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Does POTUS work for Russia? | Kremlin derides allegations that Trump could work for Moscow By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV Associated Press Wednesday, January 16 MOSCOW (AP) Top Russian officials on Wednesday ridiculed allegations that U.S. President Donald Trump could have worked for Moscows interests, dismissing them as absurd and stupid. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference that U.S. media reports claiming that Trump might have been a Russian agent reflect a dramatic plunge in standards of journalism. Trump said this week that he never worked for Russia and repeated his claim that the investigation into his ties to Moscow is a hoax. Asked if Russia could release the minutes of Trumps one-on-one negotiations with President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov dismissed the idea, saying it defies the basic culture of diplomacy. He added that such requests reflect illegitimate meddling in the U.S. presidents constitutional right to conduct foreign policy. Putins foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, similarly derided the claims in the U.S. that Trump might have worked for Russian interests. What kind of nonsense are you asking about? Ushakov snapped when asked if Trump was a Russian agent. It has reached such a scale that its awkward to even talk about it. How can a president of the United States be an agent of another country, just think yourself, Ushakov said at a briefing. The Kremlins hopes for better relations with the U.S. under Trump have been shattered by ongoing investigations into the allegations of collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia. Ushakov noted that Russia-U.S. relations are currently at a level that cant be worse. Lavrov, who was speaking at a separate news conference, noted that a probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller has produced no evidence of Trumps collusion with Russia. He particularly scoffed at the charges leveled against Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, saying that he only talked to the Russian ambassador in a bid to protect U.S. interests. Its quite obvious that the situation is absurd, Lavrov said about the U.S. investigation. He also sharply criticized Washington for its intention to opt out of a key nuclear pact over alleged Russian violations. Lavrov noted that earlier this week the U.S. has ignored Moscows proposal to inspect a Russian missile that Washington claims has violated a nuclear arms treaty. He said that Russia made the offer during talks in Geneva earlier this week but the U.S. negotiators stonewalled the proposal, repeating Washingtons demand that Russia destroys the 9M729 missile it claimed violated the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Our questions why the Americans dont want to examine our proposals and get first-hand information about specific parameters of the missile were left unheard, he said. U.S. Undersecretary of State Andrea Thompson said in Tuesdays statement following the talks in Geneva that the meeting was disappointing as it is clear Russia continues to be in material breach of the treaty. Lavrov charged that the U.S. refusal to consider the Russian offer to have a close look at the missile reflects Washingtons intention to abandon the INF treaty. Turning to last months arrest in Moscow of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, on suspicion of espionage, Lavrov said the mans brother has visited Moscow and has been briefed about prison conditions. The Interfax news agency later carried the Foreign Ministrys statement saying that Whelans brother isnt in the Russian capital. The U.S. Embassy wouldnt comment. Lavrov rejected the allegations that Russian authorities could have arrested Whelan in order to swap him for one of the Russians held in the U.S., saying we dont do such things. He said Whelan was caught red-handed and the investigation is ongoing. Whelan holds citizenship from U.S., Britain, Ireland and Canada, and Lavrov said Russia will allow consular visits. Speaking on other issues, Lavrov insisted that Moscow isnt taking any sides in the controversy over Britains exit from the European Union. He rejected allegations that Russia was gloating in the turmoil, saying that Russia is interested in seeing a united, strong and, most importantly, independent European Union. Commenting on the situation in Syria, Lavrov said that Moscow expects the Syrian government to take over territory in the countrys east following the planned U.S. military withdrawal. The Nation Heres How Democratic Presidential Contenders Should (Not) Talk About Russia Candidates gearing up for 2020 may be blazing new trails on domestic issues, but when it comes to engagement with Russia, they havent moved beyond the counterproductive status quo. By David S. Foglesong The next presidential election is still 22 months away, but potential candidates for the Democratic Party nomination have already begun floating their foreign-policy visions. Major statements thus far from leading contenders are deeply troubling, especially in regard to relations with Russia. Fortunately, there is time for those who hope for a more peaceful world and a greater ability to focus national resources on domestic problems to challenge prospective candidates tired, conventional ideas and demand more positive and constructive approaches. A year ago former vice president Joe Biden was first out of the blocks with an article in Foreign Affairs that outlined How to Stand Up to the Kremlin. To his credit, Biden was relatively level-headed about Russian interference in the 2016 election: In contrast to those who hyped it to the Pearl Harbor or 9/11 attacks, he treated Russian efforts to influence foreign elections as a problem to be managed, not an existential threat. However, Biden also presented a nightmarish view of tyranny in a Russia allegedly facing drastic demographic and economic decline. Popular support for Putins kleptocracy is so shallow, Biden claimed, that it would quickly disappear if the regime did not maintain a choke hold on society. That kind of caricature, which encourages notions that Washington does not need to think seriously about how to engage with Russia, was soon challenged by a high-turnout election in March, when more than 70 percent of voters marked their ballots for President Vladimir Putin. Many American commentators dismissed the election as a sham because of the Kremlins domination of television coverage and its exclusion of some potential challengers. But the election result basically reflected genuine popular approval of Putin (ranging between 60 and 80 percent), which is rooted in beliefs that he is a strong leader who restored stability after the chaos of the 1990s and revived Russian national pride. The stereotypical notion of Russia as a backward land of totalitarian repression was also contradicted in June, when more than 80,000 Americans who visited for the World Cup saw for themselves Russian cities that are clean, modern, friendly, and lively. Many American politicians, including Biden, have wished for years that Putin was not the leader of Russia, but the reality we must face is that he will be president until 2024. Bidens recommendation boils down to long-term containment, deterrence, and vigilance. Although he recognizes a need to keep talking to Moscow, the sole purpose he indicates is to avoid dangerous miscalculations. Thus, Bidens grim vision offers little hope for any improvement in the future from the present tense stalemate. Much like Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders envisions standing up to and telling off Putin. In Where We Go from Here, published in November, Sanders marries a pacific vision of the future to a militant policy in the present. He is rightly critical of how the arms merchants of the world grow increasingly rich as governments spend trillions of dollars on weapons of destruction, and he dreams of a world in which swords will be beaten into plowshares. At the same time, Sanders vows to work in solidarity with supporters of democracy around the globe, including in Russia, and in an aggressively Wilsonian vein he declares that in the struggle of democracy versus authoritarianism, we intend to win. The trouble with that combative stance is that it disregards how crusades under the banner of democracy against autocracy have led to catastrophic wars from Iraq to Libya and have had counterproductive effects in Russia. As former ambassador to Russia Michael McFauls vivid recent memoir, From Cold War to Hot Peace, amply shows, his confrontational championing of democracy failed: While antagonizing Putin, it made it easier for the Kremlin to depict the small minority of Russian liberals as clients of America and led some prominent Russian democrats to distance themselves from the emotional and ideological ambassador. (During McFauls 201214 ambassadorship, the percentage of Russians with positive views of America fell from 52 to 23.) The flourishing democracy McFaul and Sanders would like to see in Russia is not likely to spring up in the harsh glare of foreign denunciation and exhortation; it is more likely to grow in the softer light of reduced international tension. Mikhail Gorbachevs democratization of the USSR began after summit meetings with Ronald Reagan eased Soviet fears and warmed superpower relations. Aware of that precedent, McFaul recognized at the start of the Obama administration in 2009 that a more benign international environment for the Russian government would create better conditions for democratic change internally. Unfortunately, McFaul later forgot his insight that confrontation with the Kremlin would impede democratization. The most effective way to advance democracy around the world is not to grandstand about support for democrats in countries where the United States has very little credibility but to make our democracy at home truly a model others will want to emulate. That will require facing problems such as racism, inequality, police brutality, and paralyzing partisanship that plagued America long before the 2016 election. Pugnacious preoccupation with Putin is a distraction from that goal, not a way to pursue it. Although Sanders recognizes that the global war on terror has been a disaster for the American people and for American leadership, he champions a different kind of war, a global battle against oligarchy and authoritarianism. To mobilize support for that fight, Sanders makes Putin a symbol of all the demagogues and kleptocrats who use divisiveness and abuse as a tool for enriching themselves and those loyal to them. While Kremlin officials and loyalists have indeed indulged in self-aggrandizement, that began in the 1990s under Boris Yeltsin, whom Americans lionized as a great democratic reformer while tycoons pillaged the economy. Loudly calling for a worldwide struggle against oligarchy and making Putin the locus of that evil, as Sanders does, will make it much more difficult to engage in quiet and effective diplomacya lesson Ronald Reagan learned in the 1980s. It also will complicate the quest to turn spears into pruning hooks that Sanders extolls. One of Sanderss major rivals, Senator Elizabeth Warren, set out her vision of A Foreign Policy for All in the January/February 2019 issue of Foreign Affairs. While her sharp criticism of how American postCold War foreign policy has served the interests of large corporations is bold and vigorous, her alarmist depiction of Russia is ill-informed and unwise. According to Warren, Russia became belligerent and resurgent in response to the US promotion of rapid privatization and a wild form of capitalism in the 1990s. That inaccurate statement disregards how, in his first years as president of Russia at the start of the 21st century, Vladimir Putin eagerly pursued a strategic and economic partnership with the United States as he sought to revive Russia after the deep depression of the 1990s. When terrorists attacked America on September 11, 2001, Putin was the first foreign leader to call the White House to offer support. He then ordered the Russian military and intelligence services to provide important assistance to the American war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. When the George W. Bush administration announced withdrawal from the ABM treaty in 2001 and then encouraged NATO expansion into the Baltic states that had been part of the former Soviet Union, Putin expressed only mild opposition, because he still prioritized a partnership with Washington. Politicians and journalists who vilify Putin ignore that history because it contradicts their claims that he is innately anti-American and aggressive. The truth is that Russia gradually reacted to US policies that repeatedly threatened its interests and security, including the war against Iraq in 2003, the drive to incorporate Georgia and Ukraine into NATO, and the placement of missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. If Warren and other prospective presidential candidates are to develop a sound strategy toward Russia, they must first have an accurate understanding of the origins of contemporary Russian foreign policies and attitudes toward the United States, which have been strongly affected by US military interventions from Kosovo and Iraq to Syria and Libya. Warrens foreign-policy vision is disappointing in several other ways. Although her desire to reduce defense spending to sustainable levels will be welcomed by many progressive Americans, she does not appear to have thought through how she will be able to do that after stoking fears of a revanchist Russia that threatens Europe (a view that disregards how key European leaders have continued to see Russia as a partner in dealing with issues such as the the maintenance of the nuclear agreement with Iran). Warren declares that Washington should impose strong, targeted penalties on Russia as if that had not already been done, repeatedly, with no positive effect. She categorizes Putin as one of the dictators who remain in power because they hold unwilling populations under brutal controldisregarding how surveys of Russian public opinion have shown persistent high support for Putin and conveying a terribly distorted view of Russia as if it were one of the captive nations of the Cold War. The senator from Massachusetts invokes the memory of President John F. Kennedy in connection with her vision of how to project American strength and values throughout the world, but she appears to have forgotten Kennedys speech at American University in June 1963. In that courageous address, delivered less than eight months after the Cuban missile crisis brought the United States and the USSR to the edge of nuclear war, Kennedy urged Americans to reexamine their attitudes toward the Communist Soviet Union. Making a dramatic shift from his earlier posture as a militant Cold Warrior, Kennedy implored Americans not to see only a distorted and desperate view of the other side and he reminded them that history teaches us that enmities between nationsdo not last forever. Instead of demonizing the Soviets, Kennedy argued, Americans should focus on promoting a gradual evolution toward peaceful relations and problem solving. Kennedys farsighted speech helped to clear the way for a limited test-ban treaty that he hoped would help to check the spiraling arms race. By the fall of 1963, when Kennedy authorized the sale of wheat to the Soviet Union, US relations with the USSR were more hopeful than almost anyone could have anticipated a year earlier. Warren and other prospective presidential candidates should remember Kennedys wise leadership on relations with Russia in the last months of his life as a model of the kind of thoughtful, articulate president we need in the third decade of the 21st century. Biden, Sanders, and Warren, in contrast to Kennedy, have exemplified how not to talk about Russia by portraying the country as a perpetual enemy, distorting its peoples attitudes, exaggerating the threats it poses, and failing to consider how constructive dialogue with Russian leaders could promote common interests such as curbing costly spending on the modernization of nuclear arsenals, countering the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and combating Islamist terrorism. (As California Governor Jerry Brown has recognized, such common interests, along with addressing climate change and promoting mutually beneficial economic development, are much more important for the long term than the political conflicts that have marred relations in the last few years.) While Kennedy envisioned the possibility of moving beyond Cold War confrontation, the three senior prospective Democratic candidates have embraced wrongheaded establishment perspectives that are holdovers from the Cold War, even though they have sensibly challenged failed conventional wisdom in other areas. With almost two years left before the presidential election in November 2020, they have time to reconsider their approaches; other potential candidates have opportunities to present more promising visions; and educated citizens have the chance to influence the charting of a brighter course for the future. Campaign rhetoric matters: It sets trajectories that can be difficult to alter. Democratic candidates should not reflexively compete over who can be tougher in confronting Putin. They also should not simply continue recent efforts to isolate, demonize, and punish Russia. That would be fruitless. As Obama explained in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, sanctions without outreachcondemnation without discussioncan carry forward only a crippling status quo. Instead, progressive candidates should outline intelligent strategies for how to manage relations with a huge, resource-rich, nuclear-armed, highly educated nation that presents both challenges and opportunities for cooperation. David Foglesong is a professor of history at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He is the author of two books: The American Mission and the Evil Empire: The Crusade for a Free Russia Since 1881 (Cambridge University Press, 2007) and Americas Secret War Against Bolshevism: U.S. Intervention in the Russian Civil War, 1917-1920 (The University of North Carolina Press, 1995). In collaboration with I. I. Kurilla and V. I. Zhuravleva, he is now completing America and Russia: From Distant Friends to Intimate Enemies (to be published by Cambridge University Press). PUCO accepts results of Vectrens natural gas supply auction COLUMBUS, OHIO (Jan. 16, 2019) The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today accepted the results of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohios auction for its default natural gas service. The auction secured natural gas supplies for Vectrens customers from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 and established a retail price adjustment of $0.085 per hundred cubic feet (ccf). Vectrens default rate, known as the standard choice offer (SCO), changes monthly and is calculated as the sum of the retail price adjustment, plus the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) month-end settlement price. The price adjustment reflects the winning bidders estimate of their cost to deliver natural gas from production areas to Vectrens service area. The SCO will apply to Vectrens choice-eligible customers that have not selected an alternative supplier. Choice-eligible customers will continue to have the option to enroll with an energy choice supplier of their choosing, join a government aggregation buying group or remain on the SCO. Customers who are interested in choosing an energy choice supplier can compare rate offers by visiting the PUCOs Energy Choice Ohio website at www.energychoice.ohio.gov. Each SCO customers bill will indicate the certified retail natural gas supplier that is responsible for providing the customers natural gas. Vectren will continue to deliver natural gas to all customers, offer payment plans and handle all emergency and customer service calls. Government aggregation customers and those already enrolled with an energy choice supplier are not affected. On Jan. 15, 2019, Enel X, Vectrens auction manager, conducted a descending clock auction for the SCO rate. Bids were submitted by six natural gas suppliers based on fixed adjustments to the NYMEX settlement price. The names of the winning bidders will remain confidential for 15 days to protect the suppliers positions in contract negotiations with pipeline companies. For more information, please visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to the Docketing Information System and enter the case number 19-120-GA-UNC. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov prepares to leave his annual roundup news conference in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Lavrov told a news conference that its necessary to fully restore Syrias sovereignty, adding that Turkeys plan to create a buffer zone on the border with Syria should also be seen in that context. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) https://www.sunburynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2019/01/web1_122142633-1e4e189219bf4b36b15e39e6e1738f4f.jpg Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov prepares to leave his annual roundup news conference in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Lavrov told a news conference that its necessary to fully restore Syrias sovereignty, adding that Turkeys plan to create a buffer zone on the border with Syria should also be seen in that context. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks about his departments 2018 accomplishments during his annual roundup news conference in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) https://www.sunburynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2019/01/web1_122142633-600ccbd6de1d4cf894f36913af1ef193.jpg Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks about his departments 2018 accomplishments during his annual roundup news conference in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives to attend an annual roundup news conference about his departments 2018 accomplishments in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) https://www.sunburynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2019/01/web1_122142633-d85bc144648b49438eb0b8c4ad0e1996.jpg Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives to attend an annual roundup news conference about his departments 2018 accomplishments in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) NEWS & VIEWS | https://www.sunburynews.com/opinion/24485/does-potus-work-for-russia |
Is Facebooks 10 Year Challenge Really About Training Facial Recognition AI? | The latest 10 year challenge meme currently going around Facebook and Instagram might actually be a data mining experiment designed to train facial recognition algorithms on age progression and age recognition. According to technology expert Kate ONeill, the public may be unwittingly helping Facebook to train their facial recognition robots, granting the social media giant even more access to our private lives. Me 10 years ago: probably would have played along with the profile picture aging meme going around on Facebook and Instagram Me now: ponders how all this data could be mined to train facial recognition algorithms on age progression and age recognition Kate O'Neill (@kateo) January 12, 2019 Wired.com reports: Its worth considering the depth and breadth of the personal data we share without reservations. Of those who were critical of my thesis, many argued that the pictures were already available anyway. The most common rebuttal was: That data is already available. Facebooks already got all the profile pictures. Of course they do. In various versions of the meme, people were instructed to post their first profile picture alongside their current profile picture, or a picture from 10 years ago alongside their current profile picture. So, yes: These profile pictures exist, theyve got upload time stamps, many people have a lot of them, and for the most part theyre publicly accessible. But lets play out this idea. Imagine that you wanted to train a facial recognition algorithm on age-related characteristics and, more specifically, on age progression (e.g., how people are likely to look as they get older). Ideally, youd want a broad and rigorous dataset with lots of peoples pictures. It would help if you knew they were taken a fixed number of years apartsay, 10 years. Sure, you could mine Facebook for profile pictures and look at posting dates or EXIF data. But that whole set of profile pictures could end up generating a lot of useless noise. People dont reliably upload pictures in chronological order, and its not uncommon for users to post pictures of something other than themselves as a profile picture. A quick glance through my Facebook friends profile pictures shows a friends dog who just died, several cartoons, word images, abstract patterns, and more. In other words, it would help if you had a clean, simple, helpfully labeled set of then-and-now photos. Whats more, for the profile pictures on Facebook, the photo posting date wouldnt necessarily match the date the picture was taken. Even the EXIF metadata on the photo wouldnt always be reliable for assessing that date. People could have scanned offline photos. They might have uploaded pictures multiple times over years. Some people resort to uploading screenshots of pictures found elsewhere online. Some platforms strip EXIF data for privacy. Through the Facebook meme, most people have been helpfully adding that context back in (me in 2008 and me in 2018) as well as further info, in many cases, about where and how the pic was taken (2008 at University of Whatever, taken by Joe; 2018 visiting New City for this years such-and-such event). In other words, thanks to this meme, theres now a very large dataset of carefully curated photos of people from roughly 10 years ago and now. Of course, not all the dismissive comments in my Twitter mentions were about the pictures being already available; some critics noted that there was too much crap data to be usable. But data researchers and scientists know how to account for this. As with hashtags that go viral, you can generally place more trust in the validity of data earlier on in the trend or campaignbefore people begin to participate ironically or attempt to hijack the hashtag for irrelevant purposes. As for bogus pictures, image recognition algorithms are plenty sophisticated enough to pick out a human face. If you uploaded an image of a cat 10 years ago and nowas one of my friends did, adorablythat particular sample would be easy to throw out. For its part, Facebook denies having any hand in the #10YearChallenge. This is a user-generated meme that went viral on its own, a Facebook spokesperson responded. Facebook did not start this trend, and the meme uses photos that already exist on Facebook. Facebook gains nothing from this meme (besides reminding us of the questionable fashion trends of 2009). As a reminder, Facebook users can choose to turn facial recognition on or off at any time. But even if this particular meme isnt a case of social engineering, the past few years have been rife with examples of social games and memes designed to extract and collect data. Just think of the mass data extraction of more than 70 million US Facebook users performed by Cambridge Analytica. Not necessarily; in a way, its inevitable. Still, the broader takeaway here is that we need to approach our interactions with technology mindful of the data we generate and how it can be used at scale. Ill offer three plausible use cases for facial recognition: one respectable, one mundane, and one risky. The benign scenario: Facial recognition technology, specifically age progression capability, could help with finding missing kids. Last year police in New Delhi reported tracking down nearly 3,000 missing kids in just four days using facial recognition technology. If the kids had been missing a while, they would likely look a little different from the last known photo of them, so a reliable age progression algorithm could be genuinely helpful here. Facial recognitions potential is mostly mundane: Age recognition is probably most useful for targeted advertising. Ad displays that incorporate cameras or sensors and can adapt their messaging for age-group demographics (as well as other visually recognizable characteristics and discernible contexts) will likely be commonplace before very long. That application isnt very exciting, but stands to make advertising more relevant. But as that data flows downstream and becomes enmeshed with our location tracking, response and purchase behavior, and other signals, it could bring about some genuinely creepy interactions. Like most emerging technology, theres a chance of fraught consequences. Age progression could someday factor into insurance assessment and health care. For example, if you seem to be aging faster than your cohorts, perhaps youre not a very good insurance risk. You may pay more or be denied coverage. After Amazon introduced real-time facial recognition services in late 2016, they began selling those services to law enforcement and government agencies, such as the police departments in Orlando and Washington County, Oregon. But the technology raises major privacy concerns; the police could use the technology not only to track people who are suspected of having committed crimes, but also people who are not committing crimes, such as protesters and others whom the police deem a nuisance. The American Civil Liberties Union asked Amazon to stop selling this service. So did a portion of Amazons shareholders and employees, who asked Amazon to halt the service, citing concerns for the companys valuation and reputation. Its tough to overstate the fullness of how technology stands to impact humanity. The opportunity exists for us to make it better, but to do that we also must recognize some of the ways in which it can get worse. Once we understand the issues, its up to all of us to weigh in. Not exactly. Regardless of the origin or intent behind this meme, we must all become savvier about the data we create and share, the access we grant to it, and the implications for its use. If the context was a game that explicitly stated that it was collecting pairs of then-and-now photos for age progression research, you could choose to participate with an awareness of who was supposed to have access to the photos and for what purpose. The broader message, removed from the specifics of any one meme or even any one social platform, is that humans are the richest data sources for most of the technology emerging in the world. We should know this, and proceed with due diligence and sophistication. Humans are the connective link between the physical and digital worlds. Human interactions are the majority of what makes the Internet of Things interesting. Our data is the fuel that makes businesses smarter and more profitable. We should demand that businesses treat our data with due respect, by all means. But we also need to treat our own data with respect. | https://newspunch.com/is-facebooks-10-year-challenge-really-about-training-facial-recognition-ai/ |
Has Davos made the world better? | Published on 20.01.2019 at 04h54 by AFP Klaus Schwab, who founded the World Economic Forum (WEF), has said his childhood during World War II inspired him to build an organisation that would make the world a better place. His foundation, which hosts many of the worlds most powerful, famous and wealthy people at its annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, has clearly made an impact. But questions have grown about whether the organisation is meeting its declared goal of improving the state of the world, with resentment rising against the pro-business Davos agenda, and voters turning instead to populist leaders. One persistent criticism is that WEF meetings, including this weeks main annual gathering in Davos, have simply created a safe space for the corporate world to lobby governments without oversight. Schwab was not available for an interview with AFP but the WEFs managing director, Adrian Monck, said in an email that the organisation subscribes to the highest standards of governance. Fragile authority Schwab, born in Ravensburg, Germany, in 1938, was a little-known business professor at the University of Geneva when in 1971 he founded the WEFs precursor, the European Management Forum. He later broadened the conclave by inviting US business leaders, assembling a prestigious Rolodex as he turned the gathering into a showcase for networking and exchange of ideas. In a 2018 book, two Stockholm University professors chronicled the WEFs evolution, as over time politicians joined the business executives in Davos to give the forum the air of a United Nations, with a few celebrities thrown in. Against the backdrop of what is perceived to be malfunctioning global governance institutions and stalled international policymaking, the WEF presents itself as offering an alternative, Christina Garsten and Adrienne Sorbom write in Discreet Power: How the World Economic Forum Shapes Market Agendas. Over the years, success has bred success for the WEF as many of the worlds movers and shakers vie to rub shoulders in the Swiss Alps at panel discussions and apres-ski socialising. Newer regional meetings have joined the Davos calendar. The WEFs fragile authority relies on proving that if you want to be part of the global nobility, then you have to be here, Sorbom told AFP. She said the organisation appears to offer something lacking in other international bodies: a venue where the heads of business and government can meet and possibly come up with some good ideas. But it has troublesome aspects, she added. With dozens of heads of state and government coming to Davos each year, the WEF can be seen as a body without a legal mandate to influence global governance yet with an ambition to do so, Garsten and Sorbom write. Oliver Classen of the Swiss NGO Public Eye, which has spearheaded protests and other campaigns to counter the Davos meeting, said the WEF has always been fully dependent on the 1,000 companies that support the foundation. Membership to the Forum ranges from the equivalent of $60,000 (53,000 euros) to $600,000, fees that allow company representatives to attend Davos and other meetings throughout the year. Schwab seems to have a firm belief that making people talk to each other is an objective that justifies pretty much everything, Classen said. What he does not realise is that when the large majority of those people have commercial interests then it is about deal-striking and nothing else. Monck, however, said that for the WEF, multi-stakeholder engagement means respecting the opinions and interests of others. Only Bono is safe The Davos meeting reportedly faced an existential threat in the early 2000s after sustained protests stretched the patience of the local community. In response, Schwab opened the meeting to more civil society groups while widening media access to an event that had previously been mostly held behind closed doors. That move was not voluntary, said Christian Dorer, the editor-in-chief of Swiss media group Blick, who recently had rare access to Schwab for a profile. Schwab realised he had to, otherwise the Forum would be dead, Dorer told AFP, also saying that the WEF founder had changed over the years. He was really only attached to the business world, and now he is much more open. Sorbom said her research showed an organisation that tolerated some dissent, up to a point. You can voice criticism, but if you are too critical, then you are out, unless you are Bono, she said. Monck told AFP that if the principle of multi-stakeholder engagement is not one you can sign up to, then the Forum is not the best platform for your engagement. | https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/has-davos-made-the-world-better/ |
Should banks help government employees working during the shutdown? | Dear John: I have an idea on how to pay the government workers who are working during the shutdown. These workers are guaranteed to get paid when the shutdown ends. These loans would have zero risk. They [would be] backed by the full faith and credit of the US government. E.W. Dear E.W. : As much as I believe in the humanitarianism of banks, they dont loan out money for free. Even if these government workers were given 1 percent loans, someone would have to pay that 1 percent. Its good that you are thinking creatively, but I just dont see this happening. Dear John: I saw your column regarding M.H., who has been out of work for 10 years. I can look at and redo his rsum for free. There are ways to wordsmith a rsum to hide age and build on past job experiences. Also, tell M.H. to go to the library and get a book called 60 Seconds and Youre Hired by Robin Ryan. I have over 25 years of business-development experience, am disabled from a car accident and am totally bored. So Id be happy to help! K.F. Dear K.F. Thank you very much. I will pass your information on to the man who is having trouble not only finding work but also even getting interviews. The problem is obvious: After 10 years of unemployment, he has probably lost his confidence, and employers are wondering why the guy cant find something. Sometimes people just need a nudge, and you might be the start of M.H. getting his footing back. Dear John: I hope that you will share this information with M.H. and anyone else looking for a job. They may want to consider signing up with a temp service. Not all jobs are temporary. With so many people looking for a reason to sue when they get fired, it is no surprise that some companies dont want to directly hire. My godchild signed up with a temp service, with no experience and right out of college. He hasnt been out of work since eight years so far. My older, semiretired friend gets jobs as a substitute teacher through a temp service rather than dealing with several individual schools. Years ago, I went through a temp service before a company hired me permanently. Some of the jobs are actually temporary, but some can lead to permanent positions. L.N. Dear L.N. Thanks for the great advice. | https://nypost.com/2019/01/19/should-banks-help-government-employees-working-during-the-shutdown/ |
Is China wise to bank on consumer spending to drive economic growth? | China has a grand plan to rebalance its economy by reducing its dependence on state-led investment and exports in favour of increased consumer spending. But after disappointing retail sales figures in recent months and a sharp rise in household debt, questions are being asked about the feasibility of Beijings ambitions. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first 11 months of 2018, retail sales a measure of consumer spending that also includes government purchases rose 9.1 per cent year on year to 34.5 trillion yuan (US$5.09 trillion). However, based on calculations by the South China Morning Post, the actual growth figure was nearer 4 per cent. The state statistics bureau will release the full-year 2018 retail sales performance on Monday. Given that Chinas gross domestic product was estimated to have risen by 6.6 per cent last year, the data suggest that consumer spending actually weighed on growth rather than driving it. The official retail sales growth figure for November alone was the lowest for more than 15 years, at 8.1 per cent Meanwhile, last year also saw the first year-on-year decline in car sales for almost three decades and a revenue warning from iPhone maker Apple due to weak Chinese sales. While the prevailing perception is that Chinas 1 billion or so consumers have enough spending power to ensure near perpetual economic growth, Li Xunlei, chief economist at brokerage house Zhongtai Securities, said the figures needed to be put into context. In a research note published this month he said that of Chinas 1.3 billion people, about 1 billion had never been on an aeroplane, while 400 million were still living without an indoor flushing toilet. While Beijing is banking on its affluent urban consumers whose number it coincidentally also puts at 400 million they are particularly vulnerable to the economic slowdown. Many are weighed down by large mortgages and other household debts, while concerns about job security and future incomes are ubiquitous. Peoples reluctance to splurge as a result of such fears the so-called consumption downgrade coupled with a smaller workforce as a result of a rapidly ageing population new births in 2018 are estimated to have dropped below 15 million, their lowest this century and a cyclical economic downturn are all obstacles to Beijings grand plan, analysts said. Despite his normally bullish stance on the countrys prospects, Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, said the latest consumer spending figures had been disappointing. If the overall economy is slowing, it will affect the jobs market and affect peoples expectations, he said. In the last four months, the [consumption] data have been worse than forecast. In a bid to support economic growth, the central government said last week it was planning to roll out a series of incentives to boost sales of cars and home appliances in 2019 it adopted a similar policy in 2009 to bolster growth after the global financial crisis and recently announced lower personal tax rates. Several local governments are also considering new initiatives. In the northern province of Hebei, which is a centre for heavy industry, authorities are considering reducing the working week to 4 days to give people more time for shopping, while in Beijing and Tianjin, shopping centres are being encouraged to stay open later in the evening to keep the tills ringing longer. While cosmetic adjustments might give consumer spending a short-term fillip, Lian Ping, chief economist at Bank of Communications, said the bigger problem was the fact that people were basically hamstrung by household debt. The rapid growth in mortgage loans has left households in greater debt and squeezed their spending, he wrote in an annual macroeconomic report released earlier this month. Chinas total household debt was US$6.58 trillion at the end of June 2018, or 50.3 per cent of its GDP, according to figures from the Bank for International Settlements. While the figure is still some way below the 76.6 per cent reported for the United States or even the 52.5 per cent for Germany and 57.4 per cent for Japan it is rising fast, having stood at just 18.6 per cent in 2008. Lian said consumer spending on property and cars was peaking, adding that last years sharp decline in Chinas stock market had also hit household incomes. As house sales fell, so too would demand for furniture, home appliances and other related products, he said. Iris Pang, chief Greater China economist for ING Bank, agreed, saying that consumer spending was becoming a victim of peoples concerns about job security and the bleak economic outlook. Consumption has entered a dark period, she said. People [governments] have to face the reality [of slowing retail sales growth]. | https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/2182829/china-wise-bank-consumer-spending-drive-economic-growth |
Wheres Malaysia headed with its race-based preferential policies? | after taking office last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamads government undertook a midterm review of the national development plan implemented by the previous administration. One of the most anticipated elements of Pakatan Harapans review of the 11th Malaysia plan which is set to run until 2020 was the countrys stance on its extensive, embedded system of racial preferences. Rule by race-based parties has ended in Malaysia, with the steep decline of the once-mighty United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and the decimation of its coalition partners, the Malaysian Chinese Association and the Malaysian Indian Congress. This phenomenon raises questions over the future of the countrys race-based politics. The absence of a dominant party for ethnic Malays in the new coalition government, coupled with the meteoric rise of racially mixed parties, has induced expectations of a matching policy reset especially among non-Malays and international watchers. However, shifting away from racial party politics is one thing, phasing out race-based preferential policies is another thing altogether. Mahathir never promised to eliminate racial preferences. On the contrary, immediately after winning power, he gave assurances that he would safeguard constitutionally enshrined privileges for the bumiputra (sons of the soil), the collective term for Malays and indigenous peoples. While much public discourse and the media spotlight is fixated on the wealth accumulation and ill-gotten gains of Umno-linked elites, the system also extends benefits down to the masses. Mahathir is surely mindful that the millions of Malay households who benefit from the system through technical colleges, microfinance, scholarships, university admissions, public sector employment, public procurement and more will balk at the notion that their preferential access to such opportunities should be curtailed. These programmes are colossally difficult to modify or dismantle not only because of their magnitude, but also because they are ineffective at cultivating capability and competitiveness among Malays prerequisites for the community to have the confidence to contemplate their removal. Recent administrations have hinted that they grasp this reality. Mahathir himself recently chastised the community for its lack of self-reliance, echoing his loudest regret when he stepped down as prime minister in 2003. When it comes to the countrys race-based policies, the rhetoric of reform has occupied the mainstream for the past decade. The previous Barisan Nasional governments bumiputra transformation programme, incorporated into the 11th Malaysia Plan, outlined new ways to provide education for the disadvantaged and various initiatives for grooming entrepreneurs. But the measures were piecemeal, not systematic. Mahathirs midterm review largely stays the course, while making some noteworthy shifts and new commitments that clarify objectives, enhance efficacy and mitigate the pitfalls of race-based preferential policies. But it could have gone much further in advancing a systematic, effective and farsighted reform agenda consistent with the idea of a new Malaysia. First, compared to the 11th Malaysia Plan, the midterm review places more emphasis on bumiputra education and skills development, and on programmes designed to help the poorest 40 per cent of the community access education. This is important because it addresses capability development and promotes the upwards mobility of disadvantaged people. Education is the sphere that provides the greatest scope for shifting away from programmes solely targeted at low-income bumiputra households and towards disadvantaged people of every ethnicity. Second, the review declares its intention to streamline parts of the fragmented system that deal with implementation, but it omits vital details on which polices will be involved. Educational institutions are conspicuously absent from the proposals. The goal of inculcating new mindsets to imbue more confidence and less dependency on government assistance also seems to elude schools and learning institutions. The review directs its call for more capability enhancement and less dependency on preferential support solely at entrepreneurs, not students. Third, it makes rather bold declarations about problems such as repeat beneficiaries, rent-seeking and wasteful abuses especially the use of political links to get contracts of work that are then outsourced. The review calls for data on bumiputra businesses, contracts, licences and special opportunities received to be centralised and properly managed so that progress can be monitored and hoarding mitigated. It also strikingly avows to take appropriate action, including automatic termination, if contracts or approved permits awarded are sold or transferred to a third party. These pronouncements are welcome. Beyond redressing such abuses, however, it is unclear whether and how the government plans to leverage public procurement and licensing so that the capabilities and self-reliance of bumiputra can develop. Fourth, on effective ownership and wealth accumulation, the review instructs state enterprises to cultivate suppliers and vendors and to facilitate effective ownership, including through management buyouts. The Malaysian project of grooming dynamic, competitive and resilient enterprises has passed through many phases. This agenda centred on state-owned enterprises in the 1970s, heavy industries in the 1980s, then turned to privatisation and corporate titans in the 1990s until the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. Post-crisis, government-linked companies have been the key drivers, supplemented by a raft of new programmes introduced in the past five years that were focused on medium-scale enterprises. This agenda remains politically indispensable, but in view of its chequered history the government would be wise to proceed with vigour and vigilance. The rhetoric suggests a concern that past errors be averted and a new generation of independent bumiputra entrepreneurs groomed. Recent spates of political appointments to public agencies signal a reluctance to shed naked patronage. That the process involves progress and regress is to be expected, but whether Malaysia takes more steps forwards than backwards remains to be seen. From the prime ministers end, a shift in tone and approach less scolding, more coaching could also yield productive returns. Otherwise, at the close of his second tenure Mahathirs loudest regret will ring out again. | https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/2182755/wheres-malaysia-headed-its-race-based-preferential-policies |
Can Sarri arrest mentally soft Chelsea slump? | Arsenals Matteo Guendouzi celebrates with Ainsley Maitland-Niles at the end of the match as Chelseas Olivier Giroud looks on at Emirates Stadium in London January 19, 2019. Reuters pic LONDON, Jan 20 It took 19 games for Maurizio Sarri to suffer defeat as Chelsea manager, but a stunning start to life at Stamford Bridge has quickly turned sour with the Italian lambasting his sides mental fortitude after yesterdays 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. A fourth loss in 11 league games leaves Chelsea at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League for a second consecutive season for the first time since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. Sarris men are still in pole position for a top-four finish, but now lead Arsenal and a resurgent Manchester United by just three points. Moreover, Chelsea still have to visit United, as well as title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester City in their final 15 games of the league campaign. The trend since the Blues lost for the first time under Sarri at Tottenham at the end of November suggests Chelsea will not maintain their slender advantage. Under Abramovich, Chelsea managers dont tend to be given time if unsuccessful in their first season. Sarri insisted he is still up for the fight, even if he accused his players of lacking the same heart. It seems to me that, as a group of players, theyre not aggressive from a mental point of view. They dont have a ferocity in their mentality, said Sarri. Its difficult to change. You have to try and influence their mentality and it could take some time, or it could change with a new player coming in or an older head assuming more responsibility and driving the team on. Sarri does seem set to get what he wanted in the signing of Gonzalo Higuain on loan from Juventus for the rest of the season to offer some much-needed firepower. Hazard blunted However, while the former Napoli boss pointed the finger at his players, his tactics have also come under the spotlight in recent weeks. Chelseas early-season form owed much to the goals of Eden Hazard with Sarri claiming the Belgian was capable of scoring 40 this campaign. Instead, Hazard has just 12 as his goals have dried up since he has been wedged into a centre-forward role due to Sarris lack of faith in Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud. In keeping with their performances of late, Chelsea enjoyed 64 percent possession against Arsenal but had just one tame shot on target to show for it. Removing Hazard from his favoured position wide on the left of a front three has made it easier to crowd out Chelseas most dangerous player. Meanwhile, as Sarri demands more aggression, his most tenacious player, NGolo Kante, is also out of position. Kante shone in winning back-to-back Premier League titles with Leicester and in his first season at Chelsea, as well winning the World Cup with France, as a relentless holding midfielder. However, Sarri prefers the passing of Jorginho, who he brought with him from Napoli last summer, at the base of his midfield and Kante shunted further forward. Hazard has voiced his frustration at playing out of position and keeping him happy is a club priority as he enters the final 18 months of his contract, with Real Madrid interested in a cut-price swoop come the summer. Teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi also seems set to snub the offer of a new deal to join Bayern Munich after becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities under Sarri. The Italian needs to find answers quickly to arrest Chelseas slump with the finance and prestige of Champions League football paramount to his and Chelseas future. Arsenal boss Unai Emery recently revealed the financial restrictions he is working under with no money available to sign players on permanent transfers this month. Two seasons without Champions League football is part of the reason for penny pinching at the Emirates. Now Chelsea run the risk of facing a similar fate. AFP | https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2019/01/20/can-sarri-arrest-mentally-soft-chelsea-slump/1714567 |
Does the corporate debt mountain pose an avalanche risk? | Concern in the United States has focused on leveraged loans, estimated by experts to be worth some US$1.3 trillion, made to companies with high debt loads or with poor credit histories, or both. Reuters file pic PARIS, Jan 20 During the years of ultra cheap money, companies loaded up on debt but now the concern is whether they will be able to handle the mountain of debt as interest rates rise. Until last year, companies basked in the sun of low interest rates while economies were expanding at a steady clip. They had no real reason not to borrow. But in 2018 the clouds set in: political uncertainty, market volatility, deteriorating growth prospects, in particular in China, and most importantly a tightening of monetary policy as central banks ended the stimulus measures taken to tame the 2007-08 financial crisis. At the end of last year the US Federal Reserve estimated that private US companies held nearly US$15 trillion (13 trillion ) in debt. In Europe, non-financial companies hold some 12 trillion ($13.8 trillion), according to Pierre Verle, head of credit at asset manager Carmignac. In absolute terms, the debt of non-financial companies accounts for around 70 per cent of gross domestic product in the United States and in the eurozone it is above 100 per cent: these are elevated levels, but not explosive, said Isabelle Mateos y Lago, managing director and chief multi-asset strategist at BlackRock Investment Institute. She said such levels dont say much about the capacity of firms to repay their debts. Instead Mateos y Lago pointed to another indicator: the ratio of net revenue to debt payments. In the United States, net revenues are nine times higher than debt payments, while in Europe the ratio is 12, she said. Fallen angels In recent months, concern in the United States has focused around so-called leveraged loans, which former US Federal Reserve head Janet Yellen recently called a systemic risk. These loans, estimated by experts to be worth some US$1.3 trillion, are made to companies with high debt loads or with poor credit histories, or both. These loans are riskier as there is a greater risk the borrower will default, but as they carry higher interest rates, they can be attractive to investors seeking returns. A portion of these loans have been resold to investors, much as the high-risk sub-prime mortgages that caused the 2008 financial crisis. In Europe the problem is less acute as investors accept less readily debt levels that are too high and the trauma from the 2008 crisis is more present, said Vincent Marioni, who heads up credit investments in Europe for Allianz Global Investors. There are less than 300 billion in repackaged leveraged loans, according to Verle. Another subject of attention has been the rise in the number of companies that are just holding onto their investment grade credit rating. A downgrade into what ratings agencies call a speculative debt rating and investors call junk bonds means companies will have to pay more interest to borrow. These companies which tumble into junk territory are called fallen angels, and if there are too many then it could spook investors and cause them to dump the bonds. Dark cloud This risk hovers like a dark cloud over investors, said Claudio Borio, head of the monetary and economic department at the Bank of International Settlements, when presenting its latest quarterly report in December. Others are less concerned. It is in the best-rated tranches that there were the most excesses these past years, said Verle, but if in each credit cycle there are excesses, that doesnt mean that the system will collapse. Meanwhile Felix Orsini, who is global co-head for corporate debt markets at French bank Societe Generale, said that he believed the number of fallen angels would be limited. In gaining a bit of perspective, the return of volatility in 2018 was a return to normal after years during which the markets were on central bank life support, he said. Frederic Gabizon, head of Debt Capital Markets at HSBC France, said that the crisis had pushed borrowers to thoroughly clean up their finances, which gives them some margin of maneuver. A countervailing factor is that investors still have funds they need to place. Investors still have considerable liquidity, especially insurers, said Orsini. As the economic environment remains sound, there is no reason to worry, said Mateos y Lago. When the economy enters recession the debt load will be an issue, but that is thus more a worry for 2020 than 2019, she said. AFP | https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2019/01/20/does-the-corporate-debt-mountain-pose-an-avalanche-risk/1714578 |
How is PUTIN isolating UKRAINE? | There's the rich, the poor, and the tax payers...also known as the middle class. Robert Kiyosaki The Tax you pay is The Bill for Staying Stupid Stefan Molyneux Taxation is legalized Theft UNKNOWN "The Objective of the Bank is not the control of a conflict , it's the control of the debt that a conflict produces . The real value of a conflict , the true value is in the debt that it creates . You control the debt , you control everything . this is THE VERY ESSENCE OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY , to make us all , whether we be nations or individuals , SLAVES TO DEBT " An UNKNOWN Banker Patriotism is the last refuge... to which the scoundrel clings .... Steal a little and they throw you in jail ..steal a lot and they make you king .... Bob Dylan "Corporations are stealing billions in tax breaks, while the confused, screwed citizenry turn on each other. International corporations have no national allegiance, they care only for profit." Robert Reich Steve Quayle Your Greatest Teacher is Your Last Mistake DAVID ICKE The one who Controls the Education System , Controls Perception UNKNOWN | https://financearmageddon.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-is-putin-isolating-ukraine.html |
Is The Violent Dismemberment Of Russia Official US Policy? | Authored by Erik D'Amato via The Ron Paul Institute for Peace & Prosperity, If theres one thing everyone in todays Washington can agree on, its that whenever an official or someone being paid by the government says something truly outrageous or dangerous, there should be consequences, if only a fleeting moment of media fury. With one notable exception: Arguing that the US should be quietly working to promote the violent disintegration and carving up of the largest country on Earth. Because so much of the discussion around US-Russian affairs is marked by hysteria and hyperbole, you are forgiven for assuming this is an exaggeration. Unfortunately it isnt. Published in the Hill under the dispassionate title Managing Russias dissolution, author Janusz Bugajski makes the case that the West should not only seek to contain Moscows imperial ambitions but to actively seek the dismemberment of Russia as a whole. Engagement, criticism and limited sanctions have simply reinforced Kremlin perceptions that the West is weak and predictable. To curtail Moscows neo-imperialism a new strategy is needed, one that nourishes Russias decline and manages the international consequences of its dissolution. Like many contemporary cold warriors, Bugajski toggles back and forth between overhyping Russias might and its weaknesses, notably a lack of economic dynamism and a rise in ethnic and regional fragmentation. But his primary argument is unambiguous: That the West should actively stoke longstanding regional and ethnic tensions with the ultimate aim of a dissolution of the Russian Federation, which Bugajski dismisses as an imperial construct. The rationale for dissolution should be logically framed: In order to survive, Russia needs a federal democracy and a robust economy; with no democratization on the horizon and economic conditions deteriorating, the federal structure will become increasingly ungovernable... To manage the process of dissolution and lessen the likelihood of conflict that spills over state borders, the West needs to establish links with Russias diverse regions and promote their peaceful transition toward statehood. Even more alarming is Bugajskis argument that the goal should not be self-determination for breakaway Russian territories, but the annexing of these lands to other countries. Some regions could join countries such as Finland, Ukraine, China and Japan, from whom Moscow has forcefully appropriated territories in the past. It is, needless to say, impossible to imagine anything like this happening without sparking a series of conflicts that could mirror the Yugoslav Wars. Except in this version the US would directly culpable in the ignition of the hostilities, and in range of 6,800 Serbian nuclear warheads. The author bio on the Hills piece identifies him as a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington, D.C. think-tank. But CEPA is no ordinary talk shop: Instead of the usual foundations and well-heeled individuals, its financial backers seem to be mostly arms of the US government, including the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the US Mission to NATO, the US-government-sponsored National Endowment for Democracy, as well as as veritable who's who of defense contractors, including Raytheon, Bell Helicopter, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and Textron. Meanwhile, Bugajski chairs the South-Central Europe area studies program at the Foreign Service Institute of the US Department of State. To put it in perspective, it is akin to a Russian with deep ties to the Kremlin and arms-makers arguing that the Kremlin needed to find ways to break up the United States and, if possible, have these breakaway regions absorbed by Mexico and Canada. (A scenario which alas is not as far-fetched as it might have been a few years ago; many thousands in California now openly talk of a Calexit, and many more in Mexico of a reconquista.) Meanwhile, its hard to imagine a quasi-official voice like Bugajskis coming out in favor of a similar policy vis-a-vis China, which has its own restive regions, and which in geopolitical terms is no more or less of a threat to the US than Russia. One reason may be that China would consider an American call for secession by the Tibetans or Uyghurs to be a serious intrusion into their internal affairs, unlike Russia, which doesnt appear to have noticed or been ruffled by Bugajskis immodest proposal. Indeed, just as the real scandal in Washington is what's legal rather than illegal, the real outrage in this case is that few or none in DC finds Bugajskis virtual declaration of war notable. But it is. It is the sort of provocation that international incidents are made of, and if you are a US taxpayer, it is being made in your name, and it should be among your outrages of the month. | https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-19/violent-dismemberment-russia-official-us-policy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+zerohedge%2Ffeed+%28zero+hedge+-+on+a+long+enough+timeline%2C+the+survival+rate+for+everyone+drops+to+zero%29 |
Can Yakubus INEC Be Trusted? | With the recent release of voters register and election guidelines by INEC, there are indications that the body might be treading an unpopular path ahead of the February 16 presidential poll, writes Olaseni Durojaiye Finally, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), last week, released the revised election guidelines and the voters register for the 2019 elections, despite protest and disapproval by no fewer than 61 of the 91 registered political parties. It is, however, not on record that any of the stakeholders contributed to the letters of the revised election guidelines before it was eventually released. Curiously, INEC did not encourage a debate of the document before its release, even when other stakeholders took exception to some of its provisions. The initial decision by INEC to release the guidelines was announced by the commissions National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye. And as reported exclusively by THISDAY some weeks ago, the revised guidelines were meant to be ready for the consideration of the political parties and other stakeholders. We are going to officially release voter register to the political parties on Monday and we are also going to use the opportunity to hand over guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections to them, Okoye had stated just like that. Although the THISDAY exclusive report was believed to have compelled INEC to convene a meeting of stakeholders, it changed nothing as the commission appeared to be set in its way. Unfortunately, this is against the practice under Prof. Attahiru Jega. INEC under Jega convened a stakeholders meeting during which the commission and stakeholders including the political parties had a dialogue around the guidelines with the political parties contributing to the eventual contents of the guidelines for the 2015 general election. To a very large extent, that singular exercise helped to build confidence and trust in the commissions commitment to conduct free, fair and credible elections at the time. Aside the June 12, 1993 presidential election that was annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida military junta, no other election is rated to have surpassed the 2015 general election in terms of acceptability standard. This informed the expectations that the current INEC set-up would follow in the path that was already invented and found to have improved the nations electoral process. But that is not to be and this is bound to throw up questions bordering on whether the INEC, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubus leadership is truly committed to conducting free, fair and credible 2019 elections. With the revised rules obtained and earlier reported by THISDAY, analysts insisted had left the opposition parties with little to cheer about as it retained the main features of the guidelines used to regulate the 2015 elections, even when the Electoral Act amendment which was meant to provide the buffer for any shortcomings had been shut down by President Muhammadu Buhari. The electoral body categorically stated that the regulations and guidelines supersede all other regulations or guidelines on the conduct of elections issued by the commission and would remain in force until replaced by new regulations or amendments supported by a Decision Extract of the Commission or an official gazette. It said: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) herein referred to as the Commission issues the following Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of Elections (general election, by-elections, re-run elections and supplementary elections). These regulations and guidelines are issued as a Decision Extract of the Commission of the 21st day of the month of December 2018. Interestingly, the INEC chairman had on many occasions promised free, fair and credible elections that would meet acceptable standards. At different fora, including a congressional hearing on Nigerias 2019 elections in Washington, US, he reiterated same as he had done within the country. But the approach by the commission is otherwise suggestive. The decision to initially do away with the stakeholders meeting which would have afforded critical stakeholders the opportunity to make inputs into the revised guidelines is one, and a very telling one at that. Eve when it finally bowed to pressure and called stakeholders meeting, that it refused to look into their protest is instructive. The legal status of the incidence form makes its appropriateness for use doubtful. The Electoral Act 2018, which was turned down four times by President Buhari, had sought to extensively reform the electoral process by incorporating mandatory use of the card reader to the exclusion of the incidence form as the mode of accreditations. The guidelines in Clause 11(b) retains the use of incidence form, stating, Where a voters PVC is read but his/her fingerprint is not authenticated, the APO I shall refer the voter to the APO II who shall: (i) request the voter to thumbprint the appropriate box in the Register of Voters; (ii) request the voter to provide his/her phone number in the appropriate box in the Register of Voters; (iii) continue with the accreditation of the voter; and (iv) refer the voter to the PO or APO (VP) for issuance of ballot paper (s). It added: Where a voters PVC is read but the name of the voter is not on the Register of Voters, APO I shall refer the voter to the PO or APO (VP) who shall issue a Tendered Ballot (TB) to the voter. In the event that the PVC fails to be read by the Smart Card Reader, the APO I shall refer the voter to the Presiding officer or APO (VP) as the case may be, who shall request the voter: (i) To thumbprint in the appropriate box in the Register of Voters; (ii) Provide his/her phone number in appropriate box on the Register of Voters if available; and (iii) Thereafter refer the voter to the PO for the issuance of Tendered Ballot. Aside the legality or otherwise of the incidence form, it is a loophole for electoral malfeasance. Electoral officials could exploit it to perpetrate rigging in favour of whatever party, often times the party in power, or at different parties stronghold. The Osun governorship rerun is an instructive reminder of such possibilities. In yet another breath, adopting the continuous accreditation and voting exercise is inherently contentious. This is akin to re-inventing the wheel or trying to fix a machine that is neither broken nor malfunctioning. It portends an avoidable distraction that could have been taken care of if the failed stakeholders meeting had been genuinely productive. The continuous accreditation and voting is against the practice in 2015, where specific and different time belt were scheduled for accreditation and voting proper. This helps to ascertain the number of accredited voters even before voting proper. When the number of accredited voters is established from the word go, it makes it difficult for politicians to inflate number of eventual voters, thus limiting cases of electoral fraud. Another argument against the adoption of continuous accreditation and voting among stakeholders in Nigeria was that allowing for continuous accreditation and voting could make the process loose and prone to abuse from unscrupulous politicians especially, in areas considered their strongholds. The loose timing for accreditation and voting affords politician the time to perpetrate all sorts once they are done voting in a certain area and have enough time on their hands to cause crisis in other areas, one commentator opined. It goes without saying that the next election comes with a make-or-mar status for the nation. This has been severally reiterated by many observers, local and foreign groups as well as individuals, who are expecting the country to build off on the gains of the last elections. In the same vein, they have expressed positions that frowned on any unwholesome practices from all stakeholders, including INEC, the politicians, the nations security agencies and the presidency and the administration. It was against the foregoing that many were disappointed that despite being forced to convene a stakeholders meeting as a first step towards confidence-building and ensuring that the right process was jointly agreed to by all in adopting the guidelines for the elections, INEC still refused to see the sense in the reservation expressed by the others and went ahead to release its predetermined guidelines. Truth is that any attempt to consciously undermine the interests of other stakeholders in the collective resolve to ensure a credible electoral process, the eventual outcome of the exercise would definitely expose the results and the feigned neutrality of INEC. | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/20/can-yakubus-inec-be-trusted/ |
Can I be forced to pay for college? | When we divorced, I had a good paying job. The idea of eventually contributing to college for our daughter seemed like a no-brainer. I agreed we would figure out how to share the cost at the appropriate time. That time has come and we cannot agree. Our daughter wants to attend Trinity College. But during the market crash of 2009, my company went under. I have struggled to maintain employment since and went from earning $300,000 per year to earning $60,000. I had to sell my house in a short sale and have been renting ever since. My ex took me back to court, asking that I be ordered to pay $25,000 per year of our daughters college expenses for the next four years. That is more than 40 percent of my gross income. My only remaining asset is my retirement. I cannot afford a lawyer to help me with this. My former in-laws have hired a lawyer for my ex. We are going to court in early February and the lawyer keeps telling me I need to just agree to pay because they are asking for less than half the cost and the judge will order me to either take it out of my retirement or take out a parent loan. Two things a judge cannot order you to do and expect the order to be upheld by the appeals court are: Order you to withdraw money from your retirement to finance college education, and order you to apply for and incur substantial loan debt to send your child to college. If you only earn $60,000 per year, it is unlikely a bank or lending institution would approve your application for $25,000 per year for your childs college education. You dont have sufficient assets or income to support such a loan. You should argue that it is improper to expect you to do either thing and ask the judge to deny the motion. You should also understand that if you are ordered to pay, the order should not exceed one-half of the cost of UMass Amherst. So, while it is still a hefty payment for someone in your income bracket, it is not 40 percent of your gross. Different judges have different theories about how much parents should be obligated to contribute to college after all, married parents cannot be ordered by the state to contribute to their childrens college educations. Some judges believe in making the child equally responsible with the parents, in which case your outside limit should be one-third of the cost of UMass. If the wind seems to be blowing in the direction of some contribution, argue your daughter should have some skin in the game. Finally, dont hesitate to have a frank conversation with your daughter about your desire to help her attend a less expensive school. Wendy O. Hickey has since 1994 been involved in and since 2003 been a trial lawyer who concentrates her practice on national and international family law. Any legal advice in this column is general in nature, and does not establish a lawyer-client relationship. Send questions to [email protected]. | https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/01/20/wendy-5/ |
Who gets to keep the pet when couples split? | The divorce court judge was frustrated. The husband, in tears. The wife, adamant. The couples love for each other had ended, but each professed to love and want the dog. The husband offered thousands of dollars to his soon-to-be-ex for the pit bull terrier mix named Sweet Pea. The wife wouldnt accept the compensation, and insisted the dog was hers a gift, in fact, from her husband. This was a mutt they got at the pound, and it wasnt worth money, said family attorney Erin Levine of Oakland, California, who represented the husband and said the judge gave her grief for not settling the dispute out of court in the 2015 case. There was no way we werent going to litigate this; they were so attached to the dog. The woman produced a greeting card from her husband saying This (dog) is your gift for Christmas. I love you. Finally, the judge gave her custody of Sweet Pea. Her husband, Levine remembered in an interview, was inconsolable. Its that kind of messy pet custody case that a new California law is supposed to help solve. Former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, owner of two first dogs, corgi mix Lucy and bordoodle Cali, signed the bill, which took effect Jan. 1. It outlines criteria judges can use to determine whats best for the dog. The law allows people to petition for custody of a pet. It empowers judges to take into consideration the care of the pet when determining sole or joint ownership. Questions like who walked the dog? and who took the cat to vet appointments? are now permissible criteria for determining custody. While pets are not considered children and are technically property, the California law, recognizing what it calls pets unique nature, sets up special assessments that judges can use to determine custody in contested cases. Only Alaska and Illinois have similar statutes, both of which took effect in 2017. But the California law is the most specific, and at least a handful of other states are looking to it as a model. This is something I think you could see creeping up in statehouses across the country, said Crystal Moreland, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Once California gets involved in something, you tend to have a national effect. Theres apparently plenty of need for the laws. A 2014 survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers showed that respondents reported a 22 percent increase in pet custody hearings in the preceding five years. Dogs were the most disputed family animal, with 88 percent of the cases. Cats were a distant second at 5 percent. Horses made up 1 percent, while the category of other registered 6 percent including an iguana, python, African grey parrot and even a giant 130-pound turtle. In addition, 20 percent of the attorneys surveyed cited an increase in courts determining that pets are an asset in a divorce. In other states, such as Michigan, pets are generally considered property to be divided between warring couples. That didnt make sense to Rhode Island state Rep. Charlene Lima, a married Democrat who authored a best interests of the pet bill last year. Although the bill stalled in committee, Lima, who owns a very spoiled 8-year-old husky named Keiko, is readying a new bill modeled on Californias for this years session. She said she has had constituents tell her about contentious divorce fights that end up costing them tons and tons in legal fees over the pets. She maintained her bill would smooth the process by setting out criteria by which judges could make the determinations on pet custody. Do we want to treat them like humans? she said. Democratic California state Assemblyman Bill Quirk, the bills author and owner of a 13-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu mix named Luna, which he and his wife adopted from a shelter two years ago, said he was looking to write a law that would encourage judges to consider the pets best interests. Pets are very emotional, Quirk said. As the owner of a rescue dog I thought it was very important that their welfare be taken into consideration. But he said judges and family lawyers were concerned about how long it would take to settle pet custody in already-time-consuming divorce cases and that the new law might give spouses another avenue for revenge. Members of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists in June testified before a California Senate committee they opposed the bill because cases of marital dissolution and legal separation already face significant delays and issues of contention in court, particularly surrounding child custody. Dorie Rogers, family law specialist in Southern California and associate director of the family law association, said her members were worried that clients would have one more thing to fight over. Before the new law, she said, she had to explain to clients that since pets were property, they simply had to try hard to settle matters before it got to a courtroom. She expects the new law will encourage more of them to go before the judge, now that they know what criteria might be taken into consideration. With more people, especially millennial couples with no children, treating their pets like kids, she said, cases are about to get very complicated. Rogers also said her group opposed the law because of worries about increased time and cost of litigation in divorce cases. Certifying the welfare of the animal will be difficult and might require expert testimony, Rogers said. Are you going to bring in the vet? she said in a phone interview. To try to address those concerns, Quirk amended his bill to make courts special consideration in pet custody cases voluntary rather than mandatory. While pleased that the new law attempts to ease what she said is a challenging and emotional issue for a lot of people, California family law attorney Deborah Marx, immediate past president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers chapter in Northern California, is skeptical that it will make a difference in divorce cases. She noted that even though the law aims to take pets out of the property split in a divorce, the statute is in the property division section of the law, not in the family code section. But, she said in a phone interview, its in a section that deals with unusual provisions, in what is generally a community property state where marital assets are divided equally. That puts the pet question in a special category. The unusual provisions section addresses instances such as when one spouse gets a personal injury award while married, letting courts award that spouse the entire amount. Similarly, a pet could be considered the property of one person, she said. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2019/01/20/divorce-pets/38921525/ | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2019/01/20/divorce-pets/38921525/ |
Will the sun set on the capital gains tax exemption bonds under Section 54EC? | Capital gains tax exemption bond under section 54EC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 was introduced in the assessment year 2001-02 by sunsetting Sections 54EA and 54EB, which provided a basket of options to reinvest long term capital gains. At that time, the justification given was that Section 54EC will help to channelise investments in a focused manner into agricultural finance and highway infrastructure. Section 54EC explained As it stands at this moment, Section 54EC exempts capital gains of up to Rs 50 lakhs arising from the transfer of long term capital assets. This exemption is presently available for long term capital gains arising only from the transfer of land or building or both. The condition is that such gains are invested in notified bonds within six months from the date of transfer the long term capital assets. Capital gains tax exemption bonds issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), the Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), and the Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) are presently notified under section 54EC. The bonds have to be held for a minimum of 5 years. Also Read: Implications of 10% long term capital gains tax proposed in Budget 2018 The Finance Act 2018 made two significant changes to the benefits offered by Section 54EC--it limited the scope of exemption to capital gains arising only from land or building or both and increased the holding period of the notified bonds to 5 years. Prior to the Finance Act 2018 amendment, Section 54EC exempted capital gains arising from the transfer of any long term capital asset, and the holding period of the notified bonds was a minimum of 3 years to qualify for exemption. Although the Section 54EC bonds are perceived as offering a low interest rate, this is not the true case. An illustration will throw more light on this. Suppose, a person sold land or building or both and earned long term capital gains of Rs 1 lakh from such sale. If this capital gain was invested in NHAI bonds, the bonds would entitle the person to interest payment (coupon) of 5.75 per cent/annum every year for 5 years. The bonds would mature and the person would get his principal of Rs 1 lakh back at the end of 5 years. The effective investment for such a person would be Rs 70,000 assuming the person is in the 30 per cent tax slab. The interest income from these bonds is subject to tax at the slab rate at which the person is taxed. The post-tax internal rate of return (IRR) for such a person works out to almost 12.5 per cent. Therefore, unless such a person can find alternative avenues for generating post-tax returns in excess of 12.5 per cent, these bonds make compelling case. Also, not only the returns, the AAA credit making also makes the bonds attractive. TDS Exemption Bonds issued under Section 54EC by NHAI, REC, PFC and IRFC are exempt from tax deduction at source (TDS) under clause (iib) of section 193. However, the interest continues to be subject to tax in the hands of the assessee. Sunset in the offing Over time, the scope of Section 54EC bonds have been narrowed down with the most recent one being the limitation introduced by the Finance Act 2018. The biggest narrowing of scope was done by the Finance Act 2007. Finance Act 2007 limited the maximum investment that an assessee could make in such bonds to Rs 50 lakh and restricted the exemption to only bonds issued by NHAI and REC. When the section was introduced by the Finance Act 2000, it envisaged exemption for bonds issued by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and the NHAI. Finance Act 2001 and 2002 expanded this exemption to bonds issued by REC, National Housing Bank (NHB), and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). In recent times, PFC and IRFC were notified as borrowers whose bonds will qualify for exemption, if the terms of the bonds meet the criteria under section 54EC. However, the size of issuance of such bonds is miniscule compared to PFC and REC's overall borrowing programme. Time and again the government has indicated its intent to phase out deductions and rationalise tax rates. Whether or not the proposed new Direct Tax Code materialises and whether or not tax rates are rationalised, signals from the government clearly indicate that phasing out exemptions is one of their priority areas. While it is difficult to answer this question, it definitely makes sense to take advantage of the benefits offered by this section, as long as it lasts. Vasudevan is Partner and Sriram is Principal Associate, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Read More: Adani to foray into petrochemicals in Ambani's backyard Reliance Industries becomes first private sector firm to cross Rs 10,000-crore quarterly profit | https://www.businesstoday.in/opinion/columns/will-the-sun-set-on-the-capital-gains-tax-exemption-bonds-under-section-54ec/story/311133.html |
What goes into forecasting a winter storm? | Forecasting a winter storm is no easy task, even with the wide array of technology meteorologists have at their fingertips in the 21st century. The number of variables, and the discrepancies in different data sets, can make coming to a certain conclusion very difficult. Heres a look at some of the factors that affect a winter forecast: SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES When it comes to forecasting winter storms, distances as relatively incremental as 25-50 miles can make a big difference. Add in our topography mountains and valleys and forecasting what's going to fall, when its going to happen and where it have an effect is a challenge. The forecast can and will change. That's why our team of meteorologists at Severe Weather Team 11 always encourage you to check back often for updates to the forecast. STORM TRACK AND TIMING Storm track and timing will eventually tell the story of what you'll get as a storm moves through your area. A shift in the storm track closer to Pittsburgh can mean milder air and less (or no) snow and more rain, while a shift to the south can often bring colder air and more snow. The timing of the storm is also critical, because the moisture it brings could come too early or too late to catch up to the coldest air, a combination that determines what type of precipitation will fall and how much. HOW MUCH COLD AIR IS AVAILABLE Once the track and timing come into focus, meteorologists start to look at temperatures. You could drive from Canonsburg to Cranberry and have literally four different types of winter weather, all from the same storm. We call this the transition zone, where snow changes to rain or a wintry mix, and nailing down where it will set up is tricky. We look at the vertical structure of the temperature in the atmosphere all the way down to the surface to determine what type of precipitation will fall. Think of the atmosphere like a giant cake. We live on the lowest level, but weather and temperature changes are happening thousands of feet above us. That's where the stuff you shovel or scrape begins, and a change of just one degree can really change what you'll get. Temperatures change as storms bring both warm air ahead and cold air behind. While one area is getting rain, the other is getting freezing rain, sleet or snow. Snow forms when it's below freezing from the clouds to the ground. Sleet forms when a warmer layer above melts snow as it falls, and then it refreezes in a cold layer near the surface. Freezing rain forms, like sleet, when a warmer layer above melts snow as it falls, but there's not enough cold air for it to refreeze before it reaches the ground. So it falls as rain and freezes on contact when it hits the ground. COMPUTER MODELS PREDICT THE WEATHER OF THE FUTURE You've heard our team talk about computer models that help predict weather patterns. Weather models use mathematical equations to create a picture of how the weather will look several days down the road. But models are only as good as the data that goes into them, and-for systems tracking from the Pacific Ocean through the U.S. to Pittsburgh, there's a lot of room for change. Take a look at this description of long-range forecasting from the National Weather Service. NO EXCUSES So, when Severe Weather Team 11 starts forecasting the next winter storm, remember we're fighting an uphill battle to let you know what, when, where and how much you'll see. Sometimes we'll bust, and we won't make excuses. And, sometimes we'll smile, like Punxsutawney Phil. 2019 Cox Media Group. | https://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/what-goes-into-forecasting-a-winter-storm-/907133853 |
What Is The Necessity Of Mobile Apps In Education Sector? | May 6, 2017 3 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Today, we can say it with confidence that it is full of different types of mobile applications from shopping, utility, entertainment or any related conventional category you come across everyday. Out of all the important categories discussed, the education sector remains unleashed. Today, in this article, we will discuss how and why the mobile application has become a vital factor in the education sector. It has become a sensational and wonderful mobile generation today when you cant see a single man or woman going without scrolling their fingers on the touch screen. Education sector is one of the most crucial and significant fields across the globe. Smartphone brings the people close. There are plenty of reasons why every education institutes and organizations related to it should have a mobile application. We will talk about the most elite ones. Shortens The Distance We are not referring to the physical distance from school to home. Its about the shortening the virtual distance. If a school or college has a portal and it shows all the updates, time tables of exams, events and necessary information related to the students, parents and the professors. Theres no way to come all the way down from your town or city to the remote education center. The mobile application will simply redirect, imply and suggest the related answers. Yes, mobile apps have become smarter than you think. It is what is taking the M-world to a new feet. The Virtual World Entrance Yes, this element has certainly bring a revolution in the technological prospect. You dont necessarily need to attend the class by stretching your legs and crossing your hands around. When you have your chapters and fixtures in a video format or sometimes, in the electronic form, the student gets the flexibility to do anything from anywhere. Now, thats what we call it a real revolution. I bet you do. It was difficult to let people aware about the importance of the same. Today, parents and their children have come together along with the educational institutes to support and encourage it. It is absolutely making the difference. Show Your Skills People regret about not getting any support, you wouldnt. The simple reason for it is that you are on the universal platform where people from all over the community and across the countries, know about what you do and how you do it. The trick is when you show it. Education sector is always searching and hunting for the Next New Thing. If you are capable enough to showcase your potential, it wont be far and long when your skills will come across the relevant audience. You have a mobile app and you are a celeb the next day. A mobile app agency would particularly come to play its role if any of the above attributes satisfy or justify. Education is important and we cant deny it. We should always make a greater effort to take it to the next level. It wouldnt require any special approach, just a mobile app and its done. | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/293927 |
Can the Celtics still be a top seed? | It is no secret that the Boston Celtics have fallen short of their expectations thus far. Fifth place in the Eastern Conference is not too shabby, particularly with the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers playing so well. However, for the Celtics, its off the mark. Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Reddit Email Share They are six games behind the Bucks, with the Brooklyn Nets four games behind them. The Celtics need to get it together in this second half of the season if they are any hope of securing the number one seed. After their deep playoff run with such a young and inexperienced squad last year, they were predicted to be a top seed in the East this year. However, the arrival of Kawhi Leonard in Toronto, the surge of form from the MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and the addition of Jimmy Butler to the 76ers has made the race for top seed tight. Despite this, the Celtics have shown they are capable of beating these teams. Last season, the Celtics beat both Milwaukee and Philadelphia in the playoffs without Kyrie and Gordon Hayward. This season, the Celtics have beaten the top four teams in the East this year, and they still arent playing at their best. Advertisement Advertisement The key to the Celtics finding their stride is through the development of their team chemistry and the leadership capabilities of Kyrie Irving. Irvings last two games have proven that he is capable of leading the young Celtics roster. In the win against Toronto, he racked up 27 points and 18 assists and against the Memphis Grizzlies, he notched 38 points and 11 assists. If Irving can keep these big plays up, he can inspire the squad and elevate their performances. Irvings own performances are key to getting the Celtics top seed in the East even though it is through the teams chemistry that will take them through the playoffs and potentially into the NBA Championship. If the team can perform anything similar they to last seasons postseason, while also benefiting from the addition of Irving and Hayward, they could potentially be the number one seed in the East. Looking at their competition, even without hitting full stride this season, they were able to dismantle the 76ers, Pacers, and Bucks. Advertisement Advertisement Bostons real danger lies in themselves more so than with their opponents. If the Celtics can lockdown their chemistry and overcome their own internal issues, they would almost be a lock for the East. Considering their last two games, they are starting to look just a little bit more lethal. | https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/01/20/can-the-celtics-still-be-a-top-seed/ |
Will animal feed supply be affected by Brexit? | The news surrounding Brexit is all doom and gloom at present, but there are many sectors being proactive ahead of the historic event. The Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA) is one of these organisations. Like it or not, our high livestock population and a declining tillage area means this country imports a large amount of ingredients for animal feed. In recent years, Ireland has produced approximately 2.3 million tonnes of cereals each year of which only a small amount enters the human food chain. Traditionally, this country has been 92% self-sufficient in cereals. However, an expanding dairy herd and a constant need for products like maize and soybeans for energy and protein means that we import approximately 3 million tonnes of feed ingredients to the country each year. Many of these imported products are co-products from the food industry and not digestible by humans. Without a livestock industry these co-products would go to landfill. Minerals, trace elements and basic cereals are all products that we import from the UK. Many of these items have a short shelf-life and all come through the port. Its a complicated business and farmers need to be sure of a constant supply. Deirdre Webb director of the IGFA assured AgriLand that everything possible has been done by its members to ensure farmers have feed supplies. Animal feed supply should not be disrupted once March 29 arrives. The organisation has been working since June 2016 with members to avoid chaos in the case of a hard Brexit. It has been very difficult to get the authorities to discuss a hard Brexit and that is where we had problems. Certainly, the closer we got to Christmas the harder it was and while the political stance was no hard Brexit, for us to get prepared for a hard Brexit, we had to consider and prepare for a hard Brexit. It is still difficult to get clear answers on the issues. Supplies are ready; costs are stable However, feed availability is not expected to be affected at farm level in the short term. Forward planning by the IGFA members will help to maintain costs. In the short-term animal feed prices are not expected to rise due to Brexit, but this can not be guaranteed into the future. A percentage of supplies are in store now. Were prepared from that perspective. The feed-material supply chain is prepared. From the logistics perspective an awful lot of work is being done, Deirdre explained. The difficult decisions are being made today [Wednesday 16]. Buyers will be changing supply patterns today. On some commodities we buy three-to-six months ahead so people will have waited for this vote and they will be changing [supply chains] for March delivery. The majority of additives, such as vitamins, enzymes and trace elements, have traditionally come through the UK. These additives are more complicated to import and store than basic cereals or corn. Some additives cannot be stored for long periods. Adding extra storage time or bringing the product longer distances may make the supply of such additives more critical. The reality is feed businesses will now make decisions to protect their farm customers just as we did in the fodder crisis. Deirdre explained: We took a look at the situation immediately back in 2016 and decided that the first thing that we needed to do is to make judgements on what the tariffs might be. So we gave buyers guidance on how to look up their exact codes and estimate the tariff. That way they were able to estimate the cost of them. Our first line which would be our feed material importers started to re-organise their supply chain. Importers would be accustomed to doing that anyway based on currencies, so while re-organising supply chains is difficult, it would be something that we would do normally. Pinch-point ports In the case of a hard Brexit and border controls, product will be delayed coming in at the ports. Advertisement The pinch point obviously is going to be the port capacity for bulk commodities. This is why we need a wider discussion around port strategy and the dependence of the rural hinterland on our deep-sea ports. A hard border for the mills along the border will result in more pressure on southern ports for supplies. Otherwise border mills suffer the cost and delays crossing the border. Most businesses have used the facilities offered by InterTradeIreland to fully consider these issues. Feed schemes Brexit will also mean that new markets will have to be found for Irish products. Ireland has to stack up against other countries and be easy to trade with in terms of meeting quality standards. Ensuring that different feed and quality systems are accepted as equivalent in other member states was a crucial step taken by the IGFA. This avoids extra costs from implementing different schemes, from different countries. We have equivalence across our feed schemes in Europe with the main European schemes. So what we started to do with them is build a further benchmark and were building that with the International-Trade Centre, which is part of the World Trade Organisation [WTO]. So basically, the International Trade Centre will host the independent benchmark, we have provided the technical input. There will be two things in this for upstream customers and our farmers. For the feed industry, it means a supermarket would be able to look at that benchmark or indeed a regulator in a third country and see that the Irish feed mills have a credible system in place and that its gone through this global benchmark. So thats a major initiative and objective for us. It means once a feed safety system has gone through the benchmark its easier to gain equivalence or gain access [to a market] for feed, but its a support as well for our livestock farmers and their livestock products. Its reducing duplication and providing everyone with greater transparency. The customer at the end of the day is the retailer. Environmental foot printing On the environmental side the feed industry has completed a project with the commission on environmental foot printing for feed, Deirdre explained. Weve completed the EU Product Environmental Footprint [PEF] pilot and weve continued to promote product environmental foot printing, as a means of self-improvement when it comes to environmental performance. The PEF feed methodology is endorsed by the commission. Customers will know that what were saying about our products, or the relevant benefits of our products, is credible and transparent. Linked to that is the work done on a publicly available database on feed ingredients from the GFLI [Global Feed Life Cycle Assessment Institute]. Altogether the Commission expects that environmental foot printing for the feed industry has become a lot more accessible with the publication of the PEF pilot guidance. Breaking trade relationships with the UK In recent times currency events have meant that Ireland had moved some of its trade away from the UK, but from now if we have a hard Brexit, the UK may not even be an option for buyers. Deirdre explained that trading books will now be split to ensure the UK grain, even if it was competitive it will not be destined for the south of Ireland this season. Traders simply cannot take the risk on tariffs. Orders going in now will be to avoid the UK. Historically, they would have been a very good supplier of the basic cereals and losing the UK as a potential supplier of extra feed grains is not what we would choose. When businesses switch a supply chain it doesnt go back in my experience. When you lose a customer it is very hard to win them back. Some of the suppliers that we will be losing now have supplied this country for 40-50 years, Deirdre added. Brexit is a major challenge for us. However, with planning we feel we can mitigate against the most damaging effects in the short term. Deirdre commented that: It can be a time to bring forward decisions that needed to be made and that is a good thing. | https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/will-animal-feed-supply-be-affected-by-brexit/ |
Could Casemiro's cracker prove the moment for Madrid got their mojo back? | Casemiros brutal thunderbolt strike into the top corner may be looked back on as a pivotal moment in Real Madrids season. Santiago Solari and his team need it to be, desperately. After a drab first-half display against Sevilla on Saturday, Los Blancos improved after the break and began to dominate. SIGN UP to watch La Liga matches this season in Canada on DAZN However, as the clock ticked down, it looked like they would only take a point from an otherwise encouraging performance. Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro had other ideas, though. With just 12 minutes to go, he rifled a long-distance strike into the top corner. Luka Modric added another in the final stages to secure a victory that moves Madrid above Sevilla and into third place in La Liga, just seven points of leaders Barcelona, who play Sunday against Leganes. Real fans certainly enjoyed the goal, too. Having endured so much mediocrity this season, they celebrated Casemiros sublime strike just as wildly as the players. It had been tough going up until then. Madrid drifted in the first half in the same way they have done for much of Solaris reign. They werent dominant, unable to put Sevilla on the back foot. At times, it almost seemed like they didnt believe themselves to be the superior side. Only Vinicius Junior offered them any spark, any signs life. Indeed, while more established and illustrious names like Karim Benzema appear inhibited, the 18-year-old Brazilian has exhibited no fear. While Vinicius is rough around the edges and still has a way to go to become a top-class striker, his flair and enthusiasm have been a breath of fresh air for a Madrid side struggling to stay afloat. This squad itself hasnt had major surgery done to it in years, with only reserves coming in and out while the bulk of the starting XI has stayed the same. Vinicius, thus, adds vitality and vim to a stagnant and stale squad. In freezing conditions, fans at the Santiago Bernabeu found some warmth in the Brazilians first-half showing. And if Vinicius carried the teams hopes in the first period, Madrid showed up as a whole after the break. Perhaps in their best spell of football since Solari took over at the end of October, Madrid drove Sevilla backwards and remembered just who they were. The European champions found some pride and passion, taking the game to the visitors, who depended more and more on goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik to bail them out of trouble as the game wore on. Casemiros sensational strike eventually broke Sevillas resistance and earned Madrid a fully deserved victory. It was a goal and a win which, for the first time in a long time, brought smiles and, more importantly, belief back to the Bernabeu. | http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/could-casemiros-cracker-prove-the-moment-for-madrid-got-their-mojo-back/1lv2ng7y7nfrr19uv7wf58cmex |
Is there life for Zuma after the ANC? | President Cyril Ramaphosa, right, and former president Jacob Zuma during the launch of the ANC election manifesto at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Picture: Rogan Ward/Reuters A popular catchphrase in Britain in the early 1900s, often repeated from time to time, said: Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away." It was generally in reference to decorated army commanders, who after illustrious careers in the military, faded out of the spotlight into retirement and obscurity. On a lighter note, the phrase often spawned a host of funny variants such as old policemen never die, they just cop out or old golfers who just lose their balls. Just when you thought youd seen the back of the former president and imagined him nestling in the warmth of his Nkandla homestead, his image just keeps popping up into our psyches like those irritating ads on the internet. Love him or loathe him, it seems impossible to ignore him. And thats simply because the old man is not the sort of politician who bows out gracefully after losing a scrap. Although he has been publicly flying the ANC flag and encouraging citizens to vote for the ruling party in the May poll, many South Africans are still deeply suspicions about his intentions. They cant seem to fathom whether he is operating beneath the radar to avoid accusations of interfering in the partys affairs or working surreptitiously behind the scenes to undermine the new ANC leadership. Speculation has been rife that hes searching for a new political home because he wants to avoid having to answer awkward questions about his links to the notorious Guptas and state capture. One story doing the rounds claims Zuma had been involved in secret talks to launch the new African Transformation Movement (ATM) which is linked to former media owner and Gupta associate Mzwanele Jimmy Manyi. There was also speculation he had been flirting with the Mazibuye African Congress led by Reggie Ngcobo. Its a question all three major political parties will be pondering in the weeks before the election. With a new poll showing a slight increase in ANC support ahead of the poll, the ruling ANC will be hoping Zuma does nothing to buck that trend. The DA, which capitalised handsomely from the Zuma scandals, will also be worried. Its been argued that many black voters only voted DA to get rid of Zuma. And what awaits the EFF, which the poll shows has lost some ground in recent months. Their abrasive style of politics worked wonders when Zuma was their target. Watch this space. | https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/is-there-life-for-zuma-after-the-anc-18883412 |
Is Flashback Zlatan Ibrahimovic the biggest bargain on FIFA 19? | While everybody has been getting excited over the new Team of the Year cards on FIFA 19 Ultimate Team , EA Sports has released another card which could turn out to be the best bargain in the game. LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has received an amazing Flashback card which celebrates his own TOTY card from back in FIFA 14. Ibrahimovic already had the highest-rated base card from MLS (85 overall) and now has the highest-rated card from the league too. The 92-rated card is monstrous with 84 pace, 91 dribbling, 94 shooting, 87 passing and 92 physicality as well as a four-star weak-foot and more importantly, five-star skills. Ibra has unbelievable in-game stats in the 90s - 92 positioning, 94 finishing, 98 shot power, 94 volleys, 97 penalties, 92 free-kicks, 92 curve, 99 heading, 99 strength and 99 aggression. Only his defending, balance and stamina are not in the greens. This calibre of card would usually require you to pay out a ridiculous amount of coins, around half a million coins. Yet, this Flashback card is available through a small Squad Builder Challenge which will only cost you around 180,000 coins. SBCs require you to build a few squads that meet strict requirements before giving all of the cards in those squads to earn your rewards. To get your hands on Flashback Ibra, you will have to build two teams. First is the Blagult challenge which requires a team with at least one Swedish player and two Team of the Week cards with a minimum of 80 chemistry and a team rating of 84 while using a maximum of four players from the same league. This can be completed for around 81,000 coins. The second challenge is Les Parisiens and costs slightly more at around 97,000 coins. This one requires at least one Paris Saint-Germain player with a maximum of four players from the same nation while maintaining 85 chemistry and team rating. If you're still somehow not convinced over this card, realise that it has the seal of approval from Fnatic Roma's professional FIFA player Simon 'Zimme' Nystedt. The Swedish pro was delighted to see his fellow countryman receive another special card. He said: "The Swedish GOAT is finally playable again! I did his SBC instantly when he got released and I've used him as a super-sub in the qualifiers already. He's been decent there so I'll see if I'm going to use him at some events this year or not." | http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/news/is-flashback-zlatan-ibrahimovic-the-biggest-bargain-on-fifa-19/14d4cdeztkbze1is3tn4utq3va |
How is Frost Affecting Farms in the Current Climate? | Over the past six to eight years there has been a hugely noticeable spike in the number of damaging frosts and freezes to farms in Australia and New Zealand. It is becoming more and more common for growers to take weather risk management very seriously now. It can completely put a farmers business to a halt if the correct procedures arent put in place, so its time to get educated on the various elements that can go wrong. As a society, we are all working towards a greener future, but with fruit farms at risk during the bitter winter months, there needs to be action taken by the farming industry. Instead of having to endure catastrophic damage its time to explore all of the available options. Image Source Specialist Equipment There are many comprehensive protection solutions that many farmers might not even know about. Almost any crop, situated in any location, consisting of any soil type can be managed effectively by frost prevention equipment from FrostBoss. The equipment looks a lot like wind turbines and these fans can be used to prevent damaging frost from forming on crops. By utilizing one of the most efficient blades on the market as well as low fuel consumption, the farms in question can be sure that their hard work isnt going to waste due to the elements outdoors. Behind the Frost In order for frost to do significant damage to crops, the temperature needs to drop between twenty-two and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, this completely depends on the type of crop in question, but these blanket figures are generally quite accurate. When frost damage occurs there is usually a cold layer of air which hugs closely to the ground. Understanding where the so-called inversion layer forms are how the crops can be protected in the long run. Weather monitoring equipment is also a very useful idea for farmers who arent quite ready to invest in such a large preventative product for their farm. Protection Types Farmers often choose to adopt either an active or passive style of protection when it comes to keeping their crops safe. Passive protection would include specialist site selection, whereby the probability of frost freezes would decrease significantly. Placing the crops near natural heat resources would prevent frost from causing long term damage. The active approach is when sprinklers, heaters or other specialist equipment is put in place purposefully to prevent damage to the crops. These techniques can be costly initially and they do consume a fair amount of energy, however, the return on investment is often well worth it in the end. Overall, there are many different techniques that can be used to prevent growers crops from freezing over. In turn, when these preventative measures are put into place there will be a significant decrease in waste and loss of profits. With these high tech measures in place, there will be a tonne of weight off the farmers shoulders as they will know that their crops and fruit arent going to waste during the colder times of the year. | https://thefutureofthings.com/12806-how-is-frost-affecting-farms-in-the-current-climate/ |
Will Canadian Taxpayers Federation credibility suffer from fine for failing to register as third-party election advertiser? | The $6,000 administrative penalty levied against the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for failing to register as a third-party advertiser under Albertas election financing law is a long-overdue official recognition of the true role the self-described tax watchdog plays in Canadian politics. The CTF has been disproportionately influential in Canadian political discourse for many years, mainly because mainstream media treat its pronouncements as if they were highly credible. Albertas Office of the Election Commissioner, which is truly a non-partisan entity, published notice of the fine but did not describe the advertisement that brought the CTF to its attention. Nor did CTF President and CEO Scott Hennig when he responded to my email about this matter yesterday morning. However, Mr. Hennig did say he will be shopping around a newspaper op-ed on the development tomorrow, after its been vetted by our lawyers. While the CTF will obviously use the op-ed to make its own case the organizations usual, and usually successful, modus operandi its possible there will be additional information in the article to help us understand why officials on Election Commissioner Lorne Gibsons staff reached the conclusion the CTF was doing third-party election advertising. It may have been the billboard shown on the CTFs Facebook page, which reads, You cant buy social license when its not for sale, asks readers to visit a website called ScrapTheCarbonTax.ca, and shows the CTF logo. This might come under the definition of election advertising by third parties in the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act: The transmission to the public by any means during an election advertising period of an advertising message that promotes or opposes a registered party or the election of a registered candidate, including an advertising message that takes a position on an issue with which a registered party or registered candidate is associated. The Act goes on to list a number of exceptions, such as news reports and commentaries, books, corporate communications to employees or shareholders, telephone calls to electors urging them to vote, and government advertising. Mr. Hennig did not address my question about whether the CTF plans to appeal the ruling. The OEC notice only said the fine was levied on Jan. 8 and that it has not yet been paid. The CTF insists it is not partisan, which in a technical sense is true. It does not openly advocate for any political party by name. Nevertheless, the CTF is as a practical matter part of the strategic infrastructure of the Conservative Party of Canada and the federal partys increasingly closely tied provincial branches operating under a variety of names. Indeed, the CTF is something of a farm team for candidates and party officials of the CPC and its provincial chapters. Prominent examples in Alberta are United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney and Freedom Conservative Party Leader Derek Fildebrandt. Mr. Kenney is a former president and CEO of the organization indeed, that position would appear to be the closest thing to what most of us would call a real job that the career politician has held. Mr. Fildebrandt was the CTFs Alberta director until he left suddenly in late 2014 soon after it was revealed he was considering running for the Wildrose Party. However, the actual reason for his departure was never made clear. Regardless, by design or coincidence, the CTF plays a key role in CPC and provincial Conservative messaging by reinforcing their utopian market fundamentalist talking points, producing research that supports conservative objectives, and organizing signing ceremonies at which Conservative politicians publicly pledge to carry out policies endorsed by the organization. Duncan Kinney, director of Progress Alberta, a progressive group that is registered as a third-party election advertiser, wondered in a series of Tweets yesterday if the impact of the fine by a non-parisan government agency might be a fatal blow to the credibility of the CTF. Describing the CTF as an organization that was already teetering on the edge of irrelevancy, Mr. Kinney asked: Will the media still call them for canned quotes on why taxes are bad? In another Tweet, Mr. Kinney observed that the CTF seems almost quaint now. Theyve been overtaken by much more reactionary right wing groups and organizations. One of those, of course, is the Rebel Media video blog, which faces a similar $5,500 fine from the OEC according to multiple news reports based on Rebel Medias numerous noisy complaints. No one thinks Rebel Media is a credible source of information, however, so its howls of protest and threats of legal action that are being so heavily covered by mainstream media, which is seldom able to resist an easy story, need not be considered at length here. Organizations that complete Elections Albertas simple registration process and post regular disclosures may spend up to $150,000 on advertising before the election writ is dropped and another $150,000 between the time the writ is dropped and the vote. | https://albertapolitics.ca/2019/01/will-canadian-taxpayers-federation-credibility-suffer-from-fine-for-failing-to-register-as-third-party-election-advertiser/ |
Will Manny Pacquiao rematch Floyd Mayweather after win over Adrien Broner? | Manny Pacquiao has been talking a lot about Floyd Mayweather Jr., and seems rather confident that he can beat him in a rematch of their 2015 showdown. Much of the talk prior to Pacquiaos Saturday bout against Adrien Broner has been about Mayweather and what comes next. Pacquiao hasnt shied away from the discussion, and he didnt after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Broner. After earning that victory, Pacquiao was asked if he wanted to fight Mayweather, who was in the building for the bout. Floyd Mayweather, co-promoter here this evening, in the house, watching and assessing you, sometimes during the fight. Do you want that fight? he was asked. Tell him to come back [from retirement] to the ring and we will fight, Pacquiao said. I am willing to fight Floyd Mayweather again. Mayweather was then asked if he would accept the fight, as they had a camera trained on him. He was told that a simple nod will do. The camera focused on him for about 15 seconds as Mayweather didnt move his head an inch. The 40-year-old boxer and Mayweather, 41, went back-and-forth in negotiations about a potential bout for literal years before they met in 2015, and it was a hugely disappointing fight that many believed happened several years too late. In other words, both fighters were nearing the end of their careers, though Pacquiao seemed to have lost a step much more than Mayweather. A rematch, nearly four years after it was already considered too late, isnt necessarily that appealing from a boxing standpoint but like it or not, theyre still the two biggest names in the sport and such a rematch would make some serious money. Both Pacquiao and Mayweather know that. Yes, probably. As much as I personally dont care about seeing these two fight so late in their careers, Id rather they be fighting each other than either getting destroyed by or outboxing some of the younger talent in the sports most competitive division(s). Id rather they fight each other and highlight some of the other talent on the card. Pacquiao fighting Broner made sense because Broner is in a transitional period of his career. He was once considered the future of boxing and after a loss to Marcus Maidana in 2013, his career has been downhill. At 29 years old, Broner was in exactly the right place to launch himself back into the elite-level boxer discussion with a potential win over Pacquiao. That fight made sense. A rematch with Mayweather makes sense. Of course. This is a man that captured world titles in a record eight weight classes over the span of two decades, and has beaten some of the best there ever was. His style is not one that has any notable disadvantages against Mayweathers style. Pacquiao is a smart guy who knows that he has to change his gameplan perhaps getting out to a quicker start than usual given how the first fight went to hand Mayweather that elusive loss. You also have the fact that Pacquiao simply looked great against Broner. Sure, he was expected to win, but Pacquiao looked fast and in shape that whole bout. Then you have the recent history of Mayweather, who remains undefeated as a professional boxer but whose past two bouts were a publicity stunt against Connor McGregor, who is not a boxer, and a short exhibition against the young kickboxing prodigy, Tenshin Nasukawa. That latter bout did not allow kicking, and almost assuredly would have went a different way if it did. The point is that Mayweather is hardly being challenged at this point in his career, which is a weird statement to begin with as Mayweather is retired (for the third time). That said, Pacquiao has at times looked good and at other times looked awful in recent fights. Its really hard to gauge where hes at with his talent right now. It wouldnt be the most shocking thing if he became the man to knock out Mayweather, but it would be surprising if he out-boxed Mayweather for 12 rounds. Other than having to fork over what will probably be at least $100 to watch what will surely be more spectacle than sport, the biggest downside is the overlooking of amazing talent coming up in just about every weight class to see two legends, well past their primes, battle it out in what will probably be a sad reminder of the great bout we missed when these two were at their peaks. The bout simply has little opportunity for excitement save for a surprise knockout, likely from Pacquiao. That would be historic and shocking, and it would give Mayweather, sitting at an official 50-0 for his career, a loss on his unblemished record. Of course, thats a downside for Mayweather, as I personally couldnt care less about Mayweathers legacy. And finally, there is the usual downside of older guys going at it and potentially doing serious harm to their brains or the rest of their bodies. People retire for a reason, and a pay day isnt always worth coming out of retirement for. | https://www.sbnation.com/2019/1/20/18189762/manny-pacquiao-adrien-broner-results-floyd-mayweather-jr-rematch-next-fight-quote |
What must happen next to break Brexit deadlock? | At 7.57pm last Tuesday, as MPs, their advisers and journalists began to file out of the House of Commons after the biggest parliamentary defeat for a government in modern history, Labours deputy leader, Tom Watson, tapped Jeremy Corbyn on the arm and signalled to him to look up into the press gallery above the Speakers chair. There Seumas Milne, Corbyns director of strategy and communications, had stopped on his way out of the chamber to brief the press and was trying to catch the Labour leaders eye. As the two men the most powerful double act in Her Majestys Opposition met each others gaze, wide, triumphant smiles lit up their faces. Norway Plus is not a silver bullet to resolve Brexit impasse Read more Theresa May had been crushed and humiliated. Her Brexit deal had been rejected by 432 votes to 202 a margin far greater that even her most pessimistic supporters had envisaged. The prime minister had left her seat pale and shell-shocked. Asked for his reaction 10 minutes after leaving the chamber, a cabinet minister and May loyalist had nothing to say except we came second. He could offer no thought on what would happen next. Corbyn had called the result catastrophic for May and quickly tabled a vote of confidence in the government to be held the next day. The prime ministers governing principle of delay and denial has reached the end of the line, he had told the Commons, to ironic laughter from some on the Tory side who believed Labours approach to Brexit was exactly that. She cannot seriously believe that, after two years of failure, she is capable of negotiating a good deal for the people of this country, Corbyn added. His message was that a general election, delivering a Labour government, was the only answer. But if Corbyn and Milne really thought this was a defining moment that would lead inexorably to the end of Mays government, a general election, and a solution to Brexit under a Labour administration, their hopes were profoundly misplaced. Just 24 hours later it was the Tory benches that were in raptures as Michael Gove wound up the confidence debate by tearing into Corbyn as a threat to national security and the national interest, who could never lead the country on Brexit or anything else. The chamber was a cauldron of Tory cheers and near hysterical Labour screams of shame. When Gove sat down, May could hardly contain her excitement, repeatedy slapping the environment, food and rural affairs secretary on the back as Conservative MPs roared. Minutes later the Speaker, John Bercow, called the result in the governments favour by 325 votes to 306. It was Labours turn to go down to defeat. Parliament, albeit narrowly, had declared its confidence in Mays terribly weakened, divided ministerial team. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jeremy Corbyn (right) and Seumas Milne. Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA The result and the theatrics of the confidence debate had been predictable, as the house had divided on party lines. But what happened in its immediate aftermath was less so. May responded to the results of both votes on Wednesday evening with a dramatic offer to open cross-party talks with opposition leaders as a way to break the Brexit deadlock and ease the parliamentary paralysis. For a few moments MPs tried to digest the notion that their parties might now embrace a consensual approach, that the national interest might take precedence over party politics. I should like to invite the leaders of parliamentary parties to meet me individually, and I should like to start those meetings tonight, May said. But no sooner had she thrown open Downing Streets doors to her political opponents than Corbyn rose to say he would not take part unless and until the prime minister took the possibility of a no-deal Brexit off the table. Outside the chamber, Downing Street officials made clear that she would most certainly not do so and suggested that all her red lines remained in place and not negotiable. Milne then briefed journalists that May was trying to blackmail MPs to accept her deal by threatening them with the chaos of no deal on the one hand, or something based on her already emphatically defeated deal on the other, which he said was an unacceptable choice. The idea of talks was a sham. Both main parties were digging deeper into their trenches, recoiling from what compromise might mean only minutes after cross-party diaogue had been offered. After all the drama and mood swings over the previous 48 hours, the entire Brexit process seemed more hopelessly gridlocked than ever. Five days after the Brexit deal she had spent two-and-a-half years painstakingly negotiating was rejected so comprehensively by the House of Commons, Theresa May is today holed up at Chequers desperately trying to find a way forward. Yesterday she was calling cabinet ministers and contacting European leaders seeking inspiration and help. She may go on a tour of European capitals again this week, but the EU, while sympathetic, has little idea as to what it can do other than delay Brexit, a prospect which the prime minister has so far refused to entertain. Yesterday the German chancellor Angela Merkel insisted she would do her best to prevent the UK crashing out of the EU with no deal. I will work until the very last day to get a solution with a deal for Britains exit from the EU, and I will work towards having the best relationship, she said at an event in the northern city of Rostock. But back home even loyalists doubt that May is the one to find a solution. One senior Tory MP who voted for Mays deal on Tuesday said: We are now in serious, serious trouble. I admire her determination. But we dont need determination now. We need imagination. The challenge for May has switched since last weekend from how to promote the merits of her deal to how to forge some consensus across parliament., now that it is effectively dead. But the very idea of cross-party agreement relies on the governing party, the Tories, being united on where that compromise might be allowed to happen. Yet they are utterly divided. Another of Labours key demands is that she embraces a permanent customs union, something some of Mays Remain-minded colleagues in cabinet would be happy to endorse if only they could. But if she did embrace the customs union plan, others in cabinet, the likes of Andrea Leadsom, Penny Mourdant and Liam Fox, would see it as a Brexit betrayal and probably resign, as would dozens of other ministers. There would be a walkout, said an aide to a cabinet minister. The Tory grassroots would also implode. On Wednesday in the Commons, the Labour MP Seema Malhotra said May seemed to want to carry on trying to sell the essence of her deal to MPs from other parties as if it had not been thrown out by parliament the day before: The prime minister said that the government would approach meetings with parliamentarians in a constructive spirit, but it appears that holding cross-party talks means inviting people in to tell her why her deal is best or to see whether they have any ideas about how to get her deal through. Divisions inside Labour have added to the sense that parliament has no way out of the Brexit conundrum. On Thursday, Corbyn instructed all his MPs to steer clear of cross-party talks, but many trooped into Downing Street nonetheless, believing he was wrong to have vetoed the discussions point blank with the country in such a desperate plight. But those who did enter dialogue in Downing Street reported little give. One senior Labour backencher who met the chancellor, Phillip Hammond, on Thursday to propose a second referendum found the whole exercise to have been completely pointless. You can imagine how that went: nowhere, he said. On Thursday afternoon Labours Yvette Cooper and Hilary Benn, both chairs of select committees, emerged from long meetings with Cabinet Office minister David Lidington, to ask for no deal to be taken off the table, only to meet a stone wall and report that Lidington did not mention any new ideas or ways forward. Tomorrow May will deliver statements to parliament on what happens next. There was little sign from Downing Street or from ministers, however, that anyone has any clear idea what she will say. Rumours that May and No 10 are so desperate they are preparing for a general election as a way out were dismissed as utter bollocks by a source at No 10. But with the prime minister unsure where to turn next for fear of further splitting her party, other ideas are emerging among Tory and Labour MPs, operating separately from the executive or from the party leaderships. Groups of MPs are devising plans to table motions that would suspend parliaments rules so they can draw up and pass Brexit legislation. Yvette Cooper is ready to push a plan that would require May to delay article 50 should no deal have been agreed by the start of March. Crucially, the government also has to table a neutral motion on the way forward on Brexit tomorrow, following last weeks defeat. This motion can be amended by MPs. The MP Frank Field will table an amendment to it that calls for MPs to be given a free vote on a range of options to show which garners most support. The amendment says these should include a reformed Northern Irish backstop, leaving the European Union with no deal, extending article 50, entering into a future Canada-style relationship with the European Union, entering into a future Norway-style relationship with the European Union, holding a new referendum, and being in a customs union with the European Union. With Mays deal defeated, the Tories divided and cross-party talks led by No 10 going nowhere, it may just be that parliament can wrestle power from the executive and offer some hope of progress. If we dont somehow take control, Field said I dont see what we talk about in parliament in the coming days we will simply fall off the precipice. | https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/20/what-must-happen-next-break-brexit-deadlock |
What did Manny Pacquiao say about running for Philippine presidency after the Adrien Broner fight? | Manny Pacquiao continued to downplay any plans of running as the Philippines next president after winning in his latest WBA welterweight title defense against Adrien Broner on Sunday (Manila time). The senator, who scored a lopsided unanimous decision in front of more than 13,000 rowdy fans at the MGM Grand Arena, directly addressed questions from ring announcer Jim Gray about any political plans. I dont have that in my mind right now. I have no plans to run for president. Im happy serving the people as a senator and in giving honor to the country, he said. Despite promises of hanging up his gloves after winning a senatorial seat in 2016, the 40-year-old champion continued to add new chapters into his legendary career. He first beat Jessie Vargas at the same arena before losing to Jeff Horn in Australia a year later while holding office. Pacquiao then successfully bounced back by flooring Lucas Matthysse last July and by cruising past Broner in a masterclass performance earlier. After todays win, he hiked his record to 61 wins against seven losses and two draws. Watch all three FOX Sports channels live on the FOX+ app. For more info on FOX+, click here or to start your free 30 day trial, download the FOX+ app. | https://www.foxsportsasia.com/combat-sports/boxing/1023805/what-did-manny-pacquiao-say-about-running-for-presidency-after-the-adrien-broner-fight/ |
What alleged illegality is Mueller investigating? Trump exercising lawful presidential authority? | Special Counsel Robert Mueller wants to interview President Trump. We know that is true because the areas of inquiry that Mueller is interested in have been leaked. But the questions Mueller is looking at are not about the issue the special counsel was supposed to examine: collusion with Russians to fix the 2016 presidential election. Flynn had nothing to do with the special counsels probe. And firing the head of the FBI does not thwart what all the people under him are doing. It is beside the point at this time that there is no such crime as colluding. It is beside the point at this time that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was so negligent in his drafting the appointment of Mueller that he did not limit the investigation in either scope or time. By agreeing to be interviewed by Mueller, Mr. President, you are agreeing to be questioned about exercising your executive authority in areas having nothing to do with any illegality or even collusion. Rosensteins omission resulted in Paul Manafort, former chairman of the Trump presidential campaign, being indicted for alleged financial crimes occurring years before he worked for Donald Trump. These alleged crimes have nothing to do with Russian collusion. It is not beside the point that a prosecutor wants to interview the president of the United States about conduct that is not only legal, but actually involves the execution of presidential authority. Two men have already fallen into Muellers trap. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to making statements inconsistent with tapped and taped conversations with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak. But Flynns entire conversation was legal, or his statements would have been part of the charges against him. One might ask why the FBI, having the entire transcript of a conversation that contained nothing illegal, even questioned Flynn at all. This was the legal equivalent of the FBI showing up to ask you what you had for breakfast theres nothing illegal about eating breakfast. If you do not want to admit you had a glazed donut and reply yogurt, the prosecutor can charge you with making a false statement to the FBI. George Papadopoulos, an adviser to the Trump presidential campaign, pleaded guilty to providing false statements about the timing of his contacts with certain Russians. But the contacts were legal no matter when they occurred or they, too, would have been part of the charges against him. The caveat is not limited to a prosecutors questioning a person about legal conduct. There is also the danger of two people differing in their statements about an event and the prosecutor without any other evidence supporting one side or the other indicting one of them. But it did. Vice President Dick Cheneys chief of staff, Scooter Libby (my longtime friend and sometime client), told the FBI he had not told then-New York Times reporter Judith Miller that Valerie Plame was a covert CIA agent something prohibited under federal law. Miller remembered it differently when she was interviewed by the FBI and so testified at trial. There was no other evidence to support Miller. Libby was charged and convicted of making a false statement. Later, Miller read Plames autobiography Fair Game and realized that she had been misled by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, a close personal friend of Comey, who had appointed him to the position. As a result, her testimony about Libby made no sense she wrote in her book The Story: A Reporters Journey. Millers recantation was ignored by the media. Equally appalling and reminiscent of todays brouhaha over Russian collusion, there was no crime involving Libby. Comey knew when he appointed Fitzgerald that Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage was the first person to discuss Plames CIA relationship when he disclosed it to columnist Robert Novak in 2003. Armitage admitted this in 2006. If that investigation had been kosher, Armitage would have been indicted. Case over. Plame worked for the CIA but she was not covert as defined in the law that I personally drafted. Perhaps the reason for focusing the investigation on Libby and not Armitage was the fact that Fitzgerald repeatedly told Libbys lawyers that unless Libby deliver(ed) someone higher up the vice president he would be indicted. Heres my advice to President Trump: By agreeing to be interviewed by Mueller, Mr. President, you are agreeing to be questioned about exercising your executive authority in areas having nothing to do with any illegality or even collusion. In agreeing to this you may recall that an event occurred on Monday and Comey may recall it occurred on Tuesday. A la Papdoupoulos, only the timing is off. | https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/what-alleged-illegality-is-mueller-investigating-trump-exercising-lawful-presidential-authority |
Is McMurry men's basketball finally turning the corner? | McMurry's Zacc Carter (13) drives off a screen from Mike Williams Jr. (22) during the War Hawks game against Howard Payne on Saturday, Jan., 19, 2019. (Photo: Courtesy photo/McMurry University) Losing six games in a row is a difficult thing to do, but it's even more difficult to rebound from that many losses with a 3-game winning streak while sticking together. On Saturday, that's exactly what the McMurry men's basketball team did, beating Howard Payne 77-58 in Abilene. The current winning streak is the War Hawks (7-12 overall, 4-6 ASC) longest of the season, and the team has seemed to finally figure out a way to win games late with two of their wins coming by three points or less. As for McMurry fans they're now beginning to hope that maybe just maybe this squad is turning the corner at the right time. War Hawks coach Zach Pickleman credits his guys work ethic and competitive spirit for the slight turnaround theyve had in the last week. Obviously losing that many games in a row is never something you want to go through, Pickleman said. But Ive said it all year long, I love this team so much. No matter whats happened, these guys have continued to work hard, play hard, and improve. One of the most impressive things is that the War Hawks have been able to stick together and stay mentally locked in regardless of how many games they'd lost previously. This team is extremely tough mentally, weve faced a lot of adversity this year, with injuries, close losses and things not going our way, Pickleman said. But we all knew at some point we would start to win a few of these games and get things going in the right direction. The War Hawks started their streak earning their first conference road win 75-72 over Mary Hardin-Baylor last Saturday. The War Hawks then followed up that performance with one of their best of the season on Thursday winning 80-79 thanks to some hot shooting from Colin Taylor and Jordan Jackson. Then on Saturday, the War Hawks used a dominant second half led by Taylor to earn their blowout win over HPU. Colin Taylor's imprved play off the bench has helped fuel the War Hawks (Photo: Courtest photo/McMurry University) One of the biggest adjustments the War Hawks made was when Pickleman took Taylor out of the starting lineup, opting to use him as the team's sixth man. In Taylors last three games coming off the bench, hes averaged 12 points, and two assists his of any three-game stretch this year. Pickleman said Saturday that Taylors strong play in a reserve role has ignited the team. Last year Colin (Taylor) was playing a lot of point guard for us, but now coming off the bench weve tried to use him as more of a scorer and playmaker, Pickleman said. But the biggest effect hes had on this win streak has been his on-ball defense. Colin is a well-rounded player who can do a lot of things and when his threes are falling he makes us really hard to beat. Taylor has been on terror from distance making 10 of his last 12 3-pointers leading the team. Taylor said that while sacrificing his starting role for the better of the team wasnt easy, hes tried his best to do whatever is best for the team. Its a tough adjustment, but Im just trying my best to get it done, Taylor said. Whatever coach asks me to do Im going to try to do it the best I can. The San Antonio product came to McMurry as a point guard who was also one of the teams primary ball handlers last season as a freshman. This year, however, Taylor had to transition to an off-guard position where he wouldnt be the teams leading ball handler, which took some getting used to. As a player, Ive always been used to having the ball in my hands, so moving the shooting guard spot then coming off the bench was tough for me at first, but Ive improved as a wing player and feel like Im hitting my grove. While the teams record to this point hasnt shown it, the War Hawks boast one of the more talented teams in the American Southwest Conference. With players like Taylor, Jackson, Mike Williams Jr., Zacc Carter, Khalil Butler, Trevin Ramirez, and Dedrick Berry Jr. the War Hawks should expect to continue their winning ways going forward. McMurry's Trevin Ramirez drives baseline during the War Hawks game against Howard Payne on Saturday, Jan., 19, 2019. (Photo: Courtesy photo/McMurry University) While we have always had good players, weve finally started to show some composure on offense and some ability to execute late in games, Pickleman said. Hopefully that continues for us because were going to be in a lot of close games going forward and have to execute late to win them. Currently, the War Hawks are in fourth place in the west division and are just one game out of the third spot. Theyll have a chance to hold the third place spot alone in less than a week when they make a short trip to play city rival Hardin-Simmons (11-8 overall, 5-4 ASC). Most expect that game to be a sold-out crowd, but Taylor and the War Hawks are already preparing mentally to get a big road win. As long as we stay focused, and dont get to high or too low well have a good chance to win that game, Taylor said. We know what we have to do, we just gotta go out there and do it Saturday. HSU will be a nice test for the War Hawks as the Cowboys are trying to keep their own winning streak alive as well after beating both Howard Payne and Sul Ross this past week. We will have to play a focused and consistent offensive game Saturday, if we do that, I like our chances, Pickleman said. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. in Mabee Complex. | https://www.reporternews.com/story/sports/college/mcmurry/2019/01/20/mcmurry-mens-basketball-finally-turning-corner/2629072002/ |
How will the release of the classified memo play out? | This is a rush transcript from "Special Report with Bret Baier," February 1, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS) REP. ADAM SCHIFF, D-CALIF.: This memo is really a spin on not just a set of particular documents but broader classified information than that. REP. BOB GOODLATTE, R-VA.: This memo is important to the American people understanding what's going on in the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. REP. JIM HIMES, D-CONN.: I will tell you that it is full of falsehoods. It is shoddy and poorly written memo. REP. PETER KING, R-N.Y.: It's very significant. I don't want to oversell it, but I'm saying this is vital, it's essential for the public to see. And it's certainly important in the body of evidence to be out there. RAJ SHAH, WHITE HOUSE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY: It's going to get review from all relevant stakeholders, that includes intelligence folks and folks in the law enforcement community. They will be advising the president and he will make a decision at the appropriate time. (END VIDEO CLIPS) BRET BAIER, ANCHOR: We've covered it, we have talked about it. A lot of people have talked about it. We think it's coming out tomorrow morning actually. A lot of talk today about edits made before the White House saw it and a back-and-forth on it. The intelligence committee putting out a statement in the majority, "It's increasingly strange attempt to thwart publication of the memo. The committee minority is now complaining about minor edits to the memo including grammatical fixes and two edits requested by the FBI and the minority themselves. The move to release the memo was absolutely procedurally sound and in accordance with House and committee rules. To suggest otherwise is a bizarre distraction from the abuses detailed in the memo which the public will hopefully and soon be able to read for themselves." We think that will happen, again, tomorrow morning. Let's bring in our panel: Steve Hayes, editor in chief for The Weekly Standard; Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio; and Mollie Hemingway, senior editor at The Federalist. STEVE HAYES, THE WEEKLY STANDARD: I'm not sure at this point that it possibly can be because so much has been made of it. The buildup has been so great. Having said that, I think there will be significant new information in the memo. I think that what we learn about the behavior of certain law enforcement senior federal law enforcement officials will be troubling to people. I don't think it probably is, but I think we will learn new information. It will trigger another round of finger-pointing back and forth. But it will be nice at least to understand what the claims and counterclaims are in a way that we haven't been as we've debated this for the last couple weeks. BAIER: Here is Speaker Ryan on the whole political distraction argument. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PAUL RYAN, R-WIS.: I think they would love nothing more than to play politics and change the subject. Devin Nunes helped shepherd through a reauthorization of 702 which is the foreign terrorist foreign surveillance law, so he is focusing on keeping our country safe, focused on national security. I think what they are trying to do is just sidetrack us with some political game. MARA LIASSON, NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO: That was really interesting today because he went on to say let me tell you what this memo is and isn't. The memo is Congress doing oversight of the FBI. What it isn't is an attack on our institutions. It's not an attack on the FBI, the Department of Justice. It's not an attack on Robert Mueller or his investigation. The fact that he even had to say that shows you the kind of unprecedented moment that we're at, which is you've got the president at war basically, feuding with his handpicked FBI director, his handpicked deputy attorney general who both didn't want this memo to come out. That said it's omissions led to an inaccurate picture. And that's something we haven't ever seen before. MOLLIE HEMINGWAY, THE FEDERALIST: It's not surprising that the FBI would be freaking out about this memo coming out. They have expressed a lot of concern. Nobody likes to have their dirty laundry aired and his reportedly will air some of that dirty laundry. It's a little more disconcerting how many other people have joined with them to keep Americans from learning about these abuses at the FBI and just learning more information. Adam Schiff did a last ditch effort to try and fight the memo from being available to the America people. He fought the subpoenas that led to the information about this. There is a general obstruction there that we've seen from Democrats on the committee, also from the FBI themselves. They spent the entire last year obstructing requests for information. So I think it is wise to temper expectations. It's not going to be a huge deal. At the same I think it's the beginning of a long process of figuring out exactly what was going on at this agency and learning more and just bringing it to light. BAIER: So what do you make of Comey's tweet, I just put it earlier on the show, "All should appreciate the FBI speaking up. I wish more of our leaders would. But take heart. American history shows that in the long run weasels and liars never hold the field so long as good people stand up. Not a lot of schools and streets named for Joe McCarthy." HEMINGWAY: And there will also not a lot of schools or streets named for James Comey in all likelihood. It's very odd he would make this reference to McCarthy after Comey himself perpetuated this Russia collusion theory, privately admitting to people in the White House that there was not investigation of Donald Trump but publicly intimating that there was. BAIER: It is interesting to see former FBI director, former CIA director Brennan on Twitter tossing balls to the public discourse occasionally like this. HAYES: They are well within their rights to do that. BAIER: Of course. I am not saying it's against the law. HAYES: I think it's to a certain extent informative. In many ways I think our colleagues in the mainstream media have shown an incapability of imaging the people like James Comey would be political. People like John Brennan would be political. And for those of us who reported on the various episodes over the last eight years from Benghazi to Guantanamo to the Iran deal, it's pretty clear that they were capable of being political. So I think one of the things that will come out of the release of this memo is we will see more politics in all likelihood. I don't think it does. There are many outstanding questions that we don't have answers to right now. There is still an investigation to be had even if it's the case that -- BAIER: To that end, Mara, The New York Times has an article saying, among other things, Mr. Corallo, a P.R. person is planning to tell Mr. Mueller, the Special Counsel, about a previously undisclosed conference call with Mr. Trump and Hope Hicks, the White House communications director. Corallo planned to tell investigators that Miss Hicks said during the call that emails written by Donald Trump Jr. before the Trump Tower meeting in which the younger Mr. Trump said he was eager to receive political dirt about Mrs. Clinton from the Russians, quote, "will never get out." That left Mr. Corallo with concerns that Miss Hicks could be contemplating obstruction of justice. Hope Hicks' attorney has issued a statement. "As most reporters know, it's not my practice to comment in response to questions from the media, but this warrants a response. She never said that. And the idea that Hope Hicks ever suggested that emails or other documents would be concealed or destroyed is completely false." They're zeroing in on the Air Force One meeting about the release, the press release that came out -- LIASSON: What's interesting about that is, first of all, those are four words. We don't know what the context was. We don't know if she said them. She denies it. Or what the purpose of that was. The other thing is this is a statement that was released to the media. This wasn't a statement that he was giving to the FBI. But what I think it so interesting about this whole debate is that it wasn't that long ago the Democrats were saying the FBI was politically biased against Hillary. They were saying there were some FBI agents who leaked to Rudy Giuliani, put pressure on James Comey to release information about the emails found on Weiner's laptop. Now we've got Republicans doing this. So maybe there is cabals on the left and the right in the FBI but they're definitely on the hot seat. BAIER: I point to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal story is about how McCabe was sitting on Anthony Weiner's, the emails found on Anthony Weiner's computer for weeks maybe to get it past the election. HEMINGWAY: I think people should think less about whether this benefits Hillary or benefits Trump so much as we need to have an FBI that can be trusted no matter who is being investigated, and they need to follow procedures and not be political. And they did hurt Hillary Clinton and they did possibly hurt Donald Trump. There is no conflict between that. Content and Programming Copyright 2018 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2018 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. | https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/how-will-the-release-of-the-classified-memo-play-out |
Could Facebook be Hit With Record Fine For Privacy Violations Involving Our Information? | Facebook may be facing the biggest fine ever imposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for privacy violations involving the personal information of its 2.2 billion users. The FTC is considering hitting Facebook with a penalty that would top its previous record fine of $22.5 million , which it dealt to Google in 2012 for bypassing the privacy controls in Apples Safari browser, according to The Washington Post. The story published Friday cited three unidentified people familiar with the discussions.In an automated response, the FTC said it was unable to comment, citing its closure due to the U.S. government shutdown. Facebook declined to comment. The potential fine stems from an FTC investigation opened after revelations that data mining firm Cambridge Analytica had vacuumed up details about as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission.The FTC has been exploring whether that massive breakdown violated a settlement that Facebook reached in 2011 after government regulators had concluded the Menlo Park, California, company had repeatedly broken its privacy promises. The FTC decree, which runs through 2031, requires Facebook to get its users consent to share their personal information in ways that arent allowed by their privacy settings.Since the Cambridge Analytica erupted 10 months ago, Facebook has vowed to do a better job corralling its users data. Nevertheless, its controls have remained leaky. Just last month, the company acknowledged a software flaw had exposed the photos of about 7 million users to a wider audience than they had intended. The FTCs five commissioners have discussed fining Facebook but havent settled on the amount yet, according to the Post.Facebooks privacy problems are also under investigation in other countries and the target of a lawsuit filed last month by Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine.Catch the biggest newsmakers and the biggest newsbreaks on CNN-News18, the only news destination.. Contact your cable/DTH operator now! *Rental/capacity fee of Rs. 130/- as charged by cable/DTH operator may apply. **GST extra. | https://www.news18.com/news/tech/could-facebook-be-hit-with-record-fine-for-privacy-violations-involving-our-information-2008081.html |
Will Edinburgh and Glasgow Euro runs lead to Six Nations success? | It may be the curmudgeon in me but, to borrow from George Gershwin, it aint necessarily so, and reading between the lines, it is just possible that Gregor Townsend agrees, not that the national coach would ever admit as much out loud. Instead, when he named his squad last week he listed 19 players who were unavailable through injury; an absurdly high number that rises to 20 with the inclusion of Hamish Watson after the flanker suffered a suspected fractured hand while playing in Edinburghs win over Montpellier on Friday night. I counted only seven of the stricken who would be competing for a spot in the starting XV: Watson, John Barclay, Magnus Bradbury, David Denton, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray and Duncan Taylor, while several of of their colleagues had almost no chance of making a Six Nations appearance. Townsend does not go digging for excuses, although you fancy the Scotland coach may need a few before this Championship is over. Due to form and fitness, Scotland are paper thin at hooker, in midfield and back row in a squad that was a little light on world-class quality to begin with. Edinburghs success in the Champions Cup has been built on South African and Fijian foundations. Three Saffas play key roles for Richard Cockerill; Pierre Schoeman, Jaco van der Walt and the muscular winger Duhan van der Merwe. All could be replaced by Scots. Allan Dell deputised for Schoeman in three European games and the world continued to turn on its axis. The same cannot be said if Viliame Mata were taken out of the Edinburgh equation. The Fijian eight is the oil that keeps everything else ticking over. He carried more than twice as far as every other Edinburgh forward combined on Friday night, including substitutes. On current form he is better than former Glasgow favourite Leone Nakarawa and Edinburgh coach Cockerills insistence that the club would fight to keep him is heartening even if it is difficult to square with the maths. Glasgow have eased into the Champions Cup quarters looking better on the road, in Cardiff and Lyon, than they did at home. Too many key Scotland players are out of form and out of favour including Alex Dunbar (who failed to make Townsends squad) and Huw Jones in the backs, and Adam Ashe and twin looseheads Alex Allan and Jamie Bhatti up front. Allan has enjoyed only one start all season and even that was cut short by a red card. The longest shift Allan has managed all season is 40 minutes, against the Cheetahs, back in September. Poor preparation for the Six Nations. Bhatti has had three starts although one of them, against the Southern Kings, didnt last any longer than 43 minutes when he was replaced by Allan. He managed 70 minutes against Cardiff in November of last year. Edinburghs Dell is in pole position to start against Italy simply because, with five starts to his credit, he has had time in the saddle. Allan Dell maybe hasnt started every game, Townsend argued, but hes been coming off the bench and playing at a high level with a team thats playing really well. In terms of his physical state, hell be in a great position going into the tournament. Weve been really pleased with how Jamie Bhatti has rediscovered his form. Hes carried well and his scrummaging has been excellent, I thought he did very well over in Treviso. With Alex [Allan] missing those games, its allowed Jamie to get back in and show the form he was in for us the previous season. A couple of the games Huw [Jones] has missed for Glasgow, he was injured, added Townsend, moving on to his outside centre. He obviously didnt get selected for the Cardiff game [or yesterdays match with Saracens], but someone like Huw has done well in the past for us having not played that much rugby leading into last years Six Nations, for example. Quite apart from all the injuries and lack of form, Townsend highlighted one other reason not to put your mortgage on Scotland lifting the silverware in March: this will arguably be the toughest Six Nations in its long and distinguished history. The competing countries sit second (Ireland), third (Wales), fourth (England) and seventh (Scotland) in the world rankings. (France are ninth and Italy 15th). In addition, the coach could have added, Les Bleus can beat anyone in the world when the spirit moves them, especially in Paris where Scotland must travel. He has a point. One year ago England were second, Ireland third, Scotland fifth and Wales a lowly seventh place. Wales unbeaten autumn series has propelled them up the rankings and made this the toughest Six Nations on record, in terms of world rankings. Against that Scotland have to face three countries ranked above them and two below, so you could argue that Townsend has it easier than some of his predecessors. If those were indeed subtle warning signs coming from the head coach there is plenty on the positive side of Scotlands rugby ledger. Finn Russell is playing the best rugby of his life even if he didnt show it against Ulster last weekend. A number of players are returning to full fitness, including David Denton, Magnus Bradbury, Richie Gray, Zander Fagerson and Fraser Brown. They may be available for Paris in the third round of matches. More important is the form of Edinburgh. Yes, the foreign recruits have played a big part in the clubs revival but the manner in which the pack stood up to Montpellier and Toulons forward behemoths must give Townsend hope that Scotland have another means of gaining a toehold in the upcoming Tests rather than relying wholly upon the harum scarum stuff that backfired in spectacular fashion against Wales almost exactly one year ago. Yes, and I think that would apply to Glasgow as well, Townsend replied. The way they won against Cardiff in tough weather conditions, they showed through set-piece and game management that they can find a way to win. There has to be a balance. At times, were not going to be able to play high-tempo rugby because of weather conditions, because of what someone might be doing to us defensively or what theyre doing in the backfield. Our players, through excellent coaching at their clubs, have that understanding of what is required to win a game of rugby. The Scots are going to need every advantage they can get to thrive in what has become rugbys toughest tournament. | https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/six-nations/will-edinburgh-and-glasgow-euro-runs-lead-to-six-nations-success-1-4859212 |
How many people actually die in national parks? | The risk of being injured or killed while visiting a national park is very low, according to the National Park Service. When looking at fatality rates during the 2007-2013 timeframe, the average rate is 0.57 deaths [per] 1 million visits, said Jeremy Barnum, public affairs officer at National Park Service. Between 2007 and 2013, in all 59 parks, there were 1,025 fatalities. On average, approximately 160 visitors per year die while visiting national parks-- out of more 305 million visitors. In general, visitors can stay safe if they follow simple rules , Barnum said. Always plan and prepare, select the most appropriate activity that matches your skill set and experience, seek information before and when arriving at the park about hazards and environmental conditions, follow the rules and regulations, and use sound judgment while recreating. The leading causes of unintentional visitor fatalities in national parks, based on data collected by the NPS Public Risk Management Program from 2007 to 2013, are drownings, motor vehicle crashes, and falls. But there are some more unusual recorded ones, too. Here are the top six causes of death in national parks: 1. Drowning Drowning is by far the most common cause of death in national parks. The number of fatal accidents while swimming has increased every year, from 32 in 2007; 31 in 2008; 41 in 2009; 42 in 2010 and 2011; 45 in 2012, to 59 in 2013. The total number of drownings over the seven-year period, including boat, kayak and rafting incidents, is 365. Only seven of these deaths were the result of rip currents. 2. Motor Vehicle Crash National parks may not have crowded streets or busy highways, but reckless drivers can be found everywhere. A total of 143 people died as the result of a car crash between 2007 and 2013, and 42 of the victims were on a motorcycle. There were six fatalities involving bikers and seven involving pedestrians. 3. Falling or Slipping Falling and slipping while hiking is the third most common cause of death in national parks; 169 people died between 2007 and 2013. There were four fatalities in which a falling tree hit by lightning killed someone and five cases in which falling rocks or ice caused deaths. Falls are a real concern on the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park, because steep drops and open cliffs make the walk very tricky. More from The Active Times: 50 Reasons to Love the National Parks All 59 National Parks Ranked The Great American Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in the U.S. Before You Die The Most Dangerous Places in National Parks 4. Nature Extreme weather like flash floods and lightning, which can only be blamed on Mother Nature, caused the least number of deaths between 2007 and 2013 just eight. Other environmental-related incidents, such as heat illness, cold exposure, and avalanche, killed more park visitors 26, 19, and 33, respectively. Park authorities say these incidents occur when guests are not well-prepared when going into the wilderness. Consider avalanches. Shouting and loud noises dont cause them; they are usually triggered by weight a person walking in the wrong spot or a strong wind is enough to do the trick. 5. Poisoning Carbon monoxide has been the cause of two deaths in national parks in the last seven years, and drugs and alcohol have been the cause of three. The cause of one death is yet to be determined. Still, thats just six poisonings in seven years. 6. Wildlife or Animals One of the many reasons people visit national parks is to spot wildlife. But for some people, getting a little too close may just be their last encounter. Six people have died due to wildlife and animals. The most common cause of death was grizzly bear attacks, while others were mountain goats and snakebites. | https://www.foxnews.com/travel/how-many-people-actually-die-in-national-parks |
What is super blood wolf moon eclipse of 2019? | A rare total lunar eclipse on January 20 combining with supermoon will result in a phenomenon, that the astrophysicist call a super blood wolf moon. The moon, Earth and sun will line up this weekend for the only complete lunar eclipse of 2019. At the same time, the moon will be ever so closer to Earth and appear slightly bigger and brighter than a usual supermoon. The partial eclipse will begin around 10:34 pm EST Sunday (08:34 am PST Monday). The total eclipse, lasting 62 minutes, will start at 11:41 pm EST Sunday (09:41 am PST Monday). The full experience, from the start of the partial eclipse to the end, will last 3 hours and 17 minutes, according to Space.com. The entire eclipse will be visible in North and South America, as well as Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal and the French and Spanish coasts. During totality, the moon will look red because of sunlight scattering off Earth's atmosphere. That's why an eclipsed moon is sometimes known as a blood moon. (In January, the full moon is also sometimes known as the wolf moon or great spirit moon.) As for full-moon supermoons, this will be the first of three this year. The upcoming supermoon will be about 222,000 miles (357,300 kilometers) away while the February 19 supermoon will be a bit closer and the one in March 20 will be the farthest. According to experts, this lunar phenomenon is particularly good because the duration of the total eclipse is unusually long. | https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/421428-what-is-super-blood-wolf-moon |
How much do haircuts at Singapore's most popular hair salons cost? | Thanks to an ill-advised bob that took forever to grow out, I somehow managed to avoid expensive hair salons for the past year or two. But now that my hair is out of shape and my split ends are taking over my life, I'm on the hunt for a good hair salon to visit. It's also coincidentally the season for pre-CNY haircuts so Might as well. Last I remember, a basic wash-cut-blow service was $28, but those days are behind us - a typical ladies' haircut can now cost up to $80+. Thankfully (and surprisingly), the saving grace is that festive surcharges seem to have also phased out. Most of the popular mid- to high-end hair salons no longer charge extra for the Lunar New Year. Here's a breakdown of how much basic haircuts will set you back in Singapore. Tip: you might want to sit down for this. Photo: MoneySmart APUJEONG HAIR SALON Apgujeong Hair Salon is a hit with the younger crowd - not only do they specialise in Korean haircuts and styles, they are very affordable. Haircuts begin at $20 for short hair. For medium to very long hair, it's $23 to $35, which is still considered cheap for a Korean hair salon. Men's cuts are fixed at $15. Lucky bastards. Their director and lead stylists are all Korean, so if you want locks that'll attract your oppa eye candy, try your luck at any one of Apgujeong's 11 outlets. KIMAGE HAIR SALON Trendy hair salons have been popping up in the recent years, but Kimage is pretty much a household name. Like Apgujeong, there are 11 Kimage outlets, most of which are located at shopping malls. At Kimage, a haircut will cost $40 (it's the same for men and women), which is what passes for "affordable" these days. If you want to save even more, you can make an appointment to have your hair done by their junior stylists at Kimage Cove. The prices are dramatically lower - it's only $20 for a haircut. The junior stylists are also able to do chemical services like colouring (from $50), perming (from $50) and rebonding (from $100). If you're worried about botched jobs, Kimage offers a 10-day guarantee. You can always head back for another session if anything goes wrong. SHUNJI MATSUO Shunji Matsuo is another super popular hair salon chain in Singapore. There are 6 outlets, and the curious thing is that the prices are different for all 6 of them. The most affordable outlet is the one at Siglap - prices start at $43 for a ladies' cut and $38 for men's. The 2 most atas outlets are the ones in Orchard. At Ngee Ann City and Orchard ION, the same services will cost you $60 / $52 and $65 / $55 respectively. If you're heading to town but don't want to pay a limb for it, the outlet at Far East Plaza is slightly cheaper ($50 / $45). NEXT HAIR SALON Next has 2 outlets, one at Holland Village and another at Nassim Road. You may think that they're both in fancy districts so they should be the same price, but you're wrong. The one at Holland Village charges $45 for a basic haircut, which is mid-range and relatively affordable. The one at Nassim Road, however, charges almost double that amount - prices start at $75 (men and women). For Next at Nassim, the prices depend on the stylist you choose. For instance, Kan Chan and Veena Loh are both senior stylists, but their rates are different ($75 and $85 respectively). BLACK HAIR SALON Despite its name, Black Hair Salon is actually famous for painting your hair all shades of the rainbow. Just check out their Instagram page. But while a unicorn mane will undoubtedly set you back several hundreds of dollars, a basic haircut at Black Hair Salon is $48 for ladies and $40 for men. Black Hair Salon is located at Capitol Piazza, which is easy to swing by if you work in the CBD. PICASSO HAIR STUDIO Picasso seems a direct competitor of Black Hair Salon - they've got the same prices ($48 for women) and they're also popular for their fun-coloured looks. They're also both at the CBD too. Picasso Hair Studio has 2 outlets; one near Bugis MRT and the other near Tanjong Pagar MRT. That said, Picasso Hair Studio seems to have promotions and discounts more often. Follow the Picasso Hair Studio Facebook page for the monthly deals. SALON VIM Hitting the $50-mark is Salon Vim, the local blogger's favourite. Salon Vim has as many influencer ambassadors as colours on their hair dye palettes. Tricia Ong, Xenia Tan and Mong Chin are just a few of the bloggers who get their hair done at Salon Vim. That influencer-inspired haircut will cost you $50, which is expensive in my opinion. There are 2 salons, one in Bugis and the other at Wisma Atria. NUMBER 76 The OG Number 76 is a famous hair salon in Tokyo, known for its salon-cafe concept. Number 76 has 4 outlets in Malaysia, and just 1 outlet in Singapore. Number 76 Singapore is located at Orchard Central, and although originally from Japan, the founder of the chain Daisuke Hamaguchi is based here. Of course, the $56 haircut will only buy you a senior stylist haircut. A cut by the managing director is $98. CHEZ VOUS HAIR SALON As you would expect of a hair salon named "Chez Vous", this Orchard Road hair salon is pretty pricey. At Chez Vous, the most affordable tier of hairdressers are called Associate Directors who charge $75 for a ladies' haircut. Ouch. With that money, you can get your hair done by a chief director elsewhere. Unlike many trendy salons that are known for their outrageous dye jobs, Chez Vous is actually known for their superior haircuts. If it's a contest between having colourful hair for a week and waking up to manageable hair every day, the latter definitely has my vote. ART NOISE The last hair salon in this list is the Japanese Art Noise at Holland Village. They charge a whopping $86 for a haircut. Whether or not you want to take the chance with almost a hundred bucks is up to you, but I probably won't unless I come into an unexpected windfall. To their credit, their haircuts are probably awesome and the whole Japanese vibe is legit (everyone there is Japanese). But take note: You may have to explain your needs to the receptionist cum interpreter, who will then explain it to the stylist. If you want to take the plunge, Art Noise actually offers a neat 20 per cent discount for new customers, making it $68.80 per haircut. This article was first published in MoneySmart. | http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/how-much-do-haircuts-singapores-most-popular-hair-salons-cost |
Is there something called an Indus Valley Hinduism? | A question arose a few hours ago about the nature of Hinduism, and whether it was the same in the Indus Valley and in the rest of India. Apparently some observers believe that there was a fundamental difference between the type of Hindu religious practice in the Indus Valley, and that elsewhere, and they attributed it to an amalgamation of the IVC and the culture of the Aryan-speaking immigrants from central Asia.It is most disconcerting to read the generally approving comments of those who are not Hindus themselves, and to find that they have been impressed by the astonishing collection of misunderstood observations made by an observer in his note on the subject.This note is to start the new thread, and to stop heart-burn among our friends because they are unable to stop what they started. We can start by copying relevant posts from the Rajput, Jats and Gujjars thread into this one, and discussing the issues raised over here. I would rather leave that thread to the circular argument that is going on in there. | https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/is-there-something-called-an-indus-valley-hinduism.597764/ |
Can SA find a way to counter-attack Pakistans spinners in Durban? | South Africa will need to find a way to counter-attack Pakistans spinners if they are to level the one-day international series when teams meet in Durban on Tuesday (1pm). The squads head to Kingsmead with the visitors 1-0 up after beating the Proteas by five wickets in the opening game of five at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. South Africa posted an insufficient 266 for only two wickets and Pakistan paced their innings well despite a few late flutters to get home with five balls to spare. Hashim Amla who made an unbeaten 108 said Pakistans four spinners put the skids on any acceleration he and Rassie van Dussen had been planning. It wasnt that free-flowing pitch up front" he said. "They managed to bowl quite a few spinners which stunted us a little bit in the middle overs and the back end. "They also bowled quite a few yorkers to make it difficult for us as well. It was a tough pitch to bat on. I know we only lost two wickets but it was kind of tough to get the ball rolling. Their spinners bowled pretty decently. I think they also bowled pretty well towards the back end. We tried to score but we couldnt get to it. It was one of those games where unfortunately we didnt get the acceleration towards the back end of the innings. | https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/cricket/2019-01-20-can-sa-find-a-way-to-counter-attack-pakistans-spinners-in-durban/ |
Are these the best-loved shop staff ever on Merseyside? | Get Great Deals 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 We need them when we have run out of milk, to top up the electricity meter or when we're simply craving a chocolate bar. Shop workers play a massive role in many of our lives - from those who run the corner shop at the end of the road to the staff at major supermarkets who work long hours to make sure the shelves are filled and customers looked after. We asked the people of Merseyside to tell us who their favourite shopkeeper or worker was - and what makes them stand out from the rest. And now that the responses have flooded in, we've put together a list of the best, as chosen by you, from all over Merseyside. Some have now retired or their shop is no longer around - but their names have clearly stuck in the memory of their customers. We apologise in advance for any spelling mistakes in shops' or ownerss names - we've included them based on how they were referred to in comments by those who know them best. Tower Stores, New Brighton Divyesh Patel (Image: divyesh patel) David Albert Butler said: "Divyesh Patel nothing is too much for this gent. "Once I was having a low sugar attack he sat me down gave me a bottle of Lucozade, got me settled and asked if I needed an ambulance, but lucky for me the Lucozade was working, it could have been so different." Linda Cleary said: "Divyesh Patel and family are amazing and very kind! Endless gifts to charities and helping the neighbourhood." Phillip Anthony Sanders said: "Divyesh Patel is always a kind and gentle face of a shop, will always have a chat and also helps all charities." Ray Green added: "Tower Stores New Brighton. A great family convenience store that is owned and managed by Mr Divyesh Patel (AKA Granddad) and his lovely family. They always go the extra mile." Louise Hayes-Dooley said: "Divyesh Patel always has a smile for his customers and has great customer skills the best around Mr Patel." Becca Dogsy said: "Divyesh Patel is an absolute star. He makes my day when I go in to get my packages and groceries. "Im always greeted with a smile. He goes that extra mile all the time to make sure I have everything I need. "As well as him and his family and other employees they are fabulous!! "Highly recommend that he is acknowledged. I also have other family members that go to him and would say the same. Thank you Divyesh!! McColl's, County Road, Walton Valerie Rothwell Jac Dano: "I have known Val since I was a little girl five or six-years-old now at the age of 35 Val still works there with a friendly smile and a great a helpful attitude. "Val always makes time for a friendly conversation, Val is one in a million and I love her. "I would love to see her get the recognition she thoroughly deserves. "Now my 13 year old daughter goes into the shop just to see Val and have a talk about anything and everything, just like me when I was her age it's lovely to see." S & S Mini Market Picton Road Abas and family Andrew Fisher said: "Been going to that shop for almost a decade. "I moved away from that area last year but I still drop in when I'm in the area because I like him that much, plus the shop sells my favourite buttys. "A few years back I dropped a tenner in the shop without realising it. "Wouldn't have even noticed it was gone, but the next time I was there he handed it to me. "He'd seen the tenner on the floor, gone over to his CCTV to find out who dropped it and then gave it back. "That amount of effort shows how much he cares about his shop and his customers. "He works ridiculous hours, never moans and is always a gent, even when you can see how tired he is." All in One Muirhead Avenue East John and Mark Sara Jayne Clair said: "John and Mark - they are great! All the staff are." Ledsomes Liscard Road, Wallasey Pauline Teresa Maxwell said: "Pauline her name was, she would do anything for anyone, offering the children fresh fruit and also letting them go behind the counter to help serve and help putting the fruit into people's baskets ,so I would love her to be noticed." Mr Evans, Seaforth Paul Campbell said: "Mr Evans shop. Corner of Corinthian street and Rawson Road Seaforth, in the 60's. "Lovely to everyone and always helpful." Mo's Prescot Road, Old Swan Stephen McConville said: "Original Mo from Mo's on Prescot Road, Old Swan. "This man is a legend and the reason the shop is so widely known." Rob's Mill Lane, Old Swan John Greenway said: "Rob from Rob's on Mill Lane, Old Swan. Sadly not there no more but what a legend he was. "Had two massive St Bernard dogs, called a can of shandy a shan of candy and a Dairy Milk a Mairy Dilk.... well to me he did anyway, that was my order! "He knew everyones name who came in and always asked how they were! "If you can find him then thank him for the people of Old Swan!" 1933 1952 1960 Next question Thanks for taking part in this quiz You scored Replay quiz Thora's Broadlane, Kirkby Donna Stringer said: "I am going to say all the girls at Thora's in Broadlane, Kirkby. Tthey know everyone's names who go in there, great bunch of ladies always smiling." Harry's Newsagents Claire Booth said: "Vera...worked in Harry's Newsagents Smithdown!!!! Best shoplady ever!!!!!!" Asda Breck Road (Image: Google Maps) Paul Campbell said: "Asda Breck Road staff. Smiles, laughter and banter when you go to shop. "Not just a supermarket, more of a family/community place to enjoy going to shop. "They do it like it used to be years ago with customers and staff enjoying a laugh together." Primadonna Amanda Hoose said: "Donna is so friendly and helpful." P&B store, Beechwood Estate Pat and Brian Viikki Norcott said: "Pat and Brian from Beechwood for sure, they would go above and beyond to all there customers l, never had a bad word and watched kids grow and then see there kids they knew each and everyone of them." Jasmine Norcott said: "We all used to get a toy and lollipop on our birthday, no matter what Pat and Brian would remember. amazing." Hevz Sadler wrote: "Pat and Brian, they retired last year but they worked in a little corner shop on the beechwood estate. "They were always nice and made sure children respected them and used their manners or they wouldn't get served. "Best little shop around and they had a great love of the community." Houghton's Derby Road, Wirral George and Wendy Houghton Stephen Robinson said: "George from the newsagents at the top of Charlecombe Street, Derby Road. "Every Saturday we went in there for our penny sweets and George always used to give us that little bit more. "It's nothing now but it was a lot to us then." Co-op Bebington Village Linda Blake said: "I loved the Co-op in Bebington Village. "It has closed now but the staff were wonderful. "They used to make a cup of tea for two ladies who weren't able to walk too far. "Their home delivery staff were great,as were all the shop staff. "It's such a great loss to Bebington Village. "Thank you Co-op, please come back". Foddels Webster Road/Cadogan Street, Edge Hill Charmaine Cheng said: "When I lived there 28 years ago it was called Foddels, it's now known as Yafs News. "Its on the corner of Webster road and Cadogan street. "He (the owner) was a hard working, lovely man and very generous, going back to the 80s/90s, his sons have the shop now I think, or hes rented it out." Hancock's Old Chester Road, Wirral Sheila Wellman wrote: "Hancocks on Old Chester Road. Mr Hancock even came round to the house with a wedding present for me." | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/best-loved-shop-staff-ever-15692254 |
What can pilots see at night and what's the point of those headlights? | Anyone who has ever star-gazed will know that aircraft use lights when flying, pesky planes masquerading as shooting stars throughout the hours of darkness. But the powerful LED spotted from the ground, 35,000 feet below, is not a headlight, guiding the path of the 8.30pm service to Chicago, but more likely a beacon to help other pilots spot the plane in the air. At altitude, planes do not use headlights in the traditional sense. Many times when I am making oceanic crossings at night, there is nothing outside the windshield but blackness for hours on end, says pilot and flying instructor Tim Sanders. As pilots learnt the art of science and flight, we have to make a transition to using our... | https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-truths/do-planes-have-headlights-what-pilots-see-cockpit/ |
Will Trumps Compromise Help End The Shutdown? And Was It Even A Compromise? | Welcome to a special weekend-edition of FiveThirtyEights weekly politics chat. The transcript below has been lightly edited. micah (Micah Cohen, managing editor): Hey, everyone! Weve convened here on a weekend(!) to talk about President Trumps address to the nation on Saturday. Trump called the country together to make an offer to Democrats to try to end the partial government shutdown, now more than 28 days old. Lets briefly start with that first question. sarahf (Sarah Frostenson, politics editor): No. micah: lol. natesilver (Nate Silver, editor in chief): Nyet. perry (Perry Bacon Jr., senior writer): Its not at all likely to end the shutdown. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bashed the proposal before the speech started (once reports came out with Trumps offer). He didnt consult Democrats before the proposal was released. Its not clear he was even really trying to get Democrats to sign onto this. sarahf: Yeah, what I dont understand about the proposal is that it was negotiated without any Democratic input. It was just Vice President Mike Pence, Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell talking with fellow Republicans. natesilver: I mean, there are some permutations where this is the beginning of the end of the shutdown, I suppose. Those have to involve some combination of (i) Trump offering a better deal than what hes offering right now, and (ii) public opinion shifting to put more pressure on Democrats. (I dont mean ploy in a negative sense.) perry: I think thats the only way to look at this. natesilver: The real audience for the speech is likely the media. Because were the only people sick enough to actually waste our Saturdays watching this thing. slackbot: Im sorry you arent feeling well. There is Advil, Aleve and Tylenol in the cabinet in front of Nates office/Vanessas desk. micah: lol natesilver: lol, slackbot Anyway, in theory, were willing to compromise and Democrats arent is a perfectly decent message. Its BS in various ways (mostly because the compromise Trump is offering isnt too good). But its a fairly conventional message to sell a not-very-great compromise as being a good deal. sarahf: Right now, Americans overwhelmingly continue to blame Trump and congressional Republicans for the shutdown. Saturdays speech seemed like an attempt on his part to try and shift some of that narrative by outlining a proposal that definitely seemed like a compromise. perry: And I think it has as few potential good effects for Trump. First, it may help keep Republicans on Capitol Hill aligned with him. They were getting leery of his wall-only strategy. This makes it easier for the party to unify around him. Second, Trumps proposal allows McConnell to hold a vote and suggest he and his chamber are trying to resolve the shutdown too, just like the House is doing. Finally, I assume, when pollsters ask people about this proposal, it will be more popular than the wall itself. My guess is it will be near 50 percent support and perhaps higher. Most people I assume arent totally against any money for the wall and feel like Dreamers must have a path to citizenship or else. sarahf: And I dont know if its a good look for Democratic leaders like Pelosi to immediately come out the gate saying, nope this doesnt work. Then again, they werent consulted in the making of the deal it sounds like, so maybe shed be better off highlighting that. natesilver: I did think it was weird that Trump opened the address with a sort of uncharacteristically gentle paean to the virtues of legal immigration, but then careened to talking about drugs and gangs and violence and some of the other stuff that doesnt usually pass a fact check. If you actually wanted to portray an image of bipartisanship, you could skip most of that stuff. Or you could talk about how there were extremists on both sides call out Republicans for X and Y reason. micah: Well I do wonder if this could change the politics of the shutdown in more than one way, as Perry was getting at. It could make Democrats look like the intransigent side, as you were all saying. But, it could also shift the narrative towards more border crisis and less wall. And thats better political ground for Trump. Polls show more people believe there is a crisis at the border than support a wall. sarahf: Right, last week we looked at different pollsters who asked Americans what they thought of the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. I was surprised by the number of Americans who thought it was a serious problem or a crisis. Fifty-four percent of respondents in a Quinnipiac poll said they believed there was a security crisis along the border with Mexico. And in a CBS News/YouGov poll, 55 percent said the situation was a problem, but not a crisis. natesilver: It could shift things although, again, its worth mentioning that the deal Trump offered isnt really much of a deal at all. In fact, it offers a bit less than what they floated last night. That was my read too -& this is a crucial distinction Democrats are already seizing upon. WH officials last night said it was the Bridge Act-& confirmed that to other reporters today-but what Trump announced just now is NOT the Bridge Act, it's a more limited twist on it. https://t.co/CxX154n9As Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) January 19, 2019 The DACA part itself is a compromise, but to get that compromise, Democrats have to give up something (wall funding) that theyre firmly opposed to. Although, it probably is fair to say that the wall is also a compromise of sorts. As Trump actually emphasized. Its not all that much wall. Its certainly not a big concrete wall stretching the length of the border. sarahf: I know! OMG, what a 180 from him on that! And, as Democrats will be quick to point out, they were already working on their own legislation that would give $1 billion in funding for border security (but not a wall to be clear). natesilver: Right, and Trump hasnt really made the case as to why a wall is necessary to stop the humanitarian crisis at the border. The other thing is that none of this is really new. This compromise, if you want to call it that, has been around for a long time. Democrats have rejected it because it doesnt give them enough. They rejected better versions of this compromise before the shutdown began, in fact. And Democrats have more leverage now than then because Trump needs the shutdown to end a lot more than they do its hurting him politically. micah: I guess my point is more that the convo may change. perry: To put this bluntly, I think this speech had two audiences the media (so they will do both sides coverage) and Republicans (so they will stay loyal to Trump on this issue). I assume this speech will buy him at least of few days of that. And both of those, as Micah suggests, will help with the public opinion. sarahf: I was kind of surprised that he made no mention of the thousands of furloughed government workers. Like some kind of nod to their hardship. But nada. perry: Theyre all Democrats. Im joking, but that is what he thinks. micah: Nate, I dont know if the media will run with it. The headline in the lower-third on CNN right now is Pelosi rejects Trumps proposal to end shutdown. perry: Trump may have bought himself at least another week to sustain this shutdown. Next week will be 1. Pelosi rejected Trumps idea before he spoke, and 2. Senate holds vote and Democrats filibuster. micah: I think thats right, Perry. As were chatting, heres Politicos headline: Trumps bid to negotiate on wall met by Democratic rejection The Washington Post: Trump offers to protect dreamers temporarily in exchange for wall funds Dallas Morning News: Trump seeks border wall funding in exchange for DACA protections to end shutdown natesilver: Theres at least some semi-intelligent understanding on the White Houses part of how media dynamics work. At least parts of the speech play well into the medias both sides-ism. micah: NBC News: Trump offers new shutdown deal, Democrats expected to reject it Los Angeles Times: President Trump proposes to extend protections for Dreamers in exchange for border wall funding ABC News: Trump will extend Dreamers, TPS protection in exchange for full border wall funding CBS News: Trump proposes deal on immigration, Pelosi calls shutdown offer a non-starter natesilver: But the thing about that NBC headline is that the new part is pretty misleading. perry: Those are great headlines for Trump. First end the programs. Then shut the government. https://t.co/PhsMABh6VC Ronald Brownstein (@RonBrownstein) January 19, 2019 micah: Yeah, at least in the very very early going, this seems like a good move by Trump. natesilver: Keep in mind that media might feel a little chastened this week by the mess thats become of the BuzzFeed story. micah: Yeah, I was thinking that. perry: I also think that keeping the Lindsey Grahams of the world happy is something Trump cares about. The Republicans on the Sunday shows now have something to say. So do the Will Hurds. micah: Very good point. perry: Pelosi and Democrats, I would argue, were more unified than Republicans before this speech. But I wonder if some moderate Democrats start getting nervous now. natesilver: The path here is like: 1. Trump and Republicans maintain some degree of message discipline for a week or so; 1b. Trump and Republicans dont face too many defections from their own base; 2. Polling and other indications show that blame for the shutdown is shifting away from Trump and toward Democrats; 2b. There arent any strikes or planes falling from the sky that create a crisis and force an immediate end to the shutdown; 3. Trump offers Democrats a little bit maybe quite a bit more. If all of that happens, maybe he gets a deal! And no one of those steps is *that* crazy. natesilver: I dont really think it changed anything. perry: I agree. natesilver: Except Trump made a chess move to advance the game instead of just sitting there petulantly staring at his opponent and watching his clock run down. micah: It gives him some more time is a good read, I think. natesilver: It was an extremely standard chess move, but at least it was a move! sarahf: Well, I mean leading up to this speech there had been some speculation hed declare a national emergency. And he didnt do that. So all things considered, I think this was a much smarter political move to make. natesilver: Oh yeah, this is definitely better than that. sarahf: Because I do think at this point Democrats have to say something other than, we wont support this. natesilver: It was, like, almost what a normal president with a competent group of advisors would do! sarahf: Hahaha yeah natesilver: But it will require a lot of follow through. perry: I think Trump is aware that declaring a national emergency is a loss. He doesnt want a loss. I dont know how he gets a win. I actually think, this proposal, if it was passed, would very much irritate the right. I will be curious how the right receives this idea. perry: Ann Coulter attacked it hard. natesilver: Coulter attacked it although you could almost say thats helpful for Trump. perry: Good point. It makes it seem like more of a compromise if the right hates it. natesilver: Now, if he loses the votes from several conservative Republicans in the Senate, then hes screwed. Or if he himself has second thoughts because Sean Hannity calls him tonight, he could screw himself. micah: That is interesting! perry: Because I assume part of the play here is for Republicans in the Senate to be seen doing something about the shutdown. Would Sens. I think yes. I assume yes, but Im not sure. perry: I would not at all assume that. micah: LOL. That was a soft-ball. perry: McConnell maybe. sarahf: Yeah, Im not picturing mass Republican defections here in the Senate I guess just because McConnell seems to have been so heavily involved in negotiating this. natesilver: Manchin maybe. He voted to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, so its not exactly like hes worried about stoking the ire of the Democratic base. sarahf: But it does make you wonder why Trump ever listened to Mark Meadows and the Freedom Caucus in the first place getting into this mess. Wouldnt have $1.7 billion or whatever it was and no extension for DACA, TPS, etc. I guess none of it went to the wall. So maybe not. No way to appease anyone! natesilver: Right, the $1.7 billion didnt specifically include border wall funding though. micah: He sorta stepped on a pretty good news cycle for him. Though Buzzfeed is standing by its reporting. natesilver: Hmm. But the fact that he had a good news cycle probably means that today will be portrayed more favorably by the press. So that gave him more incentive to do it. natesilver: I think Trump again proposes already-rejected compromise in competent speech; Pelosi reiterates that she wont agree is roughly correct. micah: The other thing maybe worth keeping in mind: The politics of the shutdown right now are really bad for Trump. Trump is unpopular, and the wall is even more unpopular. This is from our friends at The Upshot: micah: And this is from us: I guess what Im saying is that it wouldnt be too surprising if the politics of this improved for Trump after his speech, given where they are now. Theres plenty of room to improve. perry: We know that presidential addresses generally dont work. But Trump is making those political scientists look really smart. sarahf: I think the fact that Trump didnt consult Democratic leadership is a big ding against this proposal. But the fact that Trump did put forward some kind of compromise is something. It has the potential to change the politics around the shutdown. Itll be interesting to see what congressional Republicans actually put forward and what Democrats choose to counter with. natesilver: I thought it was a bit weird at the end when Trump said this was just the start of negotiations on a much bigger immigration solution. Thats ultimately the question that Trump doesnt really have a good answer for. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Pelosi will need to be clear about that in their own messaging. At the same I wonder if they also want to float, maybe on background because it does sort of contradict the message of no negotiations at all while theres a shutdown, some notion of what a real compromise would look like. e.g. the full DREAM Act. Or my idea: Offer HR1, the Democrats election reform/voting rights bill, in exchange for the border wall. perry: The one reason I have a hard time seeing any deal being cut: the wall is a monument to racism is a real view on the left and has real influence. That makes it much harder Democrats to sign off on any money for the wall. natesilver: Also, Republicans would presumably never agree to HR 1. But it moves the Overton Window (sorry if thats become an overused concept now) and frames the idea that Republicans are nowhere near offering a fair compromise. If the wall is so important to Trump and hes often talked about it as his signature priority a fair offer now that we have bipartisan control of government would be to give Democrats whats literally their No. 1 priority (given that they named the bill HR1) as well. (Thats Pelosis hypothetical argument, not me necessarily endorsing the deal as fair to Republicans.) micah: Yeah, that kind of deal seems a looooooong ways off. | https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/will-trumps-compromise-help-end-the-shutdown-and-was-it-even-a-compromise/ |
Is it time to crack down on Manchester's Airbnb hotspots like Berlin? | 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 There are some tell-tale signs that the Northern Quarter has become an Airbnb hot-spot, according to local residents. Key safes are padlocked to every available railing. After a weekend, silver 'laughing gas' canisters and red, plastic cups are left littered in the gutters of Tib Street. The rubbish goes out on a Thursday, but when cleaners are sent in on a Monday morning they often choose to leave bags by the public bins in the street. Once one bag is there, it encourages others and before long a real eyesore can acumulate. These are just some of the side-effects, complained of by residents, of the short-term lets boom in Manchester city centre. For similar reasons, Airbnb was banned in Berlin before being reinstated - but with much stricter rules. "There's more and more every month," says Joanne Cross, a long-term resident who runs the Northern Quarter Forum with husband Tony. "My initial view was 'good on you' - we've used Airbnb around the world, the majority of the people who use them are respectful. "But these properties are not people's homes - they have been bought for the sole purpose of short-term lets. "They are not being run as a business, they're not paying business rates, they're not using commercial waste facilities, they're not considering health and safety issues... it's a minefield. "There's a two-bed short term let near us that says it can sleep 16!" Joanne's view is one shared by Pat Karney, lead council member for the city centre. He says he himself recently moved out of the Northern Quarter after 26 years because he got 'fed up of not knowing who my neighbours were.' "It was different people coming every weekend," he said. Now Pat has formed a taskforce at Manchester City Council to see what can be done to curb the growth of what he calls 'corporate Airbnb'. "We're concerned about it, particularly in the Northern Quarter," he said. (Image: Bridgfords) "It's not the individuals, it's the multiples and corporate growth. "The council is compiling as much information about Airbnb and other short-term lets as possible, not just in the city centre but in other places, Chorlton and Hulme. "We're looking at the model of Berlin where there's been a major crackdown. "Ideally, we would want to look at devolution powers for the Mayor to ban corporate Airbnb agencies." There is no doubt the home-share rental market has experienced huge growth across the country in recent years. According to the Residential Landlords' Association, Airbnb listings in ten UK cities increased by almost 200 per cent between 2015 and 2017 to more than 210,000 - more than 10 times the number of traditional bed and breakfasts. Airbnb told the M.E.N around 238,000 people visited Greater Manchester using the website in 2018, presenting the figure as a fraction of the estimated 119million who visit per year; 11 million that stay and 108million that come for the day. The website Insideairbnb.com regularly scrapes data and publishes it so that people can see "how Airbnb is being used to compete with the residential housing market." The latest data from November 2018 shows more than 3,500 listings for the Greater Manchester region, of which 387 are tagged as in Manchester 'City Centre'. They range from private rooms that cost as little as 20 or 30 a night, to 'spacious modern' apartments that cost between 60 and 80 a night, to '5 star' apartments that can cost upwards of 155 a night. It is hard to be sure how many of these are listed by the same owner, as it is fairly straightforward to create a profile. However some don't even try to hide the fact they have multiple listings. One profile viewed by the M.E.N has eighteen listings for Greater Manchester, which are simply differentiated by number. 'Piccadilly City Centre Apartment 19' for example, says it has two bedrooms and two bathrooms but can accommodate up to eight guests and costs just 150 a night, less than 20 per person. Other profiles have more than twenty listings under the same name. Searching for an entire home for the weekend of Feb 15-17 for a minimum of two guests in Manchester brings up 306 results - although a handful of those are as far from the city centre as Cheadle Hulme and Bolton. The average nightly price is 125. Like many successful 'gig economy' brands run from Silicon Valley, Airbnb is beloved by the consumer but critics say not everyone wins. Others such as Uber, and to a lesser extent Amazon, have been accused of exploiting workers by pushing wages lower and offering less job security. In the case of Airbnb, it's the larger effect on the housing market. Councillor Sam Wheeler was elected to the newly-created Piccadilly ward, which covers the Northern Quarter, in May 2018. The common impression is that Manchester's city centre population is booming, but Coun Wheeler says since then he has in fact LOST voters. "The latest electoral register shows 6,990 people in the Piccadilly ward," he said. "From June to December 2018 we've actually lost about 500 people off the register. "Firstly, it shows we have a transient population that is disproportionately younger and therefore less likely to register. "But it also shows that a long term residential population isn't emerging. "If they were long term, they would end up on the roll. "That speaks to the idea that a bigger population doesn't always mean having more residents. "These people must be living there for a short period of time through Airbnb or other short-term lets. "It's related to finance - if you're going to have very, very expensive apartments, the easiest way to make back the money is the short-term rental market." (Image: Manchester Evening News) Apart from the regular complaints about Airbnb lets being used for parties, health and safety concerns and rubbish in the street, Coun Wheeler says the phenomenon raises wider concerns about the powers of the council when it comes to housing. "It's not just about Airbnb," he said. "We need more laws for the housing market - it's part of an overall package - we need them right across the way." It's not just local politicians who are concerned. Last year, Members of Parliament called for all properties used for short-term lets to be registered. That came after the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) warned that many services are "not aware" of how many short-term rental properties are operating in areas which makes it "very difficult" to assess potential risk. An Airbnb spokesperson said at the time the company had teamed up with the NFCC to provide hosts with information on how to make their homes safer, and run expert safety events. "If guests alert us to a hazard or safety issue at a listing, we immediately suspend the listing and investigate," they added. "The overwhelming majority of hosts and guests are good neighbours and respectful travellers, incidents are incredibly rare." There is also a fear that a proliferation of Airbnb listings in the city centre is pushing up rental prices, "If you have one of these two-bedroom flats you could maybe rent it out for 1,000 a month," said Coun Wheeler. "But it's perfectly possible to charge 100 a night for a group of four, five or six lads say, to stay on Airbnb on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. "Even if you just do it at the weekends that's 1,200. "It's more lucrative and that's driving the rents up and having an effect on the long-term rental market." Airbnb estimates that it generated 173m for the north west economy last year, through both guests and hosts. But some aren't convinced. "If you ask the local shopkeeper on Tib Street, [Airbnb guests] are not buying booze from him," said Joanne Cross. "They're going to Aldi to get it cheaper. They're not going to the bars here because they're expensive. "They might do two for one cocktails or they might just get drunk in the Airbnb then go out to a club. "They're not going to bars or shopping. "They're not particularly contributing to the local economy." An Airbnb spokesperson said: "Airbnb helps local families afford to live in Manchester and during times of rising costs, put 136 million into the pockets of families in North West last year alone. "Entire homes on Airbnb account for around just 1% of housing in Manchester and the typical host shares their space less than 5 nights a month. "Experts agree that Airbnb has no significant impact on housing and the typical host in Manchester boosts their income by 3,400 a year on Airbnb." The company also said there is evidence that Manchester's housing concerns are a result of 'a lack of affordable housing' and that 'existing housing supply doesn't fit the city's needs'. Airbnb also said their listings tend to be spread right across the city, helping to 'disperse visitors out of busy hotspots and into neighbourhoods where they need the increased tourism spend the most'. 'I was amazed at the response' Freelance journalist Mark Dowd, 59, has rented out his spare room off Oxford Road in the city centre since 2016. Originally from Swinton, he charges 46 a night for singles and 56 for couples including breakfast and says he's booked up around 70 or 80 per cent of the month. "I didn't know about it [Airbnb] until I was going on a trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and I couldn't find anywhere to stay for less than 500 dollars. "Somebody said 'try Airbnb' - I found this place with an English guy and his wife and stayed there three or four nights. "I just really liked the human contact - it's not corporate, there's not the same worry about keys, checkout times, getting charged for another day if you stay over 20 minutes. "The English guy Dave said 'why don't you do this in Manchester?' At first I said 'who would want to come to Manchester?! "But I put it on and I was amazed at the response. "I would say the three reasons people come are: Firstly, the football - I've have someone from every country come to tour the Etihad or Man United, or to watch the Champions League. "Second, the music - Manchester's reputation of Oasis, The Smiths, the Hacienda, hasn't been dimmed at all. "And third the universities - whether it's people coming for job interviews, graduation ceremonies or parents visiting. "[On 'corporate' Airbnb listings] I really don't have a view, the advantage from a small scale point of view, you can earn up to a certain amount without paying tax. "I'm a linguist and I get to practice welcoming people in Spanish, French or Italian... I really like being an ambassador for Manchester! "Once I had two guys came here from Sofia [Bulgaria] to watch Man United and when they saw a picture of me with Sir Alex Ferguson on the wall they literally got down on their knees! "I ended up helping them to Piccadilly station with their luggage and I still get invites to go to Sofia! "In the pie chart of Airbnbs, I don't know if I'm typical or atypical - I'm sure it's a mixed economy. "But there hasn't been a complaint from my fellow residents." Airbnb also supplied the following background data Guests and hosts who used Airbnb together generated 173m for the North Wests economy last year, despite representing only a small proportion of visitors to the region A typical host shared their home for just three nights a month, earning 3,100 in a year In 2018, people visiting Greater Manchester using Airbnb made up a mere 0.2% of the 119 million overall tourist arrivals (238,000) As of the beginning of this year, 'entire homes' listed on Airbnb make up only 1.2% of the available housing stock in Manchester Across the UK, 44 percent of hosts are using income from Airbnb to help afford their home. The typical host in Manchester earns 3,400 per year by sharing their home for just three nights a month, using this money to make ends meet. The vast majority of hosts on Airbnb in the UK (76 percent) share their primary residence, the place that they call home. In June 2018, all Manchester councillors were sent our Local Authority Package detailing a range of ways in which we can work together with the local government to ensure hosting grows responsibly and sustainably in their area. The vast majority of money spent on Airbnb flows directly to hosts, who keep up to 97 percent of every dollar, euro or pound they charge to rent their space. Hosts then spend and reinvest their earnings in a number of ways including household expenses, rent or mortgage payments, local cleaners, home improvement, healthcare and education This stands in stark contrast to tourism spends with hotels, where anywhere between 14 to 36 cents of each chain-hotel dollar may never reach the actual destination community. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/time-crack-down-manchesters-airbnb-15657160 |
Did Congress MLA give luxury car to former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah? | Amid political turbulence in Karnataka, Congress MLA Byrathi Suresh has courted a fresh controversy after media reports of former chief minister Siddaramaiah receiving a luxury car from him surfaced. Denying the reports, Congress leader and minister DK Shivakumar said Siddaramaiah has not been gifted Mercedes-Benz car by Suresh, but it had been given for his travelling purposes. "There is no gift or anything. We sometimes take our friends' vehicle to travel. There is no issue. Nothing, no record," he said. In June last year, Siddaramaiah was in the eye of a controversy after the then minister K J George allegedly gifted him a Toyota Land Cruiser with fuel coupons for a year. George, then, had deflected the charges by saying that he had lent the vehicle as Siddaramaiah was uncomfortable travelling long distances in an Innova. Earlier in February 2016, Siddaramaiah had been mired in controversy over a Rs 70 lakh worth diamond-studded Hublot watch gifted to him. He later handed over the watch to then Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa amid uproar in the assembly, declaring it a state asset. Both the opposition BJP and JD(S) members had staged a dharna in the well of the House. Countering the allegations, Siddaramaiah had said that the pre-owned "HUBLOT BIG BANG-301-M" wristwatch was presented to him by his Dubai-based NRI friend Dr Girish Chandra Varma as a personal gift. Siddaramiah also said Varma had no official dealings with the government of Karnataka or its organisations. | https://www.ibtimes.co.in/did-congress-mla-give-luxury-car-former-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-790408 |
Is IK compromising security? | PIN POINT Naveed Aman Khan All Pakistan Muhajir Student Organization (APMSO) was founded in 1978 by Altaf Hussain (AH) under the umbrella of General Zia ul Haq to counter and crush PPP. APMSO latter on gave birth to Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) on March 18,1984. In 1997, MQM removed the term Muhajir that denoted the party roots among the Urdu-speaking community from its name and replaced it with Muttahida. MQM holds strong mobilizing potential in Karachi and Hyderabad having been the dominant political force. The Party has kept its influence over federal governments as a key coalition partner since the late 1980s from 1988-90, 1990-92, 2002-07, 2008-13, 2013-18 and 2018 onward. However, a time came when MQM parliamentarians resigned from the NA, Senate and SA in protest against a crackdown on Party. After AHs August 22, 2016 anti-State speech, there was military crack down on the Party. Nine Zero was sealed and its leaders including Farooq Sattar were arrested and most elected parliamentarians in MQM were forced to disassociate themselves from AH. In its early years, MQM drew enormous crowds, the epitome of which was the rally of August 8,1986 at Nishtar Park, Karachi. Three years into its existence, MQM won1987 local body elections in Karachi and Hyderabad having several mayors win unopposed. PPP won highest number of seats in the general election of 1988 and formed a coalition government in Sindh with the help of MQM, which then had a larger mandate in urban Sindh in comparison to PPP whose majority of support came from rural Sindh. A 59-point agreement called the Karachi Accord, was signed which included statements about protection of the democratic system and political rights, urban development goals and creating objective criteria for admission to universities and colleges. Within a few months of the agreement, differences surfaced and MQM Ministers in Sindh Cabinet resigned because the agreement was not implemented. The alliance broke up on October 1989 and MQM joined hands with PPPs opponents. In the election of 1990, MQM emerged as the third strongest party in the country. This time, it made its alliance with PML to establish Sindh government whereas PML formed the federal government. During this time, small factions of MQM separated themselves from the main body of the Party. The largest among these factions is MQM Haqiqi which was formed by Afaq Ahmad and Amir Khan. MQM Haqiqi was formed to weaken MQM and was supported by successive federal government and establishment. In the years to come, federal governments switched between forming alliance with MQM and fighting against it to establish greater control over Karachi. The violence gripped urban Sindh politics in the late 1980s after Zia era and finally in 1992, the erstwhile federal government of NS passed a resolution in assembly to launch a military operation in Karachi to target 72 big fishes. Operation Clean up was initiated to end terrorism in Karachi and to seize unauthorized arms. Operation Clean up, which ostensibly sought to eliminate all terrorists irrespective of their political affiliation, began in June 92. Then wrongly MQM perceived that operation is an attempt to wipe out the party altogether. Political violence erupted while MQM organized protests and strikes. The resulting lawlessness prevailed in Karachi which led to the countrys President dissolving the NA. During the 1992 violence AH left the country when a warrant was issued for him in connection with a murder. Since then, the political party has been run by AH from self imposed exile in London. MQM boycotted the subsequent 1993 general election claiming organized military intimidation but participated in provincial elections. Then MQM secured 27 seats in SA, in comparison to its political rival PPP which won 56. This resulted in PPP forming both the provincial and federal governments. Whereas, MQM Haqiqi failed to gain any seat at federal or provincial level. Political violence gained momentum in 1993-94. During this violence, political killings were seen between MQM factions, and Sindhi nationalist groups. Former Governor Sindh Hakeem Saeed was also martyred by MQM during that time. By July 1995, more than 1,800 people had been assassinated in Karachi. In 1997, MQM boycotted the general election and changed the previously maintained name Muhajir to Muttahida. In 2001, MQM boycotted the local body elections but in the 2002 general election MQM won 17 out of 272 NA seats. On May 12, 2007 Karachi killings also claimed dozens. In 2008, MQM won 25 NA seats while 52 seats in SA. In 2013, MQM filed a Rs. 5 b defamation suit against IK at the SHC for issuing statements against AH. In June 2014, the Police raided the London home of AH on suspicion of money laundering. Not too long when we witnessed IK pursuing AH in London Court. But post 2018 election same IK and MQM-P became partners. Just after six-month rule of PTI, being caught up in political turmoil IK eventually has assured MQM-P of supporting the party in opening of the sealed party offices and recovering of their missing workers. Amid strain within the ruling coalition and the joint opposition, a delegation of MQM-P called on IK at PM House. BNP-M leader Akhtar Mengal made it clear that they had extended support to the PTI but not their coalition partners. Mengal has been expressing concern over non-fulfilment of their six demands, given to the PTI leadership at the time of formation of the federal government and hinted at reviewing cooperation with the government. IKs meeting with MQM-P is of significance in the backdrop of latest political developments, because of which PPP, PML-N and MMA, bitter foes, have joined hands against the PTI-led coalition. Offices of MQM were sealed by security forces because of its involvement in terrorism and anti-State activities. The writer is political analyst based in Islamabad. Share on: WhatsApp | https://pakobserver.net/is-ik-compromising-security/ |
Is Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki returning to The Conners? | Advertisement Advertisement Johnny Galecki could well be about to make a shock return to The Conners as David drops by his old flame Darlenes in the season finale. The actor, who first hit fame thanks to his appearance as David in the original show, Roseanne, hasnt made a proper appearance in the new spin-off show, which follows life of the Conner children now that theyre all grown up. However, in a teaser for Tuesdays episode, Darlene looks torn as she is offered a new life for her and her kids in Chicago with her boyfriend Ben. David and Darlene were loves young dreamed in the 90s (Picture: ABC/Getty) Darlene, played by Sara Gilbert, is seen shaken up by the sudden return, and not in a good way. (Picture: Robert Trachtenberg/ABC via Getty Images) While the mystery person is off camera, David is definitely a candidate despite him over the course of the show divorcing Darlene and starting a relationship with Juliette Lewiss Blue. Tracking the teenage sweetheart romance from 1992-1998 in Roseanne, and then later The Conners, the pair had set up a home together. Despite the relationship breakdown, theres definitely still a spark there, but is that enough to continue life without him. Kaley Cuoco shares epic backstage photo from star-studded The Big Bang Theory final season Why Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory is just the worst With The Big Bang Theory ending this year as well, with Johnny having no official commitments once the show comes to an end, he could be freed up to cause trouble for Darlenes new life. Sara and Johnny have had an on/off on-screen partnership for most of their careers. As well as appearing as boyfriend/girlfriend on Roseanne back in the Nineties, Sara appeared in The Big Bang Theory as Leonards casual lover/fellow super-nerd Leslie Winkle. The Conners season finale airs Tuesday on ABC in the US. 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: Kaley Cuoco shares epic behind-the-scenes photo from star-studded The Big Bang Theory final season and fans are chuffed MORE: Why Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory is actually the worst | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/20/big-bang-theorys-johnny-galecki-making-surprise-appearance-conners-finale-8364925/ |
Can Judd Trump stun Ronnie OSullivan in dream Masters final? | OSullivan, the seven-time champion is going in as the heavy favourite against Trump, who has reached the final at Alexandra Palace for the very first time. However, many see Trump as the man best equipped to stop the Rocket in his tracks and an upset victory for the 29-year-old could signal something of a changing of the guard on the baize. Ronnie OSullivan is aiming for an eighth Masters title (Picture: Getty Images) Neither man has really looked troubled this week at Alexandra Palace, with both dropping just eight frames over three matches and progress to the showpiece contest looking pretty serene. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has beaten the more impressive trio of opponents in Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson, but wins over Stuart Bingham, Ryan Day and Ding Junhui are certainly not to be sniffed at for Ronnie. OSullivan has made three centuries to Judds two this week, so he edges that battle, but really there has not been a great deal between the two mens performances at the Masters this year. Their respective weeks in north London are largely a wash. Ronnie OSullivan has been very relaxed this week at Alexandra Palace (Picture: Action Plus via Getty Images) Looking back before the Alexandra Palace tournament, and we have some very recent evidence to suggest that Trump can handle himself against OSullivan this weekend. The pair met in the Northern Ireland Open final in November and Trump came away with the trophy, beating Ronnie 9-7 in Belfast. It was a thoroughly impressive display from the Bristolian as he found himself 6-7 behind, with Ronnie having rolled in a break of 134 to reach that scoreline. However, Judd held firm, winning three frames on the spin to take the title. In fact, Trump has a pretty remarkable record against OSullivan across all the finals they have played against each other. Advertisement Advertisement Including minor events like the Championship League, Trump leads OSullivan 5-3 in their head-to-head in finals, notably beating the 43-year-old at the 2015 World Grand Prix and 2016 European Masters. Trump also holds a win over Ronnie in this very venue, demolishing OSullivan 6-2 at the quarter-final stage of the 2012 Masters, so he certainly has past successes to draw from on Sunday. Judd Trump has proved he can beat OSullivan on a number of occasions (Picture: PA Wire) However, he is well aware of the size of the task in hand, saying after his semi-final win over Robertson that he will have to, raise my game by 50% to get close to Ronnie the way hes been playing. That seems about right given the amount of times he failed to convert chances in that clash with the Australian, with Robertson even saying that Trump, didnt play particularly great. The Masters final debutant failed to make a century in the semi and he will have to be much nearer his break-building best to compete with OSullivan. Judd made three tons in that recent Northern Ireland Open showpiece, and he will have to do similar or better in Sundays best of 19 clash. OSullivan picked up his second Masters title in 2005 (Picture: Getty Images) In terms of who will be feeling the pressure on Sunday, both men believe that they are off the hook on that front. So, if they are to be believed, we could be in for an extremely relaxed atmosphere at Ally Pally. Advertisement I dont really have anything to lose, said Trump following his semi-final win. After that performance I dont think anybody will expect me to get close to him. I just hope I go out there and play something like I did in Ireland. Take the game to him, go for my shots, speed up a bit and hopefully it comes off. Meanwhile, OSullivans carefree attitude to life these days means that neither an eighth title nor or a whitewash defeat would impact his zen-like aura. You get to a point where you dont care, not that I didnt care out there, Ive trained myself in life to not care about consequences, Ronnie told the BBC after beating Ding in the semis. You take it for what it is, its a game and you enjoy it, Ive got nothing to lose, there is no fear. I just do my best. Its not that I dont care, I train myself to not get hurt, that Im not going to be vulnerable to anything. Advertisement The Rocket has won this title seven-times and has picked up 19 Triple Crown titles in total, so it is no ones place to question him, but Trump will be hoping he has all the answers by the end of the contest on Sunday night. The Masters final is played over two sessions on Sunday 20 January, starting at 1pm and 7pm. The Masters Final Odds 4/9 OSullivan 9/5 Trump Odds courtesy of Betfair MORE: Ronnie OSullivan gets philosophical on greed and the power of not caring after reaching 13th Masters final MORE: Ronnie OSullivan pushed hard but beats Ding Junhui to reach Masters final | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/20/can-judd-trump-stun-ronnie-osullivan-dream-masters-final-8364292/ |
What time is Dancing On Ice tonight and who is skating this week? | Dancing On Ice is sending its next six couples out on to the rink (Picture: Rex Shutterstock) Dancing On Ice 2019 is well and truly underway now after the first celebrity skater left the competition last week. Former Neighbours star Mark Little made an early exit from the show after losing out to Ryan Sidebottom in the first skate off of the series. And the stakes are set to get even higher as the remaining skating couples take to the ice for this weekends musicals-inspired show. Mark was the first eliminated contestant from the show (Picture: Rex) Well, its on at the same time as it was last week with the show kicking off on ITV at 6pm. This weeks show lasts for two hours and ten minutes ahead of the new series of Vera at 8pm, with the skate-off coming at the end of the show and the second couple leaving the competition. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night will also see all of the eleven remaining couples perform, following the previous two weeks worth of shows in which the couples took it in turns to skate, with six in the first week and six in the second. Heres what theyll all be performing to on Sunday. IT'S MUSICALS WEEK And all the show tunes are in! 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. | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/20/time-dancing-ice-tonight-skating-week-8364875/ |
Is my baby about to lose his cute thigh-rolls? | At six months old, our son is nearly unrecognisable from when he was first born. Its odd looking at pictures of him as a tiny baby. In some, hes days old, with sallow, jaundiced skin and eyes so big he looks like an anime seal calf. Its also noticeable that he was a little underweight, as those features of his newborn self are even less familiar now hes caught up a bit. And to say hes caught up a bit is putting it mildly. He is, we can all agree, a roly-poly sort of chap, which feels good after being terrorised by his low grading on his weight percentile that odd league table of chubbiness that gives parents an inscrutable metric by which they can (a) compete with other babies, and (b) bore their non-child-having friends to bitter, salty tears. Now hes at or above his target weight were just happy not to be worried any more. But we also enjoy his chubbiness for other, less logical reasons. For one thing, its an unavoidable fact of life that babies get cuter the fatter they are, even if the images on his sleepsuits tend to warp and malform around his belly, and we end up retiring bibs after one weeks use, since they have a habit of fitting round his neck like one of those Greenpeace images of a sea turtle wearing a six-pack grid. 'The wind wouldn't blow him away,' exclaimed a family friend Carrying around a plump little baby, tiring as it is for the arms and back, also allows us to witness the gymnastic contortions people deploy to avoid calling him fat. Hes really healthy, isnt he? is a common refrain. Growing lad another. Also common are epithets like sturdy, solid, and my personal favourite robust. Terms more commonly applied to scaffolds or mining apparatus are now wielded for a six-month-old out of fear of causing offence. In Ireland, of course, people are more frank. Jesus, hes half-reared, was one particularly delightful exclamation from my auntie Moyra. The wind wouldnt blow him away, anyway, exclaimed a family friend. Insulting a childs appearance is a ritual in Irish households. Its why most UK workplaces have at least two Irish staff members; should their colleagues ever show baby pics, each will have a partner with whom they can then discreetly discuss the ugliness of said child shortly afterward. For our son, however, his days as a buttery wee spud could soon be at an end. Next week we begin weaning him on to solids, a process that, when combined with increased activity, has usually precipitated weight loss among other kids we know. Well be sad to say goodbye to his knuckle dimples and thigh rolls, but we may, at least, get a bit more use out of those bibs. Follow Samas on Twitter @shockproofbeats | https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jan/20/is-my-baby-about-to-lose-his-cute-thigh-rolls |
What is the Big Garden Birdwatch on January 26 to 28? | Order your free pack for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch now Make fruit and nut kebabs for visiting birds Picture: David Tipling This image is proteced by copyright The annual bird watching event is taking place soon. Here the RSPB reveal everything you need to know in Norfolk about the Big Garden Birdwatch. Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. You can send off for a free pack from the RSPB or download one online Picture: Martin Poyner You can send off for a free pack from the RSPB or download one online Picture: Martin Poyner In 2018, over 10,000 people in Norfolk joined nearly half-a-million people across the UK in the worlds largest garden wildlife survey. This year we are calling on your help again, to count the wildlife in your garden for the 40th RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Between January 26 and 28, 2019, you just need to sit down for an hour with a cup of tea and a slice of cake and watch and record the birds that visit your garden or local green space. With your help last year, we learnt that house sparrows, starlings and blackbirds are the most seen garden birds in Norfolk. By collecting this data year-on-year we can monitor the long-term trends of different species. For example, despite making the top three, since 1979 house sparrows have declined nationally by 57%, starlings by 79%, and blackbirds by 27%. It isnt all bad news though! The average number of coal tits seen visiting gardens jumped up between 2017 and 2018. These little birds were seen in 32% of Norfolk gardens, and ranked at 14, jumping three places from 2017. Goldfinches are one of the birds you may well see Picture: John Bridges Goldfinches are one of the birds you may well see Picture: John Bridges As well as counting birds, we want to know about some of the other wildlife youve seen throughout the year, so look out for badgers, foxes, grey squirrels, red squirrels, muntjacs deer, roe deer, frogs and toads. All of the data you send in from your Big Garden Birdwatch is really important for building a picture of wildlife in gardens throughout the UK, including Norfolk. Join us this year in Waterloo park This year, were pleased to be running a free event in Waterloo park introducing, the Biggest Birdwatch! Families are welcome to join us as we try and gather the largest group of people in the park for our very own communal birdwatch. There will be family activities running throughout including the opportunity to make your own bird feeders as well as complete our nature detective trails around the park. Well also be joined by BBC Springwatch presenter and naturalist, Lindsey Chapman. You can find out more details at our Facebook page. Get ready: make your own fat balls and cakes Step 1 Youll need fat, such as lard or suet, which will set hard when cool. At room temperature it should be soft enough to stir with other ingredients. Step 2 Pop the fat in a bowl and add a mixture of seeds, nuts, mealworms and other bird-friendly goodies. Stir. Step 3 Roll the mixture into balls, and place into suitable bird feeders: ones made from a wire mesh which allows hungry birds to peck at the fat are ideal. Step 4 Alternatively, stuff the mixture into holes in trees, or make a hole in the base of a yoghurt pot and thread string through it. Tie a knot inside the yogurt pot to keep the string in place. Fill the pot with the mixture and hang from a tree or bird table! For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, which includes a bird identification chart, plus RSPB shop voucher and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or go to the birdwatch section of the RSPB website. | https://www.derehamtimes.co.uk/news/how-many-birds-will-you-spot-in-your-garden-this-january-1-5856778 |
Was is(s)t das denn? | Was Vegetarier essen und was mit Low Carb gemeint ist, wissen inzwischen die meisten. Doch es gibt immer wieder Begriffe, die sich anhren wie Fremdwrter. Lesen Sie hier, welche Ernhrungsweisen sich dahinter verbergen. Veganer lehnen tierische Produkte generell ab sowohl bei der Ernhrung, als auch bei der Kleidung. Fleisch, Milchprodukte, Eier und Honig sind fr sie genauso tabu wie Wein, Sfte und Gummibrchen, weil diese Gelatine enthalten. Eine Ledertasche gibt es bei ihnen genauso wenig wie eine Jacke mit Fellkragen oder eine Daunenbettdecke. Frutarier sind Veganer, die noch einen Schritt weiter gehen: Sie wollen eine Pflanze beim Verzehr ihrer Frchte nicht verletzen. Deshalb essen sie zum Beispiel Fallobst und Getreide, das bei der Ernte schon abgestorben ist. Knollen, Bltter oder Wurzeln von Nahrungspflanzen hingegen sind verboten. Freeganer ernhren sich ebenfalls vegan, wollen aber vor allem ein Zeichen gegen Verschwendung und Konsum setzen mit der Art und Weise, wie sie sich Nahrung beschaffen: Sie geben fr Lebensmittel kein Geld aus, sondern holen sich Reste aus den Mllcontainern von Supermrkten und Restaurants. Die Mlltaucher, wie sie auch genannt werden, wollen damit auf berfluss und weltweite Armut hinweisen. Flexitarier werden auch flexible Vegetarier genannt: Sie lehnen die Massentierhaltung ab, wollen die Umwelt durch eine nachhaltige Lebensweise schtzen und sich gesund ernhren aber dabei nicht komplett auf Fleisch verzichten. Wenn sie es essen, muss es aber Bio-Qualitt haben. Mazdaznanier verzichten auf Fleisch, essen Eier und Milch aber keinen Kse und auch keine Rohkost. Kangatarier sind Vegetarier, die beim Fleisch-Verzicht eine Ausnahme machen: Sie essen Kngurufleisch. Pescetarier lehnen Fleisch von gleichwarmen Tieren, von Amphibien und Reptilien ab Fisch und Meeresfrchte essen sie aber. Rohkstler erhitzen Lebensmittel nicht ber 40C, weil sie die Vitamine und Enzyme darin nicht zerstren wollen. Paleo-Kstler ernhren sich wie die Jger und Sammler vor etwa 2,5 Millionen Jahren: Sie essen ausschlielich Lebensmittel, die schon in der Altsteinzeit verfgbar waren. Verzichtet wird dagegen auf verarbeitete Lebensmittel, die erst nach der Einfhrung von Ackerbau und Viehzucht (vor etwa 10 000 Jahren) verfgbar waren, z. B. Getreide, Hlsenfrchte und Milchprodukte, sowie auf industriell verarbeitete Nahrungsmittel wie Zucker, Alkohol oder Fertiggerichte. Peganer sind Veganer, die der Paleo-Dit folgen. Ihre Nahrung besteht hauptschlich aus Obst und Gemse (75 Prozent), die durch Nsse und andere pflanzliche Fette ergnzt werden. Makrobiotiker unterteilen Lebensmittel in Yin (ausdehnend, kann Konzentrationsmangel und Gedchtnisschwche hervorrufen), Yang (zusammenziehend, fhrt zu inneren Verspannungen) und vllig ausgewogen. Letzteres trifft ihrer Auffassung nach auf das ganze Korn verschiedener Getreidearten zu, was daher die Basis der makrobiotischen Ernhrung bildet. Clean Eating setzt auf unverarbeitete, reine Lebensmittel. Es geht nicht darum, ausschlielich Rohkost zu essen, sondern mit Bio-Zutaten frisch zu kochen. Bircher-Benner-Ernhrungslehre basiert auf der Idee, dass die in Pflanzen chemisch gebundene Sonnenenergie ber die Nahrung in den menschlichen Krper eindringt. Alle geniebaren Pflanzen, die unter Einwirkung von viel Sonne wachsen und gedeihen, gelten als pures Lebenselixier fr den Krper. Tierische Produkte wie Milch, Butter, Kse und Eier sind in Maen erlaubt, auf Fleisch oder Wurstwaren wird verzichtet. Bekanntester Bestandteil dieser Ernhrungsform ist das Bircher-Msli, bestehend aus geschrotetem Weizen, Haferflocken, Nssen, pfeln oder verschiedenen Beeren, Milch, Honig und Zitronensaft. Waerland-Kost ist eine vegetarische Ernhrungsform, die aus Rohkost, Pellkartoffeln und einem Getreidebrei mit Rosinen namens Kruska besteht. Besonderer Wert wird darauf gelegt, die Nahrung grndlich zu kauen, Rohkost zum Beispiel bis zu einer Stunde. Anthroposophen setzen auf frische und qualitativ hochwertige Nahrung aus biologischem Anbau. Sie ernhren sich vorwiegend vegetarisch. Der Verzehr tierischer Produkte ist erlaubt, sollte nur eingeschrnkt werden. Mikrowelle, Pestizide, Unkrautvernicht und genmanipuliertes Essen werden abgelehnt. | https://www.bz-berlin.de/ratgeber/ernaehrung-sport/was-isst-das-denn |
Why citizens want to be healthy and educated? | There is a pleasant change occurring in the mind of the common man who says he too wants to defend his homeland. But for that I must have good physique, sound head and heart, enough money to feed and educate my small family. In fact, he wants to emphasise that strong economy is necessary to defend the motherland, and everybody will have to work, work and work hard to beat back the aggressor. Asked how to be physically strong, the ordinary citizen says a common man always wants to be healthy and mentally strong for which affordable pure wheat flour roti and milk is must for muscles. City elders say not so long ago a British official highlighted the importance of harmony between the people and armed forces of Pakistan to meet challenges, including terrorism. Talking to representatives of Pakistani community in London, the then foreign secretary David Miliband lauded their countrys commitment to root out extremism and the military operation against terrorists in the restive tribal areas. Reportedly, he had wished Pakistan to be democratic, saying his country would work for strengthening of a peoples government and all its institutions in Pakistan. Everybody now knows how much essential is co-operation between citizens and armed forces from defence point of view. Citizens realise the value of working together for a common cause whenever the need arises. The fact that unity of all segments of society is vital to defence of a state was amply proved by the Pakistani nation during the 1965 September war. Peoples co-operation with the army against Indian aggression bore the fruit and the enemy was humiliated at a number of fronts, including Chowinda (Sialkot). The Pakistan Navy and Air Force also set a new record of prowess. Today, the masses and armed forces are united as the founder of Pakistan had envisioned. Its a matter of pride that our forces are considered one of the best in the world: credit goes to generals as well as soldiers. People respect all of them. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is as dear to them as was General (r) Raheel Sharif who carried out operations in North Waziristan which stabilised the countrys north-west and expanded the paramilitary role for peace in Karachi, commercial capital of Pakistan. True, Gen (r) Sharif also developed a new military unit for protection and security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which runs through Balochistan province. There are many more achievements in the direction of economic strength. The army has won the hearts of the people of Rawalpindi-Islamabad and surrounding areas by following in the same direction of service to motherland. Citizens have in mind his words to troops during his visit to North Waziristan on November 30: We will continue to move ahead, and consolidate the gains made so far. [email protected] | https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/421276-why-citizens-want-to-be-healthy-and-educated |
Was hast du als Kind Dummes angestellt? | Twitter-Userin @MotherOfDoggons entlockte mit ihrem Tweet der Twitter-Gemeinde herrliche Anekdoten zu kindlichen Dummheiten. Glcklicherweise berstanden alle ihre Kindheit heil. Dann abonniere hier den Community-Push (funktioniert nur in der App)!Du findest uns brigens auch auf Facebook Instagram und Twitter Auch sie. Obwohl sie als Vierjhrige fast ertrunken wre, nachdem sie mit Flossen ins Wasser gesprungen war, weil sie gedacht hatte, sie knne damit auf dem Wasser laufen. I put floaties on my feet and jumped into a pool thinking Id walk on water. I almost drowned. M (@MotherOfDoggons) 9. Dezember 2018 Weitere Tweets findest du in der Bildstrecke. Wir freuen uns schon darauf! Um den vollen Funktionsumfang dieser Webseite zu erfahren, bentigst Du JavaScript. (eva) | https://www.20min.ch/community/stories/story/Was-hast-du-als-Kind-Dummes-angestellt--26383783 |
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr? | Martin Luther King Jr., a man who embodied the U.S. civil rights movement, was assassinated more than 50 years ago on April 4, 1968. Here are some key facts about his life. Early life Martin Luther King Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Martin Luther King Sr., a prominent local preacher and civil rights leader, and Alberta King, a former schoolteacher. King says he first became conscious of racism at age 6, when a white friends father wouldnt allow his son from playing with him. Organizing protests King rose to prominence in the mid-1950s when as a young preacher he led the successful drive to desegregate public buses in Montgomery, Alabama, forcing the city to end its practice of segregating black passengers. He organized protests throughout the 1950s and 1960s against Southern segregation in the struggle for black equality and voting rights. Nonviolence King understood a key to success for the civil rights movement was a strategy of nonviolent protests, which he championed as an alternative to armed uprising. King has said he was inspired by the teachings of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. The movement was tested in places like Birmingham, Alabama, where police used attack dogs and fire hoses to disperse protesting schoolchildren and in Selma, Alabama, where a 1965 march is remembered as Bloody Sunday because police attacked protesters. March on Washington Kings famous I Have a Dream speech launched what had been a mostly black Southern movement into a nationwide civil rights campaign. By August 1963, the push for equality had grown significantly across the country, and 250,000 people, black and white, traveled to the nations capital to participate in the March on Washington. The protest was peaceful with no arrests. Political victories The civil rights movement came to a crescendo in 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act outlawing racial segregation in public places and King won the Nobel Peace Prize. The following year, the Voting Rights Act banned practices that were used to keep blacks from participating in elections. Assassination On April 4, 1968, a single gunshot killed King on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was supporting striking sanitation workers. James Earl Ray, a segregationist, pleaded guilty to shooting King and spent the rest of his life in prison. King, who was 39 when he died, gave a speech the night before his death that foreshadowed his assassination. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get there, he said. | https://www.voanews.com/a/factbox-who-was-martin-luther-king-jr/4750053.html |
What Floyd Mayweather did after being called out by Manny Pacquiao... is a rematch ON? | The Filipino hero defeated Adrien Broner on points in Las Vegas last night. Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao in 2015, was in attendance. After the clash, Mayweather was asked if hed consider locking horns with his old adversary. But the 41-year-old refused to even acknowledge the question and stared blankly when asked to nod or shake his head. Manny Pacquiao battered Adrien Broner Pacquiao is keen to face the American one more time. He said: "God gave me this good health and blessings and at the age of 40 I can still do this. "I proved it in my last fight and Ive proved it again; at the age of 40, Manny Paquiao is still here "I wanted to push more but my trainer said it would be careless, to wait for him and counter so thats what I did. Floyd Mayweather watched Manny Pacquiao defeat Adrien Broner "Tell Floyd to come back to the ring and we will fight, Im willing to fight Floyd." Broner bizarrely claimed he should have won despite being knocked down in the seventh and ninth rounds. "I beat him. Everyone out there knows I beat him, he said. I controlled the fight, he was missing. Manny Pacquiao battered Adrien Broner I hit clean more times. I beat him. Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe says theres no chance Mayweather will get in the ring again. Ellerbe said: "He doesn't have the motivation, desire, he's living his best life, travelling, running his multiple businesses, spending his earnings. He'll be 42 in February and enough is enough. What good does it do to earn all that money if you can't stick around and spend it. Adrien Broner lost to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas | https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxing/1074959/Floyd-Mayweather-Adrien-Broner-Manny-Pacquiao-boxing-news-gossip |
Where does the Scouse accent come from? | 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 The Scouse accent is one of the most distinctive and well known in the UK. It even has an international following thanks to Liverpools football prowess, the Beatles' worldwide fame and a certain Billy, whose attempts at the accent have won him internet fame. Dr Paul Cooper, of the University of Liverpool, has carried out research into the history of dialects and confirmed what we have always known - that the Scouse accent is special. He explained: "Liverpool is historically part of Lancashire, but there have been lots of influences from place like Scotland, Ireland and lots of other English dialects. That was particularly true in the 19th century, when growth really drove immigration to the city. Liverpool became a real linguistic and cultural melting pot in the 19th and 20th centuries. "This meant that a lot of immigrants arrived, with the Irish have a very strong influence on the voice of the city. Dr Cooper said: It interests me because no matter where you are or what you are doing, you can always hear a Scouse voice over the din. The sounds that make us Scouse He gave us some example of uniquely Scouse sounds that make it stand out. These are: The K sound becoming a Keh, which could come from similar pronunciations in Irish Gaelic. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now The UR sounds becoming and EHR, as heard in words like girl or nurse. The TH sound becoming a D or a T, creating a hard start words like that and there. A lack of pronunciation of Rs that follow vowels. This is shared with the majority of English speakers. You can notice the difference it makes when you emphasise the R in words like farm. These were the main differences highlighted but some grammatical issue were also raised. Dr Cooper said: There are, of course, grammatical differences but these can be harder to pin directly to Scouse English. Examples that people may know are the Asda or Lolly Ice. Liverpool's strong cultural identity is also part of the Scouse accent's resistance to national changes. Dr Cooper said: We particularly see that areas with a link between their identity and their voice are more resistant to change. "This is especially so in Liverpool, where the majority of people view their identity with pride. Although he did explain that during his research, he had seen some younger Scousers beginning to adopt the Glottal stop. This is part of a wider national trend, which has led to some accents lose the T sound from words like bottle. Dr Cooper said: Its hardly been adopted by Scousers on the most part and it's happening a lot slower than the national trend." So as with all accents, Scouse English is still evolving and will continue to evolve in the future. Yet it still remains one of the UKs best known accents and looks set to continue to resist national trends to keep its unique character. | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/scouse-accent-come-from-15697316 |
Does The Climate-Science Industry Purposely Ignore A Simple Aspect of Strong El Nio Events That Causes Long-Term Global Warming? | PREFACE It was a little more than 10 years ago that I published my first blog posts on the obvious upward steps in the sea surface temperatures of a large portion of the global oceansupward steps that are caused by El Nio eventsupward steps that lead to sunlight-fueled, naturally occurring global warming. There is a very simple explanation for those El Nio-caused upward shifts that also make themselves known in the sea surface temperature data for much larger portion of the global oceans than I first presented a decade agothe upward steps that are blatantly obvious in the satellite-era (starts November 1981) of sea surface temperature data for the South Atlantic, Indian and West Pacific Oceans, as shown in Figure 1, which together cover about 52% of the surfaces of the global oceans. Figure 1 NOTE: The upward steps are not a peculiarity of the sea surface temperature dataset (NOAAs Reynolds OI.v2) presented in Figure 1. They are also plainly visible in the graphs for the same region using the UKMO HADISST dataset (graph here) and using NOAAs Pause-Buster ERSST.v5 dataset (graph here). Of course, Tom Karls Pause Buster sea surface temperature data show the most warming. [End note.] The explanation for the upward steps for the most part has been overlookedor the explanation might have been purposely ignored by the climate-science industry, because the financial foundation of their livelihoods is human-induced global warming not naturally occurring global warming. When you see how simple the explanation is for those naturally caused upward steps, you might conclude that the climate-science industry has, in fact, purposely ignored Mother Natures handiwork and willfully misled the public about the cause of global warming. In the preceding paragraph, I wrote the explanation for the most part has been ignored. The only place I know that it wasnt ignored is in my ebook Dad, Why Are You A Global Warming Denier?, which was first published about a year ago. Now, its being discussed once again in this post. Note: For this discussion, were using one of the classic definitions of an El Nio event, where Eastern Equatorial sea surfaces temperatures in the tropical Pacific rise above a threshold due to coupled ocean-atmosphere processes (described later in this post) and stay elevated for more than a couple of months. In other words, this is not a discussion of a different type of El Nio, like El Nio Modoki. More specifically, I use a typical definition of an El Nio event, as reflected in the sea surface temperature anomalies of the NINO3.4 region of the eastern equatorial Pacific. That is, El Nio conditions are said to exist when NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies meet or exceed +0.5 deg C. The upward steps do not happen in response to all El Nio events. The upward steps shown in Figure 1 occurred in response to the 1986/87/88, the 1997/98, the 2009/10, and the 2014/15/16 El Nino events. They are most likely to occur during strong East Pacific El Nino events that are not opposed by volcanic eruptions. That is, the aerosols emitted by the 1982 eruption of El Chichon counteracted the aftereffects of the 1982/83 El Nio, which was comparable in strength to the 1997/98 super El Nio, and the aerosols emitted by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo overwhelmed any aftereffects from the 1991/92 El Nio. For further insight to the El Nio events that caused the upward steps, Ive included the discussion below. It is based on NOAAs Reynolds OI.v2 sea surface temperature anomaly data for the NINO3.4 region (5S-5N, 170W-120W), with the data downloaded through the KNMI Climate Explorer and the anomalies referenced to the period of 1981-2010. Specifically: For the 1986/87/88 El Nio, NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies reached or exceeded +0.5 C in September 1986, peaked at +1.7 deg C in September and October 1987, and remained above or equal to +0.5 deg C through January 1988. For the 1997/98 El Nio, NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies reached or exceeded +0.5 C in May 1997, peaked at +2.7 deg C in November and December 1997, and remained above or equal to +0.5 deg C through May 1998. For the 2009/10 El Nio, NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies reached or exceeded +0.5 C in June 2009, peaked at +1.7 deg C in December 2009 and remained above or equal to +0.5 deg C through April 2010. For the 2014/15/16 El Nio, NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies reached or exceeded +0.5 C in October 2014, peaked at +3.0 deg C in November 2015 and remained above or equal to +0.5 deg C through April 2016. All four El Nio events peaked at, at least, a NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly of +1.7 deg C, and the NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies remained at or above +0.5 Deg C for a minimum of 11 months. [End note.] A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE REASON FOR THE EL NIO-CAUSED UPWARD STEPS: First, you have to consider that the tropical Pacific and the ocean gyres in the North and South Pacific are acting as a natural heating system, with the tropical Pacific acting as the boiler and parts of the Pacific gyres outside of the tropics acting as the heating coils and baseboard radiation. That is, in the tropics (the boiler), the ocean surface waters are warmed by the sun as they travel from the Americas in the east to Australia and Indonesia in the west. As those sunlight-warmed waters travel around the rest of the circuits of the North and South Pacific gyres (the heating coils and baseboard radiation), they release the heat gained in the tropics to the atmosphere, primarily through evaporation. The aftereffects of strong East-Pacific El Nio events are comparable to sending a good amount of the water in a hot-water heating system back through the boiler a second time, with a bypass circuit, before the twice-boiler-heated water is sent out to the heating coils and baseboard radiation. That is, the water is sent back through the boiler another time before it has made its circuit of the rest of the heating system. you say. Yup, its that simpleso simple that even a child can understand it. Of course, a strong East Pacific El Nio event causes a long-term rise in global surface temperatures. Theres no way it could not. Ill provide a more-detailed explanation later in this post, along with an explanation of how La Nia events are NOT the opposite of El Nio events. Note: For persons having trouble imagining this with a piped heating system, consider that the ocean gyres are not piped, but are open to the atmosphere. So imagine open tanks at the inlet and outlet of the boiler, with the bypass piping and pump from the discharge tank to the inlet tank, in addition to the pump for the boiler and the pump for the piping to the heat coils and baseboard radiation. [End note.] WHAT PROMPTED THIS POST Occasionally during his Daily Updates and Saturday Summaries at Weather Bell Analytics, which I watch daily, and while displaying a graph of global Lower Troposphere Temperature (TLT) anomalies (Figure 2), Joe Bastardi refers to the obvious El Nio-caused upward shift in the global lower troposphere temperature anomalies caused by the 1997/1998 super El Nio. He then suggests that another upward step may have been caused by the 2014/15/16 El Nio. Figure 2 The source of the graph in Figure 2 is the Global Temperature Report from the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, specifically the webpage here. A MORE-DETAILED PREFACE The El Nio-caused upward steps in sea surface temperatures were first illustrated and discussed way back in January 2009 in my two-part post Can El Nio Events Explain All of the Global Warming Since 1976 (Part 1 at WattsUpWithThat is here, with the cross post of Part 1 at my blog here, and Part 2 at WattsUpWithThat is here, with the cross post of Part 2 at my blog here.) Years later, I began to include El Nio-caused upward shifts for a much large portion of the global oceans in my monthly satellite-era sea surface temperature anomaly updates, which I havent updated for more than 2 years. The South Atlantic, Indian, and West Pacific represent about 52% of the surface of the global oceans. The Unsuspected Global Warming Culprit, El Nio-Southern Oscillation. is the most-detailed introduction to, and discussion of, the coupled ocean-atmosphere processes that drive El Nio and La Nia events. It was specifically written for non-technical people, and, for documentation, it presents data thats readily available to the public. should answer any questions you might have now about El Nio and La Nia processes, excluding the discussion of sending the waters a second time through the boiler. For that youll need to refer to A LONGER INTRODUCTION TO THE EXPLANATION FOR THE EL NIO-CAUSED UPWARD STEPS The following bold-faced text (in italics) comes from my ebook Dad, Why Are You a Global Warming Denier?. It is part of a conversation between a daughter (Anna) and her Dad, and its written in the first person by Anna. It provides a reasonably easy-to-understand, non-technical (as non-technical as I can get), explanation for the upward steps in the sea surface temperatures of the South Atlantic/Indian/West Pacific Oceans that are caused by strong East Pacific El Nio events. In my ebook Dad, Why Are You A Global Warming Denier?, the following text is included under the heading of: SATELLITE-ERA SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE RECORDS STRONGLY SUGGEST THE SURFACES OF THE GLOBAL OCEANS WARMED NATURALLY SINCE THE EARLY 1980S About 40% of the way into the short story, Anna writes, recalling a conversation with her Dad [Begin Reprint]: He began, Have you ever heard of El Nio and La Nia events, Anna? Most news stories about El Nios call them unusual warming events in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of South America. Theyre the cause of the huge upward spikes we see in the global surface temperature graphs. They are much more than just warming events, and, further, regardless of what the numbskull science reporters say, theres nothing unusual about them. Dad shook his head disgustedly. Magnificent would be a better word. Here are the facts. El Nio events occur every two to seven years. El Nios are the most-amazing, and the most powerful, weather events ever devised by Mother Nature. El Nios are often kick-started by series of tropical storms in the western tropical Pacific. Hows about we start with an overview about how they cause long-term global warming and do it naturally. Ready? Ever since I got home, Dad. Okay, hold on for a few minutes while I get the globe from your bedroom. Dad returned with a globe Ive had sitting on a bookshelf since I was in grade school. He gave it an enthusiastic spin and sat beside me, before placing it on the table between us. He stopped the globes spinning and turned it so the Pacific Ocean faced us. From my viewpoint, the Pacific Ocean, with very little land, was all I could see. It was a great reminder of just how massive the Pacific Ocean was. As if reading my mind, Dad said, As you can see, Anna, the tropical Pacific Ocean stretches almost halfway around the globe. From Indonesia in the west to South America in the east, I confirmed, tracing my index finger along the equator. The Pacific Ocean is humungous! Indeed. Now, the surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific are normally cooler than the waters in the western portion. And theres a simple explanation. The eastern boundary currents along the coasts of North and South America return cool waters from the extratropics to the tropics. He traced his index finger southward along the west coasts of North and Central Americas then traced it northward along the west coast of South America. During normal conditions, the trade winds push those cool waters from the eastern tropical Pacific all the way halfway around the globe across the tropical Pacific, under the warm tropical sun, pushing it ever westward until all of that sun-warmed water runs into Indonesia and Australia. While he said the last sentence, he pretended to push water from east to west all the way across the tropical Pacific, from the west coast of South America at Ecuador, to Indonesia and Australia. He then traced his finger along the equator in the eastern tropical Pacific, as he said, In the eastern equatorial Pacific, east of the dateline, the trade winds also cause cool water from deep below the surface to be drawn to the surface in a process called upwelling. That cool water is also warmed by the sun as it travels to the west, pushed by the trade winds, almost halfway around the globe in the tropical Pacific. Okay, got that. The western boundary currents carry those sunlight-warmed waters toward the poles where those poleward-traveling waters release the sunlight-created heat to the atmosphere. As he spoke, he continued his demonstration, finger-tracing poleward in the South Pacific, east of Australia, then switching hemispheres and tracing the North Pacific east of Asia. Got that too, Dad. Youre describing ocean circulation. Bingo. However, at the same time, a lot of the sunlight-warmed water accumulates in the western tropical Pacific in whats called the Pacific Warm Pool. With his finger, my father roughly circled an area east of Indonesia and north of Australia. So, imagine a pool of water about the size of the United States, one thousand feet deep. Thats a huge chunk of warm water. Yup. Everything about the Pacific Ocean is huge. The massive currents that carry that sunlight-warmed water from east to west in the tropical Pacific are called the North and South Equatorial Currents. Makes sense. Along the equator, theres also a much smaller current that travels in the opposite direction, from west to east, called the Equatorial Countercurrent. And below it theres another west-to-east current that runs below the surface called the Cromwell Current, also known as the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent. Those eastward-moving surface and subsurface currents are normally carrying much less water than the westward-moving North and South Equatorial Currents. Ive got you so far, Dad. And youve said sunlight-warmed a bunch of times. Just setting the stage and reinforcing that fact. His use of the word normal in his explanations prompted me to interject, But something happens that causes changes in those normal conditions. Bingo! He smiled broadly. A westerly wind burst, sometimes caused by a tropical stormor two of them straddling the equatorupsets the balance and sends a huge pulse of warm water from west to east along the equator. Keep in mind that its normally warmer in the western tropical Pacific than it is in the eastern portion. That pulse of warm water moves along the surface, but most of it is carried below the surface along the Cromwell Current. If there are enough of those westerly wind bursts in the western tropical Pacific one year, and if enough warm water travels east at and below the surface to raise the normally cooler surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific by more than 0.5 deg C, then El Nio conditions are said to be taking place. Thats pretty cool, Dad. Nope, pretty warm, Dear. I groaned, with a smile. And if the surface temperatures stay elevated in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific for about half a year, then a full-fledged official El Nio event is said to have taken place. Gotcha. El Nio conditions means the sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific have risen above a 0.5 deg C threshold, and if they stay elevated for about half a year, then an official El Nio event is taking place. And El Nio events typically peak during the boreal winter. The westerly wind bursts start much earlier in the year. It takes a couple of months for the warm water from the West Pacific Warm Pool to travel eastward toward South America. Now keep in mind that it takes multiple westerly wind bursts to send enough warm water eastward to cause an El Nio. So the birth of an El Nio by Mother Nature takes about a half a year, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. Oh yeah, El Nios typically start in one year and end in the next. Thus youll see them expressed, for example, as the 1997/98 El Nio. It must be fascinating to watch El Nios form. NOAA and Australias Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) monitor lots of atmospheric and oceanic variables in the tropical and equatorial Pacific, so you can actually watch the slow birth of an El Nio online as it occurs over many months. Now, let me clarify something. In an El Nio, a monstrous volume of warm water traveled from the West Pacific Warm Pool to the eastern side of the tropical Pacific, where its normally cooler. No new warm water was created. It was just relocated from the Western Pacific Warm Pool, where its normally warmer, to the eastern equatorial Pacific, where its normally cooler. And the warm water that had been below the surface, traveling from west to east along the subsurface Cromwell Current, it gets upwelled to the surface in the east. Okay, I understand. And during very strong El Nio events, so much warm water is carried east that most of the warm water, above and below the surface, is now in the eastern tropical Pacific instead of where it normally is in the western tropical Pacific. That is, the surface and subsurface conditionsnormally warmer water in the west and cooler in the easthave traded places. Thats a lot more detailed and helpful than the simple explanation we hear on the news. Then, because the news media call it an unusual warming event, people like me who dont understand the process get mixed up and think the El Nio is caused by global warming. When just the opposite is the case. An El Nio can cause a naturally occurring, sunlight-fueled, long-term global warming. So that is the natural causation you were talking about, I said nodding enthusiastically, El Nio! Right you are. But before I get into that in more detail, I need to clarify something. Because of the process called upwelling, during the El Nio, there is more warm water than normal spread across the entire tropical Pacific, sometimes as far east as the coast of South America. With all of that warmer-than-normal water spread across the eastern tropical Pacific, much more evaporation is taking place there. So the tropical Pacific is releasing monumental amounts of sunlight-created heat to the atmosphere. My father paused, gave me an attention-grabbing look, and said, But, not all of the warm water that has traveled east is cooled all the way back to normal by evaporation. So, and this is very important, the renewed trade winds push all of that leftover warm all the way back across the tropical Pacific, being warmed a second time under the tropical sunlet me repeat that, being warmed a second time under the tropical sunbefore being sent poleward by the western boundary currents. In a hot water heating system, I said, thinking of my current and Dads former work, that would be like recirculating warm water a second time through the boiler, heating it more, before pumping it out to the heating coils and baseboard radiation. Yes! Dad chuckled. Thats precisely what I thought when I first realized this. [End Reprint.] After that 1.700-word introduction, the explanations for the upward steps continue for another 3,000 words in Dad, Why Are You A Global Warming Denier?, then move onto a discussion and explanation of the naturally occurring Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, which caused the sea surfaces of the North Atlantic in recent decades to warm at a higher rate than the naturally caused warming by strong El Nio events of the South Atlantic, Indian and West Pacific Oceans. Also discussed is how La Nia events replenish the warm water in the West Pacific Warm Pool. The sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific are cooler than normal during a La Nia, and because theyre cooler, there is less evaporation taking place, and further, with less evaporation, there is less cloud cover, so sunlight is able to reach into the tropical Pacific and warm it to depth. HOW A LA NIA IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF AN EL NIO As a reminder: During normal times the trade-wind driven North and South Equatorial Currents in the tropical Pacific carry waters almost halfway around the globe, and that water warms as it goes halfway around the world under the tropical sun. After that one pass along the tropical Pacific, some of that sunlight-warmed water is stored in a large, deep pool called the West Pacific Warm Pool, without having made a complete circuit of the North or South Pacific gyres where they can more readily release heat to the atmosphere at mid-to-higher latitudes, primarily through evaporation. The volume of warm water in the West Pacific Warm pool increases with time and is often dramatically increased during La Nia events, when a reduction in cloud cover allows sunlight to reach into the tropical Pacific and warm it to depth. With a strong East Pacific El Nio, a huge volume of warm water from the West Pacific Warm Pool is driven eastward to the Eastern Tropical Pacific, as far as the coast of South America, where the surfaces are normally cooler than in the West Pacific Warm Pool. At the end of the El Nio, when the trade winds resume their normal east-to-west operation, all of the warmer-than-normal water in the eastern tropical Pacificthats left over from the El Niois driven west to be warmed a second time under the tropical sun as it travels halfway around the globe before it then is driven toward the poles so that it can release heat to the atmosphere, primarily through evaporation. Phrased another way, after the El Nio, the surface waters are warmer than normal in the Eastern Tropical Pacific before they begin their trip across the tropical Pacific under the warm tropical sun. Theres no way that a strong East Pacific El Nio cannot contribute to long-term global warming. Heres the real clincher. Of course not. Anyone who says a La Nia is the opposite of an El Nio is announcing their ignorance of El Nio and La Nia processes for the world to seeorthey are willfully misrepresenting those processes. THE CHARGE [RECHARGE] OF OCEAN HEAT CONTENT IN THE TROPICAL PACIFIC BEFORE [AFTER] AN EL NIO A tremendous amount of heat is released from the Tropical Pacific during an El Nio. Part of that heat loss, or all of it (plus some more on occasion) can be created immediately before the El Nio (as was the case before the 1997/98 Super El Nio during the thought-to-be-weak 1995/96 La Nia) or restored afterwards by the coupled-ocean atmosphere processes that take place in the tropical Pacific during La Nia events, as happened during the 1998/99/00/01 La Nia. (You can confirm the timing and length of those La Nia events with the Oceanic Nio Index here.) Colder-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific during a La Nia lead to less evaporation than normal there, which results in less cloud cover than normal there, which allows more sunlight (downward shortwave radiation) than normal to enter into the Tropical Pacific thus charging (recharging) the ocean heat. Thus, El Nio and La Nia events act together as a chaotic, naturally occurring, sunlight-fueled, recharge-discharge oscillator, with El Nio events acting as the discharge phase and La Nia events acting as the recharge phase. Simple. And before someone makes some bizarre claim about longwave (infrared) radiation being responsible for the charge/recharge during La Nias, theres a problem with that logic. you ask. Because downward longwave radiation increases over the Tropical Pacific during the El Nio phase, when the tropical Pacific is releasing heat, and downward longwave radiation decreases over the Tropical Pacific during the La Nia phase, when the tropical Pacific is charging heat. The Unsuspected Global Warming Culprit, El Nio-Southern Oscillation. AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SAY THAT GLOBAL WARMING IS CAUSING EL NIO EVENTS TO BECOME STRONGER The sea surface temperature anomalies of the NINO3.4 region (5S-5N, 170W-120W) of the equatorial Pacific are a commonly used metric for the timing, strength and duration of El Nio and La Nia events. During the satellite era, the trend of the sea surface temperature anomalies for the NINO3.4 region is a flat line, with a trend of -0.004 deg C/decade. See Figure 3. Figure 3 Note: Its ENSO indices like NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies, Figure 3, that give some people the mistaken belief that La Nia events are the opposite of El Nio events, but ENSO indices do not represent the processes of El Nio and La Nia events. Those indices only reflect the effects of the El Nio and La Nia events on the metric being observed. [End note.] Well investigate that and present the findings in an upcoming post. And I dont believe youll be surprised. Thats it for this post. Have fun in the comments and enjoy the rest of your day. STANDARD CLOSING REQUEST And please purchase Anthony Wattss et al. Climate Change: The Facts 2017. To those of you who have purchased them, thank you. To those of you who will purchase them, thank you, too. Regards, Bob Tisdale Advertisements Share this: Print Email Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Reddit Google | https://wattsupwiththat.com/2019/01/20/does-the-climate-science-industry-purposely-ignore-a-simple-aspect-of-strong-el-nino-events-that-causes-long-term-global-warming/ |
Why do I love watching makeup get destroyed? | I am a woman obsessed. Yes, I enjoy the occasional pimple pop or back crack, but its another genre of weirdness thats caught my heart entirely: watching people destroy makeup. A pair of hands smushes up a creamy lipstick with a metal implement, smearing it across a surface. I feel a thrill shivering down to my fingertips. An artfully designed highlighter is crushed into a powder, its careful embossed design wrecked. What a high. I cant be alone in loving watching makeup getting wrecked beyond return. On YouTube, Beauty News The Makeup Breakup playlist, packed with videos of Australian Kat and Haley scraping, breaking, slicing, and smashing makeup products, has more than 1.8 million views. Emily Dougherty has 91.7k followers on Instagram, where designer lipsticks crack, shatter, and squash into oblivion. Theres plenty of poison to pick from in this particular branch of ASMR. You might prefer the crunchy powder sounds of an eyeshadow or highlighter palette being shattered, or the swirling vision of mysterious goopy lip balm having its shiny surface mixed and ruined. Advertisement Advertisement Personally, I love it all. The answer is as mixed and muddled as those lipstick smears, and it really depends on who youre asking. For a lot of fans, the appeal is as simple as any other ASMR video they cant explain why, exactly, but the sounds and sights of watching makeup get broken makes them feel good and sends tingles all over their body. Theres no deeper meaning to that. It feels good, we like it, so we keep watching videos that give us that feeling. But just like soap-cutting and those accounts dedicated to chopping up bath bombs, a key part of the makeup destruction experience is, well, the destruction. Psychologist Marc Hekster argues that the satisfaction lies in destroying something without having to deal with the consequences. The same way you get an urge to squeeze a puppy or to make some jelly wobble, sometimes were hit with a flash of wanting to smash up makeup and see what happens. The benefit of watching someone else fulfill that urge is that you then dont have to deal with the mess and waste of what youve just done. Advertisement Advertisement It is about change, and transformation; to see something as pristine as a makeup item being carefully destroyed leads to a total shift in the way the item is perceived, Marc tells us. The videos are about repetition, watching the items of makeup being slowly undone, one after the other. [Its] about finding an outlet for aggressive feelings, to see something pristine being destroyed. YouTube has made this possible, to be able to escape without damage being done to you. Theres also a sense of removing the products power. It doesnt matter how fancy something is, how quickly it sold out, or what celebs are promoting it, in the end the makeup product can be destroyed, reduced into meaningless mush. Its a way of rebelling not against makeup itself, but off the marketing around it; hype built up not because of a products substance but its artsy packaging and design. Again, destroying very expensive makeup isnt something most of us can afford to do which is why videos showing this can be so successful. Its the same vicarious enjoyment we get from watching Ariana Grande smashing that tower of champagne glasses in the 7 Rings video, a thrill of being so wealthy, so wasteful, so destructive, without actually being any of those things ourselves. Advertisement And yes, it is wasteful. Of course it is. Kat and Haley state that after each product is destroyed, its repackaged and reused. Its important to note, too, that these are beauty experts who are likely sent piles of free samples each week, many of which would go unused if it werent for the potential of their destruction. But in a time when minimalism is praised, waste is a dirty word, and Marie Kondo wants you to own only things that spark joy, theres a dark, rebellious pleasure in watching something being ruined for no reason at all, having its joy scraped away. We love watching makeup get destroyed because it feels wrong, but oh so right. Its a way to take down the idea of need and smush it until its meaningless. Its a way to answer our id, that base desire to cause wreckage, without actually doing any real damage. Its an embrace of chaos but with a sheen of gloss. Advertisement Advertisement | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/love-watching-makeup-get-destroyed-8363017/ |
How old is pregnant Amy Barlow in Coronation Street? | Uh oh. (Picture: ITV) Last nights episode of Coronation Street took a shocking turn when teenager Amy Barlow discovered shes pregnant. Aged just 14, the teenager was shown taking a pregnancy test which came back positive, much to her alarm. The news is set to cause a huge fallout when Amy tells her parents, Steve and Tracey next week. In next weeks show, Amy chooses to confide in grandmother Liz before speaking to her parents. She admits she was refused treatment at a clinic for being too young to have an abortion alone and hopes her nan can come along to help her. Liz encourages Amy to tell her parents the shocking news. (Picture: ITV) However, Liz encourages her to confess to her parents before taking any action. Advertisement Advertisement Tracey remains fairly calm about the news but the same cant be said of Steve who flies off the handle, accusing Devs son Aadi of being the father, after finding out through Dev that hes sexually active. On a rampage, Steve later accuses Amys cousin, Simon, of being the father. The matter is further complicated when Amy discovers shes 10 weeks pregnant, discrediting her story that the pregnancy was the result of consensual sex at a Christmas party, while making the termination process substantially more complicated. Despite the drama and confrontation, neither her parents or us, are any the wiser on who the father actually is. Tune into Corrie this week on ITV on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to watch the drama unfold. | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/19/old-pregnant-amy-barlow-coronation-street-8363278/ |
Is My Social Security Income Being Taxed Twice? | Each month, nearly 63 million people receive a Social Security benefit check, making it arguably the most important social program in America. Of these recipients, an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that more than a third are kept out of poverty as a result of this guaranteed monthly payout. But this payout for eligible beneficiaries has folks asking whether they're getting what they deserve. In other words, taking into account how Social Security is funded, there's the idea that, when you retire, your Social Security income is being taxed twice, thereby reducing your take-home pay. Before answering that question, it first really helps to understand how the program is funded. Two Social Security cards lying atop a large fanned pile of cash bills. More Image source: Getty Images. Understanding how Social Security collects approximately $1 trillion a year In 2017, Social Security collected $996.6 billion in revenue from three income sources. The bulk of this revenue ($873.6 billion) came from a 12.4% payroll tax on earned income, which, in 2019, ranges between $0.01 and $132,900. What this means is that paid wages of up to $132,900 are hit with a 12.4% payroll tax paid either by you entirely if you're self-employed or split between you and your employer (6.2% each). Any earned income above $132,900 is exempt from the payroll tax. Another $37.9 billion was generated from the taxation of Social Security benefits for individuals and couples earning over select income thresholds. The first threshold, passed in 1983 and introduced a year later, allows up to half of an individual's benefits to be taxed at ordinary federal rates if their adjusted gross income (AGI), plus one half of their benefits, exceeds $25,000. For couples filing jointly, this figure is over $32,000. A second threshold, passed in 1993, allows up to 85% of an individual's benefits to be taxed if their AGI, plus one-half of their benefits, exceeds $34,000. For couples filing jointly, this figure is more than $44,000. And finally, $85.1 billion was generated from the interest income on Social Security's asset reserves. The program has built up nearly $2.9 trillion in cash surpluses since 1983, and this surplus is invested in special-issue government bonds that pay interest, as required by law. The almost-2.9% average yield on these bonds led to just over $85 billion in interest income in 2017. | https://news.yahoo.com/social-security-income-being-taxed-110600786.html |
What time is episode two of Call The Midwife on BBC One tonight? | Nurse Lucille has a job on her hands when she helps an elderly hoarder (Picture: BBC) Sunday nights feel like Sunday nights again, now that Call The Midwife is back for its eighth series. The new run of episodes kicked off last week, moving the action at Nonnatus House into 1964 and bringing with it a few new faces, including including Miriam Margoyles as Sister Mildred. And once again the social issues of the decade come to the fore along with the happier storylines and the babies being delivered. This one could be an emotional watch (Picture: BBC) Well Call The Midwife has settled into its usual Sunday night time slot, with episode two airing on BBC One at 8pm. There are eight episodes in the series, so you can expect to see it there on Sunday nights for the following six weeks. Advertisement Advertisement This weeks show sees Nurse Lucille (Leonie Elliott) treating an elderly hoarder (played by actress Annette Crosbie), who is facing the end of her life alone after dedicating herself to helping others and discovers the amazing story of her life when she steps in to help. Meanwhile Sister Hilda is also facing a challenge after a family who have newly arrived in the country from Ghana are found to be suffering from a mysterious illness one which leaves even Dr Turner (Stephen McGann) baffled. 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. | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/20/time-episode-two-call-midwife-bbc-one-tonight-8365032/ |
Was hat es mit dem Ring um Mond auf sich? | Seit mehreren Tagen hufen sich die Fragen und Sichtungen von "Heute"-Lesern, die eigenartige weie Ringe um den Mond entdecken. Mit ihren Handykameras machten sie Fotos, um das Naturschauspiel zu dokumentieren. Und tatschlich: Der Mond wird von einem weien Kreis umgeben einem Halo-Ring. Ja, in echt ist es noch viel besser! Ja, aber das finde ich nicht spektakulr. Nein. Sie drfen aber entspannt bleiben, denn es handelt sich weder um Ufos, noch eine Invasion aus dem All, sondern um einen Lichteffekt. Normalerweise dient die Sonne als Lichtquelle fr diese Ringe, der Mond hingegen selten. An einigen Orten ist der Ring sogar mit bloem Auge erkennbar, wie mehrere Leserreporter berichten. Insgesamt gibt es ber 50 verschiedene Arten von Halo-Erscheinungen. Die Ringe entstehen durch Reflexion und Brechung von Licht an Eiskristallen, die in hheren Wolken gewachsen sind. Meist passiert dies in einer Hhe von acht bis zehn Kilometern. Im Winter knnen sich die Kristalle aber auch in Polarschnee, Eisnebel oder in der Nhe von Schneekanonen bilden. Mondfinsternis in der Nacht auf Montag brigens: Der Halo-Ring bleibt nicht das einzige Spektakel, das uns der Mond im Jnner bietet. Am Montagmorgen um 04.34 Uhr geht es richtig los. Der Mond tritt in den Kernschatten der Erde ein, es gibt eine Mondfinsternis. Phnomen Halo: Wenn der Himmel spektakulr aufleuchtet Bleiben Sie informiert mit dem Newsletter von heute.at Das knnte Sie auch interessieren: (mz) | https://www.heute.at/community/leser/story/Was-hat-es-mit-dem-Ring-um-Mond-auf-sich--55776044 |
Is 10% quota for general category just another eyewash by PM Modi? | The general election in the country is scheduled between April and May to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. Just at the onset of elections, the Modi government decided to introduce a 10 per cent additional for the economically weaker section of the general category. But taking a deep look at the numbers as per the Union budget for 2018-19, the central government has been steadily cutting down the jobs by over 75,000 since 2014. English daily, the Times of India reported that as per the actuals declared in the Union Budget for 2018-19, the number of central employees came down by 75,231 as against their strength on March 1, 2014. As a norm, the central government declares the estimated number of employees for the current year with actuals provided for the previous year and a projection for the next year. The actual strength of establishment stood at 32.52 lakh including Railways across 55 central ministries departments as per the 2018-19 budget. This means in last four years there was a reduction of 75,231 central government employee's strength as against 33.3 lakh employees as on March 1, 2014. Notably, this number does not include the servicemen in defence services. Since the Modi government came into power the government has claimed to hire additional manpower of around 2 lakh every year. But the numbers show that the actual strength has declined. One of the major reasons attributed to this fall in the hiring is government's preference to hire employees contractual basis especially support staff like peons and drivers. Moreover, the posts which have been left vacant due to many of the employees retiring have not been filled rather in many cases people have been re-employed after superannuation as consultants. Among all the departments, Indian Railways has been the biggest loser in terms of manpower; as on March 1, 2018, its manpower had remained at the level of 2010. In 2017, Railways sacked around 23,000 from 13.31 lakh in 2016 to 13.08 lakh employees. In the last budget, the government has not made any projection to increase the manpower of rail staff. | https://www.ibtimes.co.in/10-quota-general-category-just-another-eyewash-by-pm-modi-790407 |
When is Blue Monday 2019 and what makes it the most depressing day of the year? | 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 January is a month where we attempt to blow the cobwebs away and hit the reset button, but when the dark nights hit and the finances take hold it can turn into a tough period. One day in particular gets us down more than others, according to the experts. It's called Blue Monday and it's tomorrow. A life coach came up with a formula which allegedly shows that the third Monday in January is when people are most likely to be miserable - and its caught on, with the theory being repeated time and again every year. There are a number of reasons why it's said to be so gloomy - a culmination of failed resolutions, broken diets, empty bank account, bad weather, long nights and no holidays in sight. This year 'Blue Monday' falls on January, 21. While it is sometimes treated as a little tongue-in-cheek, over the years people have used the day to highlight wider issues around mental health, the Liverpool Echo reports. There is an argument that Blue Monday trivialises depression, as if it is a one-off episode that will be gone by Tuesday. But Peter Kinderman, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Liverpool, has previously said that Blue Monday might be nonsense, but it still gets people talking and contains a more positive and helpful truth. He said it is important because it highlights how much our mental health can be affected by everyday issues like debt, relationships or physical health. He has argued mental health problems are too often seen in purely medical terms as a clinical condition, when they can be more about issues and events in our lives. Writing on the University of Liverpool's website, he also suggests it is right to think about mental health in January, even if not a specific day. He writes: Our psychological health is affected by our diet, by our level of physical fitness and activity, by money worries, by work stresses and a host of other factors. Its not too unreasonable to consider how January could be a pretty difficult month for many people for all these reasons and others. | https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/blue-monday-2019-what-makes-13883063 |
When is detective drama Vera on TV? | DCI Vera Stanhopes iconic rain mac and hat have been dusted off as Brenda Blethyn returns for series nine of much-loved ITV detective drama Vera. Advertisement Adapted from the crime author Ann Cleeves novels, unconventional detective DCI Stanhope will tackle four tricky cases in her hunt for the truth. Vera has returned for four feature-length episodes starting on Sunday 13 January at 8pm on ITV. Episode two, titled Cuckoo, will air on Sunday 20th January at 8.10pm on ITV. Watch the trailer for Vera series nine below. Plenty! The return of Vera kicks off with Blind Spot which sees Brenda Blethyn once more as DCI Vera Stanhope, investigating the death of newly qualified forensic psychologist Joanne Caswell who was working in Newcastle when her body was found dumped on a landfill site a good distance from home. Vera soon discovers that Joanne had been looking into the crimes of a one-time patient who had recently taken their own life. In episode two, titled Cuckoo, a teenage boy is found stabbed to death at the boatyard of a quiet seaside town after bolting from his care home. This is a case that really gets under Veras skin as she unearths a world of drugs and gangs and exploitation. This is followed by episode three, Cold River, which begins when a successful businesswoman behind an empire of beauty salons throws a lavish boat party only for her sister to be found dead in the water. The Seagull is the title of the fourth and final episode, which has been adapted from Cleeves latest book of the same title. This episode sees Vera re-open a cold case after uncovering not one but two skeletons hidden near Whitley Bay. One appears to belong to a missing person Robbie Marshall but when one of Robbies old acquaintances is murdered in the present, Vera must try to connect the two deaths. There will be four standalone episodes, each of them two hours long. Brenda Blethyn, of course, as the eponymous Vera, alongside Kenny Doughty returning as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy who has worked hard to prove himself as DCI Stanhopes trustworthy partner. Rounding out the investigative team are Jon Morrison as DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards. And then theres Ibinabo Jack who portrays DC Jacqueline Williams, a transfer from the Fraud Squad in series eight. Paul Kaye joins the cast as pathologist Dr Malcolm Donahue (above). Paul brings a very interesting dynamic to his character and the show, Blethyn says. Malcolm is very stern which can often come across as him being rude. He is there to get a very serious job done so he doesnt hold back if he feels Vera is overstepping the mark or cross examining his work. Theres also a bunch of stellar guest stars signed up for series nine chief among them former Doctor Who star Peter Davison. Viewers should also keep an eye out for James Atherton (Coronation Street), Jodie McNee (Britannia) and Adrian Lukis (The Crown). Vera has gained a reputation for its breathtaking landscapes and backdrops, and series nine is no exception. Filming locations for the new run of episodes include Holy Island, Lindisfarne, and Spanish City in Whitley Bay. Blethyn, who was born in Kent, says: I can honestly say I love the beauty of Northumberland, whether its a seascape, landscape, the moors, or the city. Its stunning. One slightly less glamorous location for the new series was the rubbish tip we see in the episode Blind Spot. Working on the second biggest landfill in Northumberland in the summer is not really the best place to be! Blethyn reports. The methane was overwhelming. Select episodes are available on the ITV Hub. You can also purchase instalments from any series on Amazon Prime Video. | https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-01-20/vera-air-date-time-cast-plot/ |
Is it smarter to save for retirement or pay off debt first? | My plan currently is to contribute $500 a month to my IRA in order to max it out, and pay $700 a month to my student loans in order to get them out of the way quickly. That way, I would be debt free when I move out of my parents house next year. The stock market has done nothing but fall since I opened my account, and I am reading that it could do the same this year as well. But I have also read that it's good to just keep consistently contributing to an IRA when your debt isn't high-interest to reap the rewards of compounded returns. | https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-money-talk-retirement-20190120-story.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fbusiness+%28L.A.+Times+-+Business%29 |
Is a Terrorist Serial-Killer Gang Murdering Young White Men Nationwide? | It's a shocking claim: A shadowy serial-killing gang, with cells in cities nationwide, has been murdering college-age white men for more than two decades. Its suspected the group might have already claimed hundreds of victims. Yet police agencies are uninterested in ferreting out the truth and instead write the killings off as accidents or undetermined. So say three retired NYPD detectives and a criminal-justice professor who have been investigating the deaths. The Daily Beast introduces the story, writing that on the evening of Dec. 15, 2016, Dakota James called his friend Shelley in a panic. He was cold, disoriented, and scared out of his mind, wandering the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, trying to find someone anyone who would help him, the site continues. I dont know where I am, he told her, sobbing. Im so cold. Please help me. Im lost. James said the cops wouldnt help him. Confused, he told Shelley (her last name is kept confidential) he was on Pittsburghs North Side when the cellphone location services hed enabled with her put him on the South Side. What happened next was equally odd. Shelley drove to James location, at a Springhill Suites on Water Street. As she pulled up to the hotel, writes the Beast, she saw a dark SUV in the wrong lane, facing the wrong direction. And Dakota was walking out of the hotel and straight toward the SUV. I pulled up not even 10 feet away from the SUV, she said. I said, Dakota! He turns, looks back then comes over to me, got in my car, and we left, the Beast also relates. James didnt appear drunk, Shelley says; he was walking straight and wasnt slurring words. Yet he didnt know how hed wound up on the street and had lost four hours, between heading to some bars with coworkers at 7:15 p.m. and calling Shelley at approximately 11:15. So she suspected hed been drugged. Yet James didnt want to talk much about the incident and the next day dismissed it as a bad hangover. Shelley might have done the same except that James disappeared five weeks later. Forty days after that was found dead, floating in the Ohio River. Nonetheless, the Beast writes, his death was ruled an accidental drowning by the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office. But a team of retired detectives and a gang expert believe hes one of about 100 victims of the Smiley-Face Killers, an alleged organized gang of serial killers that communicates on the dark web, with cells in dozens of cities across the United States. An additional 250 cases might be connected, but they cant prove it, they say. James fits the profile of the other suspected victims: smart, athletic, popular, college-age white men who went out drinking and never came home, they say. More recently, some alleged victims have been openly gay, like Dakota. Like him, weeks later, their bodies were discovered in lakes or rivers with smiley-face or other graffiti specifically connected to the group spray-painted nearby. So far theyve connected about 70 deaths with similar graffiti nearby. About 30 of the men, including Dakota James, had the date-rape drug GHB in their system, according to the autopsy reports. Dakota was clearly murdered, Kevin Gannon, a retired New York City police sergeant who has devoted his life to solving these cases, told The Daily Beast. There were a number of indications this was so, including what appeared to be ligature marks around James neck, indicating strangulation (the Beast provides more detail). Moreover, its now theorized that the SUV occupant(s) might have been stalking James or doing a test run and that he might have disappeared Dec. 15 if Shelley hadnt arrived when she did. Gannons quest to track down what he calls one of the most dangerous domestic terrorist groups in the United States began in February 1997, when he was an NYPD detective investigating the death of 20-year-old white man Patrick McNeil, who was found floating in the East River. Two more men the same approximate age were found dead during the next 15 months. Gannon retired in 2001, but continued investigating the cases after promising McNeils mother that he wouldnt stop till he found her sons killer(s). He enlisted the aid of his former partner, Anthony Duarte and, after watching a news report about similar deaths in the Midwest, also teamed with Dr. Lee Gilbertson, a criminal-justice professor and gang expert at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Its certainly a curious case. The so-called Smiley Face murders first burst on to the public scene in April 2008 when Gannon, Duarte, and Gilbertson held a news conference in New York City about the deaths, the Beast tells us. Yet they know far more about the group today. The level of sophistication of the group is a lot greater than wed imagined, the Beast relates Gannon as saying. Now we know they communicate with each other on the dark web. We know theres surveillance and counter-surveillance. Moreover, Each city has its own cohort or cell, said Gilbertson. The professor emphasizes that at issue is a serial-killing gang, with perhaps 12 individuals per cell. Five will go and commit a murder; the next time its a different five. Its continually evolving, too, as members age out and leave the fold. Consequently, Theyre constantly recruiting, he says In fact, the Beast also quotes Gilbertson as saying, Years ago, we were on their dark-web webpage but it was asking us to turn on a video camera so they could see who was about to type in the password and theres no way we were doing that. And we didnt even have the password. Gannon and his team have evidence and suspects, but Gilbertson says that since law enforcement wont investigate the cases as murders, theres no pressure on gang members to snitch. They can remain on the Dark Web and in the shadows. Of course, law enforcement states the evidence is insufficient to reopen the cases. And while its not politically correct to say (just correct to say), homosexuals do live a higher-risk lifestyle in general, sometimes frequenting seedy bars, attending orgies, and consorting with perhaps dangerous people. Yet it appears that many if not most victims were not homosexual. Then theres the elephant in the room. Were there even the allegation that perhaps hundreds of black men were being murdered by a serial-killer gang, it would be huge national news (and likely blamed on the Trump era). Yet the closest the Beast comes to even mentioning the clear racial angle is, The motives for the murders range from gang initiation to hate crimes, Gannon said. This brings something to mind. In the Rotherham child rape-gang scandal, the sexual abuse and torture of approximately 1,400 white British girls by primarily Muslim perpetrators was allowed to continue for 16 years because cowardly British authorities were afraid of racism accusations. They even went so far as to force a whistleblower into diversity training, warning her that she must never again implicate Muslim men. We already know this fear causes reluctance in many authorities to label hate crimes against whites just that. Yet Gannon is undeterred. He has mortgaged his home and maxed out his credit cards trying to solve these cases, reports the Beast. Reflecting his dedication, victim Patrick McNeils mother, 73-year-old Jackie, told the Beast that Gannon is amazing.... On the anniversaries hell call and say, Im thinking about you. I consider him a good friend. However valid Gannons theory, it will finally be getting more attention. He, Duarte, Gilbertson, and another retired NYPD detective, Mike Donovan, will now be the stars of a television show, Oxygens Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice, a new six-part limited series that premieres Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., reports the Beast. Its been a difficult road and thats why we had to choose TV, to go to the court of public opinion, the Beast quotes Gannon as saying. We felt like there was no other option. The team hopes the publicity will inspire authorities to act. As for the gang and its alleged victims, the Beast writes, Theyre targeting the best of the best, Gannon said. These kids are the best students. Theyre the best athletes and they come from the best families. Added Gilbertson: These are upstanding young men. Because maybe theyre succeeding. Maybe its the haves and the have-nots. Or maybe its also something else. | https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/31241-is-a-terrorist-serial-killer-gang-murdering-young-white-men-nationwide |
Who will represent Auburn in Super Bowl LIII? | Brandon King did not start a game during his two seasons at Auburn. But if the New England Patriots defeat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, hes likely to become the fourth Auburn alumnus to play in three Super Bowls. And for King, it will be three in a row. Whichever team wins the AFC championship game between the Patriots and Chiefs, Auburn is assured of having a former player go to Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3 in Atlanta. King and cornerback Jonathan Jones play for New England. Outside linebacker Dee Ford plays for Kansas City. All also played for the Tigers. Auburn is one of the 27 colleges guaranteed to have an alumnus in this season's Super Bowl before the conference championship games are even played. In the NFC title game, the Los Angeles Rams visit the New Orleans Saints at 2:05 p.m. CST Sunday. The Patriots-Chiefs game kicks off at 5:40 p.m. FOX will televise the early game, and CBS will show the late game. NFL Playoffs: Defenses on the spot in conference championship games Auburn also has a former player on the NFC side of the Super Bowl bracket with Rams defensive back Blake Countess. But because the Saints don't have a former Tiger on their active roster, Auburn isn't assured of having a winner in Super Bowl LIII yet. But five colleges are. Before the Wildcard Weekend games and the Divisional Round contests, Alabama was the only college program guaranteed to have a Super Bowl winner. The former Crimson Tide players still in the running are wide receiver Gehrig Dieter and linebacker Reggie Ragland of the Chiefs, linebacker Mark Barron of the Rams, linebacker Dont'a Hightower of the Patriots and running back Mark Ingram of the Saints. Alabama has been joined by three other SEC programs -- Florida, Georgia and Tennessee -- and California as the colleges with former players on all four teams remaining in the NFL playoffs. Listed as a linebacker on the Patriots' roster, King has spent his four NFL seasons as a special-teamer, and hell be in that role again on Sunday when the former Thompson High School standout plays in his fourth straight AFC championship game. King was on the field for 23 special-teams plays in the Patriots' 34-28 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017, and 17 special-teams plays in New England's 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 4, 2018. Brandon King embraces special role for New England Patriots If King gets on the field at Super Bowl LIII, he'll joined Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dave Edwards, Miami Dolphins linebacker Mike Kolen and San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Steve Wallace as Auburn alumni who have played in three Super Bowls. Edwards made five tackles and broke up a pass in the Cowboys 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts on Jan. 17, 1971, in Super Bowl V, four tackles in their 24-3 victory over the Dolphins on Jan. 16, 1972, in Super Bowl VI and five tackles in their 21-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 18, 1976, in Super Bowl X. Kolen made 13 tackles in the Dolphins 24-3 loss to the Cowboys on Jan. 16, 1972, in Super Bowl VI, seven tackles in their 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins on Jan. 14, 1973, in Super Bowl VII and five tackles in their 24-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 13, 1974, in Super Bowl VIII. Wallace started in the 49ers 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 22, 1989, in Super Bowl XXIII, played in their 55-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Jan. 28, 1990, in Super Bowl XXIV and started in their 49-26 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 29, 1995, in Super Bowl XXIX. FOR MORE OF AL.COMS COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE Chiefs' Dee Ford sets sights on Tom Brady, Super Bowl Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1. | https://www.al.com/sec/2019/01/who-will-represent-auburn-in-super-bowl-liii.html |
How much more snow today in Upstate NY? | Syracuse, N.Y. -- The worst of the big winter storm is moving past Upstate New York now, but snow will continue falling today and into Monday thanks to the Great Lakes. The low pressure system that brought the storm is now pulling away, and its dragging cold air from Canada across the Great Lakes. That will bring strong winds and lake effect snow, primarily from lakes Erie and Ontario. Areas downwind of the lakes, including Syracuse, Rochester and Tug Hill, will slowly accumulate more snow today. Another foot could fall on Tug Hill, and Syracuse could get an additional 8 inches, National Weather Service maps indicate. Lake effect snow will keep falling throughout the day today as a winter storm pulls away. This map shows additional accumulations through 7 p.m. today. National Weather Service Snowfall totals so far are still being tallied. As of 7 a.m., Buffalo had accumulated 11.1 inches; Albany had 9.6 inches; and Rochester and Binghamton each had 8.1 inches. Syracuse had 4.7 inches by midnight; the heaviest snow was expected to fall after that. As snow totals are reported by the weather service, well include them on our weather page. Winter storm warnings remain in place throughout Upstate through this afternoon. Winds will pick up today and blow around the powdery snow, making driving difficult. Temperatures will fall as winds increase, creating dangerous wind chills today and into Monday morning. Travel advisories and even snow emergencies are in place around much of Upstate, and churches and other organizations have canceled activities today. Snow is only half the story in Upstate storm: Brutal cold will follow | https://www.syracuse.com/news/2019/01/how-much-more-snow-today-in-upstate-ny.html |
Was I wrong about the Lloyds share price all along? | Ive maintained the argument that the stock market would be likely to gradually mark down Lloyds valuation as earnings grow because of the So far, that theory has played out because theres been no big surge higher for the share price from its level of around 82p five years ago, despite a dramatic recovery in earnings. Ive been writing only bearish articles about Lloyds Banking Group (LSE: LLOY) for a few years. It occurred to me at the end of 2013 that the rapid upswing in the share price relating to the firms operational recovery could be over. I would like to receive emails from you about product information and offers from The Fool and its business partners. Each of these emails will provide a link to unsubscribe from future emails. More information about how The Fool collects, stores, and handles personal data is available in its Privacy Statement. Register by giving us your email below to continue reading all of the content on the site. Soon you will also begin to receive our FREE email newsletter, The Motley Fool Collective. It features straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock market, direct to your inbox. Its designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio. (You may unsubscribe any time.) Ive been writing only bearish articles about Lloyds Banking Group (LSE: LLOY) for a few years. It occurred to me at the end of 2013 that the rapid upswing in the share price relating to the firms operational recovery could be over. So far, that theory has played out because theres been no big surge higher for the share price from its level of around 82p five years ago, despite a dramatic recovery in earnings. A shrinking valuation Ive maintained the argument that the stock market would be likely to gradually mark down Lloyds valuation as earnings grow because of the firms cyclicality. Lloyds is a commodity-style enterprise that relies on the fortunes of its customers, such as individuals and companies, in order to thrive. If Lloyds customers do well, Lloyds will do well. But if the economy takes a dive and Lloyds customers begin to struggle, I reckon its profits will plummet along with the share price and dividend. It was well-known, one-time US fund manager Peter Lynch who alerted me to the idea that the valuation indicators of banks and other cyclicals are best interpreted differently than we usually do for a trading company. He argued in his book, Beating the Street, that for the big banks and other cyclical enterprises, a high dividend yield and a low price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple can be indicators of POOR value when they come after a sustained period of robust and rising profits. He reckons that the low valuation is the markets way of trying to adjust for the probability of lower earnings down the road when the economic cycle turns downwards. I reckon we are seeing that scenario with Lloyds now. Lynch suggested that there would be a big risk to the downside because big profits usually cycle down to smaller profits in the end. When that happens, the share prices of cyclical firms tend to plunge, despite the way the market has been trying to peg the valuation. After all, many commentators disagree with my stance. They point out the value displayed by those tasty-looking indicators and the stock is up around 13% this year already, close to 56p. Maybe, but Im sceptical about that. City analysts are predicting flat earnings for 2019, which lends more weight to the peak earnings argument, as I see it. Indeed, the next move in earnings could be down. And thats what Im waiting for with Lloyds. I want to see earnings plummet before Id entertain going bullish on the shares again. If earnings fall off a cliff, causing the P/E multiple to shoot up, Ill have much more confidence in buying the fallen share price. Right now, we only have a weak share price with earnings remaining robust. Lloyds is just too dangerous for me, and I certainly wont be buying the shares on the strength of the dividend alone. Im holding fast with my bearish view on Lloyds for the time being. | https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2019/01/20/was-i-wrong-about-the-lloyds-share-price-all-along/ |
Should I buy the FTSE 250s 10 top-performing stocks of the last 10 years? | The table below shows the FTSE 250s top performers for the 10 years to the end of 2018. Today, Im looking at the big winners of the FTSE 250. In this case, the top 10 produced an average annualised total return of 32.9%, versus the mid-cap indexs 14%. In a previous article, I looked at the 10 top-performing FTSE 100 stocks of the last 10 years. These stocks delivered an average annualised total return of 30.6% over the period, smashing the Footsies 8.3%. I would like to receive emails from you about product information and offers from The Fool and its business partners. Each of these emails will provide a link to unsubscribe from future emails. More information about how The Fool collects, stores, and handles personal data is available in its Privacy Statement. Register by giving us your email below to continue reading all of the content on the site. Soon you will also begin to receive our FREE email newsletter, The Motley Fool Collective. It features straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock market, direct to your inbox. Its designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio. (You may unsubscribe any time.) In a previous article, I looked at the 10 top-performing FTSE 100 stocks of the last 10 years. These stocks delivered an average annualised total return of 30.6% over the period, smashing the Footsies 8.3%. Today, Im looking at the big winners of the FTSE 250. In this case, the top 10 produced an average annualised total return of 32.9%, versus the mid-cap indexs 14%. Top 10 The table below shows the FTSE 250s top performers for the 10 years to the end of 2018. Company Sector Sub-sector 10-year annualised total return (%) Forecast P/E 2019 Forecast dividend yield 2019 (%) JD Sports Fashion Consumer cyclical Clothing retailer 44.5 15.7 0.4 Howden Joinery Consumer cyclical Home furnishings 41.4 14.3 2.6 Sirius Minerals Basic materials Speciality chemicals 39.4 n/a n/a Games Workshop Consumer cyclical Leisure goods 34.9 18.3 3.9 Entertainment One Consumer cyclical Entertainment 31.6 15.1 0.4 Synthomer Basic materials Speciality chemicals 28.3 10.7 3.7 Inchcape Consumer cyclical Car retailer 27.5 9.3 4.6 Computacenter Technology Computer services 27.3 12.7 3.1 Diploma Industrial Supplier 27.1 20.4 2.3 Safestore Real estate Self-storage operator 26.6 19.0 3.2 In the article on the FTSE 100 top performers, I noted that the economic backdrop of the last decade had been particularly favourable for cyclical industries: The 10-year period started in the depths of the 2008/09 financial crisis and recession, and was followed by the economic turbocharging of quantitative easing (QE) on an unprecedented scale and a record period of low interest rates. Consumer cyclicals As you can see, the table of the FTSE 250s top performers is dominated by consumer cyclicals. Interestingly, theres no concentration in any particular sub-sector, suggesting these businesses may have superior qualities to their rivals. The market appears to think so, as their P/Es are generally above the average of their peer groups. As we enter a new phase of no QE and rising interest rates, the economic backdrop may not be as favourable for the kind of returns these five companies have delivered over the past decade, particularly from the current starting point of their relatively high P/Es. However, they could still produce decent returns if the economy remains reasonably robust, although my personal leaning is more towards non-cyclical businesses at the present time. Basic materials There are two companies in the basic materials sector. Sirius Minerals is developing a giant mine in North Yorkshire for a multi-nutrient fertiliser. The companys immediate prospects rest on the success of a crucial stage-two fundraising and its form (how dilutive it will be for existing shareholders). News on this is expected within 10 weeks, and Id like to see the outcome, before considering investing. Meanwhile, Synthomer is one of the worlds leading suppliers of aqueous polymers that help customers in a range of industries create new products and enhance the performance of existing products. The business isnt immune to economic cycles, but management reckons its portfolio of polymers and geographic diversity give it resilience during periods of challenging macroeconomic conditions. For this reason, together with its record of growth, relatively low P/E and sturdy dividend yield, I rate the stock a buy. Three more The remaining three companies Computacenter, Diploma and Safestore may repay your further investigation. In particular, Id be happy to buy a slice of Diploma (whose many fine qualities have been discussed in depth by my colleague Kevin Godbold), and Safestore (whose growth strategy and all-round stability appeal to fellow Fool Paul Summers). | https://www.fool.co.uk/investing/2019/01/20/should-i-buy-the-ftse-250s-10-top-performing-stocks-of-the-last-10-years/ |
Who are the 15 filmmakers telling our stories on film? | FINALIST: Above, a still from the short film Foil Man. FINALIST: Above, a still from the short film Foil Man. BYRON All Shorts, part of the local leg of the Flickerfest tour for 2019, will showcase 15 local short films in under two hours this weekend. This year, Flickerfest is celebrating 28 years since its first screening in Sydney and 21 in the area. The event also includes screenings of short films from Australia and around the world over three days, starting tomorrow. Act Natural Writer and director: Luca Fox. Producer: Natalie Grube. A short film that seeks to exhibit the inner battle that occurs in people with high functioning Autism as they engage in everyday conversation. Hemp Revival Director and Producer: Keita Ikawa. A documentary about a local construction company who are growing their own hemp & using it as a building material. Premiere screening. A Different Gallery Director and Producer: Susie Forster. Every three years, Samantha Moss turns the riverside and parklands at Brunswick Heads into a natural sculpture walk that locals and visitors alike fall in love with. Find out how this surprising exhibition marries nature, art and community in a different way to a gallery. Premiere screening. Foil Man Writer, director and producer: Krista Werner. An alien from a distant planet arrives to the Northern Rivers, where he encounters some of the locals. Premiere screening. Let's Stick Together Directors and producers: David Lowe and Eve Jeffery. A group of 'artivists' trying to stop gasfields from destroying the Pilliga Forest in NSW show how important it is to stick together. A thank you present to everyone standing up to protect the places they love. Premiere screening. Spirit Walker Director and producer: Darius Devas. The Spirit Walker tells the inspirational story of 27 year old indigenous man Clinton Pryor's 6000km walk from Perth to Canberra, to meet with the Prime Minister in the name of justice for his people. The film shows Clinton's meeting with the Prime Minister and offers a message of hope. Githabul Return Writers: Dailan Pugh and Jennie Dell. Director and producer: Jimmy Maleki. The first occupation of the earliest white settlers in Northern New South Wales was to cut down trees for house and shipbuilding timbers. Forest giants revered by local Aboriginal people as Grandfather and Grandmother trees, were felled, floated downriver to the sea, shipped away and sold. Courage For The Long Haul Writer, director and producer: Rani Brown. Community movements unite beyond political affiliation to help protect our life support systems on Earth. Two women talk about their roles within a movement of untold thousands, sharing insights into what sustains them. NSW premiere screening. Unsustainable Writer, director and producer: Jan Constantin Quast (SAE Byron). This documentary offers an insight into the sustainability of the surf industry, starting with the basic element need, the surfboard. Phantom Cat Director and producer: Fabienne Neff (SAE Byron). Premiere screening. Hush Writer and dircetor: Kaitlyn McMurtry. Producer: Kerry Chavez (AFTRS) Three young girls face a reality where men abuse and disrespect them on a daily basis. It's not a dream, or a fantasy world. It's real life. The only solace they can find, is in each other. Premiere screening. Libby Director and producer: Elsa Stewart (SAE Byron). An intimate character study of 90-year-old Libby Mills from Putney, Vermont, USA, who's heartfelt story takes one on an emotional journey of love, loss and resilience. Premiere Screening. Dust Devils Director and producer: Poppy Walker. In Death Valley's ghost town, a dancer brings her gilded dream to life. Dolls Writer, co-director and producer: Clare Sladden. Co-director: Jasmine Sladden. A group of plucky dolls initiate an emotional break-up in a last ditch attempt to escape a toxic relationship. Seeking Safety Writer, director and producer: Lizzie Kirkpatrick (Cape Byron Steiner) Seeking Safety reflects the serious social conscience of its 14 year old film-maker. It contrasts the lives of two unlikely friends, a girl growing up in the benign safety of Byron Bay, and an Afghan refugee, who crossed the seas by boat to seek asylum in Australia at a very young age. Abdul, the subject of the film, couldn't be photographed because of fears of retribution by the Taliban but his words are meaningful, haunting and unforgettable. Premiere screening. Awards This year's finalists compete for three awards, to be announced on the Sunday session, at 8pm. The awards are: IQ & Flickerfest Best Short Film: $250 cash, Avid Media Composer Software, Screenworks Membership, Season Pass + 1 to Byron Bay Flickerfest 2020. $250 cash, Avid Media Composer Software, Screenworks Membership, Season Pass + 1 to Byron Bay Flickerfest 2020. SAE Qantm Emerging Talent: $250 cash, 1/2 day edit or film shoot (by In Your Face Productions), Screenworks Membership, Season Pass + 1 to Byron Bay Flickerfest 2020. $250 cash, 1/2 day edit or film shoot (by In Your Face Productions), Screenworks Membership, Season Pass + 1 to Byron Bay Flickerfest 2020. SCCU Audience Award - Best Short Film: $250 cash, 1/2 day edit or film shoot (by In Your Face Productions), Screenworks Membership, Season Pass + 1 to Byron Bay Flickerfest 2020. At Mullum Civic Hall, 55 Dalley St, Mullumbimby, on Saturday, January 26, from 4pm. | https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/who-are-the-15-shorts-telling-our-stories-on-film/3624702/ |
What is the grinding noise coming from my brakes? | I got new brake pads for my Explorer Sport Trac. Since day one, the right one has been grinding. Took it back and they did a rotor grind. Still, the grinding noise. Took in again, they say its just a Ford noise problem. Didnt have it when I bought it. Debbie They just dont want to deal with it. Corroded brake rotors is one of the most common issues plaguing current-generation vehicles. Story continues below advertisement Only replacing the brake pads may offer savings initially, but this rarely works out in the long run. In my own business, I almost never change brake pads without replacing the corresponding rotors. I know a lot of do-it-yourself readers will disagree, but as a repair shop owner, I have a different perspective and additional issues to consider. First, no one, myself included, wants to roll up to a set of lights with the window down and hear that dreaded brake squeal or grinding noise. That is just inviting upset customers. Second, I know how difficult the warranty application process is going to be when I submit a claim for noisy brake pads without also having replaced the rotors. It may be more trouble than its worth, but the only thing you can do now is visit another facility for a second opinion. I suspect they will recommend replacing the pads again, with a set of rotors. I am considering the Volkswagen Alltrack but have read about problems with the pano sunroof. - Al A quick internet research reveals significant complaints regrading this vehicles panoramic sunroof. A USA technical service bulletin (TSB) details that spot welds around the perimeter of the sunroof opening may be too large. The bulletin also dictates the appropriate repair procedures. There is not much advice I can offer regarding this defect that you havent undoubtedly already discovered online, but here are my thoughts on new-car-buying in general. Story continues below advertisement Story continues below advertisement Its expected that you need to research a new car before you make such a significant purchase. But, just like heading to the doctor having already researched your symptoms, you have to be careful to not let this research misdirect you. My customers regularly want to discuss their next car purchase. I answer these questions with this: Every vehicle on the road has factory defects that have to be dealt with. Look up top-10 lists of the worst cars as reviewed by professional trusted sources. You will find common vehicles populating those lists. Its safe to say that you should stay away from those. Otherwise, just choose something that fits your lifestyle, budget, that you wont get bored of quickly, and deal with the flaws as they appear. Pay no attention to the internet armchair experts. For the record, my daily driver has that exact sunroof, and Im not concerned about it. Story continues below advertisement Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. E-mail [email protected], placing Lous Garage in the subject line. Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price. Stay on top of all our Drive stories. We have a Drive newsletter covering car reviews, innovative new cars and the ups and downs of everyday driving. Sign up for the weekly Drive newsletter, delivered to your inbox for free. Follow us on Instagram, @globedrive. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/culture/article-what-is-the-grinding-noise-coming-from-my-brakes/ |
How did Taulia Tagovailoa and other future Alabama teammates perform in 2019 Polynesian Bowl? | There was good and bad for Alabama quarterback signee Taulia Tagovailoa in Saturday nights 2019 Polynesian Bowl. Taulia Tagovailoa didn't show any ill effects from a shoulder injury suffered late in the 2018 Alabama high school football seasons. Tagovailo threw two interceptions -- one in the first quarter and one in the fourth -- as his Team Mauka fell 27-7 to Team Makai. Tagovailoa's first interception was on a deep pass intended for fellow Alabama signee Jahleel Billingsley. Tagovailoa finished 13-for-24 passing for 166 yards and a 20-yard TD pass to Lincoln Victor in the third quarter. Taulia Tagovailoa TD strike to Lincoln Victor. Team Mauka on the board trailing 20-7 third quarter @tauliaa12 @LincolnVic5 pic.twitter.com/g5NLr8tkYY Polynesian Bowl (@polynesiabowl) January 20, 2019 The other four future Alabama players enjoyed limited success in Saturday night's all-star game Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Running back Trey Sanders, the nation's No. 1 running back prospect from IMG Academy (Fla.), showed power, elusiveness and a strong burst through the hold, all of which were on display on a touchdown run early in the second quarter. But the play was nullified by a penalty so the TD did not officially count. "This is my Heisman shot. As soon as I leave here, man, I'm probably going to cut off social media and I'm probably going to just focus on getting that Heisman. "https://t.co/4AH6fjQNrt pic.twitter.com/te3y8oFxIa AL.com sports (@aldotcomSports) January 18, 2019 Defensive back Demarcco Hellams, from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, was active from his safety spot and made several tackles, including one in which he knocked his own helmet off. Defensive end Khris Bogle, who's expected to play linebacker at Alabama, also recorded several tackles and showed his speed while chasing ball carriers and receivers on the perimeter. Billingsley, a tight end from Phillips Academy in Chicago, caught a pass from Tagovailoa and showed off his run-after-the-catch skills for a big gain. Southern Cal commit Puka Nakua turned in the biggest highlight with a touchdown catch in which he barely kept his feet inbounds. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, also attended Saturdays game after being named the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame College Player of the Year. "I think it's awesome he's going to be there with us," Tua said during an in-game interview on CBS Sports Network when asked about playing with his brother at Alabama. | https://www.al.com/sports/2019/01/how-did-taulia-tagovailoa-and-other-future-alabama-teammates-perform-in-2019-polynesian-bowl.html |
What's Next For Manny Pacquiao After Beating Adrien Broner? | On Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao didn't look like a future Hall of Famer who was too old to compete on an elite level. Pacquiao easily outfought Adrien Broner and retained his WBA "regular" title in the process with a unanimous-decision victory. Pay no attention to Broner's erroneous claims that he won the fight. Pacquiao outworked him and deserved the decision. After a decisive win, Pacquiao now wants a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the massive paycheck that will come with the fight. Mayweather was on hand for Saturday's bout, but when Showtime's Jim Gray tried to corner him with inquiries about a rematch, Money wouldn't take the bait. With Mayweather non-committal, the 40-year-old Pacquiao won't be able to wait on him for long. While he looked the part of an ageless wonder on Saturday, the truth is he needs to stay active if he wants to remain elite. Fortunately for Pacquiao, he has signed with Premier Boxing Champions, and that should make negotiations with most of the top welterweights pretty simple. Here are the top options for Pacquiao if Mayweather won't come out of retirement for another mega fight. Danny Garcia The timelines don't align perfectly for Pacquiao and Garcia, but it seems like a makeable fight. Garcia is set to face the tough Adrian Granados on April 20. If he wins, which isn't a given, a Garcia-Pacquiao bout would be of some interest. Garcia doesn't have the biggest name in the welterweight division, but he's a former world champion and far from a total unknown. We'll have to see what the pay-per-view numbers were from Saturday's bout, but a Pacquiao-Garcia bout might be one best suited for Showtime. Keith Thurman Pacquiao and Thurman are on nearly identical timelines. Thurman makes his long-awaited return on January 26 against Josesito Lopez. Assuming Thurman wins, he and Pacquiao could easily substantiate a pay-per-view bout. The bout would likely generate a payday that Thurman would welcome gladly, and chances are he'd be a clear favorite to winassuming he looks decent against Lopez. Shawn Porter Of the three men on this list, Porter seems the most eager to fight Pacquiao. He was on hand on Saturday, and he named Pacquiao as one of the three fighters on his hitlist during an interview with Fight Hub. Porter is scheduled to defend his WBC title against Yordenis Ugas on March 9. If Porter can defeat the slick Cuban, he'll likely have a choice between Thurman and Pacquiao. A Pacquiao-Porter fight would be rugged and exciting. I'd favor Porter because of his physical strength and pursuit, but stylistically, it's a bout that should interest fight fans. Pacquiao's move to PBC has seemingly rejuvenated him and opened the door to more opponentseven if Mayweather refuses to play ball. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/01/20/whats-next-for-manny-pacquiao-after-beating-adrien-broner/ |
What's Going On With China All Of A Sudden? | Judging by the headlines on Friday, someone in Washington is lobbying hard for the president to do so. The WSJ started it. They reported that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was angling for an easing of tariffs. It sent Asian markets higher despite a subsequent denial from the Treasury Department. "The WSJ is clearly a tool for the administration as I find their reporting and editorials to be universally negative on China," says Brendan Ahern, CIO of KraneShares, an ETF company with nearly all of its money in China equities. "Clearly this was a trial balloon. Hopefully folks in DC noticed how well the market responded," he says. The Hang Seng gained 335 index points. Tech was a stand out gaining 3.81% led by Apple supplier Sunny Optical & AAC which have been trading with a higher correlation to trade news. See: Is The Door Closing On Future China Tariffs -- Forbes CNBC and Bloomberg both reported Friday that China was considering buying more U.S. goods over the next six years, cutting into the trade deficit Trump seems so worried about. The U.S. had a trade deficit of $323 billion with China in 2018. This deal would aim to reduce that annual trade difference to $0 by 2024, one of the officials told Bloomberg. This is absolutely ridiculous. China has a lot of people, but unless the $0 refers to services trade, then there is no way China imports $323 billion worth of American soybeans, beef and widgets over the next five years. First, while China is a top-down economy, its private sector is becoming a bigger part of its GDP. In fact, it's more than half of China's GDP. So in order for Beijing to guarantee such a massive reduction in the trade gap, they would have to mandate private companies buy American. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrives in Washington on Jan. 30 for two days of talks with China-hawk, the U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer. The market will get a better sense of how this new offer is attractive. See: When The World Opened The Gates Of China -- WSJ The sudden bullishness on trade talks came less than three days after Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said there was no real progress during talks with China the previous week. Grassley held a meeting with Lighthizer the previous Friday and said the only thing to come out of it was confirmation that China will keep buying U.S. soybeans during the 90-day trade truce. But he (Lighthizer) said that there hasnt been any progress made on structural changes that need to be made, Grassley said. The market has not shown any signs of weakness in the last few days. One possibility is there is an agreement in the works to cut tariffs on certain products of high demand here at home in exchange for some market access for American firms in China. The U.S. is mostly keen on market access for financial services and more opportunities for American energy companies. The U.S. has tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and has threatened to add more. If Trump removes that threat he removes his leverage, allowing for China to keep stalling. The market might be less bullish on Monday. Later today, the National Bureau of Statistics will report retail sales figures, industrial production, fixed asset investment, unemployment and GDP. Hong Kong is the market to watch for signs of weakness in China. Here in the U.S., the stock market is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2019/01/20/whats-going-on-with-china-all-of-a-sudden/ |
How can pre-calving management and assistance effect dairy calf mortality? | Calving is one of the busiest times of the year on Irish farms and can be stressful for dairy farmers. This period has already kicked off on some farms or is just around the corner on others. In many dairy herds across the country, cows are moved to designated calving units pre-calving. This is usually done to aid supervision, prevent associated calving problems and reduce calf and cow mortality. Also, the environment is more favorable compared to slatted floor conditions, which most cattle are housed on during the winter period. Many dairy farmers are able to predict quite accurately the calving date due to various records, such as artificial insemination date and pregnancy scanning; technology can also play an important role when it comes to calving time. However, due to the calving pattern of the dairy herd on average becoming more compact, this increases the pressure on labour and facilities during the calving season; many farmers aim to calve 90% of their herd within a six-week period. Therefore, it may not be practical to move cows to designated calving pens for a significant time before they calve. Calving management Within 36 hours of calving, cows will attempt to seek isolation from the rest of the herd; thus, early movement to the calving pen fulfills their natural isolation-seeking behavior. Teagasc research recommends that pregnant cows should be moved where possible to the calving area at least 24 hours before calving. Also, it might be beneficial to calve cows or heifers in straw-bedded pens in smaller groups to avoid distress due to isolation. Dairy heifers will benefit from being moved even earlier, as this will allow sufficient time to adapt to the stress associated with the change of environment. Advertisement A survey of Irish dairy farms carried out by Teagasc reported that 43% of farms surveyed said that pregnant animals were moved to the calving unit between six and 24 hours pre-calving. According to the survey, this decision to move pregnant animals was based on the detection of impending signs of calving such as relaxation of the sacrosciatic ligaments and/or colostrum dripping from the teats. In addition, only 20% of dairy farmers surveyed moved pregnant animals to the calving unit on the point of calving. Pre-calving movement This on the point of calving movement has shown to have no detrimental effects on calving performance and is preferable to moving animals during stage one of calving. According to Teagasc research, some 90% of dairy calves, which are dead at birth, were alive at the start of calving. Research from Teagasc showed that postponing movement of cows or heifers until stage two of calving resulted in 2.5 times less risk of producing a stillborn calf, compared to those moved during stage one of calving. Stage two of calving is when fetal membranes, fetal legs or the head are present. Therefore, it is less harmful to move animals which have already commenced stage two of calving if the calves feet are present than it is to move animals in the very early stage of calving. Calving assistance According to the aforementioned Teagasc survey, once the foetal hooves were observed, 63% of farmers assisted heifers between one and two hours later. Similarly, 73% of farmers assisted cows between one and two hours after the onset of stage two. | https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/how-can-pre-calving-management-and-assistance-effect-dairy-calf-mortality/ |
How much does it cost to break even on a tillage farm? | It might sound simple, in order to make a profit you need to keep costs to a minimum and increase yields. The reality is more difficult. Results from the recent Teagasc E-Profit Monitor for tillage showed average break-even costs, at average yields, across a total of 342 farms which inputted data to the programme. The break-even costs are reported in /t and are calculated from average yields and average crop sales (excluding income from straw). Average crop yields: Winter wheat 10.6t/ha; Winter barley 9.3t/ha; Spring feed barley 7.8t/ha; Spring malting barley 7.8t/ha; Spring wheat 8.2t/ha; Winter oats 8.2t/ha; Spring oats 8.0t/ha; Winter oilseed rape 4.7t/ha; Spring oilseed rape 2.5t/ha; Spring beans 6.9t/ha; Fodder beet 78.5t/ha. The break-even costs for all of the above crops are reported below. So, for example, in order to make a profit in 2017, winter wheat growers needed to earn more than 140/t. Break-even costs: Advertisement Winter wheat 140/t; Winter barley 144/t; Spring feed barley 146/t; Spring malting barley 138/t; Spring wheat 148/t; Winter oats 138/t; Spring oats 133/t; Winter oilseed rape 263/t; Spring oilseed rape 399/t; Spring beans 143/t; Fodder beet 24/t. Top one third of growers The top one third of growers achieved higher yields and a higher price per tonne. A big reduction in costs among these growers was due to a reduction in the use of a contractor in many cases. Average crop yields for the top one third of growers: Winter wheat 11.2t/ha; Winter barley 9.5t/ha; Spring feed barley 8.3t/ha; Spring malting barley 8.1t/ha; Spring wheat 9.3t/ha; Winter oats 8.9t/ha; Spring oats 8.4t/ha; Winter oilseed rape 5.1t/ha; Spring oilseed rape 2.7t/ha; Spring beans 7.3t/ha; Fodder beet 82.4t/ha. Average break-even costs for the top one third of growers: Winter wheat 134/t; Winter barley 136/t; Spring feed barley 131/t; Spring malting barley 129/t; Spring wheat 143/t; Winter oats 123/t; Spring oats 121/t; Winter oilseed rape 228/t; Spring oilseed rape 324/t; Spring beans 135/t; Fodder beet 23/t. | https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/how-much-does-it-cost-to-break-even-on-a-tillage-farm/ |
Would Pfizer Shareholders Win With an Acquisition of Amarin? | January historically brings deals and rumors of deals in the biopharmaceutical industry. The first few weeks in 2019 haven't disappointed, with a couple of big buyouts already announced and rumors flying about more that could be on the way. Perhaps the juiciest gossip right now relates to a potential acquisition of Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). Nine days ago, StreetInsider.com reported that Pfizer could be looking to buy Amarin. Neither Amarin nor Pfizer made public comments about any discussions, but the story stirred interest among investors. Amarin's share price soared on the speculation about an acquisition. Pfizer's shares, on the other hand, fell. Woman drawing a big yellow fish on a wall with its mouth open behind a small yellow fish. More Image source: Getty Images. Arguments against a deal Probably the biggest argument against Pfizer buying Amarin is that the drugmaker really doesn't have to make a deal right now. Pfizer's pipeline is as strong as it's been in a long time. The company's top products, including blood thinner Eliquis and breast cancer drug Ibrance, continue to generate solid sales growth. There's also the fact that Pfizer's track record of acquisitions has been spotty. For example, the big pharma company made two significant acquisitions in 2016, spending $14 billion to buy Medivation and $5.2 billion to buy Anacor. Based on sales so far for the key drugs obtained with both of those transactions, it will take years for Pfizer to see a positive return on its initial investments. Many Pfizer shareholders would probably prefer that the company use its cash to boost its dividend more and buy back more shares. Actually, new Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference earlier this month that his top capital allocation priorities are to do those two things -- increase the dividend and repurchase shares. Another argument against Pfizer acquiring Anacor is that it could get more bang for the buck by buying or licensing phase 2 or phase 3 assets. Again, that's something that Bourla indicated the drugmaker would do in his comments at the J.P. Morgan conference. Checking off the boxes However, there are several reasons why an acquisition of Amarin by Pfizer could pay off nicely. Amarin definitely has a potential blockbuster on its hands with Vascepa. At least one analyst thinks that Vascepa could achieve peak sales in the ballpark of $2.5 billion. If the drug can get anywhere close to that level, Amarin's current market cap of $5.3 billion looks quite attractive. Adding Vascepa to Pfizer's lineup would increase the chances that the drug can deliver on its potential. Pfizer already has a large sales force calling on cardiologists to promote Eliquis, cholesterol drug Lipitor, and hypertension drug Norvasc. Vascepa would be a good fit with Pfizer's existing drugs. Albert Bourla said in his comments at the J.P. Morgan conference that Pfizer doesn't want any deals that are distracting. An acquisition of Amarin shouldn't be a distraction. Pfizer's cash stockpile (including cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments) totals more than $17 billion. The drugmaker could buy Amarin at a reasonable premium to its current price without breaking a sweat. | https://news.yahoo.com/pfizer-shareholders-win-acquisition-amarin-141500651.html |
Whats The Difference Between Trumps Immigration Compromise And a Communist Police State? | Donald Trumps big announcement Saturday wouldnt be the first time the word compromise was used as a euphemism for the government. Stealing even more of your money to pay for both big corporate political parties wish lists and all their friends and corporate sponsors. The big compromise is: Donald Trump gets to spend five billion dollars of not-his-money, on none-of-his-business, to solve not-the-taxpayers-problem. And in exchange for that, he will give the DACA kids, and other immigrants who have temporary protected status by the federal government, a 3-year extension. Not to come swooping into their school where theyre studying, or some place where theyre working, with a group of armed police, to arrest them and confine them like you would the most violent criminal, and then transport them to some other country far away from their home and drop them off. Give me your money, or Ill take some police state measures on a broad group of people who arent hurting or threatening anybody. U.S. immigration policy is exactly how the Soviet Union treated immigrants by the way. In a paper for Law & Social Inquiry, the Journal of The American Bar Foundation (Spring 2012), Matthew A. So from the communist point of view, the government should intervene in, control, and bureaucratize every aspect of humanity. Whether its the number of workers in a certain industry (like when Mao Zedong forced so many Chinese farmers to go into steel production that the resulting famine killed 15 million people), or how many immigrants should be living in an area, communists want the bureau to decide. Thats why one of the Ten Planks of Communism in Karl Marxs Communist Manifesto is: 4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels. For the communist ideologue, the states prerogative to advance its agenda was the supreme consideration in a communist society, so no individual claim to fair treatment, or substantive due process, or liberty could be made against it. Thats why communisms a nightmare. If you dont feel safe, thats what the Second Amendments for; its not Washingtons problem. This idea that America is all one house and your own house has four walls, so why shouldnt America have a wall?that is communist thinking. This is not all one house. Nearly everybody has their own home inside of walls that they are paying for. Individuals should be responsible for their own walls and for their own personal safety. Thats what we have the Second Amendment for. In America, youre allowed to take whatever measures you need to keep yourself safe, and thats guaranteed by the Second Amendment, and that guarantee has been upheld very firmly and even heavily strengthened in multiple Supreme Court decisions over the last decade. So you are allowed to be armed to a degree in America that half the people here think it is insane, but I disagree with them vehemently. I think it would be insane in a world like ours not to allow people to be able to defend themselves. | https://news.yahoo.com/difference-between-trump-immigration-compromise-141803196.html |
Which Big Pharma Stocks Lose Most in a War on Drug Price Hikes? | A battle is brewing for big pharma. Last year, several major pharmaceutical companies agreed to freeze price hikes on prescription drugs after coming under heavy pressure from the Trump administration. It didn't take very long for the freeze to thaw. At least 30 drugmakers plan to raise prices on some of their drugs in 2019. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar responded directly on Twitter, stating: "For those listening in the pharmaceutical industry: The list price increases must stop. Prices must start coming down." Democrats in the House of Representatives have also launched an investigation into price increases by drug companies. The war in Washington against drug price hikes is one of the few issues that unites both Democrats and Republicans. In any war or battle, there are losers. It's complicated. Increasingly higher stacks of coins with a pill bottle at the end of the row More Image source: Getty Images. A mixed bag One key problem in determining which stocks could be at most risk if the federal government clamps down on price hikes is figuring out just how reliant specific companies are on price increases. Many drugmakers are increasing their prices. But they're not doing it on all of their drugs. What's more, some pharma companies are increasing prices on some drugs while decreasing prices on others. For example, HHS Secretary Azar tweeted that "we've seen some good behavior from companies such as Merck, Gilead, and Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN), who announced lower prices for their drugs." [Bolding and ticker added.] And he was correct that these three drugmakers have reduced prices on some of their drugs. However, Reuters reported that Amgen is raising prices for some drugs. Merck is also increasing prices for some drugs. And while there's plenty of steam rising in Washington, one analysis found that the overall number of price increases for 2019 dropped by around one-third from 2018. Azar echoed this on Twitter, stating that "initial data show that price increases effective Jan. 1, 2019, are smaller and fewer than those effective Jan. 1, 2018." More wrinkles Investment firm Leerink conducted an analysis of drug prices that found the pharmaceutical companies most dependent on price increases to drive growth were Amgen, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). But, again, there are some wrinkles. Pfizer announced price increases for 41 of its drugs effective Jan. 15, 2019. The price hike on 37 of those 41 drugs will be 5%. The prices for three of the drugs will rise by 3%. One drug's price will increase by 9%. Pfizer attributed the bigger price hike to "the completion of two extensive development programs that have led to the recent FDA approvals of two new medical used that meet unmet patient needs." Forty-one drugs might sound like a lot. However, Pfizer said that it's keeping prices stable for 90% of the drugs in its product lineup. But the important thing to note is that Pfizer stated that "the net effect on revenue growth in the U.S. in 2019 is expected to be zero." It's a similar story with Allergan (NYSE:AGN). The drugmaker increased prices on 51 drugs, including 27 with 9.9% price hikes. However, Allergan doesn't expect to realize any net benefit from these price increases. | https://news.yahoo.com/big-pharma-stocks-lose-most-135900987.html |
What time is Les Miserables on tonight and how many episodes are left? | Ellie Bamber is playing the grown-up Cosette in Les Miserables (Picture: BBC) BBC Ones new adaptation of Les Miserables has passed its halfway mark and the characters have seen some big changes in their lives. The six-part take on Victor Hugos classic features an impressive cast which includes the likes of Dominic West, Lily Collins, David Oyelowo and Olivia Colman. Well as last week Les Miserables will be on BBC One on Sunday night at 9pm. There are two more episodes to go which means you can expect the finale in early February. This week Valjeans efforts to keep Cosette protected from the outside world hit a stumbling block as the teenager, desperate for a new start in Paris, meets Marius who hs turned his back on his family. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile Javert is becoming steadily more powerful and determined to meet his end goal as he rises through the ranks of the police force. Filming took place across Belgium and Northern France as the production recreated the battles of the French Revolution that saw the underdogs rise up and fight against the system. 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: Les Miserables revealed Fantines I Dreamed a Dream love story was an epic case of ghosting | https://metro.co.uk/2019/01/20/time-les-miserables-tonight-many-episodes-left-8365590/ |
Where are the stars of 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' now? | Tributes have poured in following the news Windsor Davies - star of It Ain't Half Hot Mum - passed away last week aged 88. The London-born Welsh actor played Sergeant Major Williams in the 1970's hit sitcom along with beloved co-stars Don Estelle and Melvyn Hayes. Forty-five years on, catchphrases including 'Shuutt up!!' and 'Oh dear. How sad' are forever etched in the memories of fans of 'the BBC's most non-PC comedy'. It was first broadcast in BBC One in 1974 and ran over 56 episodes before ending in 1981. Windsor Davies, the star of It Ain't Half Hot Mum, has passed away aged 88. Davies (centre) is pictured on set with co-stars Don Estelle (fourth right), Mervyn Hayes (second right) and George Layton (fifth right). The show was first aired on BBC One in 1974 and ran until 1981 Windsor Davies (pictured on set in 1976) played Sergeant Major Williams in It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and died last week at the age of 88. The London-born Welsh actor went on to have a number one hit with the novelty track Whispering Grass with his sitcom co-star Don Estelle Davies starred in the hit TV show along with Mervyn Hayes, left, and Don Estelle, right. Forty-five years on, catchphrases including 'Shuutt up!!' are forever etched in the memories of fans Melvyn Hayes, who played Gunner 'Gloria' Beaumont, said: 'To work with him was a pleasure, a sheer delight because he was so generous in his work. But as Davies' surviving co-stars praised his generosity and professionalism, the BBC last night said there were 'currently no plans' to repeat any episodes as a tribute to Davies. Due to complaints that the sitcom is racist, sexist and homophobic, It Ain't Half Hot Mum is never repeated, a decision that troubled co-creator Jimmy Perry who also co-wrote Dad's Army who described the ban as 'a shame'. Comedy writer David Quantick said viewers had warmed to Sergeant Major Williams because memories of shouting Army officers were still fresh for those who had served in the Second World War and completed National Service. 'Even in the 1970s I think that he was an outrageous and extreme character,' he said. 'The character was very loose with his terminology but that's how sergeant majors talked. 'They were bullies who wanted to strip you down. I think even at the time there was an element of, "Oh my God, you can't say that."' Windsor Davies Windsor Davies, who passed away last week, on the set of It Ain't Half Hot Mum in the early 1980s (left) and in 1994 (right). Tributes to the late London-born actor have poured in Davies played Battery Sergeant-Major 'Shut Up' Williams from 1974 to 1981, and in 1975 had a number one hit with the novelty track Whispering Grass with his sitcom co-star Estelle, which was one of the biggest selling duets of all time on the UK charts. Born in 1930 to Welsh parents in Canning Town, east London, he moved to his father's village in Ogmore Valley, Wales, at the outbreak of the Second World War. He also appeared in the TV series Ring Out An Alibi, The New Statesman, Terrahawks and Never The Twain, as well as the films Carry On England and Carry On Behind. Davies went on to star opposite Donald Sinden as Oliver Smallbridge in the long-running ITV sitcom Never The Twain about rival antiques dealers during the 1980s. His most recent credited appearance was in an episode of My Family in 2004. The TV legend died on Thursday at home in France, according to his family. Melvyn Hayes Melvyn Hayes in character on the set of 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum', where he played Bombardier 'Gloria' Beaumont (left) and pictured in 2005 (right). He went on to star on TV and in pantomimes, as well as taking on more than 50 foster children with third wife Jayne Hayes played Bombardier 'Gloria' Beaumont in the show and continued to work with co-star Davies in subsequent years. Projects included a 15-week panto season at the London Palladium in 1981 with Jim Davidson, Mollie Sugden, Lionel Blair and Clive Dunn. He met wife Jayne in 1986 when they worked on a touring production of The Dresser, and the couple went on to have a daughter, Lily. The actor also has daughters Sacha and Talla and a son Damian by his first wife Rosalind, and daughters Jo and Charlie by his second wife Wendy. He and Jayne have legal guardianship of three foster children, Josh, Jordan and Toni. He went on to appear on This Is Your Life - in an episode that drew in some 18 million viewers - and was a guest on 12 further occasions, including the 500th and 1,000th editions. In 2011, Hayes and Jayne relocated to the Isle of Wight as they felt it would be a 'safer' place for the children we foster - over 50 to date. Hayes this weekend led tributes to his comedy legend co-star Davies, saying: 'To work with him was a pleasure, a sheer delight... he was a lovely, lovely man.' George Layton George Layton played character Bombardier 'Solly' Solomons in the first two series of It Ain't Half Hot Mum (left) and pictured in May 2008 (right) After bursting onto screens as Bombardier 'Solly' Solomons in the first two series of the show, Layton went on to play a recurring character in ITV drama Minder in the 1980s. He also did voice work - playing various voices as part of kids cartoon show Pigeon Street. Layton was also also the voice of Sydney, the well know animated character in the Tetley Tea adverts. In 1999 he joined the cast of Sunburn, playing a manager in Cyprus, while he also made guest appearances in Doctors, Holby City and Casualty. Layton went on to star as Pat Butcher's love interest in EastEnders. In a 2015 interview, he told the Express: 'I still get recognised from It Aint Half Hot Mum and it was fantastic but I only did two series. 'I never felt my role, Bombardier "Solly" Solomons, developed properly. I spoke to the co-writer, David Croft, and he said, "If youre not happy, you can leave," so I did. 'With my Doctor In The House co-star Jonathan Lynn, I wrote for sitcoms including On The Buses and Nearest And Dearest.' Don Estelle Don Estelle, who was often teased for his 4ft 9in height, played Gunner 'Lofty' Sugden in It Ain't Half Hot Mum (left); and pictured in 1981 (right). He died in 2003 aged 70 The late 4ft 9in star played Gunner 'Lofty' Sugden in the 70s sitcom and also had a number-one hit with Whispering Grass, dueting with fellow actor Windsor Davies. Estelle was born in Manchester, and spent his early years there until the Second World War, when he was evacuated to Darwen, near Blackburn, Lancashire. He became a boy soprano at the Holy Trinity Church there, known today as St Peter's, Darwen. His first stage experience was with a local charity group, the Manchester Kentucky Minstrels. This led to a solo career in the north of England Club circuit - renowned as a tough circuit for any aspiring artiste - during which time he met Davies. His big break came when he appeared in another BBC classic, Dad's Army, playing a Pickford's removal man delivering a naval gun to the platoon, It Ain't Half Hot Mum ran for eight years and brought the release of a cast album of the show. The ensuing single, Whispering Grass, sold well over one million copies; a follow-up album by the duo, Sing Lofty, sold more than 80,000 copies. Estelle performed regularly around the world, from the UK to New Zealand, Australia and beyond. In 1999 he wrote his autobiography, Thoughts of a Gemini. He also reworked the classic Laurel and Hardy movie song Trail of the Lonesome Pine featuring politician Sir Cyril Smith. TV audiences also saw the actor play a cameo role in the award winning series, The League of Gentlemen. Estelle passed away on in August 2003 aged 70, with his family at his bedside in Rochdale Infirmary following a period of illness. His widow said: 'He had a lovely singing voice, He regretted it was not more well known. He loved singing more than anything but he loved comedy as well. 'He lived absolutely for his showbiz career. He loved his music more than anything.' Michael Bates The show courted controversy in its heyday - and in subsequent years - for having Rangi Ram, an Indian character, played by a white actor, Michael Bates. According to co-writer Jimmy Perry, Bates was born to British parents in India, the son of an Empire civil servant. He spoke Urdu and Hindi fluently, and would often speak to Perry in the 'pidgin Urdu' that they had picked up during their time in the Forces. Perry said: 'Like most children of Empire, hed had an Indian nurse, an ayah, who taught him the best of her own culture. 'He never lost the ability to squat on his haunches a great relaxation trick.' His life was cut tragically short when he died of cancer in 1978, aged 57. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6612323/Where-stars-sitcom-Aint-Half-Hot-Mum-now.html |
Will Netanyahu benefit from Mandelblit publishing decision? | Prof. Aviad Hacohen notes that sometimes suspects have interest in AG publishing decisions regarding them even before elections. Academic Center for Academic Studies and Law President Prof. Aviad Hacohen related in an interview to Arutz Sheva to the Prime Minister's investigations and implicitly criticizes the Attorney General's intention to publish his conclusions on the matter shortly before the elections. "It's not problematic in terms of the law, but it looks like the law enforcement agencies, whether it's the State Prosecutor or the Attorney General, are taking part in the political game to influence the election campaign," says Prof. Hacohen. However, Prof. Hacohen notes that sometimes suspects have an interest in the Attorney General's publishing decisions regarding them even before the elections. "Such a thing can add to their seats. Aryeh Deri and Shas received the largest number of seats in their history, 17 seats, after he was accused," says Hacohen. | http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/257865 |
Who are the traitors in Parliament? | Nicky Morgan is one of several MPs being criticised. Credit: PA We are witnessing a titanic struggle between the executive - personified by the prime minister - and Parliament. That much is true. Because today you will hear and read the widespread charge of treachery against backbench Tories like Dominic Grieve, Nick Boles, Nicky Morgan, Sir Oliver Letwin and Dame Caroline Spelman - for daring to seek a single day of Commons business shaped by MPs and not by the executive, so MPs can reveal their Brexit preference. But surely the accusation of infamy is bizarre. Here is why. Liam Fox said MPs were trying to 'steal Brexit'. Credit: PA First, leaving the EU is the most important decision this country has taken in decades, and the ramifications on our prosperity, security and influence in the world will resonate for many more decades. Second, the prime minister's plan to leave the EU was not just resoundingly defeated by MPs, it was defeated by a margin of historic proportions - and those most responsible for her defeat are the Tory Brexit MPs who (along with some close to the PM) are now accusing the Grieveses, Boleses and Letwins of betraying democracy and the prime minister, even though Boles, Letwin, Spelman, Morgan et al (though not Grieves) actually backed the PMs Brexit plan. Third, throughout most of British history, a defeat of such momentous importance for the nation and a government would have been followed in short order, probably by a general election, and failing, that by the resignation of a prime minister. Neither has happened, partly because of the legacy of the last prime minister David Cameron whose Fixed Term Parliament Act makes it almost impossible for MPs to throw out a failing government, and partly because those same outraged Tory Brexiters launched a premature coup before Christmas against the PM - which means that she is now safe in office for another year. Dominic Grieve wants a no-deal off the table. Credit: PA So the normal valves in the British constitution that let pressure out of the system when there is an irreconcilable conflict between the executive and the legislature are not functioning properly. But the genius of the British constitution is its adaptability. All the Boleses, Letwins and Greiveses are doing - with the help of the clerks of the Commons - is finding another valve. The point is that right now it is unclear whether the PM has the authority to get any version of Brexit through the Commons. The PM may beg to differ. But in a democracy, differences on an issue of such magnitude are quite properly debated and resolved by elected representatives, not ruled as improper by a threatened executive. Rees-Mogg could end up voting for the prime minister's revised deal. Credit: PA | https://www.itv.com/news/2019-01-20/who-are-the-traitors-in-parliament/ |
Will Russia Create Its Own Form of Cryptocurrency? | The world has entered a new financial universal with the appearance of cryptocurrencies. However, the appearance and growth of cryptocurrencies over the last decade has been a helter-skelter ride of great gains and massive losses. BNW's financial guru, Paul Goncharoff, an American businessman living in Moscow explains the current situation. Paul says that last week, professor Ginko, a Russian economist associated with the Russian government, made an announcement that went viral amongst the bitcoin and cryptocurrency community. He said that in February 2019, Russia is going to be buying bitcoin. Paul says, "Despite Ginko's announcement, that this is highly unlikely, the fact that there is a very serious discussion on the floor of the Duma and in the Kremlin about crypto-rubles is interesting though. The rules and the concepts are being developed now, as we speak, within the Russian government and central bank, but this is not what the geeks of the world would like to see: a peer-to-peer decentralized cryptocurrency. A crypto-ruble, the way it was explained in the Duma, will not be open to the general public to mine, it will be managed by the central bank, it will be available to international buyers and traders, as well as Russian citizens. One crypto-ruble is equivalent to one ruble. What it does do is enable the use of electronic currency, in this case, the crypto ruble, to be used to buy a cup of coffee, buy an apartment, a number of things. Today it is illegal in Russia to trade in cryptocurrencies. A blind eye is turned within reason to the exchanges that are working unofficially here, they call them currency exchanges, converting cryptocurrencies to rubles through the banks here Sberbank, Tinkoff bank, Alpha Bank, and others." Paul says: "It will be backed up the way the ruble is backed up by the faith and trust in the central bank of the Russian Federation.It needs to be regulated, its volume has to be controlled, and that's the only responsible way to go forward." Paul thinks that the launch of the crypto-ruble will be within the next two years. "Optimists say in 2019, this year, but it's like everything else. You set a date and then the can gets kicked down the road, but it's not just Russia, many other countries are looking at a crypto-whatever it is their sovereign currency is, eventually we will see crypto dollars, crypto-pounds, you name it. Look, recently, the President of the Marshall Islands announced very loudly: we will be accepting peer-to-peer cryptocurrencies. Not two hours went by after her announcement when the IMF came down on her case and the US Federal Reserve. Because in the Marshall Islands the US dollar is used. That is the default currency. It would have been a huge thing if it had gone through, but it didn't for many practical reasons." The selling of US dollars by Russia has been reported in the news recently, as has Russia's purchase of Euros and gold. There is something else happening that not so many people know about. Paul says: "A number of months ago I wrote an article about discussions that are rumoured to be going on between Russia and China about a currency which will be backed by a commodity or a basket of commodities, which is gold, energy, and oil. The rumours of the creation of this currency persist, which leads me to believe that something is afoot.Buying gold both by Russia and by China is a measure of security against the vagaries of the US dollar, and the uncertainty that the dollar has been of lately to the trading world. Throughout the 90s, the dollar was the de facto currency of Russia. It became apparent to Russians that decisions about their country's economy were been taken in Washington. Those who control the money have got the power." It seems unlikely that Russian and China will form a unified central bank to guarantee a new sovereign currency, but we could see both countries investing in a new currency that would be commodities-backed and also high tech. Paul says: "I think we will see the beginning of this in the Eurasian Economic Union, between China, Russia, the Stans, Iran, the current outsiders of mainline geopolitics. They have been pretty much shunted aside from the mainstream of free trade. We'll see what happens, but a lot of what is happening is not being widely broadcast in the news. Russian has to remain trade capable, so this is an existential situating for Russia.I think whatever will happen will be a solid well-thought-through process. We'd love to get your feedback at [email protected] | https://sputniknews.com/radio_brave_new_world/201901201071652782-will-russia-create-its-own-form-of-cryptocurrency/ |
Is it time for a backbench revolt? | Prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Canada have risen to become the most powerful leaders in the G7. Not having any real separation between the executive branch Prime Minister's Office/Privy Council Office, cabinet, federal agencies and departments and the legislature the House of Commons and Senate; and with iron fisted caucus discipline the combination gives almost untrammelled authority to our PM and his advisers. And almost as much control over their caucus to successful opposition leaders. Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media after her government defeated a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons on Wednesday. Following the Torys crushing defeat on its Brexit strategy, and their whisker-thin escape from being thrown out of office altogether, there began quite open and flagrant mating dances between MPs across tribal lines, writes Robin V. Sears. ( Dan Kitwood / GETTY IMAGES ) The U.S. executive branch is supposed to be kept in check by Congress and the Supreme Court. With a Congress behaving like poodles and a semi-packed Supreme Court, though, Donald Trump has revealed how much power an American president can wield. But wind too tightly the straps and leashes on Type A personalities, who are used to being the king of their tiny kingdoms, well, something inevitably snaps. Pierre Trudeau smeared opposition MPs collectively as nobodies. Fifty years ago, it was less than truthful. Today, sadly turned many of the nobodies become flower pots, polished and displayed for photo ops from time to time, in each of the caucuses. But in the U.S. and the U.K., there are signs of life in the legislature. Following the Tories crushing defeat on its Brexit strategy, and their whisker-thin escape from being thrown out of office altogether, there began quite open and flagrant mating dances between MPs across tribal lines. Leadership level discussions have finally begun, but like the U.S. stalemate they are bedevilled by red lines on each side. So, MPs have begun a Commons-led rebellion in open defiance of their own leaders. The backbench on both sides, unlike their leaders, seem to have realized that voters have one priority: Decide, now! Article Continued Below In parallel in Washington, Senate majority leader whose role is similar to our house leader and whip combined in the wake of his humiliation by Trump has disappeared on a work-to-rule, allegedly fishing in Kentucky. A few enraged senators, such as Lindsey Graham, have continued back room negotiations, producing deals only to be slapped down as well. Now GOP and Democrat Congress members have ratcheted up their back room negotiations. The goal is the same: Get the government back to work, now! When these two stalemates are over, maybe life goes back to normal. The poodles return to being muzzled and stroked, and the flowerpots are happy with a fresh coat of paint and a selfie. But I doubt it. When confidence in leaders has been so completely broken it is tough to reimpose by threat. Backbench Labour and Tory MPs are appalled at the behaviour of their dinosaurs in leadership, as are GOP Senate and House members in theirs. The new Democratic radical caucus is bursting with threats of insurrection: No more compromise politics! is their rallying cry. On each side of the Atlantic, they believe they have a greater connection to the pulse of the electorate. That is, Less partisan political games, more action, please! The rebels may be right. ! In fairness, we have not faced an existential crisis threatening to break up the country in a while, nor have we ever had a lunatic PM. Some were a little quirky MacKenzie Kings most trusted advisers were his dead mother and his dead dog. We may be heading toward three humdingers as challenges to caucus discipline in Canada, though: a potential refugee crackdown, escalating violence at pipeline sites, and a tax rebellion over carbon. One can see many in each caucus being tempted to hit back at their leaders on both sides of these issues. They know they are raising passions and anger among their own voters. British and American politicians have demonstrated that representative democracy can include division between the executive and their legislators. As a recovering party enforcer, I sheepishly admit that such a rebellion in Canada might be a good thing in re-establishing some credibility, authenticity and authority to parliamentary politics. Robin V. Sears is a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group and was an NDP strategist for 20 years. He is a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @robinvsears | https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2019/01/20/is-it-time-for-a-backbench-revolt.html |
When is the best time to see the rare Super Blood Moon in the UK? | 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 You may not be looking for a reason to be awake in the early hours of the morning but if you are, this is it. Astronomers and stargazers will be in for a treat on Monday, January 21 as the Super Blood Moon eclipse is set to take place. What makes it even more special is that it is the last of its kind for two years. The event will see the combination of three astronomical phenomenon: a total lunar eclipse, a Blood Moon and a Supermoon. But if you're planning on catching a glimpse of the spectacle, which will create a reddish colour to the lunar surface, it's all in the details - those details being specific times. (Image: Liverpool Echo) The eclipse is set to begin at 2.36am on Monday but it is unlikely you will see it at its best or even at all. The best time is around 5.12am to catch the maximum eclipse, when the moon will be completely submerged within the Earth's shadow. For Manchester, however, the timings are slightly different. The total eclipse is estimated to begin at 4.41am with the maximum eclipse at 5.12am before the total eclipse ends at around 5.43am. The good news is that the lunar eclipse should be visible from the UK for a reasonable amount of time, which is being estimated at around five hours and 12 minutes. (Image: Manchester Evening News) Of course, this is all weather permitting and if there's one thing we can't plan, it is the temperamental weather. Tom Kerss, an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: "We're going into this unusual lull in total lunar eclipses over the next couple of years. "So this is a really good one to catch as it's going to be a long time before you catch another one like this - we will have other lunar eclipses, we just won't have anything quite as spectacular until May 2021." He also added: "The moon will be red between about 4.40am and about 6.45am, so it's actually more than an hour that you have to observe this blood moon phenomenon where the moon is totally eclipsed." The Super Blood Moon eclipse is the first of a number of notable events to arrive in 2019. When the Moon enters the Earth's darkest shadow it almost disappears in the sky - but a trick of the light will paint the Moon a deep red hue. NASA explained: "When the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow, it turns red. "This happens for the exact same reason that our sunrises and sunsets here on Earth are brilliant shades of pinks and oranges. "During a lunar eclipse, the only light reaching the Moon passes through the Earth's atmosphere. "The bluer, shorter wavelength light scatters and the longer wavelength red light passes through and makes it to the Moon." The effect is known as Rayleigh Scattering and is also responsible for the blue colour of some eyes. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/super-blood-moon-time-where-15705328 |
Why are the Cowboys obsessed with the Lions offense? | One possibility for the #Cowboys and something that allows the Jon Kitna interest to make sense is to promote fast-rising, impressive QB coach Kellen Moore to offensive coordinator. At the least, that is in the discussions of how to proceed. Their recent interest in former Detroit signal callers indicates this could be true. After firing offensive coordinator Scott Linehan who was the Lions OC from 2009-13 the Cowboys are potentially looking at an internal candidate to replace him. According to NFL Networks Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are considering promoting their current quarterback coach and former Lions quarterback from 2012-14 Kellen Moore for the open position. This potential promotion would open the door for another former Lions quarterback Jon Kitna (2006-8) who is also being considered for an offensive coaching position with the Cowboys organization. After spending two years with the Lions, both Moore and Kitna left Detroit and signed with the Cowboys, each finished their playing careers in Dallas and began a new career in coaching soon after. If Im Jim Bob Cooter recently fired by the Lions I am keeping my phone next to me and waiting on a call from Jerry Jones. | https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/20/why-are-the-cowboys-obsessed-with-the-lions-offense/ |
Can Electric Motors Finally Make Three-Wheeled Cars a Thing? | Share Every few years, someone tries to sell a three-wheeled vehicle to Americans. It hasnt gone well ever since Karl Benz patented the first three-wheeled car in 1885. Yes, the same guy who later co-founded Mercedes-Benz. In the 130 years since, automakers have tried different designs and moved the motors around, yet very few customers ever buy one. Weve got our suspicions about why people dont buy trikes, and they boil down to this: Theyre just not real cars. In the modern era, three-wheelers have made a good showing as alternatives to motorcycles. If your heart wants to head out for Sturgis but your head says its pretty sure you dont have the balance and endurance you had at age 21, there are trikes for that now. Three-wheeled motorcycles like the Polaris Slingshot, the Vanderhall, and the Can-Am Spyder now show up on beautiful country roads all over America. Motorcycle trikes are not cars. Not even close. You have to wear a helmet to ride one, and depending on what state youre in, you might need a motorcycle riders license to operate your vehicle. To compete as a car, a vehicle has to work like a car, without any special skills required to operate it safely. Weve got our suspicions about why people dont buy trikes, and they boil down to this: Theyre just not real cars. A bunch of companies are trying to get off the ground with car-like three-wheelers, including Elio Motors, Arcimoto, and others. Each has its unique selling points, but lets add another requirement to be a real car: You have to be able to stay dry inside. That leaves out the Arcimoto, which has open sides. If you live outside the sun belt, thats not a year-round car. The Elio comes closer, but at the moment its designed to use a gasoline engine a great selling point for sure, along with the $7,450 target price. Well get ready: Two companies plan to do exactly that. Visionary Vehicles Malcolm Bricklin is a legendary figure in the automotive industry. Hes the man who brought Subaru to North America, and he headed up his own eponymous car company in the mid-70s with a goal of producing a safer sports car. Now Bricklins back, with a new company called Visionary Vehicles and a new design he believes will disrupt the automotive industry and finally get people into a three-wheeled EV. Its going to be different because it is different, he told Digital Trends. Up to now three-wheelers have been cute at best. We decided to build a vehicle that is a beautiful looking, fabulous driving, very luxurious feeling, inexpensive three-wheeler. Bricklins two-passenger design is striking, with a futuristic sci-fi look and Lamborghini-style doors that scissor upwards. It does not cost more money to make it look good, Bricklin insisted. With electric, it doesnt cost all that much money to make it ride good, especially if you have a light vehicle. Its 1,500 pounds less weight than a four-wheeler. Thats 30 kilowatts I dont have to put in to get the same performance. Right now, we go 200 miles between charges and do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. The old obsession with building a safe car is still foremost in Bricklins mind. We spent a couple years trying to figure out the product because we knew everybody was going to be coming in with all sorts of electric vehicles, he said. Most of them are building three wheelers to keep it inexpensive because they dont have to meet safety regulations. Were putting a harness belt instead of a seat belt and putting the airbag in the harness belt. Were building a car thats going to be the safest car and has nothing to do with regulations that we dont have to meet. Bricklin has an interesting plan to get his car built. Pricing has been announced at $25,980, and the company will limit production. Most of them are building three wheelers to keep it inexpensive because they dont have to meet safety regulations. By keeping production to 25,000 vehicles, were going to keep the used car price up, he revealed. If you want a car, its gonna be sold out. Youre gonna have to buy it from somebody out there who already has it. The company also plans to contract out much of the production work, but not in China. Were building them here in the United States, Bricklin stated. Were going to invest in technology, but let other people manufacture it for us so we dont ever get stuck being complacent because we have invested in something. Technology is moving too fast. Bricklin has not yet shown his creation to the media or the public but he said thats coming soon. We will probably let press, various friends, and so forth start driving the car this summer, he said. Regular production starts in the summer of 2020. Electra Meccanica SOLO Intermeccanica is an Italian company that is now based in Vancouver, Canada. The company is best known for its replica Porsche 356 Speedsters, but since 2012 it has been working on a three-wheeled EV as well as some plans for electric sports cars. Electra Meccanica spun off and went public in 2018 and trades on the NASDAQ exchange as SOLO. The Electra Meccanica SOLO follows the basic three-wheel format, with a single wheel at the back powered by an electric motor. Unlike the other options, the SOLO provides space for just one person. 83% of people commute by themselves, said Electra Meccanica CEO Jerry Kroll. This is not a niche set; this is the majority of people, and theyre driving five-person cars. Maybe that was okay in the 60s and 70s, but today when the United Nations comes out and says weve got 12 years to turn around the carbon coming out of all these gas cars. This is probably the last chance we have to get this right. What makes the SOLO interesting is how much like a car it is when you get inside. Theres a comfortable seat, a familiar stereo head unit, climate controls, and a nice digital dashboard. If you suffer from claustrophobia, its not going to please you, but it will keep you warm and dry. Air conditioned, heated, power steering, power brakes, satellite radio. All the luxuries of a car in a one-person vehicle, Kroll insisted. The SOLO is designed for commuters. Theres enough space under a hatch behind the drivers head for a small carry-on bag or a big backpack, but thats about it. Theres another storage space up front between the wheels, but its not big and if you get the optional air conditioning, its even smaller. Dominic Dobson is one of the first dealers for the SOLO, and hes located in Portland, Oregon. Virtually 100% of the time Im going to work, Im alone. And I have my backpack, and I might stop for a bag of groceries on the way home, Dobson explained. I got tired of commuting in my Audi Q7 with six empty seats and 16 miles per gallon. Electra Meccanica has produced several prototypes and is taking orders for the SOLO at $15,500 for the base car plus $750 for the optional air conditioning, which isnt really optional yet. That will be a mandatory option for the first 5,000 cars, Kroll stated. Were going to be delivering them in Los Angles, because thats the primary and most influential market in the world. Kroll also said that the SOLO will be available on a lease. You can lease this electric vehicle for 200 bucks a month, Kroll told Digital Trends, Its the lowest-cost way you can get off gasoline. If youre spending any more than $200 a month on gas, the SOLO pays for itself. Perhaps the most impressive part of the SOLO experience is that you can instantly forget that youre in a three-wheeler. Digital Trends took a brief drive in the SOLO while we were on-site, and the car lives up to its promises. Its quick enough, but not anything like Tesla-fast. Its close inside, but six-foot adults will have no problem getting in and out. There are doors on both sides, so you can choose the side with easier access. Once inside, the Solo uses a standard seat belt and requires no changes to your driving habits. Perhaps the most impressive part of the SOLO experience is that you can instantly forget that youre in a three-wheeler. The car feels as stable as a four-wheel subcompact under normal street driving conditions. Its not a sports car by any means, but neither is a four-wheel economy commuter like a Nissan Versa or a Chevrolet Spark. Both are priced to compete with the Solo. I dont think its a case of three wheels, Kroll stated. I think its a case of having a micro car thats correctly engineered. You dont need a motorcycle license to drive it. You just park in any angle on the side of the road. You can access any high occupancy vehicle lane, anywhere in the world. Bricklin hit on safety as the main objection to lightweight three-wheeled EVs. Because most states still treat three-wheelers as motorcycles, these vehicles are not required to meet the same crash safety standards as four-wheeled passenger cars. Both Visionary Vehicles and Electra Meccanica are attempting to address those concerns, but its far from certain that an attractive price and green sales pitch will change consumers minds. I dont know if this car will be the one that changes the track record of small electric three-wheeled vehicles, Dobson said. I hope it is. My view on this car is that I fell in love with it when I first drove it. Im a fair-weather motorcyclist, so I dont want to put on tons of gear to go the three miles from my home to my office, and this car keeps me dry. Only time will tell if the era of the three-wheeled EV has arrived, but the current crop of contenders is certainly more credible than any that have gone before. | https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/three-wheel-evs-motorcycles-work-like-cars/ |
Did Ciaras NFL Hubby Russell Wilson Clap Back At Future? | Future just dropped a new album, The WIZRD, but a lot of the Internet chatter surrounding the Atlanta rapper is regarding his personal life. That was because he said when it comes to his baby mama Ciara, and Russell Wilsons now wife, the NFL QB do exactly what she tell him to do. Now it seems that the Seattle Seahawks star took the high road and clapped back at the same damn time. Yesterday (Jan. 19), Wilson posted a photo Sienna, his daughter with Ciara, and Future Jr., his stepson and Futures biological son, rubbing noses on the floor. The adorable pic was captioned, All that matters. #Love. Safe bet Future, who is in a custody battle with Ciara, wasnt too happy when he saw that. So far nothing from Ciara, and dont expect anything since shes been letting the lawyers handle all the mess. | https://hiphopwired.com/799564/did-ciaras-nfl-hubby-russell-wilson-clap-back-at-future/ |
Will NBA prospect Ja Morant from Murray State struggle against Belmont again? | Murray State's Ja Morant may be the first guard taken in the 2019 NBA Draft. Some draft boards have the 6-foot-3 sophomore rated ahead of other top prospects such as Vanderbilt's Darius Garland, Duke's R.J. Barrett and Kentucky's Keldon Johnson. You couldn't tell it, however, by the way Morant played in a game at Belmont last season. Murray State guard Ja Morant (12) works around Auburn guard Bryce Brown (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) (Photo: The Associated Press) The Bruins held Morant to eight points and three assists and beat the Racers 79-72 at Curb Event Center. The Bruins will try to stymie Morant again Thursday (ESPNU, 8 p.m.) when they visit Murray State (14-2, 5-0) in a key Ohio Valley Conference showdown. Belmont warmed up for the challenge by beating Tennessee State last Saturday 92-74. The Bruins (13-4, 4-2) staged their best offensive performance of the season shooting 63.5 percent (33 of 52) from the field and 61.9 percent (13 of 21) from 3-point range. They were 73.9 percent (17 of 23) from the field in the second half. Coach Rick Byrd hopes Belmont plays as well offensively against Murray State this week as the Bruins did in Saturday's 92-74 win over Tennessee State. (Photo: Sam Simpkins / Belmont) "Belmont played an amazing game," first-year TSU coach Brian "Penny" Collins said. "I didn't even know they missed five shots (in the second half); I literally thought they made every shot they took. That's how it felt." Morant then and now With Belmont now focused on Murray State, Bruins coach Rick Byrd recalled how his team held Morant in check in the regular season last year. Morant played better in the OVC tournament championship, which Murray State won 68-51. He scored 15 points in that game, but was only 4-of-13 from the field. Morant is averaging 24.3 points this season. He scored 40 points, dished out 11 assists and had five steals Saturday in an 82-72 win over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. He set an OVC record by making 21-of-21 free throws. "Morant's interesting because a year ago he played third fiddle to their best two players (Jonathan Stark and Terrell Miller Jr.)," Byrd said. "We really kind of went under ball screens and didn't feel like he could make shots good enough for us to worry too much about him. And now he's going to be a top three or four pick in the NBA Draft." Belmont's Nick Muszynski had 23 points and four blacks in Saturday's 92-74 win over Tennessee State at Curb Event Center. (Photo: Sam Simpkins / Belmont) Dylan Windler led Belmont in the win over TSU with 25 points. He was 7-of-8 on 3-pointers. Nick Muszynski scored 23 points. Winlder and Muszynski were a combined 17-of-21 from the field. "We're hopeful we can carry over that type of shooting (to the Murray State game)," said Windler, who averages 18.9 points per game. "We built our confidence up and carried it over into the second half of (the TSU) game. Hopefully, we can take that confidence into practice these next couple of days." Not that far away Tennessee State coach Brian "Penny" Collins said the Tigers are close to being on the same level as Belmont. (Photo: Sam Simpkins / Belmont) TSU never really threatened Belmont. After falling behind 43-31 at the half, the closes the Tigers got in the second half came when Donte Fitzpatrick-Dorsey hit a 3-pointer to cut the Belmont lead to 54-44. Belmont promptly answered by going on a 10-2 run and it was never close again. TSU fell to 5-13 and 2-4, but Collins said he firmly believes the Tigers are capable of being competing with the Bruins. "I wanted our guys to see that we're really not that far away from being the type of team that Belmont is," Collins said. "And we're going to get there. We're just trying to get there quicker than (the players) think; I want them to be there now, and they can be." TSU plays at Austin Peay Thursday (8 p.m.). More: Belmont bounces back from loss with win over Tennessee State More: Nashville's Penny: Collins has grand plan for TSU Tigers Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter. | https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2019/01/20/ja-morant-murray-state-nba-prospect-against-belmont-dylan-windler-rick-byrd/2630114002/ |
Will Jeremy Corbyn ruin Britain by becoming the next Hugo Chavez? | Although John Sheffield is a financial adviser whose specialist subject on quiz Mastermind would be pensions, he has no doubt as to what a Labour Government led by Corbyn would do to the country. Ruin it. He says this after sitting through last Wednesdays BBC documentary on the rise of Hugo Chavez, former President of Venezuela who died in 2013. The programme charts Chavezs rise to power by promising wealth distribution to both the young and disenfranchised and then pointedly the countrys plunge into economic meltdown as his policies (continued by his successor) disastrously unwound, leaving many Venezuelans starving and eating from dustbins. Hugo Chavez, former President of Venezuela who died in 2013 Sheffield, a director of AIS Pensions, told Wealth: Chavez was almost a messiah in the eyes of the young. What fascinated me was to see Corbyn on screen shouting his praises and putting his policies up as a beacon of light. Yet former devoted Chavez supporters are now poverty stricken, rioting in the streets and being shot at. He says: I understand that the young see the inequalities in the world and view big business, sometimes rightly so, as the enemy. I admire their desire to change the world for the better. But The Hugo Chavez Story should be essential viewing for all Corbyn supporters. Generous promises made out of power can result in rack and ruin. Revolution In Ruins: The Hugo Chavez Story can be viewed on BBC iPlayer. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/comment/article-6610825/Will-Jeremy-Corbyn-ruin-Britain-Hugo-Chavez.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 |
What's Next For Adrien Broner After Losing To Manny Pacquiao? | Adrien "The Problem" Broner isn't an elite fighter. It's time everyone in the boxing community accepts it. On Saturday night in Las Vegas, Broner was outworked and outclassed by a 40-year-old Manny Pacquiao in losing a clear unanimous decision. Broner was in fantastic shape physically, but he again failed to throw enough punches to win. Predictably, Broner said he felt he won the fight, but it's hard to believe that was a serious take. Hall of Famer Jim Gray conducting a powerful post-fight interview. #PacBroner pic.twitter.com/y1P7jACXwY SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 20, 2019 In any case, the 29-year-old's career isn't over. However, with a 3-3-1 record in his last seven fights, it seems impossible for Mayweather Promotions or Premier Boxing Champions to push Broner as a legitimate contender. If we're trying to determine who Broner should fight next, it's an arduous task. There is no way you can put him in the ring with another top-level fighterat least not in his next fight. To put it plainly, whomever the opponent is, Broner probably loses. The smart approach would be to match him with one of the 140 or 147-pound second-tier fighters on the PBC roster. Here are three potential options for Broner's next fight. Erick Bone The 30-year-old Ecuadorian scored a TKO victory over Luis Guillermo Berrio in October, but he doesn't have his next fight scheduled. Bone owns a respectable 21-6 record, but he has only 9 KOs in his career. He has fought Shawn Porter, Miguel Vazquez, Chris Algieri and Sergey Lipinets. Bone is not a massive puncher, and he's probably an opponent Broner can perhaps score a victory over. That should make him an attractive option for The Problem's matchmakers. Jessie Vargas Judges gave Broner the benefit of the doubt when he fought Vargas in April 2018. I believe Vargas won the fight, but because judges officially scored it a draw, there is perhaps room to sell a rematch. The two men discussed the prospects immediately after their bout, but nothing came to fruition. Vargas doesn't have a fight set up, and he's coming off a thrilling bout with Thomas Dulorme in October 2018, which also ended in a draw. A rematch might be the best either man can do from a payday standpoint. Omar Figueroa Jr. After a two-year layoff, Figueroa is returning to boxing in February. He's taking on 36-year-old veteran John Molina Jr in Los Angeles at the Microsoft Theater. We don't know who Figueroa will be after such a long time out of the ring, but if he continues to fight after facing Molina, he and Broner could potentially deliver an interesting bout. Figueroa is an all-action fighter who is always looking for the finish. His hand speed isn't exceptional, and he's not usually difficult to hit. Stylistically, it could be a favorable matchup for Broner. A win might help everyone involved continue to create the illusion that Broner is a legitimate contender. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/01/20/whats-next-for-adrien-broner-after-losing-to-manny-pacquiao/ |
How much does the government shutdown cost? | Democratic presidential candidate John Delaney, a former Maryland congressman, poured cold water on fans of small government who support the current partial shutdown. "Interesting that some of Trump's advisers think shutdown shrinks government," Delaney tweeted Jan. 15 in response to a news report. "It costs between $12-20 Million more an HOUR to run gov't during shutdown - it's MORE expensive to run a closed government." Interesting that some of Trump's advisers think shutdown shrinks government. Another example of how wrong these people are. It costs between $12-20 Million more an HOUR to run gov't during shutdown - it's MORE expensive to run a closed government. In past shutdowns, we found that it does cost more to close the government than keep it open. When this partial shutdown ends, Washington has agreed to pay government employees every penny they were due, even if they didnt work during the impasse. For those who didnt work, the government will have paid for the value of the work not done. Every shutdown is different and calculating the cost of any shutdown is a dicey business. The estimates for the partial shutdown so far are imprecise so we are not rating this on the Truth-O-Meter. With no resolution in sight, however, it's safe to say the impact will only grow. Tricky estimates Delaneys office said his number starts with an analysis from the 2013 shutdown that lasted 16 days. The consulting firm IHT Global Insight estimated that it cost the government $12.5 million an hour to furlough 800,000 workers. That was the price tag to pay people for work not done. Delaney also looked at the impact on federal revenues. Independent analysts said the shutdown reduced growth by about $23 billion. Money not earned is money not taxed, according to Delaneys team, and those lost revenues came out to an hourly cost of nearly $20 million an hour. Recent articles in Fortune, the New York Times and Politico support the idea that its cheaper to keep the government running. They note that the Office of Management and Budget estimated that the cost of the 16-day 2013 shutdown included $2 billion in compensation paid for work not done. Plus, unpaid workers cut back on shopping, which sends ripple effects through the wider economy. Many government contractors make less and that also puts a drag on GDP. But none of those articles landed on a final price tag, much less an hourly rate. Unpaid workers are the key Of all the impacts of a shutdown, the matter of paying furloughed workers is the clearest hit on the governments wallet. In economic terms, people who work without pay are very different from those who are furloughed. Those who work without pay provide a service. Setting aside their personal pain, when they finally get their paychecks, the scales roughly balance out. But the furloughed employees, who don't work at all during the shutdown, are given back pay after the government reopens, even though they didn't render any services during the closure. Based on department and agency shutdown plans and a New York Times analysis of the total payroll due, we calculated that across 10 agencies, Washington owes 240,000 workers about $1.2 billion, as of Delaneys tweet, made on Day 25 of the shutdown. Two caveats: Nearly 30 agencies and departments remain unfunded, but we dug into only the largest ones, meaning our figure is an undercount. We left about 20,000 workers out of the equation. Also, our estimate is a snapshot. The number grows as the shutdown lingers. As of the day Delaney posted his tweet, there were 15 work days without pay. (We dont count weekends and holidays). Remember, our goal is to put an hourly value on the work not done. Assuming staff work a typical eight-hour day, that $1.2 billion breaks down to a value of lost labor of $10 million per hour. Economic costs Another major cost to the government comes through lower tax revenues. Shutdowns hurt the economy, and as it declines, so do tax collections. Kevin Hassett, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, said that the shutdown "should not have a long-run effect on GDP growth." But he has offered two estimates of what the short term costs could be. Initially, on Jan. 3, he said a rule of thumb is every two weeks cuts 0.1 percent from real GDP. The most recent government figures put the economy at $20.65 trillion, or about $2.4 billion an hour. Twenty-four full shutdown days had passed on the day Delaney posted his tweet. Hassetts rule of thumb yields a hit on the economy of $4 million an hour. Hassett later upped his estimate, saying that the decline could be .26 percent every two weeks. That would raise the short term economic cost to about $10 million an hour. Since federal taxes are 17 percent of GDP, that $10 million an hour translates into about $1.7 million less in taxes for each hour of the shutdown. To bring the pieces together, between paying for work not done and lost revenues, then a conservative estimate is that the shutdown costs Washington at least $12 million an hour. (Its conservative if only because we didnt count all furloughed workers, so we know our estimate is too low.) There might be other costs, such as fees not collected at national parks or potentially late payment fees on bills from contractors that go unpaid. The extent of those won't be known until well after the shutdown ends. Hassett argued that growth would make up for the short-term losses. Gary Burtless, an economist at the Brookings Institution, says the opposite might be true. "A malfunctioning, unreliable government undermines confidence, pushes citizens and businesses to take costly measures to protect themselves against added uncertainty and risk, and deprives the public sector from obtaining the services of some talented workers who look elsewhere for employment," Burtless said. If thats the case, then the costs go up again. Our simplest takeaway: Whether it's an extra $8 million an hour or $15 million an hour, it costs a lot to shutter even just part of the government. | https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2019/jan/18/how-much-does-government-shutdown-cost/ |
Are Disneys Live-action Remakes Really Necessary? | By Malak El-Lamie Disney just announced the making of yet another live-action depiction of an old classic tale : The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The mega company has already released 8 remakes and 4 more are scheduled to come out in 2019. HUGE shoes to fill Theres no doubt that classic Disney movies hold a very special place in our hearts. No matter how old we get, we never get tired of watching them over and over. We all probably still sob every time we watch Mufasa die. Needless to say, reboots of such iconic tales have impossibly high standards to live up to. Our beloved childhood movies are practically untouchable works of art. Theyre incomparable to anything they can come up with these days, and most of their sequels were total flops. Many diehard fans feel like trying to replicate or expand them beyond what has already been said and done undermines their magic. They dont need to be modernized or updated for kids to enjoy them; that goes against the essence of their timeless charm. No matter how good their newest renditions are, theyre inherently destined to disappoint. Yet, its important to remember that most of the animated features were themselves retellings of old fairytales. On one hand, releasing these live-action films can keep the iconic classics legacy alive for future generations to enjoy. Its an unfortunate reality that the classic cartoons are considered as outdated animation for the current younger generation. Adapting the fairytales to modern representations like CGI acts as a way to revive their appeal. This doesnt mean theyre trying to replace the old films, they actually want to nudge more kids in their direction. To be fair, some of the new depictions were actually pretty decent movies, namely Beauty & The Beast and The Jungle Book. While watching them, they evoked a gushing wave of nostalgia and the iconic songs gave us all the feels. Others offered a fresh and interesting new perspective to the stories we already know by heart. Maleficent, for example, gave us a fascinating backstory to the infamous villainess. While these movies are definitely not upgrades, they can nonetheless act as a reminder of why we fell in love with these stories in the first place. Final verdict : they work. Perhaps the intent behind live-actions isnt to compete with their predecessors. Disney is probably aware that they could never upstage their own masterpieces, nor is it in their interest to do so. However, we tend to forget that Disney is first and foremost a company, and like any company, profitability is its number one priority. At the same time, these films attract a much broader audience than regular family/childrens movies would. The typical age barrier practically doesnt exist. Both kids and adults especially the highly nostalgic 90s babies will flock to the cinemas to see their favorite childhood movies come to life. The goal behind these back-to-back releases is simple: make more money, and indeed they did. Upon its release a couple of months ago, The Lion Kings trailer initiated a global frenzy. The one-and-a-half-minute clip broke records and became the most viewed trailer in Disneys history. The films summer release is probably the most highly anticipated movie of the year. Despite the controversy surrounding them, people do actually show interest in these remakes. The fact that reboots are so successful is a tribute to how widely adored the original films still are. Hence why theyve generated a whopping 6 billion dollars in the box office. Disney has taken the phrase if it aint broke, dont fix it quite literally. One things for sure: whether we like it or not, its a highly lucrative business strategy. In sum, while theres no room for comparison between a classic & its replica, we can nonetheless enjoy both of them. However, instead of allocating hundreds of millions of dollars from its budget towards recycling the same plotlines, maybe Disney should invest in its own revival instead. A couple of reboots is fine, but with 15 more still in production, perhaps Disney has gone a bit too far. More remakes means less original works. It would be wiser to start producing a new collection of better quality animated features that could someday go down as classics as well. | https://identity-mag.com/are-disneys-live-action-remakes-really-necessary/ |
What now for peace in Colombia? | The deadliest attack in Colombia for 15 years killed 21 people and injured dozens more. A car bomb blast in Bogota on Thursday killed 21 people and devastated a police academy. Colombian President Ivan Duque has blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia's last remaining rebel group. He has renewed arrest orders for commanders who've been in Cuba for peace talks, in a sign that the bombing could threaten Colombia's fragile stability following half a century of conflict. Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault Guests: Jorge Restrepo - Director of Conflict Analysis Research Centre (CERAC) Arlene Tickner - Professor of international relations, Universidad Del Rosario Kristian Herbolzheimer - Director, International Catalan Institute for Peace Source: Al Jazeera News | https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2019/01/peace-colombia-190120134105962.html |
Whats open and closed on MLK Day in the Sacramento region? | Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor and remember the civil rights leader, will happen Monday, Jan 21, this year. Several government offices and businesses will be closed; look through our list to see what will be open or closed in memory of King. Government institutions All federal offices will be closed on Monday, as will state offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles. County offices in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo County will be closed. Digital Access for only $0.99 For the most comprehensive local coverage, subscribe today. Post offices will be closed on Jan. 21 in observance of the holiday, and mail service will begin the following Tuesday; private services like UPS and DHL will be operating as normal. FedEx services will see some changes. Recreational facilities National parks across the country are offering free entrance on MLK day, but with a shutdown still in effect, this may be changed or altered. Park services are already limited during the shutdown, The Sacramento Bees reporting shows. Californias State parks will be open on Jan. 21, but some museums will be closed. Check with the location you plan on visiting for more details and information. Public parks will be open. Public golf courses will also be open. Those include Bing Maloney, Cavanaugh, William Land, Haggin Oaks, and Bartley. Private courses should also be open, but call ahead to the one you plan on visiting to be sure. Educational institutions K-12 public schools in the region are will be closed Monday. The Los Rios Community College District schools Sacramento City, American River and Cosumnes River will be closed. UC Davis and Sacramento State will be closed. Public libraries in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo and El Dorado County will be closed. Financial institutions Most banks like Golden 1 Credit Union, Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, Bank of the West and others will be closed on MLK Day. If you need assist, check with your bank to see if its online services will be available on the day. The major stock exchanges NYSE, Nasdaq and American exchanges will be closed. Community services Garbage pickups, that includes recyclables and yard waste, for curbside customers in Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and Folsom wont see a delay in pickup. Waste Management from Sacramento County will be operating as normal as well. Transfer stations and public landfills like Kiefer Landfill near Sloughhouse, Yolo County Central Landfill, and El Dorado Disposal will all be open. All emergency services including hospitals will be open. Transit and traffic The city of Sacramento will offer free meters on Jan. 21 in honor of the celebration, its website said. Sacramento RT will be operating on its holiday/Sunday schedule on MLK day. Amtrak lines like the Capitol Corridor will be on a normal schedule, according to its website. Caltrain lines will also be in service. BART and ACE trains will be on a holiday schedule Monday, so check their pages for more information about your specific route. The Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) is still on its winter schedule and will remain so until April 8 of this year. Commuter buses will not be operating on Jan 21 for Roseville Transit, but local, ADA, and Dial-A-Ride services will still be available. Its website said that holiday schedules can change, call 916-745-7560 for more info. Yolobus and Lincoln Transit routes will be in service on MLK day, their sites say. South County Transit, Elk Grove E-tran, and Delta Breeze buses will not be operating on Jan 21. The same is true for Placer Commuter Express and El Dorado Transit. | https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/holidays/article223956470.html |
Will Huawei see brain drain after CFOs arrest? | A Huawei outlet in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei Province, on Friday Photo: VCG Amid difficulties involving the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, the Chinese telecoms company has drawn attention as netizens wonder how the giant will develop its human resources to maintain normal operations and avoid a brain drain among senior executives.Being a senior executive overseas for Huawei now seems to be a high-risk occupation, following Meng's detention in Canada. The company must avoid a brain drain of its top expertise if it wants to maintain its position as a world leader in 5G technology.Huawei is facing its toughest test since it became a world-renowned innovative technology company.Whether the company can ride out the crisis depends on what measures are adopted to retain talent and bolster innovation.On Sunday, a post that was circulated online said Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei defined human resources in an internal speech nearly two months before the arrest as involving three kinds of people: those who make up the backbone of the company, those who are heroes and those who are leaders.There is indeed a need for heroes amid the flames of economic war.Retaining talent with a global view is the top priority at the moment. Huawei must step up research and development (R&D) investment both in China and abroad to retain and attract more talent. At the very least, the giant has to further develop its existing R&D centers in overseas markets. As long as the company can retain talent, it can pull through the difficulties.It is a harsh time, and Huawei is sparing no effort to retain talent amid economic uncertainty. That's where Ren's speech came from. Those words spoken by Ren meant the company has fully realized the difficulties it faces in this regard.The company may have to upgrade measures to safeguard personal security as well as the lawful rights of its employees. Compared with the traditional focus on improving team efficiency to create more value for shareholders, generalized security is more noteworthy.We believe Huawei is able to handle this issue properly, and there's little chance that it will experience a brain drain even amid this crisis.Chinese companies are undergoing a boom in outbound investment. Playing a vanguard role in technological innovation, Huawei will probably serve as a reference for latecomers.The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected] | http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1136420.shtml |
Can China build first base on the moon by 2035? | The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China's Chang'e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. Last week, China announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base. Colonising the moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing. If we focus on the technology available, China could start building a moon base today. The first lunar base The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics - similar to Amazon warehouses - to ensure the infrastructures and support systems are operational before people arrive. Advertisement The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the moon. Seeds taken to the moon by the Chang'e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base. Building a lunar base is no different to building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested. China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions. 3D printed everything Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing waste and cost. China's vision is to develop the capability to 3D print inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts. But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the micro gravity environment of the moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed. New materials are required We know that Earth materials, such as fibre optics, change properties once in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the moon. Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge. For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first "ready to use" stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. Nasa also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space. On a larger scale we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing. Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by Nasa in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the moon, Mars and beyond. Living on the moon So far, we've focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level. We know that human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is lacking. If astronauts are to live on the moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered. In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity. Absolutely. The answer is less clear. China will certainly use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration. Joshua Chou, Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney - The Conversation | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=12193478 |
How solvent is India's new insolvency law? | In August 2016, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a large bank celebrated the arrival of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the new bankruptcy law of India. The jubilant boss of the bank, laden with a mound of bad assets, asked one of his colleagues how many days it would take to settle a bad loan under the new law. The bankers response was 1,800 days, 10 times the law actually stipulated! Needless to say that this cynicism was not appreciated. By now, looking at the progress of the single-window insolvency and bankruptcy resolution process which is expected to minimise the ... | https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/how-solvent-is-india-s-new-insolvency-law-119012000630_1.html |
How Long Is Law School and What Is It Like? | If youre feeling anxious about attending law school, perhaps because youve seen Hollywood movies that have made J.D. programs seem terrifying, you are not alone. Many practicing lawyers say they felt intimidated as first-year law If youre feeling anxious about attending law school, perhaps because youve seen Hollywood movies that have made J.D. programs seem terrifying, you are not alone. Many practicing lawyers say they felt intimidated as first-year law students. Being surrounded by smart, ambitious people can make even talented students question their competence, says Glenn Kurtzrock, a criminal defense attorney based in Long Island, New York, who earned his J.D. degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Law school is very different from college in some important ways, Kurtzrock wrote in an email. Many students who go to law school are among the brightest in their class. Most will soon realize once they start law school classes that the classrooms are made up of students just like them, and many of the smartest students in college will realize they are average students in law school. A traditional, full-time J.D. program lasts three years, though accelerated programs can be completed in only two years and part-time J.D. programs typically take at least four years to finish. Experts say that a three-year law program is both academically demanding and emotionally intense, especially during the first year. [Read: How to Find the Best Law Schools for In-House Jobs.] Most first-year law school professors exclusively use casebooks to teach their classes, Kurtzrock wrote. A casebook is anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 pages, and it contains mostly case law For those who havent read a judicial decision before, it can be confusing and arcane. The language is not something most incoming law students will be familiar with, and the way decisions are written are very different from anything else a student may have read before. Another challenging aspect of law school is the style of teaching, according to Bailey Strohmeyer, who received her J.D. from the Texas-based Baylor Law School in 2018. Law school professors use the Socratic method, which means that at any minute in class, any student can be called on and asked to stand up and have a discussion with the professor about the reading for the day, Strohmeyer wrote in an email. You are expected to be able to have an intelligent, poised (discussion) in front of your class. Nevertheless, experts say that while law school is difficult, it teaches valuable lessons. Youre being taught a different way of thinking and analyzing complex problems, Salvador Melendez, a current law student at the University of La Vernes College of Law in California and a city council member in Montebello, California, wrote in an email. Your legal mind is developing and you begin to think like a lawyer. [See: 10 Law Schools With the Highest Full-Time Employment Rates.] Strohmeyer notes that law school can be a demanding ordeal. Law school is a grind, she wrote. It requires that you read, comprehend, and apply different logical processes and analyses more quickly than you have before. You have to approach it knowing (1) you will have to learn how to learn the law; (2) then you have to learn the law; and (3) both of those things take time and are hard work. Law school courses dont emphasize black-and-white legal questions where the correct legal answer is obvious, says Ben Levi, an alumnus of Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. Instead of discussing clear-cut legal disputes, where it is easy to see how the judge may rule, most discussions focus on gray areas of the law and complicated cases, where there are compelling arguments on both sides of an issue, Levi says. Levi says the social component of law school and the networking opportunities at the school are crucial. Looking back, I dont remember every class I took, but man, I remember those friends really well, and those friends are the most personally and professionally rewarding thing I got out of law school, he says. If you are not able to make time for that, if youre spending all your time trying to do well in a class and not in doing well with the people that are there and taking advantage of how cool and how smart and how curious they are, youre missing out on a huge part of the opportunity. Philip Kabler, a partner with the Bogin, Munns & Munns law firm in Central Florida who also teaches law school courses as an adjunct professor, says today, law schools allow for more work-life balance than they did when he was a law student in the 1980s. Law schools are much more attuned to quality of life now, Kabler says. Another significant change, according to Kabler, is that there is less cutthroat competition between law students than there used to be. The law schools are encouraging students to be more collegial and cooperative, he says. Kabler adds that law schools are increasingly likely to offer experiential learning opportunities, such as clinics, internships and externships, where students can work on legal projects under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Levi says students should take advantage of the variety of extracurricular activities available during law school. The extracurricular activities are outstanding, he says. Generally speaking, you can get involved in the community, you can get involved in human rights stuff, you can get involved in various causes. [Read: Master Constitutional Law for a Successful Legal Career.] Be prepared to take advantage of that and make time for that, because those experiences are actually often more valuable frankly or more personally rewarding than the classes themselves, he says. Get our complete rankings of Best Law Schools. originally appeared on usnews.com | https://wtop.com/news/2019/01/how-long-is-law-school-and-what-is-it-like/ |
Which Doctors Can Help Me Manage My Diabetes? | In July 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 30.3 million adults, or 9.4 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes. Another 84.1 million have prediabetes, a condition that if not treated In July 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 30.3 million adults, or 9.4 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes. Another 84.1 million have prediabetes, a condition that if not treated often leads to Type 2 diabetes within five years, according to the agency. These figures are alarming because diabetes is a progressive disease that takes a massive toll on patients, their families and the U.S. economy. A 2018 report from the American Diabetes Association found that the total costs of diagnosed diabetes have risen to $327 billion in 2017 from $245 billion in 2012, when the cost was last examined. In addition, the report noted that more than 300 million work days are lost to the economy because of diabetes and a quarter of all health care dollars spent in 2017 went toward care of diabetic patients. Much of this cost is related to the progressive nature of the disease and the fact that often, it takes a whole team of doctors to appropriately manage the health of a diabetic patient with complications. Diabetes progresses over time, says Dr. Kathleen Wyne, associate professor in endocrinology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. We put them on a medication, but eventually at some point its going to progress and were going to have to add a second medicine and a third or eventually insulin. Diabetes is a group of diseases all characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, says Dr. Kathleen Dungan, an endocrinologist also at the Wexner. There are two primary types of diabetes Type 1, also sometimes called juvenile diabetes because it tends to occur more often in younger people, is an autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system attacks the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin that helps the body use glucose, the primary fuel source required by the body. In Type 1 diabetes, theres absolutely no insulin or very little insulin. Those patients are dependent upon (injecting) insulin for their life, Dungan says. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease thats related to obesity and typically starts as prediabetes, also known as insulin resistance. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas isnt producing enough insulin or the patients organs arent able to use the insulin properly, requiring bigger doses of insulin to have an effect. Type 2 diabetes can often be treated with pills or other medications and sometimes with diet alone, Dungan says, and it typically occurs in older, overweight patients with a strong family history of diabetes. [See: The Best Foods to Prevent and Manage Diabetes.] While many cases of diabetes are diagnosed by the patients primary care provider, the diagnosis could come from a lot of places, Dungan says. Because diabetes affects virtually every system in the body, symptoms can show up in seemingly unrelated places, such as the eyes, which are harmed by high blood sugars. Therefore, an ophthalmologist or optometrist conducting a routine eye exam may spot evidence of diabetes before other symptoms have developed. Once youve been diagnosed, your primary care provider will likely take the lead on managing your disease, but you may need to work with several other doctors as your diabetes advances, including: An endocrinologist A podiatrist A dietitian or nutritionist An ophthalmologist A nephrologist A cardiologist A neurologist A physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation physician A mental health provider, pharmacist and other clinicians Endocrinologist While your diabetes journey likely will begin with a primary care provider, you may need to see an endocrinologist early on for a more precise diagnosis, or later as the disease progresses. The vast majority of the time, the primary care provider handles the initial diagnosis and management, Dungan says. There may be situations where the patient has an unclear type of diabetes or presents with some severe findings like diabetic ketoacidosis (dangerously low levels of insulin that cause the body to produce ketones, acidic bodies that can be life-threatening) that requires hospitalization. In those cases, the endocrinologist might be involved from the beginning. Endocrinologists are specialist experts in hormones and glands. Subspecialists in this field may focus specifically on treating diabetes or even a particular type of diabetes, and their vast knowledge about the disease and how it changes over time can be critical to treating patients appropriately. Unfortunately, there are not enough endocrinologists to take care of all the patients with diabetes, Dungan says, noting that typically patients are referred to endocrinologists when they are failing initial therapies from their primary care providers. The endocrinologist typically takes care of more complex patients or patients who have advanced technologies like insulin pumps and patients who have more complications like hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) or require hospitalizations or other end-organ problems, such as kidney or heart disease. Endocrinologists often get involved when there are one or more complications, particularly if the glucose levels, the blood sugar levels, arent well controlled, Dungan says. Endocrinologists often work closely with a patients primary care provider to help coordinate all the health maintenance activities needed in these situations. Podiatrist These feet specialists can help diabetics manage foot health, which is a common problem. Patients with poorly controlled blood sugar levels are more likely to develop a condition called diabetic neuropathy that disrupts how the nerves in the feet and lower legs communicate with the brain. This means you could step on a piece of glass and never feel it. If infection sets it, it is less likely to heal properly because of the high blood sugars, and in extreme cases, some diabetics need to have toes, feet or lower limbs amputated because of diabetic neuropathy. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help identify problems, such as sores or ulcers, early before a more serious infection sets in and prevent you from having to take such drastic measures. Dietitian or Nutritionist Controlling your diet is a major component of effectively managing diabetes, and for that reason, you may need to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to make sure youre getting the right balance of nutrients while tightly controlling your blood sugar levels. Ophthalmologist Eye care becomes critical for diabetic patients because over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage the retina and other delicate structures in the eye. Dr. Stephanie Marioneaux, an ophthalmologist in private practice in Chesapeake, Virginia, and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says seeing an ophthalmologist is an important component of maintaining your vision. When youre first diagnosed with diabetes, you may be sent to an ophthalmologist for a baseline evaluation to look for holes or tears in the retina a thin film of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eyeball that could be a sign of diabetic retinopathy or other complications of diabetes, Marioneaux says. Detached retinas are another common complication of diabetes that an ophthalmologist can perform surgery to correct. In addition, ophthalmologists are among the earliest people to diagnose diabetes in patients, Marioneaux says. Because they are trained to look for tell-tale signs of a problem, an annual visit to the eye doctor could result in a suspicion of diabetes that will be further investigated by your primary care provider or an endocrinologist. [See: 10 Myths About Diabetes.] Nephrologist Nephrologists care for the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs in the mid-back that remove toxins from the blood. Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing kidney disease. Dr. Maria Bermudez, a nephrologist at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania recommends that kidney function be checked regularly, as part of routine lab work conducted in diabetics because the kidneys are sensitive to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and likely to suffer negative consequences from diabetes as the disease progresses. If evidence of kidney disease is found, you may be referred to a nephrologist for further testing and treatment. Cardiologist Because they share so many risk factors, heart disease and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, and as a result, many diabetics end up seeing a cardiologist, or heart specialist, at some point during the course of their treatment. A cardiologist can help counsel you on how to keep your heart as healthy as possible despite a diabetes diagnosis. Neurologist Dungan says people with diabetes are much more likely to suffer strokes, and if such occurs, youll likely need to work with a neurologist to address the issue and prevent future strokes. Neurologists are experts in nerves, and some may focus on the brain while others may center their practices on other aspects of the nervous system. They can also help diabetics manage nerve damage in the extremities, also called peripheral neuropathy. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases research suggests that up to one-half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. The NIDDK also notes that about 30 percent of diabetics have autonomic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that affects the internal organs. A neurologist can help you manage these issues. Physiatrist or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician Physiatrists, also called physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, can help diabetics who need rehabilitative care get back to better health. This may become particularly important if the diabetic has had a stroke and needs to regain the capacity to walk or speak. It may also be an important aspect of post-surgical recovery, such as after an amputation necessitated by diabetic neuropathy. You may also work with a physical or occupational therapist to regain full function after a trauma such as surgery or a stroke. Mental Health Professionals, Pharmacists and Other Clinicians In addition to the above-named doctors, you may come into contact with many other health care providers over the course of your care. Pharmacists fill the prescriptions you need and alert the team to potentially dangerous drug interactions. A social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist can help you manage the emotional side of dealing with a chronic illness. You may also come in contact with a host of physician assistants and nurse practitioners along the way who all contribute their expertise towards keeping you healthy. Managing Care Thats a lot of specialists and subspecialists you may end up dealing with at some point during your diabetes journey, and theyll all need to communicate with each other about your progress. Electronic health records can help keep everyone apprised of a patients progress, but even so, in most cases, your primary care provider or family doctor will be tasked with coordinating your care and communicating with the team to make sure youre on target to meet your treatment goals. Dungan says that though an endocrinologist is often involved in helping manage a diabetics care, the primary care provider remains an integral part of the team, ensuring that all of the health maintenance and screening tests are completed. This provider acts as a central coordination hub that helps all the other specialists provide high-quality, comprehensive intervention. Preventing Complications As with anything, preventing a problem before it starts leads to better outcomes. Dungan says tight control of blood sugars can prevent complications and keep you healthier longer, despite the progressive nature of the disease. There are a number of screening and preventive measures to help prevent these complications, so thats going to be job number one to try to identify them early and/or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Your primary care provider will likely take the lead on these preventive and screening activities, but other specialists may be involved too, such as in the case of an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist, regular foot checks by a podiatrist and regular blood work, urinalysis and other lab tests to look for kidney disease and other problems that can occur with the internal organs. Talk with your primary care provider to make sure that all of the ongoing health maintenance tests you need are being completed on schedule. 7 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life.] In addition to working with your PCP, you should also advocate for yourself with each doctor you see. Speak up if you dont understand something a doctor is telling you or if it conflicts with what another provider has told you. Take notes during your appointment or bring a loved one to jot down important information. Dungan recommends bringing all of your medications with you to every appointment you go to be sure that each doctor knows the full scope of your condition and treatment program. Keeping a regular log of your blood sugars is also critical, and there are now several online options for tracking your various metrics, such as blood sugars and hemoglobin A1C (a longer-range average of blood sugars). You may also want to work with a certified diabetes educator to help you manage the day-to-day process of following your treatment plan. All of this tracking and logging might seem a little overwhelming at first, but its critical to provide the best, most efficient care and you can help facilitate that communication by making sure that all the offices have your records, Dungan says. You should bring (all your records) to every visit no matter who the provider is because the more touch points you have to make sure that youre being managed effectively, the better. Lastly, Dungan recommends writing down a list of questions and talking points you want to address prior to each appointment. Thats your time, so you should take advantage of it. Focus on discussing your treatment goals, whether theyre being met and what to do if theyre not. Diabetes isnt curable, but it is manageable with the help of a team of providers and some diligence. originally appeared on usnews.com | https://wtop.com/news/2019/01/which-doctors-can-help-me-manage-my-diabetes/ |
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