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Is inflation already at its peak?
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Due to recent developments in the global commodity markets, some market participants fear a longer-term increase in inflation in the Eurozone as well. At 1.6% y/y, headline inflation in the Eurozone reached its highest level of the current year for the time being in April. The main reason for this increase was the development of energy prices, which rose by 10.4% y/y in April. In contrast, core inflation (inflation adjusted for energy and food prices) fell slightly to 0.7% y/y, from 0.9% y/y previously. We expect headline inflation in May to rise again slightly above April's level of 1.6% y/y. This, however, means that Eurozone inflation will already have reached its peak for the time being, as the upward pressure of energy prices should steadily weaken in the coming months, due to diminishing base effects. In contrast, the momentum of core inflation could accelerate in 2H, as there was a sharp drop in core inflation in almost all countries from August onwards in the previous year. Against this background, we expect a slight increase in headline inflation again from August onwards. With the reopening of the services sector, pent-up demand could temporarily exceed supply. This could create additional volatility in core inflation in the coming months and cause corresponding uncertainty in the financial markets. However, in our view, this is a temporary development. Due to the expected volatility, we use the average value of the past 12 months of core inflation for our analysis. This value is currently at 0.7% y/y and thus clearly below the ECB's price stability target. However, we expect this value to rise towards 1% y/y by the end of the year. For 2022, we expect a further slight increase in core inflation. For an assessment of the sustainable development of core inflation, the decisive question is how quickly the labor market will recover. Currently, official labour market data are still heavily distorted by generous short-time work programmes. We do not expect rising wage pressures to lead to a sustained upward trend in core inflation until 2023, at the earliest. Download The Full Week Ahead
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https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/is-inflation-already-at-its-peak-202105281117
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Did Cowboys Try To Trade LB Jaylon Smith For Surtain Or Horn In NFL Draft?
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We reported on NFL Draft night that Dallas was talking to the Dolphins about trading up. And not for Micah Parsons. And involving a 'Cowboys veteran.' Think back to the way our Mike Fisher crafted his scoop on NFL Draft night on the subject of a Dallas Cowboys attempt to trade up. He wrote: "Sources insist to me that Dallas examined the idea of a trade-up to the No. 6 spot as they sensed the two coveted cornerbacks were about to become scarce before the Cowboys' pick at No. 10. ... The Cowboys did get a bit itchy when they realized that cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain were about to go off the board before Dallas spot at No. 10. And I think I can prove the in the scramble to get the cogs turning in the right direction, the name of a Cowboys veteran or two may have come up in trade-minded conversation with Miami (at No. 6).'' The "Cowboys veteran'' name Fish was allowed by his source to hint at, but not reveal, I can tell you now: Jaylon Smith. That story is now floating around out there on the internet, and a Cowboys source denies to me that it ever got serious. But the name came up in the Dallas war room, at the very least. Fish was right about the "Cowboys veteran'' report. And watch as with time, Fish's exclusive on Dallas' attempts to move up - to take a corner over their "top-rated defender Micah Parsons'' - will also turn out to be right. What we will never know: Would the Dolphins have given Jaylon his precious No. Speaking of which ... *If his play continues to trend in the wrong direction, linebacker Jaylon might wind up paying almost a half-a-million dollars to rent a jersey number for 16 games. With the Cowboys drafting linebacker Parsons, Smith could be a 2022 contract casualty. Hell likely never own No. 9 over Tony Romo. Same as he didnt come close to yanking No. 54 away from Randy White or Chuck Howley. It is Smiths money, and the guy is nothing if not charitable off the field. But its difficult to fathom a bigger waste of resources. *I cant be the only Dallas Mavericks fan getting nauseous/furious at the breathless fawning over Playoff Rondo. Heres DFWs experience with Rajon Playoff Rondo. ... In 2015 the Mavs acquired him from the Boston Celtics, but he never meshed with head coach Rick Carlisle. The two didnt see eye-to-eye, and in one game yelled at each other on the court after the coach wanted up-tempo and the point guard stubbornly strolled. In Game 2 of the Mavs first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, Rondo visibly quit on his team. In the first half, he committed a 10-second violation while absurdly slowly walking the ball into the front-court. In the third quarters first 34 seconds, he threw a bad pass, twice fouled James Harden and picked up a technical foul. Carlisle benched him. Instead of joining his teammates on the bench, Rondo sat on the court. He was never seen in a Mavericks uniform again, and his teammates voted not to award him a share of their playoff money. READ MORE: Rondo's Clippers Vs. Mavs - Full Playoff Coverage Here So please, TV talking heads, spare us the warm-and-fuzzy tales of how Playoff Rondo always raises his level of effort and production in the postseason. Rondo has won rings. But he wont help the Los Angeles Clippers win this series. And hell never redact how he sabotaged the Mavericks once upon a time, yes, in the playoffs. *Biggest surprise in baseball has been the explosion of the Texas Rangers Adolis Garcia. Dude has already hit 15 homers, including a club-record tying 10 this month. At this pace hes a lock for Rookie of the Year, where hed join Mike Hargrove (1974) and Neftali Feliz (2010) as the only Rangers to win the award. The Rangers. Inexplicably, Garcia did not make the teams Opening Day roster and might still be in Triple-A had it not been for the injury to first baseman Ronald Guzman. Garcia has done all this damage, and he didnt become a Ranger until April 13. *Be careful, here comes Tardy Gras. I admit to missing sports fans during the pandemic. The roar of the crowd. The heightened intensity. Yes, even the shots of the fat guy falling asleep in the 6th inning and spilling hot dog mustard down the front of this expansive shirt. COVID reminded us all that fans are a part of the fabric of sports. But we gotta behave, people! One of the lessons the pandemic taught us was that sports are a luxury, not a necessity. Attending games in person is a privilege, not a right. It was all taken away and, sure enough, the world kept spinning. Now America is opening back up, returning to normal. But its so far, so bad. At the PGA last Sunday fans bum-rushed security personnel and engulfed Phil Mickelson on the 18th fairway. Thousands packed shoulder-to-shoulder, barely allowing the golfer and his caddy to make it to the green. After a year of social distancing, it was jarring. Alarming. A Byron Nelson security guard told me a couple weeks ago that an obnoxious, over-served fan so heckled Brandt Snedeker that the golfer brandished his putter as a weapon in the general direction of the fan before being ushered away. Now comes the NBA Playoffs, and crowds of more than 15,000 expected over the weekend at American Airlines Center. I know weve been cooped up and sheltered-in-place without going to games and our frenzied fandom is desperate for a release. Last time the AAC was packed was March 11, 2020 and Friday night just might be the most charged Mavs atmosphere since Game 5 of the NBA Finals 10 years ago. But there has to be an amount of decorum, and civility. A fan in Philly dumped popcorn on Russell Westbrook this week. At Madison Square Garden a fan spit toward Trae Young. Lets cheer. Lets chant. Lets boo the Rondo out of Rajon. But please, I implore you, lets act like weve been here before. Lest we be banned again, forever. *Im a born-n-bred Texan baptized in Dont Mess With Texas and all that, but sometimes we suck. While the rest of America has extended emergency pandemic unemployment funds through Labor Day, Gov. Greg Abbott is stopping aid to Texans in June. And, after a brutal year that has seen families lose jobs, houses, everything, our legislature is proposing a bill that would make homeless encampments illegal. The collective message: Were not giving you any more money, and if youre out of money we dont want to have to look at you. Sympathetic compassion should trump staunch pride. In Texas, we often get it backward. *Its not just that Luka Doncic made that off-balance, one-legged, 27-foot 3-pointer early in the shot clock in the third quarter of Game 2. Its that he had the confidence the audacity to even consider taking it. Its the kind of shot you throw up after a foul has been whistled or when Mom yells that dinners ready. It is not, by any stretch, the shot you take during a tight NBA playoff game. Unless, that is, youre Luka. *Best news out of Cowboys OTAs this week: Dak Prescott, Tyron Smith and Lael Collins are all healthy, full participants. If they can say the same seven months from today ... the Cowboys will be making playoff plans. *Didnt think the Mavs would win this series. Now Im convinced they cant lose it. They are the 32nd team in NBA history to win the first two games of a series on the road. Of the previous 31, 27 went on to win. Ill take 87-percent favorable odds only a 13-percent chance of catastrophe in almost everything in life. *Went for an eye exam this week and the reigning champion of gripping intense anxiety are the seemingly endless seconds you sit waiting for that puff of air. *Like Phil Mickelson winning last weeks PGA at age 50, DFW has never enjoyed a half-a-hundred primo athlete. But weve gotten close. *It took a pandemic to prove me right, but I said for years how silly it was that NBA coaches wore suits and ties on the sidelines during games. Casual golf shirts or pullovers are the norm. And were never going back. *Hot. *Not. *Sunday he wins the PGA by the ocean. Thursday he shoots +3 and is tied for 87th at the Colonial in Fort Worth. If Mickelson cant duplicate superb golf, you should be a little easier on yourself for fluctuating between 89 and 102. So far, that's another story. I have lots of friends that were unable to watch Mavs-Clippers Game 2 because it was blacked out in the Metroplex. *The Clippers are more 'basket case' than 'basketball.' After eliminating the Mavs in the bubble last Summer they led the Denver Nuggets, 3-1, in the West semifinals. They blew that lead, and havent won a playoff game since. Five post-season losses in a row, for arguably the most talented team on the planet. Their problem is their mindset. Paul George said there is no concern about being down 2-0 and heading to Dallas. (Hint: COVID). I mean, if Im a Clippers fan and I am most certainly not I dont want panic but I would appreciate at least a smidge of consternation. The Clippers are too much style, not enough substance. They seem consumed with not so much winning, but portraying the image of excelling via minimum effort. Theyre, in short, too cool for school. READ MORE: How Maxi 'Beat' Kawhi In 'Dunk Contest' The biggest two passionate, towel-waving, jump-off-the-bench moments for the Clippers in this series were after Kawhi Leonards dunk over Maxi Kleber and Georges crossover that sent Kristaps Porzingis sprawling. Flexing. Menacing. The works. But their energy is clearly channeled inefficiently. The Mavs may be losing the YouTube highlights battle, but theyre winning the war. *I grew up on Sunday mornings where church was mandatory and shopping was prohibited. Because of blue laws, lots of stores were closed on the holy Sabbath. (Thankfully, quizzically, the same didnt apply for sports. Hmm.) Still today, Texas liquor stores must be closed on Sundays and you cant buy beer or wine before noon. Its as antiquated as it is awful. Progress is, maybe, on the horizon. *A year ago we all felt good about Andy Dalton backing up Dak. Buddy of mine asked me this week who the backup quarterback was this season. Me neither. *Easiest explanation for Mavs 2, Clippers 0: Dallas is +33 on 3-pointers, making 35 so far to L.A.s 24. You can have every other stat, Ill take the team that makes the most 3s. *A group of lawmakers has banned critical race theory and the teaching of woke philosophies in Texas schools. So, like I wasnt, students will never be taught about oh, say, the Red Summer. In 1919 race riots broke out all over America and Texas in response to Jim Crow laws that kept Blacks disenfranchised, segregated and subjected to lynching for crimes such as indecent advances toward a white woman. Racism still exists. In some dark corners, it remains flourishing. Im just not sure that pretending it doesnt happen and refusing to revisit how we breathed life into it is a winning strategy going forward. Confederate monuments stand. George Floyd never happened. Got it. *More Luka lunacy: Hes the first player in NBA history with 250+ points (256), 70+ rebounds (76) and 70+ assists (70) in his first eight playoff games. READ MORE: Luka Wins Game 2; Dirk Approves More amazing is that the Mavs have a 2-0 lead despite him scoring only a combined five points in the fourth quarter. *2022 NFL salary cap committed money: 1. Packers $237M; 2. Cowboys $228; 3. Rams $212; 4. Saints $208; 5. Giants $202. *Last time the Mavs returned from L.A. with a 2-0 series lead was 2011. Wound up sweeping the Lakers in the West semis and we love how that movie ended. *Only thing I understand about Bitcoin is its volatility. If you invested $10,000 in the digital currency seven years ago itd be worth $3.2 million. If you invested $10,000 in the digital currency seven weeks ago itd be worth $5,400. *RANGERS RISK: We all think the Texas Rangers are going to be putrid this season. Our lil roundtable revealed predicted win totals of anywhere between 61 and 78, but no one thinks .500 is plausible. Lets put our money where our mouth is. Im going to bet a virtual $100 against the Rangers every game this season and, after six months and 162 games, see where I wind up. Ill keep a running tab right there each Friday and come September Ill (wink) disperse my profits to my most loyal readers. RECORD: 22-30 TOTAL: -$384. *Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, but also more importantly a federal holiday honoring and mourning the military personnel who died in the performance of their duties. So in between burgers and bikinis and basketball, take a second to be thankful for those that died to protect Americas freedoms. Friday is for watching hoops, Mavs-Clippers. Saturday is for playing hoops with Big Brothers Big Sisters lil bro Ja. Sunday is for watching hoops, Mavs-Clippers. I sense a theme. As always, dont be a stranger.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-try-trade-jaylon-smith-surtain-horn-nfl-draft
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Is Center Erick McCoy the New Orleans Saints Next Dominant Offensive Lineman?
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Whether he lines up at center or at guard, the versatile Erik McCoy has the traits to become New Orleans' next dominant offensive lineman. The New Orleans Saints traded up in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft to select offensive lineman Erik McCoy out of Texas A&M. McCoy played predominantly guard in college was expected to fill the big shoes of retired perennial Pro Bowl center Max Unger. Historically, the most successful Saints offenses boasted a dominant offensive line. Today, New Orleans has plenty of offensive line talent to keep their dominating tradition alive. New Orleans' tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk are considered one of the best tackles tandem in the league. Left guard Andrus Peat has three Pro Bowls visits, and C/G Cesar Ruiz was added in the first-round of 2020's draft to replace perennial Pro Bowler Larry Warford. With that said, it's their 2019 second-round choice that is developing into a dominant performer, Erik McCoy. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings as center Erik McCoy (78) blocks. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook -USA TODAY MCCOY THE ROOKIE During the 2019 NFL Draft, New Orleans traded two draft picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up from the No. 62 overall to No. 48 to select McCoy. The Saints coaching staff moved him from guard to the center, where he quickly won the starting job. McCoy has been a pillar of durability at a demanding position. Hes not only started all 35 games of his two-year career with six snaps missed during his rookie year. In 2019, McCoy anchored an offensive line that finished 9th in total yardage, 3rd in points, and allowed only 24 sacks during the regular season. He committed just five holding penalties and was voted onto the 2019 NFL All-Rookie team. New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (78). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY MCCOY'S 2020 SEASON The referees flagged McCoy twice for holding penalties while playing 1,074 offensive snaps in 2020. His dominant run blocking helped the New Orleans rushing attack finish sixth in the league and led the NFL with 30 rushing touchdowns. Last season, McCoy provided superior pass protection and surrendered one of the 29 sacks on the Saints' quarterbacks. MCCOY EXCELS IN THE RUN AND PASS McCoy, 23, is 6-4, 314-pounds and has a rare mixture of power and athleticism for an interior lineman. He sets a powerful base as a pass blocker and plays with excellent leverage despite his height. McCoy's speed allows him to get outside on rushing plays or screens, and he's typically in the position to be a lead blocker downfield. He packs a powerful initial punch as a pass blocker to knock rushers off balance. The former Aggie has outstanding footwork and recognition to move into position for double-teams and handle athletic pass rushers. At times, his base is too wide as a pass blocker, but he showed significant improvement in that area during his second season. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to pass as center Erik McCoy (78). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports McCoy has terrific recognition of opposing defenses, allowing him to make accurate protection adjustments for the entire line. He fires off with great power as a run blocker and handles power rushers or speed rushers with equal effectiveness in pass protection. Some prognosticators project McCoy may move to guard this coming season. The transfer will allow second-year lineman Cesar Ruiz to move to his more natural position of center. Whichever interior position Erik McCoy plays in 2021, he seems poised to become the next elite interior offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints. Follow Bob Rose on Facebook or on Twitter @bobbyr2613. Don't miss out on any Saints news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our FREE newsletter and get breaking Saints news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Saints News Newsletter: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewletter Subscribe to the New Orleans Saints YT Channel: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewsyoutube For more Saints News: https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/ or https://www.saints.media Like us on Facebook: https://news.snts.us/saintsnews-fb Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/saintsnews
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https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/editorial-opinion/erik-mccoy-next-saints-dominant-offensive-lineman
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How's Washington Football Team DE Chase Young Rank Among NFL Pass-Rushers?
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Chase Young can only get better if he can stay healthy. ASHBURN, Va. -- The defensive line and pass rush of the Washington Football Team is the pulse of the club and one of the top reasons why the WFT has a good chance of repeating as division champions in 2021 As good as it is on paper, two criticisms of the defensive unit were their porous run defense, and their inability to slow down quarterbacks in 2020. If this doesn't change in 2021, Washington's chances of an NFC East repeat will be difficult to achieve. But it starts with the rush. It starts with Chase Young. READ MORE: No. Despite Washington investing four first-round picks on that side of the ball, on a recent ranking of edge defenders by ProFootballFocus.com (PFF), the highest-ranked Washington edge defender is none other than Young, who slid in at No. 8 in the rankings. The second-year defender had an overall grade of 87.1/100 by PFF, which was fifth in the NFL among qualifying edge defenders. As PFF notes, Young was even better in the red zone, with a league-best grade of 93.3. The scary part when analyzing Youngs first season in the NFL is that there is still clear room for improvement from a pass-rushing perspective. And Young still got out to an 87.1 overall grade as a rookie, fifth in the NFL among qualifying edge defenders. He was at his best in the red zone. Youngs 93.3 overall grade last season in that portion of the field led all players at the position. Young ranks right behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Cameron Jordan, who came in at No. 6 and No. 7, as well as behind stalwarts like Khalil Mack, Nick and Joey Bosa, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett. Montez Sweat is the next Washington edge defender on the list at No. 17 with PFF noting that the third-year end had an 87.0 run-defense grade in 2021. Per PFF: Few edge defenders improved more from 2019 to 2020 than Sweat did in his second year in the NFL. His 87.0 run-defense grade last season ranked third at the position behind only Khalil Mack and T.J. Watt, and he bumped up his pressure count from 32 as a rookie to 47 in 2020. Sweat also stood out as one of the best defensive linemen in the league at getting his hands into throwing lanes when rushing the passer. His six batted passes last year ranked second at the position. Thanks to his long arms and elite athleticism, Sweat has quickly become one of the league's top edge rushers, and in conjunction with Young, one of the NFL's premier pass-rush tandems heading into next season. They figure to get even better ... which means the WFT figures to do the same.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/washingtonfootball/news/washington-football-team-chase-young-rank-nfl-pass-rushers
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Can Biden Do Anything About Belarus?
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A Washington debate on pressing issues for policymakers. By, a senior fellow in the New American Engagement Initiative at the Atlantic Councils Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and, deputy director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council. Emma Ashford: Hello, Matt! Good morning from occupied Washington, where an airborne invasion force has taken control and is now hanging out in the trees, screeching loudly. Its like Red Dawn but with cicadas instead of Russians. Matthew Kroenig: Yes, they are everywhere. At least one local restaurant is offering cicada tacos; it will be your last chance to try them for 17 years. When you mentioned airborne invasion, I thought you were going to mention the Belarusian hijacking of the civilian airliner. That and the Israel-Palestinian cease-fire are the big news items this week. For me, these episodes highlight the need to remove Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko from power and the United States continued role as the worlds indispensable nation, respectively. Western countries need to be able to protect the way of life of their citizens and residents, and letting autocracies pick off dissidents is a pretty intolerable violation of sovereignty. EA: Look, whether its eating cicadas or hijacking international airliners, there are a lot of things you shouldnt do just because you can. I suspect Lukashenko will come to regret faking a bomb threat to seize a dissident during an international flight. Thats a ridiculous response. First, the details seem pretty clear: Dissident journalist Roman Protasevich was boarding a flight from Greece to Lithuania when he noticed some shady characters at the airport taking his picture. Then, when the plane was over Belarusian airspace, the government used a combination of onboard disturbances and a fake bomb threat to force the plane to divert to Minsk National Airport, where they seized him. Pretty blatant stuff. MK: Yes. Then, looking beaten and battered, he was forced to issue a video confession. And he might soon die in custody as the Belarusians are now claiming this young journalist, in his 20s, has serious heart problems. The brazen act of state-sponsored aviation piracy was also contrary to international law, and the European Union and much of the rest of the world are upset. He nabbed a dissident, eliminating a threat to his power, and so far, the only cost appears to be some sanctions. EA: You may be right, though it certainly reignited an issue that had largely fallen off the radar in most places. Lukashenko has been brutally suppressing protests for a while; just the other day, his regime made it legal to fire at protesters with live ammunition. Calling it just some sanctions though I think minimizes the speed and cohesiveness of the EU response to this event. The European Union responded swiftly, promising new sanctions and issuing a harsh condemnation. Most planes are now avoiding Belarusian airspace at the advice of their nations aviation authorities. MK: I was pleased by the speed of the initial EU sanctions. But the EU and the United States should go further to impose a more significant cost on Lukashenko. They could ban all flights going into and out of Belarus until Protasevich is released. They could also take bigger steps aimed at weakening Lukashenkos grip on power, including sanctioning Belaruss central bank by banning U.S., U.K., and EU financial institutions from purchasing or trading Belarusian sovereign debt. U.S. President Joe Biden took similar steps against Russia in April. EA: There needs to be some response. It was clearly a brazen and premeditated event. It wasnt quite unprecedented: We have a prior case where the United States forced down a plane with fugitive terrorists on board in 1985, for example. Then there was the 2013 episode when France, Spain, and Italy denied the plane of then-Bolivian President Evo Morales access to their airspace in response to rumors that the U.S. fugitive Edward Snowden was on board. That forced the plane to land in Austria, where it was searched. But none of those seem entirely comparable. To my mind, this is more like the Saudi killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Istanbul consulate or the Russian poisoning of dissident Sergei Skripal in the U.K.; its part of a growing trend of authoritarians reaching into the West to silence their detractors. Protasevich was on a flight between two EU member states, after all. Im usually the first to argue we shouldnt let human rights violations abroad direct U.S. policy. But I would argue this is different. Western countries need to be able to protect the way of life of their citizens and residents, and letting autocracies interfere internally to pick off dissidents is a pretty intolerable violation of sovereignty. MK: Hear, hear. Thats more evidence in my view that the democracy versus autocracy cleavage is among the most important fault lines in the contemporary international system. There was some hope a few years ago that Belarus could become a neutral party in the rivalry between NATO and Russia and would be helpful for the defense of the West. Looking at the chessboard of Europe, the Baltic states and Poland are much easier to defend if Belarus isnt fully aligned with Russia. Lukashenko has clearly thrown in his lot with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At this point, I think Lukashenkos removal from power is the only development that could change this alignment. But since the uprising last year, Lukashenko has clearly thrown in his lot with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At this point, I think Lukashenkos removal from power is the only development that could change this alignment. EA: Hold your horses a second there. Just because I said we should do something about autocracies meddling in our domestic affairs doesnt mean I think we should be trying to overthrow them. EA: Well, first of all, your suggestion isnt very plausible. The history of U.S. regime change attempts has hardly been one of success. And even if you manage to extract Lukashenko from the presidency, theres no guarantee Russia wouldnt simply send in troops or special forces to create a frozen conflict like they did in Ukraine and Georgia. Instead, we should be talking about defense. That might mean punitive measurestravel bans, blacklisting state-owned companies, targeted sanctionson autocrats who interfere in Western countries. But it might also mean getting smarter about these kinds of threats: more intelligence to prevent things like the Skripal poisoning and more awareness among defectors and refugees that states might try such things. This is the response I already see taking shape on Belarus: planes avoiding its airspace, bans on Belaruss national carrier entering the EU, and a coherent response with targeted sanctions from European countries. MK: The steps you recommend make sense. And leading democracies will be in a much stronger position to deter autocratic interference in the future if they can coordinate their response in this and other cases. Lukashenko, Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other autocrats should know that interfering in one democracy could lead to a response from the entire free world. But I also think steps to weaken Lukashenkos ability to rule with an iron fist (such as with some of the stronger sanctions I referenced above) and efforts to aid those in Belarus who desire greater freedoms, including by promoting independent journalism and civil society organizations, can also be valuable. You said the democracy versus autocracy cleavage is among the most important fault lines in the contemporary international system. And Im not so sure thats a helpful frame here. Yes, theres clearly a democracy versus autocracy angle here: Dissidents flee to the West, and when countries offer them refuge, they should try to at least offer them safety. But I dont see how that translates immediately to the notion that Washington should engage in an ideological struggle between autocracy and democracy. All that does is help minimize nuance and imply all autocracies are the same. There was a statement like this on the plane incident from Sen. Ben Sasse, which made me cringe. He argued the Biden administration should take this as an opportunity to tighten the screws on Russia since Lukashenko doesnt use the bathroom without asking for Moscows permission. It was such an oversimplification of the complex relationship between Minsk and Moscow, ignoring the fact that Lukashenko has often been at odds with Putin. MK: Sasse is one of the brightest lights in the U.S. Senate, and we are lucky to have him as a public servant. And he is right on this point. It is hard to imagine Lukashenko would have engaged in such a risky and provocative act without a wink and a nod from Putin. While Lukashenko was on the fence before, I think it is clear now he has sided with Moscow against the West. And I dont see the democracy versus autocracy angle as an ideological divide. It is a pragmatic one. A more democratic government in Belarus would be better for the security of the United States and the West and deliver better lives for the Belarusian people. EA: Well, the fact the Russian government didnt have a statement ready to go after the hijacking suggests they werent prepared. Thats just speculation though. But I really disagree here. The protests drove Lukashenko back toward Moscow, but prior to last year, he had been engaged in outreach with the EU. There are serious policy disagreements between the two sides. Heres an example: In my forthcoming book, I catalog all the uses of Russias so-called energy weapon. Between 2006 and 2020, Russia shut off gas to Ukraine three times. During the same period, they shut off gas supplies to Belarusthree times! That alone suggests Minsk and Moscow are not always on the same side. The bottom line is Western countries should absolutely seek to punish Lukashenko for this incident, but that doesnt mean we should immediately buy in to the notion of pro-democracy regime change in Belarus. MK: As the Belarus incident was flaring up this week, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict calmed down. The two sides agreed to a cease-fire this week. For me, one of the big takeaways was the United States continued role as the indispensable nation. Many charge the United States no longer has the power or moral authority to claim the title as the worlds leading state, but as soon as violence erupted, these same commentators were calling on the White House to wave a magic wand and make it stop. And, indeed, only one day passed between Biden calling for an end to hostilities and the Israeli security cabinet voting to an unconditional cease-fire. I incline toward the latter. Either way, Im glad Biden eventually took a tougher line with the Israelis and there was a cease-fire. It was a terrible situation, and worse, a largely pointless loss of life. The situation is no different today than it was prior to the outbreak of major violence: The Israelis still dont have a coalition government, Palestinians still have no rights, and were no closer to a solution for any of this. Western countries should absolutely seek to punish Lukashenko for this incident, but that doesnt mean we should immediately buy in to the notion of pro-democracy regime change in Belarus. I did think one bright point though was the Biden teams decision to reopen the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, which the Trump administration had closed. The White House seems to recognize that if you are to resolve a conflict, you need to talk to both sides, and thats a welcome change from the one-sided approach the Trump administration pursued. MK: I thought both the United States and Israel handled the crisis well. Washington gave Israel the time and space it needed to significantly degrade Hamass capabilities and then brought the conflict to a successful close. The people of Gaza, suffering under Hamass poor leadership, were the biggest losers. Hamas initiated the indiscriminate violence against Israeli civilians knowing full well it would invite a tough response from Israel, but it did not care. I, too, was pleased to see Washington offer aid to Gaza, but the situation will not improve until the Palestinians have a more effective and responsible leadership. EA: Well, I dont want to relitigate our last column. But I suspect well be back here again in six months or a year if more effort isnt put into trying to find a resolution to this conflict. MK: I saw the video. It was embarrassing and another example of the above phenomena: autocracies (in this case, China) using their power to try to reach into democracies and undermine free speech and democratic norms. We need to persuade corporate America that kowtowing to a genocidal regime to make some cash is not a savvy business move. EA: Its a tough one. I agree the video was absurd. It was offensive to anyone who believes in freedom of speech. That said, its what happens under market incentives when China remains a major media market. And short of decoupling from China entirelyan unrealistic, costly, and unpopular choiceit will keep happening. Im not sure I see any policy solution here, though perhaps U.S. consumers who are offended might consider voting with their feet. I should get going. I need to catch up on my Fast & Furious movies just in case it comes up in future Taiwan debates. Apparently, Im so out of touch with pop culture that I missed all nine movies. MK: Believe it or not, Ive never seen a John Cena movie either. EA: Finally, something we have in common.
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https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/28/can-biden-do-anything-about-belarus/
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What Is Dolby Vision for Games?
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Dolby Vision for games has officially landed on Xbox, bringing Dolbys proprietary HDR approach to a new medium. Today well explore what all the fuss is about and what you need to enjoy Dolby Vision for games in your living room. Bringing Dolby Vision to Games Dolby Vision is Dolbys proprietary format for high dynamic range (HDR) video content. Its one of a handful of formats through which you can experience brighter, more colorful, and punchier images that take advantage of the latest display technology. HDR is now a standard feature on most new TVs, with HDR10 being the dominant baseline format. There are many benefits to HDR video: a wider color gamut, better shadow detail, 10-bit color, and eye-catching highlights that take advantage of the higher peak brightness on the latest compatible displays. Metadata included in the HDR container tells the TV how to render an image, including how bright to get. With HDR10, peak brightness is defined as a static maximum value for the entire presentation. Dolby Vision improves on this with dynamic metadata, defining peak brightness on a per-frame or per-scene basis. This gives content creators greater control over the image displayed on the screen. Dolby Vision also has other benefits, including a maximum peak brightness of 4000 nits (as opposed to 1000 nits in the HDR10 container), as well as being compatible with 12-bit video sources. At present, no consumer displays can reach 4000 nits or display true 12-bit content, so the format is ready for the next generation of TV technology when they arrive. Dolby aims to bring the advantages of its HDR format to games through Dolby Vision for games. For gamers, theres more to it than an expanded dynamic range and more colors on screen. Dolby Vision for games also aims to solve the ongoing problem of HDR calibration for games. On the Dolby Vision for games website the company promises that gamers can say goodbye to adjustment sliders because games automatically map to your Dolby Vision display as you play, so youre always seeing the full picture. HDR is something that gamers have struggled with since there is little standardization between titles. The HDR Gaming Interest Group (HGIG) formed for this very reason, but few games support the tailor-made HGIG mode. Those that do still require calibration and a TV that supports HGIG. Simplified calibration is possible because Dolby acts as a middle-man, helping ensure that the image displayed on the screen is an accurate portrayal of the creators vision. What You Need to Enjoy Dolby Vision for Games Dolby Vision for games is, at the time of writing in May 2021, in still the beta phase of testing on the Xbox platform. Microsofts Xbox Series X and S consoles are (at present) the only consoles that support the format. Sony has yet to announce Dolby Vision for games support on the PlayStation 5. Dolby Vision could in theory land on Sonys platform with a software update, but there are no plans for it. To enjoy Dolby Vision for games youll need a Series X or S console and a TV or monitor that supports Dolby Vision. Microsoft has yet to announce support for the format coming to Windows, so PC gamers will have to make do with HDR10 and HGIG for now. Teething issues have appeared as Dolby Vision for games begins to roll out. While the format is theoretically compatible with HDMI 2.1 compliant displays in full 4K resolution at 120Hz, many models (including the latest LG OLEDs) only support 4K at 60Hz right now. Vincent Teoh of HDTVTest reports that LG is working on a patch for the companys newer TV models as of May 2021, like the C1 and G1. Hopefully, LG will also bring that update to older models. Due to the MediaTek chipset used in some Dolby Vision-capable TVs (including Sonys 2020 and 2021 models), 120Hz gaming at 4K resolution wont be possible on some models where enabling Dolby Vision disables 120Hz support. If youre affected, you can still play games at 4K resolution with 120Hz enabled using HDR10. Unfortunately, Samsung TV owners wont be able to use Dolby Vision for gaming because the South Korean tech giant doesnt support the format on any of their displays. Find Out If Your TV is Compatible with Dolby Vision You can check whether your TV is compatible with Dolby Vision for gaming using the Xbox preferences. Turn on your console and press the Xbox button to reveal the guide. Use the bumper buttons (LB and RB) to tab across to the Profile & system tab. Scroll down and select Settings followed by TV & display options. Next, select 4K TV details and the Xbox will report what modes are supported by your TV. If you have green ticks across the board, you might as well enable 120Hz right away. Back out of the menu then select Refresh Rate and set it to 120Hz if you havent already done so. While Xbox Insiders are still figuring out Dolby Vision, some have noted that the technology can be applied system-wide to all games as a pass-through container for HDR titles. Its not clear whether this provides an improvement over simply using HDR10 with Microsofts Auto-HDR booster. For the best results, games will need to be optimized for Dolby Vision. The technology has so far made its way into Microsoft behemoths Gears 5 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, as well as indie racer Wreckfest. TechRadar reports that games that offer native support for the technology provide far more impressive results than those that simply use it as pass-through. This suggests that while Dolby Vision for games can be used as a container for other HDR content, youll want to look at optimized games for the best results. As many game boxes and digital store descriptions now include markers for HDR10 and Dolby Atmos support, expect to see the Dolby Vision featured on boxes and marketplace listings before long. Its also worth noting that just because youve enabled 120Hz support on the at Xbox system level, that doesnt mean all games will use it by default. Many games that support 120Hz modes have a toggle under the game settings. Often this setting is titled frame rate or performance mode since it prioritizes smooth gameplay over visual splendor. RELATED: How to Enable 120 Hz on Xbox Series X and S The Future of HDR Gaming While HDR support came to last-generation consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the implementation left a lot to be desired. It is hoped that Dolby Vision for gaming will deliver a new standard of HDR with a foolproof setup process for a truly next-generation experience. Check out our guide to buying a TV for gaming. RELATED: How to Buy a TV for Gaming in 2020
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https://www.howtogeek.com/729895/what-is-dolby-vision-for-games/
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What Is a Lite Hash Rate or LHR GPU?
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Forget about software. In 2021, its cryptocurrencies that are eating the world. Thanks to miners looking to strike it rich in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Dogecoin, prices are sky-high in the consumer market for graphics cardsif you can even find a graphics card in stock. Lite Hash Rate GPUs Are for Gamers Hoping to make it easier and cheaper for gamers to upgrade their rigs for the latest AAA titles, NVIDIA announced new lite hash rate (LHR) versions of existing RTX GPUs. These cards are designed to make it harder to mine for cryptocurrency without reducing gaming performance. This is already the second time in 2021 that NVIDIA has tried this. The companys plans blew up spectacularly in March of 2021 when the company accidentally unlocked its own software-based anti-mining protections for the RTX 3060 graphics card. Now, the company is trying again with a much bigger push against mining, and it comes not a moment too soon. If you look at major online retailers, you will see, for example, that NVIDIA GTX 1650 prices start at around $350 and top out close to $600. Thats for a graphics card that was released in April of 2019 and revised a year later with an original MSRP of $150. The reason that these cards are priced so high is that major retailers are completely out of stock and sell out quickly when they do get a shipment. Third-party sellers, meanwhile, are looking to make a quick buck with big markups. The reduced stock in retail is happening because 2021 has been a strange year for graphics cards . The pandemic and social distancing were still going strong at the start of the year, increasing the demand for entertainment with people staying at home. Then, there were supply chain issues, international shipping slowdowns, and finally, our friends looking to strike it rich from their basement mining operations. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are produced by so-called mining. What this means is that computers are trying to win digital coins by calculating math problems as quickly as possible. These math problems are part of the blockchain system, the ledger that tracks transactions for a specific cryptocurrency. Whoever can verify a transaction first by solving the math problem is presented with a freshly minted new coin. Needless to say, anyone who mines enough of these coins can quickly make some serious dough. Consider, for example, that a single Ethereum digital coin is worth around $2,700 U.S. dollars at the time of this writing. However, mining takes electricity, and you need the right hardware to mine cryptocurrency quickly and profitably. Graphics cards are currently the ideal hardware for mining the trendiest cryptocurrencies. GPUs are built for solving math problems since, to run a video game, they need to calculate tons of math in parallel operations. That foundational feature makes them ideal for cryptocurrency mining. Bitcoin, the granddaddy of cryptocurrencies, was also mined with GPUs at one point, and it also used to put stress on the consumer market for graphics cards. However, specialized hardware that was even better for mining Bitcoin, called ASIC rigs, took the stress off the market. ASIC rigs for other cryptocurrencies havent taken off in the same way for reasons that are beyond the scope of this article. The bottom line is that most cryptocurrencies, with the exception of Bitcoin, are mined largely by graphics cards. Often, a single miner can have dozens of cards running together with the hopes of producing some serious cash. Multiply that demand for dozens of cards by thousands of people, and you can see why mining contributes to the current shortage. NVIDIAs LHR Fight Hoping to put more cards in the hands of gamers rather than cryptocurrency miners, NVIDIA announced its LHR program in mid-May of 2021. This program means that newly manufactured RTX 3080, RTX 3070, and RTX 3060 Ti graphics cards can detect when theyre being used for Ethereum cryptocurrency mining. When that happens, the cards deliberately reduce their speed (hash rate) for solving Ethereum-related math problems by about 50%. Since these RTX cards originally launched without a reduced hash rate, the newer LHR models will be labeled as such on the box and in product listings. The LHR program makes these cards less useful to miners, but NVIDIA isnt leaving miners out in the cold. To accommodate the mining frenzy, NVIDIA also announced GPU models specifically for the cryptocurrency market that could also reduce demand for regular consumer cards. NVIDIA says that gaming performance wont be affected with LHR cards, as its only designed to slow down Ethereum workloads. Ethereum is a popular currency and there are many Ethereum-based projects and clones out there. But Ethereum isnt the only type of coin putting stress on GPU demand. Dogecoin, for example, is not based on Ethereum. Presumably, an LHR graphics card wouldnt detect its mining. Even if it does reduce demand by miners, its not clear whether the LHR program will bring graphics cards back to store shelves. The RTX 3060 with anti-mining protections still sold out quickly when it was released earlier this year. Theres no reason to think that the same wont hold true with NVIDIAs other RTX cards, especially if theres a lot of pent-up demand from gamers. Nevertheless, LHR is a step in the right direction and will hopefully make graphics cards more easily obtainable. Thats assuming, of course, that NVIDIA doesnt shoot itself in the foot again and release a software update that kills the anti-Ethereum mining protections.
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https://www.howtogeek.com/731192/what-is-a-lite-hash-rate-or-lhr-gpu/
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Will Tokyo Olympic Games Be Fan-Free Event?
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The president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee hinted Friday that even local fans may be barred from venues when the games open in just under two months. Fans from abroad were ruled out months ago as being too risky during a pandemic. The prospect of empty venues at the postponed Olympics became more likely when the Japanese government decided Friday to extend a state of emergency until June 20 as COVID-19 cases continue to put the medical system under strain. The state of emergency was to have been lifted on Monday. The extension in Tokyo, Osaka and other prefectures raises even more questions if the Olympics can be held at all. Organizers and the IOC are insistent they will go ahead despite polls in Japan showing 60-80% want them called off. We would like to make a decision as soon as possible (on fans), but after the state of emergency is lifted we will assess, organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto said at her weekly briefing. Hashimoto promised to decide on local fans by April, then put it off until early June. Now the deadline is within a month of the July 23 opening date. There are many people who are saying that for the Olympic Games we have to run without spectators, although other sports are accepting spectators, Hashimoto said. So we need to keep that in mind. We need to avoid that the local medical services are affected. We need to take those things into consideration before agreeing on the spectator count. Cancellation pressure grows daily on Tokyo and the IOC as more questions arise about the risks of bringing 15,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from more than 200 countries and territories into Japan, a country that has been largely closed off during the pandemic. The IOC says more than 80% of athletes and staff staying in the Olympic Village on Tokyo Bay will be vaccinated. They are expected to remain largely in a bubble at the village and at venues. In addition to athletes, tens of thousands of judges, officials, VIPs, media and broadcasters will also have to enter Japan. Earlier this week, the New England Journal of Medicine said in a commentary: We believe the IOCs determination to proceed with the Olympic Games is not informed by the best scientific evidence. It questioned the IOCs so-called Playbooks, which spell out rules at the games for athletes, staff, media and others. The final edition will be published next month. Also this week, the Asahi Shimbun the countrys second-largest newspaper said the Olympics should be canceled. The British Medical Journal last month in an editorial also asked organizers to reconsider holding the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic. On Thursday, the head of a small doctors union in Japan warned that holding the Olympics could lead to the spread of variants of the coronavirus. He mentioned strains in India, Britain, South Africa and Brazil. Japan has attributed about 12,500 deaths to COVID-19, a relatively small number that has gone up steadily in the last few months. The vaccination rollout began slowly in Japan, but has moved more quickly in the last few days. Vaccinated people are estimated at about 5% of the population. The IOC, which often cites the World Health Organization as the source of much of its coronavirus information, has been steadfast in saying the games will happen. It receives about 75% of its income from selling broadcast rights, which is estimated to be $2 billion-$3 billion from Tokyo. That cashflow has been slowed by the postponement. Japan itself has officially spent $15.4 billion or organize the Olympics, and government audits suggest the figure is even higher. Senior IOC member Richard Pound told a British newspaper this week that barring Armageddon the games will take place. Last week, IOC vice president John Coates was asked if the Olympics would open, even if there were a state of emergency. Absolutely, yes, he replied. IOC President Thomas Bach has also said everyone in the Olympic community needs to make sacrifices to hold the Olympics. The message got pushback from Japanese social and local media, some of which noted that the IOC and the so-called Olympic Family are booked into many of Tokyos top five-star hotels during the games. Hashimoto defended the IOCs leadership. The IOC has a strong determination to hold the games, she said. So such a strong will is translated into strong words. Thats how I feel.
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https://www.novinite.com/articles/209754/Will+Tokyo+Olympic+Games+Be+Fan-Free+Event%3F
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Is Pete Davidson planning to exit 'Saturday Night Live'?
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Pete Davidson had had a successful run at the 'Saturday Night Live' for seven season. The American actor and comedian enjoys huge fan following thanks to the show but it seems like Davidson is thinking of quitting the show. The comedian appeared in a roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter recently where he hinted that his tenure 'SNL' could be coming to an end. While discussing castmate Kenan Thompson`s 18-year run on the show, Davidson said, "Yeah, I am good. I am surprised I made it to seven (seasons). I am ready to hang up the jersey. Kenan`s, like, f***kin` Karl Malone out there." During the interview, the `Suicide Squad` star also addressed his 2020 comments blasting `SNL` as a place where he`s "painted out to be this big dumb idiot." "I was in a really different place a year or two ago, and I am not exactly proud of how I handled or was handling things a few years ago," Davidson shared during the roundtable, which also included Ben Platt, Ed Helms and more. "Looking back on it, you`re like, `Oh, come on, dude,` but luckily a pandemic happened, and I got kicked in the balls and had to sit with all of my immature, irrational decisions." Davidson also mentioned that he was happy when he learnt thatr SNL would be resuming its filming as his mental health was taking a nosedive. "I was literally sitting in a room with my own thoughts, and I was feeling really bad. I felt really lucky, and I was really excited just to, like, work and see people, and I kind of had a different outlook for this season and kind of moving forward," he said. The pandemic forced Davidson to reflect and made him "really appreciative" to be working again. "Not working at all really sucked," he admitted.
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https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/is-pete-davidson-planning-to-exit-saturday-night-live-388018
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Could There be a Measure Of Magic from Johnny Murtagh at Royal Ascot?
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Congratulations to winning connections of MEASURE OF MAGIC who won the Listed Goffs @IrishEBF_ Polonia Stakes at @corkracecourse this evening for @JohnnyMurtagh pic.twitter.com/ciMkpgpXrq Goffs (@Goffs1866) May 7, 2021 Johnny Murtagh had more than 40 Royal Ascot winners during his illustrious career in the saddle, but one race he never got the opportunity to ride in before retiring as a jockey in 2014 was the Commonwealth Cup. He has a live contender in training at his Coolaghknock yard for this years running of the six-furlong Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds, however, in Measure Of Magic. A daughter of the up-and-coming sire Kodi Bear, this filly has back-to-back wins at Listed level on her side of the Irish Sea this season. Measure Of Magic, a fine third in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes during the St Leger Festival at Doncaster last autumn on her only previous British start, delighted her trainer when following-up on her successful return to action at Navan. Success in the Polonia Stakes punched her ticket to Royal Ascot. Measure Of Magic a stylish winner at @corkracecourse in Listed company this evening Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 7, 2021 I think well give [it] a go in the Commonwealth Cup, said Murtagh after her second win of the campaign at Cork. Ben [Coen, her jockey] said she has really learned how to sprint now, and she deserves a shot at a big one. With 2000 Guineas third Lucky Vega set to stay over a mile in his next assignment, Measure Of Magic is actually the leading Irish contender for Commonwealth Cup glory from the early closing entries, according to the ante-post betting. The jump from Listed level to a Group 1, even in an age-restricted race, is big but that doesnt seem to faze Murtagh. Measure Of Magic could run again before Royal Ascot too. She holds an entry in the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes, a six-furlong sprint also open to older fillies and mares at the Curragh on 2 June. That is just over a fortnight before the royal meeting, but Murtagh wasnt afraid of turning her out quickly with a mere dozen days between her first and second runs this term. Wesley Wards American raider Campanelle, a half-sister to Measure Of Magic and winner of the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at the meeting last year, is already among Royal Ascot day 4 tips and predictions given by experts for the Commonwealth Cup. She is also the favourite with her trainer always targeting transatlantic runners at Britains major Flat festival. Irish runners havent fared that well in the Commonwealth Cup since its introduction in 2015, however. Just one winner of the race to date has been trained in the Emerald Isle, and that was Caravaggio for Ballydoyle maestro Aidan OBrien back in 2017 after a couple placed third in the first two runnings. Forever In Dreams took second spot behind Advertise in the Commonwealth Cup of 2019 for the much smaller stable of Kilfeacle handler Aidan Fogarty. As a filly, Measure Of Magic will receive a 3lb sex allowance and that makes a difference. Three fillies have placed in this race before. For the JP Murtagh Racing Club syndicate who own Measure Of Magic, this is about more than just a day at the races. They will be looking for a bold show from a filly trained in the same stables that produced Champers Elysees to Group 1 glory last season. LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com
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https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/racing/racing_irish/could-there-be-a-measure-of-magic-from-johnny-murtagh-at-royal-ascot/
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Who's responsible for data security?
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It looks like we will be working from home or in a hybrid model for the foreseeable future, and the onus is on all of us to ensure company data is kept safe As we emerge from lockdown, security responsibility is high on the agenda. The combination of a hybrid workforce and multiple site operations means multiple stakeholders and this, of course, means multiple opportunities for things to go wrong. The Cyber Securities Breaches Survey has found that cyberattacks have evolved and become more sophisticated. However, the same survey also found that eight in 10 businesses say cybersecurity is a high priority for their senior management boards (up from 69 per cent in 2016). With the rise of remote and distributed work, data security is going to take on new importance particularly as the lines between personal and professional technology use continue to blur, says futurist Erica Orange, CEO of The Future Hunters. Remote workers will have to not only become more digitally savvy, but they will have to become much more hyper-aware of how their actions could undermine company-wide systems and compromise integrity." The data security function is going to need to be distributed across the entire organisation, Orange says. Take the human resources function. The chief technology officer (CTO) has traditionally been the one whos predicted future catastrophes or provided strategies to cope with disaster. During Covid-19 many CTOs have been busy redesigning technological resources and helping companies pivot to new digital ways of working. The CTO or CEO should communicate the importance of security to the overall business, and that these risks can really affect the businesses, says Chieu Cao, CEO and founder of Mintago and co-founder of Perkbox. Many security issues are a result of human error, so that needs to be communicated and the right behaviours understood and followed. Looking forward, data security will start to be a critical aspect of corporate governance and oversight, from board level to the C-suite, and this will extend far beyond the sole purview of the CTO. In terms of overall function, strategy remains with the board guided by the CIO [chief information officer], CISO [chief information security officer] or CDO [chief data officer] and then responsibility rests with everyone within the organisation to remain vigilant day to day, says Phil Jones, MD of Brother UK. Although many organisations will have a chief data officer, who coordinates the organisation-wide job of ensuring its compliance, security and integrity, an organisations staff will also play a crucial role. As Emma Sinclair, co-founder of global software company Enterprise Alumni, says: It is the responsibility of an organisation to set data security policy and then educate each employee on their individual responsibility. If you outsource data processing activities to someone else, you are a data controller and that third party is a data processor. Under GDPR, data controllers are responsible for their own compliance as well as that of third-party processors. Organisations should understand fully how their data is handled, says Sinclair. They should ensure any vendor meets their standards and quality requirements. Whether this is information that is passed to the vendor, or the organisation does the checking themselves, depends on the vendor relationship. But, ultimately, the organisation is responsible; the buck cant be passed. Jones agrees, saying: Maintaining open and regular dialogue with all external providers is so important to keep your systems secure and your data intact. The future is now Forget making predictions for next years business trends if theres anything that 2020 taught us, its to be ready for anything. From being more adaptable in the face of socio-economic changes, to ensuring data and systems are secure in the new hybrid workplace, Brother is here to get your business ready for the future now. For more information, visit brother.co.uk/business-transformation
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/ready-and-enabled/security/data-security-responsibilities/
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What is a white hat hacker and what do they do?
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Theyre cybersecurity geniuses who have moved from hacking to helping. Here, we get the inside track on a day in the life of an ethical hacker Tech geek is how Joseph Carson would describe his younger self. I was always a gamer, he says. I spent a lot of my youth reading magazines and typing up the code. Carson went on to do a variety of jobs, including data analysis and COBOL programming (computer programming designed for business use) for business and finance companies and governments. I had quite a broad skill set, he says. But Carsons career changed dramatically in 2001, when one of the companies he worked for became a secondary victim of a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack. Being the victim of an attack set me on the path to working in security, he says and hes been using the knowledge he gained from that experience to build a career as a white hat hacker. The majority of hackers are good citizens As a white hat hacker, Carson now breaks into networks for a living, as chief cybersecurity scientist at American cybersecurity company Thycotic. He describes his role as primarily a defender putting up the right protections for businesses. Carson is one of many hackers employed by organisations to help identify vulnerabilities. The concept achieved popularity in the 1990s when high-profile hacker Kevin Mitnick made the FBIs most-wanted list. Hes now a successful and trusted security consultant. A white hat (or ethical) hacker might find themselves doing anything from physical work to role play. It comes down to what you can do remotely and what you need to do physically, he says. For his work hacking a power station, Carson had to pretend to be a photographer during a commercial recording. My job was to find any weaknesses that could be used to gain peoples trust and exploit them, says Carson. This empathy is a key part of this type of work. I have always been good at putting myself into the mindset of a hacker, asking myself what I would do if I were in their position and how I would do it. The term hacker has inevitable criminal associations. But, says Carson, the majority of hackers are actually good citizens who genuinely want to use their skill sets to help people and businesses. Here to help: an ethical hacker will improve security, find loopholes and notify victims of any potential attacks Credit: getty The Robin Hoods of cyber White hat hackers have helped the world understand that the word hackers is not the sole domain of Bond-esque villains plotting the demise of the world from an underground cave, says Emma Sinclair, MBE, co-founder of Enterprise Alumni. Instead, they are an invaluable pillar of the security industry, enhancing cybersecurity policies by identifying potential weaknesses and fixing issues before they are discovered. The Robin Hoods of cyber, white hats exist to improve security; finding loopholes and notifying victims before any nefarious parties have an opportunity to exploit them. But being an ethical hacker does come with a degree of responsibility. Its a really fine line between what you should and should not do, but the overall rule is that you must do no harm and stay within the law, explains Carson. Youve also got to be mindful of other countries and their specific laws, as they differ quite significantly. He adds: Its all about understanding the process from start to finish, and knowing what key factors you need to be mindful of as you go. Less scaremongering, more understanding Carson has learned some valuable lessons about security along the way. Particularly the way in which we educate businesses about security, he says. Previously, I had focused more on fear, and injected this fear into the organisations to highlight a point. But, he says, this is misguided. Fear does not work long-term its purely a short-term, momentary impact. Instead, the main focus should be to understand businesses and uncover any risks that could cause significant harm. This means looking at the entire process and the people involved, not just the technology being used. Its not a box-ticking exercise where you can just install a piece of technology to solve the problem. Its about systemic change and making sure everyone within the company has the right amount of knowledge and understanding to maintain sufficient levels of security once the technology has been deployed. The future is now Forget making predictions for next years business trends if theres anything that 2020 taught us, its to be ready for anything. From being more adaptable in the face of socio-economic changes, to ensuring data and systems are secure in the new hybrid workplace, Brother is here to get your business ready for the future now. For more information, visit brother.co.uk/business-transformation
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/ready-and-enabled/security/white-hat-hackers/
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Is bitcoin useless?
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Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have had major price drops this month after crackdowns from China and Tesla head Elon Musk saying they would no longer accept bitcoin. Musk changed his position on bitcoin after criticism that the digital mining of coins is bad for the environment. A recent Wall Street Journal article says bitcoin could be considered useless because it is a slower, more pollutive alternative to bank transfers. However, the article points out that society has a long history of uselessness soap operas and smartphone games and that doesnt always mean it is bad. Advertisement Ray Major, SANDAG NO: Bitcoin is not useless its value is determined by demand. However, it doesnt actually exist. Technically it can be traded for goods and services like traditional currency, but thats not really what it is being used for. Currently, it is used for speculative online investments and to evade certain laws. As long as people are willing to trade dollars for crypto, bitcoin will continue to exist. Reginald Jones, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation NO: Despite market volatility, it is premature to call bitcoin useless. However, bitcoin has failed to gain mainstream momentum for either retail or trading transactions. Recently, though, PayPal announced it would accept bitcoin. Conversely, Elon Musk jolted bitcoin announcing Telsa would not accept the currency. While a rollercoaster ride, investors remain intrigued. As I predicted earlier, regulatory risk could shake the bitcoin craze. Lynn Reaser, Point Loma Nazarene University NO: Bitcoin is likely to have a use, but a limited one as digital gold. Some investors may hold it to protect themselves from inflation or if they fear that major currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, might collapse. Many investors may shun it because of its volatility, environmental strain on energy resources, and its use in the underground economy. It will not serve in everyday transactions. Central banks, as China has done, will preempt that role. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: Bitcoin is not worthless but also not the best cryptocurrency available. Large banks may adopt blockchain technologies as fast and cost-effective ways to move money, saving billions of dollars in transaction costs each year. End-users want the convenience of using crypto but are not willing to wait the time required for payments to be verified, and certainly do not want to pay fees. The most efficient cryptocurrencies for either of these implementations is not bitcoin. Advertisement Phil Blair, Manpower YES: It is universally either misunderstood or completely confusing and ignored by everyone else. The irony of how bad it is for the environment due to immense use of electricity, mostly in countries that use fossil fuels to produce the electricity, and how cyber currency is used for illegal activities and money laundering is not lost on the public. As it is banned by more and more countries, companies and individuals, I think we will see it fade away, just as the fad that it is. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: Elon Musk admitted on Saturday Night Live that it was a hustle. Those who have profited have done so as a speculative investment, not its intrinsic currency value. Its anonymity, while lauded by its devotees, is particularly troubling as the go-to platform for criminals and hackers. Many see a currency system not backed by a nation as a good thing. I am still trying to figure out why that even matters. It feels like cryptocurrency exists for solving a problem that doesnt really exist. Maybe Im a Luddite. Advertisement Alan Gin, University of San Diego NO: While it hasnt yet achieved the status envisioned by its founders (a currency that everybody could use for day-to-day transactions), it does serve some useful purposes. More businesses are accepting it, it can be used as collateral for loans, and it is a speculative investment vehicle. It is even used for money laundering and illegal activities. As more and more financial institutions get involved, it may begin to approach the status of traditional currencies, but that might lead to regulation by some governments. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: The value of cryptocurrency or bitcoin will come from the strength of the issuer. A government could determine to use it as alt-currency and cryptocurrency provides opportunities for illegal transactions of which there are many, even between countries. Hence, while technically we could describe cryptocurrency as useless, the truth is it might have significant value to many who are trying to avoid taxes or law enforcement. Advertisement Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth NO: Cryptocurrencies represent a paradigm shift toward a (partially inevitable) future of decentralized finance. Bitcoin was the first and still the most used today. Despite all the bad press (use for illegal activity, empty prospecting, environmental impact) crypto is having positive impacts (programmatic contracts, alternatives to volatile governments) and evolving as it is adopted. Moreover, crypto is simply one use-case of the powerful technology blockchain which will change many industries. Cabs dismissed, then fought, Uber the same way banks dismiss crypto. James Hamilton, UC San Diego NO: Mining for bitcoin, like mining for gold, has environmental costs and wastes economic resources. But people pay these costs because gold and bitcoin provide something they value: a liquid way to store and spend wealth that is harder for governments to appropriate than many other assets. Nevertheless, I think the price of bitcoin went far above its fundamental value. My recommendation is for all investors to stay away from this asset. Advertisement Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health Not participating this week. Norm Miller, University of San Diego NO: International cryptocurrency transfers can lower transaction costs over traditional wiring costs. Drug dealers also find utility in the anonymous nature of transfers. However, as an everyday permanent currency, it fails because volatility makes holding it too risky. It also fails as a store of wealth because we dont know how to value it. So-called supply limits do not matter, as it is too easy to start new cryptocurrencies, like Dogecoin, and last, it is an unsustainable energy hog that geometrically uses more and more power to mine the next coin. Advertisement Jamie Moraga, IntelliSolutions YES: Even though bitcoin currently has value and isnt worthless per se, it is useless, highly volatile and speculative. An example was given recently that if a bitcoin buys one Tesla today, but only half of one tomorrow, then its useless as a means of payment and store of value. The instability and unreliable nature of bitcoin (and its general lack of adoption outside of a cryptocurrency exchange) will prevent it from being able to correlate like the dollar does with gold. Useless or not, cryptocurrency remains a disruptive technology with a cult following. David Ely, San Diego State University NO: Bitcoin serves a role in the evaluation of digital currencies and contributed toward the development of blockchain technology. Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) are more recent innovations involving digital currencies and offer some advancements over bitcoin. CBDCs are being considered by a number of central banks and could offer some potential benefits, including a more efficient mechanism for cross-border transactions and a way to give underbanked consumers access to digital currency. Email me at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter: @PhillipMolnar
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https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2021-05-28/is-bitcoin-useless
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What constitutes a war crime?
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Over the last few weeks, a new round of intense, open violence erupted in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And with it came a deluge of brutal accounts, often accompanied by video footage, of civilian displacement, destruction, and death: Missiles fired into residential buildings; vital infrastructure, like roads and hospitals, gutted; tens of thousands of people sheltering wherever they can, many in a state of increasing precarity. A ceasefire agreement, reached at the end of last week, slowed the flow of these horror stories. But it will almost certainly only be a temporary reprieve, as there is no end to the wider conflict in sight. Confronting these sorts of human tragedies triggers many observers natural sense of empathy and justice, says David Crowe, an expert on international criminal law. That leads them to feel the need to express just how wrong it is to subject innocent people to the chaos of modern warfare, and to demand accountability for the propagation of widespread suffering. And often, the easiest way to do that is by labeling acts that lead to civilian suffering like the rocket strikes conducted by the Israeli government, and to a lesser degree Hamas, in recent weeks as war crimes. Members of the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian group Hamas, march in Gaza on May 27, 2021. [Photo by Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images] Its a forceful phrase, as it both evokes a sense of blatant and extreme wrongdoing, and demands meaningful punishment and restitution. But as Crowe, who literally wrote the book on the history of war crimes, and several other experts Mic consulted for this article pointed out, its also a legal term. Few laypeople know what technically constitutes a war crime, these experts added, which leads frequently to dissonance between colloquial and official uses of the label. So, its worth clearing up in detail what war crimes actually are, and how the label gets assigned. The birth of war crimes Although societies have sporadically attempted to regulate war since at least antiquity, broad agreement on the rules of warfare, centered on a vague desire to protect civilians and other non-combatants from its harms, only started to emerge in the West in the mid-19th century. The term war crimes itself was only coined in English in 1906. Yet even into the 1940s, the exact definition and legal contours of the term were still a bit hazy. Until World War II, it fell to individual states to enforce these broad norms in most cases. And they often granted their own citizens a wide degree of leeway when they committed atrocities and complete immunity if someone in government ordered them to do so. But when the scope and scale of atrocities committed by Axis soldiers and officials came into focus, it prompted the Allied powers to set up international tribunals to make sure the perpetrators of war crimes were punished via systematic application of justice, regardless of their nationality, status, or orders they may have received. The trials forced Allied powers to cobble together a concrete and workable list of prosecutable war crimes, drawn mainly from the still-nebulous world of international treaties. But because this list was still a bit ad hoc, the trials primary legacy was enshrining the ideas that there could and should be a universal set of standards for war conduct, that any transgression against them would be war crimes, and that the entire world ought to be obligated to police violations of these rules. A general view of the chamber during the signing of the Geneva Conventions in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Dec. 13, 1949. [Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images] In 1949, the fourth Geneva Convention finally laid out a comprehensive list of rules for conduct during armed conflicts and established that any violations of these rules would merit prosecution as war crimes. The Convention actually initially called violations grave breaches rather than war crimes; a 1977 update to the Convention clarified that the two terms are, as everyone had long assumed, synonymous. Every nation has signed onto the 1949 list, thus establishing it as the definitive, universal enumeration of war crimes. Okay. The Geneva Conventions call civilians and combatants who are sick or injured, are prisoners of war, or have surrendered protected individuals. War crimes, meanwhile, are defined as willful killing, torture, or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health against these protected people. Arbitrarily deporting or otherwise displacing, conscripting, or denying fair trials to these individuals also constitute war crimes, as do hostage-taking and excessive destruction or pillaging of property. Later widely accepted international treaties, like the 1998 Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court, adhered to the Geneva Conventions overarching definition of war crimes. The difference is that they often offer more specific definitions for example, specifying that taking sex slaves, forcibly sterilizing people, and conscripting child soldiers all fall under the umbrella of inhumane treatment. International law firmly holds that war crimes can only occur during wars, James Gow, a professor of international peace and security studies, tells Mic. This may seem self-evident, but its important: It means the same general atrocities, when committed outside of war, cannot be prosecuted as, and lead to the sanctions associated with, designated war crimes. These acts instead have to be categorized as crimes against humanity or genocide, which are discrete categories with their own specific characteristics and requirements, Gow explains. That leads to the question: Well, what is a war? Crowe says. Does it apply to conflicts within a country, or with terrorists? Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States has notably argued that most acts of terrorism fall beyond the scope of the Conventions, and that this in turn gives the country wide discretion in how to deal with terrorists. The 1977 addendum to the Geneva Conventions does specify that these protections extend to combatants in internal and non-traditional conflicts. But nations still occasionally attempt to argue that certain forms of violence dont rise to the level of treaty-covered armed conflict, and that certain irregular combatants fall outside of the Conventions' protections. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States has notably argued that most acts of terrorism fall beyond the scope of the Conventions, and that this in turn gives the country wide discretion in how to deal with terrorists. The U.S.s unlawful combatants designation, which explicitly argues that an individual is not covered by the Conventions, is the cornerstone of Americas justification for its forays into torture, indefinite detentions, and any other number of actions in the war on terror that sure seem like war crimes to many observers. Why some wartime atrocities arent technically war crimes The Conventions do hedge their protections with ambiguous modifiers like unnecessary and excessive. Lt. Col. Durward Elton Johnson, an expert on international law at the U.S. Naval War College, tells Mic that this stems from an acknowledgement at the heart of international human rights laws: That a state whose actions comply with the letter of the law governing armed conflict might incidentally result in loss of civilian life or property, even though the state seeks to avoid, or minimize civilian harm as much as feasibly possible. (Johnson stressed that he spoke to Mic in a personal capacity, not as a representative of the military or any other state entity.) International law holds that combatants have to attempt to make a distinction between combatants and non-combatants in the field; that they must take precautions to avoid or mitigate the harms their actions cause to non-combatants; and that they must have a good argument that the potential impacts of their actions are proportionate to the military benefits they stand to gain from them. But when conflicts occur in populated urban areas, or involve combatants with a penchant for embedding themselves among civilians (like Hamas), this creates ample room for officials to argue that they just had to do horrible things to achieve military goals they claim to be legitimate. A Palestinian boy lies on the ruins of his destroyed home in the town of Beit Hanoun on May 26. [Photo by Mohammed Talatene/picture alliance via Getty Images] In the [recent Israeli-Paestinian] military conflict, war crimes historian Michael Bryant explains, the Israelis have been accused of war crimes for bombing buildings that housed innocent civilians, including women and children. The Israelis have defended their actions as a lawful response to Hamas using such buildings as sites for firing missiles into Israel. The Geneva Conventions compel every nation in the world to search for persons alleged to have committed, or to have ordered to be committed war crimes, and to prosecute them if they can. And many do: Notably, America held its soldiers accountable for murdering dozens of civilians in the Vietnamese village of My Lai in 1968, and last year Australia laid out a huge case implicating its elite troops in Afghanistan in a longstanding pattern of war criminal conduct. However, states often turn a blind eye to potential war crimes that would be inconvenient or embarrassing to investigate. (See: Americas reticence to hold former President George W. Bush accountable for his administrations many shady military moves.) And weak states, especially those dealing with the aftermath of major conflicts, often lack the resources to pursue war crimes cases. But even if some states are unwilling or unable to tackle their own war crimes, the international nature of these infractions opens the door for other states to use whats called universal jurisdiction to launch trials, even against people who are entirely unrelated to their land or citizens. The international community also sets up independent tribunals in the wake of major regional conflicts to help shattered nations prosecute cases. In 2002, most of the worlds nations agreed to set up the International Criminal Court, a permanent tribunal to serve as a last resort for trying cases that other nations cant or wont. Any member nation can refer war crimes allegedly committed by its citizens or within its jurisdiction to the ICC for investigation. A view of the International Criminal Court buildings in the Hague, Netherlands, on May 20. [Photo by Vyacheslav Prokofyev\TASS via Getty Images] However, international courts often struggle to get the nations whose combatants theyre investigating to cooperate. America, which never fully signed onto the ICC, has notably balked at the ICCs attempts to investigate its military actions in Afghanistan. Whats more, it is often incredibly hard to prove to any court that a war crime was intentionally committed, beyond any doubt. You have to get into the mind of the commander to prove that, says Gary Solis, a Vietnam War veteran, longtime professor of the law of war, and former military prosecutor who has successfully pursued war crimes cases against numerous U.S. soldiers. In fact, very few people have even been tried for proportionality offenses outside of the [World War II war crimes] tribunals. Thats why officials usually only slap the war crimes label on relatively small-scale incidents, in which theres abundant evidence that non-combatants clearly suffered or died under incredibly egregious circumstances. As Bryant noted, the only slam-dunk court cases involve deliberate, cold-blooded killings of civilians, devoid of military justification.
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https://www.mic.com/p/what-constitutes-a-war-crime-81031736
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Are banks open Memorial Day 2021?
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MEMORIAL Day is a US holiday observed on the final Monday of May every year. The annual celebration of military heroes lands on May 31 in 2021. There are 10 federal holidays in the US - including Memorial Day. Nearly all banks are closed on Memorial Day, but they are not alone. The US Postal Service will not be operating on the holiday, and most learning institutions will be shuttered. Although banks are closed, shoppers should remember that ATM service is available 24 hours at most institutions. The holiday traditionally honors the men and women who died while serving in the US military. General John Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in 1868, according to History.com. The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land, he said. 3 Banks are closed on Memorial Day Credit: Getty The holiday was initially called Decoration Day. The date was selected because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle, according to History.com. The day would slowly over the years become known as Memorial Day. "For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day," according to History.com. "But in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971." Most read in Money CHECK AGAIN New round of $1,400 stimulus checks may be coming as calls mount for more cash MONEY PROBLEMS Experts debate chances of fourth stimulus check as Biden fails to commit LUCKY BREAK IRS now sending $10,200 refund to millions who paid unemployment taxes SHOW ME THE MONEY Fourth stimulus check could be on the way soon if Congress says yes HELPING HANDOUT Surprise $1,400 checks sent to NONCITIZENS who lived in the US decades ago CASH BOOST Heres why you could get a bonus payment on top of your third stimulus check The measure also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. Cities and towns across host Memorial Day parades each year and Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. "On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend - the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself - unofficially marks the beginning of summer," reads History.com.
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https://www.the-sun.com/money/2926343/memorial-day-federal-holiday-banks-military-heroes/
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Is Fair Probe Against Twitter Possible With Delhi Polices Vindictive Stand?
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On Thursday, 27 May, Delhi Police gave a statement to news agency ANI in response to Twitters press release on the police raid at its Delhi office. Earlier on Thursday, Twitter had issued a statement saying, We, alongside many in civil society in India and around the world, have concerns with regards to the use of intimidation tactics by the police in response to enforcement of our global Terms of Service as well as with core elements of the new IT Rules. The companys statement came amid its clash with the government over the Congress toolkit row and the tagging of BJP leaders posts as manipulated media. A team of the Delhi Police Special Cell had paid a visit to Twitter Indias offices earlier this week, after serving a notice to the company.
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https://www.thequint.com/news/law/delhi-police-raid-remarks-on-twitter-violates-law-vendetta
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How do heat pumps work?
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HEAT pumps are an alternative way to heating your home if you want to move away from non-renewable energy sources such as oil and gas. A heat pump is a type of renewable energy technology that enables you to heat your home environmentally and at a low cost. There are two types of air-source heat pumps, air-to-water systems and air-to-air systems. Heat pumps deliver heat at a lower temperature than gas and oil boilers so they have to be run for much longer periods at a time. There are also ground source heat pumps that take the heat from underground by pumping water through it in pipes. Heat pumps take the available heat from the ground or air and increase it to a higher temperature using a compresser. It then transfers the heat to the heating system in your home. The pump uses electricity to run but it takes less energy than the heat it produces making it an efficient way to warm your home. The average cost for an air-source heat pump is between 5,000 and 8,000 This price depends on the size and area of your home. But the savings are huge. According to Energy Savings Trust, if you have oil fired heating you could save anything between 475 and 735 a year. If you use electric heating, you could save between 830 and 1465 over the 12 months. Lastly, if you use gas heating you could save between 1315 and 1975 a year.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2973693/how-do-heat-pumps-work/
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How many people died in the Windsor Locks murder suicide?
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MULTIPLE family members were allegedly killed in a murder-suicide in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The incident took place on the morning of May 28, 2021. Three people have been killed and one hurt in an alleged murder suicide involving a couple and their stepkids. Police said that they responded to calls of multiple people shot on the second floor of a home at 12.53am. When they arrived, they found two men and one woman suffering from gunshot wounds with no signs of life. The EMS later pronounced them dead at the scene - and police believe that the suspect is among the deceased. Cops said that the shooting involved a blended family - a couple and their adult stepkids. Another person was a guest at the house. They said that there was a commotion which eventually lead to gunfire. The investigation is underway and the scene is still active, cops said, as they are trying to piece together what led up to the shooting.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2973866/windsor-locks-connecticut-murder-suicide-family/
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Who is Christine Hammontree and when did she go missing?
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CHRISTINE Hammontree, a tourist from Maine, went missing after getting into a car in Times Square during the early morning hours of May 24. Concerns are growing that the 29-year-old may be in danger after having not been seen since. Accoridng to Falmouth Police Lt Jeff Pardue, Hammontree, of Plymouth, Maine, lived in New York at a time but had moved back home with her parents. Hammontree, 29, had been visiting a boyfriend in New York City but was expected back in Maine this week, Pardue said. Surveillance footage captured the 29-year-old getting into an SUV with "a group of unidentified individuals" at the Crossroads of the World shortly after 2am on May 24. Accoridng to NBC New York, Hammontree was captured on video interacting with two men and a woman while drinking nutcracker cocktails (hard liquor with fruit juice) inside a McDonald's located in Times Square. 3 The missing 29-year-old is originally from Plymouth, Maine Credit: Twitter The missing woman is described as 5'8" with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing an oversized blue T-shirt, cut-off jeans and sandals. She had aviator sunglasses on her head and was carrying an orange backpack, police said. Hammontree's parents, who are in Maine, reported her missing on Tuesday, May 25, cops said. Her parents have no spoken out since their daughter's disappearance. 3 Hammontree, left, is described as 58 in height with brown hair and brown eyes Credit: Twitter Most read in News HORROR FIND Neighbor 'in tears' after finding body of 'kidnapped and slain' boy, 4 FACING JUSTICE Cheerleader's killer' will be tried as an ADULT as murder details revealed FAMILY BLOODBATH Three killed & one hurt in murder suicide involving couple & stepkids TRUTH BOMBS Harry's new dig at Royals over families who feel 'shame' at mental health woes BILL BARRED Bill Cosby, 83, denied parole after REFUSING to complete sex offender therapy IN COURT Meet suspect Aiden Fucci's parents Crystal Smith and Jason Fucci Falmouth Police Lt. Pardue said a specific description of the vehicle - and who was in it - was not yet available. However, cops have been seeking more video footage and are expecting to release specifics once reviewed. Anyone with information or who has seen Hammontree since her last known whereabouts is asked to call the Falmouth police at 207-781-2300.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2973885/christine-hammontree-maine-tourist-missing-new-york-city/
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Who spat on Trae Young at a New York Knicks game?
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A NEW York Knicks fan spat at Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young at a game on May 26, 2021. The fan has been banned indefinitely from future Knicks games. During game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Madison Square Garden, a Knicks fan in the second row of the stadium attempted to spit at Trae Young. In doing so, he spit over those sitting courtside, which included rapper 50 Cent. In a statement, the Knicks said, "We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder, did indeed spit on Trae Young, and for that reason, he is now banned from The Garden indefinitely." Keep ya mask on my boy#ThatsJustChildish Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 27, 2021 Continued the NBA team, "We apologize to Trae and the entire Atlanta Hawks organization for this fan's behavior. This was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our venue. We have turned the information over to the appropriate authorities." A video of the incident went viral on Twitter, prompting a reaction from the player himself. Young checked in on 50 Cent and wrote, "Damn... Crazy !" later tweeting, "Keep ya mask on my boy, adding the hashtag, "#ThatsJustChildish." Knicks legend Patrick Ewing was hospitalized with coronavirus in May 2020 and warned fans at the time that it was "serious." "This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly," the NBA legend formerly said in a statement. "I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. "Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. 3 Patrick Ewing Credit: Reuters "I'll be fine and we will all get through this." At the time, the Georgetown Athletics program said that the 57-year-old was the only member of its men's program who contracted Covid. As a player, the seven-foot champion helped Georgetown win the 1984 NCAA men's basketball championship and reach two other title games. He was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 draft after the Knicks won the NBAs first lottery. Ewing wound up leading New York to the 1994 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Rockets.
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2973544/trae-young-new-york-knicks-fan-spat/
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Is there parking at Pass-a-Grille?
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Don't let parking ruin your beach day. ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. The beaches are expected to be packed for Memorial Day weekend and that means finding a place to park could be a headache. That's why one popular Pinellas County beach has a real-time parking availability map. You can use it to find a spot at Pass-a-Grille. The map allows you to zoom in and out to see parking availability along 9th Avenue and Pass-a-Grille Way. It also counts the number of available spots at the bottom. If you want to skip the parking pains altogether, you could take St. Pete Beach's Freebee shuttle. The shuttle will not cost you a dime and provides on-demand transportation for the St. Pete Beach area.
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pass-a-grille-parking/67-857d1c03-17f4-4ba2-89e3-575fbbb0c58c
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What's behind Lehigh Hanson's divestment of its west region assets?
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28 May 2021 HeidelbergCement Group made a significant announcement this week about the sale of several business activities in the US west region, under Lehigh Hanson's control, to US-based Martin Marietta Materials Inc. The transaction includes the sale of two cement plants, distribution terminals and activities in 17 aggregate sites and asphalt in the states of California, Arizona, Oregon and Nevada. Dr Dominik von Achten, chairman of the Managing Board of HeidelbergCement, said: "The sale of our US West region activities is a major step in our portfolio optimisation as part of our 'Beyond 2020' strategy." HeidelbergCement's Beyond 2020 strategy was launched at the group's Capital Markets Day in September 2020 and in part signals a change in direction in portfolio mananegment with a simplification of the country portfolio under the group and prioritisation of the strongest-growing markets. The strategy is the path that HeidelbergCement envisages to take up to 2025. The west region sales include other downstream businesses under the Lehigh Hanson portfiolio in aggregates and asphalt, which will provide HeidelbergCement with a substantial sum to help reinvest in the restructuring of its building material businesses in global markets. The US west region sale amounts to US$2.3bn and looks to include the sale of two the company's Californian cement plants. The cement plant sales could relate to the 0.62Mta Redding cement plant and the larger 0.9Mta Tehachapi cement plant, although HeidelbergCement did not stipulate exactly which plants were being sold. HeidelbergCement's statement advises that the Permanente (Cupertino) cement plant and quarry are not included in the transaction. The Permanente plant has been idle since the kiln overheated in 2019 and sustained damage from a refractory installation. The 80-year silos at the facility were repaired in 2020, according to local reports. The plant is close to the Bay Area but has to compete against aggressive imports. The Redding factory was built in 1981 and is situated in an area where the wildfires have been so destructive in the last year. It is also the plant where HeidelbergCement announced as recently as March that it would be the site for the pilot of a new carbon capture project with Fortera's proprietary ReCarb technology to achieve a 60 per cent reduction in CO 2 per tonne of product produced. The captured carbon is to be converted into a cementitious material that will be used in the production of a high-quality, low-carbon concrete. The most modern of the group's plants in California, the Tehachapi plant, is located on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains. Both the Tehachapi and Redding plants were among the four plants from Lehigh Hanson that won the EPA's Energy Star certification in 2018. Martin Marietta's set for growth Martin Marietta's President and CEO, Ward Nye, said: "With this acquisition, our company will be well-positioned to capitalise on long-term demand drivers from increased state infrastructure investment in California and Arizona as well as continued private-sector growth across these regions." Martin Marietta currently operates three integrated cement plants and a cement terminal in Houston. The Midlothian and Hunter cement plants are both situated in Texas. The Riverside Crestmore white cement plant is located in California, but the grey cement grinding plant in Crestmore is closed. Martin Marietta has a total grey cement capacity of 4.6Mta. Lehigh realigns its focus The Californian cement market is still proving to be the most productive of the US states, topping the chart for clinker and cement production in February 2021, which is surely a pull factor for Martin Marietta. However, the environmental legislation in the state is amongst the toughest in the country and Lehigh Cement has had to invest US$12m in environmental control technology in California as part of a settlement with the US EPA for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. With these sales, Lehigh Hanson's strategy is becoming more defined. The proposed acquisition of the Giant Cement Keystone plant in Bath, Pennsylvania, and its decision to invest US$600m in the ongoing expansion project at its Mitchell plant in Indiana is realigning and strengthening some of the company's core markets. Following a delay, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, KHD Humboldt Wedag International resumed construction of the new line at the Mitchell plant earlier this year and it is on course to be operational in the 1Q23. ICR covers the Florida cement market in the ICR May 2021 issue. Published under
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https://www.cemnet.com/News/story/170845/what-s-behind-lehigh-hanson-s-divestment-of-its-west-region-assets-.html
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How can Americans prove theyre fully vaccinated?
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After months of mask mandates, Americans received a welcome message from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in mid-May: Fully-vaccinated individuals can now forgo face coverings in most public and private settings. What You Need To Know In mid-May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated individuals can forgo face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings Other than the official CDC vaccine card, there are limited nationally-recognized ways for Americans to prove they have completed a COVID-19 vaccine regimen U.S. officials have repeatedly affirmed that they will not create any kind of required credential or collect Americans vaccination data A number of states have also banned so-called "vaccine passports," an official document, often digital, that proves someone is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 As of Thursday, that guidance applies to 40% of the country, or around 132 million people. The answers arent as straightforward as some might think: Federal officials maintain there will be no nationwide mandate or database to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, or to obtain proof thereof. But state lawmakers are split on the issue of vaccine verification, and whether or not businesses should be allowed to mandate proof of a completed vaccine regimen. Melissa Goldstein, associate professor at the George Washington Universitys Milken Institute School of Public Health, told Spectrum News she strongly supports the governments decision to leave mandates or lack thereof to the states, given the complex nature of the issue. I think that the federal government has taken a balanced issue here, and I support it because I think it depends on context, Goldstein said. This is one of the hardest issues that we face when we're talking about public health ethics, public health law the interest of individuals, and how they can change per individual, and even within one individual in a different context, and the interest of society. Those who are unvaccinated have different reasons, and we need to be aware of that, because they are part of our society as well, she added. What U.S. officials say First and foremost, health officials advise keeping your CDC vaccine card handy for proof, or at least a picture or photocopy of it. No matter where you live, any business requiring proof of the shot should accept the government-issued card. Longer-term, it may be required for international travel in the coming months or for a vaccine booster shot down the line. My advice to folks is to just keep track of it the best that you can. Have a backup plan for it, said Dr. Cameron Webb, a White House adviser on COVID-19. Also have a picture of it just so you can keep track. And that's kind of the best guidance we have for now." If you threw out or lost your vaccine card, check back with the provider where you got the shot, whether thats CVS, a local pharmacy or other vaccine site. Most should have a record of your inoculation. Doctors have also recommended not laminating your vaccine card, since it may be used for future booster shots of the vaccine. Some countries have opted for a government-approved vaccine passport, an official document, often digital, that proves someone is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Israel has something called the Green Pass, for example, which can be presented digitally or printed, and Hungary is issuing immunity cards to its vaccinated citizens. But U.S. officials have repeatedly affirmed that they will not create any kind of required credential or collect Americans vaccination data. "Unlike other parts of the world, the government here is not viewing its role as the place to create a passport, nor a place to hold the data of citizens, said Andy Slavitt, White House Senior Advisor for COVID-19, in a March briefing. We view this as something that the private sector is doing and will do. The Biden administration has called for any sort of vaccine passport created by a U.S. company to be equally accessible to all, no matter what technology they have. Vaccine verification at the state and local level States largely fall into one of three camps when it comes to vaccine verification. There are those states, like New York and Hawaii, that have created statewide programs to help residents easily show they are vaccinated in venues that require them to do so. In late March, New York rolled out the voluntary Excelsior Pass, which officials likened to a mobile airline boarding pass, but for proving you received a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test. In order to use the pass, New Yorkers are asked to verify information including their zip code, name, birthday, date of their last COVID-19 shot, county of vaccination and which type of vaccine they received. They can then access a secure QR code either through a smartphone app, or by printing a paper version. New Yorkers can use the app at participating locations, which include Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and Times Union Center. In early May, Hawaiis Democratic Gov. David Ige launched a new phase for the states Safe Travels program, where Americans traveling to the island can upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. The recent update to the Safe Travels program allows fully-vaccinated Hawaiians to travel between islands and bypass and pre-travel testing or quarantine requirements Other states, like Connecticut and California, say they will remain largely hands-off in the vaccine passport arena. California will not create any one form of vaccine passport when it lifts its statewide mask mandate in June, officials confirmed last week. But residents will need some sort of proof of vaccination for the businesses that require it and the state will also mandate that large indoor events, like sports games or concerts, check for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. A statewide vaccine verification program is similarly unlikely in Connecticut, where Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, maintains that the private sector should lead the way. If I had businesses and others saying, Boy itd really be handy if the state came in and helped make sure some digital platform is in place, wed take a look at it. I havent gotten that request though, Lamont said last week, per the Connecticut Post. I think most businesses are able to do it themselves. The third cohort of states is growing by the week; those that have banned businesses from requesting vaccine verification, both from employees and patrons, altogether. The various statewide mandates against vaccine passports range in both scope and intent. But many lawmakers say their intent is to prevent discrimination against those who are unvaccinated. In early May, Floridas Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an order, effective July 1, that will stop businesses from requiring customers to show proof they have been vaccinated. In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision, DeSantis said at the time. His action also barred state government agencies from issuing documents intended to prove a persons vaccination status. The mandate doesnt include health care facilities, but it does apply to schools and private businesses. Similar legislation has been approved in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and more. Options for individuals and businesses Of course, there are ways to signal vaccine status during interpersonal interactions most locations giving out COVID-19 vaccines also offer a sticker or a pin to an individual upon completing their vaccine regimen. And just last week, a slew of popular dating apps teamed up with the White House in a campaign to get more people vaccinated, with some offering users profile badges that show they got the shot. Bumble, Match, OKCupid, BLK and Chispa, for example, have all created badges that say things like Vaccinated or Vaxified to let potential dates know theyve gotten the shot. Hinge and Tinder will give vaccinated members access to premium features of the app, plus other suggested ways to display their vaccination status on their profile. But most currently-available ways to self-identify as vaccinated are limited to specific areas, meaning a person traveling outside of their home state might not be able to prove their status. New Yorks Excelsior Pass, for example, uses data from official New York city and state immunization databases, meaning the pass only works for those who received their jab in-state. Even those entities residing within New York but not under the purview of the states regulatory authority like Tribal Nations and federal operations might be unable to get an Excelsior Pass, and instead must use a physical vaccine card or other approved form of vaccine verification. There are growing options for individuals and businesses who wish to signal vaccination status to the public, although their use is subject to statewide mandates. One of the first-to-market options is ImmunaBand, a high-tech bracelet whose QR code links to proof of an individuals vaccination status. This is a way for employers to say, look, the people that aren't wearing masks aren't wearing masks, because they're fully vaccinated, Dr. Tashof Bernton, creator and president of ImmunaBand LLC., told Spectrum News. So it's both a symbol that you've completed the vaccination sequence, and it also is a visible representation of vaccination status. The wristbands can be used really anywhere you need proof of vaccination status, Bernton says. Not only is the data pincode protected, but the company has worked to ensure the bracelets are HIPAA-compliant and the information is stored with the greatest security that we can. Still, protecting private health information remains a key concern for many Americans, and a number of companies are working to assuage those fears. Since early January, the Vaccination Credential Initiative, a coalition of tech and medical experts, have been working to address those who may be concerned about sharing private information with a third-party app. The goal of the 300-plus members is to create a universal implementation guide for SMART Health Cards, or a secure way for vaccinated people to add proof of their status directly to their smartphone. A final draft of the guide could be released by the end of May, and a working protocol is already live on GitHub. Part of the efforts short-term goals is to enable a consumer to receive COVID-19 Vaccination or lab results and present these results to another party in a verifiable manner, while accessing as little private medical information as possible. The hope is that eventually SMART Health Cards could be shown to any location that requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
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https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2021/05/27/covid-vaccine-passports-state-mandate-app
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How much money do IndyCar drivers make?
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The answer is complicated and, as most series fans know, somewhat of a taboo subject within the paddock. It might sound strange in a world where the salaries of professional athletes in almost all major sports are public knowledge. If you want to know how much Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz makes, all you have to do is type those words into Google, and, poof, there it is. (He signed a 4-year, $128-million contract in June 2019.) If you want to know how much money hes ever made playing professional football, rinse and repeat. But its not that way in North Americas premier open-wheel series. When a driver signs a new contract, the details of the deal seldom leak. Why that is true is up for debate, but one source familiar with the situation within the paddock made an educated guess at one part of the reason. Probably if there was more money in the sport, people would be more open to transparency, the source said. I think because everyone operates on such fine margins, theres probably more desire to keep that information confidential. As you know, no one gets rich off of racing. At least none of the teams and team owners." Full Indy 500 starting grid:A guide to the 33-car starting lineup Print it out:A great guide to the Indy 500 starting lineup Another possible reason is that the concept of driver pay is so nebulous, its hard to get a handle on. If there are 24 full-time drivers in the series, few have similarly structured contracts, the same source said. Its not as simple as a team signing a driver to a flat salary. Many, if not most, arent paid only a flat salary. They might earn some of their annual compensation in salary, but the rest is determined by a number of factors. One might be the sponsorship they bring to a team. As an example, if a driver brings $2 million worth of sponsorship, he or she might earmark $500,000 for themselves as salary. However, if its a better team, and that driver really wants to race with that program, she or he might take less out of that $2 million in order to do so. Some drivers will bet on themselves bringing in new sponsorship during the year and will negotiate with teams to take a percentage of that. It's risky, but a confident driver has a chance to make more money that way if the season goes the way he or she hopes. A slice of sponsorship is only one piece of the pie. Just about every driver also receives performance bonuses. If they win one race, they get X dollars; if they win two, double it. That sort of thing. If they win the Indianapolis 500, thats usually where the biggest bonus comes even more so than winning the series championship. Sometimes, that bonus will come from the team, but it often comes from a team partner or sponsor. As a hypothetical, if Scott Dixon won the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 this year, PNC Bank might pay him a bonus as a reward for all of the added exposure. As drivers win more races and gain more experience in the series, they also tend to earn a higher percentage of the purses. However, outside of Indianapolis, purse money at most races, said another source familiar with the salary structure in IndyCar, are still an embarrassment to the whole thing. That source said the standard driver's portion of the purse used to be about 40%, but believes it has crept closer to 50% in recent years -- at least for the more-seasoned veterans. There are also "perks." Some drivers' contracts will include a motorhome as well as expenses (fuel, cleaning, etc.) to maintain it. Team and now series owner Roger Penske has been known to take care of his veteran drivers in lieu of paying them premium salaries, one source said. That can mean any number of things, but includes helping set up his drivers with car dealerships or making other business arrangements where they can earn money away from the track. "Some of them are set up in business for life," the source said. "A guy like Rick Mears probably doesn't have a worry in the world (after his racing career was over)." Driver compensation is complicated. Ask just about anyone this question, and the answer comes back the same: Scott Dixon. Again, these are just educated guesses, because his contract is not public, but multiple sources speculated the six-time series champion makes somewhere between $3.5 million and $4.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid driver in the series -- which he has been for some time. Even off the record, sources didnt want to mention names. Typically though, its the drivers who have to bring a lot of budget to their teams to get a ride, they said. Its not unheard of for some drivers not to take a salary during a season, though most do. On the low end for this season, one source guessed: maybe $250,000-$350,000. Of the 24 regular-season drivers, everyone is compensated to some extent. No one is driving for free. Its just a matter of what that funding is. As a reminder, thats among full-time drivers. One-off entries in the Indianapolis 500 can run the gamut. Not long ago, Conor Daly reminded us of that. The Noblesville native took out a loan to cover the remaining cost of his entry in the 2018 Indianapolis 500 and told the Indianapolis Star, Im not scheduled to make any money on this deal unless I finish in, like, the top four. Daly finished 21st in that race and didnt see a dime of the $200,305 he won in that race. Again, thats almost impossible to say and changes from year to year. However, one source speculated 14 to 16 drivers make $1 million or more. The source guessed there might be as many as six drivers in the upper echelon with Dixon at the top of the pecking order. Thats tough to answer. Overall, multiple sources agreed, there is less money in the sport than during its heyday in the '80s and '90s. Near the turn of the century, a source said, even a one-car program could cost about $13 million. Now you can run two cars, pretty much, on that budget, he said. The infamous Split of 1996 had an adverse effect on budgets and driver salaries, the source added. The biggest part of the dip probably occurred around 2007 or 2008, just before unification. But over the past five or six years, salaries have been on the rise. Theres more money for drivers than there was even five or six years ago, a source said. A second source speculated that Dixon's salary now is probably higher than the cream of the crop even before the split. Again, the answer to this varies from driver to driver and team to team. On the team side, many owners negotiate the deals themselves. Others have team presidents, CFOs, COOs or someone else of that ilk to conduct negotiations. On the driver side, a select few will negotiate deals themselves, but most have some sort of representation, an agent or a manager, who negotiate their contracts. It depends on the drivers personality, one source said. Some dont want the distraction of dealing with that and just want to focus on driving the car. . Some drivers dont want the added expense of paying for a manager. But a majority of drivers have someone who act for them. Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti for example, have worked with agent/lawyer John Caponigro, for decades. The former CART president and COO has clients that span all of sports. Among his more famous clients, hes represented racing stars Brad Keselowski and Sam Hornish as well as Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly. In 2018, he negotiated Graham Rahal's most recent contract extension with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. But not all drivers hire agents or managers to do their negotiating. Pieter Rossi, Alexander Rossi's father, has typically been the point person in his sons contract negotiations, while former Formula 1 and CART driver Stefan Johansson has served as Dixons agent for years. He has represented other drivers in the series, as well, including Arrow McLaren SP's Felix Rosenqvist. Follow IndyStar sports reporter Jim Ayello on Twitter: @jimayello.
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https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-500/2021/05/28/how-much-money-do-indycar-drivers-make/7459729002/
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Is het gras groener aan de andere kant van de heuvel?
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Ronduit ontluisterend. Zo kan je het best het filmdagboek samenvatten dat Frdric Sojcher neerpende met al zijn frustraties en vernederingen die hij en al die anderen niet op de laatste plaats tal van vrouwelijke Belgische cineasten al die jaren moesten doorstaan. Zijn boekje Je veux faire du cinma Petit manuel de survie dans le 7e art leest als een surrealistische roman. Al bevat zijn survivalkit meer nare ervaringen en regelrechte ontgoochelingen dan gelukzalige momenten. Sinister De eerste Franstalige film die een succes was, zowel bij de filmkritiek als bij het publiek, was Home Sweet Home van Benoit Lamy over ouderen van dagen in een zorgcentrum, die aan het rebelleren slaan. We schrijven 1973, al is het thema bijzonder actueel. De Franstalige Belgische film heeft het altijd al behoorlijk goed gedaan op de grote internationale filmfestivals van Cannes, Veneti en Berlijn. Eerst met de films van Andr Delvaux (de vader van de Belgische film), Chantal Akerman, Grard Corbiau en Jaco Van Dormael. Later nadat een no-budgetfilm zoals Cest arriv prs de chez vous in de jaren 90 voor een verfrissende wind had gezorgd in Franstalig Belgi, dankzij de Luikse broers Jean-Pierre en Luc Dardenne die tot tweemaal toe in Cannes de hoogste bekroning, een Gouden Palm, mochten gaan ophalen voor Rosetta en Lenfant. Succes maakt jaloers. Uit de mond van bepaalde collegas tekende Sojcher herhaaldelijk op dat zij de sociale films van de Dardennes maar niks vonden omdat ze een sinister beeld van Walloni schetsen. Hold-up Wat Sojcher allemaal vertelt is o zo herkenbaar. De Vlaamse film is in hetzelfde bedje ziek (favoritisme, vriendjespolitiek, onoordeelkundig beoordelen van filmscenarios, te veel subsidie naar grote spelers, kruimels voor de rest enz.). Met dat verschil dat de Franstalige Belgische film zeg nooit de Waalse film het moet doen met een subsidiepot(je) voor alle filmgenres van 10 318 000 van de Fdration Wallonnie-Bruxelles, tot 2003 nog De Franse Gemeenschap van Belgi geheten. Ook al is er dan een merkwaardig verschil tussen films gemaakt door cineasten in Brussel en films van cineasten uit de Waalse regio. Maar dat is weer een heel ander verhaal! Een filmproces start bij het filmscenario. Sojcher beschrijft hoe hij naar tal van filmproducenten in Belgi (en in Frankrijk) zijn scenario opstuurt maar amper reactie krijgt, zelfs geen teken van goede ontvangst. Wanneer hij besluit om hen op te bellen, krijgt hij te horen dat hij net de deur uit is, naar een filmfestival in het buitenland, op tournage, met vakantie of naar een werklunch. Elke smoes is goed! Sojcher verklapt ook dat een producente hem deze vuistregel meegeeft: In elke film heeft de protagonist een objectief, een doel. En om dat doel te bereiken moet hij tal van obstakels zien te overwinnen. Precies de regel die elke Hollywoodfilm respecteert. Vervolgens is het een ware martelgang om genoeg fondsen bij elkaar te smokkelen; je wordt van het kastje naar de muur gestuurd. En terug. Wanneer het budget voor Regarde-moi, Sojchers langspeelfilmdebuut min of meer rond is met het accent op min beginnen de problemen zich pas echt op te stapelen. De casting. Zo zegt een (Belgische) actrice enthousiast toe terwijl haar agente de film afraadt wegens de heikele themas: incest, pedofilie. Andere acteurs haken af. Maar het ergste moet dan nog komen: de opnames van de film in Griekenland met Franse acteurs verloopt rampzalig. De chef foto breekt zijn been, maar de artistieke beslissingen van zijn vervanger (samen met de regisseur) worden door de filmploeg bediscussieerd, de spanningen lopen hoog op. Toen iemand op de koop toe ethische vragen bij de inhoud van het verhaal had, verzucht de auteur in het boek: Het verhaal is wel wat ik zelf heb meegemaakt! De opnames worden stopgezet. De film wordt in Belgi afgewerkt. Maar dan al is duidelijk dat het lang de film niet wordt die Sojcher voor ogen stond. De release in de bioscoop is een fiasco, bovendien gaat zijn producent failliet. Na amper twee weken wordt de film van de affiche gehaald. In het voorwoord van het boek dat Sojcher schrijft over zijn eerste poging om een voldragen langspeelfilm te maken spreekt de Franse cineast n cinefiel Bertrand Tavernier van een hold-up op een film. Zeker geen overdrijving in deze. Eenzaam Talloze cineasten getuigen dat ze vaak alleen komen te staan tegenover acteurs, filmploeg, producent terwijl film bij uitstek toch een collectief werk hoort te zijn. Vlamingen zien weinig Franstalige films, op de films van Jaco Van Dormael (Toto le hros, Le nouveau testament, ) en de Dardennes (Le gamin au vlo) na dan. Het is zelfs zo dat deze films meer volk naar de bioscoop lokken in Vlaanderen dan in Walloni en Brussel. De bioscoopgangers in het Franstalig landsgedeelte krijgen zelfs geen Vlaamse films te zien. Hitler in Hollywood Elke film (maken) vereist een aparte strategie. Na zijn onwaarschijnlijk verhaal van een eerste langspeelfilm omstreeks de eeuwwisseling slaagt Sojcher erin een documentaire te maken: Cinastes tout prix (2004), waarin hij drie quasi onbekende filmmakers portretteert, Jacques Hardy, Max Naveaux en Jean-Jacques Rousseau, becommentarieerd door Noel Godin, Bouli Lanners en Benoit Poelvoorde. Zij houden zielsveel van de films van het trio miskende filmers die nooit de bioscoop hebben gehaald. De film wordt geselecteerd door het festival van Cannes. De inspiratie voor zijn mockumentary (een valse documentaire), Hitler in Hollywood (2010) heeft Sojcher gezocht bij dictators van de 20ste eeuw, Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin en Franco, die allemaal in de ban van het medium film waren en in het bijzonder (van de glitter en de glamour) van Hollywood. Hitler in Hollywood heeft het over een complot van de Amerikaanse filmwereld om te verhinderen dat er zoiets zou ontstaan als een Europese cinema. Terwijl Je veut etre actrice (2016) een liefdesverklaring was aan Sojchers dochtertje van tien Nastasjia, zijn vader en aan alle acteurs. Een volgend project, Les Pionniers een subjectieve kijk op onderwijs, gefilmd vanuit het standpunt van zijn dochter wordt herhaaldelijk voor subsidie afgewezen. Het lijkt wel de rode draad door het leven van tal van cineasten in Belgi; de ene afwijzing na de andere. Maandenlang werken gaat in rook op. In het geval van Sojcher weigeringen bij de vleet ondanks selecties voor grote filmfestivals, appreciatie van critici en het feit dat bekende acteurs mee in het project willen meestappen. Chantal Akerman bekende dat ze altijd twee scenarios schrijft: eentje voor de commissie (ze begrijpen anders toch niet waar ik naartoe wil) en het scenario dat ik wil (ver)filmen. Een verlichte geest geeft in het boek aan niet een scenario te willen beoordelen naar persoonlijke smaak maar veeleer in functie van het persoonlijke parcours van de maker. Om over na te denken. Protest Sojchers boeiend geschreven relaas is een protest tegen het absurde van het systeem: met een nieuw project telkens opnieuw van nul moeten beginnen. Om nog maar te zwijgen wat een afwijzing met de indiener (en zijn naaste omgeving) mentaal allemaal doet. Daarbij komt nog het oneigenlijke ge-/misbruik van de tax shelter. Bedrijven kunnen via de tax shelter een deel van hun winst in een film investeren om vervolgens dat bedrag van zijn belastingen af te trekken. Buitenlandse producties strijken hier neer, nemen een Belgische producent onder de arm (als executive) samen met een acteur eventueel om zo de tax shelter te innen. Dat helpt in geen geval de Belgische film een stap vooruit. Uiteraard niet. Sojcher sluit zijn kleinood af met een ode aan de onafhankelijke, experimenterende kleine film, aan de bioscoop: Cinema is ook mensen overtuigen om mee te doen, is werken met mensen die je bewondert, ook al zijn er niet altijd voldoende financile middelen om mensen behoorlijk te betalen. Dat is het mooie van films maken, een kwestie van geloven in, van vertrouwen!
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https://doorbraak.be/is-het-gras-groener-aan-de-andere-kant-van-de-heuvel/
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How do I let my boss understand I do not like my new transfer?
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By Caroline Mboijana More by this Author Dear Caroline, I was transferred to a different section in my department against my will. I am passionate about what I do and wouldnt willingly drop it for anything in the world. I have tried to explain this to my superiors in vain. Prossy Hello Prossy, By asking you to move, your superiors are acknowledging you have the skills and abilities that are valuable to the organisation. It is best practice for managers to speak with a staff member to alert them of a possible move and determine their willingness to take on new responsibilities. In your case, this discussion has not taken place, but can still happen from a different angle. Your concern suggests the decision is final. If this is the case, I recommend you focus on how you are going to succeed. A key point for you is to understand that you are going through a change, out of your comfort zone and into a new environment. Take a different view about the move and see it as an opportunity for you to shine. Your superiors are not listening to your need because you are presenting your case from the position, I dont want to move. Consider presenting it from an alternative point of view, where you communicate your commitment to move, work in a different section and that you want to do well. This will open the door for a structured discussion where you understand what is required of you, you can seek clarity of what the role entails and essentially all parties can agree how to work together for a successful transition. Advertisement The discussion will also allow you hear your superiors reason for the move, why they selected you and how they think you will add value to the new department. You will also have their attention to table your concerns and highlight where you need support. It is important for your superiors to appreciate that your success reflects their good judgement and its collective success for all parties. Caroline Mboijana, Managing Director, The Leadership Team (U) [email protected]
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https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/jobs-and-career/how-do-i-let-my-boss-understand-i-do-not-like-my-new-transfer--3416984
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Can Champions League glory launch Christian Pulisic into crossover stardom?
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When American soccers Christian Pulisic sprints across the field at Estadio do Dragao in Portugal on Saturday afternoon, there will be something on the order of 800 million eyes on him. There is no larger annual worldwide audience for a sporting event than for the UEFA Champions League final, and there is no greater reason for Chelseas presence in this game than the goals Pulisic generated in the teams semifinal series. In the sporting sense, Pulisic has become a big deal. At age 22, only a half-dozen years removed from leaving his Pennsylvania home to begin a pro soccer career in Germany, he is a prominent player at one of the most prestigious clubs in the worlds most popular sport. He is not yet a star, though, and by this we do not mean he is not a star player. We mean in the sense of accumulating social media followers, signing huge endorsement deals, laying siege to our screens our televisions, our laptops, our tablets and phones whether or not we are prepared for the barrage. The curious chemistry that engenders such a figure is elusive, and its possible it is less connected to performance in this era than ever before. Yes, we have Aaron Rodgers and LeBron James, but we also have Tim Tebow. Getty Images https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/d0/da/christian-pulisic-chelsea-fa-cup-final_18sjrmjoltivw1d5s2nhb2e42u.jpg?t=-1313312247&w=500&quality=80 I think we make a mistake in thinking that celebrity is a meritocracy, Pablo Torre, host of the ESPN Daily podcast and frequent panelist on Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption, told Sporting News. Because I think all the time now about the biggest crossover, the biggest new names in American sports, are Jake and Logan Paul. And its depressing. The attention economy that rules American society, the internet, sports in general the attention economy can be hacked in ways that dont require you to be that good at sports at all. They dont require you to be good at anything, outside of getting attention. New York Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro grew up in a sports world dominated by the Mets, Jets, Nets and other teams whose names didnt rhyme. For a short period in his childhood, because of the presence of Pele, Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer, the New York Cosmos drew massive crowds to their home games, but that didnt last, and neither did the team and neither did the league. The sport here went mostly dormant for more than a decade. It was reanimated by the USMNT's qualification for the 1990 World Cup, and by the awarding of the 1994 World Cup to the United States, which led to the formation of Major League Soccer. The dominance of the U.S. womens national team for three decades has been a sustaining force to the sports growth. In the mens game, though, the best teams and players are not here. And that includes Pulisic, save for his home-game appearances for the USMNT. You can follow whatever you want to follow now. You kind of determine what you want to care about. I think theres more of a shot for a guy like that now, Vaccaro told SN. The teenagers in my neighborhood who I know spend a lot of time caring about sports, they care about the Yankees, the Giants and the Knicks, but they also have their Premier League teams. Almost all of them do. Invariably, they have their favorite players. This guy being an American is a draw for a lot of guys I know, including my next-door neighbor. He might not be able to get the kind of vast rewards someone in his position ought to get because of how good he is, but I think were getting to a place where a guy like that will be nationally appreciated, more than he is now. Getty Images https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/9d/cc/christian-pulisic-chelsea-tight-shot_adowo1lvc7e81ufkwu5cvl7yx.jpg?t=-1313373103&w=500&quality=80 To the extent Pulisic is known at this point from NYC to LA, from Miami to Maine, from Seattle to South Carolina, it is entirely for the magical things he does with his feet. He has scored more Champions League goals than any American player, ever. He ranks No. 12 on the U.S. mens national team scoring chart with 15 international goals, though he is tied for 79th in appearances. When he enters the game against Manchester City in the Champions League final, which is all but assured whether or not he is in the starting lineup, he will become the first American to play in the Super Bowl of European soccer. Within the space of a month, Pulisic will have appeared in Englands biggest annual game, the FA Cup final, and Europes. Hell have conquered the Yankees/Cowboys/Lakers of world club soccer with his goal and assist in the Champions League semifinal series. All of this, though, is happening roughly 4,500 miles away from the center of the United States. This would seem to be an obstacle to Pulisics elevation to media stardom. Except he could cross over from across the Atlantic, according to Gail Sideman of G Publicity, who has done public relations and branding work for numerous athletes, teams broadcasters and authors. Oh, no question. I think because soccer is growing so much over here. I think more in the last probably 5-10 years than ever, Sideman told SN. As crazy as it is, its because of the womens game. I think hed be great from a branding standpoint, and lord knows American soccer needs that. I dont care that hes playing in Europe. They need that face. If he did in a couple of interviews kind show a little sense of humor here and there but I totally get his apprehension to do it. I saw a GQ article that didnt hurt. Hes going to be that person that the girls kind of go gaga, and he can use that to his advantage. And not just because, Hey, I was in GQ, but if brands want to get involved with him, he can certainly use his looks as a tool. That, plus his play. I think its going to take some time, just because of his personality. If he was out there and gregarious, I think youd hear a whole lot more about him now. Pulisic missed the opportunity to spread the gospel of his brand when the United States failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It surely was not his fault; still a teenager, he produced seven goals and seven assists during the qualifiers, including the only goal in the teams disastrous loss at Trinidad & Tobago. It was his problem, though. Pulisic would have been showcased across the nation on Fox Sports World Cup broadcasts as the new face of American mens soccer. Instead, the tournament proceeded without him and his teammates. But theres another chance coming soon, with the 2022 World Cup scheduled to open next November in Qatar. The U.S. will face another challenging campaign to qualify, this one condensed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Pulisic, the World Cup is the big lever in all of this, Torre said. For Chris Paul, we do it through the NCAA Tournament when he was in college, and then we do it through the NBA and the postseason. Its a matter of tapping that audience that previously was unaware of someone like Pulisic. But I think that in terms of a guy who certainly is really, really good, a guy who wins a lot and has enviable leadership characteristics and I think were waiting for a story. Unfortunately, a story is not the same thing as success. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/e3/f0/christian-pulisic-usa-mascot_m1y9q2o82cot1coqlu1k0dop5.jpg?t=-1313178751&w=500&quality=80 The essential element to having a story that connects with the American public is, indeed, telling it. There are athletes who earn significantly more from endorsements than from prize money or team salaries. Were talking about Tiger Woods, the year after he won his fourth title at the Masters, earning $2.3 million on the course and nearly 30 times that from sponsorships. So thats a motivation to push for broader recognition. But it also alters ones existence, and the differences can range from nuisance to nightmare. There are two ways you can do this. One is to lean all the way in, and that is the influencer model, Torre said. You want it, you know how to play the game, youre good at it. This is your life. Mike Trout is someone who has deliberately rejected that, and part of me says, That guy actually has this all figured out. Its the idea that, I do like walking around the street and no one knowing who I am. The very thing Major League Baseball wishes I would want, I actually dont. Because I have a pretty good sense of what that life might be like, and it sounds awful. Although David Beckham won the Champions League and league titles in England, Spain, France and MLS, his fame occasionally had a negative impact on his game, even leading to a moment after an FA Cup loss in which Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a boot that was sitting on the floor that accidentally struck Beckham above his eye. After that locker room incident did not stay in the locker room, Ferguson insisted to the teams board of directors that Beckham be sold. Getty Images https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/83/37/christian-pulisic-chelsea-medium-shot_1vvqx5j24ztzu176ae7w305z01.jpg?t=-1313280527&w=500&quality=80 So it could be that Pulisic fears that sort of disruption, or that he simply is waiting to establish himself as a soccer star before concerning himself with becoming more than that. The effort to become a significant player could be hindered by outside distractions in a soccer world that still is beginning to accept that Americans are serious about the sport. When Pulisic came to the U.S. with Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for a summer preseason tour that included a game at Soldier Field, he only briefly dealt with reporters despite being the star American attraction and being offered plenty of opportunity. He has been cooperative recently with major American broadcasters, sitting with Tim Howard of NBC and the CBS Sports studio team of Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies for extended conversations. Hes not the most outgoing guy in the world, Jason Davis, host of the United States of Soccer program on SiriusXM FC, told SN. I dont think he is built to be engaging and gregarious, which is fine. You dont have to be that. I dont think he looks like he doesnt want to be there when he does interviews and the like, but hes also not one to say anything interesting. Hes not confident enough in himself and maybe that changes but hes not confident enough in the public sphere to kind of throw things out, make a joke. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the extreme, for sure, but thats the kind of player who gets big attention. I mean, Zlatan has done ads in America, and you ask the average sports fan who he is, maybe 20 percent know who he is. But he has enough resonance because of his personality. Pulisic just isnt built that way. The bar is really high for him to achieve something that gets him massive recognition in this country. He has to win a Champions League, but also be the winning goalscorer to get a mention on SportsCenter. He would have to help the United States mens national team go to like a semifinal, and then thered be lots to talk about."
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/champions-league-christian-pulisic-crossover-stardom/1qatzw0d2zass1kazclk3do85z
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When and where to watch Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream?
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Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream is all set to reveal the upcoming version's details on Bilibili and YouTube. Genshin Impact hosts watch parties with viewers before every major update to provide a sneak peek of the upcoming update to fans worldwide. After speculating about storylines and breaking down leaks for weeks, fans will finally get a first-look at the upcoming update in the hour-long Genshin Impact livestream. As usual, the Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream is scheduled to be held in two different languages and two weeks before the 1.6 update arrives. Fans can watch the Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream today (May 28) on Bilibili at 8:00 AM EST in Mandarin. As the Chinese Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream is expected to reveal redeem codes four hours before the global livestream, fans will definitely want to join the watch party. Fans who prefer the English version of the Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream and want to enjoy the sneak peeks from version 1.6 of the game can watch the program at 9 AM PT or 12 AM EST on the Official YouTube channel of Genshin Impact. 1.6 Special Program Announcement Juicy details, redemption codes, and incredible gifts! View details here:https://t.co/ep7wv9qWRP pic.twitter.com/PH4vrGMa4m Paimon (@GenshinImpact) May 26, 2021 Everything to expect from Genshin Impact 1.6 livestream Redeem codes are the most precious rewards in Genshin Impact, which allows users to claim Primogems for free. In each preview livestream, miHoYo gives away three redeem codes worth a total of 300 Primogems to the community. The code usually lasts for 12 to 24 hours and can be claimed by users across Europe, America, and Asia. Apart from Redeem codes, a ton of Genshin Impact 1.5 leaks are expected to be debunked or confirmed in the 1.6 livestream. It's expected that plenty of content based on the leaked region of "Archipelago" will be introduced along with Jean and Barbara's summer event skins. A new monster, Maguu Kenki, and a new character named "Kazuha" are expected to be revealed in the 1.6 livestream as well. Kazuha, a new 5-star character from Inazuma, is being highly anticipated by the Genshin Impact community. As of now, leakers have revealed Kazuha's banner, ascension materials, and abilities from the test servers. To know more about Kazuha, fans can read the following article. Relevant: Genshin Impact 1.6 leaks: Kazuha's ascension materials revealed by data miners
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/when-watch-genshin-impact-1-6-livestream
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Why Is My Personal Credit Score Used to Qualify for a Business Loan?
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May 28, 2021 5 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. If youre a small business and you think that your business credit is different from your personal credit, think again. Unless your business is doing millions in annual revenue, any loans you apply for will be based on your personal credit, not your business credit. When I explain this to entrepreneurs, Im usually met with surprise. Indeed, theres usually a misconception among entrepreneurs that there is a separation between their business credit and personal credit. Some think that a below average or poor personal credit score will have no bearing on their ability to get a loan for their business. Unfortunately, this is not true. For most small businesses, the ability to receive credit is based on the business owners personal credit history. However, all hope is not lost: You can still get a loan. Several small business funding options exist, even though the second-draw PPP expires on May 31. As the economy improves, now is the time for entrepreneurs to focus on their creditworthiness and to understand more about how are determined and what lenders are currently looking for when they extend credit. It stands to reason that in an economic downturn, credit scores plummet. People struggle to pay bills, miss payments and max out credit cards. However, during the pandemic, the reverse actually occurred: The average FICO credit score increased and hit a record high of 711 (out of 850) in July 2020. For one, borrowers may have been able to keep up with payments because of federal stimulus payments, student-loan forbearance programs and extended unemployment benefits. Further, credit card companies and other creditors have been more understanding with customers due to the grave health consequences of Covid-19 and its effect on households and workplaces. Now is a perfect time to check your FICO score and see where you stand. It might be higher than you think. Your bank may even offer a credit monitoring service so you can see how your score may have changed recently and a credit modeling service that can tell you how your score might improve given certain behaviors (paying off a credit card, etc.) Steps to obtain a higher credit score Credit scores are constantly in flux. Just because you may have missed a few credit card payments (or worse) several years ago does not mean that your credit is beyond repair. Some of these tips might be obvious, but others perhaps not so much. Heres a look at some small steps you can take to improve a credit score and accelerate the process of getting a loan with better terms: Correct errors on your credit report. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission encourages you to do this. An error on one or more of your reports might be artificially lowering your credit score, preventing you from getting the loan you need. Errors might include negative items that should have aged off of your credit report, clerical/database errors or even identity theft (someone taking out a credit card in your name and using it). Call up your existing credit card issuers and ask to extend your credit limits if possible. This not only can give you additional capital if you need it, but it immediately lowers your credit utilization (the percent of available credit that you actually use), increasing your credit score in the process. Pay bills on time , even if it is not the minimum amount. Call up the bank or lender and let them know that a forthcoming payment will not be the minimum and make arrangements if possible. Late payments can stay on a credit report for seven years. Limit the number of new hard credit inquiries on your report. These stay on a credit report for two years. As a workaround, ask if the lender can do a soft inquiry to see if you are eligible for a loan. Note that the biggest step you can take to improve your credit score is to simply pay off all of your credit card balances and loans at once. Obviously, this is not feasible for many, especially small business owners who have been struggling for over a year. Further, even if you could pay off everything at once, it would be unwise to tie up all of your cash at once. Related: How to Raise Your Credit Score by 100 Points in 5 Months Small business lenders require a personal credit score because they want to see how you manage debt, which is not such a bad thing. If you are in control of your personal credit, you are in control of your business credit. Your business will benefit from the actions you take to present the strongest snapshot of your personal finances.
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https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/370299
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How tall are Hasbullah Magomedov and Abdu Rozik?
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The newest stalwarts of the MMA social media universe, Hasbullah Magomedov and Abdu Rozik, are both 1 meter tall. That's about 3 feet and 4 inches, or 3 feet and 3.37 inches, if you want to be precise. You can hear them talk about it in the clip below: For everyone wondering about Hasbulla and Abdu roziks Age, heres the information you needpic.twitter.com/0NL15HYMIE Hasbulla (@HasbulIah) May 26, 2021 While they may seem like children, Hasbullah Magomedov is 18 years old, while Abdu Rozik is 17. The former aims to be a theologian, while the latter is a singer. Rozik weighs 38lbs, which is about 17 kilograms. Hasbullah weighs 16 kilos, which is about 35lbs. Abdu Rozik suffered from rickets as a child, which is what stunted his growth. Hasbullah, on the other hand, most likely suffers from Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), most commonly known as dwarfism. Hasbullah Magomedov gained popularity through TikTok when he began posting hilarious videos of himself pretending to fight children. He is from Makhachkala, the same place where UFC star and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was born. Hasbullah's popularity has led to him being called 'Mini Khabib'. The TikTok star is famous in Dagestan and now around the world, eventually leading to a friendship with 'The Eagle' Khabib Nurmagomedov himself. Abdu Rozik also found fame through social media, being billed as the world's smallest singer. The Tajik native gained popularity by singing regional rap songs. An MMA fight between Hasbullah Magomedov and fellow social media star Abdu Roziq is rumored to have taken place on May 18, 2021, organized by Chechen MMA fighter Asxab Tamaev. Hasbullah shared the face-off between himself and Abduroziq on his social media channels. However, the head of the Russian Dwarf Athletic Association, Uliana Podpalnaya, told Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru (Translation H/T: RT Sport) that the whole affair was "unethical and wrong" from her point of view. The outcome of the bout hasn't been made public. Considering the possible backlash, the two may not compete in a fight again, even if solely for entertainment purposes. Please take 30 seconds to answer this survey so that we can better understand how to serve your MMA needs.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-how-tall-hasbullah-magomedov-abdu-rozik
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Is Silver on the Verge of a Breakout?
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May 27, 2021 5 min read This story originally appeared on StockNews Its been a volatile month in the markets, and fortunately, for the silver bulls, this volatility has been to the upside. In an abrupt change of events, silver (SLV) has easily outperformed the S&P-500 (SPY) over the past month, up 7% for the month of May vs. the S&P-500s 1% return. This outperformance bodes well for the precious metals complex, but the bears have managed to keep a lid on silver, for the time being, playing strong defense at the $28.90/oz to $29.30/oz resistance level. If this resistance level is broken on a monthly close, silver has lots of room towards the $35.00/oz level. However, until we have a clear breakout, the best course of action looks to be trading the range or holding best of breed miners like GoGold Resources (GLGDF). (Source: TC2000.com) As shown in the chart above, SLV continues to struggle with the $26.35 - $26.70 zone, and the price of silver has been unable to get through the corresponding $28.90/oz to $29.30/oz resistance zone. The good news is that the metal does not have caution bars (orange and red bars) as it approaches this strong resistance area for the fourth time in the past two years, suggesting that the next major test of this resistance level near $29.00/oz could lead to a successful breakout. This view is corroborated by sentiment, which is shown below. As we can see, bullish sentiment for silver is closer to a cycle low than a cycle high, which has been an impediment to breakouts over the past year. As long as investors dont get overly bullish in the next month, this sentiment setup suggests that theres enough fuel for silver to get to $34.00/oz if it does breakout. The key is that silver must breakout above $29.30/oz in a clear manner because until this happens, we will continue to trade in this frustrating range between $22.00/oz and $29.00/oz. (Source: Daily Sentiment Index Data, Authors Chart) Over the past two years, pullbacks this deep in the sentiment moving average for silver have provided decent buying opportunities, and any further weakness has provided a buying opportunity. As the chart below shows, though, while silver sentiment remains in a favorable spot, silver is stuck between resistance just overhead and support roughly 10% below. For this reason, I dont see silver as a low-risk buy here and would be waiting for a dip closer to upper support at $24.75/oz to add new exposure. (Source: TC2000.com) While many investors are focused on trying to time silver, I continue to see the best way to play the silver market being GoGold Resources (GLGDF). GoGold is a Mexican silver producer that uses its free cash flow from its Parral Project to finance the delineation of two major discoveries its made in the past two years. Currently, GoGold is sitting on a resource of 70 million silver-equivalent ounces [SEOs] at its Los Ricos South Project, but its looking like the company might have an additional 100 million SEOs at Los Ricos North. Either of these two projects has the potential to more than triple GoGolds current production profile, and with a market cap of just $600MM, GoGold is valued at just $3.15/oz based on a resource that I expect to grow to 190MM SEOs by Q1 2023. This valuation does not include its operating Parral Mine, which generates more than $25MM in annual free cash flow. Assuming the company can move a second mine into production by Q3 2023, I would not be surprised if GoGold commanded a valuation closer to $1BB. (Source: TC2000.com) As the chart above shows, GoGold has broken out to new all-time highs, while silver still remains more than 40% below its all-time highs near $50.00/oz. This suggests that GoGold does not need the silver price to perform, given that it has broken out without new highs in the silver price. So, if the weight does come off the silver price and silver can get through key resistance, GLGDF should be able to make a move to its next target at US$3.00. For investors looking to play the silver price, I would view any pullbacks below $24.75/oz as low-risk areas to add exposure. For investors interested in leverage on the silver price with arguably one of the most exciting discoveries in the silver space, dips below US$2.05 on GoGold Resources should provide low-risk buying opportunities. Disclosure: I am long GLGDF Disclaimer: Taylor Dart is not a Registered Investment Advisor or Financial Planner. This writing is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation regarding any securities transaction. The information contained in this writing should not be construed as financial or investment advice on any subject matter. Taylor Dart expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken based on any or all of the information on this writing. SLV shares fell $0.04 (-0.16%) in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, SLV has gained 4.60%, versus a 12.55% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period. About the Author: Taylor Dart Taylor has over a decade of investing experience, with a special focus on the precious metals sector. In addition to working with ETFDailyNews, he is a prominent writer on Seeking Alpha. Learn more about Taylors background, along with links to his most recent articles. More... The postappeared first on
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https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/373052
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Can Oatlys share price milk its post-IPO glory?
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P lant-based milk producer Oatly [OTLY] floated on the Nasdaq, on 20 May. Oatlys share price was set, ahead of the debut, at $17 towards the top of its expected range, according to the Wall Street Journal, valuing the firm at circa $10bn, despite stock market conditions plagued by volatility, inflation and a fall in investor appetite for growth stocks. Oatlys share price immediately jumped to $22.12 and reached as high as $22.74 without falling below $19.99, before closing its first day of trading at $20.20. On 21 May, Oatlys share price climbed higher still, closing 11.19% up on the previous days close at $22.46. During the day, Oatlys share price reached $23.25, without ever dipping below $21.40. Investors will hope that these first days strong performance for Oatlys share price is a sign of things to come. Cash cow Oatlys pre-IPO valuation of $10bn already marked a significant step up since July, when a deal to sell a 10% stake to Blackstone and a group of celebrities for $200m valued the Swedish company at $2bn. This rise in valuation came despite the fact its net losses in 2020 increased 69.67% to $60.4m from $35.6m the previous year. Revenue, however, soared 106.6% to $421.4m. This rapidly increasing revenue has convinced investors to spend enough on its stock to send Oatlys market cap as high as $13bn. $13 billion Oatly's highest market cap so far Oatly has leaned heavily on the social and environmental advantages of oat milk as opposed to cows milk in its pitch, stressing the lower greenhouse gas emissions, land use and energy consumption involved in production of the former. The company hopes to attract environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused funds and investors to its stock as a result of this focus. Its investor base already famously includes the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Natalie Portman, Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, and Jay Zs Roc Nation. Oatly raised $1.4bn through the sale of its shares, which will be used to expand its production capacity, according to Toni Petersson, Oatly CEO, as reported by Forbes. The oat milk market in the US is expanding rapidly, growing 200% between 2019 and 2020. Oatlys US sales doubled in the period which appears positive at first glance, but given the market itself grew twice as fast during the period, it is potentially a sign that Oatly is losing market share growth at the expense of competitors such as Chobani and Califia. Nearly a quarter of Oatlys revenues are derived from the US market. Oatlys other major market is Asia, where its product is sold in 11,000 tea or coffee shops and at 6,000 retailers. The Chinese government and Verlinvest have a joint venture worth 46% of Oatlys value, and Oatly is reported to be considering a second listing in China. Blackstone is the firms second-largest investor, attracting some criticism of owing to the groups links to deforestation in the Amazon. Meat-free ETFs The major tailwinds in favour of plant-based food and beverage producers are a relatively recent phenomenon, and investors may look towards the likes of Beyond Meat [BYND] for clues as to how Oatlys share price will perform in the medium term following its debut. Since going public on 2 May 2019 at an opening price of $46, Beyond Meats share price has gained 113.52% to close at $142.61 on 27 May. It has seen some major spikes during that time, including an all-time-high of $239.71 in July 2019. Besides the March 2020 crash in response to the coronavirus pandemic, when it sank as low as $48.18, it has remained well above its opening price. 113.52% BYND's share price gain since IPO Beyond Meat has been a mainstay of the Renaissance IPO ETF [IPO], which tracks the Renaissance IPO Index of companies up to two years after their IPO. As of 27 May, Beyond Meat was the 23rd-largest holding with 1.37% of the funds weight. The ETF has gained 75% in the past 12 months, but has fallen 3.53% in the year-to-date (as of 27 Mays close). Given it is now more than two years since Beyond Meats IPO, it seems likely that it will be dropped from the fund at the end of the current quarter, while Oatly could be set to join the funds holdings. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat constituted 1.02% of the TrueShares ESG Active Opportunities ETF [ECOZ] as of 27 May. The fund has gained 5.87% in the year-to-date and 39.52% over the past year.
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https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-au/opto/can-oatlys-share-price-milk-its-post-ipo-glory
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Why are investors getting out of Bitcoin into gold?
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I n this article, Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors and executive chairman of HIVE Blockchain Technologies, considers why institutional investors are moving out of Bitcoin and into the precious metal. Institutional investors are rotating out of Bitcoin and into gold One of the biggest reasons people invest in assets like gold, Bitcoin [BTC] and altcoins is because they act as hedges against bad government policy. Look at Venezuela. The beleaguered countrys currency, the bolivar, isnt worth the paper its printed on due to draconian socialist policies. As such, an outsized percentage of Venezuelans rely on Bitcoin as a store of value and to help make ends meet. A less severe example though no less impactful is Canada. In case you havent heard, theres a new bill being considered, C-10, that some critics worry could lead to the Canadian governments regulation of the content you post on YouTube, Facebook [FB] and other social media sites. Although the bills main advocate, Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, has tried to make it crystal clear that the government seeks only to oversee professional content creators and not every day social media users, fears persist that peoples freedom of speech is in jeopardy. Even Google [GOOGL], which owns YouTube, has voiced concerns. We remain concerned about the unintended consequences, particularly with regards to the potential effects on Canadians expressive rights, the company said in a statement. This is precisely what members of the crypto community call FUD, or fear, uncertainty and doubt. ), FUD also summarises how Canadians feel about the proposed legislation. The Bitcoin pullback is normal and healthy Speaking of Elon Musk, investors yanked $98m out of Bitcoin investment products in the week before last, the most on record, after the Tesla [TSLA] chief announced in a tweet that he was suspending vehicle purchases using the cryptocurrency. This amount was enough to offset net inflows of $48m into all other digital asset funds. Ether funds, for instance, attracted $27m, bringing the cryptos weekly trading volume to an incredible $4.1bn, the most ever, according to CoinShares. Bitcoin came under pressure from more than just Musks distorted comments on its energy usage. The Chinese government has also cracked down on the crypto ecosystem, banning financial institutions from providing services related to digital assets. A hotline has even been set up in one Chinese province that people can use to snitch on neighbours they suspect of mining cryptos. Of course, this is only the 10,000th time China has come out against crypto. More FUD. Last weeks selloff was dramatic. By Wednesday, Bitcoin was down more than 40% from its all-time high of $64,000, set in mid-April. The tokens market dominance fell to a three-year low of 40%. I believe the pullback is healthy. Its important for investors to remember that this kind of volatility is normal for such a still-emerging, speculative asset class. Its also important to keep things in perspective: Bitcoin is still up more than 30% so far this year, 315% for the 12-month period. According to an analysis of CME futures contract, large institutional investors could be shifting away from Bitcoin in favour of gold. Over the past month, Bitcoin futures markets experienced their steepest and more sustained liquidation since the Bitcoin ascent started last October, JPMorgan wrote in a recent note to investors. These liquidations have corresponded with inflows into gold ETFs. The price of the yellow metal broke through key resistance last week, touching $1,890 an ounce for the first time since January on a declining US dollar. The next test is $1,900, and after that, its all-time high of $2,067. Whereas Bitcoin is a speculative asset, gold is a well-established, highly liquid asset with a centuries-long track record. We know what the price drivers are. Besides responding to a weaker dollar, gold is finding traction from ongoing unprecedented money-printing and monetary stimulus. The amount of M2 money circulating the US economy is up about 21% from a year ago. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve maintains its bond-buying program. As of last week, the size of the central banks balance sheet was just under a staggering $8trn. More inflation warnings Inflation also continues to weigh on investors minds, improving the investment case for gold. Last week we saw even more data emerge warning markets that prices could be headed higher in the near term. For one, input prices for manufacturers in the Philadelphia region accelerated at their fastest pace in over 40 years. The Philly Feds prices paid diffusion index rose to 76.8 this month, the highest reading since March 1980. Three quarters of manufacturers reported price increases while none reported decreases. Expect these higher costs to be passed on to consumers. Much of the price increases could be related to record and near-record shipping costs. The rate to ship a 40-foot container continues to climb as demand far outpaces supply. The Drewry World Container Index rose 7% during the week ended last Thursday to touch $5,193, a nearly fourfold increase from a year earlier. Freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam reached a new all-time high of $9,865 per 40-foot container. Fuel costs have also been rising in the wake of the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers 45% of gas supply to the Southeast. Last week, GasBuddy predicted that gas prices would be at their most expensive this Memorial Day weekend in seven years. Gas will average $2.98 per gallon this coming weekend, the company said, the most since 2014 when it was $3.66. This could have the effect of discouraging some fully vaccinated families from taking a well-deserved summer road trip. American Airlines passengers can now verify vaccination status using VeriFLY While Im on the topic of travel, this summer could mark the turnaround weve been hoping for in terms of commercial flight demand. As Ive shared with you before, the European Union plans to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated visitors, and last week, American Airlines [AAL] announced that its now allowing passengers to use the VeriFLY app to verify their vaccination status before flying. This gives customers travel access to the Bahamas, El Salvador and Guatemala. Wheels up! This article was originally published on Frank Talk, a blog by Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors. Please note, this article contains historical material. The data provided was current at the time of publication. For current information regarding any of the funds mentioned in these presentations, please visit the appropriate fund performance page.
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https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-au/opto/why-are-investors-getting-out-of-bitcoin-into-gold
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Is baby saddleache with a problematic name?
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Dear Amy: My dear sister, Karen, passed away less than a year ago from surgery. His death was totally unexpected. I have a large family and we have all been in mourning. My daughter recently found out that she was pregnant and had a baby girl. She wants to call her Karen, after her beloved aunt. Everyone in the family is honored by this gesture, but my daughter is worried about saddling a little girl with that name because of the current memes that Karen is a problematic, demanding, racist and out of touch privileged white woman. in many ways heinous. My sister was the opposite of Karen in memes. Our family would appreciate your advice. Still in mourning Dear mourning: I am very sorry for this shocking loss to your family. Yes, if parents wish, they shouldnt hesitate to name this child Karen. If they dont want Karen as a first name, they could use it as a middle name. A few years ago he was selling Madison Square Garden. Now, not so much. Memes appear, spontaneously springing from popular culture, then, almost as suddenly, memes transform into other meanings, then disappear again something like Dane Cooks career. The true story of a beloved family member and your memories of her will last much longer, especially with a young person with her name. I think thats a great way to get the name back. Dear Amy: My parents, in the late 1970s, did not plan to be vaccinated against COVID. While weve had respectful conversations on the matter, I dont expect me to persuade them to change their minds. They have no underlying health issues and still live independently, in their own homes, several hours away from us. One of our children graduates in June. My husband and I are vaccinated, and our children (all eligible) will be vaccinated by then. We invited my parents to join us. They are delighted, because we havent seen them for a year. They will stay with us and take part in our outdoor open house, along with several of my siblings (probably unvaccinated). As a vaccine supporter, I am terrified of the risk my parents are taking. They feel it is their choice. Disappointed girl Dear disappointed: I recognize that your parents are taking a risk by traveling, unvaccinated. Not only are they risking their own health, but if they contract the coronavirus, perhaps while traveling, they could pass it on to others without even knowing it. As you know, the vaccine protects people against the more serious forms of the disease caused by the virus. If you insist that your parents be with you (after all, you invited them), planning outdoor group events seems safer for them and for other unvaccinated people they come into contact with. Graduation and wedding season will bring a host of situations just like yours. Each family should use their own judgment on what to do, following current CDCs and their local guidelines. Yes, your parents have the right to refuse vaccination; however, their rights do not override yours. I know of groups that have made vaccination a qualification to meet; you could have pressured your loved ones to get vaccinated if you had done the same. In the short term, it would be safer for you and other vaccinated family members to travel to visit loved ones, rather than for them to visit you. Dear Amy: You challenged Adoring Mom, when she described a recent reunion with her daughter, after a very long separation of several years. She said she didnt know why the separation happened and you didnt seem to believe her. I believe you owe him and the other parents of separated children an apology! Upset Dear upset: I think its pretty common not to know the reasons for a separation, but what I took issue with in Adoring Mom was her reluctance to discuss the separation with her daughter, after they reconciled. This mom was worried that talking about it (or being boring) would lead to further estrangement. I saw this as the girls continued (and successful) effort to control her. You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, PO Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.
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https://exbulletin.com/entertainment/946187/
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Is there a swimming pool and parts shortage?
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Experts recommend exploring alternatives and being flexible as swim season kicks off. ATLANTA Another week, another shortage, and with the Memorial Day holiday weekend upon us, an 11Alive viewer reached out to the Verify team to see if summer swimming might be stalled. Viewer Darryl said he tried several retail stores and was unable to find a pool to purchase. ANSWER: Experts confirm the pool industry is experiencing a variety of shortages impacting products including above ground pools, chlorine tablets and construction of new pools. Supply issues are due in part to high demand from the pandemic. WHAT WE KNOW: The 11Alive Verify team researched above ground pools for purchase in the metro Atlanta area. We found some retail stores indeed were sold out, but there were options available depending on how much consumers want to spend. For further insight into Darryl's question, the Verify team followed up with experts including Jerry Kisgen, executive director of Pkdata, a Georgia-based research firm specializing in the pool and hot tub industry, as well as Bryan Geraldino, Pool Supply Atlanta. Both explained that the pool industry as a whole is experiencing a variety of shortages, in part due to high demand from the pandemic. "[In] 2020, we saw an increase of 23% or a little over 23% of new residential pool permits across the United States," Kisgen said. "A massive growth in one year." While Pkdata didn't have specific numbers on above ground pools, Kisgen said the demand has been significant compared to previous seasons. "Most of the mass markets that handle above ground pools ran out of supplies early last season and couldn't source any more," Kisgen said. "Demand is just off the charts." He said the ongoing demand simply exceeds what the industry can produce or supply in a year's time. Geraldino also confirmed the surge. "Above ground pools and hot tubs are extremely hard to get right now," he said. Chlorine tablets used to sanitize water could also be hard to come by, as a result of supply issues caused by both the pandemic and a fire at a major chlorine supplier last year. "There's roughly 5.2 million residential pools in the United States, and somewhere between 60 and 70% of pools use this type of chlorine," Kisgen said of the impact. "So as you can see the numbers would be pretty significant." Geraldino confirmed supply issues with chlorine tablets are also driving up prices for consumers. But he said there are alternatives including salt water systems and liquid chlorine. "Supply is coming in, but it's coming in slowly," he said. "So there will be shortages here and there." Geraldino and Kisgen also said parts like pumps, filters and heaters are also taking a hit. "The same issues are happening on the equipment side as well as well," Kisgen said. "Pumps filters... heaters, other lighting goods, things of that nature, are experiencing a lot of problems." As a result, Kisgen said such issues are delaying completion of some pools.
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https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/verify-above-ground-pools-chlorine-tablets-could-be-harder-to-find-with-industry-shortages/85-2c9a3657-1800-4aa1-bf3c-1456564c8e65
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How corrupt is Britain and will the government do anything about it?
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'Are democratic governance, the rule of law and our human rights under threat from practices which have institutionalised corruption in the UK?' Prem Sikka is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex and the University of Sheffield and a Labour member of the House of Lords. This week, the UK House of Lords debated the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. The legislation has established a sanctions regime for combatting serious corruption. While any initiative to combat corruption is welcome news, the law isnt what it seems. The parliamentary debate was often framed by the minister and others around the narrative that Johnny Foreigner is corrupt and a threat to our values and global stability. The Minister said that 22 individuals from six countries have been sanctioned. No doubt, there are corrupt persons all around the world, but what about home grown corruption. Serious corruption may be associated with bribery, misappropriation of property and much more. It is not defined in legislation, but its understanding is framed by seven policy priorities. One of these is that a practice is considered as serious corruption if it undermines a countrys democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights. The UK is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that human rights include the right to a standard of living for the health and well-being of people, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services. It also includes the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond a persons control. Let us consider some evidence. For example, 83 of the UKs richest 250 individuals have donated 62m to the Conservative Party. This gives them easy access to policymakers and subverts democratic processes to prioritise their interests. Rich individuals extract tax concessions from the government by sending a text message whilst the poor cant even afford to buy water. Rich donors have picked up vast amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts from the government even though some of the PPE was unusable. The High Court said that the government acted unlawfully in failing to publish details of PPE contracts awarded without competitive bids. The UK is home to global illicit financial flows. Big accounting firms plunder the public purse through tax dodging schemes and deprive millions of decent food, housing, education, healthcare, pensions, security. Many of their schemes have been found to be unlawful by the courts, but they face no sanctions and are permitted by the government to draft tax laws. I have provided evidence to parliament to show that the Bank of England, the financial regulator and a previous Chancellor colluded to protect HSBC which told the US regulators that it had engaged in criminal wrongdoing. This was done without any statement to parliament. A senior law enforcement officer directly informed Prime Minister Theresa May of frauds at major banks and said that the cover-up involves the Treasury and two past Chancellors. There has been no investigation. The ministers were directly asked this question by me and Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb. No reply was forthcoming. The enforcement agencies include the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, the Home Office, National Crime Agency, HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and many others. The regulators have a poor record in tackling economic crime. For example, the FCA is yet to secure a criminal conviction. There have been no corporate prosecutions under the Criminal Finances Act 2017. The CPS has prosecuted one organisation under the Bribery Act 2010 and the SFO made six Deferred Prosecution Agreements. The City of London Police is now funded by Lloyds Bank, a bank implicated in fraud failings. The involvement of numerous regulators is a recipe for duplication, buck-passing and failure. The corruption legislation is being enacted without any reform of the formation of companies and accountability of their ultimate beneficiaries. Shell companies routinely front corrupt practices, and anyone from anywhere in the world can register a company in the UK without any authentication of their identity. Their directors can be natural and/or legal persons. This has enabled convicted criminals to even register banks and file false information. It is hard to see how this relaxed approach can combat domestic and/or global corruption. The UK government has sought plaudits for its anti-corruption fight, but the law fails to tackle many aspects of corruption. Professionals continue to plunder the public purse. The poorly resourced regulators will continue to fail to tackle domestic and global corruption. As youre here, we have something to ask you. What we do here to deliver real news is more important than ever. But theres a problem: we need readers like you to chip in to help us survive. We deliver progressive, independent media, that challenges the rights hateful rhetoric. Together we can find the stories that get lost. Were not bankrolled by billionaire donors, but rely on readers chipping in whatever they can afford to protect our independence. What we do isnt free, and we run on a shoestring. Whatever you can donate, were so grateful - and we will ensure your money goes as far as possible to deliver hard-hitting news.
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https://leftfootforward.org/2021/05/how-corrupt-is-britain-and-will-the-government-do-anything-about-it/
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How did SLO County become an epicenter of Republican start the steal movement?
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Supporters of President Donald Trump rally in Paso Robles during a #StoptheSteal event last November. It wouldnt be so out-of-the-ordinary for, say, Orange County. And yet, here we are, thanks to local Republican efforts to rally the troops, with SLO County making a name for itself as a new bastion of conservatism, even though Democrats lead in voter registration 69,819 voters to 63,652. Over the past couple of weeks, the goings-on in SLO County have been skewered on the nationally televised Rachel Maddow Show, and on Morning Joe. A May 20, 2021, segment of The Rachel Maddow Show prominently features a May 4, 2021, San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting in which public commenters spread misinformation about election fraud. YouTube screengrab Theyve been written up in The Washington Post and covered on KCRW, the NPR station out of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times columnist Mark Z. Barabak just wrote a piece focusing on County Clerk/Recorder Tommy Gong, who has been the brunt of many of the attacks. One caller went so far as to question whether he was connected to the Chinese Communist Party. In California, Barabak writes, the nuttiness has spread to San Luis Obispo County, the midpoint between San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the denialism took an ugly, racist turn. Callers inundated Board of Supervisors meeting The sudden notoriety stems from a May 4 Board of Supervisors item on local elections, where approximately 150 callers bombarded the board. Most of the messages had been pre-recorded; around a dozen speakers called in live. Caller after caller read out a list of demands straight out of the Republican voter suppression handbook: Require voters to show ID. No early voting. No blanketing the county with mail-in ballots. No machines! Go back to hand-counting ballots. Not all messages were negative; around 50 callers expressed support for the elections office and/or urged the county to continue to make mail-in balloting widely available. (There have been calls to limit it to people with physical handicaps or to require voters to request a mail-in ballot every time theres an election.) But they were outnumbered by the dozens of callers making unproven accusations about voting machines; claiming mail-in voting is ripe for fraud; accusing county officials of lying; demanding a forensic audit of 2020 general election results; implying that noncitizens have been voting; and calling on the county Elections Office to be integrous. Some members of the community speculated that maybe just maybe a sizable number of those callers werent from San Luis Obispo County at all, but had been recruited from other places to bolster the cause of local Republicans.. Their rationale: A couple of callers gave weird pronunciations of San Luis Obispo. And several others said they were from San Luis Obispo County, without specifying a city. One just gave California as a place of residence. Yet by checking names of callers against voter registration rolls, we verified that at least 113 of the approximately 150 who called in that day are indeed registered to vote in San Luis Obispo County. Several other names could not be checked because the messages were too garbled to decipher the spellings of names. In other words, we cant blame outside agitators for making the county look on the political spectrum more like Maricopa, Arizona, than San Luis Obispo, California. Comments reveal GOP election strategy None of the callers alleged the presidential election was stolen Donald Trumps name was rarely, if ever, mentioned but the intent was obvious. After calling for changes including requiring photo IDs to vote one man finished his call with this remark: Otherwise, a Republican will never get in again. In other words, they arent so much trying to Stop the Steal. Rather in the words of The Washington Post they are trying to start the steal. These folks want the system rigged to ensure Republicans are in control never mind what that means for our democracy. Fortunately, most of what they requested including requiring voters to show IDs is under state control, and cannot be changed by individual counties. Virtual meetings allow recorded calls Before COVID, the outrage directed at the local Elections Office might not have gotten nearly as much attention. But like everything else, government meetings have changed dramatically on account of the pandemic. Many agencies, including the SLO County Board of Supervisors, dont allow any members of the public to attend meetings in person. Instead, they typically provide online access and take both live and prerecorded calls for public comment. The recorded calls are often played during the meeting as they were in this case though SLO supervisors have on a couple of occasions dispensed with listening to all of the calls during their meetings. The recorded calls are still entered into the public record. Thats smart. Many prerecorded calls are the vocal equivalent of astroturf emails; people simply pick up a phone and read a scripted message. Theres no schlepping down to the County Government Center and maybe waiting hours for an item to be heard, as in pre-COVID days. Speakers at the May 4 meeting would have us believe all GOP members are in total agreement. All Republicans have lost confidence in the voting system, said one caller, who went on to predict our Constitution will be destroyed and we will become a socialist society. Certainly, the higher-ups in Washington, D.C., spout similar rhetoric. Just look at what happened to Liz Cheney. Look, we dont expect Republicans to support President Joe Biden, any more than we expected Democrats to support President Donald Trump. Maybe it is, in which case its incumbent on the rest of us to give election officials our full vote of confidence, because we firmly believe the majority of SLO County residents trust their ballots were properly counted in 2020, and will be in every election going forward. A vocal minority may have captured the attention of Rachel Maddow, Joe Scarborough, The Washington Post, L.A. Times and others, but pardon the overused expression thats definitely not who we are.
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https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/article251697028.html
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What irrecoverable attempt to make prosecutor Hudson Suarez the next US attorney for New Jersey?
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After months of speculation and multiple approvals for the American New Jersey attorney, Esther Suarez remains as the Hudson County District Attorney. Sources said she was Senator Bob Menendezs first choice, Star-Ledger columnist Tom Moran reported. But ultimately Suarez was knocked out of the race, with a number of possible reasons for the decision. On Wednesday night, after it was announced that she was being re-appointed for a second five-year term in Hudson County, Suarez put the news in a positive light. I have read speculation that I might be in the running for the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, and I would like to be clear that I intend to continue serving as prosecutor in Hudson County, said Suarez, who received support from the Three Hudsons. County Senators for a second term as prosecutor. A Menendez press secretary declined to comment. The oldest state senator, in this case Menendez, is usually the one who sends a candidate to the White House for approval if the state senators and the president belong to the same political party. The candidate must then be confirmed by the Senate. Behind the scenes, Senators and White House staff gather information through multiple channels, and although there is no set timeline, presidents typically start making appointments around this time, Jacob Elberg said. , associate professor of law at Seton Hall University and former US assistant. lawyer in New Jersey. Senators can have a significant number of people whom they know personally and who are potential candidates and also have many people within the legal and political communities that they can speak to who will make suggestions and give them feedback. also perspectives on people. which have been suggested by others, Elberg said. A strike against Suarez is that she has no federal law enforcement experience, which was rare among American lawyers in New Jersey until former President George W. Bush appointed Chris Christie to this post in 2001. As the federal law enforcement official for the state and the entire state being one district, thats an important responsibility, Elberg said. Often, presidents and senators look for candidates who have experience in this specific area, but this is not always the case. Suarez came under scrutiny in 2018 after her office decided not to pursue a case in which Katie Brennan accused Murphy staff member Albert J. Alvarez of rape. Suarez denied knowing that her office was investigating Brennans allegations, but it was learned that she had received four emails about it. She later admitted to receiving the emails, but said she had not read the substance of them. Suarezs working as a Bergen County lawyer during the reign of corrupt Democratic leader Joe Ferriero, who was ultimately convicted of racketeering, also raised a red flag for criticism. Still, she received approvals for the post of US lawyer from Hispanic political groups, including the Latin American Democratic Association and Latinas United for Political Empowerment, as well as the Hudson Countys Association of Police Chiefs. We know she would have made a great American lawyer, and were still happy that shes our prosecutor, said East Newark Police Chief Anthony Monteiro, who heads the Association of Chiefs of Police. Lee Vartan, the son of former Kearny Mayor Leo Vartan, as well as Henry Klingeman, Jenny Kramer, Phil Sellinger, Jamel Semper and Ricardo Solano Jr. Prior to becoming a Hudson County District Attorney in 2015, Suarez was a judge of the Passaic County Superior Court. 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
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https://exbulletin.com/world/international/946205/
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How to choose a reliable broker for a beginner?
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Brokers are companies that provide intermediary services between private traders and the Forex market. Since the trade executions with direct access to the international currency market require vast amounts of funds, brokers act as the main link in this chain. Brokers provide their clients with leverage, thanks to which a trader can operate in the foreign exchange market with impressive sums of money, which are several times higher than his deposit. Also, the speed and quality of trade execution, and, accordingly, your potential profit, depends on brokers and the order execution technology that they practice. How to choose a broker essential points Today, there are a lot of brokers who offer their services in the Forex market. It is very easy for an ordinary trader to get confused and make the wrong choice among this variety. Here we will figure out which criteria are better for choosing the best Forex broker for beginners: Reliability Broker reliability criteria: the presence of a reputable license from a regulatory organization and a contract, a risk insurance program, positive feedback on working with him on various sites and forums, leading positions in independent and authoritative ratings. Trading conditions First, decide which currency pair you will trade and compare the size of the spreads from different brokers. Since there is a lot of competition among brokers, each strives to offer the most profitable and lowest spreads to attract new clients. Number of instruments for trading The broader the brokers list of trading instruments (raw materials, oil, precious metals, cryptocurrency, etc. ), the better for you. Trade execution speed The higher the order execution speed, the better. Failures indicate that the broker is unreliable, and it is better not to trade with him. Deposit/withdrawal of funds Replenishment and withdrawal of funds from the deposit should be carried out as soon as possible and without interruption. Leverage size Determining the correct amount of leverage is very important. It is logical that the larger the size, the more profit you can get in a successful transaction. Support High-quality, and most importantly, prompt technical support is a significant indicator of a brokers reliability. Demo account It is best to start trading in the foreign exchange market on a demo account. So, you will get acquainted with the principles of trading on the Forex market, choose a suitable trading strategy, and do not risk losing real money and losing your deposit. Best Forex Brokers for Beginners Alpari, one of the worlds largest Forex brokers, was founded in 1998. Offices are located in more than 20 major cities, a vast set of tools for traders and investors. Thanks to its considerable experience in brokerage activities, Alpari offers six types of accounts, daily analytics, training, and much more. Alpari also proposes to invest in PAMM accounts, and for traders, this is an excellent opportunity to earn money from investor deposits. FxPro broker was founded in 2006. Customers have access to 280 trading instruments, including currency pairs and CFDs on futures, stocks, metals, energies, indices. Trading is possible through the terminals MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and Edge. AvaTrade is several award-winning brokers operating around the world. Regulated in six jurisdictions, AvaTrade has established itself as a trusted and respected broker. The tradable instruments available are currency pairs, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. RoboForex has been providing intermediary services in the financial markets since 2009. Regardless of the chosen type of account, you can start trading from 10 USD. The company offers free access to VPS server, allowing it to use advisors almost around the clock, while it is unnecessary to keep the terminal open.
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https://www.abcmoney.co.uk/2021/05/28/how-to-choose-a-reliable-broker-for-a-beginner/
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Is Transmission Of Covid Through The Dead Possible?
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Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, one of many concerns surrounding Covid-19 was whether or not the infection spread from the bodies of people who have died due to highly contagious viral infection. This was a challenge especially for those who tried to perform the last rites of their family members who died from Covid. A new study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) found that transmission of the virus is highly unlikely from the dead. Also Read - More Than 50% Covid Patients Succumb to Death Due To Secondary Infections Like Black Fungus: ICMR According to the Forensic Chief at AIIMS, Dr Sudhir Gupta, coronavirus does not remain active in the nasal and oral cavities 12 to 24 hours after the death of an infected person, making coronavirus transmission from the deceased extremely improbable. Also Read - Coronavirus Live Updates: India Continues To Be The Second Worst-Hit Country With 27.5 mn Cases No-Risk From People Who Died Due To Covid Pilot research on Covid-19 positive medico-legal cases that were submitted to a post-mortem was done in the Department of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS throughout the previous year. Around 100 bodies were re-tested for coronavirus infection in an interval of 12 to 24 hours after death and the result was negative. The virus does not remain active at all in nasal and oral cavities 24 hours after death, Dr Gupta told PTI. Also Read - California Covid Variant May Cause Reinfection Post Recovery Says Study The Health Ministry had listed the guidelines to be followed at the crematorium or burial ground, saying that crematorium and burial ground staff should be aware that novel coronavirus does not pose an additional risk and that they should practice standard precautions such as hand hygiene, masks, and gloves. People Should Follow Guidelines At The Crematorium Listing out the guidelines to be followed at the crematorium or burial ground, the Health Ministry had said the crematorium and burial ground staff should be sensitised that novel coronavirus does not pose an additional risk and that they should practice standard precautions of hand hygiene, use of masks and gloves. According to AIIMS Forensic Chief Dr Sudhir Gupta, for safety reasons, the nasal and mouth cavities should be sealed to avoid leaking of bodily fluids or other orifices or punctures caused by catheter removal, drains, and tubes should be sterilised. People handling such bodies should also wear protective gear such as masks, gloves, and PPE kits as a precaution. Collection of bones and ashes is completely safe as there is no risk of transmission of infection from the mortal remains, Gupta said. (with inputs from agencies)
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https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/is-transmission-of-covid-through-the-dead-possible-aiims-study-reveals-816309/
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Will Peoria find a new favorite potato chip as Rockford-based Mrs. Fisher's expands?
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Chris Spiess wanted to expand his company's potato chip business beyond the Rockford area. Adam Vitale wanted to expand his company's business beyond beverages. Following a blind email, telephone calls and face-to-face meetings over about nine months, Mrs. Fisher's potato chips have arrived in west-central Illinois. It only took almost 90 years. Then again, perhaps good things can't be rushed. "This is more of a marathon. Just making sure the brand and everything stays the same as we begin to expand," said Spiess, the Mrs. Fisher's Inc. vice president. Over the past few months, Mrs. Fisher's chips have become available at stores in Bushnell, Canton, Farmington, Galesburg, Knoxville, Lewistown, Macomb, Monmouth, Princeton and Roseville. Interstate 80 had been the approximate southern limit. By the end of this year, the chips also might be available in Peoria. That's the goal of Spiess, who envisions his firm's snack foods also reaching the Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana markets. "We want to be Illinois' chip, and that's what we're striving to do," Spiess said. Mrs. Fisher's partner in this most recent expansion appears to share Spiess' enthusiasm. Also:Here are five Illinois restaurants worth the drive outside the Tri-County Area "I feel we're just starting to scratch the surface with it," said Vitale, president of Galesburg-based G&M Distributors Inc. "A lot of people outside the Sauk Valley (Sterling-Dixon) and Rockford areas have not heard of Mrs. Fisher's. We're got a good one to two years of getting good, solid recognition, building the brand and hoping to expand with it." In business for 75 years, family-owned G&M specializes in liquor distribution. Expansion into snacks seemed like a logical progression, particularly after Vitale heard from Spiess. "It was almost like fate," Vitale said. "Kind of a match made in heaven." Mrs. Fisher's devotees in northern Illinois might consider their favorite chip to be heavenly, flavor-wise. They have a cult-level following around Rockford, where in 1932 Eugene and Ethel Fisher founded the company. In 2007, longtime employee Roma Hailman and her husband, who died in 2013, purchased Mrs. Fisher's. The company has about a dozen employees, including Spiess, who said he started there by sweeping crumbs off the cutting-room floor. "We love the fact that they're an Illinois-based company, family owned, woman owned," Vitale said. Mrs. Fisher's chips can be found in about 700 outlets, according to Spiess. But it is entering a market that already has two well-established regional potato-chip brands. Farmington long has been home of Kitchen Cooked chips, which also once had a facility in Bushnell. Like Kitchen Cooked, Sterzing's Potato Chips of Burlington, Iowa, can be found in stores in Peoria and points west. Spiess noted the three firms' common roots; each began during the Great Depression. But he said each company's chip has unique ingredients, such as different types of shortening. More:5 of the best places to get a tasty burger in the Peoria area. Here's why we chose them Vitale and Spiess also alluded to Kitchen Cooked no longer being under local control. In 2019, its merger with Pennsylvania-based Utz Quality Foods was announced. "We're all trying to put food on the table," Spiess said about his new competition. "We think we can equally do that without stepping on anybody's toes. We're out here just kind of having fun and giving the customers what they're asking for." If things had turned out a little differently back in the day, customers might be asking for Mr. Fisher's instead. That was the original name of the brand. After Eugene Fisher left his wife during the Depression, she kept the potato-chip equipment and changed the company's honorific. "Branding is all about selling a good story, too," Vitale said.
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https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/columns/nick-in-the-morning/2021/05/28/mrs-fishers-potato-chips-rockford-expanding-peoria/7464150002/
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Is the iPad Pro 2021 Waterproof? How do I protect it from water?
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If youre in the market for a new tablet, you just cant go wrong with the new iPad Pro. Its arguably one of the most powerful and refined tablets out there which Apple claims can even replace a full-fledged computer. Water-resistance on the 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch The simple answer to the question is no. Both the iPad Pro 11-inch and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch are not waterproof, nor are they water-resistant. In fact, no smartphone or tablet is truly waterproof. The term waterproof is used very loosely and is a misrepresentation of the IP rating that we see on modern smartphones and wearables. Lets understand the difference between both terminologies and see what they actually mean. Well also suggest a few things you can do to protect your iPad Pro from getting water damaged. Waterproof vs Water Resistance Now that we have the answer to the main question out of the way, lets try to find out why the iPad Pro is not waterproof or water-resistant. The two terms are often used interchangeably, which is wrong since they have different meanings. If youve been following the smartphone industry closely, youll know that smartphones have had water resistance ratings for quite a while now. They are more commonly referred to as an IP rating which stands for Ingress Protection. The new iPhone 12, for example, has an IP68 rating which means its water-resistant when immersed in water for a period of 30 minutes up to a depth of 6 meters. Note that we said water-resistant and waterproof. What this means is that the phone has rubber gaskets or some sort of mechanism to prevent water from entering the device through all possible ingress points like the charging port, speaker grilles, buttons, etc. This doesnt mean that the phone is waterproof and can survive even if water enters the phone. Water is the biggest enemy of any electronic circuit, which means if water finds a way to enter the smartphone, the chances of survival are quite low. In fact, Apple, or any other brand for that matter will not honor your warranty if your phone has suffered from water damage. Hence, even if your smartphone is IP68 rated and is water-resistant, it doesnt mean its waterproof. Further, adding IP certification to any device involves extra expenditure which is why a lot of brands tend to skimp on it altogether. The iPad Pro 2021, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models dont have any sort of IP rating so its best to keep your iPad Pro away from any sort of liquids. If youre someone who constantly spills their glass of water or youre scared of dropping your iPad into the pool, wed suggest purchasing Apple Care+ along with your iPad since it also includes protection against liquid damage. Alternatively, you can also check out a few cases for the iPad Pro that make it water-resistant and gives you added protection plus peace of mind. Apple iPad Pro 2021 11-inch The new 11-inch iPad Pro 11 comes with Apple's M1 chipset along with optional support for 5G and up to 2TB of storage. View at Best Buy Apple iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes with a mini-LED equipped display along with the mighty powerful M1 chipset, up to 2TB of storage, optional 5G, and Thunderbolt support. View at Best Buy
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https://www.xda-developers.com/is-ipad-pro-waterproof/
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Can Max Pacioretty Rescue the Vegas Golden Knights Playoff Hopes?
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Max Pacioretty hasnt been seen in a game for the Vegas Golden Knights since May 1 against the Arizona Coyotes, when he went down with what has been termed an upper-body injury during the game. Pacioretty would miss the last six regular-season games, and despite being called things like day-to-day and a game-time decision hasnt appeared in the playoffs either. He did not make the trip to Minnesota for Game Six against the Wild. But after yesterdays morning skate, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Pete DeBoer did offer a little glimpse into the situation. When asked if Max Pacioretty was skating on his own, DeBoer replied Max is skating. Im just going to leave it at that. So now its up to us to read between the quadruple-spaced lines. Theres a lot of room for interpretation here. In my experience, and remember I spent five years on the team broadcaster side of things with the Nashville Predators, when a guy is skating on his own he is generally not ready to return to practice, let alone playoff games. Also, if it is an upper body injury, things like a bum wrist, elbow, shoulder etc. do not keep you from skating. What does keep you from skating are things like rib, back and core injuries. Or a concussion. So to just make a jump and assume any of those would be misguided at best, dangerously wrong at worst. Heres a big term that gets thrown around this time of year: pain management. If it is something muscular or skeletal, and there is no further chance of making things worse (ie. ligament already torn, you will need surgery, but its torn you cant make it worse) it becomes more about pain management. Can the player play with or through the ailment and can team doctors help with pain relief to make the player more comfortable. Historically, hockey players are tough. Really tough. Weve all heard stories about guys playing through extreme injuries or breaking a jaw and being back on the bench with a faceguard in the same game. I particularly remember a pissed-off JP Dumont demanding his tooth be pulled in-game so he could get back out there rather than deal with measures to try and save the tooth which would take far longer. These guys want to get back out there and help the team. Ah, theres the rub. If you cant shoot or pass because of the injury but you can skate, thats no help. The decision has to be made is a 100% healthy depth player better or worse as an option than whatever level Pacioretty would be able to play. Not an easy call. Hes the leading scorer. So many questions, and yet we really dont know if Pacioretty can even make it through practice. For the record, he has not participated in any team skates be they practice, morning skate or a game the entire month of May. While I wouldnt rule out a dramatic return for Game Seven, dont count on seeing a masked Max Pacioretty wearing a cape and tights on Friday.
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https://vegashockeynow.com/2021/05/27/can-max-pacioretty-rescue-the-vegas-golden-knights-playoff-hopes/
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Do L.A.s pop-up chefs and nomadic restaurants have a post-pandemic future?
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On Tuesdays, the sisters behind Bungkus Bagus shop for ingredients. On Wednesdays, they line their Glendale driveway with steel tables and spend hours chopping chiles and garlic for their Balinese-food pop-up, while Thursdays are dedicated to frying aromatics, long beans and sambal goreng. On Fridays, Celene and Tara Carrara trim banana leaves to wrap bungkus, their bundles filled with coconut rice and fragrant curries and hard-boiled eggs, and on Saturdays, they set up a booth reminiscent of their childhood in Indonesia and greet their customers just inside the gate to their home. Sometimes, the line stretches all the way to the sidewalk. The Carrara sisters never intended to enter the restaurant industry a year ago, Celene worked as a doula and Tara was a makeup artist. But they, like so many others, had to seek new ways to make money as the pandemic ravaged entire sectors of the economy. I dont think that without COVID, and without the birth of the underground [food] movement, that wed be doing this, said Celine Carrara. Its bittersweet because so much of the landscape has shifted, and weve seen restaurants close that we love, and yet theres all this new stuff on the horizon, which is also really exciting. Its kind of surreal. For professional chefs, bartenders, servers and others in the hospitality industry, cooking and selling food from home sometimes with L.A. County permits and licenses, and sometimes without offered a new means to survive while restaurants and bars were shuttered. They were joined by people like the Carraras who had no restaurant experience, swelling the ranks of L.A.s home bakers and cooks who have offered social-media-savvy Angelenos special menus, direct access to makers and some of the most exciting dining the area has seen in years. Advertisement Items for sale at Bungkus Bagus, a Balinese pop-up in Glendale. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Often, all it takes from customers is a few taps on Instagram. Once an order is placed, an address is revealed or a delivery is scheduled, and some of L.A.s best new food is available, in the form of croissants or fried chicken or bentos or cheesecakes or naturally dyed dumplings. Sometimes the options seem endless. Now, on the brink of a statewide reopening set for June 15 L.A.s pop-up chefs, nomadic restaurants and home cocktail purveyors might need to pivot again as indoor dining and drinking returns to what could very well feel normal. Some of them are ready to resume their day jobs. Others want to stay independent and underground, or they want to grow their businesses more traditionally in a commercial kitchen. A few just want to keep the party going, as long as they can. Current and proposed statewide regulations could also mean change for those operating home kitchens, though they might not help home vendors until 2022. Currently, California allows only approved cottage food operators to prepare foods including some baked goods, herb blends, dried pasta and preserves at home. Class A operators can sell directly to consumers from their homes and at temporary events such as bake sales, at farmers markets and through agriculture subscriptions. Class B operators must be inspected and permitted annually, and can also offer their goods at restaurants, markets and food trucks. Neither class allows gross annual sales to exceed $50,000, and neither allows for items that require refrigeration disqualifying hundreds of L.A.s underground pop-ups from legal vending. With AB-377 and AB-1144, this could change. AB-377 became law in 2019 and allows microenterprise home kitchen operations to prepare and sell refrigerated and other non-cottage-food items from a private residence. But its up to county governments to opt in and authorize such ventures. Before the pandemic, Los Angeles County officials from several departments were discussing whether to allow them, according to Liza Frias, the director of environmental health services, whose department oversees the cottage-industry program. But the health crisis stalled any decision on the matter. At this point, everybodys really all hands on deck on the pandemic response, and making sure that were of course mitigating that, Frias said. Im sure in the future I dont know whether thats six months to a year that topic will come back up, and well present it for the board [of supervisors] to consider. Frias added, When youre permitted and youre registered, you care about what youre providing; you want to be able to make sure that your customers know that you care. If not, thats when they contact us and make a complaint. Advertisement Jess Wang is permitted for her bakery, Pique-Nique; her pickle business, Pickl, isnt eligible for permitting but under AB-377 it could be, if L.A. County opts in. Tired of waiting, Wang is now looking for a commercial kitchen space where she could prepare butter mochi and hand pies as well as pickles instead of earning money through Zoom-based Pickl pickling classes, which she has taught throughout the pandemic. AB-1144, which passed the Assembly on May 20 and was sent to the state Senate, would allow Class A cottage-food operators to sell up to $75,000 in gross sales; those with Class B permits could net up to $150,000 in gross annual sales. Laura Hoang, at home in Monterey Park, sells baked goods under the name Largwa. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) That increase could help independent bakers such as Laura Hoang, a pastry chef who sells under the moniker Largwa and whose operation is growing in popularity and reach. Advertisement When downtown L.A. restaurant Buddys temporarily closed at the start of the pandemic, Hoang lost an outlet for her pies, cakes and cookies. She also was supposed to begin work at a local coffee shop, which opened days before the shutdown and closed soon after. She found direction, and eventually income, through an operation she ran via Instagram: Heartened by the protests demanding justice for George Floyd, she began selling via direct message, and a portion of the proceeds from her cookies and other treats was donated to mutual-aid groups and nonprofits. Now she sells through retailers such as Chinatowns Thank You Coffee, still sharing updates through her Instagram account. Working independently has given her new self-assurance and direction; shes recently moved to a larger home kitchen, one with ventilation, and one she plans on having certified for a Class B cottage-food permit. She says she sees no need to return to restaurant kitchens, at least not immediately especially when the industrys systemic issues of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and underpayment remain rampant. Laura Hoangs peach nectarine mini pies. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) The pandemic has given food makers a safe release from that toxic environment, but it did not spit us into a more stable one, she said. It very much was like, Figure it out, and I feel lucky to have been able to figure it out. Advertisement Ai Kennedy, who sells sushi made in her home kitchen in Pasadena, also is reluctant to rejoin a restaurants staff. The former Sushi Enya and Q chef hosts her weekend bento pickups in an art gallery she manages but she wants to take the next step, whether that is renting a commercial kitchen or opening her own full restaurant someday. She just wishes for herself and others that rent were less expensive in Los Angeles. But even though shes looking to be part of the system, and though restaurants are reopening and pulling potential orders from L.A.s pop-ups, she believes the underground is here to stay. I think its still expanding, she said. People learned that there are options like this they dont have to go to restaurants and there are so many interesting chefs doing interesting things. Even the inspectors agree. Advertisement I think were always going to have an underground industry, said Frias, of the L.A. County Department of Public Health. My hope is that well get more people that would want to grow. Weve seen successes with cottage food, and then they transition into a shared kitchen, and then they end up starting their own business. I mean that, to me, is a success: being able to have your own business. Some entrepreneurs are vocal about not wanting to evolve into a more formal restaurant operation. Laura Hoangs chocolate chip rye cookies. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Lazy Js fries fish every first and third Sunday on the patio behind Sticky Rice in Echo Park. Chefs James Seitz and Jae Hee Lee and operations manager Justin Hodgson needed a reprieve from traditional kitchens and wanted more of a casual, food-focused party where anyone is welcome and the Budweiser flows freely. At each Lazy Js pop-up, the music blasts, there are cocktails from Sticky Rices bar, Spirit House, and the team fries until they sell out. Advertisement Theres a difference between having fun and making it a hang, and making it a restaurant and seating people, Hodgson said. We mostly want to keep it a hang and a slow burn. As for the Carraras, theyve been able to watch the grapevines grow overhead as theyve fried, tossed, simmered and folded their bungkus for 11 months. Theres a fountain in their backyard that bubbles all day. The serene home setting has inspired them and kept them tied to their childhood. I think something thats really cool about our setup is it uses the home and the business, and that is a very Bali thing, Tara Carrara said. In Bali, you dont have strict delineation between commercial and residential areas, so there are a lot of businesses that are run out of family compounds. Theyve been weighing their options for the future of Bungkus Bagus. If they grow their pop-up in a commercial kitchen, they worry it could become too sterile. Theyre not sure they want to give up their home, so theyre also considering a private-events path, which would allow them to bring their experience to another backyard with live cooking, an expanded menu, incense, offerings and music. Advertisement Thats part of the magic of it, Tara Carrara added. The whole experience is meeting us, seeing our home, hanging out the lush plants and if it was just delivery, you would miss out on a big part of the equation, which is the connection, the community, the personality and the warmth of a real human being.
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https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2021-05-28/will-la-pop-up-chefs-nomadic-restaurants-survive-return-to-normal
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Is His Excellency Afraid?
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By Izon Pereazuwa Today is a bright day in my life and it is bright for a reason. Frankly speaking, today is the brightest day in my life because it is the day I have chosen to talk to His Excellency, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, in the public domain for the benefit of my readers. I have not come to sing praises of Otuaro but to tell him and the public some bald truths. Whatever my observations and bald truths told about Otuaro produce, I am ready for the consequences because I am wholly driven by my patriotic zeal to choose this public communication. It appears His Excellency Otuaro is afraid to speak his mind and follow his ideological convictions. Ijaw people are known to be fearless in speaking their minds on any issue. Otuaro appears to be bothered by something but apparently afraid to speak. That he seems bothered and not talking is what worries me. I have carefully watched and observed the activities of Otuaro for some time. From his memorable days as a Special Assistant to Governor James Ibori on Community Affairs, his commissionership period in DESOPADEC, as Chairman of Gbaramatu Relief and Rehabilitation committee and as deputy governor in Delta State, he is not used to talking or speaking but buries his non-speaking trait in devoted execution of any task assigned to him. To devotedly execute a task without talking here and there is commendable, but the matter of today is far beyond that. No excuse given can justify the fact that Otuaro is not speaking his mind at this time when thousands of people are merely waiting for his words. The Ijaws in Delta gathered at BB Hotels and Suites on May 22, 2021 and made a public declaration that it was justifiably the turn of an Ijaw man to become the governor of Delta State in 2023. Before this gathering, King Alfred Izonebi had long musically campaigned for Ijaw governorship in 2023. In the midst of all these it was rumoured that Otuaro was interested in the 2023 Delta governorship but up until now, these rumours are still waiting for confirmation. Sometimes, one is tempted to hold the unhealthy position that Otuaros governorship ambition is a mere rumour created by his detractors to cause bad blood and distraction in Delta State. Providence seems to have coincidentally come to the aid of Otuaro in benevolent language of huge advantage. As one would be tempted to providentially claim this as a coincidental benediction, in an article authored in the Vanguard newspaper by Ekanpou Enewaridideke the iconic village boy proud of his village roots entitled: That Jonathan in the Delta Race, it was said that the Delta State 2023 governorship must not be thrown open to all the Ijaws but rather it should be kept for that Ijaw man who personifies humility and advocates peace in every breath coupled with the embodiment of the compositions of former President Goodluck Jonathan. I have known Otuaro over the years as a peace advocate, a humble, caring, philanthropic, unselfish, God-fearing and firm man who is not unhealthily ambitious in life, only motivated by a philosophy to touch the lives of people positively. Ekanpous characterisation of an Ijaw man who can rule Delta State in 2023 suits the qualities of His Excellency, Otuaro, because he(Otuaro) is all that Enewaridideke unintentionally draws attention to in his article. [ALSO READ] Africa urgently needs 20m 2nd doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, says WHO I am indescribably happy to identify with the fact that King Alfred Izonebi, the Delta Ijaws and Ekanpou have spoken on the 2023 Delta State governorship matter. With the different positions of these personalities on the Delta State governorship issue, His Excellency Otuaro should be in a hurry to declare his interest in the 2023 Delta governorship if actually he is prepared to become the governor of Delta State. That Otuaro is educationally sound, visionary, honest, humane, altruistic, accessible, humble, principled, unselfish and ideologically focused stand him in good stead. Otuaro has no excuse to be silent at this time of intensified political rumour-mongering because I do not see his ongoing silence as a strategic political wisdom. Otuaros silence is not strategic but rather it is meaningless and annoying. His silence is fuelled by fear. Whatever fear Otuaro appears to have developed, the recent Ijaw position echoed by Chief Broderick Bozimo during a gathering of Delta Ijaws in Warri that 2023 had been ordained and destined by God for the Delta Ijaws to have Ijaw as governor according to the laid-down democratic norms should strike him as a stimulant. The collective position of the Delta Ijaws now is to aggregate all their resources towards the production of Ijaw governor in Delta State in 2023.This collective Ijaw position is enough to motivate and fire Otuaro into action without fear because the Ijaw collective position can stifle any emerging political fear.This only shows the baselessness of Otuaros fear and silence. By my own thinking, where Otuaros seeming fear is not allayed by the collective position of the Ijaws publicly communicated to the world by Chief Broderick Bozimo, he(Otuaro) should kill his seeming fears and derive confidence and inspiration from the reinforced categorical position of the president of Ijaw National Congress in Warri on May 22, 2021. Prof.Benjamin Okaba, the President of Ijaw National Congress, declared that to have an Ijaw governor in Delta State in 2023 was a key project of INC. In the pursuit of this INC-backed Delta State Governorship project, no form of betrayal would be entertained from any Ijaw man. Prof. Okaba was very clear in his presentation that traitors in the Ijaw Governorship Project would never never be tolerated and accommodated. The fact that punitive action awaits any traitor in the Ijaw project as emphasised by Prof. Okaba is enough to stifle any emerging political fears, particularly Otuaros fear and silence. Even with the loud voices of Chief Broderick Bozimo and Prof. Benjamin Okaba collectively supported by the entire Delta Ijaws, if Otuaro is still afraid to present himself as a governorship candidate, he should have King Alfred Izonebi teach him in his DELTA IJAW song. To King Izonebi, the Ijaws are beyond the killer blows and arrows of the gods and negative forces residing in any part of the world. Otuaro is also covered by this invincibility and immunity that is naturally associated with every Ijaw man. Let Otuaro, therefore, listen to King Izonebis song, Delta Ijaw, and have his purposeless fears allayed. My conviction is that you have not been able to publicly declare your governorship ambition because you are scared of something I am yet to figure out. While you are busy dillydallying and exhibiting fear by refusing to declare interest, note that the Delta Ijaws will not forgive you if the tide passes by without you contesting the governorship election in 2023 because you, Otuaro, are the matchless equivalent of Goodluck Jonathan in politics and political ambition. Delta State needs a governor in 2023 who has no enemies to fight and, dear Otuaro, you are the perfect example of that man in thought, orientation, exposure, philosophy and character! Dear Otuaro, you must not let Ijaw people down by your silence because I dont see your silence as a strategic silence borne out of political wisdom and calculation. It is time to bury His Excellency, Kingsley Burutu Otuaros silence with a noisy public declaration of his rumoured governorship ambition. Wake up, dear Barrister Otuaro because all discerning Deltans are eagerly waiting for you Otuaro of Delta State and beyond! Vanguard News Nigeria
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https://thestreetjournal.org/2021/05/is-his-excellency-afraid/
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Which leading NYC mayoral candidates have jumped a subway turnstile?
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NEW YORK, NY NOVEMBER 10: A view of a turnstile entrance at the Wall Street subway station, November 10, 2017 in New York City. I (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) NEW YORK During questioning for the PIX11 Democratic Mayoral Forum, two candidates said they had jumped a subway turnstile or skipped an MTA fare in their younger years. Andrew Yang said he had, citing lack of funds while going to school. What I did is, there were two of us and we did the one swipe two people, he said. We were younger. Eric Adams, a former transit police officer, jumped turnstiles often when he was younger. I actually didnt think you were supposed to pay, I used to jump all the time, he said. Until I got caught by a transit cop, who later was in the same transit district when I became a cop. Kathryn Garcia, Maya Wiley, Scott Stringer, Ray McGuire and Shaun Donovan all said they had not. My son did once when he lost his wallet, and its something we had to talk about, Donovan said.
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https://pix11.com/news/new-york-elections/nycmayoralforum/which-leading-nyc-mayoral-candidates-have-jumped-a-subway-turnstile/
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Does Torah Jewry have a future in America?
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The question of whether Torah Jewry has a future in America has little to do with the recent spike of anti- Semitic pogroms aimed at Jews in cities across the United States. While seeing it happen today in the country in which it could never happen should certainly give us pause, the recent anti Jewish crusades across the country are merely a symptom of the quintessential problem that American Torah Jews face and not the true problem itelf. The true problem lies in the fact that the entire existence of the Jews in America was intrinsically designed to be a punishment and a curse, something that most religious Jews seems to have forgotten or choose to overlook. The Torah prophetically warns that in the future, if the Jews stray from the path of G-d, they are bound to incur a string of punishments, each one more severe than the one preceding it- national depression and anxiety, military defeat, famine and plague amongst others. The ultimate climax and culmination of all of these punishments, if the Jews persist in their spiritual indifference and apathy, will be exile from the Land of Israel in which the land of their enemies will consume them (Vayikra 26:38). In that way, America is not unique from any other country in which the Jews have temporarily found refuge in exile. Each country to which the Jews have been exiled has, as predicted, consumed them and expelled whatever survivors remained. While the recent phenomenon of anti-Jewish violence in the U.S. is the most outward expression of the Torahs prophecy, in fact, this process had already been started long ago without much attention. Assimilation has been long known as a silent Holocaust, where we are losing greater numbers in America through intermarriage than were lost through the hands of Hitler. While Torah Jewry in America is quick to condemn the assimilationist tendencies of their non observant brethren, they fail to consider that assimilation doesnt start with intermarriage - thats where it ends. Assimilation begins in our minds and in our hearts. When we live amongst a foreign culture with foreign tendencies and foreign priorities, we get assimilated. Every gentile nation has its trademark traits which inevitably filter down to the Jews living amongst them. German Jews are punctilious as are the Germans, Mizrahi Jews are passionate and emotional as are their Arab neighbors, etc. Along the same lines American Jews, are on the one hand a very friendly and generous people, but on the other, sometimes superficial and materialistic. Inevitably, these traits have filtered down to the religious Jews of America, who have outdone the Americans in their Americanism. The charity and friendly smile comes along with the understanding that money talks and money determines what they respect and who their children marry. Given this environment, it's hard to imagine what kind of future Jews can hope to have in America, even without the mob violence and anti-Semitic pogroms. Although it might not be a simple answer, the true answer to all of these question is, we cant. We cant maintain a Torah true lifestyle in America because Galus is a punishment, yet we are treating it as if it were a reward. We talk about our country America, as if it were the one exception to the Torahs eternal axiom that exile is a curse. As with all of our prior host countries, America will either devour us from within or eventually consume us from without. We forget that juxtaposed to this curse of exile, there is a reward. The reward that the Torah promises to the Jewish people when they stop acting with spiritual apathy and indifference, is the gift of living and prospering in the Land of Israel. Living there, coming close to Hashem there and creating a situation in which G-d will make His presence felt among them. Thus I will be a G-d to you, and you will be a nation to me. (Vayikra 26:11) If religious Jews who believe in the Torah, believe in the Torahs description of what is a true curse and what is a true reward, they should do what they can to escape the curse and take practical steps to work towards the reward. Before its too late. Avraham Shusteris is an accountant who made aliyah from Monsey NY in 2018 and is currently residing in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his family. He is also the founder of The Nachliel Project, (www.Nachliel.org), an organization created to promote chareidi aliyah from the US.
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https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/307057
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Does David Schwimmer have a wife and who has the Friends star dated?
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David Schwimmer's dating history revealed. Find out who the Friends star is married to. The Friends reunion finally hit out screens last week, and we finally got to see our favourite gang back together again. The hugely anticipated special saw David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry reunite to reminisce on the beloved sitcom. It's been a whopping 17 years since the last episode of the series ended in 2004, meaning many fans will be wanting to know what the cast are up to in 2021. Here's your need-to-know on David Schwimmer's family life. David isn't thought to be currently married, but he was previously married to English artist, photographer and writer Zo Buckham from 2010-2017. The couple met in 2007, and got married after three years of dating. David and Zo got married in 2010. Picture: PA They announced their separation in 2017 in a joint statement reading: "It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship. "Our priority is, of course, our daughter's happiness and wellbeing during this challenging time, and so we ask for your support and respect for our privacy as we continue to raise her together and navigate this new chapter for our family." He and Zoe welcomed a daughter, Cleo, in 2011. It is not known whether David currently has a girlfriend. David Schwimmer dated Cara Alapont. Picture: PA David has also been linked to S Club star Tina Barrett, musician Gina Lee, actress Carla Alapont, actress Mili Avital, and singer Natalie Imbruglia.
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https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/celebrities/david-schwimmer-wife-girlfriend/
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Why is the Palestinian Authority arresting West Bank activists?
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Dozens of Palestinian activists have been detained by the PA in the aftermath of Israels offensive on Gaza Strip. Tarqi al-Khudeiri is back home with his family in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, but the 22-year-old activist, whose face and presence is well known in the citys demonstrations, is still bewildered by his arrest at the hands of Palestinian security forces last week. The preventative security forces called my fathers mobile phone last Saturday and informed him that he and I need to both be present for a friendly 10-minute chat at their headquarters, al-Khudeiri told Al Jazeera. They promised that my father and I would go home together. The officers then showed a video of a protest, claiming that al-Khudeiri had chanted insults against late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, which he categorically denied. Everyone knows I have a good relationship with the members and activists of the various political parties, he said. These protests were in support of the resistance and in solidarity with our people in Gaza during Israels offensive. It doesnt make sense to use these protests to insult political leaders. The security forces changed tack, and informed al-Khudeiri his life was under threat by unknown individuals who were affronted by the alleged offence and were out to get him. The security forces told me to spend 24 hours at their headquarters as a way of protection, he said. Al-Khudeiri, who has diabetes and suffers from other chronic illnesses, told his father to go back home and bring his medicines to the security headquarters. All of a sudden, without telling me anything, I was bundled up in a car and taken to the security complex [prison] in Jericho, he said. Violent interrogation That night, the young activist was violently interrogated for many hours, and treated with such visceral anger and depravity that it shocked him. They threatened to hang me by my hands a form of torture known as shabah and assaulted me physically and verbally, he recounted. They handcuffed my hands behind my back and blindfolded me and made me sit for long hours on a low chair with no back. For the first 24 hours of his detainment, al-Khudeiris family had no idea about his whereabouts. He was eventually taken to a solitary cell that was crawling with insects and not fit for a human. As his blood sugar levels plunged dangerously low, his pleas for a diabetes kit fell on deaf ears until he had a hypoglycemic attack. His detention was extended another 24 hours, and he was banned from seeing a lawyer. # @DrShtayyeh # 22 #_. ! pic.twitter.com/d1e2b1i2Tg (@AmnestyAR) May 24, 2021 Translation: We call on the Prime Minister @DrShtayyeh to immediately release Tariq al-Khudeiri, who was arbitrarily arrested on May 22 for exercising his right to freedom of expression. The interrogation started again the next day. It became clear to me that this issue of allegedly insulting a political leader was just an excuse to arrest me and grill me about other matters, al-Khudeiri said. He was interrogated about his student activism, his previous arrest by Israel in 2019, and about other activists and former prisoners. They did not like the fact that I am outspoken against the Palestinian Authority, and accused me of being a member of Hamas, he said. I replied that I am not, but even if I was it shouldnt be a problem as they represent the resistance against the Israeli occupation. Eventually, the interrogators informed him that the prosecution was charging him with stirring up strife, incitement and insulting symbolic leaders. On Tuesday, al-Khudeiri was presented before the prosecution, who in contrast to what the interrogators had told him, said he was innocent and repeated the claim that he was being kept at the security complex for his own protection. They wanted to extend his detention by 15 days but eventually released him at his own responsibility. Violating freedom of expression Al-Khudeiris case is one of the dozens of recent arrests of Palestinian activists and university students by Palestinian Authority security forces in the occupied West Bank. Other detainees include Mahdi Abu Awwad, Mustafa Al-Khawaja, Akram Salamah, Anas Qazzaz and Hussam Amareen, a medical student at al-Quds University. : #. pic.twitter.com/Zl69lZ55eA (@qudsn) May 27, 2021 Translation: Lawyers for Justice: Jericho court rejects the request for the release of political detainee Hussam Amareen, which results in him being denied an important exam scheduled for next Saturday at the Faculty of Medicine at the al-Quds University. According to Shaker Tameiza, a lawyer with the Addameer prisoners rights group, the campaign of arrests began following the end of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, and after the West Bank witnessed popular protests expressing their support and solidarity with their brethren in Gaza. The rate of these arrests is concerning, Tameiza told Al Jazeera. If this keeps going, we could be looking at hundreds of political arrests in just a few months. In violation of the law, the detainees are transferred from their home cities or towns to the security complex in Jericho referred to colloquially by activists as Jerichos slaughterhouse. According to the testimonies weve heard, the arrested were subjected to torture in the form of shabah, verbal abuse, and physical beating, he said. The law states that every defendant should be tried in his or her city, he continued. Their transference to Jericho means that lawyers do not have immediate access to them. All of the arrests are based on the violation of freedom of expression, such as social media posts and chants during protests. Most of the charges the activists are accused of are more or less the same, such as stirring up sectarian and racial strife which is taken to mean insulting the PA, Tameiza said. According to the Lawyers for Justice Network, the political arrests which intensified since last week contradict the recent liberties decree issued by the president of the Palestinian Authority, explicitly and clearly. Members of the Palestinian Authoritys security forces stop vehicles at a checkpoint in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank [File: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP] Protests seen as threat by PA The crackdown on activists is not new, and is rooted in what political analyst Khalil Shaheen described as the PAs survival policy. The PA is hanging on to its legitimacy from the international community by solely adopting the two-state solution discourse and the so-called peace process negotiations, he explained. That means that it sees any other policy, even if it is rooted in popular protests, as a threat against it. Any deviation from this PA strategy results in the government cracking down on activists, as it is not in the PAs interest to see protests turn into an Intifada. In the past, the PA has dealt with popular protests either by co-opting them or keeping a measure of control over them as a means to pressure Israel into returning to the negotiating table. However, the recent events and developments on the ground from the Sheikh Jarrah protests and Israeli raids into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, to the attacks on Palestinians inside 1948 territories, to the rockets fired from Gaza have all served to fuel the situation. The PA is worried that armed confrontation with Israel will spread to the occupied West Bank, Shaheen said. On top of that, theres a new generation of activists coming out that are not politicised according to party membership, and therefore cannot be co-opted. These youth have been at the forefront of confrontations with Israeli forces, either in Jerusalem or in Haifa, and are not traditionally known to the PA. The campaign of arrests as a fear tactic, which is taking place at the same time as Israels law and order operation within the 1948 territories where hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel have been rounded up, is in line with how authoritarian governments behave, Shaheen said. The PA rules with fear because it is desperate to maintain its authority, he said. This is why they have postponed elections, because they knew it would be an embarrassing defeat for the dominant party Fatah. For activist al-Khudeiri, this is not the time for factions to score individual political points. Palestinians need to hold on to this unity that weve witnessed has been forged over the recent events in Sheikh Jarrah and the rest of Jerusalem, in Gaza, and in 1948 Palestine, he said. We need to remain united under one flag to fight the Israeli normalisation, occupation and security coordination as a way of burying the so-called peace process, which is as dead as it gets. At the end of the day, what we are doing in the streets is so that our people can thrive and live honourably and in freedom. Palestinians demonstrate in the city of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, in solidarity with Gaza on May 18 [File: Abbas Momani/AFP]
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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/28/why-is-palestinian-authority-arresting-activists-in-west-bank
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Why Is Our Government in the Child Abuse Business?
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I dont know about you but Im getting sick of the wanton and open child abuse being heaped on our children by the people who claim to run this country for the common good. At the very bottom of all of their regulations are millions of children being suffocated (quite literally) and abused and no one seems to care. We know that the court system couldnt care less about children who are being raped and beaten because there are countless stories covered here and elsewhere about children being given by judges to abusers who then kill them that make the headlines. This goes on and on and no one in our government ever impeaches a judge for it. Social workers dont get fired, child welfare doesnt get audited, and the wheels of justice continue to grind up the bodies of dead kids. Now we have the CDC director telling our lawmakers that our children who have been denied a proper education for over a year are going to have to continue being gagged by dirty cloth masks even after most of America has either been vaccinated or has recovered from COVID. Young children should continue to wear face masks, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said in congressional testimony on Wednesday, citing studies she says demonstrate that grade-school-age children can contract and spread the coronavirus. Theres still transmissions associated with young children, Walensky said. They have been vectors of transmission for older people. (People who act as vectors spread a disease without necessarily becoming sick.) A number of scientists point to research, however, that contradicts Walenskys assertions. What Rochelle Walensky said this morning is incorrect, Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told Yahoo News. It sure seems that way. (And if you try to find out how many child suicides have happened last year, the state wont hand over the information. Ive been waiting for a FOIA from Monroe County, New York for over four months now.) Of all the minority groups in this country that get a lot of attention over nothing, the most vulnerable populationour childrenare being experimented on without consent by demented scientists and crazed partisan politicians to make a political point. The experts who did this should face Nuremberg-style trials for it. This has always been about virtue signaling what political side they are on and its disgusting. They should be ashamed that they have done this to an entire generation of children over politics and they should face severe punishment. This woman, Walensky, lies. The New York Times caught her. Stacey Lennox reported. The New York Times tattled on the CDC and shredded CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky for saying that outdoor transmission accounts for less than 10% of all infections. It is under 1%, possibly less than 0.1%, according to the data. Even ABC News reported that all the places the CDC told us to avoid, like restaurants, bars, and gyms, were not major transmission vectors. Our betters KNOW masks are useless against viruses. We all know this. It says so on the box. Weve seen the mask-pushers take their masks off when they think the cameras arent on. So many Democrat virtue-signaling lawmakers and governors have been caught breaking their own COVID restrictions that a comprehensive list would be too long to type. (Gretchen Witchmer, Gavin French Laundry Newsom, Andrew Squeezy Cuomo, Nanny Pelosi, and more.) A bunch of you are still pretending not to know masks are stupid and if youre one of them reading this, please go elsewhere. Youre not my audience. Youre either brainwashed or evil and I dont want you here. BREAKING: Nancy Pelosi's office has confirmed the speaker got her hair cut indoors in a San Francisco salon, but released a statement claiming she didn't know she'd done anything wrong. https://t.co/cEEr1p074r KTVU (@KTVU) September 1, 2020 I maintain that if our government really believed COVID was the deadliest thing since the black plague then the Secret Service would NOT allow the third in line to the presidency go anywhere without her magic mask. But there she isin a salon during the height of COVID panic. Baloney. Studies show that the COVID virus dies in the sunshine. Its nearly impossible to contract it outside yet schools are requiring kids to wear masks while playing sports outside. Its child abuse. Children are also proven to be very unlikely to spread the virus and our open schools show that COVID is not being spread in schools! The masks are not the reason! The latest study out of Yale says that mask mandates had no effect on the spread of COVID.
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https://pjmedia.com/uncategorized/megan-fox/2021/05/28/why-is-our-government-in-the-child-abuse-business-n1450180
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Where can I watch the Euros in east London?
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- Credit: PA Wire/PA Images The Premier League season may be over, but a summer of football is set to kick off. The rescheduled 2020 UEFA European Championship - the Euros - will run from the first group stage match on June 11 to the final on July 11, with Englands campaign to begin against Croatia on Sunday, June 13. Sports fans will be flocking to pubs and bars across Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering throughout the tournament, cheering on the Three Lions in their hunt for their first Henri Delaunay Trophy. Heres our pick of a range of pubs and bars across east London to catch all the action: The Moretown Belle is a short walk through St Katherine Docks from the Tower Bridge. - Credit: The Moretown Belle Moretown Belle 5 Thomas More Square, St Katharine's and Wapping E1W 1YY Boasting the "biggest single TV in Europe" among 31 UHD screens and five sound zones, this sports bar by St Katherine Docks, near the Tower of London, offers incredible viewing of sporting events. An all-day dining menu features classic pub grub and there is a wide range of beers, wines and spirits. Rusty Bike Pub 588 Mile End Road, Mile End E3 4PH Near Mile End Underground Station, this pub aims to offer great beer and Thai food in a relaxed and friendly style - with sport on multiple screens. A second Rusty Bike Pub opened in Chingford last year. Morgan Arms 43 Morgan Street, Bow E3 5AA A classy east London pub with nice food, fine wine and real ales. Close to both Mile End and Bow Road tube stations and Bow Church DLR, it's showing every game of the Euros this summer. Fox Connaught in Lynx Way, Silvertown. - Credit: Google Fox Connaught Lynx Way, Silvertown E16 1JR Nestled among hotels near the ExCeL centre, this lively bar in a historic, Grade II listed building is known for its traditional British food and great selection of drinks. With eight HD TVs and the ability to show programmes simultaneously, its also a popular venue to watch sports. The Sportsman 78-102 Broadway, Stratford E15 1NG Located in the front of Stratford Shopping Centre in Broadway, this classic pub with a long bar is a popular hangout for TV sports. West Ham United stars Declan Rice and Man United loanee Jesse Lingard were named in the provisional England squad for UEFA Euros. - Credit: PA Champs Sports Bar & Grill 19-21 Chapel Road, Ilford IG1 2AF An American-style sports bar with 13 HD screens and a high-tech sound system. It's just down the road from Ilford Rail Station at Chapel Road and Clements Lane junction. McCaffertys Seven Kings 699 High Road, Seven Kings IG3 8RH This traditional Irish pub on Ilford High Road offers plenty of screens to watch the game. The Cross Keys pub in Crown Street, Dagenham - Credit: Google Cross Keys 26 Crown Street, Dagenham RM10 9UH This 15th century, Grade II listed pub in the old Dagenham village offers a warm atmosphere, great value and live sports. Kings Lounge 2 Linton Road, Barking IG11 8HG In the centre of Barking, Kings Lounge offers a range of Afro-Caribbean cuisine and a full bar with a variety of seating arrangements and TV screens to watch games. The Bull in Market Place, Romford - Credit: Archant The Bull 74-76 Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER A local landmark in the Romford town centre and a great place to watch football. It prides itself on offering a warm welcome, great food and excellent value. Rising Sun 64 High Street, Hornchurch RM12 4UW This "traditional-ish" historic pub in the heart of Hornchurch may be its best-kept secret. As well as serving a wide selection of drinks and mouth-watering Serious Nugs chicken nuggets, the Rising Sun shows major live sports events on its seven screens.
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https://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/where-to-watch-euro-2020-in-east-london-8005588
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Is Cryptocurrency The Future Of Digital Payments?
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Trade of significant worth as cash and assets has been a fundamental interaction since the days of yore. It just reflects how the ways have changed through humankinds history. Another strategy for trade (cryptocurrency) has come to the world as technology blooms its way. It is precisely what we will explore in this article. Cryptocurrency is a method of changing your traditional financing system over to cryptographic money. An ever-increasing number of organizations are shifting to cryptographic money for quicker and cashless payment benefits. The cryptocurrency is solely dependent on investors and what they will pay. It is unquestionably a more effective method of trading money. People can use smart contracts and upgrade shared connections where they dont have any information about the third party. Huge organizations, for example, Expedia, eBay, and Microsoft, use digital money as they will positively turn into the fate of at any rate in the following ten years. Cryptocurrency is just the future since fiat currency over the long haul will lose its worth due to unnecessary printing. There is an inclination that fiat cash can tumble to the worth of nothing. Click on this go URL to check some fantastic opportunities for trading cryptocurrency. Digital currency is legitimate money, and it lessens the risk of a wide range of misrepresentations. It is feasible to follow the transaction history of a trade with the assistance of blockchain innovation. Because of the increase in online threats and risks that are targeting businesses, cryptocurrency is yet to get more acknowledgment. However, despite the uncertainties, cryptocurrency is doing well amongst its dedicated enthusiasts who believe that the industry will reign ubiquitously one day. Probably because we are all sitting at home, with a pandemic glaring into our faces as we are forced to remote work and minimize contact. With the unlimited usage of smartphones and the generally late rollout of small, low-fee card-reader gadgets by Square, PayPal, and others, even the smallest businesses now accept electronic payments. Whats more, as of late, innovative phone applications like Venmo and Cash (by Square) empower clients to make digital payments on the fly with any other individual willing to download the application. As existing candy machines, parking meters, and card readers are replaced with fresher, tap-to-pay gadgets, it will turn out to be considerably simpler to make digital payments in the coming years. However, there is more. Although new, the idea will soon turn into reality since the industry is gaining traction from leaders worldwide, including the unwavering backing of the superstar CEO and investor Elon Musk. Blockchain Innovation Is Helpful Lately, blockchain innovation is being increasingly embraced to handle digital payments. The innovative development of bitcoin can control exchanges over a dispersed network without a dedicated center working as a bank or clearinghouse. Right now, processing transactions utilizing the blockchain is, by all accounts, less costly than the conventional methodology. Besides, the matter of processing transactions will, in general, be profoundly focused. Accordingly, the volume of transactions dealt with by every payment processor implies that the advantage of switching may be huge, and a modest number of members means that the expense of organizing to overcome network impacts is likely less. Thus, to the degree that blockchain innovation brings down transaction costs, it will probably be received to handle digital payments. Cross Border Payments One of the most convenient ways of efficiently executing crossborder payments is through cryptocurrency and blockchain. With the advancement of blockchain, these platforms can survey constant virtual trades. In contrast to conventional fiat trades, these are directed regularly through clearinghouses and cycles of other payments. Since blockchain transfers happen inside the framework, users can finish the transactions more quickly than those executed through plastic cards. Blockchain technology is not challenging to regulate, and traders can collectively decrease their transaction costs since it is a decentralized network. Additionally, bitcoin is increasingly being used in countries where populations are engaging in frequent cross-border payments, such as migrant laborers. Laborers can send their money back home by using blockchain strategy. The Issue of Security When you go cashless, the odds of guarding your cash are more because physical currency notes and coins can be lost or taken. Clients that go cashless are considerably protected because regardless of whether they lose their phones, their assets are protected in their crypto wallets that are further password protected. Also, a crypto wallet is ensured by multiple layers of safety. There are a couple of issues under the data breaches. However, the stronghold of security is past the scope of cybercriminals. Individuals who hold bitcoin do not require their details every time they execute a transaction. All exchanges are effectively recognizable through blockchain. With the correct adoption, blockchain services can be controlled by governments. Security is a significant concern regarding financial trades, and along these lines, blockchain can undoubtedly furnish you with end-to-end user experience and trust. Conclusion The banking system and the blockchain payments gateway are slowly integrating into one another. Both seem as though they are setting down deep roots for years to come. However, the ascent of cryptocurrency is making banks reexamine certain regions like transaction fees and how they interface between countries, in addition to other things. International authorities can regulate the banking system. However, enacting legislation in the crypto space is somewhat tricky. The odds are that the adoption of cryptocurrency will increase because of its usability and better technology. The developer community is chipping away at capacity issues which would, when the solutions are carried out, and consciously agreed upon, settle this obstacle. However, the obstacles to reach more remote areas still exist and will persist for a long time.
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https://www.opptrends.com/is-cryptocurrency-the-future-of-digital-payments/
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Can suppliers avoid extinction as the automobile pivots to electric?
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When technology transforms an industry, it can begin quite slowly and then it happens all at once. Take the first iPhone. When it first launched in 2007, it was often discussed with derision as many failed to grasp its revolutionary potential, especially by traditional cell phone makers. Yet since then, its transformed the way we communicate and live. Its destroyed legacy players and forced an entire industry to adapt to its technology, rather than the other way around. Were now at a similar pivot point in the auto industry. When Tesla Inc. launched the Model S in 2012, the electric car was widely panned as unrealistic for the mass consumer. Even today, EVs only make up a tiny portion of the vehicles on U.S. roads, so its easy to think that the era of gasoline-powered internal combustion engines has a long runway. In fact, the future has already arrived and the internal combustion engine isnt in it. Highly anticipated EV launches, including up to three new models from startup Rivian this year, GMs Hummer EV super truck , and the Ford F-150 Lightning, are the latest sign that the era of electric vehicles has arrived. Every major automaker has looked into the future and are now almost entirely focused on using their valuable investment capital to build new EVs. By 2030, EVs are projected to make up to 50 percent of global auto sales, with 100 percent a possibility by 2040, according to analysis by UBS . GM has already set a goal of ending all gas-powered car and truck sales by 2035. The impact will ripple throughout the industry, but the implications for suppliers will be the most profound. Inevitable The global drive for cleaner energy and lower carbon emissions, which appears inevitable, is fueling the transition. For one, the Biden administration is providing important impetus to the transition with plans to fight climate change by investing $174 billion in charging stations, mass transit vehicles and school buses, as well as consumer tax credits. Also, as more EV models are introduced, economies of scale and volume effects are already kicking in. These are making EVs more affordable and accessible to consumers. Key EV components, such as batteries and electric drivetrains, are rapidly getting cheaper. That could begin to bring EVs to price parity with traditional vehicles as early as 2025 . As charging infrastructure becomes more widespread and faster, consumer anxiety about driving range and the practicality of EVs will fade. To be sure, there are risks to this scenario, such as political reversals on climate change, a slower pace of reduction in costs, or supply chain problems. But these problems would only delay this transition, not stop it. Profound impact, ripe opportunities These technology changes will profoundly impact every aspect of the auto industry, from manufacturers to dealerships to gas stations to the whole universe of suppliers. Of those categories, suppliers will likely face the biggest disruptions and the biggest opportunities. After all, automakers will still be making cars, albeit with significant modifications to the types of components utilized. Dealers will need to adapt their service departments, while gas stations will have to refit their real estate to install charging stations, instead of gas pumps. In contrast, many suppliers face an existential threat as demand for their specific product lines declines and disappears. Take the humble exhaust pipe. After a century of dominance, it has no role in the EV world. Neither do the gas tank, fuel pump or fuel filling lines. They must pivot to new or related products or go by the wayside eventually. For another historical example, look at the shift from drum to disc brakes. And if a supplier of these parts wanted to sell and exit the business, the window may be constricted or closed for many M&A transactions. Makers of some components will have an easier task since their products may overlap with the needs of EVs. For example, traditional HVAC heating and cooling systems have been belt driven by the vehicles engine, allowing them to siphon energy from the engines power. In EVs, automakers and suppliers are both trying to figure out the most effective approach to adapt thermal systems to work efficiently to cool the battery and take care of temperatures in the passenger cabin. Perhaps makers of exhaust pipes can use their prodigious engineering knowledge to create smart thermal systems to offset the heat generated by EV batteries. The challenge for auto suppliers is to step back and envision how they can position themselves and pivot their expertise for the EV future. They need to be thinking holistically about how they can solve the problems that EV makers will need to resolve. For a supplier success story, consider Nexteer, which saw early on that electric power steering systems would supplant hydraulic power steering systems -- which dominated their products in the early 2000s. The company pivoted and became a leading provider of newer technologies in steering systems. Like Nexteer, suppliers should be looking at how they can use their core competencies to pivot to new types of components. That could range from solutions to the different types of cabin environments that will be needed for autonomous vehicles to innovative ways to address issues around battery temperature and safer protective structures. Suppliers have correctly embraced the customer is always right mantra, but that doesnt mean embracing what the customer wanted yesterday. To avoid becoming irrelevant in the coming years, suppliers need to understand where the industry is going for their components, figure out a plan and begin to take actions now.
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https://www.autonews.com/commentary/can-suppliers-avoid-extinction-automobile-pivots-electric
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Are Black Babies More Likely to Develop Cerebral Palsy?
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The racial disparity in healthcare is a well-known problem in the United States, but recognizing an issue and actively working to close that gap are worlds apart. Cerebral palsy, a group of developmental disorders that impacts more infants than anything else, has been shown to affect different races and communities disproportionately. Black infants are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy than white and Hispanic infants for several reasons. A group of permanent movement disorders, cerebral palsy starts to show signs in early childhood. People who are suffering from cerebral palsy experience a wide range of symptoms and difficulties. Most cases show problems with muscle development or growth, coordination problems, and communication issues. Difficulties with Diagnosis Diagnosis is difficult in the early stages of life, and while many cases are detected in the first two years of a childs life, in underserved communities, it may not happen until five years or later. Generally, an assessment of movement capabilities can give medical professionals the information needed to diagnose. If you think your childs diagnosis was delayed or it was incorrect, you should speak to a Detroit cerebral palsy lawyer. They can help you review your legal options because you may have been the victim of medical malpractice. If there was negligence on the part of the physician or administration and it delayed your childs diagnosis or treatment, you might have a case. Delays in treatment can set back a childs development and impact their entire life. Early Treatment Options As soon as a diagnosis is reached, you can assemble a comprehensive treatment plan for your child. People with cerebral palsy often need ongoing physical therapy for their gross motor skills and occupational therapy for their fine motor skills. Many people with cerebral palsy also need assistance communicating, especially with a late diagnosis. Speech therapists can assist with communication skills. Adaptive technology and devices can help a child with cerebral palsy keep up with their classmates and eventually have an independent adult life. Hearing aids, mobility devices, and adaptive tools for daily life or hobbies are available or can be custom-designed based on an individuals development. Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of cerebral palsy, many of which are linked to pregnancy or birth conditions. Multiple gestations in one pregnancy, like twins or triplets, increase the risk of at least one being impacted. Pregnancies where a twin or triplet dies before or shortly after birth greatly increase the risk of the other infants developing cerebral palsy. Infections during pregnancy that impact the womb can lead to brain damage in the fetus. If an expecting mother has a high fever during pregnancy, it can also cause brain damage in the fetus. Different blood types between the mother and child can also cause the mothers body to fight the fetus like an infection, damaging the brain and blood. Genetics is a small factor but do not overwhelmingly determine which children develop cerebral palsy. Premature birth and low birth weight are some of the greatest risk factors for cerebral palsy, which leads us to the next point. The higher rates of cerebral palsy among black infants is linked to the prevalence of risk factors during births and deliveries. One of the top risk factors for cerebral palsy is a low weight at birth, something which black infants experience much more than white and Hispanic infants. If you only look at data for low-weight infants, however, black infants are actually less likely to have cerebral palsy than whites. Another reason for the racial disparity among cerebral palsy cases is the amount of prenatal care and maternal education available in different communities. Predominantly black communities and areas are historically underserved by the health care industrial complex and in community education. Increasing the availability of quality prenatal care and support for expecting mothers should drop the rate of cerebral palsy among black infants to the same or a lower level than that of whites or Hispanics.
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https://sflcn.com/are-black-babies-more-likely-to-develop-cerebral-palsy/
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How to build healthcare app step by step?
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A negligible percentage of users today do not use mobile apps. They are represented in a wide variety of areas: from manufacturing to information products. Developed for different purposes: analytics, calculations, entertainment and more. In connection with the significant development of medicine, it is not surprising that information technology has become firmly entrenched in this area, having received an impetus for development. Healthcare application development happens for different purposes, for example: interaction between the attending physician and the patient; pre-appointment, documentation; analysis of indicators of the patients condition (taking readings of heart rate, pressure); checking changes in the patients body remotely. Considering the fact that someones life can depend on the correct operation of applications and devices used in medicine, the development of applications for medicine is a responsible and difficult task. Without special and deep knowledge in programming and the field of medicine where it is planned to use the application, it will not be possible to achieve positive results. Therefore, it is best to find a reliable company to entrust the creation and development of a medical application. One of the niche leaders is https://fireart.studio/hire-ux-developers/, which offer a skillful combination of high speed, quality and affordable price. Your attention is invited to familiarize yourself with how the application is created in practice. Development stages In order to get your own application, you need to consider several important points. Conventionally, the process is divided into several large-scale stages, namely: idea and concept creation; application development and testing; implementation and promotion. technical support and service. Depending on the goals that a person pursues while developing an application for medicine, the budget, the amount of work, the complexity of implementation and the period of creation will be directly determined. Hardware and software They become even more effective from year to year. Large amounts of data are processed faster and faster. Machine learning and pattern recognition, even in unstructured data, have been improved. IT professionals increasingly pay attention to the importance of: data; semantics; and context. Thus, more and more information and knowledge that are necessary for the development of medicine can appear. With the latest technology at their disposal, programmers and designers can implement the most innovative diagnostic methods and much more. There are many use cases for mobile apps, but 25% of apps go unused. The average app user has 36 apps installed on their mobile device. Apps are becoming more and more important in mobile use, but only 25% of apps are used on a daily basis, and another 25% remain completely unused. On the one hand, the goal is to make the application as useful and meaningful as possible, with good design and a solid codebase. On the other hand, this application must also sell properly. It is important for medicine that the application: worked without failures and errors; could offer the user an accessible interface; was adaptive and compatible with the operation of other devices (for example, devices and accessories used for medical purposes). A convenient and useful application, with the right advertising campaign, will very quickly conquer a huge audience. Many people want to have an advisor at hand. And this is not surprising, because with all the abundance of information on the Web, there is not so much clear and verified information. Medical Application Issues You can get a really high-quality product only by thinking over each stage of its creation and working out the details. If the application is unfinished and becomes available to a wide audience, it can be considered dead. User confidence will be lost, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to restore it without incurring significant financial losses.
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https://sflcn.com/how-to-build-healthcare-app-step-by-step/
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Will Ohio's Vaccine Lottery Actually Increase Vaccinations?
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Research has shown that incentives can be effective at increasing vaccination rates. As the country splits into the already vaccinated and the adamantly opposed, experts say techniques like the lottery are aimed at a third group: the undecided people in the middle, who may have been considering getting a vaccine, but had not made it a priority. The most effective behavior change techniques dont try to persuade people or change their social experiences, said Noel Brewer, a professor of health behavior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Instead, they rely on building on peoples existing good intentions. Still, some worry that $ 1 million could be too much of a good thing. Advertisements Uri Gneezy, a behavioral economist at the University of California, San Diego, who studies incentives, said a vaccine lottery like Ohios could generate buzz and enthusiasm, but he warned that offering too much money could actually backfire. Imagine a scenario, he said, where a medical school is doing tests on a new cream and offers you $ 50 to participate. Now, imagine the school offers $ 50,000. Then you say, Hold on, hold on, what am I getting into? he said. A big figure like $ 1 million, he said, could inadvertently send a signal to some that the vaccines are problematic. Dr. Brewer also favored a smaller payout. $ 25 is about access, he said. $ 1 million is about twisting my arm. Governor DeWine, a Republican, has defended the lottery idea as a powerful, if experimental, incentive at a time when every shot helps stop transmission of the coronavirus. Author: Sarah Mervosh This post originally appeared on NYT > U.S. News
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https://newslanes.com/2021/05/28/will-ohios-vaccine-lottery-actually-increase-vaccinations/
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Why are Twitter and WhatsApp miffed with Indian authorities?
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The Indian government's battle with social media giants escalated on Thursday with Twitter accusing the police of "intimidation." The micro-blogging site's statement came days after Delhi police visited Twitter's offices to serve a notice in connection with a tweet from a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman that the company labelled as "manipulated." "Right now, we are concerned by recent events regarding our employees in India and the potential threat to freedom of expression for the people we serve," a Twitter spokesman said. "We, alongside many in civil society in India and around the world, have concerns with regards to the use of intimidation tactics by the police in response to enforcement of our global Terms of Service, as well as with core elements of the new IT rules," he added. 'A lot of arm-twisting happening' Peeved by Twitter's move, the government lashed out at the American firm, saying its statement on the country's new IT rules is an attempt to dictate its terms to the world's largest democracy. "India has a glorious tradition of free speech and democratic practices dating back centuries. Protecting free speech in India is not the prerogative of only a private, for-profit, foreign entity like Twitter," said a government statement. The statement posted on Koo, an Indian social media platform, further pointed out that law-making and policy formulation is the "sole prerogative of the sovereign" and a social media platform like Twitter has no locus in dictating what India's legal policy framework should look like. "It is clearly a confrontation between sovereign rights of the country and the intermediary which has financial stakes. There is a lot of arm-twisting happening and I believe the issue will reach the country's Supreme Court," Pavan Duggal, a cyberlaw expert, told DW. A tense standoff Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and social media networks have been engaged in a tense standoff in recent months over India's new IT rules, which have also alarmed privacy rights activists. The new regulations require internet platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to erase content authorities deem to be unlawful and to help with police investigations, including identifying the "first originator" of posts deemed to undermine India's sovereignty, state security or public order. They also require companies to name a compliance officer who would then be criminally liable for content published on the platform. The sweeping regulations, which hold tech firms more accountable for content shared on their platforms, were announced in February. A 90-day grace period for complying with the rules ended Wednesday. Critics say that Modi's administration came up with the new rules to stifle online criticism. The regime's claims are bogus," M K Venu, co-founder of the news website The Wire, told DW. The website has challenged the new IT regulations in the Delhi High Court. The government, however, has rejected the accusations that it wants to use the new regulations to obstruct free speech. Popular messaging service WhatsApp, which claims 500 million users in India, has filed a lawsuit to stop the government enforcing the new rules. The company says they will compel it to break privacy protections to users. "Requiring messaging apps to 'trace' chats is the equivalent of asking us to keep a fingerprint of every single message sent on WhatsApp, which would break end-to-end encryption and fundamentally undermines people's right to privacy," WhatsApp said in a statement. The traceability rule would also affect WhatsApp alternatives like Signal and Telegram, which are also inherently designed to be end-to-end encrypted and are gaining popularity. End-to-end encryption ensures that nobody other than the receiver can see a particular message. This is the exact opposite of traceability, which would reveal who sent what to whom, experts said. Watch video 06:37 India: Organizing pandemic help via social media 'It's just the beginning' WhatsApp's parent company Facebook as well as Google have so far refrained from taking a confrontational approach and said they are working towards complying with the guidelines. Nevertheless, they have sought talks with the authorities over the new regulations. Cyber experts say the government might not entirely block the social media sites if they fail to comply with the new rules but may levy a fine or stop the companies from doing business in India. "Compliance from the social media companies will be difficult and the government cannot take away users' rights. A middle path has to be found," Prasanth Sugathan, legal director of the Software Freedom Law Center, a Delhi-based digital rights group, told DW. Digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa told AFP news agency that the new rules and the war of words were "just the beginning of big tech versus the Indian government." "The people who suffer at the end of it are users ... What I'd like to see is a reduction in power of (social media) platforms over our speech, but also not increasing the power of governments over platforms, because then governments can use them to censor us."
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https://www.dw.com/en/india-social-media-conflict/a-57702394?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-xml-atom
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How Many More Times Will Terrorists Like Usman Khan be Freed to Carry Out More Atrocities?
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Convicted terrorist Usman Khan was attending a prisoner rehabilitation workshop near London Bridge in November 2019 when he fatally stabbed two people and injured three others. Khan, who was wearing a fake suicide vest, was then gunned down by police. An inquest jury has recorded a verdict of unlawful deaths on two prisoner rehabilitation workers who were murdered by a convicted terrorist during an event at the Fishmongers Hall in London on 29 November 2019. The jury also found there had been "unacceptable" failings by state agencies which contributed to the deaths of Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23. The pair suffered fatal injuries when Usman Khan, who had strapped two knives to his hands in a toilet cubicle, suddenly launched an attack out of the blue during the informal event hosted by the charity Learning Together. Photo : Metropolitan Police Jack Merritt, pictured on the day he was killed by Usman Khan Khan, 28, was the second convicted terrorist to carry out an attack in the capital after being freed from a prison sentence. On 2 February 2020 Sudesh Amman, 20, stole a knife from a shop in Streatham, south London, and began stabbing people in the street. Amman, who was wearing a fake suicide vest, was killed by an armed police response team. AP Photo / Alberto Pezzali Police officers work at the scene of the 2 February 2020 terror stabbing attack in the Streatham area of south London Amman served only half of a sentence of three years and four months for possessing information useful to a terrorist, including knife fighting manuals, and disseminating terrorist publications. Khan was born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent in the Midlands and was arrested in 2010 with eight others, all of whom sympathised with al-Qaeda*. BREAKING: Jury in the inquests of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones find that "unacceptable" failings by state agencies contributed to their unlawful killing in the 2019 Fishmongers Hall terrorism attack. Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) May 28, 2021 The nine were convicted of plotting to place a pipe bomb in the London Stock Exchange. Khan was originally given an indeterminate prison sentence under Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) legislation but this was changed to one of 16 years, from which he was freed in 2018 after serving half. After his release on Christmas Eve 2018 Khan moved into a bail hostel in Stafford, north of Birmingham, and in the summer of 2019 he found his own flat in the town. Photo : Metropolitan Police Usman Khan (1) is pictured near Saskia Jones (2) who he would stab through the neck He could not get a job and spent most of his time alone in the flat, meeting his family once a week. Khan's mother Parveen Begum hired a lawyer, Jude Bunting, to represent her at the inquest and, in a written submission, he pointed out: "There is no evidence on which the jury could fairly or safely conclude that any act or omission on the part of the family of Usman Khan caused or contributed to the tragic deaths of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones." Khan's brother said Usman never spoke about his conviction, beyond saying "he had been a silly boy and had been young." Photo : Metropolitan Police One of the weapons Usman Khan used to murder Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones. Detectives believe Khan scratched the word Allah in Arabic on the blade. His brother said he knew Usman was going to an event in London but assumed he would be escorted by the police and would be back. Mr Bunting added: It was not suggested that (Khans brother) or any other family member knew of the intelligence about Usman Khan, his various risk assessments in prison, or the ongoing investigation into Usman Khan by various police forces and/or MI5. A senior MI5 officer, identified only as Witness A, told the inquest they believed Khan still had an extremist mindset and treated him as a subject of interest (SOI) but because they saw no evidence of him re-engaging online or in person with other jihadists they assumed he was no longer a threat and were preparing to close the file on him in November 2019. Photo : Metropolitan Police Usman Khan is pictured collecting his brunch buffet as Jack Merritt, one of his victims, waits behind him in the queue Witness A said they raised no objections when they heard he was coming to London for the Learning Together event, despite having earlier advised the multi-agency team handling Khan that he should not do a course in driving refuse trucks in case he learned how to use such a vehicle in a terrorist attack. Witness A was also questioned about why they had not given Khan an escort or at least monitored him and made sure there was security at the venue. Instead Khan was allowed to travel by rail from Stafford to London and while on the train he put on the fake suicide vest. Photo : Metropolitan Police The fake suicide belt which Usman Khan wore, which included components from an Xbox When he arrived at the venue he kept his coat on inside and his rucksack, which contained several large knives, was not searched or put through a metal detector. So when Khan went to the toilet, took the knives out of his bag and taped them onto his wrists and then began attacking people it came completely out of the blue. Witness A also said an internal review had cleared MI5 of any culpability. She said: "The post-attack review concluded that MI5 could not have taken any other actions or made any decisions which would have materially changed the outcome of this case. Furthermore, the conclusion was reached that the investigative and operational decisions taken by MI5 in this case were sound." Next month an inquest will open into Khans death and later this year another inquest will examine the events around the shooting of Sudesh Amman, who was gunned down after attacking strangers at random in Streatham. Ironically it was Judge Mark Lucraft QC - who was to oversee Usman Khan's inquest - who sentenced Amman in December 2018. In his sentencing remarks Judge Lucraft said: "In terms of mindset, your interest in Islamic extremism and Daesh appears to be more than just an immature fascination. It seems to me on the material here that you are someone with sincerely held and concerning ideological beliefs that motivate you to collect and disseminate material of the type here." AP Photo / File In this file photo, Islamic State group militants hold up their flag as they patrol in a commandeered Iraqi military vehicle in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq He went on: "You speak about preferring a knife attack to the use of bombs and ask about having a knife delivered to her address. You speak about ISIS* being the best thing to happen to Islam...In the notebook found in the search where you made notes about explosives and detonators you also note goals in life that include a desire to die as a martyr and to go to paradise." Despite those remarks, Amman was released from prison a little more than a year later, on 23 January 2020, and was staying in a bail hostel at the time of the attack on 2 February 2020. He was under a curfew and had to wear a GPS tag, had surrendered his passport and had restrictions imposed on his internet use. AP Photo / Victoria Jones Police attend the scene after an incident in Streatham, London But none of that stopped him from walking into a shop, stealing a knife and trying to kill innocent civilians. Last month Mohammed Tahir, 19, from Peterborough, Muhammed Saeed, 23, from Manchester, and Mohamed Ismail, 23, north London, were jailed for a combined total of 14 years after pleading guilty to terrorist offences. Tahir, Saeed and Ismail had never met each other but between August and December 2019 they spoke to each other on internet chat groups and sent messages which showed their "Islamic extremist mindsets." Photo : Metropolitan Police (Left to right) Mohammed Tahir, Muhammed Saeed, and Mohamed Ismail, who were jailed for terrorist offences in May 2021 Tahir and Saeed were jailed for five years each and Ismail for four years. The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, is in the process of pushing through legislation which would ensure criminals, including terrorists, would serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before they could be released. But the Usman Khan and Sudesh Amman cases suggest that may not be enough to stop released terrorists committing atrocities. * Al-Qaeda and ISIS, or Daesh, are terrorist groups which are banned in many countries, including Russia.
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https://sputniknews.com/uk/202105281083009532-how-many-more-times-will-terrorists-like-usman-khan-be-freed-to-carry-out-more-atrocities/
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What Does High-Ranking Shake-Up At The Pentagon Mean For National Security?
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ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: The timing of all this raises questions and concerns, questions about the president's motivations and concern over what all this turnover means for the country's national security. David Ignatius of The Washington Post has been talking to his sources in the national security and intelligence community and joins us now. Welcome. DAVID IGNATIUS: Thank you, Ari. SHAPIRO: Let's start with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. You write that his firing by tweet on Monday stunned the military leadership at a time when they were craving stability. We know that back in June, Trump and Esper clashed over the use of troops to handle racial justice protests. IGNATIUS: I think there's more to it. There are other instances which did not come to light in which Esper had disagreed with the president. Most notably, Esper had strongly opposed the declassification and release of information that would support the president's arguments, he thinks, that the Russia investigation began with a hoax, has been concocted all along. You remember back in September, there was material that was released to Lindsey Graham and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Trump supporters, led by the director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, wanted a lot more declassified, and Esper strongly opposed it. This went to a fiery White House meeting before the election. In the end, surprisingly to me, a strong advocate for not declassifying the additional information was Attorney General William Barr, who sided with the CIA director and with the military. Esper wrote a very angry letter to Ratcliffe protesting this. And I - that's a factor in the president's decision to get rid of him. SHAPIRO: Just take a step back because all of this chaos in the middle of a presidential transition when the sitting president denies that he lost the election is leading people to speculate about doomsday scenarios. You're saying it all comes down to the president claiming he had nothing to do with Russia and that the investigation was groundless. IGNATIUS: So I think there are several possible explanations. But one of them certainly is a rearguard action still fighting the battle of 2016. This has been an obsession for Trump since the Russia investigation began. There are a couple others I should mention. It may be that this housecleaning at the Pentagon is just an act of presidential pique. He's furious. He wants to make news again. He wants to get rid of people he thinks are disloyal. It's also possible he wants in people who will accelerate the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria. That's something the president would love to deliver for legacy reasons. But I think this relitigation of 2016 is a major part of it. SHAPIRO: Now, you're saying that the attorney general and others pushed back hard against the declassification of this Russia intelligence. IGNATIUS: The argument that was made by Secretary of Defense Esper, by the CIA director, Gina Haspel, and by the head of the National Security Agency, General Nakasone, is that the release of this information would disclose sources and methods to the Russians that would put U.S. intelligence collection at great risk. And Secretary Esper said specifically in his letter to DNI Ratcliffe that it would put U.S. troops around the world in harm's way because of the revelation of some key collection techniques. IGNATIUS: Well, these are the most ferociously loyal - committed to Trump the person, Trumpism as an ideology - in the government. These are people who came off the staff, many of them of Representative Devin Nunes, the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, the most die-hard critic of the Russian investigation. So these are the shock troops, if you will, the most loyal. SHAPIRO: Now, I have to ask you about the worst-case scenario, which is the speculation that Donald Trump is putting loyalists in these key positions in the national security, defense, intelligence communities in order to secure his hold on power after losing an election. IGNATIUS: Well, they don't rule anything out. I think they would stress - and from my reporting, I would stress - that the uniformed military itself, the men and women in our armed forces, are led by somebody in Chairman of Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley who has made it clear emphatically that he swore an oath to the Constitution, not to this or any individual president and that he understands his responsibilities to keep the military out of politics. So I think there's very broad understanding in the military that they do not want to be used by Trump in any last-ditch effort to hold onto power. IGNATIUS: The overall effect is terrible. This is a period historically, the transition between presidencies, when the United States is vulnerable. We're going from one group of leaders, one group of people who are briefed on all the classified information to, in theory, another. And it's a time when our adversaries around the world can take advantage of some disorientation. So people in the Pentagon that I've talked to the last couple days feel especially angry that at a time when they're trying to worry about our country's vulnerabilities, they have this additional political chaos to deal with. That really upset people. SHAPIRO: That's David Ignatius of The Washington Post. Thank you very much. IGNATIUS: Thank you, Ari. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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https://www.wesa.fm/2020-11-11/what-does-high-ranking-shake-up-at-the-pentagon-mean-for-national-security
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Are earbuds good or bad for cleaning earwax? What do ENT doctors across the world suggest?
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Doctors advise against using ear buds to clean ear wax | Photo Credit: iStock Images Key Highlights Our ears have a natural cleaning mechanism, say the doctors. The wax is there to keep the ear apparatus from going painfully dry and to trap the dust and germs. Earbuds are notorious for pushing the wax further inside and in some cases also hurting the eardrum. The ear is a complex, powerful, and delicate organ. It collects sound waves so you can hear the world around you. The ear also has a second functionit helps you keep your balance. If a person has ear wax (cerumen) in the ear canal and uses buds to clean it, then instead of cleaning cerumen, it pushes it deep in the canal. This impacted cerumen causes severe ear pain and hearing loss, warn doctors. Inserting any object from a pin, finger to even a cotton bud or Q-tip in the ear is a risky thing to do as it pushes the ear wax further deep into the ear canal. We find earbuds easy to use as they are available in shops over the counter. It seems convenient and saves us the effort of going to a specialist. You must know that this very dangerous practice can even cause hearing loss because the eardrum is extremely sensitive and can be ruptured even with the slightest pressure from the seemingly harmless earbud. ENT scene in the UAE: Dr Naveen Gupta, ENT specialist at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai tells the Khaleej Times: "There is no specific age bracket for wax accumulation as it is not a disease. Wax accumulation can start to form in babies a few months old to elderly people. Wax is a normal thing to form in the ear as it is a mixture of the ear skin secretions, dead cells of the skin and trapped foreign bodies. It lubricates the ear skin and prevents dryness and infections. As it forms, it clears out in the particle form from the ear canal on its own. In some people, it forms more, or its movement is not fast enough leading to accumulation in the ear canal. These people need to consult an ENT specialist for its removal." ENT doctors in the US: To a question whether one may use cotton swab earbuds to clean the ears, Dr Wong at the Cedars Sinai Hospital (USA) says, No! It says so right on the back of the box: DO NOT USE IN EARS! Using a cotton swab like a plunger in the ear canal pushes the earwax deeper and deeper in. Puncture the eardrums Cause hearing loss In severe cases, the cotton swab can damage many sensitive structures behind the ear canal. This damage can lead to complete deafness, prolonged vertigo with nausea and vomiting, loss of taste function, and even facial paralysis. Dr Wong also warns against the forceful removal of ear wax. He says, Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance that your body makes and has many beneficial propertiesit is slightly acidic, which helps fight bacteria and fungus in the ear, and it's slightly oily, which provides a waterproof barrier for the ear canal skin. You usually don't need to ever clean wax out of your ears because there's a natural cleaning system in the ear canal that sweeps earwax out like a conveyor belt. Even if there is a lot of wax, you can have up to 90% of your ear canal blocked and still be able to hear clearly since you only need a small pinhole for sound to travel through, Dr Wong said. In some situations, the ear does make an excessive amount of wax or earwax build-up occurs for some other reason. In those cases, primary care physicians often use an ear lavage, where warm water is flushed into the ear canal to gently wash away the wax. Physicians exercise caution if the patient has a hole in the eardrum or active infection, as excess water can cause pain and drainage, warns Dr Wong. No syringing ear with water: UK doctors But doctors in the UK insist that are blocked with wax should not be syringed. For thousands of years, the syringe has been the ear doctors tool of choice (Roman author Celsus wrote about it in De Medicina), but now a UK health watchdog says that a syringe pumping water into the ear is potentially harmful. Why is it so, one may ask. You cant control the pressure; you dont know how hard it is blasting water into the ear, says Prof Tony Wright of the UCL Ear Institute. Electronic irrigators, which Nice recommends, allow the otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) to control pressure, but they are still only an update of the syringe. ENT UK, the association for ear, nose and throat doctors, does not recommend the irrigation method at all. ENT surgeons all believe the best way to remove wax is under direct vision with a little suction device, says Wright. Ask your GP to refer you. Private clinics offer this micro-suction service a microscope with a powerful sucker, report the Guardian (UK). Indian ENTs: In India, doctors adopt either of the three methods. In case of hard and dry extensive wax, the softening of wax can be achieved by repeated instillation of wax softening ear drops into the outer ear for 3-4 days and then cleaning by suction, reports The Times of India. It cites Dr BM Abrol, Consultant ENT Specialist at Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute, New Delhi, who mentions 3 techniques: Syringing with sterile water at body temperature, Removal of wax with forceps, hooks and probes, and Cleaning by suction (vacuum) As for cases where the wax has hardened and dried up, Dr Abrol says that the softening of wax can be achieved by repeated instillation of wax softening ear drops into the outer ear for 3-4 days and then cleaning by suction. Most of the cases can be tackled with an anaesthetic, Dr Abrol says. However, in children and apprehensive adults, one may occasionally have to resort to general anaesthesia. Bottom line: Put down the cotton buds. Now. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/are-earbuds-good-or-bad-for-cleaning-earwax-what-do-ent-doctors-across-the-world-suggest/763153
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Will the stamp duty relief be extended?
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When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up fornow for hacks, market analysis, inspiration and more The tax on primary residences worth up to 500,000 was initially due to expire on March 31 of this year. Then the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an extension of the tax break by three months until June. On March 3 Mr Sunak told MPs: "I can announce today the 500,000 nil rate band will not end on 31st of March, it will end on June 30. "Then, to smooth the transition back to normal, the nil rate band will be 250,000, double its standard level, until the end of September and we will only return to the usual level of 125,000 from October 1. It is important to note these tax rates only apply to home buyers in England and Northern Ireland. READ MORE:
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https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1442558/Will-the-stamp-duty-relief-be-extended-evg
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What should be done to three Norfolk beauty spots?
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Published: 1:36 PM May 28, 2021 The future of three popular parks in north Norfolk could be influenced by the outcome of a new round of surveys. North Norfolk District Council is asking people for their views on Holt Country Park, Pretty Corner Woods at Sheringham and Sadlers Wood at North Walsham - all of which are 'Green Flag' parks. Sadler's Wood, near North Walsham. Picture: NNDC - Credit: NNDC Virginia Gay, the portfolio holder for leisure, wellbeing and culture, said: "Our three Green Flag woodlands are a source of pleasure to so many of our residents and to our visitors too. "But we must make sure that as many people as possible may share in this pleasure. "That's why we're asking visitors to North Norfolk's Green Flag woodlands please to take a moment to fill in one of these surveys. You may also want to watch: "We look forward to hearing your voice and sharing back what you find special about them." Holt Country Park.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE Pretty Corner Woods at Sheringham - Credit: NNDC The council said the five-minute, anonymous survey would help them shape decision on how they maintain the parks. Green Flag awards are given out by Keep Britain Tidy to promote good management of green spaces. The surveys can be found online at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk.
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https://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/news/nndc-green-flag-parks-survey-8012134
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What is ransomware as a service (RaaS)?
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In April, a crippling ransomware attack hit U.S. oil producer Colonial Pipeline, paralyzing operations and forcing a shutdown of its 5,500-mile-long pipeline, which accounts for nearly 50% of all the gasoline shipped to fuel stations on the U.S. East Coast. The incident unleashed a wave of panic buying, closure of gas stations, hoarding, and a rise in gasoline prices. Colonial Pipeline eventually had to fork over 4.4 million USD in Bitcoin to DarkSide, a well-known ransomware group, in exchange for the decryption key. Gasoline shortages, however, persisted even three weeks after the payment. It turns out this cyberattack that wreaked so much havoc was launched using Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). Lets take a look at how this security threat works. [Stay up-to-date with privacy and security developments. Sign up for the ExpressVPN Blog Newsletter.] How ransomware-as-a-service works DarkSide initially surfaced in August 2020 and went on a global ransomware spree, targeting various organizations in more than 15 countries. With ransomware (also called cryptolockers), hackers attack companies and individuals by locking their computer files from them, compelling the owners to pay large ransomsoften as Bitcoinfor the decryption key to regain access to their data. The attackers often also threaten to release the breached data online. The hackers, however, eventually altered their attack model, using affiliates to broaden their reach. They chose to keep working on their tech capabilities while outsourcing the attacks and negotiations to other organizations. The software in the Colonial Pipeline hack could be attributed to DarkSide, but it was actually a leased variant contracted out to an outside party who would identify the target and lead the negotiations. This model, called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)a play off the term Software-as-a-Service (Saas)involves profit-sharing between DarkSide and the contractor according to the terms of the deal. DarkSide also shared negotiation tactics with the affiliate, including threatening to release details about the hack to short sellers, who could in theory send Colonials stock plummeting even before the news of the infiltration was made public. DarkSide and its affiliates have bagged at least 90 million USD in ransomware payments. The size of each payment has varied but is generally in the vicinity of 1.25 million to 6 million USD. But the Colonial Pipeline hack seemed to have been too ambitious for its own good: The resulting media attention and scrutiny from the U.S. government likely caused DarkSide to shut down. Security researchers believe that the group will resurface under a different name. Selling ransomware kits on the dark web But Ransomware-as-a-Service isnt going anywhere. Criminals that lack the technical skills to develop their own ransomware kits can buy the services off the dark web for a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. Perks of paid plans include access to customer support, communities, technical documentation, and feature updates, akin to how a regular software company might facilitate its users. RaaS developers, too, aggressively market their services on the dark web, investing in case studies, white papers, videos, infographics, user testimonials, and captivating web design to differentiate themselves from each other. They offer upsells such as portals that let their subscribers see the status of infections, total payments, total files encrypted and other information about potential targets. Almost two-thirds of all ransomware attacks in 2020 came from actors deploying a RaaS model, with affiliate schemes swelling to 15 new opportunities. Competition among ransomware developers could lead to increasingly sophisticated malware loads and inflexible demands. Ransomware is big business; total payouts were 20 billion USD in 2020, and the democratization of cyber espionage is likely to increase the size of the pie. Protect yourself from ransomware There are a few ways to stay safe from malware. Update your devices . Dont delay updates, because they might have important patches to bugs and vulnerabilities. Beware of phishing . Ransomware is sometimes downloaded via a link sent to you by someone purporting to be a friend, colleague, or family member. Only open links youre absolutely sure are from trusted sources. Only download software from the official source. Youre much less likely to download software that has been infected with malware if you are getting it from a software makers official website. Use a firewall. A firewall prevents incoming connections to your computer. You probably already have one on your computer, as well as on your router. A VPN can also act as a firewall. How viruses, trojans, and ransomware work I like to think about the impact that the internet has on humanity. In my free time, I'm wolfing down pasta.
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https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/frightening-reality-you-can-buy-ransomware-as-a-service/
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What's happened to the Vatican chapels at the Venice Biennale?
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When the Vatican set up its first-ever pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale a few years ago, it amazed the public and critics alike with its display of chapels. That was back in 2018. The Vatican pavilion attracted 140,000 visitors in six months (half of the total attendance of the entire event) on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite the Doge's Palace. But the Holy See is absent from this year's event -- the 17th Architecture Biennale -- which opened on May 22 under the theme "How will we live together?" and runs through late November. However, its original architectural complex can still be seen. Conceived as an aesthetic journey and a spiritual path, this pavilion was perfectly integrated into the small woods on the southern tip of the island. The idyllic setting, bathed in the scents of jasmine and rosemary, had not been accessible to the public up till then. At the instigation of Francesco Dal Co, curator of the pavilion, ten architects were invited to design chapels based on the model of the one built in 1920 by Gunnar Asplund in a wooded cemetery in Stockholm, "a physical suggestion of the labyrinth that is the path of life and humanity's wanderings in the world". Another prerequisite was that they could be reinstalled in locations where there were no places of worship, which was not possible in the end. Possible visit It is true that one could hardly imagine moving the primitive construction of heavy stone blocks, as if it had emerged from the ages, by the Portuguese Edouardo Souto de Moura. But the one by British architect Norman Foster, a skeleton of masts and metal cables hemmed in between two sloping walls of openwork wooden beams, could have been moved. By virtue of an Italian law that allows them to be recognized as artistic works, the chapels became part of tours for the Cini Foundation in August 2019. This cultural institution has spent the past 70 years helping restore the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and its Benedictine monastery with an imposing belltower. The island had suffered wear and tear during the 150 years it was used as a military garrison. It's not clear whether it plans to ever participate again at a Venice Architecture Biennale. "The policy of the Holy See remains that of occasionally choosing symbolic events in order to show its pastoral solicitude through the great cultural exhibitions," say people close to Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture. "In 2021, we are scheduled to participate in the Dubai World Expo," they point out. But the exact nature of the Vatican's contribution to the event, which opens in October, has not yet been revealed.
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https://international.la-croix.com/news/culture/whats-happened-to-the-vatican-chapels-at-the-venice-biennale/14376
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Is the pile outside the De La Warr Pavilion art or a play area for kids?
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De La Warr Pavilion SUS-210324-153903001 I visited the seafront in a howling wind on Friday, taking my camera hoping to capture the waves, nearly got blown over and discovered a pile of materials on the lawn in front of the DLWP. There is another pile on the top and inside of the building as well. I initially thought it was a ventilation system until I saw the yellow plaque with a description. They claim its art. Some modern art is beautiful to look at and inspiring but this is ugly, the only use for it would be for the kids to play on and it should be on the beach, not in front and on the DLWP! I dont wish to be rude, but must express my feelings, I used to make a living making art, sculptures and paintings, albeit self taught, it was very hard work and good enough to sell to international dealers and privately.
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https://www.bexhillobserver.net/news/opinion/letters/is-the-pile-outside-the-de-la-warr-pavilion-art-or-a-play-area-for-kids-3253648
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How to get Death Certificate Online?
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First, Sorry for your loss! Death is painful. During this personal tough time of grief, we understand it can be daunting for you to manage the legal formalities of recording the death of your loved ones. Advertisement Here is a quick guide on how to apply for a death certificate with a Greater Chennai Corporation. it is important to notify death within 21 days of the event to the Registrar of your jurisdiction. Documents Prerequisite for registering Death with Chennai Corporation: Burial or cremation receipt from the crematorium or the burial ground. An affidavit certificate mentioning the date, time and place of death. Copy of the ration card. Birth Certification of the deceased. Tamil Nadus Death certificate application form. The Application Form for death extract can be downloaded from Tamilnadus CMS Portal. Duly fill the form with all details, along with your signature or thumb impression. This application form is the key to registering death with your municipality administration. Greater Chennai Corporation Birth/Death Portal Step 1: Register death with your jurisdictions Registrar or Town Panchayat officers. Submit all the Prerequisite Documents mentioned above. Step 2: Give time for your local Registrar to verify the details of the death. The Registrars office will notify you about the progress of your application. Step 3: Once the Registrar validates your application, a hard copy of the death certificate will be issued to you. You may also choose to log on to Tamil Nadu Birth/Death records Portal and navigate to the Print Certificate -> Death Certificate tab to download online copies of the death certificate. Image Credits: www.spiritofchennai.com Place of Death: A Imp Note If death has occurred in a hospital or medical facility, the institution needs to register death with the concerned authorities directly. However, if the death has occurred in residence, the family members need to follow the prescribed steps, register the event, and apply for a death certificate with Greater Chennai Corporation.
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https://spiritofchennai.com/city/death-certificate-chennai/
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How Technical Illustration Software Market Will Shape Having Biggies With Strong Fundamentals?
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(Trending Report) A recent study on the Global Technical Illustration Software Market evaluates many aspects of the industry like the size, market status, key trends, and forecast 2028. The report also delivers brief information on the competitors and provides growth opportunities with key market drivers. Market segmentation by companies, region, and type is an integral part of this report. Historical data available in the report supports the Technical Illustration Software market development on a country level, regional and global. Based on these versatile information sets, market players in the Technical Illustration Software industry can effectively deliver beneficial business decisions. Have a Need Research PDF, Request Here @ https://www.stratagemmarketinsights.com/sample/19445 Global Technical Illustration Software Market Report Highlights: Comprehensive overview of parent market & substitute market Changing market dynamics in the Technical Illustration Software industry (COVID & Economic Impact Analysis) In-depth market segmentation ( Trends, Growth with Historical & Forecast Analysis ) ) Recent industry trends and development activity Competitive landscape (Heat Map Analysis for Emerging Players & Market Share Analysis for Major Players along with detailed Profiles) Worldwide Companies in Technical Illustration Software Market: Dassault Systemes, Autodesk, PTC, Adobe, Siemens PLM Software, Cyient, ACD Systems International, Corel, QuadriSpace, Auto-Trol Scope of the Technical Illustration Software Market Report: The Technical Illustration Software report specifically highlights the market share, company profiles, regional outlook, product portfolio, a record of the recent developments, strategic analysis, key players in the market, sales, distribution chain, manufacturing, production, new market entrants as well as existing market players, advertising, brand value, popular products, demand and supply, and other important factors related to the market to help the new entrants understand the market scenario better. Analysis of Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, and Trends of Technical Illustration Software Market: Drivers: The Technical Illustration Software market report in this section identifies dominant market drivers and favorable trends that leverage high-end growth, peculiar to the usual growth trajectory. The report in this section also unearths eminent demand possibility and customer inclination towards product and service consumption, thus effectively deciding growth prognosis across the timeline. Restraints: The Technical Illustration Software market report also carefully identifies various restraining factors operational in the market and their limitations which directly interfere with the usual growth spurt. Schedule a FREE Consultation Call with Our Analysts/Industry Experts to Find Solution for Your Business @ https://www.stratagemmarketinsights.com/speakanalyst/19445 Opportunities: The following sections of the report evaluate the potential of existing Technical Illustration Software market opportunities in growth diversification, besides also unraveling new avenues that further enhance growth likelihood. Trend Estimation: Relentless market developments and novelties also augment the growth route in several desirable ways that also reflect growth stability and sustainability in the forthcoming years. In the last section of the report, the companies responsible for increasing sales in the Technical Illustration Software market have been presented. These companies have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the application and product type introduced by each of these companies also form a key part of this section of the report. The recent enhancements that took place in the global Technical Illustration Software market and their influence on the future growth of the market have also been presented through this study. Technical Illustration Software Market Segmentation by Region: North America [United States, Canada, Mexico] South America [Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru] Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland] The Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa] Asia-Pacific [China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia] The Technical Illustration Software market report has every minute detail required for studying the global Technical Illustration Software market prominence provided in a very clear and understandable approach. The current record details everything whether intricate or simple in a structure of product and supply statistics, product type, economic fluctuations, product relevance, end-users, key industry players, geographical growth, and more. To get the Best Discounts on this Premium Report, Click Here @ https://www.stratagemmarketinsights.com/discount/19445 NOTE TO PROVIDE A MORE ACCURATE MARKET FORECAST, ALL OUR REPORTS WILL BE UPDATED BEFORE DELIVERY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECTS OF COVD-19. Contact Us: Mr. Shah Stratagem Market Insights Tel: US +1 415 871 0703 / JAPAN +81-50-5539-1737 Email: [email protected] SK
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https://www.mccourier.com/how-technical-illustration-software-market-will-shape-having-biggies-with-strong-fundamentals-keyplayers-dassault-systemes-autodesk-ptc-adobe/
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How Can Yoga or Pranayam Be Helpful for COVID-19 Recovery?
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Yoga or pranayam is not an invention of Ramdev but it has been practiced since ancient times by the saints. Ramdevs latest rant against allopathy at a private yoga function has made those who detest him go ballistic once again. But it is interesting to note where the most vicious attacks on him are coming from this time around. Claiming Ramdevs allopathy statement a vague one, the Indian Medical association had said that the Yoga Guru has claimed that allopathy is a stupid science and medicines such as remdesivir, faviflu, and other drugs approved by the Drugs Controller General of India have failed to treat COVID-19 patients. The doctors body also quoted Ramdev as saying that lakhs of patients have died after taking allopathic medicines. These remarks were even denied as false by the Haridwar-based Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust. Ramdev has also been asked to withdraw his statement on allopathy and said the remarks disrespects corona warriors and hurts the sentiments of the country. When allopathic doctors saved lives of crores during Covid, your comments that allopathy is responsible for the death of lakhs is extremely unfortunate. We should not forget that the Covid battle can be won only through joint efforts, the IMA said. The Indian Medical Association is a national voluntary organisation of Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine in India, which looks or cares after the interest of doctors or the well being of the community at large. Currently headed by Dr Johnrose Austin Jayalal, the main motive of the organization is to look after the doctors problem rather than to sale medical equipments which they are currently involved in. In a recent interview to Christianity Today, the deeply problematic parts of which were quietly edited out after a massive uproar, Dr Jayalal admitted to using secular spaces like hospitals to proselytize. My primary concern when I work as a Christian doctor is to ensure that I have time to talk about the mental well-being and spiritual healing of the person. We need more Christian doctors to work more in secular institutions, mission institutions, and medical colleges, he said. I am working as a professor of surgery in a medical college, so it is also a good opportunity for me to carry on the principles of Christian healing there. I also have the privilege of mentoring graduates and the interns. Dr Jayalal has also been at the forefront of protests against the Narendra Modi governments decision to integrate Indian medical systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, homoeopathy, yoga and naturopathy with western allopathic healing. This angers Dr Jayalal. For him, only allopathy blended with Christian conversion talk should be administered. He is blunt about proclaiming that Indian healing systems are inferior. The most common system is modern medicine based on scientific evidence. The government of India, because of their cultural value and traditional belief in Hindutva, believes in a system called Ayurveda, he said in the interview. They want to make it one nation, one system of medicine. Next, they will want to make it one religion. This is also based on the Sanskrit language, which is always traditionally based on the Hindu principles. This is an indirect way for the government to introduce the language of Sanskrit and language of Hindutva into the minds of the people. It is unsurprising that the below-the-belt attack on Baba Ramdev is coming from the organisation he heads and uses as cover to try and convert people, by his own admission. There are also powerful pharma lobbies whose interests are hurt by Ramdevs rant. It is not new of such lobbies to use influential medical associations. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also lambasted yoga guru Baba Ramdevs claims on Patanjalis Coronil as the first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19, made in the presence of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. The top medical body has questioned how the Health Minister, who is also a doctor, could promote a falsely fabricated, unscientific product before the country. It is not Baba Ramdev who practices yoga or asked people to practice yoga or take herbal medicines to cure COVID-19 but here are some examples which people believed that it is only through yoga or pranayam that the immunity could be boost up and you can avoid having infected with the virus. Delhis first corona survivor recommends to practice yoga saying that it is very useful to recover from the infection fast. Rohit Dutta, 45, said that pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga, was very effective for him while being treated for COVID-19. I recommend pranayama for COVID-19 patients. It is very useful in the course of recovery. It helps in reducing anxiety levels, he said. It is not only Rohit Dutta but the world famous author of Harry Potter J K Rowling said that she had all COVID-19 symptoms but has fully recovered without being tested only by practicing pranayam or asanas. Also Read: IMA Slaps Rs 1,000 Crore Defamation Notice On Ramdev
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https://www.pratidintime.com/how-can-yoga-or-pranayam-be-helpful-for-covid-19-recovery/
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What is Isomap?
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We study the question of the integrability of Einstein deformations and relate it to the question of the desingularization of Einstein metrics. Our main application is a negative answer to the long-standing question of whether or not every Einstein $4$-orbifold (which is an Einstein metric space in a synthetic sense) is limit of smooth Einstein $4$-manifolds. We more precisely show that spherical and hyperbolic $4$-orbifolds with the simplest singularities cannot be Gromov-Hausdorff limits of smooth Einstein $4$-metrics without relying on previous integrability assumptions. For this, we analyze the integrability of deformations of Ricci-flat ALE metrics through variations of Schoen's Pohozaev identity. Inspired by Taub's preserved quantity in General Relativity, we also introduce preserved integral quantities based on the symmetries of Einstein metrics. These quantities are obstructions to the integrability of infinitesimal Einstein deformations "closing up" inside a hypersurface - even with change of topology. We show that many previously identified obstructions to the desingularization of Einstein $4$-metrics are equivalent to these quantities on Ricci-flat cones. In particular, all of the obstructions to desingularizations bubbling out Eguchi-Hanson metrics are recovered. This lets us further interpret the obstructions to the desingularization of Einstein metrics as a defect of integrability.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260635750446/what-is-isomap
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Can racial identity shield Black teens from stress of racism?
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Share this Article Facebook Twitter Email You are free to share this article under the Attribution 4.0 International license. University North Carolina State University The vast majority of Black adolescents have experienced racism, experience anticipatory stress about experiencing racism again, and their racial identity can influence that stress in a variety of ways, research finds. We know that racism is stressful, says Elan Hope, corresponding author of the study and an associate professor of psychology at North Carolina State University. Part of that stress is anticipatorywaiting for the next racist thing to happen. But not everyone experiences this stress the same way. We wanted to know how racial identity may influence the way teens experience this stress. The answer is complicated. To that end, the researchers conducted an in-depth survey of 442 Black adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17. The survey included questions about each participants experiences with racism; various aspects of their racial identity; and questions aimed at understanding the extent to which they experienced anticipatory racism-related stress. Racism is pervasive, and the vast majority of our study participants reported experiencing it The researchers focused on three aspects of racial identity: centrality, private regard, and public regard. Centrality is how important being Black is to a study participants sense of self. Private regard is how the participant feels about Black people in general. Public regard is how the participant thinks other people feel about Black people in general. The researchers also examined four aspects of anticipatory stress: psychological stress; physiological stress; perseverative cognitionwhen you cant stop thinking about something; and secondary appraisalwhich assesses the extent to which someone effectively evaluates their ability to prevent or reduce harm caused by a racism-related event. Of the study participants, 94% reported experiencing racism. We found that racial identity is a mixed bag when it comes to its relationship with anticipatory stress, Hope says. For example, the higher study participants scored on private regard, the less psychological stress they reported in anticipation of experiencing racism. But private regard did not appear to have any protective effect against the other aspects of anticipatory stress. Meanwhile, the higher participants scored on centrality, the more anticipatory stress they reported across the board. This is complicated, because while high centrality scores were associated with worse anticipatory stress, previous research makes clear that there are many reasons it is important for Black people to feel good about being Black, Hope says. Researchers also found that higher public regard is associated with participants having less racism-related anticipatory stress. However, scoring high on public regard can pose challenges of its own. For example, there is some concern that Black teens who score high on public regard may be more likely to blame racist experiences on their personal characteristics, when theyve done nothing wrong. This doesnt mean that we should lie to kids about the state of racism in the world, but it highlights the value of kids being exposed to environments where people care about Black communities and are committed to anti-racism, Hope says. Ultimately, the study highlights that while racial identity can help, there is a limit to what Black adolescents can do to protect themselves from the stresses associated with racism. And that, in turn, underscores the need for us, as a society, to address racism in a meaningful way. Racism is pervasive, and the vast majority of our study participants reported experiencing it, Hope says. Adolescence is a period of development when people begin to come to terms with who they are and how they fit into the world. Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to be proactive about supporting these youth as they navigate who they are in terms of their race and what that will mean for how they interact with the world. The paper appears in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Coauthors are from NC State, Rutgers University, and the University of Michigan. Source: NC State
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https://www.futurity.org/racism-stress-black-adolescents-2573602-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=racism-stress-black-adolescents-2573602-2
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Was sind Zombie-Feuer?
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Zu dieser E-Mail-Adresse ist kein ZDF-Konto vorhanden oder das angegebene Passwort ist falsch. Bitte whle deine Anzeigename. Bitte whlen Sie einen Benutzernamen mit weniger als 256 Zeichen. Bitte trage eine E-Mail-Adresse ein. Diese Email-Adresse ist bereits bei uns bekannt. Mailadresse bereits bekannt, bitte mit bestehendem Account einloggen und Kinderprofil anlegen Diese E-Mail-Adresse scheint nicht korrekt zu sein sie muss ein @ beinhalten und eine existierende Domain (z.B. zdf.de) haben. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Grobuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Kleinbuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens einen Kleinbuchstaben enthalten. Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein und mindestens eine Zahl enthalten. Bitte stimme unseren Nutzungsbedingungen zu. Bitte stimme unserer Datenschutzerklrung zu. Bitte gib dein Einverstndnis. Bitte akzeptiere die Datenschutzbestimmungen. Leider hat die Registrierung nicht funktioniert. Bitte berprfe deine Angaben. Benutzername Das Passwort muss mindestens 8 Zeichen lang sein, einen Grobuchstaben und eine Ziffer enthalten. Ich akzeptiere die Nutzungsbedingungen des ZDF * Ich habe die Datenschutzerklrung zur Kenntnis genommen * Ich bin einverstanden, dass mein Kind 'Mein ZDFtivi' nutzt. * Ich akzeptiere die Datenschutzbestimmungen zur Nutzung von 'Mein ZDFtivi' * Pflichtfelder * Registrieren
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https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/heute-journal/videos/er-hjo-wetterwissen-zombiefeuer-100.html
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Will New Media Revive Old Labor Concerns Amid Streaming-Era Issues?
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Two years after the war between writers and agents went nuclear, as David A. Goodman completes his final months as president of the Writers Guild of America West, he thinks about the moment the fight ended when, in February, WME was the last talent agency in town to agree to sunset packaging and divest ownership in production entities. It was COVID, I was at home, says Goodman. I probably had a few drinks. It was out of a sense of relief because, even though it was the guild that did this, I was leading it. I felt enormous responsibility to our members who wanted their agents back. Mass firings are supposed to be the thing that every union dreads and, in the annals of international labor history, very few breakthroughs have happened as a result of them. And yet, it worked in Hollywood. On April 22, 2019, more than 7,000 movie and TV scribes told their agents to take a hike and, ultimately, it got them what they wanted. The WGA felt that in the drive for profits, agents had lost sight of who they were supposed to be working for. And so the WGA cracked down on agencies that packaged talent together and took backend stakes in productions. It tried to time the conflict so it wouldnt step on the collective bargaining agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that was set to expire the next spring. Unexpectedly, the dispute with the talent agents dragged on and on and on. By February 2020, with the big four agencies yet to cave, Hollywoods writers were being prepped for a second war this one against their own employers. Be ready to strike, Goodman signaled to his troops. Anticipating walkouts, studios began stockpiling scripts. The industry braced for two simultaneous labor battles, but then, in a matter of weeks, the plot moved quicker than a Tom Hanks drama. A novel coronavirus spread across the globe. Studios halted productions. Headlines warned of economic depression. And the industry zagged. One by one, the talent agencies gave in to the WGAs demands. In turn, the writers, relatively fortunate to be able to do much of their jobs from home, backed away from marching in the streets against Hollywood producers. You cant go on strike during a pandemic, says Goodman. Here we were facing this economic catastrophe. I dont think we could have asked our members to do that. We wouldnt have had solidarity. On July 1, 2020, the WGA and AMPTP reached a deal that renewed for three years the master TV/theatrical agreement that sets forth basic wages and working conditions. (Other unions did the same.) The WGA achieved unprecedented parental leave benefits, while also scoring modest wage increases, but quite a lot about Hollywoods rising streaming economy was left at the negotiating table or, rather, on Zoom. If it wasnt entirely obvious last summer that skipping over problems brewing on the streaming front was unwise, it would become clear by the end of the year, when studios including Warner Bros. and Disney announced theyd be debuting some of their tentpoles on affiliated streaming services concurrently with a theatrical release. The pandemic sped up a long-anticipated shift in business models: the collapse of Hollywoods windowing system. Nevertheless, day-and-date release announcements for movies like Godzilla vs. Kong and Black Widow caught talent off guard, with furious negotiations commencing among studios, actors, directors and others over a diminished box office. The Warner Bros. studio in 1933. Imagno/Getty Images As for writers, very few have contracts that entitle them to bonuses for theatrical success, but whether a film is described as playing in the theatrical market or characterized as being re-used in new media has an impact on residuals flowing to talent. (The same is true for television, as a show produced for HBOs over-the-top service isnt treated quite the same as one made for HBO Max.) And writers (as well as actors and directors) cant count on studios to take an accounting posture that isnt in their best interests. Hence, arbitrations, lawsuits, and yes, collective bargaining. Concerted negotiations aimed at resolving how to properly compensate talent for their contributions on the streaming front will have to wait for another day. In the midst of a global health crisis, it didnt happen last year, but with a more favorable political environment for unions it might happen sooner than most are expecting. Though, theres also another reason why the industry opted for labor peace rather than confront some of the difficulties ahead. The union is always one step behind, says Ronald Seeber, a labor relations expert who back in 2007, when writers went on strike, was Jon Stewarts first Daily Show guest to explain the situation. To try to get people to act together on the basis of a future threat, even if you know it is a threat, is a very difficult thing. *** In Hollywood, theres an origin story for just about everything, and the industrys above-the-line unions are no exception. The WGA, SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America (plus predecessors like the Screen Writers Guild) all have lore that dates back to 1930s, when the industry was in the throes of the Great Depression. Stories involve secret meetings among some of the most famous individuals alive at the time. These pioneers were undoubtedly assisted by the 1935 passage of the National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed the right of workers to engage in collective efforts to improve their working conditions. Before then, many of them had grown frustrated with their bosses, were desperate for financial security, and only temporarily mollified by stunts like when MGM sold off its Treasury bonds and hired an airplane to airdrop cash on workers. In 1933, Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM, called an emergency meeting where all the studios actors, directors, writers and stagehands gathered inside a large theater on the lot. Mayer told everyone that for the sake of the studios future, they would be taking a 50 percent pay decrease. The announcement provoked a mixed reception from the attendees, but it was ultimately accepted. On the way out, Mayer smirked and asked his right-hand man, So! How did I do? (The moment was captured in Mank, Netflixs Oscar-nominated film released last year.) Within months, it became clear two groups would escape pay cuts: studio executives and unionized craft workers (covered under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees contract). There was a realization that [everyone else] had been swindled, says Miranda Banks, a film studies professor and the author of The Writers: A History of American Screenwriters and Their Guild. This was definitely the moment when writers and actors understood there was a problem. Louis B. Mayer, then the head of MGM, in 1933. NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images Thats when the industrys talent began plotting their unions and when studios used the organization that puts on the Academy Awards each year as a vehicle to subvert their formation. To fight off new unions like the DGA, the studios positioned the Motion Picture Academy as the entity that would ostensibly represent the interest of workers. In 1935, the studios tapped Frank Capra, who would later direct Its a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, to lead the Academy. He was supposed to be in the pockets of the studio bosses but Capra surprised them by firmly standing behind the DGA. In 1939, to cajole the Motion Pictures Producers Association into negotiating, he threatened a boycott of that years Academy Awards as well as a strike among directors if the DGA wasnt recognized within 24 hours. DIRECTORS DEMAND SHOWDOWN, was the screaming front-page headline in the Feb. 17, 1939, issue of The Hollywood Reporter. The gambit ultimately worked. The directors first collective bargaining agreement established minimum salaries, two weeks of preparation time for movies budgeted at more than $200,000, and the right to be consulted on the editing of their films. Around this same time, the studios control over the labor supply would weaken significantly thanks to two (metaphorical) earthquakes that fundamentally transformed the industry. The first came when Gone With the Wind star Olivia de Havilland took on Warner Bros. for repeatedly extending her contract. The actress insisted she couldnt be kept under contract for longer than seven years because of a California law that limited personal service terms to this duration. The studio maintained it could suspend her for refusing roles and her time under suspension didnt count toward actual service. In 1944, a California appeals court sided with de Havilland. The judges recognized that actors would reasonably refuse demeaning roles that might destroy their popularity and interfere with further employment. To then hold them to peonage or serfdom would be unacceptable. Then, in 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a major antitrust opinion in a case concerning the vast power held by studios that also controlled theaters. In United States v. Paramount Pictures, the high court reviewed how the majors were keeping independents out of the business and concluded that forcing divestitures was an appropriate remedy. Suddenly, there became space for producers distributing smaller films, which, in turn, meant more competition for the services of entertainment workers. While those decisions helped secure the unions place in the entertainment economy, its how the industry pivoted in response that cemented it. Because the big studios had to become more responsive to what theaters and audiences wanted, companies including MGM, Warner Bros., Fox, RKO Pictures and Paramount began focusing on bigger-budget movies and, since they were now making fewer films altogether, they began using their backlots to make TV shows. With the television economy getting off the ground, thousands of new writers and directors and tens of thousands of actors needed representation. The ranks of the guilds exploded. When studio films started playing on television, the creators demanded to share in the spoils of downstream distribution. Thus came residuals. Says Catherine Fisk, a law professor at University of California, Berkeley, and the author of Writing for Hire: Unions, Hollywood, and Madison Avenue, The guilds adapted to the dramatic change in business model by gaining the right to negotiate over TV. *** Today, nearly 75 years after the collapse of the old studio system, production and distribution are again coming under the roofs of vertically integrated conglomerates. Netflix paved the path, but now hardly a month goes by without news that WarnerMedia, ViacomCBS, Comcast or Disney is putting its movies on an affiliated streamer or developing TV properties for its platforms. As if on cue, new battle lines are forming that recall old tensions. For example, SAG-AFTRA is currently upset at how streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime have been dithering on timely renewals or cancellations of shows, while effectively holding talent creatively hostage. According to research conducted by the guild, not only has the average number of episodes per season decreased in the past decade by 52 percent, but the median hold time on an actors services has increased 41 percent, or about two months. The growth in streaming media has dramatically upended how series regular performers work and severely harmed many of those performers in the process, says SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. The days of television seasons consisting of 20-plus episodes and returning on a consistent schedule are gone. Now, seasons for most shows include far fewer episodes often as few as seven or eight and the time between seasons when actors are held off the market unable to work is both much longer and completely unpredictable. Held off the market unable to work was the same objection actors voiced when de Havilland challenged Warners. So the union pushed the California legislature to pass a bill called the FAIR Act, which would amend the seven-year rule to place a 12-month hard time limit on the exercise of contractual options for an actors exclusive services. The FAIR Act would bring these employment practices into this century something the employers have so far been unwilling to do of their own accord, says Crabtree-Ireland. The entertainment companies have reacted with fury to the proposal. Earlier this year, Netflix even warned lawmakers that the FAIR Act would have significant negative impacts on the quality and quantity of series produced in California by creating overly strict and artificial timelines for the completion and orders of subsequent seasons of episodic series. The Motion Picture Association hinted at bringing a lawsuit if its enacted. An April 12 memo from Hollywoods top trade group told lawmakers options and exclusivity in contracts is subject to collective bargaining and any attempt to tip the outcome would be preempted by federal labor laws. On April 21, just a few days before the California legislature was scheduled to hold a hearing on the issue, the bill was pulled. The state assemblywoman who sponsored the legislation told SAG-AFTRA more public education was needed before advancing further. Regardless of the fate of the FAIR Act, it portends whats coming in 2022 when a three-year deal between Netflix and SAG-AFTRA is up for renewal. That 2019 pact was historic: the first time the streamer had done a direct deal with a guild. (Netflix is not a member of the AMPTP and doesnt yet have a deal with the other unions.) The agreement recognized performance capture and dubbing as covered work, among its advances, and also reflected newfound priorities in the #MeToo era. For example, theres now a ban on auditions for actors in private residences and hotel rooms. While many in the industry assume there wont be any other big labor negotiations until 2023 (when the pandemic-era AMPTP agreements expire), theres always the possibility that streamers open talks with Hollywoods above-the-line unions before then. Any company that wanted to do a deal ahead of [2023] negotiations, we absolutely could, says Goodman, who will finish his term in August. The guild will talk to anybody about anything. Especially when insiders like Ken Ziffren, who has advised the DGA, propose the guilds should have a seat at the table to discuss the proper valuation of a movie whenever it gets licensed to an affiliated entity. For one, theres suddenly quite a bit of movement in D.C. around antitrust reform. Among other developments, competition regulators have taken a particular interest in those (like Amazon and Google) who hold dominant market power over crucial digital platforms. Itd be only a small step toward regulating the streaming economy. At the same time, lawmakers like Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) propose subjecting any monopsony (fancy speak for a single buyer of goods and labor services within a given market) to broader antitrust scrutiny. That could certainly impact Hollywood and make mergers much more difficult to complete. It will be interesting to watch what happens with the proposed tie-ups between WarnerMedia and Discovery, and Amazon and MGM Studios, as those marriages are sure to be a top conversation these next few months in the nations capital. One feature of the nations laws that currently exists and will almost certainly carry forward: an antitrust exemption for anything thats the result of collective bargaining between employers and unions. *** The Biden administration could bring the friendliest terrain the guilds have ever fought on. In fact, one might question how it is that before this time, guilds for actors, writers and directors survived. After all, Hollywoods guilds not only outlasted the anti-unionization efforts of the 1950s and 1980s, but they also then thrived even as many workers outside entertainment embraced, or at least accepted, the gig economy. In the U.S., about 12 percent of workers are unionized, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Hollywood, its nearly everyone, even though workers largely operate on a project basis (making them susceptible to being labeled independent contractors) and typically have other representatives like agents and lawyers. SAG-AFTRA is pushing California legislators to pass the FAIR Act, which would limit how long a contract can hold an actors services. George Rose/Getty Images Those who have studied the issue toss around theories about why unions have remained such a prominent presence in the industry. Some point to political ideology. After all, Hollywood stars are generally liberal. And as for the politician who, in the 1980s, caused re-examination of the worth of unions by famously firing more than 11,000 air traffic controllers, well, that guy had an interesting origin story as well. [Ronald] Reagan was a former president at SAG, so while he went after many unions, he also felt indebted to his old Hollywood friends, says Banks. Plus, Hollywood unions have proven useful even to those same studios which initially tried to bust them. A freelance economy works better when unions can provide continuity of employment, pension and health benefits, and can train highly skilled workers, says WGA general counsel Tony Segall. Ive always said that if there werent unions, employers would have to invent them. It can also be said that unions have played a key role in the development of the business, providing a second look anytime Hollywood finds a new way to exploit its intellectual property. That was true back in the 1950s upon the birth of syndicated TV and remains so today in the digital era. Of course, the unions tend to be better at reacting to change than anticipating it as shown by the 2007-08 writers strike. At the time of the famous three-month strike, which one economist estimated cost the industry some $2 billion in lost revenue, the video iPod had just been introduced and consumers were downloading new episodes of Desperate Housewives. The writers wanted their fair share, and they ultimately got it, but it wasnt long before paid downloads became quaint. As Banks points out, A month after the strike, after the studios declared that streaming was solely for promotional purposes, Hulu launches. The era of streaming is now firmly here. For better or worse, when the guilds next negotiate the tough issues that have developed on this front, theyll have the weight of history on their shoulders. We have this 600-page collective bargaining agreement, and its really hard to take stuff out of it, says Segall, adding that it would be easier to start from scratch. You could design a system that didnt have a million different formulas and these weird historical oddities. It would be much easier to administer, but that never happens because its very hard to change things that are already in place. A version of this story first appeared in the May 26 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-media-old-labor-concerns-1234958989/
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How And Why Did Sung Kang's Character Han Lue Die In 'Fast & Furious'?
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Fast & Furious has become one of the biggest blockbuster franchises with 8 films released so far and the 9th instalment F9 released on May 19, 2021. The 10th and the final film is also being planned, however, there are rumours there will be another addition to it in The Fast Saga. In the third instalment of the franchise The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift introduced Sung Kang as Han Lue, who later dies in the climax of the know. Sung Kang first essayed the role of Han Lue in Justin Lin's Better Luck Tomorrow and he has the same origin story in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. According to CBR, Han Lue uses his newfound wealth to start a garage and purchases various expensive cars to store in his space. He then befriends Takashi who is the nephew of a local Yakuza boss. He gets in trouble with Takashi and his uncle Kamata when they come to know about his association with the foreigner Sean and also because he stole money from the family. Takashi then confronts Han for the stolen money and he does not defend his actions. When Takashi gets distracted by Neela's presence, Han runs out and drives away in his car. Takashi and his friend run after him in their car but they could not catch up with him. When Han reaches the intersection of the road, his car gets t-boned by a Mercedes S-Class and he could not escape the car and is killed in the explosion. Boswell accuses Takashi of killing him but it is revealed later that he had nothing to do with it. The sixth instalment in the franchise, Fast and Furious 6, catches up with the events of Han's death. During the post-credits scene of Fast and Furious 6, Han's death is replayed and it was revealed that he was intentionally hit by a mysterious man, played by Jason Statham. In Furious 7 it is revealed that Han was killed by Owen's brother Deckard Shaw who drove the car that crashed into Han's and caused death. According to CBR, Shaw finds information on the whereabouts of Dom and his crew at the beginning of Furious 7. He engages in a brawl with Luke Hobbs and escapes when he detonates a bomb to injure Hobbs. The film shows that Shaw finds out Han had broken away from the group and he lived in Tokyo by himself. Knowing he alone he decides to take down Han and strikes his car. He calls Dom and tells him he will be coming to finish the job. Sung Kang's character is likely to resurrect in the latest instalment of the franchise. IMAGE: STILL FROM F9 TRAILER Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
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https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/hollywood-news/how-and-why-did-sung-kangs-character-han-lue-die-in-fast-and-furious.html
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Was treibt den Erfolg von Software im E-Commerce an?
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Wenn man sich die aktuelle Beschleunigung der digitalen Transformation, die Zunahme von Remote-Arbeitskrften und eine grere Abhngigkeit von Online-Transaktionen und Interaktionen anschaut, dann haben diese Vernderungen zusammen jedes Unternehmen letztendlich in ein E-Commerce-Unternehmen verwandelt. Dies zeichnet sich nicht mehr nur als eine verlssliche Erwartung ab. Es ist bereits geschehen und ich wrde sagen, auf eine ziemlich brutale Art und Weise. Wenn ich versuche zu verstehen, wie gro eine bestimmte Welle oder ein Trend ist, schaue ich mir gerne die Infrastruktur-Trends an. Wenn wir darber nachdenken, was die meisten E-Commerce-Unternehmen bentigen, ist es eine Zahlungsplattform oder ein Zahlungsstapel. Fhrend in dieser Kategorie ist Stripe. Schauen Sie sich an, wie Stripe in Bezug auf das Volumen und die Millionen von Kunden in die Hhe schiet. Sie haben krzlich auch eine Finanzierungsrunde abgeschlossen, bei der sie jetzt mit mehr als 100 Milliarden Dollar bewertet werden. Das wird die neue Norm. Wenn wir ber Erfolg im E-Commerce sprechen, sprechen wir letztendlich ber Software-Erfolg. Software ist nicht nur ein entscheidender Teil Ihres Geschfts; sie ist zum wichtigsten Unterscheidungsmerkmal zwischen Ihnen und Ihrer Konkurrenz geworden. Das ist der Punkt, an dem Sie echte Wettbewerbsvorteile schaffen. Die grte Herausforderung liegt im Change Management. E-Commerce = Qualitt mit Geschwindigkeit In der Vergangenheit standen Geschwindigkeit und Qualitt in einem gewissen Widerspruch zueinander. Man konnte in einem von beiden gut sein, aber das bedeutete, dass das andere darunter leiden wrde. Aber das ist einfach keine Option mehr. Ihre Kunden werden es nicht tolerieren, wenn eines von beiden fehlt. Sie mssen sich auf beides konzentrieren. Fr diejenigen, die nach Antworten suchen, gab es einige hervorragende Untersuchungen ber die hnlichen Eigenschaften von hochleistungsfhigen Teams diejenigen, die mehrmals am Tag Software bereitstellen, im Gegensatz zu denen, die weniger hufig, vielleicht nur vierteljhrlich, releasen. Diese Studien konnten einige wirklich eindeutige Zusammenhnge und Datenpunkte zwischen der Release-Hufigkeit und der Software-Qualitt identifizieren. Es gibt viele Fallstudien, die deutlich zeigen, dass Teams, die mehrmals am Tag Software bereitstellen, viel eher qualitativ hochwertigere Software liefern, als solche, die nur alle paar Monate releasen. Die Teams, die tglich oder mehrmals am Tag bereitstellen, haben in der Regel eine Fehlerrate bei nderungen von unter 15 %. Sie haben eine Zeit bis zur Lsung eines Problems, die weniger als eine Stunde betrgt. Wenn Sie Teams mit geringer Leistung betrachten, so dauert die Bereitstellung in der Regel Wochen oder Monate, und die Fehlerrate bei nderungen liegt bei mehr als 30 %. Denken Sie darber nach, was dies fr Ihre Benutzererfahrung bedeutet. Der Weg zu einer optimalen, niedrigen Change-Fail-Rate fhrt ber DevSecOps. Fr viele Unternehmen bedeutet dies, neue Arbeitsweisen und Lernmethoden einzubeziehen. Die gute Nachricht ist, dass es dafr tatschlich ein Playbook gibt: Accelerate von Dr. Nicole Forsgren. Dieses Buch enthlt eine Flle von Informationen, einschlielich einer Liste von anzustrebenden und erreichbaren Fhigkeiten, die in den erfolgreichsten Softwareunternehmen von heute identifiziert wurden. Diese Fhigkeiten sind auerdem in fnf Hauptkategorien unterteilt, beginnend mit der regelmigen Bereitstellung. Dazu gehren u.a. kontinuierliche Integration, kontinuierliche Bereitstellung und Testautomatisierung. Die zweite Kategorie ist die Architektur. Daneben gibt es die Kategorien Prozesse und Lean-Management. Schlielich, und das ist fr mich das Wichtigste, die fnfte Sule, welche die Kultur ist. Die Kultur ist ein so wichtiger Aspekt bei einer DevOps-Transformation. Vorausgesetzt, Sie verfgen ber die richtige Fhrung und Kultur, was die Grundlage ist, so ist die kontinuierliche Bereitstellung definitiv mein bevorzugter Startpunkt, vor allem fr eine Organisation, die ihre Kadenz von monatlichen zu tglichen Releases beschleunigen mchte. Wenn Sie sich mit Continuous Deployment oder Continuous Delivery beschftigen, dann ist das erste, was Sie beschleunigen wollen oder mssen das Testen. Das ist in der Regel der erste Engpass. Team, wir verffentlichen derzeit alle drei Monate. Ich mchte, dass wir im nchsten Sprint am Ende dieser Woche releasen. Das wird nicht funktionieren, aber ich mchte sehen, was kaputt geht. Bei Ihren Tests wird das passieren, weil es wahrscheinlich nicht genug Automatisierung gibt. Was Teams in der Regel haben, sind zu viele funktionale und manuelle Tests und nicht gengend Unit Tests. Die Ausfhrung dauert also nicht nur zu lang, sondern die Tests sind auch sehr sprde. Ich betrachte das Testen als so etwas wie die Leitplanken des Software-Entwicklungsprozesses. In vielen Fllen knnen Sie mir Ihre Tests zeigen und ich kann die Struktur Ihres Software-Entwicklungsteams und der Prozesse, die Sie derzeit einsetzen, ziemlich genau bestimmen. Es gibt so viele Engpsse, die Sie in Ihren Build-, Test-, Liefer- und Deployment-Prozessen schnell identifizieren knnen. Und wenn sich Ihre Teams darauf konzentrieren und sich bemhen, diese nach und nach anzugehen und einige der manuellen, fehleranflligen Prozesse zu automatisieren, werden Sie schnell eine Verbesserung der allgemeinen Software-Qualitt und der Fhigkeit, hufiger zu verffentlichen, feststellen. Ein Blick auf Ihre Testprozesse wird Sie auf den richtigen Weg bringen. Wenn Sie sich das Testen von Software ansehen und wie wichtig es fr die kontinuierliche Bereitstellung ist, erkennen wir auch einen direkten Zusammenhang mit der Software-Performance. Schnellere Feedback-Schleifen Je weiter Ihre Teams auf diesem Weg kommen, desto grer wird der Nutzen ihrer Bemhungen werden. Sie werden schneller und frher Feedback erhalten. Diese verkrzte Feedback-Schleife ermglicht es Ihnen, einen Fehler zu beheben, der erst vor ein paar Tagen eingefhrt wurde, und nicht schon vor drei Monaten, wo das Umschalten zwischen den Kontexten die Dinge wirklich zum Stillstand bringen kann. Effizienzsteigerungen wie diese sind eines der ersten Dinge, die sich bemerkbar machen werden. Als Entwickler kann ich die Sinnhaftigkeit und den Einfluss meiner Arbeit am besten am direkten Feedback der Benutzer der Software erkennen, an deren Entwicklung ich beteiligt bin. Und der Weg, die Anzahl der erhaltenen Feedbacks zu erhhen, besteht darin, die Software hufiger in ihre Hnde zu bekommen. Deshalb ist Automatisierung fr mich enorm wertvoll. Es dreht sich alles um Geschwindigkeit und schnelleres Lernen. Wenn Sie ein Release herausgeben, sagen wir jedes Quartal, ist der Abstand zwischen dem, was Sie tun und dem Wert oder der Wirkung, an der Sie gearbeitet haben, einfach zu gro. Das ttet die Feedback-Schleife und die Vertrautheit mit dem Kunden. Zusammenarbeit: Der nchste Engpass, den es zu berwinden gilt Wenn Sie Ihre Tests verbessert haben und sich der kontinuierlichen Auslieferung nhern, werden Sie einen weiteren Engpass erkennen und der betrifft in der Regel die Zusammenarbeit. Wenn Sie schneller iterieren, liefern Sie jede Woche oder ein paar Mal pro Woche kleinere Software-Teile aus. Diese Zusammenarbeit zwischen Produktbesitzern, Testern, Entwicklern und dem Unternehmen kann natrlich nicht nur ein paar Mal im Quartal stattfinden. Ihre Zusammenarbeit und Gesprche mssen im Wesentlichen genauso kontinuierlich sein wie Ihre Lieferung. Dies bedeutet, dass Sie wahrscheinlich neue Wege der Zusammenarbeit, neue Prozesse und neue Tools bentigen werden. Als Mitbegrnder von HipTest (jetzt CucumberStudio) ist es nicht verwunderlich, dass ich die verhaltensgesteuerte Entwicklung (BDD) als einen groartigen Ansatz zur Lsung dieses Problems betrachte. BDD verlagert die Qualitt in der Software nach links, indem es eine Abstimmung zwischen Geschftsbeteiligten, Produktbesitzern, Testern und Entwicklern schafft. Eine Mglichkeit, dies zu erreichen, ist die Verwendung von Techniken wie Beispiel-Mapping, um als Team das Geschftsproblem zu untersuchen und die User Story in detailliertere Geschftsregeln und Beispiele zu zerlegen. Jedes Beispiel wird dann in Szenarien verfeinert, die das Verhalten der erwarteten Software beschreiben. Und diese Szenarien werden verwendet, um die Entwicklung voranzutreiben. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass das, was entwickelt wird, auf einem Vertrag und einer Vereinbarung beruht, die frhzeitig zwischen allen wichtigen Beteiligten festgelegt wurden. Wenn Sie von Anfang an sicherstellen knnen, dass Sie das Richtige, ein Feature oder eine App entwickelt haben, die den Kundenbedrfnissen entspricht und ihnen einen Mehrwert bietet, haben Sie einen enormen Vorteil gegenber Ihrer Konkurrenz. Wir mssen wegkommen von informell definierten Anforderungen, einem fehlenden gemeinsamen Verstndnis zwischen den Beteiligten sowie Tests, die erst nach der Entwicklung durchgefhrt werden. Tatschlich gefhrden oder unterbinden diese vollstndig alle Erfolgsaussichten fr Ihr Unternehmen oder fr Ihre Kunden! Heute dreht sich der Erfolg darum, Ihre Kunden dort abzuholen, wo sie sich gerade befinden, und interne Innovationen zu implementieren, die es Ihnen ermglichen, kontinuierlich externe Innovationen zu liefern, die Ihren Kunden helfen, ihr Ziel zu erreichen.
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https://jaxenter.de/devops/was-treibt-den-erfolg-von-software-im-e-commerce-an-100484
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Whats the difference between perinatal anxiety and perinatal depression?
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Paediatrician Dr Harvey Karp explains the differences and similarities between perinatal anxiety and perinatal depression, and how new parents can seek help. Its incredibly common to feel overwhelmed by the extraordinary experiences of labour, delivery, recovery, pain, starting breastfeeding, etc. After all, you are suddenly responsible for a whole entire person who requires a great deal of care. And layering total exhaustion on top of all this can be like the straw that breaks the camels back. Sometimes these feelings of overwhelm are actually signs of something deeper. About one in five new mothers and one in 10 new fathers suffer from perinatal depression or anxiety. Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Sometimes feelings of overwhelm are a sign of something deeper. Source: iStock. Perinatal depression is a more intense version of the so-called baby blues. It has a sneaky way of making you feel like you are in a black pit and will never get out. Its accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, sadness and fatigue. Women with perinatal depression often feel nagging guilt, like theyre the worst mum in the world. Or they may feel like their baby might be better off without them. Sometimes mums with perinatal depression are plagued by an inner-critic who pipes up with wounding words, like, Why did I do this? How could I think I would be good at this? I am such a failure. A loss of appetite, unusual weight gain or loss, and the inability to turn your mind off and fall asleep are also common with perinatal depression. RELATED: Dad opens up about his own postnatal depression Some mums experience their own inner critic. Source: iStock. Perinatal depressions close cousin, perinatal anxiety, is not quite as common but every bit as upsetting. While perinatal depression may cause tears and hopelessness, perinatal anxiety is marked by fears, obsessive concerns, scary thoughts and irritability. New mums with perinatal anxiety may worry about everything. They often experience obsessive behaviours and intrusive thoughts that are disturbing, unwanted and out-of-character. For example, you may find yourself checking 50 times to make sure the baby is still breathing, or you may have an unshakeable worry that your little one might slide into the bath and drown, or you may imagine your baby being hurt by someone even by you. Women suffering from intrusive thoughts may hesitate to confide in others for the fear of being judged but it is so crucial to share their concerns. These thoughts can seem so real but when youre so exhausted and stretched thin, your brain can lead you down dark paths. Reach out to loved ones or your doctor. Source: iStock. Reach out for support Whether you are feeling depressed or anxious, joyless and incompetent, or are getting overwhelmed with intrusive fears and disturbing thoughts, your next steps are the same: Reach out to friends, family, your physician/midwife, or a support group. Both perinatal depression and anxiety can be treated with talk therapy, medication, helping your baby sleep and other therapeutic techniquesmany of which can be accessed without leaving your home (here are a bunch of online mental health resources for new mums). Remember, past generations of parents had large extended families nearby to help them do this exhausting work. So, dont be shy! Ask for a little help. And remember: You are not alone. As abnormal as you may feel, please know that many other parents go through very similar struggles. You are giving so much of yourself, you truly deserve to get some help at this challenging time. Dr. Harvey Karp is the founder of Happiest Baby and one of America's most trusted paediatricians. His highly innovative and celebrated books/videos, The Happiest Baby on the Block, The Happiest Toddler on the Block and The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep have been translated into dozens of languages and have made him one of the worlds most renowned baby and sleep experts. Dr. Karps breakthrough discoveries the calming reflex, the 5 Ss and Toddler-ese have benefited millions of parents and are taught by thousands of specially trained educators in over 20 nations.
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https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/whats-the-difference-between-perinatal-anxiety-and-perinatal-depression/news-story/bc010dc8801930ebbc6230ec421c1f34?nk=34383dad7ecae70ca5412c6c9d634771-1622210539
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When Is Debt Settlement Really Worth It?
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If you are carrying unbearable credit card balances or other high debts, youve probably looked at adverts on credit card settlement or debt settlement companies that can help get you out of debt at a fee. Debt settlement is one of the ways you can use to escape crushing debt. However, it has so many strings attached that can make you wonder whether its worth your efforts. But when youve accumulated so many debts and you have limited options to escape debts, debt settlement can be an option. There is no straightforward answer to this question. There are some situations in which debt settlement can help you get out of debt, but there are certain cases in which debt settlement can be a curse. This is how debt settlement works. When you stop making your loan repayments for about six months or more, your creditors will get concerned, thats when you make a debt settlement offer. The terms of debt settlement are that you make a small payment then the creditor erases your debt. Its like dangling a carrot to your creditors. They have to weigh their options considering that you might continue failing to pay your dues. Theyll have two options, either to sue you or to accept your offer. Another option for them is to refer your case to a legal collector. Its not an easy task to negotiate with your creditors. Thats why you need experts to help with your debt settlement Freedom Debt Relief can help with negotiations. If the negotiations are successful, 25 percent of your savings will go to the debt settlement agency, and another 25 percent will go to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). That means youll only be left with half of your savings. Before you make a debt settlement offer, it means you must have stopped making payments. This will have a negative effect on your credit score. Recovering from a bad credit score may take you up to seven years. So before you stop your payments, you have to consider how a bad credit score will affect you. If you are in a financial crisis and you can continue paying your dues, debt settlement wont help much. This is because youll be required to make a lump-sum payment for your offer to be considered. Debt settlements help you in the sense that youll only pay a fraction of what you owe for your debt to be wiped. Before you put your debt settlement offer, work out the amount you can comfortably pay. If your bank balance is small, your chances of getting a debt settlement may be slim. You are seeking debt settlement because you can pay your loans, so saving more would simply not be possible. If you are in a position to save, you would be better off using that cash to settle some of your debts. Debt settlement will help you prevent those annoying calls from collectors, but it may also harm you as far as matters of taxation are concerned. Once the debt is settled, any remaining amount will be erased. The Internal Revenue Service will consider the erased amount as your income, and it will attract some tax. There may be some exceptions, but these wont apply if you are dealing with credit card loans. The implication of debt settlement is that your tax obligation will increase. The tax obligation can be quite substantial if you were forgiven a huge amount. As you can see, the answer to this question depends on your situation. What you need to do is to sit down with your financial advisor and consider all available options. If debt settlement is the best for your case, then go for it.
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http://businessnewsthisweek.com/business/when-is-debt-settlement-really-worth-it/
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What is the point of Boris Johnsons meeting with Viktor Orban?
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It would be amusing to suppose that there was a chorus of liberal voices in Budapest objecting to their prime minister, admittedly a bit of a populist himself, collaborating so openly with Boris Johnson, someone who has voiced extremist views on Muslims, is militantly anti-European, and has been responsible for much democratic backsliding in his time in power, attempting to suspend parliament, limit the freedom of the broadcast media and the courts. And yet, so far as can be judged, Viktor Orbans populist summit with Johnson seems to have attracted little of the outrage that it has ignited in London. Less amusingly, Orbans apparent acquiescence, and worse, in an upsurge of antisemitism in Hungary seems to be no barrier to a warm welcome in Downing Street. It is no coincidence that one of the main hate figures for conspiracy theorists is the Hungarian Jewish emigre George Soros. Johnson, who is certainly no antisemite, nonetheless seems happy to pursue his cynical, dangerous liaison with Europes most successful authoritarian, verging on totalitarian, leader, aside from Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus. Recommended The EU is inadvertently helping Viktor Orban to tighten his grip on power in Hungary They are an odd couple, and their meeting makes one wonder whos using who. Orban is on something of a charm offensive, touring European capitals to make himself look important and statesmanlike rather than a chancer, ahead of elections next year. Orban will also enjoy annoying the EUs leadership, which has clashed with him many times over human rights abuses and Hungarys adamant refusal to take its share of migrants seeking refuge in the EU. Hungary habitually vetoes and weakens EU common foreign policy positions, most recently on Israel and Palestine. His Fidesz party has just been thrown out of the European Conservative/Christian Democrat group in the European Parliament, and he is looking for allies against President Macron and Chancellor Merkel, who find Orban so difficult to deal with. Recently Hungary has taken to diluting EU criticism on China, over human rights abuses in Hong Kong for example, something Johnson will probably have to raise at their meeting. Given the vast industrial and economic advantages Hungary derives from the EU there is no chance that Orban would try and pull Hungary of the EU; but with allies in the Visegrad group of Central European states, especially Poland, he seems very happy to take as much, and give as little, to the EU as possible. With the British gone, Hungary is the leader of the EUs awkward squad. Despite setbacks for the likes of Marine le Pen and the far right in Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany, the wave of nationalistic protest has not subsided completely.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/politics-explained/boris-johnson-viktor-orban-hungary-b1855896.html
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Why is Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbans visit to Downing Street controversial?
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Viktor Orbans Downing Street visit has seen Boris Johnson come in for criticism, amid warnings from Labour that the UK should not roll out the red carpet for the autocratic Hungarian prime minister. The prime ministers official spokesperson was forced to issue a rare defence of Fridays diplomatic event, which No 10 insisted was vital to the UKs prosperity and security in light of Hungary soon assuming presidency of the Visegrad Group, a 30-year-old alliance founded to further the European integration of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. And business secretary Kwasi Karteng went further, claiming it would be irresponsible not to build bilateral relations with the country. Mr Orban is one of the first of the blocs leaders to be invited to Downing Street since Brexit. In addition to Mr Orban and his Fidesz party adhering to a fierce Euroscepticism, Hungary has increasingly appeared something of an outlier within the EU during his 11-year premiership with his vision of so-called illiberal democracy frequently clashing with the blocs stated values of freedom, equality and democracy. During his second spell in power, which came a nearly decade and a lurch to the right after his first term, Mr Orban is widely viewed as having centralised power around himself and his allies. Having regained power in 2010 after an anti-EU and anti-migrant campaign, the autocrat quickly moved to de-fang the Hungarian media using a combination of moves such as regulation and censorship, with more than 400 news outlets notably moving under the control of a single state-friendly entity in 2018. Following the move, unprecedented within the European Union, Hungarys media landscape was judged to be beginning to resemble state media under Communism because of the level of control and consolidation by Zselyke Csaky of the human rights watchdog Freedom House. Mr Orban has also stacked the judiciary with allies, while limiting its power and forcing many existing Constitutional Court judges into early retirement a move challenged by the EU at the time. And he has continually asserted his influence over civil society, seeking to smear foreign-backed NGOs as foreign agents and notably forcing the Central European University to move its headquarters to Vienna by revoking its ability to issue US-accredited degrees. In the past year, his use of the coronavirus pandemic to push through unlimited laws allowing him to rule by decree has led human rights groups to question whether Hungary remains a democracy at all. Yet it is Mr Orbans discriminatory and anti-migrant rhetoric which is most often mentioned in the backlash to his Downing Street visit. Staking his flag in exclusionary ground long before anti-migrant sentiment washed over the EU, Mr Orban himself has spoken of Muslim invaders and described migrants as a poison, while his government has been accused of running antisemitic and Islamophobic hate campaigns, notably against Jewish philanthropist George Soros. A report by Europes leading human rights agency, the Council of Europe, found that in the eight years to 2019, refugees in Hungary had been caged, starved and denied legal representation while in transit zones along the border with Serbia, built from shipping containers. A Human Rights Watch report also carried allegations that some who crossed the border were beaten and had dogs set on them before being pushed back through the razor-wire fence into Serbia. Fidesz has also sought to clamp down on LGBT rights, ending legal recognition for gender changes last May and banning same-sex adoption in December as it cemented what it called Christian values within Hungarys constitution. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 27 May 2021 A man waits to receive a dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, in the rooms of the Claudia Comte exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Castello di Rivoli near Turin AFP/Getty World news in pictures 26 May 2021 A girl, with her face painted with the colours of the opposition flag, looks on during a demonstration against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and presidential elections, in the opposition-held Idlib, Syria Reuters World news in pictures 25 May 2021 A Buddhist monk climbs atop a giant statue of Buddha, to wash and decorate on the eve of Buddha Purnima, a holiday traditionally celebrated for Buddha's birthday also known as Vesak celebrations, in Bhopal AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 May 2021 Lava from the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo cuts through Buhene north of Goma, Congo AP World news in pictures 23 May 2021 Cyclists at the start of the 15th stage of the Giro dItalia, a 147km race between Grado and Gorizia AFP/Getty World news in pictures 22 May 2021 Swiss Guards take their position prior to the arrival of the European Commission President at San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican for a private audience with the Pope AFP/Getty World news in pictures 21 May 2021 A dog that has been trained to sniff out the coronavirus disease, screens a sweat sample at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters World news in pictures 20 May 2021 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr in action during a F1 practice session at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo Reuters World news in pictures 18 May 2021 Horse-drawn carriages drive through the mudflats near Cuxhaven, northern Germany dpa via AP World news in pictures 17 May 2021 Kanoya Onishi in action during the Cycling BMX Free Style of Tokyo 2020 Olympics test event at Ariake Urban Sports Park in Japan EPA World news in pictures 16 May 2021 Rescuers carry Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, as they pull her from the rubble of a building at the site of Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City Reuters World news in pictures 15 May 2021 A ball of fire erupts from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza city AFP/Getty World news in pictures 14 May 2021 Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers inside the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh AP World news in pictures 13 May 2021 Muslim girls ride on a mini train after attending the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 May 2021 Israeli artillery fire as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border EPA World news in pictures 11 May 2021 Maya Nakanishi competes in the womens long jump - T64 category during a para-athletics test event for the 2020 Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo AFP/Getty World news in pictures 10 May 2021 A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, ahead of a planned march to commemorate Israels takeover of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War AFP/Getty World news in pictures 9 May 2021 Falconer Giovanna Piccolo performs with her Eurasian eagle-owl at 'Roma World' theme park, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Rome Reuters World news in pictures 8 May 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is introduced as a starter against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 6 May 2021 Buddhist monks and believers attend a lantern parade in celebration of the upcoming birthday of Buddha at a temple in Seoul, South Korea Reuters World news in pictures 5 May 2021 Russian MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation over the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin in Moscow during a flypast rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 May 2021 An elevated metro line collapsed in the Mexican capital on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured as a train came plunging down, authorities said AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 May 2021 Lightning bolts strike buildings during a thunderstorm in Bangkok AFP/Getty World news in pictures 2 May 2021 Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus AFP/Getty World news in pictures 1 May 2021 A Gilet Jaune, or yellow vest, protestor stands in front of a burning barricade holding his hand up with an inscription calling for President Macron to resign as May Day Protest turn violent near Place de la Republique in Paris, France Getty World news in pictures 30 April 2021 A demonstrator from the Rio de Paz human rights activist group digs a symbolic grave in front of rows of bags symbolising bodybags on Copacabana beach, during a protest against the Brazilian governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 April 2021 An aerial picture shows dead carp fish flushed to the shores of al-Qaraoun reservoir in Lebanons Western Beqaa District in the countrys east. Tonnes of fish have washed up dead on the shoreline of the highly polluted artificial reservoir in eastern Lebanon in recent days AFP/Getty World news in pictures 28 April 2021 Health workers wearing PPE attends to coronavirus patients inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a covid care centre in New Delhi AFP/Getty World news in pictures 27 April 2021 The full moon, known as the Super Pink Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Reuters World news in pictures 26 April 2021 Balinese people lay wreaths with names of the crew on board the sunk Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala during a prayer at the sea near Labuhan Lalang, Bali, Indonesia EPA World news in pictures 25 April 2021 An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshipper walks around the Edicule, the place believed to be where Jesus Christ was buried, during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 April 2021 Fans of Wuhan Three Towns FC cheer for their team during the 1st round match Wuhan Three Towns FC and Beijing Institute of Technology FC during Chinese Football League One in Wuhan, China Getty World news in pictures 23 April 2021 A girl prays in front of the Dome of the Rock, in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions ease around the country, in Jerusalem Reuters World news in pictures 22 April 2021 People walk through the art work 'THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS' by Yayoi Kusama, during the press preview of a retrospective exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Martin Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany AP World news in pictures 21 April 2021 Hungary's Sara Peter competes in the Women's floor qualifications during European Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the St Jakobshalle, in Basel AFP/Getty World news in pictures 20 April 2021 South Korea university students gets their heads shaved during a protest against Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in front of the Japanese embassy, in Seoul Reuters World news in pictures 19 April 2021 A spectator wearing a football jersey of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament singles match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Argentina's Guido Pella at the Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona AFP/Getty World news in pictures 18 April 2021 People raise their fist during a demonstration near the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP/Getty World news in pictures 17 April 2021 Security personnel stand guard outside a polling station during the 5th phase of West Bengal's state legislative assembly elections in Kolkata AFP/Getty World news in pictures 16 April 2021 Palestinians take part in the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty World news in pictures 15 April 2021 A firefighter inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 14 April 2021 This picture shows the 100 days countdown till the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games displayed on the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on April 14, 2021 AFP/Getty World news in pictures 13 April 2021 This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source shows Buddhist monks gesturing while taking part in a demonstration with protesters against the military coup in Mandalay during the Myanmar New Year festival of Thingyan AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 April 2021 An Indian holi man during the Kumbh Mela royal bath (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Thousands of pilgrims are gathering and taking holy dip in Kumbh Mela that is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which occurs after every twelve years and rotates among four locations EPA World news in pictures 11 April 2021 Nasa released images of of sand dunes on Mars captured using infrared reflections NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU World news in pictures 10 April 2021 People watch devotees pulling a chariot in Biska Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal AP World news in pictures 9 April 2021 Maintenance workers clean the monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Moscow on April 9, 2021. - Sixty years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space, marking it a new chapter in the history of space exploration. AFP/Getty World news in pictures 8 April 2021 Protesters hold a banner and burning red flares during a demonstration of called by unions of healthcare and social workers in support of their sector and to demand a bonus in their pay in Paris AFP/Getty World news in pictures 7 April 2021 Protesters laying on the street near the Election Commission office in Kolkata during a demonstration demanding the halt of the ongoing state legislative election and campaign rallies amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases AFP/Getty World news in pictures 6 April 2021 Voters stand in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during third phase of West Bengal state elections in Baruipur, South 24 Pargana district, India AP His antisemitism, Islamophobia attacks on migrants and other minorities must be challenged, Labour MP Zarah Sultana said in a letter to Mr Johnson on Thursday. I urge you to cancel the plan to welcome him to Britain, she said, adding: He should instead be challenged for his long and shameful record. Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said: Tomorrow Johnson welcomes Viktor Orbn to Downing Street, a leader who has attacked press freedom and democracy, called refugees Muslim invaders and is a cheerleader for Putin and Lukashenko. What are the chances hell be challenged on any of this? Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also wrote to the prime minister calling on him to question the Mr Orban on his links with Russia, his attempts to silence critical media outlets and for failing to hold free elections. And the Chatham House think-tank warned: Given Orbans record of hollowing out Hungarian democracy and close relations [with] Putin, the visit calls into question the values Johnson says Global Britain stands for. Britain look small instead. While Downing Street argued the visit is vital to Britains interests, it said Mr Johnson would not shy away from raising human rights issues and that the prime minister had condemned Mr Orbans comments as divisive and wrong. A protest outside Downing Street has been organised by Stand Up To Racism, which accused Mr Orban of acting as a prominent spokesperson for the far-right from a position of power as a prime minister of Hungary.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/viktor-orban-hungary-boris-johnson-b1855789.html
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Can acetaminophen use during pregnancy increase the risk of ADHD and autism symptoms in children?
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In a recently published epidemiological study in the European Journal of Epidemiology, researchers confirmed that the use of paracetamol during pregnancy led to an increased risk of children displaying symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Paracetamol use during pregnancy. Image Credit: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com Previous studies on paracetamol use during pregnancy Paracetamol, which is also known as acetaminophen, is a non-prescription medication that is currently considered to be safe for use during pregnancy to treat fever and pain. In fact, paracetamol is the most commonly used medication during pregnancy, with up to 65% and 50% of women in the United States and Europe, respectively, have used this drug during their pregnancies. The widespread use of paracetamol during pregnancy is largely due to the fact that there has not been any strong evidence associating this drug with causing structural birth defects. However, a growing body of research suggests that paracetamol use during pregnancy may actually increase the childs risk of asthma, alter their immune system, exert endocrine-disrupting properties, and cause functional changes in both the behavior and cognition of these children. A total of 73,881 children were included in the current study that was led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) with support from the la Caixa foundation. The children included in the study were specifically chosen due to the availability of data regarding whether their mothers were exposed to paracetamol during their pregnancy or after giving birth to the child. Additionally, at least one symptom of either ASC or ADHD in the child was also required for their inclusion in the study. It has been estimated that between 14% and 56% of the childrens mothers included in the current study reported taking paracetamol at some point during their pregnancy. The children who were exposed to paracetamol before birth was found to be 19% and 21% more likely to develop ASC and ADHD symptoms, respectively, as compared to children whose mothers did not take this drug while pregnant. Notably, the postnatal use of paracetamol was not found to increase the likelihood of ASC symptoms in children. Study takeaways Some of the previous studies that have evaluated the cognitive effects of prenatal exposure to paracetamol have been largely criticized for their heterogeneity. The researchers of the current study, therefore, aimed to harmonize the assessment of ADHD and ASC symptoms in children of mothers who may or may not have used paracetamol at some point during their pregnancies. In addition to the substantial number of subjects included in the current study, the researchers also studied a wide demographic population by including subjects from multiple European nations including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and Spain. A total of six cohorts were included in the study, all of which were subject to the same criteria, which included: Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) Gene and Environment: Prospective Study on Infancy in Italy (GASPII) Generation R Study Infancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA) Study Mother-Child Cohort in Crete (RHEA)
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https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210528/Can-acetaminophen-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-ADHD-and-autism-symptoms-in-children.aspx
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Is there a SME stimulus?
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BY MELISHA YAFOI DESPITE the Governments efforts in delivering its stimulus program of K200 million for small to medium enterprises, there seem to be no or rather half a stimulus being delivered at the moment assisting small businesses in Papua New Guinea. The Government last year delivered K100 million to Bank South Pacific in October and the next K100 million, K20 million to Department of Commerce and Industry and K80 million to the National Development Bank. These monies were given to help struggling SMEs during this difficult period of COVID-19 which brought about restrictions that hindered and completely halted many small businesses, delayed payments and so on. Since the rollout of the K100 million SME Credit Enhancement scheme by Bank South Pacific the bank has received 324 applications valued at K82.1 million by December 2020 but not applicants were successful. BSP has so far lent out to 256 customers valued at K38 million while more than a 100 applications being declined (K10.4 million) and K50 million is currently being assessed for successful applicants. Like any other commercial banks, BSP has its own procedures and regulations. While the argument in the general SME space remains that BSP is too expensive with its interest rates and that the process is too cumbersome, the bank will also need to ensure that it does not go beyond its delinquency rates. Hence, lending to SMEs that have been in business for quite some time with a good track record with the bank seem convenient for them to lend. Those who fell under that category and operate in the micro space were encouraged to apply at the National Development Bank then to get a loan. However, to date, NDB is yet to lend out to customers the K80 million. For the National Development Bank, there has not been a clear indication coming from the bank to tell customers or MSMEs for that matter on when they will be processing their loans. Doubts and questions have been raised over the past months and weeks regarding this K80 million. Until this week, NDB chairman Michael Mell revealed that bank is reviewing its lending policy hence the long delay in delivering this government scheme to the MSMEs. One thing yet, authorities in a state owned grassroots bank failed to spell out at the beginning is that, there will still be some form of requirements for these MSMEs and SMEs to follow in order to comply for a loan successfully. What many people are yet to understand is that these monies are not government grants, they were being released as security for the banks to lend to customers who needed the money to assist their business. In a recent discussion on the informal economy which this paper was a part of found that, there is little to no awareness at all made to MSMEs at the village level including those in the suburbs of main towns and cities regarding this much talked about stimulus program. Many MSMEs still think that they can now register a business, get a TIN and apply for a loan at either BSP or NDB to get some starting capital. No, you wont be assisted as you do not have a full record of being in business for a long time, meaning there is no guarantee your business will survive or fail. Do not forget 80 per cent SMEs in the country fail as startups while only 20 per cent survive for more than five years. A commentator in the banking industry argued that, all these funds should have been given to the micro banks at the first place to assist the MSMEs. It was also argued that this program is not a stimulus at all is MSMEs and SMEs are still struggling to survive in this difficult time with no help at all.
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https://postcourier.com.pg/is-there-a-sme-stimulus/
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Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Film Their Interview With Oprah at Rob Lowes House?
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In his and Winfrey's new Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can't See, Harry alleged that "The Firm" tried to smear his wife via the media. Before the interview had aired, because of their headlines and the combined effort of The Firm and the media to smear her, I was woken up in the middle of the night to her crying into her pillow because she doesnt want to wake me up because Im already carrying too much. That is heartbreaking. I held her. We talked. She cried, and she cried, and she cried. ALSO: Harry says in the docuseries that trauma over his mom Princess Diana's death led him to drink and drugs.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260597778532/did-meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-film-their-interview-with-oprah-at-rob-lowe-s-house
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Are Broker Commissions Too High?
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Forty-four percent of new home buyers now begin their home search online as opposed to through referrals, according to the National Association of Realtors. The same organization found that 35 percent of brokers say they are relying on virtual tours to sell homes. And yet, despite technology shifting the power dynamic from brokers to buyers in the real estate industry, real estate commissions notoriously higher in the United States than in other developed countries havent budged. A series of lawsuits might change that. Even as median home prices have climbed in every major market across the United States, and buyers, especially millennials, are doing more of the legwork involved in home searches, commission rates for real estate brokers have held steady. Paid by the home seller, these rates are often as high as 6 percent 3 percent paid to the sellers agent and 3 percent to the buyers agent. Across much of Europe and Asia, commission rates are significantly lower in Singapore and the United Kingdom, for example, agents generally earn 1 to 2 percent on sales.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/realestate/paying-real-estate-commissions.html
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How do I advertise on MyLondon?
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A local brand that people love and trust You know MyLondon. Everybody does. Since its launch in 2018, it has become an essential part of everyday life for people across our amazing, beautiful, crazy city who rely on us to provide trusted news, sport and entertainment coverage. The numbers are pretty impressive. In March 2021 we welcomed 11m visitors to our site, and they recorded 27m page views. And if you add our highly-respected print titles to the mix, including the Croydon Advertiser and the Gazette series, we offer unbeatable coverage of your local area. But what all this means is that MyLondon is the perfect place to advertise your business and share your message with people across the Best. City. Ever. If we've hooked you already, you just need to get in touch. Fill in our quick form and one of our commercial team members will give you a call or send you an email. Theyve delivered thousands of successful campaigns for clients and will work with you every step of the way. If you need a little more convincing then read on. There are a number of ways you can promote your businesses using MyLondon. To keep things simple, we'll briefly outline three of our most popular and effective solutions: online display advertising, content marketing, and video. Online display advertising These are the ads that you can see dotted around this page and others on our site. They are situated in prominent positions and are just waiting to showcase your business or brand to the thousands of people who consume our content every day. Each section of MyLondon - including the home page, news, sport, what's on and so on - has dedicated slots to feature your ads, and you can choose where you want them to appear (or be guided by us, if you'd prefer). The ads are not static. They can include eye-catching animation, and can be clicked, with links going through to your own website. Furthermore, our commercial wizards can twiddle things in the background so that your ads are aimed at audiences of your choosing. So if you want to target specific groups based on their demographics, lifestyle and location, we can absolutely do that. Display ads have been around for years, but the technology behind them is pretty clever these days. If online display advertising sounds like it'd meet your aims, click here to find out more. Content marketing If you're looking for an alternative or an addition to display ads then content marketing is one of the smartest and most valuable forms of advertising we currently offer. This is your chance to share a message about your business in a special feature written by our editorial experts. The feature will sit in a section called Special Features and it will look just like any other story on MyLondon. You've probably already read many content marketing articles without even realising it - that's what makes it so clever. The content can take various forms including an announcement, a case study, a competition or a listicle-style article. If you're not sure we can provide specialist insight into what type of article we think will be best received by our audience. Once the article is live on the site, we will drive readers to it using our Commercial Partners account on Facebook and our Twitter accounts. Here are a few examples of content marketing features we've published recently. If you think content marketing might work for your business, click here to find out more. Video People love watching video - it's so easy to consume and share. This makes video perfect for shining a light on your products and services. Our experienced in-house video production team can shoot and edit any type of video you may need, and then you can use it to support a display advertising campaign or as part of a content marketing feature. See - everything's joined up! Your clip can also be featured as a 30-second pre-roll video to play before relevant video content across our site. If you want to explore our video solutions, and see examples of our teams work, click here to find out more. Your next customer is within Reach MyLondon is part of the Reach online network which includes dozens of local newsbrands plus national favourites like the Daily Mirror and Daily Express. So if you want to advertise a little further afield, or even nationally, we can help you do that thanks to our cross-network opportunities. In short, we believe we have the perfect online platforms and commercial solutions to help you reach our readers, wherever they may be in the UK. To advertise with us, or if you have questions about any of the above, click here to submit your details and we'll be in touch. Audience sources: Google Analytics - Mar 2021
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https://www.mylondon.news/special-features/how-advertise-mylondon-20699562
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Is Turkey's First Regulation On Crypto-Assets Just A Beginning?
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Although it remains unclear whether cryptocurrencies will replace traditional money in the near future or ever, they have become a global phenomenon lately. Likewise, the economic turbulence in Turkey has led to a surge in swapping the local currency for cryptocurrencies despite their price volatility. According to a recent survey, Turkey has the fourth-highest rate of cryptocurrency use out of 74 countries1. Background of Recent Developments With the more and more growing popularity of the crypto market in Turkey, the government's concerns about using cryptocurrencies for illegitimate activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion have gradually increased. As a response to all these matters, the signals of the legislative framework for the crypto-assets have been given under Turkey's 11th Development Plan2. Turkey's economic roadmap also unveils that the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey shall foster the financial, technologic, and legal infrastructure of digital money by the end of this year3. It is also known that the Financial Crimes Investigation Board of the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance has recently requested certain user information from the cryptocurrency exchange platforms4. Besides, a Turkish enforcement court has ruled that application for a freezing order over cryptocurrency assets is enforceable under the Turkish legislation5. First Regulation on Crypto-Assets Finally, for the first time, legislation directly stipulates the matters as to crypto-assets was introduced in Turkey on April 16, 2021. The Regulation on Prohibition of the Use of Crypto-Assets in Payments ("Regulation") that mainly bans the use of the crypto-assets in payments for goods and services was enacted based on the authority vested under the Law on Payment and Securities Settlement Systems, Payment Services and Electronic Money Institutions numbered 6493 ("Law no. 6493") and the Law on the Central Bank of Turkey numbered 1211. The Regulation shall enter into force on April 30, 2021. The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey ("Central Bank") has published a press release explaining the rationale behind the Regulation6. As per the release, crypto-assets may entail significant risks due to the facts that they are neither subject to any legislation and supervisory mechanism nor a central regulatory authority, their market value is excessively volatile, they may be used for illicit activities as a result of their anonymity characteristics, wallets may be stolen or unlawfully used without the authorization of their holders, and transactions are irreversible. It is further stated that the use of crypto-assets as a payment instrument may cause non-recoverable losses for the parties to the transactions and may trigger trust vulnerability to the methods and instruments currently in use. Outcomes of the Regulation Crypto-assets are defined as intangible assets that are created virtually, relying on the distributed ledger technology or similar technology, distributed through digital networks, and are not qualified as fiat money, registered money, electronic money, payment instrument, security, or other capital market instrument for the interpretation of the Regulation. The Regulation stipulates that the crypto-assets shall not be used in payments either directly or indirectly. Provision of services as regards direct or indirect use of crypto-assets in payments is also prohibited under the Regulation. Accordingly, the Regulation precludes the use of crypto-assets as a payment medium while it is silent on utilizing the same as an investment instrument. The Regulation further sets out that the payment service providers shall not develop business models facilitating direct or indirect use of crypto-assets in the provision of payment services and issuance of electronic money and provide any service relating to such business models. As per Law no. 6493, the term "payment service providers" also comprises banks. Therefore, such prohibition is also applicable to the banks and prevents them from engaging with the crypto exchange platforms to develop more user-friendly business models. Finally, the payment and electronic money institutions are prohibited from acting as an intermediary for the platforms providing purchase, sale, custody, transfer, or issuance services for crypto-assets or fund transfers to be made thereon. However, the users may still transfer funds to/from the crypto exchange platforms through the method of bank transfers. Conclusion Last but not least, the Regulation does not prohibit cryptocurrency trading. Accordingly, the users may continue to buy and sell the cryptocurrencies as an investment instrument on the crypto exchange platforms. However, open questions remain as to how the Turkish legal system will treat cryptocurrency assets. When considering the recent economic turmoil in Turkey, a clear and detailed regulatory framework as regards crypto-assets with a focus on monitoring, auditing, and risk management rather than imposing new restrictions is very much needed. At this point, it is crucial not just to examine the challenges but also the opportunities raised by crypto-assets. Let's wait for the upcoming regulations on crypto-assets while the trending topic nowadays around the globe is the official listing of cryptocurrency exchange platforms on Nasdaq as another crypto-industry milestone. Hopefully, Turkey will take a responsive approach to the recent developments around emerging technologies and new investment opportunities considering the transaction volumes of cryptocurrencies and alternative blockchain-based fundraising models such as initial coin offerings (ICOs) and stock token offerings (STOs). Since investments in cryptocurrencies have not been explicitly prohibited, a regulatory sandbox for the eco-system players as introduced with Turkey's 11th Development Plan may nurture innovation and boost the economy. Footnotes 1. Katharina Buchholz, These Are the Countries Where Cryptocurrency Use Is Most Common, Access Date: 22 April 2021, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/how-common-is-cryptocurrency/ 2. Presidency of Strategy and Budget, Eleventh Development Plan (2019-2023), Access Date: 22 April 2021, https://www.sbb.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eleventh_Development_Plan-2019-2023.pdf 3. Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Economic Reforms Action Plan, Access Date: 22 April 2021, Ekonomi-Reform-Takvimi.pdf (hmb.gov.tr) 4. Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Press Release dated 1 April 2021, Access Date: 22 April 2021, https://www.hmb.gov.tr/duyuru/basin-aciklamasi-6 5. Murat Kaya, Borlunun Kripto Parasi Haciz Islemi Iin Menkul Kiymet Olarak Sayildi, Access Date: 22 April 2021, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/borclunun-kripto-parasi-haciz-islemi-icin-menkul-kiymet-olarak-sayildi/2214609 6. Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, Press Release dated 16 April 2021, Access Date: 22 April 2021, https://www.tcmb.gov.tr/wps/wcm/connect/EN/TCMB+EN/Main+Menu/Announcements/Press+Releases/2021/ANO2021-17 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.
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https://www.mondaq.com:443/turkey/fin-tech/1070684/is-turkey39s-first-regulation-on-cryptoassets-just-a-beginning
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What next for Syria's Assad as new mandate begins?
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Syrians wave national flags and carry a large portrait of President Bashar al-Assad as they celebrate in the streets of Damascus Advertising Read more Beirut (AFP) Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has won a fourth term in office with 95 percent of the vote in a ballot dismissed abroad as a "farce". - 95.1 percent. That's the percentage of the vote official results say Assad won in Wednesday's presidential election, every parameter of which was controlled by him and his Baath party. The number of votes -- 13.5 million -- he received far exceeded what some observers had said would be a realistic total turnout, and thousands of people had gathered in public squares on Thursday, hours before the results were announced. "95.1 percent of Syrians have spoken: Bashar al-Assad is president of the republic," was the headline on the front page of the pro-government Al-Watan daily Friday. With less than five percent of the vote left for his two hand-picked "rivals", the election result Assad's regime announced appears to shut down any suggestion he might have used the election as an opening for more inclusive politics. "The international diplomatic effort to reform Syria is dead, and this election with its authoritarian 95.1% of the vote for Assad is the last nail in its coffin," said Nicholas Heras, an analyst with the Newlines Institute in Washington. The United Nations had pinned hopes on this election as a watershed in efforts to reform Syria but the much-awaited constitutional overhaul that was supposed to precede it never happened. Much of the international community dismissed the ballot before it even started, with the notable exception of Russia, which welcomed Assad's "decisive" victory. For Heras, Moscow and Damascus' other key ally Tehran sent "a big signal to the United States and its partners that there is no Syrian future without Assad." - Immediately after results were announced late Thursday, Assad said "the work phase" for the reconstruction of Syria would begin. His regime only controls about two thirds of the national territory and some areas are in ruins, mostly as a result of his own forces' bombardments. Assad's campaign cast him as "the man who won a war, has big ideas for Syria's reconstruction, and who is the only person who can manage" the post-conflict chaos, Heras said. But with the West unwilling to release reconstruction aid in the absence of political reform, Damascus is turning to its erstwhile foes from the Gulf for money. Some monarchies have already reopened diplomatic representations in Damascus and Assad hopes to further upgrade relations to launch his new seven-year mandate. Senior Assad adviser Buthaina Shaaban told a local radio station that "efforts were under way to improve ties between Damascus and Riyadh." Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad has also spoken of a thaw in relations with the region. Syrian analyst Shadi Ahmad sees Assad's first months after the election being marked by the "reestablishment of relations between both sides". The rapprochement would come a decade after the start a war in which Assad once claimed he was facing rebels armed and funded by Gulf powers. - Assad's "me or chaos" mantra from those early stages of the conflict has further simplified to "me or nothing" now that fighting has largely wound up. Of the two other contenders in the May 26 vote, both were widely seen as paper candidates from the token opposition. Assad's most virulent opposition is in exile, hosted by countries that are unwilling or unable to take decisive steps towards change in Syria. Western powers like the United States or France that once insisted on Assad's departure have described the ballot as "neither free nor fair" and "a farce". "Beside this description they have very little leverage," said Karim Emile Bitar, a Middle East analyst and professor at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut. In the long run, however, Bitar argues that Assad himself is likely to feel "hostage to his regional patrons particularly Iran and Russia". "Sooner or later the game will change and the opposition will see the light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully a new chapter in the history of Syria might open," he said. "But to be honest at this stage I see very few reasons for optimism," Bitar said. 2021 AFP
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https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210528-what-next-for-syria-s-assad-as-new-mandate-begins
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Why does meowing Concord cat clam up at the vets office?
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DEAR JOAN: My cat meows all the time, day and night, without fail. This isnt a new behavior. I got her when she was just a kitten, and it started then. Ive taken her to the vet, but she never makes a sound when shes there. The vet must think Im crazy. Shes about 2 years old now, and she is a Siamese. L.L., Concord DEAR L.: You apparently have a Chatty Catty on your hands. As this isnt a new behavior, I wouldnt be too concerned about whats causing it, although its always a good idea to talk to your vet and have the cat checked. Excessive meowing can be due to illness, pain or growing dementia. Once all health issues have been cleared, you can look at other causes. Siamese cats have a reputation for being, among other things, excessively talkative. They like to comment on just about everything and arent afraid to raise their voices when life is not up to their particular standards. I know this from experience, having shared my home with two Siamese cats at different times. Theres also the real possibility that your cat simply has developed a habit of meowing throughout the day and, regrettably, the night. She likely has discovered that its a most effective way of getting what she wants when she wants it. She wants a treat, so she meows and you comply. Shes hungry, so she meows for her dinner. She wants to play and meowing gets your attention. If thats the case, and if the meowing bothers you, youll need to do some training to break the habit. When she meows for treats, dont give them to her. Feed her on a regular schedule, whether shes meowing or not. Cats do get lonely, despite their aloofness, so when she sees you, shes likely expressing her excitement and joy at having you home again, and thats a habit that you cant really break nor do you want to, Im sure. We all want to feel loved and appreciated. As for why she doesnt meow at the vet, there may be a couple of reasons. Many animals are uneasy or fearful in the vets office, even if nothing really traumatic has ever happened to them there. They sense the fear and anxiety of other animals, along with all the strange smells. They might also pick up on our apprehension, especially when the pet is there for a procedure that could be uncomfortable for them. Some cats will get extremely hyper and yowl my female Siamese was one of those or they will get very quiet, as if to prevent a predator from discovering them. She also might not have anything worthwhile to say to the vet. When cats are kittens, they meow to find their mothers, ask to be fed and for attention. As they get older, they usually start meowing less, reserving those mews and meows for communicating with humans. Your cat might like talking to you, but doesnt see the vet as someone to whom she has anything to say. Unless the meowing is bothering you, Id enjoy it, knowing that your cat is fond enough of you to launch into long conversations. For more wildlife, garden and backyard topics, sign up for our new, free Flora+Fauna newsletter. Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to [email protected].
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https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/05/28/why-does-meowing-concord-cat-clam-up-at-the-vets-office-2/
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What Next For Syria's Assad As New Mandate Begins?
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Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has won a fourth term in office with 95 percent of the vote in a ballot dismissed abroad as a "farce". Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th May, 2021 ) :Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has won a fourth term in office with 95 percent of the vote in a ballot dismissed abroad as a "farce". - 95.1 percent. That's the percentage of the vote official results say Assad won in Wednesday's presidential election, every parameter of which was controlled by him and his Baath party. The number of votes -- 13.5 million -- he received far exceeded what some observers had said would be a realistic total turnout, and thousands of people had gathered in public squares on Thursday, hours before the results were announced. "95.1 percent of Syrians have spoken: Bashar al-Assad is president of the republic," was the headline on the front page of the pro-government Al-Watan daily Friday. With less than five percent of the vote left for his two hand-picked "rivals", the election result Assad's regime announced appears to shut down any suggestion he might have used the election as an opening for more inclusive politics. "The international diplomatic effort to reform Syria is dead, and this election with its authoritarian 95.1% of the vote for Assad is the last nail in its coffin," said Nicholas Heras, an analyst with the Newlines Institute in Washington. The United Nations had pinned hopes on this election as a watershed in efforts to reform Syria but the much-awaited constitutional overhaul that was supposed to precede it never happened. Much of the international community dismissed the ballot before it even started, with the notable exception of Russia, which welcomed Assad's "decisive" victory. For Heras, Moscow and Damascus' other key ally Tehran sent "a big signal to the United States and its partners that there is no Syrian future without Assad." - Immediately after results were announced late Thursday, Assad said "the work phase" for the reconstruction of Syria would begin. His regime only controls about two thirds of the national territory and some areas are in ruins, mostly as a result of his own forces' bombardments. Assad's campaign cast him as "the man who won a war, has big ideas for Syria's reconstruction, and who is the only person who can manage" the post-conflict chaos, Heras said. But with the West unwilling to release reconstruction aid in the absence of political reform, Damascus is turning to its erstwhile foes from the Gulf for money. Some monarchies have already reopened diplomatic representations in Damascus and Assad hopes to further upgrade relations to launch his new seven-year mandate. Senior Assad adviser Buthaina Shaaban told a local radio station that "efforts were under way to improve ties between Damascus and Riyadh." Foreign Minister Faisal al-Meqdad has also spoken of a thaw in relations with the region. Syrian analyst Shadi Ahmad sees Assad's first months after the election being marked by the "reestablishment of relations between both sides". The rapprochement would come a decade after the start a war in which Assad once claimed he was facing rebels armed and funded by Gulf powers. - Assad's "me or chaos" mantra from those early stages of the conflict has further simplified to "me or nothing" now that fighting has largely wound up. Of the two other contenders in the May 26 vote, both were widely seen as paper candidates from the token opposition. Assad's most virulent opposition is in exile, hosted by countries that are unwilling or unable to take decisive steps towards change in Syria. Western powers like the United States or France that once insisted on Assad's departure have described the ballot as "neither free nor fair" and "a farce". "Beside this description they have very little leverage," said Karim Emile Bitar, a middle East analyst and professor at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut. In the long run, however, Bitar argues that Assad himself is likely to feel "hostage to his regional patrons particularly Iran and Russia". "Sooner or later the game will change and the opposition will see the light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully a new chapter in the history of Syria might open," he said. "But to be honest at this stage I see very few reasons for optimism," Bitar said.
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https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/what-next-for-syrias-assad-as-new-mandate-be-1262738.html
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What Happened To Manvinder Bisla? What Is The IPL 2012 Final Hero Upto Now?
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The Indian Premier League has provided a significant opportunity for up-and-coming cricketers in the country to rub shoulders alongside stalwarts of the game. While several players have been able to fast-track their selection in the national side with their inspiring performances in the cash-rich league, a number of cricketers have faded away despite having proved their mettle on the big stage. Former Kolkata Knight Riders wicketkeeper-batsman Manvinder Bisla is one such campaigner who was lost in the shuffle after a few impressive knocks. Here we reveal more details about the talented glovesman. The answer to the 'Who won IPL 2012 final for KKR?' is Manvinder Bisla.The right-handed batsman was an integral part of the KKR team and he was also instrumental in guiding the team to their first-ever championship victory in India's flagship T20 competition. The Gautam Gambhir-led team squared off against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ultimate clash of the 2012 season. CSK posted an imposing target of 191 in the all-important game and looked to be the favourites to trump KKR at the halfway mark. Howeover, Manvinder Bisla had different plans. The player walked in to open the batting alongside skipper Gautam Gambhir and took the CSK bowlers to the cleaners with his stunning strokeplay. Bisla had shot to fame when he played a blistering knock of 89 from just 48 balls in the 2012 IPL final. After his heroics in the crucial encounter, he established himself as a mainstay in the KKR line-up for the subsequent season as well. The Haryana lad failed to capitalise on his chances in the next season as he could only manage to score 255 runs at an ordinary strike rate of 108.05 after having played 14 games. Bisla could only get a single game in the 2014 season with Robin Uthappa taking up wicketkeeping duties. He was released by the KKR franchise after their second championship victory in 2014. While he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he failed to carve a niche for himself in the star-studded batting order. Manvinder Bisla's last appearance in the cash-rich league came in 2015. While the player was a part of multiple franchises in his IPL career, he is best remembered for his swashbuckling knock in the 2012 IPL final. Bisla was picked up by the Colombo Kings franchise last year for the Lanka Premier League. Presently, he plays for Goa in the Ranji Trophy. The Kolkata Knight Riders under Gautam Gambhir's leadership won their first-ever IPL title in 2012. The KKR team went over the CSK side in the final to win the championship. With stunning half-centuries from Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis, KKR chased down the total of 191 with 5 wickets and 2 balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Watch the Manvinder Bisla IPL 2012 final knock here - Source: iplt20.com Manvinder Bisla highest score in IPL The wicketkeeper has featured in 39 matches in the T20 competition. He has amassed 798 runs in his IPL career with 4 stunning half-centuries. The Manvinder Bisla highest score in IPL is 92. He once again got the better of CSK bowlers in the following season as he smashed a stunning knock of 92 from just 61 balls for KKR. Image source: Kolkata Knight Riders Twitter
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https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/cricket-news/what-happened-to-manvinder-bisla-what-is-the-ipl-2012-final-hero-upto-now.html
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What happens with a military jet interception?
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Less than two days after arriving in Syria, the bombers are flying patrols over the Mediterranean carrying Mach 4-capable anti-ship missiles. The Russian Ministry of Defense has released new video and photos showing the current deployment of three Tu-22M3 Backfire-C swing-wing bombers to Khmeimim airbase in Syria, the story of which we were first to report on Monday and followed up on a day later with additional details. Now, as we expected, one of the jets has appeared toting a single example of the enormous Kh-22 series standoff missile. Known in the West as the AS-4 Kitchen, the weapon is now primarily used for anti-shipping strike, in keeping with the maritime mission that Moscow has said the Backfires will undertake while in Syria.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260621071985/what-happens-with-a-military-jet-interception
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Why is 90 Day Fianc and its spinoffs so popular?
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TLC executives sensed demand for more about these couples. So they obliged. And then some. There are a whopping 18 variants of the original, the newest called 90 Day Fianc: Foody Call on the Discovery+ streaming service where couples from past shows cook favorite dishes while dishing advice about keeping the romance spicy. Discovery+, in fact, has been home to seven spinoffs, all released since January. 90 Day is currently TLCs most popular franchise, beating staples such as Dr. Pimple Popper and My 600-lb Life. And TLC is not shy about airing expanded two-hour-long episodes every Sunday night without fear of diluting their audience or testing their patience. Of the 100 most-watched shows among 18-to-49 year olds the past eight months on broadcast and cable TV, 90 Day Fianc and four spinoffs of that show made the cut. Four 90 Day shows also made the top 100 amongst all viewers, each drawing more than 3 million viewers. 90 Day Fianc brought in more viewers in the 18-49 demo than NBCs New Amsterdam, Foxs The Resident and ABCs The Goldbergs. It also trounced Bravos The Real Housewives of Atlanta. TLC executives knew they had a great concept in 2014 that complemented shows at the time like The Little Couple and Breaking Amish. But they had no clue it would become such a genuine hit until season two when word of mouth enabled them to cast a more dynamic cast including the rocky marriage of Ohio resident Danielle Mullins and Tunisian-born Mohamed Jbali. That was a game changer, said Dan Adler, the shows executive producer. We were really able to push the envelope with that couple. Monica King, a 50-year-old Alpharetta resident who works in corporate regulatory affairs at a healthcare company, said she is drawn in by the authenticity of the relationships. They feel human, not like cartoon characters on The Bachelor, she said. They seem like real people seeking true everlasting love. I really want to find out what happens next in their lives. Once TLC realized through social media how rabid the fan base had become, they began casting shows focused on relationships prior to the K-1 visa process (Before the 90 Days) and shows featuring couples well past the 90-day period (Happily Ever After?). They delved into the lives of now single people whose K-1 visa relationship failed. They follow Americans who do the reverse and move to another country to marry someone. They even have a meta-style show where popular 90 Day couples sit in bed (Pillow Talk) and make snarky comments while watching another 90 Day show. One of the most popular couples in the shows history hails from Atlanta: nurse Chantel Everett and Pedro Jimeno, a man she fell in love with while on a trip to the Dominican Republic. She brought him back to Atlanta to start the K-1 visa process while lying to her family, saying he was on a more permissive student visa. Her wary family did not like Pedro at first, and Pedros family in the Dominican Republic clashed with her family. It became a case of Romeo and Juliet-style star-crossed lovers that viewers ate up. After appearing on Happily Ever After? TLC gave them their own show The Family Chantel. It featured Chantels brother Royal also seeking a foreign bride, finding his in the Philippines, and Pedros sister Nicole dating a married man. The second season aired last year. Adler said it did well despite the fact a good portion of the dialogue is in Spanish. Chantel, in an interview, said she was very nave at first. I went into the show thinking it would prove to the world how lovely and perfect my relationship was, she said. That was not reality. Instead, she said people were fascinated by the clashing family dynamics, the cultural misunderstandings and the communication limitations given that Pedros English was very poor when he came stateside five years ago. They debated whether to do the spinoff show, but Chantel said they decided it might help people understand the K-1 visa process better so others could benefit from our mistakes and find comfort that our struggles are normal. The producers would regularly question their motives and actions that in a way helped make their relationship stronger, Pedro said. Its therapeutic, he said. You can heal yourself. Talking about problems is better than hiding them. Loren and Alexei Brovarnik are part of the latest TLC "90 Day Fiance" spinoff called "Foody Call" debuting on Discovery+ May 29, 2021. TLC Credit: Discovery+ Credit: Discovery+ Jason Sarlanis, senior vice president for development at TLC, said he loves how theyve been able to highlight people of all races and cultures. Its one of the most diverse shows on TV. Weve told stories about LBGTQ couples and how different countries view marriage. To Sarlanis, I think this show really gives people out there hope that no matter where you look in this world, your other half is out there. Some fans do watch with more cynicism. Bobby Gaines, a 50-year-old Bowdon resident, said he began binging the various 90 Day shows during quarantine and enjoys it more than his wife. Over the last year, I had my toe amputated, he said. My life felt pretty bad. But after watching 90 Day Fiance, I feel like the king of the world. I dont have problems compared to these people! TLC is continuing to mine the franchise and has more spinoffs planned. They glean a lot from the fan base. Sunday night social media commentary, Sarlanis said, is like a live real-time focus group. And a surprising number of the couples remain together, Adler noted. We dont put these people together, he said, alluding to shows like WE-TVs Married at First Sight, which is generating its own share of spinoff shows. They fall in love. One of the TLC spinoffs of "90 Day Fiance" couples watching episodes of other "90 Day Fiance" shows and commenting about them in real-time called "Pillow Talk." TLC Credit: TLC Credit: TLC Spinoff Heaven These are the 18 90 Day Fianc spinoffs to date, some of which aired on TLC, some which were on the Web only and for seven more shows, on Discovery+, the streaming service. A few are glorified clip shows. A look at the couples after the 90 days. A TLCGo web series that looked at couples from multiple shows. 90 Day Fianc: Before the 90 Days: Couples wondering if they should go through the K-1 visa process. 90 Day Fianc: Pillow Talk: Couples reacting to other 90 Day shows in real time while relaxing in bed. 90 Day Fianc: The Other Way: Americans falling in love and moving to other countries. 90 Day Fianc: Just Landed: A TLCgo original web series chronicling the first day a couple enjoys in the United States. The Family Chantel: Atlantas Chantel Everett and Pedro Jimeno and their wacky families. 90 Day Fianc: Self Quarantined: A series during the pandemic. B90 Strikes Back! The 90 Day couples respond to social media critics and other couples. Darcey & Stacey: A look at Darcey and Stacey Silva, American twins and their Albanian and Bulgarian beaus. HEA Strikes Back! Happily Ever After couples clap back at critics. The seven spinoffs below all have debuted on Discovery+ with Foody Call starting May 29: 90 Day Bares All! A talk show featuring 90 Day couples. 90 Day Diaries: Couples shoot video of themselves. 90 Day Journey: A clip compilation of each couples journeys from beginning to now. The Other Way Strikes Back! The Other Way couples talk about what others are saying about them. 90 Day: The Single Life: Former 90 Day folks who broke up and are now single. 90 Day Fianc: Love Games: A trivia game show. 90 Day: Foody Call: Couples cook dishes from their native countries.
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https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/why-is-90-day-fiance-and-its-spinoffs-so-popular/BZRIJC5S7FB2ZDG5XHXYXE6EZU/
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When will insects be on our supermarket shelves?
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In September 2014, I joined a team of volunteers working with an indigenous tribe on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. They painted their bodies black and dressed in an arrangement of palm fronds and leaves from the Brazil nut tree and they could not have been more welcoming. Upon our arrival, the tribes women and children rushed over to offer us refreshments: first, a tray of soft, white eyeballs found inside the guaran, an Amazonian fruit that tastes both like lychee and grape. And then they brought out a bowl of jumbo sun-dried ants. The sight of them sent a short shiver down my spine, gave me goosebumps and made my skin crawl, all at the same time. All eyes were on us, but I couldnt bring myself to try them, and decided to politely pass up the opportunity. Though the one person who did try it, said the ants were crunchy and tasted like they were lightly coated in sea salt. There wasn't much to them. In many cultures around the world, insects are a source of food for roughly 85 per cent of people, says Stefano Pascucci, professor in sustainability and circular economy at the University of Exeter. We need to stop seeing it as a novelty and get over our neophobia. Earlier this year, the EUs food safety agency reported that the insect market will experience tremendous growth between now and 2030. A separate market research report suggested that the appetite for edible insects is expected to reach $4.63 billion (3.45bn) by 2027.
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/features/will-insects-supermarket-shelves/
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What's Up With Vertex Energy Stock Today?
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Vertex Energy Inc (NASDAQ:VTNR) shares are trading higher by 52% at $6.07 in Friday's pre-market session on continued momentum after the company announced it will acquire an Alabama refinery and related logistics assets for $75 million. HC Wainwright also maintained a Buy rating on the stock and raised its price target from $4 to $25. Vertex Energy is an environmental services company that recycles industrial waste streams and off-specification commercial chemical products. Vertex Energy generates a majority of its revenue from its Black Oil segment that aggregates and sells used motor oil. The company collects used oil from businesses such as oil change service stations, automotive repair shops, petroleum refineries and petrochemical manufacturing operations.
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https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/21/05/21338698/whats-up-with-vertex-energy-stock-today?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+benzinga+%28Benzinga+News+Feed%29
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What Are Antibodies? How Do They Help Us Fight COVID-19?
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Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins are glycoproteins that are naturally produced within the human body by the plasma cells or white blood cells as part of an adaptive immune response against pathogens that are invading the body. They have the ability to identify a vast range of pathogens and also have a number of clinical applications in the body, considering their most important task is to create autoimmune responses. Amazing Health Benefits Of Jamun For Diabetes, Weight Loss, Heart, Skin And More There are five antibody classes which are produced by the body: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. The first antibody produced in response to pathogens is IgM, a soluble immunoglobulin that causes strong binding of antibodies to the pathogen during their first encounter. [1] IgG is the second antibody present in an abundant amount that helps neutralise toxins of the pathogens. The third is IgA that triggers an immune response in the mucosa like respiratory lining or gastrointestinal system, along with tears, breast milk and saliva. Benefits Of Turmeric For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women The fourth antibody produced is IgE that triggers immediate hypersensitivity (type 1 hypersensitivity reaction) in response to inflammatory cytokines produced by allergens or re-exposure to a specific type. The functions of IgD are not clearly understood. Functions Of Antibodies Antibodies can recognise millions of pathogens due to genetic recombination, a process in which different gene recombines to form a final gene product that can effectively fight against antigen receptors. [2] Apart from that, antibodies have multiple functions: neutralising the infectivity of the pathogens; facilitating phagocytosis in which cells called phagocytes ingest the harmful particles such as bacteria or virus within them ; antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), an immune mechanism in which the immune cells recognise and kill the target cells or microbes which are coated with antibodies, and complement-mediated lysis of pathogens, an immune mechanism in which the immune system enhances the ability of antibodies and attack pathogens. The immune system is made up of two types of cells: innate and acquired. Innate immunity is the inborn resistance in our body against pathogens due to genetic or other factors. Acquired or adaptive immunity is the one in which the body acquires immunity against a range of pathogens throughout life. [3] Acquired immunity uses T-cells and B-cells to fight pathogens that have crossed innate immune cells and also make the immunity lasts longer compared to innate immunity. They also remember the pathogens so that the next time when the same pathogens attack, the body can trigger antibodies without any delay and kill them faster. This is the concept of how vaccines work in the body. ZyCoV-D Could Be The Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine To Get Approval In India B-cells and T-cells are major constituents of adaptive immunity. B-cells are responsible to make antibodies specific to the pathogens, lock them into it and mark them to be destroyed by the immune cells. The T-cells have two functions: stimulate B-cells to make antibodies and trigger killer T-cells to kill pathogens which are marked by the B-cells and engulfed in their antibodies. These two cells play a vital role in the body's defence system against various diseases, illnesses and infections. COVID-19 Associated Antibodies COVID-19 has caused many deaths worldwide due to severe symptoms, especially related to the respiratory system. This makes understanding immunopathology very important to cope with the illness well. As COVID-19 was a novel virus to humans, antibodies response to the infection was not developed first, making it difficult for the body to mark and target this infection, and treat the infection. According to a study, by day 14 after onset of the COVID-19 symptoms, the serum of the patients contain 95-100 per cent IgM or IgG antibodies against the spike proteins of the COVID-19, including antibodies that can neutralise the virus and prevent its replication. Though the data available on this regard is limited, some findings do suggest that IgG antibodies specific to COVID-19 spike protein play a great role in controlling COVID-19 infection. The presence of IgG antibodies to COVID-19 spike proteins also says about the severity of the infection. This may help in understanding the underlying mechanism of the virus and helps in early diagnosis. A study says that IgM antibodies could be an indicator of early COVID-19 while IgG could be an indicator for past diagnosis and contact tracing. Considering the aforementioned facts that antibodies are vital parts of the immune system, we can say that tests related to it such as antibody tests can help diagnose the COVID-19. However, the tests may not show results if you have current infections as antibodies take around 1-3 weeks to develop if it is a new pathogen like COVID-19. [6]
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https://www.boldsky.com/health/disorders-cure/what-are-antibodies-how-they-help-fight-against-covid-19-137237.html
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Was wissen wir ber den Ursprung der Pandemie?
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Nachweislich haben sich weltweit bereits fast 170 Mio. Menschen mit SARS CoV-2 infiziert und mehr als 3,4 Mio. Menschen sind an bzw. mit dem Virus gestorben. Bislang gibt es mehr Mutmaungen als Fakten, wo die weltweite Pandemie ihren Ursprung nahm. ber einen mglichen Unfall im Institut fr Virologie in Wuhan hatte zuletzt das "Wall Street Journal" unter Berufung auf einen US-Geheimdienstbericht berichtet. Im November 2019 seien drei Mitarbeiter des Instituts so schwer mit COVID hnlichen Symptomen erkrankt, dass sie eine Klinik aufgesucht htten. China bestreitet dies. Verlssliche Fakten statt Mutmaungen ber einen mglichen Laborunfall in China sollen nun die US-Gemeindienste zusammentragen und dem US-Prsidenten binnen 90 Tagen einen Bericht vorlegen, so hat es Joe Biden angeordnet. China blockiert eine ergebnisoffene Untersuchung und weist jede Verantwortung kategorisch zurck. "Die USA werden weiterhin mit gleichgesinnten Partnern zusammenarbeiten, um Druck auf China auszuben, an einer vollstndigen, transparenten, auf Fakten basierenden internationalen Untersuchung teilzunehmen und Zugang zu allen relevanten Daten und Beweisen zu gewhren", so US-Prsident Biden. China warf den USA vor, die Suche zu politisieren und China die Schuld an der Pandemie geben zu wollen. Gleichzeitig blockiert das mutmassliche Ursprungsland eine ergebnisoffene Untersuchung und weist grundstzlich jede Verantwortung kategorisch zurck. Bereits im Januar 2020 fanden chinesische Wissenschaftler die Ursache fr eine Hufung von einer bislang unbekannten Lungenentzndung, an der in der Stadt Wuhan berraschend viele Menschen gestorben waren. Sie fanden in deren Atemwegszellen die Gene eines positivstrngigen RNA-Virus aus der Familie der Coronaviren, das der Untergruppe B (Betacoronavirus) zugeordnet wurde. Kein Computermodell, sonder die erste echte 3D-Darsellung des SARS CoV-2 Erregers Dieses Virus war definitiv vllig neu, hatte allerdings groe hnlichkeiten mit jenem Coronavirus, das zwischen 2002-2004 die SARS-Pandemie ausgelst hatte: SARS-CoV. Von Sdchina ausgehend hatte sich dieses neuartige Virus innerhalb weniger Wochen ber nahezu alle Kontinente verbreitet. Weltweit erkrankten nachweislich 8096 Personen an dem Schweren Akuten Atemwegssyndroms (SARS), 774 Menschen starben. Auch wenn die Fallzahlen im Vergleich zur jetzigen Pandemie niedrig waren, zeigte sich schon damals eindrucksvoll, wie erschreckend schnell sich eine hochinfektise Krankheit in einer globalisierten Welt ausbreiten kann. Einige Studien deuten darauf hin, dass sich das neue Virus SARS CoV-2 bereits einige Wochen oder gar Monate lang ausgebreitet hat, bevor es Ende Dezember in Wuhan entdeckt wurde. In China hatte es nach Angaben der Zeitung "South China Morning Post" bereits Mitte November eine erste nachgewiesene Infektion mit SARS CoV-2 gegeben. Das bedeutet aber nicht, dass das Virus zwangslufig auch in China entstanden sein muss. Wuhan wurde nach Bekanntwerden des neuen Virus komplett abgeriegelt Zwar hatten Forschende der Universitt Cambridge im April 2020 eine Studie verffentlicht, wonach die Pandemie sehr wahrscheinlich zwischen September und Anfang Dezember 2019 begann - und zwar entweder in China oder in einem angrenzenden Land. Aber Spuren des neuartigen Erregers wurden auch in aufbewahrten Abwasserproben aus Brasilien und Italien gefunden, die bereits im November beziehungsweise Dezember 2019 entnommen worden waren. In Italien fand man zudem in Blutproben von Teilnehmern eines Lungenkrebs-Screenings Antikrper gegen SARS-CoV-2, die Blutproben waren bereits im September 2019 und Februar 2020 gesammelt worden. Dass das Virus bereits im Sptherbst 2019 vereinzelt in Europa und ab Mitte November in China nachgewiesen wurde, lsst keine verlsslichen Schlussfolgerungen ber den Ursprung der Pandemie zu. Es zeigt lediglich, wie schnell sich ein hochaggressives Virus weltweit verbreiten kann. Als wahrscheinlichstes Szenario gilt ein zoologischer Ursprung ber einen Zwischenwirt. Irgendein Tier hat also das ursprngliche Virus in sich getragen und es dann an ein anderes Tier weitergegeben. Bislang aber ist weder das potentielle Ursprungstier noch der Zwischenwirt zweifelsfrei identifiziert. Auch die beiden SARS-Coronaviren konnten noch nicht eindeutig im Tierreich nachgewiesen werden. Bestimmte Fledermausarten aus Sdostasien knnten das potentielle Ursprungstier sein Verwandt sind die beiden SARS-Coronaviren aber definitiv mit Coronaviren, die bei bestimmten Fledermausarten zu finden sind, die in Sdostasien vorkommen. Auerdem haben Studien vorherige Epidemien mit Coronaviren wie SARS und MERS ebenfalls auf Fledermuse zurckgefhrt. Die Gensequenz des aktuellen SARS-CoV-2 stimmt zu 96,2 % mit dem Coronavirus RaTG13 berein, das zuvor bei einer Hufeisenfledermaus gefunden wurde. Das klingt nach sehr viel, ist aber nur ein erster Anhaltspunkt. Denn auch die bereinstimmung z.B. mit einem bei Schuppentieren (Pangolinen) nachgewiesenen Coronavirus ist nur unwesentlich geringer. Da die meisten Menschen normalerweise keinen direkten Kontakt zu Hufeisenfledermusen oder Pangolinen haben, untersuchen die Experten auch potentielle Zwischenwirte, die in engerem Kontakt zu Menschen stehen, wie Nerze, Marder und Schleichkatzen. So knnen sich z.B. Nerze vergleichsweise leicht bei Menschen mit SARS-CoV-2 anstecken. Theoretisch ist zwar eine bertragung vom Tier zum Menschen unwahrscheinlicher, aber mglich. Nachweislich wurde im Wuhan Institut fr Virologie mit dem Coronavirus RaTG13 und mit RmYN02 experimentiert, dessen Gensequenz zu 93,3 % mit SARS-CoV-2 bereinstimmt . Daraus wurden zwei Szenarien abgeleitet: SARS CoV-2 knnte knstlich als eine Art Biowaffe erzeugt und/oder durch einen Unfall versehentlich freigesetzt worden sein. Das Wuhan Institut fr Virologie steht nach wie vor im Mittelpunkt der Aufmerksamkeit Die nach China entsandten WHO-Experten halten beide Szenarien fr "uerst unwahrscheinlich". Wirklich berzeugen konnten sie allerdings nicht, denn bei ihrer sehr eingeschrnkten Untersuchung konnten sie keine eigenen Inspektionen oder Beweissicherungen durchfhren, das lie China nicht zu. Stattdessen mussten sie sich auf die ffentlich verfgbaren Daten und Angaben ihrer chinesischen Gesprchspartner verlassen. Selbst WHO-Chef Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus forderte nach der Expertenreise, zumindest die Hypothese eines Laborunfalls in Wuhan weiter zu prfen. Die knstliche Erzeugung von SARS-CoV-2 in einem Forschungslabor in Wuhan halten die meisten Experten fr sehr unwahrscheinlich. So untersuchte etwa ein Team um die schwedische Mikrobiologie-Professorin Kristian Andersen vom Scripps Research Institute im kalifornischen La Jolla vor allem die markanten Spike-Proteine auf der Virus-Oberflche, wo das Virus an eine Wirtszelle in Lunge oder Rachen anzudockt um in sie einzudringen. Bei einer Genomsequenzierung zeigten sich zwei bedeutende Unterschiede zwischen SARS-CoV-2 und seinen Corona-Verwandten. Das Protein ist anders aufgebaut und die Aminosuren sind anders zusammengesetzt. Zwar kann das Virus deshalb die menschlichen Zellen leichter befallen, aber fr eine "biologische Waffe" sei die Virusstruktur nach Ansicht der La-Jolla-Teams nicht raffiniert genug. Bleibt die These, dass die chinesischen Forschenden mit den gefhrlichen Coronaviren wie z.B. RaTG13 oder RmYN02 experimentiert haben und dass SARS-CoV-2 versehentlich durch einen Unfall freigesetzt wurde. Die chinesische Fhrung schliet dies kategorisch aus. Eigenen Inspektionen oder Beweissicherungen durften die WHO-Experten in China nicht durchfhren Auch die nach China entsandten WHO-Experten stufen auf Grundlage der ihnen zur Verfgung stehenden Daten einen solchen Unfall als "uerst unwahrscheinlich" ein. Dagegen spreche u.a. die Evolution des Virus. Auerdem verfge das Wuhan Institut fr Virologie ber entsprechende Hochsicherheitslabore. Zudem gebe es in den bermittelten Daten keine Hinweise auf Laborunflle oder auf verdchtige Erkrankungen unter Mitarbeitern. Zumindest dies scheint laut dem vom "Wall Street Journal" zitierte US-Geheimdienstbericht nicht zu stimmen. Demnach sollen bereits im November 2019 drei Mitarbeiter des Instituts so schwer mit COVID hnlichen Symptomen erkrankt sein, dass sie eine Klinik aufgesucht htten, was China bestreitet. Mutmassungen statt Fakten, Dementis statt Transparenz - es bleibt abzuwarten, ob wir irgendwann erfahren werden, wo diese weltweite Pandemie tatschlich ihren Ursprung nahm. Und wie sich drohende Pandemien knftig frher eindmmen lieen.
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https://www.dw.com/de/was-wissen-wir-%C3%BCber-den-ursprung-der-pandemie/a-57697174
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Is China's Crackdown On Big Tech Firms Result Of Xi Jinping's Move To Ascertain Dominance?
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On May 20, workers at Bytedance, the multi-million dollar tech giant which owns TikTok were faced with a rude awakening as their founder and CEO announced that he will step down from his position in the company. TikTok is one of the most valuable private companies in the world. Bytedance CEO Zhang Yiming said his reason for stepping down was that he lacks some of the "social skills" needed to be an ideal manager. He was quoted as saying 'I'm not very social, I prefer solitary activities, like browsing online, reading, listening to music, and daydreaming,' he said. TikTok worth $250 billion However, his actions aren't matching his words. Yiming, who started Bytedance in 2012, today owns and operates a number of wildly popular apps which includes TikTok (Douyin in China). Its popularity has landed it a $250 billion valuation, according to reports on Bloomberg. By comparison, Twitter is currently worth $43 billion, Tesla at $52 billion and Amazon at $93 billion. It's especially surprising since just last month, Bytedance announced that it would not be going public and applying for an initial public offering (IPO) despite predictions that it would soon do so. All this happening in the middle of China's tech crackdown as people began speculating that it was caught in the mix. Bytedaance could have filed for IPO Zhang Yiming, who was expected to file his company for IPO would have become China's richest person if the deal had come through, however it wasn't without significant risk. If Bytedance falls on the government's bad side, he could go down with the company. And sticking around with the firm would have only made him a more viable target. The success of some Chinese tech companies such as Bytedance, Alibaba and Tencent have put China's government in a tight spot. Companies help China gain global influence, goodwill and increases soft power, but they also invariably make their leaders powerful, influential and difficult to control. Xi Jinping scared of tech giants' rising influence in CPC This perhaps is why Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more aggressive regulation of tech companies to "maintain social stability" but what they mean is status quo. A clear example of this was seen last year when a lot of press reported about the Chinese government stopping Ant Group's IPO, which would have been the world's largest-ever stock listing. Analysts said that was manoeuvred to keep the company and its biggest investor Jack Ma, in life, after the Alibaba founder had openly criticised the Chinese government's foreign policy. He then most famously went underground, and stay disappeared, out of public sight for 3 months. The recent moves against tech giants are twofold: those running financial services are being reined in, while firms that deal with consumers are also being told to clean up their act. Since then the government has repeatedly fined Chinese firms and forced them to play by their rules. Since March this year, 2 more major CEOs have resigned and 12 tech giants in the country have been forced to issue "pledges" to abide by Chinese regulations, according to a report in The Straits Times. It appears that as of now, Zhang Yiming, given the risks of doing business in China, stepping down from the company he founded may be the safest bet, albeit a sour price to pay.
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https://www.republicworld.com/business-news/international-business/is-chinas-crackdown-on-big-tech-firms-result-of-xi-jinpings-move-to-ascertain-dominance.html
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Is Chicago Fire returning for season 10?
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CHICAGO Fire has been thrilling fans for nearly ten years now, and each season never disappoints. Season 9 came to a close on May 26, 2021, but now fans are eager to know if the series has been renewed for another season. Fear not, your favorite firefighter show is coming back for season 10. The show will continue on NBC, along with Chicago Med and Chicago PD. Sadly we don't know yet when it will air. But if we go by season 9, it should begin in November 2021. WARNING: Contains spoilers from season 9 finale of Chicago Fire Season 9 ended on the most almighty cliffhanger when ALL of the Squad from Firehouse 51 were trapped under a boat, with water filling up rapidly. Although the plot for season 10 is yet to be revealed, it will no doubt start with either the Squad being rescued, or someone dying. At yet we don't know who, or if someone died. We still have plenty more Chicago Fire to come in our lives. Die-hard One fans have nothing to worry about, as NBC announced back in March 2020 that the show was renewed until at least season 11. With this in mind, we still have more episodes until at least 2023.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974014/chicago-fire-season-10/
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How much did the Friends cast get paid for the reunion?
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THE FRIENDS reunion was nothing if not a smashing success. And the cast was paid very handsomely for their efforts. In total, the Friends cast received $20million for the reunion. Each cast member received between $3million and $4million for their appearance at the reunion. Initially, it was reported that the cast members were each offered $1million for their appearance on the reunion special. That offer was summarily rejected. 4 They rejected a initial $1million offer Credit: 2021 WarnerMedia Direct, LLC. All Rights Reserved. HBO Max is used under license. While the reviews about the Friends reunion were mixed, the show itself proved to be a hit for HBO Max. According to one report, HBO Max subscribers jumped 600 percent when the reunion was announced. When the reunion was announced, it became the fourth-most requested and searched-for show behind Game of Thrones, Attack on Titan, and Money Heist. Since the show first ended in 2004, the cast of Friends take in about $20million from syndication. 4 The show ended in 2004 Credit: Getty - Contributor The show, itself, generates $1billion per year for its parent company, Warner Brothers. While longtime fans of the show delighted in the Friends reunion, the critics were not as impressed. "It ended 17 years ago. It began 27 years ago. It's been over for almost twice as long as it lasted," wrote NPR. The outlet also said that the actors had never achieved the same type of commercial success as they'd had when Friends was at its peak. 4 The reunion was nostalgia at its finest Credit: Getty - Contributor Jennifer Aniston did enjoy minor movie success, and David Schwimmer did provide his voice to the hit Madagascar cartoon series. Matthew Perry looks healthy in Friends throwback after 'slurring his words' 'BALLING' Friends reunion leaves stars in tears as Stacey Solomon 'cried the whole time' BING-O! THE ONE WHERE EVERYONE CRIED Friends fans left sobbing as they heap praise on reunion FRIENDS & FAMILY Friends actors Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry said to be distant cousins Much ado was also made about James Corden's hosting of the show, and not everyone was a fan of Justin Bieber either. However, many fans enjoyed Lady Gaga's appearance on the reunion. It's unclear if this reuion will happen again in the future.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974437/how-much-did-the-friends-cast-get-paid-for-the-reunion/
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Is Before We Die based on a true story?
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TELLY fans are gripped by Before We Die, Channel 4s new crime drama series that started on May 26. Heres everything you need to know about the show. Before We Die is not based on a true story. It is based on a popular Swedish drama of the same name that aired between 2017 and 2019. The UK version has been produced by Walter Presents, a Channel 4 on-demand service that specialises in foreign language dramas. Before We Die follows detective Hannah Laing - played by Full Monty star Lesley Sharp - who is investigating the murder of her colleague and lover Sean. She links the killing to the Mimicas, a family who run a successful restaurant in Bristol. Hannah's son - Christian - works in the restaurant, implicating him in the murder case and leaving the detective in an awkward situation. Discussing her role with the Radio Times, Lesley said: "I just thought that Hannah was a really interesting, complicated character and that there was a real opportunity to be involved in something which explored a mother and son relationship but in a really unique way. "Both Hannah and Christian are at moments in their lives where both of them are lost and both of them are trying to get back on track. "Both of them need one another very badly." Lesley also discussed her love for the original Swedish drama and her desire to be involved in the remake. She said: "Weve kind of taken inspiration from that [the original] and, you know, nod our head to them and then have made something which is different because the sort of sensibility of being British characters is immediately different to that whole Swedish vibe. "But looks-wise I think what we all want is a show that doesnt look like a UK police drama. "We wanted it to be very rooted in the UK but look like a UK thats dark and a bit lost - like these characters." Most read in Drama 'LOT OF LEG!' Jinger Duggar shocks fans as she shows off her bare thigh in new photo MAMA'S MISERY Mama June caught on video getting 'ambushed by police' and handcuffed LOOK AWAY, JIM BOB! Jill Duggar shows off long legs in mini-dress defying dress rules BABY ON BOARD What to know about Dylan Dreyer's pregnancy NOT FRIENDLY Matthew Perry 'made everyone uneasy at Friends: The Reunion' uh-oh! All six episodes of Before We Die will be shown weekly on Channel 4. The first episode was shown on May 26. Binge viewers can also watch the entire series for FREE on All 4 now. Each episode lasts around 47 minutes. We have you covered... New on Netflix: The best series and films released every day The best movies on Netflix to watch right now The best series to watch on Netflix The most terrifying horrors to watch on Netflix right now The best documentaries to watch on Netflix right now The best comedies to watch on Netflix right now The best thrillers to watch on Netflix right now The best kids' shows on Netflix to watch right now The best true crime series to watch on Netflix The best movies to watch on Amazon Prime The best series to watch on Amazon Prime The best series on Disney+
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/tv/2973946/before-we-die-based-true-story/
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What was Foster Friess cause of death?
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REPUBLICAN political donor, investor, and philanthropist Foster Friess died on May 27, 2021. Born in 1940, he was 81-years-old at the time of his passing. Friess said in March 2021 that he was battling myelodysplastic syndrome, cancer that affects the bone marrow. He was best known as a Republican donor who helped fund Rick Santorum's 2012 presidential campaign, as well as invested in conservative news site The Daily Caller. Friess is also a philanthropist who is said to have given away $500million over the course of his life. He ran for governor of Wyoming, where he called home in 2018, but he was defeated by Wyoming's current governor Mark Gordon. "We are grateful for the wonderful life Foster lived and thankful to the many people who have shared their prayers during his illness. We know many of you mourn with us, and we will have more details soon on Foster's funeral," Friess's family said in a statement. Friess is survived by his wife Lynnette, their four children and fifteen grandchildren. Tributes to Friess poured in on social media. "Sad to hear today of the passing of my friend, Foster Friess. A true Patriot, a generous philanthropist, and a good person who always had a kind and encouraging word. His accomplishments are many, and he will be missed," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., wrote on Twitter. What a loss. Thank you, Foster, for fighting for freedom and doing it with a smile. Mystery as woman, 29, vanishes after getting into car in Times Square TRUTH BOMBS Harry's new dig at Royals over families who feel 'shame' at mental health woes "The conservative movement lost a great friend today. Foster Friess was a generous supporter of so many causes including my beloved Log Cabin GOP. I was honored by his generosity to me and us - and grateful for his American spirit. RIP Foster," former ambassador Ric Grenell wrote on Twitter. "Today we lost a great American patriot & follower of Christ. Foster Friess was a man with a great heart and a deep love for America. We know he will hear the words, Well done, good and faithful servant, as he enters the gates of heaven. We are praying for Lynn and his family," wrote Dr. Ben & Candy Carson. "What a loss. Thank you, Foster, for fighting for freedom and doing it with a smile," said former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2974108/foster-friess-republican-donor-philanthropist-death/
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Who threw popcorn at Russell Westbrook?
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A PHILADELPHIA 76ers fan poured popcorn on Washington Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook during Game 2 of the First Round series between the two teams on May 26. Westbrook left the May 26 game with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, but as he was heading back to the locker room a 76ers fan threw popcorn on him. The fan, who has not been named, was a season ticket holder for the 76ers. The fan has since been banned indefinitely from Wells Fargo Center and has had his 76ers season-ticket membership revoked. "We apologize to Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards for being subjected to this type of unacceptable and disrespectful behavior," the team said in a statement. "There is no place for it in our sport or arena." 6 Westbrook had to be detained by several security guards and Wizards officials Credit: NBC Sports The incident happened on May 26, as Westbrook left the game with an apparent ankle injury with just 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. As he limped into his team's tunnel, the video showed popcorn raining down on him from the stands. Several staffers were forced to restrain Westbrook as he yelled back into the crowd. After the 76ers 120-95 victory over the Wizards, Westbrook addressed the incident to reporters, calling for more protection for players. "I'm all for the fans enjoying the game, having fun, it's a part of sports - I get it but there are certain things that cross the line. 6 After the incident, Westbrook called for more protection for players Credit: NBC Sports "Any other setting, I know a guy on the street wouldn't come up and dump popcorn on my head because he knows what would happen," Westbrook said. "In these areas, you got to start protecting the players. We'll see what the NBA does." On May 27, the NBA released a statement saying that "an enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved." "True fans of this game honor and respect the dignity of our players," the NBA Players Association said in a statement. "No true fan would seek to harm them or violate their personal space. Those who do have no place in our arenas. 6 Popcorn can be seen being rained on Westbrook as he was heading to the locker room Credit: NBC Sports "And their conduct is appropriately evaluated by law enforcement just as if it occurred on a public street. Respect our Players. Respect the Game." The incident cause the attention of NBA superstar LeBron James, as he tweeted, "WE AS THE PLAYERS wanna see who threw that popcorn on Russ while he was leaving the game tonight with a injury! "Theres cameras all over arenas so theres no excuse." He finished his tweet by saying "#ProtectOurPlayers." Wizards coach Scott Brooks said that he was unaware of the popcorn incident until postgame. 6 NBA athletes are calling for more protection for players after three incident involving fans and players occurred on May 26 Credit: Getty Images - Getty Hopefully the kid or the person is banned from the league, Brooks said. "Thats unacceptable. They wouldnt do that down the street. A New York Knicks fan spat at Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young at a game on May 26. The fan has been banned indefinitely from future Knicks games. During game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Madison Square Garden, a Knicks fan in the second row of the stadium attempted to spit at Young. In doing so, he spat over those sitting courtside, which included rapper 50 Cent. 6 A New York Knicks fan spat at Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young during Game 2 of the First Round match between the two teams on May 26 Credit: AP In a statement, the Knicks said, "We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder, did indeed spit on Trae Young, and for that reason, he is now banned from The Garden indefinitely." A video of the incident went viral on Twitter, prompting a reaction from the player himself. Most read in Sport Live Blog FOOTBALL NEWS LIVE Chelsea vs Man City build-up, Konate to Liverpool, Zidane LATEST DOUBLE DRIBBLE New York Knicks ban fan for spitting on Trae Young Revealed RONNING OUT OF TIME Why Allegri's Juventus return is bad for Ronaldo amid uncertain future FINAL WORD WWE chief McMahon continues brutal cuts as much-loved commentator is sacked FOUL PLAY Neymar 'tried to force Nike employee to perform oral sex on him in NYC hotel' Young checked in on 50 Cent and wrote, "Damn... Crazy !" later tweeting, "Keep ya mask on my boy, adding the hashtag, "#ThatsJustChildish." Another incident occurred on May 26 involving Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's family, who were in the stands during the Grizzles and Utah Jazz's game. The three fans were banned indefinitely by the Jazz after Morant's father said they made vulgar and racist comments to him and his wife.
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2974096/fan-threw-popcorn-at-russell-westbrook-nba/
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