question
stringlengths 9
197
| article
stringlengths 174
99.3k
| url
stringlengths 23
392
|
|---|---|---|
When will the final England Euro squad be announced for Euro 2020?
|
Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make (Picture: Getty Images) Gareth Southgate named a provisional squad for Englands European Championship campaign on Tuesday but he must now trim that 33-man group to just 26 names ahead of the tournament. With a number of injury doubts and three English teams playing in European finals this week, Southgate understandably wanted a bit more time before naming his final squad. Manchester United may have lost on penalties to Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday but the England boss will have been delighted to see none of his players pick up further injuries. He will now be hoping that the string of Manchester City and Chelsea players in the provisional squad avoid any fitness issues in the Champions League final in Porto on Saturday night. Just three days after that match Southgate will have to name his final squad, and then play Englands first pre-tournament friendly the following day against Austria. The final squad will be confirmed on Tuesday 1 June, when seven players from the current 33-man squad will be cut. England play Austria at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough the following day (Wednesday 2 June) and then Romania at the same venue on Sunday 6 June. Southgate has not given away many clues as to who will be cut next week, and while the likes of Ben White, Ben Godfrey, Aaron Ramsdale and Ollie Watkins look likely to miss out, it is very difficult to name the seven that will be left behind. There are fitness doubts over the likes of Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips but all are expected to be available. Southgate told a press conference on Tuesday: There are 12 players still to play so were always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about, he said. We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards a lot of unknowns. Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days. England's provisional squad Jordan Pickford Aaron Ramsdale Dean Henderson Sam Johnstone Kyle Walker Ben Chilwell John Stones Harry Maguire Kieran Trippier Trent Alexander-Arnold Conor Coady Reece James Tyrone Mings Luke Shaw Ben White Ben Godfrey Declan Rice Jordan Henderson Phil Foden Jack Grealish Bukayo Saka Kalvin Phillips Mason Mount Jesse Lingard Jude Bellingham James Ward-Prowse Harry Kane Jadon Sancho Raheem Sterling Dominic Calvert-Lewin Marcus Rashford Mason Greenwood Ollie Watkins MORE : Gareth Southgate discusses England right-back battle as all four make provisional squad MORE : Gareth Southgate explains why he left James Maddison, Danny Ings and Eric Dier out of England squad for Euro 2020 Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more stories like this, check our sport page.
|
https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/27/when-will-the-final-england-euro-squad-be-announced-for-euro-2020-14661823/
|
How much did 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' actors charge for the reunion episode?
|
Written by Pranav Dixit Mail Last updated on May 27, 2021, 07:45 pm Special moments from the 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' reunion The much-anticipated F.R.I.E.N.D.S reunion episode finally premiered on ZEE5 in India. Fans saw their favorite characters Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Ross (David Schwimmer), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Monica (Courteney Cox), and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) come together once again for a fun and special night. Here are some exciting moments from the reunion, including how much they got paid for the episode! Money The cast made over millions for their reunion appearance According to various media reports, each of the six cast members was paid somewhere between $2.5 million to $4 million for the reunion episode. In Indian rates, it translates to an amount of Rs. 18 crore to Rs 30 crore for each actor. Considering inflation and the $1 million salary for the last two seasons, the above numbers seem quite deserving. Crush Ross and Rachel were crushing in real life too The chemistry between Ross (Schwimmer) and Rachel (Aniston) was remarkable right from the beginning. In the reunion episode, both actors actually agreed to having a crush on each other since Season one. However, they said that they never acted on their feelings, as the whole time Schwimmer and Aniston were in separate relationships. Now, you know why their romance seemed so real! Moments Fun celebrity moments that stood out during the reunion Korean boy band BTS appeared on video, and shared their story of how they actually learned English by watching the show. England football star David Beckham, during the special episode, said that he relates the most to Monica, because he is also a clean freak. Activist Malala Yousafzai narrated that one of her favorite characters was Joey, as his scenes always made her laugh. Fashion The fashion show that had everyone in splits We also saw an amazing fashion show, where a few celebrities wore costumes from the show. Justin Bieber modeled Spudnik, Ross' punny potato costume. Model Cara Delevingne wore two separate outfits - Rachel's wedding dress with a cheeky twist, as well as the super famous Holiday Armadillo. Cindy Crawford graciously slipped into the leather pants worn by Ross in one of the episodes.
|
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/f-r-i-e-n-d-s-stars-added-rs-18-30cr-to-their-fortune/story
|
How can landlords work with residents to improve safety and compliance strategies?
|
Suzanne Brown, executive director of operations, LiveWest Ms Brown is executive director of operations at LiveWest, where she oversees all operational service delivery with a portfolio that includes housing and support services, maintenance services, and strategic asset management. She has extensive experience of working with customers to deliver service improvements and is a chartered member of the Institute of Housing. Johnny Furlong, building information modelling strategy lead, L&Q Mr Furlong leads the BIM strategy in L&Q, which aims to achieve operational excellence by significantly improving how the organisation understands and manage its buildings. He was one of the pioneers of BIM in the UK and Ireland and has 16 years of experience in the field. He is vice-chair of the government-backed Golden Thread Initiative (GTI), a collaboration of 50 organisations which is reviewing what is needed to create a standardised digital golden thread of building safety information. Michael Hill, business development manager, Tpas Mr Hill has been involved in resident involvement since 2000, holding a number of roles with both local authorities and housing associations. He also spent a period as a self-employed Tpas associate. He was previously a sub-contracting service engineer, meaning that he has a total of 30 years experience in the social housing sector. Marlene Price, resident, York Road Estate, and director, Association of Retained Council Housing Ms Price has been a resident of the York Road Estate for more than 30 years and has been actively involved in the residents association and for more than 30 years within the borough in various Council forums and working groups. These including the re-writing of the Tenants and Lease Conditions, the Anti Social Policies, the Stock Options Appraisals the recently revised Residents Participation Strategy. Ms Price was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens Birthday Honours List in June 2014 in recognition of her services to the people of Wandsworth. In 2000 she was awarded the Centenary Civic Award by Wandsworth Council and in 2001 an Award from the Metropolitan Police both for her contribution to Wandsworth Police; a Civic Award in 2013 in recognition of her contribution to the residents of Wandsworth Borough. She is currently a director with the Association of Retained Council Housing, a trustee and member of the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, safeguarding & welfare manager for the British American Football Association, trustee of British American Football Benevolent Fund; vice-chair of the voroughs Housing Panel, chair of the Latchmere Ward Safer Neighbourhood Panel, chair of the Latchmere Ward Panel and a member of the Battersea Power Station Community Forum. John Roche, director of key accounts, Plentific Mr Roche joined Plentific, a leading digital platform for property management, maintenance and repairs, following a 30-year career working in financial services, data and software across the UK and Europe. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in building the operational capability of a variety of organisations, as well as driving sales, software consultancy and data analytics functions. Mr Roche joined Plentific following its acquisition of GasTag, where he held the role of managing director and delivered several innovative products into the social housing market.
|
https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/home/home/how-can-landlords-work-with-residents-to-improve-safety-and-compliance-strategies-70856
|
Is the Money Worth Being an Uber Eats Driver?
|
Driving for Uber Eats has become one of the most common side gigs for those looking to supplement their income. Theres not much commitment involved, and it can be a great way to earn money and save up for a special occasion like a wedding, a vacation, retirement or paying off debt . If youre looking for a new side hustle, continue reading to see whether driving for Uber Eats is right for you. Uber Eats is a global food delivery service platform used by restaurants to deliver food to their customers. Restaurateurs can customize their food delivery accounts to their needs. Within the app, they also have the option to market their restaurant services to customers, creating a wider reach and potentially repeat customers. When customers order from a restaurant using the Uber Eats app, the restaurant accepts and prepares the order. An Uber Eats delivery driver claims the order on the app, picks up the order from the restaurant and delivers the food to the customer. Customer-Driver Interaction People want food that they order from restaurants delivered correctly and quickly. Many of them rely on food delivery service apps such as Uber Eats to bring them meals without having to go to the restaurant for themselves. Its easy for customers to use the Uber Eats app. They browse hundreds of restaurants categorized by name or cuisine and tap the restaurant to order their food. After placing an order and checking out, customers can track their delivery in the app. How To Become an Uber Eats Driver Uber Eats food delivery is not like traditional restaurant food delivery. Uber Eats delivery drivers basically work for themselves and set their own hours. Drivers deliver food when its convenient for them. Maybe youre already an Uber Eats customer and are looking for a way to supplement your income on your own schedule. Heres how you can set yourself up to get paid delivering food with the Uber Eats app. Sign up on the Uber Eats Driver App Download and install the Uber Eats Driver app on your iOS or Android mobile device. Consent to a background check. Upload a photo ID and other required documents. Once you are notified that your driver account is active, you can begin receiving delivery requests. Start Receiving Delivery Requests Open the Uber Eats Driver app menu. Select Account > Work Hub > Deliver food with Uber Eats. Review and accept delivery terms. Log into the Uber Eats Driver app. Tap on a delivery request to accept. Deliver Your Orders Use the Uber Eats suggested navigation information from restaurants to your customers locations to facilitate a smooth delivery. You can contact Uber Eats support in-app if you need additional support. Earn Your Money You get paid for every food delivery pickup and delivery that you complete. You also get paid a per-mile rate. Depending on the city you live in, you may also get paid a per-minute rate. Uber Eats customers have the option of tipping you in-app or at the time of delivery. Uber Eats Delivery Driving Pros Pro Why Its Good You can use different modes of transportation. You choose how you deliver. You can drive a car, ride a bike, ride a scooter or even walk to deliver food to your customers. Work whenever or for how long you want. You can work for one hour, several hours, on weekends or several days throughout the week. Payout is immediate. When you drive with Uber Eats, your earnings are automatically transferred to your bank account once every week. You can even use Instant Pay and cash out your pay up to five times per day. Easy earnings tracking Before accepting an order for delivery, you can see how much you will get paid to deliver it. You can also see how much customers tip you in-app. Take time off whenever you want. You can turn your delivery requests on and off in the Uber Eats Driver app whenever you choose. Simple sign-up process The Uber Eats app gives you exact instructions for creating an account, picking up orders and delivering orders. No need for advanced scheduling You can earn more money using Uber Eats Boost and Surge promotions. Uber Eats Delivery Driving Cons Con Why Its Not Good The pay is low. On average, Uber Eats delivery drivers earn less than minimum wage. The pay is not steady. Some days Uber Eats drivers receive higher earnings, but its not consistent. Wear and tear on your vehicle More frequent maintenance and more trips to the gas station to fill up. However, you can take a mileage deduction when filing your income taxes to alleviate some of the burden. In 2020, the mileage deduction was 57.5 cents per mile. The app sometimes doesnt work. Bugs and glitches normally happen when Uber Eats drivers use older smartphones. Uber Eats drivers can expect to typically earn between $8 and $12 per hour. This range of compensation is paid usually after factoring in expenses of doing business, such as gas and vehicle maintenance . To maximize your earnings, plan to deliver during lunch and dinner rush hours. Keep in mind that Uber Eats drivers usually earn less than Uber ride-share drivers, whose pay is about $11 to $16 per hour. Use Uber Eats Promotions To Earn More Money Uber Eats offers two promotions Boost and Surge to help you increase your earnings. With Boost promotions, you earn more per trip, as Uber Eats guarantees higher rates in specific locations and at specific times. With Uber Eats Surge promotion, you can increase your earnings during higher demand times. You can see areas with high demand on your Uber Eats Driver app home screen shaded in red along with the extra dollar amount that you will be paid. Transportation Requirements for Becoming an Uber Eats Driver You dont have to own a vehicle to deliver food with Uber Eats. Check out what you need to deliver with Uber whether by car, by scooter, on foot or on a bicycle. Uber Eats Delivery by Car Must submit your Social Security number for a background check. Must meet the minimum age requirement where you live. Must have a valid drivers license. Your car must have two or four doors. Uber Eats Delivery on Foot or Bicycle Must submit your Social Security number for a background check. When signing up on the Uber Eats app, select Delivery by bicycle or Delivery by bicycle or foot (whichever option is available for your city). Must be at least 18 years old. Must have a valid government-issued ID. Uber Eats Delivery by Scooter Must submit your Social Security number for a background check. Must be at least 19 years old. When signing up on the Uber Eats app, select Delivery by scooter. Must have a motorized scooter under 50cc. Must have a valid drivers license. Good To Know Uber Eats drivers work in thousands of cities, from major metropolises like Los Angeles and New York to smaller places in between. Drivers can also find work with Uber Eats in more than 40 countries worldwide, including Canada, the United Kingdom and France. You wont be able to retire rich driving with Uber Eats, but you can make some easy side money during your downtime. If you have some financial goals and want a relatively easy, low-commitment way to earn some extra cash, then becoming an Uber Eats driver might be right for you . Uber Eats Driver Frequently Asked Questions Here are answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions about driving with Uber Eats. Uber Eats prides itself on ensuring the safety of its app users: drivers and customers. The company has a global safety team dedicated to preventing security breaches and traffic incidents. Unlike with Uber Eats, some food delivery drivers are not able to work flexible hours whenever they want. With Uber Eats, you have many driving options: full time, part time, courier or independent contractor. No. With Uber Eats, you make up your own schedule. You decide when you want to make money and drive as much or as little as you want. Its easy to find and track your earnings on the Uber Eats Driver app. You can see the monetary amount of your earnings at the top of your screen at any time.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258087079257/is-the-money-worth-being-an-uber-eats-driver
|
Which Simba chip is going to get the chop?
|
Sandisiwe Mbhele Simba has asked consumers to vote for the flavour they want to save between salt and vinegar, cheese & onion and tomato sauce. Salt and vinegar fans this is your time to speak up and make your voices heard. Simba is giving potato chip lovers a chance to vote for a flavour to survive the big chop. Simba has asked its customers to choose between three flavours. One must stay from either cheese and onion, tomato sauce or salt and vinegar. The #SaveYourFlava campaign has been running since late April, with even a TV advert and social media polls to get as much social engagement as possible. The decision about which flavour will be saved will also take into account how many sales each flavour makes. Cheer your favourite flavour on by commenting on the flavour you want to remain on the shelves. #SaveYourFlava pic.twitter.com/lMT3oiM0Rs Simba Chips (@SimbaChipsSA) May 3, 2021 Just from the social media posts, there is a theme that many people want salt and vinegar to stay, with cheese and onion coming in a close second. In February, Lays South Africa brought back the flavour after much dismay when it was dropped. ALSO READ: Good news! Lays SA confirms salt & vinegar flavour is back Votes on Simbas campaign differs. Counting on social media platforms are not the same. On its Facebook page, people need to follow the instructions for their vote to count. Clicking Like on the post, means your vote is part of the Salt & Vinegar tribe. Clicking Love, youre on the Cheese & Onion tribe and clicking Care youre part of the Tomato Sauce tribe.
|
https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/celebrity-news/2504075/which-simba-chip-is-going-to-get-the-chop/
|
What is Havana syndrome?
|
Over the past five years, an alarming number of American diplomats, troops, and intelligence officers have been suddenly stricken with a mysterious illness. The symptoms vary, but range from headaches to ringing in the ears, as well as loss of hearing, memory, and balance. Some victims have suffered long-term brain damage. Even more disturbing, reports have trickled out that the CIA and the Pentagon dont believe this is a naturally occurring illness its a deliberate act of aggression. A study commissioned by the State Department said the most likely source is a pulse of radiofrequency energy directed at US targets. And those targets arent just in far-flung embassies and CIA safehouses anymore, such as Havana or Moscow. Officials say at least two incidents occurred near the White House. the latest incident was not far from the White House. On 17 May, The Pentagon is reportedly developing a wearable sensor to help identify the attacks. Heres what we know so far about these invisible assaults. Since 2016, more than 130 American personnel have fallen ill with the syndrome, according to new reporting from The New York Times. The first incident was in 2016 in Havana , Cuba. According to the State Department, at least 21 employees of the US embassy there reported the typical symptoms: headaches, tinnitus, and balance and memory problems. Some retired early because of the illness, which became known as the Havana syndrome . American officials were stumped, and some accused the CIA of not taking the situation seriously enough. The Trump administration, eager to shut down diplomacy with Cuba anyway, removed more than half the staff of the Havana embassy, accusing the country of specific attacks. Cuba has denied any responsibility. But before long the syndrome was popping up in other places. Intelligence officers reported the same symptoms in China and Russia. Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA officer, was in Moscow in 2017 when he was suddenly stricken. I was woken up in the middle of the night with an incredible case of vertigo, Mr Polymeropoulos told The Guardian . My head was spinning, incredible nausea, I felt like I had to go to the bathroom and throw up. It was just a terrifying moment for me. I had tinnitus which was ringing in my ears, and the vertigo was really what was incredibly debilitating and I really wasnt sure what was happening. I couldnt stand up. I was falling over. Four years later, Mr Polymeropoulos says his headache still hasnt stopped. In 2019, he retired from the CIA because of his symptoms. I had a lot more to offer, the former intelligence officer told GQ . I was 50, but I had to retire because these goddamn headaches dont go away. The cases kept coming. In 2018, almost a dozen staffers were evacuated from the US embassy in Guangzhou, China, after reporting a medical incident similar to the event in Havana. In the fall of 2020, a number of US troops in Syria developed mysterious flu-like symptoms, similar to those of the Havana syndrome. There have also been suspected attacks on US soil. In 2019, a White House staffer reported being stricken with the Havana symptoms while walking her dog in Arlington, Virginia. And in November 2020, Defense officials have now told members of Congress, a suspected attack sickened a National Security Council official near DCs Ellipse park within walking distance of the White House. Directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy was the culprit found by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in a report on the illness commissioned by the State Department. According to a New York Times analysis, that language is crucial. By using words like pulsed and directed, the report was saying the energy wasnt randomly dispersed by a cellphone or other device. It was being aimed at people. The reports that have leaked from the CIA and other agencies have been vague, citing classified information and a need to avoid making unfounded accusations. But after a contentious CIA briefing earlier this month, some members of Congress were more blunt about what they think is going on. Theres a mysterious, direct energy weapon that is being used, Senator Susan Collins, who is on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN after the briefing. According to Politico , the Pentagon recently told top members of Congress that it suspects Russia is behind the suspected attacks. Russia has denied any responsibility. If confirmed, the directed energy attacks would join a long list of non-military assaults Russia has waged against the United States in recent years, including its SolarWinds cyberattack and interference in the 2016 presidential election. Most of the attacks so far took place when Donald Trump was still president, which some experts say explains why more hasnt been done about them. The Trump administration did not demonstrate any level of urgency in confronting aggressions, Russian aggression of any sort, Rep Abigail Spanberger, who is on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told CNN . So alleged Russian aggression through a curious and not fully defined be it sound attack, be it microwave attack on US personnel is clearly not something that would rise to the top of their to-do lists when clear Russian aggression is not something that they were contending with. President Biden, however, has taken a more confrontational approach to Russia than his predecessor. His CIA director, William Burns, has also vowed to make investigating the directed energy incidents an extraordinarily high priority. What the new administration will do if Russia is proven responsible remains to be seen.
|
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/what-is-havana-syndrome-symptoms-b1855214.html
|
Is PayPal's 'Buy Now Pay Later' Installment Plan Worth It?
|
Photo : Tero Vesalainen ( Shutterstock ) With the boom of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) retail financing, the preference for no-interest installment plans has prompted popular payment apps like PayPal to launch their own versions. If youre a regular user of PayPal whos new to this form of payment, heres a look at how it works and how to set it up. BNPL is a short-term financing tool that lets you pay for medium-sized purchases (usually $50-$600) in monthly installments, with no interest charged. Theyve become a regular fixture on the checkout pages of big retail sites like Urban Outfitters and Sephora, and proved to be popular since the start of the pandemic, as the percentage of people that have used BNPL has jumped 18% since last July, according to a recent Ascent survey. The purchases are paid as installments spread out over a few months, with no interest charged. BNPL is sometimes called digital layaway, although unlike actual layaway programs, you get the product right away. Part of BNPLs appeal is that you dont need a good credit score to qualify for this form of credit. BNPL doesnt charge ongoing interest like a credit card, but it does charge you late penalties ($10-15) and transaction fees (4-6%) that can damage your credit score. And this is where the small print matterswhile BNPL companies dont charge you interest at first, some of them will begin doing once you get behind on your payments (PayPal does not). All this to say: If youre prone to overspend or dont have a realistic plan to pay for purchases, then youll probably want to stay away from BNPL and stick to debit. How to use PayPals Pay in 4 Pay in 4 is simple to use if you know where to find it. When youre at a retail sites checkout page, look for the usual PayPal button as a payment option (there might be a Pay Later button, as wellboth work). Provided that you already have a PayPal account thats linked to a debit or credit card, toggling that button will take you to a payment screen. You might have to scroll down, but you should see a Pay Later that includes Pay in 4. Advertisement At that point, PayPal will have run a soft credit check (which doesnt hurt your credit score) and you will either be approved or denied for the transaction. If youre approved, then a payment summary will appear (four interest-free payments of $31.25 due every two weeks, starting today) which you can accept by toggling the option and then selecting continue at the bottom of the screen. If youre using a debit card, these funds will drawn automatically when theyre due (although be careful with overdraft fees). If your PayPal is linked to a credit card, set up automatic payments immediately after you buy anything on an installment plan (in case you forget to do so later).
|
https://lifehacker.com/is-paypays-buy-new-pay-later-installment-plan-worth-it-1846944807
|
What are the amber list countries?
|
Foreign holidays became legal again in England on 17 May, with countries assigned a colour of red, amber or green under a traffic light system. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced the destinations that would be initially designated green and red, with the rest of the world falling into the amber category. The 43 Red list countries are deemed the most high risk when it comes to coronavirus, and come with the tightest rules to match: travellers arriving to the UK from these countries must pay to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel and take PCR tests on days two and eight. According to Shapps, red list countries are those which should not be visited except in the most extreme of circumstances. The 12 Green list countries have the lightest restrictions on entry back into the UK, with no quarantine imposed and travellers merely required to take one PCR test within two days of arrival. Amber list countries which include the US and most of Europe require arrivals to self-isolate at home for 10 days and pay for two PCR tests, one on day two and one on day eight. All travellers must show proof of a negative Covid test PCR, rapid antigen or lateral flow before departure to the UK. There has been much confusion over whether leisure travel to amber countries is allowed. Boris Johnson has advised against it, saying during PMQs: It is very, very clear you should not be going to an 'amber list' country except for some extreme circumstance, such as the serious illness of a family member. You should not be going to an 'amber list' country on holiday. However, there is no longer a legal ban; travellers do not have to prove an essential reason for flying to an amber list country, nor can they be fined for doing so. Some holiday companies, including the UKs largest tour operator Tui, are still offering holidays to amber list countries. Tui said: We will be travelling to some countries that are classified as amber where borders are open, FCDO advice allows travel and there is no quarantine on arrival in the country that cant be forgone with a Covid test. Popular holiday destinations the amber category include Spain, Italy, France and Greece. Its been predicted that most European destinations could be moved to the green list in June as infection rates hopefully fall; the lists are due to be updated every three weeks. Travel consultant and CEO of the PC Agency Paul Charles has previously said: We believe Europe will mostly turn green by end of June, as will the USA. Here are the countries that are currently amber (this list is not exhaustive; if your destination is not on the green or red list, it should be classified as amber): Amber list
|
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/what-countries-are-on-the-amber-list-b1855226.html
|
How is Cryptocurrency Trading Regulated in the US?
|
Every country or state has a different legal status for regulating cryptocurrencies. The government authorities of the US consider crypto assets money transmitters instead of considering them as legal tender. It defines virtual currencies as digital money forms that can be a good source of exchange. The tax guidance is issued with different parameters related to the virtual currencies. There are plenty of exchange platforms that support people in the US to trade their digital money. Go url is one such platform where one can start trading their cryptocurrencies with ease. You can create your account, add funds and start making transactions from one account to another. In the following write-up, we will discuss how cryptocurrency trading is regulated in the United States. If you are a resident of the US, you should know about all the laws that are set by the government authorities currently. Let us explore more. Regulations of Crypto Exchanges The use of various exchange platforms in the United States is quite legal, and it comes under the BSA. It is necessary to own a license to run such an exchange platform. The license should belong to FINCEN. It is mandatory to submit all the records as well as reports to the government authorities of the country. The security law was posted by the SEC of the US. Digital wallets are relatively secure to use. People can rely on these services in terms of privacy and security. The government has approved Ethereum as well as BTC as commodities, and it is possible to trade other virtual currencies publicly. The exchange platforms must provide information regarding crypto transactions. In 2021, the regulations are relatively the same as it was implemented before as per the BSA. Future Regulations on Digital Currencies The US government authorities are concerned about the criminal activities happening due to cryptocurrencies. Therefore, there is an immediate need to modify the laws to avoid such activities. A working group of FSOC has explored the entire marketplace of crypto assets. In 2020, as per the new requirement of data collection, people are responsible for handling crypto assets, exchanges, payments, and much more. In case of suspicious activities, the exchange needs to inform the authorities and follow all the rules. The main aim is to protect consumer data and provide security to them. The federal approach needs to be slow. Due to the US dollar destabilizing effect, cryptocurrencies are kept under regulations because they can affect the fiat money in banks. The Scope of Illegal Activities that can Happen with Digital Currency 1. Money Laundering There is a scope of money laundering that can happen in the BTC network. There are plenty of methods that can make your Bitcoins anonymous, and hence, they can obscure the forensic trading history. The government finds it challenging to detect the laundering activities happening in the country. If anyone wants to know about these crimes, it is necessary to get help from other international companies. Due to the inherent nature of digital currencies, people transfer BTC from one place to another in the world. Therefore, it is hard to control illegal transactions, and they cannot be removed from the regulations. Darkcoin is a massive laundering service that helps users to trade Bitcoins repeatedly. There are plenty of VC forms through which one can make illegal transactions. There is a complete scope of various crimes like investment fraud, narcotics trafficking, identity theft, hacking, etc. 2. Security Fraud Many security crimes in previous years were committed by using the BTC. The Securities and Exchange Commission reported them. Due to the same reason, various anti-gambling regulations were set. Many investors were involved in the Ponzi scheme in 2013. Hence, it amounted to many Bitcoins, and all the investments were sold. Many people agreed that BTC cannot be considered money. Hence it cannot be considered as securities as well. But the magistrate judge explained that it is money and it can be used as securities. Anyone can buy or sell or pay for buying another commodity. But there is a massive drawback that it is not accepted as currency in various countries. There is no scope of getting exchanged in return for the US dollar and other currencies of different countries. But still, many people like to invest their money in it to gain massive profits. Various regulations are getting set related to illegal gambling and security fraud. 3. Customer Warnings Various consumers got the warning of VC in 2014 by CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). Many people were involved in the warning, i.e., hackers, or scammers, who were unable to make chargebacks. All the warned users know that VC is volatile and is associated with unproven technology and criminal organizations. The use of cryptocurrencies by anonymous users leads to theft and severe fraud. In this way, anyone can lose his funds, and there is no safety of deposits in any way. Everyone knows that VC is at a high risk of money laundering, market manipulation, and different illegal transactions. 4. Online Gambling If we talk about the current legal status of the use of virtual currency in digital gambling in the US, then it is not decided yet. In previous years, many individuals have started poker companies. But a law was enacted in 2006, i.e., UIGEA. The poker games were continued till 2011. Later, it is decided not to restrict internet-based gambling, and one can accept the funds. If anyone wants to exchange the BTC in return for fiat money, it should be a financial exchange. Now, gambling websites are accepting payments through different modes. Final Thoughts Like other countries, the US has its regulations regarding trading in digital currencies. As a citizen of the United States, it is necessary to understand the laws. You should step into this field only when you have enough knowledge. Make sure that you know the complete history and how it is going currently. In many states, it is legal to trade Bitcoins or other virtual currencies.
|
https://demotix.com/cryptocurrency-trading-regulated-us/
|
Which themes are driving sustainable technology?
|
In this article, the team at RBC Wealth Management explore the main themes at the heart of sustainable technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the focus on sustainable technology, or sustech, further highlighting the importance of technology when it comes to addressing sustainability challenges. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action aimed at protecting our planet and improving the quality of life and prospects of people globally by 2030. Progress has been made in some areas, but climate change is threatening to undo these gains. The start of a new decade brings calls for renewed action to tackle the climate emergency and push for sustainable development. Today, there is more potential for technology to solve environmental issues rather than create them. Sustech is a term that integrates sustainability and technology, bringing both worlds together to create value for companies, customers and society. The following five themes provide a foundation for a long-term philosophy centred on sustech where technology solutions aim to support sustainability issues. It is shaped by businesses, innovation and developments that are changing the world today for a better tomorrow. 1. Foodtech/Agritech Food science technology and agricultural technology point to innovation in the food development process, from farm to plate. This collective industry seeks to leverage technology to create efficiencies that benefit farmers, the environment and consumers. 2. Greentech Green technology refers to the use of environmentally friendly technology in production processes or supply chains. This abbreviation also encompasses clean energy production, which involves the use of alternative fuels and technologies that are less detrimental to the environment than fossil fuels. 3. Healthtech Health technology, as defined by the World Health Organization, is the application of knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems to solve a health problem and improve quality of life. Broadly, the space includes digital health, which refers to the application of digital technology to improve health or care delivery. 4. Smart cities There are many definitions of a smart city across countries and institutions. According to the OECD, smart cities are defined as initiatives or approaches that effectively leverage digitalisation to boost citizen well-being and deliver more efficient, sustainable and inclusive urban services and environments as part of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder process. Simply put, smart cities leverage technology to create better opportunities and improve the wellbeing of citizens. 5. Fintech Financial technology is a term to describe new and innovative tech solutions that aim to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services. This expanding landscape includes blockchain, cryptocurrencies, online-only financial institutions and tech-led firms in the insurance sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the focus on sustech, further highlighting the importance of technology when it comes to addressing sustainability challenges. These five themes illustrate innovative solutions that seek to futureproof the planet for generations to come. This article was written by RBC Wealth Management and originally published on the firms research and insights page, here.
|
https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-au/opto/which-themes-are-driving-sustainable-technology
|
Which Etowah County high school sports teams have new coaches for the 2021-22 school year?
|
Here's a list that will be updated throughout the summer. :Little things make the difference for Coosa girls basketball Etowah New coach: Ryan McCoy Former coach: Blake Hudson Sardis New coach: Heath Collum Former coach: Matthew Lofthus Westbrook Christian New coach: Seth Ford Former coach: Holly Ostendorf 'HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE MY LAST STOP':Seth Ford is back at Westbrook Christian. This time as girls basketball coach. Baseball Etowah New coach: Blake Bone Former coach: Brandon Johnson Gadsden City New coach: TBD Former coach: Blake Bone Softball Gadsden City New coach: TBD Former coach: Claire Graves Girls soccer Westbrook Christian New coach: Joel Hawbaker Former coach: Jessica Whittamore Volleyball Gaston New coach: TBD Former coach: Caydance Glenn Golf Glencoe New coach: TBD Former coach: Jason Pierce Sardis New coach: TBD Former coach: Shannon Burns Track and field Etowah New coach: Jim Bogle Former coach: Blake Hudson Westbrook Christian New coach: Seth Ford Former coach: Brian Curp Cross country Westbrook Christian New coach: Seth Ford Former coach: Brian Curp Reach Gadsden Times reporter Teddy Couch at [email protected] or via Twitter, @Teddy_Couch.
|
https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2021/05/27/etowah-county-high-school-sports-teams-coaches/7338196002/
|
Could the Rolls-Royce share price fall below 100p?
|
One of the frustrating things for shareholders in Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) in recent months has been its struggle to maintain altitude. The Rolls-Royce share price reached 127p in March. But since then it has moved markedly lower. Over the past year, it has lost 10% of its value. 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! One of the points to consider is what has been exerting downward pressure on the aerospace giants share price lately. The company is significantly exposed to air travel. The more hours planes with its engines installed fly, the greater its service revenue. Over the past couple of months, hopes of increased European travel have been dampened. I think that has affected the share price. Reasons to be bullish But I see some positive signs for the Rolls-Royce share price. For example, the company said this month that performance so far this year has been in line with expectations across all of its business units. That lack of nasty surprises should help restore some investor confidence in Rolls-Royce. The company has repeatedly said that it expects to turn free cash flow positive in the second half of this year. That would be big news, as lately it has been bleeding cash. If it is able to turn free cash flow positive, that will reassure investors about its liquidity. Last year, a rights issue was heavily dilutive. If shareholders are more comfortable about liquidity growing due to free cash flow, it could be positive for the Rolls-Royce share price. Despite what I regard as positive developments, the Rolls-Royce share price has been drifting downwards lately. If there are more reasons to doubt the speed and scale of European aviation recovery, I think that could easily push the shares below 100p. Any further delay to the free cash flow target would also hit the shares badly in my view. So, I dont think the shares will necessarily stay above 100p. I could certainly see them falling below that level again. My move on the Rolls-Royce share price But I think the longer-term outlook for the Rolls-Royce share price remains good. Flying demand will come back, in my view its just a matter of time. There are some promising signs outside Europe. Already in the US, for example, United Airlines has upgraded its second-quarter earnings forecast. Such improved demand should help Rolls-Royce. I still think the Rolls-Royce share price could get to 150p or higher this year. But I dont like how sensitive the share price is to demand recovery in the aviation sector. It has no control over that so is effectively a hostage to fortune. For that reason, even though I do see potential upside, Im not currently planning to buy Rolls-Royce shares.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/27/could-the-rolls-royce-share-price-fall-below-100p/
|
Does Imperial Brands share price weakness offer me a top dividend buy?
|
After I recently examined Imperial Brands (LSE: IMB), the upwards momentum has continued. In 2021, the Imperial Brands share price is up 6%. Still, its dropped 3% on Thursday as I write, and is now behind the FTSE 100 year-to-date. And the shares are down 57% over five years. But since Novembers lows, we are looking at a 34% gain. This months first-half results looked good. Reported revenue was 6.1% ahead of last year, as the company says it benefited from strong pricing. Statutory results were weighted positively with one-offs. But on an adjusted basis, the figures were still impressive. Operating profit gained 8.1%, with earnings per share up 6.9%. The company lifted its interim dividend by 1%. 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! According to one leading industry firm, the 5G boom could create a global industry worth US$12.3 TRILLION out of thin air And if you click here well show you something that could be key to unlocking 5Gs full potential... Improving profits might not satisfy investors if a company is racking up debt. But thats not the case at Imperial Brands. No, the company reported good deleverage progress with net debt reduced by >3bn on a 12-month basis. Imperial Brands share price valuation Overall, Imperial says its full year guidance remains unchanged with low-mid single-digit organic adjusted operating profit growth. That suggests the second half will not be quite as good. But were probably looking at a forward P/E of around 6.3. Thats based on the current Imperial Brands share price, which has risen since November. Its almost scary to think that back then, IMB shares could have been picked up on a P/E of under five. Imperial brands has long enjoyed strong cash flow with solid cash conversion. And thats one of the things that has made me see it as a solid dividend stock. But that was reset last year, as the company rebased its dividends. It was part of deleveraging and debt reduction. Now, I dont like to see dividends cut. But I do think its better to deleverage now in order to support a more reliable long-term payment strategy. Paying big dividends while shouldering big debt has never struck me as a good idea. If the dividend this year rises in line with operating profit guidance, I think we should see around 140p per share. With the Imperial Brands share price at 1,630p as I write, that would be an 8.6% yield. And wed probably see cover by earnings of around 1.9 times. So, one of the FTSE 100s best yields, with strong cover. Its surely got to be down to fears over the long-term future of tobacco. Ive made the mistake of thinking BP and Shell would be fine during my investing lifetime, despite the move from fossils fuels. But both dividends have been cut and both share prices have slumped. Still, I doubt the world will move to kick the tobacco habit in anything like the same timescale. Theres a risk Ive got it wrong again, sure. But the low Imperial Brands share price still puts the stock on my dividend shortlist.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/27/does-imperial-brands-share-price-weakness-offer-me-a-top-dividend-buy/
|
Is the Deliveroo share price dip a buying opportunity?
|
The Deliveroo (LSE: ROO) share price has been a consistent underperformer since the companys IPO at the end of March. Indeed, the company has the unfortunate label of being one of the most unsuccessful tech IPOs in recent memory. Its even been referred to as the worst IPO in Londons history. The company was launched with a market capitalisation of 7.6bn. But its worth just 4.7bn today. I think these figures say a lot about what the market thinks of the Deliveroo share price. 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! According to one leading industry firm, the 5G boom could create a global industry worth US$12.3 TRILLION out of thin air And if you click here well show you something that could be key to unlocking 5Gs full potential... If the company continues to grow, as it has done over the past five years, I think it could be. Growth potential Theres no denying Deliveroo is a growth champion. Over the past five years, the company has grown from almost nothing into a multi-billion-pound business. Sales have surged over the past few years, thanks to an influx of new customers. The trend only accelerated last year. According to the companys first-quarter trading update, the number of orders placed on its platform in the three months to the end of March increased 114% year-on-year. In addition, the monthly active user base on the platform increased 91% year-on-year to 7.1m users. The problem is, the company has struggled to turn this growth into cold, hard cash. The group is unprofitable and is relying on its cash reserves to fund losses. At the end of the first quarter, the Deliveroo had 1.5bn in cash, and cash equivalents, as well as access to a 150m revolving credit facility. Its difficult to say how long this cash balance will last. In 2020, a record year for the group in terms of order value, it lost 226m. Based on that level of losses, the company has enough funding for at least five years, possibly longer. Deliveroo share price risks I think Deliveroos growing losses have spooked investors into selling their shares in the company. Unfortunately, the firm may continue to haemorrhage cash. The food delivery sector is incredibly competitive, and Deliveroo has to fight off better-funded competitors such as Just Eat and Uber. The longer it takes for the company to reduce its losses, the higher the chances are it will run out of cash. With that being the case, I plan to avoid the Deliveroo share price for the time being. However, Im going to be keeping an eye on the enterprise over the next few months. As the UK moves on from the coronavirus pandemic, I think itll be interesting to see if the company keeps its new customers. If it does, it may be a sign these customers are here to stay. That would give management more flexibility to increase prices and reduce marketing spend, which would help margins and profitability. Therefore, while Im not a buyer of the stock today, I could be in the future if the firms figures improve.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/27/is-the-deliveroo-share-price-dip-a-buying-opportunity/
|
Whats happening to the Unilever share price?
|
The Unilever (LSE: ULVR) share price has underperformed the market over the past 12 months. Including dividends, the stock has returned just 8%, compared to 22% for the broader index. The stock has printed this lacklustre performance even though growth has exceeded expectations. In the first quarter, the company reported year-on-year organic revenue growth of 5.7%. 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! According to one leading industry firm, the 5G boom could create a global industry worth US$12.3 TRILLION out of thin air And if you click here well show you something that could be key to unlocking 5Gs full potential... Most impressive of all, higher sales volumes accounted for the bulk of this growth, implying the company isnt just relying on price hikes to boost revenues. In its most important division food and refreshment sales grew 9.8% overall, 7.3% of which was volume growth. I think the divergence between the companys underlying fundamentals and the Unilever share price presents an opportunity. Growth and income Unilever isnt the markets most exciting company but, in my opinion, its one of the FTSE 100s most tried-and-tested businesses. Over the past decade, its achieved consistent growth year after year through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions and price hikes. This has been a winning formula in the past, and while past performance should never be used as a guide to future potential, I think it could continue to work. Unilever has two critical advantages over other, smaller businesses in the consumer goods sector. First of all, its size gives the company a considerable amount of weight with buyers. So, for example, if Tesco has to choose between stocking Unilevers products and those of a smaller peer on its valuable shelf space, it will usually go with Unilever. Second, the organisation spends billions of euros every year on marketing. This consistent spending year after year gives the company access to the best marketing channels and resources. Therefore, the enterprise may get more advertising bang for each euro spent. Unilever share price risks The company faces several challenges as well. Unfortunately, I think the market has been spending too much time focusing on these negatives recently. Competition in the consumer goods sector is fierce, and it is only growing. Its never been easier to start a consumer goods brand and get the word out to customers. This is putting pressure on Unilever. The company is also facing increased pressure from rising costs. Commodity prices have been growing over the past 12 months. This could increase manufacturing costs for the group, which it may struggle to pass on to customers. Rising costs may impact profit margins and growth. In my opinion, the market has been spending too much time concentrating on these negatives. Yes, Unilever is facing some headwinds, but it has had to deal with similar challenges in the past. The companys size and diversification suggest its exceptionally well-positioned to navigate anything the economy throws at it. As such, I think the Unilever share price currently presents an attractive opportunity. Thats why Ive been buying shares in the consumer goods giant for my portfolio to take advantage of the disconnect between the companys fundamentals and stock price performance.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/27/whats-happening-to-the-unilever-share-price/
|
Who Will Pick Up the Good Vibes Jamaal Williams Took With Him to Detroit?
|
Even with the NFL being a passing league these days, running backs still rule the roost in fantasy football. You cannot win a fantasy football league without a decent pair of high-caliber running backs, and many times you need three above-average backs to win thanks to injuries, bye weeks, COVID outbreaks, and because you can use an extra RB if your league has a flex position in its weekly lineup. With how hard it is to find workhorses in todays running-back-by-committee football world, fantasy general managers know stockpiling talented tailbacks on their roster remains one of the truest ways to win fantasy championships. If you can find some sleepers to stash on your squad, your running backs could lead you to riches, trophies, and bragging rights.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258120709502/who-will-pick-up-the-good-vibes-jamaal-williams-took-with-him-to-detroit
|
Whats happening with the Luceco share price?
|
So far, the Luceco (LSE: LUCE) share price is up almost 30% in 2021. And the stock has increased a staggering 250% in the last 12 months. Of course, past performance isnt an indication of future returns. The company has recently come onto my radar. But I dont think Ive missed the boat on this one. As a long-term investor Id snap up some Luceco shares. 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! According to one leading industry firm, the 5G boom could create a global industry worth US$12.3 TRILLION out of thin air And if you click here well show you something that could be key to unlocking 5Gs full potential... Luceco: an overview Luceco manufactures and distributes wiring accessories, LED lighting, and portable power products. It supplies to trade distributors, retailers, wholesalers, and project developers. Some of its customers are B&Q, Amazon, and Screwfix. Luceco sells a wide range of products that broadly fall into three brands. These include British General, which sells wiring devices such as switches and sockets. Luceco and Kingfisher Lighting sells energy efficient internal and external LED lighting and accessories. Finally, Masterplug sells cable reels, extension leads, surge protection, and adapter products. The company has 2,000 employees worldwide. It also has a factory and product development centre in China. Bull case I think the Luceco share price could rise further. What I like about the company is that it has a history of rising revenue. From 2013 to 2020, sales grew from 65.6m to 176.2m. And its a similar story with net profit, which increased from 1.3m to 24m over the same period. This highlights two things to me. The first is that Lucecos products are gaining traction. The second is that its gaining economies of scale. In other words, by increasing production its lowering costs, as demonstrated by the companys growing profits. The firm released a trading update earlier this month. It has seen strong momentum in the first four months of 2021. In fact, it states that it has seen robust demand in all major sales channels, with revenue growth accelerating as expected against a comparative period weakened by the first wave of COVID lockdowns. The balance sheet looks strong as well. Luceco reported that it had reduced its net debt by 9.1m to 18.3m by the end of 2020. This places the company in a good position for future growth. Bear case But I do have some concerns. Firstly, Covid-19 did take its toll on the firm. Since most of Lucecos sales are from the UK, the lockdowns did impact revenue. Its also seeing inflation in raw material and freight costs this year as economies recover from the pandemic. This is expected to create some pressure on margins. The company believes this will be temporary but Im wary it could be longer. No one knows how long it will take to recover from Covid-19. So either Luceco has to bear the brunt of the increase in costs and take a hit on profitability, or it may have to increase the price of its products to maintain margins. I guess Ill have to wait and see what happens. My view I think there are some long-term growth drivers that could boost the Luceco share price. International sales are growing. The company is also well positioned to benefit from the move to a net zero carbon economy. Its already selling energy efficient products. I reckon the stock could rise further, so Id buy the shares.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/27/whats-happening-with-the-luceco-share-price/
|
Is Celtic player Diego Laxalt teasing his future with vintage red car photo?
|
Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Celtic newsletter. Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Uruguay born Celtic footballer Diego Laxalt appeared to tease online fans by putting up a picture of his beloved vintage red car being prepared in the garage. and 'Oh you got plans." Diego, whose dad is a mechanic, has been driving a green car in Scotland since he's been at Celtic park. However, at home in Montevideo, Uruguay, his forty year old beloved vintage motor that his mechanic dad Gustavo converted for him is normally kept in the garage. According to previous reports, it sits in the workshop at the family business LSS Mecanica until Diego ventures home to drive it. (Image: Diego Laxalt) The new photo of the car, beautiful BMW 2002 TI, from the 70s, suggests it is being prepared for the imminent arrival of its owner. Being red and black in colour, it could however also mark Diego's return to AC Milan. Although the Hoops were said to be looking a 7.2m move for Diego, that now appears to be off the table. Fans now reckon the post signifies that Diego will be returning home in coming weeks.
|
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/celtic-player-diego-laxalt-teasing-24199723
|
Who Has The Answer To Human Happiness?
|
Photo Credit: Jewish Press In the last few decades, a new trend has emerged among frum Jews. When a serious problem arises, one doesnt consult a rabbi for advice. One doesnt consult Mishlei or Pirkei Avos. One doesnt consult famous sefarim written by tzaddikim or geonim. One doesnt even consult classic repositories of secular wisdom, such as the works of Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, or Shakespeare. No, one consults psychologists. These mental-health experts or professionals allegedly possess the secret to the human mind. They alone understand why people are unhappy or anxious or depressed. They not Shlomo Hamelech, not Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch, not the Lubavitcher Rebbe, not your parents, not a wise rav understand what makes people tick and only they can properly address the human afflictions that have been plaguing man since the dawn of time. Advertisement This belief is strange for several reasons not least of which is that this generation, despite intensive psychological intervention, seems less happy, less satisfied, and less at ease than any previous one. We also dont seem to be performing better on any of the classic metrics. But lets leave all that aside. Psychology enthusiasts claim that psychologists are like doctors. Just like you go to a doctor when you have a fever, you should go to a psychologist if youre feeling anxious, for example. The answer is no. Indeed, psychologists themselves now routinely attack their own field for lacking scientific rigor. An article on Vox.com (not exactly a right-wing site) just last month declared, Things in psychology are more than messy the field has been going through a very public, and painful, crisis of confidence in many of its findings. For starters, numerous psychological findings, we now know, fail to withstand careful statistical analysis. Even worse, though: In recent years, researchers have often been unable to replicate the results of earlier researchers. They conduct the same experiments but come up with statistically meaningless results or results that conflict with the results of the original experiment. Many psychologists now openly proclaim that their field is experiencing a replication crisis. Several years ago, the New York Times reported that a painstaking yearslong effort to reproduce 100 studies published in three leading psychology journals has found that more than half of the findings did not hold up when retested. More than half! Even before these recent developments, however, it should have been obvious that many of psychologys boldest claims simply cannot be substantiated. To reach proper scientific conclusions, one needs to conduct controlled experiments. A controlled experiment as were all taught in elementary school means that every factor except the one you wish to test must be controlled, i.e., kept constant. Thus, if one wants to test what effect, if any, sugar has on the boiling point of water, one would take two pots of exactly the same size and material, pour exactly the same amount of water in both of them, and place them on fires of exactly the same temperature at exactly the same time. One would then wait to see how long it takes for each pot one of which also contains sugar to boil. If one starts boiling before the other, one would know that sugar affects the boiling point of water since there is no other possible (rational) explanation for why one pot of water would have started boiling before the other since the pots were otherwise exactly the same and treated exactly the same. Now lets examine a psychological claim thats repeated by many as a self-evident truth: Potching a child even on the rarest of occasions is psychologically harmful. First, its immediately obvious that doing a controlled experiment is absolutely impossible. No two human beings are the same. We have different natures and grow up in different families, different schools, different communities, and have different life experiences. If one child grows up to be Steve Jobs and another child grows up to be homeless, it may be the potch thats responsible for the different life trajectories or it could be a million other factors. Doing controlled experiments on human beings is impossible. Even if two people are literally clones and thus share the same exact nature they still dont live the exact same life. And thats why psychology (like economics and political science, for example) is called a soft science because its hypotheses simply cannot be properly tested like those of biology, chemistry, or physics (all of which are considered hard sciences). Just because psychology is a soft science doesnt mean all its theories are false. What it does mean, though, is that its theories are precisely that: theories. They may be right, they may be wrong. But just because a psychologist says repression is bad (despite the fact that civilization is built on repression) or that youre anxious because your mother treated you unfairly when you were five years old (an unprovable hypothesis if there ever was one) doesnt make it so. Aristotle had his theories about human behavior, as did Rousseau, Kant, and numerous other geniuses. One need not feel compelled to accept Freuds theories any more than theirs. Indeed, considering some of Freuds strange obsessions, one should feel even less compelled to accept his ideas. Lets not forget that it was Freud who argued that we invented Judaism to assuage our guilt for having murdered Moshe Rabbeinu (yes, he really writes that), and it was Freud who claimed that [c]ircumcision is the symbolical substitute of castration, a punishment which the primeval father dealt his sons long ago out of the fullness of his power. One last word on psychologists: According to a 2007 study, 65 percent of academics in psychology are either atheists or agnostics (compared to 5 percent among the general American population). According to another study that year, Democrats outnumber Republicans among psychology professors at elite universities by a ratio of 12 to 1. I am not dismissing the entire field of psychology. Rigorous research is, indeed, done in this discipline (although its findings are usually modest in nature or tend to confirm commonsensical truths like grateful people are happier people) and some psychologists do, indeed, help people (although how much [of this help is due to] personal charisma, art, religious conviction, or science is unclear, writes psychologist Zenobia Grusky in relation to psychoanalysis). My main point is this: Psychology is not a discipline like chemistry or physics, and most of modern psychologys sweeping statements about human nature and behavior are based on philosophy, not science (which is why, for example, transgenderism was considered a psychological illness for many decades but no longer is today). And this philosophy, to a large extent, is built on a rejection of traditional and religious values. If you find certain psychological theories compelling and compatible with Torah, by all means embrace them. But feel no pressure to do so. Theyre not facts. Theyre theories. And more often than not, youre liable to find better advice on living a happy, content life in Torah sources than in a psychologists office. The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the full editorial board of The Jewish Press.
|
https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/columns/who-has-the-answer-to-human-happiness/2021/05/27/
|
Why Are Israeli Defense Forces Soldiers Posting Thirst Traps on TikTok?
|
With her long, lush blond hair, almond-shaped blue eyes, and expertly manicured brows, influencer Natalia Fadeev bears a striking resemblance to model Gigi Hadid. On TikTok, where shes racked up nearly a million followers, shes mastered the art of the coquettish facial expression, balancing it with angles that show off her rear end. Shes cultivated a brand as an Airsoft shooting game enthusiast, maintaining a separate Instagram account under the handle @gunwaifu sponsored by a tactical gear store, and she regularly posts catgirl videos and kawaii (a Japanese-inspired cutesy aesthetic) cosplay on her TikTok page. In addition to being well-versed in the art of monetizing her personal brand, Fadeev is a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces, and much of her page is devoted to pro-Israeli military content. Earlier this month, she posted a video of Israeli soldiers playing soccer with Palestinian children; in another, she dances and preens at the camera while the caption, when they tried to destroy your nation but you ended up having one of the most powerful armies flashes on-screen. In the context of the most recent turmoil in Gaza, which has left 13 Israelis and over 240 Palestinians dead, many criticized Fadeevs content for making light of the Israeli militarys actions and attempting to put a sexy face on the conflict. Fadeev has a long history of using her platform to spread what is essentially nationalist propaganda. Shes a member of the Alpha Gun Angels, an Israeli gun-modeling and social media marketing agency featuring buxom former and current IDF soldiers brandishing heavy military artillery while wearing crop tops and camo pants. I should kill everyone and escape? while brandishing her gun and preening adorably at the camera went viral. Such content is interspersed with videos of her filming at what appear to be military checkpoints. Its not clear what the IDFs official stance on such content is: though the military ostensibly has guidelines restricting unbecoming online content, Deri herself has been featured on the official IDF TikTok page, and her page is still active. (The IDF did not respond to a request for comment.) But its fair to say that IDF soldier thirst traps are part and parcel with the official IDFs general strategy to use social media to win hearts and minds across the globe. The IDF is incredibly internet-savvy, jumping on trends, posting increasingly baffling memes, and putting its own spin on various internet phenomena. Theres even an IDF ASMR video on TikTok, featuring the dulcet tones of a gun clicking and a soldier polishing his boots. Such a strategy has basically been in place since the IDFs 2008 Gaza incursion in the early days of YouTube, when they started posting footage of air strikes on their official channel, says Rebecca Stein, professor of cultural anthropology at Duke and author of Digital Militarism: Israels Occupation in the Social Media Age. At the time, the military had blocked media access to the Gaza strip, so the IDFs social media unit had a lot of control over the narrative, says Stein, who spoke to members of the unit while researching her book. They considered themselves pioneers in the language of social media, and that was important for them. The various social media accounts associated with the IDF have long traded in thirst traps, sometimes to absurdist effect. Last year, for instance, the IDF Twitter account mysteriously posted a context-free mirror selfie of a young woman in a tank top; it later said it tweeted the photo because it was used on a Hamas operatives fake account to attempt to catfish and hack into Israeli soldiers phones, though many were skeptical of that explanation. But it has also been more explicit about using attractive young women to bolster its social media image and, in turn, foster sympathies abroad. On its official TikTok page, the IDF has posted videos of beautiful female soldiers lip-syncing to Dua Lipas Levitating or marching in fatigues and doing dances to military music. There is a long history within Israel of military iconography favoring the beauty in uniform as a nationalist symbol, explains Stein. The military is using it in new ways to meet the needs of the digital moment. All of these thirst traps can create a disorienting experience for a young, horny, American progressive with pro-Palestinian sympathies which, of course, is exactly the point. In using social media as a propaganda tool, the IDF is not particularly unique, as most countries militaries have established social media presences. Its the kind of thing a public can always find when a war comes under scrutiny, says Roger Stahl, a professor at the University of Georgia and author of Militainment, Inc.: War, Media, and Popular Culture. But Israel is unique in terms of both its militarys strong focus on social media and its mandatory military service requirement, meaning its conscripts (who are between the ages of 18 and 21) are all young and well-versed in social media. Israel is such a militaristic society, so theres broader support for that kind of media, whereas in the U.S. things like [soldier dancing videos] dont go viral in the same way, says Sophia Goodfriend, a cultural anthropology PhD candidate at Duke currently based in Jerusalem. The IDFs TikTok account, which launched in 2020 and has garnered more than 90,000 followers, has been particularly active during the latest conflict in Gaza, in large part due to the platform being flooded with videos of people running away from Israeli strikes and the collapse of a high-rise building after an Israeli military attack. The proliferation of such footage has resulted in increased pro-Palestinian activism on the platform, with hashtags like #freepalestine garnering 5.6 billion views. With TikTok playing a strong role in this current conflict, says Goodfriend, the IDF has responded accordingly, pumping out multiple feel-good videos of soldiers from different units showing off their uniforms or being surprised with loved ones at the Gaza border. Its up for debate exactly how successful the IDF and its soldiers efforts at staving off social media uproar are. Though the violence has come to a temporary halt due to a ceasefire, the comments on the IDFs most recent posts are largely negative and centered on the Israeli militarys myriad documented human rights abuses. Theres been a major shift in the social media ecosystem, [and] Palestinian social media has gained global virality in a totally unprecedented way, which wasnt the case in previous military campaigns, says Stein. Were seeing this content and messaging is dwarfed by the scale of Palestinian social media usage and global solidarity. The military now recognizes theyll never catch up, theyll have to reinvent their PR strategy. It has failed. Still, even if many people do not feel a surge of Zionist patriotism at the sight of comely soldiers brandishing guns, plenty of people are into it. No one wants to see these clowns, says one comment on an official IDF TikTok featuring a montage of Israeli men making the heart sign and pointing to the IDF logo. Show us the pretty girls with rifles please.
|
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/israel-defense-force-idf-tiktok-thirst-trap-1174211/
|
Will Spain be added to the green list in the next update?
|
Travel: Calder discusses potential green list countries FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Brits hoping to jet off to Spain may have to wait a little longer as non-essential trips to the country are currently banned - but there is hope for holiday makers as the government is due to review foreign travel soon. International travel is now permitted in line with the Governments traffic light system. The system ranks each country according to its Covid risk level and is reviewed every three weeks. Under current travel restrictions trips to countries such as Spain, with an amber listing, can only be undertaken for essential work, family or compassionate reasons. Non-essential trips such as holidays are not allowed. READ MORE Gibraltar panic: EU ordered to act as key deadline nears Holidays abroad are only permitted to the 12 countries on the green list. Under current rules, only those returning from a green list country will not have to quarantine upon their return to the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public not to take unnecessary trips to amber list countries. He said: I think it's very important for people to grasp what an amber list country is: it is not somewhere where you should be going on holiday, let me be very clear about that. This week Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged those desperate to go for a holiday abroad to be patient. He said the green list could be expanded very soon. Mr Shapps told the Financial Times: I dont think people have a very long time to wait before other countries are able to join the green list. Spains neighbours, Portugal and Gibraltar are already on the green list and another neighbour, France, will likely join them in the next review. Mr Shapps said as Frances vaccination rate is six to eight weeks behind the UK it will probably be considered safe to visit. Mr Shapps however, failed to mention anything about Spain. Trending
|
https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1442180/Will-Spain-be-added-to-the-green-list-in-the-next-update-evg
|
Can Babies Drink Oat Milk Instead Of Cow's Milk?
|
Oat milk can be a delicious addition to cereal, smoothies, and even lattes, so naturally many parents would like to share the tasty stuff with their children. Heres what four pediatricians had to say on the subject, because meeting your childs nutritional needs is so important. Under one year of age Oat milk should not be given to babies. Babies should receive only breastmilk or formula until they are one year old, Dr. Adam Spanier, pediatrician with University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, tells Romper. If your baby does use formula, then there are some plant-based options available. From my best knowledge, currently there is no oat-based infant formula, Dr. Powen Hsueh, a pediatrician at Weed Army Community Hospital, tells Romper in an email. I have only seen soy-based infant formula available in the US market for a plant-based infant formula. In fact, there are quite a few soy formulas among the best baby formulas available on Amazon, such as Earth's Best Organic Soy Infant Formula. Like Dr. Hsueh said, however, there does not appear to be an oat-based baby formula on the market at the moment. After 1 year of age the typical transition is to whole cow's milk. The AAP recommends consuming 16-24 oz of milk per day after 1 year of age, as Dr. Samira Armin, board-certified pediatrician and cofounder of The PediPals, tells Romper. It isnt an exact switch. The recommendation for whole milk for children at age one is to help provide adequate protein, fat, calcium and vitamin D, says Dr. Spanier. In fact, Dr. Hsueh provided a thorough breakdown of the nutritional differences between cow and oat milk. Cows milk per ounce has about 5-6 times more fat content, 1.5x more calories, 4x more protein, and more cholesterol than oat milk. As all those nutrients are essential for young childrens growth and brain development, says Dr. Hsueh. Not exactly. Cows milk is simply one of the better nutritional sources readily available for young children, as Dr. Hsueh explains. It still doesnt provide all the nutrients your child needs. How to safely add oat milk (or avoid dairy) in your kids daily food regime If parents want to incorporate oat milk in their childs diet, or avoid dairy, then meet with your childs pediatrician for advice. For children 12 months and older, [oat milk] can be given in certain situations, such as if the child has an allergy to cows milk, or there are dietary regimens the childs family may want to adhere to, as pediatrician Dr. Tanya Roman, Chief of Pediatrics at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), tells Romper. But that is a decision that should be made in consultation with a medical provider such as a pediatrician. The reason for that is because oat milk, like other milk alternatives, is not nutritionally equivalent to whole cows milk. And so, the childs overall nutritional plan would need to be evaluated to ensure the child is getting what they need to be healthy. In addition, some milk alternatives contain added sugars that parents may not want to give their children, as Dr. Roman further explains. With your pediatricians help, however, you can find a way to feed your kid that meets all of their nutritional needs, whether or not that includes some oat milk. At any rate, they can look forward to savoring an oat milk latte or smoothie once theyre a little older. Experts: Dr. Samira Armin, board-certified pediatrician and cofounder of The PediPals Dr. Powen Hsueh, a pediatrician at Weed Army Community Hospital Dr. Tanya Roman, Chief of Pediatrics at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) Dr. Adam Spanier, pediatrician with University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore
|
https://www.romper.com/parenting/is-oat-milk-safe-for-babies-heres-what-experts-want-parents-to-know
|
Does the Friends Reunion Hold Up?
|
Read: On Chandler Bings job But the Friends special is not merely a cast reunion. It is also an advertisement for the shows move to HBO Max. Any good ad will feature testimonials, and much of this one is dedicated to the argument that Friends is a really good sitcom. We get endorsements of the show from celebrities who guest-starred on it (Reese Witherspoon, Tom Selleck) and celebrities who simply love it (David Beckham, Kit Harington, Mindy Kaling, the members of BTS). ), and the chaos is illustrative: When you have achieved the hegemony that Friends has achieved, you dont have to explain yourself. You can include in your celebration a fashion show that finds Justin Bieber dressed as a potato, and rest assured that people will roll with it. Theres an ease that comes with creating an ad for something so many people have already bought. The special thus treats nostalgia as a kind of absolution. Friends, after all, has not just failed to age well; it showed its failings even when it was young. Its jokes are sometimes homophobic; its plots are occasionally cruel; its cast, and its world, are almost entirely white. The show is popular, and it is, as a separate proposition, beloved. But the affection tends to come with an asterisk. Many other series have similar problems, and use their versions of a reunion or reboot to acknowledge that the world has moved forward around them. The Friends version, instead, goes out of its way to change the subject. Read: The aughts seem both cooler and sadder in retrospect One of the most striking segments of the reunion features a series of fans from around the world attesting to Friends as a fact of globalization. Vivian, from Ghana, tells the audience what it meant to her that Monica proposed to Chandler, rather than vice versa. Watching that episode, she says, got me thinking that I can also take charge of my own relationship. A man in India says that Friends helped him grieve after his father died. Liz, from Mexico, talks about the isolation of being queer, and how Friends helped her feel a little less lonely. The finale to these testimonials is an endorsement from Malala Yousafzai, the education-equality activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, and her best friend, Vee. Youre Joey with a hint of Phoebe, Vee tells her friend. Malala grins at this. Later, she adds: Friends brought friends together. A reason Friends has become so popular with people who were not yet born when it premiered, critics have surmised, is that the show revels in the constraints of physical immediacy. Friends world is hermetic. Its characters interact not over the cool distance of the digitaltext, TikTokbut rather in person. They live next door to one another, across the street from one another, down the block from one another. Their lives are shaped by the fatalism of actual proximity.
|
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/05/friends-reunion-special-nostalgia-reality-show/619001/?utm_source=feed
|
What Happened to Shea Hicks Whitfield on Bargain Block?
|
The latest episode of Bargain Block seemed to be missing a familiar face. The show led by life and work partners, Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum, also features HGTV personality, Shea Hicks Whitfield. But the Detroit realtor was absent in the May 26 episode. The HGTV community on Twitter was in a frenzy with questions. The most popular query was of course, what happened to Shea Hicks Whitfield. Fortunately, HGTV had an answer to explain Shea being MIA. Shea Hicks Whitfield Absent on Bargain Block Bargain Block premiered in April 2021 starring home improvement experts and partners, Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum. The couple work with realtor, Shea Hicks Whitfield to renovate rundown homes in Detroit, Michigan. Shea has been on the HGTV show since it began. So she was conspicuous by her absence in the May 26 episode. Advertisement A lot of queries did the rounds of social media, mostly asking what happened to Shea Hicks Whitfield. In the current atmosphere, there were also concerns about her health. But as it so happens, there was nothing to worry about. HGTV heard everyones questions and answered them with an explanation about Sheas absence. According to the official HGTV Twitter account, the May 26 episode of Bargain Block was the shows pilot filmed before the rest of the series. Whitfield had not been part of the cast at the time of the pilots filming. Whitfield was added to the cast with Evan and Keith for the rest of the seasons filming. Rest assured, she will appear in future episodes of Bargain Block. Dont worry! Tonights episode of Bargain Block was actually the pilot. @Shea_Alicia started working with Keith and Evan after this shell be in the rest of the episodes! https://t.co/m3WI1KO4bC HGTV (@hgtv) May 27, 2021 Advertisement
|
https://www.earnthenecklace.com/what-happened-to-shea-hicks-whitfield-on-bargain-block/
|
What is a bridge expansion joint?
|
Without expansion joints, there would be cracks in the structure of the bridge. An expansion joint is a part of the bridge that helps absorb thermal expansion or thermal contraction. Basically, when concrete gets hot, it can expand and when it gets cold, it contracts. To account for that movement, expansion joints are put in bridges. Without those joints, there would be cracks in the structures. While there are many different types of joints depending on the design of the bridge, they are a critical piece of the structure. A report suggests that expansion joints are often one of the first components of a bridge deck to fail and repairing or replacing expansion joints are essential to extending the life of any bridge. The joints are designed to absorb the stress of movement on bridge decks to prevent cracking of the surface. So yes, damage to the joint could be dangerous but the impact likely wouldn't be immediate. A civil engineer from the construction company working on the bridge recommended the closure of the bridge Thursday for an emergency inspection. There is no word on when it will reopen, but be prepared for a long morning According to a bridge inspection report, the bridge was last inspected in February of 2020 and received good ratings. If you normally use the Buckman, Traffic Anchor Katie Jeffries says prepare to take an alternate route and that is going to add a lot of extra time. ALTERNATE ROUTES: If you have to get across the river, there's really no easy way to do that. Here are your options:
|
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/traffic/what-is-a-bridge-expansion-joint-explainer/77-f58c14d0-8dec-4142-b024-7c8c22ddd6cf
|
Is VW Going to Give America an Off-Road-Ready Pickup Truck?
|
A little while back, Volkswagen teased us with the mud-terrain-ready Tarok pickup concept. Shortly thereafter, the company's COO dropped a large bucket of cold water on VW building a production version in the next few years. But now, there may be a glimmer of hope that a VW pickup could arrive Stateside: CarBuzz found that VW just filed a trademark application for "Amarok" in the United States. The Amarok is, of course, the pickup truck that Volkswagen sells in non-American markets. You could make a case that VW should bring the Amarok to America. Volkswagen has been transitioning its American lineup away from hatchbacks and wagons toward cars that Americans still buy; in recent years, the company has come out with the three-row Atlas, made the Tiguan larger and more upscale and launched the subcompact Taos crossover. Trucks. And theoretically, at least, it should be easier to get the second-generation Amarok to America if VW was so inclined. Designing it to meet American standards from the get-go would be easier than retrofitting a truck that didn't. Besides, the Amarok will also use Ford's new Ranger platform, which means Ford could even build it for VW in America, like it will be globally, to avoid the chicken tax on foreign trucks. Why VW might not bring the Amarok to the United States Of course, there's a compelling case for VW not to bring the Amarok to the U.S. as well. Crossover buyers aren't brand-loyal, which leaves room for upstarts like the Kia Telluride. But truck buyers may be the most brand-loyal customers in the industry and the Toyota Tacoma has an ironclad grip on the midsize truck segment. Even impressive efforts from Ford, Chevy and Jeep have not been able to prise away market share. (Plus, we suspect Ford had some sort of stipulation in the Ranger platform contract that VW could not just turn up with the Amarok and start cranking out direct competition for FoMoCo's pickup.) There may be room down-market for VW to come out with an affordable, active-lifestyle, segment-straddling crossover truck on the MEB platform along the lines of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. But the Amarok is very much a full-fledged truck. And more of an upscale and fancy one at that. It's possible VW could do a Passat-type thing, where "Amarok" means something completely different in North America and Europe. However, if VW were coming out with a take on the Baja, it would seem simpler to name it something different, like the Tarok. Or, of course, the recent trademark filing could always be routine diligence on VW's part to prevent someone else building an Amarok pickup. LEARN MORE This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
|
https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/a36556399/vw-amarok-trademark/
|
Where Is Gunther From 'Friends' Now?
|
Since its mid-aughts finale, we've been on an unofficial break with Friends. But now, in honor of HBO Max's highly-anticipated Friends reunionwhich is bringing together the beloved sixsome on that iconic orange couch for the first time in 17 yearsMarie Claire is celebrating, criticizing, and obsessing over the show that was always there for us. Equal parts lovestruck and acerbic, the supporting character of Gunther remains one of the most beloved figures in the Friends universe. James Michael Tyler, who played the Central Perk barista, was the show's most frequent guest star. The gang was always in the coffee shop, and Gunther was always hovering, hoping to catch a glimpse of his longtime crush Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston). We know what's going on with the main cast, who have all remained in the public eye to varying degreesbut what happened to Gunther, e.g. In 2021, 58-year-old Michael Tyler is still a working actor. While his income is supplemented by the money he gets from Friends' syndication revenue, he continues to book roles. "I didn't rest on my laurels and say, 'I was Gunther, I'm gonna buy an island!' I couldn't do that anyway," he told the New Zealand Herald in 2019. Though known primarily for his role in Friendsand let's face it, who in the cast isn't?Michael Tyler continues to work on more small-scale projects. According to his IMDb page, he filmed two shorts last year; before that, he made a cameo as himself on Episodes, alongside Matt LeBlanc, in 2012. He also appeared on five episodes of the show Modern Music. During and after Friends' run, he also appeared on Scrubs, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Just Shoot Me. He was also in a music video for British musician Chicane (you can catch him in the first minute; he plays a mailman): This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Michael Tyler has also appeared in several Friends pop-ups and events. In 2009, he opened a Central Perk pop-up in London, and in 2014, he appeared at another pop-up located in New York's SoHo neighborhood. He also lent his voice to the 2005 Friends-themed video game, "The One With All the Trivia." Jason Kempin Getty Images Although Gunther was known for his bleached blonde hair, Tyler went back to his naturally dark brown hair after the show wrapped up. (He would dye it back only for his Friends appearances.) Here he is in 2019 on The Today Show: This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. And here he is at FriendsFest in 2015: Mike Marsland Getty Images In 2014, Michael Tyler filed for divorce from his wife of almost 20 years, Barbara Chadsey, citing "irreconcilable differences." "I never would have imagined I'd be here sitting here 25 years after it began, still talking about [it]," he told the New Zealand Herald. "They had the 20th anniversary and the first FriendsFest in the UK, and I retired Gunther. I thought that has to be it. And then it launched on Netflix and, of course, it garnered an entirely new audience of millennials and young people." In 2019, he reflected on the origins of the character of Gunther in an interview with E. "I remember the first day I walked on set as a background actor. Gunther was not a role. I was just a coffee guy for a year and a half. I came in with bleached blonde hairthat had happened the night before, because my friend was practicing to be a stylist, so that was accidental...It was the happiest accident, mistake, I ever made in my life." This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Yes! Michael Tyler is confirmed to appear on the special, which hits HBO Max on May 27. He'll make an appearance alongside the main cast and other beloved guest characters, including Jack and Judy Gellar, Janice, Dr. Richard Burke, and more. This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. In 2009, when asked about what he thought Gunther would be doing in the present day, Tyler said: "He'd probably have a very traditional marriage, with lots of white-haired babies running around with hair brighter than the sun." This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
|
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a36491685/what-is-gunther-from-friends-doing-now/
|
How can they bank?
|
Q. I am the president of a small bowling club on the Costa Blanca. The club funds are held in a Spanish bank account. We provided the bank with three signatories, with any two of three signatures required when withdrawing cash. This has not been a problem for over 20 years. This year two of our signatories have died and the bank will not allow another member to take their place. This leaves the club without access to funds. We have the death certificate of one of the deceased members, but the second has returned to the UK and is suffering from dementia. T.M. (Costa Blana) -- ADVERTISEMENT -- A. Because your club is not an officially registered association for the promotion of bowls, it has no legal personality so the bank treats your account as being held by three separate individuals in equal parts. If one dies, his share forms part of his inheritance and waits to be claimed by his inheritors, and if another cannot be contacted the same. What a mess! You need skilled legal assistance.
|
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/05/27/how-can-they-bank/
|
What Are the Mysterious 'Havana Syndrome' Attacks in D.C.?
|
" " Since 2016, U.S. government employees have complained of bizarre neurological symptoms, like headaches, ringing in the ears, vertigo and even memory loss. The government has now admitted these symptoms were likely caused by directed pulses of high-power microwaves fired at the individuals by some unknown agent. Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Getty Images/Wavebreak Media In a suburb of Washington, D.C., a woman was walking her dog. Suddenly, an intense ringing filled her ears. Her head began to ache, her face to tingle, and reportedly, her dog suffered convulsions. At the time November 2019 the woman, according to reporting by GQ, was on staff at the White House. A year later, in November 2020, another U.S. official had the same symptoms while crossing a park just outside the White House building. For the Department of State, the two cases must have felt like deja vu. Each marked a suspected instance of "Havana Syndrome," a bizarre illness that had plagued overseas U.S. government employees for half a decade. Only this time, it was happening on U.S. soil. Recently, experts have concluded that this strange condition is likely caused by directed pulses of high-power microwaves fired at a target by some unknown agent. It sounds like something out of a Dan Brown novel, but "Havana Syndrome" is terrifyingly real. In late 2016, around two dozen U.S. government employees stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba were all struck with a variable and mysterious set of symptoms. Many reported an odd ringing in the ears; some experienced sudden headaches coupled with disorientation. In severe cases, the symptoms escalated, blossoming into memory problems and bouts of extreme vertigo. Even more worrying was the pattern that emerged as the employees came forward. "These were not random individuals," says James Giordano, a professor of neurology at Georgetown University and senior fellow in biosecurity at the Naval War College. "These were individuals with specific job descriptions and particular career history." Later, when the government personnel who were potentially exposed had their brains scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), experts found that they had significantly less white matter than expected a clinical sign usually associated with head trauma. None of their skulls, however, showed any sign of injury. It was as if they had somehow been given a contactless concussion. And their issues didn't go away. Four-and-a-half-years later, a number of the afflicted personnel still report neurological side effects, like periods of disorientation and difficulty recalling words. "Upon subsequent reevaluation, in many cases," Giordano says, "their symptoms had gotten worse." In 2020, the precisely named Standing Committee to Advise DOS on Unexplained Health Effects on U.S. Government Employees and their Families at Overseas Embassies released a report assessing evidence from this case, as well as a similar one at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. It concluded that "many of the distinctive and acute signs, symptoms, and observations reported by DOS employees are consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy." Those radio frequency pulses are known by another name microwaves. But instead of popping popcorn, they're being put to a much more destructive use. " " U.S. Marines stand outside the Embassy of the United States of America in Havana, in February 2018. Two years earlier, around two dozen U.S. government employees stationed there were struck with a mysterious set of symptoms, now known as 'Havana Syndrome.' ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Micro Waves, Big Impacts High power microwave pulses have all sorts of technological applications, from returning energy collected by orbiting solar panels to jamming enemy communication in combat zones. Aimed at a human body, the effects are not pleasant. In enclosed, fluid-filled spaces the inner ear, for example microwave pulses can create an effect known as "cavitation," in which the fluid essentially bubbles. And since the blood vessels connected to the inner ear run directly to the brain, these bubbles can make their way into the brain itself. There, they can cause problems similar to the decompression sickness (the bends) divers sometimes experience after surfacing too quickly. Another issue is vibration. Microwaves cause molecules to vibrate rapidly ( this is how a microwave oven heats up your food). Inside the body's cells and tissues, this agitation can trigger a runaway inflammatory response resulting in all kinds of structural damage, including neuropathy. Not necessarily, according to some experts. In a livestream with the Santa Fe Council on International Relations, Edl Schamiloglu, a plasma physicist and engineer at the University of New Mexico, pointed out that short microwave pulses wouldn't singe their target. "There's hardly any energy content in them," he said, and so "you're not going to have any burns." However, repeated exposure to such pulses could culminate in severe neurologic symptoms. So it seems possible, even probable, that the so-called "Havana Syndrome" is caused by high power microwaves. And, more importantly, who is responsible for wielding it? " " The exterior of the White House is seen wrapped with security fencing March 7, 2021. It's hard to say for sure. As Schamiloglu pointed out in his CIR livestream, the gear necessary to create direct high power microwaves isn't something you can pick up at your local hardware store. "This technology is not something that a tinkerer can put together in their garage," he said, "This is a nation state developed technology." The groundwork for such a device has been in development in Russia since the early 2000s, and similar technology was recently unveiled in China. But these systems are roughly the size of a lounge chair not exactly portable or discrete. The real breakthrough for a high-power microwave weapon would be in scaling it down. Assuming that is the type of device at play here, it represents a real technological leap forward. There are ways to protect against microwave attacks, but most of them involve wrapping a room (or an individual) in a continuous sheet of metal, which is not a terribly practical solution. However, new defensive technologies may be in development. Giordano is not at liberty to get into specifics, but notes that he is "very encouraged" by the Biden Administration's response to the D.C. cases. Though none of the most recent attacks are in his professional portfolio, he believes that they utilized the same mechanism as the Havana incidents, a tie that should be closely examined in order to protect U.S. officials. "The new administration certainly takes this seriously," he says, "As they should." Now That's Interesting Decompression sickness, also known as the bends, is caused when tiny nitrogen bubbles are released from bodily tissues into the blood due to extreme pressure changes.
|
https://science.howstuffworks.com/havana-syndrome-attacks-news.htm
|
Will Clothes of the Future Be Made From Algae?
|
The benzene radical anion, well-known in organic chemistry as the first intermediate in the Birch reduction of benzene in liquid ammonia, exhibits intriguing properties from the point of view of quantum chemistry. Notably, it has the character of a metastable shape resonance in the gas phase, while measurements in solution find it to be experimentally detectable and stable. In this light, our previous calculations performed in bulk liquid ammonia explicitly reveal that solvation leads to stabilization. Here, we focus on the transition of the benzene radical anion from an unstable gas-phase ion to a fully solvated bound species by explicit ionization calculations of the radical anion solvated in molecular clusters of increasing size. The computational cost of the largest systems is mitigated by combining density functional theory with auxiliary methods including effective fragment potentials or approximating the bulk by polarizable continuum models. Using this methodology, we obtain the cluster size dependence of the vertical binding energy of the benzene radical anion converging to the value of $-$2.3 eV at a modest computational cost.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258085549921/will-clothes-of-the-future-be-made-from-algae
|
Why did Assad need a sham election in Syria?
|
Insight Experts say Bashar al Assad held an election to force Syrians into submission and give his few international supporters a reason to keep backing him. The elections in Syria have set off a tsunami of jokes and memes on social media with critics seeing it as Bashar al Assad running against Bashar al Assad. Assad's loyalists organised celebrations of his so-called re-election for the third time without feeling the need to wait for the actual vote to take place on May 26. It became clear that both the loyalists and the opposition knew very well in advance that the polls will show Assad as a victor. On the occasion of Syria and Bashar Al-Assads victory, two brothers (artists) invite you to celebrate Assads victory in the main elections, reads a poster that circulated on social media. Long live Assad, the poster concluded. Like his father Hafez al Assad, Bashar al Assad deployed ruthless tactics to stay in power as long as possible. While Hafez ruled Syria for 29 years, Assad completed 21 years in the position of power, although his reign is stained with the blood of thousands of Syrians who stood up against his tyranny in 2011. For Syria watchers, the election carried a clear message that Assad aims to retain power, not necessarily by persuasion but by force. For Thomas Pierret, a senior researcher at The Institute of Research and Study on the Arab and Muslim Worlds (IREMAM), an election under Assad's rule is a "power display" and a "ritual" which is meant to force people, particularly those who live in former opposition-held areas, to come to the ballot box and "enact their own submission to the regime". The main purpose of the election was not so much to target the regime supporters but those Syrians who don't support Assad but live under Assad's control, Pierret told TRT World. Assads loyalists have been increasingly raising their criticism of the regime amid a hard-hitting economic crisis that pushed the country's poverty line to around 90 per cent. But his hardcore supporters remain as loyal as ever. To prove his allegiance to Assad, one commander put up a show by cutting his chest with a knife and marking the ballot paper with his blood. Pierret argues that Assad is not interested in winning the hearts of the opponents either. The countrys Interior Ministry said around 1.8 million Syrians inside and outside of the country were marked ineligible to vote. The reports suggest there has been immense pressure on local residents in the areas formerly held by the opposition to publicly enact their submission to Assad. He's willing to force the people who live in these regions (into submission) because theyre still seen as enemies and as traitors to the regime, Pierret said, adding that Assad wanted to force them to publicly display their loyalty to the regime. It's very symbolic that the place selected to vote was the city of Douma, a stronghold of the opposition for many years, he says. The city is famed as the birthplace of the Syrian revolution. The regime and its allies, however, later flattened the city in a bid to recapture it. They are accused of carrying out a chemical gas attack that remains one of the deadliest atrocities of the Syrian war. Ayman Abdel Nour, a Syrian opposition figure and a journalist, tells TRT World that with the election, Assad wants his handful of supporters, including Egypt, China, and some other Arab countries, to have some justification for supporting him amid international pressure. This way, these countries can say, Assad won the election, even if it was only partially fair. So why not normalise relations (with the Syrian regime), open its embassies, Abdel Nour says. Ahead of the elections, European states and the US condemned the election for being neither free nor fair. With the excluded Syrians abroad, people in refugee camps in northeastern Syria as well as others who live in the last rebel stronghold didnt participate in the elections, only around 25 per cent of the population was able to vote in the elections. Not many think it can. Mazen Hassoun, a Syrian refugee, and a journalist, told TRT World that millions of Syrians inside Syria and the refugees in other countries dont recognize these elections and are fully aware that they are staged by Assad. Hes now based in Germany, where the government didnt allow the election process in the Syrian embassy in Berlin, calling it out for being a sham. Reminding the regime leaders father came to power with a coup, he says, The Syrian regime has a long history of faking and staging the presidential elections. Abdel Nour says the election wont be able to achieve what he was betting on. It doesn't change anything regarding the position of the UN, the international community," Abdel Nour says. "Today the US State Department issued a warning for their allies in the Arab region, saying that the US sanctions on Syria also apply on the allies. That's a hidden message, not to normalize relations and reopen embassies in Damascus.
|
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/why-did-assad-need-a-sham-election-in-syria-47053
|
Does Insurance Cover Slashed Tires?
|
If you have comprehensive insurance, then yes, your insurance covers slashed tires. It doesn't matter how many tires are slashed, either. But, whether or not you should make an insurance claim is another story. Read on to learn all about insurance coverage for slashed tires, then check out our review of the best car insurance providers to start your search for better coverage. You can enter your zip code below in the free quote tool to compare rates from top providers in your area. If your tires have been slashed, the first step is figuring out if youre covered by your auto insurance company. This all depends on the type of insurance coverage thats included in your vehicles policy, as well as how the tires were damaged. It Depends On The Type Of Insurance Coverage You Have Basic insurance coverage, also known as minimum liability auto insurance, does not cover slashed tires. Bodily injury and property damage liability insurance covers damages or losses that were the result of an accident that you caused. Slashed tires are most often the result of an act of vandalism or perhaps even poor road conditions. In the case of slashed tires, because the damage was not caused by another driver, liability will not cover it. The coverage youll need for slashed tires is either comprehensive auto insurance coverage or collision insurance. Which type your insurer uses for a claim depends on how your tires were damaged. When youre looking for the answer to whether filing an insurance claim covers slashed tires, your car insurance company will take into consideration how the tires were damaged. Depending on the cause, most auto insurance policies allow you to use either comprehensive coverage or collision coverage to pay for the damage. Comprehensive Coverage For Acts Of Vandalism Comprehensive car insurance protects your vehicle when its damaged by something other than a collision. This includes things like fire, severe weather, collision with animals, theft, and vandalism. According to this description, your comprehensive coverage should be able to pay for new tires or a tire replacement if they are slashed. The exact coverage amounts and limitations will vary by the insurance provider. Be aware that most insurance companies pay to restore your vehicle to its state before the accident. The company will subtract value to account for the milage your tires had before being slashed. So, you'll get new tires, but you might have to pay for a portion of the cost. Collision Coverage For Potholes Or Road Spikes Collision coverage can protect you and your vehicle when you get into a collision with another vehicle or an object. So, your insurance could cover tire damage from running over a pothole or road spikes. Again, its smart to check with your car insurance company to learn the specifics of your collision coverage to make sure it covers damaged tires. To find out more about coverage available in the car insurance industry, we recommend getting a quote. Enter your zip code below to get started. If your tires have been slashed, it may be difficult to figure out what to do first. But when it comes to making car insurance decisions after vandalism, try to keep track of as many details about the incident as you can to report them to local authorities. Whether or not you want to file a claim with your insurance company is another issue. Your comprehensive or collision deductible needs to be low enough to make filing a claim worth it, first of all. If your deductible is $500, you might pay for the set of tires yourself. If your insurance covers a portion of the cost, you'll probably see your rates increase for the next three years. There's a good chance the rate increase would cost more in the long run than whatever amount the insurance company paid for. Basically, it's probably only smart to have your insurance cover tires if the tires are of high value. File A Police Report Right Away After you notice the damage to your vehicle, file a claim with your auto insurance company as soon as youre able. Many insurance companies also require that you file a police report for vandalism. The offender will face serious consequences, and your insurance provider may be able to hold them responsible for covering the costs of the vehicle damage. Provide Detailed, Accurate Information Make sure to take pictures of the damage and note information about the incident, like where your car was parked and the estimated time of day the incident occurred. To file a claim, you can usually call your insurance companys customer service line or submit a request online. You always want to provide accurate details so your insurance agency can efficiently investigate your claim. After you submit a request, an appraiser will come out to inspect your vehicle and confirm the tires were slashed. Their job is to make sure this is not a case of insurance fraud. Comprehensive insurance can cover slashed tires that were the result of vandalism. Its important to be careful when filing a claim, as it could be denied if the tires were not actually slashed. Be honest with your insurance agent and provide as much detail as possible about how your tires were slashed. When you file the most accurate claim, you should get a fair amount to cover the costs. Get Your Tires Repaired Or Replaced Once your claim is being processed, find an auto shop to repair or replace the tires. Then check if you have rental car coverage to assist you while your car is being serviced. After that, all you have to do is pay your deductible, and you should be back on the road soon. There are many different types of policies so you and your vehicle have the right coverage while on the road. In addition to comprehensive and collision coverage, these other policies can assist in many different areas, which can be extremely helpful if you live in an area thats prone to dangerous driving conditions or crime. Here are some other standard insurance coverages you can add to your auto policy: Bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses for a victim of an accident that you caused. This is included in most state minimum requirements. insurance covers medical expenses for a victim of an accident that you caused. This is included in most state minimum requirements. Property damage liability coverage pays to repair or replace the property that was damaged in an accident you caused. This is also required under most state minimum auto insurance laws. coverage pays to repair or replace the property that was damaged in an accident you caused. This is also required under most state minimum auto insurance laws. Medical payments coverage pays for the cost of medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident. coverage pays for the cost of medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident. Personal injury projection is similar to medical payments and pays for the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits in certain states. is similar to medical payments and pays for the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits in certain states. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you get into an accident with a driver who has car insufficient insurance coverage. While many drivers choose to purchase the minimum required insurance in their state, its important to consider adding more coverage to your policy. Driving in large metropolitan areas can be unpredictable, so its better to carry coverage just in case the unthinkable happens. Drivers can access many other helpful coverages like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, gap insurance, and new car replacement. Some car dealerships even offer a protection package called road hazard insurance, which protects you if youre exposed to dangerous driving conditions on the road, like potholes or debris. Not all providers offer the same types of coverage. So, its important to shop around for car insurance quotes to compare the value each company offers. We took a look at some of the top providers around the nation to see what companies came out on top in customer service, coverage, cost, and more. Here are two of our top picks. Compare quotes between these providers, and enter your zip code to find other providers in your area. Or, call (844) 246-8209 to speak with Motor1's designated quotes team. #1 Progressive: Best For High-Risk Drivers Progressive has a reputation for saving people money with its Name Your Price tool and many discounts. Drivers can save for bundling multiple policies, going paperless, and paying their premium in full. These money-saving opportunities and average customer service helped Progressive earn a 4.5 rating from our research. From Progressive, you can purchase full coverage insurance, including comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and roadside assistance. For more, read our Progressive insurance review. #2 Geico: Best Overall Geico is a good option with its reliable coverage and good customer service, earning it a 4.5 rating. Available in all 50 states, Geico offers comprehensive coverage, medical payments, emergency road service, and rental reimbursement. You can access many discounts with Geico, like those for senior citizens, members of the military, and good students. Read our Geico review for more. Depending on how your tire was damaged, comprehensive and collision coverage are the only types of insurance that cover slashed tires. If you have basic insurance or liability coverage, your insurance will generally not cover the damages, regardless of the cause. You may have heard of a rumor that car insurance companies will only cover slashed tires if all four were damaged. As long as you have sufficient comprehensive coverage, you should be covered no matter how many tires were slashed. Check your insurance policy for specifics or ask your agent about your insurance coverage. The cost to replace a slashed tire depends on your auto insurance coverage and the deductible you chose at the beginning of your policy. This expense is also impacted by how many tires were damaged, the size of your tires, and the types of tires your vehicle needs. Many auto repair shops can patch a punctured tire for under $50, but severe tire damage may require you to replace the tires completely, which can amount to a few hundred dollars. If youre covered by insurance, though, you should only have to pay your deductible. Car insurance does not cover damage from tire wear and tear. So, if you get a flat tire because it is worn down, your insurance company will not pay for repairs. You might be better off purchasing roadside assistance to cover you in emergencies. A technician can come out to put on your spare tire or tow you to a local repair shop. Other articles on car insurance:
|
https://www.motor1.com/reviews/410136/insurance-cover-slashed-tires/
|
Is Agile Auditing the Latest Fad or a Really Great Practice?
|
As at least in countries, such as the U.S. and the U.K., that have made significant progress with vaccination organizations take the first tentative steps towards a return to work, debate is raging over how far the process should go. Unsurprisingly, leaders of some well-known investment banks, such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase, have come out fighting, insisting that being in the office is vital for the type of work that they do. But others, including businesses that would be assumed to be similarly hard-driving, such as big law firms and consultancies, are being more circumspect. Having seen no drop in productivity in the past year or so, they are not just suggesting that employees need not be in the office more than 50% of the time, but even countenancing some staff being able to move to locations that would envisage them making the commute even less frequently.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258131847267/is-agile-auditing-the-latest-fad-or-a-really-great-practice
|
What is Suki hiding in EastEnders and why does she need money?
|
Suki is in desperate need of some cash. (Picture: BBC) Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) makes her highly-anticipated return to EastEnders tonight (May 27). Scenes tonight see Vinny (Shiv Jalota) come to believe that Kheerat (Jaz Deol) has a mystery woman in his life. Once his suspicions are confifmed, hes desperate for information. Kheerat, however, refuses to kiss and tell! Enter Suki! The mainstay of the BBC One soap has seemingly been off on a business trip, but she arrives back in Walford this evening and wastes little time in reminding her sons that shes not to be trifled with! Suki is not too pleased to learn of her sons dalliance with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), but shes got more pressing issues on her mind as shes seemingly hiding something. Suki goes to Phil in a desperate bid to get some quick money. (Picture: BBC) Suki arrives back harbouring a big secret. As of yet, we do not know what it is that has her so concerned. What we do know, however, is that shes in desperate need of some cash! in fact, shes so desperate that she goes to archenemy Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to beg for a loan! That would be a no! The hard-man refuses her request. Suki therefore turns her attention to Kheerat, and when she finds him in Walford East with Sharon, its safe to say shes not pleased! Kheerat, however, revels in his rebellion! EastEnders continues Thursday May 27 at 7:35pm on BBC One. If youve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] wed love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE : EastEnders spoilers: Sharon Watts discovers Linda Carters big baby secret MORE : 12 soap spoiler pictures: Coronation Street Corey death shock, EastEnders baby tragedy, Emmerdale poisoner exposed, Hollyoaks discovery
|
https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/27/what-is-suki-hiding-in-eastenders-and-why-does-she-need-money-14657507/
|
What's the Best Wood for Cricket or Baseball Bats?
|
I'd love to hear from BLH community on this topic, whether opinions or expertise. I enjoy baseball and boxing most of all. If you ever watch a major league game at eye level, the insane speed of everything is what jumps out at you. The field dimensions aren't much different from high school, but everything is so much faster. Everyone knows its hard to hit a 95 mph fastball, but the ball jumps off the bat so fast as well, and fielders have crazy quick reactions, for example. Pro baseball players are not always the biggest guys, the fastest guys, the most physically fit, but whether fielding or hitting, what they all seem to have is very quick pattern recognition and reaction.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258205524040/what-s-the-best-wood-for-cricket-or-baseball-bats
|
How many times is Tarrant County juvenile court judge going to show his bad judgment?
|
Judge Alex Kim is back in the news. And if youre familiar at all with the Tarrant County 323rd Family District Court judge, you can guess its not for a wise, considered decision. In a recent online court hearing, Kim told the mother of a Black teenager accused of possessing a gun and being in a stolen car that the boys trouble was predictable because he is into rap music. Kim referred to rap culture and said the teen wouldnt have gotten into that fix if he were in a church choir instead. The teens mother carefully pushed back, noting that while she didnt know the content of her sons music, there are gospel rappers. And thats the problem with Kims comment. Its ignorant to suggest that a kid who likes to rap is automatically headed toward criminal behavior. Its a lazy stereotype, and a judge charged with shepherding the rehabilitation of youth cant lean on such generalities. Kim compounded the error by responding to a reporters question about a stereotype that plenty of people see as racist with the comment: Stop Asian hate. It was either a dumb joke or an attempt to suggest hes immune from criticism on the rap comment because of his race. Either way, he trivialized a grave issue, the increase of hate-fueled attacks on Asian-Americans. If Kims behavior in this case were a lapse, a thoughtless moment, it would be an online embarrassment that quickly fades. But over and over again, Kim is showing us that his judgment is flawed. In late 2019, Kim, a first-term Republican, tried to freeze out specially trained child-advocates who represent the interests of children in serious abuse and neglect cases. County judges eventually decided to remove Child Protective Services cases from Kims court, where they had been primarily handled for years. That followed criticism of Kim for partly blaming a sex trafficking victims troubles on her own behavior, along with his removal from the case of a critically ill infant after accusations of bias. Story continues And of course, there was the infamous late-night poker game in his chambers, an inappropriate use of a public facility that came complete with cigar smoking that violated county policy. Its quite a record for not even two and a half years on the bench. It should go without saying, but judges cant display bias against a juvenile offender based on a racial stereotype. Juvenile justice has to focus on rehabilitation, and anything that suggests Black children, or those of any race, cant get a fair shake in court hurts that goal. So does a judge who consistently shows he lacks the temperament and decision-making skills needed for the job.
|
https://news.yahoo.com/many-times-tarrant-county-juvenile-154445286.html
|
How does the Electronic Vaccination Data System work?
|
The Department of Health has recently been criticised as there have been some issues with the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) with many over-60 citizens who had registered on the system still looking to receive notification of their appointments for the vaccine. Deputy director-general Dr Nicholas Crisp says they are aware of some of the hiccups within the registration process to which many citizens have been complaining about and they are working on improving them. We now have five provinces that are fully in control of the EVDS in both the public and private sector, they have been fully trained and authorised to go ahead. Dr Nicholas Crisp, Deputy director-general - Department of Health We are aware of the problems, like people being vaccinated in sites far away from their homes and the controllers are working on it, to see what could be causing the problem. Dr Nicholas Crisp, Deputy director-general - Department of Health RELATED: Ramaphosa family meeting coming soon, says Ntshavheni Crisp explained the reason many people have not received notifications on when they can receive the vaccine is based on some provinces not having full control of the EVDS. They now can schedule books themselves and they have to match their vaccine supply, stipend, and other equipment in ensuring they schedule or book people according to their capacity. Dr Nicholas Crisp, Deputy director-general - Department of Health For a site to be authorised to connect to the EVDS they need the necessary permits and license from the pharmacy council, on top of that they also have to be registered by the department of health. Dr Nicholas Crisp, Deputy director-general - Department of Health Crip confirmed that today they managed to vaccinate over 65 000 elderly people which is more than yesterday. Listen to the full interview below...
|
https://www.702.co.za/articles/417649/how-does-the-electronic-vaccination-data-system-work
|
What are the Drivers and Restraints of Digital Audio Decoders Market?
|
| Analysis and Forecast till 2031 by Fact.MR Transportation restrictions and stringent government policies are causing a downturn in the growth scale of the Digital Audio Decoders market amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) lockdown period. Technology has gained so much impetus today that is has become the fulcrum of several industries today. Edge computing is making headlines as cloud computing and artificial intelligence begin to disrupt the technology industry. It not only increases ease of doing business, but also improves productivity and efficiency. With the penetration of internet, every business across the globe is fast migrating to the digital space. Hence, analysts at Fact.MR have collated a research study that provides an in-depth outlook in the Global Digital Audio Decoders Market. One of the fastest-growing market research companies in World. Facilitating the growth of regional as well as global clients. Passionate, dynamic, and experienced team of analysts. A unique and methodical market research process. Round the clock customer service available. Read More Trending and Similar Reports from Fact.MR http://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2020/04/01/2010030/0/en/3D-Scanner-Market-to-Surpass-US-5-Bn-Mark-by-2027-Digitization-to-Fuel-Rampant-Adoption-Finds-a-New-Fact-MR-Study.html About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and well be an able research partner. Contact: US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E-Mail: [email protected] Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
|
https://www.mccourier.com/what-are-the-drivers-and-restraints-of-digital-audio-decoders-market-analysis-and-forecast-till-2031-by-fact-mr/
|
What are the Future Growth Prospects for Antiblock Agents Market?
|
| Detailed Insights and Forecast till 2031 by Fact.MR Antiblock Agents Market Study in Chemical Sector Provides Latest Intelligence on Growth in 2021 and Beyond. Modified economic, social, environmental, and political standards are expected to play an even bigger role in shaping the industrys future as it heads into 2021. Companies should consider introducing a series of focused, strategic initiatives across major functional areas such as R&D and technology to succeed in the changing chemical market landscape. Global Antiblock Agents supply-demand continues to be impacted by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The new Antiblock Agents market research report outlines the key factors that will impact production, supply, and demand during the assessment 2021-2031. The study tracks Antiblock Agents demand and sales in over 20 countries, highlighting the variance and unique set of conditions that are unique to every market. The study also analyses the impact of COVID-19 on chemicals industry in general and Antiblock Agents in particular. Request a Sample Report containing crucial Graphs and Figures https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1068 Market Segmentation The Antiblock Agents market can be segmented on following basis: By Product Type: Naturally Occurring. Synthetically Prepared. By Appearance: Powder Form. Bead/Pellet/Micro-Bead From. By Application: Limestone Zeolite Organic Additives. Bis-amide. Secondary Amide. Primary Amide. Organic Stearate. Metallic Stearate. Silicone Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Inorganic Additives. Natural Silica. Synthetic Silica. Clay Mica Talc. Calcium Carbonate. Ceramic Sphere. The Antiblock Agents industry report tracks short-term and long-term growth, offering readers analysis they can use immediately to formulate their strategies. Overall, demand for Antiblock Agents will be heavily influenced by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The Chemical Activity Barometer has shown a stable streak, which is indicative of an ascendancy in US chemicals sector. However, the US chemicals sector growth will depend to a large extent on how end-use industries fare. Traditionally, demand from automotive sector has been key to chemical demand. The US automotive sector is set to recover in 2021 with sales expected to be in the range of 15.5 million to 16 million. One of the fastest-growing market research companies in World. Facilitating the growth of regional as well as global clients. Passionate, dynamic, and experienced team of analysts. A unique and methodical market research process. Round the clock customer service available. Read More Trending and Similar Reports from Fact.MR https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bentonite-producing-hotspots-to-emerge-as-primary-investment-destinations-for-geosynthetic-clay-liner-manufacturers-factmr-study-301222404.html About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and well be an able research partner. Contact: US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E-Mail: [email protected] Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
|
https://www.mccourier.com/what-are-the-future-growth-prospects-for-antiblock-agents-market-detailed-insights-and-forecast-till-2031-by-fact-mr/
|
What's the future of EU-Swiss relations now talks have collapsed?
|
Switzerland, a small nation of 8.6 million at the heart of Europe, is surrounded by European Union countries. While it has chosen to remain outside the 27-nation bloc, it has maintained a close relationship with the EU, which is by far its largest trading partner. About two-thirds of Swiss imports come from the bloc, while half of the country's exports go to the EU. An estimated 1.4 million EU nationals live in Switzerland, while 450,000 Swiss citizens are residents in EU countries. No fewer than 120 deals between Brussels and Bern were concluded over recent decades, ranging from agriculture to police cooperation. The collapse of talks on Wednesday may seem like a huge paradox, considering the breadth and depth of the cooperation between the two, their economic and political ties as well as their geographic and cultural proximity. Beyond the headlines, Euronews looks into the unique and sometimes thorny relationship between Brussels and Switzerland. It all started in 1972 when Switzerland and the ancestor of the EU -- known as the European Economic Community -- concluded their first free trade agreement over industrial goods and agricultural products. The deal is still in force today. In 1990, the deal was complemented by a new agreement simplifying customs controls and trade formalities. Two years later, Switzerland requested the opening of negotiations to join the bloc -- known at the time as the European Economic Community. But the push for membership talks was put to a halt after Swiss voters rejected joining in a referendum at the end of that year. The rejection marked a "key turning point" in EU-Swiss relations, said Paolo Dardanelli, a reader in comparative politics at the University of Kent. He said that was because Switzerland from that point on was "on its own" and "had to find a way, a modus vivendi with the EU." In 1997 and in 2001, federal popular initiatives on opening membership negotiations with the EU were opposed by about three-quarters of Swiss voters. The rejection of European integration can be seen as the continuation of the country's long tradition of neutrality. Under that principle, Switzerland refrained from participating in World War II and in the Cold War, for instance. Nowadays, however, neutrality is not as prominent as it used to be, Dardanelli told Euronews, and what dominates is a strong attachment to preserving national sovereignty. Swiss citizens are also concerned that joining the EU would not be compatible with their cherished direct democracy system. Local residents participate in an open-air voting in Glarus, Switzerland, Sunday, May 1, 2011. John Heilprin/AP "In Switzerland, you can vote on anything really. You can collect signatures and vote on changing the constitution and any other aspect" of policy-making, Dardanelli explained. "The Swiss would want to be part of the EU economically but they don't want to be part of the EU politically," said Laurent Goetschel, director of the think tank Swisspeace and professor of political science at the University of Basel. In light of Switzerland's refusal to join the bloc, cooperation developed on the basis of ad hoc agreements. In 1999, Switzerland and the EU signed a package of seven agreements, covering among other things the free movement of persons. This gave citizens on each side the right to live and work in the EU or Switzerland, provided they had a job or other sources of income. Another set of sectoral agreements came in 2004, establishing Switzerland's participation in the EU's borderless Schengen area. In total, there are currently more than 120 agreements between Switzerland and the EU. These agreements automatically apply to new member states when they join the EU, except for the accord on the free movement of people, which is renegotiated with each new country. Under this framework, cooperation has thrived. Switzerland and the EU are key economic partners, with trade exchanges amounting to about 1 billion every working day. Switzerland is also the bloc's fourth-largest trading partner after China, US and the UK. An estimated 25% of Switzerland's workforce is made up of EU citizens, of which 343,809 are cross-border workers. Issues surrounding the status of workers in connection with immigration are the main source of tensions between Switzerland and the EU. The wealthy nation boasts much higher wage levels and social protection than its EU neighbours and is wary of so-called "wage-dumping," especially when cross-border workers are employed in Switzerland under foreign contracts, Dardanelli explained. "Switzerland tries to protect the wages and the working conditions of its workforce," the scholar said including by so-called "flanking measures". Meanwhile, "the EU wants to eliminate those to create a level playing field in terms of competition," Dardanelli added. Swiss border guards check vehicles crossing the Swiss-French border at Bardonnex, Switzerland, Monday Feb. 8, 2021. Salvatore Di Nolfi/AP Tensions over the free movement of workers culminated in 2014 with a popular referendum. "In 2014, an initiative to restrict immigration, which was directly against the agreement with the EU, was put to the vote and was narrowly endorsed," Dardanelli noted. The move angered Brussels, even if the measure was never fully implemented. One of the problems, Dardanelli said, is that "these agreements are divided into packages and that they are linked to each other. So legally, if you denounce one, the other ones also fall." A compromise was found to save the face of the government while salvaging cooperation with the EU but that also meant that "what people voted for was not really put into practice," Dardanelli noted. The softened text adopted by the Swiss parliament in 2016 gave nationals priority in the jobs market and made it harder for Swiss employers to hire EU citizens. Taxation and banking secrecy, cornerstones of the powerful Swiss financial system, were long among the flashpoints of the relationship. But these issues have been addressed through several agreements concluded in recent years. In 2015, Bern and Brussels signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of taxation information. From 2018, Switzerland and each EU member state started automatically exchanging banking data. Beyond these specific policy areas, what Switzerland wants above all is to maintain its national independence and sovereignty. "Ideally, the EU would like Switzerland just to adapt itself automatically to the norms and legislations that the EU adopts. Switzerland finds it difficult to do because it feels as it becomes just a vassal state to the EU," Dardanelli said. The long-time frictions between Switzerland and the EU again came into play during recent negotiations. For a long time, the EU pressed Switzerland to go beyond ad hoc cooperation agreements and pushed for an umbrella framework deal, insisting no new bilateral accords could be signed until then. But those talks came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday. The negotiations essentially stumbled over EU demands for its citizens to have full access to the Swiss labour market. Switzerland resisted such a move, arguing it might result in non-Swiss citizens getting social security rights. Access of EU firms to the Swiss market was another "hot potato", said Goetschel. But what dominated was "general scepticism about the framework agreement, which was about the dynamic adaptation of Swiss legislation to legislative developments in the European Union, and also a certain role of the European Court of Justice". The Swiss "are allergic to what we call foreign judges", the expert noted. Ultimately, "the government came to the conclusion that such a treaty would not have enough chances in a popular referendum", Goetschel said. "This to me is quite interesting because those who lean towards Europe have over the years been extraordinarily over-optimistic about their chances of getting things through. And now they have changed tune, they think they can't get it through even though some polls are saying 64% would support it," said Clive Church, an emeritus professor of European studies at the University of Kent. "So it seems to me that there are concerns about sovereignty and there are concerns about political management that underlie the more empirical questions," Church told Euronews. Swiss leaders said the country hoped to remain a close partner of the 27-nation bloc. But the EU has suggested that a lack of common rules could cause Switzerland to lose its privileged connection with the blocs electricity system and that failure to reach an accord was "hampering access of Swiss air carriers to the EUs internal market. The bloc furthermore said that cooperation in the health sector or labour market would suffer. "The EU could also be nastier in other fields. So for example, they could prevent Switzerland from participating in the next Horizon research programme or allow it only under certain conditions that would be to the disadvantage of Switzerland," Goetschel told Euronews. On a more positive note, Dardanelli said there was "still a lot of goodwill on the two sides to find a way forward". "So I imagine this to an extent is also a bit of an act of brinkmanship on the part of Switzerland trying to signal to the EU that it doesn't want to be pushed on these issues", noting that the country will expect the EU to compromise further. Yet Brexit has further complicated the picture, according to Dardanelli. Before Britain left the bloc, "the EU was quite accommodative, but because of Brexit, it has become much more worried about making exceptions and creating new loopholes that then could be exploited," the scholar told Euronews. Switzerland's relationship with the EU has also drawn comparisons with that of Britain, especially now, Church noted, in that "it put sovereignty above everything, including economic gain".
|
https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/27/what-s-the-future-of-eu-swiss-relations-now-talks-have-collapsed
|
What Will Be The Growth Rate Of Facial Recognition Biometrics In Consumer Electronics Market During 2021-2027?
|
Stratagem Market Insights (SMI) has recently added the latest research report on the Global Facial Recognition Biometrics In Consumer Electronics Market covers forecast and analysis on a worldwide, regional, and country level. The report provides an exhaustive calculation of the Facial Recognition Biometrics In Consumer Electronics comprising of industry chain structure, market drivers, opportunities, technology advancements, future roadmap, industry news analysis, industry policy analysis, market player profiles, deep insights into the global market revenue, parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness per market segment and strategies. These reports show a comprehensive overview of the global market size, growth, supply, demand, share, innovations, recent developments, and key stakeholders can consider statistics, tables & figures mentioned in this report for strategic planning which lead to the success of the organization. This report helps to analyze top manufacturers, revenue, price, and also covers Industry sales channels, distributors, traders, dealers, research findings, company strengths and weaknesses, conclusion, appendix, and data source. >>Get More Insights Analysis on this Report, Click Here @ https://www.stratagemmarketinsights.com/sample/17644 Some of the key manufacturers operating in this market include Cognitec Systems, Dell, Google, HP, Apple, Microsoft, AMD, Intel Security, Cogent Systems, Allied Time . The primary data for Facial Recognition Biometrics In Consumer Electronics Market has been collected from multiple trustworthy sources like journals, websites, white papers, annual reports of the businesses, and mergers, to form better decisions, generate maximum revenue, and enhance business profit, this market research report may be a great solution.
|
https://www.mccourier.com/what-will-be-the-growth-rate-of-facial-recognition-biometrics-in-consumer-electronics-market-during-2021-2027-cognitec-systems-dell-google-hp/
|
Which Key Regions are Reflecting Highest Growth in Demand and Sales for Glyphosate Market?
|
| Crucial Insights and Forecast till 2031 by Fact.MR Glyphosate Market Study in Chemical Sector Provides Latest Intelligence on Growth in 2021 and Beyond. Modified economic, social, environmental, and political standards are expected to play an even bigger role in shaping the industrys future as it heads into 2021. Companies should consider introducing a series of focused, strategic initiatives across major functional areas such as R&D and technology to succeed in the changing chemical market landscape. Global Glyphosate supply-demand continues to be impacted by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The new Glyphosate market research report outlines the key factors that will impact production, supply, and demand during the assessment 2021-2031. The study tracks Glyphosate demand and sales in over 20 countries, highlighting the variance and unique set of conditions that are unique to every market. The study also analyses the impact of COVID-19 on chemicals industry in general and Glyphosate in particular. Request a Sample Report containing crucial Graphs and Figures https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1176 Global Glyphosate Market: Segmentation Global Glyphosate Market can be segmented on the basis of crop type, by form, by application and by region. The Glyphosate industry report tracks short-term and long-term growth, offering readers analysis they can use immediately to formulate their strategies. Overall, demand for Glyphosate will be heavily influenced by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The Chemical Activity Barometer has shown a stable streak, which is indicative of an ascendancy in US chemicals sector. However, the US chemicals sector growth will depend to a large extent on how end-use industries fare. Traditionally, demand from automotive sector has been key to chemical demand. The US automotive sector is set to recover in 2021 with sales expected to be in the range of 15.5 million to 16 million. One of the fastest-growing market research companies in World. Facilitating the growth of regional as well as global clients. Passionate, dynamic, and experienced team of analysts. A unique and methodical market research process. Round the clock customer service available. Read More Trending and Similar Reports from Fact.MR http://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/10/03/1924788/0/en/Isocyanates-Manufacturers-Leveraging-Advancements-and-Modernization-in-the-Adhesives-Paint-and-Coating-Industry-Fact-MR.html About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and well be an able research partner. Contact: US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E-Mail: [email protected] Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
|
https://www.mccourier.com/which-key-regions-are-reflecting-highest-growth-in-demand-and-sales-for-glyphosate-market-crucial-insights-and-forecast-till-2031-by-fact-mr/
|
Who are the Key Players in Dicumyl PeroxideMarket and How are They Performing in recent years?
|
| Analysis and Forecast till 2031 by Fact.MR Dicumyl Peroxide Market Study in Chemical Sector Provides Latest Intelligence on Growth in 2021 and Beyond. Modified economic, social, environmental, and political standards are expected to play an even bigger role in shaping the industrys future as it heads into 2021. Companies should consider introducing a series of focused, strategic initiatives across major functional areas such as R&D and technology to succeed in the changing chemical market landscape. Global Dicumyl Peroxide supply-demand continues to be impacted by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The new Dicumyl Peroxide market research report outlines the key factors that will impact production, supply, and demand during the assessment 2021-2031. The study tracks Dicumyl Peroxide demand and sales in over 20 countries, highlighting the variance and unique set of conditions that are unique to every market. The study also analyses the impact of COVID-19 on chemicals industry in general and Dicumyl Peroxide in particular. Request a Sample Report containing crucial Graphs and Figures https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1077 Market Segmentation: The dicumyl peroxide market is segmented on the basis of purity, industry, and application. The Dicumyl Peroxide industry report tracks short-term and long-term growth, offering readers analysis they can use immediately to formulate their strategies. Overall, demand for Dicumyl Peroxide will be heavily influenced by broader developments in the chemicals sector. The Chemical Activity Barometer has shown a stable streak, which is indicative of an ascendancy in US chemicals sector. However, the US chemicals sector growth will depend to a large extent on how end-use industries fare. Traditionally, demand from automotive sector has been key to chemical demand. The US automotive sector is set to recover in 2021 with sales expected to be in the range of 15.5 million to 16 million. One of the fastest-growing market research companies in World. Facilitating the growth of regional as well as global clients. Passionate, dynamic, and experienced team of analysts. A unique and methodical market research process. Round the clock customer service available. Read More Trending and Similar Reports from Fact.MR http://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2019/10/04/1925322/0/en/Petroleum-Based-to-Bio-Based-Propylene-Glycol-is-a-Key-Trend-Finds-Fact-MR.html About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and well be an able research partner. Contact: US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E-Mail: [email protected] Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
|
https://www.mccourier.com/who-are-the-key-players-in-dicumyl-peroxidemarket-and-how-are-they-performing-in-recent-years-analysis-and-forecast-till-2031-by-fact-mr/
|
Is Blue Miracle a True Story? Is the Netflix Movie Based on Real Life?
|
Co-written and directed by Julio Quintana (The Vessel), Blue Miracle is a sports drama film about competitive fishing. The story is set in the Mexican resort city of Cabo San Lucas and follows Omar (Jimmy Gonzales), who runs the Casa Hogar boys home with his wife Becca (Fernanda Urrejola). Having grown up on the streets himself, Omar has made it his lifes mission to save as many youths as possible from that fate. Still reeling from the effects of a hurricane, Omar discovers that the bank will take possession of the home if he fails to pay the money he owes them. Circumstances lead him and some of the boys to enter the worlds biggest fishing competition, Bisbees Black & Blue Tournament. If they win it, they can secure the future of the home. Blue Miracle is an extraordinary tale of faith, courage, and victory against overwhelming odds. If you want to know whether it is based on real-life events, we got you covered. Yes, Blue Miracle is based on a true story. According to Quintana, the story is so remarkable that if it werent true, writing a movie about it would be impossible. The film offers a mostly faithful depiction of what the residents of Casa Hogar and their caretakers, married couple Omar Venegas and Rebeca Rangel, experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Odile, which hit Cabo San Lucas on September 15, 2014, resulting in considerable damage. According to reports, 92% of the population in the Baja California peninsula, where Cabo San Lucas is located, lost electricity because of the storm. Furthermore, over a hundred people were admitted to hospitals with various degrees of injuries. The storm happened about five weeks before the tournament. The devastation that Hurricane Odile caused made organizing that years competition a truly arduous task. However, a combined effort of the locals and the Dallas-based Bisbees Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund ensured that the event would be a massive success. Amazingly, none of the Casa Hogar boys that took part in Bisbees had fished before. The unique circumstances surrounding that years tournament allowed them the opportunity to participate in it. Bisbees entry fee is generally quite significant, but in 2014, Cabo San Lucas residents got the chance to take part because of the Bisbee Cabo Charter Hook-up, an initiative organized by Bisbees Fish & Wildlife Conservation Funds Cabo Relief Fund. It was revealed that an anonymous donor would sponsor the teams that would work with local anglers and captains. The initiative not only offered an unprecedented opportunity to the locals but also helped rejuvenate the local economy. Omar and his boys also gained entry into the competition through the initiative. There were 126 other teams, but Casa Hogar ended up winning after they caught a 385-pound blue marlin in October 2014. The money they won, $258,325, wasnt distributed among the individual winners. Instead, it was revealed that the entire pot would be used on Casa Hogar. Like it is shown in the film, Omar was the one who served as the angler on the day the fish was caught. At the end of the film, the note states that Casa Hogar has since established a girls program. Clearly, Blue Miracle is a wonderful adaptation of an incredible real-life story. Read More: Blue Miracle Ending Explained
|
https://thecinemaholic.com/is-blue-miracle-a-true-story/
|
Is LeBron James Getting Preferential Treatment with NBA's COVID Protocols?
|
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press LeBron James has been NBA royalty for as long as he has been in the league. That's how it is for the 36-year-old, a four-time NBA champion with 17 All-Star selections and a whopping 16 first- (13), second- (two) or third-team All-NBA selections. So the idea that he is treated differently (read: better) than Kristaps Porzingis should come as a surprise to no one. If you're talking about a friendly whistle by an official during a game, that's one thing. But the way the NBA handled James' health and safety protocol violation shortly before addressing a similar violation by Porzingis, raised a lot more questions than answers. While there are factors that differentiate the two violations, some league executives contend that James' status was as big or an even bigger contributor to him receiving a less severe punishment than Porzingis. "It's a given that LeBron, because of who he is, is going to get some things to go his way that don't go that way for others, said an Eastern Conference executive. If you spell out the rules and the players violate them, why would you (then) risk exposing them to their teammates?" Video Play Button Videos you might like Another Eastern Conference front-office official added: "The NBA is trying to have it both ways. They are taking this [coronavirus] seriously; they have from the jump. But they want the players to not feel too restricted by the rules. What you wind up doing, you create more confusion to a process that's already kind of confusing because everything changes so quickly when it comes to what you can do and what you can't." Porzingis attended a strip club last Sunday following Dallas' Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and NBA rules prohibit players from going into a "bar, club, lounge or similar establishment, regardless of player's vaccination status." The NBA quickly went into explaining the distinction shortly after Porzingis' fine was announced, knowing it would inevitably be compared to James' punishment. "While we understand the inclination to compare this incident to protocol violations by other players, including LeBron James, those facts are very different," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement. "LeBron briefly attended an outdoor event related to an individual commercial activity where everyone was either required to be vaccinated or return a negative COVID test. The league reviews each potential protocol violation on a case-by-case basis, and determines quarantines and imposes discipline based on the individual facts and circumstances of each matter." Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters: "We've addressed it internally. We obviously accept the league's ruling statement. Other than that, we have no comment on the matter." As for James' violation, it occurred May 19, before the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors in their play-in matchup. James reportedly attended a promotional event prior to the game for a brand of tequila he has invested in. Canadian rapper, singer, actor and entrepreneur Drake was in attendance at the outdoor event as well as the Warriors-Lakers game, along with actor Michael B. Jordan. Similar to Porzingis, James' attendance was a violation of the league's health and safety protocol. Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images Straightforward precedent, actually. Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was fined $50,000 for visiting a strip club in Miami last month. Not only does the way the league handled the two player violations raise more questions, it also shines a brighter spotlight on how the NBA's health and safety protocols aren't necessarily aligned with the changing protocols in various NBA cities. For Porzingis, whom ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported is fully vaccinated, he would still be in violation of the league's health and safety protocol at a time when cities are relaxing restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated and federal guidelines are changing quickly. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already provided updated guidance on the matter, indicating that vaccinated people don't need to wear masks "in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance." There are several factors still unknown about James' attendance at the outdoor event and those individuals at the strip club when Porzingis was there, complicating determining whether either player violated local guidelines as they relate to outdoor gatherings or indoor bars/clubs in Los Angeles. Technically, customers are expected to wear masks in bars and restaurants whenever they are not drinking. Good luck legislating that gray area for hundreds of players spread across the country. And let's not forget local laws aren't necessarily the same as those on the books for the state of California, which has been slower than some states to ease some of its health and safety protocols. The league's natural pushback on how it has handled James and Porzingis' health and safety protocol violations centers around how the NBA has handled the coronavirus from the first positive test. The number of positive test results has been relatively low, both inside the bubble to close out last season and for the most part during the 2020-2021 campaign. According to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, more than 70 percent of NBA players have received a coronavirus vaccine. For now, the NBA must grapple with optics. There's already a perception that punishments related to health and safety protocols are not equitable among superstar and non-superstar players. Because right now, the NBA is perceived as a league where stars are given preferential treatment on many levels, both on and off the court. And the way the NBA handled James and Porzingis' health and safety protocol violations shows how even the perception of unfair treatment can backfire.
|
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2943818-is-lebron-james-getting-preferential-treatment-with-nbas-covid-protocols
|
Is G-Dragon Getting His Own Nike Shoe?
|
After delivering his two Para-noise Air Force 1 styles in the last two years, K-Pop icon G-Dragon may be taking his relationship with Nike to a whole new level. According to Py_rates on Instagram, set to release this holiday season is the Nike Kwondo 1, a new silhouette designed under G-Dragons Peaceminusone fashion label. Given its far-out release date, an early look at the purported shoe has yet to appear but the according to the account, the shoe will debut in a tonal white makeup although it wasnt revealed if additional colorways are also expected. Early details indicate that the collab will come with a $180 price tag. As of now, neither G-Dragon nor Nike have announced the release details for the rumored Peaceminusone x Nike Kwondo 1, but stay tuned to Sole Collector for new developments as they become available. Peaceminusone x Nike Kwondo 1 Release Date: Holiday 2021 Color: White/White-White Price: $180
|
https://solecollector.com/news/peaceminusone-nike-kwondo-1-release-date
|
Can Employers Make Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandatory?
|
Yes, with some exceptions. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather. Experts say U.S. employers can require employees to take safety measures, including vaccination. That doesnt necessarily mean you would get fired if you refuse, but you might need to sign a waiver or agree to work under specific conditions to limit any risk you might pose to yourself or others. Employers generally have wide scope to make rules for the workplace, said Dorit Reiss, a law professor who specializes in vaccine policies at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Its their business. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has allowed companies to mandate the flu and other vaccines, and has indicated they can require COVID-19 vaccines. There are exceptions. For example, people can request exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Some states have proposed laws that restrict mandating the vaccines because of their emergency use" status, but that may become less of an issue since Pfizer has applied for full approval and others are likely to follow. How employers approach the issue will vary. Many might not want to require vaccination because of the administrative burden of tracking compliance and managing exemption requests, noted Michelle S. Strowhiro, an employment adviser and lawyer at McDermott Will & Emery. Legal claims could also arise. As a result, many employers will likely strongly encourage vaccination without making it mandatory, Strowhiro said. Walmart, for example, is offering a $75 bonus for employees who provide proof they were vaccinated. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) created a national standard to protect a patients health information from being shared without consent. However, HIPAA only applies to healthcare entities and certain organizations. Businesses that are not in the healthcare industry are not bound by HIPAA. That means it's not a HIPAA violation for most places, including restaurants, retail stores and employers, to ask for proof that you have been vaccinated. It does not mean you have to provide that information. "HIPAA governs doctors, hospitals, companies like that," said Matthew Kugler, associate professor of law at Northwestern University. "If your restaurant says, 'Hey, show me your medical record,' that's something they can say. You don't have to say 'yes,' like you can be like, 'No, screw you, I'll go elsewhere.' But it isn't a HIPAA problem for them to ask to see it. It's only a HIPAA problem if they break into your doctor's office and steal it." However, certain issues could arise when it comes to the Americans With Disabilities Act and anti-religious discrimination laws, Kugler said. While asking an employee to show proof of vaccination would not violate the ADA, asking for reasons why someone isn't vaccinated could pose a problem. "Simply requesting proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination is not likely to elicit information about a disability and, therefore, is not a disability-related inquiry," the commission states. "However, subsequent employer questions, such as asking why an individual did not receive a vaccination, may elicit information about a disability and would be subject to the pertinent ADA standard that they be 'job-related and consistent with business necessity.'" The answer is yes, also with some exceptions. Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of Law, said that private businesses have pretty extensive rights. Requiring a vaccine is a health and safety work rule, and employers can do that, said Reiss. According to December guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an employer can terminate an unvaccinated employee if that person "would pose a direct threat due to a 'significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.'" For those with a religious exemption, the guidelines are similar. "If an employee cannot get vaccinated for COVID-19 because of a disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, and there is no reasonable accommodation possible, then it would be lawful for the employer to exclude the employee from the workplace," the guidance states. There are, however, a few notable exceptions to this kind of blanket requirement. If a work force is unionized, the collective bargaining agreement may require negotiating with the union before mandating a vaccine. Anti-discrimination laws also provide some protections. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers who dont want to be vaccinated for medical reasons are eligible to request an exemption. In this case, an employer would have to provide reasonable accommodation, such as allowing the employee to work remotely. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, if taking the vaccine is a violation of a sincerely held religious belief, they, too, would potentially be able to opt out.
|
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/can-employers-make-getting-the-covid-19-vaccine-mandatory/2391994/
|
Is controversy ever a good marketing strategy?
|
The art of newsjacking is certainly not exclusive to a global pandemic but the considered success of such campaigns can usually be divided into two camps. The all publicity is good publicity brigade will see it as nothing but a positive, whilst others view them as at best opportunistic, and at worst, disingenuous and distasteful. News is one thing, but when something like a global pandemic is used as a marketing sales driver, I am not sure that this could ever be a confident move in the eyes of the consumer. Deliberately courting controversy is a brave move that can often backfire however, we find that most who go for such a tactic fall firmly into the who cares? camp. How MENA's advertising industry can recover from five-year slump Tarek Daouk, CEO of Dentsu MENA, has revealed a three-point plan to jump-start spending on advertising Profiting off the back of something like Covid-19 can be somewhat inevitable. Nobody begrudges the healthy bottom line of food delivery services during a lockdown, or the supply of essential equipment for example. When we see a well-known transport on demand provider offering discounts for those riding to get a vaccination - we can argue that this works towards the promotion of the greater cause. Random discounts from outlets for those who have had their jabs, and Im not so sure. Dividing opinion so wildly comes with guaranteed publicity, and if this is the brand objective then we need to consider the lasting effects on the consumer. A one off stunt campaign may have an immediate effect on media coverage, but can be a risky move in the longer term. Controversial marketing tactics provide an immediate increase in consumer attention, but there is never a grey area between positive and negative opinions. Its difficult to use shock in your campaign activities without alienating some of your audience. The happy medium comes between intriguing and downright offensive. The latter usually comes from a complete lack of empathy and awareness of a wider situation, and an arrogant naivety that everyone shares the same sense of humour as the team that created it. A one off stunt campaign may have an immediate effect on media coverage, but can be a risky move in the longer term. Alternatively, if you have the understanding that any brand or business cant be friends with everyone then the outcome can be deemed worth the publicity generated, with the profits outweighing the enemies. A truly successful shock marketing campaign takes into account all possible outcomes and stress tests the public appetite of any controversial opinions or depictions. It also needs to stay within the law. Many attempts are ill thought out or mediocre at best. When used as an opportunity to assert creativity and visibility, such tactics can pay off handsomely, usually for multinationals and legacy brands who can be seen as bold thought leaders. On a local level we have not yet seen much beyond attempts to get a rise out of the Twitterati or misguided ties at generating a quick publicity win. No stranger to this type of advertising, Ryanair have hit the skids with their recent take on using vaccinations as a reason to book flights and swerve clear of any UK lockdown restrictions. We think so. Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, founder and CEO of TishTash Marketing.
|
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/comment/458732-is-controversy-ever-good-marketing-strategy
|
Why are there so many deputies out in Pinellas County?
|
If you see more deputies than usual, it's because there are more out there for the holiday weekend. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office will be in the sky, on the roads and in the water over the Memorial Day weekend to make sure everyone is being safe. The sheriffs office says it is participating in the 2021 Memorial Day S.A.L.E.which doesnt stand for a good deal in this case, but instead is an abbreviation for sea, air and land enforcement. The sheriffs office says it will use its marine unit to help with boat safety inspections and make sure nobody is boating impaired. The flight unit will be up in the air helping the traffic and DUI units patrol the roads. The sheriffs office says its committed to making sure fewer people get killed or hurt in crashes that involve speeding, aggressive driving or driving under the influence. The sheriff's office says it will be focusing on speeders, aggressive drivers and anyone driving or boating under the influence. The extra enforcement will start at 9 a.m. Friday and run through 5 p.m. Monday. AAA Travel says it expects more than 37 million people to travel for the holiday weekend. That's up 60-percent from last year, the report says.
|
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/pinellas-county-memorial-day-patrol/67-297979c2-ae47-4870-8304-042d3a44296a
|
How many people can be at Lightning games at Amalie Arena?
|
Get ready to cheer on the Bolts as they continue their quest for the Stanley Cup. TAMPA, Fla. The "Distant Thunder" is about to get a lot louder at Amalie Arena for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The number of fans allowed at games will go from 9,000 to 13,500 fans for playoff games, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced Thursday morning. A spokesperson for the team said the move was made after talking with local health and government leaders, as well as the NHL. Tampa Bay hockey fans were first allowed to return to games in March. The Lightning advanced to the second round after knocking out their intrastate rivals at home Wednesday night. The Bolts beat the Florida Panthers 4-0 in Game 6 in front of about 9,000 fans. The Lightning will face off against either Carolina or Nashville in the second round. Tampa Bay advanced to the second round for the fifth time in the past seven years.
|
https://www.wtsp.com/article/sports/nhl/lightning/lightning-fans-amalie-arena/67-107855ac-7b58-4cbf-beec-1eda01e30f22
|
What if Michigans Hunter Dickinson stays in the NBA draft?
|
Hunter Dickinson could be the Big Ten preseason Player of the Year next season, a star for a team with national championship aspirations. That is, if hes still at Michigan. Dickinson declared for the NBA draft on Wednesday, announcing via social media that hed be signing with an NCAA-certified agent in order to preserve his college eligibility. It has always been my dream to play in the NBA, he wrote, so it is important for me to gather information before making this decision. I look forward to getting feedback and I am excited for the next steps of this process. Dickinson took his time before making the announcement. His freshman season ended when Michigan lost in the Elite Eight on March 30. He had until midnight on May 30 to enter the draft and has until 11:59 p.m. on July 7 to withdraw, per the NCAAs deadline. The option to hire an NCAA-certified agent has been in place since 2019. There are currently 38 such agents listed on the NCAA website, all of whom may contact NBA teams on a players behalf and set up workouts. The agent may also pay for transportation, lodging, and meals related to any potential NBA workouts or meetings. Dickinson could participate in the pre-draft combine, scheduled take place June 21 to 27. Typically between 60 and 70 of the top prospects are invited to attend. For what its worth, Dickinson is not listed among ESPNs top-100 draft prospects for 2021. An NBA scout who spoke with MLive earlier this month was under the impression that Dickinson would stay in school, and he viewed that as a smart decision. Dickinson was extremely productive last season, averaging 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, both team highs, while shooting 60 percent from the floor. The 7-foot-1, 255-pound center was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He still has a long ways to go, the scout said, which is a good thing. Most all of Dickinsons shots came in the paint; he was 0-for-4 on 3-point attempts. Hes a capable outside shooter, though, and showing off that trait in games will help him land an NBA job. Right now, the scout noted, He plays hard and hes physical. It would be a major blow for Michigan. The Wolverines are already losing three other starters from last years team -- seniors Mike Smith and Isaiah Livers and sophomore Franz Wagner -- plus Austin Davis, the redshirt senior who started ahead of Dickinson for Michigans first five games, and sixth man Chaundee Brown. Starting guard Eli Brooks, a senior last season, is taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility and staying in school, and forward Brandon Johns Jr. will be back for his senior year. Johns is a capable small-ball center, but losing Dickinson and his 30-plus minutes per game would be tough to swallow. The incoming freshman class includes one center, 6-foot-10 Moussa Diabate, who is ranked No. 14 in the 2021 class. Michigan would be much better served with Diabate as a rim-protecting reserve than an opening-night starter. Given Michigans departures, retaining Dickinson would take a lot of pressure off the returners, especially offensively. Dickinsons announcement makes it clear he has not made a decision on his future. Because of his success and accolades -- he was a second-team All-American according to several major outlets -- its not a shock hes chosen to test the NBA draft waters. As the weeks passed, and with the deadline just a few days away, the timing was somewhat surprising. He waited to make his initial announcement. Now Michigan will await his final decision. More Michigan basketball content: Virtual storytelling event, featuring John Beilein, to benefit Ann Arbor senior programs NBA prospects for Michigans Isaiah Livers, Chaundee Brown, Mike Smith Michigan basketball Big Ten schedule analysis Scouts assess Franz Wagners NBA draft stock, potential
|
https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2021/05/what-if-michigans-hunter-dickinson-stays-in-the-nba-draft.html
|
Is It OK to Ask Health Care Providers if Theyre Vaccinated?
|
Recently, I asked my chiropractor if he had received his Covid vaccine. He said no. He and his assistant do wear masks, but they see patients in a small room with a closed door. When I asked him again several weeks later, he said: Well, we have to talk. I am not going to get the vaccination. I dont believe in vaccinations. My family and I are all healthy and see no need for it. On my way out, I asked his assistant if she had been vaccinated, and she replied: No, and I dont plan to. Its a personal decision. I called the next morning to explain that I wouldnt be coming back to their practice because they werent vaccinated. Later that day, the chiropractor called and asked me if I would please respect his privacy and not tell anyone else about his decision not to be vaccinated. I was appalled. He is a health care provider during a pandemic. Name Withheld A number of questions have recently arisen about how we should negotiate a social and professional world in which vaccination against Covid-19 is both common and contested. Whats clear is that many people think that getting vaccinated is simply about protecting yourself. And we do have what a philosopher would call a reason of prudence for getting vaccinated a reason thats more compelling the older we are. Yet theres also a public-spirited, altruistic reason for getting vaccinated: Theres now bountiful evidence that vaccinated people are much less likely to transmit the virus to others. When masks were first recommended, medical authorities emphasized their benefits not to the wearer but to others; only after some months, and additional studies, was it made plain that masks helped both parties. Its the opposite story with vaccines. Vaccine approval depended on trials designed to show benefits to recipients, so officials were at first hesitant to say what now is clear: that they help others too. The broader point is one Ive made before: When many people accept a small inconvenience like wearing a mask or getting vaccinated we can achieve something of great value to us all.
|
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/25/magazine/health-care-vaccine-ethics.html
|
Why Do Rats Love to Die on Sidewalks?
|
We are waiting for the rats. When they arrive, light rail really arrives. Charles Mudede I will begin with a warning to those whose main mode of transportation is the car. This post is definitely not for you. Ignore it and go elsewhere, because there's just no way you can feel me and come to something close to an appreciation for the subject of this post, which concerns the growing number of dead rats on sidewalks. I'm writing instead to people who experience the city as a live wire, which is possible only on the bike/scooter/wheelchair, or while jogging/walking, or while on the bus/train. A car experiences the city as something abstract. We see from behind the wheel the city made unreal. Car manufacturers work hard to flatten the environmentbe it rural or urbaninto an image. This kind of isolation, which has its moment of satisfaction when docking at the single-family home, the Dutch traffic philosophy of woonerf attempts to shatter. That said, let's turn to all of these rats I have recently seen on the sidewalks of my neighborhood. As "kings, princes, attendants and followers" often "enter fleeing" in the last act of a theatrical tragedy, a good number of rats on Beacon Hill and in Columbia City (I cannot speak for other neighborhoods) have entered the sidewalk at the end of their already brief and rude lives. Here is an accurate account of the ones I've encountered over the past month. 1) While walking down Columbia Way at the late end of cloud-proud dusk on the last day of April, I come across a very new and huge rat death in the middle of a sidewalk in front of a house next to MC Foods, a business that plays non-stop Christian pop. I almost step on the thing. 2) Again, I'm walking at dusk. Again, the clouds are magnificent. It's the 5th of May. This is now my street. These are my neighbors. Behind me is Alaska Street, and in front of me, and growing with every step I make through the twilight, is a mangled, mid-sized dead rat again in the middle of the sidewalk. Its mouth is open in a way that indicates a last word was attempted but never made. There are so many places for it to die here. 3) On May 10th, I spot a sizable rat death on the south sidewalk of Genesee Street. It's around noon. I'm heading to a shelter in Genesee Park that has become during this pretty dry May my office. The rat is on its back with its guts all open and obviously picked at by the indifferent crows. The shock of the sight sends me across the street. 4) On May 11th, I'm walking down the north sidewalk of Genesee Street to avoid the rat death I saw the day before. I'm again heading to the shelter in the park. I have it in mind to avoid that gutted rat. But not long after passing its position on the other sidewalk, I come across a dead rat on my sidewalk. It, too, is on its back. It, too, is eviscerated. And the very moment I notice it, its open-to-the-sky body detonates a cloud of well-fed flies. 5) On May 23rd, this rat makes the violence of its death known on the sidewalk next to La Escuelita Bilingual School. The toddlers, waddlers, preschool walkers are taught primarily in Spanish there. The children who can walk at this school often visit the Rainier Playfield to run around, play games, and make the kind of noise that can even keep the crows away. (The noise of children is far better than that of crows.) The moment before seeing the dead rat, I saw a boy in one of the classrooms staring at me through a window. My eyes caught his eyes. But I was nothing more than a ghost passing in flickers a boy-mind that will have long lost any impression of me by the time it reaches its adult-mind in a future that finally sees a light rail station opening in faraway Ballard. So, there is the evidence. Dead rats on sidewalks over a short period of time (under a month) and in an area that's only two square miles. Because this sidewalk matter is too difficult to explain, I want to turn to something that is not: the presence of live rats in NYC subways and the complete absence of them (dead or alive) in Seattle's. The reason why the subways of New York have so many rats is because they also have so many humans. And the more humans use a subway station, the more junk they leave in trash cans and also on the tracks. Seattle's subway stations, even the one at Capitol Hill, are pristine, despite being below a good number of restaurants. (Indeed, the escalators on the west part of the station rise up to the smell of curry.) There's really not enough for rats to eat down there, let alone something like a whole slice of pizza. But one day, Link will achieve the kind of high-capacity regularity that makes its train tracks a new niche for rats. In that future, which is hopefully not too far from us, we will look down and see from the platform a rodent dragging a Dick's burger.
|
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/05/27/57679316/why-do-rats-love-to-die-on-sidewalks
|
Which towns are holding Memorial Day events this weekend?
|
Friday, May 28 ATLANTIC COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PROGRAM: 2 to 3 p.m.; Atlantic County will honor the sacrifice and service of its fallen military veterans; Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery, 109 Route 50, Estell Manor. 609-343-2313 or aclink.org. SHORE MEDICAL CENTER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CEREMONY: noon; honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom; songs will be performed by Shore employees Michael Green and Saundra Stokes; front lawn of Shore Medical Center, Bay Avenue, Somers Point. Monday, May 31 MARGATE MOTHERS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; uniformed groups, decorated bikes/strollers encouraged to march; lineup 9:30 a.m. at Winchester and Union avenues in Margate, the parade will travel down Ventnor Avenue and will end at All Wars Memorial at Mansfield Avenue. 609-822-1129 or MargateHasMore.com. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE AT BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP: 11 a.m. to noon; service to remember local soldiers and thank them for their service; coffee and donuts served; Veterans Memorial Stone in front of Buena Vista Township Municipal Complex, 890 Harding Highway. 856-697-2100 or buenavistanj.com.
|
https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/which-towns-are-holding-memorial-day-events-this-weekend/article_d7d51da8-bd6e-11eb-88d7-d360ca3d99aa.html
|
What are the new NFL guidelines for players and personnel for COVID-19?
|
The ongoing NFL storyline since the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl has had a new development. According to Dan Graziano, the NFL has released new COVID-19 protocols, breaking them down into two sets of rules for two sets of situations. If players are fully vaccinated, they will face one set of rules and if players are not inoculated, they will have to deal with another set. These are the new guidelines per NFL-NFLPA approved protocols for team personnel and players. pic.twitter.com/cy88vulzEJ Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) May 26, 2021 Fully vaccinated NFL players Players who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-shot vaccine will see uplifted restrictions. If players are fully vaccinated, they will no longer be tested daily. No masks will be required at a club facility. NFL players will not need to be quarantined after exposure to a COVID-positive person. There will be no travel restrictions and players may eat in the cafeteria. There will be no capacity limits in the weight room and NFL players may use the sauna or steam room. Lastly, players may interact with vaccinated family and friends during travel. In other words, life almost goes back to normal for NFL players who are fully vaccinated. Not fully vaccinated NFL players NFL players who are unvaccinated will be subject to a large number of rules. This includes players who have only had one of the two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Unvaccinated players will be subject to daily testing. They will be required to wear masks at club facilities and must still follow physical distancing requirements. NFL players will need to be quarantined after exposure to COVID-19 and will also be limited in their travel. Unvaccinated NFL players will be forced to follow capacity limits in the weight room and will be unable to eat in the meal room. They will be prohibited from using the sauna or steam room and, lastly, will not be allowed to interact with vaccinated family or friends while traveling. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Press Conference Enforcement of new NFL guidelines for COVID-19 It is unclear how the NFL plans to keep track of these requirements as both vaccinated and unvaccinated players will be in constant interaction. If this enforcement is sloppy, it could create problems and inhibit players from getting the practice and work that they need. The system incentivizes players to get vaccinated or face a limited life for the 2021 football season. The new rules are generating controversy just hours after their unveiling and there has already been a large amount of backlash from fans, despite others praising the move. As the @HeinzField COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic wrapped up today, @steelers President Art Rooney II & @GiantEagle President & CEO Laura Karet spent time thanking pharmacists & volunteers who helped administer over 55,000 COVID-19 vaccines since March. : https://t.co/ZOddiHZeK2 pic.twitter.com/K58mDCywMv Steelers Community Relations (@SteelersCR) May 26, 2021
|
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-what-new-nfl-guidelines-players-personnel-covid-19
|
Why Do Pianists Know So Little About Pianos?
|
This lack of knowledge separates them from almost all other instrumentalists. Not only can violinists, clarinetists, harpists or flutists tune their instruments, and even bend pitches in performance, they also, by and large, know much more about how their instruments work. In music school, I used to marvel at oboe players who would sit at lunch talking about different kinds of cane wood and the various knives and such they used to make their own reeds. Most musicians own, maintain and perform on their own instruments. If youre a gifted young violinist, you may not have a priceless 17th-century violin, but you likely have a good instrument you can bond and travel with. When serious pianists tour, though, they almost never bring their own instruments, which require professional movers to transport. From their student days, pianists are compelled to develop adaptability. After practicing a piece at home, a Conrad Tao or Jeremy Denk must perform on whatever instrument a hall has to offer. And some can be pretty bad. Young pianists at the Juilliard School have long traded battle stories of having to play on a real PSO a piano-shaped object. Very fine pianos vary enormously in terms of sound, action and responsiveness to touch. Even a superb Steinway in a concert hall may take adjusting to, and may not suit a particular pianists preferences. A lot of my job involves working with pianists on this very problem, Joel Bernache, a technician with Steinway & Sons in New York, said in an interview. Steinway has long held a contract to provide and maintain concert grand pianos for Carnegie Hall. There are currently two at the ready at Stern Auditorium, Carnegies main stage: an American Steinway, from New York, and a German Steinway, from the companys factory in Hamburg. Though Mr. Bernache said both are clear and bright, the New York piano is a bit louder and produces more of a fundamental tone, or bottom. The Hamburg one has a cleaner and more transparent sound. You could say its more direct. (These instruments, by the way, only last about five or six years, and in some cases 10; todays pianists arent hitting the same keys Rubinstein touched.)
|
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/12/arts/music/piano-tuning.html
|
Why is German media so pro-Israel?
|
Leading German-Jewish journalist Fabian Wolff unpacks the factors at play. Photo: IMAGO / IPON Newcomers to Germany, especially those with leftwing views, are often shocked by the way the countrys media covers the Israel-Palestine conflict. If you were a foreigner who empathised with the Palestinians, you were an overnight antisemite according to the media, at least. Fabian Wolff, a freelance journalist and respected Jewish writer, is known for his strong criticism of the German medias Israel-Palestine discourse. Days before the latest round of the conflict broke out, he published an essay that went deep into these issues. It was read more than 200,000 times within 24 hours and generated a fresh round of debate, loved by many and attacked by some. We asked Wolff to help us unpack the German medias tricky relationship with Israel, Palestine and antisemitism. Earlier this month, Deutsche Welle immediately took down an interview they did with Ali Abunimah, a Palestinian activist who criticised Germanys support of Israel. They apologised for its "antisemitic content" and then sent a memo to staff reminding them to not use terms such as colonisation and apartheid when mentioning Israel. What Ali Abunimah said was provocative, but it wasnt antisemitic. They deplatformed his interview not because what he said was factually wrong, but because what he said goes against the standards of speech at Deutsche Welle, and because hes somebody with a clear point of view. Hes not neutral, which is fine, because they have pro-Israel guests all the time, but someone speaking from a pro-Palestinian perspective isnt really a thing in German media. People are not used to that, so they confuse it with antisemitism all the time sometimes wilfully, and sometimes because people just arent used to hearing certain facts. The German left in the 1960s and 1970s really did have an antisemitism issue. It just became accepted wisdom that, essentially, both sides of politics were antisemitic, and that the lefts antisemitism was focussed squarely on Israel the Red Army Faction collaborating with Fatah didnt have anything to do with the liberation of Palestine, and everything to do with the Jews. Eventually, criticism of Israel was seen as antisemitism, and people grew up with that. Speaking from a pro-Palestinian perspective isnt really a thing in German media. People are not used to that, so they confuse it with antisemitism. Criticism of Israel is still seen as an expression of deep-seated antisemitism, an idea thats become part of the German and German Jewish psyche. But there are many people now, perhaps with a migrant background, who have nothing to do with that particular German complex and see something totally different in Israel. And people just havent gotten used to that. A few months ago, on Twitter, you started talking about what you thought were some toxic, dangerous trends in the antisemitism and Israel-Palestine discourse in the German media. The German medias approach is not centred on Jews or how to best combat antisemitism. Its more about making Germans feel good about themselves and feeding into a German superiority complex. I think it was Timothy Garton Ash who called Germany the Erinnerungsweltmeister, or world champion of memory and remembrance. I saw foreign leftist thinkers involved in issues of injustice and progress being attacked when they come to Germany as antisemitic, either based on nothing or based on having a different set of attitudes towards Israel than what Germany is used to. Or for possessing a set of leftist Jewish values that people arent aware of in Germany. I think thats dangerous. I would like Germany to be a safe, open and multicultural country, and I thought those smears go against that. These trends are amplified whenever Israel is in the news, as we saw over the past few weeks. Many German media outlets focus on antisemitism at pro-Palestine rallies, a claim mostly directed at migrants. Leading newspapers, such as Tagesspiegel, have even asked if Germany has imported antisemitism. Yes, in a way. And not weaponised by the Jewish community, but usually by people with a right-wing or conservative political vision. They see that highlighting voices from certain people people of colour, post-colonial activists, leftists voices effectively silences or ostracises these people. Thats what makes it different from similar discussions in the US. In Germany, its not the Jewish community fighting antisemites. Its more about Germans pretending to be on the side of Jews, so they can fight with people they disagree with politically, and then pretending its for the protection of the Jewish community, while often attacking people who are themselves Jewish. The people who use these accusations will totally consider themselves good defenders of Jews, even as they attack Jews in antisemitic ways. For years, my joke used to be that, if I ever started talking openly about how I feel about Israel, it will be the Germans who turn away from me not the Jews. Its definitely not making Jews safer or allowing Jewish life to prosper if, literally, the only reason people would speak about the Jewish community in Germany is when its about antisemitism... You mentioned one example of this in your essay, when the Jewish promoter of a show by Pink Floyds Roger Waters was attacked by a non-Jewish journalist for supporting a BDS supporter. The well-known organiser of the concert, Marek Lieberberg, is the son of Holocaust survivors and a proud member of the Jewish community. He said he knew Roger and didnt see eye-to-eye with him, but that he wasnt an antisemite. Then a German, non-Jewish pop critic, said, Of course Lieberberg is going to say that he wants to keep making money. Lieberberg has lived with trauma his entire life and extended his hand to Waters. Instead of seeing the value in that gesture, this one German dares to accuse the guy of being a money-grubbing Jew. And in the name of fighting antisemitism. I dont want to play the victim, but the number of times Ive been called an urban elite with no homeland, sucking on the teat of public money Supporting BDS, the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, is a no-no in Germany. It was even officially designated antisemitic by the German government in 2019. This talking point, that people boycotting the only Jewish state must be antisemites, is a very specific German attitude. It comes from a couple of things, like the boycott of Jewish shops being a precursor to the Holocaust. If you see Israel as the manifestation of the Jews, then the idea of boycotting Israel is a boycott of the Jews. People also dont really know what BDS wants or stands for. [Wolff was among hundreds of artists, academics and writers who called on the German parliament to reverse a 2019 resolution that labels BDS as anti-Semitic.] Whenever Palestinians are featured in German media, its as an angry or antisemitic mob. Its never a leftist Palestinian who wants liberation, coexistence or basic awareness. Its definitely not making Jews safer or allowing Jewish life to prosper if, literally, the only reason people would speak about the Jewish community in Germany is when its about antisemitism especially when the antisemitism in question is not real antisemitism. Or minuscule compared to the very real danger posed, for example, by a militant, armed faction of the right-wing. Or Neo-Nazi terrorism. The antisemitism discourse in Germany, as far as I can tell, doesnt do a lot to actually protect Jews. Each time the Israel-Palestine conflict flares up, there is a rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany at least in terms of what makes the news. I know Palestinians, Muslims and people German society views as Muslims, like Arab Christians or Alevis. They are totally aware of whatever problems there are in their communities, and are trying to combat them internally. They would need support, but theyre rightfully hesitant to openly address those problems if they feel they are inviting racism. Whenever Palestinians are featured in German media, its as an angry or antisemitic mob. Its never a leftist Palestinian who wants liberation, coexistence or basic awareness. If that person doesnt get any space in the discourse, and they just show the angry mob, the people we should be supporting become more marginalised. This doesnt only go for migrant communities, but also East Germany. Even as the Neo-Nazi wave grows, there are a lot of anti-fascist activists on the ground doing the important work combatting that. But they dont get any attention. Ultimately, hate is more attractive to journalists, whose instinct is not to accurately portray reality, but to attract eyes. Progressive voices inside certain communities, migrant and not migrant, are just not getting support. Thats a real failure. Expand Fabian Wolff is a journalist based in Berlin. Among others, hes been published in The Tagesspiegel, Die Zeit and Der Spiegel. You could argue this countrys media has some responsibilities that the media in other countries doesnt. I think it needs to cover everything accurately and not follow a nation-based agenda. Covering world events shouldnt necessarily happen through a historical lens. We need to talk about the actions of the IDF as an army, rather than the spectre in Germanys imagination or a manifestation of Jewish power. We can clearly see which side is the victim the Palestinians. Any attempt to let Palestinians speak for themselves is treated with hostility. We saw what happened with Ali Abunimah. Thats not just oversight its a moral and journalistic failing. One claim is getting all the attention and justification, and one narrative isnt. Thats a real problem. The conflict happening now has very little to do with Germany, but Germany tries to make it about itself. Thats a failure of the German news media. Many newcomers to Germany, including Jews from around the world, share your beliefs and are considered antisemitic by many German leftists, not to mention the media. Its becoming so insular and provincial. German leftists may have a strong vision for the social security net inside Germany, but in terms of foreign policy, they are totally helpless. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted something about an apartheid state not being a democracy, without mentioning Israel. First of all, if you read that and assume shes talking about Israel and get mad, then maybe you understand something about Israel youre not willing to admit to yourself. The antisemitism discourse in Germany, as far as I can tell, doesnt do a lot to actually protect Jews. To then see these Antideutsche clowns in broken English saying, Ummm, this is actually antisemitic and Im disappointed with you... shows how isolated the German left has become. There are people in Germany who look at AOC and think shes a committed antisemite. Thats so bizarre to me, and makes me lose hope that the German left can find its way in a broader, internationalist coalition. For there to be nuance, you need people on both sides of the argument who understand complexity, ambiguity and contradictions. Those are things Germans, in general, are not comfortable with. The discourse is set up in such a way that Germans are not arguing with true proponents of Palestinian liberation, but with whatever nightmare theyve created in their head. Whenever theres a chance to get together and have these discussions, Germans are already so entrenched in their position that theyre unable to actually debate. No. A lot of it is also just a cynical power play to them. Ive often tried to explain the beauty of Jewish pluralism to Germans with a strong anti-BDS bent, and theyve just rolled their eyes. Ultimately, thats not what this is all about. Its about the German sensibility and desire to make everything fit their image of the world. I spoke with people from Israel, the US and Arab countries who exposed me to different ways of thinking. Of course, that included being disturbed and confused by certain arguments. Its about being Jewish, but its also about being a leftist. Leftism should be internationalist, and people have different narratives, sensibilities and ways of talking about things. You have to draw the line at bigotry, but there are things you can debate and you can find common ground in, as long as theres solidarity and no intent to harm. As Sarah Schulman would say, conflict is not abuse. Without being corny about it, thats what a democracy is about to be principled and fight for the right things, but to also find common ground and even compromise. Im worried that Germany is losing sight of that.
|
https://www.exberliner.com/features/politics/german-media-israel/
|
Could we prevent the next Jan. 6 by allowing 16-year-olds to vote?
|
The heated fall election of 2020 was the best of times and the worst of times for Gauri Nair, a sophomore at Philadelphias Central High School who turns 16 later this year and is a student activist with PA Youth Vote, a registration effort that targets teen voters, and beyond. As the fraught contest between then-president Donald Trump and the future President Biden went down to the wire, Nair and her friends signed up hundreds of new voters in their classes at Central, or by sending messages on Instagram, and by setting up a table on weekends at a busy Shoprite supermarket. But she and her friends remain frustrated over the highly engaged would-be voters they couldnt sign up: Themselves. As much as we were empowering other people to have their voices be heard through voting, it was very discouraging that I could not vote, Nair who like many local teens is passionate about issues like education funding and the racial reckoning after George Floyds murder told me this week. I care just as much about all these issues as all these people that we registered to vote, but I cant go into a polling place. In an era when so many heated political and social issues are on the front burner, high school students like Nair aided by the ability to connect in nanoseconds on sites like Instagram or TikTok are more engaged in elections and civic activism than any time since the 1960s, or possibly ever. The record levels of youth engagement have pumped new life into a debate over whether 16- and 17-year-olds should be given the right to vote a power they currently have in just a handful of municipal or school board elections across the United States. The proponents of increased teen voting are now backed up by numerous studies suggesting that not only do high school students have the brainpower to add something positive to the electorate but that 16- and 17-years-olds are actually more likely to vote than their more distracted college-age peers. Nothing is that simple not in America in 2021. At a moment when many point to misinformation in the 2020 election culminating in the Jan. 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill as a sign to pump up high school civics education thats declined over a number of decades, a number of Republican officials are looking in the other direction. In Texas, GOP lawmakers just passed a bill that would ban schools from awarding course credit for civic engagement outside the classroom a sign of how much the GOP worries that youth activism promotes liberal causes. Tom Quinn, the Central High School social studies teacher whos become a high-profile advocate for civic engagement as director of education for PA Youth Vote, told me the Texas move and other GOP curbs on school civic engagement are reactionary, explaining: I dont believe any teacher should promote their own political ideology or party or candidates, but students do need the tools to function in adulthood and part of that is engaging with the government especially for kids from marginalized communities. READ MORE: These Philly schoolkids are striking Friday because grown-ups have failed them on climate | Will Bunch Young Americans have long been involved in protest and politics most famously, when youth marches were a turning point in the fight for racial integration in Birmingham in 1963 but the last decade has seen a sharp uptick in teen passion for bigger issues they see affecting them or their future, such as climate change or gun violence. Despite the 18-year-old requirement for federal and all but a handful of local elections, younger voters are finding other ways to sway political contests. In Massachusetts, the New York Times recently profiled what locals there call the Markeyverse, an online army of 16-year-olds credited with turning a contentious 2020 primary in favor of Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, largely over climate action. Not surprisingly, a lot of teens find the conflict between their newfound activism, whether online or in the streets, and their lack of voting power as a source of youthful frustration. There is a whole universe of issues that I want to influence with my vote, and one that really sticks out being a young Black woman is racism in America, and racial justice, Rebecca Allen, a 16-year-old classmate of Nair at Central and also a student leader with PA Youth Vote, told me. Allen said she sees systemic racism tied to a number of issues, including lack of school funding for Philadelphia, which she protested in a march with other students and educators earlier this month. But she cant yet vote for candidates who agree with her. Key arguments in favor of lowering the voting age to 16 are a) that high school is a time of relative stability for teens, when most live at home with their families and arent facing the upheavals of starting college or a job and b) voting works hand-in-hand with classroom school civics education, which advocates are also calling for. Joshua A. Douglas, the University of Kentucky law professor who writes extensively on voting rights, steered me to research showing that in the handful of places like Takoma Park, Md., that have lowered the age to 16 for local elections 16- and 17-year-olds actually turn out at a higher rate than their more distracted older peers in the 18-29 bracket. Whats more, teens who cast that first ballot are more likely to stick with the voting habit through young adulthood. Being 16 is a more stable time we know where these young people are, and we can get them registered, Douglas said, adding that theres nothing magical about the current 18-year-old standard enacted in time for the 1972 presidential election after complaints that young people getting drafted to fight in Vietnam had no voting rights. He said Scotland lowered its voting age to 16 for its 2014 referendum on independence, and after a positive experience reduced the age limit for all elections since then. Here in the United States, there are a variety of arguments against lowering the age. Kate Silbaugh, a Boston University law professor, has argued that a 16-year-old voting standard could complicate efforts to protect teens in the criminal-justice and child-welfare arenas. But the biggest obstacle right now seems to be political, and some of it seems wrapped up in Republican fears that youth voting is a pathway to woke liberalism or socialism. The just-passed Texas legislation is just one piece of a broader bill aimed at preventing teachers from using the 1619 Project a curriculum that rethinks Americas relationship with democracy through the prism of slavery and even restricts how the history of slavery can be discussed. GOP officials in a number of states have also closed campus polling places or placed onerous ID restrictions that betray a wider hostility to youth voting. But opposition to a lower voting age extends beyond Republicans. When Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley proposed in March to lower the federal voting age to 16, the idea only garnered 125 Democratic votes in the House and zero Republicans. And that rejection also reflected a majority of Americans who tell pollsters they oppose lowering the age limit. Apparently the grown-ups who brought you climate change and four years of Trump dont want to dilute their ballot-box wisdom. I hope that a majority of Americans will reconsider especially in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection and the vast disinformation campaign that led up to it. The sight of violent lunatics trying to block the certification of a free and fair presidential election was also a reminder that saving democracy will require a major expansion of civic education in our schools, which has withered in the last 40 years with a focus on STEM and on rote-memory testing. Philadelphias Quinn and others who work with young people know the best way to show them how politics is connected to improving their own communities is to let them harness the greatest power of all in a true democracy: The ballot box. Raisa Rubin-Stankiewicz, graduating from Princeton High School and bound for Rutgers, a member of the Vote16 USA advisory board, told me one of the hardest things about registering voters in 2020 was telling some they were too young to sign up. It was really hard, she said, because we knew it was a monumental election about a defining vision for our country. Its time to start saying yes to Americas young people, and enlist them in our great democratic experiment when theyre fired up and ready to go. I fear that if we push this generation away, the next insurrection will make Jan. 6 seem like childs play. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
|
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/lowering-voting-age-to-16-civic-engagement-20210527.html
|
Does Ethan Choi Die on Chicago Med? Is Brian Tee Leaving?
|
Chicago Med is part of Dick Wolfs famous One Chicago franchise, which ended its sixth run on May 26, 2021. But the recent season of the medical drama series leaves a few things up in the air, especially when it comes to Brian Tees Dr. Ethan Choi. By the end of the sixth season, the fictional Gaffney Chicago Medical Center undergoes massive changes as two main characters leave the hospital, albeit on very different terms. One is April Sexton (Yaya DaCosta), and the other is Dr. Natalie Manning (Torrey DeVitto). After what transpires in the finale, the fans are worried that the writers might write Tee off the show as well. If you find yourself pondering on the possibility, we are here to clear things up for you. In the fourteenth episode of season 6, Dr. Archer treats a person called Neil, who is rushed to the hospital for excruciating pain in the abdomen. However, he refuses treatment because he thinks everything he sees around him is not real but only a simulation. Archer treats Neil against his will and carries out a procedure when he is unconscious. This turns out to be the reason why Ethans life is in danger in the final episode of the season. Neil returns to the premises, but this time with a gun in hand. He blames Archer and Ethan for taking out the red pill during surgery which he believes would have helped him wake up in the real world. Ethan tries to reach out for the weapon but ends up getting shot. As soon as this happens, Archer is frantic and does all he can to save Ethan. The Chief of ED is naturally in a critical condition after taking a bullet to his chest. While Archer insists that they perform surgery on him as soon as possible, Will has a different opinion. However, Archer goes ahead and conducts a risky procedure that fortunately saves Ethans life. While we know that Ethan comes out alive from the ordeal that he has been through, it wont be surprising if the experience changes him forever. We already know that the former Navy medic suffers from PTSD. For now, Archer is given the responsibility to head the Emergency Department. For the fans who are worried that Brian Tee might be leaving Chicago Med, you would be happy to know that the actor has not made any public statements suggesting his departure. In fact, it has been reported that Tee is one among several actors who are in talks to renew their contract. Additionally, he has also been credited for the first episode of the seventh season, which might return in Fall 2021. Many viewers want to see Ethan in season 7 because they would like to know what course will his life take after the season 6 finale. Apart from almost dying, there is also the matter of April confessing that she loves Ethan. Whether she says it because she thinks she was going to lose him forever or because she sees a future with him is something to think about. As we know, Ethans ex-fiance is leaving Gaffney to become a nurse practitioner, which is a way for writing out the character since Yaya DaCosta is moving on from the show. So, when we meet Ethan in the upcoming season, he might have a lot on his mind. Since Tee does not seem to have any other projects that he is currently a part of, we do not see why he would not continue to appear in the One Chicago series.
|
https://thecinemaholic.com/does-dr-ethan-choi-die-on-chicago-med-is-brian-tee-leaving/
|
Are Gold Stocks Moving Back Into The Growth Phase?
|
The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners Etf (NYSE: GDX) has come back to life in recent months after a disappointing performance in the second half of 2020. On Thursday, Bank of America analyst Michael Jalonen said big gold stocks are currently transitioning to a period of significant production growth after a period focused on investment and capital returns. Jalonen highlighted the key themes among gold producers that attended Bank of Americas recent Global Metals, Mining & Steel virtual conference. Related Link: 10 Gold Stocks That Could Be The Next Buyout Targets In Industry Consolidation Wave The key overarching theme: moving back into the growth phase, Jalonen said. The Numbers: Some companies are much better positioned to grow production than others. Among all the gold stocks he covers, Jalonen said Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (NYSE: WPN) is projected to have the highest production growth over the next three years at about 30%. Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (NYSE: AEM) is a close second at just under 30%, followed by Franco Nevada Corp (NYSE: FNV) at around 25%. Jalonen said strong free cash flow is funding capital allocation priorities for Wheaton. For Agnico Eagle, Jalonen said the company is forging ahead with its proven long-term growth strategy. Franco-Nevada is a great stock for investors looking for a low-cost gold investment, Jalonen added. Bank of America has a Buy rating and $55 price target for Wheaton, a Buy rating and $80 target for Agnico Eagle, and a Buy rating and $163 target for Franco-Nevada. Even though Newcrest Mining ADR (OTC: NCMGY) has the lowest gold production growth outlook of the big gold group, Jalonen said the company has potentially hidden copper value. Benzingas Take: Gold prices are up just 9% in the past year, price action which is likely extremely disappointing for many investors given the more than $6 trillion in stimulus spending the U.S. government has performed in that time. For now, at least, it appears as though cryptocurrencies have taken the wind out of golds sails as the preferred inflation hedge among investors. (Photo: Jingming Pan via Unsplash)
|
https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/05/21321533/are-gold-stocks-moving-back-into-the-growth-phase
|
Who is Aaron Rodgers girlfriend Shailene Woodley?
|
SHAILENE Woodley is an American actress who has starred in multiple blockbuster films. The Divergent star is engaged to NFL star Aaron Rodgers. Shailene Diann Woodley, 29, was born in San Bernardino, California, and started modelling when she was aged four. Her parents Lori and Lonnie both worked in education, as a school counselor and principal, respectively. Woodley has also served on the board of Our Revolution, a political action committee. She 15 when she was diagnosed with scoliosis and had to wear a brace when she was a freshman at Simi Valley High School. Shailene was previously linked to dating Australian-Fijian rugby player Ben Volavola. Shailene has confirmed that she is engaged to Aaron Rodgers. Confirming the news on Jimmy Kimmel, she said: So its kind of funny. Everybody right now is freaking out over it and were like, Yeah, weve been engaged for a while. Hes, first off, just a wonderful, incredible human being. But I never thought Id be engaged with somebody who threw balls for a living. "Like, I never thought as a little girl Yeah, when I grow up, Im gonna marry someone who throws balls! Yeah! But hes really just so good at it. The 37-year-old recently thanked his "fiance" during his acceptance speech at the NFL Honors in February 2021. While making a virtual appearance to accept the 2020 MVP of the NFL honor, Aaron said: "It's an honor to win this award for the third time. "2020 was definitely a crazy year filled with lots of change and growth, some amazing memorable moments. 3 Shailene Woodley arrives at the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Credit: AP:Associated Press "180 straight days of having my nose hair scraped, playing for very little fans or no stands the entire season. The Green Bay Packers quarterback then dropped the big news, sharing: "I got engaged." Just days before the event, rumors began to swirl that Aaron was dating Shailene. Teller and Shailene Woodley, who co-starred in Divergent together, vacationed in Hawaii on May 26 with their respective spouses Keleigh Sperry and Aaron Rodgers. The happy couples have been hiking, swimming and cliff island all over the islands. Keleigh has referred to Shailene and Aaron as "soulmates" on Instagram. Shailene Woodley is said to have a net worth of $12million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She was an active campaigner for Bernie Sanders for his presidential campaigns of 2016 and 2020. Most read in Entertainment Exclusive NOT OVER YET Brad 'delighted' with custody win but 'on guard' against more of Ang's attacks 'WE WILL MISS HIM' Milli Vanilli's 'real' singer John Davis dead at 65 after Covid battle NOT FRIENDLY Matthew Perry 'made everyone uneasy at Friends: The Reunion' 'THANK YOU' The reason why host Juan Williams is leaving Fox News show The Five NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo 'LET'S GET REAL' Teen Mom Bristol Palin admits she got a tummy tuck & shows off scars In 2016, Woodley was arrested for criminal trespassing in Saint Anthony, North Dakota, while protesting against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She pleaded guilty and served a year of probation. In July 2019, Woodley became an Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2287807/shailene-woodley-actress-aaron-rodgers-engaged-nfl/
|
What happened to Captain Pruitt Herrera on Station 19?
|
FANS of Station 19 were devastated at the loss of the stubborn but resilient Captain Pruitt Herrera. Station 19 has been on air for three years on ABC. In season 3 of Station 19, Captain Pruitt Herrera, played by Miguel Sandoval, saves a crew of firefighters after they get trapped in a burning warehouse. Before his death, he told Maya to "tell Andrea that every single thing I did her whole life, I did because I love her." In the show, Captain Pruitt Herrera was living with a cancer that affected his ability to carry out his day to day tasks. His death was seemingly planned out by Station 19 writers. 3 Captain Pruitt Herrera is played by Miguel Sandoval Credit: Getty Back when Season 3 started, showrunner Krista Vernoff warned fans that the season was going to see a lot of shocking surprises. "There will be a lot more death and unsuccessful rescues this year. There weren't a lot of deaths in the first two seasons of the show." She added, "Much as we are inclined not to save all of the patients on Grey's Anatomy every week, this season on Station 19 we're not managing to save everyone every week." In the sequence of the season, Herrera's death made sense. He was a stubborn man who wanted to die on his own terms, and he wanted to be remembered for his bravery, not his illness. Station 19 debuted its fourth season in November of 2020. The show is currently still airing new episodes, with episode 11 airing last night, April 15, 2021. The series debuted in March of 2018, as a spin-off of Frey's anatomy, and for a long time their has been rumour of a crossover episode since. Fans finally got their wish, as on the March 11, 2021 episode, the two popular series did a three-part crossover event focused on a trafficking ring. The show has met some mixed reviews by critics on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. Despite this, the season premier of season four reached just over six and a half million viewers. Station 19 follows the lives of firefighters at the Station 19 firehouse located in Seattle Washington and showcases how they risk their lives in the line of duty and as they risk their hearts off the clock. In the show, it follows the lives of Captain Maya Bishop (Danielle Savre), Lieutenants Jack Gibson (Grey Damon), and Andy Herrera (Jaina Lee Ortiz) as they try and lead a team of firefighters to save the lives of others. Most read in Entertainment Exclusive NOT OVER YET Brad 'delighted' with custody win but 'on guard' against more of Ang's attacks 'WE WILL MISS HIM' Milli Vanilli's 'real' singer John Davis dead at 65 after Covid battle NOT FRIENDLY Matthew Perry 'made everyone uneasy at Friends: The Reunion' 'THANK YOU' The reason why host Juan Williams is leaving Fox News show The Five NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo 'LET'S GET REAL' Teen Mom Bristol Palin admits she got a tummy tuck & shows off scars While there is no actual 'Station 19,' the exterior images of the firehouse in the show are from a real firehouse in Seattle called Station 20. The number 19 came from the show's creator, Stacy McKee, who chose it because it is one of her favorite numbers. Station 20 was actually built a few years prior to the shows release. The previous station 20 was falling apart, to fix this, the city of Seattle relocated the infamous house and built a brand new structure around sustainability and functionality which is the fire station we see on the show today. While the show is set in Seattle, the scenes are mainly filmed in the L.A area. The set used for to show is modeled after Station 20, the only difference being the real station does not have a fire pole but there is one added on the set for the entertainment value, the logos are also slightly different between the real house and the show.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2968928/captain-pruitt-herrera-station-19-miguel-sandoval/
|
Does Wiz Khalifa have a sister?
|
WIZ Khalifa shocked The Masked Dancer nation as he was revealed as one of the final three contestants in season 5. Khalifa is known around the music industry for his love for marijuana, portraying it in his songs and interviews. The rapper had a sister, Dorien 'Lala' Thomaz, who identified as transgender. Sadly, Thomaz passed away in 2017 at the age of 32. The 32-year-old's cause of death has never been shared publicly. However, Thomaz's obituary stated she passed away "peacefully with her mother by her side." 4 Wiz Khalifa's sister, Dorien 'Lala' Thomaz, passed away in 2017 Credit: Instagram/Peachie WImbush At the time, Khalifa tweeted, The loss of my sibling has been the hardest thing Ive had to deal with but [with] your prayers and well wishes my family will get through this." In July 2017, Khalifa's mother, Peachie Wimbush-Polk, shared a few thoughts about her late daughter on Twitter. "Lala really helped me walk the talk and live my most courageous life when she decided at 15 to live life as the woman she was on the inside. "I was scared to death because people are hateful, also because if you hurt one of mine you MUST kill me." She added: "I'm choosing my kids over everything bih... that's the job." Wimbush-Polk's tweets came in support of NBA superstar Dwayne Wade's praise for his 13-year-old daughter Zaya's transition from male to female. 4 At the time of his sister's death, Khalifa tweeted losing his sister was 'the hardest thing I've had to deal with' Credit: Splash News Wimbush-Polk also shared some emotional words on Instagram from the film Steel Magnolias, her childs obituary, as well as a picture of her holding hands with her daughter. ...there was no noise, no tremble, just peace. Oh God(dess), I realized as a woman how lucky I am. "I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life." ---M'Lynn Steel Magnolias "I have seen, heard and felt every bit of your love." The Masked Singer wrapped up season 5 on Tuesday, May 25, with Piglet announced as the winner. The Chameleon, The Piglet and Black Swans identity were revealed in the grand finale. 4 Wiz Khalifa was unmasked as The Chameleon in the season finale of The Masked Singer Credit: BackGrid Khalifa, who was revealed as The Chameleon, finished third place. The judges who guessed Chameleon's identity were Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke. Most read in Celebrity Exclusive NOT OVER YET Brad 'delighted' with custody win but 'on guard' against more of Ang's attacks 'WE WILL MISS HIM' Milli Vanilli's 'real' singer John Davis dead at 65 after Covid battle INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL JLo 'wanted to announce her reunion with Ben Affleck on Instagram' 'THANK YOU' The reason why host Juan Williams is leaving Fox News show The Five NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo Exclusive WON'T SKIM BY Kim's 'NOT giving up on her dream to be a lawyer' after failing baby bar exam Khalifa told the judges he had a great time during his time on the show. "I'm a fun dad," he told the judges. "I love to enjoy myself, and I love to be myself." The Piglet was revealed to be Nick Lachey and the Black Swan was unmasked as Grammy-award-winning singer JoJo.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2969161/meet-wiz-khalifas-sister-dorien-lala-thomaz/
|
What are the lyrics to Shania Twains Man! I Feel Like A Woman?
|
SHANIA Twain burst into the mainstream with her 1997 hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman. And now, the lyrics have been revealed and confirmed. 4 Let's go girls! Credit: Getty - Contributor What are the lyrics to Shania Twain's Man! Man! I Feel Like A Woman was written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Shania Twain (who billed herself as Eileen Regina Lange, her name at the time), and the lyrics are as follows. Let's go girls Come on! I'm goin' out tonight, I'm feelin' alright Gonna let it all hang out Wanna make some noise, really raise my voice Yeah, I wanna scream and shout No inhibitions, make no conditions Get a little outta line I ain't gonna act politically correct I only wanna have a good time 4 Shania Twain became a pop star thanks to Man! I Feel Like A Woman Credit: Getty - Contributor The best thing about bein' a woman Is the prerogative to have a little fun and Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy Forget I'm a lady Men's shirts, short skirts Oh, oh, oh, really go wild Yeah, doin' it in style Oh, oh, oh, get in the action Feel the attraction Color my hair, do what I dare Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free Yeah, to feel the way I feel Man, I feel like a woman Girls need a break, tonight we're gonna take The chance to get out on the town We don't need romance, we only wanna dance We're gonna let our hair hang down The best thing about bein' a woman Is the prerogative to have a little fun and Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy 4 She co-wrote the song with her then-husband Credit: Getty - Contributor Forget I'm a lady Men's shirts, short skirts Oh, oh, oh, really go wild Yeah, doin' it in style Oh, oh, oh, get in the action Feel the attraction Color my hair, do what I dare Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free Yeah, to feel the way I feel Man, I feel like a woman The best thing about bein' a woman Is the prerogative to have a little fun (fun), fun! After a year of hiatus from touring due to Covid-19, Shania Twain has announced the dates for her Las Vegas residency. Most read in Celebrity Exclusive NOT OVER YET Brad 'delighted' with custody win but 'on guard' against more of Ang's attacks 'WE WILL MISS HIM' Milli Vanilli's 'real' singer John Davis dead at 65 after Covid battle INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL JLo 'wanted to announce her reunion with Ben Affleck on Instagram' 'THANK YOU' The reason why host Juan Williams is leaving Fox News show The Five NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo Exclusive WON'T SKIM BY Kim's 'NOT giving up on her dream to be a lawyer' after failing baby bar exam It will take place at Planet Hollywood for six shows in December (Dec. 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12) and eight in February 2022 (Feb. 11-12, 14, 18-19, 23, 25-26) Fans can expect to hear all of Shania's hits, including Man! I Feel Like A Woman. Tickets will go on sale on Ticketmaster's official site on June 1, 2021.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2969442/shania-twain-man-i-feel-like-a-woman-lyrics/
|
Who is Clay Travis?
|
CONSERVATIVE late radio host Rush Limbaugh will have his slot taken over by Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. The duo will begin their show on June 21, airing from 12pm to 3pm daily. Clay Travis, 42, is an American sports journalist and founder of OutKick media. He originally worked as a lawyer in the US Virgin Islands and Tennessee but began receiving media attention with his personal blog. Travis began writing for CBS Sports in 2005 and started writing a book, Dixieland Delight. The journalist left CBS and took a position as a writer and editor at Deadspin. 3 Travis was a former attorney Credit: Alamy He then moved on to become a national columnist at FanHouse. Travis now hosts Foxs radio show Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis. Sexton and Travis will take over the highly-coveted radio slot that once belonged to Limbaugh for more than three decades. They will discuss all things politics and current events, and will take call-ins from listeners. The show will be called The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show and is expected to be heard in over hundreds of networks. According to KSCJ, Travis dished on the opportunity to take over Limbaughs radio hours, saying: Ive loved spending the past six years building Outkick The Coverage into one of the most-listened-to sports talk shows in the country. 3 Buck Sexton will join Clay Travis in the radio show Credit: Instagram @bucksexton But I couldnt resist the opportunity to join Buck Sexton as we launch this new program in the most coveted timeslot in the talk format. While no one will ever replace Rush Limbaugh, Buck and I are excited to continue advancing the causes he held dear, most importantly American exceptionalism, a fervent embrace of capitalism, and a belief in a robust marketplace of ideas. At a time of rabid cancel culture and toxic identity politics, we will be the voice for many who feel scared to say what they think for fear of the censorious online mob. Travis is married to Lara Travis, a former Tennessee Titans cheerleader. Most read in Celebrity Exclusive NOT OVER YET Brad 'delighted' with custody win but 'on guard' against more of Ang's attacks 'WE WILL MISS HIM' Milli Vanilli's 'real' singer John Davis dead at 65 after Covid battle INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL JLo 'wanted to announce her reunion with Ben Affleck on Instagram' 'THANK YOU' The reason why host Juan Williams is leaving Fox News show The Five NO-NO, JOJO! Masked Singer fans furious Nick Lachey as The Piglet beat out frontrunner JoJo Exclusive WON'T SKIM BY Kim's 'NOT giving up on her dream to be a lawyer' after failing baby bar exam The pair reportedly met at Vanderbilt and tied the knot after 2004. They have three sons together. Travis and Lara keep their childrens lives relatively private but did reveal on Twitter that their third son is named Nash Travis.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2969656/who-is-clay-travis/
|
Is it True Once Saved Always Saved?
|
Before our we get into the 7th chapter of Romans, a review of what leads up to it is in order. Romans 5:1 2 reads: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. These are blessed assurances for believers; we stand justified and have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ and rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God. However, these blessings are by faith and faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:1. So while we hope (earnestly expect these blessings) we are unable to see them, while in reality we live in humble, frail human bodies, dealing day by day with the world, the flesh and the Devil. As believers, we recognize our propensity to sin, knowing God cannot condone sin, Habakkuk 1:13. Thus, Paul proceeds to explain how the factual truth of Romans 5:1 2 works out in our tangible living experience. Briefly summarized are the passages following Romans 5:2, which have been referenced in previous NW Connection articles.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258122274272/is-it-true-once-saved-always-saved
|
Who is Buck Sexton?
|
PREMIERE Network has announced the new duo that will replace Rush Limbaugh's prime-time radio show hours. Rush Limbaugh's replacements are Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. Sexton, 39, is a radio host and political commentator who served as an officer with the Central Intelligence Agency and a New York Police Department counterterrorism expert. Sexton is a regular on Fox News as a national security analyst and was previously national security editor for The Blaze. The journalist previously hosted his own three-hour radio talk show The Buck Sexton Show, which streamed on iHeartMedia. Before Sexton's takeover in 2017, the show was titled America Now and was hosted by Meghan McCain. 5 Buck Sexton was the host of his own radio talk show, The Buck Sexton Show Credit: Instagram @bucksexton Sexton took over the show's day-to-day operations after McCain left the program in January 2017. Sexton's radio show covered politics and was intended as a broad-audience rundown of the day's news event, including entertainment. However, the show became a more traditional conservative talk show under his run and was rebranded as The Buck Sexton Show. The show aired across 100 affiliates live or on tape delay, along with an iHeartRadio app channel. iHeartMedia president Julie Talbott said that the late radio star's show would not be replaced. "Were not going to replace Rush Limbaugh, were going to have an evolution of the show with fresh voicesthose that grew up on Rush and admired him," Talbott said. Sexton and Travis, 42, will operate a similar right-wing affair, tackling news stories of the day, politics, and current events. Premiere Networks hopes the younger duo will bring something new to talk radio, while also continuing on in Limbaughs legacy. The program will be renamed The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, and is slated to being airing on June 21. 5 Rush Limbaugh died on February 17, 2021 Credit: Eyevine The radio show is expected to air around the country, from noon to 3pm ET, on hundreds of stations. The pair have both had experience on the radio, with Travis having hosted a Fox Sports Radio show since 2016. "The most dominant talk radio hosts have been from one generation; Clay and I represent the next phase," Sexton said. "Were going to bring the perspective of two guys who see a country theyre deeply worried about, and a massive audience that needs people who will speak for them." Speaking of the new opportunity, Travis said that the fresh pair has "the unique ability to offer a perspective that many people in their 20s and 30s are desperate to hear" before paying tribute to Limbaugh. 5 Sexton and Travis will compete with conservative Dan Bongino, who also occupies the same time slot on the East Coast side Credit: Instagram @bucksexton Most read in News HORROR FIND Neighbor 'in tears' after finding body of 'kidnapped and slain' boy, 4 GRIM FIND Horror as tan salon customer finds DEAD BODY on sun bed in Austria SPECIAL DELIVERY IRS sending $1.8BILLION in 'surprise' stimulus checks to nearly 1m people Warning RAPE HORROR Woman fights for life after being beaten, gang raped & hung from pole in India MEG'S RETURN 17ft shark stalks ship as viewers joke prehistoric megalodon back on hunt CHILLING THREAT San Jose shooter had talked about killing his co-workers to ex-wife "Rushs connection with his audience is one of the primary legacies of his show," Travis said. The pair tapped by iHeart will go up against conservative Dan Bongino, who was picked by Cumulus Medias Westwood One to fill the noon to 3pm Eastern slot in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Washington, DC. The Dan Bongino Show launched on May 24 with former President Donald Trump as a leading guest.
|
https://www.the-sun.com/news/2969559/meet-rush-limbaughs-replacement-buck-sexton/
|
Does Oculus Quest 2 need a PC?
|
Best answer: No, the Oculus Quest 2 does not need a PC to operate. However, hooking it up to a PC will open an entire library of PC-only content. The standalone wonder The Oculus Quest 2 was designed to be played on its own, anywhere, and at any time. There's no need to make a Quest 2 PC connection thanks to a powerful custom mobile processing chipset inside the Quest 2. That processor can recreate virtual worlds in a way that feels real to the person wearing the headset. The four cameras on the outside of the Quest 2 headset can see the world around and map it in 3D space, keeping track of your movements in VR and translating them to the virtual world in a way that makes sense. That means you won't need to hook up additional cameras or light boxes the way other VR systems required. Likewise, the cameras track those Oculus Touch controllers via a bevy of LEDs placed in the ring of the controller, enabling fast and accurate movements that make it feel like you're moving the virtual hands (or weapons) exactly like you're moving your real hands and arms. Some experiences don't even require controllers, as those cameras can also track your hands, making virtual interaction appear even more realistic. The battery inside the Oculus Quest 2 is rechargeable via a USB Type-C port on the side and lasts 2-3 hours per charge. That means you can take it off the charger and get at least 2 hours of VR gameplay in before needing to charge it again. The best Quest 2 battery packs will keep the action going for even longer; perfect for socializing in VR, which you might find yourself lost in for hours at a time! If you're concerned that the mobile nature of the Oculus Quest 2 means that graphical quality will suffer, don't be. While games made for the Quest and Quest 2 are a bit more visually simplistic than the best-looking PC VR games, it's not likely that you'll find yourself being pulled out of a virtual world simply because the visual quality doesn't hold up. Even some of the best indie games with stylized and simplified graphics look amazing in VR, and a lot of that is thanks to the fact that VR headsets like the Quest 2 work to trick your brain into thinking you're actually in the world you see. Add a PC for more content
|
https://www.androidcentral.com/does-oculus-quest-2-need-pc?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+androidcentral+%28Android+Central%29
|
Is the City Moving Fast Enough on Police Reform?
|
By David M. Greenwald Davis, CA The city council on Tuesday heard the first presentation of the proposed budget. One of the big areas of concern was whether the city council was moving forward on efforts to reimagine policing. To address that issue, City Manager Mike Webb laid out a series of changes included in the budget as the result of the April 6 council meeting; however, public safety activists pointed out that under Webbs proposals the police budget was increasing, and bottom-line the city was not moving nearly fast enough with any reimagining. A number of public commenters addressed the issue by asking the city to divert money from the police department and reinvest it into a department of Public Safety. As one public commenter put, The budget as it is now, doesnt reflect our values. She pointed to the desire to fund a management level position for public health and safety reporting directly to the city manager, and expand services in coordination with the county on housing and homelessness and youth diversion programs. That position is missing from the proposed budget. She called out this disappointment, arguing that the commitment made by council on April 6, was not backed by any commitment [in the budget] for real funding. Jordan Varney (one of the student editors for the Vanguard, but calling on behalf of Yolo People Power) noted that the community is pushing for the expansion of social services rather than the continued use of law enforcement for those services, as it is in the proposed city budget. The community pleaded for the safety of all Davis residents especially black and indigenous people, people of color and vulnerable groups such as those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues or substance use disorder, Varney said. She noted that the staff report on April 6 had a far more limited scope than the nine recommendations from the Joint Subcommittee, which were backed by over 750 citizen signatures and over 120 public comments at a meeting back in December. This public engagement represents an unequivocal commitment from Davis residents to make our city safe. She called this an unprecedented commitment from the community, and asked the council to reflect on whether the budget in front of you represents the values and priorities that have been voiced to you over the past year. She called for specific and clear direction to city staff. Francesca Wright expressed disappointment to see the proposed budget, which she believes disregards the direction from city council, the recommendations from three commissions, and numerous pleas from the community. She reminded the council of three important steps they had agreed to in order to create a new vision for public safety. These include (1) funding the management level position, (2) a qualified data analyst housing in the city managers office, and (3) moving the funds for all three homeless outreach positions out of the police department and into the city managers office. Julea Shaw (a Vanguard Board member, but speaking on her own behalf) noted that the council has the opportunity to actualize their vision for reimagining Davis public safety system. Our budget is a statement of our values, she said. What are the values that you want to uphold and be remembered for as a councilmember in Davis. She noted that the council members have the chance to meaningfully improve the lives of everyone in Davis. She said that mental health challenges impact all segments of society. Having a part of the city structure that is dedicated to helping those of us going through a hard time or dealing with our worst moments is incredibly uplifting and transformative. She pushed for the American Rescue Plan funding to be utilized for this budget for a Crisis Now or Mental Health Official. Since the proposed budget reports that the American Rescue Plan will provide Davis with $19.7 million in federal funding between now and spring of 2022 there is more than enough available funding for such an added position. She said that with their action on the budget, this community vision could be realized, but warned, Conversely it is restrained if you are hesitant to lead. Morgan Poindexter (a Vanguard Board member but speaking on her own behalf) said, At present this budget is a very distressing continuation of the status quo. It reads as if the city is not currently going through a process of reimagining public safety. She pointed out that despite the promise of professed changes to public safety, in actuality, The police department budget continues to grow by almost five percent in this document. In fact, it represents a larger share of the citys discretionary budget than it did at the beginning of this project, she said. This is antithetical to the councils stated goals and the priorities of Davis residents, she said adding that there is no clear commitment of city funds to mental health services. During his presentation, City Manager MIke Webb provided an update on the re-imagining public safety discussion from April 6 to show six items that are included in the budget, while there are another four items that are not (shown in the second table below). The six included items are: As shown in the table, the city did include about $50,000 in the proposed budget for a professional research to undertake RIPA analysis, though Webb noted that the scope of work and the contract itself are to be determined. There is also $30,000 in funding from April 6 on the educational reimbursement program but details of that will be worked out and determined. There is also funding for the city managers office to complete a community survey including questions on community services and policing. They also are including the cost neutral shift of homeless services from the police department to the city managers office. Those funds are shifted in the budget to the city managers office, Webb said. One of the issues that came up during public comment was the Public Safety Data Analyst. What in the budget is $30,000 to upgrade an existing vacant position, he explained. The final item that is funded would be $25,000 to upgrade the citys Transparency Portal. However, the biggest items mentioned by the public were in fact not funded for the current budget. Those four items are: The first of the unfunded items is a management level position that expands the services related to housing, homelessness and youth diversion. That is a key element, Webb said. The role and duties are currently under review by the Councils Organizational Subcommittee. Pending those subcommittee discussions would shape what this looks like and therefore what funding level is needed. Webb said he is not sure at this point whether this creates a new position or recasts an existing one. We dont know yet based on the conversations that are still underway, he said. We want to keep all those options on the table. Its not abandoning the notion of that position by any means. We want to do it right. Regarding the second unfunded item, he explained that they want to review the organizational structure itself to determine whether city services currently assigned to the police department should be moved to other departments. Its underway, he said. When its ripe for coming back for discussion, we certainly will do so. The third unfunded item is creating a professional consultant to create a plan to engage the community and marginalized communities to build trust. That isnt included in the proposed budget, he said and added that they need to figure out what the cost might be. Although he did indicate that they could put a placeholder in the budget for this position. Finally the biggest unfunded item might be supporting the crisis now model which was presented to council last week. Thats under review by the council, he said. There are very much costs to be determined. He noted that there is a lot in play with this. While formal actions were not taken. There will be a workshop next week and a final implementation for June 22. The council did ask that city put funds in the budget for the public safety public engagement consultant contract. That would be the placeholder mentioned by the city manager. David M. Greenwald reporting Support our work to become a sustaining at $5 $10- $25 per month hit the link:
|
https://www.davisvanguard.org/2021/05/is-the-city-moving-fast-enough-on-police-reform/
|
Are These Really Bernie Sanders' Demands When Traveling?
|
While it's been over a year since Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders officially suspended his presidential campaign in April 2020, it seems his efforts to attain the Democratic nomination for the general election, while ultimately thwarted, are still a matter of public interest. But after a recent report by the New York Post on May 27, the public scrutiny over Sanders has shifted from his policy platform at the time to his personal life at least, to a degree. Per the Post, "Battle for the Soul: Inside the Democrats' Campaign to Defeat Trump," a recently published book by journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere that recounts how the Democratic party regained the White House in 2020, included a particular set of details about Sanders. Or, more specifically, his list of "demands" for his hotel stays. And as both Dovere and the Post noted, the apparent rider Sanders issued routinely while on the primary campaign trail in 2020 could be considered somewhat extensive, and even unusual. Keep scrolling to find out.
|
https://www.nickiswift.com/422337/are-these-really-bernie-sanders-demands-when-traveling/
|
How Close Is The Friends Cast Today?
|
It's been nearly 20 years since "Friends" ended, but the cast is still closer than ever. The gang which includes Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry spent 10 seasons together and created a bond that will likely last them forever. After all, the six have experienced everything from marriage to divorce and even some personal ups and downs, and through it all, they've always been there for each other. They may not all hang out in the same New York City apartment anymore, but "everything they went through" bonded them, according to a production source. "They're a very tight-knit group," the insider told Page Six. "It's a gift to have that kind of friendship." The "Friends" reunion, which premiered on HBO Max on May 27, is further proof of that as seeing them all together again felt as natural as watching them on our TV screens. The cast's chemistry is still as undeniable as ever and their relationships seem the best they've ever been. Keep scrolling to find out who hangs out all the time and how they keep in regular contact.
|
https://www.nickiswift.com/422427/how-close-is-the-friends-cast-today/
|
Who Are Bella Thorne's Sisters?
|
With "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" coming to an end, everyone wants to know what famous family to watch next. For a while, there were rumors that TikTok star Addison Rae and her fam would step up and replace the Kardashians. People seemed to think this was the case, primarily because of the amount of time Kourtney started spending with Addison, which was kind of weird considering that Addison is about 20 years younger than Kourtney. Anyway, as far as we can tell, Addison and co will not be the subject of the next generation-defining reality TV show, but that leaves a void. Rumor has it, the next big reality TV family will be Bella Thorne and her sisters. A source told Page Six in May 2021 that Ryan Seacrest (creator and an executive producer of "KUWTK) was "courting" Thorne and her sisters to be the subjects of the next big reality show. Read on below to get the inside scoop.
|
https://www.nickiswift.com/422435/who-are-bella-thornes-sisters/
|
Who is Hasbulla Magomedov? And how old is the upcoming Russian social media star?
|
Except you reside below a rock, youve got seen Hasbulla Magomedov aka Mini Khabib on social media. Hasbulla reputation grew in 2020, and in 2021, he is just about in all places. Twitter, Fb, Instagram, TikTok; you title it. At first, Hasbullas look will confuse you; he has the stature of somewhat boy, however his face appears to be like manner older. Hasbulla appears to be like like a five-year-old boy, however he is an 18-year-old blogger from Makhachkala, Dagestan. Opposite to common opinion, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Hasbulla usually are not associated. Hasbulla and Khabib hail from the identical area, they usually do know one another, however they share no familial connection. The expansion dysfunction behind Hasbullas stature has but to be made public The dysfunction behind Hasbullas progress defect has but to be made public, however stories recommend that Hasbulla has Development Hormone Deficiency (also called dwarfism). It happens when the pituitary gland fails to provide enough quantities of somatotropin, the progress hormone. A genetic anomaly will be the root reason behind the hormone deficiency, or the pituitary gland could also be absent from beginning. A mind damage also can trigger hormone insufficiency. Inadequate manufacturing of different hormones also can trigger Development Hormone Deficiency. Hasbullas combat in opposition to Abduroziq has drawn criticism from some quarters Hasbullas content material is principally enjoyable, and no person has an issue with that. His close to 700K following on Instagram reveals that individuals agree together with his content material. Nevertheless, his combat in opposition to social media star Abduroziq has drawn some criticism. The combat was allegedly deliberate by MMA fighter Asxab Tamaev and occurred on 18th Might 2021. Hasbulla shared the face-off between him and Abduroziq on social media. The combat has turn out to be fairly common, however has additionally confronted criticism from some quarters. Uliana Podpalnaya, the head of Russian Dwarf Athletic Affiliation, described the combat as unethical and flawed in a press release to Gazeta.ru.
|
https://www.gadgetclock.com/who-is-hasbulla-magomedov-and-how-old-is-the-upcoming-russian-social-media-star/
|
Whats Wrong With Quick-Fix Products For Digital Accessibility?
|
Lets get straight to the point: Theres no quick fix for making your digital experiences accessible. Thats true even if your approach to accessibility is narrowly focused on being compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the laws in your region of the world. Many companies these days are tempted by what are often referred to as accessibility overlay products that promise to get a companys website compliant quickly sometimes in as little as 24 hours without touching the underlying source code. And I understand why: Creating accessible experiences isnt easy. But there are some important questions to ask yourself first. Lets start with the basics. Overlay vendors claim that their products can make a website accessible automatically. Most of these overlay products consist of two components: On-the-fly detection and repair of accessibility defects: These tools find defects in your code like an image missing an alt attribute or a button missing a label and remediate them in real time as a page loads. One reason this is appealing is that the products dont touch the underlying source code. A typical overlay product requires only that you insert a snippet of JavaScript on the site thats it. These tools find defects in your code like an image missing an alt attribute or a button missing a label and remediate them in real time as a page loads. One reason this is appealing is that the products dont touch the underlying source code. A typical overlay product requires only that you insert a snippet of JavaScript on the site thats it. An accessibility toolbar or widget: If you visit a website and see an icon in the bottom corner with a stick figure on it that pops up a toolbar, as shown in the example below, theres an overlay product under the covers. These toolbars seem great at first glance. After all, they provide an array of options for users to select a profile based on their disability or to customize their experiences by modifying the text size, color contrast, animation and more. If you visit a website and see an icon in the bottom corner with a stick figure on it that pops up a ... [+] toolbar, as shown in this image, theres an overlay product under the covers. Forrester Research Inc. Overlay products are typically marketed as a quick way to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to avoid being the next company to get slapped with a digital accessibility lawsuit. And theyre particularly appealing because theyre inexpensive and can be stood up quickly. Popular overlay products include accessiBe, AudioEye, and Userway, but there are many more. Theres intense debate in the world of accessibility (see the Overlay Fact Sheet) on the advantages and disadvantages of accessibility overlays. There are critical problems with these products that you should be aware of: Accessibility overlays will not get you to 100% compliance or even close. Experts interviewed for recent research confirmed that the automation these products rely on can only detect and resolve 50% of accessibility defects at best, and sometimes less. Many accessibility checks require human intelligence. While automation can detect whether alt text is missing on an image, it cant tell you whether the alt text does a good job conveying what the image depicts and means in context. Experts interviewed for recent research confirmed that the automation these products rely on can only detect and resolve 50% of accessibility defects at best, and sometimes less. Many accessibility checks require human intelligence. While automation can detect whether alt text is missing on an image, it cant tell you whether the alt text does a good job conveying what the image depicts and means in context. Companies with overlays in place are getting sued anyway. Legal experts on both sides seem to agree on this point. Heres an article from a lawyer who defends businesses and one from disability rights lawyer Lainey Feingold. Though accessibility overlay providers promise ADA compliance, the reality is that companies with these products in place have faced legal action anyway. An annual study of accessibility lawsuits from UsableNet reported over 200 lawsuits in 2020 against businesses with overlay products in place. Legal experts on both sides seem to agree on this point. Heres an article from a lawyer who defends businesses and one from disability rights lawyer Lainey Feingold. Though accessibility overlay providers promise ADA compliance, the reality is that companies with these products in place have faced legal action anyway. An annual study of accessibility lawsuits from UsableNet reported over 200 lawsuits in 2020 against businesses with overlay products in place. Accessibility toolbars interfere with assistive technologies people with disabilities rely on. Imagine having to customize every site you visit to ensure a good experience. Thats essentially whats happening here. People with disabilities who use assistive technologies such as screen readers rightly expect websites to just work with these programs. And when websites are accessible, they do. The same goes for users who have taken the time to set accessibility options like type size in their browser or operating system settings. These toolbars ignore these settings users already have in place, or worse: They interfere with users preferred setups, as highlighted in some of the testimonials here. Based on our research, the answer is: Not as a long-term solution for enterprises. Whether the primary driver of your digital accessibility work is to get compliant or to create better experiences for all customers, accessibility overlays wont get you there, for the reasons mentioned above. And dont just take it from me. Charlotte Dales, founder of employment platform Inclusively, discovered the limitations of accessibility overlays when her company embarked on its own digital accessibility journey. After setting up one of these products and then getting negative feedback from candidates with disabilities about the problems the product caused them, the company pivoted to a better approach. It trained up its internal development team and established a process for gathering and quickly acting on feedback from the disability community. Heres Charlottes advice to companies: You can use those [accessibility overlays] to tick the box, but if you want great UX, you have to put in the commitment. Sometimes either as a stopgap measure or for small businesses. If youre a small business starved for resources to tackle digital accessibility effectively (e.g., you have no development team) and for which a lawsuit could threaten your existence, pursuing these products is slightly better than doing nothing at all. Theres also a case to be made for very large businesses turning to overlay products but only as a temporary stopgap measure, knowing full well the limitations. In taking that approach, its important to, in parallel, shore up internal accessibility expertise and practices so that the stopgap solution doesnt become the permanent solution. This post was written by Principal Analyst Gina Bhawalkar, and it originally appeared here.
|
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2021/05/27/whats-wrong-with-quick-fix-products-for-digital-accessibility/
|
Can Judicial Order Be Set Aside On Public Perception?Calcutta High Court Asks CBI In Narada Case- SG HC - ?
|
, SG
|
https://www.jansatta.com/news-update/can-judicial-order-be-set-aside-on-public-perception-calcutta-high-court-asks-cbi-in-narada-case/1729180/
|
Should Mercedes Switch Focus to Lando Norris?
|
Ever since George Russell made a temporary switch to Mercedes last season, there has been almost constant rumour as to whether the young Englishman will join the team on a full time basis. While Williams pilot Russell stepped in for Lewis Hamilton, the man under attack in 2021 is Valtteri Bottas. The Finn made a slow start to the new campaign and that led to suggestions of a mid-season switch. Switching Attention George Russell may be occupying more than his fair share of column inches right now but, on the track, hes not making any great waves. An unfortunate collision with Valtteri Bottas in Italy where both men were forced to retire is his main contribution on the track so far. While driving the Williams, Russell isnt expected to win races or even get onto the podium on a regular basis but his early finishes havent been encouraging. In four Grand Prix up to and including the Spanish GP, the Englishmans best finish is 14th and that return puts him down in 17th place in the drivers championship. Not much is expected of the youngster and thats reflected in the Formula One betting markets as supplied by Sbo.net. While Lewis Hamilton hovers around the Even Money mark to win each Grand Prix, George Russell is down with the also-rans at a general 1000/1. At those figures, it might be wiser to consider free bets if anyone is looking to back the Williams man moving forward. Sbo.net have plenty of those available among other sportsbook offers and promotions. Readers can also take in news and opinion pieces across the entire Formula One season. Coming up on the Rails While the rumour mills focus on one man, another English F1 driver is quietly impressing elsewhere. Lando Norris started 2021 with a fourth placed finish in Bahrain and he followed that up with a podium place in Italy. A further fourth place followed in Portugal and, while he finished down the standings in eighth over in Spain, its been a promising start. Norris currently sits in fourth place in the overall Drivers Standings and, while hes unlikely to break into the big three of Hamilton, Bottas and Verstappen, other teams are starting to take notice. News stories from February 2021 included an interview with Norris himself where he was questioned about the possibility of driving for Mercedes. The McLaren man refused to rule it out while insisting that he was focusing on his current team. While there is a clear superiority in terms of the McLaren over the Williams, early results suggest that Norris may be Mercedes better choice. Routes to the top There are two ways in which a Mercedes seat may become vacant ahead of the 2022 F1 season. While there are reported concerns over Valtteri Bottas form as the number two driver, doubts remain over Lewis Hamiltons future. Having signed a short, one-year contract for 2021, there is a possibility that the multiple drivers champion may seek a new challenge elsewhere or he may simply walk away from motorsport. A Mercedes chair rarely becomes available but there are genuine reasons to believe that the German manufacturer will be looking for a new pilot in 2022. George Russell is the name in the frame but perhaps Lando Norris is more deserving of the honour. Check out more items on this website about:
|
https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/should-mercedes-switch-focus-to-lando-norris/
|
Is a single Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine dose sufficient for individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infections?
|
A team of scientists from Spain has recently evaluated the immune responses induced by mRNA-based Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine in healthcare workers with or without a history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The study findings reveal that immune memory developed in response to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection can persist for a long time and that only a single vaccine dose is sufficient to induce robust antibody response among previously infected individuals. A preprint version of the study is available on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. Background Vaccines developed against COVID-19 have provided immense public health benefits by shielding the global population from deadly SARS-CoV-2. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, more than 1.5 billion vaccine doses have already been administered globally. By analyzing potential risk factors, most countries have prioritized vaccine distribution to the most susceptible subgroups of the population. However, given the shortage in vaccine supply, a more accurate vaccine prioritization is urgently required to achieve the highest healthcare benefits. In the current study, the scientists have evaluated vaccine-induced immune responses in healthcare workers with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure. According to available literature, anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity developed in response to natural infection persists for up to 10 months. Moreover, a low rate of reinfection and disease recurrence has been observed among COVID-19 recovered individuals. Given these findings, the scientists have hypothesized that individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection may not require immediate vaccination for protection, or alternatively, a single vaccine dose may be sufficient for them to provide protection. Study design A total of 63 healthcare workers participated in the study. Among them, 33 were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 30 were without prior infection. Among previously infected participants, 22 were mildly symptomatic, 6 had pneumonia, and 5 were asymptomatic. All study participants received 2 doses of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech. Previously infected participants received the 1st vaccine dose about 10 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. The blood samples collected from participants were analyzed for IgG-specific anti-spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies. Overall, the antibody levels were measured at 7 time points: at baseline before vaccination; at 7, 14, and 21 days after the 1st dose; and at 7, 14, and 21 days after the 2nd dose. To determine the durability of antibody response, a separate set of measurements was done 8 10 weeks after the 2nd vaccine dose. Important observations At baseline, 29 out of 33 healthcare workers with previous infection showed detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Only 4 participants were seronegative. Interestingly, both seropositive and seronegative participants exhibited a 126-fold increase in antibody levels 7 days after receiving the 1st vaccine dose. However, only a slight increase in antibody levels was observed in these participants at day 14 post-vaccination, followed by no increase at day 21 post-vaccination. In contrast, participants without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a seronegative status at baseline. Only 5 of them showed detectable antibody levels after 7 days of vaccination. However, at day 14, all participants showed detectable antibody levels, which continued to increase and reached a 1.6-fold higher levels at day 21 post-vaccination. Regarding 2nd vaccine dose, no significant change in antibody levels was observed at any time points in participants with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, a 16-fold increase in antibody level was observed in participants without prior infection at day 7 post-vaccination, which remained stable up to day 14. However, at day 21, the participants exhibited reduced antibody levels. At all experimental time points, previously infected participants exhibited significantly higher antibody levels than those without prior infection. Furthermore, four previously infected participants who did not receive the 2nd vaccine dose showed comparable antibody levels to those who completed the 2-dose vaccination regimen. Regarding long-lasting immunity, a considerable reduction in antibody level was observed in all participants 2 months after the 2nd vaccine dose. The reduction was more prominent in participants without prior infection. Regarding vaccine-related adversities, previously infected participants showed more side effects after the 1st vaccine dose compared to those without prior infection. However, no such difference was observed between the two study groups after the 2nd vaccine dose. In general, the vaccine did not cause any serious adversities among study participants. Study significance The study findings reveal that even after 10 months of recovery, individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure are capable of inducing strong secondary immunity in response to a single vaccine dose. Based on the study findings, the scientists suggest that vaccination of COVID-19 recovered individuals can be postponed to prioritize high-risk populations for vaccination. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
|
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210527/Is-a-single-PfizerBioNTech-COVID-19-vaccine-dose-sufficient-for-individuals-with-prior-SARS-CoV-2-infections.aspx
|
Are curated portfolios better for global investing?
|
Indian investors looking at international diversification and better returns but are less familiar with investing in US securities are increasingly looking at curated portfolios of stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that aim to simplify investment decisions. Over the past year, there is more attention on international investing as people have seen the US markets withstand covid with more stability. As an evolved step to do-it-yourself global investing, these ready-made portfolios enable investors to build a diversified exposure in securities across sectors, geographies and asset classes. Global investing platform Stockal, which had launched its curated portfolio service called Stacks five months ago, is seeing inflows of around 10 crore every month. There is a natural tendency to want advice. People are also looking for advice on where to put their money after they have invested in known names such as Tesla and others. It has been five months since we launched Stacks, and the demand is pretty strong. Overall, we have around 35 crore invested via Stacks," said Sitashwa Srivastava, CEO, Stockal, a fintech that enables global investing for Indians. The investing platform has partnered with wealth management firms to create, maintain and manage portfolios. Moreover, Globalise, which is Indias first platform for guided global investing, recently launched its curated portfolio service called Globes. Curated portfolios provide an attractive investment route as they are designed to simplify investment decisions and avoid the research required when self-directing their investments," said Viraj Nanda, CEO, Globalise. Apart from theme-based portfolios such as next-gen tech, small- and mid-caps, Globes offers goal-based inve-sting such as overseas education, vacation and retirement. According to Srivastava, theme-based portfolios that are more in demand among Indian investors are electric vehicles, US tech bluechip and ETF disruptor. A key benefit of investing via curated portfolios offered by global investing platforms is that they offer access to a bigger number of stocks and exchange-traded funds. By investing directly on a global investment platform, an investors assets are held in dollars. This means that even when they sell their investment, the cash remains in dollars. This allows investors to build a dollar corpus when saving for overseas expenses such as education," said Nanda. However, investing in curated portfolios comes at a cost. At Globes, there is a purchase fee of $2.99, and a monthly platform charge of 0.1% of the assets under management (AUM), while for Stacks, 1-2% of the A Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
|
https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/are-curated-portfolios-better-for-global-investing-11622132452885.html
|
How has the introduction of Bitcoins transformed the corporate world?
|
Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency. It offers an alternative to conventional money services. Bitcoins can be created, distributed, traded, and stored with the use of a public ledger system called a block chain. Bitcoins are efficient in transferring currency over the internet which is controlled by Blockchain which is governed by a set of transparent rules and hence making it an alternative to bank controlled currency. Users can invest, buy and even trade bitcoins according to their need and interest. It is technically real money, and can be cashed out according to the need of the user. It can simply be defined as a computer file which has been stored in a digital wallet app in the mobile phone or desktop. It can be sent from one person to another and all the transactions are stored in the block chain. This is why Bitcoins are free of any transaction fee which allows the businesses to have more money in their favour as well as a secured record of all the transactions. They provide a transparent low cost payment platform with minimum investment through which transactions can be performed in less time with minimal charges. They provide a wide range of investment opportunities to their users across the globe and provide the ease of direct control over the users investments. Bitcoin web hosting has gained huge popularity in the past few years as it allows for the transfer of money without the necessity of any intermediary or involvement of a third party. As it is a form of online money, no hand cash can be drawn from it but can be used for various online purchases, for sending money to a person or for internet transactions. But one should always remember that the price of one bitcoin keeps varying from minute to minute and can never stay stable. Another biggest concern about cryptocurrency is scalability. Although there might be issues of cyber security one must only invest in Bitcoins or any other form of cryptocurrency with full knowledge about it and prior research regarding to the pros and cons of cryptocurrencies. Conclusion Bitcoins have a great Impact on the economy nowadays as they have the highest market capitalisation and their values being growing everyday. It is considered as one of the most crucial investment assets in the current day situation.
|
https://www.clarkedailynews.com/how-has-the-introduction-of-bitcoins-transformed-the-corporate-world.html
|
Can A Person Fall In Love With A Robot?
|
The answer might surprise Sci-fi fans. sexy robot Image by author via Canva If you wish you had a robot buddy because you don't like people, science says you might not be as into it as you think. Human-Android relationships might not be as effortless as they seem in the movies. Researchers have discovered that while humans enjoy a robot that is a little like us, once they hit a certain level of human-ness, our feelings change. We prefer ones with some human aspects in real life, think C3PO, but Bishop in Aliens kind of creeps us out. A study by Emory Health Sciences found that the more lifelike a robot is, the more it pushes us into "the uncanny valley." A term to describe the theory that subconsciously, when people see a robot with overtly human features, we feel like it has a mind (I take this to mean consciousness). According to this theory, the sense that a machine could have a mind creeps us out. It's more complicated than that, but the result's the same: we don't like it. We subconsciously pick up subtle cues that tell us something's not right. Or how you might see a face in a gnarly old tree. When that human connection is missing, we know. It's called anthropomorphization, and although we tend to do this, research suggests there's something different going on here. Researchers showed participants pictures of three types of faces: human faces machine-like robot faces android faces similar to humans They rated each for "aliveness." android face Image by author via Canva Through a complex process of analyzing the pictures and how long people looked at them, scientists discovered that humans could almost instantly distinguish a human or robot face (no surprise there). But although we initially anthropomorphize the android, we can tell something's off within milliseconds. We seem to have a built-in mechanism that tells us something's wrong when someone doesn't give off the warmth we need to feel comfortable, and we're so attuned to it that we can even pick it up from pictures and quickly. We become uncomfortable and slightly repulsed when someone doesn't radiate humanity. That coldness sends us into "the uncanny valley." It could be a kind of evolutionary warning we've developed to tell us when someone doesn't have empathy because psychopaths and sociopaths can be dangerous. Here are some famous examples of fictional robots. See if you can find the ones that would creep you out: C3PO: Star Wars Rosie: The Jetsons Terminator: The Terminator Baymax: Big Hero 6 Lance Bishop: Aliens Data: Star Trek Generations David: A.I. Artificial Intelligence robot friend Image by author via Canva In movies and on T.V., friendships and relationships with human-like androids seem possible, even likely. It makes sense that the more human a robot looks, the more we'd like it. But science tells us it's not that simple because our brains have a mechanism that detects human "warmth," and we don't like it when we can't feel it. So if you're buying a robot, it might be a good idea to get one that's a little more robot-like and keep things professional. Because if you're looking for a robot spouse or best friend, you might be wasting your money; if it's too lifelike, you might not be able to get the relationship off the ground. But at least when you're breaking up, you won't be lying when you say it's not them. It's you.
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2257204364063/can-a-person-fall-in-love-with-a-robot
|
How Does Disinfectant Cleaning Work in the Fight Against Covid-19?
|
Share Pin 0 Shares Theres that old saying that cleanliness comes next to godliness. The notion that the human race has a moral obligation to keep ourselves, our homes and our work spaces clean couldnt get a more resounding yes than in todays context of Covid-19. Thats right. The C word has taken over the world with masks, hand sanitizers and stay home orders becoming the norm. Being a professional cleaning company, we break it down for you. Heres what you need to know about how disinfectant cleaning works and please dont try this at home yourself. There are three main aspects to disinfectant cleaning in the fight against Covid-19. The first is the type of cleaning agents and disinfectants that are being used. Be sure to enquire and confirm that the cleaning company you have hired is using disinfectant products with the active ingredient Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium Chloride. This helps in the fight against the Covid-19 virus. Bleach products can also be used and should carry the active ingredient Sodium Hypochlorite. Now comes Protective Personal Equipment (PPE). Cleaning crew hired to carry out disinfectant cleaning undergo specialized training. This includes learning how to be dressed for the occasion with the correct PPE attire. Hair cover, face shield, N95 mask, surgical gown and gloves, and shoe cover are all must-haves when it comes to being in the right PPE outfit. And then the real work begins. If there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19, the cleaning company should firstly seal off all areas that the confirmed Covid-19 case individual may have visited or come into contact with. This is to limit and prevent any further exposure and spread to other unsuspecting individuals. Next step is to open up windows, if there are any, to allow ventilation while the cleaning crew is carrying out the disinfecting. The cleaning crew will fog the area using a specialized Ultra-Low Volume (UVL) fogging machine. The disinfectant chemical is released as a fog or mist that is dispersed and covers every corner of the site. Once the site is supersaturated with the disinfectant chemical dispersed through the fogging method as fog or mist, allow 45 minutes to an hour for the disinfectant droplets to settle down onto all surfaces. The cleaning crew then proceeds to mop the floor area with bleach and wipe down all frequently touched areas such as hand rails, door knobs, arm rests, seat backs, tables, keyboards and more. The bleach can also be used to wipe down walls of up to 3 metres in height and blinds. Once a thorough cleaning wipe down of the site has been carried out, it is just as important to discard the cleaning material in a correct manner. All cleaning material made of cloth and absorbent material such as mop heads, wiping cloths etc should be disposed into a biohazard bag. The cleaning crew should then wear a new pair of gloves to fasten and double-bag the biohazard bag with a cable tie before properly discarding it. These are the key steps to carrying out a professional and thorough disinfectant cleaning service, if you or someone you know have come into contact with a transient or confirmed case of Covid-19 and are looking to disinfect the place. That said, it doesnt hurt to carry out a one time disinfectant cleaning of your home or office if you are simply looking for some peace of mind. We hope this blog article has been useful as we continue the fight against Covid-19 one disinfectant cleaning at a time. Stay well and stay safe everyone!
|
https://recentlyheard.com/2021/05/27/how-does-disinfectant-cleaning-work-in-the-fight-against-covid-19/
|
Why is long covid turning out to be a fresh concern?
|
People suffering from covid-19 are increasingly complaining of fatigue, fever, headaches and loss of smell for weeks, or even months, after the diagnosis. These people have also caught the attention of medical practitioners and support groups. Long covid refers to the phenomena where people continue to experience the effects of covid-19 for weeks or months. According to Randeep Guleria, director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, if symptoms persist for 4-12 weeks, it should be regarded as post-covid acute syndrome, while if symptoms persist for longer than 12 weeks, it should be marked as long covid. A study by Roberto Bernabei, Angelo Carf, and Francesco Landi of 143 people hospitalized in Italy found that as much as 87.4% of the patients reported persistence of at least one symptom, with extreme fatigue being the most common. Two main groups of symptoms have been identified based on data shared by people on the Covid Symptom Study app. One group includes respiratory symptoms such as cough and difficulty in breathing, as well as fatigue and headaches. The other includes symptoms affecting various parts of the body, including the heart, gut, and brain. Palpitation, pins and needles, increased heart beats, and numbness, as well as brain fog were also reported. A report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which studied 3,171 non-hospitalized covid patients, showed 69% had one or more out-patient visits over the six months. Anxiety and depression have been seen as fallouts of long covid, with survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry at the beginning of this year suggested that adults suffering from long covid are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. There is no clear data about how many people have long covid in India, but we can get an idea from the UK, which saw a strong second wave as well. According to Office for National Statistics estimates, 1.1 million people reported long covid symptoms in the four weeks ending 6 March. More than two-thirds of them had symptoms for more than 12 weeks. Indias case-load in the second wave shows that the numbers for people with long covid could be much higher. This can put more stress on the already strained healthcare infrastructure. Recovery from covid-19 is counted as those who have not died from the virus. However, experts believe monitoring the health of those who have recovered for up to a year is required to make sure they are really out of danger. Guleria has suggested rehabilitation of patients experiencing long covid and setting up of multidisciplinary post-covid clinics. Experts believe that for long covid survivors a multidisciplinary and multi-care approach would be needed because it can impact so many different organs. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now! !
|
https://www.livemint.com/science/health/why-is-long-covid-turning-out-to-be-a-fresh-concern-11622136250139.html
|
Who was Saint Augustine of Canterbury?
|
In the late 6th century, a man was sent from Rome to England to bring Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons. He would ultimately become the first Archbishop of Canterbury, establish one of medieval Englands most important abbeys, and kickstart the countrys conversion to Christianity. Pope Gregory sending St Augustine to convert the people of England to Christianity, from an 11th-century manuscript [Adapted from Catholic Encyclopedia and English Heritage] A Papal Mission Christianity had been present in England during Roman times, but with the arrival of the Saxons, most of the country had once again reverted to paganism. Almost nothing is known of the early life of the man who brought Christianity to medieval England. Augustine was most likely living as a monk in Rome when in 595, Pope Gregory the Great chose him to lead a mission to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons to the Christian faith. Gregory the Great is honoured most of all as the Pope who loved the bright-faced blonde Angels, not Angles he had once set eyes on in Romes slave market when he was a young man and to whom he taught them first to sing the Angels song. England in the 6th century was divided into many warring kingdoms. Of these, it was Kent that was chosen as the place to begin Augustines mission in England, most likely because of the powerful position of its ruler, King thelberht. The imagined landing of St Augustine in Kent, A Legendary Meeting The story of St Augustines arrival in England has become the stuff of legend, and was first told by the 8th-century monk and historian Bede, writing 140 years after the events took place. Bede describes how when Augustine arrived in Kent, thelberht met the monk and his 40 companions outdoors, because the pagan king was scared of the new arrivals practising sorcery. The monks are said to have held up a silver cross and a panel painted with the image of Christ. We are told that King thelberht, while wary of his visitors, did allow them to preach to the gathering. The exact location of these events is not known, but in the 19th century, Granville George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville, erected a stone cross near Ramsgate, on the site where, local legend had it, this first meeting took place. Queen Bertha King thelberht was most likely accompanied by his wife, Queen Bertha. Bertha was a Frankish princess who was already a Christian, despite her marriage to a pagan king. It is thought that the presence of Bertha may have been another reason for Augustine to begin his mission in Kent. She is known to have been in contact with the Pope around this time, and the fact that her husband allowed her to practise Christianity perhaps suggested that he might also be sympathetic to Augustines mission. King thelberht did not immediately convert to Christianity, but he did treat Augustine and his companions with hospitality. They were given freedom to preach and invited to reside in Canterbury, the capital of Kent. Augustine and his companions held services in the ancient church of St Martins, which is believed to be the church that Queen Bertha herself worshipped in. Eventually, King thelberht did convert, and the abbey of St Peter and Paul (later rededicated to St Augustine) was founded in Canterbury in about 598. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, a role that to this day is still the most senior cleric in the Protestant Church of England after King Henry VIIIs Act of Supremacy * . Royal Patronage There were many advantages for Augustine in gaining royal support for his mission. King thelberts gifts enabled the creation of a school and a library at the abbey, which in turn established it as an important seat of learning. Pope Gregory even sent books from Rome to fill the abbeys bookshelves. thelberht also provided protection to the new Christian church. He made laws that protected church property and punished transgressions against the Church even more harshly than those against the Crown. These charters may have been drawn up under the guidance of Augustine himself. Augustine was clearly a shrewd man who knew that royal support was essential if his mission was to be successful. St Augustines Abbey, Canterbury St Augustines Legacy It is known that Augustine died on 26 May, though scholars still argue over whether the year was 604 or perhaps 609. Christianity continued to spread throughout the other English kingdoms in the years that followed St Augustines first mission, but its progression was not smooth. Not all of the successors to the converted Anglo-Saxon kings were Christian, including some of those that followed thelberht in Kent. The Christianisation of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms was finally completed at the end of the 7th century, when the Isle of Wights last pagan king, Aruald, died in 686. St Augustines Abbey became one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in the medieval world, and was a thriving centre of learning and culture for almost 1,000 years before its suppression in 1538. It is the burial place of several Anglo-Saxon kings and Archbishops of Canterbury, including St Augustine himself, and today forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ***** Note. * Explanation of The Act of Supremacy: In 1534 Parliament passed the Act of Supremacy which defined the right of Henry VIII to be supreme head on earth of the Church of England, thereby severing ecclesiastical links and Apostolic succession with the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
|
https://catholicismpure.wordpress.com/2021/05/27/who-was-saint-augustine-of-canterbury/
|
How to apply for Love Island 2021 and where is the ITV reality show filmed?
|
Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up for regular updates of events happening in Wales Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice After last years Love Island was cancelled due to the pandemic, reality TV fans were gutted not to be watching another cast fall in love. However, its rumoured that the show - hosted by Laura Whitmore - will be back very soon. This summer will see the return of our favourite dating programme, and a new host of individuals looking for The One. Find out everything we know so far here: How to apply for Love Island 2021 If youre looking for love and think you could be an islander, ITV2 have all the details about applying for the show. The popular dating programme is looking for contestants for the luxury villa. Its not as simple as turning up and finding your soulmate, however - youll have to court the public and the other contestants too. A closing date hasnt yet been announced for applications, but wed recommend starting soon if you want to take part, as over 100,000 people have already sent in theirs. Rumours about contestants have already started, so theres a chance to do some research about the cast. Love Island will return to ITV2 on Monday, June 28 at 9pm. The broadcaster itself hasnt actually confirmed this, but a fan site claims to be aware of the scheduling. As the show normally airs through the summer, it seems as if this will be the correct date. The seventh series of Love Island will be filmed on Mallorca, according to the fan site. Its believed that the cast will be heading to the island on around June 20, as the location is currently on the UKs amber list. This means contestants and crew will have to self-isolate on their return to the UK for ten days - but perhaps thats the price they are willing to pay for true love. A source told MailOnline that while Casa Amour and The Villa are back, a back-up British location has been picked, too. While the weather is looking like it might improve, its unlikely to be Mediterranean - so lets hope the Love Island 2021 team make it to Mallorca.
|
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/how-apply-love-island-2021-20693708
|
Can Jacob Martin and Jonathan Greenard succeed at DE for the Texans in 2021?
|
Thursday marked the first day the Houston Texans allowed the local media to attend organized team activities. The new-look Texans showcased a portion of their roster overhaul after an offseason that featured first-year general manager Nick Caserio making 90 or more roster moves. Among the new changes were Jonathan Greenard and Jacob Martin working out with the defensive line core, according to Mark Berman of Fox 26 [KRIV-TV] Houston. Although they only have a combined four years of NFL experience between the two of them, both Greenard and Martin have played their entire career at linebacker. Now, they were coming off the ball with a hand in the dirt. #Texans D-line coach Bobby King working with #54 Jacob Martin, who has been a linebacker but now listed as a defensive lineman, along with #94 Charles Omenihu. pic.twitter.com/doq4lkmElS Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 27, 2021 #52 Jonathan Greenard, drafted last year as a linebacker, now listed as a defensive lineman and working with the D-line. pic.twitter.com/91XF4Be87z Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 27, 2021 With Greenard and Martin getting reps with the d-line core, there is a possibility that Lovie Smith has already made his first major adjustment as Houstons new defensive coordinator. And Smiths coaching change could result in both players receiving an increase in their snaps next season. Greenard, who joined the Texans as an outside linebacker from Florida, appeared in 24 percent of the Texans defensive snaps during his rookie season last year. Martin saw a total of 154 more snaps during his second year in Houston after appearing in 221 plays in 2019. The Texans acquired Martin as an outside linebacker from the Seahawks in exchange for Jadeveon Clowney. Should Greenard and Martin play on the defensive front next season, this would not be the first time the Texans experimented with switching a players position. Last year, Lonnie Johnson made the switch from corner to safety and appeared to have found his niche in the NFL.
|
https://sports.yahoo.com/jacob-martin-jonathan-greenard-succeed-153638906.html?src=rss
|
Is doing business in Sudan a good investment?
|
We are taking care of the debt. There is no reason not to invest in Sudan now, said Frances economy minister Bruno Le Maire at the France-Sudan Business Forum held in Paris on 17 May. He made this statement in the presence of Sudans prime minister Abdalla Hamdok, who had come from Khartoum with a large delegation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The prime minister has a doctorate in economics and previously served as the principal policy economist at the African Development Bank (ADB) and deputy executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Hamdok came to power in 2019 after the fall of the Omar al-Bashir regime, with the aim of reforming Sudan to reintegrate it into the international community and restore sustainable growth. The countrys GDP fell from $74.3bn to $30.5bn between 2015 and 2019. Sudan is now behind Kenya, whose national output grew by half over the same period to $95.5bn. Good reasons to invest, despite the economic crisis
|
https://www.theafricareport.com/92574/is-doing-business-in-sudan-a-good-investment/
|
Is Magufulis presidency as bad as his critics claim?
|
There are cries from some quarters that President John Magufulis presidency is wanting. Those buying into such charges quote Dr Magufuli, on different occasions, as saying that he wasnt prepared to become president. This being the argument, lets see if it is logical or just politicking. I have a few reasons that rebut assertions that Magufuli is a president who is poised to nose-dive. First, presidency is not a professional job; it is an institution that is not run by an individual person namely the president. Presidency has many advisors that are specialised in many fields. Therefore, there is no way Magufuli can be treated as a wanting president. Secondly, if you look at those making such allegations, some have their personal vendetta because Magufulis regime has come up with a unique style of not budging when it comes to taking on the status quo. One of those who alleged that Magufuli is not very effective as a president is former Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye. We all know Magufulis regime recently expropriated Sumayes farms. Such a person cant see any good quality in Magufuli. Thirdly, to know if Magufuli is fit or unfit for the presidency, one must also look at his track record as a minister; and thereafter, as president. Apart from the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, no president has ever attracted attention like Magufuli has recently. Advertisement Refer to how many leaders the world over admire his brand of leadership. Indeed, nemo propheta in patria sua as the Latin sage has it that no one is considered a prophet in his or her homeland. Hate or love somebody. Again, give the devil his due. Looking at Tanzania today under Magufuli vis--vis fighting graft and managing public resources, I see a very shining star. Maybe, due to the fact that Im not a politician, my lenses may be faulted. Fourth, if one looks at how Magufuli is managing public funds and resources, he or shell be convinced that all noises about Magufulis unfitness for presidency become illogical and misguided so to speak. Methinks the problem is the lack of room for detractors to vent and politick, as it used to be under former regimes that used to underperform; and let tongues wag without necessarily reprimanding them. This is why many detractors are now eulogising such regimes while they hated them previously. Fifth, to know if Magufuli fits the bill, look at service delivery in the country. Go to public hospitals, public offices and schools among others. People are now enjoying services they used to pine for previously. Pupils have desks to sit on; and, at least, some hospitals have beds for patients to sleep on. Sixth, I couldnt agree more with Magufuli when he says he avers he isnt a politician. Truly, he is not the type Tanzania was used to. He isnt an artiste who tells lies in order to get away with murder. He says everything point black. For example, when he told the victims of famine that his government didnt have food to dish out simply because it is unable, it was misconstrued as telling them to go to hell. Magufuli is not an angel. He is human. He therefore has some minor flaws to tweak i.e. denying political parties to do politics as they used to. So, too, Magufuli needs to listen to his advisors instead of courtiers and all those who want to take him for a ride by pretending they love and respect him while they actually are using him. One of those is one of his appointees accused of forging academic certificates. Such elements are dangerous to Magufulis presidency simply because they dont tell him the truth. Instead, they dent his reputation in their attempts to please and thereby use him. Another thing that Magufuli needs to tweak is his stance on the Draft Constitution. It is the right time for Tanzania to have a new constitution. For, it is not only needed but also itll help him to take graft on. In sum, those avowing that Magufuli isnt fit for presidency are not doing him and Tanzania justice. They must wait and see how hell perform in the next elections after lapsing his five years in office. Keep it up Magufuli. Keep on as you rectify some shortfalls. Nkwazi Mhango is a Tanzanian writer who is based in Canada
|
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/1765046-1765046-view-asFeed-hiqag9/null/magazine/politicalreforms/Is-Magufuli-s-presidency-as-bad-as-his-critics-claim-/1843776-4124202-rb0kbez/index.html
|
Who should own a 529 plan?
|
If you have young children (or grandchildren), you may be thinking of ways to save for their future educational needs. You might consider a 529 plan, which offers tax advantages and other benefits. You could choose to own the 529 plan yourself and name a child or grandchild as the beneficiary. And as the owner, youre free to name another family member as a beneficiary if the original one chooses not to use the 529 plan assets for qualified educational purposes. You can also designate a successor owner, so that the assets wont have to go through probate if you pass away. As an alternative, you could establish a custodial account (commonly called UGMA or UTMA). In a custodial account, the 529 plan is owned by the minor child, who is also the beneficiary, and the child gains full control of the account once he or she is of legal age (usually 18 or 21). Until the child reaches this age, you, as custodian, control the account and you can designate a successor custodian to step in if you become incapacitated or pass away. Generally, the beneficiary cannot be changed unless the child passes away. The end results of a custodial 529 plan are similar to those of a traditional, parent-owned plan. The ownership model wont affect the amount accumulated in the plan, and the custodial and traditional arrangements will have the same impact on the beneficiarys eligibility for need-based financial aid. In both a custodial 529 plan and a traditional 529 plan, the assets are reported as parental assets on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A maximum of 5.64% of parental assets are looked at for financial aid calculations, compared to 20% of student assets. Theres no one right answer. But keep a few points in mind: Taxes If you move UGMA/UTMA assets into a custodial 529 plan, you could incur taxes. Before making this decision, consult with your tax advisor. Beneficiarys control of assets Upon reaching 18 or 21, a child gains control of a custodial 529 account and can use the assets for any purpose. If the money isnt used for qualified educational expenses, the child will incur taxes and penalties. Grandparent ownership Grandparents can choose to own a traditional 529 plan account or open a custodial 529 plan account for a grandchild. A grandparent-owned 529 plans distributions could hurt a students eligibility for need-based federal financial aid, but distributions from a custodial 529 plan account are not reported on the FAFSA. However, if youre a grandparent, and youre considering opening either type of 529 account, you might want to check with a schools financial aid office well before the money is needed. Think carefully before deciding on the ownership of a 529 plan and get the help you need from your tax professional and financial advisor. A 529 plan can be a valuable tool, so youll want to maximize its benefits. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.
|
https://www.southplattesentinel.com/2021/05/27/who-should-own-a-529-plan/
|
Is Meloetta coming to Pokmon Go in Pokmon Go Fest 2021?
|
The announcement of Pokmon Go Fest 2021s date for Pokmon Go has been an exciting development with additional news about this years theme and the many Pokmon players will encounter over the festivals weekend. A reward exclusive for players who purchase the Pokmon Go Fest 2021 ticket is a Mythical Pokmon. These Pokmon become available later on in Pokmon Go to other players, but everyone who buys the Go Fest ticket has the chance to receive it first. It has not been announced about what Mythical Pokmon it could be, but with the theme of Pokmon Go Fest 2021 being a musical concert, many believe its going to be Meloetta. Meloetta is a Mythical Pokmon from the Unova region and appeared in Pokmon White and Black version. Its a Mythical Pokmon that can transform into a unique forme when it used Relic Song during a battle. Normally, Meloetta is a Normal and Psychic-type Pokmon, and when it used Relic Song, it transformed into its Pirouette Forme and became a Normal and Fighting-type Pokmon. The only hints weve received from the Niantic team that Meloetta will be Pokmon Go Fest 2021s Mythical Pokmon is that the entire festival will have a music theme. Meloetta is known as the Melody Pokmon, and its hair resembles that of a music sheet. Beyond these details, we dont have any concrete details if Meloetta will appear at Pokmon Go Fest 2021. However, given the events theme, and the fact Niantic are slowly making their way to the next region, the Hoenn region, it seems like the best time to bring out another Pokmon from the Unova region. Alongside all of the hints from Niantic, data miners have been slowly learning more and more about the development team, making it easier for Pokmon to use their transformations. Up until this point, most Pokmon transformations were considered entirely separate Pokmon. Pokminers, the reliable data mining team that focuses on Pokmon Go, have found information that Niantic is potentially developing a way for players to switch formes from their menu, similar to if they were going to evolve a Pokmon. We have to take this information with a grain of salt, and none of it has been confirmed, but with more Pokmon appearing in Pokmon Go with unique formes, it would make sense. Well be learning more details closer to Pokmon Go Fest 2021, which starts on July 17. However, Niantic normally does not reveal the events Mythical Pokmon until the day it happens, so well likely have to find out when the event rolls around.
|
https://www.gamepur.com/guides/is-meloetta-coming-to-pokemon-go-in-pokemon-go-fest-2021
|
What is the Apex Legends server tick rate?
|
The bane of many online multiplayer games, no matter how fun they might be, can often be the tick rate. The tick rate, or refresh rate, of a server, is how many times it updates per second, information all players in the server of any new information that they need to know. This information can include other player positions, bullets and trajectories, and other forms of incoming damage. If the tick rate is too slow, the game is often considered sluggish and it is the common consensus that the faster the tick rate, the more accurate information players have to work with. This is especially important for competitive play where snap decisions and instant reactions can often decide who wins and who dies and this is why most professional tournaments will be played on LAN when possible. For Apex Legends the server tick rate is 20 Hz, with most players feeling that 60 Hz is a more acceptable speed to compensate for other issues that occur while online gaming. While the community wants this change, it does not seem likely based on a developer blog post to the official EA website. In the blog post, Lead engineer Samy Duc gave some details about the infamous tick rate issue. According to Duc, increasing the tick rate will not magically solve many problems that players perceive as being related to server refresh rates. It wouldnt do anything for issues that are tied to plain old lag (like getting shot while in cover), ISP-level issues, or bugs (like with hit reg and slow-mo servers), writes Duc. The problem is that the developer needs to balance bandwidth usage with the player experience and figure out what will actually make things better versus what will simply appease vocal customers without really changing anything. In an extremely math heavy part of the post, Duc shows that a player with a 50-millisecond ping would experience a 75-millisecond delay, getting 5 frames of lag if running the game at 60 FPS while on a 20Hz tick rate. If the tick rate was boosted to 60 Hz, the same math would see 3 frames of lag. So, a lot of expense all around for little improvement. As such, it is highly unlikely that the tick rate for Apex Legends will be changing any time soon.
|
https://www.gamepur.com/guides/what-is-the-apex-legends-server-tick-rate
|
When does Pokmon Gos Season of Legends end?
|
In December 2020, Pokmon Go entered a new phase where it would break up its many events and PvP battle leagues into centralized events that occurred within a three-month period referred to as seasons. Each season has a theme, providing a direction for many of the events happening within it, leading up to a grand event at the end of the season. From March to May 2021, Pokmon Go players have been working their way through the Season of Legends, giving players the chance to encounter the Therian formed of Thundurus, Landorus, and Thundurus, along with introducing Xerneas and Yveltal, two legendary Pokmon from the X and Y games. There have been countless ways for players to grab new legendary Pokmon for their collection, but as May 2021 draws to a close, the Season of Legends comes to an end. The exact end date for the Season of Legends will be on June 1. Pokmon Go will transition into the new season, which has yet to be announced. It will have a brand new theme with multiple events and even more Pokmon on the way. The next season will also be happening alongside Pokmon Go Fest 2021, and it will be Pokmon Gos 5th anniversary. That event will be happening on July 17, so itll be in the middle of the next season, and we can expect it to play a big part of the seasons narrative, but its unlikely to be a large focal point. When June 1 arrives, the new Pokmon Go season will be here, along with Season 8 of the Battle League. Hopefully, the rules are changed up a bit more than they were transitioning from Season 6 to Season 7.
|
https://www.gamepur.com/guides/when-does-pokemon-gos-season-of-legends-end
|
How are debt investments taxed?
|
Debt investments involve parking money in assets that promise to return the principal plus interest. Individuals usually get a higher interest rate by agreeing to keep their money on deposits for a longer period. Some of the common debt investments are fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and National Savings Certificates (NSCs). But before investing in any of these assets; it's important to understand their taxation. Fixed deposit Fixed deposits or FDs, also known as term deposits, are one of the best options for people looking for a risk-free assured income. Under certain instances, the FD interest becomes subject to tax deducted at source (TDS) deduction. According to experts, if the total interest income earned from FD exceeds Rs 40,000 (in the case of resident senior citizen Rs 50,000), then the payer is liable to deduct TDS while paying or crediting interest in the account. It is to be noted that the limit of Rs 40,000 (or Rs 50,000) is calculated, including all the bank branches and not just a single branch. Debt mutual fund Debt mutual funds are pooled assets that invest in fixed income securities like bonds, government securities, and Treasury Bills. Investors can get short-term capital gains here on redeeming the debt fund units within a holding period of three years. These gains are added to the taxable income and taxed at the income tax slab rate, according to ClearTax. Long-term capital gains are realised when investors sell units of a debt fund after a holding period of three years. These gains are taxed at a flat rate of 20 percent after indexation. Also, investors are levied with applicable cess and surcharge on tax. National Savings Certificate (NSC) In the case of NSC, the interest is compounded annually but payable at maturity. Deposits in the National Savings Certificate qualifies for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. However, as the maturity period of NSC is five years, the interest can be re-invested only for four years. The interest earned in the fifth year comes in the hand of the investor with the maturity amount. So basically, the tax benefit is availed only on the initial first four years of the investment period. The interest earned in the fifth and final years is taxable, according to Tax2Win.
|
https://www.cnbctv18.com/personal-finance/how-are-debt-investments-taxed-9453031.htm
|
Were the Play-in Games a Success?
|
When you're five years old, you have a number of those milestone experiences a lot of "firsts." Like your first soccer game. Our five-year-old grandson had that. I reminded our daughter that she had joined that much-talked about tribe called "soccer moms." So, our grandson had never played soccer before, and he didn't have an older brother or sister to learn from. So his first game was a great learning experience, and he did a good job. Although he got the ball several times for his team and moved it down the field, he didn't score any goals, and he was bothered that he missed one. Right after the game, he gave his mom his two-word summary of how he thought he did. He just said, "I tried."
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258156425675/were-the-play-in-games-a-success
|
How will COVID-19 vaccine passports for global travel work?
|
Keen to avoid losing another summer of holiday revenue to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Union, some Asian governments and the airline industry are scrambling to develop so-called COVID-19 vaccine passports to help kickstart international travel. Theyre working on systems that would allow travelers to use mobile phone apps to prove theyve been vaccinated, which could help them avoid onerous quarantine requirements at their destinations. But the multiple efforts underscore the lack of one central international system to electronically verify vaccination status. The projects also face technical challenges in working together, while questions about privacy and vaccine inequality linger. Vaccination passports would add another digital layer to the multitude of existing coronavirus health and contact tracing apps many countries and U.S. states have rolled out. Their use domestically to reopen local economies has been hotly debated, with many opposed to requiring them for pubs, concerts and sporting events. However, theres more momentum to use them for international travel, especially as countries like Iceland open their borders to vaccinated visitors and others like Saudi Arabia start allowing vaccinated citizens to travel abroad. The EUs decision last week to open its borders to fully vaccinated travelers adds even more urgency. Heres a look at how vaccine passports work: OFFICIAL EFFORTS The first part of a vaccination passport is the users official or approved electronic immunization record. The European Union, China and Japan are all working on their own digital vaccination certificates for cross-border travel. The U.K., meanwhile, updated its National Health Service app last week to let fully vaccinated users prove their status when traveling abroad, coinciding with an easing of travel rules. Testing is under way for the EUs digital certificate, which will also confirm COVID-19 test results or recovery from the virus and is set to go live by the end of June, allowing residents to reunite with friends and relatives living across 30 European countries. Its still unclear where and how exactly travelers in the EU, which doesnt have internal border checkpoints, will have their certificates checked. Officials in Brussels say that will be up to individual countries. The idea is that travelers will flash a QR code on their phones so it can be scanned at, say, an airport or train station, using an official verification app that checks with national databases, via an EU technical gateway. The World Health Organization doesnt recommend vaccination proof as a requirement for international travel, citing unequal distribution of vaccines, even as it consults on interim guidance for developing a Smart Vaccination Certificate. TRAVEL APPS Travelers also need a smartphone app to carry any eventual official vaccination certificates. The EUs project includes open-source technology European countries can use to build their own official mobile wallets. The International Air Transport Association, an airline industry group, has its smartphone IATA Travel Pass, which airlines including Qantas, Japan Airlines, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have signed up to. A rival effort, CommonPass, has gained traction with carriers like Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, United and Lufthansa. Travelers can already use the apps to verify that their COVID-19 test results are accepted at their destination. Travel Pass and CommonPass are so far only available to travelers on airlines that are using them. Both can also be integrated into airline travel apps so users can verify their vaccine status when they check in online. Both are also expected to work with the EU certificates. CommonPass says users will be able to import vaccine credentials by mid-June. Amid a pandemic-dimmed travel outlook, vaccine passports will only become more widespread, said Paul Meyer, CEO of The Commons Project, the nonprofit behind CommonPass. Our expectation is it will remain a requirement for international travel. WHAT TRAVELERS WANT Business travelers like British public relations executive Richard Fogg welcome vaccine passports. Foggs firm scaled back plans to attend a major telecom trade show in Barcelona next month, given quarantine rules for people returning to the U.K. Those 10 days of quarantine will have negative business implications theres no way around it, Fogg said, while acknowledging tradeoffs including concerns about data privacy. Eymeric Segard, CEO of Geneva-based private jet broker Lunajets, noted travelers already hand over passports with personal data on arrival. Personally, you know, I would be happy to tell anybody, yes, I am vaccinated or no Im not vaccinated, he said, adding that vaccine passports would help avoid the logistical nightmare of multiple COVID-19 tests Europeans face when visiting other EU countries. Phony paper COVID-19 documents sold by fraudsters have been a problem during the pandemic but developers say digital versions have safeguards that make them hard to fake. IATA says it doesnt verify test results or vaccination status but acts as the conduit for registered labs to securely send those details to travelers whose identity the app can match to the person who took the test or vaccination. The app scans a travelers face using the phone camera and matches it to passport biometric details, and there are checks to prevent someone else using their identity. SECURITY AND PRIVACY Vaccination passports are a polarizing topic, with online discussion highlighting unfounded fears that theyll be used to control people, restrict freedom and erode privacy. Developers stress that minimal personal data is kept on phones, and the only thing that gets transmitted are encryption keys allowing information to be exchanged securely. If done correctly, this doesnt bring an additional level of privacy risk because youre just putting in a credential status of yes or no, said Kevin Trilli, chief product officer at ID verification company Onfido, which is working on vaccination cards technology. Theres also the question of how well various vaccine credential systems will work together and whether countries will recognize each others certificates. The U.K. government has warned that not many countries currently accept proof of vaccination from travelers. You cant have an interoperable system on day zero, but over time the kinks will be worked out, which helps lay the groundwork for the next pandemic, Trilli said. IATA and EU officials say theyre are working on solutions, including paper-based options.
|
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/05/27/breaking-news/how-will-covid-19-vaccine-passports-for-global-travel-work/
|
Is citizenship now used to fix critics?
|
Dar es Salaam. The issue of citizenship has resurfaced again this time the victim being human rights activist, Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa. He has been questioned by the Immigration Department over the status of his citizenship. Mr Olengurumwa has described the questioning as a smear campaign to silence me while the Immigration Department says they were just doing their job. Its not true that the interrogation was motivated by his activism, the Immigration Department spokesman, Ally Mtanda told the Political Platform. This is despite the fact that he was unaware if there was really interrogation to the activist and asked for more time to follow the issue up to understand which office did the interrogation and confirm if it took place. Mr Olengurumwa, who is the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator, was first interrogated over his nationality on July 24 by Immigration officers from Kinondoni District who made an impromptu visit to his office and grilled him for an hour. They did not enlighten me on the reasons behind the interrogation, Mr Olengurumwa told Political Platform after the interrogation, instead they just said it was an order from the top. He was once again questioned by the same officials on September 20 at his offices at Kijitonyama in Kinondoni District. Nationality as silencing mechanism Advertisement Mr Olengurumwa claims his interrogation has a direct link with his activism, especially as far as Maasais land rights in Loliondo, Arusha are concerned. Reports indicate that more than 100 Maasai huts have been burned down, allegedly, by game reserve authorities near the Serengeti National Park. The government had plans to establish a 1,500sq km wildlife corridor around the national park for a Dubai-based company which offers hunting packages for wealthy tourists from the United Arabs Emirates (UAE). The plan would have displaced about 30,000 people, and caused ecological problems for the Maasai community, which depends on the seasonal grasses there to rear livestock. When immigration officers first went to interrogate Mr Olengurumwa, the THRDC, the coalition he heads, had just released the statement condemning what it described as injustice to the Maasai community perpetrated by the government. In an interview with a local TV Station, the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Professor Jumanne Maghembe said the Loliondo conflict is exacerbated by over 38 Non-Governmental Organizations operating in the district and accused the leaders of these NGOs of ambiguous nationality. Mr Olengurumwa is one of those leaders who heads one of the NGOs. Their aim is to disrupt this fighting for these helpless villagers by declaring all those speaking for the Maasai as Kenyans, said Mr Olengurumwa adding that the issue of Loliondo is just a tip of the iceberg. He claims that there is a bigger plot to silence his fight for a just society which respects human rights. Both Olengurumwa and other right bodies who have condemned the interrogation has categorically termed it as a harassment and urged the government to stop it immediately. When an act becomes harassment Jebra Kambole is an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and a human rights activist who said that when they, lawyers, define something as harassment, they basically look at the amount and the frequency upon which the particular incident is undertaken. We hope that once a person has been interrogated he wouldve been immediately provided with the feedback of the interrogation, said Mr Kambole. This helps to prevent him from mental distress of not knowing what comes after the interrogation. He said that it doesnt mean that the Immigration officers shouldnt do their job upon a suspicious person. How many times and for how long? he queried. As we speak, Olengurumwa has not been provided with any feedback from the interrogation and he doesnt know whether the officers will come back or not something which leaves him puzzled, Mr Kombole further notes. The circumstance of questiong Mr Olengurumwas citizenship has gave room to suspicions that it was meant to silence government critics. It seems it is also meant to send a threatening message to others so that they should keep quiet and let anything goes unquestioned. Something which is very dangerous if it succeeds, he points out. Anyones nationality can be questioned Mr Mtanda argues that the Immigration activities are not politically motivated as it has been claimed by some who have commented on the issue. When suspicions over a persons citizenship arise we just do our job so that we can ascertain ourselves and clear the doubts, he says. Mr Mtanda refused to comment on why it is mostly people who are perceived as critical to the government who are targeted for interrogation. Mr Mtanda responds; We do interrogation based on the information we have and based on the time we get them, which, in most cases, comes from the public (raia wema). If we get information which make your citizenship suspicious (refering to the reporter), you will be interrogated. Not a new phenomenon But the issue of questioning citizenship to individuals who are critical of the government is not new in the country. On February 12, 2002 the government denied citizenship Jenerali Ulimwengu, an advocate of High Court and Chairman of the Board of weekly Raia Mwema. Earlier in February 2001 Ulimwengu was declared by the government to be stateless. This came as a big shock and surprise to many in the country and outside as Mr Ulimwengu had been a prominent member of the civil society and had served the country in various government positions, including being a member of parliament. He was not given reasons for the denial of citizenship nor has he been furnished with the content of the objections said to have been raised against his application. When sought for opinion on what he thinks about the trend, Mr Ulimwengu was unable to comment saying that he was frustrated by the governments decision to ban his newspaper for three months over the story it published in its latest edition and that he couldnt divide his mind and comment on the issue. The government last week declared a three-month ban of Raia Mwema, whose board of directors Mr Ulimwengu chairs. However, in his interview with a foreign news organisation in 2010, he said that in most cases the issue of citizenship was brought up by people with no good intentions. He said that it doesnt make any sense to threaten to revoke ones citizenship merely because you dont agree with them on certain things. In my case it was very clear, said Ulimwengu, that rulers wanted me to behave myself and once they thought I did, the president told his people to grant me the citizenship. In 2010 towards the General Election, the ruling CCMs Central Committee (CC) removed the now Nzega MP Hussein Bashe from the race over ambiguity on his citizenship. Mr Bashe had contested in the primaries in the constituency and defeated Mr Lucas Selelii who was trying to retain the constituency. The government later declared Mr Bashe a legal citizen and in 2015 elections became Nzega Urban MP. In 2014, the advocate of High Court of Tanzania, advocate Albert Msando was interrogated by the Immigration officers from Kilimanjaro over his nationality. Msando was interrogated while he was defending the Kigoma Urban Member of Parliament Mr Zitto Kabwe in court in a case against Chama Cha Demokrasia Na Maendeleo (Chadema). Show me my nation Mr Olengurumwa appeals to the government to show him his nationality if they think hes not Tanzanian. I am a Tanzanian. I was born in Tanzania. My parents, too, were born in Tanzania. They served in the government after they had fought for the independence of this nation, he points out.
|
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/1765046-1765046-view-asFeed-hiqag9/null/magazine/politicalreforms/Show-me-my-nation--Is-citizenship-new-tool-to-fix-critics-/1843776-4124160-114pi25/index.html
|
Could snooker club demolition in Milton Keynes clear the way for a new Aldi planning application?
|
The site of the Herald Snooker Club, in Mcconnell Drive, was the subject of a hotly contested planning battle in 2019 when an application to build a supermarket there was rejected by just one vote. Snooker club customer Jay from Bradville lodged an objection to the demolition of the club. He asked for his surname not to be used. He said the club had a good atmosphere for his twice a week visits to the base for 15 snooker tables. The Herald Snooker Club (Google) A user of the club for 10 years he told planners before they made their most recent decision: This is absolutely ridiculous. If this gets approved its taking away a massive social aspect of not only Wolverton but Milton Keynes as one of only two places to play snooker in the town of MK. He also did not see the point of a store on the site as there is a Lidl two minutes up the road and Aldis already in Stantonbury and Bradwell Common. A report published on Milton Keynes Councils website confirmed that the demolition did not need to go through the more formal planning process. But the council has the opportunity to regulate the details of the demolition to minimise the impact of that activity on the immediate environment. Aldi told the council when it applied for approval that the demolition needs to happen to prevent anti-social behaviour, unwanted access and to provide a cleared site. It is to be protected ahead of a future planning application. Aldi and its planning agents have been approached for comment on whether they intend to again apply for planning permission to build a new supermarket. At the time of going to press there had been no response. A previous application to build a supermarket on the snooker club site was rejected by the councils development control committee in April 2019 by five votes to four. Opponents at the time said it would put the redevelopment of the Agora site in the town centre at risk and take money out of the town centre.
|
https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/politics/council/could-snooker-club-demolition-in-milton-keynes-clear-the-way-for-a-new-aldi-planning-application-3252808
|
How realistic are these prison dramas?
|
I watched Shawshank countless times while I was inside, usually complaining that their facilities were far superior to the ones in Wandsworth: I know Tim Robbins just got raped in the showers, but at least they have decent water pressure. I followed a similar trajectory to Robbinss character, as I quickly became the screws bitch to get an easier life. I strongly suspected the Ministry of Justice used Shawshank as a training film, as an angry officer once ordered me to remove family photos from my cell wall as they could be covering an escape hole. This HBO series is 20 years old but remains utterly riveting and terrifyingly authentic. It completely nails the surreal chaos of prison life, and captures the mix of
|
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-realistic-are-these-prison-dramas-rxhl9db28
|
Can a sham poll save Syria's Bashar al Assad?
|
Insight The election was managed to artificially prolong the Assad regime's lifespan, even though its grip on power is at its weakest point. On May 20, voting polls opened up in a number of countries ostensibly to permit Syrians to partake in presidential elections. In Syria, voting is scheduled to take place within areas nominally controlled by the Syrian regime of Bashar al Assad on May 26. The results of these fraudulent elections, which are in violation of UNSC Resolution 2254, are a foregone conclusion that will assuredly end in victory for Assad. However, after 50 years of degenerative authoritarian governance, ten of which have been mired in conflict, it is worth exploring whether or not the regime is capable of surviving in the long run. A tale of two anecdotes On January 21, 1994, Mohammad Makhlouf and Ali Duba entered the office of Hafez al Assad, then president of Syria. Duba, head of the regimes Military Intelligence Directorate and Hafez right hand man, and Makhlouf, his brother-in-law, were believed to be the only individuals in the state who were permitted to knock on his door without obtaining prior consent. The two men had arrived to inform him of the death in a car accident of his first and favourite son, Bassel, whom he had been grooming for presidential succession. Funeral processions for Bassel were held first in the capital, Damascus, then in the Assad clans ancestral village of Al Qardaha, where the regime received delegations from across the Middle East. During one such visit, diplomatic representatives from Lebanon took off their shoes before entering the mosque where prayers were taking place, as is customary in the Islamic tradition. Upon exiting, they found that their shoes, in addition to some of their cars, had been stolen by members of the shabiha (armed smuggling gangs) linked to the presidents extended family, embarrassing Hafez to no end. Beyond their value as entertaining anecdotes, however, these two stories beg the question of whether or not the Assad regime is living on borrowed time. A dysfunctional foundation In 1970, Hafez orchestrated a coup alongside a number of officers. Rebranded the Corrective Movement by Hafez and his proponents, the mutiny saw the young secretary of defense hijack the Baath Party and seize the state, declaring himself the secretary-general of the former and the eternal leader of the latter. Consumed by authoritarian paranoia, Hafez immediately sought to consolidate power. He began by targeting the two main pillars on which his ascension had been made possible the Baath Party apparatus through which he claimed legitimacy and the Alawite community from which he hailed systematically neutralizing both of figures who resisted his reign. Organized opposition movements were quelled, the first among them were those with secular platforms that enjoyed high Alawite membership. To augment this, Hafez strategically manufactured buy-in to his regime by securing the allegiance of the segments of society that had been alienated by the radical socialist policies of his predecessor, Salah Jadid. A degree of privatization pacified the Sunni bourgeoise, while the enabling of the theft of public coffers, which generated the promise of surreal levels of wealth, sustained the allegiance of the cross-confessional entourage of officers who helped him ascend to power, as well as his extended clan. Additionally, the Baath Party expanded membership, with all its perks, to anyone willing to demonstrate absolute loyalty. This forged an institutional landscape absent of genuine doctrine and merit and submerged in political opportunism. Securing material privileges trumped all other considerations. Corruption became endemic, as positions in office were sought out for access to clientelist networks. So mismanaged was the economy that inflation varied significantly by the year throughout Hafez reign, even peaking to 60 percent in 1987. To curtail contestation from the states coercive machinery, the military and security apparatus were structurally and systematically coup-proofed. Allegiance to the ruler displaced professionalism in the armed forces, while the construction of multiple chains of command including the development of elite praetorian guard units that operated chiefly as parallel militaries to be leveraged against the regular forces fomented a deeply dysfunctional army. Abuse of power was normalized, and personnel, from border guards and customs agents to prestigious commanders, pursued self-enrichment opportunities wherever possible. Smuggling from artefacts to oil, drugs, arms, and merchandise and bribery forged lucrative relationships between officers, the shabiha, and the business class. Moreover, an intelligence infrastructure marked with several rival security agencies, collectively known as the mukhabarat, was produced, tasked with monitoring the populace, the armed forces, and one another. Autonomous inter-agency communication was largely prohibited, with each organization reporting directly to Hafez. With its army of informants, the mukhabarat became synonymous with state terror and kept soldiers, agents, and officers perpetually distrustful of one another. This distrust was compounded by a system of sectarian checks and balances. The power centers of the coercive forces, such as the officer corps, the commanders of the elite units, and the intelligence, were predominantly stacked with Alawites (roughly 12 percent of the population), the top echelons of which were generally reserved for members of the Assad-Makhlouf-Shalish clans that composed the core of the regime. Conversely, Syrias Arab Sunnis, though constituting the countrys largest ethno-religious demographic at over 60 percent (and thus the majority of military conscripts), were underrepresented both among career soldiers and the officer class, particularly the top brass. Aside from the sectarian hierarchy within the military-intelligence complex, the regimes political and diplomatic class was largely staffed with Sunnis. The institutional exploitation of communal cleavages was a key component of Hafez paranoia-laden political-security architecture, designed with the view that these divisions, when counterbalanced, would neutralize the capacity of potential challengers to form a united bloc capable of dethroning him. This formula served to keep the Alawite-dominated security sector and Sunni politicians perpetually apprehensive of one anothers motives, given where each was situated within the states structure. For example, when Hafez temporarily stepped down from governing in 1983 due to illness, he appointed a six-member committee, all of whom were Sunni, to run the country. The manoeuvre was deliberately executed with the knowledge that, absent the allegiance of the Alawite officer corps, these men could not contemplate challenging Hafez. Though his brother, Rifat, tried to use the Defense Companies the overwhelmingly-Alawite praetorian unit he commanded to seize power, other praetorian forces were rapidly mobilized to halt his advance, the most important of which was the Special Forces. Yet, in 1994, when its commander Major Gen. Ali Haydar objected to Hafezs decision to recall Bashar al Assad for presidential succession in the wake of Bassels death, he was immediately relieved of his position and arrested shortly after. Although his loyal forces were among the most specialized in their airborne assault training, they were nevertheless divided and subjected to considerable reshuffling. Under Hafez, an economically mismanaged police state took form, ruled by a clique of his cronies and their surrogates who viewed the state as an avenue for self-enrichment. Coercion, co-option, and division were tools utilized to indefinitely preserve a system that benefitted them while the tacit understanding regarding the prospect of imprisonment should anyone deviate from Hafez official line became an unspoken fear colouring the daily life of ordinary Syrians. The Assad regimes trade-off merit for loyalty along with its divisive tactics, fashioned a state apparatus in which incompetence was the defining feature across institutions. This came at the expense of state cohesion. Bashars reformist dysfunction Distrustful of the old guard, Bashar modified this system upon inheriting the presidency in 2000. The regimes clientelist networks became more nepotistic as his half-baked liberal economic reforms ushered in a new era of crony capitalism. These reforms resulted in the further integration of the top officer brass with the business elite while decimating Syrias agricultural sector. Members of his inner circle, such as a first cousin, now-disgraced business mogul Rami Makhlouf, exploited economic liberalization to de facto monopolize a nascent private sector and amass surreal volumes of wealth. Financial inequality grew substantially, as did poverty. Additionally, Bashar sidelined the army even further and shuffled experienced officers often under the pretext of combating corruption who once kept their positions indefinitely under Hafez. As a result, officers now sought to accrue as much wealth, as quickly as possible, during their tenure, while kicking back lesser rewards to their subordinates. When the uprising began militarizing in mid-2011, the gradual disintegration of the military against a few lightly armed rebels, initially receiving little foreign support, represented the first sign of the internal unravelling of this structure. Systemic corruption expedited this dynamic, as regime officers often exploited the fog of war to traffic weapons and rent out checkpoints to an array of actors, including the rebels. Even as the balance of power shifted and the regime visibly faced strain, corrupt officers reportedly sold re-captured land back to the rebels. In addition to bribery, ransom, another lucrative business, fueled forced disappearances at checkpoints manned by intelligence officers and the notorious shabiha. Meanwhile, defections and desertions swelled, mostly among Sunni conscripts and junior officers, as well as elements of the political class. Viewed suspiciously by the Alawite elite, Sunni troops were often confined to isolated barracks. This paradoxically facilitated their defection and desertion while accelerating the advance of the rebels a dynamic that was heightened by the well-established rent-generating practice among officers of taking bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye to troop absenteeism. Alawite troops viewed as loyal were often dispatched into rebellious zones in armored vehicles without infantry support. As a result, an estimated 25 percent of the militarys armoured vehicular arsenal was destroyed in the first two years of the conflict, in addition to accelerating the attrition of the military by limiting the number of deployable troops and disproportionately relying on specialized divisions stacked with Alawites. These dysfunctional features precipitated the 'militiafication' of the armed forces, and by early 2013, many pro-government militias (PGMs) were formally mobilized under the banner of the National Defence Forces (NDF). The formation of the NDF partially institutionalized warlordism by absorbing an amalgamation of popular defensive committees, irregular auxiliaries, and shabiha into relatively cohesive units that were often trained and equipped by Tehran. As the regime continued to erode, Iran mobilized PGMs from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, in addition to Lebanese Hezbollah, all of which acted as a lifeline to buttress the growingly disintegrating security forces. The metastatic expansion of PGMs nevertheless failed to definitively reinforce the regime, which by the spring of 2015, had nearly collapsed. To compensate, it increasingly welcomed Iranian and Russian intervention while significantly elevating the use of repression. Due to its internal contradictions, the regime decayed, its economy crumbled as the war raged, and its capacity for self-sufficiency dissolved. A regime on life support Today, the Assad regime is on life support, requiring ongoing political, security, and economic assistance from a host of exogenous actors. Moscow, Tehran, Hezbollah, and a nexus of war profiteers and militias help the regime maintain a pulse amid economic corrosion and unprecedented loyalist resentment. Iran and Russia provide the regime with a stream of credit imports, while the former delivers tonnes of wheat. Moreover, their combined role in facilitating smuggling processes has thus far enabled Damascus to circumvent sanctions in order to secure oil via Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and the semi-autonomous Kurdish-dominated region in northeastern Syria, which controls most of Syrias oil and wheat fields. With their help, Syria has also become one of the worlds leading narco-states, exporting captagon and hashish across the region to a tune of billions. Its captagon trade alone is estimated to financially account for seven times the volume of its formal economy, meaning that the majority of its foreign currency is derived from revenue generated due to illicit activity. In spite of all this, the regime remains unable to definitively stave off the spectre of famine for populations over which it presides. Amid the ongoing debilitation of state institutions, its scramble to provide services and maintain supply chains is expected to persist because its productive economic zones remain outside of its territorial grasp. The implementation of a new round of sanctions by the United States under the Caesar Act has exacerbated this. The Syrian currency, now in ruins, is estimated to have lost 97 percent of its pre-war value. Additionally, the collective military prowess of the regimes backers has hardly strengthened the cohesiveness of its security forces. Their capacity to independently launch offensives has proven limited, as evidenced in Idlib, Latakia, and Hama, as has its ability to stem ISIS growing insurgent operations in central Syrias Badia region. So depleted is the security sector that it has even resorted to advertising sensitive intelligence positions, once reserved for carefully vetted insiders, on Facebook. Though this system of support helps the regime remain intact, it is also highly problematic. Should the regime seek to definitively reassert its sovereignty in a post-conflict Syria, it is doubtful that Bashar can conceivably rein in these networks, especially those linked to Tehran. As part of its forward deterrence strategy against Israel, Iran has sought to leverage these relationships to establish proxies that bypass the authority of Damascus and cement its entrenchment in the state. Irans campaigns to convert and indoctrinate impoverished Shias, and to a lesser extent Sunnis and Alawites, with militant Khomeinist ideologies is a dangerous development for the regime, particularly as it has been pressured to issue citizenship to foreign fighters and their families. This risks forging sectarian pockets of the population whose politicized identities are incongruent with the cult of Assadism itself a contradictory mix of theatrical rhetoric that borrows from Baathism, emotional nationalism, and increasingly, conservative Sunni Islam. Against this backdrop, Bashar seems to lack the mechanisms to effectively curb corruption and preclude his cronies from contributing to rising temperatures in regime-held areas. Officers reportedly continue to exploit wheat and fuel shortages to help merchants sell subsidized commodities, such as bread and gasoline, on the black market in Damascus, Daraa, and Suweida. Furthermore, an emboldened generation of shabiha operates unchecked, abusing local populations, with impunity, from Latakia to Aleppo. As populations in these territories approach the threshold of starvation, it remains to be seen how the Assad regime can reconcile the allegiance of its corrosive networks with its discontented Alawite constituency. In January, bold rebukes from community members prompted the regime to launch a campaign of arrests. Unlike with Syrias other demographics, however, Bashar cannot afford to continue alienating the Alawites, whose disproportionate representation in the state complicates the regimes ability to resort to public, widespread repression against them without risking political backlash. At every stage of the war, the Assad regimes backers have managed to artificially prolong its lifespan. Their methods have been creative, and their moral red lines non-existent. Yet, given the regimes internal contradictions, it is not clear that it can be saved from itself. Even as posters of Bashar flood the capital, only one thing beyond his re-elections seems certain: Absent a meaningful transition to democratic governance, the current system can only perpetuate chaos, instability, and suffering for the Syrian people. Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of TRT World. We welcome all pitches and submissions to TRT World Opinion please send them via email, to [email protected] Source: TRT World
|
https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/can-a-sham-poll-save-syria-s-bashar-al-assad-47057
|
Which SNL Cast Member Did We See the Most in Season 46?
|
The cast of SNL season 46. Photo: Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC Season 46 of Saturday Night Live may go down as one of its weirdest and most contentious. The season began with people unsure whether it was even safe to perform. Then a country singer got canceled for not taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. Then that country singer did a mea culpa sketch with Jason Bateman. Then that country singer got canceled again. And then Elon?! Its been a year, folks. A year that made no damn sense. Its sometimes hard to gauge Saturday Night Lives cultural relevance in an ever-fragmenting culture. People tweeted angrily about SNL on both sides of every issue it prompted. No. TikTok sounds. TikTok is its own weird little world, but its a world whose demographics are all over the shops. Adeles. The sound of Adele introducing musical guest H.E.R. is still getting used on TikTok months later. It used to be for people to show off their pets or wigs, but now its been taken up by normie TikTok as a beach-body challenge. John Mulaney and Timothe Chalamets episodes also did well on the app. Mulaneys monologue got lip-synced, just like everything that man does. And the fake SoundCloud trap song performed by Chalamet and Pete Davidson was unironically adored by zoomers. In fairness to the youths, that song did kinda go. Heres how we made sense of this senseless season: screen time ranked by points. The SNL points system was first designed by Erik Voss for Splitsider and honed into a deadly blade of evaluation at Vulture. You get one point if youre onscreen. If youre a waiter that only gives exposition, or if your voice is used in a commercial parody, thats a point. Performers get two points if they deliver a joke line. Anyone in an ensemble sketch usually gets two points, because the laughs are spread pretty evenly. But if the sketch is written around your very funny character, thats three points, baby. Cast members also get three points for Update pieces, since that is essentially a one-person sketch all about you. Bonus points are awarded for going viral, getting an applause break, or saying Live from New York, its Saturday night. Here is a handy chart of who said that most often this season: We also used the same rubric to calculate cast-member screen time in the sketches that are cut for time but released later on YouTube. They dont count in the overall score, but its interesting to see what could have been: Graphic: by Vulture This season was as fragmented as the reactions it inspired in the audience. Episode three was the first one in which every Not Ready for Prime Time Player had a line. People can kind of do whatever and still work on SNL now. Aidy Bryant is doing Shrill, Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd are doing Kenan, and Michael Che is doing his show on HBO Max. SNL used to be the show that launched you into bigger things, but now you can get launched and still stay in the nest. Only Lorne knows. And, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, her: Graphic: by Vulture Musical Guest: 1.1% This year, we included the times a musical guest cameoed in a sketch. Like the audience Q&A monologue format, it is not getting used enough in this current iteration of SNL. Its always fun, even if they flub their lines. Kid Cudi had one of the breakout sketches on Carey Mulligans episode with Weird Little Flute, which shouldnt have surprised anyone; he was good on Comedy Bang! Bang! Bad Bunny did two sketches as a musical guest, and hes never been more charming. Mix it up, musical guests! Lauren Holt: 2.5% Lauren Holt had a pretty typical freshman season. She didnt appear in some episodes, she got to introduce herself to the audience with an Update piece, and there was a cold open or two where her only line was Live from New York Ranking lower than the Update hosts isnt a great sign, but with a cast this large, some people are going to get sidelined. In sketches, Holt was mostly given spots in ensemble everyone at this dinner party hates the wacky character pieces. Hopefully next year, she can break out a little more. Michael Che: 2.6% Che stayed behind the Update desk all season, which makes sense. Especially when youve got an HBO Max show to do. Colin Jost: 2.8% Colin Jost was in one more sketch than his Update brother, appearing in the Mothers Day extravaganza. Josts memoir came out during hiatus, so he had the time to appear in sketches if he wanted to. Update is almost its own show-within-a-show on SNL. For a long time, the Update anchors have been kind of isolated from the main cast. Like musical guests doing sketches and audience Q&A monologues, Update anchors should have to do a few sketches every season. Because its fun! Its like seeing your teacher outside of school. Punkie Johnson: 3% Punkie Johnson has already carved out a unique spot in the SNL cast: old. She was the grandmother in the prayer-off sketch, a blessed aunt in the Vaccine Game Show sketch, and a cousin thats somehow your moms age in the graduation-applause sketch. Thats not all she did, of course. Johnson played Dionne Warwicks niece in the sketch series Miss Warwick took as a personal birthday present. But Johnson added an interesting grounded presence to many family sketches. Mars (and SNL) needs moms. Melissa Villaseor: 3.3% It is telling that one of Melissa Villaseors Update pieces this year was about her having to shoehorn in impressions. Let her do impressions! Insupportable. Jimmy Fallon pretended to be Mick Jagger to Mick Jaggers face. And when Fallon hosted, Andy Samberg did it to him. If so, let him host and keep this bit going. For a sense of what Villaseor can do when shes allowed to go whole-hog, check out her work on this years Independent Spirit Awards. Andrew Dismukes: 3.5% Andrew Dismukes showed a lot of promise this season. He played unhinged masculinity well in sketches like Dog Park and Jack Flatts. But he also played a much chiller youth in Picture With Dad. The rhythm between him and Beck Bennett in that sketch is perfect. It should be cured and served on a charcuterie board. He is what theater people in the 20s called a juvenile, the guy who reads young onstage and can coast on that for a decade or so. Bogart was a juvenile when he started acting. But as a frosh in a big ol cast, Dismukes got somewhat lost among the other cast members. Maybe next year he can break type and play an old wizard or something. Bowen Yang: 3.8% Bowen Yang truly shined this year, despite being in the bottom half of screen time. His Update piece as himself in response to the wave of anti-Asian hate crimes broke through Comedy Twitter and into whats left of the monoculture, not an easy feat. And people adored his turn as the iceberg from Titanic. Some people claimed he was carrying the show, a notion he took umbrage to and did an I Dont Think So, Honey against on his podcast, Las Culturistas. Yang didnt carry the show, but he did lift it up. The intensity with which he delivers Post-it notes in the Job Interview sketch fucking wrecked me. Yang is one of those boys helping flip girls into the air in Bring It On. He isnt Kirsten Dunst. The work he does lifts his fellow players into the air so they can do lots of spins or whatever this cheerleader metaphor is breaking down. Chloe Fineman: 3.9% Chloe Fineman took an interesting turn during the back nine of season 46: She started hosting talk shows. Talk and game shows are the backbone of SNL. And the host is the key to that structure. Theyre the metronome of comedy. Fineman would be an interesting inheritor to Kenan Thompson as frequent game-/talk-show host; shes got the precision. But Finemans two talk-show hosts, Icelandic weirdo Ooli and pop star/cause clbre Britney Spears, almost hearken more to Mike Myers. Myers hosted Sprockets, Waynes World, and that one with the British kid in the bathtub from a deep place of character. Thats what Fineman is doing with her Britney. Cecily Strong: 4.2% Cecily Strong was on and off this season of SNL. But when she was actually on the show, she was on. Theres a moment in what may be Strongs last Update piece (big send-off vibes) when shes singing My Way in a giant glass box of wine. Throughout the piece, shed been spilling wine at Colin Jost, and near the bridge shed flung a completely full glass on him. Then she reaches into the wine for another gobletful. There is a look of such fear on Josts face. She wouldnt. She would, and she did, and thats what Strong brings to every performance. Limitless full glasses. Aidy Bryant: 4.3% Aidy Bryant skipped much of the front half of the season, because she was filming the last season of Shrill. But when she came back, it was with a bang. Somehow, Bryant became Ted Cruz. Bryants Cruz knows hes the scum of the earth. He cops to it almost immediately. Its kind of like when Moe said, Im a stupid moron with an ugly face and a big butt and my butt smells, and I like to kiss my own butt. The sketch version of Cruz has no self-justifying narratives about why he is the way he is. Bryants Ted Cruz definitely likes to kiss his own butt. Kyle Mooney: 4.6% In previous years, Kyle Mooney has often stayed apart from the rest of the cast in his pretaped sketches. They ran like Albert Brookss short films from the early years of SNL. But this year, Mooney was often in ensemble sketches. He played a geek batting way out of his league in the Prom Show sketch, the friend from home who keeps trying to assert friend dominance with ancient inside jokes in the Bachelor Party sketch, and an almost certainly doomed gunshot victim in Elon Musks cowboy nonsense. But we also have to give it up for Baby Yoda. Baby Yoda is Mooneys Mitch McConnell: somehow eternally relevant despite being the weirdest-looking motherfucker imaginable. Alex Moffat: 4.6% Alex Moffat may have been relegated to mostly boysemble sketches like Bachelor Party if SNL had stayed cameo-heavy, but he got a boost in screen time when Jim Carrey gave up the Biden gig in order to pursue his true love: satirical painting. Then Moffat became the latest in a long line to don the Biden veneers. What Moffats Biden lacks in rasp (like Jimmy Fallons) and Jim Carrey catchphrases (like Jim Carreys), he makes up for in bro energy. Moffats Joe Biden is not offended if no, when someone tells him to fuck off. He knows hes a handful. Chris Redd: 5% Chris Redd always manages to read a straight line funny. He doesnt make the whole sketch about him, he just conveys his point of view very clearly with his delivery. Its a clutch skill to have, especially if you keep getting relegated to Friend No. 3 parts in group sketches. Thats not to say Redd doesnt have a full creative life. Hes on Kenans show; flautists are doing reaction videos to one of his songs; and he reminded all of us that theyre called sketches, not skits. But Id love to see more things like The Hero for Redd. In the Cut for Time sketch, Redd plays a Vietnam soldier who accidentally volunteers for the dumbest mission ever. Watching him spiral as it becomes clear that he is 100 percent going to die is a treat. Cameos: 5.4% The ramp-up to the election really made it seem like cameos were going to win the screen-time ranking again this year. But after Carrey departed as Biden (and Alec Baldwin stopped coming through for reasons), Lorne stepped on the brakes with all the headline-getting guest stars. There were five whole episodes where no returning cast members, host spouses, or cast-member moms appeared. Thats beautiful. This cast is (1) immensely talented and (2) friggin huge. Let them explore the space. Kevin Jonas had more screen time than some of the featured players in Nick Jonass episode. We need to do better. Pete Davidson: 5.4% Pete Davidson started out the season barely involved, but he really stepped up over the past year. The Old Pete would mostly stay confined to pretaped raps and Update pieces that were just stand-up. But Davidsons got impressions now! He played two noted scumbags: Andrew Cuomo and Matt Gaetz. And he innovated in the emo-rap space with his Timothe collab, which paid off big-time on TikTok. But one of the funner moments in Davidsons year of screen time came in the Dionne Warwick Talk Show, where Pete played his bud Machine Gun Kelly. It was clearly one of those impressions honed by hours of doing nothing together. Heidi Gardner: 5.8% Heidi Gardner has stayed in the middle of the pack for most of her SNL tenure. The Cecily-Aidy-Kate triad has held on for a long time, but Gardner has managed to secure her place as an unhinged monster on occasion. She performed a desperate plea for jokes in the Mothers Day cold open; she Nomie Merlantd it up in Lesbian Period Drama; and, of course, she brought a quiet sadness to her version of Michael Jordans security guard, John Michael Wozniak, a performance Vulture demands the Emmy-nominations committee recognize. The ball (basketball reference) is in your court, Emmys. Mikey Day: 6.1% Mikey Day has really leaned into his nasality this year. Move over, Aidy Bryant, someone else is Shrill on SNL. Day brought a thin and reedy energy to canceling children on Update, playing a beleaguered Universal Studios tour guide, and even getting ROBBED of this years Mr. Chicken Legs crown. Yes, I said it robbed! Petes legs are ten times more shapely, and Mikeys talent was infinitely more impressive and sexually confusing. The one thing missing from Days repertoire is a steady political impression. Now that Donald Trump Jr. is mostly irrelevant, hes getting zoomed by the other cast members in Live from New York points. Ego Nwodim: 6.2% Ego Nwodim blossomed this year. She gives a beautiful stank face that makes her a necessary member in any ensemble sketch about societal faux pas. And with the world opening back up in fits and starts, there were a lot of those. Nwodim even managed to neg the entire concept of the male gender in the season finale. She also had a viral moment as Dionne Warwick in the Dionne Warwick Talk Show. She played the star as not exactly entitled, but as someone indifferent to any changes in society that may have happened in the past 40 years someone who thinks her presence is a present and cannot be told otherwise. Miss Warwick was charmed by the impression, and we were charmed by her being charmed. What a nice thing to have happened during an otherwise bleak time. Kenan Thompson: 6.8% Kenan Thompson kept a comparatively low profile for his 17th season. Yes, third place is low-profile for Kenan. I guess when youre flying coast to coast every week to star in a sitcom, your game-show-hosting duties are going to suffer. Thompson brought back his LaVar Ball Update character, gave an oddly nuanced sorrow to a Gemma sketch that ended with him having to hide his boner, and breathed an intriguing sexuality into his aging-choreographer character opposite Maya Rudolph. And something wild happened in the Daniel Kaluuya episode: During his monologue, the Brit cited Kenan & Kel as an inspiration to him. Not SNL. Kenan has been on TV for many zoomers entire dang lives. And since SNL has decided to work around everyones side hustles, it seems likely that hell continue to be on TV for a long time. Kate McKinnon: 7.4% More than any other cast member this year, Kate McKinnon let the frazzle show. She made comedy out of how bad she was doing in this new and inarguably shittier world. Her new Update character, Dr. Wenowdis, only exists because our government is terrible at health messaging. He is the personification of our national confusion re: every fucking thing. And she hosted a cold open as herself, trying to see if any part of America still worked. Nobody is doing great right now, but McKinnon was admitting it on live TV. Maybe thats why, for the first time since Vulture started running these screen-time breakdowns, a different full-time cast member is in the top spot. Beck Bennett: 7.7% It was a real squeaker, but Beck Bennett is this years screen-time champ. Beck played a hefty chunk of the men in politics this year, which helped his numbers during Cameo Fest 2020: Death March to the White House. And unlike Kate McKinnon, whose Kellyanne Conway impression has become blessedly irrelevant, Bennetts Mitch McConnell (and to a lesser extent, Mike Pence) continues to be needed in cold opens. Beyond impressions, Bennett was the barometer in many ensemble sketches. Hes tough about drivers license, until hes into it. He hates the big Broadway dance number some bartenders are forcing him to watch, until it turns out he knows tap. Bennett plays stern high-status men that flip on a dime.
|
https://www.vulture.com/article/snl-cast-member-cameo-screen-time-season-46.html
|
Can marijuana ease the pains of growing old?
|
Old people look old because their skin stops producing collagen or, possibly, because they are full of spiteful regret for a life poorly lived, an existence misspent in the pursuit of frivolous things. Younger people look old because their skin was ravaged by something. Its the sun, mostly, but also stress, overeating, boozing, or cue the New Age health solutions music! an onslaught of rampaging free radicals. If you want good skin that looks young(ish), the best technique is to stay out of the sun. That isnt good enough, and so we have a beauty and cosmetic industry that promises to either delay one of the above inevitable outcomes, or to fool other peoples eyes into thinking it hasnt already happened. There is some science at work here. Most skincare products marketed as anti-aging are generally just delivery mechanisms for antioxidants. Antioxidants are anything that inhibits oxidation. Common antioxidants in living organisms include vitamin C or A, which your body should have enough of already if you maintain a healthy diet. But an Australian company working on a CBD-rich anti-aging cream believe its found evidence that super-cannabinoid CBD is an antioxidant and that thus, CBD is the secret ingredient in cosmetic and healthcare products that will keep you (looking) young in defiance of your years and bad lifestyle choices. This is CBD were talking about, so the honest answers are I dont know and maybe, with an additional other stuff that is already well known and widely available may work just as well, if not better. But since neither skepticism nor caution can compete for pageviews with a potential fountain of youth, here are the details. Business Insiders Australia edition was first to the news that a three-year research project by the University of Technology Sydney
|
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258377897396/can-marijuana-ease-the-pains-of-growing-old
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.