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Why is fighting in parliament so common?	Dar es Salaam .The caning of Charles Sumner or what is known as the BrooksSumner Affair is one of the oldest recorded parliamentary brawls in history. The incident occurred on May 22, 1856, in the US Senate when Representative Preston Brooks attacked Senator Charles Sumner, an abolitionist, with a walking cane in retaliation for a speech given by Sumner two days earlier in which he fiercely criticised slaveholders including a relative of Brooks. The beating nearly killed Sumner and it drew a sharply polarised response from the American public on the subject of the expansion of slavery in the US. It has since been considered symbolic of the breakdown of reasoned discourse that eventually led to the American Civil War of April 12, 1861 to May 9, 1865. By the time he was done, the cane Brooks used for the attack had shattered. He nevertheless pocketed its gold handle as he made his way only to write later bragging that: Every lick went where I intended for about the first five of six licks he [Sumner] offered to make flight but I plied him so rapidly that he did not touch me. Towards the last he bellowed like a calf, he wrote. Parliamentary fights, like the incidents of Tuesday and Wednesday in Parliament of Uganda, have become so common that someone saw it fit to open up a whole website (parliamentfights.wordpress.com) dedicated to documenting legislators going bare knuckles across the world. On social media and other online platforms, videos are manipulated to suit certain tastes, while other people concentrate on analysing the incidents and offering opinions. It is also big business for entrepreneurs. If the 1856, if the US experience is to go by, then one can easily deduce the fights by Honourables as a sign of what is yet to come. It is a view shared by Masaka Municipality MP, Mathias Mpuuga, one of the Opposition MPs suspended by House Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on September 27 shortly before the most violent brawl in Ugandas parliamentary history ensued. The fights, he says, are a defence against greed for power by the incumbent against commands of the constitution and wishes of people. He says Mr Museveni exploited the likes of Igara West County MP Raphael Magyezi, and the timidity of the speaker and the [NRM] caucus. I have traversed this country from Zombo to Kisoro but I am afraid the desperation is reaching fever peak. I cannot say I know what Ugandans will do next but the fact that our DNA has a history of violence and rebellion, the violence about change has been started in Parliament. Dont be shocked if it refines through because that is our history and essentially like all fools, our leaders dont learn from our history, he says. Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa tags the fights to frustration by Opposition Mps in the face of an overwhelming majority by the ruling NRM. With no chance of winning anything that can be put to vote in the House and the 2021 elections in sight, she says the MPs involved in the fights are playing to the gallery. When they saw us really determined, we were attending, and not retaliating, I think that disorganised them and the other thing I think some constituencies enjoy fighting and people are now talking about 2021 so some of them wanted cameras to capture them because they are saying they are fighting for democracy... she says. By fighting, she argues, some MPs are a mirror image of the people they represent that she says are defiant to authority. A certain population has deteriorated to believing in defiance. We are seeing MPs behaving the way a certain population does in observing the rule of law. I mean people dont respect the police. What we have been seeing outside is what has been carried inside by a few members of parliament. They think they can become popular by doing that. An analysis of countries where the fights have occurred also shows a distinctive similarity. Whether developed or not, the fights have occurred in parliaments with a controversial legislation but no dialogue in sight or where there is a contestation of a countrys top leadership or ruling class. Whether in Ukraine, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Turkey, Bolivia Somalia, Kenya the differences that push legislators to fight are about the personal decisions taken on national matters or political differences that are seemingly irreconcilable. In countries like Ukraine, legislators beating up each no longer headlines. Developing some form of consensus where the minoritys views in the House will be heard and everyones contribution valued, seems the foreseeable way to avoid confrontations in Ugandas parliament but with an overwhelming majority and a haste to legislate their agenda, the ruling party is likely not to take that route. The option is to coerce the Opposition into some form of order by use of police, the military and other militias as happened last week. Elsewhere Disagreements. In countries where the fights have happened there are distinctive similarity. Whether developed or not, the fights have occurred in parliaments with a controversial legislation but with no dialogue in sight. Whether in Ukraine, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Turkey, Bolivia, Somalia or Kenya the differences that push legislators to fight are about personal decisions taken on national matters or political differences. In Ukraine, legislators beating up each no longer makes news. Way forward. Developing some form of consensus where the minoritys views are be heard and everyones contribution valued, seems the foreseeable way to avoid confrontations in Ugandas parliament but with an overwhelming majority and a haste to legislate their agenda, the ruling party is likely not to take that route. The option is to coerce the Opposition into some form of order by use of police, the military and other militias as happened last week.	https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/1765046-1765046-view-asFeed-hiqag9/null/magazine/politicalreforms/Why-is-fighting-in-parliament-so-common-/1843776-4124278-agpfgnz/index.html
Was lernt Kriens aus den Fehlern bei grossen Bauprojekten?	Am Donnerstag behandelte der Einwohnerrat den Bericht der Parlamentarischen Untersuchungskommission zu den Mehrkosten beim Zentrumsprojekt sowie dem Stadion Kleinfeld. Knftig soll eine Kommission genauer hinschauen knnen. Rund 61 Millionen Franken waren fr die Krienser Zentrumsprojekte wie Stadthaus oder Schappe Kulturquadrat eingeplant, rund 5 Millionen fr das Stadion Kleinfeld. Am Ende werden die Kosten um mehrere Millionen hher sein. Warum es soweit kam, untersuchte krzlich eine speziell dafr ins Leben gerufene Parlamentarische Untersuchungskommission (PUK). Am Donnerstag wurde der Bericht im Einwohnerrat behandelt. Das Stadthaus ist eines der Gebude, das mehr gekostet hat als ursprnglich angenommen. Bild: Pius Amrein (Kriens, 29. April 2021) Zur Erinnerung: Die Untersuchung, die insgesamt rund 116'000 Franken kostete, zeigte unter anderem, dass die Ressourcen bei der Stadtverwaltung fr solch grosse Projekte nicht ausgereicht haben. Das Kostencontrolling war ungengend. Weiter habe der Stadtrat seine Ausgabenkompetenzen berschritten und Teilaspekte aus dem Gesamtprojekt herausgelst, um darber in Eigenkompetenz entscheiden zu knnen. Dies widerspreche dem Grundsatz der Einheit der Materie. Die letzten beiden Kritikpunkte werden vom alten wie auch vom aktuellen Stadtrat bestritten (wir berichteten). Grne: Verwaltung soll professioneller werden Die zentrale Frage ist nun, welche Lehren aus diesen Fehlern gezogen werden. Der Stadtrat betonte, dass er diverse Massnahmen wie eine bessere Kostenkontrolle oder Schulungen zu gesetzlichen Grundlagen umsetzen will oder bereits umgesetzt habe. Die Ausfhrungen waren mehreren Parlamentariern aber zu wenig genau. Jetzt wre eine Gelegenheit fr den Stadtrat, die Verwaltung professioneller aufzustellen, sagte etwa Erich Tschmperlin (Grne). Auch Daniel Rsch (FDP) htte seitens des Stadtrats eine kritischere Auseinandersetzung mit dem PUK-Bericht erwartet. PUK-Prsident Beat Tanner (FDP) schlug vor, dass die Kommission fr Finanzen und Gemeindeentwicklung (KFG) die Mglichkeit haben msste, bei der Verwaltung einzugreifen, wenn es Hinweise gebe fr Probleme. Auch bei der Kontrolle der Umsetzung der geplanten Verbesserungen wnscht die PUK eine enge Begleitung durch die KFG. Mit dieser Meinung war sie nicht allein. Der Einwohnerrat nahm einen Antrag an, der fordert, dass die KFG in einem Jahr einen Bericht vom Stadtrat erhlt. Dieser soll unter anderem aufzeigen, welche Massnahmen zur Behebung der von der PUK identifizierten Mngel ergriffen worden sind. Uneinigkeit ber mgliches Fehlverhalten des Stadtrats Weiter zu reden gab die Frage, ob der damalige Stadtrat tatschlich seine Kompetenzen berschritten und die Einheit der Materie verletzt hatte. Die CVP etwa bekundete grosse Mhe mit dieser Aussage des PUK-Berichts, wie Anita Burkhardt sagte. Mehrere Parlamentarier sahen das wiederum anders. Wer recht hat, finden wir heute nicht raus, sagte Stadtprsidentin Christine Kaufmann (CVP). Es gehe auch nicht darum, jemanden zu verurteilen. Das Ziel sei ein anderes: Wir wollen und werden aus den Fehlern lernen. Weitere Abklrungen zu mutmasslichen Verfehlungen sind denn auch nicht geplant. Immerhin erzeugten die Mehrkosten auch einen Mehrwert PUK-Prsident Beat Tanner fhrte aus, dass die Ressourcen fr die Untersuchung sehr knapp gewesen seien. Darum sei es nicht mglich gewesen, tiefer ins Detail zu gehen. Fr die vom alten Stadtrat vorgebrachte Kritik, die Planungskosten seien auf Wunsch des Einwohnerrats tief gehalten worden, hatte er kein Verstndnis. Es wre die Aufgabe des Stadtrats gewesen, die entsprechenden Ressourcen einzuplanen und allenfalls einen Nachtragskredit zu beantragen. Weiter kritisierte er, dass die Stellungnahme des aktuellen Stadtrats auf den PUK-Bericht rechtfertigend ausgefallen sei. Christine Kaufmann sagte, es handle sich nur um eine Stellungnahme, keine Rechtfertigung. Und sie betonte zudem, dass durch die Mehrkosten auch Mehrwert entstanden sei. Politisch ist das Thema ohnehin nicht abgeschlossen. Wie hoch die Mehrkosten genau sind, ist nmlich noch nicht bekannt. Die entsprechenden Bauabrechnungen sind in Arbeit mssen dem Einwohnerrat noch vorgelegt werden.	https://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/zentralschweiz/luzern/mehrkosten-nach-der-untersuchung-kommt-die-frage-was-lernt-kriens-aus-den-fehlern-bei-den-grossen-bauprojekten-ld.2142814
What is mita movo lata in Genshin Impact?	Mita movo lata in Genshin Impact is something you'll be asked for from a hilichurl. Yes, this is quite odd considering that you'll have exclusively spent your time with hilichurls battling them, rather than chit-chatting. Regardless, this is what you must do on the first day of the Genshin Impact Mimi Tomo event if you don't want to miss out on any rewards. Provided you're at least Adventure Rank 20, Mimi Tomo sees you and hilichurlian expert, Ella Musk, track down an 'unusual hilichurl' by speaking to these strangely talkative creatures. To do that you'll need to bone up on a new dialect, with the help of Ella's Handy Handbook of Hilichurlian. The first asks you for 'mita movo lata' in exchange for clues, so here's what that is so you can complete the Genshin Impact Mutual Exchange quest. During Mimi Tomo you'll be interacting with seven hilichurls in Sighting Events that go live during the event, and you can find these locations in the events menu. The first takes you to Starsnatch Cliff. Here you'll find several hilichurls, not all of them friendly. Approach each one and if they're up for a fight, they're not the informant you want. When you find the 'hungry hilichurl' you're looking for, it'll say: "Mi muhe mita, mita movo lata". You can find the answer in the handbook Ella gave you earlier, but if you're still stuck, here's what it's asking for: Mita movo lata means 'meat in the water'. Fish or crab, in other words. If you have either of these items in your inventory, then hand it over to get the clue you need to progress your hunt for the unusual hilichurl. If you don't have fish to hand, you can grab some in most of the bodies of water in Teyvat. Just use your bow to prevent the little guys from getting away. The intel given to you by the hungry beast leads you to one of his pals who knows more about the unusual hilichurl you're tracking down. For this reason you'll be needed again as a budding hilichurl interpreter, so stay tuned for more Mimi Tomo guides if you need more help.	https://www.pcgamer.com/au/mita-movo-lata-genshin-impact-mutual-exchange-mimi-tomo/
When is LeVar Burton on Jeopardy?	The march of guest hosts continues across the Jeopardy! stage, months after the death of longtime leader Alex Trebek. And so far they've mostly been excellent, as seen in our absolutely-not-scientific rankings of the best Jeopardy! guest hosts. But and with all due respect to everyone who's come before and after one upcoming guest host will hit the game with more excitement and anticipation than any of the others. (Yes, even Aaron Rodgers.) Not for a little while still. LeVar Burton is scheduled to make his guest host appearance on Jeopardy! from July 26 to July 30. Yes, that's a mere five days. He's not the only guest host with such a short run (which almost certainly has to do with his schedule), but it's still a shame to know that we'll only get Burton for one week's worth of shows, whereas other guest hosts have had more. Ken Jennings, for instance, had a whopping seven weeks, from Jan. 4 to Feb. 19. Of course, he's got the longest winning streak in show history and also is a consulting producer. Most other guest hosts got a full two weeks that's 10 shows under their belts, too. But starting in July, the remaining hosts will only have a week of shows. Along with Burton, that includes George Stephanopoulos (July 12-16), Robin Roberts (July 19-23), David Faber (Aug. 2-6), and finally with Joe Buck (Aug. 9-13). Jeopardy! is about to wrap up a two-week Tournament of Champions run, which has seen former champion Austin David "Buzzy" Cohen serving as host. That's notable because with him giving the answers, it means he's no longer eligible to compete. Cohen was dubbed "Mr. Personality by Trebek and was a fan favorite back in 2016. He won nearly $165,000 over nine games. After that, we'll get back to the true celebrity guest hosts (sorry, Buzzy), starting with two weeks of actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik from May 31 to June 11. She'll be followed by two weeks of Savannah Guthrie of NBC News from June 14-25, then two weeks of CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta from June 28 to July 9.	https://www.whattowatch.com/news/when-is-levar-burton-on-jeopardy
Does Bitcoins Recent Crash Spell the Beginning of the End for Cryptocurrencies?	Subscribe to The Nation Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Get The Nations Weekly Newsletter Fridays. The best of the week. You will receive occasional promotional offers for programs that support The Nations journalism. You can read our Privacy Policy here. Fridays. The best of the week. Thank you for signing up for The Nations weekly newsletter. Join the Books & the Arts Newsletter Mondays. The best of The Nations Books & the Arts, in your inbox biweekly. You will receive occasional promotional offers for programs that support The Nations journalism. You can read our Privacy Policy here. Mondays. The best of The Nations Books & the Arts, in your inbox biweekly. Thank you for signing up. For more from The Nation, check out our latest issue Subscribe to The Nation Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Subscribe now for as little as $2 a month! Support Progressive Journalism The Nation is reader supported: Chip in $10 or more to help us continue to write about the issues that matter. The Nation is reader supported: Chip in $10 or more to help us continue to write about the issues that matter. Sign up for our Wine Club today. The leader of the pack, Bitcoin, has lost almost half its value since reaching an all-time high in mid-April, and others have also collapsed in the wake of the Chinese governments decision to crack down on all cryptocurrency related transactions. The SEC has also signaled tougher oversight. Despite the market gyrations, cryptos champions continue to see these currencies as an ideal market-generated solution as questions arise about the future viability of paper currencies in a global economy characterized by sky-high indebtedness and bloated government/central bank balance sheets. Enthusiasts behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dogecoin, and a host of other cryptocurrencies, seem to think that the wonders of 21st century financial technology (aka fintech), will enable these digital creations to stand as alternative stores of value outside the control of our central banks, whose actions (they have claimed since the days of Austrian economist, Friedrich von Hayek) regularly debase traditional paper currencies. Ironically, cryptocurrencies share many of the features that its libertarian adherents decry in so-called government-created currencies. Like our traditional currenciesthe dollar, yen, pound, or eurocreated by government fiat, cryptocurrencies are backed by nothing. Participants effectively exchange a legal tender dollar or some other real asset for a digitally-created token, which has no intrinsic value or yield (and the supply of which is artificially controlled by a complex computer algorithm). Furthermore, the creation of these currencies has an environmental cost (some more than others); they trade outside of a regulated financial system, making them ripe for fraud (e.g., hacking investors crypto wallets to steal their currency, setting up fake wallets to bilk counterparties, or setting up phony crypto exchanges to steal customers money), money laundering, and tax avoidance. (The IRS announced last week its intention to pursue crypto-related taxes aggressively). Even as a medium of exchange, the use of cryptocurrencies is unpredictable. As of a couple of weeks ago, you can no longer use Bitcoin to buy a Tesla, less than two months after Elon Musk helped to further fuel a renewed speculative frenzy in the market when he announced that his company would begin accepting Bitcoin as payment. The resultant plunge points to a problem of using these digital tokens as an alternative store of value (unless, of course, youre a criminal with limited options). It also highlights another issue raised by Naked Capitalisms Yves Smith: The cost and time involved in validating Bitcoin transactions makes it unusable in retail transactions. Musks change of heart comes as the (literally) dirty little secret about cryptocurrencies is becoming more widely appreciated: Mining for cryptocurrency is even worse than traditional mining. According to the Pennsylvania branch of the Sierra Club, Bitcoin alone produces 36.95 megatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually (comparable to New Zealand) and it is estimated that in 30 years Bitcoin could alone increase global temperatures 2 degrees Celsius. To the Moon Happy Doge Day! But Hold on to Your (Digital) Wallet. Ryan Broderick Left unchecked, mining for crypto is bound to grow (and as a result cause more environmental harm) as its use is expanded. There are many pejoratives one can ascribe to so-called easy money-peddling central bankers, but environmental vandal is usually not one of them. As for the technology behind crypto, central banks are increasingly appropriating digital technology for their own paper currencies. As they do, they are increasingly trying to regulate the use of cryptocurrencies. The Peoples Bank of China, for example, just announced tighter restrictions to ban financial institutions and payment companies from providing services related to cryptocurrencies, marking a fresh crackdown on digital money. Other countriessuch as Algeria, Bolivia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam have already banned cryptocurrencies on the grounds that they enable criminals and terrorist organizations to move value around the world out of sight of national governments and law enforcement. At the same time, United States Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has also announced consideration of a possible digital version of the dollar that would be controlled by the US central bank (suggesting that it wants to appropriate the technology, but maintain control of currencies). From the perspective of non-fintech experts, a crucial and valuable difference is that central bank issued currencies will come with the added advantage that they would be issued and regulated by the competent monetary authority of the issuing country. Central bank created digital currencies would simply constitute a digital version of the very same currencies that our populations have learned to trust. Think of email versus physical postal mail. The transactions would be instantaneous, but still safe because the electronic debits and credits would still be controlled and monitored by the central banks. Not necessarily. As the economist/venture capitalist William Janeway has persuasively argued, financial bubbles are always with us. Sometimes, they leave a legacy of productive assets (eg., railways in the 19th century, or broadband and the vast expansion of the internet in the wake of the dotcom bubble of the 1990s). Other times, such as 2008, bubble extremes can transcend the capital markets and suck in the institutions, [such as banks], that accept deposits and provide the credit that fuels the ordinary workings of the market economy. To judge from the comparative resilience of the financial markets in the wake of significant recent falls of many leading cryptocurrencies, the latter do not yet appear to have infected the broader credit system. But left alone, they could well do so, which is why we should applaud moves by our monetary authorities and regulators to bring them to heel. On the plus side, cryptocurrencies may well have accelerated the central banks expansion into digital currencies. That specific innovation could be very good for our economy, as our transactions become increasingly virtual and electronic. But by proactively appropriating the digital technology, while simultaneously clamping down relatively quickly on privately created, unregulated cryptocurrencies, financial regulators are likely to prevent said instruments from infecting our credit system, thereby mitigating vast collateral damage as a result. In our increasingly technologically dominated economy, innovation is often seen as an end in itself. But increasing financial innovation (as we saw in 2008) should never be viewed that way, especially when it comes to cryptocurrencies. Instead, the embrace of digital currencies should be viewed as the handmaiden of a financial system that is geared toward supporting rather than subverting the real economy. Elon Musk, among other crypto proponents, does not object to the idea of a privately-created cryptocurrency; he just wants it to be less environmentally toxic. Thats not enough; it is doubtful that any sovereign country that issues its own currency would, or should, willingly sacrifice its currency monopoly; to do so, would be a recipe for monetary chaos and systemic instability. Libertarians love to talk about freedom, but absent a supportive framework, freedom can quickly dissolve into anarchy. The sooner we get rid of something that has become a charter for fraud, tax avoidance, and illegal monetary transactions, the better.	https://www.thenation.com/article/economy/cryptocurrency-crash-bitcoin-musk/
Can People Finally Stop Asking Why BTS Is So Popular Now?	The Jonas Brothers, Disney veterans themselves, went on The Late Late Show With James Corden to goof on Cruella and all the what if ____ was hot prequels Hollywood seems to like so goddamned much. The JoBro+Co (Jonas Brothers plus Corden) imagined upsetting backstories for Eeyore (drug mule with chronic pain), the guy who gives spaghetti to Lady and the Tramp in Lady and the Tramp (wife left him cuz his sauce is shitty) and the woman who NEEDS six eggs in the opening number of Beauty and the Beast (her child will die if he doesnt eat exactly six eggs). One wonders if Disney would have honed the Jonas Brothers comedic acting skills with their sitcom if theyd known that a decade hence, theyd be biting the hand that fed them. Make that prequel, Disney.	https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258084968906/can-people-finally-stop-asking-why-bts-is-so-popular-now
Is Rhea Chakraborty Hinting At Sushant Singh Rajputs Delayed Justice Through Her Latest Post?	For Rhea Chakraborty, 2020 was harder than many after losing her close one in Sushant Singh Rajput and then facing the wrath of social media more than Indian law. There still hasnt been a concluding statement made in the case of the passing away of the talented actor. Advertisement Fans of Sushant proudly call themselves SSRs warriors, and theyre making sure the news shouldnt die until the actors family doesnt get justice. Rhea, regularly, takes to her Instagram posting quotes on hope and faith. Advertisement This evening she posted a quote that read, From great suffering, comes great strength. Youll just have to trust me on this one. Hang in there. Love. Rhea. Heres the post: She indeed has been through great suffering and has mustered strength on this journey. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Last month Rhea Chakraborty took to Instagram to share a hope-filled message with her fans. She shared a picture of herself dressed in a yellow kurta, reading poet Rabindranath Tagores collection of poems, Gitanjali. She wrote: The question and the cry Oh, where? melt into tears of a thousand streams and deluge the world with the flood of the assurance, I AM! Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali #keepingthefaith. Within minutes, her close friend Shibani Dandekar posted love you with a heart emoji. Rhea has not been very regular on social media after the death of her alleged boyfriend and Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. She was accused by Sushants family of abetment to suicide and also siphoning off funds from the late actor. She was also named in the first Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) charge sheet and her brother Showik in a drug-related probe into Sushants death case. Rhea Chakraborty was arrested last year and spent a month in Mumbais Byculla jail in September last year on a drug-related charge. Meanwhile, the actress is part of the film Chehre starring actors Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi. Chehre is her first film release after Sushant Singh Rajputs death. Follow Us: Facebook \| Instagram \| Twitter \| Youtube	https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/is-rhea-chakraborty-hinting-at-sushant-singh-rajputs-delayed-justice-through-her-latest-post/
Could Jay-Z be looking into a minority stake of the Washington Football Team?	Jay-Z is one of the most well-known celebrities in the entire world. The legendary rapper is also a cultural icon. In addition to his music career, Jay-Z is a prominent businessman and a former part-owner of the NBAs Brooklyn Nets. According to Burgundy Blog on Twitter, Jay-Z is currently in the process of divesting assets to purchase a stake in the Washington Football Team. Nothing imminent. These things take months and sometimes break down. But I have it on good authority that Jay-Z is actively divesting assets to position himself for purchase of stake in #WFT. Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) May 26, 2021 So, before you go saying this is another blog making up things. Its not. The Burgundy Blog has broken a few Washington stories over the years and doesnt post things like this unless he has solid sourcing. In addition to his report, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington and 106.7 The Fan backed up the report. Been my theory for a while. This will be wild https://t.co/x3sHKDeGLt JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 26, 2021 Finlay had the following to say on his radio show on Tuesday: If you listen to my podcast, Ive been saying this for months, he said. I heard it from somebody sort of connected to the NFL eight, nine months ago that this could happen. Finlay also brought up the connection between Jay-Z and Washingtons current chief financial officer, Greg Resh. Resh, who was hired in November to his current position, came to Washington from Roc Nation Jay-Zs sports and entertainment agency where he served in the same capacity. Jay-Z has been working with the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell for a while. Washington owner Daniel Snyder recently bought out his former partners after a nasty dispute and could certainly be looking for new minority partners. If Jay-Z truly wants in on the WFT, Snyder will make this happen and he should. Jay-Z is well-respected, connected and would bring even more eyeballs to the Washington Football Team. Snyder loves chasing stars, whether its athletes or actors like Tom Cruise or Washington superfan Matthew McConaughey, and there is no bigger star than Jay-Z. Jay-Z would also put some cash back in Snyders pockets. This situation will certainly be interesting to follow moving forward.	https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/2021/05/27/could-jay-z-be-looking-into-a-minority-stake-of-the-washington-football-team-ownership-daniel-snyder/
Can Canadiens score some greasy goals vs. Maple Leafs in Game 5?	Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window) In trying to stave off elimination in Game 5 against the Maple Leafs on Thursday (6:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN), its painfully simple to say that the Canadiens need to score more goals. After all, youre not going to win many series where you literally average just a single goal per game. But, to solve a problem, its better to treat the cause, rather than the symptoms. Its easy to say that the Canadiens need to score more goals vs. the Maple Leafs in Game 5, but also the rest of the series. Canadiens-Maple Leafs stream coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. You can watch the game online and on the NBC Sports app by clicking here. At least one Hab identifies the problem If nothing else, it seems like Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry realizes part of the problem. The Habs arent really creating the types of chances that tend to convert to goals. I think weve got to find a way to get to the inside, Petry said, via NHL.coms Mike Zeisberger. A lot of our shots are coming from the outside, and [Campbells] sucking up the puck and not allowing rebounds. Weve got to find a way to get in his eyes, get tips, get some sort of greasy goals to get us going. Of course, what youd like to do differs from what you can do. The Penguins would have loved to get more saves against the Islanders. Connor McDavid would love it if the Oilers found a better supporting cast. Actually making that happen is a different beast, but at least Petry recognizes part of the problem. Can Canadiens score greasy goals vs. Still, its fair to wonder if thats an organization-wide edict. Consider who is taking the most shots, and you get a taste of the different scoring recipes for the Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Its already noteworthy that Petry, a defenseman, leads the Canadiens in shots on goal with 12. Yet, its maybe a bit more troubling that four of the Canadiens top 10 players in SOG are defensemen: Petry (12), Shea Weber (nine), Ben Chiarot (six), and Joel Edmundson (six). Meanwhile, only Morgan Rielly (10) and T.J. Brodie (six) rank among the Maple Leafs most frequent shooters. Maybe a visual example would cement that thought. Via Hockey Viz, you can see that the Canadiens simply take a ton of point shots. They create some chances from high-danger areas, mind you, but not as much from the greasiest areas: Now, compare the Canadiens shot locations to that of the Maple Leafs in 2020-21: Sure, it would be unfair to expect the Canadiens to totally match the Maple Leafs firepower. But its fair to ask if some of the issues are systemic. It makes something like Shea Webers howling shot a double-edged sword. While it can be a dangerous weapon, a slapper from the point generally isnt as lethal as a shot from the slot. Nonetheless, Canadiens players might defer to Weber. And they might be advised to do so by their coaching staff. On the bright side, the Canadiens seem to have made at least some efforts to get to those greasy areas, or at least not waste as many point shots vs. the Maple Leafs. Not necessarily, especially since the bottom line is that defensemen are still generating a big portion of the Habs shots on goal. Even if the Canadiens are guilty of a quantity-over-quality approach, Jack Campbell is unlikely to maintain his .965 save percentage. Josh Andersons Game 1 goal wasnt necessarily the greasy goal that Petry was talking about, yet it exhibited some of the qualities Montreal might be looking for. Its possible, but the Habs are also running out of time.	https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/05/27/can-canadiens-score-some-greasy-goals-vs-maple-leafs-in-game-5/
What is the Stock Market and How does it Work?	The stock market has been proven the best way to invest and get profit. Because the shares are issued by government-approved companies. It is completely regulated by government institutes so it is very secure to invest in the stock market. If you also want to understand how stocks and also shares work, exactly how theyre traded, and what supply shorting is, we have actually got simply the important things. We will try to know how the stock exchange works. Incredibly, the principle of trading supplies in a firm dates back to the early 1600s. From its beginnings in The Dutch East India Firm, the Stock or share market has actually come a long way. In 2015, over $99 trillion of shares were traded, more than the worth of all items and also services on the planets economic situation. What is Investment In this article, well learn about a few of the mechanics behind the stock exchange, such as just how financial investments and trading works. Were not likely to give advice or pointers or suggest that anyone begins investing in the stock market and UK mutual funds. That being claimed, it is very important to explain that there are risks related to trading on the stock market. It is very possible to earn good profit and money with investments in the stock market as well as trading stocks, its similarly possible to lose money. It requires you to invest the time looking into as well as understanding the threats before you invest in stocks and the share market. If you have an interest in learning more regarding the fundamentals of investment, you can search on google and join social media groups on Telegram or Facebook. Prior to getting into exactly how the stock exchange works, lets first understated the shares and stocks. You have probably heard the terms the stock exchange or stock market. There is not much difference in both. The word stock is mostly used in the US while people in the UK call them shares. Shares and stocks mean partial ownership of any firm. For example, lets say a firm is valued at 1000 million, and also there are 50 million shares available. Each share of the firm would value 20. The answer to this question is very simple that the main reasons is to increase capital, normally to company development or begin brand-new operations. When a company makes shares public, you can buy their shares through the share market or stock exchange, normally a company does so by listing their shares to buy on a stock exchange. These shares are sold in two main ways. In the main market and in the stock market. When a company first-time creates its share they sell it in the main market which also known as an initial public offering. It is very clear for the companies and firms why selling shares can be useful. They get even more money that can be used to maintain enhancing and also proceeding for new projects in their firm. Most companies or their employees buy their own shares and stocks which is very beneficial for the company and firm. But why you and other people should invest in the market is to spend your cash in right place. Because when Shares rise in the worth you will also get profit. If a company succeeds and also continues to grow, the value of each share increases continuously. When the shares begin to increase, other investors also show interest in the company and buy shares. If you have the shares and they are rising in value you can trade them in the stock market and can get good profit. Some individuals invest in business due to the fact that it provides the possibility to possess part of a business they like or rely on. Shareholders may likewise get to take part in ballots that influence the business, providing you a voice in the businesss running. Before investing in the share market or stock market you should understand the functionality of stock markets and exchanges. The term stock exchange is utilized by the business that lists supplies as well as shares for public capitalists to buy and sell. These exchanges works as intermediate for companies, financiers, and safeties. Stock exchanges control the whole system of the selling and buying process. These exchanges also known as index funds. What is Difference Between Stock Market And Stock Exchange The stock markets show the progress of companies and their shares. While the Stock exchanges are the platforms that facilitate trading tasks. Theyre several organized markets where stocks are noted and also traded. There are several stock exchanges in every part of the world, each with various guidelines and also demands. Generally, firms will need to satisfy particular standards to list their shares on an exchange similarly buyers have to provide all details to buy shares.	https://www.ilounge.com/articles/what-is-the-stock-market-and-how-does-it-work
Is Tampa Bay in a drought?	Tampa has only seen one measurable precipitation in May. A new report from U.S. Drought Monitor Thursday shows that much of the Tampa Bay areas dry conditions have worsened. While simply dry in last weeks drought monitor, a good part of the region is now abnormally dry. In May, Tampa has only seen one day with measurable precipitation. On May 6, 0.16 of an inch fell. Through May 26, two inches is normal, so Tampa is now 1.84 inches below normal. Its not the driest May ever in Tampa. That occurred in 2001 when no measurable rain fell. The dry May has Tampa 3.20 inches below normal for the year. Abnormally dry, 'near drought' conditions have developed. No big surprise, of course. Only one day in May saw measurable rainfall (May 6 to .16"). The rainy season may slowly get going over the next week or so. "Above normal" rain is expected for the first 10 days of June. pic.twitter.com/uO3TsYVOSw Ric Kearbey (@RicKearbeyWTSP) May 27, 2021 The abnormally dry designation is not official drought status, but it is one step closer. The next category of dryness is a moderate drought. The good news is the rainy season typically begins in late May, so sooner or later, daily rain chances should start to refresh our vegetation. There are hints of the rainy season starting to develop. The latest 7-day forecast shows daily rain chances, although low, starting to develop. The rainy season is characterized by warm, humid conditions with nearly daily showers and thunderstorms. Aside from the onset of almost daily showers and thunderstorms over the Florida peninsula, the rainy season also features night and morning showers and thunderstorms over the waters in the Gulf of Mexico. This is typically accompanied by an increase in humidity with persistent dew point values above 70 degrees, daily low temperatures in the 70s to around 80, and high temperatures in the upper 80s to the mid-90s. Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier issued a countywide recreational burn ban effective immediately Thursday due to the dry weather and an increased chance of wildfires. Recreational fires in Sarasota County are defined as any non-commercial burning of approved fuel for pleasure, religious, or ceremonial reasons. This includes campfires, bonfires and any open fires not specifically permitted by Florida Forest Service. A countywide recreational burn ban is effective immediately due to the dry weather conditions and an increased chance of wildfires. For more information, watch the video below with Sarasota County Fire Chief Michael Regnier.#SRQCountyES (1/3)https://t.co/hUn6wTmuId SCG Emergency Services (@scgovEOC) May 27, 2021	https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/drought-conditions-tampa-bay/67-7d46a39b-ced1-4830-8146-fe7886fba81f
Is the birthrate in Victoria dropping fast?	One of the things I keep track off in covid-times is what is happening to births. Though it was initially suggested couples might use their extra lockdown-time to produce babies, it has become clear that in the Western world the opposite is true and that they reduce births by 10-20%. Well, I just downloaded the monthly birth statistics from the Victorian government. Those statistics tell about the number of birth registered by month, which thus allows for things like home birth that were only registered weeks later. The advantage of the series is that it is consistent over time (lockdowns or no lockdowns, all births have to be registered). Month-Year Count April 2021 5079 March 2021 6479 February 2021 5452 January 2021 5000 December 2020 5180 November 2020 6267 October 2020 6648 September 2020 7075 August 2020 6011 July 2020 4508 June 2020 7392 May 2020 6168 April 2020 6399 March 2020 6710 February 2020 6685 January 2020 5975 December 2019 6069 November 2019 6372 October 2019 8091 September 2019 5976 The data tells a clear story. There is a lot of variation by month, like the outlier in October 2019, suggesting some months are popular registration months. The key thing I wanted to know when looking this up is whether births dropped 8 months after lockdowns. Well, in the first four months of 2021, there were 22,010 births whilst in the first four months of 2020 there were 25,769. That is a drop of 17%, which is a big number and completely in line with what is found elsewhere in the West, but not strongly statistically significant. Victoria did see some out-migration, but only in the order of 1-2%, so not enough for the birth drop. Those first four months of 2021 contained babies conceived from around April-August 2020, so the lockdown period. It will be interesting to see whether there is a rebound later in 2021.	https://clubtroppo.com.au/2021/05/26/is-the-birthrate-in-victoria-dropping-fast/
Did Rachael Kirkconnell Just Delete Her Instagram?	Rachael Kirkconnells Instagram account appeared to be wiped clean on Thursday, May 27, 2021, with fans wondering if the reality star decided to take a break from social media. However, The Bachelor stars account appeared to be up and running again with all of her posts intact several hours later. Rachael took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday afternoon to share a video of herself taking a sip of what appeared to be an iced tea from a straw and looking purposely unamused. Woke up to no Instagram this am. Secure your accounts kids, she wrote on the video. Many fans were wondering if Rachael had deleted her account or if something happened, but it appears as though Instagram may have locked Rachaels account due to someone trying to hack it. It is presumed that by secure your account, Rachael meant that people should make sure they have strong passwords, and that their accounts are safeguarded against hackers or other unwanted spammers. Rachaels Instagram issues come on the heels of confirmation that she and Matt James are indeed back together after a brief split back in February. Heres what you need to know: Rachael & Matt Are an Item but Have not Gone Instagram Official The Bachelor's Matt James Talks About Rachael And Bitcoin I Pomp Podcast #564This is an episode of The Pomp Podcast with host Anthony "Pomp" Pompliano and guest, Matt James, an American television personality, businessman, and former football player. Matt is best known for being the first Black lead for The Bachelor in season 25. He recently founded ABC Food Tours, a charity aimed to create experiences for 2021-05-25T12:00:16Z Rachael and Matt are giving their relationship another go, but the two have decided to keep their personal lives off of social media. Neither has posted any photos of videos of the other on their accounts or their Instagram Stories. Interestingly, they have both posted photos and videos from the same locations, and many fans have been quick to notice Matts shirt or Rachaels shoe in some photos, but the two havent so much as tagged one another in any posts. Regardless, the two seem to be in a really good spot. There were rough patches in our relationship [and] we actually broke up for a moment. Were back together [now]. Everything weve been through, everything shes been through, shes stuck right by my side. Shes continued to have a positive attitude. Its one of the many things I love about her, Matt said during an appearance on The Pomp podcast earlier this week. Rachael May Be Thinking About Moving to New York City to Be Near Matt Rachael and Matt have been spending time together in New York City where Matt calls home and in Miami, over the past few weeks. However, Rachael still lives in Georgia, and fans are wondering if she will end up moving to the Big Apple to be closer to her man. Matt and Rachael are in a really good place right now and are getting serious. They are inseparable and talk all day, every day. They have been making many plans to see each other so not a huge chunk of time passes before their next visit, a source told E! News. They have discussed Rachael moving to New York City to be closer to Matt and she has always loved the city, so it would work out well. They are both taking it slow, but have talked about moving in together. It is an option they are considering, but waiting to see how the next couple of months progress, the source added. READ NEXT: Matt James Reveals When He Knew That Rachael Kirkconnell Was the One	https://heavy.com/entertainment/the-bachelor/rachael-kirkconnell-delete-instagram/
Is now the time to press Hamas to free the captives from Gaza?	It is my responsibility as a mother to do this, and it is my human right, she told The Jerusalem Post this week, as her voice broke slightly. Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed by Hamas on August 1, 2014, at age 23, while serving in the IDF during that summers Gaza war, but his body is believed held by Hamas. He was killed two hours into a brief US-brokered truce that had been erroneously expected to halt hostilities. Almost seven years later, Leah Goldin, a computer scientist and the mother of three other children, sees a renewed opportunity to bring him home, given that truce talks are still ongoing. At issue are the conditions under which calm between Israel and Gaza can be maintained in the aftermath of the 11-day IDF-Hamas war, which ended on May 21. There has even been talk of a more formal Egyptian-brokered understanding, with US backing, something that has been impossible to achieve in more than a decade of conflict. Goldin is pushing for her sons fate to be part of those talks, which could be the most significant ones to be held since the end of the 2014 Gaza war, known as Operation Protective Edge. The opportunity is still here. After the war and when the fire stops, that is the moment when negotiations start, Goldin said, and those talks open new options after many years with scant hope for a breakthrough. cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: '36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b' }).render('4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6'); }); if(window.location.pathname.indexOf("656089") != -1){console.log("hedva connatix");document.getElementsByClassName("divConnatix")[0].style.display ="none";} The timing is right. It should be put on the agenda, she said. Goldin could not help but note the similarity between the time that her son was killed in 2014 and this last war, known as Operation Guardian of the Walls. We have the same leadership that we had in 2014 when my son was killed and abducted two hours after a ceasefire was declared, Goldin said. Then as now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the country. Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz was at the time the IDF chief of staff. Current IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi was then head of Military Intelligence, and US President Joe Biden was then the vice president. The United States in particular, she said, has a special responsibility here, and as such she has already sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in the region Since that [2014] ceasefire was brokered by the United States, they should bear the responsibility of his return. Hadar is the victim of a ceasefire, rather than a victim of a war, Goldin said. The Goldin family is not the only one with a captive in Gaza. Hamas is also believed to be holding the body of St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul, killed at age 19 during the 2014 Gaza war. In addition, it is presumed to be holding two Israeli citizens who wandered into Gaza after the war and are believed to be alive, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. Over the last seven years the Goldin family and representatives of the other captives have traveled to the United Nations, the European Union and the White House to meet with top dignitaries. They have held rallies and press events in Israel, but have met with little success. At issue in particular has been the informal nature of the calm, in which humanitarian aid was traded for the absence of violence, with the idea that any more substantive issues such as the hostage release must be done at the tail end of the process, not at the start. For us its obvious that before even thinking of establishing a new ceasefire, the first thing to do is to rectify the unjustice of the previous one, Goldin said. The release of the captive should be a very public and very loud condition, she added. Hadars kidnapping is a violation of laws of war, violating the ceasefire agreement, and since then Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are in a standing violation of humanitarian law, she said. It is also a violation to hold helpless people captive and to refuse to return missing persons, she added. The US knows how to secure the release of hostages. It did so with enemy countries such as Iran and North Korea, so it should be able to do it here as well, Golden said. In addition, according to Resolution 2474, UN member states are responsible for ensuring the return of missing persons when conflict ceases, she said. All those countries who are now prepared to send humanitarian assistance to Gaza, also have a responsibility to weigh in, she said . BRIG.-GEN. (ret.) Shlomo Brom, who is a senior researcher at Tel Aviv Universitys Institute for National Security Studies, told the Post that he believes there is an opportunity now for a more formal ceasefire with Gaza, and that it could include the captives. Such a possibility, he said, is contingent on the scale of the damage the IDF caused to Hamas and whether it was extensive enough to act as a deterrent against further violence, Brom said. Large-scale aid packages will also play a factor, he said. Then there is the issue of how much each side is willing to give, but there is certainly a moment here that could be seized, and that moment could and should include the return of the captives, he said. US involvement is of particular importance, he said, because it has a lot of leverage. He spoke, however, as the possibility of formal ceasefire talks were still in its infancy and the possibility of renewed conflict or even an informal understanding still remained. Even if talks were to push forward, the lack of relations between Israel and Hamas and the substantive issues between them would make it difficult to conclude a deal. LEAH GOLDIN said that the battle for her son and the captives has been a very prolonged one. Seven years is very long with many days, Goldin said. Her story, unfortunately, she said, is akin to that of mothers throughout the world who are waiting for the return of their children. This is not my personal problem. I am representing many mothers around the world, Goldin said. This includes mothers who are Jewish, Christian or Muslim who all feel the same pain. In the past weeks, however, she has felt a renewed sense of hope and believed that suddenly the stars are aligned to bring Hadar home.	https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/is-now-the-time-to-press-hamas-to-free-the-captives-from-gaza-669421
Is Chris Paul playing tonight against the LA Lakers in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs?	Phoenix Suns fans will be hoping for Chris Pauls availability in game 3 of their NBA playoff series against the LA Lakers. Paul sustained a shoulder injury early in the second quarter in game 1. Paul tried to challenge LeBron James for the ball near the paint but landed awkwardly, clutching his shoulder. He played the rest of the game in pain and was visibly affected during game 2 as well. Chris Paul was shaken up after this play and headed to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/qvr79pSG1J SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 23, 2021 In this article, we look at whether Chris Paul will be available to play against the LA Lakers in game 3 of the playoff series. Paul has been listed as injured for game 3 against the LA Lakers, but is expected to feature. Paul was in pain in game 2 as well, and could only manage 23 minutes. He converted 2 of his 5 2-pointers and finished with 6 points. The LA Lakers ended up posting a comfortable victory but would have been in trouble if they were up against a fully-fit Paul. The Suns are listing Chris Paul on their injury report for Game 3 after not doing so for Game 2. They are only describing his injury as a shoulder contusion. The Lakers, meanwhile, say they have no injuries to report. We Believe Faigen (@hmfaigen) May 27, 2021 After game 2, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams said the following about Pauls fitness: We're hopeful that it'll get better over the next 48 hours." Paul had been allowed to play in game 1 after the injury as the medical staff had apparently told Williams that he cannot hurt his shoulder any worse. The point-guard had apparently haerd a crack while going down. The Phoenix Suns have been tight-lipped about Chris Pauls injury status, but Chris Paul is expected to take part in the crucial game 3 of the series. Paul has traditionally had bad luck with injuries, especially towards the playoffs. Most famously, he suffered a hamstring injury in game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors. The Houston Rockets lost both games in his absence and squandered a 3-2 lead to get knocked out. Chris Paul is an integral part of the Phoenix Suns' lineup. Regardless, the Phoenix Suns are still very much in contention and will be hoping that Chris Paul can play an important role in the upcoming matches. In game 2, Devin Booker produced a spirited performance despite going at just over 41% from the field and top-scored for the Suns.	https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/is-chris-paul-playing-tonight-la-lakers-game-3-2021-nba-playoffs
Who has the most steals in NBA history?	The NBA has seen some accomplished defenders take up the court, ranging from yesteryear greats like Hakeem Olajuwon to modern legends like Chris Paul. Both of these players feature in the top-10 list for the most steals in NBA history, which is predominantly dominated by forwards and guards. John Stockton Utah Jazz and NBA legend John Stockton leads the NBA in steals, with 3265 steals to his name. He is the leader by some margin, as Jason Kidd, who is second on the list, has 2684 steals. Michael Jordan (2514), Gary Payton (2445) and Chris Paul (2332) round up the top-five. Paul is the only active player on the list and probably the only one with an outside chance of surpassing Payton on the list. Paul is currently 36-years-old, and is locked in a first-round playoff battle with the LA Lakers and LeBron James, who is 13th in the steals category. John Stockton played for the Utah Jazz for 19 seasons, earning 10-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA and 5-time All-Defensive team honors. He led the league in steals twice, in the 1988-89 season and the 1991-92 season. Stockton was the assist champion in a whopping 9 NBA campaigns, setting the goal standard for point guard play for years to follow. Also Read: LA Clippers or LA Lakers - Which team has the higher chance of getting knocked out in Round 1 \| NBA Playoffs 2021 However, Stockton could never lift the elusive Larry O'Brien trophy, as he was denied by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. John Stockton, along with his partner-in-crime power forward Karl Malone, led the Utah Jazz to consecutive NBA finals in 1997 and 1998. However, they ultimately fell short as the Bulls won their 5th and 6th championships. Stockton eventually ended his career with the Utah Jazz at the end of the 2002-2003 season, becoming one of the few star players to have played for a single franchise throughout his playing stint. He averaged a scintillating stat line of 13 points, 10.5 assists and 2.2 steals on 51.5% shooting from the field. Also Read: 3 things Miami Heat need to do to make a comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks \| NBA Playoffs 2021	https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-who-steals-nba-history
What Gets Lost If I Don't Pass On My Mother's Language To My Children?	When I tell people my mother is from Japan, Im usually asked, Do you speak Japanese? I say yes. Yet the swell of pride Ive always felt about my bilingualism is tempered these days by a common follow-up, Do your kids speak it? This question lays bare my shame of not passing down to my three daughters a vital part of my identity, of letting my mother down. It also pokes at a more ominous worry: that I no longer speak Japanese well enough to teach them. Growing up, my relationship with my mother was inseparable from Friday night fights over homework for hoshuko, Saturday Japanese school for native speakers. Many of my classmates were only in the U.S. for a few years; together we studied literature, writing, and math using the textbooks from the standardized public school curriculum in Japan. Every summer until high school, my mother and I flew to Tokyo and took over the tatami-matted sitting room of the house she grew up in. For two, rainy, humid months I spoke little English, watched samurai dramas and local news with my grandparents whose TV was always on, and wandered upstairs where my aunt lived to watch her cook or play with her cats. As an only child like my father, these visits to Japan were my only experience of being surrounded by extended family. I relished time spent with my mother (who took summers off but worked full time otherwise), her two sisters, my two cousins who are a decade older than me, and my grandparents. It was, mostly, a world of women. I loved hearing their stories, and falling asleep to the sound of laughter as my mother and her sister stayed up late to catch up on a years worth of togetherness. Each of my daughters births was, I know, the first of their myriad separations from me. Summer defining her own racial identity is a severing in the best of ways. Its taken me a long time to articulate this question. My multiraciality has caused me to wonder whether Im Asian enough. Japanese enough. Enough. At hoshuko I wasnt up on the latest J-Pop stars and Tokyo trends and sat alone with my best friend, who also has a Japanese mother and white American father, to eat lunch. In high school and college I rarely participated in Asian affinity spaces, feeling like an imposter there as well. It wasnt until graduate school that I had the option of joining a multiracial affinity group. Listening to my classmates' stories, I saw so much of myself reflected back. I finally felt the power of such groups that Id seen many of many of my friends of color experience for years. This broke something open for me and empowered me to connect with the Asian affinity group too. The author and her eldest and youngest daughters. Anri Wheeler My eldest daughter, Summer, started middle school this year. Her new school has multiple affinity groups, including a multiracial one. I was excited at the potential for her, at age 10, to experience something I didnt until my mid-30s. She chose to join AsIAm, the group focused on the East and Southeast Asian experience. Its astonishing. Watching my girls learn piano and violin and play soccer all things Ive never done did not come close to preparing me for the impact of learning that Summer made this choice. Each of my daughters births was, I know, the first of their myriad separations from me. Summer defining her own racial identity is a severing in the best of ways. Ive stopped using the modifier half- as I dont like to imagine myself with a line bisecting certain parts of who I am. I am Japanese. I am Asian. At the same time, my Japanese language skills are receding. Imperceptibly, the way the sea laps its way out at low tide. I grasp for words my teenage self would have known. My sentences trail off. My mother, who has lived in the U.S. for two thirds of her life now, is fluent in English. But its not our language together. Im terrified that I, like Benjamin Button, am getting younger and younger in the textures of my mother tongue. My daughters want to learn Japanese. We tried the hoshuko near us that offers a separate program for non-native speakers. Weve had a tutor come to our house. Neither led to much success. Each time my partner suggests that I should just teach them, I reply its just not my emotional language. But it once was. Cue my shame in weakening their link not only to my mother, but to our family in Tokyo, who speak no English. Cue my fears about the implications for my own bonds with these women. I am passing down, just as they continue their work of pulling away. Language does not equal legacy. When my mother got her first iPhone some years ago we started texting, mostly in Japanese. Shes learned OMG and has a deep bench of cat memes that delight my girls. My fading kanji is bolstered by an app that lets me look up their strokes. Were equally fluent in emoji. I channel my fear that she will face violence on the streets of NYC, where I grew up and my parents still live, into my work in equity and inclusion. I co-developed a workshop on the history of anti-Asian racism and AAPI activism that Ive facilitated for the school my younger girls attend and other institutions where I volunteer. Unbeknownst to me, Summer was doing the same. She and some friends from AsIAm put together a presentation on AAPI activists. Earlier this month, as she Zoomed into school, I heard her utter several familiar names Yuri Kochiyama, Helen Zia. I stopped to listen in and realized that I was witnessing her portion of the presentation, given during middle school assembly. It hit me that my girls are Japanese like me: Proud, unbound by fractions they are no more quarter than I am half or language skills. I am passing down, just as they continue their work of pulling away. Language does not equal legacy. My girls and I will always be a continuation of the line of outspoken women born in Tokyo, including my mother the only one who left, whos been forging her own path ever since.	https://www.romper.com/parenting/passing-japanese-language-daughters
Are Vaccines Safe for Adults and Children?	A new study in the journal Vaccine updates a vaccine safety review released by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2014 by meta analysing the results of 338 studies of common disease vaccines approved by Food and Drug Administration for children, adults and pregnant women. "These findings support decisions to vaccinate to protect ourselves and our communities from a variety of diseases," said Dr. Courtney Gidengil, the study's lead author and a senior physician policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization. This vaccine safety study reviews key adverse events of relevant vaccine with the help of vaccine experts reveals measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is associated with low risk of febrile seizures and no evidence of risk in 9-valent HPV vaccine, serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, hepatitis B vaccine and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for pregnant women. Surveillance of vaccine safety to identify rare and serious adverse events. In this era of COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine safety research expands the landscape of new vaccines and vaccine technologies in the future. Source: Eurekalert Even the adverse events associated with vaccines are rare and can be caused by other factors, population-based vaccine safety studies and post-marketing surveillance of vaccine safety licensed by the FDA are important to identify rare and serious adverse events.In this era of COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine safety research expands the landscape of new vaccines and vaccine technologies in the future.Source: Eurekalert This vaccine safety study reviewsreveals measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is associated with low risk of febrile seizures and no evidence of risk in 9-valent HPV vaccine, serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, hepatitis B vaccine and tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for pregnant women. Recommended Reading Vaccination for Children Vaccines are biological products that impart immunity to the recipient. Vaccines may be live attenuated, killed or toxoids. READ MORE Personalized Cancer Vaccines Could Soon be a Reality Personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines can now be specifically targeted to the immune system using a novel delivery system. This produces a robust immune response that attacks the cancer cells. READ MORE New Antibody Targeted by HIV Vaccines Newly identified antibodies were found to be effective in neutralizing the HIV virus. READ MORE COVID-19 Variant Struggle Against Vaccines Coronavirus variant B.1.617.2 dominating in India causing severe symptomatic infection surrenders with two doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine, reveals the UK study. READ MORE	https://www.medindia.net/news/are-vaccines-safe-for-adults-and-children-201422-1.htm
What did Lamar Jackson say about his contract situation with the Baltimore Ravens?	Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson wants to play for the franchise that drafted him for life. Jackson, whose rookie contract expires after next season, made his feelings clear when talking to reporters on Wednesday. "I would love to be here forever," Jackson said. "I love Baltimore, I love the whole organization, I love everybody in the building. Hopefully, we'll be making something happen pretty soon." Baltimore recently exercised their fifth-year option on their starting quarterback and Jackson said hes already spoken with Ravens GM Eric De Costa about a new contract. Lamar Jackson is focusing on the season ahead While a new long-term deal should be a formality between the two parties, Jackson said he was focused on the upcoming NFL season. "I'm really focused on the season," Jackson said. "I'm focused on trying to win. I'm not really ready about if it (will) get done this year or next year." The Ravens drafted the play-caller with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Lamar Jackson went on to win the league MVP award in 2019 and has dominated the AFC during the regular season. He has led the Ravens to the postseason in each of the past three seasons but has yet to propel them to a Super Bowl appearance. When asked about his goals for the upcoming NFL season, Lamar Jackson said: "Lead by example. I'm gonna try and be more of a vocal leader. I always say that, but I gotta start presenting it how I should. Guys want me to sometimes. Just lead by example, work hard. We're not trying to make mistakes and if we do make a mistake we're going to repeat it until it's right. We're trying to perfect our craft. We're trying to be perfect out there even though some things are not gonna be perfect but we're trying to make it happen." Ravens play-maker Lamar Jackson is also excited by the offseason acquisitions of new wide receivers, NFL veteran Sammy Watkins and rookie Rashod Bateman. "I feel great about the moves. We got a lot of young guys, we've got some vets in the O-line." Ravens' new playmakers excite Lamar Jackson and Hollywood Brown. : https://t.co/mJ86oMivYL pic.twitter.com/L4S7SqYpfy Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 27, 2021	https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-what-lamar-jackson-say-contract-situation-baltimore-ravens
What should I feed my working dog?	sponsored Published: 3:05 PM May 17, 2021 Updated: 6:51 PM May 25, 2021 Active working dogs have specific nutritional needs; here, Chudleys advises on what to feed your working dog to ensure those needs are met What you feed your dog is largely dependent on their workload - Credit: Archant Whether your dog is in a working role or takes part in sporting activities, youll know how unique their lifestyle needs are when it comes to exercise and stimulation. But highly active dogs also have specific nutritional needs to ensure top-notch performance, health and wellbeing. We speak to James Ireland from Chudleys, who offers his expert advice on what you should be feeding your working dog. To cater for a highly active lifestyle, working dogs (including hunting, farming, and gundogs) benefit from diets that contain more calories and slow-release energy sources than normal pet food. This includes food that is high in protein and fats, which helps to support a demanding day of work and sport. To ensure your working dog is performing to its best ability, youll need to provide the right levels of feed to achieve a nutritional balance. Our packaging details simple feeding guidelines you can follow, but otherwise you can contact our customer care team who can support you with feeding options, or you can discuss it with your vet. This is very much dependent on your dogs workload, as this will dictate what is required for feeding. For example, dogs enduring a lower workload or undertaking a period of rest should be fed a special maintenance diet which aids recovery and is low in fat to prevent weight gain. Dogs with a higher workload need increased protein and high-fat inclusion to promote muscle recovery, strength and stamina. Bear in mind dogs can be fussy, so the diet will also be largely dependent on whether they take to the food. Look for a diet with a quality protein source such a poultry, lamb or fish with a decent level of good stuff provided by vegetables and herbs. The Chudleys range caters for all requirements of a working dog, so I would recommend taking a look to see what would be most suitable. I cannot speak for the other brands, but I would suggest seeking a feed that meets the energy requirements of your dog(s). I can say that Chudleys offers a range of premium diets for working dogs packed with natural antioxidants and beneficial inclusions to fuel them up and keep them fit and healthy. Chudleys also offer age-specific products ranging from Puppy/Junior to Senior, as well as food for sensitive diets and breeds such as greyhounds. Some dogs are naturally allergenic and suffer skin sensitivities, with others developing gastrointestinal problems later in life. Changing to a feed that omits common ingredients associated with digestive upset can help to enhance wellbeing and nutrient uptake. If youre after a hypoallergenic diet then I would recommend Chudleys Lamb Sensitive as its free from wheat-gluten, soya, egg, and includes high-quality fibre, prebiotics and herbs to aid digestion. Puppies need specific food to support their development so they can reach their full potential. Most working dogs start their training from a young age and need high-energy feed packed with proteins, fats and carbohydrates to encourage healthy growth and improve endurance. Chudleys Puppy/Junior feed has been specially formulated to provide moderate energy levels and contains key nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids to boost learning and musculoskeletal development. To browse a full range of working dog food, go to chudleys.com	https://www.sportingshooter.co.uk/gundogs/what-to-feed-an-active-working-dog-8003760
What are Psychic-types weak against in Pokemon GO?	Knowing a Pokemons strengths and weaknesses is a key part of battling and raiding in Pokemon GO. To do the most damage, it is important to know what types are strong against the opponent. While Psychic-type Pokemon are among some of the strongest, their powers can only be fully utilized if the trainer understands what is effective and what is not when battling against one. However, psychic Pokemon do have their advantages, and they use their mental powers to destroy the challenger, which makes them strong opponents during battles. Additionally, if a trainer is in the process of completing the research task in Pokemon GO to catch the rare and most notorious Psychic-type Pokemon Mewtwo, knowing its weaknesses is key to being successful. Psychic-type Weakness in Pokemon GO Psychic-type Pokemon are weak against three things, Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type Pokemon. Therefore, if the player are going into a battle against the Team Rocket leaders in Pokemon GO, then they might have had to defeat Gardevoir. Image via Niantic The best counters to this hard-to-beat Pokemon (and other Psychic-types) are Mega Gengar, Shadow Metagross, Metagross (and other rock types), Mega Beedrill (paralysis), Shadow Mewtwo and Dialga, which have a good defense against psychic moves like Psyshock. Mewtwo's psychic type weaknesses are also well-known and exploitable. However, bug, Dark, or Ghost-types will help take Mewtwo down with relative ease. Genesect is a bug Pokemon that has the strongest moveset against Psychic types in its arsenal. Gengar and Darkrai also have some of the most potent attacks for battling these foes. Psychic-type Pokemon are not effective against Steel-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. So if a trainer is going into battle against Metagross, for example, they are better off leaving any Psychic Pokmon in the Pokedex. Yveltal has made its Pokmon GO debut and is available to challenge in five-star raids! When this Dark- and Flying-type Legendary Pokmons wings and tail feathers are spread wide and glow red, it absorbs the life force of living creatures. pic.twitter.com/jYGyxxQ3iH Pokmon GO (@PokemonGoApp) May 19, 2021 This is particularly important when going into battle against against Yveltal, who has recently become available to beat in Five-star Raids in Pokemon GO. As a Dark-type Pokemon, Psychic-types are almost completely ineffective when encountering Yveltal. All in all, knowing that while psychic pokemon are amongst the strongest of these creatures, like other Pokemon, they have their weaknesses. Knowing which bug-type or dark type Pokemon to choose will help trainers be victorious in battle.	https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/what-psychic-types-weak-pokemon-go
What is the new gamebird release licence and will it affect me?	Published: 2:58 PM May 13, 2021 Updated: 6:26 PM May 25, 2021 The density of common pheasants released within a European site must be no more than 700 birds per hectare of release pen, or less if required by SSSI consent Credit: Ingram Publishing/Getty - Credit: Getty Images/Ingram Publishing In the wake of the announcement on a new interim general licence for gamebird release, we look at who it affects & how to comply with it The intermin gamebird release licence only relates to pheasants and red legged partridge Credit: JMrocek/Getty - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Yesterday (12 May 2021), the government announced plans to introduce an interim licensing system for gamebird release on or within 500m of European Protected Sites in England. European Protected sites are a network of nature protection areas made up of special areas of conservation (SAC), special protection area (SPA), Ramsar wetlands and potential SPA, possible SAC or proposed Ramsar wetlands. The network includes both terrestrial and Marine Protected Areas, with the aim of protecting the survival of Europes most valuable species and habitats. This new interim licensing scheme will only affect those releasing pheasants and red legged partridges on or within 500m of one of these sites. Use the GWCTs tool here to check if your shoot will be affected. The scheme comes into force from May 31st 2021 and is valid until May 30th 2022. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are dotted around the country. The new interim licence, GL43, relates to the release of common pheasants and red legged partridges on or within 500m of European Protected Sites. It takes the form of a General Licence (i.e. you do not need to apply for it, but you must follow the conditions while using it). However, please note: This licence does not provide consent for operations requiring Natural Englands consent as listed on a notification of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Anyone relying on the general licence to release birds must have or obtain an SSSI consent from Natural England before releasing common pheasants or red-legged partridges within a European site. They must follow the terms and conditions of that consent. Many SSSIs are also designated as European sites whether as Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas - so be sure to check if you require this additional consent. In order to legally use the new general licence, you must meet and follow the below three conditions. (Please note that these are paraphrased and you must read the full licence conditions yourself and ensure you adhere to them in order to use it lawfully): 1) Releasing within European sites The density of common pheasants released within a European site must be no more than 700 birds per hectare of release pen, or lower if required by a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) consent. The density of red-legged partridges released within a European site must be no more than 700 birds per hectare of land they inhabit, or lower if required by a SSSI consent. Any release, including single or trickle releases, must not exceed this limit. You must site red-legged partridge release pens in cover crops[footnote 7] on arable land or on improved grassland within a European site. You must not site them in semi-natural or unimproved habitats[footnote 8]. The density of common pheasants released within the 500m buffer zone of a European site must be no more than 1,000 birds per hectare of release pen. Any release, including single or trickle releases, must not exceed this limit. Credit: Ingram Publishing/Getty - Credit: Getty Images/Ingram Publishing 2) Release of gamebirds within the 500m buffer zone of a European site boundary The density of common pheasants released within the 500m buffer zone of a European site must be no more than 1,000 birds per hectare of release pen. Any release, including single or trickle releases, must not exceed this limit. The density of red-legged partridges released within the 500m buffer zone of a European site must be no more than 1,000 birds per hectare of land they inhabit. Any release, including single or trickle releases, must not exceed this limit. Any activity in the buffer zone must not encourage the released birds to inhabit or occupy an adjacent European site. This includes where you place pens and feed birds. The licence will only affect you if you release on or within a 500m buffer zone of the boundary of a European protected site Credit: paddythegolfer/Getty - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto 3) Report release activity If you, as the authorised person, are releasing 50 or more gamebirds within a European site or its buffer zone, you must provide the: * total number and species of gamebird released within a European site * total number and species of gamebird released within the 500m buffer zone * gamebird density (birds per hectare) * location of release site (6-figure grid reference) You must also provide details of the SSSI consent under which the release activity is operating if you are releasing these gamebirds within a European site. This data must be provided within one month of release, and an online form will become available as of May 31st 2021. One condition of the new gamebird licence relates to release densities Credit: JAH/Getty - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto An authorised person, for the purposes of this licence, is the owner or occupier of the site on which the release of common pheasants or red-legged partridges will be carried out, or any person authorised by the owner or occupier of that site. So, as a gamekeeper, if you are authorised by the landowner to carry out this work, you count as an authorised person. Comment from our rural organisations Glynn Evans of BASC stated in a press release detailing the development that: The general licence approach adopted by the government will allow gamebird release and shooting to continue under a set of conditions. These will be linked to the Code of Good Shooting Practice and other best practice guidelines. We reinforce our view that this legislation is unnecessarily bureaucratic and disproportionate, especially compared to other activities continuing to take place. However, the move is a significant dilution from the proposals of those who wish to see shooting restricted in these areas. This announcement does not mark the end of gamebird release or shooting in these areas. The legislation includes a four year sunset clause, allowing time for Natural England to undertake the necessary assessments to ensure shooting is clear to continue without the requirement of a licensing scheme. We will now review the announcement in detail and will continue to keep members up-to-date as the full legislation is published. Keep an eye on the BASC website for that! Dr Roger Draycott, Director of Advisory at GWCT commented in their coverage of the news: We have previously questioned the scientific rationale and need for a buffer extending to 500m but we are pleased to see that the key conditions relating to pheasant releasing densities are based on GWCTs science based sustainable gamebird releasing guidelines and that the other conditions are workable. Defra have clearly carefully considered the feedback from GWCT and other stakeholders during the consultation period earlier this year. We urge all shoots, whether in protected sites or not to follow the GWCTs sustainable releasing guidelines which, alongside the GWCTs Principles of sustainable gamebird management helps ensure they deliver a net biodiversity gain. We will be reviewing the licence conditions in more detail and we will provide further updates to shoot managers. Liam Bell, Chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation, said: News that gamebird releasing can continue on or near protected sites according to best practice guidelines, is a good result for the sector. We will be seeking reassurances from Defra and Natural England over data confidentiality in relation to the reporting requirements. We will also be pushing for a much more effective and prompt Individual licensing regime for those who cannot operate under the General Licence conditions. We will continue to update members when we have reviewed the licence conditions.	https://www.sportingshooter.co.uk/news/overview-of-new-gamebird-release-licence-8002838
Does car insurance protect against theft?	The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported 873,080 cars stolen nationwide in 2020, a 9.2% increase from 2019. There are several steps you can take to prevent car theft and shield yourself financially in the aftermath of theft. One crucial way to protect yourself if your car gets stolen is to purchase the right car insurance policy. With comprehensive insurance, you can rest assured knowing your vehicle will be repaired or replaced if an auto theft occurs. Heres a quick guide to car insurance and vehicle theft if your car has been stolen. And if you're in the market for a more comprehensive car insurance policy, you can compare quotes for free on Credible's marketplace. There is only one type of auto insurance that will pay to replace your vehicle if its stolen or repair it after a break-in: comprehensive car insurance. Comprehensive coverage pays out when your car is damaged by something other than a collision with another vehicle, like a fallen limb, deer or car thief. Most states require you to carry bodily injury and property damage coverage, with others requiring more forms of coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers theft, but is usually optional and can easily be added to your policy. Variables like your cars make and model and your location and driving record affect your rates. The deductible, which is what you pay out of pocket before the policy kicks in, also impacts the cost. This coverage makes sense if your car is 10-years-old or newer and in good condition. Otherwise, it may not always be worth the cost. Visit Credible to explore your options and determine if comprehensive car insurance is right for you. If you have comprehensive insurance, you can count on the insurance company to repair or replace your car. Here are a few of the specifics covered by a comprehensive policy: Stolen vehicle replacement: If you report your stolen vehicle to the police and file a claim, you should receive the replacement value of the car, minus the deductible. If you report your stolen vehicle to the police and file a claim, you should receive the replacement value of the car, minus the deductible. Car parts: if your car was robbed for parts, your comprehensive policy will pay up to the coverage limit to replace them, minus the deductible. This usually includes items like the catalytic converter and airbags. if your car was robbed for parts, your comprehensive policy will pay up to the coverage limit to replace them, minus the deductible. This usually includes items like the catalytic converter and airbags. Repair: If thieves damage your car while breaking in, you can expect your comprehensive policy to cover repairs. On the other hand, a comprehensive policy will not cover the following: Custom parts: Parts that were added to your car aftermarket, like custom sound systems, are not usually covered. Parts that were added to your car aftermarket, like custom sound systems, are not usually covered. Rental car: Rental or other reimbursements for transportation can be added to your car insurance policy, but it is not included under comprehensive insurance. Rental or other reimbursements for transportation can be added to your car insurance policy, but it is not included under comprehensive insurance. Personal property: Personal items lost or damaged in your vehicle are not covered by comprehensive coverage. Instead, youll need renters or homeowners insurance. Visit Credible's marketplace to explore your home insurance options. TIPS ON NEGOTIATING WITH YOUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER AN INCIDENT How to avoid car theft Comprehensive coverage is a lifesaver if your car is broken into or stolen, but there are also strategies for avoiding car theft altogether. Here are a few top pointers to follow: Lock up: Your car doors should always be locked, whether youre driving or not. When youre parked, dont leave the car running or leave the keys inside. Hide your stuff: Dont leave valuable items in a visible spot in your car as they could draw in car thieves. Keep your title elsewhere: Your car title should never be stored in your car, as a thief could use it to keep or sell your stolen car. Stay aware: Avoid dangerous areas when possible and be aware of your surroundings at all times, parking in well-lit areas and keeping your windows rolled up. Use an anti-theft device: Car alarms, devices that send data to the police, and steering wheel locking mechanisms can all help you protect your vehicle from thieves. Sometimes having an anti-theft device installed can earn you a discount. Head over to Credible who has partners to give you a free quote. It only takes two minutes. Protect yourself from car theft Car theft occurs all too often, but with the tips above, you can add some level of protection to your vehicle. While beefing up your cars security features is an effective way to make it safer, comprehensive auto insurance provides the most foolproof protection. For a reasonable rate, you should be able to add comprehensive coverage to your policy. If youre interested in adding or changing your comprehensive coverage, you should consider more than one provider. You can compare quotes across multiple auto insurance companies on Credible. Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.	https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/does-car-insurance-protect-against-theft
Is a springer or gas-ram air rifle best for HFT?	Published: 7:00 AM May 20, 2021 Updated: 6:54 PM May 25, 2021 Gary Chillingworth offers a wealth of information on getting into HFT on a bit of a budget, and on the merits of springers and gas-rams This is good accuracy from a recoiling rifle - Credit: Archant In the week, I had an email from a reader: Hello Gary, I own a great Gamo Phox PCP which I love. I want to get into HFT, but I cant afford a high-end rifle, so I was thinking of shooting in the Recoiling class. Now, this is a great question, and it has been asked quite a lot over the years, so before we get into it, lets look at a few things first. The Gamp Phox is actually a great package, and for under 500 you get a gun, a bag, a basic scope and a pump, so this will certainly get you started in HFT, but, I wont lie to you and say that you could take a Phox and compete against a 2,500 Steyr, BSA Goldstar or an Air Arms HFT500 on the national circuit. Yes, a top shooter with a Phox will probably outshoot a beginner with a high-end rifle, but things like match-grade barrels, and match triggers help; adjustable butt pads, hamsters and cheek pieces are important, and if you want to compete at the highest level, you do need a quality rifle and scope. You dont need to spend a fortune, though. Rifles like the BSA Goldstar, the Air Arms HFT500 or the Weirauch HW100 are all great rifles for under 1000, and when it comes to scopes, you dont need a 2000 March. Scopes like the Optisan CP 10 x 32 are world class, and cost just a few hundred pounds. There is also a vibrant second-hand market, and shops like the AirGun Centre in Rayleigh have a great selection, and rifles like the Air Arms MPR or Daystate Griffin make great second-hand purchases and will easily compete against the best the Austrians have to offer. The Phox is a great value rifle and a must for beginners - Credit: Archant However, if you want to shoot competitively on a budget, spring guns are certainly a way to go. This is because a high-end springer is similar in cost to a budget PCP, so for this test I will look at a few of my favourite rifles. The HW98 is a well balanced ans supremely accurate rifle - Credit: Archant SPRINGERS First, we have a break-barrel springer and for me, it has to be the HW98 from Weihrauch; secondly, a gas-ram, and that will be a Theoben Evolution in .22. I chose these guns because the HW98 is a rifle that I own and love, and the Theoben belongs to a friend and it was accessible. The Theoben comes with a great reputation and pedigree and its a rifle that I would like to own. There are certainly many other great break-barrel rifles out there, and guns like the Walther LGV are every bit as good as the HW98, and Gamo are making some great gas-rams like the Whisper Swarm, but for this test, I am sticking to rifles that I know and have shot in the past. This way, I can give you an honest opinion and the information will be based on ownership and practice. Okay, lets start with the HW98:The 98 is one of my favourite rifles and its not just because of the look of the thing. It has a bull barrel and a sleek design, and unlike many other springers in its class, it has an adjustable cheek piece and butt pad as standard a must for HFT, in my opinion. When you hold the HW98 in your hands, you will notice that its very front heavy, and when you are shooting a standing target, this can help you get great stability, but if you prefer a neutral gun, it is very easy to add some weight at the back of the rifle in between the stock and the adjustable cheek piece to balance it. The HW98 also has one of the best out of the box triggers on the market. It can be adjusted to give a very positive first and second stage and with a bit of tweaking, you can get it to be quite light, as well. The Evolution and the HW98 are two of the most beautiful rifles ever made - Credit: Archant GREAT RIFLE The in trigger safety is a wonderful addition to the Theoben - Credit: Archant My HW98 is a great rifle and for a break-barrel its very accurate. At 45 yards I can get a 10-shot group around the size of a 20p piece. However, this is larger than my TX200HC, which is sub-5p size at 45 yards, so this might answer the break-barrel v under-lever question. This level of accuracy is down to the trigger and the weight of the barrel. Most spring guns want to flip upward and this is why under-levers like the HW97 and TX200 do so well. Under-lever rifles have a large cocking lever hanging below the barrel, which is essentially a weight and helps to prevent the rifle from flipping. Luckily, unlike other break-barrel springers, the HW98 has a heavy barrel, and this works in almost the same way, as a lever to help prevent flip. The HW98 also has great internals that can be tuned very easily, and a quality stock and finishing. Add this to Weihrauchs legendary reliability and quality and it should certainly be on anyones list. I would also look at the HW97 because this is also a great Weihrauch under-lever rifle. Stippling not checkering is a great aid to grip and aesthetics - Credit: Archant GAS-RAMS For those of you who dont know what a gas-ram is, its essentially a sealed unit that is filled with nitrogen gas. When you cock the rifle, this inert gas is put under pressure and when the gun is fired, the pressure is released and that pushes a piston forward to force air down the barrel, which expels the pellet. A great demonstration of this principle is to take a bicycle pump, place your thumb over the air outlet, push the pump down placing the air under pressure and when you let go, the pumps handle will fly up thats essentially a gas-ram. An adjustable cheep piece on a Springer is a must have - Credit: Archant This system was developed by Dave Theobold and Ben Taylor, and between them they started the legendary company Theoben (Theo Ben). One of the best gas-rams ever to hit the market was the Evolution, and this superb rifle has developed a reputation for being reliable, accurate and easy to shoot its such a shame that it is no longer built. I have borrowed this Evo from Simon Vant, and with a bit of practice I was hitting 20p-size groups at 45 yards with ease from a prone position. Well, they are super-reliable, accurate, can be lighter than a springer, and have a fast firing cycle (more like a PCP) and this can be a huge advantage. The downsides are; some can be harder to cock, they can be harsh because the firing cycle is so fast, and this takes time to learn. Also if they break, they will stop working completely until the ram is replaced. There is no doubt that gas-rams have their place, but for me, springers are easier to work on. For springers there is a vast array of aftermarket parts available, from springs to pistons, to different lubes and piston seals, and for a tournament shooter, this ability to fettle with your gun is not only fun, but it has also become the way of the springer shooter. Gas-rams are great fun and the Evolution is worth having in the cabinet, but for me, I prefer a well-tuned springer, and if it cant be a TX200HC it will always be an HW98 because they are a stunning rifle. The Evolution is well balanced and makes standers a dream - Credit: Archant The Evolution is well balanced and makes standers a dream - Credit: Archant The Bull barrel on the 98 helps reduce flip - Credit: Archant	https://www.airgunshooting.co.uk/shooting/expert-advice/break-barrels-springer-or-gas-ram-8003892
Is Baltimore's Racist Police Force Responsible for the High Crime Rate?	Police Officer Photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash Based on crime statistics, Baltimore consistently ranks in the top few most dangerous cities in the United States. FBI statistics rate is as the 4th most dangerous city in the United States while the Neighborhood Scout website says its more dangerous than 99% of other cities. Balitmore Crime Statistics Perhaps the most concerning statistic are the number of violent crimes in Baltimore. The number of violent crimes per 1000 people is 18.76. Compare this to the Maryland average of 4.84 and the average across the United States of 4 violent crimes per 1000 people. This means you have a 1 in 53 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Baltimore. Looking at property crime and the rates more than double. The number of property crimes per 1000 people in Baltimore is 43.95. Again this is way more than the Maryland average and the United States average of 19.5 and 21, respectively. Finally, there are 47 crimes per square mile in Baltimore. The United States Department of Justices Civil Rights Division released a report in 2016 that accused the citys Police Department of racial discrimination and excessive force. The report stated that Black people make up 65 percent of Baltimore but are arrested for 91% of discretionary offenses like failure to obey or trespassing. 60 percent of the citys drivers are black, but they account for 82% of all traffic stops. The Justice Department investigation found that police officers regularly violated peoples rights during stops, searches, and seizures and lacked basic training. Based on this report, the city agreed to a consent decree with the federal government. This decree listed a set of policing reforms that a federal judge would enforce. Despite this report and decree, crime continued to jump over the next few years. "I have grown accustomed to scanning the briefs column in The Baltimore Sun in the morning for news of the latest homicides; to taking note of the location of the latest killings as I drive around town for my baseball coaching and volunteering obligations." Last year the organization that oversees the citys behavioral health services said the departments current system was a total failure that needed better integration with the citys mental health professionals. The comment came after the police shot a man last year who pulled out a firearm while experiencing a behavioral crisis. In February, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison announced that the department had implemented a new stops, searches and arrests policy as it works to eliminate unconstitutional interactions with the public and comply with a federal consent decree. Harrison said the new policy provides the foundation for constitutional and effective policing. To be clear, these policies do not handcuff our police officers, Harrison said. Quite the opposite. Our new policies and training guide our officers on how to effectively fight crime while building public trust. Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison It is hoped the policy in conjunction with the 2016 agreement will monitor and improve how officers patrol streets and engage with individuals. There will be additional training provided to police officers. Let's hope that this helps improve the relations between the Baltimore community and the police department and reduces crime. And Baltimore can eventually lose its title as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.	https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2255857955920/is-baltimore-s-racist-police-force-responsible-for-the-high-crime-rate
Whos under the most pressure to win the NBA title this season?	As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to defend their title, many around the league are entering the playoffs under immense pressure In a flash, the NBA regular season has come and gone. With the conclusion of 72 games for each squad, a relatively large number of teams will walk into the playoffs either missing or having a player deal with an injury that kept them out multiple games. Regardless, the NBA playoffs are always a time of immense pressure that makes or breaks a players legacy. When looking back at those regarded as all-time greats, the majority of them have had success when the playoffs come around and it only enhances their legacy. But, if you look at all-time greats who retire with a lot of postseason shortcomings, the argument for them changes a bit. Some players thrive in these pressure-packed situations and others wither away. Although full capacity arenas wont be a factor this year, the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) recent announcement that vaccinated individuals no longer had to socially distance or wear a mask indoors or out could change the amount of fans in the building. Whatever the case may be, this years playoffs are stacked with players and teams in desperate need of the NBA title. Whether its past shortcomings or time running out, The Aggie looks at which players and teams are under the most pressure to take home the championship this year. Shooting Guard James Harden, Brooklyn Nets After Harden forced his way out of Houston back in January, he joined fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. With that much star power on one team, many questioned how the team and first-year head coach Steve Nash would figure out a system to make sure all potential is maximized at all times. But, soon after Harden arrived with the Nets, they rotated injuries among the stars, oftentimes leaving the Nets with a pair of the stars at once. Having played less than 10 games together, the Nets are confident that they can figure it out. A lot of it, however, will come down to Harden and whether he will be able to overcome his playoff demons. After six straight years in Houston without an NBA Finals appearance, Hardens inability to show up in the big moments was on full display on the Rockets as his overall shooting and play declined massively compared to his normal MVP self. This year, he will by far have the most talent on his team than hes ever had, and with the Nets labeled as the frontrunners to win the Eastern Conference, Harden will have a chance at redemption. Playing alongside that level of superstars could decrease the pressure of some stars, making it easier for them to play their natural game without overthinking. How he will respond to not being the main guy in the playoffs anymore remains to be seen, but whats certain is that, after all of the criticism and trouble he caused in Houston, Harden is under loads of pressure to not only perform great these playoffs, but also win the NBA title. Los Angeles Clippers The Clippers franchise history has revolved around failure and falling just short. Having never made it past the second round, the other Los Angeles team had their season ended last year in grand and embarrassing fashion. After going up 3-1 in the second round series against the Nuggets, the Clippers went on to blow three straight double-digit leads and flame out before the Western Conference Finals once again. All the talk that the Clippers had last year after their additions of stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George made the criticism for coming up short that much greater. Making the change at head coach, the Clippers added former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyron Lue to man the helm in Los Angeles. Lue has reshaped this Clippers offense, making it one of the best offenses in NBA history. With their impressive shooting and great acquisitions of role players, they have managed to put themselves on the topic of favorites once again. After last years catastrophe, Leonard and George will have all eyes on them as they lead the Clippers on their run this year. Specifically, George, he has had a great and impressive bounceback year, but it wont matter unless he keeps up that level in the playoffssomething he has been unable to do. Nonetheless, the Clippers as a franchise is under immense pressure to win the NBA championship this year, as coming up short again for a second straight year could bring drastic changes. Both Power Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwuakee Bucks This option could have been the one with the most pressure had Antetokounmpo not signed a contract extension to stay in Milwaukee and was set to become a free agent this summer. Nonetheless, you could make the case that both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are under a lot of pressure this year and it would still be valid. But, Antetokounmpos past two postseason runs have not been what the two-time MVP had expected as he has struggled to get the Bucks back to the NBA Finals. Although his numbers havent been drastically different like other superstars, he has had his fair share of shortcomings as the Bucks best player. His inability to make shots at the perimeter has made it hard for him to get his baskets in a long seven game series where the other team has the time to prepare and strategize for him. While the young MVP does deserve some flack for not being able to get over the hump, some of the blame could also go at his teammates and their inability to make open shots. Since Antetokounmpo generally operates close to the basket, teams often stack the paint and force him to pass it out. This, however, leaves a lot of his teammates with open opportunities that they just havent been able to convert. All of these factors come together to explain why the Bucks enter this years playoffs with a lot of pressure on their backs. With the emergence of the Philadelphia 76ers, the creation of the Brooklyn Nets super team and other teams in the Eastern Conference getting better, the clock is ticking for Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee to win a championship before its too late. Point Guard Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns Speaking of clock is ticking, 36 year old point guard Chris Paul continues to disregard time as he has led his Phoenix Suns near the top of the Western Conference and its first playoff berth in 11 years. Next to young superstar Devin Booker, Paul has been able to stay healthy for the second straight season and continues to wow fans with his fantastic point guard play. Even though his numbers arent jaw dropping, his leadership to this young Suns team has been huge and a big part of why they stand in that position heading into the playoffs. This pressure is different than those previously mentioned. While Paul also had his playoff failures with the Clippers, he has been able to turn it around in recent years. The problem, however, continues to be health. As mentioned, he has been pretty healthy the last two years. But, at 36 years old and yet to win a championship, time is running out to win a championship. This Phoenix team has the potential to make a deep run and could be Pauls best shot at an NBA title since the 2017-18 season with the Houston Rockets. While it is true the Los Angeles Lakers were able to capture their 17th NBA title last October in the bubble, this pressure exists in a grand scheme of things. Like Paul, James is 36 years old and is now playing in his 18th season. Known for his ironman durability, James has suffered injuries that kept him out for an extended period of time for the second time in three seasons. Still, the four-time NBA champion enters this years playoffs healthy and if anyone knows what it takes to win a championship, its him. The reason for the pressure comes from an all-time perspective. A fifth championship ring for James would make his argument against the Greatest of All-Time (GOAT) Michael Jordan even stronger, as he would stand just one away from tying him. At this point in his career, James has defied father time and is still playing at an MVP level even after 18 years in the league. The only thing left for him to do in his career is accumulate and rack up accolades to the point where it would make his GOAT argument impossible to dismiss. Nobody knows how long James has left at this all-time level, but with his team looking to repeat, another championship title with the Lakers could be another thing that could make his legacy even stronger. Written by: Omar Navarro [email protected]	https://theaggie.org/2021/05/21/whos-under-the-most-pressure-to-win-the-nba-title-this-season/
Is American Airlines streaming option better than back-seat entertainment?	American Airlines has unveiled a new feature for its inflight entertainment. The airline will deploy a partnership with Rosetta Stone and Skillshare. With this, American Airlines will become the first American airline to offer distance learning to in-flight passengers. From June 1, the partnership will go live, allowing passengers to learn a new language in flight. The new e-learning option With Rosetta Stone, passengers traveling with American Airlines will be able to access Rosetta Stones bite-size content. The language program will teach passengers the basics of a foreign language, such as how to greet people, order food and numbers. The languages offered are Italian, Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Chinese. With Skillshare, passengers will be able to take advantage of the worlds largest online learning community for creativity. Passengers should bring a journal, sketchbook, or use an inflight services briefcase to explore the writing, illustration, design, photography and creativity classes. Some examples of classes include: Sketchbook illustration: draw a personal and colorful travel map Creative Writing Bootcamp: Start a Whole New Story Everyday Flowers: Simple and Beautiful Arrangements for Any Occasion Home plants: enhance your spirit and space Travel photography: view, photograph and edit Stay informed:Register nowfor our daily and weekly news summaries. How to access the options Passengers can access in-flight entertainment via streaming to a personal device. Once they have joined the AA-Inflight signal, passengers can access the entertainment through the portal at aainflight.com. The new Lifestyle in-flight entertainment channel will also include favorites from existing customers such as Calm, Austin City Limits live music and concerts. Access to this entertainment is free. Passengers can also view music, TV or book offerings available to stream to a personal device. American also equips most of its planes with charging sockets so that passengers can keep their devices charged. Internet access outside of these options is chargeable. For years, passengers and influencers have criticized American Airlines for removing the backrest screens from its aircraft. There have been discussions about ending inflight entertainment and a drastically degraded passenger experience. However, American Airlines appeared to thwart this notion. While American has removed the backrest screens from planes such as the Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s, it has offered passengers free in-flight entertainment through a streaming platform. Passengers arrive on board with more devices than ever, have new ways to access onboard entertainment. American Airlines has doubled its policy. However, Americans in-flight entertainment streaming option is incredibly diverse. From standard movies and TV shows, American has expanded its offering to include eBooks, music through Apple Music, Apple TV +, and now language. Updating from a streaming platform to a seat back platform is usually easier. Plus, American doesnt have to worry about screens that dont work or bear the cost of the added weight of backrest screens. However, there is a matter of convenience. Some passengers simply prefer to use a screen available at each seat. For example, it allows travelers looking to unplug from their own devices and enjoy a few hours in the air. Let us know in the comments! What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos	https://exbulletin.com/entertainment/944334/
Did Paying a Ransom for a Stolen Magritte Painting Inadvertently Fund Terrorism?	In the years since his last brush with Section Art, el-Bakraoui had been busy. About one month after the Magritte heist, hed grabbed a Kalashnikov rifle and robbed a Brussels bank along with two accomplices. Two weeks later, after carjacking an Audi S3, el-Bakraoui was detained by police who found him in a warehouse filled with stolen cars. Somehow, he evaded charges until September 2011, when he was convicted of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and possession of stolen cars and weapons. His prison sentence began around the time Olympia was recovered, and he was paroled, with an electronic monitor, two months before the Van Buuren Museum heist took place. El-Bakraouis believed involvement in the case offered hope for the art crime unit. Because he was already making inquiries about ransoming paintings from the Van Buuren robbery, bringing him in would simply be a matter of securing the insurance companys cooperation. Once again, the insurance underwriter agreed to refer el-Bakraoui to an independent expert who was, in reality, an undercover police officer. But an anonymously sourced article soon appeared in the national press stating that the police had made contact with the suspects in the robbery. This was seen as a warning, according to a member of the investigation: Someone with inside knowledge was sending a message to the art-nappers to let them know that the police were onto them. Following the articles release, el-Bakraoui went dark and once again slipped away. Verhaegen would not hear his name again until March 2016, when it was on the lips of everyone in Belgium. In June 2015, authorities in Gaziantep, Turkey, detained Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, Khalids older brother, on the suspicion that he was planning to enter Syria to fight for the Islamic State. But instead of extraditing him to Belgium, where he would have been incarcerated for violating the terms of his parole, Turkish authorities, at his request, sent him only as far as the Netherlands, and he returned to Brussels on his own. Ibrahim was, like his brother, already associating with men with known terrorist links. In 2010, he had been involved in what the mayor of Brussels then called a run-of-the-mill crime, an attempted robbery of a Western Union. Armed with a Kalashnikov, Ibrahim shot a police officer in the leg before escaping with his colleagues to a home in Laeken. Police caught up with them there the next morning, and el-Bakraoui was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He served less than half of his sentence, during which time his radicalization only accelerated, before being paroled in October 2014. Seven months after his brothers parole, in May 2015, Khalid el-Bakraoui was arrested for meeting with a known criminal, which was a violation of the terms of his own parole. But because he was otherwise in accordance with the conditions of his release, the judge set him free. In August, after he once again violated the terms of his parole, Interpol issued a warrant for his arrest, but he evaded capture by using the alias Ibrahim Maaroufi. In September, he rented an apartment 40 miles south of Brussels, which was used as a safe house by Abdelhamid Abaaoud and other Islamic State militants as they plotted and carried out terror attacks in Paris in November 2015, killing 130 people. Someone with inside knowledge was sending a message to the art-nappers to let them know that the police were onto them. Just four months later, the el-Bakraoui brothers carried out their own terror attacks in Brussels: On the morning of March 22, 2016, Ibrahim blew himself up in the departure hall at Zaventem airport; just over an hour later, Khalid blew himself up while riding inside a train pulling out of Maelbeek station. The explosions killed 32 bystanders. I saw it, Verhaegen says. We have here the same guy. So I made a report for our direction and commander in chief, and their comments were very laconic. Just: Okay, its not proof that they used that money for their terrorist activities. Belgian law enforcement were widely criticized for allowing the el-Bakraoui brothers to evade detection when both men were on parole and, at various times, under surveillance. But it was only in the aftermath of the Brussels terror attacks, Van Leeuw tells me, that a clear portrait of the brothers and their radicalization emerged. Verhaegen, meanwhile, feels that even now there is a reluctance to accept all that has transpired. In an email, he expresses bafflement over my conversation with Belgiums federal prosecutor. When I reported the facts to our direction in 2016, Verhaegen wrote, the direction refused to accept this link. And the investigators of terrorism never asked for information about the stolen artifacts. In 2016, Section Art was formally dissolved, and Verhaegen was assigned to another unit. But art crime cases kept coming in, and local police kept sending their files to Verhaegens boss asking for help. So, after seven months, Verhaegen was given permission to work solely on art crime cases, albeit without a formal unit. He shares a small office with one younger colleague. In preparation for retirement, Verhaegen is training her to use the database of stolen art. His colleagues sometimes tease Verhaegen about how much money he stands to make as a freelance consultant, but he tells me he isnt interested in that. All that money, he says. Im happy without it. He wants to spend his retirement working as a volunteer tour guide in Overijse, the village where he was born. Months later, when I tell this to Archer at the FBI, he laughs. A local docent, he says. As I said, a touch of eccentricity. In the meantime, Verhaegen still has crimes to solve and thieves to catch, preferring to busy himself with open cases rather than closed ones. Everyone makes his choice, he tells me. Callens, meanwhile, seems content to spend his retirement courting the moneyed private clients who Verhaegen will be happy to ignore. Instead of dwelling on what his efforts might have accomplished a decade ago, Verhaegen remains focused on what they can do now. These days, he says, hes worried less about high-end art thefts than collectibles, like coins and stamps, which have recently become a target for suspects with known links to the Islamic State. Every day I go through Maelbeek station, he tells me. Every day Im thinking about that bomb attack. It [could] happen tomorrow. Or this evening. Before leaving Brussels, I too pass through Maelbeek Station, on my way to a multi-faith cemetery in Schaerbeek. When I arrive, a series of signs guide me to the grave of Ren Magritte and Georgette Berger, where I find a handsome tomb, adorned with a fresh bouquet of flowers. In pursuit of the same men Verhaegen once chased, I walk a short distance to a plot of land reserved for Muslim graves. The most modest of these have no headstones and are marked only with small metal plates inscribed with the names of the dead. Somewhere among them are the remains of Ibrahim el-Bakraoui, buried under a false name so that his grave may not become a site of pilgrimage for other jihadists. His brother Khalid may be buried nearby, but I cant be sure. Like the masterpieces stolen from Uccles Van Buuren Museum, the whereabouts of his remains are unknown. More Great Stories From Vanity Fair An Intimate View of a Young Queen Elizabeth II The Sacklers Launched OxyContin. Everyone Knows It Now. Exclusive Excerpt: An Icy Death at the Bottom of the World Lolita, Blake Bailey, and Me Kate Middleton and the Future of the Monarchy The Occasional Terror of Dating in the Digital Age The 13 Best Face Oils for Healthy, Balanced Skin From the Archive: Tinder and the Dawn of the Dating Apocalypse Sign up for the Royal Watch newsletter to receive all the chatter from Kensington Palace and beyond.	https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/05/did-paying-a-ransom-for-a-stolen-magritte-painting-inadvertently-fund-terrorism
Does Raphael Wicky regret Djordje Mihailovic leaving for Montral?	But we have never doubted in Djordje's quality. Djordje has always shown his qualities here. He's a good player. He has offensive talent and he shows that here and he shows it again in Montral. I am not surprised about that. But we all made the decision together and we stick to that decision. There's no regrets. That's football. Look, there was never a doubt in Djordje's qualities, Wicky said. We never doubted that. I think [sporting director] Georg [Heitz] has said that the club made him an offer. We wanted to keep Djordje here but I don't really need to go deep into that now. At the end of the day, I think both parties decided that it's time to part ways and to go. Even though their one-time homegrown star is creating new memories, Chicago head coach Raphael Wicky said theres no regrets over the move that involved up to $1 million in General Allocation Money heading back to the Windy City for the 22-year-olds services. Since the US mens national team midfielder was traded within the Eastern Conference this past offseason, hes enjoyed a resurgence of sorts. Two goals and one assist through seven matches only reinforces that, with Mihailovic a creative hub in head coach Wilfried Nancy's vision. Earlier this month, Mihailovic reflected on his four years in Chicago during an interview with MLSsoccer.coms Tom Bogert. He expressed an understanding of the business-like nature of soccer, especially as he entered the final year of his Fire FC contract. During 73 regular-season games with the club, he totaled seven goals and 14 assists. My first thought and opportunity would have been re-signing in Chicago, if the circumstances were right, if they had the same belief that Montral showed. ... It was really frustrating," Mihailovic said at the time. "I set out a goal of mine when I started my career, I wanted to be an important player for that club. The ups and downs over the four years, twists and turns, I had really good moments, but mentally outside the game it took a toll on me. I was always one of the earliest to the facility and the last to leave, but towards the end, I wanted to leave as soon as training was over. I wasnt happy at all.	https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/does-raphael-wicky-regret-djordje-mihailovic-leaving-for-montreal
Will Nio's May Deliveries Update Help Maintain Stock's Upward Trend?	NIO Inc. - ADR (NYSE: NIO) stock, which has been locked in a lackluster phase ever since it reached an all-time high in mid-January, showed signs of breaking out this week. Nio On an Intermediate-Term Uptrend: Nio bottomed at $30.71 May 13, the lowest since Oct. 30, when it settled at $30.03. The pullback brought in bargain hunters, who helped lift the stock from the depressed level. The reversal seen subsequently came with intermittent short retreats. The momentum picked up nicely after the stock broke above a resistance area around $35.51, where it had previously completed a triple bottom formation. The rally accelerated this week, with the stock closing higher in each of the three sessions thus far in the week. Broader market strength has helped in part. The technical picture looks promising. Nio has moved above the 50-day moving average in the year-to-date chart. In another bullish signal, the shorter-term 50-day moving average has climbed above the longer-term 200-day moving average. One concern is the fact that the uptrend hasn't been accompanied by robust volume. The day the stock bottomed in mid-May about 11.4 million shares exchanged hands. This compares to the average volume of about 6.65 million from Monday through Wednesday. This may have to do with the light volume associated with pre-holiday trading. Related Link: Nio, Tesla Battery Supplier CATL To Launch Sodium-Ion Battery In July Nio's Fundamentals and Stock Diverge: The lackluster phase evident in Nio's shares has come despite fairly strong quarterly results and deliveries reported by the company during the said period. The company has had several positive headlines regarding new products, services and international expansion. The next catalyst could be Nio's May deliveries update, which in all likelihood could be announced June 1. Although Nio is not in habit of giving guidance for monthly numbers, it did suggest in its first-quarter earnings report that it expects second-quarter deliveries to come in at 21,000 to 22,000. For April, the company reported deliveries of 7,102 vehicles, which suggests the monthly rate for June and July should be in line with April to meet or exceed the guidance. Chip supply constraints have reduced visibility into May's numbers. Despite stopping production for two days in April on account of the chip shortage, Nio managed to report about 125% year-over-year growth in deliveries for the month. If the stock can sustain the upward momentum in the run-up to and through the data release, it is likely it can successfully challenge the next upside resistance around the $41.50 to $42.50 area. At last check, Nio shares were up 1.76% at $38.42. Related Link: First Validation Build Of Nio's ET7 EV Sedan Rolls Off Assembly Line (Photo: Nio)	https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/05/21325244/will-nios-may-deliveries-update-help-maintain-stocks-upward-trend
Where is Nigeria on Digital Economic Transformation Journey?	Information and Communication Technology can stimulate and accelerate socio-economic growth across sectors when properly harnessed. Moses Abenemi in this piece reviews steps taken by Nigeria in bid to leverage ICT for socio-economic transformation. The power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an enabler of innovation and economic growth has been well documented. As a result, countries strive to diversify their economy by transitioning into digital/knowledge economy to take full advantage of the enormous potentials and opportunities in the ICT space to propel rapid economic growth, provide social services and drive inclusion. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its Digital Economy Report 2019 titled Value Creation and Capture: Implications for Developing Countries, indicated that the size of the digital economy as of then ranged from 4.5 to 15.5 per cent of the worlds Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the United States and China combined accounting for almost 40 per cent of the figure. ICT sector was the largest in Taiwan Province of China, Ireland and Malaysia while global employment in the ICT sector rose to 39 million in 2015 from 34 million in 2010. Nigeria is not left out of the ICT revolution. The country has made and continues to implement policies that support maximisation of ICT benefits. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under the leadership of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has implemented numerous policy initiatives under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025 and several other policy initiatives developed by the Ministry to ensure effective digitisation of the Nigerian economy, both from public and private sector perspectives. Upon being made the Minster of Communications and Digital Economy, Pantami approached President Muhammadu Buhari explaining why the Ministry should be renamed from Ministry of Communications to Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, to reflect the realities of the time that we are. By implementing Digital Economy projects for Digital Nigeria and resolving some key issues that had been lingering for over a decade, the ICT sector, under the supervision of the Minister, has recorded commendable achievements. As the chief driver of ICT maximisation in Nigeria, Pantamis foresight has galvanised the sector into contributing more to the Nigeria economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), ICT recorded the highest growth rate of all the sectors in both the fourth quarter of 2020 (Q4 2020) and the entire year 2020, contributing more than 18 per cent to the GDP. President Buhari, while acknowledging this feat recently, said: The Information and Communication Technology sector was the fastest growing sector in both the fourth quarter of 2020 and the entire year, based on the report by the National Bureau of Statistics. The sectors 14.70 per cent double digit growth rate played a principal role in supporting our country to exit the recession triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The growth rate of the sector exceeded four times the next fastest growing sector of Q4 2020, ICT which had a growth rate of 3.42 per cent. This is truly commendable. The ICT sector is also expanding the digital frontiers with the implementation of numerous digital projects by the ministry pan-Nigeria. These include ICT Innovation Hubs, Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs and Innovators, Community IT Training Centres, Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centers (TIKC), School Knowledge Centres (SKC), and completion of Emergency Communication Centres (ECC). The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy also established ICT start-up centres across the six-geopolitical zones to boost youth entrepreneurship and create jobs, while it has finalised the training of youths across 12 states representing six geo-political zones of the country on digital jobs. In further efforts to boost local content, Pantami has secured President Buharis approval leading to the launch of the revised National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in Nigerian Telecom Sector, which now makes it mandatory for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to use locally produced ICT content. Launching the policy on May 6, 2021, Buhari said the policy was in line with governments determination to ensure that Nigeria consumes what it produces locally, not just food but other things including ICT assets. The Ministry, under Pantami, has equally revolutionised the governments virtual public engagement to respond to Covid-19 and save public funds, with the Minister initiating the first virtual edition of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, coordinating the technical backend. Today, many government businesses are conducted virtually. For example, President Buhari holds online participation in numerous landmark events such as ground breaking ceremonies, launches and inauguration of projects and initiatives, chairing or participation in sub-regional meetings of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Meetings of the National Economic Council, the Nigerian Governors Forum, and private institutions, as well as large gathering events like matriculation and convocation by universities and colleges, also hold virtually, taking inspiration from Pantamis initiative. As important as the ICT sector is, there are myriad challenges the sector has faced over a period of time. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under Pantami has successfully resolved many of such key issues. One of the challenges was the Right of Way (RoW), which had hindered broadband penetration for over 12 years. The Ministers efforts, commitment, and engagements with relevant stakeholders were able to unravel the challenges associated with ROW. In this regard, the Minister met with the Nigeria Governors Forum to address the lingering challenges on RoW levy in Nigeria. The outcome of this stakeholders engagements led to a downward review to the agreed maximum of N145/linear meter by some states, while other states completely waved the ROW charges. He has also ensured the de-registration of some 9.2 million SIMs, making it impossible for criminals and terrorists to use mobile networks undetected. Another knotty issue is that of the charge against illegal deductions of data and pricing, which often pitted subscribers against telecom operators. The controversial Stamp Duty collection was another serious concern now resolved by fighting for the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to regain its rightful mandate to collect Stamp Duty, a function which the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had usurped. The decade-long efforts to have a harmonised national database have also been bolstered by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, thanks to the mandatory linkage of the National Identity Number and Subscriber Identification Module (NINSIM) innovated by the ministry under Pantami. As a result, NIN enrolment has reached record 54 million, with over 12 million enrolments recorded within six months due to NIN-SIM integration. This was a project that has dragged over the years, denying Nigeria the wherewithal to account for the identity of her citizens, and thereby making it difficult to plan for the welfare of the citizens. President Buhari, while launching the Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration, on 6th May 2021, commended Pantami for making that feat possible. Pantami attributed the achievements of his Ministry to the various digital initiatives that have been formulated and implemented. Our efforts have culminated in impressive 17 per cent ICT contribution to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the second quarter of 2020, he said, adding that this is a testament to ongoing effective implementation of the digital economy policies already put in place. Not resting on his oars, the Minister stated that the digital economy as a sector could contribute as much as 45 per cent to the nations GDP, because services in other sectors are being digitised leveraging on ICT infrastructure that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is enabling. Favourable policies and continuous investment in the ICT sector are indeed, sine qua non to driving the frontiers of digital economy for Nigerias socio-economic prosperity.	https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/05/25/where-is-nigeria-on-digital-economic-transformation-journey/
How Much Did The Friends Cast Members Make In Salary? And Who Is The Richest Friend Today?	Ah, Friends! For 10 seasons we all tuned in to see the adventures of Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey. It was a simpler time. A time before DVRs and smart phones. And those six twenty-somethings were our friends. Our very, very, very lucky and wealthy Friends. The NBC sitcom debuted on September 22, 1994. The gang is hanging out at Central Perk when Jennifer Aniston's Rachel frantically enters the coffee shop in her wedding gown, having just left her fianc Barry at the altar. She and Monica were friends in high school and she moves into Monica's apartment and the rest, as they say, is history. Before They Were Friends Back in 1994, Courteney Cox was best known as the girl Bruce Springsteen pulls on stage during the "Dancing in the Dark" video and as Alex P. Keaton's girlfriend on Family Ties. Jennifer Aniston would soon become famous for her haircut, but back in 94, she was best known for the 1993 horror film Leprechaun. Lisa Kudrow was the most successful of the six young actors cast on Friends. She was the recurring character Ursula Buffay, a ditzy waitress, on Mad About You. Kudrow's Friends character Phoebe was written to be Ursula's twin. Matt LeBlanc was best known as the guy in two Bon Jovi videos and for a recurring role on MarriedWith Children. Matthew Perry had been living and acting in Los Angeles since he was a teenager with a number of guest spots and recurring roles. David Schwimmer had a number of TV movie and TV show guest spots, including a recurring role on NYPD Blue, before being cast as Ross Geller on Friends. First Contracts During the first season, each cast member earned $22,500 per episode. That worked out to $540,000 for the entire first season. That's the same as roughly $900,000 today. In the second season, each cast member was bumped to $40,000 per episode. That works out to $960,000 for the second season. Ahead of the third season, when their original contracts were set to expire, the cast banded together to negotiate as a group. It was the first time a cast had ever used this negotiating tactic. They ended up with a deal that paid $75,000 per episode of season three ($1.875 million for the season), $85,000 per episode for season 4 ($2.04 million), $100,000 per episode for season 5 ($2.5 million) and $125,000 episode in season 6 ($3.125 million). $1 Million Per Episode Before season 7 started filming, the cast negotiated for a massive raise. They each ended up earning $750,000 per episode in seasons 7 and 8. That worked out to $18 million for each of these seasons. For seasons 9 and 10, each cast member earned $1 million per episode. That worked out to $24 million for season 9 and $18 million for season 10. Total Earnings & Ongoing Royalties If you total it all up, each cast member of Friends earned around $90 million in base salary alone from the show BEFORE backend bonuses and on-going royalties. As part of their 2000 contract negotiations, the cast was able to demand backend points on the show which would allow them to earn royalties off the show's sale into syndication. Friends continues to generate north of $1 billion per year in syndication royalties and streaming deals. Every time the show is sold to a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, the cast members make bank. It has been reported that to this day each cast member earns $10-20 million in royalties from the show. Net Worths Below are the current net worths of each of the five Friends: Jennifer Aniston net worth: $300 million Courteney Cox net worth: $150 million Matthew Perry net worth: $120 million David Schwimmer net worth: $100 million Lisa Kudrow net worth: $90 million Matt LeBlanc net worth: $80 million	https://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/how-much-did-the-friends-cast-members-make-in-salary/
Whats the difference between full FDA approval for a vaccine and emergency use authorization?	Over the last several months, federal regulators have given the green light to three vaccines to fight COVID-19. And though researchers say the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots are safe and effective, they dont yet have full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Instead, the agency has issued an emergency use authorization for each of the vaccines, a type of approval thats used in public health emergencies. Heres what you need to know. An emergency use authorization is a tool that the FDA uses to strengthen the nations response to public health emergencies such as COVID-19. In such emergencies, the FDA may not have all the data and information it would normally use to approve a treatment or a drug. In those cases, the FDA may issue an emergency use authorization for unapproved medical products or drugs so providers can diagnose, prevent or treat serious and life-threatening diseases. Certain criteria must be met for the FDA to issue an emergency use authorization, including that no other viable approved treatments or products are available. Just because a public health emergency exists doesnt mean the FDA can begin issuing emergency use authorizations. The secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must determine that the circumstances justify the emergency approval of drugs and other products. A public health emergency was declared Jan. 27, 2020, and the secretary of the HHS declared that emergency use authorizations were needed for drugs and biological products March 27 of that year. Such authorizations remain in effect until the emergency declaration ends. The FDA has issued emergency use authorizations in the past for anthrax, Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome and the Zika virus. Other products and treatments used during the coronavirus pandemic that have been granted emergency use authorizations include the drug Remdesivir, COVID-19 convalescent plasma and certain molecular and antibody diagnostic tests. A vaccine goes through largely the same developmental process regardless of whether the manufacturer applies for full approval or emergency use authorization. The main difference between the types of approval is that the manufacturing and administrative processes are streamlined during the emergency use authorization process, UNC Health says. When the FDA fully approves a vaccine, its developed first and then tested in three trials phase one on a small number of generally healthy people, phase two on a more diverse group of hundreds people, and phase three on thousands of people who vary in demographics and overall health. After those trials are complete, the drug maker applies for whats known as a biologics license application with the FDA. If the FDA determines the drug is safe, it grants the license and the drug may be produced and distributed on a wide scale. A vaccine follows the same research process before a company applies for an emergency use authorization. The only difference is that the production phase begins at the same time the drug is being tested, so it can be distributed as soon as the FDA allows it. The scientific and research processes are not sacrificed during the emergency approval process, the FDA says. Before a vaccine developer can apply for an emergency use authorization, it must submit detailed information on the manufacturing technology and the results of animal testing. After written authorization from the FDA, the developer can begin clinical trials in humans. In a submission for emergency use authorization, companies are also required to include safety data from trial phases one and two, as well as a final or interim analysis of phase three results, the FDA says. The FDA sets minimum criteria for the data, including the size of phase three trials as well as how long companies are expected to continue following up with trial participants. After the FDA determines that all criteria are met and that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine, it issues an emergency use authorization. The traditional development process can take several years to complete. Over the last year, public support, interagency coordination and a wide array of resources allowed the development of COVID-19 vaccines to be fast-tracked. In early May, Pfizer and BioNTech became the first companies to apply for full approval of their COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna has said it plans to apply for full approval. Health experts say the approval process is likely to take several months to complete. Its likely that federal regulators will ask for more detailed data on the vaccines before granting full approval, particularly, on longer-term impacts of the shots. For example, companies may be asked to submit more comprehensive data on how long the vaccines provide protection, whether people will need annual booster shots, how well the vaccines are likely to protect against emerging variants and how well they prevent transmission of the virus, said William Haseltine, president of the nonprofit think tank ACCESS Health International and an infectious disease expert.	https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2021/05/27/whats-the-difference-between-full-fda-approval-for-a-vaccine-and-emergency-use-authorization/
Is BTSs Butter The Song Of The Summer?	Whenever BTS releases a new single, the world perks up and pays attention but their latest release sounds and feels especially special. The groups Butter arrives just in time to compete for one of the most coveted titles in the American music industry, and while its only been out for a few days, theres plenty of reason to believe it may wind up winning the song of the Summer honor when the weather turns once again. We want to have a blast with everyone this summer, BTS frontman RM told Bustle in a recent interview. Fellow bandmate Jin added that in creating Butter, the group wanted to create something brimming with bright and positive energy. Summer hasnt even officially started yet, but people everywhere are acting as if it has, and for good reason. With vaccines readily available across the U.S. to almost everyone, millions of people are now able to see friends and family and celebrate making it through perhaps the toughest year of their lives. A global pandemic is finally coming to a close, and this is the time for everyone to enjoy themselves and do all those things they havent been able to do safely for more than a year. That includes vacations, parties, road trips, and going out to bars and clubs. That said, all of those activities are often soundtracked by the biggest hits of the season. BTSs Butter is on track to not only be a smash on the charts, but a hit that defines one of the most important summers in a long, long time. The South Korean septets track was predicted to be a major win before anyone had heard it, and now that its here, its clear it will soon become just that. The electro/disco cut is a slice of power-pop perfection, and the average person doesnt even need one full listen for it to become stuck in their head. The bands latest was created to appeal to the largest audience and stick with the masses, and it does what its supposed to brilliantly. Between ultra-slick production, impressive high notes, and even a rapped verse that brings the audience in to sing along, Butter has all the makings of the song of the summer, which is both a proper honor handed down by Billboard every year after Labor Day and a title given to many different tracks by the public. Essentially, the song of the summer is a single (or singles) that people immediately associate with the season when they hear it, even years later. Butter may join the ranks of recent song of the summer title holders such as One Dance, Despacito, "Cheerleader, Fancy, and Call Me Maybe. These are tunes that were inescapable. Butter is likely headed right for No. 1 on Billboards Hot 100 chart, thanks to what will surely be an incredible first-week showing. The song is making history on streaming platforms, on YouTube, and its already picking up steam on radio stations across the country. Radio plays a big role in identifying the song of the summer, as its important for any track to be played non-stop during car rides and to reach millions who opt not to focus their listening habits on websites like Apple Music and Spotify. BTSs latest single, which so far is a standalone release, exudes the joy that summer typically brings out in people, and its the song that so many needed this year. After months of staying inside and worrying about health and safety, summer 2021 demanded something special, and the K-pop powerhouses delivered. They created a great pop track that encapsulates a once-in-a-generation energy thats floating around in the air, and the track dropped at the absolute perfect time to dominate the charts and stick in peoples minds and hearts for weeks, months, and years to come.	https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/is-bts-butter-the-song-of-the-summer-2021
What Are Pupil Referral Units?	Last year, award-winning director Steve McQueen released a five-part anthology based on crucial moments in Black British history. From the Mangrove 9 to the Brixton riots, the films showed what the civil rights movement looked like here and what life was like for Caribbean Black people living in Britain in the latter half of the 20th Century. This year, two new documentaries linked to the series taker a deeper dive into the topics. The second, Subnormal: A British Scandal, being on educationally subnormal schools. Subnormal: A British Scandal looks into educationally subnormal (ESN) schools, where pupils deemed to be less intelligent were sent, based on biased IQ tests that didnt take cultural differences into consideration. A large majority of Black Caribbean students were sent there during the 60s and 70s, as depicted in McQueens Education. At the time, parents were told their children were being put in an environment which would help with their education, when in reality primary school-age students and secondary school-age children could be put in the same classes together and their learning severely compromised as a result. Though ESN schools no longer exist, in part due to the work of Bernard Coard who wrote How the West Indian Child is Made Educationally Subnormal in the British School System in 1971, Black Caribbean students are still at a disadvantage within the UK education system. Sadly, the institutionally racist systems at play during the 60s and 70s lay down the foundation for generations of Black children to come. One study reported in the Guardian showed that Black Caribbean pupils had slipped a further 2.2 months behind their white peers since 2011. After Roma gipsy and Traveller pupils, Black Caribbean and mixed-race Black Caribbean pupils were the most likely to be temporarily excluded from school. ESN schools have ended now, but in their place are Pupil Referral Units (PRU). The School Run describes PRUs as a short-term measure and the aim is to reintegrate the child into mainstream education as soon as possible. But while pupils may receive more attention from teachers, the limited curriculum means that children can miss out on a broad education, meaning that they are denied the same education as mainstream students. A report by the Institute of Race Relations showed that the Black pupils are disproportionately being sent to pupil referral units (PRU). And research from the Centre for Education and Youth found that Black Caribbean boys eligible for free school meals are over-represented in PRUs and Alternative Provisions(APs). Per Tes, AP is education outside school, arranged by local authorities or schools, for pupils who do not attend mainstream school for reasons such as school exclusion, behaviour issues, school refusal, or short- or long-term illness. There is a correlation showing pupils who are referred to PRUs going onto youth detention centres and prison as adults, what campaigners and abolitionists call the PRU-to-prison pipeline. As the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) report shows: 89% of children in detention in 2017-18 reported having been excluded from school. And its Black working-class pupils who are still more likely to be unfairly excluded. Author of the report and IRR researcher Jessica Perera says: amidst the Black Lives Matter protests, we have seen increased demands to decolonise the curriculum. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed a system which fails working-class students. This paper reminds us those who have been continually failed are found in PRUs and AP and that their segregation is a damning indictment of a planned education malaise, which has been designed and deployed on a specific section of society with a history of resistance and rebellion. Subnormal: A British Scandal is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now	https://www.bustle.com/life/what-are-pupil-referral-units-steve-mcqueen-subnormal-a-british-scandal
Why cant a hospital be more like a hotel?	Medical tourism destinations, like Bangkok or Dubai make hospitals more than a hotel. BUT Entering a New York emergency room or hospital can be a terrifying experience. It is paradoxical that the word hospital is within the work hospitality as both are derived from the Latin root meaning friendly reception to a guest or stranger. Hospital administrators do not see their facility as a place of comfort but rather a place of disease and sickness. Hospital managers want patients that accept just being in a hospital means you will be uncomfortable. Nothing in my life or education prepared me for the bedlam that exists behind the bricks and mortar of a hospital or ER department. Hospital administrators and healthcare personnel have the opportunity (and perhaps the obligation) to turn these horrific environments into spaces that encourage wellness and good health and not add to the stress and fear of being ill. Hotels provide the prototype and roadmap for making meaningful changes in an otherwise horrific environment. If you have been a patient in a New York hospital or spent time in a New York Emergency room, you know that the absence of a positive hotel employee attitude, hotel amenities, hotel spaces, and hotel cleanliness produces a heightened level of anxiety that leads to ongoing fears. Perhaps this occurs (at least in some New York hospitals) because hospital administrators do not see their facility as a place of comfort but rather a place of disease and sickness; healing and wellness can be done at home, at the spa, or the Four Seasons. Ask any hospital manager to explain his/her working environment and the response is likely to be that they need vitals, and data, and better alarms and patients that understand that all pain cannot be stopped and an acceptance that just being in a hospital means you will be uncomfortable and the future will be unpredictable. Ask the same question from a hotel executive and the response is likely to state, To be the most hospitable company in the world by creating heartfelt experiences for Guests, meaningful opportunities for Team Members, high value for Owners and a positive impact in our Communities ( https://notesmatic.com/mission-and-vision-of-hilton-worldwide-an-analysis/ ). It is paradoxical that the word hospital is within the word hospitality, as both are derived from the Latin root meaning friendly reception to a guest or stranger. It is obvious that both hotels and hospitals have common core characteristics: 1. Serve demanding and increasingly well-informed clients 2. Employ a large hierarchy of workers with varying levels of responsibility 3. Payments are increasingly tied to guest/patient evaluations While hotels are cognizant of their relationship to the public and heed market research that has led to improvements and innovation with the objective of improving customer satisfaction, hospitals have ignored the reality that their primary function is to turn a sick patient into a well-person and not to increase bottom-line profitability. Because of their misguided mission, there has been little (if any) cross-fertilization between the hotel and hospital industries. Patient Satisfaction Studies hotelshospitals 2 1 Changes in the healthcare system are forcing hospitals to become more concerned with patient approval and patient satisfaction is being monitored by Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems 2010 (HCAHPSA) and Press Ganey surveys. HCAHPS survey is the first national, standardized, and publicly reported survey of patients perspectives of hospital care. It questions issues that include communication with nurses and doctors, the responsiveness of hospital staff, cleanliness and quietness of the hospital, pain management, communication about medicines, and discharge planning. This research has become one of the measures used to calculate value-based incentive payments in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program. Beyond reimbursement, patient satisfaction may also be a marker of clinical quality. Press Ganey surveys strengthen patient-provider relationships with comprehensive surveys and rounding approaches that enable real-time feedback and performance benchmarks. The hotel industry has always been cognizant of guest satisfaction as a goal. At an absolute minimum, the guest should be satisfied; however, exceeding their expectations is the goal. The industry has devoted decades of effort and resources toward improving products and management structures in order to remain competitive. Hospitals could leverage these lessons by adopting and adapting hotel practices that can lead to significant improvements in patient approval and satisfaction, ultimately benefitting hospital management staff, physicians, employees, patients, and bottom-line profitability. Similarities and Differences hotelshospitals 3 1 Hospitals and hotels focus on guests/patients who obtain lodging and services. Just as there is a wide variation in hotel accommodations (from Holiday Inn Express to Four Seasons hotels) there is a huge range in the size of hospitals as well as ambiance and quality. Both employ a large hierarchy of workers with varying levels of responsibility. Hospitals and hotels create an experience for their customers/patients with associated emotions. Differences Hotels are paid directly out-of-pocket by customers while hospitals are usually paid through intermediary insurance companies. In a hospital, customers are patients, typically anxious and apprehensive about their impending treatment. Patients may have a choice as to which facility they seek care; however, on many occasions, there is no choice as most patients have a medical emergency and they must be at a hospital. At a hotel, customers are guests, typically excited (if for leisure) about their visit. In most cases, guests choose their hotel and the timing of their stay. From the very beginning, hospitals are at a disadvantage therefore they should do more than a hotel to ensure patients comfort. The foremost priority of hospitals is, and always should be, to improve patient health, but patient comfort and wellbeing should not be neglected along the way. Doctors face many challenges in providing their patients with the highest level of satisfaction although many physicians never see their patients when they are in the ER or in a bed at a hospital (at least in the two New York hospitals I experienced) thereby escalating an already unpleasant experience into one with increased anxiety. Roles and Responsibilities hotelshospitals 4 1 The array of healthcare professionals can be daunting to patients (i.e., resident, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others with varying degrees of experience) who pop in and out of the patients space never quite explaining who they are, their jobs, responsibilities or their role in improving the quality of the patient experience and rarely returning with feedback or any new information. In a hotel, workers have clearly defined roles (front desk, concierge, room attendant, waiter); in a hospital, however, the various members of the medical team may be foreign to a patient. Some hospitals have implemented face cards (card with photos, training and interests are handed to each patient) and they have improved patient knowledge of the names and roles their hospital physicians and team members with whom they interact. PATIENT SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES Preadmission Before admission, patients undergo laboratory tests, receive questionnaires about their current medical state all contributing to mounting apprehension and discomfort. To minimize this anxiety, it would be helpful if hospitals provided patients with information, so they know what to expect. Check-in Process Hotel employees know that the first 15-minute guest experience is critical as they set the tone of the visit. They know the expected arrival time of the guest, have reviewed the guests profile and photograph and when the guest arrives, they are able to greet the person(s) with a warm Weve been expecting you. In stark contrast, hospitals are likely to know less about a new arrival (unless they have been patients with the hospital in the past and the information is in the database). Regardless of previous association, the hospital requires the customer to sign in multiple times at multiple stations, frequently wait hours in the admissions area, and typically receive patients with, Name, photo ID, insurance cards, please. With the amount of information hospitals have about their patients and their waiting times, room availability and physician availability, much could be done to improve this check-in process. Redundant information gathering could be minimized, existing patient photographs could be utilized to recognize the patient and waiting time could be reduced by both streamlining the admissions process and ensuring availability of rooms at scheduled patient arrival times. Administrators must do a better job of explaining to patients why they are asked the same information time and again (i.e., in order to confirm their identity and ensure their safety) or use technology to eliminate the redundancy. hotelshospitals 5 1 A critical aspect of a patients hospital experience is their physician. In the two New York hospitals, I had the misfortune to experience, actually seeing a doctor for more than a nano-second is extraordinary and having a meaningful dialogue with a physician feels like winning the lottery. Patients are equally fortunate if they are able to have multiple face-to-face communications with their assigned nurse. Even in a technically driven field studies show that physician ratings are directly correlated with communication skills, including showing respect, listening carefully, giving easy-to-understand instructions, spending enough time with the patient, and explaining tests and forecasts of planned treatment/tests. A gesture as simple as the physician sitting down instead of standing at the bedside has been shown to make a difference. Improved physician-patient communication has also been linked to better patient outcomes. Physicians and healthcare professionals should be trained to AIDET as it provides solid, generalized guidelines for improving patient interactions emphasizing basic tenets of good customer service. It is designed to decrease patient anxiety, increase patient compliance and improve clinical outcomes. 1. Acknowledge (how does the patient want to be addressed) 2. Introduce (who you/we are with appropriate background) 3. Duration (of meeting, procedure, stay) 4. Explanation (in simplest terms) 5. Thank you (an honor to be of service/help) In addition: Doctors and his/her team should: a) Sit down (patients think you spend 40 percent more time with them and appreciate the visit more) b) Management up (talk about the strengths and background of team/staff/institution) c) Listen (ask and then let the patients talk for 1-2 minutes with nodding to acknowledge). The patients in-house experience is dependent not only on his/her interactions with the physician but also on the entire hospital team consisting of nurses, medical assistants, therapists, transport personnel, food service staff, and technicians. Studies show that higher nurse-to-patient ratios and good nursing communications have a positive impact on patient satisfaction. All hospital staff must be included in measures to improve the quality of the patient experience. Many patient surveys directly address these facets of their stay and link reimbursement to the performance of custodians, transport staff, and nurses. Discharge Planning and Follow-up hotelshospitals 6 1 Preparing to leave the hospital is an important consideration. In some hospitals, a nurse reviews discharge instructions and a transport staff member wheels the patient to the lobby. In other hospitals, limousines meet the patient at the exit and bring them directly to their homes. I was unfortunate and did not experience a planned discharge at NYU Langone. I was informed 45 minutes in advance of my discharge (the planned release was one day later). I was not permitted time to take a shower, was encouraged to dress quickly, and although I had not been out of bed for days, was forced to walk from the room, to the elevator, through the large and confusing lobby in order to hail a taxi and get home. The protocol was get out of here we need your bed! Patients should have scheduled follow-up appointments before being discharged; however, this is a frequently ignored responsibility increasing the stress level of the patient as he/she transitions home. When I was tossed out of NYU Langone, I had no follow-up appointments arranged, although I would have appreciated a prescription for physical therapy since I had not been out of a bed for very long periods of time and found walking a challenge. In addition to scheduled follow-up appointments, the communication information should include when and whom to contact should emergencies/ issues arise at home and tasks to be completed (i.e., meds to take, diets to follow). If the patient is unable to care for themselves, support staff should be made available to them while they are still in the hospital. Allowing patients to return home without healthcare/support aids can be dangerous and borders on being unethical. This step should be arranged in consultant with a hospital social worker and the patient. Post-Stay Experience After leaving the hospital patients should receive a survey regarding their hospital experience. While in the hospital they should be informed that the survey will help the hospital and future patients. People responding with negative experiences should be contacted by a member of the healthcare team and when possible, correct the error. Hospital administrators should also check online social media, as well as Yelp and Facebook for patient comments as studies, show that patient ratings and word-of-mouth narratives can significantly influence the choice(s) made by patients. At NYU Langone I went through an exit interview, with patient/hospital liaison who inquired about my hospital experience. I shared all of my observations along with recommendations for improvement. Her response, Send your comments to the hospital CEO. He will be interested in reading your letter. (Note: my published reports have been forwarded to hospital administrators and there has been absolutely no follow-up). I did receive one follow-up call from an ER nurse who inquired about my condition. When I reported that I was not feeling well and needed assistance and/or additional information I was told that his job (and the job of the ER department) was not to provide medical analysis or remedies but to stabilize the patient and send him home. Oops. Something is Wrong hotelshospitals 7 1 Despite the best efforts of everyone, things can and do go sideways. Hotels have proactive mechanisms in place to identify guest dissatisfaction. If there is a room or food problem, a staff member addresses the issue and when necessary, engages a department manager or the general manager. If the issues cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the guest, he/she may be offered a refund or a credit as well as an apology by the senior staff members. Guests are frequently surprised and delighted by the attention and it converts an unhappy guest into a loyal customer. In hospitals, money cannot be refunded or credits offered; however, time should be spent in identifying patient dissatisfaction. Patients satisfaction pulse should be checked daily and immediately addressed when a problem/issue is identified. Good communication is especially important in the case of unexpected complications or errors, as inappropriate management of the situation could lead to a lawsuit or worse. If a patient is dissatisfied, the opportunity to correct their impression of the hospital disappears when the patient leaves. Fixing a bad experience can leave a person with an even better experience than never having had a problem in the first place. Many hotels use daily reports to track in-house guests satisfaction. Documentation is made in a guests electronic portfolio every time something positive or negative is said or experienced. Negative experiences get recovered before the guest checks out as no guest should leave unhappy, ever. Fine is never accepted as an answer. If the guest is not RAVING about the visit the hotel assumes it was not perfect and the GM will come to personally talk to the guest. Connection: Patient, Staff, Productivity Hospitals and hotels are only as good as their weakest customer contact employee. A patients hospital experience is only as good as his/her worst interaction and it does not matter if it was a busy overworked resident or a medical assistant who did not help them to the bathroom quickly enough. Employees, not managers, are the most capable of influencing the customer experience. A primary goal should be to serve hospital employees well, as that patients will be well served in turn. At a hotel, this emphasis comes from the top down and managers work to recruit and retain the best people who are proud and happy of the place they work. From Hospital to Hospitality hotelshospitals 8 1 Hospital administrators should: 1. Work hard to improve the first 15 minutes of the patients experience 2. Stress the importance of enhanced communication with patients throughout their hospital stay 3. Track patients level of satisfaction on an ongoing basis and intervene as soon as possible when problems arise 4. Follow up with patients after they are discharged from the hospital to obtain feedback that can be used to improve future performance. 5. Be aware of online presence for reputation management as patients will read about the hospital before coming to the facility and then write about their experience afterward 6. Management should aim to create an environment where all hospital employees are happy and productive, they can take the best care of their patients. hotelshospitals 9 1 Some research suggests that hospitals are not going to survive in their current format. The US medical system has become increasingly expensive and can be dangerous to ones health. According to Dr. Dan Paul (Colorado Springs), the current US healthcare industry is terrible for patients and doctors. He finds that Hospitals are using an old business model. It is interesting to note that two-thirds of all Americans who declare bankruptcy have cited medical reasons. In 2018, a third of the $2.6 trillion spent on healthcare went to hospitals, while 20 percent went to physicians and clinics (Kaiser Family Foundation). John Hopkins Medicine reporter in 2016 that more than 250,000 people in the US die each year from medical errors, making those mistakes the third-leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. My crystal ball is currently on life-support and not available for consults.	https://eturbonews.com/2995840/why-cant-a-hospital-be-more-like-a-hotel/
Will Inspiring Biopic Blue Miracle Break Out As Latest Netflix Sleeper Hit?	In interviews with cast and crew, independent journalist Josh Shepherd examines how the brand new Netflix Original film Blue Miracle elevates the inspirational true story genre with relatable characters and a hot reggaetn soundtrack. During this Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., many plan to enjoy big-budget Netflix original films like Zack Snyders Army of the Dead and Amy Adams thriller The Woman in the Window. But the most popular streaming service also has a true-life family drama out today worldwide, one that has gone largely under the radar. While the last faith-and-family outing on Netflix, campy musical A Week Away, had appeal limited mostly to families with kids at home, Blue Miracle tells an inspiring story in a way that will draw in multiple generations. The way you make a film compelling is it has to be coming from a real place inside of you, said writer-director Julio Quintana in a press conference for the soundtrack. Everybody has been saying that this film is refreshingly not heavy-handed. When you tell a story and explore its themes in a real way, you inevitably learn things and grow and truth kind of emerges. A protg of screen legend Terrence Malick, Hispanic filmmaker Quintana (The Vessel) linked up with faith-film producer Darren Moorman (Same Kind of Different As Me) who had secured rights to a story seemingly too perfect to be true about an orphan home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. In fall 2014, after a devastating hurricane, jaded pro fisherman Captain Wade Malloy (Dennis Quaid) agrees to take a crew of inexperienced orphans out in the worlds largest offshore fishing competition. He planned to split the six-figure prize if they reel in a big one. Viewers familiar with inspirational biopics can likely guess aspects of how it ends. But the journey there with three-dimensional characters wrestling with big questions, eye-popping cinematography, and a street-party rap soundtrack smartly invite in a broad potential audience, similar to past biopic hits like Soul Surfer and Remember the Titans. Star Power and Impossible Dreams When veteran Hollywood star Dennis Quaid (Traffic, Frequency, The Right Stuff) signed on, it raised the profile of Blue Miracle. He said the script from Quintana and co-writer Chris Dowling (Where Hope Grows) sold him on the feel-good, entertaining story. Thats the way I really choose all my films, Quaid told me. When I read a script, its the only chance I get to have a first-time experience of the story, like an audience member. This is the ultimate underdog story, its the impossible dream story and it really happened. Certain elements were embellished, such as the films tournament prize being $1 million rather than the actual sum of $250,000. In real life, soft-spoken orphanage director Papa Omar Venegas rarely expressed doubts; that differs from how hes played by Latino star Jimmy Gonzales (Mayans M.C. ), featured here in his first leading film role. And, to simplify the narrative, the movie sidesteps how Venegas was involved in a severe car accident just before the tournament. Yet Quintana underlines that essential facts are true. In September 2014, Hurricane Odile demolished Baja California. This storm severely damaged the orphanage. They didnt know what they were going to do for money. Also, the storm caused organizers to change tournament rules that year so this team could get in. Like his character, Quaid has long been an avid fisherman. He found it easy to relate to the two-time-fishing tournament winner, thrust into helping a ragtag crew of orphans. All he cares about at the beginning is the money and winning and his own glory, he said. These kids end up teaching him about whats really important. Creative Challenges, Juggling Children Quintana made the most of their production budget. He and a small crew, including his wife and brother, visited Cabo San Lucas in October 2019 to capture the actual Bisbees Black & Blue Marlin Tournament where hundreds of vessels participate. We used drones to get aerial shots of the tournament, with all the boats taking off at the marina, he said. We got the big wide expanses of the rocks and that iconic stone arch. Then we took that footage and made sure to match it (to) our locations in the Caribbean. Advertisement The primary film shoot occurred in the Dominican Republic, on the island of Hispaniola, in part due to an innovative 60,500 square-foot Horizon Water Tank designed for movie productions. It makes scenes set at sea much easier to capture on film. Quaid speaks from his past experience. Its very difficult to shoot on boats, he said. Theres always some element knocking you off course. Shooting (Blue Miracle) in this huge tank, built right on the shore of the ocean, made things go smoothly especially working with the kids. Over weeks, the director noted they spent perhaps a full day heading out into ocean waters. Whenever we needed the boat to move a little bit, we went out there and got a couple shots, said Quintana. But it was just miserable and you couldnt light anything properly. He added: The open ocean is no joke, especially with little kids. Once they start puking, the day is pretty much done. While the orphans overseen by Papa Omar are a central focus of Blue Miracle, themes of fatherhood crop up in other contexts as well. Writer-director Quintana, who noted he and his wife have three kids under age five, said its all very personal for him. Every day, I struggle with how to be a good father, he said. Even if people arent parents, I hope they can feel this is coming from a real place. A father of three adult children, Quaid affirms: The most important part of being a parent is being there. This film speaks to how it matters that kids know youre there for them. Without question, Blue Miracle will pull in parents and grandparents. This Music is Fire Quintana set out to undergird the films urban-based conflicts with current hip-hop and reggaetn, a blend of reggae and rap that has spread widely in recent years. He faced one problem. Its very difficult to find anything in that space thats not negative in terms of its messaging, said Quintana. I cant put like 99 percent of reggaetn over my movie, it wouldnt work. But what theyre doing at Reach Records is completely different. Founded in 2004 by Grammy Award-winning rap artist Lecrae, indie label Reach Records based in Atlanta has built a diverse roster enmeshed in emerging urban genres. They avoid explicit lyrics in favor of socially conscious messages that often reflect their Christian faith. Label head Lecrae, who has sold tens of millions of albums, has wisely capitalized on his success; last year, he ended a four-year contract with Columbia Records and now releases tracks solely via Reach. Praised widely for community outreach work, Lecrae has generated controversy among some U.S. Christians for using his platform to highlight racial justice issues. The Official Soundtrack to Blue Miracle, the @netflix film championing the power of faith and friendship is Out Now featuring the new "Fight For Me (Blue Miracle Version)" from @gawvi ft. @lecrae and @iamtommyroyale!! Watch and stream now at the LINK https://t.co/JknAuW1n7h pic.twitter.com/YyFnxvswmh reachrecords (@reachrecords) May 27, 2021 The team behind Blue Miracle contacted Reach about the soundtrack at just the right moment, according to producer-artist GAWVI (born Gabriel Alberto Azucena). The stars kind of aligned, said GAWVI. When the movie had wrapped and they came to choosing music, we were just releasing Sin Vergenza, our first Latin album that Reach artists collaborated on. The son of immigrants from Mexico, Georgia emcee Raul Garcia, a.k.a. WHATUPRG, integrates trap-oriented rhythms into his several soundtrack contributions alongside Puerto Rican urbano collaborator Tommy Royale. Were connecting more to our roots, and just creating the most authentic music we can make, said RG. It used to be they couldnt place Christian music like anywhere, and now its about to be premiered on a Netflix film. For Dennis Quaid, this film marks his latest in a long line of inspirational biopics. I was attracted to playing this character because hes a guy whos really transformed, Quaid said. Hes humbled in this story, and thats when I think that God works miracles. The actor, who just released a Christian Gospel music album, has similar roles on deck. He co-stars in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story coming later this year from Lionsgate, and will portray polarizing U.S. president Ronald Reagan in a Reagan biopic currently filming. He praises Blue Miracle as a positive cross-cultural story. Discussing the films multicultural milieu, writer-director Julio Quintana alludes to front-page headlines from the U.S. southern border. The importance of a story like this is humanizing kids in those situations, said Quintana. Then the next time somebody hears about kids stuck at the U.S.-Mexico border or anything like that, they have a face and emotional connection. I think only positive things can come out of that. Bringing together a diversity of talents, Blue Miracle may end up as another wide-appeal Netflix sleeper hit like true-life war thriller The Outpost and recent period drama The Dig. For rapper WHATUPRG, the extensive reach of the worlds biggest streamer is not lost on him. Its tight to see how far weve come. I mean, I just cant wait to show my mom that we got to drop a movie on Netflix with our songs. Freelance journalist Josh M. Shepherd writes about culture, faith, and public policy issues. His work has been published by outlets including The Stream, Whats On Disney Plus, The Federalist, Christianity Today, Family Theater Productions, and Faithfully Magazine.	https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/blue-miracle-biopic-sleeper-hit/
Is Dylan Dreyer pregnant?	DYLAN Dreyer is the meterologist on The Today Show. And she just made a huge announcement. On May 11, 2021, Dylan Dreyer announced on The Today Show that she was pregnant with her third child. The father of the child is her husband Brian Fichera. And she announced that she'll be having another boy. Her newest son will join brothers Calvin and Oliver. Like many women in the United States today, Dylan Dreyer suffered from fertility issues. In 2019, when she and Fichera were trying to have their second child, she revealed that she'd suffered a miscarriage. According to some fertility experts, about 10 percent of all couples face secondary infertility. Secondary infertility is what happens when a couple has difficulty conceiving after the first, successful pregnancy. 4 She had difficulty conceiving Credit: Instagram Secondary infertility can also refer to a miscarriage after a first, successful pregnancy. It can be caused by a number of factors. Needless to say, Dylan Dreyer's third pregnancy was a surprise. While talking to The Today Show, Dreyer said that she and her husband were trying for a third baby for six months. We were trying and it wasnt really happening and just kind of gave up, Dylan said. 4 They had been trying for a baby for six months Credit: Instagram We were ready for the next phase. Dreyer said that she visited the doctor to see what was wrong, and he gave her a clean bill of health. He also told her to "relax" and not think about getting pregnant so much. LOVE AGAIN Today's Kathie Lee in a 'special relationship' after husband Frank's death 'MY HERO' Savannah Guthrie breaks down on-air after Kristen Welker shares pregnancy story 'PUMP THE BRAKES' Today's Carson admits he warned Gwen Stefani NOT to date Blake Shelton KATIE'S TURN Katie Couric 'will guest host Jeopardy!' after Alex Trebek's tragic death After she took his advice, it didn't take long for her to get pregnant. When we first got married, we thought maybe one day wed have kids, Dylan said. But then we became obsessed with them.You just realize theyre the best things in the world.	https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2969697/dylan-dreyer-today-show-pregnant/
When Time Will Lucifer Season 5 Part 2 be on Netflix?	Lucifer season 5 part 2 (or sometimes referred to as Lucifer season 5b) is heading to Netflix tonight or tomorrow depending on where you live in the world. If youre looking to stay awake, wake up early or just catch it as soon as its available, stick around. Heres what time the new season will be on Netflix where you live. In case youve been living under a rock, the second half of season 5 (which was originally meant to be the final season of the show) is due out on Netflix globally on May 28th. Weve been covering the second half of season 5 in-depth for quite some time but its finally time to dive in come Friday. Heres an expansive list of when you can expect season 5 part 2 to be on Netflix in your time zone. If youre not sure what time zone you live in, head over to a time zone converter and put 12:00 AM Los Angeles in the left box and search for your region in the second box and it will automatically convert. You may need to reload/refresh Netflix. You can do that on browsers using CTRL + F5. If youre on a mobile, just shut down and close the application and open it back up. Those on smart televisions or a games console, youll need to navigate to the help tab on the far left of the Netflix app and then press, reload Netflix. There you have it, a complete guide to when youll be watching the next part of Lucifer on Netflix. If you want to look even further ahead, check out our comprehensive preview for Lucifer season 6 which well be keeping updated with all the latest up until the release.	https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/when-time-will-lucifer-season-5-part-2-be-on-netflix/
Do Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have biological kids?	BRAD Pitt and Angelina Jolie raised six children together over the course of their marriage. The former golden couple of Hollywood split in 2016 after 12 years together, with the Tomb Raider actress citing irreconcilable differences on the divorce papers. Angelina and Brad share six children - five of which are minors - including Maddox, 19, Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 14 and twins Vivienne and Knox, 12. Their biological children include fraternal twins Vivienne and Knox and daughter Shiloh. Vivienne and Knox were born 12 July 2008, and Shiloh was born in 2006. 4 Angelina Jolie with (L-R) Maddox, Zahara, Pax and Shiloh Credit: AFP or licensors When the twins were born, the first photos of them were sold for a whopping US$14 million, the most expensive celebrity photos ever taken. From a young age, Jolie says that Shiloh "wanted to be a boy. So we had to cut her hair," she told Vanity Fair in 2010. "She likes to wear boys' everything. She thinks she's one of the brothers." Back in 2008, Pitt told Oprah: "She only wants to be called John. John or Peter." Maddox and Zahara were adopted from orphanages in Cambodia and Ethiopia by Angelina before she began welcoming children into their family with Brad. Angelina and her ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton adopted her oldest child, Maddox Chivan in 2002. The pair took in Maddox after finding him in a Cambodian orphanage, but the adoption process took a while due to US government legislation. Three years after welcoming Maddox into her family, Angelina adopted six-month-old Ethiopian orphan Zahara Marley. 4 Bratt Pitt and Angelina Jolie were recently awarded joint custody of their children Credit: Getty Former power couple Brangelina decided to adopt another child, Pax Thien, in 2007. After Jolie took on the role of mother for the orphan from Vietnam, Brad later applied to be Paxs dad when the pair returned to the US. Brad and Angelina's split followed an incident on a plane when Brad allegedly lost control of himself and clashed with son Maddox. Following a review, the FBI and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family cleared the actor of any wrongdoing. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reportedly been awarded joint custody of their five kids. The decision comes after the Hollywood exes have been duking it out in a nasty custody battle over the last five years. A source told Page Six: There was a significant change made in the custody agreements based on an extremely detailed decision made by the judge. Brad was just trying to have more time with his kids and it has been clear that Angie has done everything possible to prevent this. 4 Brangelina were married for twelve years Credit: AFP Most read in Celebrity FIANCES TURNED FOES JLo & ARod 'not speaking' because he feels 'rage' over Ben rebound 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 The insider added: This trial lasted for several months and there were a f*** ton of witnesses, experts, therapists and other people who have been with the kids and around them, and the decision was based on this." A source told DailyMail.com that Brad "is so relieved," adding that "his only intention is to spend more time with the kids." Us Weekly previously reported that 19-year-old Maddox appeared to take Angelina's side as he spoke during their lengthy custody battle.	https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2970172/brat-pitt-angelina-jolie-biological-kids/
Did Kristen Welker use a surrogate?	NBCs Kristen Welker announced on April 23 on the Today show that she was expecting her first child with husband John Hughes. Kristen Welker, 44, announced that she was becoming a mother with the help of a surrogate. In her announcement, she said: After years and years of trying, Im having a baby girl with John and we are so excited. Adding: "It's with the help of a surrogate." Welker admitted to visiting an In vitro fertilization specialist (IVF) but was still experiencing trouble getting pregnant. 4 Welker and John Hughes will be parents via a surrogate Credit: Twitter/@kwelkernbc The journalist said: "First round of IVF, it went really well and I thought, Im going to be pregnant within the next few months, no problem," But then, the doctors informed her that the lining of her uterus was too thin to carry a child. She added: And I thought, OK, well, lets fix it. There has to be something that we can do to fix this, Welker re-routed her plans and sought the help of a surrogate, she recounted the experience, saying: "Being matched with a surrogate is one of the most extraordinary experiences I have ever had." Hughes said he feels the same way, adding: "Our surrogate has been amazing. I cant explain just how wonderful shes been. Welker married Hughes in 2017 at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, just a block from where they had their first date. He proposed to her during the 2016 campaign trail since she was working to cover it for the network. 4 Welker and Hughes married in 2017 Credit: Twitter Welker told Hughes that she would be in Washington D.C. for only 24 hours and he met her there, took her to the steps of Lincoln Memorial and popped the question. I wanted to ask her outside in a place you could walk by years later and tell your kids that this was the spot we got engaged, he told the New York Times. Welker announced her maternity leave had begun on May 27, 2021 as her baby is due the following week. She received well-wishes from her colleagues on the Today show as she was discussing her temporary leave. 4 Welker will be taking a maternity leave from NBC to care for her newborn daughter Credit: AP Most read in Celebrity FIANCES TURNED FOES JLo & ARod 'not speaking' because he feels 'rage' over Ben rebound 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 Welker said: Thank you so much, Im feeling so excited. Im feeling just filled with so much gratitude. I think Im ready, Savannah, but they say you can never be totally prepared. Ive read the books, Ive taken the classes, the nursery is set up and I just cannot wait to meet our little girl, she continued.	https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2970206/did-kristen-welker-use-surrogate/
Is the two-state solution still alive?	Given the unity of the Palestinians as well as practical impediments, the solution is not viable The 11-day fighting between Hamas and Israel, coupled with protests across the Palestinian territories and Israeli cities, has turned the spotlight once again on the Palestine question. The internationally accepted solution to this crisis is the so-called two-state solution. This would mean that an independent, sovereign Palestine state and an independent, sovereign Israeli state would coexist in peace. But on the ground, since the Oslo Accords were signed, there has been little progress on the two-state solution and Israel has only tightened its occupation of Palestine over the years. In a conversation moderated by Stanly Johny, Nathan Thrall and A.K. Ramakrishnan discuss the past, present and future of the Palestine question. Edited excerpts: The most recent phase of the Israel-Palestine crisis was more than the bombing of and rockets from Gaza. There were also protests from the Gaza Strip through the Israeli cities to East Jerusalem and West Bank. Nathan Thrall: This [escalation] was rather different from the escalations that we saw in Gaza in 2014, 2012, 2009 and 2008. The Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in large numbers and theyre being arrested in large numbers today. That is something that occurred during the First Intifada. At the beginning of the Second Intifada, when what Israel calls the October events took place, 13 Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed in protests. So, there is a precedent for this. But it did feel different from the escalations of the last decade or so. It sent a clear message to the world and much of the Israeli public that after over 70 years of Israeli policy to fragment the Palestinian people, treat them differently, and subject them to different rules and restrictions, the Palestinian citizens of Israel and the Palestinian people at large are one. This is an enormous challenge to the existing paradigm of the international community, the two-state solution. Most of the world has treated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as though its more or less a dispute over the occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The paradigm has been more or less that of a border dispute. We have, okay, the Palestinians dont have a state, but they have this Palestinian Authority, and its going to be a state, and theyre more or less fighting over exactly where were going to draw the line of separation. And we just have to draw a suitable line on border adjustments, and were done. But when the Palestinian people come together and show that the Palestinians of the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza are just one part of the Palestinian people and this is a national struggle of all the Palestinian people who are still united as one, that paradigm starts to make a lot less sense. Because, in essence, if this is a conflict between Israeli Jews and the Palestinian people who are being dominated in various ways by the state of Israel, then it doesnt make much sense to propose a solution in which you say the dominating party, the Israeli Jews, get to stay united in a single state and the dominated party is going to be split to continue the fragmentation as part of the solution. And well put part of them under minority status in the state of Israel, and the others will be put in a quasi state, something that will be somewhere between autonomy and less than a state as [former Israeli] Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin referred to as his preferred outcome. That solution, first of all, should be rejected, just on the simple grounds of fairness and justice. And then if you look at the division of the territory in a two-state solution, it would give 78% to Israeli Jews and 22%, a discontiguous 22%, to Palestinians. So, on all of these grounds, the two-state solution really makes no sense, if you conceive of the two parties to the conflict, as you should, being the Palestinian people, not the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza, but the Palestinian people, and the other party being the Israeli Jews. If you look at it from the point of view of the Palestinian people, or from a historical point of view, we can argue that the two-state solution doesnt make sense. A.K. Ramakrishnan: I agree with most of the points Nathan Thrall has raised. What is significant is to recognise that from 1967 onwards, Palestinian territories have been under Israeli control. And that is where the narrative has to change from two entities fighting against each other for a particular piece of land to the very conception of a colonial order. If the reality of the coloniser-colonised equation is recognised, one can think about what solution is possible. And in addressing that aspect of resolving the conflict, this recognition of the complete control of Israel is the first step. But thats precisely what is being resisted by the Israeli government. Most of the peace processes that we have seen, from the Camp David Accords to the Oslo Accords to the non-deal of the century by [former U.S. President] Donald Trump, are mechanisms for postponing any kind of permanent settlement of the issue. So, thats why there is a dead end to the peace process, because its not driving us anywhere towards any acceptable solution. The two-state solution has been the internationally accepted solution to the problem. But there have been practical impediments such as increasing illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. And the very question of contiguous territory for the Palestinians to establish an independent state of their own is not available in a practical sense, because under Israeli occupation, there has been change in the geography of the Palestinian territories over decades. So, practical problems regarding the two-state solution exist, particularly the status of Jerusalem and the future of Palestinian refugees outside the occupied territories and outside historical Palestine. And within Israel, in 2018, under Benjamin Netanyahus leadership, you have seen an apartheid Basic Law coming up the nation state of the Jewish people thereby legally undermining the citizenship of the Palestinian population within Israel. And therefore, throughout historical Palestine, there is this apartheid regime existing today. Therefore, addressing a solution should look at all these kinds of contours of the Palestine question. The whole idea of the Israeli Jewish people and the Palestinian people living together in a democratic state is still treated as a utopia. But what is important is to recognise that the events in the current phase of the conflict are leading to newer thinking and therefore, when one thinks about a solution, one has to take into account the new narratives that are emerging out of newer types of struggles. If you look at the Palestinian side, Fatah has accepted a two-state solution and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has recognised Israel. Hamas hasnt recognised Israel officially, but in the 2017 charter, Hamas has offered a long-term peace with Israel based on the 1967 border. So, the two dominant political factions of the Palestinian side have directly or indirectly accepted the idea of two states. NT: Its correct that the main political parties among the Palestinians have supported a two-state solution de facto in Hamass case, but this is the consensus position among Palestinians. Now, its important to note that the Palestinian support for a two-state solution does not derive from a vision of what would be most just or most desirable. At the start of the Zionist movement, at the end of the 19th century, the Jews in Palestine made up about 3% of the population in 1882 and Palestinians were the remaining 97%. Over time, we have seen the slow takeover of Palestine and the transformation of it into the land of Israel. Palestinians wouldnt come up with a solution that would give them a disconnected state without true sovereignty and a mere 22% of their homeland. The two-state solution is based on Israels occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in the 1967 War, but the PLO was founded before the 1967 War, the conflict factor was founded before the 1967 War, the project of Palestinian liberation and return of the refugees all precede the 1967 War. So, the roots of the Palestinian national movement are much deeper. Any adherence to a two-state solution came about very grudgingly. The international community twisted the arms of the Palestinian leadership for a very long time, which had refused to accept a two-state solution, and finally did purely out of pragmatism. Now, its clear that a two-state solution isnt happening. Even the two-state solution, the more realistic version of it, where the Palestinian state is demilitarised, where Palestinians have tunnels that they can use to go under sub-sovereign Israeli territory in order to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, where most of the settlements [in the West Bank and East Jerusalem] will be annexed to Israel, where Gaza and the West Bank are disconnected from one another even that proposal of the Geneva initiative, described as the most progressive and far-reaching, made during the Second Intifada, isnt happening. Theres no two-state solution happening. Everyone recognises that this is the case. So, the very difficult position that the Palestinian leadership finds itself in is that they have undergone this slow and painful conversion. Theyve been rhetorically justifying their concession to reality, their acceptance of this solution for decades now. And now, theyre suddenly in a position where the entire public is saying its not happening; that even this terrible compromise isnt realistic. So, you began by asking me about whats utopia and whats realistic. And I think that the place that were in today is that no solution is realistic, a two-state solution isnt realistic, and a one-state solution isnt realistic. Whats realistic, given the balance of power, the huge disparity in power between Israel and the Palestinians, is continued domination without any Palestinian sovereignty. And we can imagine that eruptions of violence will lead to different kinds of adjustments. And when things get really bad, Israel starts putting forward plans to make tactical adjustments and withdraw from certain areas or encircle other areas by walls or readjust the route of the separation barrier in the West Bank. But these are tactical adjustments. It would take power that the Palestinians currently do not have in order to really bring about any solution. So, the situation were looking at now is a continuation of what the human rights organisations have all deemed meets the definition of crime against humanity of apartheid that situation is going to continue for the indefinite future. And really, any alternative to that is a utopia. Thats a pretty grim picture. AKR: The Israeli government wants not only the status quo of its occupation and its colonial policies to continue, but also expand its control and annex more territories that it occupies. What is preventing it from totally decimating Palestinian life and their resistance is the voices coming not only from the Palestinians within the occupied territories, but also the Palestinians from within the state of Israel; and from across the world. Therefore, the pressure that the Israeli population, both Jews and Arabs, can have on their government to change its policies; the popular pressure on the American government to change its continued strong support for the state of Israel; and international pressure [to restrain Israel] from doing what it is doing against the Palestinians all matter. There are questions on whether states in the international community are ready to accept this reality of day-to-day oppression of a set of people. But within Israel and within the U.S., pressure is much more significant. Nathan, in your book you have written that Israel has made concessions in the past, but only when it was forced to do so, whether due to international pressure or violent Palestinian resistance. Now, you have a Democratic administration in Washington. NT: From the White House, I do not see any possibility of real pressure that would result in a true change to the status quo. From the liberal or progressive wing of the Democratic Party, I see a long-term possibility of change. If were talking about the present Congress, look at the very simple Bill that doesnt change U.S. aid to Israel, but simply calls for the U.S. to examine its role in a policy like the detention of Palestinian children. Even something as simple as that, which still isnt touching aid, which is the really big thing for Democrats, is not realistic in the present Congress and probably not in the next one either. So, its a very long road. But the trends in the U.S. do seem to suggest that that constituency is going to grow. And some of the people who are behind it are among the most popular politicians in America, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. So, it is possible that we will reach a point in the distant future at which the U.S. can put significant pressure on Israel in the way that it had before. But that wont happen under this Biden administration. And even if theres a second term for the Biden administration, it seems very unlikely that it would happen. Its also very important to remember the critical role of the Palestinians in bringing about the pressure the pressure cant just come from growing sympathy for Palestinians in Congress or among progressives or internationally. If you look at other places, for example, apartheid South Africa, the thing that drove the sanctions, the divestment, was the situation on the ground. The overreach of the South African government in killing innocent people put the story in the headlines and brought it to the attention of the world which was outraged and wanted to do something about it. And also, what was more or less an uprising in South Africa in the 1980s made the place look ungovernable, it made it look like a bad place to be investing in as a business person. So, the role of the people on the ground in helping to sustain and accelerate international pressure is critical. The escalation over the last month with the small war in Gaza and the protests over Jerusalem and the protests in pre-1967 Israel... all of that brought about a very rapid change in public opinion internationally. And we saw it again in 2014 a huge change came about as a result of that war. So, these things come in bursts, and theyre driven more than anything by the actions of Palestinians on the ground. So, what Im trying to say is that its a very, very long road. But we do see that the trend is clear of growing support for using U.S. leverage against Israel in order to bring about some kind of change and reduced oppression of the Palestinians. The Israeli narrative is that it is fighting terror. The Israelis, the Americans and the European Union have all designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation. AKR: If the Palestinian voices have to be heard, we have to recognise the diversity of voices amongst the Palestinians. In the initial days [of the Palestinian resistance], several Palestinian organisations, including Fatah and PFLP [Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine], took the armed struggle as their way of placing the Palestine issue before the international community and to resist Israeli occupation. But then under [PLO Chairman Yasser] Arafats leadership, the PLO came to the negotiating table, took the diplomatic path. The First Intifada was more or less non-violent. It is in that context that Hamas emerged, in 1987. And Hamas became part of the armed resistance. The whole point of talking about Hamas as something which is really distinct from other Palestinian entities would not be a good thing to do. Because there is already an attempt to separate the West Bank Palestinians and the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. Some people even talked about three states. This time, the Palestinian identity is being asserted in a big manner. Therefore, I would view the kind of ideological division between Fatah and Hamas, between various Palestinian organisations, as something that comes up as part of what to do in a very dire condition of occupation. What kind of strategy they have to adopt, or what kind of ideology the Palestinians have to follow is up to them. But this whole narrative of seeing the Palestinians as being divided... they may have differences, but I think on the basic question of liberating Palestine, the question of an independent Palestinian state, the Palestinians are united, and that is the core of the Palestine question. A.K. Ramakrishnan is a professor of international relations at the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU, New Delhi; Nathan Thrall is the author of The Only Language They Understand and a contributor to The New York Times Magazine and the London Review of Books	https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/is-the-two-state-solution-still-alive/article34661468.ece
What Happens to Exxon Now?	An activist investor that staged a coup at Exxon on Wednesday over the companys mishandling of climate change and got two new board members elected has generated headlines around the world. But that coup is a little more complex than it seems at first glance. Wednesdays win was, in part, a victory because of just how terrible Exxon has been up until now at planning for its future, and demonstrates how far we have to go in terms of making real change at the worlds major fossil fuel companies. First, theres the issue of who, exactly, investors chose to put on the board from the list of four candidates proposed by activist investor Engine No. 1. Reading the new board members bios may make any climate activists eyebrows shoot up ecosocialists, they definitely are not. Gregory Goff is a former vice president at Marathon Petroleum, while Kaisa Hietala transitioned from upstream oil gas exploration to biofuels at oil refining giant Neste. Both Goff and Hietala, in fact, have lots of experience in oil refining, and perhaps not coincidentally, Exxon posted a $US1.1 ($1) billion loss last year in its refined products division. Goff in particular, one analyst told Reuters, will be far more concerned with Exxon Mobils management structure and lack of entrepreneurship than some misguided attempt to target net-zero. Even the big investors who made yesterdays coup possible dont really deserve green kudos; they basically did the absolute bare minimum to keep Exxon functioning in a modern business landscape. Its notable that the only Engine No. 1 board candidate BlackRock didnt decide to vote for was Anders Runevad, the former CEO of Vestas Wind System and the only board candidate with renewable energy experience. BlackRock also voted against a separate motion that would have mandated Exxon provide a report to its shareholders on the environmental and health impacts of their products. Writing in its guide for how shareholders should vote, BlackRock said it believes that efforts already undertaken by Exxon to protect public health and the environment have been genuine and produced actual benefits to shareholders and to society. (Sure, Jan.) But Wednesday, still, was a big deal. It shows that investors are sick of losing money and view the prospect of rampant oil production is untenable financially in a world finally starting to get real about addressing climate change. This was a moment where investors decided they were fed up with Exxon digging its heels in and acting like they could ignore their stakeholders and society as a whole they were acting like they were untouchable, said Ben Cushing, the financial advocacy campaign manager at the Sierra Club. This was a moment where investors flipped the table on them and said, were done playing nice, were coming for actual leadership change. Even though they have roots in managing oil and gas companies, Cushing said the the Engine No. 1 candidates ran on a platform that the companys attitude of drill, baby, drill, forever is not going to cut it. To contextualize the symbolic importance of getting some people who have thought for two seconds about climate change on Exxons board, its worth reiterating just how miserably behind the eight ball Exxon is, even in oil and gas land. The company has no net zero commitment at all, which its competitors like BP, Shell, and Total have all at least put a little thought into. Unlike BP, which has aggressively upped its investments in renewable energy, Exxon has barely dipped a toe into renewables at all, instead pouring almost all of its investment into carbon capture and storage and biofuels. And Exxon has basically seemed to convince itself that, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, oil and gas is going to keep being a thing. Under most third-party scenarios that meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, oil and natural gas continue to play a significant role for decades, the companys website reads. Exxons vice president for Africa and Asia Pacific said as recently as March that continued oil and gas exploration was very important when considering a green energy future (sorry what?). Its not hard to see how investors, who might still believe in the short-term profitability of oil and gas or in a long-term survival strategy for fossil fuel companies using aggressive carbon capture technology, are frustrated with Exxon. A report published by Oil Change International last fall compares and contrasts details of the climate plans for eight major international oil companies. While no one company scored high marks, Exxon was only one of two companies to get a grossly insufficient ranking in all categories. The other company that scored that low was Chevron, which faced its own investor insurrection yesterday after two-thirds of its shareholders bucked the companys wishes and voted to mandate it provide more thorough accounting for its downstream emissions. An International Energy Agency report published earlier this month said oil and gas production should basically end ASAP to keep the world on track to reach Paris Agreement targets. It also makes it pretty clear what needs to happen at Exxon and its ilk. For starters, no new investment in oil and gas exploration projects, said Cushing. Then we can turn to the question of how to phase out existing projects in a timely manner. But thats a tall order for such a drilling-addicted company. It may hinge on whether shareholders, especially the big investors like BlackRock and Vanguard who have made net zero commitments for their investment portfolios, will keep up the pressure on the company. Lets be clear: Exxon is still Exxon, said Cushing. Theres certainly hope that the new board members who get in there will be able to lay down new markers and have more conversations about change. I think we will see fig-leaf commitments from Exxon. Theyre definitely going to come out with, oh were going to set some targets, that kind of stuff because not doing that would invite shareholder backlash. The question now for investors is, are you looking for symbolic leadership change or are you looking for concrete changes that align with the long-term targets you want to hit? Ultimately, yesterdays other one-two punches along with the Chevron vote, Shell got its arse handed to it in court in the Netherlands after a judge mandated it needed to cut emissions 45% by 2030 may create a narrative that is more powerful than the board election alone. Two lone board members added to the leadership of an oil company cant do too much, but Wednesday was a dark day for oil and gas companies (and a bright one for the climate). Big Oil should take what happened as a warning that major change is needed. Its a huge narrative win and a symbolic victory, said Cushing. Time will tell how much of a material impact it actually makes on Exxons business plan.	https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/05/what-happens-to-exxon-now/
What was Chandler Bings job in Friends?	Of all the many long-running jokes in Friends, one of the most memorable was the characters consistent confusion over exactly what it is that Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, does for a living. This uncertainty came to a dramatic head in the fourth season episode The One with the Embryos, when Rachel and Monica lost their apartment in a high-stakes quiz because they couldnt say what Chandler did for a living. Oh gosh, it has something to do with numbers Rachel stumbles, before noting that he carries a briefcase to work. As the pressure mounts, Monica offers: Its, um ... it has something to do with transponding! Oh, oh, oh! says Rachel. Oh, hes a transponsa transponster! As Monica points out, not only is that not Chandlers job its not even a real word. The answer was kept deliberately vague for much of the shows 10-year run, but it was eventually revealed that he worked in the field of statistical analysis and data reconfiguration. He later quits that job to start a new, less well-paid career as an advertising copywriter. In the ninth season episode Where Rachel Goes Back to Work, Chandler contemplates a return to his old workplace. Ill just get my old job back, he tells Monica. No, I want you to have a job that you love, Monica says. Not statistical analysis and data reconfiguration. To which a bemused Chandler can only reply: I quit, and you learn what I do?	https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/chandler-bing-job-friends-reunion-b1855390.html
Which guest stars are going to be in the Friends reunion?	The Friends reunion special has added a string of surprise guest stars, including Lady Gaga, James Corden, and Reese Witherspoon. HBO Max made the announcement on Thursday, at the same time it revealed the specials air date (27 May) and unveiled a first video teaser. David Beckham, Justin Bieber, and BTS will also be featured, alongside Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Kit Harington, Mindy Kaling, and Malala Yousafzai. Witherspoon previously had a recurring role on Friends as Rachel Greens sister Jill. Other planned guest stars also had roles on the sitcom: Elliott Gould, who portrayed Ross and Monicas father Jack Geller, will be featured, as will Christina Pickles, who played the siblings mother Judy Geller. Also included will be Larry Hankin, who made sitcom history as Monicas grumpy upstairs neighbour Mr Heckles, and Thomas Lennon, who appeared as Joeys infamous identical hand twin Randall. Tom Selleck, aka Monicas one-time boyfriend Richard Burke, is joining too, as are James Michael Tyler (Central Perk barista Gunther) and Maggie Wheeler (the iconic Janice). The Friends reunion special was originally announced in February 2020 but has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. It taped last month on the original Friends soundstage in Burbank, California.	https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/friends-reunion-guest-list-stars-b1855370.html
Which Ghanaian soccer players have performed best in Europe this season?	Share this with more people! The success of Ghanas top soccer players has meant that the country is now classed as one of the best markets for European teams to find the new generation of stars in sports. Andr Ayew Ayews professional career has taken him from Nania in Ghana to France and now the EPL. With more than 90 international caps and a couple of World Cups under his belt, he is now a hugely experienced player that has enjoyed a productive season following a period of moving about Europe. He is Swansea Citys deputy captain and in the 2020/21 season scored an impressive 16 goals. He was his teams top scorer during the seasons and helped them to reach the playoffs, where he scored the only goal in the first game against Barnsley. The next few days will determine whether Ayew plays in the EPL next season. Ghanaian soccer fans who want to get involved with the community can research how the betting markets consider these things when deciding odds. Even more, fans can find out how to place a wager on this happening by checking the Ghana bookmakers reviews on: bet365 Ghana, where EPL, La Liga, and Bundesliga matches are covered too along with various tips. In-play betting and live streaming add to the experience. Kamaldeen Sulemana This 19-year-old winger is likely to be in the news a lot over the summer, as he is linked with a big-money move to a bigger team. Manchester United chief scout Tommy Nielsen went to Denmark to watch the youngster play for FC Nordjaelland and called him the greatest talent in Scandinavia. Negotiations between the teams have reportedly already started, with suggestions that his transfer value could be up to 15 million. His speed and dribbling ability has caught the eye of some of Europes other major teams, while the ten goals he scored in 28 games in 2020/21 helped to cement his growing reputation. Abdul Aziz Yakubu The next player from Ghana to make a big impact in Europe this season plays in Portugal. Born in Tamale, this tall forward has grabbed 12 goals in 27 games for GD Estoril Praia, where he is on loan from his parent club Vitria Guimares. He is due to return to his club this summer. After a couple of seasons spent in the Portuguese lower leagues, it will be interesting to see if Yakubu can make the step up to play in the top tier. At 22 years old and with a contact at Vitria Guimares that runs until June 2023, this could be the season in which he makes the vital breakthrough. Joseph Paintsil One of two brothers currently playing professionally in Europe, Paintsil has enjoyed a productive season in the Turkish league, where Ankaragc has him on loan from Belgian side Genk. The Accra-born midfielder started with Tema Youth in Ghana and left for Europe after a single season. A successful spell with Ferencvros in the Hungarian league led to him earning the countrys 2017 Goal of the Year award and then joining Genk. The 2020/21 season saw him score 11 goals from 32 games, which is especially impressive given that he plays as a midfielder rather than as a forward. These are just a few of the Ghanaian talents currently showing off their skills in Europe. It is no wonder that top clubs are keen to catch any upcoming players in the country before their rivals beat them to it.	https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2021/05/27/which-ghanaian-soccer-players-have-performed-best-in-europe-this-season/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=which-ghanaian-soccer-players-have-performed-best-in-europe-this-season
When Will Joe Manchin Wake Up?	Directly after the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy and Republican Senate leader Mitch blasted Donald Trump for inciting the violence. Calls for a commission to investigate the insurrection were universally applauded. Flash forward to today and now Republican leadership is attempting to block a bipartisan January 6 commission to investigate exactly what led up to and what happened during this one of the most seditious events inspired by a sitting US president in US history. Laura Clawson writes that "Republicans are expected to filibustera bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol." No shock there for any citizen paying attention. However, US Capitol police are outraged by this rank political maneuver. Brian Sicknicks family and Fanone are speaking out publicly, with Gladys Sicknick saying, Not having a January 6 Commission to look into exactly what occurred is a slap in the faces of all the officers who did their jobs that day. But theyre not alone in their anger at Republicans. We have heard all of this support for police, police, police, and then your own police force is battered and bruised and now you drag your feet?" one Capitol Police officer said to CNN on condition of anonymity. I kind of got lulled, I got fooled, I listened to [Senate Minority Leader Mitch] McConnell's words that same night when they reconvened [on January 6], the officer said. I bought into it, I thought, Wow, we are really going to get some answers. Republicans support law enforcement when it helps them politically. Finally, Joe Manchin's Senate brethren have done something awful, forcing him to respond negatively. My statement on the January 6th Commission: pic.twitter.com/ZfNhQfKzmh Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) May 27, 2021 Wow, Manchin finally got upset at these anti-American cultists. Everything Mitch McConnell does is politically motivated and calculated to be the supreme obstructionist in Senate history for the sake of garnering raw political power. This is not a one-off, Sen. Manchin. This is how the GOP has behaved for decades. Come back to reality. Republicans will make believe they are working with the Democrats and then pull a fast one at the last minute, or offer milquetoast alternatives to water down any legislation. Then they'll scream Pelosi, freedom, and socialism while withdrawing their support. As of May 25, CNN reports, "But asked if such a blockade changes his view on the GOP's willingness to cut deals with him, Manchin shot back: "No. I'm still working with the same Republicans." Just now, CNN asked Manchin AGAIN whether he would ditch the filibuster or modify it to get this commission through, and Manchin said, no, he wasn't willing to destroy the government for a commission. This, even though Republicans are willing to destroy the entire COUNTRY with their obstinance and obstruction. Stop f**king America and do the right and only thing you can. get rid of the filibuster. Karoli Kuns contributed to this article	https://crooksandliars.com/2021/05/when-will-sen-manchin-wake
Are Memphis music festivals in or out in 2021?	Get your dancing shoes out Memphis, because some of your favorite music festivals are finding ways to reopen! Beale Street Music Fest wasn't able to make an appearance again this year, but we can still get our music fest fix in with these events! Jenny Feleciano/Uncharted Traveling Levitt Shell: "Shell Yeah" Although the Levitt Shell s summer outdoor concert series is not back yet, they are putting on a series of fundraising concerts dubbed "Shell Yeah: Tasty Compositions". These concerts will support the continued work of the Levitt Shell to provide free music to the Memphis community with accessible seating for all. Hopefully the Shell's free summer concert series will be back in full force next year, but until then we can still enjoy live music at our favorite shell shaped stage in the park! Our mission is building a stronger Memphis community through music, finding common ground in a diverse audience. Shell Yeah concert tickets allow up to six people to sit in a socially distant "pod" while enjoying live music under the stars. According the their website, attendees may purchase the pods with picnic baskets curated by Chef Kelly English for $400, or without food for $270. See their website for more detailed information about event logistics and Covid-19 restrictions. Live at the Garden: Locals Live The ever popular Live at the Garden summer concert series is back for a modified season this year with a series of concerts dubbed "Locals Live". The series features all local artists, along with local vendors for food and drink. If you missed the first two shows in April and May, not to worry! The Locals Live series continues on June 26th with Almost Elton John, featuring Jerred Price as Elton John. I can personally attest to the fact that Price puts on a fabulous show worthy of all the glitz and glamour an Elton John show should have! Celebrate all things local in a safe, outdoor environment. According to the official Locals Live website, food trucks will be on-site, but no outside food or beverages are allowed this year. Masks are required while in indoor areas and recommended in outdoor areas. All tickets are general admission and cost $25 per person, purchased through Ticketmaster only. The parking lot opens at 5 pm, gates open at 6 pm, and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Live at the Garden concerts are the perfect mix of live music with a community feel, so grab your friends and pack your lawn chairs, and head down to the Memphis Botanic Garden! Mempho Music Festival That's right folks, the Mempho Music Fest is back, and it's coming into town HOT! It has an all-new location and a stellar lineup, with headliners like Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, just to name a few. A variety of food vendors will be on site, along with hydration stations. No pets, camping, or outside food and drinks are allowed, but there will be guaranteed good times! Check the FAQ's on their website for festival logistics and a full list of do's and don'ts. While the live music industry still faces some unknowns in the coming months, the safety of our patrons will always be our number one priority. We will be working closely with local and state health officials to ensure that our festival will be a safe and incredible experience for all our patrons and staff. This year's Mempho Fest will be held at the Memphis Botanic Garden and is scheduled for October 1st through the 3rd. Early Bird tickets and VIP passes are sold out, but you can still get 3 day general admission tickets for $185 and single day VIP passes for $275. Single day general admission tickets will be available soon. Don't miss this party, buy your tickets directly on their website today! Cooper-Young Festival Technically this is a neighborhood street festival, but anyone who's been to Cooper-Young Fest knows it's jam packed with local bands, so it definitely deserves an honorable mention in the music fest category. The Cooper-Young Festival is one of my favorite Memphis street festivals, and they're planning a comeback! In its 33rd year, this event has grown tremendously and is one of Memphis' most highly attended Festivals. This year, over 130,000 guests will enjoy an appealing mix of art, music and crafts presented by over 435 artisans from around the country. The Cooper Young Festival is a true celebration of the arts, people, culture and Memphis heritage. Come join us for the party and get to know why Cooper Young is Midtown! The 2021 Cooper-Young Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th from 9am to 7pm and will be held as usual in the historic neighborhood along Cooper Street and Young Avenue. We are anxiously awaiting the music lineup for their three stages, as this street fest is always a party! Check their official website for more information. Follow me to get the scoop on your favorite Memphis music festivals!	https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2256851632738/are-memphis-music-festivals-in-or-out-in-2021
Was hat das Monster Hunter Rise Update Ver. 3.0 zu bieten?	Im Rahmen des gestrigen Monster Hunter-Events hat Capcom das zweite kostenlose Monster Hunter Rise Update (Ver. 3.0) vorgestellt, das bereits zum Download bereit steht. Es fgt dem Spiel zwei neue Monster, ein neues Ende der Hauptgeschichte, neue Quests, neue Waffen sowie Rstungen und vieles mehr hinzu. Was hat das Monster Hunter Rise Update Ver. Im folgenden Video erhaltet ihr einen ersten Blick auf die neue Variante von Valstrax, dem Vorzeigemonster aus Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Dieser mysterise Drachenlteste ist als Karmesit-Valstrax bekannt und kann durch die Lfte gleiten und seine Flgelform ndern, um aus unblichen Hhen anzugreifen. Mit dem neuen Monster Hunter Rise Update Ver. 3.0 wird dem Spiel darber hinaus das Apex-Monster Zinogre hinzugefgt. Es erstrahlt in neuem Glanz und fordert euch mit ungeahnten Angriffen. Zustzlich wird Monster Hunter Rise um eine neue Quest erweitert, deren epischer Showdown mit der Donnerschlange Narwa und der Windschlange Ibushi der Geschichte ein neues Ende zufgt. Das neue Finale, die neuen Monster, neue Quests, neue Waffen und Rstungen sowie vieles mehr werden dem Spiel kostenfrei mit dem Update zu Version 3.0 heute Nacht hinzugefgt. Und es gibt weitere neue Inhalte fr das Spiel: Das ab heute erhltliche, kostenpflichtige DLC Pack 3 bietet modebegeisterten Jger:innen neue Sprachoptionen, Gesten, Frisuren, Sticker-Sets sowie Hintergrundmusikstcke und vieles mehr.	https://www.beyondpixels.at/was-hat-das-monster-hunter-rise-update-ver-3-0-zu-bieten/
What kind of camping opportunities are available in Idaho?	Many campsites on public land have been reserved ahead of the holiday weekend, but there are some still available on a first-come first served basis. BOISE, Idaho If you are heading to one of Idahos two dozen state parks that offer camping this Memorial Day weekend, you better have a reservation. There is not one campsite available across the state, according to Chelsea Chambers, public information specialist for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Thousands of campsites were reserved nine months in advance using the departments online reservation system. Chambers says places like Ponderosa State Park in McCall are already booked on all holidays and weekends through the summer. Getting into one the parks in very inexpensive. It costs just $10 to get an annual Idaho State Parks Passport, which is usually purchased when you register your vehicle. Most visitors are now choosing this option, Chambers said since the cost of one vehicle entering a state park went up from $5 to $7 in April. There are first-come first-served campsites available in some parks. If that is your plan, Chambers advises taking a couple of extra days off and leave no later than Thursday. She says by Friday, all those sites will likely be full. 2020 was record year for the number of people who wanted to get outdoors and do some camping in Idaho. COVID inspired people to explore their local campgrounds, Chambers said. She said Idaho is working to open more campgrounds, but it will be a challenge to keep up with the demand. Fifty campsites are expected open at Thousand Springs near Hagerman in the summer of 2022. In the Boise National Forest, there are more than 75 campgrounds and about half of them require a reservation. Venetia Gempler is the public affairs officer and says they expect the forest to be very busy during the holiday weekend. If you dont have a campsite reserved, itll be hard to come by, she said. She says there are some first-come first served campsites available but advises heading out before the weekend and says to have a back-up plan if your first option is not available. Some campgrounds are more developed than others with paved roads, pressurized water systems and restrooms. Others are more primitive with dirt or gravel roads, hand-pumped water or no water. Fees vary bases on the services provided. The Boise National Forests website is a great source for information about the campgrounds you will find there. You can also make reservations online. And theres a complete list of the recreational opportunities available. Gempler says if you are headed to the mountains, expect spring conditions. Nighttime temperatures are usually much cooler than in the valley. And there may be snow is some higher elevations. Its still early in the season so not all developed campgrounds may be open. Gempler says crews inspect them for public safety, remove tree hazards, sites are cleaned and the water is tested before opening them to the public. She advises bringing your own water, extra food and warm clothing. And be sure to store food, including dog food, in your vehicle so it does not attract wild animals like bears. Many campsites do not have trash service, so you will need to pack out your garbage. Gempler says they had a problem last summer with people who left their trash next to outhouses. That attracts wild animals. So do your part and take your trash with you when you leave. It was extremely busy last year. We had lots of new campers discover how fun it was to get away and want to use the forest, Gempler said. And with the continue growth in Idahos population she does not expect it to be any slower this year. One other thing, there is usually no cell phone service in the woods. So, it is a good idea to let people know where you are going and plan to return. There are dozens of campgrounds in the Sawtooth National Forest. Officials are encouraging visitors to Know Before You Go. Many of the campsites are first-come first-serve but there are also campsites that can be reserved in advance. People planning on recreating on the Sawtooth National Forest over the Memorial Day holiday weekend will find most facilities are open and operating; however, due to the lingering snowpack at the higher elevations a number of roads and trails will be closed. Visitors should avoid driving or riding on muddy roads or trails to avoid damaging the surface. You can check ahead with your local Forest Service office for current road and trail conditions. Julie Thomas is the public affairs officer for the Sawtooth National Forest. She says use of the facilities went up exponentially last summer as more Idahoans were getting outside and enjoying a safe experience. Be prepared for big crowds again this year. She does have a warning for visitors. Weve had three fires on the Sawtooth in recent weeks. Conditions are very dry. We did not have much rain this spring, Thomas said. Be vigilant. Put out your campfire. She says remember the rule: If it is too hot to touch the embers, then it is too hot to leave. Make sure the fire is cold to the touch before you leave. A lot of the campsites in the Sawtooth National Forest do have campfire rings. Public drinking systems may not be operational. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinking water and be prepared to haul their trash back home. Even though many of the developed campgrounds will be open, there may be sites that do not have full service. There are fees to use some campgrounds while others are free. Roads and trails are wet and there is snow is some of the higher elevations. Be prepared to dress warmly. And a couple of reminders, as of May 1, there is now a 10-day stay limit in effect for all developed and dispersed camping on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. After 10 days in a 30-day period, people need to move their stuff 30 miles away. That's down from a 16-day limit in certain areas last year. The Forest Service says a new food storage order goes into effect on May 29 and is will be enforced through Labor Day weekend. The order requires recreational users to store their food in locked vehicles or bear-resistant containers. Violators could face a fine up to $5,000. Just in time for summer, the Payette National Forest has released a recreation app for public use and it is now available to download to smart phones and other devices. The app makes it easier to find and gain information for recreation sites on the forest. The app includes a Google map of the forest with locations of recreation sites, trail heads, campsites, lakes, interpretive sites, and district offices. It provides a great way enjoy and learn more about the Payette National Forest. This app will provide the visitors with the opportunity to learn about the forest and recreation opportunities as they explore the forest, said Emily Simpson, Forest recreation specialist. Visitors can now gather information anytime and anywhere with their mobile devices. Visitors can use the app to orient themselves as they travel to find campgrounds and trails, or to discover historic sites and points of interest. There is so much handy info, right in your pocket. The app is now available on the web, or available for mobile devices on the Google Play and Apple Store through the National Forest Explorer app. Once in the National Forest Explorer app, users can simply scroll to find the Payette National Forest. And finally, forest officials say please practice Leave No Trace principles: Plan ahead and prepare know before you go. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly whatever you pack in and pack out all trash. Leave what you find Minimize campfire impacts Respect wildlife Be considerate of other visitors Watch more Local News:	https://www.ktvb.com/article/sports/outdoors/finding-a-campsite-in-idaho-on-memorial-day-weekend-can-be-challenging/277-2daae48f-e34b-4d3f-830d-48ccaf958728
Does Super Bomberman R Online have cross-play?	Bomberman is taking the plunge into the battle royale genre with the release of Super Bomberman R Online. In this free-to-play, 64-player game, you set bombs to destroy obstacles and enemies, but hopefully not yourself. Interestingly, battle royales are where the talk of cross-play between platforms began to get serious. It wasnt until the big battle royales like Fortnite began supporting cross-play that more games from other areas began to have it as well. Yes, Super Bomberman R Online does support cross-play between Nintendo, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Unfortunately, Stadia players will be missing out on the party, although they have their own little exclusive feature in Crowd Play where anyone watching you play can join in the game. The nice thing about Super Bomberman R Onlines cross-play is that the game gives you total control over how you manage the function. If you go to jump into a game for the first time, it will first ask if you are okay with cross-play, and you can also manage the settings by going to Other, Basic Settings, and scrolling down to Quick Match Restrictions or Private Match Restrictions. Setting either of these to Off will enable cross-play while putting it on Single Platform Only will disable it. Screenshot by Gamepur	https://www.gamepur.com/guides/does-super-bomberman-r-online-have-cross-play
What's it like to live with a poltergeist?	Published: 8:00 PM May 27, 2021 Ghostly footsteps, scratching at the wall, objects that flew from shelves, a piano playing itself, whispers in the bathroom, voices through the TV a Norwich woman has shared her story of living with a poltergeist. The house in question, an unremarkable Victorian terrace close to the crossroads formed by Old Palace Road, Dereham Road and Heigham Road was the site of countless strange occurrences over a 20-year period. It is also a stones throw from the last crossroads burial site in the Norwich area where those who had taken their own lives and those who had been executed were laid to rest. Our story begins when Jill (not her real name) bought the house near Dereham Road with her husband: we are keeping the precise location of the house a secret, today it is a rented property with tenants. Seven-months pregnant when she moved in with her husband, Jill had fallen in love with the Victorian terrace house and she was excited to move in. It was a matter of weeks before the paranormal activity would begin. Jills daughter had arrived and the family had fallen into a new routine but so, it seems, had the houses invisible tenant. The crossroads at Dereham Road, Norwich, close to the haunted house. - Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021 It began with slamming doors and footsteps on the stairs, usually at night, normally at precisely 2.50am when the alarm clock, set for 7am, would ring. As the years passed, the strangeness inside the house built up: after the break-up of her marriage, Jill and her daughter remained at the house alone or so they thought. Oven timers and lights would switch themselves off. Items of laundry would be removed from the bottom of the pile and be thrown to the floor. Jill would be sitting on her sofa and it would feel as if someone was banging into it from behind. Glass storage jars flew from shelves, toys and buttons appeared to fly from the air as if thrown, the piano played on its own. One night, Jills daughter came to ask her: Mummy, why do you keep coming up and downstairs and slamming the door? While on another occasion the little girl told her that shed heard a voice in the bathroom saying here you are, then and when shed turned round, expecting to see her mother, no one had been there. She looked as white as a sheet, Jill, who sent her story to Weird Norfolk, said. Over time, three different alarm clocks each one bought to replace the last and all set for 7am - would instead ring at 2.50am. One night, Jill thought she heard someone digging in the garden in the early hours, another time she heard a tremendous banging noise outside at 3am. Jill set out to find out more about the house. She discovered that a woman had died there, a Roman Catholic priest had lived in the premises, and that the house was built close to where people who had committed suicide or been executed at the then-nearby City Gaol on Earlham Road, were buried. As Weird Norfolk reported earlier, Heigham Street was once known as Hangmans Lane. Since medieval times, such burials at crossroads were carried out due to a belief that these spots were uneasy boundaries between unclaimed lands, where the supernatural reigned. These were the dark times when suicide was considered a grave mortal sin, tantamount to deliberate self-excommunication from the church. A remaining Norfolk coroners record notes that in August 1794, John Stimpson, a Norwich porter, hanged himself and the coroner ordered he was buried at the crossroads of St Benedicts Road. St Benedicts was the first name for what is now Dereham Road. Other discoveries included that the terrace house had been altered, with the staircase moved to a new position leaving an uneven wall. My daughter said one day she could hear scratching from the wall in her bedroom which was the wall of the staircase that had been altered, Jill said. I had the builders in and one day I was meeting my daughter from school at 3pm and when I got back he told me hed seen my standing at the bottom of the stairs when I was out. Jill believes that some people who came into contact with the house later fell victim to misfortune or illness, as if the building itself was cursed. One workman went bankrupt immediately after working at the property and, joking that someone might have been buried under the floorboards, another badly hurt his back after falling off a ladder on his first day there. Meanwhile, the strangeness at the house continued. A flowerpot was placed on the floor having apparently fallen from a windowsill. A sparrow was found flying in a room where all windows were closed. And while watching TV one night the announcers voice faded away to be replaced by a childlike voice as though playing at being a ghost. As the voice echoed round the room, a black form flickered, and the familiar feeling of the back of the sofa being repeatedly banged by an unknown force was felt. Later on, a hole appeared in the ceiling as if someone, or something, had pushed a finger through from above and a slipper that fell from Jills foot in her bedroom simply disappeared, with a search for it proving fruitless. When Jill and her daughter arrived back from their holiday a week later, the slipper was in her bedroom, exactly where she would have expected to find it. One of Jills colleagues who attended a spiritualist church - visited the house and immediately felt ice-cold at the bottom of the stairs and refused to go near Jills daughters bedroom. The woman apparently felt compelled to write a date on a piece of paper July 14 - and the word hanging, even though she knew nothing of the areas history and association with those who had met an untimely end. Later, when Jill had moved to a different house, the lady rang her to ask if it had come with her when she left the house. Only when I moved did I notice how different the atmosphere was, said Jill. It felt like being on holiday compared with the heavy atmosphere of my previous house. We never found out what the date related to. I cannot explain what happened, only that it did. Hopefully it is not still happening to anyone else. Haunted house facts: In an All About Money survey, more than 15 per cent of UK adults said they believed that there was something ghostly going on in their homes The survey revealed that one in eight UK houses are haunted, or are believed to be haunted Although the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading regulations doesnt refer directly to haunted properties, it does mention that sellers have a duty to avoid making false or misleading statements this should, theoretically, stop a seller from claiming that a house isnt haunted if he or she believes otherwise Three-quarters of estate agents polled said that former crime scenes or rumours that a property is haunted can devalue a houses price by a fifth and make them twice as hard to sell compared to a normal property A third of people would move out if they experienced paranormal activity while 24 per cent would look to seek help from an exorcist In New York, the State Supreme Court demands that sellers explicitly inform buyers of all defects, including intangible ones such as poltergeists In a famous case of Stambovsky v Ackley in 1991, it was established that the owner had not mentioned the house he was selling was haunted and so the sale was withdrawn the house had been on a ghost tour of the neighbourhood and its poltergeists were well known	https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weird-norfolk-house-haunted-poltergeist-norwich-8006016
Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Choose One of These Royal Favorites for Their Baby Girls Name?	Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be keeping their baby girls name top secret ahead of their daughters arrival this summer, but if they decide to go with a royal favorite, theres a small pool of monikers to choose from. Over the last 200 years, the royal family has favored a remarkably small group of baby names, with Victoria being the most popular for royal girls, according to research by The Independent. In total the name has been given to royal babies nine times since the turn of the 19th Century, including Harrys great-great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. This is closely followed by Mary, which has been bestowed to seven royal girls over the same period, including the Queens grandmother, Queen Mary, wife of King George V. Also Read: Kate Middleton was an inspiration to Meghan Markle before she met Prince Harry Next up with six counts, comes Alexandra and Louise the name of Lady Louise, the 17-year-old daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex followed by Elizabeth with five. Along with being the name of the reigning British monarch, this also happens to be the middle name of Princess Charlotte, 6, and her mom Kate Middleton! The baby girl name list is then completed with Alice (4), Margaret (3), Charlotte (3), Augusta (2), and Helena (2). As for boys, The Independents data dive shows that since Queen Victorias 1819 birth, a total of 12 royal babies have been named Albert after Victorias beloved husband, Prince Albert. This is followed by George (10), Charles (8), and Edward (7), with Christian, surprisingly taking the next spot on the list with five. Considering the couple named their firstborn child Archie, its unlikely the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will opt for a traditional royal name and will instead continue forging their own royal path when it comes to their daughters moniker too. To have a boy then a girl what more can you ask for? Harry excitedly said about the couples imminent arrival during their sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey in March. The royal couple added that the baby girl will be their last child when she arrives in the summer, saying simply: Two is it. Prince Harry also spoke emotionally about learning the babys sex, Grateful, having any child, any one or a two would have been amazing, but to have a boy and then a girl . . . now weve got our family and weve got four of us.	https://www.womenzmag.com/celebrities/meghan-prince-harry-choose-royal-favorites-baby-girl-name/
Could earnings help Canopy Growths share price to grow?	Canopy Growths [CGC] share price has dragged so far in 2020, closing 26 May at $24.34, down 1.2% year-to-date. February saw unprecedented highs as Canopy Growths share price soared to $56.50 during intraday trading on 10 February, but the following day saw a rapid tumble as the stock lost 28% to close at $40.65. Despite remaining relatively stable in March, Canopy Growths share price has been coming down ever since, falling 24.2% in the two months to 26 May. However, over the last 12 months, Canopy Growths share price rose 21.6% (as of 26 Mays close), with an increase seen between November 2020 and February 2021 though this has since reversed. Investors will hope that the recreational and medical cannabis suppliers upcoming earnings report will put them in the green. Canopy Growth will announce its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 results on 1 June. Zacks Equity Research expects Canopy Growth to announce sales of $122.88m and losses of $0.18 per share. If correct, these forecast figures would represent a 52.7% increase in quarterly sales year-over-year, with quarterly losses rising 84.5% in the same period. Zacks also suggests an approximately 34% increase on fiscal year 2020s net revenue of CA$399m. This would indicate a slowing of growth since fiscal year 2020, which saw a 76% uplift in net revenue on 2019, and covered the 12 months to March 31, 2020. In other words, Canopy Growths full year for 2021 includes most of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which had crippled markets a few weeks before the end of fiscal year 2020. Historical data captures this impact. In Q3 2020, Canopy Growth registered net revenue of CA$123.8m, a 62% increase on the previous quarters figures, indicating that the business was growing rapidly. For the final quarter of fiscal year 2020, however, sales contracted to CA$107.9m, and didnt recover to above pre-pandemic levels for another six months. The Zacks estimate would imply a 37.9% increase in sales year-over-year, indicating that the company is well on the road to recovery following the March crash, especially given the reduction in losses since Q3 2021. Pot luck for legalisation The five major ETFs specialising in the Cannabis theme all hold Canopy Growths stock. Of the five, the Global X Cannabis ETF [POTX] gives it the heaviest weighting at 7.59% of the funds assets (as of 26 May), while the Cannabis ETF [THCX] holds the stock in the lowest relative quantities, at 5.05% (as of 26 May). The Global X Cannabis ETF has grown 42.2% in the year-to-date, while the Cannabis ETF has grown 35.4% in the same period. Like Canopy Growths own stock, prices of both have fallen since 11 February, when a focus on the sector from the same Reddit traders that had previously caused a short squeeze on GameStop [GME] lost momentum, but hopes of legalisation at the federal level in the US continue to buoy the industry. Chuck Schumer, the US Senate majority leader, called for the drug to be decriminalised across the US by 20 April 2022. Federal criminalisation of the drug means that banks are reluctant to serve cannabis companies, but the SAFE Banking Act which was passed by the House of Representatives on 19 April for consideration by the Senate would provide a legal framework for them to engage with the industry in states where cannabis is legal. According to Reuters, 17 states now permit adult use, while 36 have legalised the drug for medicinal purposes. Optimism surrounding the prospect of federal legalisation has run high ever since US president Joe Bidens election victory in November 2020. Over the past 12 months, the Global X Cannabis ETF has grown 16.4%, while the Cannabis ETF has grown 57.5%.	https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-au/opto/could-earnings-help-canopy-growths-share-price-to-grow
Is Evangelical Support for Israel a Brittle Branch?	One of the complexities and anguishes that many American Jews feel about Israel today is not only that there is a growing cleavage between how American Jews and Israelis see the occupation and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There is also the increasing tendency, especially on the Israeli right, to say who cares about American Jews?, who make up only a tiny sliver of the US population, and focus rather on white evangelicals who make up a big chunk of the US population and have, albeit for very different reasons, a deep devotion to Israel. This fact came to the fore earlier this month, during the inter-communal violence in Israel and the fighting in Gaza, when Ron Dermer, former Ambassador to the US, said Israel should prioritize evangelicals over American Jews as the anchor of its relationship to the US. American Jews, Dermer reasoned, were in any case disproportionately among our critics.	https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/is-evangelical-support-for-israel-a-brittle-branch
How can I prepare for laser hair removal treatment?	Now that salons and beauty clinics are reopening and summer is right around the corner, its time to book our appointments and get ready for a summer of socialising. While we might not be hitting the beaches on foreign shores just yet, we still want a hassle-free summer in swimsuits, sundresses and sleeveless tops. The irritation of shaving, razor bumps and reddened skin is the only thing getting in the way of that. And laser hair removal is here to provide a solution! A few friends had laser hair removal last summer and raved about the process. A stress-free summer after just a few sessions seems worth the price tag. It is a safe way of using light energy to effectively remove unwanted hair permanently. According to Thrapie Clinic, the way it works is that light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle. The lasers light energy heats the pigment and destroys the hair follicle. It only affects the specific structures of the hair and follicle, leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. How many sessions you will need will vary from person to person. Generally, between 6-10 sessions are needed, but that depends on hairs type, the area youre having lasered and any medical conditions you may have. This treatment is not effective on blonde, grey/white or red hair as their pigment isnt strong enough to produce any effect. Shave beforehand Dont wax, bleach, pluck or thread any areas that you will be having hair removal in, before or during your treatment. But you absolutely must shave the area 24 hours before the treatment. Any other form of hair removal can damage the hair follicle, which means the laser treatment will not be effective. Interfere with the hair root before a treatment is a disaster so stick to just shaving for now. Wash off the tan Whether thats one with all natural ingredients or a chemical one, you need to have it cleaned away before going for laser hair removal. The area must be clean in order to for it to work properly. This means staying away form sunbeds or suntanning for at least 4 weeks beforehand also. Talk to your practitioner about pain management They may apply a local anesthetic or you may discuss alternative pain management, but be sure to have that conversation with your clinician. Laser hair removal can be painless for lots of people or only cause slight discomfort, but it can also cause redness, swelling and pain, so you may need to take time off work if youre getting it done in a sensitive area. Be sure to consult with your licensed clinician. Keep chemical-free Avoid using deodorants, moisturisers or body creams on the areas that will be undergoing treatment. This is essential to avoid any reactions with the skin and hindering the treatment. Avoid water/chemical exposure No baths/showers/pools or any kind of water exposure for 48 hours after the treatment. Chlorinated water, deodorants, perfumes and scented lotions or body washes will irritate the sensitive skin and could cause inflammation. Be sure to treat the area very delicately and carefully. No active products such as AHAs, BHAs and retinol for 3-7 days after treatment. Take it easy This means no excessive exercising with intense workouts or gym sessions until 48 hours after treatment. Sweating will irritate the area and could cause friction and pain. Wear loose clothes Anything tight or restrictive will trap heat and rub against the treated area, causing irritation and possibly even swelling. Follow your clinicians advice about sun care protection for the sensitive skin. It will be at risk of increased exposure, but certain sunscreens may irritate it so seek professional advice about how to best protect your skin.	https://www.shemazing.net/how-can-i-prepare-for-laser-hair-removal-treatment/
Can We Afford Losing Doctors Fighting Against COVID?	The COVID 19 has taken a heavy toll oN the health care workers in our country. Doctors, nurses and other paramedics who form the backbone of our fight against the ravages of the pandemic are invaluable weapons in this war. Losing them is akin to getting the fighting machine depleted to the aggressor, which in this case is a deadly virus. As per the WHO director 1,18,000 health care workers have so far succumbed while carrying out their duties since 2020. We have till date lost 1167 doctors in this country since the beginning of the pandemic last year out of which 420 succumbed to the second wave which is continuing. The stories of senior doctors like Dr K K Aggarwal and Dr Himthani from New Delhi are fresh in our minds. We also remember Dr Vivek Rai who committed suicide finding him helpless in the casualty of Max Hospital, New Delhi to handle very sick patients who could not be admitted because of no beds being available. Highest deaths have been reported from Delhi with 100 casualties, followed by Bihar (96), Uttar Pradesh (41), Gujarat (31), Andhra Pradesh (26), and Telangana (20). Jammu and Kashmir has reported 9 unfortunate deaths so far. Sadly only 3% of the 420 doctors lost this year after the availability of the vaccine had been vaccinated. These numbers are far in excess as compared to any other country including European states, USA and UK. The total deaths reported from these countries had been 278 in May 2020 when COVID had peaked its mortality. Italy had 122 casualties followed by Iran with 44 doctors dying. The numbers in USA and UK were much smaller 15 each. Compare our numbers of 747 doctors dying in the year 2020. No death of doctors from these countries has been reported during the 2nd wave of COVID. More than half the doctors who lost their lives in our country were general physicians. Specialists of different disciplines, including pulmonology had a much lower mortality. The alarming numbers from our country are despite the fact that total number of cases in USA since the start of the pandemic has been much more than in India (3.31 crores vs 2.67 crores) with higher mortalities (5.89 lacks vs 3.04 lacks) Death while performing duty is the doctors ultimate sacrifice. This is further compounded when physicians unknowingly infect their families. General public may not comprehend the importance of self-isolation measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic until a physician dies fighting the virus. Physician deaths from COVID-19 may vary between countries due to different public health resources, governmental policies and controls to enforce quarantine and Covid appropriate behaviour. Countries like Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan exercised decisive early actions and had hardly any deaths of physicians. Health care workers endure considerable mental and physical stress caring for patients with COVID-19. There have been reports of physicians of the older age groups dying of exhaustion and cardiac decompensation. It is important for the hospitals to provide mandatory rest, meal breaks and organize shifts to prevent exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition. Senior doctors with co-morbidities should be given consideration and not kept on the front line and be kept for duties other than managing the patients who are still positive for COVID test. In the initial periods of the COVID pandemic in 2020 inadequate personal protective equipments (PPE) were commonly cited a reason for deaths but there is no such shortage now, yet we continue to see these unfortunate happenings. Proper donning and doffing techniques are necessary. In fact, in hospitals and larger setups a safety monitor and a trained examiner is needed to ensure that proper safety measures are being taken to avoid inadvertent contamination. In these troubled times the government and NGOs need to come forward and help physicians and other health workers to take care of their families by providing essential things during the lock downs and keep an empathetic attitude to keep their morales up. Giving them significant monetary allowances is also a right step in this direction and has been done by many state governments. The most important reason of the striking reduction in the mortality of the general population and also the health care workers in Europe and USA is the very aggressive and sustained vaccination program in the current year. In USA the new Biden government has set the target of achieving 70%, 2nd dose vaccinations by July 4th 2021. A number of incentives in the form of lotteries etc are also being offered. In some states like California masks are no longer necessary because new infections have become rare. Europe is planning to open their resorts for tourists because of the numbers becoming very small. A certificate of having both vaccinations done is however mandatory. We need to accelerate our vaccine programs. For health care workers it needs to become mandatory. In spite of the covid vaccine being available since January this year and health care workers being on top priority the vaccination rates are far from being optimal. The overall rate for the country for single dose is 89% according to the official communication of 22nd May. In Delhi the percentage is only 78%. The maximum rate reported is 99 % in Chhattisgarh followed by Madhya Pradesh 93% and Rajasthan 91%. For Jammu and Kashmir, the single dose administration has been done in 81% and for 2 doses only 47%. Shortage of the vaccine is one of the issues but reluctance on the part of doctors continues to be a problem. We need to strengthen this force as much as possible and make 2 doses of vaccination mandatory for them. It is a full-fledged war and doctors are the most important weaponry we have. It is a shame that we have already lost 1167 of them while fighting for the life of COVID victims. Country cannot afford it and it needs to be halted at all costs. Prof Upendra Kaul is a reputed Cardiologist, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation. He is a Recipient of Dr B C Roy Award and Padma Shri	https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/can-we-afford-losing-doctors-fighting-against-covid/
What is Mucormycosis?	Mucormycosis previously known as Zygomycosis is rare but serious disease caused by fungus (molds) called mucormycetes. These moulds are freely distributed in the environment. The disease affects mostly those persons who have any underlying illness or those persons who are on medication that cause disturbance in the immunity. When these fungal spores are inhaled, it then affects the sinuses and lungs or some other organs. It can also occur in cut skin, burn or any other skin injury. It should be noted that the disease is not contagious that is it is not transmitted from person to person or person to animals. Different types of mucormycosis are: 1. Rhinocerebralmucormycosis affects sinus and brain- Mostly in those persons who are diabetic or who have undergone kidney transplant 2. Pulmonary mucormycosis- Persons suffering from cancer, or who have undergone kidney or stem cell transplant 3. Cutaneous mucormycosis-Occurs when there is break in the skin/cut or trauma 4. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis- This type was recently seen in two patients whose small intestines were affected at Sir Gangaram Hospital Delhi in two male patients aged 56 and 68 years old. Biopsy were done and black fungus were confirmed in the small intestines. Symptoms The symptoms depend upon the location where fungus is growing. Rhinocerebralmucormycosis- Unilateral facial swelling, Headache, Nasal/sinus congestion, Black coloured lesion on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that becomes severe. Pulmonary mucormycosis- Fever, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath Gastrointestinal mucormycosis- Pain in abdomen, Vomiting/Nausea, GI bleeding Risk Factors Some persons are more likely to get mucormycosis due to underlying illness like- Cancer Diabetes Organ transplant Stem cell transplant Neutropenia (low number of white blood cells) Long-term corticosteroid use Excess iron in the body Skin injury due to surgery, burns, or wounds Origin Mucromycetes that cause mucromycosis are mostly present in the environment particularly in soil in association with decaying organic matter such as leaves, composite piles and cow dung. The practice of using cow dung as a protective measure from COVID-19 in most parts of the India will not prevent but further aggravate the occurrence of mucormycosis. Relation with COVID19 Mucormycosis has surged in India recently primarily affecting those persons who have recovered from COVID-19,otherwise in last 10 years, doctors have only seen very few cases in india. As SARS COV-2 damages the immune system making affected persons susceptible to mucormycosis. Some experts have also suggested the continuous use of steroids in the COVID-19 affected individuals can be one of the reason of mucormycosis in addition to the immunocompromised state of COVID-19 affected patients. The infection is life threatening and has mortality rate between 46-96% which depends on severity. Otherwise in last 10 years, doctors have only seen very few cases in India. According to senior cardiologist Dr Atul Abhyankar, there are certain patients who are not given steroids but yet they develop mucormycosis, the reason being the humidifier used for giving oxygen. Sterile water should be used instead of tap water which may contain many microorganisms that may lead to the formation of fungus. People should use sterile water instead of tap water and replace the water twice after every 24 hours. These days the requirement of the oxygen cylinders and concentrator devices for the COVID-19 patients are on great demand. Many NGOs and others provide same for the patients in Kashmir valley, but before using them, clean them properly and air dry to prevent the occurrence of disease. The author is Senior Consultant Microbiologist VETLAB-New Delhi Mail- [email protected]	https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/what-is-mucormycosis/
What could Apple announce at WWDC 2021?	Believe it or not, were less than two weeks away from the kickoff of Apples 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference. WWDC 2021 will be a virtual event this year, and its widely expected that Apple will unveil macOS 12, iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and much more. On June 7th at 10am PDT/1pm EDT, WWDC21 kicks off with the unveiling of new updates coming to all Apple platforms later this year. Streamed directly from Apple Park, the keynote address will be available via apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and YouTube, with on-demand playback available after the conclusion of the stream. Chance Miller for 9to5Mac: As usual, we expect one of the biggest focuses of WWDC this year to be on the iPhone with the introduction of iOS 15. While last year saw a barrage of leaks about what to expect from iOS 14, Apple has done a better job of keeping things under wraps this year. Bloomberg has reported that iPadOS 15 will bring the most significant update to the iPad home screen since 2010. This update will come in the form of allowing users to place widgets anywhere on the iPad Home screen, mimicking a feature that came to the iPhone last year with iOS 14. With the M1 chip powering the new iPad Pro, there are a lot of potential changes Apple could have in store for iPadOS 15 this year. This includes support for pro applications such as Xcode and Final Cut Pro, a new multi-tasking system, and more. Whether or not these features materialize this year remains to be seen, but they sit atop the wish lists of many iPadOS users. A reference found in Apples WebKit documentation code in March seemingly confirmed that Apple will jump to macOS 12 this year There are currently very few indications about what could be new in macOS 12 this year. MacDailyNews Take: While WWDC is generally software-focused, hardware that is of particular interest to developers can appear during the keynote address, so the chances of seeing the new 14- and 16-inch Apple Silicon-powered MacBook Pros appear at WWDC 2021 are good.	https://macdailynews.com/2021/05/27/what-could-apple-announce-at-wwdc-2021/
Can MGM Help Amazons Video Business Roar?	This story first ran in Buffering, Vultures newsletter about the streaming industry. Head to vulture.com/buffering and subscribe today! Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos by TOMMASO BODDI/AFP via Getty Images and MGM After months of speculation, Amazon Wednesday formally agreed to snap up MGM, one of the most iconic brands in Hollywood. The $8.45 billion purchase price is a tad less than the $9 billion figure that had been floated, but its still a ton of money for a company that saw its best days decades ago. And yet, Jeff Bezos and his Amazonians clearly see value in the studio not so much for what it has been making in recent years but for what it produced in the past. Mike Hopkins, the former Hulu and Sony exec who now heads up video for Amazon, admitted as much in a press release announcing the agreement. The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of [intellectual property] in the deep catalogue that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGMs talented team, he said. Translation: Get ready for Rocky: The TV Series and the Legally Blonde animated movie, coming to Prime Video in fall 2023. As we saw last week at the very depressing broadcast upfronts, Hollywoods decades-long affection for recycling past successes has turned into something of an obsession in the streaming age. The entire town seems to have simultaneously decided the only way to break through the clutter of Peak TV+ is with new iterations of stuff that worked before. Original ideas such as Mrs. Maisel may be marvelous for Emmys and critical raves, but the path to real success is through Franchises, or so the suits in charge seem to believe. Theyve seen the success Disney has had with Marvel and Star Wars, both with movies and via Disney+, and they want in on that action. This is why Netflix has dropped big sums on everything from Millarworld to the Knives Out movies, and why Stranger Things will likely be generating spinoffs for a decade. Its the reason HBO, which rarely used to do remakes and spinoffs, is now working on new twists on Game of Thrones and Sex and the City. And even before the MGM deal, franchise fever explains Amazons decision to fork over $250 million* just to get the chance to retell the story of Lord of the Rings (*actual series not included). The press release for the merger cited the following titles from among the studios roughly 4,000 movies and 17,000 TV episodes: 12 Angry Men, Basic Instinct, Creed, James Bond, Legally Blonde, Moonstruck, Poltergeist, Raging Bull, Robocop, Rocky, Silence of the Lambs, Stargate, Thelma & Louise, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, The Pink Panther, The Thomas Crown Affair, Fargo, The Handmaids Tale, and Vikings. That doesnt mean each of the aforementioned is about to get spun off into something new. In the case of the Bond movies, for instance, there are other stakeholders who get a very significant say in deciding what does or doesnt get made with 007. It should also be noted that all the great titles from the Golden Age of MGM (think The Wizard of Oz and Singin in the Rain), as well as anything the studio made or acquired before 1986, are actually owned by WarnerMedia rather than MGM, thanks to a big deal the late media mogul Ted Turner made decades ago. Leaving aside these significant asterisks, there are plenty of other reasons the MGM purchase could work for Amazon, even beyond giving Amazon Studios more pre-sold franchises to exploit. While Amazon streaming platforms Prime Video and IMDb TV already have healthy libraries, MGM brings tens of thousands of new hours of movie and TV content, which can be seeded across both services. It wont all happen overnight, of course, since MGM has deals with other networks and streamers already in place. But in a few years, Amazon will have a pretty decent library of well-known titles it owns and can monetize, rather than just stuff it rents from someone else. Thats important because unlike any other major streamer, Prime Video is both a subscription service and a platform that actually sells and rents movies and TV shows. If it sees you watching, say, Rocky for free on Prime Video, it might then ask you if you want to rent Rocky III for 99 cents. It does this already, of course, but when you buy a Warner Bros. movie, Amazon just gets a few cents for handling the deal. Now itll get all 99 of them (well, minus whatever gets paid in residuals). The other thing the deal gives Amazon is control of the cable network Epix. Ive already read speculation that Amazon doesnt have a need for a linear channel, and perhaps that is true. Epix doesnt have a massive subscriber base the last estimate I saw of its size a few years ago was 15 million customers but it still generates revenue and could benefit from Amazons scale. As it is, the streaming version of Epix is available via the Amazon Channels subscription program. Or maybe the play is to just use the Epix name: I am pretty sure Amazon execs are looking to rebrand IMDb TV into something less awkward-sounding. Epix is currently a pay channel, but perhaps it becomes the name of Amazons main free TV service, with or without a cable component. (For that matter, the MGM Channel would also be a better name than IMDb TV.) One word of caution: While Amazon and MGM have announced their marriage, it still needs the blessing of federal regulators. Even though theres nothing glaring that stands out as being particularly anti-competitive with this deal, there are plenty of folks in D.C. (and probably even some in the Biden White House) who think Amazon is already too big and needs to be broken up. Even if history suggests this agreement will be fine, assuming its guaranteed to sail through would be a mistake.	https://www.vulture.com/2021/05/mgm-amazons-prime-video-analysis.html
How can colleges support students with children?	Dive Brief: Although students who are parents tend to experience more stress than their peers, they are generally less likely to know about and less able to afford mental health services. That's according to a new report from the Jed Foundation and Aspen Institute, which examined the stressors student-parents are likely to experience that put them at a greater risk for developing mental health issues than their peers without children. the Jed Foundation and Aspen Institute, which examined the stressors student-parents are likely to experience that put them at a greater risk for developing mental health issues than their peers without children. The pandemic has amplified student-parents' stressors , as many had to supervise their childrens' education at home and balance unpredictable schedules. Dive Insight: A lack of data on student-parents, specifically, inspired the study, said Sara Gorman, director of research and knowledge dissemination at the Jed Foundation, during a webinar Wednesday. Just over one in five undergraduates are parents, the researchers found. These students are more likely to be women, and particularly women of color, according to data from the Institute for Women's Policy Research. For the latest study, the researchers pulled data from several sources, including the Healthy Minds Network's 2020 study data, the National College Health Assessment and the Hope Centers 2020 RealCollege Survey. They also polled 1,022 students at U.S. colleges this past winter and interviewed 25 student-parents last fall. While all student-parents were more likely to consider dropping out of school in the prior 30 days than nonparents, the researchers' survey found that those ages 18 to 29 and those receiving financial aid said so at higher rates. Younger student-parents were also more likely than older students with children to report feeling nervous, hopeless and worthless. Older student-parents, meanwhile, "demonstrated a degree of resilience that was not always evident even in their nonparenting counterparts," the researchers wrote. As such, they added, colleges should develop initiatives targeting younger student-parents. One idea the report offers is having older student-parents mentor younger ones. Other ways colleges can improve student-parents' experience is by training campus mental health professionals in how to address the stressors unique to this group. Education in trauma-informed care is also advised, the researchers say. Student-parents were more likely than their peers without children to have a history of trauma, which could include being rejected by their families, experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence, and not having their basic needs met, the analysis found. Creating spaces and activities for students' children at schoolwide events, offering on-campus childcare and including student-parents in marketing materials are other ways to help them feel like part of the campus. Additionally, collecting more data on members of this group including how they're using campus services, what their needs are and whether they feel like a part of the campus community can help schools better accommodate them, the researchers added.	https://www.highereddive.com/news/how-can-colleges-support-students-with-children/600869/
Does Davos Have a Future in a Post-Pandemic World?	The World Economic Forum's annual gathering of business and political leaders has been officially called off this year, after many delays and false-starts. When it reconvenes in the first half of 2022, at Davos or perhaps somewhere else, the event will look very different. What remains to be seen is whether the WEF's elite, and high-priced, confab can ever regain the status and influence it once had. See more stories on Insider's business page. Predicting the demise of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos is nearly as old as the five-decade-old event itself. Yet with an embarrassing string of postponements and cancellations, it is worth wondering again how long the expensive and tedious yet lucrative gabfest in the Swiss Alps can last. "Davos" is the brainchild of Klaus Schwab, an 83-year-old German academic who hosts a wide variety of potentates, corporate chieftains, scholars, and assorted hangers on to his one-of-a-kind, weeklong meeting. I've been to Davos five times, and like many attendees I have a love-hate relationship with it. I delight in the many interesting people I meet and the winter splendor of Switzerland. I loathe the pretentious obeisance to the illusion of corporate goodness as well as the time and effort a week to prepare, a week to endure, a week to recover of the whole ordeal. Now questions abound, not only about the future of Davos, but also the whole class of pricey, elitist, corporate-financed confabs WEF pioneered. WEF undoubtedly shot itself in the foot by stringing along its customers over the course of a trying year. And its missteps are the epitome of a cautionary tale of the perils of announcing overly optimistic plans in a pandemic. Most importantly, its next moves will be a decent tell if business travel will follow leisure travel in snapping back in countries where vaccination rates are high. WEF last met in January, 2020, even as Covid was locking down China despite the attendance of a massive delegation from that country, led by Vice Premier Han Zheng. (A month later banking pooh-bah Jamie Dimon joked that Davos might have been a superspreader event; perhaps he wasn't wrong.) As 2020 progressed, WEF was determined to reconvene in 2021. It originally announced Davos would go on as planned, but with a slimmed-down group and a virtual sideshow. Then it made plans for a May event in Lucerne, Switzerland, before switching locations to Singapore. After that, WEF pushed back the Singapore event twice, first by two weeks, which would have been around now, then to August. Finally, last week, it called the whole thing off, promising only to attempt an annual meeting in the first half of next year in an undetermined location. Schwab, a man not given to doubts, acknowledges he goofed. "We were perhaps too optimistic," he recently told the German newspaper Sddeutsche Zeitung. He claims demand was strong for the Singapore event but that the pandemic made things too unpredictable. Now, says, Schwab, whenever WEF does gather its members again, it will try to tone down the sheer scale and extravagance. "We are looking at a new design for our annual meeting, more personal meetings and group work, no more big plenary sessions unless Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are on stage," he says. (If anyone could pull that off, by the way, it is Schwab, who beckons princes, presidents, and celebrities.) "The event has to become more intimate, fewer people and less hustle and bustle, if I may put it that way." Says Schwab. Like every high-end event organizer, WEF furiously stood up digital get-togethers during the pandemic. "We made ourselves into a global private TV network," says Adrian Monck, a WEF managing director and head of its communications. He says the organization has hosted more than a thousand sessions of one type or another since the pandemic started. Annual WEF meeting in Davos Reuters WEF likes to portray itself as more than its Davos meeting and as more than an event host. But there's a reason it was so reluctant to cancel its main conclave: it needed to give members and partners reasons to re-up their annual fees, which are critical to keeping WEF running. True, it's a Swiss non-profit. But it's also an enviable commercial enterprise. For the year ending June 30, 2020, the last period WEF has reported, this "public interest" organization brought in a whopping $410 million in revenue in the form of memberships, attendance fees, and partnership sales. It pays almost all of it out each year in staff salaries and other operating expenses. Even still, a year ago it had about $335 million in cash on its balance sheet. One wonders what it will possibly do with all that money. It probably depends on whether its well-heeled customers, many of whom, contrary to Schwab's assertion, didn't thrill to flying to Singapore in the dead of summer, stick with it. Monck, the communications chief, says WEF revenue has been resilient, down a smidge year over year, and that renewals have been only a bit below the normal rate. He says the organization is aiming for a January meeting and that the locations with which it has relationships are potential spots. But obviously WEF is thrice-bitten, thrice-shy about committing. Others have adapted too. TED, a US-based tech-inflected competitor to WEF, similarly went virtual last year. It is planning an in-person event in August in the city where it started, Monterrey, CA. The theme: "The Case for Optimism." Another competitor for WEF's supporters, the finance-focused Milken Global Conference, plans a meeting for mid-October, "Charting a New Course," at its longtime venue, the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. TED and Milken are largely domestic affairs, the former known for its programming flair and the latter for its must-attend financial-world cachet. For them, a global online audience is an opportunity whereas WEF's reason for being is bringing together a global audience. Jay Herratti, executive director of TED conferences, tells me 75% of TED's online audience is outside the US. Betting against WEF has been a fool's errand before. It is a proven master at getting the powerful to pay dearly to discuss the problems they themselves created. Moreover, the irony of its self-inflicted wounds is that WEF's messages of stakeholder capitalism and business with a purpose have never been more in fashion. And yet, for all the world's problems global wealth inequality, uneven vaccine access, concentration of power among tech companies, to name a few it isn't at all clear that Davos, metaphorically or physically, will be the best place to discuss them going forward. *** In other news: It is an iron clad rule of journalism that three observations of any given phenomenon constitute a trend. I therefore declare a full-fledged outbreak of "boomeranging" among top-tier talent at big technology companies. A boomerang employee is someone who leaves, typically voluntarily, only to return later. The returning executive is cast in the role of a conquering hero, the team leader who went to play elsewhere, only to find out there is no place like home. Two big-time tech executives recently came back to the companies where they made their bones. Pat Gelsinger, an Intel lifer before leading software maker VMware, is now the chip giant's CEO. (In 2018, at a Fortune conference, I ambushed Gelsinger to ask if he wanted to be CEO of Intel, and he professed his love of the software business. Some things take a while.) Similarly, Adam Selipsky spent 11 years at Amazon Web Services before becoming CEO of Tableau Software, now owned by Salesforce. He'll replace Andy Jassy as head of AWS when Jassy becomes CEO of Amazon. The most interesting boomerang of all is another Amazonian, Jeff Blackburn, who left Amazon after more than two decades to become a venture capitalist. Blackburn didn't last two months as a VC before deciding to return to Amazon to run all media efforts, including Amazon's acquisition of the MGM film studio and library. The original tech-industry boomerang employee, of course, was Steve Jobs, hounded out of Apple in its early days, only to return to perform one of the greatest resuscitations in corporate history. Adam Lashinsky is a Business Insider contributor and former executive editor at Fortune magazine, where he spent 19 years. He is the author of two books: "Inside Apple" (about Apple) and "Wild Ride" (about Uber).	https://www.businessinsider.com/does-wef-davos-have-future-post-pandemic-world-2021-5
How has the pandemic affected human trafficking at the border?	TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) As the fight against the coronavirus continues, so does the battle against human trafficking at the border. Its Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Scott Browns job to stop it. Brown is part of a team that of investigators who work to keep traffickers from preying on victims. According to Brown, online solicitation is still one of the primary tactics for traffickers. "Trafficking is not limited to migrants -- anyone can be a victim of trafficking," he said. "What we found is the pandemic initially had some deterrent effect. People being afraid particularly being in the area of sex trafficking to take those enhanced risks due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, people's appetite for elicit behavior and willingness to victimize quickly came back, Brown said. Brown also says theres a misconception about human smuggling and human trafficking that should be clarified. "Human trafficking and human smuggling are two distinctly different crimes," Brown said. "People can be smuggled for the purpose to be trafficked. Smuggling is a crime of transportation and illicitly crossing the border. Trafficking is a crime of forced fraud and coercion for labor or for sex. Smuggled migrants tend to be some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They don't have the social networks; they dont have the resources. Often times theres a language barrier. Theyre afraid of law enforcement, in many ways based on experiences in their home country and their perceptions about U.S. law enforcement including immigration authorities." There are also some dark and shocking realities that fester in the multi-billion-dollar illegal business including parents abusing and selling their own kids or other relatives doing the same thing, but there are some telltale signs especially if you see a group in a van or RV. "Some of the things are being afraid to speak for themselves, traveling with people that dont make sense that theyre traveling with, providing what are clearly rehearsed stories that dont match the circumstances, subservient behavior not holding their own travel documents, Brown said. Officials say victims can be of any age or gender and the crime typically goes unreported because of shame and stigma along with the bonds that victims form with their captors who are skilled at controlling them while monitoring their every move. Unfortunately, from infants literally months old all the way up to senior citizens do get trafficked. We have seen people get brutalized while being trafficked Brown said. Once victims are saved, thats just the beginning as they move on to a new life and start the long road to recovery and wellness. "We always try to offer them services. Within my staff I do have a full-time victim assistance specialist who is helping to figure out what resources they need and then talking to the nongovernmental agencies and faith-based organizations to make sure that we can align the available resources to what their needs are, Brown said. Click here for more information on trafficking from the Department of Homeland Security.	https://www.kgun9.com/border-watch/how-has-the-pandemic-affected-human-trafficking-at-the-border
When can a case relating to a child be heard in an adult court in New South Wales?	To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Barney Wakes-Miller parents have been campaigning tirelessly for modifications to cars and changes to road rules, since he was killed in a car accident in July last year. His 17 year old friend, a P-plater, is accused to have been drink driving on Sydney's Northern Beaches with Barney and four other teenage passengers when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stone wall. Everyone in the car survived without injury, except Barney who suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene. The teenage driver (who cannot be named for legal reasons) was charged with numerous offences including: Dangerous driving occasioning death, Negligent driving occasioning death, Failing to comply with the condition on his provisional licence to not have more than one passenger under 18 after 11pm, Driving with unrestrained passengers, Sustained loss of traction, Driving at a speed or in a manner that is dangerous, and Driving with a middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol, also known as mid range drink driving. He is yet to enter pleas to any of the charges and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has signalled an intention to have the case referred from the Children's Court to the District Court of New South Wales. As the driver was 17 years old at the time of the alleged offences, he would ordinarily be dealt with by the Children's Court. In fact, the Children's Court has the power to hear and determine cases where the defendant was under the age of 18 years when the offence allegedly occurred and under 21 when he or she was charged. However, there are a number of situations where a case relating to a child may be referred to a higher court, such as the District Court of New South Wales. These situations are outlined in the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (the Act'), and can be broadly categorised as: Traffic offences, Serious children's indictable offences, Indictable offences that are committed to the District Court, and Child sexual assault offences. 1. Traffic offences Section 28(2) of the Act provides that the Children's Court does not have the power to determine a traffic offence such as drink driving, negligent driving, or driving at a speed or in a manner that is dangerous unless: The alleged offence arose from the same circumstances as another for which the person is before the Children's Court, or The person was not old enough to have a driver licence. In any other case, traffic offences are heard in an adult court, such as the Local Court of New South Wales. 2. Serious children's indictable offences Section 28(1) of the Act makes clear that the Children's Court does not have the power finalise a serious children's indictable offence. Section 3 of the Act defines such an offence as: Homicide (eg murder or manslaughter), Aggravated sexual assault under section 61J of the Crimes Act, or an attempt to commit that offence, unless the complainant was under the age of 16, Assault with intent to have sexual intercourse under section 61K, of the Crimes Act, or an attempt to commit that offence, Manufacturing or selling firearms under the Firearms Act 1996 where the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison, Any offence punishable by 25 years or life in prison, and Any other indictable offence which may be prescribed by the regulations as a serious children's indictable offence. In that regard, clause 4 of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Regulation 2016 prescribes sexual assault by forced manipulation where the child was under the age of 10 years under section 80A of the Crimes Act as a serious children's indictable offence. These charges will need to be committed (referred) to a higher court, which in most cases is the District Court of New South Wales. 3. Indictable offences that are committed to the District Court Indictable offences' are those which are capable of being committed (referred) to a higher court such as the District Court for finalisation. These can be distinguished from summary offences' which are generally those which carry a maximum penalty of two years or less in prison, and are disposed of in the Local Court when it comes to adults. Section 31(2) of the Act provides that a defendant may at any time during, or at the close of, the prosecution case choose to have his or her indictable case committed to the District Court, rather than finalised in the Children's Court. Section 31(3) of the Act empowers the Children's Court to commit an indictable offence to the District Court if the court is of the opinion, after hearing all of the prosecution evidence: That the evidence is capable of satisfying a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the person committed the offence, and That the charge may not properly be disposed of in a summary manner. The Children's Court must be satisfied of three matters before it can refer such a case to the District Court: That the offence is an indictable offence, That the evidence, taken at its highest, must be capable of satisfying a properly instructed jury that the person committed the offence, and That it is not proper for the case to be finalised in the Children's Court. The court may take a wide range of factors into account when determining the third matter, including: The nature and seriousness of the alleged offence, The person's criminal record, and The likely penalty if he or she were found guilty. 4. Child sexual assault offences Under section 31AA of the Act, a child sexual assault offence' is a prescribed sexual offence other than a serious children's indictable offence where the complainant was under the age of 16 years at the time of the offence (or under 18 years the offence of sexual intercourse young person between 16 and 18 under special care under section 73 of the Crimes Act 1900 or Sexual touching young person between 16 and 18 under special care under section 73A of that Act). A full list of prescribed sexual offences is listed in section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW). Section 31(3A) of the Act makes clear that such offences must be committed to the District Court if the prosecution requests that they be so committed. Otherwise, the same assessment applies as that for indictable offences committed to the District Court. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/australia/crime/1073496/when-can-a-case-relating-to-a-child-be-heard-in-an-adult-court-in-new-south-wales
What happens when I do not pay a fine in NSW?	To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Sheriffs have attended cancer conwoman Belle Gibson's home after the court issued an order in an effort to recoup fines of more than $500,000. This is the second time the Victorian sheriff's office has executed a warrant on Ms Gibson's home since she was fined four years ago for breaching consumer laws. Ms Gibson rose to fame as a wellness blogger, claiming she had cured herself of brain cancer using alternative therapies and nutrition. She produced a cookbook and an app which earned her $420,000. In 2017, she was fined $410,00 by the Federal Court of Australia after Consumer Affairs in Victoria took legal action against her for unconscionable conduct' after it was revealed she never had brain cancer, and had misled the Australian public. Many wonder why Ms Gibson has never been charged with the offence of fraud for obtaining a benefit by deception, although the Victorian Government remains relentless in its pursuit of the half a million dollar fine. The fine continues to grow after accumulating costs and interest, and the Victorian Government is insistent on the money being repaid. The items seized by the sheriff's office will be sold and the money will be deducted from the debt. In New South Wales, the state government has similar powers. The laws in relation to fines are outlined in the NSW Fines Act 1996. All fines are managed by the state government agency, Revenue NSW. If you owe a fine that you don't pay, you have several options. Revenue NSW is the government department responsible for the recovery of fines issued throughout the state, for parking infringements, speeding, running a red light, or other minor criminal offences such as stealing, offensive behaviour, and intoxicated and disorderly conduct. If you fail to make a payment by the due date, late fees can be applied to the fine. And if you continue not to pay the fine, these late fees and charges can increase over time. If payment is made after the due date of the penalty reminder notice, further costs may apply. Disputing the fine If you believe that you have been unfairly fined, you can ask for a review of your fine. If such a review determines that you are still required to pay the fine, then you can ask to be put on a payment plan. You can apply for your fine to be written off', although you must prove that you are facing serious financial difficulties or you have a medical issue or other serious problem that is impacting your life. There are options to pay off the fine' by completing approved unpaid work, participating in work, or treatment programmes for alcohol and drug addiction. Financial hardship If you are suffering from severe financial duress, you can apply to have the fine discounted. Last July, the New South Wales Government introduced a new policy which means that people doing it tough financially including those on Centrelink payments or other government pensions can apply to have their penalties reduced. Once you apply for the reduction, Revenue NSW conducts and assessment and will advise you of their decision once this assessment is complete. It may be that the agency determines you pay off the fine in other ways, or take time to do so on a flexible payment plan. Garnishing your wages Revenue NSW has the power to ask your employer to deduct money from your wages and can also ask your bank to remove money from your account to pay the fine. Your employer can be taken to court for failing to comply or providing false information in these circumstances. What's more, if a garnishee order is issued, the costs are added to your fine. Seizing property Revenue NSW also has the ability to seize your property and sell it at auction if necessary, although this tends to be a last resort. But it's important to note that even if you agree to pay the fine after your belongings have been seized, then the Sheriff is not required to return any property already seized under a Property Seizure Order, and a Charge on Land, which is a form of security. Disputing your fine in court You can always dispute your fine in court if you have already had it reviewed by Revenue NSW and are not satisfied with the outcome. However, it is important to note that the court has the discretion to increase the original fine if it believes it is just to do so. For this reason, it's important to seek professional legal advice before you make a decision. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/australia/crime/1073498/what-happens-when-i-do-not-pay-a-fine-in-nsw
When can police use a taser in New South Wales?	To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. NSW's State Crime Command's Homicide Squad are investigating a case where a New South Wales man died after being tasered and pepper sprayed by police. Two police officers responded to a callout to 27-year old James Peachy's home in Gunnedah just after 8pm on Thursday, 20 May 2021. Police allege that Mr Peachy began acting in a hostile way towards them. Officers used a taser and OC spray (capsicum spray) on Mr Peachy before he lost consciousness. Officers say they performed CPR until paramedics arrived and took Mr Peachy to the local hospital, where he died a short time later. A female officer was also treated at the hospital for a bite wound to her right forearm and an injured left knee. While many questions remain unanswered, a young man is now dead, after receiving a visit from NSW Police. His family, friends and community are demanding answers. A critical incident team from New South Wales State Crime Command's Homicide Squad have begun investigating the circumstances of the death. Police say the investigation will also be subject to independent review. Tasers and OC spray are not soft' options Tasers were introduced to the NSW Police Force in 2002, and since then their use has come under a lot of scrutiny, because while tasers are an effective tool for managing violent situations, without police officers having to resort to using firearms and lethal force, it doesn't mean that tasers aren't dangerous. In fact they can be lethal. It has been well-documented that a taser to the chest area can potentially cause cardiac arrest. A 2016 study in America also found that a taser shock can produce serious short-term impairment in a person's ability to remember and process information. The findings raise serious questions about the ability of tased people to understand their rights at the point of arrest. Capsicum (OC) Spray is also gaining a reputation for being potentially deadly as recent research by The International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO) and Physicians for Human Rights found that more potent formulations of pepper spray are increasingly the weapon of choice by police. They also report that OC preparations may also include other toxic chemicals, such as alcohol, halogenated hydrocarbons, or propellants. Such combinations make it more difficult to treat exposures. But other research from overseas has also cautioned about the other chemicals often used with OC, noting, Inhalation of high doses of some of these chemicals can produce adverse cardiac, respiratory and neurologic effects, including arrhythmias and sudden death. There are strict guidelines for the use of both capsicum spray and tasers by police. In NSW they can be used by general duty police officers and specialist officers related to the Riot Squad, or Tactical Operations Unit. Under section 231 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, a police officer may use such force as is reasonably necessary to make the arrest or to prevent the escape of the person after arrest, when exercising the power of arrest. According to NSW Police guidelines, tasers may be discharged at the discretion of officers, following an assessment of the situation and where it is reasonably necessary'. It gives officers the direction that tasers may be used to: Protect human life, Protect yourself or others where violent confrontation or violent resistance is occurring or imminent, Protect an officer(s) in danger of being overpowered or to protect themselves or another person from the risk of actual bodily harm, or Protect from animals. The possession of capsicum spray or a taser without a permit or authorisation is illegal under the law, and can attract a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/australia/public-order/1073502/when-can-police-use-a-taser-in-new-south-wales
What is unconscionable conduct in Australia?	ARTICLE To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Telstra has been ordered to pay a $50 million penalty for selling postpaid mobile phone contracts to more than 100 customers who couldn't understand the contracts, or pay for the plans. The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Australia's largest telecommunications provider to pay the fine after the company admitted breaching Australian Consumer Law by acting unconscionably' when sales staff at licensed stores in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia exploited social, language, literacy and cultural vulnerabilities' to sell the mobile devices to predominantly Indigenous customers. The company also admitted to manipulating credit assessments to circumvent its own credit guidelines, as well as signing customers up to multiple plans on a single day and misrepresenting products as being free.' The penalty is the second highest ever imposed under the Australian Consumer Law, and has been welcomed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) given the calculated and predatory nature of the behaviour, We expect much better behaviour from businesses like Telstra, said ACCC chair Rod Simms. The investigation The ACCC launched Federal Court proceedings against Telstra last year. The company co-operated with the watchdog's 18-month long investigation and has since taken steps to waive the debts incurred by the customers that were preyed upon. The result of Telstra's conduct was that customers accrued debts of between $1600 and $19,524, which they did not have the capacity to pay. Unethical practices Telstra's board and senior executives say they were not aware of the improper and unethical sales practices when they occurred but the company has also acknowledged that it had no effective systems in place to detect or prevent this type of conduct. To make matters worse, Telstra was the only mobile provider in these areas, and took advantage of this position. Poor customer service In addition to the $50 million fine, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Telstra to provide remediation to affected consumers, improve its existing compliance program, review and expand its Indigenous telephone hotline, and enhance its digital literacy program for consumers in certain remote areas. And while $50 million will no doubt make an impact on Telstra's bottom line, it still made a staggering $1.8 billion last year, despite its increasing marketplace reputation for treating customers poorly. Part of the problem, is that it is particularly difficult to speak to a human at Telstra these days all of its systems are automated and on-hold' times are often exceptionally long. Using the app means chatting to a bot' and that doesn't always immediately solve the problem either. Often, the app won't save the conversation, so you're forced to repeat yourself over and over to every different team member who responds to the inquiry. Ultimately, people with significant debts end up with their debts being sold off to debt-collection agencies who then aggressively chase repayment, and threaten legal action, causing these people a great deal of duress. And if the debacle that was the Federal Government's Robodebt Scheme has taught us anything, it is that people who get caught in an automated system often feel powerless, and helpless about getting out of it, leading to them suffering severe depression anxiety and in some cases considering suicide. Section 21 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) makes it unlawful for a person to engage in conduct that is unconscionable in the provision of, or acquisition or possible acquisition of, goods or services in the course of trade or commerce. The section makes clear that a pecuniary (monetary) penalty may be imposed for a contravention. Section 22 of the Act lists a range of factors which a court may consider when determining whether conduct is unconscionable. These include: The relative strengths of the bargaining positions of the customer and supplier, Whether the customer was required to comply with unreasonable conditions that were in the supplier's interests, Whether the customer was able to understand any documents relating to the supply, Whether any undue influence or pressure was exerted on the customer, Whether any unfair tactics were used by the supplier, The amount for which the customer could have acquired similar goods or services elsewhere, Any industry codes or requirements, The risks to the customer arising from the supplier's conduct, The extent to which the supplier was willing to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the agreement, and The extent to which the parties acted in good faith. The specific circumstances which may amount to unconscionable conduct are not listed in the Act; however, the courts have made clear the conduct must be more than simply unfair or a result of persistent or harsh bargaining. Rather, the behaviour must be so harsh or oppressive that offends against the good conscience of right-minded members of society. Such behaviour will normally be deliberate, manifestly unfair and patently unreasonable. Complaints of unconscionable conduct can be made to the ACCC, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) or the relevant state or territory consumer protection agency. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/australia/trade-regulation-practices/1073494/what-is-unconscionable-conduct-in-australia
Can An Insurer Rely On Warranty Provisions To Deny Coverage?	ARTICLE To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Insurers seeking to rely on warranty provisions face attacks on two fronts. The insurer will have to contend with relief from forfeiture laws along with establishing the insured's level of awareness of the warranty provisions. Regarding the latter, so-called conditions and warranties set out what an insured must satisfy in order to preserve coverage. In commercial policies, these can require affirmative steps like minimum staffing or installing a security system. Or they can be negative, for example, as in prohibiting intoxicated driving. Conditions and warranties may pertain to circumstances before a loss occurs as in these examples. Or they may relate to conduct after a loss, like preserving damaged property or supplying appropriate proof of loss. Although conditions and warranties are both coverage obligations, they are distinct from each other. The latter must be "strictly" observed. But a condition need merely be "substantially met", and the Court will deem any provision to be a "condition" unless it is clearly a warranty. Warranties introduced by the parties must be in writing and strictly complied with. In Scottish & York Insurance Co v Metrix Professional Insurance Brokers Inc.1 from the BC Supreme Court, jewels were robbed from a jewelry store while they were being moved from the store's display case to the store vault. Prior to the robbery, the plaintiff insurer had appointed an agent under its jeweler's insurance program, and the store purchased such insurance through the agent. Only the agent had direct dealings with the jewelry store owner. A few weeks before the robbery, the agent delivered the policy and certain warranties to the store owner with a request that she sign the warranties as soon as possible. One of these warranties stipulated that the back door be locked during the store's daily closing procedure whereby the jewels were moved into the store vault. The jeweler had not locked the back door when four masked, armed gunmen entered the store through the unlocked back door. The robbers took the jewelry and fled. The warranties had been placed on the jewelry store owner's desk prior to the robbery, but she was not aware of them. Following the robbery, the insurer paid her claim and brought a lawsuit against the broker for failing to make her aware of the warranty provision. Characterizing the unsigned warranty as an "offer" to which there had been no "counter-offer", the Court wrote: [t]he proposal form, when duly filled in and signed by the proposed assured and forwarded to the insurers, operates as a formal offer by the proposed assured to the insurers to enter into contracts of insurance. The proposal form shows the terms on which he is willing to contract, and if the offer is accepted, he cannot insist on having an insurance differing in its terms from those specified in the proposal. Since the proposal form, in practice, proceeds from the insurers, it further shows the terms on which they too are willing to contract. They are bound, therefore, after acceptance, to issue a policy in accordance with the proposal. In other words, if the insurer agrees to the proposal but requires the insured to agree to certain warranties that were not contained in the proposal submitted by the insured then, it found, the unsigned warranties constitute a counter-offer which is capable of acceptance by the insured. Merely informing an insured of the existence of warranties was not sufficient; the insured was required to agree to such provisions. The Court found the warranty as to locking the back door while jewels were being transported amounted to an offer that had not been accepted. While it is not always easy to distinguish a warranty, the essential characteristics of a warranty are that: (i) it must be a term of the contract, (ii) the matter warranted need not be material to the risk, (iii) it must be exactly complied with, and (iv) a breach discharges the insurer's liability notwithstanding that the loss has no connection with the breach or that the breach has been remedied before the time of loss. The closing procedure in Scottish & York seemingly had all of these characteristics. But because the insurer defined the procedures at issue, according to the Court, it should bear the risk. The insurer routinely accepted late warranties, and had a duty to communicate the content of warranties to the insured, which was breached. Further, the insured's relaxed attitude toward her insurance made her compliance with the warranty questionable, or at least uncertain. Yet her inability to read and accept the "offer" before the robbery rendered the warranty itself unenforceable. The Court dismissed the insurer's action. An insured who breaches a warranty or provision will also have access to relief from forfeiture laws which are designed to prevent hardship to policy beneficiaries. These laws may be invoked where a failure to comply with a condition would ordinarily deny coverage and where leniency with respect to the condition would not result in prejudice to the insurer.2 The Court considers the following three factors when assessing relief from forfeiture: the conduct of the insured, the gravity of the breach, and the disparity between the value of the property forfeited and the damage caused by the breach.3 A recent decision, Dubroy v Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Co, describes a spectrum of conduct that ranges from utmost good faith at the reasonable end of the spectrum to intentional misconduct at the unreasonable end of the spectrum.4 Ultimately, granting relief against forfeiture is purely discretionary.5 Together, Scottish & York and Dubroy illustrate the high burden facing insurers who seek to rely on warranty provisions. Footnotes Scottish & York Insurance Co v Metrix Professional Insurance Brokers Inc, 2006 BCSC 970. 151 A.C.W.S. (3d) 519, 39 C.C.L.I. (4th) 127, 58 B.C.L.R. (4th) 116 (B.C.S.C.). Falk Bros. Industries Ltd v Elance Steel Fabricating Co, [1989] 2 SCR 778, 1989 CanLII 38. Saskatchewan River Bungalows Ltd v Maritime Life Assurance Co, [1994] 2 SCR 490, 1994 CanLII 100 at 504. Dubroy v Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Co, 2021 BCSC 352 at para 83. Supra note 2 at 504. * * * Brownlee LLP is a member of the Canadian Litigation Counsel, a nationwide affiliation of independent law firms . The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/canada/insurance-laws-and-products/1073472/can-an-insurer-rely-on-warranty-provisions-to-deny-coverage
Are advertisers to blame for agency inefficiencies?	Artificial intelligence. Blockchain. Robotics. Automation. All packed with the promises of making our lives easier, faster, cheaper. Technology is revolutionising business in so many ways. But, it appears, rather more slowly in advertising agencies. I am not talking about digital media and the associated technology platforms, I am referring to the technology that will make agencies more efficient, faster and more responsive to their clients needs and demands. Talk with any of the technology companies working with agencies, and once you get beyond the bravado and unfounded optimism, you find many are struggling to make headway in the agency world. And I am not surprised. There are three factors in the way of agencies embracing technology to optimise their operations. These are: The move from craftwork to production line The use of fee models based on time and resources, not outputs A culture of resistance to change. Let me explain. There is a fundamental component of the advertising process that is craft-like. What I mean here is the focus is on developing and implementing a bespoke, one-off solution. Think back to the pre-industrial era, when everything from clothing to meals was made by hand and from scratch. The need was identified, plans developed, resources gathered and then executed. This is the way advertising agencies have operatedor purport to operate. In a world of mass production, there is a perception of premium quality associated with the level of care and time involved in creating each product. Compare the homemade apple pie to the one from the freezer of your local supermarket. Agencies approach each client brief as a bespoke opportunity. But the world of social and digital media has changed this. Instead of one hand-crafted campaign a year for a brand, marketers are demanding daily updates for social media and multiple versions for digital media. Michael Farmer, of Madison Avenue Manslaughter fame, has found that in the past 20 years the typical brand scope of work has gone from producing 150 to 200 pieces a work per year between 2,000 and 3,000 per year today. For craft workers to scale you need to multiply the number of workers. The associated cost is prohibitive. So instead, you need to separate the two parts. The design and development may be bespoke, but the mass production requires production-line thinking, with technology-driven automation for economies of scale. Next, the fact agencies are still largely paid on inputs. This is typically the number of hours to produce the work multiplied by the agreed cost per hour. Given the downward pressure on costs from budget-squeezed clients, there is a big incentive for embracing technology that automates the production process. Here though, is the issue. The cost of that technology, either as a licence or a sunk-cost development, needs to be recouped by the agency. With the majority of clients paying agencies on a resource basis, investing in technology that reduces the required resources will mean reduced fees, making recovery of the cost of technology even more prolonged or perhaps impossible. We have witnessed this firsthand: moving an agency from a traditional retainer to agreed output-based fees, only to have the agency insist that continuing to manually produce all 10,000 plus social-media updates per year was its only option. The agency could not justify the investment in automated production technology across its client portfolio. Finally, there is a resistance to change. Ironic, considering agencies of all types see themselves as champions of creativity and innovation. But this is mostly driven by fear. As the saying goes, turkeys do not vote for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Embracing technology, especially the technology that moves the advertising process from craft-like to a hybrid of craft and production, will impact employment within agencies. But the truth is that what technology is very good at doing is replacing mundane, repetitive, low-value work. This creates opportunities for talented people who are attracted to working in advertising to be better deployed creating value: developing bespoke solutions and craft-like executions. Instead of media-agency staff downloading, uploading and shuffling data behind the scenes, APIs (application programming interfaces) and AIs can automate that work to leave those people free to solve bigger client problems. Of course, some agencies are already embracing this opportunity, and Sir Martin Sorrells S4 Capital is famous for championing the concept of better, faster cheaper driven by technology. But perhaps if advertisers want to see their agencies get on board and deliver the benefits of technology, they need to encourage their agencies a bit more and not just expect it to happen. Darren Woolley is the founder and CEO of marketing consultancy TrinityP3.	https://www.campaignasia.com/article/are-advertisers-to-blame-for-agency-inefficiencies/469861
Is Self-Help Advice Doomed to Be Conservative?	In a recent interview with the podcast Left Anchor, Pete Davis, a civic advocate and author of Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing, laughed about the fact that his book is categorized in the Dewey Decimal system as self-help. The bookan exploration of a particular state of options-open indecisiveness that Davis diagnoses as a condition of modern life, a call to refocus on collaboration, and a celebration of what Davis calls long-haul heroesis indeed a prescription for human thriving, but its far from typical. Davis argues that it can. We spoke recently about the shortcomings of traditional self-help advice, Davis decision to move back to his hometown, and how totally annoying collaboration can be. Advertisement Advertisement This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Rebecca Onion: Theres an argument, that I happen to think is pretty credible, that the self-help industry in the United States is conservative in the bootstraps way: that it prescribes individual fixes in a way that forecloses structural improvement and reinforces the idea that individuals can, and should, self-improve their way toward wealth, at all costs. Reading your book, I was also thinking about how, in American culture, the idea of commitment is often tied to institutions that are now coded conservative: small towns, the military, church, marriage. So your book about commitment as a form of lefty self-help is swimming against the current on multiple counts. Advertisement Pete Davis: Theres so much mainstream self-help thats about a spark of agency inside you that can help you triumph over circumstance. One of the things that I tried to do with this book was to say: I agree! The book has a lot of Go get em, you can do it sections. I talk about, if you see a trash heap across from your house, go plant a community garden there, like Karen Washington did. But the thing Ive seen in the agency over circumstance genre of self-help is that its almost always agency for private interests, not for public interests. As a Ralph Nader fan, Im attempting to write something you could maybe call public-interest self-help. Im saying, it doesnt have to be millionaire mindsetit could be mentor mindset, town revival mindset, or pastor mindset. It doesnt have to just be Youre poor and you can become rich. It can be about, Your institution is corrupted and you can rectify it; your government needs reform and you can do it; the kids in your town need help and you can help. Advertisement Advertisement In a lot of mainstream self-help books, every example of a success story is a startup. I wanted to write about different success storieslike Peggy Berryhill, whos kept a radio show running for 45 years that has kept the West Coast Native community informed, or Evan Wolfson, who worked to legalize gay marriage for 32 years. My other departure, though, is that self-help is not just about empowerment. It can also be about relationships. One of the ways you can become happythough actually, I try to avoid the word happy in the book; I say joyful, which is a distinction that matters to mecan be through relationships. Not just asserting agency over structure, but through relationships. A lot of these self-help books are about becoming superheroeslife hack wizardry, perfecting yourself. You listen to The Tim Ferriss Show and its like, Heres another tactic to become superhuman. And I did want to talk about some of thatlike, heres Kimberly Wasserman, who shut down coal plants through her dedication, or Sarah Kliff, who is able to write really quick health policy stories because of her depth of expertisebut I wanted to say that commitments are not just about having an impact in that way. Its about entering into relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Or thinking of how, as you gain skills, which is a type of self-improvement, youre joining a community of people who have that skill. The philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre writes about thislike, theres no point in having basketball skills unless there are other people in a community who can play with you, can create and cultivate and steward the practice of basketball. I tried to talk about the way that careers can be a shared community of competence that has practices, that has moral codes. Its a community. Advertisement I wanted to ask you about the role of well-earned cynicism, as a barrier to people taking up this advice. As a former aspiring academic in the humanities, and present-day writer online, I have seen a lot, a lot of people who wanted nothing more than to commit to a community of practiceto treat their jobs with love, and to become long-haulers within the profession, as you would call itget locked out, discarded, and treated like crap. They were there for it, but those professions werent there for them. I think one thing that holds people back from this kind of commitment is fear: We see how easily you can be betrayed by falling in love with a profession. I tried not to over-rely on polls in the book, but one of the poll results I felt I needed to include was the overwhelming one about people in our generationIm a millennialwho have much less trust in and approval of things larger than ourselves than previous generations did. Pretty much any institution: religion, a nation, the idea of political parties theres a very clear decline, generation to generation. And when I put that in there, I am not saying thats the young peoples fault. Its the institutions fault. This isnt necessarily a call to trust them or stop being so cynical about them. But theres a metaphor I use around the end of the book, that its like were living in a desert after a flood has washed everything away. And part of the story of that flood is the story of the corruption of these institutions. Even if they werent actively corrupted, so many have just had, baked in, so many injustices and inequalities, that they cant exist in their present form anymore. We cant tolerate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so the message isnt, Start trusting them again. Its just to say, if we want any of these original missions that these institutions or communities talked about, and in many cases were lying to us about following, to existif we care about a journalism that reports the truth, community groups that gather people together, universities that educate, health systems that take care of peoplewe have to do sort of a reforestation project. Some of these institutions and communities that werent there for us turned out to be bad. But us being all alone and having no institutions is also bad! The message of the book is that we have to perform a sort of miraculous thing. Even though everything in our life might say, Thats not a good idea, dont try to be part of something bigger than yourself, we have to find a way to still do it. Advertisement From the sublime to the ridiculous: I liked how you talked about how a smaller barrier to entry, but a real one, to this kind of connection-based self-help can be the annoyance of committing to something. This happens to me all the time: I think, I should start a book club; I bet that would be great, then I think, I cannot deal. There will be coordinating; there will be fights; its going to be a whole thing. Advertisement Yes! I was very proud that one sentence I wrote on that topic made it into the final draft of the book. Here, Ill read it: This work is hard. Other people bother, annoy, ask too much of, impose on, misunderstand, disappoint, scare, condescend to, judge, talk the ear off of, hurt, and belittle each other. But there is no community building without chaos. I wanted to acknowledge this because I dont want people to read this book and think, Oh, easy for him to say! Advertisement You moved back to the place where you grew up. As a person who didnt do quite that, but who moved to the town where my husband grew up, Im very interested in that as a commitment move. This is a little more of a hot-button issue for some millennials right now, who may have moved home during the pandemic and are figuring out what to do now. The choice highlights a dynamic that youre interested in: Sometimes, you gain by committing to something that, on the surface, seems to foreclose options. Advertisement I was at a very lost part of my life, in my mid-20s. I had done that very classic thingwell, not classic among everyone, but classic among people who go to law school!and applied to law school because I was confused. I wasnt diving into law as a commitment. I have to grab onto a branch in this river of life. So I did that, but I knew it wasnt fully me. Advertisement And I thought about the thing I was most rooted to, and it was this community where I came from, which happened to be a pretty civically active place. This was the part of me that gave me purpose, community, impact, and joy. So I made the decision, OK, Im going to go to law school, but Im going to commit to come home to my hometown right after that. And as soon as I made that decision, I got a total sense of calm and sense of purpose. I tried to capture that spirit a bit in the book, which is about how by making one commitment, it helps you make sense of the other open options. Advertisement Advertisement But also, its not for everyone. Im part of this intellectual community of localiststheres this localist organization called Front Porch Republic that I love, and I like reading books about people who love their towns and their neighborhoods. But when I talk to my friends about localism, some of them said, You know, some people are not called to be rooted to a place. And what I realized that I loved about localism was not the fact of place-based rootedness; it was rootedness in and of itself. And so I want to argue that it doesnt have to be a commitment to a place. There can be people who love the people around them, and are in it for the long haul; this shows a kind of faithfulness. This can be applied to projects, or the maintenance of institutions, or craft practices, or even companionship. The core of itcommunity, commitment, and rootednessis what I found in localism. But other people might find it in something else.	https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/05/self-help-conservatism-pete-davis.html?via=rss
Will Social Media Platforms Be Banned?	The internet has gone for a toss amidst the news of the failure of compliance by giant social media platforms with the new intermediary rules of India and as such, speculation of consequences ranging from banning to criminal liability has overtaken all platforms. In this article, we try to explain what the requirements under the said new law are, to whom this law applies and what the consequences of it are. We have already dealt with the new law in detail here. Therefore, this article will only focus on the specific compliances creating the uproar on the internet. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had on February 25, 2021 notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 20211 ("Rules") with an aim to regulate the uprising unregulated social media platforms in the country. The Rules not only increased the accountability of the social media platforms but also increased and eased the redressal mechanism for the users. While most of the compliances under the Rules were to be implemented on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette i.e. February 25, 2021, Rule 4, of the Rules which identified additional due diligence to be followed by the significant social media intermediaries, was due to be effective within three months from the date of notification of the threshold i.e., three months from February 25, 2021 which ended on May 25, 2021. As per Rule 2(1)(v) read with the notification dated February 25, 20212, a significant social media intermediary3 shall mean a social media intermediary having more than fifty lakh registered users in India ("SSMI"). Therefore, any social media intermediary having more than fifty lakh registered users in India was mandated to ensure compliance with Rule 4 of the Rules by or before May 25, 2021. As per Rule 4, the SSMIs are required to observe additional due diligence while discharging their duties under the Rules: Appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer4 ("CCO"). CCO shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the information technology law of the country. Further, they shall be responsible in any proceedings relating to any relevant third-party information, data or communication link made available or hosted by the SSMI wherein the CCO failed to ensure that the SSMI observed adequate due diligence while discharging its duties. Appointment of a nodal contact person5. Such a person shall be responsible for 24x7 coordination with law enforcement agencies and officers to ensure compliance to their orders or requisitions made in accordance with the provision of law or rules made thereunder. Appointment of Resident Grievance Officer ("RGO").6 RGO shall be required to acknowledge a complaint from a user within 24 hours and dispose of such complaint within 15 days from the date of receipt. Further, he/she shall also be responsible to receive and acknowledge any order, notice or direction. Publish monthly compliance report providing details of the complaints received and action taken in addition to the details of communication/link which the SSMI has disabled or removed or any other relevant information. SSMI providing services primarily in the nature of messaging shall enable the identification of the first originator of the information on its computer resource as mandated by judicial order passed by the court or a competent authority under Section 69 of the IT Act. Ensure the information being published/transmitted by SSMI for financial gain or to which copyright or license is owned via contract clearly showcases the requisite information as being advertised, marketed, sponsored, owned or exclusively controlled, as the case may be. To deploy a technology-based measure to proactively identify information that depicts any act or simulation in any form depicting rape, child sexual abuse or conduct, whether explicit or implicit, or any information which has been disabled on the computer resource of such SSMI. Further, SSMI shall ensure that appropriate human oversight is deployed for such technological measures. SSMIs shall be required to have a physical contact address in India and publish it on their website, mobile application or both. SSMI shall enable users, registered for their services from India or who use their services in India, to voluntarily verify their accounts by using any appropriate mechanism and upon such verification, a demonstrable and visible mark of verification shall be visible to all users of the service. When the SSMI removes or disables access to information, it shall ensure the following: Provide an explanation for the action being taken and the ground or reason for such action. User shall have the adequate and reasonable opportunity to dispute the action and request for reinstatement of the information. Ensure RGO maintains proper oversight over the mechanism of resolution of disputes. While most of the compliances as required above are general ongoing compliances, the time bound compliances are as detailed in points a, b, c, d, g and h. Therefore, SSMIs are required to ensure that the additional due diligence has been duly observed by or before May 25, 2021. Consequences of non-compliance As per Rule 7 of the Rules, any non-compliance by the SSMI shall exempt them from safe harbour protection as provided under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 ("Act"). However, the intermediary shall be liable for punishment under any law for the time being in force including the provisions of the Act and Indian Penal Code 1860. While the Rules fail to specify the exact consequences of non-compliance by the SSMIs, the consequences seem to be wide-ranging and most likely to depend on the impact of such non-compliance by the intermediary. Conclusion SSMIs shall ensure compliance with points a, b and c at the earliest since there is no specific qualification required for such officers and the basic requirement is that they are an Indian resident and an employee of the SSMI. Also, on further analysis of the above, it is clear that the uproar related to the popular social media platforms may be rightly articulated, however, presumptions, claims of banning and criminal consequence may be slightly overreaching/exaggerated. It shall be interesting to see how the authorities scrutinize the non-compliance and determine an adequate penalty for the same. Furthermore, Whatsapp, a messaging platform has challenged the Rules as unconstitutional on account of breach of privacy on the ground of information that this platform would be required to identify and provide under Rule 4(2). The platform has alleged that such identification of originator would require them to break encryption for both originator and receivers, which is in contravention to their policy. It would be interesting to see if the specific clause would be modified by the central government to uphold the privacy of the individual originators of messages. In any case, the court may still uphold other provisions of the Rules and make the SSMIs liable for non-compliance irrespective of the ongoing case unless otherwise ordered. Footnotes 1. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Intermediary_Guidelines_and_Digital_Media_Ethics_Code_Rules-2021.pdf 2. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Gazette%20Significant%20social%20media%20threshold.pdf 3. As per Rule 2(1)(w) of the Rules, a social media intermediary which primarily or solely enables online interaction between two or more users and allows them to create, upload, share, disseminate, modify or access information using its services; 4. Chief Compliance Officer shall mean key managerial personnel or such other senior employee of SSMI who is a resident of India. 5. Nodal contact person shall mean employee of SSMI other than a CCO, who is resident of India. 6. Resident Grievance Officer shall mean employee of SSMI, who is resident of India. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/india/social-media/1073678/will-social-media-platforms-be-banned
Is de uitrol van Nederlandse windparken echt in gevaar door Europese rechtspraak?	To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Halverwege september deed het krantenartikel 'Vergunningen voor windparken zijn in strijd met Europese regels' in het Financieele Dagblad de nodige stof opwaaien in de windsector. In het artikel wordt gesteld dat een recente uitspraak van het Europese Hof van Justitie verstrekkende gevolgen zou kunnen hebben voor de uitrol van wind- en zonneparken in Nederland. In dit blog bespreken wij de gevolgen van de genoemde uitspraak voor de windsector. Wij concluderen dat inderdaad niet helemaal zeker is dat de huidige wettelijke regeling voor windparken correct is vastgesteld. Het valt echter nog te bezien of de exploitatie en ontwikkeling van windparken daardoor ingrijpend zullen worden belemmerd. Een aantal belangenorganisaties en omwonenden probeert de realisatie van twee windmolenparken in Drenthe te verhinderen. Hun beroepen tegen de onderliggende besluiten worden echter afgewezen in 2018 en 2020. De advocaat van de organisaties is niet voor n gat te vangen. Hij betoogt dat het Activiteitenbesluit mogelijk nietig is omdat daarvoor geen milieueffectrapportage ("m.e.r.") is verricht. Het Activiteitenbesluit bevat voorschriften voor de exploitant van windturbines met betrekking tot o.a. geluid, slagschaduw en externe veiligheid. Een m.e.r. moet op grond van EU richtlijn 2001/42 worden verricht bij plannen en programma's die mogelijk aanzienlijke gevolgen voor het milieu hebben. De m.e.r. brengt de milieugevolgen van een plan in beeld voordat daarover een besluit wordt genomen. De richtlijn is in Nederland gemplementeerd in de Wet milieubeheer en het Besluit milieueffectrapportage. De advocaat verwijst naar een recent arrest (hierna: het "Vlarem II-arrest") van het Europese Hof van Justitie (het "Europese Hof") waaruit zou kunnen worden afgeleid dat het Activiteitenbesluit kwalificeert als een plan of programma waarvoor een m.e.r. moet worden verricht. De advocaat kondigt in het Financieele Dagblad aan dat hij een kortgeding gaat aanspannen om de realisatie van de Drentse windparken te laten stilleggen. In het krantenartikel wordt gesteld dat het Vlarem II-arrest grote gevolgen kan hebben voor wind- en zonneparken en andere projecten die aanzienlijke gevolgen kunnen hebben voor het milieu. De publicatie leidde tot de nodige beroering. Volgens veel media geeft het Vlarem II-arrest de tegenstanders van windparken "hoop" en "munitie". Het ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat voelde zich daarop geroepen om te benadrukken dat het Vlarem II-arrest geen gevolgen heeft voor de Nederlandse algemene regels voor windturbines. Ook de NVWEA, de branchevereniging van de windsector, benadrukte in een persbericht dat het Activiteitenbesluit niet m.e.r.-plichtig is. Waar de persberichten van de NVWEA en het ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat vrij stellig zijn, is in onze ogen ruimte voor twijfel over de vraag of voor het Activiteitenbesluit een m.e.r.-plicht geldt. Het Europese Hof herhaalt in het Vlarem II-arrest (r.o. 67) dat een m.e.r.-plicht geldt voor plannen en programma's die "een groot pakket criteria en modaliteiten [vaststellen] voor de goedkeuring en de uitvoering van n of meerdere projecten die aanzienlijke gevolgen voor het milieu kunnen hebben". Het Hof benadrukt daarbij dat de term "plannen en programma's" (r.o. 35-52) en de omvang van de m.e.r.-plicht (r.o. 70-72) niet snel restrictief mogen worden uitgelegd. Het Europese Hof oordeelt vervolgens dat twee Vlaamse regelingen, "Vlarem II" en een "omzendbrief" (de "Vlaamse Regelingen"), plannen en programma's zijn waarvoor een m.e.r. moet worden verricht. Beide regelingen zijn derhalve vastgesteld in strijd met Europees recht. De Vlaamse Regelingen bevatten bepalingen over de bouw en exploitatie van windturbines, waaronder maatregelen inzake slagschaduw, veiligheid en geluidsnormen. Zo bezien is niet zo vreemd dat het vermoeden ontstaat dat voor het Activiteitenbesluit een m.e.r.-plicht geldt. Ook het Activiteitenbesluit bevat immers regels voor windturbines inzake slagschaduw, veiligheid en geluidsnormen. Daar staat tegenover dat de Afdeling Bestuursrechtspraak van de Raad van State (de "Afdeling") in een uitspraak uit 2019 (de "Battenoord-uitspraak") heeft geoordeeld dat voor het Activiteitenbesluit geen m.e.r.-plicht geldt. De Afdeling overweegt in die uitspraak onder verwijzing naar Europese rechtspraak en wetsgeschiedenis dat een plan of programma "tenminste enige concretisering van een project in zich moet houden". De Afdeling stelt vervolgens dat de bepalingen in het Activiteitenbesluit naar hun inhoud en doelstellingen niet concreet bijdragen aan de uitvoering van een of meer projecten, maar slechts voorwaarden stellen waaraan windturbines na realisatie moeten voldoen. Ook de Nederlandse regering gaat er blijkens de parlementaire geschiedenis vanuit dat besluiten van algemene strekking, zoals het Activiteitenbesluit, het Barro en het Bouwbesluit 2012, niet m.e.r.-plichtig zijn (TK 14/15, 33 962, nr. 32, p. 71). De Afdeling baseert haar oordeel in de Battenoord-uitspraak mede op een arrest van het Europese Hof uit 2016, waarin reeds werd geoordeeld dat voor algemene milieuregels met betrekking tot windparken een m.e.r.-plicht kan gelden (het "D'Oultremont-arrest"). Het Vlarem II-arrest grijpt voor haar onderbouwing terug op het D'Oultremont-arrest (r.o. 67). Daaruit zou kunnen worden afgeleid dat er geen reden is om af te wijken van de lijn die de Afdeling in de Battenoord-uitspraak heeft gekozen. De Battenoord-uitspraak is echter niet onomstreden. Critici wijzen erop dat een plan of programma ook m.e.r.-plichtig kan zijn zonder dat sprake is van een relatie met de uitvoering van concrete projecten. De Afdeling heeft daarnaast in 2019 nagelaten om de vraag of voor het Activiteitenbesluit een m.e.r.-plicht geldt door middel van prejudicile vragen voor te leggen aan het Europese Hof. Daardoor valt niet uit te sluiten dat het Europese Hof toch oordeelt dat het Activiteitenbesluit m.e.r.-plichtig is. Het Europese Hof hanteert als uitgangspunt dat nationale autoriteiten en rechterlijke instanties alle noodzakelijke maatregelen moeten treffen om het verzuim van een milieubeoordeling te herstellen. Indien inderdaad ten onrechte is verzuimd een m.e.r. op te stellen voor het Activiteitenbesluit, dan kan dat leiden tot opschorting of nietigverklaring van het Activiteitenbesluit. Toch denken wij dat de gevolgen van een eventuele m.e.r.-plicht voor de uitrol van duurzame energieprojecten nog wel eens mee zouden kunnen vallen. Wij zien daarvoor verschillende redenen. Ten eerste is maar de vraag of de nietigheid van het Activiteitenbesluit ertoe leidt dat ook de omgevingsvergunningen voor de windparken nietig zijn (zoals de kop van het FD-artikel suggereert). Op dit moment is de vaste lijn in de Nederlandse rechtspraak dat in beginsel moet worden uitgegaan van de rechtmatigheid van een onherroepelijk besluit, tenzij dit evident in strijd is met hoger recht. Daarbij zij aangetekend dat aan het Europese Hof de prejudicile vraag is gesteld of dat uitgangspunt ook geldt bij strijdigheid met hoger, Europees recht, maar thans geldt dit nog als uitgangspunt. Het Activiteitenbesluit bevat bovendien rechtstreeks werkende normen voor de exploitant van een windpark. Het is de vraag waarom een omgevingsvergunning voor een windpark (evident) in strijd zou zijn met hoger recht omdat een andere, rechtstreeks werkende norm nietig wordt verklaard. Ten tweede laat de rechtspraak van het Europese Hof onder omstandigheden ruimte om een nietige regeling tijdelijk te handhaven als anders een rechtsvacum zou ontstaan of de elektriciteitsvoorziening niet kan worden gewaarborgd (zie r.o. 80-95 Vlarem II-arrest). Zo heeft de Vlaamse regering naar aanleiding van het Vlarem II-arrest, waarin de Vlaamse Regelingen onwettig werden verklaard, een validatiedecreet vastgesteld om rechtsonzekerheid te voorkomen. Op grond van het decreet worden de Vlaamse Regelingen voor maximaal 3 jaar gevalideerd, in afwachting van de vaststelling van nieuwe sectorale normen die zijn onderworpen aan een voorafgaande milieueffectbeoordeling. Een dergelijke maatregel is ook in Nederland goed voorstelbaar als het Activiteitenbesluit nietig wordt verklaard. Daarbij moet bedacht worden dat het Activiteitenbesluit niet alleen voorschriften bevat voor windturbines, maar ook voor allerlei andere industrile inrichtingen die aanzienlijke gevolgen voor het milieu kunnen hebben. Het is zeer onwenselijk dat de milieuregels voor die bedrijven in n keer wegvallen. Ten derde zal de Nederlandse overheid rekening moeten houden met de legitieme verwachtingen van eigenaren van bestaande windparken. Eigenaren van deze windparken kunnen onder omstandigheden bescherming inroepen onder investeringsverdragen, zoals het Energiehandvestverdrag. Daarnaast kunnen zij eventueel schadevergoeding vorderen vanwege onrechtmatige wetgeving, of omdat zij onevenredig worden benadeeld door overheidsingrijpen. In de laatste plaats zal de Nederlandse overheid er waarschijnlijk niet happig op zijn om vergaande consequenties te verbinden aan de toepasselijkheid van een m.e.r.-plicht op het Activiteitenbesluit. Windparken helpen de communautaire doelstellingen inzake elektriciteitsproductie uit hernieuwbare energiebronnen verwezenlijken. Daarbij is maar de vraag of het schenden van een eventuele m.e.r.-plicht daadwerkelijk schadelijke (milieu)gevolgen heeft gehad. De conclusie van een m.e.r. zou ook kunnen zijn dat de normen in het Activiteitenbesluit verdedigbaar zijn. Waar de stikstofcrisis nog kon worden teruggevoerd op een duidelijk milieubelang, zal voor een "hernieuwbare energiecrisis" niet snel een rechtvaardiging gevonden kunnen worden die genade vindt bij het grote publiek. Tot slot Wij begrijpen dat de zitting in de kortgedingprocedure tegen de Drentse windparken inmiddels heeft plaatsgevonden. Naar verwachting doet de kortgedingrechter op 22 oktober 2020 uitspraak. De belangenorganisaties hopen op een 'moedige rechter' die wellicht zelf prejudicile vragen aan het Europese Hof over de kwestie voorlegt. Wij voelen er wel voor om de kwestie definitief te laten beslechten door het Europese Hof. Enige moed vergt dat wel. Als het Activiteitenbesluit m.e.r.-plichtig is, dan is de vraag waarom niet hetzelfde zou gelden voor andere regelingen die ruimtelijke projecten met ingrijpende milieugevolgen reguleren, zoals het Barro, het Bouwbesluit 2012 en de Verordening Ruimte van de provincies. Wellicht aarzelt de Afdeling daarom met het stellen van prejudicile vragen. Zoals gezegd hoeven de gevolgen van een nietigverklaring niet per definitie ingrijpend te zijn voor vergunninghouders, maar het blijft een rak in de wind om dit soort omvangrijke regelingen aan te passen. Originally published 15 okt '20 The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/renewables/1073468/is-de-uitrol-van-nederlandse-windparken-echt-in-gevaar-door-europese-rechtspraak
Who Gave Aerie The Right To Drop Such Cute Summer Activewear?	Scroll To See More Images The year is 2021, the world is just opening back up again and I dont really need to explain how useful (and comfortable) a good pair of leggings can be. That said, I will help you justify buying a new pairbut only if theyre from Aerie. More specifically, it needs to be a piece from Aeries cute new range of floral activewear. A scroll through the Aerie site treated me to an array of cute new pieces, all dolled up in flirty floral prints. All eight of the pieces Im obsessing over right now are from Aeries best-selling OFFLINE rangeand yes, they include those viral TikTok leggings with the crossover band. We have four new playful prints to choose from, so good luck choosing your fave! These ditsy florals include Country Pink (a classic baby pink), Olive Fun (a subdued green shade) and Relic (a maroon hue). Theres also a bright yellow floral called Desert Sand, but that one isnt available in a leggings option, so youll have to settle for the best-selling bike shorts instead. What a pity (insert heavy sarcasm)! These new Real Me High Waisted Floral Crossover Leggings retail for $44.95 and the matching Real Me Sports Bras are priced at $34.95. The Shorties, meanwhile, will cost you $29.95. Consider me a forever fan! All of the pieces are available to shop in sizes XXS through XXL. If you already own the Real Me High Waisted Crossover Leggings, you know how comfortable and flattering they are. You probably also know how quickly they tend to sell out. I personally had to wait months before I could snag a black pair of my own, so I wish you the best of luck with this flowery new drop. The LoveShackFancy vibes are strong with this collection and I am 100 percent here for it. I cant wear dresses all summer long, so activewear with the same femme feel is definitely welcome in my wardrobe! I love these pieces so much that florals for spring (and summer!) actually feel pretty groundbreaking. Read on to shop these floral Aerie finds and start building out your summer activewear wardrobe. Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think youll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. Real Me Sports Bra in Country Pink This lightweight bra features a scoop-neck silhouette in front and a bold V-shape in the back. The thick band offers support without making your chest feel too pinned-down. Real Me High Waisted Floral Crossover Legging in Country Pink These Crossover Leggings are blowing up the Internet for a reason: Theyre flattering, lightweight and wont budge during even your most intense workout sesh. Real Me Sports Bra in Olive Fun Olive green might seem like a fall hue, but the lavender accents in this bra really make it perfect for warm weather workouts. Real Me High Waisted Floral Crossover Legging in Olive Fun The combination of the two green shades in this pair of leggings is just a little unexpected. Prepare to be the cutest gal in your workout class! Real Me Sports Bra in Relic If youre not really a fan of wearing a ton of colorful pieces to get sweaty in, consider buying this maroon sports bra. Splurge for the matching leggings or pair it with your fave black pair to tone it down even further. Sign me up! This pair of Crossover Leggings should be at the top of your activewear wishlist this summer. This bright yellow sports bra is begging to be worn at the end of the season when your tan is at its most glowy. Real Me High Waisted Crossover 3 Shortie in Desert Sand If youre a real bike shorts fan, you need this yellow pair in your arsenal. They have the same crossover detail as the leggings, so theyre just as flattering!	https://stylecaster.com/aerie-floral-activewear/
Can Mike Ashley Persuade The Competition Appeal Tribunal To Help Him Sell Newcastle United?	As we now know, it was at least partly as a result of Mike Ashley's vociferous complaints, that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the proposed acquisition by J.D Sports of Footasylum - a decision set aside by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) and remitted for reconsideration. Now he is making another attempt to use competition law - which has been used against his businesses in the past - to achieve his commercial objectives. This legal action involves suing the Premier League for allegedly blocking a lucrative sale of Newcastle United to a consortium of investors allegedly backed by the Saudi government. The latter allegation appears to have some substance as we now know that the ruler of Saudi Arabia complained to the British government about the failure of the Premier League to wave the proposal through; this led (it is said) to the consortium withdrawing its bid. Mike Ashley is naturally anxious that the bid be renewed and is therefore trying to clear a path for a renewed bid with his action before the CAT. The action could easily end up in the long grass behind closed doors... The aborted sale has already led to litigation brought by Amanda Staveley against Barclays for cutting her out the deal. This action at least got to court; whether this one will do so is far from certain. The Premier League may well be characterised as a cartel of clubs but even if its control of changes in ownership of a club were to fall within the competition rules (as opposed to control of admission of clubs which clearly does so) the claim faces a number of substantial preliminary hurdles. Already the Premier League is challenging the jurisdiction of the CAT; this challenge will be based on the fact that there is a binding arbitration clause covering disputes between clubs and the Premier League and that a similar claim is already before an arbitral tribunal. Based on past authorities the Premier League may be able to obtain a stay of the action before CAT pending the outcome of the arbitration. With a serious loss of transparency The virtue of arbitration from a sports league perspective is its secrecy. Any dirty linen can be washed in private. However, competition law claims - particularly meritorious ones which this one may not be - raise serious issues of interest to the public. This suggests that transparency should be prioritised; but recent cases involving major competition claims against leagues have been fought in private (the claims of Queens Park Rangers and Saracens - with only the decision in the latter case actually published). What is more, these cases were not decided by a specialist tribunal like the CAT. Transparency in this case is Ashley's major weapon and a major threat to the league; in a legal action taking place in public rather than behind closed doors much of interest would be revealed to fans and other interested parties about how the Premier League conducted this approval process which could be seriously embarrassing and thus force a favourable settlement for Ashley. They have claimed of course that this is a footballing matter but as recent events involving the abortive European Super League fiasco demonstrate, politicians will intervene very significantly in sport if there are votes in it. In the scheme of things Mike Ashley's competition claim may not ultimately matter. With the UK government having helped to scupper the Super League it is difficult to see how the Premier League could stand in the way of another Saudi bid where further refusal will surely cause great offence to a key commercial partner. It is therefore not cynical to suggest that subject to the traditional and traditionally unenforceable assurances, Mike Ashley's boat may well come in. The fans will be delighted. But such a sale raises many questions. The three recalcitrant super league clubs sue UEFA with sovereign state owners awaiting the outcome Much therefore hangs on the action brought in Spain by the Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus against UEFA which has now been referred to the European Court of Justice. These recalcitrant three argue that UEFA's refusal to consent to the proposal and threat to ban players from Super League clubs from international representation was an abuse of a dominant position and would be abusive in the future. A fine mess is certainly on the cards whatever the outcome of this litigation. Unfortunately, it is much easier to analyse how sport got into such a mess than to suggest concrete solutions - the suggestion of an 'independent' regulator ignores the fact that it would be opposed by most clubs. What is more it would have to be transnational to stand any chance of success. Such transnational regulation of ownership and governance was actually proposed by the French government in 2007 as part an EU initiative to take control of sport from national governments; but four years after its emphatic rejection (led by the UK government), the then French President Sarkozy played a key role in the sale of PSG to the Qatari government and the arms race truly began. One can only hope that the outcome will be satisfactory but at the moment it is not looking good. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/uk/antitrust-eu-competition/1073162/can-mike-ashley-persuade-the-competition-appeal-tribunal-to-help-him-sell-newcastle-united
Why is Australia the Lucky Country?	The UKs post-Brexit trade deal with Australia has caused some consternation for farmers But the challenges are more nuanced than the fallout from higher imports Australias economic history provides an interesting lesson A post-Brexit free trade deal with Australia has conjured nostalgic thoughts for some at the end of a long, sometimes traumatic separation from the EU. While we might be able to look forward to cheaper Aussie wine in the long term, the more interesting question for investors is why Australias stock market is officially ranked as the best-performing since 1900 outpacing that of every other major economy. Not bad for a country with a harsh climate and the worlds biggest collection of venomous animals. The announcement of the trade deal was the cue for much anguish from Britains farming lobby. Speaking on Radio 4's Today Programme, Wales' first minister Mark Drakeford noted the countries' size difference as an especially pressing problem: "How can our hill farmers compete with the space that is available for the huge farms that they have in Australia," he said.	https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/education/2021/05/27/why-is-australia-the-lucky-country/
How should I manage withdrawals in the drawdown phase?	How much you can safely withdraw from your assets in retirement depends on factors including the value of your assets and the age at which you start to draw from them, health and life expectancy Try to get an idea of how much income you will need each year in retirement for essential spending and how much you will want for discretionary spending Everyone has a different lifespan, lifestyle, value of assets and sources of income, so a one-size-fits-all solution is not going to be right for everyone. The amount you can safely withdraw each year depends on factors including the value of your assets and the age at which you start to draw from them, health, life expectancy, and whether you have dependents to provide for. This means that it is essential to have a plan to ensure that you can take what you need without risking that your money runs out before the end of your life. Not having a long-term plan and investment strategy can lead to withdrawing too much too soon, so that difficult adjustments must be made or you run out of money before the end of your life. Or you might be too cautious and go without things you could afford.	https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/managing-your-money/2021/05/27/how-should-i-manage-withdrawals-in-the-drawdown-phase/
Should I transfer a workplace DC pension into a Sipp?	It generally does not make sense to transfer out of a workplace pension scheme during the accumulation phase as you lose employer contributions There are a few instances where it can be a good option Consolidating former workplaces pensions into a Sipp can be sensible in some circumstances There are several risks and disadvantages to transferring out of your defined-contribution (DC) workplace pension while you are still in the accumulation phase. While you might wish to take charge of how your Sipp is managed, you are likely to lose out on employer contributions and will not get other benefits, such as more salary, in place of them. Gary Smith, chartered financial planner at Tilney, says that you should consider whether you will be able to compensate for the loss of employer contributions because this could result in a shortfall in your desired level of retirement income. If you are thinking of transferring out of your existing workplace scheme first check with your employer if they would contribute to your Sipp. If this is not an option and consolidating your pension funds remains an appropriate course of action, it may be possible to transfer all or most of the funds out of a workplace pension while leaving the plan open a partial transfer, says David Wright, wealth management consultant at Mattioli Woods. This way, regular contributions can continue unchanged although it may be wise to consider another transfer at some point in the future.	https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/managing-your-money/2021/05/27/should-i-transfer-a-workplace-dc-pension-into-a-sipp/
Why A Coaching Approach?	As BT Coaching launches its new workshop series: Think Individual, Teams and Culture Helen Goss, Partner and Head of BT Coaching asks "Why use a coaching approach?" as we begin our lift from lockdown. As an employment lawyer, Partner, mediator and coach I see employee relations issues from a variety of different perspectives. For me, a focus on coaching and adopting a culture of coaching across your business, particularly at this time, can help your people, leaders and business emerge from the uncertainty more confident and adaptable able to meet the challenges ahead. As we plan our emergence from lockdown, there is much uncertainty about where employees will work and how they will interact. For example, it would be helpful to have more clarity about matters as diverse as your future office space requirements, the timing of future rush hours, We have seen a lot of discussion around our employees and the return to the workplace but we also want to focus on what our clients' focus and requirements are going forward and how we ensure we meet and exceed those. The truth is that we are about to explore the unknown. Adopting a coaching approach, an approach that is familiar with addressing uncertainty, allows the time and space to think and to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. A coaching approach can quickly consolidate your thinking, reveal new ideas, create more suitable organisational outcomes, and allow you to be better prepared for dealing with the unexpected. A coaching approach also reduces the potentially damaging impact of false assumptions, helps you identify what else you might need, and creates new perspectives. Ultimately, using a coaching approach be it individual, team or business culture - to explore the unknown, offers you competitive advantage in meeting your future challenges and bring everyone with you. Time and Space to explore: Workshop Sessions We know that everyone is in "heads down" mode, focusing on the here and now. We want to give you the time and space to explore and discuss the challenges over the last year and look forward to the next 6 months. Working in small virtual groups, our three facilitator-led workshop sessions are aimed at those in HR, leadership and development to share ideas, experiences, challenges and opportunities for our own workplaces learning from real life experiences. With space to discuss and time to collaborate, the sessions will focus on 3 key return to work issues, with the overarching theme of coaching and leadership development at their core. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/uk/employee-rights-labour-relations/1073268/why-a-coaching-approach
Will Kathryn Garcia Be New York City's First Woman Mayor?	Kathryn Garcia knows her shit. On a blustery spring morning, shes standing at the waterfront in Long Island City and squinting at a boat on the East River, roughly a hundred yards away. Thats a sludge boat, she says. Riding high. One of her volunteers muses aloud that the vessel must be carrying trash. No, she says with a smirk, its transporting solids. Then she pauses for the tiniest moment before clarifying. From the sewage system. Garcia knows this because for six years she served as New York Citys Sanitation Commissioner, overseeing a department of roughly 10,000 workersmostly menwho kept the city running through snowstorms and prevented the garbage from piling up. (Do you know, she told me as if she was delivering a piece of juicy gossip, that a rat parent couple can have 19,000 offspring in a year?) Garcia is a consummate problem-solver. She helped lead the response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, getting clean water to New Yorkers in the storms aftermath. She was tapped in 2019 to lead the citys effort to curb childhood lead poisoning. As Food Czar during the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized the citys program to distribute more than 1 million meals a day. Now shes running to be New Yorks first woman mayor. But in a crowded mayoral primary that has largely been dominated by the better-known but less experienced Andrew Yang, Garcia had struggled to get traction. Despite her work in the trenches of city government, she had little name recognition and even less feel for campaigning. Her speeches are competent but wooden, and her staff had to teach her how to end fundraising calls with an actual request for money. But in recent weeks, Garcia won the coveted endorsements of the New York Times and the New York Daily News, a boost that pushed her into the lead for the first time, according to one new poll. This years June 22 Democratic mayoral primary is complicated to decipher: for the first time, its being conducted with ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to select a total of five candidates ranked by preference. Yet in the final weeks of the race, Garcia appears to be the candidate gaining momentum. The prospect of Garcia becoming the first woman mayor of New York City is yet another chapter in Americas ongoing struggle with how to handle female competence in a political world that rarely rewards it. Garcia could follow the trajectory of Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren, two other accomplished women full of plans and policies who were nonetheless outshone by more politically palatable men when they ran for the top job. Or she could turn out to be the right woman for the moment. Its the Biden era, after all, and Democrats seem to be embracing the idea of electing experienced public servants to lead the nation out of the pandemic. Kathryn Garcias campaign could be a test of whether Democrats are ready to actually elect a women with the experience to get the job done. Women have clearly faced the question of viability in a way that the men dont seem to have, Garcia told me on May 25, as we drove from Queens to Brooklyn in a lime-green van emblazoned with her face. We werent having from the beginning a conversation about who has the most ability to run this city. It was about whos resonating. Yang, a businessman who ran for President in 2020 but has no experience in city government, is running a campaign that promises, in one interpretation, to make the city fun again. I dont think anyone has been elected as a woman who was just fun anywhere in this country, says Garcia. Back when polls showed Yang with a sizable lead, he repeatedly indicated he would ask Garcia to join his administration if he won, saying she would be his second choice on the ballot and would make a phenomenal partner. The notion that Garcia would sign on as deputy to a less-experienced rival is very sexist, she says. Im running to win this race. Thats my goal. (Sensing her momentum, Yang has recently turned negative on Garcia, linking her to the unpopular de Blasio administration and blaming her for the piles of trash that were seeing around us that get higher and higher, although she has not worked at the Sanitation Department in more than a year.) Her campaign is rooted in an awareness of how the Mayors decisions impact the lives of ordinary New Yorkers. Electing an inexperienced Mayor could end up hurting people, she says, whether its by making housing less affordable or making transit decisions that result in more bike accidents. Garcia is running as what she calls a practical progressive. She proposes building on New Yorks universal Pre-K and 3-K programs by offering free child care up to age 3 for families earning less than $70,000 a year. She has not embraced the defund the police framework advocated by her more progressive rivals, but has a policing plan that includes investing in violence prevention programs, embedding mental health workers in the department and picking a commissioner who is committed to a culture change. Her climate platform, which won the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters, includes building more than 250 miles of new bike paths, installing thousands of electric car chargers and implementing a Green New Deal for public housing. True to her roots in Sanitation, shes proposed a plan to get piles of garbage bags off the street and into rat-proof, curbside containers. If Garcia wins, she would also be the first Mayor who has experienced the nations largest city the way so many New York women do every day. Her first brush with a subway pervert was as a teen, when she was riding home from high school and someone was, uh, pleasuring themselves, she says, raising her eyebrows. She carries a big purse with a water bottle, earbuds, extra shoes (usually Toms) and a large black makeup bag with her signature MAC lipstick. She recently upgraded her speaking podium from a 50-lb. lectern to a lighter, more portable model that would be easier for her female staff to pack into tote bags as they race around the city. Garcia has cultivated some municipal celebrity for her habit of wearing high heels throughout her time as Sanitation Commissioner (I can do an 85mm100mm is too high) and getting a Sanitation jacket to fit her figure. The large mens jackets, she says, were so boxy that they made me look like SpongeBob Square Pants. And besides: Are we gonna pretend like Im not a woman? Some fans have interpreted her heels as an expression of personal style, or a sly sartorial wink to gussy up the job of garbage pickup. (Theres a text chain of former women City Hall employees who send each other photos of her latest outfits, called #TeamGarcia.) But Garcia says her footwear was a gesture of respect to the workers in her department. It matters to the people who work with me, how I looked, that I represented them, she explained to me. And it was important that I always look professional, because they felt that it reflected on them. Garcia spent years infiltrating what she calls the boys club of city government, including a period where she had to leave work or go part-time in order to raise her two young children. I could not figure out how that was going to work with a newborn, she says. I couldnt figure out how to nurse. Women who have worked with her say shes especially understanding of staff with young kids. If I talked to her on the phone and a kid was in the background, shed be like, I know what thats like, says Andrea Hagelgans, a former senior adviser to de Blasio who worked extensively with Garcia. It just made it feel less like of a problem when youre talking to the Commissioner on the phone. Across city government, Garcia has a reputation as a listener, someone who surrounds herself with competent people and then empowers them to do their best work. She won the endorsement of Teamsters Local 831, which represents the New York sanitation workers she once oversaw. She is an incredible manager, says Erin Burns-Maine, who worked with Garcia at the New York City Housing Authority. She hires good people, she retains good people, she surrounds herself with the experts and listens to them. Her roles at multiple agencies have also given her insight into which problems tend to fall through the cracks. Shes able to see all sides and cut through the BS and the bureaucracy and the red tape, says Jennifer Montalvo, who worked with Garcia on both housing issues and the Food Czar task force. There are so few women in city government who are so effective. Its inspiring. And yet, running the city is not the same as winning the election. Although Garcias record demonstrates a firm grasp of municipal process, electoral politics are new to her. The spotlight has taken some getting used to. Shes no great orator: She tends to speak in short, efficient sentences and stops talking when shes made her point, rarely slipping into the grandstanding popular with so many other politicians, especially men. Shes begun to realize that I should actually fill in all this space on every Zoom, after her staff told her she left some time on the clock. I was like, But I answered the question. ' Garcia also doesnt fit neatly into the progressive-vs.-moderate dichotomy that voters and pundits often use to categorize candidates. Many of her plans seem like theyd appeal to Warren fans, yet she worked for the Michael Bloomberg administration. Her path to winning the June 22 primary is hard to assess, in large part because ranked-choice voting makes it difficult for pollsters to size up the race. Faced with more than a dozen contenders, even voters who prefer her rivals could rank Garcia as their second or third choice, giving her a boost if no candidate reaches 50%. Garcias rivals have carved out more distinct niches. Yang is doing well with young voters, ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders, and the tech sector. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams law-and-order message seems to be resonating with more conservative Democrats in the outer boroughs. Comptroller Scott Stringer has built a strong coalition of progressive allies that has taken a hit from a recent sexual harassment allegation (which Stringer denies). Civil-rights lawyer Maya Wiley and nonprofit administrator Dianne Morales are both courting the progressive left. According to the recent Emerson poll, Yang is doing the best with voters under 30, Adams is doing best with Black voters, and Garcia is doing best with white voters. But since voters can pick multiple candidates, those breakdowns could easily shift. Since theres almost no historical data on how ranked choice voting will play out in New York, the Garcia campaign has decided to run a relatively conventional race: increasing name recognition, going up on TV, and trying to get the candidate out on the street, talking to as many people as possible. Our ranked-choice strategy has always been to not overthink ranked choice strategy, says one top Garcia aide. For now, Garcia says, she hopes that after years of invisible behind-the scenes work, people are finally beginning to see her. I think that I am the candidate they want, she says as the van hurtles down the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. I think they just did not know my name for a while. Get our Politics Newsletter. The headlines out of Washington never seem to slow. Subscribe to The D.C. Brief to make sense of what matters most. Please enter a valid email address. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Please attempt to sign up again. Sign Up Now An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. Please try again later. Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME. You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thank you! For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Write to Charlotte Alter at [email protected].	https://time.com/6051171/kathryn-garcia-new-york-city-mayor-election/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29
What Has Changed For Orphan Medicinal Products In The UK After Brexit?	It is easy to overlook the consequences of the small but important changes affecting orphan medicinal products in the UK as a result of the country's departure from the EU, partly because they are just a needle in the haystack of amendments made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 due to Brexit. The most obvious difference between the EU and the new UK system is that there is no pre-authorisation orphan designation in Great Britain (or the UK, although a UK-wide orphan marketing authorisation (MA) can only be considered in the absence of an EU orphan designation, which will be extremely uncommon). This could be seen by some as an advantageous simplification of the procedure, but in reality, it provides more uncertainly to sponsors and dependence on the EU, as developers will not know who else is developing similar products for the same orphan condition without relying on the more transparent and open EU system. Indeed, in Great Britain, sponsors will enter the race to be the first to obtain an MA for their orphan medicinal products with blinkers and the European Commission Register of Orphan Medicinal ("EC Register") will be the only source available to them to understand what the competitor landscape looks like at any given point in time. The UK equivalent of the EC Register is now a mere list of granted orphan MAs, together with a list of expired orphan registrations. The database, published and kept up to date by the MHRA, is rudimentary consisting of a list of orphan registered products in alphabetical order by trade name. The MHRA list does not fulfil the same objective as the EC Register, which was set up to enable an easy and unequivocal tool for the identification of medicines eligible for incentives. To the extent that products are added to the UK list once they are authorised (in the absence of orphan designation prior to the application for the MA), the UK list is a mere compilation of products that have market exclusivity, which does nothing to enhance transparency and openness. Given the residual and purely testimonial purpose of the UK list, the UK legislature must have considered it unnecessary to retain the different ways in which a designated orphan medicinal product can be removed from the EC Register (Art. 5.12 of the EC Orphan Regulation1). As a consequence, from 1 January 2021 MA holders of orphan medicinal products approved in Great Britain (or the UK) cannot voluntarily de-designate their products. This seemingly small change has important consequences that will create relevant differences between the UK and the EU. Firstly, an MA holder is no longer able to de-designate its product to add non-orphan indications while orphan market exclusivity (OME) exists for its Great Britain or UK product, forcing it to apply for a new MA, under a different brand, if it wants to commercialise its product for non-orphan indications. Second and most importantly, an MA holder of an orphan medicinal product is no longer able to choose the preferred paediatric reward (the six-months extension of the SPC or two additional years of OME) when its product is both orphan designated and is protected by an SPC or a patent that qualifies for one at the relevant point in time. While in the EU it is commonly accepted2 that an MA holder of a product which is both orphan designated and protected by an SPC or a patent that qualifies for one can choose the most economically attractive paediatric reward, this is no longer possible in the UK. Having been left without the possibility of removing its product from the list of orphan medicines, and giving up part of the product's OME as a result, the MA holder of an active orphan medicinal product in Great Britain or the UK cannot opt for the six-months extension of the SPC while the 10 years of OME lasts. The only reward available for these products in the UK will be the extension of the orphan marketing exclusivity to 12 years. As a result, companies can end up having two very different types of exclusivities nearing the end of the products' exclusivities in the EU and the UK. Divergences between the two blocks are already happening, even if involuntarily on the part of the UK legislative. Despite the inevitable ties that exist with EU pharmaceutical law as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol, many more divergences are still to come. Footnotes 1. Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 on orphan medicinal products. 2. Decisions of the Court of the Hague on 30 March 2016 and the Court of Milan of 26 February 2016 declared the validity of the paediatric extension granted by the Dutch and Italian Patent Offices, respectively, for the extended term of the SPC covering the medicinal product Glivec (imatinib mesilate), applied for after the voluntary removal of the product from the EU Register. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com:443/uk/healthcare/1072574/what-has-changed-for-orphan-medicinal-products-in-the-uk-after-brexit
Did primates evolve expressive faces for babysitting?	Share this Article Facebook Twitter Email You are free to share this article under the Attribution 4.0 International license. University New York University Non-parents expand the range of their facial expressions in caring for infants, research on primate alloparenting finds. The study shows the ability, among non-relatives, to both decipher facial expressions and to be attuned to others emotional states, revealing the evolutionary nature of communication. The research, which appears in the journal Evolution, focuses on the relationship between alloparenting, or infant care by non-parents, and the adoption of detailed facial expressions across more than 30 species of primates. Our results confirm previous work indicating that facial expressions facilitate communication between individuals living in larger social groups, says study author Paola Cerrito, a doctoral candidate in New York Universitys department of anthropology and College of Dentistry. But, this is the first study to demonstrate that the frequency of infant care by non-parents further predicts the ability to produce complex facial expressions across primate species. Speaking to the larger significance of the study, Alex DeCasien, a doctoral candidate in the anthropology department and an author of the paper, adds, Successful infant care by individuals other than the mothersuch as the father, siblings, a babysitter, and other relativesrelies heavily on facial expressions. It is through this form of nonverbal communication that caregivers can understand the needs of infants and also coordinate care amongst themselves, thus enabling them to provide appropriate and effective infant care. The adaptive value of facial expressions has been debated in evolutionary biology ever since Darwins major work, The Expression of Emotion in Man and Other Animals (1872). Its been long established that primates, including humans, exhibit the most intricate facial displays. And while earlier scholarship has focused on the role of social interaction in the evolution of primate facial expressions, this relationship had not been verified in a wide sample of species. In the Evolution paper, Cerrito and DeCasien studied the relationship between the frequency of alloparental care and selected orofacial brainstem nucleithe parts of the brain that control most of the muscles from the eyes down to the neckusing existing and newly collected databases on primate behavior. The researchers hypothesized that the frequency of infant care by individuals other than the parents predicts facial musculature dexteritythe ability to produce intricate facial expressions. Consistent with their hypothesis, the results show that, across the studied species, increased facial dexterity was positively correlated with the frequency of alloparental care. Notably, however, these relationships were not found with paternal care, suggesting that fathers may, similarly to mothers, rely on hormonal changes to help them become attuned to the infants needs. How do adults attune themselves to the needs of slow-developing, helpless offspring? Cerrito asks. Our work suggests that non-parents achieve this via facial expressions, but it appears that fathers dont. So after looking at our results, we tried to make sense of them and discovered a significant body of literature indicating that males caring for their offspring also undergo hormonal changes. Our conclusion is that they use the same adaptive strategy as mothers, only mediated by different hormones. Overall, this work suggests that alloparenting requires increased facial dexterity to facilitate nonverbal communication between infants and their non-parent caregivers, adds Cerrito. Accordingly, alloparenting and complex facial expressions are likely to have co-evolved in primates. Source: NYU	https://www.futurity.org/primate-alloparenting-facial-expressions-2573312-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=primate-alloparenting-facial-expressions-2573312-2
Could a troubled election restore the Gaddafi family to Libyas ruling class?	Ten years after the beginning of a civil war that devasted the country and saw Muammar Gaddafis regime toppled, his son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, fancies himself the next leader of Libya. With the countrys divided leadership finally agreeing to hold elections on December 24th, a historic chance for reconciliation and peace arises, but Saif al-Islams ambitions and decades-old gripes could plunge Libya even deeper into chaos. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi For years, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi lived the archetypal life for the son of a dictator. His well-documented pleasure-seeking lifestyle made him one of the most recognized people in Libya. Without ever holding any official function in the government, he was one of the most powerful men in the country and was widely seen as the regimes heir apparent. Muammar Gaddafi invested heavily in the political future of his anointed successor, paying millions of dollars in donations to the prestigious London School of Economics in return for a PhD obtained by Saif al-Islam in 2008. The debut of the Libyan Civil War in 2011 brought the deal to the publics attention, causing much embarrassment to LSE and resulting in its directors resignation. Worse still, Gaddafis doctoral thesis is now believed to be either plagiarized or ghostwritten. But the fall of the Gaddafi regime derailed the patriarchs succession plans and turned Saif al-Islam from a self-styled reformist leader that rubbed shoulders with the Western elite to the face of the brutal crackdown perpetrated by regime forces against anti-governmental protests. After the fall of Gaddafi, Saif was imprisoned for six years by one of the countrys competing authorities and sentenced to death in absentia by the other. Now aged 48, Saif al-Islam is busy behind the scenes with preparations for a run on the presidency. However, his hopes of using the 2021 election to elude the last ten years of history and return to the path that was set out for him by his father could be detrimental to the stability of Libya. Electioneering The 2021 election is the latest effort by the Gaddafi family to return to power. Since being released from prison in 2017 following a general amnesty, Saif al-Islam worked to release other members of his family from captivity and rebuild the familys support. He was one of the frontrunners of the 2018 election which was cancelled but is likely to still receive backing from significant parts of the population in Sirte and other cities where members of the Gaddafi clan are numerous. While Saif hasnt officially confirmed he will participate in the December elections, a series of recent moves demonstrate that he means business. In 2019, it was reported that he began collaborating with international paramilitary groups to offer him assistance and training, particularly in regards to counter-intelligence. He is also gathering allies, both local and international, for a potential return to power. The December elections are the result of a ceasefire signed in October 2020 between Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the powerful military leader who controls the Tobruk-based Libyan National Army, and the Tripoli-based authorities. These significant breakthroughs between the two competing authorities in the country signal that Libyas main stakeholders seem determined to find a peaceful end to the conflict. But a possible candidacy by Saif al-Islam could throw a spanner into the works and halt the progress made so far. The diplomatic breakthroughs that took place during the spring of 2021 have given Libya hope for an end to the division and civil war that has gripped the country for the last decade. But the ice is still very thin and the elections that will hopefully take place in December will only be as legitimate as the participating sides consider them to be. To put it another way, the tensions between the main political entities of Libya are so high that it is far from assured that the result of the December election will be accepted by all participants. A third party, particularly one as polarizing as Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, could cause a breakdown in the fragile agreements between the Tripoli and Tobruk governments. Both a Gaddafi victory and a contested defeat could rekindle animosities between Libyas east and west. Ten years after the death of the dictator, discord over the Gaddafi name could throw Libya into chaos once again.	https://venturesafrica.com/could-a-troubled-election-restore-the-gaddafi-family-to-libyas-ruling-class/
Will Congress and Amtrak Joe bring passenger rail into the 21st century?	Delaware Sen. Thomas R. Carper used to commute to Washington on the Amtrak train with then-Sen. Joe Biden. After the pandemic decimated Amtraks ridership and disrupted the way the world works and commutes, Carper one day earlier this year found himself using Amtrak in a new way: remotely gaveling in a Senate committee hearing from the train while running late due to President Bidens visit to Wilmington that morning. Rail is one of the many pieces of the nations infrastructure that Congress and the president are aiming to tune up with a broad package of legislation. Biden called for an $80 billion investment into the nations rail system in his initial infrastructure proposal. Senate Republicans announced a counteroffer Thursday morning, with $46 billion going to rail. [ For more on Amtraks future, check out this weeks episode of the CQ Future podcast with Shawn Zeller ]	https://www.rollcall.com/2021/05/27/will-congress-and-amtrak-joe-bring-passenger-rail-into-the-21st-century/
Are the $300 Unemployment Benefits Really Preventing People From Going Back to Work?	Rachel Bucchino Unemployment Benefits, A new paper found that the $300 weekly unemployment benefits sent out during the pandemic likely have just a small effect on recipients decisions to reenter the labor market. A new paper found that the $300 weekly unemployment benefits sent out during the pandemic likely have just a small effect on recipients decisions to reenter the labor market. The study , published by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, noted that their findings "suggests few would turn down an offer to return to work at the previous wage." Authors Nicolas Petrosky-Nadeau and Robert G. Valletta released a model in the paper that said the decision to accept a new job position depends on a number of reasons, such as the expected duration of the employment, the rate of arrival of new job offers and the duration of [unemployment] benefits remaining. The authors applied that model by saying that a typical high school-educated worker making $800 a week before the onset of the pandemic would not have been deterred from accepting a job offer, even if jobless insurance was 25 percent more than wages. From the perspective of the first week of June 2020, with 8 weeks of supplementary UI payment remaining and as states were moving to re-open their economies, only workers in the lowest paid occupation (food services, with typical earnings of $460 per week) would be about indifferent between accepting an offer and remaining unemployed. For all other occupations replacement rates over 100% under CARES were unlikely to be the cause of rejected job offers, the authors wrote. The value of a job, especially in a depressed labor market, significantly outweighs the value of the temporary additional UI income. Under the Cares Act that was passed last year, Congress authorized $600 weekly jobless benefits for unemployed Americans, a measure thats expired, while President Joe Bidens recent rescue bill approved $300 weekly bonuses through September. The authors compared the different rates of unemployment compensation, revealing that the $600 supplemental benefit had moderate disincentive effects on job finding rates and the $300 benefit thats currently in place suggested only small effects. The study clashes with the GOPs arguments that the jobless aid is a key contributor to the labor shortages across the country and a factor that is slowing down Americas economic recovery. Republicans contend that the expanded benefits have prevented people from going back to work. More than a dozen GOP-led states cut off some form of the $300 weekly unemployment bonuses, including the benefits set aside for the gig economy and self-employed workers. Republicans have also pointed to Aprils lower-than-expected jobs report, which added only 266,000 new jobs and saw a slight increase in the unemployment rate. Small businesses, as well as bars and restaurants, have had a difficult time finding people to fill empty positions as the country reopens with millions of Americans vaccinated.	https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2258066921932/are-the-300-unemployment-benefits-really-preventing-people-from-going-back-to-work
What happens when one leg is shorter than the other?	You have one leg that is an inch shorter than the other. Believe it or not, its not that unusual to get such a diagnosis. Having one leg longer than the other, a condition known as leg length discrepancy, is more common than people might imagine. Here are some things to understand if you learn one leg is shorter than the other, according to Dr. Joshua Langford, the director of the Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Again, its not uncommon. When one leg is longer than the other, it can be due to misalignment or tilting in body parts such as the hip, pelvis, knee, foot or ankle. Its pretty common -- (more) than you think, Langford said. Something like a third of people have close to a half-inch difference, side to side. But most people dont notice it because you grew up that way. Ad Many routine movements can still be performed and pain can be minimal, but there are risks for bigger problems. The answer can be both. When its developed over ones life, its more under the category of functional leg length discrepancy. Performing athletic or other activities that put more weight on certain body parts, neuromuscular conditions that affect alignment and posture, or arthritis are examples of what can cause functional leg length discrepancy, according to Medical News Today. There is also structural leg length discrepancy, which can occur at birth when the femur or tibia is shorter than the other. Other causes of structural leg length discrepancy can be: Bone injuries. This can lead to a slowing of bone growth in one leg. Growth plate injuries. This is an area of cartilage that sits near the end of long bones, and if an injury occurs, it can grow faster or slower than the opposite bone. Bone diseases and tumors. These can cause damage to growth plates and affect growth. Juvenile arthritis. This can cause issues in bone growth because of potential inflammation of tissue inside joints. Accidents or trauma. These can cause sudden and instant health problems, or Langford said they can be smaller incidents that build up over time. A lot of times you get to adulthood and maybe you didnt realize you had a trauma that caused you to have a growth (problem), and your body can tolerate it for a really long time, until you are about 35 and then your spine says, No more, Langford said. These can be wide-ranging, but examples include: Walking with a limp. Misalignment of the spine. Significant disc irritation near the spine. Pain in the back, hip, knee or ankle, damaged nerves. The average age is 35 to 45 when people who have leg length discrepancy start having back pain, Langford said. Their back cant take it. Increased fatigue. If leg length discrepancy is causing more than just minor discomfort, some of the best treatment options include: Ad Regular visits to a chiropractor for adjustments. This can help align the spine, hip or neck to where its not tilted and more symmetrical, which, in turn, can even out leg length and any pain that can come with it. Growth plate adjustments . This is a common treatment, according to Langford. They can make the growth plate stop on the side thats overgrown and let the other side catch up, then let the growth plate start again, he said. Proper exercise and stretching techniques. This can help strengthen any muscles that are causing pain. Keeping fit helps everything, Langford said. Shoe lifts. Putting a lift inside the shoe of the shorter leg can be beneficial to combat leg length discrepancy. Surgery. In more serious cases, surgery to shorten or lengthen a leg, or stunt the growth of the longer leg, can be helpful. Ultimately, Langford said, the most important step if youre experiencing pain associated with leg length discrepancy is to get an X-ray to find out its severity. From there, treatment options can be assessed. Actually quantifying the discrepancy is the most important thing, Langford said. Tell us about your challenges in the comments below.	https://www.ksat.com/health/2021/05/27/what-happens-when-one-leg-is-shorter-than-the-other/
Does the Oppressor MK II deserve the hate it receives in GTA Online?	As far as vehicles in GTA Online go, there is no vehicle more hated than the Oppressor MK II. Based on public perception, the Oppressor MK II is by far and away the most despised vehicle in all of GTA Online. Videos of players destroying Oppressor Mk II drivers are quite popular on YouTube and Reddit, up to the point that the comments usually applaud the player for doing so. There is no vehicle in GTA Online that is disliked as much as the Oppressor Mk II. It isn't entirely misguided, either. There are valid reasons why some players just loathe the Oppressor MK II, but it's also important to note that not all of these reasons are as relevant today as they once were. However, it is important to cover the Oppressor MK II's history briefly as it plays a crucial role in why this flying motorcycle is so hated today. When fans thinks of griefers in GTA Online, one of their first thoughts is the Oppressor MK II. It is the prototypical vehicle of choice for many griefers, and it's easy to see why. Objectively speaking, the Oppressor MK II has many things going for it. Unsurprisingly, this means that it can (and is) used for more nefarious purposes. Why the Oppressor MK II is often the vehicle of choice for griefers The Oppressor MK II isn't just a random vehicle that griefers like for no apparent reason. It's a legitimately good vehicle that excels in combat. Some GTA Online players would even go as far as to say it's one of the best vehicles in freemode. For starters, the Oppressor MK II's mobility is insane. It's a flying motorcycle with excellent handling. Ergo, it can get anywhere and everywhere a player wants to go. Normally, aircrafts are big, meaning that they're both an easy target and can't squeeze between certain tight spaces. The Oppressor MK II has neither of those flaws. It's incredibly small, meaning that trying to blow up the Oppressor MK II is harder than usual. Unsurprisingly, this makes the Oppressor MK II work exceptionally well offensively. A terror in the skies The Oppressor MK II is quite oppressive in the skies (Image via Efo-Team) Even if the Oppressor MK II is limited to 20 missiles, that's more than enough to blow up the vast majority of vehicles found in GTA Online. These missiles are also astonishingly accurate, meaning that they can make quick work out of most vehicles. Combine excellent missiles with top-tier mobility, and it's easy to see why the Oppressor MK II is so oppressive in the skies. Even if it can be blown up in a single hit, the Oppressor MK II's small size and great mobility mean that it's a harder task than one would assume. There are only a few vehicles that can reliably match up to the Oppressor MK II's excellence in PVP. It is vital to note that the Oppressor MK II has a low skill floor, meaning that practically anybody can use it to some success. A low skill floor, coupled with a top-tier vehicle, means that GTA Online players will see the Oppressor MK II quite often. A brief history of the Oppressor MK II The Oppressor MK II (Image via GTA Wiki) GTA Online has many ludicrous vehicles these days. Stuff like the Toreador and Deluxo are absurd, but they came out after the Oppressor MK II. In fact, the Oppressor MK II was one of the first ridiculous, futuristic vehicles in GTA Online. Even if a player ignores how overpowered it was for the time, the concept of a flying motorcycle makes GTA Online lose whatever element of realism it had. Some GTA purists often cite the Oppressor MK II as a source of their frustration, which isn't helped by the fact that the Oppressor MK II is a great vehicle (meaning that they will see a vehicle they dislike conceptually even more). As some vehicles like the Toreador weren't around when the Oppressor MK II was first released, it utterly dominated the GTA Online metagame in freemode. If somebody competent was driving the Oppressor MK II, they could easily dispatch an entire lobby on their own. The hatred of the Oppressor MK II has carried over the years Even if the Oppressor MK II isn't as dominant as it once was, the sheer fact of the matter is that the vehicle already instilled so much frustration. Even if the Oppressor MK II falls off the meta hard, it will always be remembered as one of the most hated vehicles in GTA Online. The hatred for the Oppressor MK II, while sometimes overblown, isn't entirely misguided. It's the most despised vehicle in all of GTA Online, and that isn't going to change anytime soon. It clashes terribly with what GTA Online used to be, and its association with low-skill griefers makes it an unpopular vehicle amongst the GTA Online community.	https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/does-oppressor-mk-ii-deserve-hate-receives-gta-online
Will my phone still work on AT&T after the 3G shutdown?	These phones will keep working on AT&T after the 3G network shutdown Many of us are ready and waiting for 5G to take off, but its difficult for carriers to effectively roll out 5G while still dedicating valuable spectrum to 4G and 3G. Thats why carriers have wanted to phase out their 3G networks for several years, but most of the shutdowns have been delayed multiple times. Even though 4G and LTE have been supported on most mobile devices for years, theres still a small number of 3G-only phones and equipment in use. Verizon first planned to shut down its 3G network in 2019, but the transition was delayed to the end of 2020, and its now set for the end of 2022. Meanwhile, T-Mobile has reportedly delayed its 3G shutdown to April 2022, and AT&T will turn off 3G by February 2022. Its not always easy to figure out which cellular technologies your phone, tablet, or hotspot has especially when 4G/LTE support in the hardware doesnt necessarily mean AT&T compatibility. Thankfully, AT&T has published a list of devices that will continue working after the 3G shutdown. The list can also be used to check which phones support AT&Ts HD Voice feature (VoLTE). Weve mirrored the list below in an easier-to-read format so you can check if your phone, tablet, or smartwatch will continue working on AT&T after the carrier shuts down its 3G network. Smartphones that will work after AT&T 3G shuts down Apple iPhone 6 and newer Samsung Galaxy A71 5G (A716U, A716U1) Galaxy A52 5G (A526U, A526U1) Galaxy A51 5G (A516U, A516U1, A516UP) Galaxy A51 (A515U, A515U1) Galaxy A50 (A505U1, A505A) Galaxy A42 5G (A426U1) Galaxy A32 5G SE (A326U, A326U1/DS) Galaxy A21 SE (A215U1) Galaxy A12 SE (A125U, A125U1/DS) Galaxy A11 (A115A, A115AZ, A115AP, A115U1) Galaxy A10e (A102U, A102UC, A102U1) Galaxy A6 (A600A, A600AZ) Galaxy A02 (A025A, A025U1/DS) Galaxy A01 (A015A, SMA015U1) Galaxy Express Prime 3 (J337A) Galaxy Express Prime 2/J3 (J327A) Galaxy Express Prime/J3 (J320A) Galaxy Express 3 (J120A) Galaxy J7 (J727A, J737A) Galaxy J2 Dash (J260A) Galaxy J2 Pure (J260AZ) Galaxy Note20 5G (N981U, N981U1) Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G (N986U, N986U1) Galaxy Note10 (N970U, N970U1) Galaxy Note10+ (N975U, N975U1) Galaxy Note10+ 5G (N976U) Galaxy Note9 (N960U, N960U1) Galaxy Note8 (N950U) Galaxy Note5 (N920A) Galaxy Note4 (N910A) Galaxy Note Edge (N915A) Galaxy S21 5G (G991U, G991U1) Galaxy S21+ 5G (G996U, G996U1) Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (G998U, G998U1) Galaxy S20 5G (G981U, G981U1) Galaxy S20+ 5G (G986U, G986U1) Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (G988U, G988U1) Galaxy S20 FE (G781U, G781U1, G781UC) Galaxy S10 (G973U, G973UC, G973U1) Galaxy S10+ (G975U, G975U1) Galaxy S10 5G (G977U) Galaxy S10e (G970U, G970U1) Galaxy S10 Lite (G770U1) Galaxy S9 (G960U, G960U1) Galaxy S9+ (G965U, G964U1) Galaxy S8 (G950U) Galaxy S8 Active (G892A) Galaxy S8+ (G955U) Galaxy S7 Edge (G935A) Galaxy S7 (G930A) Galaxy S7 Active (G891A) Galaxy S6 Edge Plus (G928A) Galaxy S6 Edge (G925A) Galaxy S6 (G920A) Galaxy S6 Active (G890A) Galaxy S5 (G900A) Galaxy S5 Active (G870A) Galaxy S5 Mini (G800A) Galaxy S4 Mini (i257) Galaxy XCover FieldPro (G889A) Galaxy XCover Pro (G715U1, G715A) Galaxy Z flip 5G (F707U, F707U1) Galaxy Z Flip (F700U/DS, F700U1) Galaxy Z Fold2 5G (F916U, F916U1) Galaxy Z Fold (F900U, F900U1) LG Arena 2/Neon Plus (LM-X320APM/AM8) Escape Plus (X320CM) Escape2 (H443) Classic Flip (L125DL) Fortune 3 (LMK300AMC) G8X (LM-G850QM) G8X ThinQ (LM-G850UM) G8 ThinQ (LM-G820UM, LM-G820QM) G7 (G710ULM) G7 ThinQ (LM-G710ULM) G6 (H871S, H871) G5 (H820) G4 (H810) G3 (D850) G3 Vigor (D725) G Flex 2 (H950) G Vista 2 (H740) G Vista (D631) Harmony 4 (LM-K400AM) Harmony 3 (X420CM) Journey (L322DL) K92 5G (LM-K920AM) K40 (LM-X420AS, LM-X420QN) K30 (LM-X320QMG) K20 (M255) K10 (K425) K51 (LM-K500QM) Phoenix 5 (LM-K300AM) Phoenix Plus (LM-X410AS) Phoenix 4 (LM-X210APM) Phoenix 3 (M150) Phoenix 2 (K371) Premier Pro LTE (LML414DL, LML413DL) Premier Pro Plus (L455D) Prime 2 (LM-X320AA) Q70 (LM-Q620QM) Rebel 4 (LML211BL) Reflect (L555DL ) Risio 4 (LM-K300CMR) Solo LTE (L423DL) Stylo 6 (LMQ730AM) Stylo 5 (LM-Q720CS, L722D, LM-Q720QM) Stylo 5+ (LM-Q720AM) Stylo 4 (LML713DL, LM-Q710ULM) Stylo 4+ (LM-Q710WA) Velvet (LM-G900UM) V60 ThinQ (LM-V600AM) V40 ThinQ (LM-V405UA) V35 (LM-V350ULM) V35 ThinQ (LM-V350AWM) V30 (H931) V20 (H910) V10 (H900) Wing (F100VM) Xpression Plus 3 (LM-K400AKR) Xpression Plus 2 (LM-X420AS8) X Venture (H700) Motorola One Fusion+ (XT2067-2) One Action (XT2013-4) E (XT2052-1) E6 (XT2005-5) e5 Cruise (XT1921-2) E5 Play (XT1921-2A, XT1921-2) e5 Supra (XT1924-6) E6 (XT2005-5) Edge (XT2063-2) Edge 5G (XT2063-2) G 5G (XT2113-3) G Play (XT2093-4, XT2093-7) G Fast (XT2045-3, XT2045-3 ) G Power (XT2041-4, XT2117-4, XT2117-1) G Stylus (XT2043-4, XT2115-1) G Pro (XT2043-8) G9 Play (XT2083-1) G9 Power (XT2091-4) G7 (XT1962-1) G7 Play (XT1952-4, XT1952-5) G7 Plus (XT1965-T) G7 Power (XT1955-5) G7 Supra (XT1955-5) g6 Forge (XT1922) g6 Play (XT1922-9) G Play 2021 (XT2093DL) G Power 2021 (XT2117-2) One 5G Ace (XT2113-2, XT2113-5) One 5G (XT2075-2, XT2075-5) Razr 5G (XT2071-3) Razr (XT2071-2) Z4 (XT1980-3) Z2 Force Edition (XT1789) Google Pixel 5 (GD1YQ) Pixel 4a 5G (G025E) Pixel 4a Pixel 4XL Pixel 4 Pixel 3a Pixel 3a XL Pixel 3 XL Pixel 3 Pixel 2XL Pixel 2 Alcatel A3X (A600DL) A3 (A509DL) A1X (A508DL) A1 (A507DL) AXEL (5004R) Go Flip 3 (A406DL) idealXTRA (5059R) idealXCITE/ CameoX (5044R) IDEAL (4060A) INSIGHT (5005RC) OneTouch Allura (5056O) ONYX (5008R) QUICKFLIP (4044C) SMARTFLIP (4052R, 4052C) TETRA (5041C, 5041CC) T1 Lite (T770B) T1 Pro (T799B) TCL 10 SE (T766S) TCL 10 Pro (T799B) TCL 10L (T770B) TCL 20S (T7730) VOLTA (5002R) Asus ROG 3 (ASUS_I003D) ROG 5 (ASUS_I005D, ASUS_I005DA, ASUS_I005DC) AT&T AXIA (QS5509A) Calypso (318AA) Cingular Flip IV Cingular Flip 2 (4044O) Cingular Flip (Q28A) Fusion Z (V340U) Maestro Plus (V350U) Maestro (U202AA, V340U) Motivate (V341U) Radiant Core (U304AA) Radiant Max (U705AA) BlackBerry KEYone (BBB100-1) Priv (STV100-1) Cricket Icon (U304AAC) Influence (V350C) Vision (QS5509AC) Wave (FTU18A00QW) Essential PH-1 HTC Desire 626 (0PM9120) Desire EYE (0PFH100) One A9 (2PQ9120) One M8 (0P6B120) One M9 (0PJA110) Huawei Ascend XT2 (H1711) Ascend XT (H1711) Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 (E6920) DuraForce Pro (E6820) DuraForce (E6560) DuraForce XD (E6790) Dura XE (E4710) Dura XR (E4830) Microsoft Lumia 950 Lumia 640 XL Surface Duo (1930) Nokia 3.1.A (TA1140) 3.1.C (TA1141) 3.1 Plus (TA1124) C2 Tennen (TA1226) C2 Tava (TA1218) C5 Endi (TA1222) Lumia 830 6300 4G (TA-1324) OnePlus Nord N10 (BE2026) Nord N100 (BE2011, BE2013, BE2029) 9 5G (LE2115) 9 Pro 5G (LE2125) 8 5G (IN2010, IN2015) 8 5G UW (IN2019) 8 (IN2011, IN2013, IN 2017) 8T (KB2000, KB2001, KB2005) 8 Pro (IN2021, IN2023, IN2025) 7T (HD1905) 7 Pro (GM1917) 6T (A6013) Pepperl+Fuchs Smart Ex-02 ROW Punkt MP 02 RED Hydrogen One (H1A1000/H1T1000) Sonim XP8 (XP8800) XP7 (XP7700) XP5s (XP5800) XP3 (XP3800) Sony Xperia 5 II (XQ-AS62) Xperia1 II (XQ-AT51) Xperia PRO (XQ-AQ62) Teracube 2E (TR20072EQ) ZTE Avid 579 (Z5156CC) Blade Spark (Z971) Maven 2 (Z831) Maven 3 (Z835) Zmax 10 (Z6250CC) Tablets that will work after AT&T 3G shuts down Apple iPad 3 and newer iPad Mini 1st edition and newer Alcatel AT&T Trek HD (9020A) Asus Memo Pad 7 LTE (ME375CL) Lenovo Moto Tab (TB-X704A) LG G Pad F 8.0 (V495) G Pad X 10.1 (V930) G Pad X 8.0 (V520) Microsoft Surface 3 (1657) Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (SM-T217A) Galaxy Tab S 8.4 (SM-T707A) Galaxy Tab S2 (SM-T817A) Galaxy View (SM-T677A) Galaxy Tab E (SM-T377A) Galaxy Tab S2_R (SM-T818A) Tab S4 (SM-T837A) Galaxy Book2 (SM-W737A) Tab A (SM-T387AA) View2 (SM-T927A) Tab S5e (SM-T727A) Tab A 8.4 (SM-T307U) Tab S7 5G (SM-T878U) ZTE AT&T TREK 2 HD (K88) AT&T Primetime (K92)	https://www.xda-developers.com/will-my-phone-work-on-att-after-3g-shutdown/
Is Antonio Brown a Hall of Famer? How does the Buccaneers WR matchup against others?	Antonio Brown won his first Super Bowl in 2020 in his debut season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown has had an up-and-down career, more specifically the last few seasons. Antonio Brown signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last October, almost two months into the regular season. He made his first start of the season in Week 9 and although he couldn't emulate his performance from his Pittsburgh Steelers days, he was effective. In 2020, Antonio Brown had 45 catches for 483 yards and four touchdowns. Antonio Brown re-signed with the Buccaneers for another year just last week after undergoing knee surgery. He is expected to have a more productive campaign in his first full season with the Buccaneers. Before signing with Tampa Bay, Antonio Brown last competed in a full NFL season in 2018 when he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the Steelers, Antonio Brown was arguably the best wide receiver in the league and was on track for a Hall of Fame jacket. But he demanded a trade away from the team after a disagreement with teammates and the coaching staff. He was eventually traded to the Oakland Raiders, but his stint there didn't last long. Brown was disgruntled about the helmet he was asked to wear and refused to practice if he couldn't wear the helmet of his choice. He reportedly got into an altercation with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock which ultimately led to his release. Then came his short time with the New England Patriots in 2019. He signed with the team as a free agent but was released after just one game due to a sexual misconduct lawsuit. He was later suspended by the NFL and that derailed his career trajectory. Seasons with 100 receptions and 1,200 yards: Antonio Brown: 6 Jerry Rice, Randy Moss COMBINED: 6#Boomin pic.twitter.com/8xvRdx64YV CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) May 24, 2021 Statistically, Antonio Brown has already surpassed plenty of Hall of Fame wide receivers. Michael Irvin, who is in the Hall of Fame, finished his career with 750 receptions and 11,904 receiving yards, whereas Brown already has 886 receptions and 11,746 receiving yards. Brown also has 75 touchdown catches compared to Irvin's 69. Over a comparable amount of years, Antonio Brown does matchup against a Hall of Fame wide receiver like Michael Irvin and is statistically worthy of a place in Canton. Whether Brown's time on the Commissioner's Exempt List and off-the-field issues cast doubt on his induction into the Hall of Fame will be determined by the voting committee. https://t.co/gnzDY5elAt pic.twitter.com/LxGDKnUgcU (@NFL_Journal) May 25, 2021	https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/rumor-is-antonio-brown-hall-famer-how-buccaneers-wr-matchup-others
Why Didn't California's 'Red Flag' Law Stop the San Jose Shooter?	People who worked with the perpetrator of yesterday's mass shooting in San Jose expressed "generalized concerns about his mental health," according to Mayor Sam Liccardo. The man's ex-wife, who had not interacted with him for 13 years, recalled that he was "not mentally stable," often expressed anger at his bosses and co-workers, and even talked about killing them. His former girlfriend, who accused him of "forc[ing] himself on me sexually" when he was intoxicated, said he had mood swings that were exacerbated by alcohol. A neighbor described him as short-tempered, saying, "I was afraid of him. My wife was scared of him too." The shooter apparently set his house on fire before killing nine fellow employees and himself at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority maintenance facility. He seems like just the sort of person who was supposed to be stymied by a "gun violence restraining order" (GVRO) under California's expansive "red flag" law, which would have forbidden him to possess firearms or ammunition for up to five years. That law, which was inspired by the 2014 massacre in Isla Vista, was presented as a way of preventing crimes like this. The fact that the red flag law did not stop the San Jose attack, or the other mass shootings that California has seen since the law took effect, highlights the limitations of this crime prevention strategy. The same could be said of California's other gun controls, which include bans on "assault weapons" and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, universal background checks and waiting periods for gun buyers, and a virtual ban on public carry. (The shooter had 11 magazines, and police said the pistols used in the attack were legally purchased in California.) The expectation that such measures will prevent mass shootings shows how the focus on one rare type of violence distorts the debate about gun control. A few weeks before the San Jose massacre, Assemblymember Phil Ting (DSan Francisco), who wrote a 2020 bill that expanded California's red flag law, released data showing that a record number of GVROs were issued last year. The annual number of orders rose 15-fold between 2016 and 2020, from 85 to 1,285. All told, more than 3,000 GVROs have been approved since the red flag law took effect at the beginning of 2016. "I'm glad that Californians have a tool to intervene to save lives and prevent tragedies," Ting said in a press release. "The COVID-19 restrictions that kept people home may have influenced the rise," he told the Los Angeles Times, "making them more mindful of the behaviors of others and open to seeking help from law enforcement or the courts directly." But as the San Jose shooting shows, such mindfulness is not enough, because it is nearly impossible to predict which of the country's many angry, aggrieved, and troubled residents will commit this sort of crime. California allows both police and a long list of other potential petitioners to seek GVROs. That list initially included "any spouse, whether by marriage or not, domestic partner, parent, child, any person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree, or any other person who regularly resides in the household, or who, within the prior six months, regularly resided in the household." Ting's bill, which took effect in September, added employers, co-workers, and school employees to the list. The idea behind letting so many people file petitions directly, rather than bringing their concerns or complaints to the police, is that it will make it easier to identify and promptly disarm potentially dangerous individuals. The risk of such a broad approach is that it makes it more likely that people will lose their Second Amendment rights due to malicious or erroneous allegations by biased petitioners. But so far in California, both the benefit and the danger have remained mostly theoretical. Ting's numbers indicate that law enforcement officials obtained more than 95 percent of the GVROs issued in 2020all but 59. A review of earlier cases found that nearly 97 percent were initiated by a law enforcement officer. Police can obtain a "temporary emergency gun violence restraining order," which lasts up to three weeks, by showing there is "reasonable cause" to believe the respondent "poses an immediate and present danger" to himself or others. Other petitioners can obtain an "ex parte gun violence restraining order" of the same duration by showing there is a "substantial likelihood" that the respondent "poses a significant danger, in the near future," of injuring himself or others with a firearm. At this stage, respondent is a misnomer, because the orders are issued without giving the target a chance to respond. He is supposed to get that opportunity at a hearing within 21 days of the initial order (although he has no right to legal representation if he can't afford it). Among other things, the judge is supposed to consider the respondent's history of threats or violence, his "abuse of controlled substances or alcohol," and "any other evidence of an increased risk for violence"factors that presumably would have weighed against the San Jose shooter. After the hearing, the judge is required to issue a GVRO if he determines there is "clear and convincing evidence" that the respondent "poses a significant danger" of injuring himself or others. That danger need not be imminent, and it is not clear what "significant" means in this context. The post-hearing GVRO lasts for one to five years and can be extended if a petitioner requests it. Once a year, the respondent can ask that the order be lifted, which is supposed to happen if there is no longer clear and convincing evidence that he poses "a significant danger." In theory, then, the San Jose shooter's employer, his co-workers, or possibly his ex-girlfriend (if she lived with him during the previous six months) could have sought a GVRO against him, which would have made it illegal for him to possess or purchase firearms or ammunition. Assuming he did not obtain guns from an unmonitored source, such an order could have prevented yesterday's mass shooting. That did not happen, which is not really very surprising. After all, mass shooters represent a minuscule percentage of short-tempered, angry, resentful Californians. Those common traits may be seen as harbingers of murderous violence only in retrospect. Even the San Jose shooter's ex-wife, who was reporting her recollections from more than a decade ago, said she never took him seriously when he talked about killing people at work. A 2019 study of California's red flag law described 21 cases in which fear of a mass shooting prompted police or relatives to seek GVROs. In some cases, the evidence was genuinely alarming, while others featured threats that may have been idle or facetious. Judging from "print, broadcast, and Internet media searches using Google," the researchers said, the respondents in those cases did not subsequently commit any noteworthy violent crimes. "It is impossible to know whether violence would have occurred had GVROs not been issued, and we make no claim of a causal relationship," gun violence researcher Garen Wintemute and his co-authors wrote in the Annals of Internal Medicine. "Nonetheless, the cases suggest that this urgent, individualized intervention can play a role in efforts to prevent mass shootings." Given the rarity of mass shootings, it seems clear that few, if any, of these 21 GVRO targets had serious plans to commit one. Prior to 2016, when the red flag law took effect, California was seeing an average of about two mass public shootings (defined as incidents in which the shooter killed four or more people in a public place) per year. Since then, there have been at least eight, or an average of about 1.5 a year. While Assemblymember Ting might see the drop as evidence that the red flag law is working as intended, it would be risky to draw any conclusions at all from trends in such tiny, volatile numbers. Even if GVROs have prevented mass shootings, it probably would not be possible to measure that result with any confidence. Red flag laws, which 19 states and the District of Columbia have enacted, are commonly touted as a way to stop mass shootings. But that is far from their main use. While Ting's tally does not include information on the motivation for GVROs, data from other states indicate that a large majority of gun confiscation orders are aimed at preventing suicide, not homicide. And even when petitioners allege that someone is a danger to others, the risk of a mass shooting is bound to be infinitesimal, since such crimes account for a tiny share of gun homicides and an even tinier share of unlawful firearm use. The focus on mass shootings is therefore highly misleading in assessing the costs and benefits of red flag laws. A more relevant question is what percentage of people subject to gun confiscation orders actually would have used a firearm to kill themselves or others. Given the weak due process protections that are typical of red flag laws, that percentage is probably pretty small. Data from Florida and Maryland indicate that judges nearly always grant ex parte orders. In Florida, judges issue final orders about 95 percent of the time. I have not seen comparable data for California, but its "significant danger" standard is amorphous enough to allow post-hearing orders in almost every case. Although there is no solid evidence that red flag laws have an impact on homicide rates, a few studies suggest they may prevent suicides. But even those estimates indicate that the vast majority of people disarmed by these laws90 to 95 percentwere not actually suicidal, or at least not suicidal enough to complete the act. If you attach no value to the constitutional rights that people lose for the duration of a red flag order, those odds may not bother you. But if you think something important is lost when the government deprives someone of the fundamental right to armed self-defense, your assessment is apt to be different.	https://reason.com/2021/05/27/why-didnt-californias-red-flag-law-stop-the-san-jose-shooter/
Is The Kominsky Method a True Story? Is the Netflix Show Based on Real Life?	Starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin, Netflixs The Kominsky Method is a dramedy series that follows Sandy Kominsky and his friend Norman Newlanders struggle with the challenges of aging. After the death of Normans wife, both of them come to realize the unpredictability of life and are left to contemplate their own mortality. While delving deeper into deep philosophical questions about life, the series manages to be funny and entertaining for the viewers who may sometimes wonder if the story of Sandy and Norman is inspired by someone in particular from the entertainment industry. If you find yourself thinking something similar and are now looking for answers, you have come to the right place. Lets see if there is some truth to the dramedy series or if it is entirely fictional. No, The Kominsky Method is not based on a true story. It is created by the famous screenwriter Chuck Lorre, who is also responsible for some of the most popular series of the early twenty-first century like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men. While with most of his shows, the mega creator has explored juvenescence, with the Netflix dramedy series, it appears Lorre wished to do the exact opposite. Speaking about the conception of the series at the Television Critics Association press tour, Chuck said, The show began because of my desire to write about what Im living, which is getting older and entropy and the decay of the flesh. The writer also added, It has to be funny, otherwise its heartbreaking. Theres (the) loss of loved ones and how it affects your relationships and friendships. That was the impetus for the show to do all that, and hopefully have some comedy involved. The show addressed serious issues, but in spite of that, Chuck ensured that it was funny and entertaining for the viewers. People who are familiar with his work will realize that he has a strange way of finding humor in unlikely places sometimes even in serious situations without ever really crossing the line. So, even though he touches upon several sensitive issues in the show, Lorre always finds a way to make his viewers laugh. Another crucial aspect of the story is Sandys love life. The writer has explained in an interview that knowing that it was strange for someone his age to be single, he wanted to introduce a character who was his equal. He interestingly also wanted to ensure that Sandys partner challenged him and was never afraid to speak her mind. Therefore, when he developed Lisas character, Lorre made sure that she was a bit smarter and grounded than her significant other. Interestingly, Douglas never really saw himself as an older adult before he got the show. He admitted that he was a bit surprised that he was being considered for the part. But one good look at the mirror challenged all his initial reservations. Speaking about the show, the veteran actor said, I do try to pick projects that resonate with me. He then also added, I certainly understand Sandy Kominsky and some of the stuff that hes going through. So, it appears that the problems that Chuck Lorre has explored in the dramedy series are not unique to him but are, in fact, every aging mens concern. However, it is now increasingly clear that even though the show takes inspiration from real-life issues, the characters and the story are not inspired by someone specific. So, we can conclude that The Kominsky Method is not a true story. Read More: Shows Like The Kominsky Method	https://thecinemaholic.com/is-the-kominsky-method-a-true-story/
Is Knockout city free to play or are there ways to get it for Free?	Knockout City was first revealed in February, and as a brand-new sport, it was initially difficult to understand its fundamentals. The game is based on the traditional playground game of dodgeball, in which players throw balls at each other in a variety of creative arenas. Moreover, seasons of content will be available, similar to Fortnite and other live service games that receive daily updates after their initial release. This brings us to the key question in most players minds, Is Knockout city free to play? To be clear, Knockout City hasnt been made free, but there are ways to help you play it for free. While Knockout City isnt technically free to play, there are a couple of ways to get it for free. If you have an EA Play or Xbox Game Pass subscription, you are pretty much good to go. This is because the game has been added as a part of these subscriptions. If you are not a part of these subscriptions, then there is another way for you to play Knockout City. Its no surprise that Velan Studios wants to get Knockout City into as many hands as possible, particularly after the failure of another multiplayer EA Original in 2020s Rocket Arena. This is why they have made this dodge ball game available for free on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch from May 21st. Youll be able to download and try out the game for free from May 21st to May 30th. This free trial will help you decide whether you want to invest in the game or not. Everything that you would find in the paid version has been included in the free trial. Youll be able to team up with friends online. And finish crew contracts with them during this designated block party. Youll have complete access to the title, including all modes and theyll even give you a lot of options for customizing your character. It also has crossplay, so you can play with whoever you want, no matter where they are. After the trial period has finished, you will have two packages to purchase from aka Block Party Edition and Block Party Deluxe Edition. The Block Part Edition costs $20 whereas the Block Party Deluxe edition costs $29.99 You can either opt for that or use EA Play or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play it.	https://openskynews.com/is-knockout-city-free-to-play-or-are-there-ways-to-get-it-for-free/09529/
Do I Need to Be Visibly Queer?	Welcome to Down to Find Out, a column in which Nona Willis Aronowitz addresses your biggest questions about sex, dating, relationships, and all the gray areas in between. Send it to [email protected] or fill out this Google form. (Its anonymous!) Many queer people I know are very visibly queer (clothing but also language). I'm new to being queer and although I'd like other people to know that I want to date girls, I don't want to use this one aspect of my identity to take up such a prominent part of how I position myself. Celine, 19, she/her Style and signaling has certainly played an important role throughout LGBTQ history. Gay men employed the handkerchief code as early as the 19th century, while lesbians have long used the universal key chain signal of a carabiner on their belt. All kinds of queer styles have popped up over the years, some originating for the reason you mention to show other queer people that the wearer is queer, too (also known as flagging). This was especially common during eras when it was much more dangerous to be out. Nowadays, though, being visibly queer is a concept thats hard to pin down, because its so very objective and individual. Its a good question and, from what I gather, a common one! I asked a handful of queer people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to weigh in on your predicament. You dont actually need to visually or verbally signal your queerness if thats not your style. The people I spoke to agreed that simply being queer is enough: 1 / 8 Chevron Chevron Nora and Heather It only makes sense for Noras photo series to begin with a self-portrait taken via webcam. Nora, whos 24 from Oslo, and Heather who's 25 from Yorkshire, met while studying at Central Saint Martins, a London art school. They often work together on photoshoots that amplify queer voices and representation including a Vogue Italia shoot for LGBT history month. Since being in isolation, the couple have spent date nights picnicking on the floor by candlelight and reminiscing over their favorite East London jazz bar. When tensions rise, Nora and Heather have a sweet solution: a fort made from bedsheets. I asked the couple if they would miss anything about being isolated together: the time and freedom to make. Taking life at our own pace, which I think in London is quite rare, Nora said. Queerness can also be a state of mind and being. At the risk of sounding granola, I think that some of us project queer vibes that others pick up on. Like, once I came out and was very sure of myself and my sexuality, I found that I was just attracting other queer people naturally. Similarly, surrounding yourself with queer friends and people who know/respect that part of you makes it so much easier to let other people know without visual markers and language. Also, queer eye contact is a thing that should not be underestimated I know this is a sort of body-focused answer, but I do think theres a kind of shared knowledge and experience that queer folks pick up on, and even a simple glance can convey all those complex feelings. Cate, she/her Queerness can be seen through your attitude. Think about the way you talk to people. If theres a certain person who is also queer or maybe coming to terms themselves theyll gravitate towards you. I think of it like theres an invisible magnet between you and other queer people. Youll connect and itll feel like a spark. Among new friends, lovers. Farah, they/she Flagging is useful, but not the only way to let people know youre queer. As a bisexual femme, I used to think I looked like the random straight in the room, but in reality, queerness has no dress code. You can try going to local queer events and spaces to meet people. Not all dating has to happen in IRL spacesI met my partner of 2.5 yrs on OKCupid! Online dating is a game-changer for the community, since we can just check a box to let people know who were interested in dating.	https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-show-im-queer
Does LeBron James wear Apples secret unreleased earphones?	These headphones are unheard of, but LeBron James already has a pair-or fans believe so. In the legendary basketball Instagram gallery posted Wednesday, hawk-eye technicians believe theyve found Apples rumored Beats Studio Buds in James ears. Beats Studio Buds hasnt been officially introduced yet, but a photo posted today on LeBron James Instagram account shows that NBA superstars are wearing unreleased in-ear headphones. In his Instagram account, companies like Apple dont mind offering rich and well-known products (like LeBron) for display on social media. Neither James, 36, nor Apple immediately returned a post request for comment. The company hasnt confirmed its existence, but headphones have been rumored among Apple detectives since 2014, Sun reported. There are rumors that when it hits the market, it includes an oval charging case and is available in red, white, or black. LeBron James, 36, of the Los Angeles Lakers, is watching NBAE via Getty Images during a match against the Toronto Raptors on May 2, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Those who closely follow the development of headphones believe that the company may finally unveil its headphones at next months Virtual Developer Conference WWDC 2021. This weeks FCC report suggests that they may be correct. The report submitted by Apple included two internal Apple reference numbers (A2512 and A2513) and a package image and product design for a device called Beats Studio Buds. .. But of the 1.7 million accounts that liked Jamess post over the past day, those who knew his best secret tech didnt learn it from the image captions. Take the opportunity, believe and control. Then take part in the marathon and grind it until its over! James wrote. Also this week, James called for greater protection for players in the NBA after fans threw popcorn at Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook. What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos	https://exbulletin.com/tech/944439/
Can people vaccinated with COVID-19 still spread the coronavirus?	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Changed guidelines for wearing masks On May 13, 2021, many Americans remained a little confused. This allows anyone who is fully vaccinated to participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without having to wear a mask or physically separate. Anthony Fauci, President Bidens Chief Medical Advisor, said the new guidelines:Based on the evolution of scienceAnd act as an incentive Almost two-thirds of Americans If you havent been fully vaccinated yet, go ahead and shoot. But some people Vaccination is not possible Because of the underlying conditions. Others whose immunity is weakened by cancer or treatment, May not be fully protected By their vaccination.. For children aged 12 to 15 years May 10, 2021 only for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.And COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been approved Almost 50 million children Under 12 years old in the United States. Some are worried when the restrictions are lifted and people start to leave their masks at home. Vaccines do not always prevent infection Researchers wanted Designing a Safe COVID-19 Vaccine that is Prevent at least half Percentage of people vaccinated against COVID-19 symptoms. Fortunately, for vaccines very Outperform Expectations. For example 6.5 million inhabitants of IsraelThe Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was found to be 95.3% effective after both injections, over 16 years of age. Within two months, of the 4.7 million people who were fully vaccinated, the number of detectable infections was reduced by a factor of 30.Similarly California And TexasOnly 0.05% of fully vaccinated health care workers were COVID-19 positive. Vaccine developers have said that in addition to preventing the disease, their vaccine is Sterilized immunity, Vaccination prevents bacteria from even entering the body. This sterile immunity means that the vaccinated person will not catch the virus or infect it any further. However, it is not necessary to prevent the transmission of bacteria to vaccinated people for the vaccine to be effective. The Soak inactivated polio vaccine, For example Does not stop completely Poliovirus propagates in the human intestine.But that is Very effective It helps prevent catastrophic illness by inducing antibodies that prevent the virus from infecting the brain and spinal cord.good Vaccines provide effective and durable training Due to the bodys immune system, it is ready to initiate an optimal response when it actually encounters a pathogen that causes the disease. Regarding COVID-19, immunologists still say they Correlation of protection, A factor that predicts how well someone is protected from the coronavirus.Researchers believe it Optimal amount Neutralizing antibody, The type that not only binds to the virus but also prevents the virus from infecting is enough to dodge Repeated infection..Scientists are still evaluating Immune endurance What the COVID-19 vaccine offers Where on the body Its working. Immunologists also hope that vaccines that protect against viral diseases will reduce the transmission of the virus after vaccination. However, it is actually difficult to know for sure whether vaccinated people are not spreading the bacterium. COVID-19 raises specific challenges as people with asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections can spread the disease. Inadequate contact tracing and testing means a person who is asymptomatic. Rarely detected..Some scientists estimate the number of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections in the entire population Can be 3 to 20 times higher Than the confirmed number of cases.Studies have shown that undocumented cases of COVID-19 in people who have experienced asymptomatic or very mild illness may be the cause. Up to 86% of all infections, Other studies Inconsistent with high estimate.. It is difficult to know for sure if vaccinated people are not spreading the bacterium. To One studyThe CDC tested volunteer health care workers and other front-line workers at eight locations in the United States for SARS-CoV-2 infection for three months each week, regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. Researchers found that fully vaccinated participants were 25 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than unvaccinated participants. ..Such findings are that if vaccinated people are well protected from infection, they Also, it is unlikely to spread Virus. However, without contact tracing to track infections in larger populations, it is impossible to know if the assumptions are correct. What we do know is that if someone gets sick with COVID-19 after vaccination, it is a so-called breakthrough infection. Symptoms will be mild..Studies show that people who test positive for COVID-19 Only their first vaccine dose Had Low virus level in the body Than unvaccinated people who tested positive.Researchers believe that the reduced viral load suggests that people infected with the virus have been vaccinated. Less infectious There are far fewer viruses that can spread to others. Preprint studies that have not yet been peer-reviewed suggest that the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may create a fight against the coronavirus. Antibodies in the oral cavity and nasal fluid..Since then Thats where SARS-CoV-2 comes in.Antibodies in the mouth and nose should prevent the virus from entering the body and effectively provide bactericidal immunity. This also means that vaccinated people will probably not spread the virus through respiratory droplets. These evidences are promising.But without further research, scientists I cant come to a conclusion yet The COVID-19 vaccine actually prevents all infections. Research being tried Answering this question directly through contact tracing is still in its infancy. Researchers will track COVID-19 infections between vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers and their close contacts. Protection and prevention are inextricably linked Vaccines help slow the spread of infections by breaking the chain of infections. Fewer and less unprotected people will eventually be infected with the virus.This is how to increase the vaccine Herd immunity Sensitive and unvaccinated people are surrounded by a flock of people who have acquired immunity due to vaccination or previous infection.However, research is biological and biological and Social reasons, Its unlikely that vaccination alone Achieves herd immunity against COVID-19 and completely contains coronavirus. In fact, vaccination It may take a long time alone To eradicate all illnesses.Even almost eliminate illnesses such as chickenpox, measles and whooping cough Can resurface Immunity is weakened and vaccination rate is reduced. Vaccination alone can take a long time to eradicate the disease. Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases Vaccinated New York Yankees It shows that vaccinated people can not only be infected yet, but can also be infected with the coronavirus and close contact. Highly tested groups, such as professional sports teams, are due to the fact that mild asymptomatic infections may be more frequent than actually reported among vaccinated people in the general population. Im shining a spotlight.A similar Outbreak of airport workers in Singapore Shows that new and more infectious mutants can spread rapidly, even among those who are fully vaccinated. The CDCs relaxed guidelines for masking are intended to reassure vaccinated people that they are safe from serious illness. And they are. But for unvaccinated people who interact with them, the situation is less clear. With me until herd immunity to COVID-19 was achieved and clear evidence accumulated that vaccinated people would not spread the virus. Many epidemiologists We believe it is better to avoid situations that can lead to infection.In combination with vaccination Continuous masking And social distance is still an effective way to stay safe. This article will be republished from conversation Under a Creative Commons license.Read Original work..	https://exbulletin.com/world/health/944441/
What is the NSA and how does it work?	The National Security Agency (NSA) is a federal government intelligence agency that is part of the United States Department of Defense and is managed under the authority of the director of national intelligence (DNI). The intelligence agency, led by the director of the NSA, does its global monitoring, collection and processing of information and data electronically from its headquarters in Maryland. The NSA is in the intelligence-gathering business and -- unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) -- its agents don't make arrests. Instead, the NSA turns information over to the military. In 1952, President Harry S. Truman officially formed the NSA to perform a specialized discipline known as signals intelligence (SIGINT). SIGINT is intelligence gathering by interception of signals -- either communications between people or through electronic signals not directly used in communication. Two decades later, in 1972, a presidential directive established the Central Security Service (CSS) to provide cryptologic support, knowledge and assistance to the military cryptologic community. The NSA and CSS together form the National Security Agency Central Security Service (NSA/CSS). The job of the NSA/CSS is to create a more unified cryptologic effort with the armed forces and team with senior military and civilian leaders to address and act on critical military-related issues in support of national and tactical intelligence objectives, according to the government. Responsibilities of the NSA The NSA exists to protect national communications systems integrity and to collect and process information about foreign adversaries' secret communications in support of national security and foreign policy. Its role in preserving national security is twofold: NSA analysts gather and decrypt intelligence from electronic communications found on a wide range of electronic sources, such as phone calls, email, videos, photos, stored data and social networking The NSA uses discovered intelligence to protect the nation's classified data and national security systems that are crucial to intelligence, military operations and other government activities from unauthorized access and tampering by both domestic and foreign enemies. In October 2017, Attorney General Loretta Lynch signed new guidelines enabling the NSA to provide intercepted communications and raw SIGINT -- before applying domestic and foreign privacy protections -- to 16 government agencies, including the FBI and Central Intelligence Agency. Although the organization's number of employees -- as well as its budget -- falls into the category of classified information, the NSA lists among its workforce analysts, engineers, physicists, linguists, computer scientists, researchers, customer relations specialists, security officers, data flow experts, managers, and administrative and clerical assistants. It also claims to be the largest employer of mathematicians in the U.S. and possibly worldwide. NSA/CSS mathematicians perform the agency's two critical functions: They design cryptographic systems to protect U.S. communications, and they search for weaknesses in the counterpart systems of U.S. adversaries. The NSA denies reports claiming that it has an unlimited black budget -- undisclosed even to other government agencies. Nevertheless, the agency admitted that, if it were judged as a corporation, it would rank in the top 10% of Fortune 500 companies. NSA programs It's been known that the NSA listens in on every international phone call made to and from the U.S., but that's just one aspect of the agency's work. Another aspect is the agency's focus on intelligence gathering. It was believed that the NSA only focused on international intelligence gathering. However, that belief was derailed in 2013 when details about some of the NSA's other surveillance programs became public. Edward Snowden Edward Snowden That's when former Booz Allen Hamilton contractor Edward Snowden leaked troves of confidential NSA information to the national and international press. The documents indicated the agency had broadened its domestic surveillance activities to bulk collection of U.S. communications. Snowden told the press about 10 NSA surveillance programs: PRISM. Perhaps the most infamous of the NSA programs, PRISM is geared toward collecting the data stored by nine major Silicon Valley technology companies: Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Paltalk, Skype, YouTube, Apple and AOL. It collected emails, file transfers, photos, voice and other details. Perhaps the most infamous of the NSA programs, PRISM is geared toward collecting the data stored by nine major Silicon Valley technology companies: Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Paltalk, Skype, YouTube, Apple and AOL. It collected emails, file transfers, photos, voice and other details. FAIRVIEW. With the help of AT&T, the NSA has access to massive amounts of international internet traffic passing through domestic U.S. networks. The NSA has reportedly extensively partnered with U.S. telecom operators for decades. With the help of AT&T, the NSA has access to massive amounts of international internet traffic passing through domestic U.S. networks. The NSA has reportedly extensively partnered with U.S. telecom operators for decades. BLARNEY. This is an international version of the PRISM program and a part of FAIRVIEW. Through Blarney, the NSA forms partnerships with foreign telecom operators to gain access to their customer data. This is an international version of the PRISM program and a part of FAIRVIEW. Through Blarney, the NSA forms partnerships with foreign telecom operators to gain access to their customer data. STORMBREW and OAKSTAR. Like Blarney, these two operations fall under the umbrella of FAIRVIEW. Little is known about them. Like Blarney, these two operations fall under the umbrella of FAIRVIEW. Little is known about them. XKEYSCORE. According to the U.K.'s The Guardian newspaper, a report on XKEYSCORE by the NSA listed the project as collecting "nearly everything a typical user does on the internet," including the content of emails and chats, visible in real time. According to the U.K.'s The Guardian newspaper, a report on XKEYSCORE by the NSA listed the project as collecting "nearly everything a typical user does on the internet," including the content of emails and chats, visible in real time. MARINA, TRAFFICTHIEF and PINWALE. Little is known about these three programs. However, as reported in The Daily Dot, TRAFFICTHIEF is described as containing "metadata from a subset of tasked strong-selectors." PINWALE contains "content selected from dictionary tasked terms," while MARINA stores "user activity metadata with front end full take feeds and backend selected feeds." Little is known about these three programs. However, as reported in The Daily Dot, TRAFFICTHIEF is described as containing "metadata from a subset of tasked strong-selectors." PINWALE contains "content selected from dictionary tasked terms," while MARINA stores "user activity metadata with front end full take feeds and backend selected feeds." BOUNDLESSINFORMANT. This is said to be a measure of how well the other programs are doing. Slides given to The Guardian by Snowden indicated that, in one month in 2012, the NSA collected almost 100 billion pieces of intelligence worldwide. Three billion pieces of intelligence were collected in the U.S. during that same period. Presumably, an email or phone call would constitute a piece of intelligence.	https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/National-Security-Agency
What do people need to know about returning to Queensland from Victoria?	All of Victoria has been classed as a COVID-19 hotspot from 1:00am Friday by the Queensland government, which means there's a hard border in place for all non-residents without an exemption wanting to enter the state. Only Queensland residents returning to the state will be allowed entry and they must enter 14-days of hotel quarantine. The only other people allowed to enter Queensland will be those with a valid exemption. People who entered Queensland in the 24 hours before the border closure and who had been in Victoria in the last 14 days are required to observe Victoria's lockdown rules. The lockdown will be in place until 11:59pm June 3. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said people in that category should have received a text message from Queensland Health informing them of the rules. Queensland COVID-19 snapshot: Confirmed cases so far: 1,613 Confirmed cases so far: 1,613 Deaths: 7 Deaths: 7 Tests conducted: 2,614,542 Tests conducted: 2,614,542 Active cases: 13 Latest information from Queensland Health. "If you've filled out a declaration pass, you've been in Victoria in the last 14 days, you will need to follow exactly the same process as if you were still in Victoria," Dr Young said. "That means you must stay wherever you are for the next seven days, when it will be reviewed by Victoria and you can only leave for those essential reasons." The Victorian lockdown rules mean you can only leave your house to: perform authorised work perform authorised work provide care to others provide care to others exercise outside only, for up to two hours with one other person exercise outside only, for up to two hours with one other person access healthcare and essential shopping (like groceries) Dr Young also said people could attend pre-booked vaccine appointments, but needed to inform clinics they had been in Victoria and must wear a mask. Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath warned the situation in Victoria was dynamic and people who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days should frequently check Victoria's list of updated exposure sites. "Even if you checked it yesterday and a venue wasn't on there that you'd been to, check it again, and keep checking it," Ms D'Ath said. "Because if you have been to one of those sites, you will need to follow the health advice depending on the tier of that site in terms of going into quarantine and getting tested." Ms D'Ath warned that people who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days should frequently check Victoria's list of updated exposure sites. ( ABC News: Talissa Siganto If you have been in Victoria in the last fortnight, authorities are warning people to closely monitor their health. "Anyone in Queensland anyone at all if you have symptoms, this is the time to come forward and get tested," Dr Young said. From 1:00am on May 27, everyone entering Queensland must complete a border declaration. Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said all planes arriving from Victoria would be met by police officers at the airport, as well as all connecting flights. "There will be random checks across our road borders in the coming days," Commissioner Carroll said.	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-28/queensland-coronavirus-restrictions-victoria-lockdown/100067876
What is it like to drive an Audi A4 in 2021?	Last month, South Africas motoring media gathered on the Sandton City rooftop for Audis performance day essentially a launch for 15 new models. We got them all at once thanks partly to delays incurred during the wasteland that was 2020, but also because the brand wanted to put an exclamation mark on its coup attempt to take over marketing share in the high-end premium sector. The entire parking lot was rented out to showcase just what this new Audi world offered. There was a drag lane set up complete with a set of starting lights where R8s could be raced. Around the corner, the saloon cars were being driven at medium speed over annoying shopping mall bumps, demonstrating the bliss of modern suspension systems. The new RS and S Q-range meanwhile were pitted against light 44 obstacles. All-in-all, a rather fun time. But, one suspects, there might have been a jealous cousin lurking in a dark corner somewhere, watching the frivolity unfold. The A4 used to be a favourite of this family. Armed with its subtle charm, it once bullishy went toe-to-toe with its German rivals, winning more than its fair share of tussles with the BMW three-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Today its role in the range is a little more understated. The world has moved on from its obsession with sedans while the current A4 generation finds itself in the twilight of its lifespan. There are murmurs of big plans afoot: The A4 will reportedly be a focal point of the growing e-tron range in 2023 with the RS model, in particular, getting an intriguing all-electric treatment. For now, the car has had to make do with a recent facelift. After testing the vehicle it became apparent it is really more of a couple of dabs of lipstick and a lashing of mascara. The noticeable changes include some futuristic grooves added on the body, complemented by sprinkles of chrome finishings. Touching down in South Africa at the end of 2020, it is, for all intents and purposes, the A4 as youve always known it. Thats not necessarily a bad thing either. As a luxury sedan that attempts to veer away from luxury prices, there is little to dislike here. From the outside-in everything is neatly finished. The boxed-up looks are by no means exciting, yet there is an undeniable elegance to them. The interior is similarly what you might expect from a well-presented German car: clean leather, soft finishings and practicality. Audi also has the advantage of being able to slip in its widely-respected infotainment setup. On the road, reliable is again the key word. Theres not much fun to be had on a straight line or around a bend, but again thats not quite the point. The A4 behaves itself impeccably, going precisely where you tell it; completing most journeys in unfussy comfort. How fast you get there will depend on what engine you opt for. We had the 35 TFSI advanced line model which would suit most needs, and recommended over the more expensive 40 TFSI. The 110 kilowatt / 270 newton meter product does lack a touch of oomph on occasion but thats more than made up for by the potential savings in the tank rarely does the A4 stray terribly far from the quoted 6.1 litres per 100km fuel consumption. The car itself will set you back R685 500. Do remember, however, that if you want the smartphone-linked Audi Connect which was first made available in South Africa with this car you will have to pull another R20k in change out of your pocket for the technology package. Ultimately, the A4 doesnt let down the pack but it doesnt stand out either. One perspective is you could make do with this instead of the posher A6. Another is that you could just jump straight inside a Q3 instead. As a family car it has everything you might want.	https://mg.co.za/motoring/2021-05-27-what-is-it-like-to-drive-an-audi-a4-in-2021/
Will Victoria's coronavirus lockdown be only seven days?	Authorities have described it as a seven-day "circuit breaker" lockdown, and certain thresholds will need to be met before it can lift. But at this stage, what's required to end it hasn't been spelled out. However, there have been some clues as to what Victoria's public health authorities will be looking for. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt described Victoria's restrictions as "highly regrettable but necessary". With some 10,000 primary and secondary contacts and 26 cases in the outbreak so far, authorities decided to act quickly. The list of exposure sites ballooned over the course of just a few days this week to more than 100 locations. And the strain of coronavirus, linked to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia, appears to be more infectious than those that prompted Victoria's previous three lockdowns. The particular Indian variant of COVID-19 has a much faster "serial interval", which is the speed between infections. Authorities say in some cases this week, it has been transmitted within 24 hours, as compared to four to five days with earlier outbreaks, posing a huge challenge for contact tracers. On Thursday, as other states announced they were closing their borders to Victoria, the Commonwealth declared Greater Melbourne a hotspot. Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said the reason for the declaration was the "rapidly increasing numbers of cases" and "almost a doubling of the number of close contact cases". Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said it was hard to say. "Seven days is like a billion years, it's really tricky to look ahead that far," he said. "We just need to follow one day at a time." The first of the cases in this outbreak was detected on Monday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he hoped the lockdown did not last seven days. While supporting the lockdown, Mr Morrison acknowledged it would be "distressing" for many. "The next seven days in Victoria will be very challenging and of course we are very mindful of the distress and the difficulty that this will impose upon people right across Victoria as a result of what is being described, rightly, I think, by the acting premier [James Merlino], as a circuit-breaking lockdown," Mr Morrison said. "And a lockdown for seven days that hopefully won't go as long as that, as the acting premier indicated to me," Mr Morrison said. Victoria's health authorities have not been as explicit with their criteria for lifting the lockdown this time as they have in the past. According to Health Minister Martin Foley, "the good news, if there is any" is that all cases so far were linked. Professor Sutton said he was expecting more cases, but at this stage was unclear how many. "Really hard to know I don't think we'll see hundreds but I absolutely expect more." Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is expecting there will be more cases today. ( ABC News But the origin of the new cases will be vital. Authorities will want to know that any new positive cases can be linked and are not so-called mystery cases coming from unknown sources. Professor Sutton became visibly frustrated with questions from a journalist about the state's contact tracers, emphatically stating the system was working. When asked how Victoria was getting contact tracing "so wrong", he said any suggestion contact tracing had failed was "an absurd proposition". The Prime Minister commended Victorian contact tracers for the "tremendous job" they were doing, but Victoria's Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien said he wanted to know "why the government's contact tracing hadn't kept this outbreak confined". Victorian authorities continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. ( ABC News: Ryan Smith Professor Sutton said the contact tracing team had been doing an "an extraordinary job". "Contact tracing is an integral part of how to get control. It does not do magic," he said. "Our contact tracers are identifying and locking down the first ring, second ring and third ring within 24 hours that is the fastest our contact tracers have ever moved. "But despite working as fast as this this variant is moving faster still. "So unless something drastic happens, this will become increasingly uncontrollable." What the experts say about the length of the lockdown Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said it would be key to know in the coming days if any new cases were closely linked to known cases. Professor Bennett said it would be reassuring if the casual contacts did not test positive. "If they start seeing casual exposures turning up as positive cases, or worse still, people in the community who don't appear to be linked, coming forward and testing positive, then that would hold us back," she said. "While it [the variant] is more infectious in general it doesn't mean all of those 100 exposure sites out there are going to generate lots of cases, that's what we hope." She said if contact tracers weren't seeing any other cases outside the immediate cluster "that would be reassuring and they might say we don't need the full seven days". But she said "if they're still doing a lot of follow-up, if they find any of the casual contacts turning up as positive, that might mean we need seven days". Monash University epidemiologist James Trauer said it could take two to three weeks to control the state's growing outbreak but a stronger picture could emerge within a week. "An incubation period is about five days, so the period in between one person getting infected and the person who they infect getting infected is often about a week," he said. "So that might give us just enough time to see whether we're getting an effect, but we'll also see how the contact tracing has gone for the cases that have come through up until now." Meanwhile, Professor Sutton said while new cases would emerge, the hope was all future positive cases would be people already quarantining and not generating too many more exposure sites. "What I would like to see as new cases get diagnosed, they're already in quarantine because they've been identified as primary close contacts, or indeed contacts of contacts that means there's no new exposure sites, there's no new people potentially exposed," he said. "That would be the ideal, and fingers crossed for it." But when asked if the lockdown could be longer than seven days, Professor Sutton said it would depend on daily results. "It's always got to be reviewed on a day by day basis, so we'll do that," he said. "I know it's terrible and I feel for everyone in Victoria. It's a lot to cop, but I know it's the right thing for us to be doing this."	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-28/victorian-covid-lockdown-could-it-last-longer-than-seven-days/100171626
Was Flo Milli Snubbed By The BET Awards?	Flo Milli, the breakthrough Alabama artist who put the early half of the quarantine in a chokehold with her fan-favorite mixtape Ho, Why Is You Here?, is nowhere to be found on the list of nominees for the 2021 BET Awards and now, fans want answers. While the Best Female Hip Hop artist nominees include shoo-ins Cardi B, Coi Leray, Doja Cat, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, and Saweetie, Flo Millis name climbed into Twitters top trending topics as many wondered why she wasnt nominated herself after dropping beloved singles like Weak and Send The Addy and featuring on Yung Baby Tates viral hit I Am. She was, however, nominated for Best New Artist. Some fans complained that Flo Milis absence as well as those of names like Chika, Tierra Whack, and Yung Baby Tate constituted colorism on BETs part. If Flo Milli was yellow, then shed be on the list, asserted one fan. ? If Flo Milli was yellow, then shed be on the list.. there. I said it. https://t.co/pk2MlDxPtj gojou (@luvalaine) May 27, 2021 Flo Milli didnt rebrand the entire state of Alabama to get snubbed like this, one fan said. However, another pointed out the lack of statistical support for claims of the Mobilians popularity. Everyone in the quotes acting confused on why Flo Milli not nominated when yall dont even support her offline, they wrote. Her mixtape peaked at #78 and none of her singles charted. Yall need to stop showing fake love because she is talented. Flo Milli didnt rebrand the entire state of Alabama to get snubbed like this @BET BRI (@BriMalandro) May 27, 2021 Everyone in the quotes acting confused on why Flo Milli not nominated when yall dont even support her offline. Her mixtape peaked at #78 and none of her singles charted. Yall need to stop showing fake love because she is talented. https://t.co/5rxmgNv0Bu Rap Alert (@rapalert3) May 27, 2021 Flo Milli and Yung Baby Tate deserve more https://t.co/bXlDWYIMIH jordan they/them (@jd_occasionally) May 27, 2021 And while much of the outcry focused on Coi Lerays two 2021 singles blowing up, they seemed to overlook her 2020 EP Now or Never, which was supported by a number of well-received singles, and the three years of foundation building shed done with appearances on the Spider-Verse soundtrack and breakout single Huddy. coi leray but not flo milli nominated for best female rapi done seen it all nao (@PIEDSMAZE) May 27, 2021 Smells like privilege and nothing more cause Coi Leray gave 2 songs and said Big Purr the whole time on one of them. Flo Milli came, saw, and conquered. Keep it. https://t.co/zwSXHyQmFL J. https://t.co/brOcM514o8 maybe: kweli (@kwaelee) May 27, 2021 The only explanation for Flo Milli being left out is colorism bc its def not a lack of talent. https://t.co/4dxhaDZLP8 Imani (@youdoingtoomuch) May 27, 2021 Of course, invested fans can spot a snub for any given award show and this isnt even the first time that BET has been called out in this particular field. In 2017, Dreezy called out the BET Awards for including multiple women who hadnt even released projects in the prior year, so while theres no pleasing everybody, theres at least been a tremendous amount of progress made in the years since. And hey, theres always next year. Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.	https://uproxx.com/music/flo-milli-bet-awards-snubbed/
How Did Martin Harris Die in Cruel Summer?	If youve been wondering about a certain someone in Cruel Summer, theres a good reason for that. Even though Martin (Blake Lee) is one of the most discussed characters in this Freeform original he hasnt been on screen for much of this season. Cruel Summer follows the fictional kidnapping of Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt). Once the most popular girl in her small Texas town, Kate was kidnapped by the vice principal of her high school. The series spans three different timelines as it pieces together what really led to Kates kidnapping and what happened after. Heres what you need to know. Two timelines in Cruel Summer are missing a pretty important character. Thats because Martin Harris, the vice principal who kidnapped Kate, died in 1994. Martin abducted Kate in the summer of 1993. In 1994 Kate was able to escape. But Martin was later killed in a shootout with police. That standoff has yet to be shown in the series but is instead alluded to sporadically. Thats why Martin barely appears in the 1994 timeline and why hes never in 1995. Thats also probably why you forgot about what happened to Martin. With all of the drama surrounding Kate, Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia), and their various trials, its easy to miss the passing comments about this shows real monster. That would be Blake Lee. Lee is married to actor and writer Ben Lewis, who has starred in Arrow, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Degrassi: The Next Generation. Thats because you probably do. Lees first television role was in Parks and Recreation as Derek, Aprils (Aubrey Plaza) bisexual ex-boyfriend. Hes also starred in shows such as Friends with Benefits, Mixology, The Astronaut Wives Club, and Angie Tribeca. But Lees best known role is one of his most recent. Lee starred in the first LGBTQ+ film ever broadcast by Lifetime. In The Christmas Setup Lees real life husband Ben Lewis played Hugo, an uptight New York City attorney who comes home to visit his mom for Christmas. Thats when he reconnects with his high school crush, Patrick (Lee), and sparks fly. Look, just because were breaking ground that doesnt mean Lifetime will change any of its tried and true tropes. Where to stream Cruel Summer	https://decider.com/2021/05/27/cruel-summer-how-did-martin-die/

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