, such as facing the draft, establishing households, and starting families. But Morley doesnt necessarily think those arguments apply to 16-year-olds, who in most cases are still legally required to attend school and generally depend on parental support. Other critics believe teens are not mature enough to be trusted with the right to vote as their brains are not yet fully developed. David Davenport wrote in a Forbes column: | https://www.oregonlive.com/tylt/2019/03/should-the-us-lower-the-voting-age-to-16.html |
Can Art Heal Our Healers? | Identifying physician burnout should be a top priority for any healthcare organization since it may lead to adverse effects in physician health, patient care, as well as healthcare system operations. Because its ramifications and systemic effects are far reaching, it represents a public health crisis. As a result, its vital that any healthcare organization take a careful look under the microscope to better understand its culture and whether burnout may be contributing to adverse effects on its patients, physicians and underperformance systemically. Physician burnout is the result of a combinations of factors resulting in emotional exhaustion, a feeling of depersonalization and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment. It is distinct from depression or other psychological factors, but mental health issues can be a contributing factor when it develops. Drivers of the epidemic of physician burnout are rooted within healthcare organizations and systems and include excessive workloads, inefficient work processes, clerical burdens [related to electronic health records], workhome conflicts, lack of input or control for physicians with respect to issues affecting their work lives, organizational support structures and leadership culture, according to research published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. But there are also contributing factors at the physicianlevel, with data demonstrating higher rates of burnout reported in female and younger physicians. As with any epidemic, solutions to help address the crisis must take into consideration its key drivers. At an organizational level, changes in approach to practice with increased support for physicians have led to reduction in burnout. A focus on reduction in hours, increased staffing, and the addition of chief wellness officers to monitor performance have recently been advanced. Strategies implemented for physicians wellness at the individual level employing mindfulnessbased stress reduction approaches, along with smallgroup programs to reinforce a sense of connectedness and community have also been shown to be effective. Beyond this, the role of the visual arts (drawing) in helping to shape physicians thinking and creativity, in addition to its therapeutic effects for burnout has been previously described by physician pioneers such as Dr. Salvatore Mangione, Associate Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, who has touted the numerous benefits of medical students engaging in the arts. Yet, while much has been written about the importance and focus on burnout among physicians and other healthcare providers in the medical literature, there has been less attention focused on the entire healthcare team--nurses, case managers, social workers, respiratory therapists to name a few--that provide critical aspects of care in any hospital setting. Recognition of all member of this healthcare team should also include a patients family, since the emotional toll and stress of hospitalization and recovery impacts their ability to provide ongoing support as caregivers in the hospital and after discharge. While we have elaborately described burnout and ways to address it in healthcare organizations, it imperative to address all members who provide care to patients who are at risk of experiencing compassion fatigue. The concept of utilizing the arts as therapy for those with mental health conditions including depression and PTSD has been well described, but embracing it for the entire healthcare team along with their families also has numerous benefits. Arts in Medicine One innovative approach, the Arts in Medicine program of the NYC Health and Hospitals, which seeks to treat healthcare providers, adjunct staff and their families was recently launched at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, the oldest public hospital in the U.S., and part of the largest public health system in the nation. The aim of the Arts in Medicine program is to introduce new initiatives integrating all aspects of the arts to benefit patients and staff at hospitals, community health centers, and long-term care facilities. Its larger goal, however, is to create awareness about programs and other approaches that promote employee wellness and resilience as a way to reduce compassion fatigue or burnout. Funding for the Arts in Medicine program is provided through the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Funds Arts in Health initiative, which supports organizations using the arts to address health issues affecting New Yorkers, with particular attention to increasing access to care and addressing disparities in health outcomes. The three-year grant to NYC Health + Hospitals, which is the largest municipal health system in the country and serves approximately 1.1 million New Yorkers annually, will significantly expand the public health systems arts programs. While its aim is to serve patients and healthcare providers, the Arts in Medicine program will also have a goal to treat adjunct staff to reduce stress and provide support and attention to emotional health. NYC Health + Hospitals is in the vanguard of hospital systems across the country using the arts as a tool for healing, said Laurie M.Tisch, Founder and President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. We know from decades of research that the arts have an important role to play in reducing stress and helping individuals in their healing process. We are pleased to be able to help increase access to these services to more patients, and also to the healthcare professionals who are so vital to the system. As first responders, doctors and health professionals are under enormous stress, and these programs are proven tools to support them in their work, she added. Ms. Tisch also serves as Vice Chairman of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Trustee and Past Chairman of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Trustee of the Aspen Institute, as well as co-owner and member of the Board of Trustees of the New York Giants. When I started the Illumination Fund, we determined that our focus would be to increase access and opportunity for all New Yorkers--this is the largest grant to date in our new Arts in Health Initiative, said Ms.Tisch. Creating four new programs as well as expanding the existing Arts in Medicine programs to more hospitals, and making them available to doctors, nurses and other caregivers, is exactly what we are here to support, she added. The Arts in Medicine program will introduce new initiatives such as HHArt of Medicine, an art-observation program, which guides clinicians through intensive art viewing designed to improve focus, communication, and promote active listening, which in turn improves their ability to serve patients. SoulCollage, an initiative involving workshops that facilitate self-discovery through collage composition to help staff express and share their experiences and emotions. Communal Murals represents collaborative projects of hospital artists in residence, staff, and community members to create vibrant works of art inside and outside facilities. Studies conducted in 2007 by Repar and Patton demonstrated that arts programs can lower rates of tension, anger, depression, and fatiguesymptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue. We value our staff, and Arts in Medicine will help bring back the joy in work and improve outcomes for staff and ultimately the patients, said Linh Dang, Senior Director of the Arts in Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals. Today, we are re-imagining the role of the arts in our health system to create active programming that will enrich our community, said Dave A. Chokshi, MD, NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer. Arts in Medicine is about engaging patients, clinicians, caregivers, and staff in different types of healing connections. Visual arts, performing arts, theater, and literary arts help us tap into imagination, creativity, and expression as part of improving health. Engaging in the arts has helped physicians leading to renewed energy and a sense of fulfillment . In fact, research examining outcomes in medical students who experienced art observation training found that observational skills were improved significantly. I was first exposed to art in medicine when my residency class participated in an interactive art observation session at the Detroit Institute of Arts, said Eric Wei, MD, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. Even though we were looking at the same painting, we had different interpretations of what was going on. It helped me realize how this happens at the bedside and how important communication is to achieving a shared mental model. Regardless of the specific approach taken to address burnout, it should involve shared responsibility of both healthcare systems and individual physicians. The bottom line is that all stakeholders in healthcare need to work together to design and implement effective remedies for burnout in the healthcare setting. Using innovative approaches such as the arts to address burnout is just one component of an inclusive approach . Burnout, and efforts to address it, represents an important metric for all healthcare systems. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2019/03/17/can-art-heal-our-healers/ |
Where In The World Is The Apex Legends Battle Pass? | Apex Legends Respawn Players are growing increasingly confused about the Apex Legends battle pass, specifically, where it is and why it isnt here yet. Respawn has said that more information would be out about the battle pass soon, and many predictions had the release pinned for March 12. But that day came and went and nothing happened. And Respawn has not said word one about the battle pass other than putting it on its roadmap. We dont know the price, how many tiers there are, what is in the tiers and how that will be substantively different than the stuff that currently populates the loot boxes. Its kind of bizarre. All of this is strange because obviously a battle pass was going to be a core part of monetization in free-to-play battle royale game with Fortnite in its sights. The battle pass, popularized by Fortnite, is what has helped that game make hundreds of millions in revenue a month, so it seems a little strange to launch Apex Legends without such a tool, especially when this is EA were talking about. So far, Apex Legends has employed pretty much every kind of monetization you can in a game like this besides a battle pass. The have loot boxes like Overwatch. They sell characters like League of Legends. They have a direct purchase store like a zillion other games. And now the battle pass will be yet another pillar of revenue generation. Apex Legends Respawn My thought is that the success of Apex caught everyone off guard, Respawn included, who was less focused on monetization and more on making the gamegood. Clearly that paid off, but it could explain why the game launched without a battle pass even if its logical that it will have one. Also, a battle pass is not an ordinary purchase. It is a commitment because to get through all its tiers you have to devote a tremendous amount of time to the game, and its wasnt clear how many people would be willing to do that right at launch. But its clear now. Call of Duty ran into trouble because its version of the battle pass was way too grindy and bad, and Apex may be looking to refine things so that the battle pass launches in a state that no one can complain about. Technically all the roadmap said about the battle pass was March, and it seems thats going to be late March, but I would be amazed if we did not see the pass arrive in the next two weeks. Probably this upcoming week, if I had to guess. Respawn is already teasing the arrival of a new character, Octane, by putting his bounce pad skill on the map, and everyone believes that when Octane arrives, so will the battle pass. I am wondering if theyd go so far as to put Octane inside the battle pass, which could be controversial, but thats a conversation for when the thing actually arrives. So in short, be patient, its almost certainly nearly here and I do understand why given everything we know about Apex, it didnt launch alongside the game. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Read my new sci-fi thriller novel Herokiller, available now in print and online. I also wrote The Earthborn Trilogy. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/03/17/where-in-the-world-is-the-apex-legends-battle-pass/ |
Should media avoid naming the gunmen in mass shootings? | A few months after teen shooters killed 12 classmates and her father at Columbine High School, Coni Sanders was standing in line at a grocery store with her young daughter when they came face to face with the magazine cover. It showed the two gunmen who had carried out one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Sanders realized that few people knew much about her father, who saved countless lives. But virtually everyone knew the names and the tiniest of details about the attackers who carried out the carnage. In the decades since Columbine, a growing movement has urged news organizations to refrain from naming the shooters in mass slayings and to cease the steady drumbeat of biographical information about them. Critics say giving the assailants notoriety offers little to help understand the attacks and instead fuels celebrity-style coverage that only encourages future attacks. The 1999 Colorado attack continues to motivate mass shooters, including the two men who this week stormed their former school in Brazil, killing seven people. The gunman who attacked two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, killing at least 49 people, was said to have been inspired by the man who in 2015 killed nine black worshippers at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Adam Lankford, a criminologist at the University of Alabama, who has studied the influence of media coverage on future shooters, said its vitally important to avoid excessive coverage of gunmen. A lot of these shooters want to be treated like celebrities. They want to be famous. So the key is to not give them that treatment, he said. The notion hit close to home for Sanders. Seemingly everywhere she turned - the grocery store, a restaurant, a newspaper or magazine - she would see the faces of the Columbine attackers and hear or read about them. Even in her own home, she was bombarded with their deeds on TV. Everybody knew (Dylan) Klebold. Everybody knew (Eric) Harris. And if you said the two together, they automatically knew it was Columbine, Sanders said. The media was so fascinated - and so was our country and the world - that they really grasped onto this every detail. Time and time again, we couldnt escape it. Criminologists who study mass shootings say the vast majority of shooters are seeking infamy and soak up the coverage as a guide. Just four days after the 2017 Las Vegas concert shooting, which stands as the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Lankford published a paper urging journalists to refrain from using shooters names or going into exhaustive detail about their crimes. These attackers, he argued, are trying to outdo previous shooters with higher death tolls. Media coverage serves only to encourage copycats. Late last year, the Trump administrations federal Commission on School Safety called on the media to refrain from reporting the names and photos of mass shooters. It was one of the rare moments when gun-rights advocates and gun-control activists agreed. To suggest that the media alone is to blame or is primarily at fault for this epidemic of mass shootings would vastly oversimply this issue, said Adam Skaggs, chief counsel for the Giffords Law Center, which works to curb gun violence. Skaggs said he is somewhat sympathetic to journalists impulse to cover clearly important and newsworthy events and to get at the truth. But theres a balance that can be struck between ensuring the public has enough information and not giving undue attention to perpetrators of heinous acts. Studies show a contagion effect from coverage of both homicides and suicides. The Columbine shooters, in particular, have an almost cult-like status, with some followers seeking to emulate their trench-coat attire and expressing admiration for their crime, which some have attributed to bullying. The gunman in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting kept a detailed journal of decades worth of mass shootings. James Alan Fox, a professor at Northeastern University who has studied mass shootings, said naming shooters is not the problem. Instead, he blamed over-the-top coverage that includes irrelevant details about the killers, such as their writings and their backgrounds, that unnecessarily humanizes them. We sometimes come to know more about them - their interests and their disappointments - than we do about our next-door neighbors, Fox said. Law enforcement agencies have taken a lead, most recently with the Aurora, Illinois, police chief, who uttered just once the name of the gunman who killed five co-workers and wounded five officers last month. I said his name one time for the media, and I will never let it cross my lips again, Chief Kristen Ziman said in a Facebook post. Some media, most notably CNNs Anderson Cooper, have made a point of avoiding using the name of these gunmen. For Caren and Tom Teves, the cause is personal. Their son Alex was among those killed in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater in 2012. They were both traveling out of state when the shooting happened, and it took 15 hours for them to learn the fate of their son. During those hours, they heard repeatedly about the shooter but virtually nothing about the victims. Not long after, they created the No Notoriety movement, encouraging media to stick to reporting relevant facts rather than the smallest of biographical details. They also recommend publishing images of the shooter in places that are not prominent, steering clear of hero poses or images showing them holding weapons, and not publishing any manifestos. We never say dont use the name. What we say is use the name responsibly and dont turn them into anti-heroes, Tom Teves said. Lets portray them for what they are: Theyre horrible human beings that are completely skewed in their perception of reality, and their one claim to fortune is sneaking up behind you and shooting you. Copyright 2019 The Washington Times, LLC. | https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/mar/17/growing-movement-calls-on-media-to-avoid-naming-sh/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Front-TheWashingtonTimesAmericasNewspaper+%28Front+Page+-+The+Washington+Times%29 |
Could more intelligence sharing prevent attacks like the Christchurch shootings? | The United States and its closest allies have spent nearly two decades building an elaborate system to share intelligence about international terrorist groups, and it has become a key pillar of a global effort to thwart attacks. But theres no comparable arrangement for sharing intelligence about domestic terrorist organizations, including right-wing extremists like the one suspected in the killing of 49 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, according to current and former national security officials and counterterrorism experts. Governments generally see nationalist extremist groups as a problem for domestic law enforcement and security agencies to confront. In the United States, that responsibility falls principally to the FBI. But increasingly, nationalist groups in different countries are drawing inspiration from each other, uniting in common cause via social media, experts said. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the 28-year-old suspected gunman in Christchurch, posted a manifesto full of rage on Twitter in which he cited other right-wing extremists as his inspiration, among them Dylann Roof, who killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. Tarrant also had white supremacist slogans scrawled on weapons, according to video he took. The intelligence services of New Zealand and the United States along with those in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia enjoy a close working relationship. The so-called Five Eyes routinely share highly classified intelligence about al-Qaeda or the Islamic State, gleaned from their respective networks of surveillance systems and human spies. Some experts say the allies need to think about how they can turn their resources toward threats that may reside within their borders but arguably threaten their common security. With its mix of global inspiration and local action, far-right extremism has inspired killings inside the U.S. and every one of the Five Eyes, ranging from mass shootings and bombings to assassinations of political leaders, said P.W. Singer, a counterterrorism researcher and strategist at New America, a think tank in Washington. The sad events in New Zealand illustrate why we have to have the political bravery to stop ignoring what is a real terrorist threat that has killed more Americans than even ISIS. Current and former officials said that if the U.S. had intelligence about an imminent attack by domestic radicals in another country, it would quickly alert authorities there. But as a routine matter, the countries intelligence services are not exchanging information. Officials in the Five Eyes countries do discuss the rise of nationalist groups, but the topic doesnt feature nearly as prominently as threats from transnational organizations, said Nicholas J. Rasmussen, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center. We talked about it in terms of how the process of radicalization in various forms of extremist groups compares to each other but not in the context of specific cases or intelligence exchanges, he said. The Christchurch shooting may lead officials to reconsider that approach. In my own view, it is worth exploring whether and how much overseas collaboration and cooperation takes place between individuals and groups involved in domestic extremism and terrorism activities in each of our countries, because there is clearly an alignment of ideological views and agendas between at least some of these subjects, Rasmussen said. At least in the United States, sharing information about individual suspects would be complicated by privacy law and regulations that restrict what U.S. intelligence agencies can collect about citizens and permanent residents in the country. But the Five Eyes countries are collecting information that speaks to trends, including how nationalists are becoming radicalized, the common grievances they share and the methods theyre using to communicate when they do try to forge alliances. That information, experts said, could be shared more easily among nations with an eye toward improving their efforts to prevent attacks and, in the long run, counter radical ideologies and stop susceptible people from joining the ranks of militant groups. These groups are obviously learning from each other, said Joshua Geltzer, who served as the senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council staff during the Obama administration. He said that the U.S. is not likely to know as much about domestic radical groups in New Zealand as the island countrys security services do, so on a practical level there may not be much tactical intelligence to share. But countries talk to each other about the broader trends theyre seeing, including how domestic radicals are learning from each other, who they cite as their inspiration and where they are congregating online, Geltzer said. That effort may face resistance from President Donald Trump, who has downplayed the threat from white nationalism in the U.S. and abroad. I think its a small group of people that have very, very serious problems. Its certainly a terrible thing, Trump said during an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office on Friday. The president said he hadnt seen the suspected shooters manifesto, which named Trump as inspiration for white identity ideology. Former U.S. officials said the Trump administration should prioritize restoring positions and task forces that were trying to address the domestic terrorism threat until they were sidelined after he took office. This attack should have us asking ourselves whether or not we have a sufficient whole-of-government approach to this evolving terrorism threat, said Lisa Monaco, who served as the homeland security adviser to President Barack Obama. In the Trump White House, that official no longer reports directly to the president. We dont have a clear domestic lead in our federal government for these issues, Monaco said. Rasmussen said concerns about violating Americans privacy should not be a permanent obstacle to increasing collaboration among the Five Eyes countries. We may need to address this constraint, much as we over the years became more comfortable sharing such information on U.S. persons who were the subjects of international terrorism concern, he said. We probably dont know what we dont know in terms of some of these international connections among domestic groups, Rasmussen added. And we wont know until we share more information with our trusted partners in order to see what they know. | https://nationalpost.com/news/world/could-more-intelligence-sharing-prevent-attacks-like-the-christchurch-shootings |
Is President Trump right about the effects of the Democrats' Green New Deal? | CLOSE President Trump has said that the progressive initiative called the Green New Deal will eliminate cars, air travel and ... cows. William Flannigan and Annalee Monroe, Arizona Republic MEDIA: Speech WHO SAID IT: President Donald Trump THE COMMENT: "Their plan would remove every gas-powered car from American roads. Oh, that's not so bad. So tell people, no more cars. No more cars. I think the auto industry is not going to do too well under this plan. ... It would end air travel. But you'll get on a train, don't worry about it. You just have to cross off about 95 percent of the world." "I really don't like their policy of taking away your car, of taking away your airplane rights, of 'Let's hop a train to California,' of 'You're not allowed to own cows anymore'!" FORUM: March 2 speech at Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., and Feb. 11 campaign rally in El Paso, Texas. OUR FINDING: Two stars, Somewhat true/somewhat false The Green New Deal has stirred a national debate with its far-reaching climate and social proposals. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey, D- Mass., unveiled the 14-page non-binding resolution in February. During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on March 2, President Donald Trump said the resolution would take away certain privileges and property, including non-electric cars and travel by airplane. At an earlier campaign rally in El Paso on Feb. 11 he also claimed the Green New Deal outlaw ownership of cows. CLOSE President Donald Trump is ripping a proposal that some Democrats have embraced to curb global warming. Trump, at a rally in El Paso, Texas, claimed that the "Green New Deal" would shut down American energy and air travel. (Feb. 12) AP Climate change worries The primary focus of the Green New Deal resolution is climate change. The text cites an October 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a research group within the United Nations, which found: Human activity is the dominant cause of climate change in the past century, and A global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius or more will cause "severe impacts" to global communities and the environment. The UN report said that global temperatures must be kept under a 1.5 degrees Celsius increase. It recommended two things: global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 40 percent to 60 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and net-zero global emissions by 2050. The resolution argues that because the United States emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014, "the United States must take a leading role in reducing emissions through economic transformation." Goal: net-zero emissions One of the Green New Deal's five primary goals is "to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions" within 10 years. Net-zero means that total pollution released is balanced out by pollution removed or sequestered each year. To reach the goal, the text lists a variety of things that would change the electricity, transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors in the United States. One section states the Green New Deal hopes "to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector as much as is technologically feasible." It states the government would invest in "zero-emission vehicles, clean and affordable public transit," and high-speed rail as part of this goal. Another section requires working with farmers and ranchers "to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible" while also supporting family farming, investing in sustainable land use practices, and "building a more sustainable food system." The resolution text does not explicitly call for the elimination of cows, airplanes, or cars. NEWSLETTERS Get the AZ Memo newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong Get the pulse of Arizona -- Local news, in-depth state coverage and what it all means for you Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-332-6733. Delivery: Mon-Fri Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for AZ Memo Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. More newsletters An FAQ document stirs controversy His ideas likely come from a different document published and later retracted by Ocasio-Cortez's office. The document was a Frequently Asked Questions paper. It was circulated to media outlets and published on the congresswoman's website on Feb. 7, the same day Ocasio-Cortez introduced the resolution. Passages taken from the document raised eyebrows (emphasis added): " We set a goal to net-zero, rather than zero emissions, in 10 years because we aren't sure that we'll be able to fully get rid of farting cows and airplanes that fast, but we think we can ramp up renewable manufacturing and power production, retrofit every building in America, build the smart grid, overhaul transportation and agriculture, plant lots of trees and restore our ecosystem to get to net zero." but we think we can ramp up renewable manufacturing and power production, retrofit every building in America, build the smart grid, overhaul transportation and agriculture, plant lots of trees and restore our ecosystem to get to net zero." Under infrastructure and industrial projects: "Totally overhaul transportation by massively expanding electric vehicle manufacturing, build charging stations everywhere, build out high-speed rail at a scale where air travel stops becoming necessary, create affordable public transit, with a goal to replace every combustion-engine vehicle. These policy ideas were not found in the official resolution, leading to debate about what exactly the Green New Deal proposed. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, right, announce the Green New Deal legislation on Feb. 7, 2019. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) 'Mistakes happen' The congresswoman and her staff were forced to clarify the document after intense criticism. "It's literally clearly irony," Ocasio-Cortez spokesman Corbin Trent told the Washington Post, referring to the sentence about cow flatulence and airplanes. Her staff eventually walked back on the FAQ. They claimed there were multiple draft versions that were circulated and cited an unorganized process. "There is an early draft of a FAQ that was clearly unfinished and that doesn't represent the GND resolution (that) got published to the website by mistake." Saikat Chakrbarti, chief-of-staff to Ocasio-Cortez, wrote on Twitter. "There were multiple iterations, brainstorming docs, FAQs etc. that we shared. Some of these early drafts got leaked. Mistakes happen when doing time (sic) launches like this coordinating multiple groups and collaborators," Chakrabarti said. The continuing backlash over the document eventually led staff to remove the FAQ altogether from the congresswoman's website. Ocasio-Cortez later emphasized on Twitter that the official text is what the public should analyze. "The real one is our submitted resolution, H.Res 109," she wrote. "When I talk about the GND, this is what I'm referring to nothing else." After the public relations tumble, some Democratic members distanced themselves from the FAQ. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., stands by the official resolution text, according to a spokesperson. Grijalva is one of 89 co-sponsors of the Green New Deal in the House. "Rep. Grijalva has always derived his support from the text in the official resolution," the spokesperson wrote in an email. He also pointed to the colloquial language of the FAQ. "(They) seemed pretty sarcastic in their mentions of 'getting rid of farting cows," he wrote. Republicans pounce Nonetheless, some critics say that the FAQ, despite its retraction, should receive public scrutiny. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R- Ark., said he believed the document was too quickly disregarded. "I understand the Democrats that proposed this immediately tried to retract that white paper that went along with their resolution," Cotton said on the Hugh Hewitt Show, a conservative radio program. "And too many people in the media have been complicit in the Stalin-like or '1984' technique of disappearing (the FAQ), sending it down the memory hole." "But this is where (the Democrats') heart lies," he said. "They believe that Americans driving around in trucks on farms, or commuting from the suburbs where they can have a decent home into the city to work are a fundamental threat to the world. They have to have the power and the control of those Americans' lives to implement their radical vision for humanity." Cotton also said he doesn't believe Ocasio-Cortez's disavowal of the FAQ. "Look, this is a classic example of a gaffe being when you say what you really mean," he said. Though Ocasio-Cortez has disowned the specifics of the FAQ, the document raises a question of what kind of policies the Green New Deal would usher in to address climate change. Data suggests that even lofty proposals such as eliminating cars and cow farts would only make a small dent in tackling emissions. According to the most recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States released 6,510million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2016. Carbon dioxide made up the majority, with 5,310 million metric tons released. Meanwhile, gasoline and diesel fuel vehicles emitted an average 1,549 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. So, if all combustion-engine vehicles were eliminated in the U.S, 3,761 million metric tons of carbon dioxide would still remain. Cattle farts and burps, on the other hand, release methane gas. The EPA reported that 657 million metric tons of methane were released in 2016. Of this, cow flatulence and burps accounted for 121 million metric tons. Consequently, if cows were eliminated in the U.S., 536 million metric tons of methane would still remain. Researchers and supporters are hopeful Regardless of the uphill battle, climate researchers have argued that lofty proposals are necessary to address global warming. Some believe the Green New Deal is a good start. "Because of the rapid rate of (climate) change from human activity, we must consider larger, transformative changes," said Dave White, professor at Arizona State University's School of Community Resources and Development. "Climate change represents a significant risk and it exacerbates other risks that are dangerous." White was a co-author of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive study published annually by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a research group that studies the global environment and climate change. "We need solutions that match the scale of the problem," he said. "People underestimate the action needed, not only to reverse, but just to stop the increasing greenhouse gas emissions." White said the Green New Deal offers innovative ideas, but that he does not believe things like air travel, cows, and cars would have to be eliminated. "If we focus on the outcome, which is reducing emissions, we need to implement innovative projects to reach those goals," White said. No, it means making air travel with less pollution. It also doesn't mean getting rid of cars, but making cars with more green technology." "I personally see (the Green New Deal) as a goalpost," he said. "The coalition who wrote it has put out a goal post. They put out something that will spark debate, bring people on board and get people talking." Some supporters would agree; they have said the Green New Deal should be considered a framework. "We must discuss bold policy solutions. While a resolution does not take direct action, in this instance, it provides an important context to guide policy," resolution co-sponsor Grijalva said in an email statement. "(It) serves the purpose of starting the very serious conversation we need to have about how our country combats climate change," he said. Bottom line The Green New Deal resolution itself does not call for eliminating cows, cars, or air travel. Those ideas originated from Ocasio-Cortez's office and a document that contained language not found in the official resolution. However, some critics have said the FAQ reveals the real priorities of the Green New Deal. The official resolution does not specifically take away any rights, property or privilege, though it does outline broad goals to curb greenhouse gases and reach net-zero emissions. Reaching those goals would require significant changes to all the sectors of the national economy. Data shows that even eliminating cows and cars would make a small dent in total emissions released each year. Still, climate researchers have said that global warming poses a significant risk and that ambitious proposals are necessary. As for now, the Green New Deal is a non-binding resolution. SOURCES: Video, President Trump at Conservative Political Action Conference, March 2; Video, President Trump Rally in El Paso, Texas, Feb. 11; Text of H.Res.109, Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal; Green New Deal FAQ, published by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Feb. 7; Feb, 9 Twitter thread by @AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Feb. 9 Twitter thread by @saikatc, Saikat Chakrabarti; "What's actually in the Green New Deal from Democrats?" "; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Explorer; EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2016; "United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius Special Report, October 2018; Feb. 11 Audio, Sen. Tom Cotton on the Hugh Hewitt Show; Phone interview with Prof. David White, Feb. 12; Email statement from Rep. Raul Grijalva, Feb. 11. 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Whats it like to administer life-saving naloxone? | CALGARYAs the number of people overdosing on opioids in Alberta rises, front-line workers respond to calls daily, administering life-saving naloxone. In Calgary, the Drop-in Centre made headlines when it reported a 300 per cent increase in overdose preventions during the first few months of 2019, compared to the same period last year. Staff members have responded to 43 overdoses, compared to 14 last year, and the spike is taking a mental toll on them, said executive director Sandra Clarkson. She has noticed an increase in absenteeism and sick days, and is considering hiring a second trauma counsellor to support the staff. A disposal bin for needles hangs outside the Calgary Alpha House Society. Three people on the front line of the opioid crisis in Alberta are sharing what theyve learned about the people theyve treated with naloxone. ( Christina Ryan / Star Calgary ) Clarkson would also like a nurse on staff 24/7 instead of just during the day, but said that would cost an additional $300,000, which the centre doesnt currently have. Were going to do everything we can to make sure our staff are supported, she said. Nobody could have anticipated the number of overdoses that weve been experiencing. But the centres staff members are far from alone. In Calgary and Edmonton, three people on the front line of the opioid crisis in Alberta shared what theyve learned about the people theyve treated with naloxone, and what its like to administer the life-saving treatment. Article Continued Below Rebecca Lane is the shelter team lead at the Alpha House Society in downtown Calgary. Lane inspects a naloxone kit at the shelter on March 14, 2019. ( Christina Ryan ) Rebecca Lane has been working at Calgarys Alpha House for close to 11 years. She works full-time as a team lead at their downtown shelter, and is also taking online social work classes. Lane learned how to use naloxone in 2013. At the time, she was working in a permanent supportive housing building and the agency had decided to be proactive in training staff to use the kits. Three years later, she had the chance to use her training. But it had been a while, and with adrenalin pumping through her veins, she forgot a crucial step. It was intimidating. I mean, when youre watching someones life slip away in front of you You feel this urgency, she said. In the moment, adrenalin going, I was freaking out, and I forgot you have to add air into the vial. Luckily, someone was there to step in and revive the person as Lane looked on. Since then, Lane estimates she has administered naloxone 30 to 40 times at Alpha House. All staff members are trained to do it, and all team leads are capable of training others, she said. On their downtime, shell see staff practising the steps, strengthening the muscle memory they rely on when panic sets in. The process is written into Lanes body now, she says. First, you check the persons response to stimuli, such as a tap on the shoulder or their name being called. Then you check to see if theyre breathing, taking steps to ventilate their airway. You pull out the naloxone kit and give them an injection in the thigh. In every case, another team member is calling emergency services, while someone else has 911 on the line. Article Continued Below Some people will revive after one dose, says Lane. In other cases, youll need more. Its all dependent on the person and how quickly youve caught the overdose, and how much theyve taken, the potency of what theyve taken, Lane said. Because with a lot of the drugs that are on the street, you never know what youre getting. Shes talking about fentanyl, a volatile drug thats making its way into a variety of street drugs. One dose could have enough toxicity to kill 10 people, or just enough to get you high. Theres no way of knowing, and thats one reason centres like Alpha House have been seeing an increase in overdoses over the past few years. Lane hasnt had to pass the naloxone kit to someone else since that adrenalin-filled first time. In the moment, she says she focuses on whats important and gets the job done, relying on her muscle memory. I just remind myself once again, like, this is somebodys family member in this moment, I need to make sure that Im doing everything that I can to make sure that this person still has another chance to make a change to their life, to go back to their family, she said. Through it all, Alpha House staff have access to a variety of supports to help them decompress after a particularly rough day. Lane admits the job is a difficult one, but after 11 years, she feels like she has seen it all. I have a passion for the work that I do, and thats what keeps me coming back, she said. She considers herself part of the family that Alpha House clients have made among themselves, and cant imagine ever leaving. Family isnt always about blood. Sometimes its about circumstance. And right here, its one big family, she said. Lane is a big advocate for self-care, and she makes an effort to leave her work behind when she leaves at the end of the day. Self-care is one of the most crucial things that someone in this line of work needs to do for themselves, she said. She gestured with her hands to indicate shiny chrome nails, something she does as part of taking time for herself. Lane says she cares deeply about the people she sees every day, which makes saving their lives in the event of an overdose all the more important to her. She sees them at their most vulnerable, and gains trust from people who trust almost no one. Alpha House is a judgment-free zone, she says, and she wishes more people could suspend their judgment and feel the compassion she does. This is somebodys son, somebodys daughter, somebodys mother, somebodys father, she said. We dont know what brought them here. We dont know the trauma theyve been through, the life circumstances that have led them to this door. I dont think anyone has the right to judge another human being, she added. I was always raised (that) the only time you should be looking down on someone is if youre helping them up. Scott Gudbranson, who works as drop-in support, is photographed at Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton on Thursday, March 14, 2019. ( Codie McLachlan ) Scott Gudbranson has worked for Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton for 20 years. However, he transferred from a youth home to the downtown drop-in centre around a year ago. There, his job drastically changed. Less than a month into his new position, Gudbranson witnessed his first overdose. He hadnt been trained to use naloxone yet. A nurse was quickly called to revive the person as Gudbranson looked on. His face was all grey and his lips were blue, and it was kind of a scary sight at first, said Gudbranson. I did kind of panic a little bit. It was my first time dealing with something like this. After it was over, Gudbranson said he received plenty of support from his co-workers and his naloxone training about 10 minutes later. He used it for the first time a couple of weeks later, and estimates he has used it seven or eight times since. I was a little nervous. I was kind of shaking, he said of that first time. But with the 911 operator and a nurse watching over him, My confidence grew and we were able to save the person, he said. In the moment, Gudbranson says his crisis mind takes over. Its afterwards that the gravity of the situation hits you, he says, and thats when support is needed most. The first couple of times that I had to deal with an overdose my brain was working overtime, he said. I went home and I hugged my kids. When faced with an overdose, he says its important to pause and take stock of yourself before proceeding. If you cant handle the situation, theres always someone there to step in. Take a couple of deep breaths clear your head and focus on what it is that you need to do, he said. Like Lane, Gudbranson says caring about the people he helps every day is what brings him back. You probably couldnt do this very well if you didnt care, he said, echoing Lanes refrain. Theyre somebodys family. Theyre somebodys son, theyre somebodys daughter, theyre somebodys brother somebody somewhere cares about them. And thats what were here for. Kelly Blain is an advocate and educator for Change the Face of Addiction in Calgary. Her son died after an overdose. She is pictured in her home in Calgary on March 14, 2019. ( Christina Ryan ) Kelly Blain has only administered naloxone once, but it was an experience that will never leave her. She learned to inject naloxone at the hospital while her son Jamie was recovering in a bed nearby. Jamie and his identical twin Jordan were similar in many ways, athletic and friendly, said Blain. But Jamie had a wider range of emotions, was prone to anxiety, and was exposed to opioids multiple times while in the hospital for sports injuries and surgeries. He also suffered several concussions. The combination of these factors led him to become addicted to opioids, she said. What followed was a frustrating cycle as her son tried to get the help he needed, whether it was a detox facility or a replacement treatment like suboxone or just the support he needed to keep going, she said. When my son could barely put one foot in front of the other, it was almost as if he was asked to jump through nine hoops to get the care that he needed and that he wanted and that he deserved, she said. One night, when Jamie was in the hospital recovering from an overdose, he was sent home with Blain. She could tell he was suffering psychosis, she said, but the nurse dismissed her concerns and so she took her son home. Jamie was normally careful, very aware of his limits, especially after an overdose, said Blain. But through the psychosis, Jamie was unaware he had just left the hospital, and he used. Blain checked on her son and found him slumped over, blue in the face. I yelled his name, I shook him, I pounded on his chest, and he wouldnt respond, she said. So I grabbed the naloxone kit that was in his room, I grabbed my phone and I called 911. Blain said Jamie looked dead, and the reality that she needed to save his life hit her, hard. It was terrifying. It was like every scary thing that I have ever had happen to me hit me in the gut all at once, she said. It was up to me to make sure he survived. That was in December 2016. In May 2017, at 25 years old, Jamie ended up at his grandparents house after a relapse. He was applying to treatment centres, and one night, he called his mother to talk. Blain said he sounded defeated, tired of jumping through hoops to try to get treatment. She told him he loved him. The next day, Jamies twin brother called to tell her he had died of an overdose during the night. Now, Blain works with Change the Face of Addiction, an organization in Calgary working to dispel the stigma Blain says her son faced as he dealt with his disorder of addiction. We were fighting for him. We were advocating for him, she said. Im honouring his life by continuing to do his work and just to advocate for the change that we so badly need. Like Lane and Gudbranson, Blain said she wishes people saw what she sees that people struggling with addictions are somebodys family. She said shes tired of hearing people talk about those who suffer with addiction as an other, as less deserving of medical attention or beyond help. Jamie was a radiant soul. He was a fantastic human being, she said. This is a huge reason why Im doing this work ... to really get rid of this stigma, because its a huge barrier. Rosa Saba is a reporter/photographer with Star Calgary. Follow her on Twitter: @rosajsaba Read more about: | https://www.thestar.com/calgary/2019/03/17/whats-it-like-to-administer-life-saving-naloxone.html |
Can I Deduct That As A Business Expense? | I work with many business owners and by far, the most commonly asked question I get is, Can I deduct that as a business expense? As with all good tax law questions, it depends on a lot of factors the type of expense, the type of business that you have and whether you can verify the purpose behind the expenses. Here are some guidelines to help you decide whether the type of expense you want to deduct may work for your business. Ordinary and necessary When thinking about any business expense, I like to start with two words ordinary and necessary. These two words are at the center of how the IRS defines a business expense. But they may not mean what you think they do. Ordinary in this context means the type of expense that a business like yours would normally take. For example, its common and accepted for tax preparers to have to pay for software, malpractice insurance and continuing education. Because these are common and accepted in the profession, they are considered ordinary expenses. However, this point can get very business specific. Its not ordinary for tax preparers to deduct breast implants as a business deduction. Its another story. Thus my tax preparation business wouldnt be able to deduct that expense, but a stripper at the club in the city might. The other part of the equation is necessary. Im still not sure why the IRS uses this particular word since in this case it means helpful and appropriate for your trade or business, rather than mandatory or required as one might normally think necessary means. In any case, as long as its helpful, you can consider it a business expense. If your expense fits these two criteria, you are 95% of the way to deduct that expense . However, there are a couple of caveats, which I will discuss later on. Some common expenses Industries aside, many businesses deduct a lot of the same type of expenses. Here are some of the common ones. Travel You can deduct expenses for traveling away from home for your business. That transportation includes airplanes, trains or automobiles. Additionally, you can expense taxies, Lyfts or Ubers to and from the airport or your hotel and work location. You can also claim baggage and shipping fees, lodging and meals and much more. (See Publication 463 for additional examples.) The key here is determining your tax home, which is different from your family home. In general, your tax home is your main place of business. If you don't have a regular or main place of business due to your type of work, then your tax home is the place where you regularly live. This can get a little complicated, so if youre at all unsure of your tax home, its best to check with your tax professional. This expense occurs often enough that I want to give it its own consideration. As with other travel expenses, you must be traveling for business. Additionally, you cant deduct ordinary commuting from your family home to your place of business. You can deduct your actual expenses (gas, repairs, maintenance) or take the standard deduction, which is based on the miles that you drive (which is 58 cents/mile for 2019). You can also include tolls, parking and also rental cars that are used for business. If youre taking this expense for the first time, note that if you take actual expenses your first year, youre stuck with taking actual expenses for the life of your vehicle. However, if you take the standard deduction your first year, youre allowed to switch back and forth. (Yet another weird intricacy in the world of the IRS.) Business use of home Deducting a home office is another area where a two-word phrase comes in handy exclusively and regularly. The space has to be used exclusively as a business space and regularly. Unlike ordinary and necessary, these words mean exactly you think they do. The space just has to be an office space and it has to be space that you use regularly. You can find more detail about this deduction here. Some other commons ones: Employee and contractor pay You can deduct what you pay for people that help you in your venture, whether they are a W-2 employee s or independent contractor s . You can deduct what you pay for people that help you in your venture, whether they are a W-2 employee or independent contractor . Insurance Y ou can deduct insurance that is necessary for your job , such as liability, E&O insurance or essential employee insurance. However, you cant deduct disability insurance for lost wages . Thats a personal expense, not a business expense (more on this later). ou can deduct insurance that is necessary for your job liability, E&O insurance or essential employee insurance. However, you cant deduct disability insurance for lost wages a personal expense, not business (more on this later). Retirement plans Contributions to retirement plans like solo 401k s , SEP s or SIMPLE IRA s are deductible, whether youre contributing on your own behalf or for your employees. solo 401k , SEP or SIMPLE IRA Office expenses Save your receipts for software, pencils, paper, tissue etc. You can deduct any of these supplies from your bottom line. software, pencils, paper, tissue etc. your bottom line. Interest and fees I f youre paying interest and fees on money that you borrowed you can deduct that too. Those are just the most common business expenses. There are lots of others. If youre starting a business for the first time, I suggest looking over a Schedule C and reading the instructions to get a sense of what you can and cant take. Some pitfalls to avoid So far, youre probably thinking that deducting business expenses is easy. But there are some issues that can cause huge problems. Here are three important pitfalls to avoid when thinking about deducting business expenses. You have to have a business I know this may sound a bit obvious, but its not so far fetched for people to try to take business expenses while not having a business. In fact, before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, you could deduct some work-related expenses even as an employee. That deduction is gone for the time being, but it may come back after 2025. For the most part, the IRS focuses on intent when considering whether something is a business venture. The IRS presumes that your activity is a hobby rather than a business if it hasnt made a profit in three of the last five years (this is known as the hobby-loss rule). The presumption can be overcome, but if its not, all of the losses of the hobby will be capped at the hobby income. You cant take personal expenses Even if you have a business, you still cant deduct any type of personal expense. These expenses include any type of personal, living or family expenses. For example, while childcare is likely common and helpful for any business, its considered a personal expense and non-deductible. The same goes with the premiums you pay for your disability and life insurance that I mentioned above. If you have an expense say travel or utilities that is both business and personal, the IRS asks that you divide the costs within personal and business parts. So if you are using your cell phone for business and personal calls, you can split it between what you reasonably think could be business use and personal use (say 70/30). Some expenses you cant deduct all at once There are some expenses that you cant deduct all at once because they are what the IRS considers capital expenses. Youre investing in your business when you buy furniture, computers, buildings or other large items. Youre also making a long-term investment when you cover start-up costs and improvements on your business facility. Because youll use them over multiple years, the IRS asks you to spread your deduction for them over multiple years as well. As a result, these expenses are taken over a specific amount of years, depending on the type of expense. Those had to be depreciated. If you have questions about this, make sure to ask your tax preparer to go over your depreciation schedule with you. I hope youve found this summary helpful. As always, its best to make sure to learn the fundamentals and then seek out trusted advisors to help you navigate the details. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianthompson1/2019/03/17/can-i-deduct-that-as-a-business-expense/ |
Should the death penalty be outlawed? | The 360 is a feature designed to show you diverse perspectives on the days top stories. Speed read Who, when and where: California Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 13 issued an executive order that grants reprieves to 737 inmates on the states death row, the nations largest. Newsom doesnt have the power to overturn Californias death penalty law, but the order prevents executions while he is governor. What: While California has not executed anyone since 2006, Newsom said he acted because 25 inmates have exhausted their appeals. Prison officials symbolically removed equipment from the states never-used $853,000 execution chamber after the order. The governors move has drawn a range of reactions, including from President Trump, who said he is not thrilled. Marc Klaas, whose 12-year-old daughter Polly was murdered in a well-known 1993 case, argued that Newsom was defending the worst dregs of our society. However, Aba Gayle, whose teen daughter Catherine Blount was killed in 1980, said, An execution is a state-sanctioned, premeditated murder dont do that in my name, and definitely dont do that in Catherines name. Other critics say his move undermines the will of California voters. Why: The governor defended his decision: Its a very emotional place that I stand. This is about who I am as a human being, this is about what I can or cannot do. To me, this is the right thing to do. No death row inmates will be released, and Newsom said he has met with dozens of victims families. To the victims, all I can say is we owe you, and we need to do more and do better. But we cannot advance the death penalty in an effort to try to soften the blow of what happened. Whats next: Along with the moratorium, Newsom said he is considering commuting death sentences. The governor needs state Supreme Court approval to pardon or commute the sentence of anyone twice convicted of a felony, a restriction that applies to more than half of condemned inmates. Fellow Democratic lawmakers introduced an amendment to repeal the death penalty, a move that could put the issue on the 2020 ballot. While the governor has constitutional power to grant reprieves, opponents could mount a legal challenge to his action. And a future governor could reverse the moratorium. Newsom faces backlash from some Republicans, law-enforcement groups and victims-rights organizations. The issue is politically charged, with California voters supporting capital punishment in 2012 and 2016, when they voted to shorten appeal time for executions. A new poll finds that most state residents still support the death penalty. Perspectives The death penalty is dysfunctional, barbaric and expensive, and Newsoms moratorium is a cue that it should end. In due time, this growing chorus against a system of punishment that has been shown to be discriminatory, prone to error and ineffective as a crime-fighting tool should spell its demise once and for all. New York Times editorial board Cheering progressives should remember death row is filled with killers, not martyrs. They received only passing mention from the governor after he announced his reprieve and, quite frankly, this is a weakness in the progressive movement the inability to acknowledge that some convicted death row inmates really are guilty, some really did commit heinous acts. Some really arent worthy of sanctification for the purposes of making anti-death penalty arguments. Marcos Breton, Sacramento Bee Newsom is acting against California law Section 1 of the Executive article within the California constitution holds that the Governor shall see that the law is faithfully executed. By issuing his order, Newsom is flatly refusing to do that, and in so doing he is engaging in precisely the sort of legal sophistry, political norm-breaking, and rank contempt for democracy (and juries) about which we are all supposed to be so alarmed. Irrespective of their views on the death penalty, those who cherish separation of powers and the rule of law should refuse to applaud this move. Charles C.W. Cooke, National Review And undermining the will of the states voters In California, the people have reserved a portion of the legislative power to themselves by direct vote, what we refer to as the initiative process. The people have voted on the capital punishment question 11 times since 1972. Every time they voted to retain, expand or expedite the death penalty. The people of California already have considered the death penalty opponents arguments and rejected them. The governor should respect their decision and respect democracy. Kent Scheidegger, San Francisco Chronicle | https://news.yahoo.com/death-penalty-outlawed-203116351.html |
How are the 6Nations teams shaping for the Rugby World Cup? | LONDON Wales, and not Ireland, will lead the northern hemispheres attempt to break the southern hemispheres dominance at the Rugby World Cup in Japan this year after sweeping the Six Nations. Wales used a favourable draw, notably home matches against title rivals Ireland and England, a terrific defence, and the confidence of coach Warren Gatland to grind through the championship and prevail. Gatland believed they will be ready to take a crack at winning the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Ireland started the championship as the defending champion and favourite but crumbled against England and Wales to finish third. But coach Joe Schmidt wasnt overly worried. We review the teams in the order they finished. WALES The team that couldnt get over the line in big, tight games has now forgotten how to lose. After 14 straight wins and a Grand Slam in the Six Nations, Wales has risen to No. 2 in the world its highest ever position in the rankings and is a genuine contender for the Rugby World Cup. The Welsh are running at peak efficiency and such is the strength of their mighty defence that they are always likely to be in a game, even if they arent playing their best. Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said after lifting the Six Nations trophy that there is plenty more to come. Jones, the only survivor from Gatlands first Grand Slam with Wales in 2008, remains the pillar of the team, his relentless work rate setting an example for his younger teammates. Strong at the basics and effective rather than scintillating, Wales shouldnt change a thing heading to Japan as thats its most likely route to the Webb Ellis Cup. Flanker Josh Navidi and flyhalf Gareth Anscombe are new members of the team who appear to have secured starting places at the World Cup through their performances in the Six Nations. Theres good depth in most positions. The rugby-mad Welsh are right to be getting excited. By Steve Douglas ENGLAND A bad 30 minutes against Wales, and an even worse 40 minutes against Scotland, undid most of the good work done by England in the Six Nations. Eddie Jones didnt hide his concern at the end of the tournament after England threw away a 31-0 lead before needing a last-gasp try to salvage a 38-38 draw against Scotland in the closing game. Jones said his players had problems with their mentality and that hell have to bring in the right help to fix it. Six months out from the Rugby World Cup, that has to be a worry. All is not lost, however. Englands strength in depth is impressive in many positions primarily at lock, front row, wing while the return of powerful centre Manu Tuilagi and emergence of winger Joe Cokanasiga gives Jones an X-factor behind the scrum. Few teams in Japan will overpower the English. But theres a frailty to the team when it is put under pressure and nowhere will that be shown up more than at a Rugby World Cup. Tom Curry and Mark Wilson had a decent Six Nations but they look to be a rung below the worlds best flankers. And can Billy Vunipola, pivotal for the team at No. There are as many questions as answers from the Six Nations. By Steve Douglas IRELAND They call it second album syndrome. The first album is a smash hit, and the follow-up isnt. Ireland knows the feeling. Rugbys best team of 2018 was close to those lofty standards in the Six Nations against only flaky France. Ireland was crushed by England and Wales, was the beneficiary of Scottish charity, and was lucky to beat Italy. Asked in Cardiff if opponents had figured out Irelands attack, coach Joe Schmidt said, Im not sure. Schmidt defended accusations during the championship his team didnt have a Plan B. Schmidt, not being his usual ruthless self, persisted with trying to play key halves Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton, coming back from injuries, into form but after five games they still werent there. Their lack of confidence affected the backline. Jacob Stockdale, player of the Six Nations last year with seven tries, scored only two this time. Too many others, notably forwards, were playing on reputation. Remarkably, Schmidt was upbeat about Ireland finishing third, where his team has also dropped in the world ranking, but his team appears to have peaked in 2018. On paper, Ireland is strong, experienced, and deep. But something is off. By June, the Irish will have been micromanaged by Schmidt for six years. He drilled into the Irish the tendencies of Wales flyhalf Gareth Anscombe, and yet his chip behind the defence wasnt covered in the first minute and Wales scored a try. Perhaps a new voice will be welcomed after the Rugby World Cup. In the meantime, Ireland will be hoping this is all part of another cunning Schmidt plan to peak for Japan. By Foster Niumata FRANCE France, a three-time Rugby World Cup finalist, looks like it will just be making up the numbers in Japan. Les Tricolores will be very much up against it in the same group as England and Argentina. A chaotic Six Nations campaign was perfectly summed up near the end of Saturdays lucky win in Italy. Officials asked Frances assistant coach if anyone could play hooker and contest a scrum. Eventually, startled prop Dany Priso was nominated while centre Mathieu Bastareaud propped up the back row. Jacques Brunel replaced the sacked Guy Noves to improve France, but has only five wins in 16 tests, and the team is still sliding. Missed tackles, casual errors, points recklessly conceded moments after scoring them, a painfully slow midfield, and a first-choice halves pairing ruthlessly dropped for speaking out were problems glaringly exposed. The teams confidence is worryingly low. While the 2019 Rugby World Cup looks too early for this team, the 2023 tournament could be perfectly timed. Out of the wreckage of this Six Nations, Brunel has deployed talent a team can build on, such as new halves Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, workhorse lock Felix Lambey and powerful right winger Damian Penaud. By Jerome Pugmire SCOTLAND Scotland regressed in the championship, and not just in the standings. The comeback against England was as much about England becoming complacent as Scotland deciding to limit its humiliation and show some pride. Even then, Scotland couldnt finish off. The lack of instinct to finish off chances and let others get on top has become a bad habit for the Scots. Plus, switching off in defence. Scotlands best period was the first hour against Italy, when it was in complete control. Then it conceded three tries. The Scots wasted matches against Ireland and France, both teams low on confidence, and undermined themselves against Wales. Their record away from home remains pitiful. They havent beaten anyone apart from Italy on the road in nine years. And to make the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, Scotland will have to go through host Japan. To be more than just a quarterfinals side, Scotland needs all of its best players. This Six Nations exposed Scotlands lack of depth, not surprising when it relies on only two professional teams. The starting XV was changed by seven by the end, but at various points Willem Nel, Sam Skinner, Finn Russell and Sam Johnson were injured and came back. The captaincy changed, too, but Greig Laidlaw makes a great backup to the more lively Ali Price. By Foster Niumata ITALY Italy finished bottom of the Six Nations for a fourth straight time, and for the 14th time since 2000. Its losing streak, at 22 since 2015, has become the championship record. And, yet, the Azzurri and coach Conor OShea had positives to grab on to. They led Ireland 16-12 at halftime and gave the visitor a major scare, and should have been out of sight against France but let that visitor escape as another winner. Wales was also relieved to get out of Rome with a win. Italy, as usual, played tough at home, but it will be far from home at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, where it will expect to beat Namibia and Canada in its pool, and give a good account against New Zealand and South Africa. Another impressive newcomer appeared in the Six Nations, centre Marco Zanon, who bombed two tries against France and surely wont make those mistakes again. But it will be veterans OShea will rely on, especially unrelenting captain Sergio Parisse. Another centurion, lock Alessandro Zanni, should be there, and OShea will be hopeful veteran hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini is available after he appeared to suffer a serious-looking knee injury against France. By Daniella Matar More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/APSports | https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/how-are-the-6nations-teams-shaping-for-the-rugby-world-cup |
Is an invisible weapon targeting U.S. diplomats? | Commerce Department trade officer Catherine Werner used to promote American business from the U.S. consulate in Guangzhou, China. Today she says she suffers from bouts of nausea, dizziness, and headaches. She says her sense of balance is off. Robyn Garfield, also a trade officer with the Commerce Department, was posted in Shanghai. Along with nausea, dizziness, and headaches, he says he has trouble remembering words. State Department security officer Mark Lenzi used to work in the consulate in Guangzhou. When he did, he said the splitting pain in his head was debilitating. He couldn't sleep. Something's wrong,'" he said. The three are among at least 15 American officials in China who say they suffered unexplained brain trauma after being attacked by a mysterious weapon. Previously, 26 Americans who worked in the U.S. embassy in Cuba said they also experienced an attack and have similar symptoms. This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Scott Pelley reports on the aftermath of the attacks. Producers Michael Rey and Oriana Zill de Granados worked with Pelley on the report for about a year, collecting evidence of what appears to be a hostile government's plan to target Americans abroad. In the video above, they told 60 Minutes Overtime's Ann Silvio they wanted to hear from the victims directly. State Department security officer Mark Lenzi worked in the U.S. consulate in Guangzhou, China. He says he and his wife began to suffer after hearing strange sounds in their apartment. Today, Lenzi wears prescribed glasses because sensitivity to light is among his persistent symptoms "It went from being a sort of James Bond spy thriller to being actual victimspeople who are really hurt, children who were hurt," Rey said. With so many unanswered questions, the producers say they approached the story with a sense of skepticism and concede there still may be a cause for the symptoms that they haven't yet considered. But they say they were very careful to verify everything they reportedand to be clear about what they don't know yet. "Their stories are incredibly compelling," Zill de Granados said. "And their medical records are incredibly compelling." Robyn and Britta Garfield say their family suffered an attack while Robyn, a trade officer with the Commerce Department, was posted in Shanghai. In addition to their symptoms, they say their children suffered blurred vision and loss of balance The government employees weren't the only ones targeted. Their spouses, children, and family pets also exhibited neurological symptoms after hearing strange sounds in their homes. While some reporting has claimed the victims were suffering from mass hysteria, not from some sort of attack, the producers say their own reporting doesn't back that up. "There are a lot of elements here that just discount the idea of this being mass hysteria," Zill de Granados said. In addition to the victims who were working in China, the 60 Minutes team also spoke with a diplomat who says she was attacked while working in Cuba. The producers say her description of the attack closely matches the stories they heard from the government employees in China. This diplomat asked 60 Minutes not to reveal her identity. She was stationed in Cuba, where she says she, too, was attacked. She now wants Americans to know what happened to their diplomats serving abroad The woman, who asked 60 Minutes not to reveal her name, is the first victim from Cuba to tell her story on camera. She told Pelley she wants Americans to know what happened to diplomats serving abroad. She also wants to encourage other people who were injured to come forward and seek treatment. "It's not something that you should have to live with and suffer through alone," she said. "So it's important for everyone to hear this." To watch Scott Pelley's 60 Minutes report on targeting Americans, click here. The video above was produced by Ann Silvio and Lisa Orlando. It was edited by Lisa Orlando and Sarah Shafer Prediger. | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-an-invisible-weapon-targeting-u-s-diplomats-60-minutes/ |
Have Sarri's Chelsea reached their mental limit? | Media playback is not supported on this device Second-half display 'worries' Blues boss Maurizio Sarri Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said after Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Everton that his team had reached a "limit" - and that could be true in more ways than one. The Italian was referring to the difference between his side's first-half performance, which he described as "probably the best 45 minutes of the season", and their second-half display, in which he suggested that a regularly occurring "mental block" occurred. But perhaps the limit could also apply to his managerial capabilities - after all this is not the first time the 60-year-old has referred to his team's temperament this season. And it may yet be the actual limit of Chelsea's Premier League top-four ambitions - which would mean they needed to win the Europa League to qualify for next season's Champions League. Faced with a crucial game in hand against Marco Silva's side, who had not beaten a top-six team since January 2017, the visitors capitulated in the second half at Goodison Park. It was a fourth away defeat in five games since the turn of the year - only Fulham have a worse record - and another example of Chelsea being unable to respond if they go behind. The loss leaves Sarri's side in sixth place in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, and facing difficult questions as to whether Sarri is the right man to snap them out of their funk. After a first half where Eden Hazard hit the post and Ross Barkley bossed midfield despite constant boos from his former team's supporters, Chelsea produced a second-half display that was inexplicable to Sarri, although Everton should be credited with a huge upturn in their performance. The worrying aspect for Chelsea fans is that, after seeing their side lose one of nine games over the course of 90 minutes since their 6-0 drubbing by Manchester City in February, their poor away form has come back to haunt them and Sarri seems incapable of turning it around. "It is difficult for the players to explain the change to me," the former Napoli manager said of the contrast in halves. "It is very difficult for me to explain the change to you. Probably it is a mental block, I think. "At the moment, this is our limit. If we are able to play like in the first half with consistency then we are in another position in the table. We have this problem because we lost a similar match at Wolverhampton [in December]. We lost again in this way, for us it is a big limit." Chelsea have been through 10 permanent managers since Roman Abramovich took over the club Sarri has previously been critical of his players' mentality this season, singling out Hazard at one point despite the Belgian having had a hand in 48% of Chelsea's Premier League goals. But the former investment banker rode out the headlines which said he was on the brink of getting sacked. And it seems he is likely to continue for the rest of the season, helped by a run to the Europa League quarter-finals, which, if they win the competition, would provide a backdoor route to the Champions League next season. In usual circumstances, Sarri would hope to get to the summer and then seek to add stronger characters to his squad to try to halt their mental slide in tougher matches. However, there is a huge stumbling block to that solution: Chelsea's two-year transfer ban, which the club are appealing against. Fortunately, he will have the services of 58m winger Christian Pulisic and 40 other players on loan to choose from. That is tempered by Hazard's potential departure to Real Madrid and the continuation of Bayern Munich's pursuit of teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who handed in a transfer request in January over a lack of playing time. It all leads to the question of whether it may be simpler to try another manager, who might be able to galvanise a team in ways that Sarri cannot. Chelsea have been through 10 permanent managers since Roman Abramovich took over the club. Top four not impossible - Sarri For now, those dilemmas remain in the future and Sarri has not given up hope. Asked if he was worried about his side's top-four hopes, he said: "If you are speaking about the second half you are right. If we play like the second half in the last eight matches then we are in trouble to arrive in the top four. "We need to recover only three points [to reach the top four] so I think it's not impossible. I am worried about our mentality but if we play 90 minutes for eight matches like the first half then we can do everything." Sarri might be buoyed by Chelsea's first-half display, which was impressive, but the crucial aspect was they did not score. He preferred to start his January signing Gonzalo Higuain, who returned from illness, instead of Olivier Giroud, who scored a midweek Europa League hat-trick against Dynamo Kiev. As former Tottenham and England winger Chris Waddle said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Chelsea have only got themselves to blame. They play some wonderful football but they try to score the perfect goal at times instead of putting the ball in the net." Whether it is team selections, tactics, mentality or results, there are still plenty of conundrums and time is running out for Sarri to prove he can solve them before the end of the season. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47605978 |
What time, TV channel is Oregon basketballs first game of NCAA Tournament? | EUGENE The game time and television network are set for Oregon basketballs first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. No. 12 seed Oregon (23-12) will play No. 5 seed Wisconsin (23-10) at approximately 1:30 p.m. PT Friday in San Jose, Calif. on TBS. Spero Dedes, Len Elmore, Steve Smith and Ros Gold-Onwude will be on the call for the game, which will begin roughly 30 minutes after the conclusion of the earlier game. If Oregon wins, it will face the winner of the No. 4 seed Kansas State (25-8) and No. 13 seed UC-Irvine (30-5), who play at 11 a.m. Friday, on Sunday. | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2019/03/what-time-tv-channel-is-oregon-basketballs-first-game-of-ncaa-tournament.html |
Can legal weed ever beat the black market? | Even in Canada and some US states where marijuana is legal, the illegal market remains a tenacious competitor One big reason to legalize cannabis is to wrest the market away from criminal enterprises and tax the proceeds. But in Canada and the US states where weed is legal, the illegal market has proven to be a tenacious competitor and its likely to remain so for years. Take California, the largest and most complex of the legal US markets. Here underground sales can be divided into two broad categories: the illegal or black market includes everyone growing and manufacturing products for export out of state, which is always against the law. The so-called gray market refers to companies that continue to operate in California even though they either cant or dont want to go through the time and expense to acquire licenses. Weedmaps: why 'Yelp for pot' is under fire for its Silicon Valley attitude Read more For licensed businesses trying to follow the rules, Californias gray market presents the bigger problem. Because these companies dont adhere to the complex regulations covering everything from security to product testing, they can undersell their law-abiding counterparts by up to 50%, according to Bryce Berryessa, the president of the licensed California cannabis company La Vida Verde. In much of the state, gray-market companies operate in plain sight, and its not necessarily clear to customers whether a store is legal or not. Weedmaps, a popular online dispensary locator, doesnt distinguish between licensed and unlicensed dispensaries nor do mainstream sites like Google and Yelp. Gray market dispensaries and delivery services also stock counterfeit products, which are packaged to mimic the best known legal brands. (Consumers who want to be certain they are shopping at a legal dispensary can check on the state regulators website.) To combat the illegal market and foster legal businesses, Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, said last month he would be sending national guard troops into northern Californias cannabis-growing regions. There have been crackdowns on unlicensed dispensaries as well, though legal businesses have called for more. Lawmakers have also proposed lowering marijuana taxes so legal businesses can compete against the gray market. Facebook Twitter Pinterest On the east coast, where the gray market isnt as pervasive, states need to set taxes at a level that wont send users back to their dealers. Illustration: George Wylesol/The Guardian But neither of these proposals address what could be the most significant problem for legitimate businesses: while California has legalized marijuana sales to all adults, most jurisdictions in the state do not yet allow marijuana businesses. This in effect forces millions of customers to shop on the gray market. Hundreds if not thousands of companies who intend to shift into the legal market are forced to participate in the [gray market] infrastructure that has been in place for decades, Berryessa said. In January 2018, the month Californias adult market opened, he says, there were about 200 fully legal pot shops in California, compared with roughly 4,000 gray market dispensaries. Unlicensed businesses have continued to thrive in other markets as well. Canadas gray market has capitalized on rolling supply shortages. In Oregon, where there is a glut of product, growers offload their crop on to the illegal market, sometimes referred to as the traditional or free market. As legalization becomes more widespread and more corporatized, it seems likely that the black and gray markets will recede, though many law-abiding businesses are likely to go under in the meantime. Absent a mandate from the state capital in Sacramento, every city in California can legalize marijuana businesses on its own timeline. The resulting uncertainty nourishes the gray market. Read more In states currently figuring out how to regulate the drug, striking a balance to encourage consumers to shop at legal businesses has become a key priority. On the east coast, where the gray market isnt as pervasive, states need to set taxes at a level that wont send users back to their dealers. Two recent reports in New York warned that a high tax rate could hamstring the industry before even getting off the ground, according to Neil Willner, a lawyer with the firm Wilson Elser. The governors of New York and New Jersey want to legalize marijuana, but the debate in both states has hinged largely on taxing businesses at a level that wont end up empowering illegal businesses. Similar dynamics are likely to exist in many of the other nations which are flirting with legalization. But so far, theres no proven formula to support those businesses trying to follow the rules. | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/17/legal-weed-black-market-california-gavin-newsom |
How can Southern Rail charge two prices for the same journey? | For some time Southern Railway has offered off-peak day-return tickets from Christs Hospital (near Horsham, West Sussex) to London Victoria for 23.10, alongside a super off-peak for just 16.20, on Saturdays and Sundays with no time restrictions on either. Many passengers who dont travel regularly could be unaware of the cheaper deal. It must all add up in terms of the number of passengers unwittingly paying more than they need to. It seems very unfair. AB, Horsham, West Sussex This comes as the railway industry is poised to oversee a radical and long overdue overhaul of fares, with proposals mooted to include a best fare guarantee meaning all customers would automatically pay the cheapest fare available at the time of purchase. However, the anomaly you have drawn attention to is due to the mind-boggling complexity of the franchising system. Southern is the brand name used by Govia Thameslink Railway on southern routes of the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise. GTR explains: Wherever a passenger buys their ticket (from a self-service machine, ticket office or online) they will be offered the super off-peak fare. While there are no time restrictions on this at weekends for journeys solely on GTR services, we need to retain the off-peak option in case the journey is partly on the route of another operator that does have time restrictions on super off-peak tickets. We are planning to change the screens on self-service machines later this year so that the cheapest fare will always be displayed first. We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at [email protected] or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to terms and conditions | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/mar/18/southern-rail-super-off-peak-rail-fares-prices |
Can Hibernian be caught in gallop to Premiership top six? | With games running out before the Scottish Premiership split, there are arguably four teams still in the race for the final top-six spot. More prize money and extra visits by the country's bigger teams can positively impact budgets for the following season and help bolster the squad of the team who sneaks into the top half of the table. Hibernian are currently in the driving seat after beating Motherwell 2-0 on Saturday, but BBC Scotland examines the hopes of all the teams aiming for sixth spot. The favourites - Hibernian Remaining fixtures: Livingston (a), Kilmarnock (h), Heart of Midlothian (a) The Edinburgh side's impressive win over Motherwell means they are in the box seat for the final top-six berth. Their league form has been mightily impressive since Paul Heckingbottom replaced Neil Lennon as head coach last month. Further wins over Hamilton Academical, Dundee and St Johnstone - and a draw with Rangers - means the former Leeds United and Barnely manager is yet to taste defeat in the league. With a five-point cushion, one more win might just be enough to ensure a top-half finish. They face Livingston away, Kilmarnock at home and then city rivals Hearts at Tynecastle before the split. And, with striker Marc McNulty in fantastic form, it would take a collapse for Hibs to be knocked off their perch. Marc McNulty's form since joining Hibs on-loan from Reading in January has been impressive Best of the rest - Motherwell Remaining fixtures: St Johnstone (h), Aberdeen (a), Rangers (h) Motherwell teenagers David Turbull and Jake Hastie have been key to Motherwell's resurgence After the first half of the season, Motherwell looked more likely to be involved in a desperate relegation scrap rather than pushing for the top six. But a tactical shift from manager Stephen Robinson helped propel the Lanarkshire side to six games on the bounce to push them into contention for a finish in the top half. However, defeat at Easter Road at the weekend means they now trail the Easter Road side by five points. A trip to face Aberdeen and a home match against Rangers follows their next game with St Johnstone, though, which means it will take an enormous effort and a bit of luck to secure a first top-six finish under Robinson. The long shots - Livingston and St Johnstone Livingston remaining fixtures: Hibernian (h), Hamilton (h), Celtic (a) St Johnstone remaining fixtures: Motherwell (a), Dundee (h), Kilmarnock (a), St Mirren (h) (rearranged fixture) Nobody would have predicted Livingston would even be in with a sniff of top six on their return to the top flight. Relegation seemed far more likely. But, after an astonishing first four months of the season, that's exactly where they stood. A run of one win in 11 games from December, though, has harmed their top-half hopes and a seven-point gap looks too much to make up with three games left. Beat Hibs in their next match, though, and things are blown wide open. St Johnstone, meanwhile, have four games to play after the weekend's scheduled visit by St Mirren was postponed. Their form, though, is atrocious. Tommy Wright's men have taken just one point from the last 24 available but do have a habit of following dreadful runs with excellent ones, as demonstrated by their eight-match unbeaten streak with seven clean sheets from late October to December. Nonetheless, they would need to beat Motherwell, Dundee, Kilmarnock and St Mirren and hope for favours elsewhere. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47604086 |
Are Ryan Giggs' Wales squad ready for action? | Ryan Giggs was appointed Wales manager in January 2018 International friendly: Wales v Trinidad & Tobago Venue: Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham Date: Wednesday, 20 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary; also highlights on BBC One Wales Boss Ryan Giggs is determined to build a squad rather than a team as Wales prepare a bid to reach Euro 2020. The qualifying campaign begins against Slovakia in Cardiff on 24 March. Giggs told the latest Elis James podcast he is desperate to ensure Wales have depth so they can cope with the demands of international games. "I really want that competitiveness in the squad which perhaps has been missing in the past," the Wales manager told BBC Sport Wales. "When you have players not playing regularly, or playing under-23 football, they can get up for one game, but then the second game is difficult. "We found that against Denmark a little bit. If I feel the need to make three or four changes - I want to be able to freshen it up a bit." Giggs has handed out a number of debuts during his 14-month reign as he attempts to make sure Wales are not over-reliant on their frontline players. His ideal scenario is to have a squad made up of players who are getting first team football on a consistent basis. We take a look at the 31-man squad named by Giggs for Slovakia and the friendly with Trinidad and Tobago in Wrexham four days earlier to see if they are playing regularly. Goalkeepers WAYNE HENNESSEY The Crystal Palace man made his first Premier League appearance in seven weeks against Burnley earlier this month but was not even on the bench in their next game. Wales's No. 1 has played 20 club games this season. No. Wayne Hennessey has played 18 Premier League games this season DANNY WARD Ward has played five cup games for Leicester since joining the Foxes from Liverpool last summer. His most recent appearance was in the FA Cup loss to Newport County in early January. No. ADAM DAVIES The 26-year-old is firmly established as Barnsley's first-choice keeper, having made 40 appearances for the League One promotion hopefuls this season. Yes. CHRIS MAXWELL The former Wrexham man joined Charlton on loan in January after losing his place in the Preston side, but is yet to feature for the London club. Maxwell made 11 appearances for Preston earlier this season. No. Defenders ASHLEY WILLIAMS Williams has played 31 games for Stoke this season after joining on loan from Everton. Wales' skipper has not started a game since February 2, however. Not of late. CHRIS GUNTER Wales' most-capped player has only played once for Reading since the end of January. Gunter has made 17 Royals appearances this season. No. NEIL TAYLOR Former Swansea and Wrexham left-back has featured in Aston Villa's last four games. In all Taylor has played 26 times in 2018-19. Has been recently. Ben Davies has 43 Wales caps BEN DAVIES Ex-Swansea defender has returned to action in recent weeks after a spell out with a groin injury, featuring in three of Tottenham's last five games. He has played 29 games for Spurs this season. When fit yes. CONNOR ROBERTS The Swansea full-back has racked up 44 appearances already this season - including five for Wales - having established himself at first-team level. Yes. JAMES LAWRENCE The central defender, a shock call-up to the Wales squad in November, has played in 21 of Anderlecht's 37 matches this season, including the last eight. Recently yes. ETHAN AMPADU Amapdu, who can play in defence or midfield, has made five Chelsea appearances this season and four for Wales. His last outing was as a substitute in Chelsea's Europa League win over Malmo last month. No. TOM LOCKYER The Bristol Rovers captain is a regular for the League One club, and has racked up 40 appearances so far this season. Yes. CHRIS MEPHAM The centre-back is finding his feet at Bournemouth after joining the Premier League club from Brentford in January. Mepham, 21, has started the Cherries' last five games. Getting there. Bournemouth paid Brentford a reported 12m fee for Chris Mepham PAUL DUMMETT The Newcastle defender has had injury problems this season but has managed 19 club appearances and has featured in the last four games. Timely for Wales. Not a regular. DECLAN JOHN John has not played as much as he would have liked since joining Swansea from Rangers last August. His recent substitute appearance against Man City was his 11th in Swans colours. No. Midfielders: RYAN HEDGES The winger, 23, has made 19 appearances for Barnsley so far this season. No. JOE ALLEN The ex-Liverpool man has been a regular for Stoke this season, racking up 38 appearances to date. He has not missed a minute of league action since being substituted at Rotherham in September. Very much so. DAVID BROOKS Brooks returned to action at the beginning of March after a month out with an ankle injury. Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said Brooks, who has made 28 club appearances this season, was fatigued after taking him off in the recent win at Huddersfield. When fit yes. BEN WOODBURN Woodburn joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan last August but was recalled by Liverpool in January having made only a handful of appearances for the Blades. He has been playing under-23 football for the Reds in recent weeks. No. HARRY WILSON The 21-year-old wideman has been a star performer for Derby this season having joined the Rams on loan from Liverpool, racking up 37 Derby appearances so far. Yes. Aaron Ramsey will join Juventus on a free transfer this summer AARON RAMSEY Ramsey may be heading to Juventus this summer, but he has played plenty of football for Arsenal this season. He played 90 minutes in the recent 2-0 win over Manchester United. Yes. MATT SMITH The Manchester City teenager is enjoying a positive loan spell with FC Twente. He has played 26 games for the Dutch second-tier club. Yes. LEE EVANS Ex-Newport midfielder Evans has played plenty of football for Wigan since joining from Sheffield United last August. He has made more than 30 appearances in total this term. Yes. DANIEL JAMES The 21-year-old wideman has announced himself at Swansea this season, making 29 appearances under Graham Potter. He has been a consistent starter in recent months. Yes. WILL VAULKS The new man in this Wales squad will hope for an international chance having enjoyed a strong season at Rotherham. The Millers skipper has made 37 appearances but is currently suspended. Yes. GEORGE THOMAS The on-loan Leicester youngster has enjoyed plenty of game time during his season-long spell at Scunthorpe, where he has made 35 appearances to date. Yes. Forwards: RABBI MATONDO Having left Manchester City in January without making a senior appearance, Matondo has already played a handful of times for German club Schalke. No. SAM VOKES Vokes has scored once in six appearances since joining Stoke from Burnley in January, but has missed three games with a groin problem. He returned for their draw with Reading at the weekend. Likely to be when fit. Sam Vokes joined Stoke from Burnley in January with Peter Crouch moving the other way TOM LAWRENCE Lawrence returned after a month out for Derby last week, but boss Frank Lampard said afterwards the forward was "not right". Lawrence, who has played 27 Rams games this season, has had an ankle problem. Yes. GARETH BALE Bale was back on the Real Madrid training ground last week after an ankle problem and scored in Zinedine Zidane's first game since retaking charge. The Wales talisman has played 35 Real games this season, scoring 14 goals. Yes. TYLER ROBERTS Roberts is enjoying life as part of a Leeds side chasing promotion to the Premier League. The 20-year-old has played 24 games under Marcelo Bielsa, scoring three goals. He is usually involved. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47575143 |
Can Kathy Griffin Come Back from the Dead? | The other night, the comedian Kathy Griffin found herself in the back of a black S.U.V. in Austin, Texas. Attendees of the South by Southwest festival sped by on electric scooters, threatening to mow down anything in their way. Were going to mow someone down ourselves, she said. I have a couple of names in mind, like Jeff Zuckerthe C.E.O. of CNN. If I see himstraight to hell. Griffin, who is fifty-eight and has a tangle of tangerine curls, was wearing a polka-dotted dress. She had come to the festival to shop a new film, Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a Story, which recounts what has happened to her since the day, in 2017, that a photograph of her holding a ketchup-streaked mask of Donald Trump that looked like a decapitated head went viral. The photo was inspired by Trumps comment, after a Presidential debate, that the moderator, Megyn Kelly, had blood coming out of her wherever. Even though I dont mean to defend her, because she wouldnt piss on me if I were on fire, I still thought, Lets do a picture where theres blood coming out of his wherever and see if he likes it, Griffin says in the film. He didnt. According to Griffin, she underwent arduous investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Secret Service on suspicion of conspiracy to assassinate the President. CNN and Bravo cut ties with her; she lost endorsement deals. Finding herself unemployable, she went on a global tour (called Laugh Your Head Off) and got detained at airports. Death threats streamed in. On the bright side, she began doing a brisk business in anti-Trump merchandise on her Web site. (The fifteen-dollar Fuck Trump 80s punk mug is sold out.) My No. 1 seller is mugs, she said. I heard Bob De Niro bought one. Griffin financed A Hell of a Story with about a million dollars of her tour earnings. As much as women are more empowered now, its still six old white dinosaurs that are the check signers, she said. I dont think they like me, Griffin said. She recently sent Ted Sarandos, the companys chief content officer, an upbeat e-mail, writing, Youre doing some really exciting things in comedy; Id love to have coffee with you. It was so not me, she said. Normally, Id be, like, Way to miss the boat, assholeIm making history. Sarandos did not reply. Griffins S.U.V. pulled over. Is this the Amazon party? she asked. Her assistant, Caleb Campbell, was behind the wheel, and her publicist, Alex Spieller, rode shotgun. Women wearing illuminated devil horns and halos made out of pipe cleaners milled around on the sidewalk. I refuse to wear a halo, Griffin said. Its for that new show, Good Omens, Spieller said. Griffin climbed down from the car and crinkled her nose: I smell those marihoochie cigarettes. Bass boomed from an unseen source. Why is the whole city thumping? In a V.I.P. tent, Aaron Hartzler, Amazon Prime Videos senior creative director, offered her a drink. No, thanks, Griffin said. I want to know what this party is. Is he mad? Hartzler laughed nervously: I know, right? Because I like when hes mad, she said. Hartzler explained that Good Omens is a sitcom about the end of the world, based on a book. I dont read, Griffin said. Im too famous. Spieller suggested moving to the main party. I just met A.O.C., Griffin said. She had run into Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez earlier and introduced herself. She had a facial reaction, Griffin said. I cant say if it was good or bad. Out on the lawn, Griffin bumped into the actress Michaela Watkins. She was waving a Polaroid, the result of an electromagnetic aura readingher aura manifested as a hazy magenta cloud in the photo. Griffin got in line to have her aura read. A technician instructed her to place her palms on a metal box. If you want to look at me, go for it, he said, readying the camera. If you want to look mysterious, doesnt really matter. None of those things affect the aura. They dont? she asked, disappointed. There was a flash, and a Polaroid emerged. An amber nimbus bloomed around Griffins head. An on-hand aura interpreter took a look. It is a big fucking aura, she said. Very positive, very curious. Griffin asked why hers was orangey and Watkinss was pink. Well, pink is very tender and loving, the interpreter said. A band launched into Bohemian Rhapsody, and Griffin looked wearily at her hotel, across the street. How am I going to sleep? she asked. Back in her suite, she and Spieller found Campbell sprawled on a sofa bed. I had my aura read, Griffin said. I couldve told them what my aura is. It looks like a big drag queen. Can we say drag queen anymore, or no? You can say drag queen for another year, probably, Spieller replied. | https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/03/25/can-kathy-griffin-come-back-from-the-dead |
Is Helsinki the world's coolest city? | (CNN) When it snows, the flakes come at you like shards of ice. There's a biting wind that freezes your ears off. Daylight lasts only a few hours. And no one talks much. Helsinki in the middle of winter sounds like a place to avoid at all costs. A dark, brooding city that shivers under piles of snow. Maybe it was once, but not any more. Somehow, against the icy odds, Finland has established itself as one of the happiest nations on Earth and, appropriately given the chilling grip of its winters, Helsinki is now unequivocally one of the planet's coolest cities. Peace and quiet -- the Nuuksio National Park. Barry Neild/CNN First travel stop to find the answer to this is the Nuuksio National Park, a beautiful stretch of snowbound pine forest about 30 miles northwest of Helsinki that's home to reindeer, a Frisbee golf course and acres and acres of something Finnish people treasure. Silence. "Finnish people are quiet," says comedian Krisse Salminen, who has gained celebrity in Finland by behaving almost in the exact opposite way to most of her compatriots. No small talk Krisse Salminen: "We don't have small talk." Barry Neild/CNN After a brief snowshoe expedition around the Nuuksio, Salimen tries to explain the Finnish character while grilling traditional makkara sausages over a fire built inside a kota -- a yurtlike tent used by the nomadic Samis who inhabit the Arctic region of Lapland. As Salminen explains, it's perfectly acceptable for Finnish friends or family to meet up for drinks or meals and barely exchange a word. "If you are with relatives, you can sit on a table and nobody says anything," she says. "It's not weird. We just eat and then somebody says, 'Mmmhmm,' and then we eat some more. "We don't have small talk you know like in America," she adds. "We talk deeply or we just don't talk." Which is not to say that Finns have no sense of humor, hence the thriving comedy circuit that has seen Salminen to rise to fame. She's even made an appearance on Finland's most talked about TV event -- a bafflingly popular annual two-hour broadcast on the country's national day which mostly consists of the president shaking hands with a line of VIPs before everyone goes off to dance. Cooking traditional makkara sausages inside a kota tent. "Tinder!" jokes Salminen. Outside of the Internet dating scene, Finnish people nevertheless manage an impressive amount of socializing. In bad weather which would have most people hunkering down at home for warmth, they're heading for runs, swims, dances, saunas, skating and even legal graffiti art. Street artist and teacher Emilio takes CNN's Richard Quest to Suvilahti in Helsinki, a former industrial site now assigned to street art. Music too. For all the pleasure Finns take in being quiet, there's equal enthusiasm for cranking the volume up to ear-shredding extremes and letting loose. Today, heavy metal is one of the country's greatest musical exports -- which seems like a bit a musical leap from the days when composer Jean Sibelius's classical compositions soundtracked Finland's early 20th-century independence from Russia. Nordic melancholy Lauri Porra says there's a connection between Sibelius and Finnish heavy metal. Barry Neild/CNN Maybe not, says Sibelius's great-grandson, musician and composer Lauri Porra. Porra, who plays bass guitar in his own heavy metal band Stratovarius, says that while Sibelius's music was inspired by the nature and loneliness of Finnish forests, it shares an affinity with the country's contemporary hard rock. "I think there is a connection," he says, explaining that it lies at the heart of Finnish national characteristics. "The sun goes down very early, and the winters are bleak," he says. "And then in the summer we fall in love and the sun never sets. And I guess everybody knows a little bit about this Nordic melancholy, and sort of the way Finnish people express emotions." Finland's particular affinity with heavy metal music, according to Esa Lilja, a professor of music at the University of Helsinki who specializes in rock and roll at the darker end of the spectrum, is also partly down to a liberal government willing to invest in young headbangers. Heavy metal professor Esa Lilja. Barry Neild/CNN He says an education system established in the 1960s and '70s provides access for anyone in Finland to musical training regardless of their economic or social background. "And most of these guys now playing in famous heavy metal bands went to these music schools," he says. This level of support for the arts has also helped Helsinki gain a reputation as a hub of creativity, with a design district that, with cool shops and galleries, is on its own a major draw for international visitors. Lilja's less sold on the idea that the music reflects a particular Finnish temperament. A land apart Professor Esa Lijla of Helsinki University tells CNN's Richard Quest why he thinks Finns love heavy metal. "It's a bit like a myth that Finnish musicians or Finnish people in general, like to think that we are a strange country and strange people living in the woods who are sort of sad and not expressive," he says. "Partially, it's true. We are strange people living in the woods on the edge of the world, yes. And nobody speaks our language." Even if it's not your scene, it's worth checking out Finland's metal music output at one of numerous gigs or events in or around Helsinki. Despite its name, the Helsinki Must Be Destroyed festival held at the small Elmun Baari venue in a disused wharfside in the city's Nosturi district, has a friendly vibe, filled with denim-clad fans of the main act, Norwegian "deathpunk" band Turbonecro Related content How to take a sauna in Helsinki First up is local band Nuclear Omnicide , who set the tone with shredding guitars, long-haired headbanging and sweaty, guttural vocals. In the audience is Ida-Katharina Kiljander, who teaches heavy metal singing techniques in Oulu, about 370 miles north of Helsinki. For her, the music is an expression of the emotions that many Finns otherwise feel uncomfortable sharing. Ida-Katharina Kiljander teaches heavy metal singing techniques. Barry Neild/CNN "They had so much energy," Kiljander says after the performance. "I would say it's very typical, you can hear this almost every weekend in Helsinki." That primal release of energy is perhaps only matched in Finland by those indulging in another extreme and equally bracing activity -- ice swimming. Part of the popular sauna ritual for many locals, this involves exiting from the steamy heat indoors to jump into freezing water. At the chic Lyly sauna on Helsinki's waterfront, owned by " BlacKkKlansman " actor Jasper Pkknen, that means plunging into a hole cut in the iced-over Baltic Sea before racing back inside to warm up again. Grit and perseverance Richard Quest and Alexander Stubb go ice swimming. Barry Neild/CNN "It gets the blood flowing," says Alexander Stubb, a former Finnish prime minister, while enjoying a sauna with friends after a jog through the snowbound Helsinki streets. "It's tradition as well. We're doing it for centuries and we feel very much that sauna, that [it's] a Finnish invention. [It's] actually a Finnish word, the only Finnish international word that we have." Though essentially relaxing, sauna in Finland is governed by certain rigid protocols. Participants should preferably be naked. Men and women typically use separate facilities, although it's not uncommon for families to sit together. There are no sexual connotations. Related content Ice swimming embraced by people of happiest country in the world While ice swimming isn't as common as sauna, it does reflect a trait proudly displayed by many Finns -- a fortitude in the face of adversities such as surviving dark winter months or, in the centuries before declaring independence in 1917, being ruled by Sweden then Russia. CNN's Richard Quest experiences the true meaning of a Finnish sauna at Lyly, Helsinki. They even have a word for this stoicism: sisu. "It's grit and perseverance and you grind it and stick to it," says Stubb. "It's part of our national psyche and history." While not everyone expresses sisu in the same way, that connection with nature, the silent Finnish forests, wilderness and fresh, cold air is crucial -- as are a few more typically nocturnal activities. "Some of us hibernate, others do sports and then, I think, a lot of children are made over the wintertime ... and a lot of drinking as well," Stubb laughs. "It's a combo. I think you have to be outdoors a lot. | https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/helsinki-coolest-city-finland/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fedition_world+%28RSS%3A+CNNi+-+World%29 |
Should Bush Meet With Cindy Sheehan? | This is a partial transcript from "The O'Reilly Factor," August 11, 2005, that has been edited for clarity. Watch "The O'Reilly Factor" weeknights at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET and listen to the "Radio Factor!" JOHN GIBSON, GUEST HOST: Continuing now with our lead story, the anti-war campaign of Cindy Sheehan (search), who has camped out in Crawford, Texas, demanding a second meeting with President Bush. Here is what he had to say about Ms. Sheehan earlier today. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Part of my duty as the president is to meet with those who have lost a loved one. And so, you know, listen, I sympathize with Mrs. Sheehan. She feels strongly about her about her position. And I she has every right in the world to say what she believes. This is America. She has a right to her position. And I thought long and hard about her position. I've heard her position from others, which is get out of Iraq now. And it would be a mistake for the security of this country. (END VIDEO CLIP) GIBSON: Ms. Sheehan posted another message on Michael Moore's Web site today and is reportedly getting support from some other far left individuals and organizations. Joining us now from Boston, Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh. MARY ANNE MARSH, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: Well, the point is George Bush should meet with Cindy Sheehan. The fact is... GIBSON: But he did. MARSH: He isn't now. And the reason he's not is because he doesn't have any good answers for Cindy Sheehan and the questions she's asking about the war in Iraq. If he had those answers, his poll numbers wouldn't be so low, and she wouldn't be sitting outside of his house in Crawford, Texas. I mean, her son died in the war. It's a terrible thing. He thinks the war has to be fought. He thinks it's important for national security. At least at the time it was launched, so did a lot of other Americans. At this point, what... MARSH: But no more. GIBSON: Maybe. MARSH: Well, that's the fact. Here's the problem, John. George Bush is the president of the United States. He owes everybody, not just Cindy Sheehan and the families of the 1,800 men and women who have given their lives for our country over there, but all Americans, because the majority of Americans now doubt his leadership about the war in Iraq. Those are the questions that Cindy Sheehan really wants answers to. GIBSON: But Mary Anne... MARSH: And so do millions of Americans. That have not been answered. GIBSON: ...those are questions that may not have answers. I... MARSH: Come on, John. GIBSON: ...what I think is going on - pardon me for - it's... MARSH: If they're... GIBSON: No, no, there is not an answer. It's when it's going to be over. You know that. MARSH: Oh, I... GIBSON: There is not an answer when we're coming home. You know that. That sounds like a really intelligent strategy. It may satisfy Cindy Sheehan, but please, if you're in the circles of power, you're not going to recommend that, Mary Anne. MARSH: Oh, John, two things. First of all, George Bush artfully today said I don't think it would be right to pull out today. Yet everybody in the Bush administration from Rumsfeld on, every TV station, newspaper, everyone's reporting we're pulling out troops sometime six months from now, next spring. MARSH: This is not the war we all thought we were getting into. MARSH: This is not the war... GIBSON: Wait a minute. MARSH: ...we all thought we were getting into. MARSH: I think all you had to do was watch "The Factor" earlier this week. And that's why I'm disappointed that Cindy Sheehan didn't come on the show and watch Colonel Dave Hunt and Bill Cowan give one of the most devastating analysis I've seen anywhere about how the war in Iraq's going, how tough things are for our troops, how the plan isn't there and the resources aren't there. That's what the American people want the answer to. GIBSON: All right, but Mary Anne Marsh, this thing going on in Crawford right now I mean, I've got a list of eight of these groups including Code Pink (search), MoveOn.org, Michael Moore (search), who seem to have swallowed Cindy Sheehan whole. Let me just ask you. MARSH: I think Cindy Sheehan was a woman who was looking for some help when she lost her son. These were probably the first, and at that time only people who were willing to help. Here's the difference between Cindy Sheehan and those folks now. They're fighting the last campaign. That campaign's over. It's not going to change the outcome. Cindy Sheehan's fighting for the truth for herself, for her son, and millions of Americans who want to know the truth about Iraq. There's the difference. She doesn't need them anymore. And I hope they're giving her better advice than perhaps they are at this moment about this network and other things. The fact is she needs the truth. She deserves the truth. And President Bush owes the truth to every American. GIBSON: OK, but what - let me just ask you. What is it let's separate out Code Pink and all the other groups that I've got listed here and just say Cindy Sheehan goes into a room with George Bush right now. And she asks all these questions, the questions that are open-ended, and in my mind, don't have answers right now. What and he sits there and takes it. He takes her abuse. She's angry and he takes it. MARSH: Then it's over. I mean, really. I mean, think about it, John. If this were a Republican voter in New Hampshire, he would sit down with her, even though we all know most of his events, even during his first campaign, were by invitation only. I think most people feel at this point she deserves that meeting. And if then she keeps complaining, then to a degree, people may see her as someone who can't be answered and can't get the situation resolved. But Cindy Sheehan and millions of Americans deserve those answers from George Bush. GIBSON: Mary Anne Marsh, thank you very much. Content and Programming Copyright 2005 Fox News Network, L.L.C. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Transcription Copyright 2005 eMediaMillWorks, Inc. (f/k/a Federal Document Clearing House, Inc.), which takes sole responsibility for the accuracy of the transcription. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No license is granted to the user of this material except for the user's personal or internal use and, in such case, only one copy may be printed, nor shall user use any material for commercial purposes or in any fashion that may infringe upon Fox News Network, L.L.C. 's and eMediaMillWorks, Inc.'s copyrights or other proprietary rights or interests in the material. This is not a legal transcript for purposes of litigation. | https://www.foxnews.com/story/should-bush-meet-with-cindy-sheehan |
Would the Green New Deal Survive the Supreme Court? | The plan was soon challenged in court, and in 2016 the Supreme Court blocked it from going into effect until the legal questions were resolved. Justice Antonin Scalias death a few days later effectively tied the plans long-term fate to the outcome of the presidential election later that year. After Donald Trump too office, his first EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, began the process of repealing the Clean Power Plan. The agencys proposed replacement, unveiled last August, would shift much of the discretion to regulate coal-plant emissions to the states. (The legal challenges to the plan are on hold until the replacement process is complete.) Data for Progresss proposal would revive the plan, as well the legal challenges to it. The think tanks Green New Deal draws from other policy ideas developed under the Obama administration. Their paper recommends that the government fully enforce the strengthened National Ambient Air Quality Standards Act of 2015; that it strengthen and enforce Obama-era rules on methane leakage; that it reinstate and implement the Obama-era Clean Water Rule to limit pollution in a variety of streams, tributaries, and wetlands. Conservative critics have warned that the Green New Deal would turn America into Cuba or Venezuela, but the end goal looks more like what the EPA was already doing before Trump took over. The Roberts Court isnt completely hostile to efforts to combat climate change, as environmentalists have won some key victories there over the past decade. During the George W. Bush administration, top EPA officials claimed they didnt have the authority to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. A coalition of states and environmental groups challenged that finding in federal courts. In the landmark 2007 case Massachusetts v. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases fell under the acts broad definition of air pollutants, and that lawsuits against the EPA could go forward if the agency refused to regulate them. The justices later signed off on the Obama EPAs first effort to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Justice Anthony Kennedy, the courts swing vote from 2005 to 2018, sided with the majority in both cases. But the rest of the courts conservatives generally resisted those rulings. In Massachusetts v. EPA, Roberts questioned whether the states had standing to bring the case at all, arguing that Massachusetts claimed injurythe loss of coastal land from rising sea levelscouldnt be directly tied to the EPAs actions. And in the 2014 case, justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas challenged the courts earlier determination that the Clean Air Act authorized the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases at all. Brett Kavanaughs confirmation to replace Kennedy last year raises the peril. Before joining the high court, Kavanaugh spent twelve years on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, where he weighed in on multiple high-profile cases involving the EPA. In a survey of those decisions last year, The Atlantics Robinson Meyer found that the newest justice occasionally sided with the agency on major environmental cases. But Kavanaugh also often resisted the EPAs efforts to break new regulatory ground when it came to curbing carbon emissions to fight climate change. | https://newrepublic.com/article/153334/green-new-deal-survive-supreme-court |
Should we be more worried about America's northern border? | CLOSE A lot of people are crossing the Canadian Border into the US illegally in fact the amount of reported illegal crossings has increased by 142% from last year.Veuer's Sam Berman has the full story. Buzz60 At 3,987 miles, the border between the lower United States and Canada is the third-longest international boundary in the world, more than twice as long as the border between the United States and Mexico, and considerably harder to secure. Author/adventurer Porter Fox chronicles the three years he spent exploring the northern border, including the 721 miles that divide Michigan and Ontario, in his 2018 book, "Northland." This month, not long after President Trump declared a national emergency on the shorter, less porous southern border. Free Press Editorial Page Editor Brian Dickerson asked Fox what he learned on his 4,000-mile odyssey: Q. Your book conveys the impression that before the 9/11 attacks, the U.S.- Canadian boundary was scarcely a border at all, with most official checkpoints left unguarded at night and residents of both countries coming and going as casually as they would cross county lines or state boundaries. This is the way it always was. In the beginning, the border was not even a line. Settlers from many nations, including Native Americans, lived on both sides of the line that we know today. It was a porous border, in part, because many businesses like the timber and fishing trades also straddled that line. After the American revolution, the British did not go back to England. Most of them went to British Canada and retained ownership of their businesses to the south. The line was so open, and busy, in Americas early days, that it was almost impossible to collect tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. Even today, there are many parts of the border where you can simply walk across. I know, because I did it many times while researching Northland. Porter Fox, author of Northland: A 4,000-Mile Journey Along Americas Forgotten Border, pulls his canoe through some shallows in Minnesotas Boundary Waters while paddling along the boundary between Canada and the lower 48 United States. (Photo: Sara Fox) Q. You discovered a lot of confusion some places along the border about where our country ends and where Canada begins. There are quite a few. The sovereignty of nearby Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine has been disputed for more than 200 years.The situation wasnt a problem until the price of lobster spiked in 2015 and Nova Scotia fishermen started setting traps there. Death threats, cut lines, and close calls between American and Canadian fishermen followed. The dispute was never resolved, nor were several others in gray zones along the line. More: What you need to know about Canada's marijuana law More: ICE detained immigrant rights activist in Michigan and his mom Fishermen at Dixon Entrance, between Alaska and British Columbia, have been battling for fishing rights for years. U.S. and Canadian companies began vying for oil- drilling rights in the Beaufort Sea, near the Arctic Ocean, One of the most public feuds along the northern border is playing out in the Northwest Passage the fabled water route to China that only recently thawed enough to allow boats through where American ships are claiming navigational rights on water Canadians say is theirs. Q. Michiganders who travel to Canada regularly know the journey has become more complicated and time-consuming since 9/11. It has changed things a lot, mostly north of the border. For many years, Canadians have been driving into America for jobs or to pick up things like toilet paper that are a couple of bucks cheaper in the States. You notice lots of businesses like Mailboxes Etc. on the American side of the line. Most of the P.O. boxes there are owned by Canadians, so they can order things from Amazon without paying a heavy tax. Doctors, clergy, schoolteachers and bartenders often live in Canada and drive south over the border, and vice versa, to do their work. Increased (and disorganized) security makes it impossible to predict whether there will be a five-minute or five-hour wait at the border. This has turned a lot of Canadians I spoke with against the United States, understandably feeling that the U.S. simply doesnt care what they think or how this affects them. Customs and Border Protection acts with impunity and little oversight, and is free to racially profile or indefinitely detain travelers and basically do whatever they want. In terms of business, it has been devastating to border regions. One study estimates that businesses along the American side of the border lose $30 billion a year due to unpredictable border crossing bureaucracy. The auto industry is a good example. Vehicles produced in North America crisscross the border up to seven times before they are completed, creating thousands of customs transactions for each truckload. Every delay can cost up to $800 per vehicle. A study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce found that a four-hour delay at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor can cost the Ontario economy up to $7 million in lost production. Q. You write of canoe trips in which you crossed the border dozens of times in a single day without encountering border patrol agents from either country. But officials on both sides assured you that your movements were being monitored 24/7 by drones, satellites, sensors, etc. No, I think that border patrol and communities exaggerate the effectiveness of surveillance to make themselves sleep better at night and deter would-be smugglers. . The Department of Homeland Security has essentially transposed its Mexico border policy to the U.S-Canada border, increasing the number of agents in the north by 500 percent and installing some of the same sensors, security cameras, military-grade radar and drones used on the U.S.-Mexico line. The increased security has resulted in an uptick in arrests, but it has hardly locked the northern border down, because it focuses on border checkpoints, and not the vast backcountry between them. The northern border is long, rugged, underfunded and suffers from constricted domain awareness. A 2010 Congressional Research Service report put a number to that awareness, stating that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintained operational control over just 69 miles of the northern border. Even with a new DHS Northern Border strategy rolling out, it doesnt look like much is going to change. Q. Fewof the residents you encountered seem particularly worried about border security; even the militia leader you interviewed in Idaho didnt talk much about illegal immigration. Journalists who cover the Mexican border convey the same sense that the closer people live to the boundary, the less threatened they feel by those on the other side. You seem to have had the same experience: Even the militia leader you interviewed in Idaho didnt seem worried about illegal immigration. Absolutely. Probably the greatest commonality is the understanding that politicians and the media have no idea what it is actually like to live on the border. Border patrol on both sides of the line operates with so little oversight that it can basically do whatever it wants within 100 miles of the line. They have complete and total authority in that region, and they can make life more difficult for citizens living there than for illegals trying to cross. Travel Writer Stephanie Elizondo compares the Rio Grande Valley to the U.S-Canada border where it passes through the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in upstate New York. Her book is disturbing examination of how much of the U.S. came to be, and how the original residents of this borderland continue to be oppressed. Porter Fox consults a depth chart of Minnesotas Boundary Waters while canoeing the border between Canada and the lower 48 United States. (Photo: Sara Fox) Q. The U.S.-Canada border divides 12 Indian reservations, and three times as many indigenous tribal populations. Some still refuse to officially recognize the border, although most grudgingly obey the immigration laws ordained by Ottawa and Washington. They are trying, in spite of constant harassment by U.S. and Canadian officials. Both governments have illegally cut tribes off from their families, fishing and hunting grounds and rightful land, either by physically intercepting them or requiring paperwork that, for a member of a sovereign nation, is very difficult to get. (All of which violates the Jay Treaty, which guarantees unencumbered passage, among other federal laws.) At the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, families are forced to cross three bridges over the St. Lawrence River, over and back waiting in hour-plus border-check lines at two stations in Ontario and New York before dropping their children off at school on Cornwall Island. When parents are late to school and skip the second bridge, their cars are impounded and they are arrested for aiding and abetting illegal aliens. Q. The only terrorists known to have entered the U.S. by land have come from Canada, not Mexico. Its all politics and it always has been. It is common knowledge that 90 percent of human and drug trafficking takes place at ports of entry, not the backcountry where the proposed wall would be built. There are some racist implications here as well, with the growing sentiment that America needs to stop brown-skinned people from the south penetrating into the States, when the actual threat to the United States, as documented by the federal agencies, is in the north. FBI reports uncovered by The Daily Beast last year show that there have been significantly more encounters with terror suspects on the northern border recently than in the south. Not to mention he opioid crisis, which is being fueled by smugglers in the north. Nearly every modern American president has used the nations southern fringe as a campaign platform, a political bargaining chip, a rallying cry or a trade tactic all while the countrys longest, most vital and most porous border to the north was neglected. Whats more, the haphazard policies initiated along the Hi-Line have done more to antagonize our number-one trading partnerand a network of centuries-old cross-border communities therethan to secure it. Q. Demographers who study Mexican immigration patterns have marshalled persuasive evidence that making the southern border more secure has dramatically increased the population of undocumented immigrants by making it more dangerous for migrant workers to bounce back and forth between their work in the U.S. and their families in Mexico. The theory is that since slipping in and out of the U.S. seasonally became more dificult, more workers are bringing their families here and staying, or starting families here and staying. No, the number of migrant workers crossing the northern border is very small. Although, truth be told, crossings in remote regions are detected regularly, but individuals, some armed, repeatedly get away before agents can get there leading border officials to suggest that they might not know how many people actually cross the northern border illegally. What they do know is that every year $56 billion in smuggled drugs including large quantities of opioids, like fentanyl and thousands of illegal aliens do, in fact, cross the U.S.-Canada border. Border monument in Minnesota's Boundary Waters. (Photo: Sara Fox) Q. Detroit is one of the few large American cities on the northern border. Its pretty different. At busy crossing like the Windsor Bridge and Blaine, Washington, there is a heavy presence of Customs and Border Protection services. There is a tremendous amount of surveillance, and I noticed, a feeling that things are being taken care of. In rural parts of the border, this simply does not exist. There are roads that cross the border with a slim white monument indicating the U.S.-Canada boundary, but nothing actually blocking the road. There are logging roads in the woods of Maine, Vermont, New York, Minnesota, and practically every other state along northern border that cross the line without any obstruction. Which is to say, you dont need to walk across the border, you can drive. The feeling in these communities is understandably a bit paranoid. And as I discovered in northern Maine, any person with a dark complexion walking into a rural northern border town is likely going to get stopped or questioned. Customs and Border Protection actually counts on this, and uses this grapevine security to shore up the northern border in lieu of proper staffing and funding that it has been asking for for years. The problem is, townsfolk are not trained professionals, and plenty can slip past. Q. The United States and Canada have been on the same side in most important political disputes over the last century. I think that there is more tension between the U.S. and Canada then politicians let on. Canada remains America's No. 1 oil importer and No. 3 trading partner. More than 40 oil pipelines cross the northern border. About 95 percent of Americas surface freshwater sits in the Great Lakes basin, and almost half of that is Canadas. America has been feeding off of Canadas natural resources for many years, though the political and military situation on the continent doesnt allow them to use this to their advantage. Surprisingly, border security has been the biggest flashpoint of all of these issues, and has created more anti-American sentiment in Canada then almost anything else. Q. I dont see much changing in the next 20 years. After that, I believe that climate change is going to change everything in North America. As the previous Canadian ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, said, things like water wars in the future will make arguments over the XL pipeline look silly. The vast natural resources that Canada controls are going to be in high demand. As coastal flooding, extreme temperatures and the desertification of the America West take hold, mass northern migration is going to put a lot of pressure on all borders around the world. (Were already seeing this in Europe.) One would think that Canada would hold the cards in future border and trade negotiations. But knowing Americas appetite for money, land and power, it seems more rational that the U.S. will eventually revisit plans to simply add its northern neighbor into the Union. Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/columnists/brian-dickerson/2019/03/18/us-canadian-border-odyssey/3140423002/ | https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/columnists/brian-dickerson/2019/03/18/us-canadian-border-odyssey/3140423002/ |
Did Trump Executive Orders Further Weaken FAA Oversight? | The Ethiopian Airlines crash has raised questions over the degree of oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Boeings development of the flight control system for the 737 MAX. While these questions are valid, its important to note that the FAA has been mandated to give more control over to aviation organizations, including manufacturers, over the years. Two Executive Orders signed by President Donald Trump, that require the FAA to cut regulations further, may have tipped the balance by diminishing FAA authority and focusing the agency on working against its principal aim. In 1991, the Secretary of Transportation chartered FAA ARAC (Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committees) as a way for aviation organizations to take an active role in the drafting of major regulatory issues. ARAC is a cross-functional group that includes aviation companies, organizations, and representatives of the flying public. There are ARAC committee members representing all sectors of industry, from manufacturers to maintenance providers, flyers rights groups to airline groups, pilots unions, and flight attendants unions. While the core participants in the FAA ARAC are U.S.-based companies and organizations, there is also ad-hoc participation by representatives from partner authorities in Canada and Europe as well as certain manufacturers from outside of the U.S. The goal of ARAC was to maintain an active dialogue on regulation which would consider the needs of the industry and the requirements of safety, in an effort to make regulations work more effectively. Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13771 Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs required that the USDOT actively identify and cut back on regulations deemed cumbersome or costly to business, and required the elimination of two or more regulations for every new regulation added. The mandate of Executive Order 13777 Enforcing Regulatory Reform Agenda was to start this effort immediately and to engage industry stakeholders and manufacturers entities significantly affected by its regulations. For the FAA, these new EOs created a challenge. Regulations are an entanglement of dependenciesone regulation may reference several others. Deciding which thread to pull, without tearing the fabric, is complex and tedious. Still, the US DOT mandated that the FAA begin the process of review to reduce regulations. The FAA assigned this task to ARAC, effectively putting the question of what rules to cut and which to eliminate before creating new ones in the hands of a body that includes representatives from manufacturers and airlines. This move may have tipped the balance, with the FAA forced to put the interests of business ahead of aviation safety. It also sent a message that the FAAs scope of authority to ensure aviation safety was limited. ARACs efforts to comply with the new EOs issued by President Trump began in April of 2017. By June of 2017, the group had compiled 150 pages with over 300 suggestions of potential regulations that could be pulled from the books for meeting one or more of the criteria: that they were no longer necessary, that they were too cumbersome, or that they were too costly for the aviation industry. Even among the core U.S. contingent of ARAC, the lists of regulations facing the ax caused confusion and varying degrees of dissent. Christopher J. Witkowski, Director, Air Safety, Health and Security Department, Association of Flight AttendantsCWA, AFL-CIO issued the strongest dissent in a June 2017 letter to ARAC: The reason for AFA opposition to this EO, and the tasks emanating from it, is that the legislative power of the United States is vested in Congress. The deregulatory requirements and their terms in Executive Order 13771 have not been authorized by Congress. We have not found any statute that authorizes the FAA to condition promulgation of a new rule upon repeal of existing rules to offset the costs of the new one. The FAA may be reluctant to suspend activity on an executive order, even one that is outside of the law, but there is no good reason beyond administrative convenience that the ARAC should be pressed to approve elimination of a list of regulatory provisions, given the terms of EO 13771. Witkowski also objected to the methodology used to compile the recommendations, pointing to an imbalance in powers represented and the need for transparency on potential conflicts of interest. Regardless of the number of majority votes, ARAC generally operates on a consensus-based approach. Even if a simple majority of ARAC members vote in favor of sending the second Report to the FAA, it should not be sent unless there is wider consensus. Due to the significance of this vote on aviation safety deregulation, note should be made in the recordation and all descriptions of this vote as to each voting members organizational affiliation, such as whether they represent operators, manufacturers, contractors, airports, crew and other airline workers, or passengers. David Supplee, President Directing General Chair, IAMAW, expressed a similar concern succinctly, I dont believe it is our duty, as members of this ARAC team, to overturn regulations that were driven by legislation. Despite these objections, the work of ARAC in cutting regulations has continued apace. As minutes of a September 2018 meeting reveal, the list of potential regulations to be removed tallies around 90. The FAA has gone through the list of 90-ish items and separated them in four categories, which it is discussing with the DOT Regulatory Reform Task Force (RRTF), which meets on a monthly basis. Ms. [Lirio] Liu [Executive Director of the Office of Rulemaking in the Aviation Safety Organization] noted those four categories are: (1) suggestions of deregulatory items that were already in rulemaking; (2) items that would be a good candidates for rulemaking; (3) items that would be a good candidate for ARAC; and (4) items that present a challenge (statutory requirements, political considerations, safety concerns, etc.). Ms. Liu stated there are not many on the list in the last category items that present a challenge. Ms. Liu said FAA is working with the RRTF regularly to identify items off the list that FAA is going to start rolling into its rulemaking planMs. Liu said the FAA will be working through the list as needed the for the 2-for-1 offsets to balance its regulatory budget over the next few years. She noted it is an active and continuous program. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2019/03/18/did-trump-executive-orders-further-weaken-faa-oversight/ |
Is There A Price For Privacy? | A handful of years ago, I would have expected most people to answer that question with a resounding yes. At that time, the heightened focus on the internet of things (IoT) was not what it is today, at least not on the home front. But with the steady rise of Wi-Fi-connected baby monitors, home security systems and smart everything (lights, locks, sound systems and more), our home and office environments have dramatically changed. Today, everything is connected. Working in identity management and helping corporations secure their users' digital identities, I am maybe over-sensitized to how data can be breached, leaked and exploited by malicious actors. In my daily work, we try to provide governance within the enterprise in which software bots have access to different categories of data, which makes me reflect on the devices we use at home that have access to our personal data. A Fundamental Shift A connected home is meant to provide a new level of convenience and, in certain instances, an added layer of security. However, it seems a week does not go by without news of another smart device that has been breached. An example that hits very close to home for me as a mother is the impact that a hacked Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitor can have on one of the most precious areas of the home: the nursery. A rash of incidents was reported at the end of 2018 when several Nest devices were targeted by hackers as a means of gaining entrance to the home. It's a terrifying thought to consider that a complete stranger could make contact with you or your little ones from your Nest device, and it is even more terrifying to think that they could have the means or visibility to eventually break into your home. Then, there are the cybersecurity implications. We need to consider that smart devices are not only connected to our home or other devices, but they also contain sensitive data, including payment card information, passwords and the like. Hacking personal information through such devices is a clear concern that can go beyond an initial impact on the household, particularly if those devices have login credentials that are shared across various user accounts, personal and corporate. The domino effect of shared login credentials across accounts has been a major topic in the headlines lately, and we saw credential stuffing make major waves during the MEGA breach at the beginning of January. With one breached account, hackers could expose multiple user accounts if the username and password had been replicated. This is why we urge our own employees and customers to adhere to good password hygiene. For example, keep your passwords long and complex and avoid repeating those passwords across your various user accounts. Privacy: Fact Or Fiction The impact the smart home has had on security is obvious, but its larger impact may be on our privacy. It begs the question of whether or not privacy will exist in a connected world. Another interesting example is the recent Amazon Ring break-out story, where a research and engineering team was given unfettered access to a cloud folder housing every single video ever created by Ring cameras around the world. In addition, some Amazon Ring executives and engineers were given similar access to live feeds of Ring users. Amazon Ring is not the only device that could encounter such a breach. In fact, as a consumer, the second you allow a connected device into your home, you have to assume a certain loss of privacy. Personally, I am not OK with it. The risk is not worth the convenience of these devices. We are in the midst of a major paradigm shift as consumers, in which the threshold for todays modern connected home remains undefined. Many consumers do not consider the impact that turning on a Google Home device or allowing Alexa to be your digital assistant can have from a privacy and security standpoint. In my last visit to a friends home in Silicon Valley, she demonstrated to me the wonders of using Alexa for everything from homework help to just calling the kids to come down for dinner. That same friend worked alongside me for several years in a major cybersecurity company. All that acute awareness and cybersecurity education did not make her stop and think about the possible consequences of living her life in front of always-connected devices. This is a real-world reminder that all of us, cybersecurity experts or not, should exercise caution when purchasing connected devices, whether for home or office use. It's important to not display verbally or visually any personal or corporate sensitive data when in presence of any connected IoT device. We should also consider that the same devices that make our lives easier could also be used by a deceptive third party to rob us of our privacy. Time will tell, but in my view, there is plenty of technology in my work life that heightens my productivity. I will choose privacy over convenience, especially at home. To me, that is far more sacred. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/03/18/is-there-a-price-for-privacy/ |
Which Double-Digit Seeds Have A Chance To Pull A First-Round NCAA Tournament Upset? | Murray State guard Ja Morant, left, will lead one of the top Cinderella candidates in the first round of the NCAA tournament against No. 5 seed Marquette. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) ASSOCIATED PRESS Nothing makes the opening weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament more fun for casual fans than watching small-conference underdogs advance. Think Loyola-Chicago and its legendary Sister Jean last year or the shocking win by UMBC over Virginia, the first time in tournament history that a No. 16 seed has defeated a No. 1. Successfully picking upsets is also a favorite pastime of the millions of fans who fill out a bracket, but there is an art to that hobby. Youve got to be smart about picking the early upsets and the mid-major teams capable of making a deep run. Among double-digit seeds, it should come as no surprise that No. 10 seeds have the best shot at winning their first game. But if youre picking a team to make it as far as the Elite Eight or Final Four, your chances are better by going with a No. 11. And those No. 12s that get all the attention in the first round largely because at least one No. 12 seed has defeated a No. 5 in 75% of all NCAA tournaments have almost never made it past the Sweet 16. No. 11 seeds, though, have won 43% of the time once they reached the second round, 36% of the time in the Sweet 16 (better odds than No. 5, 6 and 10 seeds in that round) and 50% of the times they have advanced as far as the Elite Eight. With that in mind, lets look at the likely most popular upset specials in the tournament, which begins Thursday, including the opening betting lines from BetOnline.ag for the 4-13, 5-12, 6-11 and 7-10 games: NO. 4 VS. NO. 13 Kansas State (25-8) vs. UC-Irvine (30-5) BetOnline odds: Kansas State -6.5 This will be one of the most popular upset picks in the opening round, and the early odds reflect that. UC-Irvine comes streaking into the tournament (16 straight wins, including a rout of Cal State Fullerton in the Big West tournament final) against a Kansas State team that could be without All-Big 12 star Dean Wade. The senior missed the entire Big 12 tournament with a foot injury and was shown wearing a walking boot on television when the team gathered to learn of its first-round matchup. Coach Buzz Williams has been linked to the opening at Texas A&M after Billy Kennedys firing on Friday. Virginia Tech will get point guard Justin Robinson the Hokies career leader in assists back from a foot injury that kept him out of the ACC tournament. The Hokies beat ZionWilliamson-less Duke 77-72 on Feb. 26. However, Virginia Tech has not won an NCAA tournament game since 2007. St. Louis got an automatic bid by winning the Atlantic 10 conference tournament as the No. 6 seed. Florida State (27-7) vs. Vermont (27-6) BetOnline odds: Florida State -11.5 Vermont likes to slow things down and bang inside, relying heavily on the talents of junior forward Anthony Lamb (21.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg), the America East Player of the Year. If the Catamounts can get the Seminoles into foul trouble, they shoot 75% from the foul line. Florida State is the biggest favorite among the No. 4 seeds after winning 14 of its last 16 games, with the only losses coming against No. 1 overall seed Duke (73-63) in the ACC tournament final and at No. 3 overall seed North Carolina (77-59) on Feb. 23. Kansas (25-9) vs. Northeastern (23-10) BetOnline odds: Kansas -8 This is an unusual position for a Kansas program that is accustomed to entering as Big 12 champion it lost a streak of consecutive conference titles that dated back to 2004 and with a high seed. The Jayhawks had been a No. 1 or 2 in nine straight years. They were last as low as a No. 3 seed in 2009 and a No. 4 seed in 2006. They lost center Udoka Azubuikie to a knee injury in January and had guard Lagerald Vick leave the team in February, leaving them short-handed for the postseason. Probably not in this game. Northeastern upset CAA regular-season champion Hofstra in the leagues tournament final to steal the automatic bid. The Huskies could make it interesting if they heat up from 3-point range, where they shoot 38.8%. Should the Jayhawks advance, theyll be on upset watch against the Auburn-New Mexico State winner. Oregon players celebrate after beating Washington 68-48 in the Pac-12 tournament finals, the Ducks' eighth victory in a row. Oregon will be a No. 12 seed when it faces fifth-seeded Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA tournament. (AP Photo/John ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 5 VS. NO. 12 Wisconsin (23-10) vs. Oregon (23-12) BetOnline odds: Wisconsin -1.5 Oregon will probably be the most popular upset choice among No. 12 seeds, as the Ducks may be one of the hottest teams in the nation entering the tournament. They smashed top-seeded Washington 68-48 in Saturdays Pac-12 tournament final and have won eight in a row after going through a February lull. Wisconsin is 6-4 in its last 10, although three of those losses were to high-seeded tournament teams (twice to Michigan State in the regular season and in the Big Ten semifinals and at Michigan) and the other was in double overtime at Indiana. However, five of the six wins were by six points or less. This one might very well come down to a shot at the buzzer. Marquette (24-9) vs. Murray State (27-4) BetOnline odds: Marquette -4 Tournament organizers had to be thrilled when Murray State beat Belmont in the OVC finals since that meant that likely NBA first-round pick Ja Morant would be in the field. The sophomore (24.6 ppg, 10 apg) is the only player in the country averaging at least 20 points and eight assists per game. Marquette was on pace to get a higher seed than this at midseason thanks to wins over Louisville, Kansas State, Villanova, Buffalo and Wisconsin all seeded seventh or better in this tournament but faded badly as the calendar switched to March. The Golden Eagles have lost five of their last six games, all of which came by single digits. Murray State has won 11 in a row. Mississippi State (23-10) vs. Liberty (28-6) BetOnline odds: Mississippi State -7 Mississippi State doesnt exactly enter the tournament with a ton of momentum. After winning 12 of its first 13 games including wins over Clemson and Cincinnati the Bulldogs slid to the middle of the pack in a challenging SEC. This is Mississippi States first tournament appearance in a decade, and it comes against a Liberty squad that grinds games to a slow pace and shoots a high percentage from the floor (56.1%). The Flames played two SEC teams that did not make the tournament field, losing 79-70 at Vanderbilt when Commodores star Darius Garland (33 points in that game) was still healthy and 84-75 against Alabama. They have won five in a row after beating top-seeded Lipscomb 74-68 in the Atlantic Sun finals. Auburn (26-9) vs. New Mexico State (30-4) BetOnline odds: Auburn -7.5 All of the 12 seeds will be popular upset picks after all, No. 12 seeds are a highly respectable 16-24 against No. 5 seeds in the last decade but this one features the longest odds to start. Both teams come in hot, as Auburn just ripped through Tennessee to win the SEC tournament and has won 10 of its last 11. Meanwhile, New Mexico State has won 19 in a row since dropping its WAC opener against Cal Baptist. Included in NMSUs four losses is a 63-60 loss to fourth-seeded Kansas, which the winner of this game could face in the second round. St. Mary's Jordan Ford, center, and teammates celebrate after defeating Gonzaga 60-47 for the West Coast Conference tournament title. (AP Photo/John Locher) ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 6 VS. NO. 11 Iowa State (23-11) vs. Ohio State (19-14) BetOnline odds: Iowa State -6 Iowa State dropped its last three games of the regular season, but it reversed face by sweeping through the Big 12 tournament, including a 78-66 win over Kansas in the tournament final. The Cyclones went 6-3 against ranked opponents this season, including wins in four of the last five such opportunities. They are one of the tournaments feel-good stories after finishing last in their conference a year ago. Ohio State has been highly mediocre since mid-February. Starting with a home loss to Illinois on Valentines Day, the Buckeyes have dropped seven of their last 10 games. However, Kaleb Wessons return will help the Buckeyes chances of advancing. Villanova (25-9) vs. St. Marys (22-11) BetOnline odds: Villanova -5 Prior to its shocking win over No. 1 seed Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference finals, St. Marys might not have done enough to be in this field at all. After all, the Gaels lost 94-46 to Gonzaga just over a month ago. But here they are, facing a program that St. Marys victimized in its last major shocker, a 2010 win over Villanova in the second round of the 2010 NCAA tournament. Defending national champion Villanova now features four freshmen and a graduate transfer who werent around to cut down the nets a year ago. They didnt look like championship material when they went 4-4 in February, but the Wildcats have since won four of their last five, including a 74-72 win over Seton Hall on Saturday to claim their third straight Big East tournament title. A stat to watch: St. Marys plays excellent perimeter defense, holding opponents to 31.8% shooting from 3-point range. Nearly 43% of Villanovas scoring comes from beyond the 3-point line, as the Wildcats have hit 35.3% of their 361 attempts. Maryland (22-10) vs. Belmont/Temple BetOnline odds: TBA This could be a scary matchup for Maryland, especially if Belmont advances out of Tuesdays First Four game against Temple (Belmont is favored by 3). Belmont had won 14 in a row before losing to Murray State in the OVC championship game, with the Bruins featuring an high-scoring offense (87.4 ppg, second in the nation) led by double-double machine Dylan Windler (21.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg). Maryland has lost three of its last four, including a flat showing against Nebraska in its first game in the Big Ten tournament. Buffalo (31-3) vs. Arizona State/St. Johns BetOnline odds: TBA Arizona State is a 1-point favorite to advance into the full bracket, where it would meet a fellow run-and-gun offense. It could be a high-scoring affair, since Buffalo ranks fifth nationally in scoring at 85 ppg and Arizona State is 58th at 77.7. Buffalo has been ranked for much of the season and claimed the highest seed ever for a MAC squad since the field expanded. The Bulls have won 12 in a row, but they will not be as battle-tested as Arizona State. The Sun Devils two losses in their last eight games both came against red-hot Oregon, including an overtime defeat in the Pac-12 semifinals. Wofford guard Fletcher Magee (3) has hit 151 3-pointers and is averaging 20.5 ppg entering a first-round matchup against Seton Hall in the NCAA tournament. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 7 VS. NO. 10 Wofford (29-4) vs. Seton Hall (20-13) BetOnline odds: Wofford -3 Wofford will be a popular Cinderella choice thanks to its ability to shoot the 3 (41.6%), put points on the board (83 ppg) and take care of the basketball (1.4 assist-turnover ratio). The Terriers cracked the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time ever earlier this season. Fletcher Magee has hit 151 3-pointers by himself and leads the Terriers with 20.5 ppg. The Terriers have won 20 in a row dating back to their 98-87 loss at Mississippi State on Dec. 19. Seton Hall comes in having won just four of its last eight. However, that stretch includes two wins over Marquette, a narrow win over Villanova and a 74-72 loss to Villanova in the Big East finals. This is Seton Halls fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance, leaning on a tough defense and a talented scorer in Myles Powell (22.9 ppg), who has scored 20 points or more in his last seven games. The winner of this one could give Kentucky a difficult time in the second round. Cincinnati (28-6) vs. Iowa (22-11) BetOnline odds: Cincinnati -4 Cincinnati just won the AAC tournament title and might as well be playing this game on its home court. The selection committee did the Bearcats a solid by putting Fridays game in Columbus, Ohio, just up the road from campus. Mick Cronins team is outstanding on defense, having surrendered more than 70 points in just five games this season. Meanwhile, Iowa has been a total mess down the stretch. The Hawkeyes have lost six of their last eight games, and three of those losses were by 20 points or more. Honestly, its surprising that the Bearcats arent favored by more against the Big Ten also-rans. Nevada (29-4) vs. Florida (19-15) BetOnline odds: Florida -2 The seedings say one thing here, but the betting odds say another. Florida is actually favored to advance into a likely second-round matchup with Michigan. This is the only game where a double-digit seed is the early betting favorite. However, Nevada was a No. 7 seed last year and it won twice to reach the Sweet 16. The Wolf Pack lost in the semifinals of the Mountain West tournament, but won a share of the conferences regular-season title and was virtually guaranteed a spot in the field. Florida was a borderline tournament entrant, although its strength of schedule probably pushed the Gators into the Big Dance. They played the nations 21st-toughest schedule according to CBS analyst Jerry Palm. They have lost four of their last six games, although three of the losses were to NCAA tournament teams (LSU, Kentucky and Auburn). Louisville (20-13) vs. Minnesota (21-13) BetOnline odds: Louisville -4.5 The obvious storyline here is Minnesotas Richard Pitino coaching against his dad Ricks old program. Thats more interesting than evaluating it as a matchup between somewhat mediocre teams. They both have wins against highly seeded opponents (Louisville beat Big Ten champ Michigan State, North Carolina and Virginia Tech, while Minnesota has beaten Washington and Purdue twice). Louisville has the more impressive resume, having smashed UNC by 21 points in Chapel Hill and taken a huge lead over No. 1 overall seed Duke before blowing it. The Cardinals are 53-11 all-time in the NCAA tournament as the higher-seeded team, but have lost seven of their last 10. Minnesota is 5-8 since losing 73-63 at Purdue on Feb. 3 and just lost 76-49 to Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals on Saturday. NUMBERS OF NOTE 1: Three teams from the ACC (Duke, Virginia and North Carolina) received No. 1 seeds. The only other time one conference got three No. 1 seeds in the same year was the Big East in 2009 with UConn, Pittsburgh and Louisville. In 2009, the final No. 1 seed (North Carolina) won the national title, which may be a good omen for this years other No. 1, Gonzaga. 4: The last four in: Belmont, Temple, Arizona State, St. Johns. That left out borderline tournament candidates like UNC-Greensboro, Alabama, Indiana and TCU. 7: There are seven at-large teams in the field that are not members of a Power 6 conference (ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC). Thats two more than last year and the most since there were seven in 2015. There were 10 non-Power 6, at-large teams in 2014. 8: The conference with the most teams in the field is the Big Ten with eight. The ACC and SEC both had seven and the Big 12 had six. 8 again: The lowest seed ever to reach the championship game is a No. 8 seed. That has happened four times: UCLA (1980), Villanova (1985), Butler (2011) and Kentucky (2014). 11: The lowest-seeded teams to reach the Final Four were No. 11 seeds. It has happened four times: LSU (1986), George Mason (2006), VCU (2011) and Loyola-Chicago (2018). .500: In the first-round games between No. 8 and 9 seeds, the results are incredibly even. Both seeds have won exactly 68 games in the first round over the last 34 years. ALL-TIME RECORDS BY DOUBLE-DIGIT SEEDS (FIRST ROUND) No. 10: 52-84 (38.2%) No. 11: 50-86 (36.8%) No. 12: 47-89 (34.6%) No. 13: 28-108 (20.6%) No. 14: 21-115 (15.4%) No. 15: 8-128 (5.9%) No. 16: 1-135 (0.7%) ALL-TIME RECORDS BY DOUBLE-DIGIT SEEDS (SECOND ROUND) No. 10: 23-29 (44.2%) No. 11: 22-29 (43.1%) No. 12: 20-27 (42.6%) No. 13: 6-22 (21.4%) No. 14: 2-19 (9.5%) No. 15: 1-7 (12.5%) No. 16: 0-1 (0%) ALL-TIME RECORDS BY DOUBLE-DIGIT SEEDS (SWEET 16) | https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidching/2019/03/18/evaluating-top-double-digit-seeds-chances-of-pulling-a-first-round-ncaa-tournament-upset/ |
Is Cleveland Indians Danny Salazar finally turning corner in return to mound? | CLEVELAND, Ohio Finally the Indians have some good news to report on Danny Salazar. Salazar has fired the Indians imagination since he made his big-league debut against Toronto in 2013 and struck out seven batters in six innings, flirting with triple-digit velocity along the way. He made the All-Star team in 2016, but has not been right since the second half of that season. Last year he didnt throw a competitive pitch, missing the entire season with a sore right shoulder. In July he underwent surgery and his latest rehab has been marked by stops and starts. But on Sunday manager Terry Francona said Salazar is making progress. In his last 10 days, two weeks, his progress has almost skyrocketed, Francona told reporters at the teams training site in Goodyear, Ariz. He went from having a couple of down weeks and then he goes out and (plays long toss) at 120, 150 and 180 feet. Now hes progressing toward where hes going to be off the mound. Its really been a good couple of weeks for him. Salazar, 29, will almost assuredly open the season on the disabled list, but this is the first indication that he may actually be able to help the Indians at some point this season. The rotation is well stocked with Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber, but a healthy Salazar could certainly help in the bullpen. Many questioned why the Indians avoided arbitration with Salazar in January and signed him to a one-year $4.5 million deal. They considered it a waste of money. Now they may have an answer. Hopefully, its a springboard into even better things, said Francona. I know Danny feels good about it and everybody else is pretty excited about it. Salazar is 38-33 with a 3.82 ERA in 108 games for the Indians. In that time, hes struck out 686 batters in 587 1/3 innings. Its an average of 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. In 2017, when Salazar threw just 103 innings, he averaged 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Back in there: Second baseman Jason Kipnis, after missing time with a tight right calf, is expected to play Monday against San Diego at Goodyear Ballpark. Trevor Bauer (1-1, 3.45) will start for the Tribe, while Chris Paddack (2-1, 2.13) will start for the Padres. Adam Cimber, Alex Wilson, Justin Grimm and Jon Edwards are scheduled to follow Bauer for the 4:05 p.m. ET game. The Indians.com webcast will carry the game. | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/03/is-cleveland-indians-danny-salazar-finally-turning-corner-in-return-to-mound.html |
How do I house-proof for climate change? | Its good to be in something from the ground floor, Tony Soprano told his psychiatrist. But lately, I'm getting the feeling that I came in at the end. Lately, Im getting the feeling that I came in at the end of a climate fit for humans. Yet here we are, so unprepared for it that every season of the year is a surprise party. (Read David Wallace-Wells The Uninhabitable Earth and get up to speed.) We need knowledge,writes Heather Mallick, like how to build a permeable driveway. ( Margaret Mayfield / AP ) If you think climate change hasnt hit yet, go outside and look around. Normally the March snowbank residue is greyish black with dirt, pop cans and cigarette butts, just one of the many charms of living in Toronto. This year, the residue has a brown base. Autumn stayed too warm too long and leaves didnt fully fall from the trees in time for the last date for 2018 garden-bag pickup, making the snowless Christmas landscape look ragged with scattered scraps of manila envelopes. It looks unkempt, sinister even. As the snow melts, I am raking up the rich chocolate goo the leaves became during an unusually cold winter with very heavy snowfall. It blocks the street drains as snow-rain drills down fast, which causes floods. Article Continued Below We need knowledge. Everything is changing and Toronto has no accessible plan, not a central website explaining new climate-ready building codes and with advice on preparing for the coming decades. When the roof needed replacing, I couldnt find advice on whether a lighter-coloured roof would better fend off intense heat. I was glad to have a gabled roof that allowed rain and snow to fall off more easily, but all around me homeowners favour the cheaper flat roofs not suited to our climate. Its best to prepare now, slowly, as we can afford it. The point of government is to look far ahead and prepare on a huge scale for events that individuals cant prepare for themselves, especially things theyre not alert to. Thats climate change. Also, war. Vancouver changed its building code, and now permits 12-storey wooden buildings rather than the six-storey ones grudgingly allowed here. I need advice. Tell me. Sidewalk Labs does this, even offering engineered shades and shelters to keep out wind and heat, Curbed.com reports. In its wisdom, the city planted trees along the Beaches boardwalk just far enough away that anyone walking or running or taking out the baby will have no shade at all. They will bake. U.S. scientists are very far from creating affordable lab-grown meat, perhaps because an industry ranches, slaughterhouses and huge Tyson-owned chicken sheds are determined they will stay that way. At some point, ranching will become untenable. Well learn that raising live animals for their meat is about as environmentally friendly as building with concrete. Thanks to greedy capitalism, I expect that one day well be growing our own meat in a device as small as a microwave. Innovators should get us in at the beginning of this unstoppable industry people do get creative in their effort to live because the other unstoppable force is a planetary transformation. Heather Mallick is a columnist based in Toronto covering current affairs. Follow her on Twitter: @HeatherMallick Read more about: | https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2019/03/18/how-do-i-house-proof-for-climate-change.html |
What is Britain's next move on Brexit? | LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected this week to try to persuade parliament to approve her Brexit deal at the third time of asking, before heading to Brussels to request a short delay to the withdrawal process. FILE PHOTO: A person walks over a bridge with the Houses of Parliament in the background, in London, Britain January 29, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls In three days of high-stakes voting in parliament last week, lawmakers determined that they did not support Mays exit deal, did not want to leave the European Union without any deal, and wanted a delay to the March 29 exit day to resolve the impasse. May has told lawmakers they have two choices: back my deal and face a short delay, or reject it and face a much longer one. Heres what is expected to happen in the coming days: BREXIT VOTE: TAKE THREE May has said her preference is for short delay to Brexit. This means, according to her own assessment, that she needs to hold a third vote in Britains 650-seat parliament on her deal before an EU summit on March 21-22. That gives her until Wednesday to overturn the 149-vote defeat she suffered on March 12. On Sunday, trade minister Liam Fox said it would be difficult to justify holding a third vote if the government knew if was going to lose. Some have suggested the vote could yet take place after the EU summit. EU COUNCIL When EU heads of government meet in Brussels on Thursday, May will use the summit to request an extension to the two-year Brexit negotiating period that is due to end on March 29. The outcome of these talks will be determined by whether or not parliament has approved Mays deal, and what conditions the EU attaches to a delay. Any delay requires agreement of all other 27 EU members. If Mays deal is rejected again, ministers have warned that the EU is only likely to agree to a longer delay, and that an alternative approach to Brexit would need to be found. In this scenario, her government has said it is willing to find a way to allow parliament to seek a majority for an alternative path. The government has not yet been specific about how this would work, but a sizeable contingent of lawmakers wants it to involve holding a series of indicative votes on different options in order to determine which, if any, could command majority support in the House of Commons. | https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-future-factbox/what-is-britains-next-move-on-brexit-idUSKCN1QZ18X?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29 |
Should we change the primary calendar to de-emphasize Iowa? | As the 2020 primary season kicks into full force, many are questioning why, yet again, Iowa and New Hampshire have the honor of casting the first votes in the presidential nomination process. For decades the states, two of the smallest and least racially diverse in the nation, have put their seal of approval or condemnation on candidates. Some say these states, with their emphasis on retail politics, help candidates with less money and name recognition have a chance. FiveThirtyEight recently weighed in on potentially re-ordering the primary calendar, putting more of an emphasis on states with demographics that represent the nation as a whole. Iowa and New Hampshire are very white and lean more evangelical Christian than the rest of the nation, changing who they throw their support behind in these early contests. The early states play a key role in winnowing the candidate field, and a state electorate that looks more like the party as a whole may vote in a way that better reflects the opinion of Democrats across the country. ...Illinois is the state whose population comes closest to being a cross section of Democratic voters.So under this hypothetical where Democrats prioritize states that best reflect their party, Illinois would go first in the nominating process, and Iowa and New Hampshire would move toward the back of the line. Now, if this calendar followed the current setup where four carve-out states vote by themselves at the start of the primary process, the three states after Illinois would be New Jersey, New York and Florida. Just after the first four would be Nevada, which currently goes third, reflecting the fact that there has been some effort to increase diversity at the start of the real presidential primary calendar. We Re-Ordered The Entire Democratic Primary Calendar To Better Represent The Partys Voters Some larger states have already begun pushing back against Iowa and New Hampshires primacy in the presidential race. California and Texas have both opened up early voting in their states, beginning at the same time as Iowans are caucusing for their candidates. Per NBC News: The explosion of early voting and reshuffling of the primary calendar in 2020 could transform the Democratic presidential nominating contest, potentially diminishing the power of the traditional, tiny and homogeneous early states in favor of much larger and more diverse battlegrounds. That would be a boon to the best-known candidates with warchests sizable enough to compete in big states early. And it would empower black and Hispanic voters in large, multiracial states like California, which was a virtual afterthought at the back of the primary calendar in 2016. Criticism has mounted for years about the primacy of New Hampshire and Iowa, which are both around 90 percent white. "Candidates will not be able to ignore the largest, most diverse state in the nation," California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said when the state moved its primary last year. 2020 Democratic primary: California and Texas look to become the new Iowa and New Hampshire Residents of Iowa and New Hampshire, however, vehemently argue they deserve their First In The Nation status. They claim their smallness allows voters to get to know candidates in a way they would not be able to in other, larger states. Per NPR: Iowa's smallness is in some ways a feature, not a bug, in that it allows less well funded candidates a fair shot (see: Rick Santorum, 2012, and Mike Huckabee, 2008). The state's caucus "ensures that there is at least one place where a candidate with a compelling message has a shot at winning, regardless of money or national fame," as the Des Moines Register's Kathy O'Bradovich argued in October. ...There's also more to being representative than race and ethnicity. A 2009 paper by the University of Iowa's Michael Lewis-Beck and Missouri's Peverill Squire found that Iowa was the most representative state economically at the time, as well as relatively representative (12th out of 50 states) when a broad range of social, demographic and economic factors were included. Here Are 6 Other Ways To Do It Voters in these states also argue they are able to better tune out the noise that comes with large political campaigns in this social media-driven era. Their emphasis on retail politics gives them an opportunity to get to know candidates better than in other states. As a result, even in this new, more chaotic political environment, New Hampshire still has the kind of intimate, civically minded electorate, as well as deep grassroots tradition of participation needed to make this state an ideal place to thoroughly test the mettle of our future presidents. And despite the money being spent on the campaigns -- and the changing way we communicate with each other -- New Hampshire voters will this Tuesday once again demonstrate that they have a special role to play in the presidential selection process. The tradition of retail politics in the Granite State isn't going anywhere. Voters here just might have to get more comfortable with the idea that we are increasingly sharing the process with a much bigger audience than our little corner of New England. (Opinion) The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, wed love to hear what you have to say. | https://www.oregonlive.com/tylt/2019/03/should-we-change-the-primary-calendar-to-de-emphasize-iowa.html |
What is the difference between a meteor, a meteorite, an asteroid and a comet? | Every day the Earth is bombarded with more than 100 tons of space dust and tiny objects no bigger than a grain of sand. Around once a year, an asteroid the size of a small car enters the Earth's atmosphere - creating an impressive fireball - and burns up before reaching the surface. So, we thought we'd take a closer look at some of the objects streaking through our skies at night, to find out a little bit more about them! ESA/HO Asteroids are usually lots of different shapes and are quite craggy - This one is called the Lutetia asteroid. Asteroids are big chunks of rock which float though space and orbit the Sun. They are much smaller than planets, and can vary in size. The biggest called Ceres is around 940 km wide - that's twice as big as the Grand Canyon! - some of the smaller asteroids can be around six metres in size. This map of our solar system shows where the main asteroid belt sits, in space. There are lots of asteroids in our solar system, and most of them are in the main asteroid belt, which floats between Mars and Jupiter. Sometimes asteroids can bump into each other in space, and this can mean small pieces break off. These smaller pieces of rock are called meteoroids. Meteoroids can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a metre across. Meteoroids can break off from asteroids. If a meteoroid gets close enough to the Earth that it enters our atmosphere, it begins to burn up and fall to the ground. This burning trail is known as a meteor. They are usually bright in colour and leave beautiful trails of light in the sky. To enjoy the CBBC Newsround website at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on. Watch this meteor shoot through the sky above America and Canada Some people call them shooting stars, but they are aren't really stars, just tiny chunks of rock burning up in the Earth's atmosphere! If a meteoroid rock doesn't completely burn up as it falls to Earth - the rock that is left behind is called a meteorite. Although meteors and comets both create bright trails through our night sky, they are very different. Like asteroids, comets also float through space orbiting the Sun. However, comets are made up of ice and dust, not rock - like a giant dirty snowball! Some comets take a few years to travel around the Sun. However some take much longer and others only ever appear once. As the comet moves towards the sun, the heat begins to melt the ice and dust - turning it from a solid to a gas. This creates a beautiful, bright tail. You can see a comet travelling through the sky when it is very far away from the Earth, however you can only see a meteor when it burns up in our atmosphere. In 2014 the Rosetta spacecraft made history by being the first to land on a moving comet. Information from Nasa and ESA | https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/38892255 |
What Was the Foodie? | When you take into account the way the fine dining industry overlaps with home cooking and food media, the overall effect is of a culture that skews male, white, and wealthy. Foodie-ism, in this country, is largely created by white people for white people. As Korsha Wilson noted in a widely shared Eater piece on dining while black, fancy restaurants are often hospitable only to the white and affluent: As many black diners know, being in a dining space can often mean choosing between being ignored, interrogated, or assaulted. Even attempts to diversify foodie culture contain a pernicious brand of exoticism. The writer and artist Sukjong Hong (who is also a former staffer at The New Republic) put it to me this way: She loves food and cooks often for her family, but sees foodie-ism as a form of conspicuous consumption that disguises itself as cultural acumen. When food is separated out from its practical function and cultural context and turned into a media property, foodie-ism is often orientalist and neocolonial in its language of discovery, Hong said, particularly in its valuing of authenticity around foods that are not from the dominant culture. It is how miso and soy sauce, everyday staples in Asian cuisine, become the province of experts. I recently tagged along with a food critic to a restaurant she was planning to review (she asked to remain anonymous for professional reasons). Between bites of a sandwich that I would struggle to describe to you (I am allergic to the dominant tropes of food writing: the thrumming bass line of spice in a dish, endless and labored synonyms for crispy, etc; the sandwich was good) I put my questions about the problem with foodie-ism to her. My acquaintance is a white woman, and she noted that there are lots of people who look like her at the top of food publications. White women are socialized to cook at home, but also made to feel (more) welcome in a prestige office environment. A fancy restaurant critic, on the other hand, gets his expertise through sheer volume of experience, trekking across the fine dining institutions of the world. That takes money, unless you have a reliable expense account. It might also take a certain skin color: She cited Wilsons piece about her experience at the Grill in Manhattan, where a bartender assumed shed never tried a negroni before and condescendingly explained to her the principle of bitter flavor profiles. On the face of it, we were discussing the kinds of bias that shape every American industry. Race, class, and gender inflect everybodys experience of life, in and out of the workplace. But only the most coddled of our society get to build a career in restaurant criticism, which remains the ultimate arbiter of what sophisticated eaters value in their food. Meanwhile, line cooks in fancy restaurants and diner chains continue to make roughly the same wages. All our discussions about food are shot through with these fundamental inequities. Take a recent GQ profile of Tunde Wey, written by Brett Martin. Wey makes delicious food, but his work is also a form of political performance art: in Martins words, a hybrid of political action ... revolutionary rhetoric, impish provocation, and other assorted acts of public intellectualism, all built around a critique of the way we eat in America today. Wey melds cookery with a potent critique of gentrification and racial inequality. For example, in 2018 he hosted an event called Hot Chicken Shit in Nashville, where he charged white diners $1,000 for four pieces of chicken, or a Nashville property deed for a whole chicken. Black diners ate for free. Martin, however, openly has trouble with Weys approach and worldview. He describes the pain and frustration he felt when Wey took him to task for fawning over a white southern chef. On another occasion, Martin accuses Wey of hating food, positing that his indignation at foodie culture was, at least in part, a puffed-up justification for what was really a deep ambivalence about pleasure. This is an old chestnut in conversations around food: the idea that physical pleasure is a neutral, apolitical sensation. Wey responded that he loved to eat and that of course there should be places where dining is simple pleasure, where food is respite and solace. But the problem is that everywhere is like that: if all your spaces are spaces where you eat and dont think about shit, then youre never thinking about shit! It is curious that the commercialization of foodie-ism surged in the wake of the financial crash of 2008. Instead of leading to a more frugal eating culture, precarity has resulted in a proliferation of the luxury restaurants that have come to symbolize our Gilded Age. Look no further than the new Hudson Yards complex in New York, which will feature 25 separate places to eat over the course of a few city blocks, including new ventures from superstar chefs like Thomas Keller and David Chang. Still, the recession did have an impact. The financial crash changed everything in the restaurant space, Amiel Stanek, an editor at Bon Appetit, told me. The recession, he said, saw the end of a certain kind of fine dining: finance-bro, expense-account kind of restaurant. We saw the rise of fine casual, with places like gastropubs, and a new focus on certain kinds of cuisine that were not Frenchy or Japanese. You saw a lot of regional Italian food, which felt homey and safe to people, and a lot of British food, interestingly. The vibe in America post-crash, Stanek said, was one of nervousness around ostentatious displays of wealth. Restaurants started capitalizing on shows of austerity. This helps explain the rise in nose-to-tail and farm-to-table eating. Diners were spending the same amount as in the old white-tablecloth spots, but the sensibility had changed. In the meat world, for example, off-cuts became really popular, Stanek noted. You suddenly saw hanger steak on every menu, you saw short rib on every menu, you saw pork belly on every menu. When filet mignon and rib-eye started to feel distastefully extravagant, hanger steak took off. And now its expensive, because consumers want to identify with it. Nose-to-tail and farm-to-table became key market principles in recession food culture, part of a fantasy of rustic or peasant-style cooking, in Staneks words. As Americans rejected excess they embraced a new ethos of authenticity. Whether a place was really making authentic Sicilian food, or authentic Roman food, or was being true to some kind of farm-to-table ethos, the appearance of a vision became more important, Stanek said. Much of millennial consumer culture is about our instinctive sense of precarity, our allergy to corporate signifiers, and our formless urge to be good people who wont screw up the world all over again. But the food market adapted, of course, and continued to take our money, though selling us different values. Transparency, authenticity, good health, convenience, anti-snobberyall now available at Sweetgreen! This is all a lot to hold in ones head every time one orders a meal. As The New Yorkers food writer Helen Rosner told me, we make decisions about food several times a day. So, no matter how much we know about how we should eat, our knowledge about food always exists in tension with learned habits in our daily behavior. Philosophers call this gap between knowing and doing malaise of will, Rosner explained. Food is so close to the grain of our lives that we eat on unconscious instinct, which is often just another word for bias. Without a doubt, food has become newly political. The difficulty of defining that politics, however, lies in the fact that food culture is precisely coextensive with human culture. Food is virtually synonymous with life. We all need to eat, and when we stop to consider our eating habits we are really pondering a galaxy of concerns that seem all out of proportion with, say, the desire to eat a croissant. When a behavior happens constantly, it can be almost impossible to gain the Archimedean point necessary to see it clearly. But just as Betty Friedan took ordinary life as her subject in The Feminine Mystique, to show that the normal is political, the many ways that social politics inheres in food culture prove that point all over again. What has felt like a special interest subject is, in fact, everybodys business. | https://newrepublic.com/article/153335/foodie |
What Would a Dog Do on Mars? | That was a sub-orbital flight, though, which stops short of looping around the Earth. The first dog to truly go to space was Laika, a three-year-old perky-eared mutt, in 1957. Her capsule successfully made it to orbit and remained there for about five months, circling the globe, before plunging back into Earths atmosphere. But Laika didnt survive. A safe return was never part of the plan. The capsule was designed to run out of oxygen within a week. According to sensors embedded beneath her skin, Laikas heartbeat was triple the normal rate during launch, and her breathing frantic. She died not long after, likely because of the extreme temperatures in the overheated capsule. Over time, other dogs orbited the Earth and returned alive. Eventually, so did people. Dogs were left on the ground, safe from the threat of being shot into the sky. But the NASA poster suggests that, unlike the Soviet dogs, a canine on Mars would not be a lab animal, but a valued companion on the journey to a distant land. Even stillimagine life for a dog on Mars. It probably would be miserable. The journey would begin with a bone-chattering rocket launch. Passengers would feel as much as four times force of Earths gravity pressing down on them. The experience is stressfuleven some of the best-trained astronauts take off with skyrocketing heart rates. It would be far worse for a passenger who couldnt comprehend what was going on, says Clive Wynne, a psychology professor at Arizona State University who studies canine behavior, and the author of the forthcoming book Dog Is Love: Why and How Your Dog Loves You. Wynne considered his own dog, Xethos, an eight-year-old mutt named for Xenophon, an ancient Greek scholar who wrote about dogs. Im pretty certain Xethos doesnt want to go to Mars, he says. If we were to try this out by putting her in a confined space and subjecting her to loud noises and sudden movements, I think she would convince us that this wasnt something she wanted to do. Xethos enjoys some turbulence, like riding in a car with the windows down. If the option existed for a dog to stick its snout out the window during the ride to Mars, then maybe, Wynne says. But the little I know about space travelthere are not going to be windows. No, there wont. And the technology to build a palatial spaceship like the USS Enterprise is many years away. The first ships to travel to Mars will likely be small and cramped, packed with little more than the essentials, like life-support systems. There wont be much room for astronauts to move around, much less play catch with their canine companion. The ride would be hard on the bodies of the passengers, human and dog alike, especially if their spacecraft cant produce artificial gravity that keeps their feet and paws on the floor. Without gravity, fluids in the body would float to their heads and congest them. Bones and muscles would thin out. Eyeballs would squish, blurring visiona medical mystery scientists are still trying to figure out. And without the protection of Earths magnetic field, the passengers would be exposed to radiation, the high-energy rays that permeate the cosmos, which can increase the risk of cancer. | https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/03/dogs-on-mars/584980/?utm_source=feed |
Can Democrats And Republicans Strike A Deal On Health Care? | It seems almost inconceivable. The only talk on the left at the moment is Medicare for all. On the right there is not much talk about any aspect of health care. But when pressed, Republicans would still like to abolish Obamacare. Neither party is going to get its wish any time soon. Still, desperate times call for new thinking. As voters get tired of hearing promises that are never met and never will be met, politicians will feel increasing pressure to accomplish something. To see how some innovative thinking might produce major reform, lets stop to consider why both parties might feel pressure to act. The Democrats Dilemma. Nancy Pelosi says the Democrats won the House of Representatives because of health care. She may be right. By one estimate, Democrats spent $90 million on health care ads in the last election. Almost all of that was focused on pre-existing conditions. Heres the problem. Although polls show that most people with Obamacare insurance are satisfied with their coverage, most of them are highly subsidized and paying only a fraction of their premium out of their own pockets. Also, most were previously uninsured. Unfortunately for Democrats, this group generally doesnt vote. Among middle-income folks (a person doesnt qualify for a subsidy if he or she earns $50,000 or more), things are different. These people are used to being insured and they tend to vote. Their premiums have doubled under Obamacare and their access to care has plummeted. Most plans in the individual market these days dont include the best doctors or the best hospitals in their networks, unlike the insurance these people used to have. The biggest problem for middle-income voters with health conditions is that the only insurance they can buy looks like Medicaid with a high deductible. And its over-priced at that. Democrats have yet to say what they would do about this problem. In fact, they havent even addressed it. The Republicans Dilemma. People who are dissatisfied with their Obamacare insurance are potential Republican voters. But for anyone with a health problem, the Republican message has been muddled to say the least. Before there was Obamacare, most states had risk pools, which provided insurance for people who were denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. They are now gone. Their enrollees and other high-cost patients have entered the Obamacare exchanges instead. Thats one of the reasons premiums in the individual market have soared. To make matters worse for the GOP, the individual market is the market of last resort for just about everyone even those who have employer coverage today. Anyone who becomes too sick to work will eventually end up in the individual market and everyone knows that. When Republicans voted to repeal Obamacare without proposing any alternative way for people with pre-existing conditions to get health insurance they created uncertainty and apprehension among millions of ordinary people. Recent moves by the Trump administration to lower the cost of health insurance for healthy people may have made these anxieties even worse. In the last election, Republicans not only didnt have an answer for this problem, they ran away from health care altogether. A Bipartisan Solution. To solve the political problems of both parties, two major reforms are needed. As a practical matter, they can only be implemented properly by state governments, which will need the full freedom to innovate, experiment and find the best way to get the job done. First, we must stop the group market (primarily employer plans) from dumping costs on the individual market. If people become too sick to work and need individual insurance this is a social problem created by a health insurance system largely created by the federal tax law. The individual market is only about 5% of private health insurance. If we force this tiny market to bear the full cost of the social problems created in the other 95%, individual insurance will inevitably become prohibitively expensive. The right solution is to spread the social cost of the pre-existing conditions problem over society as a whole. States should be free to decide how to do that. Traditionally, risk pools were funded by a premium tax on all insurance. Thats an option that makes a lot of sense. Accordingly, states should be free to impose a small premium tax on all group insurance. (In order to collect from self-insured plans that cover more than half of all workers, this requires a change in federal law). The revenue should be used exclusively to pay the cost of above-average health care costs that migrate from the group to the individual market. This could be done through risk pools, risk reinsurance and other devices. Economic theory teaches us that the cost of the premium tax will fall on workers, just like the cost of their health insurance. However, they get a benefit in return. The small increase in premium paid during their working years will insure that they will be able to buy insurance that is comparable in cost, quality and access to care should they cease working and turn to the individual market. Also, group plans could be exempted from the tax if they solve the social problem on their own say, by purchasing employee-owned, portable insurance or by funding post-employment health care benefits. Second, we need radical reform of risk adjustment. It is clear from their behavior that health plans in the exchanges are trying to attract the healthy (with low premiums) and avoid the sick (with narrow networks). This happens because the plans are uncertain about whether they will be fully compensated when they enroll a high-cost patient. This is in contrast to the Medicare Advantage program, where high-cost seniors are actually sought after by special needs plans because the plans know they will get a fair premium reflecting the expected health care costs of each enrollee. To achieve the best result, this reform will also require a change in federal law allowing the exchanges to do things that are now prohibited. For example, states should have broad authority to: Allow health plans to specialize in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions and exclude people who do not have these conditions. Allow a market to develop in which plans can bid for the right to treat high-cost health conditions. Allow medical records to automatically travel with patients from plan to plan. Allow health plans to ask health questions and conduct medical exams at the time of enrollment. Allow a market for risk adjustment in which plans compensate other plans when high-cost patients transfer enrollment. These are the two most important reforms. But if Congress really wants the market to work well, it should also free the states to: Allow people to have flexible Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) without regard to deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. Allow patients to use their HSAs to take advantage of phone and email consultations, contract with concierge doctors, pay for home visits, self-manage their chronic disease and take advantage of other market-based innovations in medical care. Remove some essential health benefits or make them optional, provided the state sets aside public money to cover those costs in some other way. Impose additional costs on people who try to game the system by waiting until they get sick to enroll or upgrading to more comprehensive coverage after they get sick (following the examples of Medicare and Medigap). Conditions. Congress should give the states broad authority to make these changes, subject to three conditions. First, the state must have a credible plan to make insurance better for people with chronic health conditions. Better means, lower premiums, lower deductibles and wider networks. Second, the state must show progress toward the ultimate goal of a world in which people who leave the group market and buy their own coverage can find insurance that is comparable in price, quality and access to care. Third, whatever the states do must be revenue neutral for the federal government. That means taxpayers in any one state should not be on the hook to pay for the health care experimentation in any other state. Resolve. Solving the problems of Obamacare is really not that difficult. It requires congressional representatives who really want to solve problems instead of scoring political points with their base. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoodman/2019/03/18/can-democrats-and-republicans-strike-a-deal-on-health-care/ |
Is Agile Killing QA? | In this agile world, quality assurance (QA) has changed from test everything to test as fast as you can. The increasing adoption of agile and DevOps is minimizing the importance of QA for many teams because these ideologies focus on speed, and quality can become secondary. Even though the agile methodology calls for QA to be part of the sprint team, it poses a unique challenge because proper testing and validation take time. In many instances, organizations with large customer bases forgo QA altogether. Or, as is often the case, testing is only done on the outputs of each sprint team or piece of work. This approach doesnt test products in the context in which they will be used and doesnt even test the product as a whole, just a portion. In its current form -- with traditional lab and outsourced testing -- QA is indeed being killed by agile. Thats because traditional lab and outsourced testing are too slow to keep up with agile sprint and release cadences. Traditional Testing Methods Are Failing I've seen firsthand why this is the case, having spent my career in engineering and currently serving in an executive role at a company that has succeeded in moving away from traditional testing methods toward a crowdsourced testing model. First, there is a perception in many companies that QA is just a pitstop on the journey to a more glamorous job, such as scrum master, developer or product manager. This leads to a talent shortage where small QA teams arent able to test at the speed and scale of software being developed. In Capgeminis World Quality Report, 42% of survey respondents list a lack of professional test expertise in agile teams as a challenge in applying testing to agile development. With limited resources, internal QA teams cant achieve the test coverage necessary to ensure bugs dont make their way into production. The diversification of platforms -- browsers, mobile devices and operating systems (Android, Windows, iOS, etc.) -- and new devices like voice assistants pose significant challenges for internal QA teams. These experiences require dedicated teams with broad skills and bigger budgets -- things few internal QA teams have to spare. Offshore models havent had much more luck keeping up with the demands of an agile environment. Though they can be a cheaper alternative to traditional labs, they cant account for real-world use cases. They can also take a while to get started and dont fit well in the SDLC. Overall, they provide only a sliver of the test coverage enterprises need. QA Can Make A Comeback Agile is killing traditional QA. But that doesnt mean all QA is dying. Many companies have evolved their strategies, blending in-house and outsourced testing with automated, real-world and beta testing. Automated testing: Test automation has quickly become a popular option for companies. In fact, its use grew 85% from 2015 to 2017 across all industry domains, according to KPMG. Automation is not a complete replacement of internal testing, but it does augment the strategy by taking on lower-priority tests (smoke and regression testing, for example) that dont require a human touch. Smaller teams are usually better off starting with an off-the-shelf enterprise solution so they can get up and running quickly and have the support to handle software bugs along the way. More mature testing teams may benefit more from an open source automation framework. This approach provides increased flexibility and customization, but it requires advanced technical expertise and a longer runway to build the solution as even mature teams can have trouble managing an automation solution at scale. When that human touch is required, real-world and beta testing can help fill in the gaps. Real-world testing: Real-world testing tests with real users on personally owned devices in their home environments, enabling brands to uncover edge use cases and functional problems that only exist in the real world. Testers can be segmented by demographic (age, location, device, etc.) and expertise (QA, security, usability, etc.). This testing can be started quickly and scale at a moments notice, helping agile teams add more testers on-demand to account for peak periods. Real-world testing is a valuable solution for brands looking to expand test coverage or those that dont have the resources to replicate real-world scenarios themselves. The key to getting started is finding a fully managed partner with the scale to match desired customer personas, devices, locations, languages and even payment instruments in order to take the pressure off internal teams and augment existing processes. Beta testing: Beta testing releases a product to a subset of users prior to the full launch and is a common practice for many companies. This approach gives companies a large test base with which to work. The big drawback is that it can be inconsistent and disorganized because testers arent vetted and duplicate bugs are shown. All brands can benefit from beta testing, but those with more loyal users will get more feedback and therefore better results. Brands can implement beta testing by dedicating internal resources to the task of setting up the tests and managing responses or by working with a partner to manage the process. By giving agile teams additional outside resources that easily scale, each of these testing approaches keeps developers moving quickly and able to adjust to the high demands of customers. Each method works best when managed by a dedicated resource who can integrate testing into the team and ensure bugs are handled correctly, allowing testing to shift further left in the SDLC and become a true part of the agile process. QA is still critical in delivering the best experiences possible to todays demanding customers. Consumers expect their digital products to improve over time, and with each new update, their expectations rise. If they are disappointed, the cost of switching software is basically zero. With no space for error, brands can turn to automated, real-world and beta testing to ensure they can keep quality high even as development moves faster. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/03/18/is-agile-killing-qa/ |
What are the most common reasons people are homeless in Seattle? | The answer isn't simple. Every year in the weeks after the One Night Count of homelessness, surveyors head into King Countys shelters, camps and streets with clipboards and sleeves of socks to persuade a representative sample of homeless people to talk. They ask such things as where theyre from and their sexual orientation. They also ask homeless people to diagnose their houseless state, choosing from a range of causes, from eviction to mental illness to an argument with a family member. Years ago, this was a check all that apply question, said Peter Connery, vice president of Applied Survey Research, the California-based company that administers the survey for King County. But that produced a muddle of answers, so they changed the question to, What do you think is the primary event or condition that led to your homelessness? The final bits of data are just now trickling in from this years survey, whose results will be released in May, Connery said. Its also a question Seattle Times readers frequently ask. Continuing our Ask Project homeless series, we picked one such question What is the estimated breakdown of people who are primarily homeless because of economic reasons, drugs and alcohol, mental health, or other reasons? Its a hard question even for homeless people to answer, but its also one researchers are exploring. That survey Connery oversees provides a simple but incomplete answer to that question, because no one is ever homeless for one reason. But when asked to pick, the biggest reasons people cited last year were losing a job, alcohol or drug addiction, and eviction. The common denominator This question is often on students minds at Seattle Pacific University, where a local tent city is hosted on and off. Karen Snedker, a sociologist at SPU who studies homeless camps, tries her best to answer it. What I often tell my students is, there are different pathways economics, housing, mental health, substance abuse but the common denominator is poverty, Snedker said. Adults who are homeless report higher rates of being homeless as a child, studies show. Its not impossible for richer people to fall into homelessness, although wealth can help people weather these storms or move in with family. But poverty is just the starting point for homelessness. Its always poverty and something else, argues Thomas Main, a political scientist and author of Homelessness in New York City: Policymaking from Koch to de Blasio. Its tricky to say things like, Oh, this person became homeless because of mental illness or alcoholism but somebody else became homeless because they couldnt afford the rent. You can be alcoholic or mentally ill and housed, right? Main said. Its a mistake to say either the problem is caused by individual disabilities or its caused by structural problems. Its always a mix. In Seattle, for instance, people with mental illness and drug dependency used to have somewhere to stay, in ultracheap places like the famous Ozark Hotel, a single-room-occupancy hotel on Westlake Avenue. Today, many of those rooming houses are gone. The Ozark burned down in 1970, and other hotels like it were deemed fire hazards and shut down. Combined with gentrification, an estimated 15,622 housing units disappeared in the downtown area between 1960 and 1980. They and other cheap housing were replaced over the next decades with much more expensive places to live in downtown. But the homeless people stayed. Researchers often look at homelessness more like a condition with risk factors, many of which go back to childhood. One study from Seattle released in 2002 found roughly half of homeless youth had been physically abused and almost a third had been sexually abused. Researchers can even predict homelessness by looking at some of these risk factors. Los Angeles Economic Roundtable looked at records of more than a million homeless people nearly everyone who was homeless in L.A. County over 15 years and tried to predict homelessness in an upcoming report. They found that risk of becoming consistently homeless is worse for single men, African-Americans, and workers in low-wage or inconsistent jobs with high turnover. Workers at temp agencies were the most at risk. The chance of becoming homeless gets worse if people lose a job when theyre older, at least up to 55. Around 8 percent of the working poor who lose a job in L.A. become persistently homeless, said Daniel Flaming, president of Economic Roundtable, a nonprofit think-tank. These are people whove maybe been working-class people throughout their lives, and the economy leaves them behind, Flaming said. When King Countys new homelessness survey comes out in May, systemic issues like poverty and childhood abuse wont explicitly show up in the results. Homeless people, Snedker said, dont often talk about those issues when they talk about homelessness; they usually talk about their own personal failings. It gives them agency, Snedker said. If I got myself into this, I can get myself out. Because thats what youre deprived of when youre homeless. | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/why-are-people-in-seattle-homeless/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
Who's behind Phoenix's latest ballot measure, and what would it do? | Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio crafted the ballot's language and ushered it through the initiative process. (Photo: Tom Tingle/The Republic) In August, Phoenix voters will weigh in on a plan that supporters say will help alleviate the city's growing multibillion-dollar pension debt. A group dubbed Responsible Budgets backed by Councilman Sal DiCiccio submitted almost 50,000 signatures in January supporting a citizens' initiative that would change how Phoenix calculates its pension debt and require the city to spend almost all excess general fund revenue to pay down the debt. On March 6, Phoenix City Clerk Denise Archibald confirmed that the group submitted at least 20,510 valid signatures, enough to send the initiative to voters for the Aug. 27 election. The initiative will appear on the ballot with another citizen's initiative that would cancel all future light rail spending if passed. Phoenix has racked up more than $4 billion in pension debt money it will someday owe to its retirees. Phoenix has tried some creative and some controversial methods to manage the debt in the past, but the city still spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year paying down its debt. Last year, the city spent $376 million. This year, it plans to spend $426 million. Some say that's not enough they want the city to forgo what they deem unnecessary spending and catch up on its debt sooner. That's what this initiative would accomplish, according to proponents. The initiative has four main elements: Requires annual assessments of pension debt based on a 10-year average rate of return on investments of pension systems. If the city has not funded at least 90 percent of its pension liability, it can only increase its budget to compensate for population growth or inflation. In other words, if there's still pension debt, there can be no new city spending. Only public safety services are exempt from this limitation. Requires the city to spend any additional funding on pension debt. Ends pensions for City Council members. Subscribe to azcentral.com. Tim Mooney is the chairman of Responsible Budgets, according to city filings. He lists his employer as California-based political consulting firm Silver Bullet Group. The treasurer of the group is Chuck Warren, the managing director of Wyoming-based public affairs firm September Group. DiCiccio's Chief of Staff Sam Stone previously worked for September Group, according to Warren. In an interview, Warren said that although his company is incorporated in Wyoming, he's a part-time Arizona resident. He said Mooney is also an Arizona resident. Warren said he's watched pension debt pile up in cities and states across the country and came up with the idea to address the issue via ballot initiative a few years ago. "I don't know if this thing can win or lose, but it needs to be talked about," he said. "I'm petrified of this (debt). I'm leaving a time bomb to my kids." NEWSLETTERS Get the AZ Memo newsletter delivered to your inbox We're sorry, but something went wrong Get the pulse of Arizona -- Local news, in-depth state coverage and what it all means for you Please try again soon, or contact Customer Service at 1-800-332-6733. Delivery: Mon-Fri Invalid email address Thank you! You're almost signed up for AZ Memo Keep an eye out for an email to confirm your newsletter registration. More newsletters Warren said he teamed up with DiCiccio, who crafted the ballot language and ushered it through the initiative process. "This is really Sal's initiative," he said. According to campaign finance reports, Responsible Budgets raised $158,095 from two companies with Arizona addresses: Pass the Balanced Budget Amendment, Inc. and Morning in America. Warren said Pass the Balanced Budget Amendment, Inc. is a nonprofit political organization and Morning in America is Mooney's company. He said all of the money for signature gathering came from him, Mooney and DiCiccio. The group so far has spent all of its money on signature gathering, according to campaign reports. DiCiccio and Mooney did not return requests for comment. Reach the Phoenix reporter at 480-694-1823 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @jboehm_NEWS. Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/03/18/phoenix-voters-decide-how-pay-down-4-billion-pension-debt-sal-diciccio/3109478002/ | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/03/18/phoenix-voters-decide-how-pay-down-4-billion-pension-debt-sal-diciccio/3109478002/ |
Does anyone care about Arrested Development anymore? | CLOSE 10 new shows are coming to TV this spring including "The Act" on Hulu and "Turn Up Charlie" on Netflix. USA TODAY "Arrested Development" has made a huge mistake. You probably missed Netflix's debut Friday of the second half of the comedy's fifth season. Previous returns of "Arrested," a longtime critical and cult hit, have been greeted with loud fanfare, but this time around, its more a resigned whimper. Its not uncommon for enthusiasm to wane for aging series, but theres never been another show with quite the same path that Arrested has taken: Cancellation by Fox in 2006, after three seasons, a 2013 Netflix revival, and another season five years later. Its unconventional path has landed it in the unenviable position of seeming to have lasted too long, and not long enough. And as the second half of the fifth season limps onto Netflix, its time for the show to be put out of its misery. Jessica Walter and Jeffrey Tambor on "Arrested Development." (Photo: Netflix) The new episodes arrive 16 years after the series premiered in 2003 as a scrappy, offbeat sitcom about the vapid, and formerly rich Bluth family. It was weird and brilliant, but perhaps too weird for broadcast TV, despite an Emmy Award as best comedy for that first season. But the revival was disappointing and the improved fifth season still couldn't match the series at its peak. It also drew controversy because Jeffrey Tambor, who stars as patriarch George Bluth (and his twin brother Oscar) was accused of sexual harassment on the set of another series, Amazon's Transparent. (He was also verbally abusive to his "Arrested" co-star Jessica Walter, she said, breaking into tears about the incident in front of Tambor and the cast during an interview.) Tambor and his alleged misconduct make loving Arrested difficult, especially given that he and Walter play a frequently bickering married couple. But even if you can put aside the controversy, "Arrested" has lost its panache at the same time it's lost relevancy. The new episodes revolve around the same tired plots introduced in Season 4: George and Lucille (Walter) are still trying to build a Mexican border wall; Gob (Will Arnett) is still maybe sort of gay; Tobias (David Cross) is still trying to get in with the Bluths while holding onto his girlfriend (Maria Bamford) and son (Kyle Mooney); and Michael (Jason Bateman) tries to save his son George Michael (Michael Cera) from his own fraudulent software company, Fake Block, and restore the Bluth name and fortune. It's all very familiar, and worse, painfully dull. There are a few lines here or there in these eight episodes that elicit a chuckle, but this isn't the hilarity you have seen before. "Arrested" has always been weird and irreverent, but that side of the series now seems less character driven and more performative. The series' satire of the wealthy was already starting to lose its bite last season. And in our current climate, stranger-than-fiction stories about the rich and privileged (like the recent college admissions scandal) make "Arrested" seem even more woefully out of date. The Bluths are stuck in the past, and not in a funny way. In Season 4, there was a bit of an excuse for the problems, given that stars like Bateman and Cera had seen their careers take off since 2006, and reassembling the cast proved difficult. Through a combination of plot gymnastics and trickery, Season 4 was cobbled from separate shoots (the entire cast spent only one day together on the set). Creator Mitch Hurwitz has made a concerted effort to right those wrongs (Netflix even tried to fix Season 4 itself, allowing Hurwitz to re-edit episodes to make their structure more like the first three seasons). But putting the Bluths back together in Season 5 didn't solve much. "Arrested" was, at one point, one of the best sitcoms on TV and beloved by a legion of fans and critics. Before dozens of shows were being revived regularly, Netflix's 2013 rescue seemed miraculous. But the moment when "Arrested" was a pop-culture force has long passed, and the more Hurwitz and the cast push to recapture that glory, the more sullied its legacy becomes. As Michael Bluth might say, sometimes its best just to sail away and leave the mess behind. No matter how much you once loved it. Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/03/18/arrested-development-season-5-does-anyone-care-anymore-netflix-jeffrey-tambor/3165601002/ | https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/03/18/arrested-development-season-5-does-anyone-care-anymore-netflix-jeffrey-tambor/3165601002/ |
What Habits Can We Adopt To Maintain Good Mental Health? | originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Answer by Andrew Chapin, Founder & CEO of Basis, on Quora: Dr. Trent is best equipped to answer this, but here are some common themes that arise during Basis sessions (and that I personally have found useful). Note: these are habits to maintain general mental wellness, not to treat a diagnosed mental illness. Talk about it: We live in a culture that puts pressure on people to just deal with it when challenging emotions arise. Talking things out, whether with a friend or Basis Specialist or therapist, is critical to processing and regulating your own emotions. Its not a sign of weakness. Its very easy to suffer from cognitive distortions when the only way you are processing emotions is in your own head. We live in a culture that puts pressure on people to just deal with it when challenging emotions arise. Talking things out, whether with a friend or Basis Specialist or therapist, is critical to processing and regulating your own emotions. Its a sign of weakness. Its very easy to suffer from cognitive distortions when the only way you are processing emotions is in your own head. Exercise: Many studies have shown a correlation between maintaining cardiovascular health and positive mental health. Endorphins are a thing. Many studies have shown a correlation between maintaining cardiovascular health and positive mental health. Endorphins are a thing. Sleep: Your mind functions better and can problem solve through adversity much better when youre well-rested. Everything is harder when youre tired. Sleep hygiene deserves a Quora session all to itself, but some places to start include having a regular routine/bedtime, not using devices for one hour prior to bedtime, not charging your phone next to your bed and not consuming caffeine too late in the afternoon. Your mind functions better and can problem solve through adversity much better when youre well-rested. Everything is harder when youre tired. Sleep hygiene deserves a Quora session all to itself, but some places to start include having a regular routine/bedtime, not using devices for one hour prior to bedtime, not charging your phone next to your bed and not consuming caffeine too late in the afternoon. Reduce Phone Usage: Its becoming clear that constant connectedness can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. If so, it might be time to make a change here. Basis will soon offer a product experience focused on helping people take control of their phone habits, stay tuned. Its becoming clear that constant connectedness can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. If so, it might be time to make a change here. Basis will soon offer a product experience focused on helping people take control of their phone habits, stay tuned. Journal: Writing down thoughts can be a great way to process emotions and reflect on what youre grateful for. Gratitude goes a long way in improving your overall happiness, but can be easy to overlook as part of a broader set of mental wellness habits. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: | https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/03/18/what-habits-can-we-adopt-to-maintain-good-mental-health/ |
How Long Should A Founder Go Without A Salary? | originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. Answer by Andrew Chen, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, on Quora: Im a believer in free markets, and also in thinking long-term. When founders first get their company off the ground, they are often taking a risk and go without salary. However, as soon as they raise a real amount of money either from institutional seed funds, a large group of friends/family, or with a VC I think the founders should pay themselves basically market rate (within reason). The reason for this, especially if there are co-founders, is that starting a company is already hard enough. Your customers are leaving you, recruiting is hard, employees will occasionally quit. Its hard to think long term, even though its a fact that startups will need to be oriented long-term to succeed. If on top of all of this stress, if the founders are paying themselves way below market, to the point where they are burning their savings, thats just not a good thing. It creates a lot of stress, and unwanted behavior from the perspective of an investor. Obviously if theres a case where the founders were highly compensated before and it would impact the runway, OK, then great, theres an opportunity to trade off a longer runway by capping the cash compensation. If the team wants to do that, great. But in general, I believe in market rates for everyone, including the founders and the employees, within reason. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: | https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2019/03/18/how-long-should-a-founder-go-without-a-salary/ |
How Do We Feel About Working Next To Robots? | Recent estimates suggest that expenditure on robotics is set to reach $115 billion this year, before rising to over $210 billion by 2022. Whereas traditionally industrial robots would be complex and heavyweight bits of equipment that worked largely in isolation from their human colleagues, its increasingly common to see man and machine working together. This is resulting in a growing interest in the psychology and practicality of these interactions. For instance, a few years ago researchers explored how people feel about having robots for colleagues. The researchers set out to examine whether there may exist cultural differences in the acceptance of robotic colleagues between German and American workers. They didnt find much in the way of national differences, but they did reveal some interesting thoughts on life with a robotic colleague. For instance, over 60% of respondents could easily imagine being supported by a robotic colleague, with 21% even suggesting such a change would be an improvement, with this largely due to the belief that a robot would be less error prone and more predictable in their behavior. Only so good A recent study from Cornell University suggests this is not quite so clear cut however. It explored how people feel when they're working alongside robots, and the robot turns out to be better at their job than them. It emerged that being beaten by a machine tends to make people feel bad about themselves and their abilities, which in turn makes them resent the machines. "Think about a cashier working side-by-side with an automatic check-out machine, or someone operating a forklift in a warehouse which also employs delivery robots driving right next to them," the researchers say. "While it may be tempting to design such robots for optimal productivity, engineers and managers need to take into consideration how the robots' performance may affect the human workers' effort and attitudes toward the robot and even toward themselves. Our research is the first that specifically sheds light on these effects." The authors believe that their findings tap into the kind of loss aversion previously identified by behavioral economists. In this theory, people often reduce their effort level when their competitors are performing better. A second study, from researchers at Aix-Marseille University highlights the neurological action triggered by working with a robot. It found that the area of the brain that manages social rewards are triggered far less frequently when working alongside machines than they are when we work with fellow humans. When recording the brain activity of volunteers in a fMRI machine, the researchers observed clear differences in the amygdalae, basal ganglia and hypothalamus, with activity in all three areas rising when the volunteers talked with a fellow human, and falling when conversing with a robot. The German research at the start of this article highlighted the difficulties many people have bonding with machines. There was a strong appreciation of the so called uncanny valley among participants in their research, with the volunteers revealing that they dont want robots to start displaying emotions. This is further reflected in the belief that whilst robots are great at routine tasks, more complex endeavors are beyond them. This is especially true of things such as leadership, with very few respondents willing to consider a robot boss. A robot has no empathy for my family situation or other concerns that radiate into the job they would say. A machine cannot judge a man and cannot serve as role model, they continue. Emotional responses It seems almost perverse to suggest, but there is a notion that it is the perfection of robots that prevents us from creating an emotional bond with our robot colleagues. Research from the University of Lincoln found that when robots were made with similar flaws and foibles as us, volunteers were better able to bond and form an emotional attachment to them. Perhaps not, with research published in Nature highlighting the compassion and empathy people can feel for robots. After wiring volunteers up to an EEG to monitor their brain activity, they were able to show that people exposed to images of a robotic hand in a painful situation exhibited empathy towards the robot. Granted, the empathy wasn't on the same level as they showed to humans, but it was there nonetheless. At the moment, we are still at an early stage in our understanding of how man and machine function alongside one another, and so findings such as these remain novel and exciting. As man and machine begin to work increasingly in unison, its vital that we gain a greater understanding of the nature of the interactions between them. Considerable time and energy have been devoted to ensuring that human employees work effectively together, but perhaps now the time has come for similar energy to be devoted to ensuring man and machine can do likewise. We naturally project to and expect from robots human qualities such as personality, gender, ethnicity, and competence, Sangseok You, assistant professor of information systems at HEC Paris, told me recently. In the past, research on teamwork and collaboration has focused on enhancing the outcomes and making teams more viable between people. It is now vital that we expand our effort to unpacking human minds toward robotic colleagues and managing sustainable human-robot teamwork. Successful organizations have always been able to successfully integrate new technologies into the workplace, but its perhaps fair to say that the introduction of intelligent robots presents a challenge like no other. As our understanding grows, its a challenge we will increasingly be equipped to tackle head on. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2019/03/18/how-we-feel-about-working-next-to-robots/ |
Should cyclists be licensed and insured? | On Monday, the scientist and Labour peer Robert Winston is to formally ask a question in the House of Lords about what assessments ministers have made for requiring adults riding bicycles in city centres to have a licence and third-party insurance. Below is the entirely imagined response I would like the government to make to him. Dear Robert You ask what assessments weve made for obliging cyclists to have licences and insurance. The brief answer is: none whatsoever. Nor do we have any plans to do so. In fact, if you hadnt asked this question its entirely possible we wouldnt have even given it a moments thought in all 2019. Again, the short answer is this: its an utterly silly, pointless thing to suggest, as evidenced by the fact that more or less no countries or territories anywhere in the world require cyclists to be licensed, or to have mandatory insurance. It tends to only ever be fringe voices with a wider, somewhat murky grudge against cycling in general. I note that you have previously made some slightly suspect claims about cycle lanes causing extra pollution I do hope youre not one of those people. I suppose its only fair if I explain why licensing and insurance for cyclists is such a non-issue. Its pretty simple: such plans would achieve pretty much nothing, while causing significant problems. More widely, any sensible, rational government will do everything in its power to get more people cycling, not to put pointless bureaucratic obstacles in their way. Lets just take one example, that most relevant to you as a doctor: public heath. As Im sure you know, one of the many negative effects of a nation where the great majority of even short, one-person trips are made by car is an NHS likely to collapse before too long under the strain caring for an ageing, increasingly sedentary and overweight population. Inactive living is central to this its estimated to cause more than 5m early deaths a year worldwide, and even a fairly brief daily bike commute can have near-miraculous benefits for peoples health. And then of course theres pollution, a major crisis of both health and social justice, which a study last week suggested kills more people than smoking. Theres almost too many positive benefits of getting more people on bikes to list safer, quieter, more socially connected towns and cities, less impact on climate change. And its a fair bet that imposing sudden restrictions on cyclists would depress the number of riders. If you believe licensing transport users stops wrongdoing, can I point you to the statistics showing 86% of drivers speed on 20mph roads, and how a third admit to using handheld phones at the wheel. And on insurance, theres the small matter of how even with laws mandating it theres an estimated 1 million uninsured drivers on the road. The other hugely important part of this is that when people break laws on a bike, yes, they can be irritating and even intimidating, but they very, very rarely kill or seriously injure other people. Of the 1,800 or so people killed every year on the UKs roads, between zero and two typically tend to be killed because they were hit by cyclists. Its not because cyclists are uniquely virtuous, its just the very different impacts involved in being struck by a 100kg bike-and-rider combination travelling at 15mph, or a 1,500kg SUV doing 35mph. So, to summarise: your mooted plan would be to introduce a hugely convoluted new administrative scheme that would most likely have limited effect on the behaviour of an averagely law-abiding group of transport users who very rarely harm others, and have a huge net positive impact on the nation, while putting people off from this type of transport. Im afraid I just dont get it. | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2019/mar/18/should-cyclists-be-licensed-and-insured-robert-winston |
Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'? | Companies benefit when all voices are truly valued, but thats far from reality in many corporate workplaces. Having worked in or around corporate America for more than 25 years, I cant help but ask if theres a tacit corporate caste system of sorts. Many professionals have experienced dysfunctional corporate cultures emblematic of that Animal Farm mantra All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. During my years in corporate America, I had difficulty reconciling lofty value statements and diversity pledges dripping with promises of equity with the obvious disparate treatment I noticed in how different employees seemed to be valued, listened to, and/or supported. The tragic and costly impact all too often is a resulting anti-collaborative, authoritarian-leaning, toxic organizational culture that doesnt produce its best results or fully leverage its talent. In many ways, I think the corporate caste system is a byproduct of the broader tacit societal caste system. Of course, American society steeped in democratic and capitalistic principles outwardly rejects the caste system concept, but most of us are fully aware that glaring inequities in treatment and opportunities often persist. Arguably, the caste system includes 5 levels with celebrities and the wealthy at the top and those with little access to power or wealth at the bottom most of us falling somewhere in between, actively scrambling to climb up to the next level. Some might consider the overwhelming public outrage at the recent college admissions cheating scandal as a rebuke of this societal caste system phenomenon. While many commentators acknowledged this as just another example of the fact that our society is indeed rigged to favor celebrities and the wealthy, this scandal seemed particularly egregious. CNNs Don Lemon was just one of many journalists exploring the broader societal implications of the scandal. President Trumps meteoric rise from a political neophyte (barely taken seriously during the early primary season) to the eventual victor seemed to be another prime example of the overwhelming impact of celebrity over other more rational factors like experience, intellect, judgment, and ability. Furthermore, our celebrity and wealth-obsessed culture often seems to require so much less of some and so much more of others to achieve even reasonably comparable levels of success. This same mentality, unfortunately, seems embedded in the DNA of many corporate hierarchies. These levels seem to be defined based on a variety of potential factors like gender, race, age, alma mater, proclivity towards technology, academic background, and of course level, title, and hierarchical position all translating into wildly different levels of power, influence, and even respect. Most professionals have experienced the caste system culture at some point in their career. While I can recall many personal experiences, one example is most prominent. As an MBA candidate in my 20s, I worked for a major telecommunications company during the notorious long distance price wars of the mid-1990s. One day I substituted for my manager during a key meeting. As the discussion roared on about our companys strategic decision to maintain a pricier business model (and a higher price point) against lower-priced competitors during the height of the long distance rate wars, I couldnt help but ask why we felt the need to hold on to more expensive, complicated switching technology when we likely couldnt charge more for the final product. When you pick up the phone either it works or it doesnt. Customers arent going to pay more for our branded dial tone are they? While that might seem like a perfectly logical point of view now since pay per minute landline long distance service seems almost anachronistic, I promise at that moment it was a very unpopular opinion - particularly unpopular coming from me a 20 something non-technical, southern, black female employee with only a couple years of service. In that moment as I fielded angry eye rolls and frustrated sighs, I couldnt help but think that if I had held a different station in the corporate caste system that my comments would have instead been received as a brilliant, innovative perspective. While it might be tempting to dismiss this caste system phenomenon as a tangential diversity issue, the dynamic that it creates is powerful, pervasive, and consequential. Too often I find leaders making questionable or ill-informed decisions because lower level employees are hesitant to speak up, share information, or dare question/push back on a senior leaders idea. In the project management community, we often ask the question Who is willing to tell the boss they have an ugly baby? as a bit of a check on the organizations level of candor. Virtually anyone who has participated in business meetings or conference calls knows that oftentimes participants dont have the opportunity for equal influence or contribution some comments, suggestions, and ideas are taken seriously and drive the teams focus and subsequent decisions while others are often ignored, devalued, or even mocked. In my experience, the difference is oftentimes not just the efficacy of the idea but also (sometimes moreso) the power station of the messenger. While it might seem like this is another kumbaya treat everyone nice morale issue, this important disparate treatment element is just the tip of the iceberg when assessing the overall impact. Some would argue that the more substantial impact is diminished business results, organizational ineffectiveness, and process inefficiencies. Furthermore, this disparate treatment can significantly impact how an organization identifies, develops, and promotes its high potential professionals which in turn has a systemic ongoing impact on business performance. In my case as a young professional, I distinctly remember hearing through the grapevine about the promotable list. When I asked whether I was on it, I was met with a condescending glare and perfunctory response If you dont know youre on it, youre not! Indeed, organizations suffer missed improvement opportunities, lost ideas, and decreased innovation when those at the bottom of the corporate food chain clam up instead of speaking up and sharing their brilliant ideas for fear of overstepping, saying the wrong thing, or upstaging a senior leader. While the disparate treatment often disadvantages and undervalues those at the bottom of the food chain, it can similarly overvalue and inordinately advantage those at the top of the food chain. Some might consider this a Trumpian like effect where those in higher power stations seem to reap the benefits of their perch atop the food chain - whether its their significant influence during discussions, accolades and rewards that may not seem deserved or the achievement of a role for which they may not be qualified. While there are many executives who have earned their positions and are quite deserving of their senior roles, many others are woefully inept and their buffoonery and poor decision making is often dismissed or ignored if not rewarded. Lawrence ODonnell recently highlighted freshman congresswoman Katie Porters tense interaction with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathy Kraninger where she seemed to expose this top officials inability to calculate an APR (annual percentage rate) during a House Financial Services Committee meeting. Embarrassingly, Representative Porter later tweeted about the exchange including an explanation of APR calculation. This phenomenon of questionably qualified individuals being promoted to senior levels within an organization can lead to a dangerous Emperor Has No Clothes type culture which doesnt just create an insufferable work environment in many cases but also often yields disastrous business results. Let me be clear -- I am NOT demonizing hierarchy or organizational reporting structures overall. In most cases theyre a necessary tool for structuring and defining roles and responsibilities within a complex corporate ecosystem. However, when those valid hierarchical structures (intended to provide needed clarity around roles/responsibilities, functional distinctions, and reporting relationships) encourage a mentality that those at the top of the food chain are all knowing, perfect decision makers who should be valued, lauded (and sometimes easily excused) while those at the bottom should be quiet and passive while simply waiting to follow directions, the work environment oftentimes becomes toxic and dysfunctional. Indeed, the most successful organizations have found a way to equally value thoughts and ideas and embrace true collaboration. They insist that different doesnt mean better (or worse). They reject the caste system mentality and replace it with a much more collaborative one. They know that success requires managing up, down, and sideways and seek to promote the best ideas from everyone. Stay tuned for my next article Defining Five Levels Of The Corporate Caste System: Where Are You?. Understanding these five levels equips professionals to better understand where they might fit on the influence scale and then use that knowledge to inform their career planning and strategizing. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/danabrownlee/2019/03/18/is-there-a-corporate-caste-system/ |
Is Puerto Rico Providing a Blueprint to Reinvent the Overall US Power Grid? | By: Peter Asmus In the past, government support for microgrids has been fragmented, often hodge-podge collections of regulations, standards, and public policy. With the extreme weather events hitting the US over the past 8 years, statesas well as Puerto Ricohave enacted new programs designed to bolster grid resilience through microgrids. Puerto Rico as a Case Study Lets zero in on Puerto Rico, which has suffered more severe power outages than any other part of the US, with the average citizen going 84 days without electricity following Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Though California led the US with the number of power outages annually over the last decade, Hurricane Maria brought nationwide attention to the shortfalls of grid infrastructure in Puerto Rico, a US territory. In 2017 the US equaled the highest number (16) of billion-dollar disasters ever in one year (tied with 2011). The cumulative damage of these events was $306.2 billion, shattering the previous US annual record of $214.8 billion experienced in 2005. With crisis comes opportunity. For many, Puerto Rico is a test case to validate the notion that the future of the grid (as we move forward with the vision of an Energy Cloud) can revolve around microgrids incorporating renewable energy. Consider the recently released Integrated Resource Plan in Puerto Rico, where Siemens (and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority) proposed that the island be sectionalized into eight minigrids. These eight islandable minigrids would be further subdivided into smaller microgrids designed to deliver increased resiliency to critical infrastructure facilities and communities. Specifics of Puerto Rico Microgrid Innovations Perhaps the most far-reaching of proposed reforms for Puerto Rico is the planned privatization of the islands power supply. According to PowerGen Renewable Energy, private sector remote microgrids typically cost half as much as similar systems developed by governmental agencies and nationalized utilities. If Puerto Rico continues down the privatization path, its success (or failure) will carry broad lessons throughout the globe, and just may be a benchmark for a modern, more resilient, sustainable, and reliable power system for both island and mainland communities. While the debate over larger infrastructure upgrades to enhance resiliency in Puerto Rico continues, smaller vendorssuch as Blue Planet Energy, which is deploying a number of its non-toxic Blue Ion lithium ion batteries in smaller microgridsare validating many use cases with broad application across the globe. For example, the company installed a microgrid at a cancer center on the island of Vieques, which suffers from severe toxic contamination due to decades of military bombing, resulting in a cancer rate 27% higher than the rest of Puerto Rico. With the help of the advanced Blue Ion batteries, the facility has become a resiliency hub for the community. Blue Planet Energy, presenting at the Microgrid Innovation Forum on March 19 in Washington, DC, has also installed solar plus battery microgrids at numerous remote water-pumping facilities with non-profit partner Water Mission. Of such projects, four are supplying 1,200 people with clean water, a necessity to sustain life in areas the public utility decided not to restore electrical service. Extended power outages threaten clean water supplies in many parts of Puerto Rico, as well as other remote locations worldwide. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/pikeresearch/2019/03/18/is-puerto-rico-providing-a-blueprint-to-reinvent-the-overall-us-power-grid/ |
What Makes the 2019 Honda Civic Si So Ex-Si-ting? | Easily the best-handling front-wheel-drive car on the market today, Honda's Civic Si coupe (and its mechanically identical four-door sedan sibling) is a performance bargain. It is quick, thanks to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it is fun to drive, thanks to its six-speed manual transmission and well-sorted chassis. The Si model exists between the mainstream Civic lineup and the bonkers, 306-hp Civic Type R, and shares a 10Best Cars award from us with the latter. We've also run the Si at our annual Lightning Lap track test in 2017, where it was the only car that year to gain speed through Virginia International Raceway's treacherous high-speed uphill ess-curves. To see what sets it apart from the regular Civic, swipe on! | https://news.yahoo.com/makes-2019-honda-civic-si-135500172.html |
How hard can camel racing be, anyway? | Buried somewhere in the dirt race track at Sam Houston Race Park is a microphone and its receiver that carry 10 seconds of me losing my marbles. Im not sure that I ever want it found. The race only lasted 10 seconds, but it felt like I lived an entire lifetime between the moment my camel bolted out of the gate, and the time we crossed the finish line in a tie for first place. And let me tell you something else: Camels are a lot faster than youd think. The act of strapping a reporter to the back of a camels hump and shooting them down the straightaway at the track in northwest Houston is an annual tradition. I was joined by Maria Salazar from Fox 26, Alex Middleton from the Rod Ryan radio show, and another rider named Shelly Guerra in a four-way race shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday. Salazar and Middleton were well prepared, having both watched several online videos of their co-workers and others racing aboard the camels in years past. I had no idea what was going to happen. I sort of assumed it would be leisurely. But oh, boy, was I wrong. The technique for riding a camel was explained very simply. Theres a box made of rails set up around the camels hump. We sit behind the hump and in front of the back rail. While were in the gates, we keep our arms in and our feet up. But then, once were out of the gates, were supposed to lean over the hump, grabbing onto the front rail with our hands, and let our legs go out straight almost like were standing in stirrups. But, you know, without stirrups. Itll be easy, our camel whisperer, Joe, told us in a 5-minute how-to session before the race. Just dont be tense. Stay loose. I tried to pretend like Im the kind of person who doesnt get tense. But I asked so many follow-up questions that I seriously doubt I fooled anyone. Still, I hopped on my camel with relatively few fears, a real feat. I was supposed to be riding Camel No. 1, who Id named Camel Cabello at the suggestion of my boyfriend. But at the last minute, they swapped me and Guerra, so I was on Camel No. 2. Someone helped me kick a leg over the camels back and I settled in, marveling at how fluffy the camels fur felt under my hands. Thisll be like riding a pillow, I remember myself thinking. Then came the rude awakening. The gate kicked open, and my camel took off like someone had lit a fuse under it. Immediately, I crouched forward to grab the bars in front of me, my chest leaning against the hump, which pounded into my sternum with the power of a million hammers on each of what felt like a million strides. I held tighter. But at some point, I must have begun pressing harder with my right hand than my left, because the entire cage began leaning off the side of the camel. I felt myself sliding off the side of the camel at a speed that felt like it could break a speed limit. Each step sent me a little further to the right, all while my glasses slid a little further down my nose. On HoustonChronicle.com: A sad dad. A sweet tweet. A happy ending for Billys Donuts. I took my left hand off the rail to slam my glasses back onto my face so hard that the next day I had a small bruise on the bridge of my nose. But that only pushed me farther to the right. Thats when things got super slow. Like, Im going to fall off this camel and possibly break all my bones slow. I grabbed onto the right rail with my right hand, and pulled it back to center with all of my might, crushing my chest against the camels hump as I hoisted the rails back to the center. I wish I could remember if I said anything to myself at this moment. Maybe a you can do it, or an oh, God. But this must have been the moment when the microphone clipped to the collar of my shirt got tugged off, leaving a long scratch down my chest and stomach that still hurts to touch. I was so focused on getting the bar back into place that I stopped looking ahead of me, and was sure that Id slowed my camel down so completely that I must be in dead last. It wasnt until all the camels had made it past the finish line, and we were led to the winners circle, that I saw the photo finish on the jumbotron: Me, in my dark brown jacket, up top on the very center of my camel, crossing the finish line in a tie for first. [email protected] twitter.com/MagEGordon | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/article/How-hard-can-camel-racing-be-anyway-13696884.php |
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