question
stringlengths 9
197
| article
stringlengths 174
99.3k
| url
stringlengths 23
392
|
|---|---|---|
Will the city pay for a bigger new Bassick? | A view of Bassick High School in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. A view of Bassick High School in Bridgeport, Conn., on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. 1 / 4 Back to Gallery BRIDGEPORT City officials are poised to try to bump up the size of another high school on the premise that if they build it, students will come. The School Building Committee voted Thursday to ask the City Council to increase the size of the new Bassick High School to accommodate 1,000 students rather than the 911 students an enrollment study estimated the school would have at its maximum in 10 years. The supersizing could increase the cost of the project by $8.4 million, a jump the city alone would have to pay unless the state can be convinced the additional space is warranted. I personally feel it is not unreasonable to consider that, City Finance Director Ken Flatto said of the larger sized enrollment. Flatto made the remarks after talking with Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson. Johnson is pushing for the larger size, theorizing that a new school with an advanced manufacturing focus would likely draw back neighborhood students who now attend the citys Fairchild Wheeler campus as well as Bullard-Havens Technical High School, local charter schools and private schools. The new Harding High School was held out as an example. Originally designed for 850 students, Harding plans were redrawn to accommodate 1,150 at the urging of the school board. In the 2017-18 school year, enrollment at Harding stood at 967. The building committee was told on Thursday that Harding is now filled to capacity. Bassicks enrollment has dropped slowly over the last five years, but last year stood at 970 students. The state is on track to pay up to 70 percent of the new schools $115 million construction cost, but will only contribute to the 911 students reflected in the independent enrollment study it required last fall. My concern is that while the (independent) study shows 911, there could be more students in the pipeline over the next 10 to 20 years, Flatto said. The City Council has already committed to bonding $28 million toward the project. Adding 89 students would potentially increase that commitment to more than $36 million. I dont want to bond extra money unless we have to, City Council President Aidee Nieves said. She and other members of the City School Building Committee also dont want to lose their place on the states capital project priority list. If we make changes now, we risk losing our position, said John Ricci, the citys public facilities chief. City Council member Christina Smith, a chairwoman of the School Building Committee, said she has no problem asking for more, as long as the reasoning is solid. The committee agreed to ask the project architect to start drawing schematics based on a 1,000-student enrollment, contingent on City Council approval for the extra funding. If the council rejects the increase, the architects would be asked to scale back the drawings. In the meantime, city officials plan to ask the enrollment consultant to double check projections. If the consultant agrees that the school should be larger, city officials say they would ask the state to revise its grant to cover the additional students but only after it clears the legislative process. The difference could shift $6 million of the additional cost to the state, the committee was told. [email protected]; twitter/lclambeck | https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Will-the-city-pay-for-a-bigger-new-Bassick-13544686.php |
What could GoPro be doing with an ex-HBO hire? | GoPro has hired Bill McCullough, who used to work as vice president of creative development and operations over at HBO Sports and he has original content on his mind. According to Variety, McCullough, who has 11 Emmy's under his belt, is now GoPro's executive producer for the company's team sports and motor sports channels. GoPro, which has channels on YouTube, Xbox One and Facebook, amongst others, has so far only really been focused on promo videos for its own products, and has more recently seen a push into the virtual reality world with 360-degree videos and camera rigs. But with this new hire, we can only assume GoPro will be taking on the strategies of Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, with more of a focus on original content. "To start, short form will be the focus," McCullough told Variety, adding, however, "I would not rule out that there is longer form pieces in the future." But don't expect to see HBO-style content from GoPro, with McCullough saying "The camera itself really breaks down so many barriers." After all, with a GoPro, you can stick a camera right on an athlete to capture the action from his or her perspective in a completely different way to traditional TV productions. And in case you were questioning if GoPro even wants to be winning Emmy awards for its content, McCullough told the publication, "I'm looking forward to those days when GoPro is at the Emmys." | https://www.techradar.com/au/news/home-cinema/what-could-gopro-be-doing-with-an-ex-hbo-hire-1307102 |
Whats Lindsey Graham up to? | The short answer is politics. The claim by Rep. Ilhan Omar that Sen. Graham is compromised, is beyond stupid. Omar cites the way [Graham] is behaving towards President Trump. Graham was a major critic of Trump at one time, but now often supports the president. But Graham sometimes does not support him. Just yesterday, he criticized Trumps decision to cancel Nancy Pelosis junket. Recently, he criticized Trumps decision to withdraw from Syria. And Graham expressed anger over the way Trump spoke of John McCain. If Graham were compromised, he wouldnt be behaving that way. Graham hated the idea that the GOP might nominate Trump, was apprehensive about a Trump presidency, but now finds himself in agreement with many of Trumps policies. The same is true of many Republicans, including me. Im pretty sure Trump has no compromising information about me. The foregoing would probably be sufficient to explain Grahams behavior, but I think theres something else at play: opportunism (but not in any bad sense). Graham strongly favors amnesty for a goodly portion of the illegal immigrant population, has long supported lenient sentencing for federal felons, and wants a robust U.S. engagement in the Middle East. By becoming cozy with Trump, Graham improves (or thinks he improves) the chances of influencing him on such matters. One can disagree, as I do, with some (or all) of Grahams policy objectives. However, its perfectly reasonable, and indeed smart, for the Senator to try to advance them by getting on Trumps good side. In doing, as I said, Graham isnt compromising his principles because he does criticize Trump when the two disagree. Im pretty sure Graham wishes that some other Republican, perhaps almost any other Republican, were president. But Trump is the president we have and Graham is trying to make the most of it. Thats called doing your job. | https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/01/whats-lindsey-graham-up-to.php |
Whats Wrong with Baseball? | By Philip Stein The average baseball game is 3 hours and 5 minutes long. 297 pitches will be thrown during that game, and only 74 of those pitches, or 25%, result in a ball being hit in fair territory. Unlike football, where every down matters, every pitch does not matter. With hockey and soccer, at least there is an offensive zone, and they can take a shot at any moment, requiring a focus at most times during the game. They say that baseball is the thinking mans game. I say baseball is the boring mans game. Baseball seems to be a place where people go to conversate as opposed to actually focusing on the game. Baseball has been, in my experience, the one sport where Id be better off not going to watch the game than going. This is why I have passed up free tickets on more than one occasion. There is no atmosphere at a baseball game like there is at a soccer, hockey, or football game. I have seen an RMU hockey game with more excited fans than any baseball game I have been to. The large gaps between meaningful plays have resulted in a drop of 4.2% in attendance in the last year alone. Soon, soccer will replace baseball as the 4th sport in the U.S. behind football, basketball, and hockey. What was once the nations pastime has become the nations bathroom break. Even the CTE scandal in football cannot save this sport that is comparable in excitement to an episode of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. Baseball will soon go the way of the Do-Do bird. Not because people nowadays arent thinking enough as many baseball fans would like you to believe, but rather because baseball has become outdated. | https://wptsradio.org/whats-wrong-with-baseball/ |
Whats up with the fairy doors all around Healdsburg? | For more stories like this, check out The Chronicles weekly Travel newsletter! Sign up here. Healdsburg is known for great wine and top-notch restaurants. Some, however, hold the city in high regard for another reason: its resident fairies. No one ever has seen the fairies, mind you. But the doors to their homes are all over town literally. Sometime in 2017, local business owners started noticing the doors 5-inch-tall portals adorned with different details appearing on the sidewalks in front of their shops and propped up on the sides of buildings downtown. Dozens of them. Local officials figured someone from the community would come out and take credit for the phenomenon. But nobody has. More than a year later, the doors have become a mainstay of the downtown experience. Take a stroll around Healdsburg Plaza, and youll almost certainly notice them. Part of the magic behind the fairy doors is the mystery of who is creating them, says Mark Themig, the citys director of community services. While no local businesses have installed or affixed the doors on their own, many have embraced the challenge of decorating the doors once they appear. The city has embraced the fairy portals with open arms, putting together a map for anyone curious to spot them. Copies are available at the Chamber of Commerce office near the Mill Street roundabout and a handful of other places around town. The fairy door at the Camellia Inn appeared just before St. Patricks Day last year, says owner Lucy Lewand. Fairies painted on the door, placed near the inns fishpond, are depicted with a boat and a little car; perhaps they like to fish or swim, Lewand says. She has questions about the tiny creatures who live behind the door. What do they spend their time on? Lewand wonders. On the other side of town, staffers at the Healdsburg Museum add different decorative details to their fairy door at different times of year. In December, for instance, Executive Director Holly Hoods and her staff outfitted the door with a tiny wreath, a diminutive sled full of presents, a small Christmas tree and mini garland. We were thrilled when (the door) appeared one day, Hoods says. We have embraced it and have promoted it on social media. Healdsburg isnt the only Bay Area city to receive fairy doors out of the blue; theyve popped up in Cloverdale (two towns to the north) and Alameda recently; some have emerged in San Franciscos wooded Glen Canyon Park as well. In one fell swoop. Set aside an hour or two, grab a map, and head out to spot as many as you can. If youve got young kids in tow, challenge them to record their observations along the way. Just be sure to have them keep their eyes peeled for fairies. Because you never know. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/What-s-up-with-the-fairy-doors-all-around-13544915.php |
When does the tournament start? | Expand Rugby World Cup Fixtures 2019 2019 Rugby World Cup Dates 23rd November 2018 Final Qualification Spot Filled 19 of the 20 spots for the tournament had been filled before the Repechage Tournament in November 2018. A round-robin format, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong and Kenya battled it out for the final spot and on the 23rd of November, Canada emerged as the winners to secure their spot in the tournament. 20th September 2019 The Tournament Begins Hosts Japan will play against Russia in the opening group stage game of the tournament. We have a selection of exciting games to look forward to, including some pivotal match-ups below; 19th October 2019 The Knockout Stages Begin (All times below are UK and Ireland times) Sat 19 Oct QF1 Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D (Oita), 8.15am (Oita), 8.15am Sat 19 Oct QF2 Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A (Tokyo), 11.15am (Tokyo), 11.15am Sun 20 Oct QF3 Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C (Oita), 8.15am (Oita), 8.15am Sun 20 Oct QF4 Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool D (Tokyo), 11.15am (Tokyo), 11.15am Sat 26 Oct Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 (Yokohama), 9.00am (Yokohama), 9.00am Sun 27 Oct Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 (Yokohama), 9.00am (Yokohama), 9.00am Fri 1 Nov Third-place Play-off (Tokyo), 9.00am 2nd November 2019 The Rugby World Cup Final The biggest match in rugby union, the World Cup Final will take place at the International Stadium in Yokohama. It will kick off at nine in the morning. Follow our Rugby World Cup homepage which we update regularly with news and features. Also make sure you know about the Groups, Warm-ups, Dates, Fixtures, Venues, TV Coverage, Qualified Teams by clicking on the highlighted links. Finally, dont forget to follow Rugby World on Facebook, and Twitter. | https://www.rugbyworld.com/tournaments/rugby-world-cup-2019/rugby-world-cup-dates-94627 |
What should the Bucs do with Gerald McCoy? | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing some difficult decisions this offseason, and the most challenging one wears No. 93. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Gerald McCoy is a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, despite having never tallied double-digit sacks in a season. He has also become a pillar of the Tampa Bay community through years of various outreach and charity programs. But McCoys all-star accolades and positive off-field impact wont be enough to offset his lack of production and lofty price tag heading into the 2019 season. With three years remaining on the $98 million extension he signed in 2014, McCoy is scheduled to make $13 million in base salary next season. But none of the remaining money on his deal is guaranteed, which means the Bucs could move on from McCoy without eating any dead money. McCoy has proven he can be a disruptive force at times, but consistency has been a struggle. Injuries have played a part, and while a defensive linemans impact goes far beyond just sack numbers (especially for interior defenders), McCoys production simply hasnt matched his pay grade. The former Oklahoma star will turn 31 in February, and its highly likely his best football is already behind him. | https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/18/bucs-gerald-mccoy-nfl-offseason-2019/ |
Why did Ali Zafar not sing the PSL anthem this year? | After Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan took over Ali Zafars title of being the singer of Pakistan Super League anthems since the past three years, the latter reveals how the shift had actually happened. During an interview on Geo News, the Teefa in Trouble actor revealed why for this PSL edition, he did not lend his vocals for the anthem which came as a disappointment for many of his fans. "Due to my busy schedule, I could not manage to sing the theme song and had informed the organisers about it in advance," he stated. "PSL is a brand now and I am glad that I had a role to play in its expansion," he added further, commenting that the field should now welcome new people in it. The anthem of the cricket tournament that is massively waited for by sports enthusiasts every year, was unveiled on Friday titled Khel Deewano Ka written by Shuja Haider and sung by Fawad Khan while also featuring rapper Young Desi. | https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/420966-why-did-ali-zafar-not-sing-the-psl-anthem-this-year |
How long does it take to repair a pothole in Norfolk and Suffolk? | A pothole that appeared under a car in Banham. Picture: Sonya Duncan ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434 They are the bane of many a drivers day, but new figures show Norfolk County Council is actually the fastest council to repair potholes in East Anglia. Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Norfolk County Council at County Hall in Norwich. Picture: Archant Norfolk County Council at County Hall in Norwich. Picture: Archant Research released by the RAC Foundation show that Norfolks council try to repair potholes faster than Suffolk and Cambridgeshire while also fixing smaller holes than the other local authorities. All three councils have a response time of two hours to fix a pothole of a serious size. Norfolk is the fastest at repairing potholes that are of a smaller size with a target of 35 days. Whereas Cambridgeshire can take-up to 12 weeks and Suffolk up to 14 weeks. A pothole appeared under a car in Banham. Picture: Sonya Duncan A pothole appeared under a car in Banham. Picture: Sonya Duncan County Hall repaired 8,450 potholes in 2018. This is almost double on the previous year which saw 4,701 repaired. A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: It is encouraging to hear that we are the swiftest at repairing potholes in the region. The Beast from the East saw a significant increase in the amount of potholes on Norfolk roads. An additional 12.7 million received as part of the Autumn budget has also allowed us to carry out more resurfacing work on roads across the county as we continue to fight the war against potholes. Most councils have adopted a risk-based approach in which the authority will consider the depth and width, the length and makeup of the road network, the type of road the pothole is on and the volume of traffic that uses the road before deciding how quickly to reapir a hole. Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council's environment, development and transport committee. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council's environment, development and transport committee. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY For Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, a pothole must be at least 20mm deep to be highlighted for repair. Suffolk will only consider a pothole is in need of filling if it is 25mm deep. Some 26 councils in the UK will not fix a pothole unless it is at least 50mm deep. Councillor Martin Wilby, the chair of environment, transport and development committee, said: This is a testament to the hard working teams that have been faced with a very challenging year. We know there is still a lot of work to do but this research shows that our dedicated staff and contractors are up to the challenge. | https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/norfolk-county-council-potholes-fastest-repair-suffolk-cambridgeshire-1-5858038 |
What is child poverty and why must we try to solve it? | No Child 2020 is a new initiative by The Irish Times, providing a sustained focus on child welfare and childrens issues over the coming year. Inspired by the Democratic Programme issued by the first Dil a century ago, we explore the problems facing children in Ireland today and offer solutions that would make this a better country to be a child. I mean, everyone has enough to eat and a place to live. First of all, no, not everyone in Ireland has enough to eat or a place to live. But importantly, poverty is far more complex than inadequate food and shelter. It is also about resources, access to services and participating in society. The Government definition in the 1997 National Anti-Poverty Strategy, still stands: People are living in poverty if their income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living which is acceptable by Irish society generally. It depends how it is being measured. There are three levels: to be at risk of poverty or in relative poverty; to experience material deprivation; and to be in consistent poverty. Anyone in a household with an income less than 60 per cent of the median income is relatively poor and at risk of poverty. In 2017, when this meant living on less than 12,521 a year, 15.7 per cent of the population were in this category, but 18.4 per cent of children. Homes with children headed by single parents were at greatest risk, with 39.9 per cent in this kind of poverty compared with 9.4 per cent households with two parents. Experiencing material deprivation means going without two of 11 indicators each month, including replacing worn-out household goods, two pairs of strong shoes, a warm coat, adequate heating, and having friends or family over for a drink or food. In 2017 some 18.8 per cent of people, but 23 per cent of children, were in this type of poverty. Some 44.5 per cent of single parent households were in this category, compared with 15.8 per cent of two-parent homes. The harshest poverty is consistent poverty, when a person is both relatively poor and materially deprived. This affected 6.7 per cent of people in 2017 but 8.8 per cent of children. Some 20.7 per cent of single-parents homes were in consistent poverty, compared with 3.9 per cent of two-parent. Other children most likely to be in poverty are households headed by Travellers, immigrants, asylum seekers, a person with a disability and in particularly deprived urban and rural areas. Nelson Mandela said of poverty: Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings. Poverty is neither the fault of the people experiencing it, nor inevitable. The causes of poverty are structural and the result of choices made by policy makers. They can be changed if the right, perhaps difficult, choices are made. Study upon study has found poverty is bad not only for those experiencing it, whose lives are stunted educationally, professionally, emotionally and psychologically (particularly for children for who can suffer life-long effects) but for everyone in society. Poverty means a loss in human potential, increased costs and increased demands on health and social services, as well as a breakdown in social cohesion where growing inequality leads to resentment, fear, crime and instability. It has set targets, the first in recent times set out in the 1997 National Anti-Poverty Strategy and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016/2017. Among the aims: to reduce consistent poverty to 2 per cent by 2020, and to lift 70,000 (out of 138,000) children out of consistent poverty by 2020. Though there have been slight decreases in poverty in the past three years, these must be set against dramatic increases since the financial crisis began in 2008. Deprivation and consistent poverty rates are higher than they were a decade ago. | https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/what-is-child-poverty-and-why-must-we-try-to-solve-it-1.3761452?localLinksEnabled=false |
Can Valleys underdog win major Welsh cup? | Get daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Football followers just love the magic of the cup and the battling spirit of the plucky underdog. Such romance will be in abundance in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final to be shown live and exclusive on S4Cs Sgorio on Saturday, 19 January, kick-off 7.30pm. The teams at the heart of the story are the underdogs Cambrian & Clydach Vale BGC of the Welsh Football League Division One and dazzling students Cardiff Met from the Welsh Premier League. The home of Barry Town United, Jenner Park, which has seen plenty of success and heartbreak over the years. Cardiff Met, losing finalists against The New Saints last season, start as favourites as they are in the premier league. But if they win, it will also be something of a fairytale. Ambitious Rhondda outfit Cambrian & Clydach Vale are certainly underdogs, but have certainly cause for optimism as they prepare for the final, having conquered Barry Town United, Aberystwyth Town, Newtown and the previously all-conquering The New Saints en route. The New Saints had won the competition for the past four years, but goals by Mark Crutch and Andre Griffiths in extra time sealed victory for the underdogs and shattered the Oswestry sides dreams. (Image: Hannah Gwenllian) Meanwhile, Cardiff Met beat one of the present pacesetters of the Welsh Premier league, Connahs Quay Nomads 1-0. Adam Roscrows goal saw the students go through to the Nathaniel MG Cup final for a second consecutive season and cause final-four heartache yet again for Connah's Quay, who lost in the league cup semi-finals for the fourth year running. Anchor Sgorio presenter Dylan Ebenezer, who was the match commentator in Cambrian & Clydach Vales scintillating win over TNS, cant wait for the final. He will present the coverage, available with English-language commentary and English subtitles available during the action, and believes the Valleys side, have a realistic chance of winning. Dylan Ebenezer said, This season in the league and the cup has been full of surprises. The fact that The New Saints iron grip has been loosened means that other teams have come to the fore. The Nathaniel MG tournament has been really entertaining so far. You cant beat a scintillating semi-final when the underdog scored two goals during added time featuring a three-goal feast to beat the cup holders. Something similar in the final will do just nicely for the neutral viewers! Sgorio, Saturday, January 19, 7.20pm, S4C English language commentary and subtitles available. On demand: S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and other platforms. Daw dydd y bydd mawr y rhai bychain, medd y gn, ac fe allai hynnyn sicr ddod yn wir ar S4C y penwythnos hwn pan fydd underdog yn ffeinal cwpan cynghrair Cymru, y Cwpan Nathaniel MG. Mae dilynwyr pl-droed yn caru hud y cwpan ac fe fydd digonedd o ramant yn y rownd derfynol hon a fydd yn fyw yn unig ar raglen bl-droed S4C, Sgorio S4C nos Sadwrn, Ionawr 19, cic gyntaf 7.30pm Y timau sydd wrth wraidd y stori yw Cambrian a Clydach Vale BGC o Gynghrair Pl-droed Cymru, Adran Un a myfyrwyr disglair, Met Caerdydd o Uwch Gynghrair Cymru JD. Cartref Barry Town United, Parc Jenner, sydd wedi gweld digon o lwyddiant a thorcalon dros y blynyddoedd. Fe fydd Met Caerdydd, gollodd ir Seintiau Newydd yn rownd derfynol y llynedd, yn ffefrynnau. Ond fe fydd yn stori dylwyth teg hefyd os gwnawn nhw ennill. Maer underdog, y clwb uchelgeisiol o Gwm Rhondda, Cambrian a Clydach Vale, digonedd o sail i fod yn hyderus, maen nhw wedi trechu Barry Town United, Aberystwyth, Y Drenewydd ac yn y rownd ddiwethaf, y deiliaid Seintiau Newydd. Roedd y Seintiau Newydd wedi ennill y gystadleuaeth bedair blynedd yn olynol, ond fe wnaeth goliau Mark Crutch ac Andre Griffiths yn amser ychwanegol selio buddugoliaeth Cambrian a Clydach Vale a chwalu breuddwydion y cewri o Groesoswallt. Watch: Connah's Quay Nomads win Welsh Cup Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now Yn y cyfamser, llwyddodd Met Caerdydd i guro un o geffylau blaen Uwch Gynghrair Cymru JD y tymor hwn, Crwydriaid Cei Conna o gl i ddim. Gl Adam Roscrow wnaeth sicrhau bod y myfyrwyr yn cyrraedd rownd derfynol Cwpan MG Nathaniel am yr ail dymor yn olynol ac yn golygu bod crwydr Cei Conna ir rownd gynderfynol wedi bennu yn llawn siom am y bedwaredd flwyddyn or bron. Mae cyflwynydd Sgorio, Dylan Ebenezer, wnaeth sylwebu ar gm Cambrian a Clydach Vale v TNS yn y rownd derfynol, yn edrych ymlaen yn dost at y rownd derfynol. Dylan fydd yn cyflwyno'r rhaglen ac maen credu bod gan arwyr y Rhondda gyfle go lew i greu hanes a chodir tlws. Dywedodd Dylan Ebenezer, "Mae'r tymor hwn yn y cynghrair a'r cwpan wedi bod yn llawn canlyniadau annisgwyl. Mae'r ffaith bod gafael haearnaidd y Seintiau Newydd ar y cystadlaethau eraill wedi llacio yn golygu bod timau eraill yn dod i'r amlwg. "Mae cystadleuaeth Cwpan Nathaniel MG wedi bod yn ddifyr iawn hyd yma. Mae hin anodd dychmygu mwy o gyffro nar rownd gynderfynol pan welsom ni dair gl yn amser ychwanegol, dwy gan y tm llai i wado deiliaid y cwpan. Bydd rhywbeth tebyg yn y rownd derfynol yn wych o beth i bob gwyliwr niwtral!" Sgorio, nos Sadwrn, Ionawr 19, 7.20, S4C sylwebaeth ac isdeitlau Saesneg ar gael. Ar alw: S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer a llwyfannau eraill. | https://www.dailypost.co.uk/special-features/can-valleys-underdog-win-major-15681841 |
What are Kanye's 'Sunday Sessions' Exactly? | Rapper, producer, fashion designer, art patron, and general source of outrageous headlines, Kanye West is undeniably a man of many hats (except for maybe that hat). If we have come to learn anything about Kanye its that you never know what to expect from him other than it will definitely be "very Kanye." For instance, if you told me that Kanye was regularly meeting with a gospel choir every Sunday in his home to perform reworked versions of his own songs in a quazi-call-to-worship set up, I would probably never in a million years have guessed that would be something Kanye do but still be like "yeah, that sounds about right." If it isn't already painfully obvious, it appears that Kanye has in fact seen the light and started a church in his own home. First teased by wife, Kim Kardashian West, in a series of videos posted to Instagram, little information seems to be known about the new series of live sessions being referred to as "Sunday Service." From posted clips we can gather that it involves a full choir decked out in Yeezys, monochromatic nightclub lighting, guest appearances from Kid Cudi, 070 Shake, and Tony Williams, but other than that your guess is as good as mine. Setlists have included everything from classics like "I Wonder" to extended reworks of "Lift Yourself" and "Father Stretch My Hands." The spiritual turn for Kanye actually makes some sense if you take a step back and look at his history of sourcing samples. Plus his self canonization as "Yeezus" and "Saint Pablo" feel glaringly obvious in retrospect. And while many Hollywood celebrities like Glen Close, Joaquin Phoenix, and Tom Cruise have all been a part of a cult at one point in their lives, you would be hard pressed to find a celebrity to that actually started one themselves. In that regard, Kanye would be a trailblazer if he was indeed laying the groundwork for a fledgling new religion. The leap from stan to member of the church of Kanye, fully decked in Yeezy supply and reciting lyrics word for word, isn't that much of stretch if you think about it. Photo via Getty | http://www.papermag.com/kanye-sunday-sessions-2626432951.html |
Is GSE reform just weeks away? | Calls for government-sponsored enterprise reform have gone on for years but now that reform could be just weeks away from becoming a reality. Earlier this month, Mel Watts time as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, officially ended. The FHFA is now led by Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting, who was picked by President Donald Trump to serve as acting director of the FHFA while Mark Calabria is awaiting Senate confirmation to replace Watt on a permanent basis. Sponsor Content Now, Otting announced to the agencys employees that the FHFA will release its plan within weeks to take the GSEs out of conservatorship, according to an article by Steve Goldstein and Andrea Riquier for MarketWatch. From the article: Joseph Otting, who is leading the FHFA as Mark Calabria awaits Senate confirmation, said at an all-hands meeting on Thursday that a plan to lift Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out of the conservatorship that has permeated the institutions since the financial crisis will soon be announced, according to an attendee of that gathering. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed there was discussion about ending Fannie and Freddie conservatorship but denied there was any talk of timing or details. And now, Fannie and Freddie shares are skyrocketing. Fannie Mae saw its shares increase by 31% to $2.37 and Freddie Mac increased 24% to $2.25 at 2:05 p.m. in New York, according to an article by Joe Light for Bloomberg. From the Bloomberg article: The increases were the biggest since November 30, 2016, when then-Treasury Secretary nominee Mnuchin first said getting the companies out of the governments grip was a priority. Back in September 2017, during a Politico Policy Summit in Washington, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said GSE reform would be addressed in 2018. Obviously, this didnt happen. During an interview with Fox Business in May 2018, Mnuchin confessed that reforming mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac probably wasnt going to happen that year, and isnt a priority for this Congress. However, he did tease that once Watts term expired, the administration would select someone more focused on GSE reform. And experts think the nomination of Calabria to lead the FHFA could kickstart discussions on GSE reform. | https://www.housingwire.com/articles/47958-is-gse-reform-just-weeks-away |
Is more technology the answer to too much technology? | Courtesy of Jim Hightower We humans have got to get a whole lot smarter, says Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla automobiles and CEO of SpaceX rockets. Musk is not merely reacting to humanitys recent tendency to elect lunatics to lead our countries. Rather, hes trying to warn us about the rapid rise of a radical new technology: Artificial intelligence. In common parlance, hes referring to robots, but these are not the clunky, somewhat cute machines performing rote tasks. AI essentially has evolved to become an electronic brain a web of evermore-complex super-computers interacting as one cognitive unit that can program itself, make decisions and act independently of the humans whore creating them. These thinking machines are rapidly increasing in number and geometrically advancing their IQ, prompting Musk and others to view AI technologies in apocalyptic terms. As algorithms and systems inevitably grow more sophisticated, he says, digital intelligence will exceed biological intelligence by a substantial margin. In graphic terms, Musk warns that profiteering humans are summoning the devil by creating a new superior species of beings that will end up dominating humanity, becoming an immortal dictator from which we would never escape. Whats weird is not his dystopian prognosis (other experts confirm that runaway bot intelligence is a real threat), but his solution. The way for us human beings to compete with AI says Musk, is to merge with it not a corporate transaction, but a literal merger: Surgically implant AI devices in human brains with a bunch of tiny wires that would fuse people with super intelligence. Its good to have technological geniuses alert us to looming dangers, but maybe the larger community of humanists ought to lead the search for answers. This opinion column does not necessarily reflect the views of Boulder Weekly. | https://www.boulderweekly.com/opinion/is-more-technology-the-answer-to-too-much-technology/ |
Who Is North Korean Diplomat Kim Yong-Chol? | MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: We want to take a closer look now at the man who met with President Trump today - Kim Yong Chol. For that, we are joined by Jean Lee, who opened the Pyongyang bureau of The Associated Press and who is now at the Wilson Center. Welcome, Jean Lee, to our studio. JEAN LEE: Great. Glad to be here. KELLY: So I have seen Kim Yong Chol referred to - we just called him the top negotiator. I've seen him referred to as the former spy chief, as a diplomat. I noticed the BBC just had a profile of him calling him Kim Jong Un's right-hand man. LEE: All of those titles apply. KELLY: That's a whole lot of titles. LEE: Exactly. We should remember, though, that even though he's here as Kim Jong Un's chief envoy, he is a man with an intelligence background, a military background and wears many, many different hats inside North Korea. But one thing that I pay attention to is the bulk of his career has been in intelligence and in the military and overseeing some of the strategy related to reunifying the Korean Peninsula. And when I see Kim Yong Chol, it brings to mind that he has a certain mission, and that is probably to really press the point that North Korea wants to have some sort of discussion about this piece declaration. KELLY: This is something North Korea really wants - to formally end the Korean War. LEE: Exactly. And there are several different reasons for that. I do think that Kim Jong Un does need to tell his people that they are ready to move past this Korean War that has been unresolved since 1953. Remember that they signed a cease-fire with the United States and the United Nations. And that ideology of the Korean War being a central fight and focus for the North Korean people has been such a preoccupation. And I do think that he wants to move past that. And it's a way to perhaps decouple the U.S.-South Korean alliance. And so there are pros and cons to whether this is a good idea. But I do think he has multiple reasons for why he wants to move past this and turn his attention to North Korea's economy. KELLY: To pick up on something else you just said, his intelligence background. This is a guy with military intelligence in his background. He was director until fairly recently of the General Reconnaissance Bureau, North Korea's spy agency. LEE: Absolutely. And he oversaw some extremely destabilizing incidents, including the 2010 sinking of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, that killed 46 South Korean sailors and really compelled South Korea to institute what are the toughest bilateral South Korean sanctions on North Korea, the May 10 sanctions. And, of course, some of the cyber warfare that I think is a very dangerous arm of North Korea's asymmetrical military tactics. KELLY: There were reports that he was involved with the hacking of Sony Pictures. LEE: He certainly would have been aware and overseen elements of that operation. But we could also point out that we too have a former spymaster, Mike Pompeo... KELLY: Who was at the table today. Fair point, indeed. LEE: Oh, he certainly does go way back with Kim Jong Un. He has close ties to the Kim family. I think, you know, I also think of him as somebody who's tough. And in my dealings with the North Koreans, there was always somebody I called the bulldog. There was somebody who was charming, and there was always a bulldog. He's the bulldog in this equation. He's the tough guy. And it's interesting because obviously he is - the one thing we didn't mention is that - his diplomacy background. He is not a diplomat. And certainly we have other people that we've been dealing with who are very seasoned, very worldly - he is not. KELLY: Well, he certainly extracted something that North Korea wants today, which is a second sit-down between President Trump and Kim Jong Un that appears to be on. LEE: Is it a victory. Of course, another summit would help propel this process and give Kim Jong Un another opportunity for that kind of propaganda and the legitimacy that he craves and the chance to really move this process forward. But the challenge - what I'm focused on is more that the challenge lies for the working-level group, for the working - the negotiators to nail down that road map that we heard earlier. That's the challenge. KELLY: We will see what happens there. Jean Lee, North Korea expert with the Wilson Center. Thanks so much. LEE: Thank you. Copyright 2019 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. | https://www.npr.org/2019/01/18/686696849/who-is-north-korean-diplomat-kim-yong-chol?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=world |
Why is Boney Kapoor upset with Janhvi Kapoor's PR team? | 2018 saw some of the most awaited and hyped debuts of the decade. While on one hand we had Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's demure daughter Janhvi winning millions of hearts; on the other, we had Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh's feisty child Sara Ali Khan making people go weak in the knees. Shahid Kapoor's little brother Ishaan Khattar too made his presence felt on the big screen and Salman Khan's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma finally made his much-awaited debut. While each one of them have taken up their own trajectory, Sara Ali Khan seems to have moved much ahead in the race. The buzz around the actress started with her debut on Karan Johar's 'Koffee with Karan' and ever since then, there has been no looking back for the actress. With two hit films in her kitty and many projects, brand endorsements deals, advertisements and public appearances being offered, Sara has been all over the place and we don't mean it in a bad way. However, when it comes to Janhvi, the story hasn't been the same. Though the Kapoor girl has two mega projects in her kitty, the diva has failed to create the same amount of headlines as Sara has. And this is what is bothering Boney Kapoor. As per a report in Zoom, Boney Kapoor is not very pleased with Janhvi's PR team and feels she is not being highlighted and projected as well as Sara. Dad Boney is of the opinion that Janhvi's PR team has not been working as effectively and efficiently as Sara's team. He wants the same kind of fierceness and enthusiasm in her team as well. Well, we wonder what Janhvi has to say on this. | https://www.ibtimes.co.in/why-boney-kapoor-upset-janhvi-kapoors-pr-team-790333 |
What is a flexitarian diet? | As part of our ever-growing quest to consume less animal products in a bid to save the planet, youve probably come across the term flexitarian. Our first thought was that it was something to do with eating vegetables while touching our toes, but it turns out it has nothing to do with physical flexibility. We took a deep-dive into the world of flexitarianism. Flexitarian essentially means eating a diet that is predominantly plant-based, but allows meat. It involves making a conscious decision to drastically reduce your meat consumption, but it is much more flexible than veganism or vegetarianism. Hence the name. Lots of people use the flexitarian diet as a pathway towards a plant-based lifestyle. It acts as a stop-gap between eating too much meat and becoming a full-on vegan. Advertisement Advertisement We can see the appeal. Veganism is tough. It requires sacrifice, careful decision-making and despite a number of major brands offering more vegan options, your choices are still limited. Being a flexitarian is less rigid and allows you to make your contribution to helping the planet and eating healthier, while still allowing for the odd, drunken Donner kebab. But there has been some furore over the growth of flexitarianism. Some people have claimed that its not really a thing, or its just a cynical marketing ploy to pander to guilty meat-eaters. Nutritionist Charlotte De Curtis thinks there are. Its much less strict and often easier to adhere to than a strict vegan diet, Charlotte tells Metro.co.uk. And usually there arent any strict measures like counting calories or macros. The biggest potential benefit is the fact that a typical Western diet is red meat, dairy, artificially sweetened and processed foods with minimal plants. A flexitarian approach will likely see an increase in micronutrients being consumed (vitamins and minerals), which is a huge benefit for overall health. Tips for becoming a flexitarian Dont be afraid to try new fruits and veggies. Find ways of eating that you actually enjoy. Prep can be quite time consuming so make it quick, easy and tasty by pre-chopping, adding herbs spices and oils. If fat-loss is your goal, teaming a flexitarian way of eating will only produce this outcome in the confines of a calorie deficit. Charlotte De Curtis, Nutritionist Nutritionist and self-proclaimed flexitarian, Rhiannon Lambert, agrees that there are benefits when you cut down on eating meat but she thinks that its really only processed meat you need to be wary of. Advertisement Advertisement In the largest study of diet and disease ever to be undertaken (and still ongoing), it reported in 2013 that processed meat increased the risk of death, while no effect was seen for unprocessed red meat, explains Rhiannon. Unprocessed, properly cooked red meat is actually very healthy. Its rich with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and loaded with healthy proteins and fats that have profound effects on our health. So if you are looking to reduce you meat intake, Rhiannon suggests that not all meat is created equal and when it comes to health, eating good-quality meat produce can can be good for you. However that doesnt address the argument about meat production and the environment. Rhiannon thinks that a flexitarian approach could be a simple way to get the best of both worlds. Going flexitarian and eating a more plant-based diet may sound like a major dietary adjustment but the benefits that can be seen are impressive, she explains. There are countless studies showing vegetarians and vegans live longer and have a lower risk of some serious diseases than meat eaters. Although, these groups are generally more health conscious than meat eaters anyway. We are all unique and what works for one person may not work for the next. But, once you start eliminating whole food groups, you do run the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Its not that restrictive diets such as raw or vegan cant be followed, its just too easy to get them wrong. It is for this very reason that I didnt join in on Veganuary, but I do enjoy the odd #MeatFreeMonday, and thats why I consider myself a flexitarian. Advertisement Recently, Aldi launched flexitarian burgers, which were a combination of meat and beans. And last year Byron launched a flexitarian burger made of 70% British beef and 30% sauted mushrooms. If the trend continues, there might soon be more options for those of us who want to occupy the middle ground between carnivore and vegan. MORE: People are furious that this pub was charging 14 for a vegan cauliflower steak MORE: Goat meat is set to go mainstream in 2019 MORE: Pepper sandwiches are now a thing but were not sure why Advertisement Advertisement | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/18/what-is-a-flexitarian-diet-8360298/ |
When is the Boots 70% off sale and what has Martin Lewis said on it? | (Picture: Getty Images) The Boots 70% off sale is a big one for bargain hunters, to the point where its start date is hotly anticipated. Although you can already get your hands on some bargains in their half price sale right now, that extra 20% seems just too good to resist. Weve been making some predictions, and using insight from MoneySavingExperts Martin Lewis to track when it might be here. Read on to find out everything you need to know. (Picture: PA Archive) Since Boots havent confirmed the exact start date, we cant be completely sure. However, last year the sale fell on Friday 19th January. The year before that it was Friday 20th January, and the year before that, Wednesday 15th January. Every year before that has been a Wednesday. Therefore, we were pretty certain that if it wasnt 16th January, the sale would most probably begin on Friday 18th. Advertisement Advertisement That day has come, though, and still no sale. Even Martin Lewis was shook, tweeting: Important I tipped off unconfirmed reports this morning on @GMB that Boots may be starting a clearance tomorrow reducing sale items from 50% to 70%. It has now confirmed this is NOT happening. Rumours have been doing the rounds that it wont be long, with some eagle-eyed shoppers saying theyd spotted posters in stores. Its the latest its ever been, but expect the clearance within the next week. As with previous sales, youll likely see the biggest discounts in store, so get down there to bag the best bargains. Itll most likely be Christmas stock reduced the heaviest, so brands like Soap & Glory, Jack Wills, and Champneys are a great place to start. Advertisement Advertisement | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/18/boots-70-off-sale-martin-lewis-said-8361044/ |
What Rob Kazinsky did after EastEnders from True Blood to Captain Marvel? | Rob Kazinsky played Sean Slater in EastEnders over a decade ago and now hes coming back (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock, BBC) After ten years, Rob Kazinsky is returning to EastEnders to reprise his role as Sean Slater. Sean was last seen on screens on 1 January 2009 and this week EastEnders confirmed the long-awaited return of Stacey Slaters older brother. Apart from playing Casper Cass Rose in Dream Team from 2005 to 2006, Sean was Roberts best-known role before he went on to enjoy Hollywood stardom. He played Sean from 2006 to 2009. Here, we take a look at what Rob has been up to since he left Walford all those years ago The naked Radox advert Robs first job after EastEnders was to strip off for a Radox advert which called for viewers to be selfish and enjoy a bath with the clocks going backwards in October. It had caused a few laughs, given it was his first role after playing the Slater hardman, and he joked about it in an interview with Metro.co.uk in 2013, saying: I laugh about it a bit now, but hey it was just a job. Six months after it, I was in the States and Im filming Brothers And Sisters and it turns out its my claim to fame. Advertisement Advertisement People came up to me and its like: OMG youre the Radox guy! There are worse things. Stateside and The Hobbit disappointment Following his move Stateside, Rob landed roles in TV series Law & Order: LA, Brothers & Sisters and Robot Chicken, as well as 2012 film Red Tails and 2013 film Pacific Rim. He had also been down to play Fiji in The Hobbit, but in April 2011 revealed he had left for personal reasons. Kazinsky was set to play Fili, a member of the Company of Dwarves, and had even flown over to New Zealand to start filming his scenes. Peter Jackson and Ian McKellen on the set of The Hobbit Director Peter Jackson wrote on his Facebook page at the time: I am sad to report that Rob Kazinsky, who was cast in the role of Fili, is having to leave The Hobbit and return home, for personal reasons. Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humour will be missed by all of us. He added: I should say that Robs departure will not affect ongoing filming of The Hobbit, nor will it impact work done to date, as we had yet to film much of Filis storyline. At the moment we are shooting scenes featuring Bilbo without the Dwarves, which will give us time to find a new Fili. Ill keep everyone posted with updates as they come. Kazinsky thanked Jackson on his Twitter page and said he was truly sad to leave over a health issue. Advertisement Advertisement it was then in 2013 that Rob scored his biggest job since playing Sean. True Blood Rob played Macklyn Warlow in True Blood, a role which required him getting naked, just like that Radox advert. The idea of being naked on screen was really intimidating, the then-29-year-old said after being snapped up for the HBO role as the half-fairy. But after your first time it becomes really fun and incredibly freeing and empowering. After True Blood, Rob went on to star in 2015 film Hot Pursuit and TV series Second Chance. Hot Pursuit (2015, Warcraft: The Beginning (2016), Second Chance (2016) Spivak (2018), Rumours of an EastEnders return surface This same year, Rob revealed he had unfinished business with Sean Slater, hinting he could one day return to the role. I always felt that Seans story never finished adequately. I feel he deserves a better ending and theres scope for that, he said at the time. No way back Three years later, Rob appeared to insist he wouldnt return to EastEnders, admitting the fame and backlash that came from playing such a divisive character led him to suffer from agoraphobia. He told The Mirror at the time: I couldnt walk down a street or look anyone in the eye. It made me afraid to see people and there is an ugly side to fame. People would walk up and punch me in the head. Theyd walk up to me and hit me or theyd throw stones when I was in the street, or Id be having dinner with my parents and they were either hurling insults or bread rolls. Advertisement Rob sought solace in gaming, avoiding leaving the house and instead spending up to 18 hours again playing World Of Warcraft. He claims that he also put on 50lbs from eating takeaway Chinese food. World Of Warcraft Rob Kazinsky stars as Orgrim Doomhammer (Picture: Legendary Pictures) Ironically, Rob landed a role in the big screen adaptation of Warcraft: The Beginning. Rob portrayed orc leader Orgrim Doomhammer in the fantasy film. It was his turn in Pacific Rim that landed Rob a role in Warcraft, after Legendary Pictures senior vice president Jillian Share spotted him playing the game on-set. Rob told CinemaBlend: I was sitting next to Jillian Share from Legendary. I whip out my computer, and World of Warcraft pops up, and shes like Are you f*****g kidding me? And I was like, What do you mean? Dont, dont, dont, Rob. Im like, What? She said, Dont. You know what you are doing. I said, I have no idea. What are you talking about? Shes like, You know were making Warcraft. I was like F**k! Then it was two years of just harassing her, and harassing her, and harassing her. More EastEnders hints drop In May 2016, it was being rumoured again that Rob could be rejoining EastEnders. Pondering the prospect of a return, Rob explained to Press Association that he actually nearly came back and refuses to rule out a comeback. He said: Its been a topic of conversation between myself and executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins on and off for years. Advertisement I would come home and visit my mum and dad and Id say, OK, maybe I could pop in if we could set up and shoot all my scenes in a day, maybe I could do something with Lacey Turner. But we were just never able to make it happen. I dont know if theres much that would get me back right now, especially with the life that I have now and the girlfriend that I would have to leave behind, but you never say never. Its still the work Im most proud of the work I did on that show. It was later revealed that he had agreed to return if Rita Simons ever left, as hed want to be involved in her exit storyline. He said: Ive always said that whatever happens if Rita ever leaves, I want to be in her exit storyline Id love to do that. The sexting scandal Before Rob left EastEnders in 2009, he had hit headlines in 2007 after sending dirty text messages and pictures to model, Aimi Robinson. He was suspended for two months from the show. However, in the summer of 2018, Rob discussed the scandal again, admitting he was disgusted at himself for sending the images and apologising for his behaviour, admitting he will continue to learn from his failings. He shared his apology on Twitter: This past week has taught me a lot about owning your mistakes, and about being part of the solution and not the problem. This is something I should have done eleven years ago. pic.twitter.com/XOkH5QQRC2 Robert Kazinsky (@RobertKazinsky) June 24, 2018 EastEnders return Of Robs return to EastEnders, the actor enthused: This year marked ten years since Sean fled from Walford after plunging into a frozen lake. A decade since I left the studio at Elstree and Sean Slater behind to move to the USA to chase a dream that seemed so farfetched. Throughout my career I have always felt that my best work was on EastEnders as Sean Slater, that there was something there in him that I understood completely, something traumatic, something that we never really got to show the viewers. I have unfinished business in Albert Square and am thrilled to be returning to what I still consider to be my home, however briefly. EastEnders is still the most important serial on British Television, never afraid to combat hard storylines and tell hard truths, I have always been proud of what EastEnders has done for social awareness throughout my lifetime and that is why Im back. To tell a story that means something to me with the family that I know can tell it right. I cant wait to see my Slaters again and see whats in store for Sean as he brings an evolved animal to Albert Square. EastEnders producer Kate Oates added: Im beyond delighted to see Rob back in Albert Square and back at the heart of the Slater family. As an actor, Rob created a modern EastEnders icon in Sean; and as a creative, he has had much input in his returning story. Its exciting to work with an actor with Robs drive, passion and eye for detail, and I cant wait to see the impact his arrival has on the Square amidst those who loved or loathed the troubled Sean Slater. During his previous time at EastEnders, Rob was involved in a number of explosive storylines including Seans fractured relationship with his family, dating Ruby Allen for her dads money and conspiring with Tanya Branning to kill her husband Max. Things finally started going well for Sean when he married Roxy but when Sean discovered he was not the biological father of his daughter, Amy, and it was in fact Jack, his temper exploded leading to THAT final showdown. Rob returns to filming in the coming weeks and his episodes will air in spring. (picture: BBC) EastEnders Sean Slater is winging his way back to Albert Square for a short stint this spring, but no doubt hell be bringing trouble with him He was last seen in 2009 after trying to kill Roxy in a frozen lake before going on the run, and he popped up in 2015 in a Skype call with Stacey to lead her to discovering the bombshell that her dad had a second family. Sean Slater was a bad lad through and through, so his return will no doubt have a huge impact on the Slater family and probably more people going by the wake of destruction he left back in the day. I have beard, my first real beard. No I dont mean @skydart who hates my beard. pic.twitter.com/hRZ3NORsui Robert Kazinsky (@RobertKazinsky) January 18, 2018 Rob is a 36-year-old actor born Robert John Appleby to Jewish parents and grew up in Brighton. He later took his grandfathers name as his stage name. He joined EastEnders in 2006, but left the soap in 2009 to head to Hollywood to try his luck. It worked, he ended up starring in Pacific Rim, Hot Pursuit and Warcraft: The Beginning. Hes also shown up in True Blood and Brothers & Sisters. (Picture: BBC) Sean joined EastEnders in 2006 and it transpired hed accidentally killed his dad aged 16 when he punched him in the head causing him to suffer a brain hemorrhage. Stacey had no idea he was behind their dads death. He arrived in the Square wanting revenge on Al who got him kicked out of the army, and his stay quickly led to a whole load of drama typical of the Slaters. He briefly dated Ruby Allen after finding out she was worth some money, but his head was quickly turned by Tanya Branning, and the two struck up a relationship. They conspired to get Max to believe Tanya wanted him back in order to get him to sign over his assets, and they planned to kill him by burying him alive, but Tanya backed out at the last moment and let him live. (Picture: BBC) Sean felt completely betrayed and rejected, and vowed to get revenge on Max. But Tanya reminded him she knew he was responsible for his dads murder and put paid to his revenge. He went on to date and marry Roxy, much to Ronnies chagrin, and they had a daughter called Amy together. However, it later came to light that Roxy had had a one night stand and the kid was actually Jack Brannings. Devastated by the truth, Sean drove Roxy and Amy out to an icy lake with the plan of drowning them all together, but Roxy secretly called Ronnie and Jack to come to the rescue. She coaxed Sean out onto the lake in a bid to escape and the two ended up falling through the ice, with Sean freeing Roxy from being tangled in reeds. Ronnie then pulled her to safety as Sean disappeared, seemingly drowned, but he was seen pulling himself out of the other side of the lake. (Picture: BBC) He popped up again in 2015 during a Skype call with Stacey, where it transpired hed stolen a key from Stacey that when she retrieved it she discovered opened a safety deposit box containing information about their dads secret other family. Sean is still currently on the run. Maybe he never truly got over Tanyas betrayal and wants to finish Max off for good. With baby Abi around Max has got a lot to lose. He never got his revenge for the fact Roxy cheated on him with Jack and that Jack turned out to be Amys biological dad. The pair briefly dated when he realised she came from money and he saw pound signs. But they split when he became infatuated with Tanya. Perhaps he wants to make amends or wants a second go at getting at her dosh. Hmmmprobably not not. Rob is dating Chloe Dykstra (Picture: Getty) As well as his EastEnders arrival this spring, Rob will also be seen in upcoming Marvel movie Captain Marvel, which is set for release on 8 March this year. No details surrounding his character are yet known. Rob, 35, is in a relationship with American actress, cos player and model Chloe Dykstra. MORE: EastEnders spoilers: Rob Kazinsky drops big hints on Sean Slaters explosive return story | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/18/rob-kazinsky-done-since-eastenders-true-blood-captain-marvel-8359540/ |
Who is Kat's killer son Dermott as EastEnders references Redwater at last? | We thought that EastEnders had sneakily ret-conned Kat and Alfie Moons ill fated trip to Ireland in Redwater, where she tracked down her long lost son Dermott only to find out that he was actually a dangerous serial killer, who left her fighting for her life while Alfie was on the operating table. It was quite the cliffhanger but the BBC decided there was to be no more Irish adventures for Kat and Alfie and pulled the plug on the show. Not long later, Kat and Alfie were back in Walford where they belonged, their fashion and seemingly their recent history resetted to default settings. However, last night, Hayley reminded us all that Kat does have a son out there as she attacked Mo Harris for not telling Kat she had a son out there. If you didnt watch Redwater, that might have been a little confusing, although the prequel to it all was revealed in EastEnders itself when Kat found out she had had another child besides Zoe. Advertisement Advertisement MORE: EastEnders spoilers: Rob Kazinsky returns as Sean Slater brings major drama and twists Shane Richie recently told Metro.co.uk: Redwater was always going to be one series we were led to believe and then wed come back to EastEnders but of course the show was never as big as they thought it was going to be, personally because I think Redwater sent out mixed messages. But we do talk about certain characters, so those who have watched will see the link there. To not mention it, it just seemed a bit silly, so we do. But we dont harp on about it, because of course at the end of Redwater, Alfie was flatlining, Kat had been eaten by a whale or something, I dont know, whatever happened there! It still hasnt been cleared up where Dermott is we can only assume they locked him away and threw away the key, doomed to become a one off throwaway mention by a Slater he never met. Such is life. | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/18/eastenders-spoilers-soap-finally-references-events-redwater-kat-moons-killer-son-dermott-8358470/ |
Could flexitarianism save the planet? | It has been known for a while that the amount of animal products being eaten is bad for both the welfare of animals and the environment. People cannot consume 12.9bn eggs in the UK each year without breaking a few. But the extent of the damage, and the amount by which people need to cut back, is now becoming clearer. On Wednesday, the Lancet medical journal published a study that calls for dramatic changes to food production and the human diet, in order to avoid catastrophic damage to the planet. The study sets out the targets for a daily diet to place consumption within the boundaries of the planet. They include a reduction in red meat consumption of more than 50%, and a doubling of the intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes. But in specific places the changes are stark. North Americans need to eat 84% less red meat but six times more beans and lentils. For Europeans, eating 77% less red meat and 15 times more nuts and seeds meets the guidelines, wrote The Guardians Damian Carrington. Others have called for even more drastic changes to human diet to be mad. Another study, published in Octoberin the journal Nature, estimated that meat consumption had to be reduced by 90% to avoid unsustainable global warming, deforestation and water shortages. Facebook Twitter Pinterest A chef preparing meat in Buenos Aires. A study is calling for a 50% reduction in intake. Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Whatever the figure, there is a growing consensus that a drastic reduction in overall meat consumption is needed to maintain the health of the planet. What is not clear is how that will be achieved. Excessive meat consumption, like other environmental crises, needs political solutions. Yet most discussion about whether to eat meat remains rooted in personal choice. So far the biggest change in our diets has come from a small but increasing percentage of people who identify as vegetarian or vegan: their answer to a global crisis is to swap out beef for cauliflower steak. The trend towards a meat-reduced diet is largely being driven by young people. A study released this month by the analysts Mintel found the UK has overtaken Germany in the number of new vegan products brought to market. Another agency, Acosta, found 26% of millennials are currently vegetarian or vegan. But by just focusing on personal consumption, a paradoxical situation has emerged where the number of people who consider themselves vegetarian has risen, but so has overall meat consumption because the population of the world is increasing, and many people who do eat meat are eating more of it. That is why many are now calling for a shift in approach: towards a regime that can involve more people and be less rigid about the rules of meat consumption. Sometimes given the slightly clunky titles flexitarian or reducetarianism, advocates of this approach are not especially bothered if you eat a bowl of chicken soup every now and again. What is more important to them is encouraging people to think about what they can do to reduce meat consumption worldwide. One of the leaders of this movement is a man called Brian Kateman, who coined the term reducetarian and now runs a foundation bearing that name. Speaking to the Guardian via Skype, he paces his office eating a bowl of vegetables from the salad chain Sweetgreen. He says there is no one thing behind his desire to motivate people to eat less meat: he is worried about heart disease, animal cruelty, high food prices and environmental destruction. Reducing meat intake can solve a lot of problems, but he says people need to be less puritanical. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Brian Kateman. Photograph: Andrei Severny His own inspiration came from a bout of sibling score-settling. I remember one Thanksgiving, I ate a small piece of turkey and in that moment my sister, as siblings will do, said to me: I thought you were a vegetarian Brian. I couldnt articulate then as well as I can now, but I thought about how the average person in the developed world eats around 200lb [90kg] of meat a year, and Im eating lets say 5lb of meat a year. Thats a lot better. We need to be mindful of how challenging that can be for people and we need to create systems where the default choice is the moral one. Brian also says that not all meat is the same. High quality, organic meat produced in cruelty free conditions is preferable. The foundation he set up aims to encourage society at large to reduce its intake. Were used to thinking about food as a personal choice so in our brain were accustomed to it being in this different category. But once you understand that factory farming and the products it produces are so connected to so many issues that are detrimental not just to ourselves but to others, it allows us to recognise that what comes out of your mouth is just as important as what goes into your mouth. He suggests supporting policy initiatives and encouraging restaurants to broaden their menus as small actions that can help. Facebook Twitter Pinterest The UK consumes 12.9bn eggs each year. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian While there has been some light government intervention around food when it comes to personal health, including improvements to school dinners and the levy on sugary drinks, food ethics has traditionally been outside the realm of parliamentary politics. Dr Marco Springmann, who led the research group that published the report in Nature, says the stakes are too high for politicians to remain squeamish about regulation. Just yesterday I had a meeting with civil servants from Defra [the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] and they were commenting that dietary change is a contentious topic and politicians dont want to get close to that. We saw similar statements from some politicians after we released the report. I think theyre just so afraid of not being electable if it appears to be trying to prescribe what people eat. If there is not a substantial change within society first, politicians wont lead the way because its too controversial. He says he is hopeful there will be a groundswell of change, particularly in big cities where restaurants specialising in plant-based dishes are popular. But millennials cannot make the change on their own. The challenge is to make it not only a very trendy thing for young folks but also to make it accessible for the older generation. A big problem with relying on vegetables becoming increasingly fashionable, though, is that it is a global issue that needs a global solution. Since the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, pork demand in China has increased by an average of 5.7% each year. It is now the biggest per-capita consumer of pork products in the world. Facebook Twitter Pinterest A customer builds a salad at a supermarket in Los Angeles. Photograph: Bloomberg via Getty Images But Springmann says small local changes can still have a global impact. Well they very often look towards the west to see what rich people eat, he says. If you talk to a Chinese person and you say youre vegetarian for example they dont get it. But if there is a large enough group that eats that way and its clear that it is progressive rather [than] a sacrifice, then it would be a strong signal to rapidly industrialising countries like China that want to catch up. Even in the west, people switching from animal to plant products does not necessarily mean an immediate reduction in meat and dairy production. In the US, a decrease in dairy consumption has led to lower milk prices, meaning that farmers are now overproducing to try to offset their loses. Thousands of gallons of unwanted milk have been turned into processed cheese and is sitting in warehouses across the US, uneaten. May I have a word about flexitarian diets | Jonathan Bouquet Read more But there are reasons to be optimistic. In California, campaigners petitioned for a ballot measure that would make intense factory farming of caged chickens illegal. It passed during the most recent midterm elections and although Peta and others say it does not go far enough, itis a step in the right direction. If, in the UK, councils fine people for not recycling and high-emissions cars can be banned from the centre of London, it is time for individuals, companies and governments to actively work to reduce peoples meat intake, whether they want to or not, campaigners say. Springmann says if we do not get over our squeamishness about making these changes quickly, things are going to get a lot worse. If we continue with our current levels of meat consumption, its very likely that we will have more flooding, more hurricanes, extreme weather that is associated with exceeding the two-degree target for climate change ... if nothing is done then those pressures could increase by 50 to 90% and by that time it will basically exceed all environmental limits or so-called planetary boundaries that define a safe operating space for humanity. | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/19/could-flexitarianism-save-the-planet |
Will Stablecoins Solve Entrepreneurs' Biggest Problem? | Maybe you've never heard of them, but pay attention: This cryptocurrency, backed by traditional currency, could solve a lot of your problems. January 18, 2019 7 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The ubiquitous problem for entrepreneurs is capital. First, theres the constant struggle of seeking to get access to enough capital to get an idea off the ground. Next, theres the massively troubling problem of managing capital once the business takes off. Then, as any platform grows, capital reinvestment and further acquisition for greater growth become challenges. Related: Stablecoins, Rather Than Cryptocurrencies, Might Be the Future of Money While the market has consistently offered solutions for these issues, technology has simply not kept pace with the needs that entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. Related: IBM Is Experimenting With a Cryptocurrency, Which It Says Is More Stable However, a new solution may be on the horizon: stablecoins. Blockchain technology has created these digital coins, and they may simplify the above difficulties dramatically. But, at the same time, these cryptocurrencies come with their own set of massive risks: Their prices, for example, can fluctuate in massive ways, often without any technically analytical reason for the change. Bitcoin, for example, endured a drop in excess of 80 percent of its value in the first half of 2018, and that kind of plunge could be disastrous: No startup wants to see its working capital suddenly dwindle to less than a fifth of what it had raised. What's more, Bitcoin is one of the most stable of the cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins may be the solution to volatility. While the Bitcoin bubble cycle is nothing new for most market experts, the basis of its growth and loss is often attributed to the lack of backing for the asset. Devotees claim that, like gold, which has little intrinsic value, a simple consensus on a currency (meaning a mutual agreement as to its value based on scarcity) should provide the foundation. In other words, if all users agree on the value, then the value is maintained. But many investors have sought something more stable. Enter stablecoins. A new type of tokens, stablecoins may pose a solution to the volatility problem. A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency -- again, think of a token that is used as currency -- that uses blockchain technology for transactions, but is also backed by fiat currencies (meaning familiar currencies like dollars, euros or yen) or else by commodities (meaning something akin to the gold standard, but using digital tokens). By combining these features, stablecoins provide the benefits of both cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies. Thanks to these coins' internal backing, users can streamline payments and acquire capital through transparent peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers ensuring liquidity, stability and security for use. To put it simply, think of a way to receive and immediately use investment funds without the burdens of bank transfers, time-consuming disclosure statements and third-party fees. Transfers would be seamless and immediate, but still contain all the safeguards of current systems. By combining flexibility with a value floor, stablecoins offer entrepreneurs a new, and perhaps far more useful, method for acquiring, managing and investing capital. Capital acquisition and transfers could be done in moments (unlike what happens with fiat currency filtered through old-guard banks). Payments and capital management could be handled digitally, and investment and fund control could all be managed with confidence based on the stability of the backing currency or asset. Dollars and euros and yen, oh my! Given their level of market potential, stablecoins have been on the rise. At this point, stablecoins backed by U.S. dollars (USD) are dominating this sector. These dollar-backed stablecoins include Tethers USDT, Circles USDC, Paxos's Standard Token and TUSD, all listed as top cryptocurrencies by their market capitalization (the dollar value of all outstanding tokens). These tokens have reached this heady place because of their rapid adoption by businesses and consumers alike. However, some firms are seeking to break the stereotypes and develop still newer forms of stablecoins that incorporate even more features. One good example is PlasmaPay, a European startup developing a blockchain-powered payment platform and ecosystem that revolves around the Plasma cryptocurrency. The latter is a new form of stablecoin backed by a pool of five major fiat currencies, including the USD, the Euro, the Chinese yuan, the Japanese yen and the British oound. PlasmaPay founder and CEO Ilia Maksimenka explained to me that the Plasma cryptocurrency is a critical part of the companys ecosystem, which will eventually comprise 32 fiat-based stablecoins and tokenized financial instruments. This particular stablecoin will use a price-formation algorithm taking into account all the stable currencies listed on the Plasma blockchain. The advantage of the Plasma cryptocurrency over U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins is that it can remove the volatility risks of both cryptocurrencies and fiat money. Consider a simple example. If the value of the U.S. dollar dropped significantly, the corresponding value of a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin would drop, as well. However, with only marginal U.S. dollar backing, along with that of a large number of other currencies, the PlasmaPay ecosystem would remain relatively stable. Essentially, the platform would be hedging against any loss by calling on global group of currencies to mitigate the loss risk for its users. Corrections like the one we have today make the cryptocurrency market healthier," Maksimenka told me. "In the future, I expect the concept of smart money to become more relevant. People will stop using this technology for speculation and instead will focus on the real usage in the economy." With their combination of flexibility and stability, and their enviable ability to back their coins with various world currencies, stablecoins may be the best way for entrepreneurs and startup managers to pursue capital acquisition. Even with any collapsing cryptocurrency market, these coins could represent a sea change in the way digital business will be done. Below are some tips for how stablecoins could be used to help your business grow. Flexibility -- The digital aspect of stablecoins allows you to manage funds rapidly, and without international barriers. Because stablecoin transactions are completed on the blockchain, there is no third-party intermediary required to check, process and verify payments and transfers. Specifically, businesses are able to send and receive international transfers almost instantly, provide payments to contractors both locally and overseas with ease and save a substantial amount of money in inter-bank transfer fees. Stability -- the backing of stablecoins allows entrepreneurs to have confidence that the investments they receive will maintain their value. This feature is particularly helpful. Investments received in other flexible digital tokens like Bitcoin, while helpful, are subject to substantial market swings. Stablecoins provide market stability, protecting your working capital and savings from major fluctuations. Further, for those stablecoins that are hedged against an array of international currencies, inflationary pressure is also much less. In a nutshell, your investment wont lose value with inflation changes. Capital acquisition -- Investors and lenders can use these tools to move money into a startup, and entrepreneurs can likewise move funds back to investors, all without the tedium of legacy banking systems. This latter feature allows for capital acquisition to take place globally, rather than simply locally, providing far more potential for growth. By eliminating the headaches of international transfer and investment obligations, stablecoins have the power to link you with investors in a genuinely peer-to-peer relationship. Related: 5 Types of Cryptocurrency Entrepreneurs Should Know About Together, these advantages make stablecoins a very real solution for entrepreneurs in the years to come. | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/325843 |
Where Is the North Korean Road Map? | There is a possibility of complete denuclearization of North Korea in the years to come. But Washington needs to handle diplomacy in a manner similar to steps taken toward normalization of relations with Vietnam. Those steps involved a Road Map involving graduated unilateral confidence building measures on both sides. When Step 1 was completed, the two countries then went on to Step 2 and similarly to Step 3 and later achieved complete normalization of relations. North Korea began the current diplomatic effort by announcing a moratorium on missile and nuclear tests in November 2017. Subsequently, Pyongyang proposed a summit meeting with Donald Trump. Next, Kim Jong Un sent kind words to the American president. In response to the graduated unilateral gestures by Kim Jong UN, Trump agreed to meet his counterpart, and a series of Steps began similar to a Road Map. Step 1, setting the agenda for future diplomacy, was the Singapore Summit between Kim Jong UN and Donald Trump on June 12, 2018. The resulting Sentosa Agreement set three important goals to which the leaders agreed. One was eventual peace between the two countries with security guarantees that neither side would threaten or use war again against each other. The second priority was an American concession to establish normal commercial and diplomatic relations with Pyongyang. The third priority was a North Korean concession a pledge to denuclearize. Denuclearization could not occur until both countries took specific measures toward the first goal. Step 2 was not a series of pledges but concrete action. The United States, which had previously refused to accept shipment of bodies of Americans missing in action during the Korean War, agreed to receive them from North Korea. Such shipments soon took place, as promised in the Sentosa Agreement. At about the time of the Singapore summit, North Korea destroyed the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, albeit without international verification. In response, Trump agreed to halt provocative wargames with South Korea, many of which previously simulated attacks on North Korea. Step 3 has already proceeded, consisting of North Koreas unilateral offer to dismantle the missile engine test site and launch platform in Dongchang-ri, inviting American inspectors to verify. But the United States has not responded to such a gradualist approach, which Washington might reciprocate by easing the travel ban for humanitarian workers. Instead of moving on to Step 3, Washington has demanded an accounting of all missile and nuclear facilities, something that would in effect ask North Korea to increase military vulnerability before any security guarantees. Washingtons demand is premature, perhaps appropriate at Step 10, 11, or beyond. Step 4 may consist of further reciprocated confidence building measures. North Korea has offered to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear complex along with international verification. But Kim Jong UN awaits an American response to his proposal, such as relaxation of food and medicine sanctions, which are not now imposed on Iran. Step 5, already in progress between the two Koreas, would be a mutual declaration of an end to the Korean War. Such a declaration would be the main agenda at the second summit between Kim and Trump. The summit might also include mutual security guarantees. Step 6 would be the establishment of a working group to begin drafting a peace treaty. The treaty would presumably be signed during a third summit (Step 20 or 21 or later). The summit might also identify gradual denuclearization steps along with gradual relaxation of economic sanctions leading up to increasing shipments of fuel oil. Steps 7, 8, 9, and beyond have not been designed. A step toward gradual normalization of diplomatic relations would belong about here. Similar to Vietnam, North Korea would be delighted to host a temporary Liaison Office for the United States in Pyongyang so that negotiations could occur daily. Full normalization of commercial relations would occur at the end of the road after denuclearization. Although American negotiators have said that they are familiar with the Road Map used for Vietnam, they have not yet accepted the idea of gradual reciprocated moves on both sides to build confidence along the long path toward peace in the Korean peninsula. At some point in a Road Map, the presence of American troops in South Korea will have to be balanced against dismantling non-nuclear military capabilities in the North. Full denuclearization, something that North Korea never wanted but developed in desperation to counter a possible attack by the United States, will help to set that agenda to build a lasting peace. North Koreas human rights problems are related to the fact that the country is not yet a developing economy. With peace in sight, Pyongyang would not need to lock up dissidents, an overly precautionary policy in light of domestic economic discontent and the fear that spies are mobilizing opposition. The issue of human rights should not be allowed to stop progress toward the greater goal of peace on the Korean peninsula. Simultaneously with the new Road Map, North Korea and the United States could be expected to work together on such issues as the refugee crisis, terrorism, violent extremism, and world health. North Korea is no longer an isolated country but rather hosts embassies from 24 countries, including Britain and Germany, with lower-level diplomatic offices from France, South Korea, and Switzerland. Embassies located in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam have personnel from 55 additional countries who are assigned to deal with North Korea, which can play a constructive role in the world community when matters of defense recede in priority. In the past, Washington tried bullying Pyongyang, but that provoked nuclearization. Now is the time to take gradual steps, providing assurances to North Korea and the world that American diplomacy is on a new path toward genuine peace to remove the last relic of the Cold War. Political Scientist Michael Haas, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is the author of the recent United States Diplomacy with North Korea and Vietnam, with a Foreword by former UN Ambassador Bill Richardson. Please contact me at [email protected]. Read more by Michael Haas | https://original.antiwar.com/michael_haas/2019/01/18/where-is-the-north-korean-road-map/ |
Should I volunteer to be a company pension trustee? | My colleagues are encouraging me, but Im worried it will mean loads of pointless work Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and its up to you to help him or her out a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturdays paper. My company lets employees choose trustees to help oversee its pension scheme. My colleagues are pushing me to sign up, but Im worried it will mean loads of work without achieving anything. Email your suggestions to [email protected] or write to us at Money, the Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/19/should-i-volunteer-to-be-a-company-pension-trustee |
Could renting without huge deposits become the norm? | Tenants are being offered schemes that do away with the need for large amounts upfront Scraping together a deposit on a new flat is always tough for tenants, with the average amount demanded now more than 1,400 in England and Wales. Thats the deal being dangled in front of tenants by some of Britains biggest letting agents. Rental deposits have soared in recent years, with tenants frequently asked to put down the equivalent of two months rent, which they wont see returned for possibly years and then with possible deductions. But a growing number of agents are being offered zero deposit schemes. Since last April, new tenants renting property through Haart have been offered the chance to sign up to the Flatfair scheme. UK house prices fall at fastest rate in six years on back of Brexit Rics Read more Instead of paying a traditional deposit, the scheme charges a one-off premium, typically worth just one weeks rental payment. This buys a kind of insurance for the landlord, offering to cover any costs at the end of the tenancy. Now Haart is extending the offer to existing tenants. They will be asked if they want to get back their deposit, typically 1,407, according to the firm, and sign up with Flatfair. Alongside Flatfair, there are a number of other schemes including Zero Deposit and Canopy. The basic principle of each is the same. The tenant pays a premium, which buys protection for the landlord. At the end of the tenancy the tenant can move on with no more fees to pay, unless the landlord makes a claim for damage. If that happens, the landlord receives money from the scheme, which will then pursue the tenant to recover some cash. Critics say that tenants, after paying the insurance premium, can potentially be left with having to fork out again if the landlord claims on it. Whats more, the agents pushing the scheme receive a commission from the insurance company, worth about 20% of whatever the tenant has paid. It is also apparent that these schemes have only appeared after it emerged that high deposits demanded by landlords were going to be capped. The cap comes into force on 1 June ), limiting deposits to five weeks rent. Flatfair was founded more than two years ago and the amount weve saved tenants from being frozen during their tenancy is into seven figures, says Franz Doerr, who set up the scheme. The majority of tenants who are well behaved will benefit from a membership discount for future tenancies. Zero Deposit says its scheme is underwritten and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Jon Notley, co-founder of Zero Deposit, says: Unfortunately, some providers are launching products that do not fall under FCA regulation. This is dangerous, with landlords and tenants potentially being misled about the cover they are being provided, and certainly without the protections that regulated products provide. Groups representing tenants say they cannot see the benefits for most of their members. Dan Wilson Craw from Generation Rent says zero-deposit schemes are an unnecessary expense for tenants. This is money that you will never see again, whereas with a standard deposit if you take care of the property you should get all that money back, he says. People need to realise that its not taking away their responsibility for keeping the home in good condition and paying the rent. If there are problems you will have to pay what they ask for. Even landlord groups are concerned. John Stewart, policy manager at the Residential Landlords Association, says he can see the potential for a loss-loss situation with this type of scheme. For tenants, he says it might cut the upfront fees but it is an absolute cost at the end of the day, while for landlords it was unclear how long claims would take to be paid and what would happen if a scheme went bust. The deposit can be held by a landlord if they use the insured scheme, and a lot of landlords would prefer the cash, he adds. Stewart says that in some cases there would be an advantage in using this type of scheme after the new deposits cap comes into effect. Most deposits are set at the five- week level but there are some times when the landlord asks for more for instance, if there are pets, or there are high-risk tenants who have a history of arrears. David Cox, the chief executive of Arla Propertymark, says his group is not recommending the schemes to members. We are not endorsing any of these schemes the market needs to prove itself first, he says. We are telling agents that they need to be careful to explain what they are to tenants. In most cases they are not insurance policies and tenants will be pursued for any costs at the end. Cap on letting fees and deposits from June Long-promised restrictions on the charges landlords and agents are allowed to levy on tenants in England and Wales are set to come into force on 1 June after the House of Lords approved the governments Tenant Fees Bill. The bill still needs to be approved by the House of Commons and the rules will only apply to tenancies signed from 1 June. The new regulations will: Ban landlords and agents from charging for credit checks, inventories or references. Cap the cost of varying a tenancy at the tenants request (such as a name change) at 50, unless the landlord can show it cost them more. Cap the amount that tenants can be charged as security deposit at a sum equal to five weeks rent. Cap the amount tenants can be charged for a holding deposit at one weeks rent. Only allow default fees for the cost of replacing lost keys or recovering missed rent. | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/jan/19/could-renting-without-huge-deposits-become-the-norm |
Will a Dallas schools trustee be forced to resign after eligibility concerns arise? | A Dallas schools trustee running for a spot on the Dallas City Council is unsure whether he'll be able to finish his term after questions arose about whether he lives in the district he represents. Social media posts began circulating Friday criticizing trustee Jaime Resendez for not living within the District 4 boundaries in the Pleasant Grove area. Public records show that in 2017, Resendez purchased a home a few blocks outside his district in the adjacent District 9. Resendez met with school district attorneys Friday and issued a statement saying he is awaiting clarification from them. "It has been an honor to serve students and my community," he wrote in a text message to The Dallas Morning News. "I have received questions and contacted DISD for their guidance. The district is unclear on the guidelines. Once I receive their opinion, I will take the appropriate steps." | https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2019/01/18/will-dallas-schools-trustee-forced-resign-after-eligibility-concerns-arise |
Whats the weather going to be like this weekend? | Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Its set to be a cloudy start to Saturday with some spells of wintery sunshine possible as the day goes on but conditions will stay dry. The top temperature for today will be around 4C. It will remain largely cloudly overnight with another grey and chilly start to Sunday morning. Sunday will see a greater chance of sunnier spells with temperatures of between 0 and 5C. Into next week forecasters believe the cold conditions will continue through Monday and Tuesday but whether there will be any wintery showers is unclear. | https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/cloudy-cold-weekend-for-east-anglia-1-5858305 |
Is AI the antidote to the cybersecurity minefield? | Artificial intelligence (AI) isnt going anywhere anytime soon. With 20% of the C-suite already using machine learning and 41% of consumers believing that AI will improve their lives, wide scale adoption is imminent across every industry and cybersecurity is no exception. A lot has changed in the cyber landscape over the past few years and AI is being pushed to the forefront of conversations, says Dan Panesar, VP EMEA, Certes Networks. Its becoming more than a buzzword and delivering true business value. Its ability to aid the cybersecurity industry is increasingly being debated; some argue it has the potential to revolutionise cybersecurity, whilst others insist that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. With several issues facing the current cybersecurity landscape such as a disappearing IT perimeter, a widening skills gap, increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks and data breaches continuing to hit headlines, a remedy is needed. The nature of stolen data has also changed CVV and passport numbers are becoming compromised, so coupled with regulations such as GDPR, organisations are facing a minefield. Research shows that 60% think AI has the ability to find attacks before they do damage. The cost-benefit conundrum On one hand, AI could provide an extremely large benefit to the overall framework of cybersecurity defences. On the other, the reality that it equally has the potential to be a danger under certain conditions cannot be ignored. Hackers are fast gaining the ability to foil security algorithms by targeting the data AI technology is training on. Inevitably, this could have devastating consequences. AI can be deployed by both sides by the attackers and the defenders. It does have a number of benefits such as the ability to learn and adapt to its current learning environment and the threat landscape. If it was deployed correctly, AI could consistently collect intelligence about new threats, attempted attacks, successful data breaches, blocked or failed attacks and learn from it all, fulfilling its purpose of defending the digital assets of an organisation. By immediately reacting to attempted breaches, mitigating and addressing the threat, cybersecurity could truly reach the next level as the technology would be constantly learning to detect and protect. Additionally, AI technology has the ability to pick up abnormalities within an organisations network and flag it quicker than a member of the cybersecurity or IT team could; AIs ability to understand normal behaviour would allow it to bring attention to potentially malicious behaviour of suspicious or abnormal user or device activity. As with most new technologies, for each positive there is an equal negative. AI could be configured by hackers to learn the specific defences and tools that it runs up against which would give way to larger and more successful data breaches. Viruses could be created to host this type of AI, producing more malware that can bypass even more advanced security implementations. This approach would likely be favoured by hackers as they dont even need to tamper with the data itself they could work out the features of the code a model is using and mirror it with their own. In this particular care, the tables would be turned and organisations could find themselves in sticky situations if they cant keep up with hackers. Organisations must be wary that they dont adopt AI technology in cybersecurity just because. As attack surfaces expand and hackers become more sophisticated, cybersecurity strategies must evolve to keep up. AI contributes to this expanding attack surface so when it comes down to deployment, the benefits must be weighed up against the potential negatives. A robust, defence-in-depth Information Assurance strategy is still needed to form the basis of any defence strategy to keep data safe. The author is Dan Panesar, VP EMEA, Certes Networks Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @VanillaPlus OR @jcvplus | https://www.vanillaplus.com/2019/01/18/44470-ai-antidote-cybersecurity-minefield/ |
How Many NBA Teams Dont Have a NBA G-League Affiliate? | The answer currently is three, with 27 teams currently having a NBA G-League team. The New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets and Portland Trailblazers are the three teams yet to develop a NBA G-League affiliate. All along the goal of the NBA G-League has been to have a 30 for 30 model where every NBA team has a minor league affiliate in the G-League. The G-League deserves a lot of credit for taking its time in developing the relationships in certain markets and working with the NBA clubs on finding the right fit along with developing the G-League at a healthy pace. One NBA G-League executive recently told me that he thinks sooner than later we will have a 30 for 30 model and he anticipates that model will be in place no later than 2021. | http://ksoo.com/how-many-nba-teams-dont-have-a-nba-g-league-affiliate/ |
Is DeMarcus Cousins return just what the Warriors need? | The special counsel's office, in a rare statement, says BuzzFeed's characterization is 'not accurate' Special counsel Robert Mueller's office is disputing a BuzzFeed report that President Donald Trump directed his then-personal attorney Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about the proposed Moscow Trump Tower project. BuzzFeed: Sources say Trump directed Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about proposed Moscow project President Donald Trump personally directed his longtime former attorney Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about the Moscow Trump Tower project, two federal law enforcement officials involved in an investigation of the matter told BuzzFeed. Reporter with checkered past comes back with Trump story Jason Leopold and Anthony Cormier, two reporters for BuzzFeed News, may have just scored the scoop that, if it is ultimately confirmed, irrevocably changes the course of the Trump presidency. If so, it will represent for Leopold the apex of a comeback from a troubled personal and professional past. Opinion: Impeachment inquiry is the right idea right now I ran into a senior Democrat in the US House of Representatives while traveling Thursday night. Sarah Sanders speaks out after BuzzFeed story White House press secretary Sarah Sanders rejects a BuzzFeed News report that says President Donald Trump personally directed his longtime former attorney Michael Cohen to lie to Congress about the Moscow Trump Tower project. CNN analyst roasts Trump, GOP for hypocrisy on religion CNN analyst Philip Mudd criticized President Donald Trump's tweet where he discussed prayer rugs that were found at the southern border. Cooper: Rudy Giuliani is gaslighting on collusion After President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani said he could not say if members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russians, CNN's Anderson Cooper questions whether Giuliani was getting ahead of special counsel Robert Mueller's next move. Susan Pompeo's travels during shutdown anger some diplomats, sources say At a time when most State Department staff weren't allowed to travel for work and some weren't even allowed to use their work phones, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's wife Susan embarked on an eight-day trip with her husband, requiring unpaid staffers to prepare and support her across the Middle East. Stalled shutdown talks leave Trump cold A year ago, President Donald Trump was spending a holiday weekend in the South Florida sun, making morning excursions to his golf course and passing warm evenings on the patio of his estate as a the sound of a piano wafted in the breeze. | http://theechotimes.com/is-demarcus-cousins-return-just-what-the-warriors-need/ |
Could mindfulness help ease symptoms of the menopause? | Practicing mindfulness could help reduce the number of symptoms experienced during the menopause. Redrockschool/Istock.com pic NEW YORK, Jan 19 New US research has found that practicing mindfulness may help reduce the number of menopausal symptoms experienced by women. Carried out by researchers at the Mayo Clinic, the new study looked at 1,744 women ages 40 to 65 who were receiving care at the Mayo Clinic's Women's Health Clinic and asked the women to complete questionnaires rating their menopausal symptoms, perceived level of stress and mindfulness. The findings, published in Climacteric: The Journal of the International Menopause Society, showed that women with higher mindfulness scores had fewer menopausal symptoms, and the higher a woman's perceived level of stress, the stronger the link was between higher mindfulness and a reduction in symptoms. The team also found that being mindful may be especially helpful for menopausal women struggling with irritability, anxiety and depression. However, they were surprised that a higher mindfulness score was not associated with symptom scores for hot flashes and night sweats, suggesting that the amount of stress experienced from these two symptoms may be influenced more by individual personality traits rather than the symptoms themselves. Mindfulness involves focusing attention on the present moment and observing thoughts and sensations, which is thought to help reduce stress by helping individuals avoid emotional reactions and overthinking. Lead study author Dr. Richa Sood commented on the research saying that, "These findings suggest that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help women reduce menopausal symptoms and overall stress." "While more studies need to be done, doctors can consider discussing mindfulness as a potential treatment option for menopausal women," continued Dr. Sood, adding that mindfulness is a skill that can be learned. "Essentially, the first step in being mindful is to become aware that our minds are on autopilot most of the time," Dr. Sood says. "The goal during mindful moments is not to empty the mind, but to become an observer of the mind's activity while being kind to oneself. The second step is to create a pause. Take a deep breath, and observe one's own space, thoughts and emotions nonjudgmentally. The resulting calm helps lower stress." AFP-Relaxnews | https://www.malaymail.com/s/1714369/could-mindfulness-help-ease-symptoms-of-the-menopause |
Whos to blame for Hong Kongs first major political crisis of the new year? | Hong Kongs leader has managed to ease her first major crisis of the new year by winning back the support of her political allies who turned against her over the unpopular decision to raise the age threshold for elderly welfare payments. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor ended up offering a new monthly cash allowance to those who would have been deprived of their regular payments under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme. As pro-establishment lawmakers joined opposition pan-democrats in rebuking Lam, the chief executive countered that legislators themselves had approved of the policy change in last years budget bill. The row intensified as lawmakers argued that the issue should have been discussed formally with them. The controversy blew up on Monday, as officials announced that the eligibility age for elderly payments under the CSSA scheme would be raised from 60 to 65 as of February 1, sparking a public outcry. Three days later, Lam expressed shock at pro-establishment lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yans question on whether she could withdraw the cuts, pointing out to the chamber that lawmakers themselves had approved the policy change in last years budget bill. Lams response sparked anger from her traditional allies, who said it was unfair to suggest they had agreed with every single measure among the hundreds of items laid down in the bill. The plan first appeared in the 2015 Population Policy Report by the Labour and Welfare Bureau, which stated it would review the existing social security arrangements to see if they have the effect of disincentivising older persons from continuing to work. The age threshold increase was then included in the 2017 Policy Address, among a basket of social security measures including the introduction of the popular Higher Old Age Living Allowance. Lam was then the citys No 2 official as chief secretary. After taking office as Hong Kongs leader, she then followed the policy direction and included it in her budget address in February 2018, despite some opposition from lawmakers. The actual clause to change the CSSA age threshold for elderly payments was not directly mentioned in the budget speech, but inserted into a 900-page booklet listing expenses and matters requiring special attention of every bureau. That particular bit of information fell under the Labour and Welfare Bureau. In the Legislative Councils welfare panel meeting in November, lawmakers from both camps endorsed a motion, tabled by pan-democrat Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung, urging the government to halt the change. Those supporting the motion included Wilson Or Chong-shing, Poon Siu-ping and Kwok Wai-keung from the pro-establishment camp. We at many times and occasions expressed our opposition, Kwok Wai-keung of the Federation of Trade Unions said, noting he had filed questions to the bureau regarding the budget. But the government has been very slow in its response. He rejected suggestions of forcing the government to back down by opposing the entire budget bill. The budget is a whole package and we would not veto it just because of one single item. There are measures we support like the introduction of Higher Old Age Living Allowance, Kwok said. A source in the camp summed up its grievances: We support the budget and will protect the government from a shutdown We are supposed to be Carrie Lams allies, but her remarks shifted the blame to us. With district council elections coming up in November, the source admitted the camp faced enormous pressure from voters questioning the need for such a heartless policy. Meanwhile, welfare sector lawmaker Shiu Ka-chuns motion calling for a review of the entire CSSA scheme, which he tabled months ago, provided a rare platform for cooperation between pro-establishment lawmakers and their opposition rivals to rebuke Lam. They passed a non-binding but politically significant motion calling for officials to shelve the policy on Thursday. A government source admitted the development was unexpected, as the bureau had actually communicated with allies and the implicit agreement was to make the policy change a low-profile one. The controversy has provided Lams critics with plenty of ammunition to accuse her of being insensitive and confrontational. While her traditional allies have been appeased by her efforts to compensate those affected by the welfare policy change, they could still end up blocking Lams next contentious policy move to adjust tolls to ease congestion at the cross-harbour tunnels. | https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2182805/whos-blame-hong-kongs-first-major-political-crisis-new-year |
What challenges await? | Many people take the opportunity of a new year to make resolutions. Many of those same people get disappointed when they dont follow through with those resolutions. Several weeks ago, I shared with my congregations, Little River First and Mitchell Chapel UMC, that I felt it was time to challenge myself once again. Before and during my time in seminary, I loved to read. It didnt matter what the topic -- I embraced the task of broadening my horizons. But one thing that happened after I graduated from seminary was reading burnout. You see during those 4.5 years of seminary our reading load was often 300-plus pages of deep theological reading. I tried little tricks that were shared with me by friends and colleagues, and while some worked, it still meant a lot of reading. I never imagined that I would hit a wall but May 2016 that is exactly what happened. During my time in seminary, I still had reading to do to prepare for my weekly sermon, I still had the homework reading to do, and I still managed to squeeze in some light reading for my own enjoyment. As I prepared to start my new appointment here in the Hutchinson area, I realized that I needed a break from that weekly task of theological reading. I figured a few months and I would be ready to tackle the stack of books that I was starting to create in my home office. A few months stretched out and turned into 2.5 years. As we start in 2019, I have made a reading list and a challenge to myself to read a new book at least once a month. I have a list that is composed of books I purchased during seminary, books that were gifted to me, and books that I thought would be interesting. That stack that started during seminary grew to be several feet tall and has now found a new home in a bookshelf that formerly held all our CDs. My challenge this year will touch on areas of spiritual growth, areas of learning about different cultures, and yes, some lighter reading sprinkled throughout. I know many of you may be thinking about losing weight, eating better, maybe even adding to your family. My prayer for you is that whatever those resolutions or challenges are that they help you grow closer to God. Whatever we do let us always do it to help us grow in faith, grow in connection to the world, and grow in how we treat one another in kindness. Jeff Goetzinger is pastor of Mitchell United Methodist Chapel and Little River First United Methodist Church. | http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20190119/what-challenges-await |
Is Bodycare at Intu Derby really cheaper than the other shops? | Get Daily updates directly to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email Several products at bargain cosmetics store Bodycare are available for the same price or cheaper at other stores. The Intu Derby shop is often busy with customers who love it for its discounts on branded products. And in 2016 the national chain was ranked joint No 1, in a Which survey, for toiletries and cosmetics because of its "bargain" products sold at "the best prices". But when Derbyshire Live compared the prices of 10 branded products we found eight of them available at other shops for the same price or cheaper. We chose a selection of popular branded items from the Bodycare shelves, including things like deodorant and moisturiser, and checked their price tags against Sainsbury's, Tesco, Boots, Asda and Superdrug. (Image: Derby Telegraph) It is important to note that you will make a saving with most of these Bodycare products when you compare their prices to the average of all the other stores. For example, Colgate Total Original Care toothpaste costs 2.29 at Bodycare. It is cheaper to buy it at Asda, where it costs 2, but it is more expensive at all the other shops (costing between 3 and 4 elsewhere). That means you'll make an average saving of 96p if you buy your toothpaste at Bodycare, but of all the shops it is cheapest to buy it at Asda. If a shop was running a discount on the product at the time of our comparison we have indicated that next to the price. Bodycare did not reply to our request for a comment on this story. Toothpaste - Colgate Total Original Care, 125ml Asda - 2 (Rollback offer) Bodycare - 2.29 Sainsburys 3 Tesco - 4 Boots - 4 Superdrug not sold Cheapest - Asda, 2 Average Bodycare saving - 96p Mouthwash - Listerine Fresh Burst, 500ml Bodycare - 1.99 Sainsburys 2 Tesco - 2 Asda - 2 (Rollback offer) Boots Not sold Superdrug Not sold Cheapest - Bodycare, 1.99 Average Bodycare saving - 1p Men's deodorant - Lynx Africa, 200ml Bodycare - 2.29 Tesco - 2.50 (on offer from 3.50) Boots - 2.50 Asda - 2.50 Sainsburys 3.50 Superdrug - 4.15 Cheapest - Bodycare, 2.29 Average Bodycare saving - 62p Women's deodorant - Dove Original, 250ml Sainsburys 1.75 Boots - 1.89 Asda - 1.90 Bodycare - 1.99 Tesco - 3.50 Superdrug - 4.19 Cheapest - Sainsbury's, 1.75 Average Bodycare saving - 55p Hand wash - Carex Original, 250ml Sainsburys 90p Asda 90p Bodycare - 99p Tesco - 1 Boots - 1 Superdrug - 1.89 Cheapest - Sainsbury's and Asda, 90p Average Bodycare saving - 12p (Image: Derby Telegraph / Screen Photography) Shampoo - Alberto Balsam Sweet Strawberry, 350ml Sainsburys 95p Asda 95p Bodycare - 99p Tesco - 1 Boots - 1 Superdrug not sold Cheapest - Sainsbury's and Asda, 95p Average saving - minus 1p Conditioner - Alberto Balsam Sweet Strawberry, 350ml Sainsburys 95p Asda 95p Bodycare - 99p Tesco - 1 Boots - 1 Superdrug not sold Cheapest - Sainsbury's and Asda, 95p Average saving - minus 1p Shower gel - Sanex Dermo Moisturising, 500ml Bodycare - 1.89 Sainsburys 2 Tesco - 2 Superdrug - 2.29 Asda - 2.50 Boots - 3 Cheapest - Bodycare, 1.89 Average saving - 39p Wax - VO5 Texturising Gum, 75ml Boots - 2.93 (on offer) Bodycare - 2.99 Asda - 3.00 Superdrug - 3.00 Sainsburys 4.00 Tesco - 4.00 Cheapest - Boots, 2.93 Average saving - 33p Moisturiser - Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser, 125ml Asda - 1.50 (Rollback offer) Bodycare - 2.29 Sainsburys 3.00 Tesco - 3.00 Boots - 4.29 Superdrug - 4.29 Cheapest - Asda, 1.50 Average saving - 77p | https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/bodycare-derby-2444416 |
Can heart patients run a marathon safely? | things-to-do If you are a heart patient, that is, if you have recently suffered a heart attack or undergone a bypass or angioplasty surgery, there are certain measures one should take while preparing for a safe marathon Representational picture An Indian dies of a heart attack every 33 seconds. Surprisingly, in the last few years recreational running is gaining popularity. We are determined to make running more of a lifestyle improvement, in order to benefit not only our physical body but also our heart. In 2004, when Mumbai marathon first began, the bookings were open till the day before the event. This year, the spots were filled 6 months in advance, a massive transformation which determines the health-centric preferences of the population. Running lowers blood pressure, increases the good cholesterol, and decreases the risk of diabetes, coronary heart diseases and heart attack. Needless to say that there are only benefits of running. However, if you are a heart patient, that is, if you have recently suffered a heart attack or undergone a bypass or angioplasty surgery, there are certain measures one should take while preparing for a safe marathon: Tests: All cardiac patients must undergo a series of tests- ECG, routine blood tests, 2D-Echocardiogram and stress test (certified by a cardiologist), to make sure that their heart is in prime condition to run amarathon. Dr. Santosh Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute suggests measures cardiac patients running the marathon must take. Normal heart pumping: If youve undergone a successful bypass or angioplasty surgery, and your heart pumping is normal, then you are ready to participate in a marathon. Time gap: In a scenario where you have suffered a heart attack, take rest for at least three months, giving ample time to heal and for healthy scar formation. Prepare in advance: If this is your first marathon, then start with improving your fitness levels. Begin with a brisk walk, move on to jogging and then running. Medicines: Take your medicines regularly, especially on the day of the run. Symptoms: If you experience some chest pain or breathlessness, stop any strenuous activity and report to your cardiologist. A heart patient can run a marathon safely and maintain their health as well if they vigilantly take these precautionary measures. This year about 90 rehabilitated cardiac patients from Asian Heart Institute will be running the Mumbai Marathon. A feat that everyone- patient or not- must aspire to accomplish. Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates | https://www.mid-day.com/articles/can-heart-patients-run-a-marathon-safely/20273176 |
Should Ben Roethlisberger take more criticism for the Antonio Brown situation? | Whatever drama or turmoil exists on the Pittsburgh Steelers came to a head in the final week of the regular season. Wide receiver Antonio Brown skipped out on multiple practices leading up to the game and was unable to play because of it. This series of events has sparked tremendous criticism of Brown. But ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith questions if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is getting his fair share of the criticism. According to Smith, things have been back between Brown and Roethlisberger this season. He didnt offer any specifics but if he is to be believed it probably involves the fact JuJu Smith-Schuster amassed incredible stats this season and Brown didnt see as many opportunities as a result. But the bigger question really centers on just how much Roethlisberger deserves scrutiny at this point. While I dont disagree with Smith when he says there has far too much made of what Brown did by the media, I cant get on board with throwing Roethlisberger under the bus on the same level. Even though I hope Brown and the Steelers can mend fences and he returns to the team, he did turn his back on them before the more important game of the year. Nother Roethlisberger did during the season could even approach that. Roethlisberger gets hammered by the media when he has a bad game even though he carries this squad most weeks. This team will go as far as he takes them so he recognizes the amount of pressure is on him. If this spills out in practice and meetings but he shows up every week and gives his all so be it. | https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/19/should-ben-roethlisberger-take-more-criticism-for-the-antonio-brown-situation/ |
Did Spider-Man trailer tell us too much about new Avengers? | Trailers for upcoming films Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame have taken the internet by storm, as fans have begun to speculate the fate of their favorite superheroes. At the end of Avengers: Infinity War, fans saw Thanos (Josh Brolin), with the power of all six infinity stones, snap half the universe away, including Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man. Parker (Tom Holland) uttered the now-iconic line to Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Mr. Stark I dont feel so good, before he disappeared into a million pieces. However, we can safely assume Marvel wasnt killing off everyones favorite web crawler. In fact, Holland was across the pond making Spider-Man: Far From Home at the time Infinity War was released. We dont have the answers based on the latest teaser trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home. The trailer released Tuesday shows Peter Parker alive and well donning his spidey suit along with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), who disappeared before signaling for Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). In the trailer, Parker neglects to bring his spidey suit with him to study abroad because, Europe doesnt need a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Later, the trailer shows Parkers friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) falling to the ground from a tranquilizer dart, courtesy of Nick Fury. Fury enlists Spider-Mans help saying, You got gifts Parker. But you have a job to do. Are you going to step up or not? The trailer continues with Spider-Man battling The Elementals with what appears to be the help of villain Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhall). Nowhere in the teaser do we see any vestiges of Infinity War. The trailer has sparked much debate on social media, claiming it has put a damper on the new Avengers film set to hit the big screens April 26. I dont think the trailer did, but thats just one mans opinion. We tend to forget most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is family friendly well maybe except for Deadpool but Marvel certainly isnt going to kill off every one of its character. A little research shows certain actors are under contract for quite a few films. Either way, we are all in for a treat with this 2019 lineup of Marvel films and I bet Ill see you at the theater July 5 for Spider-Man: Far From Home. By Dan Stokes [email protected] Follow Dan Stokes on Twitter @ByDanStokes Follow Dan Stokes on Twitter @ByDanStokes | https://www.theweekender.com/wk_cover/31434/did-spider-man-trailer-tell-us-too-much-about-new-avengers |
Could swastika shock have killed Dr Legg in EastEnders anti-Semitism episode? | EastEnders ended with Dr Harold Legg seeming to succumb from the shock and heartache of seeing a swastika painted on his door. In an episode which dealt with the tragic past of the Jewish people, Dr Legg slumped weeping into his chair and appeared to lose consciousness. Dr Legg, played by Leonard Felton, had previously suffered the pain of seeing his mothers grave daubed with anti-Semitic graffiti, and the latest episode returned to the dark theme. The BBC account for EastEnders tweeted that the act was an example of: The destructive power of hate. After trying to reason with the youths responsible for the attack on the grave and accepting their apology, Dr Legg returned home to see the Nazi symbol painted on his front door. Even the villainous Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) was seen desperately trying to wash away the symbol which provoked the potentially fatal shock for Dr Legg. The episode cut to the credits without revealing the fate of the retired GP, who has been a recurring character on the show since 1985. - Press Association | https://www.breakingnews.ie/showbiz/could-swastika-shock-have-killed-dr-legg-in-eastenders-anti-semitism-episode-898627.html |
How did Sara Ali Khan shed those extra kilos? | Bollywood starlet Sara Ali Khan has received massive acclaim for her weight loss journey, motivating many to hit the treadmill and start ingesting healthy meals to shed those extra kilos. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the 25-year-old Simmba starlet shed light on the food that she consumes throughout the day to give her fans and followers an inside peak on how to maintain that perfect figure. Revealing that she is not one of the blessed people who in spite of eating everything remain unscathed by fat she states: I dont have milk, I dont have sugar, I dont have carbs. I live a sad life when it comes to food. Speaking about her morning rituals, the actor goes on to share: When Im working I very often have haldi [turmeric] and spinach and hot water. Moreover, the Kedarnath actor revealed that her meals throughout the day from breakfast to dinner consist of eggs and chicken only while the healthiest form of munchies that she eats are cucumbers. Sara also stated that her favorite meal of the day is dinner while she considers Chinese food her favorite cuisine. Stating first thing in the morning as the best time to work out, she went on to reveal that her post-workout meal consists of Greek yogurt with a scoop of protein and a little bit of coffee. On the other hand, peeping the strict diet in place, Sara still considers that it is okay to cheat once a week while adding that the most bizarre diet she has ever heard of has to be Keto hands down. Treading ahead the star goes on to reflect upon the alterations made in her lifestyle throughout the years that have made a significant impact: I stopped eating pizza. Concluding the talk on her fitness regime, the actor goes on to share a tip with all those who have surrendered the idea of ever losing weight: If you think you can do it, you can do it. And if you dont think you can do it, you wont ever be able to do it. So just wake up in the morning, run a little, dont eat pizza and I promise you, youre on your way. | https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/420980-how-did-sara-ali-khan-shed-those-extra-kilos |
Will Blue Dog Democrats Have the Last Say? | This is a rush transcript from "Your World With Neil Cavuto," October 13, 2009. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. NEIL CAVUTO, HOST: President Obama getting ready to speak out about winning a key vote in his pursuit of health care reform. As I`m sure you know by now, the Senate Finance Committee passing its health plan just a couple hours ago. He got one Republican backing it, Olympia Snowe of Maine. He will no doubt be doing a little bit of bragging about that, as this now makes it way to merge with another bill in the Senate, then on to the Senate, then reconciling whatever comes out of the House. It`s a mess, but, eventually, they hope to have something on the big guy`s desk. We will see. All right, in the meantime, the Senate vote is over, but health care battle in the House just beginning. Pennsylvania Congressman Blue Dog Democrat Jason Altmire joining me right now. Congressman, you guys seem to be like the Rodney Dangerfields in this process. (LAUGHTER) CAVUTO: No one respects you. No really cares what you think. And they seem to think that is the Democratic leadership they can go full-throttle without you. REP. JASON ALTMIRE (D), PENNSYLVANIA: Well, look, we have a bicameral system here. The House and the Senate are both going to have a voice. It does seem like this bill has been negotiated between the White House and the Senate. But the House has to pass a bill for this to become law. I, as we have talked before, have been unhappy with the direction that the House has gone. I do think that we have moved towards the center and we have a better product. We have to see what CBO says on whether or not I will be able to support it. But I think that we are moving in the right direction. And I see the Senate moving in the right direction. CAVUTO: Well, Nancy Pelosi you guys don`t like the public option. She does. She`s the boss. You`re not. She is not toast, but you are. ALTMIRE: My concerns about the House bill dealt with the lack of cost containment, the income tax that I thought was misguided and misplaced, and the fact that small businesses were penalized for being unable to offer health care... CAVUTO: Right. ALTMIRE: ... being unable to afford it. I think we should use a carrot, and not a stick. And I think, over the course of this year in the debate that has taken place, we have gotten better in all three of those things. The bill is not, I think, where it needs to be. CAVUTO: Yes. ALTMIRE: But, hopefully, when we merge the bill with the Senate- passed bill, we will end up in the center. And that's where the American people wants us to be. CAVUTO: Maybe so. It doesn`t look that way now. But you could be right. You are closer to that. So, let me ask, there are 52 of you are Blue Dogs. ALTMIRE: Right. CAVUTO: There were 28 at last count who were not keen on what was going on in the House. ALTMIRE: I don`t know what the count out of 52 is, but I do know the magic number is 38. You can lose 38 Democrats to pass a bill. If you lose one more, you can`t do it. And with 52 Blue Dogs, we are going to be the decisive factor in this whole thing. CAVUTO: And 28 of you are not yes, that is cutting it pretty close. That`s interesting. Sir... ALTMIRE: Right. And I can`t say what the number is going to be, but I know there`s a lot of different concerns with the bill. CAVUTO: All right. ALTMIRE: We will see if CBO scores it as a savings, and then we will take the vote. CAVUTO: OK. Congressman, I admire your guts, because every time after talking to you, I always think, oh, the poor guy is going to have his parking spot taken or something like that. (LAUGHTER) CAVUTO: But always great seeing you. Thank you very much. ALTMIRE: Thank you, Neil. CAVUTO: All right. Content and Programming Copyright 2009 FOX News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Transcription Copyright 2009 CQ Transcriptions, LLC, which takes sole responsibility for the accuracy of the transcription. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No license is granted to the user of this material except for the user's personal or internal use and, in such case, only one copy may be printed, nor shall user use any material for commercial purposes or in any fashion that may infringe upon FOX News Network, LLC'S and CQ Transcriptions, LLC's copyrights or other proprietary rights or interests in the material. This is not a legal transcript for purposes of litigation. | https://www.foxnews.com/story/will-blue-dog-democrats-have-the-last-say |
How much does it cost to register for polls? | Patricia de Lilles new party Good will be contesting the elections. Picture: Nhlanhla Phillips/African News Agency (ANA) Cape Town - Parties that wish to contest this years national elections will have to fork out a deposit of R200 000 and pay and additional R45 000 to participate at a provincial level - before the elections in May. The Independent Electoral Commission said on Friday it had approved the amounts after proposed figures were published for public comment in October. While there is no deadline for party registration for participation in an election, political parties which have not yet submitted a registration application to the Electoral Commission are unlikely to meet all the requirements for registration in time to contest this years elections, it said. The approved deposit amount remains unchanged and is the same as that proposed in 2014. So far, 285 parties have registered and 36 more applications are under consideration. Recently, former Cape Town mayor and leading DA member Patricia de Lille announced that her new party, Good, would be contesting the elections, while former SABC executive Hlaudi Motsoeneng launched his party, the African Content Movement, in December. Some parties are pushing President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign the Political Party Funding Bill into law. It requires parties to disclose who funds them. The Bill was passed by Parliament last year. Meanwhile, the deposits are not the only expenses parties may find themselves paying out. Parties that breach the IECs electoral code may be fined up to R200000 or be compelled to relinquish their deposit, have their registration cancelled or even have their votes in an area withdrawn. The ANC said it had laid a formal complaint with the IEC regarding the DAs conduct which it described as flying in the face of the electoral code of conduct. The skirmish between the two parties this week has been over a DA campaign billboard. The opposition party unveiled the billboard in Johannesburg. It listed the names of the victims of the Marikana massacre, Life Esidimeni tragedy and children who died in pit latrines. The DA has since received wide criticism from ordinary South Africans and political parties. But it has maintained that it stands by its controversial poster titled: The ANC is killing us. DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi said: We are still of the strong view that the message on the billboard is the hard truth - that the ANC killed people at Marikana and Life Esidimeni. The billboard is compliant with the electoral code of conduct and we will meet the ANC at the IEC. We are not shaken by their complaint. When asked whether the families of the victims were consulted before their names were put on the billboard, Malatsi said there was no need for such consultation. The names have been a matter of public record from as early as Marikana and Life Esidimeni occurred, the names have been published in both print and social media, even government reports. What the DA did was to reproduce public information, that is already in the public domain, to highlight the tragic loss of life that was at the hand of the ANC government, said Malatsi. On Thursday, people believed to be relatives of the victims, vandalised the billboard, saying that it was insensitive to those grieving the loss of family members. Malatsi said those who vandalised the billboard would be dealt with in accordance with the law. With regards to the individuals who committed an act of crime by vandalising the billboard, it was an insult to the memory of those South Africans we are paying tribute to. We hope that law enforcement in Johannesburg will do their job to identify and apprehend those individuals so that the law can take its course, said Malatsi. Political Bureau | https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/how-much-does-it-cost-to-register-for-polls-18876146 |
How Treatment of Parkinsons Disease Get Affected by Gut Bacteria? | Gut bacteria interrupts in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and makes the medication less effective, reveals a study published in Nature Communications. A drug called levodopa which is used to treat the disease is converted to dopamine by the gut bacteria. The dopamine, a neurotransmitter cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby reducing the effectiveness of treatment. Bacterial enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase affects the bioavailability of the drug levodopa, which necessitates an increased dosage of the drug to treat Parkinsons disease. 'It is well established that gut bacteria can affect the brain', explains Assistant Professor in Microbiology Sahar El Aidy, lead investigator of the study. 'There is a continuous chemical dialogue between gut bacteria and the brain, the so-called gut-brain axis.' El Aidy and her team investigated the ability of gut microbiota to influence the bioavailability of levodopa, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.The drug is usually taken orally, and the levodopa is absorbed in the small intestine and then transported through the bloodstream to the brain. However, decarboxylase enzymes can convert levodopa into dopamine. In contrast to levodopa, dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, so patients are also given a decarboxylase inhibitor. 'But the levels of levodopa that will reach the brain vary strongly among Parkinson's disease patients, and we questioned whether gut microbiota were playing a role in this difference', says El Aidy.In bacterial samples from the small intestines of rats, Aidy's Ph.D. student Sebastiaan van Kessel found activity of the bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase enzyme, which normally converts tyrosine into tyramine, but was found to also convert levodopa into dopamine. 'We then determined that the source of this decarboxylase was Enterococcus bacteria.' The researchers also showed that the conversion of levodopa was not inhibited by a high concentration of the amino acid tyrosine, the main substrate of the bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase enzyme.As Parkinson's patients are given a decarboxylase inhibitor, the next step was to test the effect of several human decarboxylase inhibitors on the bacterial enzyme. 'It turned out that, for example, the inhibitor Carbidopa is over 10,000 times more potent in inhibiting the human decarboxylase', says El Aidy.These findings led the team to the hypothesis that the presence of bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase would reduce the bioavailability of levodopa in Parkinson's patients. To confirm this, they tested stool samples from patients who were on a normal or high dose of levodopa. The relative abundance of the bacterial gene encoding for tyrosine decarboxylase correlated with the need for a higher dose of the drug. 'As these were stool samples, and the levodopa is absorbed in the small intestine, this was not yet solid proof. However, we confirmed our observation by showing that the higher abundance of bacterial enzyme in the small intestines of rats reduced levels of levodopa in the bloodstream', explains El Aidy.Another important finding in the study is the positive correlation between disease duration and levels of bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase. Some Parkinson's disease patients develop an overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria including Enterococci due to frequent uptake of proton pump inhibitors, which they use to treat gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the disease. Altogether, these factors result in a vicious circle leading to an increased levodopa/decarboxylase inhibitor dosage requirement in a subset of patients.El Aidy concludes that the presence of the bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase enzyme can explain why some patients need more frequent dosages of levodopa to treat their motor fluctuations. 'This is considered to be a problem for Parkinson's disease patients, because a higher dose will result in dyskinesia, one of the major side effects of levodopa treatment. 'Source: Eurekalert | https://www.medindia.net/news/how-treatment-of-parkinsons-disease-get-affected-by-gut-bacteria-185233-1.htm |
Was I right to ask an Ipswich fan to stop swearing on a crowded train? | Photo: Neil Perry Archant I love a good swear. It can feel so cathartic: an outlet for all the rage and frustration thats ulcerating your insides. Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. But I dont always love to hear swearing. A few weeks ago, I had a minor contretemps on a train, that threatened to turn into a more major confrontation and it was all triggered by some sweariness. I was on a Saturday lunchtime train from Norwich to Colchester, while a group of about seven or eight Ipswich fans (about half of their home crowd) were in the seats all around me, travelling from Norwich to Ipswich for a match. Why anyone would travel from Norwich to Portman Road is beyond me, but Ill file that in the drawer marked Ultimate Mysteries of Life. They were an OK bunch, despite their dubious taste, but the man sitting behind me was a big fan of loud swearing, with every sentence peppered with profanities. The train was full, with children and elderly people on it, and it just seemed inappropriate. My righteousness gland began to become overactive then it went into overdrive when he started to use the foulest word of all. You know the one, and its not even nice to form it in your imagination. And so, a lone Norwich City fan surrounded by the enemy, I asked him very nicely to refrain from swearing. Yes, I sometimes have a death wish. But the initial reaction was: Oh, sorry mate. Then they stewed on it, travelled to high dudgeon and a couple of them started giving me abuse. One of them ludicrously asked me how I knew that his mate didnt have Tourettes or an illness: How do you know hes not sick? Well, he is going to Portman Road... I said. And then I wished I had a rewind button or a longer delay between my brain and my mouth. Too late, so I sat quietly while one bloke in particular kept insulting me, including by calling me a Nazi for reading a book about German history. I guess that also makes me a Viking, a Mongol, a Hobbit, a Communist, a Tudor queen and a horse. They got off at Ipswich, poor things, and I got back to my Third Reich history book. It got me thinking about swearing: whether its a persons right to do it when and where they like, or whether theres a time and a place. Its clearly the latter. I wouldnt swear in this column because my Mum reads it and its not in the Archant style book. I dont swear in front of my Mum and Dad nor my children (except on the football pitch, when red mist leads to blue language, followed by black looks from the offspring). Even when a church is open, we go all hushed and whispery. I would love to hear someone belch out a loud swear word during a quiet part of a service, though. Imagine the tuts, the horror and the judgement: after all, its far more sinful than the gossip, back-biting, half-heartedness and hypocrisy that are often present. I suspect a particularly hot corner of Hell is reserved for the evil issuers of profanities. If so, Ill never grow cold in eternity. You wouldnt eff and jeff during a job interview, in Santas grotto, at a school nativity, in the middle of a wedding service, while ordering food in a restaurant, or while going around a stately home. To me, its all about the audience. If youre using blue language within earshot of people who dont like it, then dont do it. A crowded lunchtime train is not an appropriate place for a shower of expletives. For many reasons, Portman Road is. | https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/views/opinion-should-steven-downes-have-told-ipswich-fan-to-mind-his-language-1-5858336 |
What does it take to be happy in Guyana? | A woman on her morning walk, noticed an older man sitting on his front step smoking a cigar and looking extremely happy. She guessed that he must be in his eighties, yet he seemed so happy. She walked up to him and said, I couldnt help but notice how happy you look! What is your secret? I smoke ten cigars a day, he said. Apart from that, I drink a whole bottle of whiskey every week, and eat only junk food. On weekends, I drink a case of beers. I dont exercise at all. That is absolutely amazing! How old are you? Twenty-four, he replied. The above story reminds us that happiness is not about having, but is about a state of mind. It is not about material things, but about how we relate to those things. It is not about owning things, but about how contended we are with what we have. I know an old lady who always complains. Her favourite complaint is that one day she is going to break her ankles when walking on the street in front of her home because it is filled with craters. A few days ago, I was by her house and noticed that all of the streets in her area, including the one in front of her home, had been fixed. So I told her she must be very happy now that the roads have been fixed. Happy? she bellowed. Look at these drains in front of my home. The water cant flow. The drains were no more than twelve inches wide and six inches deep. It was what we call in Guyana, a gutter. I picked up a stick that was lying nearby and parted some weeds in the gutter. Immediately, the once stagnant water began to flow freely. Are you happy now? I asked Why the government cant do it? was her response. I realized that her state of mind was the cause of her happiness. Being happy for her was about having something to complain about. Each time I pass by the fast food joints in our country, I always see them overflowing with patrons, particularly the young people. The lines are long. People have money in Guyana to splurge, and they do splurge, including on fast foods. I once saw a lady eat four large pieces of fried chicken that she had bought from a fast food outlet. She licked her platter clean. Only bones were left in the box. When she was finished she let off a loud belch, rubbed her stomach, downed a twenty-ounce cup of soda and said, The chicken had too much salt. Each weekend, I see thousands of persons at local bars and pubs and clubs having a whale of a time. They seem loaded with an endless stream of dollars. I wonder whether they are happy. I see young ladies frequenting the clubs. Each week, some of them have to have a different outfit, which costs thousands. The money seems to be there. No, they are not! Each day I see persons who used to walk now driving. I see young men speeding along our roadways with their big bikes and I wonder also whether they are happy. If material wealth is the basis of happiness, then the Guyanese people should be happy. Many of them now have their own homes, drive their own cars, go out on weekends and have a grand time and sport the latest designer clothing. I decided to ask one of them this question. I said to him, I like your threads. They must have cost you a fortune. You have a beautiful home and nice ride, and a lovely girlfriend and a good job. You must be very happy? He shook his head. Why are you not contended and happy? I get turn down at the embassy. | https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2019/01/19/what-does-it-take-to-be-happy-in-guyana/ |
What role does the immune system play in hypertension? | Millions of people in the United States and across the world have hypertension, a condition that, without proper management, can contribute to the risk of heart disease and stroke. Specialist white blood cells play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, a new study finds. Specialist white blood cells play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, a new study finds. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that approximately 75 million adults in the U.S. live with hypertension. American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines from 2017 define "hypertension" as systolic blood pressure (during a heartbeat) of 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher and diastolic blood pressure (when the heart is resting) of 80 mm Hg or higher. The AHA also name lack of physical activity, an unhealthful diet, high cholesterol, and stress as some of the primary modifiable factors that increase the risk of hypertension. New research by scientists at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom has now uncovered another factor that seems to play a role in the development of this condition. The study, which the British Heart Foundation funded, found that a type of specialized immune cell could make a real difference to the risk of hypertension. "Hypertension affects millions of people across the globe, including 70 percent of people over 70," says lead researcher Prof. Matthew Bailey. "Our discovery sheds light on risk factors and, crucially, opens routes to investigate new drugs that could help patients," he adds. Prof. Bailey and team's findings appear in the European Heart Journal, and they are available online. Cellular debris-eaters and blood pressure In the new study, the researchers worked with mouse models and zeroed in on macrophages, a type of white blood cell that forms part of the immune system. The role of macrophages is to identify and "eat up" foreign bodies that are present due to injury and infection. The immune cells also "eat" cellular debris, which consists of the remains of cells that are no longer functional. The current research has now uncovered a new role that macrophages play. It seems that they also consume molecules of endothelin, which is a hormone that acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it can stimulate blood vessels to narrow. Prof. Bailey and colleagues explain that, by controlling blood levels of endothelin, macrophages can ensure that blood vessels properly relax, which helps lower blood pressure. The researchers verified this mechanism by feeding mice with lowered blood macrophage levels a high-salt diet (which increases the risk of high blood pressure) and monitoring their physiological reactions. These rodents, the researchers soon found, experienced high blood pressure. However, when the team allowed macrophage levels to return to normal, the mice's blood pressure became healthy again, which suggests that the specialist white blood cells had an important role to play. When they repeated the experiment in mice that they had genetically modified to have poor endothelin system functioning, the findings remained consistent. The researchers further verified the link between macrophages and blood pressure in rodents with drug-induced hypertension. A potential therapeutical target To see whether these findings were also valid in humans, the research team analyzed macrophage activity in individuals who took drugs for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis, a condition that affects the immune system and damages blood vessels. The scientists found that the drugs that lowered macrophage levels, such as cyclophosphamide, led to higher blood pressure readings in the people who took them. These findings, note Prof. Bailey and team, could help doctors better identify people who are most at risk of hypertension, and they could also lead to new and improved therapies for high blood pressure. Still, the researchers caution that further studies are necessary before the interaction between macrophages and endothelin can get the go-ahead as a therapeutic target. "Our next steps will be to investigate the role of macrophages in people living with hypertension," says Prof. Bailey. "[Undiagnosed high blood pressure] causes damage to the heart and blood vessels, putting you at risk of a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke. But, we still don't fully understand all the mechanisms that lead to high blood pressure," adds Jeremy Pearson, the associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, who was not involved in the study. | https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324223.php |
Is Type 1 Diabetes a Factor in Broken Bones? | FRIDAY, Jan. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Poor blood sugar control puts people with type 1 diabetes at increased risk for fragility fractures, a new study shows. A fragility fracture is a broken bone caused by a fall from standing height or less. For the study, researchers analyzed data on more than 3,300 people with type 1 diabetes and more than 44,000 with type 2 diabetes, in the United Kingdom. The data included a three-year average of patients' A1C blood tests. The test measures a patient's average blood sugar levels over two to three months. On average, there were nine A1C measurements for type 1 patients and 11 for type 2 patients. Poor blood sugar (glycemic) control with an A1C level above 8 percent was linked to a greater risk of fragility fractures in people with type 1 diabetes, but not in those with type 2, according to the study published Jan. 16 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "We investigated the association between the degree of glycemic control and fracture risk by using a large cohort of newly diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients," said study co-author Dr. Janina Vavanikunnel. She practices in the endocrinology, diabetology and metabolism department at University Hospital Basel, in Switzerland. "Both types of diabetes are associated with fragility fractures and we showed that poor glycemic control is associated with an increased risk of fracture in type 1 diabetes," Vavanikunnel said in a journal news release. The fracture risk in type 2 diabetes probably owes to factors other than blood sugar control, such as diabetes-related health problems, according to the study authors. Nevertheless, said study co-author Sarah Charlier, "fracture risk in type 2 diabetes is of clinical relevance as well as it is a major health concern worldwide due to its high prevalence." Charlier is a pharmacoepidemiologist at University Hospital Basel. Diabetes affects about 30 million Americans. Type 2, the more common form, occurs when a person develops resistance to insulin. Type 1 is diagnosed mostly in children and adolescents. It is mainly caused by insulin deficiency. | https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20190118/is--type-1-diabetes-a-factor-in-broken-bones?src=RSS_PUBLIC |
What does the NHS Long-Term Plan mean for pharmacy? | While the profession features prominently as a way to boost primary care and improve the use of medicines in the health service in England, there are concerns that the implementation of this ten-year plan will not live up to the hype. Running at nearly 140-pages, the NHS Long-Term Plan is a major milestone for a service that has at times over the past few years appeared to be drifting rudderless. NHS England claims that the plan will save almost half a million lives, harness the power of technology to make the health service fit for the future, and provide the biggest ever investment in mental health services. And it is excellent news for the status of pharmacy, with the profession mentioned frequently as a solution to boosting primary care workforce capacity and improving the use of medicines in the NHS. But it comes with some major health warnings. It outlines how the service will spend the extra 20.5bn per year promised by the government over the next five years, but no further funding is promised after that. The most radical idea contained in the document suggests that around a third of outpatient hospital appointments will be avoided through digital GP appointments and redesigned hospital support, and pharmacists are allocated a significant role in improving primary care in particular. But the plan makes little mention of community pharmacy at all. Indeed, the biggest omission is any proposal on how the planned transformation of primary care and prevention in the health service will be staffed. There is mention of a plan to substantially expand the number of clinical pharmacists and a workforce plan is promised later in 2019. But deep cuts have since been announced in hospital pharmacy training, and pharmacy schools are struggling to fill their places. The plan promises to make greater use of community pharmacists skills and in the same breath says it will be exploring further efficiencies through reform of reimbursement and wider supply arrangements. Source: Nic Bunce / The Pharmaceutical Journal Sandra Gidley, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society English Pharmacy Board, welcomes pharmacist recognition in the NHS plan, but says more detail is required On the whole, the plan has been welcomed across pharmacy. Sandra Gidley, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society English Pharmacy Board, gives a qualified response: This is the first document [in which] there have been consistent mentions of the role of pharmacists and we have to take encouragement from that, she says. But we need to see more detail of what is planned the devil is in the detail. Primary care networks Keith Ridge, chief pharmaceutical officer at NHS England, says the plan is full of fantastic opportunities for pharmacy professionals working together across all sectors. And the long-term plan highlights the essential role of pharmacists in delivering the schemes and initiatives that it proposes. There is heavy mention of pharmacist involvement in one of the plans central ideas plans for so-called primary care networks to be implemented across the country (see Box 1). A primary care network is a group of GP practices working together with community services, pharmacy, the voluntary sector, social care and even hospitals to provide effective, joined-up care for that area. The governments Refreshing NHS plans for 2018/2019 report set a goal for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to encourage each GP practice in England to become part of a primary care network. The NHS Long-Term Plan says 4.5bn will fund the expansion of community multidisciplinary teams and outlines that GP practices in a local area would enter into a network contract with a designated single fund through which all network resources will flow. One of the earliest and most widespread forms of the network is the primary care home project, which launched in October 2015, with 15 pilot regions chosen in December 2015. The model brings together a range of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, to look after a population of between 30,000 and 50,000 patients. According to the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC), a mature primary care home operates like a mutual organisation or society with strong social values. It could involve establishing a company in which clinicians and managers can become directors, who may wish to employ other healthcare workers such as pharmacists. Alternatively, providers, including community pharmacies, could work together through an alliance contract. Primary care homes also operate under a single, whole population-based budget. Pharmacy is already involved in more than 200 primary care homes that are already established. In a document jointly published by several pharmaceutical bodies, including the NAPC, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, pharmacists are said to be conducting medication reviews, helping reduce unnecessary medications and supporting patients who are taking multiple medications regularly. The NHS operational planning and contracting guidance for 2019/2020 required CCGs to commit 1.50/head recurrently to developing and maintaining primary care networks so that the target of 100% coverage is achieved as soon as is possible and by 30 June 2019 at the latest. Figure: How a primary care network might work Source: JL / The Pharmaceutical Journal This diagram illustrates how a primary care network could be implemented, based on information from the NHS Long-Term Plan According to the plan, networks of GP practices will be offered 4.5bn extra funding to set up bodies covering populations of up to 50,000 patients, with multidisciplinary community teams staffed by pharmacists, district nurses, community geriatricians [and] dementia workers equipped to carry out a wider range of care outside hospital. Within these networks, pharmacists will be supported to find and treat people with high-risk conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular disease, and will undertake a range of medicine reviews, including educating patients [with asthma] on the correct use of inhalers. They will also deliver enhanced support for people in care homes, working with colleagues in the acute sector and in community pharmacy. Gidley warned that pharmacy involvement with the new primary care networks will probably will need some further thought. This is because some of the models of joint primary care working that are most similar to the proposed networks are very GP-centric. She added: Its our job to ensure that pharmacists have a high-profile role in those networks and that their skills are used. Speaking in a personal capacity as a community pharmacist, Gidley explained: I would want to ensure that, for example, these asthma reviews are undertaken by pharmacists in the community, as well as in a doctors surgery, because there are many pharmacists with great expertise. What were trying to do in the primary care home is not move the pharmacist out of where they are historically and sometimes best placed the community pharmacy However, pioneers of the primary care network idea say that community pharmacy will continue to have a role. James Kingsland, president of the National Association of Primary Care, which founded the first primary care home a type of network praised by NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens suggests community pharmacy is best placed to provide certain community services. Source: National Association of Primary Care James Kingsland, president of the National Association of Primary Care, says community pharmacists are best placed to provide many services Its the community pharmacist working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and what were trying to do in the primary care home is not move the pharmacist out of where they are historically and sometimes best placed the community pharmacy where they have their own interactions with patients, says Kingsland. When employed in general practice, pharmacists quickly become part of a one-team approach, he says, which has rapid benefits initially, but without recurring funding some GPs are having to shed the cost of their employed pharmacist after funding has run out. The primary care home is a longer outlook where the community pharmacy starts to gain more confidence about being part of a collaborative network, says Kingsland. Primary care networks will be linked with care homes over the coming decade, and residents will be given pharmacist-led medicine reviews where needed; The initiative to stop overmedication of people with a learning disability, autism or both will be expanded in an effort to curb the number of people inappropriately prescribed psychotropic medicine; The NHS will set up a shared savings scheme that will see primary care networks benefit from actions such as reducing overmedication through pharmacist reviews; All providers will be expected to implement electronic prescribing in an effort to reduce errors by up to 30%; From 2019, the NHS will start offering whole-genome sequencing to all children with cancer for a more precise diagnosis and more personalised treatments; Community pharmacists will provide NHS Health Checks while pharmacists in primary care networks will be supported to find and treat people with high-risk conditions. Digital future However, there were some new opportunities for community pharmacy announced in the plan. NHS England told The Pharmaceutical Journal that it is now working with GP practices, community pharmacies and commissioners on establishing a GP-to-community pharmacy referral pilot programme, described as pharmacy connection schemes for patients who dont need primary medical services. This is expected to begin later in 2019 at sites across England before a wider rollout. It will be important to ensure sufficient numbers of patients are referred to community pharmacies and for front-line pharmacists to excel in providing assessment, advice and management of those patients It has not been confirmed yet, but this almost certainly amounts to a national roll-out of the Digital Minor Illness Referral Service (DMIRS), under which NHS 111 refers patients to community pharmacy after they have been assessed by a call adviser. Andre Yeung, pharmacy local professional network chair for Cumbria and the north east of England where the service was first piloted in December 2017 says it represents a fantastic opportunity for community pharmacy to demonstrate how it can support patients to manage acute minor illness. He adds: It will be important to ensure sufficient numbers of patients are referred to community pharmacies and for front-line pharmacists to excel in providing assessment, advice and management of those patients. The long-term plan may also mark a return for plans to increase hub-and-spoke dispensing in community pharmacy, as part of the search for further efficiencies. NHS England told The Pharmaceutical Journal that it intends to use new technology and automation to increase the efficiency of dispensing while freeing up clinical time for pharmacists to spend caring for patients. To achieve this, it confirmed it was looking into changes to some government regulations, including around hub-and-spoke dispensing a model that the government looked at reforming in 2016 before abandoning proposals after pharmacy representative bodies raised questions over whether the model was safe and how it would comply with the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). The model involves sending prescriptions to a dedicated hub for assembling, dispensing and labelling before being transferred to a local spoke pharmacy for a patient to pick up or for delivery to a patients home. No further details on this have been provided, but this could create an opportunity for online pharmacies to become increasingly involved in the dispensing model for high street pharmacies. Now Healthcare Group, an online pharmacy that dispenses around 20,000 prescriptions per month, believes this opens the door for the company to act as a hub for community pharmacies, bridging a gap and meeting the aims set out by the NHS to free up time for community pharmacists to spend with patients. It remains to be seen if this is what NHS England has in mind. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee says it still has concerns over the hub-and-spoke system that it needs to discuss with the government, including how it would comply with the FMD, which is due to go live in February 2019, and what the model would mean for professional liability. Bolstering the workforce An analysis of the NHS Long-Term Plan by The Kings Fund, an independent think tank, indicates that the workforce is one of the biggest risks to the entire plan. Whether the plan can be delivered relies critically on tackling workforce shortages, it says. A workforce implementation plan, which was promised in the long-term plan and is due to be published in 2019, will include input from chief professional officers, including Ridge. But pharmacists have already raised concerns over workforce shortages, with contractors telling the General Pharmaceutical Council in December 2018 that community pharmacies have had to limit services to maintain safe staffing levels. And the whole plan was undermined by a subsequent announcement a few days later from Health Education England saying it would be cutting support funding for NHS preregistration training places across England to 75% from September 2020. The Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) says it was dismayed that the document referred to clinical pharmacists rather than community pharmacists. We believe the workload will be unmanageable without the appropriate use of the whole pharmacy workforce There are several activities which the paper ascribes to clinical pharmacists in primary care networks but which we believe could (and should) also be provided by pharmacists in the community pharmacy network to spread the load, says a PDA spokesperson. Indeed, we believe the workload will be unmanageable without the appropriate use of the whole pharmacy workforce. Gidley echoes the PDAs points, calling for these ambitious plans to be underpinned with a comprehensive strategic approach to educating and training the workforce for the future, especially by investment in foundation training and professional development for pharmacists. Exactly what the ten-year plan will mean for the NHS and pharmacy in particular will only be known after a decade but for some, the NHS has to get these changes right. Kingsland suggests the NHS may never recover from a failure to deliver. If new leaders in NHS England or the Department of Health and Social Care decide on a different tack, I dont think theyve got the support of the service or the morale in the service to think of something different, he says. If someone comes along with a new plan in two years time, I think it could be a fatal wound to the NHS. | https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/features/what-does-the-nhs-long-term-plan-mean-for-pharmacy/20206004.article?firstPass=false |
Will Modi govt's e-commerce policy help Reliance beat Amazon and Flipkart? | The rumours of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) entering the e-commerce platform can pose a great challenge to Amazon and Flipkart as RIL plans to use the online-offline marketplace, a strategy which has already succeeded overseas. Mukesh Ambani took a sly dig at foreign companies while speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar on January 18 when he talked about "data colonisation akin to Mahatma Gandhi's political colonization campaign." He also announced that he plans on putting together two important subsidiaries of RIL-Reliance retail with its telecom unit, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. While these two subsidiaries have 3.5 million customers through its 10,000 stores countrywide, the telecom unit has 215 million users. Ambani believes this will help the local sellers and merchants across the small towns and cities of India to sell their products on a digital platform. The idea of converging the Reliance Retail and Jio might work as Ambani is eyeing to set up commerce stores at the Jio Point stores where the company is already selling its electronic products. In addition to that, the commerce kiosks will sell everything from grocery to daily utilities either to customers directly buying them from these stores or the same can be delivered at their homes, the Economic Times reported. The move is aimed at reaching out to the Indian customers in the tier-1 and tier-2 cities as well as semi-urban and rural areas which have an untapped e-commerce potential and constitutes 90-95 per cent of the consumer base in the country. As more and more people in the small towns and cities of India are coming online as a result of reduced mobile phone prices and low-cost mobile data services, the e-commerce market in the country is expected to grow to 200 billion dollars in the next decade, said a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). RIL's plans may see a further boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new e-commerce policy does not allow foreign e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart to sell products/goods directly on their sites. These retailers have thus set up affiliate companies based in India from where they source the products. The e-commerce policy framed last year already criticised by foreign e-commerce giants does not allow them to source more than 25 per cent of its goods from a company associated with its marketplace. This could reduce their online sales by 46 billion dollars by 2022, said an analysis by the Price Waterhouse Coopers, as reported by Reuters. However Indian companies like Reliance may directly benefit from the government decision as it plans to tie up with the local retailers/merchants, which Mukesh Ambani referred to as "Indian wealth going back to India". Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man is betting big on the online-to-offline strategy, which has been pioneered by China's e-commerce giant and successfully adopted by the global retailer, Walmart. A simple breakdown of the online-to-offline commerce suggests that the customers who buy products online are asked to visit a physical store subsequently to access the ordered products or alternatively, they could have the purchased products delivered to them. This can also enhance the shopping experience if the customers want to exchange, return or review the goods by physically visiting the stores and then have those delivered to them. For the traditional retailers/sellers, the online-to-offline marketing is a better platform as they get to compete with the e-commerce brands and reach a wider consumer base. | https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-bets-online-offline-commerce-beat-amazon-flipkart-790355 |
Why does Texas still have an official holiday to commemorate Confederate soldiers? | On Monday, the nation will remember the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., but first, Texas' official calendar has a very different state holiday Confederate Heroes Day. Texas established Confederate Heroes Day in 1973 to counter national demands for an official holiday honoring Martin Luther King's birthday. Not by happenstance, Confederate Heroes Day is four days after King's birthday and sometimes falls on Martin Luther King Day. This session, the Texas State Legislature needs to remove Confederate Heroes Day. Confederate Heroes Day implicitly and unavoidably suggests it is heroic to die defending the enslavement of African-Americans. Some argue the holiday is not honoring the Confederacy's defense of slavery, but the defense of state rights. The Confederates were fighting for the right to deny African-Americans recognition as people so they could maintain them as property. This is clear from Texas' 1861 Declaration of Causes for seceding from the Union, which stated that: "All white men are and of right ought to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the Almighty Creator, as recognized by all Christian nations; while the destruction of the existing relations between the two races, as advocated by [the Union]." While there may have been more to the Confederate cause, it remains undeniable that Confederates fought to maintain slavery. Today, it is indefensible to celebrate their efforts. I have been told by some of my fellow Texans that removing Confederate Heroes Day would erase our history, and I agree that the danger of erasing history is a legitimate concern. However, Confederate Heroes Day does not protect our history. In fact, celebrating Confederate soldiers as heroes erodes the reality of our history; these soldiers were insurrectionists attacking the United States of America, not heroes. By celebrating them, we prevent our state from coming to grips with the truth of our past and prevent our country from moving forward as a united nation. Furthermore, it is not necessary to formally honor history in order to remember it. At least 78 Texans are known to have died at Pearl Harbor, but Texas does not have a state holiday honoring them. Surely not. Georgia no longer celebrates a holiday honoring the Confederacy, and yet, I doubt anyone has forgotten that Georgia was a Confederate state. History books and classes are necessary to remember our past, not holidays. A couple of Texas lawmakers recently sought to rename the holiday as "Civil War Remembrance Day." While I respect their intentions and applaud their effort, the holiday would be redundant. Memorial Day was originally established to honor fallen Confederate and Union soldiers in the Civil War and, therefore, serves the purpose of honoring all fallen Civil War soldiers. Michael Stanley is a policy specialist in Washington and a former intern for President Donald Trump. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News. | https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/01/19/texas-still-official-holiday-commemorate-confederate-soldiers |
When will a floating restaurant be coming to Kings Lynn? | The Purfleet, in King's Lynn, where a businessman still hopes to moor a floating restaurant Picture: Ian Burt The businessman behind plans for a floating restaurant now hopes it will become a reality by the spring. Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Roger Clarke-Payton, from Stoke Ferry, hoped to have the 150ft sailing ship in the Purfleet by the end of last June. West Norfolk council agreed to drive pilings into the bed of the historic dock to moor the vessel after officials said it would help revitalise the towns waterfront. But today, the council said: We are still in liaison with the investor, awaiting confirmation that he is in a position to both buy and operate the vessel. In addition we are negotiating the price of works to be undertaken following a tender exercise. This would be a back-to-back arrangement, meaning works will not be undertaken until investors are in place and a formal lease signed. Stoke Ferry-based businessman Roger Clarke-Payton was in talks with the authority for two years about bringing tall ship the Willem Barrentsz to Lynn. Last May, Mr Clarke-Payton said he needed to raise the money which had been pledged by investors and have the ship surveyed before she could sail over from Holland. Mr Clarke-Payton said the project was still highly active and he hoped to have the ship on station by spring as long as investors were still in place. If plans go ahead the three-masted vessel, which was built in 1931, will moor in the middle of the Purfleet. The ship, which will be renamed the Merchant Adventurer in honour of Lynns trading past, was converted into a luxury vessel for day trips in 1988. She can currently accommodate 100 people on board. As well as seating on board, the ship will also serve tables and chairs on the quayside and what is currently a raised performance area. There have been concerns regarding the size of the vessel and the potential for people living around Common Staithe Square to suffer from noise nuisance. A floating bar and restaurant on board a former Dutch sailing barge is one of the focal points of the picturesque harbour along the coast at Wells. | https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/floating-restaurant-kings-lynn-latest-1-5858375 |
Have other teams learned lesson from Eagles hiring former Packers backup QB Doug Pederson? | One by one, the Eagles players approached the door to the visiting locker room of the Superdome on Sunday night, their helmets in their hands, their heads hanging, the finality of their 20-14 playoff loss to the Saints just starting to sink in. As they passed through the doorway, their head coach slapped their shoulder pads and their backs and hugged them and whispered in their ears. Doug Pederson stayed there until all his players had entered the room, and only then did he follow them inside. There wasnt one on whom he failed to lay a supportive hand. It was a small thing, but it was a big thing, too, a revealing scene, a reaffirmation of a term that once earned Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie rolled eyes and ridicule but now seems a glorious insight. Pederson, Lurie said when he hired him in early 2016, had the emotional intelligence to be a successful NFL head coach. After the Eagles Super Bowl victory last year and their late-season surge to the NFC semifinals this year, its difficult to dispute that Lurie saw in Pederson the proper proportion of the qualities necessary to pull off maybe the toughest trick in coaching: to earn pro athletes support and respect, to get them to play for you. Yes, Pederson showed relatively quickly that he could design an offense that kept pace with the trends throughout the NFL: the rise of run-pass options, the creativity in formations and schemes that has spilled over from the college ranks. Yes, Lurie hoped that Pedersons experience as a longtime NFL backup quarterback would give him a built-in credibility with whomever the Eagles QBs were Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, as it turned out. But to his credit, Lurie also sought a coach who could reach and relate to the entire locker room. He prioritized that skill. Theres a lesson there for other owners and executives around the NFL. But based on the recent spate of head coaching hires and the reasons offered for some of them, you have to wonder whether they cared to learn it. The Arizona Cardinals, for instance, hired Kliff Kingsbury, 39, the former head coach at Texas Tech. The Cardinals have a young, developing quarterback in Josh Rosen, whom they selected with the 10th pick in last years draft, and in explaining why the franchise settled on Kingsbury, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said: When you look at the output of his offenses, both when he was a coordinator in college and as a head coach, its really impressive, the amount of points he puts up, where he positions his offenses, and you look at the six quarterbacks that he tutored and coached (who) have come into the National Football League. Similarly, the New York Jets traded up last year to pick Sam Darnold at No. 3. And based on comments earlier this week from their CEO, Christopher Johnson, they based their decision to hire Adam Gase, 40, as their new head coach almost exclusively on their belief that he more than, say, former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was the best choice to groom Darnold. Seeing how Adam has gotten the best out of quarterbacks in different stages of their careers is vitally important, no question, Johnson said. Its not that there was anything wrong with McCarthy or any of the other guys. They were fantastic, but Adam took it to another level. As for the Packers, they hired former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, 39, to replace McCarthy. In introducing LaFleur, Packers president Mark Murphy said that there are always two keys in hiring the right candidate for a job: (1) Make sure theyre a great fit; and (2) You want somebody who is genuinely excited about the position. The fact that LaFleur fit the same general profile of Kingsbury and Gase a relatively young coach who had made his bones as an offensive mastermind was apparently coincidental. Of course, it wasnt. There was an obvious template for these hires: Sean McVay, 31, who already over his two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams has shown himself to be a wunderkind. By all apparent evidence, these franchises were looking for pro footballs next big brain just as Lurie was when he hired Pedersons predecessor, Chip Kelly. But McVay is more than that. As the Eagles players do with Pederson, the Rams players appreciate McVays transparency and honesty, his openness to them and their ideas, and his willingness to accept blame when something goes wrong. Theres more to the Sean McVay model than just Jared Goffs development and some pretty play-calling. When you really look at that ownership that our players have on just the way we operate, thats the most important thing, McVay told ESPN last year. Thats really where the true power comes in, because theyre the ones out there making plays. That sounds an awful lot like Doug Pederson. That sounds an awful lot like a coach who has emotional intelligence. Perhaps Kingsbury, Gase, and LaFleur will bring that quality to their new teams, too, but if they do, the men who hired them will have stumbled into success. Say this for Jeffrey Lurie: Back in 2016, he knew what he was looking for, and in Doug Pederson, he found it. | https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/have-other-teams-learned-lesson-from-eagles-hiring-former-packers/article_432e8ed3-5b73-5c2e-a244-aa33fed56094.html |
Did Baba Ramdev just advise Aditya Narayan not to get married? | The stage is set and the contestants of Zee TVs singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa are heading towards the finale week where the competition has become more intense than ever. Putting their best foot forward to win audiences over with their incredible singing and mesmerising voices, the top 7 are battling it out to win the audience votes and secure their spot. Well, to ease out the tension and add some peace to the atmosphere, Indian Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will make an appearance on the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa! Bringing with him the expertise of asanas and Ayurveda, Baba Ramdev engaged in some fun games and activities whilst on the sets. While Ramdev Baba was impressed with the contestants performances and also motivated them, he also shared some tips and tricks and breathing exercises to improve their performance. Well, when Dadi Ji (Deepali Borkar) asked Baba Ji to give some marriage advice to our effervescent host Aditya Narayan, he gave a jaw-dropping response! The yoga guru said, All the famous people in this world are unmarried. I have become a big yoga celebrity and I am unmarried too! Hence, I would say that Aditya should never get married. He quipped. Now thats a rather unexpected piece of advice to the young and handsome eligible bachelor! Well that wasnt all, post contestant Sonu Gills power-packed performance to the title track of Chakh De India, his wife decided to come up on stage and ask Baba Ramdev some weight loss tips for Sonu. Being the sport that he is, Baba Ramdev immediately went up on stage and demonstrated the Kapalbhati asana and also advised him to drink a lot of warm water. Further, he advised our sweet contestant, Ishita Vishwakarma to drink Giloy ka Kaadha for her cold and cough. Adding to this, he also gave tips to stay calm under pressure and also perform Anulom-Vilom. The contestants made the evening truly a fun-filled one with their beautiful and power-packed performances. Tanmay Chaturvedis performance to the song Show Me Your Jalwa left mentor Richa Sharma mesmerized. Ishitas melodious performance to the popular track Jag Ghomeya urged mentor Shekhar Ravjiani to go on stage and perform with her. Moreover, Baba Ramdev sang Yeh desh Mere Kann Mein Hai along with the contestants. All in all, this episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa brings oodles of entertainment and some truly melodious voices! | http://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-news/did-baba-ramdev-just-advise-aditya-narayan-not-get-married-190119 |
Who is Lindsay Lohan's mum Dina Lohan as she joins the CBB US cast? | Lindsay Lohans mum Dina Lohan is one of the Celebrity Big Brother housemates this year in America (Picture: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images) Dina Lohan aka Lindsay Lohans mum has joined the US Celebrity Big Brother cast and is set to enter the house next week. Here is everything you need to know about the CBB US star. Primarily, people know Dina as being Lindsay Lohans mum, but she has many other strings to her bow, having starred in reality TV shows such as Living Lohan and Lindsay. Shes also written an autobiography about her familys experience in the limelight, titled Dina Lohan: My Journey. Personal life and early career Dina is a New Yorker, of Irish and Italian heritage. (Picture: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Vivienne Hu) Dina was born in New York on September 15, 1962 and is aged 56. Advertisement Advertisement The former singer and dancer married Michael Lohan in 1985 before the pair divorced in 2007. Together they have four children: Lindsay, Michael Jr, Aliana and Dakota. Dina and Michael have a turbulent relationship history, first splitting in in 1988, before finally separating in 2005. Controversy Dinas career has been marred with controversy. (Picture: Happy Pictures/GC Images) Dina Lohan has found herself at the centre of controversy a few times, mainly surrounding claims that she exploited daughter Lindsay for fame. Lindsay Lohan, who began modelling at just three, is best known for her roles in Parent Trap, Mean Girls and Freaky Friday. Also known for being an enfants terribles, Lindsay was often snapped out with Dina in the early hours of the morning, leading to criticism from the press that she was encouraging Lindsays bad behaviour. Dina also hit the headlines when she got into a feud with Anderson Cooper in 2008 when he slated Living Lohan, calling it a train wreck. Following the footsteps of her daughter, Dina has also had several brushes with the law, and was arrested for driving under the influence in 2013. Dinas net worth is surprisingly low (Picture: Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Images) According to TMZ, Dina filed for bankruptcy in September 2018, declaring herself over $1.5million (1.1m) in debt. It was revealed earlier this week that all the Celebrity Big Brother stars will be getting paid $100,000 (77.5) for this years show. If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Celebrity Big Brother US pay packets revealed theyre all getting the same even if they gave birth to Lindsay Lohan MORE: Mean Girls Aaron Samuels is moving in with Lindsay Lohans mum Dina as part of epic Celebrity Big Brother US line-up | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/lindsay-lohans-mum-dina-lohan-joins-celebrity-big-brother-us-cast-8362214/ |
Will the Jagan-KCR bonhomie backfire? | India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Hyderabad, Jan 19: Amidst all the alliances that have been announced ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, here is another one that should be keenly watched. The TRS and YSR Congress could fight the Lok Sabha battles in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh together. There are 42 seats up for grabs in both these states and the two parties would be up against the Congress and the TDP. While the Congress and TDP came together for the Telangana assembly elections, it is unlikely that they would fight together in AP during the Lok Sabha polls. Also Read | Unity of corrupt leaders: Babul Supriyo on Mamata Banerjee's mega rally The TDP-Congress combine did not work in Telangana. The sentiment against Chandrababu Naidu of the TDP was high as he was seen as the man who had blocked the formation of the state. The question now is will there be a reverse sentiment if the TDP-YSR Congress come together. In Andhra Pradesh, K Chandrashekhar Rao is seen the person who bifurcated the state. The people of the Seema-Andhra region had vehemently opposed the bifurcation of the state, but KCR had his way. Further the people of Andhra Pradesh are also upset that the TRS did not allow a discussion in Parliament on the special category status for AP. While the top leaders of the two parties may be in favour of an alliance, on the ground the workers are not in favour of it. The workers feel that this would be counterproductive and any such alliance could end up giving the TDP a victory on a platter. People in AP have already started questioning Jagan Mohan Reddy about the logic behind this alliance. The special status is an emotive issue and the people of the state feel that the TRS is one of the reasons as to why it did not come through. Also Read | All I can hear from Bengal is 'Bachao Bachao': PM Modi reacts to oppn rally Leading political scientist, Dr. Sandeep Shastri tells OneIndia that the alliance may not be counter-productive. If the YRS Congress and TRS can bag 30 out of the 42 seats in both states, then they would be a major player. He feels that this alliance is like a BJP-Akali Dal combination in Punjab, where both parties fight on independent issues. While in the Telangana state polls, the sentiment may have worked against the TDP-Congress, the case may not be similar in the Lok Sabha elections, Dr. Shastri feels. In the LS polls the parties would raise larger issues, he also says. | https://www.oneindia.com/india/will-the-jagan-kcr-bonhomie-backfire-2839116.html?utm_source=/rss/news-india-fb.xml&utm_medium=23.50.225.204&utm_campaign=client-rss |
Is it cheaper to join a car club or own a vehicle in London? | Car clubs are becoming more prominent in UK cities, especially London. Firms such as Zipcar, Enterprise Car Club and Drive Now have fleets of vehicles dotted around the capital that are available to members and customers on short-term rentals. They're ideal for people who don't have their own car and need a vehicle for those odd jobs that can't be done without the aid of four wheels - think trips to furniture stores or taking grass cuttings to the recycling centre. Depending on how many miles you drive, it might be better for your finances to ditch your own vehicle According to new research, the annual mileage sweet spot for making the switch is 2,000 miles, or less. That works out at roughly four hours of driving per week if you live in London, the study says. While that might not sound much, that's a feasible annual mileage for someone who might regularly commutes by public transport to avoid the capital's clogged-up roads. The numbers were crunched by iCarhireinsurance.com, a leading provider of specialist Car Club and car hire excess insurance. It compared the cost of owning a vehicle and using a Car Club membership for four hours a week and found there was a saving up for grabs even when you don't factor in the cost of the vehicle. When taking into account car owners' cost to insure, tax, fuel, MOT, park and generally keep a vehicle running in the capital, a person would be spending around 1,731 a year to run a motor of an equivalent size to a Ford Fiesta. Car clubs like Zipcar charge around 6 to 7 an hour for the use of a medium-size vehicle in London A car club user - hiring a similar vehicle for around 6 an hour (though 7 was used for the calculation below) - would pay just 1,572 a year to drive for around the same amount of time. Here's a breakdown of how the costs compare: CAR OWNERSHIP Cost of car: 4k-5k Insurance: 1,028 per year* Excess insurance (reduce to 0): 43.74 Fuel: 235 (approx) Service: 100-150 (Kwik Fit/Halfords) MOT: 54.85 Breakdown cover: 108 (AA) Parking permit: 111 (London zone 1-4) Hourly/daily rate: N/A 1 year total running costs without cost of car: 1,730.59 *based on a 50,000-mile Ford Fiesta CAR CLUB Cost of membership: 66 for one year Insurance: Included Excess insurance (reduce to 0): 49.99 Fuel: Included (up to 60 miles a day) Service: Included MOT: Included Breakdown cover: included Parking permit: Included Hourly/daily rate: 6-7/52-65 1 year total running costs based on a 7 hourly rate: 1,571.99 These calculations also don't take into account the depreciation of the vehicle, costs for any repairs and outlays for consumables such as new tyres, headlight bulbs, wiper blades, brake pads, oil and so on. Factor over the costs spread across five years, iCarhireinsurance estimates that a London motorist doing no more than 2,000 miles a year could save 1,000 annually by offloading their own vehicle. 'If you dont use your car much, 2019 might be the year to ditch it for good, and save around 1000 using a Car Club instead,' said Ernesto Suarez, founder and chief executive of the zero-excess insurer. 'Hiring cars by the hour from approximately 6 for a mid-size car, which includes basic insurance and petrol, is a good option for those in urban areas, giving you the convenience of a car without the headache and costs that come with running and parking it.' Car clubs fleets are growing, with many motorists deciding vehicle sharing works better for them Running costs are almost non existent - fuel (up to 60 miles), MOT, tax, servicing etc are also charges you could avoid However, there are some drawbacks of using such clubs. For instance, there might not be a vehicle readily available in your location. Even if there is a car club parking space near your home, you are heavily reliant on the volume of other users trying to access these short-term rental vehicles. Also, the calculation doesn't take into account the costs incurred by drivers who go over the arranged loan period. For instance, Zipcar charges a late return fee starting at 35 per hour (up to a maximum of three hours), plus the additional usage cost. For daily rentals, there tends to be a 29-minute grace period, though fines are levied if the vehicle isn't made available to other users beyond this. However, there are some issues with car clubs, such as steep late fees, vehicle availability and the fact they'll no longer be Congestion Charge exempt in London from April The range of vehicles from car clubs are diversifying too, with more electric and hybrid models being offered Drivers who don't take out additional excess insurance also run the risk of high charges incurred for any damage to the vehicle during your period of use. And while car club motors are currently exempt from the London Congestion Charge, mayor Sadiq Khan announced at the end of last year that this will no longer be the case for private hire vehicles from 8 April 2019. This means that car club drivers and operators will need to pay the 11.50 Congestion Charge if they travel within the Zone during charging hours. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-6599279/Is-cheaper-join-car-club-vehicle-London.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 |
Is Goldlink & Justine Skye Official Official? | Theres a fresh celebrity couple on the entertainment scene. Justine Skye, 23, confirmed what her fans had been speculating after posting up rapper/singer Goldlink, 25, to her Instagram page. The singer wrote, my God the realest, thats how we meet in the caption underneath a boomerang style post. Speculation started bubbling about the twenty-somethings being an item just last week. Goldlink appeared on A Colors Show last week to perform an unheard track called Justines Interlude. In the lyrics, the singer seemingly refers to Justine making headlines for being in a previous, allegedly abusive relationship with rapper Sheck Wes. Goldlink raps, Im tired of hearing about if this nigga put hands on ya Tired of tryna smile through sh*t thats affecting us Then I get to overthinking if Im here messing up Folks online praised Goldlink for keeping it real about his feelings for Justine in his lyrics. They seem like two peas in an eclectic pod. Post Originally Seen On Bossip.Com Also Check Out: DMVs Own Goldlink Drops FIRE New Song With Miguel Got Friends Also Check Out: Goldlink Calls Angie Ange To Talk Grammys, Jimmy Fallon & More | https://kysdc.com/3703461/goldlink-justine-skye-dating/ |
Which towns in France are the most in love with fast food? | France may be the food capital of the world and boast hundreds of types of cheese but it is also a fast food heaven. And although the French love to decry what they call unhealthy eating (la 'malbouffe'), they spend more in MacDonald's than many other Europeans. In fact, in 2017 the fast food giant made more money in France than anywhere else outside the US. A new ranking shows that France's 32 biggest cities possess no less than 1,259 fast food outlets. And it may come to a surprise that Bordeaux, a city associated with fine dining and fine wines, comes top with more per person than all other large French cities. https://t.co/6r0KZhy9Dh pic.twitter.com/yM9C8QdHTO BFM Eco (@bfm_eco) January 18, 2019 The top three cities with the most fast food joints per population were Bordeaux -- a long way ahead -- with 54 outlets, Tours in the centre-west of France with 22 and Metz in the east with 25. Astonishingly, bottom of the list was Marseille - a gritty southern port city and one of Europe's poorest - just before Le Havre and Saint Denis in the Reunion Island. The list, compiled by the health news website My-Pharma.info , took into account 16 of France's most popular fast food restaurants, which include MacDonald's, Subway and Paul but also Pizza Hut, Quick, Brioche Dore and KFC. "This ranking isn't about pointing the finger at our eating habits, but about questioning in a transparent way the impact of these outlets on our eating habits," according to My-Pharma.info. "Having a quick snack means you save time, but too often, we forget that the food we eat in these fast food outlets isn't nutritious, and is lacking in vegetable fibre and vitamins and contains a lot of fat, salt and sugar and other chemicals". Although Paris vastly outnumbers all other cities in terms of the amount of fast food restaurants with 391, the city is so dense that it only came 5th in the ranking. With 222 outlets across the country, MacDonald's has more restaurants than all the other chains listed, followed by the other US fast food restaurant Subway with 165. The French bakery Paul came third with 137 outlets nationwide. Expanding waistlines A report from September 2018 revealed how France's secret love for fast food is starting to show itself on the public's waistlines, with the country set to become home to 30 million obese and overweight people by 2030. Fast food is increasingly taking over France's tables, something which is believed to be down to the lack of time for a proper lunch and the arrival -- and popularity -- of online food delivery companies such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats. READ ALSO: Photo: Despositphotos | https://www.thelocal.fr/20190118/which-towns-in-france-are-the-most-in-love-with-fast-food |
Will Brexit Blow Up Britains Conservative Party? | On June 23, 2016, British voters decided by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent that the United Kingdom should leave the European Union. Since then, British politics has been convulsed by the referendums repercussions. Some Remainers do not accept the finality of the vote. The margin, they argue, was too narrow to provide a mandate for fundamental change, while some of the arguments that persuaded voters to support Leave were mendacious. The hope that Britain could, in the words of then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, have its cake and eat it has proved misplaced. If, to alter the metaphor, one leaves a tennis club because one does not wish to pay the subscription and does not like the rules, one will not be able to continue to use the tennis courts on the same basis as the members. Therefore, some Remainers conclude, there should be a second referendum, to discover whether the British people still wish to leave the European Union. The European issue is difficult for Parliament to resolve for two reasons. The first is that Mays government holds only a minority of seats317 out of the 650in the House of Commons, meaning it must rely for its narrow majority on the 10 members of parliament from the vehemently pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland. But, perhaps even more important, both the Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party are internally divided between Remainers and Brexiteers. That division reflects a geographical and cultural division in the country. The large cities, together with Scotland and Northern Ireland, welcome globalization and are relaxed about the EUs principle of freedom of movement. They voted to remain. But smaller towns and older manufacturing areas, in which many feel left behind, are hostile to globalization and freedom of movement, which, they argue, have kept wages down and put undue pressure on public services. These areas supported the Leave campaign. Parliament has enacted that Britain will leave the EU on March 29. After long and tortuous negotiations, Prime Minister Theresa May in November 2018 secured a deal with the EU. That deal comprises a legally binding withdrawal agreement providing for a transition period until December 2020, during which Britain will remain bound by EU rules while negotiating the final relationship. The pattern of that relationship is outlined in a nonbinding political declaration that hints at an outcome in which Britain could negotiate independent trade agreements, while also providing it with some degree of frictionless trade with the EU. Mays cabinet, despite internal tensions between Remainers and Brexiteers, accepted the deal. But the Tories DUP allies were fiercely opposed to it, as they claimed that it might separate Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom by preventing a hard border with the Irish Republic and potentially creating a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. The deal was also opposed both by Brexiteers in the Conservative Party, who claimed that it tied Britain too closely to the EU, and by Remainersprimarily Labour, but also Liberal Democrats and Scottish Nationalistswho argued that it allowed for too many barriers to the export of goods and services to the EU. This coalition of incompatibles imposed a crushing defeat on the government motion to accept the deal on Jan. 15. Just 202 MPs supported it, while 432 rejected it. A defeat of this magnitude is unparalleled in Britains parliamentary history. No fewer than 118 Conservatives, mostly hard Brexiteers, voted against the deal, with just 196 Conservatives supporting it. And many of those who voted for it had no choice. (Because approximately 100 Conservative MPs are ministers or on the government payroll, they were duty-bound to support May or resign. This means that a majority of Conservative backbenchers were opposed to the deal.) Mays defeat, in what was arguably the most important parliamentary vote in Britain since World War II, creates a moment of acute danger for the prime minister, the government, the Conservative Party, and the country. A harder Brexit to placate Conservative rebels would alienate Conservative Remainers. Conversely, a softer Brexit to win support from the opposition parties would increase the number of Conservative rebels. The hope was that the deal could unite Brexiteers and Remainers. Instead it has driven them further apart. A harder Brexit to placate Conservative rebels would alienate Conservative Remainers. Conversely, a softer Brexit to win support from the opposition parties would increase the number of Conservative rebels. Indeed, there may be no deal that could hold the Conservative Party together; an alternative could end the cabinet truce and possibly lead to the disintegration of the minority government, with a general election to follow. It has happened before. In 1979, the Labour minority government led by James Callaghan disintegrated in this way, in part because Labour was internally divided on the issue of devolving power to Scotland. Then, in 1951, Clement Attlees Labour government, which enjoyed a majority of only five, disintegrated because the party was internally divided between left and right. In both cases, long periods in the opposition followed. The vote also creates a moment of danger for the country. Since Parliament has already approved a bill stating Brexit will occur on March 29, that is the default position. The exit date can, admittedly, be extended with the agreement of the other 27 members of the European Union. But those countries may be unwilling to agree if the only reason for extension is that MPs, 30 months after the referendum, still cannot make up their minds. In any case, an extension would only postpone the dilemma. It would not resolve it. Unless Parliament passes new legislationand there are now fewer than 40 sitting days before March 29Britain will leave the EU without a deal. That is regarded by most commentators as disastrous, since it would mean that EU customs duties and, even more disadvantageously, an intimidating host of EU regulations would be imposed on British exports. It would no longer be as easy to send goods from London to Paris or Frankfurt as it is to send goods from London to Edinburgh. The Jan. 15 vote showed what MPs are against. But there seems to be little agreement on what they are for. Theresa May is now seeking consensus through all-party talks, although she has not yet budged on her so-called red lines, namely that Britain should leave both the European customs union (in order to pursue an independent trade policy) and the single market (to avoid allowing free movement of people and the jurisdiction of EU courts). And the opposition parties see no reason to help her. Labour is unwilling to allow its deep internal divisions to be publicly exposed by articulating a clear alternative policy. It seeks not consensus but a general election to remove the Conservatives from power. The Liberal Democrats seek a second referendum, while the Scottish nationalists seek to exploit the governments difficulties to further the case for independence. There is no obvious resolution of the problem that could secure majority support. There is no obvious resolution of the problem that could secure majority support. Were Britain to remain in the EUs customs union, it would be unable to sign independent trade agreements. Were it to remain in the EUs internal market, it would have to accept freedom of movement. Yet control of immigration from the European Union was one of the main motivations behind the Brexit vote. At this point, there seem to be just three alternatives. The first is Mays deal, perhaps in a slightly modified form. The second is for Britain to leave the EU without a deal; even though most MPs are against a no-deal Brexit, they find themselves unable to agree on an alternative. The third is for Parliament throw the issue back to the people in a second referendum, even though the prime minister has so far opposed such a move, and its advocates cannot agree on the question to be asked. Finally, given that the country remains almost evenly divided, a second referendum would not necessarily resolve the conflict. The issue of Britains place in (or out of) Europe has arguably destroyed five of the last six Conservative prime ministersHarold Macmillan, Edward Heath, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, and David Cameron. It may be about to bring down another. | https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/01/19/will-brexit-blow-up-britains-conservative-party-theresa-may-boris-johnson-tories/ |
What does the future hold for Liverpool's Clayton Square? | Last year Clas Ohlson and Tesco both confirmed they were closing their large stores facing onto Clayton Square. The Tesco Metro store in the former Owen Owen building closed in early January . And just days later, Sports Direct announced it was closing its store next door. Maplin, in Clayton Square Shopping Centre opposite Sports Direct, also closed last year. Clayton Square and Parker Street are on the main walking route from Lime Street station to the citys shops. So those gaps will look unsightly pretty quickly. (Image: Liverpool Echo) The Tesco signs are down and the Tesco cashpoints out of service. On Friday, as the snow began, workers in Tesco high-vis jackets were starting to strip out the store. But retail bosses say its not all doom and gloom. The city centre changes all the time, and empty gaps do get filled - just look at the old BHS store. Meanwhile Clayton Square Shopping Centre is promising big changes - and it's possible even Tesco might come back. Were taken a look at whats going on. (Image: Liverpool Echo) Clas Ohlsons closure isnt a Liverpool issue - its a change of national strategy. Its Swedish parent company is closing all of its UK high street stores to focus on online sales and its core Scandinavian business. Maplin, meanwhile, was one of the high-profile victims of the UKs current retail slowdown. Tesco confirmed last year that the lease on its Clayton Square store was expiring and so it would be leaving the site. The former Tesco in Clayton Square- once home to the Owen Owen department store - is owned by Sports Direct, whose store occupied part of its upper floors. Sports Direct did not respond to questions from the ECHO about why it is closing its store. There are plenty of other Tesco stores in the city centre - but despite that, the chain could yet return to the Clayton Square area. In 2017 the company applied for a premises licence for a proposed store in Williamson Square . Meanwhile, the ECHO understands the chain has also considered moving in to the former Maplin site in Clayton Square. Shopping centre bosses declined to comment. (Image: Liverpool Echo) At Sports Direct , signs in the window blare Closing Down - All Stock reduced. A smaller notice tells shoppers the store will shut in February. Up the escalators and into the store above the old Tesco, there are more closing down signs and the escalator to the upper floor has been closed off. Staff there declined to speak to the ECHO. As Sports Direct owns the whole Tesco building, that could mean the company, owned by billionaire Mike Ashley, has other plans for the building. The ECHO also asked Sports Direct what it was planning for the building - but got no response. Bowling alley vision as shopping centre stays upbeat Clas Ohlson and Maplin both sit within the Clayton Square Shopping Centre. Despite those losses, its owners are upbeat about their prospects and have ambitious plans for new attractions including a bowling alley. That centre once had dozens of units spread across two floors. But from 2014 it underwent a radical refurbishment, converting it into a single-floor mall with fewer shops, including a larger flagship Boots store. Clas Ohlson is another key store, but Shaun Hose, asset management director at centre owner Patrizia, is confident it will soon be filled. He said: Clas is winding its UK business down. They will trade most of this year, then come out on the second or third quarter. But in the meantime we are talking to three or four people about taking space there. Crucially, Patrizia no longer sees Clayton Square as just a shopping centre, instead seeing it as a retail and leisure complex. An early success there is the Bon Pan Asian restaurant in Great Charlotte Street. Bill Addy from Liverpool BID said: Look what they did with Bon Pan - youve got people queuing to have Chinese buffet food in a former retail unit. And it's transforming the area.. Last year it was confirmed a bowling alley, Lane 7, would be opening in Clayton Squares upper floors. And Mr Hose said Patrizia had been talking to potential operators who could bring attractions such as escape rooms or even a cinema to Clayton Square. St Johns Shopping Centres 1m boost (Image: Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane) Theres more positive news at the other large shopping centre that faces the square, St Johns. This month it announced it had welcomed 12m shoppers in 2018 - up by more than 400,000 on the previous year. Sales were up 1%, and the centre reported a 1m increase in pre-Christmas sales. St Johns general manager Neil Ashcroft said: This has been a really positive and encouraging year for St Johns. Across the UK there has been 12 consecutive months of footfall decline, but we not only attracted more shoppers, they stayed for longer which shows they appreciate what were offering. St Johns is very much at the heart of the city, and a valued part of the community, and were going into 2019 our own 50th birthday with great loyalty from customers and a genuine optimism. Market needs to be improved (Image: Liverpool ECHO) While St Johns Shopping Centre has been doing well, one key venue facing Clayton Square has been having a tougher time. The council-owned market was renovated in 2016 but the 2.5m scheme has been heavily criticised by traders and shoppers, who have called it soulless and empty. Liverpool council has acknowledged that there are problems and is trying to turn it around. Bill Addy from the Liverpool BID Company said: Another big concern for us that is not bringing footfall into the centre of St Johns is St Johns Market. The St Johns Centre itself, which is 50 years old this year, has invested heavily, and as we know their footfall is high and their sales are high. But right at the centre of it is a major market that's not attracting people. The city council needs to be aware of that and to be working to see how we can improve that. We shouldnt panic - the city centre is just changing The Retail & Leisure Business Improvement District represents more than 670 businesses in Liverpool's retail core. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, says Liverpool city centre generally is performing well. While the closures around Parker Street and Clayton Square are concerning, he says, we don't need to panic just yet. He said: We start from a good position and that's the key thing about Liverpool. (Image: Liverpool Echo) "Footfall has been and is continuing to be ahead of national trends - 2.4% higher year on year. Every year for the last three years, our footfall has grown. And our sales figures were 2.81% higher. Liverpool is a city that people want to visit for all sorts of reasons, but one of the key reasons is because of retail. And retailers know that and have invested and are investing. Look at the new H&M, and the new Lush. Marks & Spencer is closing stores across the country but they invested seven figures into just a store renovation in Liverpool because Liverpool is so important to them. Mr Addy also pointed to the significant investment being made in the Metquarter. A new cinema has opened there, while Kids Cavern has moved there and Cricket is moving in. Regarding Parker Street, Mr Addy said he was hopeful about both Clayton Square Shopping Centres plans and about the prospects for the old Tesco store. The area could yet become more of a leisure than a retail destination, as Bold Street has become better known for food and drink than for shopping. He said: The city is organic. It changes, it transforms. But we do need to ensure that key route, Parker Street, is one that we nurture. Liverpool Central Station shopping centre was bought by the city council last year and is set to undergo a major revamp . That revamp will be led by developer Augur, one of whose companies has leased the centre. Augur is also behind ambitious plans to convert the old Lewiss building and the land behind into a new retail and leisure complex called Circus. Meanwhile the BID is leading plans to revamp nearby Williamson Square, to give it a more continental cafe culture fell. Those plans were boosted by news that the former George Henry Lee building could be converted into an hotel. Shaun Hose of Patrizia is upbeat about the prospects for the whole area. He said: I don't know why there's such negativity coming out. We've been impressed with investments landlords are making in the immediate vicinity. There's the development in the former Lewis's store, and the local authority is looking to do a great job at Central Station which has been crying out for that investment. We think that the next phase of improvement in Liverpool city centre is going to come in this quarter of the city. | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/what-future-hold-liverpools-clayton-15700909 |
Is Dancing on Ices Saara Aalto set to become the fifth SPICE GIRL? | Dancing On Ice - Photocall. Picture: Getty The Finnish pop star has been offered a spot alongside Mel C, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Horner on their upcoming tour Dancing on Ice contestant Saara Aalto has reportedly been offered Victoria Beckhams spot in the Spice Girls. The Finnish Eurovision star sat down with Melanie C backstage in Finland to talk music when she asked Sporty Spice: I was thinking, could I be the sixth Spice Girl? Mel C replied: You can be the fifth one if you want. Well, theres always room for another great singer. I can say that. Later speaking to The Sun, Saara revealed: They want to have a fifth member for the tour. I was like, Is this a real question? Its insane! She said theres room for someone who can really sing. I just thought it was incredible she said that. She added: Posh was my favourite Spice Girl but she didnt have that many lines to sing. The 31-year-old Spice superfan credits the iconic 90s girlband for kickstarting both her passion and her career. She told Melanie Chisholm: When I was 10 years old, I saw you performing Who Do You Think You Are and I was like, okay, thats what I want to do. Thats what I want to be. At that moment I decided to have my own girl band. Lets do some songs in English'. I learnt how to make backing tracks with the computer and thats how I started writing music because of you! Not only does she have Sporty Spices approval but Ginger Spice Geri Horner has written a song for her forthcoming album, too. Saara added: That is even crazier. Geri wrote it and she wants me to sing it. I am also hoping to write new music with her soon because she is so exciting and bubbly. Looks like your dream could be coming true, Saara! | https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/music/saara-aalto-to-become-fifth-spice-girl/ |
What's in a Pioneer 8G plasma? | Pioneer launches its 8th generation (8G) plasma range on May 8th in Rome. "This revolutionary new technology,"says Pioneer, "will change the competitive market place for flat panel TV." Speaking at CES earlier this year, Pioneer revealed that it has reinvented its plasma TVs. Its 7G plasma line-up (including the PDP-427XD and the PDP-507XD models) was based on established 6G technology. Although impressive, these 7G screens didn't provide a big leap in performance. At least not when you compare Pioneer's 6G TVs to their 5G predecessors. In contrast, Pioneer's 8G models have been redeveloped from the ground up. The result, claims Pioneer, is that they deliver the best flat panel picture quality in the world. Better than LCD; better than other plasmas; better even than SED. "We are making a quantum leap in all areas that impact the viewer experience," says Ken Shioda, general manager of product planning for displays. It's a bold claim - a case of product 'revolotion' rather than careful 'evolution'. Pioneer doesn't want to be a company that revels in its former glories. Chasing a better black What made Pioneer's 8G prototype stand out at CES was the Colombian coffee richness of its blacks. Pioneer claims that black levels in its forthcoming displays far exceed those in its previous plasmas. This has been accomplished by reducing the luminance levels by a massive 80 per cent. Pioneer has apparently achieved this by discharging the screen's electrically-charged cells when pixels are in an 'off' state. In combination with a new anti-glare filter, Pioneer's new TVs can retain rich, deep blacks in any lighting conditions. Their contrast ratios, as yet unspecified, should be impressive. The new 8G plasma line will also include a brand new ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) video processor. This, says Pioneer, will dramatically improve noise reduction and video scaling. Expect three HDMI connections and an integrated digital tuner to come as standard too. Pioneer has told tech.co.uk that its 8G displays are the result of a year's work and 12 years of R&D into flat panel technology. For now, it's keeping the technical details under wraps until the official launch. But we're expecting new 42-inch, 50-inch and 60-inch 1080p plasma TVs to be unveiled next week. | https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/television/hdtv/home-cinema/high-definition/digital-home/home-networking/what-s-in-a-pioneer-8g-plasma-171961 |
Why Do We Hurt Robots? | Ms. Wykowska said that cruelty that results from this anthropomorphizing might reflect Frankenstein syndrome, because we are afraid of this thing that we dont really fully understand, because its a little bit similar to us, but not quite enough. In his paper Who is afraid of the humanoid? Frdric Kaplan, t he digital humanities chair at cole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne in Switzerland, suggested that Westerners have been taught to see themselves as biologically infor med machines and perhaps, are unable to separate the idea of humanity from a vision of machines. The nervous system could only be understood after the discovery of electricity, he wrote. DNA is necessarily explained as an analog to computer code. And the human heart is often understood as a mechanical pump . At every turn, Mr. Kaplan wrote, we see ourselves in the mirror of the machines that we can build. This doesnt explain human destruction of less humanoid machines. Dozens of vigilantes have thrown rocks at driverless cars in Arizona, for example, and incident reports from San Francisco suggest that human dr ivers are intentionally crashing into driverless cars. These robot altercations may have more to do with fear of unemployment, or with vengeance: A paper published last year by economists at M.I.T. and Boston University suggested that each robot that is added to a discreet zone of economic activity reduces employment by about six workers. Blue-collar occupations were particularly hit hard. And a self-driving car killed a woman in Tempe, Ariz. in March, which at least one man, brandishing a rifle, cited as the reason for his dislike of the machines. Abuse of humanoid robots can be disturbing and expensive, but there may be a solution, said Ms. Wykowska, the neuroscientist. She described a colleague in the field of social robotics telling a story recently about robots being introduced to a kindergarten class. He said that kids have this tendency of being very brutal to the robot, they would kick the robot, they would be cruel to it, they would be really not nice, she recalled. That went on until the point that the caregiver started giving names to the robots. So the robots suddenly were not just robots but Andy, Joe and Sally. At that moment, the brutal behavior stopped. So, its very interesting because again its sort of like giving a name to the robot immediately puts it a little closer to the in-group. Mr. Li shared a similar experience, when asked about the poor treatment that had befallen some of Knightscopes security robots . The easiest thing for us to do is when we go to a new place, the first day, before we even unload the machine, is a town hall, a lunch-and-learn, he said. Come meet the robot, have some cake, some naming contest and have a rational conversation about what the machine does and doesnt do. And after you do that, all is good. If you dont do that, he said, you get an outrage. | https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/19/style/why-do-people-hurt-robots.html |
Do I Have to Put Social Security on My Tax Return? | Tax season is about to start, and many taxpayers hope that new tax reform laws will help them pay less in tax this year than in the past. In particular, retirees who rely on Social Security to supplement their savings and provide them with a regular source of income are looking forward to any break they can get from the IRS. However, one thing that Social Security recipients need to understand as they prepare their returns for the 2018 tax year is that they may have to include some of their benefits as income on their tax returns. Even though the laws governing taxation of Social Security benefits have been on the books for decades, that fact comes as a shock to retirees each and every year, and the structure of the tax seems to snare more and more people every year. Magnifying glass on top of a 1040 tax return. More Image source: Getty Images. The tax laws don't make everyone put their Social Security on their tax returns. Instead, there's an income tax that determines whether you'll end up including a portion of your benefits as taxable income. The rules governing exactly how much of your Social Security gets taxed involve complex calculations. First, you'll need to come up with your combined income. That includes your adjusted gross income from sources other than Social Security and any nontaxable interest from municipal bonds. It also includes one-half of what you get from Social Security. So if you have $10,000 in income from work and get $24,000 in Social Security benefits, then your combined income will be $10,000 plus half of $24,000. That works out to $22,000. You'll then have to figure out if your combined income is larger than the thresholds for taxing Social Security. The chart below has the key numbers you'll need to know, depending on your filing status. Filing Status 50% Taxation Threshold 85% Taxation Threshold Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow(er) $25,000 $34,000 Married Filing Jointly $32,000 $44,000 Source: IRS. If your combined income is above the number in the 50% column, then you might have to treat as much as 50% of your Social Security as taxable income. If it's above the number in the 85% column, then the taxable portion rises to as much as 85%. However, the key words there are "as much as." Often, the amount you have to treat as taxable income is much less than those percentages. For instance, the rules that govern the 50% threshold say that the taxable amount is also limited to 50% of the amount by which your combined income exceeds the threshold. So if you're single and your combined income was $25,100 in 2018, then the most you'll have to include as taxable Social Security benefits is half of the $100 amount by which $25,100 is above the $25,000 threshold. That amounts to just $50 of taxable income, no matter how much Social Security you received. If you want to run some numbers, the easiest way to do it is by using a calculator. This Social Security income tax calculator lets you consider any scenario you want and then helps you figure out the tax consequences. Why the problem could get worse One oddity about Social Security taxation is that the threshold numbers above aren't indexed for inflation. Instead, they've remained basically unchanged since their enactment. Meanwhile, income levels have gradually increased, and as that's happened, more people have to pay taxes on a portion of their Social Security every year. Unfortunately, since you have limited control over income, it's hard to do much planning to affect the taxation of your Social Security. Just about the only thing you can do is to try to time taxable distributions from retirement accounts in order to keep your combined income under the thresholds, or to put off getting Social Security until your other income won't be as large. Because so many people don't have that level of financial flexibility, more and more taxpayers will find their Social Security benefits subject to tax as time goes by. More From The Motley Fool The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. | https://news.yahoo.com/put-social-security-tax-return-121700211.html |
Can Eldoret Youth end Ushuru unbeaten run? | Second-placed FC Talanta will face former KPL side Thika United as under pressure Wazito host Kisumu All Stars After scaring Shabana in their last league game at home, Eldoret Youth will be on the road to face National Super League Leaders Ushuru. Eldoret Youth who beat Shaba 1-0 on Saturday will be hosted by Ushuru at the Ruaraka Grounds on Sunday and a victory on the road will guarantee them at least two places upon the log if Kisumu All-Stars and Nairobi Stima falter. The NSL debutants have had a promising start to their campaign, winning four out of their eight opening games, but the will come up against a formidable Ushuru side that has not lost a match this season. Second-placed FC Talanta will face former KPL side Thika United as under pressure Wazito host Kisumu All Stars. Shabana will miss the knowledge of Coach Gilbert Selebwa on the technical bench when they host Bidco United. Selebwa is expected to start serving a temporary ban by the FKF after the tactician allegedly assaulted match officials in his sides defeat by Eldoret Youth. Weekend Fixtures Article continues below Sunday: Ushuru vs Eldoret Youth (Ruaraka), Wazito vs Kisumu All Stars (Camp Toyoyo), Thika United vs FC Talanta (Thika Stadium), Green Commandos vs St. Josephs Youth (Bukhungu Stadium), Fortune Sacco vs Nairobi City Stars (Thika Stadium), Shabana vs Bidco United (Gusii Stadium), Kenya Police vs Kangemi All-Stars (Karuturi Grounds) Monday: Administration Police vs Nairobi Stima (Camp Toyoyo), Kibera Black Stars vs Coast Stima (Camp Toyoyo), Migori Youth vs Modern Coast Rangers (Awendo Stadium) | https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/can-eldoret-youth-end-ushuru-unbeaten-run/g1ockiywpmjq1xzzbgoqb3ndb |
What time is The Greatest Dancer on TV tonight and who are the judges? | Oti Mabuse, Matthew Morrison, Cheryl are all Dance Captains on BBC Ones The Greatest Dancer (Picture: Tom Dymond/BBC/Syco/Thames/PA Wire) BBC Ones new dance competition The Greatest Dancer has got people laughing, crying and, most of all, tweeting. The series, which aired its first episode on 5 January 2019, has already garnered a lot of buzz. From tear-jerking performers, to a fan favourite receptionist, to an audience that one fan reckons wouldnt know talent if it smacked them in the face, The Greatest Dancer is certainly making waves. Weve got everything you need to know about The Greatest Dancer, from when its on to the judges to, yes, that receptionist. The Greatest Dancer launched on January 5 on BBC One. Advertisement Advertisement The Greatest Dancer airs on Saturdays from 8pm until 9:10pm on BBC One. Tonight, you can catch it in the schedules between Michael McIntyres Big Show, which airs at 7pm, and Casualty, which kicks off at 9.10pm. If you want to, you can also catch up on episodes from weeks gone by on BBC iPlayer. In this show, the audience call the shots. The three judges, or Dance Captains as they prefer to be called, are pop star Cheryl, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse and Glees Mathew Morrison. Theyve come together on this show with a view to finding (you guessed it) the greatest dancer in the UK. The eventual winner will take home a whopping 50,000 and the chance to perform on Strictly Come Dancing. Paul Potts hopes to follow Susan Boyle's golden buzzer in first look at AGT: Champions First though, they have to get through the audition process, which involves impressing the audience who are in many ways the real judges rather than the Captains. If 75% of the crowd turn their lights on to vote for a dancer, than that person gets to go through to the next round. Metro.co.uks TV editor Adam Miller argued that, while the premise of the show might sound a bit been-there-done-that at first, youll find that thats not actually the case once you get stuck in. He writes: The dancers range from children so young theyre barely fresh from crawling, to grandmothers proving youre as old as you feel (you get the jist), performing behind a two way mirror, unable to see their judges or the studio audience; who actually hold the power. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to judging/captaining, Cheryl and Oti told The One Show on Thursday that they will both be dancing in the live shows, which, if the show keeps airing weekly on Saturdays at 8pm as it has so far, will begin after the auditions end on 2 February. You heard it here first! @CherylOfficial and @OtiMabuse will be dancing live on @GreatDancerTV! pic.twitter.com/zM3QPnoz3q BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) January 17, 2019 Theres no word yet as to whether or Matthew, who has a history performing on Broadway, will be joining them in performing live on any of the live shows, but hes already made quite an impression on viewers, having considerately signed thank you to deaf dancer Chris Fonseca when he made it through the live rounds in the last episode. So much respect for @Matt_Morrison with that sign clapping, what a gent! #TheGreatestDancer pic.twitter.com/dqMaTPwWOU Gavin Weeks (@flikQ) January 12, 2019 Big respect for Matthew Morrison signing applause for the deaf dancer .good gesture sir Just Jess (@justjesstweets) January 12, 2019 However, not all fans are happy with the judging situation. Viewers have also taken to Twitter with their complaints on the audiences choices on who gets through and who doesnt, with one saying that the show makes her livid because the audience are supposedly confusing good dance technique with entertainment. Decided to see what all the fuss was about for The greatest dancer & all I can say is a lot of people wouldn't know talent if it smacked them in the face, I respect that people have different tastes but you can't deny talent when you see it even if it doesn't tickle your fancy! Advertisement Even the receptionist, Amelia Watson, is making an impression on viewers, at once being branded fake because eagle-eyed fans alleged that her laptop wasnt even turned on. Although they declared it the best part of the entire show. The best part of #TheGreatestDancer has to be the receptionist! She is just too funny Matt Probert (@MattProbert92) January 6, 2019 the receptionist is my absolute fave part of #thegreatestdancer !!! 100% steals the show JAZ (@JazzGothelf) January 6, 2019 However, keen viewers wont be able to find Amelia on social media, as an insider told the Mirror that, Shes a very shy person in real life. She would like to remain as anonymous as possible for the time being. The Greatest Dancer returns tonight, Saturday 19 January at 8pm on BBC One. MORE: Cheryl fans excited to see star back on screen as she debuts in Greatest Dancer MORE: Greatest Dancer viewers left balling their eyes out as Cheryl sobs through emotional performance | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/what-time-is-the-greatest-dancer-on-tv-tonight-and-who-are-the-judges-8362211/ |
Did Ariana Grande copy Princess Nokia's Mine in new hit 7 Rings? | Ariana Grandes 7 Rings accused of copying Princess Nokia song (Picture: Rex; Republic Records/ BACKGRID) Ariana Grande dropped her new hit 7 Rings earlier this week, and fans are already pulling it apart. Sounding like a combination of 2 Chainzs Spend It and Soulja Boys Pretty Boy Swag, the 25-year-old has been accused of ripping off some famous rap artists in her latest single. And now it looks as though Princess Nokia has also been put out by the tune, as shes just gone and compared it to her song, Mine. Taking to Instagram, the 26-year-old called out Ari for dropping a hit that sounds extremely similar to her own track. Because that sound really familiar to me. Advertisement Advertisement Hmmmm sounds about white. In Mine, the lyrics go: Rock my many styles then go natural for the summer / Hair blowing in the hummer / Flip the weave, I am a stunner / Its mine, I bought it / Its mine, I bought it. These have been heavily compared to Aris, who also sings about buying her hair. Gee, thanks, just bought it / I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it. Ari is yet to speak out (Picture: Backgrid, Ariana Grande) The latest single seems to land her ex-fiance Pete Davidson back in the Burn Book by taking another stab at their short-lived engagement. It appears Ariana wrote the song after buying each of her seven friends engagement rings as friendship rings. Those friends, who feature in the music video, include Tayla Parx, Courtney Chipoline, Njomza, Alexa Luria, Lexa Luria, Victoria Monet and Kaydence. They got us very tipsy, so we bought seven engagement rings, and when I got back to the studio I gave everybody a friendship ring. Advertisement Advertisement Arianas relationship with Pete ended four months into their engagement after a whirlwind romance. Since then, she has invited us all into the emotional stages of her break-ups and bouncing back from them. Arianas reps refused to comment but pointed out that Princess Nokia has also been accused of copying Kali Uchis in the past. If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. Social media frenzy as stars flirt on Instagram MORE: Louise Redknapp proves shes still friends with ex Jamie with sweet photo two years after split | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/ariana-grandes-7-rings-accused-copying-princess-nokia-song-8362684/ |
Is Kalonzo Lobbying For Raila To Drop Sumra For Mawathe In Embakasi South By-Election? | Wiper leader Kalonzo and Embakasi South candidate Julius Mawathe have been camping outside Railas Capitol Hill office to lobby for his support against ODM candidate Irshad Sumra. The seat fell vacant after the the court declared the election null and void ordering for fresh elections. The two appeared with the former Prime Minister during the press briefing condemning the Dusit D2 attack from his Capitol Hill Office. Mawathe seems to be having cold feet after it was established that he has been loosing ground in Embakasi South. Kalonzo is alleged to have implored Raila to have NASA field one candidate for the by election and have asked Raila to back Mawathe instead of ODMs Sumra.Kalonzo was accompanied by Kitui governor Charity Ngilu. ODM leaders already dismissed the presence of the NASA coalition stating that the coalition broke after Railas swearing in after the other coalition partners failed to appear at the Uhuru park. Irshad Sumra is however unbothered by his opponents tactics and already launched his campaign on the ground. The Jubilee Party has already announced that it will not field parliamentary candidates in Ugenya and Embakasi South Constituencies by-elections. In a statement signed by Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju, the party said that they had reached the decision after considering the main parties and looking at the bigger picture. The Jubilee Party leadership has decided that the Party shall not be fielding candidates for the forthcoming Parliamentary By- elections in Ugenya and Embakasi South Constituencies. This is in the spirit of furthering the steps of constructive engagements with the other main parties engaged in the contest and with an eye on the bigger picture, stated Tuju. Read:Wetangula Pays DP Ruto Night Visits Khalwale Claims The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that the by-election of the two constituencies will be held on April 5. Email your news TIPS to [email protected] Also WhatsApp 0708677607 with your news tips Like this: Like Loading... | https://www.kahawatungu.com/2019/01/19/kalonzo-lobbying-raila-drop-sumra-mawathe/ |
Should we jump to conclusions over Leinsters loss of lineouts? | If French referee Romain Poite initially appeared a tad pernickety when it came to the lineouts in Leinsters victory over Wasps last Friday in the opening match of this seasons Heineken Champions Cup, it was a practical application of a pre-tournament directive that match officials be vigilant, proactive and one presumes consistent in cleaning-up the contest out of touch. There are two main areas of focus for the officials. The hooker must stand directly in front of the assistant referee prior to the throw and that the referee will indicate clearly a mark which the non-throwing team cannot encroach upon prior to the ball being thrown in, so as to preserve the gap. Theres nothing new here just a more rigorous application. Both the Leinster and Wasps lineouts gave away early free-kicks, the English club for players straying across the mark early and for the home side when hooker Sen Cronin was adjudged not to be positioned correctly in relation to the assistant referee. Poite was consistent in his interpretation, reminding the players of their obligations. System failure It was a theme that resonated across the 10 matches on the opening weekend of the tournament, teams penalised for similar offences and in the case of Munster captain Peter OMahony, the concession of a free kick when hoisted into the air, prematurely. Leinsters on-field lineout tactician Devin Toner admitted that losing five lineouts was largely down to a system failure: We had a different kind of set up. A new thing has been set into the reps [at training] to look a lot more at the gaps and the lines. Our process wasnt as good as it could have been at the weekend. I think every team wants to get a big gap. Obviously a new thing has come down the line to the ref to look more at that. We might have been messed up a little on that. The knock-on effect based on a comparison between the cumulative round one European matches last season and last weekends games is that the non-throwing team has poached more ball under the new or refreshed application of the laws at the lineout. As the graphic illustrates possession lost on throw at lineouts last season was 11.55 per cent while that figure has jumped to 16.72 per cent, admittedly in a very narrow study period. On 46 occasions the team throwing the ball in didnt retain possession, an average of 4.6 lineout turnovers per match, from an overall total of 275 lineouts across the 10 matches last weekend. In last seasons opening round of fixtures only one team, Castres Olympique, failed to break an 80 per cent success-rate out of touch; four clubs fell below that benchmark last weekend. As teams adapt and streamline the lineout process itll be interesting to note whether the trend continues or last weekend represents an aberration. Looking forward to the next tranche of fixtures through the prism of the Irish provinces, Ulsters trip to Paris to take on Racing 92 pits two of the most successful lineouts against each other. The French club, for whom former Munster and Ireland international Donnacha Ryan calls the shots, won all 13 lineouts (100 per cent)against the Scarlets and pinched one, while Ulster won 19 out of 20 (95 per cent) on their throw and nicked three belonging to Leicester. Occasional hiccup Leinsters lost five of 19 and stole one, while their opponents and hosts next Sunday, Toulouse won 11 of 13 with two steals in their victory over Bath at the Recreation Ground. Munster, with Tadhg Beirne and OMahony in the van, commandeered more opposition throws, five, that any other club, albeit that they had the occasional hiccup on their own ball. Munsters Tadhg Beirne wins a lineout from Exeter Chiefs Ollie Atkins. Munster destroyed their opponents in the lineout last weekend. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Johann van Graans side destroyed Exeters platform out of touch, with the home side losing six of 15, the poorest return across the 10 matches. Gloucester visit Thomond Park on Saturday and will be hoping that their strike-rate of 80 per cent (eight won, two lost and one steal) is a statistic upon which they can improve. In all three clubs produced a flawless lineout performance in the opening round of fixtures, Racing 92, fellow French Top 14 side Lyon (11-0, one steal) and Saracens (14-0) who enjoyed a hard-nosed victory over the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun. Rugby has been down this road before where the focus alights temporarily on certain aspects of the game for a short period before flitting elsewhere. For example, the scrum feed had its moment in the spotlight but as last weekends matches illustrated, it no longer appears to be policed as rigorously. Maybe the lineout will follow suit but for the moment it offers a specific point of interest thats likely to be sharply in focus again this weekend. | https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/should-we-jump-to-conclusions-over-leinster-s-loss-of-lineouts-1.3666814 |
Is Gerrit Zalm besibbe oan Grutte Pier? | Nije fleverings Verborgen verleden fan 24 jannewaris f Takom wike tongersdei set Verborgen Verleden tein mei seizoen 12. It is wer slagge om mei in oantal nijsgjirrige persoanlikheden ferrassende ferhalen te finen oer harren famyljeskiednis. Yn de earste flevering, op 24 jannewaris, is dat de eardere minister fan finnsjes en bankbestjoerder Gerrit Zalm. Gerrit Zalm (Inkhuzen, 6 maaie 1952) is fan ienfldich komf. Syn heit wie brnstofhanneler, krekt as syn pake. Polityk spile yn de hshlding Zalm gjin rol en de wrld fan it grutte jild wie de famylje nbekend. Gerrit ferwachtet dan ek net dat er yn syn famyljeskiednis grutte nammen of wichtige histoaryske barrens tsjinkomme sil. Der wurdt dan wol beweard dat er fstamme soe fan de Fryske folksheld Grutte Pier, mar dat seit hast elkenien mei mear as in drip Frysk bloed. Wat san bytsje ferwachtet, is gau fernuvere. En yn it gefal fan Gerrit Zalm is dy fernuvering wol tige grut! Yn de oare fleverings binne Carry Slee, Fedja van Hut, Angela Groothuizen, Ronald Plasterk, Victor Mids, Olga Zuiderhoek en Alex Klaasen te sjen. en wurdt produsearre troch BlazHoffski nder einredaksje fan de NTR. Der wurdt ek gebrk makke fan de ekspertize fan CBG (Sintrum foar Famyljeskiednis) en de Nederlnske argiven en histoaryske sintra. Utstjoerings: 24 jannewaris o/m 14 maart om 20.25 oere op NPO 2 Webside: www.verborgenverleden.nl | https://www.itnijs.frl/2019/01/is-gerrit-zalm-besibbe-oan-grutte-pier/ |
What's Shriya doing with the Sphinx? | January 17, 2019 20:56 IST Get ready to explore the land of the mummies! After celebrating New Year in Barcelona, Shriya Saran zoomed off to Egypt with her photographer hubby Andrei Koscheev for a quick holiday. From visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza to enjoying cruise rides in dipping temperatures, Shriya did it all and thoroughly enjoyed it too. Playing tourist at the Sphinx. Shriya posted this picture and wrote, '23 degrees!!! Freezing water, but Egypt is beautiful. Thank you for a lovely experience'. Now that's how you rock a white bikini during the winter! Jumping with joy... quite literally. And here she is against the beautiful backdrop of The Great Pyramid of Giza. Meditating. Making lovely pictures. Shriya's obviously loving her time at the Pyramids! Photographs: Kind courtesy Shriya Saran/Instagram | https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/whats-shriya-doing-with-the-sphinx/20190117.htm |
Is Rihanna Launching A Luxury Fashion Brand With LVMH? | It seems makeup and music were mere stepping stones for Rihanna. Word around town is she might be bossing up in the very lucrative couture clothing business. As per trade publication WWD the Bajan songstress has been in talks with LVMH. For those living under a rock Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a French multinational luxury goods company that manages brands such in the wine & spirits (Veuve Clicquot, Dom Prignon), fashion (Dior, Fendi) and jewelry (Hublot, Bulgari). According to multiple sources she is close to landing her own luxury fashion house. So close that employees have reportedly already been assigned to her projects. If true this would be the first time LVMH has launched a line from the conception stages since Bernard Arnault in 1987. The moves would make her the first designer of color ever to sign with the conglomerate. Earlier this week the Diamonds singer stepped out in New York City wearing a pair of Fenty branded sunglasses. Her frames screamed luxury with a bold shape and gold detailing. The speculation is the mystery shades were a sample from a soon to be released collection which will include ready to wear fashion pieces, accessories and leather goods. Rihanna is no stranger to marketing her name successfully. Her Fenty Beauty line has grossed over $100 million dollars in sales since launching in 2017. Additionally, she has previously co-branded with Dior and River Island on products to great success. Lets hope RiRi can pull this off. #ForTheCulture Photo: Boubakar Badji/News Pictures/WENN.com | https://hiphopwired.com/799521/is-rihanna-launching-a-luxury-fashion-brand-with-lvmh/ |
Is The Power Of The Flour Really The Secret To Baking The Perfect Biscuit? | Enlarge this image toggle caption Brett Flashnick/The Washington Post/Getty Images Brett Flashnick/The Washington Post/Getty Images Cheryl Day makes hundreds of biscuits a day, churning them out by hand at Back In The Day Bakery in Savannah, Ga. Tall and golden, with flaky layers and a lightly crunchy exterior, people come from miles around to eat them each morning, slathered with pepper jelly, stuffed with eggs and bacon, or simply smeared with a little butter. "Biscuits are the croissants of the South," says Day, an award-winning baker and cookbook author. "They're more complicated than you think, and they keep me busy every day." Once upon a time, Day would've asserted that the best biscuits are made with White Lily Flour, her grandmother's favorite. The fans of White Lily, a silky low-protein, low-gluten flour made with soft red winter wheat, are legion, declaring that it is nigh impossible to bake a good biscuit without it. The argument was recently bolstered by a 2018 article in The Atlantic that lamented the lack of good biscuits north of the Mason-Dixon Line, suggesting that a bag of the storied flour, which is not widely available across the U.S. except online, is the key to success. Robert Dixon Phillips, a retired professor of food science at the University of Georgia, tells The Atlantic that soft wheat flour "has less gluten protein and the gluten is weaker, which allows the chemical leavening the baking powder to generate carbon dioxide and make it rise up in the oven." But the flour isn't actually that critical, according to Day even though she loves White Lily Flour. "I used to swear by it," she says, "but then I realized that lots of people don't have White Lily at their local grocery store." Even at her own bakery, Day's husband, Griff, now makes their own blend of pastry flour and all-purpose flour. For many biscuit bakers, the brand of flour is not the defining factor; it's about the other ingredients such as buttermilk and fat and plain old technique. Chef Carla Hall (full disclosure, I work for her as a culinary producer) jumped off the soft wheat flour bandwagon in 2016 when she was running her former restaurant, Carla Hall's Southern Kitchen, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Biscuits and fried chicken were two signature items on the menu, requiring two different kinds of flour: soft wheat for the biscuits and hard wheat the high-protein kind found in common all-purpose flour for coating the chicken. "The staff kept mixing up the flours," recalls Hall, "so we decided one day to just do a taste test." They made biscuits and chicken with each type of flour and, surprisingly, the hard wheat flour won for both. "The biscuit had a darker color, it had more structure, it was more crunchy, but still soft with layers inside," says Hall. "It was everything I like in a biscuit, plus I only had to purchase one kind of flour for the restaurant, which was more cost-effective." For Chadwick Boyd, a recipe developer and brand consultant who also organizes the annual International Biscuit Festival in Knoxville, Tenn., flour is simply not the key ingredient. "A home cook is going to have three or four different varieties at the grocery store to choose from," Boyd says. "The notion that if you pick one over the other is going to determine the success or failure of your biscuits is just wrong." For Boyd, Day and Hall, a good biscuit is born from practice. "We can teach you how to make a biscuit," says Boyd, "It's just a few ingredients. I believe that peoples' issues with baking unsuccessfully is because it's something they don't do regularly, so when they do it, they're excited. They keep opening the door to the oven, they pull the biscuits out too early. Just bring it all together and let the ingredients do the work." In order to help the biscuits rise, all the experts agree that the fat whether butter, shortening or margarine needs to be cold, and there should still be visible chunks of that fat in the dough. Don't overmix. If the fat is fully integrated into the dough, then fewer air bubbles will form, leading to a flatter biscuit. "Keeping fat cold is key," says Megan Meyer, director of science communication at the International Food Information Council Foundation, a nutrition science and education nonprofit. "When fat melts in the oven, an air pocket is created. Air pockets are then expanded by the leavening agents that are already in the dough, like baking soda and baking powder, leading to a fluffy texture." Fat is also important because it adds tenderness to the dough; full-fat buttermilk and European-style butter can help with texture, but "full-fat" is the critical point sour cream, olive oil, and nut milks can all be used to create successful biscuits, provided they have a high-fat content. Then technique takes center stage, where a light hand in mixing and shaping helps keep the dough soft; overworking the dough develops too much gluten, resulting in a tough biscuit. "Biscuit dough comes together very quickly," Hall says, "unlike a bread dough." Mix the dough, shape it into a rectangle on the counter, fold it like a letter to create layers, then pat it out and repeat two more times before cutting. The texture should be soft, barely sticky, somewhat akin to lumpy mashed potatoes, she says. Also, when cutting the biscuits, be careful not to twist the cutter because that pinches the edges of the biscuit and can inhibit the rise. Just press down and pull straight up. Pop those beauties in a hot oven usually at 425 or 450 degrees and then resist the urge to open the door until the biscuits are risen and golden, which usually takes 12 to 15 minutes. "I have been to small towns throughout the American South, the most remote areas where they don't have access to high quality ingredients," says Boyd, "and I've had people make me delicious biscuits from whatever they had on hand. " So don't worry about what kind of flour you've got. Just roll up your sleeves and start baking those biscuits. Practice makes perfect. Kristen Hartke is a food writer based in Washington, D.C. who also works with chef Carla Hall. | https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/01/19/686579106/is-the-power-of-the-flour-really-the-secret-to-baking-the-perfect-biscuit?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr |
Will Cardi B Star in Pepsi's Super Bowl Commercial? | Cardi B arrives for the 60th Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018, in New York. ( AFP) Cardi B will star in Pepsi's Super Bowl commercial. The 'Bodak Yellow' hitmaker will be the soft drinks giant's spokesperson for the next 12 months and according to TMZ, has already filmed an advert that will air in the TV breaks during the NFL flagship game next month. The Pepsi ad is considered the premiere commercial during the sporting event and is viewed by an audience of hundreds of millions. Last year, Cindy Crawford featured in the clip, while the likes of Spice Girls, One Direction, Beyonce, Britney Spears and the late Michael Jackson have previously featured in the company's advertising. It was previously claimed Cardi had been in talks to join Maroon 5 during their half-time set during the game. However, the 26-year-old star was said to have been in dispute over whether or not she secured a solo spot as well as performing their collaboration 'Girls Like You'. The 'Moves Like Jagger' hitmakers will now be joined by Big Boi and Travis Scott for their set at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on February 3. Ahead of the announcement, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine Adam had previously hinted they were performing at the show, and admitted he would be "equal parts nervous and excited" about the gig if it took place. He said: "It's the Super Bowl. It's a great event and there's gonna be a band performing, or an artist of some kind performing at halftime. And it's gonna be great regardless of who it is. Whoever is lucky enough to get that gig probably is gonna crush it ... Whoever does it is probably equal parts nervous and excited. This is all speculative because I don't know who I'm talking about. If it were me, I'd be excited, I'd be nervous ... If I were doing it, which I can't confirm or deny I am, I would be excited." | https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/will-cardi-b-star-pepsis-super-bowl-commercial-1240696 |
Who says nostalgia is not what it used to be? | BACK TO EARTH The final Ansett Airlines flight took off in 2002. Credit:John Wheatley It was on March 5, 2002, that the final Ansett Airlines flight, AN152, left Perth bound for Sydney. Founded by Reginald Myles "Reg" Ansett in 1935, Ansett had been a significant player in Australian domestic air travel for nearly seven decades. The very first flight by a single-engine Fokker Universal had departed Hamilton, Victoria, bound for Melbourne, on February 17, 1936. In the 1990s, Air New Zealand became a 50 per cent shareholder of Ansett and eventually went on to acquire full ownership in February 2000. Unfortunately, due to some poor business decisions, Ansett became more of a liability than an asset and in September 2001, Air New Zealand placed the Ansett group of companies into voluntary administration. Sadly, 16,000 people lost their jobs. UP FOR ADOPTION The name was changed to Cabbage Patch Kids in 1982. Credit:Courtesy of Cabbage Patch Kids Cabbage Patch Kids were all the rage in the early 1980s. I recall the story that they started out as "The Little People" and were never offered for sale as such but were "adopted", each coming with its own name and birth certificate. The change of name to Cabbage Patch Kids was made in 1982, when toy maker Coleco started to mass-produce the dolls but kept the idea of each one having a name and birth certificate. The craze lasted for about three years in Australia, and I remember my youngest daughter insisted on taking her two adopted "children" with us on holiday to New Zealand. I believe she still has her Cabbage Patch dolls to this day. THE BIG FREEZE Sunny-boy's existed up until 2016. Credit:Courtesy of the Daily Juice Company A Sunny-boy was one of the great favourites from the school tuck shop. Sunny-boy was orange flavoured and one of a range of frozen products in similar packaging: Razz was raspberry and Glug was sort of cola flavoured. And if you found the words "Sunny-boy Free Drink" inside, that's what you got! Despite this, its popularity didn't last. "The Daily Juice Co. can confirm that we have regrettably had to make the hard decision to stop production of the icy treat, Sunny-boy, as of August 2016," a spokesperson for the company said. "Unfortunately, Sunny-boy has experienced a sustained reduction in consumer demand over a long period of time, making it necessary to delete the product from our range of water ice treats." CHILLING OUT Here's another great Australian invention, the Esky. First registered as a trade name in 1952, the term is now so commonly used in Australia that it's become the generic name for many types of portable coolers or ice boxes. As such, it's part of the Australian vernacular. The Esky. Credit:Courtesy of Scrapdogs on eBay The original Esky was created by Malley's, a Sydney refrigeration business, and the company asserts it was "recognised as the first official portable cooler in the world". According to Malley's, some 500,000 Australian households owned one by 1960, a remarkable figure in a country of approximately 10 million people. WORLD'S TASTIEST WORMS Suzi Catchpole from the Essential Kids website laments the fact that, because of changes to the biscuit by the manufacturer, Arnott's, it's no longer possible to make Vita-Weat "worms". "There probably wasn't a single kid of the 1980s who didn't know the catchy Vita-Weats jingle off by heart, thanks to its TV ad," says Suzi. "At the 17-second mark there was an image of a young boy squeezing Vegemite and butter 'worms' through those fabled holes curling as they grew longer before finally being destroyed with a lick of the tongue. Credit: "There's a ritual involved in eating VitaWeat worms; it's as much a part of me as the smell of Reef Oil in summer, of the rush of wind through my hair as I ride a bike." I can only agree, Suzi. In the early 1960s, a Blue Mountains Council engineer, John Yeaman, visited the US and brought back plans for a playground "rocket". Funded by the Rotary Club of Blackheath, the first Blackheath Rocket was built and installed in the Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park by Blue Mountains City Council. Over the years the park became known to locals as the "rocket park". Dick West, who owned a welding business in Blackheath, went on to make rockets that popped up in playgrounds across NSW, as well as in Queensland and South Australia. In 1997, the original rocket, along with other heritage playground equipment, was removed due to insurance issues. Blackheath Rotary Club has since set up a Gofundme campaign to raise money for a new rocket. The 'rocket park' Credit:Sladew BUBBLING OVER This is the first known recipe for chocolate crackles a favourite snack for generations of Aussie kids. It appeared in an advertisement in the Australian Women's Weekly in December 1937, under the entirely accurate headline: "Gee, they're good!" The ad was placed to plug the vegetable fat Copha, one of the key ingredients of the crackles. Another key ingredient is crispy rice cereal, and in 1953 Kellogg's, the manufacturer of Rice Bubbles, nabbed the trademark for "chocolate crackles", which it still holds. In 2003, Kellogg's reportedly stepped over the line when it attempted to (gasp!) trademark the recipe itself. Fortunately, the story was more media beat-up than corporate power grab it's all but impossible to patent or trademark a recipe. This is an edited extract of Australia Remember This Too by Bob Byrne (New South Publishing), on sale now. This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale January 20. | https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/who-says-nostalgia-is-not-what-it-used-to-be-20190116-p50rmd.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_lifestyle |
Can directors vote via e-mail? | Attorney David G. Muller is a shareholder with the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., Naples. (Photo: Submitted) Editors Note: David G. Muller is a Board Certified Attorney in Condominium and Planned Development Law with Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., which represents community associations throughout Florida, with offices in Naples, Fort Myers and 10 other Florida cities. The Firm focuses a substantial amount of its practice on condominium and homeowners association law. Attorney Muller responds to your community association questions. Send questions to Attorney Muller by e-mail to [email protected]. Q: I heard there was a recent change in the law which now prevents Board Members in a homeowners association from voting on matters via e-mail. A: You are correct that this change in the law for homeowners associations became effective on July 1, 2018. This change brought the Homeowners Association Act in line with the requirements contained in the Condominium Act and the Cooperative Act and was probably a restatement of the law on the topic anyway. The law does not prohibit Board Members from communicating via e-mail, and specifically notes that e-mail communication between Board members is permitted. The law does not say whether these internal Board e-mails are part of the official records of the Association, which remains an open question. Q: My condominium association is seeking to amend the Bylaws. In the past, proxies were used for owners who were unable to attend the meeting in person. This time around the association sent me a consent form along with the proposed amendment and asked me to execute the consent and return it to them. T.W. A: Approving amendments by written consent in lieu of a meeting is legally permissible if authorized by the condominium documents. Unit owner approval of an action via the written consent process (sometimes called the written consent and joinder process) is a relatively common provision found in many condominium documents. The written consent process does come with certain administrative hurdles. There are statutory formalities which must be complied with in order to approve an action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Failure to adhere to these statutory requirements could invalidate the members approval. M.A. A: The 2019 Legislative Session convenes on March 5, 2019 and ends on May 3, 2019. We anticipate another active Legislative Session for bills which impact community associations. Attorney David G. Muller is a shareholder with the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., Naples (www.beckerlawyers.com). The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The publication of this column does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. or any of our attorneys. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based upon the information contained in this article without first contacting an attorney, if you have questions about any of the issues raised herein. The hiring of an attorney is a decision that should not be based solely on advertisements or this column. Read or Share this story: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/money/real-estate/2019/01/19/can-directors-vote-via-e-mail/2601737002/ | https://www.naplesnews.com/story/money/real-estate/2019/01/19/can-directors-vote-via-e-mail/2601737002/ |
Could these former north-east school sites be transformed into health centres? | NHS Grampian has identified seven locations which could be used to develop GP surgeries and medical centres in the future. Healthcare facilities are needed to replace existing practices in three areas Dyce and Stoneywood, Bucksburn and Bankhead, and Northfield and Mastrick. Among the locations being considered by the health board are the former Cordyce School, the former Stoneywood School, the former Bucksburn Primary School and the Bankhead playing fields. The sites have been proposed for inclusion in the citys next Local Development Plan which guides development in the area. Members of the public will be able to make comments on the sites put forward as well as suggest any other sites that should be considered in a public consultation which is expected to begin next month. | https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/plan-for-medical-facilities/ |
What's the economic toll of Britain's Brexit chaos? | After the rejection of May's Brexit deal, we ask if Britain can avoid crashing out of the European Union without a deal. British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly survived a no-confidence motion this week while her plan to navigate Brexit was massively rejected by Parliament. The deadline of March 29, 2019 is fast approaching, while European leaders are warning that the prospect of Britain crashing out of the union without a deal has increased. This could lead to huge economic disruption on both sides of the Channel. "The default remains that we're leaving the EU on March 29, but the big question is, will Theresa May reach across party divide to seek consensus on Brexit?" says economist James Smith of ING's Global Markets Research in London. "There's no immediate sign that May will back down on her red lines or the Labour Party will shift direction, either, so there's no clarity, but we're running out of time and an extension to Article 50 is getting more and more likely." The cold hard fact, as things stand, is we're leaving the EU with or without a deal on March 29. James Smith, economist, ING's Global Markets Research Meanwhile, financial "markets are trying to take the silver lining from things. The pound remains pretty calm. Investors are looking at two things - some kind of cross-party agreement is getting more and more likely as to is an extension of Article 50 period. That's the two themes in the market currently." "It could be several months before we get any clarity, and we can expect a choppy ride before things will get better," explains Smith. "The cold hard fact, as things stand, is we're leaving the EU with or without a deal on March 29. So for businesses, they have to prepare for that and we're likely to hear businesses will likely get more and more vocal about preparations they're making." Zimbabwe's economic crisis Fuel prices have more than doubled in Zimbabwe, sparking strikes and violent protests. The government says it was the only way to make people buy less fuel as it struggles to tackle a currency crisis. Foreign exchange is now hard to find in a country that scrapped its own currency a decade ago. That has led to long lines for fuel, bread and medicine and pushed up prices. According to Richard Segal from Manulife Asset Management, the hyperinflation of 2008 is still charting the course of Zimbabwe's present situation. He says that "over the past 10 years, if we analyse conditions, it's actually done much better than it has been doing before". "The current reform stopped hyperinflation and the economy began to grow, although not that much." The incoming government last year "had a plan to put into action but it never did this". "And rather than finance its budget deficit by cutting costs, it decided to raise taxes and it led to a plummeting of confidence, and therefore further economic stagnation." "The country won't take that much to turn things around, but it needs the political will and it doesn't have that yet. Within the gloom, there's a lot of evidence of improvement. The economy is growing again, and before the currency reform, it was declining by 5-7 percent per year. There's a lot of potential in mining and agriculture. In addition, the telecoms company, Liquid Telecom, which is a home-grown company, is one of the most impressive TMT companies across Africa," explains Segal. "Although there are shortages of fuel and especially hard currency, we have to recognise this is not necessarily a shortage of hard currency in the economy - just hard currency in circulation. There's a lot of dollar hoarding. Were confidence to return, then those hard currency stocks would quickly flow back into the economy. So, it really is a question of confidence and trust in the government." Also on this episode of Counting the Cost: China trade: China's trade dispute with the United States is taking a toll on its economy. Exports have fallen to their lowest point in two years, while imports are also down, as Katrina Yu reports from Beijing. Car industry in turmoil: The US-China trade war has cast its shadow over the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. High-powered sports cars and SUVs took centre stage, but carmakers say the industry is in turmoil, as tariffs push up steel and aluminium prices and eat into profits. John Hendren reports from Detroit. China-Sri Lanka: Construction will soon begin on China's biggest investment project in Sri Lanka after a Chinese state-owned company completed reclaiming 269 hectares of land from the sea. The Sri Lankan government says the $1.4bn Port City will be a technological marvel, but critics say it's part of a crippling debt trap. Minelle Fernandez reports from Colombo. Venezuela economy: Hyperinflation threatens to slice off any gains from President Nicolas Maduro's massive minimum wage rise in Venezuela, as Teresa Bo reports from Caracas, where public health services are crumbling. Source: Al Jazeera News | https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/countingthecost/2019/01/economic-toll-britain-brexit-chaos-190119082641310.html |
Is an ODI comeback on cards for Cheteshwar Pujara? | His exploits in Test cricket not withstanding, Cheteshwar Pujara has played a mere five ODIs and scored 51 runs. In his recent free wheeling chat with cricketnext , Pujara has expressed his desire to play more white-ball cricket for the Men-in-Blue. When the interviewer, Gaurav Kalra, categorically asked Pujara that if he hoped to play One Day cricket for India again, the answer was an emphatic "Yes". Answering a question about his future in the shorter form of the game Pujara said, "If you look at my List A cricket, the way I have batted the number of runs that I have scored is very good and when I played white ball cricket for Yorkshire last season, I scored many runs, I think I had a hundred and three fifties in about four innings which shows I can play white ball cricket," Pujara talking about ODI cricket should be a promising thing for Indian cricket, especially in a World Cup year, as the Indian team prepares itself to recapture the crown of the World Champions which they surrendered to Australia in Australia in 2015. The team with its 2-1 series win against Australia looks settled, but there are a few spots which are still up for grab, one of them being the crucial No.4 slot. Speaking about the position after the ODI series, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, "...the middle order we saw in Adelaide is pretty much the most balanced if you look at it. The number four position, again, has been a sort of an area which we want solidified. " While India's ODI vice-captain Rohit Sharma, has backed MS Dhoni to bat at No. 4, Kohli certainly has some other ideas. For the Indian skipper, Dhoni is best suited to bat at No.5. One can assume Kohli has the names of a few players in his mind who he would like to see bat at the said position. "But because of the combinations we want to play, sometimes you have to make those changes. Anyone who bats four will have to take the responsibility for the World Cup, whoever it might be. The person will have to take the responsibility at number four, " said Kohli. It is true that Pujara last donned the blue jersey for India way back in 2014, with his ODI numbers that are too small to be commented upon. But there is no denying that solidity is exactly what Pujara brings to the table with his skills, with his List-A figures being quite impressive. In 185 List A matches, Pujara has piled 4445 runs at an average of 54.20 with the best being 158*. If Pujara is in fact the answer to India's No.4 query, then he should be tried in India's ODI assignment after their the New Zealand tour. India play a five-match bilateral series against Australia staring February 24 at home. Familiar conditions and the sight of an opposition that he has tormented in recent past should ease his comeback in the ODIs. | https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cricket/is-an-odi-comeback-on-cards-for-cheteshwar-pujara-3411021.html |
What would Martin Luther King Jr. say today? | Every year, Americans go through the January ritual of honoring Martin Luther King Jr., our secular civil rights saint and martyr. Marches and parades take place and multitudinous recitations of his stirring I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. We are more interested in idolizing Dr. King than applying the principles for which he died to contemporary American life. We have a knack for celebrating out heroes deeds rather than examining how they might apply to us. The Martin Luther King national holiday is no exception. In fact, most Americans will just see the MLK holiday as a Monday off from work. Some will honor it as a national day of service. For very few will it be an occasion to ask, If Dr. King were still with us, what would he say about our country today? Dr. King was killed in Memphis, supporting city sanitation workers organizing a union for better wages and safe work conditions. Yet, little mention is made of his work in favor of unions and higher pay. Indeed, wages are still low; and opponents have leveled constant warfare against unions, diminishing their membership and undercutting a vehicle for economic rights. Nor do people recall that Dr. Kings popularity at the time of his death was steadily shrinking because of his opposition to the Vietnam war, which saw a disproportionate number of men of color sent to another countrys war, only to return in box coffins. The Johnson administration and the mainline press viciously attacked this man of peace, the winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. At the time of his assassination, Dr. King was preparing to lead a Poor Peoples March on Washington that summer, calling for a radical redistribution of economic and political power. It is necessary for us to realize that we have moved from the era of civil rights to the era of human rights, said King. The word poverty would not be in his vocabulary, but economic injustice. This, too, drew the contempt of the power structure that would countenance a civil rights effort in the nation, but not an economic re-ordering. This is hardly in the speeches of today, commemorating his life, but ignoring one his most profound and radical challenges to American democracy. We can also accurately predict how Dr. King would approach today's immigrant crisis. He would adamantly oppose the wall as contrary to the nations values and the basic moral principles of humanity. He would open our gates to people seeking refuge from violence and economic repression; he would jail no women nor assign children to desert tent camps. And we know what Dr. King would make of our still separate but equal schools, 65 years after Brown v. Board of Education, that maintain a second-class citizenship in our communities with severe economic consequences. The prison pipelines would fare no better. Minority persons are disproportionately imprisoned for low-level, nonviolent crimes. People cant get work when they parole because of stigma, assuring their remaining in poverty. The spiral continues. You, people of faith, should be on the front lines of social change. As I said first time around, pious words in favor of slow change are not enough and are contrary to what you stand for. Actually, Dr. King would want each of us on the front lines. His message today, I am sure, would be something like, Forget about singing my praises. Get to work. Honor me by rolling up your sleeves and doing the justice work I believed in. The people need you. James C. Harrington is a human rights lawyer in Austin and the founder and director emeritus of the Texas Civil Rights Project. Read or Share this story: https://www.caller.com/story/opinion/2019/01/19/what-would-martin-luther-king-jr-say-today/2618693002/ | https://www.caller.com/story/opinion/2019/01/19/what-would-martin-luther-king-jr-say-today/2618693002/ |
What are all Jenkins functionalities ? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. In our last blog, we went through Jenkins Basics and its installation. In this blog, we will go deep into the functionalities and understand all the different features of Jenkins. Lets get started. Working of Jenkins Developers make commits in the source code . Jenkins polls and detects code at every interval. If there are any commits, Jenkins will start the build using any of the build tools integrated into the code. If the build is successful, Jenkins deploys it to the test server. If not, then it notifies the developers. After building, Jenkins generated the feedback report and send it to QA. Jenkins polls the source code repository for any new commits and follows the same process which is Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery. Jenkins Dashboard Jenkins Dashboard is the home page of Jenkins. It consists of all the major functions which are required for Jenkins administration and uses. On the left-hand side, you will have the navigation menu. We will understand what all these are used for. New Item New Item Anything new in Jenkins is created using this option. The resource can be a Freestyle project, Maven project, a Folder, a Multi-Configuration project, etc. Many other items can be added by installing plugins. People This section includes all the known users, including their login identities. Build History This contains the history of each and every build with a display graph. You can even export the data a plain XML file Manage Jenkins This is one of the most important parts of Jenkins where all the configurations are set up. These settings can be Tool configuration, Plugins Management, System logs, User Management, etc. We will discuss deep into this in the later part of our blog. My views / New View This part is project specific. If you have a project which contains more than one job. In this case, you can create your own view where you can view only those jobs which you want to. There are so many views available and can be installed as a plugin from Manage Plugins section inside Manage Jenkins. Credentials This part of Jenkins contains all the credentials which are used in the jobs. We can save the credentials at one place securely and can use it in any of the jobs. Build Queue Build queue shows the list of builds queued in Jenkins. Manage Jenkins All the Jenkins configurations are made here. After clicking on Manage Jenkins from the Menu on the left side of the Jenkins Dashboard, we can see all these options. Configure System Configure System This section is used to configure all the paths and URL for each and every tools integration in Jenkins. These include Jenkins URL, Email Notification, etc. Configure Global Security It secures Jenkins and restricts the traffic on Jenkins. We can configure who can use Jenkins from this settings. There are different types of security standards like LDAP sync, UNIX user/group access or through APIs. Configure Credentials It provides the configuration for credentials providers and types. Manage Plugins This part of the configuration is used to install, remove, disable or enable plugins to integrate different 3rd party tools to Jenkins. We will see more on it as a practice session in our future blogs. Jenkins CLI You can access all your Jenkins features from a script or from Command Line using Jenkins CLI. Script Console This screen lets you run Groovy scripts on the server. It is useful for advanced troubleshooting and requires knowledge of entire Jenkins architecture. Manage Nodes It manages (add, delete, control) various nodes for which Jenkins is the master. This part is generally used when we have Jenkins Master-Slave setup. To learn more about Jenkins-Master Slave setup, click here. Manage Users This is used to create, delete and modify the users who have access to Jenkins. When integrated to LDAP, you can configure groups and assign users to them. You can set the group as well as project level policies. Restart your Jenkins We face certain times when we need to restart Jenkins. Sometimes when we update Jenkins or sometimes when we install plugins which need a restart. There are mainly two ways to restart Jenkins. From the CLI where Jenkins is installed. You need to restart the Jenkins service from server-level. Just add restart to the end of your Jenkins URL and hit it. For Ex. http://<ip-address>:8080/restart Conclusion We have gone through Jenkins Basics, Jenkins Installation and now more on Jenkins Features and functionalities. In our next blog, we will create our first job and go deep in installing plugins and integrating different tools. Stay tuned with linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/deep-dive-into-jenkins-what-are-all-jenkins-functionalities/ |
What is TeamCity and what are its benefits ? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. In this blog, we are going to know about TeamCity, its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and its comparison with other tools. TeamCity comes under Continuous Integration (CI) tools and gives competition to the tools like Jenkins and Bamboo. If you want to know more about CI-CD, click here. Lets get started. Teamcity is Continuous Integration tool written in Java language which supports building and deploying different types of projects, established by Jet brains. It is a commercial tool and licensed under a proprietary license, Freemium software license up to 100 build configurations and 3 free build agents are available. Features of TeamCity It provides several ways to reuse the settings of the parent project to subproject. For a single build Teamcity can take source code from two different VCS. It can also detect builds which are hung. For easy access you can mark build. We can run parallel builds simultaneously on different environments. Formatted text can be set for Build status which makes server to perform some actions. You can build docker images in separate step with the extension to other runners (Gradle, Maven, etc). Testers can be replaced with agents. Architecture of TeamCity TeamCity used distributed grid architecture. It means TeamCity build system comprises of the server and Build Agents which runs the builds. Build Agent is the software which actually executes the build process. It is installed and configured in the TeamCity server. It is recommended to install the agents to the different machine for increasing the system performance. TeamCity Server job is to monitor all the builds and the status of the agents too. Teamcity Terminology Build Agent : This is called the engine of TeamCity. It is configured in the Teamcity server, used to build and test the project. Teamcity server : It is the place where all the configuration required for the project is done. Build Queue : It is the place where you can see list of triggered builds. Build : It refers to the process of creation of software/application version. Build Artifacts : Results of build are stored here, it may be in the format of Zip, War, etc. Project : It is like parent or represent one software/application which contain single or multiple child (codes/Application/sub-projects). Build Configuration : It is the combinations of settings used for build, which can be source control, artifacts, deployment, etc. Build step : The steps used to build a project. These acts as a task in a TeamCity project. Build trigger: It is the part which defines when build should be triggered. It can be scheduled or automated. Comparison between TeamCity, Bamboo and Jenkins Teamcity Jenkins Bamboo Commercial Open-Source Commercial Easy to setup and UI is attractive Easy to setup but UI is too ancient. Easy to setup but UI is not attractive Less plugins More plugins Less plugins Higher integration than bamboo less than jenkins Higher in integrations Lower in integrations Jet Brains Sun-micro system Atlassian Freemium after that $299 per year Free of cost Most expensive Professional Support and user community support Contributors support Professional Support and user community support Advantages of TeamCity Server can be in one operating system and agents can be in different. Based upon our setting it can automatically triggers the build once developer commit. Running on server and viewing results on web page. You can Test your change without committing into the VCS. If build fails it shows where it got broke and even report for the builds which are hung. There are so many plugins available for TeamCity which makes the integration with other services a bit better. There is an all-around customer support for TeamCity under commercial license. Disadvantages of TeamCity Upgrading from one version to another causes a lot of work to be done. Teamcity is not open source after 3 agents and 100 builds user need to take license and to be paid. The user community for TeamCity is very less as compared to other CI tools in the market. Conclusion TeamCity is a powerful tool and best for building .net projects. The server-agent architecture provides extra flexibility on the server. If the task or project is small, it is better to choose Teamcity in freemium where you can explore and learn how it works. Though it is not as reliable as the other tools like Jenkins but with this cost and features, it is a good-to-go application for Continuous Integration. In this blog, we discussed about the basics of the TeamCity and to learn more about the installation and configuration of TeamCity, click here. To go more deep on all the functionalities of TeamCity, click here. Stay tuned with linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-is-teamcity-and-what-are-its-benefits/ |
What are different Maven Plugins and how to build a Maven project? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. In our last blogs, we went through the basics of Maven (click here), the functionalities, characteristics, and usage. We even went deep into POM and Maven directory structure (click here). In this blog, we will go through the installation, configuration and the life cycle of build through Maven. Maven Build Lifecycle Phrases The sequence of steps which is defined in order to execute the tasks and goals of any maven project is known as lifecycle in Maven. The following list shows the most important Maven lifecycle phases: validate checks the correctness of the project compile Compiles the provided source code into binary artifacts test executes unit tests package packages compiled code into an archive file integration-test executes additional tests, which require the packaging verify checks if the package is valid install installs the package file into the local Maven repository deploy deploys the package file to a remote server or repository Maven Plugins Maven is actually a plugin execution framework where each and every task is executed with the help of plugins. Maven plugins are used to do the below tasks. create jar file create war file compile code files unit testing of code create project documentation create project reports The execution of the plugins has the following syntax. mvn [plugin-name]:[goal-name] Maven Plugin Types Maven has basically two types of plugins. Build Plugins: They execute during the build process and are configured in the <build/> element of pom.xml. Reporting plugins: They execute during the site generation process and they should be configured in the <reporting/> element of the pom.xml. Below is the list of some common plugin: Clean: Cleans up target after the build. Deletes the target directory. Compiler: Compiles Java source files. Surefire: Runs the JUnit unit tests. Creates test reports. Jar: Builds a JAR file from the current project. War: Builds a WAR file from the current project. Javadoc: Generates Javadoc for the project. Antrun: Runs a set of ant tasks from any phase mentioned of the build. Installing and Configuring Maven Here we have used Ubuntu 16.04 LTS version of Operation System where we are going to install and configure Maven. Step 1 Installing Java: Since Maven is written in Java. You need to install Java first. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer Check Java installation by checking its version. java -version Step 2 Setting up Java Home path. (JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-8-oracle) sudo nano /etc/environment source /etc/environment To check Java Home, execute the below command. echo $JAVA_HOME Step 3 Installing Maven: Now its the time to install Maven. sudo apt-get install maven Check Maven installation by the following command. mvn version Step 4 Setting up of Maven Path M2_HOME=/usr/share/maven PATH=${M2_HOME}/bin:${PATH} sudo vi /etc/environment source /etc/environment To check Maven Home. echo $M2_HOME Building a Maven Project This is a simple demonstration application used in the Jenkins: The Definitive Guide book. In this part, we are taking a Maven project hosted in a version control (https://github.com/iankesh/game-of-life). We are going to build it and check the build artifact. Step 1 Clone a maven project from a version control. git clone https://github.com/iankesh/game-of-life Step 2 We are now going to build it using maven commands. The application is a very simple online version of Conways game of life. The project is a simple multi-module Maven project. To build the whole project, just run mvn install from the root directory. mvn install Logs: [INFO] Installing /root/game-of-life/gameoflife-web/target/gameoflife.war to /root/.m2/repository/com/wakaleo/gameoflife/gameoflife-web/1.0-SNAPSHOT/gameoflife-web-1.0-SNAPSHOT.war [INFO] Installing /root/game-of-life/gameoflife-web/pom.xml to /root/.m2/repository/com/wakaleo/gameoflife/gameoflife-web/1.0-SNAPSHOT/gameoflife-web-1.0-SNAPSHOT.pom Step 3 This install will create a directory named target inside gameoflife-web where it saves the build artifacts. We can check the build artifact gameoflife.war in the directory target. If you want to deploy the application, we can take this war file and deploy to any of the web servlets. Step 4 If we want to clean the build, we need to run mvn clean. This will delete the target directory inside gameoflife-web. mvn clean If we want to delete the old build and also install it again, we need to do both with the same command. mvn clean install Conclusion Maven is a very powerful build tool specially created to build Java projects. In this blog, we went through the installation, configuration of Maven and the life cycle of build through Maven. We have even gone through Maven basics which can be found here. The characteristics and functionalities of Maven can be found here. Stay tuned with us at linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-are-different-maven-plugins-and-how-to-build-a-maven-project/ |
What are the Top Version Control Systems? | A Version Control System (VSC) is a software tool used by programmers to manage the source codes. VCS is used to give versions/revisions to the program. Each version is given a timestamp and includes the person responsible for the change. Even various versions can be compared and merged with other versions. This is why SCM is also referred to Version Control, Revision Control or Source Control. To know more about Version Control, click here. In this blog, we are going to see the top version control tools as per their functionalities and usage in all segments. So, lets start with it. GIT Git is a version control system for tracking changes in computer files and working on those files among multiple people. Its working style differs from both SVN and CVS. The primary objective of Git was to provide higher speed. It was developed by Linux and has the highest speed there. It is written in C, Shell, Perl, TCL, and Python. Git was working on UNIX systems as well as a software in Windows systems too. As it doesnt have the server-client concept, so it was not bounded with a single developer or organization. The Git also comes with a variety of tools to work on including branching and merging. Developer: Linus Torvalds Website: https://git-scm.com Pros: Highest speed. Distributed peer-to-peer model. Code changes can be very easily and clearly tracked. Cons: Limited windows support as compared to Linux. Has issues with huge code trees. Concurrent Versions System (CVS) CVS has been in this industry since the 90s and has been very popular with both commercial and open-source developers. It is released under the GNU license and uses a system to let developers check out and check in the code they are working. It is written in C language. The CVS server runs on the UNIX systems with the client software that runs on multiple operating systems. It is known to be the most mature version control system because it was developed a long time back and has been in the community longer than any other competitor. A fork from CVS was done and named CVSNT to run on Windows servers and now it is being developed and more functionalities are getting added. Developer: The CVS Team Website: http://savannah.nongnu.org/projects/cvs Pros: Has been in use for the most years in the industry and is considered as a mature version control system. Excellent cross-platform support. Support from vast CVS community. Cons: Branch operations are expensive. Moving or renaming files doesnt include version update. Does not support atomic check-outs and commits. Apache Subversion (SVN) SVN was created as an alternative to CVS with the aim to fix some of its bugs and make it more reliable to use. It is a free and open source software under Apache license. Many developers have moved to SVN as it is the newer technology and had more features than CVS. It is written in C language. To prevent the database from being corrupted, SVN has a concept of atomic operations. Either all of the changes made to the source code are applied or none are applied which means there are no partial changes which can break the system. Developer: Apache Software Foundation Website: https://subversion.apache.org/ Pros: Most popular VCS. Includes atomic operations. The benefit of a good GUI. Simple. Cons: Requires a network connection for almost all commands. Branching and Merging are tough. Does not store the modification time of files. Slower speed. Mercurial Mercurial was introduced close to Git and is also a distributed peer-to-peer system. It competed with Git but did not become much famous. It is written majorly in Python and some small sections in C Language. Due to its distributed nature and written in Python, Python developers started using it. It also had taken a step to migrate the user from version control system such as SVN. It is a command line driven system but GUI is available with the installation of Plugins. Developer: Matt Mackall Website: https://www.mercurial-scm.org/ Pros: Migrating from Version control is easy. Better documentation available. Distributed model. Easy to extend with python knowledge. Cons: Only Command Line system and no official GUI. All the add-ons must be written in Python. Partial checkouts are not allowed. Bazaar Similar to Git and Mercurial, Bazaar is a distributed version control system which also provides a great user-friendly experience. Bazaar is written in Python programming language and provides packages for Windows, Linux and Mac OS. It is a free software and a part of GNU license. Bazaar commands are similar to SVN or CVS. Bazaar supports working with or without a central server. It also provides free hosting services through the websites Launchpad and Sourceforge. Developer: Canonical and community Website: http://bazaar.canonical.com/ Pros: Distributed as well as a server-client model. Detailed access. Best UI among all platforms. Easy to learn for people coming from SVN. Cons: Slowest DVCS around. Smaller userbase. Does not support partial checkout/clone. Team Foundation Server TFS, an acronym for Team Foundation Server is a version control product by Microsoft. It is based on the Server-Client, distributed repository model and has a proprietary license. It can also be used as a backend for several IDEs. It is available in two different forms, on-premises and also online known as VSTS (Visual Studio Team Server). Developer: Microsoft Website: www.visualstudio.com/tfs Pros: Easy administration, familiar interface and tight integration with other Microsoft products. Allows Continuous Integration. Great branching and merging strategies. Great support from the community. Cons: Connection to the central repository is always required. Slow in performing check-ins and branching operations. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-are-the-top-version-control-systems/ |
What is Maven and what are its benefits? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. We are here to learn about a build tool called Maven. In this blog, we will go through Maven basics, its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, Maven POM and its comparison to other tools. Maven is a project management and comprehension tool written in Java language that provides developers a complete build lifecycle. It is mainly used for Java projects based on the Project object model (POM). It builds, reports and document from the information present in POM. It helps developers to automate the builds, creating reports and test automation steps. Maven provides developers to manage the following: Builds Documentation Reporting Dependencies SCMs Releases Distribution Mailing list Maven Evolution Maven was originally designed to build projects for Jakarta Turbine project. There were several projects and each project was built with a slightly different build file. Apache group then built Maven which can build multiple projects together and publish the jar/war files locally or across different tools. Maven System Requirement Maven is a Java-based tool so the basic requirement is Java. JDK 1.7 or above Memory No min. requirement Disk Space No min. requirement Operating System Almost all the Operating Systems Features of Maven Immediate access to new features in a small amount of time or no time. It is able to build any number of projects which has predefined outputs such as war, jar. Integration with VCS is not a tough task. It allows users to reuse JARs from projects. It is easy to migrate for new features of Maven. Using the metadata, it can generate pdf or websites. One big advantage is parallel builds. Easy to write plugins in JAVA or any scripting languages. It has very good error reporting mechanism. The Maven wiki is the place where you can get the solution for all your issues. POM stands for Project Object Module. It is a fundamental unit in Maven which is written in XML and symbolizes as pom.xml. POM contains the information about the project and various configuration oh how the project has to be built by Maven. POM also contains the goals, dependencies, and plugins. While executing a maven build, Maven searches for a POM in the parent directory of the project which can be linked to different other POMs for different applications associated with it. These are called Parent and Child POMs (We will discuss this in our future blogs). Configuration details included in POM are mentioned below: Project dependencies Build profiles Project version Mailing list Goals Plugins Developers Note: There should only be a single POM file for each project. Below is an example of the POM files. <project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0" http://maven.apache.org/xsd/maven-4.0.0.xsd> <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion> <groupId>org.codehaus.mojo</groupId> <artifactId>my-project</artifactId> <version>1.0</version> <packaging>jar</packaging> </project> (Refer for a complete POM example https://github.com/iankesh/game-of-life/blob/master/pom.xml) Maven benefit to Developers Maven helps developers to create Java-based projects more easily. They can add features to their projects in a more flexible way and even downloads the project dependency automatically. Below are some of the popular IDEs supporting development with Maven. Eclipse IntelliJ IDEA JBuilder NetBeans MyEclipse Advantages of Maven Multiple builds at the same time. Once your project is able to build, it can be re-build on a different machine i.e. repeatable on the build servers. The build system is standardized. If anybody knows about maven, they can easily build. There are thousands of plugins to carry out various goals. These are configured just by adding a reference to POM. Minimal setup or configuration is required to build artifacts. Disadvantages of Maven Maven is variable. It is relaxed. Repositories of Library are not always safe. Learning Maven is lengthy as compared to ANT. Differences between Maven, Gradle, and Ant Ant Maven Gradle Released in 2000 Released in 2004 Released in 2012 Build Script is in XML format i.e Build.xml Build script is in XML format i.e; POM.xml Build script is in DSL format i.e; Build.gradle Compile the code by running ant compile Compile the code by running maven compile Compile the code by running gradle classes. Run tasks to create jar: ant jar Run tasks to create jar: mvn package Run tasks to create jar: grade tasks all Conclusion Maven is an automation building tool. In this blog, we went through the Maven basics and understood its features. For beginners, Maven is a very good build tool which is easy to understand and contains Central repo called Maven repository, you just need to mention dependencies and it will pull them from the central repo. In the next blog, we will go deep into Maven functionalities, commands, goals and even build a maven project. Stay tuned with linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-is-maven-and-what-are-its-benefits/ |
What are the different ways to install Jenkins ? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. In this blog, we are going to see all the possible ways of installing Jenkins. We will go through the steps of installation and configure Jenkins once it is setup. If you want to go through the Jenkins basics, click here and If you want to go deep into the Jenkins functionalities, click here. Jenkins Installation Jenkins can be installed on different platforms (such as Linux, Windows, etc) and set-up in different ways. As a jar file deployed using Java. As a repository in Linux environments. As a war file deployed to a Servlet such as Apache Tomcat. As a Docker container either locally or on a public or private cloud. As a SAAS hosted by the companies like Cloudbees, Azure, etc. 1. Jenkins installation as a jar file deployed using Java Step 1: Java Installation Here we are using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. First of all, Java should be installed on to the server and Java Home should be set. Step 2: We need to download jenkins.war file from https://jenkins.io/download/ and choose the Long Term Support (LTS) version for downloads. wget http://mirrors.jenkins.io/war-stable/latest/jenkins.war Step 3: Unpack the war file and install Jenkins using the below command. java jar jenkins.war Step 4: Once Jenkins is installed, we need to hit the URL http://<ip-address>:8080 to go to the Jenkins UI. 2. Jenkins installed as a repository in Linux environments Step 1: Java Installation Here we are using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. First of all, Java should be installed on to the server and Java Home should be set (as shown above). Step 2: Add the Jenkins repository to your system using the below commands: wget -q -O - https://pkg.jenkins.io/debian/jenkins-ci.org.key | sudo apt-key add echo deb https://pkg.jenkins.io/debian-stable binary/ | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jenkins.list Step 3: Once the repository is added, update the system and install Jenkins. sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install Jenkins Step 4: Now start Jenkins service with the command. sudo systemctl start Jenkins To check the status of Jenkins service, use sudo systemctl status jenkins Step 5: Now go to the Jenkins UI using the URL http://<ip-address>:8080. 3. Jenkins installation as a war file deployed to a Servlet such as Apache Tomcat Step 1: Java Installation Here we are using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. First of all, Java should be installed on to the server and Java Home should be set (as shown above). Step 2: We need to install Apache Tomcat first. So, we need to download the Tomcat package to our server. wget https://archive.apache.org/dist/tomcat/tomcat-8/v8.5.35/bin/apache-tomcat-8.5.35.tar.gz Step 3: Untar the Tomcat archive. tar -xzvf apache-tomcat-8.5.35.tar.gz Step 4: Now go to the Tomcat directory, webapps subdirectory and download jenkins.war file inside it. cd apache-tomcat-8.5.35/webapps/ wget http://mirrors.jenkins.io/war-stable/latest/jenkins.war Step 5: Now come back to bin subdirectory and start tomcat servlet by running the script startup.sh. cd ../bin/ ./startup.sh Step 6: Now go to the web browser and hit the URL http://<ip-addresss>:8080/jenkins to go to the Jenkins setup. Jenkins UI Setup After the above steps to install Jenkins, there are certain steps for Jenkins UI setup which are common for all the installation methods. So the below steps should be followed after Jenkins Installation. Step 1: After you open the Jenkins URL, you can see the below page which will prompt you to put the password. Step 2: Copy the password from /home/linuxnix/.jenkins/secrets/initialAdminPassword and paste it in the page. cat /home/linuxnix/.jenkins/secrets/initialAdminPassword Step 3: After providing the password, it will ask to install the suggested plugins or the selected ones if you have some requirements. Even if you select Install Suggested Plugins, you can still install the plugins later. Step 4: After the plugins are installed, Jenkins will ask you to create an admin user and set the instance configuration. Step 5: And your Jenkins is ready to be used. Click on Start using Jenkins and you can see the Jenkins Dashboard. Conclusion In this blog we went through the three most common way of installing and configuring Jenkins. The fourth way is using containers where you can write a Dockerfile or use the pre-defined Jenkins image from the Docker Hub. The fifth way is to install Jenkins as a service provides as a SAAS provided by the vendors like Cloudbees, Azure, etc. We will discuss about these two ways in our future blogs. Stay tuned with linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-are-the-different-ways-to-install-jenkins/ |
What is a Maven POM File and what are different Maven Repositories? | Welcome to linuxnix.com. We have already covered the basics about Maven. In this blog, we are going to know more about it. We will focus on the types of Maven repositories, deep into POM, how Maven works, etc. If you want to understand the basics of Maven, click here. Maven Overview Super POM The Super POM is the Mavens default POM which is also called as Parent POM or Base POM. This is usually placed on the root directory of the project and there can be multiple subprojects which can have multiple POMs. These POMs from the subprojects are called Child POMs. An easy way to look at the default configurations of the super POM is by running the following command. mvn help:effective-pom The minimum requirement for POM There are few minimal requirements for POM without which Maven cannot parse POM while building. Project root Model Version GroupId ArtifactId Version Maven uses the configuration from Super POM plus project configuration to execute the task. It runs sensible default behavior for projects, when the project is created it creates default structure. Developers are required only to place files in the respective location and no need to define any configuration in POM.xml. Below shows the default path: Source code: <project-location>/src/main/java Resources: <project-location>/src/main/resources Tests: <project-location>/src/test Complied byte code: <project-location>/target Distribution JAR: <project-location>/target/classes. Maven Directory Structure The directory structure of an ideal Maven project has the following directory entries: Directory name Purpose project home Contains the pom.xml and all subdirectories. src/main/java Contains the deliverable Java source code for the project. src/main/resources Contains the deliverable resources for the project, such as property files. src/test/java Contains the testing Java source code (JUnit or TestNG test cases, for example) for the project. src/test/resources Contains resources necessary for testing. Maven Settings File Maven has two settings file. In these files, you can configure settings for Maven across all Maven POM files. For instance, you can configure the location of the local repository, the active build profile, etc. The setting files are settings.xml and are located in these two locations: The Maven installation directory: $M2_HOME/conf/settings.xml The users home directory: ${user.home}/.m2/settings.xml The files are optional. If both files are present, the values in the users home setting file override the value in Maven installation settings file. Maven Repositories For Maven to download required artifacts of the build, dependencies and other plugins which are configured as the part of the project, there should be a commonplace. This common shared area is called Maven Repository. Maven has mainly three types of repositories. Local repository Central repository Remote repository Maven searches all these three repositories for dependencies in the above sequence. First in the local repository, then in the central repository and finally in the remote repository, if specified in the POM. Maven Local Repository The Local repository is the directory on the developers computer. This directory contains all the dependencies Maven downloads. The same maven repository is used for several different projects. The Maven just need to download the dependency once. By default, maven keeps the local repository under user-home/.m2 directory. The path can be changed by changing the configuration of the settings file. Below is an example. <settings> <localRepository> D:\data\java\products\maven\repository </localRepository> </settings> Maven Remote Repository This repository is situated on the web server from which Maven can download dependencies. It can be located anywhere on the internet or inside a local network. This repository is often used to host projects internal to your organization, which are shared by multiple projects. Even common security policies can be implemented across the organization which can be shared by multiple projects. It can be hosted in a private network where the developers form an organization will only have the access to use it. Maven Central Repository The Maven Central repository is the repositories provided by the Maven community. By default, Maven searches the dependencies in the local repository. When not found, it searches it in the Central repository. You dont need any special configuration to access Central repository. Many developers use the predefined dependency from here and even contribute back to the community. Conclusion So, In this blog, we went deeper into Maven and understood various part of Maven and their functionalities. In our next blog, we will go deep into some practical sets where we will undergo the installation, the life cycle of maven build and all the Maven commands. If you wish to go through the Maven basics, click here. Stay tuned with linuxnix.com. | https://www.linuxnix.com/what-is-a-maven-pom-file-and-what-are-different-maven-repositories/ |
Is Southern Company a Buy? | If you look into giant U.S. utility The Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the first things you'll read about it is the troubles it has had building the Vogtle nuclear power plant. It's been an expensive and contentious process trying to get the project done, and it's still a few years away from completion. But that's a small part of Southern Company's business, and the stock's hefty 5.1% yield is probably worth the risk for investors willing to take on some near-term uncertainty. Here's why Southern Company is a buy for income investors despite all the bad press. About that nuclear power plant Vogtle is actually two projects in one, with the first nuclear reactor projected to be in service in 2021 and the second following in 2022. There's no way to candy coat it -- the project is behind schedule, and materially over budget. The company's original contractor, Westinghouse, even went bankrupt along the way. Shareholders have taken a hit, too, with a number of one-time charges related directly to Vogtle. The most recent charge of $1.1 billion was taken in the second quarter. In short, it has been a rough ride. Nuclear power plants with steam rising from them More Image source: Getty Images All of that said, Southern has stepped in and taken greater control of the Vogtle project. That should help ensure a smoother process from here on out. And it has also agreed to take on additional costs if there are further overruns. So at this point, there is little question of this project getting done -- it's just a matter of when. Nuclear power plants of the same design, meanwhile, have successfully started up in China, suggesting that the technology that Southern is betting on is sound. So the Vogtle issue is far from ideal, but it looks like Southern is muddling through. Eventually, this too shall pass. When the reactors are finally up and running Southern will have two carbon-fee power plants to operate for decades into the future. And while investors are worried about this project, the stock is offering up one of the highest yields in the utility space. The rest of Southern The thing is, aside from Vogtle, Southern Company is a pretty boring utility. It owns eight regulated electric and natural gas utilities serving around nine million customers, largely in the southeastern United States. It also has a renewable merchant power businesses and long-haul transmission assets with revenues backed by long-term contracts. These are very stable operations that Southern has a long history of running very well. | https://news.yahoo.com/southern-company-buy-135600684.html |
Will Cannabis Products Drive Shoppers to DSWs Stores? | Last fall footwear retailer DSW (NYSE: DSW) tested out sales of Green Growth Brands' Seventh Sense CBD-infused muscle balms, body lotions, body washes, and foot creams at ten of its stores. CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana which treats pain. DSW stated that 74% of Seventh Sense's products that were placed on its shelves were sold. Based on that strong initial demand, DSW plans to sell nearly 55,000 more units of Seventh Sense's CBD products across 96 of its 515 U.S. stores. The recent passage of a U.S. farm bill legalizing CBD derived from hemp allows retailers like DSW to test out sales of new CBD products in their stores. A marijuana leaf on a table. More Image source: Getty Images. DSW CEO Roger Rawlins cited North America's "widespread adoption" of CBD-infused products as an example of shifting consumer behavior across the retail industry. DSW doesn't need CBD to survive In recent years DSW struggled against tough competition from bigger retailers and e-tailers, the bankruptcies of major footwear retailers, and top footwear brands launching their own brick-and-mortar stores and direct-to-consumer channels. DSW tried to offset that slowdown with acquisitions, but many of those purchases failed to generate sustainable returns. DSW realized that it needed to streamline its business to survive. It divested weaker subsidiaries like the e-commerce site EBuys, the footwear chain Gordmans, and Town Shoes' namesake brand (but retained its Shoe Company and Shoe Warehouse stores). It renovated its stores, offered a wider selection of shoes, and tested out shoe repair, manicure, and pedicure services at several locations to bring in more shoppers. A woman shops for shoes. More Image source: Getty Images. DSW also expanded its e-commerce ecosystem and loyalty program, which now reaches over 25 million members. All those efforts clearly paid off over the past year, as its comps growth accelerated and its gross margins expanded. Q4 2017 Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Comps growth 1.3% 2.2% 9.7% 7.3% Gross margin 26.5% 28.9% 32.1% 32.6% Operating margin 4.7% 5.4% 3.1% 6.4% Source: DSW quarterly reports. DSW's growth is especially remarkable compared to that of its industry peers. In their most recent quarters, Shoe Carnival's (NASDAQ: SCVL) comps rose 4.5% with a gross margin of 30.2%, while Foot Locker (NYSE: FL) reported 2.9% comps growth with a gross margin of 31.6%. Analysts also have a much rosier outlook for DSW than Shoe Carnival or Foot Locker. | https://news.yahoo.com/cannabis-products-drive-shoppers-dsw-131600718.html |
When is The Big Bang Theory series 12 back and how many episodes are left? | Get ready to say goodbye to The Big Bang Theory (Picture: CBS) The Big Bang Theory is due to wrap filming for good in just over a month, as we prepare to say goodbye to the show after the 12th season ends. As is the case with most US TV shows, the final series of The Big Bang Theory is now on a mid-season break. The show is currently airing its 12th and last season, with the final episode before the break airing on E4 in mid-December of last year. The cast of The Big Bang Theory have been bidding farewell to their characters in a string of videos, and its been emotional, with Kaley Cuoco going as far as calling Penny the greatest character Ill ever play in my whole life. Advertisement Advertisement Its not been confirmed when the show will return to the UK on E4 after this break, but its expected to be as late as February 2019. Given that the break started after the tenth episode of the season, titled The VCR Illumination, it means fans still have another 14 episodes to go after the break ends as there are 24 episodes in the final season. The final episode is not due to air in the UK until May 2019, although we still dont have a set date for it. Metro.co.uk has contacted E4 to see if they can shed any light on the matter. For now though, we can carry on relatively safe in the knowledge that theres still a long way to go before season 12 ends. Phew. The series has had more seasons than Friends. (Picture: CBS) Having kicked off in September 2007, The Big Bang Theory has proven to be a cult hit, even producing two further series than its sitcom predecessor Friends did. The hit CBS sitcom aired on Thursday nights in the US and UK, with American audiences four weeks ahead of British fans. In fact, if you lived in the states, youd have been able to catch episode 13 on 17 January, because the mid-season break for them ended in early January. Lucky devils. Johnny Galecki revealed few details, but hinted that it will be an emotional affair, when he spoke to News.com.au. Advertisement Advertisement I just dont know. The last episode is something that weve talked about for many, many years and theres many variations and options, he said. I just hope whatever were doing in that last episode it justifies the characters all crying because I know the cast will be. "We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the shows success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring #TheBigBangTheory to an epic creative close. -Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) August 22, 2018 Showrunner Steve Holland addressed the prospect of a death in the finale when speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. Weve dealt with the death of Wolowitzs mother, he said. So, sure, those things are possibilities, but when we get down to the finale and nothing is set in stone since we havent written it yet but the DNA of the show is a happy, positive, loving show and I dont think it would feel right to leave this show on a downer note. Our goal is to make a really strong, really funny season, and then also find a way to end it in a way that seems satisfying, he added. If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Big Bang Theory welcomes Sean Astin in first look to give Amy and Sheldon a huge dilemna before finale MORE: Big Bang Theorys cast unite at Critics Choice Awards to honour show creator Chuck Lorre | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/when-is-the-big-bang-theory-series-12-returning-to-the-uk-and-how-many-episodes-are-left-8362678/ |
What is Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's net worth as they 'leave the Cotswolds'? | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have more than a few pennies to rub together (Picture: Getty) With the reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are leaving their beloved Cotswold bolthole behind as they are struggling to fund two properties, it has raised the question of what their net worth is. Police appeal for two 'dangerous' men in connection with New Year's murder The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took on a two-year lease on their stunning 2,500,000 former farmhouse in the heart of the English countryside just before their May 2018 wedding. They have spent many weekends there entertaining their famous friends and enjoying the sanctuary away from London. However, its claimed that they will be leaving their farmhouse a year early due to the high cost of renovating their new home at Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate. It is undergoing major refurbishment ahead of the birth of their first child this April. Frogmore Cottage, on the Windsor Estate will soon be home to the Sussexes Harry and Meghan during their Australian tour (Picture: Getty Images) It is not known if they will move into Frogmore Cottage while renovation work is ongoing, or if they will stay at their London pad, Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace until their Windsor home is complete. Advertisement Advertisement If the reports are true and they cannot afford both properties, it begs the question of what their combined net worth is. Born 4 August 1981, Meghan grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her dad worked in the TV circuit, which is why Meghan and after she eventually ended up playing the lead female in US TV drama Suits for seven years. Its her relationship with Harry which really propelled her to the spotlight. Meghan and Harrys romance has had the world on tenterhooks since it was first confirmed they were dating in November 2016 with the now infamous statement from Harry. Meghan and Harry are expecting their first child together (Picture: PA) The pair Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37 had been dating since July 2016, keeping things discreet for four months. One year after they confirmed they were serious, their engagement was then announced on 27 November 2017. Meghan and Harry married at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday 19 May. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex emerge from the West Door of St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle (Picture: WPA Rota) The couples romance first hit headlines in November 2016 (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) But while Meghan whose real name is Rachel Meghan Markle might have given up her role on Suits to move to London to live with her Prince, she was famous in her own right long before he came into her life. Advertisement Advertisement Meghans first appearance on screen was in the background of an episode of General Hospital. Other small roles for Markle, who, at 5ft 6, Meghan is shorter than her Prince, who is 6ft 1 tall, included in CSI: NY, The War At Home and Century City. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been dating since July 2016 (Picture: Getty Images) While she was a jobbing actress, she worked as a freelance calligrapher to keep the money coming in. During this time she wrote the wedding invites for Paula Patton and Robin Thickes 2005 nuptials. Other roles that came included Love, Inc, Knight Rider, Without a Trace, The League, Castle, Get Him To The Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Somewhat more notable roles came when she was filmed in a scene for 90210 in which her character had to give one of the lead characters oral sex, when she was a Deal Or No Deal briefcase girl and then when she was a temporary burger griller for Mens Health. In 2015, she wrote: I wasnt black enough for the black roles and I wasnt white enough for the white ones, leaving me somewhere in the middle as the ethnic chameleon who couldnt book a job. Advertisement It was in 2011 when she landed the role of Rachel Zane in the USA Network show Suits. She stayed on Suits until the end of series seven, which finished filming at the end of 2017, airing at the start of 2018, when she quit the show to focus on her work as a royal wife. Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in the TV drama Suits (Picture: USA Network) Other projects include The Tig, which Markle ran from 2014 to 2017 when it was closed down. It was a lifestyle website and she coined the name from her favourite wine The Tignanello. According to Know Networth, Meghans net worth is around $7million (5m). It is, of course, a fraction of Prince Harrys net worth, which is believed to be around 34million. This makes their combined worth 39million. Harrys money comes from his inheritance from his mother, the late Diana, Princess Of Wales, following her death in 1997, as well as inheritance from the late Queen Mother and his work in the army. Meghan was previously married to film producer and talent manager Trevor Engelson. They married in September 2011 but divorced in May 2013. MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan to quit their 2,500,000 Cotswolds home within weeks MORE: Some people think they can see Princess Charlottes face in Meghan Markles knees | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/meghan-markle-prince-harrys-net-worth-leave-2-5million-cotswold-retreat-behind-8363052/ |
Do all those kids really 'like' eggs? Or do they just like fame? | Our family movie night was interrupted on Sunday by outbursts from the 12-year-old. "Mom! It's up to 21 million likes," he said. "Now 1,000 more," he cut in again. Dad paused the movie, exasperated. "Every time I refresh it, there are more likes! This is crazy!" the tween said. He was giddy. "The egg, you guys. The egg is famous." We rolled our eyes, shushed him and hit play. By Monday, everyone was talking about the Egg, the Instagram world-record holder for the most likes for a post. The Egg became the most-liked post since Kylie Jenner got 18.1 million likes last February for her baby announcement. That record was broken Sunday. By Monday morning, it was at 33 million likes, and growing. (The #EggGang has already announced that egg merch is coming soon.) There is a message in the Egg. And it's bigger than the fact that the tween is cooler than all of us. The Egg, if you haven't already heard, is nothing more than a photo of a lovely brown and slightly speckled specimen of poultry perfection that was uploaded by an account holder identified as the "#EggGang." Plain as it is, the Egg offers an excellent lesson about the pursuit and celebration of Internet fame. It used to be that when you asked kids what they want to be when they grow up, you'd hear "astronaut" or "ballerina" or "doctor" or "president." You might even hear "rich." Now, too often, we get a different answer: "Famous." And they don't mean Jonas Salk famous. They mean Logan Paul famous. (Paul's one of the kings of the dopey YouTube stars. Imagine Shaggy with his own reality show - sans adorable Scooby - who finally got called out on his stunts when he made a big joke of Japan's suicide forest and the body of a man who had just killed himself there.) That's what professors Yalda T. Uhls and Patricia Greenfield at the University of Los Angeles heard most often in the studies they did starting in 2007. When they talked to kids in fourth through sixth grade, 40 percent of the students chose fame as the top value from a list of personal goals that included a sense of community, financial success, benevolence and achievement. A recent Pew Research study found that 37 percent of teens said one of the big negatives of their social media lives is feeling the pressure to get likes on the things they post. There it is - popularity, by the numbers. I see it in my 12-year-old's little squad. They have a small circle on social media. One of them has his own YouTube channel, they all have Instagram accounts and they interact ferociously. If YouTube kid's post doesn't get a lot of likes, he gets burned. His mom stepped in after he posted a video climbing out of his bedroom window onto the roof. (Got a lot of likes, though.) My own child absolutely sparkles when he gets a lot of likes for a picture that he posts, from goofy snaps of the dog, to food, to fishing with his uncle. His current record is a short and ill-advised video of him riding an office chair down the ramp of a parking garage. And you can see how easily they can go from dog pictures to driving while blindfolded a la the Bird Box challenge. On one hand, it's the need for affirmation alongside another form of socialization, the digital version of those ridiculous tween conversations we all had about boys, girls, Jellies, Doom or cherry-flavored Pez. On the other, the desire to be famous has made us more isolated and insulated and made all those interactions a lot less genuine. My tween and his friends were all aboard the Egg frenzy. And I asked him why they all liked the Egg. "I don't think it was about the Egg at all," he said. "It was just funny to like something like an egg." "What is there to like about an egg?" I asked him. "It has lots of nutrition. It's amazing that it just comes out of a chicken's butt and you can eat it. It has protein, it can be made into a cake, or bread, or you can have it sunny-side up, or scrambled. "But nobody thought about that," he said. "People just liked it to like it. Everyone else was doing it." Bingo. I decided to ask Henrietta, the alleged layer of the egg, according to the #EggGang account holder who posted the famous egg photo. "Is this a campaign to protest the banality of Internet fame, a celebration of the beauty of your menstrual cycle, or proof that your potential offspring is cuter than Kylie's?" I asked Henrietta. "All of the above," she replied. Petula is a columnist for The Washington Post's local team who writes about homeless shelters, gun control, high heels, high school choirs, the politics of parenting, jails, abortion clinics, mayors, modern families, strip clubs and gas prices, among other things. | https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190119/do-all-those-kids-really-like-eggs-or-do-they-just-like-fame |
Should the US allow a vote of no confidence in a president? | British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a vote of no-confidence after suffering a brutal defeat to her Brexit proposal. After May's plan to leave the European Union was defeated 432 to 202, many in the government believed she should resign. However, May held fast and ultimately beat the no-confidence vote 325 to 306. While some point out the vote merely caused more confusion in Britain, the incident left many wondering why the United States does not have a similar process. PERSPECTIVES The BBC explains a vote of no-confidence is, on paper, a relatively straightforward method of removing and replacing a government. If the government wins the vote, they continue to hold power. If they lose, however, they can be replaced by a strong alternative government, which will replace the prime minister with their own candidate. Or, if no alternative government exists to win a confidence vote or take power, the people will be able to vote in a general election. The New York Times points out though that the no-confidence vote in Britain has left the country on even more unstable political ground than before. Had it been successful, the no-confidence motion almost certainly would have ousted Mrs. May and probably have forced a general election, adding more layers of uncertainty in a country fast approaching the March 29 date for leaving the European Union -- yet unable to agree on how to do so. The head-snapping sequence of events leaves Mrs. May -- the leader of an intractably divided party, with a split cabinet, no parliamentary majority and no clear path forward on Brexit -- more politically wounded than ever, but somehow still standing. Some may argue the increased turmoil is not worth the ability to remove a government. The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. | https://www.syracuse.com/politics/index.ssf/2019/01/should_the_us_allow_a_vote_of_no_confidence_in_a_president.html |
Are Wearable Devices Leading to Over-diagnosis? | Share If youre relaxing on the couch and suddenly feel dizzy, and it seems like your heart is pounding out of your chest, you might not head to the emergency room ASAP. But if your Apple Watch was also telling you to seek medical attention, you might change your mind. The watch has been credited with saving a few lives , but some health professionals worry there are drawbacks to fitness trackers that manufacturers arent addressing. After announcing the Apple Watch Series 4s electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality in September 2018, Apple made the feature available in December . Some doctors were dismayed the Food and Drug Administration cleared the Apple Watchs EKG software without releasing the data it looked at or or subjecting it to peer review. To use the ECG function , the user touches the wheel on the side of the watch (known as the Digital Crown) for 30 seconds. The electrodes on the back of the watch and in the button create whats called a lead when in contact with both your wrist and finger, generating an ECG waveform. Though Apple says its not a diagnostic tool, the idea is for it to detect irregular heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation. Both could signal serious health problems. The main worry is making a generation of hypochondriacs. Its probably not a good idea for a hypochondriac, but the potential advantages far outweigh any potential downside, one physician told Digital Trends in 2018. Others arent so sure. For one thing, the Apple Watch uses fewer leads than an ECG youd get in your doctors office; they might also put a sticker on your chest, for example. The more leads you have, the more ways you have of looking at your heart. A single lead only offers one view. Think of ships on the horizon, cardiologist Rohin Francis told Digital Trends. You can see them go left and right, but you wont be able to tell if theyre coming towards or [going] away from you. Additionally, with three or more electrodes, any abnormal signal in one lead could be dismissed as interference if it didnt show up in the others. With the Watchs single lead, Francis is worried about false positives. Atrial fibrillation isnt very common in younger people the same people likely to buy the Apple Watch. It is statistically much less likely that a positive result flagged up by the Watch will be true atrial fibrillation in a 35-year-old, compared to a 75-year-old, he said. In other words, the inaccuracy of the watch is acceptable in a population with a high rate of the disease, because you are expecting to find a lot of AF. But in a young population, that same degree of inaccuracy becomes a problem. A false positive could send a healthy 35-year-old down a rabbit hole of expensive, unnecessary tests. The main worry is making a generation of hypochondriacs, Francis said, and its something hes noticing with heart rate trackers. Variations in heart rate are normal and well-understood, so doctors can easily reassure patients who are now noticing the changes. I am a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, so I see a lot of misadventures with these monitors. If we start seeing little bursts of AF, we dont know if thats normal or something to be worried about, so I cant give a patient that instant reassurance, Francis said. I dont think its healthy for people to be overly worried about their vitals all the time. One function hed prefer to see in a fitness tracker, though, is a blood pressure monitor. I think undiagnosed high blood pressure is a much bigger problem and a much bigger killer than undiagnosed AF, he said. Apple Watchs ECG is brand new, so whether it will lead to misdiagnosis of atrial fibrillation is still unknown. But wearable baby monitors have been around for some time and are causing all kinds of headaches for pediatricians. Though theyre not FDA-approved, they claim to track babies heart rates and blood oxygen levels. They can lead to overdiagnosis, as well. There is no evidence that consumer infant physiologic monitors are life-saving, and there is potential harm if parents choose to use them, according to authors of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association . I am a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, so I see a lot of misadventures with these monitors, wrote Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician with University of Rochester Medicines Golisano Childrens Hospital. I also see a very large number of infant deaths from unsafe sleep, so this topic is very close to my heart. She said the only well-studied methods of reducing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) dont involve monitors at all but include the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for safe sleeping . I can easily say that I have cared for far more children that have had accidental alarms from these devices than those who are truly ill, Murray said. In fact, I cannot recall a time when we have actually found a true problem. Murray also doesnt recommend fitness trackers for older kids. I cannot recall a time when we have actually found a true problem. We never want children to feel that they have to hit a certain number of steps or a specific distance each day, she said. School-aged children are tracked a lot homework, how good are they at sports, did they make the concert band, etc. Instead, she thinks encouraging kids to just play is a better way to keep them active. Fitness trackers focus on numbers is what worries Claire Mysko, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association . A lot of whats going on with someone whos either at risk or actively struggling with an eating disorder can be amplified through the use of these devices, she said. Though it had a very small sample size of eight women, a recent study found that using a fitness tracker could lead to an over-reliance on the devices and feelings of self-loathing. Apple is partnering with Recovery Record , an eating disorder treatment app, for a study with the Apple Watch aimed at predicting and preventing binge-eating episodes. That collaboration is encouraging for Mysko, who would like to see more partnerships with device manufacturers in the future. Trackers could alert behaviors, suggesting wearers may be at risk of developing an eating disorder, for example. Theres a big population of people who are using these devices who would benefit from some kind of screening, she said. Given the risk factor of population, that would be the responsible thing for them to do. For every wearable from a big-name company like Apple, there are dozens from newer brands that promise to track ovulation cycles or count your calories as you consume them. As tempting as these devices might be to strap on, there isnt always clear evidence to back up these claims. Its 100 percent buyer beware right now. Most of the features included in consumer-grade wearable devices are based on sound science, said Dr. Jonathan Peake, a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, in an email. However, I do believe that companies could engage more with independent researchers to validate their products that is provide evidence from published, peer-reviewed journals that their products match up, to a reasonable degree, with gold standard methods for measuring such biometrics. It may not seem like a big deal if your fitness tracker says you walked 6,500 steps when you really walked 7,000, but it can make a difference for some people with conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, said Dr. Reed Ferber, director of the University of Calgarys running injury clinic. Hes also leading the schools Wearable Technology Research and Collaboration training program. Ive never seen a study thats validated anything against a gold-standard, university sleep lab, he said. That could be problematic if an airline company requires its pilots to prove theyve gotten enough sleep before a flight, and their devices are over- or underestimating the house. These are just algorithms that people are developing in the companys own laboratory without any validation, he said. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what phrases such as clinically proven means. Right now, the onus is on potential customers to dig into the companys claims. If consumers are concerned about getting value for money and using wearables that do what the manufacturers claim, then they should be looking for evidence of published, peer-reviewed research in academic journals, Peake said. Eventually, Ferber expects insurance companies will start demanding more of this kind of research from manufacturers as wearables become more tied to health. Its exciting to see how wearables are being so fully integrated into our activities of daily living, he said. I just think at this point, it is the Wild Wild West in terms of what these devices are claiming, what theyre measuring. Its 100 percent buyer beware right now. | https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/wearable-devices-leading-to-over-diagnosis/ |
Is the Croydon cat killer a fox or a human still at large? | Police officers, vets and an animal rescue organisation believe that the killing and mutilation of some cats, rabbits and other animals across parts of England are the result of human involvement, even though a major police investigation has found no evidence to support that claim. Just over 100 days after the Metropolitan police closed its investigation into the Croydon cat killer, declaring that the deaths and mutilation of scores of cats in London and the south-east were most likely carried out by foxes, the Observer understands that individual officers and several veterinary practices continue to suspect that someone is targeting animals. They have been contacting South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl), an organisation that has investigated the killings, insisting that some of the dead animals were killed by human hand. The Met concluded that hundreds of reported cat mutilations in Croydon and elsewhere were not carried out by a human and are likely to be the result of predation, or scavenging by wildlife on cats killed in vehicle collisions. But other forces have found that some cat killings were deliberate. Last month a man was jailed in Northampton for a string of arson attacks and cat mutilations. Snarl says that, since then, it has learned of at least seven other unsolved killings, suggesting at least one other person is at work. Earlier this month Northamptonshire police issued a press release after the discovery of a dead cat. It said: The cat was found mutilated with a vet stating that it appears to have been killed by human hands. Tony Jenkins, co-founder of Snarl, said that there had been a small drop-off in reported incidents after the Mets decision to close the case, but that numbers of reported mutilations had quickly gone back up again. The organisation had dealt with between two and seven suspicious deaths each week. In some incidents the body parts were returned after the animals corpse had been removed. You dont tell me foxes do that, said Jenkins, who has not ruled out that a small group of people could be at work. Snarl said that it had cases reported to it from as far north as Manchester and Liverpool and as far west as Devon and Cornwall. But the majority are around the south-east London area and are indicative of someone travelling around the south-east, Jenkins said. It could be a sales rep, someone who has got a job that sees them travel around a lot and they stop off to kill a cat or a rabbit or a fox. Jenkins suggested that some police officers worried that deaths were not being investigated: Weve had a number of cases reported by the police themselves. Two weeks after the police closed the investigation, an officer in Sutton rang me and said this in my mind is human-related but weve been told not to investigate. Three veterinary practices had also alerted Snarl to possible mutilations by human hands since the Met had closed the case, Jenkins said. One practice, Streatham Hill Vets, issued a warning on its Facebook page shortly after the Met closed the operation. We have had several of these bodies brought in to us, the post said. They have all consisted of clean, surgical-type amputations or beheadings. They were not done by foxes or wild animals. It is exceptionally rare for a fox to attack a cat and they should not be used as scapegoats for these horrific crimes. Jenkins said that other forces continued to investigate alleged killings: There is a case in Dartford at the moment which is still being investigated by Kent police. There is no way it was done by a fox. Although Snarl acknowledges that foxes did play a part in some of the mutilations it has seen, the organisation said that in some cases the heads had been cut off cleanly, indicating the use of a blade. What appeared to be the deliberate placing of a cats head in prominent locations often near, or on, a childs trampoline also indicated human involvement, the organisation said. Cats are not the only animals targeted. Weve had a case in Watford where a rabbit was taken out of a locked hutch, killed, and its body left in the middle of a lawn so that it was visible from the bedroom window, Jenkins said. The rabbits head was returned to the same spot as where the body was found six months later. What we can reliably say is that at least one person is killing cats and other animals after abducting them and then displaying them to be found, Jenkins said. People still need to keep their pets indoors at night. | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jan/19/croydon-cat-killer-met-police |
Is the controversial Gillette commercial good for business? | Even if you havent seen the commercial, youve likely heard about it after this past week. A nearly two-minute ad, released by Gillette this week, shows men harassing women, boys fighting at a barbeque and on the street, and eventually, shows other men stepping up to stop the incidents. The company said it was tackling toxic masculinity. READ MORE: Gillettes new ad tackles toxic masculinity It sparked backlash from many on the internet and praise from others but one thing that everyone is doing is talking about it. It has been aired on television as much as many ads are because its been shown in all the news programs, University of Toronto marketing professor David Soderman told Global News. Sure, people have been talking about it, but whether that translates into sales for Gillette is the ultimate question, advertising and culture professor Andrea Benoit of Western University said. [A companys] main concern is sales at the end of the day, Benoit said. Soderman said large companies like Proctor and Gamble, which owns Gillette, and Nike have large advertising budgets and likely have weighed the risks and found it favourable. WATCH: Being a male in the age of #MeToo (February 2018) I assume that these ads being highly researched and while theyre going to upset some people, the number of people that react positively to them is significantly higher, he said. Companies like Procter and Gamble have the money to reduce those risks to a reasonable bubble. While an ad campaign is always a gamble, theres recent research that shows younger consumers, in particular, do want to make purchase decisions aligned with their social values and their belief, Puneeta McBryan, president of the Ad Club of Edmonton, told Global News. Theres broader research that shows that brands that have a higher purpose, beyond just selling products, outperform, on average, other companies. While we may see a largely negative reaction on social media thats not how a company will measure profit, Soderman explained. People who react positively arent always posting on social media theyre going out and buying the product, he said. Twitter is never going to be a representative sample of the population, so just really, time will tell, McBryan agreed. Other examples of social advertising The idea of using advertising to change someones lifestyle isnt new. Soderman explained for products like Gillette which arent fundamentally different from their competitors, companies will sometimes turn to lifestyle advertising like this. That allows the commercial to stand out. It has been going on since Coca-Cola used the practice in the 60s. Most recently the advertisement from Nike that features Colin Kaepernick drew a similar reaction. People said they would boycott the sportswear company, and others flat out burned the shoes in videos posted to social media. READ MORE: Nike online sales increase 31 per cent since Colin Kaepernick ad reveal: study Soderman said the negative reaction hasnt harmed the brand. Their brand has actually been stronger since that initiative and theyve actually gained in the marketplace, he explained. WATCH: Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything: Colin Kaepernick in Nike commercial McByran said the difference in Gillettes ad is that it is less subtle in its activism than Nikes, which may backfire for Gillette, but well just have to see how customers speak with their dollars. Benoit cited soap and beauty products brand Doves campaign for real beauty in 2004. The campaign showed women of all body types and colours instead of professional models. While she said there was some negative reaction, the campaign has proven to be extremely effective, and won advertising awards, and experts say it was a factor in Doves commercial success. Other ads that have tried to capitalize or push social themes havent done as well. Pepsis controversial Black Lives Matter ad with Kendall Jenner was widely criticized for missing the mark and resulted in Jenner offering a tear-filled apology on her reality show. Social change on social media More people are ditching traditional television for online streaming, and advertising needs to keep up. We now can see a lot of the ads that have been highly discussed in the last couple of years, have been ones that have not been launched through traditional media, Soderman said. Thats the age-old question, Benoit said. Whether ads can shape society in social change or does social change shape advertising the answer to that is the age-old question about the influence of media, she said. The woke business strategy will be a big theme in 2019, as thats where the money is, Scott Galloway, a New York University marketing professor, told CNN. McBryan said we will see major brands like Gillette and others take much bigger risks to make an impact. | https://globalnews.ca/news/4863725/controversial-gillette-commercial-business/ |
What does the weather service think about snow chances tonight? | You may be able to catch sight of a few snow flurries tonight and tomorrow. But the National Weather Service doesn't think they will amount to enough to necessitate a bread-and-milk run to the grocery store. Today the main story is rain moving across the region and the possibility of a few storms. A cold front is expected to push into the state later today. Very cold air is expected to follow behind it. Temperatures are expected to drop like a rock later today, going from above-average readings to below average in just a few hours. The big question will be how much moisture is left over by the time the cold air gets here. There could be enough for a few snow flurries for north and parts of central Alabama late tonight into early Sunday morning, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service. But don't expect it to amount to much, according to Robert Boyd, a senior forecaster at the weather service office in Huntsville. "After the cold front goes through the temperatures are going to tumble down to around freezing or so probably after midnight," he said Saturday morning. "During that time if we have any residual moisture left we could get a little light snow, but right now we're not expecting very much of that happening or accumulations." In fact, most of the action may be over by the time many people wake up Sunday morning. The ground will be relatively warm as well, and that combined with the short window for flurries "that will make it really hard to stick," he said. However, one concern will be today's rain. Up to 2 inches will be possible for north Alabama, and if any is left over tonight it could possibly freeze and lead to a few slick spots on roads. "We are a little concerned about that," Boyd said. "One thing that may save us in that regard is the wind. It will be a breezy to windy day and tonight, especially tonight when the cold air starts to rush in." Today will feature a temperature roller coaster. Highs for north Alabama could climb into the lower 60s today, "which is a good 10-12 degrees above normal here," Boyd said. But that'll change after the front passes. Lows tonight will be in the upper 20s. Sunday will be much, much colder with highs only reaching the lower 30s across the region, Boyd said. "Then tomorrow night is going to be when the real cold air gets here," he added. "Lows will be in the lower 20s." Looks like Alabama will miss out on the real winter weather this go around. But that's not the case for parts of the East and Northeast in case you have travel plans that way. "But places well north and east of us, oh boy," Boyd said. | https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2019/01/what_does_the_weather_service.html |
Is Quantum-dots Light Emitting Doide (QLED) the Future of TVs? | Latest Stories Gary Arora Deloitte Presentation Slides at CloudEXPO New York By Yeshim Deniz 92% of enterprises are using the public cloud today. As a result, simply being in the cloud is no longer enough to remain competitive. The benefit of reduced costs has normalized while the market forces are demanding more innovation at faster release cycles. Enter Cloud Native! Cloud Native enables a microservices driven architecture. The shift from monolithic to microservices yields a lot of benefits - but if not done right - can quickly outweigh the benefits. The effort required in monitoring,... 92% of enterprises are using the public cloud today. As a result, simply being in the cloud is no longer enough to remain competitive. The benefit of reduced costs has normalized while the market forces are demanding more innovation at faster release cycles. Enter Cloud Native! Cloud Native enables a microservices driven architecture. The shift from monolithic to microservices yields a lot of benefits - but if not done right - can quickly outweigh the benefits. The effort required in monitoring,... Jan. 19, 2019 09:15 AM EST read more & respond CFP Deadline For FinTechEXPO Silicon Valley January 31 By Carmen Gonzalez Financial enterprises in New York City, London, Singapore, and other world financial capitals are embracing a new generation of smart, automated FinTech that eliminates many cumbersome, slow, and expensive intermediate processes from their businesses. Accordingly, attendees at the upcoming 23rd CloudEXPO, June 24-26, 2019 at Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA will find fresh new content in full new FinTech & Enterprise Blockchain track. Financial enterprises in New York City, London, Singapore, and other world financial capitals are embracing a new generation of smart, automated FinTech that eliminates many cumbersome, slow, and expensive intermediate processes from their businesses. Accordingly, attendees at the upcoming 23rd CloudEXPO, June 24-26, 2019 at Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA will find fresh new content in full new FinTech & Enterprise Blockchain track. Jan. 19, 2019 09:15 AM EST read more & respond Margareta Sauger Explains PCCW Global's Digital Platform By Elizabeth White As the digitization of business accelerates the move of critical applications and content to the cloud, the network has never been as critical to business success. Consuming everything as-a-service' requires new levels of network automation, agility and security. Discover how Enterprises can take advantage of Digital Platforms, directly connecting to an extensive ecosystem of digital partners and flex their service at the click of a button. As the digitization of business accelerates the move of critical applications and content to the cloud, the network has never been as critical to business success. Consuming everything as-a-service' requires new levels of network automation, agility and security. Discover how Enterprises can take advantage of Digital Platforms, directly connecting to an extensive ecosystem of digital partners and flex their service at the click of a button. Jan. 19, 2019 09:00 AM EST read more & respond Rene Bostic Joins CloudEXPO Silicon FinTech Blockchain Faculty By Carmen Gonzalez Blockchain has shifted from hype to reality across many industries including Financial Services, Supply Chain, Retail, Healthcare and Government. While traditional tech and crypto organizations are generally male dominated, women have embraced blockchain technology from its inception. This is no more evident than at companies where women occupy many of the blockchain roles and leadership positions. Join this panel to hear three women in blockchain share their experience and their POV on the futu... Blockchain has shifted from hype to reality across many industries including Financial Services, Supply Chain, Retail, Healthcare and Government. While traditional tech and crypto organizations are generally male dominated, women have embraced blockchain technology from its inception. This is no more evident than at companies where women occupy many of the blockchain roles and leadership positions. Join this panel to hear three women in blockchain share their experience and their POV on the futu... Jan. 19, 2019 07:00 AM EST read more & respond Rger Strukhoff Interviews Karl Zimmerman of Steadfast at CloudEXPO By Yeshim Deniz Concerns about security, downtime and latency, budgets, and general unfamiliarity with cloud technologies continue to create hesitation for many organizations that truly need to be developing a cloud strategy. Hybrid cloud solutions are helping to elevate those concerns by enabling the combination or orchestration of two or more platforms, including on-premise infrastructure, private clouds and/or third-party, public cloud services. This gives organizations more comfort to begin their digital tr... Concerns about security, downtime and latency, budgets, and general unfamiliarity with cloud technologies continue to create hesitation for many organizations that truly need to be developing a cloud strategy. Hybrid cloud solutions are helping to elevate those concerns by enabling the combination or orchestration of two or more platforms, including on-premise infrastructure, private clouds and/or third-party, public cloud services. This gives organizations more comfort to begin their digital tr... Jan. 19, 2019 06:45 AM EST read more & respond Jim Donovan's Wasabi Presentation at CloudEXPO New York By Pat Romanski Cloud Storage 2.0 has brought many innovations, including the availability of cloud storage services that are less expensive and much faster than previous generations of cloud storage. Cloud Storage 2.0 has also delivered new and faster methods for migrating your premises storage environment to the cloud and the concept of multi-cloud. This session will provide technical details on Cloud Storage 2.0 and the methods used to efficiently migrate from premises-to-cloud storage. This session will als... Cloud Storage 2.0 has brought many innovations, including the availability of cloud storage services that are less expensive and much faster than previous generations of cloud storage. Cloud Storage 2.0 has also delivered new and faster methods for migrating your premises storage environment to the cloud and the concept of multi-cloud. This session will provide technical details on Cloud Storage 2.0 and the methods used to efficiently migrate from premises-to-cloud storage. This session will als... Jan. 19, 2019 06:45 AM EST read more & respond Adobe #Blockchain Keynote at CloudEXPO New York By Zakia Bouachraoui In very short order, the term "Blockchain" has lost an incredible amount of meaning. With too many jumping on the bandwagon, the market is inundated with projects and use cases that miss the real potential of the technology. We have to begin removing Blockchain from the conversation and ground ourselves in the motivating principles of the technology itself; whether it is consumer privacy, data ownership, trust or even participation in the global economy, the world is faced with serious problems ... In very short order, the term "Blockchain" has lost an incredible amount of meaning. With too many jumping on the bandwagon, the market is inundated with projects and use cases that miss the real potential of the technology. We have to begin removing Blockchain from the conversation and ground ourselves in the motivating principles of the technology itself; whether it is consumer privacy, data ownership, trust or even participation in the global economy, the world is faced with serious problems ... Jan. 19, 2019 06:30 AM EST read more & respond David Linthicum's On-Demand Serverless Keynote at CloudEXPO By Carmen Gonzalez In a recent survey, Sumo Logic surveyed 1,500 customers who employ cloud services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). According to the survey, a quarter of the respondents have already deployed Docker containers and nearly as many (23 percent) are employing the AWS Lambda serverless computing framework. It's clear: serverless is here to stay. The adoption does come with some needed changes, within both application development and operations. Th... In a recent survey, Sumo Logic surveyed 1,500 customers who employ cloud services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). According to the survey, a quarter of the respondents have already deployed Docker containers and nearly as many (23 percent) are employing the AWS Lambda serverless computing framework. It's clear: serverless is here to stay. The adoption does come with some needed changes, within both application development and operations. Th... Jan. 19, 2019 06:00 AM EST read more & respond On-Demand Presentation of Alan Hase Keynote at CloudEXPO New York By Yeshim Deniz For enterprises to maintain business competitiveness in the digital economy, IT modernization is required. And cloud, with its on-demand, elastic and scalable principles has resoundingly been identified as the infrastructure model capable of supporting fast-changing business requirements that enterprises are challenged with, as a result of our increasingly connected world. In fact, Gartner states that by 2022, 28% of enterprise IT spending will have shifted to cloud. But enterprises still must d... For enterprises to maintain business competitiveness in the digital economy, IT modernization is required. And cloud, with its on-demand, elastic and scalable principles has resoundingly been identified as the infrastructure model capable of supporting fast-changing business requirements that enterprises are challenged with, as a result of our increasingly connected world. In fact, Gartner states that by 2022, 28% of enterprise IT spending will have shifted to cloud. But enterprises still must d... Jan. 19, 2019 05:00 AM EST read more & respond How to Sponsor DevOpsSUMMIT Silicon Valley June 24-26, Santa Clara By Yeshim Deniz Cloud-Native thinking and Serverless Computing are now the norm in financial services, manufacturing, telco, healthcare, transportation, energy, media, entertainment, retail and other consumer industries, as well as the public sector. The widespread success of cloud computing is driving the DevOps revolution in enterprise IT. Now as never before, development teams must communicate and collaborate in a dynamic, 24/7/365 environment. There is no time to wait for long development cycles that pro... Cloud-Native thinking and Serverless Computing are now the norm in financial services, manufacturing, telco, healthcare, transportation, energy, media, entertainment, retail and other consumer industries, as well as the public sector. The widespread success of cloud computing is driving the DevOps revolution in enterprise IT. Now as never before, development teams must communicate and collaborate in a dynamic, 24/7/365 environment. By Elizabeth White The level of trust we have with individuals, businesses, and technology affects our lives daily. This is important to remember when discussing new technologies. For example, our level of trust is a critical factor when evaluating a new technology as a potential solution for providing business value. Given the importance of trust, imagine one's reaction upon hearing that blockchain is a "trustless trust" system. On the surface, that does sound like an oxymoron. This paper discusses how "trustless... The level of trust we have with individuals, businesses, and technology affects our lives daily. This is important to remember when discussing new technologies. For example, our level of trust is a critical factor when evaluating a new technology as a potential solution for providing business value. Given the importance of trust, imagine one's reaction upon hearing that blockchain is a "trustless trust" system. On the surface, that does sound like an oxymoron. This paper discusses how "trustless... Jan. 19, 2019 01:45 AM EST read more & respond Emil Sayegh @CloudEXPO Presentation By Zakia Bouachraoui Public clouds dominate IT conversations but the next phase of cloud evolutions are "multi" hybrid cloud environments. The winners in the cloud services industry will be those organizations that understand how to leverage these technologies as complete service solutions for specific customer verticals. In turn, both business and IT actors throughout the enterprise will need to increase their engagement with multi-cloud deployments today while planning a technology strategy that will constitute a ... Public clouds dominate IT conversations but the next phase of cloud evolutions are "multi" hybrid cloud environments. The winners in the cloud services industry will be those organizations that understand how to leverage these technologies as complete service solutions for specific customer verticals. In turn, both business and IT actors throughout the enterprise will need to increase their engagement with multi-cloud deployments today while planning a technology strategy that will constitute a ... Jan. 19, 2019 01:15 AM EST read more & respond CloudEXPO TV Interview with Total Uptime at CloudEXPO New York By Pat Romanski Data center, on-premise, public-cloud, private-cloud, multi-cloud, hybrid-cloud, IoT, AI, edge, SaaS, PaaS... it's an availability, security, performance and integration nightmare even for the best of the best IT experts. Organizations realize the tremendous benefits of everything the digital transformation has to offer. Cloud adoption rates are increasing significantly, and IT budgets are morphing to follow suit. But distributing applications and infrastructure around increases risk, introdu... Data center, on-premise, public-cloud, private-cloud, multi-cloud, hybrid-cloud, IoT, AI, edge, SaaS, PaaS... it's an availability, security, performance and integration nightmare even for the best of the best IT experts. Organizations realize the tremendous benefits of everything the digital transformation has to offer. Cloud adoption rates are increasing significantly, and IT budgets are morphing to follow suit. But distributing applications and infrastructure around increases risk, introdu... Jan. 19, 2019 01:15 AM EST read more & respond Jon Thomson Atmosera Presentation at CloudEXPO New York By Yeshim Deniz Moving to Azure is the path to digital transformation, but not every journey is effective. Organizations that start with a cohesive, well-planned migration strategy can avoid common mistakes and stay a step ahead of the competition. Learn from Atmosera CEO, Jon Thomsen about the opportunities and challenges found in three pivotal phases of the journey to the cloud: Evaluation and Architecting, Migration and Management, and Optimization & Innovation. In each phase, there are distinct insights tha... Moving to Azure is the path to digital transformation, but not every journey is effective. Organizations that start with a cohesive, well-planned migration strategy can avoid common mistakes and stay a step ahead of the competition. Learn from Atmosera CEO, Jon Thomsen about the opportunities and challenges found in three pivotal phases of the journey to the cloud: Evaluation and Architecting, Migration and Management, and Optimization & Innovation. In each phase, there are distinct insights tha... Jan. 18, 2019 11:45 PM EST read more & respond | http://www.sys-con.com/node/4369221 |
Should the UK remain a member of the EU? | Tomorrow, Members of Parliament will cast their votes on the Withdrawal Agreement on the terms of our departure from the European Union and the Political Declaration on our future relationship. That vote in Westminster is a direct consequence of the votes that were cast by people here in Stoke, and in cities, towns and villages in every corner of the United Kingdom. In that campaign, both sides disagreed on many things, but on one thing they were united: what the British people decided, the politicians would implement. In the run-up to the vote, the government sent a leaflet to every household making the case for remain. It stated very clearly: This is your decision. The government will implement what you decide. Those were the terms on which people cast their votes. If a majority had backed remain, the would have continued as an member state. No doubt the disagreements would have continued too, but the vast majority of people would have had no truck with an argument that we should leave the in spite of a vote to remain or that we should return to the question in another referendum. On the rare occasions when Parliament puts a question to the British people directly we have always understood that their response carries a profound significance. When the people of Wales voted by a margin of 0.3%, on a turnout of just over 50%, to endorse the creation of the Welsh Assembly, that result was accepted by Parliament. Indeed we have never had a referendum in the United Kingdom that we have not honoured the result of. Parliament understood this fact when it voted overwhelmingly to trigger Article 50. And both major parties did so too when they stood on election manifestos in 2017 that pledged to honour the result of the referendum. Yet, as we have seen over the last few weeks, there are some in Westminster who would wish to delay or even stop and who will use every device available to them to do so. I ask them to consider the consequences of their actions on the faith of the British people in our democracy. The House of Commons did not say to the people of Scotland or Wales that despite voting in favour of a devolved legislature, Parliament knew better and would over-rule them. Or else force them to vote again. Peoples faith in the democratic process and their politicians would suffer catastrophic harm. We all have a duty to implement the result of the referendum. Ever since I reached an agreement with the EU on a Withdrawal Agreement and declaration on our future relationship I have argued that the consequences of Parliament rejecting it would be grave uncertainty - potentially leading to one of two outcomes. Either a no deal Brexit, that would cause turbulence for our economy, create barriers to security cooperation and disrupt peoples daily lives. Or the risk of no at all for the first time in our history failing to implement the outcome of a statutory referendum and letting the British people down. These alternatives both remain in play if the deal is rejected. There are differing views on the threat that a no deal exit poses. I have always believed that while we could ultimately make a success of no deal, it would cause significant disruption in the short term and it would be far better to leave with a good deal. Others in the House of Commons take a different view and regard no deal as the ultimate threat to be avoided at all costs. To those people I say this: the only ways to guarantee we do not leave without a deal are: to abandon Brexit, betraying the vote of the British people; or to leave with a deal, and the only deal on the table is the one MPs will vote on tomorrow night. You can take no deal off the table by voting for that deal. And if no deal is a bad as you believe it is, it would be the height of recklessness to do anything else. But while no deal remains a serious risk, having observed events at Westminster over the last seven days, it is now my judgment that the more likely outcome is a paralysis in Parliament that risks there being no That makes it even more important that MPs consider very carefully how they will vote tomorrow night. As I have said many times the deal we have agreed is worthy of support for what it achieves for the British people. Immigration policy back in the hands of people you elect so we can build a system based around the skills people have to offer this country, not where they come from, and bring the overall numbers down. Sovereign control of our borders. Decisions about how to spend the money you pay in taxes back under the control of people you elect so we can spend the vast annual sums we send to Brussels as we chose, on priorities like our long-term plan for the NHS. Sovereign control of our money. No one else has put forward an alternative which does this. Compare that outcome to the alternatives of no deal or no Brexit. With no deal we would have: no implementation period, no security co-operation, no guarantees for citizens overseas, no certainty for businesses and workers here in Stoke and across the UK, and changes to everyday life in Northern Ireland that would put the future of our Union at risk. And with no Brexit, as I have said, we would risk a subversion of the democratic process. Edited excerpts from British Prime Minister Theresa Mays speech on Brexit at Stoke-on-Trent, January 14 | https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/should-the-uk-remain-a-member-of-the-eu-119011900651_1.html |
Will price be a barrier to new cancer immunotherapy? | This is an excerpt from Second Opinion, a weekly roundup of eclectic and under-the-radar health and medical science news emailed to subscribers every Saturday morning. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here. A revolutionary new cancer treatment is now available in Canada, but provinces are being advised not to cover it until the price comes down a price that is being kept secret from Canadians. Health Canada approved Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) in September. It's a form of CAR-T immunotherapy, in which a patient's blood cells are removed, reprogrammed to attack cancer and then re-injected back into their body. For the first time ever, some Canadians with specific forms of hard-to-treat leukemia and lymphoma can be treated with this therapy. If their doctors decide they're candidates, they won't have to wait to be accepted into a clinical trial. It is an expensive intervention so the opportunity cost of money spent for this is money not spent on something else. These are patients who "typically are given a prognosis of months, often after a long treatment journey, sometimes in the order of years," said the report of the ethics committee of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). "In a medically fragile state, they face ongoing deterioration in their health." CADTH is an organization that assesses the costs and benefits of new treatments and advises provincial governments about whether to fund them. SECOND OPINION | How immunotherapy is being used for some lung cancer and melanoma patients After grappling with the tangle of ethical and financial questions, this week CADTH released its decision recommending provincial governments provide Kymriah for children with a rare form of leukemia (refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and adults with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (refractory/relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). But there were two major caveats. First, there must be an interprovincial agreement so that all Canadians who qualify can travel to other provinces to get the treatment, if necessary, along with eligibility criteria and a standardized system to collect patient data. Second, Novartis must drop the price and, in the case of adults, by more than half. "It is an expensive intervention, so the opportunity cost of money spent for this is money not spent on something else," said Dr. Harindra Wijeysundera of CADTH. Cost of CAR-T therapy kept secret Right now, Canadians don't know how much Kymriah will cost because the price was blacked out in the report released to the public. "Whenever we do these types of evaluations, when we ask for submission data from the manufacturer, it includes data that is not available in the public realm," said Wijeysundera. Daphne Weatherby, a spokesperson for Novartis Canada, said in an email to CBC News that the company "does not typically publically disclose list prices of therapies for use in hospital." An IV bag of the Novartis drug Kymriah. (Novartis via AP) The provinces are in the midst of negotiations with Novartis. There is no public disclosure of the price under discussion. But the CADTH committee using the undisclosed price Novartis provided, and adding in the cost of supportive care estimated that it would cost the health care system about $25 million over three years for the estimated 48 children who would be eligible for Kymriah. And it would cost up to $387 million to provide the therapy for an estimated 600 to 900 adults. "We are exploring innovative ways we can support health system stakeholders, including innovative pricing models, early access mechanisms, risk-sharing with payers, and patient and caregiver support," said Weatherby. "Novartis is committed to bringing Kymriah to patients in Canada in a sustainable manner." So far, no Canadians have been treated with the commercial therapy, although 14 Canadians were treated during clinical trials. The results for some patients have been promising, with a 76 per cent probability of overall survival at 12 months for children. For adults, the data so far shows a probability of survival at 12 months of 49 per cent. Ottawa drops funding for made-in-Canada CAR-T The first commercially available CAR-T therapy is a bittersweet moment for a team of Canadians that have been working on a made-in-Canada version. "I'm really excited about it because I think it's a shame that it hasn't been available to us yet in any form," said John Bell, an immunotherapy researcher at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. John Bell is researching a made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Last month, the federal government abruptly cut funding to the program. (Ottawa Hospital) "Canada is slow in terms of clinical implementation. We need to have an infrastructure to manufacture and produce these things." Bell was trying to set up a cross-Canada CAR-T infrastructure through the federally funded BioCanRx network. "Our goal is to try to find a model that would fit better in Canada's health care system." Our plans have now turned to dust. - John Bell, scientific director, BioCanRx But Bell's team was stunned last month when the federal government abruptly cut the funding to the Centres of Excellence programs, which includes the BioCanRx network. Ottawa is phasing out the 30-year-old funding program and replacing it with a new system to fund "fast-breaking and high-risk research." "Our plans have now turned to dust," said Bell. "We had thought we were going to have 10 more years to get this going." The Canadian team is still planning human trials of their therapy sometime in 2019. To read the entire Second Opinion newsletter every Saturday morning, please subscribe. | https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/car-t-immunotherapy-cadth-provinces-health-canada-all-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-1.4984943?cmp=rss |
Can China Make Its Trade Surplus with the U.S. Disappear? | Bloomberg reported Friday that Chinese trade negotiators have put forth a proposal to Trump administration counterparts that would eliminate Chinas trade surplus with the United States by 2024. The report, if accurate, suggests an astonishing breakthrough in trade talks between the two countries. In 2018, Chinas trade surplus with the U.S. topped $323 billion, a 17% jump from the previous year. Global markets rallied in response to the prospect that the worlds two largest economies were closing in on a trade truce. Ive argued previously in this space that reducing Chinas trade surplus with the U.S. to zero is mathematically improbable, if not impossibleat least in the short term. Thats so even if China were to dramatically ramp up purchases of big-ticket U.S. imports such as Boeing jets, soy beans, and natural gas. The math is less daunting over a six-year horizon. But the Bloomberg report says Trump insists hell refrain from slapping even higher tariffs on U.S. imports from China only if Beijing promises to eliminate the trade surplus within two years. Trumps fixation with the bilateral trade balance between the U.S. and China is silly for many reasons, which I wont belabor hereexcept to note that it contradicts his other, more worthy trade goals. Trump has argued Beijing should stop meddling in Chinas economy, abandon Xi Jinpings Made in China 2025 industrial policy for Chinas tech sector, stop channeling cheap capital to unproductive state-owned enterprises, and give way to free markets and private firms. But his demands that China eliminate its bilateral trade surplus with the U.S. within two years will require forceful intervention in Chinas economy by central government plannersstrengthening the role of the state in Chinas economy rather than allowing it to wither away. Meanwhile, theres been very little new information about what China would do to curb theft of U.S. technologies and eliminate requirements for U.S. companies to surrender proprietary technologies as the price of entry into the Chinese market. Derek Scissors and Daniel Blumenthal, analysts at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, recently offered this proposal outlining what a rules-based U.S. trade policy focused on intellectual property protection rather than an outcomes-based policy focused on the bilateral U.S-China trade balance might look like. They argue that comprehensive tariffs, which harm American consumers and workers unnecessarily, are not the right reaction. U.S. government intervention in trade policy, they contend, should be limited to areas that are genuinely vital to national security, prosperity and democratic values. More China news below. | http://fortune.com/2019/01/19/can-china-make-its-trade-surplus-with-the-u-s-disappear/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.