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When are the bank holidays this year? | Get Weekly Politics updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Having enjoyed the Christmas and New Year break, many of us will have just gone back to work. And already our minds might be wandering towards when we will get another day off. Workers in England get eight Bank Holidays during 2019, while there are nine in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. Dates such as Easter are changeable however dates such as Christmas Day are fixed. The Labour Party have suggested that workers have an additional four days bank holiday, but the following dates are correct for this year. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Here's a full list of of the next bank holiday - Friday, April 19 Good Friday Monday, April 22 Easter Monday Monday, May 6 May bank holiday Monday, May 27 Spring bank holiday Monday, August 26 Summer bank holiday Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day Thursday, December 26 Boxing Day If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. Your employer doesnt have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays. Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid. | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/bank-holidays-2019-bank-holidays-15628439 |
Which movies will win at Golden Globes? | The Golden Globes provide the highest-profile pit stop on the way to the Academy Awards, and this years ceremony is perhaps the most advantageously timed edition yet: The day after NBC airs the Globes on Sunday, voting begins for the Oscar nominations. A win, then, will help contenders remain front of mind for academy members filling out their ballots on Monday, and there will be plenty of those winners to go around, since the Globes spread the wealth by splitting their biggest races into separate categories for dramas and comedy/musicals. Still, for as often as the Globes add their imprimatur to an already presumed Oscar front-runner, this show can still have upsets. The Globes are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a quirky group of around 90 journalists with only one academy member in its ranks. Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama Glenn Close, The Wife Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Nicole Kidman, Destroyer Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Rosamund Pike, A Private War Though the eventual Oscar race for best actress will probably include Olivia Colman for The Favourite, the Globes have her competing in the comedy category, so this particular contest will come down to the veteran Close and the pop star Gaga. Close is a 15-time Globe nominee whos won twice for television performances, while Gaga won the only Globe she was nominated for before, thanks to her performance in the 2015 TV show American Horror Story: Hotel. Globes voters know that Gaga would deliver a capital-M moment if she wins, and that will probably tip the scales in her favor. I would put my chips on Cooper to prevail, with one caveat: Voters adored Bohemian Rhapsody and could push Malek to a surprise win here. (And if youre wondering why this contest between two on-screen singers isnt taking place in the comedy-musical category, its because the filmmakers behind both movies opted to submit for the more prestigious drama category.) Best Motion Picture Drama Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born Though Globes voters have made their fair share of wacky choices in the past, the group knows that recognizing Bohemian Rhapsody in this category would draw derision, especially since Bryan Singer, a magnet for controversy, was fired as director during production. A Star Is Born, then, should easily coast to victory. Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns Olivia Colman, The Favourite Elsie Fisher, Eighth Grade Charlize Theron, Tully Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians This race is between two Brits. Blunt is coming off a banner year that includes starring in A Quiet Place, and though Globes voters virtually shut out that horror film, its superhit status only adds strength to Blunts bid for Mary Poppins Returns. Meanwhile, Colmans turn as the addled queen in The Favourite has the most Oscar heat. While Blunt would be a practically perfect Globe winner, the HFPA will probably go for Colman, so as to seem more prescient. Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Christian Bale, Vice Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mary Poppins Returns Viggo Mortensen, Green Book Robert Redford, The Old Man & the Gun John C. Reilly, Stan & Ollie Adam McKays Vice picked up the most Globes nods of any movie, so theres no reason to bet against Christian Bales performance as Dick Cheney here. Only Mortensen could put up a fight, but there is an easier category to come for voters who want to recognize Green Book. Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Crazy Rich Asians The Favourite Green Book Mary Poppins Returns Vice Globes voters were clearly partial to Vice, but not long after the nominations were announced, the films review embargo broke and Vice got wildly mixed notices. If so, the better-reviewed The Favourite is an easy pick. Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Amy Adams, Vice Claire Foy, First Man Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Emma Stone, The Favourite Rachel Weisz, The Favourite Though Adams has never won an Oscar, shes taken home two Golden Globes, including one for the largely forgotten Tim Burton film Big Eyes. In a year when Adams may have her strongest shot at the Academy Award, I suspect Globe voters will be inclined to throw their weight behind her. Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture Mahershala Ali, Green Book Timothe Chalamet, Beautiful Boy Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Sam Rockwell, Vice Two years ago, when Ali picked up nearly every trophy under the sun for Moonlight, the Globes proved to be the outlier: Instead, the group gave its supporting-actor trophy to the Nocturnal Animals star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who didnt even make Oscars final five. This year should prove to be a make-good for Ali, considered the Oscar front-runner for what is practically a co-lead in Green Book. Best Director Motion Picture Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Alfonso Cuarn, Roma Peter Farrelly, Green Book Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay, Vice Netflix hopes that Roma will be the streamers first nominee for best picture at the Oscars, but since its a foreign-language film, it wasnt eligible for best drama at the Globes, according to HFPA rules. Still, the film was allowed to compete in most other categories, and while lead Yalitza Aparicio didnt make it into the best-actress race, Cuarn still has so much industry heat that he could trump the first-time filmmaker Cooper. Best Screenplay Motion Picture Alfonso Cuarn, Roma Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, The Favourite Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk Adam McKay, Vice Peter Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Green Book Unless Globes voters have decidedly switched allegiances to The Favourite, Id expect Vice to take the win in this category. Best Motion Picture Animated Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Mirai Ralph Breaks the Internet Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse In the 12 years since the Globes have created this category, a Pixar film has prevailed eight times. That should bode well for Incredibles 2, which is the highest-grossing animated movie in history ... and yet my Spidey sense is telling me there could be a potential upset. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is coming on strong as a year-end contender, and the people who love it evangelize about it in a way that is rare. Best Motion Picture Foreign Language Capernaum Girl Never Look Away Roma Shoplifters This will be one of the nights easiest wins to call: No other foreign-language contender has the Oscar heat or the eight-figure awards-season spending of Roma. Best Original Score Motion Picture Marco Beltrami, A Quiet Place Alexandre Desplat, Isle of Dogs Ludwig Goransson, Black Panther Justin Hurwitz, First Man Marc Shaiman, Mary Poppins Returns Its still sort of outrageous to me that the incredible score for If Beale Street Could Talk wasnt nominated. To me, the only other score on its level is Hurwitzs for First Man, yet the Hollywood Foreign Press Association clearly wasnt that fond of the film. Id still bet on First Man, but another outcome wouldnt be surprising. Best Original Song Motion Picture All the Stars Black Panther Girl in the Movies Dumplin' Requiem for a Private War A Private War Revelation Boy Erased Shallow A Star Is Born There is no way on Gagas green earth that Shallow will lose this Globe. If the presenter happens to read a different name, expect a phalanx of producers to storm the stage, just to make sure there hasnt been a Moonlight"/"La La Land mix-up. | https://www.registerguard.com/news/20190104/which-movies-will-win-at-golden-globes |
Will $1 Million Tempt Disgraced Cricketer David Warner To Break His Silence? | The ugly ball-tampering scandal keeps lingering like a bad bruise that doesn't heal. The pain just doesnt go away for Australian cricket. Recently, suspended former captain Steve Smith and opener Cameron Bancroft reappeared in the Australian media after a lengthy time keeping a low profile. The pairs bid to start restoring their damaged reputation backfired through awkward interviews and the indulgence was widely panned. The supposed tell-all interviews did not shed light into the many unanswered questions from that infamous day three of the Newlands Test and perhaps it would have been wiser for Smith and Bancroft to continue staying out of the limelight. Interestingly, David Warner the instigator of the plot to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball has maintained his silence over the scandal ever since his initial tearful press conference after being sent home in disgrace from South Africa. Warner, the renowned firebrand, has the weight of the scandal now on his broad shoulders. Where the saga turns is dependent on the hard-bitten left-hander. Bancroft, his former opening partner, effectively threw Warner under the bus by outing him as the conspirator of the brainless scheme. It wasnt revelatory but instructive of Bancroft not shielding the former vice-captain. Warner, a long-time polarizing figure due to his on-field histrionics, has copped the brunt of the public's flak putting into question his future. Smith, in contrast, seems likely to walk back into the team once his ban ends in March and could even be reinstated into the captaincy one year after that. Due to Australias woes with the bat, Warner probably will be shoehorned in but it is unknown whether his teammates particularly those who played in Newlands believe he is toxic to the team and damaged goods. Warner has been painted as the villain of the debacle and it is unclear whether he is willing to accept that fate. The 32-year-old is a proud person, who had a tough childhood and has never been one to back down. Warner, however, has so far refused to spill the beans as it appears he is carefully navigating this turbulent period through the advice of his sports manager James Erskine, a leading figure in the industry. According to Fairfax, Warner could earn around (AUD) $1 million (USD $700,000) from an exclusive book deal. It is almost certain such an explosive book detailing the scandal from Warner's perspective would attract widespread interest. He reportedly has major television interview offers on the table too, but Warner has not budged yet and is letting his bat do the talking. The financial incentives must be enticing for Warner, who has suffered in the hip pocket after the humiliating fiasco. Warner, along with Smith, had his (USD) $1.69 million Indian Premier League contract torn up by the Board of Control for Cricket of India, after being banned from the lucrative tournament this year. Overall, he has lost an estimated $3.5 million in sponsorship and playing contracts. Since being banned from the national team and Australian domestic cricket, Warner has kept busy playing in Twenty20 tournaments around the world. As a beleaguered Australia inches towards a first ever home Test series loss to India, Warner arrived in Dhaka to play in the Bangladesh Premier League where he is set to lead the Sylhet Sixers. Life has been good for me. I have been spending time with the family. I wouldnt be able to do that if I wasnt sitting in the sidelines, Warner told reporters. It is about getting the best out of myself and growing as a human being. My most important thing was being a father and husband at home. It is up to the (Australian) selectors whether or not they want to pick me, he added. At the end of the day, all I can do is score runs in this tournament and the Indian Premier League, keep putting my hand up and making sure that I am the best person I can be. Right now, Warner doesnt seem vengeful and, rather surprisingly, has been refreshingly dignified compared to Smith and Bancrofts ham-fisted efforts at redemption. But the day will surely arrive when Warner speaks on the matter. Until then, the murky events of Newlands and the uncertainty around Australian cricket will remain unresolved. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/tristanlavalette/2019/01/04/will-1-million-tempt-disgraced-cricketer-david-warner-to-break-his-silence/ |
Could Draymond Green hold Warriors back from winning NBA Finals? | Theres nothing particularly surprising about how opposing teams are guarding the Warriors this season. With the defending champions once again trotting out a trio of elite offensive forces, it's clear who should be left open when scheming to stop the Dubs. An open look for Steph Curry or Kevin Durant is often cause for a timeout. A wide-open three for Draymond Green is considered a won possession. This isnt an implicit criticism of Green. Plenty of dynamic offensive players arent quality shooters from beyond the arc, and Green specialized at punishing sagging defenses in previous seasons when driving downhill toward the basket. But he wasnt a complete non-threat, either, shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc in Golden States 73-win campaign in 2015-16. ROLLINS: Harden's Clutch Three Closes Out Rockets-Warriors Thriller Green made Cleveland pay for leaving him open in Game 7 of the Finals in 2016, burying five first-half threes to give Golden State a seven-point halftime lead. On a night where Curry and Klay Thompson went a combined 6-of-24 from three, Green more than held up his end of the bargain, pouring in 32 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists on 11-of-15 shooting. Even after earning a Game 5 suspension for an incident with LeBron James, Green would have been in line for Finals MVP if Golden State claimed a second Pre-Durant championship. Still, even back then Green wouldn't have been mistaken for any sort of sharpshooter despite. Green shot 30% from three in both 2016-17 and 2017-18, about 5% below league average. Yet in previous years, he still acted as a passable threat, making over one three per game in each of the past four seasons before 2018-19. Leaving Green open on most nights was a necessary choice, but there were consequences to that decision. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images But Green has dropped to levels that match Thunder forward Andre Roberson in 2018-19. Hes shooting 24.6% from beyond the arc, sixth worst of all players above two attempts per game. Green is making just 0.6 threes per game, the fewest since his rookie year. His percentages were previously an eyesore on the stat sheet. His lack of volume is presently the problem. Opposing teams inattention to Green from three shouldnt sink his offensive game. Greens still drawing many of the same coverages from previous seasons. He often holds the ball at the top of the key as defenses shift to cover Curry, Durant and Thompson. Its a common look in Golden State, often formed after a Curry-Green two-man game. Greens options are clear when he receives an open lane from the top of the key. He can launch a three, or, as hes often inclined to do, barrel toward the lane in order to collapse the defense. The latter option is critical to Greens offensive prowess. He evolved into a more controlled and skilled finisher after his first two seasons, making 48.8% of shots at the rim in 2015-16 and nearly 40% the following season. Green is also one of the headier passers in the NBA when driving to the rim, previously spoon-feeding lobs to JaVale McGee and dump-offs to a cutting Curry or Andre Iguodala. The Warriors at their best are an unwinnable game of whack-a-mole. Pay attention to Green, and watch Golden States trio of elite scorers take over. Cover Curry and Durant, and Green will control the action. Green is still skilled when left open, though his verve and aggression toward the tin has wilted in 2018-19. Hes said it himself in recent weeks, most notably after Golden States Christmas Day loss to the Lakers. I kind of fed our whole offense up and that kind of messed the game up, Green said on the heels of his four-point effort against Los Angeles. They was playing that gimmick defense. I was really hesitant to shoot, hesitant to make plays. I wasnt aggressive enough. Green looked lost when Los Angeles opted to leave him wide open, especially after an air ball in the second quarter. More troubling than the misses, though, was Greens hesitancy to embrace his role as a playmaker. NBA Draft Big Board 3.0: Ja Morant Rises Up the Ranks The most glaring error came on a kick out from Kevon Looney early in the third quarter. Four Lakers hugged the paint while Lonzo Ball stayed attached to Curry. Green sized up a triple but opted to pass on the open look, beginning his run toward the rim. But he didnt draw significant attention from Los Angeless defense, instead settling for a foul-line floater before LeBron chose to challenge. The possession ended with a clank off the rim, marking another wasted possession in a nightmare Christmas performance. Golden State still boasts the NBAs best offense by net rating, on track to regain their title for the third time in four years after Houstons near-historic campaign last season. Yet Greens offensive regression could drop the Warriors from unbeatable to vulnerable. Green boasts an offensive rating of 97, the worst mark since his rookie year. As Greens offensive game stalls out, so can the Warriors, making a fourth championship in five seasons less than a guarantee. | https://www.si.com/nba/2019/01/04/draymond-green-warriors-stephen-curry-kevin-durant-nba-finals |
Has the skin-care industry finally come around to embracing the skin were in? | In our wellness-centric society, one of the most visible ways to show off a healthy lifestyle is with a glowing complexion. Basically, and I dont think Im exaggerating, every patient who comes to my practice wants to have the healthiest-looking skin possible, says Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a Vancouver-based cosmetic dermatologist, adding that erasing things like wrinkles, lines and folds have become a secondary or even tertiary concern. Flip through a magazine and youll see unretouched signs of aging everywhere, including in high-profile celebrity photoshoots such as Michelle Obamas December cover for Elle. Skin care in 2019 is no longer focused on turning back the clock, but rather adopting an informed, customized, 360-degree approach to caring for your skin. Its about having a holistic approach to a dermatology or an aesthetic plan that is not at a single moment in time, Humphrey says. One component of that plan is using evidence-based skin care to maintain and maximize any professional intervention. At XO Treatment Room in Calgary, owner Annie Graham credits Canadian skin-care brand the Ordinary with generating client interest in product ingredients. People are so interested in the chemical names, ingredient names, and [the Ordinary] names their products after an ingredient rather than, like, luminescent moon dust or something like that, she says. Story continues below advertisement Its this consumer engagement Humphrey sees from patients in their 20s and 30s who are looking for prejuvenation, a strategy thats a cross between prevention and rejuvenation. Patients are coming in earlier, but not for Kylie Jenner lips. Theyre coming in earlier because theyre informed, theyre savvy and they know that if they start early, prevention is something that they can really capitalize on, she says, citing the application of Botox before lines and wrinkles set in as an example. In our practice, we refer to it as baby Botox, Humprey says. What it means is using smaller doses in many areas, not to completely relax muscles, to allow there to be movement, just less movement so wrinkles can be prevented. One prejuvenating treatment new to Canada that Humphrey predicts will be popular in 2019 is Juvderms Volite, an injection that enhances the smoothness, elasticity and internal hydration of the skin. Its kind of like an injectable smoothing moisturizer that last nine to 12 months, Humphrey says. At XO Treatment Room, Graham sees radiofrequency microneedling treatments, in which small needles deliver heat energy to the dermis, as the next big thing. It disperses that heat underneath, coagulating the collagen to give you that tightening effect. Although consumers may be more engaged with a time-consuming and pricey skin-upkeep schedule, the desired aesthetic is more about glow than show. Something that weve been hearing again and again that continues to gain traction and build momentum is this demand from patients and consumers for natural-looking results and a backlash away from dramatic, aggressive invasive treatments, Humphrey says. Start early, Graham says. Prevention is key. XO Facecare Heavy C, $89 through xofacecare.com. Vivier GrenzCine Eye, $191 through vivierskin.com. AlumierMD EverActive C & E Serum, $179 through alumier.com. Story continues below advertisement Story continues below advertisement Live with style. We have a weekly Style newsletter on fashion and design trends, plus shopping tips and inspiration. Sign up today. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/article-has-the-skin-care-industry-finally-come-around-to-embracing-the-skin/ |
Is Janhvi Kapoor dating Akshat Rajan? | Web Desk: Janhvi Kapoor revealed on Filmfare that dating is always a situation at her house. She quoted, Her parents, Sridevi and Boney Kapoor were very dramatic about it and told her that when you like a guy come to us and we will get you married. Janhvi said on the show that she told her parents that she doesnt have to get married to every guy she likes and that they can be chill also. Sridevi used to say, Chill, what does chill mean? Janhvi was also asked about her link-up with Dhadak co-star Ishaan Khatter on the show. She said that she is not dating Ishaan. Karan Johar had also asked Janhvi about reports of dating Ishaan on Koffee with Karan. Arjun Kapoor appeared on the show with Janhvi and said that Ishaan is always around her. Janhvi refuted the rumours of her dating Ishaan and also clarified that she is not in a relationship with Akshat Rajan. Janhvi said on the show, The rumour mongers have also said that I am dating my childhood best friend called Akshat, whos so scared to hang out with me now because he is too scared that we will be papped together. So that day, he came home for dads birthday and there were paps downstairs at Arjun bhaiyyas house, and he was hiding lin a khopcha, put on a hoodie and all, and left. I was like, its okay. | http://www.aaj.tv/2019/01/is-janhvi-kapoor-dating-akshat-rajan/ |
Why is the world silent on Chinas Uyghur Muslims? | Protesting against China over the treatment of its minority is, in the eyes of Muslim leaders, presumably not worth the loss of economic privilege and security alliance Published 6:00 PM, January 04, 2019 In the age of information technology, the atrocious reality of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Chinas autonomous region of Xinjiang has been fed to the palms and appears before the eyes of the global citizens with frequent leaked images and reports on the mainstream and social media. However, the global responses from individuals and states seem far less significant compared to the outrage expressed over human rights violations in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Myanmar, and elsewhere. Perhaps, information overload in the world filled with violence might be one of the reasons which puzzles and hinders the world conscience that ultimately influences and determines their action or lack thereof. Despite the fact that the West, spearheaded by the United States, the European Union, and Australia have become vocal in their condemnation of China over the plight of Uyghur, not much voice of complaint or protest is heard from the leaders in the Muslim world. There is more to the information surplus which explains the inaction and insufficient responses to the crisis. This article analyzes the factors which cause such inaction and silence on the plight of Uyghur minority in Chinas Xinjiang. China policy Beijings iron fist control and surveillance make China a land of mystery, where truth acquisition is uneasy and challenging. The absence of well-established truth is the key obstruction to raise global awareness and mobilize collective international solidarity to protect the rights of Chinas Turkic speaking Muslim minority of Central Asian origin. Despite the evidence and oral testimonies of the Uyghur surviving witnesses fleeing their motherland into exile, their first-hand account of the mass ethno-religious violence seems insufficient to convince leaders of the Muslim world. The well-established yet unresolved crisis is yielding adverse spillover effects on the internal affairs of Muslim states such as Israel's occupation of Palestine, the Daesh wars in Yemen, Syria and Iraq, and Myanmars Rohingya exodus. Intertwined with Chinas image as an emerging power to wrestle the warmongering American hegemony led many ordinary citizens to doubt the authenticity of both the content and intention of the Western affiliated pro-human rights groups and even the media. The Chinese governments divide-and-rule policy is effective that the Chinese Muslim populace is deeply polarized. Unlike the Uyghur who strongly inherit Central Asian culture and Muslim heritage, the Hui Muslims residing across the country are considered by the government as moderate and assimilative to the Han dominant Chinese society. The latter enjoy more freedom and do not challenge the Chinese states unitary policy. And the presence of a rigid, state-controlled media propaganda and severe censorship not only disallowed the cries of the Uyghur to be heard by their brethren but has also led to a kind of social endorsement of a heavy-handed approach to suppress them. Restricted civil society Since Chinas political leadership believes that issues concerning social services and other basic rights should be solely awarded to government, the roles of the civil society are then limited. One infamous NGO law has set legal and regulatory mechanisms on how domestic and international non-government organizations should operate in the country. It is seen to be restricted to issues concerning individual and minority rights. The brazen classification of civil society still stands among organizations the ones that function with a bottom-up or grassroots approach are considered the NGOs, while those that work closely with government are called Government Organized NGO (GONGO). The concept of civil society is totally in contrast to what a typical civil society is defined in some democratic and developing nations, where groups are permitted within a legal framework to have a meaningful and democratic participation to raise, and openly discuss potential solutions on issues calling for government support. Most often than not, the latter receives enormous constraint from the government when it is perceived a threat to Beijings Reform Agenda. In a speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on Ethnic Affairs in September 2014, he emphasized that the correct and Chinese way to solve ethnic issues must follow these principles: upholding the leadership of the Party; persevering in the socialist part with Chinese characteristics; safeguarding the unity of the country; mainstreaming and improving the regional ethnic autonomy system; and practicing the rule of law. These restricting laws were also paralleled with state propaganda to be extremely cautious with foreign organizations and individuals instructing its people how to identify if a foreigner is a spy. The insistent argument of Beijing that its legal structure for civil society opens trust-building process among domestic and international NGOs looks different from what it promised. The broad categorization of NGOs in China is highly concerted with its national security law that confines international NGOs from the West due to security concerns paranoia. The absence of a robust civil society in China provides a vivid image to the question why its people are silent on the oppression of Uyghur minority within its borders; a manifestation of how an authoritarian regime creates a climate of fear; and a repressed population for dissent. From unipolar to multipolar new world order The decline of the American hegemony due to its failed domestic and international capitalist policies, particularly the Iraq war in 2003, marks the end of the unipolar world order. The electoral victory of President Donald Trump and his nationalist/socialist-like economic policies such as America First, with less global hegemonic ambition, resonates with the sentiment of many angry and frustrated working middle-class Americans. It also reaffirms the failure of American capitalist system. Subsequently, the world began to observe the new regional dynamics with the new era of multipolarity where nation-states are freely partnering with other emerging powers. China as a rising global power has formed economic and security alliance with several countries both in the pro and anti-American camps across the world. The Chinese global project of the Belt and the Road Initiative (BRI), financed by its international financial institution, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has conditioned countries from Asia to Africa to be part of the global value chain which primarily serves the interest of Chinese investors and, of course, the elites in the host countries. Some of the investments include the US$210-million Suez Canal Economic Zone in Egypt, the $53-billion trade deal with United Arab Emirate, and the $65-billion oil deal with Saudi Arabia, while boosting its investment in Israel and sustaining strong trade partnership with Iran. Aside from its close tie with the US allies in the Middle East, China continues strengthening its geopolitical-economic interests through Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an economic and security alliance membered by mostly Eurasian nations, most of whom are considered illiberal in their governance. China and Russia attempt to orient SCO to supersede NATO and EU. The aforementioned reality reflects both new balance of power and the rise of Chinese imperialism that has the influenced other countries regardless of their economic orientations. With economic strength, China managed to become the second largest funder to the United Nations, and together with Russia, it attempts to weaken the United Nations human rights protection apparatus by defunding human rights posts. Global Muslim leadership in crisis Its an undeniable truth that most of the Muslim countries share authoritarian characteristics where subjugation of their own people is common. The condemnation and protest against China on the plight of its Muslim minority would be then counterproductive. Not only would the act be seen as interference to Chinas internal affairs, but the protesting states that have no credibility to speak for human rights may also face the backlash for their internal malfeasance. This is also true with Turkey. Its President, Recap Tayyip Erdogan, is praised by many Muslims across the world for his strong support of the Muslim minorities in the non-Muslim majority countries including the Uyghur. Given their shared ethno-religious and linguistic identities, the Uyghur gained more sympathy and solidarity from the Turkish society where they were granted an asylum. Nonetheless, there are multiple factors which undermine Turkeys role in addressing the humanitarian crisis of Uyghur. First, the Turkish governments massive crackdown on the domestic political opponents has disqualified Turkey as the credible human rights defender. Second, the Uyghur minority is not only the Turkic speaking minority group facing suppression. Turkey is often expected to extend hand to the Turkic speaking minorities in Eurasia and Caucasus. Its support of Azeri in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the Armenian has jeopardized its relationship with Russia. It has become more careful in its international role, particularly in avoiding the confrontation with its few remaining allies. This reflects in Turkeys less vocal intervention over Nagorno-Karabakh upon the normalization of Russia and Turkey diplomatic tie. Lastly, China, like Russia is a few remaining friends of Turkey; having conflict with China over Uyghur would cause more harm to Turkeys present international standing. The recent political stance of Turkey with China has been compromising as manifested in the crackdown on the pro-Uyghur media and movements in Turkey. These developments perhaps explain the silence and inaction of the Muslim world on the Uyghur. Protesting against China on the treatment of its minority at this moment, in the eyes of Muslim leaders including Turkey, is presumably not worth the loss of losing economic privilege and security alliance. While China is a big power which is uneasy to deal with, its escalating global strength is seen as the alternative to leverage against the US when it is in the weakest position than ever. Rappler.com (Ekraj Sabur is the Director of the International Institute of Peace and Development Studies (IIPDS) and a PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Global Studies, Doshisha University, Japan. Reuben James Barrete is a Senior Program Officer at the International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance, and a Graduate Student of International Studies at the University of the Philippines with a special focus on democracy, gender, and security. The opinions expressed here are the authors own.) | https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/220237-why-is-world-silent-uyghur-muslims-china?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rappler+%28Rappler%29 |
Will Modern Fish Act do anything for N.J. fishermen? | CLOSE Lots of fish inhabit New Jersey waters. Wochit | Dan Radel Buy Photo A fisherman tends to his fishing pole as he watches the sunrise at Island Beach State Park in Berkeley, NJ on 5/10/18 (Photo: Peter Ackerman)Buy Photo One of the last actions taken by Pres. Donald Trump in 2018 was to sign the Modern Fish Act into law. The act amended some of the recreational fishing management rules in the Magnuson-Stevens Act, or MSA, the principal body of fisheries' laws. The MSA however, didn't receive a full reauthorization, which is something the fishing industry will try to accomplish this year with the new Congress. As its full name the "Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act," may imply, the act was geared for the recreational fishing industry. Except for where commercial fisheries relate to recreational access in mixed-used fisheries in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, such as red snapper, commercial fishing was basically left out. Fishing Report: Fishermen continue with steady diet of blackfish Get the latest fishing reports at Hook, Line and Sinker The Recreational Fishing Alliance was part of what was mostly a recreational trades' coalition that supported the act, but its executive Jim Donofrio wasn't entirely satisfied with what the Modern Fish Act accomplished. "It keeps things at status quo, there was no gain, no loss," said Donofrio. Donofrio said it did open the door for the possibility of better fishery science. Among the act's several amendments, was a call for an improvement in the way the recreational data collection is gathered. Part of that will involve an evaluation of the flawed Marine Recreational Information Program, which is how NOAA Fisheries counts and reports marine recreational catch and effort. Shark dispute is over: Mako Mania's $70,000 prize divided Economic driver: New Jersey fishermen spent $300M on tackle But, recreational industry members aren't holding their breath that it will drive what they see as better fishery science, such as using a sex-based model in summer flounder to set size limits or restoring a year-long sea bass season. "It's a step in the right direction but I don't see it doing very much at all," said Greg Hueth, a board trustee of Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund. The act does allow for alternative fishery management measures, such as a slot fish when developing a fishery management plan, but again it all falls back on having the science to support it, said Hueth. Dan Radel: @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected] | https://www.app.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/hook-line-and-sinker/2019/01/04/modern-fish-act-nj-fishing/2465399002/ |
Is Ricki-Lee Coulter heading for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here? | Filming for the Australian version of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! kicks off next week. And fans believe Ricki-Lee Coulter, 33, could be heading into the South African jungle to appear in the reality series. A clip posted to the show's official Instagram features the voice of a celebrity entering the jungle next week, and listeners think they have worked out who it is. Fans belive the singer has been teased as a cast member for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Some believe it is the voice of the former Australian Idol contestant in the clip. Others however are sure it's actress and presenter Tania Zaetta, 48, who gave birth to twins in September. Further guesses include politician Jacqui Lambie, 47, who has widely been reported to be joining the cast, and Rhonda Burchmore, 58, and Gretel Killeen, 55. A clip posted to the show's official Instagram features the voice of a celebrity entering the jungle next week, and listeners think they have nailed it as Ricki-Lee Coulter. Others were sure it's actress and presenter Tania Zaetta (pictured) Ten also teased that a 'footy legend' was joining the cast - leading to speculation The Bachelor's Nick Cummins, 31, would be making a TV comeback. Game of Games presenter Grant Denyer, 41, is another named being discussed. Earlier this week, 50-year-old host Julia Morris revealed she was on her way to start shooting on the show. Ten also teased that a 'footy legend' was also joining the cast - leading to speculation The Bachelor's Nick Cummins (pictured) was making a TV comeback Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, the comedian shared a plane selfie just before take-off. Pulling a funny face, the mother-of-two went makeup-free while wearing Qantas branded pajamas, ready to conquer the 14+ hour flight to South Africa. 'Rocking my own pillow,' the brunette wrote. It comes after Channel Ten recently confirmed the show will premiere January 13, 2019 with Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown returning as hosts. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6557097/Is-Ricki-Lee-Coulter-heading-Im-Celebrity-Here.html |
How Has Cristiano Ronaldo's Departure Impacted La Liga? | MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in July 2009. Even though it was a Monday, 80,000 people turned up at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to catch a glimpse of the star, which was more than the 62,467 fans who attended that year's UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United at Rome's Olympic Stadium. A further 10,000 disappointed fansmany of whom had queued for hours in dry, baking late-afternoon Madrid sunshinewere left outside the stadium when the gates closed at 8:40 p.m. The evening felt box office. Ronaldo didn't disappoint. Over the next nine years, he smashed all kinds of records, winning four UEFA Champions League titles and scoring 450 goals for Real Madrid. The club might never see a player like him again. Now that Ronaldo has gone to Juventus, it seems like something is lost. On the field, Real Madrid is struggling, as it trails Barcelona in the league by seven points. Attendances at the Bernabeu have droppedonly 55,229, for example, showed up for its last home game against Rayo Vallecano, on the day his old teammate Luka Modric was presented with the FIFA Ballon d'Or award. Real Madrid has been averaging 62,500 fans at home games this season, which is a falloff from an average of 65,824 fans per game last season. The average attendance for La Liga games, however, has increased by almost 8 per cent this season, as supporters enjoy the most competitive title race in years, with, for example, surprise package Alaves in the top five in the standings. "It's inevitable after a superstar leaves a clubone who has had such an amazing period on the pitch with Real Madridthat something is lost, but I don't think history will define this last six months as a period where La Liga has lost anything," says Gareth Balch, CEO of Two Circles, a sports marketing company. "Commercially, and sport-wise, it has been very strong for the past numerous years, and that will endure for a number of years to come. "While data suggests there is a lull in interest at the Bernabeu in attendances, and some consumption data of La Liga on digital properties, it's not something that will sustain. It's just a lulla cyclical effect after having so many highs in recent years with Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team being so successful. You only have to look at Manchester United, and the torrid time they've had on the pitch in recent years and the continued success they have off the pitch to understand the economic landscape of sport now means that brands endure beyond a few years of difficulty on the pitch." Denis Doyle/Getty Images Joris Evers, La Liga's Chief Communications Officer, argues that the league is greater than one man: "Certainly Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player and he contributed a lot to La Liga and football in Spain. However, La Liga and the clubs that form La Liga Santander are bigger than a single player. The competition this season is very close and very exciting. La Liga has been working for the past years to promote the brand of the league as well as the clubs." Despite Ronaldo's departure, La Liga announced increases in its broadcast deals over the summer, with spikes domestically (15 per cent) and internationally (30 per cent) compared to the last three seasons, with almost 5 billion guaranteed from international rights over five seasons by MediaPro, starting next season. "None of our broadcasting partners have brought up Cristiano's departure as an issue to us," says Evers. "We're keen to further grow the La Liga brand and club brands to establish the same kind of notoriety the English Premier League enjoys, which is not leaning on individual star power." The Spanish league lags behind the English Premier League's bonanza broadcasting deals, and in terms of revenue, the Premier League is 86 per cent larger than La Liga, according to figures by Deloitte (h/t BBC). It's remarkable given the fact that La Liga is above the Premier League in UEFA's co-efficient rankings, with four Spanish clubs in the top 10 compared to two English clubs, and that the Spanish league has accounted for the last five UEFA Champions League winners and four of the last five UEFA Europa League winners. It is interesting, as Evers notes, that the Premier League has grown over the last decade despite the lack of stardust in its league. Unlike La Liga, it doesn't have a Leo Messi or an Antoine Griezmann, another recent Ballon d'Or finalist. The English Premier League hasn't, for example, had a Ballon d'Or winner since Ronaldo won the award as a Manchester United player in 2008, which was the last time the league even had a player on the podium. Football since then has been defined to a great extent by the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry. Both playersuntil this year's interloper Modric won for his exploits with Croatia and Real Madridhave dominated the Ballon d'Or awards. Their standardsand incredible goal-scoring recordshave made La Liga a compelling battleground, and have driven each other on. JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images They have made the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid rivalry arguably football's greatest derby ahead of historical clashes such as Liverpool vs. Manchester United or Boca Juniors vs. River Plate. That storyline is petering outwith the exception of possible UEFA Champions League clashesnow that Ronaldo has left La Liga for Italy's Serie A. However, Evers is keen to raise the profile of the other 18 clubs in La Liga's premier division. "A main mission of La Liga is to promote the broad league and to gain awareness for more clubs," says Evers. "Barca and Real Madrid are global brands already. We want more clubs to have broad global awareness and for the league as well. That's a key part of our strategy. We admire how people in places like India, Indonesia and Africa can name multiple English clubs today. Depending on where you are, the list of La Liga clubs people can recall is two, three, maybe four. We need to make that a longer list." Real Madrid president Florentino Perez always had a frosty relationship with Ronaldo. He made a calculated risk in selling him to Juve, making a profit on the sale of him after nine years of service. Perez decided to bite the bullet and begin the regeneration of an ageing squad (a process that could accelerate next summer). Ronaldo turns 34 in February. Time waits for no man, and his returns will inevitably decline. However, we are seeing stars in other sports like Roger Federer and LeBron James excel in their mid-thirties. Commercially, though, Ronaldo's stock has never been higher, although that could change quickly depending on how the rape allegations made against him in October by Kathryn Mayora in German newspaper Der Spiegel develop, with a Las Vegas police investigation ongoing. He has denied the accusations. Despite the troubling story, Ronaldo has retained the support of his club, as well as many of his fans and sponsors. No other athlete, according to Forbes, makes as much on endorsements. He has hundreds of millions of social media followers. On Facebook, for instance, he has 120 million; La Liga has 49 million. As the face behind the portfolio of CR7 brands, Ronaldo's earning powerif we refer to the post-playing business career of Brand David Beckhammay not diminish significantly once he retires. "If you look at all the greatest rock bands or movie franchises of all time, the 10th album or the 10th movie always does better than the first one or the second one," says Balch. "With the familiarity and the depth of engagement that can only be accrued over time and over a career in a sporting contextor through a lifetime in terms of, say, a movie-making perspectiveit's more lucrative at the back end of a career. "Therefore, two years of Ronaldo at Juventus is going to beat the early years he spent at Manchester United every day of the week in terms of financial return Juve will get. It's a compound effect you get from the sense of belonging and following he builds up over the duration of a sporting career." JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images In the summer of 2017, La Liga sensationally lost Neymar Jr. (another global sporting brand) to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain. Last summer, it lost Ronaldo. The Spanish league will endure, though, without them. The skies did not, for example, cave in when the iconic basketball player Michael Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls in 1999. The NBA is stronger than ever. "It's a chicken or egg scenario," says Balch. I think [the latter] is the greatest challenge for La Liga. They've had the most golden period they could ever have imaginedwith two of the greatest footballers of all time playing at the peaks of their powers for the two biggest teams, creating the greatest rivalry for the last 10 years or so. It's made for commercial growth. "But that didn't propel the league to a No. 1 position. It would show you that going and finding another Ronaldo isn't the only way to make the league the world's biggest league in the world. They need to market better and promote it in a way that drives global consumption. That requires a different approach. The next Ronaldo will come along cyclically. If you look back over the last 50 years there has always been great footballers playing in La Liga. The greatest players have always wanted to play at the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp." Follow Richard on Twitter: @Richard_Fitz | https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2813773-how-has-cristiano-ronaldos-departure-impacted-la-liga |
Can Children with Autism and ADHD be Treated by a Video Game-Based 'Digital Medicine'? | A digital medicine tool is used by the scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as an investigational treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children suffering from both ASD and ADHD do not respond well to medications and are at high risk of cognitive impairments and reduced quality of life in the future. The results of the study confirmed the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of Project: EVO, which delivers sensory and motor stimuli through an action video game experience, designed by Akili Interactive, a prescription digital medicine company.As many as 50 percent of children with ASD have some ADHD symptoms, with roughly 30 percent receiving a secondary diagnosis of ADHD. However, since ADHD medications are less effective in children with both disorders than in those with only ADHD, researchers are exploring alternative treatments.Children with ASD and ADHD symptoms are also at high risk for impaired "cognitive function," including the brain's ability to maintain attention and focus on goals while ignoring distractions. As children reach school age and beyond, these cognitive impairments make it more difficult for them to set and achieve goals, as well as successfully navigate the demands of day-to-day life in the community. "Our study showed that children engaged with the Project: EVO treatment for the recommended amount of time, and that parents and children reported high rates of satisfaction with the treatment," Benjamin Yerys, Ph.D., a child psychologist at CHOP's Center for Autism Research (CAR) and first and corresponding author on the study. "Based on the promising study results, we look forward to continuing to evaluate the potential for Project: EVO as a new treatment option for children with ASD and ADHD. "The feasibility study was conducted by a team of researchers at CAR in collaboration with Akili. The study included 19 children aged 9-13 diagnosed with ASD and co-occurring ADHD symptoms. Participants in the study were given either the Project: EVO treatment, which is delivered via an action video game experience, or an educational activity involving pattern recognition. The primary outcome measure for efficacy was the TOVA API, an FDA-cleared objective measure of attention. Key secondary outcome measures were caregiver reports of ADHD symptoms and the ability of the child to plan and complete tasks, as well as a cognitive test battery assessing working memory.The study found that children adhered to the treatment protocol by engaging with the treatment for 95 percent or more of the recommended treatment sessions. Both parents and children reported that the treatment had value for improving a child's ability to pay attention and served as a worthwhile approach for treatment. The study also found that after using Project: EVO, children showed a trend toward improved attention on the TOVA API score, and they showed general ADHD symptom improvement based on parent reports. Though the sample size of the study was small, the study showed that using Project: EVO was feasible and acceptable with potentially therapeutic effects. The research team is planning a larger follow-up study for continued evaluation of Project: EVO's potential efficacy.Source: Eurekalert | https://www.medindia.net/news/can-children-with-autism-and-adhd-be-treated-by-a-video-game-based-digital-medicine-184885-1.htm |
Is Bird Box Really More Popular Than Black Panther? | Netflix finished 2018 by briefly taking off the blindfolds it put over our eyes to shield us from viewer statistics of its streaming offerings. More than 45 million accounts watched its Sandra Bullock-led thriller Bird Box in the films first week of availability, the service announced in a tweet. The stat should obviously be treated with an entire salt mine, as it essentially came from some monolithic Netflix overlord with no proof, no context, and having essentially never revealed viewership information before. In this case, the tweet was published as a 2018 victory lap, coming after the film had flooded social media with memes and spent the majority of the week trending on Twitter. But, considered with the proper amount of skepticism, that 45 million number and what it representsBird Box is the most popular movie the service has releasedis a crucial test case as the industry and viewers at home attempt to understand the true value of releasing a movie on a home streaming platform like Netflix instead of in theaters. By one interpretation, Bird Box is a more popular movie than Black Panther, Incredibles 2, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and every movie released in 2018 with the exception of Avengers: Infinity War. While that interpretation is easy to refute, its ramifications raise important questions about Bird Box, Netflix, and the future of film. First, that Black Panther stat. If you take that Netflix number seriously45,037,125 accounts watched Bird Box in the films first weekit would translate to a massive box-office haul if the movie had been released in theaters. The reported average movie ticket price in 2018 was $9.18, which means Bird Box would have grossed over $413.4 million dollars in its first week. Thats less than Avengers: Infinity War, which had the biggest opening week of 2018. But its roughly on par with Black Panther, which had the second-biggest opening week with about $461.3 million, including both domestic and foreign receipts. Netflix said that its 45 million number only includes accounts, not individual people who may have been watching together or multiple users of the same account who may have watched Bird Box at different times. Factor that in, and the hypothetical box-office haul would have skyrocketed. Ergo, Bird Box is more popular than Black Panther (and basically every other movie of the year). Obviously, had Bird Box been released in theaters, nowhere near 45 million people would have gone to purchase a ticket. The appeal and popularity of the movie is directly linked to its availability in peoples living rooms, on their laptops, and phones. Its an immediacy that is perhaps more applicable to Bird Box than any other film Netflix has launched. As more and more memes based on the movie spread through social media, people grew more curious to watch. With the films release conveniently timed to a holiday week when many people were home and looking for something to keep them occupied, they actually did watch, tooright then, at that very moment, from their couch. No putting on pants, braving the cold, and purchasing actual movie tickets required. At a time when the industry is scrambling to figure out how to best get audiences invested in consuming any piece of pop culture, let alone a two-hour movie that doesnt involve superheroes, the success of Bird Box is inextricable from the success of its viral marketing through online memes. The basic premise of the film is that invisible monsters have taken over the world, and the only way to escape their wrathmind control that causes victims to commit suicideis to shield your eyes. Sandra Bullock plays a mother guiding two young children through a perilous river adventure to safety and, to evade the monsters fate, must navigate the journey blindfolded. Its a concept thats ripe for memes in the digital age of comedy, with joke-captioned stills of Bullock in a blindfold so omnipresent on social media that some even questioned how organic the memes were, accusing Netflix of using fake accounts and bots to boost the images spread. Thats a theory that was debunked fairly quickly, both by social media experts whose investigations saw no basis for the conspiracy suspicion and by Netflix itself, which said through a representative that the meme content happened on its own and spread organically. One logical explanation goes back to Bird Boxs timing: The kids were on break. It was the holidays. Teens, college students, and, yes, media professionals typically responsible for such things were home with a lot of time on their hands. (That Netflix was forced to release a warning not to walk around blindfolded, as people started filming themselves doing the Bird Box Challenge, certainly attests to that.) But it takes more than just young people to make something as popular as Netflix claims Bird Box was. It would likely need to be what is called a four-quadrant movie, which means it performs well with all the major demographics of the movie-going audience: both male and female, over and under 25 years old. Of course, as we mentioned before, this would be pure speculation. Netflix has never released such statistics about any of its movies. But if true, it would be Netflixs first hit of the kind. The closest comparison would be Bright, the Will Smith sci-fi epic that Nielsen estimated debuted to 11 million viewers last yearthough, again, those are not official numbers. In other words, when Kim Kardashian is tweeting about your movie, it has ascended to a whole new level of the zeitgeist. Certainly, theres Sandra Bullock. This is a Sandra Bullock Movie, with the celebrated actress back in the thriller mode that helped launch her to fame (Speed, A Time to Kill) and proving her A-list draw once again. The movie may have received mixed reviews, but theres no denying it as a showcase for Bullock. The film is yet another example of the commercial viability of diverse casting: a woman over 50 is the star, Moonlight breakout Trevante Rhodes is the male lead, and reliable character actors Lil Rel Howery, Parminder Nagra, BD Wong, Rosa Salazar, Jacki Weaver, Danielle Macdonald, and Bullocks Oceans 8 co-star Sarah Paulson are in supporting roles. (In fact, only one white male actor, John Malkovich, could be considered a major character. Go figure!) Then theres the films content itself. Many critics ribbed Bird Box for its algorithmic plot, but that might be precisely the reason for its popularity. Reviews equated the film to a thriller by Mad Libs, appropriating a random assortment of the genres biggest trends and loosely tying them together: horror movie where you lose the ability to interact with the world (A Quiet Place), post-apocalyptic outbreak survival thriller (It Comes at Night), motherhood as narrative engine (Hereditary), long family journey through dystopia (The Road), terrifying creatures fostering inter-human distrust (The Mist), and strong female lead figuring out how to outwit creatures we dont understand (Arrival). Critics might decry Bird Box as a patchwork quilt of derivative themes. But to Netflix viewers who make decisions based on curated recommendations, that may be exactly the point. Watch Bird Box, A Quiet Place but with eyesight. This is that, but with Sandra Bullock. It certainly proves that Bullock is as valuable a leading lady as shes ever been. But, again, its hard to peg just how much extra industry clout that gives her. Bright may have been the last big movie hit Netflix had, but its largely remembered as yet another critical flop in Will Smiths career, not more evidence of his box office power. Weve seen how starring in a hit Netflix TV series has been a boon for the careers of breakout actors from Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, GLOW, and more. But given the industrys traditional, snooty delineation between TV and film success, its hard to assume the same fawning will occur over streaming movie stars. As the answers to those questions start to work themselves out in the weeks and months to come, we do have one prediction for how this Bird Box news cycle will affect the industryand Netflix itself is to blame for it. As Netflix has racked up an impressive slate of original releases from major filmmakersthe service could win Best Picture this year with Alfonso Cuarns Romamany have wondered what sort of statistics the streamer has shared to convince them that going with the platform is worth it. There have been whispers that certain filmmakers are aware of how many people have streamed or seen their Netflix films. But the tidal wave of headlines that came after Netflix tweeted how many accounts had seen Bird Box might cause filmmakers to demand that their numbers be made public, too. This is an ego-driven industry after all. Its a marvel that things have remained behind closed doors for this long. Bird Box clearly represents a shift in the industry when it comes to the future of streaming services and original film. Perhaps its a little on the nose, but still exciting, that when it comes to what that shift means, everyone is still blind. | https://www.thedailybeast.com/is-bird-box-really-more-popular-than-black-panther?source=articles&via=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thedailybeast%2Farticles+%28The+Daily+Beast+-+Latest+Articles%29 |
Is India Apples next big business bet after iPhone maker sees steep decline in sales in China? | Unlike the US and China, India remains a market in which smartphone sales is expected to rise. (Source: Reuters) iPhone maker Apple has cut its revenue forecast for the first time in the past 16 years. The worlds most valuable company Thursday announced to cut its revenue forecast for the first quarter of 2019 to $84 billion from the earlier estimate of $89-$93 billion, owing to a steep fall in sales in China the third largest market across the world for the company. For decline in growth, Apple CEO Tim Cook has blamed the slowdown in China, apart from slowing iPhone demand in many nations as well as supply constraints. Some analysts told The Indian Express that the company may now focus more on India for its future growth, given that the slowdown in China is expected to rise further in 2019, amid ongoing trade war between China and the US. With its challenges in China and other markets, India becomes more important for AppleBut to find success in India would call for a recipe that is different from other markets due to this markets immense value-conscious nature and huge diversity, Navkendar Singh, Associate Research Director at IDC, told the newspaper. ALSO READ I Printing of Rs 2000 notes scaled down; heres what Modi govt has to say In India, the iPhone maker is looking into the options of making its devices more affordable by providing finance solutions. According to Singh, between January- September 2018, the market share of Apple in Indias smartphone market was just 1.2%. Also, this too was due to the popularity of its older models such as iPhone SE, which can be availed for Rs 16,999. In November, Tim Cook said that the company is facing challenges in India. It remains to be seen how seriously Apple invests itself in India. Even now, Apple is looking at using India as an export hub only, and not as an attractive market, said Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research (CMR). Despite all that, India remains a market in which smartphone sales is expected to rise. Apple is also expected to expand its manufacturing presence in India to a larger portfolio of products, with support from partners Foxconn and Winstrom. Its decision to move more assembly to India from China is also being seen as an attempt to reduce iPhone cost to make its devices more affordable to the Indian population. In the recent past, the competition in the smartphone market has increased as the Chinese firms Huawei, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi have raised their investments in India. Apple gets its number from the premium segment too, but all these companies too play in this segment. | https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/is-india-apples-next-big-business-bet-after-iphone-maker-sees-steep-decline-in-sales-in-china/1433413/ |
What time is Billy Connolly Made In Scotland part two on BBC Two tonight? | Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland sees him visit Loch Ard, Kinlochard (Picture: Jaimie Gramston/BBC/7Wonder/Jaimie Gramston) Billy Connollys Made In Scotland is back with its second and final part tonight. The two-part series kicked off last week, following the actor, comedian and musician, as he returns to Scotland, where he was born. In it, he talks fans through how his upbringing helped influence and motivate him, as well as how he changed careers from being a welder in Glasgow to becoming The Big Yin a Scottish nickname given to Connolly. As well as interviews with Billy, friends and colleagues including Micky Flanagan, Eddie Izzard, Ross Noble, Sharleen Spiteri, AL Kennedy, Tracey Ullman, Val McDermid and Eddi Reader discuss the comedian on the show. Billy has reportedly decided to step down from stand-up (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images) Billy reveals in tonights episode that he feels his life is slipping away as his Parkinsons disease progresses. Advertisement Advertisement The Scottish funny man has admitted that there is no denying it, I am 75, I have got Parkinsons and I am at the wrong end of the telescope of life. I am at the point where the yesteryears mean more than the yesterdays, he said. Speaking poignantly in tonights installment, he reflects on his life, telling the camera: I can feel it and I should. Im 75, Im near the end. Im a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning. But it doesnt frighten me, its an adventure and it is quite interesting to see myself slipping away. Billy Connolly gets candid in the second episode of Made in Scotland (Picture: BBC/7Wonder/Jaimie Gramston) The second episode also sees him share with viewers how he wore woolly swimming trunks as a child. Yes, really. Billy revealed his plans to retire from live performances nearly 60 years after he made his stand-up debut. The 76-year-old revealed that his touring days were behind him, with The Guardian declaring it his retirement from live performance. Billy Connolly (Picture: BBC/7Wonder/Jaimie Gramston) Billy has been battling the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, which he says are now manageable, since mid-2013 but rejections the suggestion that it has dulled his brain. In August, Billys old friend Michael Parkinson offered an insight into the comedians condition, saying he felt sad for Billy because he wasnt sure if he could remember old friends any more. Advertisement Advertisement Dismissing the observation, Billy told Radio Times: He thought Id lost track, mentally, but I never remember what year anything was. Billy slammed the shitty comments of friend Michael Parkinson recently (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) I havent a clue. Ive always been about going forward, not the past. Plus, we were doing [an event where] I was Inspiration of the Year, and I blew everybody away. He should have remembered that He added: I wasnt disappointed, it just made my life a bit difficult. People feeling sorry for me, I dont like that. A representative for Billy Connolly has been contacted by Metro.co.uk for further clarification. In an interview with The Times this weekend, Billy also blasted the talk show hosts comments as a shitty thing to do and revealed they have spoken since. Its still a shitty thing to do. Oh, hes fucked. Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland airs tonight on BBC Two at 9pm. MORE: Billy Connolly, 76, announces his retirement from live performance amidst Parkinsons disease battle MORE: Billy Connolly reveals he wants to die in Loch Lomond: Id like to be planted there | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/04/time-billy-connolly-made-scotland-part-two-bbc-two-tonight-8308807/ |
How much do professional gamers earn in Southeast Asia? | What separates professional esports players from most other gamers, aside from superior skills and experience, is the fact that they are paid by teams and organizations to play and compete. More than anything, that is what truly makes them professionals. There are many ways by which they earn their keep as well, so lets take a look into that, specifically among the professional esports players of Southeast Asia (SEA). For the most part, there are three main ways by which professional esports players make money namely, through salaries, tournament winnings, and streaming. While we cant disclose exact salary figures or the like for players and organizations, lets go over the ways pros earn their money one by one. Salary For pros who are signed with an esports team or organization, one of their main sources of steady income would be a regular salary. On average, these salaries can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending a number of factors. These range from what esports title a player is competing in, which team they have signed with, which region or league they are in, and their skill and reputation, to name a few. In the esports big leagues, players rake in thousands of dollars in salary. For example, in the North America League of Legends Championship Series (NA LCS) the average starting player salary is at over $320,000, with more established and successful players earning even more on multi-year contracts. For context, players in the NA LCS are averaging the same salary as those on Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs. However, that should be treated as close to the ceiling and nowhere near the standard for esports. In Southeast Asia, where the esports scene is not as developed or well-structured as in North America or Europe, players earn considerably less from their salaries. For example, in the Philippines local LoL esports league, the Philippine Pro Gaming Series, players get a salary of PHP 15,000 or only $285. While that may seem like chump change compared to what those players in the NA LCS earn, it highlights both the uneasy road to financial success in esports and the stark discrepancy in terms of development and infrastructure for esports in SEA compared to other, more affluent regions. With that said, the differences between the esports structures of different esports titles affect how much salary a player gets as well. LoL esports employs a franchise-based system in the NA LCS, whereas other titles mostly have players signing with organizations that determine how much they will shell out for them. Experience and reputation matter as well. Veteran and big-name players are more likely to get more lucrative contracts compared to up-and-comers, who wont likely have the proven track records to show theyre worthy of a big contract anyway. Tournament winnings Winning tournaments have long been the quickest way to success in esports, especially in titles that feature tournaments with prize pools that reach millions of dollars Dota 2 being the perfect example. Dota has been the esport where SEA has seen the most success, and it shows in how much money players from the region got from winning Dota tournaments. In 2018, the Malaysian player Jianwei xNova Yap became the regions highest earner with $1,132,528 from tournament winnings alone, according to esportsearnings.com. The majority of that came from this years iteration of Dota 2s annual premier tournament, The International 2018 (TI8), where xNova split over $4 million with his team, PSG.LGD, after they placed second. Other big earners from the region include Zheng MidOne Yeik Nai and Chai Mushi Yee Fung, both from Malaysia and with over $1 million in total winnings, and Djardel Jicko DJ Mampusti from the Philippines with over $600 thousand overall winnings. The fact that all those players are in Dota 2 speaks to how the games esports structure hinges on The International. Last years tournament alone had a record-breaking prize pool at over $25 million, which made up over half of the total amount of prize money Dota 2 gave away as a whole in 2018. Even if tournament winnings for team games such as Dota 2 and LoL still have to be split among teammates, with their orgs taking a cut as well, those prizes still make up a big part of an esport pros income. Case in point, just making it to The International is already a massive win for a player financially, as TI8 gave out over $63 thousand to the last placed teams. Split five ways, that would be over $12 thousand, enough to live comfortably in SEA. Streaming Aside from their regular salaries and tournament winnings, many esports pros nowadays use online streaming to supplement their income. For the most part, its quite easy for them to do so too. Regular practices aside, some pros like to stream their public matches, which many members of the community often tune in to. Some former Dota 2 pros have even taken up streaming as a full-time job, most notably Wehsing SingSing Yuen and Henrik AdmiralBulldog Ahnberg. Having a dedicated following on Twitch can be quite lucrative, as a streamer with 2,000 subscribers can earn an extra $5,000 a month. The owner of a Twitch channel gets half the money a subscriber pays every month, which starts at $4.99 Streamers can even top that by monetizing their streams with ads and sponsorship deals, as well as by taking donations from viewers. With that said, the Twitch community in SEA is not as strong as those in other regions. This is mostly due to poor internet connections in most SEA countries not really giving most of the potential audience a lot of chances to tune in. Even so, streaming is a lucrative option for any player willing to grind enough hours streaming. | https://www.foxsportsasia.com/esports/1011236/how-much-do-professional-gamers-earn-in-southeast-asia/ |
Was macht 2019 ein gutes Zinhaus aus? | Bei 1244 Euro pro Quadratmeter lag der Durchschnittspreis fr Zinshuser im Jahr 2008. Laut dem "Wiener Zinshaus-Marktbericht" von Otto Immobilien haben sich die Preise fr Zinshuser in den letzten Jahren mehr als verdoppelt. Mittlerweile sind wir bei einem Preis von 2890 pro Quadratmeter angelangt. Dies entspricht einer jhrlichen Preissteigerung von rund acht Prozent. "Von 2008 bis 2014 verlief die Steigerung der Preise noch moderat, aber 2015 stiegen die Einstiegs- und Maximalpreise deutlich an", erklrt Richard Buxbaum, Leiter der Abteilung fr Wohnimmobilien und Zinshuser bei Otto Immobilien. Ganz so massiv wird es heuer nicht weiter gehen, aber der Weg der Preise nach oben ist vorgezeichnet. Die Brsen stehen derzeit auf Sturm, die hohe Volatilitt bringt vielen Anlegern Verunsicherung und Verluste. "Das Wiener Grnderzeit-Zinshaus wird daher auch 2019 als sicheres Investment sehr begehrt sein", ist Thomas Gruber, Teamleiter Zinshuser bei Otto Immobilien berzeugt. Spannendes Jahr 2019 Auch Clemens Riha, Geschftsfhrer von GR Real glaubt, dass 2019 ein spannendes Jahr wird, was Zinshuser betrifft: "Ich gehe davon aus, dass der Wert von Zinshusern in Wien noch leicht ansteigen knnte, denn es sind jedes Jahr immer weniger Zinshuser am Markt verfgbar und die Nachfrage ist nach, wie vor vorhanden." Und das, obwohl die Rendite schon sehr gering ist. Durchschnittlich sind es 2,6 Prozent, wobei die Mindestrendite mittlerweile bei 1,1 Prozent angekommen ist. "Fr Hauseigentmer gibt es fast nix, aber das ist fix", kommentiert Thomas Rohr, Immorohr Immobilien etwas sarkastisch. Aber 2019 zhlt vor allem die Sicherheit und nicht die Rendite. Sichere Wertsteigerung "Beim Zinshauskauf geht es vielmehr darum, Geld in Steine anzulegen, die seit 100 Jahren Bestand haben und erfahrungsgem eine sichere Wertsteigerung erzielen werden", so Markus Arnold, Geschftsfhrer von Arnold Immobilien. Der Zinshauskauf wird aber nicht nur aus dem Gesichtspunkt der Sicherheit betrachtet, sondern interessanterweise auch von "emotionalen Komponenten beeinflusst", stellt Arnold fest: "Die besondere sthetik oder das Prestige der Lage, ein spezieller Blick aus dem Fenster oder hnliches spielen eine wichtigere Rolle als hufig gedacht." ... ... Diese Frage wird 2019 mehr denn je sehr individuell beurteilt. Waren es vor einigen Jahren nur die Bezirke, auf die bei der Suche nach Zinshusern geachtet wurde, so wird jetzt verstrkt auch auf die Mikrolage Wert gelegt. Markus Arnold: "Was eine gute Lage ist, definiert die Infrastruktur." Dazu zhlt neben den Einkaufsmglichkeiten natrlich die Anbindung an den ffentlichen Verkehr. Besonders gefragt sind "Lagen an Grn- oder Wasserflchen", stellt Thomas Gruber fest. Wien: Ottakring und Hernals im Aufwind Die Lage ist letztendlich auch fr die Wertsteigerung des Hauses entscheidend. Gemessen an der Steigerung der Nachfrage sind der 16. und 17. Bezirk im Aufwind, die von der ab 2025 verkehrenden U-Bahn U5 profitieren. Auch der 20. und 21. stehen bei den Investoren hoch im Kurs, "da sie teilweise sehr gute Lebensqualitt bieten", meint Gerhard Hudej, Geschftsfhrer von Hudej Zinshuser: "Hier wird man in den nchsten Jahren hnliche Entwicklungen beobachten knnen, wie vor einigen Jahren in der Leopoldstadt. Das Interesse am Zinshaus scheinen selbst die rechtlichen Unsicherheiten nicht zu minimieren. Und das sind nicht wenige, wie Anton Holzapfel, Geschftsfhrer des VI aufzhlt: "Nicht nachvollziehbare OGH-Erkenntnisse zum Lagezuschlag beim Richtwert, die darauf aufbauende neue Lagezuschlagskarte der Stadt Wien sowie fehlende Kriterien fr die Frage der Erhaltungswrdigkeit und das Abrissverbot von Gebuden vor 1945 in Wien." Private Eigentmer nutzen Preispeak Fr die privaten Zinshausbesitzer allerdings wird durch die stndigen rechtlichen Eingriffe der Betrieb und die Instandhaltung eines alten Hauses immer aufwendiger und weniger planbar. Daher werden auch heuer gengend Huser auf den Markt kommen. Den derzeitigen Preispeak nutzen vermehrt private Eigentmer, "beispielsweise, wenn ein Haus an mehrere Eigentrmer vererbt wird, grere Investitionen anstehen, oder ein exklusiver Wunsch erfllt werden mchte, dann wird aufgrund der attraktiven Preissituation etwas hufiger als frher an einen Verkauf gedacht", so Markus Arnold. | https://diepresse.com/home/immobilien/immobiliennews/5554634/Was-macht-2019-ein-gutes-Zinhaus-aus |
Can student journalists teach the media a lesson about neutrality? | It was a Friday afternoon in my Journalism 101 class at the University of Tampa, and we were talking about Jim Acosta again. Specifically, I brought up a tweet from the CNN White House corresponent, in which he wrote that President Trump seemed fired up and ready for combat. In person he sounds depressed and despondent. Trump was tweeting like hes fired up and ready for combat. In person he sounds depressed and despondent. The answer was resounding, and illustrates an increasing divide between professional political journalists and the students who may seek to become them. In my class, at least, student journalists are disappointed by what they see as a lack of neutrality in political reporting, particularly on social media and particularly from some of the reporters who cover Trump for the biggest news organizations in the country. They had serious reservations about Acostas approach, but also saw him as a stand-in for a wider problem in political media. ICYMI: Student uncovers decades of sexual misconduct allegations against professor Sign up for CJR 's daily email When youre being attacked by someone of such authority as the president, its hard to bite your tongue, Mallory Culhane, a sophomore from northern Virginia who sat in the back row of the class, said. But being in this profession, its just something that you have to do. To be clear, my students fervently support the medias tenacious reporting on the Trump administration. They also applaud reporters aggressive face-to-face questioning of the president. And most of them find Trumps anti-media rhetoric both appalling and dangerous. Romelo Wilson, a sophomore from New York City who sat in the back row near Culhane, summed up the excitement student journalists feel in the current political and cultural climate. Journalists are increasing my passion for the field because I personally love to challenge those who feel as if theyre untouchable, he said. Thats exactly the job of a journalistto hold those with authority accountable for their actions. However, many of these same students believe journalists too often take the digital bait when it comes to social media taunts by the commander-in-chief. Tatiana Torres, a first-year student from Puerto Rico, could not hide her disgust regarding the Acosta tweet and others like it. Tweeting something like that is basically drinking poison and hoping the other person dies, she said. I find it disappointing and pointless. Of course, as my students acknowledge, not all news outlets claim to be nonpartisan. For such outlets, gleeful Trump-bashing might be expected and even excused. But for outlets that claim neutrality, my students have a clear expectation: all headlines and articles in the news section, as well as all social media feeds of all news reporters, should strive for neutrality. Our job is to write news and keep it neutral, therefore you should be neutral on social media, Travis Politakis, a first-year student from Houston, said. It is almost like that rule where you are not really supposed to tell people who you voted for. If you keep it neutral, you will avoid arguments and will become more credible, because people would not be able to tell bias. After the semester ended, Politakis and I continued our conversation at a nearby coffee shop. At the time, CNN was giving prominence to three stories on its home page: Bomb threats emailed to multiple locations, read one headline. Strasbourg attacker killed by police, read another. The only headline containing all caps was a negative one about Trump: National Enquirer deal is a BIG problem for Trump. That sticks out to me because the word BIG is in all caps and it tends to sound like a more liberal point of view, Politakis told me. The fact that it is in all caps makes me feel like there is an emergency and a drastic change is about to happen in the country, impacting the way we live our lives. To Politakis, the all-caps anti-Trump headline seemed at odds with CNNs statement of journalistic integrity, which we discussed in class: Much of popular journalism today comes with a political or ideological slant: it aims to win people to a point of view, not necessarily to an understanding of the facts, the statement says: CNN does not try to appeal to a specific point of view or political constituency. Whatever their politics, few of my students view CNN as neutral. The conservative-leaning students see medias inability to hide its animosity toward Trump as unprofessional. Bashing the president, sometimes even going out of their way to do so at times, is giving a bad rep to journalists across the nation, Matthew Polek, a first-year student from Connecticut, said. I believe Trump should be held to very high standardshe is the presidentbut I am not a fan of the amount of attack he receives from the media, especially CNN. As our classroom conversation continued, there was a hint of what the future of news reportingincluding headlines, articles, and social media feedsmight look like. Unlike most of todays reporters, tomorrows will have grown up with constant trolling on social media. Many of them have learned to tune it out. Malaysia Alford, a first-year student from outside of Tampa, has high regard forand high expectations ofthe news media. I think Jim Acostas actions at the conference made him the embodiment of what it means to be courageous, Alford said. But for her, that didnt excuse the opinionated tweets. I would not take to Twitter or any social media platform to poke at the president. With Trump in office, I hold the media to a higher standard. We have to be the bigger people. ICYMI: A student journalist asked her school for records of harassment complaints against teachers. She ended up uncovering a big story. Help us by joining CJR today David R. Wheeler , assistant professor of journalism at The University of Tampa, has written for CNN, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Follow him on Twitter @WheelerWorkshop. | https://www.cjr.org/first_person/neutrality-journalism-students.php |
Is it game over for the Gear4Music share price after 50% drop today? | The first thing to remember is that sales rose by 41% to 48.7m during the final four months of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. This is the firms busiest period of the year, due to Christmas buying. Its a painful blow for shareholders in this internet retailer, but Im not sure things are as bad as todays sell-off suggests. Heres why. Shares in fast-growing music equipment retailer Gear4Music Holdings (LSE: G4M) are down by more than 50% at the time of writing, after the group said profits were expected to fall this year. I would like to receive emails from you about product information and offers from The Fool and its business partners. Each of these emails will provide a link to unsubscribe from future emails. More information about how The Fool collects, stores, and handles personal data is available in its Privacy Statement. Already a subscriber to our paid services (e.g. Please login here . Register by giving us your email below to continue reading all of the content on the site. Soon you will also begin to receive our FREE email newsletter, The Motley Fool Collective. It features straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock market, direct to your inbox. Its designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio. (You may unsubscribe any time.) Shares in fast-growing music equipment retailer Gear4Music Holdings (LSE: G4M) are down by more than 50% at the time of writing, after the group said profits were expected to fall this year. Its a painful blow for shareholders in this internet retailer, but Im not sure things are as bad as todays sell-off suggests. Heres why. Sales up 41% The first thing to remember is that sales rose by 41% to 48.7m during the final four months of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. This is the firms busiest period of the year, due to Christmas buying. Customer numbers rose by 47% to 666,000 last year, suggesting that the firms market share is continuing to expand. Given such strong sales growth, you would expect profits to have risen as well. Unfortunately this wasnt the case. Management said that earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) are expected to be slightly below the level reported last year. When a firms sales are rising but its profits are falling, it usually means that profit margins are getting smaller. Thats part of what is happening here. Gear4Music is cutting prices and spending more on marketing to increase its share of a competitive market. However, the company said that profit margins were improving during the second half of the year. By securing better prices from suppliers and improving its distribution facilities, it was winning the battle. Unfortunately the firms York distribution centre reached maximum capacity during the busy Christmas period. This seems to have limited sales growth in the final part of 2018, reducing the firms profits. Plans are under way to increase capacity for next year, so this should be a one-off problem. Gear4Musics strategy is to compete on price in order to gain market share. This should then give the company more pricing power and higher profit margins in the future. This strategy looks like a difficult balancing act to me. It could be a great success, but its not without risk. Competition is always likely to be intense, as many of the same products can be bought elsewhere. Overall, I think todays sell-off could be a buying opportunity. But this situation is too speculative for me. One retailer I would buy Pet superstore chain Pets at Home Group (LSE: PETS) has been a disappointing investment. The firms share price has fallen by about 50% since its flotation in March 2014, compared to an 8% gain for the FTSE 250 index. However, a new chief executive took charge in May and I think this stock offers turnaround potential. Debt levels are low and the firm is still generating strong free cash flow to support the dividend, which now yields 6.4%. Boss Peter Pritchard is restructuring the groups vet business and optimising the firms store network. Profits are expected to be flat over the next 18 months, as these changes take place. I think the shares look good value, on a cheap-looking forecast price/earnings ratio of 8.8. Id rate Pets at Home as a turnaround buy. | https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2019/01/04/is-it-game-over-for-the-gear4music-share-price-after-50-drop-today/ |
Can Eric Garcetti Run L.A. and Run for President at the Same Time? | The tension between his day job and his presidential ambitions may soon come to a head: Garcetti had said hed decide by the end of 2018, and make an announcement either way by the first quarter of 2019. But this month, right in the middle of whats expected to be a rush of candidate announcements, hes facing a potential teachers strike that could shut down city schools. The deadline for a new teachers contract is January 10. Michael Trujillo, an L.A.-based Democratic operative who worked for Garcettis predecessor and rival, Antonio Villaraigosa, said he sees this as a perfect example of how a 2020 campaign could leave the city with distracted leadership. I dont know how you roll out a presidential campaign when the federal government is shut down and every L.A. public school is shut down, too, Trujillo said. I dont think he can do both. Ed Rendell doubts it, too. Rendell, whose final months as mayor of Philadelphia, in 1999, overlapped with his two months as a co-chair of the Democratic National Committee, said he took the national political job on the condition that hed work only on nights and weekends until his tenure was up at City Hall. I could not imagine running for anything and doing my job as mayor, Rendell said. Rendell also said the kind of campaigning it would take to bring up Garcettis poll numbers, now in the low single digits because few people know him, is beyond what a full-time mayor can managethough he noted that there might be some wiggle room given the weak-mayor structure in L.A. Garcetti can try to do both mayor and candidate, but I dont think he can give the right amount of time for a candidate whos really not well-known, who has to get out there, Rendell said. Garcetti isnt the only sitting mayor likely to run in 2020: Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, seems close to announcing his bid. But Buttigiegs city is a fraction of the size of Los Angeles, and thus infinitely less complicated. He announced in December he wont be running for reelection once his term is up at the end of the year, though he didnt officially say his decision was linked to a presidential run. Mike Bloomberg of New York is also considering a presidential bid, though he hasnt run the city in five years. Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans who left office last year, hasnt ruled out a campaign yet. Garcettis advisers argue theyve had practice runs for what the next two years could be like, citing how, for example, he once helped set negotiations in motion over a labor dispute just before leaving on a long trade mission to Asia. Indeed, the mayor has been out of the city frequently over the last two years: pitching Los Angeles as a location for the 2028 Summer Olympics, taking on several roles within the U.S. Conference of Mayors, convening his Accelerator for America nonprofit group thats focused on infrastructure investments, and stumping for midterm candidates in Minnesota, Ohio, and Mississippiall while taking enough personal political trips to tease his presidential prospects and drum up donors. In this day and age, you can be mayor anywhere, Garcetti told me, arguing that much of his travel has been done on behalf of the cityto win the Olympics, to get funding from D.C., to get Sacramento to focus on homelessness. | https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/01/la-mayor-eric-garcettis-plan-run-president/579301/?utm_source=feed |
What Is It About Massachusetts Politicians? | Senator Elizabeth Warren just announced the formation of an exploratory committee in preparation to the widely-expected formal launching of her run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. A far-left socialist, self-proclaimed Champion of the Middle Class who espouses all manner of government freebie handouts, open immigration/nonexistent border security and far-reaching nanny-state protectionism, Warren -- hilariously drinking a beer -- could not possibly come across as more phony, hypocritical, ill-informed, and disingenuous if she tried. Massachusetts Democratic politicians -- past and present alike -- display an unusually high regard for themselves and have an expectation of privilege and consideration that is both perplexing and largely unwarranted. This is as true today as its been since the early days of Ted Kennedys political career. Weve had 50 years of the assumption of professional privilege and nonstop holier-than-thou preaching from a group of decidedly unholy politicians. Being from MA, I have a vantage point on Ms. Warren that the rest of the country does not. When she announced her intention to run for the U.S. Senate in 2012, she stood at a local press conference event with then-MA Governor Deval Patrick. To put things charitably, Patrick was not exactly a detailed policy wonk, instead having ascended to the governorship mainly by virtue of his agreeable personal demeanor and, many think, his checking of a required demographic box. A foreign-policy question came forth from the reporters pool. With a panicked, deer-in-the-headlights reaction, Warren turned to Patrick and said, Lets let the governor answer that one. The governor. And so started her uniquely expert, courageous, inclusive-of-all-voters Senate tenure. Warren claims to be for the middle class, yet she is astonishingly ignorant of many of the real issues that the middle class actually faces every day. Warren was the force behind the creation of the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau), founded for blatantly political appearance reasons only in a knee-jerk manner by Democrats in the aftermath of the so-called banking crisis of 2007-2008. According the CFPBs website, the CFPB's "central mission... is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans -- whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products." While nowhere near every consumer has a mortgage, virtually 100% of consumers have at least one credit card. Most have several. The interest charged on unpaid credit card balances used to be 9 or 10 or 11% not very long ago, but now its 22.5, 23.25, 24.125%. Thats loan-shark territory. And while the banks blithely charge 24% on credit cards, theyre paying their depositors .5% (a half a per cent) on regular savings and a whopping 3% on multi-year CDs. The current magnitude of the gap between interest charged and interest paid is absolutely unprecedented. Historically, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude -- our benchmark for oil pricing -- had a maximum 4:1 numerical relationship to retail gasoline pricing. Oftentimes, it was less than 4:1, more like 3.5:1. But even using 4:1, if WTI was $40/barrel, then gasoline would be around $1.60/gallon (40 x 4 =160 cents, or 1.60). During the 2011-2014 time period when oil was sky-high, averaging well over $100/bbl, gasoline was still far less than $4.00/gallon. This 4:1 numerical relationship held true for years. Decades even, until the last few years. The national average for gasoline is around $2.50/gallon, yet WTI crude is trading in the upper 40s, around $47-49/bbl. 47 x 4 = $1.88. The American consumer is overpaying for gasoline by a huge amount. These issues would be worth looking into, if only our Peoples Champion had a clue they were happening. Warren is just another in a long line of sanctimonious, condescending, out-of-touch Massachusetts politicians who lurched onto the national stage with a sense of unfounded entitlement and misplaced assuredness that the punitive rules they are gleefully willing to impose on others would never actually apply to them. Unable to answer the softball-esque question posed by sympathetic ABC reporter Roger Mudd of, Why do you want to be President? Kennedys stark lack of quick improvisational thinking ability and his political tone deafness ran headlong into reality and his supposedly ineluctable march to the Presidency -- his birthright -- was unceremoniously halted in its tracks. His own stunning lack of natural political adroitness notwithstanding, the more significant aspect of this is that Kennedy felt he deserved it simply by virtue of being a Kennedy, that being awarded the nomination was a mere formality. And of course, there is John Kerry, perhaps the gold standard of the politician who is smarter than you are, whose every word and strained intonation drips with the contempt he feels for having to exert the effort to speak with those clearly not qualified to occupy the same room as him. Kerry is and always has been so very much smarter than anyone else around him and he never fails to make it known that to hear his brilliantly insightful utterances is a privilege indeed. The list of Massachusetts politicians who fit perfectly into this mold is large and growing. Michael Dukakis, the 1988 presidential nominee, demonstrated his bona fides by refusing to stoop down and take the death penalty bait when asked by CNN debate moderator Bernard Shaw whether he (Dukakis) would favor the death penalty if his wife Kitty Dukakis had been raped and murdered. Oh no, of course not. Michael Dukakis was far too sophisticated and intelligent for that. He operated on a much higher moral and intellectual plane than the average voter. Please, dont insult his sensibilities with such a base question. Today, of course, Massachusetts is blessed with Congressman Joseph Kennedy III. His policy knowledge may be close to zero, his important legislative accomplishments after nearly seven years in office may be nonexistent, his personal aura may be akin to an overindulged teenager from a wealthy family, but his name recognition is stratospheric. The instant that either Senator Ed Markey or Elizabeth Warren should retire or vacate their seats for any reason, rest assured, Young Joseph will be waiting in the wings to assume his rightful place in the halls of higher power. Because, after all, like so many Massachusetts politicians before him, he deserves it. Just ask him. | https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/01/what_is_it_about_massachusetts_politicians.html |
What Makes Health-tech a Hot Space For Young Entrepreneurs to Venture Into? | Understanding the abundance of opportunities available, entrepreneurs are now exploring the under-explored healthcare space January 4, 2019 5 min read You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Healthcare in India has always been a space with ample opportunities and now, having closely associated with technology, the sector is on the brink of massive growth. Needless to say, the country has been lacking in terms of innovation but the potential is huge, the requirement is to acknowledge it and work on certain metrics to solve the ground-level issues healthcare industry, the digital way. The Indian healthcare market is growing at a rapid speed and the past year, in particular, has witnessed a great jump in health-tech investments. There has always been an inconsistency quotient associated with the industry due to contrasting investment trends in consecutive years but 2018 worked as a ray of hope for entrepreneurs who have or are looking to venture into space. With a total of $367 million pumped into the sector in 2018, 55 per cent higher than the previous years $237 million, health-tech recorded 45 start-ups receiving big cheques from investors. Among the major names to raise investments, the health and fitness startup, CureFit raised $120 million, Chennai-based online pharmacy, NetMeds scooped $35 million and online drug delivery platform PharmEasy got a cheque of $55 million. Solving Problems With the amalgamation of healthcare and technology, various delivery solution systems and apps have sprouted, bridging the gap between customers and medical professionals through digital solutions. While the healthcare space is riddled with inefficiencies right from inadequate skilled personnel to basic awareness among patients, it can be disrupted with technology. Healthcare has been facing the issues of scalability, capital efficiency and profitability since forever but penetration of data has opened gates for dealing with ground-level issues such as low doctor density and lack of hospital bed availability by enabling tech-enabled tools to improve not only the hospital but increase reach through remote patient communication efficiency. However, the CEO and founder of DocsApp Medical App, Satish Kannan believes that technology is not being utilized to complete extent to solve a number of problems in the health sector in India. The scope is huge and the impact we can make using technology in people lives is also very huge, he said. Leveraging Technology While the sector gained momentum, technology adoption has played a significant role in its growth. Kannan believes that there are many more ways that technology can be leveraged to improve the health index in India. Some of the ways the disruptor is already benefiting the users are by allowing the doctors to serve more patients at the same time, increasing their geographical reach, helping people digitize and maintain their health data, among others. Adding to Kannans thoughts, Curofy co-founder Pawan Gupta stated, Technology can help in education, better care delivery, improved outcomes, and making patients and doctors aware of the better lifestyle choices. In more ways than one, technology has proved to be the most effective way to transform the healthcare industry in India. India has a large patient population to cater to with an equally large number of providers, each having a role to play in the implementation of technology to improve access to quality healthcare. Also, with the increasing penetration of health insurance, both government and private organizations are bringing the need for technology to the forefront, which entrepreneurs are always keen to leverage. Navia Life Cares co-founder, Kunal Kishore Dhawan believes the space offers endless opportunities in reference to providing better access to healthcare services for patients, or improved business processes for clinics, hospitals and other medical centers, or using mobile apps for better patient experience, or telemedicine to help patients in remote corners of the country receive quality care. Choosing the Field While there are many players exploring the field, there is no one dominating the industry yet. With many archaic problems to solve, Gupta believes that space is both attractive and challenging at the same time. For young entrepreneurs, challenges work as a push but for those who have been associated with technology during their student life, it is a matter of opportunity. Many revolutionary entrepreneurs today, who have studied from prestigious institutes like IIT and IIM, their confidence to break the norms and bring about change work wonders. Being from IIT was definitely a boost for my eagerness to start up, but space was majorly defined by experience and my time spent meeting doctors in general, stated Gupta. Ban on E-pharmacies The convenience of ordering medicines online boosted the growth of e-pharmacies in India immensely. The sector, however, received a huge blow when Delhi High Court ordered a complete ban on online pharmacies across the country with immediate effect, asking the central government to implement the order in December 2018, leaving over 250 online pharmacies in a state of panic. The decision was taken in response to a petition which stated that the sale of drugs and prescription medicines online was illegal and without any mandate of law and, therefore, a health risk. Unlike common items, drugs are highly potent and its misuse or abuse can have serious consequences on human health, not just for the one person consuming it but for humanity at large as some drugs can be addictive, habit-forming and harmful to the body, the order stated. A large number of children/minor or people from uneducated rural background use the internet and can be victims of wrong medication while ordering medicines online, it further added. Notably, Indias pharmacy laws are derived the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Drugs and Cosmetics Rule, 1945, and the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which were formed way before the advent of online commerce in India. While the e-pharmacies are fighting the order, it is worth noting that the judgment follows a two-year long protest by over 800,000 traditional medical shops against the online sale of medicines under the banner of All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). However, the decision is working adversely for about 30-40 lakh patients who have gotten used to ordering medicines from e-pharmacies in India. | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/325716 |
What's Hindering the Growth of Fintech Industry? | The industry is in a lot of ways controlled by the government and because of that there are unforeseen problems, regulations and licensing issues January 4, 2019 4 min read The fintech market is growing rapidly with startups making a mark in the global landscape. Also known as financial technology, the industry has transformed the financial services sector. However, fintech companies still continue to face challenges that hamper their growth. At Web Summit, Europes biggest technology conference, Ritu Marya, editor-in-chief, Franchise India and Entrepreneur India moderated a panel discussion chaired by David Klein, CEO & co-founder, CommonBond, Emmanuel Schalit, CEO, Dashlane, Dr Christopher Oster, CEO, Clark and Marcus Swanepoel, co-founder & CEO, Luno. The discussion addressed certain difficulties faced by fintech startups. The industry, in a lot of ways, is controlled by the government and because of that, there are unforeseen problems, regulations, and licensing issues. According to Marya, the fintech industry is facing a good many peculiar problems. Ive not seen such kind of unique challenges in different sectors, she said. Given below are a few highlights from the panel discussion: Rising Cost of Tuition For Klein, fintech and regulation is a complex conversation. There are multiple types of fintechs. Predominantly, they form three categories: lending, assets and payment side. We fall in the lending bucket of the fintech across the US horizontal, specifically in that little square we fall into student loans, personal loans, small business loans, mortgage loans etc. The reason why the US market is growing because the colleges and universities charge a lot of money for tuitions and there is not a natural market check for schools to keep tuition inflation under control. It is thus, the cost of tuition is rising faster than in any other sector, he said. New York-based CommonBond provides more affordable loans to students in higher education, by sourcing capital from a community of investors who in turn receive a competitive financial return. Balancing Regulations Schalits password security company Dashlane makes identity and payments simple and secure everywhere, with its world-leading password manager and secure digital wallet. He feels in the US, fintech is a heavily regulated industry. In the rest of the world excluding the European Union, there is no global privacy framework so its really a question of balancing the over-regulation in certain areas. The under-regulation is creating a situation where the companies are not accountable for their gross misconduct, he said. Crypto: The Biggest Opportunity London-based Luno is a leading global cryptocurrency company that makes it safe and easy for people and businesses to store, buy, use and learn about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to Swanepoel, from a regulation point of view, the crypto industry is largely unregulated in most countries. And that doesnt make it easier for companies dealing in crypto. We self-regulate because we think its a right thing to do. Most regulators are pragmatic about our industry. A lot of banks dont want to give crypto companies bank accounts as they are worried about the risk of anti-money laundering, he said, adding that in the end, cryptocurrencies is one of the biggest opportunities for the regulators. Regulations are Good Launched in 2015, Clark is Germany's smart insurance partner making it maximum easy to buy new insurances and manage existing contracts. Oster believes as a fintech startup he doesnt want any specific rules because then people will not take his startup seriously. Sometimes, I also think about regulation in a positive way because as long as the rules count the same for everyone and they are not destroying the business, they might give you a competitive edge. So, regulation is not necessarily bad, he added. | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/325714 |
Should parking be allowed on Beach Road in Winterton? | People are being asked to park considerately in Winterton to avoid gridlock in Beach Road Picture: Winterton-On-Sea Winterton-On-Sea Consultation starts today on whether or not people can park on Beach Road in Winterton. Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. The Mercury reported on December 28 how drivers were being asked to use common sense when parking in the village, after parking on Beach Road caused bottlenecks. There were also fears over the impact of congestion on emergency services vehicles, after an ambulance took 25 minutes to negotiate the narrow stretch. A Facebook group set up to promote the village urged people to use the car park by Dunes Cafe instead. And one poster on the group said no parking police cones at the site were as much use as a chocolate fireguard. Now Norfolk County Council is asking people what they think of plans to prohibit waiting on Beach Road from its junction with King Street/King Corner to its easternmost end. Responses can be emailed to [email protected]. The officer dealing with the public enquiries is Mrs Craske, who can be called on 01263 739041. | https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/beach-road-winterton-car-parking-1-5839638 |
Can Americans Get Along? | Their premise is that what they call fault lines have always existed but until recently were held in check by a robust federal government, a thriving middle-class economy and a powerful union movement. They hammer home their fault line metaphor with Stakhanovite repetition. Almost every chapter is organized according to the rules familiar to any public speaker: In the first part I tell em what I am going to tell em; in the second part I tell em; and in the third part I tell em what Ive told em. Image Kruse and Zelizer, who have based their book on a course they created at Princeton, begin with the story of the unraveling of the somewhat forced consensus of the postwar era in the 1960s and 70s, quickly moving through capsule histories of the series of crisis events and issues that reordered the outlook of Americans Watergate, stagflation, racial equality, feminism, gay rights and more. Interestingly, there is a great deal of research that shows it is the political parties that are polarized but not the American people. Political scientists describe this situation as party sorting. That is, the Democratic and Republican Parties have devolved into two separate groups that offer ideological and policy conformity with almost no overlap. They almost dont exist anymore (Joe Manchin of West Virginia excepted) because neither party in its current iteration would have them. The actual fault lines, it might be said, are between the parties, not between two groups of the public. For the past 25 years, according to Gallup, over a third of Americans have identified as moderate, and the number of independents reached an all-time high in 2013. Even the famous 2014 Pew Survey on polarization noted that the majority of Americans do not have uniformly conservative or liberal views. Where fault-line-like division is most pronounced is among the most politically engaged Americans. Kruse and Zelizer argue for Americans to build bridges that can bring us closer together, although they are also refreshingly frank about the cant of postelection remarks on coming together noting the ritualistic aspect whose constant repetition is, in fact, an acknowledgment of division. Kruse and Zelizer begin their book with Obamas farewell address. They might have ended it with two points the Obama speech made as well: Hold fast to the faith written into our founding documents and regardless of our party affiliation or particular interest, help restore the sense of common purpose that we so badly need right now. Embracing both of those points might do the trick. Then again, it might not. | https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/books/review/kevin-m-kruse-julian-e-zelizer-fault-lines.html |
What will new Dickson elementary school be named? | CLOSE A brief overview of the Dickson County Schools system. Wochit Dickson County Schools seal (Photo: File) A new elementary school in the City of Dickson is likely to be named in the coming weeks, according to the Dickson County Schools director. The board approved changing Dickson Intermediate School into the new elementary school in October. The City of Dickson will have five elementary schools. Dr. Danny Weeks said a school naming committee will be established when staff returns to school next week. The principal position for the new elementary school will be posted soon, Weeks said. Dickson Intermediate started three years ago as a school for sixth-graders only. At that time, Weeks said he anticipated that the school might eventually be an elementary school. The new school is projected to have just over 400 students. The preliminary plan is that students who would have attended DIS in the 2019-2020 school year, and in the years following, would attend either Burns Middle or Dickson Middle, based on zoning. Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2019/01/04/what-new-dickson-elementary-school-named/2458830002/ | https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2019/01/04/what-new-dickson-elementary-school-named/2458830002/ |
Will the Rose Bowl Stand in the Way of a Bigger College Football Playoff? | The Rose Bowl is at the center of the playoff debate because of its importance to the Big Ten and the Pac-12, and because it is the oldest and most famous bowl game. That has historically made it the biggest stumbling block to altering the postseason: first with the creation of the Bowl Championship Series for the 1998 season; then, later, with the larger playoff that began with the 2014 season. In order to make any type of agreement that led to the B.C.S., you had to have the Rose Bowl be a part of it, said Roy F. Kramer, the former Southeastern Conference commissioner who helped start the B.C.S., from his home in Tennessee. Under the current playoff system, the Rose Bowl hosts a national semifinal game every three years, with teams selected by a committee with no regard for conference affiliation. In the other two years, like this one, the Rose Bowl matches a Big Ten team with a Pac-12 team, but it must release those conferences champions should they qualify for the playoff. Two years ago, for instance, the Pac-12 champion was placed in a semifinal, so the Rose Bowl featured the conferences runner-up, Southern California. During halftime of Tuesdays Rose Bowl game, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott reiterated his support for the status quo, saying the playoff works very well for us. Washington had 27,000 tickets to sell. They sold all of them, Scott said. Theyd never come anywhere close at the Fiesta Bowl, which they were in last year, or the semifinal game two years ago. The fans dont respond to the semifinal, to the Fiesta Bowl, the same way they do to the Rose Bowl. Whether that is gospel or merely a negotiating position remains to be seen. The powers behind the Rose Bowl have bent before and may again. Scott Jenkins, chairman of the Rose Bowl Management Committee, wore a red blazer as he described the games appeal during the second quarter. Especially if youre back in the Midwest, he said, where its probably cold, maybe theres snow on the ground its New Years, you see on television the sun and the mountains and everybody smiling and happy, and bright colors on the field real grass. | https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/sports/college-football-playoff-expansion.html?partner=rss&emc=rss |
What happens when plant-based "meat" is cheaper than the real thing? | Pioneers are already making in-roads into the market. But once economies of scale kick in... TreeHugger has been following the mainstreaming of plant-based "meats" with great interest, and there's no doubt that vegetarian alternatives to burgers and sausages are reaching beyond the hardcore vegetarian crowd and making in-roads into decidedly omnivorous markets. Yet there's one big barrier that might be holding them back: Price. In my latest encounter with an Impossible Burger at a local movie theater, for example, I noticed that the vegetarian version was $3 more expensive than its bloody counterpart. There's a similar premium charged by my friends at Bull City Burger and Brewery , and I know for a fact that they are not profiteering off the introduction. But while these high-tech, hard-to-find meat analogs are currently more expensive than their animal-based competition, there's no reason why they should always be so. In fact, between the inherent efficiencies of cutting out the middle-man/cow to the benefits of being able to locate manufacture closer to the consumer, it stands to reason that plant-based meats will eventually scale to be the cheaper alternativeespecially if any form of meat tax makes its way onto the statute books. Indeed an article by Clive Thompson on the future of fake meat over at Wired suggests Impossible Foods are eventually aiming to undercut Safeway's 80/20 hamburger meat, a point at which many consumers will simply choose vegetarian because it's cheaperregardless of whether or not its better for the planet or their bodies. Competing on price will mean plant-based meats will continue to replace the cheapest, unhealthiest, cruelest and least delicious forms of meat out there. Bring it on. | https://www.treehugger.com/green-food/what-happens-when-plant-based-meat-cheaper-real-thing.html |
Are non-voters good for our democracy? | South Africa's political system is known for its credible democratic elections. Not once since 1994 have elections been rigged to produce an outcome contrary to what voters had wanted. Except for the gerrymandering by "bussing" people to vote in wards they were not registered in in Tlokwe in municipal elections a few years ago, no serious incident has led to doubt about the credibility of our elections. The Constitutional Court has ruled on Tlokwe. By the end of 2019, the Electoral Commission is expected to ensure registered voters have verifiable residential addresses. Ideally, the court order should have been directed at the government as a whole rather than the Electoral Commission, but that's a subject for another discussion. The outcomes of national and provincial elections are, however, not as sensitive to voters' addresses as municipal elections are. This is because South Africa, unlike in Zimbabwe and other countries, hasn't encountered ghost voters unless they are skilled at hiding. The voters roll is thoroughly checked. But the legitimacy of electoral outcomes requires more than the satisfaction of the technical requirements to prevent rigging. What matters is not only having elections that produce legally acceptable outcomes. The risks lie in low voter turnout. A bigger voter turnout would ensure the social legitimacy of the outcome. Social legitimacy would, in turn, reasonably guarantee socio-political stability. The latter is important for investor confidence and reduces likelihood of flirtation with populist policies. It is not enough for an electoral outcome to be technically sound reflective of the will of only a few who voted. From its ancient origins (despite the limited franchise then), to our modern inclusive Constitution, democracy was always meant to give effect to the general will of the people as a whole through citizens' right to vote. The challenge is to make all South Africans understand the importance of voting. Unfortunately, the task of getting people to the voting booth is largely left to political parties. We don't have civic education to teach young people the significance of participating in elections. Civil society's voter education was at its strongest in 1994 and has since declined. An election date is always carefully decided on for fear people might go on holiday instead of choosing their government of the next five years. It says a lot about our national priorities as citizens! Sometimes voters make incorrect assumptions, staying away from the polls because they believe reason will prevail and the correct party or candidates will win. By thinking reason will prevail, they are referring to the reason of those who go out and vote, not their own. How people think those who vote will exercise reason on behalf of those who don't is beyond comprehension. The shock election of Donald Trump as the US president and the Brexit referendum vote are the latest examples of what happens when some voters stay away, only to regret it afterwards. In both instances, some potential voters matched to protest the outcomes. In the case of the Brexit referendum, some were even demanding another chance to vote to reverse the outcome. No one knows for sure what would have been the electoral outcome had all the cosmopolitan young voters in the US voted. Or had all those who believe in a strong Europe voted in Britain. But chances are that they would likely be less grumpy than they are, even if their preferred choices hadn't succeeded. In South Africa, no sooner are people's preferred choices announced than we witness violent service delivery protests. In some places, municipal councillors fear for their lives. Such violence shouldn't be expected from people who voted and regard the public representatives as legitimate. Even if they didn't specifically vote for the victors, their preferred candidates would be sitting on opposition benches to represent the interests of losers. Given the fact that our democratic system allows broad representation of both winners and losers the only conclusion one can reach about service delivery related violent protests is that citizens don't take responsibility for their preferred choices. The likely reason for this is that they don't vote. At least not in sufficient numbers that take responsibility for their choices and hold their elected representatives to account in terms of the rules of democratic process. In early 2018, after the voter registration drive, the Electoral Commission announced that it was pleased 75% of eligible voters were on the voters roll. It would be a fantastic story if that was a voter turnout figure of the total of all eligible voters on election day. In the 2016 municipal elections, voter turnout was below 60%. In the 2014 national and provincial elections it was significantly higher at 73%, which seemed like a good record. But it was from registered population of just over 25 million people, which is far from the total of eligible voters. A great number of citizens don't bother to register. This is where voter education matters most to get potential voters to first acknowledge through registration that they have a civic duty to elect a government. As the Electoral Commission prepares for final round of voter registration and political parties begin to launch their 2019 election manifestos, it is important that South Africans consider the significance of exercising their right to choose a government. After exercising our right we must take responsibility for the electoral outcomes whatever they are and ensure elected parties and leaders honour their manifestos. Abdication of democratic responsibility would be naive. - Mkhabela is a regular columnist for News24. Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. | https://www.news24.com/Columnists/Mpumelelo_Mkhabela/are-non-voters-good-for-our-democracy-20190104 |
Is Optimism Dead in the Trump Era? | In the stock market, its called the January Effect. Since this often-irrational condition of year-opening optimism was first given a name, in an academic paper published in 1942, economists have charted the phenomenon. The eternal hope for a fresh start is not confined to the financial markets, of course. Its also why gym memberships and fad diets soar in the first month of the year and why, in politics, the insoluble problems of the preceding twelve months sometimes seem a lot less intractable. This may be true even in the age of Donald Trump. At noon on January 3rd, as the Hundred and Sixteenth Congress convened, with the largest group of Democratic newcomers since the Watergate year of 1974, Nancy Pelosi, the new Speaker of the House, summoned the spirit of January in her speech accepting the job. When our new members take the oath, our Congress will be refreshed, and our democracy will be strengthened by their optimism, idealism, and patriotism of this transformative freshman class, she said. Working together, we will redeem the promise of the American dream for every family, advancing progress for every community. Big, sweeping deals, the kind that are often talked about but rarely happen, tend to sound much more appealing in January. For the left, theres been much discussion of a so-called Green New Deal, never mind its dim prospects with a climate-change skeptic in the White House. Other politicians came to Washington to be sworn in this week vowing to block special interests or save Obamacare. The Republican senator Lamar Alexander, meanwhile, is promoting the idea of a Trumpian about-face on immigration, in which the President, against all evidence, could make a wide-ranging agreement with the Democrats to fix the broken system once and for all. Going Really Big on immigration, Alexander wrote in a Washington Post op-ed this week, could be Trumps Nixon-to-China, Reagan-to-the-Berlin-Wall moment in history. Optimism of a different sort came from another Republican, Mitt Romney, who was the G.O.P. Presidential nominee four years before Trump, and who has just been elected to represent Utah in the Senate. In his own Post op-ed, on New Years Day, Romney promised to challenge Trump by speaking out against significant statements or actions that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions. For the Never Trumpers remaining inside the Republican Party, Romneys statement was evidence that resistance to the President did not die entirely with the late Senator John McCain and the retirement of Jeff Flake and Bob Corker. For Democrats who want to constrain Trump or pursue his impeachment and removal from office, it was a glimmer of hopealbeit a very faint onethat such an outcome might actually be possible in 2019, even with a Republican-controlled Senate. But, in general, Washington these days is hardly a town for optimists, even of the January variety. As 2019 begins, the federal government is about to enter the third week of a partial shutdown, already one of the longest in history, caused by Trumps demand that any budget agreement include billions of dollars of funding for his border wall. Talks are at a standstill, and the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Richard Shelby, Republican of Alabama, said on Thursday that the shutdown could last for months and months. The stock market, rather than booming with New Years ebullience, is continuing to tank. A new poll shows that more than sixty per cent of Americans expect a recession soon. Trumps trade war with China is curtailing profits at Apple and other U.S. companies. In the capital, meanwhile, the divided government is expected to produce not landmark legislative deals but more gridlock. The 2020 Presidential race is getting an early start, with roughly two dozen possible Democratic candidates, and with Republicans such as Flake and the former Ohio governor John Kasich weighing challenges to Trump, meaning that both parties will soon be consumed by internal debates and political posturing. So much for the January Effect. At the White House, Trump sent out a New Years message on Tuesday that conveyed less year-opening enthusiasm than it did a warning about the crazy times to come. 2019 WILL BE A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR THOSE NOT SUFFERING FROM TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, he wrote at 8:08 A.M. on January 1st. JUST CALM DOWN AND ENJOY THE RIDE. On January 2nd, he convened a Cabinet meeting that seemed fully in keeping with his promise of a wild ride, offering an unscripted, extended look at a Presidency in meltdown mode. At the table surrounding Trump sat an acting Attorney General, acting Secretary of Defense, acting Interior Secretary, acting E.P.A. administrator, acting Ambassador to the U.N.,, and an acting White House chief of staff. The turnover among Trumps senior officials, according to the Brookings Institution, has hit sixty-five per cent in the course of two years. Stung by the negative headlines, and having cancelled his Christmas vacation because of the government shutdown, Trump called reporters into the room and kept them there as he rambled on and on. The session began just after noon and it ended, according to the transcript the White House later circulated, more than seventeen thousand words later, at 1:42 P.M. The Presidents long discourse was a grievance-filled litany that offered little in the way of comfort for optimists of any party, and its main news consisted of the Presidents bizarre endorsement of the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and his insistence, facts notwithstanding, that he essentially fired James Mattis, who in reality was the first Cabinet secretary to quit in protest since 1980. A day later, Pelosi took over the House of Representatives. Her caucus whooped and applauded as she listed the legislation that the House would now approve. The members cheered when she quoted a statement by President Ronald Reagan welcoming immigrants. They cheered when she promised transparency and facts. Only in the Trump era could an endorsement of the truth be seen as a partisan applause line, but we are where we are. A few hours later, a rank-and-file Democrat from Pelosis home state of California, Brad Sherman, was set to introduce the first articles of impeachment against Trump in the new Congress. A significant and growing part of the Democratic caucus is committed to pursuing impeachment, regardless of Pelosis caution and the still-uncertain results of Robert Muellers investigation. No one knows yet, of course, whether the effort to impeach Trump will end with the Presidents removal, or in political disaster for those who pursue it. But we do know this: despite all the tumult and political instability that Trumps unlikely ascendance has brought to the U.S. and the world, views of him have remained remarkably fixed. A Gallup poll from one year ago, at the start of 2018, found Trump with an approval rating of thirty-nine per cent among Americans. At the end of December, after he had fallen in love with Kim Jong Un and met with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, fired his Secretary of State and national-security adviser and Attorney General, lost the House of Representatives, watched his personal lawyer and campaign chairman turn states evidence against him, and feuded publicly with everyone from the chairman of the Federal Reserve and the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to the Prime Minister of Canada, his approval rating was exactly the same: thirty-nine per cent. As President Trump often says, Well see. | https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/is-optimism-dead-in-the-trump-era |
Should Claude Puel send out his strongest Leicester City side at Newport County? | The video will start in 8 Cancel Get Weekday Leicester City FC updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Leicester City have just come through a hectic schedule of four games in 11 days as they head to Newport County to kick off their FA Cup campaign on Sunday. It will be the fifth game in 16 days for City and manager Claude Puel is expected to make considerable changes to the side that won at Everton on Boxing Day. Captain Wes Morgan could return as Harry Maguire may be given a rest, with Caglar Soyuncu vying to get another game as his central defensive partner, although Jonny Evans was outstanding at Everton and could keep his place. Christian Fuchs could come in for Ben Chilwell at left-back, while Matty James is pushing for his first taste of action in midfield this season. Puel could decide to give a breather to Wilfred Ndidi and Papy Mendy, and Adrien Silva and Vicente Iborra will be hoping to get some game time, although Hamza Choudhurys emergence will put him in the frame too. Kelechi Iheanacho could replace Jamie Vardy in attack, while James Maddison will be fresh after being an unused substitute at Everton. Demarai Gray was a late substitute at Goodison Park and could also be an option. 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No However, many City fans will be hoping Puel fields his strongest team in the FA Cup especially as City face a real banana skin tie at the League Two side. City have never won the FA Cup. It is the last, elusive piece of domestic silverware to add to the collection and there will be a real hunger to see Citys strongest line-up sent out. Vote in our Mercury poll (above), or pick your preferred line-up below. We've launched our very own app for Android and Apple devices to deliver all your Leicester City news and sport that you're interested in straight to your mobile. To download the IOS app click here . To download the Android app click here . | https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/should-claude-puel-send-out-2388282 |
Who is Emma Brooker actress Alexandra Mardell in Coronation Street? | The video will start in 8 Cancel Get daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Coronation Street hairdresser Emma Brooker has made a big impression since joining the cobbles in early 2018. Actress Alexandra Mardell plays the bubbly character and fans have loved her comedic exchanges at Audrey's Salon. Here's more about the character of Emma and actress Alexandra. (Image: ITV) Teen hairdresser Emma arrived on Coronation Street in April 2018, managing to arrive late for her first day at work at Audrey's Salon. David Platt wasn't keen to train her up, although he soon warmed to Emma enough to sleep with her within a day of her arrival - after battling his own demons following his rape ordeal at the hands of Josh Tucker. David swiftly asked Emma to move in with him - but the relationship unravelled when he was finally able to reveal his trauma to ex-girlfriend Shona. More recently, Emma has been courted by Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), but that could also be about to end in tears, with Chesney and friend Gemma Winter becoming increasingly close. (Image: Nathan Cox) 24-year-old Alexandra Mardell, originally from Leeds, has had her biggest TV role to date with the character of Emma in Corrie. But before joining the soap she also appeared in ITV drama Vera in 2017. She is regularly seen out and about with her Corrie pals Lucy Fallon and Mollie Winnard, the latter of whom joined the soap at the same time, and is a keen supporter of Manchester's arts and theatre scene. (Image: The Lowry theatre) She is also co-artistic director of Junk Arts Theatre which is based in London. Alexandra is a huge fan of The Spice Girls - and even attended the wedding of Scary Spice Melanie Brown when she was just five years old as their mums were friends. Join our Coronation Street Fan Chat group on Facebook where youll also get updates, spoilers and more. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/coronation-street-emma-alexandra-mardell-15612900 |
What Is UX Content vs UI Copy? And Why Does It Matter? | Often, Im so focused on traditionally published forms of writing (nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and script writing) that I overlook some more professionals genres. Recently, I came across the term UX Content, and I didnt know what it meant. While researching, I found theres often confusion in UX content vs UI copy. So, I want to share what Ive learned in this post. Defining UX Content vs UI Copy Here are the basic definitions: UX Content = User experience content UI Copy = User interface copy ***** Break Into Copywriting! Writing is your passion. Learn how to do just that in the Breaking Into Copywriting 101 writing course. In 4 weeks, writers will discover how to write a creative brief, the 4 copywriting guidelines, utilizing emotional triggers, the call to action, getting work as a copywriter, and more! Click to continue. Fair question. And it can get confusing quick, especially since one expert will say one thing and another will wander in a different direction. But heres my best understanding: UI Copy is the labeling of buttons, tabs, and other common usage messages (like terms & conditions or error messages). On the other hand, UX Content helps users solve problems from a customer experience and/or avoid experiencing problems at all. Another way to come at this is that UX focuses on creating a structure that creates a positive user experience. UI focuses on the look and feel. Or one more: UX creates a vision of the customer experience. UI gets into the practical nuts and bolts of making that vision reality. Another fair question. The one thing that UX content and UI copy have in common is that theyre forms of writing for technology and software companies. I want to demystify the jargon and help you understand these terms, whether youre interested in pitching yourself as a freelancer or taking on a PT or FT writing/content job opportunity. The great thing about writing is that there are so many opportunities available to writers who dont get hung up on writing in a specific genre. And UX content, in particular, is a newer and growing field of writing. ****** If youre interested in learning more, here are a few resources I found especially helpful: UXPA, or User Experience Professionals Associations. An association with several chapters around the country and the world. UX Planet. A helpful website on user experience with frequently updated content. ***** Robert Lee Brewer is Senior Editor of the Writers Digest Writing Community, specifically working on the Market Books, WritersMarket.com, and maintaining the Poetic Asides blog. He loves all forms of writing. Follow him on Twitter @RobertLeeBrewer. You might also like: | https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/what-is-ux-content-vs-ui-copy-and-why-does-it-matter |
Who is Chesney Brown actor Sam Aston in Coronation Street? | Get daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Coronation Street's Chesney Brown has grown up before our eyes on the cobbles of Weatherfield - and has been embroiled in a range of explosive storylines from his childhood days through to his string of doomed romances in adulthood. Played by actor Sam Aston since he joined the show as a ten-year-old in 2003, Chesney has never been far from the drama. Here's more about Chesney and actor Sam. Samuel David Aston was born in Rawtenstall as the youngest of nine children on June 7, 1993. And acting talent clearly runs in the family, as three of his siblings have also gone on to careers in the acting world, and two have also appeared in Corrie - actress Emily Aston played Becky Palmer in the soap from 1996-7 and his brother Joseph played Tommy Duckworth in 2000. Sam's talent was originally spotted at the famous Carol Godby Theatre Workshop in Bury, and he made his screen debut at the age of just 5 years old in the show Eddie Mountain. By the age of 10 he had already featured in Where the Heart Is and The Bill, before winning the role of Chesney Brown on Coronation Street. (Image: Granada Television) He immediately won hearts as the lovable younger brother of Fiz Brown (Jennie McAlpine) and just a year later he won the Best Newcomer gong at the British Soap Awards. (Image: Manchester Evening News) Former Haslingden High School student Sam is engaged to be married to his long-term sweetheart Briony Gardner, 23. The couple revealed their happy news to OK! Magazine in 2017, and spoke about Sam's romantic surprise proposal to Briony in front of 250 guests at his annual charity golf day in Salford. Sam and Briony are planning to wed in 2019. (Image: ITV Pictures) Chesney Brown first arrived on Coronation Street in 2003 - the younger brother of Fiz Brown (Jennie McAlpine) and son of Cilla Battersby-Brown (Wendi Peters). He was just ten years old when he joined, and has effectively grown up on screen before fans' eyes. Fans loved his friendship with his pet dog Schmeichel, and in ensuing years the devastating loss of his beloved pooch. Into his teenage years, we have seen his blossoming romances which always seem to end in disaster. He fell in love with Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote) and they had son Joseph together, before Katy cheated on him with bad boy Ryan Connor (Sol Heras). (Image: ITV) He found love again with Sinead Tinker (Katie McGlynn), but their romance was doomed when she fell for Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). Chesney is currently dating hairdresser Emma, but is unaware that Gemma also has feelings for him too. Fans are hoping that the kebab shop co-workers will finally get together and find true love. Yes, you can find Sam tweeting at @samaston93, and on Instagram at samaston93. Sam is 5'7" tall. Join our Coronation Street Fan Chat group on Facebook where youll also get updates, spoilers and more. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/coronation-street-chesney-sam-aston-15616385 |
Who is Mary Taylor actress Patti Clare in Coronation Street? | Get daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email The wonderfully kooky character of Mary Taylor has been delighting Coronation Street fans since she arrived on the cobbles back in 2008. Her friendship with Norris Cole, flirtations with Dev Alahan, and more recently the dramas surrounding her reunion with her son Jude have made her a firm favourite on the Corrie cobbles. Here's more on the character of Mary Taylor, and the actress Patti Clare who so brilliantly portrays her. (Image: ITV) Actress Patti Clare was born in Manchester on March 3rd, 1976, and before joining Corrie performed in theatre shows across the UK. She also had TV roles in Young Dracula in 2007 and Torchwood in 2008. But she was advised that to pursue a career in television, it would be in her interests to turn down theatre work for a year. She was working as a receptionist when she finally won her dream job on Coronation Street - after writing persistently to the casting director over the years asking for a job there. She had even written an alternative character idea (a sister of iconic barmaid Raquel) and storyline suggestions in a bid to get on the soap! (Image: ITV/Coronation Street) The character of kooky Mary Taylor was first introduced in November 2008, initially intended as a short term guest role, but viewers loved her comedic one-liners and her friendship with The Kabin's Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) with whom she bonded over their interest in entering competitions. Her unrequited love and obsession for Norris has long been a source of comedy on the soap, and she has been rewarded with a string of Funniest Female and Best Comedy Performance nominations at the British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards. She also famously fell for Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), and battled with Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) for his affections. There was also her ill-fated fling with con artist Brendan Finch (Ted Robbins). But while there has been plenty of comedic moments, fans discovered a heartbreaking past of the character when her son, Jude Appleton (Paddy Wallace), turned up on the Street from South Africa - it was earlier revealed she gave birth to him after she was raped at just 14 years old. There was a heartwarming reunion for son and mother and his wife Angie Appleton (Victoria Ekanoye) and their baby son George, but it was not to last, and there were misunderstandings between the new family. (Image: ITV/Coronation Street) Jude was then exposed as a compulsive liar in 2018, and later assaulting his poor mother in a rage and he fled Weatherfield. In scenes due to air in early 2019, Mary will finally find her missing son - only to discover more lies and betrayal. Join our Coronation Street Fan Chat group on Facebook where youll also get updates, spoilers and more. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/coronation-street-mary-patti-clare-15616437 |
Could Louis Vuitton braids be the next big thing in 2019? | You dont have to be particularly fashion-forward to recognise the Louis Vuitton logo. One aspiring designer and rapper, Magnus Juliano, has taken the signature design of the brand and turned it into something out of the ordinary; braid accessories. The 27-year-old graphic designer from Columbus, Ohio has used 3D printing to create the colourful look. And its not just about trendy hair accessories, he says, its about honouring African American roots. Revealing the stylish LV monogram carefully crafted into his braids, Magnus posted the look on his Instagram, tagging Virgil Abloh, artistic director of Louis Vuittons mens wear collection. I have ideas! Advertisement Advertisement The technicolour designs created by Magnus took a lot of time and effort as he spent six months 3D printing each design and putting it together. The idea was birthed from multiple inspirations, Magnus told Metro.co.uk. The first being access. Dapper Dan a black streetwear designer used the likeness of huge fashion houses in the 80s and created hip-hop couture pieces that were in my opinion revolutionary. Fast forward to now Louis Vuitton has hired Virgil Abloh another black streetwear designer for a prominent position. It just feels good knowing that these dreams are possible now! The second inspiration came from my African culture. Beads and braids are an expression and communicative. Thirdly I believe hair jewellery and accessories are underrated. I also saw an opportunity for innovation and took it. Magnus used a 3D-printing company co-founded by his former university professor to create the ornaments. He also enlisted the help of a hairstylist to do do the braiding and fastening work. He tagged Louis Vuitton in the post to direct their attention to his work, which won over a lot of fans on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Many called the work dope while one wrote: You definitely deserve that internship. Others left him positive words of encouragement, saying: Virgil would be a fool not to get in touch with you. But if that does happen, dont stop and keep producing. You have so much talent and authenticity you cannot be ignored. And this can work for so many other brands. Were excited to see whether the look catches on. MORE: The best statement leggings to help you stand out at the gym MORE: The M&S January sale arrives with all the classic styles you need in 2019 MORE: Behold the first fashion trend of 2019: Giant backpacks Advertisement Advertisement | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/03/could-louis-vuitton-braids-be-the-next-big-thing-in-2019-8305951/ |
Whats actually in the Greggs vegan sausage roll? | (Picture: Getty/ PA) Were not sure how you would have missed this monumental news, but this week after months of speculation and leaked emails Greggs launched their first vegan sausage roll. Naturally, people were overjoyed and outraged. Even Piers Morgan got involved, and we know how rare it is for him to share his opinion about something. We went to the source (Greggs), who confirmed that yes, the sausage is vegan, and no, it is not just a large carrot. Instead, the vegan sausage inside a delightful vegan pastry case is made of the same stuff as Quorn sausages. Thats because Greggs actually teamed up with Quorn to make a unique vegan filling, using Quorns mycoprotein. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Mycoprotein is made using a type of mould called Fusarium venenatum strain PTA-2684. Quorn takes this and adds oxygen, nitrogen, glucose, and minerals, then lets it ferment and dry. Advertisement Advertisement That might not sound particularly appetising, but its free of any animal cruelty and creates that yummy meaty texture. So, for the Greggs sausage roll, the mycoprotein has been used in a new recipe made just for the brand. Beyond that, its pretty much a standard sausage roll. A Greggs spokesperson tells Metro.co.uk: Weve worked hard to make a vegan friendly product that is as close to the nations favourite sausage roll, only changing the recipe from our original meat sausage roll where necessary to ensure that it is vegan friendly. For example, working closely with Quorn weve created a unique vegan filling (using Quorns mycoprotein). The milk-based glaze used on our original sausage roll, to help make the pastry golden, has been removed and not replaced, making the lattice design more prominent and allowing a clearer difference between the two sausage rolls. The ingredients for our famous crisp puff pastry and unique seasoning remain the same. The seasoning is handy, as it really does make the vegan sausage roll match the regular one, taste-wise. Sadly Greggs wont tell us what that exact seasoning is (secret recipe and all that), but they do use the same unique blend of herbs and spices in both the vegan sausage roll and the meaty one. Advertisement Advertisement In terms of nutritional value, the difference between the vegan sausage roll and the regular sausage roll is fairly minimal. The vegan sausage roll weighs 101g and has 311 calories, while the regular Greggs sausage roll weighs 103g and has 317 calories. The vegan version has slightly less fat than the regular one, with 19.02g of fat per roll versus 22g of fat, but it has slightly more salt, containing 1.85g of salt versus the regular sausage rolls 1.6g of salt. We tried Greggs vegan sausage roll for ourselves, and were pretty blown away. Avowed meat fan Jess described the vegan sausage roll as: Almost indistinguishable from the meaty version. Flaky pastry, a hearty bite to the inner, and the savoury tang that keeps me coming back to my local Greggs like an addict in need of a fix. While veggie Ellen (thats me) was overjoyed to finally have a solid replacement for the sausage rolls shed missed since her childhood. The pastry is slightly less flaky and greasy, but this just means eating the sausage roll is a less messy experience. The sausage tastes and feels bizarrely like a regular meat sausage, so much so that biting into it you do question whether youve made a terrible mistake and picked up the meat version. Its 10p extra, costing 1 while the meat sausage roll is 90p. But for vegans and veggies, that 10p is worth it. Finally we can dive into a Greggs on a cold, rainy day, and grab a sausage roll. All our dreams have come true. MORE: McDonalds is finally offering a vegetarian Happy Meal Advertisement MORE: Rejoice, for Waitrose is launching vegan fishless fingers MORE: A vegetarian Happy Meal is more than a menu choice its validation Advertisement Advertisement | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/03/actually-greggs-vegan-sausage-roll-8305542/ |
Was tun gegen Langeweile whrend der Rente? | Keine Arbeit, keine Termine, keine Verpflichtungen: Was verlockend klingt, kann im Alter zur Herausforderung werden. Anzeige Der Tag beginnt fr viele Rentner bereits um 7.30 Uhr oder noch frher. Auf Anrufe der Kollegen wartet man vergeblich, wichtige Meetings stehen nicht an. Den meisten Senioren, die ich kenne, wird nicht langweilig, denen ist der Tag eher zu kurz, konstatiert Ursula Lehr, stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Senioren-Organisationen (BAGSO). Manch einer reist um die Welt oder ist froh, endlich in den Tag leben zu knnen, fernab vom Terminstress der Arbeitswelt. Die nchsten widmen sich den Enkeln, wieder andere bringen Flchtlingskindern die deutsche Sprache bei oder passen auf fremde Huser auf. Wem sich diese Mglichkeiten nicht bten, dem knne eine selbst auferlegte Struktur und Tagesplanung mit festen Aufgaben helfen, sagt Cornelia Jurrmann, Sprecherin des Sozialverbands VdK. Es ist aber auch wichtig, sich mit anderen Menschen zu umgeben und das Haus zu verlassen, falls das mglich ist. Lesen Sie auch Beziehungsfrage Seit mein Mann in Rente ist, haben wir nur noch Streit Anzeige Routinen seien gut und gben Sicherheit, findet auch Lehr. Etwa das morgendliche Zeitunglesen. Das zeigt Interesse an dem, was in der Welt vor sich geht. Andererseits fhle man sich durch zu starre Strukturen hufig eingeengt, gibt Erhard Hackler zu bedenken. Er ist Geschftsfhrender Vorstand der Deutschen Seniorenliga. Ob Tanz-, Sport-, oder Freizeitverein, Stammtisch oder eine Arbeit in der Pfarrei eine aktive Gestaltung des Alltags nach den eigenen Vorlieben ist den Experten zufolge erstrebenswert. Wer sich einer Gruppe anschliee, habe es zudem einfacher dranzubleiben. Suchen sie sich eine Aufgabe, die sie weder ber- noch unterfordert, rt Lehr. Welche Talente habe ich, wo will ich hin, was will ich tun? Diese Fragen knnte man sich laut Hackler auf der Suche nach neuen Optionen stellen. Dabei gebe es viele kostenlose Angebote, sagt Jurrmann. So knnte beispielsweise die Begeisterung fr das Singen oder ein Instrument wieder entfacht werden. Anzeige Am besten berlegt man schon frhzeitig vor dem Pensionsschock, was man tun will, rt Hackler. Wer gar keine Idee hat, dem empfiehlt er, die rtliche Seniorenvertretung aufzusuchen. Oder bei der nchsten Kindertagessttte zu fragen, ob Untersttzung gebraucht wird. Auch der Hausarzt wei, wer in der Nhe hilfsbedrftig ist. Darber hinaus ist ehrenamtliches Engagement eine gute Mglichkeit, die freie Zeit zu gestalten. Rund 34 Prozent der ber 65-Jhrigen sind laut Lehr bereits ehrenamtlich ttig. Wer auf der Suche nach einer passenden Aktivitt ist, kann sich an sogenannte Ehrenamtskoordinatoren, den VdK oder die christlichen Gemeinden vor Ort wenden. Besuchsdienste in Altenheimen beispielsweise oder Lesepaten in Kindergrten sind immer gefragt. Das ist eine nette Abwechslung, die Spa macht und einen bereichert, findet Lehr. Senioren besitzen eine Menge Lebenserfahrung, einen groen Wissensschatz und hufig sehr viel Expertise aus ihrem zurckliegenden Berufsleben, erklrt Jurrmann. Das sei in vielen Bereichen gefragt. Zudem komme ein Blick ber den Tellerrand allen Generationen zugute. Auch ein Hund knne dem Alltag Struktur geben, sagt Lehr. Halter mssen morgens frh raus und mittags und abends noch einmal spazieren gehen. Auerdem ist der Hund Kontaktstifter, man kommt leicht mit anderen Menschen ins Gesprch. Ein Hindernis kann die abnehmende Mobilitt im Alter sein. Wer das Haus nur noch schwer oder gar nicht mehr verlassen knne, vereinsame schnell, warnt Jurrmann. Hier helfen spezielle Mobilittsdienste, die Senioren abholen und zu Behrden oder zum Einkaufen begleiten. Darber hinaus kann das Internet ein Weg sein, um soziale Kontakte zu pflegen und aufrechtzuerhalten, etwa mit den Angehrigen zu skypen. Es gibt Organisationen, die gezielt PC-, Tablet- und Smartphone-Schulungen anbieten, sagt die VdK-Sprecherin. Auch wer ein gutes Buch liest, Musik oder Hrbcher hrt, kann durchaus damit ausgefllt sein, ergnzt Lehr. | https://www.welt.de/regionales/nrw/article186543026/Was-tun-gegen-Langeweile-waehrend-der-Rente.html |
What Women Want? | The experience of reading this book is at times like watching somebody run into a wall they cant see, over and over again, while they describe the wounds theyre sustaining in minute and entertaining detail. From a different angle, its akin to watching a young woman coming to political consciousness in her personal relationships. In one early passage Roberson describes her revelation that all this emotional labor was sapping her brainpower: I came to this conclusion when a guy was giving me strange signals for months and I was using my brain to its full capacity trying to figure out what the hell was going on. I realized: oh, this is a political issue, because instead of focusing on the intersectional-socialist-matriarchal revolution Ive been focusing on whether or not what just happened was a date. And there she stays. What follows this revelation is a forensic investigation into how that mental sabotage happens, rather than particularly useful advice on how to survive it. There is some value in this: Books of feminist cultural commentary usually speak from a position of having understood, rather than doing the exhausting work of trying to understand. Furthermore, Robersons achievement in remaining funny while excavating her pain is just straightforwardly heroic. Heres Roberson on letting unenthusiastic men go free, for example: I am not trying to trick men who arent totally aboard the SS Blythe Is Hot and Fun into marrying me. Im not trying to trap men! It might sound like a joke, but the concept has enjoyed a resurgence in contemporary feminism. Sprouting from the radical feminist movement within the 1970s second wave, political lesbianism is related to lesbian separatism, and promotes the idea that a woman can break from heterosexuality and simply refuse to incorporate sex with men into their lives. (The separatist movement has been sullied lately for adopting transphobic rhetoric, but its influence remains.) The Debate Between Heterosexual Feminism and Political Lesbianismby the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group argues that, The heterosexual couple is the basic unit of the political structure of male supremacy. Any feminist can and should be political lesbians, they write. Robersons book almost reads like evidence collected by the lesbian separatist prosecution, but it comes down in favor of the messier, more real problems of trying to live in a world where desire for men just cant be dispensed with that easily. Embedded within How To Date Men When You Hate Men is the insoluble truth that Roberson both desires and loathes men. She forces herself to acknowledge that double bind, then persists through the paradox instead of opting out. | https://newrepublic.com/article/152845/women-want |
How will the New England Patriots spend Wild Card Weekend? | FOXBOROUGH -- David Andrews will be taking a deep breath. Phillip Dorsett will be fighting restlessness. Patrick Chung will face no such urge and instead be chilling with his little man. And at some point, like everyone else around the NFL with the weekend off, theyll kick their feet up and watch some football. After wrapping up their second of two practices this week on Thursday, the Patriots headed home for an extended break. Players will be off until Monday, at which point theyll return for two days of preparation and then restart their normal weekly routine with practice starting Wednesday. Before then, theyll wait with the rest of the football-watching world to find out whether the Texans, Ravens or Chargers will roll into Gillette Stadium next Sunday for a divisional-round showdown. Kicking back now during their ninth consecutive playoff bye, every Patriot has his own routine for Wild Card Weekend. I dont really like to go anywhere. Just kind of relax, stay at home. Ill definitely watch most of the games, if not all of them, Andrew said after practice Thursday. Definitely the AFC games. Should the third-seeded Texans win on Saturday night, New England can turn its full attention to readying for a rematch of its season opener. The matchup will be settled, with the winner of Ravens-Chargers off to Kansas City for its next kickoff. Chung naturally has interest in whether Houston or Indianapolis emerges victorious to start the weekend, but says he may not make it past halftime. Its time for me to get football off my mind," the safety said. "Ill be back ready to go Monday. One of his backups, special-teamer Nate Ebner, knows hell be tuned in Saturday. From where, hes not sure. Ebner can promise, however, hell experience the game as part casual viewer and obsessive student. He says he cant shake the habit of taking mental notes whenever he watches football, as if permanently stuck in the teams facility studying silent coaches film. Just in general when I watch the amount of film that we watch day in and day out, its hard not to see football that way." As for Dorsett, a self-professed gym rat, hell do his best to rest as instructed by the coaching staff. A workout will probably sneak in. And so will time on the couch. Because before Dorsett became a paid professional, he was like any other NFL fan spending his Sundays glued to the TV. And during a rare break from the grind of his latest season, Dorsett will revert to fan form; engrossed, yet relaxed and fulfilled. The beauty of the bye. I will watch the games because I like football, the wideout says. "Obviously, I want to know who were going to play, but Im just going to be watching. | https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2019/01/how-will-the-new-england-patriots-spend-wild-card-weekend.html |
Which is the best carrier in the US? | Carriers are often believed to be the villains that stand between you and your phone's true powers. These evil carriers nickel and dime you until you're paying extravagant rates for a service that barely works in your area. There's just no denying that all carriers were definitely not created equal. Depending on what you're looking for in a service, you could be seriously swayed to a new carrier. But remember, the United States is a big place, so it's important to check out your carrier's coverage maps and any location-specific intel that might help you make the right choice. What works in Hawaii may not work in New York. Carrier criteria Thankfully, certain mileage is invariable - things like a service's price, their selection, and their general call quality and coverage. These things can make or break a service provider, and to no surprise, are not mastered by any one carrier. Increasingly, it's Verizon vs AT&T in the ring for the heavyweight championship. They have the best phones and the best service, but it comes at a price (and that price is an actual monetary one). Meanwhile in the lightweight ring, T-Mobile and Sprint have some compelling offers, a handful of good-to-great phones, but neither have LTE or the best coverage. If it all sounds a bit confusing, that's because it is. But rest assured, we'll answer the hard questions and make sure you have choose the best carrier in the US for the best phone in the US. | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/which-is-the-best-carrier-in-the-us-1074265 |
Where can we get a good drink now? | HUNDREDS of bar owners in Spain are calling time on their businesses every year, and experts believe the once-popular culture is under threat. The country, known affectionately known as the land of bars, has been renowned for its independent watering holes over many years. Since 2010, however, Spain has lost a frightening 18,269 bars, and, many believe, the trend will continue this year. Despite this, the hospitality industry as a whole has grown, with 5,000 new restaurants and hotels opening in 2017. This is good news for employment because more than 1.5 million Spaniards work in the sector. According to the Spanish Hospitality Federation, in 2017 the number of bars dropped for the seventh year in a row, which adds up to a total of 184,430 across the country. The industry has blamed not only the recession, but, also, recent demographic changes such as a population growing old, and the rural, exodus movement. Federation Secretary-General Emilio Gallego is convinced that the changing property-market has sparked a reshuffle of city dwellers. The new neighbourhoods attracted more people and businesses moved there, while traditional bars in areas with ageing populations shut down, he said. Experts believe the rapid increase in company chains has also played a significant role in the decline of independent bars. | http://www.canarianweekly.com/good-drink-now/ |
Was passiert mit alten Weihnachtsbumen? | Sheffield Nach Angaben des Bundesverbands der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Rohstoffwirtschaft (BDE) verlassen in diesen Tagen rund 25 Millionen ausgediente Weihnachtsbume die Haushalte. Ein Teil dieser Grngutabflle geht an Zoos und Tierparks. Fr Zoo-Elefanten seien Weihnachtsbume eine Delikatesse, sagt BDE-Sprecher Bernhard Schodrowski. Allerdings kmen dafr nur die unverkauften Exemplare der Grohndler infrage, weil diese garantiert frei von Lametta und sonstigen Dekorationen seien. Fr alle anderen gibt es zwei Entsorgungswege: Entweder sie werden geschreddert und kompostiert oder in Biomasse-Heizkraftwerken verfeuert und so zur Energieerzeugung eingesetzt. Forscher stellen Chemikalien her Neueste Studien ergaben nun, dass entsorgte Christbume zudem Ausgangsstoffe fr Sungsmittel oder auch Farbe liefern knnen. Tannennadeln bestehen zu bis zu 85 Prozent aus sogenannter Lignocellulose, die mit Hilfe von Hitze und Lsungsmitteln zu verwendbaren Chemikalien abgebaut werden knne, teilten Forscher der englischen Universitt Sheffield mit. Weil die Lignocellulose so komplex aufgebaut ist, seien Tannennadeln wenig geeignet, um Energie aus Biomasse zu produzieren, so die Forscher. Fr die meisten industriellen Prozesse seien sie bislang unbrauchbar. Sungsmittel , Farbe oder Essig herstellen Meine Forschung konzentriert sich auf den Abbau dieser komplexen Struktur zu einfachen, hochwertigen Rohstoffen wie Zucker oder Phenolen. Diese werden in Produkten wie Haushaltsreinigern oder auch in Mundsplungen verwendet, sagte Doktorandin Cynthia Kartey. Mit Hilfe eines relativ simplen aber bislang unerforschten Verfahrens knnten auch Bioraffinerien die Nadeln einmal verarbeiten. Es entstehe unter anderem eine Flssigkeit, die typischerweise Glukose, Essigsure und Phenole enthalte. Daraus lieen sich auch Sungsmittel, Farbe oder Essig herstellen. Fr das Verfahren eigneten sich sowohl frisch gefllte Bume als auch Exemplare, die zuvor noch als geschmckter Christbaum im Wohnzimmer standen. Von RND/so/dpa | http://www.lvz.de/Nachrichten/Wissen/Was-passiert-mit-alten-Weihnachtsbaeumen |
Why does it feel good to see someone fail? | (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Shensheng Wang, Emory University (THE CONVERSATION) In the Pixar animated film Inside Out, most of the plot plays out inside protagonist Rileys head, where five emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger direct her behavior. The film was released to glowing reviews. But director Pete Docter later admitted that he always regretted that one emotion didnt make the cut: Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude, which literally means harm joy in German, is the peculiar pleasure people derive from others misfortune. You might feel it when the career of a high-profile celebrity craters, when a particularly noxious criminal is locked up or when a rival sporting team gets vanquished. Psychologists have long struggled with how to best understand, explain and study the emotion: It arises in such a wide range of situations that it can seem almost impossible to come up with some sort of unifying framework. Yet thats exactly what my colleagues and I have attempted to do. Schadenfreudes many faces One challenge continues to plague those who research schadenfreude: Theres no agreed-upon definition. Some think its best to study the emotion in the context of social comparison, so theyll tend to focus on the way envy or resentment interacts with schadenfreude. Others view the emotion through the lens of justice and fairness, and whether the sufferer deserved his or her misfortune. Finally, the last group thinks that schadenfreude emerges out of intergroup dynamics members of a group deriving joy out of the suffering of those outside of the group. In our view, the different definitions point to multiple sides of schadenfreude, each of which might have distinct developmental origins. The blossoming of schadenfreude Perhaps the writers of Inside Out, when deciding to jettison Schadenfreude, thought that it would prove too difficult for children to grasp. Theres evidence, however, that children begin to experience schadenfreude early in life. For example, at four years old, children found someone elses misfortune like tripping and falling into a muddy puddle funnier if that person had previously done something to hurt other children, such as breaking their toys. Researchers have also found that two-year-old kids primed to be jealous of a peer experience glee when that peer suffers a mishap. By the age of seven, children feel more pleased after winning a game if a rival lost than when both won the game. Finally, in a 2013 study, researchers had nine-month-old infants observe puppets interacting with one another. Some puppets enjoyed the same types of food that the infants enjoyed, while others had a different set of tastes. When some puppets harmed the other puppets, the researchers discovered that the infants would rather see the puppets who didnt share their tastes be hurt over the ones who did share their tastes. Bringing it all together Together, these studies show that schadenfreude is a complex emotion that seems to be deeply ingrained in the human condition. Psychologists Scott Lilienfeld, Philippe Rochat and I wondered if there could be a way to unite the multiple facets of schadenfreude under the same umbrella. Eventually, we settled on seeing schadenfreude as a form of dehumanization the act of depicting and viewing another person as less than human. When most people hear the term dehumanization, they probably go to the worst-case scenario: a complete denial of someones humanity, a phenomenon relegated to torture chambers, battlefields and racist propaganda. But this is a misconception. Psychologists have shown that people often view their own group in more human terms, and in subtle ways can deny the full humanity of those outside of their group. In our review, we hypothesized that the more empathy someone feels toward another person, the less likely they are to experience schadenfreude when that person suffers. So in order for someone to feel schadenfreude toward another person whether its a rival, someone in an outgroup or someone whos committed a crime theyll need to subtly dehumanize them. Only then does the sufferers misfortune become rewarding. This theory hasnt been tested yet, so at the end of our review, we suggest ways schadenfreudes early origins and individual differences can be placed under scientific scrutiny to study this novel hypothesis. Linking schadenfreude with dehumanization might sound dark, especially because schadenfreude is such a universal emotion. But dehumanization occurs more often than most would like to think and we believe its behind the pang of pleasure you feel when you see someone fail. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com/why-does-it-feel-good-to-see-someone-fail-107349. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Why-does-it-feel-good-to-see-someone-fail-13508022.php |
Will China's moon landing launch a new space race? | (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Wendy Whitman Cobb, Cameron University (THE CONVERSATION) China became the third country to land a probe on the Moon on Jan. 2. But, more importantly, it became the first to do so on the far side of the moon, often called the dark side. The ability to land on the far side of the moon is a technical achievement in its own right, one that neither Russia nor the United States has pursued. The probe, Change 4, is symbolic of the growth of the Chinese space program and the capabilities it has amassed, significant for China and for relations among the great power across the world. The consequences extend to the United States as the Trump administration considers global competition in space as well as the future of space exploration. One of the major drivers of U.S. space policy historically has been competition with Russia particularly in the context of the Cold War. Chinas achievements in space Like the U.S. and Russia, the Peoples Republic of China first engaged in space activities during the development of ballistic missiles in the 1950s. While they did benefit from some assistance from the Soviet Union, China developed its space program largely on its own. Far from smooth sailing, Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution disrupted this early programs. The Chinese launched their first satellite in 1970. Following this, an early human spaceflight program was put on hold to focus on commercial satellite applications. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping articulated Chinas space policy noting that, as a developing country, China would not take part in a space race. Instead, Chinas space efforts have focused on both launch vehicles and satellites - including communications, remote sensing and meteorology. This does not mean the Chinese were not concerned about the global power space efforts can generate. In 1992, they concluded that having a space station would be a major sign and source of prestige in the 21st century. As such, a human spaceflight program was re-established leading to the development of the Shenzhou spacecraft. The first Chinese astronaut, or taikonaut, Yang Liwei, was launched in 2003. In total, six Shenzhou missions have carried 12 taikonauts into low earth orbit, including two to Chinas first space station, Tiangong-1. In addition to human spaceflight, the Chinese have also undertaken scientific missions like Change 4. Its first lunar mission, Change 1, orbited the moon in October 2007 and a rover landed on the moon in 2013. Chinas future plans include a new space station, a lunar base and possible sample return missions from Mars. The most notable feature of the Chinese space program, especially compared to the early American and Russian programs, is its slow and steady pace. Because of the secrecy that surrounds many aspects of the Chinese space program, its exact capabilities are unknown. However, the program is likely on par with its counterparts. In terms of military applications, China has also demonstrated significant skills. In 2007, it undertook an anti-satellite test, launching a ground-based missile to destroy a failed weather satellite. While successful, the test created a cloud of orbital debris that continues to threaten other satellites. The movie Gravity illustrated the dangers space debris poses to both satellites and humans. In its 2018 report on the Chinese military, the Department of Defense reported that Chinas military space program continues to mature rapidly. Despite its capabilities, the U.S., unlike other countries, has not engaged in any substantial cooperation with China because of national security concerns. In fact, a 2011 law bans official contact with Chinese space officials. As a space policy researcher, I can say the answer is yes and no. Some U.S. officials, including Scott Pace, the executive secretary for the National Space Council, is cautiously optimistic about the potential for cooperation and does not see the beginning of a new space race. NASA Administrator Jim Brindenstine recently met with the head of the Chinese space program at the International Astronautical Conference in Germany and discussed areas where China and the U.S. can work together. However, increased military presence in space might spark increased competition. The Trump administration has used the threat posed by China and Russia to support their argument for a new independent military branch, a Space Force. Regardless, Chinas abilities in space are growing to the extent that is reflected in popular culture. In Andy Weirs 2011 novel The Martian and its later film version, NASA turns to China to help rescue their stranded astronaut. While competition can lead to advances in technology, as the first space race demonstrated, a greater global capacity for space exploration can also be beneficial not only for saving stranded astronauts but increasing knowledge about the universe where we all live. Even if Chinas rise heralds a new space race, not all consequences will be negative. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com/will-chinas-moon-landing-launch-a-new-space-race-109359. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Will-China-s-moon-landing-launch-a-new-space-race-13508027.php |
Has Google's Android been delayed? | Reports that the first phones powered by Google's Android will not surface until the very end of the year have appeared in the US press. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the Android OS, developed by Google, will not be available to partners until late in 2008, meaning that they are unlikely to be available for consumers until early next year. Read more: Android Auto review HTC has already suggested that it will launch its first Android phone in 2008, but a number of other companies are keen to cash in on the excitement the platform is generating. Google respond "We remain on schedule to deliver the first Android-based handset in the second half of 2008," Google spokesman Barry Schnitt told Reuters, by way of a response. "We're very excited to see the momentum continuing to build behind the Android platform among carriers, handset manufacturers, developers and consumers." | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/mobile-phones/phone-and-communications/has-google-s-android-been-delayed-400657 |
Where in the world is fugitive speedboat killer Jack Shepherd? | Jack Shepherd was convicted of killing Charlotte Brown. Credit: PA Police have conceded they have no idea about the whereabouts of fugitive Jack Shepherd, who disappeared part way through his Old Bailey trial over the death of his date Charlotte Brown. The web designer has been at large ever since being convicted in his absence of manslaughter by gross negligence in July last year. Detectives say Shepherd may be using secret bank accounts belonging to friends or relatives in order to finance his life on the run, but admit he could be anywhere in the world. Shepherd was sentenced to six years in jail after being found culpable over the death of the 24-year-old, known as Charli. Sorry, this content isn't available on your device. Ms Brown died when Shepherd handed her the controls of his shabby speed boat, she subsequently struck a submerged log, which tipped the boat into the icy waters of the Thames in December 2015. The Metropolitan Police said there was "no tangible trace" of Shepherd since he last appeared in court, despite him subsequently contacting his lawyers to appeal the conviction. Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman said: "There have been a number of rumours that he is being harboured abroad by friends but we have no evidence this is the case. "There has been no movement on his bank accounts or phone. "However, this is only in respect of the accounts we are aware of. "He may well be using the accounts of friends or associates to evade arrest and extradition. "The Met continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and also the National Crime Agency to track, trace and arrest Shepherd wherever he is in the world." Charlotte Brown died in December 2015. Credit: Metropolitan Police/PA Mr Norman joined the victims family in reiterating calls for those harbouring or assisting the fugitive to come forward. He said: "We need the continued assistance of the public. "We would also appeal to Mr Shepherds friends and associates who may be assisting him through a misplaced sense of loyalty to do the right thing and share any information they have with the police. "Shepherds passport was not seized by the police or the court, as he was on court bail and fully complying with court bail conditions up to the time of the trial when he failed to appear." The Old Bailey heard how Shepherd had bought the 14ft Fletcher Arrowflyte GTO from Gumtree to "pull women". The speeding boat hit a submerged log and tipped over near Wandsworth Bridge. Credit: Metropolitan Police/PA In the months before Ms Browns death, he had entertained up to 10 women on the 1980s model, having invited them back to his houseboat. During that time, he had been caught speeding by marine police more than once and advised on the importance of wearing life jackets. | https://www.itv.com/news/2019-01-04/police-on-the-run-speedboat-killer-jack-shepherd-could-be-anywhere-in-the-world/ |
How will Premier League title race pan out over rest of season after City beat Liverpool? | Manchester City's win against Liverpool has blown the Premier League title race wide open. Pep Guardiola's team are now just four points behind the league leaders after their 2-1 victory, while Tottenham are very much in the mix at just six points behind top spot. The champions look hungry for more success as they bid to become the first team to retain the Premier League in a decade. Leroy Sane's winner for Manchester City has blown open the Premier League title race Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to pick up the crown for the first time since 1990, prior to the rebranding of the top flight, and Spurs have not won the league in over 50 years. Each team has their own tough tests coming up over the remaining 17 games, with huge matches both home and away. So Sportsmail has taken a look at the fixture list, put together some totally unscientific predictions and figured out who, exactly, is going to lift the trophy come May. The answer might surprise you... Sportsmail has predicted how the title race will pan out over the rest of the current season Liverpool They do not have the most difficult end to the season and we can see Liverpool not losing a game between now and May. However, they could be held in tricky fixtures away from home against a resurgent Manchester United and Everton, games that come either side of a game against Watford in the space of a week. A trip to Southampton at the start of April could also come at a bad time, with Ralph Hasenhuttl managing to implement his ideas. Rafa Benitez is also the sort to put a spanner in the works for his former club with an organised performance as his Newcastle side look to avoid relegation by taking a draw at St. James' Park. However, Liverpool should steamroll through teams in the majority of their other games. The only tough home fixtures see them take on Spurs and Chelsea at Anfield. Both of those teams are likely to lose with Jurgen Klopp's side in their current form. Ultimately, they will gather the sort of points total that should see a team win the title in most normal seasons. Most seasons, to clarify. Liverpool will pick up the sort of points total that would win a team the title in most seasons Manchester City Thursday night's victory against Liverpool should provide a significant springboard for Manchester City, who do not seem ready to relinquish their crown yet. They do not struggle against Benitez teams under Guardiola, which means they are not likely to draw until they face Chelsea at home. Their struggles at Stamford Bridge suggest Maurizio Sarri can live up to the billing Guardiola regularly gives him. City should then go on a winning run until they meet Crystal Palace on April 13 they have a bad recent record against Roy Hodgson's side, not winning either of their last two matches against them. In that spell, they could do well at Manchester United away, given their results there in the last few seasons. After facing Palace, they should win the rest of their matches. The only issue is Champions League semi-finals falling around a tough match against Spurs, but it would not be a surprise to see them collect more points than Liverpool. Manchester City do not look ready to relinquish their hard-won Premier League crown yet Tottenham Mauricio Pochettino's side are truly involved in the Premier League title race. Bizarrely, they have not drawn a Premier League game all season, and over the next two months they should keep that record up. Home games against United, Watford, Newcastle and Leicester plus away fixtures at Fulham and Burnley all look winnable. However, they should finally share the points when they take on Chelsea on February 27. They seem unlikely to beat Liverpool at Anfield on March 30 Sportsmail has tipped them for a loss and City should also be able to beat them when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. A trip to Bournemouth when the title has already slipped from their grasp in the first week of May also seems like a time for another loss. Tottenham will slip up slightly too many times to win the title, despite their recent form They will also struggle to overcome either Liverpool or City when they face them in the league Now for the predictions... Liverpool Jan 12 vs Brighton (a) - W Jan 19 vs Palace (h) - W Jan 30 vs Leicester (h) - W Feb 4 vs West Ham (a) - W Feb 9 vs B'mouth (h) - W Feb 24 vs United (a) - D Feb 27 vs Watford (h) - W Mar 2 vs Everton (a) - D Mar 9 vs Burnley (h) - W Mar 16 vs Fulham (a) - W Mar 30 vs Spurs (h) - W Apr 6 vs So'ton (a) - D Apr 13 vs Chelsea (h) - W Apr 20 vs Cardiff (a) - W Apr 27 vs Hudds (h) - W May 4 vs Newcastle (a) - D May 12 vs Wolves (h) - W Points: 43 more Total: 97 points Manchester City Jan 14 vs Wolves (h) - W Jan 20 vs Hudds (a) - W Jan 29 vs Newcastle (a) - W Feb 3 vs Arsenal (h) - W Feb 10 vs Chelsea (h) - D Feb 23 vs Everton (a) - W Feb 26 vs W. Ham (h) - W Mar 2 vs B'mouth (a) - W Mar 9 vs Watford (h) - W Mar 16 vs United (a) - W Mar 30 vs Fulham (a) - W Apr 6 vs Cardiff (h) - W Apr 13 vs Palace (a) - D Apr 20 vs Spurs (h) - W Apr 27 vs Burnley (a) - W May 4 vs Leicester (h) - W May 12 vs Brighton (a) - W Points: 47 more Total: 97 points Tottenham Jan 13 vs United (h) - W Jan 20 vs Fulham (a) - W Jan 30 vs Watford (h) - W Feb 2 vs Newcastle (h) - W Feb 10 vs Leicester (h) - W Feb 23 vs Burnley (a) - W Feb 27 vs Chelsea (a) - D Mar 2 vs Arsenal (h) - W Mar 9 vs So'ton (a) - W Mar 16 vs Palace (h) - W Mar 30 vs Liverpool (a) - L Apr 6 vs Brighton (h) - W Apr 13 vs Hudds (h) - W Apr 20 vs City (a) - L Apr 27 vs West Ham (h) - W May 4 vs B'mouth (a) - L May 12 vs Everton (h) - W Points: 40 more Total: 88 points Sportsmail's prediction: Liverpool and Manchester City to be separated on goal difference PS. Sportsmail's prediction for the rest of the season will see title come down to goal difference | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6557371/How-Premier-League-title-race-pan-rest-season-City-beat-Liverpool.html |
Can Superman trigger heroic helping in people? | The experiments highlight how even the subtle activation of heroic constructs through visual images of superheroes may influence intentions to help as well as actual helping behavior. Heroes demonstrate extraordinary courage, go to great lengths to help others, and live meaningful lives. A new set of studies suggests this is indeed the case. Published in Frontiers in Psychology, it finds that priming people with superhero images increases prosocial intentions and behaviors. Heroic Helping: The Effects of Priming Superhero Images on Prosociality Read original article Download original article (pdf) Given that superheroes are an increasingly large and accessible part of our cultures, even if merely symbolically, we were interested in exploring their role in inspiring virtuous and meaningful lives, says Dr Jeffrey D. Green of the Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, who carried out the study together with colleagues from his University and from Hope College, USA. Heroes come in many shapes and forms. Some are fictional and others are real-life role models. We decided to study the effect of well-known fictional heroes, such as Superman or Spiderman, as people may tend to be more motivated to emulate behaviors where there is little realism, adds Green. The researchers exposed 245 individuals to common household pictures with either subtle superhero images (such as Spiderman and Superman) or neutral images. Participants primed with superhero images reported greater intentions to engage in prosocial behaviors. The perception of meaning in life was not directly influenced by the superhero prime, but indirectly through helping intentions: the superhero prime increased helping intentions, which, in turn, increased felt meaning in life. Related: Army scientists develop computational model to predict human behavior Given that the experiment relied on self-reported helping intentions, a second experiment was performed to examine actual helping behavior. A further 123 individuals were subtlety primed with a superhero image (Superman poster on the wall) versus a neutral image (picture of a bicycle), then invited to help with a tedious experimental task for no extra credit. Those primed with the Superman poster were significantly more likely to help than those primed with a bicycle. No differences were found between the two groups for meaning in life, which was measured through a Meaning in Life Questionnaire. These experiments highlight how even the subtle activation of heroic constructs through visual images of superheroes may influence intentions to help as well as actual helping behavior, says Green. Future research could advance this work by examining the effects of real-life heroic figures, who may or may not be known personally, which also adds the element of possibly flawed characters. Further, the effects of more explicit priming could be explored, such as talking or writing about a hero. The willingness to engage in helping actions could also be extended to tasks that are more strongly associated with meaning in life such as donating to charity or helping an individual in need. Heroes loom large as exemplars of morality. They often embody virtues that we wish to express in our lives. If subtle images of heroes trigger such positive behaviors, their inspirational role may well have the potential to extend beyond the prosocial behaviors explored in this study, concludes Green. Original article: Heroic Helping: The Effects of Priming Superhero Images on Prosociality REPUBLISHING GUIDELINES: Open access and sharing research is part of Frontiers mission. Unless otherwise noted, you can republish articles posted in the Frontiers news blog as long as you include a link back to the original research. Selling the articles is not allowed. | https://blog.frontiersin.org/2019/01/04/psychology-superman-superhero-effect-on-behavior/ |
Is Nokia considering an Android phone? | CEO Stephen Elop set online tongues a-wagging with a passing comment about the manufacturer's plans after disappointing Q4 2010 financial results. Read more: Nokia 6 (2018) While discussing the financials, Elop said, "In addition to great device experiences we must build, capitalise and/or join a competitive ecosystem. "The ecosystem approach we select must be comprehensive and cover a wide range of utilities and services that customers expect today and anticipate in the future." Like Fern Gully, but with phones When Elop says 'ecosystem', we can safely assume he means 'operating system' or even 'app platform', with Symbian^3 dividing opinion and failing to ignite US success for the Finns. Nokia is already working with Intel on MeeGo, a brand new OS set to hit the market at some point early this year; but that 'and/or join' phrasing offers a tantalising hint that the company is considering other existing platforms. This isn't the first time that rumours of Nokia working on an Android handset have surfaced, with Nokia flatly denying any Android involvement back in 2009. Nokia is staying tight-lipped on the matter today, however, refusing even to comment on the rumours. Read into that what you will. Via cnet | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/is-nokia-considering-an-android-phone-924674 |
Will Chinas moon landing launch a new space race? | China became the third country to land a probe on the Moon on Jan. 2. But, more importantly, it became the first to do so on the far side of the moon, often called the dark side. The ability to land on the far side of the moon is a technical achievement in its own right, one that neither Russia nor the United States has pursued. The probe, Change 4, is symbolic of the growth of the Chinese space program and the capabilities it has amassed, significant for China and for relations among the great power across the world. The consequences extend to the United States as the Trump administration considers global competition in space as well as the future of space exploration. One of the major drivers of U.S. space policy historically has been competition with Russia particularly in the context of the Cold War. Chinas achievements in space Like the U.S. and Russia, the Peoples Republic of China first engaged in space activities during the development of ballistic missiles in the 1950s. While they did benefit from some assistance from the Soviet Union, China developed its space program largely on its own. Far from smooth sailing, Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution disrupted this early programs. The Chinese launched their first satellite in 1970. Following this, an early human spaceflight program was put on hold to focus on commercial satellite applications. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping articulated Chinas space policy noting that, as a developing country, China would not take part in a space race. Instead, Chinas space efforts have focused on both launch vehicles and satellites - including communications, remote sensing and meteorology. This does not mean the Chinese were not concerned about the global power space efforts can generate. In 1992, they concluded that having a space station would be a major sign and source of prestige in the 21st century. As such, a human spaceflight program was re-established leading to the development of the Shenzhou spacecraft. The first Chinese astronaut, or taikonaut, Yang Liwei, was launched in 2003. In total, six Shenzhou missions have carried 12 taikonauts into low earth orbit, including two to Chinas first space station, Tiangong-1. In addition to human spaceflight, the Chinese have also undertaken scientific missions like Change 4. Its first lunar mission, Change 1, orbited the moon in October 2007 and a rover landed on the moon in 2013. Chinas future plans include a new space station, a lunar base and possible sample return missions from Mars. The most notable feature of the Chinese space program, especially compared to the early American and Russian programs, is its slow and steady pace. Because of the secrecy that surrounds many aspects of the Chinese space program, its exact capabilities are unknown. However, the program is likely on par with its counterparts. In terms of military applications, China has also demonstrated significant skills. In 2007, it undertook an anti-satellite test, launching a ground-based missile to destroy a failed weather satellite. While successful, the test created a cloud of orbital debris that continues to threaten other satellites. The movie Gravity illustrated the dangers space debris poses to both satellites and humans. In its 2018 report on the Chinese military, the Department of Defense reported that Chinas military space program continues to mature rapidly. Despite its capabilities, the U.S., unlike other countries, has not engaged in any substantial cooperation with China because of national security concerns. In fact, a 2011 law bans official contact with Chinese space officials. As a space policy researcher, I can say the answer is yes and no. Some U.S. officials, including Scott Pace, the executive secretary for the National Space Council, is cautiously optimistic about the potential for cooperation and does not see the beginning of a new space race. NASA Administrator Jim Brindenstine recently met with the head of the Chinese space program at the International Astronautical Conference in Germany and discussed areas where China and the U.S. can work together. However, increased military presence in space might spark increased competition. The Trump administration has used the threat posed by China and Russia to support their argument for a new independent military branch, a Space Force. Regardless, Chinas abilities in space are growing to the extent that is reflected in popular culture. In Andy Weirs 2011 novel The Martian and its later film version, NASA turns to China to help rescue their stranded astronaut. While competition can lead to advances in technology, as the first space race demonstrated, a greater global capacity for space exploration can also be beneficial not only for saving stranded astronauts but increasing knowledge about the universe where we all live. Even if Chinas rise heralds a new space race, not all consequences will be negative. | http://theconversation.com/will-chinas-moon-landing-launch-a-new-space-race-109359 |
How close is Africa to meeting its sustainable economic growth objectives? | Africa has undergone significant changes since the turn of the century thanks to structural and policy reforms, promises to unlock the continents economic fortunes and higher levels of foreign investment. File Photo: IOL INTERNATIONAL Africa has undergone significant changes since the turn of the century thanks to structural and policy reforms, promises to unlock the continents economic fortunes and higher levels of foreign investment. As a result of that, Africa has witnessed significant economic expansion, rising foreign direct investment (FDI) levels, and major improvements in a number of social indicators from schooling to health care and poverty. The commodity bust that started in 2013, however, shone a light on the lingering fragility of the continents economic foundation. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FDI flows into Africa fell from $55bn in 2015 to $42bn in 2017, owing primarily to the drop in commodity prices. This has been compounded more recently, with added volatility brought by a strengthening dollar, Fed rate hikes and an escalating trade war between the US and China taking most emerging and frontier markets for a bumpy ride in 2018. Building resilience Diversification has been at the heart of most of the continents political and economic agendas throughout the past decade, with the view to promote sounder and more sustainable development models that do not depend solely on commodities such as oil, gold and cocoa to justify growth. EYs 2018 "Turning tides: Attractiveness Program Africa" report highlights a continuing shift in recent years from extractive to sustainable investment, with projects flowing into a new generation of sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and renewables. While the outcomes of such policies have started to bear fruit in some markets, most remain in the very early stages of development. The pace, however, at which change has taken place in recent years in some areas provides cause for optimism. Kenyas ICT sector and Ethiopias textile industry are examples that spring to mind. Shifting perceptions, improved business conditions and technological uptake are some of the factors that have driven change and interest in Africa. Looking to the not-so-distant future though, efforts to reap economic opportunities and deliver on the continents promises for sustainable growth and social inclusion will require navigating a number of key challenges, namely stronger governance, continuous economic reforms, better infrastructure and more jobs. Strengthening fundamentals According to the World Banks Doing Business 2019 report, sub-Saharan Africa has been the region with the highest number of reforms since 2012, registering a record 107 reforms in 2018. Subsequently, the region has seen the average time and cost to register a business go from 59 days and 192% of income per capita in 2006 to 23 days and 40 percent, respectively, today. Five sub-Saharan countries, namely Djibouti, Cte dIvoire, Togo, Kenya and Rwanda, were among the top-10 improvers in 2018 in terms of the reforms carried out. All this shows that there is a rising awareness among the regions policymakers of the importance of reform in paving the way for a business-friendly environment that is conducive to investment. This combined with strategic policies that foster sounder macro-economic foundations is what will help provide for the much-needed stable and sustainable development of the continent. Areas for improvement highlighted by the report include regulatory quality and efficiency, trading across borders, access to electricity and resolving insolvency. Laying the groundwork Africas current needs in terms of infrastructure are estimated at $130bn-$170bn, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB), and this is expected to grow exponentially as economies mature and the population grows. This is perhaps one of the most challenging bottlenecks that has held back development and one Africa is striving to overcome, especially in the wake of the recent Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Signed in early 2018, the AfCFTA is expected to boost trade volumes by 50% over the next five years, but without the adequate infrastructure to support these flows, such a target would become unreasonable. Evidently, this is not to say that Africa hasnt made any headway in recent years. Examples of new construction and expansion projects are endless, be they roads, ports, railways, special economic zones or smart cities. China has been particularly active in all these areas, with total investment into the continent estimated to have increased from 13bn in 2010 to 35bn today, and channelled primarily into construction and infrastructure, according to UNCTAD. Much has been achieved but more remains to be established, whether its factories to bolster the continents industrial base, schools and housing to accommodate a growing population or roads to connect hinterlands with increasingly urbanising cities. With some of the worlds fastest-growing urban centres such as Bamako, Lagos and Addis Ababa, African cities are expected to be home to 760m people by 2030 and 1.2bn by 2050. The continents total population, meanwhile, is slated to reach 1.7bn in 2030 and 2.5bn in 2050, according to the UN. Efficient management and planning in such areas will be key in shaping the future of these centres and turning what currently appears as added pressure into development and investment opportunities. Leveraging the demographic dividend With 60 percent of Africas population under the age of 24, there is no denying that a big part of the continents fortunes resides in its youth. With this in mind, the working age population is expected to rise by 900m people in the next 35 years. By contrast, this figure is expected to drop by 85m people in Europe and 200m in China. But so far, job creation across Africa has lagged behind the development gains witnessed in recent years. An estimated 10m-12m young Africans supposedly enter the job market every year and yet only 3m jobs are created. Most countries have become aware of the need to speed up job creation to keep the labour market participation afloat and stave off unemployment and informality. Policy formulation and programmes to create more opportunities and align skills with the future needs of each market are crucial in that regard. Attracting investment into the aforementioned new generation sectors is certainly another solution. More importantly, understanding the business landscape across Africa is another critical aspect to consider. With 90% of business in sub-Saharan Africa carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises, paying more attention to entrepreneurial talent and home-grown innovation will undoubtedly contribute to promoting sustainable economic opportunities. Supplied by Oxford Business Group | https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/opinion/how-close-is-africa-to-meeting-its-sustainable-economic-growth-objectives-18675503 |
Why do the characters in Bird Box wear blindfolds? | (Picture: Netflix) If youve not yet caught the Netflix phenomenon Bird Box but youve seen images of some of the characters wearing blindfolded, you might be a little puzzled. Well, we have the answer. Firstly, we strongly suggest you pop on over to Netflix and watch it. But if you dont have time right now or are too desperate to uncover the blindfold mystery, read on The horror movie has been scaring audiences silly since it debuted on the streaming service last week. Starring Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Trevante Rhodes and John Malkovich, it is based on Josh Malermans novel of the same name. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future where residents are exposed to an unseen force which threatens their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Its staying blindfold that protects them from this force. Bird Box (Picture: Merrick Morton/Netflix) Sandra Bullock takes the lead as Malorie, the woman determined to protect her children from the unseen monsters at any cost. The movie has left viewers with a whole load of questions including the one of why we never actually see a single monster during the movie, even though they are the central focus. Well, as director Susanne Bier has explained, its because the creatures appear in very different forms to everybody who sees them. The creatures mess with your mind; they tap into your deepest fear, the director explained to Radio Times. And, because they tap into your deepest fear, we cant ever see them, because that deepest fear is going to be different whoever you are. Remember folks, its what you dont see(Picture: Netflix) She added: For me, the most exciting point in any thriller has always been that point right before you see the monster, right before you see the villain. Well the official answer is that Netflix has yet to confirm whether or not they have plans for a follow-up. Theres no official sequel to the book either although author Malermans 2017 novel Black Mad Wheel is along similar lines. Advertisement Advertisement Whereas Bird Box focused on its victims being driven mad by what they could see, Black Mad Wheel is about a group of musicians who have to try and track down the source of a mysterious and debilitating sound. In other words, this ones an assault on another one of the senses except this time its hearing which is being targeted rather than sight. Well were not aware of any plans at the moment, but you never know. Whether or not Bird Box does get a follow-up, it hasnt escaped viewers notice that the ending is a little different from the source material, with director Susanne Bier explaining the changes. The movie is slightly more positive, she pointed out. The movie is available to stream now on Netflix UK. | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/04/characters-bird-box-wear-blindfolds-8309481/ |
Is Dell planning to make a laptop with two detachable displays? | A newly discovered patent from Dell suggests the company is designing a laptop that can handle two detachable displays. The patent, named Information Handling System with Multiple Detachable Displays, includes diagrams of a laptop that can be used like a traditional device, with a single screen above the keyboard, or with two screens attached. This could be a big boon for productivity, as it would allow people to extend their desktop space, essentially working on multiple monitors. Multi-view According to the patent, the laptop can be used with both screens facing the user, or one screen facing forward and the other backward, which could be used for presentations. The patent also explains how a potential dual screen Dell laptop could attach and detach the screens, with the displays clipping onto a bar via an adjustable clamp. While were not expecting to see a dual screen Dell XPS 13 any time soon, its good to know that the laptop maker is looking into new form factors for Windows 10 laptops. Heres our pick of the best laptops of 2019 Via Neowin | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/is-dell-planning-to-make-a-laptop-with-two-detachable-displays |
Are Chris Paul and Daryl Morey's 'Bird Box' tweets about the blatant missed Kevin Durant call? | The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors played one of the best games of the 2018-19 season, a 135-134 thriller in overtime with James Harden nailing a three for the game-winner. But it also included this play that was very much missed by referees, in which Kevin Durant chased a ball that was heading out of bounds and saved it. Replays showed he was clearly out of bounds: lmao Durant clearly out of bounds pic.twitter.com/ogzb1FEnWB arcusD (@_MarcusD3_) January 4, 2019 Kevin Durant, quite literally, could not have been more out-of-bounds pic.twitter.com/4qs4XQbYG6 Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 4, 2019 Now, we know criticizing officials results in fines. So we doin the #BirdBoxChallenge during NBA games now huh Chris Paul (@CP3) January 4, 2019 Thats how a lot of other people reacted too. NBA refs when Kevin Durant was two feet out of bounds in overtime pic.twitter.com/pUwISVqt52 ITH (@IthWylie) January 4, 2019 NBA officials watching Kevin Durant step out of bounds pic.twitter.com/A43mHLoCD0 Chase Hoehn (@MakeItHoehn19) January 4, 2019 NBA refs watching Kevin Durant save that ball pic.twitter.com/D2JeBxd9HS AGPIII (@pieper34) January 4, 2019 Refs when Kevin Durant was out of bounds. pic.twitter.com/bIDWBt855o Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) January 4, 2019 Gallery Fantasy NBA waiver wire: 10 pickups to improve your team view 10 images view 10 images | https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/01/warriors-rockets-kevin-durant-out-of-bounds-bird-box-meme-chris-paul-morey-video |
Is Marks & Spencer a good dividend stock for 2019? | Usually, when a companys dividend yield rises above the market average, it is an indication investors believe the payout is unsustainable. Marks & Spencer (LSE: MKS) is one of the most recognisable retail brands in the UK, and right now it is also one of the most attractive income plays in the FTSE 100. Indeed, at the time of writing the shares support a dividend yield of 7.5% . I would like to receive emails from you about product information and offers from The Fool and its business partners. Each of these emails will provide a link to unsubscribe from future emails. More information about how The Fool collects, stores, and handles personal data is available in its Privacy Statement. Register by giving us your email below to continue reading all of the content on the site. Soon you will also begin to receive our FREE email newsletter, The Motley Fool Collective. It features straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock market, direct to your inbox. Its designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio. (You may unsubscribe any time.) Marks & Spencer (LSE: MKS) is one of the most recognisable retail brands in the UK, and right now it is also one of the most attractive income plays in the FTSE 100. Indeed, at the time of writing the shares support a dividend yield of 7.5%. Whats gone wrong Usually, when a companys dividend yield rises above the market average, it is an indication investors believe the payout is unsustainable. So, before I get into looking at M&Ss dividend credentials, I want to try to understand why the market has marked down the shares in the first place. According to my research, it seems investors have turned their backs on it because the company is struggling to attract customers into its stores. At the beginning of November, the group announced that clothing sales declined 1.1% on a like-for-like basis in the six months to the end of September. Meanwhile, food sales fell 2.9% in the same period. Management also warned that there would be little improvement in sales trajectory throughout the rest of the financial year (which includes the crucial Christmas trading period) within the same update. Thats after years of similar struggles. To try and improve its fortunes, Marks is closing stores. It is now planning to shutter 100 stores and slow the expansion of its Simply Food convenience chain. These closures have already cost the company 320m and management reckons another 150m will be required to complete the program. It has a strong reputation among UK consumers, but with the UK high street in crisis, it is highly likely trading will get worse for the group before it gets better. Considering the above, I think it is highly likely that the retailer will continue to struggle in 2019, and as a result, its shares could fall further. That being said, I am more optimistic about the outlook for the companys dividend. Cash generation has always been a strong point for the enterprise, and it looks as if this is set to continue. In the first half of its 2019 financial year, M&S generated 434m in cash from operations and free cash flow (after deducting capital spending) of 278m. Dividends paid to investors totalled 193m, a sum easily covered by free cash flow. For the full-year to 31 March 2018, the business paid out 300m in dividends and earned free cash flow of 500m. Whats more, the company has a relatively modest amount of debt with a net gearing ratio of only 56% at the end of the first half of fiscal 2019. With over 5bn of property on the balance sheet against 1.8bn of total debt, I dont think the firm is going to run into financial difficulty any time soon. The bottom line These numbers indicate to me that the company could be a good dividend stock for 2019. A significant decline in profitability could reduce free cash flow, but as noted above, there is plenty of headroom for free cash flow to drop before the dividend comes under pressure. Overall, if you are looking for an income stock for 2019, I think this one could be worth your research time. | https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2019/01/04/is-marks-spencer-a-good-dividend-stock-for-2019/ |
Is Standard Lifes 42% share price slump set to continue in 2019? | Today, Im going to try and work out whether or not this slump will continue in 2019. Heading into the year, Standard Life had outperformed the FTSE 100 by several percentage points per annum over the past decade. But after last years performance, since the beginning of 2009, the stock has underperformed the UKs leading blue-chip index by around 1% per annum. Shares in Standard Life Aberdeen (LSE: SLA) slumped last year, falling a total of 43.6% and making the stock one of the worst performers in the FTSE 100 as it wiped out several years of gains. I would like to receive emails from you about product information and offers from The Fool and its business partners. Each of these emails will provide a link to unsubscribe from future emails. More information about how The Fool collects, stores, and handles personal data is available in its Privacy Statement. Register by giving us your email below to continue reading all of the content on the site. Soon you will also begin to receive our FREE email newsletter, The Motley Fool Collective. It features straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock market, direct to your inbox. Its designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio. (You may unsubscribe any time.) Shares in Standard Life Aberdeen (LSE: SLA) slumped last year, falling a total of 43.6% and making the stock one of the worst performers in the FTSE 100 as it wiped out several years of gains. Heading into the year, Standard Life had outperformed the FTSE 100 by several percentage points per annum over the past decade. But after last years performance, since the beginning of 2009, the stock has underperformed the UKs leading blue-chip index by around 1% per annum. Today, Im going to try and work out whether or not this slump will continue in 2019. Overpriced Before I try and establish that, I want to try and figure out why the shares lost nearly half of their value in 2018. It seems this is a valuation issue. At the time of writing, shares in Standard Life are trading at a forward P/E of 10.5, thats not particularly cheap or expensive in my opinion. City analysts are expecting the company to report a slight decline in earnings per share (EPS) of 6.6% for 2018 and based on this outlook, I think a mid-teens earnings multiple is suitable for the business. With this being the case, I reckon the shares look slightly undervalued today. However, Standard Life hasnt always commanded such a reasonable valuation. In 2017, shares in the company changed hands for as much as 20 times forward earnings, which looks far too expensive for a boring old asset management business. Today the asset management sector as a whole is trading at a median P/E multiple of 11.8. Standard Life does deserve a slight premium to the sector average because of its size and reputation, but I think its very difficult to justify a valuation that is nearly double the industry average. In other words, I think the market got ahead of itself in 2017, and it is no surprise that the share price has corrected since. Dividend pressure Another factor we need to consider here is Standard Lifes dividend yield. At the time of writing, the shares yield 9.7%, telling me that the market believes this distribution is not sustainable. Im inclined to agree. The City has pencilled in a dividend payout per share of 24.5p for 2018 and 25.2p for 2019 against EPS of 23.9p and 24.9p. These numbers indicate that the dividend distribution is not wholly covered by EPS, which means the company is paying out more than it can afford. With this being the case, it could only be a matter of time before management has to cut the distribution. But even if the payout is cut in half to around 12.5p, the shares would still yield 4.8%, and dividend cover would rise to 2x. Standard Life would remain an attractive income investment. The bottom line Considering the above, I do not think that Standard Lifes share price slump will continue in 2019. After recent declines, the shares look cheap, and while concerns about the sustainability of the groups dividend yield might be valid, even a 50% cut would still leave the company with an attractive yield. | https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2019/01/04/is-standard-lifes-42-share-price-slump-set-to-continue-in-2019/ |
What is the polar vortex? | The polar vortex is a circulation of winds high up in the stratosphere, up to 30 miles (50 km) above the earth. The winds regularly exceed 155mph, which is the gust strength in the strongest Category 5 hurricanes. During the winter it can strengthen and weaken and sometimes it can break down entirely, in an event meterologists call a 'Sudden Stratospheric Warming'. The polar vortex is a circulation of winds up in the stratosphere This sees the temperature suddenly rise up in the stratosphere above the North Pole - and it can result in a chain reaction that leads to very cold conditions from eastern Europe and Russia. An SSW took place last week, which could result in a 'Beast from the East' towards the end of this month. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: 'Towards the end of January, there is an increased likelihood of a change to much colder weather generally, bringing an enhanced risk of frost, fog and snow.' The 2018 Beast from the East saw large parts of the UK blanketed in snow, with some public transport grinding to a halt as the cold weather lasted into March. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-6557549/What-polar-vortex.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 |
How does the shutdown impact me? | wildpixel/iStock(WASHINGTON) As the partial government shutdown continues into its second week with no agreement to end it, more Americans are starting to feel the impact of a lapse in federal services. Federal employees and contractors are facing the end of a second week without pay but more people feel the impact in sometimes unexpected ways. Business owners in Washington say they see a decrease in business due to fewer tourists since the Smithsonian museums closed this week. Delays in grant and loan applications, planning for future projects and interrupted scientific research could have long-lasting impacts even after the shutdown ends. This shutdown isnt exactly like others in the past because only part of the government is closed. Some branches like the Department of Defense and the legislative branch already have funding for next year. But other agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Interior Department, and IRS are closed and most employees were sent home. A great number of people wont see an immediate difference from the shutdown in their everyday life, though many impacts are difficult to measure. The financial services company Standard & Poors estimates the current shutdown will cost the U.S. economy $1.2 billion a week. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the shutdown and how it is or isnt likely to impact you: Travel The average traveler wont notice much of a difference in airport operations during the shutdown. Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are still working as usual, though they arent being paid. International travel plans also shouldnt be significantly impacted. While the State Department is affected by the shutdown and some bureaus within the agency have furloughed workers, passport services remain open because their funds come from fees. At embassies and consulates abroad and passport agencies at home, U.S. citizens can still apply for a new passport or renew a passport. The only exception is passport agencies that are located within a government building that is closed because of the shutdown. Some people applying from Global Entry status, which allows travelers to get through Customs and Border Protection more quickly when traveling internationally, say their interviews were canceled during the shutdown without notice. A Department of Homeland Security official told ABC News that the program is not processing any applications, though that does not impact the TSA Precheck program which is paid for by fees. You may see some closures if you plan to visit any National Parks or other federal lands. While open-air parks are open, some campgrounds and other areas have closed due to concerns about health, safety and potential damage to natural resources. Benefits Social security, Medicaid and Medicare are still operating and providing benefits as usual. Since the programs are deemed mandatory the funding is secure even if the broader department doesnt have its budget for next year yet. According to the Department of Agriculture, food stamps and other nutrition benefits are also set, at least until February. The Department of Veterans Affairs is not impacted by the current shutdown, so veterans benefits and health care services are continuing as usual. Even though federal employees arent getting paid during the shutdown they still have access to their benefits through their employer, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment during a shutdown, according to the office of personnel management, but are advised to consult the specific rules in their city or state. Taxes While the government is shut down the vast majority of IRS employees are not at work, so there is no one to respond to taxpayer questions, issue tax refunds or perform other administrative functions. Electronic tax returns can be processed, but the refund will not be issued. Some paper tax returns could be processed in batches, because those operations are considered necessary to protect government property. According to the IRS contingency plan, the agency will meet throughout the course of the shutdown to determine if employees need to be brought back to work, without pay, to keep up with some of these functions. The contingency plan expired on Dec. 31, before tax season officially started, so its unclear exactly how the IRS will respond as the shutdown continues into 2019. Some IRS employees are still working to implement the Republican tax plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which contained its own funding for two fiscal years. Tax refunds could also be delayed if the government shutdown lasts much longer. After the 2013 shutdown, which lasted 16 days in October, $4 billion in tax refunds were delayed, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. | https://wfin.com/abc-business-news/how-does-the-shutdown-impact-me/ |
When is Twelfth Night and should I take my decorations down? | Get Daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Now the New Year and Christmas festivities have ended for another 12 months, it's time to think about taking down the tinsel and decorations. The tradition, since the Victorian era, is to remove decorations on Twelfth Night but there's a lot of confusion and bafflement about the day, its meaning and why it's bad luck to keep your decs up for any longer. So here's our guide to everything you need to know about the tradition, the date Twelfth Night falls on in 2019, the best way to deal with your Christmas tree, and how best to recycle your Christmas cards. (Image: Getty Images) Depending on what you're celebrating it's either January 5 or January 6 - and the last day you should keep festive decorations up. A day sooner or later is considered unlucky and if decorations are not removed on Twelfth Night then according to tradition they should stay up all year. Until the 19th century though, people would keep their decorations up until Candlemas Day on February 2. Twelfth Night falls on January 5 and Epiphany on January 6. Twelfth Night is so called because traditionally Christmas was a 12-day celebration, beginning on December 25. This can create some confusion as some will class January 6 as Twelfth Night because it is the 12th day after Christmas. Epiphany marks the end of Christmas when the Three Kings came to visit bearing gifts, guided by the star which is now represented in the twinkling lights adorning our homes. January 5 is observed as the last day of Christmas festivities - the eve of the Epiphany. In the past it was believed that tree-spirits lived in the greenery such as holly and ivy that people used to decorate their homes. While the festive season provided shelter for these spirits during the winter, they needed to be released outside once Christmas was over. If this custom wasnt followed, greenery would not return and vegetation would not grow as a result, causing agricultural and then food problems. Even though Christmas decorations are now less about foliage and more about baubles, glitter, tinsel and singing Santas, many people still adhere to the superstition. No, because there is disagreement as to whether January 5 or January 6 is actually Twelfth Night lots of countries end up taking down their festooned trees at different times. This can also depend on when people actually celebrate the festive season - for example in Russia Christmas Day falls on January 7. This is from the Christian tradition where the faithful mark the birth of Jesus on December 25. The Maji didn't arrive until much later with their gifts (some believe a year on) so Christians mark this on January 6. Children were traditionally told that if you took down your decorations before the Eve of the Epiphany, the wise men might not be able to find their way - because Christmas lights represent the Star of Bethlehem which guided them to Jesus. A number of countries in Europe follow the January 6 tradition, including the Germans, Poles and Czechs. However for some people, simply having the decorations up into the New Year is too much and many take them down on January 1. (Image: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images) Real Christmas trees will be accepted at most household tips, but local authorities, garden centres and community groups may accept them for recycling. Find out where might be suitable for this in your area. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now If your decorations arent going into a loft or attic, make sure theyre stored in a watertight, plastic box - in fact, doing this wherever they are kept will protect them from damp and pests. Its also worth wrapping fragile Christmas ornaments in tissue paper before storage - and, of course, coiling the lights in a neat circle round your arm. Obviously the loft fairies will have tangled them into a mess by next December, but at least you can say you tried when you open them in a frazzled temper next year. (Image: Graham Turner) The UK is estimated to use almost 300,000 tonnes of card packaging at Christmas, enough to make a cardboard motorway stretching from Birmingham to Lapland and back 110 times. Recycle Now is urging consumers to recycle this material rather than bin it. Shiny and metallic varieties of wrapping paper are not recyclable, so the campaign advises people to use the scrunch test to check. If you scrunch the paper in your hand and it stays in a ball then it can by recycled but it cant if the paper springs back. If you're recycling bin is full, several shops such as Marks & Spencer run card recycling schemes to raise funds for charity. For every 1,000 cards dropped in to M&S stores in January, a tree is planted by the Woodland Trust . Last year 32 million cards were collected and 32,000 trees planted. | https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/when-twelfth-12th-night-2019-2371787 |
Which NFL team playing in wild-card round of playoffs could make a Super Bowl run? | CLOSE SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes helps you pick some winners heading into NFL wild-card weekend. USA TODAY Sports Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. (Photo: Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports) Four more wins and a parade is what all of the teams playing in the NFL's wild-card round are targeting as the end to their seasons. But the fantasy has remained just that for all but a select few of those who have competed in the opening weekend of the playoffs. Not since the Baltimore Ravens' title run in the 2012 season has a team without a first-round bye advanced to the Super Bowl. Yet recent history isn't likely to deter any of the eight teams competing on Saturday and Sunday. Ravens. I love the versatility Lamar Jackson gives Baltimores offense. While his passing numbers arent great, he was impressive in the biggest games (the win over the Chargers and the loss in Kansas City). Besides, the Ravens defense is likely to keep games close enough that Jackson wont have to throw it a ton. The Ravens, in a close shave over the Chargers. Its weird to think that the first-round matchup at the Big ATM could be the de facto AFC title game, but Im sensing that whoever survives on Sunday will have a better-than-usual chance to run the AFC table and make it to Atlanta for LIII. I mean, L.A. won in Kansas City and Baltimore should have won in K.C. So going to Arrowhead (or The Razor in Foxborough, for that matter) wont faze either of these rugged, battle-tested teams. Ive picked Baltimore -- playing at home and on a tear (6-1) with Lamar Jackson at quarterback to ignite the unconventional, run-based offense -- to hand it to the Chargers again. But it would hardly be a shock if it went the other way, given L.A.s 7-1 road record, which tied New Orleans as best mark in the league. Then theres the other reason why Im bullish on Baltimore (and by extension, L.A.): Balance. The Ravens are the only team in the entire playoff field with an offense and defense both ranked in the top 10 in the NFL. And the Chargers nearly had a similar distinction, ranked 11th with Philip Rivers slinging it on offense and 9th on defense. Ill have my eyes firmly fixed to Sundays Chargers-Ravens rematch. I picked the Bolts to win the AFC back in July and still believe they have the talent to go all the way. But theyve unluckily drawn Lamar Jackson and Baltimores newly unorthodox offensive attack again one Los Angeles struggled to stop in Week 16 and while Philip Rivers and the offense barely put a dent into the leagues No. 1 defense. Hard to see the Chargers doing better while also trying to adjust to a 1:05 p.m. kickoff on the East Coast. That said, Im not sure anyone in the AFC is ready to cope with the Ravens. The best way to stem this physical, clock-grinding attack is to put them in a hole that forces Jackson to pass but good luck trying to torch that D. Only the Chiefs seem uniquely equipped to bolt out to a quick lead, yet they barely survived Jackson and Co. in the rookies fourth start, and that comeback required some ridiculous throws from Patrick Mahomes. So, yeah, Ill ride with the Ravens. Chicago. Once the Bears pass rush finds the chinks hiding in Eagles quarterback Nick Foles armor (or at least that of his supporting cast), Rams quarterback Jared Goff wont improve enough from the four-interception game he played vs. Chicago a month ago. Chicago has the balance to continue its improbable run. I want to say the Eagles, but although theyre experienced and confident, they arent as dangerous as some of the teams theyll face. So Im going to go with the Chargers. Theyve flown under the radar all season long, and I know they lost to Baltimore in Week 16, but theyre still very well-rounded and might be more stable than any other AFC team. Every other team has some questions or deficiencies about them, but Philip Rivers and Co. just might have it in them to make march to Atlanta. That the 12-4 Chargers are even playing in the wild-card round feels like an indictment of the NFL playoff system itself. But after losing out on a tiebreaker for the AFC West and top seed to the Chiefs, the Bolts finds themselves saddled with an opening-weekend showdown against a Ravens team that bested them just two weeks ago in Los Angeles. Yet Anthony Lynn's crew has gone 7-1 on the road this season, proving that it can beat the league's elite (including Kansas City) under even the most imposing circumstances. With an array of targets that can confound opposing secondaries and some of the league's most gifted defenders in Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Derwin James, the Chargers are an elite team merely despite the lower number next to their name. Im going to go with Baltimore for two reasons. They can run the ball and control the clock, and they have an aggressive defense with a solid pass rush. Id feel more comfortable with this pick if they had forced more than 17 turnovers all season long, but I think the Ravens present tough matchup problems. Another thing that worries me is the youth and inexperience especially at quarterback but Jackson excelled on big stages while in college, so if he can limit turnovers and mental mistakes, I could see the Ravens making a run. Theyve already won six of their last seven, anyway. Follow USA TODAY Sports' NFL coverage on Twitter @usatodaynfl. | https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/01/04/nfl-playoffs-wild-card-teams-super-bowl-ravens-chargers/2479796002/ |
Will BCCI reward Pujara for stellar show Down Under? | January 04, 2019 17:59 IST 'Pujara's brilliant performance deserves recognition' IMAGE: Cheteshwar Pujara scored his third century of the series. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Cheteshwar Pujara's stellar performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia could get him an upgrade to the topmost A plus bracket in the central contracts as the Board of Control for Cricket in India is deliberating a relaxation of norms for the dependable No 3. Pujara has so far scored 521 runs in seven innings with three hundreds at an impressive average of 74.42. His performance is one of the primary reasons that India are on course for their maiden series win in Australia and the BCCI mandarins are mulling ways to reward his stupendous show. It is learnt that Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai, in all likelihood, will bring up the idea with chairman of selectors MSK Prasad along with the team management (captain Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri). After the revised pay structure approved in 2018, A plus category players get Rs seven crore while A category, to which Pujara currently belongs, comes with a pay cheque of Rs five crore. The B and C category players get Rs three and one crore respectively. The A Plus category comprises skipper Kohli, limited overs deputy Rohit Sharma, all-format pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and senior opener Shikhar Dhawan. "Pujara's brilliant performance deserves recognition. The CoA chief will discuss with the team management and the chief selector to check if the rule for all-format specialists in the top bracket can be relaxed," a senior BCCI official said on conditions of anonymity. "Pujara's elevation to the top bracket could well be a message for youngsters that performance in Test cricket will be given top priority," the official said. Asked what will happen if CoA member Diana Edulji opposes this move in case it is mooted by Rai, the official refused to comment. A one-format specialist, Pujara has been repeatedly ignored by IPL franchises for the last four-five years during the auction. With 18 Test hundreds (second to skipper Kohli's 25), there has been a lot of debate on whether Pujara's contribution has been given the recognition it deserved. While there is a school of thought that the A Plus category should be reserved for all-format performers, opener Dhawan is no longer a certainty in the longest format in the coming days with the emergence of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal along with KL Rahul in the mix. The central contract could see another course correction with Rishabh Pant, now the first choice keeper in Tests, being reinstated in the system after being dropped for the current financial year. Elsewhere, the BCCI has officially inked the deal with WV Raman, who will now be the Indian women's team's new coach. Edulji, who had opposed the move, had written to CFO Santosh Rangnekar not to formalise the contract but on Friday, the formalities were completed. Save Edulji, the appointment of Raman has been welcomed by everyone even though some office bearers objected to the process. However, nobody questioned the former left-hander's calibre. | https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/will-bcci-reward-pujara-for-stellar-show-down-under-australia-tour/20190104.htm |
Does Washington's Reuben Foster deserve a 6-game suspension? | Washington linebacker Reuben Foster had his domestic violence charges dropped, clearing the way for his return to the playing field. Even though the charges were dropped, many feel he should be given the same punishment Ezekiel Elliott earned. Others feel his inclusion on the Commissioner's Exempt List shouldn't warrant that long of a suspension, especially if the charges were dropped. PERSPECTIVES After being charged with domestic violence, Foster was released on Nov. 25, claimed by Washington on Nov. 27, and placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List on the same day, effectively suspending him for the last five weeks of the season. While the domestic violence charge has been dropped, many people feel Foster should be officially suspended next season. Like the legal system, the NFL operates on precedent. Elliott was given a six-game ban for domestic abuse allegations a year before he was drafted in the league. Foster has had two domestic violence incidents while in the league. Being on the Commissioner's Exempt List shouldn't excuse him from deserved punishment. Foster should be suspended six games. Foster had the charges dropped and has never been proven guilty of anything. He shouldn't be punished further when he's already sat out games on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Suspending him for six games would be overkill. I don't think this is the same as Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott was not put on the commissioner's exempt list. I'd argue that Foster has already been suspended by not being allowed to play for 6 games in 2018. This personnel committee should argue that and it may end up in court. -- Shafiq Satterfield (@fiq_83) January 3, 2019 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. | https://www.oregonlive.com/tylt/2019/01/does_washingtons_reuben_foster.html |
Will Dems Impeach Trump and Propel Him to Re-election? | In the first segment of "By Any Means Necessary" Eugene Puryear and Sean Blackmon are joined by James Early, Former Director of Cultural Heritage Policy at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution, and board member of the Institute for Policy Studies to talk about the swearing in of new US Congressional members, the chances of Trump being impeached under a new Congress, the ideological maturing of the American political left, the rise in global citizen movements in Africa, Europe, the US, and Latin America, and Steve Bannon's continued efforts to organize the global right. The group also discuss how to increase the urgency and response to climate change. In the third segment of "By Any Means Necessary," we are joined by Aline Piva, a journalist and a member of Brazilians for Democracy and Social Justice to talk about the inauguration of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro's focus on international capital at the expense of indigenous populations and the Amazon Rainforest, what an increased police presence in Brazil's favelas will mean under the new President, and the regional implications across Latin America with the new Brazilian regime now in place. In the last hour "By Any Means Necessary" is joined by Brandon Sutton, host of the Discourse podcast, to talk about Nancy Pelosi elected to Speaker of the House, the repercussions of impeaching Donald Trump, the very racist floats at the "Hummers Parade," an annual event in Middletown, DE, sexism and pay inequality exposed within Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign, and William Arkin's resignation letter from NBC news. We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected] | https://sputniknews.com/radio_by_any_means/201901041071202722-will-dems-impeach-trump/ |
Is Trump Really Withdrawing US Troops From Syria? | President Trump held his first cabinet meeting of the new year yesterday and after having his secretaries take turns gushing about his wonderful leadership cast doubt on his previously-announced withdrawal from Syria, saying that he had not announced a timetable. The hosts continue the weekly series "Criminal Injustice," where we talk about the most egregious conduct of our courts and prosecutors and how justice is denied to so many people in this country. Kevin Gosztola, a writer for Shadowproof.com and co-host of the podcast Unauthorized Disclosure, and Paul Wright, the founder and Executive Director of the Human Rights Defence Center, joins the show. Major technology companies came under heavy pressure on Wall Street today after Apple announced an unprecedented cut in its sales forecast, citing falling iPhone sales and pressure from the trade war with China. It was the first time in more than 15 years that Apple cut its earnings forecast. Shares of Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, and companies that make components for Apple also fell. And this might just be the tip of the iceberg as other companies brace for declining revenues. Brian and John speak with Dr. Jack Rasmus, a professor of economics at Saint Mary's College of California and author of "Central Bankers at the End of Their Ropes: Monetary Policy and the Coming Depression." The New York Times yesterday published an article saying that sexual harassment and sexual discrimination were serious problems in Bernie Sanders's 2016 presidential campaign. The article notes that nearly a dozen former campaign staff members say that Sanders's failure to address the problem in 2016 could jeopardize a run for president in 2020. Sanders has apologized to any woman who felt mistreated, but many are also questioning the motives of the New York Times, the ultimate elite news outlet that has been consistently hostile to progressive candidates and movements. Julie Hurwitz, a civil rights attorney and partner at the law firm Goodman, Hurwitz and James, and Sputnik News analyst Nicole Roussell join the show. The hosts continue the regular weekly segment Veterans for Peace, where we'll discuss contemporary issues of war and peace that affect veterans, their families, and the country as a whole. Gerry Condon, a Vietnam-era veteran and war resister who serves as national president of Veterans for Peace, joins Brian and John. In an historic first, a Chinese lunar rover successfully landed on the far side of the moon yesterday. Chinese scientists say the landing was a bulls-eye. The rover will conduct a number of experiments and will study the interaction between solar winds and the moon's surface. But the biggest impact of the landing may really be political. ", joins the show. President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an iron fist, is stepping down after 17 years following mass protests demanding democracy and an end to the persecution of opposition activists. After repeatedly postponing elections, votes from opposition strongholds are just trickling in, and Kabila has shut down the country's internet and observers are complaining of widespread electoral irregularities. Brian and John speak with Kambale Musavuli, national spokesman for The Friends of the Congo. We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected] | https://sputniknews.com/radio_loud_and_clear/201901041071205174-is-trump-really-withdrawing-us-troops-from-syria/ |
Is John Sheridan set for a dramatic return to Chesterfield? | Speculation linking John Sheridan with a return to Chesterfield is mounting after the ex-Spireites boss today resigned as manager of Carlisle United. Sheridan, who led Chesterfield to League One and the JP Trophy during his previous spell in charge, has been the frontrunner for the vacant position at the Proact since Martin Allens dismissal. Sky Bet this morning (Friday 4th January) had odds of 2/9 he would take on the Chesterfield job. A statement on Carlisles official website confirmed the club had reluctantly agreed to accept Sheridans resignation, with immediate effect. Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins said: In his short time at United, John has made a positive difference to the club. He has improved the style of football and assembled a squad that is able to compete with the best teams in the League Two. Working with the squad and management team, he has helped to establish a winning formula at the club that we will take forward and build on to ensure that Johns hard work is not lost. The request to leave came from John. Over the last few days, the board and John had discussed football squad matters, and these were being resolved. I would like to thank him for his commitment, and we all wish him the best of luck for the future. | https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc/is-john-sheridan-set-for-a-dramatic-return-to-chesterfield-1-9520700 |
What Does The Agency Of The Future Look Like? | The playing field is evening out among digital agencies. What each agency can produce is becoming increasingly similar because of universal access to technology, which I believe is leading to a lack of differentiation and, ultimately, stale results for clients. Most conversations about the future tend to focus on the types of tech platforms that agencies need to build or buy or the ideal size of an agency. I believe digital agencies need to rethink their approach to find a balance of technology, creativity and strategy. In my 12 years as a CEO, Ive learned that in order to stand out within a saturated market, agencies must evolve to become not only agencies but also consultancies, system integrators and digital product creators in order to offer a more well-rounded strategy. The agency of the future will likely need a technology-driven mindset that's grounded in innovation. I believe theyll need to be agile, led by strategy and rooted in data. Agencies should reassess what it means to be a creative digital partner. I believe the agency of the future will need to deliver strategies and results rooted in practical innovation, and to do so, they should foster strong talent focused on intrapreneurship and diverse thought. Agencies that harness the power of their people and build integrated teams will likely be better equipped to deliver more creative results and emerge as true agencies of the future. Technology Conformity Cannot Rule Creativity People Do I believe all companies, regardless of their industry, must reinvent themselves and adopt a technology-focused business approach. From healthcare to financial services to manufacturing, all industries are being disrupted by new breakthroughs in technology, design and innovation. However, agencies should also consider adopting this mindset to help clients become digital disruptors in their industries. The keys to utilizing new technology include practical innovation and integrated teams. By integrating expert teams of designers, developers and strategists, agencies can do something that technology cant: grasp what motivates people and how to design experiences that empower them to take action. Integrated teams usually look at projects from a comprehensive perspective and, by sharing knowledge, can work together to harness the functional tech that creates impactful results. Because this type of creativity grows from the inside out, I believe its crucial to encourage agency employees to lead with creativity driven by intrapreneurship and diversity of thought. Driving Agency Creativity Through Intrapreneurship Agency structure typically has defined teams, with each individual's career path mapped out. This can place employees in a box, making it hard for them to pursue ideas and experiences beyond their roles. I believe that agencies of the future will need to foster individual creativity to drive fresh strategies, which can happen when leaders encourage employees to find their passions. By cultivating a people-first culture that celebrates intrapreneurship, agencies can drive employee engagement. There isnt a one-size-fits-all approach, but the key is understanding that a career path is not only vertical but also horizontal. By looking at an individuals interests and helping them grow in experience, agencies can evolve by fostering internal talent. If a designer is focused on healthcare clients but has a passion for charity work, encourage them to meet with co-workers focused on nonprofit clients, or give them the tools to bring charity work into the agency. Asking where they see themselves growing and what theyre passionate about outside of work is a simple way to let them know that not only are they valued but also that they have the flexibility to get more involved and bring big client ideas to the table. Establishing core fundamentals through training, professional development and coaching can take agency intrapreneurship to the next level. Once employees know that they're set up for long-term success, theyll likely be motivated to accelerate their own growth and drive creative solutions to help clients and the agency succeed. Creating An Agency Of Challengers Through Diversity And Inclusion Diversity and inclusion can be the secret sauce for agencies to deliver unique digital strategies. Initiatives like Salesforce, whom we're a partner with, spending over $6 million to close its pay gaps based on gender, race and ethnicity are an example of a path to drive real change in the industry. Agencies of the future may need to do even more. Diversity initiatives don't have to come from the top down. Creating a dedicated diversity team can allow people across the agency to feel comfortable expressing what initiatives matter most to them and ensure that the efforts are authentic. Implementing meaningful changes, like offering feminine products in the bathrooms and creating comfortable spaces for employees with chronic migraines, can play a huge part in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable. Inclusion means having an equal voice at the table, which starts with accessibility. At my company, for example, my co-CEO/co-founder and I ensure that everyones voice is heard by hosting weekly fireside chats with different levels of employees, as well as one-on-one onboarding processes. This allows us to encourage individuals to be challengers and to offer up ideas using their different communication styles and points of view. By fostering diversity and inclusion, agencies can shift to recognize every voice and create a culture of diverse thought, which can benefit clients by delivering innovative solutions through new perspectives. Theres no defined path and thats okay. Theres no set structure because the agency of the future likely won't be a cookie-cutter agency. Instead, surviving the agency apocalypse may require leaders to: Put practical innovation at the forefront of client work Create a sense of intrapreneurship among employees Encourage employees to challenge the status quo Foster a culture that's inclusive and celebrates diversity I believe the agencies that survive will be those that look to employees to create their personas and to be thinkers, doers and creators. Once agencies reestablish their personas and capabilities from the inside out, thats when well see the true agencies of the future emerge. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeschicagocouncil/2019/01/04/what-does-the-agency-of-the-future-look-like/ |
Is The World Really More VUCA Than Ever? | Wherever we look around us, we find claims and concerns that the world is increasingly getting out of control. Whether it is the business press, the media more generally, or our personal conversations, we are witnessing an increased feeling of uncertainty, turbulence, and change. This feeling has recently culminated in the notion of VUCA, the idea that the world has become unprecedentedly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (see here for a brief explanation). While a full assessment of whether this idea is correct is out of the scope this article, it is useful to briefly review it and not take it just for granted. On the one hand, it seems obvious. Through digitalization, big data, artificial intelligence, robotization, (de)globalization, terrorism, financial crises, climate change and global shifts in power, we feel an increased volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity in the world around us. On the other hand, though, such feelings are as old as mankind and we can question whether our situation today is more VUCA than during the Black Death, World Wars I and II or when we discovered that the earth was neither flat nor the center of the universe. It is informative in this respect to compare current claims and concerns to older ones. If we compare, for example, Peter Hinssens "New Normal" from 2010 to Manuel Castells "Rise Of The Network Society" from 1996, the observed effects of digitalization on our world increased complexity, dynamism, connectedness, and so on are strikingly similar, with nearly 25 years in between. We can also look at some of the early issues of strategic management's oldest scientific journal, Long Range Planning. There we find papers with titles such as "Strategic Management: A New Managerial Concept For An Era Of Rapid Change" (1971), "Defence Planning: The Uncertainty Factor" (1971), and "Planning In A State Of Turbulence" (1977). This is more than forty years ago and as these titles suggest, VUCA was experienced then as well. The fact that VUCA claims are of all ages doesnt automatically imply that they are false or irrelevant. It is quite likely that the speed of change in many industries is much faster now than ten or twenty years ago. Enabled by (digital) technology and driven by changing customer needs, this increased volatility is real for many organizations. And yes, due to greater variety in supply and demand, increased (online) connectedness between people and between organizations, and increased globalization, the complexity of doing business has probably increased too. However, due to technological enhancements, we have also become much more capable of dealing with this increased volatility and complexity. Computing power and speed, the omnipresence of information, the development of complex algorithms, artificial intelligence and the digital connectedness of the world, enable us to make dramatically more complex analyses and respond dramatically faster than even a decade ago. Thus, even though volatility and complexity probably have increased, our increased ability to deal with them does not directly mean that this has made doing business also more difficult. While volatility and complexity can be established and measured quite objectively, uncertainty and ambiguity are more of a perceptual nature. In various definitions, the latter two are even proposed to be a result of the former two: the more volatile and complex a situation, the more uncertain and ambiguous we perceive it. This means that whether we experience the world is more uncertain and ambiguous, depends to a large extent on our ability to deal with its volatility and complexity. My experiences in executive MBA teaching and consulting is that this perception is quite age-dependent and something particularly found at managers above fifty. This is supported by psychological research that shows, for example, that the older we get, the quicker time seems to pass by and the harder we find it to cope with the changes around us. Another important question is whether the four elements of VUCA reflect on-going, fluctuating, gradual developments or whether we now witness a dramatic increase in all four of them. The latter is often suggested. This is understandable. It is more dramatic and makes for better headlines. But the first seems much more likely: that VUCA represents four continuously varying factors that increase and decrease over time, dependent on which part of the world and which industry you are in. If we leave alone the question whether or not the world as a whole has become more VUCA than ever before, we can observe that most industries, at some point in time, do have VUCA characteristics. However, most industries are not VUCA all the time, and very often also not to an extreme degree. Rather, they typically go through disruptive phases alternating with more stable periods where even the disruptive periods are often spread over a couple of years. Furthermore, companies may have a diverse portfolio of products and services, some of which in markets that are VUCA and some in markets that are relatively stable, predictable, simple and clear. From this quick review of the VUCA idea, we can thus take that the world might indeed be VUCA. But at the same time, this was also the case ten, twenty, or even fifty years ago. Furthermore, many aspects of business might not be so sensitive to the VUCA-ness of the world and companies often have portfolios of products in markets with different degrees of VUCA. Finally, the same technological advancements that cause VUCA, also help us to deal with it better than ever before. It just depends on how, where and when you look and who is looking. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeroenkraaijenbrink/2019/01/04/is-the-world-really-more-vuca-than-ever/ |
When do they go on sale? | Get daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Legendary US music festival Coachella announced their line up yesterday, and tonight tickets will go on sale. If you're considering getting tickets then here's everything you need to know. The line up includes huge names such as Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Ariana Grande, as main headliners. There'll also be performances from Janelle Monae, The 1975, DJ Snake, Solange, Kid Cudi, Weezer, Khalid and more over the two weekends. The festival will take place over two weekends, 12 - 14 April, and 19 - 21 April. With the line up same both times. It notoriously takes part in the desert, so UK festival goers there's no need to bring those wellies. If you're thinking about grabbing tickets tonight here's everything you need to know including flights, prices, how much are tickets. (Image: Getty Images North America) The annual festival is held out in the Coachella Valley in the Riverside County city of Indio, near Palm Springs California. Coachella takes place 12 - 14 April, and 19 - 21 April. General admission three-day Coachella 2019 passes are priced at $429, which is currently 338 per person, with a two-ticket per customer limit, and can be obtained on a layaway plan that allows you to pay incrementally. (Image: Getty) Tickets are available from the Coachella website here . If you're stuck, they even have a pass purchase walkthrough guide to make it super simple. Make sure set your alarms for just before 7pm today (11am PDT) and get ready to get in line as you wait trough the onsale. There's also travel packages, shuttles, so make sure to check these here before you buy yours. You'll need to fly to Los Angeles, typically Los Angeles International (LAX) is the best, but Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or Ontario International (ONT) also serve festival goers. You can compare and book flights on Expedia here . | https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/celebrity-news/coachella-tickets-2019-go-sale-13811941 |
Which movies will win at the this year's Golden Globes? | The Golden Globes provide the highest-profile pit stop on the way to the Academy Awards, and this year's ceremony, which takes place on Sunday in Los Angeles, is perhaps the most advantageously timed edition yet: the day after the Golden Globes are aired, voting begins for the Oscar nominations. Last year, the awards last year also set the tone for how the entire film awards season would address the #MeToo movement, with celebrities introducing the Time's Up Legal Defence Fund and walking the red carpet in solidarity wearing all black. This year, with just days to show time, there are no major statements or demonstrations planned for the show or the red carpet. But that doesn't mean a full retreat to the superficial. Discourse around subjects like equality and inclusiveness are almost guaranteed to be a fixture at awards shows from now on. At last year's ceremony, actresses wore black and many brought activists as their dates. Credit:AP In terms of awards, a win at the Globes will help contenders remain front of mind for Academy members filling out their Oscar ballots, and there will be plenty of those winners to go around, since the Globes spread the wealth by splitting their biggest races into separate categories for dramas and comedy/musicals. For as often as the Globes add their imprimatur to an already presumed Oscar front-runner, this show can still have upsets. The Globes are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a quirky group of around 90 journalists with only one academy member in its ranks. These individuals have their own tastes. Here, we try to think like one of the association's voters to guess the outcome of the 14 film races. | https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/which-movies-will-win-at-the-this-year-s-golden-globes-20190103-p50pdx.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_entertainment |
What does Vanguard expect in 2019? | Two outstanding wishes: better technology and more of the deeply researched investment and economic research for which the Malvern, Chester County investment company is well-regarded. We point readers to Vanguards outlook for 2019, available on the Vanguard website, as well as Vanguard Chief Investment Officer Greg Davis expectations on interest rates and blockchain, the disruptive digital record-keeping technology underlying cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. Interestingly, Vanguard CEO Tim Buckley told CNBC recently that he expects a balanced portfolio will return about 5 percent annually in the coming years. Vanguard CIO Greg Davis predicted globally diversified stocks will earn between 4.5 and 6.5 percent annually and global bonds will generate returns of 2.2 to 4.2 percent. Meanwhile, Vanguard founder Jack Bogle expects stocks to earn 4 percent over the next decade and bonds 3.5 percent. Bogle doesnt believe in investing overseas, so its no surprise he projects lower returns at home than Buckley and Davis think theyll earn in foreign markets. As my colleague Joe DiStefano wrote recently, Bogle has just published Stay the Course, his 12th book, in which he retells familiar Vanguard stories and industry questions with some new detail. The emphasis is again on low fees, market-index targets, clarity and structural exceptionalism. (The company is owned by its funds, not its founders or outside shareholders. Bogle says thats key, while acknowledging not quite everyone agrees.) Vanguard Personal Advisor Services issued a fascinating chart at the end of December, pointing out that government shutdowns often trigger volatility and market sell-offs, but those rarely last. Vanguard in 2018 also again cut costs for nearly 1.5 million clients in its low-cost Admiral Shares, dropping minimum investment requirements from $10,000 to $3,000 for 38 index funds. Bizarre technology outages and notifications like yet another the other week. Vanguard emailed some customers just before Christmas, blaming a technical error related to dividend distributions. A number of bond funds paid out small capital gains on Dec. 21 and should have been reinvested the same day. The transactions should have shown up in online accounts right away. Instead, Vanguard says it wont be processing the transactions until the day after Christmas or perhaps even a week late. Thats not to say that they wont be reinvested at the closing price on the 21st, but just that Vanguard couldnt process them for almost a week, said Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors newsletter writer Dan Wiener in a note to his clients. Vanguard devotees, affectionately named the Bogleheads after the founders low-cost investment philosophy, soured on the news, which prompted the $5 trillion mutual fund firm to post a response on the Bogleheads website. With Vanguard being closed for the weekend, I wanted to respond and assure you that we are aware of the problem that affected some of our bond fund dividend payments and are working to rectify it, wrote Vanguards Rebecca Katz. Im sorry we caused you concern, but rest assured, well fix it, and keep you posted. | https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-vanguard-expectations-2019-story.html |
When should canines be allowed on campus? | College student Sydney Sheets brings her dog Halo with her everywhere. Hes not just a pet to her. Hes like a walking medical device, helping her manage her diabetes. If I'm, like, too low where I start losing my eyesight, he starts pulling me somewhere safe, and if I can't get up from somewhere, he lays with me. He's trained to go get people if I need him to, Sheets said. Hes a service animal and fits right in with her college life. [RELATED: Delta Air Lines bans young puppies and kittens as support animals | Southwest: Only cats and dogs allowed as emotional support animals] Some at her school struggle with Halo attending classes, but she has the law on her side. Service animals are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People have rights to having their emotional support animals in dorms and other housing, under the Federal Housing Act, but not in the classroom. As schools around the country attempt to handle a rapid rise of animals on campus, knowing which is which is problem No. 1. Colleges and universities are lost at how to handle the situation, Dr. Phyllis Erdman said. She said theyll need to revise previous no-pet policies to allow for dogs in dorms and animals in labs, and still face a balancing act between a growing number of students with medical or emotional needs and other students who may have dog phobias or animal allergy issues. We're going to need to have better training requirements for animals. We're going to have to have offices in place on universities that can identify the service animals, emotional support animals, clearly help them determine which is which, she said. Theyll also have to weed out the real requests from those from people who could be abusing the system. The problem is evident. Sheets' mom, Karin Sheets, said people with emotional support animals that don't have a mental health need, in the end hurt those who do need the support. I think that it does a disservice to people that really need them, Karin Sheets said. [MORE: Meet Daisy, the emotional support squirrel that delayed a Frontier flight | Nonprofit provides furry companions to ease life for people with disabilities] Erdman said schools must update policies and educate employees quickly. Thats happened on Sheets' campus, where one run-in with a professor who didnt know the law helped lead to changes already. They've done a lot of different measures to make it, make more awareness for service dogs and, kind of, etiquette for how to treat them when you see them on campus," Sheets said. College campuses are not the only places the problem has started to pop up. Similar issues are happening in courtrooms now, too, where judges are also struggling with whether the animals present a bias that could impact a case. Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/allowing-canines-on-campus |
Who are the UKs newest lottery millionaires? | EuroMillions jackpot winners Frances and Patrick Connolly both went to Queens University Belfast. She is from Glebe in Co Tyrone and he is from Belfast. They met at a wedding in 1989 and have been together for 30 years. They spent 25 years working in Hartlepool, in Co Durham, and recently returned to a rented property in Moira, Co Down. The obligatory champagne spray shot. pic.twitter.com/EumzRYpI9L David Young (@DavidYoungPA) January 4, 2019 Mr Connolly ran a small business at one stage before going on to work for others. His expertise is in manufacturing. Mrs Connolly worked as an educational programme co-ordinator and plans to do a PHD in clinical psychology. They have three grandchildren, two boys and a girl, and three daughters, one aged 30 and twins aged 24. One twin is in New Zealand doing a Masters degree. She will be travelling home and, during her stopover, has upgraded from a hostel to a modest hotel, her mother said. Mr Connolly paid tribute to his wonderful wife and family. He said they had never lived an overly extravagant lifestyle, joking that could be about to change. He said he was retired for now while he decides what to do in the future while his wife said: I am retired 100%. They said they wanted to focus on charitable work in the future, on job creation and doing good deeds. Mrs Connolly would not disclose details of those they would be helping but promised to create some more millionaires in a list of 50 people who will benefit from a share of their winnings. She added: It is going to be so much fun. The pleasure for me will be seeing their faces and asking what they want us to do for them. | https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/national/17335928.who-are-the-uks-newest-lottery-millionaires/?ref=rss |
Who are the UKs newest lottery millionaires? | EuroMillions jackpot winners Frances and Patrick Connolly both went to Queens University Belfast. She is from Glebe in Co Tyrone and he is from Belfast. They met at a wedding in 1989 and have been together for 30 years. They spent 25 years working in Hartlepool, in Co Durham, and recently returned to a rented property in Moira, Co Down. The obligatory champagne spray shot. pic.twitter.com/EumzRYpI9L David Young (@DavidYoungPA) January 4, 2019 Mr Connolly ran a small business at one stage before going on to work for others. His expertise is in manufacturing. Mrs Connolly worked as an educational programme co-ordinator and plans to do a PHD in clinical psychology. They have three grandchildren, two boys and a girl, and three daughters, one aged 30 and twins aged 24. Frances Connolly and her husband Patrick Connolly scooped a huge lottery jackpot (Liam McBurney/PA) One twin is in New Zealand doing a Masters degree. She will be travelling home and, during her stopover, has upgraded from a hostel to a modest hotel, her mother said. Mr Connolly paid tribute to his wonderful wife and family. He said they had never lived an overly extravagant lifestyle, joking that could be about to change. He said he was retired for now while he decides what to do in the future while his wife said: I am retired 100%. They said they wanted to focus on charitable work in the future, on job creation and doing good deeds. Mrs Connolly would not disclose details of those they would be helping but promised to create some more millionaires in a list of 50 people who will benefit from a share of their winnings. She added: It is going to be so much fun. The pleasure for me will be seeing their faces and asking what they want us to do for them. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-6557587/Who-UK-s-newest-lottery-millionaires.html |
Why Are Leftists Cheering the Potential Demise of Rojavas Socialist Experiment? | by Lost in the discussions of Donald Trumps abrupt announcement of the withdrawal of United States troops from Rojava is the possible fate of the democratic and cooperative experiment of the Syrian Kurds. The world of course is accustomed to the U.S. government using financial and military means to destroy nascent socialist societies around the world. But the bizarre and unprecedented case even if accidental of an alternative society partly reliant on a U.S. military presence seems to have confused much of the U.S. Left. Most of the commentary I have seen from U.S. Leftists simply declares we never support U.S. troops and thats the end of it; thus in this conception President Trump for once did something right. I will argue here that support of Rojava, and dismay at the abrupt withdrawal of troops on the direct demand of Turkish President and de facto dictator Recep Tayyip Erdoan, is not at all a matter of support of a U.S. military presence. Lets think about World War II for a moment. The victory over fascism likely could not have been won without the herculean effort of the Soviet Union once it overcame the initial bungling of Josef Stalin and the second-rate commanders he had put in charge of the Red Army after purging most of the best generals. To say that the Soviet Union won World War II is no way is meant to denigrate or downplay the huge sacrifices borne by the Western allies. That Western effort was supported by communists and most other Leftists. The Communist Party of the United States of America (CPUSA) were staunch supporters of the U.S. war effort party members well understood what was at stake. In contrast, the main U.S. Trotskyist party, the Socialist Workers Party, dismissed the war as an inter-imperialist dispute. We need only think of what would have happened had Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo triumphed in the war to answer that question. Backing the war effort was the only rational choice any Leftist not blinded by rigid ideology could have made. It is no contradiction to point out the CPUSA took the correct approach even for someone, like myself, who is generally strongly critical of the party. The Syrian Kurds, surrounded by hostile forces waiting for the opportunity to crush their socialist experiment, made a realpolitik decision in accepting the presence of U.S. troops, and a limited number of French and British troops. The dominant party in Syrian Kurdistan, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), is strongly affiliated with the leading party of Turkeys Kurds, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK has been locked in a decades-long struggle with successive Turkish governments. The preceding sentence is something of a euphemism. It would be more accurate to say that the Turkish government has waged an unrelenting war against the Kurdish people. Ankara has long denied the existence of the Kurdish people, banning their language, publications, holidays and cultural expressions, and pursuing a relentless campaign of forced resettlement intended to dilute their numbers in southeast Turkey. Uprisings have been met with arrests, torture, bombings, military assaults, the razing of villages and declarations of martial law. Hundreds of thousands have been arrested, tortured, forcibly displaced or killed. Turkish governments, including that of President Erdoan, do not distinguish between Kurd and terrorist. The PKKs leader, Abdullah calan, has been held in solitary confinement since his abduction in Kenya in 1999, an abduction assisted by the U.S. Successive U.S. governments have capitulated to Turkey by falsely labeling the PKK a terrorist organization and have actively assisted in the suppression of Turkish Kurds. Obviously not. Surrounded and blockaded by Turkey, an oppressive Syrian government, Islamic State terrorists and a corrupt Iraqi Kurdistan government in alliance with Turkey, the Syrian Kurds of Rojava have made a series of realpolitik choices, one of which is to accept a U.S. military presence in the territory to prevent Turkey from invading. That in the wake of the announced U.S. withdrawal Rojava authorities have asked the Syrian army to move into position to provide a new buffer against Turkey despite the fact the Assad father and son rgimes have been relentlessly repressive against them is another difficult decision made by a people who are surrounded by enemies. To ignore what the Kurdish people, in attempting to build a socialist, egalitarian society, have to say are acts of Western chauvinism. It is hardly reasonable to see the Syrian Kurds as nave or puppets of the U.S. as if they are incapable of understanding their own experiences. And Turkeys invasion of Rojavas Afrin district, which was disconnected from the rest of Rojava, resulting in massive ethnic cleansing, should make clear the dangers of further Turkish invasions. The Kurdistan National Congress, an alliance of Kurdish parties, civil society organizations and exile groups, issued a communiqu that said, as its first point, The coalition forces must not leave North and East Syria/Rojava. The news site Rudaw reports that Islamic State has gone on the offensive since President Trump acquiesced to President Erdoans demand, and quotes a spokesperson for the Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces as saying that More than four million are exposed to the danger of massive displacement, escaping from possible genocide, noting the example of Turkeys brutal invasion of Afrin. Heres what someone on the ground in Rojava has to say: Trumps decision to withdraw troops from Syria is not an anti-war or anti-imperialist measure. It will not bring the conflict in Syria to an end. On the contrary, Trump is effectively giving Turkish President Tayyip Erdoan the go-ahead to invade Rojava and carry out ethnic cleansing against the people who have done much of the fighting and dying to halt the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS). This is a deal between strongmen to exterminate the social experiment in Rojava and consolidate authoritarian nationalist politics from Washington, DC to Istanbul and Kobane. Theres a lot of confusion about this, with supposed anti-war and anti-imperialist activists like Medea Benjamin endorsing Donald Trumps decision, blithely putting the stamp of peace on an impending bloodbath and telling the victims that they should have known better. It makes no sense to blame people here in Rojava for depending on the United States when neither Medea Benjamin nor anyone like her has done anything to offer them any sort of alternative. None of this means we should forget for a moment the role of the United States in destroying attempts to build socialism, or mere attempts to challenge U.S. hegemony even where capitalist relations are not seriously threatened. Certainly there is no prospect of a U.S. government supporting socialism in Rojava; experiments in building societies considerably less radical than that of Rojava have been mercilessly crushed by the U.S. using every means at its disposal. That the project of Rojava, for now, has been helped by the presence of U.S. troops is an unintentional byproduct of the unsuccessful U.S. effort to overthrow Bashar al-Assad. At the same time of the expected pullout from Rojava, U.S. troops will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are unambiguously occupiers. Assad brutality in the service of neoliberalism Even if the analysis is overly mechanical, cheering the withdrawal of troops is understandable, given the imperialist history of U.S. aggression. Less understandable is support for the bloodthirsty Assad regime. The enemy of what I oppose is a friend is a reductionist, and often futile, way of thinking. The Baath regime of Hafez and Bashar Assad have a long history of murderous rampages against Syrians. The United Nations Human Rights Council reports patterns of summary execution, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, including sexual violence, as well as violations of childrens rights. Amnesty International reports that As many as 13,000 prisoners from Saydnaya Military Prison were extrajudicially executed in night-time mass hangings between 2011 and 2015. The victims were overwhelmingly civilians perceived to oppose the government and were executed after being held in conditions amounting to enforced disappearance. Enforced monoculture agriculture was imposed on the Kurdish regions of Syria by the Baath rgime, with no economic development allowed. These areas were intentionally kept undeveloped under a policy of Arabization against Kurds and the other minority groups of the areas now comprising Rojava. Kurds were routinely forcibly removed from their farm lands and other properties, with Arabs settled in their place. Nor should the Assad family rule be seen in as any way as progressive. Neoliberal policies and increasingly anti-labor policies have been imposed. The spark that ignited the civil war was the drought that struck Syria beginning in 2006, a disaster deepened by poor water management and corruption. Political scientists Raymond Hinnebusch and Tina Zinti, in the introduction to Syria from Reform to Revolt, Volume 1: Political Economy and International Relations, provide a concise summary of Assad neoliberalism. (The following two paragraphs are summarized from their introduction.) Hafez al-Assad became dictator, eliminating Baathist rivals, in 1970. He constructed a presidential system above party and army staffed with relatives, close associates and others from his Alawite minority, according to professors Hinnebusch and Zinti. [T]he party turned from an ideological movement into institutionalized clientalism with corruption that undermined development. In turn, Alawite domination bred resentment on the part of the Sunni majority, and a network of secret police and elite military units, allowed to be above the law, kept the regime secure. Over the course of the 1990s, widespread privatization drastically shrank the state sector, which earned Assad the support of Syrias bourgeoisie. Upon Assads death in 2000, his son Bashar was installed as president. Bashar al-Assad sought to continue opening Syrias economy to foreign capital. In order to accomplish that, he needed to sideline his fathers old guard and consolidate his power. He did, but by doing so he weakened the rgime and its connections to its base. He also altered the rgimes social base, basing his rule on technocrats and businessmen who supported his economic reforms and concomitant disciplining of the working class. Syrias public sector was run down, social services reduced, an already weak labor law further weakened and taxation became regressive, enabling new private banks and businesses to reap big incomes. Not exactly friends of the working class, and a strong contrast to the system of democratic confederalism as the Rojava economic and political system is known. Building political democracy through communes Clandestine organizing had been conducted among Syrian Kurds since a 2004 massacre of Kurds by the Assad rgime; much of this organizing was done by women because they could move more openly then men under the close watch of the rgime. Kurds were supportive of the rebels when the civil war began, but withdrew from cooperation as the opposition became increasingly Islamized and unresponsive to Kurd demands for cultural recognition. Meanwhile, as the uprising began, Kurdish self-protection militias were formed in secret with clandestine stocks of weapons. The drive for freedom from Assads terror began on the night of July 18, 2012, when the Peoples Protection Unit (YPG) took control of the roads leading into Kobani and, inside the city, people began to take over government buildings. What the Syrian Kurds have created in the territory known as Rojava is a political system based on neighborhood communes and an economic system based on cooperatives. (Rojava is the Kurdish word for west, denoting that the Syrian portion of their traditional lands is West Kurdistan.) The inspiration for their system is Murray Bookchins concept of a federation of independent communities known as libertarian municipalism or communalism. But democratic confederalism is a syncretic philosophy, influenced by theorists such as Immanuel Wallerstein, Benedict Anderson and Antonio Gramsci in addition to Mr. Bookchin but rooted in Kurdish history and culture. Political organization in Rojava consists of two parallel structures. The older and more established is the system of communes and councils, which are direct-participation bodies. The other structure, resembling a traditional government, is the Democratic-Autonomous Administration, which is more of a representative body, although one that includes seats for all parties and multiple social organizations. The commune is the basic unit of self-government, the base of the council system. A commune comprises the households of a few streets within a city or village, usually 30 to 400 households. Above the commune level are community peoples councils comprising a city neighborhood or a village. The next level up are the district councils, consisting of a city and surrounding villages. The top of the four levels is the Peoples Council of West Kurdistan, which elects an executive body on which about three dozen people sit. The top level theoretically coordinates decisions for all of Rojava. Integrated within the four-level council system are seven commissions defense, economics, politics, civil society, free society, justice and ideology and a womens council. These committees and womens councils exist at all four levels. In turn commissions at local levels coordinate their work with commissions in adjacent areas. There is also an additional commission, health, responsible for coordinating access to health care (regardless of ability to pay) and maintaining hospitals, in which medical professionals fully participate. Except for the womens councils, all bodies have male and female co-leaders. At least 40 percent of the attendees must be women in order for a commune decision to be binding. That quota reflects that womens liberation is central to the Rojava project on the basis that the oppression of women at the hands of men has to be completely eliminated for any egalitarian society to be born. Manifestations of sexism, including male violence against women, have not magically disappeared. These may now be socially unacceptable, and more likely to be kept behind closed doors, but the system of womens councils attached to the communes, and councils at higher levels, and the self-organization of women, has at a minimum put an end to the isolation that enabled the toleration of sexist behavior and allowed other social problems to fester. A system of womens houses provides spaces for women to discuss their issues. These centers also offer courses on computers, language, sewing, first aid, culture and art, as well as providing assistance against social sexism. As with peace committees that seek to find a solution rather than mete out punishments in adjudicating conflicts, the first approach when dealing with violence or other issues of sexism is to effect a change in behavior. One manifestation of putting these beliefs into action is the creation of womens militias, which have played leading roles in battlefield victories over Islamic State. Building a cooperative economy based on human need The basis of Rojavas economy are cooperatives. The long-term goal is to establish an economy based on human need, environmentalism and equality, distinctly different from capitalism. Such an economy can hardly be established overnight, so although assistance is provided to cooperatives, which are rapidly increasing in number, private capital and markets still exist. Nor has any attempt to expropriate large private landholdings been attempted or contemplated. Given the intentional under-development of the region under the Assad family rgime, the resulting lack of industry and the civil-war inability to import machinery or much else, and the necessity of becoming as food self-sufficient as possible due to the blockade, Rojavas cooperatives are primarily in the agricultural sector. There is also the necessity of reducing unemployment, and the organization of communes is seen as the speediest route to that social goal as well. The practitioners of democratic confederalism say they reject both capitalism and the Soviet model of state ownership. They say they represent a third way, embodied in the idea that self-management in the workplace goes with self-management in politics and administration. Since their liberation from the highly repressive Assad rgime, Rojava agriculture has become far more diversified, and price controls were imposed. Cooperative enterprises are not intended to be competitive against one another. Cooperatives are required to be connected to the council system; independence is not allowed. Cooperatives work through the economics commissions to meet social need and in many cases their leadership is elected by the communes. The intention is to form cooperatives in all sectors of the economy. But basic necessities such as water, land and energy are intended to be fully socialized, with some arguing that these should be made available free of charge. Because the economy will retain some capitalist elements for some time, safeguards are seen as necessary to ensure that cooperatives dont become too large and begin to behave like private enterprises. We need not indulge in hagiography. There are, naturally, problems and contradictions. Private ownership of the means of production is enshrined in documents espousing socialism and equality, and large private landholdings, with attendant social relations, will be untouched. It is hardly reasonable to expect that a brand new economy can be established overnight, much less in a region forced to divert resources to military defense. Nonetheless, capitalists expect as much profit as can be squeezed out of their operations, an expectation decidedly at odds with goals of equality and environmental sustainability. In essence, what is being created is a mixed economy, and the history of mixed economies is fraught with difficulties. Another issue is that Rojavas authorities, connected with the dominant Democratic Union Party (PYD), can be heavy-handed, including the closing of the offices of the opposition Kurdish National Council on questionable legal grounds. Nonetheless, what is being created in northern Syria is a remarkable experiment in economic and political democracy not only Kurds but other minority groups and Arabs consciously working toward socialism. The authors of the book Revolution in Rojava, supporters of the project and one of whom fought in the womens militia, argue that the idea that Rojavas acceptance of Western aid is a betrayal is nave, drawing parallels with Republican Spain of the 1930s. Describing Rojava as an anti-fascist project, they note that the capitalist West turned its back on the Spanish Revolution, allowing fascism to triumph. In the forward to the same book, David Graeber, careful to differentiate the targets of his critique from those who oppose the global dominance of North American militarism, argues: What I am speaking of here instead is the feeling that foiling imperial designs or avoiding any appearance of even appearing to be on the same side as an imperialist in any context should always take priority over anything else. This attitude only makes sense if youve secretly decided that real revolutions are impossible. Because surely, if one actually felt that a genuine popular revolution was occurring, say, in the [Rojava] city of Koban and that its success could be a beacon and example to the world, one would also not hold that it is better for those revolutionaries to be massacred by genocidal fascists than for a bunch of white intellectuals to sully the purity of their reputations by suggesting that US imperial forces already conducting airstrikes in the region might wish to direct their attention to the fascists tanks. Yet, astoundingly, this was the position that a very large number of self-professed radicals actually did take. It does seem quite reasonable to hope for a socialist experiment to avoid being destroyed by Islamic State fascism, Turkish ultra-nationalism or Syrian absolutism rather than clinging to dogmatism. | https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/01/04/why-are-leftists-cheering-the-potential-demise-of-rojavas-socialist-experiment/ |
Isn't it time England's recent Test captains followed the Asian example and became involved in government? | Bangladeshs one-day captain, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, has become the first current international cricketer to be elected as a MP, although last weeks general election was widely regarded as rigged. A BBC correspondent in Chittagong observed ballot boxes stuffed full with voting papers all ready to be counted - before the polling station opened. Mortaza, 35, is an inspiring captain, whose tigerish spirit has enabled him to overcome the dodgy knees he acquired as Bangladeshs first pace bowler of note. His players knocked England out of the 2015 World Cup, so inspiring was his example, but even he might have been surprised by getting a reported 96 per cent of the vote in his home-town constituency... | https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/01/04/isnt-time-englands-recent-test-captains-followed-asian-example/ |
Will Bernie Sanders Will Be Our President in 2020? | by The 2016 Presidential election had two starkly different primaries. Inspired by hatred of Barack Obama, every Republican, big hands and small, came out to run. The 17 candidates in the field were all, at least relatively speaking, establishment candidates, save one Donald J. Trump. We now know, and we should have seen then, that Donald Trump was quite establishment, if not the most establishment candidate in the race. Elections are won on perception though, and everything about this shiny old orange toy seemed different. If you liked the old guard your vote was split between many establishment candidates. There were a few Trump lite candidates (Carly Florina and Ben Carson), but Trump stood pretty much alone. The Republican establishment never wanted Trump to get elected, but he was hard to stop simply because he was the clear favorite. The establishment Republicans split their own vote. If the only two real candidates in the race were say, Marco Rubio and Trump, Trump may have lost. Such was the case for the rigged 2016 Democratic primary between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The Democrats didnt hate Obama, they wanted someone to succeed him. And while I am convinced the Obamas never liked the racist bully Clinton machine, the neoliberal mold was much the same. The agreement within the party was to let Hillary win. So no one who mattered bothered running. And everyone who mattered endorsed Hillary. Bernie Sanders didnt matter much, but he, one of the few politicians in Washington who could see the disastrous implications of Obama style mediocrity, decided to run anyways. Bernie Sanders soon became much more popular than Hillary Clinton because his politics benefitted the majority of the American public. Bernie was a very refreshing political figure. He spoke out explicitly against poverty. He wanted health care for all Americans. He offered all Americans a living wage and a chance to go to college for free. Bernie was not so much radical as he was radically sane. The people just loved him. No one liked Hillary Clinton. Partly because she was a woman and partly because she was a nasty person. Thus when Trump called Hillary a nasty woman he could stumble into truth, not so much because he knew what nasty was, but because he didnt like women. Regardless of the reasons, Hillary was disliked by everyone. She only won the primary for two reasons: 1. Because the party rigged it for her. 2. This was only a two horse race. Now, we know the Democrats always rig their primaries. They dont count mail-in ballots that are primarily from independents and poor people, they bar independents from voting in some states, they repress the votes of young people and people of color, they have a rigged delegate system, and they have a biased corporate media that really is propaganda. They could rig it against Bernie last time because Hillary could keep it close against him even if the rules were fair. 2016 was a two horse race and Bernie was universally unknown, starting the polls at about the 1% he despised. Now, Bernie is known and is easily the most popular politician in America. I dont think anyone likes even a single other politician in America. Indeed, if someone polled me I would say yes, I like Bernie, and no I dont like X, Y, or Z. Bernie will be in the lead this primary season, and it wont even be close. On top of Bernies new head start, he will have many Hillarys (perhaps even the Queen herself) running tone deaf campaigns in the Democratic Primary. They will split the establishment vote, leaving Bernie with a large lead. Seeing that there is only about half a progressive in Washington, the establishment literally cannot water down Bernies base with other progressive candidates. They have no one to use! Maybe they wish they had kept a progressive or two around, but it is unlikely they see that far ahead. The neoliberal Democrats of all stripes will be using Trump as an opportunity for their own political gain. And the American public will hate all of them, for good reason. Every single one will present a wishy-washy emotionally charged Trump whining session that dont relate to the daily lives of working people in America. Meanwhile, Bernie, as he always does, will remain focused on the issues. He will speak about inequality, about funding for schools and roads, he will speak about regulations that will protect workers and the environment, he will speak about education for everyone, he will speak about the trade deals that are tearing this country apart. And he will provide specifics. Bernie will, unlike the rest of the Democrats, have a plan for America. He will make promises he can keep because he is not indebted to corporate interests. He can have policy that makes sense for the working class because his campaign will be funded by the working class. And if Bernie is undermined again, the working class will be mad, even if this is missed by the talking heads of corporate media. Now, of course dear reader, I agree with you, Bernie is an imperialist pig! (To quote Glen Ford). I try not to say that at a farmers door in Iowa, but we are in good company here on this publication, so we can all admit Bernie leaves a lot to be desired. If Bernie wins, America will not have a peace President or even a socialist President. But 2020 is too unique an opportunity to boycott the project of electing Bernie. The Democrats hold no legitimacy other than not being Donald Trump (not the first thing I put on my resume, but true nonetheless). Bernie will emerge as the peoples candidate, capable of beating Trump handily. If the Democrats sabotage Sanders, they will be openly saying they dont mind a Donald Trump Presidency. We all know the Democrats are the same as Trump, but when they must admit it they will lose legitimacy. I see only two scenarios in 2020. Either the Democrats have to give Sanders the nomination and he beats Trump. Or, the Democrats have to sabotage Sanders, the voters bail on the party, Trump wins again, and the Democrats are revealed for who they really are. Either one is a step forward, but for their sake as well as our own, lets hope the Democrats nominate Bernie Sanders, or they, and many more dying species under the Trump administration, will be extinct. | https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/01/04/will-bernie-sanders-will-be-our-president-in-2020/ |
Can Nepal Realistically Look to China as an Alternative Trade Partner? | by Three sturdy trekkers step out of a van and hoist top-heavy blue, green and orange rucksacks onto their backs. The two young women and a man then set off on foot, headed to one of Kathmandus numerous backpackers hotels. I ask where theyve arrived from; Langtang, replies one of the women and hurries on. (Langtang is a rugged, remote valley north of the capital popular with hikers). The trio is likely booked at a Chinese lodge in Nepals newly designated Chinatown. Thats a crowded strip of shops, hotels and cafes in Thamel, the low-end tourist quarter of the Nepalese capital. Those three young trippers, all Chinese, are part of an international community enjoying the rigors and glamour of Himalayan hiking. Fitted in climbing boots and North Face jackets, theyre hardly distinguishable from thousands of foreigners striding through Nepals middle hills to glimpse the spectacular peaks beyond. Although, its doubtful if they reflect on the other side of this seemingly impenetrable stretch of the worlds highest mountains. There, after all, lays the Tibetan province of China, their homeland! These tourists, along with (Chinese) Tibetans, most of them pilgrims, fly into Kathmandus Tribhuvan airport with other foreign visitors. Their flights originate in Chinese cities however, among them Chengdu, Kunming, and Zhengzhou. With numbers increasing annually, China is reportedly now Nepals second largest source of tourists. (China is Nepals second largest trade partner, too.) Yet these sightseers represent a minor, although personal, aspect of an established Chinese presence in Nepal. Chinese are also visible in Kathmandus business quarter. Here, enterprising agents search out products for export to China. Its not uncommon to see visitors from Shanghai or Shenzhen negotiating with pashmina shawl wholesalers and jewelry outlets, with dealers in handcrafted wood, silver and brassware, and with distributors of exotic teas and cosmetics. Hotels catering to Chinese trekkers seem to be wholly Chinese- operated. Some ask how thats possible given Nepals law against foreign ownership; although silent local partnerships are a common arrangement for foreign businesses here. Nepali shopkeepers find it increasingly hard to complete when Chinese operators pay above market rates. However, one hears few criticisms of the Chinese presence, certainly nothing comparable to hostility directed at Indian business interests. India and Nepal have a long and checkered relationship mainly positive. Nepals recently ousted line of monarchs originated in India. And Hinduism, Nepals dominant religion, is either indistinguishable from Indian Hinduism or is a fusion of Indian and ancient Nepali traditions. Being landlocked and without a manufacturing base Nepal became increasingly dependent on India specifically on Indian imports. Its southern neighbor with whom it shares an almost porous border (of 1,088 miles) is Nepals main source of electricity, fossil fuels and virtually all manufactured goods as well as fresh produce. This is facilitated by decades of Indian aid for the construction of roads and transmission lines linking the two countries. India has long been the gateway into and out of Nepal. Politically, India is a kind of mentor. Nepali opposition figures depended on Indias protection during periods of exile; once in power, newly elected leaders customarily make an inaugural visit to India for sanction and support. Nepal accepts its huge trade deficit with India and its cultural and political dominance as inevitable. The danger of their imbalance was manifest three years ago when India subjected Nepal to a mean-spirited economic boycott. That happened on the heels of the traumatic 2015 earthquake. In support of the Madeshi people (a Nepali population who inhabit the southern border regions) with their strong cultural and economic affinity, India effectively sanctioned a punishing trade ban on the Nepalese. Anti-Indian feeling generated during that six-month period is still palpable, perhaps one reason Nepal would welcome a cross Himalayan rail route from China. Chinese economic interests in Nepal are not new and not confined to tourism. In recent years Chinese goods phones, an array of electrical and other household items, and clothing and fresh fruits, most entering by airhave become ubiquitous. Chinese products at prices competitive with Indian goods are everywhere, in village and city. But for China to become a real alternative to India, a land corridor is essential. For years weve heard rumors of a China-Nepal railway route. Today its a possibility forged through Himalayan rock and glacier and is discussed in practical terms. Consisting primarily of bridges and tunnels blasted through the Himalayas from Tibet, it would meet roads approaching the northern frontier from the south. Given Chinas engineering successes domestically and advances in its global Belt and Road Initiative, this project is a real option (where Nepal would invest nothing). Thus far China seems tolerant of Nepals engineering incapacities and rampant corruption that undermined past construction projects. A December 2018 review of Chinas economic interest in Nepal suggests rising investments in construction, transportation and tourism. Since 2013, it notes, there have been 229 contracts signed between Chinese companies and Nepal, valued at $3.32 billion with $1.88 billion already closed. Nepal sees China increasingly as an alternative to Indian domination. Chinese earthquake support was substantial yet low-key; residents still recall the quiet deliberation with which Chinese medical teams worked. This is addition to quake-damaged road repairs and temple reconstruction by China. As a major center of living Buddhism, a home to tens of thousands of Tibetan refugees created by Chinas harsh anti-religious policies, Nepalis view of China was very negative in the past. That has clearly changed. The number of Tibetan pilgrims from China is rising, while other Chinese visitors show genuine interest in Nepals Buddhist institutions. Increasing numbers of Chinese are evident touring the sacred Buddhist shrines of Bauddhanath and Swayambunath in Kathmandu Valley. And its reported that Chinese students attend lectures in Buddhism delivered by Tibetan abbots at monasteries there. We should not be surprised if Han Chinese will be found among acolytes taking vows and donning the red robes of Tibetan monk-hood. | https://www.counterpunch.org/2019/01/04/can-nepal-realistically-look-to-china-as-an-alternative-trade-partner/ |
Should Celgene Investors Take Bristol's Money and Run? | In 2018, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) relied on just two products to drive growth, and the pharma giant's late-stage development pipeline looks like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboards. Investors know that Bristol-Myers needs to do something to continue pushing the needle forward, but a $74 billion offer for Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) might not have been what they had in mind. Celgene shareholders will receive a combination of cash and Bristol-Myers Squibb stock. Frightened person running with a briefcase bursting with cash. More Image source: Getty Images. What Celgene shareholders get Assuming the deal completes as intended, Celgene investors have a few reasons to stick around. For each share of Celgene, they'll receive one share of Bristol-Myers Squibb, $50 upfront, and another $9 if three drugs in late-stage development earn FDA approval in a timely manner. Celgene shareholders who hang on will also begin receiving a quarterly dividend that offers a 3.6% yield at Bristol's recent stock price. Bristol has two key growth drivers pulling a train of established brands uphill. During the first nine months of 2018, Opdivo sales grew 35% to $4.9 billion, and Eliquis sales grew 35% to $4.7 billion. Generic competition for established brands pulled Bristol's top line in the opposite direction, which limited total year-to-year sales growth to just 8% during the period. Bristol-Myers expects to record adjusted earnings of at least $3.80 per share for all of 2018, and at least $4.10 per share in 2019, excluding any impact from the Celgene acquisition. Celgene shareholders eager to fire Mark Alles over the ozanimod debacle of 2018 will also get their wish: Bristol-Myers CEO Giovanni Caforio will continue to serve as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the combined company. More reasons to hold on To get investors on board, Bristol-Myers pointed at six experimental new drugs in late-stage development that have $15 billion in total -- not annual -- revenue potential. That figure seems entirely reasonable considering EvaluatePharma recently estimated their combined net present value at $25.2 billion, a figure that accounts for positive and negative cash flows, plus how long it could take to achieve them. A lot of Celgene's top-line sales already flow to the bottom line. Over the past year, Celgene generated a whopping $4.2 billion in free cash flow, with just $15.2 billion in top-line sales, and the same operations are about to become a lot more profitable. Bristol-Myers Squibb already has around 22,000 employees who perform many of the same functions as counterparts at Celgene who racked up $3.2 billion in sales and administrative expenses over the past year. | https://news.yahoo.com/celgene-investors-bristol-apos-money-130700633.html |
What is the 'Mother of All Bombs'? | The GBU-43 is a GPS-guided weapon that weighs an enormous 21,600 pounds (10 tonnes), according to the Eglin Air Force Base. The MOAB was designed in 2002 as a replacement for the BLU-82 Daisy Cutter. Its purpose was initially to put pressure on former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The bomb was sent to the Middle East in 2003, but it was not used until April 2017 when a Lockheed Martin MC-130 Hercules dropped the device on an alleged Islamic State (IS) cave complex in the Achin district of the southern Nangarhar province. In this US Air Force handout, a GBU-43/B bomb, or Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, is launched on November 21, 2003 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Each one costs US$16 million (12.6 million), according to military information website Deagel. The US military says it has 20 MOAB bombs and has spent about US$314 million (248 million) producing them, according to CNBC. The weapon is so big that, while the cargo plane is in the air, the bomb rolls out of the rear on a pallet, pulled by a drogue parachute. It is designed to destroy tunnels and other underground facilities, and its blast radius is estimated to stretch a mile in every direction. Source: New York Times, Time | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-6557755/What-Mother-Bombs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 |
How do I listen to 'On the Record'? | On the Record with John Ensslin (Photo: Paul Wood) To listen and subscribe to the podcast for free, follow these instructions: You can listen to "On the Record" with any podcast app. From your mobile device: If you are reading this from an iPhone or iPad, tap this link to listen via Apple Podcasts. If you are reading this from an Android phone, tap this link to listen via Stitcher. From your desktop or laptop: You can find the latest episode of On the Record on SoundCloud You can also listen on NorthJersey.com On Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Tap: Click here. Click the "Enable" button. Say "Alexa, play "On the Record." Read or Share this story: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/01/04/how-do-listen-record/2461112002/ | https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/01/04/how-do-listen-record/2461112002/ |
Who are Irelands newest multimillionaires? | EuroMillions jackpot winners Frances and Patrick Connolly both went to Queens University Belfast. She is from Glebe in Co Tyrone and he is from Belfast. They met at a wedding in 1989 and have been together for 30 years. They spent 25 years working in Hartlepool, in Co Durham, and recently returned to a rented property in Moira, Co Down. Mr Connolly ran a small business at one stage before going on to work for others. His expertise is in manufacturing. Mrs Connolly worked as an educational programme co-ordinator and plans to do a PHD in clinical psychology. They have three grandchildren, two boys and a girl, and three daughters, one aged 30 and twins aged 24. One twin is in New Zealand doing a Masters degree. She will be travelling home and, during her stopover, has upgraded from a hostel to a modest hotel, her mother said. Mr Connolly paid tribute to his wonderful wife and family. He said they had never lived an overly extravagant lifestyle, joking that could be about to change. He said he was retired for now while he decides what to do in the future while his wife said: I am retired 100 per cent. They said they wanted to focus on charitable work in the future, on job creation and doing good deeds. Mrs Connolly would not disclose details of those they would be helping but promised to create some more millionaires in a list of 50 people who will benefit from a share of their winnings. She added: It is going to be so much fun. The pleasure for me will be seeing their faces and asking what they want us to do for them. Mrs Connolly said at the press conference on Friday: I am going to cry myself to sleep that I cannot help everyone, that will be really tough. Mr Connolly is a businessman who once ran his own firm. He predicted he would not be able to sit around long before he had to get back to doing something. He said his expertise was in manufacturing and he hoped to create more jobs using part of their fortune. They said they were hard-working people who did not carry a lot of debt and did not indulge in luxuries before their win. Mrs Connolly said she would get pleasure in seeing the telephone number-sized amount in her bank account go down. Mr Connolly said: We are quite level-headed people, we are not overly extravagant yet. | https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/who-are-ireland-s-newest-multimillionaires-1.3747724 |
How can smelling fish cause an allergic reaction? | fcafotodigital/iStock(NEW YORK) An 11-year-old boy died this week after he experienced a reaction to the smell of fish cooking on the stove while visiting his grandmothers home for the holidays. Cameron Jean-Pierres mother, Jody Pottingr, told ABC News that he had been diagnosed with a fish allergy and asthma, and that he had previously used a breathing treatment when hed become short of breath from inhaling the fish aroma. The molecules that make food smell a certain way are typically not allergens, so most of the time, sniffing food will not cause an allergic reaction. However, if youre close enough to sniff the food, youre likely close enough to inhale any allergens when they are present. Here are some important facts to know about food allergies: In an allergic reaction, the bodys defense system incorrectly detects danger. A food allergy occurs when the bodys immune system overreacts to a specific food on a regular basis. The most common foods people are allergic to include cows milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat. At least two children in every classroom will have a food allergy, and almost a third of those children will also suffer from asthma, eczema or another allergy. Food allergies in children under 18 have been increasing over time, jumping 18 percent between 1997 and 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions latest statistics. Allergens have different ways of getting into the body, including by inhaling them. Food allergens are proteins within the food that cause the body to produce a harmful response. Though they are not actually dangerous, the body perceives them that way. Food allergens often enter the bodys bloodstream by eating or drinking them. But in some cases, such as Camerons, they can enter by inhaling them as well they are transported in the steam coming from a simmering pot. You cant have an allergic reaction to the smell of food if the foods odor is produced by something other than these proteins. Thats why people with peanut allergies who smell peanut butter most likely wont have an allergic reaction. However, the smell may alert them that peanuts are close by and they should be careful. Allergic reactions are different for everyone. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include a tingling tongue, itchy skin or hives and abdominal pain. When food allergies cause the airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe, they are experiencing anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate hospitalization. Untreated anaphylaxis can lead to coma or death. Children with food allergies and pre-existing asthma are at higher risk for an anaphylactic reaction. Children can outgrow food allergies. Food allergy symptoms may decrease with time and eventually become insignificant, but many children have lifelong allergies. Some people may even develop food allergies in adulthood. The likelihood of outgrowing an allergy depends on the allergen. Its more common to outgrow egg and milk allergies and less common to outgrow peanut allergies. Mild food allergies can still cause severe reactions. Food allergies are unpredictable, and its impossible to know if the next reaction will be mild, moderate or severe. If you have a food allergy, its important to have a plan in place for every type of reaction. Speak with your doctor to ensure you have a plan in place. Allergic reactions can be treated, but cures for food allergies are still being explored. It is important for adults and children to avoid foods that may trigger their allergies. If an allergic reaction does occur, treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. People who have a history, or are at risk for severe reactions may carry an injectable epinephrine device, which shuts down the bodys allergic response. Curative treatments are promising and still undergoing clinical trials. Oral immunotherapy, for example, involves introducing small amounts of an allergen under controlled conditions to suppress the allergic response over time and allow the patient to safely incorporate the allergen into their diet. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. | https://wfin.com/abc-health/how-can-smelling-fish-cause-an-allergic-reaction/ |
What's in store for Trump and America when Pelosi takes charge? | "Its a struggle that goes to the core of American ideals and that will affect politics for years," Leonhardt wrote. Fortunately, it's also a struggle that has been joined. This country now has the beginnings of the pro-democracy movement that it needs. There are multiple examples from the recent midterm elections of the threats to democracy but there is also push-back designed to prevent these attacks from being successful. For instance, the final composition of the new House of Representatives is still not known following the state elections board of North Carolina refusing to certify the results in the ninth congressional district due to alleged "irregularities and concerted fraudulent activities" in the election of Republican Mark Harris. Although the new Congress was sworn in on Thursday, if Democrat Dan McCready succeeds in having the result overturned, or he wins a new election if that should be ordered, he would bring to 41 the number of previously Republican seats won by the Democrats in the November 6 midterms. Elsewhere, overturning undemocratic practices is going to be more difficult. In Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina (again!) defeated Republicans for state office have legislated to reduce the powers of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney-general, bills that were signed into law by lame-duck Republican governors. Alarmingly, such laws have subverted the separation of powers by giving the legislature an authority to intervene in court cases that previously resided with the attorney-general. In Ohio, still Republican controlled at state level, legislators are trying to outlaw citizen-led groups from amending the constitution. Such a move is designed to head off a voter-initiated law to restrict gerrymandering (which keeps the current administration in power). Similar efforts to overturn citizen-initiated laws in Michigan would stop paid sick leave and minimum wage reforms due to be implemented in coming years. These and similar moves are described by Leonhardt as "an anti-democratic power grab" that are "trying to change the rules to subvert the voting choices of their state's citizens". Such tactics, he writes, "resemble those now common in European countries sliding toward autocracy, like Hungary". Indeed, the fear that the US could actually follow the example of Hungary or Poland is being expressed by a number of reputable commentators. In a sobering essay in the October issue of The Atlantic magazine, Anne Applebaum, the American journalist and historian who has written extensively on the Soviet Union and the countries of eastern Europe, issues just such a warning. Entitled A Warning from Europe: The Worst is Yet to Come, the essay makes comparisons between the autocratic parties that rule in Poland and Hungary and are in coalition in Austria and Italy with some of the trends now evident in the United States. These include dispensing with meritocracy in political appointments, stacking courts with political sympathisers, relentless attacks on the free press and the dishonest discrediting of political opponents - all of which are on clear display in Trumps America. "Given the right conditions, any society can turn against democracy," writes Applebaum. "Indeed, if history is anything to go by, all societies eventually will." It is worth noting that these trends in America cannot all be laid at Trumps door. The state-instigated voter suppression measures and the efforts to defang incoming Democratic administrations are all the work of local Republicans. No doubt Trump would applaud what they are doing but these actions were not at his direction. Indeed, many of them were in train before he assumed office in January 2017. It has to be recognised that the anti-democratic forces in the US are far more extensive than one might automatically assume from the way in which the constitution is seemingly revered. The Democrats are certainly not immune from trying anti-democratic rorts to try to keep themselves in power. In New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland some Democrats have pushed for gerrymandering but there has also been resistance to this from progressives within their own ranks. But it is the Republicans who are far more likely to be using every questionable and even illegal trick to stay in office. They are masters at voter suppression and gerrymandering and it seems will only be prevented from trying to steal elections by rigorous enforcement of the law. Nancy Pelosi of California, surrounded by her grandchildren, takes the oath to become the Speaker of the House at the Capitol in Washington. Credit:AP And there is every sign of the Democrats in Washington moving to occupy the moral high ground as the guardians of democracy. Perhaps an even more hopeful sign than the emergence of the pro-democracy movement is the resounding majority the Democrats now have in the House of Representatives (in fact the Democratic takeover of the House was rated by Leonhardt as the third biggest news story of 2018). Under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, a seasoned political warrior and superb tactician who will once again become Speaker of the House, Trump will be checked for the first time since his election. It is being billed as the contest that will enthral Washington: the politically savvy Speaker versus the blustering and ignorant President. It's not her first time at the rodeo for Pelosi who grew up in a political household in Baltimore her father was mayor and who was the first woman to assume the Speakership when she held the position from 2007 to 2011. She has served in Congress since 1987, representing a very liberal district in San Francisco, and is renowned for her political smarts. She is credited with saving the Affordable Care Act when it seemed marooned in Congress by engineering the support of nuns to neutralise the opposition of Catholic bishops to the acts providing of contraceptives. "Thank God for the nuns," Pelosi said recently at an event in New York, recalling how she pulled off the extraordinary deal. She relishes a bit of political theatre as was evident when she first met with Trump after the midterms and wiped the floor with him over immigration. Afterwards she donned a super-stylish rust-coloured Max Mara coat with a stand-up collar and, adjusting her shades, strode out of the White House towards the waiting television cameras. She was all over the media, in charge and looking damn good while she did it. So much so that Max Mara announced they were going to reissue the 2013 coat, such was the demand generated by Pelosi's power statement (and reacquired celebrity). This week in Washington, Pelosi's daughter Alexandra mulched the mythology by saying of her mother's meeting with the President, "shell cut your head off and you won't even know you're bleeding". But she also reinforced that Pelosi's competence is what defines her saying "she knows what she's doing and that should make you sleep at night, knowing that at least somebody in this town knows what they're doing". The Democrats had pledged that electoral reform would be the first piece of legislation they would offer once the new Congress was in session this week. That pledge might now slip down to second place after Pelosi promised legislation to end the government shutdown would be their new priority, but we can be sure that the preservation of democracy will be a constant on their agenda over the next two years. For which we should all be both reassured and grateful. Anne Summers latest book is a memoir Unfettered and Alive (Allen & Unwin). | https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/what-s-in-store-for-trump-and-america-when-pelosi-takes-charge-20190103-p50pgj.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_politics_federal |
Can Scott Morrison have a successful makeover before May? | Turnbull had a plan to become prime minister but no plan to be prime minister, Dutton said. He was strong on economic management, borders and national security, but would trash his own legacy if he believed his standing would be strengthened by helping topple Scott Morrison's government. Dutton who, in the immediate aftermath of Turnbull's fall declared himself to be the morally better person seemed to make it clear this week that Turnbull went to the butcher's block not for his moral imperfections, whatever these were, but because he couldn't run a raffle in a pub. Turnbull, Dutton said, lacked John Howard's touch, judgment or ability to deliver a message. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Scott Morrison during question time in October. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Leave aside, for the moment, whether Dutton was doing the Morrison government's future much good by reviving memories of the bastardry, disloyalty and rancour inside the Liberal Party, and, if for somewhat different reasons, within the Nationals. And leave aside whether Dutton himself had the ingredients of Howard's success, or some other sort of winning affinity with the electorate. A good deal of what Dutton said was fair comment. The unsentimental judgments of one's bitter enemies are often as full of insight as those of one's closest friends. In much the same way, Turnbull's criticisms of Abbott at the time of the coup resonated with the crowd, even if it was subsequently proved that Turnbull was also a dud. One of the things that resonated was the charge that Abbott was ultimately incapable "of providing the economic leadership our nation needs", as Turnbull had said. "Now we are living, as Australians, in the most exciting time. The big economic changes that we're living through here and around the world offer enormous challenges and enormous opportunities, and we need a different style of leadership. "We need a style of leadership that explains those challenges and opportunities; explains the challenges and how to seize the opportunities. A style of leadership that respects the people's intelligence, that explains these complex issues, and then sets out the course of action we believe we should take, and makes a case for it. We need advocacy, not slogans. We need to respect the intelligence of the Australian people." Turnbull said the Liberal Party had the right values. "What we have not succeeded in doing is translating those values into the policies and the ideas that will excite the Australian people and encourage them to believe and understand that we have a vision for their future. We need to restore traditional cabinet government. There must be an end to policy on the run and captain's calls. We need to be truly consultative with colleagues, members of Parliament, senators and the wider public." A good deal of what Dutton said this week was fair comment. Turnbull may have succeeded with some of these aspirations, but never proved capable of galvanising his party, or the electorate, around the right policies for these exciting times. With or without cabinet process, there was much ad hoc policy, many bold announcements disowned by the end of the day or week, and too many announcements focused on PR rather than changing outcomes. But Turnbull's primary failure as Dutton suggests was in crafting a message and selling it. Looking back, it is not even clear there was a message to impart. There may have been no dams blocking the torrents of words. But those words were not advocacy, arguments or selling points. They were explanations, abuse of the opposition and rhetorical flourishes. One never got the impression that Turnbull, or his economic ministers, were infused with and excited by ideas, or keen on the processes by which debate sharpened and improved a policy or a program. Indeed, particularly on economic matters (such as company tax cuts, or kowtowing to the banks), dogma, not debate, seemed the guiding principle. By the last days of Turnbull's leadership, we had seen the best of him. The polls, by-elections and open disunity within the party showed it was headed for defeat. It was entirely characteristic of Turnbull's fall that it was preceded by sundry humiliations as he was forced to ditch more elements of his energy policy because he was unable to sell it to his own side. Energy had been his thing. It was also entirely characteristic that, even as his fate seemed clear, he lacked the courage or the will to go down fighting on a matter that he (and his energy minister, Josh Frydenberg) had thought, or pretended to think, was crucial. That they had a point might seem to be demonstrated by the way Labor now pretends that it has adopted the Turnbull-Frydenberg approach, and, with a few tweaks, the policy itself. Turnbull may have lacked political nous. And courage. If he had a guiding or abiding principle, or some river he was not prepared to cross, no one could discern it. He often made very bad judgments say, over giving money to a mining industry charity to save the Great Barrier Reef, to hand control of water policy to Barnaby Joyce, punishing the ABC, downgrading the NBN, and trying to play the uber-media baron he had never succeeded in being during his commercial career. Loading But he had a certain credibility not least on economic matters that Morrison never achieved as treasurer, and which Frydenberg will always struggle to get, perhaps because, as a cosseted and privileged child, like Joe Hockey, he has never manifested any feel for the life of the ordinary citizen. One needs such cred to be perceived as a leader, rather than the mere head of a hungry (and now terrified) mob. Some people grow into the job, with many of their qualities unrecognised when they take over. But Morrison's problem is he has never looked much more than foreman material. His folksy manner, glass of frothy beer and American caps may seem to make him a man of the people, but they have not given him the authority, legitimacy or charisma needed to lead his party or country. No one could accuse Morrison of failing to give the job of wooing back voters his very best effort. There have been fresh announcements, and announcibles, almost every day. Ministers have made hard, nasty and shameful politics of almost everything, including national security, hope of some sort of just settlement in the Middle East, race, crime, human dignity and the welfare of small children. They have hammered away, if with little effect, on the idea of the government's great success with economic policy and jobs, and the clear and present danger that a Shorten government represents to everything Australians hold dear, including negative gearing of real-estate investments and the right, in effect, to cash out imputed dividends. Loading Morrison has harnessed all manner of cliches and slogans to the task, doing his very best to stay on message regardless of what question he is asked. But he has not eschewed longer sentences, longer explanations and even the incomprehensible gibberish of Turnbull in full, high-tech, agile, flexible and innovative managerialist mode if he has thought it could win back a vote. That is not advocacy. It involves few of the arts of persuasion or seduction. It is not without significance that Morrison, as treasurer, had no reputation (as Mathias Cormann has had) for negotiating economic policy through the Senate. In another life, before politics, Morrison worked in advertising and marketing. He's full of its jargon, as well of its tendency to think that whatever is currently being sold is absolutely fantastic. There's no evidence that his salesmanship works, whether in making policies or the government popular. Not even good news seems to have affected popular thinking. The message is either not getting through or, having been received, has been rejected or unnoticed. That's not all Morrison's fault. There's a good argument that the electorate turned off the Liberals under Turnbull and is simply not listening, even when (or if) Morrison makes good points. Moreover, the turn-off factor might not be a consequence of bad or unpopular policies. After all, by international comparisons, Australia's economic performance has been very good. Neither the opposition nor a good part of the electorate are critical of the drift to a surveillance state. Immigration and refugee policies, if bitterly criticised in some quarters, seem to enjoy popular support. If the electorate has had enough of the Coalition, it seems to be more for its infighting, musical chairs, and that combination of rorting, sexual scandal and arrogance that always signals the need to change government. When Turnbull ambushed Abbott, there was a change of the public mood. But Turnbull seemed to be a person of entirely different personality and approach, and Abbott's departure meant change. Morrison may once have had credentials as a member of his party's conservative faction, but his pragmatic alliance with Turnbull, as well as his political needs so close to an election, has forced him to stress continuity rather than change. The suggestion he would like to impart that he is a new broom, with new energy and a different personality is undermined by the fact he was a central figure in the Turnbull government, and, bar some deft sidestepping to his own advantage (over Julie Bishop), was loyal to Turnbull to the end. He has had great difficulty in explaining (whether to foreign leaders or the electorate) just why Turnbull went, why he had to go, what he did wrong and why it is now all different. | https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/can-scott-morrison-have-a-successful-makeover-before-may-20190104-p50pm1.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_politics_federal |
Was macht Mnnern Lust? | Bitte fllen Sie alle Pflichtfelder mit * aus. Bitte stimmen Sie unseren Nutzungsbedingungen zu. Bitte stimmen Sie unserer Datenschutzerklrung zu. Bitte geben Sie Ihr Einverstndnis. Bitte akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzbestimmungen. Bitte whlen Sie Ihren Benutzernamen. Bitte tragen Sie Ihre E-Mail-Adresse ein. Diese Email-Adresse ist bereits bei uns registriert. Bitte versuchen Sie es mit einer anderen Adresse. Mailadresse bereits bekannt, bitte mit bestehendem Account einloggen und Kinderprofil anlegen Diese E-Mail-Adresse scheint nicht korrekt zu sein sie muss ein @ beinhalten und eine existierende Domain (z.B. zdf.de) haben. Die eingegebenen Passwrter stimmen nicht berein. Bitte versuchen Sie es erneut. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Grobuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Kleinbuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens ein Sonderzeichen enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein und mindestens eine Zahl enthalten. Die Registrierung hat leider nicht funktioniert. Bitte berprfen Sie Ihre Angaben. Benutzername E-Mail Passwort Passwort wiederholen Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein, einen Grobuchstaben, eine Ziffer und ein Sonderzeichen enthalten. Ich akzeptiere die Nutzungsbedingungen des ZDF * Ich akzeptiere die Datenschutzerklrung des ZDF * Ich bin einverstanden, dass mein Kind 'Mein ZDFtivi' nutzt. * Ich akzeptiere die Datenschutzbestimmungen zur Nutzung von 'Mein ZDFtivi' * Pflichtfelder * Registrieren | https://www.zdf.de/wissen/scobel/was-macht-maennern-lust-100.html |
Was ist Mnnlichkeit? | Bitte fllen Sie alle Pflichtfelder mit * aus. Bitte stimmen Sie unseren Nutzungsbedingungen zu. Bitte stimmen Sie unserer Datenschutzerklrung zu. Bitte geben Sie Ihr Einverstndnis. Bitte akzeptieren Sie die Datenschutzbestimmungen. Bitte whlen Sie Ihren Benutzernamen. Bitte tragen Sie Ihre E-Mail-Adresse ein. Diese Email-Adresse ist bereits bei uns registriert. Bitte versuchen Sie es mit einer anderen Adresse. Mailadresse bereits bekannt, bitte mit bestehendem Account einloggen und Kinderprofil anlegen Diese E-Mail-Adresse scheint nicht korrekt zu sein sie muss ein @ beinhalten und eine existierende Domain (z.B. zdf.de) haben. Die eingegebenen Passwrter stimmen nicht berein. Bitte versuchen Sie es erneut. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Grobuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Kleinbuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens ein Sonderzeichen enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein und mindestens eine Zahl enthalten. Die Registrierung hat leider nicht funktioniert. Bitte berprfen Sie Ihre Angaben. Benutzername E-Mail Passwort Passwort wiederholen Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein, einen Grobuchstaben, eine Ziffer und ein Sonderzeichen enthalten. Ich akzeptiere die Nutzungsbedingungen des ZDF * Ich akzeptiere die Datenschutzerklrung des ZDF * Ich bin einverstanden, dass mein Kind 'Mein ZDFtivi' nutzt. * Ich akzeptiere die Datenschutzbestimmungen zur Nutzung von 'Mein ZDFtivi' * Pflichtfelder * Registrieren | https://www.zdf.de/wissen/scobel/was-ist-maennlichkeit-100.html |
What's open for travelers during the shutdown? | The partial government shutdown in the United States raises all sorts of questions for travelers on topics from aviation safety and security to passports and national parks. Here's where things stand: Many national parks open, without facilities Although National Park Service sites across the country have been closed during previous government shutdowns, many have initially remained open -- but severely understaffed -- under the Trump administration. As the shutdown continues, closures are more likely. Many park sites have had to curtail operations in some areas due to the shutdown. "For most parks, there will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services, such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities or road maintenance," said Jeremy Barnum, a National Park Service spokesman. Some services may be available from concessionaires or other entities, he said. Nearly 331 million people visited National Park Service sites around the United States in 2017. Letting millions visit the parks without ranger support will damage the parks, says former NPS director Jonathan Jarvis. "Leaving the parks open without these essential staff is equivalent to leaving the Smithsonian museums open without any staff to protect the priceless artifacts," Jarvis wrote in The Guardian. California's Joshua Tree National Park on Wednesday had to close its popular campgrounds because of health and safety concerns over near-capacity pit toilets. Emergency services are delayed at other parks, including Big Bend National Park in Texas, where a hiker broke his leg and was initially assisted by fellow visitors before meeting up with a park ranger. Many national parks routinely close off some sections to visitors (or their cars) during the snowy winter months, including Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim and Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove. But due to the shutdown, NPS staff can't keep up with snow maintenance in all of the areas that remain open. That's why Rocky Mountain National Park had to close its roads located above 8,000 feet. If the snow melts on its own, roads can be reopened. The National Park Foundation, several states, businesses and non-profits are spending money to keep some national park sites open. The National Park Service has signed more than 40 agreements with those entities to provide various visitor services, including trash removal and servicing restrooms, at a number of national parks, said NPS spokesman Barnum. How long these agreements last varies by location. While some visitors are enjoying free entry into the national parks, only 27% of the park service's 418 sites normally charge a fee. Visitors should go to www.nps.gov and select "Find a Park" for additional information on access to specific parks and sites. Smithsonian museums and National Zoo closed The 19 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington, DC, closed their doors Wednesday as the partial government shutdown entered its twelfth day. "Due to the federal government shutdown, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed," the Smithsonian Institution said in a statement released Wednesday. Programming and events were also canceled. In addition to the National Zoo's grounds being closed to the public, its live-animal cameras -- including the popular panda cam -- will not be operating during the shutdown, the statement said. The National Zoo will continue feeding and caring for the animals during the stalemate. "A shutdown will not affect the Zoo's commitment to the safety of staff and the standard of excellence in animal care," the statement read. Air space operational, union forecasts delays Although a union representing aviation safety workers warns of possible travel delays, air traffic is still humming. "The nation's airspace is fully safe and operational. Air traffic controllers and the technicians who maintain the nation's airspace system continue to work without pay as they fill a critical mission to ensure the public's safety," Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Gregory Martin said via email. However, other agency activities have been curtailed, including air traffic controller training and accident investigation. The FAA has closed its training academy in Oklahoma City during the partial shutdown. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a union representing FAA air traffic controllers and other aviation safety workers, says the shutdown is likely to exacerbate an existing air traffic controller staffing shortage. "This staffing crisis is negatively affecting the National Airspace System, and the shutdown almost certainly will make a bad situation worse," NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said in a statement. "Even before the shutdown, controllers have needed to work longer and harder to make up for the staffing shortfall." A worsened staffing situation would mean reduced capacity in the airspace system, Rinaldi said, leading to more flight delays. The FAA's Martin said the agency is meeting targets for its 10-year air traffic controller staffer plan, and the agency will not speculate on any potential impact a training slowdown might have if the shutdown goes on for a long period of time. Accident investigation by personnel at both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board is currently limited to "emergency essential activities," Martin said. Those are "activities that protect life and property in which there is some reasonable likelihood that either or both would be compromised to some significant degree by the delay in the performance of an agency function," he said. Investigators were not dispatched to a weekend accident in Saginaw County, Michigan, involving one fatality due to a lack of resources. "Early indications suggest that operational factors may have contributed to this accident and currently there is no significant risk to transportation safety indicated," Martin said of the incident. "While the Sheriff cited concerns about accident site security, the wreckage has been recovered and moved to a secure salvage facility for subsequent investigation once investigators return," he said. Airport screening continues at pre-shutdown levels The 51,739 members of the Transportation Security Administration's airport security screening workforce are still on the job and will be paid when funds are appropriated, according to TSA spokesman Michael Bilello. "Basically what we've learned is just to stay focused on the mission, take it one day at a time, and I can't say enough about the professionalism and dedication of the TSA workforce," Bilello said. There has been no impact on TSA operations at this time, he said. Passports and visas still being processed In a statement released at the start of the shutdown, the Bureau of Consular Affairs said that "scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at our U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits." Calls and inquiries will still be accepted by the National Visa Center, National Passport Information Center and Kentucky Consular Center. The bureau's website will not be updated, with the exception of urgent security information, the statement said. | https://www.kq2.com/content/national/503895132.html?ref=132 |
Will techlash show up at the CES trade show? | Sony's artificial intelligence-capable Aibo robot is on display at a 2018 CES press event in Las Vegas. - David McNew/AFP/Getty Images Listen To The Story Marketplace Embed Code <iframe src="https://www.marketplace.org/2019/01/03/tech/will-big-tech-trade-show-ces-get-bitten-techlash/popout" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="240px"></iframe> If you live in a city with a lot of tech companies, expect that city to be pretty empty next week. That's because tens of thousands of people are headed to Las Vegas for the annual tech trade show, CES. It's the place where companies roll out their newest technologies, from huge televisions to gaming laptops to virtual reality gear to Wi-Fi connected plant feeders. It's all there, but the tech industry has also changed a lot in the many years that CES has been happening. It's not just all about the gadgets anymore, says Nicholas Thompson, editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood talks with Thompson about what to expect at the trade show this year and how the show's changing focus is reflected in its rebranding, from the Consumer Electronics Show to simply CES. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation. The relative balance of power between hardware and software has shifted a little bit toward software. So if you have a big hardware conference, it's a good time to rebrand it a little bit. Molly Wood: We're going into CES at this moment when Facebook and Google and Amazon and even Apple have been met with more skepticism from consumers, particularly around privacy. Thompson: I think privacy will be one of the main themes at CES, and I think this will be the first year where we see that, where you'll see a lot of gadgets where they talk about when the camera comes off or how easy it is to turn off tracking or how privacy has been built in to protect your data. Because there's always this tension. Gadgets like to say, "Here's all the data we're collecting, and here are all the amazing things we can do with it." And this year they will be saying that and also "We're going to be limiting the data that we're collecting so that we don't end up screwing you over on privacy." That will be a new thing, and it will be because of Facebook and because of the crazy tech backlash of the last year. I mean, there's a sense I think as a human in the world that tech is just an oligarchy, that there are five companies that you deal with and that is it. And yet there will be 4,500 exhibitors at CES. Do you go they're thinking "Maybe I will actually see the next Facebook or a competitor to Alphabet?" Thompson: No, because I don't think there will be a next Facebook or a competitor to Alphabet. They've locked in their monopolies, and they've got pretty big moats around them. But what you say I think is really important, because one of the things I like about CES is that it's not just a big Amazon-Google-Microsoft show. You're seeing all these small, surprising companies that might go out of business. You're seeing device makers you've never heard of. You know, so much of the tech industry and so much of being a tech industry reporter is living in this bubble where you spend half or more of your time looking at these five companies, and it's good to be able to break away and go to Las Vegas and spend 10 percent of your time on them and 90 percent on all the other weird, fun, crazy stuff that's out there. I think the best compliment I can give is not to say how much your programs have taught me (a ton), but how much Marketplace has motivated me to go out and teach myself. Michael in Arlington, VA As a nonprofit news organization, what matters to us is the same thing that matters to you: being a source for trustworthy, independent news that makes people smarter about business and the economy. So if Marketplace has helped you understand the economy better, make more informed financial decisions or just encouraged you to think differently, were asking you to give a little something back. Become a Marketplace Investor today in whatever amount is right for you and keep public service journalism strong. Were grateful for your support. BEFORE YOU GO | https://www.marketplace.org/2019/01/03/tech/will-big-tech-trade-show-ces-get-bitten-techlash |
What's next for Kenny Omega? | Simon Cotton FOLLOW ANALYST Feature 238 // 04 Jan 2019, 19:30 IST SHARE Share Options Facebook Twitter Flipboard Reddit Google+ Email The Best Bout Machine has some decisions to make With a hard-fought battle at Wrestle Kingdom 13, Kenny Omega ended his reign at the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling when Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated him for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The match was fantastic and another reminder of why Omega is called the "Best Bout Machine", but what fans are more interested in is what this means for him going forward. These rumors arose in 2017 around the same time, but there seems to be a much greater chance of Omega leaving the company now. One of the reason's Omega leaving NJPW is a more likely scenario in 2019 is due to everything he has accomplished since his captivating performance at Wrestle Kingdom 11. Omega has won nearly every championship available in NJPW and can easily be considered one of the most successful foreigners in the company's history. His reign as the IWGP World Champion was already historic for ending the 720-day reign of Kazuchika Okada last year. Since then, Omega's had incredible performances in and out of NJPW, living up to his monikor as the Best Bout Machine. He's wrestled Okada, Cody Rhodes, Tetsuya Naito, Chris Jericho, Kota Ibushi, Tomohiro Ishii, The Young Bucks and many more in amazing matches. At this point, there is very little left for Omega to do if he stays with New Japan. The first option many fans would consider would be All Elite Wrestling, which was officially announced at the beginning of the new year. Rhodes and The Young Bucks have already signed with the promotion and many are wondering whether Omega will be the next wrestler to join the new promotion. Unfortunately, the biggest issue with AEW is their lack of TV deal and substantial signees. With only a handful of wrestlers signed to AEW and no plans formally announced yet, it will be some time before Omega could get started with whatever is in store for them. There is a chance Omega could make an appearance at the AEW rally next week Tuesday, but we'll have to wait and see with that one. And of course, the other big option for Omega to consider would be making the move to WWE. WWE fans have wanted Omega to come to the company for years with many declaring he would become one of the company's top stars in an instant - much like his Bullet Club predecessor AJ Styles. Unlike with NJPW, WWE would offer Omega a fresh set of opponents, a much more lucrative deal and a bigger platform to showcase his abilities. Omega's deal is rumored to expire at some point in January, which would give him just enough time to sign a deal with the WWE and make a big debut heading into WrestleMania 35. Unfortunately, Omega's creative freedom and move-set would probably be diminished if he went to WWE. So with WWE. there are a lot of pros and cons to consider as well. Kenny Omega has received offers from multiple companies by now and whatever he decides will have a monumental impact on the wrestling world. Sound off in the comments. Advertisement | https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/what-s-next-for-kenny-omega |
Is Haskell date shift a bad move for Monmouth Park signature race? | CLOSE Trainer Gregg Sacco's Mind Control worked 5 furlongs at Monmouth Park on Oct. 26, his final workout before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile on Nov. 2 Stephen Edelson, @steveedelsonAPP Buy Photo Girvin wins in a tight finish at the 2018 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. (Photo: FILE PHOTO)Buy Photo Since it was first run in 1968, the Haskell Invitational, Monmouth Parks signature race, has emerged as a key stepping stone for top 3-year-olds harboring dreams of a year-end championship. When the Oceanport racetracks 2019 racing calendar was released, it revealed a shift from the Haskell's traditional Sunday date, either the last in July or the first in August, to Saturday, July 20. And while that move might seem minor, just eight day earlier this year, the ramifications could be anything but as Monmouth Park tries to keep the race relevant in a division where timing is everything in the aftermath of the grueling Triple Crown chase. The move was made to accommodate NBCs broadcast schedule over the next three years. The race would have shifted to TVG had the date remained the same. In addition, the Haskell retains its win-and-youre-in status for the Breeders Cup Classic. ``We did this primarily because of what we felt was the national significance, in terms of our image around the world of being a world class venue and offering $1 million dollar race, and we thought it was essential to keep that television coverage intact, said Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park. ``I think that moving it up a little gives a horse that runs in the Haskell a little bit of an extra rest before the Travers. The Haskell has apparently been moved to Saturday. This is like changing the date of Christmas. John Piassek (@theyreoff) January 3, 2019 Consider this. With one week less to rest, and then prepare, after winning the Triple Crown, it's hard to imagine trainer Bob Baffert having American Pharoah ready to ship to Monmouth Park in 2015, for what became an historic moment in the track's history. And if Triple Crown winner Justify was going to run after winning the Belmont Stakes last year, he might have been in the Haskell starting gate. From that perspective, Monmouth Park may have eliminated the chance to land another Triple Crown winner, or horses who have run in all three legs of the Triple Crown. RELATED: Monmouth Park considering big purse increase The shift could also make the Grade 2 $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes, to be run at Saratoga on July 27, a more enticing target for trainers and owners. The only horse of significance the Haskell has landed since American Pharoah was Gun Runner, who didnt even hit the board behind Exaggerator in the slop in 2016 but went on to win seven of his final eight starts, capping his career with wins in the 2017 Breeders Cup Classic and 2018 Pegasus World Cup. Expect the Haskell to experience an influx of horses who missed the Triple Crown trail, which sometimes, as in the case of Arrogate, end up being the best, or who drop out before the Belmont Stakes. The move from a Sunday to a Saturday might actually help with the Haskell Day handle from all sources, since Saturday is the biggest betting day of the week. But that will only happen if there's a strong field to bet on. This also puts the Haskell on the what will be opening weekend at Saratoga, traditionally a time for racing enthusiasts to make the journey to upstate New York. Haskell Day is by far the most important moment of the summer along Oceanport Ave., with a stakes-filled card and festive atmosphere making it one of the best events of the year at the Jersey Shore. Only time will tell. Stephen Edelson is an Asbury Park Press columnist: [email protected] | https://www.app.com/story/sports/horses/2019/01/04/haskell-date-shift-bad-move-monmouth-park-signature-race/2480401002/ |
Is Toshiba planning to join team Blu-ray? | As soon as Toshiba announced that it was ditching HD DVD and admitting defeat, two questions immediately stood up and demanded attention. The first - what went wrong? - was answered when we spoke to Toshiba this morning . But the second - will Toshiba join the Blu-ray Disc Association? - is still up in the air. When we spoke to Olivier Van Wynendaele, deputy general manager of HD DVD at Toshiba, earlier, he refused to confirm or deny whether Toshiba has any plans to unite with the likes of Sony, Panasonic, Sharp and Philips in the Blu-ray camp. Our line on that is simple this morning, Toshiba currently has no plans to join the BDA. Obviously wed never say never, but at the moment we have no plans, he said. Van Wynendaele did, however, confirm that Toshiba certainly does not have any BD products in the works at present. And he also said that no decision has been made on whether or not to build Blu-ray players in the future. Were reviewing our strategies in this space, but theres certainly no plans at the moment, he told us. However, it seems crazy that Toshiba would abstain from releasing HD optical disc players in the long term. There is potentially a lot of money to be made, and once the embarrassment and the pain has died down a little, many people expect Toshiba to join 'team Blu'. One thing that Van Wynendaele did confirm, however, is that Toshiba is still very much committed to the development of HD technologies. Of course we will continue our involvement in HD. Weve got flash memory products, hard disc drives, encryption technologies, HD wireless technologies to focus on. We have strategies in this domain and we are still committed to producing the best products. In fairness to Toshiba, its a prestigious company which makes some of the best products on the market. Its already taken a big knock to its reputation with the death of HD DVD. Immediately joining the Blu-ray side would be like an army surrendering and then kneeling in submission before its enemy. Its got more self respect than that, and rightly so. When things die down a bit, we might hear something from Toshiba regarding plans to make a Blu-ray player. But not before. | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/blu-ray/video/hd-dvd/is-toshiba-planning-to-join-team-blu-ray-238484 |
What Happened To Print Advertising? | Buying a magazine at a newsstand feels so special now. At $5.99, $7.99 or more, it's pricey compared to the digital version but if youre traveling and need a screen break or something to read during takeoff, a magazine is a cozy indulgence. The love of print Magazine ads were once the foundational communications challenge. As a copywriter early in my career, it was just me and the art director, armed with a brief from the strategic planner. We were given a consumer insight, a desired perception or behavior change and specs for the media buy. Wed crank out a hundred ideas, and sell three to the client as a series. There would be an argument about the size of the logo and if there should be an 800-number and in later years, the web site listed. Fantasies of winning a One Show pencil, D&AD or Kelly award kept us motivated. You didn't need study under George Lois or Don Draper to know the basics and have a bar for what good is. There is a century of proven lessons in how print advertising can effectively and creatively build brands and drive demand. Look at this great classic library on Pinterest great examples from DeBeers, Avis, ABC TV, The Economist and VW. Marketing Sherpa had a study in 2016 that showed print advertising as the most trusted format when making a purchase. Over TV, radio, even search. Forbes has also previously covered the challenges of (and opportunities for) print. Pick up a magazine and judge for yourself So fast forward to the current marketing era, when picking up a recent issue of Bloomberg BusinessWeek at the airport. The editorial content of the magazine was good, but if you can't resist glancing at the ads in between, lower your expectations and read on: BMW , no stranger to great advertising, has a full page ad with a photo of a slick new model and a headline that simply says THE 8. Thats it. Its at least a $100,000 car and they couldnt afford a proper headline with a verb. The car is gorgeous but this approach puts all the pressure on the image which may appeal to some, but not surface what might matter for others. In the bottom right corner, paired with the iconic checkered-propeller logo is the brand name fully written out "Bayerische Motoren Werke" which is kinda clever and kinda classy but Im not sure why theyre doing it. , no stranger to great advertising, has a full page ad with a photo of a slick new model and a headline that simply says THE 8. Thats it. Its at least a $100,000 car and they couldnt afford a proper headline with a verb. The car is gorgeous but this approach puts all the pressure on the image which may appeal to some, but not surface what might matter for others. In the bottom right corner, paired with the iconic checkered-propeller logo is the brand name fully written out "Bayerische Motoren Werke" which is kinda clever and kinda classy but Im not sure why theyre doing it. Financial products company Athene runs a full-page ad with four executives in black suits and white shirts walking like marionettes. The headline: Its time to break free from conventional thinking. The four folks are ethnically diverse. It took 10 minutes of research, but its not stock art; the image is essentially a screen grab from their TV spot about disrupting convention. As of this writing, the same headline and image is also on the website home page. This tells me that the while the brand admirably seeks consistency across channels, it hasn't yet invested in purposeful channel strategies (i.e., how best to use the web, how to use print, etc). runs a full-page ad with four executives in black suits and white shirts walking like marionettes. The headline: Its time to break free from conventional thinking. The four folks are ethnically diverse. It took 10 minutes of research, but its not stock art; the image is essentially a screen grab from their TV spot about disrupting convention. As of this writing, the same headline and image is also on the website home page. This tells me that the while the brand admirably seeks consistency across channels, it hasn't yet invested in purposeful channel strategies (i.e., how best to use the web, how to use print, etc). Mutual of America must have briefed its agency (or in-house team) with the strategy of Real people answering the phone since its ad has a nice broker over the shoulder of a nice affluent couple with the nice headline: When you need someone to talk about your retirement plan, its good to actually have a person. Theres nothing really wrong with this, since its a true statement and is a competitive posture against impersonal automation. The challenge for me is that this is not different from 100 other up-market players who tout live customer service. Mutual of America is actually an interesting organization, with a regional approach, high third-party ratings and some good testimonials on their website. Theres got to be something more compelling to say for this expensive ad unit. must have briefed its agency (or in-house team) with the strategy of Real people answering the phone since its ad has a nice broker over the shoulder of a nice affluent couple with the nice headline: When you need someone to talk about your retirement plan, its good to actually have a person. Theres nothing really wrong with this, since its a true statement and is a competitive posture against impersonal automation. The challenge for me is that this is not different from 100 other up-market players who tout live customer service. Mutual of America is actually an interesting organization, with a regional approach, high third-party ratings and some good testimonials on their website. Theres got to be something more compelling to say for this expensive ad unit. Emirates, arguably the most fabulous luxury airline in the world, advertises its first class comforts your own apartment in the sky. It probably could have said anything interesting, but the winner is a handsome man in a white sport coat, maroon pants, clutching a Scotch, gazing ahead, with the accompanying line: Enjoy your own PRIVATE ESCAPE. Not untrue, but some of the copy on the website is better: Experience true luxury with your own private hotel room in the sky. Game changing technology includes temperature controls and mood lighting, an industry first with virtual windows, and soft leather seating reminiscent of a Mercedes=Benz S-Class. Wow. Print ads in top-tier business pubs like Bloomberg BusinessWeek can run anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000 for a full page ad. They certainly dont build the brand, and none as I could see had a compelling reason for direct response with an offer or strong call to action. They live in a vacuous no-whereville of wanting to announce a product and drive demand, without applying the best practices of what drives demand. Some people did get the memo. I found this gallery from A Nerds World with some good examples of print, including a hilarious ad from Pedigree that riffs on gaming and pet control and also a collection of interactive ads, including one for Moto X around customization that appeared in Wired by a team I knew at Publicis. So bring on augmented reality, bring back strong concepts including real headlines and calls to action. If you need a refresher take it from my favorite teacher, David Ogilvy. His advice for advertising is perfect for print. Print, after, all is not dead even if its soul seems shallow. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/matzucker/2019/01/04/what-happened-to-print/ |
What Does Executive Leadership Look Like In The World Of Tomorrow? | As Sophocles said, Heaven never helps the man who will not act. Legend has it that if you drop a frog into hot water, it jumps out. But put the same frog in cold water and heat it gradually, and the frog stays put. Lulled into complacency, it simply boils to death. For business leaders, the teaching is relevant and profound. As change heats the pot that forms our world, our impulse is to resist change. But this could be a mistake. Just look at how we continue to advance global warming or cling to dying industries. We owe it to ourselves and each other to do better. What follows are six truths about the future of business I envision as a veteran CEO in the people analytics industry that I would encourage every leader to consider. 1. Decisions will be supported by big data. Executives rely on gut instincts. We have to: The pressure to make rapid-fire decisions is constant. But according to Daniel Kahnemans Nobel-winning research and his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, the cognitive biases that inform gut decisions can lead to false conclusions. With the mind-boggling volumes of consumer and internet of things (IoT) data being generated with every click, share and swipe, I believe its imperative that data become an integral part of how we make decisions. Take, for example, the marketing field; once powered by gut instinct in the age of Mad Men, marketing can now leverage complex data analytics to inform decision making for everything from buying ads to creating social media content. Collecting data is the easy part. Whats harder is discovering insights and then learning to believe them. New analytics solutions arrive daily to help curb biases, correct errors and model the best potential outcomes for decision-making. The sooner CEOs get comfortable incorporating these into day-to-day thinking, the better. 2. Virtually every company will be a global company. Globalization is likely here to stay. According to the European Centre for International Political Economy, it can make products cheaper, provide access to growth opportunities, and mitigate cost inflation. There are many factors to consider. But every country I know of that has ever attempted to exit from international trade has stagnated. This shift could be particularly challenging to Americans accustomed to the notion that the U.S. is king. In 2013, McKinsey estimated that by 2025, more than 45% of Fortune 500 companies will be from emerging markets, including greater China. This does not mean that the U.S. has to give up its exceptionalism. We can lead by example. Above all, I believe we have to participate in order to be taken seriously. 3. Your company can benefit from being an artificial intelligence (AI) business. Over time, software has become one of the primary levers for generating value in business. We use it to automate manual processes and enable instant and complex communication. All of these advances, from my perspective, arose from the speed and accuracy of computer processing, with little incremental knowledge gained. Artificial intelligence adds a crucial dimension: machine learning and optimization based on data. Now, to stay viable, every business will likely need to invest in AI. Gartner estimates that 85% of CIOs will be piloting AI programs by 2020. The question becomes not if you will incorporate AI, but how. Choosing which functions will benefit from AI, and when, will be of critical importance. 4. The skills gap is at your doorstep. For the first time I've seen in recent U.S. history, CNBC reported we had more job openings than corresponding skilled labor in July 2018. A decade ago, many of these jobs didnt exist. The term "data scientist" was coined in 2008; now, CIO reports that job postings for data scientists on Indeed are up 75% from 2015. While people over 50 can probably still reliably expect to stay in their trained profession, this is not true for younger workers. To remain relevant, I expect they will need to completely reskill themselves every 710 years. As the half-life of a skill (now two-and-a-half to five years, according to Deloitte) falls, and data and AI proliferate, we need to look beyond simple recruiting to broad-based retention and retraining. Our challenge will be to identify the necessary skills and develop adequate training. It will be difficult for universities to predict demand. Companies must assume responsibility, since they may be the first to recognize and suffer from the skills gap. 5. Cryptocurrency could come to your industry soon. Cryptocurrency enables people to buy anything, anywhere without taxation, an audit trail or government oversight. Today, cryptocurrencies are known for their part in shady business practices. But they are here, likely forever, despite governmental attempts to legislate them out of existence. Businesses may need to figure out how to co-exist with cryptocurrencies even to the extent of using crypto in lieu of established currencies. 6. Youll soon be grappling with tough, climate-driven questions. According to The Wall Street Journal (paywall), Hurricane Florence and Irma each caused well over $30 billion in damage, taking fatalities and leaving many homes flooded and powerless. Last summer, it seemed at times that the whole North American West Coast was on fire (paywall). Emergency planning is an obvious imperative for every CEO. But as climate-related emergencies become commonplace, considerations and costs will accumulate. We are already (literally) feeling the heat. While governments may be unwilling to take unpopular action, businesses cannot afford the luxury of fiddling while Rome burns. Boards may not forgive the CEO who did not prepare for the climate emergency or the cryptocurrency takeover. Lets take action before the water boils and it is too late. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/01/04/what-does-executive-leadership-look-like-in-the-world-of-tomorrow/ |
Why Isn't 'Fortnite' Going Away? | Its 2019, and after Fortnite has dominated the video game industry for roughly 10 of the last 12 months since exploding in popularity last spring, you would think its influence would be waning a bit. And yet somehow 450,000 people in the last 24 hours are reading my guide about how to find a single hidden battle star on the map, 20x the traffic anything else I write about would get. Fortnite has yet to go through even the people are still playing that? phase that Pokmon GO went through after being a huge initial hit. But Fortnites massive influence was not constrained to two post-launch weeks and being a sleeper monster hit after that like GO has been. Fortnites success is big and public and in your face every day. A number of reasons. The Game Changes Constantly Fortnites has kept the game engaging with at least one new meta-changing item added a week (sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but its always interesting) and the constantly shifting the map throughout its seasonal model. Weve seen rockets launch and meteors crash and iceberg castles hit land. Its one map but it and the game within it are constantly evolving, and not through paid DLC or expansions that have the potential to leave any players behind. Epic Is Lightning Fast And Listens Well Many games can find themselves sunk even with a singular jump the shark moment when something changes to make everything bad. Epic has generally been extremely reactive to fan feedback over changes or new items, often times changing things the same day if theres a problem, or within a week if its something the community collectively decides is a net negative, like we saw with the removal of the Infinity Blade. Even if mythic weapons were a concept that Epic probably worked long and hard on for season 7, they had no problem scrapping it within days of it being clear it was a big problem for the health of the game. Thats how you survive. Nobody Hates The Microtransaction Model In an era where it feels like every game is trying to gouge its players, almost no one has anything bad to say about Fortnites F2P microtransaction model which has brought in $3 billion in revenue for Epic this year alone. Fortnite is free, it sells a season pass where players play to unlock things, and it sells individual cosmetics in a rotating store front, with not a loot box in sight. Yes, theyre pricey, but theyre also optional and the base game is free, so its just hard to find any reason to be mad about the current set-up, and few games have been able to emulate this model for reasons I cant quite understand. All Fortnites Biggest Influences Are Still Playing Fortnite Fortnite has turned Ninja, Dr.Lupo, Myth, TimtheTatman, Tfue, CourageJD and countless others into household names in the gaming community, andalmost all of those content creators and streamers are still playing Fortnite. Oftentimes games will lose some of their biggest community leaders to other titles over time, but all of Fortnites big names are still going strong with a mutually beneficial relationship that brings them a huge audience and a lot of money while Epic gets gaming influencers promoting their product endlessly. And theres no end in sight. There's No "The New Fortnite" Competition Fortnite feels like its in the WoW/LoL position of simply having won the battle royale genre without anyone else having a chance to come close to it. Once it passed PUBG, no one could catch it, and if Call of Dutys Blackout hasnt come close to unseating it, nothing else will, except of the entire industry just moves on to whatever the next popular genre is besides battle royale (which hasnt happened yet). This secure position could cause complacency, I suppose, but we havent seen any evidence of that from Epic yet. Fortnite Is More Than A Game, Its A Social Network Fortnite is so big its expanded beyond simply being a game. It has created its own footprint in pop culture through memes and shared icons. It has become essentially a social network for a generation of kids who meet up in game mostly to hang out as they just happen to kill things, though you can now also just chill in Playground and Creative mode without even doing that. Ive never really seen this since maybe Minecraft, and this is even bigger than that. Fortnite may have peaked in 2018, who knows, but it does seem like its going to be an important force in gaming for a while longer. Epic has handled Fortnites popularity extremely well, and between creators and players, is going to have a massive fanbase for a long time to come. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Read my new sci-fi thriller novel Herokiller, available now in print and online. I also wrote The Earthborn Trilogy. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2019/01/04/why-isnt-fortnite-going-away/ |
What would Steve Jobs think of the 2019 Apple? | "I'm as proud of what we don't do as I am of what we do." -- Steve Jobs Apple is clearly on a mission to simplify its Mac lineup, and one way it wants to do that is by eliminating as many ports as possible and standardizing on a single port where possible, as it has done with the new MacBook Pro. Problem is, while one port might work for the iPhone and iPad, when it comes to a computer it's a real pain, and it forces many users to carry with them an array of different dongles and accessories (such as this Satechi Type-C USB 3.0 3-in-1 combo hub) in order to get work done. | https://www.zdnet.com/pictures/what-would-steve-jobs-think-of-the-2019-apple/ |
Do kada bi trebalo da sredite svoj ivot? | Nova studija pokazuje da bi prosean odrastao ovek to trebalo da uradi do 39. godine ivota. Ako ste u dvadesetim godinama i ivot vam je jo uvek poprilian haos, ne brinite, imate vremena. Ako ste ve blizu etrdsetih i ivot vam je i dalje pomalo haotian, ne brinite previe jer, teorija je jedno, a praksa ipak drugo. Elem, ova studija je pokazala da bi prosena osoba negde do 39. godine ivota trebalo da ima zadovoljavajuu karijeru, ljubavni ivot i krug bliskih prijatelja. Ipak, neke stvari u ivotu bi trebalo da sredimo ak i ranije. Na primer, do 29. godine bi trebalo da imamo stabilan krug prijatelja, a do 31. bi trebalo da upoznamo onog pravog ili onu pravu. (Kao da moemo da biramo kada emo upoznati svog ivotnog partnera) Ukoliko ste preli ove godine, a niste sredili ivot, nemojte naroito da brinete zbog toga, jer mnoge stvari je lake rei nego uraditi. Uostalom, niko ne moe da vam kae kada bi i ta trebalo da radite u svom ivotu. A, i niste jedini u tome Oko 44 odsto ispitanika smatra da nikada nee srediti svoj ivot do kraja, oko 25 odsto kae da im je ljubavni ivot katastrofa, a 74 odsto kae da vie vremena provodi reavajui usputne, svakodnevne probleme, nego sreujui svoj ivot. Tek mali broj njih, 16 odsto, kae da ne eli da se zamara tim brigama odraslih, dok 14 odsto ljudi starih od 18 do 29 godina smatra da su previe mladi da bi brinuli zbog budunosti i da je mladost vreme samo za zabavu. Na kraju, svi bismo voleli da do 39. sredimo ivot, ali to nije ba uvek mogue. (Mondo) | https://www.krstarica.com/zivot/ziveti-zivot/do-kada-bi-trebalo-da-sredite-svoj-zivot/ |
Is There a Reason for a PS4 Pro Upgrade Now? | Our living room TV died on December 23, 2018. My husband was NOT going to live a few days without a main TV, so he ran out to Best Buy almost immediately to get a new one. He picked up a 4K model, and holy crap, this thing is amazing. I never knew what garbage I was subjecting my precious eyes to until I saw this puppy. Now that the new member in the family has spoiled me, Im disgusted with my office TV. Its only 1080 HD. Ive only seen Minecraft played on the living room TV, but youd be amazed at how sharp those blocks look in 4K. I cant imagine what it would be like playing Horizon Zero Dawn or Assassins Creed Odyssey in 4K. My TV isnt broken, however, so its hard for me to justify the purchase at this time. One big detriment to investing in another PS4 is the fact that the PS4 Pro hasnt dropped in price that much. Its still $399 on Amazon, which would make my total 4K investment close to $1K. In the end, Im paving the way for the future of both TV and gaming, but thats still an expensive pill to swallow right out of the gate. My Christmas money will only get me so far. Plus theres the fact that Ill never invest in PSVR. The PS4 Pro reportedly is the best way to experience PSVR, which would be great if I cared about playing games in VR. Unfortunately, Ive had two very bad experiences with VR (I have vertigo), which has killed all desire for any VR ownership. So, that eliminates that possible bullet point of reasons to buy. However, theres also the fact that quite a few games, especially remastered titles, come with special features for 4K TV owners. When I reviewed Star Ocean: The Last Hope, there were a whole host of graphics options that I never once saw. Having access to these graphical improvements wouldnt have changed how I felt about the game, but I cant help but wonder how much Im missing with other titles. Not to mention many games receive HDR support after release. THINK OF THE PHOTO MODE SCREENSHOTS. Then theres the issue of storage space. Ive already upgraded my current PS4 to a 2 TB SSD. I know that I cant simply swap out my original drive with the PS4 Pro drive without requiring a format. Id have to copy the entire hard drive somewhere else first, make the swap, and then copy the games, saves, photos, videos, etc. over to the new console. Its not a hard process by any means, but its also not one Im super keen on doing. It will be, without a doubt, a giant pain in the ass. To be honest, this is the biggest reason why Ive dragged my feet on pulling the PS4 Pro upgrade trigger. Yes, I am that lazy. We know a PlayStation 5 is coming. Were fairly certain thats the reason why Sony will not be at E3 2019. The question is not if a new console is releasing; its a matter of when it will release. Regardless of what Michael Pachter thinks, 2020 is a very early release estimate. I could see a very late 2020 release, like the same window the PS4 had in 2013. For whatever reason, my gut says the PS5 wont be here before 2021. For the sake of argument, lets say it will release in late 2020. Honestly, I dont know. Its even harder to say whether its worth it because we dont know if the PS5 will offer backwards compatibility. If it does, then it makes complete sense to wait. Cool, cool. Essential Reading: | https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2019/01/04/is-there-a-reason-for-a-ps4-pro-upgrade-now/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-there-a-reason-for-a-ps4-pro-upgrade-now |
What Is a Student Loan Servicer? | Student loans account for a large and increasing share of consumer debt, especially for younger borrowers. According to third-quarter 2018 Federal Reserve data, borrowers in the U.S. owed more than $1.5 trillion in student loan Student loans account for a large and increasing share of consumer debt, especially for younger borrowers. According to third-quarter 2018 Federal Reserve data, borrowers in the U.S. owed more than $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. That mountain of debt is handled by student loan servicers the folks who collect borrowers monthly loan payments and take care of other administrative tasks to maintain the loans. If you have student loans, you should know who your student loan servicers are and what they can and cannot do. Learn how they can go beyond collecting payments and help you manage your loans. Nearly 90 percent of student loans issued in the 2017-18 school year were federal loans from the U.S. Department of Education. The remaining nonfederal loans were from states, institutions and private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. Private lenders may administer their own student loans. For example, Sallie Mae manages its own loans rather than handing over that duty to an outside servicer, says spokesman Rick Castellano. But the Department of Education outsources most administrative tasks to student loan servicers. In the 2018 federal budget, student loan servicers had more than $800 million in loan servicing contracts with the department. [Read: Best Student Loan Consolidation Lenders.] A student loan servicer oversees a loan from the time the borrower enrolls in school, through grace and repayment periods, until the borrower pays back the loan, as long as it doesnt go into default. One of the key functions of student loan servicers is to prevent borrowers from defaulting on their loans, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute. You cant pick your federal student loan servicer or your private loan servicer. If youve got a federal loan, the Department of Education chooses a servicer for you. With a private loan, the lender either services the loan or hires an outside company to manage it. The servicer of a federal loan can change during the life of your loan. Always open and read any letters or emails you receive about your loan in case the Department of Education is notifying you of a transfer to a different servicer, Castellano says. Christina Randell, president and CEO of My Education Solutions, which helps borrowers wipe out student loan debt, notes that if you consolidate your federal loans, you might end up with a new loan servicer. When a servicer changes, you will usually receive multiple notifications, says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher and vice president of research at Savingforcollege.com. These include a letter from the old servicer before the transfer and a letter from the new servicer after the transfer. Despite a servicer switch, the terms of your loan including the interest rate and the payment period should stay the same, says Emeka Oguh, founder and CEO of PeopleJoy, a company that enables employers to offer student loan repayment benefits to employees. If you have a federal loan, the loan servicer should notify you once the Department of Education has assigned it to your account. If youve got a private loan, your lender will provide loan servicing details. To retrieve information about your federal student loan, including the name of the loan servicer, log into My Federal Student Aid or the National Student Loan Data System, Randell says. Another option: Check your credit report, which will include the name of your student loan servicer once you graduate and begin making payments. StudentLoans.gov, operated by the Department of Education, lists the names, websites and phone numbers of student loan servicers it does business with. While borrowers mainly interact with student loan servicers about one thing paying the monthly bill loan servicers also can help if you run into trouble. Heres how. [Read: Best Private Student Loans.] It can adjust your repayment plan. A standard repayment plan for a federal student loan stretches across a 10-year period. However, you might be eligible to extend the repayment period to 25 years, resulting in lower monthly payments but a higher overall cost because youre paying more interest. You also might qualify for a plan that lets you make payments based on your income. Monthly payments would rise commensurate with your income. Repayment plans that are based on income need to be applied for, so borrowers have to be proactive in enrolling in repayment plans that lower their monthly payments and recertifying those repayment plans every year, Oguh says. Some student loan servicers have come under fire for failing to support borrowers applying for income-based repayment programs that help them juggle student loan debt. For example, in 2016, some student loan servicers were cited by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for denying income-driven repayment plan applications that should have been approved. In Randells experience, some student loan borrowers experience inconsistencies and gaps in communication, including not being informed of all their repayment options. It becomes the borrowers responsibility to ask and often re-ask about available options, Randell says. Servicers can grant a deferment or forbearance. If you meet certain requirements, deferment or forbearance enables you to temporarily halt payments or temporarily reduce your monthly payments, according to the Department of Education. Under a deferment, you might not have to pay interest that accumulates on certain kinds of federal loans during the deferment period. With a forbearance, you are responsible for paying the accumulated interest, no matter the type of federal loan. Experts stress the importance of contacting your loan servicer about any difficulties youre experiencing that affect your loan payments, and about name and address changes. For borrowers, it is much better to talk with their student loan servicers than to hope that any problems go away. Talk on the phone, send emails or even mail letters, Oguh says. Your servicer can provide information on loan forgiveness, cancellation or discharge. Under certain circumstances, you might qualify for forgiveness, cancellation or discharge of a federal student loan. The Department of Education explains that forgiveness, cancellation and discharge have the same meaning youre no longer required to pay some or all of your loan but the terms apply to different situations. Forgiveness or cancellation typically refers to no longer being required to pay your loan because of public service employment with a government agency, nonprofit group or school. When your loan is discharged and you no longer have to make payments, this may be due to a total and permanent disability or the closure of the school where you received your loan. Kantrowitz emphasizes that changing your repayment plan; applying for deferment or forbearance; or seeking to forgive, cancel or discharge a loan is always free. If an organization wants to charge you a fee, it is probably a scam, he warns. Rather than working with a third party, contact your student loan servicer directly to explore these options. [Read: Best Student Loans Without a Co-Signer.] Warning Signs a Student Loan Servicer Isnt Offering Good Service A 2017 report from the CFPB found that 71 percent of all student loan complaints concerned student loan servicers or lenders. From July 2011 through August 2017, the bureau received more than 50,700 complaints about federal and private student loans. If you have been recently assigned or reassigned a servicer, watch out for these red flags: The loan servicer repeatedly misapplies or misallocates payments. The loan servicer loses paperwork youve filed to reduce payments. The loan servicer steers you toward paying more than youre supposed to when youre struggling to make payments. The loan servicer hides key information about repayment plans, such as the rules for recertification of an income-based payment plan. The loan servicers debt collector regularly hassles your relatives and employers about overdue payments. The loan servicers pursuit of a loan in default leads to professional licenses being revoked, making repaying the debt even harder. What to Do if Youre Unhappy With a Student Loan Servicer If you have a problem with a student loan servicer youre denied a repayment plan change that should have been approved or your account inquiries are being ignored, for instance you can take three steps, according to Oguh: File a complaint directly with the servicer. File a complaint with the CFPB. File a complaint with the Department of Education through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System, or if thats not sufficient, the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group. Making a formal complaint with the CFPB and through the Federal Student Aid channels allows authorities to more effectively respond to your student loan servicer issues and may help them identify problematic trends. Another option is to consolidate or refinance your loans, which can allow you to change your loan servicer. With a Direct Consolidation Loan for federal loans, youll choose your consolidation servicer. Private student loan refinancing allows you to choose your lender and associated servicer. When youre choosing your servicer, you can read reviews and consumer complaints to find the best one for you. originally appeared on usnews.com | https://wtop.com/news/2019/01/what-is-a-student-loan-servicer/ |
Could 2014 hold Microsoft Office support for Linux? | Maybe not, but then 2014 could certainly pick up that scepter instead. A rumor appeared earlier this week that Microsoft is developing its first ever native Linux program, a Microsoft Office port that could be ready by 2014. Office for Android is already in development, and since Android is a Linux-based OS, it will be that much easier to get Office onto Ubuntu or another Linux distribution. The report came by way of Phoronix, which was tipped off by an unnamed source at the Free Open-Source Developers' European Meeting (FOSDEM) in Brussels over the weekend. If true, it would mark the first time that Microsoft deigned to develop anything for Linux, besides its Hyper-V virtualization for enterprise. Microsoft has so far mostly ignored Linux, but the open source operating system has been on the rise recently. As of last summer, Linux still held a distant third place to OS X and Windows, with 5 percent of total PC users. OS X then held 8.7 percent, and Windows had the rest. Those numbers can't have changed too much in the past several months, but nevertheless Linux's future is looking brighter, thanks in large part to the ongoing rise of Linux gaming. The rise of Linux That movement is being led by Valve, which began beta testing a Linux version of Steam, its popular PC gaming platform, in November. Phoronix speculated that Microsoft could also be looking at the increasing numbers of governments and businesses switching to Linux as a good reason to get Office onto the platform ASAP. TechRadar asked Microsoft if the company had anything to say on the matter, but a spokesperson responded simply to remind us that Microsoft does not comment on rumors. For more on Linux, check out TechRadar's history of Linux, beginner's guide to the OS, best alternative Linux desktops, and our guide on turning your Linux PC into a gaming powerhouse. It makes for excellent reading. Via Phoronix | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/software/operating-systems/could-2014-hold-microsoft-office-support-for-linux-1130055 |
Has China taken a lead in new space race? | China was late into space, sending its first astronaut into orbit in 2003 40 years after the Soviet Union and the US were embarking on their space race. Now Beijing has done something neither of the other two space powers has done that may well be because they had other priorities for their space programmes, such as manned flight, human survival in space and the fascination with distant planets, first of all Mars. After Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon a US triumph that provided some consolation for the shock that a Russian, Yuri Gagarin, became the first man to go into space there was a sense that the moon had been done. Greater challenges awaited. | https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/has-china-taken-a-lead-in-new-space-race-1.61241962 |
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