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Will Somerville's next mayor maintain the focus on biotech?
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Maynard, MA JM Coull (JMC) has been awarded a National Safety Pinnacle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which was presented at the 31st annual Excellence in Construction Awards during the ABC Convention 2021 in Grapevine, Texas, on March 10. The 2020 National Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum, and Gold status in ABCs STEP Safety Management System in 2020. During the selection process, contractors were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, leading indicator use, process and program innovations and video interviews conducted by members of ABCs National Health and Safety Committee. JM Coull was one of only 5 companies nationwide, in the General Contractor category, to receive the Pinnacle level designation. Pinnacle is the highest level attainable, representing the elite among contractor safety programs. JMC has the distinguished honor of having achieved the Pinnacle designation for the 4th consecutive year. JMC has also received ABCs STEP recognition 20 times, an important acknowledgement of maintaining a long-standing track record for outstanding safety performance. We are very pleased with the dedication and commitment to safety that our project operations teams have demonstrated and the systems we have put in place to monitor and record site-based safety activities, stated Andy Coull, President of JM Coull. In some ways, the pandemic has brought an even greater focus on the importance of consistency around safety systems and the need for constant training, pre-task planning and documentation. While we feel good about winning this prestigious award, especially in the year when a worldwide pandemic took hold, we also understand that when it comes to safety, you never actually arrive. One of our core values is Relentless Improvement. This has never been more applicable than when it comes to jobsite safety. JM Coull is a construction management and design-build firm specializing in new construction and renovations for the commercial, industrial/manufacturing, life sciences, advanced technology, healthcare, education, and institutional markets. The firm uses an integrated approach to project management and focuses attention on the early phases of a project, using its proprietary StartSmart process, to ensure overall success. The company works throughout New England from its headquarters in Maynard, MA.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264323373725/will-somerville-s-next-mayor-maintain-the-focus-on-biotech
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How are assets stripped before bankruptcy?
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Imagine a hospital in the middle of a city that sits on a valuable piece of land, like ocean-front in San Francisco or something. Maybe the hospital earns net revenue of... $10M a year. Maybe the land is worth $100M. The hospital owners would need to operate for 10 years before they 'earn back' the value of the land that they could otherwise sell immediately. Now, historical owners might choose to continue operating a business rather than 'strip it for parts', because of some sort of emotional connection to the business [or perhaps because they never considered such a severe action, or don't foresee the same problems in the business model that downgrade the potential of future revenue]. But a hedge fund that just bought the hospital for $90M might have done so because they know the land is worth $100M. They don't care about the business [in this case a hospital] in particular, they just want to sell the land, liquidate the business, and walk away. For something like Toys R Us, that can lead to significant long-term problems for laid-off employees, or local economies, or other various impacts. For something like a hospital, that can lead to even more severe outcomes [ultimately this is the simple conclusion of a for-profit healthcare system, that shareholder profit is not the same as 'best-healthcare'].
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https://money.stackexchange.com/questions/141297/how-are-assets-stripped-before-bankruptcy
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Why Did No One Tell Me About Uncharted 4s Climbing?
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I am, after extensive research, willing to concede that I might not be the first person to bring the Uncharted series to your attention. However, it seems everyone else has failed me by not letting me know just how utterly wonderful the fourth games climbing is. The least I could have hoped for would be a major gaming site specifically reviewing this one aspect of Naughty Dogs epic adventure, but nooooooooo, no one could be bothered. So its left to me, some five years later. (Yes, if nothing else, this article has achieved making you feel miserably old, as you realise its been five goddamn years since A Thiefs End was released. A game that, for no good reason, I only started playing last week.) Screenshot: Naughty Dog I have to admit, the whole Uncharted series completely passed me by. Originally releasing exclusively on a console I didnt own, in a year when I was co-launching a PC-specific website, I failed to climb on board the Drake train at its origins, and then never caught up. Last year I had a quick go at the original, but in 14 years its dated pretty significantly in that way only third-person action games can, and I didnt stick with it. Then last week, having taken my first time off since Christmas, I figured Id boot up the most recent and see what it was. Turns out: great! Not all great, certainly. Ive completely lost track at this point of whether Tomb Raider is ripping off Uncharted or the other way around, but Naughty Dog clearly lifted far too much from Laras toolkit at the start. Goodness gracious, like every Tomb Raider game ever, it doesnt need the shooting. Each shooty-gun section is an ordeal to get past, to the point where I started seeing how much I could get away without joining in. It turns out, early on, a surprising amount! I got through Sams prison escape without firing a single shot, letting the NPC and enemy AIs drunken bullet-frenzy take care of it all for me. I had to be innovative in places, realising I could somewhat choreograph the action by where I was hiding, directing the haphazard garden hose approach to combat until everyone eventually accidentally killed everyone else. But my hands were clean of gun residue. Later, sadly, this becomes less possible, until I was eventually resigned to the deeply incongruous mass murder of strangers in order to reach the next bit Id enjoy. Which is to say, the climbing. Screenshot: Naughty Dog / Kotaku The last time a game completely divided itself in two like this for me was Prince Of Persia: The Two Thrones, which so dramatically flipped between its polar opposites of Sands Of Times wonderfully balletic platforming and Warrior Withins dumbass grimdark fighting. Uncharted 4s mercurial nature feels very similar, if somewhat more elegantly blended. Im a bit of an everyman, hoping to find treasure against the odds, by bonding with my long-lost brother! Oh, sorry, wait a moment, I have to murder these seventeen people, three of them by snapping their soft necks between my hands. But that climbing! Ive played so many games like this, where the world is a series of white-streaked ledges upon which I must impossibly dangle. I know the deal, pointing the analogue stick toward the next rock, then hitting X to jump for it. Ive shuffled along as many sills as the next man, before leaning to reach a jutting flagpole and acrobatically flinging myself off it to catch the three millimetre grip on the other side of this ravine. But I cannot remember another time when Ive reached for those things. I cannot get over what a difference that reaching makes! As Nathans arms stretch out for the next ridge or windowsill, it magically goes from incomprehensively unrealistic to just daft. It feels fluid, achievable, possible. Its not. At all. Its ridiculously impossible. As a very poor and very occasional amateur climber, Im at least vaguely aware of whats actually possible for a human, and its definitely not falling diagonally for twenty meters and then catching yourself on a three-finger rocky outcrop. But when he reaches first, it seems like maybe it could be?! Screenshot: Naughty Dog / Kotaku Its at its best when youre finding your way up the side of a building, and his arms can reach the next ledge or drainpipe, and you start to weave together a natural, fluid progression, his arms exploring and finding their target. When it comes together like this, its almost poetry! It just feels so damned good. It makes me happy in my tummy. Sure, itll all be ruined moments later by having to senselessly kill a large group of men, who presumably only took on this mercenary job due to a lack of employment in the country, and had no idea they were going to face a genocidal spider-human that afternoon. But while it lasts, gosh, that climbing is the best.
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https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/06/why-did-no-one-tell-me-about-uncharted-4s-climbing/
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Is it safe to swim as the COVID pandemic eases?
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(NEXSTAR) With temperatures rising and summer on the horizon, many are eager to break out their swimsuits and hit the pool. There are a few things that are working in your favor, according to Kennedy. For one, pools are typically outside, which limits the spread of COVID-19. It will also, presumably, be hot when youre swimming, which also limits the transmission of coronavirus. Also, theres typically fewer cases of COVID-19 during summer, so youre less likely to run into an infected person, Kennedy said. But there are a few things working against you, as well. Typically, younger people are at the pool, and only children ages 12 and up are currently able to be vaccinated. Younger people also typically show fewer COVID-19 symptoms if they are infected, which means they could be swimming and infected without their knowledge. Lastly, at the pool, theres lots of yelling and laughing, which can spew a greater amount of viral particles into the air. Overall, Id say theres no such thing as perfectly safe, Kennedy said. There is a level of risk. People will have to decide for themselves if theyre comfortable with it.
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https://cbs4indy.com/news/is-it-safe-to-swim-as-the-covid-pandemic-eases/
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Whats being done about the singing Golden Gate Bridge?
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A visitor takes in view of the Golden Gate Bridge on December 13, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Installation of the the Golden Gate Bridge suicide prevention net has been delayed at least two years due to issues with the lead contractor on the job. The installation was scheduled to be completed in 2021 but is now expected to be completed by 2023. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Engineers are hard at work in San Francisco trying to fix a loud humming sound thats been coming from San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge and annoying nearby residents for over a year. The bridge started emanating the loud hum following a retrofit last year of the sidewalk safety railing on its western side. Crews replaced some 12,000 wide slates with narrower ones to give the bridge a slimmer profile and make it safer during high winds. But due to implementing these safety precautions, the noise increased. Its especially evident when there are high wind gusts that seep through the slats. Many people have posted recordings of the musical performance on social media. icymi the golden gate bridge was accidentally modified with wind barriers for pedestrians which werent acoustically tested and now she sings adorable love songs to the whales pic.twitter.com/VtbU2AzNiC isis agora lovecruft (they/them) (@isislovecruft) June 8, 2020 Loud humming from the golden gate bridge heard all the way out here from the wind hitting the new sidewalk railing slats installed to help with wind resistance. It's been turned into a giant reed instrument because engineers didn't take into account the sound this would produce. pic.twitter.com/694lmRbkbx Fazil (@fazilabs) June 7, 2020 Anthony J.: Engineers designed new sides for the sidewalk to help with wind resistance but didnt take into account the EXTREME sound it creates when wind passes through it. The bridge sings crazy songs now its so trippy. It hurts the ears and unbearable its that loud. pic.twitter.com/GWdVia1GNS Mark Krueger (@markkrueg) June 6, 2020 Sound up the Golden Gate Bridge is singing her song @TheGGBridge pic.twitter.com/UGR1vsl4WD terrytoons (@terrytoons) May 15, 2021 I inadvertently recorded the the Golden Gate Bridge humming when I recorded this pied-bill gebe calling. This is what the bridge sounds like from 3 miles away pic.twitter.com/shcVZW8OAi Nathanael Aff (@nateaff) May 15, 2021 Some say the noise can reportedly be heard as far away as Daly City, which is about 10 miles south of San Francisco. Some people have found it to be meditative and angelic, said bridge spokesman Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, while quickly acknowledging that most people find it distressing. Cosulich-Schwartz said engineers using full-size sections of the bridge railing inside a wind tunnel are working on a solution, but he couldnt provide additional details. Well have more to say this summer, Cosulich-Schwartz said. Its a tricky business. We want to be absolutely sure we get it right. We will never sacrifice the structural integrity of the bridge but we want to be responsive to our neighbors. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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https://cbs4indy.com/news/whats-being-done-about-the-singing-golden-gate-bridge/
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When will parkrun return in Suffolk?
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Published: 5:15 PM May 31, 2021 Parkrun organisers say they are confident the weekly timed run will return as popular as ever - despite a delay to its return after more than a year away. The activity - which holds events in places including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Kesgrave, Felixstowe, Sizewell and more - had been scheduled to resume on Saturday, June 5, having not run since March 2020 because of the coronavirus crisis. However, organisers nationally were forced to delay the planned reopening until Saturday, June 26, subject to enough landowners giving their permission for events to be held on their grounds. The junior parkrun for children aged between four and 10 has already been given the green light to resume. Event director of Ipswich Parkrun, Graham Rodgers, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that parkrun will be back. The outpouring of local support has been nothing short of fantastic. Graham Rodgers, is determined to keep the magic of the parkrun alive when the event returns - Credit: Archant You may also want to watch: "I don't think there is a single person on this planet who wouldn't say this last year hasn't been a difficult one. "You have only got to attend one of these events to understand the 'magic' that parkrun brings to a community. "I was volunteering at the Felixstowe Prom junior parkrun last Sunday. A young boy crossed the finish line and ran over to his mum, saying that was awesome. "Of course, we want to organise parkrun, but everyone understands these are unprecedented times that we are facing. The Ipswich parkrun will hopefully be able to resume on Saturday, June 26 - Credit: Mark Kempton "We must exercise patience and wait for the right time and for restrictions to ease before returning. "I am expecting participation numbers to be very similar to those pre-Covid." Despite the cancellation of parkrun events, organisers have been encouraging runners to get out and walk, jog or run a virtual 5K parkrun. The national initiative, called (not)parkrun, is for people to complete a 5K route of their choosing, wherever in the world. The fastest time each week is included in a weekly results table. It was a record-breaking day at the Ipswich parkrun, with dogs as well runners in action Picture: IPSWICH PARKRUN FACEBOOK PAGE - Credit: Archant "It is time to dust down your parkrun barcode," Mr Rodgers, said. "Despite a number of restrictions, we promise that the parkrun magic will still be the same - inclusive, social, active, community."
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https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/parkrun-return-in-suffolk-after-lockdown-8016530
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Can Regirock be shiny in Pokemon GO?
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The rock titan from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire will be showing up over the next week along with its shiny. Regirock is one of the three titans available in the Hoenn religion. They were so rare that a special mission had to be completed before the trio could even be found. Thankfully, it wont be as rare in Pokemon GO. Catching its shiny will take some serious hunting, though. Here's how trainers will be able to find shiny Regirock. Niantic will be issuing the Season of Discovery throughout the next few months. This event promises to have many different features, but kicking it off on June 1st will be the Regi trio appearing in Tier 5 Raids. Regirock will be appearing along with Registeel and Regice from June 1st to June 17th. In addition to this, there will be special Raid hours that occur from 6 to 7 PM local time every Wednesday. June 2nd will have a Raid hour completely dedicated to Regirock, while the subsequent ones will feature Regice and Registeel. Any trainer attempting to look for shiny Regirock should be extra prepared, as Regirock can be one of the most difficult Raid bosses in the game. This Pokemon has an obnoxiously high Defense stat at 309, so its going to take a lot of damage (and teammates probably) to take it out. Of course, Water-types and Fighting-types have good matchups against Regirock. Its not enough to look for typing, though. Trainers will need to bring hard-hitting Pokemon with large Attack stats. The best Pokemon to bring to this Raid battle would be Shadow Swampert, Conkeldurr, Lucario and the like. Also, if anyone was lucky enough to ever get a Kyogre, now is the time to use it. After Regice and Registeel, a mystery Pokemon is scheduled to be a Tier 5 Raid boss. This Pokemon was the fourth Regi released, making its debut in Generation IV. It could, therefore, make sense for Niantic to release Regigigas after the original trio. The Crown Tundra DLC in Pokemon Sword and Shield saw the arrival of two new Pokemon: Regidrago and Regieleki. Niantic hasnt focused too much on Generation VIII Pokemon outside of the Galarian forms, but there is a slight chance that one of these new legendaries can get into Pokemon GO in this event.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/news-can-regirock-shiny-pokemon-go
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What is Dr Sandra Lees net worth?
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DR SANDRA Lee is best known, and loved, for her hit TLC show Dr. Pimple Popper. Many fans are wondering if their love for this beloved dermatologist has translated into big bucks for her. Dr Sandra Lee has an estimated net worth of $5million. Most of that net worth comes from money made from her television show, called Dr Pimple Popper, which airs on TLC. But Dr Sandra Lee also has a skincare line called SLMD, which launched in 2017. She also frequently makes appearances on such shows as The Doctors. 4 Dr Sandra Lee on Dr. In the American medical system, many doctors are either paid by insurance payouts or out-of-pocket payments. However, patients who go to Dr Sandra Lee have a unique advantage. Patients who agree to be on camera get their treatments fully paid for by the production company that produces Dr Pimple Popper. The production company also pays for Dr Sandra Lee's medical and appearance fees. 4 Dr Sandra Lee has her own skincare line Credit: Getty If a patient doesn't want to appear on camera, Dr Sandra Lee often offers a cost-saving alternative. "Ill do the extractions for free if my patients let me videotape and use the video," she said. "Of course, I make them anonymous and remove anything identifying." For patients that don't want to appear on YouTube or on Dr Pimple Popper, however, there is a cost for a consultation with Dr Sandra Lee. 4 She often appears on The Doctors Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Most read in Entertainment 'this is nuts!' BARGAIN BETTY Kylie Jenner fans shocked as billionaire shops at Target with Travis Scott Exclusive BUNS OUT Teen Mom Farrah almost slips out of tiny red bikini on beach in Malibu HAPPY COUPLE Meet Courtney Stodden's fiance Chris Sheng Dr Sandra Lee has a consultation fee that is about $120 per visit. This consultation fee can then be applied towards any other services that Dr Sandra Lee offers. A benign extraction, which isn't covered by medical insurance, typically runs between $500 and $600.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2989097/dr-pimple-popper-dr-sandra-lee-net-worth/
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Why was Jen Shahs GoFundMe taken down?
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REAL Housewives of Salt Lake City's Jen Shah was recently slammed on behalf of her family's legal help pleas. Back in March, Jen was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a "telemarketing scheme." Jen Shah was slammed by fans as "disgusting" after her cousin promoted a GoFundMe page to help with the Bravo star's legal fees. Danny Filipe shared on his Instagram page a GoFundMe titled Justice For Jen Shah. The campaign aimed to raise $2.5 million to cover the Bravo star's legal fees as she is set to appear in court in October after she allegedly scammed elderly customers into paying her thousands of dollars. The page claimed that more than 10,000 people in the United States are "falsely accused and wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not convict." 6 Jen Shah was arrested on counts of wire fraud and money laundering in early 2021 Credit: Jen Shah/Instagram "On March 30, lawyers from the Southern District of New York brought extremely serious allegations against my cousin. On April 2, Jen proclaimed her innocence by entering a plea of 'not guilty,' and hired an experienced team of New York lawyers that have begun aggressively defending her and fighting the governments case." The description continued: "We are asking 10,000 caring souls to donate $250. "Jen is facing decades incarcerated in prison separated from her family if she is unable to mount a competent and well-thought-out defense." Fans of the Real Housewives franchise were furious at Jen's cousin's donation plea. 6 Credit: Danny Filipe/Instagram One fan wrote in the Instagram comments: "This is absolutely disgusting and I have reported it to GoFundMe. I hope others have to. Clearly people know better you have received a single donation. You should all be ashamed of yourselves, but then again, she stole money from the elderly so." 6 Credit: Danny Filipe/Instagram Another spectator simply wrote: "This is nuts." A third one commented: "You've gotta be kidding me." A fourth one alluded to her designer clothes and said: "Looks like Jen needs to set up a Poshmark page and unload all that designer s**t she has." 6 Credit: Danny Filipe/Instagram Another one slammed them as having "zero shame," adding: "Speechless." And a last one claimed: "Omg the girl can afford six assistants and a glam squad! Send her to a financial counselor if she can't find the money to pay for her legal fees." Jen and her assistant, Stuart Smith, could potentially face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty on counts of wire fraud and money laundering. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' THAT'S SO GREAT! Raven-Symon says she lost 28lbs & has a 'whole different face going on' BARGAIN BETTY Kylie Jenner fans shocked as billionaire shops at Target with Travis Scott THE PITTS NO MORE! Brad Pitt spotted 'flirting' with actress Andra Day at Oscars Following her being released without bond, Jen has been banned from excessive drinking and using drugs, she can't use her credit cards, take out excessive amounts of money, and can't travel outside of Utah until her October hearing. A month after her arrest, Bravo cameras resumed filming and it was said that Jen will continue to appear on the show as she deals with her legal issues in front of the cameras. Since then, Jen has started a Cameo account where she is charging fans $100 per video and has been forced out of her magnificent and rented mansion as the owners are set to sell it.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2989304/jen-shah-real-housewives-gofundme-fail/
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What is Bo Burnhams net worth?
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COMEDIAN Bo Burnham's new Netflix special has received excellent reviews from critics and will have millions laughing over the coming weeks. Here's everything we know about the funnyman. Bo Burnham is an American actor, musician and comedian. The 30-year-old made a name for himself as a teenager in 2006 when he began making funny videos on YouTube - receiving more than 300MILLION hits to date. At 18, Bo became the youngest person in history to record a comedy special with broadcaster Comedy Central and has since become a Netflix regular. His first Netflix special - Make Happy - was released exclusively on the platform in June 2016 and his eagerly anticipated follow-up has just dropped on the streaming platform. Bo has also released four comedy albums as a musician - but has not produced new material since the release of 'What' in 2013. And hes an established actor, appearing in Parks and Recreation, Hall Pass and Promising Young Woman, among many more popular movies and TV shows. Bo won countless awards for Eighth Grade, a 2018 coming-of-age comedy drama that he wrote and directed. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Bo is worth $4m - around 2.8m. But Distractify are reporting that hes now worth $5m - around 3.5m. Recognised as one of the biggest comedians in Hollywood with a Netflix contract, Bos bank balance is only expected to grow in the coming years. Standing at 6'6 - just shy of two metres - Bo is one of the tallest comedians in the US. Discussing his height in an interview with NPR in December 2018, the funnyman revealed what it was like to be tall and famous. He said: "I have just recently in the last year tried to stand up straight because I always didn't. I always slouched. "It's like a nightmare if I ever go to a theatre to watch a play or something and, like, you can just see the people watching me walk down the aisle like, please, no, please, God, no. "And I have to give, like, hunched standing ovations. It's all very sad." 3 Bo has been in a relationship with girlfriend Lorene for eight years Credit: Getty Most read in Streaming hot mama Teen Mom Ashley Jones poses in string bikini after she was slammed as 'trashy' 'this is nuts!' RHOSLC's Jen slammed after cousin promoted GoFundMe to help with legal fees WATCH OUT, JIM BOB! Amy Duggar says shes not afraid to speak her mind on famous family 'SO IGNORANT!' Bo has been in a relationship with filmmaker Lorene Scafaria, 43, since 2013. She is best known for directing Hustlers and the Steve Carell film Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. The couple currently reside in Los Angeles. We have you covered... New on Netflix: The best series and films released every day The best movies on Netflix to watch right now The best series to watch on Netflix The most terrifying horrors to watch on Netflix right now The best documentaries to watch on Netflix right now The best comedies to watch on Netflix right now The best thrillers to watch on Netflix right now The best kids' shows on Netflix to watch right now The best true crime series to watch on Netflix The best movies to watch on Amazon Prime The best series to watch on Amazon Prime The best series on Disney+
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/tv/2989271/what-is-bo-burnham-net-worth/
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Why did Texas Democrats walk off the House floor?
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ON Sunday, May 30, the Texas state House was set to vote on a bill that would add new restrictions to elections in the state. However, Texas Democrats effectively blocked the passage of the restrictive voting bill after staging a walk-out before a midnight deadline. Texas state House Democrats left the chamber in protest, breaking quorum and ending the debate of a proposed controversial voting act. The final version of Senate Bill 7, known as the Election Integrity Protection Act, was the result of a bicameral group of mostly Republican lawmakers reconciling proposals previously passed by both chambers. Elements were hashed out behind closed doors, with Democrats arguing they were left in the dark as last-minute changes and entirely new provisions were pushed through. The bill passed the state Senate along party lines during the early morning hours of May 30, as the bill came up in the state House Sunday evening for final approval. 4 At least 100 lawmakers must be present to conduct business in the Texas House Credit: AP However, after hours of debate and delaying tactics, the chamber adjourned after Democratic lawmakers left in protest, breaking quorum and ending debate. At least 100 lawmakers must be present to conduct business. Senate Bill 7 would ban drive-thru voting, limit voting hours, make it more difficult to cast mail ballots and empower partisan poll watchers. It would have prohibited the after-hours and drive-through options that voting rights advocates said helped Black and Latino voters in the Houston area cast their ballots in the 2020 election. It would have required all weekday early voting to take place between 6am and 9pm - prohibiting Houston from again offering a 24-hour early voting opportunity. And it would have barred early voting on Sundays before 1pm, which effectively limits the "souls to the polls" after-church get-out-the-vote efforts that are popular among Black churches. 4 Proposed Senate Bill 7 would ban drive-thru voting, limit voting hours, make it more difficult to cast mail ballots and empower partisan poll watchers Credit: AP Democrats repeatedly pointed to language that could make it easier to overturn an election in Texas, which was not included in the original legislation. According to the bill text, a court may void an election if the number of fraudulent votes cast could change the result, whether or not fraud was proven to have affected the outcome. Republicans in Texas had sought to join Florida, Georgia, and other GOP-controlled states that have seized on former President Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 election and adopted new restrictions that will make it harder for some of their residents to vote. Democratic lawmakers' move effectively killed Senate Bill 7 for this year's legislative session, however, Texas Governor Greg Abbott could revive it in the special session. 4 Texas Governor Greg Abbott will seemingly revive the proposed voting law in an upcoming special session he plans to call Credit: AP Most read in News Live Blog 'RECOVERY MISSION' Christian diet guru, husband & 6 others presumed dead after plane crash 'FIGHT FOR SOUL OF AMERICA' Tearful Biden honors heroes on Memorial Day & jabs at Trump TRAGIC TOT Cop shoots dead own daughter, 6, after firing gun during boozy row with wife 'COVERED IN BLOOD' Socialite 'accidentally shot police chief dead while giving a MASSAGE' Q-OUP CALL Calls for court martial after General Flynn says coup should happen in US INSTA-HORROR Instagram star kills self on video in police chase after attacking girlfriend On May 30, Abbott tweeted that he is adding "election integrity" to a list of topics lawmakers will address in a special session he plans to call. "Legislators will be expected to have worked out the details when they arrive at the Capitol for the special session," Abbott tweeted. On May 29, President Joe Biden condemned the Texas measure, calling it "wrong and un-American" and saying it is "part of an assault on democracy that we've seen far too often this year -- and often disproportionately targeting Black and Brown Americans."
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2988900/texas-democrats-walk-off-the-house-floor/
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What happened to Bobby Joe Long?
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Bobby Joe Long was a prolific American serial killer and rapist who abducted several women in Florida in 1984. Long was sentenced to the death penalty for the murder of Michelle Denise Simms- find out what happened to him and his victims here. Bobby Joe Long was born in West Virginia in 1953, enduring a troubled childhood. His parents split when he was a child and he spent most of his childhood with his mother in Florida- who triggered his hatred for women. Long shared a bed with his mother, Louella, until he was 13. She worked in a bar and brought different men home with her. The killer met his future wife, Cynthia as a teen, and the two married in 1974, sharing two children together. 5 Bobby Joe Long and his ex wife Cynthia Around that time Long was in a motorcycle accident and was hospitalised for several weeks, an accident which led him to become increasingly more short-tempered and physically violent with a dangerous, sadistic sex drive. When Cynthia divorced him 1980, he went on to rape over 50 women, using a newspaper ad to find victims He then began an eight-month killing spree in 1984, strangling and killing a young prostitute in Tampa, Florida. Bobby Joe Long's first murder had initially been a deraved attempt to sate his sadistic sexual desires. He picked up a young prostitute named Artis Wick in March 1984 and after assaulting and raping her, he strangled and killed her. 5 Nguen Thi Long, one of the serial killers victims The serial killer murdered most of his victims by strangling them. In early November 1984, Long spotted teenager Lisa McVey on her bicycle in Tampa. Unlike his other victims, he raped her repeatedly for more than 24 hours before setting her free. Most read in News Live Blog 'RECOVERY MISSION' Christian diet guru, husband & 6 others presumed dead after plane crash Latest 'FIGHT FOR SOUL OF AMERICA' Tearful Biden honors heroes on Memorial Day & jabs at Trump FINAL SERMON Christian diet guru preached about being born again' before fatal jet crash TRAGIC TOT Cop shoots dead own daughter, 6, after firing gun during boozy row with wife 'COVERED IN BLOOD' Socialite 'accidentally shot police chief dead while giving a MASSAGE' Q-OUP CALL Calls for court martial after General Flynn says coup should happen in US McVey provided a brief description of her assailant and his car, and on November 16, 1984, Long was arrested at a movie theater not far from his Tampa home. Long was executed by lethal injection on May 23, 2019. The execution was witnessed by McVey, who sat in the front row. I wanted to be the first person he saw, she said.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2989293/what-happened-to-bobby-joe-long/
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Are Cannabidiol Products Worth the Effort?
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Trying to relieve stress is rarely a straightforward process. When it comes to many of the products tied toward stress relief, it tends to be different strokes for different folks. Everyone has their way of coping with stress, though there are times when everything can feel quite overwhelming. In those scenarios where it feels like theyve exhausted their options, some people tend to go for alternative products with potential medical benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) products fit the bill, and there are so many different products available that its possible to be overwhelmed. That said, CBD products tend to have a stigma due to their connection to cannabis. There are plenty of different potential medical benefits based on the type of product. CBD products are mostly known for their potential to combat stress, and many people swear by their effectiveness as a wellness product. These products also have the potential to ease aches and pains and help the user relax. There are many more potential health benefits tied to CBD products, though most people only really care about the potential of calming frayed nerves and easing pain. Some even try to link it to heart health and low blood pressure, though there are no conclusive studies. Intoxication is a heated topic for many, as some people despise some CBD products ability to get people high, while others sing its praises. That said, it isnt something that is always the case for cannabidiol products. For example, those that do not want to risk intoxication can go for products with a negligible amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). That said, it pays to note that the presence of THC often helps the CBD product with many therapeutic effects. Quality CBD items make use of the whole plant rather than just the cannabidiol content. Learning all about CBD vs THC is never a bad idea as it can help you make a more informed decision. Research, research, and a lot more research. Keep in mind that little regulation goes into cannabidiol products, which means lowering the risk is up to you. Fortunately, there are many different guides out there to help you make the best possible decision. It is often about making sure that the supplier is trusted and that you are well aware of the product you are buying. While it might be tricky, additional research is recommended to make the most out of any purchase. When it comes to the bottom line, CBD products are well worth the price of admission. While there might always be naysayers about the efficacy of such products, the potential health benefits far outweigh any kind of risk tied to the products. Its a good thing to have as an alternative means of possible stress relief. With a bit of research, you can make a proper decision when buying CBD products, going for a supplier with your best interests at heart. Comments comments
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https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2021/05/are-cannabidiol-products-worth-the-effort/
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Who is Marcell Ozunas wife?
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GENESIS Guzman is married to Marcell Ozuna, a nine-year Major League Baseball veteran who was allegedly arrested on May 30, 2021. Ozuna's arrest came nearly a year to the date that his wife, Genesis, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. Genesis Guzman and Marcell Ozuna married a number of years ago in an intimate ceremony in their home country of the Dominican Republic. Ozuna is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball. On February 5, 2021, Ozuna re-signed with the Braves with a four-year, $64 million, deal. As of May 2017, the couple has three children, two boys and a daughter. Guzman was charged with domestic violence in 2020 after Ozuna suffered a facial injury after she threw a soap dish at him. She reportedly later pleaded not guilty and was given a stay-away order, which was later amended. Ozuna was allegedly arrested for domestic abuse, reported ESPN. He was charged with felony assault after he choked his wife and threw her against a wall, according to Sandy Springs, Georgia, police. Authorities allegedly responded to a 911 call on May 30. 2021 and entered Ozuna's residence when they heard screaming inside. Genesis told officers she and her husband argued and he threatened to kill her before she called 911, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Channel 2 Action News. 3 Genesis Guzman and Marcell Ozuna have three children together Credit: Instagram According to court documents, Genesis told investigators she was taking a shower when her husband entered the bathroom and took both of her cellphones, and refused to give them back. Genesis told police that she was afraid for her life due to his aggressive behavior and being physically abusive towards her in the past, court documents stated. Investigators say Ozuna left the Sandy Springs home with his wifes phones and she chased him around the property. At some point, Ozuna warned his wife in Spanish that he was not going to hit her harder because the police were en route, according to the arrest affidavit. Officers, a release said, then "witnessed the suspect grabbing the victim by the neck and throwing her against a wall...In addition to the strangulation attempts, the suspect also struck the victim with his arm which had a cast from a previous injury." His wife, police said, "did have visible injuries but was not transported to the hospital. It is unclear whether Ozuna has legal representation yet. Ozuna, 30, who is being held in Fulton County jail, was charged with aggravated assault by strangulation as well as misdemeanor battery. Sources told ESPN that Major League Baseball will launch an investigation that could put Ozuna's future in baseball into question. 3 Ozuna and Guzman are both from the Dominican Republic Credit: Instagram Most read in Sport VIOLENT CLAIMS What to know about MLB player Marcell Ozuna Pictured FAB FRAN Rossi's girlfriend Sofia Novello looks incredible as she models bikini on beach CIVIL RIGHTS ICON The reason Atlanta Hawks have MLK on their jerseys Pictured Putt off Paige Spiranac stuns in low-cut top and sweatpants before missing putt for eagle STAR FLOORED Moment Lakers star Anthony Davis suffers horrific injury and writhes in pain In a statement, the Braves said: "We learned of Marcell Ozuna's arrest earlier this evening and immediately informed the Commissioner's Office." "The Braves fully support Major League Baseball's policy on domestic violence which stresses to the fullest that our society cannot and will not tolerate domestic violence in any form." "Until the investigation is completed, we will have no further comment."
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2988507/genesis-guzman-marcell-ozuna-domestic-violence/
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Who threw a water bottle at Kyrie Irving?
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A FAN threw a water bottle at former Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving during Game 4 of the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets game on Sunday, May 30. Irving and the Nets blew out the Celtics, 141-126, to take a 3-1 lead in the Best of 7 First Round series between the two teams. The Celtics fan who threw a water bottle at Irving has been identified as Cole Buckley from Braintree, Massachusetts. Buckley was escorted out of TD Garden by Boston police and was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Buckley, 21, will be arraigned on Tuesday, June 1 in Boston Municipal Court. The 21-year-old has also been banned from the TD Garden arena for life. 5 The Celtics fan was identified as Cole Buckley, 21 Credit: Getty The bottle narrowly missed Irving, who was walking toward the tunnel after his 39-point performance helped give Brooklyn a 3-1 series lead over the Celtics. "We will support and provide assistance to Boston Police as this incident is under review," a TD Garden spokesperson said in a statement. "We have zero tolerance for violations of our guest code of conduct, and the guest is subject to a lifetime ban from TD Garden." After the game, Irving said fans are treating players like "they're in a human zoo." "It's unfortunate that sports has come to a lot of this kind of crossroads where you're seeing a lot of old ways come up," Irving told reporters after the game. "It's been that way in history in terms of entertainment, performers and sports for a long period of time, just underlying racism and just treating people like they're in a human zoo. 5 Cole Buckley was arrest and escorted out of TD Garden by Boston police, and was charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon Credit: AP "Throwing stuff at people and saying things. It's a certain point where it gets to be too much [...] people just feel very entitled out here." The 7-time All-Star added, "Ive been in some hostile environments where a lot of things have been said to me, a lot of things have been done to my teammates or Ive experienced some type of subtle racism that Im referring to, you know, where its just underlying throughout the game. Like I said, I joined this sport because I loved it and inevitably, you know, youre going to have opposing fans do things that are gonna help their team win. "They love being involved. I dont wanna take away that nature. The bottle-throwing episode has been the latest incident involving fans and NBA players. On Wednesday, May 26, three separate incidents occurred around the league involving fans and players. During Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks First Round Series, a Knicks fan spat at Hawks point guard Trae Young. That fan, who was not identified, was banned indefinitely from future Knicks games. During Game 2 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards First Round series, a Sixers fan threw popcorn on Wizards guard Russell Westbrook as he was headed to the locker room with an ankle injury 5 The bottle-throwing episode was the latest incident involving fans and NBA players Credit: Getty Images - Getty Most read in Sport TROUBLED LOVE Meet MLB star Marcell Ozuna's wife VIOLENT CLAIMS What to know about MLB player Marcell Ozuna Pictured FAB FRAN Rossi's girlfriend Sofia Novello looks incredible as she models bikini on beach CIVIL RIGHTS ICON The reason Atlanta Hawks have MLK on their jerseys Pictured Putt off Paige Spiranac stuns in low-cut top and sweatpants before missing putt for eagle STAR FLOORED Moment Lakers star Anthony Davis suffers horrific injury and writhes in pain Westbrook had to be held back by security and Wizards staff in that incident, as the fan was also banned indefinitely from the Wells Fargo Center. In Utah, three fans were banned 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 Western Conference First Round matchup between the Jazz and the Grizzlies.
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2989036/fan-threw-water-bottle-at-kyrie-irving-nba/
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Whats Next for Caleb Kennedy Following American Idol Exit?
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Caleb Kennedy, a top-five contestant on season 19 of ABCs American Idol, left the show after a video of him sitting next to someone wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style hood surfaced on May 12, 2021. At the time, the 16-year-old contestant posted on Instagram and Twitter that he would no longer be a part of the competition and apologized for his actions. Hey yall, this gonna be a bit of a surprise, but I am no longer gonna be on American Idol, he wrote. There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not to be taken in that way. He added, I was younger and did not think about the actions, but thats not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down. Ill be taking a little time off social media to better myself, but saying that, I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me. He apologized for his actions and said he hopes that he could one day regain your trust in who I am and have your respect. Now, Kennedy has announced that he has a new show scheduled, according to GoUpstate. Kennedy Will Be Performing in His Hometown GoUpstate reported that Kennedy will be performing at Wings Etc. on June 11, 2021 in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. The owner told the outlet that he and his regulars are excited to see Kennedy perform again. Kennedy performed at the location before leaving for his time on American Idol. Im a little hometown restaurant, a small place, owner Scott McFalls said. For someone who is as famous as he is now to come back and play is just phenomenal. The outlet reported that Kennedy will be playing in the parking lot at the venue. Tickets to the show will be free, and it will start at 8 p.m. According to the restaurants Facebook page, they often offer live music during the week. The American Idol Judges Want the Best for Kennedy According to Yahoo! Entertainment, the judges were asked about Kennedy in a question-and-answer session following the live show that aired after Kennedys exit. First and foremost, as judges and as a judges panel, we love these kids, and we get emotionally involved, Bryan said. We wish nothing but the best for Caleb, and it does make for a very, very challenging and upsetting week. Richie also spoke about the exit, saying that he hopes Kennedy will learn from everything that happened. We grow up, and we make mistakes, and we look at our lives behind us many, many times and we say, God, what was I thinking about when I did that? Its one of those situations, he shared. Kennedys mother, Anita Guy, spoke to Go Up State and said that she doesnt appreciate the way that the video was taken, claiming that it was taken out of context. This video was taken after Caleb had watched the movie The Strangers: Prey at Night and they were imitating those characters, she told the outlet. It had nothing to do with the Ku Klux Klan, but I know thats how it looks. Caleb doesnt have a racist bone in his body. He loves everyone and has friends of all races. READ NEXT: Caleb Kennedy: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
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https://heavy.com/entertainment/american-idol/caleb-kennedy-update-performance-details/
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Will buyout clause keep NFL teams away from Kevin Sumlin?
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Details of Sumlin's new $5 million-per-year contract with the Aggies, reported by dallasnews.com, include a $5 million buyout for any coaching destination -- NFL or otherwise -- should Sumlin leave TAMU before the end of the 2016 season. That's more than double Sumlin's previous buyout of $2 million, and more than enough to scare away all but the very deepest pockets at the college level. And while budget constraints might not govern NFL owners so much when it comes to hiring a coach, even they might blink at the prospect of the $10 million up-front price tag it would cost merely to buy Sumlin out and pay him what he already makes for only one season.
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https://www.nfl.com/news/will-buyout-clause-keep-nfl-teams-away-from-kevin-sumlin-0ap2000000299912
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Will Biden do it?
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Since behind-the-scenes diplomacy is no longer effective, and in an effort to bolster the role of diplomat Hady Amr, the US sent Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the region to contain the consequences of the war in Gaza. Albeit late, this step indicates Washingtons awareness of the danger of the conflict spreading to other fronts, which will force it to intervene, a probability that the US is striving to avoid. Indeed, from Obama to Biden, US democratic administrations were determined to distance themselves from the Middle East and its intractable wars. However, a New York Times article mentioned last week that the region is pulling the US against its will to the regional swamp. During his visit, Blinken made several promises, notably returning to the two-state solution (which is an electoral pledge) - one of the foundations of Washingtons policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which Trump diverted from; reopening a US consulate in East Jerusalem; and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. Aid is particularly worrisome for the US, because such a humanitarian gesture is not aimed at reconstruction, which requires a clear political vision to solve the Gaza issue and the Palestinian conflict as a whole. Advertisement There is fear that the US efforts at this stage will be restricted to conflict management, and not its resolution, mirroring its previous interventions, notably in Gaza after the 2014 violence round. Back then, the Donors Conference pledged around $5 billion to Gaza, which the city never received because of political impasse. The core of the matter at the time was that Hamas was controlling the Gaza Strip, so the Palestinian Authority refused to assume responsibility as long as Hamas is in control. The situation is no better today. Hamas and its supporters in the Gaza Strip and Palestine are ecstatic about the outcomes of the latest round of violence. This euphoria extended to allies in the axis of resistance in the entire region. An example of that is Hassan Nasrallah who, in his speech last week on the 21st anniversary of Israels withdrawal from southern Lebanon, said that the end and fall of Israel are only a matter of time. It is naive to believe that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is easy, particularly because it involves two violent and extremist religious groups. On one side, the Israeli hard right that has the upper hand and is superior to both secular liberals and weak centrists who are satisfied with the status quo and avoidant of wars and violence. On the other side, there is a hard, ideological, political, Islamist group that is not only concerned with Jerusalem and Palestine, but also wants to spread an extremist ideology in the entire region. This is where the US can play a role, as it is the only party that can act as a game-changer, especially if its intervention is based on political insight and awareness about three key facts. The first is that the recent Gaza war was not only a spontaneous reaction to Israel's barbaric and racist practices in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem and elsewhere. Recent events were rather an explicit response to clear and irrefutable accumulations, changes, and tensions in the region. Some of the most prominent of these developments are the withdrawal of the Muslim Brotherhood after the fall of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt; the progress of the moderate Sunni movement in the region from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, the UAE, and others; and the re-emergence of normalization with Israel which included four prominent Arab countries. Add to all this what Iran has been enduring for over two years, from the assassination of key military and scientific figures and maximum sanctions imposed by the Trump administration to the strikes targeting it along with its allies in Syria. As is the case in any political issue, new factors only add insult to injury, and that is what happened in recent weeks with Israel's mistakes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem, which Hamas acted upon. The second is the mistake of US eagerness to make the Vienna negotiations successful and revive, with the bar set very low, the nuclear deal with Iran to relieve it of some sanctions. The US wants to finalize the deal before the upcoming Iranian presidential elections, believing that this will give a push to the reformists. In fact, the Iranian presidential race has probably already been decided in favor of the conservative Ebrahim Raisi after the dismissal of the less hard-line candidate Ali Larijani and reformist Eshaq Jahangiri. The third is Washingtons wrong assumption, either out of conviction or just to go with the flow, that success with Iran will push it to curb Hamas in Gaza, the Houthi militia in Yemen, and Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon. This is similar to the French position towards Iran's allies, notably Hezbollah. Paris is convinced of the need to work with Hezbollah to form a Lebanese government and get Lebanon out of its suffocating crisis. This thinking pattern in the US and the West in general indicates that they are repeating their decades-long failed experiences with the Assad family in Syria, with Assad creating problems and attempting to sell them solutions. This is exactly what Iran is doing in Gaza and the region in general for its own interests. The Biden administrations awareness about these facts may accelerate the urgent diplomatic need to pressure Netanyahu and his allies to end unilateral practices, advance the two-state solution, support the weak Palestinian National Authority, launch urgent political and economic initiatives in the West Bank starting with the reopening of the US Consulate in East Jerusalem and appointing an ambassador to Israel to act as an honest mediator, control humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza to ensure reaching the needy, and push for an international US-supported reconstruction project conditional on sustainable calm and security and military measures that prevent a new war initiated by Hamas and its local and foreign supporters. Without reviving the two-state solution, all conflict resolution efforts will be in vain. There is a good opportunity today, because the Israeli community is more prepared for it than ever, especially after the recent Gaza war and its consequent disturbances in mixed cities, in addition to the internal political instability that starts to resemble some neighboring countries failing to form a government and the imminent fifth general elections in less than two years. Despite the Middle Easts shifting sands, historical opportunities are emerging today for Washington. A wise US intervention based on a clear strategy and goals beyond a mere reaffirmation of pre-Trump US policies is in the interest of three parties: The US itself, given the apparent changes within the Democratic Party and its new critical position towards Israel, and the repercussions of that on the party and on Biden administration; Israel, because an intervention may help save it from itself; and Palestine, which is desperately in need of a savior from those that use its cause and from its weak national leadership. This article was originally published in, and translated from, the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat. Palestine caught between two fires Palestinian cause auctioned off to the highest bidder
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https://english.alarabiya.net/in-translation/2021/05/31/Will-Biden-do-it-
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Why Did We Forget to Communicate in the Pandemic?
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Something incredible happened while we were in quarantine. It wasnt just that we forced a decades worth of digital transformation into mere weeks. No, we forgot how to communicate. Come to think of it; I am starting to wonder whether we ever knew how to communicate. Instead, maybe its that the COVID-19 pandemic brought a longstanding problem facing far too many businesses to the forefront. The ironic part is, in the middle of a pandemic is precisely the time organizations need to clearly and decisively communicate to make sure their teams are properly aligned. As the workforce transitions into the next phase of remote working, organizations must remedy the communication shortcoming. Otherwise, they risk their ability to prosper in the new business paradigm that is beginning to emerge. Recognize that everyone communicates differently Long before COVID, I think too many leaders were prone to believe that they could communicate with everyone on their team in the same manner. Because everyone consumes information differently, their approach to office communication is varied. Part of the problem is people assume their colleagues approach a situation with the same point of view. But everyone has different experiences, and that affects communication. Perhaps when everyone was sitting in the same office, it managed to suffice, and we could find common ground even if by accident. However, without organic opportunities to interact, virtual teams need to create them. The issue is clear, especially considering that weve thrown a potentially once-in-a-generation event into the mix, and some colleagues may not be communicating as effectively as they could or should. One solution is to communicate more Given working arrangements these days, managers should lean toward communicating more with their teams to make sure they have what they need. While we are likely to remain working remotely for the foreseeable future, many people may struggle to adapt to the shift. I recognize overcommunicating can be a problem that hinders too many organizations. It can turn otherwise strong managers into micromanagers who seem more interested in hovering over their teams rather than empowering them to deliver a quality product. To mitigate the risk of micromanagement, consider softer touchpoints. A check-in mustnt be a formal affair; it can be as simple as a quick note or text enough to let your team know you are there for them. Creating additional opportunities to connect will also help identify any friction points teams may be facing whether its a personal commitment that is interfering with professional obligations or just a struggle to work from somewhere other than the office. Help the team set up a functional home office One of the most prominent mistakes organizations can make today is trying to replicate the office experience at home. Working from home is different than working from an office and must be approached accordingly. Therefore the communications tools must match how teams will work together. Additionally, consider whether the solutions in place will help teams work through any situations that might otherwise knock people offline such as wireless hotspots that allow teams to work through bad weather that can knock out wi-fi service. The right tools will remove some of the difficulties surrounding the transition from working in an office to working remotely. Its all about trust One thing that hasnt changed in the pandemic is the need for leaders to build trust with their teams. It was true before COVID, and it will be the case well after the pandemic. Surviving and emerging from the pandemic on better footing requires teams to work together as a cohesive unit. One of the best ways to make that happen is to have team members best interests at heart. The best way to make that a reality is to make sure your team has an appropriate work-life balance, a more critical need than ever. Despite the trials and tribulations of the past year, companies face incredible opportunities in the months and years ahead. Ensuring success is doable, but it requires a solid organizational foundation, and that begins with how teams effectively communicate. Mark Roberts serves as TPxs CMO responsible for all marketing operations worldwide, driving growth opportunities and building brand recognition for the company within the communications market. A proven marketing leader, Mark has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry building brands, driving demand and transforming high-tech companies. Most recently, Mark served as CMO of PGi as well as ShoreTel, transforming the marketing function from a focus on products to becoming one of the leading companies in the UCaaS space. He has also held other senior marketing leadership positions with world-class, multinational, private and public companies, including Mitel, NexTraq, Polycom, 3Com and Intel. Mark earned his Master of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Leicester. Communicate stock photo by Zoran Zeremski/Shutterstock
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https://www.smallbizdaily.com/why-did-we-forget-communicate-pandemic/
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How Indusface Is Helping Enterprises Manage Certificates?
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Whether its called the New Normal or Next Normal era, COVID-19 has impacted all businesses worldwide and accelerated their digital transformation initiatives during this new post-pandemic era. Whether its from a recent retail trend like omnichannel commerce or a newly defined, post-COVID practice like contactless transactions, businesses are definitely going digital. There was a period, here in the US, where restaurants and other food-related services were only doing their transactions online. It was reported by a leading online transaction vendor, In a year of unprecedented changes and challenges, 2020 also posed some interesting opportunities for businesses to embrace digital payments. Many moved their business online for the first time, ushering in a new digital transformation. To sustain their global business, many enterprises are looking to online commerce as a key enabler. As they focus on this, enterprises are also leveraging their investments in new protocols and faster networks from Wi-Fi6 and 5G to enhance customer experiences both online and mobile. Likewise, so have the cybercriminals, as they have increased their level of progressive attacks with advanced bots and other innovative threats. Verizons latest 2021 data breach report validated this by stating, the pandemic has influenced cyber-criminal activity, with the focus shifting strongly toward work-at-home infrastructure. 39% of all data breaches in 2020 stemmed from web application compromise.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264392805730/how-indusface-is-helping-enterprises-manage-certificates
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Was macht Landrtin Kerstin Weiss nach Wahlniederlage in Nordwestmecklenburg?
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Wismar/Grevesmhlen Tino Schomann hat am Montag wieder Eier ausgeliefert Freilandeier aus Robertsdorf fr die Supermrkte der Region. In wenigen Wochen ist damit Schluss. Dann ist der 33-Jhrige Landwirt der neue Landrat von Nordwestmecklenburg. Wahrscheinlich am 17. Juni soll er im Kreistag vereidigt werden, am 9. Juli dann das Amt antreten. Ich werde morgens in die Verwaltung gehen und warten, was passiert, sagt er neugierig. Eine Einarbeitung in seine neuen Aufgaben gibt es wohl nicht. Bislang htte sich niemand aus der Kreisverwaltung bei ihm gemeldet. Und da er zurzeit noch kein Zugriffsrecht auf die Akten habe, heit es: abwarten bis zum 9. Juli. Kerstin Weiss lehnt Fragen an sie ab Wie genau die bergabe ablaufen soll, das wollte die Redaktion von Noch-Landrtin Kerstin Weiss wissen. Doch die 55-Jhrige, die in den vergangenen zwei Wochen im Urlaub war, hatte unmittelbar nach der Wahl ein persnliches Interview abgelehnt und stattdessen um die bersendung schriftlicher Fragen gebeten. Die berraschung: Kerstin Weiss lehnt die Beantwortung der Fragen ab. Eine Begrndung dafr gibt es nicht. Seit dieser Woche ist sie wieder in ihrem Bro. Das sind die Fragen an Kerstin Weiss Unmittelbar nach der Stichwahl hatte die Redaktion Kerstin Weiss folgende Fragen schriftlich bermittelt. Die Beantwortung lehnt sie trotz mehrfacher Nachfrage ab. Ein persnliches Interview hatte sie im Vorfeld bereits abgelehnt und um schriftliche Fragen gebeten. Firma in GmbH umgewandelt Bis zur Amtsbergabe hat Tino Schomann noch einiges zu tun: Sein Landwirtschaftsbetrieb wird gerade in eine GmbH umgewandelt. Einer seiner Mitarbeiter bernimmt die Geschftsfhrung, er selber wird Gesellschafter. Die von der GmbH produzierten Eier werden knftig ausschlielich unter dem Namen Robertsdorfer Freiland-Eier vermarktet. Ganz abgeben will Tino Schomann den Betrieb nicht. Fr den Erfolg habe ich hart gearbeitet, und wer wei, wie es nach sieben Jahren weitergeht, begrndet er die Entscheidung. Die Umstrukturierung der Firma soll bis Ende Juni vollzogen sein. Meine Gesellschafterfunktion werde ich dem Kreistag offiziell mitteilen, so wie es sich gehrt. Letzter Tag als Brgermeister Neben seiner Firma muss Tino Schomann noch etwas in andere Hnde geben: das ehrenamtliche Brgermeisteramt der Gemeinde Blowatz. Als solcher wird ihm der 31. Mai 2021 in Erinnerung bleiben denn es ist sein letzter Tag als Gemeindeoberhaupt. Mit Beginn des Juni bernimmt sein bisheriger Stellvertreter Winfried Kauert. Voraussichtlich am 10. Juni soll dann entschieden werden, wann ein neuer Brgermeister gewhlt wird vermutlich aber mit der Landtags- und Bundestagswahl. berraschend deutlicher Sieg Der berraschend deutliche Sieg gegen Amtsinhaberin Kerstin Weiss mit mehr als 60 Prozent der Stimmen hallt immer noch nach. Die SPD-Politikerin hatte unmittelbar nach der Stichwahl ihrem Kontrahenten eine Schlammschlacht im Wahlkampf vorgeworfen. Seither hat sie sich ffentlich nicht mehr geuert. Dafr sind mittlerweile Informationen aus den Reihen der SPD Nordwestmecklenburg durchgesickert. Demnach soll die Kommunalpolitikerin prfen lassen, zu welchen Bedingungen sie sich in den Ruhestand versetzen lassen knne. Das stt nicht berall in den Reihen der Sozialdemokraten auf Verstndnis. Denn Kerstin Weiss, die Lehramt studiert hat und seit der Wende in verschiedenen mtern und am Ende in der Kreisverwaltung ttig war, hat SPD-internen Quellen zufolge nicht mit einer Niederlage gerechnet. Einen Plan B fr ihre Zukunft soll sie nicht in der Schublade gehabt haben. Vorwrfe kurz vor den Wahlen Tino Schomann hatte sie unmittelbar nach der Stichwahl einen unfairen Wahlkampf vorgeworfen, weil sie kurz vor der Stimmabgabe mit Korruptionsvorwrfen im Zusammenhang mit der massiven Wahlwerbung am Piraten Open Air in Grevesmhlen konfrontiert wurde. Kurz darauf und kurz vor der Stichwahl ist ffentlich geworden, dass sich Kerstin Weiss ber eine Entscheidung des Bauamtes in der Kreisverwaltung im Hinblick auf eine abgelehnte Erweiterung einer Tennisanlage hinweggesetzt hatte, um dem Drngen eines Parteikollegen aus Schwerin nachzugeben. In beiden Fllen weist Kerstin Weiss alle Vorwrfe von sich, die Entscheidungen und Kooperationen seien rechtmig gewesen. Ihr Newsletter fr Wismar und Umgebung Alle News und Tipps rund um Wismar und Umgebung. Jede Woche Donnerstag gegen 18 Uhr im E-Mail-Postfach. Mit meiner Anmeldung zum Newsletter stimme ich der Werbevereinbarung zu. Die Vorwrfe hatten nicht nur bei den Whlern fr Diskussionen gesorgt, auch innerhalb der SPD sorgte das Verhalten der Landrtin fr Kritik, die bis heute anhlt. Eine Aufarbeitung der deutlichen Wahlschlappe hat es nach OZ-Informationen bis heute nicht gegeben. Von Kerstin Schrder und Michael Prochnow
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https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/Mecklenburg/Grevesmuehlen/Was-macht-Landraetin-Kerstin-Weiss-nach-Wahlniederlage-in-Nordwestmecklenburg
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Why are protestors in Ethiopia and Mali waving Russian flags?
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On Sunday, more than 10,000 people rallied in Ethiopias capital Addis Ababa to denounce the United States of Americas meddling in the countrys affairs. Last week, Washington announced sanctions on several Ethiopian and Eritrean officials over the conflict in the Tigray region. Demonstrators also carried banners bearing the photos of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as they chanted against Americas aggression. The part where protestors in Ethiopia mention is China is noteworthy because Beijing is a major player in Ethiopias economy, extending loans and building Special Economic Zones. They see China as an alternative, argues Ovigwe Eguegu, a policy analyst based in Abuja, Nigeria. China is Ethiopias largest bilateral lender. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has courted Washingtons anger since rejecting a US-brokered agreement on the Nile dam and recently, over the war in Tigray. Enter Moscow It was the second time in three days that Russia, which had had a limited role in Africa until its 2017 intervention in the Central African Republic, was receiving favorable sentiments at a political rally in Africa. On Thursday, protestors at a pro-army march in Bamako, Malis capital waved Russian flags as they showed support for Colonel Assimi Goita, who declared himself President after dismissing transitional leader Bah Ndaw. They also waved placards denouncing former colonial ruler France, which maintains a sizeable military presence in the Sahel country beset by coups and a militant insurgency. There is a historical dimension to the detest for France in Mali and pretty much in the whole of West Africa, said Eguegu. "It starts from what people see as a stifling role played by France to the CFA Franc". Public sentiment towards France has been hostile especially in the Sahel, something President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly blamed on the regions leaders. But the protestors also understand that Colonel Goita [Mali junta leader] lacks critical international support that he needs to hold onto power and cannot count on ECOWAS or Paris for backing. This is why Russia is brought into the picture, Eguegu said. French and Russian disinformation wars The protest in Bamako was just the latest manifestation of a fierce tussle for influence in Central and West Africa between the two powers. In December 2020, Facebook said it has pulled down more than 500 accounts, pages, and groups from Facebook and Instagram originating from Russia and France targeting 13 African countries, including Mali. The other countries were the Central African Republic, Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Facebook said at the time that the French disinformation accounts had ties to the military. They would create misleading content targeting elections, and army operations and distribute it via social media. Moscow, encouraged by its success and goodwill in the Central African Republic, has sought to further undercut France's already waning influence in West Africa. Goita playing Russians In 2018, Russia sent military advisers and mercenaries to Bangui to train Central African soldiers and to protect top government officials. Russian forces, UN peacekeepers, and the weak Central African army are shielding President Faustin-Archange Touadera's government from being overthrown by armed groups. The events have jolted Paris which is concerned about its waning influence in the troubled country. But Eguegu says Malis junta is also being opportunistic. Malians understand that Russians and the French are rivals in the region. Malians see that and want to leverage on that rivalry and want to drag Russia into the mix so as to use its influence to ensure that Goita has that international clout that he so desperately needs to carry out his agenda.
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https://www.africanews.com/2021/05/31/why-are-protestors-in-ethiopia-and-mali-waving-russian-flags/
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Where is the Real Housewives of Cheshire filmed?
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For the latest Trafford news sign up to the MyTrafford newsletter here Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice It's the docudrama that shines a light on the lives of Cheshire's rich and famous - and the Real Housewives of Cheshire are now back on screen for series 13. As in past years, the housewives have been back filming at some of Cheshire and Manchester's hottest bars, restaurants and hospitality venues. And we also get a sneak peek inside the jaw-dropping million-pound homes of the stars in Cheshire's Golden Triangle of Alderley Edge, Prestbury and Wilmslow. Here, we take a look at some of the regular filming spots that fans can look out for as Tanya Bardsley, Rachel Lugo, Lauren Simon, Seema Malhotra, Lystra Adams, Nicole Sealey and newcomer Debbie Davies return to ITVBe to brighten Monday nights. The multi-million pound homes The stunning Cheshire homes of the housewives regularly feature in the series. Original housewife Tanya lives with footballer hubby Phil Bardsley and their four children at a glamorous five-bedroom mansion in Wilmslow. Just down the road is the stylish modern mansion of Nicole and her ex-footballer hubby Joe Sealey, while new housewife Debbie Davies lives just outside the town centre in a rural barn conversion. Property guru Rachel lives in a converted historic house near Alderley Edge, and Lystra is based in plush Prestbury. (Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News) Meanwhile dentist Hanna and husband Martin live in a luxury apartment in Bowdon which in series 13 has featured heavily while the couple get used to life as new parents to gorgeous baby boy Maximus. Lystra's Boujee bars (Image: ABNM Photography) Lystra has been seen in series 13 talking about her burgeoning all-pink restaurant and bar empire Boujee. The first site was launched in Liverpool in December, which has featured in the opening scenes of series 13. Now, Lystra has also launched a main Boujee restaurant in Manchester too, inside the vast former Freemasons Hall on Bridge Street. Seema's Menagerie bar (Image: Manchester Evening News) Before Lystra launched her bar, her fellow housewife Seema had already been taking Manchester by storm with her luxurious restaurant and bar concept Menagerie. Seema, alongside former housewife Stacey Forsey and entrepreneur Karina Jadhav, launched Menagerie at New Bailey in August 2016 and it fast became one of the city's biggest celebhaunts, with everyone from Coleen Rooney to Justin Timberlake spotted there in recent years. The bar regularly features in The Real Housewives, and was the setting for Hanna's "first night out" post-baby in series 13. Mottram Hall (Image: Mottram Hall) When the ladies like a gossipy catch up and a spot of pampering, they often head to the glamorous Mottram Hall in Cheshire. The stylish hotel and spa has been used for a raft of scenes in almost every series - and was famously the backdrop for the very first photoshoot when the Housewives were first introduced to the world. In series 13 the stars headed here for a spot of mermaid swimming classes. As you do. The Lake District retreat (Image: HANDOUT FREE TO USE) Every season, the housewives head off on a holiday together, and in past years it's been to exotic hotspots like Dubai or Morocco. But with restrictions on foreign holidays, for series 13 the ladies have headed to the Lake District for a country retreat instead. The plush Armathwaite Hall which the ladies booked out entirely for their visit. The hot-spot bars and restaurants Many of Manchester and Cheshire's hottest celebhaunt bars and restaurants have featured in recent series. In Manchester, the girls have famously filmed at Peter Street Kitchen, Whiskey Down and Dirty Martini. Alderley Edge's Piccolino restaurant with its huge outdoor bar regularly features, as does the opulent Victor's bar and restaurant further along London Road in the village. Tanya's shop (Image: Manchester Evening News) The Bardo Boutique has been a big hit with fans of the show ever since Tanya first launched her own shop in Wilmslow back in 2017 with the aim of "turning dreams into reality". So much so that when she first opened the boutique, on Water Lane, she sold out of EVERYTHING in store within days! Nowadays it has become something of a hotspot for fans visiting the area, and Tanya is regularly to be found checking on stock which includes candles, positivity spray and jewellery, and chatting to fans. The reunion hall (Image: ITV) Ah, the dreaded reunion show. Which you just know is going to end in tears. For the past few series, due to coronavirus restrictions, there's not been a physical reunion show. But with indoor hospitality restrictions now easing, fans are hoping it could well be back to conclude Series 13. And if past form is anything to by, it will be back in the grand setting of Manchester Hall on Bridge Street, where many of the explosive scenes have played out over the years. The Real Housewives of Cheshire is on ITVBe on Mondays from 9pm and on the ITV Hub.
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/real-housewives-cheshire-filmed-20712584
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Can employers really require the COVID-19 vaccine?
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It's a question many are asking. Policy experts weigh in. Yes, with some exceptions. Experts say U.S. employers can require employees to take safety measures, including vaccination. That doesn't necessarily mean you would get fired if you refuse, but you might need to sign a waiver or agree to work under specific conditions to limit any risk you might pose to yourself or others. "Employers generally have wide scope" to make rules for the workplace, said Dorit Reiss, a law professor who specializes in vaccine policies at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. "It's their business." Rules will vary by country. But the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has allowed companies to mandate the flu and other vaccines, and has indicated they can require COVID-19 vaccines. There are exceptions. For example, people can request exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Some states have proposed laws that restrict mandating the vaccines because of their "emergency use" status, but that may become less of an issue since Pfizer has applied for full approval and others are likely to follow. How employers approach the issue will vary. Many might not want to require vaccination because of the administrative burden of tracking compliance and managing exemption requests, noted Michelle S. Strowhiro, an employment adviser and lawyer at McDermott Will & Emery. Legal claims could also arise. As a result, many employers will likely strongly encourage vaccination without making it mandatory, Strowhiro said. Walmart, for example, is offering a $75 bonus for employees who provide proof they were vaccinated.
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https://americanindependent.com/employers-covid-vaccination-mandatory-policy/
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How did the Cape fare on this holiday weekend reopening?
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Adrian DAmbrosi, co-owner and chef of the Sea Street Inn in Hyannis, said he is cautiously optimistic about the future. Unlike last year, when most rentals had to wait for June to open and bookings were slammed by COVID-19 fears, guests are steadily booking their stays for the coming summer, he said. But hopes are high for a vibrant tourist season across the Cape as the pandemic fades and life moves toward normal. HYANNIS It wasnt the longed for idyllic summer kickoff, as visitors to Cape Cod seeking relief from the pandemic on the holiday weekend, with newly relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, were stuck with leaden skies, cold winds, and relentless rain. Advertisement If the current trends persist, he said, it will be a very good year for the Cape. Weve had a very, very strong start to the season, DAmbrosi said, and I say that knocking on the wood, knowing that things can change on a dime. Across Cape Cod, business owners and employees who have spent the past 15 months trying to operate during a pandemic began adjusting to their new worlds. Masks are now optional. Tourists are coming back. And navigating how to make visitors feel welcome while respecting the safety of workers was the focus for many businesses. Business by business, theyre trying to sort it out [how to] keep their workforce safe and happy, keep their customers safe and happy, said Wendy Northcross, the chief executive officer of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. She said she sees many signs of a strong summer season ahead: Along with more reservations, parking lots have been filled, and lots of customers have been visiting shops and restaurants. This year, it just feels like a [much] more normal kickoff to the summer season, Northcross said in a phone interview. Everyone can be open, there are not capacity limits. You can expect a much stronger summer. Advertisement Steve Tait, an owner of the Aerie House bed and breakfast in Provincetown, said bookings are up, and even though a few canceled because of the weather, hes also seeing longer-term reservations from guests, he said a stark contrast from last year, when his business had to wait for June to open. Were bracing for a spectacular summer season, Tait said. Part of whats fueling the Capes tourism this year is patronage from visitors who are opting against an international trip this summer, according to Tait. People are still reluctant to travel overseas, people who would normally take a trip to Europe are coming to the Cape, he said. We are seeing lots of week-long stays, eight nights, nine nights. Governor Charlie Baker lifted most pandemic restrictions Saturday, changes that cleared the way for restaurants to bring customers back indoors at full capacity. But even with a green light to return to pre-pandemic operations, some restaurant owners Sunday said they would consider how the changes would affect their workers. Sarah Robin, an owner of the Flying Fish Cafe in Wellfleet, said customers at her seasonal restaurant praised its handling of the pandemic last summer. When the pandemic began last year, the restaurant focused on take-out service, then converted an existing patio to serve as the main dining area. Those changes allowed her staff to feel very calm as they served customers outside, she said. That lent [itself] to an ease of business for everyone involved. And now, she said, theyre building a new outdoor deck. Advertisement Over this Memorial Day weekend, business at her restaurant was up by about 50 percent from last year, though it didnt reach its indoor capacity, she said. The slower pace helped her staff get used to the changes in routine, she said. This year, Robin will be looking for feedback from customers and staff on the restaurants approach to summer. I am pumped and looking forward to a good season, she said. I obviously want customers to be as cozy and comfy as possible, but I also want my staff to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. Guillermo Yingling, an owner of the Provincetown restaurants Local 186 and Bubalas by the Bay, and Blackfish in Truro, said state officials should not have initiated the lifting of restrictions on a major holiday weekend. He said the changes should have been implemented on another date to give the tourism industry a chance to adapt. Choosing to lift the rules on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend showed a little bit of a lack of respect for us front-line workers who have to deal with the rule changes, Yingling said. Harrison Sauter, 11, of Hingham played hopscotch in downtown Hyannis on Sunday. Julia Cumes At other Cape eateries Sunday, ordinary life began to creep back into the daily routine. Inside The Daily Paper, in Hyannis, manager Andrea Ianniello began her day wearing a mask, as were most employees, and plexiglass barriers between tables had been kept in place for customers comfort. Advertisement But about an hour before closing at noon, Ianniello had taken her mask off. I started the day with mine on, she said. But it got to the point where my phone is ringing off the hook with orders, and its hard to understand people. Down the street at Katies Homemade Ice Cream, Kaya Cormier of Barnstable was behind the counter with her mask off, too. As of Saturday, customers entering the shop could decide if they wanted to wear a mask inside. Two of the shops customers Miriam Prendergast of Hyannis and her boyfriend, Turin Sarkar from Boston wore masks inside the shop. Its weird to be so close to so many people again, its taken us a minute to adapt, Prendergast said. Other Cape visitors were also wary of dropping their pandemic-era guard Sunday. Dianela and Saidy Lopes, visiting for the weekend from New Bedford with their 2-year-old son, Nathan, kept their masks on as they walked down the street, partially because their toddler is not yet eligible for a vaccine. We are still of the mindset that this is real and this is serious, Dianela Lopes said, though she noted that it was nice to see things begin to approach normalcy again. And for people like Fran Henderson, who welcomed visitors to her painters studio at Artist Shanties at Harbor Overlook in Hyannis, Sunday meant having to navigate the new normal. If potential customers come in masked, she offers to put hers on as well. Otherwise, she didnt wear it. Advertisement Im vaccinated, and I just feel safe, she said. So its a personal choice. Artist Fran Henderson of Truro and Providence worked in her studio Sunday at Artist Shanties at Harbor Overlook in Hyannis. Julia Cumes John Hilliard can be reached at [email protected]. Gal Tziperman Lotan can be reached at [email protected] or at 617-929-2043.
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https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/30/metro/how-did-cape-fare-this-holiday-weekend-reopening/
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Is the NFL eying an 18-game regular-season schedule?
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The NFL is the best business in town and as the league prepares to play the first-ever 17 game season in history, Peter King believes an 18-game schedule could be on the way. During his FMIA release for Memorial Day, King discussed Roger Goodells future as commissioner and the possibility that he or his successor will have to eventually negotiate the owners thirst for even more games. Whoever succeeds Goodell is going to have another job to do. The bell will continue to toll on health and safety, and the NFLs ramrodding of the 17-game schedule this year leads most observers to think 18 games is on the way. The owners have dollar signs dancing in their heads over more inventory; the players should have a roadblock dancing in theirs. That may be the first major issue for the NFLs fourth commissioner since the Kennedy Administration. Its something to watch and likely five or six years away from happening, but theres no doubt that football is king, and as owners look for even more profit and revenue, an extra game with the ending of preseason football could be the next domino to fall. List Looking ahead to the Philadelphia Eagles' pending 2022 free agents Related
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https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-eying-18-game-regular-163434182.html?src=rss
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Does Coop Die in All American? Is Bre-Z Leaving All American?
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All American is a sports drama series loosely inspired by the life of former professional footballer Spencer Paysinger. It follows the life of Spencer James, a high school football prodigy who tries to balance the various aspects of his life in order to pursue his dream of becoming a professional football player. A key element of the football-themed show is its depiction of life in a rough neighborhood. The crimes and gang violence in Spencers South Crenshaw neighborhood are a source of some compelling conflicts on the show, and Spencers best friend, Coop, is often caught in the middle of these conflicts. Tamia Coop Cooper is first introduced in the premiere episode of All American. She is the best friend of Spencer and pushes him to move to Beverly Hills High to pursue his dreams. As a gay teenager living in a rough neighborhood, Coop is always on the lookout for threats. After Spencer moves to Beverly, she befriends Shawn, a member of a local gang. After being kicked out of her home by her mother, Coop begins doing Shawns dirty work and becomes a member of the gang. After Shawns death, she is driven by a need for revenge and completely immerses herself in the conflict between the rival gangs of South Crenshaw. Coop eventually finds herself on the bad side of gang leader Tyrone, and he threatens her. Spencer asks Coop to testify against Tyrone, which puts Coop in more danger. She manages to get Tyrone arrested for the attempted murder of Preach. Coop and Tyrones conflict forms a crux of the narrative in the first two seasons, and Coop constantly finds herself in danger. For a while, it looked like the character could be killed off. Coops death would have certainly been a turning point in Spencers life. However, after Tyrones death, Coop has slowly left the gangster life behind and is currently focusing on her music career. She has also reconciled with her mom, and despite some hiccups, remains a close friend of Spencers. Rapper and actress Calesha Bre-Z Murray essays the role of Coop since the shows very first episode. The role is also Bre-Zs most significant television appearance to date. Despite being thirty-three years of age, Bre-Z masterfully portrays the insecurities of a black, gay teenager living in a rough neighborhood. The layer of diversity and resonance her character adds has been integral to the shows success. Therefore, killing her character off is a really hard decision that the writers have so far avoided. As of now, her characters storyline has taken a much brighter turn. Many elements of Coops story mirror that of Bre-Zs own life. Like Coop, she also worked as a barber. In a more recent development, Coop is pursuing her passion for music bringing the character more in line with Bre-Zs personality. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the rapper-actress would leave the series. Likewise, neither Bre-Z nor the shows producers have hinted at an exit. Hence, it is safe to say that Bre-Z is not departing the hit sports drama anytime soon. You can continue watching Bre-Zs enamoring performance as Coop on All American, which is currently airing its third season and has already been renewed for season 4.
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https://thecinemaholic.com/does-coop-die-in-all-american-is-bre-z-leaving-the-show/
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Will L.A. flatten a legendary Boyle Heights tortilla factory?
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Carlos Valencia works in the corn facility of La Gloria Mexican Foods, one of the oldest tortilla factories in the city. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) There was a wearied pride in Fernando Ruizs voice as he led me on a tour of his familys flour tortilla plant, La Gloria Foods in Boyle Heights. We started in the back, where a massive sifter tossed flour inside a machine that spat out perfectly formed balls of dough. Two workers fed the orbs into a pneumatic press that smushed them into flat discs. Those raw tortillas slipped onto a seven-tiered conveyor belt that passed through an oven. The cooked results moved down the length of the factory, to men and women who stuffed them into bags decorated with La Glorias festive logo. On a good day, these machines can produce 10,000 dozen packs 120,000 tortillas. Thats on top of the nearly half a million corn tortillas La Gloria makes daily at a separate facility less than half a mile away that also houses its headquarters and a small store. We used to be able to do more, said Ruiz, the companys production manager. He spoke over a symphony of mechanical whirs and groans. Pre-pandemic, we were making tortillas nearly 24 hours a day. Right now, were just at 16 hours. Workers make flour tortillas at La Gloria Mexican Foods. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) Flour tortillas stuffed in bags decorated with La Gloria's festive logo. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) Looking on was his aunt and boss, La Gloria President Maria Vera, along with another aunt and two cousins. Ruiz's mom was on the way. The family has hosted thousands of visitors ever since Veras father and mother, Manuel and Antonia Behar, bought the original La Gloria in 1954 just down the street and made all the tortillas themselves. But even the masks that Ruiz and his relatives wore couldnt hide their melancholy. They gathered to take in what might be one of the last factory tours. La Gloria is in danger of closing but the culprit isnt the economic ravages of COVID-19, they say. Its the Los Angeles Department of Public Works. For the last six years, La Gloria has waged a bitter battle with the agency over the fate of its flour tortilla machines. The city acquired the Quonset hut that houses them via eminent domain in 2015 as part of a long-planned roundabout at Cinco Puntos, the historic intersection where Boyle Heights turns into East Los Angeles. La Gloria received $2.2 million for the building and was also entitled to relocation fees per California law. Story continues La Gloria asked for $4.2 million, citing the complexity of dismantling and transporting the flour tortilla lines, plus a full-scale rewiring and rejiggering of the remaining factory to accommodate the machines. The Department of Public Works countered with $3.1 million, then $2.5 million, before suggesting it could move everything for just $246,000. A retired judge oversaw mediation that led to a 2019 agreement that stated the city would give La Gloria $1.88 million, plus pay for either new tortilla machines or the relocation of the old ones upon completion of a bidding process. But the dispute continued, and the next round happens Wednesday at a Zoom hearing before the department's Relocation Appeals Board. The city will suggest a new figure for La Glorias relocation fees. Zero. A staff report recommended the amount because it claimed La Gloria violated federal law by being non-cooperative in refusing to allow reasonable inspections to determine correct relocation costs, allegations the company denies. Through Department of Public Works communications director Mary Nemick, the city of Los Angeles declined to comment. La Gloria learned of the staff report about a week ago. Flour tortillas make up 50% of its revenue. Without any relocation fees, the company says, it's not just its ability to make flour tortillas that gets impacted the corn-tortilla business would go under, too. Benny Carmona works inside the corn facility of La Gloria Mexican Foods. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) Its not as simple as just getting a bunch of U-Hauls and loading everything up, said Ruiz, 46. You could've smacked me with a frozen burrito when I first heard that amount. But here's the thing: You can't if you want to make tortillas on the scale of La Gloria. The sifter looks like a refrigerator that just went through a growth spurt. The conveyor belt is the length of a yacht. The oven that cooks the tortillas is about the size of a teenage stegosaurus. All the parts together make a Rube Goldberg machine seem as complex as flipping a quarter. To see the offer go from seven figures to none seems personal. The city must think were a bunch of dumb Mexicans, said Cynthia Vera, a first-grade teacher whos Marias daughter and helps with public relations. Shes particularly enraged by an 2015 internal staff email sent by a city engineer about La Glorias requested relocation fees. In it, the author joked, It sounds like they may have misplaced a decimal point. Where are they moving to ... Beverly Hills? Maria Vera has worked at La Gloria since she was a little girl who translated everything from mail to insurance policies for her Spanish-speaking parents. Now 73, she remembered how friendly city staffers walked her and her dad through permit applications to get the flour tortilla plant up and running when she was still a student at Belvedere Elementary. When we first formed La Gloria, the city helped us, she said softly but matter-of-factly. Now, the city wants to take it away. My La Gloria tour ended in a former apartment complex next door to the corn tortilla plant. This is where Vera and her two sisters grew up, where her father lived until he passed away in 1990 at 81, getting up every day at 2 in the morning to start production. La Gloria Mexican Foods founders Manuel and Antonia Behar. (Family photo) Today, the apartment complex is La Glorias offices. Eleven family members work full time, while the fourth generation does grunt work during their summer vacations as a reminder of where the family came from. My dad would always tell me, Dont let the workers see you sitting down, because thatll tell them youre lazy,' said Vera, looking at a framed photo of her parents at the original La Gloria. Manuel Behar came to Los Angeles in 1954 after opening tortillerias in Mexico City, Tijuana and Texas. He had always wanted to come to Los Angeles, and he found a city whose appetite for tortillas was insatiable. With his wife, the Mexican immigrants created a Boyle Heights institution. Ronald Reagan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were customers. Behars innovations in tortilla production earned him a posthumous spot in the Tortilla Industry Assn.s Hall of Fame in 2009 for creating "one of the first mass-producing tortilla companies in the country," according to his plaque. The city doesnt realize how much history is here, said Cynthia Vera. They think that we can just start over. But this is our family. Losing it is not an option for my mom. The three daughters of La Gloria founders Manuel and Antonia Behar, from left, are Sylvia Ruiz, 70, Maria Vasquez, 71, and Maria Vera, 72, inside the corn facility. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times) Maria Vera owns La Gloria along with her two sisters, Maria Vazquez and Sylvia Ruiz. They've never thought of selling. I didnt want all of my fathers effort to go nowhere, she said. He gave everything. Vera hopes the public works appeal board rejects the nada in relocation fees that the city of Los Angeles will argue La Gloria merits. But the family is worried, because theyve been on the losing end with the city before. Back in 2007, Metro laid tracks for its Gold Line extension through the Eastside right in front of La Gloria's headquarters during the holiday season, the company's busiest time of the year. Walk-up business has never been the same because customer parking is now essentially three spaces next to pallets at the headquarters. Big rigs can no longer enter the facility, which means La Gloria must unload supplies elsewhere. "Its been decades that weve been dealing with this," Vera said. In her hands was a manila folder with more pictures of her parents and their business in the early days. "For the city, its very easy to take this away, but they dont know the sweat and life and work here. At this point, we feel hopeless." A photograph from the mid-1960s of the corn facility of La Gloria on First Street. (Family photo) This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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https://news.yahoo.com/l-flatten-legendary-boyle-heights-130013212.html
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What is causing the swelling in my feet?
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By Dr Vincent Karuhanga More by this Author Dr I am a 41-year-old who consumes alcohol almost every night. Recently, I have noticed that whenever I drink, my feet, especially the left one, swell. I was told alcohol causes damage to the liver leading to leg oedema, so I got a general lab check-up and my liver, kidneys, heart, prostrate, blood sugar, blood count and pancreas were all okay. I still do not know exactly what is causing the swelling in my feet. Akora Mark Dear Mark Painless swelling of the feet and ankles called pedal oedema is a common problem, resulting from an abnormal build-up of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs. Older people are much more prone to pedal oedema since they are more likely to have heart, liver and kidney disease conditions that commonly cause pedal oedema. That said, much as excessive drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcoholic liver disease which may manifest with pedal oedema, it is likely that alcohol is the direct cause of your swollen feet given that tests on your liver were normal. Alcohol can cause the brain to produce less anti diuretic hormone which tells the kidneys to produce less urine, resulting in passing lots of dilute urine with minimal salt. Here retention of salt and dehydration may lead to thirst which upon being quenched may lead to temporary pedal oedema. If one drinks on a hot day, or sits cross-legged while drinking, the swelling related to alcohol drinking is more likely. Advertisement This kind of swelling is temporary going off in a day or two and if not, other causes of pedal oedema like liver, heart, or kidney diseases together with obesity, anaemia, blood clots in the legs, or even varicose veins should be checked out. Avoiding drinking alcohol if you can and if not, increasing water intake during or after drinking, reducing salt intake, elevating feet on a pillow while lying down, exercising the legs during the drinking bouts, wearing support stockings, avoiding wearing tight clothing or garters and if overweight, losing weight among others can help manage pedal oedema related to drinking.
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https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/what-is-causing-the-swelling-in-my-feet--3419806
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What is the 'model minority myth' and why is it an issue for the AAPI community?
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INDIANAPOLIS As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to an end, we're talking about the "model minority myth." Many in Downtown Indianapolis had the same response to our question, "What is the model minority myth?" They did not know. So we decided to get the answer straight from an expert, Sarah Health, an associate professor of history at IU-Kokomo. "Most of the teaching that I do relates to cultural and social topics," Heath said. "Model minority, right, you must be good at everything." Heath said it's a perception of people in the AAPI community. "Every Asian American is really good at math. That's just not really my skillset." Most importantly, it's a stereotype. "Stereotypes can be damaging if you expect a person to be quiet or modest or shy, and they turn out not to be," Heath said. It's a term that emerged in the early 1950s and 60s when the civil rights movement was taking off. Heath says it's a perception based on appearance. The model minority myth helped hide anti-Asian racism, under-representation and perpetuated the idea that all Asians and minorities are the same. "The model minority myth suggested that people should stop complaining, that they should accept the conditions in which they find themselves and then they should work hard to overcome any obstacles that they find," Heath said. Historically, the term makes it seem like Asians did not persist or did not endure tough times when they did. "The Japanese Americans during World War II. They were incarcerated only because their national origin came from Japan and Japan had attacked the United States," Heath said. Many overcame those obstacles, but Health said the narrative undermines support for the AAPI community and it impacted others as well. "So as soon as a person doesn't fit the stereotype, sometimes people ask, 'Well, what's wrong with you?'" she said. To break the cycle, Health said it starts with us. "Being inclusive doesn't have to suggest that I'm going to treat you differently because you're a minority," she said. Health said the focus should be on stopping stereotypes instead. "A better approach is to say, what can I do to assure that you can play equally," she said.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/working-for-you/what-is-the-model-minority-myth-and-why-is-it-an-issue-for-the-aapi-community
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Is Netanyahu era nearing an end in Israeli politics?
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He is Israels longest-serving leader, having been in power for 12 years. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus tenure could come to an end with far-right party leader Naftali Bennett saying he will support a unity government". Mint looks at the recent twists in Israeli politics: The background to the political drama No political party has managed to win a clear mandate in last four elections in the span of two years. In the last elections held in March 2021, 71-year-old Netanyahus right-wing Likud party led with 30 seats in the 120-member parliament. However, he failed to form a governing coalition after far-right partners refused to work with Arab factions. Former finance minister and an ex-TV personality Yair Lapids centre-left party Yesh Atid (which means There is a Future) came second with 17 seats. Wednesday is the deadline for Lapid, who was given four weeks to form a government. The chances of the opposition forming a unity coalition of 61 lawmakers brightened after far-right politician Naftali Bennett whose Yemina (Rightward") party has seven seats, said he would join hands with Lapid. The ex- Netayahu aide said his decision was aimed at preventing Israel from sliding into a fifth poll in two years. News reports, however, warn that an anti-Netanyahu alliance would be fragile and require backing by Palestinian-Israeli MPs who oppose much of Bennetts agenda. It includes settlement expansion in occupied West Bank and its partial annexation. A Lapid government would also include the centrist Blue and White party of Netanyahus rival Benny Gantz and the hawkish New Hope party of Gideon Saar. Avigdor Liebermans pro-settlement Yisrael Beiteinu party, as well as historically powerful Labour Party and the dovish Meretz party, are also expected to join. Hard to say. Netanyahu faces trial on fraud, bribery, and breach of trust charges. The cases concern his ties between 2008-2017 with businessmen: Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood filmmaker, Australian billionaire James Packer, Arnon Mozes, who controls Yedioth Ahronoth media group, and Shaul Elovitch, controlling shareholder of Israels biggest telecom firm Bezeq. Under Israeli law, a sitting PM is not obliged to resign when chargedonly when convicted. He could still split Lapids coalition to form a government. The challenges before the new government Post-covid economic recovery for one. Dealing with the new US administrations policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a return to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran are others. Ties with India are unlikely to change whoever becomes prime minister in Israel, say analysts, citing the breadth and depth of the relation-ship two nations have forged since 1992. Last week, India abstained on a UN resolution calling for a permanent commission to probe human rights violations in Gaza, West Bank, and Palestine. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now! !
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https://www.livemint.com/news/world/is-netanyahu-era-nearing-an-end-in-israeli-politics-11622482810751.html
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Was omstreden kapitein Raymond Westerling badmeester in Doorwerth? Wie zegt dat?
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Die kapitein zou Raymond Westerling, bijgenaamd De Turk, zijn en dat golfslagbad stond sinds 1934 in de bossen bij Doorwerth en heette De Branding. Berucht De controverse rond Raymond Westerling (1919-1987) laaide afgelopen weken weer op. Aanleiding was de premire van de film De Oost, over de Indonesische Onafhankelijkheidsoorlog (1945-1949). Die begon toen Indonesische strijders na de Tweede Wereldoorlog in Nederlands-Indi de onafhankelijkheid uitriepen. Nederland zond er vervolgens troepen heen om orde op zaken stellen. Dit ging gepaard met veel geweld. Berucht was het Korps Speciale Troepen (KST), onder leiding van kapitein Westerling, een commando-eenheid met zowel militairen uit Nederland als Nederlands-Indi, gespecialiseerd in contraterreur. Deze eenheid van zon vijfhonderd man was verantwoordelijk voor zuiveringsacties en executies op Zuid-Celebes, dat nu Sulawesi heet.
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https://www.gelderlander.nl/renkum/was-omstreden-kapitein-raymond-westerling-badmeester-in-doorwerth-wie-zegt-dat~af00ca01/
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Why Did Govt Start Vaccinating 18-44 Group Without Adequate Doses?
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But since the burden of vaccinating the 18-44 group fell on state governments, many states had to delay the immunisation process over the lack of vaccine doses, and some states have now even halted the drives temporarily because their vaccines stocks are all spent. In desperation to get more vaccines, perhaps it's the first time in history that we're seeing state governments like the Delhi and Maharashtra governments floating their own global tenders for vaccine procurement, independently of the Centre. Of course, the chances were slim from the very beginning and the tenders were not even entertained by the pharma companies.
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https://www.thequint.com/podcast/why-did-govt-open-vaccines-for-18-44-group-without-adequate-doses
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Who is better placed to finance Indias higher fiscal spending?
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Several months ago, this newspaper had carried a long article on the issue of food labelling in India. Indian snack food manufacturers had dragged their feet for nearly five years on affixing indicators on their products to let consumers see at a glance how healthful or not their products are. Instead, they were using commercials to make misleading claims that their snacks were healthful. Covid complications and even fatality have been strongly associated with obesity. Industry associations, far from persuading their members to fall in line with these important safety regulations, have been either silent or advancing their case. When companies and industry bodies contribute to covid relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts and urge governments to spend monies liberally, they should remember that they have to do both what is required of them and what is within their power to do. This column focuses on the latter. While the International Monetary Funds World Economic Outlook is widely read, its Fiscal Monitor released at the same time is not given much attention. Chapter 2 of its April Fiscal Monitor has a chart (figure 2.5) that shows how much of the school year children lost in 2020. The loss is worse for children of low-income families whose parents are not educated themselves. Indian states have mandated school closures in 2021 too. Another chart (figure 2.1) in the same chapter shows the global change in income inequality over the past three decades. China and India lead its rankings in terms of worsening inequality. The chapter usefully summarizes various revenue-generating options for governments (figure 2.15). An excess-profit tax is one of the options. In the past, this column has argued for reasonable taxes on the Indian business sector. The World Banks Ease of Doing Business rankings on paying taxes pegs Indias rank low. In other words, it is not easy to be a taxpayer in India and it is not just about tax rates. Indias effective tax rate is pegged at 49% in the 2020 report. This is before the top tax rate was reduced. Union budgets of the last few years have published an Annexure 7 as part of the receipts budget. In the three years from 2016-17 to 2018-19, Indias effective corporate income tax rates were 26.9%, 29.5% and 27.8%, respectively. We dont know the number yet for 2019-20. But, India collected only around 5.6 trillion in corporate income tax during the year. The figure is provisional. Of course, Indias corporate profits declined in 2019-20. According to some estimates, profits of only profit-making companies were just under 9.1 trillion in 2019-20 compared to a little short of 10.3 trillion the year before. For the year ended March 2021, this number is estimated to be almost 10.9 trillion. In September 2019, the top corporate marginal income tax rate was dropped to 22%. The effective tax rate would have likely slumped by 500 basis points in 2019-20. The expectation was that corporations would respond with enhanced capital formation and job creation. Covid intervened, however, and demand has slumped. So, indeed, has capacity utilization. Hence, non- financial capital formation is unlikely to pick up now. Therefore, the government could consider a one-time additional tax to be collected in 2021-22 on the profits of 2020-21, just as it brought in an ordinance to lower taxes in September 2019. Indeed, if capital formation does not pick up and if corporate tax revenue growth is too low relative to the growth in profits in the coming years, it may well become necessary to revisit the countrys top marginal corporate tax rate. There is another alternative. In 2020-21, the market capitalization of companies listed on the National Stock Exchange in India went up by almost $1.3 trillion to a shade under $2.8 trillion, according to the World Federation of Exchanges. That is an 85% return. Even if a 1% tax is imposed on these financial profits, it would fetch the government around 90,000 crore. The third alternative is to consider raising the short-term transaction tax on stock market transactions. There is a risk that these measures might temporarily lead to a sell-off in Indian stocks. But, that could be healthy over the long-term both for the market and investors, given that Indian stocks are valued too richly relative to their earning prospects. Indonesia is considering levying a new layer of tax rates to tax the incomes of the rich, along with a tax on carbon emissions, etc. In India case, the top marginal tax rate on individual income is already quite high. In fact, the gap between the top marginal income tax rates on corporate and personal incomes in India is one of the widest in the world. The government has the big task of reviving Indias economic growth, upgrading the health sector capabilities and ensuring that young Indians do not lose out on education and skills. Those who can share the responsibility must come forward to do so. The corporate sector and investors in Indian stock markets appear better placed than all others to play their part in rebuilding of countrys economy and confidence. V. Anantha Nageswaran is a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. These are the authors personal views. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
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https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/who-is-better-placed-to-finance-india-s-higher-fiscal-spending-11622478297103.html
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Is It Just Me Or Is Joey Literally Everyone's Dad In The FRIENDS Reunion Episode?
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Dads across the world (or maybe even across the universe, if we were to explore) have a thing where they just cross their arms and sit. It's dad body language and the person in conversation for this behaviour is Matt LeBlanc AKA Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Joey was the last person you'd imagine turning into anything even remotely close to a dad, but if the reunion episode and the resulting barrage of tweets are anything to go by, he has achieved the status. We are also sort of inclined to believe that he has a very strong father on a holiday energy, and here's proof. Matt LeBlanc looks like the Dad on Christmas that is happy to see you open your gifts even though he doesnt know what any of them are cos your Mum got them all pic.twitter.com/h0lM3CEqPi Gem (@gemmlarh) May 29, 2021 Cant get enough of these Matt LeBlanc looks like an Irish da memes and I think I found a winner pic.twitter.com/5ZusUmTkEY Dean Tne (@Maccadaynu) May 29, 2021 matt leblanc is your uncle when your parents forced your 6 year old self to stand up in front of the adults after a family dinner and sing a song you just learned in primary school pic.twitter.com/xjlwKDdArv e b o n i (@spiceslag) May 29, 2021 matt leblanc is ma da watching me opening ma christmas gift having nae clue wit ma maw got me fae them pic.twitter.com/SdOJlIN9Sy Shaunee they/them #BLM (@ShauneeBroadley) May 29, 2021 Matt LeBlanc looking like he won the raffle at the quiz and he's after sending the grand-niece up with the ticket to collect the prize. pic.twitter.com/66ENcJHySc Ciarn (@Call_Me_Ciaran) May 29, 2021 *touches remote to change channel after 5 hours of somehow the same black and white western, with dad clearly asleep in the chair* "I'm watching that! I was just resting my eyes"#mattleblanc pic.twitter.com/OxOBbSjknB Jen Keane (@zenbuffy) May 30, 2021 Very much in to Matt LeBlancs full transformation into Italian dad that just wants to watch da gawd damn Yankees game in peace. pic.twitter.com/E0GkEoJEcv Captain Met (@orientalbleu) May 28, 2021 Matt LeBlanc looking like your dad on holiday putting up with the hotel entertainment in the evening pic.twitter.com/ZEIJz8KRZJ Purves Grundy (@MeOhMyraBlouse) May 29, 2021 Matt LeBlanc is that one dad at every neighborhood cookout thats just sitting there having a good time while everyone else is talking pic.twitter.com/WxYvDxDT20 (@jsallade29) May 30, 2021 Matt Leblanc looks like your Dad does when they buy a dog after all the kids have moved and shows you how he taught him to roll on his back. pic.twitter.com/Fk3urpLEUx Mr.Flixx (@MrFlixx) May 30, 2021 Matt LeBlanc is everyone's Dad 2 hours after Thanksgiving dinner wondering when everyone is leaving so he can get the couch back for a nap. pic.twitter.com/wy1q5RpOCg Mike Guiffre (@mjguff) May 30, 2021 Matt LeBlanc being the normal one again pic.twitter.com/3oieED2IEo Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) May 30, 2021 Matt now would have been so good as Joey's father back then.
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https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/matt-le-blanc-joey-dad-in-friends-reunion-episode/
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What does RBI's latest stance mean for Indian crypto investors?
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Industry experts now see hope for a meaningful industry-government engagement on crypto-related policies. In a surprising yet positive stance on cryptocurrencies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on May 31 clarified that banks and other regulated entities cannot cite its 2018 circular on cryptocurrencies as it has been set aside by the Supreme Court (SC) in March, 2020. The circular is not valid from the date of the SC order and cannot be cited or quoted from, the RBI said. This clarification comes in the light of recent investor communication by various banking entities like HDFC, SBI, which cited 2018 circular and intended to alert them of the uncertain regulatory landscape of this space. Investors were asked to clarify the nature of these transactions and be aware of the risks associated with crypto and virtual currencies. The mails sent out by these banks in this regard also stated that failure to do so could mean permanent closure of bank accounts and suspension of credit cards. WazirX, one of Indias largest cryptocurrency exchanges, welcomed this move. Nischal Shetty, CEO, Wazir X hailed it as a positive sign, saying that this document is a ray of hope for the Indian crypto ecosystem. We really appreciate the Reserve Bank of Indias clarification on this. We hope that this circular encourages banks to update their compliance teams and provide banking access to Indian crypto exchanges. Given how vague and grey cryptocurrency regulation remains in India, most banks had started disassociating themselves with cryptocurrency exchanges like Coin DCX, WazirX, and more. More recently, Paytm also severed ties with WazirX, leaving many crypto investors unable to deposit or withdraw money from their accounts linked with the payment behemoth. The investors ire was evident, with many complaining of long delays and inability to deposit funds in time, which led them to miss market dips, generally considered a good time to buy. Karan Anand, an avid, distressed crypto investor mentioned how it is important for crypto-exchanges to smoothen their deposit process. You cannot have people waiting for days to be able to buy crypto, especially when the claim by most exchanges is to be able to do so in a few minutes, he said. Considering the significance of RBIs directive for banks, a clarification by RBI comes as a respite for most crypto exchanges. The inability of the apex bank to prove how regulated financial entities will suffer due to cryptocurrency operations has always been a bone of contention, hampering the smooth growth of crypto-related services in the country. Delhi-based communications professional Yumna Ahmad, who regularly invests in cryptocurrency finally sees some ease of transactions. This is a great move since this brings clarity to banks as to whether they should engage with the crypto industry or not. Since now there are chances of increased cooperation of banks with crypto-exchanges, we can expect ease of trading and more payment and deposit options in the near future, she said. Echoing similar views, Rameesh Kailasam of Indiatech said the clarification by RBI is timely and encouraging as it formally establishes the old circular was no longer valid post the SC judgement and that banks cannot use this as the reason for denial. "IndiaTech.org has been seeking regulatory clarity for this sector backed by necessary checks and balances which would enable it to grow at a more rapid rate. IndiaTech.org recommended similar checks and balances regarding KYC, AML, CFT, FEMA etc. as the RBI now suggests to be carried out to ensure due diligence. We are hopeful there will be continued support from the government and regulator to progressively adopt this emerging technology," Kailasam added. However, a note of caution with regards to banks practicing due diligence in matters of cryptocurrency rings clear in the circular. Banks were asked to continue complying with relevant provisions of KYC (Know-Your-Consumer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering) laws, amongst others. We welcome the move from the RBI to clarify the stand around the old circular which was set aside by the honorable Supreme Court. I hope the confusion around the same ends now. We also respect the concern the banks may have around AML (anti-money laundering) policies and discussions around the same will make the industry stronger, and investors and investments safer." said Sumit Gupta, CEO, and Co-founder, Coin DCX. However, due diligence is a statutory process that is required to be followed by all financial entities. All of this points towards green shoots for the thriving crypto industry, which has largely been suffering from unclear government stands and vague regulations. Despite a blurry cryptocurrency landscape in the country, Indians have invested more than $1 billion dollars in the cryptocurrency market, making India one of the top countries in terms of virtual currency trading. Industry experts now see hope for a meaningful industry-government engagement on crypto-related policies. Sandeep Naliwal, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer at Polygon, an Indian blockchain scalability platform said, this is very positive for the ecosystem and it feels like overall consensus within the government and regulatory bodies is against stifling innovation and growth in the Crypto ecosystem in India. Polygon recently rose to meteoric popularity when Mark Cuban of Shark Tank fame invested in the company. The valuation of Polygons native token, Matic, zoomed from a mere $26 million from its inception in 2019 to more than $14 billion in recent times. RBIs statement to banks on cryptocurrency investments clears their position on whether customers are legally allowed to invest in crypto. Instead of denying service to their customers based on an invalidated circular, it is time banks came onboard the crypto investment bandwagon, allow the crypto exchanges to hold accounts with them, and enable customers to make investments via all possible options, including UPI and bank transfers. Cryptocurrencies are the future and we must ensure we stay at the forefront of this technology, emphasises Ashish Singhal, CEO, Coinswitch Kuber. With RBI green signaling the trade of cryptocurrencies and more and more companies and individuals embracing cryptocurrency and the underlying applications of blockchain, a formal regulation for the sphere is not a far-fetched dream anymore. As the country looks forward to greater financial inclusion and participation, it is imperative that there is a conducive atmosphere built to facilitate the same.
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https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/cryptocurrency/what-does-rbis-latest-stance-mean-for-indian-crypto-investors-6967051.html
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Does OPEC+ Plan a June Surprise?
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(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the attributed sources and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rigzone or the author.) The OPEC+ alliance of major oil producers provided a bullish jolt to the global oil market in April when it decided to proceed with a gradual increase in crude supply and cancel its regularly scheduled meeting for that month. The group is set to meet again this week, and one informed market-watcher shares with Rigzone his thoughts on what could or could not unfold. Jon Donnel, Managing Director Energy, B. Riley Advisory Services: Information coming from the OPEC+ meeting starting June 1 will influence oil prices this week. No major changes are expected from the prior plans for the group to add 840,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the market in July but, as we saw last time, there is always room for surprises at these events. Russia has stated that worldwide demand currently exceeds supply by about 1 million bpd, potentially setting the stage for incremental production, but those barrels could be produced by Iran should an agreement be reached to lift trade sanctions. Tom Seng, Director School of Energy Economics, Policy and Commerce, University of Tulsas Collins College of Business: The market will be waiting to see how travel miles this Memorial Day Weekend, both by car and plane, stack-up vs. the pre-COVD-19 holiday weekends. Concerns over the pandemic crisis in India will continue and the status of U.S./Iran nuclear agreement talks will be closely watched. Also, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will need to find a resolution to stem the violence in that region. To contact the author, email [email protected].
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https://www.rigzone.com/news/does_opec_plan_a_june_surprise-31-may-2021-165553-article/
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Which of upcoming Dolphins free agents most deserves an extension now?
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The Miami Dolphins will enter the 2021 season with several prominent young talents entering into contract years. And the Dolphins, thanks to some clarity from the NFL and the NFLPAs agreement regarding the 2022 salary cap ceiling, can rest easy knowing that their spending power for after the 2021 season will afford them plenty of wiggle room to ensure that said players can get a new contract whenever it is deemed appropriate. But with the 2021 season left to be played and money left to be earned, the Dolphins are well within their rights to play this strategically. The team must decipher whether or not any of their upcoming free agents deserve to get locked in ahead of time not an easy decision for any general manager given the risk of negotiations going sour and hard feelings being developed. Miami has three returning starters who are considered notable free agents, plus one more big money free agent signing who joined the team this offseason on a one-year deal: WR Will Fuller V (new to the team) LB Jerome Baker TE Mike Gesicki DE Emmanuel Ogbah Two free agent additions and two draft choices from the 2018 NFL drafts second day: Gesicki was the teams 2nd-round draft choice, whereas Baker was the teams pick in the 3rd-round. Baker and Gesicki have a leg up as long-standing members of the team and being players who were drafted and developed by the Dolphins. That sweat equity can and should be rewarded by the team, particularly when the focus is drafting and developing talent to help build a long-term winner in South Florida. For a long time, the Dolphins served as an effective farm system for other teams. That trend needs to end. So for as brilliant as Emmanuel Ogbah was in the middle of last season on his way to leading the team in sacks and for as dynamic as Fuller V is capable of being, if the team could only give out one extension youd have a hard time choosing a free agent addition versus one of the young draft choices from 2018. Gesicki arguably has the better resume out of the two: hes accounted for 1,273 receiving yards and 11 scores over the last two seasons and hes also made a strong push for a leadership role this offseason. Dolphins quarterbacks had a 97.3 rating when targeting him in 2020; a career high. His development from his rookie season to 2020 has been tremendous. But then again, the Dolphins also drafted Hunter Long in the 3rd-round of the 2021 NFL draft despite having other, more pressing needs at hand. When you compare the depth at that position and the teams drafting tendencies versus what youve seen from the team at linebacker, where Baker is entering into a contract year, it would seem as though hes more aligned to actually see a contract. Bakers big step forward came this past season, in which he logged: 112 total tackles 7.0 sacks 11 QB hits 2 forced fumbles 86.2 passer rating allowed in coverage 349 yards in coverage Baker had more tackles in 2019, but his was less impactful and more challenged on passing downs. With him making such a big leap forward and being in favor with the Dolphins coaching staff as a leader and playmaker, Baker feels like the strongest choice for an extension if the Dolphins opt to only hand out one this summer to a pending free agent. Gesicki certainly wouldnt shock and Emmanuel Ogbah has a fair chance, too. But Bakers resume seems to check the most boxes.
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https://dolphinswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/31/which-of-upcoming-dolphins-free-agents-most-deserves-an-extension-now/
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Why does FGM happen and where is it legal?
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EastEnders has turned its attention to the practice, criminalised in the UK but practiced in many countries around the globe (Picture: Getty/BBC) EastEnders has tackled many controversial topics in its history, and now it is bravely addressing the practice of FGM female genital mutilation. Mila Marwa has opened up on the show as she worries that her younger sister is to receive the same treatment she got as a child. This is a very real issue many women face: UNICEF estimated in 2016 that 200 million women living in 30 countries27 African countries, Indonesia, Iraqi Kurdistan and Yemenhave undergone the procedures. The NHS explain that there are no health benefits to FGM and it can cause serious harm, including: constant pain pain and difficulty having sex repeated infections, which can lead to infertility bleeding, cysts and abscesses problems peeing or holding pee in (incontinence) depression, flashbacks and self-harm problems during labour and childbirth, which can be life threatening for mother and baby Women around the world protest the practice, which has thought to have affected over 200 million women. (Picture: Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images) The reasons why some cultures or communities practice FGM is more to do with societal norms, attitudes and beliefs. The practice is rooted in controlling womens sexuality and attempts to preserve a womans purity. UNICEF state the common reasons for FGM cited by women in surveys are social acceptance, religion, hygiene, preservation of virginity, marriageability and enhancement of male sexual pleasure. Presently, the countries where there are no laws criminalising FGM are: Bahrain Brunei Chad (however, a bill banning FGM has been put before the President) Colombia Israel Jordan Kuwait Liberia (it was banned in 2018, but the ban expired in January 2019) Libya Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone (FGM pertaining to initiations are criminalised, but the practice is not nationally banned) Singapore Somalia (FGM is prohibited in the Constitution, but there are no known laws or prosecutions) Somaliland Sri Lanka Syria Thailand UAE (United Arab Emirates) Yemen There are further countries where the laws around FGM are unclear, either nationally or differing by states. These are: Indonesia Nigeria FGM is illegal in the UK. Anyone who performs FGM can face up to 14 years in prison. Anyone found guilty of failing to protect a girl from FGM can face up to 7 years in prison. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed. Its also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan. There are four main examples of FGM: type 1 (clitoridectomy) removing part or all of the clitoris type 2 (excision) removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (with or without removal of the labia majora) type 3 (infibulation) narrowing the vaginal opening by creating a seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia other harmful procedures to the female genitals, including pricking, cutting, scraping or burning the area MORE : I was a child victim of FGM but didnt realise until I was 22 MORE : I used to perform FGM on girls in my village now I work to protect them 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/2021/05/31/fgm-what-is-it-what-are-the-reasons-for-it-and-is-it-legal-14680106/
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Is Force winger Pulu a Wallabies bolter?
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Western Force prop Tom Robertson predicts Toni Pulu could be a shock Wallabies bolter following the winger's standout performances for the Perth-based franchise. Pulu, who was born in Los Angeles and raised in New Zealand, qualifies for Wallabies selection due to his Australian mother. The 31-year-old spent four seasons with the Chiefs and two seasons with the Brumbies before signing for the Force at the end of last year. Some minor injuries and a three-week suspension has meant that Pulu's appearances for the Force have been somewhat limited. But when he has been on the park he has been a standout, with his lightning speed helping set up numerous forward thrusts. Pulu received a surprise invitation to a Wallabies World Cup planning session in 2019, but he was unable to crack through for a game. Robertson feels it's a matter of time before Pulu gets an international call-up. "His impact coming off the wing is massive," Robertson said of Pulu, who was once rated the fastest player in NZ rugby. "When he's fit, and not suspended, he's been one of our best week to week. "I think he's destined to play higher honours with the Wallabies or wherever. I think he's an incredible athlete, and a very good player when he's on the field. "I played against the Chiefs a few times when I was at the Waratahs, I didn't know him personally, but I knew he was a fast winger. "I don't come up against fast wingers much in my position. But coming over here and seeing the impact he has for the team out wide, it's exciting to watch. I think there's only big things to come for Toni." The Force will be aiming to bounce back from last week's 43-6 flogging from the Hurricanes when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night. Pulu is excited at the prospect of coming up against flyhalf Richie Mo'unga, who has been in scintillating form for the Crusaders. "He's in a different position to me, but I've been watching him since I've been playing, and he's improved," Pulu said. "I think he's one of the best rugby players in the world. Just to play against a good outfit like the Crusaders is exciting, and I'm looking forward to it. "The Crusaders have been the best rugby club in the world for the last five years. It's not going to be easy, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
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https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/rugby-union/is-force-winger-pulu-a-wallabies-bolter-c-2981929
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Who will South Carolina face in the NCAA Baseball Regionals?
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USC's Founders Park will host a regional series for the first time in five years COLUMBIA, S.C. The South Carolina Gamecocks now know who they'll be up against as they begin their run in the NCAA baseball tournament. The full field of 64 teams are announced Monday, May 31 at noon. South Carolina will first host Virginia this Friday at 12 p.m on ESPN 2. The Gamecocks home turf, Founders Field at the University of South Carolina, has been chosen to be one of the 16 hosts for the NCAA Regional on June 4-7. This will be the first time since 2016, and the 18th time in the school's history, that USC has hosted a regional playoff. Each regional field will host four teams playing in a double-elimination format. Here are the teams headed to play at Founders Field: Old Dominion (42-14) vs Jacksonville (16-32) - Friday 7 PM Virginia (29-23) vs South Carolina (33-21) - Friday 12 PM 2021 also marks the 33rd appearance for the Gamecocks in the NCAA Tournament. USC won back-to-back College World Series in 2010 and 2011. JUST IN - @GamecockBasebll will take on Virginia in the Columbia Regional Friday afternoon at Founders Park @WLTX #Gamecocks Chandler Mack (@chandlerdmack) May 31, 2021 The 16 regional sites, home teams (and their record) are listed here: Austin, Texas Texas (42-15) - #2 National seed Columbia, South Carolina South Carolina (33-21) Eugene, Oregon Oregon (37-14) Fayetteville, Arkansas Arkansas (46-10) -- #1 National seed Fort Worth, Texas - TCU (39-17, through 5/29/2021) - #6 National seed Gainesville, Florida Florida (38-20) Greenville, North Carolina East Carolina (41-15) Knoxville, Tennessee Tennessee (45-16) -- #3 National seed Lubbock, Texas Texas Tech (36-15) - #8 National seed Nashville, Tennessee Vanderbilt (40-15) -- #4 National seed Oxford, Mississippi Ole Miss (41-19) Ruston, Louisiana Louisiana Tech (40-18) South Bend, Indiana Notre Dame (30-11) Stanford, California Stanford (33-14) Starkville, Mississippi Mississippi State (40-15) - #7 National seed Tucson, Arizona - Arizona (40-15) - #5 National seed Here's where other South Carolina teams ended up: Presbyterian will play Vanderbilt in Nashville JUST IN - Big South champs @PresbyterianBSB will take on Vanderbilt in the Nashville Regional Friday night at 7. @WLTX Chandler Mack (@chandlerdmack) May 31, 2021 Tickets to the games at Founders Field are on sale now to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for all regional games are packaged together in a NCAA Regional booklet and are $84 each through this link. Selection of the eight Super Regional hosts -- selected from the group of 16 regional hosts -- will be announced on NCAA.com at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 8. The 2021 College World Series is scheduled to start Saturday, June 19, at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, in Omaha, Nebraska.
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https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/baseball/south-carolina-gamecocks-ncaa-baseball-regional-pairings/101-4027a2f2-bf1b-410f-bdc7-e3da13b9954c
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Will Cameron Clark Emerge as a Starter on the Jets' Offensive Line?
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With the regular season a little over three months away, the Jets offensive line still has a lot of question marks. New York is in good shape with Mekhi Becton and George Fant manning the tackle spots, and rookie guard Alijah Vera-Tucker will make an immediate impact. However, it remains a mystery who will start at the other guard spot Week 1, with no clear frontrunner to land the job. There is one lineman, though, who has been falling under the radar, but has the talent to establish himself as a consistent starter. As training camp approaches, fans should keep their eye on 2020 fourth-round pick Cameron Clark. When Clark was drafted last year, many experts labeled the pick as a steal for Gang Green. The Greensboro, NC native has a wealth of experience in college, playing a school record 49 games for Charlotte. His accomplishments largely went unnoticed at a small school, but he caught the eyes of scouts in a 2019 game against Clemson, performing well against some of the best defensive linemen in college football. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds, he has the right build to excel in the NFL. Unfortunately, injuries during his rookie season prevented him from earning playing time. In September of last year, Clark landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, severely inhibiting his development. When he returned, coaches felt he was not prepared to see the field. Towards the end of the 2020 campaign, he earned some reps with the first team, but failed to get an opportunity in game action. Nonetheless, it's clear that New York has faith in Clark to produce. After drafting Vera-Tucker, Joe Douglas and Co. did not select another lineman, despite undoubtedly having some holes to fill in that area. This strategy, coupled with a lack of free-agent signings on the interior of the line, could mean that the Jets front office believes Clark can take over at right guard this fall. Now healthy after a full season studying the pro game from the sideline, and with a new coaching staff to boot, Clark will undoubtedly get opportunities to prove himself. Look for the 23-year-old to impress coaches and fans alike, asserting himself as a capable NFL starter in 2021. MORE: Follow Jordy Fee-Platt on Twitter (@jfeep). Be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.
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https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/will-new-york-jets-offensive-lineman-cameron-clark-emerge-as-starter-on-offensive-line
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Are Uber prices going up?
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Some travelers are turning back to flat-rate car services and taxis. Whether you ride or drive, chances are if youve tried to use a ride-sharing service lately, youve run into problems. Thats left folks uber-frustrated this Memorial Day weekend. Theyve been really expensive. Theyre taking forever to come, said passenger Mackenzie Fuller. I actually worried about catching my flight this morning because I couldnt get one. Customers are complaining about higher surge pricing brought on by a lack of available cars. Many drivers quit the business during the pandemic and now, with travel picking back up, its created a squeeze. It seems a little expensive to me, said Tanya LeBoulch grabbing a ride at TPA. Because were not that far away. Drivers arent happy either. During COVID, many were allowed to set their own fares to make driving more attractive. Now theyre feeling shortchanged as Uber is the one setting payout rates again. A lot of drivers are mad at the fact that their rates have gone down, said driver Chris Rios. And thats why a lot of drivers prefer to go on unemployment or not work for the company at all. Right now, in order to cover my expenses, we look for the surge, said driver Jama Yacub. If there is no surge, we dont move. Because were losing money and time. In a recent statement, Uber said Over the last year, rider cancellations have increased 117%. Weve seen that most riders are simply not taking trips with fare multipliers above 1x or without an upfront price. We need to make changes so all drivers can get more trip requests and riders can count on getting a ride when they request one. In the meantime, some travelers are turning back to flat-rate car services and taxis for a more reliable ride with a predictable price. A lot of them are taking taxis, I noticed, said a driver named Yuiry, and are less interested in Uber, because Uber tends to overcharge. Especially during peak times. And then when its not busy they underpay us. So, theres no point of us to drive. Go out of our way to pick somebody up. Uber recently unveiled a $250-million stimulus package of its own, aimed at luring drivers back with bonuses. As for riders, travel experts say if you see-off-the-charts surge pricing, consider waiting a few minutes and then try again. A little patience could save you some big money.
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/uber-lyft-ride-share/67-c3277bd2-a0c4-4527-bb0e-fbb16331a7fa
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Will New Orleans Saints Deonte Harris Become a Feared Offensive Player in the NFL?
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Deonte Harris went from overlooked in the NFL Draft to an All-Pro kick returner as a rookie. Immediately after the 2019 NFL Draft had concluded, the New Orleans Saints signed a little-known undrafted wide receiver and kick returner named Deonte Harris. Harris played at tiny Assumption University in Massachusetts, a lightly regarded Division II school. Scouts overlooked him during the draft process because of the perceived lack of competition and doubts that the 5-6 and 170-pound Harris could take the pounding of NFL defenders. Scouts should have done their research better. Harris left Assumption as the NCAA record holder at all levels with 14 combined return touchdowns in his career. He also held the NCAA Division II record with eight touchdown returns in a single season. More than just an electric returner, Harris was also an accomplished receiver at Assumption. He had 813 receiving yards during his last college season and scored 31 offensive touchdowns during his collegiate career. DEONTE HARRIS - 2019 (Rookie Season) New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) returns a punt for a touchdown against Seattle. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Harris immediately turned heads in his first training camp with the Saints, certainly as a kick returner but also as a receiver. His explosiveness as a returner would give the team an extra dimension they had lacked for years. He defied odds just by making the roster and took over the team's punt and kickoff return duties. Harris played just two offensive snaps in the Saints' first two games of 2019 but had a combined 90 yards on kickoff and punt returns. Deonte Harris made his first significant impact as a rookie during a Week 3 win at Seattle in 2019. He had two long kickoff returns to give New Orleans an excellent field position to start a drive and notched his first score as a pro. Harris took a first-quarter punt back 53 yards for a touchdown in what would be a 33-27 New Orleans victory Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) catches a pass against Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Harris saw little action offensively during the 2019 season. Hed be in on only 6% of the offensive snaps during the regular season, catching six passes for 24 yards and rushing four times for 31 yards. He showed flashes of his big-play potential as a receiver by catching a 50-yard bomb during the first-round playoff loss to Minnesota. Harris made an enormous impact as a rookie with his special team contributions. He averaged 9.4 yards per punt return and led the NFL with 338 punt return yards. His 26.8 yards per kickoff return ranked third in the league. Harris led the NFL with a combined 982 yards on kickoff and punt returns, with several other long returns getting called back by penalty. The diminutive player that every NFL team thought was too small to make a difference earned first-team AP All-Pro honors as an undrafted rookie. DEONTE HARRIS - 2020 New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) runs against the Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Already the league's most feared return artist, New Orleans coach Sean Payton wanted to incorporate the explosive open field ability of Harris into his offense. In a season-opening win over Tampa Bay, Harris caught one pass for 17 yards, had a rush for 9 yards, and accounted for 59 yards on punt returns. A severe ankle injury to All-Pro WR Michael Thomas gave Harris even more offensive opportunities. Over the first ten games of the season, Harris caught 20 of 25 targets for 186 yards, including his first career receiving touchdown against Carolina. He added 51 rushing yards on six attempts but still maintained his status as the league's most lethal return threat. New Orleans Saints receiver Deonte Harris (11) returns a kickoff in the first quarter as San Francisco safety Tarvarius Moore (33). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports Harris had a higher average as both a punt returner (12.2 ) and kickoff returner (27.3) than during his spectacular rookie campaign. Unfortunately, a neck injury suffered during a Week 11 win over Atlanta would sideline him for the rest of the regular season. Returning to action in a first-round playoff win over Chicago, Harris caught a career-high seven passes for 83 yards to lead all receivers in the game. In the Divisional Round matchup against Tampa Bay the following week, Harris had a 54-yard punt return to set up the first New Orleans score. After another long punt return for a score was nullified by a penalty, Harris left the eventual loss to the Buccaneers after re-aggravating an injury. New Orleans' offense was already severely limited from injuries to RB Latavius Murray, Taysom Hill, and a one-legged Michael Thomas. But, it was further handcuffed without the explosive Harris as an option. Deonte Harris will return to his duties as the primary kickoff and punt returner for the Saints in 2021. More than just a scoring threat every time he touches the ball, he flips field position with his elite instincts and explosiveness in the open field. After flashes of what he could do as a receiver, we will see Harris more heavily involved in the New Orleans offense this season. His stature and importance to the team may prevent him from being a full-time starter at receiver, but hes proven to be a threat from anywhere along with the offensive formation. Harris has shown that he has the speed to take the top off defenses. The deep pass is a weapon that Jameis Winston can use more often than Drew Brees as the starting quarterback. Harris has also shown that he can be a precise route runner underneath and through the intermediate zones. His open-field running skills are unmatched by anyone in the league. New Orleans Saints receiver Deonte Harris (11) catches a pass against Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Harris explosiveness with a ball in his hands not only makes him a feared home-run threat but will also open up opportunities for the other New Orleans offensive weapons. Once overlooked by every NFL team, Deonte Harris has made the rest of the league regret that decision with his electric return abilities. Harris now seems poised to become the NFL's next big-play offensive weapon. Follow Bob Rose on Facebook or on Twitter @bobbyr2613. Don't miss out on any Saints news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our FREE newsletter and get breaking Saints news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Saints News Newsletter: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewletter Subscribe to the New Orleans Saints YT Channel: https://news.snts.us/saintsnewsyoutube For more Saints News: https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/ or https://www.saints.media Like us on Facebook: https://news.snts.us/saintsnews-fb Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/saintsnews
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https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/editorial-opinion/deonte-harris-become-saints-next-offensive-threat
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What Is Aspect Ratio?
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You might have come across the term aspect ratio while shopping for a new computer monitor or looking up a film on IMDb. The term is used extensively throughout the video and photography world. At its core, aspect ratio is a simple mathematical concept. Aspect Ratio in Video and Photography Aspect ratio is the ratio of the width and the height of a four-sided shape like a TV screen or a photograph. Like any mathematical ratio, the aspect ratio of a rectangle doesnt refer to its physical dimensions, but rather, how the width and length of an object relate to one another. A perfect square would have an aspect ratio of 1:1 because the width of a square must equal its length. Aspect ratios can be expressed as whole numbers (like 3:2) or with decimal places (like 1.5:1). Using the aspect ratio, you can work out the height of an object using its width (and vice versa). Probably the most commonly quoted aspect ratio is 16:9, which is often interpreted as sixteen by nine, where the first number relates to the width (16) and the second to the height (9). In film production, the aspect ratio refers to the shape of the frame. Two of the most common aspect ratios that youll see in cinema are 1.85:1 (widescreen) and 2.39:1. This is why you will see black bars on the top and bottom of the frame when watching most movies. Television has settled on 16:9 for most broadcast content, although displays exist in all sorts of aspect ratios. Ultrawide monitors favored by many gamers may come in an aspect ratio of 2.37:1 (commonly marketed as 21:9), with so-called 32:9 ultrawide monitors now available from a few manufacturers. Using an Aspect Ratio Calculator If you want to fit a specific piece of content to a particular devicefor example, a background wallpaper on a smartphonean aspect ratio calculator like this one by Andrew Hedges can help. Using this tool, you can calculate height or width based on an aspect ratio, or even work in reverse to work out the aspect ratio of a rectangle based on physical dimensions. So, for example, to work out the height based on the width and the aspect ratio, enter your aspect ratio into the W1 and H1 boxes, and then add the physical width into the W2 box. The calculator will display the relative height in the H2 field. You can work out what the aspect ratio of any given rectangle is by simply entering the physical dimensions into the W1 and H1 boxes. The ratio will be displayed above the Example image below. Preserve Aspect Ratio at All Costs When it comes to content like images and videos, deviating from the aspect ratio when resizing will result in an image looking stretched or squeezed. For best results, always preserve the aspect ratio youre working with to avoid unsightly warping. Disney famously made this mistake when it decided to stretch classic episodes of The Simpsons on Disney+ to conform with modern 16:9 displays. Fortunately, you can still watch The Simpsons in its original 4:3 aspect ratio with a tweak. RELATED: How to Watch Classic "Simpsons" in Original 4:3 Format on Disney+
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https://www.howtogeek.com/728149/what-is-aspect-ratio/
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Why Did No One Tell Me About Uncharted 4's Climbing?
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Screenshot : Naughty Dog / Kotaku I am, after extensive research, willing to concede that I might not be the first person to bring the Uncharted series to your attention. However, it seems everyone else has failed me by not letting me know just how utterly wonderful the fourth games climbing is. Advertisement The least I could have hoped for would be a major gaming site specifically reviewing this one aspect of Naughty Dogs epic adventure, but nooooooooo, no one could be bothered. So its left to me, some five years later. ( Yes, if nothing else, this article has achieved making you feel miserably old, as you realize its been five goddamn years since A Thiefs End was released. A game that, for no good reason, I only started playing last week.) Screenshot : Naughty Dog I have to admit, the whole Uncharted series completely passed me by. Originally releasing exclusively on a console I didnt own, in a year when I was co-launching a PC-specific website, I failed to climb on board the Drake train at its origins, and then never caught up. Last year I had a quick go at the original, but in 14 years its dated pretty significantly in that way only third-person action games can , and I didnt stick with it. Then last week, having taken my first time off since Christmas, I figured Id boot up the most recent and see what it was. Turns out: great! Not all great, certainly. Ive completely lost track at this point of whether Tomb Raider is ripping off Uncharted or the other way around, but Naughty Dog clearly lifted far too much from Laras toolkit at the start. Goodness gracious, like every Tomb Raider game ever, it doesnt need the shooting. Each shooty-gun section is an ordeal to get past, to the point where I started seeing how much I could get away without joining in. It turns out, early on, a surprising amount! I got through Sams prison escape without firing a single shot, letting the NPC and enemy AIs drunken bullet-frenzy take care of it all for me. I had to be innovative in places, realizing I could somewhat choreograph the action by where I was hiding, directing the haphazard garden hose approach to combat until everyone eventually accidentally killed everyone else. But my hands were clean of gun residue. Later, sadly, this becomes less possible, until I was eventually resigned to the deeply incongruous mass murder of strangers in order to reach the next bit Id enjoy. Which is to say, the climbing. Screenshot : Naughty Dog / Kotaku Advertisement The last time a game completely divided itself in two like this for me was Prince Of Persia: The Two Thrones, which so dramatically flipped between its polar opposites of Sands Of Times wonderfully balletic platforming and Warrior Withins dumbass grimdark fighting. Uncharted 4's mercurial nature feels very similar, if somewhat more elegantly blended. Im a bit of an everyman, hoping to find treasure against the odds, by bonding with my long-lost brother! Oh, sorry, wait a moment, I have to murder these seventeen people, three of them by snapping their soft necks between my hands. But that climbing! Ive played so many games like this, where the world is a series of white-streaked ledges upon which I must impossibly dangle. I know the deal, pointing the analogue stick toward the next rock, then hitting X to jump for it. Ive shuffled along as many sills as the next man, before leaning to reach a jutting flagpole and acrobatically flinging myself off it to catch the three millimeter grip on the other side of this ravine. But I cannot remember another time when Ive reached for those things. Advertisement I cannot get over what a difference that reaching makes! As Nathans arms stretch out for the next ridge or windowsill, it magically goes from incomprehensively unrealistic to just daft. It feels fluid, achievable, possible. Its not. At all. Its ridiculously impossible. As a very poor and very occasional amateur climber, Im at least vaguely aware of whats actually possible for a human, and its definitely not falling diagonally for twenty meters and then catching yourself on a three-finger rocky outcrop. But when he reaches first, it seems like maybe it could be?! Screenshot : Naughty Dog / Kotaku Advertisement Its at its best when youre finding your way up the side of a building, and his arms can reach the next ledge or drainpipe, and you start to weave together a natural, fluid progression, his arms exploring and finding their target. When it comes together like this, its almost poetry! It just feels so damned good. It makes me happy in my tummy. Sure, itll all be ruined moments later by having to senselessly kill a large group of men, who presumably only took on this mercenary job due to a lack of employment in the country, and had no idea they were going to face a genocidal spider-human that afternoon. But while it lasts, gosh, that climbing is the best.
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https://kotaku.com/why-did-no-one-tell-me-about-uncharted-4s-climbing-1847003919
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What does the future hold for Carlos Mendes Gomes amid Rangers and Sunderland interest?
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Few men have managed to light up League Two like Carlos Mendes Gomes. The Morecambe forward has enjoyed a wonderful season after making a rather impressive 54 appearances for the club and scoring 16 goals. The season culminated in Mondays play-off final when when the 22-year-old scored from the spot in extra time to secure a spot in League One for the Shrimps. Despite the result, theres no doubt that Mendes Gomes will be attracting some major interest this summer. Football League World exclusively revealed that Sunderland were plotting a summer move for the player, while the Scottish Sun have revealed that Scottish champions Rangers are also keen on the player. The Black Cats will be looking for attacking reinforcements with uncertainty building around the futures of Charlie Wyke, Aiden McGeady and others, meaning that Lee Johnsons side could be gearing up for a summer of change. Steven Gerrards Rangers are also looking to strengthen their forward line with a move for the 22-year-old undoubtedly being seen as an exciting prospect for the present day as well as the future. Of course with Morecambe now set to ply their trade in League One it could lead the forward to stick around, but with such attractive interest in his services it will no doubt mean that he has a big decision to made regarding his future. Mendes Gomes as a quality prospect and so he owes it to himself to take charge of his own path as he looks to play at the highest level possible.
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https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-does-the-future-hold-for-carlos-mendes-gomes-amid-rangers-and-sunderland-interest/
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How long does falling in love last?
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We explain. The infatuation that implies a passionate love, has a duration average six to eight months, because people spend a lot of time together and later it gives way to what is love as a couple, said the Unison academic, Ral Martnez Mir. The doctor from the Department of Psychology and Communication Sciences of the University of Sonora (Unison), stated that the biochemistry that is established in the infatuation lasts between six and eight months. At first, the brain secretes serotonin, the hormone of happiness, and gradually when adaptation takes place, serotonin levels fall and falling in love can decrease and be replaced by love as a couple, he noted. The doctor in Basic Psychology, Clinical and Psychobiology, indicated that it has been shown that in this process a hormone called oxytocin begins to appear in the brain, which has to do with a more stable relationship. The body is replacing serotonin with oxytocin, so it can be said that one thing is falling in love and another is the love of a couple, he specified in the framework of Valentines Day. We recommend: Types of couple relationships and new settings Emotional blindness Martnez Mir said that one of the psychological problems that the process of falling in love can cause is emotional blindness. He pointed out that, in this blindness, defects and failures of the partner can be omitted, so it can be said that a person is not fully in his capacities at a cognitive level. That is why, the psychotherapist also stressed, that during the infatuation stage it is recommended to avoid making relevant decisions, because they might not be the right ones. He explained that falling in love is an emotion, therefore it can cause confusion in relationships and, for example, someone may come to believe that a person, because of their way of being very affectionate or sweet, has another interest in them. If signals are misinterpreted, which in reality they are not, you can fall into depression or vice versa, when you are in a very passionate relationship and that infatuation passes, you may realize that you made a mistake, he said. The Unison academic commented that it should be understood that in the phases of infatuation, time is not the same for everyone, since one can be disenchanted before the other, which can cause disagreements and problems. He added that falling in love is a neurotic psychosis, a process where the person feels the desire and attraction for a stimulus that is the loved one, but there can also be an anxiety process before the potential loss of the partner. Martnez Mir stated that in the face of this potential loss, the person generates anxiety because she begins to get to know her partner and, at the same time, she also feels evaluated and at risk. The more it is exposed or the more time it is shared with a partner that habituation process is accentuated and those anxiety levels begin to disappear, he highlighted. The cognitive component is different, he revealed, at that moment you do not think of something dangerous but something desired, that leads to calling it falling in love, but the physical response is similar to anxiety.
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https://www.explica.co/how-long-does-falling-in-love-last-tec-review.html
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How hard the Covid has hit the edifice of Education?
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Amir Ullah Khan Nahia Hussain The healthcare sector may have been the worst affected by the pandemic. However, the outbreak and consequent lockdowns have had far-reaching ramifications for education and employment. Nearly 1.5 million schools were shut in India for 315 days, a significant part of 2020 and early 2021, due to the pandemic, impacting about 250 million children. In April 2021, the unemployment rate stood at 8%, with 7.35 million jobs being lost. While discussing the impact of COVID on morbidity, mortality, hunger and malnutrition, we often miss out on its impact on education. The pandemic did not just destroy the economy and its major sectors like hospitality, tourism, restaurant businesses, consumer goods and the entertainment sector. The hardest hit, by any measure would be the education sector schools, colleges, training institutes and tuition establishments. Thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of non teaching staff were fired, and those who were not asked to go had significant salary cuts. The new academic year that will start soon has seen a record drop in registrations and admissions. The future looks bleak as Universities remain closed, schools yet to know when they can reopen and examinations indefinitely postponed, if not out rightly cancelled. Such uncertainly will only cause greater consternation among parents and students. There are no vaccines in India for youth below 18 yet, and there is bound to be some serious concern on getting infected in classrooms, dining halls and the sports fields. One entire year has been virtually lost and looks like the next is not going to be any better. There is also the spectre of a third wave that will primarily hit our school going children The Centre for Development Policy and Practice is hosting a seminar on June 1, 2021 (TODAY), addressing education and employment during COVID-19 and beyond. The seminar will have experts address diverse aspects plaguing education and employment. The seminar will discuss access to digital education, mitigation strategies for learning losses and the re-emergence of boarding school as an education system, among other critical questions. The employment concern will focus on changes in the employment scenario post-COVID19 and its impact on vulnerable groups. While the countrys resources have primarily gone towards saving lives and controlling the pandemic, India is a young country with 27% of people between 0-14 years of age and 67% in the working-age group of 15-64 years. Education and employment cannot be secondary if India is to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend. This large youth population also needs us to give them confidence that post high school of after a college degree there will be employment and entrepreneurial options for them to take up and move up the professional ladder. The consistently low budgetary allocation to the education sector has resulted in an inadequate and unequal education system. The pandemic magnified these inequities and left several children out of the education pool. The incompetence of schools to make a seamless transition to digital learning coupled with lack of access to the internet and devices for children has resulted in learning gaps that will be challenging to bridge. Those who are digitally underprivileged have been seriously handicapped this year. The closure of schools has been particularly catastrophic for children from disadvantaged groups. Apart from learning, these groups have been denied mid-day meals and access to safe spaces. Most of them will be forced into earning wages and will eventually drop out of school. Disparities in learning are another aspect schools will have to deal with when they reopen. Given the limited teacher training resources, this seems like an uphill climb for most institutions. The migrant exodus during the lockdown in March 2020 served as a grim reminder of the absence of a legal security blanket for the unorganised sector. The draconian lockdown has left millions of informal workers in ruins. Salaried jobs also witnessed a sharp reduction. While informal workers do find jobs after a while at reduced wages, salaried jobs do not come back every quickly, if at all they do. In this second wave, we again saw a significant number of workers go back home, this time on trains and buses as they were given notice and in most states, encouraged to stay back. The pandemic has been particularly catastrophic for socio-economically backward and vulnerable groups. Unemployment and differential access to education will be terrible for intergenerational mobility for these communities. In the seminar on Tuesday, Professor Amitabh Kundu will compare the impact of COVID19 on employment in the first and second wave across the socio-religious groups. There are so many vulnerable groups in the country. While this pandemic seemed to have spread itself in the big cities and there within the affluent sections of society in the first wave, the second wave has been merciless against the lower income groups and more devastatingly in rural areas The seminar therefore will discuss these critical issues and look for solutions. The setback that India has faced over the last few years because of a struggling economy that came to a screeching halt last year, will impact jobs across the country. The institutions will worry about fee collections, salary payments and the like. We will discuss these issues on Tuesday, June 1 at 4 pm. Amir Ullah Khan and Nahia Hussain are researchers at Centre for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP) based in Hyderabad.
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https://www.siasat.com/how-hard-the-covid-has-hit-the-edifice-of-education-2144504/
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Is ACC Oblivious To Rampant Traffic Police Corruption?
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A Commentary By Ranger Several times The Calabash during its anonymous peregrinations across the length and breadth has come across glaring blatant payment of bookings to traffic Police Officers operating their own tollgates. On Friday morning, at around 10am at Shell by the new Leonco Filling Station, a Traffic Police Officer directed the Poda-Poda vehicle in which one of our reporters was in from Grafton. The reporter saw the apprentice take two five thousand Leones note from the money in his hand and gave the driver who followed the Traffic Police Officer that had stopped him to the nearby Police Station back of the SLRTC bus station. After a while, the driver came back and told the apprentice that the Traffic Police Officer did not accept the ten thousand Leones. What he asked for was fifty thousand Leones, without which he will charge the driver to court. The fifty thousand Leones was paid. Disgruntled passengers who obviously have seen this sort of encounter between commercial drivers and traffic police asked what the Drivers Union is doing to address this menace, which they the passengers bear the cost of in half way. The driver said that they have no Union to defend them. The only Union they have is the one that daily collects money from them. He said when Traffic Police Officers demand if they fail to comply they take them to the Station and the arresting officer is not the one who prosecutes in court. Asked if they do not hire the services of a lawyer to defend them, the driver said they live from hand to mouth to be able to afford such a luxury. Police corruption is a form of Police Misconduct in which law enforcement officers break their political contract and abuse their power for personal gains. This type of corruption may involve one or a group of officers. Briefly, while this daily daylight criminal enterprise by the Traffic Police Officers on the streets and their bosses at the stations benefit them it has seriously undermined the credibility of the leadership of the countrys so-called Force for Good. It has also seriously dented President Bio and the ACCs avowed fight against corruption big and small. More on this issue (C) The Calabash Newspaper
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https://snradio.net/is-acc-oblivious-to-rampant-traffic-police-corruption/
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Can Mastercard (MA) Regain Its Lost Sheen From Travel Rebound?
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Mastercard Inc.s MA business volume is set to grow with a rebound in cross-border travel, which is the slowest sector to restore normalcy. However, there are some green shoots that indicate peoples intention to see the world around. Cross-border is the highest margin business category for Mastercard. This business line has suffered since the pandemic struck, thus weighing on the companys earnings. However, as lockdown is being lifted in several parts of the globe and vaccination jabs are administered successfully, the traveling trend is fast catching up. Personal Travel to Resume Soon Within travel, personal travel will pick up the pace faster than corporate tours on significant pent-up demand. Also, virtually-conducted corporate meetings dampened the need for corporate travel to some extent. However, per a recent American Express report, corporate travel will increase its frequency soon. It stated that while some meetings are easily done online, others are much more valuable when they take place on one-on-one basis. Also, the U.S. workforce is yearning for in-person business connections after an extended period of remote working and monotony. 88% of business travelers believes that business travel can contribute to stronger leadership skills. It seems that business travel is just round the corner. 83% decision makers are optimistic that business travel will return to pre-coronavirus levels over the next two years. While the business travel is yet to show signs of recovery, personal travel is already gaining an impressive momentum. In the first quarter of 2021, Mastercard witnessed strength in personal domestic travel in both the United States and the U.K. The U.S. airline spend is too catching up fast. Despite this uptick, the overall travel business is down from its pre-pandemic levels. Cross-border travel spending continues to be in the stabilization phase wherein spending is restricted due to closed borders. This phase is the second stage of the four-phase (containment, stabilization, normalization and growth) framework it established for navigating the COVID environment. Story continues Meanwhile, the company is firmly focused on building on its already strong position in travel, engaging travelers early through its loyalty programs and expanding relationships with its partners in travel. Companies like Visa Inc. V, American Express Co. AXP and Discover Financial Services DFS are all likely to see sunny days ahead with people travelling and spending more on their cards. Other Tailwinds Cross-border travel is the only blot on the company while the rest of its growth pillars, such as digital, cybersecurity, data analytics, B2B and multi-rail solutions, look solid. Mastercards main operating metrics, namely gross dollar volume (the amount of purchases made and cash disbursements obtained with MasterCard-branded card) and switched transactions, which measure the number of times the companys products were used to facilitate transactions, are improving. Per management, many of the companys markets are transitioning from normalization phase to the growth phase domestically, which is a positive. The ongoing expansion of e-commerce is also a massive tailwind for Mastercard that will continue long after COVID-19 ceases to bother. Moreover, Mastercard is reinforcing its position in providing real-time payments and to this end, it acquired the Corporate Services division of Nets. The company is bolstering its multi-rail capabilities, which are crucial to its efforts in open banking as well. It provides its banks and fintech customers with greater flexibility in managing both its payment and data flows. Mastercards expansion in Open Banking, allowing crypto currencies on its network, several new crypto partnerships and investments in blockchain technology will take it very far. The company is also engaging with governments across the world for their digital currency via its virtual testing platform. Recently, the company announced that it will acquire Ekata, which advances its digital identity efforts. Notably, Ekata has access to validated identity information on a global basis and leverages AI to produce highly accurate identity scores. The company aims to leave a broader impact on the society by executing its commitment to bring 1 billion people into the digital economy by 2025. The icing on the cake for Mastercard is its solid capital position with abundant free cash flows. This enables dividend payment, share buybacks as well as acquisitions and strategic initiatives to aid growth. Mastercard is clearly a long-term option for investors who must retain it in their portfolio. In six months time, the stock has gained 6.4% compared with its industrys growth of 4.6%. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Mastercard carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), presently. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Top Picks to Cash in on Artificial Intelligence In 2021, this world-changing technology is projected to generate $327.5 billion in revenue. Now Shark Tank star and billionaire investor Mark Cuban says AI will create "the world's first trillionaires." Zacks' urgent special report reveals 3 AI picks investors need to know about today. Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report American Express Company (AXP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mastercard Incorporated (MA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Visa Inc. (V) : Free Stock Analysis Report Discover Financial Services (DFS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research
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https://news.yahoo.com/mastercard-ma-regain-lost-sheen-170905457.html
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Did the Greens Peak Too Soon in Germany?
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For the past year the Green Party has surged in popularity, riding from what I can gather, a kind of anti-government wave coming from the left thanks to Angela Merkels continued mishandling of the COVID vaccination program and the exhaustion from multiple rounds of lockdowns. Protests across Germany, under-reported in the news, have proliferated and the rise of the Greens can be seen as a kind of simple protest vote against the existing government, another of Merkels Grand Coalitions between her nominally center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD). The SPD has lost considerable support over the term of this government and the Greens have been the beneficiary. Ive talked about this previously and how Merkel uses the Greens as her whip hand in the Upper House, the Bundesrat, to push German policy along the vector set by her masters in Davos. Thats resulted in both a loss of support for the CDU and the SPD nationally as the Greens have gained such that the electoral map in Germany is now functionally no better than the mess in Spain or Italy. Germany, Ipsos poll: CDU/CSU-EPP: 25% (-8) GRNE-G/EFA: 23% (+14) SPD-S&D: 13% (-8) AfD-ID: 13% FDP-RE: 11% LINKE-LEFT: 9% +/- vs. 2017 election Fieldwork: 18-25 May 2021 Sample size: 2,014 https://t.co/bbexiPyox9 pic.twitter.com/fw6PxriFjv Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) May 28, 2021 And from where Im sitting this has always looked to be the plan. The problem, however, is that after peaking nationally at nearly 28% earlier this year, Green support is coming back down to earth as people being listening sincerely to what they actually stand for. Theyve become increasingly bellicose, supporting war in Ukraine to counter Russia as well as their silence recently over the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Theyre led by interventionist and increasingly neoconservative people internally while trading on their pacifist roots. And that dichotomy is beginning to catch up with them apparently among German voters. This is because the Greens, just like Merkel, are a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Davos Crowds agenda to make the world safe for communism and the Green New Deal, itself a 593-page piece of EU legislation that is bogged down in ideological infighting within the European Parliament as members there fight over typical things like the definitions of words and what is or is not ideologically pure enough. Its Jonathan Haidts Elephant and the Rider problem playing out at a policy level. ?token-time=1623628800&token-hash=HEJ59QImpmY3a32KQC06JZztWFPOUH-iqctBh9CAipA%3D alt= width=749 height=358/> In a post for my Patrons back on March 23rd I said then that the biggest enemy of the Green New Deal is the Greens. So much of the culture war which is now turning into a Hobbesian War of All Against All is due to the spiraling of logic built on false premises, like man-made global warming, and amplifying from there. W.B. Yeats called it a widening gyre but thats why the EU will never get its Green investment rules set in place and certainly not in time for the 2030 time frame. Remember, I think of the EU as the Western Oligarchs last attempt to colonize the world through regulatory dominance a la California. The relentless talk of expanding the EU is all about bringing more countries under its regulatory rubric forcing more people to adhere to its standards which then increases the pressure on trade partners to do the same. Its California on Leninist Steroids. And I still fear not the Green New Deal itself but the haphazard way it gets implemented once the lobbyists get a hold of it. It will be a horrifically bloated piece of rotting pork which the average, fiscally-conservative German voter knows they will ultimately have to pay for. So, with that in mind and the Greens peaking in the polls four months out from the Bundestag elections, itself a zombie institution thanks to the Greens veto power in the Burdesrat thanks to Merkel, it is possible that we see a sharp U-turn in the polls by the time the election actually happens. State-level elections. Next week state elections happen in the German State of Saxony-Anhalt. And the closer we get to this election, for the first time in months, German polling is interesting. Because the heretofore incompetent Alternate for Germany (AfD) has successfully placed themselves in the position to win that election making it very difficult for Merkel, the very definition of lame duck, to keep them out of the government there through backroom dealings. Its one thing when the CDU is the dominant vote-getter, but its another thing when after two election cycles in Saxony, AfD is denied a seat at the table when they have a stable 23-25% level of support which is surging as we get to election day. In this way if AfD wins this election it will be a black eye to all the other parties if they again pull the same stunt as in the last round of elections, refusing to even talk with them. And this could be the thing that catalyzes real movement in the polls come October. I still maintain that AfD has squandered its many chances this far to become the center-right standard bearer for the average German. They are still mired below the critical 16% Chasm nationally while the SPD have fallen into irrelevance. Recent polls have the national number rising off of post-Coronapocalypse lows. And the question now is whether they see this opportunity in front of them to put Davos agenda on its back foot at a critical juncture in European history and position themselves as the true anti-war, pro-German middle class party. Im not sanguine about this given its leaderships history, but it bears watching as the split between the former East and West Germany politically widens. Davos is always pushing events to ensure weak leadership in key countries. And it looks to me that the situation in Germany is fluid in a way that could see their best plans compromised. Join my Patreon if your Elephant needs a new Rider Donate via BTC: 3GSkAe8PhENyMWQb7orjtnJK9VX8mMf7Zf BCH: qq9pvwq26d8fjfk0f6k5mmnn09vzkmeh3sffxd6ryt DCR: DsV2x4kJ4gWCPSpHmS4czbLz2fJNqms78oE LTC: MWWdCHbMmn1yuyMSZX55ENJnQo8DXCFg5k DASH: XjWQKXJuxYzaNV6WMC4zhuQ43uBw8mN4Va WAVES: 3PF58yzAghxPJad5rM44ZpH5fUZJug4kBSa ETH: 0x1dd2e6cddb02e3839700b33e9dd45859344c9edc Share this: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Skype More Print Email Reddit Telegram
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https://tomluongo.me/2021/05/30/did-the-greens-peak-too-soon-in-germany/
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Would the Wolves Have A Title if They Drafted Curry?
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The quick answer is that the Wolves will automatically be a playoff contender and a possible title contender. After all, Curry helped transform the Warriors from an also-ran into the dynasty of the modern NBA and one of the best teams to bet on BetUS. But things may not turn out as dreamily as fans imagine. The Wolves could have been a dynasty or even a perennial contender like in the days of Kevin Garnett. Lets revisit the 2009 draft and move onwards and make some improvements and see what would happen to the franchise 2009: With the 6th Pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select From Davidson, a junior guard, Stephen Curry. Wolves fans meet the pick with a smattering of cheers. While many are taken by his scintillating play in the NCAA Tournament, many question whether hes the type of athlete that can hang with the men of the NBA. Ricky Rubio would stay behind in Europe while Curry would form a formidable duo with Kevin Love and help the Wolves win 28 games thanks to some red-hot shooting from Curry as the season finished. The Wolves are given the sixth pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. 2010: With the 6th Pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select Gordon Hayward from Butler University. Already with two budding stars in Curry and Love, the Wolves needed a forward who could help create more offense for the Wolves. After a season of wheeling and dealing, some improvements from Curry, Love, and an okay debut from Hayward, the Wolves improve with a 34-48 record and get the 11th pick of the draft. 2011: With the 11th Pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select Nikola Vucevic of Montenegro, from USC. Love is turning into a potent power forward, but the Wolves needs more production from its Center position and Vucevic was the best big man left in the draft. The Wolves hire Rick Adelman as coach and have one of the most promising young cores in the league. But typical of the Wolves curse, Curry and Love miss half the season. Hayward shows some marked improvement and the debuting Rubio shows flashes. But it isnt enough as Minnesota flounders to 23-43 record and gets the seventh pick of the draft. 2012: With the 7th Pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select Harrison Barnes from North Carolina. Then they package that deal with Gordon Hayward and trade him up to Washington for Bradley Beal and the Wizards second-round pick, which the Wolves use to draft Draymond Green from Michigan State. With Love injured for most of the season, Curry blossoms into an All-Star-caliber player while Vucevic becomes a double-double machine. Beal makes the All-Rookie First Team while Green spends most of his rookie year in the G-League. The Wolves just miss the playoffs but finally finish with a non-losing record at 41-41. They get the 13th pick. Minnesota Timberwolves by NBA is licensed under CC BY 3.0 2013: With the 13th Pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select Giannis Antetokounmpo from Filathlitikos. Now the Wolves have Curry, Love, Vucevic, Beal, and Green with a Hall of Fame coach in Adelman. Love is back to his All-Star form and together with Curry, make the All-Star team. With continued improvements from Beal, Vucevic, and Green, the Wolves win 48 games. Unfortunately, in a stacked conference, that still wasnt good enough to make the playoffs. They get the 14th pick. 2014: With the 13th Pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves Select Nobody. With a young team continuing to move up the rankings, the Wolves needed a catalyst. They needed a superstar who could really move the needle. In what would be world-shattering news, Flip Saunders pulls off the biggest deal of the season when he ships the 13th pick, Antetokounmpo, Vucevic, and three future first-rounders to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the reigning MVP, Kevin Durant. With a core of Curry, Beal, Green, Love, and Durant the Minnesota Timberwolves quickly ascend to the top of the NBA and become a dynasty. And Now Back To Reality Even if the Wolves did not pull off that blockbuster deal for Durant, it wouldve still been positioned to become a perennial playoff contender that would be one or two trades away from breaking through. Looking back at all the All-Stars and great players the Wolves could have taken, it will be a perpetual what if for fans to keep ruminating on. What if the Wolves had drafted better But with Anthony Edwards, DAngelo Russell, and Karl-Anthony Towns, the future isnt so bleak.
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https://presstories.com/2021/05/31/would-the-wolves-have-a-title-if-they-drafted-curry/
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Is Northern Irelands Assembly failing the LGBT+ community?
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The DUP is continuing to hold back progress in Stormont. Damian Kerlin is a LGBTQ+ and lifestyle writer. He tweets here. From a small rural area in County Derry, Northern Ireland, I knew from a young age I was different, and growing up I felt the full force of marginalising and oppressive legislation upheld by our devolved government. LGBT+ rights in Northern Ireland have been slower to advance than in the rest of the UK. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has voted against, or vetoed, almost every single pro-LGBTQ+ issue in the Northern Ireland Assembly, at Westminster or at local government level. Northern Ireland was the last part of the United Kingdom to decriminalise homosexuality, having launched the preventative Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign spearheaded by then leader of the DUP, Ian Paisley. With its decline evident in recent elections, the DUP has lost its ability to block any legislative measure it doesnt agree with, having used the petition of concern mechanism for so many years. In 2019, the party was unable to block Westminster from legislating same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland during the absence of the devolved assembly; five years after the rest of the UK. Last month, the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to ban conversion therapy with overwhelming support in a symbolic Stormont vote, which then leader Arlene Foster pledged to veto should the ban effect religious freedoms freedoms they are yet to extend to the LGBT+ community. In 2020, a report by mental health charity Samaritans revealed that suicide rates for men and women are higher in Northern Ireland than other UK nations and the Republic of Ireland. A large proportion of them identify as LGBT+. Having spoken to several people from the community many have said that they have felt their voices have been ignored in favour of those who believe their religious beliefs grant them a monopoly on morality. One commented that by the time they were a teenager they were physically exhausted, and their mental health has never fully recovered having had to deny who they were but with nowhere to go, at home and in society, what choice did they have. We see public shaming, with LGBT+ people branded an abomination and repulsive; all of which agreed has impacted their mental health. If adults in a position of power can so heavily condemn our existence, we cannot be surprised our peers would do the same? one told me. For many higher education provided a way out of the country, finding a safe haven in larger cities in the UK, such as London, Manchester and Birmingham where they felt seen and being LGBTQ+ is much more supported and widely accepted. Ive met so many queer people who have left Northern Ireland and, in most cases, while sifting through our collective trauma, wed all come to comprehend a shared experience. While Northern Ireland had come so far in mutual recognition of individuality amongst Catholics and Protestants, LGBT+ folk had been robbed of our distinctiveness. I left home for higher education and what surprised me the most was that people simply didnt know that equal marriage had never been extended to Northern Ireland, that campaigners had been fighting for our rights for decades to no avail. When I came out to my Da he replied, I would tell you about the birds and the bees but I support with you its more the bees and the bees. I did not realise at the time, but I was lucky. Till this day there are still members of the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland, young and old, wondering if theyll ever be normal. They are normal. There is nothing wrong with them. They are not going to hell. They did nothing to deserve their hate. With Arlene Foster stepping down and Edwin Poots taking the helm who during his time as health minister maintained a ban on gay men donating blood despite the ban being lifted in the rest of the UK I cant help but feel, in this instance, it is better the devil we know. The DUP needs to acknowledge the legacy they have created. When people see policy as a licence to violate and punish people, the bar is set much lower for the thug who wants to kick our heads in. They need to deal with that. As youre here, we have something to ask you. What we do here to deliver real news is more important than ever. But theres a problem: we need readers like you to chip in to help us survive. We deliver progressive, independent media, that challenges the rights hateful rhetoric. Together we can find the stories that get lost. Were not bankrolled by billionaire donors, but rely on readers chipping in whatever they can afford to protect our independence. What we do isnt free, and we run on a shoestring. Whatever you can donate, were so grateful - and we will ensure your money goes as far as possible to deliver hard-hitting news.
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https://leftfootforward.org/2021/05/is-the-northern-irish-assembly-failing-the-lgbt-community/
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Could Nate Solder be a post-June 1 cap casualty for the Giants?
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The Giants could part ways with their veteran offensive tackle for financial purposes. Ah yes, the post June-1 cut. Its a move some NFL teams may use on an expensive player they believe is no longer capable of living up to their lucrative contract; a move you could see a number of teams make this coming week. An organization is allowed up to two players it could designate as post-June 1 cap casualties. The Giants, however, employ one specific individual who could find himself back on the market offensive tackle Nate Solders tenure in East Rutherford may be concluding after he signed with the team back in 2018. Why cutting Solder makes sense Solder is returning to the Giants on a restructured contract after opting out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The veteran has been present at OTAs and is looking to compete to be the teams starting right tackle his main competition will be second-year man Matthew Peart while 2020 first-round pick Andrew Thomas mans the left side. The problem, however, is Solder is still expensive even on a restructured deal obviously a tough situation for the organization when he may end up just being a reserve swing tackle. At the moment, Solders contract includes a 2021 cap hit of $9.5 million and dead cap charge of $13.5 million. Designating him as a post-June 1 cut would shrink that dead money for the 2021 league year to $9.5 million though, per OverTheCap. Trading him after June 1 would bring the dead money charge to $6.5 million, but its unclear if the Giants would be able to locate a legitimate suitor given his increasing age and declining skill. Ideally, the Giants would like to employ an experienced veteran on their offensive line especially considering Big Blues young unit (Thomas, Peart, and guard Shane Lemieux are entering their second NFL seasons, guard Will Hernandez is entering his fourth NFL season, and center Nick Gates is heading into his second full year at his specific position). Solder could be that mentor for the group, but you also need to take into account the Giants are likely believing in player development and continuity with the offensive line. This is why the organization passed on taking a lineman with any of their six draft picks this offseason. However, Peart could see more time than Solder given the former was around with this group last year. And, if that realistically becomes the case, the Giants may be reluctant to keeping Solder as a backup at his price.
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https://elitesportsny.com/2021/05/31/could-nate-solder-be-post-june-1-cap-casualty-giants/
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Was ndert sich jetzt fr Rentner?
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Das Bundesfinanzministerium kndigt niedrigere Steuern fr Rentner an. Auslser sind Urteile des hchsten Finanzgerichts. Das mssen detaillierte Rechnungen erst noch zeigen. Foto: Lino Mirgeler/dpa Mnchen.21 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland beziehen Rente, und seit bald 20 Jahren ist die Umstellung der Rentenbesteuerung Streitthema. Jetzt hat das hchste deutsche Finanzgericht wegweisende Urteile gefllt. Der Bundesfinanzhof (BFH) in Mnchen sieht auf Rentner in der Zukunft berhhte Steuerlast zukommen, weil der Fiskus nach Berechnungen des X. Senats im Effekt sowohl Rentenbeitrge whrend des Arbeitslebens als auch die ausgezahlten Renten besteuern wird. Die beiden Urteile und die Ankndigung des Bundesfinanzministeriums sind mit einer Vielzahl von Fragen verbunden. Der Bundesfinanzhof gibt dem Bundesfinanzministerium eine fr die Staatskasse womglich teure, fr viele Rentner hingegen erfreuliche Aufgabe. Seit 2005 luft die Umstellung der Rentenbesteuerung. Das bedeutet, dass bis 2005 vorgelagert - also vor dem Ruhestand - die Rentenbeitrge der Arbeitnehmer besteuert wurden. Ab 2025 werden Rentenbeitrge voll steuerbefreit sein, ab 2040 werden dann nachgelagert nur noch die ausgezahlten Renten voll besteuert. In der 35 Jahre langen bergangsphase sinkt schrittweise die Steuerbelastung der Rentenbeitrge, ab 2025 werden diese steuerfrei sein. Gleichzeitig muss ein stetig wachsender Anteil der Rente versteuert werden, derzeit liegt dieser bei 81 Prozent. Nach Magabe des Bundesverfassungsgerichts darf es keine doppelte Besteuerung der Renten geben. Das bedeutet, dass jeder Rentner mindestens so viel Rente steuerfrei erhalten muss wie er zuvor an Beitrgen aus versteuertem Einkommen eingezahlt hat. Das gilt auch fr diese lange bergangsphase. Bei der Vergleichsrechnung, wieviel Rente ein Ruhestndler steuerfrei bekommt, rechnen die Finanzmter aber den Steuerfreibetrag mit ein. Das ist nach Einschtzung des BFH nicht zulssig. Damit msste in Summe ein hherer Betrag steuerfrei sein. Das ist unklar, darum muss sich nach der Bundestagswahl die nchste Bundesregierung kmmern. Die Rentenbeitrge sollen nach bisherigem Plan ab 2025 gnzlich steuerbefreit sein. Eine Lsung wre, dieses Datum vorzuziehen. Das sagte Staatssekretr Rolf Bsinger nach den Verkndungen der beiden Urteile. Fr Arbeitnehmer wrde das bedeuten, dass sie ihre Rentenbeitrge bereits vor 2025 gar nicht mehr versteuern mssen. Die Steuerbelastung wre also niedriger. Da der Grundfreibetrag fr alle Brger gilt, wrde eine nderung dementsprechend auch fr smtliche Rentner in Deutschland gelten - derzeit sind es mehr als 21 Millionen. Doch der Teufel steckt wie immer im Detail. Fr wie viele Rentner dabei eine nennenswerte Steuersenkung - und damit Mehreinkommen - herausspringen knnte, mssen detaillierte Rechnungen erst noch zeigen. 142.000 Rentner haben gegen ihre Steuerbescheide geklagt. Das hngt wie immer vor Gericht vom Einzelfall ab. Der Bundesfinanzhof hat jedoch deutlich gemacht, dass er das Problem einer berhhten Steuerlast fr Rentner erst in der Zukunft sieht, nicht aktuell bei den heutigen Rentnern. Das bedeutet, dass die Erfolgschancen vieler Klagen zumindest nicht gestiegen sind, sondern eher gesunken. Das geht auf ein Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgerichts aus dem Jahr 2002 zurck, das dem Bund die steuerliche Gleichbehandlung von Rentnern und pensionierten Beamten vorgeschrieben hatte. Beamte zahlen keine Beitrge fr ihre Altersversorgung, sie mssen deswegen seit jeher ihre Pensionen versteuern. Deswegen wird auch bei den Renten auf die nachgelagerte Besteuerung umgestellt. Die Umstellung erfolgt schrittweise, um die finanziellen Folgen fr Renten- und Staatskasse abzufedern. Ansonsten htten smtliche Arbeitnehmer in Deutschland von einem Tag auf den anderen ihre Rentenbeitrge nicht mehr versteuern mssen. Nach bereinstimmender Einschtzung der allermeisten Fachleute und auch des Bundesfinanzhofs nicht. Renten sind niedriger als Arbeitseinkommen, allein deswegen ist auch die Steuerlast niedriger. Nach dem alten System der vorgelagerten Besteuerung zahlten auch die Arbeitnehmer Steuern auf ihre Rentenbeitrge, die schon vor der Verrentung oder kurz nach dem Ruhestand starben. Sie hatten also jahre- bis jahrzehntelang Steuern fr eine staatliche Leistung gezahlt, die sie nie oder nur kurz in Anspruch nahmen. (dpa)
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https://www.mittelbayerische.de/politik-nachrichten/was-aendert-sich-jetzt-fuer-rentner-21771-art2008379.html
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Which teams are still left in the 2021 NBA playoffs?
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The Milwaukee Bucks swept the Miami Heat in 4 games in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo exacted revenge on the Heat from last year's playoffs. As a result, the Bucks are the first team to advance to the second round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. The NBA has now released a tentative schedule for the conference semifinals, which has led to fans wondering which teams are still in the playoffs. Brooklyn Nets' Big 3 - James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant The Miami Heat are the first team to be eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the second round. The Philadelphia 76ers have a 3-0 lead over the Washington Wizards and it appears that the Wizards are on their way out as well. Russell Westbrook is not playing at a 100% due to his injured ankle. No team in NBA playoffs history has come back from a 0-3 deficit on 140 different occasions. Fear the Deer. The Bucks sweep the Heat to advance to the second round. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/dwNQuboueZ NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 29, 2021 The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics are still playing as well. However, the Nets hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the Celtics. The former publicly said they don't intend on returning to Boston for Game 6. Hence we should expect them to clinch the series in Game 5. Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown are both injured and we cannot expect Jayson Tatum to mount a 3-1 comeback himself. The Nets run away from the Celtics in Game 4 KD: 42 Pts, 14-20 FG Kyrie: 39 Pts, 11 Reb Harden: 23 Pts, 18 Ast They takes a 3-1 lead back to Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/eFAaHMgjLt ESPN (@espn) May 31, 2021 The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks are still playing as well, and the latter has 3-1 strongholds over the men from the Big Apple. Game 5 is the elimination game for the Knicks and we shall wait and see if they have a comeback in them or will they throw in the towel. LA Lakers' LeBron James and Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul The NBA Western Conference is closely contested as usual. Every team is still active in this conference with three different series tied at 2-2 in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. The LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns are tied at two games apiece and the action now heads to Phoenix for Game 5. The Lakers won games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 lead but the Suns responded in Game 4 to even the series. Anthony Davis' injury played a major role and we shall see how the reigning champions perform in Game 5. "I said, I dont know if itll be two minutes. I dont know if itll be 32 minutes, but I feel like Ive got to try to give you what Ive got. - @CP3 Not only did Paul play, but he thrived, leading the Suns to a Game 4 victory and sending the series back to Phoenix tied 2-2. Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 30, 2021 The Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers are also battling an enticing series in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. The Mavericks had 2-0 strongholds over the Clippers, having beaten the latter on the road. However, Luka Doncic and co. blew away both their opportunities to win at home and now the series is tied at two games apiece. Game 5 is at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Denver Nuggets-Portland Trail Blazers series is another nail-biter in the 2021 NBA playoffs. The Jamal Murray-less Nuggets managed to win games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 lead but the Trail Blazers evened the series in a Game 4 blowout. They now head to the Ball Arena in Colorado for a Game 5. Finally, the Utah Jazz are playing the 8th-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and hold a 2-1 lead over them. The Grizzlies aren't favored to win this series given the return of Jazz's Donovan Mitchell to the lineup. Even though the series is only down to three games and is very much active, the Jazz are expected to eliminate the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/which-teams-left-2021-nba-playoffs
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Did KIA OVERPRICE The EV6?
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Kia Corporation revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), ahead of the cars world premiere in March. EV6 was designed under the brands new design philosophy Opposites United, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the center of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. Boasting a distinctive crossover-inspired design and based on the brands new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), EV6 is Kias first dedicated BEV to be influenced by the new design philosophy, which embodies Kias shifting focus towards electrification. EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centered, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market, said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center.
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https://www.autospies.com/news/Did-KIA-OVERPRICE-The-EV6-105850/
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Who is Blair Underwoods wife Desiree DaCosta?
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BLAIR Underwood has announced that he is divorcing his wife after 27 years of marriage. This has led many to wonder who, precisely, his soon-to-be ex-wife is. Blair Underwood's soon-to-be ex-wife is named Desiree DaCosta. She's best known for being an assistant to actor & comedian Eddie Murphy. She worked with Murphy on films like Another 48 Hours, Boomerang, and Harlem Nights. Her last credit was in 1995, on the TV documentary Inside the White House. Blair Underwood and Desiree DaCosta married in 1994. They have three children: sons Paris and Blake, and daughter Brielle. Underwood said that his role on Sex & The City came thanks to his wife. "When the offer came in, I mentioned it to my wife and shes like, No, you need to do that. You want to go do that. I thank her for that, he said. Blair Underwood and Desiree DaCosta announced they were splitting after more than 27 years together. They didn't say why they were splitting. But they asked their followers to respect their privacy in a joint statement they made on Instagram. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' THAT'S SO GREAT! Raven-Symon says she lost 28lbs & has a 'whole different face going on' BARGAIN BETTY Kylie Jenner fans shocked as billionaire shops at Target with Travis Scott THE PITTS NO MORE! Brad Pitt spotted 'flirting' with actress Andra Day at Oscars "After a tremendous amount of thought, prayer & work on ourselves individually & collectively, we have come to the conclusion to end our marriage that began 27 years ago," they wrote. "We will continue to be the best of friends and co-parents and have the utmost respect for one another as we embark upon this new chapter of our lives, separately." "We thank you all for your support throughout the years & we humbly ask for privacy & understanding during this new season of change," they concluded.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2989600/blair-underwood-desiree-dacosta-wife/
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Who is Garrick Merrifields fiance Roberta from Seeking Sister Wife?
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SEEKING Sister Wifes Garrick Merrifield is involved in a polyamorous relationship with ex-wife Danielle and fiance Roberta. The Merrifields were monogamous for a decade before introducing Roberta into their marriage. Roberta, 33, hails from Brazil and is in a polyamorous relationship with Garrick and Danielle Merrifield. She is engaged to Garrick, after he divorced Danielle after over a decade of marriage to tie the knot with Roberta. Roberta does not live in the US and was not able to obtain a visa, according to reports. Garrick, Danielle, and Roberta met up in Los Cabos, Mexico after meeting Roberta over the internet. Garrick and Roberta seemingly hit it off instantly upon meeting. Just after nine days of meeting, Garrick popped the question to Roberta. According to People, Garrick and Roberta had plans to marry in Mexico. In a confessional clip, he is heard saying: COVID has shown us that we definitely have no guarantee of what's going to happen tomorrow. 4 Garrick and Roberta are set to marry, though a date is unknown Credit: TLC "Our plan was always to get married in Mexico after her visa got approved. But with COVID shutdowns, it's still going to take quite a while before, you know, her visa is approved." It is unclear when their wedding will take place. Garrick and Roberta are reportedly seeking to have a child. He already shares two children with Danielle, Geremiah, 11, and Solomon Merrifield, 10. Danielle opened up about Garrick and Robertas plans to conceive, saying: Knowing that Garrick and Roberta have changed gears, you know, 'We're not doing the wedding,' and they want to move forward with having a baby and starting their life together does make me a little apprehensive. 4 Garrick and Danielle have two children, Geremiah and Solomon Merrifield Credit: TLC "I do want to be supportive and I know the goal is for Garrick and Roberta to ultimately start a family together. Adding: "But with the pandemic going on and also communication with Roberta being very spotty [as she remains in Brazil], yeah I don't know." Season three of Seeking Sister Wife premiered on TLC at 8pm ET on March 22, 2021. Most read in Entertainment hot mama Teen Mom Ashley Jones poses in string bikini after she was slammed as 'trashy' 'this is nuts!' WATCH OUT, JIM BOB! Amy Duggar says shes not afraid to speak her mind on famous family BARGAIN BETTY Kylie Jenner fans shocked as billionaire shops at Target with Travis Scott The show can be streamed on TLC, Discovery Plus, Hulu Live TV, Sling, or YouTube TV with a paid subscription. The previous two seasons are also available on the TLC website or on Amazon Prime Video. The last episode of season three is set to air on June 7, 2021.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2989764/who-garrick-merrifield-fiancee-roberta-seeking-sister-wife/
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What was the Tulsa race massacre?
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TODAY marks the 100th year since the Tulsa Race Massacre that reportedly changed the black community of the Oklahoman city. This event will be remembered today throughout a whole month of events including a reconciliation symposium, revealing the Greenwood Art Project, and a candlelight vigil that will be held in memory of those who died in the massacre, according to NBC News. Mobs of white people went on Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma to destroy Black-owned homes and shops and killed dozens of black people in 1921. Many structures of Greenwood were demolished in what became historically known as the Tusla Race Massacre. People was getting killed and seemed like they were breaking in people's homes and taking ... some of their valuables, Viola Fletcher, one of the massacres survivors told NBC News this week. It is reportedly believed that the massacre happened for a number of reasons. Factors that contributed to this incident included racism, jealousy over successful black-owned businesses, and the urge of railroads and industrialists to seize more land in which the community resided, NBC News reported. 5 People standing at the entrance of a refugee camp after the Tulsa Race Massacre Credit: AFP Other reasons included the expansion of the Ku Klux Klan and the former newspaper the Tulsa Tribune which published racist stories and headlines. Greenwood was a place that represented a successful Black economy and progress. It included Black-owned groceries, shoe shiners, tailors, theaters, medical and accounting offices, schools, and a 35-square-black district that Booker T-Washington called The Negro Wall Street of America. Those features of economic prosperity that Greenwood was famous for were destroyed during the massacre as white rioters looted and set fires to stores and businesses and destroyed at least 1,250 black homes. 5 White rioters destroyed black-owned businesses and homes at Greenwood Avenue in the city Credit: AP The massacre left 35 city blocks in ruins and over 800 people injured, according to a post by the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. Around $1.5million to $2million (which is equal to $25million today) worth of damages were incurred due to the massacre, historian Hannibal B. Johnson told NBC News. Johnson wrote four books about the Greenwood Avenue district. Official records stated that 37 people were killed during the massacre. But many historians and Black people in Tulsa reportedly estimated that the massacre took away around 300 lives as the missing bodies were thrown in the Arkansas River, a previous report by NBC News revealed. There are three Tulsa Race Massacre survivors who are alive today including Fletcher who is now 107 and her brother Hughes Van Ellis who is now 100 years old. 5 Businesses and stores were set on fire and looted that night Credit: AP It sticks in my mind. I wake up about four times a night, you know. Some nights, Ill stay woke, say, 30, 40 minutes till I can lay back down, Van Ellis told NBC News. Fletcher who was seven at the time said that she heard people saying that everyone needs to leave town because white rioters are killing all the Black people. Fletcher and her family escaped the violence and chaos that took the streets of Greenwood in Tulsa and reportedly ended up living in a tent in the woods. I will never forget the violence of the white mob when we left our home. I still see Black men being shot and bodies in the street. I still see Black businesses being burned. I hear the screams. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot. I will not, Fletcher told NBC News. I have never made much money in my country. The state (and) city took a lot from me. Most of my life I was a domestic server serving white families. To this day, I can barely afford my everyday needs, she added. Most read in News Live Blog 'RECOVERY MISSION' Christian diet guru, husband & 6 others presumed dead after plane crash FLORIDA MANHUNT Gunmen filmed running towards concert before killing 3 & injuring 30 COWARDLY ATTACK Man gets 7 years after he was caught on camera SUCKER-PUNCHING 12-year-old 'FIGHT FOR SOUL OF AMERICA' Tearful Biden honors heroes on Memorial Day & jabs at Trump TRAGIC TOT Cop shoots dead own daughter, 6, after firing gun during boozy row with wife 'COVERED IN BLOOD' Socialite 'accidentally shot police chief dead while giving a MASSAGE' 5 A sign commemorating the original Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma Credit: AP In 2020, a reparations lawsuit was filed alleging that the state of Oklahoma and Tulsa are held accountable for this incident, Tulsa County District Court records revealed. The lawsuits represent one of the last survivors Lessie Benningfield Randle, and others. Fletcher addressed Capitol Hill lawmakers for the first time earlier in May about the trauma and damage caused by the massacre, NPR reported. President Joe Biden is expected to visit Tulsa on June 1 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the massacre.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/2989755/what-was-the-tulsa-race-massacre/
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Why is Ryan Giggs not managing Wales at Euro 2020 this summer?
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WALES will be aiming to go on another brilliant run at the Euros this summer but will be doing so WITHOUT Ryan Giggs in the dugout. Giggs has been Wales boss since 2018 and managed to steer them through the Euro qualifiers and into this summer's tournament. 2 Ryan Giggs won't be managing Wales this summer at Euro 2020 Credit: AFP But the Man Utd icon won't be there to manage his players to glory. Giggs was readying his squad for their long-awaited Euros campaign this summer before being arrested in April. Giggs, 47, was charged with coercive control and actual bodily harm in relation to his ex-girlfriend, while he was also charged with assault by beating relating to a second woman. We have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Ryan Giggs with engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and assault occasioning actual bodily harm," the Crown Prosecution Service announced. Most read in Football OUT OF LINE Kyrie Irving barely missed by water bottle leaving the court at TD Garden FIGHT TALK Floyd Mayweather says Jake Paul will 'be in neck brace' if he pulls second stunt TROUBLED LOVE Meet MLB star Marcell Ozuna's wife VIOLENT CLAIMS What to know about MLB player Marcell Ozuna Pictured FAB FRAN Rossi's girlfriend Sofia Novello looks incredible as she models bikini on beach CIVIL RIGHTS ICON The reason Atlanta Hawks have MLK on their jerseys As a result, the Welsh FA announced Robert Page would be taking Giggs place as manager for the Euros. Giggs will go on trial for his alleged crimes on January 24, 2021. The former United winger didn't enter a formal plea but says he "looks forward to clearing my name". Wales are in Group A for this summer's European Championships, meaning they will play Switzerland, Turkey and Italy in the group stages. Ahead of their first game against Switzerland, Wales will play two friendlies against France and Albania. 2 Robert Page will take charge of Wales this summer at Euro 2020 Credit: PA Wales Euro 2020 Group A fixtures:
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https://www.the-sun.com/sport/2989978/why-is-ryan-giggs-not-managing-wales-euro-2020/
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Can a government change Israel with a new change?
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JERUSALEM Naftali Bennett, who leads a small right-wing party, and Yair Lapid, the centrist leader of the Israeli opposition, have joined forces to form a diversified coalition that would oust Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister. . Stretching Israels fragmented political spectrum from left to right and relying on the support of a small Arab, Islamic party, the proposed coalition, called the government of change by supporters, could mark a profound shift for Israel. . After stalling the stalemate that led to four elections without end in two years, and an even longer period of polarizing government policy and paralysis, coalition architects have vowed to get Israel back on track. If they can form a government, sitting Mr. Netanyahu, a cunning political survivor who has fundamentally reshaped Israeli politics, remains unclear until Wednesday midnight deadline. This begs the question of how much change the government can bring when some of the parties agree on anything other than hostility to Mr. Netanyahu. Here are some basics about political unrest that could break Israels long stalemate. The biggest possible loser so far is Mr. Netanyahu and his conservative Likud party, which is by far the largest, has won 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament in the last election. The two ultra-Orthodox parties that are his most determined allies would also be out of government. But even as Mr Netanyahu faces the most serious challenge of his leadership in years, he remains at the center of the stage. He earned the nickname mage for one reason: his ability to maneuver himself from narrow corners. He has ruled Israel for a total of 15 years, including the last 12 years, and has shifted Israeli politics resolutely to the right. Mr Bennett is considered to be even further from the right. While Mr. Netanyahu abandons the idea of a two-state solution, Mr Bennett, a religious observer champion of Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, openly opposes the concept of a sovereign Palestinian state and has supported the annexation of West Bank territory. Still, although the coalition will include some parties that disagree on both of those issues, they have agreed to allow Mr Bennett to become prime minister first. Although the party of Mr. Bennett, a former high-tech entrepreneur and defense minister, has won just seven seats in the March election, his modest electoral gains were enough to make him a liaison to any future coalition, and he has used his power with both sides in trying to negotiate his way to office. high. If the coalition agreement is implemented, Mr Bennett would be replaced for the second half of a four-year term by Mr Lapid, who defends secular, middle-class Israelis whose party won 17 seats. Mr Lapid said from the outset that he was willing to make personal sacrifices in order to oust Mr Netanyahu. In addition, accepting the first turn in the rotation, Mr Lapid, who has been branded as a dangerous left by his right-wing opponents, paved the way for other right-wing politicians to join the alliance e re anti-Netanyahu. In a mass of plot twists and chaos after this political comeback, Mr. Bennett had vowed before the election not to allow a peaceful government of any kind or any government based on the Islamic party, called Raam. The coalition would stand or fall over cooperation between eight relatively small parties with heterogeneous ideologies and, in many cases, clash agendas. In a televised speech Sunday evening, Mr Bennett said he was committed to strengthening national unity. Two thousand years ago, it was a Jewish state that fell here because of internal strife, he said. This will not happen again. Not on my watch. Mr Lapid has until midnight Wednesday to inform the president, Reuven Rivlin, that he has managed to build a viable coalition together. After making that announcement, he has up to seven days to present the government to Parliament for a vote of confidence. However, some disputes over ministerial appointments were being ironed out less than two days ahead of schedule. And with the fate of the new coalition dependent on a narrow margin and dependent on every single vote, his partners were vying to finalize the deal, aware that Mr. Netanyahu and his associates were looking for potential deserters. There are still many obstacles on the way to forming the new government, said on Monday Mr. Lapid. Maybe this is a good thing because we need to overcome them together. This is our first proof. The coalition being formed by Mr Lapid, who leads the Yesh Atid party, and Mr Bennett, who leads Yamina, will include several different parties. They include the left-wing, secular Meretz party, which has not been in government for 20 years, and the New Hope, led by Gideon Saar, who split from Likud but continues to support a right-wing agenda. Meretz, led by Nitzan Horowitz, opposes the settlement of Jews in the occupied territories and supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the separation of religion and state. New Hope supports judicial reform, the expansion of solutions, the eventual annexation of parts of the West Bank, and opposition to any future Palestinian state along with Israel. But instead of trying to address these most divisive issues that have long polarized Israeli society, the leaders of the so-called change coalition have indicated they would avoid them, at least for the first year. Mr Horowitz, from Meretz, said he believed there was a basis for working together by adhering to more practical, technocratic issues, such as some of the infrastructure of long-neglected countries. One of the first tasks of the new governments would be to approve a delayed state budget for 2021. Many Israeli political analysts said the main glue of the coalitions was the common desire to remove Mr. Netanyahu and warned that once it was achieved, it might not last long. One of the most likely creators of the king involved in forming this coalition is Mansour Abbas, the leader of the small Arab party known by its Jewish acronym, Raam, with four seats in the current Parliament. Although Raam is unlikely to play a formal role in a Lapid-Bennett coalition, their government would rely on Raams support to pass a vote of confidence and be able to control Parliament. Several Arab lawmakers played a similar role in supporting Yitzhak Rabinss government from the outside in the 1990s. Traditionally, Arab parties have not been directly involved in Israeli governments, they have largely shunned other parties, and are eager to join a government overseeing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and its military actions. But after decades of political marginalization, many Palestinian citizens, who make up one-fifth of Israels population, have called for fuller integration. Raam has been willing to work with both pro and anti-Netanyahu camps since the March election and use his power to obtain concessions to the Arab public. Between the recent fighting in Gaza and the outbreak of Arab-Jewish violence in Israel, many analysts had predicted that it would be more difficult for Raam to play a leading role. But the party never ruled out a deal after restoring calm. If the Lapid-Bennett coalition is installed, Mr. Netanyahu is likely to return to be the leader of the opposition, a position he held before the 2009 elections. Standing in court on corruption charges, he is likely to be denied any opportunity to make changes that would allow him some sort of parliamentary immunity. Mr Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing and says cases against him will be dropped in court. But his political future is in jeopardy. A majority against him in Parliament could pass legislation limiting the number of incumbents to a prime minister, or bar any candidate accused of crimes from running for office. Mr Netanyahu, for his part, has made it clear that he intends to fight further. This is not unity, healing or democracy, Mr Netanyahu said of the coalition being formed against him. This is an opportunistic government. A government of capitulation, a government of deception, a government of inertia. A government like this should not be formed. 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/954537/
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Why does everyone assume that Russia and China are friends?
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Russia wades into EU-Belarus row: Now that the European Union and Belarus are at loggerheads over the brazen hijacking of an EU flight to arrest a dissident journalist, Vladimir Putin wants a piece of the action. In response to Brussels encouraging EU airplanes to avoid Belarusian skies, Russia says it will block those airlines from Russian airspace. It's unclear whether Putin is doing this to support his frenemy, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, or to sow division within the bloc after it approved unusually swift, albeit limited, sanctions against Belarus. Putin may be guessing that Brussels won't go much further because the EU is dependent on Russian oil and gas that transits through pipelines in Belarus. Either way, Putin's move will likely put more pressure on the EU to decide whether it doubles down on tougher sanctions against Lukashenko, or backs off a bit. And it demonstrates that Russia's leader, channeling his inner Rahm Emanuel, never lets a good crisis go to waste.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2263081246687/why-does-everyone-assume-that-russia-and-china-are-friends
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Is it okay to eat kada in the summer?
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All the ingredients used in Kada are warm in nature, so a common question is whether Kada should be consumed during the summer. Kada is a healthy drink and should be taken in the cold and dry season. Excessive intake of Kada during the summer season can cause a variety of health problems such as acidity, high blood pressure, anxiety, nosebleeds, heartburn and nausea. The heat-generating nature of common kada ingredients can suffer from all problems. Heating can have a worse impact due to the already existing summer conditions. But that doesnt mean you cant consume your kada during the summer. .. 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/health/954535/
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Who is Ghana's new assistant coach Greveraars and why is he compared to Mourinho?
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Patrick Greveraars is new Black Stars assistant coach Just like the legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, new Ghana's new assistant coach Patrick Greveraars was not a footballer but has acquired deep knowledge of the game. The 45-year-old Dutch was born in the city of Eindhoven and studied at the CIOS in Sittard . At a young age he became interested in the coaching and tactical aspects of football. Greveraars joined PSV in 1995 at the age of 20, as a youth coach. He stayed with the club for a total of twelve years and worked there with some famous coaches like Remy Reynierse , Pim Verbeek , Guus Hiddink , Ernie Brandts , Erwin Koeman and Leon Vlemmings. He was also the first replacement and assistant of Fred Rutten , who was head of youth education in those years. In 2007 he moved to FC Porto , where he became coach of the second team and assistant to Jesualdo Ferreira in the first team. Here he was fired in November 2010 after a difference of opinion in the team's strategy. In 2011 he started the trainer/coach course of the KNVB , after which he assisted Jurgen Streppel as an assistant coach at Willem II in 2011. After this he did an internship as part of the course at Fiorentina , Lazio Roma , Inter , Atltico Madrid , Levante , AEK Larnaca, Fulham FC and Besiktas. After completing his training, Greveraars became advisor for his former colleague Rutten. In 2012 he was approached by Rutten to become a technique trainer at SBV Vitesse. After Rutten left the Arnhem club after a season, Greveraars' contract was not renewed. On May 22, 2014, Greveraars signed a one-year contract with Feyenoord , where he again worked under Rutten as an assistant and technique trainer for the first team. After Rutten was fired on May 17, 2015, after ending the regular season, Greveraars also left the team from Rotterdam. Rutten signed a contract with Al Shabab in May 2016 , which appointed Greveraars as his assistant a month later. In October 2018 he became assistant to Jurgen Streppel at Anorthosis Famagusta . In 2019 he followed Streppel to Al-Jazira.
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https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Who-is-Ghana-s-new-assistant-coach-Greveraars-and-why-is-he-compared-to-Mourinho-1275076
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Are LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers doomed if Anthony Davis is out?
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2 hours ago share facebook twitter reddit link The injury bug has struck these NBA playoffs yet again. The Los Angeles Lakers are sweating the status of Anthony Davis, who exited Sunday's 100-92 loss to the Phoenix Suns because of a left groin strain late in the first half. On Monday, the news broke that Davis will likely miss Tuesday's Game 5, and his status for the rest of the series is unclear, even though he is reportedly day-to-day with the injury. With Davis out for Game 5 and potentially not at 100 percent for the remainder of the series, attention immediately turns to LeBron James, and the 36-year-old was all too aware that that was the case in his postgame news conference. With the series tied 2-2 and shifting back to Phoenix for Game 5, there's little room for error. "For me, it's putting our team in position to be successful," James said. "It starts with my approach. It starts with my accountability, trickles down to everybody else. So, you know, these shoulders are built for a reason. If it takes for me to put some more on top of it, then so be it. Win, lose or draw, I'm ready for the challenge." In four games against the Suns so far, LeBron is averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 assists and 7.3 rebounds. His running mate, Davis, is also averaging 21.8 points per game, but his Game 4 was cut short. In Games 2 and 3, Davis led all scorers with a pair of 34-point games. Unsurprisingly, those were both wins for the Lakers. But besides Davis and James, the Lakers have just one player averaging double digits in points so far this series: Dennis Schrder. Unfortunately for L.A. fans, Schrder's second-half performance in Game 4 didn't inspire much confidence that he could pick up AD's slack. In just more than 20 minutes of second-half action, the 27-year-old guard went 1-for-6 from the field for three points, finishing 3-for-13 with a total of eight points in the game. Dennis Schrder shot 23.1% from the field in Game 4 for the Lakers. The story is similar for other Lakers who might have been expected to step up. Kyle Kuzma went 2-for-6 in the second half for six points, and Montrezl Harrell didn't have an attempt in his four-plus minutes of action. Skip Bayless of "Undisputed" said he believes the series should still be under LeBron's control. "Given that Mount Everest, Mount Olympus that GOAT James is on, according to LeShannon Sharpe, shouldn't he just take over Game 5 by himself?" Bayless asked. "Shouldn't he just come out and say, OK, thats enough. I've got this. I still believe he is capable and they are capable around him of winning this game. But he's going to have to play much bigger and much more aggressively than he has so far." Shannon Sharpe, or "LeShannon," as Bayless likes to tease, sees a need for LeBron to put the Lakers on his back and lug them through the rest of the series. "LeBron knows now, those big shoulders that he talked about so much, they've got to be Atlas," Sharpe said. "He's going to have to carry the Lakers' world over the next three games." However, ESPN's Seth Greenberg wasn't too keen on Los Angeles' chances of survival. "If you take away Anthony Davis, you take away one of the top five players in the NBA," Greenberg said. "You take away an elite defender. His guys that he defends shoot 38% from the field, 25% from 3. LeBron's done it before, but this team that he's doing it with and the team he's doing it against is a little bit different." Say the Lakers snag two more wins and take down the Suns. Nick Wright of "First Things First" peered into his crystal ball and foresaw an exit against the Denver Nuggets, if they get past the Portland Trail Blazers. If the Lakers were to draw the Blazers in the next round, Wright likes L.A.'s chances. "If AD is going to be out two weeks, and the Nuggets end up beating the Blazers, then I would be heavily concerned," Wright said. "If the Blazers beat the Nuggets, AD can take his time because I think LeBron can win two of these next three on his own." Of course, all of these hypotheticals assume the Suns can stay healthy themselves. Chris Paul has been battling a shoulder injury that could tip the scales back in L.A.'s favor if it were to worsen. That said, he looked to be trending in the right direction in Game 4 after struggling mightily in the first three games of the series. But as Davis' latest injury shows, that can all change in an instant, and there will be little rest for the weary on both sides, as the series resumes at 10 p.m. ET Tuesday. For more up-to-date news on all things Lakers, click here to register for alerts on the FOX Sports app! Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more.
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https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/anthony-davis-injury-lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-phoenix-suns-playoff-series
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Whats the best vaccination strategy?
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Our weekly podcast at the sharp end of the global vaccination race GETTING VACCINE regimens right is a matter of life and death. We investigate new research that could shape how jabs are rolled out. The Oxford Vaccine Groups Matthew Snape says mixing vaccines could boost immunity, and Zeke Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania explains why second doses should be delayed. Also, we ask Leana Wen of George Washington University whether children should be offered the vaccine. Alok Jha and Natasha Loder are joined by Slavea Chankova, The Economists health-care correspondent. Runtime: 38 min Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | TuneIn For full access to The Economists print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/thejabpod. Sign up for our new weekly science and data newsletters at economist.com/simplyscience and economist.com/offthecharts.
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https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2021/05/31/whats-the-best-vaccination-strategy
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How Fast Will Michael Andrew Swim at Olympic Trials?
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Michael Andrew turned a lot of heads at the Indy Pro Swim, dropping: 58.6 100m breast 50.8 100m fly 1:56.8 200m IM I was surprised. Frankly, I didnt see Michael as the favorite in two events heading into U.S. Olympic Trials. I think, like a lot of swimming fans, I was lulled into a bit of a sleep after after his 2020 ISL season. I expected a little more from him last fall and winter. Now, in hindsight, that feels like a harsh judgment considering everyone reacted differently to the pandemic last year. I am glad I was wrong. Ive been a Michael Andrew fan since his age group daysback when everyone lost their minds over his turning pro at the tender age of 14. 2021 Michael Andrew U.S. Olympic Trials Predictions As mentioned above, I wasnt bullish on Michael Andrew making the Olympic Team. I thought hed be on the bubble. Im confident now. I think hes making his first Olympic Team. I see him winning the 100m breast in 58.3, breaking the American record. 1:55 point 9 200 IM for 2nd or 3rd 50 point 5 100 fly for 2nd, 3rd or 4th 21 point 4 50 free for 2nd or 3rd But who cares what I think. Give me your best expert swimming analysis. Follow Gold Medal Mel on Instagram here. Follow Michael Andrew on Instagram here. RECENT EPISODES This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.
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https://swimswam.com/how-fast-will-michael-andrew-swim-at-olympic-trials/
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How to open up?
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With active Covid cases having fallen to nearly half the peak seen three weeks back, and daily new cases down by nearly two-thirds, the discourse is now shifting towards the process of easing restrictions. At a national level, such talk may appear to be premature, as despite the fall from the recent peak, both daily new cases and active cases are still one and a half times the peak in the first wave. However, trends vary across regions, and states like Delhi, Bihar, and Jharkhand already have active cases well below the peak of the first wave (a steep fall in positive test ratios suggests ...
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https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/how-to-open-up-121053101601_1.html
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What Would a 'Change' Coalition Mean for Israel?
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Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid was edging closer Monday to rallying a diverse political bloc around a common aim: to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But building a coalition in Israel's notoriously fractured political landscape is no easy task. Here is a look at the issues. - Lapid's Yesh Atid ("There Is A Future") party took second place after Netanyahu's Likud party in March legislative elections, Israel's fourth within two years. After the combative right-wing premier again failed to cobble together a coalition, Lapid was tasked in May with forming a government. Former TV host Lapid has until just before midnight Wednesday to gather a majority of at least 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset. As of Monday morning Lapid had the support of 57 lawmakers, with his centrist base and members of the left making up 51. On Sunday he had crucially gained the support of nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennett, whose Yamina ("Rightward") party holds seven seats, although one of its MPs said he would not join the anti-Netanyahu camp. Lapid therefore needs four more backers and is looking for support among Israeli Arab parties, which have yet to announce their plans. Speaking on Monday, Lapid warned that "many obstacles" remain. "Maybe that's a good thing, because we'll have to overcome them together," Lapid told members of his party. "That's our first test -- to see if we can find smart compromises in the coming days to achieve the greater goal." - The coalition would be a fragile grouping of multiple parties with deep ideological differences, united only in their common desire to topple Israel's longest-serving premier. It would include centrist groups such as Lapid's party and the Blue and White coalition led by former military chief Benny Gantz as well as historically powerful leftists Labor and Meretz. But Lapid has also rallied supporters on the right, starting with Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu, a staunchly secular nationalist party backed by many immigrants from the former Soviet Union. It would also include the hawkish New Hope party, comprised of Likud defectors, and now the religious-nationalist Yamina bloc of Bennett, a former leader of Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank who opposes Palestinian statehood. The groups are bitterly opposed on a number of issues, including on the place of religion in politics. But they share "a genuine belief that Netanyahu is a danger to the country," said Jonathan Rynhold, a political science scholar at Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv. Their animosity is driven by the notion that Netanyahu has "put his personal interests ahead of the country," the professor said. Netanyahu, 71, is on trial for alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust, charges he denies. In order to maintain unity and survive, said Rynhold, a new government would adopt "an agenda which is largely consensual", focusing mainly on less controversial issues in health, education and transport policy. - Israel's political drama comes shortly after the latest deadly military escalation with the Islamist Hamas group that rules the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. It also follows years during which the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has stalled and Jewish settlements have been expanded in the occupied West Bank under hawkish Netanyahu. The issue not only angers Palestinians but also sharply divides Israel's political parties. The left supports the creation of a Palestinian state, while groups on the right want to annex the occupied West Bank. Rynhold said a multi-party "national unity government" shouldn't attempt major moves now to relaunch the peace process -- because of their divergent views, but also for unclear counterparts. The Palestinian Authority's president, Mahmud Abbas, is seen to lack legitimacy after more than 15 years in power, he said, while Hamas refuses to recognize the Jewish state. The new alliance would "reach an agreement on the status quo," Rynhold said. "But they will have to deal with managing the conflict so that there are not outbreaks" of violence as seen earlier this month. If fighting breaks out again, the parties are likely to stay united during times of military conflict, he said. "There is an Israeli consensus on the recent Gaza War. There has been an Israeli consensus on every war since 2000," Rynhold said. "It will get challenged, but they can pull it off."
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http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/281806-what-would-a-change-coalition-mean-for-israel
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How Did the Mission of the Twelve Spies Go So Wrong?
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Here is the basic story of the spies with some help from Rashi: A group of Israelites approached Moses suggesting that a delegation be sent to scope out the Land of Canaan ahead of their planned entry. Moses was skeptical, given that he had been explicitly told that they were heading to a land of milk and honey. Moses felt that the Israelites had no reason to fear the inhabitants, as they had all seen the great miracles wrought against the much more powerful Egyptians. But, fearing that his people would think he had something to hide, Moses agreed to organize the mission despite his misgivings. He picked 12 distinguished leaders and instructed them to bring back a detailed report about the land. Moses felt the undertaking was in excellent hands, although he still had his concerns. Those concerns proved justified when 10 of the delegates returned with pessimistic reports, suggesting that the Israelites had only a slim chance of defeating the lands powerful inhabitants. This led to a revolt by a good number of the people against going forward to the Promised Land and caused a prolonged stay in the desert. There are some significant questions about this story; two particularly pressing ones. Let us examine each question in turn. The Hebrew word the Torah uses to describe the leaders Moses selected is anashim, often used to denote men of distinction. Rashi, therefore, states that at that point in time they were fitting (literally kosher). From this comment we get the impression that Moses was confident about the mission because he had entrusted it to outstanding individuals. It is true that from the outset Moses was aware that the Almighty was unhappy with the whole idea. Is it not enough that I told them that the land is good? The reason Moses did not veto the idea is also provided by Rashi in some detail: Moses was calling their bluff. He hoped that by agreeing to send a group to check out the land, they would see that he had nothing to hide and would drop the idea. When they did not drop their demand, Moses felt he had to follow through to prove all was fine. It is also difficult to understand how outstanding men, carefully chosen by Moses because of their suitability for the role, could have been so quickly and easily corrupted. They not only deviated from their mission, but ended up advocating for the complete opposite agenda, declaring the prospect of entering the land unviable. These are core questions that critically undermine our understanding of the story. The Rebbe characteristically suggests that the reason we have these questions is because we are missing something fundamental. We are accustomed to calling this group the 12 spies. Every child learns about the 12 spies in school. No one would think to question this. But the Rebbe does dramatically so. Where, the Rebbe asks, are they called spies? Astonishingly, the answer is: not once. The Torah never refers to them as spies! Rather, they are repeatedly called tourists, visitors. Moses never sent spies; he sent tourists! Spies and tourists are not only different; they are complete opposites. The tourist is an innocent visitor who is just trying to have a good time. The spy is a sinister figure who comes with devious intent. A tourist has nothing to hide, while the spy conceals a devious plot. Tourists go to see the nicest and most impressive parts of the place. Spies do the opposite they are looking to see all the unsavory aspects, searching for every weakness. Moses told them to go on a tour and return with impressions of their travel. He did not send them to spy and scheme. What happened was that members of the delegation felt their talents were not being put to full use. If we are going to visit the land anyway, they contemplated, why not do some helpful spying while we are there? So, the idea began to develop that they would throw in a little spying for good measure. This is what is known as mission creep. When Moses prayed for Joshua, his request was that he be spared their plan. Rashi says that Caleb, the only other member of the delegation that stuck to the mission, prayed at the graves of the forefathers that he not be persuaded to join his colleagues plan. The word plan seems an odd choice here. It is a highly neutral term that does not imply any wrongdoing. But plot would be the wrong term, because they never hatched any plot. All they had was a plan a little extra spying on the side and that seemed pretty innocent to start with. These were highly suitable people, let us remember. Moses trusted them and their abilities. But that plan of theirs was not the intention of the mission, and it ended up derailing it entirely. Moses was sufficiently concerned to pray that Joshua not join their plan to become spies, but he did not expect things to go so badly wrong that it would justify canceling the trip. Pulling out would have been highly controversial, and there was nothing of substance to point to for aborting it. Of course, in hindsight, we can see that it had the makings of an evil plan from the outset, even though to start with there really was no devious intent. By flipping from tourists to spies they fundamentally changed mode and became ripe for steep deterioration and a sharp turn towards a corrupted mission. We have all been recruited by Gd for a mission, which is to study Torah and observe its mitzvot. Just as those spies did, it may be tempting at times to add our own ideas for the mission purely to enhance the mission, of course. For example, one may think that as we are commanded to put a mezuzah on our doorposts, that perhaps we should put one on both sides of the door, to make them even more visible. But that is how things get derailed. We need to stick to the designated goal, so that we do not lose our way and find ourselves losing track of our mission. Adapted from Likkutei Sichot, Vol. 33, Parshat Shelach I.
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https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/5142767/jewish/How-Did-the-Mission-of-the-Twelve-Spies-Go-So-Wrong.htm
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Have I Hit Rock Bottom Yet?
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This is the question that has been percolating in my mind. Our daughter is settling into her first quasi treatment arrangement. As an adult, she can refuse to go to the full treatment center her doctors are recommending unless we section her, something we do not want to do and do not feel necessary at this point. The compromise we agreed on was PHP, a partial hospitalization program, which involves living in a community home with rules, overseen by a house manager, and going to the clinic five days a week for at least five hours at a time. If/when she is deemed safe to return home by the clinical team, well allow her to return. She was not happy from the get-go. As we are working on our codependency skills, we, too, are not happy. The program appears to have many flaws and holes; she is resisting and constantly wanting to know when she can come home. If youre focused on when youre leaving, then youre not really there. That is the message we are trying to convey, but it is difficult to say it full-heartedly when we ourselves are not sure if this is a good fit for her, and we too have doubts about parts of the program. There is no guidebook, there is no one who can really answer all our questions. Each case is different, each child/client is different, each treatment center is different, and weve been doing the best we know how given the limited information we had and the very short time frame within which to make those decisions. Watching her unhappiness, her continued struggle, and our uncertainty on top of it all, just seemed so overwhelming and more than one couple should have to bear. I know all the slogans. One day at a time. Let go and let Gd. Time takes time. This is not happening to you, it is happening in front of you. When you are down to nothing, Gd is up to something. And there are thousands more where those came from. I believe them all. I know them to be true. But for once my pontifications are failing me. I am not inspired by my own words. I used to believe that fake it till you make it was a worthy enough slogan to actually be utilized as a life principle. You dont have to always feel what you believe for it to be true. Just because I dont feel it at this moment doesnt mean it isnt so. I am aware of this as well. Perhaps Im grieving the relative peace that (I thought) I was once living. The truth is the unraveling had already begun long before. I was just unaware of it. Denial or not, I was living relatively calmly. Now, the knot in my stomach never goes away. Even when I distract myself with worthy and some not-so-worthy projects, my kishkes are twisting. (I am not even beginning to address the ripple effect this stuff has on the rest of the family. That is a conversation unto itself.) I know I need to let go and dig into my faith. Believe that all will be well - and I do in fact believe that; Im just afraid I will have lost my soul before that time arrives. I think at the core is the inability to have any control over my destiny, self- and outwardly-imposed. They talk about surrender being at the epicenter of recovery. Only when someone hits ego death can they begin to rebuild. The analogy given is only when the seed in the ground is fully rotted and loses its identity entirely does it begin to sprout new life and growth. It boils down to this, I believe: Bottom doesnt mean that you are totally and utterly obliterated as a person. Bottom means realizing I cant do this on my own. For the addict, that usually means they have lost everything, possibly including their marriages, their health, their jobs, their sense of self-worth, and their whole identity, until they realize that they are powerless to do this on their own. Then they turn to Gd. Others, family and friends, or just ordinary strugglers of the world, need to merely (it is not so merely, it is a lot more than that) realize that what Gd put on their shoulders (or plate if you wish) is more than they can manage on their own. At that point you are at your bottom. If it doesnt propel you to change and live deeper, more humbly, more meaningfully, and more authentically, then most likely you havent reached your personal bottom. As long as there is a part of you that still thinks (somewhat cockily) I got this on my own, then there is likely still more work to be done. More ego death-ing to go through. More bottoming out. When I have indeed reached my bottom, I realize that any growth or improvement that happens from here on is not something I do for myself. Is something that I do for Gd. And with Gds help, I will succeed, not because I am strong or wise, but because He is, and He is in this along with me. It is not about me. Then, only then, have I begun my journey to recovery. The author is a rabbi in North America. This is part of a series of articles chronicling his daughters ongoing struggle with addiction and mental illness.
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https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5145032/jewish/Have-I-Hit-Rock-Bottom-Yet.htm
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Are body mass index and bile duct stones linked?
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Obesity tripled in the last four decades, and was called a "global pandemic in its own right" by United Nations in 2020. Obese people are more susceptible to suffering or dying from Covid-19 complications and vulnerable to heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, fatty liver, and chronic kidney disease. Diet, lack of exercise, social environment and genetics are major triggers for obesity. Moreover, consumption of ultra-processed food items, fast-food restaurant meals, soft drinks, and industrially processed convenience food with salt, sugar, fat, and additives lead to obesity. Besides having an adverse impact on respiratory and cardiac problems, obesity is a major risk factor for stone formation in the body. Considering the startling facts and statistics, let's zoom in on problems such as gallstones that are a result of obesity. Body mass index (BMI) defined as weight in kilograms divided by square of height in centimetres, is a measure of body fat that applies to adults, and its results ranges from underweight to obesity. Now, with the increase in BMI, the risk of non-cardiac diseases has grown exponentially. People who eat a high fat diet, have a sedentary lifestyle and are obese develop gallstones that in turn lead to bile duct stones. When cholesterol, calcium salts and bilirubin deposit in gallbladder, they form gallstones. The gallbladder contains digestive fluid called bile that is passed into the small intestine via bile duct. In some cases, stones that form in gallbladder slip into bile duct and get trapped in it. These are known as common bile duct (CBD) stones. A stone in the bile duct can cause pain, block the bile duct, and damage the liver, pancreas, and digestive system. A person with bile duct stones usually experiences pain in the upper abdomen, back or shoulder, and around the ribs. Some people can also develop jaundice which may cause their skin and eyes to appear yellow along with fever and/or chills. A subset of patients can develop pancreatitis due to CBD stones that is a major medical emergency and could result in death in 5-10 per cent of cases, if not treated in time. When one develops such symptoms, it becomes imperative to seek timely medical invention and to undergo the required treatment. Treating Bile Duct Stones with Advanced Technologies The doctor can confirm the diagnosis through medical history, physical examination of the abdomen, blood tests and imaging tests like ultrasonography of the abdomen. In cases of diagnostic uncertainty, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) or MRCP have emerged as the modalities of choice. The treatment of CBD stones is done by a specialised endoscopic procedure called as ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). The dye is injected into the bile duct during this procedure that provides a clear visibility to locate bile duct stones causing the blockage, which in turn are removed by giving a small incision in a region called papilla in upper part of small intestine. ERCP has been used for decades for diagnosis and treatment of bile duct stones. However, today, technological breakthroughs have redefined healthcare. We now have procedures like Cholangioscopy that enable faster and more accurate treatment in difficult to remove CBD stones, reduced risk associated with repeated procedures and give patients a better quality of life. The therapy is used to treat bile duct stones that cannot be treated using traditional methods and for elderly patients. A small straw like tube with a camera and light at the end is used to disintegrate stones. The doctor monitors the stone location on a screen and bursts the stone using a tiny probe attached in the tube. Reducing Obesity to Prevent Bile Duct Stones While an outright control of gallbladder problems is inevitable, people can take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of developing stones and associated symptoms and complications. To prevent gallbladder or bile ducts stones, it is imperative to reduce overweight and obesity. Choice of healthier foods and regular exercise can go a long way in preventing obesity. One can limit energy intake from sugars and total fats, increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts and engage in physical activities for at least 60 minutes a day. Although a lifestyle modification is the key to weight loss, newer endoscopic approaches like Intra-Gastric Balloon and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty are new additions to a Gastroenterologist's armamentarium to tackle obesity. As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), women and people over 40, obesity and a family history of stones are more prone to getting gallstones or bile duct stones. Gallbladder problems are usually managed easily in expert hands now-a-days. The main solution for managing stones is to spread awareness about the root cause and potential treatment options available.
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https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/health/diet/are-body-mass-index-and-bile-duct-stones-linked-dd29bc0d-87f1-5c14-a2aa-67d78c55cce1
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Is Matthew McConaughey the Answer to the Texas Question?
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Theres a strong possibility that Americas had it with celebrity politicos. From Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Donald Trump, it might be that if you have a Screen Actors Guild card, youve already been amply rewarded. Then Texas suffering under Governor Greg Abbotts bungling of the Texas power grid failure started casting around for a pre-election solution and Matthew McConaugheys name kept coming up. Which is precisely why hes on this episode of The Carlos Watson Show. You can find excerpts below or listen to the full interview on the shows podcast feed. Matthew McConaughey: I dont know. I mean, challenging, it would definitely be, but I dont know if thats the buzz. If thats the embassy for my buzz, if thats the category for my buzz because I have to, I do, at the same time, I like knowing that I had a hand in the victory or the failure. I dont know. As much as I say I like to be in the know, I also like to be in the know about what I dont know. So Im not saying I want to be in the know of it all. I like leaning into my blind spots, but Im carrying a lot more baggage with me now. To lean into blind spots that I dont know, its like jumping in the pool before checking if theres water in it. I like to go have a look and understand the category and Im trying to understand different leadership categories. Im still trying to understand how could I be effective. Youre going in to people backstabbing. Youre going in and you fix some things, you put some band-aids on and soon as youre out of office they rip the band-aids off and its right back. Im not interested in going and putting a bunch of band-aids on that are going to be ripped off as soon as Im out. Im interested in building something that can last and Im measuring what category that is. I dont know if thats politics. That whole embassy of politics has some redefining of its purpose. As an embassy itself, it really needs to redefine its purpose. I trust my core beliefs. I trust my core beliefs enough and my values enough to feel comfortable listening to an opposing one. I think the point that you bring up that is a larger question is the things thatll be around 20, 30, 40, infinite years. We dont like to think We try to teach our kids delayed gratification. We dont like to think about further than tomorrow. We need immediate results because this is whats going to be on my playbook. Your numbers are going to be whats on your playbook for these four years. Well, how many things do leaders and politicians get done there in their four that now become realized later on after theyre in office. They never get the credit for those. You only get credit wins, Ws and Ls, for what you did in those years. But there are things that have been done that are good for the society and the world that have been legacy choices that didnt come to fruition, were very unpopular, or deemed as losses at the time that showed up to be victories. We got to shake hands and embrace delayed gratification. We got to make some sacrifices for larger rewards tomorrow. I mean, I think the best example for my mind this last year is the damn dispute over the masks that got politicized. Im like, Come on, man. Im not believing youre really scared of this little cotton thing. Im not believing you really feel that takes away your identity and your freedom. This is a short-term inconvenience for long term freedom. Come on now. Throw the damn thing on, man. Weve never been in this position before. Theres no data that says its not a good thing, no data that says its harmful. Lets all take one for the team here. We like to say we want to take one for the team. We like to say, Oh, the value of human life is the epitome that we all No its not. We wont admit it. We like to say it intellectually. Yes, one for the with team. We go back to our own and were like, Im looking out for me. Now, I get it. Its got to be personal, but theres a place where whats personal is also best for the team, and those are the longer term decisions and outcomes that we are afraid to bet on. Were going back in time. Hes born in Patterson, Mississippi. Moves to Morgan, state of Louisiana. Middle-class incomethere wasnt no royalty in my background. We were riverboat gamblers, man. Theres some corny stories. Im going, oh wow. Okay. Oh, I did break a bit of a chain here somewhere, somehow. I mean, my dad was a traveling salesman. He was taught something that I still believe in. If youre going to do something, dont half-ass it. Get out there and add hustle. He got things done because he hustled. He was a bad ass, but he was also, art was not a thing that was in our vernacular, the creative side of us. I found out later, after he moved on, that he actually was a painter, that he actually had these sculptures I found that he had done out of clay. When was he doing that mom? She was, Oh, hed do that after youd go to bed. We never knew. I mean, I come from a long line of salesman. Him and my mom moved 47 different places before we ended up in Longview, Texas. He was popping place to place trying to go fromIm a truck driver. Now Im managing the Texaco station. Its got one pump outside. Well now Im a pipe salesman on the phone for Gensco down in the Uvalde. Oh, I just got a bump. I got moved up to senior salesman and then Longview, Texas takes off. Oil boom. Hey, lets head there. Lets take the family and go. Were going to get a double wide on the outskirts down and try and make it. The next thing you knew he had 26 people working for him at Bauer steel, at a big pipe yard. He was a gambler. He loved chasing a Ponzi scheme. He went to Ecuador because he invested in these diamond mines. He got his picture coming out of the bush, the jungle, in Ecuador with the machete. There werent no damn diamonds over there, man. But even that was fine because he got to go to the jungle with the machete. Oh man, he loved that. He would rather probably make half as much money if he could work with people that were in adventure and fun rather than make twice as much and work with a bunch of squares. He loved that underbelly. He loved it. I dont know if Id want to change any of it though. The only thing I maybe would have changed is that, Hey son, talking to him. He died at 62 of a heart attack, and hes one of the longest living male McConaugheys in the family. They were hard, my moms 89 and still rocking, but dad was a hard living guy. He was smoking his two packs of Camels a day not letting stress show to his family. We never went without, but then he passed away, and I found out, man, he was scratching by, scratching by, trying not to go chapter 11, too much pride to go bankrupt. Boy, when we looked at his numbers, were like, Oh damn. No wonder he was stressed. He never let us know. Never let mom go without. He got mom her Cadillac. He got that Cadillac. We couldnt afford that damn Cadillac. We had no business getting that Cadillac, but Mama wanted it. I went to school. He paid for my college. I look back, Im like, Damn, you didnt really have, you werent flush enough to pay for me to go to college. I mean, yeah, he was stressed. His deal was, hed always say this, Carlos, If I could just hit a lick. One day boys, Im going to hit a lick. He never hit that lick. He also was in denial. He just absolutely said Im not going to admit it. He was having heart trouble. He went to Baylor Med and got wind of these experiments. Hed come back from Baylor Med after they ran the dye through him, and we didnt know then that he was blocked. Hed come back and light one up. Pop, are you sure youre supposed to be smoking? He goes, Oh hell yeah, boys. Doctor says I got the heart of a 22-year-old high hurdler. He was so full of shit. He died of a heart attack. We go bum rush the doctor. Hey, what the hell? And he goes, What do you mean? He goes, No! I told him hes so blocked. He needs to quit smoking completely and watch what he eats. And were like, He was lying to us. So, I dont know if Id have changed a thing. I just maybe wouldve said, Hey. Because he didnt want to. He chose quality and fun of life over quantity. He wasnt chasing a higher number. I dont know if he would have wanted to quit living how he was living, doing what he was doing to live to be 70 instead of 62. Worming the Books Watson: I know you love to write. McConaughey: Emersons Essays. It was the first time Id read philosophy that I went, Oh! Two lines. Im opening it up. Two lines. Emersons essay on self-reliance. I read two lines and I go, Whoa. Wow. And let me hear what the music that comes back to me is, and see if I can get a reciprocity going. And then my rhythm of engagement and interaction with the world and people based on those two lines, whatever they were. And itd take two weeks before Id come back and read line three and four. So I just found it like, wow, this is the coolest game in town, so to speak. Thats why I love reading philosophy, or some motivation sometimes, or sometimes self-help, if its got enough teeth to it. Because, its the reason I like going to church on Sunday. Im geared up with stuff I want to put in practice and test it, see if it pays me back. Like giving out. See if I can get a mirror image coming back at me from the world, or from somebody elses soul, or mind, or mouth. Oh, that one really worked out. Or sometimes its like, I hadnt got it to work yet. Maybe I dont get it yet. I got to keep at it. I got to keep trying, before Ill move on to the next two lines. So Im a very slow reader, as you can imagine. Because I like stopping and taking things out and trying to see if I can apply them.
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https://www.ozy.com/news-and-politics/is-matthew-mcconaughey-the-answer-to-the-texas-question/433229/
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Could a mathematical application of information theory identify and predict SARS-CoV-2 mutations?
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An interesting new study by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, UK, describes the use of a mathematical method to sequence genomes based on information theory. The method offers an alternative to clinical techniques, allowing mutations to be detected and possibly even predicted. In this way, it opens new research opportunities in bioinformatics and genetics. While living organisms contain information encoded in genetic material, either deoxyribonucleic or ribonucleic acid (DNA and RNA, respectively), there are many other media in which information can be stored and transmitted. Study: A new method to study genome mutations using the information entropy . Image Credit: Design_Cells / Shutterstock A preprint version of the study is available on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. Background Information theory was first developed on a mathematical basis by Claude Shannon over 70 years ago. He described a method of measuring information obtained by observing the occurrence of an event. In fact, this gave rise to modern computing. He also coined the word bit for a unit of information. Other than information technology, his theory laid the foundation for advances in a vast spectrum of topics belonging to as diverse subjects as computing, cryptography, linguistics, physiology and biology, and telecommunications. Using information entropy The new paper uses information theory to devise a novel method whereby mutations can be both traced and predicted in genomic sequences. This is far from being the first attempt to do this, for DNA sequences have been analyzed through methods built on information theory from the 70s onwards. The approach used in this study centers around information entropy (IE) spectra, which are created from genomic sequences, and the examination of their mutation dynamics. Importantly, this approach is relevant for any sequence of any genome of any size. The researchers used a program called GENIES (GENetic Entropy Information Spectrum), custom-built for this project and now available for free to other scientists. Fundamental principle The core of the approach is the view of the genome as a coding system, where its diverse functional regions, such as exons, enhancers and promoters, have unique patterns of information entropy. Mutations show up as changes in the sequence of these regions and thus as distinctive alterations in the pattern of information entropy. This correspondence could be used to identify such mutations, purely from the standpoint of an information storage system, without the need to understand the physicochemical aspects of these changes. For instance, the four DNA nucleotides in any sequence are represented as adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T). Adjacent sequences make up a chromosome, with unknown sequences being represented by N. Each nucleotide is represented by two bits, that is, A = 00, C = 01, G = 10, and T = 11. The distributions of individual symbols and their information entropy values can be found by using an appropriate equation. The correlations between the symbols are further expressed using block information entropies. Such block information entropies have been used in many studies on genomic information content, though not to detect mutations. The researchers used a framework of three-nucleotide codons, each codon being represented by one symbol (m=3). The probability of each codon was mathematically estimated for defined stretches of the genomic sequence. This yielded the maximum entropy of the studied sequence. Entropy changes with mutation When a mutation has occurred, the value of the maximum entropy changes. The presence of a difference between the two entropies that was not equal to zero, or a ratio of original to altered entropy not equal to 1, would then indicate the chance that a mutation was present in the genomic subset of interest. Based on this concept, the IES method was used on the entire genome. The genome was first split up into subsets called windows. A window contains a defined number of characters, called its window size, corresponding to the length of the genome subset described above. By proceeding across the whole genome, the window was moved from one end to the other one step at a time, each step size corresponding to a fixed number of characters. The step size is between 1 and the window size. This yields a predetermined number of windows rounded to the nearest integer. The IE value is calculated window by window and plotted by location within the genome. This gives the IE spectrum of the genome a numerical representation of the genetically encoded information within a given genome. This algorithm conveniently permits the information in the IE spectrum to be used in other ways. Further research is on to determine how large the window and step size should be, probably varying with the type of information required. This method will work only with GENIES or another fully automated program. SARS-CoV-2 mutations detected By way of illustration, the researchers examined the reference genome of the SARS-CoV-2 using the IE spectrum method. They found that with a step size of 1, larger window sizes increased the mean IE value of the spectrum. The maximum IE value closely corresponds to the maximum expected theoretical value until WS>33. This point may therefore represent the optimal window size, where the IE changes are large enough to allow useful information to be extracted but do not exceed 33. An earlier and less detailed version of this method has been reported by other researchers, who nonetheless obtained valuable information by detecting repetitive sequences that helped trace the differences between organisms that emerged as they evolved. The current method should help add to the utility of this tool. When applied to the SARS-CoV-2 sequence and one randomly chosen variant, the researchers found that the IE spectrum method at various window and step sizes picked up six of seven total mutations identified by direct comparison at the nucleotide level. However, using m-block values less than 3, corresponding to the number of nucleotides in a codon, they found that m=2 yielded all the seven mutations, while also allowing for the identification of possible correlations between nucleotides. Moreover, this value is independent of window and step size values. The study reports an early program based on information theory that can detect single point mutations using the ratio of IE spectra. Further work will help identify indel mutations as well. Other algorithms and equations may help identify mutations. However, this technique may show the greatest value in its reverse application, examining the points where mutations are known to have occurred. This would allow special features in the IE spectrum to be linked to the location of the mutations in the genome and predict possible future mutations. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
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https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210531/Could-a-mathematical-application-of-information-theory-identify-and-predict-SARS-CoV-2-mutations.aspx
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Why are bees are so important for humans?
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DES MOINES, Iowa Many people fear bees, but what we should all fear is a life without bees. Bees contribute billions of dollars to the United States agriculture sector every year. In fact, more than a third of the food we eat is pollinated by bees. They pollinate 100% of almonds, they pollinate squash and cucurbits, so any sort of squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, that sort of thing, zucchini, the bees are out there pollinating that. Most berries are pollinated by bees and most tree fruit, said Randall Cass, an entomologist at Iowa State University. But bees are facing several stressors that have contributed to a decline in the bee population, including climate change. It impacts precipitation, temperatures, throwing that out of whack. It also throws the plants out of whack, said Stephanie Shepherd, wildlife diversity biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. When the plants dont bloom during their normal time, bees cannot do their job of pollinating all the plants we get our food from. In addition to a decline in plants to pollinate, bees are also affected by parasites and insecticides. The biggest stressor affecting honeybees is a parasite called the varroa mite. Its a little mite that lives on their backs and feeds off of the bees, and that weakens them overall, Cass said. While most of us cant help with the parasite problem, there is still a lot we can do to support bees of all kinds such as adding plants to support pollination. Especially early season nectar, so thinking about things like some of our native shrubs or even fruit trees, things like that that bloom fairly early in the season, as well as adding things like asters, sunflowers, Shepherd said. More facts about bees and honeybees Honeybees can fly up to 20 mph Most of the honeybees you see are female worker bees A beehive can have anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 bees in it Honeybees carry pollen on their hind legs in a pollen basket or corbicula Bumblebees usually build their nests close to the ground You can help researchers keep track of what species of bees are where by simply taking a photo and sending it to Bumble Bee Watch. Plants that support pollination Aster Coneflower Coreopsis Fruit trees Sunflower Shasta daisy Goldenrod Lavender (also keeps other insects like mosquitos and flies away) Milkweed Snapdragon
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https://cbs4indy.com/news/why-are-bees-are-so-important-for-humans/
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Why is tonights (5/31/21) episode of All American a rerun and when will the next new episode air?
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Game time isnt happening with a new episode of All American. Instead, a rerun of the hit show will air tonight. Heres why the show isnt airing tonight, when the next new episode will air and how you can still watch tonights rerun. Why isnt a new episode airing: All American is no stranger to the mini-break. Season three premiered on Jan. 18. The first break occurred after episode eight Canceled aired on March 8. The show returned on April 12 with episode nine Testify and ended so far on episode 11 The Bigger Picture, airing on April 26. Then, the show returned again with Fight the Power on May 17 and Bring the Noise on May 24. Today is Memorial Day, so while everyone is out enjoying festivities, it makes sense the show isnt airing tonight. Which episode is re-airing: Season threes episode 12 Fight the Power is re-airing tonight. Heres the synopsis recap of episode 12: When the truth comes out, Laura is furious and is left to face the consequences; Spencer asks something of his teammates that could jeopardize the rest of their season; Simone is worried about Jordan and turns to his friends for help. When will a new episode debut: Episode 14 Ready or Not will premiere on Monday, June 14, according to The CW. Here ya go! Okay, so heres how you watch: Fight the Power re-airs tonight Monday, May 31 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW. If youre one of streaming type, you can catch the show via Hulu Live at 8 p.m. too. You can also sign up for All American via fuboTV and get a free trial here to watch All American on demand. FuboTVs pricing starts at $64.99 a month. You can watch previous episodes of season three free using The CW app. Episode 12 will be available to watch free using the app starting Tuesday, May 4. Season one and two can be found via Netflix. Though, you can also buy the episodes for $1.99 apiece via YouTube. READ MORE:
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https://www.pennlive.com/life/2021/05/why-is-tonights-53121-episode-of-all-american-a-rerun-and-when-will-the-next-new-episode-air.html
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Is the Critical Race Theory Instigating Racism in America?
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Last week, Andrew Gutmann, the father of a student at a New York City private, wrote an op-ed for The Hill, lamenting "the explosive adoption of critical race theory" throughout the United States. Critical race theory (CRT) is increasingly influencing the nation's education, according to Andrew Gutmann, a father from New York whose open letter to the Brearley School went viral last month. He refers to thousands of letters from parents expressing devastation over their kids, some as young as five years old, being taught to feel guilty solely because of their skin colour. Arguing that an "anti-racist" education stokes division in American society, Gutmann notes that it's not only conservatives raising the alarm about the CRT but also self-described Democrats and liberals. How It All Began CRT is an intellectual movement which originated in the 1960s and 1970s and based on the premise that race is not a natural and biologically grounded feature but a socially constructed category used to oppress and exploit people of colour. According to CRT, the law and legal institutions in the United States are "inherently racist" and function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and non-whites, most notably African Americans. Over the past decades the theory has proliferated from academia to school systems, government structures, media, and the corporate world, gaining momentum during last summer's 2020 George Floyd protests. Prior to this, in August 2019, The New York Times Magazine launched "The 1619 Project" commemorating the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery, claiming that "no aspect of the [United States] has been untouched by the years of slavery that followed." AP Photo / Evan Vucci In this Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump listens as Nevada business leaders talk at Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, in Las Vegas. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly lambasted CRT as "malign ideology." In September 2020 he banned the federal government and its contractors and subcontractors from instructing their employees to follow CRT tenets based on "systemic racism," "white privilege," and "white fragility." Simultaneously, in an apparent response to the 1619 project, the ex-president established the 1776 Commission to support patriotic education. On 18 January 2021, the Commission issued the 1776 Report calling for an "accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling" narrative about America's past and drawing attention to the fact that the date of the US' true founding was 1776 not 1619 as critical race theorists say. However, just two days later, President Joe Biden issued an executive order to dissolve the 1776 Commission. In addition, the new Oval Office occupant rescinded Trump's executive order restricting CRT training. On 19 April 2021, the Biden administration proposed new priority criteria for a $5.3 million American History and Civics Education grant, including materials for K-12 schools, citing the "1619 Project" and critical race theorist Ibram X. Kendi's ideas as examples of content to be taught. AP Photo / TOM BRENNER U.S. President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, after his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, U.S., January 20, 2021. REUTERS/Tom Brenner Critical Race Theory in US Schools While Biden Executive Order 13985 calls for overcoming "exacerbated inequities" and "systemic racism," CRT does not help much to achieve these objectives as it promotes "new racism" instead of the old one, argue conservative scholars. "[CRT-inspired programmes] being instituted down to the third grade, where theyre telling third-grade children that because of the colour of their skin, they are oppressors, meaning that because of the colour of their skin, theyre bad," Thomas Lindsay, a distinguished senior fellow of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, told The Epoch Times on 28 May. "That used to be called racism. And unfortunately, critical race theory is the new racism." In some cases CRT reaches the ultimate stage of absurdity, conservative observers say, citing, in particular, the case of a mixed-race boy who filed a lawsuit against a public charter school in Las Vegas Nevada over discrimination on the basis of race. Due his light skin and green eyes, the mixed-race schoolboy was identified as a "white oppressor" in a critical race theory class and forced to "unlearn" his Judeo-Christian beliefs. The theory also influences other subjects in the curriculum: in April, Virginia parents and school board members raised concerns about the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) plan to lower learning standards for maths, to give black, brown, and Latino students a leg up. However, it is not the only state pushing the initiative as California and Oregon were spotted advertising an "Equitable Maths" tool kit which lambasts "harmful" and "racist" practices such as focusing on getting the "right" answer; requiring students to "show their work"; and valuing independent practice over teamwork or collaboration. CC0 A Coca-Cola truck Employees Instructed to 'Try to be Less White' Big corporations and government institutions appear to have been increasingly employing the critical race theory too. In February 2021, an alleged Coca Cola whistleblower released images allegedly showing the company's training on how to be "less white." "In the US and other Western nations, white people are socialised to feel that they are inherently superior because they are white," one of the slides said, adding: "Try to be less white." Earlier, in October 2020, over 200 CEOs from companies like Microsoft, Walmart, and JPMorgan unveiled a plan to combat racial injustice and inequity: "Racial disparities impact each step of a person's life, limiting one's ability to access resources, grow wealth and pass-on assets to one's family and community," the Business Roundtable's Racial Equity & Justice webpage claims. The CEOs' strategy was focused on six key areas: health, education, finance, employment, housing, and the justice system. According to Business Insider, the initiative came in the aftermath of then President Trump's CRT ban. The same month, Christopher F. Rufo, a contributing editor of City Journal, described a series of "diversity trainings" for the US Treasury Department and federal financial agencies which was centred on the problem of "white supremacy" and "white privilege." The trainer, Howard Ross, particularly instructed managers to conduct "listening sessions" in which black employees could speak about their experience, while white employees were instructed to "sit in the discomfort" and not "fill the silence with [their] own thoughts and feelings." "Trump is right. Training sessions for government employees amounted to political indoctrination," insisted Rufo in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. AP Photo / Wilfredo Lee Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a COVID-19 testing site, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. First responders and people over 65 years-old began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday during a trial run of the site which will open to seniors at a later date. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) GOP Strikes Back Following Biden's win, a number of GOP governors have taken steps to crack down on critical race theory in schools and government institutions. Though the bills do not specifically name CRT, they are targeting the theory's wide-discussed claims, such as that "an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously." Governors of Tennessee, Idaho, Arkansas, and Oklahoma have already inked anti-CRT bills into laws, while in Texas, Arizona, and Iowa, similar pieces of legislation are due to be signed by their governors, according to The Epoch Times. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is also seeking to restrict CRT from civic curricular: "There is no room in classrooms for things like critical race theory," DeSantis said earlier this month unveiling a system of bonuses for teachers who get credentialed in teaching civics. Similarly, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is pushing to bar CRT from the state's universities. Republican lawmakers also contribute to the effort: Thus, Tennessee Rep. John Ragan has introduced a bill targeting critical race theory tenets in the state's schools, citing "complaints from constituents across the state." "Do we really want to make skin colour the defining feature of America, or do we want to return to the colourblind dreams of our storied civil rights leaders, and to the true inclusiveness for which they preached?" writes New Yorker Andrew Gutmann in his op-ed for The Hill. "I know where I stand on these questions. But what do you say, America?"
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https://sputniknews.com/us/202105311083043171-is-the-critical-race-theory-instigating-racism-in-america/
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Is MSC Cruises New Ship the Future of Cruising?
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The first of MSC Cruises new World Class cruise ships, MSC Europa, has opened for bookings and the class of ship will be the second largest in the world when the completed. MSC Europa will be a groundbreaking new cruise ship that will enter service in 2022. The ships promenade will extend both indoors and outdoors. The indoor portion will be topped with a dynamic LED sky screen and the outdoor portion will have the longest dry slide at sea that will span 11 decks. Lets take a look at this revolutionary new ship from MSC Cruises. MSC Europa will be an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea. The size of the cruise ship allows for completely distinct districts, each with their own mood and experiences, from a tranquil adults-only zen district to the lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars, to a separate family district that houses as many as ten new kids facilities. The result is a vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot, for a varied and exciting guest experience that is unlike any other at sea today. Sponsored Links Among the many leisure activities on board, guests will be faced with choosing which of the new single-brand shops to visit first and how to divide their time between the incredible variety of six pools and 14 hot tubs. A family sundeck will offer the littlest ones a chance to enjoy a day at sea, while an Aquapark with integrated virtual reality technology will entertain both children and every adults inner child in equal measure. Guests can also expect the same high quality, full-scale production theater shows that they have come to expect from MSC Cruises, as well as new and exciting, immersive performance venues. MSC World Europas ground-breaking design is based on a new platform and sets her apart. With a striking futuristic silhouette, the cruise ships signature 90-degree plumb bow shaped like an arrow will cut through the water with ease. The impressive, never before seen Y-shaped aft opens onto the impressive 341-ft.-long Europa Promenade with breath-taking ocean views. Half open to the sky and half-covered by an imposing LED-sky screen, the screen will feature tailor-made displays throughout the day. One of the key features of the completely reimagined ship is The Spiral a striking architectural centerpiece in the form of a dry slide spanning 11 decks the longest at sea! The sleek curves of the impressive stainless-steel slide make it a true work of art as well as a fun way to get from the top of the ship to the promenade. At 1,093 ft. long, 22 decks high and with 430,556 sq. ft. of public space, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises longest ship in the fleet, but this space is not just for show. The increased size means that the ship will offer a variety of novel and engaging experiences to be enjoyed by one and all. MSC World Europa will also offer an extensive range of accommodation options for every taste, with a staggering 19 different categories to choose from and 65% of staterooms including balconies. The ship will see the introduction of seven new and innovative stateroom types. These include: Balcony suites and staterooms that overlook the promenade designed for guests to soak up the vibrant atmosphere below. Luxurious duplex MSC Yacht Club suites with large balconies and private hot tub, as well as open living/dining room area. Stylish Aurea Suites with spacious balcony and private hot tub. Infinite Ocean view staterooms with a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balustrade when open. MSC World Europa also features next-level dining, not limited to geographical boundaries, but based around seasonality and carefully curated immersive experiences. There will be a strong focus on artisanal and craft products, particularly in the variety of bars and lounges, as well as new exceptional gourmet dining concepts. The ship will feature 13 dining venues, including an incredible six specialty restaurants. The new prototype offers a blank canvas with the opportunity to introduce brand-new concepts and immersive experiences, based around creative expression and offering an unexpected, interactive experience. The two entirely new locations include the trendy Chefs Garden Kitchen focusing on flavorful microgreens and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. Fan favorites will also return with enhancements, including the classic American-style steakhouse Butchers Cut and Asian-inspired Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Sushi Bar, as well as the newly launched Latin American street food-inspired Hola! Tacos & Cantina. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover not one but three ample restaurant-buffets on board, each offering their distinct ambiance, including a brand-new location open 24/7. The snack and bar selection will also set itself apart, with numerous soon-to-be-revealed concepts making their debut and familiar faces returning with amplified offerings, such as the Masters of the Sea Pub, which will be split across two decks and brew craft beer specially on board for the first time. Other concepts will include the Elixir Mixology Bar with elaborate signature cocktails, a South Asian-style tea room filled with perfumes from the East, an authentic Emporium coffee bar with selections from around the world, a widely stocked Gin Bar inspired by a real distillery, a zesty juice bar made from fresh ingredients, and a gelateria with a multitude of flavors to tempt your sweet-tooth. MSC Europa will debut in December 2022 and cruises on the ship are now open for bookings.
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https://cruisefever.net/is-msc-cruises-new-ship-the-future-of-cruising/
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Who Will be the Favorite in the Belmont?
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The App is Back! Dont forget to download the NBC Sports EDGE app to receive real-time player news, mobile alerts and track your favorite players. Plus, now you can check out articles and player cards. Get it here! The third and final leg of the American Triple Crown will take place on Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Although there is no Triple Crown on the line this year, the mile-and-one-half Belmont Stakes may end up being the most competitive of the three legs of the 2021 Triple Crown, potentially creating an appetizing wagering opportunity. This weekends Belmont Stakes will not feature Medina Spirit, as his trainer, Bob Baffert, has been barred from entering horses at NYRA racetracks until further notice. While there will be no Kentucky Derby winner running this weekend, there will be a Preakness winner racing, as Rombauer enters the Belmont on the heels of a career performance for trainer Michael McCarthy. Although Rombauer owns the most prestigious victory of any of the competitors likely to race this weekend, there is a real scenario in which he does not even threaten for favoritism given the stature of this field. The second choice in this years Kentucky Derby was the California import, Rock Your World. Trained by John Sadler, the son of Candy Ride was brilliant when winning this years Santa Anita Derby, leading to many handicappers identifying him as one of the most likely winners on the first Saturday in May. Unfortunately for his backers, Rock Your World was bumped hard once the gates opened, leading him to fall back to an unfamiliar position racing well off the pace. With a clean break and a more forward placement on Saturday, Rock Your World figures to be a horse who will take a great deal of money at the betting windows. One of the more consistent horses of this crop is Hot Rod Charlie, who is another Southern California shipper. Trained by Doug ONeill, the son of Oxbow finished third in the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, giving another strong account of himself. Combine that strong finish with his victory in the Louisiana Derby and third-place finish when beaten a neck by Medina Spirit earlier this year, and Hot Rod Charlie becomes a compelling entrant in Saturdays Belmont Stakes. Despite his credentials, he seems like a colt unlikely to go off as the favorite in a spot like this. Story continues Of the locally based runners, perhaps no horse makes more sense than Known Agenda. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Known Agenda was a steam horse headed into Louisville on the heels of an emphatic victory in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Much to the dismay of his connections and anyone who intended on betting him in the Kentucky Derby Known Agenda drew the dreaded #1 post in Louisville, essentially eliminating any chance he had at victory before the race even began. In the grand scheme of things, the son of Curlin ran credibly earlier this month, and there is no reason to believe he will not fire on Saturday given his trainers penchant for successfully preparing horses to handle the mile-and-one-half test of the Belmont. Another who offers plenty of intrigue, however, likely not enough to earn favoritism. Editors Note: Get an edge with our premium Betting Tools that are packed with live odds, betting trends, predictions, player prop projections, our extensive Edge Finder and much more. And don't forget to use promo code SAVE10 to get 10% off. Click here to learn more! Other horses listed as potential runners for Saturdays race include Rebels Romance, France Go de Ina, Bourbonic, Keepmeinmind and Overtook, all of whom have effectively zero chance of going to the post as the favorite. Essential Quality. Sent off as the 5/2 favorite in the Kentucky Derby, Essential Quality was forced to race wide every step of the way at Churchill Downs before rallying gamely to finish fourth, beaten by just over a length when all was said and done. Considering the trip he endured, the Brad Cox trainee ran an exceptional race. So exceptional, in fact, that it can be argued that Essential Quality ran the best race in the Kentucky Derby despite finishing outside of the top-three. Given the fact that he has been favored in five of his six lifetime starts along with the strong effort he put forth when last seen in the afternoon, there is every reason to believe Essential Quality will be the favorite in the 153rd running of the Belmont Stakes.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/favorite-belmont-170912846.html?src=rss
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Where does Penn State rank in updated USA TODAY football preseason top 25?
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With spring football practices now well in the rearview mirror and the transition to full preseason mode underway, updated preseason top 25 rankings are beginning to make the rounds. So far, the general consensus seems to see Penn State as a legitimate top 25 team, although the Nittany Lions are viewed as a team with something to prove before regaining the national; respect as a potential Big Ten or even a playoff contender. Sporting News and Athlon Sports each had slightly different takes on their outlooks for the Nittany Lions in 2021, and Pro Football Focus is on the record as well. All three have Penn State as a top 25 team, however. And the latest updated preseason ranking from USA TODAY backs that concept up. And once again, it looks like there is a pretty common theme for where Penn State is ranked by the latest offering from USA TODAY writer Erick Smiths stab at a preseason top 25. NEXT USA TODAYs ranking of Penn State football for 2021 No. 16 Penn State Dec 5, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State running back Keyvone Lee (24) carries the ball as Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi (3) pursues during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports What Erick Smith Says Its hard to make sense of the Nittany Lions after they started with five losses last year and then finished with four consecutive wins. It would be easy to overreact to the lows given the loss of their two best players Micah Parsons and Journey Brown right before the season. Quarterback Sean Clifford had a major slump that coincided with the arrival of offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. New coordinator Mike Yurcich is tasked with rebuilding Cliffords confidence. A deep stable of running backs and wide receiver Jahan Dotsons decision to forgo the NFL draft gives the offense some major pop. Two transfers Temple defensive end Arnold Ebiketie and South Carolina cornerback Johnny Dixon bolster a unit that should be closer to the usual high standard of the James Franklin era. Story continues NEXT The complete USA TODAY Top 25 USA TODAY post-spring CFB Top 25 1. Alabama 2. Oklahoma 3. Ohio State 4. Clemson 5. Georgia 6. Iowa State 7. Cincinnati 8. Texas A&M 9. Notre Dame 10. Florida 11. LSU 12. North Carolina 13. Wisconsin 14. Oregon 15. Iowa 16. Penn State 17. Indiana 18. Miami (FL) 19. USC 20. Arizona State 21. Oklahoma State 22. Texas 23. Coastal Carolina 24. Washington 25. Louisiana-Lafayette Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion. List Close calls, overtimes, and blowouts: A look back at James Franklin's results in season openers Related
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-penn-state-rank-171313629.html?src=rss
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Is there a QB competition brewing in Toronto?
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Mac is back. The Toronto Argonauts have announced that quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson has signed with the club. Im so excited to be back in Toronto and Im so excited to be back playing football, said the San Francisco native. There are a lot of options in Canada, but no place feels like home like Toronto. I love the city, I love the fans, and I love whats being built there. Bethel-Thompson first arrived in Toronto in 2017, winning a Grey Cup as a backup to Ricky Ray. He was the on-again, off-again starter for the subsequent two seasons, playing his best football in 2019; leading the CFL in touchdown passes with 26, while finishing third in passing yards with 4,024 despite only starting in 13 games. RELATED Bio: McLeod Bethel-Thompson by the numbers Cauz: Why Montreal and Ottawa should be rivals Argos bring back QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson I think I was playing football in my first year up there blind (as a starter with the Argos in 2018), he admitted in a phone conversation with Argonauts.ca from his home in Los Angeles. I dont think I had time to study the Canadian football game, I didnt know the structure of it. I think it was only into my second year playing that I really started to learn by doing. I could see my game expand once I understood the structure of the game; the timing and the space, and I could be comfortable. I know my best football is ahead of me. Bethel-Thompson is now one of five quarterbacks on the roster, joining Nick Arbuckle, Antonio Pipkin, Kelly Bryant and Nick Tiano, all of whom are new to the organization. Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie is happy to get the deal done, and excited to see how things play out during training camp now that there are two potential starting QBs, Bethel-Thompson and Arbuckle, on the roster. Mac is a good quarterback, Ive always been a fan from afar, Dinwiddie told Argonauts.ca in a phone interview. We love Nick and we know we can win games with him, but every starting quarterback is just one hit away and we just felt we didnt have two starting calibre quarterbacks in the building to push each other. Thats not how I view it, Dinwiddie explained. We know there are injuries in this league, so thats why youve got to have two. I feel like those guys will work well together, theyre good leaders, and theyre going to make each other better at the same time. When asked about the competition, Bethel-Thompson had nothing but great things to say about both Arbuckle and Pipkin and is looking forward to working with the entire group. Im very excited to get into the room, he said. Competition brings out the best in everybody. The coaches are saying the best man plays and thats all you can ever ask for in football. Im really looking forward to building up a quarterback room that is rabid with competition but also filled with brotherhood. Ive genuinely gotten to a place in my career where I want the best for the man beside me. If theres a player like Nick Arbuckle or Antonio Pipkin pushing me, its only going to make me better and thats an exciting thing. Thats the kind of leadership that the Argo locker room came to appreciate from Bethel-Thompson, and Vice President of Player Personnel John Murphy says bringing the 32-year old QB back was done for more than just the Xs and Os. It gives us options, he said in a phone interview with Argonauts.ca. It gives Nick a reliable veteran to bounce things off of. Mike OConnor raved all year about McLeod as a leader, as a guy who would work with him, share ideas and take questions. Hes not just here to play, hes here to be a part of the bigger picture because hes already a positive part of our culture. While many will think having two quarterbacks competing for the starting job is a bad thing, Murphy has taken a look at fairly recent Argo history to illustrate what he wants the teams quarterback picture to look like. Were hoping to be in the type of situation that the Argos were in when Jim Barker and Scott Milanovich built the quarterback room with Ricky Ray, Trevor Harris, Zach Collaros and Cody Fajardo. Were looking to mimic what they were able to do. Murphy, General Manager Mike Pinball Clemons and the personnel department have been busy trying to build up more than just the depth at QB. Just before the 2021 free-agent season began, CFL.ca ranked its top 30 pending free agents. With the signing of M B-T, the Argos now have eight of those thirty under contract, including five of the top nine; Cameron Judge (3), Henoc Muamba (4), Charleston Hughes (6), Bethel-Thompson (8), Cordarro Law (9), Drake Nevis (14), Eric Rogers (15) and John White (23). With so many new faces in the lineup there will be heated battles at almost every position. The signing of Bethel-Thompson will put a lot of focus on how the competition at the most important position on the field plays out.
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https://www.cfl.ca/2021/05/31/qb-competition-brewing-toronto/
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What Is Volkswagens Electric ID. Series?
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AutoGuide.com Volkswagen is betting that the future of automotive propulsion will be largely electric. In mid-November, the German automaker announced that it had upped its planned spending on pure-electric vehicles to some $33 billion through 2024, covering new battery-electric vehicles to be sold under the Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, and other brands. For Volkswagens namesake brand, the culmination of this colossal investment will be the Volkswagen ID. series a pure-electric sub-brand whose name officially stands for intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies, per Volkswagen. The name ID. highlights to what extent Volkswagen sees pure-electric propulsion as integral to its future. The sub-brand was born at the 2016 Paris Motor Show with the reveal of the compact Volkswagen ID. hatchback concept a car that would later make it to market as the ID.3. Unlike the battery-electric e-Golf that came before it, the ID.3 was envisioned and engineered as a pure EV from the start, utilizing the new, purpose-built modular MEB platform for battery-electric vehicles. That same malleable EV platform will underpin a great number of the Volkswagen Groups future electric vehicles. Unfortunately for eco-conscious North American motorists, the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback will not be sold in that market. However, Volkswagens follow-up ID.-branded EV model a pure-electric crossover believed to be named ID.4 will launch in North America by the end of 2020. The model will most likely take after the ID. CROZZ concepts shown in Shanghai and Frankfurt in 2017, and will share its MEB underpinnings with the ID.3, as well as another half-dozen or so new pure-electric Volkswagen models. Those additional ID. models will take after concepts such as the ID. BUZZ electric micro-bus, ID. VIZZION electric sedan, and ID. ROOMZZ electric utility vehicle. Its unlikely that Volkswagen will transition entirely to a battery-electric vehicle brand any time soon; in most parts of the world, internal combustion engines are still far more practical and livable. Yet the significance of Volkswagens electric ID. sub-brand is hard to overstate. The German automaker has set a goal to sell one million pure-electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2023, which is ambitious given that it only just sold its 250,000th battery-electric car earlier this month. To put the Volkswagen Groups $33-billion EV investment into perspective, in January, 2018, Ford Motor Company announced plans to invest $11 billion a third of that amount by 2022 in order to bring 16 battery-electric and 24 plug-in-hybrid models to market. Volkswagens $33 billion is expected to cover a total of 75 new pure-electric models by 2029, including vehicle lines from Volkswagen brands like Audi, Porsche, and SEAT. Whats more, Volkswagen will invest another $33 billion or so into new hybrid models and digital technologies, presumably including autonomous driving systems. Volkswagen is already laying the groundwork for its ID. sub-brand to flourish in the U.S., its Electrify America subsidiary working to make US buyers more receptive to EV ownership with a pro-electric propulsion multimedia campaign, and to install thousands of EV charging stations across the country, including both level-2 AC chargers and DC fast-charging stations. Electrify America was born out of Volkswagens U.S. court settlement after having been caught installing emissions cheat devices on diesel vehicles. Look for the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover to launch in the U.S. toward the end of 2020, with the first model year being imported from Germany or China ahead of domestic production kicking off at the automakers Chattanooga, Tennessee site in 2022.
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https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2020/01/volkswagens-electric-id-series/
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Is it still a good time to refinance my mortgage?
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The coronavirus pandemic added stress over personal finances for many Americans. Nearly one-third of Americans reported that their investments were negatively impacted. Thankfully, the Federal Reserves lowering of the federal funds rate has given many the opportunity to safeguard one of their most important investments: their homes. When the federal funds rate was lowered, home mortgage interest rates fell to historic lows. These record low refinance rates offered homeowners an opportunity to save thousands over the life of their home loan and hundreds on their monthly payment. Although mortgage interest rates are starting to rise, those interested in refinancing your mortgage still have time to lock in historically low rates. If you are ready to refinance, see for yourself just how low current mortgage refinance rates are and explore your refinance options by visiting Credible where you can compare dozens of rates and mortgage lenders. FEDERAL FUNDS RATE ABOUT TO RISE: WHEN AND HOW MORTGAGES, OTHER LOANS WILL BE IMPACTED When applying for any new loan, its understandable to have concerns. Many homeowners are wondering if now truly is the right time to refinance their home loan, especially since mortgage refinance rates have started ticking back up over the last few months. Lets look at a few of the vital questions homeowners are asking as they consider refinancing their mortgage loan in 2021. Generally speaking, yes. Mortgage rates hit record lows in 2020 and the absence of an adverse market refinance fee, a fee from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of 0.5% of the loan amount for mortgage refinance that lenders typically pass on to the homebuyer, only saved homeowners more money during their refinance. 2020 was an ideal time to move forward with a home loan refinance, but its important to realize that 2021s mortgage rate levels have still been historically low and refinancing would benefit the average homeowner. While its unlikely that mortgage refinance rates will drop back down to the record lows of 2020, the Federal Reserve indicated that it plans on keeping the federal funds rate, a rate that indirectly influences the direction of mortgage interest rates, steady until 2022 or later. This means that lenders will continue offering low interest rates on mortgage loan refinances for the foreseeable future. If youre thinking of refinancing, consider using Credible. You can use Credible's free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates. Although rates arent as low as they were in 2020, theyre still hovering near record-setting levels. It's unclear if and when we could see interest rates hit these low levels again. You should consider refinancing your mortgage loan if your credit score or debt-to-income ratio has dramatically improved since you first took out your home loan. You may also want to refinance if you want to stop paying private mortgage insurance, plan on cutting down your loan term or want to utilize the equity in your home or want a lower payment. In order to take advantage of today's low rates, you can use an online mortgage refinance calculator to determine your potential new monthly payments and explore various mortgage lenders and rates. Most homeowners will benefit from low interest rates; however, refinancing your home is not the right financial decision for everyone. It doesnt make sense to refinance if you cant afford the closing costs or if you plan on moving soon - you wont recoup the closing costs before you sell. You should also refrain from refinancing your home loan if you would lower your loan rate by less than 1%. Whether you are thinking about a personal loan, student loans, credit card or home loan, you can prepare by improving your credit score and lowering your total debt before applying. You should also shop around to compare rates from multiple mortgage lenders to ensure youre getting the lowest rate available. Keep in mind that online lenders may be able to offer a lower rate than your local brick and mortar bank or credit union. Visit Credible to get in touch with experienced loan officers who are ready to answer all of your mortgage refinance questions. Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
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https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/still-good-time-to-refinance-mortgage
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Are we in a wrong kind of lockdown ?
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May 30, 2021 By Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem, MD Yesterday we in Mysuru District have entered a more stringent kind of anti-Covid lockdown than what we had seen over the last five weeks. I call it more stringent because it leaves only two days a week open for citizens to do their shopping for their daily needs. Although it is new for us, it is not for the first time that such a lockdown is being imposed in our country. In fact, many districts in our own State have right now been placed under similar restrictions and we are emulating it rather late now, although it is a different matter whether it helped them or not because that inference is still very unclear. But as a practicing doctor, I consider the imposition of our latest form of lockdown nothing more than a Knee Jerk response of our authorities to the raging covid situation which certainly seems like a galloping mad horse refusing to be reined in. They just had to be seen doing something different. Not much scientifically or medically correct thought seems to have gone into the decision to implement it in their hurry. I feel that while imposing the present stipulations of just two open days in a week, we perhaps did not do the right thing because on Friday we saw a glimpse of what it can do to a population desperate to beat the curfew hours and do its shopping for the forthcoming three days of total curfew. Everywhere we saw closely packed people at every one of the shops, throwing fear and caution to the winds and extending their arms over each others shoulders, with currency notes tightly clutched in their hands and desperately asking the clearly overworked shop-keepers for what they wanted. Social distancing had gone for a complete toss and it was nowhere to be seen. Only in the very few more orderly areas of our city, populated by very educated people, were they standing patiently in long queues for their purchases. In all other areas it was utter chaos with every possibility of becoming a law-and-order problem if the Police dared to interfere with the peoples frenzied shopping mission. I dont entirely blame the people too for their very unreasonable behaviour because no one had told them how to do their shopping for a full three days in a very limited time of just four hours. So according to me, Friday was certainly a super-spreader day as far as the virus was concerned. If only the authorities had extended Fridays shopping window till about 4 pm, this mad rush could have been avoided. And, if they are very serious about continuing this kind of a lockdown, I feel that this should be the minimum window if we have to benefit from the five-day curfew. There are rumblings that the lockdown across the State is very likely to be extended since it seems to be doing us good. But I feel that if this happens and if we here in Namma Mysuru continue to have our five-day curfew, our two weekly shopping days, with their insufficient four-hour windows, will certainly become super-spreader days for the virus. And, talking of doctors, they seem to be good only for two things. Firstly, to bend their backs and treat at completely illogical and paltry, government specified rates, the multitudes of Covid patients who flock to their hospitals and secondly to bear the ingratitude of disgruntled people who complain that their charges are far too high! What an irony! The medical aspect of what makes an effective lockdown is something that no one seems to be asking experienced and senior doctors at the time of drafting rules and regulations as it seems to have happened in the case of the present lockdown too. All I can say without sounding overly critical is that it is completely unscientific. So, what kind of a lockdown do we need if it has to do us some real good. The answer to this question will automatically become apparent to you if I tell you that an airborne viral infection spreads maximally only through close proximity. A lockdown to prevent this does not have to be very complex. It should just prevent overcrowding of people in public and private places too, so that the prescribed physical distancing between two people is maintained at all times. That is the whole and sole requirement and nothing else. How we do it is up to us and I feel that we can achieve this by spreading out our people at all times. This can be done quite easily by banning all social gatherings as we have already done and also by increasing the number of days and hours when people can come out and do their shopping. We should open business establishments of all kinds to enable their owners also to make a living. We should let our people do all kinds of their shopping leisurely, over six hours each day, for a full six days of the week with good social distancing under the watchful eyes of our Police personnel and then watch how overcrowding vanishes. Let us be strict in enforcing working hours for business establishments and declare that the evening hours on all days are a time of complete curfew. This restriction is very necessary because people tend to flock together for a mandatory daily round of gossip after their working hours, to complain about how tough life has become under lockdowns ! The post-shopping period should see something like a total curfew. For the full duration of the time till Covid disappears completely from the scene in our country. It is only because we failed here and allowed lavish weddings and unrestricted congregations of all kinds towards the end of the last year that we saw this second wave which seems to have come with a vengeance. It may be a year or even more but we have to grin and bear this inconvenience. We simply have no other choice if we have to stay alive! So please do take care and stay safe and stay healthy! e-mail: [email protected]
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https://starofmysore.com/are-we-in-a-wrong-kind-of-lockdown/
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Has Bradley Beal reached his limit with the Washington Wizards?
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Within minutes of absorbing a 29-point thrashing that cast his team into a deep chasm of post-season despair, Bradley Beal took his place on a Zoom screen and declared, with all the earnestness he could muster, that the Wizards of Washington would persist. Im a huge fan of the word embrace, Beal said Saturday, after the Wizards fell into a 3-0 hole in their first-round series against the top-seeded 76ers. Embracing everything. Embracing the stages of life. Embracing every situation. And its the same thing with this. Embrace where we are. A seasoned vet, Beal knows the reality as well as anyone: No team in NBA history has won a playoff series after going down 3-0. The Wizards who posted an under-. 500 record this season, who needed to play two play-in games just to make the playoffs will not be the first. But after nine seasons in D.C., Beal is also a veteran of disappointment and frustration and a virtual master in the art of stubborn belief. Hes embraced his fair share of quixotic quests: striking a functional partnership with John Wall; making the Wizards respectable; keeping them relevant through Walls injuries; forging a new partnership with Russell Westbrook; dragging the Wizards to the playoffs after a season marred by quarantines and postponements. Every year, Beal evolves a little more as a shooter and a scorer, as a playmaker and a ballhandler, as a leader and a culture-setter only to find himself staring at the same, depressing fate: early elimination. The Wizards have made the playoffs just five times in Beals nine years, falling in the second round three times, the first round once (and soon to be twice). How long before he says the two words hes repeatedly vowed not to utter: Trade me. No one professes to know Beals intentions, but rival scouts and executives have believed for months that a day of reckoning is near as in this summer. Its true that Beal has consistently professed his loyalty to Washington, and a commitment to leading the Wizards out of the desert. But every NBA star has his limits. Hes been adamant, says an Eastern Conference scout. But yeah, it wouldnt surprise people if he had an about-face on that and said, `Enough of this. The case for Beal asking out is fairly straightforward. Hes an elite scorer, one of the NBAs best, averaging 30-plus points per game the last two seasons. Hes firmly in his prime (turning 28 later this month). Hes never experienced playoff success. Hes routinely snubbed for individual awards, because of the Wizards ghastly record. And hes on a capped-out team, with an aging, overpaid co-star, and no clear path to title contention. Rui Hachimura, the Wizards top pick in 2019, had a solid second season but no one projects him as a star. Scouts like Deni Avdijas tools, but his rookie season was mostly a dud. Daniel Gafford was a late-season revelation, but hes a role player. Davis Bertans is a nice shooter who cannot possibly live up to the $80 million (U.S.) contract he signed last year. They got some nice players, but theyre not close to a championship team, said the scout. Future is not bright, said an executive with another Eastern Conference team. Its hard to find anyone around the league who disagrees. And though no one doubts the sincerity of Beals declarations, well, these things tend to change when stars get fed up. James Harden pledged his undying loyalty to Houston, but eventually forced his way to Brooklyn. Westbrook did the same in Oklahoma City, before forcing his way to Houston and then out of Houston. Kyrie Irving forced a trade from Cleveland to Boston, declared hed be a Celtic for life, then left for Brooklyn. Anthony Davis ditched New Orleans for Los Angeles, just eight years after Chris Paul ditched New Orleans for Los Angeles. And on and on. Of the 27 players named to the 2021 All-Star Game (including injury replacements), just 14 are still with their original teams (including four players still on their rookie contracts). Speculating about Beals future has practically become an annual ritual, but theres reason to think this time will be different. Beals contract runs through the 2022-23 season, but the final year is a $37 million player option which means he can be a free agent in just 13 months. The clock is ticking. I think so, said an executive with a Western Conference team. Theyre in a tough spot. To be sure, its hard to accurately assess this Wizards season, marred as it was by injuries and a COVID-19 outbreak that forced the team to essentially shut down for two straight weeks in January. The Wizards went 6-17 over their first 23 games, fell 15 games under .500 in early April, then closed the season on an 18-7 kick, with Westbrook going supernova nearly every night. The last part of the season really impressed me, said Ryan McDonough, the former Suns general manager, now a commentator for Audacy. I think theres some positive take-aways. Id like to at least see how it looks next season with a healthy Westbrook and Beal, and more experience from Avdija and Hachimura and Gafford. Still, McDonough concedes, a healthy, improving Wizards team projects as a lower-tier playoff team in the East perhaps with a chance to crack the top six, if all goes well. Theres your upside. Westbrook turns 33 in November, and hes already shown signs of erosion over the last two years. For all his gaudy counting stats and triple-doubles, Westbrook remains a low-efficiency, high-turnover gambit. He doesnt get to the basket as often as he once did, nor finish as well as he once did, nor earn as many free throws as he once did, or even shoot them well (. 656 this season). Also, he keeps getting hurt. (Also, hes turning 33 in November. Did we mention hes turning 33 in November?) Oh, and hes earning $44 million next season, with a cap-clogging $47 million player option in 2022-23. The right move is to (trade) Beal and probably buy out Westbrook, said the Eastern Conference executive (while noting that Wizards ownership has always preferred playoff berths over long-term planning). If Beal at last requests a trade or if Wizards officials decide its time to hit the reset button the market would be robust, and the payoff considerable, if recent superstar deals are any guide. The Thunder got five first-round picks, two pick swaps and a budding young star (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) for Paul George. The Pelicans got three first-rounders, a pick swap and two promising young players (Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball) for Davis. More recently, the Pelicans acquired multiple first-round picks from the Bucks in the Jrue Holiday deal. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Rival executives expect something similar if Beal hits the market. The Warriors could make a bid, dangling rookie center James Wiseman and Minnesotas lottery pick. The Pelicans could offer an wealth of picks (via the Lakers and Bucks), along with Ingram. If the 76ers flame out in the coming weeks, perhaps they consider the (long-speculated) Ben Simmons-for-Beal swap. The Heat have few top-shelf assets, but could get creative and make a bid. Ditto the Mavericks. Maybe the Knicks, armed with two Dallas picks and R.J. Barrett, make a run. I think teams would pounce, said the scout. The Wizards season could end as soon as tonight, and almost certainly by the end of the week. Thats probably up to Beal, and how much more anguish hes willing to endure. For nine years, hes embraced all manner of challenges and setbacks and humiliation. Maybe now its time to embrace change.
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https://www.thestar.com/sports/si/2021/05/31/has-bradley-beal-reached-his-limit-with-the-washington-wizards.html
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Where will the ITM Power share price go in June?
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Many long-term investors in ITM Power (LSE: ITM) will have done incredibly well. Those who had the foresight to buy the shares almost five years ago and sell early in 2021 would be sitting on gains of around 2,100%. Since then, the tide has turned. The ITM share price is now roughly 42% below where it stood at the end of January. ITM: The story so far Lets recap. ITM is a highly promising hydrogen energy storage and clean fuel company. Put simply, analysts believe the element and the AIM-listed business could play a huge role in decarbonisation (returning levels of CO2 in the atmosphere to more natural levels). 5G is here and shares of this sleeping giant could be a great way for you to potentially profit! According to one leading industry firm, the 5G boom could create a global industry worth US$12.3 TRILLION out of thin air And if you click here well show you something that could be key to unlocking 5Gs full potential... Back in 2015, ITM signed an agreement with Shell for hydrogen refuelling stations. A couple of years ago, this was extended to include forms of transport such as buses, trains and ships. In 2019, the company also announced a joint-venture with engineer Linde to deliver renewable hydrogen to industrial projects across the globe. In more recent news, ITM revealed that it had signed a collaboration agreement with (and received strategic investment from) Italian energy infrastructure firm Snam. Other developments include the opening of a gigafactory in Sheffield. The quick answer to where the share price is going is that no one knows for sure. A slightly more involved response is that it really depends on whether the company meets, beats or falls short of investors expectations on 10 June. Despite recent operational progress, the last of these is clearly possible. Back in January, ITM reported results for the six months to the end of October. For me, two numbers stood out. The first was a 92% drop in revenue to just 200,000, partly due to Covid-19 disruption. The second was a 28% rise in the adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) loss to 10.4m. Despite recent investment helping accelerate the companys growth strategy, things could get worse before they get better. Even if ITM shareholders accept this, more general market moves could still have a bearing. Right now, investors are shunning growth for value. This could prove problematic for the ITM share prices near-term performance. So, even better-than-expected news in June (thanks to the lifting of restrictions) may not change the stocks trajectory. The companys low free float the number of shares available to trade could also amplify any fall. Of course, the opposite is also true. Not for me.yet The potential for hydrogen-focused companies is massive. Unsurprisingly, ITM thinks its rapidly developing backlog and tender pipeline is evidence of its world class offering. Im keeping my feet on the ground for now. Lets not forget that the advent of the internet saw many companies coming to the market only to quickly disappear following the dotcom bust. A similar scenario may play out here. ITM could well prove to be one of the victors, but there can be no guarantee. When hype meets reality, the latter wins eventually. Taking my own risk level into account, buying a clean energy fund remains the best strategy for me. This way, my money is spread across many companies rather than just one. Options here include the Invesco Global Clean Energy ETF or my favourite, iShares Global Clean Energy ETF.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2021/05/31/where-will-the-itm-power-share-price-go-in-june/
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Whats Ahead for European Biotech Startups After Covid?
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With a tumultuous year behind us, 2021 is set out to spell change for many startups in the European biotech ecosystem. Following the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, the European biotech startup landscape has seen some big changes over the course of the past year. Jason Mellad and Dan Rooke, CEO and COO of the Cambridge-based life sciences accelerator StartCodon, discuss how these changes will influence the trends well see in the biotech ecosystem over the next year, from opportunities created by the pandemic to the most promising technology trends, as well as how Brexit will impact the European startup landscape. Jason Mellad: Well, 2020 was such an odd year because of the pandemic, but what I thought was fascinating is that there was an increase in interest from non-healthcare investors to invest in startups in this space. The pandemic has basically caused all of us to reconsider the importance of things like early disease detection, health and wellness, anti-infectives, or remote care with telehealth. So biotech startups that could pivot into those spaces, did so. And new opportunities that maybe would have been more challenging to get funding received interest from healthcare investors. The rules have been completely reset in 2020. Dan Rooke: Its not just been a case of companies pivoting because they see an opportunity. Weve also seen a change in focus by funding bodies, such as Innovate UK, preferring Covid-related solutions. So as a result, companies are pivoting, not necessarily just because of an opportunity to pivot but also because they think they can secure funding if they focus on Covid-19. Also, we saw quite a lot of companies picking up on health and wellness. Obviously, people havent been able to go to hospitals and doctors due to cancellations. So, towards the third quarter of the year in particular, we saw a lot of digital solutions around that problem, allowing patients from different backgrounds to interact with the doctors virtually. Previously people hadnt really considered the impact of a pandemic and now its happened, its changed the funding landscape. Jason Mellad: Its fascinating to see how this pandemic has caused so many young entrepreneurs to start up, and how many existing startups are pivoting in new directions. I think the influx of cash towards Covid initiatives probably caused too many companies to pivot toward a Covid solution, and I think that will have a long-standing impact. A number of companies that might have otherwise been developing solutions for other diseases, saw the money available for anything remotely Covid-related and did a hard pivot to focus on that. What that means is that were going to have a whole smorgasbord of opportunities that have been left at the table, that other biotech startups starting now will have an opportunity to address, whereas the ones that pivoted to Covid will be fighting fierce competition. Theres just not enough room in the market for 500 different rapid diagnostic tests of Covid. Weve oversaturated the solution space for this pandemic. And as much as those efforts were not in vain, because we needed them, we have to ask ourselves how many other diseases are going to be left behind. The companies that can take advantage of that situation will ultimately win long-term. Thats an opportunity for innovative, disruptive platforms to come to the forefront. There will be a knock-on effect. So while pivoting towards Covid-solutions may not have been the wisest decision for some biotech startups, it does create an opportunity for more innovation, and thats always a good thing in the long run. Jason Mellad: I believe telemedicine and telehealth are going to be important. Were all working remotely, were all stuck at home, were all zooming and teamsing and google meeting. The pandemic has opened up a whole new market for the distributed care model, for things like point-of-care tests at home and remote monitoring via wearables or smart furniture. The important thing is to put in place the infrastructure for reducing the burden upon the healthcare system, by keeping patients at home for longer, where they can recover in their natural environments and actually have better outcomes with the right care pathways in place. I also know that big data will continue to play a role in everything. One of the things that we do for any company that approaches us, no matter what field therapeutics, diagnostics, medtech, digital health they all need to have an informatics strategy that they map out from day one. Because big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are more than buzzwords. Theyre going to be the bedrock of the biotech industry going forward, and theyre already starting to take over. The other trend Id highlight would be genomics. Before, genomics focused on sequencing your linear four-base DNA code. Now, were starting to appreciate the importance of epigenetic modifications and 3D interactions that regulate gene expression. Theres so much more information to be garnered from our genomes which have been historically underutilized. Going forward, we have the tools both chemistry and informatics to unlock that information. Dan Rooke: Weve definitely also seen a trend towards gene therapy companies and gene-editing companies. Weve noticed an increase in investor appetite for those kinds of therapies, although they are still very early in terms of the ability to launch such products in the market. Jason Mellad: RNA is another trend. Weve seen what Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech have been able to accomplish in record time with their mRNA vaccines, and suddenly everybodys excited to exploit RNAs full potential. Lets take another look at RNA silencing, lets continue to explore therapeutics that can be built off of the back of novel RNA structures, or even the ability to drug RNA directly with small molecules, or use RNA as a new liquid biopsy diagnostic. RNA, increasingly, is going to be at the forefront of biotech innovation and investment. Dan Rooke: I think in the UK weve got the most active healthcare and life sciences startup scene in Europe. We know the golden triangle Oxford, Cambridge, and London creates more biotech startups than most places in the world. No, I dont think it will. Yes, I think it will. For me, the big issue I see from Brexit and I see many issues from Brexit is access to talent, particularly on the startup scene. We are reliant to a large degree on foreign talent. And while weve got a baseline of foreign talent now, I do think access to talent will become a problem over the coming years. I think we will genuinely see this lack of talent hit the healthcare and life sciences sectors quite hard. Jason Mellad: I agree, talent is a huge issue because you need outstanding teams in order for a startup or any company to be successful, particularly in the early phases. Building on that, weve already experienced the knock-on effects of reduced access to European funding for early-stage academic research. Thats going to have a negative impact on the pipeline of innovations coming through UK universities, and the ability of UK universities to participate in some cross-international consortia. But I also think that theres an opportunity for an upside. Its no secret that I think Brexit was an unwise decision, but I do think that theres always room in a chaotic and disruptive environment for innovation and advance. For example, weve witnessed increasing investment interest from US and Asian VCs keen to support growth and scale-up in the UK ecosystem. Consequently, the UK will become a much more competitive fundraising landscape, which is always positive in the long run. Potentially, there might also be an upside for European investors who start to invest more heavily in nurturing budding biotech ecosystems across continental Europe. Cambridge will continue to thrive as the leading biotech hub for Europe and an innovation powerhouse recognized worldwide, but theres unrealized opportunity across the continent in Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and beyond. So Im confident that overall, well see some exciting, net positive changes. It wont all be doom and gloom.
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https://www.labiotech.eu/interview/european-biotech-startups/
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What Is Advance Care Planning?
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You probably already realize how unpredictable the future is, but even though you know it, a part of you may still believe youll be able to make your own medical decisions no matter what comes up down the road. However, while you might not have been sick a day in your life as some people claim, a sudden medical crisis experienced at any age could leave you too unwell to make healthcare decisions on your own. And when you cannot speak for yourself, advance care planning makes your wishes known for you. Advance care planning is studying the kinds of decisions you might need to make, considering those decisions beforehand, and informing others family and health care providers about your wishes.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264366470891/what-is-advance-care-planning
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What Are All These Badass Women Doing Way Out In the Desert This Week?
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The Italian GP, the sixth round of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, took place this afternoon at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. It was a difficult race for all the premier class riders, who, before the start of it, had to observe a minute of silence on the grid in memory of Jason Dupasquier. The young Swiss rider passed away just a few hours earlier due to the injuries sustained in a severe accident that occurred yesterday during Moto3 qualifying and which saw him involved. Francesco Bagnaia, who was deeply shaken by the tragic news, could not maintain his concentration during todays race. After a promising start from the front row, the Ducati Lenovo Team rider crashed out of contention on lap 2 while he was in the lead and was then forced to retire.
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https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2264416118912/what-are-all-these-badass-women-doing-way-out-in-the-desert-this-week
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How bad is Google Photos compression anyway?
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Google Photographs has lengthy supplied probably the greatest offers in all of picture storage: itll again up your whole library without cost, as long as it may compress the photographs a bit. However as of tomorrow, June 1st, that deal goes away, and also youre now consuming by way of Google storage (which you will have to pay for) whether or not your photographs are compressed or not. With the change looming, Ive been questioning how bad Googles compression really is. I ran some fast checks this morning to seek out out. I took some photographs and movies from my Pixel 5 (one of some telephones that may proceed to get free compressed storage) and a photograph from my Fuji X-T30 and uploaded them to 2 separate Google Photographs accounts, one with compression turned on and one which maintained unique high quality. The outcomes had been combined. For photographs, the compressed variations had been usually indistinguishable from their uncompressed counterparts. However when youre shedding decision, the compression actually begins to point out. Right heres what I discovered throughout a handful of checks. Youll be able to click on the photographs to view them at a bigger dimension. Right heres a photograph I took just lately of my cat, Pretzel. I zoomed in on his hair, his eyes, and the books within the background, and I cant discover a distinction. The picture, taken on a Pixel 5, was initially 3.4MB however was compressed right down to 1.5MB. I took this image on Yales campus final weekend with the Pixel 5s ultrawide digital camera. Each variations look nice whereas in full display screen on my pc. You would in all probability make an argument about whether or not theres some extra noises across the edges of the leaves within the compressed model, however Im typically of the mindset that if you need to seek for picture points, they dont actually matter. The area saving isnt very substantial right here: Googles compression takes the file dimension from 7.3MB to five.7MB. Right heres a photograph I took this morning of Pretzel on my Fuji X-T30. I zoomed in on his face, and couldnt discover a distinction even when each had been blown up as massive as Google Photographs might make them. At first, it appeared like this was a scenario the place Google Photographs compression gained out: the file dimension shrank from 12MB to simply 662KB, and the photographs look virtually equivalent. However theres one very notable distinction. Google caps picture decision at 16 megapixels, which shrank the picture considerably from the unique 26 megapixel file my digital camera saved. Right heres a zoomed-in crop exhibiting how the element begins to vanish as blocky noise is available in: Now look, I dont know that I would like all 26 megapixels of this picture at this cut-off date. But when I ever needed to print this picture in a bigger format, crop it down the highway, or in any other case make modifications to it, these additional pixels could be an enormous benefit to have retained. Theres nothing inherently flawed with 1080p video, however there is one thing flawed with the way in which Google processes it. And sadly, if you happen to use Googles compression, all of your movies will probably be compressed at 1080p. When that occurs, the whole lot turns into smudgy, particulars simply vanish, and a few colours even lose their pop. Its a extremely important downgrade when it comes to high quality. Im not in a position to embed a Google Photographs video right here, so I included a screenshot comparability above. I believe you may see a lot of the variations, though its a lot clearer how blurry textual content turns into at bigger sizes. I initially recorded this video in 4K again on my Pixel 5 again in February. It seems to be good sufficient on my not-4K pc display screen. Road indicators, faces, and the falling snow all look sharp. However the compressed model is sort of a multitude it seems to be like I recorded it with a layer of grease on my digital camera lens. The loss (or financial savings) of information is an enormous one right here: it falls from 55MB for this 10 second clip to simply 6MB. No marvel it seems to be a lot worse. I nonetheless got here away largely impressed by the standard maintained after Googles compression. For photographs, the consequence might be practically indistinguishable as long as the unique file is beneath 16 megapixels. However for movies, theres no query that uncompressed is the way in which to go. Its too bad that Google doesnt allow you to set completely different choices for photographs and movies. The true disadvantage is that compressing your photographs doesnt all the time save a ton of area. That additional area undoubtedly provides up as you push hundreds of recent photographs into the cloud annually. However if you happen tore going to should pay anyway, it is likely to be price sustaining your photographs and particularly your movies at their full high quality, particularly if you happen tore importing them in larger resolutions.
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https://www.gadgetclock.com/how-bad-is-google-photos-compression-anyway/
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How to study Maths Easily?
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Maths It isnt as scary or troublesome because it sounds. For a lot of, its a topic they completely dread. Nonetheless, its the one topic that can assist you even after faculty is over! Its additionally extensively utilized in different topics like Physics and Chemistry. The very best factor about Maths is that, when you get the cling of it, it may be your most scoring topic. Its not unimaginable, actually its simpler than it seems. Listed below are some suggestions to sort out Maths like an professional! Apply as a lot as youll be able to Maths is a fingers on topic. You mayt simply be taught chapters, you will have to perceive ideas after which maintain working towards. Its splendid to begin working towards proper from day 1. That method, youll be nicely practiced by the point the examination arrives. If youre finding out content material heavy topics, youll be able to slip in a little bit of Maths follow, so it doesnt get overwhelming. Begin by fixing examples Dont begin by fixing complicated issues. When youve got simply understood the chapter, fixing exhausting sums will provide you with the fallacious reply and discourage you. It would even make you hate Maths some extra. As an alternative, begin easy. Remedy the examples in your textbook. Ensure you dont have a look at the reply earlier than hand. After you have solved it, evaluate it to the textbook resolution, or the reference e-book youre utilizing. See if all of your steps are right, not simply the primary reply. When you get all of the steps proper, youre prepared to sort out the easier issues. After you have mastered these, youll be able to transfer on to the troublesome ones. Clear all of your doubts Its simple to get caught at a doubt in Maths. Dont let your doubts construct, get them cleared as quickly as they happen. The earlier you get your doubts resolved, the earlier you get higher at these matters. Ask your class trainer, associates or on-line on an app. Be aware down all formulae If you see one thing sufficient, it registers in your reminiscence, even when its unconscious. This why some individuals desire to stick diagrams or formulae on their study desk or of their room. Make flash playing cards of all of the formulae in your textbook and enhance your room with them, at-least till the examination is over! Perceive the derivation You may suppose the derivation isnt as necessary from the examination perspective, however its essential for understanding. You mayt at all times be taught a components, you want to perceive the logic behind it. For instance, you want to know why velocity is a operate of distance and time, as an alternative of merely studying the components and changing it with numbers. In the event you rote be taught, there are possibilities you may neglect it through the examination, but when your ideas are clear, it can at all times be simple to keep in mind. Dont lose contact with the fundamentals Your fundamentals are every part in Maths. Even in case youre finding out for JEE, you want to have a robust basis of sophistication 9 by class 12. Most chapters in Maths construct on earlier ones. In case your basis isnt as robust as youd like, then maintain going again and working towards sums from choose chapters in earlier years. All the time know your fundamentals. Use the following pointers and see your weak topic flip into your power! Its time to make associates with Maths, as a result of that friendship goes to final some time.
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https://www.gadgetclock.com/how-to-study-maths-easily/
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Should Miami Heat make an effort to retain Duncan Robinson in the 2021 NBA offseason?
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26-year old Duncan Robinson and the Miami Heat were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This was Robinsons third season in the NBA. He went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft and signed a summer league contract with the Miami Heat. Duncan Robinson was initially on a two-way contract with the Heat and NBA G-Leagues Sioux Falls Skyforce, and signed a three-year deal at the end of the 2018-19 season. Duncan Robinson will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season and is expected to be in for a huge pay rise in the coming season. Over the two previous seasons, Robinson has shot at over 42% from the three-point zone and has become an important role player for the Miami Heat. NEW: Duncan Robinson discusses factors that will impact his free agent thinking this summer (besides finances). He stands to command at least $15 M per year, perhaps $20 M. News from 8 Heat players who have spoken in ongoing press conferences: https://t.co/5fdAbmnukI Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 31, 2021 In such a scenario, we look at whether or not the Miami Heat should retain Robinson. The franchise needs to consider the potential improvement in contracts that he is bound to be offered by other teams. Duncan Robinson is expected to attract a wide range of interest from other playoff contenders. According to ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski, the Miami Heat might be asked to match an offer as high as $20 million per year. Robinson has in the past two seasons established himself as a dangerous three-point shooter. He showed flashes of brilliance in the first playroundund, and was especially lethal in game 1. Duncan RObinson will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season Robinson finished with 24 points, and shot at over 53% from the three-point zone. He has proven himself to be a dogged shooter who is capable of catching fire in big games. Robinson has not missed a single regular-season match for the Miami Heat in the past two seasons. He had his best shooting year from the three-point zone last year, and has increased his volume of shooting this season. Robinson averaged almost 44% with 10 three-point attempts per game. Duncan Robinson, on free agency, "First, and foremost, a fit." Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 31, 2021 The Miami Heat had an anti-climactic end to their season. Robinson might be tempted to leave despite the fact that he is only going to be a restricted free agent. He recently revealed during a press conference that the first thing that he will be looking for will be a good fit. First and foremost, a fit, a place I can really feel comfortable. Winning is a priority for me. And also a business and theres an opportunity to take care of people that I love. This does not mean that Robinson is looking for change, as he later claimed that he loves the Miami Heat organization for a number of reasons. Regardless, Duncan Robinson looks set to take the next step in his career and might be looking for a better team role on a new roster. He has already proven his worth to the Miami Heat. The only snag that might stop them from trying to retain Robinson is the fact that they might not be able to afford his contract. Duncan Robinson: "My best basketball is ahead of me." Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 31, 2021 Duncan Robinson says he has not yet considered Olympics amid impending free agency. Says no formal invitation to Olympics yet. "There's other variables at play." Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 31, 2021 The Miami Heat are expected to be in the market for another superstar, with the likes of Kyle Lowry and the LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard two names that have come up repeatedly. In such a scenario, while they should be looking to retain Duncan Robinson, the financial aspects might simply make it impossible.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/should-miami-heat-make-effort-retain-duncan-robinson-2021-nba-off-season
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Is Ben Affleck a better actor than John Wick star Keanu Reeves?
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Everything in Hollywood is cyclical. This goes for popular types of movies as well as the stars who appear in them. As an example, Keanu Reeves returned to the limelight in the late 2010s. Likewise, Ben Affleck reinvented himself years after being best known for his relationship with Jennifer Lopez. Keanu Reeves poses at the 92nd Academy Awards | Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic In addition to acting, Ben Affleck is an award-winning filmmaker Afflecks career began in the 1990s with films such as Dazed and confused and Chasing Amy. But it was her Oscar win for the co-writing Goodwill hunting with Matt Damon who really put it on the map. Following this victory, Affleck starred in such hits as Armageddon, The sum of All Fears, and Daredevil. But he had yet to convince critics with his acting ability. Attach it to his image, his personal tabloid life, or comparisons to Damon. Regardless, Afflecks career changed dramatically when he stepped behind the camera. From 2007 Gone Baby Gone, he became an award-winning writer-director. And he really shone in subsequent performances such as The city, Argo, and The way back. RELATED: Ben Afflecks Relationship With Jennifer Lopez Made It Painful To Be His Friend, Matt Damon Says Keanu Reeves is loved both on screen and off by his fans Reeves might not have Oscar victory or an acclaimed directorial career like Affleck. But he is the star of several beloved films, including the Bill and Ted trilogy, Point Break, Speed, and The matrix series. Most recently, Reeves starred in the John wick films, which blend his physicality, dry comedic timing and deep sense of melancholy in one hugely successful package. Plus, Reeves is also loved offscreen. Hes the rare Hollywood A-list star who looks genuine in every interview. And when hes playing the right role, he can absolutely put his distinctive onscreen presence to good use. Reeves isnt taken seriously as an actor in large part due to his focus on the action, sci-fi, and thriller genres. But hes no less brilliant in these stories. For a long time, people have been trying to determine if Reeves is a bad actor. Although its scope is limited, it absolutely shines in films such as The matrix and John wick. And because hes stayed closer to what works, his filmography is more cohesive. After all, none of his movies are as atrocious as Afflecks. Gigli or Survive christmas. However, Affleck deserves credit for trying out different types of roles. And over the past decade hes proven that with age and experience hes become a much more capable actor. If we match their work from the 1990s or even the early 2000s, Affleck and Reeves are more evenly matched. But thanks to its more recent release, Affleck is ahead of the competition. 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/entertainment/954679/
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Who passed away on Dr Pimple Popper?
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DR Sandra Lee aka Dr Pimple Popper has seen her fair share of patients since the show first aired in 2018. Among them, some patients have experienced an unexpected journey after their time on the show. Kevin Olaeta, who won over audience hearts in his episode of Dr Pimple Popper in January 2020, passed away a few months after his episode aired. He died of tachycardia and an enlarged heart and passed away peacefully in his sleep reported RealityTitBit, TLC paid tribute to the patient as the end credit of his episode read: In Loving Memory of Kevin Olaeta 1988-2019. Dr. Lee also remembered her patient as she wrote on Instagram: RIP Kevin I found out months after our taping that Kevin had passed away unexpectedly. Love and strength to his family and friends esp his father. 5 Kevin Olaeta appeared on Dr Pimple Popper in January 2020 Credit: TLC/Dr. Pimple Popper Kevin appeared on the show to treat a large cyst on his jawline that had been growing for six years. Although the cyst was affecting his confidence, Dr Lee successfully removed the growth via surgery. An online obituary revealed that Kevin has passed away on May 19, 2019. The obituary read: 5 Olaeta had a cyst growing on his jawline for six years Credit: TLC/Dr. Pimple Popper Kevin C. Olaeta, 31, a resident of Petaluma, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, 2019. Kevin attended Petaluma High and the Musicians Institute of Hollywood, where he learned guitar craft. "He had a passion for music and was a great supporter of local bands and concerts at the Phoenix Theater. It continued: He also loved working on his motorcycles and car. Kevin demonstrated great skill working in his fathers electrician business. Clients and friends were drawn to his cheerful, friendly personality. One man recently got a surprise when Dr Pimple Popper extracted a "heavyweight" blackhead from his ear. The older man had presented at Dr Pimple Popper, aka, Dr Sandra Lee's clinic with a little bump on his ear. He said he hadn't experienced acne since he was a teenager so had wanted to come in and get the bump checked out. 5 Dr Pimple Popper has been on air since 2018 Credit: TLC In the treatment room Dr Lee confirmed to the man that he did have a blackhead, after he said he was unsure what it was. Dr Lee wasted no time is grabbing a comedone extractor to clear the pore and gently pushed down on the lump. A bulbous amount of puss then oozed out, and for fans of the extraction, the pimple popping Queen even slowed the video down. After extracting the spot she said: "I think you lost a little weight there. But now you look so pretty, this is your good side now again." The average American woman has popped at least 4,153 zits during her lifetime, and the pandemic has made things worse, new research shows. The study of 2,000 women revealed they burst about 65 pimples every year - and 58% of them say they have at least one scar to prove it. 5 Acne has gotten worse in the pandemic due to mask-wearing Credit: TLC Most read in Entertainment RIP LOADED Dallas rapper Lil Loaded has passed away MYSTERY MESSAGE Tristan Thompson's 'mistress' Sydney Chase posts text saying 'I'm yours' bumpin' along Jessa Duggar shows off big baby bump in sweatpants as her due date approaches hot mama Teen Mom Ashley Jones poses in string bikini after she was slammed as 'trashy' 'this is nuts!' RHOSLC's Jen slammed after cousin promoted GoFundMe to help with legal fees so chic Jinger Duggar breaks family dress code in rare outing after brother Josh's arrest Roughly the same percentage of women who suffer from acne say it has worsened as a result of mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 38% report their skin hasnt been this bad in years. And while a majority of women have been showing less of their faces in person because of the pandemic, many still feel pressured to have flawless skin when they hop on a Zoom call. Fifty-seven percent of them agreed the pressure to have the perfect skin is greater than ever before, thanks to social media.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2989929/dr-pimple-popper-patient-pass-away/
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Where does Steven Seagal live?
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STEVEN Seagal, once one of the most in-demand action stars in the world, has re-emerged. And he's doing things that may surprise you. Steven Seagal lives in Russia. He was granted Russian citizenship in November 2016. In August 2018, Russia's foreign ministry gave him the job of being a "special representative for Russian-US humanitarian ties." The position is a unpaid one. After years of flying under the radar, Steven Seagal is dominating the headlines because he recently was formally inducted into a pro-Putin party. The Party is called the A Just Russia Patriots For Truth party. And in a recent speech, Seagal claims that the Party's focus is on the environment, especially when he called for certain penalties for those who pollute the air. Without being able to arrest people, when we just fine them, they are probably making more money of the production of the things that are defiling the environment, he said, referring to companies that "get off" from hefty penalties despite being dangerous to the environment. 4 He attended Putin's inauguration Credit: Getty - Contributor After he was formally inducted into the Party, he posed with one of the Party's leaders named Zakhar Prilepin. In the past, Seagal has said that he's an ardent supporter of Putin and his style of governance. In 2014, Seagal said that he supported Putin's annexation of Crimea. This support, perhaps unsurprisingly, created controversy amongst Americans, who felt that this support was traitorous to the United States. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' There will be another election in the Duma in September 2021. However, despite Seagal's ardent support of both Putin and the Russian political party, he won't be able to run for office. This is because, despite his support for Russia and the various Russian leaders, Seagal still retains his American citizenship.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2990056/where-does-steven-seagal-live/
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What happened to country singer Randy Travis?
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COUNTRY singer Randy Travis had been in the music scene since 1978. The musician was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Randy Travis, 62, took a hiatus from the music scene after suffering a variety of health complications through the years. The country singer suffered a massive stroke in 2013 after struggling from congestive heart failure, according to USA Today. He spent most of his time in Tennessee and Texas hospitals and underwent two brain surgeries. Travis also suffered from pneumonia on three separate occasions and was intubated. 3 Travis suffered a variety of health complications in the past few years Credit: Getty By November of the following year he recovered slightly and was able to walk short distances and play guitar. In 2016, Travis made a comeback in music and performed Amazing Grace at the Country Music Hall of Fame. However, he took a break a year later but reappeared on stage with Michael Ray during a cover performance of Forever and Ever Amen. In September of 2019 he returned to touring with James Dupr in a 12-city production. 3 Travis released his latest song titled Fools Love Affair after suffering a massive stroke Credit: Getty - Contributor Yet, Travis was only able to do three of the shows after there were unexpected production and technical problems. He released a new song in 2020 titled Fools Love Affair, which was featured on the radio for the first time since suffering the stroke. The singer married Mary Travis in March of 2015 amid his health complications. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' He was previously in a 19-year marriage with Elizabeth Hatcher, who he divorced in 2010. According to Today, Mary stood beside Travis during his hospital stay, reportedly asking the doctors to keep him on life support. Even in his state, his semicoma state, he squeezed my hand and he laid there and I just saw this tear that fell and it was one tear at a time... I just went back to the doctors and I said, Were fighting this, said Mary.
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2990175/what-happened-country-singer-randy-travis/
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Who was rapper Lil Loaded and how did he die?
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DALLAS rapper Lil Loaded passed away on May 31, 2021, according to reports. The rapper was previously indicted in March on one count of manslaughter over the death of an 18-year-old. Dashawn Maurice Robertson, aka Lil Loaded, passed away on Monday, May 31. His cause of death is still unknown. Loaded was best known for his songs 6locc 6a6y, Gang Unit, and Link Up. The news of Loadeds death spread on Twitter, with many wishing their condolences to his family. Loaded was accused of allegedly shooting teenager Khalil Walker with a rifle outside of his home. The teenager had been shot in the torso and was rushed to the Methodist Charlton Medical Centre, but died from his injuries. Loaded was arrested on a murder charge, but this year was indicted on a lesser one. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' He took to Instagram 15 days after the shooting to discuss the death of Walker, writing: "I appreciate all yall support. "They try to make u look guilty wen u innocent regardless .. we going to get pass this . Adding: "Rip my brother love u ."
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2990253/who-was-rapper-lil-loaded-how-die/
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Why was Lil Loaded arrested?
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UP and coming Dallas rapper Lil Loaded reportedly passed away on Monday, May 31, he was 20. Details surround Lil Loaded's cause of death have not been made public. In November 2020, Lil Loaded, born Deshawn Maurice Robertson, was arrested and charged for the murder of his friend Khalia Walker 18. Loaded was indicted in March on one count of manslaughter over the 18-year-old's death. Police allege the young rapper shot Walker in the torso with a rifle outside of a home in The Wood neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, on October 25, 2020. A police affidavit states both men and a witness, named Cameron Walker, were outside Walker's house when two shots went off. 4 Lil Loaded, born Deshawn Maurice Robertson, was arrested in November 2020 and charged with the murder of his friend Khalia Walker Credit: Getty Walker's sister Khija, who was inside the home, ran outside and saw her brother lying on the street with a gunshot wound to his torso, with Lil Loaded and Cameron standing over him. One of them yelled at her to call 9-1-1. While they were waiting for the ambulance, the affidavit continues, Khija picked up [Lil Loadeds] phone and saw a video taken on the phone showing the suspect shoot the complainant. After that, Cameron and Lil Loaded took Walker to the hospital in Loadeds car. Afterward, Lil Loaded brought Cameron back to the house where the shooting happened and then fled. Walker was taken to nearby Methodist Charlton Medical Center where he died of his injuries. Loaded reportedly passed away on Monday, May 31, but his cause of death is still unknown. Loaded was best known for his songs 6locc 6a6y, Gang Unit, and Link Up. The news of Loadeds death spread on Twitter, with many sending their condolences to his family. One user wrote: What the actual f**k man RIP bruh 4 The news of Lil Loadeds death spread on Twitter, with many sending their condolences to his family. OUCH! Cody Simpson calls relationship with ex Miley Cyrus 'just one of those phases' Another added: Damn wtf i thought he was in jail for the accidental murder of his bro. A third replied: This some bulls*** I was just bumpin my n*** lil loaded yesterday fam damn bro rest easy. A fourth person chimed in tweeting, "Nahh RIP Lil Loaded, this is so sad."
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https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/2990393/revisit-lil-loadeds-november-2020-arrest-friends-death/
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