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Can backyard birding replace binge-watching?
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Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Theres nothing better than listening to a couple of birds communicating and chirping Ive made my way through Bridgerton, This is Us, The Crown, Halston, and a re-viewing of all five seasons of The Wire. For the last (we hope!) stage of stay-at-home, I really need something to watch thats fun, light-hearted, and just a little informative like My Octopus Teacher but closer to home. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Back to video Paul Oliver tells me he has just the thing. The founder of Urban Nature, which sells birding products for home and cottage at seven Ontario retail locations and online, suggests I simply step into the backyard. Bird-watching is the new binge-watching, he says, adding that people quickly become invested in the bird as characters around their homes and neighbourhoods. Once they start into it, they want to know more about them, where they come from, where they migrate, what they eat. Like binge-watching behavior, birding was on the rise for at least a decade before the pandemic began. Its grown, says Oliver, as a way to connect with nature, and as a fun, affordable family activity. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Retirees and cottage-country birders constitute a big chunk of sales. In Toronto they might have had one feeder; but now they can have a Finch feeder, an Oriole feeder, and a Hummingbird feeder on the property. Birdings popularity has also soared across the demographic spread, pushing Olivers national sales up a whopping 300 per cent over the last year. It adds calm to a chaotic world, and thats what a lot of people are looking for, says Oliver. This is a nice, relaxing hobby thats easy to do at home. Oliver cites a recent survey indicating 43 per cent of birders see it as a way to reduce stress. It doesnt require a lot of work to get into it, and it isnt expensive. Its something a person can do by themselves, or as part of a family in their home. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Beginner birders should keep their backyard plans simple, says Oliver. One of the questions people just starting ask is if they should get a bird house or a bird feeder. I always say they should get a feeder because they will see a lot of birds quickly and see a wide range as opposed to a house where a mommy bird might use it part-way through the season. Theres no need to start with a pricey feeder, says Oliver, adding that a better investment might be high-quality bird-seed that doesnt contain a lot of filler. Birds are fussy eaters, he explains. Theyll sort through stuff and pick out what they really like. One sign that its a low-quality mix is if birds are throwing a lot of it on the ground, and it gets messy. Using a good quality seed is going to attract a wider range, and birds will be at the feeder longer. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If it looks like theres a lot of crap in it, there probably is, says Oliver, adding that common fillers include corn, red millet, or Milo (sorghum). His top seller is sunflower hearts with no shells and no mixes. All the birds eat it, he says, and they eat 100 per cent of it. Oliver encourages people who want to start birding take photos of their backyard and bring them into the store (when things re-open) so that staff can recommend what kind of feeders will work best and where to place them. In the meantime he suggests early morning walks when the neighbourhood is quiet. Birds are so active then. Theres nothing better than listening to a couple of birds communicating and chirping. If that isnt the most calming sound you hear through the day, Id be surprised. Vicky Sanderson is the editor of Around the House, www.aroundthehouse.ca. Check her out on Instagram@athwithvicky, on TwitterATHwithVicky and on facebook.com/ATHVicky. Share this article in your social network Latest National Stories Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Toronto Sun Headline News Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Toronto SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Email Address There was an error, please provide a valid email address. By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. The next issue of The Toronto Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Trending
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https://torontosun.com/life/homes/can-backyard-birding-replace-binge-watching
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Would a robot that could smile back build trust between machines and humans?
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Columbia Engineering researchers use AI to teach robots to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions, an ability that could build trust between humans and their robotic co-workers and care-givers While our facial expressions play a huge role in building trust, most robots still sport the blank and static visage of a professional poker player. With the increasing use of robots in locations where robots and humans need to work closely together, from nursing homes to warehouses and factories, the need for a more responsive, facially realistic robot is growing more urgent. Long interested in the interactions between robots and humans, researchers in the Creative Machines Lab at Columbia Engineering have been working for five years to create EVA, a new autonomous robot with a soft and expressive face that responds to match the expressions of nearby humans. The research will be presented at the ICRA conference on May 30, 2021, and the robot blueprints are open-sourced on Hardware-X (April 2021). The idea for EVA took shape a few years ago, when my students and I began to notice that the robots in our lab were staring back at us through plastic, googly eyes, said Hod Lipson, James and Sally Scapa Professor of Innovation (Mechanical Engineering) and director of the Creative Machines Lab. Lipson observed a similar trend in the grocery store, where he encountered restocking robots wearing name badges, and in one case, decked out in a cozy, hand-knit cap. People seemed to be humanizing their robotic colleagues by giving them eyes, an identity, or a name, he said. This made us wonder, if eyes and clothing work, why not make a robot that has a super-expressive and responsive human face? While this sounds simple, creating a convincing robotic face has been a formidable challenge for roboticists. For decades, robotic body parts have been made of metal or hard plastic, materials that were too stiff to flow and move the way human tissue does. Robotic hardware has been similarly crude and difficult to work withcircuits, sensors, and motors are heavy, power-intensive, and bulky. The first phase of the project began in Lipsons lab several years ago when undergraduate student Zanwar Faraj led a team of students in building the robots physical machinery. They constructed EVA as a disembodied bust that bears a strong resemblance to the silent but facially animated performers of the Blue Man Group. EVA can express the six basic emotions of anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and surprise, as well as an array of more nuanced emotions, by using artificial muscles (i.e. cables and motors) that pull on specific points on EVAs face, mimicking the movements of the more than 42 tiny muscles attached at various points to the skin and bones of human faces. The greatest challenge in creating EVA was designing a system that was compact enough to fit inside the confines of a human skull while still being functional enough to produce a wide range of facial expressions, Faraj noted. To overcome this challenge, the team relied heavily on 3D printing to manufacture parts with complex shapes that integrated seamlessly and efficiently with EVAs skull. After weeks of tugging cables to make EVA smile, frown, or look upset, the team noticed that EVAs blue, disembodied face could elicit emotional responses from their lab mates. I was minding my own business one day when EVA suddenly gave me a big, friendly smile, Lipson recalled. I knew it was purely mechanical, but I found myself reflexively smiling back. Once the team was satisfied with EVAs mechanics, they began to address the projects second major phase: programming the artificial intelligence that would guide EVAs facial movements. While lifelike animatronic robots have been in use at theme parks and in movie studios for years, Lipsons team made two technological advances. EVA uses deep learning artificial intelligence to read and then mirror the expressions on nearby human faces. And EVAs ability to mimic a wide range of different human facial expressions is learned by trial and error from watching videos of itself. The most difficult human activities to automate involve non-repetitive physical movements that take place in complicated social settings. Boyuan Chen, Lipsons PhD student who led the software phase of the project, quickly realized that EVAs facial movements were too complex a process to be governed by pre-defined sets of rules. To tackle this challenge, Chen and a second team of students created EVAs brain using several Deep Learning neural networks. The robots brain needed to master two capabilities: First, to learn to use its own complex system of mechanical muscles to generate any particular facial expression, and, second, to know which faces to make by reading the faces of humans. To teach EVA what its own face looked like, Chen and team filmed hours of footage of EVA making a series of random faces. Then, like a human watching herself on Zoom, EVAs internal neural networks learned to pair muscle motion with the video footage of its own face. Now that EVA had a primitive sense of how its own face worked (known as a self-image), it used a second network to match its own self-image with the image of a human face captured on its video camera. After several refinements and iterations, EVA acquired the ability to read human face gestures from a camera, and to respond by mirroring that humans facial expression. The researchers note that EVA is a laboratory experiment, and mimicry alone is still a far cry from the complex ways in which humans communicate using facial expressions. But such enabling technologies could someday have beneficial, real-world applications. For example, robots capable of responding to a wide variety of human body language would be useful in workplaces, hospitals, schools, and homes. There is a limit to how much we humans can engage emotionally with cloud-based chatbots or disembodied smart-home speakers, said Lipson. Our brains seem to respond well to robots that have some kind of recognizable physical presence. Added Chen, Robots are intertwined in our lives in a growing number of ways, so building trust between humans and machines is increasingly important. Original Article: The Robot Smiled Back More from: Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
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https://innovationtoronto.com/2021/05/would-a-robot-that-could-smile-back-build-trust-between-machines-and-humans/
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What is Jon Jones' current weight as he prepares for Francis Ngannou super fight?
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Jon Jones currently weighs around 250 lbs as per his most recent update on social media. Jon Jones has been bulking up since the better part of last year to prepare for his UFC return in the heavyweight division. While the former light-heavyweight king seems to have no trouble adding an extra 40-50 lbs, his weight has fluctuated within that bracket. In February, Jon Jones posted a video of himself hitting pads with striking coach Mike Winkeljohn. He weighed 252 lbs at the time. Jones would then cut down to 245 lbs in March before putting on weight again. In an Instagram story posted at the beginning of April, 'Bones' poked fun at his daughters for losing a race to a 255-lbs man. Most recently, Jon Jones was seen hitting 20 mph on a treadmill when he weighed 250 lbs. Jones wrote in the caption: "250lbs sprinting 20mph." It should be noted that Francis Ngannou came in at a staggering 263 lbs for his title fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 260. Miocic, meanwhile, weighed in at a mere 234 lbs, and we can only wonder whether the 30-pound weight difference affected the outcome of the fight. Jon Jones will have to wait for his heavyweight debut Having dominated the UFC's 205 lbs division for the larger part of a decade, Jon Jones was expected to get a shot at the heavyweight title in his divisional debut. However, after Jones and the UFC's fallout over appropriate remuneration, the mega-fight against Francis Ngannou seems to have taken a backseat for now. Dana White tells @HeidiAndrol that @francis_ngannou's first title defense is "one of the fights we're working on" for UFC 265 on Aug. 7. pic.twitter.com/QxJfYgDM4z ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 23, 2021 As per reports, the UFC is instead working on a matchup between Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou for 'The Predator's' first title defense. While UFC president Dana White was initially reluctant to book a rematch, he recently confirmed that the fight would take place this summer. Dana White told TSN's Aaron Bronsteter: "No, we are working on that fight. That fight [Lewis vs. Ngannou 2] is going to happen this summer. Please spend 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-what-jon-jones-current-weight-prepares-francis-ngannou-super-fight
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What are Regirock's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
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Pokemon GO players recently found out that Regirock will be featured in 5-star raids beginning June 1st. Now, trainers need to learn Regirock's weaknesses and the best way to counter them in battle. Trainers not only want to know how to beat Regirock so they can conquer the raid, but also to gain an encounter with the Legendary Rock-type Pocket Monster. Upon successfully defeating the raid boss, players will be rewarded with a chance to catch it. This article covers all of Regirock's weaknesses in Pokemon GO, making it simple to claim victory over the Legendary Pokemon. Heres your reminder to do so! How to defeat Regirock in Pokemon GO Trainers who wish to beat the Regirock raid boss will need to take advantage of the type-effectiveness when battling it. Being a Rock-type Pokemon, Regirock has a variety of weaknesses against other types in Pokemon GO. The Legendary is weak against the following types: Fighting Grass Ground Steel Water Of course, players must be aware of Regirock's resistances in the mobile game. The Pokemon is resistant to Fire, Flying, Normal, and Poison-type moves used against it in battle. Use one of the following Pokemon to effectively counter Regirock in raids: Mega Blastoise: If a player is fortunate enough to have this Mega-evolved beast on their team, defeating Regirock won't take long. Use the move combination Water Gun and Hydro Cannon to benefit from the Legendary's weakness against Water-type attacks. Metagross: This dual Psychic/Steel-type Pokemon is one of the most versatile creatures in the game. Trainers using Metagross against Regirock will want to be sure the Pokemon knows two Steel-type moves to inflict maximum damage. Groudon is an excellent choice for this reason and because it takes advantage of Regirock's Ground-type weakness. The moves Mud Shot and Earthquake are great to use against the raid boss. Conkeldurr: One of the best Fighting-types in Pokemon GO, Conkeldurr will match up well against Regirock in battle. If it knows the fast move Counter and the charged move Dynamic Punch, Regirock doesn't stand a chance. Taking multiple Pokemon listed above into battle against the Legendary Rock-type is the best way to ensure a trainer victory. Additionally, this 5-star raid boss will go down much easier if a player enters the battle alongside a few of their friends. This year, Pokmon GO Fest is a music festival, and youre the show director! Here are the details of this years massive music-themed event. Get ready for an exciting musical adventure, Trainers! #PokemonGOFest2021 https://t.co/FXN04wYD15 pic.twitter.com/mnoOwpqfxh Pokmon GO (@PokemonGoApp) May 27, 2021 Also Read: Pokemon GO Fest 2021: Complete guide for the music-themed event
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/what-regirock-s-weaknesses-pokemon-go
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What Happened To Bishop On 'NCIS'? Is The Character Of Emily Wickersham Leaving The Show?
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The 18th season of NCIS ended on Tuesday and fans are boggled with the question of whether Ellie Bishop is set to say goodbye to the show. Although, the promo for the season finale featured the on-and-off couple Ellie and Torres in a kiss; avid watchers also know that this doesnt always mean the best sign and one of them might be leaving. Eleanor Ellie Bishop made her way to the show in season 11, with her photographic memory and an overachieving attitude, she went on to become a pivotal part of the team as an analyst. After finding out about her former husband Jake Malloys infidelity, fans were always wishing for Ellie to be content with her personal and professional life. She was also seen being in a fake relationship with Nicholas Torres in season 15, as they worked undercover on a case and fans have been waiting to see if they will actually get together. The season 18 finale seems to bring with it some answers as, during the episode, Bishop is seen bidding adieu to Torres while also assures not leaking the classified NSA documents. Prior to this, she was seen having a chat with Gibbs, where she asked him what Rule 91 was. The latter tells her that it means, When you decide to walk away, don't look back. The episode does hint that Bishop might quit or get fired and either of the cases means an open position for a new agent, which might be taken by Jessica Knight, who was introduced in the May 18, 2021 episode. The conversation between Gibbs and Ellie also has people speculating that either of them is leaving. The promo for the latest episode also featured, Bishop and Torres, kissing. Although, if youre an avid watcher of NCIS, youd know that a couple finally getting together after a long wait is not a good sign, considering the cases of Tony & Ziva as well as Jack & Gibbs. Image: Still from NCIS 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/web-series/what-happened-to-bishop-on-ncis-is-the-character-of-emily-wickersham-leaving-the-show.html
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How do I tell my brother his diet could be harmful?
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Im in my late 40s and have a brother who is a couple of years younger than me. Hes been happily married for almost 20 years and has a lovely daughter, who is in her early teens. Some years ago, he was treated for cancer (he has been in remission since), and I am happy he has managed to find his way in life. Our parents died two years ago, and we are all the family we have; weve had our differences, but in reconciling we probably understand each other better than ever. However, I cant get over the horrible feeling that the food he and his wife provide for the family is far from healthy, and actually harmful. My niece is overweight and under-exercised. When I visit, the food is greasy, heavy on carbs and meat, oversweetened and wholly unbalanced the kind of diet teenagers would cook for themselves. They have no sensibility for fresh produce or anything healthy. My brother is also overweight, which is a touchy subject, and I am at a loss as to how to address their eating habits, as I fear it could lead to a huge row. Raising the subject of food, weight or exercise with someone else has to be done very sensitively, if at all. Its important to also think about what you hope to achieve. It isnt clear whether your brother and his family have always eaten like this, or if this is a more recent thing and maybe a reaction to grief, fear and loss: not only of losing his parents, but also about his illness. Of course, not eating healthily, being overweight and not exercising enough is suboptimum, but simply telling him youve observed this isnt going to change it. Its far more likely that he will feel humiliated and more wretched about himself, which could be counterproductive. I consulted Avi Shmueli, a psychoanalyst, about your problem. We agreed that at the heart of your letter was, understandably, fear of losing the family you have left. As we go into middle age, Shmueli said, we tend to focus more on our own and others mortality, but here theres the added background of your parents dying and your brothers cancer. Losing someone makes us feel not only more fragile ourselves, but more fearful for those around us. I couldnt help thinking how your letter was about not just food, but family, and that there are two significant people missing at your table, and how that must feel. Shmueli also wanted to draw your attention to your use of the word horrible. Its a word that seems to say a lot without saying much at all. Many feelings can be subsumed under the term horrible, he explained. I thought a lot about this. Shmueli pointed out that sometimes we might use it to hide feelings wed prefer not to focus on, feelings that are more hurtful or make us feel more vulnerable. Beyond your age, you offer nothing of yourself. That must feel like a lot of responsibility. If you want to talk to your brother, it needs to be about what you really feel. It might start something like this: I really love you and I worry about losing you. But remember that hectoring is a poor teacher. Sadly, there isnt a magic sentence you can say to fix this and keep everyone fit and well thats beyond your control. On these walks you may also find space to talk about great recipes youve tried, or food markets youve found, and maybe, eventually, voice your fears. That way you get to spend more time with him, and you both get some exercise. Every week Annalisa Barbieri addresses a family-related problem sent in by a reader. If you would like advice from Annalisa on a family matter, please send your problem to [email protected]. Annalisa regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. Submissions are subject to our terms and conditions. Conversations With Annalisa Barbieri, a new podcast series, is available here. Comments on this piece are premoderated to ensure the discussion remains on the topics raised by the article. Please be aware that there may be a short delay in comments appearing on the site.
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https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/may/28/my-brother-diet-harmful
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How Does Thermon Group's Debt Look?
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Shares of Thermon Group Holdings (NYSE:THR) decreased by 16.71% in the past three months. Before having a look at the importance of debt, let us look at how much debt Thermon Group Holdings has. Thermon Group Holdings's Debt Based on Thermon Group Holdings's financial statement as of May 27, 2021, long-term debt is at $143.02 million and current debt is at $2.50 million, amounting to $145.52 million in total debt. Adjusted for $40.12 million in cash-equivalents, the company's net debt is at $105.39 million. Let's define some of the terms we used in the paragraph above. Current debt is the portion of a company's debt which is due within 1 year, while long-term debt is the portion due in more than 1 year. Cash equivalents include cash and any liquid securities with maturity periods of 90 days or less. Total debt equals current debt plus long-term debt minus cash equivalents. Investors look at the debt-ratio to understand how much financial leverage a company has. Thermon Group Holdings has $617.88 million in total assets, therefore making the debt-ratio 0.24. Generally speaking, a debt-ratio more than one means that a large portion of debt is funded by assets. As the debt-ratio increases, so the does the risk of defaulting on loans, if interest rates were to increase. Different industries have different thresholds of tolerance for debt-ratios. A debt ratio of 35% might be higher for one industry and average for another. Importance Of Debt Besides equity, debt is an important factor in the capital structure of a company, and contributes to its growth. Due to its lower financing cost compared to equity, it becomes an attractive option for executives trying to raise capital. However, interest-payment obligations can have an adverse impact on the cash-flow of the company. Having financial leverage also allows companies to use additional capital for business operations, allowing equity owners to retain excess profit, generated by the debt capital. Check out Benzinga Pro, a market research platform which provides investors with near-instantaneous access to dozens of stock metrics - including debt-to-equity ratio. Click here to learn more.
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https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/05/21340215/how-does-thermon-groups-debt-look
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How much COVID-19 risk is there in these common summer activities?
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Summer is just around the corner and COVID-19 vaccines are going into people's arms. CBC Saskatchewan spoke to Dr. Joseph Blondeau to find out. Blondeau, a clinical microbiologist in Saskatoon, said people should still be mindful that being close to someone and having sustained contact is how the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads. "So the types of things that have been promoted since the onset of the pandemic in terms of using a mask, physical distancing and then hand-washing and surface decontamination of high-touch surfaces are still, to this day, all really important," Blondeau said. So are public health recommendations, he says. Currently, no indoor household gatherings are allowed and outdoor gatherings are allowed only up to 10 people. But that will soon change on May 30, up to 10 people can gather indoors or outdoors at private gatherings, and up to 150 people will be allowed at public outdoor gatherings. "The measures are really not an attempt to take away people's freedoms but an attempt to keep people safe. And, yes, that does restrict some of our freedoms. But I think it was a necessary thing to do during this pandemic when people are dying." As they relax, though, more activities will become options in Saskatchewan. Here's how Dr. Blondeau rates the risk of some of them. High-risk activities Carpooling or sharing a vehicle with someone not in your household is a high-risk situation, Blondeau said. "You're in a confined environment for a long period of time and certainly within six feet of anybody else who happens to be in that vehicle. And as a consequence, it's a high-risk situation for transmission." Medium- to high-risk activities Indoor celebrations would be considered a high-risk activity, because of the higher chance of transmission in close proximity to others inside, says Dr. Joseph Blondeau. (CBC Graphics) Indoor celebrations are medium- to high-risk, as there's the opportunity for sustained contact and close contact, meaning the risk of COVID-19 transmitting, Blondeau said. The larger the group, the larger the risk, he said, even if you're vaccinated. "An individual who has been vaccinated could still be infected with COVID-19. You may not show any symptoms or you may be mildly symptomatic. But you then could serve as a reservoir for transmission to other individuals," Blondeau said. If everyone is fully vaccinated though, the risk of severe infection and death decreases if COVID-19 is present, Blondeau said. An indoor sport where spacing is possible is about a medium risk, Dr. Blondeau said. (CBC Graphics) Indoor sports, he said, should be treated like any other indoor gathering. "When you're in a confined space, then risk is elevated. However, depending on the sport, some of those spaces are quite large and the ability to maintain some level of distancing is generally possible. But it depends," Blondeau said. An indoor sport where spacing is possible is about a medium risk, Blondeau said. Any indoor activity where you can't maintain physical distancing including something like swimming increases the risk or transmission, he said. Any indoor activity where you can't maintain physical distancing increases the risk or transmission, including indoor swimming, says Dr. Blondeau. (CBC Graphics) Low- to medium-risk Being outdoors is certainly safer than indoors, but keeping a distance and wearing masks have been shown to be effective to reducing the spread of COVID-19. (CBC Graphics) Being outdoors is certainly safer than indoors, Blondeau said, but keeping a distance and wearing masks have been shown to be effective to reducing the spread of the coronavirus. "The size of the gathering will determine how physically distant you can be," Blondeau said. If you know how to wash your hands properly, the likelihood that you'll get COVID-19 from a surface area in a bathroom is low, says Dr. Blondeau. (CBC Graphics) If you know how to properly wash your hands, the likelihood that you'll get COVID-19 from a surface is low, but it depends on the makeup of the room. "It really depends on whether or not you're in a small, confined space with somebody else. If you're in a space all by yourself, the likelihood for transmission is almost negligible," Blondeau said. "If, on the other hand, you happen to be in a public washroom where there are a lot of other people and you're violating that six feet of distance rule, then it probably elevates the risk to medium, maybe even to high, depending on how long you're in that environment." The risk of renting a cabin is low if you are with your family. (CBC Graphics) If you are with your household or bubble, renting a cabin isn't risky, Blondeau said. The risk increases if people are renting a cabin with others who aren't in their bubble. Being spaced out on a pontoon is better than having a number of people in a small dinghy. (CBC Graphics) Blondeau said the risk in going fishing comes down to whether everyone is immunized or not and the size of the boat. People spaced out on a pontoon is better than a number of people in a small dinghy. It's important people follow the province's guidelines about wearing masks when they're coaching or watching sports, says Dr. Blondeau. He said transmission is possible if spectators are sitting close together for prolonged periods. (CBC Graphics) "Outdoor sports are safe. And we've just heard the government announce that they're opening up outdoor sports and so we're going to see a lot of kids coming back into playing these sports," Blondeau said. But there's a caveat, he says it's important people follow the province's guidelines on wearing masks when they're coaching or in the stands watching. Transmission is possible if spectators sit close together for prolonged periods, he says. The risk of sports also changes if everyone, including the children playing, is vaccinated. He said if the coronavirus is present, vaccinated people have a lower viral load, and are less likely to transmit it or get seriously ill from it. If people are spaced out, in their small bubble and vaccinated, then the risk from a backyard barbecue is low. (CBC Graphics) Backyard barbecues are always about capacity, Blondeau said. If people are spaced out, in their small bubble and vaccinated, the risk is low. Having drinks on the patio is a low- to medium-risk activity, says Dr. Blondeau, but people should stay distanced when possible. (CBC Graphics) Having drinks on the patio is generally a low- to medium-risk activity, he says, but people should stay distanced when possible and check with others if they're vaccinated to be safe. "If your patio can comfortably sit six people and you can all have your own little space and you're outdoors, the risk would be low. But again, if your patio is designed for two and you've got 20 people on it, then it's difficult to be mindful of some of these other measures." Low-risk activities Camping is considered low risk as long as you don't mix with people outside of your extended household. (CBC Graphics) Feel free to take a hike or go on a bike ride. The risk is low, according to our expert. (CBC Graphics) It's easy to physically distance while swimming outdoors, says Dr. Blondeau. (CBC Graphics) Our expert says sitting around a campfire with a small group presents a low risk. (CBC Graphics) Blondeau said sitting around a fire is low risk. "Because the fire's there and tends to be central, it is easy to separate your chairs, and you are outdoors." Eating outside is low risk, especially if people are on their own picnic blankets, Dr. Blondeau says. (CBC Graphics) Blondeau said lunch in the park is low risk, as people maintain their distance on different blankets. But if 10 people try to sit on thesame blanket, that risk obviously increases. "The distance between you and anybody else is still important at this point in time," Blondeau said. "That may change going forward, but I still think that we need to be mindful of that."
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/covid-risk-summer-activities-2021-1.6043610?cmp=rss
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What Does Dollar Tree's Debt Look Like?
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Over the past three months, shares of Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:DLTR) fell by 0.01%. Before we understand the importance of debt, let us look at how much debt Dollar Tree has. Dollar Tree's Debt According to the Dollar Tree's most recent balance sheet as reported on May 27, 2021, total debt is at $3.23 billion, with $3.23 billion in long-term debt and $0.00 in current debt. Adjusting for $1.47 billion in cash-equivalents, the company has a net debt of $1.75 billion. Let's define some of the terms we used in the paragraph above. Current debt is the portion of a company's debt which is due within 1 year, while long-term debt is the portion due in more than 1 year. Cash equivalents include cash and any liquid securities with maturity periods of 90 days or less. Total debt equals current debt plus long-term debt minus cash equivalents. Shareholders look at the debt-ratio to understand how much financial leverage a company has. Dollar Tree has $21.05 billion in total assets, therefore making the debt-ratio 0.15. Generally speaking, a debt-ratio more than one means that a large portion of debt is funded by assets. As the debt-ratio increases, so the does the risk of defaulting on loans, if interest rates were to increase. Different industries have different thresholds of tolerance for debt-ratios. A debt ratio of 40% might be higher for one industry and normal for another. Importance Of Debt Debt is an important factor in the capital structure of a company, and can help it attain growth. Debt usually has a relatively lower financing cost than equity, which makes it an attractive option for executives. Interest-payment obligations can impact the cash-flow of the company. Having financial leverage also allows companies to use additional capital for business operations, allowing equity owners to retain excess profit, generated by the debt capital. Check out Benzinga Pro, a market research platform which provides investors with near-instantaneous access to dozens of stock metrics - including debt-to-equity ratio. Click here to learn more.
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https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/05/21340231/what-does-dollar-trees-debt-look-like
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Can bumper earnings help Zooms share price recover?
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Z ooms [ZM] share price powered forward during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, but the prospect of a return to normality has sent it into reverse. In 2020, Zooms share price accelerated 250.9% from $161.97 on 27 May to a high of $568.34 on 19 October as lockdown saw remote working, distance learning and telemedicine all ramp up demand for its video communications technology. Despite the uptick in demand, Zooms share price stumbled by the end of last year, dropping to $337.32 on 31 December as lockdown easing reduced the need for remote calls. However, on 1 March 2021, the company reported a 369% leap in fourth quarter 2020 revenues to $882.5m and full fiscal year 2020 revenue growth of 326% to $2.65bn. At the end of the fourth quarter, customer numbers had jumped 470% to 467,100. Zooms share price did dial up again to $444.51 on 16 February as a second wave of the virus hit, but it has since fallen to sit as low as $289.70 on 12 May as vaccine rollouts bring the hope of re-opened societies. It closed 27 May at $326.43, down 3.2% year-to-date, and down 42.6% from its October high. Zooms share price has suffered alongside other highly valued tech growth stocks because of the threat of higher interest rates and inflation. According to Zacks Equity Research, Zoom is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.97 per share, marking a 385% year-over-year rise. Revenues are forecast to come in at $905.24m, up 175.8% from the same period last year. Trefis also estimates revenues above $900m, with earnings of around $1 per share. The IT software and service industry saw a boom in 2020 as the onset of the pandemic led people toward digitalisation. This momentum is expected to continue in the first quarter, Trefis stated on 21 May. The stock saw a fall when the pandemic eased in certain countries toward the end of 2020, as certain investors expected the growth to taper off once the pandemic faded. "The stock saw a all when the pandemic eased in certain countries" - Trefis However, Trefis said that Zoom continued to record good results as 2020 ended, adding: This sell-off has made the stock attractive. Going forward, we believe the company should benefit from many businesses contemplating a shift toward remote working even in a post-COVID-19 world. Analysts are also concerned about stalling growth. Alex Kurtz, an analyst at KeyBanc Capital Markets, said in a client note seen by Investors Business Daily that Zooms January quarter represented 8% revenue upside versus consensus, compared to Q3 2021 at 12%, Q2 at 33%, and Q1 at 62%. According to Market Screener, 25 analysts have a consensus outperform rating on the stock, with an average target price of $416.05. Bank of America has a buy rating on the stock, with analyst Jason Kupferberg stating that Zoom is well-positioned to expand from video to all things communications and capture substantial share in the $88bn-plus communications software market. Video fatigue There are challenges ahead, with Trefis stating that the company has very few big-ticket customers. This could make it vulnerable if smaller enterprises look to tighten their belts in the potentially difficult economic months ahead. It could also complicate plans to convert more free users of its service to paid customers. At present, according to Morgan Stanley, Zoom generates circa 50% of revenue from monthly payers. There is also plenty of competition in this area, with rival services such as Microsoft [MSFT] Teams, RingCentral [RNG] and Skype, and concerns over video call fatigue. Even Eric Yuan (pictured above), CEO of Zoom, recently said Im so tired of that, when referring to back-to-back video calls at a Wall Street Journal CEO Council summit. Sometimes it takes a highly destructive event like a pandemic to wake many of us up to the benefits of technology. Zoom was growing before 2020 happened, but it became a household name overnight when lockdowns started, wrote Nicholas Rossolillo in The Motley Fool. With business communications permanently altered in the last year, Zoom is in pole position in the cloud video industry. Investors can track Zooms progress in ETFs focused on software as a service (SaaS). The stock has a 4.25% weighting in the Global X Cloud Computing ETF [CLOU], which has risen 36.5% from $19.13 on 27 May last year to $26.11 at close on 27 May. It also has a 2.94% weighting in the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF [IGV], which has climbed 37.7% from $258.38 on 27 May 2020 to $355.83 at close on 27 May 2021.
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https://www.cmcmarkets.com/en-au/opto/can-bumper-earnings-help-zooms-share-price-recover
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Is it time to rethink our love of fireworks?
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The pop-boom-crack-crack-crack of Victoria Day fireworks went on. And on. And on. Much more than on the usual May 24 weekend, you could hear them, though you often couldnt see them if you went out to look. Terrified pets certainly heard them, night after night. People trying to sleep heard them. Sometimes at 2 a.m. Without question this year, fireworks went off for more than the three permitted evenings, and well into the night, said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. Victoria Day seemed to be the perfect storm, where more people than ever wanted to push the limits with fireworks while many other residents were feeling impatient and fed up with COVID-19 rule-breakers. Complaints to bylaw enforcement officers went way up in Kitchener and Waterloo. There were 39 complaints last weekend in Kitchener, more than double the 17 complaints in 2020. In Waterloo, there were 43 complaints on the weekend, up from 18 in 2020. Heres one opinion echoed by many: I spent a lot of the weekend holding our (dog), putting blankets on him, whatever I could to calm his misery, said Martin van Nierop of Waterloo, who wishes the rules around fireworks were better enforced. Something along the lines of: My kids havent been able to have fun or see fireworks in over a year, so Im going to do this regardless of what my neighbours think or feel. Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky sees it a little differently. Its having family fun, when theres so little you can do, he said. People cant really take trips or have parties to celebrate the start of summer. So they are looking for something to do, and setting off fireworks they can do it with their household, they can do it at their household, he said. Knowing they shouldnt really gather, theyre doing the right thing. But it also means that many more people are having their own private fireworks parties, which means the noise goes on longer and louder. Each city has a bylaw regulating fireworks use and restricting them to periods around certain holidays like Victoria Day weekend, Canada Day, the festival of Diwali and (in Waterloo) Chinese New Year. Please be mindful of your neighbours, check in and do it at a reasonable time in a responsible way, said Cambridge Deputy Mayor Mike Mann. But Dorothy McCabe of Waterloo has had enough of fireworks. She wants them banned. Fireworks are bad for the environment in the air and the garbage left on the ground. They emit metal particles and carbon into the air, she said. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... They terrify pets my dog paced and panted and was stressed for five nights of fireworks. Five nights of fireworks. I say ban them. Lets celebrate other ways. Her suggestion comes at an interesting time. While the cities generally dont have public fireworks displays on Victoria Day weekend, there have been public displays on Canada Day. For many years, there was a spectacular July 1 fireworks show near the University of Waterloo campus that capped a day of outdoor activities, socializing and music. It was sponsored by the Federation of Students, and drew huge crowds. In 2013, the students withdrew their sponsorship. The university took it over for a while, but 2019 was the last year. Now the ball is in the court of the City of Waterloo. Jaworsky and city employees think it would be great to have a drone show to celebrate Canada Day 2022 at Waterloo Park. One is also planned for the Lumen Festival this fall. The concept involves dozens of electrically-powered drones, outfitted with lights that change colours, and flying around in formation that make beautiful and intricate designs. It would bring joy to spectators while protecting vulnerable pets, wildlife and people from loud noises, air pollution and debris. The pandemic has squeezed a lot of fun out of life, said Jaworsky. People are looking to reinject that fun. Lets try it.
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https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2021/05/28/is-it-time-to-rethink-our-love-of-fireworks.html
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What Happened To Russell Westbrook? Why Did A Fan Throw Popcorn At Wizards Star?
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Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards dropped Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers now have a 2-0 lead in the series, and Westbrook has injured his right ankle. However, the fans in Philadelphia were a little unwelcoming, and one threw popcorn over Westbrook as he made his way back to the locker room. Russell Westbrook appeared to have popcorn poured on his head by a fan on his way to the locker room with an apparent injury. The fan was ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/WgtvKMFYHH SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 27, 2021 After one person dunked popcorn on Westbrook as he left, other fans and players remained angered over the issue. Westbrook's reaction was immediate, as he had to be restrained by staff members around him. The fan was ejected later on. "To be completely honest, this s*** is getting out of hand, especially for me. The amount of disrespect, the amount of fans just doing whatever the f*** they want to do - it's just out of pocket," Westbrook said. "There are certain things that cross the line. Any other setting ... a guy were to come up on the street and pour popcorn on my head, you know what happens". Westbrook added that in arenas, they have to start protecting players. "We'll see what the NBA does". Bradley Beal as well agreed that the incident was completely disrespectful, and added that Philadelphia was better than that. "This was classless, unacceptable behavior, and we're not going to tolerate it at Wells Fargo Center," said Valerie Camillo, the center's business operations president in a statement. "We're proud to have the most passionate fans in the country and the best home-court and home-ice advantage around, but this type of behavior has no place in our arena". Twitter reacts to why did a fan throw popcorn at Westbrook query This fan should never be permitted in a #Sixers game ever again after throwing popcorn on Russell Westbrook while leaving court with injury. And they can track his ass down. No class! pic.twitter.com/ra029MaBDF Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) May 27, 2021 I would just like to tweet that us Philly fans do not condone or respect the guy that threw stuff at Russell Westbrook The Phifth Quarter (@The_PhifthQ) May 27, 2021 Wizards vs 76ers Game 2 results Westbrook, even before his injury, struggles a little on the court as he scored 10 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds while shooting 2-of-10 from the field. The 76ers are in the lead and might secure a 3-0 advantage with Westbrook injured and not at full health. Bradley Beal had 33 points for the team. However, the Russell Westbrook popcorn incident is expected to fire up the team. Here is more on the NBA playoffs 2021 bracket - NBA playoffs 2021 bracket upcoming games Western Conference No. 1 Utah Jazz vs No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies No. 2 Phoenix Suns vs No 7 Los Angeles Lakers No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs No. 6 Portland Trail Blazers No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs No. 5 Dallas Mavericks Eastern Conference No. 1 Philadelphia 76ers vs No. 8 Washington Wizards No. 2 Brooklyn Nets vs No.7 Boston Celtics No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs No. 6 Miami Heat No. 4 New York Knicks vs No. 5 Atlanta Hawks (Image credits: AP)
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https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/basketball-news/what-happened-to-russell-westbrook-why-did-a-fan-throw-popcorn-at-wizards-star.html
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Why so much confusion about the second dose of covishield?
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Find Free WordPress Themes and plugins. By: Alee Khan Ever since covid-19 originated from the city of Wuhan in China, human civilization has been apprehensive inside. Today, an invisible virus called covid-19 has wreaked havoc in the country and the world. All the countries of the world are seen to be unproductive in preventing covid-19 infection. The helplessness of all the countries of the world can be seen clearly in front of this virus. Not wanting to get rid of this infection, options like lockdown and detainees are being resorted to. Due to this, the economy of many countries has collapsed. Today, our country should speak of India, the way the second wave of covid-19 has created a furore in our country, it is not hidden from anyone. However, lockdown and restrictions have been effective in breaking the transition. After all, taking care of the economy of the country is also necessary. A second way to prevent covid-19 infection should also be explored. In such a situation, the second solution is as a life-saving vaccine before the world. Today, many countries of the world have devised the vaccine. You must have heard names like Cyanovac, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer and Sputnik-V, and BioNtech, if not heard, there is absolutely no need to be shocked. These names are the names of all the vaccines developed by those countries. In which the names of the vaccines have been developed by many big countries like America, Russia, China, and Britain. Today, our two made-in-India vaccines are in common discussion, including covaxin and covishield. Both these vaccines are effective against the covid-19 virus. But within the last five months, the government has had to change the time interval between two doses of the covishield vaccine not once but twice. After that, the Central Government increased the time period from 6 to 8 weeks and again has increased the gap between the two doses to 12 to 16 weeks i.e. 3 to 4 months. But the central government has repeatedly changed the time interval between the two doses of the covishield vaccine. In such a situation, the common man is bound to get confused after this decision of the government. But some experts say that there is no need to worry and the second dose is effectively beneficial within six months of the first dose. Various responses are being received regarding this decision of the government. The rhetoric of some people has also come out that by doing so, the government is trying to cover up the shortage of the vaccine. It is obvious that if such decisions are taken due to lack of vaccine, then they can prove to be very harmful. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has repeatedly questioned the government on increasing the gap of covishield. Jairam Ramesh on his Twitter handle wrote that earlier the time between two doses of covishield was four weeks, then it was increased to six to eight weeks and now it has been extended again. In such a situation, there is a dire need to remove the confusion spread after the decision of the Central Government. So, let us clear this confusion with authentic facts. The Oxford-AstraZeneca or Covishield vaccine against covid-19 has been developed by scientists named Andrew Pollard and Gilbert at Oxford University, UK. Pollard is also the head of the Oxford Vaccine Group and has spoken openly about his vaccine in a conversation with Times Evoque. In clear words to this straight question, Pollard said that we have very good data to show strong security in the first three months between two doses. It was further explained that this interval of three months gives very good protection. If this interval is reduced to three to four months, it is even better. Due to the long interval, very strong immunity develops after the second dose. He said that Britain has changed this gap due to the situation arising out of the B1.617 variant, so as to prevent transmission by increasing immunity. But waiting longer for maximum immunity is beneficial. At the same time, research has also found that if the dose of covishield is given between less than six weeks gap, its effect was seen at 55.1%. On the other hand, its effect increased to 81.3 percent when the difference between the two doses of covishield was 12 weeks. At the same time, research in the UK and Brazil revealed that if the vaccine had a gap of 90% between the first dose and the second dose at least one month, the study in the UK has revealed that both the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines and the Covishield vaccine are proving to be very effective, so both doses should have a minimum gap of 12 weeks. WHO has also agreed to this decision. For the information, let us know that the first dose of vaccine works to make antibodies in the body, while the second dose makes the immunity of the body more powerful. Explain that taking the second dose several weeks after the first dose increases immunity and antibodies against covid-19. Today, not only India but other countries of the world, Spain, and Britain have also increased the gap between the doses. Its effect has been revealed that it has helped in doubling the ability to fight against the covid-19. At the same time, Serum Institute CEO Adar Punawala has declared the decision to be a correct and scientific decision to increase the gap between two doses of covishield.
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https://www.thehillstimes.in/featured/why-so-much-confusion-about-the-second-dose-of-covishield/
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Whats the Truth Behind Video Showing COVID-19 Vaccines Bluetooth Capabilities?
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A viral video in which a man allegedly demonstrates Bluetooth capabilities after receiving AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine has turned out to be fake. The COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University does not contain a Bluetooth chip. In the video, an unidentified man is seen conversing with the person recording the video about his experience after receiving AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine. ALSO READ Hundreds of MG HS SUVs Arrive in Pakistan as Demand Increases In the first part of the video, he says, The only problem is that everywhere I go, everything is trying to connect to me man, like Bluetooth connect to me. He adds, I get in the car, my car is trying to connect to me. I go home, my computer tries to connect. Like, my phone is trying to connect. He then shows a notification on his mobile which shows a Bluetooth pairing request with a device called AstraZeneca_ChAdOx1-S. In the second part, the man moves towards a television which immediately shows the message connecting to AstraZeneca_ChAdOx1-S. ALSO READ Murad Raas Makes A New Announcement About Summer Vacations in Schools Here is the video: Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses short-range radio waves to share data between devices over a small distance. Experts have said that there is no evidence that suggests that AstraZenecas COVID-19 contains a Bluetooth chip or makes the recipient acquire Bluetooth capabilities. All devices with Bluetooth capabilities have a specific name that can be easily edited. For instance, the Bluetooth name of any mobile can be edited to AstraZeneca_ChAdOx1-S. When a pairing request is made using the abovementioned name, a notification similar to the one seen in the video on the mobile phone and television gets generated on the other device.
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https://propakistani.pk/2021/05/28/whats-the-truth-behind-video-showing-covid-19-vaccines-bluetooth-capabilities/
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How has the Japanese mobile carrier market changed?
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This short survey report from MMD Labo looked at the Spring 2021 mobile service provider situation. The full survey is much more detailed, so if you want a deep dive, please visit their site and purchase the full survey results. Note that ahamo is docomos cheap plan, povo aus, and LINEMO SoftBanks, each costing just under 3,000 yen all-in for 20gb data and 5 minutes free per phone call. In Q2 Im not surprised that Rakuten is the most-investigated, as they have been flooding the airwaves with exceptionally irritating adverts offering completely free service for the first gigabyte of data port month. (Sample size=3,349, those who choose to change providers) Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI 26.5% Y!mobile 14.3% ahamo 13.1% UQ mobile 12.5% povo 6.7% au 6.1% LINEMO 4.7% docomo 4.1% SoftBank 3.2% MVNO 8.6% Demographics Between the 20th and 22nd of April 2021 40,000 members of the MMD Labo monitor group aged between 18 and 69 years old completed a private internet-based questionnaire.
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https://whatjapanthinks.com/2021/05/28/how-has-the-japanese-mobile-carrier-market-changed/
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Will killers of Iraq's activists finally face justice?
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For months now, Iraqi activists, analysts and journalists that is, anybody who has spoken out for political reform in the country have been under attack. According to local human rights organizations, there have been as many as 35 murders and 82 attempted assassinations over the past 18 months or so since the start of popular protests in late 2019 that forced leadership changes. The Iraqi government has promised to investigate the murders, but almost none have been cleared up. The death toll includes high-profile activists like Ihab al-Wazni, a protest organizer in the southern city of Karbala. He was shot dead earlier this month. Last June, the murder of well-known security analyst Hisham al-Hashimi made international headlines. Other prominent activists, such as Ali Jasb Hattab Aboud, a human rights lawyer acting on behalf of protesters, have been kidnapped and not seen again. In a sad twist, those murdered include Aboud's own father, who was seeking justice for his son through Iraq's courts. He was shot dead in March 2020. A memorial for murdered security analyst Hisham al-Hashimi Murders caught on video Some of the killings, including that of al-Hashimi, al-Wazni and Aboud senior, have been caught on surveillance cameras. The grainy footage often has grim similarities, showing how the assassins arrive, in cars or on motorbikes, outside the victim's home. They shoot their target in public settings, sometimes even in broad daylight, with apparently no regard for potential observers. Many of the dead were critical not only of corruption within the Iraqi state but also of the power held by the country's paramilitaries, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF. The PMF were formed to fight the extremist group known as the "Islamic State" (IS) and, even though that enemy has now mostly been defeated, many PMF fighters still pledge loyalty to Iran's leadership. Iran provided financial, logistical and military support during the conflict against IS. It is believed that the assassinations and kidnappings are being carried out by members of the PMF, or by new, lesser-known offshoots of the movement. Activists make these accusations openly. As a result, activists say they are threatened daily. Many of their number have gone into hiding, two of them told DW. 'I know I'm in danger' "There is an active campaign calling for my death, and I know I'm in danger," one former protester, who did not wish to be named because of the death threats, told DW. "My family has suffered because of this and continues to suffer. That's a huge burden for me. But I refuse to just become just another number [in the death toll]." The activists said they had shut down social media accounts and changed email addresses and phone numbers. Some were sleeping in a different bed every night, moving between the homes of friends and relatives. Others were trying to leave the country. Many have departed for the semi-autonomous northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan, where a Kurdish-run military and legal system prevails and the paramilitaries cannot operate with the same impunity. The activists told DW they believe that tens of thousands have fled north because of the campaign of intimidation and murder. This includes not only former protesters, they said, but also lawyers, journalists and even judges, whose lives were also being threatened. On May 25, protesters demonstrated against the government and the assassination campaign in Baghdad Democratic movement silenced "Of the people that we were in contact with during the October 2019 protests, it is remarkably sad to see how few of them are still living at home," Belkis Wille, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, told DW. "And those that are still living at home have effectively been silenced because of a fear a very real fear that speaking out could cost them their lives." Iraq is holding a federal election in October this year, and some of the former protesters had previously formed new political parties to contest the vote. But over the past few months, in the current climate of fear, this nascent,grassroots movement has largely been silenced. This week though, the Iraqi government finally made an arrest. At dawn on May 26, the state detained Qassim Mahmoud Musleh, a PMF commander who is thought to be behind the assassinations of two activists in Karbala, one of them Ihab al-Wazni. PMF units blocked off parts of Baghdad after the arrest of one of their commanders on May 26 Suspects released Opinions are divided. "This is good news because it means that maybe the government is really trying to do something," an ex- journalist in hiding in Baghdad told DW. "Of course, there is still fear because this is just one small effort. We are waiting to see what will happen next, if the state will follow up on this." For Tallal al-Hariri, one of the founders of October 25, a new political party, Musleh's arrest has only increased concerns. He fears what the PMF will do next. "We have already seen how the terrorist militias took revenge on the state and how they even besieged the government inside the Green Zone," said al-Hariri, who has been outspoken about the negative influence that Iran-supported factions are having on his country and, as a result, has been threatened with death. Al-Hariri is referring to the fact that, after the arrest of 14 PMF members in June last year for launching rockets at Baghdad airport and the US Embassy, pressure from the paramilitaries saw them released. "They caved in and released the terrorists," al-Hariri states. "That was the biggest setback for us because it shows that we'll never be safe and that the Iraqi state is being destabilized from within." At the time of writing, Musleh was still in custody, although it was unclear how long he would stay there. Threat to Iraqi government This is probably the fifth time the Iraqi government, headed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, has made a serious move against the paramilitaries, Tamer Badawi, an analyst and associate fellow with the Bonn-based think tank CARPO,told DW. "It's becoming quite a regular practice," Badawi said. "Every time he crosses the [PMF] red lines without a lethal backlash, he is emboldened to carry on." The PMF have already demanded custody of Musleh, and some members even gathered threateningly around Baghdad's closely guarded Green Zone, where government buildings and foreign embassies are located. Iraqi government security forces had been dispatched to guard the area beforehand. It is also important to note the PMF are becoming less popular with the general public, Baghdad-based political analyst Mustafa Habib told DW. "They have squandered the good reputation they gained from fighting the 'Islamic State' group," he said. "The general public may not know that much, or even care that much, about what is happening to the activists." "But one thing that's clear is how unpopular the paramilitaries are becoming," he concluded. "Many people here feel they are acting against Iraq's interests. If the elections go ahead without fraud, it is likely that any political parties associated with them will lose support."
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https://www.dw.com/en/justice-for-iraqs-activists/a-57702916
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Why Did Zidane Leave Real Madrid? Who Will Become New Real Madrid Manager?
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A week after the Spanish media claimed that Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane told his players about his intentions to quit at the end of the season the claims have become reality. As confirmed by Real Madrid through an official statement, Zidane has resigned with immediate effect just days after the club were beaten to the LaLiga title by rivals Atletico Madrid. Here is the answer to "why did Zidane leave Real Madrid?" and "who will become new Real Madrid manager?" Zinedine Zidane record Zinedine Zidane has now reportedly quit the Real Madrid job for a second time after having resigned once in 2018. Los Blancos have had a disastrous season as they not only lost the LaLiga title on the final day but were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semi-finals. However, Madrid's most humiliating defeat came in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey as they lost 2-1 to fourth-tier club Alcoyano. As a result, the LaLiga giants failed to win a trophy for the first time in 11 seasons. Zidane, who returned to the Spanish capital in March 2019, replacing Santiago Solari, won his second LaLiga title in the Covid-affected 2019-20 season. However, the Zidane record as Real Madrid head coach in his first stint is even better. From January 2016 to May 2018, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles and also won the 2016-17 LaLiga title. Interesting speculations have arisen as to why Zidane left Real Madrid. For example, COPE's Manolo Lama tweeted, "Zidane is leaving Real Madrid...because he does not forgive Florentino Perez leaking that he would be charged if he was eliminated in the Champions League. Zidane does not forgive that FP permanently questioned his decisions in private" (translated from Spanish using Google translate). Zidane se va Del Real Madrid..porque no perdona que Florentino Prez filtrara que se lo cargara si caa eliminado en Champions. Zidane no perdona que FP permanentemente cuestionara en privado sus decisiones. According to Onda Cero reporter Fernando Burgos, Real Madrid's next manager would come from a shortlist that includes former Juventus coach Massimilano Allegri, club legend Raul Gonzalez or German coach Joachim Lw. Allegri is out of a job since leaving the Serie A giants in 2019 while Raul is currently in charge of Madrid's B team. Meanwhile, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, although Madrid have been in contact with Allegri since March, he is now believed to be in talks with Juventus and Inter too. As a result, it remains to be seen who will become the new Real Madrid manager.
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https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/football-news/why-did-zidane-leave-real-madrid-who-will-become-new-real-madrid-manager.html
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Does Ella find out about Lucifer in season five part two?
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Since joining the cast of Lucifer in season two, Aimee Garcia has become a beloved member of the family among fans for her portrayal of the LAPDs resident forensics expert Ella Lopez. Advertisement In her time working closely with Tom Ellis crime-solving devil, her colleagues Dan Espinoza and Chloe Decker have discovered that he is the actual Lord of Hell but shes yet to get the memo. When she first meets Lucifer, she believes that he is a method actor preparing to play the devil in an upcoming project and her conclusion hasnt changed all that much despite evidence starting to pile up. At this point, the show often jokes about Ellas obliviousness to all things celestial and her willingness to go along with the most ridiculous stories. Sign up to receive the freshest reviews and recommendations for Streaming & On Demand Thanks, you are now signed up to our On Demand newsletter! We look forward to sending you our email updates. Sign in to/ register for a RadioTimes.com account to manage your email preferences Sign in Register To manage your email preferences, click here. Sign me up! Immediate Media Company Limited (publishers of radiotimes.com) would love to send you our On Demand newsletters. We may also send occasional updates from our editorial team. You can unsubscribe at any time. For details on how we use your data, please see our privacy policy. For example, when Lucifer brings in a feather from some angel wings for confidential analysis, she believes he has hit an emu with his car and is trying to discretely handle the situation. Some fans had expected Ella to discover his true nature in Lucifer season five part two, so they may be surprised to hear that she remains blissfully unaware of his identity by the series finale. She even meets God (played by Dennis Haysbert) in the latest instalment, who gives her some warm words of support when she finds her faith tested, but she believes him to be simply Lucifers human father. Ella is a devout Catholic, which means it might be for the best that she doesnt know who Lucifer really is, as if she found out it could spell the end of their fond friendship. Nevertheless, one has to wonder if showrunners Ildy Modrovich and Joe Henderson could drop the bombshell on Ella in the upcoming sixth (and final) season, as it would certainly add some dramatic heft to the last chapter. Ella has been particularly reliant on her LAPD family recently as she has struggled to come to terms with earth-shattering events such as the death of Charlotte Richards and a traumatic encounter with murderous boyfriend Pete Daily. You might think that Lucifer and Ella would not naturally get along, given her devotion to the deity he once led an uprising against, but they actually have a very close friendship. Ella is one of the most widely liked personalities on the LAPD team, frequently brightening peoples days with her positive energy and quirky sense of humour. Lucifer seasons four and five are available to stream on Netflix. Check out our guide to the best series on Netflix or the best movies on Netflix. Advertisement Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see whats on tonight.
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https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/lucifer-does-ella-find-out/
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How do I get cash prizes from Californias $116-million COVID vaccine lottery?
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California has announced $116.5 million in prizes for people who have or will receive COVID-19 vaccines. The idea of the Vax for the Win program is to increase interest in vaccinations a critical step to keeping disease rates low and continuing to allow schools and the economy to reopen. Heres how the program works. There will be $1.5-million cash prizes given out to 10 winners, who will be selected on June 15. With certain exceptions, all California residents regardless of immigration status who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose will be eligible for these prizes. There are some people who are ineligible, such as incarcerated people and some public employees, such as workers of the California Department of Public Health, California State Lottery, California Health and Human Services Agency, the Government Operations Agency, the governors office, and their immediate families. No. Any California resident who has received at least one vaccine dose is automatically registered; vaccination records are filed with the states vaccine registry. Dont fret. Even if you were among the earliest recipients of the vaccine back in December, youre eligible for the drawings of $1.5 million and $50,000. The California Department of Public Health will provide a list of random number identifiers representing each eligible participant identifiers that can only be connected with persons identities by [the department] to the California Lottery, which will conduct the random drawing using standard practices applicable to drawings that ensure randomness and integrity of the draw. Only if the winners want to be identified. Yes. The California Department of Public Health will try to contact you by phone. If they cant reach you on the first try, they will try again, repeatedly, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. But if you cant be reached within 96 hours after the first attempt at contact, they may drop you and move on to the next eligible prospective winner. The winnings will go into a savings account, and the child will be able to gain control of the funds when they turn 18. California residents who begin to get vaccinated starting on or after Thursday are eligible for a $50 prepaid card or a $50 grocery card for supermarkets like Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway and Andronicos. Advertisement There are 2 million gift cards available. Incarcerated persons are not eligible. Youll get a redemption code by text or email within seven to 10 days after the last vaccination. (The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, spread apart by several weeks; the Johnson & Johnson shot requires only one shot.) If you dont have a mobile phone or email address, call (833) 993-3873 to get a physical card seven to 10 days after your vaccination. If you dont have a permanent address, call the same number to coordinate delivery of the card. The cash for the vaccination incentive program will come from Californias general fund, a budget spokesman for Gov. Gavin Newsom said. State tax revenues are projected to exceed earlier estimates by more than $75 billion by next summer, allowing the governor and lawmakers to fund a variety of programs. Advertisement Newsom intends to tap into money set aside for pandemic disaster relief and later replenish that account with a portion of the states $27-billion share of federal COVID-19 relief funds recently approved by Congress and President Biden. Officials say its an imperative public policy objective to increase vaccinations as much as possible. A high vaccination rate will keep people healthy and reduce the risk of outbreaks among unvaccinated people, which will enable schools to continue reopening and the economy to gain steam. About 54% of California residents have received at least one dose of vaccine. Advertisement But officials say theres need to boost demand. California has seen its average daily number of vaccine doses administered fall from a peak of 400,000 in early April to 200,000 a day now. And California still needs to make progress on reducing troubling racial and ethnic disparities in who is getting vaccinated. This week, a pair of season tickets to Kings or Galaxy games is in the mix. Advertisement L.A. County adult residents who get their first vaccine between Friday and June 3 at vaccine sites run by L.A. County, the city of Los Angeles or St. Johns Well Child and Family Center clinic will be eligible for a drawing for a pair of season tickets to the Los Angeles Kings or to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Aside from its being inadvisable from a health perspective, Newsom emphasized that getting vaccinated beyond the recommended regimen two doses for Pfizer and Moderna, and one for Johnson & Johnson will not boost a residents odds of winning. If you want to get vaccinated again, you think you can have your name in twice, its not going to work, he said. So dont go back and get vaccinated again. It wont make any difference.
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https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-28/how-california-covid-19-vaccine-lottery-works
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Why Is The EPA Denying Science In Its Air Office?
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Biden press secretary Jen Psaki gives a briefing with EPA administrator Michael Regan, May 12. Getty Images The Environmental Protection Agency is walking back a commitment to science-backed policy at its air office. On May 14th, Americas biggest environmental regulator issued a notice to rescind new cost-benefit analysis requirements at its Office of Air and Radiation. It was just last December that the Trump administration finalized the regulation now being tossed out, which aimed to shore up EPAs flailing analytical practices. The EPA is already supposed to do cost-benefit analysis of the consequences of various air pollution regulations. The repealed cost-benefit rule, as it is known, would have put teeth into such requirements, which have historically been weak. And it would have required the agency to follow certain best-practices. Key effects: it would have made the agency consider multiple alternative options before settling on a final approach, and extended some analytical requirements to so-called significant rulemakings (which have historically flown under the radar). Perhaps most important, it would have required air rules to be based on the best available science. None of this should be controversial. The EPA, like other executive branch regulatory agencies, is already required to produce an assessment of the potential costs and benefits of its significant regulatory actions under a separate Clinton-era executive order. The problem is that EPA has too often failed to comply with the order, focusing on a narrow a range of impacts or ignoring important tradeoffs. The EPAs self-binding rule sought to change these dynamics by creating a stronger enforcement mechanism. Some Democrats, like former Obama regulatory chief (and cost-benefit analysis supporter) Cass Sunstein, have had nice things to say about the rule. Others have remained skeptical, however. One provision that created controversy related to co-benefits, a fancy term for benefits from a regulation that are ancillary to the problem a policy is intended to address. For example, in a highly controversial Obama-era air pollution regulation targeting mercury emissions, the overwhelming majority of the benefits in EPAs analysis came from reducing a different pollutant, particulate matter. The cost-benefit rule would have required that different categories of benefits be identified in a summary section in the rulemaking. Despite how the regulation was sometimes represented in the media, the EPA was never going to ignore co-benefits. Rather, its air office would simply have to transparently report where a regulations benefits come from. The irony is that the requirement for how to present benefit information was arguably one of the less important parts of the cost-benefit rule. The Biden Administration could easily have dropped that provision if it found it questionable. Then, the hard-to-argue-with parts of the rule could have remained intact. Instead, the Administration scrapped the whole thing. The notice rescinding the cost-benefit rule stated that the Trump EPA did not explain how the pre-existing ample public process was inadequate and further that it failed to articulate a rational basis for the rule, and did not explain that an actual or theoretical problem existed. Actually, the problems the cost-benefit rule was addressing are myriad. Here are just a few: To start, the analysis the EPA typically produces to comply with existing executive orders is based on an arbitrary, hard-to-define notion of social welfare. There may be value in measuring whatever EPA is measuring, but its not an assessment of the potential costs and benefits, as is required. Second, EPAs analysis is irrational. The EPA evaluates how a rulemaking will affect wellbeing from the perspective of the current moment in time only. It is what psychologists call present biased, in that it gives inordinate weight to the short term at the expense of long-run concerns. Relatedly, critical impacts of rules go systematically overlooked at EPA, such as the impacts of displaced investments over time. EPA administrator Michael Regan testifies before the Senate, April 20. Getty Images For reasons like these, the EPA is not complying with existing executive orders related to regulatory analysis. Moreover, oversight from the Office of Management and Budgettasked with enforcing the existing cost-benefit requirementshas historically been weak, as evidenced by the overall low quality of analysis. This suggests other enforcement mechanisms are needed. The repeal of the cost-benefit rule follows another controversial action from the Biden EPA to dismiss the members of two key science advisory boards that give advice to the agency. Historically these members have been appointed to multi-year terms and have carried over from one administration to the next, so as to maintain some bipartisan balance and independence from politics. Not so this year. By taking the unusual step to dismiss the members, the Biden EPA is sending a clear message: If the science doesnt give the Administration the answers it wants, then it will find new scientists. By throwing out a commitment to adhere to sound analytical practices, Bidens EPA may find it easier in the short run to justify expensive air regulations. But there will be long-run consequences. Ultimately what is at stake is the EPAs credibility. An openly hostile attitude to science and rigorous economic analysis will not just mean worse outcomes for citizensit will erode the publics trust in a system that many Americans already feel is working against them.
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesbroughel/2021/05/28/why-is-the-epa-denying-science-in-its-air-office/
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Why are some in Germany suggesting anti-Semitism is imported?
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Refugees are being blamed for anti-Semitism, but most anti-Jewish hate crimes are committed by right-wing extremists, according to police figures. Berlin, Germany Their words were loud and clear. Sh** Jews, sh** Jews, dozens chanted, as they stood in front of a synagogue in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen. It was mid-May and a few days earlier, Israeli security forces had stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, leading to a new round of fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military. A video of the impromptu Gelsenkirchen protest on May 12 circulated widely on German social media, causing significant concern about the anti-Semitism on display. What made it even worse, many said, was that this was not the only such incident. Elsewhere stones had been thrown at synagogues, Israeli flags burned and Holocaust memorials vandalised. Over the past few weeks, thousands have also attended pro-Palestine demonstrations in Germany. Several ended in violence. Widespread condemnation followed, as well as a theory about who was to blame. A host of a popular TV chat show asked guests: Why should we let young Muslims come here if all theyre going to do is spread anti-Semitism? A member of the Left party wrote on Facebook: If were being honest we must admit it: We have imported anti-Semitism. One need only look at the video to see that these people are foreigners. Former Chancellor-candidate, Markus Soeder, suggested that anti-Semitic hate crimes would be good reason for deportation. His colleague, Alexander Dobrindt, argued that any asylum seekers who attended the demonstrations should be forced out of Germany. Members of the German parliament demanded the countrys immigration and integration policies be reassessed. I would be happy if anti-Semitism in Germany was only imported, Abdassamad el Yazidi, the secretary-general of Germanys Central Council of Muslims, told Al Jazeera. Then we could solve it easily. But unfortunately, anti-Semitism is active in all parts of German society. We wont solve this problem by foisting it onto others. Jouanna Hassoun, head of the Berlin-based organisation, Transaidency, which focuses on intercultural exchange, said: It made me frustrated to hear most of those politicians. Because that is far too simplistic, its just a way of saying we are clean, its not our problem. It is obvious why some are arguing anti-Semitism is imported, said Meron Mendel, the director of the Anne Frank Educational Center in Frankfurt. Because of the countrys troubled history, anti-Semitism is not socially acceptable here, he explained. Its supposed to be something that only occurs among the others, the Arabs, or the migrants. Thats opposed to other Germans, who see themselves as world champions at memorial who have long since overcome anti-Semitism. In fact, the vast majority of anti-Semitic hate crimes in Germany have always come from local, white supremacist, right-wing extremists. The German police recorded a total of 2,351 anti-Semitic incidents in 2020. Of these, 95 percent, or 2,224, were committed by right-wing extremists. A further 71 were motivated by religious or foreign ideologies and for another 46, the reasons were unknown. As a further sign refugees and migrants have not been responsible for a rise in anti-Jewish sentiment, anti-Semitic hate crimes have not increased since 2015, the year that Germany allowed almost a million mostly Syrian refugees in. The number of anti-Semitic crimes committed by foreigners has remained under 100 almost every year since 2001. Spikes were recorded in 2009 and 2014, two years that saw significant fighting between Israel and Gaza. A 2018, multi-country study on whether migrants were bringing anti-Semitism to Europe drew similar conclusions. In their report, researchers led by the London-based Birkbeck Institute for the study of Antisemitism wrote that while European Jews had fears about migrants, there is no evidence that [Middle East, North African] migrants contribute significantly to anti-Semitism at the societal level. Some of these studies and statistics have been criticised in Germany; it has been suggested that police categories for politically motivated crimes are not adequately vetted. For example, if the perpetrator is unknown and, for example, vandalised a Holocaust monument, the crime is automatically included in the right-wing category. Additionally, anti-Semitism monitors who have conducted surveys of Jewish communities say some crimes go unreported. Part of the problem also revolves around the definition of anti-Semitic hate crimes. Some of the instances of recent anti-Semitism are clearly criminal acts, according to German law. But there is also some confusion, particularly at recent demonstrations. Commenting on the recent protests during an interview with the ZDF television channel, the interior minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, said that it was difficult for local police to intercede at protests because they could not always work out if chants, slogans or symbols were anti-Semitic. This is not just a problem for law enforcement. For example, at various pro-Palestinian marches, demonstrators held signs accusing Israel of being a baby-murdering nation. While younger protesters might explain that they carry baby murderer signs because 68 babies and children 66 in Gaza and two in Israel died in Mays fighting, German critics point to an historical aspect of anti-Semitism, a medieval myth that Jews used the blood of Christian children in religious rituals. It may well be that some of the demonstrators are not aware of those anti-Semitic ciphers, Anne Frank Center director Mendel conceded. But thats no excuse. Mendels suggested solution is better education. We need effective concepts against different forms of anti-Semitism in different social groups, not finger pointing, Mendel said. We have to look more carefully at the milieus in which antiSemitism is widespread and ask why. And that is not racist, he argues. It is something that requires empiric research and that doesnt just happen by looking at a few videos of demonstrations. At the centre, we have been working with these really complex dynamics for years now, he said. We know it is possible to work on the problem of anti-Semitism without lapsing into racism.
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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/28/in-germany-growing-suggestions-that-antisemitism-is-imported
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How many Covid vaccines go to waste?
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Close to 1.8 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the single largest vaccination campaign in the history of the world. As with any effort of this scale, it was bound to have some glitches. One of them has been the wastage of vaccine doses in transport, storage, or in clinic. While there is no centralized database of vaccine wastage rates globally, some countries collect the data piecemeal, and major wastage events are sometimes reported in local news outlets. The available data paint a picture of a problem that may be under-reported, that varies wildly across jurisdictions, and that is almost certain to get worse. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(pdf), vaccine wastage takes place under different circumstances, including: When vaccine vials spend too long outside of a given temperature range. When the person administering the vaccines doesnt use the full volume of doses contained inside each vial, because they dont have the right types of needles to extract them all, for example. When vaccines vials are opened but the doses in them arent used within a certain number of hours. When vaccines are not used by their expiry dates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)(pdf), 50% of vaccines are wasted around the world. That number is highly variable across countries, healthcare settings, and types of vaccines. But since there is typically no shortage of vaccines, its often considered the cost of doing business. Covid-19 vaccines are different. There isnt enough supply to meet the demand, and countries are racing against time and variants. In April, the French minister of health Olivier Veran (link in French) said that 25% of AstraZeneca, 20% of Moderna, and 7% of Pfizer vaccines currently go to waste in France. At that point, France had received about 5 million doses of AstraZenecas Covid-19 vaccine (French), which would mean that roughly 1.25 million doses were wasted. Major wastage events often make the news, such as when Malawi burned about 20,000 doses of expired AstraZeneca vaccines even though the WHO said they could still be used. A Hong Kong official recently warned the government might have to throw away millions of unused Pfizer jabs because not enough people are taking them. And 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine were destroyed after a tragic mix-up in a production plant. In the US, the wastage rate is low. According to the CDC, as of May 24, Covid-19 vaccine wastage nationally is approximately 0.44% of the more than 353 million doses that have been delivered to statesmeaning roughly 1.55 million doses. Thats likely to be an underestimate, says Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. Jha tells Quartz that he expects the true wastage rate to be closer to 1%, while Tinglong Dai, a professor of operations management and business analytics at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, believes it could be as high as 5%. Whats clear is that wastage is likely to go up over time, they say, as supply begins to outstrip demand in rich countries, while poor ones still struggle for access. Healthcare providers will be less careful with vials and people will stop showing up for extra doses at the end of the day. In the US, says Jha, I absolutely expect wastage numbers to go up.
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https://qz.com/2013918/some-countries-are-wasting-more-covid-19-vaccines-than-others/
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Who needs Paris?
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Presented by the World Economic Forum First in Global Translations French President Emmanuel Macron and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa are set this morning to launch a new drive for vaccine manufacturing in Africa, with the financial backing of the World Banks International Finance Corporation, and the development finance arms of the U.S., French and German governments. According to draft internal documents seen by Global Translations, the announcement is heavy on intent and light on financial and timeline details. Send your tips and thoughts: [email protected], or follow Ryan on Twitter. Mexico is in the run-up to June 6 mid-term Congressional elections, where citizens will also vote for 15 of the countrys 32 governorships. Etellekt, a political consultancy, tallies 88 political candidates or office holders have been murdered since September 2020; more than 280 have faced a violent attack. RUSSIA YOUR FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO GEOPOLITICS: An Austrian Airlines flight from Vienna to Moscow was canceled Thursday after Russia refused to authorize a new route avoiding Belarus, the airline said. That follows the cancellation of an Air France flight to Moscow for operational reasons after Russian authorities similarly refused to greenlight a new route. Aeroflot canceled a flight from Moscow to Vilnius after Lithuania barred arriving flights that have crossed over Belarus. With the EU severing flight links to Belarus, roughly half of Thursdays flights to and from Minsk were canceled. The U.N. International Civil Aviation Organizations governing council decided Thursday to conduct an investigation into the forced downing of a Ryanair flight Sunday, with an interim report planned for June 25. A series of shareholder actions and court judgments Wednesday, rather than an update to the global Paris Climate Agreement or a new U.S. law, may be remembered as the most important day of climate news in 2021. The new climate courses forced onto Exxon, Chevron and Shell could see Western-owned oil companies shift into a managed decline of fossil fuel production and towards greener forms of energy. Europe moves goalposts further left: It took years for shareholders to nudge American oil majors to be more European. The very day an activist investor group succeeded in electing two members to Exxons board and forcing new lobbying transparency measures, and Chevrons shareholders voted to reduce the companys emissions, a Dutch court ordered Shell to cuts its 2019 emissions levels by 45 percent by 2030. This monumental ruling reframes Shells climate legal obligations around the companys social license to operate rather than the companys financial interests. Shell must do its part to contribute to combating dangerous climate change, the court said. Donald Pols, director of Friends of the Earth Netherlands, which brought the case with 17,000 co-plaintiffs, said: The judge has left no room for doubt: Shell is causing dangerous climate change and must stop its destructive behavior now." Greenest and brownest oil companies: Carbon Tracker think tank released a report analyzing and ranking the net-zero commitments of the top 10 oil and gas producers. Italys Eni comes out on top, thanks to its existing 2030 emissions reduction target; Chevron and Exxon were bottom. Fightback Republican state governments mobilize to block banks dropping coal: A group of 15 Republican treasurers are threatening to remove their states assets from financial institutions who refuse to lend to or invest in the fossil fuel industry. FUTURE OF WORK EU TO CLOSE HALF ITS BUILDINGS: More than 90% of our staff is very much in favour of having two to three days per week of teleworking" said EU Administration Commissioner Johannes Hahn. That spells radical change for Brussels EU district one of the worlds least-loved administrative capitals and, if the trend spreads, will make it harder for governments to hit climate emissions targets unless they undertake expensive building renovations. Thats because private homes are usually less efficiently heated and cooled than newer, larger structures, reports Dave Keating. Emissions from private buildings in Europe are roughly double that from private transport canceling out any emissions saved from fewer people commuting. TAX DIGITAL TARIFFS ON OUR RADAR: U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai could be announcing tariffs resulting from investigations into a string of European governments implementing digital services taxes which are expected to deliver about $1.1 billion into European treasury departments in 2021. USTR has a June 6 statutory deadline to announce any action. That could make for awkward G-7 finance ministers meetings taking place today and June 4-5. The Trump administration collapsed global negotiations in 2020, when they were close to success. SOFT POWER RUSSIANS, CHINESE AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC IDEAS: Eurasia Group Foundation surveyed 5,000 people in 10 countries on how they view Americas role in the world under the Biden administration. Mark Hannah and Caroline Gray, the reports authors, write that they found a tension between Americas efforts to simultaneously project hard and soft power: hard power hinders rather than helps the promotion of American democracy, which itself has been undercut by Americas domestic problems with democracy. Surprising result: Russians and Chinese are more likely than Germans or Japanese to like American ideas of democracy. But interventionism and hypocrisy are key sore points: Those with unfavorable views of the U.S. are the ones who most dislike American interventionism, while the biggest reason for disliking American democracy was the U.S. idea of democracy is hypocritical ordinary voters dont actually have power. FREEDOM A LESS SENSATIONAL, MORE DANGEROUS JOURNALIST ARREST: By now you know about the dramatic arrest of Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich a horrible situation that is at least garnering the worlds attention, and the penalties governments are applying to Belarus as a result. The arrest of Danny Fenster, an American journalist detained at Yangon airport, represents a more immediate danger, and is a more common example of what happens when journalists are arrested for political reasons abroad. Frontier Myanmar, his employer, believes he was transferred to Yangon's Insein Prison, but Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.), who has been working to raise attention to Fensters arrest, told POLITICO that we have not received a response on his location or condition, nor has the family. The Committee to Protect Journalists Shawn Crispin has called for Fensters immediate release, but notes that he is the fourth foreign journalist to be detained in Myanmar since the February 1 military coup. A State Department spokesperson told my colleague Nahal Toosi the government is deeply concerned, adding that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy, Rangoon, have sought to visit Daniel, but have thus far not been afforded access to him by regime officials. The diplomats will continue to press for access, the spokesperson said. In this March 26, 2017, file photo, police detain journalist Raman Pratasevich, center, in Minsk, Belarus. | Sergei Grits/AP Photo SUMMITRY BIDEN DOES EUROPE SUMMIT WISH LISTS AND TESTS: Ahead of President Joe Bidens first foreign trip for G-7, NATO, EU and Russia summits interest groups have begun to issue their wish lists and measures to assess success or failure. Send your hopes and dreams to [email protected]. G-7 tests: Matthew Goodman at CSIS says the G-7 has a high bar to clear after years of political relegation at the hands of the G-20 and Donald Trump. Host Boris Johnson is determined that it should be not just a forum for leading economies, but an organizing space for defending democracy. The question is whether Johnson can engender a sense of unity of purpose among leaders and collective determination to deliver tangible action Goodman said. The biggest win would be a G-7 agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate, but China lurks behind almost every issue: summit guests Australia, India and South Korea have seen the sharp end of Beijings economic and diplomatic coercion, and its not pretty. Civil society voice ActionAid USAs wishlist: the G-7 should agree on an intellectual property waiver for Covid-19 vaccines, additional climate action and refocus an upcoming U.N. Food Systems Summit to agree that food is a human right. Open Skies Treaty a no-go: Ahead of a June 16 bilateral summit, the Biden administration informed Russia on Thursday that it will not rejoin the treaty enabling surveillance flights over military facilities that President Donald Trump withdrew from. The only major arms control treaty left between the nuclear powers is the New START treaty. Bidens Nordstream II truth serum: The president has acknowledged that his administration offered a sanctions waiver to the main company and CEO behind the Nordstream II gas corridor because the pipeline is virtually ready to open. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) let rip, calling the step back from sanctions "the cost of admission to the Putin summit on June 16. A message from the World Economic Forum: In his latest book Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works for Progress, People and Planet Professor Klaus Schwab shows us that there are ways for everyone at all levels of society to reshape the broken pieces of the global economy andcountry by country, company by company, and citizen by citizenglue them back together in a way that benefits us all. Buy your copy of Stakeholder Capitalism today. INCLUSIVE RECOVERY SPOTLIGHT HOW THE GLASS CEILING SURVIVED THE PANDEMIC: Emma Codd, Deloittes Global Inclusion Leader told Global Translations that non-inclusive behavior, ranging from harassment to microaggressions, has persisted even in a remote or hybrid working environment, calling the pervasiveness of such behavior a stark reality. Codd was speaking about a new survey by Deloitte of 5,000 women in 10 countries, which found that 52 percent of those surveyed said they experienced harassment or non-inclusive behavior during the past year. Twenty percent of the women surveyed plan to leave their employer within the next year, citing lack of work/life balance as the main reason. The number rises to 57 percent within two years. The pandemic severely blurred the lines between work and home, Codd said, meaning increasing workloads for all professionals because latent cultures of presenteeism carried over into our new video conference world. While policies are important, they arent going to make an impact if the organization doesnt have an inclusive everyday culture where employees can actually feel they can take advantage of policies like flexible hours and job-sharing. Leadership must set the tone from the top. she said. Women of color are three times more likely than white women to say they have heard negative comments about their communication style: 15 percent versus 5 percent. HOW TO REBUILD PUBLIC TRANSPORT AFTER THE PANDEMIC: 12 experts weigh in on how to get transit systems back on track, and be more inclusive of the people who need them most. POLITICO visualized Covids toll on transit and other American infrastructure. MORNING CONSULT INEQUALITY INDEX: A new Inequality Index based on data from 260,000 monthly interviews will track consumer confidence, employment outcomes, employment expectations and financial vulnerability. The first findings: while the economic recovery that began in January has produced a decrease in inequality, that trend stopped in May because of low job growth. GLOBETROTTERS RUFUS GIFFORD TO BE STATE DEPARTMENT CHIEF OF PROTOCOL: The announcement could come as early as today, my colleagues at West Wing Playbook report. Gifford was a deputy campaign manager for Biden during the general election and was ambassador to Denmark during the Obama administration. TRENDING TRANSATLANTIC DIPLOMATIC HANGOVERS: Its the diplo equivalent of getting drunk at prom. Officials, foreign diplomats and journalists are ditching their masks and diving right back into the social scene in Washington and Brussels, and finding the next morning that they had one or two okay, several drinks too many. But based on the text messages Global Translations has been receiving, theyve never been so grateful for a sore head. Summer party season is back: The Italian embassy opens up Villa Firenze Jun. 1 to celebrate Italian National Day and to farewell Amb. Armando Varricchio. Theyll be looking to outdo the Brits, who were treated at their summer reception Wednesday night to a spontaneous toast by presidential adviser Symone Sanders to the unbreakable bond across the pond. CHANGE AT POLITICO EUROPE: POLITICOs sister publication dominates the Brussels media scene, and will have a new CEO from June 15 Claire Boussagol, who joins from leading APCO Worldwides Paris and Brussels offices, succeeding Shhrazade Semsar-de Boissson, a Georgetown board member who led the company from its 2015 founding. Semsar-de Boissson will remain on the publications advisory board. GLOBAL PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY: Over 1,000 parliamentarians and experts from 135 countries connected this week for the 142nd assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. MPs love elections and awards, so of course they created a new award for the MP of the year (yet to be awarded). And they elected Egypts Sahar Albazar a Harvard graduate as president of the IPUs Young Parliamentarians forum, and Ukraines Lesia Vasylenko as president of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. A message from the World Economic Forum: In his latest book Stakeholder Capitalism: A Global Economy that Works for Progress, People and Planet Professor Klaus Schwab reimagines our global economy so it becomes more sustainable and prosperous for all. By accurately describing our real situation, Stakeholder Capitalism pinpoints achievable ways to deal with our problems. Chapter by chapter, Professor Schwab shows us that there are ways for everyone at all levels of society to reshape the broken pieces of the global economy and country by country, company by company, and citizen by citizen glue them back together in a way that benefits us all. Buy your copy of Stakeholder Capitalism today. BRAIN FOOD THE PRICE OF MONOPOLY: New York Universitys Thomas Philippon has estimated that monopolies led by the tech sector cost each American household an average $300 a month. EXPORTING AUTHORITARIANISM: Freedom Houses Nate Schenkkan explains why the Belarus skyjacking isnt just an isolated act of evil, but part of trend where authoritarian regimes increasingly seek to apply the brutal tactics they use at home to exiles and members of diasporas. Additional Freedom House research. REBOOT: Global Translations welcomes another global policy podcast into the arena, Foreign Policys Global Reboot, which launched this week with a John Kerry interview. Thanks to editor Ben Pauker and Nahal Toosi. Follow us on Twitter Ryan Heath @PoliticoRyan
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https://www.politico.com/newsletters/global-translations/2021/05/28/who-needs-paris-493046
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Is Australia going back into lockdown?
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Travel: Calder discusses potential green list countries top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox 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. New covid cases have been detected in parts of Melbourne forcing officials to take quick action in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. Australia has been praised in the past for its handling of the virus by enforcing strict area-specific restrictions whenever new cases of the virus emerged. New restrictions were brought in across Melbourne today as a small number of people have tested positive for the virus. So far the Australian approach has been to enforce localised lockdowns early to contain outbreaks. On May 25 new restrictions were introduced across Greater Melbourne in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus. Melbourne has seen the number of Covid infections rise READ MORE Australia on verge of 'absolute economic crisis' amid mice plague Caps on the number of people who could meet were introduced. A maximum of five people a day could meet for household gatherings, while a limit of 30 people was imposed for public gatherings. Mask wearing while indoors also became mandatory for all those aged 12 and over unless exempt. The decision came to impose restrictions after Health Minister Martin Foley said earlier that week a decision would be made as more information came to light. Australia has dealt with covid outbreaks well in the past Mr Foley said: Were not ruling further measures in or out and as further information comes to hand the evidence will determine our response. Deakin University Chair of Epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told Sky news that previous covid outbreaks have proven that lockdowns are not always necessary if contact tracing is done quickly and effectively. Professor Bennett said if the area sees a surge in cases over the next few days then a circuit break in the form of a lockdown may be imposed to help contain the spread. Greater Melbourne faces tougher new restrictions READ MORE Hand luggage: Expert shares 'common mistake' passengers often make Those hoping to travel to Melbourne soon might have to wait a little longer as it is unknown whether the city will face a full lockdown. Although Australia is currently on the UKs green list under the Governments traffic light system, Australian officials are reluctant to allow travellers from abroad to help stop the spread of variants across their country. Despite being on the UKs green list, Australia has closed its doors to UK tourists. Only those with Australian citizenship and returning permanent residents can enter the country along with their immediate family members. Trending
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https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1442689/Is-Australia-going-back-into-lockdown-evg
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Will Iraq buckle and give Iran-backed militias a free run?
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Insight As pro-Iranian militias lay a siege around Baghdad's high-security zone, where top offices and embassies are located, experts see it as yet another test for the Iraqi government to restore its compromised sovereignty. Iran-backed militias have adopted arm-twisting tactics against the Iraqi government after one of its top commanders Qasem Musleh was arrested on May 26. In the past two days, hordes of Shiite militias have arrived in Baghdad and encircled the capital city's high-security area called the Green Zone, where foreign embassies, diplomatic missions and the government's top headquarters are located. The arrest of Hashd al Shaabi commander Qasem Musleh came on the heels of a prominent social activist Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni's assassination in the city of Karbala on May 9. According to regional experts, the will of Iran-backed militias have largely prevailed over the Iraqi government ever since the US withdrawal from the country began in 2007, and it's now become increasingly hard for the government to rein in these armed groups. The recurrence of these incidents (the siege of Green Zone) tells us of the rise in the power of militias and the decline in the strength of the government and its security forces, Watheq Alsadoon, an expert on Iraq at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies(ORSAM) in Ankara, told TRT World. The current face-off between the two sides have raised the spectre of full-blown violent confrontation. In June 2020, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella organisation of over 40 Shiite armed groups, threatened the Iraqi government with a missile strike on a diplomatic mission in Baghdad. The strike did not happen, but the threat in itself became a strong indicator of how weak and helpless the Iraqi government was in the face of Iran-backed militias. Alsadoon, however, ruled out the possibility of a violent clash between the government and militias, saying there is "no real and clear will on the part of the government to stand up to the militias". "And we always find that the government retreats at the last moment from its firm steps against militias, he added. As hundreds of heavily armed PMF, also known as Hashd al Shabi, laid siege around the Green Zone, Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi condemned what many see as a show of strength. Prime Minister Kadhimi called it a serious violation of the Iraqi constitution and the laws in force. We have directed an immediate investigation into these movements, the prime minister added. According to Alsadoon, Prime Minister Kadhimi's remarks suggest that the government wants to restore its "prestige, security and sovereignty on the Iraqi streets", and this sort of posturing may lead to a major confrontation, a decisive moment that is "not foreseen in the near term so far". Musleh, the militia commander who was detained on Wednesday, is the head of the PMF in Anbar province. The PMF is the largest militia in the country, formed to defeat Daesh in 2014. It consists of several splinter groups full of Shiite fighters who are backed by Iran. Musleh was being questioned by a joint investigative committee from the Joint Co-operation Command, Interior Ministry and Military Intelligence Services, National Security and PM Security Department. "The operation does not target any military or security party, as rumours from the promoters of sedition, and that all military and security services are under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," the countrys Security Media Cell said in a statement. Musleh is the head of the Popular Mobilization Forces in Anbar province. The PMF is a state-sanctioned group comprised of an array of militias formed to defeat Daesh in 2014. Among the most powerful members of the group are Iran-backed Shiite militia groups. Iraqi security forces and the elite Counter-Terrorism Service were moved to protect the government institutions and diplomatic missions from the looming threat of militias. Musleh is accused of corruption and complicity in the assassinations of Iraqi activists in the southern city of Karbala, four officials told AP on the condition of anonymity. Since 2019, nearly 30 Iraqi activists, all of them seeking reform and no Iranian interference in the countrys internal affairs, have been shot dead by unknown gunmen. Several dozen reformists have been abducted, too. The most recent assassination of Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni triggered protests against the PMF militias. Although no group claimed responsibility for the killing, protesters and local experts point at Iran and its militias for being behind all the assassinations. Protesters gathered outside the Iranian Consulate in Karbala after Waznis assassination on May 9 to condemn Irans role in aiding and abetting these militias. In 2019, similar protests erupted and protesters made some attempts to burn down Iranian consulates both in Najaf and Karbala, the holy cities for Shias in Iraq. Waznis family has accused Musleh of killing Ihab. "We charged him with the murder of my brother Ihab. My mother filed a lawsuit against him. We are sure that he was the mastermind of my brother's assassination," Marwan al-Wazni told MEE. Mother of slain Karbala activist Ehab al-Wazni says that PMF commander Qasim Musleh had threatened her son directly. Musleh once told my son, if there is only one day left in my life, I will use it to kill you," she said. https://t.co/TnLK60SiiL Louisa Loveluck (@leloveluck) May 27, 2021 Although Prime Minister Kadhimi has repeatedly promised to punish the perpetrators of the activists' assassinations, no one has been brought to justice thus far. This time, however, the government arrested Musleh and launched a probe into Ihlab's assassination, earning the praise of foreign governments. The UK welcomed the investigation against Musleh and his groups, saying: "Any arrest case should run its course, as goes for any Iraqi. Any arrest case should run its course, as goes for any Iraqi. And surely, nobody should resort to a show of force to get their way. Such behaviour weakens the Iraqi state and further erodes public trust. State institutions must be respected at all times. Nobody is above the law. Jeanine Hennis (@JeanineHennis) May 26, 2021 But social media was abuzz with rumours of Musleh's release on Friday. Faleh Al-Khazali, an Iraqi parliamentarian from the Al-Fateh Alliance (which includes the majority of the Popular Mobilization factions), announced via Twitter, "The release of the Anbar Operations Commander, Qasem Musleh, and his receipt by the Hashd Security, and the legal contexts must be respected." The Iraqi government is yet to make any clarification on the matter, however. Source: TRT World
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https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/will-iraq-buckle-and-give-iran-backed-militias-a-free-run-47075
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What is Katie Taylor's net worth as she stars on RTE Late Late Show?
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Sign up to our FREE newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes please! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Katie Taylor stars on the RTE Late Late Show tonight as she sits down to discuss her boxing career. The undisputed lightweight queen will join Ryan Tubridy in her first in-depth interview on the show since turning professional five years ago. It's been an incredible nine months for the Bray boxer, who has notched wins over Delfine Persoon, Miriam Gutierrez and Natasha Jonas to continue her unbeaten record. And ahead of tonight's appearance, we looked at how much the 34-year-old could be worth: Katie Taylor net worth (Image: Dave Thompson/Matchroom) Taylor's exact net worth is not explicitly known, however she was sitting on a cash pile of over 1.5 million according to filed accounts in 2019. She is thought to be the highest paid female boxer in the world by some distance, and earns six-figure sums for most of her fights as well as various sponsorship deals that come with being boxing's lightweight queen. And after fights against Delfine Persoon and Miriam Gutierrez in 2020, her net worth would likely have increased again after her win over Natasha Jonas earlier this month. She's understood to have received another nice pay cheque for beating Jonas, and will be lined up for another fight later this year.
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https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/other-sport/boxing/what-katie-taylors-net-worth-24203269
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When is the FastCat evening service coming back?
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Since Wightlinks FastCat was reinstated following Lockdown #2, the late night service has remained suspended. The last FastCat from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight is 8.20pm, meaning Islanders going out in Portsmouth or Southsea are limited in where they can go and how long they can stay on the other side of the water. It also means the latest train from London that someone can catch and expect to cross the Solent using the catamaran is 6.30pm from Waterloo. However, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic it was possible to catch a train from Waterloo at 9pm, connect with the 10.45pm sailing from Portsmouth Harbour and travel back to Ryde, Shanklin, Ventnor and Wroxall by Island Line train and Southern Vectis bus. Seamless connection from London Clearly not everyone is bothered about getting back from London in the evening, but there are a number of people who live here and carry out work for clients up there. The advantage to the Island as a whole is that it brings money to the Island to be spent here. Forced to use car One Wightlink commuter tells News OnTheWight they have been trying to seek clarity from the ferry operator as to when they intend to reinstate the late night service, but has not had much luck. The commuter says, At a time when it is imperative to reduce carbon emissions, Wightlink seem to plan to force Island residents to use cars instead of more sustainable modes of transport or just stay at home. If this is to be a permanent arrangement then the millions of pounds spent on upgrading the Island Line will be largely wasted. Wightlink: Unable to share information about future timetable changes The response that the commuter received from Wightlink when he asked whether and when the late night service would be reinstated reads: I can understand you being eager to get back to travelling later in the evening! Unfortunately, we are unable to share any information about future timetable changes, although we always make sure that customers are the first to know when changes are confirmed. We are delighted to have started to reopen for business on all our usual routes and are monitoring passenger numbers carefully to ensure we are meeting the needs of customers in a way thats sustainable for our business. Wightlink: Get the car ferry News OnTheWight has also contacted Wightlink to see whether they are able to shed any more light on the situation. The response we received was, Currently we are carrying less than 50 per cent of normal passenger numbers on the FastCats and no decision has been taken on running more services. Car ferries from Fishbourne to Portsmouth operate later in the evening and theres plenty of room for foot passengers. Using the car ferry does not have the advantage of landing in at Ryde where they is easy access to the train line (when its working) or the range of bus routes. For many living in Venntor, Shanklin, Sandown etc, Fishbourne is effectively in the middle of nowhere. Appeal to MP The Island commuter also got in touch with the MPs office, appealing for Bob Seely to contact Wightlink and ask them to clarify their long term plans for the Ryde Pier to Portsmouth Harbour catamaran service. Bob Seelys office have advised that this matter has now been raised with Wightlink. Nationalise the Catamaran The commuter also asked the MP to speak with the Secretary of State for Transport about the FastCat. He says, After all, its raison detre is to connect two rail terminals. He didnt get a response to that question, but has chased it up and well update once we hear back.
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https://onthewight.com/when-is-the-fastcat-evening-service-coming-back/
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Will the Ravens Make Lamar Jackson the NFL's Highest-Paid QB?
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OWINGS MILLS, Md. The Ravens and Lamar Jackson have kicked the tires on a contract extension. Those discussions could heat up in the coming weeks. Patrick Mahomes jolted the market for quarterbacks with a 10-year extension worth up to $503 million with the Chiefs. The deal is the most lucrative in North American sports history, surpassing the previous mark set by Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who signed a 12-year, $426.5 million deal in 2019. Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson inked a four-year, $156 million extension in September and that would be a better model for a potential new deal for Jackson. Quarterback Dak Prescott reached a four-year, $160 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He reportedly gets $126 million in guaranteed money and he will earn $75 million dollars next season, the most of any player in a single season in NFL history. General manager Eric DeCosta said earlier this offseason that Prescott's deal won't impact negotiations with Jackson. "I think when you look at a contract like Dak's, and hes a great player As an executive, when youre talking about these kinds of contracts, its like if you go to the Bentley dealership or the Ranger Rover dealership, you know what the cars are going to cost," DeCosta said. "Youre not going to get much of a discount; they all cost about the same. You go in there with the idea that youre either going to buy the car, or youre not going to buy the car. "So, all of these contracts, there are bells and whistles, and theyre all different in some ways, and theyre all alike in some ways. There are a lot of different ways to look at these contracts. Theres average. There are guarantees. Theres money in the first three years, cash flow and all these different things, time length and all of that. But in the end, theyre all very big contracts for outstanding players. Theyre quarterback deals. Theyre marquee players, and you know youre going to pay a lot, but youre going to get a lot in return. Jackson ultimately will be looking for a deal worth around $40 million or higher per season. The Ravens picked up his fifth-year portion earlier this month, which cost the team $23.016 million. Jackson has stated his desire to stay in Baltimore. But ultimately, it will be a costly endeavor for the franchise. I spoke with Mr. EDC probably like a month or two ago. I would love to be here forever," Jackson said. "I love Baltimore. I love the whole organization. I love everybody in the building. But hopefully, well be making something happen pretty soon or whenever.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/ravens-jackson052821
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Will Rafael Nadal Leave His Mark of Greatness at Roland Garros or Will Djokovic Stop The Spanish Juggernaut?
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The legend of Rafael Nadal will once again descend on the red clay courts at Paris as the Spaniard sets sights on Grand Slam history at Roland Garros that gets underway from May 30th, 2021 onwards with LIVE action on Star Sports Select and Disney+ Hotstar VIP. The 14th title in Paris for Nadal would take him to a record-setting 21st Grand Slam, surpassing the great Roger Federer. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is all set to challenge Nadals rein this year, and a win will take him to 19 Grand Slam titles. Also Read - Novak Djokovic Reaches Belgrade Open Semifinals Meanwhile, Federer, with his 40th birthday approaching near, will be the cynosure of all eyes as he returns from injury, but his priority will be to bounce back at Wimbledon where he has been champion eight times. Two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem is currently vying for an opportunity to bounce back from his straight-sets defeat to Cameron Norrie in the Lyon opener. World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev has yet to win a match at Roland Garros in four attempts, while World No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas is pitted to be the most likely player to create an upset. Also Read - Rafael Nadal Remains at No.3 in ATP Rankings 2021 After Winning Italian Open, Novak Djokovic Continues to Dominate Tally In the womens field, 2020 Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek looks confident to defend her crown especially after adding the Rome title to her tally this month. World No.1 Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka, both who did not feature last year, will mark their comeback this season and could pose a threat to the Pole. The 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, who has not had a good run of form on clay, also features in the list and is a star attraction on court. The excellent Petra Kvitova has been promising, but she has never won the French Open and has never been in a Roland Garros final. Indias challenge for the French Open ended after Sumit Nagal could not make a hat-trick of Grand Slam main draw appearances following a straight-set defeat to Alejandro Tabilo from Chile in the second round of the French Open Qualifying event in Paris. Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Guneswaran and Ankita Raina have already exited from the tournament. Now, India will be represented through Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan in the mens doubles main draw.
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https://www.india.com/sports/will-rafael-nadal-leave-his-mark-of-greatness-at-roland-garros-or-will-djokovic-stop-the-spanish-juggernaut-4698728/
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Will the RBI low interest rates?
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https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/will-the-rbi-low-interest-rates-202105281419
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Can Lovie's Texans Win With Jacob Martin and Jonathan Greenard Switching Positions?
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"That transition going down,'' Culley said, "(is) because of the type of players that that they are.'' The Houston Texans now feature a new 4-3 defense ... now featuring linebackers being converted into defensive ends. Jonathan Greenard and Jacob Martin came to Houston as linebackers to fit into a 3-4 defense. There is a change in the way Greenard and Martin - who have played their entire career at linebacker - line up. A football player is a football player,'' said new head coach David Culley. "Those guys right there are two guys that are able to put their hands down on the ground and be productive players ... It is really not a big adjustment other than the fact that you understand right now its a little bit dirtier down there than it is when youre playing with your hands up. "Those guys understand that and those guys have embraced that. Culley is right in the sense that the job of getting to the ball-carrier and getting to the QB is unchanged. But there is a "transition'' here as the Texans, right or wrong, prioritize "system'' over the particular talents of certain players ... Unless this ends up being a win-win for Greenard, for Martin and for Houston. READ MORE: Houston 'Hot Seat' As Texans Coach Culley Talks Watson, OTAs "I have no problem with it, whether I'm standing up or hand in dirt," Greenard said back in March. "I mean, I really just want to play. Just tell me what I need to do.'' Greenard, who played some end in high school, was drafted last year by the Texans as an outside linebacker from Florida. At 6-3, 263, he may want to get bigger in order absorb some of the abuse he will take as a D-lineman. Martin, who was listed as a defensive end coming out of high school, begins his third season in Houston after being acquired as an outside linebacker from the Seahawks in the 2019 trade featuring Jadeveon Clowney. Martin is 6-2, 242, and again, not the ideal size for the position. But ... "That transition going down,'' Culley said, "(is) because of the type of players that that they are.'' Maybe. Or maybe it's because Smiths is changing Houston's D to a 4-3, and the present guys on the roster are being dragged along as part of the alteration. But that doesn't prevent this from working ... as long as "football players are football players.'' READ MORE: With Rookie QB Davis Mills Signed, The Houston Texans Post-Deshaun Era Begins
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https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/lovie-texans-win-jacob-martin-jonathan-greenard-switching-positions
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Can We Apply the DRY Principle to Business Intelligence?
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Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro's latest novel Klara and the Sun, his first since receiving the award in literature in 2017, has some relevance for policymakers and ordinary citizens across the globe. The main protagonist in this dystopian science fiction story is Klara, an artificial friend (AF)a human-like teenager who behaves and thinks almost like her cohort of the same age and is a fast learner, as any device or robot using artificial intelligence (AI) can be expected to be. However, what we also learn is that if robots, even if they are super-intelligent, are allowed to make decisions that affect the lives of humans, it might lead to unintended consequences unless there are strict guidelines protecting privacy and other individual rights.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260703064063/can-we-apply-the-dry-principle-to-business-intelligence
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What does 2022 cap news mean for Dolphins young talent?
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The final figure for the 2022 salary cap is yet to be determined, but at the very least we should expect to see a rebound after the salary cap reduction of 2021. Seeing the cap dip by approximately $15M this offseason was a major unforeseen wrinkle for most NFL franchises who promptly needed to pivot with any number of adjusted strategies to fill out their rosters. For some, it meant cutting talent. Contract restructures. It meant bridging the gap with one-year contracts at several key positions and relying on their young talent developing at others. Granted, Miami still found some room for notable signings like WR Will Fuller and backup QB Jacoby Brissett. But both are in Miami on one-year contracts and the team will need to be keeping a watchful eye on both talents and their long-term viability with the team. Some of that, of course, will be rooted in the price being right. But the 2022 salary cap ceiling as been set this week after the NFLPA and NFL owners agreed upon a figure of $208.2M for the cap ceiling. Thats great news, given that its some $23M higher than the current cap although expecting the league to hit that ceiling may be ambitious. In reality, it will probably fall somewhat short of that number. But such a lofty ceiling indicates an expectation that, via television deals and the return of full capacity stadiums, the league will have plenty of financial spending power incoming for teams and a major leap in the cap is still expected. If the cap checked in at $208.2M, the Dolphins would currently be scheduled to own over $66.5M in cap space, with plenty of additional room available to be created. And thats great news for talents like Fuller and Brissett, 2020 free agent addition Emmanuel Ogbah and talents drafted by the team like Mike Gesicki and Jerome Baker. If the cap were stagnant, the Dolphins would likely be facing a very difficult decision about signing X number of talents and letting Y number of talents walk in free agency as each of the big four starters from that group (Fuller, Ogbah, Gesicki and Baker) are likely to command annual average salaries on their next contracts that exceed $10M per season. For Gesicki and Baker, that may feel lofty. But Baker is a three-down linebacker who enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2020 with more complementary talent around him on defense and Gesicki is a rising talent who plays an x-factor position that weve seen a major increase in spending on over the last year thanks to market resets from Austin Hooper, Travis Kelce and George Kittle (plus two $12.5M contracts given out by New England this year in free agency). Fuller already commands $10M+ this season and a long-term extension would mean things went well in 2021 and Miami wont get him for cheap if that is the case. And Ogbah, who averages $7.5M per season, was the teams best pass rusher in 2020 and would warrant a raise if hes back. But again, theres good news for the Dolphins in the news of the cap ceiling. Theres about to be an influx in spending power, which means Miami could retain all four of these young talents to be cornerstone pieces to the team and then simultaneously, courtesy of salary cap manipulation via signing bonuses and otherwise, have plenty of room in 2022 to add any key pieces the team deems necessary to add into the fray, too.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/does-2022-cap-news-mean-142249251.html?src=rss
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Should Hamden change the way it elects at-large council members?
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HAMDEN A proposal to change how Hamden elects at-large council members was dismissed by the Charter Revision Commission after it sparked sparring between two elected officials. Brad Macdowall, a Democrat on the Legislative Council who pitched the idea, has said he wants voters to have a say about every at-large member who represents them. But Republican Councilwoman Marjorie Bonadies accused him of attempting to dismantle minority party representation, which Macdowall denies. Macdowall last week asked the Charter Revision Commission to increase the number of at-large members residents can vote for, from four to six the number actually elected. But he wanted to safeguard minority party representation, he said, by maintaining the cap of four candidates per party. Currently, 15 representatives sit on the Legislative Council. Nine of them represent town districts while the rest are at-large members. Contributed photo But when residents go to the polls to decide which six at-large candidates win office, they can only cast votes for four of those running for the seats. When each of us enters our voting booths in November, we are greeted by instructions that tell us to Vote For Any Four of the at-large candidates listed even though six winners will be chosen and end up representing us, he told the CRC. The result is that each of us here in Hamden is directly represented by two local legislators whose seats we did not have the opportunity to vote for. Macdowall stressed the importance of minority party representation, suggesting the town maintain the cap written into its current charter, where a clause in line with state statute says each major or minor party ... may nominate up to four (4) candidates for the members at large. But Bonadies, who spoke of a need to have balance and diversity of thought in government, was skeptical. She pointed to the 2019 municipal election, when two registered Democrats ran for council on the Working Families Party ticket. If youre allowed to pick six, then you could pick all four Democrats and the Working Families Party candidates, she said, calling Macdowalls proposal a smokescreen for his real motivation, which is to destroy the two-party system. Macdowall rejected her contention. To say that the Democrats would coordinate with the Working Families Party is completely off-base, Macdowall said, noting that many Democrats were upset about the 2019 Working Families Party candidates. Its a sorry excuse for asking that we continue to be represented by two people that we didnt have the opportunity to vote for, he said. If you cant come in the top six of 10 candidates, why do you feel entitled to lead? According to the CRCs legal adviser Steven Mednick, Macdowalls plan would not have been viable due to Connecticut General Statute 9-414. No town committee, caucus or convention shall endorse and certify to the clerk of a municipality, and no primary shall choose, more candidates for nomination to municipal office or more persons as members of a town committee than an elector may vote for in each such case, the statute says. The way the statutes interpreted by the Secretary of (the) State is that we cant locally reduce the partys capacity, Mednick said. We cant by charter revision create a restriction that doesnt exist in state law. Gabe Rosenberg, spokesman for the Connecticut Secretary of the States Office, confirmed Mednicks interpretation was accurate and came from CGA 9-414s interplay with another statute, CGA 9-167a, which lays out minority party representation requirements. Macdowall said he did not know there would be a problem because the wording of CGA 9-414 does not appear to preclude towns from limiting nominees beyond the restrictions set out by the state. But he maintains there are other options. The town still could allow electors to vote for six candidates but ensure only four candidates from the same party are allowed to take office, he said. Mednick confirmed that due to minority party representation requirements, only four members of the same party can hold at-large council seats. Since the remaining nine seats are decided by district, the party requirements do not apply, he continued. Setting limits on how many candidates voters can choose avoids the spectacle of having a majority party that ends up winning all six seats, and you have to knock two people off, he said. The CRC briefly discussed Macdowalls proposal this week but did not pursue it after Mednick said the town could not maintain the cap of four candidates per party if it allowed voters to choose six. That does not mean the issue is over and done with. The charter still awaits approval from the council, which could ask the CRC to make changes. Macdowall said he wants to gauge the support of my colleagues but likely will raise the issue again, adding that he also intends to look at how Board of Education members are elected. You should be able to vote for every single seat that represents you, he said. I dont understand why thats a controversial idea. [email protected]
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https://www.nhregister.com/metro/article/Should-Hamden-change-the-way-it-elects-at-large-16210129.php
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Is there another Maratha agitation in the horizon?
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After a series of discussions with top Maharashtra leaders, cutting across political parties, Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Chhatrapati on Friday urged the political class to come together and set an ultimatum of June 5 to resolve the vexed Maratha reservation issue. Sambhaji Chhatrapati, who comes from the direct lineage of legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformer Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj of Kolhapur, is widely respected in Maharashtra. Sambhaji Chhatrapati, who hails from the Kolhapur royal family, will announce his next course of action on June 6, the anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With folded hands as the (13th) descendent of (Shivaji) Maharaj, I pleadplease come together for the poor Marathas and farmers, Sambhaji Chhatrapati said after two days of multiple meetings with Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Devendra Fadnavis, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Ashok Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat and MNS President Raj Thackeray. He is also slated to meet Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi founder Prakash Ambedkar. Read | Those who got jobs when Maratha quota was in force be given appointment letters: Patil He also urged the government to call a two-day special session of the Maharashtra Legislature to discuss the issue. Let this session be a decisive session for the Maratha community.let us not point fingers at each other, he said. He is also planning to have a round table conference in New Delhi on August 9, which coincides with the August Kranti din. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the date to file curative petition over Maratha reservation has been postponed. The government has to deliberate carefully before filing the petition so that there is no error. This is the responsibility of both, State and Centre, he said. The procedure should be undertaken under Article 342 A. This is my warning to the government, if no solution is found till 6 June, then we will begin an agitation from Raigad, he said.
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https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/is-there-another-maratha-agitation-in-the-horizon-991175.html
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How to Start & Register a Food Truck Business in 2021?
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For young entrepreneurs and startups, who are planning for a career in Food market, taking a small start and then gradually spreading the business is the safest solution, because the food industry has quite a high level of competition, so its better not to jump straight in right away. Therefore for those who are looking for a fortune in the restaurant business, it is always suggested to start from the lowest and cheapest option. And when it comes to cheap food business ideas, Food truck stands on the top, as it needs quite little investment and has a great demand. After all, in such busy lives, everyone is looking for a nice cozy corner to take a cheap yet tasty food break. So for starting a Food Truck Business, you have to make sure you follow the right steps so that your business kicks off with a smooth start. Give a detailed look at the below-discussed steps, they will help you lead your way to start a perfect food truck business. Steps to Start a Food Truck Business Select the Business Structure Even though its just a small truck food business, it still requires a properly defined business structure. You can choose other of the business structure you want either it be an incorporation, a sole-proprietorship, an LLC or an S-corporation, It entirely depends upon you, however if you want to save your business from double taxation, then option for an LLC is the best option for you, or you can also choose Sole-proprietorship to avoid double taxation in case you dont have any partners. Write Down Your Business Plan Write a detailed plan for your food truck business comprising all the steps you ought to take while setting it up. It must include the whole budget plan with estimated capital, resources, product line, your primary food products and other food items you plan to serve along with it. Choose a perfect name for your food truck business, make sure it is available and patent-free. The Name should be trendy and unique but should match your niche, also dont forget to apply for its patent or someone else might snatch it from you. Once done with reserving a name, now develop a catchy logo that attracts the customer on the very first sight. Also, apply for the patent for the logo too as it will serve as a trademark for your business. Register Your Business Then comes the legal registration of your business. It doesnt matter if your business is as small as a food truck or as big as a multinational restaurant, it needs legal registration to proceed further. So make sure to register your food truck business on the first go, you can either register it by yourself or can hire any of the best business formation service providers to get the work done for you. You can click here to find the right LLC registration service for you. Apply for the License and Permits Along with registration, applying for licenses and permits is also crucial to avoid any legal inquiries, because food business is a health-related business, which makes it a sensitive niche therefore you must have complete permission from the government to run any such type of business that involves selling and buying of food. So once you are finished with registering your business, apply for the license and permits either by visiting the food authority office in person, or online via the official website. Plan the Costs Your next step is to plan and estimate the cost that youre gonna need for setting up your business. It must include the whole estimation of each and every expected expense such as supplies, the truck, marketing fees etc. Get the Funds and Capital Done with the estimation, now start collecting the capital. You must have already set aside an amount for your business, but youre gonna need more than that because once you start spending, more expenses will start to pop out. So you have to get the funds from all your resources. You can either apply for a business loan from the bank (many banks offer special opportunities for small businesses), or ask your friends and relatives to lend you some amount. Assure them that you will pay it back as soon as your business thrives so that they dont hesitate. Buy a Food Truck Now its time to get the game on. Start by buying a food truck, the main aspect of your business. Buying a vehicle is gonna cost a lot. You can consider that a big chunk of your capital will be spent on it, the rest of the expenses are just the babies. If you dont have much resources, you can also rent a truck instead of buying it. Or if your budget is limited then going for a second-hand used truck is also a great idea. However, the best option is to buy a new one as it comes with lesser problems. Make sure to get the insurance of your truck. Get all the Essential Supplies Youre also gonna need to buy some essential supplies for your food truck business. The main one includes crockery like cooking equipment, plates, glasses, cups, forks, knives, spoons, cutting boards etc. Electric equipment such as microwaves, air fryers, kettles, oven, electric stove (or you can also go with the gas one), refrigerators, ice machines etc. other supplies might include tissues, napkins, hand towels, trash cans, and sanitizers. Launch Your Business Once all is set, launch your business and make it live. Find a suitable place for your truck like in front of a coffee shop or a public park. Just set your truck, do a bit of advertising and customers will start coming towards you. Make sure to keep the prices as affordable as possible so that all types of people can buy from your truck.
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https://thefrisky.com/start-register-food-truck-business/
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Can Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Beat Classic 350 in Top-End Drag Race?
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Currently, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is the only motorcycle in the Chennai-based companys entire product lineup thats based on the firms new 350cc platform. The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 built on the same platform has been spotted several times in the past undergoing testing. While we are still waiting for the new model to come out, lets see how does the existing one perform against the Meteor 350. So, heres a video that shows a top-end drag race between the two motorcycles. Before we start with the video, lets have a quick look at the specs of both motorcycles. The Meteor 350 has got 20.2 bhp of max power and 27 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, 19.1 bhp and 28 Nm is what we get in the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Also Read: Watch Foreign Media Review RE Meteor 350 - VIDEO Aspects Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Engine type Single-cylinder, air-oil cooled, fuel-injected Single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected Displacement 349cc 346cc Max power 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm 19.1 bhp at 5250 rpm Max torque 27 Nm at 4000 rpm 28 Nm at 4000 rpm Gearbox 5-speed 5-speed Now, coming to the drag race, we can see in the video that in the first race attempt, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is quicker off the line, perhaps, because of the 1 Nm extra torque. However, it isnt able to pull away from and the Meteor 350 easily gets past. Since then, theres no looking back for the Meteor as it continues to gain speed and increase the gap from the Classic. It manages to touch 120 kmph and wins the race. Even the Classic 350 also reaches 120 kmph, however, it takes its sweet to attain this speed. The riders switch motorcycles for the second race attempt to keep things fair and square. Once again, the Meteor 350 takes the lead without breaking a sweat. With a top speed of just over 120 kmph, it wins the race by a considerable margin. On the other hand, this time, the Classic 350 falls just short of 120 kmph and finishes second. So, even though the output figures of both motorcycles are nearly identical, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 easily beats the Classic 350 in both races. For more such interesting stories, keep checking IndianAutosBlog.com.
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https://indianautosblog.com/royal-enfield-meteor-350-classic-350-drag-race-p323721
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When is Nicola Sturgeons briefing today to decide if Glasgow goes to Level 2?
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NICOLA Sturgeon will confirm if Glasgow is moving to Level 2 rules TODAY. The First Minister is making a return to the podium today, with the daily briefings now a thing of the past. Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates 1 Credit: AFP She will give an update on the current coronavirus situation in Scotland, including the fate of its biggest city. Earlier this week, Ms Sturgeon said there were signs of optimism in Glasgow but warned it would be dangerous to ease restrictions too quickly. So Glaswegians face a nervous wait to see whether they will join the rest of the mainland in Level 2, where pubs can serve booze inside and you can enter your friends' homes. The Covid update is set to take place at 12.15pm. The First Minister will also reveal coronavirus stats from the past 24 hours - including deaths, case numbers and hospitalisations. She will also reveal the progress of vaccinations north of the border as the march to immunisation continues. Ms Sturgeon will be joined by National Clinical Director Jason Leitch during the briefing. You can watch the update live on BBC One Scotland, it will also be shown on on iPlayer. It is also livestreamed on the BBC website. Nicola Sturgeon gets her first dose of Astra Zeneca Covid vaccine at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow We pay for your stories and videos! Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5300
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https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5488073/nicola-sturgeon-coronavirus-briefing-glasgow-level-2/
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What does the future hold for one of Liverpools unluckiest stars Ben Woodburn?
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Things havent entirely gone to plan for 21-year old Ben Woodburn. A series of underwhelming loan spells have seemingly hindered his progress in recent years. His last top-flight appearance came against Brighton in May 2018, although he has been back amongst the substitutes during the latter stages of the 2020-21 campaign. As the summer window nears, however, opportunities for the Welshman to prove himself are running out fast, particularly with his current contract set to expire next summer. That being said, with chances being given to the likes Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, there remains a possibility for the forward to prove himself next term. Its far from uncommon for managers to give younger players the chance to experience first-team football during the pre-season, and Klopp clearly isnt afraid to mix things up. He recently handed Curtis Jones and Rhys Williams starts against West Brom on May 16th in the latter stages of the prior season just gone, whilst Woodburn was joined on the bench by fellow youngsters Leighton Clarkson, Billy Koumetio and Neco Williams. Although the Reds managed to escape with all three points on this occasion, too many changes can sometimes curtail momentum and subsequently result in unpredictable outcomes. As asiabet.org explain, anyone betting on the Premier League should always conduct plenty of research prior to wagering on the competition, and checking team news is absolutely imperative. Loan Spells After bursting onto the scene in explosive style, Woodburn was expected to excel in the EFL, however, his loan spells have so far proved to be hugely underwhelming. Admittedly, he has suffered plenty of misfortune along the way and a number of factors can be attributed to his lack of progress. As reported by several sources, Woodburn was at a real low following his unsuccessful spell at Bramall Lane, and the unforgiving nature of the Championship did not allow the young midfielder to fully showcase his talent. He played just 155 minutes for promotion-chasing Sheffield United and was unable to have an impact on the Blades squad. Having previously worked with Oxford United boss Karl Robinson, a move to the Kassam Stadium appeared to be the ideal switch for the Welsh international. He got off to a hugely promising start and scored his first goal for the club against Bristol Rovers in mid-August, however, his run of games came to a crashing halt against Accrington when he broke a bone in his foot during the first half. With one goal and five assists in his first 13 games, Woodburn had certainly made an impression in Oxfordshire, however, he never quite managed to recapture that level of form upon his return. Woodburn teamed up with another familiar name in 2020, joining forces with former Reds youth coach Neil Critchley at Blackpool FC. After showing some initial promise at Bloomfield Road, the talented playmaker was forced to miss four League One matches. In his absence, the Tangerines put together an impressive run of form and, as a result, he was unable to force his way back into the starting eleven. Blackpool have signed Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool#bbcfootball #LFC BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 16, 2020 Despite his struggles on the Fylde Coast, Critchley lavished praise upon the 21-year old and suggested that he will prove what a good player he is over the next couple of years. Woodburns Next Move Following a string of impressive displays in the Premier League 2, Woodburn is likely to be involved in Liverpools pre-season training camps this summer, however, he may find his opportunities limited once the campaign gets underway. Although Gini Wijnaldums departure, reported here at empireofthekop.com, is likely to present some opportunities in the centre of the park, Klopps men are expected to strengthen this summer and they have already been linked with a number of transfer targets. With the Reds keen to improve on their disappointing 2020-21 campaign and fans hoping to see their side challenge for the title once again, Liverpool are expected to splash the cash in the coming months. The youngster may be largely restricted to cup appearances and he may have to seek first-team football elsewhere. Prior to his loan spell at Blackpool, both Hull City and Sparta Rotterdam were reportedly interested in his services, however, he may benefit from time in the Bundesliga or at a bottom-half Premier League club. Liverpool must manage Woodburns career carefully, and although he still has time on his side, he cannot afford too many more disappointing and time-consuming loan spells. With first-team opportunities likely to be limited, the club must decide which direction is likely to prove the most profitable and helpful for his development this summer.
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https://www.empireofthekop.com/2021/05/28/what-does-the-future-hold-for-one-of-liverpools-unluckiest-stars-ben-woodburn/
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Did India Inc falter during the 2nd wave?
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Though there are no statistics available, by anecdotal evidence, India Inc had more people affected and lost a large number of lives in Covids second wave. The cases have not been limited to frontline field staff, factory and project crews but also penetrated up the white collar ranks. It is true that as a nation we dropped our guard and failed to anticipate the timing, virulence and magnitude of the second wave. But could India Inc have done anything different not only to minimise business disruptions but, more importantly, protect its most valuable assets its people from the vicissitudes of life in times of public health emergency. In 2020, when Covid-19 swept the world, volumes were written on how it would change the future of work. Multinationals and IT companies led by example the WFH (Work From Home) cult and it was predicted that remote working and telecommuting will become the way of life. Trend spotters foresaw a move towards de-urbanisation - with more people preferring to live in less crowded suburbs or shift to small towns opting for lower cost of living with a better quality of life. A fall in commercial real estate prices was anticipated as organisations invested more in Digital and Telecommunication they would cut down office space. Contactless delivery was seen as the way to go. Greater automation at the shop floor and reduction of labour intensive construction practices were recommended as ways to ensure social distancing in offices, shop floor and project sites. But, as paranoia eased, true to human nature, there was an urge to return to business as usual. People were expected to be responsible for their own health by adopting Covid Appropriate Behaviour. There was pressure on governments to restart public conveyance. Initial recommendations of staggered working hours to reduce peak commuting hours were discarded as it was considered impractical. In contrast, the West was much more conservative in opening up offices.Whereas India seemed to be in far greater hurry to get back to office. Appearance of green shoots in the third quarter and projection of double digit growth in the next fiscal year boosted optimism. All large corporations have Occupational Health Services (OHS) staffed by medical professionals. Apex industry bodies have their own medical councils and many of them have Covid19 task-force. However, their focus seems to have been more minimising the business impact than softer people issues. With the result India Inc was unprepared for the second surge. HR personnel were preoccupied in managing operational disruptions. Many of them were focused on complying with the Unlock guidelines and restoring normalcy. There are examples from the rest of the world that could be adopted with modifications for our conditions. At the same time, there are some uniquely Indian conditions that would call for localised solutions. The lowest hanging fruit in this process of change is WFH. The vagaries of internet connections in India is well known. Most people do not have broadband links at home. The domestic leased line is used by all family members with children attending online classes and working spouses. Indian homes seldom have separate designated work or study areas. So family members have to work in shared spaces. With a little thought companies could make WFH a more comfortable experience that would increase efficiency and productivity. In developed countries, relocation from crowded cities to smaller towns is being actively encouraged with appropriate changes in remuneration structure. One is yet to hear of such examples in India. Another major concern for Indian industry has been ensuring the health and safety of contract workers many of whom are migrant workers. One of the proposals thrown up during the first wave was provision of low-cost, hygienic, temporary shelters for temporary workforce at factories or work sites. It is doubtful if much progress has been made in this direction. Today, companies are trying to outdo each other in gifting oxygen concentrators and ventilators to the government. It would be interesting to know how many corporations invested in these emergency equipment at their own units even those with on-campus hospitals. Separate provision for Covid isolation wards for own employees and their families could have been easily made. Using CSR Funds to set up Oxygen generation units and improving Emergency Care facilities at local hospitals is another idea that could be thought of. It is clear that somehow, along with the rest of the country, India Inc too took its eye off the ball. Even after Covid subsides, the world may be swept by other pandemics in the years to come. So we cannot afford to let down our guard. The writer is current affairs commentator and corporate strategy advisor
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https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/did-india-inc-falter-during-the-2nd-wave/article34670050.ece
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When did Khloe Kardashian go to jail?
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KHLOE Kardashian, one of the famed Kardashian sisters, has perpetually been in the news since their reality show. Khloe, star of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, showed back in the first season of the show, that stars don't always get special treatment. Khloe Kardashian was arrested for DUI in 2007, in California. Her initial punishment was community service. Alongside community service, Khloe Kardashian was ordered to complete an alcohol education course. While Kardashian did successfully complete her community service, she also went on to violate her parole. The reason Khloe Kardashian cited for violating parole was that she missed several sessions due to her busy schedule. 4 Khloe's mugshot for her DUI arrest While some figure that a celebrity would get special treatment, that didn't happen to be the case. The judge in her case decided not to be very sympathetic, and instead sentenced her to 30 days in jail. Alongside the jail time she also would be forced to join an alcohol treatment program. While her month in jail seemed frightening, in reality she wasn't behind bars for that long. 4 Khloe on the phone with Rob Kardashian while knowing she's facing jail time Instead of the 30 days she was sentenced to, in actuality she only served less than a day. Ultimately Kardashian was released after less than three hours due to overcrowding. This is a common practice for jails, who often release non-violent offenders if they're short on space. At the time of her release, her representatives let the public know she was willing to serve her sentence. 4 Khloe ended pop serving less than 4 hours in jail due to overcrowding Khloe's incident happened over a decade ago, and now the rest of the Kardashians can look back on it in a softer light. At the time of her arrest, Khloe was still with troubled NBA player Lamar Odom. Now, 10+ years into the future, Khloe is no longer with Lamar Odom, as the two separated surrounding Odom's drug use. Most read in Khloe Kardashian OH, KHLO Khloe Kardashian complains about looking 'round' in latest KUWTK episode ADD-NG THE POUNDS Kourtney Kardashian claims she gained 10 pounds in lockdown GREAT SCOTT! Kardashian fans think Scott is KISSING Khloe instead of Amelia in video get poutta here Khloe's lips look bigger than ever in new ad after photoshop claims READY FOR KHLO-SEUP Khloe strips down to sports bra & spandex for unedited video Khloe Kardashian is currently with her beau, another NBA player, Tristan Thompson. The two have had their certain share of issues, mostly rumors of Tristan cheating. Despite the turbulence, the two have a child together, Khloe's first, True Thompson.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974260/when-did-khloe-kardashian-go-to-jail/
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Why is Oli London trending?
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K-POP star and fanatic Oli London was trending on Twitter after faking his own suicide in a morbid prank that was not well received. The Koreaboo is very controversial and has been "canceled" several times. Oli London began trending on Twitter Thursday, May 27 after his Instagram was memorialized before going back to normal. K-pop fans believed he allegedly pulled off a suicide prank even going so far as to write a fake suicide note. He had gone silent on all of his social media accounts for several days, except TikTok where he posted a video on Wednesday, May 26. A "prank website" channel34news.com published a passage reading: "Today Oli London died. He was found dead in his London mansion at 5:21 PM GMT by a friend who wishes not to be named. A suicide note was found near his body." 2 Oli is currently signed to his own record label Oil London Entertainment Credit: Instagram/Oli London "It read, 'For I will never look like Jimin, I have decided I can no longer take this any more. In heaven I can be Jimin! Yay I can be my Oppar and date him at the same time. Bye everyone, when youre feeling sad, just think to yourself, Oli Eh Oh.' There was a heart shape drawn at the end of the note." "His ex-girlfriend, Frenchy Morgan, had this to say about the stars death 'It is just very sad. I suppose I was wrong about him only wanting clout. Maybe he just said that to me to mask the fact that he was very, very clinically obsessed. I miss Oli.'" "This has been OliEhOh999 reporting for Channel 34 News." There has been no official statement but Oli's Instagram has been returned to normal leading fans to believe that the star is alive. This is not the first time that Oli had faked his own death, the celebrity pulled off a similar cruel prank a few months back. Social media did not find Oli's morbid prank very funny and took to Twitter to let that be known. One Twitter user wrote, "okay but on a serious note we need to stop giving oli london attention he is a horrible person stop using him as a joke/meme." Another user tweeted, "you mean to tell me.. oli london faked a whole su!cide note and made his insta into a remembering account for attention. what the F**K can we PLEASE get this man off of social media and get him some f**king help." Many other tweets echo similar responses to Oli's call for attention. Oli is a British reality TV personality and K-Pop singer who spent thousands of dollars undergoing several plastic surgeries to look like BTS member Park Jimin. He has appeared on several shows including Dr. Phil and Botched to document and discuss his obsession with Jimin and his plastic surgeries. As if his plastic surgery wasn't enough to prove his obsession with Jimin, he married a cardboard cutout of the BTS star. The Las Vegas ceremony was covered by Daily Mail TV, E!, and hundreds of other outlets. Most read in Celebrity OH, KHLO Khloe Kardashian complains about looking 'round' in latest KUWTK episode 'NEVER HAPPENED' Kylie Jenner denies bullying model on set of ex Tyga's music video JLO'S FLAMES Jennifer Lopez's ex-husbands and boyfriends list KIM IN KRISIS Kim had Covid while taking second baby bar exam after failing on first try YOUR HONOR Kim Kardashian studying to be a lawyer 'SHE'S GLOWING!' Ariana Grande flashes MASSIVE engagement ring at iHeartRadio Music Awards The 31-year-old is known as one of the most intense "Asiaboo" and "Koreaboos" slang describing non-Asian or non-Korean people who want to become Asian or Korean usually influenced by anime or K-Pop. BTS fans refer to Oli as a "sasaeng", a term that is used for stalker fans who show no regard for the band members' private lives. Oli has also had a successful career as a K-Pop star himself as the highest charting European K-Pop artist to-date with two top ten hits on iTunes and four top 40s.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974303/why-is-oli-london-trending/
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Who is Terry Silver from Cobra Kai?
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THERE is a massive fanbase awaiting the release of Cobra Kai season four. Netflix announced that Cobra Kai season 4 is coming to Netflix sometime between October and December of 2021. Cobra Kai is an American martial arts series based on the original The Karate Kid films by Robert Mark Kamen. The Netflix series stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, who reprise their roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence form the 1984 film The Karate Kid. Set 34 years later, Cobra Kai re-examines the "Miyagi-Verse" narrated from Lawrence's video point, his decision to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo and the rekindling of his old rivalry with LaRusso. "Thirty-four years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now-successful Daniel LaRusso," Netflix describes the series as. 3 Thomas Ian Griffith will reprise his role as Terry Silver in season 4 of Cobra Kai Credit: The Karate Kid Part III Cobra Kai first premiered on YouTube Red in 2018. Netflix later acquired the show's distribution rights in mid-2020, resulting in the series' third season premiering on the popular streaming platform earlier this year. Terry Silver, played by Thomas Ian Griffith, is the antagonist from the 1989 film The Karate Kid III. In the Karate Kid universe, Silver is the original owner of the Cobra Kai dojo and a close friend of fellow antagonist Kohn Kresse. In Karate Kid III, Terry helps Kreese exact revenge on LaRusso. Netflix teased Griffith's return as Silver in a new video showing the actors silhouette as he narrates, "Man can't stand, he can't fight. Man can't breathe, he can't fight. "Man can't see, he can't fight. Extreme situations require extreme measures." The clip then ends with an ill-fated line popping up on the screen - "Now the real pain begins." "Since the beginning of the series, we've been carefully orchestrating the right moment to unleash Cobra Kai dojo co-founder Terry Silver back into the universe," writers and executive producers Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg said in the release. Season 4 of Cobra Kai started filming in late February 2021, and wrapped production in April. It appears that Cobra Kai's newest season will launch sometime in November or December 2021. Netflix has not released the Cobra Kai season 4 synopsis yet. In the third season, Cobra Kais main characters were still dealing with the fallout from the violent brawl between the rival school dojos that resulted in Miguel Diaz being severely injured. 3 Cobra Kai season 4 will release sometime in November of December of 2021 Credit: COURTESY OF NETFLIX Most read in Entertainment 'CRINGE' Teen Mom Jenelle Evans slammed as 'embarrassing' as she twerks in crop top Exclusive FISHING ROD ARod 'contacted Madison LeCroy to meet up after JLo split but she ignored him' '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 'RUDE!' Kendall slammed as 'so rich & spoiled' for returning Kourtney's Hermes gift NOT FRIENDLY Matthew Perry 'made everyone uneasy at Friends: The Reunion' Daniel sought answers from the past while Johnny searches for redemption. At the end of the third season, Kreese has taken over Cobra Kai, and Robby has joined the ranks. Daniel and Johnny understand the gravity of the situation, and they decide to combine Miyagi-Do with Eagle Fang Karate to fight back against Cobra Kai.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974408/meet-terry-silver-from-cobra-kai-netflix/
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Why was Paul Rudd missing from the Friends reunion?
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AFTER the long-awaited Friends reunion aired on HBO Max, many were left wondering why Paul Rudd was absent from the special. The episode included surprising celebrity cameos from Cindy Crawford, David Beckham, and Justin Bieber. Paul Rudd first appeared as Mike Hannigan in season 8 of the hit sitcom, playing the romantic interest of Phoebe Buffay played by Lisa Kudrow. The pair got married in season 10, episode 12 titles "The One with Phoebe's Wedding. The director of the special broke down why Rudd was missing from the show. "Well, we couldn't have everybody on, because it's only an hour and 45 minutes. And you've got to pay attentionthe main nub of the show has got to be about the six cast members," Ben Winston, who directed the reunion special, shared with TheWrap. 5 Paul Rudd and Lisa Kudrow played Mike Hannigan and Pheobe Buffay on Friends Credit: Getty "So you can't have too many cameos because of course, there were hundreds of amazing people who were in Friends over the years. Sadly, we couldn't get everybody in." "It's a complicated time to be making television now because, you know, some people couldn't fly internationally, some people were on other TV or film shoots, some people are in bubbles on stuff." Those who did make the show included Janice, played by Maggie Wheeler, James Michael Tyler who played Gunther and Ross and Monicas parents, Elliot Gould and Christine Pickles. 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. 5 Friends: The Reunion aired on HBO Max Credit: 2021 WarnerMedia Direct, LLC. All Rights Reserved. HBO Max is used under license. 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. 5 Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing (front l-r) Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green Credit: Getty - Contributor Jennifer Aniston did enjoy minor movie success, and David Schwimmer did provide his voice to the hit Madagascar cartoon series. Most read in Entertainment 'CRINGE' Teen Mom Jenelle Evans slammed as 'embarrassing' as she twerks in crop top OH, KHLO Khloe Kardashian complains about looking 'round' in latest KUWTK episode Exclusive FISHING ROD ARod 'contacted Madison LeCroy to meet up after JLo split but she ignored him' '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 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 another Friends reunion will happen again in the future.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974601/paul-rudd-missing-friends-reunion-hbo-max/
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How much did Kourtney Kardashians Hermes china gift set cost?
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KOURTNEY Kardashian recently gifted her sister, Kendall Jenner, an Hermes china set. Kendall, however, promptly returned the set. Kourtney Kardashian didn't give the exact price of the Hermes china gift set she got Kendall Jenner. But the Hermes website reveals that their least expensive gift set is $565. Individual plates run upwards of $100 each. And Kourtney revealed that she'd been building Kendall's Hermes china sets for each special occasion. On the May 27, 2021, episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kourtney Kardashian and her sisters Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian were discussing what to get Kendall Jenner for her birthday. So I started her this collection of Hermes China last year for her birthday. I got her like teacups and a teapot and all the tea stuff," said Kourtney. "And then for Christmas, I added to it and got her all the serving platters, so I was thinking I could add to it and get the dishes. We called Hermes and I was like, Can you send me photos of what I didnt get yet? and then they just said, I can absolutely do that but she returned everything that you got her. 3 "She's young" Credit: Youtube/KUWTK Khloe Kardashian said that Kendall Jenner's reasons for returning the gift were rooted in her youth. Shes young, shes not likelike, we love china because we have like dinner parties, she said. MORE KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN POOSH TO PUNK Kourtney pokes fun at comic's impression of her 'punk' transformation ADD-NG THE POUNDS Kourtney Kardashian claims she gained 10 pounds in lockdown 'RUDE!' Kendall slammed as 'so rich & spoiled' for returning Kourtney's Hermes gift 'FALSE NARRATIVE' Kim SLAMS rumors she dated Travis & says she's 'happy' for him & Kourtney SISTERLY LOVE Travis Barker's past attraction to Kim 'is NOT a deal-breaker' for Kourtney But perhaps this is a trait that runs in the family. In a later confessional, Kourtney Kardashian admitted that she used to return gifts a lot when she was younger, too. I used to be a big returner of items. I dont return anything now. I think the karma of my constant returning may be coming back to me, she said.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2974751/kourtney-kardashian-hermes-china-set-cost/
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Is Target open on Memorial Day 2021?
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AS AMERICANS prepare for Memorial Day weekend, many stores have adjusted their schedules in light of the holiday. This year, Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 31, 2021. Target will be opened on Memorial Day, May 31. Their store hours can range depending on location, however, most are expected to be open from 9am to 10pm. It is advised to check their website for hours on a specific location. Target also offers customers a free curbside order pickup for all purchases. 3 Target offers free curbside pickup with every purchase made through the app Credit: Getty Those interested can order their items on the store app and pull up to the designated parking lot area to get the orders handed by an associate. A number of convenience stores and pharmacies will also be open on Memorial Day. Those stores include: CVS Kroger Trader Joe's Whole Foods Aldi Publix It is advised to call and ask for store hours on a specific location or to look online. Anything that runs on a federal schedule will be closed for the holiday. Post offices, public schools, the stock market, courts and libraries will shut their doors in light of the holiday. All regular hours are expected to resume on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Memorial Day is an official US federal holiday, commemorating those who have died in military service to their country. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May. Most read in Money CHECK AGAIN New round of $1,400 stimulus checks may be coming as calls mount for more cash CASHING IN Bonus stimulus check may be on the way if you filed your taxes on time IN THE MONEY Two new stimulus checks may be on the way heres what you need to know MONEY PROBLEMS Experts debate chances of fourth stimulus check as Biden fails to commit CASH BOOST Heres why you could get a bonus payment on top of your third stimulus check SHOW ME THE MONEY Fourth stimulus check could be on the way soon if Congress says yes Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, an occasion to decorate the graves of those who died in the war, and was created in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The holiday is also associated with the Indianapolis 500 car race which is held on the Sunday after Memorial Day. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.
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https://www.the-sun.com/money/2933489/is-target-open-memorial-day-2021/
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Why is Glasgow the only place in Scotland stuck in Covid lockdown Level 3?
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NICOLA STURGEON has announced Glasgow will REMAIN under strict level 3 restrictions for at least another week. The First Minister revealed the city will be kept under the tougher lockdown rules while the rest of the country enjoys eased curbs. Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates 4 Glasgow will remain under Level 3 lockdown restrictions Credit: AFP Ms Sturgeon said it would be "premature" to move Glasgow to Level 2 immediately. Instead, a move to level 2 could take place from next weekend, with a final decision being made on Wednesday. Here's what we know... 'UNCOMFORTABLY HIGH' CASES Nicola Sturgeon said cases in Glasgow remain "uncomfortably high". Speaking at a coronavirus briefing, she told the public that the city's Covid situation is still too "fragile" to allow restrictions to ease. 4 Nicola Sturgeon said it's too 'premature' to move the city to Level 2 Credit: AFP Positive tests have continued to rise by 30 per cent, with 146 per 100,000 now believed to have the virus. Test positivity has also increased slightly from four per cent to 4.4 per cent. The First Minister said Level 2 can only be introduced if key indicators remain stable or fall. INDIAN VARIANT SPIKE The First Minister said there are signs that the Covid outbreak is stabilising in the southshide postcodes at the heart of the initial outbreak and across the city generally. Enhanced testing, vaccination and public health measures will continue to work to contain the spread, and enhanced contact tracing may mean close contacts of close contacts are asked to self-isolate and book a test. 4 Increased testing and vaccinations are being rolled out across Glasgow Credit: PA Other areas of concern across Scotland continue to be monitored closely, including Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Clackmannanshire. All of those areas, however, have low absolute numbers of cases and public health teams think that the outbreaks there can be controlled in other ways - unlike in Glasgow. These areas will remain in Level 2 for now, although public health efforts will be intensified to tackle the increased prevalence. Everyone in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Clackmannanshire is encouraged to get tested to help stop the spread of Covid by finding cases that might be missed, as around 1 in 3 people with the virus dont have symptoms. The First Minister said: Case levels in Glasgow are uncomfortably high but there are signs of progress. "So the view of the National Incident Management Team is that it would be premature to move Glasgow out of Level 3 this week while the situation remains so fragile. "However, if incidence continues to stabilise, and assuming levels of hospitalisation remain reasonably stable, they will support a move to Level 2 from the end of next week. Of course, it is necessary that we do see progress continue. We will be watching the critical statistics carefully every day. "If the massive public health efforts continue to have an impact; if our collective efforts continue to drive the virus back; then from next Saturday 5 June the plan would be for the city to move to Level 2. But, I need to be very clear. We need to see the positive signs to continue to make that a reality. To give as much advance notice as possible, I intend to confirm any decision to Parliament no later than Wednesday of next week. 4 'DON'T LOSE HEART' The First Minister has urged Glasgow to stick with the rules as restrictions remain in place for another week. So, my message to the people of Glasgow is, dont lose heart. I live in the city, so I know how hard this is. But please, continue to help with all of the public health efforts that are in place. If we continue to do that, we will move out of Level 3 quickly. In particular, please come forward for the vaccine - not just the first, but both doses. And that applies to young people too. This virus can and does make people ill - being young is not a cast iron protection against it. Most read in Scottish News LORRY TRAGEDY Gers fan struck by bin lorry after collapsing & dying from heart attack SHERIFF'S MERCY Glasgow Staffy avoids being put down after mauling tiny dog to death RIP LAUREN Paisley woman, 34, found dead in flat named by police as man due in court BEHIND BARS Feared Scots crime clan member jailed for rape & horror abuse of young girls CAGED Scots thug who punched & kicked man to death as he lay in bed jailed for life BODY FOUND Body found in Scots canal as police treat death as 'unexplained' "Far from it - a high proportion of the, albeit relatively low, number of hospital cases now are amongst younger age groups. Mainland Scotland is currently due to move from Level 2 to Level 1 on 7 June. The First Minister said she is planning to confirm on Tuesday to Parliament whether that move will take place. Level 1 restrictions continue to apply in the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney, all islands in Highland - except for Skye given its fixed link with the mainland - and the Inner Hebrides islands in Argyll, including Islay, Jura and Mull. Level 2 restrictions apply across all of mainland Scotland, with the exception of Glasgow City local authority area. Travel to, and from, Glasgow continues to be prohibited other than for permitted reasons. Nicola Sturgeon says Glasgow immigration protest DIDN'T spark Glasgow outbreak We pay for your stories and videos! Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5300
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https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/scottish-news/7176448/nicola-sturgeon-glasgow-lockdown-levels-cases/
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Is the post office open on Memorial Day 2021?
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THERE are 10 federal holidays during the calendar year, and Memorial Day is one of them. The annual celebration of military heroes lands on Monday, May 31, in 2021. US Postal Service offices will be closed on Memorial Day, the fourth of 10 federal holidays on the calendar. "Mail will not be delivered or sent on these days so plan accordingly," the USPS says. The post office was also closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day (January 18), and Presidents' Day (February 15). Additionally, mail will not be delivered on July 4, Labor Day (September 6), Columbus Day (October 11), Veteran's Day (November 11), Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, the post office will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but with limited hours. Congress in 1968 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, according to History.com. The change went into effect in 1971. The holiday traditionally honors the men and women who died while serving their country 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. Most read in Money CHECK AGAIN New round of $1,400 stimulus checks may be coming as calls mount for more cash CASHING IN Bonus stimulus check may be on the way if you filed your taxes on time IN THE MONEY Two new stimulus checks may be on the way heres what you need to know 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 CASH BOOST Heres why you could get a bonus payment on top of your third stimulus check 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.
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https://www.the-sun.com/money/2933535/post-office-memorial-day-closed-federal-holiday/
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Who is Idaho cop Nate Silvester and why was he fired?
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AN Idaho police officer came under pressure for a viral video that was negatively received. As the world has become more political, and also more accessible via social media, videos that come out can have big consequences. Nate Silvester was an Idaho deputy that posted a viral tik-tok about LeBron James. LeBron James is perhaps one of the most polarizing sports figures of all time. He is especially outspoken due to his being vocal about political issues, specifically on Twitter and Instagram. In the Tik Tok, Silvester asks to have the now Los Angeles Lakers call him in his vehicle. 4 In the video, Silvester has a fake conversation with NBA star LeBron James This all while he watches an imaginary Black man stab another imaginary Black man. This Tik Tok was in response to LeBron James after he tweeted, and later deleted, about the officer who fatally shot Ma'Kahia Bryant in Ohio. The Tik Tok was released in a mocking manner, and was not received positively amongst social media platforms. The police department that formerly employed Nate Silvester very quickly after. 4 In the video, Silvester is watching a crime occur between two black people "The statements made do NOT represent the Bellevue Marshal's Office. The Bellevue Marshal's Office always demands that our Deputies engage with our citizens in a friendly and professional manner." This comes just weeks after Silvester was put on probation and given what is called a "last chance agreement" with his superior officers. The mayor went on to say that these latest policy violations have nothing to do with his speech that he posts online. In a recent interview, Silvester told KTVB that he signed a book deal and that the working title of his book is "Never Off Duty." 4 Silvester's official termination from the force was announced yesterday The official announcement was made Thursday morning via Facebook by the mayor. The mayor then confirmed the decision to relieve Silvester via a phone call with KTVB. The reason given for the firing was that Silvester violated several city and state policing policies. most read in police FAMILY BLOODBATH Three killed & one hurt in murder suicide involving couple & stepkids CHILD SNATCH CHARGE Man, 54, charged with child abduction and assault after boy 'kidnapped' Warning SICK STUNT Protesters leave severed PIG HEADS wearing cop caps outside Omaha police union name shame Family's anger as child killer who raped girl, 6, allowed to change name 'significant info' Family of teen found dead beg for author of mystery note to come forward As of now, LeBron James has yet to make any comment about Silvester's firing. A GoFundMe that was made in the deputy's name raised more than $500,000. The money is planned to create a scholarship fund for displaced police officers, as well as other first-responder based programs.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2974829/who-is-idaho-cop-nate-silvester-and-why-was-he-fired/
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Who made racist comments to Ja Morants parents?
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THREE fans were banned indefinitely by the Utah Jazz after reportedly making vulgar and racist to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's parents on May 26. The incident occurred during Game 2 of the First Round Western Conference matchup between the Jazz and the Grizzlies. Three Jazz fans drew nationwide attention on May 27 after Morant's father, Tee, spoke out about the incident that involved himself and his wife while in Utah. Tee said there were three separate incidents with male Jazz fans, adding that each was handled quickly by arena security. "I know heckling. We were doing that the whole game. But that's different than heckling. That's straight-up disrespectful," Tee told ESPN. "That was too far out of line. You don't say nothing like that heckling. That's beyond heckling." 6 Morant's father, Tee, said one fan made a sexually explicit remark to his wife Jamie Credit: Getty Images - Getty The Memphis Grizzlies' stars father said one fan made a sexually explicit remark to his wife, Jamie. Tee, who was sitting a couple of seats over, confronted the man before security deescalated the situation, ejecting the Jazz fan. According to Tee, another Jazz fan told him, "I'll put a nickel in your back and watch you dance, boy." Several other Jazz fans, who had been enjoying good-spirited trash talk with the Morants and their family friends, confronted that fan and alerted security. Tee said he was shocked that the Jazz fan, who was ejected, made such a comment with the man's young daughter by his side. 6 According to Tee Morant, another Jazz fan told him, 'I'll put a nickel in your back and watch you dance, boy' Credit: Getty Images - Getty A third fan, who was also ejected, yelled at Jamie, "Shut the f*** up, b****," Tee said. The three ejected fans have not been identified by the Jazz organization or the NBA. Morant, who scored 47-points for the Grizzlies in Game 2, agreed with the Jazz's decision to ban the fans, tweeting, "My family should be able [to] cheer for me & my teammates without getting inappropriate s*** said to them." Morant went on to write that his family told him they "felt the love from all the other jazz fans who were around them" and that it was just the three fans who "went too far". The Jazz organization apologized for the incident in a statement on May 27, saying, "The Utah Jazz have zero tolerance for offensive or disruptive behavior." 6 The Utah Jazz organization and owner apologized to the Morant family for the incident Credit: Getty Images - Getty "An incident occurred last night involving a verbal altercation during Game 2. Arena security staff intervened, and the investigation resulted in the removal and banning of three Jazz fans indefinitely. "We apologize to all who were impacted by this unfortunate incident and condemn unacceptable fan behavior." Jazz owner Ryan Smith addressed the Grizzlies and Morant's family on Twitter, writing that the franchise is "embarrassed and sorry." "The Utah Jazz have zero tolerance for offensive behavior. We are committed to creating a respectful, competitive environment," Smith tweeted. Two more incidents occurred around the league on May 26, involving fans from both the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. During the Washington Wizards and 76ers Game 2 matchup, a Sixers fan threw popcorn on Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook as he was headed to the locker room with an apparent ankle injury. 6 Also on May 26, a Sixers fan threw popcorn on Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook as he was heading to the locker room with an ankle injury Credit: NBC Sports Westbrook had to be restrained by security and Wizards officials. During the Knicks and Atlanta Hawks Game 2 matchup, a fan spat at Hawks point guard Trae Young as he was getting ready to inbound the ball on the sideline. Both fans were banned indefinitely from future Knicks and Sixers home games. Young declined police involvement and did not press charges on the fan. Since then athletes around the NBA have called on the league to enforce a fan code of conduct in order to protect the players. 6 A New York Knick fan spat at Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young on May 26, during Game 2 between the Hawks and the Knicks Credit: Getty Images - Getty Most read in Sport Live Blog FOOTBALL NEWS LIVE Chelsea vs Man City build-up, Konate to Liverpool, Zidane LATEST FOUL PLAY Sixers fan who threw popcorn at Russell Westbrook loses season tickets DOUBLE DRIBBLE New York Knicks ban fan for spitting on Trae Young 'COME FOR THE BOOBIES' PVZ hopes to bounce back from Bare Knuckle debut in Ostovich rematch 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 NBA superstar LeBron James demanded the league reveal the identity of the fan who threw popcorn on Westbrook. James 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."
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2974840/fans-made-racist-comments-to-ja-morants-parents/
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Does third place qualify for Euro 2020 knockout stages?
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TWENTY-FOUR teams will compete against each other in the hope of becoming European champions. And as Portugal proved in 2016, you CAN finish third in your group and go on to take home the trophy. 3 Antoine Griezmann picked up the top scorer award as well as the best player award, but France ultimately fell short in the final against Portugal Credit: GETTY IMAGES WIN 50,000! Dream Team Euros FREE fantasy football game Euro squads: All of the players picked so far Euro 2020 betting special: England 35/1 to beat Croatia Fixtures: When to watch all your Euro 2020 matches Betting special: Get England at 20/1 to wear home kit vs Croatia Build-up LIVE: Latest news and updates from around the teams The first fixture of the tournament between Turkey and Italy takes place on 11 June in Rome, with the qualified teams split into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group will go on to compete in the knockout stages of the competition. Yes, finishing third does lead to qualification for the knockout stages but only for four of the best third-placed teams. All of the teams that finish third in the group stages of the Euros are put into a table. And their position in the table is determined firstly by how many points they picked up in the group stages. But if the teams cannot be separated by points, whichever team has the highest goal difference finishes higher up the table. If the table cannot be decided through points or goal difference, it then goes to the number of goals scored in the group stages. 3 An unlikely hero in Eder popped up in the 109th minute to score the winning goal in the Euro 2016 final Credit: GETTY IMAGES 3 Eder's goal stunned favourites France Credit: GETTY IMAGES And if the first three fail to separate the teams, it then goes to fair play conduct, followed by the team's Uefa ranking. The procedures are as followed: Higher number of points obtained; Superior goal difference; Higher number of goals scored Fair play conduct; Position in the Uefa national team coefficient ranking system. Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog WIN 50,000 with Dream Team Euros Dream Team Euros is HERE! The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived. And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the 50,000 jackpot. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE! Dream Team Euros 50,000 jackpot The best fantasy football game this summer Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members - and some hand-picked celebrities FREE to play Most read in Euro 2020 Live Blog FOOTBALL NEWS LIVE Chelsea vs Man City build-up, Konate to Liverpool, Zidane LATEST Live Blog RED DEVILS NEWS Solskjaer told to target 55m Pau Torres, Jadon Sancho transfer UPDATE DEEP CUT Crisis-hit Real Madrid slash wages by 10 per cent as Modric agrees to pay cut DEP-ARTING BLOW Lyon chief Juninho delivers stinging attack on Depay amid Barcelona move 'OWN GOAL' Ronaldo threatened with legal action over 'eyesore' gazebo at 6.5m penthouse FINAL DECISION How Chelsea & City could look in Champions League final with big calls ahead Portugal qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2016 via the third-placed route after drawing all three of their group games against Hungary, Iceland and Albania. The Navegadores scraped their way through to the final of the competition, only winning one game inside 90 minutes against Wales in the semi-finals. And when they met home nation France in the final, an unlikely hero in Eder popped up in extra time to score the only goal of the game causing a massive upset.
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/premier-league/2975000/euro-2020-third-place-group-qualify-knockout-stages/
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What does it mean that Republicans keep blaming the left for Jan. 6?
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But thats true outside of the specific context of Jan. 6, too. Theres an overarching sense on the right that antifa, overlapping or intertwined with Black Lives Matter activists, are engaged in a months-long campaign to wreak havoc in American cities. This arose a year ago as the death of George Floyd spurred national protests that infrequently preceded acts of violence or vandalism. In some places such as Portland, Ore. a handful of anti-government activists and antifa adherents went further, claiming autonomy from the government. (The government disagreed.) It was useful for Trump and his allies to claim that the tumult was constant, pervasive and ongoing as the 2020 election loomed, so they claimed that it was.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/05/28/what-does-it-mean-that-republicans-keep-blaming-left-jan-6/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_homepage
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Should I lock a mortgage rate today?
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You should lock a mortgage rate when three conditions are met: If buying a house, you have a signed home purchase agreement Youre approved for the mortgage loan you need Youve compared lenders to find the lowest rate available Most borrowers shouldnt try to time the market when locking an interest rate. Even experts often dont know whether rates will move up or down from one day to the next. The most important thing is to compare loan options and find the lowest rate for you. Then, its time to lock. When you apply and get approved for a mortgage, the lender will quote a certain interest rate for your home loan. If you like the deal youre offered, you can lock in that interest rate for the final mortgage. A rate lock guarantees that your interest rate wont change between the time you make an offer and the time of your closing. This protects you from rate increases and allows you to lock in a low rate as soon as youre approved. For a rate lock to be valid, though, you have to close within the specified amount of time (often 15-60 days). And you cant make any changes to your mortgage application before closing. Most lenders provide a free rate lock up to a certain deadline. If it seems likely delays will push your closing date past the deadline, you can often extend often your rate lock. But it will likely cost you. When you lock your rate, ensure the rate lock agreement is long enough to cover the time until your loan closes to avoid any extra fees. Borrowers are allowed to lock their interest rate any time after they have completed a mortgage loan application, says Matt Hackett, operations manager for Equity Now. As soon as the lender has your complete application and credit report, they often have enough information to be able to lock in at any later point in the process, up until about 10 days prior to closing, says Melissa Cohn, executive mortgage banker for William Raveis Mortgage. Borrowers are allowed to lock their interest rate any time after they have completed a mortgage loan application. However, cautions Hackett, every lender has its own internal guidelines governing the rate lock process. You should consult closely with your lender about time frames and the expected closing date to make sure your rate lock doesnt expire before the loan closes. The timing to lock a rate looks different depending on whether youre buying a house or refinancing, per Mike Jones, National Sales Manager of Union Home Mortgage. Home buyers should lock a mortgage rate when they have identified a property theyre ready to purchase and are approved for a mortgage loan should lock a mortgage rate when they have identified a property theyre ready to purchase and are approved for a mortgage loan Homeowners looking to refinance should lock a mortgage rate when theyve found a new loan with the best terms, conditions, and rate for their financial goals Mortgage rate forecasts might also influence your decision. Good candidates for a rate lock are those who think rates will go up or dont want to take the risk that rates will go up by the time they close, says Hackett. But the most important thing is finding your lowest rate before you lock. Often, shopping among lenders could save you as much as timing your lock for a day when rates are down. Risks of waiting to lock For home buyers, its important to lock your loan as soon as the purchase contract has been accepted by the home seller. Borrowers should lock their loan when the contract to acquire the property has been consummated so that they can manage the cost of the rate lock while ensuring the lock period is sufficient to complete the transaction, Jones recommends. He cautions that Failure to lock in a rate during this time could impede your ability to obtain the loan. Thats because, if rates rise, it could push up a buyers monthly mortgage payment. If the monthly payment rises enough, they may no longer qualify for the loan. If you wait to lock a rate, and rates rise substantially, it could put your mortgage approval at risk. So locking your rate not only secures you a good deal, it also secures your mortgage approval and your ability to buy a home. Just be sure your rate lock period is long enough to get you through to closing day. While most borrowers would think to lock in their rate early for fear of rising rates, it may not be the ideal strategy, explains Rocky Foroutan, CEO of LenderHomePage. Most lenders provide free 30- to 45-day lock-in periods. Mortgage lenders commonly offer free rate locks for 30, 45, or 60 days. Typically, a mortgage rate lock will last at least 30 days. This allows time for the sale of the house to go through, notes Jeff Zhou, CEO of Fig Loans. But there are options to extend the lock for longer periods up to 12 months for certain loan types at an additional cost. Often, if mortgage interest rates are the same as your locked rate at the expiration of your lock, you can extend it for free. But some lenders charge a fee to extend no matter what the interest rate is when the lock expires, says Cohn. You might be charged for a rate lock extension in the form of a separate fee or a slightly higher interest rate. The further out you push the rate lock deadline, the more expensive it can be. This is because the lender has to hedge this interest rate exposure, and hedging with an extended rate lock is generally riskier and costlier to the lender, Hackett points out. In other words, charging more upfront via a loan lock fee reduces the risk that your lender will earn less on your loan if rates go higher by the time you close. Its not uncommon for rates to drop after you lock. You do have a few options in this case. First, you can keep your locked rate. It may not be worth trying to renegotiate your lock over a small rate reduction. However, if rates drop dramatically during that period, you might be able to take advantage of new, lower rates with one of the following strategies. Using a float down Locking with a different lender Many lenders allow you to float down, which lowers your rate to match the market rate if interest rates decrease during your rate lock period. Usually, the lender charges a fee or higher interest rate if you opt for a float down. Most lenders offer a float down provision because ultimately they want to keep you as a customer more than they want to lock you in at a higher interest rate, notes Zhou. However, some lenders dont provide a float-down option. If this is true, you can always abandon that lenders loan application and rate lock and reapply with a different lender offering a lower interest rate, Cohn suggests. Remember, youre not committed to a lender until the loan closes even if youve locked a rate. You can always walk away before closing day and find a lender offering a better deal. The downside is, youll have to re-apply and go through underwriting all over again, thus extending your time to close. Alternatively, you could stick with the higher rate you locked in and proceed to closing as planned. Or, you could try negotiating with your lender for a lower rate, which they may or may not offer, says Hackett. Current mortgage rates are at historic lows. That means better deals for first-time home buyers and current homeowners alike. You may be able to gauge how good of a deal youre getting by comparing your mortgage rate with the overall market. Foroutan recommends that you carefully watch rates and compare your locked-in or pre-locked-in rate to the national average. However, remember that advertised rates and national averages are only a benchmark. Your own rate could look very different from todays mortgage rates depending on factors like your credit score, down payment, and loan type. To find your best rate, you need to shop around for different rates from different lenders, says Foroutan. Youll only know youre getting the best deal if you have compared personalized rate offers from more than one mortgage company. Once youre confident youve found the best deal, its a good time to lock your mortgage rate. Verify your new rate (May 27th, 2021)
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https://themortgagereports.com/21101/perfect-time-lock-mortgage-rate
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Was naming city road after Francis Atwoli done irregularly?
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The latest naming of a public road is raising queries over the procedure that was followed, and has resuscitated debate over guidelines on naming of streets. This is after City Hall, under the administration of Deputy Governor Ann Kananu, announced that Dik Dik Road in Kileleshwa had been renamed Francis Atwoli Road, after the veteran trade unionist. While unveiling the newly-renamed road on Thursday afternoon, Ms Kananu said the gesture is in recognition of Mr Atwolis contributions during his decades-long career. This road has been renamed after my good friend and brother, Bwana Francis Atwoli, in recognition of his selfless contribution and agitating for the rights of Kenyan workers in the last 54 years, said Ms Kananu. A gushing Mr Atwoli thanked both the Nairobi County Government and the Nairobi County Assembly for the gesture. I am really grateful for this kind gesture. No one has honoured me in this way. Thank you Madam Governor, said the Cotu boss. Queries However, questions have come up over how the road came to be renamed without an approval of Motion from the Nairobi County Assembly. According to the law, a motion calling for renaming of a road after a prominent person must first be passed by the assembly. Then the assemblys Implementation Committee can write to the county Executive, communicating the approved Motion. The Executive will, within three months, be expected to effect the request or reject it. However, none of this happened. In this case, only a Notice of Motion was given by Roysambu MCA Peter Warutere during last weeks special sitting on Thursday. The Notice of Motion by Mr Warutere indicated that Dik Dik Road be renamed Francis Atwoli Road in recognition of his contribution to the prosperity and wellbeing of workers in Kenya and abroad. This, he argued, is in line with the county having a history of conferring honours and recognition of its most outstanding citizens for service, acts or deeds which promote the public good with the naming being historically done by both the national government and the county governments. He added that the Cotu boss deserved this recognition, having greatly impacted the growth of the union movement in Kenya, and for dedicating more than 50 years of his life as a public servant to championing the rights of workers and social justice against many odds. However, the Motion was not debated. It was also neither approved nor rejected by House members. Even if the Motion was debated, it still would have been against the laws governing such a sitting. During a special sitting, no new business can be debated other than that which is gazette, and which occasioned the sitting to be called. A communication from the Speaker indicated that the special sitting was called for three specific House businesses. These were consideration of the Nairobi City County second supplementary budget estimates for the financial year ending June 30, 2021; consideration of the Nairobi City County Draft Valuation Roll and tabling and consideration of the report of the select committee on Ward Development Fund (WDF) on the vetting of the nominees for appointment to the Nairobi City County WDF committee. This year, Accra Road was renamed Kenneth Matiba Road in recognition of the second liberation hero, while Eastleigh First Avenue was changed to Yusuf Haji Avenue, in honour of the late senator. In both these instances, a Notice of Motion was brought, and time allocated for debate of the motions before approval. This then paved way for the county executive through Transport and Roads CEC Mohamed Dagane to go ahead and rename the roads. Attempts to reach Mr Dagane for comment over the matter were futile as he neither responded to our calls nor replied to messages. Other roads that have been renamed recently are Kapiti Crescent in South B, which was named after late football legend Joe Kadenge; Mugumo Road in Lavington was quietly renamed Margaret Kenyatta -- the firstborn daughter of founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta shortly after she died. In 2016, under ex-governor Evans Kideros administration, Forest Road was renamed Prof Wangari Maathai Road to recognise the late Nobel laureates role in safeguarding Nairobis green spaces.
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https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/nairobi/was-naming-city-road-after-francis-atwoli-done-irregularly--3416416
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Did SI 127 affect Econets buy USD airtime for bonuses promotion?
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Econet Wireless Zimbabwe yesterday announced a promotion that would see customers who bought airtime in USD get free/bonus data, call time and SMSes. This promotion was posted just before the government and RBZ announced the new forex regulations and penalties under Statutory Instrument 127 of 2021 (SI 127 of 2021). Under the new rules, a company cannot give a discount for purchases in USD or induce customers to pay in USD with the promise of a discount. One will be guilty, if he or she sells, displays or offers goods or services for sale at an exchange rate above the ruling exchange rate, or imposes (for the predominant purpose of encouraging payment in a foreign currency) a premium on Zimbabwe dollar payments or allows a discount on foreign currency payments. SI 127 of 2021 Voice Data SMSes Bonus Valid For US$1.00 3 minutes 30 MB 10 1 Day US$5.00 24 minutes 300 MB 60 3 Days US$10.00 55 minutes 600 MB 140 5 Days US$20.00 125 mintues 1 200 MB 310 7 Days We have scanned through Econets social media and the original post the telecoms company put up on Facebook has now been removed. As with anything of this nature, we contacted Econet customer services and they said the promotion was still on even though the promotional material was pulled. Econets Twitter featuring a banner of the USD promotion last night vs Econet Twitter Today without the USD promotion banner Now technically Econet wasnt offering a discount or a premium on ZWL$ airtime sales. You can still buy airtime in ZWL$ if you wish. However, inducing customers to pay for services in USD with the lure of freebies might be a grey area of SI 127 of 2021 that the company doesnt wasnt to find itself in. To get more information about why the promotional material was pulled. We reach out to Econets Public Relations department but we havent heard back yet Not a good week for the Econet Group of companies Over this past weekend, Econets sister company EcoCash was forced to pull its Bank to Wallet promotion after it found itself in the crosshairs of the RBZ and the banks. It looks like when it rains, it pours You should read:
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https://www.techzim.co.zw/2021/05/did-si-127-affect-econets-buy-usd-airtime-for-bonuses-promotion/
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Is killer gang on the loose in Ndaragua?
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In Ndaragua, men are disappearing mysteriously, only for their bodies to be found later, in a worrying trend that has sent residents into a panic. Even more mysterious is the pattern that is emerging -- most bodies are found mutilated and burnt with acid. Residents say that the latest three murders were committed by criminals they claim are well known; and asked the police to arrest them. Known killers These kinds of murders started about four years ago and we have lost 12 young men in this way. But we are more concerned that three cases have happened this month, yet no one has been arrested. The killers are known, but they have instilled fear in the relatives of the deceased and the community. They threaten to kill anyone revealing their identity, said a resident. Among the latest victims is Amos Gichuki, 25, from Suguroi village, whose decomposing body was found in his house last Friday. His funeral was cancelled by villagers at the last minute, demanding the arrest of the killer gang. The other victim is Michael Ndiangui, whose decomposing body was also found in his house two weeks after he disappeared. Both Gichuki and Ndiangui were last spotted in Silent Bar in the village. It is suspected Gichuki was murdered in the bar and his body taken to his house, put on the bed, acid poured on the face and then covered with blankets. Armed police officers guard a bar where Amos Gichuki Gichuku is suspected to have been murdered and later taken to his house where he was raced with acid. Photo credit: WAIKWA MAINA | Nation Media Group The third victim, Lucas Njoroge, 26, from Umoja Mbuyu village, disappeared about two weeks ago. Njoroge made and sold snacks using a boda boda. His mother Mary Wanjiru said he was last spotted at Nairutia market riding a motorcycle registration number KMFJ 293A, which he used in his business. My son was the breadwinner for the family since his father died in 2015, he leaves the home at 5 in the morning to sell the snacks. He was riding to Makutano market but the snacks were all bought at Nairutia by 6 in the morning. A customer from Gwa Kungu market called him around the same hour and he said he was on his way back home, it was the last call he made, said Ms Wanjiru. On Wednesday, residents refused to bury Gichuki until investigations are done. We arrived home from Nyahururu Referral Hospital after the post-mortem and found the community had resolved not to have the burial conducted until the investigations are done and the killer gang arrested. We had prepared and bought everything needed for the ceremony, said Ms Teresia Njeri, Gichukis grandmother. Raised suspicions On Wednesday, irate villagers broke into the bar where Gichuki was last spotted and found some bloodstains in the bar, and at the back, confirming their fears that the victim was murdered in the bar and carried home, about a kilometre away. A neighbour of the bar said the business, which operates all day and night, has been closed since the day Gichuki disappeared, making the residents suspicious. We got suspicious after the bar failed to open for a week since his disappearance, we also recalled that Ndiangui was last spotted in the same bar before his murder. I heard some noise from the bar on the Friday Gichuki disappeared. It was about 3am and it must have been the time they brutally murdered the victim, said a neighbour. Ms Njeri said she was attracted by what appeared to be a swarm of bees moving in and out of her grandsons room, but on checking, she found they were flies. A foul smell was emanating from the house. I raised the alarm to attract the neighbours who broke the door to find my grandson on the bed, his decomposing body was being consumed by worms. We could not recognise his face, she said. She described the grandson as a bright boy who was working hard to raise money to join a teaching college, with a Grade C Plain from Amboni Secondary School in Mweiga, Nyeri County. At midday on Wednesday, officers from Ndaragua Police Station arrived at the suspected scene of murder and arrested a waitress who was on duty on the night Gichuki was last seen there. Ndaragua Sub-County Police Commander Nancy Jerobon said Njoroges case is been treated as murder, and two suspects have been arrested. The investigations are going on.
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https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/nyandarua/is-killer-gang-on-the-loose-in-ndaragua--3416656
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Why are people ignoring clear public health rules?
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Its hard to fathom what is going through the heads of some people who continue to brazenly disregard public health rules around Nova Scotia. As is the case in places like the Annapolis Valley, the South Shore and the Halifax Regional Municipality where people and groups have been charged and fined for violating the Health Protection Act the Strait area has not been immune from this behaviour. Richmond County District RCMP charged two men, ages 48 and 55, with violating the Health Protection Act. The men were also each fined $2,000 plus a victim surcharge of $422, Nova Scotia RCMP Cpl. Chris Marshall told The Reporter. At approximately 1:30 p.m. on May 3, police said they were told two men had arrived from outside Nova Scotia and were failing to self-isolate. Marshall said a member of the public made a complaint to police about the men, who were later located by officers at a business in St. Peters. This prompted an investigation through which the police established that the two men were failing to self-isolate and both were charged under the Health Protection Act. A woman from New Brunswick was charged and fined after the RCMP determined that she was in the province illegally. On May 15 at around 6 p.m. Richmond County RCMP said they stopped a vehicle for speeding on Highway 104 near River Bourgeois. The RCMP confirmed that officers discovered that the 41-year-old female driver was from New Brunswick, and during her vacation, was travelling to visit family in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Marshall said the woman did not apply to enter Nova Scotia and was in the province without authorization. As a result, the woman was fined $2,422 under the Health Protection Act and was told to immediately return to New Brunswick, Marshall noted. To enter Nova Scotia under current public health restrictions, applicants have to register online with Safe Travel Nova Scotia, the RCMP said. The RCMP notified the province after this incident, and it is now up to provincial officials to investigate how the woman was able to enter the province, Marshall stated. Inverness County District RCMP charged two people they were unable to contact during their self-isolation for violating Nova Scotias Health Protection Act. At approximately 2:35 p.m. on May 5, police said they were notified that two people, who had recently entered Nova Scotia, were not answering their phone when compliance officers called to check on them during their self-isolation period. Police said they attended the residence at 5:45 p.m. and found that no one was home. The RCMP said they returned at 6:50 p.m. and found there was no one home. On May 6, at 11:55 a.m., police said they returned to the residence for a third time and found both people were home. Police said they spoke with them, and neither provided a reasonable explanation for not complying with their self-isolation requirements. The RCMP charged both the man and woman for failing to self-isolate, with a fine amount of $2,422.00. Then at approximately 6:30 p.m. on May 10, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had been speeding on the Cabot Trail in St. Joseph Du Moine. Upon speaking with the driver, the RCMP said they learned that the man was from Halifax and had been travelling to Cape Breton to hike the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Police charged and fined the man $2,422 under the Health Protection Act for non-essential travel outside of the municipality where the man primarily resides. If these incidents had taken place at a time when the province was recording new COVID-19 cases in the 20 or less range, perhaps these actions would be more palatable, but coming in the middle of a third wave when Nova Scotia saw new cases over the 200 per day range, there are no excuses for this. The public health rules, although strict, annoying and frustrating, are necessary and must be followed, with only rare exceptions. These exceptions do not include hiking, visiting family, shopping, or anything else that can be held off for another day, or done closer to home, until the numbers decline, and some rules are loosened. And in the name of public health, these rules must be taken seriously, not ignored when provincial officials follow-up with phone calls, or when people required to fully isolate instead choose not to stay home. Whether intentional or not, these infractions demonstrate a complete lack of regard for other people, for public health, and more so, for those closest to them. While there are some grey areas in interpretation, overall, these public health measures are very clear, they have been publicized and disseminated around the province, and discussed and analyzed at length in the past year. If Nova Scotia is going to have any kind of summer, the public has to continue practicing good hygiene, wearing face masks in public, maintaining three metres distance, getting tested if potentially exposed to the virus, getting vaccinated as soon as possible, and isolating if they experience any symptoms. No one likes these rules, but they can provide a road map to get out of this mess, then gradually work toward some normalcy once the vast majority of the population receives its second vaccination.
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https://porthawkesburyreporter.com/why-are-people-ignoring-clear-public-health-rules/
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Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight against Brooklyn Nets in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs?
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The Boston Celtics' injury woes mounted on Tuesday night when Jayson Tatum left Game 2 of their series against the Brooklyn Nets after being poked in the eye accidentally by Kevin Durant. Tatum left the game just three minutes into the third quarter and would not return as the Nets blew out the C's 130-108. Fast forward to Friday and the Boston Celtics are looking to get back into the series and avoid being on the brink of a potential sweep. The good news for fans, at least, is that Jayson Tatum announced on Thursday afternoon he would be available for Game 3 at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum said he got his eye evaluated, its fine and hes ready to go for Game 3. Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 27, 2021 What Jayson Tatum and Boston Celtics need to do to get back into their playoff series with the Brooklyn Nets Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker Jayson Tatum has had another stellar year with the Boston Celtics and continued to increase his career-high in points, rebounds and assists. He even dropped an unbelievable 60-point piece against the San Antonio Spurs at the end of April and put up 50 in the C's play-in game against the Washington Wizards. So far in the playoffs, though, his effectiveness has been limited against the Brooklyn Nets. 50 POINTS 32 in 2nd half Celtics earn East #7 seed@jaytatum0's huge night guides the @celtics to #StateFarmPlayIn victory! #7 Celtics vs. #2 Nets - #NBAPlayoffs First Round Game 1 Saturday: 8pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/bHA0j4JNQD NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2021 In Game 1, neither side shot the ball particularly well. Tatum, in particular, struggled though, shooting 6-20 from the field and 1-4 from downtown as he battled against Kevin Durant's long reach. He finished the game with 22 points and five assists. Prior to his injury in Game 2, the 23-year-old was shooting at just 25% from the field. Most worryingly for Boston Celtics fans is the fact these stats are well below Jayson Tatum's season averages. He is usually an efficient scorer who makes 45% of efforts from the floor, therefore they will be hoping that it was simply nerves of playing on the road. Now that the series heads to TD Garden, Tatum and the Boston Celtics will be looking to reignite their scoring with the crowd behind them. On home court during the 2020-21 campaign, the C's were 21-15 at home, while Tatum averaged 27.7 points and 7.7 rebounds. Although their form has been inconsistent all year, there is still time for the Boston Celtics to turn this tie around, although it will take a monumental effort. The Brooklyn Nets' big three are heating up and the Celtics need to find a way to improve their perimeter defense. During the regular season, Boston ranked in the bottom half of teams for 3-points allowed and opposition 3-point percentage. They can't afford to continue like that against the Brooklyn Nets' Joe Harris, James Harden and Kevin Durant. In Game 2, all three of those players shot at 50% or above from beyond the arc. NETS CELTICS Led by Kevin Durant (26 PTS) and Joe Harris (25 PTS) in Game 2, the @BrooklynNets went up 2-0! Watch Game 3 TONIGHT at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/kLbEpQtbnU NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2021
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-is-jayson-tatum-playing-tonight-brooklyn-nets-game-3-2021-nba-playoffs
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What happened next to Hull City's 2016 play-off final heroes after winning promotion?
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Get the latest Hull City news straight to your inbox with our daily Tigers newsletter Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Its five years to the day since that unforgettable afternoon at Wembley for Hull City. The Tigers secured their place back in the Premier League back in 2016 with victory over Sheffield Wednesday, with Mo Diame striking the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at the national stadium. Fans have been reminiscing on that memorable day on social media, and weve taken a look at where Citys heroes are now. Eldin Jakupovic With Allan McGregor out injured, Jakupovic was given the nod at Wembley, and he certainly did his bit with a clean sheet to help City to victory. Nowadays, hes at Leicester City acting as back-up to Kasper Schmeichel, although his contract at the King Power Stadium exprires next month, meaning he could be on the lookout for a new club. Our Hull City newsletter is the perfect place to get all your latest Tigers news, brought to you first. There will be breaking news newsletters, specials from our correspondent Barry Cooper and a newsletter every single weekday with the big stories of the day. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article or any article on the Hull City section of Hull Live, or by clicking here. And that's it, you're all set. You can unsubscribe at any time and your data will not be shared with any other party. Moses Odubajo Having joined the previous summer, Odubajo capped off a fine first season at the club which saw him make 53 appearances in total. Injury problems wrecked the rest of his time at City, and hes now a free agent after being released by Sheffield Wednesday following their relegation from the Championship. Michael Dawson The man who lifted the trophy that day for the Tigers, Dawson was an ever-reliable presence at the back until his departure from the club in 2018. He returned to Nottingham Forest, where his future hangs in the balance after being told he wont be offered a new playing contract, but he could take up a new role with the club. Curtis Davies Another hero at centre-back, Davies would stay on for another year with the Tigers before departing for Derby County in 2017. The 36-year-old narrowly avoided relegation to League One in 2020/21 with Rams, and his future is up in the air at Pride Park with contract expiring next month. Andrew Robertson The left-backs rise since his days at the KCOM Stadium has been monumental to say the least. A Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool, and he's set to captain Scotland at the Euros this summer. He hasnt done too badly since leaving the Tigers in 2017. Jake Livermore The midfielder was another to stick around for just another year following the Tigers promotion before heading to West Brom. He remains with the Baggies and is under contract with them until next year, which means City could come up against him next season in the Championship. Tom Huddlestone The midfielder remains without a club after failing to agree terms on a new deal with Derby County last summer. A move to League Two side Salford City was mooted at one point, while the man himself hasnt ruled out a potential return to the KCOM Stadium. Ahmed Elmohamady The Egyptian would go on to repeat the trick after leaving for Aston Villa in 2017, winning the play-off final in 2019. Elmohamady will be another on the lookout for a new club this summer, with 33-year-old announcing he will be leaving Villa when his contract expires at the end of the month. Robert Snodgrass A move to West Ham followed for the former Scotland international midway through Citys season back in the Premier League. Snodgrass could come up against the Tigers next season in the Championship, having made the move to West Brom back in January. Mohamed Diame City fans will never forget his special strike that broke the deadlock, and secured the Tigers return to the top flight. Diame would leave the club later that summer to join Newcastle United, and can now be found plying his trade in Qatar with Al-Ahli. Abel Hernandez Hernandez has been all around the world since he left City back in 2018. A move to CSKA Moscow was followed by a transfer to Qatar with Al-Ahli, and he now turns out for Brazilian club Fluminense after a short spell with Internacional. Dusan Kuciak Kuciak made just one appearance during his time with the Tigers, with his sole game coming shortly after promotion with an EFL Cup win over Exeter in August 2016. After leaving the club in 2017, he made the move to Poland with Lechia Gdansk, where he remains to this day. Alex Bruce Despite his fathers departure as manager that summer, Bruce stayed with City, although he did spend the second half of the 2016/17 season on loan with Wigan Athletic. Spells at Bury, Wigan again and Kilmarnock followed before he called time on his career last year. Harry Maguire Like Robertson, another of the success stories from the Tigers squad that season. Maguire has since gone on to appear in a World Cup semi-final with England, is of course now captain of Manchester United, and will be hoping to recover in time to turn out at this summers Euros. David Meyler A firm fans favourite during his time at City, Meyler came on as a late substitute at Wembley as the Tigers closed in on their promotion. A move to Reading followed in 2018, while he also spent time on loan with Coventry City, before announcing his retirement in 2019 at the age of just 30. Sam Clucas Another late substitute against the Owls, Clucas really caught the eye in the Premier League after enjoying a breakthrough season at the KCOM. A move to Swansea City followed in 2017, and hes set for his fourth campaign at Stoke City next season. (Image: Getty Images) Shaun Maloney An unused substitute at Wembley, Maloney would make another 15 appearances for City the following season. After choosing to retire from playing in 2017, he turned to coaching, and hell be heading to the Euros this summer as part of Roberto Martinezs backroom staff with Belgium. Chuba Akpom The former Arsenal forward returned to the Gunners at the end of his loan spell with City after the final, and further spells with Brighton and Belgian side Sint-Truiden. After leaving the Emirates, he made the move to Greece with PAOK, before returning to England with Middlesbrough last year, and rumours are abound that he could return to City this summer.
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https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-2016-play-off-5469707
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Why are Pakistani men loved by British women so much?
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I went through a video of the pengest and desirable race videos in Britain. I've noticed a lot of British white and black females seem to love Pakistani boys a lot there. In every video, you will find 2 or 3 white or black females seem to mention them. Obviously black Jamaican men are generally the most popular in every video by most British white and black girls but Pakistani guys seem to get way more mention than white guys also.Also I've noticed they don't like Somali men nor Indian menGuys like Arabs are either not liked or not even mentioned in any of the videos either
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https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/why-are-pakistani-men-loved-by-british-women-so-much.712578/
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What happened to Ariana Grandes tattoos?
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The pop star finally revealed photos from her wedding with Dalton Gomez earlier this week, looking stunning in her sleek Vera Wang dress and signature half-pony hairstyle. However, eagle-eyed fans noticed that something looked different about the Positions singer, 27: a few of her largest and most recognizable tattoos had vanished for her wedding day. Two large butterflies near her shoulder were MIA, as were her tattoos of the Pokmon character Eevee, Spirited Away heroine Chihiro and the Japanese letters for lets sing. Did arianas butterfly tattoos fly away or what?, one Twitter user wondered. Ariana covering up her arm tattoos for her wedding really shows that all the money and fame in the world cant save you from the guilt trip of your Italian mother, another quipped. Ariana Grandes wedding gown was designed by Vera Wang and inspired by Audrey Hepburns character in Funny Face. Stefan Kohli / Instagram At first, some speculated that Grande simply covered her arm tattoos with makeup for her wedding day to create a more demure look though she left some ink untouched, including designs on her hand as well as the Truman Show quote on her back. But it seems the change could be more permanent: On Thursday night, Grande joined The Weeknd at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards to perform Save Your Tears with suspiciously bare arms, this time missing only her butterfly and Eevee tattoos. Grandes left arm was suspiciously blank during her performance with The Weeknd at the iHeartRadio Music Awards; her butterfly and Eevee tattoos were both missing after her wedding. Getty Images For the performance, Grande sported a two-piece silk halter top ($85) and skirt ($125) look by Rat & Boa, along with her new wedding band. Its unclear why she might want to rid herself of some of her most recent tats. She debuted the outline of one of her two butterfly designs at the 2020 Grammys, where it peeked out above the opera-length gloves that matched her voluminous Giambattista Valli dress. A few months later, Grande added a second butterfly just underneath, and both were present and accounted for on her Instagram as recently as March. On Aug. 29, 2018, she revealed the large Chihiro tattoo on the inside of her right arm. During her adventure in the Spirit World, she matures from an easily-scared girl with a child-like personality to match her age to a hard-working, responsible and brave young girl who has learned to put her fears aside for those she cares for, Grande explained on her Instagram Story at the time. Ariana Grande and her Eevee tattoo Getty Images; Instagram Grande added the giant portrait of Eevee on her upper arm in early 2019, shortly after showing off her Lets Sing ink the latter of which subtly alluded to her album Thank U, Next, which she dropped just six months after her Sweetener release. Ariana Grande talks with Alicia Keys at the 2018 Billboard Women in Music Awards and shows off her Chihiro arm tattoo. Getty Images Grande has yet to explain the decision behind her disappearing ink, but the trendsetter might have some explaining to do: To the girlies that got butterfly tattoos to match arianas: IM SO SORRY, one person tweeted.
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https://pagesix.com/2021/05/28/what-happened-to-ariana-grandes-tattoos/
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Do Health ministry figures on Covid-19 really add up?
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Inconsistencies in the Covid-19 numbers reported this past month have raised questions on veracity of the database at the Ministry of Health. Nation Newsplex, the data journalism desk of the Nation, has noted huge discrepancies in the number of cases recorded, especially over the past few weeks. The new cases reported by the ministry on April 2 were 1,856. However, the total number of cases reported in counties was 1,778. Again on April 3, the ministry reported 1,184 new coronavirus infections while the county figures added up to 1,182. Another anomaly was on April 8, when the Ministry of Health reported 1,698 new Covid-19 patients, while the number in counties added to 1,691, a difference of seven. On May 19, the Health ministry reported that a total 117,235 people had recovered following 318 new recoveries. The figure was inconsistent with the previous day number, when the total was 113,917. Adding the new number should have brought the total recoveries to 114,235. The health ministry however corrected the mistake after it was brought to their attention. There was an arithmetic error in our reporting yesterday where we had reported that our total recoveries were 117,235 instead of 114,235. We regret the error, read the statement from MoH. Dont add up On May 11, the number of infections was 112,298, but after adding 129 cases reported on that day, the tally was 112,427. The ministry, however, gave a total of 113,057. The numbers of people aged 58 and above who have been vaccinated against the illness also dont add up. At one point, the figures rose to more than half a million, then dropped to under 300,000 in the subsequent days. On May 3, the Health ministry announced that 516,616 people had received the shots but the number dropped to 275,453 the following day. On May 5, the government said 524,720 people had been vaccinated against Covid-19, only for the number to drop to 278,642 the following day. When we compiled the confirmed cases by county from the daily media releases, it did not match the county numbers provided in the detailed situation report done by the ministry. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe could not be reached for comment, but a source at the ministry, who sought anonymity, attributed the anomalies to a new team at Emergency Operations Centre of the infectious diseases unit.
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https://nation.africa/kenya/news/do-health-ministry-figures-on-covid-19-really-add-up--3414004
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Will Analytics ever work in the NFL like other sports?
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Its been a rough 24 hours for baseball. Not because a major-market club won the World Series, of course. Not because the commissioner of the league sounded . . . odd . . . after the game. Its about the numbers. Those numbers or the binders, or the computers, or the calculators, or however you refer to numbers-driven decisions in the sport ruined the deciding game of 2020 season, in the eyes of many. You know what happened by now. Kevin Cash pulled stud pitcher Blake Snell from the game before Snell could see the Dodgers order the third time around, despite the fact that Snell was pitching lights-out. He hadnt allowed a run. Hed allowed two hits. Hed thrown 73 pitches. Hed already struck out the three batters he was scheduled to face six times. The Rays promptly blew the lead and their season was over, leading baseball fans to search for reasonable explanations as to why Cash would make that move when he did. The answer is obvious, though. Thats what the Rays do. They play the numbers. It got them where it got them. Obsessing over the numbers burned them. This could end up being a good thing if the Rays failure ends up being a lesson for the rest of baseball. It could shine a light on the over-reliance on numbers with every decision made in that world. It has bogged down the game, reduced a whopping percentage of at-bats to three possible outcomes home run, walk, strikeout and made the sport unwatchable for many as pitch counts and minutes played climb while the number of balls in play go the other way. Its a bore. Consider this a call for some perspective, though, after Tuesday nights hours-long social-media roast of Cash. As even more attention across the country is devoted to football with baseball in the rear view, remember that your vitriol for analytics shouldnt extend to what you watch on Sundays. What happened to the Rays aside, numbers-influenced decisions can be good ones. In any sport. But worshiping the numbers, eschewing feel and real-time facts, has neutered our one-time national pastime. In football, meanwhile, numbers-influenced decisions can make an already eminently-watchable sport even more so. Its already happened. The numbers say to throw more, to be more aggressive. The result has been more points. And as point totals have ballooned along with a year-long schedule, fantasy football and an uber-aggressive league marketing department league popularity has gone with them. Theres still plenty of room for football to expand analytically, too. Football, it could be argued, has been the last of the four major sports to adopt analytics. The teams that do, tend to be exciting to watch. They chuck it often, and chuck it deep, understanding explosive plays translate to wins. They hate to punt. They go for it on fourth down. They value touchdowns over field goals. More trick plays. Less aversion to things like hook-and-laterals, which may lead to more explosive plays and more wins. More onside kicks. Kelley believes there are opportunities there and elsewhere that NFL teams are missing out on. But he also believes smart teams in the league are coming around on certain ideas like positionless football and when to go for it on fourth down. Everything in moderation. Obviously. If the NFL turns into a chuck-and-duck contest week after week, with every team taking the same all-or-nothing strategy that all of MLB seems to have adopted at the plate just because the numbers say it might be a good idea (they dont, by the way), then that would be bad for the sport. It would slow it down. It would homogenize the product. It would be baseball in shoulder pads and girdles. But a little more openness to being aggressive in big moments which the football numbers would suggest is beneficial might actually lead to a little more fun. Its gone too far in baseball. Tuesday night told the world as much. But dont let your hatred of baseballs nerds poison your view of how the nerds might help your favorite football team win games and make the sport more exciting in the process.
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https://corner.bigblueinteractive.com/index.php?mode=2&thread=609422&show_all=1
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Who is Tom Ellis wife Meaghan Oppenheimer?
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TOM Ellis is riding high thanks to his smash hit show Lucifer. But when he's not busy playing the devil, he is a devoted husband to his wife Meaghan Oppenheimer. Meaghan was born March 18, 1986 and is a screenwriter and actress originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was originally a child actress, appearing in the pilot for Disney series Even Stevens. Meaghan also starred in 2012s LoveFinder: The Virals. Her other credits include the Fear The Walking Dead episode Not Fade Away, as well as penning the screenplay for the 2015 movie We Are Your Friends, starring Zac Efron. The couple married in 2018 after being together for three years. The pair tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the Grassini Family Winery in Santa Ynez Valley, California. They began dating in 2015 and announced their engagement in 2018. Tom wed EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite in 2006 in Somerset after meeting the year before through their mutual friend James McAvoy. They went on to have have two daughters, Florence (born 2008) and Marnie (born 2012). But in 2014, following revelations of Tom's infidelity, the couple divorced.
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https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/celebrity/7177393/tom-ellis-wife-meaghan-oppenheimer/
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Who is Marshmello and whats his net worth?
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DJ Marshmello is set to entertain millions of football fans across the world when he performs live at the Champions League final on Saturday, May 29. Heres everything we know about the man behind the mask. Chris Comstock - better known as Marshmello - is an American DJ and producer. The 29-year-old achieved international fame in 2016 when his track 'Alone' reached No28 in the US. Hes gone on to produce several smash hits since, including 'Friends', 'Wolves', 'Silence' and 'Happier' - with the latter reaching No2 in the UK. Marshmello has also worked with several big-name artists, such as Bastille, Selena Gomez and Anne-Marie. And the DJ has amassed a huge following on social media, attracting more than 52MILLION subscribers on YouTube. Marshmello has been described as one of the defining dance artists of his generation by Robb McDaniels, CEO of electronic music hub Beatport. He told Forbes in 2018: "What sets the worlds greatest DJs apart is that they are also great producers and songwriters, creating songs that transcend genre and appeal to a global pop audience. "Marshmello is one of the select few who have defined this generation Hes certainly got a long career in music ahead of him." Marshmello will perform live at the Champions League final ahead of the match between English sides Manchester City and Chelsea. Speaking to Uefa about the performance, the musician said: "This really has been a year like no other. "I'm looking forward to giving my sport, music and pure entertainment fans a show like they have never seen." According to Celebrity Net Worth, Marshmello is worth $40m - around 28.2m. And according to Forbes, he earned $40m in 2019 alone - making him the second highest-paid DJ on the planet behind The Chainsmokers ($46m). If Forbes figures are to be believed, Marshmello made more than both Calvin Harris ($38.5m) and David Guetta ($18m) that year. The DJ wears a huge white helmet - resembling a Marshmello - when making public appearances and performing. Other big-name dance acts, such as Daft Punk and Deadmau5, also hide behind a mask on stage. Explaining why he wears the helmet in August 2017, Marshmello tweeted: "I don't take my helmet off because I don't want or need fame. "I'm genuinely trying to create something positive for people to connect with." As he shies away from the public eye, not much is known about Marshmellos private life. But the DJ is believed to be in a relationship with Kelsey Calemine, who has 2.8m followers on Instagram. The influencer shared an unmasked picture of Marshmello in February 2020, exposing his private Insta account - dotcommusic - which has just 192k followers. He does not currently have any children, according to reports.
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https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/music/7176727/who-is-marshmello-net-worth-dj/
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Which box fan is best for a summer home?
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Remember, if the air outside is hotter than the air inside, placing a box fan in the window to draw air in will ultimately make your summer home warmer. The best time to use a box fan in the window is when the air outside is significantly cooler than the air inside. Best box fans for summer home use The perfect summer home is all about atmosphere a cool breeze, not a frigid blast of AC. Box fans are a great option to keep your summer home comfortable as temperatures rise. The right fan can pull cool air in, push hot air out or just create airflow in a room to help evaporation to make you feel cooler. A well-built box fan serves all of these needs. The best model is portable, affordable, powerful and versatile. To learn more about what to look for in a box fan for your summer home, as well as peruse our extensive list of top picks, keep reading. Features to consider when buying a box fan Size A box fan is roughly 20 inches on each side. This doesnt change from fan to fan. However, how slim a model is can vary greatly. You may want something thin that fits better in your window, but not all narrow designs hold up well on the floor. Consider where you will be placing your box fan to decide if a slimmer design is best for your needs. Base Some poorly designed box fans include lightweight models that dont stay in place when the fan is in the highest setting. To combat this, look for a model with traction on the feet. Otherwise, you may only be able to use your box fan on a carpeted surface. Speed Its pretty standard that box fans have three speeds. However, the high speed of one fan may be equivalent to the low speed of another. The higher the cubic feet per minute rating is, the more air a fan can move. You can compare CFM numbers to get a quick idea of how powerful a fan is to understand the airflows speeds. Noise A tolerable noise level is subjective. If you are sensitive to noise, read the reviews to find a model that users agree operates quietly. Weatherproof motor A box fan placed in a window will be exposed to the elements and can be a hazard. If this is your intended use, the best model is a fan with a motor shielded from the elements. Another useful safety feature is a built-in fuse that will shut the fan down if it starts to overheat. Best box fans for a summer home The models in this list are organized in alphabetical order by brand. Except for the whole-house fan we slipped in, these models roughly range from $25-$50. Air King 20-Inch 3-Speed Box Fan If you are looking for a workhorse, this box fan is sturdier than the average model and can move a great deal of air. It is permanently lubricated, has an 8-foot cord and features an impact-resistant grill to protect the blades. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot Air King 20-Inch Whole-House Window Fan This model is not a box fan but a whole house window fan. It resides on the high end of the price scale but is powerful enough to cool your summer home effectively. The design allows the window to be open and closed without the need to remove the fan. This model has a powder-coated steel grill for safety. Sold by Amazon Best Comfort 20-Inch Box Fan This is a solid yet straightforward box fan. It is 20 inches square, has five blades and features three-speed settings that provide a range of cooling options. A few individuals have noted that the lowest setting on this fan is higher than the highest settings of other fans, so its not the model to choose if you want gentle airflow. Sold by Amazon Comfort Zone 20-Inch High-Performance Box Fan If you need a well-built fan that is affordably priced and gets the job done, this three-speed Comfort Zone fan will work for you. On low, it can be used to more evenly distribute the cool air from your AC unit, while on high, it can help cool a larger space, such as a garage or a workshop. Sold by Amazon and Kohls Comfort Zone 9-Inch Twin Window Fan This is a twin-blade window fan with a reversible function, so you can quickly switch it from drawing cool air to pushing hot air out. What makes this model stand out is its two sturdy feet that allow it to be placed on a tabletop or floor, if desired. Sold by Amazon Genesis 20-Inch Box Fan For the individual searching for a more stylish option, this box fan from Genesis features a sleek design. It is solidly built, lightweight yet moves a lot of air and produces a pleasant background of white noise. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot Lasko 20-Inch Weather-Shield Box Fan Lasko is a popular name among residential fans. This model was carefully manufactured to have a weather-shield motor, so it is safe to use in a window during various weather conditions. Additionally, the aerodynamic blades create up to 20 percent more airflow than comparably priced models. Sold by Amazon Lasko 20-Inch 3-Speed Box Fan If you are looking for a versatile, well-built and affordable fan, this basic model from Lasko might be all you need. There are no bells and whistles. Its simply a three-speed fan with a 90-day warranty that does what its supposed to do. Sold by Home Depot Lasko 20-Inch Power Plus Box Fan This slender high airflow model comes with an impressive two-year warranty. It features three speeds and can be used in a window or on the floor. The built-in safety fuse provides peace of mind for operation. Sold by Bed Bath & Beyond and Home Depot Lasko Air Flex 2-in-1 20-inch Box Fan If youve got an allergy sufferer in the house or you just want purer air, this ingeniously designed box fan features a built-in air filter to help keep the air as clean as possible. The MERV10 rated filter can remove dust, smoke and pollen from the air as it cools. While it is engineered not to overheat or break down when used with a filter, the airflow will be reduced compared to other models. Sold by Amazon PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan With its built-in handle and lightweight design, this three-speed fan is manufactured to be portable. It arrives fully assembled, has a recessed space for cord storage and features a one-knob control for convenience. Sold by Amazon Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. Copyright 2021 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://fox8.com/reviews/br/home-br/heating-cooling-air-quality-br/which-box-fan-is-best-for-a-summer-home/
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Did Shamea Morton Hook Porsha Up With Simon Guobadia?
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Simon Guobadia is famous for being a producer, but hes really famous for being the new fianc of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams. Their engagement took the world by storm when everyone realized the star was engaged to the ex of one of her very own co-stars on the show. Porsha and her own fianc welcomed their daughter in March 2019 and then ended things. In May 2021, Williams announced that she and her costars estranged husband were engaged and in a relationship. The entire situation is shocking to all involved, and now we get to see it all unfold in the press. What fans want to know right now is just who this Simon Guobadia really is.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260001805357/did-shamea-morton-hook-porsha-up-with-simon-guobadia
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How competitive is getting a job now after pandemic layoffs?
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SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) The San Marcos Premium Outlets are hiring and promoting its open positions heavily until June 2. Patrick Gorman is a senior at Texas State University. He spent the end of his week driving around town looking for a summer job. He heard about openings at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. I printed off like, 12 copies of my resume, then just went into various stores, Gorman said. Gorman told KXAN he didnt expect it to be so competitive. I was thinking Id be kind of early on the curve to where there hadnt been a bunch of hired people though I did find about half the stores had already filled that gap, Gorman said. The San Marcos Premium Outlets couldnt say whether its seeing more seasoned, experienced applicants competing against high school and college students like Gorman. However, the San Marcos Public Library said there are a number of people its helping who are re-entering the workforce after pandemic layoffs. Many are seeking new opportunities. Im finding that a lot of people are transitioning in their careers right now, San Marcos Public Services librarian Deborah Carter said. Carter said young people should stay optimistic. Some companies are looking for youthful, fresh faces behind the counter, Carter said. So, in some ways, there is an advantage. The San Marcos Premium Outlets has more than 50 jobs at 40 different stores ranging from a brand ambassador to assistant manager. Square shoulders, eye contact youll definitely get a job, Gorman said. Thats Gormans advice. He walked away with an offer on the spot, excited for his new role.
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https://www.kxan.com/news/local/hays/how-competitive-is-getting-a-job-now-after-pandemic-layoffs/
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How does the Geologic environment shape rockfalls in the Texas Hill Country?
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AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) Visitors wont be able to take a splash inside Hamilton Pool during Memorial Day weekend. Travis County Parks closed down the beautiful watering hole for the foreseeable future due to falling rocks. Geologist hired by Travis County Parks to observe the area says the rock falls arent going away anytime soon. I would not want to sunbathe or swim underneath the lip of Hamilton Pool, said Charles Woodruff Bureau of Economic Geology. The February deep freeze is part of what geologist Charles Woodruff says led to the fallen rocks underneath the Hamilton Pool overhang, but there are many other phenomenons also playing a role. Beneath the receding ledge of Hamilton Pool is a sedimentary rock called shale. Shale is soft, weak and can split very easily when water seeps in. Geologist Charles Woodruff (left) & Mariel Nelson (right) This little piece right here is a little harder, this one is actually a sandy limestone, said Brian Hunt Bureau of Economic Geology. Geologists like Brian Hunt and Charles cant control the rockfalls, but they can research the environment that creates them. Were drilling a week thats going to be an observation well to see how water declines during dry periods or rises during wet periods, said Charles Woodruff. Ultimately, theyre going to be looking at a total water budget and how it plays a role in the security or failure of the bluffs. That well is at nearby Reimers Ranch, another Travis County Park that shares the same landscape as Hamilton Pool. Research well @ Reimers Ranch (KXAN/Kaitlyn Karmout) After that water infiltrates, we can measure the level in the well that is being drilled. We can also measure the level of water in the river, said Mariel Nelson University of Texas Graduate Student. UT Graduate Student Mariel Nelson is part of the research team. Her research focuses on a popular rock-climbing wall in Reimers Ranch that collapsed in 2019 after a significant amount of rainfall. Were interested in the larger study because we want to know how water moves through the limestone landscape, said Nelson. Nelson specifically studies the role of tree roots and their ability to shape the limestone cliffs. Another piece of the bigger picture. Theres a lot of different forces at play here contributing to the rockfalls, but by better understanding the geology of the groundwater systems it allows them to better understand the risks.
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https://www.kxan.com/top-stories/how-does-the-geologic-environment-shape-rockfalls-in-the-texas-hill-country/
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Could Fisherman Hall striker Usman Khan be stopped?
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Dominik Casciani Domestic and legal correspondent @BBCDomCon Twitter copyright to the image Police and Met image caption Saskia Jones, 23, and Jack Merritt, 25, were killed by Usman Khan during a conference to rehabilitate offenders Three simple facts became clear during the investigation into the terrorist attack on the Hall of Fishmongers, in which Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones died at the hands of Usman Khan. First, Khan, had entered and left prison as one of the most dangerous terrorism offenders of his generation. Second, while counterterrorism experts and investigators fully understood the threat he posed, some of the people who interacted directly with Khan were unaware of all those fears. And third, at the time Khan had decided to kill, no one knew if he was plotting or not and so his journey went on without anyone being sure what danger he posed when he was allowed to travel alone to London. copyright to the image Geography / N Chadwick image caption The fish market hall, near London Bridge, was the scene Usman Khan came to London on 29 November 2019 to attend a special event organized by Learning Together, a Cambridge University program in which his graduates help offenders rehabilitate themselves. The scheme began at Grendon Prison, a specialized prison in Buckinghamshire that places inmates through intensive psychological and behavioral therapy. Khan joined when the scheme was later introduced in the maximum security of Whitemoor Prison in Cambridgeshire. Prior to that, Learning Together had no experience working with terrorism offenders who usually think and behave quite differently from other violent criminals. Over time, Khan came to be regarded as a success story and the Learning Together bosses together invited him to reunite London. Since he was a teenager, Khan, from Stoke, had been part of Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), the terror recruitment network linked to almost all major plots. By around 2008, he was under investigation by police and MI5 for the purposes of a cell of men from London, Cardiff and Stoke. All of them were arrested in 2010 and later convicted and imprisoned. Some of the group had an amateur plan to bomb the London Stock Exchange. Khan was even more dangerous. He wanted to set up a training camp on terrorism in Pakistan and his original prison sentence reflected the fact that the judge could not be sure if he would ever be safe to be released. This sentence was later changed, following an appeal, to a certain deadline. This meant he would be out of jail with a special license by the end of 2018. copyright to the image West Midlands Police image caption Khan was a high-risk offender one of only 70 prisoners in England and Wales to have this status Until his release on Christmas Eve 2018, Khan was considered in jail as a serious threat. He remained at all times a high-risk offender because of his behavior and lack of progress towards rehabilitation one of only 70 prisoners to have this status in England and Wales. And so, most of his adult life was spent alongside some of the UKs most dangerous people, including the leaders of previous conspiracies he sought and admired. Security chiefs recorded that he harassed, assaulted and tried to radicalize other detainees. On one occasion, he entered a restricted area of his arm and recited a poem about beheading unbelievers. And as the release date approached, two pieces of information fell into the hands of prison authorities and MI5. Intelligence suggested that Khan would return to his old ways and, secondly, that he wanted to carry out an attack. Prison psychologists in the UK use tools and programs in an attempt to challenge the minds of prisoners of terrorism. Khan went through the main scheme of the prison but there were no clear signs that she had changed it. Eight months before his release, an expert brought in to analyze Khans opinion concluded that the risk that he would turn to terrorism could increase once he leaves prison. Dr Ieva Cechaviciute was weakened that Khan sought status and denied he had done anything wrong. She told investigators she had been very concerned about how he could be managed safely. When Khan was released to live in a conditionally monitored hotel, he did not know he was already under MI5 investigation. He had launched a new investigation into his intentions, given intelligence concerns. But in the absence of clear information that he was actively taking steps to carry out an attack, the investigation never became one of the security services highest priorities. Khans new life was overseen by police officers and probation officers under the Multi-Agency Public Defense Agencies (Mappa) system. This is the body that gathers to discuss whether serious offenders adhere to their release license or pose a risk that could cause them to return to prison. Mappa held three meetings before Khan was released and Staffordshire Police officers without counterterrorism expertise were put in charge of daily meetings once he was out. Khan was also appointed a senior probation officer who oversees the management of his probation an officer who, over time, was expected to draft deeper reports on his conduct and prospects. Both probation teams and police teams knew about the very disturbing details of Khans prison but did not know about MI5s ongoing covert investigation, or his ongoing concerns. During the year he was out, Khan failed to find work. He asked for permission to train to operate dumper trucks but the panel blocked this after police advised the vehicles could be used as weapons. He began to isolate himself spending more and more time playing computer games alone. He got angry when the police officers watching him took pictures of the violent games he had bought and he lied to them and others about his previous offense. copyright to the image Police and Met image caption Unaccompanied Weapons: Khan on train to London So two months before the attack, the situation was simple: there was no intelligence that Khan was plotting an attack but neither was there any certainty that he had changed for the better. One aspect of his life that seemed to make a difference was his ongoing interest in working with the Learn Together program. So when the program directors at Cambridge asked Khan to come to London for the big reunion, he jumped at the chance. copyright to the image Police and Met image caption Khan passing through the London Underground He asked his probation officer for permission to go, and the Mappa panel said he could leave his home in Staffordshire but without knowing the full facts of the unresolved risk he might have posed. And so he traveled to London unaccompanied and was not met by police when he arrived. He was never checked. Had it been him, his weapons would have been found. There was a safe corridor between MI5 and police and probation officers who dealt directly with Khan. That corridor exists to make sure a suspect does not accidentally learn anything about what the security service is doing. But it also allows spies to provide critical information in a way that does not reveal their secret techniques. Investigations heard that MI5 told counter-terrorism detectives at the West Midlands Police that he had unresolved fears that Khan would return to his old ways and that he might plan an attack. Those detectives shared it on the other hand with the Staffordshire Police Special Branch, the team actively assisting the Mappa panel. But the second piece of information the possibility of an attack never reached any of Mappas documents or officers. The reason why it remains a mystery. The youngest officer in the Special Branch did not believe they had the power to pass him to Mappa without express permission. It appears that no officer above in the police chain realized that the information had not been shared. Critically, despite MI5 secretly having officers at several Mappa meetings, no one from the service told their police colleagues that intelligence had not yet been shared with that panel. The MI5 witness told investigators that they had shared everything they had but it was not clear from the evidence whether security officers had even realized that important information, albeit invalid, had not reached the panel. 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/946546/
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How To Deal With A Flirtatious Boyfriend?
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This can be disheartening and sometimes irritating. In this scenario, you need to give this bitter experience a little time, and maybe when you understand his real intentions, things fall in place. Some need a lot of patience to deal with this. Don't allow your hopes to shatter when you see him flirting with a girl in your presence, stay calm. A cheeky boyfriend doesn't necessarily mean he is cheating on you. Avoid allowing your insecurities to get the better of you and don't let anger overcome your thoughts. Handling things maturely prevents you from walking towards out the door on your relationship. If you no longer feel enthusiastic about the guy you love, your eyes don't twinkle with happiness and excitement, one won't blame you. After all, a partner who make advances on other woman is not a pleasant. However, being flirty doesn't always mean that your partner feels any physical attraction to others, or has sexual interest towards them. Sometimes it's just harmless fun. The suggestions on how to cope with this are based on feedback received from 10,000 Gleeden users (female) from across the nation. Do not rush! Different people flirt for different reasons. So, before assuming that he is a cheater and has bad intentions, make sure that you don't rush and end up taking a harsh decision. The reasons might surprise you, some flirt simply to boost their confidence, some prefer doing it for fun, and few might do this because they have a flirty personality and do it unintentionally without any real interest in the person. Try and see if he flirts only with hot girls, or if he just simply gets on well with anyone he meets and speaks with. Keep calm and observe! Based on their real life experience, 46.25 per cent of Gleeden users have said that being patient to judge a man's character is the best way to go forward. Impulsive behaviour could lead to verbal engagements that can hamper the relationship. Be calm and self-composed The first thing you should do after discovering his intentions is to stay poised. The naturally flirtatious ones won't harm you. Make him realise his habit unnerves you and find a middle path. We know it's tough to remain graceful but that's the only wise thing to do here. Find the right time, cool your nerves, and have a little casual chat, not too serious! Self-control is the best way forward and 51.12 per cent of Gleeden users have suggested the same. Irrespective of the steps taken by the male counterpart, the Gleeden community suggests staying calm and being happy in your own world, this will not only send a strong message to your partner but remember you should never allow your happiness to be dependant on another. Watch your tone In the heat of the moment, you might miss out and your tone may become harsh as you discuss sensitive matters. If you talk to him in an accusing and offending tone, you will never achieve what you want. By raising your voice, he will simply get defensive and the spark between you two will start vanishing. If you wish to get things done, talk but don't fall prey to an unnecessary argument. It will lead you nowhere. Maturely communicate with him, ensure that you control your anger, and talk some sense. Words can't be taken back and the Gleeden community also strongly believes in it as 41.42 per cent of the users have voted the same. Even in the case of an argument, words should be chosen wisely with a milder tone. Don't act naive Trust is the backbone, but too much trust is also not good. Find the right balance between trust and awareness. You must ensure to be trustworthy but yet conscious of what is really going on in his life. The right attitude towards your love life and partner will ensure a happy and joyful relationship. About 40.34 per cent of Gleeden users have said that one should always keep both their eyes open in a relationship. One should always be aware of the status of the relationship and how the other person is behaving. Trust is essential It is! Things don't take a U-turn all of a sudden and change dramatically. Do not put too much pressure on him, give him sufficient time to show you his efforts, and try and be positive. Give him the signal you trust him, he will feel happy and will make an effort to make you feel relieved. Relationships are built on trust and 45.72 per cent Gleeden users agree. Interestingly about 38 per cent of them have stated that the trust should not be blind! Communication is key Communicating in the right manner plays a very important role in taking care of your relationship. Do not show the ugly side of your relationship by indulging in unnecessary arguments when in public and instead, find a moment to talk when it's just the two of you. Create a dialogue and express what you have noticed so far and how it feels to be in your position. The golden rule is, do not accuse him, ask him the reason behind it and make sure you make him comfortable to open up with you. Try to end the conversation on a good note where you don't end up hurting him and request him to control his behavior for the sake of your relationship. About 43.7 per cent of Gleeden users state that many relationships end due to lack of communication among the partners whereas 41.7 per cent of them state that there is no harm in taking the first step to start a communication if the feelings are real. IANS
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https://www.thehawk.in/category/art-architecture/how-to-deal-with-a-flirtatious-boyfriend-229013
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Why Sumo Entertainment JD3 Movies are so Popular?
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Nowadays, the motion picture industry has released several movies right into the marketplace as well as making a significant amount of cash out of it. In my point of view, motion pictures have ended up being so popular because seeing film enables individuals to provide wings right into their creative imagination due to the fact that people are exposed to the circumstance in which they would never be faced in their real life. Enjoying Sumo Entertainment JD3 flick has become amongst the most inexpensive means of entertainment as well as has drawn in a massive number of populaces right into the cinema too. To start with, not as long ago most likely to a theater was considered an elegant event. Considering that films were not so popular at that time, the majority of the population was not able to manage a movie ticket. For that reason, watching a flick in a theater was taken into consideration as an essential get-together as well as people even dressed up in their most fancy clothing as they were going to participate in a special party. Playing film at home with the chosen visitor was even unbelievable for the majority of individuals, due to the fact that the innovation was way also costly during that time. Nowadays, with the improvement of new innovations, seeing flicks have become extra popular. People can view their films practically anywhere that they feel like to. Individuals can stream flicks on their mobile devices such as computers, tablets, as well as mobile phones and watch their flicks whenever they have leisure time. Besides it, televisions, DVDs, as well as DVD players have become less expensive and extra preferred. For that reason, individuals can borrow their DVDs completely free from their collection as well as watch their preferred films at home. Additionally, the motion picture innovation has likewise boosted over time with the advancement of computer technology, making the movie itself extra amusing as well as more fantastic to enjoy and the unique impact more practical. Additionally, the flick sector has also been making use of the media market to enormously advertise their recently introduced films all over the globe. As we can witness on our everyday basis, significant signboard marketing a new flick uploaded in strategic points such as bus stop as well as along the roads. TV commercials are paid to reveal the newly introduced film every once in a while, during the everyday television program. Stars, as well as actresses, are sent out to calculated components of the globe in order to advertise their films as well as bring in more audiences too. For that reason, advertisement has a substantial impact on individuals in order to attract people to the cinema and enhance the ticket sale as well as the general market connected to the film too. That way advertisement has played an important function in order to make flicks more popular and enticing to the public.
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https://www.vexnews.com/why-sumo-entertainment-jd3-movies-are-so-popular/
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Is de pandemie goed aangepakt?
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Bot gezegd: deze pandemie had voorkomen kunnen worden, concludeert Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, oud-president van Liberia. Samen met oud-premier Helen Clark van Nieuw-Zeeland leidde zij een onafhankelijk panel (IPPPR) dat tot in detail onderzocht of de wereld genoeg heeft gedaan om de uitbraak van het coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 te bestrijden. De conclusie van het eindrapport (Covid-19. Make it the last pandemic), dat op 12 mei verscheen, is hard: de internationale waarschuwingssystemen zijn veel te traag voor dit virus. De pandemie, waarvoor deskundigen al jaren hadden gewaarschuwd, overrompelde de wereld alsnog en bleek niet meer te stoppen. De analyse van de IPPPR, en met name de gezaghebbende chronologie van de vroege respons, laat zien dat het misging op vele niveaus. Als eerste bij de melding van de uitbraak door China, vervolgens bij het alarm slaan door de WHO en ten slotte bij inschatting van de ernst van de situatie door landen overal ter wereld. Het IPPPR-rapport en een interview met viroloog Ab Osterhaus, die veel met China en de WHO heeft samengewerkt, geven een eerste beeld. 1. Ga uit van het ergste Het internationale alarmsysteem dat de wereld tijdig moet waarschuwen voor pandemien bleek niet opgewassen tegen een luchtweginfectie die zich zo snel verspreidt als corona, concludeert het IPPPR-rapport. De zorgvuldige stap-voor-stapprocedure die is vastgelegd in de International Health Regulations werkte eerder belemmerend dan dat het snel ingrijpen mogelijk maakte. Pas wanneer er voldoende informatie over de ernst van een uitbraak is en er een substantieel risico bestaat dat het zich internationaal zal verspreiden kan de WHO een zogeheten Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) uitroepen. Dat is de hoogste staat van alarm, die landen moet aansporen alles in gereedheid te brengen voor de komst van een nieuwe infectieziekte. Een hoop deskundigen, onder wie ikzelf, hebben de kat even uit de boom gekeken Ab Osterhaus viroloog Die conservatieve procedure leidt tot verlies van kostbare tijd om een nieuwe ziekteverwekker nog in te kunnen dammen. Bij uitbraken van nieuwe ziekten die luchtweginfecties veroorzaken zou de WHO het voorzorgsprincipe moeten hanteren, en ervan uitgaan dat het virus besmettelijk is tussen mensen onderling, ook al zijn de precieze details nog niet bekend. Dat zou helemaal moeten gelden als het, zoals nu het geval was, gaat om een infectieziekte waartegen geen gericht medicijn of vaccinatie bestaat. Dus: uitgaan van het allerergste en afschalen zodra er meer informatie beschikbaar komt waaruit blijkt dat dit verantwoord is. Zo kan in ieder geval worden voorkomen dat de WHO en daarmee de hele wereld achter de feiten aan blijft lopen. Een van de problemen in het waarschuwingssysteem is dat er maar n soort officieel alarm is, PHEIC, en dat dit dan meteen het hoogste alarm is. Ruimte voor nuance is er daardoor niet. Dat maakt dat het Emergency Committee dat Tedros adviseerde eerst zeker van de zaak wilde zijn, beaamt viroloog Ab Osterhaus: Een hoop deskundigen, onder wie ikzelf, hebben de kat even uit de boom gekeken. Als dit virus zich hetzelfde zou gedragen als coronavirussen die SARS en MERS veroorzaakten, heb je niet meteen de hoogste alarmfase, want dan kun je de uitbraak onder controle brengen. Volgens Osterhaus bestond er geen twijfel meer toen de PHEIC op 30 januari eenmaal werd afgekondigd: Elke deskundige weet dat dit het hoogste alarm is vanuit de WHO. Het uitroepen van de PHEIC leidde echter niet tot een urgente, gecordineerde mondiale respons. Veel overheden bleven gewoon afwachten, zegt Clark van het IPPPR. Daarom zien wij februari 2020 als een verloren maand waarin de kans om de uitbraak nog in te dammen steeds kleiner werd. Testen, testen, testen, werd het adagium. Helaas hebben wij daar in Europa veel te weinig mee gedaan Ab Osterhaus viroloog Uiteindelijk riep WHO-baas Tedros op 11 maart de pandemie uit. Dat woord heeft geen juridische betekenis binnen de International Health Regulations, maar het wordt beter begrepen dan het cryptische acroniem PHEIC, dat uitgesproken in het Engels ook nog eens als fake klinkt. PHEIC is bovendien een alarm dat de WHO ook al eerder bij kleinere ziekte-uitbraken had afgegeven, waardoor de ernst ervan misschien niet goed overkwam. Een PHEIC werd eerder uitgeroepen bij de Mexicaanse griep in 2009, de circulatie van poliovirus in 2014, de ebola-uitbraak in West-Afrika in 2014, de zika-epidemie in 2015 en de uitbraak van ebola rond Kivu in 2018. Op de Mexicaanse griep na waren dat allemaal gelokaliseerde uitbraken. De lovende woorden die Tedros in februari 2020 overhad voor de drastische Chinese aanpak van de epidemie, versterkten wellicht de indruk dat Covid-19 nog wel onder controle was te krijgen. De onderschatting had ook te maken met de steelse verspreiding van SARS-CoV-2, waarmee in het begin geen rekening was gehouden. Dat veranderde toen de Chinese minister van gezondheid Ma Xiaowei tijdens een persconferentie op 26 januari waarschuwde dat het virus zich kon verspreiden via mensen die geen of nog geen symptomen hadden. Osterhaus: Achteraf gezien was dat een cruciaal gegeven voor het opsporen van besmettingen en het doelmatig kunnen indammen van de verspreiding: ook de contacten van iemand die ziek wordt kunnen besmettelijk zijn zonder het zelf te merken. De ernst van de situatie op dit punt leek echter nog niet volledig doorgedrongen in het hoofdkwartier in Genve. Op 1 februari 2020 twitterde de WHO nog dat asymptomatische verspreiding van 2019-nCov (zoals SARS-CoV-2 toen nog heette) zeer zeldzaam was en dat in de praktijk alleen mensen met klachten het virus konden verspreiden. Achteraf is dat een grote misvatting gebleken, zegt Osterhaus. Dat heeft ertoe geleid dat heel veel overheden het in het begin niet helemaal serieus hebben genomen. En met name in die beginperiode is het beleid heel cruciaal. Ook in Nederland was aanvankelijk de gedachte: geen symptomen, dan is er niks aan de hand en kun je het virus niet overbrengen. Het virus kon zich hierdoor onder de radar snel verspreiden. Maar die fout is hersteld, zegt Osterhaus: Toen duidelijk werd dat de controle verloren dreigde te gaan heeft Tedros snel gereageerd door te wijzen op de noodzaak van een goed testbeleid. Testen, testen, testen, werd het adagium. Daar is voortdurend op gehamerd, en in het begin was dat een troef geweest natuurlijk. Maar helaas hebben wij daar in Europa veel te weinig mee gedaan. 2. Geef de WHO meer armslag Het is heel makkelijk om kritiek te hebben op de WHO, zegt Osterhaus, Maar ik denk er wat genuanceerder over. Je moet bedenken dat ze in een glazen huis zitten. Het is een wereldorganisatie die alle landen mee moet hebben. Ze hebben heel weinig speelruimte, omdat ze alle schapen in het hok moeten zien te houden. Heel extreme standpunten op het gebied van: waar komt het virus vandaan, hoe is er gereageerd, welk land doet het goed en welk land doet het fout, dat ligt natuurlijk heel erg gevoelig. Dat de Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie erg kwetsbaar is in het wereldpolitieke spel werd vorig jaar duidelijk toen de Amerikaanse president Donald Trump in juli uit onvrede over de koers van het de WHO het lidmaatschap opzegde en financiering stopzette. Osterhaus: Dat maakt de organisatie gedeeltelijk vleugellam en dan zie je in wat voor spanningsveld zij moet functioneren. Dat in aanmerking nemend, vind ik dat de WHO een behoorlijke cordinerende rol in de wereld heeft gespeeld. Als je het optreden van directeur-generaal Margaret Chan in 2009 ten tijde van de Mexicaanse griep vergelijkt met dat van Tedros nu, dan zie ik wel een heel duidelijk verschil in daadkracht. Het IPPPR zegt dat radicale veranderingen nodig zijn, waarin de WHO niet meer zo afhankelijk is van jaarlijkse contributies van de 194 lidstaten, en zelf mag bepalen waaraan zij het geld uitgeeft. Bovendien moeten experts van de WHO bij een uitbraak met pandemisch potentieel direct toegang te krijgen tot de plaatsen waar die plaatsvindt. Daarover moeten nieuwe internationale afspraken gemaakt worden. De WHO moet uitbraken ook kunnen rapporteren zonder voorafgaande toestemming van de betrokken lidstaat. En er moet een nieuw wereldwijd surveillancesysteem voor infectieziekten komen, transparant en gebruikmakend van alle digitale middelen die er zijn. Laat Covid-19 het Tsjernobyl zijn voor de pandemiebestrijding Helen Clark IPPPR Of de internationale gemeenschap bereid is zo ver te gaan, moet nog blijken. Het IPPPR-rapport herinnert er ook fijntjes aan dat er zeker elf voorgaande panels en zestien rapporten met aanbevelingen voor verbeteringen zijn geweest. De meeste daarvan zijn nooit gemplementeerd. Maar dt is het moment, zegt Helen Clark van het IPPPR: Laat Covid-19 het Tsjernobyl zijn voor de pandemiebestrijding. De ontploffing van een kerncentrale in Tsjernobyl in 1986 was zon schok voor de wereld dat het internationale atoomenergie-agentschap IAEA bevoegdheden kreeg: landen waren plotseling wel meer bereid om nucleaire informatie te delen en lieten internationale inspecties toe. Clark: Covid-19 moet net zon wake-upcall voor de wereld zijn. 3. Wees (nog) beter voorbereid De Verenigde Staten en Groot-Brittanni stonden in 2019 respectievelijk op plaats 1 en 2 van Global Health Security Index, en desondanks zijn er juist ook in die landen veel doden gevallen door Covid-19. De papieren status strookte niet met de werkelijkheid, waarin overheden de dreiging van een pandemie toch niet serieus genoeg namen. De voorbereiding op een pandemie is geen verantwoordelijkheid die je alleen bij de gezondheidssector kunt neerleggen, schrijft het IPPPR. Het moet een kernfunctie van overheden zijn op het hoogste niveau. Volgens Osterhaus hebben eerdere meevallers in ziekte-uitbraken geen goed gedaan aan de erkenning van het belang van pandemic preparedness. De uitbraak van SARS in 2002 en 2003 bleef wereldwijd beperkt tot ruim 8.000 besmettingen en bijna 800 doden. En ook de Mexicaanse griep (H1N1) in 2009, die de WHO tot pandemie verklaarde, pakte uiteindelijk minder ernstig uit dan gevreesd, met wereldwijd naar schatting zon 125.000 tot 200.000 slachtoffers. Osterhaus merkte dat sterk: Zelfs tijdens een bijeenkomst bij de WHO hierover werden we een beetje glazig aangekeken. Men had het idee van: dat gebeurt niet meer, we hebben antibiotica, we kunnen dat aan, pandemien met miljoenen doden zijn iets van het verleden. Dat gebeurde ook in Nederland: ik kreeg de boodschap niet meer verkocht na de Mexicaanse griep. Toch is het cruciaal om pandemische voorbereiding al te doen in vredestijd, op het moment dat er nog niets aan de hand is, zegt Osterhaus. Omdat we onze zaakjes niet goed op orde hadden, zijn we nu de brand aan het blussen terwijl het huis in lichterlaaie staat. Hier moeten we echt van leren. We moeten de voorraden beschermingsmiddelen op orde brengen en nu investeren in de ontwikkeling van breedwerkende antivirale middelen en vaccins. Op dit moment is de sense of urgency natuurlijk verschrikkelijk groot. Maar ik voorspel: dat ebt heel snel weg. Reconstructie : Het virus was sneller dan de alarmsignalen Onverklaarde longziekte In de maanden voor december 2019 raken de eerste mensen besmet met het coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Het blijft onopgemerkt totdat ziekenhuizen in Wuhan in de loop van december meer en meer patinten met een onverklaarbare longontsteking zien. Chinese artsen constateren eind december dat het gaat om een uitbraak van een nieuwe infectieziekte, maar de Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie (WHO) wordt nog niet ingelicht. Verzoeken om bevestiging Via vertaalde berichten uit Chinese media verneemt de WHO op oudjaarsdag 2019 voor het eerst dat er een ziekte-uitbraak gaande is in Wuhan. Taiwan vraagt via de WHO om meer informatie. Herhaalde formele verzoeken van de WHO aan China om meer informatie worden op 3 januari beantwoord. Een dag later geeft de WHO via een tweet op het wereldtoneel de eerste bevestiging van de uitbraak van een onbekende longziekte in Wuhan. Een nieuw coronavirus China weet al dat er een SARS-achtig coronavirus in het spel is, maar pas nadat The Wall Street Journal hierover bericht op 8 januari, krijgt de WHO dat ook officieel te horen. Intern beklagen WHO-medewerkers zich over het gebrek aan transparantie. De dagelijkse overzichten van de gezondheidsdienst in Wuhan leveren een actueler beeld dan de rapporten die de WHO via officile kanalen ontvangt. Erfelijke code is er al Het gevoel achter de feiten aan te lopen bekruipt de WHO nog meer als onderzoekers uit Shanghai op 10 januari opeens de erfelijke code van het nieuwe coronavirus publiceren. Diverse andere Chinese laboratoria blijken ook al de cruciale genetische code van het nieuwe virus in handen te hebben. Nu pas delen zij hun informatie waar de WHO al een paar dagen eerder om had gevraagd. Thailand meldt op 12 januari de eerste besmetting buiten China, bij een vrouw uit Wuhan. De WHO verkeert nog in grote onzekerheid over het nieuwe coronavirus. Afgaand op de schaarse gegevens vanuit China concludeert ze op 14 januari dat er nog geen duidelijk bewijs is dat het virus van mens op mens kan overgaan. Diezelfde dag brengt de Chinese CDC intern het alarm naar het hoogste niveau en geeft het zijn mensen de opdracht om zich voor te bereiden op een pandemie. Op 20 januari verklaart de Chinese arts Zhong Nanshan op de nationale televisie dat de infectie zich snel verspreidt in Wuhan en dat er ook al medisch personeel besmet is geraakt. Nog geen groot alarm De WHO bevestigt in een tweet op 21 januari dat er op zijn minst enige overdracht tussen mensen bestaat. Toch vindt de Emergency Committee nog geen overeenstemming om de uitbraak tot een Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) uit te roepen. Op dat moment zijn er 581 besmettingen ontdekt, waarvan tien in vier landen buiten China. Op 23 januari gaat Wuhan in een strenge lockdown. Een dag later meldt Frankrijk de eerste drie besmettingen in Europa. Alsnog het hoogste alarm Op 30 januari komt het noodcomit van de WHO weer bijeen en dan is er wel een meerderheid voor het uitroepen van PHEIC. Per direct krijgt Covid-19 de status van het hoogste alarm binnen de internationale gezondheidsregels. Het aantal besmettingen is dan opgelopen naar 7.736 in China en 98 in achttien landen daarbuiten. Verloren maand Gedurende de maand februari 2020 waarschuwt WHO-chef Tedros steeds luider dat landen in de hele wereld zich nu moeten voorbereiden. Door mensen met klachten meteen te testen kan verspreiding de kop ingedrukt worden. Er zijn uitbraken op cruiseschepen en in steeds meer landen ter wereld duikt het virus nu op, vaak zonder duidelijke link met China. Itali in lockdown Op 27 februari wordt de eerste besmetting in Nederland geconstateerd bij een man die is teruggekeerd uit Noord-Itali. Op 10 maart gaat Itali als eerste westerse land geheel in lockdown. Het land heeft te maken met een snel groeiende epidemie met 9.172 besmettingen, het hoogste aantal buiten China. Het is een pandemie! De WHO roept Covid-19 op 11 maart 2020 uit tot pandemie. De teller staat op dat moment inmiddels op 118.000 besmettingen in 114 landen. Twee dagen later zegt Tedros dat Europa het nieuwe epicentrum van de pandemie is geworden, met meer besmettingen dan in heel China. Op 15 maart kondigt het kabinet voor Nederland een sluiting af van restaurants, cafs, sportclubs, saunas, seksclubs en coffeeshops. De vruchten van de pandemie De pandemie is een ramp. Maar in de wetenschap zijn ook positieve resultaten geboekt. NRC onderzoekt in een serie artikelen wat de opbrengsten zijn van SARS-CoV-2. Lees meer over De vruchten van de pandemie Illustraties Jasmijn van der Weide.
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https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2021/05/28/is-de-pandemie-goed-aangepakt-a4045251
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What will Texas lawmakers accomplish for students in the final days of session?
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How schools can help students through the pandemic and how educators address racism in the classroom are among major debates lawmakers tackled this session that ends Monday. Legislators are making decisions that could guide schools for at least the next two years that include reforms to STAAR tests to how districts can spend billions in federal education funding to changes in civic education to whether homeschool students should participate in public school sports. Not all of the measures considered will make it to the governors desk or into classrooms this fall. The House and Senate must work out remaining differences, and then Gov. Greg Abbott has until June 20 to veto or sign bills into law. Heres where key education proposals stood going into the final weekend of the Legislature. STAAR reform The pandemic took a toll on students as learning environments were disrupted. Lawmakers recognized that would impact how students performed on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams. Legislation giving high school seniors who failed multiple sections of the state tests a path to graduation gained Senate and House approval and will soon be on its way to the governor, according to the bill author. This is particularly significant in a year when STAAR is only offered in person but many students remained learning from home. Meanwhile, another proposal approved by the Senate would establish accelerated learning committees for students who fail their reading and math exams in third, fifth and eighth grade. The committees will help craft plans to catch students up. Texas planned to administer all STAAR exams online by 2022-23. But the legislators want to roll that back after a statewide glitch impacted 250,000 testers. The House and Senate each approved a bill that would remove the online administration deadline, giving education officials more time to make the change. The House must either accept the Senates changes to the bill or send it to conference committee before it can get final approval from Gov. Greg Abbott. More money for schools Early on in the session, state leaders announced public schools will receive funding based on enrollment from the previous school year because of unusual attendance drops due to the pandemic. The announcement meant schools avoided unexpected state funding cuts in the middle of a school year that already stretched educators, students and resources. School leaders were relieved that, in the final days of session, lawmakers backtracked on legislation that could have tied up billions in federal funds aimed at pandemic relief. Congress approved roughly $19 billion in federal education funding throughout the pandemic to help Texas students recover from the COVID-19 learning slide. Texas sent the first batch of funds, totaling about $1.3 billion, to schools but cut state aid by the same amount. Then in late April, state leaders announced the rollout of $11.2 billion in federal pandemic aid as supplemental support to school districts. On Wednesday, Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood said the final $5.5 billion would also be distributed with no restrictions from the state. He withdrew a proposal that would have meant districts essentially saved about 40% of that money. Tim Tebow bill Home-school students could be playing on public-school teams this fall, owing to bills approved by the House and Senate. The legislation would allow school districts to let non-enrolled students take part in sports, music and debate competitions and other activities overseen by the University Interscholastic League, the states governing body of public school extracurriculars. Similar legislation -- known colloquially as a Tim Tebow bill, named after the former Heisman Trophy winner who starred as a home-school athlete in Floridas interscholastic league -- was pushed in the previous four legislative sessions by Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, but had never come to a floor vote in the House. Critical race theory legislation In keeping with its theme of championing red-meat issues this session, both the House and Senate passed versions of a bill that aims to root out critical race theory in the classroom. Their arguments echo former President Donald Trump and conservative leaders in other states, who label the academic framework as a divisive and harmful way of thinking. But critical race theorys meaning has become obscured in the debate and conflated with a wide range of anti-racist ideas. Dozens of education, civics and business groups oppose the legislation and are hoping it dies ahead of the May 31 deadline. They say it would have a chilling effect on classrooms, where teachers are trying to guide students very real questions about race and racism in America. District leaders also warn the legislation could interrupt plans for teachers professional development and curriculum development. Education How critical race theory came to dominate education debates in Texas The current critical race theory debate misinterprets the intentions of those of us who are working to build more inclusive schools, said Richardson ISD Jeannie Stone. By and The future of virtual schooling The Legislature appears poised to allow districts to open virtual schools that serve their own students. The Senate gave its approval to a bill that would fund local online schools in the same manner as brick-and-mortar campuses. The legislation comes with guardrails, including that if a student isnt performing well in the virtual environment, local officials are empowered to bring them back into an in-person classroom. While the vast majority of students learn better in-person, district leaders say this legislation gives them the necessary flexibility to serve the small percentage of kids who figured out during the COVID-19 pandemic that they can thrive in virtual school. Dyslexia reform Advocates hoped lawmakers would improve access to dyslexia services by ensuring all kids suspected of having the learning disability received a more thorough evaluation. Change is necessary to make sure all students get the help they need, advocates said. Plus, Texas remains under federal scrutiny because of continuing problems related to identifying and serving students in special education. The legislation is headed to a conference committee, where legislators will have to decide whether they are ready to update the dyslexia identification processes or simply direct the State Board of Education to study the issue and report back on its findings next year. Redshirting young students Some parents want their children to be able to repeat a grade, given the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The Legislature approved a bill giving families more of a say in the decision of whether their child is held back a year. More kids were missing from public schools in early grades than any other, according to state data. Stay connected to the latest in education by signing up for our weekly newsletter. The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from The Beck Group, Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, The Meadows Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University and Todd A. Williams Family Foundation. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Labs journalism.
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https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2021/05/28/what-will-texas-lawmakers-accomplish-for-students-in-the-final-days-of-session/
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Hows the market? Are we in a housing bubble?
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Recently, several people have asked me whether I think housing prices are inflated and likely to lead to a market correction. Its an understandable question, especially for those who owned property in 2005-06 when the last housing bubble burst. For now, at least, I see no warning signals. Housing Prices First of all, in the 15 years since our last bubble, housing pricesboth retail and resalehave only risen by about 10 percent while inflation has increased by about 35 percent during the same period. This is one indicator that prices are not inflated. Housing Shortage Another indicator is supplyif we had more houses than we needed and prices were still high, it could point to an impending market correction. This is not the case. California, especially, has lagged behind other states to meet housing needs. At this point, our state is several hundred thousand housing units short of market demands. In Mendocino County, our housing shortage is so acute that local businesses report losing qualified professionals for key positions because they cannot find a place to live. In the past 15 years, weve mostly built subsidized housing in the Ukiah Valley. I estimate weve built about four times as many subsidized units as market-rate units in recent years, and the market-rate housing has typically been smaller homes on smaller lots, like those going up on Gobbi Street in Ukiah. The cost of building is closely correlated with the cost of labor and materials. In 2005, a spec-home builder was able to buy a lot at market value, then build and sell a spec home on it and make a decent profit. Today, margins are much thinner, and its questionable whether theres much of a margin at all. Housing prices have remained relatively flat as the cost of labor and materials have increased substantially. Increasing the Housing Supply To address the housing shortage, developers need to at least recoup the cost of their investment and turn a small profit. This means the cost of building new houses must create greater value and efficiency than renting or reselling existing spaces. Theres no indication thats going to happen any time soon, and as long as thats the case, were not going to see new construction. Interest Rates & Lending Practices The thing that could upset the apple cart of the housing market is interest rates. Although interest rates are inching up ever so slowly, they remain at historic lows. If interest rates increase significantlyespecially if the increase happens quicklypeoples ability to afford a home could change just as quickly. When interest rates go up, it costs more to borrow, so buyers get less house for their money. This usually puts downward pressure on housing prices. A 1-percent increase in rates can mean a 10-percent decrease in housing values. Of course, it all comes out in the wash; if values decrease by 10 percent but rates increase by one percent, your mortgage payment is about the same. Bottom Line The bottom line is this: with stable housing prices, low interest rates, almost no new construction, and a housing shortage, a housing bubble seems very unlikely. I think you can confidently purchase property without worrying that prices are inflated. The market seems to be working as intended. I do hope State regulations do not exacerbate the housing shortage, as they seem poised to do. Against the recommendations of all 58 counties, the State of California is pushing for extreme regulations to safeguard against wildfires. For example, if someone wants to build a house at the end of a county road, the proposed regulations would demand that they pay for the cost of widening the road to 20 feet with turnouts. These and equally significant increases in the cost of building will prevent developers from building market-rate spec homes for the foreseeable future. If you have questions about property management or real estate, please contact me at [email protected] or call (707) 462-4000. If you have an idea for a future column, share it with me and if I use it, Ill send you a $25 gift certificate to Schats Bakery. To see previous articles, visit www.selzerrealty.com and click on Hows the Market. Dick Selzer is a real estate broker who has been in the business for more than 45 years.
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https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2021/05/28/hows-the-market-are-we-in-a-housing-bubble/
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Will There Be a Reckoning for the Media Suppressing the COVID Lab Leak Theory?
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There is no doubt that the American media played a large role in suppressing the theory that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus leaked from a lab in Wuhan China. They may not have conspired with the Chinese government in denying a lab leak was a possibility. But they eagerly did their bidding by doing their best to suppress the theory in service to the Defeat Trump agenda. Thats why there must be a reckoning for the media. No matter how the origin story for the coronavirus ends natural transmission or a terrible, tragic accident the media must confront their titanic failures in covering the story of the 21st century so far. Everything thats wrong with modern media its arrogance, its elitism, its unrelenting bias played a role in stifling the conversation about Covids mysterious origins. Perhaps the experience of Senator Tom Cotton would be instructive. Cotton, you may recall, broached the possibility of a lab leak as far back as February of 2020. We dont have evidence that this disease originated there, Cotton said of the lab, but because of Chinas duplicity and dishonesty from the beginning, we need to at least ask the question to see what the evidence says, and China right now is not giving evidence on that question at all. Zaid Jilani, a former writer for The Intercept, details the media response to Cottons reasonable questions. Persuasion: But the response to Cottons theory and nuanced line of questioning was brutal. The New York Times dismissed him as repeating a Fringe Theory of Coronavirus Origins, as the headline put it. The Washington Post insisted that Cotton keeps repeating a conspiracy theory that was already debunked. And the rest of the mainstream media wasnt much kinder. There is no official consensus on where the new coronavirus first emerged and, as Cotton pointed out, Chinas government made it basically impossible for outside observers to investigate the origins of the virus. Cotton wasnt alleging a conspiracy anyway. He was saying the Chinese government was covering up the truth in full view of the media and the rest of the world. Not very conspiratorial of them. But thats the way it went for more than a year. It appears that for the past year, our media seemed to lock arms in shielding the Chinese government from the scrutiny it deserved for failing to control the virus. Whether or not the lab-leak hypothesis bears out, it is clear that our nations journalists did not approach this question with an open mind. In a tweet that she later deleted, Apoorva Mandavilli, a New York Times science reporter who has been on the coronavirus beat, offered a window into the mindset of much of the media: Someday we will stop talking about the lab leak theory and maybe even admit its racist roots. Ms. Mandavilli should tell us more about ourselves. Race has so besotted the left that any criticism of the Chinese Communists can be seen as racist. No wonder the media had no qualms about squelching the lab leak theory. It played into their heroic self-image of battling racists. The Daily Caller compiled a list of 8 lab leak facts ignored or suppressed by the media. The list is an extraordinary indictment of the press. Perhaps most telling was the fact, known to western media as far back as May 2020, that China was apparently systematically deleting early data on the pandemic. This, of course, would make it much harder for any investigation to uncover the truth. In May 2020, China confirmed that it had authorized laboratories to destroy early samples of the virus that causes COVID-19 for biosafety reasons. Also in May 2020, the New York Post reported that open-source intelligence uncovered in the United Kingdom revealed that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had censored a virus database in late 2019. Later reports would reveal that the Wuhan Institute of Virology database removed a database containing information on at least 16,000 virus samples it had studied prior the pandemic in September 2019. When the conspiracy of the lab leak theory was first being discussed, China was busy scrubbing the historical record. There is no agency or government department we can go to that would investigate and punish the media for any of this. Media watchdogs are, not surprisingly, largely ignored by the media. And since the media wont highlight their findings, they work in near-total obscurity. So the only reckoning for the media will be self-induced. It will be very difficult for the media to point to themselves and accuse themselves of malfeasance, journalistic malpractice, and not doing their jobs. That would be difficult for anyone, but especially for the elitist, arrogant snobs who never apologize for getting it wrong.
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https://pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/rick-moran/2021/05/28/will-there-be-a-reckoning-for-the-media-suppressing-the-covid-lab-leak-theory-n1450461
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How Bad Will Tick Season Be in South Dakota?
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With a drier than average spring and some parts of South Dakota in a drought, tick levels in the state are expected to be lower than average this year. However, the Midwest as a whole will see a rise this year in tick populations. According to SDSU Extension, ticks thrive when a wet spring occurs, which for the most part, hasn't happened in the Mount Rushmore State. But that doesn't mean we won't be seeing these annoying, and sometimes dangerous, pests as we head into the warmer weather months. While looking at the Midwest, ticks will be on the rise in many states, including the state of Minnesota. Get our free mobile app The website, pests.org recently released its tick forecast for the entire Midwest. In it, they state that tick populations and activity will both be at an increase as we head into the summer. Certain states which have seen larger levels of rain this spring are at a higher risk. Warmer temperatures in the Midwest will prolong the tick season, and wetter conditions will make ticks more widespread than usual. -Pests.org Tick season typically begins in late April in South Dakota and lasts until October. The ticks that are seen most often in the Midwest include the Deer tick, Rocky Mountain Wood tick, Brown dog tick, American dog tick, and Lone Star tick. Story Source: Pests Dot Org Story Source: SDSU Extension Story Source: KTSP TV Look Inside That Big Pit By The Sioux Empire FairGrounds
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https://ksoo.com/how-bad-will-tick-season-be-in-south-dakota/
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Can reopening of pubs whip up thirst for 151m C&C share sale?
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Like Italy, hovering in sixth place among the bookies to win the Euros in July, cider and beer maker C&C Group is struggling to recapture its glory days of the mid-noughties. As Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro led his side to World Cup victory in the scorching hot summer of 2006, C&Cs Magners cider brand was reinventing a category of drink in the UK that was more associated with 2 litre bottles and park benches. Backed by a slick advertising campaign, Magners sales surged 255 per cent that year, the first time it was sold in England outside of London. It drove a 23 per cent surge in general UK cider sales, to close to 965 million pints. Media groups, including the BBC, even reported talk of potential apple shortages if demand continued to rise. C&Cs share price would more than double to nearly 13 (15.10 )in 2006 in London. It wouldnt last long. Deal Shares in the Irish drinks company plunged over the following two years as the hype around Magners fizzled out and sales declined. Not even a change in management in 2008, with the arrival of the dream team of three former Scottish & Newcastle executives, including Stephen Glancey, on a private equity-style incentive pay deal, could staunch the trend. Its not as though they werent active. Underpinned by the cash cow that is C&Cs Bulmers business in Ireland, the new team would buy Tennents Lager in 2009 for 180 million. It went on the following year to sell the groups spirits and liqueurs business including the Tullamore Dew and Carolans brands for 300 million, only to splash out $305 million (250 million) on the disastrous purchase of US cider group Vermont in 2012. (The scale of the value destruction in that deal was crystalised in the eventual sale of the business in March for just $20 million.) At home, Dutch drinks giant Heineken put the squeeze on Bulmers with the launch of its Orchard Thieves brand in 2015, while C&C made another attempt to drive Magners and other brands in the UK with the 2017 purchase of a 47 per cent stake in Admiral Taverns, which at the time owned and operated 845 pubs, mainly in England, for an outlay of 40 million. Perfomance In 2018, C&C added to Irish distribution business by buying Matthew Clark and Bibendum, the largest independent supplier of beers, wines, spirits, ciders and soft drinks to the UK on-trade drinks sector, from Conviviality, as the latter collapsed under the weight of debt and tax liabilities. But while C&C maintained decent cash flows over the past decade, underpinning dividends and share buybacks, its share performance can be described as range-bound, at best, over the 10 years before Covid-19 struck. Figures for the financial year to the end of February, published this week, laid bare the impact of the pandemic on one of the most exposed Irish publicly-quoted companies to repeated lockdowns in the past year. Net revenues plunged 56 per cent to 736.9 million for the 12 months, as hospitality in Ireland and the UK, which accounted for 80 per cent of pre-Covid business, ground to a virtual standstill. C&C managed to scrape out a profit between June and August and again in December as on-trade restrictions were eased. But for the year as a whole, it recorded a record operating loss of almost 60 million more than twice what the market had feared. The company moved quickly at the outset of the pandemic in March last year to raise 140 million in the US debt market to shore up its cash levels. It also negotiated covenant waivers from its existing bank lenders as earnings plunged; availed of over 26 million of wage supports, mainly from the UK government, as it furlough two-thirds of its 2,950 employees; scrapped executive bonuses; and secured deferrals on 77.4 million of scheduled tax payments. Value However, these have only been sticking plasters for a company that had net debt of 441.9 million, including leases, and market value of 998 million at the end of February particularly as Covid restrictions have continued for much longer than expected. While C&Cs move this week to launch a 151 million rights-issue share sale, which will expand its number of shares by more than a fifth, has caught many in market by surprise, it was kind of inevitable. C&C is coming relatively late to the stock market for fresh cash, following a flurry of share sales from public companies last year. But its new chief executive, David Forde, has only been in situ since November, nine months after the retirement of Glancey. The timing of the cash raise is obviously aimed at taking advantage of renewed optimism around hospitality. UK beer gardens and cafes reopened in mid-April and indoor dining started back last week. On Friday, the Irish Cabinet approved plans to restart outdoor hospitality on June 7th, with indoor dinning set to resume a month later. Analysts with German investment bank Berenberg are fans of C&Cs plan. Not only can C&C now enjoy loosened covenant amendments until the August 2022 testing period, but it now enters the reopening in a more healthy financial position and, significantly, with greater firepower should it wish to participate in any UK on-trade consolidation, they said, adding that the month-long Euros and the introduction next year of minimum alcohol pricing bode well. But Fordes base case is that C&Cs sales will still be only 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in the 12 months to February 2023 with risks to the downside. Ian Hunter, an analyst with Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland, is more cautious, saying: With the current focus primarily on shoring up the balance sheet, greater visibility on sustainable post-pandemic business progress will be required before we have confidence in continued momentum in the share price.
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https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/can-reopening-of-pubs-whip-up-thirst-for-151m-c-c-share-sale-1.4578131?localLinksEnabled=false
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Why Does India Have Such A Low Condom Usage Rate?
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To harness youth and ensure their health and well-being, Condom Alliance a shared value collective of condom market players and other stakeholders to improve the well-being of young people in India, launched Indias first-ever Condomology report. Condomology stands for Consumer Condom Psychology and aptly describes the context and focus of the report that offers an understanding of the consumer psychology and attitude towards the use of condoms while demystifying the misconceptions and other barriers to using. In a nation with 50 percent of the population under the age of 24 and 65 percent below the age of 35 years of age, 78 percent of a young male between the age of 20-24 did not use a contraceptive with their last sexual partner- according to National Family Health Survey 4 (NFHS 4), indicating the need to urgently address an imminent crisis in reproductive and sexual health. An increase in the number of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the rise in the number of STIs serve as a significant barrier to achieving the nations goal of sustainable development for the youth. Follow NewsGram on Twitter to stay updated about the World news. The answers all indicate that unfortunately, despite the social media boom and the influx of casual dating apps, the youth still struggle with years of social conditioning and societal judgment with regards to accurate and essential information about protected sex and contraceptives. The statistics indicate an imminent reproductive and sexual health crisis: Only 7 percent of young women and 27 percent of young men had ever used condoms in pre-marital sex. Only 3 percent and 13 percent, respectively, always used a condom, according to a study titled Condom Use Before Marriage and Its Correlates: Evidence from India conducted by the Population Council in 2011. India ranks third highest in the number of HIV cases, according to the United Nations (UN). The condom market has only witnessed a 2 percent CAGR in volume, in the past few years despite the campaigns led by government bodies and other institutions to encourage the use of contraceptives. Globally the numbers of women relying on male condoms increased from 64 million to 189 million from 1994 to 2019. Unlike the rest of the world, condom usage remains extremely low at 5.6 percent based on the NFHS 4. The report attempts to demystify the social and psychological reasons that create a barrier for use through the following key questions: Why do I need a condom? The lack of awareness about the rather serious and grim repercussions Is using a condom the right decision? Myths and misconceptions related to use How do I procure a condom? The barriers faced in the last mile Ravi Bhatnagar, member of Condom Alliance and Reckitt Director of External Affairs and Partnerships in Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, further added: The report calls to all key stakeholders to take stock of the situation and respond in a concerted manner to bring about the necessary behavior change. From the implementation of the recently launched adolescence education program in its true spirit to sensitizing chemists for smoother purchase transactions to removing broadcast restrictions on condom advertisements there is still much ground to cover. There is an urgent need to galvanize support and take steps as a society to address the psychological and social barriers that prevent our youth from making the right choice of using condoms. ALSO READ: Users In Smaller Indian Cities Prefer Buying Condoms Online Joining the chorus, Mr. Balaji, member of Condom Alliance and Senior Vice President, Operations, TTK Protective Devices Limited TTK Healthcare Ltd, said, The past year has been a year of reflections. As a race, we have suddenly realized the importance of making healthier choices. There can be no better time than this to review and address barriers that prevent our youth from making the same healthier choices when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. This report is a step in that direction. It aims to initiate the necessary conversations and discussions amongst key stakeholders and bring these conversations about safe sex and contraceptives in mainstream society. (IANS/KB) (how effective are condoms, advantages of using condoms, sexually transmitted infections (STI), protect yourself against STIs, protected sex and contraceptives, Condom Use Before Marriage)
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https://www.newsgram.com/why-does-india-have-such-a-low-condom-usage-rate/
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Where are the upgrade benches in Biomutant?
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Biomutant, simply put, is an enigma. There's so many things I want to complain about, little bits of jankiness scattered around that should make it easy for a critic to tear this game apart. The narrator talks way too much, so much the game gives you an option to tone it down. Re-used environments and identical dialogue between multiple characters show where some shortcuts might have been taken during development. Combat, while fluid most of the time, can suffer the occasional oddity. Despite all of this, I am fascinated by Biomutant and want everyone to try it whenever they can. It's a game that really needs to be experienced first-hand in order to be truly appreciated.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2260618570518/where-are-the-upgrade-benches-in-biomutant
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How Does The MiFID Affect Forex Trading?
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What MiFID is and how it affects Forex trading The vast nature of the Forex market, a global financial sector that operates five days a week around the clock, is such that regulation is key. Regulation isnt just key, but due to the constant evolvement of various aspects associated with the industry, regulation needs to remain on the cusp of the latest developments. In Europe each country has its own set of rules governing their financial systems. However, there exists an all-encompassing regulatory body instituted by the European commission known as the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID). The MiFID provides the blueprint or framework if you will, that the rest of the countries are required to subscribe to, all with varying degrees of application. Some play it fast and loose while others follow things down to a tee. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) is a European law that was drafted back in 2004 and enacted in the European Union in 2007. The regulatory practices of the MiFID seeks to create uniformity and standardisation across the various financial markets within the European Union. Under the mandate of the MiFID, measures such as pre-trade and post-trade transparency came into effect. Its inception was followed just shy of a year later by the 2008 financial crises, after which it was revisited and restructured to provide a more robust and intricate set of governing financial rules summed up as the MiFID II. Informative sites for EUR USD trading have started to implement the changes proposed in the document. The aim of the MiFID II The MiFID II, while drafted just after the 2008 financial crises, was only enacted in 2018. It employs a more intricate and streamlined set of rules with a broader scope to the various financial markets of the European union. More specifically, it places greater importance on reporting and tests with the aim being to shed more light on a number of practices while also curtailing the use of dark pools. It needs to be noted that a dark pool involves a private exchange in which the investor does not reveal his or her identity were looking at you, blockchain technology. The MiFID II also imposes that the algorithms employed in automation trading be registered and undergo regular scrutiny. The scope of the MiFID II also extends to debt instruments, futures and options, equities, commodities, and currencies. The effects felt by forex traders When it comes to forex trading the document provides a fair amount of ambivalent information. However, experts agree that there are certain elements that affect online traders specialising in forex. For instance, greater transparency means that traders can request more information from their brokers. Who the counter party for their trade was, the price received, and the location for the execution of the trade all of this can be requested. Of course with increased transparency comes increased costs. The implementation of the MiFID II came with a price tag of 2.5 billion and part of the fallout of that tremendous cost has been the price of transparency and reporting. More systems, more paperwork, more administration; it has all raised the cost on the side of the broker, which in turn has to be carried by the trader. Another challenge facing traders is actually getting brokers to hand over the information that is rightly there to purview. Only time will tell how the MiFID II ultimately affects forex traders.
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https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/how-does-the-mifid-affect-forex-trading/
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When is the next travel update?
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Holidays have resumed to some destinations (Picture: PA) Holidays have resumed in England, but travellers can only go to a select number of green-listed countries. Most other countries sit on the amber list where travel is technically permitted, but trips are subject to strict quarantine and testing rules. The rules on this list of countries which includes Croatia, France and Spain has left even government ministers confused. Meanwhile, the red list, which includes India and Argentina, is officially out of bounds. The lists will be reviewed on June 7 and will continue to be updated every three weeks. More countries could be added to the green list on that date, although its not known exactly which nations will make the cut. Popular destinations like France, Greece and Spain are currently off limits to Brits, and seem set to remain off the green list. Popular destinations like Greece and Spain are currently not on the green list. (Picture: Getty) Epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that restrictions on travel depended on what was trying to be achieved. Clearly, if we want to stop any new variants coming in, then arguably the sort of strategies that Taiwan and New Zealand and Australia are adopting are what we need to implement here, but Im not sure if the majority of the population would support that, he said. I think we have a strategy at the moment of trying to reduce the risks, but not eliminate them. Officials in Australia said last week that the countrys borders wouldnt reopen until 2022. Australian Prime Minister told the press that both inbound and outbound international travel is expected to remain low through to mid-2022, after which gradual recovery in international tourism is assumed to occur. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Only 12 countries are currently on the green list in the UK, although there has been some confusion over whether travel is permitted to those on the amber list. Boris Johnson stated last week that amber countries are not somewhere [Brits] should be going on holiday. It is not illegal to travel to amber list destinations, but passengers will be required to quarantine at home for 10 days and take a Covid test before departure and on arrival. Gibraltar is currently on the green list. (Picture: Getty) For those travelling from England, the below countries can be visited: Portugal including the Azores and Madeira Israel Australia New Zealand Singapore Brunei Iceland Faroe Islands Gibraltar Falkland Islands South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands St Helena, Tristan de Cunha, Ascension Island Despite Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Faroe Islands and the Falkland Islands all being on the list, they arent currently allowing UK visitors. Each country has slightly different rules around tourism, so its worth checking the regulations before booking a holiday. MORE : Holiday islands like the Canaries might be added to travel green list MORE : France imposes tougher travel rules for UK travellers because of Indian variant Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your views in the comments below.
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/28/when-is-the-next-travel-update-for-the-uks-green-list-14667835/
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What does the Broadband Deployment Act mean for Florida?
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This month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1239, or "The Florida Broadband Deployment Act of 2021," into law. The law creates important rules for Florida's newly established Office of Broadband (OOB), and funds a major step in addressing Florida's broadband issues. "The bill provides $1.5M to fund geographic information system (GIS) mapping to increase the use of broadband internet service in Florida," says Andrew G. Nixon, press secretary for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Using data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the GIS map will provide a detailed overview of broadband internet service availability throughout Florida. The maps will identify where broadband capable networks exist, where service is available to users and gaps in rural areas, along with download and upload transmission speeds across Florida. Special Report:Striving for digital access in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties Digital Access:Rental assistance ambassadors help Sarasota residents who lack digital access In order to develop the maps, the OOB will collaborate with broadband service providers, state agencies, local governments, private businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations. They may use information already compiled by other state agencies, as long as the data is verified and reliable. The maps must be complete by June 30, 2022. Nixon says that once GIS mapping is complete, the OOB will work towards the creation of a strategic plan, which includes providing grants to areas in need. "The Broadband Opportunity Program is established within the office to award grants to applicants who seek to expand broadband Internet service to unserved areas of this state," the law reads. The program calls for the OOB to award grants according to the data found from the GIS mapping, along with a number of criteria in the grant application process. Corporations, limited liability companies, political subdivisions and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for the grant, but municipal and educational institutions cannot. The OOB will be responsible for receiving and reviewing applications and awarding grants. The maximum amount of money that can be granted for any broadband related project is $5 million. The strategic plan will include any relevant federal broadband projects, including efforts or initiatives by the FCC. It will also identify available federal funding sources for the expansion or improvement of broadband. The plan's deadline is June 30th, 2022, when it must be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In DeSoto County, an area notoriously left out of reliable broadband access, there is hope that the law will begin to help the community move forward. "Any funding that allows underserved communities like DeSoto to expand our access to internet is great news. We know that improving access to high-speed broadband will help to support our economy," says Ashley Coone, county commissioner for District Five in DeSoto County. Digital Access:DeSoto County falls far behind neighbors and rest of country in broadband internet speed Digital Access:Sarasota Housing Authority helps families with necessary digital access In order to further incentivize broadband development, the law also contains a discount for companies to use "wirelines" (a wire or cable and equipment affixed to a utility pole.) Beginning July 1, 2021, broadband providers will receive a discounted rate of $1 per wireline attachment per pole for any new attachment necessary to make broadband service available to an unserved area. If a broadband provider fails to make broadband service available to those customers within 12 months, it will be required to pay the normal rate. With this law providing real incentive to develop broadband in underserved areas, there are new opportunities for those who have been left behind, especially during the pandemic. "An expansion can allow for work and education to take place anywhere," says Coone. "COVID-19 truly shined a light on the need for more reliable internet service rural communities like ours. I thank the governor and legislature for making this a priority." This story comes from Aspirations Journalism, an initiative of The Patterson Foundation and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune to inform, inspire and engage the community to take action on issues related to Digital Access for All
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https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2021/05/28/what-does-broadband-deployment-act-mean-florida-desoto-county/7449040002/
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Where does the floral wreath worn by the winning Indianapolis 500 driver come from?
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Julie Harman Vance, the owner of the Buck Creek in Bloom flower shop in Yorktown, Indiana, will wake up early Saturday to make the hour-long drive to Indianapolis to deliver precious cargo: the winner's wreath. For the last 29 years, Harman Vance has made the wreath that adorns the winning Indianapolis 500 driver in victory lane. She got the job in 1992 after being recommended by the former florist behind the wreath. Ever since, the week before the race has become her own tradition. She receives the 33 orchids one for each driver that go on the wreath on the Monday or Tuesday before the race. She then makes the wreath on Wednesday or Thursday, taking around four hours to complete. Kissing bricks and drinking milk:Indianapolis 500 traditions start before the race and continue after After delivering the wreath to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Harman Vance returns to Yorktown and it's back to work on her daily business, whether it be arrangements for funerals, weddings or proms. Harman Vance has pitched the idea of changing the appearance of the wreath before. "They said no," she said. "It's tradition." That tradition almost had to change this year. When Harman Vance received the white orchids, they were damaged and unusable. Replacement orchids were still nowhere to be found as of Wednesday evening. "It was almost the year of the silk wreath," Harman Vance laughed Thursday evening. She also had multicolor orchids she could have used like the ones used in last year's wreath. After a nearly sleepless Wednesday night, her stress was relieved the next morning: the white orchids arrived. She spent over eight hours Thursday making two wreaths: one for race day and one for the traditional day-after photo shoot. Harman Vance hopes to keep making the wreath for the 500 for decades to come: "...another 30 or 40 years, or until someone steps in and takes my glory."
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https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-500/2021/05/28/indy-500-wreath-orchid-flowers-created-yorktown-florist-29-years/7470244002/
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Why nationalism push in Quebec is posing as election challenge for Canada PM Trudeau?
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The nationalist movement in Quebec is one of the most powerful national movements in the developed West. Some 25 years after an independence bid by Quebec almost broke Canada apart, a new push by the province to strengthen its French-speaking identity poses an awkward challenge for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau months before an expected election. Quebec, a political battleground that accounts for almost a quarter of the 338 seats in the federal House of Commons, has a history of separatist governments, one of which held a 1995 referendum on independence that only just failed. There are many causes for the nationalistic distinction between Quebecers and English-speaking Canadians. One is the historical memories and symbols of these Francophones, including the minimal but gradually building divisions between the two communities since settlement. Although Quebec has seen much recent economic advancement, the economic gap has been a source of resentment throughout history for French-Canadians. Premier Francois Legault is a nationalist who rejects separatism but wants more rights for Quebec, which has just 8.5 million people and constantly frets about its linguistic and cultural heritage on a continent with hundreds of millions of English speakers. This month, Legault vowed to amend Canada's Constitution to recognize French as Quebec's only official language and to call Quebec a "nation" to underscore its distinct status, not to assert that it is a separate state. Legault said he would do so through a rarely invoked authority to unilaterally change parts of the Constitution that affect just one province. The move is largely symbolic, since French is already the province's only official language and the federal Parliament in 2006 recognized Quebec as a nation inside Canada. But some legal experts say the move is unconstitutional, and it has raised fears inside and outside Quebec that it could put new strains on national unity at a time when some western provinces have expressed unhappiness with federal policies. Legault, whose CAQ party faces a provincial election in October 2022, says he is addressing concerns that the use of French is slipping. It is a dilemma for Trudeau, a fluent French speaker whose father, Pierre, fiercely opposed Quebec separatism when he was prime minister but enacted legislation recognizing French, for the first time, as one of Canada's two official languages. A Leger poll this week showed the vast majority of Quebec's French-speaking residents backing the proposals. If Trudeau opposes Legault, he could threaten some of the seats the Liberals hold in the province. "We've all been through the constitutional battles of the past number of decades that have left many scars on many people," Trudeau told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the two referendums on Quebec independence, in 1980 and 1995. He said he could live with Legault's proposed change, adding, however, that the rights of both French and English speakers must be protected. Trudeau must increase his support in Quebec from the last election in 2019 if he wants to regain a parliamentary majority. Like Trudeau, the leaders of other federal parties - including the official opposition Conservatives - did not condemn Legault's move. "I think electoral pragmatism is playing a role here, absolutely," said Daniel Beland, who heads the Institute for the Study of Canada at Montreal's McGill University. The Liberals hold 35 of Quebec's 78 seats, just ahead of the separatist Bloc Quebecois at 32. Trudeau's party is leading in Quebec, but is only 3 percentage points ahead of the Bloc, according to a Leger poll from this month. The Quebec Community Groups Network, which seeks to defend anglophones, said Legault's proposed measures "override fundamental human rights and will erode the vitality of our English-speaking minority community." Quebec's anglophone population, roughly 10% of the province's total, is concentrated in key parliamentary constituencies and Liberals must keep them happy too. "The English-speaking community is very angry. The risk is not so much that they will support another party - the risk is that they stay home," said a senior Liberal with direct knowledge of the issue. The English speakers' votes are "key for getting us over the finish line, and them staying home could make the difference between winning and losing," said the Liberal, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Another concern is that Quebec's move will set a precedent that could prompt other provinces to seek constitutional changes for political reasons. One Conservative lawmaker suggested that Alberta, where a nascent separatist party is seeking to take advantage of unhappiness with Ottawa, could unilaterally change the equalization system - under which richer provinces subsidize poorer ones - in order to hang onto more of its tax revenue.
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https://www.wionews.com/world/why-nationalism-push-in-quebec-is-posing-as-election-challenge-for-canada-pm-trudeau-388085
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How much is winning the Championship play-off final worth?
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The Championship play-off final takes place on Saturday as Brentford and Swansea City bid for a place in the Premier League. The fixture, which will be taking place at Wembley as has been customary in recent years, is one of the most lucrative games in all of football. A spot in Englands top flight is not all that is on the line, with the winning side receiving a significant sum of money, too. Ahead of last years Championship play-off final, Deloitte reported that the victorious club could earn anywhere between 135million and 265m, depending on whether or not they could avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League. Official numbers from the 2018/19 Premier League campaign revealed that all 20 clubs received a share of broadcast revenue totalling 2.4bn. Each team were given 34.3m each, 43m in international TV money and 4.9m in commercial payments equalling 82.5m in total per club, regardless of where they finished in the league. League positions were factored in elsewhere, however, with the 20th-placed side in 2018/19 Huddersfield Town receiving 1.9m in prize money and champions Manchester City earning 38.3m. Facility fees, based on how many televised games a team competed in, also played a role. Brentford were beaten 2-1 by Fulham in last seasons final, as the Bees missed out on all of that potential revenue. Fulham were relegated this term, however, meaning they did not earn as much as they could have from their victory over Brentford per Deloittes report despite a parachute payment for their drop back into the second tier. Brentford will hope to make amends for that defeat this Saturday, with Swansea standing between the Bees and the Premier League and a significant amount of money. It should be noted, however, that the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are expected to have impacted the various revenue streams. Whoever wins between Brentford and Swansea on Saturday will join Championship title-winners Norwich and runners-up Watford in climbing into the Premier League, with those two sides having earned automatic promotion.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/championship-playoff-final-prize-money-brentford-swansea-b1855989.html
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Why does Netflix want to get into games now?
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When the story about Netflix "getting into games" dropped last Friday, I tweeted that (a) I had no idea what to think of this, and (b) I didn't want to speculate. In the days since, I've been chatting with friends in high places in the gaming business. There's not much in the way of facts out there even among the gossip-elite, but I now have a working theory that feels pretty sound. Guest columnist Colin Campbell (Image credit: Colin Campbell) This article originally appeared in Colin Campbell's newsletter How Games Are Changing the World. Colin has written for gaming publications including Edge Magazine, Polygon, and IGN. Netflix understands that it has reached saturation in terms of subscriptions. And with competition from the likes of Disney and HBO Max, the tried-and-trusted strategy of increasing prices is pretty much played out. Any attempt to try to sell a premium subscription for, say, early content, is likely to be met with howls of protest and / or mass unsubscriptions. Premium content is needed all the time, and at the best quality, just to maintain steady growth. So the company needs a new kind of content, and it looks like gaming is the best option. First, let's dispense with the things that Netflix is not thinking about. So far as I know, nobody is suggesting that Netflix is getting into branded hardware or triple-A games, but it's still worth noting why either would be an act of extreme stupidity. Building a games business is almost impossible. The list of casualties and walking wounded is almost endless but even the richest companies in the worldAmazon, Disney, Googleare groping around in the fog of war. Apple's success is a by-product of iPhone's ubiquityit's basically a glorified retailer with tenuous monopolistic advantages. Microsoft has spent two stormy, expensive decades establishing a console brand that is still behind Nintendo and Sony, in terms of sales. Netflix's infrastructure is all about optimizing scale. It's a ubiquitous streaming app that cheaply and efficiently streams linear, non-interactive content to more than 200 million subscribers worldwide. (Image credit: Netflix, Microsoft) This might tempt some to think that a games streaming service is in the works. But streaming TV shows, en masse, and streaming live games to individual players, all of whom are acting upon the content, are two different things, and they're never going to converge. One is relatively simple, the other is very hard, and it's expensive. There's hardly any transferable scale or expertise here. I've seen a few mentions of Apple Arcade as a potential model, but that makes no sense at all. Unlike Apple TV, Netflix has no single platform upon which to anchor interactive content. It doesn't have a controller or a standardized hardware specification. It's true that the app has been installed on millions of "smart" TV sets these past few years, but take a look at your TV controller. It's barely capable of offering control of even the most basic arcade game. I'm certain that Netflix isn't going to try to sell some tacky controller expecting people to pay a monthly fee for Frogger clones. Netflix isn't going to try to sell some tacky controller expecting people to pay a monthly fee for Frogger clones The games that Netflix plans to upsell to its subscribers are going to have to be controllable via any TV remote, which means click-per-minute type experiences, not click-per-second. And, as everyone has mentioned, this suggests narrative adventures like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Minecraft: Story Mode. This is where things get interesting. Netflix has managed to build up a micro-library of interactive curiosities and experiments. Collectively or individually, I doubt that many people would pay extra to play them. But they offer glimpses of possibility that fall into three camps. First is interactive shows based on the service's biggest hits. I can easily imagine a series of Stranger Things spin-offs that super-fans (of whom there are millions) will happily pay to play. Then there's The Queen's Gambit, Bridgerton, The Umbrella Academy etc. Second, Netflix has proven itself to be alert to the value of turning gaming brands like Castlevania and Dota into decent TV. We've seen Minecraft, which was highly rated, and a Carmen Sandiego game, but there's also room for any number of brands, from The Witcher to hell you name it. Game companies would very much like to open up a new revenue stream for their brands, too, assuming the content is up to scratch. (Image credit: Netflix) Third, Netflix has shown itself to be willing to experiment with the form, messing around with interactive nature shows and romances, for example, as well as animation and game-adjacent sci-fi. Weird new entertainment stuff attracts headlines and interest, and I'd love to see new interactive game shows or reality TV formats. Couch-based multiplayer games could be fantastic fun. The real challenge Netflix has is that choose-your-own-adventures are pretty basic, and (dare I say it) a bit boring. A lot of people admired the pluck of Bandersnatch, but it can be a repetitive experience. Divergent TV linear is a form that needs a great deal of innovation to become worth playing, and worth paying for. That's why, I think, Netflix is talking to people in gaming. The company is badly in need of new ideas. I think Netflix understands that any undertaking for interactive content is only ever going to work if the service goes big, from the start, and if it maintains a strong stream of new games. It may well launch with some kind of bundle offering, or a series of bundles, but the goal is almost certainly going to chime with Netflix's subscription model, which means an escalating development schedule and a readiness to accelerate if early signs are positive. Which brings me back to the earlier point about the sheer difficulty of success in gaming. Netflix certainly sees an opportunity, and it has shown a modicum of creative ability, but the effort, innovation and investment needed for success is daunting. I hope they know what they're doing.
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https://www.pcgamer.com/why-does-netflix-want-to-get-into-games-now/
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What is the release date of Green Hell Console Edition?
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Green Hell was originally released on Steam in September 2019. Since then, the only console screen the survival game has graced is the Nintendo Switch, where its had a home since October last year. The game has even received its first piece of DLC, The Spirits of Amazonia Part 1, and now its finally coming to PlayStation and Xbox. Green Hell Console Edition launches on June 9, 2021. This will bring the game to all major platforms, and finally, give those who dont play games on PC or Switch a chance to enjoy it for themselves. This edition of the game packs in all the previously released content to date, meaning it will launch with both the main story and the aforementioned expansion, released in January 2021. Green Hell is an ambitious first-person survival adventure game set in an unknown region of the Amazonian Rainforest. Players begin their time in the rainforest with relative ease but are soon thrown into the thick of new territory without a hand to guide them. From there, they must survive against the environment, diseases, creatures of all sizes, and the local tribe thats trying to kill them. The game has a heavy focus on gathering resources and crafting. Youll need to build a base to protect yourself, purify water, cook food, and patch yourself up when youve been attacked or have injured yourself while exploring. The game is praised for being hyper-realistic, but that just means youve got more things trying to kill you here than in any other survival game on the market.
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https://www.gamepur.com/guides/what-is-the-release-date-of-green-hell-console-edition
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What reimbursement issues are costing ASCs the most?
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From prior authorization to payer consolidation, ASCs have long faced obstacles in securing reimbursements. Seven ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review about the reimbursement issues costing their ASCs the most money. These interviews were edited for clarity and brevity. 1. Payer consolidation Jarett Landman. CEO of The Orthopedic Surgical Center of the North (Peabody, Mass.) The consolidation of payers has become an issue and should be a major concern. Economies of scale exist to create leverage. Exerting additional downward pressure on physicians and outpatient facilities already operating on thin margins will have a significant impact on the long-term viability of ASCs that operate independent of hospital affiliations. 2. Payer contract challenges Lori Martini, CASC. Administrator of SOG Surgery Center (Tupelo, Miss.) As a fairly new, independent ASC opened in 2019, negotiations with certain commercial payers have been a challenge. We are not yet in network with three major commercial payers, despite the substantial savings they would recognize by contracting with the ASC. We have had to provide explanations of benefits from hospital outpatient department cases in order to negotiate fair contract rates. 3. Implant costs Trina Cole. Administrator of Saint Luke's Surgicenter Lee's Summit (Mo.) One of the issues that affects our ASCs is implant coverage being nonexistent or too low with managed-care contracts. We utilize contract negotiations with our joint-venture hospital partner. Although a great asset, there are only a few ASCs in the health system. This can be injurious to our reimbursement at times. 4. Deductibles and copayments Glen Silverman. CEO of U.S. Orthopedic Partners and Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center. Without a doubt, our biggest challenge is handling deductibles and copayments. Both through value-based care arrangements and the continued industry-wide shift of risk to the consumer, our ASC continues to be burdened with significant out-of-pocket expenses. 5. CMS policy John Stewart. CEO and founder of Physician Advisors and Total Spine & Wellness. The same cutting-edge technology and care that patients receive and desperately need from our ASCs is the biggest reimbursement issue affecting revenue. Many of our procedures and surgeries have CPT codes that do not have a Medicare allowable in an outpatient ASC, so some third-party administrators and payers underpay or deny these surgeries. 6. Patient out-of-pocket costs Tracy Helme. Administrator at Seven Hills ASC (Las Vegas). Revenue issues that affect many ASCs revolve around the reduced amount of cash that patients have on hand at this time. They are not always able to pay coinsurance and deductibles up front. This can pinch cash flows for ASCs. High deductible plans are also very confusing for patients, as they are not always aware of the high out-of-pocket amounts that are their responsibility before they receive benefits. 7. Prior authorization: Jason Richarson. CEO of Gastroenterology of the Rockies (Louisville, Colo.) For us, the biggest reimbursement issue is procedure authorization issues. The administrative burden on authorization of services delays care, adds costs and adds no value to the patient experience.
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https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-coding-billing-and-collections/what-reimbursement-issues-are-costing-ascs-the-most.html
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When will the Johnson & Johnson vaccine be available in the UK and hows it different from the Oxford jab?
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Sign up to FREE email alerts from Wales Online - The Coronavirus Briefing - your latest Welsh Covid-19 news Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice The UKs medicines regulator has given the green light to a fourth Covid vaccine . The Johnson & Johnson jab, made by the US firms subsidiary Janssen, will play an important role in the UKs vaccination programme. It will be the fourth vaccine approved for use in the UK to protect against Covid-19 and its variants, and will be used alongside the existing Oxford AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech jabs. Heres everything you need to know about the new J&J vaccine, including what makes it different and who can expect to receive it. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been made by Janssen, the companys Belgium-based subsidiary. The pharmaceutical giants vaccine was trialled on more that 44,000 people across America, Brazil and South Africa. The jab was found to be 85% effective in stopping severe illness resulting from Covid-19 and has been approved after meeting expected safety standards. The key difference between the Janssen vaccine and the three existing jabs is how many shots are required for it to be effective. The AstraZeneca , Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines all require two doses, three to twelve weeks apart. The introduction of the J&J vaccine will drastically reduce the time taken to build immunity, with recipients needing just one dose. The new vaccine is most similar to the AstraZeneca jab, using the same viral vector (genetically modified virus) technology. But while the Oxford vaccine uses a chimp adenovirus, the Johnson & Johnson instead delivers a protein from the spike of the coronavirus through a human common cold. Like the AstraZeneca jab, the J&J vaccine can be stored at regular fridge temperature, and is estimated to remain stable for up to two years at a temperature of minus 20 degrees celsius. By comparison, the Pfizer and Moderna jabs both have to be kept at temperatures below freezing, making them harder to transport. The UK has ordered 20 million doses, due to arrive later this year. The new vaccine will be used for anyone aged 18 and over awaiting their jab, and may also be used as part of a booster programme for care home residents and other vulnerable groups later this year. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said: This is a further boost to the UKs hugely successful vaccination programme, which has already saved over 13,000 lives, and means that we now have four safe and effective vaccines approved to help protect people from this awful virus. The EU has also ordered 400 million doses of the Janssen-made vaccine.
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https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/johnson--johnson-vaccine-available-20702551
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Could Raiders CB Damon Arnette move to the slot in 2021?
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With the addition of Casey Hayward, it appears the Raiders have their two starting outside cornerbacks set in stone. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Raiders are toying with the idea of moving Arnette in the slot. Here are Tafurs thoughts on Arnette and the potential move: The Raiders staff has gone back to watch Ohio State film to try to integrate Arnette smoothly after half of his rookie season was lost to injuries and COVID-19. Arnette did a lot better in zone coverages than man at Ohio State. Theres also a chance Arnette could move to slot cornerback if free-agent signee Casey Hayward takes one of the starting outside spots. Hayward, who played for (Gus) Bradley with the Chargers, has also played the slot in the NFL. While it may not be Arnettes most natural position, the Raiders want to find a way to get their best defensive backs on the field. And with the Raiders likely to move Amik Robertson to the outside, this opens up the slot position for more competition. It remains to be seen where Arnette will play in 2021 but dont be surprised to see Gus Bradley move him around the defensive backfield this season.
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https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/28/could-raiders-cb-damon-arnette-move-to-the-slot-in-2021/
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Can a military parade help Libya's Haftar stay relevant?
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Insight Regional experts say warlord Khalifa Haftar is making desperate attempts to prolong his existence in the country but the ground is slipping under his feet. Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, the self-styled commander of the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA), recently invited the members of the Government of National Unity, including Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah, to attend a military parade to commemorate the "Operation Dignity's" seventh anniversary at Benina Airbase in Benghazi on May 29. During the Libyan conflict, breaking the truce became one of the main hallmarks of the warlord's menacing presence in the country's east. Despite violating dozens of peace and ceasefire deals, Haftar has made desperate attempts to sabotage and uproot the UN-recognised Government of National Accord. For Libya watchers, Haftar is hardly concerned about building peace and stability in the North African country as his sole aim has always been to grab power in the country. Although he has been supported by armed groups and foreign fighters full of criminals and mercenaries, a far cry from Haftar's description of his men being disciplined and professional, he claims that he and his men fought against Daesh in 2014 under the name of Operation Dignity. Haftar's purported fight against Daesh became one of the main factors why he gained Western sympathies, which eventually helped him entrench himself in eastern Libya. To commemorate "Operation Dignity," Haftar wanted to put up a show of strength by holding a military parade on Saturday, May 29. But his plans were punctured after Libya's Prime Minister Dbeibah, who is also the defence minister, and Mohamed Younis Ahmed al Manfi, the head of Libyas presidential council, brushed aside his invitation, saying they were visiting Algeria and Tunisia respectively on Saturday. Many Libya observers believe that it was a gentle refusal to Haftar's parade, which reveals how weak his standing is in the grand scheme of things. Abdulkader Assad, the chief editor of The Libya Observer and Libya Alahrar English, told TRT World that Haftar has the habit of using the so-called Operation Dignity to 'cover his crimes' and stay relevant in determining the future of Libya. Both Dbeibah and Manfi announced that they would visit Algeria and Tunisia respectively on Saturday, a sign of their escape from Haftar's parade," Assad said. Although they distanced themselves from the parade, Assad criticised the timidity of the prime minister and the army chief on Haftar, the man who has committed "atrocious crimes" against Libyans. According to Dr. Guma el Gamaty, who heads Taghyeer political party in Libya, Haftar invited state officials to witness the parade ceremony only to gain some legitimacy in the eyes of regular Libyans and the world. His military parade tomorrow is not endorsed by the legitimate political leadership and I do not expect Al Manfi who is going on a visit to Tunisia to attend or any other members of his council to attend, Gamaty said. Gamaty said Haftar controls the east and parts of the south by "de-facto force". not by any legitimacy, and yet he "pretends to be a prominent actor" in Libya despite facing accusations of having committed war crimes against the internationally recognised governing factions of the country. Gamaty said Haftar's hunger for power would push him to take the election route since he failed to achieve anything from the military route. He will either contest the presidential election himself or put one of his sons in the fray, Gamaty added. Assad, another expert, said Haftar has no regard for the UN-backed election process and the GNU of Libya. Warlord Khalifa Haftar has publicly stated that his so-called General Command and self-styled Libyan National Army have no military or political links to the Government of National Unity (GNU). He announced through his mouthpiece, Ahmed Al-Mismari, that if the GNU wants to enter the city under his control, he should be informed in advance, Assad said. The Benghazi visit earlier this month is living proof of Haftar's rejection of the GNU, as his militias encircled Benina airport and prohibited the GNU from entering the city to convene the third ordinary meeting of the government at the time. As a military man and a person who is after bringing Libya back to the family rule and authoritarianism, Haftar has never believed in elections and his only role since he came back to Libya during the 2011 revolution against Gaddafi was to occupy high profile military positions and then move upward with his military junta ambitions, Assad continued. He saw opportunities in eastern Libya, where major tribes backed his plans for military force and he received unquestioned support from Egypt, UAE, France, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Russia. The UN has repeatedly urged that foreign fighters and mercenaries must leave Libya "without any further delay", but Haftar refuses to pay any heed. He continues to fund and administer foreign mercenaries that are deployed in eastern Libya, ignoring the international community's calls. The move undermines the ongoing political process. For Assad, Haftar's insistence on keeping the mercenaries deployed on the Libyan soil serves as a stark reminder that the warlord does not respect the Libyan aspiration for peace and stability, which can be possible with a fair and transparent election in December this year. One of his main supporters, Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, are still digging trenches in Sirte, while the Janjaweed mercenaries are roaming inside Al-Juffra. His plans have never changed. He wants to rule Libya and wants his sons and tribe to be his heirs to military rule, just like Gaddafi, Assad said. Like Haftar, Aguila Saleh, the head of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Eastern Libya, is also reluctant to follow the UN-led peace process. Saleh is the main supporter of Haftar. While Haftar likes to flaunt his military fatigues in public, Saleh is known for being his "suited up" version. Aguila Saleh is still head of the HoR and he is under pressure especially from the US government to approve the budget and the constitutional basis for elections. But Aguila Saleh is pursuing his own political ambitions, possibly standing as well for presidential elections. He is mainly controlled and manipulated by the Egyptians and Russians, Gamaty said. According to Assad, Salehs continuance in Libya's power politics is essential to Haftars future existence. It's with the support of Saleh that he claims to be the so-called general commander of the "Libyan National Army". Saleh is benefitting from the chaos Haftar creates through his militias. In fact, he gets to remain in the Presidency of the HoR as long as unrest continues, while Haftar's interest in Saleh is conversely the same. He is using Saleh as a political cover-up for his illegitimate military presence in the eastern region, Assad said. Both Saleh and Haftar are vying for power, they want to remain in the political and military scene as long as they could live and then pass it to their family; it's like Gaddafi's tyranny runs through their veins. Saleh is working for his interests by hindering two essential needs of the Government of National Unity: budget and constitutional basis, he added. Source: TRT World
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https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/can-a-military-parade-help-libya-s-haftar-stay-relevant-47078
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Will Louisville Make The NCAA Tournament?
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The Cardinals find themselves in an unfamiliar place ahead of Selection Monday: on the bubble. (Photo of Dan McDonnell: Steven Branscombe - USA TODAY Sports) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With college baseball's conference championship week currently in full swing, there are only a few days left until Selection Monday, where the NCAA Tournament field is revealed. For Louisville, this is typically a week filled with very little drama. In Dan McDonnell's tenure as the head coach of the Cardinals, they have only missed the tournament once since his hiring in 2007, and have hosted a regional nine times. At the very least, there is some debate on who they will face, and if they will have home field advantage. However, this year has not been a typical year for Louisville baseball. The offense has been anything but consistent, and the pitching staff has been absolutely decimated by injuries, and the bottom fell out during the last month of the regular season. The Cardinals lost 10 of their final 14 games heading into the ACC Tournament, going from regional hosting lock to bubble team extremely fast. After going 1-1 in pool play, culminating in getting bounced from Charlotte, N.C. thanks to an extra innings heartbreaker to Georgia Tech, and Louisville has a long wait until Monday. The program has done their part, and now their fate is in the hands of the selection committee. Well, you can make a case for both sides. Louisville finished the year at 28-22 overall and an even 16-16 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. While neither record seems very noteworthy, the conference record actually is. Since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams, over 50% of the ACC teams who go at least .500 in conference play make the Big Dance. There are a few noteworthy victories attributing to the conference record, too. Their series split with Notre Dame; series wins over FSU, Virginia, and Duke; and series sweep over NC State all are regarded as Quadrant 1 wins. Not to mention, they have a pair of non-conference Q1 wins over Vanderbilt and USC Upstate. But, the Cards also have some ugly blemishes on their resume. They were swept by Clemson, who is not a tournament team, and have individual losses to Cincinnati, Morehead State, EKU and Western Illinois. Their road record is also far from impressive, as they went 8-12 away from Jim Patterson Stadium (compared to 19-9 at home). The biggest detractor to their tourney chances undoubtedly comes from their RPI ranking, as it comes in at 74th following their loss to Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament. For context, the lowest RPI to make the tournament in 2019 was 59th, held by TCU. However, their RPI may not be a killing blow. The COVID-19 pandemic led to uneven scheduling across the college baseball landscape, with many teams not only having their initial amount of games limited, but also having them wiped out completely because of the virus. As a result, RPI is not as reliable this season as it normally is. For example: Fairfield, who has the No. 149 SOS, has the No. 2 RPI in the country, and were at No. 1 for a chunk of the season. They didn't play a single non-conference game all season, as all of their games came in MAAC play. Louisville finds themselves in a somewhat similar situation, as the ACC opted to play more games in league play, and shorten the non-conference schedule. That, among other reasons, could be a reason the selection committee uses caution when using RPI as a reference. Even college baseball experts are torn on whether or not Louisville is in. In their most recent tournament projections, Baseball America had them among the 'Last Four In', and D1Baseball had them as the last team out (sound familiar?). At the end of the day, a case can be made to either exclude or include the Cardinals. One thing is for sure though: it will be a nervous wait for the Selection Show. You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter: Facebook - @LouisvilleOnSI Twitter - @LouisvilleOnSI and Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @GeneralWasp
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https://www.si.com/college/louisville/othersports/will-louisville-baseball-make-ncaat
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Will gold shine under Bidenomics?
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Bidenomics is a big departure from sound economics. But when reason sleeps, gold fortunes are born. Bidens triumph in the presidential election does not just mean that a new man lives in the White House. It actually implies a fundamental shift in economic policy . Some analysts even see Bidens agenda as a decisive break with neoliberalism or Washington consensus. You see, in the old orthodoxy, most economists trusted in markets, argued for privatization, deregulation, and liberalization. Taxes and social benefits should be low and dont discourage work and investments. The governments should run balanced budgets, avoiding large and permanent fiscal deficits , while central banks should hike interest rates to prevent inflation from running out of control. The focus was on scarcity and limited supply. The economy was believed to operate generally at potential, so the key factors to fast economic growth were structural reforms and adequate supply-side policy to strengthen incentives to work and invest. Governments shouldnt run fiscal deficits as they could crowd out private investments, and they shouldnt stimulate the demand as it would misallocate resources and could overheat the economy, leading to inflation. The monetary policy was better suited to occasionally fight economic crises . How much has changed! Now, the focus is on slack and the demand side of the economy. The growth is held by chronic lack of demand this is the key tenet of Keynesian economics, the hypothesis of secular stagnation, and the Modern Monetary Theory so, governments and central banks should continuously stimulate the economy through easy monetary and fiscal policies . As real interest rates are low and demand is weak, rising public debt is not a problem. Inflation is not a problem either; after all, if there is always slack in the economy which operates below its full potential, there is practically no risk of inflation. Indeed, Biden has pushed the American Rescue Plan Act of $1.9 trillion (or about 9%of the GDP ) without presenting any plan of longer-term deficit reduction. And additional huge government expenditures are coming with Bidens infrastructure plan. It seems that no one is interested any longer in how the government is going to pay for its spending and obligations, or in long-term consequences of practically unprecedentedly large fiscal deficits (see the chart below). Interest rates are low, so lets live like theres no tomorrow! Another notable example is, of course, the Feds new monetary framework. The US central bank has ultimately disregarded the idea of the Philips curve and the natural rate of unemployment . There is no level of employment that could boost the inflation rate, so there is no need for any preventive actions. What really counts is the actual inflation rate, not the expected one. The central bank shouldnt fight with symmetrical deviations from the economys long-term path determined by technological progress and other supply-side factors any longer, but only with shortfalls from the full employment. Well, Biden is not the first politician who thinks that there are no economic limits to his ideas. But the pandemic and the economic crisis, the environment of ultra-low interest rates, and the fact that the Democratic base has shifted further to the left implies that Bidenomics may become a radical departure from sound economics. However, a crazy idea that borrow & spend without a limit is the key to prosperity is positive for the gold market , as the yellow metal is a safe-haven asset and a hedge against insane economic policies. What is important here is the fact that we have actually tested this approach. In 1960, just like today, the Keynesian economists who dominated in the mainstream (and politicians who trusted them) thought that the main task of economic policy is to actively and permanently stimulate aggregate demand. The result was stagflation in the 1970s, as it turned out that economies may overheat as well. Gold shined then, so it should also benefit today from similarly unsound economic ideas and policies. So far, the pace of economic recovery has been fast, while the inflation rate has remained limited. But this may change quickly when people stop trusting that the Fed and the government will swiftly take action to contain inflation if it breaks out. Not very likely, indeed. Hence, if inflation continues to rise, while the Fed remains ultra- dovish , inflationary expectations may become unanchored, and inflation may get out of control taking gold with it on a wild journey north.
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https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/will-gold-shine-under-bidenomics-202105281615
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Do lightning storms affect high-flying satellites?
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Lightning storms produce bursts of radio waves called whistlers that seem innocuous as they bounce off the ionosphere and dissipate with seemingly little effect. But at night, the ionosphere becomes more transparent to these very low frequency (VLF) radio waves, and some travel out to the radiation belts around Earth where GPS and geosynchronous satellites sit. A rocket experiment designed and led by University of California, Berkeley, scientists pierced the ionosphere last night (May 26) to measure how much of these VLF waves escape, in an attempt to assess whether VLF waves affect the Van Allen radiation belts through which the satellites travel, or even whether the VLF may protect the satellites from damage by high-energy electrons in the belts. It was an incredible experience watching this flight for me, said John Bonnell, a physicist at UC Berkeleys Space Sciences Laboratory who led The VLF trans-Ionospheric Propagation Experiment Rocket, or VIPER. All went well, he said. VIPER was launched at 9:15 p.m. EDT from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility aboard a Terrier-Improved Malemute suborbital sounding rocket. The launch had been postponed from May of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rocket with its 620-pound payload rose to about 94 miles before descending and splashing into the Atlantic Ocean. The payload was not recovered. He and his team are now beginning to check the data. The VLF waves dont cause problems with the current generation of spacecraft and satellites, said Bonnell, principal investigator of the VIPER project. In fact, those waves can reduce the hazard posed by the Van Allen radiation belts to those spacecraft and satellites by scattering the energetic particles and dumping them out of the belt and into the upper atmosphere where they dissipate safely. VIPER will provide data that can be compared with existing numerical models of the fields and the ionosphere, as well as observations made in the past of the escaping VLF radiation at higher altitudes and on the ground, to better understand the impact of escaping nighttime radio waves on the radiation belts. While we dont fly high enough to get to the Van Allen radiation belt itself, we do fly high enough to see the details of how the VLF waves are absorbed, reflected and transmitted by the ionosphere, and to measure how much of the wave power escapes, he said. It was surprising to find that, while lots of ground-based and orbital observations of the VLF absorption, reflections and transmission had been made, theres not been any measurements right in the region where all the action happens. While we have good models of what to expect in such regions, actual measurements are key to pin down the details of those models, as well as to develop the instruments required to explore more challenging regions. Ionosphere and beyond Scientists at SSL have been studying the ionosphere for decades, and currently operate a satellite, ICON, that explore the link between thunderstorms and plasma waves in the ionosphere, a region named for the ionized particles created by sunlight. VIPER traveled above the ionosphere to investigate the region between the ionosphere and space. While the ionosphere is about 60 miles above our heads, the two Van Allen radiation belts are much farther out, and contain charged particles from the sun that have been trapped by our magnetic field. Those belts of intense energetic electron fluxes cover a range of distances from Earth, from as close as 14,300 miles altitude which is about 4.4 Earth radii out to 23,500 miles altitude about 7 Earth radii, Bonnell said. GPS satellites orbit at around 4.4 Earth radii, and geosynchronous satellites at about 6.6 Earth radii. So, satellites in those orbits are often engulfed by the Van Allen Radiation Belts and have to tolerate the effects those energetic particles have on electronics and materials. There is evidence that when VLF waves interact with the charged particles in the radiation belts, they can drain the belts after magnetic storms or sub-storms have filled them up. The leaking VLF may thus be an impenetrable barrier for high-energy electrons, protecting spacecraft in that region. Lightning isnt the only source of VLF waves, Bonnell noted. While most human communication AM and FM radio, cellphone, Wifi and Bluetooth takes place at higher frequencies, VLF has one advantage: it can penetrate tens of meters below the surface of the ocean. It has been used by the U.S Navy and other organizations for decades to communicate with submarines. In addition to the in-situ measurements made by VIPER as it flew through the ionosphere, the mission also employed numerous ground-based systems, including some in Maine, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado and Virginia. Bonnells collaborators are at the Goddard Spaceflight Center in Maryland, University of Colorado, University of Iowa and UCLA. RELATED INFORMATION
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https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/05/27/do-lightning-storms-affect-high-flying-satellites/
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Why would the Senate make it easier for China to flood American markets?
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For over a year, conservatives have suspected that the Wuhan virus came, not from people eating bats or pangolins, but from Chinese researchers messing around with bat viruses. That suspicion has now been pretty much confirmed. China, whether carelessly or deliberately, created and released a virus that essentially destroyed the world as we know it. It should be made a pariah nation, but instead, the Senate, by a huge margin that included almost all Republicans, adopted an amendment that cuts tariffs on hundreds of products that China ships to America. I'm probably being very stupid here, but for the life of me, I can't understand why. The Epoch Times has the story: An exasperated Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) tweeted his frustration late Thursday after the Senate on a 91-4 vote adopted a measure that cuts U.S. tariffs on hundreds of products imported from China. "The 'China bill' now reduces tariffs on hundreds of products made in #China. And only @HawleyMO, @TomCottonAR @BernieSanders, and I voted against it. #Strangebedfellows," Rubio said in his tweet. Just a few minutes before that tweet, Rubio tweeted a segment of his floor speech from earlier in the day in which he passionately told Senate colleagues the national security safeguards in the bill to protect U.S. technology research are inadequate. "What I want you to understand is this is not a minor security threat, this is the number one priority of Chinese intelligence, this is what all of their agencies and all of their government are geared towards doing," Rubio said, referring to Chinese digital and human intelligence theft of American secrets. Rubio's ire was stirred by the amendment that ran to more than 280 pages, making major changes to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, formerly known as the Endless Frontier Act. The amendment was introduced by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and co-sponsored by Republican senators Charles Grassley of Iowa, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Steve Daines of Montana, John Cornyn of Texas, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Todd Young of Indiana. You can read more about the act and the vote here. I can understand why the Democrats voted for the amendment. They've long since sold out to China, from Biden on down. One only has to look at their desperate efforts over the past year to protect China from any criticism or the slightest hint that it might have had a hand in creating and spreading the Wuhan virus. What I cannot understand is why the Republicans proposed this amendment and then so enthusiastically voted for it. Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 27, 2021 We are investing over $200 billion into research & development which is good But we are not putting in strong safeguards to keep #China from stealing it which is crazy pic.twitter.com/mKhqvPyc83 Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 27, 2021 The China bill now reduces tariffs on hundreds of products made in #China. And only @HawleyMO @TomCottonAR @BernieSanders and I voted against it. Before 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time, I'll be updating this article with a link to the companion MeWe post. If you can shine some light on my befuddlement that is, if you have facts or analysis to offer other than just agreeing with me that our Congress no longer even pretends to represent the American people please take the time to post your ideas on MeWe. Image: Xi Jinping. Public domain. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
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https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2021/05/why_would_the_senate_make_it_easier_for_china_to_flood_american_markets.html
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Is Taylor Swift a Brunette Now?
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On May 27, the musician popped in via video to accept the iHeart Radio Pop Album of the Year for her album Folklore and we couldnt help but notice that her hair looks a bit darker than normal. Taylor has been a blonde as long as shes been in the public eye. In her early years, she rocked long, bright blonde curls, then later transitioned to a deep wheat blonde hue during her Red and 1989 era. The Reputation era saw her briefly flirt with platinum blonde, and lately, Taylor has been embracing her natural dark blonde color. To accept her award, Taylor wore her hair in romantic, undone crown braids with bangs. She paired her hairstyle with a V-neck floral patterned dress from Hemant & Nandita. Beauty-wise, Tay went for the forest maiden vibe shes been feeling these days, with rosy pink cheeks, glowing skin, bright eyes, and pink lipstick. If you quickly glance at Taylor, you may think that shes gone brunette, as her bangs, in particular, do look darker than usual. While were inclined to believe that Taylor hasnt darkened her hair and were just seeing her natural tones in a different light, theres no denying that her color has changed over the years something that can happen to many natural blondes as they age. Taylor could be growing out her highlights and trying something new; if you look closely at her crown braids, youll see a hint of her previous golden blonde. (But, Taylor, if you are reading, we need to know for sure.) That said, Tay has sort of experimented with the brunette life before. She wore a dark wig for her You Belong with Me video to portray the cheerleader in question and also donned one in the video for Wildest Dreams. Plus, whether or not shes actually dipping her toe into the brunette world or just growing out her color, Taylors hair is always goals. Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email. Check this out:
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https://www.teenvogue.com/story/taylor-swift-hair-iheartradio-music-awards
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Is The U.S. Retirement System Broken?
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On one hand, the pandemic is pushing more people into retirement . On the other, millions of Americans feel that they wont ever be able to retire . People are living and maintaining vitality longer, and preparing for retirement is increasingly difficult for middle-class workers. Pensions are shrinking, people are saving less, housing and other long-term costs are increasing faster than wages and salaries, and there is the looming possibility of cuts to Social Security benefits that would disproportionately harm low-income retirees. A new study by the World Health Organization reports that working long hours is an occupational health risk. For some Americans, working such long hours is the only way they'll be able to retire. According to the WHO, people who work 55 or more hours a week have a 35% higher risk of having a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to people who work between the standard weekly 35-40 hours. Guests: "The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email [email protected] or tweet @TPRSource. *This interview was recorded on Thursday, May 27.
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https://www.tpr.org/podcast/the-source/2021-05-26/is-the-u-s-retirement-system-broken
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Will Small Caps Sizzle Again This Summer?
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A Russell 2000 rally infused with rising interest in value- and momentum-based investments is helping to propel the Invesco S&P SmallCap Value with Momentum ETF (XSVM) to a 53% YTD performance. Small caps have already been strong performers coming out of the gate in 2021. A resilient value-over-growth narrative gives XSVM even more punch. If that wasnt enough, the fund also seeks holdings that exhibit strong momentum. Like anything else in this world, once momentum gets going, its hard to stop. In the case of the case of the capital markets, momentum is the ongoing global economic recovery. A vaccine deployment combined with stimulus dollars is giving small cap investors more tailwinds. At a total expense ratio of 0.39%, XSVM seeks to track the investment results (before fees and expenses) of the S&P Small Cap 600 High Momentum Value Index. The fund generally will invest at least 90% of its total assets in the securities that comprise the underlying index. Strictly in accordance with its guidelines and mandated procedures, the index provider compiles, maintains, and calculates the underlying index, which is designed to track the performance of approximately 120 stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index that have the highest value and momentum scores. Small caps have taken a breather in May. Nonetheless, the Russell 2000 index is still up 15% on the year. We note that seasonals are a tail wind through July, for the first part of the summer, and we think that the market has already endured an internal consolidation that really dates back over the last three months, said Ari Wald, head of technical analysis at Oppenheimer. Its almost as if the internals have coiled and truth be told that spring could uncoil in either direction. Nonetheless, this could all be a set-up for a rally come summertime. Our expectation [is]for a summertime rally. Were going to use the Russell 2000 as our signal here. I think [our forecast is]intact as long as the Russell is above its March low at 2,085 support. As long as thats the case, which it is, rallies should continue and below there would derail our positive view, Wald added. For more news and information, visit the Innovative ETFs Channel.
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https://www.etftrends.com/innovative-etfs-channel/will-small-caps-sizzle-this-summer/
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When will foreigners in Vietnam get COVID-19 vaccine shot?
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Visit Vietnam Insiders homepage for more stories Vietnam has yet to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to foreign citizens residing and working in the country, but a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry has said that these vaccinations will be considered moving forward. We pay close attention to the expat community living and working in Vietnam, spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told media workers on May 27, answering their questions regarding any plans to inoculate foreigners against COVID-19. The spokesperson stated that Vietnam has reached agreements with AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNtech, and the COVAX Facility, and is currently negotiating with other vaccine manufacturers in order to purchase additional COVID-19 vaccines for domestic use. We are continuing negotiations with other countries and partners to diversify sources of vaccine supply, and look towards expanding the vaccination coverage to the maximum number of recipients, said Hang. Vietnam has been carrying out its own COVID-19 vaccination campaign since March 3, targeting priority groups such as healthcare workers, on-duty staff at quarantine facilities, essential service workers, and senior citizens over the age of 65 who suffer from severe health issues. Recently the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) proposed that the Vietnamese Government allow its companies to purchase vaccine doses and then vaccinate their own employees. Alain Cany, president of EuroCham, said the move will help reduce the financial burden placed on the State budget, and at the same time speed up the governments vaccination process. This article was originally published in Vietnamnet Share this: Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Twitter Email
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https://vietnaminsider.vn/when-will-foreigners-in-vietnam-get-covid-19-vaccine-shot/
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