question
stringlengths 11
179
| article
stringlengths 522
97.6k
| url
stringlengths 35
310
|
|---|---|---|
Should people vaccinated against coronavirus still get tested? | As COVID-19 vaccines go into arms at record pace, and more than one in four U.S. adults are now fully vaccinated, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some may question whether testing is still necessary after receiving jabs. "Fully vaccinated people should test if they develop symptoms of COVID or if they think they may have had a significant exposure," said Dr. Anna P. Durbin, a professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore who specializes in infectious disease and vaccines, in an emailed statement to Fox News. Likewise, the CDC suggests fully vaccinated people can do without testing and quarantine after an exposure if they dont develop symptoms. MICHIGAN CORONAVIRUS STRATEGY SHOULD FOCUS ON RESTRICTIONS, NOT MORE VACCINE SUPPLY, WALENSKY SAYS "If symptoms develop, all people regardless of vaccination status should isolate and be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, including SARS-CoV-2 testing, if indicated," the CDC says. The guidance differs for those in congregate settings (like correctional facilities and group homes) due to turnover rates, heightened risk of virus spread and difficulties maintaining distancing. In these instances, the agency recommends 14-day quarantine and testing following a potential exposure. As Durbin explains, vaccines are designed to protect against disease, particularly for respiratory viruses. Evidence from clinical trials has shown the recently approved vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are about 95% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, and real-world data has suggested the mRNA vaccines cut infection risk by 90%. Johnson & Johnson previously said its single-shot coronavirus vaccine was 72% effective in preventing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 in the U.S., but fell to 66% in a larger trial conducted worldwide. According to the CDC, early data suggests the Janssen vaccine may tamp down asymptomatic transmission too. "Breakthrough" cases of COVID-19 or, contracting the virus despite having received the vaccine are rare, but possible, Dr. John Whyte, the chief medical officer of the health care website WebMD, previously told Fox News. The vaccines are very good, he said, but "arent 100% effective." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Fully vaccinated people should still watch for symptoms of COVID-19, especially following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19," the CDC advises. However, the federal health agency says that the risk of becoming infected is "low" for vaccinated individuals. With this, the CDC has already said testing and isolation before-and-after travel is not necessary for those who have completed their vaccinations. "It is possible that people who have completed their vaccination series can still be infected with SARS-CoV-2; however, the rate of being infected after vaccination appears to be reduced by 70-80% compared to the non-vaccinated population," said Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory in Mayo Clinics Division of Clinical Microbiology, in an emailed statement to Fox News. "Furthermore, in the event that a vaccinated person becomes infected, they may shed lower amounts of the virus and for shorter periods of time compared to non-vaccinated individuals." Fox News' Madeline Farber contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/health/vaccinated-against-coronavirus-testing |
Can Rockies Alan Trejo step in if Trevor Story is traded? | Alan Trejo says hes more than ready to dive into the big leagues. I think I can play defense with anybody, the Rockies 24-year-old infielder said. I think Im one of the best guys out there defensively. I just need to hit. But just how soon Trejo gets the chance to make a splash remains to be seen. Hes a shortstop by trade, but hes not going to supplant all-star Trevor Story. Not yet, anyway. Story becomes a free agent at the end of the season and if the 3-7 Rockies continue to lose, the chances will increase that the Rockies will explore a trade for Story by the July 31 trade deadline. Its doubtful the Rockies will be able to re-sign Story and there have been no talks about a contract extension. Trejo, called up from the taxi squad when veteran Chris Owings was placed on the 10-day IL with a sprained left thumb, made his big-league debut Saturday night, pinch-hitting in the ninth inning. He lined out to San Francisco center fielder Mauricio Dubon. Trejo, who attended San Diego State, was selected in the 16th round of the 2017 draft. Hes from the Los Angeles area, where his dad was a high school basketball coach. His family will get a chance to see him play in person for the first time as a major-leaguer when the Rockies begin a three-game series against the Dodgers on Tuesday. It will be an emotional time for Trejo and his parents, Ray and Elsa Trejo. But probably not more emotional than the phone call he made to tell them hed been called up. Just hearing my moms voice when I told her made me break down, he said. I started crying with her. Trejo played some second base in college, so hes comfortable moving around the diamond, including playing third base. That could open up some playing time while Owings is on the IL. I think hell get opportunities, manager Bud Black said, noting that the Rockies have only 12 position players on their 26-man roster. I can see Trejo getting starts here and there, just like (outfielder Yonathan) Daza will get starts. If Trevor needs a break, we will play Trejo at shortstop and feel very good about that. Trejo last played for Double-A Hartford in 2019. He was at the Rockies alternative training site last summer and was at the alternative camp again this year until he was added to the taxi squad for the first road trip. Black loves Trejos sure hands and baseball acumen. The all-around play has been impressive for us, Black said. I think moving forward, he (needs) to continue to refine his game. He has great poise and he doesnt scare off. At Double-A, Trejo hit .243/.290/.391 with 15 homers. As a non-roster invitee to spring training, he slashed .313/.478/.791 in 48 plate appearances in the Cactus League. The Rockies have been impressed by his ability to hit big-league fastballs. Still, Trejo realizes he must become a more consistent hitter. I started to (put up) some power numbers, especially in Double-A, he said. But I think with that comes bigger swings and more strikeouts. That was definitely something that I do not like to do. In his conversations with Rockies farm director Zach Wilson, the big topic was how to cut down on Trejos strikeouts and increase his walk rate. At Double-A, his .290 on-base percentage featured 105 strikeouts (27.5%) vs. just 25 walks in 473 plate appearances. Diving into that, I think I could be a really good contact hitter with some power, Trejo said. I think thats the kind of person Im going to be in the big leagues someone who can consistently put the barrel on the ball. And if it happens to go out, then it goes out. Black has seen marked improvement in Trejos game. We have seen that especially in the strength of his body, Black said. As a player in our lower minor leagues, he was on our radar, but hes really made strides in terms of first-step quickness, range, arm strength and with the bat. Hes made strides with his strength with the bat and an increase in bat speed. A tip of the cap to him for the hard work hes put in. Hes got really good hands and good baseball instincts. On Deck Rockies Antonio Senzatela (1-1, 5.56 ERA) at Dodgers RHP Trevor Bauer (1-0, 4.15) 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dodger Stadium TV: AT&T SportsNet Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM Bauer has made just two starts for the Dodgers and pitched 13 innings but hes already embroiled in controversy. Major League Baseball is looking into baseballs used by Bauer in his start against Oakland on Wednesday. An article in The Athletic cited unnamed sources who said the balls were sticky and had visible markings on them. Bauer already faced the Rockies once this season, picking up the win April 2 at Coors Field. He gave up four runs on only three hits in 6 1/3 innings, but two of those hits were home runs; solo shots by Charlie Blackmon and Ryan McMahon in the seventh. After a rough first outing vs the Dodgers, Senzatela pitched a gem in his last start, throwing eight scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks at Coors. He allowed just four hits with two walks and three strikeouts, collecting 14 groundball outs. He has not fared well against the Dodgers, going 3-4 with a 6.70 ERA in 11 career appearances (nine starts). Hes 0-3 with a 7.13 ERA in five career starts at Dodger Stadium. Trending: Dodger Stadium tends to gobble up the Rockies and spit them out. The Rockies all-time record there is 84-147 (.364), including a 2-4 record last season and a 1-9 mark in 2019. At issue: First baseman C.J. Cron, whom the Rockies hope will supply some power this season, is off to a slow start. Hes hitting .148 (4-for-27) with no home runs and just one RBI. Pitching Probables Wednesday: Rockies RHP Jon Gray (1-0, 1.54) at Dodgers RHP Dustin May (1-0, 0.00), 8:10 p.m., ATTRM Thursday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (0-2, 2.89) at Dodgers LHP Julio Urias (2-0, 2.85), 8:10 p.m., ATTRM Friday: Mets RHP Marcus Stroman, (1-0, 1.42) at Rockies RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez (1-0. 3.60), 6:40 p.m, ATTRM | https://www.denverpost.com/2021/04/12/rockies-alan-trejo-shortstop-trevor-story-traded/ |
Did Varsity Blues documentary makers pick the wrong man to profile? | Innocent until proven guilty. Its a simple principle and a bedrock of our legal system. But Netflix in a new defamation lawsuit is accused of crossing that line in a documentary about the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal. As the mother of a current freshman and senior in college, I have little sympathy for parents who would lie, cheat and bribe their kids ways into elite colleges. Not when my kids worked their tails off for admission into, well, their second-choice schools after their super-selective first choices turned them down. Still, one of the parents charged in the 2019 federal criminal case raises some legitimate questions about his portrayal in the documentary Operation Varsity Blues, which was released March 17 on Netflix. In a defamation suit filed last week in Massachusetts state court, private equity firm founder John B. Wilson stresses that unlike the other parents depicted in the film, he has pleaded not guilty to all fraud charges. Instead, he says that he was duped by a man behind the scheme, William (Rick) Singer, and that he believed he was making legitimate donations to USC, Harvard and Stanford. Wilsons trial is set for Sept. 13 in federal court in Boston. Aside from a quick message at the end of the one hour and 40-minute documentary, youd never know this. Instead, Wilsons story is intermingled with those of parents including former Willkie Farr & Gallagher co-chair Gordon Caplan, actress Lori Loughlin, TPG Growth founder William McGlashan and Hot Pockets heiress Michelle Janavs. They all pleaded guilty and received modest prison sentences. (Caplan in February also had his law license suspended for two years.) Wilsons lawyers argue that lumping everyone together amounts to guilt by association. Over the past two years, Mr. Wilson and his family have endured many false things being written and said about them, but the Netflix episode, which they contend effectively suggests Mr. Wilsons guilt to an audience of millions, has harmed them by an order of magnitude, Wilsons lawyer in the defamation suit, Howard Cooper of Todd & Weld, told me. Even a defendant awaiting trial in a criminal case is entitled not to have his reputation, and the reputation of his family, unfairly destroyed. A Netflix spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Davis Wright Tremaine partner Diana Palacios, who represents 241C Films, the producer of the documentary, also did not respond to a request for comment. However, in a March 16 letter to Cooper, Palacios laid out elements of her clients defense. First, truth is an absolute defense to a defamation claim, she wrote. Indeed, if a jury this fall finds Wilson guilty, I imagine his defamation claim would be moot. Palacios pointed out that all of Wilsons statements in the movie come from transcripts of wiretaps released by the U.S. government. The documentary makers hired look-alike actors (Matthew Modine stars as Singer) to reenact the conversations. Such statements are protected by the fair report privilege and thus not defamatory, she wrote. The privilege protects journalists from being sued for accurately reporting on official actions or proceedings. Finally, our confidence that the Documentary will not defame your clients is bolstered by the documentarians track record of telling difficult stories based on real-life events, Palacios wrote. Per Netflix, the documentary is from the makers of Fyre, about the failed private island music festival. But just because something might be legal, that doesnt necessarily make it fair. For example, the opening features Singer on the phone explaining that, You make a financial commitment. What school you want may determine how much that actually is. The actor playing John Wilson asks, In terms of things that are more than half a million or 300, whats that set of schools? So thats, uh, Georgetown, Boston College, Georgia Tech, USC, UCLA, Berkeley, Singer replies. Meanwhile, viewers see a photo of a water polo player being photoshopped, swapping one boys head for another. Wilsons son was accepted to University of Southern California in 2014 as a water polo recruit, but prosecutors do not allege that his photos were doctored. Moreover, Wilsons son was a high school and club water polo player whod previously been invited to join the United States Olympic water polo development program, according to the defamation complaint. He also played on USCs water polo team during his first year of college. Wilson claims he intended to donate $200,000 to USC, and that Singer stole half; USC received the other half as planned, acknowledging the gift in an official thank-you letter. (Singer pleaded guilty in March 2019 to facilitating cheating on college entrance exams and using bribery to secure the admission of students to colleges as fake athletic recruits.) Wilson also has twin daughters. The feds say he conspired with Singer in 2018 to get his daughters admitted as crew or sailing recruits at Stanford and Harvard, donating $1 million to Singers foundation to secure spots in advance of their applications. To be sure, some of the wiretap quotes do not cut in Wilsons favor: Ill mark that shes a sailor because she is, but not at the level in which she can sail at Stanford, Singer said, to which Wilson replied Right, right. But Wilsons lawyers say the feds failed to mention a call where Singer told the Wilson family that schools can legitimately admit non-athlete applicants with the necessary academic credentials, if those students worked as assistant managers or in other support roles. Both daughters scored in the 99th percentile on their college entrance exams, according to the defamation suit, and prosecutors have not challenged the legitimacy of their scores. But I wonder why, given how forcefully he has denied the fraud allegations, that the documentarians chose to feature him so prominently especially when 31 other parents have acknowledged their guilt. Opinions expressed here are those of the author. Reuters News, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence and freedom from bias. | https://www.reuters.com/article/varsity-defamation/did-varsity-blues-documentary-makers-pick-the-wrong-man-to-profile-idUSL1N2M52ZS |
Are Giants one of the NFLs most improved teams? | The New York Giants were quite busy this offseason, spending wildly in free agency before conducting an extremely involved draft, which featured three trades in total two back and one up. Most of the teams moves were somewhat unexpected, but the overhaul was needed. The Giants were one of the thinnest teams in the league over the previous few seasons, and that lack of depth almost certainly cost them some wins in Joe Judges first year as head coach. Well, according to Robert Mays of The Athletic, theyre on the outside looking in. Honorable Mention: New York Giants Notable additions: Kenny Golladay, Adoree Jackson, Kadarius Toney (rookie), Azeez Ojulari (rookie) What it means for 2021: The Giants seemed to miss the memo that the salary cap fell to $185 million this spring. After signing Golladay to a four-year, $72 million deal (sixth in average annual value among WRs), general manager Dave Gettleman inked former Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson to a three-year, $39 million deal to round out the teams secondary. The Giants still have some questions along the offensive line and will be heavily relying on Ojulari to improve their pass rush, but with Golladay and Toney in the mix, Daniel Jones has more than enough offensive weaponry at his disposal. If the Giants quarterback can take a step forward in 2021, the rest of the roster is ready to compete in the NFC East. Mays five most improved teams included the Jacksonville Jaguars (5), Cleveland Browns (4), New York Jets (3), New England Patriots (2) and Washington Football Team (1). Although we can acknowledge they improved some, seeing the WFT ranked No. 1 overall with the notable additions of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ereck Flowers is interesting in comparison to the other teams. Arguably and this stings to admit the Jets are more improved than Washington and even the Giants. | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-one-nfl-most-improved-120023052.html?src=rss |
Why might covid-19 booster vaccinations be needed? | VACCINE-MAKERS HAVE developed covid-19 jabs at unprecedented speed. Now they are turning their attention to booster vaccines. In February Pfizer/BioNTech, the makers of one jab, said they had started a clinical trial looking at giving another shot to people who had already received two doses six to 12 months earlier. This month preliminary data released by Moderna, an American drugmaker, showed that a further dose of one of two jabs, tailored to new variants of the virus and given six to eight months after the first round of vaccinations, triggered a strong immune response against variants first identified in South Africa and Brazil. And this week the Financial Times reported that the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is effective when used as a booster shot, according to the results of an upcoming study. But some experts argue that there are not yet enough data to determine whether booster shots are even needed. Booster shots are supposed to solve two problems: that immunity tends to wane after vaccination or infection; and that variants might be better at evading the immune systems defences. Covid-19 vaccines carry out a mock attack on the body for the immune system to practise on. Once the infectious pathogen has been fought off, specialised memory B and T cells will stand ready to combat any reinfection. A booster shot is designed to remind the immune system how it responded to a previous infection or teach it to respond to an evolved threat, increasing the level of protection. It could use the vaccine a person received the first time or a slightly modified version. Pfizer has said that people are likely to need a booster dose a year after their initial vaccination; Moderna thinks the same, for as long as the virus is circulating widely. But there is little evidence so far to confirm this. Although covid-19 vaccines have been tested in clinical trials, the duration of the protection they confer in the real world is still unknown. To determine this, scientists need to observe immunity levels in vaccinated people over many months. Until thats been looked at, we dont know if theres a problem that needs to be solved by further boosts next autumn or winter, says Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London. From June a trial in Britain will test how an additional dose of one of several vaccines affects the immune responses of people who had their first doses in December or January. It is also unclear whether new variants of the virus will evade existing jabs. Most vaccines tested in clinical trials so far prevent most symptomatic and almost all severe cases of covid-19. They also appear to offer sufficient protection against the known variants of the virus to prevent severe disease and death. However different variants pose different threats. We need to understand the nature of each variant, and the immune responses required to generate a level of protection before we can decide if any tweaks are needed to the next round of booster vaccinations, explains Sarah Gilbert, one of the scientists behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. If needed, vaccine-makers could produce shots tailored to different variants, or a bivalent vaccine that would work against the original strain and a mutant. Pfizer/BioNTech, for example, have said that they can create a jab adapted to new variants in six weeks. In the meantime covid-19 will continue to circulate and evolve. It is still too early to tell whether a single regimen of vaccines is enough to bring the disease under control, or whether the world will need a boost. | https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/05/20/why-might-covid-19-booster-vaccinations-be-needed |
What Are the Russian Schools Doing? | The story is instructive because of its typically symbolic character; if it were expanded, it would also lead into an account of the definite content of Soviet school activities in the concrete. For as far as the influence of this particular educator is concerned (and it extends very far), the subject matter, the methods of teaching, and the spirit of school administration and discipline are all treated as ways of translating into actuality harmony of operation between concrete social conditionstaking into account their local diversityand school procedures. My contacts were not sufficiently prolonged to enable me, even if space permitted, to give an adequate report of the structure and technique of this work of harmonization. But its general spirit may at least be suggested. During the transitional regime, the school cannot count upon the larger education to create in any single and whole-hearted way the required collective and cooperative mentality. The traditional customs and institutions of the peasant, his small tracts, his three-system farming, the influence of home and Church, all work automatically to create in him an individualistic ideology. In spite of the greater inclination of the city worker towards collectivism, even his social environment works adversely in many respects. Hence the great task of the school is to counteract and transform those domestic and neighborhood tendencies that arc still so strong, even in a nominally collectivistic regime. In order to accomplish this end, the teachers must in the first place know with great detail and accuracy just what the conditions are to which pupils are subject in the home, and thus be able to interpret the habits and acts of the pupil in the school in the light of his environing conditionsand this, not just in some general way, but as a definitely as a skilled physician diagnoses in the light of their causes the diseased conditions with which he is dealing. So this educator described his philosophy as Social Behaviorism. Whatever he saw, a mode of farming, farm implements, style of home construction, domestic industry, church building, etc., led him to ask for its probable effect upon the behavior of those who were subject to its influence. On the other hand the teacher strove to learn, whenever he was confronted with any mode of undesirable behavior on the part of a pupil, how to trace it back to its definite social causation. Such an idea, however, illuminating in the abstract, would, of course, remain barren without some technique to carry it into effect. And one of the most interesting pedagogical innovations with which I am acquainted is the technique which has been worked out for enabling teachers to discover the actual conditions that influence pupils in their out-of-school life; and I hope someone with more time than I had at command will before long set forth the method in detail. Here, of course, is the point at which the socially constructive work of the school comes in. A little something will be said about this later in detail, when I come to speak of the idea of socially useful work as a criterion for deciding upon the value of the projectsfor Soviet education is committed to the project method. But aside from its practical working out, it is also interesting in that it is locating one of the burning points of present Russian pedagogical theoretical education. For there is still a school that holds that educational principles can be derived from psychology and biologyalthough the weight of citations from Marx is now eclipsing their influenceand that correct educational methods are bound to produce the desired effect independently of concrete knowledge of domestic and local environment. I have dwelt too long on certain general considerations, at the expense of any account of what schools are actually doing and how they are doing it. My excuse is that, in relation to the entire Russian situation, it is these generic points of social aspiration and contact that are significant. That which distinguishes the Soviet system both from other national systems and from the progressive schools of other countries (with which they have much in common) is precisely the conscious control of every educational procedure by reference to a single and comprehensive social purpose. It is this reference that accounts for the social interlocking to which I referred at the outset. The point may be illustrated by the bearing of school activity upon the family institution as that is conceived by the orthodox Marxian socialists. That thorough-going collectivists regard the traditional family as exclusive and isolating in effect and hence as hostile to a truly communal life, is too familiar to require rehearsal. Apart, however, from the effect of the oft-recited Bolshevist modifications of marriage and divorce, the institution of the family is being sapped indirectly rather than by frontal attack; its historic supports, economic and ecclesiastical, are weakened. For example, the limitation of living quarters, enforced in Russia as in other countries by the War, is deliberately taken advantage of to create social combinations wider than that of the family and that cut across its ties. There is no word one hears oftener than Gruppe, and all sorts of groups are instituted that militate against the primary social importance of the family unit. In consequence, to anyone who looks at the matter cold-bloodedly, free from sentimental associations clustering about the historic family institution, a most interesting sociological experimentation is taking place, the effect of which should do something to determine how far the bonds that hold the traditional family together are intrinsic and how far due to extraneous causes; and how far the family in its accustomed form is a truly socializing agency and how far a breeder of non-social interests. Our special concern here is with the role of the schools in building up forces and factors whose natural effect is to undermine the importance and uniqueness of family life. It is obvious to any observer that in every western country the increase of importance of public schools has been at least coincident with a relaxation of older family ties. What is going on in Russia appears to be a planned acceleration of this process. For example, the earliest section of the school system, dealing with children from three to seven, aims, in cities, to keep children under its charge six, eight and ten hours per day, and in ultimate ideal (although far from present fact) this procedure is to be universal and compulsory. When it is carried out, the effect on family life is too evident to need to be dwelt uponalthough at present even in Moscow only one-tenth of the children of this age are in such schools. Nor does the invasion of family life stop at this point in dealing with young children. There are in contemplation summer colonies in the country, corresponding to our fresh-air homes for children from slums, in which children from these all-day kindergarten schools will spend a large part of the summer months. Some of the summer colonies are already in existence; those visited compare favorably with similar institutions anywhere, with respect to food, hygiene, medical attention and daily nurture. Now, it would be too much to say that these institutions are deliberately planned with sole reference to their disintegrating effect upon family life; as far as conscious intention is concerned there are doubtless other more conspicuous causes. They are part of a whole network of agencies by means of which the Soviet government is showing its special care for the laboring class In order to gain its political support, and to give a working object-lesson in the value of a communistic scheme. One derives from this, as from many other social undertakings, the impression that the Soviet authorities are trying to forestall, in a deliberately planned and wholesale manner, those consequences of industrialization which in other countries have crept upon society piecemeal and unconsciously. For every large Industrial center in any western country shows that in fact the effect of machine industrialization has been to disintegrate the traditional family. From this point of view, the Russian government is doing on a large scale what private philanthropy has done in our cities by means of crches, etc. But even when these allowances are made, it remains true that we have here a striking exemplification of the conscious and systematic utilization of the school in behalf of a definite social policy. There are many elements of propaganda connected with this policy, and many of them obnoxious to me personally. But the broad effort to employ the education of the young as a means of realizing certain social purposes cannot be dismissed as propaganda without relegating to that category all endeavor at deliberate social control. | https://newrepublic.com/article/92769/russia-soviet-education-communism |
How is the UK government planning to change the rail network? | The long-awaited review of Britains rail industry has been published by the government, with the creation of a new Great British Railways promising a simpler, more accountable system. The rail industry will be overseen by an arms-length public sector body, accountable to ministers, but running all aspects of the railway. GBR will subsume Network Rail, which currently manages Britains rail infrastructure the track, signalling, and the biggest stations. It will also be in charge of issuing contracts to train operators, setting timetables and managing ticketing and revenue. Yes: although franchises have been abolished, new contracts are primarily aimed at private firms who will compete to run trains. Instead of a firm having to calculate its expected costs and revenue and then decide how much money it would pay, or subsidy it would need, as under the failed franchise model, the firms will be paid a fixed fee with bonuses for performance on criteria such as punctuality mirroring the system used in London for the capitals Overground trains. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said that the state-owned operator of last resort which currently runs LNER and Northern would still exist and could run services. In terms of how fares are paid, passengers have been told to expect more contactless and integrated ticketing nationwide, along the model of London. New season tickets will be launched aimed at part-time commuters, although the savings for rail users appear marginal for now. How much passengers will pay is harder to say. Indeed, the transport secretary refused to rule out fare rises in years to come, which possibly suggests that the head of Great British Railways, rather than ministers, might be in the firing line for commuter anger over annual increases in future. Certainly GBR will be given the power to set most individual fares, according to the white paper, but within a framework agreed by ministers. Ultimately, the level of fares will depend on how much subsidy the government is prepared to pay. The government says it has spent 12bn supporting rail during the pandemic, when most of the revenue from fare-paying passengers disappeared and that figure is unsustainable. However, Shapps said the government is committed to rail and the cost to the taxpayer is unlikely to reduce below the more normal 4bn annual subsidy for some years. Raising fares to cover the shortfall would deter recovery even more, although the industry is resigned to lower passenger numbers due to changing work patterns. For that reason, the government is determined to hammer down costs. It hopes that the new structure alone will save 1.5bn in efficiencies, with wages and productivity also under scrutiny. Probably not significantly. Although, with the track and train operators under one roof, GBR might well decide that a sparser but more reliable and punctual schedule is preferable to a packed timetable, while capacity allows. Transport in Scotland and Wales is technically devolved and yet Network Rail owns their rail assets. (Northern Ireland is completely separate.) The SNP says that Scotland, despite its ruling party declaring the ScotRail franchise would be nationalised, has not been consulted over the reform. The white paper says that the government will explore options with Transport Scotland to enable the railway in Scotland to benefit from the reforms. An agreement also needs to be negotiated with Wales too. | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/20/how-is-the-uk-government-planning-to-reform-the-rail-network |
Are Vertical Turbines The Future Of Offshore Wind Power? | A concept rendering of offshore vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). World Economic Forum What makes renewable energy so exciting is the immense economic potential of groundbreaking technology advancements. A recent discovery by engineers of Oxford Brookes Universitys School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics could change the design of offshore wind farms forever. The study, led by Professor Iakovos Tzanakis, demonstrates that deep sea and coastal wind turbines could achieve a 15% increase in power output if traditional horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are replaced by a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) design. While classic HAWT windmills produce energy with a standard three-blade pinwheel design, VAWT utilizes a more cylindrical shape with blades rotating around a central shaft. Animated comparison of HAWT vs. leading VAWT designs World Economic Forum The main issue with conventional HAWT windfarms which can number 60 to 70 turbines over 1500 acres is that efficiency degrades rapidly in the back rows due to turbulence from the first rows of the formation. Vertical axis turbines solve this issue by generating less turbulence, and in some cases even improving the efficiency of nearby turbines. The basis of their research is in computational flow analysis using 11,500 hours of computer simulations to optimize placement. They also analyzed the effects of downstream generated turbulence which reduces the back-row efficiency of traditional HAWTs to 25-30%. This finding demands further study of condensed wind farms since the current turbine designs are meant to be used in a singular application. When installed in close proximity to one another, the performance characteristics change, reducing the efficiency of surrounding turbines due to turbulence created down wind. The typical offshore turbine from GE is massive, measuring 220 m across and 248 m high, and producing 12-14 MW of power on average or enough to power up to 12,600 homes. Current U.S. turbine capacity for wind totals at 118 GW or 8.4% of utility scale energy production. The offshore wind capacity is a measly 42 MW led by the first off shore wind farm at Block Island, RI, which accounts for 30 MW 1 GW is 1,000 MW. In addition to the recently announced Vineyard Wind Project providing 800 MW, Danish company Orsted has been developing two Ocean Wind projects to provide a total of 2.3 GW to the state of New Jersey. Initial applications of wind turbine technology began in the 1970s with a focus on remote small-scale applications, such as research stations that are disconnected from the power grid. The largest hurdle in the progression of VAWT designs is the lack of a proper airfoil shape and troubles with the braking systems, which drive unit costs up. Traditional aerospace applications have provided years of research and technical basis for the creation of the commonly seen pinwheel design. The onshore wind turbine market is dominated by an industry standard three-rotor HAWT design, but there is no standard design for VAWTs. Recent investments in offshore wind farms, like the Vineyard Wind Project, use a typical three-rotor HAWT design offered by market leader GE in a bedrock-based application not suited for deep water. Block Island, R.I.: Deepwater Wind offshore wind farm at Block Island, Rhode Island on August 14, ... [+] 2016. (Photo by Mark Harrington/Newsday RM via Getty Images) Newsday via Getty Images Given the violent and unpredictable conditions of deep ocean water, not to mention the weight and balance of a wind turbine, it is understandable that the technology required to mount a floating turbine was only created recently. A proposed solution was devised by Sandia National Laboratory, in partnership with the Department of Energy and universities around the nation. After conducting Phase One research under a grant of $4.1 million over 5 years, this solution provided insights which included a reduction in Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) through the application of a VAWT design. Much of Sandia Labs initial work was in creating simulations of offshore wind projects. Further developments have included improving the design of airfoils and mechanical generators, as well as perfecting the methods to secure a turbine for safe operation in deep water conditions. The project research concluded in 2014, and was followed by a Department of Energy publication in 2017 establishing the official design recommendations. Current VAWT market solutions are all geared towards microgrid and extreme weather applications. They possess an inherent benefit in that they are able to perform well in stressful weather environments; turbines are able to function even in typhoon weather, which can be a a lifesaver for deep ocean water infrastructure such as oil wells. Nations including the United Kingdom and Germany are already at the forefront for production capacity and investment in offshore wind. The British Isles are home to the first GE-made 12 MW (MegaWatt) offshore unit, the same design being used in the Vineyard Wind project. British interests reside in coastal sea applications, where conditions are easily managed by the HAWT design offered by GE. The U.S. project is the Block Island wind farm three miles off the coast of Rhode Island, which produces 30 MW from a series of units provided by GE, enough to power 27,000 homes. Few nations currently use deep-sea wind energy, as it can cost twice as much as the coastal alternative on an LCOE basis. Offshore wind has found a niche application for providing offshore power. One of the most demanding clients for offshore energy is the oil industry, which currently powers platforms with diesel electric generators. The typical offshore oil well consumes 20-30 cubic meters (5200-8000 gallons) per day. This specific application allows a high LCOE like offshore wind to be considered competitive. Recent investments by Norwegian energy provider Equinor in the North Sea focus on powering their oil platforms with offshore wind. The proposed Hywind Tampen project includes 11 floating HAWTs producing 88 MW, meeting upwards of 35% of energy demand for a series of five offshore platforms. The Hywind project is expected to cut 200,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Further investment in offshore wind technology could eliminate the need for diesel fuel altogether. In the United States, there have been small-scale projects to test the designs of floating HAWTs. In 2013, a scale model was installed off the coast of Maine by the DeepCwind Consortium, working in partnership with the University of Maine. The Seattle-based Principle Power has installed their patented Windfloat design off the U.S. west coast in a deep sea application. Principle Power currently has five units in operation and has proven their designs ability to withstand up to 17 m (55 9) waves and 41 m/s (92 mph) winds. If the United States chooses to invest further in the development of floating VAWT turbine technology, it could become the global leader in deep sea wind. Once it overcomes the technical barriers created by materials and mechanical systems, the production capacity of a deep-sea wind farm is infinitely scalable when the correct technology is utilized. Models such as those created by the Oxford Brookes University team give credence to the idea of replacing floating oil platforms with wind turbines. The ultimate irony would be oil giants applying their deep-sea technologies to develop the first line of scalable floating turbines for deep sea applications. With Assistance From Sean Moroney | https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2021/05/20/are-vertical-turbines-the-future-of-offshore-wind-power/ |
What Does The State Of Employer Mental Health Support Look Like In 2021? | Employees faced significant issues in access and affordability of mental health services long before the pandemic. Amid a pandemic, the need for mental health escalated to unprecedented levels. In the past year, 83% of US employees experienced negative emotions associated with poor mental health, yet many employers have taken no action. Only 21% of purchase influencers at firms that prioritize employee experience reported that theyre implementing employee well-being and mental health programs. According to FAIR Health claims data, mental health conditions continued to be the number one telehealth diagnosis nationally and in every region. Ignoring the need now will result in significant business impact across employee engagement, absenteeism, presenteeism, medical spend and disability claims. New Forrester research provides insight into how the employer market is performing when it comes to employee mental health. This milestone report sets the tone for future benchmarking efforts on the industry and helps uncover where companies can improve their efforts to empower employees to bring their whole selves to work. Many of the data points referenced in this report are from Big Healths Mental Health Maturity Index (BHMHMI) survey of 35 large US-based employers, representing nearly 2.5 million employees across the globe. The survey was co-led by Big Health and the Employer Health Innovation Roundtable (EHIR) and sheds a bright light on the different dimensions in the large disconnect that exists between senior management and workers within organizations when it comes to employee mental health. Key findings of the report include: Leaders agree on the value of mental health, but they are not assessing the value of their initiatives. Ninety-four percent of respondents say mental health is a key pillar of their wellness strategy, however only 31% measured the value that employees get from current benefits within the past year. Leaders promote the business benefits of mental health, but they seldom incorporate mental health and well-being into their decision-making. Eighty-three percent say that senior leadership visibly advocates for the importance of mental health and well-being to the business, but only 23% say that mental health and well-being measures are integrated into leadership decision-making. Leaders say that mental health is a boardroom priority, but they don't measure the ROI or treat mental health as a strategic goal. Fifty-seven percent of respondents say that mental health and well-being of employees is a board level goal, however, in stark contrast a mere 14% measure the ROI for mental health services and initiatives. Take These Necessary Steps To Drive Systemic Improvement For Employees Investment in mental health is a new priority for many employers, but slow movement to support mental health impacts employee and customer experience and puts business resiliency at risk. Forrester has identified seven key steps that firms must take to help course correct and continue to accelerate their mental health efforts. These include: Establish a self-assessment process to help employees connect to the right resources. In the survey only 49% of firms indicated that a self-assessment process was available. Mental health isnt one-size-fits-all: You must give workers the right tools that best fit their individual needs to drive employee engagement across the company. In the survey only 49% of firms indicated that a self-assessment process was available. Mental health isnt one-size-fits-all: You must give workers the right tools that best fit their individual needs to drive employee engagement across the company. Train managers to detect employee mental health needs early. Only 34% of firms in the survey indicated that they provided training for managers in this regard. Managers can act as a first line of defense, detecting early onset of burnout and the need for more support. Only 34% of firms in the survey indicated that they provided training for managers in this regard. Managers can act as a first line of defense, detecting early onset of burnout and the need for more support. Develop a strategy to identify and engage silent sufferers. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America found that only 37% of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment. Observation and early detection of employee distress are key; managers are a reliable point of consistent contact for employees, and they often notice changes before employees do. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America found that only 37% of those suffering from anxiety receive treatment. Observation and early detection of employee distress are key; managers are a reliable point of consistent contact for employees, and they often notice changes before employees do. Promote mental health programs to break through the stigma of getting help. Less than 50% of firms in the survey have run an anti-stigma campaign in the past year. Firms should share information via email campaigns, the company intranet and even managers in team meetings. Less than 50% of firms in the survey have run an anti-stigma campaign in the past year. Firms should share information via email campaigns, the company intranet and even managers in team meetings. Address the lack of equity in mental health to bolster diversity-and-inclusion efforts. A more inclusive mental healthcare model will provide employees with the right care when and how they need it. Firms should leverage in-person care, which is essential for severe mental health needs and individuals who are disconnected by the digital divide. Digital tools can connect employees with a diverse set of providers and ensure access to culturally competent care that may not be accessible in their area. Start By Determining Metrics, Communication Plans, And Accountability When evaluating the performance of their mental health investments, employers must choose metrics that track the business impact, activities completed and the outcomes of those activities. To gain attention and budget for an investment, estimate the potential financial returns and qualitative benefits for leadership. The most common economic indicators that firms assess are the impact on disability claims, healthcare costs, absenteeism and retention. This post was written by Principal Analyst Arielle Trzcinski, and it originally appeared here. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2021/05/20/what-does-the-state-of-employer-mental-health-support-look-like-in-2021/ |
Is The House Of Representatives A Hostile Work Environment? | The House is showcasing some unprecedented behavior. Daniel Thornberg - stock.adobe.com If you follow politics at all, youve probably heard about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) (MTG) and her aggressive behavior towards Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) (AOC) in Congress. Given how the political landscape has changed over the past decade or so, this behavior isnt as surprising as it potentially could be. The short answer is no, probably not. However, change the facts around slightly and it could run afoul of some anti-discrimination employment laws in an average workplace (instead of Congress). Lets take a more detailed look at what MTG has been doing to get a better understanding of how the law views workplace bullying. Marjorie Taylor Greenes Harassment of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Others When MTG confronted AOC and accused her of supporting terrorists and not caring about Americans, it wasnt the first time MTG made news concerning her treatment of AOC and other members of Congress. On January 13, 2021, a maskless MTG and her staff allegedly berated Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.). As a result of that confrontation, Rep. Bush moved her office away from MTG citing safety concerns. And when Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) placed a transgender pride flag outside her office to show support for the Equality Act, MTG responded by placing a poster across Rep. Newmans office that said, There are TWO genders: MALE & FEMALE. Trust The Science! Then in April 2021, MTG said that AOC was a scared little girl that is pretty stupid and doesnt know anything about the economy or economics And this is just some of MTGs more notable behavior. She lost her committee assignments due to her controversial social media posts before taking office. And in February 2019 when MTG was a conservative activist, there was a video of her harassing AOC during a visit to the U.S. Capitol. Well, it depends on whether the bullying is based on someones membership of a protected class. A protected class is a legally recognized group that enjoys special legal protections in certain contexts. For instance, discriminating against someone because of his or her race is unlawful because race is a protected class. But discriminating against them because of the car they drive is legal as an individuals choice of vehicular transportation is not a protected class. The most prominent protected classes are usually identified by federal laws and the employment sector is no different. Key federal anti-discrimination laws that create protected classes for employees include: States may also have laws that offer greater protections for employees. For example, in Washington, D.C., the DC Human Rights Act (DCHRA) adds several more protected classes in the employment context, such as: Political affiliation Personal appearance Status as a victim of domestic violence Credit information Family responsibilities This means an individual who is the victim of workplace bullying based on their political affiliation could seek legal relief under the DCHRA, but not federal law. If AOC wants to take legal action against MTG, AOCs options are limited. The primary avenue of relief will exist through the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA). In a nutshell, the CAA applies many federal anti-discrimination laws to Congress and its 30,000 plus employees, like Title VII, ADEA and ADA. The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) enforces the CAA, which includes overseeing a dispute resolution process when an employee from Congress complains of harassment or discrimination. The primary challenge for AOC would be the fact that the crux of MTGs conduct revolves around AOCs political beliefs and affiliation. Because the CAA doesnt apply any anti-discrimination laws to Congress that include political affiliation as a protected class, AOCs claim will likely fail. Theres the DCHRA, but it may not apply to AOC or MTG. Thats because theres a possibility that AOC may not be considered an employee or MTG not an employer by the DCHRA or that the DCHRA wouldnt apply to members of Congress. However, if Rep. Newman wanted to submit a complaint through OCWRs dispute resolution process, she could have more success. It would be reasonable for her to claim that MTG putting up the poster declaring there were only two genders constituted a form of harassment based on gender identity. In case youre wondering, Rep. Newman could have this claim even if shes not being targeted for her gender identity. Rep. Newman has a transgender daughter and Title VII prohibits discrimination and harassment even if its because the target of the conduct is only associated with someone of a protected class. If we examine this hypothetical from the perspective of AOC and MTG being civilian employees in a typical work environment, AOC might have more legal options. Recall that the DCHRA lists political affiliation as a protected class. Therefore, AOC could argue that MTG is targeting her for harassment based on her affiliation with the Democratic party. AOC would then file a discrimination complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights. Bottom Line If AOC or any other member or employee of Congress wants to take legal action for a hostile work environment, there are legal options available, such as the dispute resolution process with the OCWR. But due to their limitations, they may not always offer a practical remedy. Additionally, politics may either limit the use of these options or render them unnecessary. For the average employee, they will need to rely on whatever process their employer offers, go to their state or local discrimination enforcement agency, or contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2021/05/20/is-the-house-of-representatives-a-hostile-work-environment/ |
How Different Will Louisville's Style Look Next Season? | Currently in the midst of a very active offseason, the Cardinals will have a very different team next season. (Photo of Chris Mack and Louisville Players: David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Since the end of the 2020-21 season, where they finished 13-7 and barely missed out on going to the NCAA Tournament, the Louisville men's basketball program has had a myriad of moving pieces. David Johnson and Carlik Jones declared for the NBA; Aidan Igiehon, Josh Nickelberry and Quinn Slazinski all transferred, and Charles Minlend graduated. Counterbalancing the departures, Matt Cross, Jarrod West and Noah Locke transferred in; El Ellis is signing from the JUCO ranks; and Michael James and Roosevelt Wheeler are signing out of high school. Even amongst the coaching and support staff, Louisville will look much different. Assistant coaches Dino Gaudio and Luke Murray were not retained, leading head coach Chris Mack to promote Kahil Fennell from director of basketball operations, as well as hire New Zealand National Team assistant Ross McMains. Based on the current roster makeup alone, even with two free scholarships still open for a transfer or high school signee, you can draw conclusions that Louisville should be a much different team next season. Related: Chris Mack Provides Team Update First, let's start on the offensive end of things. Traditionally, Mack has utilized a continuity pick and roll offense that uses unique schemes to take advantage of mismatches. As for newly-hired McMains, his offensively philosophy revolves around the ball to never stop moving, specifically in half-court sets. This hire was undoubtedly made as a response to Louisville's sluggish pace under Mack, who had relatively up-tempo teams during his time as Xavier. "There's going to be certain things that we keep that's been very good for us through my 12 years as a head coach, there's going to be some things that we add," Mack said. "I think, a small part, it's about our players too, and what their capabilities are, both to learn and execute some of the things that we put in. That's something that we have to be able to use this summer for quite honestly." Speaking of the players, based on who Mack has brought in so far this offseason, they should be much better at one area in particular: shooting three-pointers. Of the six newcomers to Louisville next season, only Roosevelt Wheeler did not shoot over 40% from three-point range during his previous season of competition. Of course, that's all for naught if you can't draw up a play to get them open, and McMains has long developed a reputation as an offensive tactician. But as he transitions to the college level, based on Mack's comments, it seems that the offense won't quite be as analytical as one would think, and McMains' input will mainly be used to increase tempo. "I think (analytics) certainly has a place in the game, but it's not everything," Mack said. "Yes there is a little bit of that, but he's not just a computer geek. He's a basketball guy, He said before, his whole life has been dedicated to basketball. Although he's only 32 years old, he's got a lot more years of experience in the game than that." Even if Mack didn't hire McMains, Louisville should play at a faster pace next season. As of now, the Cardinals have three viable starting options in the backcourt in West, Ellis and Locke, and they could still bring on another guard. Last season, they mainly relied on David Johnson and Carlik Jones, and if COVID doesn't present a problem again, they should be able to push the pace in full court sets due to guard depth. "David and Carlik were playing 40 minutes a night. We were dealing with two COVID pauses where those guys had a tough time keeping their conditioning," Mack said. "Having said that, we've always wanted to play faster. I think our pace was not where we wanted it this past year." Now let's transition to the defensive side. As far as the actual style of play goes, not much is really anticipated to change here. Mack says he wants to make some defensive changes, but it will be mainly coming from getting the proper personnel, both by ability and numbers, that can execute the game plan. "While we may not look like a team that's running and jumping and having a guy on the ball 94 feet, I'd like to think that we can pick up from time to time, and increase our pressure more than we have over the last couple seasons," he said. When it comes to defensive changes to Louisville next season, Mack admits that he doesn't want to change too much. If he changes too much to his pack-line defensive philosophy, then even the veterans will need help with the adjustments. "If everything's brand new, I'm going to look like, and our players are going to look like. we did year one where you have 13 hands in the air asking questions at the same time," he said. You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter: Facebook - @LouisvilleOnSI Twitter - @LouisvilleOnSI and Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @GeneralWasp | https://www.si.com/college/louisville/basketball/how-different-will-louisville-look |
What number is Tim Tebow wearing as a Jacksonville Jaguar? | The Telegraph In the latest setback of a miserable season, Andy Murray has dropped his plans to participate in the French Open which starts a fortnight today after experiencing a recurrence of groin pain while training in Rome. His intention now is to make an early start in his grass-court preparation in order to be as ready as possible for Queens and Wimbledon the two most productive tournaments of his career. Clearly, he will first have to overcome this lingering and mysterious groin problem, which first surfaced just before the Miami Open in March. Murray travelled out to Rome a week ago to test himself in a series of practice sessions with leading players. He is understood to have taken Novak Djokovic to a tie-break in their unofficial set last Sunday, and also made a late entry into the doubles event as an alternate, playing alongside Liam Broady. Together, they showed strength of character to come back and eliminate Luke Saville and Max Purcell in the first round. But after going out in the second round to Kevin Kravietz and Horia Tecau, Murray was equivocal during an interview with the Press Association. Today didn't feel that great on the court, he said. I didn't play that well in comparison to yesterday. The original intention had been to enter one of the two ATP 250 events next week, either in Geneva or Lyon, but that idea has been dropped. Clay has always been a difficult surface for Murray, whereas grass is his preferred environment, and he will no doubt be trying to convince himself that this last-minute rescheduling could work in his favour. The last time he made a late withdrawal from the French Open was in 2013, after a bout of back trouble in Rome. He wound up winning his first Wimbledon a month later. Yet the reality of this latest unfortunate development is that Murray has now appeared in only four majors since he first dropped off the tour in 2017, on account of his arthritic right hip. He has won just two grand-slam matches in that time, both at the US Open. Since having that joint resurfaced in January 2019 which meant the insertion of a metal rod in the top of the femur, which slots into a metal socket in his pelvis Murray has been determined to prove that he can become the first singles player to compete successfully with a bionic hip. (Bob Bryan was able to extend his career substantially in the doubles arena, which is significantly less physically demanding.) But the evidence is beginning to suggest that this may be an impossible dream, even if Murray has had some terrible luck along the way. He will certainly be ruing the Covid-19 infection he suffered while feeling in otherwise strong physical shape in January, which kept him out of the Australian Open. Every time he misses a major tournament, he must wonder if he will ever play there again. | https://sports.yahoo.com/number-tim-tebow-wearing-jacksonville-163409183.html?src=rss |
Is the Browns defense versatile enough to have a Death Lineup? | CLEVELAND, Ohio The Cleveland Cavaliers led the 2015 NBA Finals 2-1 when the Golden State Warriors decided to make a change. For Game 4 they replaced center Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup with small forward Andrew Iguodala. The idea was to substitute size for versatility, which resulted in a quicker pace against the Cavaliers. The Warriors versatile group of mostly guards and small forwards were able to switch assignments on defense while creating mismatches on offense. The Death Lineup was born. It became a regular part of the Warriors scheme as they returned to the NBA Finals in each of the next four seasons. The Death Lineup nickname got attention, but what the Warriors were doing wasnt new. They were simply adding to the trend of positionless basketball by taking small-ball to a new level. And its a philosophy not confined to basketball. Positionless football has been part of the NFL conversation for some time now, but not put into practice as much as in the NBA. Still, every team wants to find that hybrid player able to handle multiple jobs and create - or avoid - mismatches. This is especially true on defense. Two years ago, the Chargers had seven defensive backs on the field for most of their playoff game against the Ravens. By putting more speed on the field to track Lamar Jackson and having more players able to drop in coverage, the Chargers won, 22-10. Instead of linebackers, the Chargers put two safeties typically smaller and quicker players - in linebacker roles. The Ravens gained only three first downs and 83 yards on offense through three quarters. Remember, this was the same Ravens offense that was second in the NFL in rushing yards. In last seasons AFC championship, the Chiefs used six defensive backs on 75 percent of the snaps, including four safeties for most of the first three quarters. The Chiefs were able to clog passing lanes against the Bills potent passing game while also guarding against the run. As FiveThirtyEight pointed out, Josh Allens average time to throw last season was 3.05 seconds. The Bills were 11-0 when he beat that time. They were 4-4 when he didnt. Against the Chiefs, Allens time to throw was 3.30. These kinds of game plans werent likely to work for the Browns last season. They led the league in games lost to injury by defensive backs. A lack of depth at cornerback and safety made it difficult to overcome those injuries. The Browns also lacked versatility at linebacker, where five players got more than 200 snaps as defensive coordinator Joe Woods went with a situational approach. But that was last year. This year, the Browns have remade their defense. Theyve added speed and versatility at every level of the defense. Being able to deploy schemes like the Chargers used against the Ravens or the Chiefs used against the Bills is certainly in play for Woods. SAFETY Theres an expectation that we will see John Johnson III, Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison on the field together this season. And they would be one of the highlights of a Browns Death Lineup. Johnson and Harrison both have the ability to play as deep safeties, in the box, or in the slot. Delpit, meanwhile, brings speed and ability in coverage that the Browns were hoping to showcase last season. With all three on the field, the Browns can fight off offenses trying to create mismatches in coverage with running backs or tight ends. And against the run, Johnson had the fourth best Pro Football Focus grade among safeties last season. CORNERBACK Not much versatility is needed from this group, but having three of them on the field combined with three safeties can make a quarterback hold the ball longer than he wants. And since NFL teams have three receivers on the field an average of 60 percent of the time, the Browns figure to be in a nickel look a lot anyway. Denzel Ward, Troy Hill, Greg Newsome and Greedy Williams are not the best run defenders in the league, but a Death Lineup would be more concerned coverage first. The Browns finally have the potential for quality depth in that area. LINEBACKER This would be a key to a Death Lineup. Of course, the Browns could add another defensive back and skip linebacker altogether the way the Chargers did against the Ravens. But then youre dipping a bit too far into your depth. Instead, the ideal player to sit in the middle of such a lineup is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. His ability to play well against the run and in coverage, both in the box and in the slot, are why the Browns drafted him. Like Johnson and Delpit, hes a player that helps offset potential mismatches with tight ends, which has been a problem area for the Browns in recent years. JOK also has the speed and quickness to deal with receivers in the slot while giving the Browns much more against the run than the fourth cornerback or safety would. DEFENSIVE LINE The front four of a potential Death Lineup is where the Browns can get creative. Myles Garretts versatility would be at the center of it. Garretts ability to rush from anywhere along the line could be used as a way to get both Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley on the field with him. Imagine Garrett slipping inside, something he did a handful of times last season, next to Malik Jackson. Or maybe its Clowney who moves inside, which is often his path to the quarterback anyway. With so many players able to drop in coverage behind them, the quarterback would likely have to hold the ball longer (the way Josh Allen did against the Chiefs), allowing the Browns front four more time to create problems. And with their top three pass rushers on the field, the Browns wouldnt necessarily need all that extra time. Much like the Warriors Death Lineup, a Browns version wouldnt necessarily be a full-time thing. An obvious situation would be late in a game when the Browns want to protect a lead and the opponent needs to throw. Or even on a key third-and-long, when the Browns want to clog passing lanes but also have the speed to deal with a screen pass. But in a key game, some opponents and some quarterbacks in particular could be candidates to get the Death Lineup treatment as a part of the game plan. The Ravens probably top the list, especially after the Chargers had their success. A multi-threat quarterback such as Kyler Murray could be on the list. The best team to get creative against could be the very first team the Browns face this season the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes creates all sorts of problems, as does matchup nightmare Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs speedy offense. Perhaps the Death Lineup is the antidote to all that. Dont expect Joe Woods to show all his cards in Week 1. But the lineup the Chiefs see should be much more versatile, talented and fast than what they saw in the playoffs. No matter what you want to call it. - Browns playoffs shirts, hats for sale: Heres where Cleveland Browns fans can order shirts and hats celebrating the team qualifying for the 2020 NFL playoffs. Hey, Mary Kay! City Council cautious on Browns, mayors lakefront vision Where Stefanski and 2020 Browns rank among biggest Cleveland turnarounds Defining roles in 2021 for Browns draft picks Browns OTAs virtual this week, but will take to the field next week Newsome on Garretts workouts: Hes a freak | https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2021/05/is-the-browns-defense-versatile-enough-to-have-a-death-lineup.html |
What should parents know when deciding if their child should get Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? | Our readers have questions about the coronavirus vaccine, and cleveland.com is getting answers from health care experts. These answers are from Dr. David Margolius, internal medicine, MetroHealth Systems; Dr. Thomas File, Chair, Summa Health Infectious Diseases and Dr. Shanu Agarwal, Chair, Summa Health Infection Control. The efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 was 100%. Thus, no patient who received the vaccine developed COVID-19. Everyone who developed COVID-19 in the trial had received a placebo. Yes. The clinical trial for children ages 12-15 was similar to that of adults, so it is the same dose, and two doses are required on the same schedule. The side effects are similar to those observed in adults, including pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache. These were short-lived, lasting one to two days, and are both expected and normal. Its true that they are less likely to get severely ill from the coronavirus, but its still a risk. Here are the reasons why this age group should be vaccinated: If children have risk factors, they can become seriously ill. This can be prevented with the vaccine. Children now account for approximately 20% of new cases. Adolescents are a significant source of ongoing transmission and spread to others, which can be prevented with the vaccine. In order to reach herd immunity, it is important to have a high percentage of the community immunized, including adolescents. Yes. Children with food or seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, may be immunized with COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC advises that people with the following medical history not receive COVID-19 vaccines: Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine. Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine. Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed the evidence and determined it is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines. The prior guidance from the CDC recommended the vaccine be administered alone, with at least 14 days before or after administration of any other vaccines. Recently the CDC changed its recommendation; it now says that COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may be administered without regard to timing. This is important since adolescents are recommended to receive several other important vaccines, such as meningococcal and human papilloma virus vaccines. This new guidance means its possible to receive all recommended vaccines without multiple visits. | https://www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/2021/05/what-should-parents-know-when-deciding-if-their-child-should-get-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine.html |
Do no-hitters still mean something in MLBs era of all-or-nothing swings? | Register for Indians Subtext to hear your Tribe questions answered exclusively on the show. Send a text to 216-208-4346 to subscribe for $3.99/mo. CLEVELAND, Ohio Six no-hitters. Six! Just 49 days into the season and Major League Baseball is already poised to tie its record for no-nos in a season. Corey Klubers gem on Wednesday came less than 24 hours after Spencer Turnbull did the same for Detroit (DETROIT) on Tuesday. Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga discuss the latest developments on Thursdays podcast. Click here. We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe to it here. You can also subscribe on Google Play and listen on Spotify. Search Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast or download the audio here. - New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity. Podcast Naylor carried Franconas trust into key Tuesday at-bat Gimenez sent down to Columbus, RHP Mejia promoted Josh Naylors eighth-inning HR nails down win Progressive Field returns to 100% capacity starting June 2 Cleveland batters always seem to be at a disadvantage | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2021/05/do-no-hitters-still-mean-something-in-mlbs-era-of-all-or-nothing-swings.html |
Is Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri ready for a new challenge? | The NBAs most coveted free agent addressed the media on Wednesday, sporting a beige tee shirt underneath a dark blazer that hung loosely on his 50-year old shoulders. Masai Ujiri wont play a minute next season but few players, if any, hitting the open market stands as potentially impactful. The Raptors president is on the short list of any top basketball executives, one who through expert drafting, shrewd free agent signings and one franchise altering trade built Toronto into an NBA champion. If the Raptors were a challenge, Ujiri conquered it. Ujiri held his season ending media availability on Wednesday, and it didnt take long for the affable exec. to be asked about his status. Ujiris contract situation has been well known for years now, with a public pursuit by Washington in 2019 shining a spotlight on it. Ujiri has politely punted on questions about it before, indicating that his future would be addressed at the end of the season. With the end of Torontos season here Ujiri still wasnt ready to address it. Nothing new, Ujiri said. We just finished. At some point, Ill get with ownership here and sit down and talk, all the normal stuff. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the parent company that owns the team, is among the NBAs wealthiest ownership groups. Ujiri mentioned his options, and make no mistake: those words should send chills through every Raptors fan who yearns to keep him. There are currently no front office vacancies in the NBA, though that doesnt mean there wont be. The Wizards at least entertained the idea of offering Ujiri an eight figure salary and an ownership slice in 2018, and billionaire owner Ted Leonsis could do it again. The Clippers enter the post-season with enormous expectations. Falling short could lead deep pocketed owner Steve Ballmer, who boldly parted ways with Doc Rivers last fall, to look to shake things up further. Ujiris interests extend beyond the NBA, putting new, potentially unexpected options on the table. The Nigerian-raised Ujiri has been a driving force in bringing NBA basketball to Africa. He has brought camps there, founded Giants of Africa, a non-profit aimed at enriching the lives of African youth, and has routinely referred to the continent as the NBAs next frontier. Its time to stop thinking of Africa as a charity, Ujiri wrote in Sports Illustrated in 2019, and start thinking of it as an investment. Ujiri could be using his contract status as leverage, of course. On several occasions during a 40-minute video call with reporters, Ujiri cited the need for change. Its clear he sees the Raptors lagging behind its rivals in key areas. He was equally unhappy about the team, which spent its entire season in Tampa Bay, being the only one displaced and there being no guarantees it wont happen again next season. We do not want I repeat we do not want to play anywhere else but Toronto, Ujiri said. Theres clearly a commitment he wants from ownership, one that goes beyond what he will deposit in his bank account. Everybody says, Blank check, blank check, but Im not as much focused on a blank check, Ujiri said. A lot of the things that weve done here, we have to move forward as a franchise to compete with the best in the NBA. This is all about winning a championship again. Indeed. Ujiri knows this team is barrelling towards a full rebuild. And actually that could work in Torontos favour. Ask any GM: Building a team from the ground up is more fun than tweaking it after it reaches the playoffs. At heart, most basketball execs are talent evaluators, eager to dig into college prospects and mine for unheralded talent. Thats how Ujiri built the Raptors, with late first round picks (Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby) and undrafted free agents (Fred VanVleet) added to complement its top stars. The chance to do it again, in Toronto, could be appealing. There are key decisions to be made, none bigger than the future of Kyle Lowry. Ujiri elected not to deal Lowry before the trade deadline, but that doesnt mean Lowry has a future there. Ujiri has a complicated, but successful, relationship with Lowry. Kyle Lowry is obviously the greatest Raptor of all time, VanVleet said. And No. 2 might be Masai. Ujiri praised the 35-year old Lowry on Wednesday (Its incredible what he does to keep his game going, said Ujiri) while acknowledging a youth movement in Toronto could make Lowry a casualty. We have to give the young guys more of an opportunity, Ujiri said. We have to build. I know we won a championship [in 2019] and last year we were considered a contender but we are at a place where we have to look at the younger players we have, maybe lift them up a little bit. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Ujiri offered no timeline for his decision (It will work out however the timing plays out to be.) but this clearly will have to play out quickly. Theres a natural succession plan in place if Ujiri walks, with Bobby Webster, one of the NBAs sharpest young GMs who has been involved with every decision Ujiri has made in Toronto, positioned to take over. The Raptors have clean books, strong young talent with an innovative head coach in Nick Nurse to lead them. All I know is I think we make a really good team, said Nurse. And I hope that team stays intact. Ujiri has already done the improbable, building the Raptors into a champion. In the coming weeks we will find out if he wants to attempt to do it again. Read more about: | https://www.thestar.com/sports/si/2021/05/20/is-toronto-raptors-masai-ujiri-ready-for-a-new-challenge.html |
How did the Predators Erik Haula become Public Enemy No. 56 against his former team? | Erik Haula started Game 2 the way he finished Game 1: Resuming a running debate with Martin Necas after the whistle, then later drawing a retaliation penalty on Sebastian Aho to give the Nashville Predators one of their seven power plays Wednesday night. Whether Haula intended to go into this series as the Predators primary antagonist against his former team or not, thats the way things have turned out. For chunks of the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 win, Haula was booed not only when he had the puck but merely when he stepped on the ice. That booing and yelling, all those things, honestly I love it, Haula said after Game 1. But now that he has, its worth looking back heading into Fridays Game 3 in Nashville at Haulas departure from the Hurricanes last season, and where all the acrimony -- on both sides -- that has bubbled to the surface on the ice in this series actually arose. Theres a big reason Erik Haula was traded, Bally Sports South analyst Shane Willis said during Wednesdays broadcast. Its not because of his skill. Ill leave it at that. A trade acquisition during the summer of 2019, Haula had a productive start to his Hurricanes career before he was slowed by a persistent knee injury. As the trade deadline approached, and Haulas ice time dwindled, the Hurricanes made it clear they were not interested in offering the impending free agent a new contract. The circumstances led to at least one shouting match in a back hallway of the dressing room during a media access period. Amid concerns over Haulas fit in the dressing room, the Hurricanes included him in the deadline trade with the Florida Panthers for center Vincent Trocheck, a flat-out steal of a deal that in recent history ranks only behind the grand larceny that was Nino Niederreiter for Victor Rask. Haula ended up signing with the Predators this season on a cut-rate $1.75 million, one-year deal. In an interview Thursday, Willis elaborated on his comments about Haula, whose skill level Willis said he admires. I always go back to what Rod (BrindAmour) wants in the locker room, Willis said. He just wasnt one of those guys. Thats just how I was commenting on it. When you look at a room of guys like Staal, Pesce, Slavin and their attitudes, it just doesnt work. Conversely, it would be easy to see why Haula might harbor bad feelings about not being offered a new contract, not to mention the kind of residual gripes with former teammates that tend to be quickly forgotten only to resurface during a playoff series. Whether Haulas antagonist behavior in Game 1 set off the home fans or they were picking up on his former teammates apparent dislike for him on the ice -- and there were plenty of words exchanged after the whistle, without any smiles -- the Finnish center has certainly embraced the role of pantomime villain in the series. I must be doing something right, Haula said. As BrindAmour said earlier this week, (Haula) can handle that. I think he likes that. *extreme chuck amato voice* discipline While there was no question the Predators goaded the officials into two of the seven penalties that went against the Hurricanes and led to Nashville power plays on Wednesday, BrindAmour was unhappy that the Predators goaded the Hurricanes into those kinds of retaliation plays at all. In the NHL, as in fights between siblings, its always the second guy that gets caught. We dont want to get involved in all that stuff, BrindAmour said. It opens up, whether you think theyre penalties or not, embellishment or not, it opens up to have that be called. Youve got to take a cheap shot. You just have to. We didnt tonight. We wanted to give it back and those were the ones getting called. You cant get engaged in that kind of stuff. It just doesnt help. Still, there was clearly some frustration over an 18-12 penalty differential in favor of the visiting team through two games, not the way it usually works in the postseason. That remains an area to watch because there have been times where the Hurricanes let concerns with the officiating affect their focus, at times during the Washington Capitals series in 2019 and certainly in both of the recent series with the Boston Bruins. They maintained their composure in Game 1 against Nashville; they were less successful in Game 2. Man disadvantage advantage Then again, none of that mattered thanks to the penalty kill that is now 10-for-10 in the series and, while shorthanded, outchanced the Predators power play Wednesday night. Thats not out of the norm for an attacking, aggressive PK unit that ranked third in the league and scored seven short-handed goals in the 56-game regular season. The Hurricanes nearly had their first of the postseason but Juuse Saros was able to stop a Aho breakaway and deny Trocheck on a two-on-one. The way I like to play PK is puck pressure, and sometimes theres bounces, and it doesnt matter if its PK, PP, five-on-five, if theres a breakaway chance Im going for it, Aho said. I guess it just happens. Its not something Im thinking about when Im out there, that Ive got to get the breakaway on PK, no. Its from the puck pressure and sometimes you get little lucky bounces. Hurricanes vs. Predators What: Game 3, Stanley Cup playoff first-round series. When: Friday, 7 p.m. Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn. TV: BSSO (Bally) | https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/article251559908.html |
How will Ryan Walk build on all-Pac-12 debut season as Oregon Ducks right guard? | With spring practice over, The Oregonian/OregonLive is reviewing Oregons depth chart position by position. We continue the 25-part series by looking at the right guards. Ryan Walks journey to becoming a starter at Oregon is one of perseverance. The Eugene native missed his senior season of high school due to injury, came to UO as a walk-on, redshirted, saw some action at center in 2018 and 2019 and put himself in position to contend for a starting job in 2020, which he eventually won. He was also awarded a scholarship. Then he went on to earn AP all-Pac-12 honors in his first season as a starter thanks in large part to consistently strong grades from Pro Football Focus. Tackles draw the most attention, but theres absolutely a case to be made that Walk is Oregons top returning offensive lineman. Post-spring depth chart Ryan Walk: 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, redshirt-junior Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu: 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, redshirt-junior Logan Sagapolu: 6-foot-2, 345 pounds, freshman Faaope Laloulu: 6-foot-6, 395 pounds, freshman Oregon offensive lineman Ryan Walk (53) against Iowa State during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)AP Starter Much like Alex Forsyth, Walk has earned the respect of his teammates for the way he goes about preparing and studying the game. They care, deeply, about getting the job done and doing it the right way. Theyre the type of players the help build and maintain a programs culture. With another year of the same group up front, Walk believes the Ducks will take the next step as an offensive line. Last year after some drives wed come off the sideline and we were a little wide-eyed, things are really happening and the games a lot faster, he said. I think after seven games playing together we know what to expect from each other and we know what the standard needs to be and were trying to elevate that every day. The familiarity of playing next to these guys, I think were getting better each and every day and thats the goal. Oregon's Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu against the Montana Grizzlies at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on September 14, 2019 (Eric Evans Photography) Backup Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu missed the spring due to the injury he suffered in the Pac-12 Championship game against USC. Hes capable of playing guard or tackle and should contend to keep the starting spot at right tackle. Next wave Logan Sagapolu drew praise from virtually every member of the offensive line this spring. Hes clearly going to be on the second team, but dont assume that means he would see the field in the fall. Faaope Laloulu is said to have lost a significant amount of weight, though Mario Cristobal still refers to him as the human eclipse. Walk is helping bring both of them along. They just want to learn, Walk said. They both sit next to me in meetings and theyre both willing to ask me questions all the time. Ill tell them whatever I got. I think thats the biggest thing as a young guy, you got to ask questions, you got to learn. Once you pick up the offense you can play fast and once you can play fast then you can be physical, you can start honing in on your technique and fundamentals. I think thats the big thing with Logan and Oope, theyre trying to learn the offense and thats really good for them. Quotable Were going to try to expand on what we did last year and grow the offense and have even more plays. Coach Moorhead is a genius of an offensive mind. Its awesome to see what hes able to dial up all the time. - Ryan Walk | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/05/how-will-ryan-walk-build-on-all-pac-12-debut-season-as-oregon-ducks-right-guard.html |
Is Joe Biden Getting Tired of Placating AOC and the Progressives? | I chatted with our old friend Jonah Goldberg on his podcast Tuesday, and Jonah shared the theory that President Biden and his team around him had spent 2020 preparing to run an executive branch where their ambitions were reined in by divided government and theyve been trying to catch up and adapt since the Georgia runoff election returns came in. My friend A.B. Stoddard makes the case, I was once completely convinced on, that they [the Biden team] never planned on having control of the Senate, and so they made up a lot of this stuff, Jonah said, about 45 minutes | https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/does-joe-biden-think-hes-done-enough-to-placate-progressives/ |
Is there a greener way to build (and rebuild) batteries? | When we envision a green future, we imagine a clean, frictionless world. Emails leave no paper waste. Electric vehicles emit no exhaust. Remote meetings require no travel. Its tempting to think that each of these activities has a negligible effect on the environment. But they all depend, not only on electricity, but also on the lithium-ion battery, a device that may become the most important technology of the 2020s. The lithium-ion battery depends, in turn, on lithium, an element synthesized during the Big Bang that resides, albeit in minuscule propositions, in rock, clay, and seawater all over the planet. Lithium is lighter than any other metal, which means it can store a whole lot of energy without a whole lot of mass. But extracting it requires dirty open-pit mines and saltwater ponds that ravage local ecosystems. Salting the Earth: The Lithium Triangle, a region in the Andes where Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia converge, has roughly half of the worlds available lithium deposits. From the air, your typical Latin American lithium operation resembles an old type tray or a Mondrian painting: square ponds laid side-by-side with stunning geometric precision. Theyre beautiful, like land art, but theyre also incredibly destructive. First, saltwater, with a lithium concentrate of 1,500 parts per million, is pumped out of rocky aquifers deep underground. This briny compound then goes into an evaporation pond, an artificial pool the size of several football fields, where it sits for 18 months beneath the scorching desert sun. The liquid slowly evaporates, and the minerals in the compound they are magnesium, potassium and sodium sink to the bottom. Left over is a layer of lithium-rich water, with a six-per-cent concentration, which can be transported to nearby refineries that bring it to 97-per-cent purity. (It is then shipped to facilities in Korea, Japan, or China, which produce a battery-grade product.) The pond process relies on solar energy, a cheap and sustainable resource. But it leaves behind a salty residue, which is terrible for local ecologies. In the Lithium Triangle, salt gets into streams and sinks beneath the soil, affecting the water supply of nearby Indigenous communities. An oil spill is bad, says Amanda Hall, founder and CEO of the Calgary-based startup Summit Nanotech. But, in time, the affected area grows back twice as lush as before, because oil is a fertilizer. But when salt contaminates a landscape, everything dies. During a 2019 visit to the Lithium Triangle, Hall asked a Chilean mining operator if he might consider a more sustainable approach, but he shut her down. Theres nothing you can say, he told her, to convince me to get rid of my evaporation ponds. His company had invested time and money into a workable production process. He wasnt going to overhaul it simply because a visitor from Canada thought that he should. And yet, an overhaul is in order, and not just in the Lithium Triangle. The mines of Australia and China perturb the surface of the earth, leave piles of toxic tailings, and require vast industrial infrastructure, including roads traversed by fleets of trucks piled high with rock. And yet the industry is only going to grow, first when electric vehicles go mainstream and then when solar and wind power become more widespread, creating a need for massive batteries that can store renewable electricity, making it available on cloudy or windless days. Demand for lithium may well increase by 200 or 300 per cent by the mid-2030s, says Daniel Alessi, a professor at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. To match demand, Alessi argues, Canada should invest in domestic lithium production, thereby avoiding complete dependence on foreign suppliers with questionable labour or environmental standards. (The labour standards in Chile and Argentina are relatively good; the standards in China and Bolivia are less so.) Canadian lithium producers should start looking in unexpected places. The new mining: For starters, they have access to one significant lithium source: batteries. A discarded phone, laptop or electric vehicle may seem as though it is a piece of junk, but its also a kind of lithium-rich ore. Kunal Phalpher, chief commercial officer (CCO) of the Toronto-based startup Li-Cycle, is building the infrastructure necessary to exploit this resource. Geographically, the company has a hub-and-spoke model. The spokes comprise three nodes, one in southern Ontario, one in the Tristate Region and one under construction in the American Southwest, all locations with rising electric-vehicle use. Recycling companies can deliver junked lithium-ion batteries to any one of these depots. The batteries will be shredded on-site, and a machine will extract the so-called black mass, a gunpowder-like material comprising cobalt, nickel and lithium. This compound will then go to Li-Cycles central hub, a plant under construction on a former Kodak facility in Rochester, New York. There, the powder will be subjected to a series of proprietary chemical processes that separate it into its constituent parts, which can be sold to battery producers. The sheer volume of batteries available for recycling is going to increase drastically, says Phalpher. At the same time, everybody in the electric-vehicle industry is saying that, currently, theres not enough production of battery materials to meet future demand. So, not only do we have an end-of-life problem, we have a beginning-of-life problem, too. Batteries, in short, will need to be disposed of, but they will also need to be manufactured. Our aim, Phalpher adds, is to solve these two problems through a circular economy. Currently, the company has the capacity to recycle 10,000 tonnes of batteries, enough to power 20,000 electric vehicles, and it has contracts with more than 50 recycled-battery suppliers. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Phalpher sees his business as analogous to mining, albeit without the typical infrastructure. Were urban mining, he says. Were hunting for batteries to use in our production process. A wanted by-product: A second potential source of domestically produced lithium is the oil and gas wells in Western Canada. Right now, most Canadian wells pull out far more saltwater than hydrocarbons. Some have a so-called saltwater cut of 90 per cent. This by-product then gets shipped to an abandoned well and injected back underground. It isnt nearly as lithium rich as the brines being pumped out of the Andes. Two years ago, Alessi co-founded a start-up, Recion Technologies, seeking to extract lithium from the wastewater of Canadian wells economically. The goal is to build modular, refineries on site, in which brines can be purified chemically in tandem with the extracting of the oil. The wastewater will enter a reactor, where a chemical binds to the lithium. Then the remaining water will be filtered out. The details of the process are still being developed, but Alessi hopes to have a pilot project completed within two to five years. Like battery recycling, the process will make use of materials we have now. Youre not drilling for brine, says Alessi. Youre just borrowing it from oil producers. The operation doesnt have much of a footprint. The roads are already there. The pumpjacks are already pumping. For Hall, the answer is this: Find a way to save them money. Summit Nanotech is building a pilot version of a modular refinery, roughly the size of a railway car. Lithium brine can be pumped into it and then treated, at least initially, through nonchemical processes. Im a physicist, not a chemist, says Hall, so I approached the problem from a physics perspective. First the brine runs through a column, which is filled with a spongy material that absorbs the lithium and lets the rest of the water run through. (The holes in the sponge are exactly the size of lithium ions.) The sponge is then washed with water, and the run-off passes through a second column, this one with a filter that traps non-lithium particles. Then, the remaining solution is further refined through late-stage chemical reactions. Because Summit Nanotech uses a physics-first approach, the method generates 90 per cent less waste compared to traditional chemical refining. And it produces a 99-per-cent lithium concentrate within a mere 12 hours. We call it the Bullet Train for lithium, says Hall. Summits high-concentrate product can be sold for $11,000 a tonne, compared with $6,000 for a pond-made solution. Producers can take wells that are already drilled, divert the brine to us, and get twice the lithium theyd otherwise get, says Hall. Shell test the pilot facility in Chile at the end of this year, by which time she hopes to have proof-of-concept for a cleaner, more efficient way of extracting lithium. It would be nice, she says, if they were turned into solar farms. Simon Lewsen is a freelancer who writes about technology for MaRS. Torstar, the parent company of the Toronto Star, has partnered with MaRS to highlight innovation in Canadian companies. | https://www.thestar.com/business/mars/2021/05/18/is-there-a-greener-way-to-build-to-build-and-rebuild-batteries.html |
When is the perfect time to read Great Expectations? | Open this photo in gallery Illustration by Rachel Wada First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. See our guidelines at tgam.ca/essayguide. I found it hard to read Charles Dickens when I was 14 and I dont think I was the only one. There are a lot of words in a Dickens novel. And they are tiny. And many of them are very funny or very poignant, but it takes some maturity and patience to get through them all bit by bit. Even now. My Grade 9 English class at Newmarket High School north of Toronto was located on the east side of a nondescript brick building. The windows faced a copse of trees, a soccer field and the west side of a fancy boarding school called Pickering College that looked like it might have been the house that starred in Gone With The Wind. If you stood on the road at the topmost peak of my brand new subdivision and glanced up you could see the columns of Pickering College overlooking the town. It looked gracious. You couldnt see the dinky high school next door. It was the poor little sister to the grandness of Pickering College and didnt matter as much. Except when you were in it. Story continues below advertisement My class was in the older part of the school and had big wooden windows that were quite mesmerizing to look out of. Especially if you are a sensitive artsy type of child (who has a touch of synesthesia and will one day become an installation artist who sews clothing for ghosts). For me, those windows provided a way out from boredom and the study of 19th-century novels no matter how good they really were. I was a daydreamer. And a boarding school full of mysterious wealthy boys was much more interesting to think about than forging my way through Great Expectations one tiny word at a time. Imagine, just a copse of trees and a soccer field was between my old school and a much more architecturally interesting building filled with children who slept over and could not possibly be as bored as I was as their parents paid exorbitant amounts for them to learn the same thing, only in more luxurious surroundings. Those large columns were expensive. My Little Free Library has helped build a community My teacher was popular. She was single and middle-aged and had a reputation in the school for being good at instructing English. She had a feisty air about her that didnt quite jive with my insecure, academically frightened and overtly creative persona. I didnt really fit in. We were handed out ragged and stained copies of Great Expectations on our first or second day of class; brown covers with Newmarket High School stamped on the inside. Covers are important, especially for 14 year olds who arent cognitively ready to ingest Charles Dickens. I remember trying my best to read the beginning of my well-thumbed copy in my floral wallpapered bedroom in my brand new subdivision house. It was hard to concentrate. There were a lot of words. A boy named Pip. A convict of some sort. Wittles (what were wittles?) and a file. The man might have had something metal on his leg that was painful. The concept that I had to read this book whether I wanted to or not weighed on me. The secondary concept that my reading of this book would be measured and tested and discussed in the classroom that I enjoyed daydreaming in was another. It all felt out of step and was counterintuitive. I read more than the other kids in my class. I ate up books one after the other like candy. They just werent Charles Dickens books, yet. My brain wasnt ready for Dickens. I would have done much better with watching The Simpsons Great Expectations episode, only it hadnt been created yet. There is much to learn from that brilliant show and having a relaxed conversation about why Bart couldnt handle reading Charles Dickens would have suited my Grade 9 class much more. The perfect time to really immerse oneself in Charles Dickens, apparently, was in the mid-1980s when you and your boyfriend are hanging out in a beachfront tent in Fiji and there are a few mouldy copies of Dickens books on the island and no TV or anything else beyond waves and sand and noodle soup packets for dinner. That is a good time to read Dickens. Aloud. No pressure. No adolescent kids snickering. No blushing. Just you and Charles Dickens and your boyfriend. A lovely threesome. Reading aloud punctuates the incredible bits that make up Dickens novels and makes them float into the air and sing. It is thoroughly enjoyable. And your brain is old enough to digest the wonderfulness. There is no testing. And there is no failing. Ive been thinking lately about how I failed my first high-school exam in English because I was reminded recently that on this day I was wandering through the Charles Dickens Museum in London. During that whirlwind trip with my son, one of the Top 10 things I had to do in London was visit Charles Dickens house. It was the first stop on our weekend tour. And it was marvelous. That Grade 9 English class had nothing to do with my love of literature. My shocking failure on my first ever exam did provide a catalyst for a new friendship, however. Sitting near me in that dreaded classroom with the big windows was a bright eyed girl with strawberry blonde hair who looked just a little like Anne of Green Gables (which I could read). This girl also did not fare well on that exam. We bonded over our mutual horror of exams and English taught in classrooms that were a soccer field away from more fancy and expensive classrooms that taught English to kids our own age, only richer. Im not sure those kids had an easier time. They probably had to read Great Expectations, too. And they too, although rich, didnt get it. Story continues below advertisement Michele Karch-Ackerman lives in Buckhorn, Ont. Sign up for the weekly Parenting & Relationships newsletter for news and advice to help you be a better parent, partner, friend, family member or colleague. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/first-person/article-when-is-the-perfect-time-to-read-great-expectations/ |
What is Bill C-10 and why are the Liberals planning to regulate the internet? | Open this photo in gallery Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault makes his way to his seat for a news conference in Ottawa, on April 17, 2020. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press Debate over Bill C-10 is erupting on Parliament Hill, months after the Liberal government tabled the legislation in November. With just a few weeks left before Parliament rises for summer, supporters of the bill are pushing to have it rushed into law in the event that the Liberals call a snap election. Advocates say the bill is about ensuring Canadian artists are properly supported as music, movies and television shows are increasingly consumed on global streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Story continues below advertisement Critics warn Canadians could lose access to some websites and potentially having their freedom of speech curtailed by federal government regulators. To help readers make sense of it all, The Globe and Mail takes a closer look at whats in the bill and the potential consequences for Canadians should it be passed into law. Bill C-10 was introduced in the House of Commons in November by Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault. The government says the bill is meant to level the playing field between internet streaming services, such as Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and Netflix, and traditional broadcasters such as CTV, Global and private radio stations. The bill updates the Broadcasting Act, which is Canadas existing legislation aimed at promoting and developing Canadian producers and creators. It also requires broadcasters to support cultural industries financially. Traditional broadcasters are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, an independent administrative tribunal created in 1976. It supervises broadcasting in Canada by issuing licences and enforcing federally approved policies such as Canadian content rules. The original Broadcasting Act, however, dates back to 1991 before the internet changed the way media is shared and consumed. Since the legislation that oversees this regulatory regime hasnt been updated for the internet age, streaming services currently dont have to abide by the same rules. Bill C-10 is supposed to fix this imbalance. It would subject web giants broadcasting in Canada to the same regulations as traditional broadcasters, which would mean they would have to offer certain amounts of Canadian content on their sites, and contribute financially to the production of Canadian cultural industries. Bill C-10 is one part of a much broader effort to overhaul Canadas internet rules. The 2017 federal budget first announced Ottawas plans to review and modernize Canadas broadcasting and telecommunications laws and to outline a new approach to growing Canadas cultural sector. The next year, the government created a panel of independent experts, led by former telecom executive Janet Yale, to review those laws and make recommendations on how they can be modernized. The Yale reports mandate also included questions about the future of the Canadian news media, the CBC and Radio-Canada and whether new laws are required to protect the safety and security of Canadians online. Story continues below advertisement The panels 235-page response was made public in January, 2020, and the task force made 97 wide-ranging recommendations. Some of the recommendations included calls for an ad-free CBC, government regulation of the financial relationships between social media and news organizations and an overhaul of the CRTC as a new, more powerful, Canadian Communications Commission. Those issues are not addressed in Bill C-10, but the government has signalled further bills in response to the Yale report will be introduced over time. On the matters that directly led to C-10, the Yale report said federal regulations should go beyond traditional broadcasting to include online media content. It said the media communications sector should contribute financially to the creation of high-quality Canadian content that reflects Canadian diversity and that it should be required to ensure Canadian content is promoted on their services and that their algorithms that decide what content is presented to consumers are subject to audit by the CRTC. Bill C-10 does include requirements that large platforms such as Netflix contribute and promote Canadian content. However, several expert witnesses have told MPs that the bills language is currently unclear as to whether the CRTC would have the power to review algorithms. The changes to the CRTC in the bill are not as extensive as what the Yale report had proposed. The bill is currently being reviewed by the House of Commons heritage committee. Members of the committee were studying the document line-by-line, but that process was disrupted in late April when Liberals on the committee moved an amendment that removed a section of the bill. The change was approved on division, meaning there was no recorded vote to show which opposition parties sided with the Liberals. This segment, section 4.1, provided an exclusion for user-generated content. Removing that exclusion set off concerns that the legislation could then be used to regulate Canadians social media posts. Liberals said they removed that section because it provided a loophole for certain sites. For example, it would have meant that Spotify fell under the legislation, but YouTube, which also streams music, did not. However, Conservatives on the committee began raising questions about how the amendment could allow the CRTC to regulate Canadians social media content and threaten free speech. They said that by removing the exemption, the legislation could now apply to any videos that people upload to sites such as TikTok or YouTube to share with friends. The NDP and Bloc Qubcois committee members told The Globe at the time that they werent concerned with the amendment, and that there were other parts of the legislation that ensured individual users were protected. They cited section 2.1, which excludes users from being regulated. However, other critics draw a distinction between users, specified in 2.1, and 4.1s exclusion for user-generated content, and so maintain that social media posts could still be subjected to the legislation. Open this photo in gallery Conservatives on the committee have raised questions about how the amendment could allow the CRTC to regulate Canadians social media content and threaten free speech. ARUN SANKAR/AFP/Getty Images On May 7, the Liberals introduced a new amendment that they said would put these questions to rest. The text of the new amendment is very similar to the text of section 4.1 that was originally removed, but was added to a different section of the bill that defines the regulatory powers of the CRTC. The government says this change ensures that the posters of user-generated content are not regulated. Platforms that host such content, like YouTube, could be forced to ensure Canadian content is promoted and would have to contribute to Canadian content producers if they act as broadcasters, the government says. On May 13, at the request of committee members reviewing the bill, the Justice Department released an updated Charter review of the legislation, which assessed whether the bill is in compliance with rights set out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This updated statement concluded that the bill and its amendments do not infringe on freedom of expression as outlined in the Charter. Despite this, Opposition Leader Erin OToole said that his government would not support the bill, and if it passed, a future Conservative government would repeal it. After receiving the Charter review, and hearing from the ministers of Canadian heritage and justice, the committee is set to resume its line-by-line review of the bill. To date, the committee has approved a large number of amendments proposed by Liberal and opposition MPs. Some of the heightened controversy and confusion over Bill C-10 traces back to the governments main messenger, Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault. The career environmentalist was a star candidate for the Liberals in Quebec in the 2019 election campaign. The rookie MP was immediately promoted to cabinet as heritage minister at a time of massive global change in the culture sector as content is increasingly consumed online and governments struggle to adjust existing rules to this new reality. In recent weeks, at least three of Mr. Guilbeaults media interviews on C-10 have knocked the government off message. The Minister appeared to struggle in a May 1 interview with the CBC to explain why the government had removed section 4.1, which excluded social media. The Ministers office later clarified its answer to that question, saying the section was removed because it would have created a loophole that could have allowed YouTube to avoid regulation when streaming professional content such as music, while similar services like Spotify would be regulated. Story continues below advertisement Then in a CTV interview broadcast on May 9, Mr. Guilbeault said YouTube could be required to regulate individual channels with large viewership. If you have a YouTube channel with millions of viewers, and youre deriving revenues from that, then at some point the CRTC will be asked to put a threshold. But were talking about broadcasters here, were not talking about everyday citizens posting stuff on their YouTube channel, he said. Hours later, CTV reported that it had received an updated statement from Mr. Guilbeault, which said he used unclear language and should have been more precise in stating that an individual who uses social media will never be considered as a broadcaster under the act. In another case, Mr. Guilbeault appeared to suggest he was battling against supporters of net neutrality, the concept that all traffic on the internet should be treated equally by internet providers. The Toronto Star reported on May 12 that the Minister said in an interview that those criticizing Bill C-10 believe in this concept of net neutrality. Mr. Guilbeaults office told The Globe in an e-mail that the minister and the government continue to support net neutrality. While the bill seeks to promote Canadian music and storytelling, it does not impact Canadas commitment to net neutrality, a spokesperson said. Story continues below advertisement NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh referenced these incidents while appearing recently with Mr. Guilbeault on an episode of the French-language talk show Tout le monde en parle. You have to admit that [those comments] created confusion, said Mr. Singh. That hurt the process and that created problems. Im a new MP. Im a new minister, Mr. Guilbeault replied to the NDP Leader. I readily admit that I should have been clearer in certain interviews. The existing Broadcasting Act states that the Canadian broadcasting system shall be effectively owned and controlled by Canadians. The original wording of C-10 would have deleted that reference and replaced it with a requirement that each broadcaster shall contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the broadcasting policy. The Yale report had said that in a world where Canadian streaming options like Crave and CBC Gem compete with foreign platforms such as Netflix, it would be unrealistic to base broadcasting laws on the concept of a single system that is owned and controlled by Canadians. The advocacy group Friends of Canadian Broadcasting expressed strong concern with this aspect of the bill and the labour organization Unifor had said the bill should at least say that the system should maximize ownership and control by Canadians. Story continues below advertisement To repeal it outright is a very dangerous thing to do, we think, Unifors Howard Law told MPs in March. The committee later agreed to a Bloc amendment in April that added language stating that the Canadian broadcasting system shall be effectively owned and controlled by Canadians, and foreign broadcasting undertakings may also provide programming to Canadians. Mr. Law said in an e-mail to The Globe that the amendment addressed Unifors concerns. Another key change to the acts definition of Canadas broadcasting policy relates to sectors that should receive federal support. The current law references the the circumstances and aspirations, of Canadian men, women and children, including equal rights, the linguistic duality and multicultural and multiracial nature of Canadian society and the special place of aboriginal peoples within that society. That section is changed through C-10 to reference all Canadians, including Canadians from racialized communities and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages . Many of the details as to how this new system will work in practice wont be decided until long after the bill becomes law. The federal cabinet approved draft policy directions last year that will give the CRTC broad powers, should the bill be approved, in areas such as defining Canadian content and how to support specific communities. The fact that many details are left to be decided later partly explains why MPs have heard such wide-ranging views from experts as to what the legislation will mean in practice. The main concern of critics is that the bill goes too far in terms of regulating the internet. Though most agree that an update to the Broadcasting Act is necessary, critics say that these changes need to very specifically target online broadcast activities while leaving other parts of the internet untouched. Many critics argue that Bill C-10 is too broad and gives the CRTC too much regulatory reach. Emily Laidlaw, a law professor at the University of Calgary, said the bill needs to be reworked. Its not well-drafted at the moment because it sweeps into its ambit a whole bunch of things that shouldnt be there, she said. Ms. Laidlaw said the legislation is incredibly important and that she doesnt want to see it scrapped completely, but said it does need significant changes. I think its a mistake to tackle user-generated content through broadcasting legislation. Its not going to work, she said. Theres just too many unintended consequences when you try to regulate platforms in this particular way. Tackle it for the way they produce their own content or for affiliated content, she said. Maybe explore ways they can pay into Canadian cultural industries. Theres so many ways this can be tackled without getting into the messy business of user-generated content. Though Ms. Laidlaw said she doesnt think the government intends to regulate user-generated content specifically, the legislation leaves the door open for that possibility. She said it would be better to have clearer legislation rather than leave it up to the discretion of the CRTC. Another critic has been former CRTC Chair Konrad von Finckenstein, who told The Globe that the bill should not be passed in its present form. He said the legislation was flawed from the start because its too broad. You dont want to discourage people from being innovative and finding better ways to use the internet, he said. You should only deal with it to the extent its necessary to protect Canadian cultural institutions, not more. One of the bills most vocal critics has been University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist. Both Mr. Geist and Mr. von Finckenstein added their names to an open letter released May 17 from the Internet Society, a global non-profit that promotes an open and secure internet. The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asks the government to reconsider the effect that Bill C-10 and other legislation would have on the internet in Canada. The letter has over 20 signatories, and also includes Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, and Laura Tribe, executive director of OpenMedia. In the House of Commons and in committee meetings, Conservative MPs continue to be vocal critics of the bill, saying that it is a threat to freedom of speech. Many of the bills supporters are those in the arts and culture sector who want to see the broadcast legislation updated, and are concerned about local artists and producers being left unsupported while internet giants dominate. This is of particular concern in Quebec, where the protection of local culture and the promotion of French-language content is very important. C-10 also outlines support for racialized communities, including providing opportunities for Indigenous communities and programming that reflects Indigenous cultures, provisions which many people would also like to see implemented. ShoShona Kish, an Anishinaabekwe musician and community organizer, said that the bill would lay the groundwork for continuing to foster local talent and culture. What were talking about here is amplifying voices that need to be heard, and continuing to invest in our stories, she said. This bill opens a space for that. Ms. Kish, who is also the founder and artistic director of the International Indigenous Music Summit, said that Canadas system to support the arts is something quite extraordinary, and that artists from elsewhere are often envious of the resources we have to tell stories here. While she said the legislation may not be perfect, it would provide a solid foundation to support local artists and producers. To me, thats what this bill boils down to, Ms. Kish said. Are we going to continue to plant seeds to nurture talent? Story continues below advertisement Jrme Payette, director-general of the Professional Music Publishers Association, said the bill is incredibly important, and hes frustrated to see its progress stalled. The legislation is absolutely fundamental for the future of Canadian culture, he told The Globe. He said that the intent behind the bill is being skewed, and that disinformation is being spread about the legislation. Its an attack on culture for political reasons, Mr. Payette said. On May 11, the National Assembly of Quebec passed a unanimous motion supporting Bill C-10. The motion outlined how the legislation would provide more protection and promotion for cultural content. Members of the Liberal government, which introduced this legislation, continue to support the bill. The NDP and Bloc Qubcois members on the heritage committee have both said they are also generally supportive of the legislation. Bloc Qubcois MP Martin Champoux said on Monday that C-10 in its current form will have his support, though he is also critical of the way the government has handled the bill. I think they dropped the ball quite a few times, he said. In its submission to the Canadian Heritage Committee, Spotify expressed strong concerns with the bill and said music streaming should not be regulated like a radio station. The company noted that it already has Canadian-focused playlists. Open this photo in gallery Netflix has criticized Bill C-10, noting in its submission that it has invested over $2.5-billion in film and television production in Canada between 2017 and 2020. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty Images Spotify is committed to supporting and promoting Canadian creators. But without clear guidance on how Bill C-10 is to be applied to streaming, we are concerned that unintended consequences will hurt both Canadian culture domestically and globally, the company said. Netflix has also criticized the bill, noting in its submission that it has invested over $2.5-billion in film and television production in Canada between 2017 and 2020. It also proposed two pages of specific amendments primarily at keeping any financial disclosures to the CRTC confidential. An overly burdensome regulatory framework could result in reduced choice for Canadians, the company said. The committee appears to have ignored Netflixs recommendations. Traditional broadcasters arent pleased with the bill either. BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Quebecor Inc. warned in submissions to the committee that the bill still leaves them with onerous obligations that hinder their ability to compete with foreign streaming services. Traditional broadcasters in Canada, such as television and radio stations, are required by the CRTC to broadcast certain amounts of Canadian content. Quotas differ depending on the type of station: for example, commercial radio stations playing popular music must have at least 35 per cent Canadian music, while the CBC must have 50 per cent Canadian music. However, this approach doesnt work for streaming platforms where consumers access content on demand. Instead, Bill C-10 gives the CRTC power to implement discoverability requirements on these platforms essentially, they have to make it possible for consumers to discover Canadian content. This means that services like Netflix or Spotify will have to promote Canadian content on their sites and make it easier to find. The CRTC would have the power to implement these discoverability requirements. This approach to discoverability is problematic for many of the bills critics, such as Mr. Geist, who said this could limit consumer choice. The government through its regulator gets to determine what gets prioritized, he told MPs on the Canadian Heritage committee. Its going to make choices elevating some and deprioritizing others. That clearly has an impact on individual Canadians expressive rights. Story continues below advertisement Ms. Laidlaw points out that social media companies would fall under these requirements as well, which could be problematic because there arent any provisions to distinguish positive cultural content from more negative and potentially harmful posts. Its not just a Canadian artist wanting their content promoted, she said, adding that shes not satisfied with leaving the details of discoverability up to the CRTC. However, Ms. Kish said that she sees issues with the way content is already curated online, since various algorithms determine what consumers have access to. When we allow corporations to define who we are as a culture, I think we run a very frightening risk of losing the deep substance of what our communities are, she said. Discoverability requirements, she maintained, could help share Canadian culture. Under Bill C-10, internet streaming companies operating in Canada would have to promote Canadian content and financially contribute to local production. However, there is some debate over how this would work, and what content counts. The CRTC currently has criteria that determines what makes content Canadian or not. For films, it considers such things as if members of the production team are Canadian, and if program expenses and post-program expenses are paid by Canadian companies. Netflix has raised concerns about these Canadian content guidelines, though. In a February submission to the Heritage committee regarding Bill C-10, Netflix cited examples of films that are not considered Canadian enough both The Willoughbys and Jusquau Dclin, two films with Canadian casts and crews, were financed exclusively by Netflix and therefore do not meet the standards for Canadian content. Current definitions of Canadian content do not acknowledge all contributions of streaming services to Canadian programming, reads the document. The idea that streaming companies would have to contribute to local productions is outlined in the Yale report. It reads that streaming services would be required to devote a portion of their program budgets to Canadian programs. However, it doesnt include specifics on how this would be done the report says that the CRTC would establish the details. Mr. Geist advised MPs that simply rerouting taxes paid by the internet giants would be easier. [The government] should take some of that tax money and allocate it directly to the various creator programs, he said, adding that this would be a more immediate way to fund producers. The government claims Bill C-10 would force streaming services to contribute up to $830-million annually toward Canadian creators by 2023. However, Bill C-10 is one of several federal plans aimed at extracting cash from large digital companies and to expand regulation of the internet. The Liberal government has said two more bills are in the works that could be made public soon. One would attempt to set new rules regarding online harms, such as hate speech and the non-consensual sharing of images known as revenge porn. Similar efforts by other governments, such as Germany, that require platforms to remove hate speech within short periods of time after receiving a complaint have prompted concern related to freedom of speech. Mr. Guilbeault has also said his department is working on a bill that would require platforms such as Google and Facebook to negotiate licensing deals with Canadian news organizations. A similar law in Australia prompted a major controversy that saw Facebook temporarily remove all news from its platform. The company ultimately agreed to reach licensing deals with news publishers in Australia. Requiring social media platforms to compensate news publishers would be in addition to requirements under C-10 to contribute to Canadian cultural content. The Canadian government has further plans to extract money from web giants through the tax system. Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands November update detailed plans to require foreign digital service providers to collect and submit sales tax on Canadian sales and to pay a new corporate tax on digital services. The update said these and other tax increases on the digital economy would raise $6.5-billion over five years. Know what is happening in the halls of power with the days top political headlines and commentary as selected by Globe editors (subscribers only). Sign up today. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-what-is-bill-c-10-and-why-are-the-liberals-planning-to-regulate-the/ |
Should Investment Be Regulated? | SENATOR CARTER GLASS'S outcry against the censorship by the Department of State of private foreign loans seems to rest insecurely on three legs. One is legalisticthat the Constitution gives the President no such power. One is an objection to the policyor lack of policywhich has been revealed in the specific approvals or disapprovals of foreign loans. The third is the general doctrine that the political government should not interfere in such economic matters. Senator Glass does not himself distinguish sharply these separate grounds of objection, but for the sake of clarity it is well to remember them. The first objection does not worry us much. It may be true that, if the executive were to have the legal power to forbid bankers from underwriting specific loans, it could gain that power only from Congress. But no such absolute power is claimed. If a banker were to issue a loan disapproved by the State Department, he could not be fined or sent to jail. He would merely run the risk of losing money and prestige, since, if the administration made a statement saying that the loan in question was contrary to public policy, investors might not be eager to take it up, and the financiers who floated it might suffer from criticism. Surely the executive has a right to issue such statements. And if, in an effort to cooperate with the State Department, as well as to avoid censure, bankers are willing to submit their proposed issues for approval, nobody can say they are violating the Constitution. The practice of this censorship may well, however, be subjected to careful scrutiny. Its purposes were understood to be closely allied with the major diplomatic and commercial aims of the administration. Loans to nations which did not acknowledge, or make steps to pay, their indebtedness to this government, were to be barred. Loans were to be denied to foreign monopolies, which could exploit the American market by screwing up prices. And loans were to be discouraged which were to be used for non-productive purposesand especially for military ones. It was felt that such loans would hinder, rather than help, European nations to discharge their obligations to us. Published disapproval of specific loans has been infrequent since the practice was adopted. A proposed loan to facilitate trade between Germany and Russia was disallowed, technically because Russia had not recognized the Kerensky government's debt to this country. The recent Prussian loan was approved only after assurances had been given that it would be used for "productive" purposes. One or two minor proposals have been frowned upon. In the main, however, the effect of the policy can be guessed only on the basis of its announced aims. For loans which are sure to be denounced are not likely to be proposedat least publicly. The embargo on loans to France until she settles the debt controversy must constitute, for instance, a Aveapon in the hands of the State Department. (The recent refunding loan Avas permitted because it obviously did not enlarge France's commitments to this country.) | https://newrepublic.com/article/95423/should-investment-be-regulated |
Why have there been so many no-hitters in 2021? | It had been less than 24 hours since Spencer Turnbull of the Detroit Tigers completed baseballs fifth no-hitter of the 2021 season when Corey Kluber of the New York Yankees threw the sixth. The pitchers have remarkably different pedigrees Turnbull led the majors in losses two seasons ago and Kluber has won two AL Cy Young Awards but their achievements were celebrated with the same bells and whistles of a typical no-hitter: Wire services sent news alerts, MLB.com gave their box scores special badges and the players celebrated wildly with teammates or at least as wildly as Kluber, nicknamed Klubot for his stoicism, is capable of. Turnbull, though, was obviously elated. It is by far the best night of my life, most exciting, and its definitely kind of like one of those landmark stamps on my career up to this point, he said in a postgame video conference from Seattle in the early hours of Wednesday. Those two no-hitters, and the four before them this season, have raised questions about how baseball could already have so many no-hitters so early in the year, and why they seem to be occurring at such an extraordinary rate. Joe Musgrove, San Diego Padres (April 9 vs. Texas Rangers): In throwing the first no-hitter in his franchises long history, Musgrove allowed only one base runner, on a hit-by-pitch. He threw 112 pitches, but manager Jayce Tingler was determined to let him see it through. He was in control, Tingler said. After the seventh inning, thats when we kind of put all the chips in. For Joe, for the team, for the organization, for the city that hadnt had a no-hitter before, at that point you throw everything out the window and you roll with it. Advertising Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox (April 14 vs. Cleveland Indians): Rodon was two outs from baseballs 24th perfect game when he hit Roberto Perez with a pitch. It just feels good to finally sit here and tell you I dominated today, and it felt good, Rodon said. John Means, Baltimore Orioles (May 5 vs. Seattle Mariners): Like Musgrove, Means was breaking a long streak for his franchise: No Baltimore starter had thrown a no-hitter on their own since Jim Palmer did so in 1969. Means had never thrown a complete game and said he was nervous entering the ninth inning. I got a little bit of the Jell-O legs, started to feel a little wobbly, he said. But once I threw that first pitch, I was able to lock in again. Wade Miley, Cincinnati Reds (May 8 vs. Cleveland): Miley had to wait out an 83-minute rain delay before getting started, but he needed only 2 hours, 34 minutes to record baseballs fourth no-hitter of the season. He put on a clinic, Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. Spencer Turnbull, Detroit Tigers (May 18 vs. Seattle): He said he did not feel right at all to start the game, but Turnbull, who led the majors in losses in 2019, made quick work of the Mariners, striking out nine and allowing only two base runners on walks. It got to a point I think the last four innings, I dont know if he shook one time, catcher Eric Haase said. We were just in really great sync and whatever I was putting down he was throwing and he was executing. Corey Kluber, New York Yankees (May 19 vs. Texas): A four-pitch walk to Charlie Culberson in the third inning was all that stood between Kluber and perfection. But Kluber, in his first season in pinstripes after throwing only one inning for Texas last year because of injury, still managed the Yankees first no-hitter since David Cones perfect game in 1999. Theres a lot of things that have to go your way, Kluber said. Sort of! Bumgarner, the former ace (and three-time World Series winner) of the San Francisco Giants, shut out Atlanta on April 25 and allowed no hits in the process. But because of doubleheader rules developed last season, the game was limited to seven innings. A 1991 ruling intended to eliminate rain-shortened no-hitters and other oddities made throwing at least nine complete innings a requirement for a game to be recognized as a no-hitter. Bumgarners game will instead be classified as a notable achievement. Advertising I didnt give up any hits today, Bumgarner said. A number of factors are in play leading to the surge of no-hitters. Chief among them are an emphasis on power pitching and batters having shown a willingness to sell out contact in order to increase power. Those factors, plus surgical deployment of high-quality relievers, has resulted in strange numbers across the board. Teams were averaging 7.82 hits per game through May 19 the second-lowest mark in baseball history behind 1908, according to Baseball Reference and were striking out a record 8.98 times a game. As a result, batters were hitting a record-low .236 and scoring was down significantly for a second consecutive season. Another factor that has to be considered is control. Shutouts are almost entirely a thing of the past there have been 15 this season, and there have been fewer than 40 in each season since 2015 but the six pitchers who have thrown a no-hitter this season have kept their pitch counts low by employing remarkable control. Turnbull walked two batters and Miley and Kluber each walked one. The other three pitchers who threw a no-hitter this season didnt issue a single free pass. Factor in colder weather in April and May, a new baseball, advanced defensive positioning and other changes in the game and it has seemingly become a recipe for no-hitters becoming a common occurrence. But you cant discount simple variance. While no-hitters come at a fairly predictable rate over long periods of time, they have frequently come in clumps and then gone long stretches without one. Six no-hitters through May 19 edges 1917 for the fastest start in major league history. That season baseball raced to its fifth no-hitter by May 6 despite not starting the season until April 11 but did not get a sixth no-hitter until June 23. With teams not having reached even 50 games each this season, and the season scheduled to go a full 162, matching the modern record of seven no-hitters (shared by multiple seasons) seems within reach, as does the overall record of eight, which was set in 1884. But nothing is certain no matter how quickly no-hitters pile up. Baseball raced to five no-hitters in 1917, but finished with just six. That last no-hitter was certainly memorable: Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox walked the first batter of the game, got ejected for arguing balls and strikes (and struck the umpire behind the ear in an epic tantrum), only to have reliever Ernie Shore erase the base runner on a caught stealing before retiring all 26 batters he faced. Hardly. While Nolan Ryan was the most unhittable pitcher in major league history, and threw a record seven no-hitters, other dominant pitchers failed to throw one despite similar credentials most notably Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Steve Carlton and Grover Cleveland Alexander. Among the current stars who have yet to throw one: Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, Clevelands Shane Bieber, Zack Greinke of the Houston Astros and Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets. Meanwhile, Mike Fiers, a fairly uninspiring veteran for the Oakland Athletics, has thrown two. With all of these no-hitters it would seem logical that a perfect game would be mixed in, but baseball is in a strangely long stretch without one. Both Rodon and Means came tantalizingly close to perfection this season, but Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners threw baseballs last perfect game, on Aug. 15, 2012. That stretch of nearly nine years is the longest between perfect games since the gap of 13 years, 7 days between Catfish Hunters masterpiece on May 8, 1968, and Len Barkers on May 15, 1981. Seattle, Cleveland and Texas have each been no-hit twice already this season, but things are starting to get weird for Kyle Seager, the Mariners third baseman. As Christopher Kamka noted on Twitter, Seager has now been involved in nine no-hitters in his 11-season career. Of course, Seagers odds of being involved in no-hitters are helped by the fact that his team was hitting a major league-worst .199 through May 18. | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/why-have-there-been-so-many-no-hitters-in-2021/ |
How Can Congress Fix The Racial Wealth Gap It Helped Create? | UNITED STATES - May 12: Capitol Police officers ride motorcycles outside the U.S. Capitol in ... [+] Washington on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Sometimes our political leaders have to hear the obvious. In mid-May, members of the United States Congressional Joint Economic Committee (which was constructed to be bipartisan in 1946) heard testimony about why Black people have less wealth than white people. Chair Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the hearing saying, Much of the racial wealth divide today is explained bydecades of systemic racism and exclusion in our country, with policies such as redlining, restrictive covenants and other forms of housing discrimination playing a role. Kind of obvious that decades of racial discrimination impedes wealth accumulation. But what I found fascinating was what particular factors the scholars and members of Congress emphasized during the hearing. Baby Bonds Could Help Close The Racial Wealth Gap The tax code helps create the racial wealth gap because it disadvantages Black Americans by exempting capital gains on home sales, its treatment of income for married couples, and the tax incentives provided for employer-sponsored retirement plans. I did note that Rep. Beyer was on to Congresss role; he called out the tax incentives for employer-sponsored retirement plans as a culprit. The Ranking Member Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) comments were a bit more general, he called for better education; quoting Martin Luther King, a productive and happy life is not something you find, it is something you make. I think he was inferring that Congress had the responsibility to increase opportunity for those with less wealth so they can accumulate wealth on their own and stop there. In response to the hope that education alone would solve the racial wealth gap my colleague at The New School, economist Darrick Hamilton, said that education-alone approach had been tried and although Black communities have made great gains, the MBA-holding Black worker still had much less wealth than the average white worker. My research leads me to agree with Prof. Hamilton. Wealth comes from a lot more sources than education and the gap is too large to be fixed by future education, as important as it is. Hamilton testified acknowledging the racial wealth gap, will be empty if not accompanied by some form of material redress: Reparations provides a retrospective, direct, and parsimonious approach to address the Black-white racial wealth gap. Hamilton said, Straight up reparations in the form of baby bonds or baby trusts provide an economic birthright to capital. The capital finance provided by baby trusts is intended to deliver a more egalitarian and authentic pathway to economic security, independent of a family financial position or societal patriarchy in which an individual is born. Baby bonds get at the heart of the disadvantages Black families face at birth to accumulate wealth. After hundreds of years of slavery, racist public policies and discriminatory labor practices, Black families do not have the silver spoon of equity to pass on. Baby bonds account for this stolen capital, by providing those born into lower-wealth families with a government-funded account at birth with a $1,000 contribution. The account would receive more contributions over time and benefit from compound interest. Fixing the Upside Down Retirement Tax Deduction Could Help Close Racial Wealth Gaps Also testifying was Mehrsa Baradaran, Professor of Law at University of California, Irvine. I nodded in agreement, as any expert would, when she said the first step in fixing the racial wealth gap is to acknowledge that public policy created the racial wealth gap, so public policy has to fix it. Changing the tax code acknowledges the disadvantages Black workers have when trying to accumulate retirement wealth. The tax code, which was set up to encourage retirement savings, was well-intentioned but has had adverse effects on Latino, Black and indigenous communities. Rep. Beyer at the beginning of the hearing called out retirement tax incentives as a source of racial wealth inequality. Since the government exempts retirement contributions from the income tax, those with the highest incomes receive the highest subsidy; meaning tax savings are skewed more heavily to the rich. The top 20% get about 70% of the tax benefit. The most important sources of wealth for the typical American family is not in the stock market or exotic bitcoin, most Americans have prosaic wealth in the form of home equity, retirement accounts, and Social Security the standby for all workers. GameStop GME , Robinhood, and the State of Retail Investing. To illustrate who benefits from market gains, my research shows how few Americans have direct holdings in the stock market. Me and my team at The New Schools Schwartz Center find home equity, personal retirement savings, and Social Security are the largest components of wealth. For near retiree households the three make up 88% of wealth for those in the lower half of the income distribution, 78% for the middle class, and 43% for those in the top 10%. And for half of all households with workers nearing retirement, Social Security is the most important source of household wealth. While white workers, on average, have 83% more net wealth than non-white workers, the racial Social Security wealth gap is only 13%. White workers have eight times the wealth in business, and four times the wealth in directly-held stocks than non-white workers and 58% more housing wealth and 2.4 times the wealth from retirement plans, like 401(k)s, compared to non-white workers. It is clear Social Security is the most equitably distributed source of wealth for Americans nearing retirement. Universal Retirement Accounts Could Help Close Racial Wealth Gaps However, Social Security is not enough to live on and baby bonds would likely only cover housing investments for low-income and Black individuals. We are then left with one last aspect contributing to wealth inequality, personal retirement savings. To help narrow this gap, we must make fair savings vehicles accessible to all workers, not just those who are lucky enough to work at jobs offering retirement benefits. Universal pensions would address this issue. As I discuss in the Washington Post, universal pension programs modeled after the federal governments Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), would involve automatized tax-deferred contributions to be withheld from workers paycheck. The government would then match that contribution up to 5 percent of their annual salary. By default, those contributions go into a very low-expense mutual fund appropriate for the age of the employee. Multiple deliberately discriminatory policies and economic structures were created to maintain the racial wealth gap. To shrink it and counteract its historical basis, we will need even bolder efforts. Innovations in public policy like baby bonds, fair tax policies, and universal pensions are a good start. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/teresaghilarducci/2021/05/20/how-can-congress-fix-the-racial-wealth-gap-it-helped-create/ |
Which Seahawks Records Could Fall With Implementation of 17-Game Schedule? | For the first time in NFL history, the league will have an 18-week, 17-game regular season schedule as part of a new collective bargaining agreement. The Seahawks will play an additional road game against the Steelers in prime time in Week 6. With the addition of an extra game, league and team record books are bound to change significantly in coming years. Here's a look at nine single-season franchise records with the current record holder and the chance of that mark being broken next season. Passing Yards Current Record: Russell Wilson - 4,219 yards in 2016 Chances of Being Broken: 90 percent Since becoming an immediate starter for Seattle in 2012, Wilson has assaulted Seattle's record books, including posting the five best seasons in franchise history in terms of passing yardage. All five of those seasons have come in the past six years, as he's been one of the NFL's most prolific and consistent passers and surpassed 4,000 yards four times. Only 32 years old and in the prime of his career, with an extra four quarters of play each year and a new weapon in D'Wayne Eskridge to throw to, it would be a surprise if he didn't surpass his own record in 2020. Passing Touchdowns Current Record: Russell Wilson - 40 touchdowns in 2020 Chances of Being Broken: 65 percent In nine NFL seasons, Wilson has also amassed 267 passing touchdowns total and now holds five of the six best single seasons for passing scores in Seahawks history. Last year, he was on pace to break Peyton Manning's single season NFL record through Week 6, but despite cooling off in the second half, he still broke his own record with 40 touchdowns. Considering he's only surpassed 35 passing touchdowns once, it's not guaranteed he will break 40 again next year, but given the receiving threats around him, he has to feel good about his chances with an extra game added to the schedule. Rushing Yards Current Record: Shaun Alexander - 1,880 yards in 2005 Chances of Being Broken: 10 percent Running through and gliding past defenders behind Seattle's dominant offensive line, Alexander exploded with nearly 1,900 rushing yards while winning NFL MVP honors and helping the team reach the Super Bowl for the first time. Since that remarkable season, Marshawn Lynch and Chris Carson have rushed for over 1,000 yards six times combined, but neither came anywhere close to Alexander's production. Lynch did eclipse 1,500 rushing yards in 2012, but that still left him nearly 400 yards short of the team record. An extra game may open up the possibility of Carson pushing for 1,400 yards in 2020 if he stays healthy, but it seems far-fetched to believe he will even enter the same zip code as Alexander's historic season. Rushing Touchdowns Though LaDainian Tomlinson eclipsed the mark just one year later, Alexander briefly topped the NFL record books with an astonishing 27 touchdown runs in 2005. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Current Record: Shaun Alexander - 27 touchdowns in 2005 Chances of Being Broken: <1 percent If there's a franchise record in Seattle that isn't meant to be broken, it's Alexander's touchdown record. Crazily enough, he only held the NFL record for one season before LaDainian Tomlinson surpassed it with the Chargers in 2006. But aside from Alexander, who achieved the feat three times, no other running back in Seahawks history has produced more than 15 rushing touchdowns in a single season. Lynch did hit double-digits four times, but he never reached the halfway point chasing Alexander's record. One extra game isn't going to make a difference pursuing this mark. Receptions Current Record: Tyler Lockett - 100 receptions in 2020 Chances of Being Broken: 70 percent Only three receivers have ever posted 90 or more receptions in a single season for the Seahawks, but Lockett has recorded at least 82 receptions each of the past two seasons and has as strong of a rapport with Wilson as you'll find between a quarterback and receiver in the league today. It's worth noting that despite hitting 100 catches a year ago, he had seven games with four or less receptions in the process. If he's more consistent in 2021 and avoids minor injuries, he has an excellent chance to not only break his own record, but potentially shatter it with an additional game added to the schedule. Receiving Yards Current Record: DK Metcalf - yards in 2020 Chances of Being Broken: 95 percent The fact Metcalf was able to break Steve Largent's record, which had held strong for 35 years, in just his second season suggests he will be emulating Wilson and breaking his own mark for years to come. Only 23 years old and still coming into his own as a route runner and receiver overall, the former Ole Miss star should be able consistently approach 1,500 receiving yards year in and year out as long as he stays healthy. Putting an extra game on the docket will only help pad those stats further. Receiving Touchdowns Doug Baldwin finished the 2015 season on a torrid pace, surpassing Darryl Turner for Seattle's franchise record with 14 touchdown receptions. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports Current Record: Doug Baldwin - 14 touchdowns in 2015 Chances of Being Broken: 50 percent It's not far-fetched to believe Metcalf or Lockett could make a run at Baldwin's record. At the midway point of the 2020 season, both players were on pace for 16-touchdown seasons before cooling off as Seattle's offense sputtered in the second half. Both players have combined to produce 10 touchdowns three times in the past three years as well, so they've consistently approached Baldwin's mark. The key will be maintaining such a pace throughout a 17-game season, which is easier said than done. The addition of Eskridge and tight end Gerald Everett could also limit red zone targets, which may make it a tougher mark to reach. Sacks Current Record: Michael Sinclair - 16.5 sacks in 1998 Chances of Being Broken: <5 percent It's not out of the realm of possibility one of Seattle's edge rushers such as Carlos Dunlap could get on a tear and hit 10 or more sacks in 2020. But given the depth that the Seahawks have amassed at defensive end, it seems unlikely any player will get enough reps to have any shot at pursuing Sinclair's record mark. In fact, only three players (Chris Clemons, Michael Bennett, Frank Clark) have produced more than 10.0 sacks in a season during the Pete Carroll era. Clark's 13.0 sacks in 2018 stand as the highest total during that time period. This doesn't feel like a mark that will be within reach even with another game in the equation. Interceptions Current Record: Kenny Easley, John Harris - 10 interceptions in 1984, 1981 Chances of Being Broken: <5 percent Two of the best ball hawking safeties of their era, Easley and Harris managed to hit double digits for interceptions during the early 1980s, taking advantage of poor quarterback play to an extent. In today's NFL, interceptions are far harder to come by, though Richard Sherman did have a pair of seasons with eight interceptions for the Seahawks in 2012 and 2013. Keeping that in mind, it's not impossible that someone such as Quandre Diggs could get on a roll and make a run at the franchise mark in a 17-game season. But like the sacks record, this one feels improbable even with four more quarters of play. | https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/gm-report/which-seahawks-records-could-fall-with-implementation-of-17-game-schedule |
Can Floods Be Prevented? | The flood in the Mississippi Valley is one of the great disasters in our history. From 6,000,000 to 7,000,000 acres are in the region affected, the population of which is at least 350,000 persons. Of these, some two-thirds have been evacuated to refugee camps, and the other third remains living precariously in the upper stories of houses, or camping out on knolls, inadequately sheltered and menaced by starvation and epidemic. The number of dead will never be known exactly, but is at least 300; and the damage to property is estimated at various amounts from $200,000,000 up. Since a great part of this comes from the pockets of poor people who have lost all they have in the world, the work of rehabilitation will require huge sums, which are not now in sight. Fields must be replanted, cattle and work animals replaced, houses repaired or substitutes built, roads reconstructed. This money must be provided, either by private charity or through a federal appropriation which, if it is to be made soon enough to be of any use, will require a special session of Congress. It is only natural that people should be asking whether such disasters as this are in fact preventable. On this point, it can be said definitely that the measures taken in the past have certainly been inadequate. These have consisted almost exclusively of building levees, on which about $168,- 000,000 has been spent by the federal government since 1879. Every time a bad flood has occurredand they have come at an average interval of only six yearsthe levees have been built higher. Yet almost every time, the next flood has broken through or has gone over the top of the dike. This has been true of the three great floods of recent years: those of 1912, 1922 and 1927. Before the coming of the white man, the Mississippi frequently overflowed its banks, in the regions near its mouth. A vast area went under water temporarily, with the melting of the snows in the north and the coming of the spring rains. Not only was this true, but the river had its own "spillways^" or extra outlets to the sea, through which the surplus water ran off. The struggle with the river in the past century, and particularly since 1879, has been a record of continuing attempts to reclaim lands in the flood area. The natural spillways have been cut off. The levees, of which there are now 2,500 miles, have been built ever higher and stronger. The fight to narrow the area which is subject to flood has been a successful one. Yet it stands to reason that if the same amount of water is made to follow a narrower course it will run in a stream proportionately deeper. A small part of this added depth will be accounted for by the scouring effect which the more rapid current will have upon the main channel; but most of it will be represented in the form of increased depth of water with corresponding likelihood that the levees will be broken or submerged. This would be true, even where the volume of water the same as in former years. But there is, unfortunately, the best of reason to believe that the volume of water in flood times has been enormously augmented as a result of the short-sighted policy pursued in the northern states. | https://newrepublic.com/article/122635/can-floods-be-prevented |
Will the electric F-150 Lightning be as popular as its gas-powered brethren? | On the outside, the electric version of Fords F-150 pickup looks much like its wildly popular gas-powered version. Yet the resemblance is deceiving. With its new battery-powered truck, Ford is making a costly bet that buyers will embrace a vehicle that would help transform how the world drives. Branded the F-150 Lightning, the pickup will be able to travel up to 300 miles per battery charge, thanks to a frame designed to safely hold a huge lithium-ion battery that can power your house should the electricity go out. Going from zero to 60 mph will take just 4.5 seconds. With a starting price near $40,000 (before options), Ford has calculated that an electric version of Americas top-selling vehicle will appeal to the sorts of buyers who favor rugged pickup trucks prized for strength and durability. If it succeeds, it could speed the nations transition away from petroleum burners a cornerstone of President Joe Bidens broad effort to fight climate change. Its a watershed moment to me, Ford CEO Jim Farley said of the electric truck, which was formally unveiled Wednesday night. Its a very important transition for our industry. For the Biden administration to prevail in its push for green energy-driven manufacturing, it will need to overcome resistance as well as skepticism. Critics fear the loss of auto industry jobs in a shift away from gasoline-fueled vehicles. Because EVs are much simpler, it takes fewer workers to build them. And bottlenecked supply chains could leave automakers short of computer chips and vehicle batteries, along with other parts, for months and perhaps years. That said, a vehicle like the Lightning is so critical to Bidens policies that even before its formal unveiling, he visited the Ford plant in Michigan where it will be built beginning next year. The president even drove the truck on a test track. This suckers quick, he declared. President Joe Biden stops to talk to the media as he drives a Ford F-150 Lightning truck at the Ford Dearborn Development Center. (Evan Vucci) For its part, Ford is taking a significant risk by sinking so much capital into an electric version of a pickup that commands a huge and loyal following. In a typical year, Ford sells about 900,000 F-series trucks nationally. It has been Americas top-selling vehicle for nearly four decades. Gas-powered F-150s are staples on job sites across the nation, where workers haul equipment and materials and often dont see a need for change. So it could be years before Ford realizes a return on its investment in an electric F-150. This year, through April, the company has sold only 10,000 of its new gas-electric hybrid F-150s just over 6% of the F-150s total sales. Still, introducing a capable electric truck at a fairly reasonable price could potentially produce the breakthrough that draws many more people to battery-powered vehicles of all sizes, said Ivan Drury, a senior manager at Edmunds.com. If youre going to choose one vehicle in the industry thats going to do it, this is going to be the one, Drury said. I expect this to be a home run, and I expect it to really convert a lot of consumers minds. At the same time, the electric truck, due in showrooms by the middle of next year, comes at a time when American drivers remain reluctant to jettison gas vehicles. Through April, automakers sold about 108,000 fully electric vehicles in the U.S. Though thats nearly twice the number from the same period last year, EVs still account for only 2% of U.S. vehicle sales, according to Edmunds. In addition to the Lightning, though, the growing number of fully electric offerings will help raise sales numbers. Automakers now sell 18 electric models in the U.S.; Drury expects 30 by years end. To be sure, Ford wont stop building gas-powered trucks for years. They remain an enormous cash cow. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that the F-Series generates $42 billion in annual U.S. revenue for the automaker more than such entire companies as McDonalds, Nike or Netflix do. Initially, Ford expects Lightning customers to be mainly higher-income urban and suburban residents who seldom go off road or use truck beds to haul anything heavy. But the company plans a commercial version designed to make work more efficient. Ultimately, Farley expects sales to be evenly balanced between work and personal buyers. Linda Zhang, F-150 Lightning chief engineer, explains details of Ford's first all-electric truck at the reveal of the vehicle at Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., Wednesday. (Eric Perry) But Ford may have a hard time selling it to people who build houses, maintain lawns or plow snow. It sounds good, but its not good for the type of business Im in, said Jimmie Williams, owner of a landscaping firm on Chicagos South Side. He doesnt think the battery will have enough range to last the 12-14-hour days his crews sometimes work maintaining about 700 properties. Hell stick with his three gas-powered pickups, in part because he plows snow in the winter, when cold weather can limit an EVs range. Others arent ready now but might be convinced to switch in the future. Maybe when Im retired, quipped Steven Realy, a foreman for a subcontractor at a housing development in Pittsfield Township, Mich. Realy, 28, whose company uses diesel trucks to carry equipment and building materials, doesnt think an electric truck will do the job now but maybe in the future. When electric takes off more than what it is right now, he said, I could see myself owning one, definitely. Yet it may be difficult to persuade some people to give up the big gas engines theyre used to. I like my V-8, Anthony Lane, a 26-year-old plumber in the same development, said from the drivers seat of his gleaming Chevrolet Silverado. Aside from a charging port and a Lightning decal, Fords new truck resembles a standard F-150. That was intentional. Ford wants the Lightning to be perceived as just as capable as gasoline versions, if not more so. Even the base version of the electric F-150, with two rows of seats and a 230-mile estimated range per battery charge, can haul up to a ton in its bed. A high-end Lightning equipped with a longer-range battery can tow an estimated 10,000 pounds, matching many gas-powered trucks, though falling about 3,000 pounds shy of Fords V-8 engines. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the truck is its price, which Ford said is about equal to a comparably equipped gasoline F-150. With a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 still available on Ford electric vehicles, the base price falls to around $32,500. Thats below the lowest-priced gas F-150 with a crew cab, which starts at roughly $37,000. The Lightning has a front trunk with plugs for power tools and lights at job or camp sites. And if the electricity goes, out, it can run your house for up to three days, which Farley expects to be a big selling point. A pre-production Ford F-150 Lightning. (Paul Sancya) Competition for the Lightning is looming. General Motors says its working on an electric Silverado. Stellantis is developing an electric Ram. Teslas angular Cybertruck is due out this year. And startups Bollinger Motors, Nikola, Rivian and Lordstown Motors have trucks in the works. All will face an inevitable obstacle in seeking buyers: brand loyalty. Pickup drivers often stick with one company for life. Sometimes, they choose a brand because its been in the family for years, if not generations. Im not a Ford guy, said Lane, the plumber. I drive Chevys my whole life. Once General Motors comes out with an electric Silverado, though, Lane might consider a change. Ill probably stick with the gas, he said. But if they ever fully switch over to electric, Ill probably get the Chevy one. Tom Krisher, The Associated Press | https://www.dallasnews.com/business/autos/2021/05/20/will-the-electric-f-150-lightning-be-as-popular-as-its-gas-powered-brethren/ |
Why is Denmark trying to send Syrians back to their war-torn country? | At the heart of the matter are broad Danish concerns that migrants and refugees are undermining the countrys societal cohesion, which many Danes believe depends on a shared language and cultural heritage. The effort to stem migration is popular across the Danish political spectrum, despite the threat it poses to Syrians. What the Danish authorities are assessing is whether the Syrians have a risk of being persecuted on an individual basis, says Lisa Blinkenberg of Amnesty International. It is not enough to say that there is a lot of violence going on. You need to prove that you are individually persecuted. Denmarks asylum policies prioritize return over integration. But that can be life-threatening when the country one must return to is Syria. Syria experts reject the notion that Damascus and its surroundings can be considered safe as long as the country is run by Mr. Assad. But by declaring Damascus safe, Denmark has shifted the ground of debate. Syria remains in the hands of President Bashar al-Assad, who destroyed large swaths of the country to stay in power. But Denmark has concluded it is safe for Syrians who fled to the Nordic country to return to Damascus, and is rapidly revoking or refusing to extend residency permits. The move has earned the country a barrage of criticism. Sabriya struggles to sleep on good days. Now its next to impossible. She is terrified the Danish government will eventually send her back to Syria because her residency permit was revoked. If her appeal fails, she will be facing the choice of going back voluntarily to the country she fled or residing in a deportation center. How can I go back to the regime that turned my children into orphans, displaced us, and leveled our houses with bombs? the widow asks, stressing that under no circumstances would she return to Syria. I have no one left there. All my relatives have been scattered and suffered their own tragedies. Syria remains in the hands of President Bashar al-Assad, who destroyed large swaths of the country to stay in power. But Denmark has concluded it is safe for Syrians to return to Damascus and is rapidly revoking or refusing to extend residency permits on that basis. The move has earned the country which once took pride as the first signatory of the 1951 United Nations refugee convention a barrage of criticism. Why We Wrote This Denmarks asylum policies prioritize return over integration. But that can be life-threatening when the country one must return to is Syria. At the heart of the matter are broad Danish concerns that migrants and refugees are undermining the countrys societal cohesion, which many Danes believe depends on a shared language and cultural heritage. The effort to stem migration, including asylum requests, is popular across the Danish political spectrum, despite the deadly impact it could have on vulnerable Syrian refugees. The whole idea is to send a message to both refugees who are here and people who are not here yet: Dont come to Denmark, says Karen Nielsen Breidahl, associate professor in political science at Aalborg University. The safety of Damascus Political scientists say the governments decision reflects a long-running effort to make wealthy Denmark less appealing to asylum-seekers. Controversial measures, such as stripping new arrivals of their jewelry and separating young couples, multiplied after the influx of migrants to Europe in 2015-16. Concerns that foreigners are a strain on the Danish welfare system and hurt social cohesion predate that crisis by a few decades, but now cut across party lines. The Danish government says it is convinced that it is now safe for Syrians to return to the Damascus area. In a statement handed out by his office, Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration Mattias Tesfaye said, the general security situation in the area in and around Damascus has improved to such an extent that the need for protection for persons who are not individually persecuted ... has ceased to exist. And Mr. Tesfaye, whose father was an Ethiopian refugee, has been adamant that refugees should return home to rebuild their lives there as soon as conditions allow. Denmark has been open and honest from day one, he said. We have made it clear to the Syrian refugees that their residence permit is temporary and that the permit can be revoked if the need for protection ceases to exist. Syria experts including the vast majority of those consulted by the Danish authorities reject the notion that Damascus and its surroundings can be considered safe as long as the country is run by Mr. Assad. The Syrian conflict, now in its 10th year, has killed over half a million people, including tens of thousands of people tortured to death in regime-controlled detention centers. Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix/Reuters/File Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration Mattias Tesfaye, standing at Holmen Church in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been adamant that Syrians given residency permits in Denmark must return home as soon as conditions allow. Lisa Blinkenberg, a senior adviser at Amnesty International, notes Syrians returning to government-held areas must go through security clearances. This involves interrogation by the security forces and these same forces have been behind widespread and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity, she says. We are talking about torture, extrajudicial executions, and enforced disappearances. But by declaring Damascus safe, Denmark has shifted the ground of debate for Syrians trying to argue they would still be in danger there. Syrian refugees stress that the violent government that triggered their displacement remains in place, along with its brutal security apparatus. Denmark focuses on the absence of clashes. What the Danish authorities are assessing is whether the Syrians have a risk of being persecuted on an individual basis, Ms. Blinkenberg says. It is not enough to say that there is a lot of violence going on. You need to prove that you are individually persecuted. Denmark does not take these feelings into account Because family members receive different levels of protection when seeking asylum in Denmark, that heightens the risk that they will be split up. That possibility overshadowed the Eid celebrations of the Alata family, who came to Denmark in a staggered fashion. The first to arrive after surviving the journey of death across the Mediterranean was Abdo Alata. He has been the de facto head of the family since 2012, when snipers shot his father off his motorbike and then executed him in Darayya, one of the first areas near Damascus to rebel against Mr. Assad. Mr. Alata has political asylum in Denmark and lives in the port city of Vejle. His brother, Mohamed, got that status only after turning 18. But their mother, Sabriya, and two sisters had their permits revoked just a few weeks ago. They worry Sabriya risks arrest on return to Syria because she gave food and water to protesters, and because Abdo and Mohamed dodged military service. Courtesy of Abdo Alata Abdo Alata lives with his mother, Sabriya, and sisters Tasnim (far left) and Sahed (far right) in the Danish port city of Vejle. Mr. Alata has refugee status, but Denmark revoked the temporary protection status granted to his mother and sisters because it considers the situation in Damascus, Syria, safe for them. They also fret over how sisters Tasnim and Sahed would cope in Syria, since life in Denmark is all they know. The girls speak Danish fluently, have Danish friends, and dont know how to write Arabic. The little ones dont know the details or the scale of crimes in Syria, says Mr. Alata. They only know our father in pictures. I raised them. Sometimes they call me baba [father] but Denmark does not take these feelings into account. Anxiety also filled Belqis Ibrahim as she drove her parents for a routine COVID-19 test earlier this month in Aarhus, Denmarks second-largest city. Every time I listen to the news, I get stressed, says Ms. Ibrahim, who recently completed studies in software engineering. From the moment we got here, there have been discussions in parliament about sending Syrians back. Refugees are seen as problematic The dominance of far-right and conservative nationalist values came into sharp focus with the tough-on-migration campaign promises that returned the leftist Social Democrats to power in the summer of 2019. Those promises became policies building on a February 2019 paradigm shift law that had secured the backing of major parties and puts an emphasis on returns over integration. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen now aims for zero asylum-seekers. The Nordic country is not too far from achieving that goal. In 2020, the country accepted 1,515 asylum applications a drop from 3,500 in 2017. Only 1% of the 2020 requests were granted in Denmark, compared to 11% in Sweden, which handled nearly 13,000 applications, and 88% in Germany, which tackled more than 100,000 that year. The Social Democrats realized early on that they have to be strict if they want to keep power and form governments, says Professor Breidahl. She notes that there is a widespread perception particularly among the decisive demographic of older, white- and blue-collar voters that social cohesion and high social trust in Denmark require a homogeneous society. The welfare state is valued by all, but over time it has become less inclusive. Refugees are seen as problematic, especially refugees from Muslim and African countries, says Professor Breidahl. It began with the political parties who wanted to gain voters but now the political parties are also constructing the voters and the way they think about refugees and immigrants. There are so many wrong pictures about what a refugee is, what is an asylum-seeker. The result, she adds, is stricter and stricter rules that are demotivating even for those who have the residency permits and are trying to integrate. Municipal social workers who try to facilitate integration through language courses and professional training are required to raise the option of return at every meeting, not just with Syrians, but also Iranians, Iraqis, and South Americans. The system is full of dilemmas, says Professor Breidahl, who researches global migration flows and their impact on the welfare system. It is really difficult. Expulsions on hold To date, about 400 Syrians, including minors, have had their cases rejected by the Danish immigration services. But under criticism both domestic and abroad, forced returns have been ruled out by the government. Courtesy of Rahal family Khadijah Rahal and her husband, Nader, who live in Roskilde, Denmark, hope to successfully appeal the Danish government's revocation of their residency permits, as their daughter did. Regardless, the rejections cannot result in any immediate expulsions for a simple legal reason: Syrians cannot be forcibly returned as long as Copenhagens diplomatic ties with Damascus remain broken. That leaves Charlotte Slente, head of the Danish Refugee Council, puzzled. It is pointless to remove people from the life they are trying to build in Denmark and put them in a waiting position without an end date, after they have fled the horrible conflict in their homeland. Get the Monitor Stories you care about delivered to your inbox. Your email address By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Still, since 2019, about 250 Syrians with legal residency in Denmark have been repatriated voluntarily, taking up the government on a substantive cash offer of $28,400, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. But some, like Khadijah Rahals daughter, Nevien, have been able to mount successful appeals against having their status revoked. She hopes she and her husband will be able to do the same. For someone who has problems with the Syrian regime, you can give them all the millions of the world, but they will not go back, says Ms. Rahal. Over there it is certain death. Here it is psychological warfare. | https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2021/0520/Why-is-Denmark-trying-to-send-Syrians-back-to-their-war-torn-country?icid=rss |
When is a COVID layoff actually constructive dismissal? | Guest: Rosa Saba, Business Reporter, Toronto Star An Ontario judge has recently ruled that an employee of an ophthalmic clinic who was laid off early in the pandemic was actually terminated, and eligible to sue for constructive dismissal. Some legal experts have been predicting this all along and say this could mean thousands of lawsuits in the coming years after so many lost their jobs last year. On todays episode of This Matters, we try to understand what this means, what it means for those out of work and if thousands of employers could now be on the hook. Listen to this episode and more at This Matters or subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters. | https://www.thestar.com/podcasts/thismatters/2021/05/20/when-is-a-covid-layoff-actually-constructive-dismissal.html |
Should the Titans Try Again With Taja Sharpe? | It is not common for an NFL team to bring back a former player once that player has left. The primary goal of roster turnover is to get younger. That does not mean it never happens. The Tennessee Titans, for example, have turned to former players on occasion for any number of reasons, from the desire to recapture past glory to the peace of mind that comes with a proven performer. An opportunity exists right now to do it again. Earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs released wide receiver Taja Sharpe, which means he now has failed to catch a pass for two franchises since he left the Titans a little more than a year ago. Sharpe played four games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 before he was released and then finished the campaign on Kansas Citys practice squad. Given that Tennessee looks to be far from settled at wide receiver, franchise officials ought to at least consider the idea of a return for the 2016 fifth-round pick. After all, the roster includes two established wide receivers (A.J. Brown, Josh Reynolds), two draft picks (Dez Fitzpatrick, Racey McMath) and a collection of veterans with varying experience who contributed little if anything in 2020 (Cameron Batson, Chester Rogers, Marcus Johnson, Cody Hollister). Theres a lot of things about player acquisition that go into it, coach Mike Vrabel said early in the offseason during a season ticket holder event. Cost basis is also a part of it. The fit is a part of it. And then need what you need, what you feel like your team needs. Given his inability to catch on with the Vikings and Chiefs, Sharpes market value never has been lower. In 2019, his last season with Tennessee, he was the primary backup at all three wide receiver spots, which means he knows the offense. He also was particularly effective on third down and close to the goal line, two areas that can decide a game. Plus, he is 6-foot-2, 194 pounds and is willing to be physical, which is consistent with that the Titans want at that position. It could be that Sharpes best days are really behind him, but it also seems likely that Tennessee could do worse than him in an attempt to beef up the wide receiver room. A look at some notable players who have returned to the Titans after time away: Jevon Kearse, defensive end (1999-03, 2008-09): The Freak took the league by storm and helped the Titans reach Super Bowl XXXIV when he set an NFL rookie sack record with 14 1/2 in 1999. He remained highly productive through his first three seasons (he made the Pro Bowl every year) then left as a free agent in 2004. He spent four years with Philadelphia before he returned. Kearse played all 16 games but had just three and a half sacks in his first year back (2008). In 2009, he lost his job as a starter after four games and was scratched more often than not the rest of the way. Justin McCareins, wide receiver (2001-03, 2008): During an extended period when the Titans struggled to find productive wide receivers in the draft, McCareins was something of a revelation. He improved steadily over three seasons and in 2003 was the second-leading receiver with 47 catches, 813 yards and seven touchdown receptions. He came back in 2008 after four seasons of steadily declining numbers with the New York Jets and was fifth on the Titans (third among wide receivers) with 30 catches for 412 yards with no touchdowns in what turned out to be his final NFL season. Perry Phenix, safety (1998-00, 2001): A hard-hitting safety who made the roster as an undrafted free agent, Phenix led the Titans in special teams tackles in his second season and played 47 out of a possible 48 games over three years. Tennessee drafted a pair of safeties in 2000, and the next year traded Phenix to Carolina just before the roster was reduced to the 53-man limit for the 2001 season. He was with the Panthers and Cleveland Browns briefly before the Titans re-signed him due to injuries that decimated the secondary. He appeared in 12 games and started 11 that season. He was the third-leading tackler with a career-high 87 but was not re-signed in 2002. Marc Mariani, wide receiver/returner (2010-13, 2016): A seventh-round pick, he was a member of the All-Rookie team and a Pro Bowler as a return man in 2010. He never carved out a role for himself as a receiver, and injuries sidelined him for all of his third and fourth seasons. The Titans never successfully replaced him during the two years he spent in Chicago (2014-15), so they brought him back in 2016 to serve as their primary return man. He was reliable but not nearly as explosive the second time around, which was his final NFL season. Will Compton, inside linebacker (2018, 2020): He was a prominent free agent addition in 2018 but ultimately served as a depth guy and special teams performer, and the Titans allowed him to leave in free agency the next year. They brought him back late in the 2020 training camp to provide some insurance for the defense. He started the first game after Jayon Brown was injured but quickly returned to a role player when David Long took over that spot. He actually played more snaps on defense last season (124) than he did in 2018 (79) and made 14 tackles, three more than he had two years earlier. Robaire Smith, defensive tackle (2000-03, 2006): There were questions about his work ethic when the Titans selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, but over time he established himself as an aggressive, physical member of the defense who became a full-time starter in his fourth year, when he made 73 tackles and had four and a half sacks. He went to Houston as a free agent in 2004 but was cut just before the start of his third season there. Tennessee re-signed him and he picked up where he left off in 2003 (76 tackles). He once again left as a free agent, and he finished his career with four seasons in Cleveland. Gary Anderson, kicker (2003, 2004): He was 45 years old and retired, or so he thought, when Joe Nedney was injured in the 2003 opener. With lofty aspirations, Tennessee convinced Anderson to suit up for a 22nd NFL season and he made 87 percent of his field goals and made a decisive kick in a wild card victory at Baltimore. Unimpressed with Aaron Ellings Week 1 performance in 2004, the Titans turned to Anderson again, and he answered again. This time he made just 77 percent of his field goal tries for a team that finished 5-11. Neil ODonnell, quarterback (1999-02, 2003): He was invaluable as Steve McNairs backup for four seasons, but the Titans decided to go younger and cheaper when they elevated Billy Volek to that spot in 2003. ODonnell went almost the entire season without a contract, but Tennessee pulled him off the street in Week 16 after Volek was hurt. McNair was injured the next week, and at 37 years old ODonnell completed 18 of 27 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in a 33-13 season-ending victory over Tampa Bay. | https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/news/tennessee-titans-nfl-free-agency-tajae-sharpe-worth-a-second-look |
Can Europe Federate? | The three years which have elapsed since he published the first edition of his book have, the author feels, brought important progress along the path he pointed out. There are now organizations to forward the Pan-European idea in seven countries; and numerous other societies and individuals have come out in favor of at least an all-European customs union. In October of this year the first Pan-European Congress will be held. It is expected to give a strong impetus to the movement. With the impending entrance of Germany into the League, the danger of a Russo-German anti-European alliance is at least greatly lessened. Finally, it is his opinion that the Locarno treaties constitute an important step in the direction of that general guarantee of security which is an essential feature. It is easy, of course, to pick flaws in a paper program such as Count Coudenhove-Kalergi has laid out. In particular, his admiration for the Pan-American Union will seem naive to some who know the real attitude of Latin-America toward the benevolences of the Yankees. Yet it is impossible to deny that he is right in his diagnosis of the ills of Europe, whether or not his remedy is one which can be applied. The present preliminary disarmament conference which goes down from futility to futility shows clearly that the nations will not disarm until their security is in some other way provided, and that they do not consider that the machinery of the League and its existing supplements offer the necessary degree of safety. No doubt their requirements on that score are excessive, and are exaggerated still more for political purposes; nevertheless they exist, and must be taken into account. The commercial agreement between France and Germany announced last week would undoubtedly be accepted by Count Coudenhove-Kalergi as an important step toward the ultimate ideal of a Pan-European customs union. It is true, as he says, that modern large scale industry is seriously crippled by regulations which prevent the free flow of raw materials and manufactures across the international frontiers. The Treaties of 1919 greatly accentuated this situation, already sufficiently serious. New boundary lines were created at a time when nationalistic feeling had been inflamed to the most violent degree. The chaotic conditions of the past eight years, from which European industry is only beginning slowly to emerge, are largely the result of the artificial barriers created by politicians in defiance of economic needs. As the balance swings back the other way, we may expect to see an increasing body of opinion among traders in general, and among manufacturers of non-protected articles, supporting the project for a customs union on business grounds. At the same time it would be idle to underestimate the forces in opposition to Count Coudenhove-Kalergis complete program. A real federation of Europe would have bitter and implacable foes. It would probably be regarded by Soviet Russia as a final defensive alliance of Western capitalism. It is the last thing Mussolini, Horthy, de Rivera and Pangalos want. England, if left outside, would be implacably hostile. That element in French politics which seeks for France the hegemony of Europe would oppose the plan as being likely to rob her of the fruits of victory in the War. Some pro-League individuals and parties would be hostile in fear that Pan-Europe would endanger the Geneva organization. However, to say that the creation of Pan-Europe would be difficult is not to say that it would be impossible. Time and necessity both fight for it; and they are powerful allies. | https://newrepublic.com/article/97098/can-europe-federate-paneurope-movement |
Why did I ever leave Ohio? | Presented by Facebook Beer, baseball tickets and now a chance to win $5 million. New Yorks vaccine incentive programs are almost enough to make you wish youd held off on that shot a few weeks longer. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new lottery pilot program at a press conference in Buffalo this morning, similar to a prize-money push announced earlier this month by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. New Yorks Vax and Scratch program, for all you lucky dogs out there itching to boost your fortunes, will run next week only. Anyone who gets a Covid-19 shot at the states 10 mass vaccination sites between May 24 and May 28 will receive a free scratch ticket that could contain prizes ranging from $20 to $5 million. Cuomo said New Yorkers will have a 1-in-9 chance of winning a prize from the ticket, which has a $20 value. Fifty-four percent of New Yorkers age 18 and older have been fully vaccinated, but the state has seen a 43 percent decline in the number of people coming in for vaccinations in recent days, Cuomo said today. And while the governor last week was not crazy about offering cash to vaccine recipients, hes also said New York is open to very creative incentives, if it gets the job done. Ohios Vax-a-Million lottery which will have five drawings over the course of as many weeks led to a reported surge in Covid vaccinations in the state, and thats the hope for New York, Cuomo said. If you were undecided about getting a vaccine or dubious about getting a vaccine, now you have an added bonus, he said. Don't miss this chance. If the $5 million figure seems familiar, its roughly the same amount as Cuomos book deal, the details of which emerged earlier this week. Cuomo was less interested in discussing the outrage surrounding his authorial earnings during the Q&A after todays announcement, calling a reporters question on the topic stupid and offensive. ITS THURSDAY, MAY 20: Welcome to PM Playbook, an afternoon check-in to spill the days tea as we know it thus far during one of the busiest seasons in New York politics. Its the email version of the sweet caffeine that carries your brain from lunch to dinner. Shoot an email to [email protected] in Albany and [email protected] in NYC or send a shout on Twitter. A message from Facebook: The internet has changed a lot since 1996 - internet regulations should too It's been 25 years since comprehensive internet regulations passed. See why we support updated regulations on key issues, including: Protecting peoples privacy Enabling safe and easy data portability between platforms Preventing election interference Reforming Section 230 Covid-19 Update More than 4 million New York City denizens have now received their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, Mayor Bill de Blasio said today. The city has given out 4,157,600 first doses and 7,753,184 total doses of the shot so far. The city is aiming to have 5 million New Yorkers fully vaccinated by June to allow a full reopening in the summer. Some 95 percent of residents who get their first shots are following up to get their second doses. We continue to surge forward toward our goal, de Blasio said at a press briefing. It is the clearest story youve ever heard. More vaccination equals less Covid equals more freedom. Just under half of city residents have received at least one dose, and 40 percent have gotten all the necessary shots. Erin Durkin The Race for City Hall DIANNE MORALES won her first, first-place labor endorsement today from the union representing intern and resident doctors, which cited her plans to take the police out of mental health crisis response as among its reasons for supporting her candidacy. As doctors, our members have been called heroes and thanked time and time, over and over this last year. But we just dont want these empty platitudes from our elected officials, said Keriann Shalvoy, president of the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU and a psychiatry resident at Bellevue Hospital Center. We want health care as a human right, we want housing as a guarantee ... we want to take cops out of mental health response situations. Shalvoy says the union which has 17,000 members, including 7,000 in New York plans to phone-bank its members and encourage them to support Morales. At an event outside Bellevue, Morales said shes deeply grateful for the endorsement. Whats been most striking to me since my first encounter with the members of CIR and what makes me so moved and proud to be here with all of you today is the fight that I know that you have taken on, she said. That you refuse to accept the status quo, and that you are demanding that the system prioritize patients over profits. Janaki Chadha ANDREW YANG got a Brooklyn welcome during a campaign stop in Prospect Lefferts-Gardens today. Maya Wiley supporter Miles Earl, a neighborhood resident, talked over to Yang while he tried to outline his plans on diversifying the police force and repeatedly pressed the candidate on his sparse voting record. Members of Yangs campaign staff unsuccessfully attempted to de-escalate but Earl was insistent: You dont vote in New York. He doesnt vote in New York, said Earl. One woman told the heckler to shut up while another person yelled from an apartment window, Shut up! Hes gonna give us all a thousand dollars! (Yangs modified basic income proposal will be available only to the lowest-income New Yorkers.) The affable candidate remarked to those assembled, This is definitely a New York moment. Back on topic, Yang said the NYPD entrance exam should be made free to help raise the number of Black, Latino, Asian, Jewish, Muslim and women New Yorkers, noting a 75 percent increase in officers resigning or leaving the force. Jonathan Custodio YANG stumbled during a forum on homeless issues today, saying he would create shelters specifically for domestic violence survivors as mayor. Those facilities already exist. One thing that I think would be extraordinarily helpful is to have specific shelters for victims of domestic violence, who are often fleeing from an abusive partner and its a distinct population with distinct needs and they should have separate [facilities], Yang said at a forum hosted by the shelter and supportive housing provider Win. He was corrected by moderator Courtney Gross, a reporter at NY1, who noted the city already has domestic violence shelters. Yang attempted to walk back his comments, suggesting he knows the city already has them and was calling only for an expansion. Oh, no, they of course they do exist, so thats one aspect of something that we should be increasing capacity of. Janaki Chadha SCOTT STRINGER continued his attacks on mayoral candidates Eric Adams and Yang for taking money from hedge fund billionaires who support an expansion of charter schools. Outside Ken Griffins home on Central Park West and then up in the south Bronx, Stringer slammed his opponents for accepting those donations. Theres two kinds of ways to be mayor. You set up an independent expenditure and call all the billionaires in New York, Stringer said alongside labor union Workers United, which represents laundry, distribution and food service workers. Thats not our campaign. Our campaign is people-driven. ... Our campaign is labor-driven. Fact check: POLITICO previously reported that not all of Stringers money is people-driven in the manner Stringer means it. Our analysis found Stringer accepted roughly $88,000 from developers, their employees and relatives including $2,000 in donations from REBNYs political action committee, before he swore off real estate donations Amanda Eisenberg READ ALL OF POLITICOs coverage of the New York City mayors race. No outlet has covered more ground in the 2021 Democratic primary than POLITICO New York and weve got all of the big scoops, analysis, policy and polls in one convenient location. Weve also included some candidate interviews from our colleagues in the news and civic arena. This page will be updated daily with all of the latest as we barrel toward June 22. POLITICO will be co-hosting three NYC debates in June with NBC 4 New York/WNBC and Telemundo 47/WNJU in the races for mayor and comptroller. Moderators include City Hall Bureau Chief Sally Goldenberg, WNBC political reporter Melissa Russo, WNBC news anchor David Ushery and WNJU morning news anchor Allan Villafana. More info here. From the 3rd Floor ALL IN THE FAMILY: Chris Cuomo took part in strategy calls advising his brother, the New York governor, on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations, by The Washington Posts Josh Dawsey and Sarah Ellison: The cable news anchor encouraged his brother to take a defiant position and not to resign from the governors office, the people said. At one point, he used the phrase cancel culture as a reason to hold firm in the face of the allegations, two people present on one call said. The behind-the-scenes strategy offered by Chris Cuomo, who anchors CNNs 9 p.m. nightly newscast, cuts against the widely accepted norm in journalism that those reporting the news should not be involved in politics. If you are actively advising a politician in trouble while being an on-air host on a news network, thats not okay, said Nicholas Lemann, a professor at Columbia Journalism School and a New Yorker staff writer. In a statement, CNN acknowledged that Chris Cuomo took part in the strategy sessions, saying his involvement was a mistake. The network said Cuomo will not be disciplined. SENATE DEMOCRATS passed a transportation package with the stated aim of protecting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The package includes 10 bills that, among other things, require additional instruction and higher standards for bike and pedestrian interactions, school buses, railroad crossings, highway workers safety and charter buses. It also includes funding for roadway safety education programs and requires that any for-hire vehicle that uses a smartphone app needs to incorporate identification measures for safety reasons. ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CARL HEASTIE announced he has appointed James Bass and Sergio Villaverde to serve on the selection committee to decide the location of the first state veterans cemetery. The two veterans, from Syracuse and the Bronx, respectively, will be part of a nine-member committee the Legislature authorized earlier this year to evaluate and determine the best cemetery spot. June 12 will be Dragonfly Day. On the Beats Homelessness: The number of people experiencing homelessness counted living on New York City streets dropped 38 percent this year compared with last year, de Blasio said today. The annual HOPE count, conducted each winter, counted 2,376 people living on streets and subways, compared with 3,857 in 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic set in. It is the one objective measure we have, and its showing us that all this outreach is working, de Blasio said. The X factor here was more outreach, more beds, and the pandemic atmosphere made a lot of homeless people think about their options in a different way. In 2019, the number of people experiencing homelessness tallied in the federally mandated annual count was 3,588. Erin A message from Facebook: Why Facebook supports updated internet regulations 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the last major update to internet regulation. Its time for an update to set clear rules for addressing today's toughest challenges. See how were taking action on key issues and why we support updated internet regulations. AROUND NEW YORK The states unemployment rate fell to 8.2 percent in April. Nursing homes want reduced testing for vaccinated workers. The Oneida Indian nation will invest in a $25 million development project on Oneida Lake. Two dozen upstate airports are eligible to compete for $250 million in state money for renovations. A series of events will celebrate the heritage and recreational opportunities of the Erie Canal. Syracuse is offering paid apprenticeships in order to train a work force for upcoming infrastructure projects. Follow us on Twitter Anna Gronewold @annagronewold David Giambusso @giambusso | https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2021/05/20/why-did-i-ever-leave-ohio-492940 |
Why did a hideous war reinvigorate the Palestinian cause? | Each new round of hell in Israel-Palestine looks from here like a nightmare on a loop. Yet theres one element that makes me bristle as if for the first time: calling it a war. This is the fourth time in 12 years Israel and Gazas Hamas rulers have gone to war. As Israel and Hamas plunged closer to all-out war... This is war the way Im Auston Matthews. The way Bill Gates is Nelson Mandela. You can find the stupidest similarities if you really struggle. But Israel is among the worlds mightiest military powers, usually in the top 20 and one of only nine with a nuclear arsenal. Hamas has basically a militia who scuttle through tunnels and fire rockets that rarely hit anything, though when they do youll be just as dead and usually an innocent civilian. Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself, but its self in the sense of its sovereignty, its government, its survival as a coherent, organized society isnt remotely threatened by Hamas. I think not. More like Gangs of Gaza, to which youd appropriately respond with the gang squad, not the air force. Yet metaphorically, war resonates. The brilliant Palestinian-American Edward Said wrote 40 years ago that Western mass media which dominated everywhere, including among Arabs and Muslims had imposed an image of Arab-Muslims that reduced them all to terrorists and threats to the West (think True Lies). Yet some of those people tragically mimicked those grotesque, inflicted reflections of themselves. It was better to exist, even in ugly, imposed terms, than not exist at all. (There are various academic expansions of this theory.) War, concluded Said, seemed an extremely logical outcome. But not for everyone, even before Al-Jazeera and social media arrived to dilute the impact of those Western mass media tropes. I happened to talk this week with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Gazan-Canadian. In 2009, three of his daughters died in their bedroom from Israeli shelling in that years war. His response was a book called I Shall Not Hate. He now lives here with his five surviving (thriving) kids. He may be the most radical person I know. His every breath, from creating institutions to whom he invites to dinner, is about proving Israelis and Palestinians neednt hate each other. Dont ask. I asked if he still supports a Palestinian state alongside Israel. We have to be able to change, he said. Israels expansion in the occupied areas has made that impossible. Hes joined those favouring a single state with equal rights for all. (Palestinians and Israeli Jews have roughly equal numbers in the overall territory.) This marks a transition from national liberation and independence to an inclusive society in which Palestinian Lives Matter. Its indeed inspired by the campaign around George Floyd, whose image there is widespread on murals, especially on Israels Separation Wall. But to demand equality, you must at a minimum not overtly hate or make war on your potential fellow citizens. This is something new in that wretched loop, the first time Palestinians focus not on political sovereignty but on a common humanity with the other side though there are precedents, like the Ihud movement of the 1940s, led by Martin Buber. It stymies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, IMO, engineered this eruption as a way to retain the power he was about to lose. He based it on an earlier provocation on the Temple Mount, which led to the second intefadeh, and it worked. Hell likely remain PM, but at the cost of helping regenerate the Palestinian movement. It turns out that the collapse of the Palestinian dream of their own state which Israel used its power to obliterate leaves Palestinians not desolated but reinvigorated, and more united than ever. Their resistance has surfaced in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza and Israel itself, among its 20 per cent Arab population. This thing suddenly isnt over yet because theres a new alternative. It goes beyond their stubborn refusal to fade away, which was necessary but not sufficient. When hopes collapse, whats needed is an alternate, credible version of hope. Its ironic that The Hope is also the name of Israels national anthem or maybe not. Plausible hope is what every movement needs. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Rick Salutin is a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. He is based in Toronto. Reach him on email: is a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. He is based in Toronto. Reach him on email: [email protected] Read more about: | https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2021/05/20/why-did-a-hideous-war-reinvigorate-the-palestinian-cause.html |
Should Massachusetts require all school districts to allow at least some inter-district school choice students to enroll? | Andrew Flowers Contributed photo School segregation issues run deep in Massachusetts. While the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) was intended as a short-term patch, the program has been striving for decades to address racial imbalances in our suburban schools, with limited impact. Our schools remain woefully segregated. We know that our children are growing up to be citizens of an increasingly diverse world. Segregated schools harm white and Black, indigenous, and children of color alike by creating insular communities that limit exposure to diverse cultures and experiences. Advertisement So its discouraging to see predominantly white school districts in the Boston suburbs opt out, year after year, from another existing, popular program in which school systems can welcome out-of-district students. The Legislature should require all districts to accept some students through the Inter-District School Choice program that has been on the books in Massachusetts since 1991, especially in areas that remain stubbornly segregated. School choice is a politically loaded term, applied broadly to include private school voucher programs in other states. Not so for this program. The choice is not between a private and public school; It simply gives parents the option to send their children to a public school in another district. Through the program, 14,403 students were enrolled in out-of-district schools in 2019-20, according to the Department of Education. That is more than four times the number of students in METCO. All districts are presumed to participate in the school choice program if they have enrollment space, but they can opt out annually. In the 2020-2021 school year, 168 districts were in the program while 151 opted out. But most of the opt-out districts are disproportionately wealthy suburban districts with few Black or Hispanic students, according to my analysis of state data. The opt-out provision undercuts the integration potential of this program. Advertisement One thing we know for certain is that there is a strong demand among families for sending their children to schools outside their own district, evidenced by the fact that for years there have been thousands of students on the waiting list for METCO. To encourage more diverse enrollments, participation in inter-district school choice should be mandatory. NO Brendan R. Walsh Former Salem School Committee member; former teacher, administrator in the Salem public schools; longtime member of Massachusetts Association of School Committees Brendan R. Walsh Contributed photo My primary objection to making school choice mandatory stems from my opposition to racial, linguistic, and/or economic segregation. What do such things have to do with a progressive idea like school choice? Everything! Racial, linguistic, and/or economic segregation are, in reality, the major accomplishments of school choice intended or not. The program effectively allows wealthier school districts to poach predominantly white, English-speaking middle to upper-middle-class students from districts that serve all students, including high numbers of students of color, immigrants, and children who are economically disadvantaged or have special needs. It encourages parents to abandon their local schools in the mistaken belief that their child will be attending school in a better school district. The concept of better is sold to people on the basis of MCAS scores, SAT scores, college acceptance percentages, and the like. Not stated are the many findings that standardized test scores most correlate with the socio-economic status of the test takers, not the quality of the schools. College attendance rates are also driven by individuals socioeconomic status. Higher education is often not considered an option in the homes of poor children of parents with little to no education experience of their own and meager financial resources. The children of better-off, highly educated parents grow up with collegiate expectations not tamped down by questions like How will we pay for it? Advertisement I also oppose mandating school choice from the perspective of a person who served his community as a teacher and administrator for 37 years and as a member of the school committee for 12 years. No other instrument of our democracy is closer to its clientele than an elected school committee. No other body is constantly targeted by a power-hungry state bureaucracy and politicians, state and local, who should know better. I suggest that if mandating school choice for all districts is a progressive idea, we really need to rethink what progressive policy is. Simply forcing more communities to take part in a program that does little to promote real integration in the classrooms is hardly a step toward a more equitable future. In fact, its a step backwards. As told to Globe correspondent John Laidler. To suggest a topic, please contact [email protected]. This is not a scientific survey. Please only vote once. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/20/metro/should-massachusetts-require-all-school-districts-allow-least-some-inter-district-school-choice-students-enroll/ |
Could Former Longhorns OT Samuel Cosmi Be Starting Week 1 in Washington? | Samuel Cosmi now will have the chance to win the right tackle role for the Washington Football Team Samuel Comsi won big when selected by the Washington Football Team last April with the No. 51 pick. Now, he could be winning the starting job come Week 1. Washington officially released offensive tackle Morgan Moses following the announcement he would be granted access to request a trade. The release of the veteran will now save WFT $7.75 million in salary-cap space and will only cost $1.9 million in dead cap room. The hope is now that Comsi can come in and take over in place of Moses prior to the start against Los Angeles come September. By all inclinations, Ron Rivera did not draft the former Longhorn to sit on the sidelines when other needs could have been addressed in Round 2. READ MORE: Texas Athletics Announces Plans To Return To 100-Percent Capacity At Outdoor Events Comsi was highly regarded for his athletic frame and superb footwork coming out of Austin. He will have the opportunity to earn first-team reps under the direction of veteran offensive line coach, John Matsko. Initially, some believed that Comsi would fight for snaps against Cornelius Lucas for the left tackle role while Moses held down the right side. Instead, the two likely are battling to be the replacement for Moses instead. Washington signed veteran Charles Leno Jr. following his release from the Chicago Bears earlier this month. He made 94 starts as a seventh-round pick in 2014 and stabilized the Bears' left side for nearly seven seasons. Lucas has more experience over Cosmi and played better overall than Leno in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, Leno ranked 32nd among all offensive tackles while Lucas finished 23rd. No matter the formula though, it's clear Rivera sees Leno as the superior option. READ MORE: Longhorns Senior Jericho Sims Enters Name In 2021 NBA Draft As a three-year starter for the Longhorns, Cosmi also has experience playing the right side. During his first season in Austin, then-Texas coach Tom Herman played him at right tackle to help him transition to college speed and better become situated on the left side the following season. Cosmi only got better over the next season on the Forty Acres. He finished the 2020 season with a 90.7 pass-blocking grade, third-highest among all tackles in college football. His 86.4 run-blocking grade also is better than most right tackles already in the NFL. After the first few snaps, Cosmi looked the part of rookie camp, but anyone can seem fit when playing against air. The pressure will be on once training camp is underway and the snaps count towards the depth chart. With Moses now looking for a home, the expectation is for Cosmi to come in right away and contribute. Although a win on paper, the hope is it will also be a victory when it comes to production. Comment and join in on the discussion below! Sign up for your premium membership to LonghornsCountry.com today, and get access to the entire Fan Nation premium network! Follow Longhorns Country on Twitter and Facebook | https://www.si.com/college/texas/longhorns-in-the-pros/could-former-texas-longhorns-ot-samuel-cosmi-be-starting-week-1-in-washington |
Which Royals Starter is Most Likely to Throw a No-Hitter? | Love it or hate it, a no-hit game is far more likely to happen now than it ever has before. Wednesday night, deep in the heart of Texas, New York Yankees starting pitcher Corey Kluber tossed an unprecedented sixth no-hitter of the young baseball season. Love it or hate it, a no-hit game is far more likely to happen now than it ever has before. League-wide batting averages are at a historic low and the pitchers today are taking advantage. If we are looking for some common themes (besides playing the Indians, Mariners & Rangers) that could help predict who will have a no-hitter we have to look at command and pitch variety. All in total from the 61 innings pitched in no-hit contests (including Arizona Diamondbacks' Madison Bumgarner's seven-inning no-hitter) there were a combined four walks. Although, it isnt just about locating one pitch and rolling with it. Both Kluber and Detroit Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull executed five different pitches during their no-hit games, keeping hitters guessing and off-balance even on their third plate appearances. But without further adieu, heres my list of likeliest candidates to throw the Royals' first no-no since Brett Saberhagen during the 1991 season. 4. Brad Keller Brad Keller does well with the utilization of different pitches, throwing a four-seam fastball just under 40% of his pitches and mixing in a sinker and slider with regularity. While he is good about pitching to contact, the average exit velocity of balls batted off of Keller is on the high side of the league and his WHIP of 1.84 makes it a little harder to see Keller going the distance with limited traffic on the bases. 3. Mike Minor Mike Minors last outing, a seven-inning, two-hit game, was a good glimpse at the kind of stuff he brings to the table when hes got it going on. Minor uses four pitches, his best of which might be his fastball. Not overpowering, but ranking in the 94th percentile for spin rate, Minor has a go-to pitch that could keep him ahead in counts and get him out of trouble. He is also good with limiting baserunners, ranking ahead of reigning AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber in WHIP and trailing the latest no-hit pitcher, Kluber, in the category by just .02 points. 2. Brady Singer Brady Singer has been a mixed bag this season, to say the least. However, Singer is heralded for his natural pitching talent and the filthy stuff he can produce. Singer flirted with the no-hitter last season, going eight and two thirds without allowing a hit against the Cleveland Indians. He doesnt allow a ton of hard-hit balls, ranking in the 85th percentile, and is ultra-competitive on the mound. His aggressive attitude to go at hitters coupled with his splendid splitter and a well-executed slider could prove dangerous for batters. 1. Danny Duffy No surprises here. The Royals ace is the most likely to complete a no-hit bid once returning from the injured list. Danny Duffy has been fantastic through the first month and a half of the season with an ERA of 1.94, good for seventh in the league among qualified starting pitchers. Duffy has the highest average pitches per start on the team and eats up the most innings by far of anyone on the staff. Duffy has been in command all season, issuing just 12 walks in 41.2 innings worked. He has the most in his repertoire among the Royals staff, throwing five types of pitches on a consistent basis. Duffy excels in whiff rate and in chase percentage, which allows him to record outs without giving the hitters many chances at a hittable pitch. Though Ive tried my best to accurately rank the most likely candidates to throw a no-hitter this season, the beauty of a no-hitter is that we never see it coming. I can't promise that there will be a Royals pitcher throw a no-hitter this season but in the words of the late, four-time All-Star Joaquin Andujar, You can sum up the game of baseball in just one word, you never know. | https://www.si.com/mlb/royals/opinion/which-royals-starter-is-most-likely-to-throw-a-no-hitter |
Should the 49ers Trade for Julio Jones? | The 49ers could use another receiver outside of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The Falcons have been known to want to get their salary cap back to a respectable level, which is why Jones is available as a trade candidate. One team that could be a destination for Jones is the 49ers. They were mentioned as a trade candidate by Jeff Schultz of The Athletic in his most recent article regarding a Jones trade. Jones is undoubtedly a Hall of Fame player. Watching him wreak havoc on the league year after year has been a sight to see. Adding him to the 49ers offense would improve it. However, the cost to get Jones is concerning. Not only is draft capital a concern for a team that will be missing its first-round picks the next two seasons, but the cap cost from acquiring Jones. His cap hit in 2021 is $15.3 million, then $11.5 million in 2022 and 2023. For an aging player who no longer has trajectory, that is quite a sum to get him. The only way a trade for Jones makes sense is if the 49ers cut Jimmy Garoppolo. Lance will assuredly start at some point in 2021. Paying Garoppolo his high salary as a backup with Jones would be insane. Both of their contracts cannot exist on the team. If the 49ers acquire Jones, then it makes even more sense to start Trey Lance right away. He will have all the talent in the world surrounding him to ensure his success and reduce as many mistakes as possible. This is the only way a trade for Jones makes sense because the 49ers do not need another wide receiver. I get that it is Jones, but the guy missed seven games last season and is 32-years old this season. His primetime days are over, and perhaps even his consistent availability. The 49ers entered the draft with a new grading process to avoid and reduce as many injury situations for the future. They do not want to sniff anywhere near the injuries as they did in 2020. Acquiring Jones would contradict their new page in the book of how they view players and their injuries. Wide receiver is not a crucial position of need, anyway. That is the one position where Kyle Shanahan can manufacture production. They do not need to sacrifice precious cap space for a declining star. Plus, the chances are that the 49ers will have to enter in a bidding war with another team. Once that happens, a second- or third-round pick for Jones goes out of the window. The Falcons are going to want to squeeze as much out of a team as possible. This does not behoove the 49ers for this aging star. They're already the second-oldest team in the NFL. That is pretty absurd. The 49ers are a bigger-picture franchise and it is tough to envision a future where Jones is still playing at a high level for the vast majority of a season. Trade for Jones if and only if Garoppolo is out of the picture. Other than that, he isn't worth the 49ers' time. | https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/news/should-the-49ers-trade-for-julio-jones |
Should the Chiefs Trade for Julio Jones? | The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly looking to trade away star wide receiver Julio Jones. The Arrowhead Report roundtable reconvenes to answer that question. Tucker Franklin: I don't think there is anyone in Chiefs Kingdom fully against Kansas City adding another dynamic talent at wide receiver. It's still the one position group in need of a talent infusion. The Falcons aren't likely to part with their star receiver for chump change and Jones brings along a large cap hit. With the Falcons in the early stages of a rebuild, they're going to want to get as many draft picks as possible in return for Jones. The Chiefs would likely have to give up at least a first-round pick and a combination of a second- or third-round selection with a later pick as well. I don't think so. Kansas City only has an estimated $7 million left in cap space for 2021. That's going to take some work from general manager Brett Veach. And while he hasn't missed time, Jones has certainly been on the injury report a decent amount. Not to mention that Jones is 32 and will turn 33 in February. Absolutely. Nope. Not at all. Jordan Foote: In taking on significant cap hits for each of the final years of Julio Jones's contract in addition to forfeiting draft compensation, the Chiefs would undoubtedly be making a sacrifice in order to acquire the future Hall of Fame wide receiver. A Tyrann Mathieu extension would generate quite a bit of immediate cap relief but even then, Tyreek Hill is due for a renewed deal in the near future as well. By adding Jones, one of the more top-heavy rosters in the league would be investing more money into star players and possibly be losing a first-round pick in the process. With Jones's recent production and injury history, its worth questioning whether giving up significant draft capital would be a wise move by the Chiefs especially given the fact that adding productive players on rookie contracts will be critical for Veach and company moving forward. Jones would be so much fun in Kansas City, but the money and draft picks have to be right in order for a trade to get a vote of confidence from me. Taylor Witt: The Chiefs are in a position that most organizations in sports strive to be: championship or bust. Trading for Jones would be the final piece in the puzzle for assembling the best roster in football, with the greatest chance of winning a ring. That's the end goal. No price in draft picks or player salary is too high to get Julio Jones to Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have had one first-round pick in the last four drafts, so I don't want to hear anything about the team needing their picks. What they need is rings, and Jones would all but guarantee that outcome. With their rebuilt offensive line, they would have a legitimate case as being the best offense of all time. Sign me up for that 10 times out of 10. Conner Christopherson: If the Chiefs are all-in on winning this year, then trading for Jones does make some sense. Without a standout XWR on the roster, Jones would fit right into that hole and give the Chiefs one of the most dynamic offenses of all time. It is hard to not want to see Jones, Hill and Travis Kelce on the same field at once. However, beyond the on-the-field implications, the trade starts to make less sense. Any team trading for Jones will have to pick up a $15.3 million price tag in 2021. With around $7.5 million in salary cap space currently, the Chiefs would have to make a fair bit of room. Jones is also on the wrong side of 30 and has had his share of wear and tear over the years. While his price tag for the next two years is manageable and the price seems to be less than a first-rounder, it is hard to see the move being smart for the Chiefs. If the asking price is low enough it could make sense. Unequivocally, yes. Heck yes. Probably not. Julio has been a beast when healthy, but he has suffered through some injury issues the past few years. Assuming the Falcons wouldn't eat the majority of the contract, his price tag should factor in as well. If you can give up a third-rounder in 2022 and maybe late-round pick swaps in 2023 for Jones, I would definitely consider it. Thinking about Patrick Mahomes having the options to throw it to Hill, Kelce or Jones seems like video game silliness, and Id be here for it! Jacob Harris: Yeah, fine, go ahead. I give my approval. | https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/gm-report/should-the-kansas-city-chiefs-trade-for-wide-receiver-julio-jones |
Could the Vikings Have a Top 10 Offense and a Top 10 Defense in 2021? | The Vikings are an exciting team because of their ceiling on both sides of the ball. Since it's May and that means it's time for optimism, allow me to drive the Vikings hype train a little bit by saying this: there's a realistic chance Minnesota could have both a top-ten offense and a top-ten defense in 2021. That would presumably result in being a legitimate contender in the NFC. The offense doesn't require much explanation given that the Vikings were just a top-ten unit on that side of the ball last season (fourth in yards per game, 11th in EPA per play, eighth in DVOA). The four key skill position weapons are still around in Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen. Irv Smith Jr. will be just 23 years old this season and is a breakout candidate in year three. And most importantly, the Vikings might actually have a league-average offensive line this year with rookie starters Christian Darrisaw and Wyatt Davis. Garrett Bradbury is another year three breakout candidate with the best guard situation (Davis and Ezra Cleveland) that he's had next to him during his NFL career. Regression and injuries are obviously possible, and losing either Cousins or Jefferson for a long time would be borderline impossible to overcome. The O-line being fixed is also no sure thing. But on paper, this absolutely looks like it could be a top-ten unit once again with Klint Kubiak leading the way. Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com recently ranked her top ten offenses for 2021, with the Vikings coming in at No. 8. Don't sleep on the Vikings this season. The addition of Christian Darrisaw with the No. 23 pick last month addressed a real problem that matters for this style of offense and how Kirk Cousins executes it. Minnesota ranked 23rd last season when it came to its rate of sacks per pass attempt (7.6%). Basically, when defenses had a good sense the Vikings were passing, pressure increased and Minnesota's efficiency went down. One way to see this is that the Vikings ranked 16th on third down (40.9 percent conversation rate) despite having the third-most earned first downs per game (23.9). With a rushing average of 4.9 yards per attempt (fourth in the NFL) and a passing figure of 8.3 yards per attempt (second), the Vikes were creating the right opportunities and making the most of them, just not keeping the sequencing efficient enough. Then there's the defensive side of the ball, where the Vikings were awful last season. Mike Zimmer called it the worst defense he's ever had, and he was right. Minnesota finished towards the bottom of the league in virtually every category. But as Vikings fans know, there's a lot of context needed. Just take a look at this graphic showing the team's starting defense last December and its projected starters this fall. Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce didn't play at all last year, and Anthony Barr was done after one game. Eric Kendricks missed the last month-plus. Then the Vikings went out and added Dalvin Tomlinson, Patrick Peterson, and Mackensie Alexander in free agency, while only slightly downgrading from Anthony Harris to Xavier Woods at the safety spot opposite Harrison Smith. Jeff Gladney's legal situation is unfortunate, but Cameron Dantzler showed signs of being a legit No. 1 corner last year and has added some weight this offseason. Third-round draft picks Chazz Surratt and Patrick Jones II might even be able to help out a little as rookies. There are still valid reasons to be concerned about the pass rush (Hunter is coming off injury and there's a lack of proven options behind him) and the cornerback situation (Peterson bouncing back isn't a lock), but it's also not too difficult to imagine Mike Zimmer turning this into a standout defense once again. 2020 was a major aberration for Zimmer. And hey, don't just take it from me. Bleacher Report's recent power rankings of every NFL defense put the Vikings at No. 10. These are both optimistic outlooks, there's no doubt about that. But it's not unrealistic to think that if a few things break right, the Vikings could have a top-ten unit on both sides of the ball. As for the special teams... Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there. | https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/could-vikings-have-top-10-offense-and-top-10-defense-in-2021 |
Shall We Have Prohibition? | Figures can't liebut liars can figure; and never was this moss-grown old saying better illustrated than in the incessant, voluminous and highly emotional debate over the merits and de-merits of prohibition which has been waged without cessation since 1919. Never have so many statistics been adduced in support of anything as have beenused on both sides; and never have they been more grossly and patently unreliable and inaccurate. We are told, for example, by the wets that the wildness of youth is the result of prohibition; yet England, where there is no prohibition, has a wild youth movement quite as serious as our own. The drys point to increased savings bank deposits as an indication that the abolition of the saloon has rescued the working man from misery. But our currency is still so much inflated that a 50 percent increase in volume over the pre-War period would mean no real advance, and the growth of deposits beyond this may well be due, and probably is, to the better economic position of labor in general during the post-War period. Those who oppose prohibition argue that it has made the country turn to whiskey and gin, and away from such milder tipple as beer and wine. Yet on the continent of Europe, where anyone may make his choice as freely as ever, there has been in recent years an enormous movement in the same direction. Attempts to link prohibition with the increase in crime are equally un-scientific, as is evidenced by looking at the growing amount of the latter in the United States prior to 1919. The degree to which drinking has been diminished since the Volstead act is another matter as to which no reliable evidence is available. Nearly everyone who has looked into the matter at all carefully is of the opinion that there is much less of it than before, but the clement of possible error in any such calculation is obviously great. The day is still far distant when we can make any really accurate summary of the benefits and evils of this, one of the most extensive and interesting social experiments in the history of mankind. In the meantime, some highly illuminating sidelights on the whole question are contained in a 30,000-word study by the Research Department of the Federal Council of Churches, made public this week. While it does not pretend to be final and definite, it is much the most careful, comprehensive survey of the matter which, so far as we are aware, has yet been made anywhere. In addition to tapping the usual and familiar sources of information, the authors of this inquiry sent an elaborate questionnaire to 2,700 social workers all over the country, of whom one-tenth replied. They also investigated many family case work records showing conditions among that submerged portion of the population which is forced to appeal to municipal or private charitable organizations for aid. | https://newrepublic.com/article/122761/shall-we-have-prohibition |
Should Phoenix Suns give rookie Jalen Smith opportunity against size of defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers? | Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones had the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Deandre Ayton in mind when drafting Jalen Smith out of Maryland. "I'm looking forward to seeing those two guys anchoring the floor together, even if it's for stints," said Jones after the 2020 NBA Draft about Smith and Ayton. "We talk about teams like the Lakers, those are teams that have great size, skill and versatility. You talk about teams like Denver, they have great size, skill and versatility. And so we'll have to match and exceed that if we want to continue this journey that we're on to become a powerhouse in the West." Six months and 51 wins later, Phoenix has made the come up in finishing with the NBA's second-best record, but will open its first playoff run in 11 years against the Lakers and all their size of Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol with Smith hardly being a factor going into the postseason. The 10th overall pick only averaged two points and 1.4 rebounds in 27 games as he dealt with an ankle injury early in the season, had a bout with COVID-19 and spent time in the G-League. If the Suns were able to pull off the upset they're the first second-seed underdog in the first round in NBA playoff history they'd play the Portland-Denver winner in the Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets have leading-MVP candidate, 6-11 Nikola Jokic, as well as 7-footer JaVale McGee, 6-10 Michael Porter Jr., 6-9 JaMychal Green and 6-8 Paul Millsap. So Phoenix may have to go through the two teams Jones noted when talking about Smith just to reach the conference finals. Smith did show signs of his potential in the final regular season game, though, which created a little buzz that he may see some action in the playoffs. Getting his first career start, Smith posted his first career double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds in 41 minutes, all career highs, in helping Phoenix win a 123-121 thriller Sunday at San Antonio. "That game should give him confidence he can play in an NBA game," Suns coach Monty Williams said. The performance also led to Williams fielding questions about whether Smith has earned playing time in the postseason. Williams said any player who puts the work in has a chance to play, but put some reality on the idea of Smith possibly playing in the playoffs. "I'll throw anybody in the game if I feel like they can help us win, but for him, we don't want to get carried away," Williams said. "He's had one game, but he's worked his butt off all year long. To be a high pick like that and not play as much as your contemporaries is hard. There are a lot of people in his class that have done a lot more than he has done, but to have a game like on the last game of the season, that has to give him a lot of confidence not just in that game, but in the work that he's putting in." So Phoenix will likely continue to give 6-10 Dario Saric and 7-footer Frank Kaminsky III minutes at the backup four and five against the Lakers. Forward Torrey Craig, who at 6-7 and 221 pounds has shown the ability to guard bigger players, may see some spot duty defending Davis or Harrell, but Ayton will have to lead the inside presence for the Suns. Ayton missed Phoenix's last three games with left knee soreness, but that didn't stop him from celebrating one of Smith's second-half dunks by sprinting in the area behind the basket. Well, maybe not sprinting. "Depends on what you consider a sprint," Ayton said. "I was creep walking a little bit." All joking aside, Ayton said he's been doing therapy and rehab on the knee, gained confidence from Wednesday's practice and expects to play Sunday. "I'm A OK, ready to go," Ayton said. "I feel great." Ayton also said he could've played if those were playoff games. "I would've pushed through and tried my best, but we kept it safe and did what we had to do to get me back on the floor fully healthy," Ayton said. Even with a healthier Ayton, Phoenix still is undermanned inside. Had Smith become the contributor Jones envisioned going into the season, the Suns would be better suited to handle Davis, Drummond, Harrell and Gasol to start the playoffs but like Williams said, he'll play anybody who he feels can help them win. So maybe Smith will get that chance starting Sunday in Phoenix. Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin. Support local journalism. Start your online subscription. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2021/05/21/should-suns-give-rookie-jalen-smith-opportunity-against-size-lakers/5187872001/ |
Are the Republicans a Party? | Obviously, there underlies such divisions continued over a long period a deepseated antagonism on fundamentals. It cannot be accounted for by ordinary factional differences, or, as the regulars contended in 1912, by personal ambition. It is an antagonism growing out of opposing economic interests, and coloring social views. That was true between 1908 and 1912 and it is true now, no matter what particular aspects the conflict may assume. No better illustration of this can be had than a brief and unimportant exchange between Mr. Mills, of New York, and Mr. Green, of Iowa, in the debate over the gift tax while the tax bill was in the House. Mr. Green wanted to enact a gift tax because he believed it would increase revenues under the surtaxes and the estates taxes by serving as a barrier to evasions. Mr. Mills, an opponent of high surtaxes and of increased estate taxes, fought the gift tax. The West wanted to tax the rich to relieve the poor. The East wanted to relieve the rich, and argued such relief to be best for the country. So much for the opposed economic views. As to the social consequence of these opposed views: Mr. Mills, in the manner of one putting a poser, inquired whether Mr. Green would tax the gift of a $10,000 necklace given by a man to his wife at Christmas. And Mr. Green almost jubilantly replied that it would be most desirable so to tax ostentation. Mr. Green is not a La Follette man; he had been counted a regular until the tax fight opened. There is every reason to believe that the antagonism will become stronger, not weaker, in the future. The powerful conservatives of the East see no protection for their interests and their convictions save in the Republican party. They cannot turn to the Democratic party, since, whatever its deficiencies, it leans toward progressivism, not alone because of the direction given it in the Wilson administration, but because its popular strength is among the small farmers of the South and the wage-earners of the North. Hence, the Eastern conservatives must at any cost retain their grip on the Republican organization, unless they are willing to relinquish political control, which they are far from considering. And this grip is bound to be opposed by the West with increasing vigor and increasing strength, because the West is steadily formulating a semi-radical social theory in addition to its semi-radical economic interest. It is developing an educated semi-radicalism. It is to be gravely doubted that such a struggle can go on indefinitely without tearing the Republican party wide open, and destroying it as the piece of political mechanism the country has used most of the time since the Civil War. A party cannot suffer such futility as it has shown in the tax fight without paying a severe penalty. The danger to the party organization goes farther than the effects of internecine strife. It goes to the very roots of popular confidence in it. Ours is a party government. Good or bad, conservative or radical, a party must have formulated and accepted ideas and purposesas the Republican party had for many yearselse it becomes insufficient as an instrument in the hands of the country. Clearly, the Republican party has none, and has no prospects of evolving any. | https://newrepublic.com/article/104633/are-the-republicans-party |
How Much Has Germany Paid? | We now come to certain items which under the terms of the Treaty do not count at all towards the reparation, but are none the less a charge on Germany. The most important are the following: 1. Sums owed to Germany by her former Allies; 2. German colonies and state property there situated; 3. state property in Alsace-Lorraine; 4. restitutions in replacement of specific Allied property removed by Germany from the invaded territory; 5. German ships seized in enemy ports; 6. German private property seized and liquidated abroad; 7. payments by Germany in discharge of private debts. The face value of the first item is 85,000,000, but while it represents real loss to Germany its market value undoubtedly is nil. I know of no reliable estimate of items, two, three, four and five. On the basis of partial data I put these items, but without much confidence as to the accuracy of the figure, somewhere around 100,000,000 altogether. Items six and seven are of different character. The proceeds have been applied to the discharge of German private debts and to this extent they represent not a net loss but the liquidation of liabilities. The net burden has been thrown on Germany only to the extent that the assets have not been applied to the discharge of the liabilities of her own Nationalsunder the Treaty any surplus can be applied to discharge the private debts of Germanys former alliesor have been sequestrated and in part not applied (as in the United States), or have been sold at a price less than their value to their German owners as a going concern. Nevertheless, apart from this net burden, the fact that this amount of capital, previously lent to Germany, has been called in, thus diminishing her working capital abroad and her liquid reserves against emergencies, has clearly diminished her capacity to make foreign payments during the period since the Armistice almost as much as though it were a net loss. The figures are very large. The German governments estimate of the value of the property liquidated abroad is 585,000,000Tardieu has estimated it a little higher, namely at 650,000,000and the amount of cash payments under the clearing house system is 30,000,000. The estimate of the value of the property liquidated appears too high if it is intended to represent its present value, but is probably not too high as a measure of its pre-war value. To sum up, I am of the opinion that the financial cost to Germany of her efforts to meet her Treaty liabilities and her obligation to surrender under the Treaty between the date of the Armistice and the date of the occupation of the Ruhr has exceeded a billion pounds, and if we include the sums she has had to find in this period to discharge private debts, the figure reaches 1,300,000,000. In order to reach an independent estimate I made this calculation before opening the valuable volume, Germanys Capacity to Pay, by Moulton and McGuire, lately published by the Institute of Economics of Washington, D. C. The corresponding estimate of these writers is 1,290,000,000 up to September 30, 1922, which almost agrees with my figure, allowing for the fact that I carry my calculations up to a later date. There are, however, some differences between us regarding one or two items, which make up the total. In addition to this, Germanys prewar investments in Russia, Turkey, and Austria- Hungary and her war loans to her allies have been rendered valueless by the course of events and there has of course been an enormous loss of good will in her business connections and organization. | https://newrepublic.com/article/104358/how-much-has-germany-paid |
Can rookie running back Chris Evans fill former Bengals RB Giovani Bernard's shoes? | After Chris Evans moved him from quarterback to a playmaking running back in high school, Evans kept hearing the same message from his head coach. Catch the ball with your eyes first, and then catch it with your hands. Evans ability to make catches out of the backfield as a running back from the University of Michigan led him to become a sixth round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since the Bengals cut longtime running back Giovani Bernard this offseason, Evans has an opportunity to fill that role as a third down running back during his rookie season. Im just trying to take advantage of every opportunity that I get and make plays when I can, Evans said. Wherever they need me, Ill excel. Evans caught the attention of Bengals head coach Zac Taylor at the Senior Bowl. That visibility was critical because after Evans was suspended at Michigan in 2019, he only had 16 carries and nine receptions last season. As Taylor was scouting offensive linemen, he saw the same running back winning one-on-one matchups and making impressive catches. Then at Evans first practice with the Bengals, Taylor said he saw the same traits. He can split out (as a receiver), Taylor said. Thats one of the things that really jumped out to us (about Evans) at the Senior Bowl. Just how dominant he was in those one-on-ones. How natural and easy it looked for him. Evans fills a need on the Bengals roster, but its rare for a rookie in his position to make an immediate impact. Bernard averaged three catches per game and 25 receiving yards per game during his Bengals career. Last season, he had 47 receptions and 355 yards in 16 games. Among rookie running backs who werent selected in the first two rounds over the last ten years, only five matched Bernards 2021 numbers. I like how hes shifty and on third down he can pick up blocks and be able to run routes out of the backfield and even in the slot, Evans said of Bernard. Hes a great player, and Im ready to do anything they need me to do. While Bernard was a second round pick, Evans was a sixth round pick. The last running back drafted in the sixth round pick or later with Bernards 2020 numbers in his rookie season was Hall of Famer Terrell Davis in 1995. Its a difficult transition as a rookie running back getting a featured role as a pass catcher. Only 14 running backs over the last 10 years have even had more than 30 receptions during their rookie season. Only one of those players, Andre Ellington, was drafted after the third round. With Joe Mixon locked in as the starter, the Bengals have enough experience at running back to pick and choose spots for Evans. To compete for more playing time, Evans is studying the Bengals pass blocking scheme and how the team used Bernard in that role in the backfield last season Just going over it and watching it and grasping it in, most of the (pass protection) stuff is pretty much what I learned under (Michigan) coach (Jim) Harbaugh. Same terminology, same language its just some names are flipped and stuff like that but its pretty much the same idea. At his first practice, Evans showed his versatility as a pass catcher out of the backfield. As he has participated in his first team meetings, he said hes becoming comfortable with the way the Bengals use their running backs in pass protection. He said hes excited to learn from Mixon, a running back he watched film of throughout his college career. I'm excited to learn from him and see the little fine-tune things that he has in his game that I can add to mine, Evans said. Hopefully I have some things that he can learn from me, too. | https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2021/05/20/cincinnati-bengals-rookie-rb-chris-evans-compared-giovani-bernard/5146497001/ |
Does LSU have a shot at landing 2023 QB Arch Manning? | Quarterback Arch Manning is not just the biggest quarterback recruit in recent memory because of his last name, his play backs up the hype. Arch Manning is the grandson of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Arch Manning is a born and raised New Orleans native, yet he has strong connections to both Tennessee and Ole Miss, due his uncles Peyton Manning and Eli Mannings historic history with those college programs. As it currently stands, Newman QB Arch Manning is the No. 4 overall recruit in the 2023 class. As I mentioned earlier, Manning will be highly coveted thanks to his last name alone. However, Archs game has a lot of elite traits that NFL teams love. LSU has a punchers chance at landing Arch Manning, if he indeed values the programs potential to lift him to a first-round NFL Draft prospect. Manning seems to be doing his due diligence in looking at every option available, as he should. Its extremely tough to make comparisons or predictions with high school prospects, but Arch Manning does stand out a player who could become a first overall draft pick at the NFL level. If LSU can land a player like that, be pumped about it. | https://sports.yahoo.com/does-lsu-shot-landing-2023-011143740.html?src=rss |
Who will play nickel for the Packers next season? | When the Green Bay Packers hired Joe Barry, the new defensive coordinator said you can never have enough guys that are potential nickels. Luckily, the Packers will have plenty of options they can explore at slot corner for 2021. In 2020, the nickel role was handled predominately by Chandon Sullivan. In 16 games, Sullivan lined up inside on 533 snaps and received a grade of 62.2 from Pro Football Focus. Green Bay tendered Sullivan to the tune of $2.1 million back in March, expecting him to compete for a starting role once again. Sullivan will have the most experience on the roster when it comes to playing nickel, but he is far from their only option. Its very possible Green Bay could try to upgrade. If not Sullivan, Jaire Alexander should be taking snaps inside as much as the team can afford. His size and skill set makes him an ideal candidate to play closer to the ball and be a disruptive playmaker. Alexander really has no limitations to his game in that he can tackle and cover. Barry could allow him to press inside so he can completely neutralize a shifty slot receiver and also design some creative blitz packages to cater to his aggressive playstyle. However, that takes Alexander off of the boundary, which is where he is coming off an All-Pro season. Moving him inside creates a void opposite of Kevin King, but the Packers just used a first-round pick on Eric Stokes. Stokes could start as the other outside corner, giving the defense two long and fast players on the boundary with Alexander in the slot. Ultimately, that plan is contingent on Stokes being ready to contribute right away as a rookie. He will likely be the starting outside corner eventually, but Green Bay may want to give him more time to develop. Another rookie who could compete for playing time right away is Shemar Jean-Charles. The Packers used a fifth-round pick on Jean-Charles after a solid career at Appalachian State. He finished with two career interceptions, 97 tackles, and 33 passes defended. According to PFF, Charles allowed a completion rate of just 30.4 last season. Story continues Those kind of ball skills are useful for a slot corner, but Jean-Charles spent most of his time in college playing outside. However, his twitchy athleticism, shorter build, and slender frame could push Green Bay to try him inside. If he impresses during training camp and in the preseason, theres a decent chance Jean-Charles has a role that isnt just special teams in 2021. One other option is safety Darnell Savage, who played in the slot sporadically during college and his first two NFL seasons. But hes also a high-end starter at safety where his speed is a huge asset. The nickel spot has become increasingly important over the years, and the Packers will look to improve where they can. Sullivan could be a solid option for another season, or the defense could benefit from someone else emerging in the slot. List | https://sports.yahoo.com/play-nickel-packers-next-season-013132482.html?src=rss |
What should we expect from Tennessee Titans' 2021 draft picks? | After a disappointing 2020 rookie class defined by injuries and the transgressions of first-round bust Isaiah Wilson the Tennessee Titans are in need of immediate contributions out of their 2021 draft class. General manager Jon Robinson believes the Titans are a better football team after what they did in the draft. These guys that we selected this weekend, we loved watching those guys play football, Robinson told reporters on May 1. (We loved) putting the tape on and watching them do a job that we are now going to hire them to do. Heres a breakdown of the expectations, best-case scenario and worst-case scenario with each of the Titans 2021 draft picks: CB Caleb Farley Round 1, No. 22 overall The expectation: Starter as a rookie (duh, he was a first-round pick). Best-case scenario: Full participant in training camp and Day 1 starter as CB1. That might be too optimistic of a timeline; its not clear how much Farley will be able to do in training camp because of the back procedure he had in March. But if he's full go in late July when camp begins, the Titans would look like they swindled the rest of the league for a talent at No. 22 in Farley, who some pundits have called a generational talent. Worst-case scenario: The fear is obviously Farley never getting past his back issues to have a productive career. For the Titans to miss big on their first-round pick for a second consecutive year would be a disaster for the franchise. See all odds for 2021 season OT Dillon Radunz Round 2, No. 53 overall The expectation: To become the long-term starter at right tackle sooner rather than later. Radunz has a big transition to make he played left tackle at North Dakota State and enters the NFL from the FCS level but as a second-round pick, thats the hope. Best-case scenario: Starting right tackle as a rookie. Radunz has this expectation of himself, too. At the right tackle spot, hell be competing with free-agent signee Kendall Lamm, Ty Sambrailo and others in his first training camp. Worst-case scenario: The Titans have used two first-round picks and a second-rounder on offensive tackles since 2016. If Radunz doesnt pan out, Tennessee again would be back to square one at right tackle, a spot it has invested a lot in but not had stability at since Jack Conklin departed in free agency after the 2019 season. LB Monty Rice Round 3, No. 92 overall The expectation: Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Robinson said they expect Rice to compete right away at the inside linebacker spots and on the special teams. Best-case scenario: Titans see enough in Rice as a rookie that he could be a key contributor/starting option on defense in Year 2. That could mean letting Rashaan Evans walk in free agency after the 2021 season. Worst-case scenario: A disappointing Rice making it hard to let Evans walk in free agency, or necessitating finding Evans replacement on the market. NFL teams would rather have a starter on a rookie contract that a pricier veteran for the same return. DB Elijah Molden Round 3, No. 100 overall Expectation: Second-year pro Kristian Fulton could be the No. 1 option at nickelback in 2021, but Molden should be a contributor defensively as a rookie regardless whether its in the slot or at safety. Vrabel indicated after Day 2 of the draft that Molden would be given one position to focus on to start, and as his understanding of the Titans defense grows, he could be given more responsibilities. Best-case scenario: Molden as the starting nickelback if Fulton is on the outside. If the former Washington star also is able to offer quality depth as a reserve safety in base looks the Titans are much weaker at the No. 3 safety spot with Kenny Vaccaro released and Amani Hooker now pegged to be a starter alongside Kevin Byard and as a backup outside cornerback, Tennessee would be thrilled. Worst-case scenario: If the Titans cant get enough production at nickel with Molden and/or a combination of players it would be a hole for opposing teams to exploit in passing situations. Tennessee gave up the second-most passing touchdowns in the NFL last season. WR Dez Fitzpatrick Round 4, No. 109 overall Expectation: To be an immediate contributor in the receiving corps. Theres more riding on Fitzpatrick than a typical fourth-round rookie, with the Titans big question marks at receiver entering 2021. Best-case scenario: Fitzpatrick becoming a legit No. 2 or No. 3 option behind star A.J. Brown. The Titans see a big, versatile wideout in the former Louisville standout, whom some draft observers didnt see getting selected until the sixth or seventh round of the draft. Tennessee traded up in the fourth round to snag him. Worst-case scenario: If Fitzpatrick is a whiff, it could be a struggle for the Titans offense in the passing game. Fitzpatrick isnt the only factor, of course; the Titans signed Josh Reynolds, and they could add another veteran receiver in the coming weeks. But Tennessee might be forced to depend heavily on Brown, who is already the focus of opposing defenses. A weak receiving room has a trickle down effect on Derrick Henry, too, who already has the largest workload of any running back in the NFL. Henry has led the league in carries since 2019. OLB Rashad Weaver Round 4, No. 135 overall Expectation:Weavers legal situation is still being sorted out, but hes slated to be the No. 3 edge rushing option behind free-agent signee Bud Dupree and Harold Landry III. Weaver was productive against the run and pass at Pitt, posting 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in 35 games. Best-case scenario: Weaver becomes a starting-caliber outside linebacker and shows the versatility to slide down to the defensive-line spots. Playing inside is untapped territory for Weaver he played edge in Pitts 3-4 defense but the Titans saw him get looks at the three-technique spot at the Senior Bowl. Vrabel was impressed with his willingness to take coaching at the spot. Worst-case scenario: Were not sure what will come of the misdemeanor simple assault charge that was filed against Weaver last month. But from a football standpoint, the former Pitt standout not becoming a rotational pass rusher would be a huge blow to a Titans pass rush that must be better in 2021. WR Racey McMath Round 6, No. 205 overall Expectation: To become a contributor to the special teams unit and develop his skills as a wide receiver, perhaps behind the scenes on the practice squad. Best-case scenario: McMath becomes a core special teamer and sneaks onto the depth chart at receiver. McMath has the speed and size at 6-3 and 217 pounds. The question is whether he can turn himself into an offensive threat because he wasnt one at LSU. Worst-case scenario: McMath never sticks on the roster. Theres always a big risk with taking a flyer on a project, but its a more manageable one with a sixth-round pick. S Brady Breeze Round 6, No. 215 overall Expectation: To become a key contributor on special teams. According to The Athletics Dane Brugler, Breeze played more than 700 (!) special teams snaps at Oregon. Best-case scenario: Breeze becomes a core special teamer and adds some depth at the Titans backup safety spots, which are weaker than a year ago. Breeze started just four of 38 career appearances for the Ducks, but he had big moments as a junior in 2019 (he opted out of the 2020 season): he was the Rose Bowl MVP, led Oregon in tackles in the Pac-12 championship game and his three defensive touchdowns tied for third-most in the country. Worst-case scenario: Not making the roster. Ben Arthur covers the Tennessee Titans for The USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @benyarthur. | https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2021/05/21/tennessee-titans-draft-class-predictions-expectations/5153735001/ |
Where will the Pacers pick in the 2021 NBA Draft? | The Indiana Pacers are 13th among the 14 lottery teams with Thursday's 142-115 loss to the Washington Wizards. According to Tankathon, that gives the Pacers a 4.8% chance of a top 4 pick and a 1.0% chance for the No. 1 overall pick. Paul George and Myles Turner. Well, the two lottery picks before that were Tyler Hansbrough and Jerryd Bayless (who was traded with Ike Diogu for Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts and Brandon Rush). The Pacers are likely to pick 13th so here's a look at an impressive list of talent selected in that spot recently, especially in odd years: 2020: Kira Lewis, New Orleans, averaged 6.4 points, 2.3 assists in 54 games as a rookie. 2019: Tyler Herro, Miami, an impressive playoff run as a rookie didn't carry over to his sophomore season but he was still good, averaging 15.1 points on 36.0% on 3s. 2018: Jerome Robinson, L.A. Clippers, shot just 29.5% for Washington this season, averaging 4.9 points. 2017: Donovan Mitchell, Utah, he's developed into one of the best players in the league, averaging 26.4 points and 5.2 assists for the top-seeded Jazz this season. 2016: Georgios Papagiannis, Sacramento, appeared in 39 games over two seasons. 2015: Devin Booker, Phoenix, another budding superstar, averaging 25.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds this season. 2014: Zach LaVine, Minnesota, pick 13 has produced a lot of versatile wings, LaVine averaged 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists for Chicago this season. 2013: Kelly Olynyk, Dallas, has played for three teams but had his best run -- 54.5% overall, 39.2% on 3s, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 19.0 points -- after his trade to Houston as part of the compensation for Victor Oladipo this season. 2012: Kendall Marshall, Phoenix, went from Phoenix to the Lakers to Milwaukee to Philadelphia and hasn't played in the NBA since 2016. 2011: Markieff Morris, Phoenix, coming to the end of a long, productive NBA career, averaging 6.7 points, 4.4 rebounds with the Lakers this season. Contact IndyStar Deputy Sports Editor Nat Newell at (317) 444-6182 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NatJNewell. | https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2021/05/20/indiana-pacers-2021-nba-draft/5193999001/ |
Who Benefits the Most From the COVID Aid Given to India? | As Indias COVID catastrophe rages on, aid is pouring in from all parts of the world, from countries as diverse as Kazakhstan and Korea. USAID has allotted $100 million, sending in oxygen cylinders, life-saving drugs, diagnostic kits and masks. President Joe Biden is now working on a plan to send vaccines to India. Battling its biggest health emergency since independence, India is gratefully accepting the help, having recently reversed a longstanding policy of refusing foreign aid. But the avalanche of assistance raises familiar questions about donor motives and aid efficacy that have long afflicted such humanitarian initiatives. Critics of foreign aid hold it as unproductive and wasteful, with those like Nobel laureate Angus Deaton arguing that aid only helps insulate corrupt governments from the political pressures that would otherwise create a better functioning state by forcing them to perform better. This is seen by some as the reason why Africa continues to be poor despite the billions of dollars of aid that has flowed into the continent for decades. Aid is also notoriously political. Disaster assistance, just like development and military aid, is primarily driven by foreign policy interests. U.S. allies are more likely to receive disaster aid, and more of it, than non-allies, especially when the U.S. is in competition with a rival power for influence. Aid jumps perceptibly to countries that rotate into the non-permanent slots at the U.N. Security Council, for example. It is more about statecraft than philanthropy. American aid should put the emphasis on diplomacy, on democracy, and on development, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, then a foreign policy adviser for the Biden campaign, said last May. President Donald Trump put it more bluntly at a speech to the U.N. General Assembly: We are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and, frankly, are our friends. The prioritizing of strategic interests means conditions of accountability are seldom attached to disaster aid. This opens up the risk of misuseas has already been alleged with the aid to India. The U.S. State Department has been fielding questions from the media demanding accountability for US taxpayers money after reports that planeloads of aid material were found sitting at Indian hangers for days even as states and hospitals complained that none of it was reaching them. A more fundamental question for US taxpayers would be whether the worlds sixth-largest economy actually needs any aid. For it is definitely not short of cash. Ground staff unload Covid-19 coronavirus relief supplies from the US at the Indira Gandhi International Airport cargo terminal in New Delhi on April 30, 2021. PRAKASH SINGH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images U.S. COVID aid to its allies Three days after the first USAID consignment landed in Delhi, the Indian government fast-tracked a $2.7 billion vanity project to remake New Delhis seat of power as essential service so that work on it would not be hampered by COVID-19 restrictions. It includes the construction of a new parliament building and 10 four-story buildings for Prime Minister Narendra Modis new residential complex. Modis government has surreptitiously railroaded this project, which will see the ripping up of heritage-rich central Delhi and the demolition of iconic buildings including the National Museum. The government is also pumping money into cow sciences and setting up help desks for cow protection. It is funding research to find if COVID-19 can be treated with Hindu hymns; mobilizing state-owned enterprises to cough up millions of dollars to jazz up Hindu shrines; and is setting up an international television channel to portray a better image of India. Neither is India short of the material its getting as aid. The week the first tranche of the aid from the U.S. landed in Delhi in a Super Galaxy military transporter, carrying among other things 400 oxygen cylinders, the Indian government declared there was absolutely no need to panic for oxygen because India has enough medical oxygen available and the only challenge is to transport it to hospitals. Its a mystery why oxygen is being flown in all the way from America. With authoritarian governments Western aidsuch as the Trump administrations attempt to offer assistance to Iran and North Korea in the initial days of the pandemiccan act as a tool to extract concessions, force good behavior or achieve diplomatic breakthroughs. But for steadfast allies like India, foreign aid has no such utility. Unlike the regimes it considers rogue, the U.S. would never ask Modi to free the political prisoners he has stuffed his jails with, or ease up on the civil society organizations he has systematically eviscerated, as conditions for aid. Democracies in any case tend to land more U.S. disaster aid than non-democracies, benefiting even notionally democratic countries such as India that are in effect run by semi-authoritarian regimes. India is now considered an electoral autocracy and a partly free country as its democratic credentials continue to plunge under Modi. That the U.S. sees India as a friendly middle power in its rivalry with China, and a key Asian ally, only makes it more indulgent of Modis democratic lapses. Sudanese dockers unload bags of cereal from one of two US ships carrying humanitarian aid supplies provided by the US development agency USAID, at Port Sudan on the red sea coast on June 5, 2018. The Indian government has complained that the vulture journalism of foreign media dehumanizes the victims of the COVID-19 tragedy. But it is this global media focus that is also bringing in the donations of oxygen concentrators and ventilators. The droughts in Ethiopia and Botswana in 1985 and 1986 respectively are often cited as examples of media salience in humanitarian aid. While the Ethiopian drought got a lot of international media attention, that in Botswana the following year was crowded out of the news cycle by other events. As a result, affected Ethiopians got 10 times more than victims in Botswana. One study of the U.S. response to 5,000 natural disasters between 1968 and 2002 concludes that disasters that were in the news were more likely to receive relief than those that were not. One New York Times article was worth more disaster aid dollars than 1,500 fatalities, estimated another study, on the drivers and patterns of U.S. disaster aid between 1964 and 1995. Read more: Indias COVID Crisis Is Out of Control. It Didnt Have to Be This Way But the most glaring flaw of the arguably broken humanitarian assistance system, especially in man-made disasters like the ongoing crisis in India, is that it rewards disaster rather than incentivizing its prevention. And it rewards the same entities that caused the disaster in the first place by channeling the aid through them. India wouldnt have needed much of the aid coming its way today had its government used the entire year it had to prepare since COVID-19 first hit the country. Instead, it ignored warnings of an inevitable second wave, prematurely declared victory against the virus for political gains and failed to stock up on vaccines or ramp up the health infrastructure. The response to the second wave is just as appalling. The country has been pretty much on autopilot with its top ministers, including Modi, seldom seen. Apart from the inanities when they do show up, theres no clear blueprint on the plans to tackle this crisis. Last Sunday, one of Indias top virologists quit a key COVID panel after complaining that scientists are facing a stubborn response to evidence-based policy making. Senior members of the ruling party are prescribing the drinking of cow urine to fend off COVID-19, and journalists are being arrested for warning people that cow urine and cow dung are not a cure. Not a hopeful look for the political leadership of a country where COVID-19 has already affected more than 25 million people. But the optics-driven politics of disaster aid is blind to these failings. The Coronavirus Brief. Everything you need to know about the global spread of COVID-19 Please enter a valid email address. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Please attempt to sign up again. Sign Up Now An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. Please try again later. Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME. You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thank you! For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Contact us at [email protected]. | https://time.com/6050176/india-covid-aid/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29 |
Who makes Mizzou's All-Time NBA Team? | A: I get this question a lot, but I've never been in another team's weight room or another team's locker room, so I'm not the right person to measure how good or how bad facilities are. Here's what I've learned over the years: If you're a head coach and you want new facilities, you convince your bosses and your donors that you have the worst facilities in your league. Then when you get your shiny new building, you convince your recruits you have the best facilities in your league ... until it's time for new facilities, then you go back to your bosses and donors and tell them you need something new. If you ask me - and you did - it's all a bit of a scam. Most college facilities are more than good enough to have a good football team. Drago had all the fancy technology in Russia. Rocky trained out of a barn. We're talking about lifting weights and locker rooms. Most if not all Power Five facilities are better than NFL facilities, because NFL teams don't have to recruit to get their talent. College teams need shiny objects to attract the best players. A former head coach once told me he found out that a rival school had the team logo painted on all the barbells and dumbbells in their weight room ... and he then insisted that his team NEEDED all of their barbells and dumbbells to have the team logo, otherwise recruits would notice. Bottom line, Mizzou has very nice digs right now with the south end zone facility and will soon have a brand new indoor practice facility that serves far more needs than the current indoor facility. But there will come a time when they're not good enough, too small and outdated and the head coach - no telling who it will be by then - will demand something bigger and more shiny. Dave Matter brings you the latest updates from the Mizzou sports scene. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. | https://www.stltoday.com/sports/subscriber/who-makes-mizzous-all-time-nba-team/article_86a030bc-540c-5792-b1f6-eb7ee04fbfe2.html |
What do investors value most in their advisors? | Open this photo in gallery A good client-advisor relationship often comes down to comfort and fit, which is up to the advisor to work on. drazen_zigic/iStockPhoto / Getty Images Financial advisors often take pride in helping Canadians establish their nest eggs and in managing their investments, but how often do they step back and ask themselves, Does my client actually like working with me? Portfolio performance is important, but advisors today need to be more well-rounded if they want to attract and retain clients, says Afsar Shah, a partner with The Personal Coach, a consulting firm that specializes in working with financial advisors, in Waterloo, Ont. Advisors business models have changed over the past several years, he says. Ive seen an increasing number of them become much more client-centred and service-focused, as opposed to advisor-centred and product-focused. ... Its less transactional and more trust-based. Story continues below advertisement A good client-advisor relationship often comes down to comfort and fit, says Mr. Shah, which is up to the advisor to work on. The relationships have to be much deeper and much richer and much closer in order to provide the solutions that most clients are looking for. What clients say Susan Leadlay came across the independent advisor she wanted to manage her and her husbands money at a personal finance seminar in 2002, hosted by her husbands then-employer, Nortel Networks Corp. I was blown away by his knowledge, says Ms. Leadlay, now a retired teacher who has been married to her husband, Brian Leadlay, for 46 years. At the end of the seminar, she asked the presenter if he took private clients. The advisor politely told her the seminar wasnt intended to drum up business, but instead to teach employees and their families more about finances and investing. Ms. Leadlay persisted. I said, Thats fine, but do you take on private clients? He said yes and she asked him for his card. Almost 20 years later, the Leadlays continue to work with the same Ottawa-based fee-for-service advisory firm. Its not just the independent business model they prefer; the couple also has confidence in the teams expertise and ability to communicate finance and investing topics clearly. I am so happy with the fact that I have learned so much, Ms. Leadlay says. The advisors were, and still are, extremely approachable, knowledgeable and so highly qualified. My husband and I feel like we can trust them. Story continues below advertisement The Leadlays also appreciate that their advisors keep in touch with them on the progress of their portfolio regularly, including during the latest market downturn last year. The advisors keep us fully informed at all times about whats going on, she says. We dont feel like were alienated; we feel we are part of the team, working toward a common goal. The Ottawa couples portfolio has also performed well over the years, enabling them to live comfortably in retirement. They were able to help us fulfill our goals, Mr. Leadlay says. Jay Seabrook, an investor in Kelowna, B.C., chose his current financial advisory firm in part for its transparent fee structure and strong communication with clients. He also likes that the Vancouver-based firm educates its clients through frequent events and blog posts and checks in with him regularly in good markets and bad. These kinds of things are really valuable, says Mr. Seabrook, co-founder and chief operating officer at the Enriched Academy, which offers financial education services. With many advisors, youre probably talking to them maybe once a year and the fee structure isnt that transparent. Story continues below advertisement Mr. Seabrook is also loyal after the firm took him on as a client about 10 years ago, even before his net worth met the minimum requirement. The firm saw potential with his investment goals, which included investing in residential real estate alongside stocks and other securities. Theres a huge difference between what you get [in terms of service] as a higher-net-worth investor, Mr. Seabrook says. He also likes that the firm invests in a lot of different assets, which helps to diversify his portfolio. It also has a good track record when it comes to experience and portfolio performance. Whats more, his advisors also invest in many of the same assets they recommend to their clients. I would look for someone ... whos invested in the same things you are, he says. Trust is top of mind Mr. Shah has helped several investors find and choose an advisor and says trustworthiness is often at the top of the list. Without trust, nothing really matters, he says. At the end of the day, what investors are looking for more than anything, is someone who can give them the peace of mind that their financial affairs are in order, well thought out, and that theyre well looked after. Story continues below advertisement As such, advisors need to be able to communicate financial and investing topics to clients effectively and relate these topics to their own circumstances. The quickest way to lose a client, Mr. Shah says, is to not deliver on expectations around services. Its not all about investment returns, he says, Its about relationship management. Its about doing what you say youre going to do. Its a full-contact sport and you have to be communicating well with your clients. Another way advisors can better manage relationships is to be integrators who work with clients other professional service providers, such as accountants and lawyers, to help them with their broader wealth management and estate plans, Mr. Shah says. Finally, its also important for advisors to have a succession plan, and share those details with clients, especially as advisors get closer to retirement. Very few advisors have well-thought-out succession plans, he says, and it does play a role in client decision-making when theyre deciding which advisor to go to. ... Advisors need to start thinking about these issues because their clients are. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/globe-advisor/advisor-news/article-what-do-investors-value-most-in-their-advisors/ |
What would it mean for Congress to pass an abortion law like the one Biden wants? | The Supreme Courts decision to hear a major abortion case this year has forced a reassessment of whether Congress might pass a law that would keep the procedure legal even if the high court repeals or weakens Roe v. Wade. The political reality is that to pass anything through the Senate would require the support of 10 Republicans. And even if Democrats abolished the filibuster so they could pass an abortion law with 51 votes, theyd need support from Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Bob Casey, D-Pa., who both have said they support making abortion illegal after 20 weeks. White House press secretary Jen Psaki at a press conference on Thursday. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) So an abortion bill that passed out of the current Congress in any of the next few years would likely need to prohibit the procedure after about 20 weeks to get Manchins and Caseys votes. The trade-off would be that if the Supreme Court upholds a Mississippi law that prohibits abortion after 15 weeks, a law passed by a Democratic Congress could unwind restrictions in numerous conservative states that are much shorter than 20 weeks. In Texas, for example, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law this week that bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks after gestation. Thats assuming the Supreme Court does not entirely overturn Roe v. Wade, which is also a possibility in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the case involving the Mississippi law. This is the first time an abortion case will be heard by the court since the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett last fall. Conservatives now have a 6-3 majority on the court. Story continues If the court finds this particular law constitutional, then it opens a wider door that would allow for 12 weeks or lower, even heartbeat bills. That's obviously a much greater incentive [for Democrats] to get [a ban] that's not seven or eight weeks, said Charles Camosy, a professor of theological and social ethics at Fordham University. But, Camosy added, a national law would hamstring California, New York, Oregon and places that have much more robust protections for abortions. Because states represented by Democratic senators tend to have liberal abortion laws, the instinct of those lawmakers might just be to protect home states, he said. Activists on both sides of the abortion debate in front of the the Supreme Court during the annual March for Life on Jan. 24, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Polling shows that about two-thirds of Americans do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned. At the same time, more than two-thirds of Americans favor restricting abortion after the first trimester, which is the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Kelly Baden, who organizes progressive state lawmakers around the country through her work at a group called the State Innovation Exchange, said that political polling on abortion is deeply unsatisfying and is an oversimplification of some deeply complex beliefs. She pointed to a tweet thread by an opinion researcher who cited survey data indicating that many Americans dont want the government to decide when women can get an abortion. But Baden also said the Supreme Courts looming decision in the Dobbs case, which is expected to be heard later this year with a decision likely early next year, is a wake-up call for progressives to invest in long-term political organizing around the issue. She said conservatives have out-organized the left on abortion. We have not matched that intensity, and we're realizing we need to. It's unfortunate it might take losing Roe v. Wade to do that for us, Baden said. We are already operating under a wildly uneven abortion access landscape. It has been a truly devastating year already for anyone who cares about reproductive freedom, she said, citing a report earlier this year that found over 500 laws to restrict abortion had been introduced in state legislatures across the country in 2021. But if Congress does not reach an agreement on what a national standard should be following the example of several European countries that have passed laws allowing abortion, but only until 12 to 16 weeks the most likely scenario is that the highly uneven patchwork already in place across the states only grows more so. ____ Read more from Yahoo News: | https://news.yahoo.com/what-would-it-mean-for-congress-to-pass-an-abortion-law-like-the-one-biden-wants-090027227.html?src=rss |
When was the best time to be alive? | We at the Upside often find ourselves considering this, given how often we hear that modern life is rubbish and this is the worst era since AD540. That may be so, but the Upside is always looking for the good in things. Surely not that tumultuous period that Wordsworth was recalling when he wrote the words: Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive / But to be young was very heaven! Lets face it: life was dreadful in the 18th century, and didnt last long either. Over to you Upsiders. The best answer gets a vole. A vole. Photograph: Nature Photographers Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Otherwise, this week we were greatly cheered by: the breast cancer survivor who persuaded a generation to check their chests. Five-minute read the cryptocurrency that is about to slash its carbon emissions. 90-second read Leonardo di Caprios plan to rewild the Galpagos. Two-minute read dogs better than lateral flow tests at detecting Covid. Two-minute sniff Readers singing the praises of bleak places they came to love during lockdown. Three-minute read Legos new LGBTQ+ figures. 90-second read Legos first LGBTQ+ set. Photograph: Lego Lucky numbers Several US states have reported days free of Covid deaths for the first time in months. Cambridge accepted record numbers of students from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in 2020. What we liked Taking cars out of cities can be a boost to certain types of business, according to this piece from Bloomberg CityLab. Meanwhile, the BBC reported on the ancient Italian village uncovered when an Alpine lake was drained. And this is curious: the ants who live far longer than the rest. What we heard Daianna Karaian wrote in from London with news of a news initiative: For a long time, weve all been led to believe that we, as individuals, cant do anything about the state of the world. But the link between individual action and collective change has been hard to miss this past year from changes in climate policy, to movements against discrimination, to the ebbs and flows of a global pandemic. As founder of Today Do This, Ive always believed our small individual actions today can create big collective change tomorrow. Thats why, two years ago, we began publishing a weekly do-something-about-the-news letter where we pick a recent news story and share one simple thing readers can do that day to make a difference. To give even more people the confidence to create change, weve made the past years worth of news stories and practical actions available to everyone here. Thanks Daianna tons of practical advice for us all in there. With a new Guardian feature to make journalism more accessible to low-vision and blind users. Were away for a couple of weeks. Back in June. In the meantime, dont forget to tell us about your golden age. If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email [email protected] | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/21/when-was-the-best-time-to-be-alive |
Are Democrats Giving Up on the Dream of Universal Childcare? | But there are important advantages to the Warren and Jones approach. First, of course, is its simplicity. Thats not just a nice thing to have. There are costs to means-tested programs. One is administrative: It takes a lot more paperwork and manpower to guide people through a maze of red tape and determine who is deserving of government aid and who isnt. That requires government resources but also time and effort from people who want and need the assistance. Sometimes its too high a barrier to clear, and those who are eligible still dont get enrolled. Theres also the political advantage. Universal programs have been found to enjoy more stability. When everyone participates, everyone has a stake in a programs future. Its also hard to tar it as welfare or a handout if rich people get it, too. Its also the right approach for a problem like childcare. All of the pieces of a childcare system hang on each other. If you just pump more money into it via parents pockets, for instance, you arent likely to significantly address the question of supply, or quality. Half of Americans have no available childcare slots in their area. Murray and Scott try to address the problem of quality by tying their money to higher standards, but those will have to be somehow enforced. Warren and Joness plan, on the other hand, offers a public option and therefore direct competition, raising the standard of quality while also offering existing providers money to keep pace. They get the government directly involved in the business of creating more childcare supply. Even Warrens plan could fall short of truly transforming the system if local governments dont take up the federal governments financial offer to create these new centers and the crises of supply and quality dont budge. But it at least stands a chance of creating what could rightly be called an actual American childcare system: one where parents have high-quality options for their children that they can actually afford. | https://newrepublic.com/article/162445/childcare-costs-universal-biden-warren-murray |
Who is on the Stone Mountain Memorial Association board? | Rey Martinez: Business owner, Navy veteran and mayor of Loganville, the city of about 13,000 thats split between Gwinnett and Walton counties. Vocal supporter of now-former President Donald Trump. Carolyn Meadows: President of the National Rifle Association since 2019. Longtime figure in conservative Georgia politics and former Republican National Committee representative. Marietta native and former chairwoman of the memorial associations board. Abraham Mosley: Memorial association board member since 2019 and newly appointed chairman. Well-known community advocate from Athens, where he has pastored Mount Pleasant Baptist Church since 1974. Roy Roberts: Monroe resident, former Walton County Commissioner and chairman of the Walton County Republican Party. Owner of Nunnally Farms, a cattle operation. Christopher Sanders: Newly appointed member of the memorial association board and executive director of the East Metro Community Improvement District in eastern DeKalb County. Graduate of Redan High School and former assistant director at the Georgia Department of Revenue. Ray Smith: Was board chair until Mosleys recent appointment. Atlanta-based attorney who worked with Rudy Giuliani to argue Trump campaigns election-related lawsuit in Georgia. Joan Bostwick Thomas: Owner of Rental Real Estate in Monroe. Former trustee at George Walton Academy. Mark Williams/Jeff Cown: As commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Williams is a board member by default. When Williams is unable to attend, Jeff Cown director of DNRS Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites division serves as his designee on the board. | https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/who-is-on-the-stone-mountain-memorial-association-board/RHMAQA4SNBCI5N3Z6A3YJQIBTE/ |
Why is the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies falling? | The price of Bitcoin fell as much as 29% Wednesday after the China Banking Association warned member banks of risks associated with digital currencies. Other digital currencies suffered sharp declines as well. Bitcoin's volatility was on full display: The decline had narrowed to below 10% in early afternoon trading. Bitcoin has lost about 40% of its value since April 13 when it hit a high of more than $64,606 per coin. Before Wednesday, Tesla's decision to not accept the digital currency as payment for cars, along with concerns about tighter regulation of digital currencies, were major factors in the decline. The price is still up about 31% in 2021 and nearly 300% from a year ago. On Wednesday, a statement posted on the Chinese Banking Association's website said financial institutions should "resolutely refrain" from providing services using digital currencies because of their volatility. Virtually every cryptocurrency fell after the industry group's statement. Bitcoin slumped to $30,202 before recovering to $38,038, down 12% on the day, according to Coindesk. Most cryptocurrencies lost between 7% and 22% of their value and shares of Coinbase dropped 5.4%. The value of Bitcoin can change by thousands of dollars in a short time period. On the last trading day of 2020, Bitcoin closed just under $30,000. In mid-April, it flirted with $65,000. The price bounced around after that, with some notable swings, before taking a decidedly negative turn last week. How Bitcoin works Bitcoin is a digital currency that is not tied to a bank or government and allows users to spend money anonymously. The coins are created by users who "mine" them by lending computing power to verify other users' transactions. They receive Bitcoins in exchange. The coins also can be bought and sold on exchanges with U.S. dollars and other currencies. Some businesses take Bitcoin as payment, and a number of financial institutions allow it in their clients' portfolios, but overall mainstream acceptance is still limited. Bitcoins are basically lines of computer code that are digitally signed each time they travel from one owner to the next. Transactions can be made anonymously, making the currency popular with libertarians as well as tech enthusiasts, speculators and criminals. Bitcoins have to be stored in a digital wallet, either online through an exchange like Coinbase, or offline on a hard drive using specialized software. According to Coinbase, there are about 18.7 million Bitcoins in circulation and only 21 million will ever exist. The reason for that is unclear, and where all the Bitcoins are is anyone's guess. Yes, and a fairly big one. Musk announced in February that his electric car company Tesla had invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin. In March, Tesla began accepting Bitcoin as payment. Those actions contributed to the run-up in Bitcoin's price, and Musk also promoted the digital currency Dogecoin, which also spiked in value. However, Musk reversed course in just a short time, saying last week that Tesla would stop accepting Bitcoin because of the potential environmental damage that can result from Bitcoin mining. The announcement sent Bitcoin falling below $50,000 and set the tone for the big pullback in most cryptocurrencies. A number of Bitcoin fans pushed back on Musk's reasoning. Fellow billionaire Mark Cuban said that gold mining is much more damaging to the environment than the mining of Bitcoin. A 2019 study by the Technical University of Munich and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that the Bitcoin network generates an amount of CO2 similar to a large Western city or an entire developing country like Sri Lanka. But a University of Cambridge study last year estimated that on average, 39% of "proof-of-work" crypto mining was powered by renewable energy, primarily hydroelectric energy. The digital payment company Square and its CEO Jack Dorsey also the CEO of Twitter have been big proponents of Bitcoin. Overstock.com also accepts Bitcoin, and in February, BNY Mellon, the oldest bank in the U.S., said it would include digital currencies in the services it provides to clients. And Mastercard said it would start supporting "select crypto currencies" on its network. Bitcoin has become popular enough that more than 300,000 transactions typically occur in an average day, according to Bitcoin wallet site blockchain.info. Still, its popularity is low compared with cash and credit cards. Yes, plenty of it. Tracking Bitcoin's price is obviously easier than trying to figure out its value, which is why so many institutions, experts and traders are skeptical about it and cryptocurrency in general. Digital currencies were seen as replacements for paper money, but that hasn't happened so far. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said the central bank prefers to call crypto coins "crypto assets," because their volatility undermines their ability to store value, a basic function of a currency. While some banks and financial services companies are getting in on it, others are staying away. Regulators aren't very worried about a possible crash in digital currencies dragging down the rest of the financial system or economy. Even with the recent sell-off, digital currencies have a market value of about $1.5 trillion, according to the website coinmarketcap.com. But that pales compared with the $46.9 trillion stock market, $41.3 trillion residential real estate market and nearly $21 trillion Treasury market at the start of the year. The European Central Bank said Wednesday that the risk of cryptocurrencies affecting the financial system's stability looks "limited at present." In large part, that's because they're still not widely used for payments and institutions under its purview still have little exposure to crypto-linked instruments. Earlier this month, the Federal Reserve said a survey of market contacts found roughly one in five cited cryptocurrencies as a potential shock to the system over the next 12 to 18 months. That's a turnaround from the fall, when a similar survey found none mentioning cryptocurrencies. Washington officials have been talking about regulating digital currencies more, and worries about a heavier hand have played a role in the recent swoon in prices. Gary Gensler, who took over as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission last month, has said that cryptocurrency markets would benefit from more oversight to protect investors. In a hearing before the House's financial services committee earlier this month, Gensler said neither the SEC nor the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which he used to head, has a "regulatory framework" for trading on cryptocurrency exchanges yet. He said he thought Congress would ultimately have to address it because "there's really not protection against fraud or manipulation." How Bitcoin came to be It's a mystery. Bitcoin was launched in 2009 by a person or group of people operating under the name Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin was then adopted by a small clutch of enthusiasts. Nakamoto dropped off the map as bitcoin began to attract widespread attention. But proponents say that doesn't matter: The currency obeys its own internal logic. In 2016, An Australian entrepreneur stepped forward and claimed to be the founder of Bitcoin, only to say days later that he did not "have the courage" to publish proof that he is. No one has claimed credit for the currency since. | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bitcoin-price-cryptocurrency-down-2021-05-21/ |
Can Macroeconomic Policies Address Post-Pandemic Inequality? | Dalston, London Photo by Jonathan Formento on Unsplash The pandemic has made the world a less equal place. The global inequalities that existed before COVID-19 are becoming more apparent, amid global efforts to provide vaccines and medical aid to developing nations. Meanwhile, economic and health disparities are also widening at national and regional levels. Some populations have been disproportionately affected over the past year as job markets shifted, entire industries collapsed, and unemployment climbed. With the UK vaccine program rollout still going strong, the governments focus has now shifted towards economic recovery with its Build Back Better strategy. The current mood in Britain can be characterized by two words: cautiously optimistic. While focused on high levels of investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation, the British governments plan for growth is also designed to address regional inequalities in the UK. The inequality that has developed in the UK is not uncommon in other countries. Over the years, jobs, talent, and resources have been largely concentrated in London and the southeast of England. The government has even gone as far as saying for many people and places in Britain and Northern Ireland our economic model has just stopped working. The UK government has pledged to address this regional inequality. This economic focus on inequality appears to match UK public opinion, according to recent research from the Policy Institute at Kings College London and Ipsos MORI. However, the findings highlight the role that geographic context should play in developing and implementing macroeconomic policy. Britons see inequality between more and less deprived areas, as well as income and wealth as the most serious types of inequality. That said, British opinions on inequality differ from those in other European countries, which are more concerned with gender equality. Even close continental neighbors with similar economies can have drastically different issues and priorities. Furthermore, younger people in the UK are more likely to be concerned about racial and ethnic inequalities, while older people are concerned with disparities around health and life expectancy. These are just a few examples, but the findings serve as a stark and timely reminder amid huge levels of government stimulus: there are different inequalities in different places that are prioritized differently. This reality should be factored into macroeconomic and microeconomic policies alike. The context of geography, whether local, regional, or national, is inherently linked in the long-term success of public sector economic policy. Local government funding, municipal or city investment schemes, and other economic policies are important and should be components of every governments recovery plan if they are serious about addressing inequality. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robwhiteman/2021/05/21/can-macroeconomic-policies-address-post-pandemic-inequality/ |
How human history affected plant life on the Earth today? | Getty Images The Earth's vegetation is changing at a faster rate today than it has over the last 18,000 years, and scientists think humans may be a big reason behind this. Researchers have found that changes in biodiversity and ecosystems stabilised at around 4,000 years ago but it then began to change very quickly at a time when human civilisations grew leading to agriculture and deforestation. The scientists involved in the study, published in the journal Science, think that these changes will continue, picking up pace over the coming decades, as a result of climate change brought about by humans. Jack Williams, professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US and one of the study authors, said: "This work suggests that 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, humans were already having an enormous impact on the world (and) that continues today." The team analysed more than 1,100 fossil pollen records from the Neotoma Paleoecology Database - which collects data on past ecosystems across every continent in the world apart from Antarctica. They also looked at how the plant life on earth changed since the end of the last Ice Age - about 18,000 years ago - and how quickly the changes took place. Getty Images Earth's ecosystems underwent drastic changes at record pace at the end of the last Ice Age, according to the data, with plants growing rapidly over what had been frozen landscapes. For most continents the changes peaked somewhere between 8,000 and 16,000 years ago, depending on the continent, and then became stable due to having a more consistent climate. Sarah Ivory, an assistant professor of geosciences at Pennsylvania State University in the US, and also one of the study authors, said: ""Ecosystems were reorganising. Many of the megafauna (large or giant animals like mammoths) went away. It's hard to explain all that without climate." But then 4,000 years ago more changes began in "a meteoric rise that continues today". Getty Images Sarah said: "During the later part of this period, there aren't major climate changes, so it is more likely human technology that is responsible." The findings suggest that the changes seen over the last two centuries likely began thousands of years before - long before the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700s and the rise of fossil fuels in the early 1900s. They warn that as more land is used for activities like farming , and global temperatures rise due to greenhouse gases, they are likely to be many more changes to ecosystems to come which may yet again break new records. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/57198261 |
Will bankers embrace sensors under their desks when they return to work? | By Elizabeth Dilts Marshall NEW YORK (Reuters) - Reservation systems for seats. Algorithms that say whether a location is crowded or not. Cameras to show what's happening in real-time. Trackers that let others know you are there. Technology that has swept the world for convenience, curiosity, and accountability is arriving at workstations of U.S. bank employees, as they prepare to return to offices in coming months because of the pandemic easing, industry sources and outside vendors said. Banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank AG and HSBC Holdings PLC plan to have workers commute to buildings in New York and other U.S. cities as soon as this month, after more than a year of largely work-from-home situations. But not everyone can return at once: banks will have to extend practices like those used for small teams of traders during the pandemic. Shifting rotations of people will pass through giant buildings on different days, without clustering in the same areas on the same floors, to avoid spreading COVID-19. Some of the banks are implementing systems where employees will book "hot seats" on particular days and be monitored while they are sitting at them, sources said. In some buildings, that could mean cameras that monitor a room's occupancy level and even sensors that tell building management whether someone is sitting at a desk. "That feels a little personal," one bank employee said about desk sensors. The comment reflects a sentiment that some banks could face as they bring in tech that monitors employees more closely after an unprecedented period of working from afar: they are okay booking dinner reservations online, sharing locations with friends, live-streaming videos or wearing activity trackers for their own health, but not necessarily okay with having their employers knowing when they are seated at a desk. Employees will need to get over these hang-ups because the technology is necessary for safety and saves companies money, industry sources and consultants said. Story continues "We have to be more mindful about how space is being used and when it is being used," said Neil Murray, CEO of corporate solutions at JLL, which manages offices for JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and others. Murray said public health initiatives like contact-tracing have forced us to make certain concessions. "There is an element of having to watch interactions more closely. At the same we have to be respectful of individual privacy." JLL would not comment on specific clients, and Reuters could not independently determine which banks were using the technology. SEARCHING FOR 'OPTIMUM ROTATION' Staff returning to JPMorgan's Manhattan headquarters will soon have a new app that uses algorithms and artificial intelligence to book seats. It is part of an "optimum rotation" plan, Daniel Pinto, JPMorgan's co-president and chief operating officer said recently. That means getting the right people together on the right days for in-office collaboration. HSBC and Deutsche Bank also plan to launch reservation apps and online systems. While all three banks are still working out the details, apps like these can use card-swipes at security turnstiles to identify patterns and suggest when someone should book a desk to meet teammates. Some companies in JLL's portfolio are taking it a step further and linking their reservation systems to building cameras, which count bodies in a room, and desk sensors, which record when a seat is occupied, Murray said. In addition to flagging when a room may be near its 50% capacity limit, the data can tell companies when an office, or whole floor, is empty. That helps determine when to turn off lights, cancel janitorial services or downsize office space. JPMorgan expects to need just 60 seats for every 100 employees, on average, Chief Executive Jamie Dimon wrote in his April shareholder letter. "This will significantly reduce our need for real estate," Dimon wrote. A not insignificant number of bank employees have resisted going back to work in the office whether because of COVID-19 concerns, because they moved out of big cities during the pandemic, or because they simply prefer more flexible work arrangements. On the flip side, some junior investment bankers have complained about working from home without the hands-on guidance and camaraderie they would get in person, and without perks like free meals for late-night duties. Banks will have to balance those dynamics to get their workforce back to the office, and some are leaning on the idea of free and subsidized food. Credit Suisse, Barclays and others are using Sharebite, which coordinates orders from restaurants and directs delivery drivers to a building's service entrance. Meals are then sent to a common space where employees collect them. The service has been popular at investment banks looking for contactless food delivery, said Sharebite CEO Dilip Rao. "When you offer people food it brings people back to the office," Rao said. "They feel safe. They feel fed." (Reporting by Elizabeth Dilts Marshall in New York; edited by Lauren LaCapra and Nick Zieminski) | https://news.yahoo.com/bankers-embrace-sensors-under-desks-111140558.html |
Where is the space traffic control system? | Quick Fix Q&A: A leading aerospace professional association wants Washington to focus on new regulations and technologies to manage space traffic control. Once again, NASA gets bad grades on its performance delivering major new systems as the portfolio is about to expand. The White House moves closer to getting a top scientist as the presidents nominee clears a key Senate committee. WELCOME TO POLITICO SPACE, our must-read briefing on the policies and personalities shaping the new space age in Washington and beyond. Email us at [email protected] with tips, pitches and feedback, and find us on Twitter at @bryandbender. And dont forget to check out POLITICO's astropolitics page for articles, Q&As and more. Space Spotlight WE NEED TO BE READY: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the worlds largest aerospace technical society that represented the brainpower that fueled the space age, is stepping up its efforts to influence the investments and shape the regulatory changes in Washington needed to advance further into the final frontier. And one major priority is how to make sure the commercial air traffic system is coordinated with expanding space traffic. We have a committee that has been established recently to take a look at this question and what needs to be done that interrelationship, that integration between space traffic management and air traffic management, AIAAs executive director, Dan Dumbacher, tells us. It is really easy to think about the two separately. There is an interface there that's coming and that we need to be ready for as launch rates start to increase. He added: We have to be able to sort through and figure out what those problems are and how we address those problems. What research is needed to address those issues? That also means figuring out once and for all whose job it is. AIAA has been clear about the need to get clear in the U.S. government who is responsible and appropriate funding for dealing with the space debris/space traffic management question, he said. The Department of Commerce in the previous administration was identified as the lead agency. We need to make sure that that decision remains or if you are going to change it clearly, change it quickly. When we talk about building a low-Earth orbit space economy, and we start talking about more and more commercial development and commercial utilization of low-Earth orbit, [addressing] the space debris and space traffic management problems is essential for success, Dumbacher said. The people who are good at doing it on Earth: Dumbacher also says that as the low-Earth orbit economy matures, there is a growing need to bring in other industries that traditionally have not been involved in aerospace, especially as more people live and work in orbit or on the moon for long durations. We are having more and more adjacent industries or adjacent markets or adjacent technologies that are trying to take advantage of aerospace capabilities and need to be integrated or made part of the overall aerospace profession, he said. For example, we are planning a session in November on agricultural management from space. We are going to have those kinds of discussions about what's needed to bring those companies that are good at construction and large facility development. If we are going to be successful with a lunar economy, I have to have the capability to build those facilities on the moon. Probably from the people who are good at doing it on Earth. Check out our full Q&A to learn more about AIAAs R&D and infrastructure priorities. Related: NASA seeking more than $10 billion in infrastructure bill, via Space News. In Orbit THIS IS NOT THE TIME: There are many more earthly concerns about expanding the commercial space launch market. A missive this week from Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia to the FAA raised concerns about shortcomings in the environmental review process for the proposed Spaceport Camden along the Atlantic coast. Spaceport Camden would be the closest launch facility to populated areas ever approved by the FAA, Warnock wrote. But he noted that the new, small rocket application states that 20 percent of rockets launched from Spaceport Camden are expected to fail. This is a dramatic increase over the 2.5-6 percent failure rate disclosed to the public in a draft environmental impact statement. He also raised the potential for serious environmental damage. Further, the FAA has stated in the past that a rocket failure could trigger uncontrollable wildfires on Cumberland and Little Cumberland Islands, the freshman senator wrote. Yet the FAA did not address the risk of wildfire to the National Seashore, park visitors, wildlife, or private property. This is not the time to cut corners on environmental review or cut out public participation in the evaluation of this project, he added. The incoming FAA leadership should be given the opportunity to evaluate fully these issues with the benefit of public input before moving forward with a final decision. A final environmental impact statement is slated to be completed this month. The Government Accountability Office on Thursday issued its latest assessment of NASAs major development programs. And you guessed it. This marks the fifth year in a row that cumulative cost and schedule performance deteriorated, the independent congressional watchdog found. Since our last report, NASAs portfolio of major projects in development increased its estimated costs by $1.1 billion and delayed its collective schedule by more than 3 years. These year-to-year cost overruns and delays most of which were not a result of Covid-19 were driven by seven projects. Some of the main culprits: You wont be surprised to learn that the Boeing Space Launch System and Lockheed Martin Orion spacecraft were big drivers. Another major driver was the Exploration Ground System program, which aims to modernize the infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in part to launch the SLS and Orion. About 90 percent of the portfolios annual cost growth and nearly half of its schedule delays experienced in the past year were from two programs SLS and EGS, GAO found. Overall, the cumulative cost growth for the agencys top 20 programs has been $9.6 billion $7.1 billion of which stems from the James Webb Space Telescope and SLS. Moreover, these two projects account for about half of the cumulative schedule delays, GAO maintains. And the portfolio of major programs is about to get bigger. The number of projects in development is expected to grow further as the agency plans for eight of the 13 major projects currently in formulation including six Artemis projects to set baselines in 2021, GAO states. White House SCIENCE IS BACK: Eric Lander was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, moving his nomination to the full Senate. Lander, a top geneticist and director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, is the last member of President Joe Bidens Cabinet awaiting confirmation. Biden has elevated the top OSTP post to a Cabinet-level position for the first time in history, in a bid that demonstrates his mantra of science is back, as POLITICOs Julia Arciga and Benjamin Din report. The president tapped Lander to lead the office in early January, following his stint as co-chair of the Presidential Council of Advisers on Science and Technology during the Obama administration where he briefed both then-Vice President Biden and President Barack Obama on science-related issues, they write. Outer Limits I CANT IMAGINE: Youd have to be living on another planet to not come across at least something in the news or on social media this week about UFOs or as the Pentagon now prefers to call them, UAPs, or unidentified aerial phenomenon. From a deep dive that aired on CBS 60 Minutes to comments from former President Barack Obama this week, UFOs are hovering right into the center of the Washington policy debate as the public eagerly awaits an unclassified report to Congress that is due next month. The latest to weigh in: Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, a member of the Intelligence Committee. He says he has never seen any alien bodies retrieved from the Roswell Incident in 1947, but "I can't imagine that what has been described, or shown in some of the videos, belongs to any government that I'm aware of. Making Moves Chris Johnson, who served as president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, has joined Maxar as senior vice president of space programs delivery and will oversee design, manufacturing, integration, test and delivery for the companys portfolio of space platforms and space-based robotics systems. Katy Summerlin, who previously served as NASAs deputy press secretary, has joined Maxars marketing and communications division, where she will focus on government and commercial space offerings. TRIVIA Congratulations to Colin Alberts, senior counsel at Freedom Technologies, for being the first to correctly answer that the first non-super power astronaut in space was Vladimr Remek of Czechoslovakia. And that he has recently been the focus of controversy for his communist views and pro-Russian slant as Czech ambassador to Moscow. The first person to email [email protected] gets bragging rights and a shoutout in the next newsletter! Reading Room China's push for 'space superiority' worries nominee for NASA deputy administrator: Space.com Nelson uses Chinese Mars landing as a warning to Congress: Space News Microsoft and Ball Aerospace enlist the cloud to speed up Space Forces data flow: GeekWire A starcruiser for Space Force: Thinking through the imminent transformation of spacepower: War on the Rocks Blue Origin discloses $2.4 million as current highest bid for seat on space flight: Reuters South Korea may soon join the Artemis program: Space News Rocket Lab reviewing data after its second Electron failure in a year: ArsTechnica Private sector seeks bigger role in NASA Earth science programs: Space News What I learned in space about the climate emergency: Scientific American Rename the Lunar Gateway to the Michael Collins Gateway: Change.org Discovery adventure TV show to launch winning contestant to the space station: CNBC Event Horizon MONDAY: The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on national security space programs. MONDAY: The Space Force Association hosts a discussion with Space Force Col. Jennifer Krolikowski of the Space and Missile Systems Center. TUESDAY: The three-day Mars Innovation Forum kicks off virtually. TUESDAY: The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research holds a discussion on space and nuclear weapons as part of its two-day Nuclear Risk conference. WEDNESDAY: The Senate Armed Services Committee holds a budget hearing on national security space programs. Follow us on Twitter Bryan Bender @bryandbender Dave Brown @dave_brown24 | https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-space/2021/05/21/where-is-the-space-traffic-control-system-492944 |
Why Do Police Keep Shooting Into Moving Cars? | If you actually hit the driver and are successful, now youve got an unguided missile, Geoffrey Alpert, a professor at the University of South Carolina and an expert on police use of force, told me. Its just as likely if you shoot someone that a foots going to go on the gas as on the brake. Will Stancil: What Daunte Wrights killing foretells for the suburbs Thats what happened with Brown. Many departments prohibit or discourage firing into moving vehicles, including the Pasquotank County Sheriffs Office. Yet police keep firing at cars. On April 11, as jurors nearby in Minneapolis heard the trial of Derek Chauvin, police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, pulled over 20-year-old Daunte Wright. They discovered that Wright had an outstanding warrant, and attempted to arrest him. As Wright wriggled free of handcuffs, dove into his car, and began to drive away, Officer Kim Potter pointed her pistol at Wright, then fired a shot. After Potter shot Wright, his car went a short distance before striking another car, as well as a barrier. He died at the scene. While the Brooklyn Center police chief says he believes that Potter intended to fire her Taser rather than her pistol, the citys use-of-force policy says that less lethal weapons should usually not be used on people operating vehicles, for fear of collateral injuries. Brown and Wright are just the latest in a grim litany. In 2015, Officer Ray Tensing shot and killed Samuel DuBose during a traffic stop near Cincinnati. When DuBose tried to drive away, Tensing opened fire. Tensing was charged with murder, but claimed that DuBose was dragging his arm, and a jury deadlocked on the case. Two years later, outside Dallas, Officer Roy Oliver shot and killed Jordan Edwards, an 15-year-old boy riding in the passenger seat of a car that police tried to prevent from leaving a party. Police initially said the car was driving toward them, but body-camera footage showed that was false. Oliver was convicted of murder the following year. In 2019, Customs and Border Protection wounded an American at a border crossing in Nogales, Arizona. New examples pop up in headlines every few weeks. In March, an officer in Berkeley, California, was fired for shooting at a fleeing car, and a Chesilhurst, New Jersey, officer was charged after he tased a man on a moving ATV, against state policy, leading to the drivers concussion and several broken bones. The same month, a Los Angeles police officer opened fire on a fleeing driver. The LAPD said Travis Elster had tried to hit the officer, but video evidence is inconclusive at best, and suggests that Elster was trying to swerve around him. In February, a New York Police Department officer opened fire after a driver closed a window on his hand. Read: The shooting of Jordan Edwards We dont know how often these incidents happen, because theres no standard tracking of them, but The Washington Posts database of police shootings records more than 1,000 fatal shootings of people fleeing in cars since 2015. That tally is only gesturally helpfulit excludes nonfatal cases, includes some cases that may be justified under departmental rules, and may miss other instancesbut it demonstrates that shootings continue despite rules meant to prevent them, and often with lethal consequences. | https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/05/andrew-brown-police-shootings-moving-vehicles/618938/?utm_source=feed |
Is D'Andre Swift a Top-10 NFL Running Back? | D'Andre Swift was left off of Pro Football Focus' latest ranking of 32 running backs. The No. 1 running back job in Detroit will undoubtedly be D'Andre Swift's to lose in 2021. The second-year back is coming off a 2020 campaign in which he recorded 114 carries for 521 yards and eight touchdowns, good for a yards-per-carry average of 4.6. He also made contributions as a pass-catcher, hauling in 46 balls for 357 yards and two scores. With an entire season of reps as the Lions' full-time starter, the Georgia product could very well become Detroit's first 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013. Yep, he was mysteriously not featured on Pro Football Focus' list of the top 32 NFL running backs for the upcoming season. Even if PFF thinks Lions offseason acquisition Jamaal Williams is going to cut into Swift's carries, it makes no sense to leave the 2020 second-round pick off the list completely. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Swift's ability as both a ball carrier and receiver should make him at the very least a middle-of-the-road back. Heck, if he lives up to fantasy projections from ESPN and CBS Sports, he'll be much better than that. Both have him amassing over 1,300 yards from scrimmage -- ESPN projects 1,385 yards, while CBS Sports predicts 1,310 yards. If he were to have put up those numbers a season ago, he would've finished in the top 10 among all running backs in yards from scrimmage. For comparison's sake, the Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott and the Las Vegas Raiders' Josh Jacobs finished with 1,317 yards from scrimmage and 1,303 scrimmage yards, respectively, in 2020 -- good for No. 8 and No. 9 in the league. Swift has a solid shot at taking a step forward in his career development, and could end up being Detroit's most dynamic offensive weapon in 2021. However, I'm not ready to proclaim him as a top-10 NFL back just yet. My prediction is that he'll finish as a top-16 back in his sophomore campaign as a pro. More From SI All Lions: Scouting CB Ifeatu Melifonwu Lions Linebackers Coach Mark DeLeone 'Really Impressed' with Jahlani Tavai Twitter Reacts: Detroit Lions Have 'Perfect' Head Coach Mark Brunell 'Thrilled' to Coach Jared Goff PFF Ranks Jared Goff as Bottom-Tier NFL Quarterback | https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/is-dandre-swift-top-ten-nfl-running-back |
When will the first baby be born in space? | (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Chris Impey, University of Arizona (THE CONVERSATION) When the first baby is born off-Earth, it will be a milestone as momentous as humanitys first steps out of Africa. Such a birth would mark the beginning of a multiplanet civilization for the human species. For the first half-century of the Space Age, only governments launched satellites and people into Earth orbit. No longer. Hundreds of private space companies are building a new industry that already has US$300 billion in annual revenue. Im a professor of astronomy who has written a book and a number of articles about humans future in space. Today, all activity in space is tethered to the Earth. But I predict that in around 30 years people will start living in space and soon after, the first off-Earth baby will be born. The players in space Space started as a duopoly as the United States and the Soviet Union vied for supremacy in a geopolitical contest with loud military overtones. But while NASA achieved the Moon landings in 1969, its budget has since shrunk by a factor of three. Russia is no longer an economic superpower, and its presence in space is a pale shadow of the program that launched the first satellite and the first person into orbit. The new kid on the block is China. After a late start, the Chinese space program is surging, fueled by a budget that has recently grown faster than their economy. China is building a space station, the country has landed probes on the Moon and Mars, and it is planning a Moon base. On its current trajectory, China will soon be the dominant space power. But the most exciting progress is being made by private space companies that are marketing space for tourism and recreation. Elon Musks goal for SpaceX is to carry 100 people at a time to the Moon, Mars and beyond, although in public presentations he is coy about giving a timeline. Jeff Bezos company, Blue Origins, also aims to colonize the solar system. Such grandiose plans have skeptics, but remember that these are the two richest people in the world. Governments will continue to launch rockets, but it would be safe to say that the future of private space flight arrived in 2016 when, for the first time, commercial launches outnumbered launches by all the worlds countries combined. Living on the Moon or Mars For a spacecraft, the trip to Mars is about 1,000 times farther than a trip to the Moon, so the Moon will be humanitys first home away from home. China is partnering with Russia to build a long-term facility at the Moons South Pole sometime between 2036 and 2045. NASA plans to put boots on the Moon in 2024 and establish a a permanent settlement called the Artemis Base Camp within another decade. As part of the Artemis mission, NASA is also planning to launch a lunar space station in 2024 called Gateway. NASA is teaming up with SpaceX for this and future lunar projects, and the lunar station will make it easier for SpaceX to resupply the future lunar colony. After the Moon comes Mars, and the collaboration between SpaceX and NASA is accelerating the timeline for getting there. NASAs plans are purposeful, but the organization hasnt given a timeline. Elon Musk, on the other hand, has loudly proclaimed that he intends to have a colony on Mars by 2050. Humanitys attempt to colonize the Moon will give us a good sense of the challenges we might face on Mars. Sex and babies in space For a civilization to be really free from Earth, the population needs to grow, and that means babies. Living on the Moon or Mars will be arduous and stressful, so the first inhabitants will probably spend only a few years there at a time and are unlikely to start a family. But once people do take up permanent residency off-Earth, there are still many unknowns. First, little research has been done on the biology of pregnancy and reproductive health in a space or low-gravity environment like the Moon or Mars. Its possible there will be unexpected hazards to the fetus or mother. Second, babies are fragile, and raising them is not easy. The infrastructure of these bases would have to be sophisticated to make some version of normal family life possible, a process that will take decades. With these uncertainties in mind, it seems likely that the first off-Earth baby will be born much closer to home. A Dutch startup called SpaceLife Origin wants to send a heavily pregnant woman 250 miles up just long enough to give birth. They talk a good story, but the legal, medical and ethical obstacles are formidable. Another company, called Orbital Assembly Corporation, plans to open a luxury hotel in orbit in 2027 called the Voyager Station. Current plans show that it would hold 280 guests and 112 crew members, with its spinning-wheel design providing artificial gravity. But the breathless news reports omit any discussion of the difficulty and cost of such a project. However, on April 12, 2021, NASA announced that it is considering allowing a reality TV show to send a civilian to the International Space Station and film them for 10 days. Its plausible that this idea could be extended, with a wealthy couple booking a long-term stay for the entire process from conception to birth in orbit. At the moment, theres no evidence anyone has had sex in space. But with about 600 people having been in Earth orbit including one NASA couple who kept their marriage a secret one space historian was able to gather plenty of Space Age salacious moments. My guess is that sometime around 2040, a unique individual will be born. They may carry the citizenship of their parents, or they may be born in a facility operated by a corporation and end up stateless. But I prefer to think of this future person as the first true citizen of the galaxy. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/when-will-the-first-baby-be-born-in-space-160966. | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/When-will-the-first-baby-be-born-in-space-16193509.php |
When will COVID-19 vaccines be widely available globally? | In April, researchers at Duke University said that, even with assistance from COVAX, many countries would not be able to reach 60% coverage until 2023 or later. The U.S., European and other wealthy nations long ago pre-ordered nearly all the doses available and now other countries, even with the money to buy, are at the back of line waiting, said Matthew Kavanagh, a global health policy expert at Georgetown University. China and Russia are among those that have committed to donating vaccines to other nations. Other countries including the U.S. and U.K. arent yet sharing their stockpiles, though theyve committed to doing so. Still, global scarcity is expected to continue for years to come. There is simply not enough vaccine to go around, Kavanagh said. | https://www.ajc.com/news/when-will-covid-19-vaccines-be-widely-available-globally/N2JTFWVPGZFGFFINH2EZJ4DJVI/ |
Why is there a new cellular pole in my Minneapolis neighborhood? | Curious Minnesota Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Stitcher Hundreds of new cellular poles have swiftly blanketed Minneapolis neighborhoods in recent months, illustrating how the latest generation of wireless technology will also reshape the urban landscape. Cellular providers are racing to roll out fifth generation wireless technology, known as 5G, which will dramatically boost internet speeds on smartphones and other devices. 5G requires many new antennas across the region to deliver all that data, whether affixed to street lights and buildings or atop new standalone poles. The sudden appearance of new poles rivaling the height of nearby homes in Minneapolis with little public notice prompted one anonymous reader to contact Curious Minnesota, the Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. The reader wanted to know their purpose and why the poles are spaced so close together. The short answer is that Verizon Wireless is deploying a type of 5G technology in Minneapolis neighborhoods that allows for the greatest speeds but travels the shortest distances. The proliferation of these standalone poles Verizon now owns more than 700 of them in the city was aided by a 2017 state law that eased regulations on smaller cell sites. Protections in that law for single-family neighborhoods were ultimately moot because Minneapolis eliminated single-family zoning. "My number one complaint is it's dumb technology for our neighborhoods," said Roy Vanderwerf, another Minneapolis resident who has been inquiring about the poles. "And number two, they're doing it without anybody's say-so." Roy Vanderwerf sitting in his sun room. The new cellular pole visible in the background. Vanderwerf first learned of the issue in late 2019 when he noticed workers marking the boulevard outside his sun room, where he regularly watches birds. Now a brown tower, topped by an antenna, obstructs views of a spruce tree where he sometimes spots hawks and eagles. A new generation of cellular 5G is capable of delivering speeds that are 10 to 20 times faster than the fourth-generation (LTE) technology that consumers are accustomed to today, according to professor Feng Qian, who specializes in wireless technology at the University of Minnesota. That could help autonomous cars communicate, improve teleconferencing, enable new uses for virtual reality, and make it possible to download a high-definition movie in 30 seconds, he said. Most smartphones still can't take advantage of it Apple released the first 5G-capable iPhone last fall but that will change as people upgrade. "I will say maybe in four to five years ... 5G will be a very common technology at least in major cities, major urban areas," Qian said. Cellular antennas have been moving closer to the end users with each new generation of wireless technology, said Mike Dano, editorial director of 5G and mobile strategiesat Light Reading, a trade publication covering the telecom industry. Once affixed to massive cellular towers, antennas now hang from school buildings, street lights and standalone poles. The increasing demand for cell service and roll out of 5G is requiring a lot of new infrastructure, Dano said. Unlike 3G and 4G, the fifth generation technology allows cell companies to use a variety of frequencies each with its own advantages, Dano said. Verizon initially invested heavily in acquiring higher frequencies, which travel the shortest distance but allow the fastest speeds. Hence the dense network of poles in Minneapolis. Verizon spokesman Chris Serico said the company has been adding more cell sites to support the "dramatic increase in voice and data traffic on our network." The company is marketing this improved service in parts of the Twin Cities as "5G Ultra Wideband." "Its ultrafast speeds and reduced lag time ... can give smartphones new capabilities for multi-player gaming on the go, streaming 4K movies and video, chatting in HD and more," Serico wrote in an e-mail. The company is also marketing it as a home internet alternative. T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon are also rolling out 5G on so-called "mid-band" frequencies. These travel farther and can often take advantage of existing antenna locations, though Dano said they may also require new infrastructure. Minneapolis isn't alone. Providers are installing new small cellular sites in the right of way of other cities like St. Paul and Bloomington, but in much smaller numbers so far. The legislative debate Minnesota is one of more than two dozen states that have passed laws in recent years streamlining regulations for the smaller-scale antenna sites used by 5G, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The 2017 Minnesota law was followed a year later by a similar Federal Communications Commission order, covering the entire country. Antennas are affixed to a new cellular pole in south Minneapolis. The law states that the small cellular antenna sites are an allowed use of the public right of way. It limits cities from dictating where the facilities are placed, creates a 90-day clock for approving or denying permit applications, and caps what cities can charge in rent for attaching antennas to city-owned structures. "The industry just wrote their own ticket, wrote the bill the way they wanted [to]," said Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis. "And the municipalities, the cities, had nothing to say about it." Dibble, who has introduced a bill to weaken some provisions of the law, says he has heard from alarmed constituents about poles going up in their boulevards. They tell him the poles are unattractive, he said, but also express concerns about the health implications of the technology. The perceived health risks of radiation from 5G towers has fueled activism around the country. The American Cancer Society has stated that there is "isn't a lot of evidence" to support the idea that cell towers are a health risk, but the organization believes more research is needed on the issue. Rep. Marion O'Neill, who oversaw final negotiations on the legislation, rejects the idea that cities were left out of the process. She provided a list of two dozen changes that were made to accommodate concerns from The League of Minnesota Cities, which was ultimately neutral on the legislation. "Every time the League raised a concern, we did not move forward until we got consensus that they were OK with that policy," said O'Neill, R-Maple Lake. She added that the League ultimately could not support the cap on fees, however. Changes included extending the timeline to act on permit applications, limiting the height of new cell poles and allowing cities to require a "conditional use" permit for poles in historic districts and areas "zoned for single-family residential use." Requiring a conditional use permit for poles proposed in residential parts of Minneapolis would have likely triggered a public hearing and citizen input. But the city chose not to require one because it was developing the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which would ultimately eliminate single-family zoning, according to city spokesman Casper Hill. Hill said that permit process would not have benefited apartments and non-residential properties. "Instead, Minneapolis Public Works worked with Verizon to expand their notification processes to the properties affected near a pole installation," Hill wrote in an e-mail. Vanderwerf complained to Verizon about the pole outside his house and received a letter explaining that Minneapolis has seen a large increase in wireless device use that requires more capacity. He has since received a Verizon mailer advertising for "5G Home Internet," though he is already satisfied with his US Internet fiber service. "It's a waste," said Vanderwerf, looking out his window. "Because I don't anticipate very many people using that. I really don't." If you'd like to submit a Curious Minnesota question, fill out the form below: This form requires JavaScript to complete. (Minneapolis does!) | https://www.startribune.com/5g-wireless-antennas-minneapolis-verizon-cellular-residential/600045033/ |
Is Providence about to get an elected school board? | Happy Thursday and welcome to Rhode Map, your daily guide to everything happening in the Ocean State. Im Dan McGowan and I stayed up too late watching Steph Curry and LeBron. Follow me on Twitter @DanMcGowan or send tips to [email protected] . If you have friends or relatives who would like their own free copy of this daily briefing about Rhode Island, tell them they can sign up here . ICYMI: There was no COVID-19 data update available on Wednesday, so Rhode Island was at 150,737 confirmed coronavirus cases as of May 18. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 2,703 residents had died. There were 77 people in the hospital, and 514,975 residents were fully vaccinated. Advertisement It sure sounds like Providence is going to take a long look at moving to an elected school board. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten floated the idea during her visit to the city on Wednesday, and two elected officials didnt waste any time announcing their own ideas. City Councilman David Salvatore, a Democrat who is term-limited next year, said he thinks some version of an elected school board should be put to city voters. He said the citys Charter Review Commission could vet the plan and place it on the ballot next year. A hybrid elected and appointed school board is one option to consider, but the most important thing we must do is have public discussions that are research- and data-informed to determine the best governance approach to rebuild trust, advance student success, ensure a rigorous hiring and training process, and strengthen fiscal accountability, Salvatore said. State Senator Maryellen Goodwin, a Providence Democrat, said she will introduce legislation requiring that any community with four-year election cycles also have an elected school board. Providence currently has a mayor-appointed board, and members are confirmed by the City Council. The board has very little power right now because the state controls Providence schools, but it continues to meet. In fact, it took a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Harrison Peters last night. Advertisement There are potential risks to an elected school board. It only adds to the politics of education, and special interests can gain even more influence. Imagine how much money both the Providence Teachers Union and the charter school networks would spend trying to win school board seats. Theres also important equity issues to consider. If you create an at-large school board in the city, theres always the risk that the majority of the seats would be occupied by wealthy residents from the East Side. On the flip side, a mayor-appointed school board can be just as political, and only the mayor can hold members accountable. By taking a deep breath and doing nothing for now. Read more. It wont be long before Providence Superintendent Harrison Peters is out of his job. Heres how we got to this point. Read more. After 90 years of serving kids in crisis, COVID-19 presents new pediatric mental health challenges for Bradley Hospital. Read more. Rhode Islands only independently operated health system has announced projects that will help it expand into other parts of the state. Read more. Advertisement MORE ON BOSTONGLOBE.COM Politics: My colleague James Pindell explains why former president Donald Trump still matters in national politics. Read more. Editorial: The Globes editorial board backs takeout cocktails. Read more. Entertainment: If you havent yet attended a live music event since the beginning of the pandemic, Jon Garelick explains what its like. Read more. Sports: Here come those Bruins. Read more. Subscribe to BostonGlobe.com WHATS ON TAP TODAY Each day, Rhode Map offers a cheat sheet breaking down whats happening in Rhode Island. E-mail us at [email protected]. BIRTHDAYS: Rhode Map readers, if you want a friend or family member to be recognized on Friday, send me an e-mail with their first and last name, and their age. If you want a shout out on the new Globe Rhode Island Facebook page, send along their Facebook handle as well. Governor Dan McKee will sign legislation increasing the states minimum wage at 10:30 a.m. at the State House. Governor McKee will hold his weekly COVID-19 press conference at 1 p.m. Governor McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos will host a virtual discussion on Facebook Live about higher education at 5:30 p.m. The Rhode Island Department of Education has launched EnrollRI to offer hundreds of classes and other learning opportunities for students this summer. Check it out here. Your subscription is what makes it possible. Weve got a great offer here. Advertisement Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @danmcgowan. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/21/metro/is-providence-about-get-an-elected-school-board/ |
What happens next after the Wild's Thursday night meltdown? | Intro: Michael Rand breaks down the Wild's 5-2 loss to Vegas in Game 3 of their playoff series on Thursday night, which put Minnesota in a 2-1 hole and restored home ice advantage for the Golden Knights. Forward Marcus Johansson was injured early in Game 3 and isn't likely going to be available for Game 4 on Saturday. 12:00: Local author Greg Larson joins the show to talk about his new book, "Clubbie: A Minor League Baseball Memoir" and the experiences as a clubhouse attendant in the minor leagues that led to the material for the book. It's all about the clubhouse spread. If you don't see the podcast player on your device, tap here. Listen and subscribe to the Daily Delivery: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeartRadio The podcast archive is here. E-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @RandBall and Star Tribune sports @StribSports | https://www.startribune.com/what-happens-next-after-the-wilds-thursday-night-meltdown/600059742/ |
Which wines are worth saving and which should I drink now? | My neighbours, enviably, have a cellar where modest bordeaux and burgundies from the early noughties lie blanketed in dust nice enough, but never destined to last the 17 or 18 years over which theyve been lovingly hoarded. And my neighbours are not the only ones: many of us have wines that we think are too good to drink, so we keep them until theyre no good to drink. (Im guilty, too, in case you think Im being unconscionably smug.) That is not an argument for chucking them out, but rather for starting to work our way through those bottles as a weekend treat, so long as you also have a back-up, because some will sadly have become utterly undrinkable. Yes, some may pleasantly surprise you, but you just cant bank on it. You get a similar phenomenon with bottles that have been opened: some stay fresh, others fall apart after 24 hours. The remaining third of a bottle of Newton Johnson Family Chardonnay I had forgotten about was still tasting good three weeks later, as was the grner veltliner in todays picks, which shows that whites as well as reds can age and stand exposure to air. For the most part, cheaper wines by which I mean ones that come in at under 10 and, arguably, under 15 are not worth keeping for any length of time: a couple of years, at most. Not least because you may actually prefer the flavour of fresh, young wines to more elderly ones with their often funky flavours. For example, while the riesling in todays pick, which I got from German wine specialist The Winery, will keep better than most, I find its intensely crisp, green apple flavour part of its current appeal. (Incidentally, the shop rather charmingly sells an emergency riesling case that can include both older and younger vintages.) If you store any amount of wine, its worth labelling the bottles with drink-by dates. I employ a traffic-light system: green stickers for drink now, amber to indicate could drink, but will keep for a bit, and red for hang on to this. (You need to recategorise your stash every 12 or so months, obviously). ), keep them in the fridge, and decant any that are less than half full into a smaller bottle, if you have one. But please dont save too many wines for that special occasion: if the pandemic has taught us anything, it is to seize the day. Four wines that will keep but are drinking well now Steinfeder Grner Veltliner Wachau Lss 2020 9.50 The Wine Society, 11%. Fresh, zesty, Austrian white that should appeal to any lover of sauvignon blanc. Ideal with asparagus and other spring veg. Migliarina Chenin Blanc 2019 18.75 Yapp Brothers, 13.5%. Chenin, though not necessarily South African chenin, has a real capacity to age. This elegant example, made in tiny quantities by ex sommelier Carsten Migliarina, is an exception. Stunning. Think scallops. Joachim Flick Wicker Riesling Trocken 2018/19 16.99 The Winery, 12.5%. A great whoosh of crisp, green apple, fresh lemon juice and green grapes that would be perfect with smoked salmon or trout, and will evolve into limey deliciousness. Morrisons The Best Chilean Pinot Noir 2020 8.50, 14%. Inexpensive, yes, but given the recent vintage and relatively high abv, this vibrantly fruity Chilean pinot should still taste good through 2022 if it lasts that long. | https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/may/21/which-wines-are-worth-saving-and-which-should-i-drink-now |
Who will be the Jets most improved player on offense in 2021? | Chris Herndon avoids tackle vs 49ers close crop Since the draft, weve been considering how the players acquired will fit into the Jets new system on either side of the ball. Lets review a selection of the main candidates on offense. TE Chris Herndon In 2020, no running back or tight end in the entire NFL stayed in to pass protect as often as Herndon did, a curious way to use a player who had previously been a productive pass catcher, but inconsistent as a blocker. The new coaching staff comes from San Francisco where George Kittle was such a key component, so you have to believe theyll look to get Herndon involved more so he can produce like he did in his rookie season. A reliable tight end can often be a rookie quarterbacks best friend as a valuable safety valve or on simple passes to the flat that serve as an extension of the running game. While the coaching staff will be under no illusions about Herndon being anything close to what Kittle brings to the 49ers offense, perhaps Herndons improved play down the stretch was a sign that his confidence has been restored. OT George Fant Fant has had plenty of playing time over the course of his career but 2020 was his first season as a full-time starter. He was generally solid but needs to become more consistent to take his game to the next level. Introducing a system that incorporates even more plays where Fant can showcase his athleticism might be a good way to ensure he takes that next step. With the left side of the line fortified, you might expect the Jets to run to that side more than ever in 2021. However, rookie guard Alijah Vera-Tucker brings the ability to move to his right and make a reach block to seal the nose tackle on the inside. That should also make the Jets more effective running to the right, which will allow Fant to get out in front of running backs, or open cutback lanes by kicking his man to the outside. Story continues Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims (11) goes up for a catch over New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams (33) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports WR Denzel Mims The easiest way for the promising Mims to boost his production in 2021 will be for him to stay on the field. If he can remain healthy, that will make a big difference, although there is a deeper receiving corps this season so he must perform well otherwise he could lose targets to other options. When he was on the field, Mims had some impressive moments, but he had a tendency to disappear for long stretches. The blame for that could go down to the play calling, or perhaps the design and execution of the offense. Mims is excellent at making contested catches, which could make him an early favorite target for Zach Wilson, who is not afraid to throw into coverage and is adept at putting the ball in a place where the receiver can go and get it. C Connor McGovern McGoverns 2020 season was widely viewed as slightly underwhelming. However, he was definitely trending upwards in the second half of the year and if he can play like that all season, he could potentially be one of the AFCs most reliable centers. The Jets will need him to be, as part of his role will involve ensuring Wilson assimilates to the pro game as smoothly as possible. Those early struggles could perhaps be attributed to him getting used to his new linemates especially after a truncated offseason which wasnt helped by the fact there were multiple lineup changes due to injury. If the Jets can develop some continuity this year and gel earlier on in the season, McGovern should be another player that benefits from a system that will give him a chance to show off his athleticism. RBs Ty Johnson or LaMical Perine Finally, weve grouped these two together because theyre probably going to battle each other to split reps with veteran Tevin Coleman and rookie Michael Carter. Whichever one of them can earn that role has a good chance to build on their 2020 campaign. Of the two, Johnson had the most impressive season with a 100-yard game, 4.7 yards per carry average and 16 catches to his name. However, Perine doesnt have a very high bar to clear to demonstrate some improvement and its not uncommon for backs who struggled as rookies to look good in their second season, much as Bilal Powell did several years ago. | https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-most-improved-player-offense-134400442.html?src=rss |
How many yards will Raiders WR Henry Ruggs accumulate in 2021? | Henry Ruggs had an interesting rookie season with the Raiders. He made the game-winning play against the Saints, drawing a key pass interference call with under two minutes remaining. He scored the go-ahead touchdown against the Jets. And he had a 100-yard game when the Raiders upset the Chiefs in Kansas City. However, consistency and availability was the biggest problem for Ruggs as he struggled to stay on the field due to injuries. Entering Year 2 of his career, the Raiders need him to be a more reliable and dependable receiver. In a recent article by Jake Rill of Bleacher Report, he predicted the stat leaders for the Raiders in 2021. He believes Ruggs will lead the receivers in yards, totaling 838 yards and seven touchdowns. Here is a snippet of his thoughts on the second-year receiver: This offseason, the Raiders lost their leading wide receiver from last season (Nelson Agholor), so theyre going to need some of their young receivers to step up in 2021. And while playmakers such as Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow could help fill the void, Ruggs is the most likely to have a breakout season. Ruggs should take a big step forward and become a top target for quarterback Derek Carr. And that could mean big things for the Raiders offense. If Ruggs could approach 800 yards and seven touchdowns, that would be quite a nice jump for the former Alabama receiver. With the rest of the offense funneling through Darren Waller and the run game, 800+ yards should be a good goal for Ruggs. Sign up for the Raiders Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning An error has occured Please re-enter your email address. Thanks for signing up! You'll now receive the top Raiders Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. | https://sports.yahoo.com/many-yards-raiders-wr-henry-131113232.html?src=rss |
Can Cris Cyborg reclaim GOAT status without beating Amanda Nunes? | Its lonely at the top for MMAs dominant female featherweight world champions. Former UFC, Strikeforce and Invicta champion Cris Cyborg will defend her 145-pound Bellator title Friday night against Leslie Smith, a 38-year-old opponent she obliterated in 81 seconds in 2016. The 140-pound catchweight fight five years ago against Smith marked Cyborgs highly anticipated UFC debut. At the time, the Brazilian brawler born Cristiane Justino Venncio was making her homecoming in front of 50,000 fans as a dominant tour de force. She continued to be just that after the technical knockout win, capturing the UFC crown along the way until she met her conqueror in Amanda Nunes, who stunned and stopped Cyborg in just 51 seconds in 2018. Advertisement Cyborgs seven-fight UFC career ended after she had a nasty spat and split with UFC president Dana White in the summer of 2019. Soon afterward, she signed with Bellator. In her first fight for the promotion last year at the Forum, Cyborg dismantled Julia Budd for the title she now holds. In August, the 35-year-old Cyborg (23-2) defended her crown for the first time and choked out Arlene Blencowe. The win led her to the Pleasant Hill-based Smith (12-8-1), who hopes her fate and fortunes will be different in the sequel after going 4-1 since the Cyborg loss. I believe [Smith is] a better fighter than before. I respect all of my opponents who step in the cage. Shes a tough girl and has been fighting for a long time and she wants to take my title, said Cyborg, who lives and trains in Huntington Beach. Cyborg and Smith have kept a cordial relationship since their fight. The former invited The Peacemaker to be an instructor for her fitness camp aimed at empowering women. Im definitely a lot better now too than I was five years ago, Cyborg said. When you love your job, its easy. Signing with Bellator added to my fire. If you watch my fights, youll see that Im still improving with my grappling and jiu-jitsu. I feel more comfortable. Advertisement Cyborg also remains comfortable, and somewhat unbothered, knowing that Nunes bruised her mystique and aura. Cyborg, a womens MMA pioneer and legend regardless of gender, said shell let the fans argue who they deem to be the greatest of all time once she and Nunes retire. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, but I give everything that Ive got, she said. It was [Nunes] day that day. There is nothing you can do. I just have to go forward. I always step in the cage looking to do my best. Nunes (21-4), unbeaten since 2015, now sits comfortably on the womens throne with a 12-fight win streak, including victories over Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate and Valentina Shevchenko. A bout of he-said, she-said ensued between UFCs White and Cyborg during Nunes rematch negotiations and a sequel was never scheduled before Cyborgs unceremonious break-up with the organization. Advertisement Much like Cyborgs lack of highly touted contenders shell be nearly a -1000 favorite against Smith the same can be said of Nunes. The talent pool in the UFCs womens featherweight division is so sparse the company does not even list a top 15 ranking for the weight class. Nunes also holds the UFCs bantamweight title but has not fought in the division since 2019. A prolific puncher, Cyborg previously won gold medals in jiu-jitsu and freestyle wrestling, and shes even scored big wins in kickboxing. Cyborg could soon spice up her career with the sweet science. Advertisement I always had a dream to do a boxing fight. I love the challenge, and its truly in my heart. If the opportunity comes, I will do it, she said. I dont really think about Amanda anymore. If the [rematch] happens in the future, its going to be welcomed, said Cyborg. Advertisement People can argue who they think is the best woman fighter of all time or not. Beating [Nunes] or not is not going to impact or change who I am. No fighter has done what Ive done in the sport. Im going to continue my legacy with or without her. I want to be the peoples champion and an example to younger girls who want to be a fighter. That motivates me every day. The rematch between Cyborg and Smith will be broadcast Friday on Showtime beginning at 6 p.m. PDT from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. | https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2021-05-21/can-cris-cyborg-reclaim-goat-status-without-beating-amanda-nunes |
Will These 3 Trends Lead To Higher Inflation? | Photo Credit: Shutterstock At first glance, the current inflation numbers are startling, with the Consumer Price Index rising 4.2 percent year-over-year in April. If we break down those numberstaking out the effects of the pandemic and normalizing over a longer time periodwe find that inflation is similar to where it was back in 2018 and 2019. No need to panic in the short term. To answer that question, we need to take a closer look at the longer-term trends. 1) The Cost of Labor One of the things were hearing a lot about is a labor shortage and consequent wage inflation. A core assumption in American business is that there is a virtually inexhaustible labor supply, at or close to minimum wage. In many markets, that assumption is being challenged, with many companies being forced to raise their pay well above the minimum. Arguably, this shift is due to COVID; many people are reluctant to return to work, which is artificially suppressing the available labor supply. This is the assumption that is driving many states to eliminate the supplemental federal unemployment payments that make it more lucrative to stay at home. That move will probably work, and in any event, the federal payments expire in September. With large parts of the boomer generation unlikely to return to the workforce, with other formerly reliable labor sources such as immigration under attack, and with the millennials aging out of junior, lower-wage jobs, it is very possible that lower-wage jobs might have a much tougher time getting filled. The participation rates and employment cost indices will need to be watched closely through the rest of this year to see if this really is an emerging risk. 2) Supply Chain Snafus Supply chain problems are another concern, for everything from simple commodities like iron to complex manufactured goods like electronic chips. Here, too, the core assumption has been that supplies of everything will be generally available, although the cost may vary. Just as with labor, that assumption is now not working, and shortages are driving costsand inflationup. Here, the problem is probably shorter term than the labor question, as miners and manufacturers can drive up production in fairly short order, while producing a new worker takes at least 16 years due to child labor laws. And while that statement is a bit flip, it is also accurate. Commodity producers can scale up production in the short term and open new mines in the longer term. Manufacturers can add new shifts or assembly lines in the short term and build new factories in the longer term. These are solvable problems, in terms of the amount of production. But how quickly they can be solved is a real question. Again, this is something that will need to be watched through the rest of the year. 3) Deglobalization While we could solve the production problem, cost is another issue. This is the real inflation threat going forward, and it is one that touches both of the above points. Even if the world economy remains integrated, Chinas labor force is now shrinking, so there will be more labor constraints going forward. Labor costs may not be forced up, but they will not be declining either. And, if relations between the U.S. and China get worse, we could see companies forced to reshore operations here, which will worsen any labor shortages in the U.S. and certainly drive up relative costs. The same holds for commodities and manufactured goods. A substantial portion of everything we consume is sourced and made abroad because it is cheaper and more efficient to do it there. If and when globalization starts to turn, costs will go up and efficiency will go downand that could drive inflation here higher. This is likely to be a slow and multiyear trend, but there are signs it is already startinga risk definitely worth watching. The Big Picture The current spike in inflation is likely to fade. But when we look at the bigger picture, we can see that the many tailwinds we have had over the past decade that kept inflation low are likely to reverse and that inflation over the next 10 years will very probably be higher than the past 10 years. That does not mean we are moving back to the 1970s, of course, much less to hyperinflation. It is something to watch. For that reason, the current inflation spikewhile due to pandemic effectsis a great opportunity to think through how the world is changing and what that means for your portfolio. Dont panic about inflation. Do use this time to think through where you are now and where you want to be as things change. Because they are changing. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradmcmillan/2021/05/21/will-these-3-trends-lead-to-higher-inflation/ |
Will only having completed one internship hinder my ability to find a job? | Dear Sam: Thank you for writing the articles on various career development subjects. They have been very helpful. I am currently a senior at Purdue University Global, majoring in accounting. I am on track for completing my coursework by the end of 2021 and, as such, will be looking for a job. However, due to a health issue, I have only had one accounting internship and no other work experience besides a couple of volunteer jobs. Teresa Dear Teresa: I am so glad you have found my articles helpful as you prepare to launch your career. I am very sorry to hear about your health issue and hope brighter days are ahead for you. In regards to your resume, it is very outdated in its content, strategic approach and design. Lets look at some ways you can promote your candidacy despite only having had one internship. First, given you know your career objective of entering the accounting arena in a tax-related role, you should open your resume with a qualifications summary highlighting the undergraduate coursework you have completed and the three-month internship at the CPA firm. In addition, use this summary to present some of your soft skills related to your current career target. When presenting your education, think about presenting your courses and highlighting any capstone coursework or significant projects. Often, my entry-level clients have completed substantial projects both at the individual and a group level, and we go into great detail about the challenge of the project, the actions taken, and the results achieved. Through a deeper exploration of your coursework, including class titles, you will also dramatically increase your keyword relevance, critical when your resume goes through an automated applicant tracking system (ATS). I would place your internship ahead of your volunteer experience, creating a section that is titled work experience and moving your volunteer role into a community involvement section. I realize you presented your experiences in reverse-chronological order, but as your internship is more important than your volunteer work given its relevance to your career objective creating separate sections will allow you to re-order those experiences. I will often pull out excerpts from recommendations and place those comments directly on the resume, providing instant third-party validation before a review is even checked. This can also be helpful as sometimes your supervisor will cite specific skills that you would not have thought of, and of course, someone in a leadership capacity in the industry speaking to your strengths is very powerful. Additionally, think of ways you added value during the internship. Currently, you have five bullet points, of which three are related to accomplishments. I applaud you for having thought about ways you added value, but I think you can further expound on how you increased efficiency and organization. Your bullet points leave me wanting to know the actions taken to achieve the improvements you have presented. We have a saying in the rsum writing industry of doing the showing and the telling. This means you need to tell the reader what you did and show them how you did it. Most resumes fall short by only presenting the result and not explaining any of the actions. There is great value in offering a fuller story of your efforts, not only because stories are memorable but also because by presenting some of your actions, you are sure to be including critical keywords. Your volunteer experience is impressive, especially as you volunteered for more than three years. Similar to my suggestion for your internship, I would request a letter of recommendation from your supervisor and maybe even a peer or two, given the length of your tenure. I often find that entry-level candidates build resumes that are non-differentiating, falling back on 20+-year-old templates provided by their career services office. If you look at any credible source, you will see your rsum is outdated and does not optimize the value of your candidacy. I am confident with a strategic reengineering of your strategy, content, and design, the fact that you only completed one internship will not serve as a disqualifying factor. I wish you all the best moving forward in your career and your health. Samantha Nolan is an Advanced Personal Branding Strategist and Career Expert, founder and CEO of Nolan Branding. Reach Samantha at [email protected]. For information on Nolan Brandings services, visit www.nolanbranding.com or call 888-9-MY-BRAND or 614-570-3442. | https://www.cleveland.com/business/2021/05/will-only-having-completed-one-internship-hinder-my-ability-to-find-a-job.html |
Why not let 50 vaccinated Ohioans win $100,000 each, instead of five winning $1m apiece? | For years and years, I written letter after letter to this forum urging you, my fellow Ohioans, to join with me and help bring about change to the Ohio Lottery Mega Millions game, whose current odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302 million and the Lotterys Powerball game, whose odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 292 million. Those odds sound more like a con game. Once again, I must speak out about, this time about the latest promotion by the state of Ohio for a Vax-a-Million lottery in which five people will each win $1 million if they get vaccinated for COVID-19. I have a dream that one day the powers that be will make the games of chance fairer here in Ohio. Alan J. Groveman, South Euclid | https://www.cleveland.com/letters/2021/05/why-not-let-50-vaccinated-ohioans-win-100000-each-instead-of-five-winning-1m-apiece.html |
Will Wild look to past (Zach Parise) or future (Matt Boldy) in Game 4? | When Marcus Johansson crashed into the goalpost Thursday during the Wild's first period surge against Vegas, resulting in damage that forced down the tunnel and out of the game for good, it created an immediate Game 4 subplot. And as the Wild's 2-0 lead evaporated over the final 40 minutes of a 5-2 butt-kicking, that plot line only increased in magnitude: Assuming Johansson's injury forces him out of the lineup in Game 4 speculative but informed by coach Dean Evason's postgame assertion that the injury did not look good the two primary options to replace him are full of intrigue. Or would he look to the future and put highly touted rookie Matt Boldy into his first NHL game in a make-or-break Game 4 with the Wild trailing 2 games to 1. Door number three, I suppose, is that both players crack the lineup and that Nico Sturm or Nick Bjugstad is scratched. I talked about the intrigue on Friday's Daily Delivery podcast once I was done breaking down all that went wrong after looking so right in Game 3. The simplest and safest choice is Parise, of course. He has 77 career points in 101 postseason games and, lest we forget, was the Wild's leading goal scorer in each of the previous two seasons when he had 53 combined tallies. He could slot into the third line, perhaps giving Kevin Fiala (zero points in the series) someone to work off of. Boldy is the most intriguing and ... pun intended ... boldest option. The 2019 first round pick just turned 20, has good size and put up 18 points in 14 games with the Iowa Wild after signing following the end of his season with Boston College. He might be an even better fit to play with Fiala, but he has also never played in an NHL game. Putting him into a critical Game 4 would be a huge show of faith that would carry the risk of second-guessing if it didn't work out. As noted, Parise could find a spot on the fourth line and Boldy could take Johansson's spot on the third line if Evason really wants to shake up a lineup that has produced just four goals in three games this series. That would give Evason some cover, too, if Boldy looked overmatched because he could throw Parise onto the third line as needed. At this point, nothing would surprise me. Parise's experience, like I said, would be the safest bet and his ability to score "gritty" goals could be exactly what the Wild need. But he's also clearly fallen out of favor with Evason and GM Bill Guerin and their strategic long-term plan could lead them to give Boldy a chance to show what he can do. Parise slotting in was the overwhelming choice in the Twitter poll I ran. But the only vote that truly matters is the one Evason will make on Saturday. | https://www.startribune.com/will-wild-look-to-past-zach-parise-or-future-matt-boldy-in-game-4/600059785/ |
Why are we wary instead of rejoicing? | Let me make sure Ive got this right. The government is telling Americans who have been vaccinated that we no longer have to wear masks but those who havent been vaccinated do. Yes, its true. Its because the government is asking us to trust our fellow Americans. We dont. Advertising Bidens chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, admitted on CNN that theres no way for businesses such as restaurants and airlines, or anyone, to know whether someone has been vaccinated. Youre going to be depending on people being honest enough to say whether they were vaccinated or not and responsible enough to be wearing a mask not only for their own protection but the protection of others, he said. Certainly, the government isnt naive enough to think that everyone who hasnt been vaccinated will either stay at home or put on a mask when they go out. The Biden administration insists that the pandemic is not over, yet it is telling the 37% of Americans who have been vaccinated that they can act as though it is. But the pandemic is still raging for the 63% who havent had the shots. Thats the majority of the country. Advertising Obviously, there are lots of questions about the revised mask guidelines handed down last week. Its not that Americans havent been looking forward to returning to normal; were just not sure the country is ready. We didnt expect the new freedom to arrive so suddenly. We thought wed be able to ease back into normality at our own pace. Local and state officials have the final say, but only 24 states had indoor mask requirements in place to begin with. At least 20 of those states said they are now planning to drop their mask mandates. Thats scary. For example, Florida, which has no mask mandate and few restrictions, saw more than 10,000 COVID-19 cases from three variants following the recent spring break. Soon after the mask restrictions were eased, retail giant Walmart was among the first to announce that it would no longer require vaccinated shoppers or workers to wear masks in its stores. Meanwhile, officials in big cities, where people tend to move in proximity, were caught off-guard and are scrambling to figure out how to handle one set of rules for part of the population and a different set for the other. Advertising This is happening as cities begin to reopen, despite only 1 in 3 people being fully vaccinated. Concerts and other mass gatherings are expected to return this summer. Bars, indoor restaurants and sports venues are on track too. Soon, people will return to swarming around each other, breathing, coughing and spitting like they used to before anyone heard of COVID-19. Not long ago, health officials were touting the importance of herd immunity in bringing the virus under control. Now, they seem to have given up on that idea. Obviously, theyve decided to move forward and just see what happens. Wed like to trust that health officials are following the science. We know the vaccine is effectively protecting us as promised, but its not 100% foolproof. Still, even with the rare chance a vaccinated person contracts COVID-19, the symptoms likely would be mild. What concerns us is that America is nowhere near herd immunity and wont be anytime soon. Without it, theres a good chance of more virus surges and the return of lockdowns, restrictions and masks. Our friends and loved ones with HIV or a weakened immune system due to illness or medication remain at risk. Those with underlying autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis have increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, even when vaccinated. Sponsored Several public-health officials have questioned the wisdom of the relaxed mask mandate. National Nurses United the nations largest union of registered nurses said the mask rollback jeopardizes the health of front-line workers as well as the public, and disproportionately harms people of color. The other problem is that many Americans dont fully trust the CDC either. During the past four years, the nations once-premier public-health agency was a puppet for an administration that never took the pandemic seriously enough. Regardless of how many people became sick or died, the primary goal was to fully reopen the country so that the then-president could boast about the economy. Public confidence in the CDC was severely eroded. Though the agency is rebuilding under new leadership, many Americans havent forgotten the betrayal. It will take time to trust that CDC directives are no longer entirely politically driven and that decisions regarding COVID-19 are made in the publics interest. Gaining the confidence to discard our masks will take time, as well. Those who care about health and safety are no more likely to walk into a Walmart without a mask than ride in a car without seat belt. | https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/why-are-we-wary-instead-of-rejoicing/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
What changes can government make to the BBC? | The BBC operates under a royal charter agreed with the government, the latest of which runs until the end of 2027. At the beginning of next year the government is due to start a midterm review of the charter, a health check, specifically focusing on governance and regulatory arrangements. The government will set the terms of reference for the midterm review so it certainly has the power to seek major changes to governance at the BBC. A midterm review was inserted into the last royal charter for the first time, specifically to make sure that governance and regulation is working without waiting for the 11-year agreement to come up for renewal. Currently, the communications watchdog Ofcom regulates the BBC and one option could be to beef up its powers relating to editorial oversight. Michael Grade, a former chair of the BBC governors who regulated the corporation until 2007, has raised the idea of an independent editorial board of non-BBC journalists be set up to review and critique its output as a sounding board. However, experts believe that the government does not have the power to institute governance procedures that would impact programme-making or influence output. The government cannot make changes that affect individual programmes, micro-level governance, but they can change the powers they currently have, such as Ofcom could act without waiting for official complaints, says Steven Barnett, professor of communications at the University of Westminster. The government has shown it is willing to make major changes to the oversight of the BBC. At the last royal charter renewal in 2016, the government made sweeping changes scrapping the corporations regulator, the BBC Trust, ending 94 years of BBC self-regulation. It also moved to introduce a unitary board, for which it appoints the chair and a number of the 14-strong members, a model used by large publicly listed companies. However, while it had become clear that the BBC Trusts status as cheerleader and regulator was an impossible role, making a change inevitable, the Dyson report relates to governance failures from more than two decades ago. The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, who will lead the midterm charter review, has said he will consider whether further governance reforms are needed, but it seems unlikely big changes will emerge given the systems in place are much more stringent than they were at the time of the investigations into Martin Bashirs interview tactics. | https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/may/21/what-changes-can-government-make-to-the-bbc |
Will New York Join the List of Cities With Progressive DAs? | Subscribe to The Nation Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Get The Nations Weekly Newsletter Fridays. The best of the week. You will receive occasional promotional offers for programs that support The Nations journalism. You can read our Privacy Policy here. Fridays. The best of the week. Thank you for signing up for The Nations weekly newsletter. Join the Books & the Arts Newsletter Mondays. The best of The Nations Books & the Arts, in your inbox biweekly. You will receive occasional promotional offers for programs that support The Nations journalism. You can read our Privacy Policy here. Mondays. The best of The Nations Books & the Arts, in your inbox biweekly. Thank you for signing up. For more from The Nation, check out our latest issue Subscribe to The Nation Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Support Progressive Journalism The Nation is reader supported: Chip in $10 or more to help us continue to write about the issues that matter. The Nation is reader supported: Chip in $10 or more to help us continue to write about the issues that matter. Sign up for our Wine Club today. N ew Y ork C ityOne of the more consequential political races in America will be decided here on June 22. And it has nothing to do with Andrew Yang. On the day Democrats in New York City will choose the candidate who will probably become the next mayor, Manhattanites will be effectively electing their next district attorney. Its the sort of race that will have far more of a seismic impact on the city and nation than the attention its been paid would indicate; the winner will be setting a criminal justice agenda that will inevitably ripple outward to DAs across the country. Part of this has to do with the offices sheer size: The outgoing DA, Cyrus Vance Jr., presides over 500 prosecutors and a budget that nears $170 million. Manhattan is the beating heart of the real estate industry, Wall Street, and the white-collar crimes that seize headlines. Vance has crossed paths with the likes of Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn. His failures, to most of the public, have been of the high-profile variety: not prosecuting Weinstein much sooner, not prosecuting the Trump children at all, and bungling the Strauss-Kahn case. Regular watchers of Law and Order and other police procedurals are acquainted with another version of the office: a tough but fair institution wrangling with a procession of criminals that hard-bitten, if well-meaning, prosecutors and cops must lock up. But a darker reality pulses belowthe office, under Vance and his predecessors, has been overly punitive and even predatory, according to legal observers and public defenders who have battled it on a daily basis. It is a place, they say, where the progressive reforms that have swept up offices around the nation have been, at best, begrudgingly or belatedly acknowledged. Where do we start with how repressive, how predatory, that prosecutors office has been for communities of color in Manhattan? asked Rigodis Appling, a member of Black Attorneys of Legal Aid and a longtime public defender. I really think they think its their job to simply protect property and they charge things as such. When you value property more than human life, thats where it becomes disturbing and youre not doing justice. Current Issue View our current issue There are eight Democrats running to replace Vance, who faced mounting pressure not to seek reelection. With scant polling available and a number of contenders who have raised north of $1 million, no single front-runner appears to be dominating the field. Unlike the mayoral race, this is technically not a municipal contest, which means no ranked-choice voting: Progressives do run the real risk here of splitting votes and allowing a more moderate candidate to triumph. The winner would only be the fourth Manhattan DA since 1942. Before Vance won election in 2009, Robert Morgenthau and Frank Hogan each held the post for decades. Danny Frost, a spokesman for Vance, argued that the DA had made great strides beyond his predecessor, Morgenthau, cutting prosecutions in half and investing forfeiture funds into various reform initiatives, including the Manhattan Family Justice Center. Many of the candidates running espouse the principles of reform that have come into vogue in the last four years, as progressive prosecutors like Larry Krasner in Philadelphia, Chesa Boudin in San Francisco, and Kim Foxx in Chicago have taken power. The contenders fall into various camps: the former prosecutors, a civil rights attorney, a public defender, and an elected official. Some are traditionalists, wary of the left flank; others race headfirst into reform. MORE FROM Ross Barkan Dianne Morales Looks for Spaceand Supporton New Yorks Left April 23, 2021 How One Cozy Relationship Influenced Cuomos Covid Response March 12, 2021 Cuomos Choice: Tax the Rich or Starve the Schools September 17, 2020 Author page All are reckoning with two competing currents: the demands to radically overhaul a system that has imprisoned too many people of color and growing calls, from conservatives and law enforcement, to hunt for a solution to New Yorks spike in shootings and murders. Im running against a bunch of former prosecutors who have been complicit in and propped up and perpetuated this system, said Eliza Orlins, a longtime Manhattan public defender who has also been a television personality. Ive been in the trenches fighting this office. Under Vance, certain reforms popular with progressives have been implemented, including a decision to no longer prosecute those who jump subway turnstilesbut public defenders view of the office is particularly dim. Orlins, who served as a public defender with Legal Aid, and other progressives describe Vance as a prosecutor relentlessly committed to going to trial to win cases against poorer, nonwhite defendants. In Manhattan, juries tend to be whiter and wealthier and more favorable to law enforcement than the more working-class, diverse juries in the outer boroughs. Appling described troubling trends: Vances prosecutors charging people who steal packages from building lobbies with burglary, a violent felony, which can carry years in prison, as opposed to petit larceny, a lesser charge. The office is willing to charge defendants who are caught up in predatory NYPD practices like Operation Lucky Bag, in which police planted a bag, usually with money or other valuables inside, in a public place and waited for someone to take it, arresting them on the spot. Before New York state reformed its outdated discovery laws, public defenders said Vances office was notorious for withholding information from the defense until right before trial, creating undue pressure on terrified defendants to plead guilty to inflated charges. The discovery practices of the Manhattan DA were the impetus behind changing the discovery laws, said Nick Encalada-Malinowski, the civil rights campaign director at VOCAL-NY, a reform group. There are a certain set of candidates who are interested in shrinking that system. Orlins is one of two candidates, along with civil rights attorney Tahanie Aboushi, who have said theyd slash the DAs budget by 50 percent if elected. Both are heartened that Krasner, a former public defender, beat back a law-and-order challenger on Tuesday. We can restructure the office where we are trimming the fat, said Aboushi, who is endorsed by the Working Families Party and successfully sued the Fire Department for discrimination against Black firefighters. We should be focusing on serious crimes. In their voting guide, Five Boro Defenders, a collective of public defenders and civil rights attorneys in New York, graded all the contenders on their ability to do the least amount of harm with an office that has traditionally had a carceral mission. Orlins was one candidate rated the highest. The other was not Aboushi but Dan Quart, a State Assembly member who has a long legislative record of pushing criminal justice reforms in Albany, including ending the ban on gravity knives, which are often carried by blue-collar workers but used to be illegal, allowing Vance and other DAs to rack up more prosecutions. Im the only one with a real record of achieving results on decarceration, says Quart. Another top contender in the progressive lane, Alvin Bragg, has won the backing of Preet Bharara, Charlie Rangel, Jerry Nadler, and several large labor unions. Bragg, who grew up in Harlem and served as the chief deputy attorney general in New York, made a name for himself seeking full transparency into how the NYPD handled Eric Garners death. He speaks often about his experience as a Black man being repeatedly stopped by police. All of my policies have emerged from my really having experienced almost every part of the criminal justice system, Bragg said. My brother in-law living with me after getting out of incarceration. Me having been stopped three times at gunpoint growing up. Among the four candidates competing for the left lane in the primary, there are some clear differences. In a voter guide assembled by the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, Bragg said he would not reduce the budget of the DAs office at all. Only Aboushi and Orlins would eliminate pretrial detention altogether. Quart was the only candidate to say he would request only supervision on a defendant, not electronic monitoring. All but Bragg said theyd try to reduce the number of people in jail pretrial by at least 80 percent. In addition to two former prosecutors with lower levels of name recognition and endorsements, Liz Crotty and Diana Florence, Lucy Lang, a Vance ally, is campaigning on the premise that someone who has worked as a prosecutor in the Manhattan DAs office can also fix it. The former head of the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College, Lang has won the backing of several reform-oriented prosecutors across America, including Kim Gardner in St. Louis. My candidacy is informed by and supported by people most directly impacted by the system, said Lang, who has said shed beef up the sex crimes unit in the DAs office. People who have been incarcerated, people who have been impacted by violent crime. However, if there is a single candidate looming over the rest, its the primarys most prolific fundraiser: Tali Farhadian Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor. Married to Boaz Weinstein, a multimillionaire hedge fund manager, Farhadian Weinstein has raised more than $2 million by aggressively targeting Wall Street megadonors. She veers to the right of several Democrats in the race, speaking more on the campaign stump about rising crime rates and gun violence, and is viewed as a candidate who would not greatly depart from Vances traditionalist approach. She is also one of the only candidates who will not rule out entering into information sharing agreements with federal agencies like ICE and Homeland Security Investigation. Expected to advertise far more heavily than most of the Democrats, Farhadian Weinstein took a measured view of Vance as her rivals pounced on her fundraising. The office has done some things well, some things less well, she said. For Farhadian Weinstein, a key focus would be gender-based violence. We will be taking on violence against women, she said. Her prominent progressive rivals, with time ticking down in the primary, are not holding back against her. Her ties to Wall Street are very problematic, Aboushi said, pointing to donations as large as $35,000 sent to Farhadian Weinsteins coffers. For some people, thats an annual salary. Farhadian Weinstein, dismissing these criticisms, pointed to the large amounts of money her rivals have raised, including those whove taken cash from law firms that might have business in front of the DA. I really caution others to not put out purity tests they cant pass, she said. | https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/new-york-progressive-da/ |
Should Packers make a play for Julio Jones? | Its clear that the Falcons would like to trade receiver Julio Jones. Its not clear whether one or more teams want to trade for him. As previously mentioned, the challenge ultimately becomes striking the right balance between the compensation Atlanta expects and the portion of the $15.83 million guaranteed salary that the Falcons will pay to facilitate a trade. Before that can happen, however, one or more other teams have to want to do the deal. The reduced salary cap becomes a factor when it comes to finding a fit for Jones. With the cap roughly $25 million lower this year than it would have been but for the pandemic, adding $15.83 million wont be an easy feat for many of the teams that could use him. To date, few if any reports have emerged regarding teams looking to trade for Jones. The most intriguing option could be the Packers. Yes, theyre pressed against the cap. The Packers likely would need to perform other salary-cap prestidigitation in order to make it all work. (A Davante Adams restructuring would be the easiest way to do it, given an eight-figure salary that can be converted to a signing bonus.) From a football standpoint, the idea of Rodgers, Adams, and Jones together would strike fear in the rest of the conference and possibly make the difference between the Packers making it to the NFC Championship (again) and getting back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years. The Packers would have to want to do it. And then the possibility would have to make Rodgers willing to let bygones be bygones and embrace a chance to get over the hump before his days in Green Bay are gone by. originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-play-julio-jones-150846745.html?src=rss |
Can anyone solve the puzzle of Paul Danos Riddler in The Batman? | The Riddler has always been a Batman supervillain with a penchant for thorny posers. And yet usually the question marks are set by the caped crusaders mischievous nemesis himself, as spiky traps for Gothams dark knight to fall into. In the case of Matt Reeves forthcoming The Batman, it looks as if they might zero in more precisely on the identity of Edward Nygma himself. Leaked artwork for the forthcoming reboot has sparked a flurry of speculation as to who exactly Paul Dano will be portraying in Reeves film. Certainly, this vision of a clumsily masked figure is a long way from the one most comic-book fans will be used to, so much so that those who hark back to Jim Carreys manic, grinning idiot in Joel Schumachers execrable Batman Forever, or Frank Gorshins slick trickster in the 50s TV show, might wonder if they are looking at a different character altogether. Maybe theyre right. Its been pointed out on Twitter that the new Riddler resembles popular images of the Zodiac Killer, the never-identified serial murderer who terrorised northern California in the 60s and early 70s. Theres also more than a passing resemblance to other masked Batman villains such as Hush and the Birthday Boy. The former has worked closely with Nygma in the comics, while the Zodiac Killer shares with the Riddler a love of writing devious and provocative letters to his wannabe captors. Its fairly obvious that the riddler in #TheBatman is inspired by the Zodiac Killer, and thats fine. It has a certain intimidation factor to it, but it still looks dumb. Mainly cause the Zodiac Killer looked dumb as well. Im sure Paul Dano will be excellent. pic.twitter.com/xcWApzV8Ki Robert (@Hooded_Rob1n) May 19, 2021 The mystery deepens when we consider that a version of the supervillain as serial killer also exists in the comics, albeit in an alternate DC universe. Geoff Johns Batman: Earth One saw the Riddler reimagined as a sadistic murderer who tortures his victims with riddles that he falsely claims will save them if they answer correctly. The simplest answer is that Reeves has wisely pinpointed the traditional Riddler as far too much of a cheeky klutz to ever truly present Batman with any major threat in what promises to be the most grown-up big screen take on Gotham since Christopher Nolans Dark Knight trilogy. The lightweight nature of the Riddler is a problem fans of the comics have often pointed out. Consequently, the supervillains menace and guile have been slowly upgraded in most iterations since DCs New 52 reboot in 2011 this will be the first movie since then to feature the supervillain, so the approach makes sense. Its also notable that IMDb lists Dano as portraying Edward Nashton, not Edward Nygma, giving the new Batman team considerable wiggle room when it comes to its depiction of the trickster. Nashton is traditionally the Riddlers birth name, the one he used before deciding to become a supervillain. There are other reasons why it would be little surprise if Reeves is cooking up Riddler 2.0. Weve already seen that The Batman will star a Penguin (Colin Farrell) who bears little resemblance to the Oswald Cobblepot of, say, Batman Returns. Moreover, Reeves is battling to establish this new vision of Gotham against a backdrop of Batman overload there have been nine big-screen efforts starring the caped crusader since Tim Burtons Batman in 1989, 10 if you count Ben Afflecks brief cameo in Suicide Squad. And the reboot will also have to contend with the fact that Batfleck is still out there somehow in Andy Muschietts forthcoming The Flash, which will delve into various alternate universes in which a number of different dark knights are set to appear. (Yes, theyre bringing back Michael Keaton, too). Bearing in mind all the other Batmans weve seen in TV shows and animated feature films over the past decade or so, Reeves needs to both make his version of the caped crusader stand out from the crowd and ensure tired old treatments of Batmans traditional rogues gallery are given a refresh for the post-Covid world. Given hes doing somewhat of the opposite with Robert Pattinsons Batman himself, by restoring our hero to worlds greatest detective mode, thereby ridding him of the knuckle-headed, gun-toting baggage introduced by Zack Snyder in the awful Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, most fans would probably say hes entitled to mess with the supporting cast as much as he likes. | https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/21/paul-dano-the-riddler-the-batman |
Is Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) A Great Investment Choice? | Rhizome Partners, an investment management firm, published its first quarter 2021 investor letter a copy of which can be downloaded here. A return of 11.5% was recorded by the fund, outperforming the S&P 500 Index that delivered a +6.2% return and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REIT Total Return Index that was up by 8.3% for the same period. You can view the funds top 5 holdings to have a peek at their top bets for 2021. Rhizome Partners, in its Q1 2021 investor letter, mentioned The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC), and shared their insights on the company. The Howard Hughes Corporation is a Dallas, Texas-based real estate company that currently has a $5.6 billion market capitalization. Since the beginning of the year, HHC delivered a 30.63% return, extending its 12-month gains to 117.67%. As of May 19, 2021, the stock closed at $103.11 per share. Here is what Rhizome Partners has to say about The Howard Hughes Corporation in its Q1 2021 investor letter: "Howard Hughes experienced strong gains during the quarter. The companys Hawaii condo sales continue to improve. We believe that vaccinations and a lack of entertainment competition may make the Seaport in NYC a favored destination for New Yorkers in the summer of 2021. Narratives often drive stock prices. In the last few years, Howard Hughes has been link to 1) a real estate compounder 2) an oil and gas crisis 3) an event driven trade via strategic initiative 4) a pandemic and 5) a millennial homebuying and net migration story. The company has continuously developed and improved their real estate holdings while the market mostly ignored the growth in NAV. Instead, narratives drove the stock price rather than NAV or the growth in NAV over time. Wall Street is currently enamored with everything related to homebuying and net migration stories and Howard Hughes provides excellent exposure to both themes. Our job is to discover companies trading at large discounts to NAV at the start. Equally important, our job is to assess the current narrative and its trajectory and adjust our positions accordingly. We believe the current favorable narrative can last for a while." Story continues Real Estate, Construction youssef-abdelwahab-qyzo7TDSVQs-unsplash Our calculations show that The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) does not belong in our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As of the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) was in 27 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 31 funds in the third quarter. HHC delivered a 3.12% return in the past 3 months. The top 10 stocks among hedge funds returned 231.2% between 2015 and 2020, and outperformed the S&P 500 Index ETFs by more than 126 percentage points. We know it sounds unbelievable. You have been dismissing our articles about top hedge fund stocks mostly because you were fed biased information by other media outlets about hedge funds poor performance. You could have doubled the size of your nest egg by investing in the top hedge fund stocks instead of dumb S&P 500 ETFs. Here you can watch our video about the top 5 hedge fund stocks right now. All of these stocks had positive returns in 2020. At Insider Monkey, we scour multiple sources to uncover the next great investment idea. For example, Federal Reserve has been creating trillions of dollars electronically to keep the interest rates near zero. We believe this will lead to inflation and boost real estate prices. So, we recommended this real estate stock to our monthly premium newsletter subscribers. We go through lists like the 15 best innovative stocks to buy to pick the next Tesla that will deliver a 10x return. Even though we recommend positions in only a tiny fraction of the companies we analyze, we check out as many stocks as we can. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. You can subscribe to our free daily newsletter on our website: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. | https://news.yahoo.com/howard-hughes-corporation-hhc-great-161854412.html |
Should Major League Baseball have a mercy rule to avoid 'unwritten rules' disputes? | Home runs off of position players - including Yermn Mercedes of the Chicago White Sox hitting a home run on a 3-0 count against the Minnesota Twins' Willians Astudillo on Monday night and another one Thursday night by the Tampa Bay Rays' Joey Wendle in the ninth inning off of the Baltimore Orioles' Stevie Wilkerson - and games like Thursday's 19-4 rout of the Reds by the Giants at Great American Ball Park have sparked renewed debate about a Major League Baseball mercy rule. National Baseball Hall of Famer and former Cincinnati Reds great Johnny Bench told Dan Patrick earlier this week that he didn't take issue with Mercedes swinging away on Monday with a 15-4 lead in the ninth inning - though Bench added that he wouldn't necessarily have ignored a sign from the dugout. "Just compete. Just play the game. If you don't want to play the game - if the game's over and you don't want to play - forfeit the game," former Reds and current Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer said earlier this week on his vlog. "Just say, 'We're done.' Forfeit. Walk off. Otherwise, just accept what's going to happen." [ Subscribe now for unlimited access to Cincinnati.com ] | https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/2021/05/21/should-major-league-baseball-have-mercy-rule-10-run-unwritten-rules-yermin-mercedes-tony-la-russa/5203189001/ |
Could Netflix's 'Cobra Kai' series be sparking a renewed interest in bonsai trees? | Gabe Hernandez loves nature, but living in the city, especially while working from home during the pandemic, made it hard to get out into the wilderness. So I decided to bring a little nature to me, said Hernandez, a professional photographer. And by little, he means little. He used his time marooned at home to begin learning the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, which involves carefully pruning and training ordinary trees so they appear like mature trees but shrunken. I always thought these tiny trees are so cool, he said. I bought a bonsai tree once before, but I killed it. This time I did a lot of research, watching videos on YouTube and even joining the San Antonio Bonsai Society. Today Hernandez tends a small forest of about 50 trees bought at local nurseries bald cypresses, live oaks, cedar elms that he carefully waters each morning. Its a 10-minute ritual he calls both peaceful and calming. Itll take years, but he hopes to slowly transform them into artfully crafted miniatures. Doing bonsai really helped get me through the pandemic, he said. Hes not alone. Bonsai trees may be tiny, but interest in them has grown over the past year or so. The San Antonio Bonsai Society, for example, has seen its dues-paying membership almost double over the past 18 months to 86, reports president Ryan Odegaard. On ExpressNews.com: Hammered by February freeze, states olive industry wont have another harvest for 3-5 years Bonsai is something you can do in your own backyard, where you can stay safe and healthy, he said. Other circumstances are driving bonsais popularity, too. The 1984 release of the first The Karate Kid film, which featured several scenes of young Daniel LaRussos karate mentor Mr. Miyagi tending his little trees, boosted the trees popularity in the 1980s. After that you started seeing people selling bonsai on the side of the road, Fields said. The popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, a follow-up to the Karate Kid series, may cause a similar uptick in interest. In this new show, LaRusso is a successful auto dealer who gives every new car buyer a free bonsai. He also uses the patience needed to grow and train bonsai as a teaching lesson for a troubled young man. But theres also the connection to nature they provide. I think a lot of younger people are getting into bonsai because they dont spend a lot of time outdoors, said David Rizwan, who works in medical device design. Theyre finding it helps satisfy their fascination with nature. Plus theres the coolness factor in the way the trees look, and the fact that so many of them are so old. The National Bonsai Foundation in Washington, D.C. often gets calls from people interested in learning more about the art, and executive director Bobbie Alexander said more are parents are asking how to get their children interested in the hobby. Ive got a list of about 10 people Ive promised to give a personal tour to of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which the foundation supports, she said. (Penjing is an ancient Chinese art that involves creating miniature landscapes, often including bonsai.) We also recently launched a blog series on the future of bonsai that will spotlight young people who are beginning to practice the art. Properly cared for, these tiny trees can live for hundreds of years. Several bonsai trees were found to be more than 1,000 years old . Perhaps the most famous bonsai is the almost 400-year-old Japanese white pine that a family in Hiroshima had tended for six generations, up until the 1945 atomic bomb blast. The family and the tree survived, and they donated the tree to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. On ExpressNews.com: Nonnative palms likely dead from February freeze; natives seem OK Today there are bonsai clubs in every state in the country, and several clubs on the West Coast have hundreds of members. Many new hobbyists say theyre surprised to learn that almost any tree can be trained to become a bonsai. I thought bonsai was a specific species of tree, said Joe Hoyt, an engineer who started growing trees about 2 years ago. But you can do it with almost any kind. This includes even South Texas natives such as crepe myrtle, mesquite and huisache. They wont look like the classic Japanese bonsai, but it can be done, Odegaard said. Generally, trees with large leaves, such as sycamores, dont work as bonsai because the leaves will be out of proportion with the rest of the tree. Bonsai takes patience. Crafting a tree from a seed or cutting can take 10 to 15 years or more. For the impatient, completed bonsai trees are sold at exhibitions, nurseries, even big box stores. However trees are acquired, long-time aficionados say bonsai is just the balm for stressful times. When you see a beautiful tree it stirs something in you, said Jack Rice, a San Antonio foundry manager who has collected 300 to 400 trees, some as old as 150 years, during his 40 years as a collector. I have a high-stress job, but after I come home and go outside to water my trees, I can talk to my wife again. [email protected] | Twitter: @RichardMarini | https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/home-garden/article/Could-Netflix-s-Cobra-Kai-series-be-16194257.php |
Could The Paper Industry End Up Being A Victim Of The Pandemic As Well? | IMAGE: getty One positive outcome of the pandemic and the implantation of distributed work has been a sharp drop in paper consumption: some large paper companies are closing factories to adapt to a market that no longer demands reams and reams of paper for photocopiers and printers as companies overnight were forced to move the vast majority of their admin to an electronic format. The same can be said of the education sector, another major consumer of paper until it shifted to home teaching: many of the exercises that students used to hand in on paper are now sent electronically for marking. At IE University, where I have worked for 31 years, the vast majority of photocopiers once used by students have disappeared, replaced by potted plants with a little sign indicating this. In response, paper companies are shifting to the production of other types of cellulose-based products such as tissues or toilet paper, which saw a sharp and almost pathological increase in demand at the beginning of the pandemic, but which in the medium to long term is expected to decline as we all become more environmentally aware. On the up side, there has been a sharp rise in demand for cardboard: lockdown has seen a sharp rise in online sales, which uses large amounts of cardboard for packaging, as confirmed by data from recycling companies. The pulp industry has a huge environmental impact that it would be good to reduce, especially associated with the consumption of white paper, which is used in photocopiers and printers, while other products such as cardboard are increasingly recycled. First of all, how many companies will go back to doing things as they did before, as opposed to those that offer their employees the possibility of continuing to work flexibly from home, which will tend to maintain their digital habits. But even in the case of organizations that intend to force their employees back to the office, it will be interesting to see if, after months of working from home and acquiring new working habits, people will return to using paper, even though it has been shown that there is no need. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/enriquedans/2021/05/21/could-the-paper-industry-end-up-being-a-victim-of-the-pandemic-aswell/ |
Which California attractions are reopening this weekend? | Heres a look at when more than 65 California visitor destinations are reopening, including the Getty Center, the Broad museum, the Reagan Library and Sequoia National Parks Crystal Cave in coming days. Beyond museums, the list includes parks, theme parks, campgrounds and other attractions, dozens of them already open. Check the linked websites before planning a visit; many destinations have shortened their hours or reduced their offerings (or both). All of Californias national parks are open but details vary. For instance, some seasonal mountain roads are still closed by snow, but Yosemites Tioga Road opened to bicycles May 21-23, with car access to follow sometime soon after. Travelers should check individuals sites for up-to-date information. All but six of Californias 280 state parks are open, but many of their campgrounds are not, so youll need to check individually. Advertisement Also, details on 40 California museums, including many not on this list, are available here. Details on California theme parks are here. Pinocchio and Tinker Bell greet Disneyland guests on Feb. 27, 2020, shortly before the pandemic shut down the park. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The Getty Center in Brentwood reopens May 25. The Broad museum, L.A., reopens May 26. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reopens May 26. Sequoia National Parks Crystal Cave reopens May 28. Tickets went on sale May 1 at recreation.gov. Advertisement The Museum of Contemporary Art in L.A. reopens June 3. Leaders of the Old Globe theater in San Diegos Balboa Park have said they hope to schedule events as early as the first week of June in the Globes open-air Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Top of the Mark, an iconic San Francisco bar on the penthouse level of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, will resume modified operation in June. Will Geers Theatricum Botanicum, an open-air venue in Topanga Canyon, will present a summer season of three plays July 10 through Nov. 7, including A Midsummer Nights Dream and Julius Caesar, with ticket sales beginning June 1. The venue is also presenting an afternoon concert by singer-songwriter on June 6. Advertisement The Hollywood Bowl has set five free concerts for health care workers, first responders and essential workers in May and June, and kicks off a 14-week season beginning July 3. Seating in most sections will required that guests show proof of vaccination. Laguna Beachs Pageant of the Masters will run nightly July 7 through Sept. 3. The summer tradition features living pictures on an amphitheater stage. Tickets are on sale. The Dolby Theater in Hollywood has scheduled a production of My Fair Lady beginning Oct. 7. The Pantages Theater in Hollywood said it will resume the run of Hamilton on Oct. 12. Advertisement Open now Alcatraz, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is open, though access to some areas is still restricted. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Advertisement Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive opened May 2. Bodie State Historic Park, Bodie, is open, but automobile access is blocked by snow in winter months. Bowers Museum, Santa Ana Buena Vista Cafe, San Francisco Advertisement California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco California African American Museum, Los Angeles California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento. Weekend 45-minute train rides are open; walk-through train cars and childrens area remain closed. Anacapa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, features a lighthouse completed in 1932. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Channel Islands National Park Cold Spring Tavern, outside Santa Barbara, has reopened for dining but no live music yet. De Young Museum, San Francisco Death Valley National Park Advertisement Newsletter Get The Wild newsletter. The essential weekly guide to enjoying the outdoors in Southern California. Insider tips on the best of our beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains. Enter email address Sign Me Up You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park opened April 30. French Laundry restaurant, Yountville The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Advertisement The Great Park Balloon, Irvine, resumed flights May 6. The Great Parks visitor center is open, as its sports complex (for participants, not observers) and the Great Park Gallery. The carousel, under renovations, is expected to reopen in fall. Highway 1, which has been closed for repairs between southern Monterey County and Big Sur since late January, reopened April 23. With that option open, Southern Californians regain a scenic coastal route to Big Sur and points farther north. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is partially open, including select galleries, many gardens, store and cafe Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles Joshua Tree National Park Advertisement Kings Canyon National Park Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park reopened May 6 for season-pass holders, with a May 21 public reopening to follow. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, Los Angeles La Pursima Mission State Historic Park, Lompoc Advertisement Lassen Volcanic National Park is open, but its Park Highway is partially closed by winter snows. Legoland California Resort, in Carlsbad, reopened April 15, including Sea Life aquarium and Chima Water Park. On May 27, the park opens a new area, The Lego Movie World, with six rides and attractions on 2 acres. Reservations are required. Los Angeles County Museum of Art Maritime Museum of San Diego, including historic bay cruises Advertisement Monterey Bay Aquarium opened to the public Saturday. Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Musso & Frank Grill, an iconic Hollywood restaurant, reopened May 6 and is accepting reservations. The Napa Valley Wine Train, which visits wineries between Napa and St. Helena, resumed operations May 17. Advertisement Nepenthe restaurant, a Big Sur landmark The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, reopened May 15. The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena reopened to the public Thursday, following preview days for members May 15-17. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway resumed daily service Monday after several months of running Thursday-Sunday. Advertisement Palm Springs Art Museum Pappy and Harriets Pioneertown Palace, a restaurant and bar near Joshua Tree, is open indoors and out. Live music is limited. Pinnacles National Park Redwood National Park Advertisement The Downtown San Luis Obispo Thursday Farmers Market returned May 6 at reduced size with tighter restrictions. Sacramento History Museum and Old Sacramento Underground Tours Star of India, San Diego Maritime Museum, Harbor Drive, San Diego. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) San Diego Zoo Advertisement San Francisco Museum of Modern Art San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest. Parts of the wilderness within Sand to Snow National Monument have reopened, including South Fork, Lost Creek, Aspen Grove and Fish Creek trailheads. Some interior trails remain closed. Also, the Falls Picnic Area, Big Falls Trail and Vivian Creek Trail in the Forest Falls area reopened too. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Santa Barbara Mission, including self-guided tours Advertisement Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Santa Barbara Wine Country Santa Catalina Island Santa Monica Piers Pacific Park amusement area has reopened, but its merry-go-round remains closed. Advertisement Sequoia National Park This 2020 aerial view shows Six Flags Magic Mountain, closed because of the pandemic, with a hawk perched atop the blue tracks of the Dive Devil ride. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia Trout season in the Eastern Sierra Advertisement Universal Studios Hollywood Yosemite National Park is open, but requires advance reservations even for day trips, May 21 through Sept. 30. The parks Upper, Lower and North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek and Tuolumne Meadows campgrounds will be open for the summer, advance reservations required for all. The Ahwahnee, Curry Village and the Yosemite Valley lodge are open too, with some restrictions. Theres no shuttle bus service. Also, visitors in cars wont be able to reach the towering sequoias of Mariposa Grove, which was closed to traffic after a January wind storm. But you can hike or bike to the trees on the Washburn Trail (4 miles, round trip from Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza). Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad that takes visitors on rides through Sierra National Forest, starting in Fish Camp near the south entrance to the national park. Closed indefinitely Bear Gulch and Balconies caves at Pinnacles National Park Advertisement Big Basin Redwoods State Park closed because of the CZU Lightning Complex Fires. Coit Tower, San Francisco Exploratorium, San Francisco Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles remains closed. Director Ed Krupp said that if the state sticks with plans to ease restrictions on June 15, the observatory should be able to reopen well before the end of summer. Advertisement The Roman Pool at Hearst Castle remains off-limits to visitors. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Hearst Castle, San Simeon Medieval Times, the Buena Park dinner theater that features horses and jousting. Though state officials on April 28 loosened pandemic restrictions so that water parks can theoretically open at much-limited capacity, Raging Waters Los Angeles in San Dimas remained closed indefinitely as of Thursday. | https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2021-05-21/california-reopening-calendar-theme-parks-museums-venues-and-other-attractions |
Could Chicago Bears be putting too much faith in Jimmy Graham? | There are several positions where Ryan Pace appears to be taking a gamble after the draft and free agency, and one of those is a position where they were very fortunate last year. Sometimes personnel people must take gambles with their roster in the NFL. They'd probably characterize these more as calculated risks. When they pour so much time and effort into a draft pick or free agent acquisition, they've usually determined the player's chances of filling an immediate need. Ryan Pace made four basic gambles this year based on everything he and the scouting department from both the pro and college side could determine. Quarterback did not really fit into this classification. The Bears more or less fell into taking Andy Dalton. It was more a final or near-final option than gambling with a signing. They'd already missed on Russell Wilson, didn't want to meet the Eagles' asking price on Carson Wentz and a Chicago Tribune reports suggests they may have wanted Ryan Fitzpatrick over Dalton but Washington beat them to the punch. It might have been Dalton or Mitchell Trubisky again. Either way, Fitzpatrick would not necessarily have been a measurable step up from Dalton. The four gambles Ryan Pace is taking vary in risk degree. At one time the list looked longer, but subsequent moves made in the offseason solidified those situations. 4. Slot Cornerback It's a vital position, even a starting position now considering Buster Skrine was on the field 68% of the snaps in 2019 and even 52% last year when he missed four games due to concussions. The gamble taken here is coaches will draw from within inexperienced Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley and Thomas Graham Jr. and come up with one promising slot cornerback. These are not high draft picks, Vildor being a fifth-rounder and the other two sixth-rounders. Still, this was how the Bears came up with Bryce Callahan and he was an undrafted free agent. He emerged from a battle of younger players to take the position. The risk exists that can do this, but at least in the cases of Shelley and Vildor the Bears have seen enough of them on the field to believe they are capable. 3. Left Cornerback At least Desmond Trufant has been a been a high-level NFL starter, even a Pro Bowl cornerback when healthy. He hasn't been healthy for a while, though. If you look beyond Trufant for a Kyle Fuller replacement you'll see only recent draft picks or castoffs from other teams, like former Steelers cornerback Artie Burns as he comes back from a torn ACL, former CFL player Tre Roberson or Xavier Crawford. The promising young cornerbacks who might fit in at slot also can enter the picture. Pace is placing most of his chips on Trufant's ability to stay off injured reserve, and the trend says he's going to need plenty of luck to get this right. Then again, maybe the odds say a guy has to be healthy at some point. 2. Left Tackle Starting a rookie left tackle to protect the blind side of an aging veteran at starting quarterback can be a recipe for disaster. The Bears believe in Dalton's ability to move just enough to compensate for any early mistakes by Teven Jenkins, and he has been a bit more mobile than your typical statue quarterback. In Jenkins' case, Pace made the right move by going up to get him early in Round 2. At least the previous draft suggests waiting on a tackle is unwise. Past results are not so dramatic but do support this overall. In the 2020 draft there were seven players regarded as tackles who were selected in the first two rounds and six of them became starters, although Ezra Cleveland's starts came at guard. After the second round there were 15 other players Pro Football Reference regarded as tackles and were drafted but none started more than half the games. Only one started half of them and that was Tyre Phillips. He started at guard. Still, it's a risk even in an early round. For every four or five Tristan Wirfs, there is an Isaiah Wilson. He was a Jets first-rounder last year who played in one game. The greatest risk here might not be Jenkins. It's who they have if he doesn't work out. The identity of this person is entirely unclear. 1. Tight End There are no ifs ands or buts about it. Pace stuck this one last year and all the Jimmy Graham haters in social media land were entirely and utterly wrong about his skills. The narrative said Graham was too old and had nothing left but there were 19 tight ends who were 30 or older in the NFL last year and only Travis Kelce had more than Graham's total of 50 receptions. Graham had the fourth-most touchdown catches among all tight ends with eight, and the 14th most receptions overall among tight ends. There is no doubt about the importance of this position in Matt Nagy's offense. In 2019 when they had only injured Trey Burton or one of several other injured players at the U-tight end spot, the offense seemed to collapse. Graham revived it. Still, plenty of speculation had Graham being cut for cap purposes this year. Everyone seemed curious as each day went by about when he'd be cut. In fact, it's still going on. "There was never any curiosity, I dont think, within our building whether he was going to be back or not," tight ends coach Clancy Barone said. "We knew from Day 1. "The guy led our team in touchdowns. He's, I think, No. 4 on the all-time NFL list for tight ends touchdowns and so forth for their careers. He's invaluable. He's a guy that takes phenomenal care of his body and every year of his career, he'll take off two weeks when the season is over and then he's right back into running and lifting and things like that. So he's not the kind of guy that has to get in shape. He's the guy that always stays in shape." That the Bears are counting on Graham at the tight end spot opposite Cole Kmet again is maybe not the huge surprise their cornerback decision to cut Fuller was. However, what is surprising is how Pace hasn't covered the third tight end spot considering how important the position proved to be in 2019. They could be flirting with disaster, and here's why. Tight end is a dangerous position. It's big guys playing in space at their top speed. They're often not the best quick-twitch athletes or very maneuverable. They get hurt. Players in their 30s are always more at risk to get injured. Last year there were 19 tight ends who caught a pass and were 30 or older. Only five of them played in every game. The Bears were fortunate Graham was one of them. The position invites injury, anyway. Of those 91 total tight ends who caught passes, only 35 of them played in every game. Practice squad players Jesper Horsted or former college basketball player Darion Clark are the top choices. They do have J.P. Holtz but he has already been fit for a position, according to Barone, who said, "...he does a fine job as an in-line blocking tight end. He does a really nice job when he plays the fullback role as well. So yeah, we have no problems with him being somewhat versatile for us and being able to be that blocking tight end." Holtz is the backup to Kmet or a fullback, not a move-tight end They've added some undrafted college free agents, but such players usually get cut or wind up on the practice squad. The Bears are placing a lot of faith in an aging tight end at a position proven vital to this offense, and if something happens they're probably less equipped to replace him than at other positions. Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven | https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/gm-report/where-the-bears-are-gambling-too-much-in-2021 |
Is America irredeemably racist? | THE IDEA that racism is resistant to laws meant to end it originated in academia a generation ago. Its become more mainstream since the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed. In this episode we assess how the debate on race is changing with historian Yohuru Williams; find out how "Critical Race Theory" entered the culture wars; and speak to Kimberl Crenshaw, one of its leading scholars. John Prideaux, The Economists US editor, hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Jon Fasman. Runtime: 48 min Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | TuneIn For access to The Economists print, digital and audio editions subscribe: economist.com/USpod | https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2021/05/21/is-america-irredeemably-racist |
What Is a Mega Backdoor Roth? | A mega backdoor Roth is a tax strategy you can use to dramatically increase contributions to a Roth individual retirement account and bypass the usual Roth IRA income limits. As with any Roth, your money grows without being taxed, and the funds can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. You may be able to make a mega backdoor Roth contribution if you: -- Have a 401(k) plan at work. -- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions. -- Your 401(k) plan permits in-service withdrawals or rollovers. There are several ways to fund a Roth IRA, and each strategy has different rules and restrictions. A mega backdoor Roth allows you to contribute significantly more funds to a Roth IRA than other Roth IRA funding strategies. Roth IRA. A Roth IRA is an attractive retirement account because growth and distributions are tax-free, and you don't have to take required minimum distributions in retirement. Unlike a traditional IRA, the money contributed to a Roth IRA has already been taxed. However, a Roth IRA has income limits that prohibit high earners from contributing directly to an account and a small contribution limit of $6,000 to $7,000 per year, depending on your age. Backdoor Roth. A backdoor Roth is a way for high-income individuals to bypass the ordinary income limits for a Roth. You can open a traditional IRA, and immediately convert it into a Roth IRA and pay the taxes. However, you can only contribute $6,000 a year to an IRA ($7,000 if you are over 50). Mega backdoor Roth. Some people who have a 401(k) plan at work that allows after-tax contributions and in-service distributions have the option to create a mega backdoor Roth. If you meet all the rules and requirements, you can save an additional $38,500 a year in a Roth by putting after-tax funds in the 401(k) and then rolling it over to the Roth. "It's a fairly narrow group of people that get to do it, because of all the steps that are required, and many 401(k) plans are not set up to even allow it," says Adam Fuller, a financial advisor and principal at Homrich Berg Wealth Management in Atlanta. Story continues [Read: How to Open a Roth IRA.] The most you can contribute to a 401(k) out of your paycheck on a pre-tax basis is $19,500, or $26,000 for individuals 50 and older. However, the overall IRS limit on contributions is $58,000 ($64,500 at age 50 or older). "Most people don't realize that they can actually contribute up to $64,500 to a 401(k)," says Mike Piershale, president of Piershale Financial Group in Barrington, Illinois. After you have contributed the tax-deductible maximum of $19,500 (or $26,000 if 50 or older), you can contribute an additional $38,500 in after-tax contributions, if your 401(k) plan allows this type of contribution. You can then transfer that $38,500 to a Roth IRA, if your plan allows in-service distributions or rollovers. However, if you receive an employer match, that counts against the maximum total contribution of $58,000 ($64,500 if 50 or older). For example, if you contribute $26,000 to a 401(k) plan and receive $14,000 from your company as a 401(k) match, that counts as $40,000 toward your $64,500 limit. Thus, you will only be allowed to contribute another $24,500 in after-tax money that can then be rolled over to the Roth IRA. [Read: IRA Contribution Limits for 2021.] The Benefits of a Mega Backdoor Roth If you make $38,500 in after-tax contributions to your 401(k) and it grows by $30,000 by the time you retire, you will not have to pay taxes on your original $38,500 because it was invested as after-tax money. However, you will be taxed on that $30,000 in investment growth because the money does not grow tax-free in a traditional 401(k) plan. However, if you were to roll that $38,500 over to a Roth IRA in the same year you make the after-tax 401(k) deposit, you won't owe income tax on the $30,000 of investment growth and can take tax-free withdrawals in retirement. "This is a way to get a lot of extra money in that Roth and of course the Roth is the goose that lays the golden eggs, because for the rest of your life when you pull that money out, it all comes out tax free," Piershale says. "That's why they call them mega backdoor Roth, because you put this huge amount in." [See: 12 Ways to Avoid the IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty.] How to Decide if a Mega Backdoor Roth Is Right for You In order to use the mega backdoor Roth strategy, you need to make sure your company allows after-tax contributions to your 401(k), which many large companies do. Your company also needs to allow an in-service rollover while you're still working for that company. Additional limits may apply if you are highly compensated. "You have to be very careful to make sure you have everything you need. Otherwise, you may do the extra contributions and then realize that you can't roll it out," Fuller says. "Make sure you ask all the questions and know exactly that all the steps are in place to make it work smoothly." Check with your human resources department or review your summary plan description to determine if your plan has the flexibility to allow the contributions and rollovers. Even if your plan doesn't, it's not necessarily the end of your options. "You can go to the employer and ask if they'll add it," Fuller says. "We've worked with some employers for some executives to try and get that done. A lot depends on the size of the company and other factors, but some companies will be amenable to making changes. It does create some additional costs for the company, so some may not be willing to do it." If you are uncertain about your 401(k) plan's rules, it can help to work with a financial professional. "The key thing here is for an individual to work with their advisor to go through the steps to first make sure that it makes sense to do this, even to make additional contributions on an after-tax basis," Fuller says. "If they have a good financial foundation, and they're looking for extra ways now to save, this can work very well." | https://news.yahoo.com/mega-backdoor-roth-162653939.html |
Is long-standing U.S. support of Israel beginning to wane? | The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates. Whats happening A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect Thursday after both agreed to halt an 11-day exchange of attacks that left hundreds dead and sparked fears that the two parties could be headed for a full-scale war. The agreement came one day after President Biden pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek a significant deescalation of his countrys bombing campaign in Gaza, which killed more than 230 Palestinians. Until that point, Biden had taken a more deferential approach, at least in public, and repeatedly affirmed Israels right to defend itself from rocket attacks that killed a dozen Israelis though media reports suggest he was more forceful in private calls with Netanyahu. In a short address after the ceasefire was announced, Biden reiterated his support for Israel and said he would continue to pursue quiet and relentless diplomacy to prevent violence from reigniting. His nonconfrontational tone, in which he offered no criticism of Americas strongest Middle East ally, is consistent with the approach thats been at the center of U.S.-Israel relations for decades. Throughout the conflict, Biden faced pressure from a faction of the Democratic Party that has become increasingly skeptical of the deferential treatment Israel has historically gotten from the U.S. High-profile progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders and members of the Squad have called out what they see as human rights violations against the Palestinian people and sought to pare back pro-Israel policies specifically the billions in military aid the U.S. sends each year. And the pushback isnt limited to the left wing of the party. A number of relatively moderate Democratic senators called on Biden to be more aggressive in pursuing a ceasefire, even if that meant publicly going against Israel. Why theres debate These vocal critiques from Democrats represent an unprecedented departure from the bipartisan support Israel has long enjoyed from the U.S. Its unclear, however, whether this criticism will lead to substantive changes in American policy. Story continues Some political analysts see reason to believe the U.S. could be primed to reevaluate its steadfast support of Israel. Polling suggests that growing sympathy for the Palestinian cause among Democratic lawmakers is matched by a similar shift in opinion in the broader public, especially younger Americans. Others say former President Donald Trumps controversial embrace of Netanyahu made Israel policy a much more partisan issue than it had been in the past. That shift, coupled with widespread doubt that a two-state solution is possible, could mean the political headwinds that have informed the nonconfrontational treatment of Israel may have shifted, some experts say. Bidens willingness to ramp up pressure on Netanyahu in private may also be a sign of changes in the relationship. Skeptics argue that Bidens actions in recent days show just how little the pressure from his party has influenced his decision making. He has reversed some of Trumps Israel policies but has left some of the most controversial ones in place most notably the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. And while calling for a ceasefire is a step Trump almost certainly wouldnt have taken, a number of media reports suggest the Biden administration is reluctant to spend its political capital on tackling the much more challenging and potentially impossible goal of brokering a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Others point out that the emerging bloc of Israel critics is still too small to force Bidens hand through legislation. Whats next U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to travel to the region in the coming days to discuss recovery efforts and help ensure that the ceasefire remains. Biden has pledged to quickly offer humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and help Israel replenish its anti-missile defense system, the Iron Dome. Perspectives Public opinion has shifted enough to force real changes in U.S.-Israel policy If shifting American sentiment about our relationship with Israel is any indication, the gap between what the American government does for Israel and to Palestinians and what the American people think is fair and just has become a chasm that may well create openings for real political change. Sarah Leah Witson, American Prospect The change is gradual, but its happening It is premature to suggest that the special treatment Israel receives in American politics and policy, and that has previously traversed Republican and Democratic administrations, is definitively over. Yet the dynamics are pushing in that direction and the signs of change are already visible the question is how far and how fast those will move. U.S./Middle East Project president Daniel Levy to Guardian Israels actions are becoming increasingly indefensible The changing political winds in Israel have made it easier for the American public to see what many Palestinians say was the reality all along. Since so much of the Israeli governments argument relies on painting the two nations bond as emerging from a shared set of liberal, democratic values, the deterioration of Israels image as a liberal bastion has had political consequences. Daniel Marans, HuffPost Biden is allowing the left to lead him to disaster A rational person might see the demands for a cease-fire after Hamas has rained thousands and thousands of rockets upon Israel as insane. But its also politically predictable because Pelosi and other establishment Democrats are bending to a growing phenomenon in the Democratic Party: Increasing anti-Israeli influence among hard-left progressives. The left is the tail wagging the Democratic dog. John Kass, Chicago Tribune The lefts ability to influence Biden on domestic policy hasnt translated to foreign affairs Part of the frustration for progressives is that they feel they've been able to nudge the president on other issues, such as climate change or racial justice, but not on this. Asma Khalid, NPR Biden would be wise to maintain his current approach The White House withstood an avalanche of uninformed criticism over its behind-the-scenes role. Publicly bashing Israel or demanding an early cease-fire likely would have only prolonged the suffering in Gaza and the unconscionable attacks against Israeli civilians. Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post Biden already represents a major shift from the approach of the past four years Simply not being Trump represents a policy change in itself. Zachary B. Wolf, CNN The change in sentiment is too small to force a revision of U.S. Israel policy The American chattering classs growing sympathy for the Palestinians isnt immaterial. And it could eventually be reflected in public policy. But for the moment, Israel is about as geopolitically secure as it has ever been. Eric Levitz, New York Israel-Palestine simply isnt a priority for Biden I think the Israeli-Palestinian issue just sucked up so much air in previous Democratic administrations that hes really hesitant to allow that to happen again. Send your suggestions to [email protected]. Read more 360s Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images, Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images | https://news.yahoo.com/is-long-standing-us-support-of-israel-beginning-to-wane-181944910.html?src=rss |
Does COVID-19 vaccine rollout violate Nuremberg Code that protects against coercion of medical-experiment subjects? | Good morning from Prison Island UK, a woman wrote on Twitter Friday morning. Just a reminder that The Nuremberg Code demands voluntary consent of participants in medical experiments. It forbids duress, overreach and coercion to obtain such consent. How many of the vaxxed were made aware that the jab is an experiment? This argument can be found all over social media -- and its wrong. The COVID-19 vaccines are not experimental at this point, and so the Nuremberg Code does not apply to people receiving them. The international ethical code grew out of the U.S.-led war-crimes trials of Nazi doctors who conducted murderous medical experiments on prisoners during World War II. The New England Journal of Medicine calls the Nuremberg Code the most important document in the history of the ethics of medical research. The code has served as the standard for ethics in medical research ever since. It was adopted by the American Medical Associations policy-making body in 1946. The key aspect of the code thats being cited by anti-vaccination activists is the principle that human research subjects must provide informed and voluntary consent, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, overreaching or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion. Some COVID-19 vaccination opponents argue that governments are not telling people that the vaccines are experimental while encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. Except the vaccines are not experimental. Yes, they were created and tested very quickly, a true marvel of scientific innovation. And, yes, the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were approved and put into production in the U.S. and other countries with emergency, or temporary, governmental authorization, before theyd worked their way through the full, typically lengthy regulatory-approval process for licensure. But this emergency authorization occurred after the vaccines had gone through ethically rigorous clinical trials. The Oregon Health Authority points out that tens of thousands of people from many diverse backgrounds, age groups and geographic locations participated in COVID-19 vaccine testing. Full Fact, a British non-profit fact-checking service, does not think its a coincidence that anti-vaccination propaganda is focusing on ethics principles that came about in response to Nazi atrocities -- because the very subject of the 1933-45 Nazi regime in Germany gets people worked up. Misinformation thrives when feelings are manipulated in this way, as claims which create an emotional response are most likely to be shared, the fact-checker states. Drawing a link between this final rollout of these [COVID-19] vaccines and what the Nazi doctors were doing is morally grotesque, Dr. Julian Sheather, a special adviser in ethics and human rights for the British Medical Association, told Full Fact. Another anti-vaccination argument is that any rule or policy, from a private business or government entity, that requires individuals to prove theyve been vaccinated against COVID-19 also violates the Nuremberg Code principles on the grounds that if you have to have a vaccine in order to do something like travel or work, you are not actually consenting but are being forced. Emma Cave, a law professor at Englands Durham University, told Full Fact that we should be debating such requirements, but not within the context of the Nuremberg Code, which is specifically about the human rights of medical-experiment subjects, not governmental public-health policy. She pointed out that such public-health policies are nothing new, noting that some governments for years have required proof of inoculations against certain diseases, such as polio and yellow fever, before allowing travelers to enter their country. To sum up, governmental efforts to vaccinate the citizenry against COVID-19, or set rules about proof of vaccination, have nothing to do with the Nuremberg Code. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the COVID-19 vaccines being used in the U.S. are safe and effective and that they have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. -- Douglas Perry [email protected] @douglasmperry | https://www.oregonlive.com/coronavirus/2021/05/does-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-violate-nuremberg-code-that-protects-against-coercion-of-medical-experiment-subjects.html |
Will Steven Jones take over as Oregons right tackle in 2021? | With spring practice over, The Oregonian/OregonLive is reviewing Oregons depth chart position by position. We continue the 25-part series by looking at the right tackles. The one spot on Oregons offensive line seemingly unsettled this offseason is at right tackle, though the top two options are obvious. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Steven Jones split time at right tackle and even guard last season. With Aumavae-Laulu missing spring due to injury, Jones got nearly all the first-team work. Whether that puts Aumavae-Laulu behind Jones entering fall camp or if the offensive line is once again a true six-man operation remains to be seen. Dawson Jaramillo isnt far behind either and his most meaningful evaluation yet came during the spring game. Post-spring depth chart Steven Jones: 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, redshirt-sophomore OR Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu: 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, redshirt-junior Dawson Jaramillo: 6-foot-5, 303 pounds, redshirt-sophomore Jaylan Jeffers: 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, freshman OR Bram Walden: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, freshman Mario Cristobals take I know a guy like Steven Jones, hes down to 338 pounds, very lean, could run all day. Multiple position value, has played left, has played right, has played inside, done just about everything besides snap the ball. Oregon tackle Steven Jones at practice. Co-starter Jones might have the highest ceiling of Oregons starting offensive linemen and the greatest potential as far as the NFL is concerned. Hes a fourth-year sophomore and has ample room to grow his game. His frame, especially his reach, makes Jones a great fit on the edge even though hes capable of playing guard as well. Hes the most likely member of the top six to move around, which is helpful, but a permanent position could also help his development. Oregon offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu in practice. (Oregon athletics) Co-starter Aumavae-Laulu missed the spring due to injury. When healthy, hes one of Oregons better run blockers. He too can play tackle or guard. Next wave With T.J. Bass sitting out the spring game, Dawson Jaramillo got to work with the starters at right tackle. Hes clearly contending to be the seventh man in the rotation. Jaylan Jeffers worked with the second and mainly third team during the spring. Bram Walden was among the early enrollees but was limited in the spring. Quotable I think were at a really good place right now. Of course we still have a lot of room to improve. Were going to take this offseason very serious and get after it. All of us have goals we want to reach. Aint nothing to it but to do it. - Steven Jones | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/05/will-steven-jones-take-over-as-oregons-right-tackle-in-2021.html |
Where's Washington QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Rank Among NFL Best? | Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't taken a snap yet for the Washington Football Team, yet he's the starter and already is representing better than his predecessors ASHBURN -- Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't played a single snap for the Washington Football Team, but he's already representing the franchise in a better fashion than his predecessors. Fitzpatrick was recently ranked 19th among 32 projected starting QB by PFF and former NFL QB Bruce Gradkowski. "Fitzpatrick continues to play his best football the longer he stays in the league the veteran ranks 15th in PFF passing grade since 2018. Last year in Miami, he had the team rolling until Brian Flores took the QB room for a rollercoaster ride. It's rare for a veteran quarterback placeholder to join a solid football team, but this will be the best team Fitzpatrick has been on in quite some time. Fitzpatrick brings energy, leadership and a wealth of knowledge to a locker room, but his Achilles heel is protecting the football. If he is able to play smart and deliver on explosive plays, Washington will be a playoff contender." READ MORE: Help out Miss BJ Fitzpatrick ranked one spot ahead of New York Giants QB Daniel Jones, which is a little closer than we see it. He also ranks ahead of San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo and new Colts gunslinger Carson Wentz. The new Washington quarterback came in just behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Arizona's Kyler Murray. Burrow is coming off a major knee injury suffered last season at FedExField. Murray is still developing his craft but still is making some rookie errors over the last two years. Last season, Fitzpatrick ranked No. 21 in PFF's calculated rankings while Haskins who was released before the season's end ranked 25th before the start of last year. By joining the D.C. franchise, Fitzpatrick now has his best chance to not only make the playoffs for the first time in his career, but also to win a game once he gets there. Both parties truly need a win as Washington is looking to move beyond the Wild Card round for the first time since 2005. Making it and winning a bad division while losing in their opening game of the postseason at home is simply not enough for coach Ron Rivera and the revamped front office. The expectations should be higher and the belief in the building is that they are higher. Fitzpatrick figures to help them accomplish that, no matter where he's ranked in late May. CONTINUE READING: Morgan Moses' Cut Places Pressure On Washington Rookie Sam Comsi | https://www.si.com/nfl/washingtonfootball/news/washington-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-rank-nfl |
Can I drink after getting the COVID-19 vaccine? | With about 38% of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, or some 126 million Americans, some question whether its safe to enjoy a celebratory cocktail shortly after receiving the jab. "It is perfectly fine to have a single drink!" Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinics vaccine research unit, told Fox News. Other experts agreed, including Dr. Dean Winslow at Stanford University Medical Center, though they offered up one caveat: "Everything in moderation." Some experts note excessive drinking may exacerbate potential side effects looming after vaccination. "Vaccine side effects include muscle aches and pains and feeling under the weather. Compounding that with the side effects of alcohol runs the risk of making you feel worse," Dr. Tania Elliott, clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, told Health. PEOPLE NEED TO BUY 124 DRINKS FROM THEIR LOCAL BAR TO MAKE UP FOR PANDEMIC LOSSES: REPORT "One cocktail after a vaccine shouldnt affect the efficacy of the vaccine, although this hasnt officially been studied," Dr. Annabelle de St. Maurice, co-chief infection prevention officer and assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at UCLA, wrote in an email to Fox News. "We know that the vaccines have been effective in clinical trials and in the real world. Likely many of these people may have had some alcohol around the time they received the vaccine, yet it was still effective. In other words, if you want to celebrate your new vaccine-induced immunity with a cocktail its likely OK to do so." CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE Indeed, one of the investigators on Modernas COVID-19 vaccine trial, Dr. Hana El Sahly, previously told Healthline that alcohol consumption wasnt studied as a variable during the late-stage clinical trial. "We do not expect that occasional or moderate amount of alcohol ingestion to affect the response to the vaccine," El Sahly, associate professor of molecular virology and microbiology and medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told the news outlet. "And we are not requesting from subjects or the general public to abstain from alcohol around vaccination time." However, one too many drinks may become an issue. LINGERING FEARS IN REMOVING MASK UNDERSTANDABLE, FAUCI, WALENSKY SAY Aside from a number of other health harms, consistent heavy drinking can weaken the immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines heavy drinking as 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women. According to Dr. Stuart Ray, professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, "it's not entirely certain" how the COVID-19 vaccine response might be affected for heavy drinkers. "People with alcoholism are likely to be susceptible to severe complications of COVID-19, so getting them vaccinated is a priority," Ray told Fox News. "Of course, having them reduce alcohol intake and improve nutrition has many potential benefits, and improving response to the COVID-19 vaccine might be one of them." | https://www.foxnews.com/health/drink-after-covid-19-vaccine |
Will Allstate's (ALL) April Cat Loss be a Cause for Concern? | The Allstate Corporation ALL estimates a headwind of $430 million after tax related to catastrophe loss for April. The havoc was caused by five weather-related events. One large hail event, primarily impacting Texas and Oklahoma, induced nearly 60% of the above-mentioned losses. Allstates exposure to property and casualty insurance makes its prone to losses due to cat occurrences. In the first quarter, it suffered gross catastrophe losses worth $1.67 billion, nearly eight times greater than the 2020 reading. These losses were, however, offset by $1.08 billion of reinsurance and subrogation recoveries. This shows that Allstate can effectively deal with catastrophe losses via its catastrophe management strategy and reinsurance programs. It also aims at limiting its exposure to riskier geographies by raising premiums. This may, however, reduce the number of policies in force. Other property and casualty insurers that incur catastrophe losses due to their exposure to property and casualty insurance are Chubb Limited CB, RLI Corp. RLI, Arch Capital Group ACGL among others. Despite Allstates vulnerability to Mother Natures wrath, our confidence in its ability to deliver impressive underwriting results is intact. This property and casualty insurer has been witnessing annual revenue growth since 2011 and also tided over the pandemic-ravaged 2020 with a 0.3% revenue rise. The companys ability to stay in a positive territory against the backdrop of a tough operating environment is quite impressive. In the first quarter of 2021, the top line grew a good 14% while the bottom line was up a whopping 73%. Allstates long-term strategy of boosting its personal property-liability market share and expanding protection offerings will fuel growth. While increasing its personal property-liability market share, the company acquired National General in January 2021. The transaction will expand its market share in the said space by more than one percentage point and enhance its independent agent-facing technology. Story continues It will significantly fortify its distribution footprint, thus leading the company to be one of the top five personal lines carriers in the independent agency distribution channel. Additional expansion opportunities through independent agents also exist in the standard auto and homeowners insurance realm. Extension of its Protection Services segment is another key catalyst. A number of acquisitions from 2017 to 2019 led to the segments rapid growth and its revenues rose 21.6% in the first quarter. Allstate also sold its Life insurance businesses in the March quarter to focus on its core growth areas, namely the auto and homeowners insurance. The company is also overhauling by investing in technology. This should increase its efficiency and save operational costs. We believe, the company is firing on all cylinders for growth and that the catastrophe losses will not mar its profitability. Year to date, Allstate has gained 23.8% compared with the industry's growth of 19.9%. Allstate currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 77 billion devices by 2025, creating a $1.3 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 4 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2022. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report RLI Corp. (RLI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Chubb Limited (CB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research | https://news.yahoo.com/allstates-april-cat-loss-cause-190507763.html |
Can We Finally End School Segregation? | By many accounts, American schools are as segregated today as they were in the nineteen-sixties, in the years after Brown v. Board of Education. WNYCs podcast The United States of Anxiety chronicled the efforts of one small school district, Sausalito Marin City Schools, in California, to desegregate. Fifty years after parents and educators there first attempted integration, the states attorney general found that the district knowingly and intentionally maintained a segregated system, violating the equal-protection clause of the Constitution. The districts older public school, which served mostly Black and Latino students, was underfunded and suffered neglect; a well-appointed new charter school, meanwhile, enrolled virtually all the white children in the district. The reporter Marianne McCune explored how one community overcame decades of distrust to finally integrate. | https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-radio-hour/can-we-finally-end-school-segregation |
How Much Does It Cost To Build a New House? | LPETTET / Getty Images/iStockphoto Even though it takes approximately 6.8 months to build a new house, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, choosing to go this route comes with plenty of advantages. Small Biz, Big Impact: Dont Miss Out on Nominating Your Favorite Small Business To Be Featured on GOBankingRates Ends May 31 Building new is almost always better as you can customize it for how you and your family live, and you get to use the most modern building practices, said Ben Neely of Riverbend Homes. While this is typically more expensive upfront, you have to consider the cost of maintenance and upkeep on an older home. Also, when it comes time to sell, your house will be newer, which typically fetches a higher selling price when comparing the used inventory. According to HomeAdvisor, nationally, the average cost to build a house in 2021 is $298,432, and a typical range is between $154,185 and $477,534. But that cost isnt the same for all new homes built across the U.S. Instead, factors such as location, the materials and products you select and local labor costs can all influence the total construction cost of your new home. Plus, builders are facing increasing lumber and material costs, which they pass on to the consumer. While its impossible to give a nice, round figure on what it will cost for you to build a new home, (your builder can do that) heres a broad overview, including some cost information from builders and developers in the U.S. Read: Why Now Is the Time To Sell Your House Even If You Had No Plans To Move Home Design and Permits According to HomeAdvisor, home design services and permits will comprise 10%-25% of new home construction costs. House plans can cost $2,000-$8,000 and if you need the services of design professionals, you can expect to pay between $50-$250 per hour. Permit costs will vary depending on location. Land or Lot Costs Youve heard location, location, location when it comes to what drives up the cost of real estate. Location also holds true when youre building a home. The biggest driver of land costs tend to be school district and proximity to the major metro where you are, Neely said. Every mile you drive further away from the closest metro, the land costs tend to drop. Secondly, the topography of the lot will affect the costs as well; the flatter (easier) it is to build, the more expensive the lot will be. Story continues HomeAdvisor puts the cost of lots between $3,000-$150,000. The lower end of the price range would be for an underdeveloped lot in a rural area that may need clearing. In housing developments, you can expect to spend between $50,000-$100,000. Lot pricing varies according to size, location and whether sewer, water and electricity are already present or need to be brought in. Check Out: If You Want To Buy a Home, You May Want To Get In Before Its Too Late Cost Per Square Foot Generally speaking, you can expect to build a house anywhere from $120 per square foot to $400 per square foot, said Bill Samuel of Blue Ladder Development. HomeAdvisor estimates the average cost to build a home is $100-$200 per square foot, with the average being $150 per square foot. For custom builds, HomeAdvisor estimates $200-$500 per square foot. And building a home is more expensive now. While you might have been able to build your dream home for a certain amount per square foot a year or so ago, it will likely cost more now. Over the past year, we have had to increase our prices by about $30/square foot, said Whitney Hill, head of business development and operations for SnapADU. On a home of 1,200 square feet, thats [an additional] $36,000. Lumber Prices Youll typically spend between $25,000 and $65,000 on lumber when building a new home, according to HomeAdvisor. But lumber prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic began, so the cost will likely be higher. Learn: Houses Are Selling the Fastest in These 10 Real Estate Markets Lumber prices have reached astronomical and unprecedented levels due to beetle infestations in Canada where the U.S. gets most of its lumber from, said Thomas Jepsen of Passion Plans. In addition, warmer weather caused by climate change has made wildfires even more frequent, further lowering the supply of lumber. Weve seen prices go up by 200% in our local area in N.C. The typical house now costs $25,000 more to build than it did before the pandemic. Interior Finishes Typically, interior finishes comprise less of your overall construction costs than exterior ones unless you opt for high-end finishes that cost much more. Youll spend about one-third of your budget on interior finishes or $50,000 to $175,000 according to HomeAdvisor. According to Volodymyr Barabakh, co-founder and project director for BM International Builders, interior finishes make up approximately 25% of your total construction costs. This is also the area where you have the most control over costs as they do not have as much of an effect on the long-term safety and durability of your home compared to foundations and safety. Opting for cheaper fixtures and fittings, thinner walls and less lights can greatly reduce the cost of your home without compromising its longevity. With a strong structure and frame in place, you can always renovate later. Discover: 10 Reasons To Think Twice Before Investing In Real Estate On a custom build where you select more expensive interior finishes, however, you can expect the cost to exceed 25% of total construction costs. For example, Neely estimates that interior finishes make up about 40% of total construction costs in his projects. However, he did say that the total costs for both interior and exterior finishes vary, depending on the level of complexity and finish out. Exterior Finishes Exterior finishes can cost $40,000-$60,000, according to HomeAdvisor, accounting only for exterior walls, exterior paint, windows, roofing and doors. A good rule of thumb is that 60% of the costs of the home are the sticks and bricks, or the things that give your home its structure, [such as] concrete, lumber, roof and drywall, Neely said. According to Lauren McKinney of Judd Builders, lumber package/framing materials, site preparation costs (erosion control, excavation, grading, footings, backfill, drainage) and roofing are some of the biggest exterior costs youll encounter. More: Common Real Estate Myths That You Need To Know HomeAdvisor estimates that foundations cost an additional $4,000 and $25,000, and land and site prep cost between $5,000-$38,000. Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC Costs Overall, you can expect to pay between $30,000-$75,000 for plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems to be installed in your new home, according to HomeAdvisor. HVAC costs can run between $1,500-$13,000, while rough-in plumbing can cost between $1,500-$20,000. Electrical wiring can run between $20,000-$30,000. Labor Costs According to HomeAdvisor, labor costs can eat up 30%-60% of your project costs. Its hard to put a true labor number to the projects as most subcontractors we work with are turnkey, meaning the drywaller buys and installs the drywall, the electrician buys all the boxes and wire, Neely said. I would estimate the total labor costs of a home are 30-40% of the overall cost of a new custom home. Read: 40 Cities That Could Be Poised For a Housing Crisis Andrew Wilson of Contractor Advisorly has a similar estimate when it comes to labor costs. Based on my experience, the percentage cost of labor to build a home is somewhere around 35-40%, he said. What To Consider When Creating Your Home Building Budget The general consensus among building experts is that you should increase your building budget beyond what you think youll actually need. A contingency of 15%-20% should be a big consideration, McKinney said. Take into account that lumber prices may come down, but weve been saying that since last fall, so they could also continue to rise. McKinney said that costs of other goods and the costs of hiring subcontractors have been steadily on the rise. Find Out: How to Put In a Successful Real Estate Bid In a Hot Housing Market Barabakh said that the biggest mistake he sees people make with their building budget is not leaving enough room for unexpected labor costs. For every small part of a construction project, there are dozens of factors that could lengthen the project timeline, and almost none that can shorten the timeline, he said. | https://news.yahoo.com/much-does-cost-build-house-210010454.html |
Is the preferred Austin FC starting lineup coming into picture for Josh Wolff? | A starting lineup in soccer is more important than in sports such as basketball and football that allow frequent and unlimited substitutions. Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff is allowed only five substitutions over a 90-minute match. Finding the right combination of players for a given game needs to happen before the opening whistle. Thats hard to do as a first-year head coach for an expansion franchise. Wolff has opted for five different starting XIs in five matches. Some of those changes were due to injury or personal circumstances such as Ben Sweat losing his starting left back position when he tore his ACL or Matt Besler missing the match against the Colorado Rapids because of the birth of his child. The only players to start each of the first five matches were Cecilio Domnguez at left winger, Jhohan Romaa at the right-sided center back spot and goalie Brad Stuver. The Nashville match Sunday provides Wolff an opportunity to open with an already used starting XI for the first time this season with Alex Ring back from a one-game suspension after his red card against Sporting Kansas City. Wolff prefers a 4-3-3 formation with three forwards, three midfielders and a four-man back line. Minutes played through five matches are beginning to reveal his preferred lineup. More:Road trips taking toll, but Austin FC won't use that as excuse The front line Lets begin with the easy one: Domnguez is the starter at left wing unless hes injured or needs a break when the club starts playing multiple matches a week. Domnguez is the highest-paid player on the squad and is the most likely to lead the team in goals scored by the end of the season. Hes tied for the team lead with two, which he scored against Colorado in the second match of the season. The right winger position also looks settled. Rodney Redes, the clubs first signing, started against LAFC in the opener, but its been Jared Stroud at that spot for the past four matches. Stroud was the second pick in the 2020 MLS expansion draft. He had an assist against Sporting Kansas City. Striker is the tricky position. Much like with the backup quarterback in football, fans clamor for the second in command at striker. For Austin FC, that is Jon Gallagher. He rewarded that belief with a goal in his lone start, but Danny Hoesen appears to be Wolff's favorite. Hoesen, the first pick in the expansion draft, has started four of the five matches. If there is a sure-fire spot that Austin FC must address in the summer transfer window, it is striker. Austin FC needs more goal-scorers. Feature:Austin FC winger Jared Stroud trading pizza for barbecue in Texas Back line and goalie Wolff has settled on his preferred back line and goalie. Stuver is the clear No. 1 at goalie. Hes one of three players to start every match. Hes performed well in his first prolonged stint as an MLS starter, and it is unlikely that he will lose his position if he remains healthy. an Kolmani, Besler, Romaa and Nick Lima seem solidified in their starting roles on the back line. Kolmani moved into a spot after Sweat tore his ACL. Besler is a tenured MLS veteran who probably would have started in each of the first five matches if not for a newborn. Lima was given a break against the LA Galaxy but returned to the field in the first half after an injury to Hector Jimenez. Romaa, a rookie, might be the most pleasant surprise of the first five matches for Austin FC. He looks like a bona fide center back with a bright future. Meet the foe: Nashville SC is unbeaten, but with only one win and four draws The midfield Two of the three midfield spots seem like locks. Ring might start every match he is eligible to play. He was an iron man for New York City FC, and Austin FCs lackluster performance when he was suspended against the Galaxy proved his importance to this squad. Toms Pochettino, the teams second designated player, should also start any time he is healthy and fresh. The third midfield spot is the trickiest to project out of the entire starting XI. Danny Pereira was Austin FCs first pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. The Virginia Tech product immediately worked his way into the starting lineup between Ring and Pochettino in the opener. Diego Fagundez, a 10-year MLS veteran, found himself in the starting lineup against the Rapids and rewarded the decision with a goal. Hes started four in a row, but Pochettino missed one of those games and Ring missed another. With Ring and Pochettino poised to start together for the fourth time in six matches when Austin FC travels to Nashville, the main question surrounding the starting XI is at the third midfield position. Fagundez is a better attacking option than Pereira, but the rookie might hold an advantage defensively and in possession. The player Wolff picks is likely to reveal his game plan. If Fagundez gets the call, Wolff probably believes his team can control possession and threaten offensively with numbers. If Pereira gets the start, expect Austin FC to play more defense and attack through the front line. | https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/2021/05/21/austin-fc-soccer-lineup-coach-josh-wolff-near-choosing-his-preferred-starters/5182598001/ |
What's More Punk Than Teens Screaming In A Public Library? | Enlarge this image toggle caption L.A. Public Library/YouTube L.A. Public Library/YouTube Few things fill the heart with hope like a group of young girls playing punk rock in a public library. In a space where books and information open minds, there too our minds should be blown by power-chord-punctuated screams of "Poser! Blockhead! Riff raff! Jerk face!" The Linda Lindas a half Asian/half Latinx band featuring "two sisters, a cousin and their close friend," according to their Bandcamp profile opened the Los Angeles Public Library's AAPI Heritage Month celebration on May 4. Amidst stacks of books and a small, masked-up audience, the band ripped through a 40-minute set of originals before closing with covers of Bikini Kill's "Rebel Girl" and The Muffs' "Big Mouth." But it wasn't until yesterday, when the library tweeted, "Don't mess with the Linda Lindas" with a clip of its newest song, that our new queens took their throne. "A little while before we went into lockdown, a boy came up to me in my class and said that his dad told him to stay away from Chinese people," says Mila, the drummer, as the video begins. "After I told him that I was Chinese, he backed away from me. Eloise and I wrote this song based on that experience." "Racist, Sexist Boy" lunges with sludgy fury and a throttling bass tone, turning on a dime at the speedy power-pop chorus; it's a vicious take-down of closed-minded boys, but channels anger into renewal: "We rebuild what you destroy." But the song also extends a through line from punk's early provocateurs: women who called out misogyny and racism long before the typically white, male scene realized it needed to show up already. Among those key voices, Kathleen Hanna and Alice Bag are fans, and have already had The Linda Lindas open for them while in L.A. Paramore's Hayley Williams tweeted that the Linda Lindas have been "one of my fav new punk bands since about the time they came out of the womb." The Linda Lindas take its name from Linda Linda Linda, a 2005 Japanese movie movie about young girls starting a band (to cover the Blue Hearts song "Linda Linda") for its high school cultural festival. They recently appeared in two movies: in Amy Poehler's MOXIE, performing Bikini Kill and The Muffs covers for a party; and performing an original song in The Claudia Kishi Club, a short documentary about The Baby-Sitters Club's Japanese-American character. Watch the full L.A. Public Library set from The Linda Lindas below. | https://www.npr.org/2021/05/21/999058293/whats-more-punk-than-teens-screaming-in-a-public-library |
Can the Sixers contain Washingtons guard tandem of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal? | Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook have been the Wizards backcourt tandem for only six months, yet they became one of the leagues most explosive duos in that short time. Beal is a near automatic bucket, while Westbrook is a triple-double waiting to happen. Containing the two will be a priority for the 76ers when the teams first-round playoff matchup begins Sunday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center. Ones [a former] MVP, and ones [one of the] best scorers weve seen in Beal, Ben Simmons said after practice Friday. So its going to be a tough matchup and a tough challenge for me and the other guards guarding those guys. But we are here for a reason and we are looking forward to the matchup. A lot of respect to that team. READ MORE: The Sixers open as solid favorites for Game 1 vs. Washington | Sports betting notes The Wizards earned the Eastern Conferences eighth seed and a right to face the top-seeded Sixers by routing Indiana, 142-115, Thursday in a play-in game. Beal finished with a game-high 25 points, while Westbrook added 18 points, a game-high 15 assists, and eight rebounds. The Wizards acquired Westbrook from the Houston Rockets in a trade for John Wall on Dec. 2. The 2017 league MVP went on to average 22.2 points, 11.7 assists, and 11.5 rebounds in the regular season, marking the fourth time he averaged a triple-double in five years. The nine-time All-Star also surpassed Hall of Famer Oscar Robertsons longstanding NBA record of career triple-doubles (182) with 184. Beal finished second in the league in scoring with 31.3 points per game. The three-time All-Star shooting guard scored a career-high 60 points in a 141-136 loss to the Sixers on Jan. 6. He averaged 36.7 points in Washingtons three losses to the Sixers this season. Westbrook and Beal thrive in transition. Sixers coach Doc Rivers expects the Wizards to play that way, so they will look to limit those opportunities. In one hand you have Russ pushing the ball up the floor, putting a ton of pressure [on defenders], trying to be the most physical guard in the series, Rivers said. Then you got Bradley, hes a flame thrower. So you have to deal with both. Its not one or the other. Its both. READ MORE: An unheralded backup center looks to give the Wizards a spark against the Sixers The Sixers will try to take away Westbrooks drives and assist opportunities as much as possible. The Wizards, however, must find a way to contain Joel Embiid. The Sixers center averaged 30.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the teams three regular-season meetings. He made 5 of 6 three-pointers and shot 60.4% overall from the field. Smith remembers the Process Wizards reserve point guard Ish Smith knows how far the Sixers have come over the last seven seasons. Smith had two stints with the team during its rebuilding process. He played 25 games with the Sixers during the 2014-15 season, then played for Washington and New Orleans the following year before being reacquired in a late December trade. Smith went on to start 50 games for the 2015-16 Sixers, who finished 10-72. I was there when we were trusting the process, said Smith, who was a fan favorite in Philly. As you know, they came a long way and I am happy for the organization, happy for the guys, I think Jo may be the only one still there. ... They are playing great basketball, playing really good basketball, No. 1 in the East. READ MORE: Daryl Morey quickly put his mark on the Sixers Smith said the Sixers have loyal fans and want a winning team. They can be harsh on you, but at the same time, they love you. ... So they will bring energy no matter whether it is 5,000, 10,000 fans in there, it will feel like a packed house in there. Smith realizes playing in the Wells Fargo Center will be tough for the Wizards. The Sixers had the Eastern Conferences best home record (29-7) this season. The fans are great there, Smith said. I have nothing bad to say about them. | https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-wizards-playoffs-russell-westbrook-bradley-beal-20210521.html |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.