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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A shopping spree in Beverly Hills, a luxury vacation in Mexico, a bank account that jumped from $299.77 to $1.4 million overnight.
From the outside, it looked like Moe and Kateryna Abourched had won the lottery.
But this big payday didn’t come from lucky numbers. Rather, a public school district in Michigan was tricked into wiring its monthly health insurance payment to the bank account of a California nail salon the Abourcheds owned, according to a search warrant application filed by a Secret Service agent in federal court.
The district — and taxpayers — fell victim to an online scam called Business Email Compromise, or BEC for short, police say. The couple deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any crimes.
BEC scams are a type of crime where criminals hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone they’re not and fool victims into sending money where it doesn’t belong. These crimes get far less attention than the massive ransomware attacks that have triggered a powerful government response, but BEC scams have been by far the costliest type of cybercrime in the U.S. for years, according to the FBI — siphoning untold billions from the economy as authorities struggle to keep up.
The huge payoffs and low risks associated with BEC scams have attracted criminals worldwide. Some flaunt their ill-gotten riches on social media, posing in pictures next to Ferraris, Bentleys and stacks of cash.
“The scammers are extremely well organized and law enforcement is not,” said Sherry Williams, a director of a San Francisco nonprofit recently hit by a BEC scam.
Losses in the U.S. to BEC scams in 2021 were nearly $2.4 billion, according to a new report by the FBI. That’s a 33% increase from 2020 and more than a tenfold increase from just seven years ago.
And experts say many victims never come forward and the FBI’s numbers only show a small fraction of how much money is stolen.
“It’s one of the most lucrative things out there,” said Shalabh Mohan, chief product officer at Area 1 Security.
In the nail salon case involving Grand Rapids, police say $2.8 million was stolen. Banks were able to recall about half that amount once the scam was discovered, court records show.
A Secret Service agent said in an affidavit as part of a search warrant application that someone hacked into the email account of one of the school district’s human resource employees and sent emails that persuaded a colleague in the finance department to change the bank account where the health insurance payments were sent.
The emails were brief and unfailingly polite. “Please kindly update” the records, one of them said — words the real HR employee would later tell police she never uses, according to the affidavit.
Police tracked the money to the salon’s bank account owned by the Abourcheds, the affidavit says. After the theft was detected, Moe Abourched contacted a Grand Rapids police detective and said he’d been fooled by a European woman named “Dora” into accepting the funds and forwarding them to other accounts, according to the affidavit.
The Secret Service agent said Abourched’s claims were false and he’d used a similar ruse with police after he received money from a BEC scam targeting a Florida storage company.
Police put the couple under surveillance and in October searched their apartment, offices and BMW, court records show. Police said earlier this year they needed more time to examine the data in the couple’s phones and computers.
The Abourcheds’ lawyer, Kevin Gres, said his clients have done nothing wrong and no charges should be filed.
“My clients were unwitting victims in this scheme,” he said.
BEC scammers use a variety of techniques to hack into legitimate business email accounts and trick employees to send wire payments or make purchases they shouldn’t. Targeted phishing emails are a common type of attack, but experts say the scammers have been quick to adopt new technologies, like “deep fake” audio generated by artificial intelligence to pretend to be executives at a company and fool subordinates into sending money.
In the case of Williams, the San Francisco nonprofit director, thieves hacked the email account of the organization’s bookkeeper, then inserted themselves into a long email thread, sent messages asking to change the wire payment instructions for a grant recipient, and made off with $650,000.
After she discovered what happened, Williams said, her calls to law enforcement went nowhere.
The FBI told her the local U.S. attorney’s office won’t take her case. She flew to Odessa, Texas, where the bank that initially received the stolen money was located. The money by then was long gone and the local detective was powerless to help. Williams asked her U.S. senators for help and later learned the Secret Service was investigating, but said it hasn’t given her any updates.
Crane Hassold, an expert on BEC scams and former cyber analyst with the FBI, has heard of federal prosecutors declining to take BEC cases unless several million dollars were stolen, a minimum threshold that speaks to how out of control the problem is.
“There’s so many of them they can’t possibly work them all,” said Hassold, now director of threat intelligence at Abnormal Security.
Almost every enterprise is vulnerable to BEC scams, from Fortune 500 companies to small towns. Even the State Department got duped into sending BEC scammers more than $200,000 in grant money meant to help Tunisian farmers, court records show.
The Justice Department has launched months-long operations in recent years that have netted hundreds of arrests worldwide.
“Our message to criminals involved in these types of BEC schemes will remain clear: The FBI’s memory and reach is long and wide-ranging, we will relentlessly pursue you no matter where you may be located,” said Brian Turner, executive assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch.
But security experts say the wave of arrests has had little impact, and the FBI’s own numbers show that BEC scams continue to grow at a rapid clip.
“You can arrest 100 of the guys and there’s no ripple effect,” said Hassold.
Many of those arrested by U.S. authorities are lower-level “money mules,” who move stolen money around the banking system until it’s out of reach to authorities.
“Mules” don’t need hacking skills and come from a variety of backgrounds. A South Florida man, Alfredo Veloso, pleaded guilty in 2019 after prosecutors say he recruited women he met through his business making “kink pornography” videos to be money mules for BEC and other cyber scams.
Sophisticated BEC scams targeting businesses and other organizations started taking off in the mid-2010s. It was also around that time when ransomware attacks — in which hackers break into networks and encrypt data — started to grow in frequency and severity.
For years both BEC scams and ransomware attacks were treated largely as a law enforcement problem. That’s still true for BEC attacks, but ransomware is now a key national security concern after a series of disruptive attacks on critical infrastructure like the one last year against the biggest fuels pipeline in the U.S. that led to gas shortages along the East Coast.
The National Security Agency’s hackers have taken action to disrupt ransomware operators’ networks. The Justice Department set up a ransomware task force to better organize the law enforcement response. And U.S. President Joe Biden has pressed the issue directly with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, where many ransomware operators are located.
Nothing close to those efforts has been deployed against BEC fraud despite the huge financial losses.
“It’s a bunch of tiny little silos, and they still haven’t figured out a way to have just a single source that goes after these things,” said John Wilson, a threat researcher at the cybersecurity firm Agari.
If the U.S. were to launch a whole-of-government response to BEC fraud, it almost certainly would focus heavily on Nigeria.
Nowhere are BEC fraudsters more active than in Africa’s most populous nation, where scammers have able to operate almost unchecked for decades. The well-worn Nigerian Prince scam may now be a global punchline, but a new generation is making fortunes through sophisticated BEC fraud.
BEC scammers from Nigeria are glorified in pop songs and show off their wealth on Instagram and Facebook, posing with expensive cars or piles of money.
Ramon Abbas, a well-known Nigerian social media influencer who went by Ray Hushpuppi, had more than 2 million followers on Instagram before he was arrested in Dubai. Abbas’ social media posts showed him living a life of total luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars and high-end clothes and watches.
“I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path,” read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in the U.S. to international money laundering related to BEC and other cybercrimes last year. His sentencing is currently set for July.
Pete Renals, a threat researcher at Palo Alto’s Unit 42, said tech-savvy Nigerian criminals started learning how to use available malware to steal victims’ credentials around 2014. As the software changed, the scammers changed too. In 2018, he said, researchers started seeing Nigerian malware being developed in-country by the BEC scammers themselves.
“It does not seem like there’s a whole lot slowing them down,” he said. They see “no reason to stop.”
Obinwanne Okeke was one of Nigeria’s best known young entrepreneurs when he was a featured panelist at an event hosted by the prestigious London School of Economics.
“If it’s not born in you to take up challenges, you cannot do it,” Okeke said at the 2018 event when discussing his entrepreneurial drive.
But just days before he made those comments, Okeke had been busy sending fake invoices and defrauding the British sales office of the heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar out of $11 million through a BEC scam, according to the FBI. He was arrested at Dulles Airport outside Washington in 2019, pleaded guilty to wire fraud a year later and is now serving a 10-year prison sentence.
BEC scammers arrested by police in Nigeria often have better luck and win back their freedom by paying fines or bribes, experts say. Adedeji Oyenuga, a sociology professor at Lagos State University who has studied cybercrime culture, said there’s little fear by BEC scammers of being punished if caught.
“The person will walk around the streets freely knowing nobody is going to say anything about what he or she is doing,” Oyenuga said.
In the Hushpuppi case, U.S. prosecutors have also charged Abba Kyari, a top Nigerian law enforcement official who prosecutors say falsely imprisoned one of Abbas’ criminal rivals. Kyari remains in Nigeria, where media reports say he’s been arrested on a separate charges related to alleged drug smuggling.
Doug Witschi, an assistant director at the global police organization Interpol, said tech companies that help facilitate BEC crimes need to be more active in stopping such behavior.
“We can’t arrest our way out of this challenge,” he said.
Unlike ransomware operators who try to keep their communications private, BEC scammers often openly exchange services, share tips or show off their wealth on social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram.
A Facebook group called Wire Wire.com, which was until recently available to anyone with a Facebook account, acted as a message board for people to offer BEC-related services and other cybercrimes.
The page, which had a profile picture of a duffle bag filled with cash, was created in 2015 and had more than 1,400 members. It was taken down shortly after The Associated Press asked Facebook about it last month. The company declined comment.
In the case of the stolen Grand Rapids money, it was social media that helped law enforcement when seeking a federal judge’s approval for a search warrant.
Included in the application was a vacation Instagram post by Kateryna Abourched, which linked the timing of her trip with a $3,503 payment to a luxury resort in Mexico made from the bank account that had received the stolen Grand Rapids money.
“Vacation is always inspiring,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
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WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Air travel authorities in Poland are warning travellers of possible flight delays and cancellations at Warsaw’s airport due to a protest and some flight controllers quitting their jobs.
The protest is in reaction to changes made in January to the functioning of the flight regulatory body, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, as well as to allegations that it was not properly ensuring airspace security. The controllers have also criticized the new salary system, although it allows those most experienced to earn up to 45,000 zlotys ($10,500) a month.
Of Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin Airport’s 216 flight controllers, 44 quit last month and some 130 area threatening to quit in April. A new head of the regulatory body was appointed March 31 and negotiations are continuing.
On Saturday, a number of arrivals and departures were delayed by an average of 30 minutes at the airport. A spokeswoman for the airport, Anna Dermont, said the situation was the result of shortages in the control tower’s staff.
Poland’s Civil Aviation Authority has posted a warning that flights may be delayed or cancelled in the coming days.
The state auditing body, NIK, has found irregularities in the air navigation regulatory body’s work, saying there were internal tensions, while controllers complained of overwork.
In mid-March, airspace over eastern Poland was reserved only for military training and defense purposes, due to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Poland’s eastern neighbour, Ukraine.
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The presumption
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman said there was “insufficient evidence to file criminal charges…” (“No charges filed in no-knock warrant killing of Amir Locke,” April 6).
How about “no credible evidence any crime was committed”?
After all, the “presumption “ is not guilt. It is innocence.
T. J. Sexton, St. Paul
Thwart as many criminals as we can
It is currently a crime to carry a firearm in public without a permit in Minnesota. A permit requires a criminal background check and training in firearm safety. Yet some Minnesota politicians are promoting permitless open carry that would allow gun owners to carry firearms in public — no background check or safety training required.
Would this make you feel safer? The gun owner may have been convicted of domestic assault, for instance, or maybe they’ve been proven to be dangerous to themselves or others.
Journalists in the U.K. combed data in the U.S., showing higher rates of mass shootings in states with more relaxed gun laws and higher gun ownership (British Medical Journal, June 2019). Those states also had higher rates of gun deaths by murder and suicide, not surprisingly.
Having a permit-to-carry law just makes sense. We shouldn’t make our laws looser. Let’s thwart as many criminals as we can.
And do what you can; let your representatives know how you feel. We all deserve to be safe. Our kids and grandkids deserve that.
Leslie L. Jones, Stillwater
Better hope for sun and wind
I finally got it. I know that it took me much longer than most to understand how smart Joe Biden is, especially as it pertains to the Green New World.
I wondered, along with others, why we left all that new equipment in Afghanistan, not realizing Joe was thinking light years ahead of me. Really, who needs all those gasoline- and diesel-burning Humvees, helicopters, planes and vehicles? And why do we need a strategic oil reserve, we’re smart use it now?
All that fossil fuel and the equipment that uses it will be useless in a year or two. It does make me wonder though, as we rebuild our fleet to meet the green world standards, is there secret planning going on to transition smoothly? Although, I did read several hundred of our National Guard are being sent to the Middle East to protect the USA’s interest. Nobody said this, but with the remote possibility of war with Iran, I bet our troops will be kept busy installing vehicle charging stations throughout the deserts over there to keep our fleet on the move. I suppose they can put a GPS marker on them and cover them with sand to hide them until we need them, but how will they hide the solar power plants needed that will supply electricity to those vehicle charging stations? They could probably use windmills for that and disguise them as oil derricks. Of course, that will be a little trickier around China and North Korea.
Nonetheless, I’m now confident everything has been extremely well thought out. I just hope that when our next war comes, it’s really, really sunny and windy.
Mike Miller, St. Paul
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| 2022-04-10T12:00:23
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HANIF ABDURRAQIB: Award-winning poet, essayist, cultural critic and MacArthur Fellow based in Columbus, Ohio, in conversation with award-winning Minnesotan Sagirah Shahid, Black American Muslim poet, educator and performance artist. Abdurraqib’s first full-length poetry collection, “The Crown Ain’t Worth Much,” was released by Minnesota publisher Button Poetry. His newest, “A Little Devil in America,” came out last year. In-person. 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, Minneapolis College, 1501 Hennepin Ave. presented in Minnesota State Write Like Us series. Reservations required at: MinnState.edu/WriteLikeUs.
LISA DORDAL: Teacher in the English department at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee reads from her latest poetry collection, “Water Lessons,” and Melissa Cundieff, who teaches at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, reads her prose and poetry. In-person. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. Information: magersandquinn.com.
JENNIFER EGAN: Author of “A Visit From the Goon Squad,” winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Los Angles Times Book Prize, presents the University of Minnesota Esther Freier Endowment lecture about her new novel, “The Candy House,” a companion to “A Visit From the Goon Squad.” Featuring many of the characters in the first book, the new novel is told through multiple points of view and formats. Memory is at the heart of the novel, as the characters deal with devices that allow them to recall their own memories as well as sending them out to a collective consciousness. In-person. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, Coffman Union theater, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Mpls. Information at: z.umn.edu/JEgan2022.
ROYCE/RICE: Deborah Goodrich Royce, film and TV actress who was Erica Kane’s sister on ABC-TV’s “All My Children,” reads from her new novel, “Ruby Falls,” which begins with a 6-year-old girl holding her father’s hand — and then he disappears. In conversation with bestselling author Luanne Rice. Virtual program. 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, presented by Magers & Quinn. Information: magersandquinn.com.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON
Robert Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” the story of a road trip, has sold more than 5 million copies. Now Mariner Books is publishing “On Quality,” an original collection of Pirsig’s writings on the central theme of his thought, featuring never-before-seen selections from his unpublished works. He died in 2017. Edited by his widow, Wendy, this is the first new Pirsig material in nearly 30 years. Publisher’s Weekly called it “a pleasant detour into a curious mind at work.”
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| 2022-04-10T12:00:29
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If John Sandford’s “The Investigator” isn’t the most-anticipated spring book, it’s darn close. It will be published April 12 by Putnam.
After writing 31 Prey novels featuring Lucas Davenport, and 12 about Virgil Flowers, Sandford (pen name for John Camp) lights up the season with the beginning of a new series featuring Letty, the Davenports’ adopted daughter.
Letty, introduced in 2003’s “Naked Prey,” had a tough childhood before the Davenports took her in. Flashbacks in “The Investigator” show why she is ready to face violence head-on and how much she learned from Davenport, with whom she also bonded over fashion and guns. This book is filled with gun talk; what they’re called, the differences in usage, how to hold them, where to conceal them on your body, how to shoot them.
Letty is a Stanford graduate with a master’s degree in economics and she’s bored in a desk job in the office of a U.S. senator. The senator, impressed with her skills and not wanting her to quit, offers her a job investigating the theft of oil from several companies in Texas. Partnering with Department of Homeland Security Investigator John Kaiser, a former Delta Force member, she heads to the bleak areas around Midland, Texas, where the partners aren’t so interested in who is stealing the oil as where it’s going and what the money is being used for.
Their investigations, which involve lots of driving around from El Paso to rural oil fields, lead to a white supremacist militia headed by a woman whose life is devoted to carrying out an action with the help of militia members arriving from around the country. What will a hundred militia do with explosives stolen from an army base? And where and when will they do it? The militia caravan is forming and Letty and Kaiser have to stop a major disaster.
As in all Sanford books, the reader knows what the bad guys are doing but Letty and Kaiser do not.
The plot slowly grows more exciting, but it doesn’t have the quippy dialogue of the Prey and Flowers books. And there aren’t any important secondary characters, except their DHS contact in Washington.
Letty is a favorite of many Sandford fans, but this reader found her character hard to figure out in the beginning of this book. She shoots a guy without mercy or regret and takes too many chances, according to Kaiser, who knows a lot about special ops surveillance and how to stay alive. He’s as interesting as Letty, letting her take the lead in her undercover role as a DHS researcher, even though he is more experienced in surveillance.
But Letty comes alive on the page in the book’s last, fast-paced pages, when she and Kaiser are caught in the middle of the militia’s plans that go terribly wrong. Letty is resourceful and quick-thinking, but also so human as she faces other people’s death. And it isn’t a spoiler to reveal that one of the story’s main characters will haunt Letty into the next book.
Sandford writes fully realized characters and no doubt he will deepen our understanding of Letty as the series matures.
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| 2022-04-10T12:00:36
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The text and photo came just moments before Thursday’s Senate vote that would confirm the first Black woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A photo of an unopened bottle of Black Girl Magic champagne next to a crystal-stemmed wine glass accompanied by the words “Getting ready for history to be made! KBJ let’s go!”
It came from my sister, a former New York prosecutor and Nassau County deputy county executive, now retired. She and I, like so many Black women, had been waiting for a moment like this all our lives, and darn if we weren’t going to celebrate it somehow.
Even as professional Black women who had ascended — as expected by our parents — to comfortable places in our respective careers, we watched, like wide-eyed little girls, every moment of her confirmation hearings.
We sent text messages back and forth repeating her words, making mention of those facial expressions that we read all too well, loving on her hair, laughing at the way she bested, with sheer grace, dignity and knowledge, her Republican detractors who repeatedly tried and failed to block her destiny.
And we applauded Sen. Cory Booker”s fervent recitation: “You are a person so much more than your race and gender. … When I look at you it’s hard not to see my mom, not to see my cousins. I see my ancestors and yours,” he said. “You have earned this spot. You are worthy.”
Yeah, Booker nailed it. We, Black women especially, related to her. We rooted for her. Just as we rooted for all of us because, unfortunately, that’s the pressure of being the first anything, but even more so when you are a Black American.
I remember being the only Black woman news reporter in my first newsroom and later, for a few years, at The Star. I was the only Black woman in the room all three years I worked at The Stamford Advocate in Connecticut.
And so my sister and I, seeing our mother, a teacher with ideas about education that were way ahead of her time, our aunts, all smart, strong, college-educated women, and each other in Judge Jackson, praised her each day of the hearings by text and by phone — and sometimes well into the night
I pushed my laptop aside Thursday afternoon and turned the television volume up until its sound filled the house for the length of the Senate vote. I counted every yes vote even though I was pretty sure what the outcome would be. And when the votes passed 51, the text and a photo came.
From my sister: a bubbly glass of golden champagne and the words: “She’s in. I’m in tears right now”.
And I texted her back: “Me too. Cheers, KBJ.”
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| 2022-04-10T12:00:42
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Tax day is approaching, and a shorthanded Internal Revenue Service just got a $675 million boost (6%) from Congress and the president. But money won’t fix this problem. We can solve it — and maybe some other problems — with tax reform.
The IRS has its issues. Law professor Beverly Moran reported that last year, “taxpayers had trouble reaching the IRS, tax returns took months to process, almost a quarter of refunds didn’t go out until 2022, and collection notices were sent out even after the tax owed was paid,” and added that the IRS failed to answer 250 million phone calls. The Washington Post suggested that, “What the IRS really needs is a big investment to staff up and modernize its systems. Congress must treat this with the same degree of urgency as the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.”
That’s one way to go. Another approach would be drastically reducing the complexity of federal taxes.
The IRS estimates that small firms bear almost two-thirds of all business compliance costs. In a sense, there are three different taxes: the tax itself, time and money to prepare the returns, and lost interest when paying prior to the due date. The Tax Policy Center says that although almost everyone agrees the current tax system is too complicated, it gets more complex every year. In 2021, the National Federation of Independent Business reported that 64% of small business owners found federal income taxes to be an administrative burden.
While addressing tax complexity, why not solve other systemic issues? First, there are our popular social programs. Social Security trust fund reserves are projected to be exhausted somewhere between 2034 and 2037. When that happens, retirees’ benefits will be cut, perhaps to 78%. Worse, a report that the Medicare trustees have put forth estimates that the Part A trust fund, which subsidizes hospital and other inpatient care, may run out as early as this year. Medicaid, which covers one-in-five people with lower incomes in this country, will run out of funds perhaps as early as 2026.
Then there’s our national debt. In January, it stood at $30 trillion, including $23.5 trillion owed to creditors. The annual interest that must be paid is over $300 billion each year–our fastest-growing federal expense. Interest on the debt is 23% of all discretionary spending (i.e., everything except Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid). And when interest rates go up, our interest payments go up. Other ways we’re impacted include higher prices, lower home prices, decreased spending for other government priorities (like climate change, education, veterans benefits or defense) and lower returns on private investments.
For both social programs and the debt, there are two solutions: reduce spending or increase taxes.
It’s politically unlikely that we’ll decrease spending on seniors and those of lesser means, even though they represent more than 65% of all spending. We have also just been through a pandemic on which we spent trillions, and it’s uncertain how much we will spend to help contain Russian aggression. While we should cut some spending on useless programs, it is not clear how much we can cut or where.
That brings us back to tax reform and the IRS. Tax increases are never popular, but one way to make them more agreeable is to simplify taxes across the board and reduce compliance costs. The Tax Foundation estimates that we give up 3.24 billion hours and $37 billion to comply with federal taxes each year. Given the headaches and anxiety that come with this, Americans don’t need more IRS workers. We need a leaner agency that lets us quickly pay our share.
There are many such proposals and, of course, they run into opposition from the usual cast of characters who have vested interests in keeping all of their deductions, the Alternative Minimum Tax, and so forth. But individual filers and small businesses represent a huge proportion of the public who would gain from simplification.
Taxes would have to be set at levels that fund our social programs–ideally with those made more sustainable–and, by law, pay the interest and a certain percentage of the debt each year. This would end a lot of worries for a lot of people and put the United States on a firm fiscal base.
There is no need to hire more people to oversee a reformed system. What’s not to like?
Richard Williams is a senior affiliated scholar with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. He wrote this column for Tribune News Service.
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While the “Boys of Summer,” the Minnesota Twins, have hit Target field, the celestial boys of winter are gradually making their way to the horizon in the western evening sky. I’m referring to Gemini the Twins, one of the brighter constellations lighting up the winter heavens since December. As it orbits the sun, Earth is gradually turning away from the direction in space where the stars of Gemini shine. The evening side of the Earth won’t be pointed in the direction of Gemini again until next December when the constellation re-emerges in the evening heavens.
When it’s finally dark enough, around 9:30 or so, look in the high southwestern skies for two moderately bright stars right next to each other. These are Gemini’s brightest stars, Castor and Pollux. Those stars are also the names of the twins that make up Gemini, and they mark the twins’ heads. When it’s dark enough, look for the two crooked lines of fainter stars to the lower right of Castor and Pollux that outline the rest of their bodies. Gemini is one of the 65-plus constellations we see from Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Gemini is also one of the few constellations that sort of looks like what it’s supposed to be. If your skies aren’t plagued with heavy light pollution, Gemini looks like a pair of celestial stickmen.
Castor is one of the most interesting stars on the celestial stage. It looks like one star to the naked eye, but with modern telescopes, astronomers have resolved that Castor is, in reality, a collection of six stars dancing around each other in a complex orbital pattern, more than 50 light-years away. If you lived on a planet in that system that rotates on its axis like Earth, you would have six sunrises and six sunsets every day. Pollux is a single giant star, more than nine times the diameter at a distance of nearly 34 light-years, with just one light-year equaling almost 6 trillion miles.
With a small telescope or even a halfway decent pair of binoculars, you should without too much trouble see Messier Object 35, otherwise known as M35. It’s a fairly bright open cluster of young stars huddled together more than 3,800 light-years away. There’s no way you can see all of the stars with your telescope, but it’s believed there are hundreds and hundreds of stars over 100 million years old in that cluster. Believe it or not, that makes them stellar toddlers! They occupy approximately the same area in the sky as a full moon, which helps make it reasonably easy to locate. M35 has a nickname, the Shoe-Buckle Cluster. Good luck seeing it as that! Some folks see M35 as a human figure with outstretched arms or a flying bird. What do you see? In the attached photograph I took, M35 is the bright cluster with a fainter cluster to its right, with a not-so-catchy name, NGC 2158. It’s much farther away, over 10,000 light-years distant.
According to Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were the twin sons of Leda, the mortal queen of Sparta. However, they had two different fathers. How can that be if they’re twins? This is a family column, so I’ll just say Leda had quite a night. Castor’s father was Leda’s husband, King Tyndareus, while Pollux was the love child of Leda and Zeus, the king of the Greek Gods. That made Castor a pure mortal, but Pollux was a half-god.
That fact of life didn’t stop the twin half-brothers, as strange as that sounds, from being the best of friends. As they grew into young men, Castor became an expert horseman, and Pollux a championship boxer. But even though they had separate vocations, they remained very close.
One night when they were cruising the bars, though, there was trouble. The twins met a couple of ladies. They bought them drinks and danced the night away. It was a wonderful time for all until their jealous boyfriends showed up. Needless to say, a rumble erupted, and in the fight, Castor was fatally stabbed with a sword. He died a few hours later in the arms of Pollux.
Castor, being a mortal, went to the underworld at death. Pollux was beyond grief-stricken. He deeply loved his brother and longed to see him again but knew he never would since Pollux had the blood of a god in him and gods weren’t allowed into the underworld. Zeus took pity on his son, and being that he was head god on Mount Olympus, he bent the rules and allowed Pollux to enter the underworld each day for a little while to see his dead brother.
Zeus was so impressed with this brotherly love that he put the constellation Gemini in the skies as a tribute to his favorite sons. The boys of winter still shine in the 21st century.
Mike Lynch is an amateur astronomer and retired broadcast meteorologist for WCCO Radio in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of “Stars: a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations,” published by Adventure Publications and available at bookstores and adventurepublications.net. Mike is available for private star parties. You can contact him at mikewlynch@comcast.net.
MIKE LYNCH MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN STARWATCH PROGRAMS:
- Monday, April 11, 7:45 to 9:45 p.m., at Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Coleraine, Minn. Reservations required. For more information: 218-245-6232 or www.getlearning.org.
- Wednesday, April 13, 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. in Hastings. For location and other information: 651-480-7670 or hastingscommunityed.com.
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Spring books are rolling in, so many good ones by and about Minnesotans that it’s hard to decide which to highlight. In fiction, mystery/crime writers have been busy, with several new books in popular series, as well as intriguing debuts. In nonfiction, we have the first deep look into the life of George Floyd as well as an examination of the Slenderman attack on a girl by her two friends in Wisconsin. Here’s your clip-and-save list, compiled with information from early readers’ copies and publishers, listed by publication dates. This is only the first wave of books for spring/summer. We’ll bring new ones to you as fast as we can.
FICTION
“The Agathas” by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson (Delacorte Press) — Alice Ogilvie’s best friend has disappeared in the town of Castle Cove, and Alice and her tutor, Iris, try to solve the mystery with help from books by Agatha Christie. They have no idea of the danger they are walking into. Glasgow, a former Minnesotan who lives in Tucson, Ariz., is the bestselling author of “Girl in Pieces” and “You’d Be Home Now.” Lawson is the author of “The Lucky Ones,” one of Kirkus’ Best Books of 2020. She lives in Washington, D.C. (May 3)
“The Barrens: A Novel of Love & Death in the Canadian Arctic” by Kurt Johnson and Ellie Johnson (Arcade Publishing) — Two young women embark on a summer adventure canoeing the rapids-strewn Thelon River that runs through the uninhabited Barren Lands of subarctic Canada in this debut novel by a father-daughter writing team who live in St. Paul. When one of the women falls and soon dies, her partner, an inexperienced paddler, has to continue the grueling and dangerous trip alone to save herself and return her lover’s body to civilization. (May 3)
“The Moments Between Dreams” by Judith F. Brenner (Greenleaf Book Group Press) — In this debut novel, Carol ponders why her dreams have gone off the rails. Her daughter is hospitalized in isolation with polio, and her husband, who has slapped her over a minor disagreement, is drafted into World War II. The author draws parallels between what the world has faced before and is facing now because of the COVID pandemic. Full of haunting dilemmas, yet spirited and hopeful about love and life. (May 3)
“Something Wicked” by David Housewright (Minotaur Books) — The 19th crime novel in award-winner Housewright’s series featuring P.I. Rushmore “Mac” McKenzie finds the wealthy former St. Paul police officer retired from a second career as an investigator who takes on cases for family and friends. But when his “better half” Nina asks him to help her friend Jenness Crawford, he agrees. The woman’s grandmother left her 19th-century castle that has been a hotel/resort for more than 100 years and Jenness thinks one of the heirs killed her grandmother. McKenzie is trapped in the castle filled with feuding relatives, longtime serving retainers and a possible murderer. Housewright has won a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award and three Minnesota Book Awards. (May 24)
“And There He Kept Her” by Joshua Moehling (Poisoned Pen Press) — Another debut thriller that begins when two teenagers break into a house on a remote lake in search of prescription drugs, not knowing that Emmett Burr has secrets he’s been keeping in the basement of his home. He gets the upper hand on his tormenters and lines blur between victim, abuser and protector. Sheriff’s deputy Ben Pickard is in the small Minnesota town of Sandy Lake, leading the investigation into the missing teens, when he is forced to reveal his own secrets and dig deep to uncover the dark part of the place he now calls home. (June)
“Cougar Claw” by Cary J. Griffith (Adventure Publications) — In his second Sam Rivers mystery, Griffith sends the U.S. Fish & Wildlife special agent and wildlife biologist to examine the scene of a deadly cougar attack on a human. This is an unlikely event, but wealthy business owner Jack McGregor is found dead and the physical evidence points to the animal. With the help of reporter Diane Talbott and his wolf-dog Gray, Rivers’ investigation turns up a lot of motives for murdering McGregor. Sam’s knowledge of the backcountry, cougars and the criminal mind are put to the test as he tries to solve the case — and stay alive. (June)
“The Lost” by Jeffrey B. Burton (Minotaur Books) — Mason “Mace” Reid is back for his third adventure with his pack of cadaver dogs he calls The Finders. His prize pupil, Vira, is a golden retriever. Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection. In “The Lost,” a home invasion-turned-kidnapping at the mansion of wealthy Kenneith J. Druckman brings Mace and Vira to a northern suburb of Chicago where Druckman was assaulted and left behind while his wife and young daughter were taken for ransom. When Vira finds the dead body of the mother, a former supermodel, everyone is on high alert to find Druckman’s missing 5-year-old daughter. But the trail Vira finds on the property’s dense woodlands leads right back to Druckman himself. With the help of Det. Kippy Gimm, Reid and Vira race against the clock to rescue the child. (June)
“They Drown Our Daughters” by Katrina Monroe (Poisoned Pen Press) — This debut novel is a story of mothers and daughters. Through a queer, feminist lens, Monroe spins a gothic tale about a woman’s quest to save her daughter from the violent generational trauma that can become manifest through a dangerous haunting. This is one of the season’s “buzziest” books, with CrimeReads naming it one of the 16 horror novels to look out for in 2022. (July 12)
NONFICTION
“Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy” by Kate Swenson (Park Row Books) — When the author’s son Cooper was diagnosed with severe nonverbal autism, her world stopped. As Cooper grew, Kate experienced the grief and exhaustion that comes with having to fight for your child in a world stacked against them. But she learned, through hard work and personal growth, that Cooper wasn’t the one who needed to change. Swenson is creator of the blog and Facebook page Finding Coopers Voice. She is a contributor to Today Parents, television’s “Today” show and the Love What Matters blog. (April)
“His Name is George Floyd” by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa (Viking) — Subtitled “One Man’s Life and The Struggle for Racial Justice,” Washington Post reporters tell for the first time the entire story of the life of George Floyd, whose murder under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer ignited protests. From Houston’s housing projects where Floyd faced the systemic pressures that come with being a Black man in America, to his family roots in slavery and sharecropping, the segregation of his schools, the over-policing of Minneapolis’ Black community, and a disregard toward his struggle with addiction, the book shows how this ordinary man came to die on a Minneapolis street. Based on hundreds of interviews with Floyd’s family and friends. (May 17)
“Mini-Forest Revolution” by Hannah Lewis (Chelsea Green Publishing) — The first book about a movement to restore biodiversity in our cities and towns by transforming empty lots, back yards, and degraded land into mini-forests through the Miyawaki Method. This unique approach to reforestation was devised by Japanese botanist Kira Miyawaki as a way to create tiny forests that grow quickly on small places and are more biodiverse than those planted by conventional methods. She explores the science behind why mini-forests work and their myriad environmental benefits, including cooling urban heat islands, establishing wildlife corridors, building soil health, sequestering carbon, creating pollinator habitats and more. (June)
“Seven Aunts” by Staci Lola Drouillard (University of Minnesota Press) — A patchwork of memoir and reminiscence, poetry, testimony, love letters and family lore in an unconventional portrait of ways of life largely lost to history that reveals women who defied expectations and overwhelming odds to make a place in the world for the next generation. The author is a descendant of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Anishinaabe and lives in Grand Marais. (June)
“Spirit Matters: White Clay, Red Exits, Distant Others” by Gordon Henry (Holy Cow! Press) — Poetry collection by an enrolled member/citizen of the White Earth Anishinaabe Nation in Minnesota, told in parcels and articles, letters, images, repetitive themes, rhythms and sounds. Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Erdrich says of the collection: “(it) is haunted by people whose voices are so indelible they speak from a world beyond this one — a powerful country where stories are spells that inhabit the living … a compelling, uncanny book.” (June 14)
“Wonderlands” by Charles Baxter (Graywolf Press) — In his new collection of essays, some of which were first given as craft talks at the Bread Loaf Writers’ conference, Baxter shares years of wisdom on what makes fiction work, from the nature of wonderlands in the fiction of Haruki Murakami and other fabulist writers, to reflections on his own life. Baxter is the author of 14 books, including novels, short fiction and poetry. He is retired from 18 years of teaching in the University of Minnesota’s MFA program in creative writing. (July 12).
“Slenderman: Online Obsession, Mental Illness, and the Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls” by Kathleen Hale (Grove Press) — It was big news in the Twin Cities and around the country in 2014 when two 12-year-old girls in Wisconsin tried to kill their friend, who survived 19 stab wounds. The author, a Wisconsin native who lives in Los Angeles, drew on court transcripts, police reports, and individual reporting to reveal the full story about the girls who wanted to appease a creature born of the internet. A look at the meaning of justice, accountability, and victimhood and the country’s lack of childhood psychiatric services. (August)
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Radio Days (cont.)
Again, here’s THE GRAM WITH A THOUSAND RULES: “Subject: Life in the Lobby.
“Our Receptionist was an attractive brunette with a bright, cheery smile. Miss Bright Eyes was perfect for the job: She answered the switchboard when it lit up, and she greeted the people as they came in the door with a warm welcome. As for the switchboard? Well, not so perfect. Lots of crossed wires and missed connections — but as I said before, we were a small radio station, a very small radio station. If a call went astray, no worries; the intended recipient was only a holler away.
“She had one typing duty. Each week, she was supposed to send the newspapers an updated schedule of programming for the week. She detested that job and quite often ‘forgot’ it, calling the newspapers to tell them to ‘Just run last week’s schedule. It will be all right.’ If the Program Director reminded her to ‘Remember to get that schedule out in time this week,’ she would accidentally kick her typewriter stand and send her poor old Remington crashing to the floor. Her typewriter spent more time in the shop than it did on its stand.
“Many of the guys on staff parked their cars on Ninth Street, and rather than plug the meters, they just had a jar full of nickels available at her desk. Since she had the best view, her other task was to try to prevent any of the staff from getting a parking ticket. So about once a day, she would bellow ‘GENDARMES!’ — and whoever was available would dash out and join her, running up and down the street plugging the meters before the cops could issue the ticket.
“There are many funny memories to recall from that little office of mine adjacent to the lobby, but I think my favorite memory occurred during the Republican Convention of 1952. Our dignified Station Manager came in the front door just as the winning candidate was announced on radio. Miss Bright Eyes leaped out of her chair and ran to the door and embraced him, shouting in his ear: ‘Oh, Mr. W. Isn’t it exciting? Ike won!’ Without a glimmer of expression, he reached up and gently pulled her hands away as he said: ‘I am a Taft man, myself.'”
The passing show
Or: Keeping your eyes open
DENNIS FROM EAGAN writes: “Subject: Grandma’s sweet suggestions.
“I found a Grandma’s Bakery van at a gas station in Bloomington recently, and I loved its ads on the vehicle!”
What’s in a name?
Come Again? Division (responsorial) — plus: The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon
THE MONKEY LOVER’S WIFE of Northfield: “Hello from what seems like a time long ago and far away . . .
“I’m so glad THE DIVINE MUM shared the Twitter story about the child named Internet (Antoinette) [Sunday BB, 4/3/2022]. Let me add my own:
“When T-Bone (now 6-foot-5 and driving) was 3 or 4, we had enrolled him in a class at the local gymnastics club, to burn off some energy. He had two coaches from one of the local colleges, both men, who seemed to be patient and kind. T-Bone got into the car after one class and said: ‘David and Idiot said I’m doing great!’ I asked him: ‘”Idiot”? Are you sure that’s his name?’ ‘Yes,’ T-Bone answered. ‘Ih-dee-ot.’ I thought: No, it can’t be — but I couldn’t figure out what an alternative could possibly be. T-Bone talked about ‘Idiot’ the whole week, and I never came up with an answer. The next week, I double-checked at the club — the coach’s name was Elliot.
“Also a Baader-Meinhof: I’m selling some quilt fabric on eBay, and I was looking at a fuzzy .pdf file of a catalog, trying to find the name of a particular design. (Fabric names are about as entertaining and weird sometimes as paint colors.) I saw a swatch of my fabric, and I thought it said ‘Aura Fletchings.’ (All I could think of was that funny Chevy Chase movie ‘Fletch.’) Then, the next morning, I was looking through a quilt book, and there was a quilt pattern called ‘Fletchings,’ which I learned meant the feathers on the back of an arrow. This now made sense: The fabric I was selling had some feathers (which looked more like bird feathers than arrow feathers) on a deep-teal-green background.
“Thanks!”
BULLETIN BOARD SAYS: You’re welcome — just as welcome as you always were, long ago and far away.
Every contributor is welcome! And the more, the merrier. (Too few, lately.)
Joy of Juxtaposition
FRIENDLY BOB of Fridley: “I had not heard the term ‘Normal School’ for some time when just a few days ago I got an email from my only surviving brother, Bill. He gave no real explanation, except that he was thinking about these schools that trained teachers. I am quite sure he does not usually read the BBonward.com entries, so it was something of a coincidence that GRANDMA PAT had just mentioned such a school in the 3/16 edition, and it showed up again in the post from THE OLD DAD in the latest edition.
“Bill said that he remembered that Mom had gone to Normal School (though none of us seems to know where —another case of ‘should have asked when these people were still alive’ — or when). We do know that she taught at the one-room schoolhouse in Cannon City, a bit southeast of Dundas. I informed Bill that I had found out in my genealogical research that our Great-Aunt Bessie (sister of my paternal grandfather) had attended Normal School in Jewell Junction (now just Jewell), Iowa, and taught for several years at Ransom, south of Worthington. I was surprised that Bill did not know of this, as he knows quite a bit about our genealogy. In what I call my Big Genealogy Document (which I really need to finish up one of these days real-soon-now), this school was referred to by several monikers (mostly as Jewell Lutheran College) in different articles, but never as Normal School. During the 31-year run of the school (1893-1924), a total of 4,236 students attended, but only seven graduated in the final year.
“When Bill sent his email, it was to most of our family, so naturally I used ‘Reply All’ to send him what I knew. I think the best comment came from Bill’s youngest daughter: ‘More of our family should maybe have gone to Normal School.’
“OK, Jennifer . . . we get the message!”
Everyone’s a (headline) critic!
Email from DONALD: “Subject: Clever headline.
“Destanni Henderson played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s defeat of Connecticut in the title game of the NCAA Women’s Final Four on Sunday night.
“This was the headline on the front page of the Sports section in Monday’s Pioneer Press: ‘TEAM OF DESTANNI.’”
Our horses, ourselves (concluded)
Wrapping it up, THE ASTRONOMER of Nininger: “Subject: Saga of Big River — Finale.
“We cannot complete the story of Big River Stables without sharing something about the horses that the Good Wife and I owned the longest. They had the biggest impact on our lives as horse people. They were Knight and Nate.
“Both of them were Arabians. Knight came first, about nine months before Nate. He was black as the night sky, but by the time he was 2 years old, he had turned white, with a gray mane and tail. Still, he was beautiful. That white coat shined like diamonds in the noonday sun. Going back in his lineage, Grand Diamond was his sire. Arabs seem to have endurance and stamina in their blood. Whenever the herd of horses was out munching on the grasses and I would call to them, amid the thunder of hooves beating the ground, Knight was always first, outpacing the others. Nate was not far behind, perhaps only because Knight was dominant.
“Unless you’ve been there and done that, words cannot describe the peacefulness and confidence we had in each other. Knight was our daughter’s horse, but when she went off to the University of Wyoming for her undergraduate studies, I promised I’d ride him several times a week. I can think of nothing that calms the nerves and relaxes a person like riding those trails by the Mississippi River. Knight knew those trails at least as well as I did, so we were of one mind as we forged ahead. In the winter we plowed through the snow. By then, it was OK to also ride across farmed fields. They had been harvested. I will never forget one time when there was a lot of snow on the ground, maybe 18 to 20 inches or so. Knight and I cantered full speed ahead through that fluffy white snow. He showed me what he was made of: strength, endurance, perseverance. I know that the snow was not up to his belly, but it felt that way. Wow, did the snow go flying aside as we charged ahead! It was a large field. When we got to the other side, he looked back at me as if to ask if we were going back through it. And so we did.
“Nate (real name was Bin Keem) was our son’s horse. Chestnut in color, he was every bit as strong and determined as Knight, but did defer to him whenever necessary. Our son, Chuck, was far more agile than I ever was, and he could mount Nate from behind, leapfrogging up over his butt and into the saddle. I was never strong or agile enough to do that. Nate tolerated this dramatic ascent as well.
“We had a group of 25 students from Hong Kong visit Big River Stables. Hong Kong is largely a cement city. These young students had never seen green grass or even petted a dog before. Our dog Cleo, a Vizsla, allowed them to pet her, but you cannot imagine the excitement when we were able to place some of them on the backs of Knight and Nate and walked them up and down the road. And these horses proudly raised their tails and arched their necks like Arabians are known to do.
“Both Knight and Nate are gone now, and so is Big River Stables. They lived in excess of 34 years and were an integral part of our lives that entire time. Big River Stables was around for 25 years. All of the horses that came and went had some influence on us — a whole, part, whole relationship. Now the bison will roam and form wallows on the old prairies. The temporal development story of these acres brings us full circle. Our memories of living there will last forever.”
Band Name of the Day: The Taft Men
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If you are a true conservative — and I use the term not as Ted Cruz might, but in its literal sense, as in conserving what is of value in the modern world — then you should be obsessed with three threats to the most vital parts of our civilizational heritage, all of which are coming to the fore: war, pandemic and environmental catastrophe.
These three events have frequently caused or contributed to the collapse or decline of great civilizations of the past. After being seriously weakened by pandemics and environmental problems, the Roman Empire was taken over by barbarian tribes. The Aztecs were conquered by the Spanish, who had superior weapons and also brought disease. The decline of the Mayans likely was rooted in water and deforestation problems.
I think of true conservatism as most of all the desire to learn from history. So let us take those lessons to heart.
The odds are that nuclear weapons will not be used in the war in Ukraine. Still, there is some chance of a major escalation, or the deployment of other weapons of mass destruction. That chance is difficult to estimate, but it’s not crazy to put it at or above 1%. A desperate Vladimir Putin might well resort to a strategy of escalation, if only as a misguided attempt to de-escalate.
Here is the dilemma: If you play that “1% chance of massive destruction” repeatedly over decades, sooner or later an actual escalation is going to erupt. The cumulative probabilities of a major nuclear exchange are not actually low, even if the probability is low in any single war.
A true conservatism thus ought to make limiting the probability of a nuclear exchange its top priority. Such an emphasis would not itself solve the problem, of course. Nonetheless, any observer of American political debate for the last 20 years or more will admit that the issue is nowhere close to a major emphasis.
This brand of conservatism does not necessarily insist on higher levels of defense spending, as conservatives pushed for in the 1980s. But it does suggest that alliances, military readiness and flexibility are major policy issues. If more defense spending is called for, that should be the federal government’s No. 1 priority.
While President Joe Biden so far has done a reasonable job executing America’s Ukraine policy, he has not made these issues top priorities, nor have the Republican or Democratic parties. When was the last time a major politician gave a speech about how long the military procurement cycle has become, relative to the pace of technological change?
The relevance of pandemics is all too obvious. Still, Congress has been dragging its heels on a $10 billion pandemic assistance bill, and snags remain. The final legislation is unlikely to include a global component, despite the continuing risk of new virus strains from abroad. The U.S. should also be looking to gear up for an Operation Warp Speed #2, directed at developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine, effective against a broad swath of possible future strains.
Even after more than 1 million excess deaths during this pandemic, Americans are still not taking pandemic risk seriously. Is America so much better prepared for the next time around? If you ask the simple question of whether the government has reformed or improved the CDC, FDA or NIH — regardless of what kind of reforms you might favor — the answer seems to be no. America continues to just putter along.
Finally, a true conservatism would prioritize the most important environmental problems. To use a specific example: It should not take seven years to get permits for an offshore wind farm. Just accept the reality that wind farms will involve some modest environmental problems of their own and get on with building them.
Unfortunately, even as environmental regulations proliferate in the U.S., there is an unwillingness to push through a carbon tax or make nuclear power plants easier to build.
America is getting the big stuff wrong, in part because it is focused on politics over policy. Consider that California’s governor has proposed giving car owners a $400 gas-tax refund, while the Biden administration is more worried about jobs and competition from China than about trying to make solar panels as affordable as possible.
The main task of a revitalized conservatism should be to restore America’s moral seriousness on these issues. At the moment, neither political party is doing that.
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To understand what makes Chicago Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman great on the diamond requires understanding his mindset.
There is his conventional vision of success: making at least 30 starts, something he has accomplished four times in his Major League Baseball career. Stroman takes pride in that figure because it requires staying healthy and typically means pitching deep into games.
But he never puts too much emphasis on each start — it’s more about the totality of the journey, and it goes beyond what happens on the field.
Before and after every start Stroman, 30, reads “The Seven Spiritual Laws and Success” and “The Four Agreements,” keeping a copy of each in his backpack. They help Stroman clear and calm his mind, something just as important as the physical side of the game.
Stroman believes the type of energy a person puts out into the universe returns tenfold. He’s a deep thinker searching for enlightenment, and what fuels him goes beyond his pitching line and personal accolades. He loves taking care of his family and a trusted small circle of people. His son, Kai Zen, born in the offseason, gives him a new perspective.
Since a young age, Stroman prepared for challenges he might face. He credits his father, Earl, for raising him to be thick-skinned and telling him he had to have a chip on his shoulder, that whatever room he walked into Stroman needed to think he was the man.
“I took that to heart every single day after that,” Stroman told the Tribune. “I’m African American-Puerto Rican, I’m fully tatted, I have a Duke degree — I understand the perception of how people look at me and judge me before I even open my mouth. I understand society. I understand how I’m going to be viewed.
“I realize if I say the sky is blue, someone’s going to have a problem with it, so I’m at the point where I don’t care. I’m truly happy, my family’s healthy. I’m doing everything that I’ve imagined in my life so that’s always my priority.”
Stroman’s demeanor and attitude has resonated in the Cubs clubhouse despite having just four weeks to get to know his new teammates. Coaches and players were impressed by his work ethic during camp. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks raved about Stroman’s mental approach and attitude.
“It is really remarkable to see him come in and you can just sense he’s the same guy, in the same place, he’s very present, knows where he is. It’s just really cool to watch,” Hendricks told the Tribune. “And you can just see it or not in a guy, he’s not ever rushed. He’s not ever in the wrong spot. You can tell mentally, very secure. It’s something he works on a lot.”
Beyond leading by example, Stroman isn’t afraid to share what’s on his mind. Hendricks cited the importance of needing representation of a variety of personalities in a clubhouse.
“You can’t just have everybody fill in the same role so absolutely it’s going to be huge, he’ll bring that out of other guys by just being willing and comfortable in that way,” Hendricks said. “He’ll bring more truth and more honesty out of everybody, and I think that just breeds cohesiveness and chemistry on the team.”
Individuality is generally not promoted in baseball. Stroman acknowledged there is a perception he isn’t a team player because he pushes his brand.
“Truly, if you look at it, in order to be the best teammate, you need to be your best self first,” Stroman said. “I don’t think people understand that. In order for me to be the best teammate, I need to be my best self mentally, emotionally and physically. That allows me to bring the most value to my teammates, that allows me to go out there and perform at the highest degree. That’s something that I’ve always put a priority on.”
Stroman’s interests are extensive and wide-ranging.
His foundation, Height Doesn’t Measure Heart (HDMH), is a saying the 5-foot-7 Stroman repeated to himself to infuse confidence when he wasan undersized kid. Stroman, who also released an HDMH apparel line, is in the process of launching Shugo in mid-summer, describing it as a high-end luxury brand.
He started a YouTube channel last month and is on TikTok, both avenues to give people insight into his life and the work he puts in behind the scenes.
Stroman wants to connect with young people in a sport that desperately needs it.
“I’m an authentic soul who always will chase my dreams and I won’t let anything stop that,” Stroman said. “I protect my people at all costs, and I provide for my people. That’s why I work as much as I do.”
Stroman is always chasing his passions, including music. He has been featured on tracks with former Duke teammate and rapper Mike Seander. Stroman is also in the process of writing a children’s book.
“People are always like, ‘Oh, he’s doing too much,’ but it’s actually the opposite because I can promise you that there’s no one who works harder than me,” Stroman said. “It’s just that I also have interests that allow me to clear my mind. And when my mind is clear, that allows me to be the best on the field.
“I don’t allow baseball to become overwhelming because when you allow baseball to become overwhelming, it can be very draining and toxic.”
Over the course of his eight seasons in the big leagues, Stroman has learned to prioritize mental health. He works with a mental coach and mental strategist. He wants to be well-balanced and believes happiness comes from within, allowing it to flourish into all other areas. Baseball does not define his life.
None of this means Stroman doesn’t care about winning or isn’t a fierce competitor. But athletes are human, too, and there is more than what happens between the white lines.
“I’m someone who wakes up ready to live and I want to enjoy every single day,” Stroman said. “Obviously there’s going to be rough patches. My rough patches now are much smaller than they used to be, which is a great feeling.”
That philosophy would seemingly be at odds with social media and the toxicity that can arise from Twitter, on which Stroman is regularly present with nearly 515,000 followers. He typically tweets daily and liberally mutes and blocks people who bring negative energy.
At times Stroman responds and dishes it back, explaining that “sometimes you’ve got to check people” and move on.
“They wear blocks as badges of honor. It’s so comical to me,” Stroman said. “If you get to a point in your life where you’re wearing a block as a badge of honor, you need to recalculate, you need to go back to the drawing board because I guarantee you’re not living a truly happy life.”
Stroman admits in the earlier part of his career things he read in his mentions might have gotten to him. He used to pitch angry on the mound. Now Stroman says he is calm. He sees negative comments telling him he’s terrible and can laugh them off because of his peace of mind. Living out his dream puts everything in perspective “so nobody can take away from that. Nobody.”
Finding a way to let go and not care about what others think of him was not easy. Stroman said it was a journey that began after he tore the ACL in his left knee in 2015. It was then he first began working with a mental coach and became interested in books. He came to understand what life means to him and learned to appreciate what makes him happy.
Stroman is still working on himself and expects it will be a constant, ongoing process. When he feels off, he might schedule a call with his mental coach or a therapist to re-center.
“I think a lot of people neglect that, and that’s why you have a lot of people on Twitter yelling at me,” Stroman said. “If they did a better job at focusing on themselves and clearing their mind and focusing on their deeper self and finding their true happiness in life, they’re not going to have that animosity or they’re not going to want to project all those insecurities on others. Because when you do, you’re taking away from yourself.”
When Stroman takes the mound Sunday for his Cubs debut, it will coincide with his first time pitching at Wrigley. The historic venue is the lone ballpark he has not yet pitched in. He already has felt the love and appreciation from fans before throwing a pitch. Stroman started getting chills as he envisioned the energy he will experience walking onto the field Sunday.
“Everywhere I’ve went no matter what I feel like, people show up to watch me pitch and I love that,” Stroman said. “I love the energy. I love pressure. I’m someone who’s always performed pretty well under pressure. It’s something that takes me to the next level.”
Plenty of Cubs fans will be wearing Stroman’s jersey Sunday for his debut. He switched to No. 0 last season with the New York Mets and stuck with it after signing a three-year, $71 million contract with the Cubs in the offseason that includes an opt-out after 2023. The number choice was purposeful and is a rarity. Stroman is one of only 31 players to wear the number in major-league history and is the first Cub to don it.
His connection to No. 0 is less about the number itself, rather what the shape represents — a continuous flow of life.
Or, as Stroman put it: “I like having that vibe on my back.”
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/10/what-makes-marcus-stroman-tick-mindfulness-mental-well-being-and-an-endless-amount-of-outside-interests/
| 2022-04-10T12:01:18
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In golf (and finance), the swing’s the thing
This weekend, golf fans everywhere are watching The Masters.
The world’s best players—legends like Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson, as well as younger pros like my man, hometown hero Sam Burns—are showcasing their flawless golf swings. (They make it look so easy, don’t they?)
In between all the jaw-dropping shots, golf fans will also “ooh” and “ah” as companies market their latest golf equipment. We’ll see commercials for state-of-the-art clubs and balls, innovative bags and carts, cutting edge clothing and shoes.
The clear message of all these ads? “Buy our products and your game will improve. You’ll hit it straighter and farther.”
I guess I must be a sucker. Five years ago, I took up golf. (What was I thinking?)
Perhaps the biggest (and most surprising) takeaway from my brief “golf career” is that the quality of my equipment has little relationship to the quality of my results.
Purchasing better clubs did not instantly translate into shooting better scores. More than nicer clubs, I’ve learned what I really need is a solid swing.
Every pro knows that. A great swing is what separates weekend duffers from Masters champions. (That’s why the world’s best will have their “swing coaches” with them on the practice tee Saturday and Sunday.)
It’s when you put both of those things together—a really sound swing with excellent equipment—that you get a result that is something to behold.
By now I’m sure you’re thinking: Wait…isn’t this a financial column? What does all this “golf talk” have to do with money (other than the fact that the winner of The Masters will pocket a cool $2.07 million)?
Here’s my point: Financial products—things like annuities, life insurance, IRAs, mutual funds, etc.—are a lot like golf clubs. You want good ones. They are definitely important.
But just like a solid golf swing matters more than the brand of golf clubs in your golf bag, in the world of finance, there’s something even more fundament and important than the financial products you select.
What is that thing? What’s the “swing” when it comes to your money? The swing is your financial plan. That is what every investor needs to focus on first.
If you don’t yet have a solid financial plan, I have good news for you. I recently wrote an e-book titled “How to Put Money Worries in Your Rear View Mirror – The Financial Freedom Roadmap.” The book is free if you’d like a copy. Just email me at bmoore@argentadvisors.com, and I’ll send it to you right away.
In the meantime, watch some of The Masters tournament this weekend. You’ll see those pro golfers use a variety of clubs—drivers, long-irons, wedges, putters, etc. Each is designed for a different kind of shot, and each gives a different result.
Let that fact remind you that when it comes to your money, you’ve got an array of financial products you can choose from, depending on your unique circumstances.
Some of those financial products are ideal for “long-range” situations. Others are better more for “up close” circumstances. Some offer more safety. Others involve more risk.
How do you know which one(s) to choose? Again, as you watch Sam, Tiger, and Dustin swing their way around the historic Augusta National golf course, watch how their caddies help them select just the right club. Then realize: A trusted financial advisor can do that for me—provide wise counsel as to which product is best-suited for my situation.
As it is in golf, so it is in your financial life. Club selection matters. But your swing matters even more.
Improve your swing, and you’ll improve your game.
Enjoy your weekend. (And go, Sam!)
Argent Advisors, Inc. is an SEC registered investment adviser. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. Please See Important Disclosure Information at https://ruston.argentadvisors.com/important-disclosure-information/
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https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/money/2022/04/10/golf-and-finance-swings-thing/9524492002/
| 2022-04-10T12:03:55
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https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/money/2022/04/10/golf-and-finance-swings-thing/9524492002/
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Email scam costliest type of cybercrime. Here's what you need to know
A shopping spree in Beverly Hills, a luxury vacation in Mexico, a bank account that jumped from $299.77 to $1.4 million overnight.
From the outside, it looked like Moe and Kateryna Abourched had won the lottery.
But this big payday didn't come from lucky numbers. Rather, a public school district in Michigan was tricked into wiring its monthly health insurance payment to the bank account of a California nail salon the Abourcheds owned, according to a search warrant application filed by a Secret Service agent in federal court.
The district — and taxpayers — fell victim to an online scam called Business Email Compromise, or BEC for short, police say. The couple deny any wrongdoing and have not been charged with any crimes.
BEC scams are a type of crime where criminals hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone they’re not and fool victims into sending money where it doesn't belong. These crimes get far less attention than the massive ransomware attacks that have triggered a powerful government response, but BEC scams have been by far the costliest type of cybercrime in the U.S. for years, according to the FBI — siphoning untold billions from the economy as authorities struggle to keep up.
The huge payoffs and low risks associated with BEC scams have attracted criminals worldwide. Some flaunt their ill-gotten riches on social media, posing in pictures next to Ferraris, Bentleys and stacks of cash.
“The scammers are extremely well organized and law enforcement is not,” said Sherry Williams, a director of a San Francisco nonprofit recently hit by a BEC scam.
Losses in the U.S. to BEC scams in 2021 were nearly $2.4 billion, according to a new report by the FBI. That’s a 33% increase from 2020 and more than a tenfold increase from just seven years ago.
And experts say many victims never come forward and the FBI’s numbers only show a small fraction of how much money is stolen.
“It’s one of the most lucrative things out there,” said Shalabh Mohan, chief product officer at Area 1 Security.
In the nail salon case involving Grand Rapids, police say $2.8 million was stolen. Banks were able to recall about half that amount once the scam was discovered, court records show.
A Secret Service agent said in an affidavit as part of a search warrant application that someone hacked into the email account of one of the school district’s human resource employees and sent emails that persuaded a colleague in the finance department to change the bank account where the health insurance payments were sent.
The emails were brief and unfailingly polite. “Please kindly update” the records, one of them said — words the real HR employee would later tell police she never uses, according to the affidavit.
Police tracked the money to the salon’s bank account owned by the Abourcheds, the affidavit says. After the theft was detected, Moe Abourched contacted a Grand Rapids police detective and said he’d been fooled by a European woman named “Dora” into accepting the funds and forwarding them to other accounts, according to the affidavit.
The Secret Service agent said Abourched’s claims were false and he’d used a similar ruse with police after he received money from a BEC scam targeting a Florida storage company.
Police put the couple under surveillance and in October searched their apartment, offices and BMW, court records show. Police said earlier this year they needed more time to examine the data in the couple's phones and computers.
The Abourcheds’ lawyer, Kevin Gres, said his clients have done nothing wrong and no charges should be filed.
“My clients were unwitting victims in this scheme,” he said.
BEC scammers use a variety of techniques to hack into legitimate business email accounts and trick employees to send wire payments or make purchases they shouldn’t. Targeted phishing emails are a common type of attack, but experts say the scammers have been quick to adopt new technologies, like “deep fake” audio generated by artificial intelligence to pretend to be executives at a company and fool subordinates into sending money.
In the case of Williams, the San Francisco nonprofit director, thieves hacked the email account of the organization's bookkeeper, then inserted themselves into a long email thread, sent messages asking to change the wire payment instructions for a grant recipient, and made off with $650,000.
After she discovered what happened, Williams said, her calls to law enforcement went nowhere.
The FBI told her the local U.S. attorney’s office won’t take her case. She flew to Odessa, Texas, where the bank that initially received the stolen money was located. The money by then was long gone and the local detective was powerless to help. Williams asked her U.S. senators for help and later learned the Secret Service was investigating, but said it hasn't given her any updates.
Crane Hassold, an expert on BEC scams and former cyber analyst with the FBI, has heard of federal prosecutors declining to take BEC cases unless several million dollars were stolen, a minimum threshold that speaks to how out of control the problem is.
“There’s so many of them they can’t possibly work them all,” said Hassold, now director of threat intelligence at Abnormal Security.
Almost every enterprise is vulnerable to BEC scams, from Fortune 500 companies to small towns. Even the State Department got duped into sending BEC scammers more than $200,000 in grant money meant to help Tunisian farmers, court records show.
The Justice Department has launched months-long operations in recent years that have netted hundreds of arrests worldwide.
“Our message to criminals involved in these types of BEC schemes will remain clear: The FBI’s memory and reach is long and wide-ranging, we will relentlessly pursue you no matter where you may be located,” said Brian Turner, executive assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch.
But security experts say the wave of arrests has had little impact, and the FBI’s own numbers show that BEC scams continue to grow at a rapid clip.
“You can arrest 100 of the guys and there’s no ripple effect,” said Hassold.
Many of those arrested by U.S. authorities are lower-level “money mules,” who move stolen money around the banking system until it’s out of reach to authorities.
“Mules” don’t need hacking skills and come from a variety of backgrounds. A South Florida man, Alfredo Veloso, pleaded guilty in 2019 after prosecutors say he recruited women he met through his business making “kink pornography” videos to be money mules for BEC and other cyber scams.
Sophisticated BEC scams targeting businesses and other organizations started taking off in the mid-2010s. It was also around that time when ransomware attacks — in which hackers break into networks and encrypt data — started to grow in frequency and severity.
For years both BEC scams and ransomware attacks were treated largely as a law enforcement problem. That’s still true for BEC attacks, but ransomware is now a key national security concern after a series of disruptive attacks on critical infrastructure like the one last year against the biggest fuels pipeline in the U.S. that led to gas shortages along the East Coast.
The National Security Agency’s hackers have taken action to disrupt ransomware operators’ networks. The Justice Department set up a ransomware task force to better organize the law enforcement response. And U.S. President Joe Biden has pressed the issue directly with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, where many ransomware operators are located.
Nothing close to those efforts has been deployed against BEC fraud despite the huge financial losses.
“It’s a bunch of tiny little silos, and they still haven’t figured out a way to have just a single source that goes after these things,” said John Wilson, a threat researcher at the cybersecurity firm Agari.
If the U.S. were to launch a whole-of-government response to BEC fraud, it almost certainly would focus heavily on Nigeria.
Nowhere are BEC fraudsters more active than in Africa’s most populous nation, where scammers have able to operate almost unchecked for decades. The well-worn Nigerian Prince scam may now be a global punchline, but a new generation is making fortunes through sophisticated BEC fraud.
BEC scammers from Nigeria are glorified in pop songs and show off their wealth on Instagram and Facebook, posing with expensive cars or piles of money.
Ramon Abbas, a well-known Nigerian social media influencer who went by Ray Hushpuppi, had more than 2 million followers on Instagram before he was arrested in Dubai. Abbas’ social media posts showed him living a life of total luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars and high-end clothes and watches.
“I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path,” read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in the U.S. to international money laundering related to BEC and other cybercrimes last year. His sentencing is currently set for July.
Pete Renals, a threat researcher at Palo Alto’s Unit 42, said tech-savvy Nigerian criminals started learning how to use available malware to steal victims’ credentials around 2014. As the software changed, the scammers changed too. In 2018, he said, researchers started seeing Nigerian malware being developed in-country by the BEC scammers themselves.
“It does not seem like there’s a whole lot slowing them down," he said. They see “no reason to stop.”
Obinwanne Okeke was one of Nigeria’s best known young entrepreneurs when he was a featured panelist at an event hosted by the prestigious London School of Economics.
“If it’s not born in you to take up challenges, you cannot do it,” Okeke said at the 2018 event when discussing his entrepreneurial drive.
But just days before he made those comments, Okeke had been busy sending fake invoices and defrauding the British sales office of the heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar out of $11 million through a BEC scam, according to the FBI. He was arrested at Dulles Airport outside Washington in 2019, pleaded guilty to wire fraud a year later and is now serving a 10-year prison sentence.
BEC scammers arrested by police in Nigeria often have better luck and win back their freedom by paying fines or bribes, experts say. Adedeji Oyenuga, a sociology professor at Lagos State University who has studied cybercrime culture, said there’s little fear by BEC scammers of being punished if caught.
“The person will walk around the streets freely knowing nobody is going to say anything about what he or she is doing,” Oyenuga said.
In the Hushpuppi case, U.S. prosecutors have also charged Abba Kyari, a top Nigerian law enforcement official who prosecutors say falsely imprisoned one of Abbas’ criminal rivals. Kyari remains in Nigeria, where media reports say he’s been arrested on a separate charges related to alleged drug smuggling.
Doug Witschi, an assistant director at the global police organization Interpol, said tech companies that help facilitate BEC crimes need to be more active in stopping such behavior.
“We can’t arrest our way out of this challenge,” he said.
Unlike ransomware operators who try to keep their communications private, BEC scammers often openly exchange services, share tips or show off their wealth on social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram.
A Facebook group called Wire Wire.com, which was until recently available to anyone with a Facebook account, acted as a message board for people to offer BEC-related services and other cybercrimes.
The page, which had a profile picture of a duffle bag filled with cash, was created in 2015 and had more than 1,400 members. It was taken down shortly after The Associated Press asked Facebook about it last month. The company declined comment.
In the case of the stolen Grand Rapids money, it was social media that helped law enforcement when seeking a federal judge’s approval for a search warrant.
Included in the application was a vacation Instagram post by Kateryna Abourched, which linked the timing of her trip with a $3,503 payment to a luxury resort in Mexico made from the bank account that had received the stolen Grand Rapids money.
“Vacation is always inspiring,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
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https://www.koat.com/article/email-scam-costliest-cybercrime/39682747
| 2022-04-10T12:03:55
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INDIANAPOLIS — A man was killed and five other people were wounded in a shooting believed to have started with a fight at a birthday party overnight Sunday on the city's northwest side, police say.
Officers responded to the shooting about 3:20 a.m. at an event hall in the 4200 block of West 38th Street, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Foley.
When police arrived, they initially found three people wounded. One of the victims, a man, was found dead inside a building.
The other two were transported to a local hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Sometime later, a person was checked into a hospital with a gunshot wound.
The victims included five men and a woman. Police originally said there were five victims but later clarified there was another man who was shot and had injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
Detectives believe a fight broke out and shots were fired inside and outside the building.
No one has been arrested in connection with the shooting. The name of the deceased victim has not been released.
IMPD urged anyone with more information to contact Detective Christopher Winter at 317-327-3475 or Christopher.Winter@indy.gov. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 or (TIPS) and online.
This is a developing story.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/5-people-shot-1-killed-after-fight-at-birthday-party-on-northwest-side-indianapolis-police
| 2022-04-10T12:07:07
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Sunny Sunday with warmer temperatures, rain overnight into Monday morning
SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - It’s certainly felt like a long stretch of damp and cooler weather, but Sunday sees different cards pulled out of the deck! Sunshine returns for the majority of the day with temperatures coming back up into the 50s. Overall, it will feel much different than it has over the last week. Rain does return to the forecast tonight, you may encounter some damp conditions on the early morning commute Monday.
Today
This morning we’re starting off right around, even just below, freezing. Clear skies have allowed temperatures to drop off a decent amount during the overnight hours. Those clear skies mean plenty of sun heading into this morning! That sunshine continues for the majority of today. Highs clouds will begin to filter in closer to dinnertime, which is ahead of an incoming disturbance bringing the next chance of rain. More on that rain below.
Highs this afternoon will check-in to the lower 50s, right at normal for this day in April. Lake Huron will still hold some influence, though, keeping the Thumb and the immediate shore cooler in the 40s. Today’s wind will become southerly with a speed of 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Clouds will continue to build in through the evening leading up to the rain. The best timing of that rain has it starting up after midnight. It will arrive from the west, reaching Mount Pleasant Ithaca, and Clare around 2 AM. It will migrate to Flint, the Tri-Cities, and Standish closer to 4 AM, then into the Thumb between 5 and 6 AM. Overall, a fast moving line of rain. There could be a few rumbles of thunder accompanying this rain, too.
Lows will be milder tonight, settling down to around 41 degrees. The wind will pick up out of the southeast with a speed of 10 to 20 mph.
Monday
That rain will continue to wind down in the mid-morning hours. Although not a lot of rain, you still may encounter some damp conditions on your drive to work tomorrow morning. Rainfall will check in between 0.10″ to 0.20″.
There could be a few peeks of sun tomorrow near lunch, but any sun will be short-lived. We’re also watching for an unsettled area farther down the line of the morning rain. If conditions align, that could allow some scattered showers to sneak back into the TV5 viewing area from the south during the afternoon. Though it is a possibility, any showers that move back in should be light.
More rain chances are in the cards heading towards Wednesday and Thursday, check it out in your full 7-Day Forecast!
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/10/sunny-sunday-with-warmer-temperatures-rain-overnight-into-monday-morning/
| 2022-04-10T12:13:00
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https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/10/sunny-sunday-with-warmer-temperatures-rain-overnight-into-monday-morning/
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PORTLAND, Ore — Hundreds of people filled the ballroom inside the Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University Saturday evening to celebrate the life of Amara Marluke. The 19-year-old music major was shot and killed early Monday morning.
“Mara was a bright, kind girl," said Nya Mbock, the president of Associated Students of Portland State. "I wish I would have had more of an opportunity to know her. I know that she would have been an amazing addition to all of the efforts we have on campus to advocate for students.”
Marluke was celebrated as a shining star on campus, but the news of her death sent shock waves well beyond the university. She had worked with Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District on the Talking Walls mural project.
The district said in a statement: “Amara will forever be part of our TPHRD family. Amara was an incredible young woman, an inspiring community activist, and a treasured friend to many of us at THPRD.”
Police have charged Keenan Harpole with her murder. The 20-year-old freshman is a former Portland State football player. He pleaded not guilty in his court appearance Tuesday.
Marluke's death has rocked the Portland State community. They hope the celebration of life can ease some of the pain.
“I think that it's easy to feel separated as students, and to be able to come together and celebrate her and to be a part of that celebration makes us feel more like a community,” said Mbock.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/celebration-of-life-slain-portland-state-student/283-4cf22a31-1899-4aa0-a2db-33e4b2f4a95f
| 2022-04-10T12:13:12
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/celebration-of-life-slain-portland-state-student/283-4cf22a31-1899-4aa0-a2db-33e4b2f4a95f
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KYIV, Ukraine — Russia is targeting all of Europe with its invasion of Ukraine, and stopping Moscow's aggression is essential for the security of all democracies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said as Russian forces prepared for battle in the east of his country.
Addressing the “free people of a brave country," Zelenskyy said in a late night video message to Ukrainians that Russia's war aim “was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone” and the “entire European project is a target.”
“That is why it is not just the moral duty of all democracies, all the forces of Europe, to support Ukraine’s desire for peace," he said. ”This is, in fact, a strategy of defense for every civilized state."
His address came as civilians continued to flee eastern parts of the country before an expected onslaught and emergency workers searched for survivors in towns north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, that are no longer occupied by Russian forces.
Russia has pulled its troops from the northern part of the country and refocused on the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian troops for eight years and controlled some territory before the war, now in its 46th day.
Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under assault, from Kharkiv — Ukraine’s second-largest city — in the north to Kherson in the south. Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery collected Friday showed an 8-mile convoy of military vehicles headed south to the Donbas through the town of Velykyi Burluk.
However, Western assessments expressed increasing confidence in the ability of Ukraine's defenders to repel Russian assaults, portraying Russia's troops as suffering from low morale and mounting casualties.
Britain’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that the Russian military was seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who have been discharged from military service since 2012.
In an update on Twitter, the ministry also said that the Russian military’s efforts to “generate more fighting power” also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine.
Russia-backed separatists in eastern Moldova took up arms in 1992 to establish Trans-Dniester, which is not internationally recognized and where Russia maintains some 1,500 troops.
Several European leaders have made efforts to show solidarity with battle-scarred Ukraine. In his video address, Zelenskyy thanked the leaders of Britain and Austria for their visits to Kyiv on Saturday and pledges of further support.
He also thanked the European Commission president and Canada's prime minister for a global fundraising event that brought in more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) for the millions of Ukrainians who have fled their homes.
Zelenskyy repeated his call for a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas, which he called the sources of Russia’s “self-confidence and impunity.” Some European countries depend heavily on imported Russian energy.
“Freedom does not have time to wait,” Zelenskyy said. "When tyranny begins its aggression against everything that keeps the peace in Europe, action must be taken immediately."
In an interview with The Associated Press inside his heavily guarded presidential office complex, Zelenskyy said he was committed to negotiating a diplomatic end to the war even though Russia has “tortured” Ukraine.
He also acknowledged that peace likely will not come quickly. Talks so far have not included Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials.
“We have to fight, but fight for life. You can’t fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. That’s why it is important to stop this war,” the president said.
Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia forces of committing war crimes against thousands of civilians during the invasion, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed 52 people at a train station Friday and shooting residents of towns in the north at close range.
Graphic evidence of civilian slayings emerged after Russian forces withdrew from Bucha, and firefighters were searching buildings in Borodyanka, another settlement outside Kyiv. Russia has denied engaging in war crimes and falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged.
Ukrainian authorities have said they expect to find more mass killings once they reach the southern port city of Mariupol, which is also in the Donbas and has been subjected to a monthlong blockade and intense fighting. The city’s location on the Sea of Azov is critical to establishing a land bridge from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago.
Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western powers almost daily to send more arms and further punish Moscow with sanctions, including the exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total EU embargo on Russian gas and oil.
During his visit Saturday, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he expects more EU sanctions against Russia, but defended his country’s opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian gas.
A package of sanctions imposed this week “won’t be the last one,” the chancellor said, acknowledging that “as long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient.” Austria is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit came a day after the U.K. pledged an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high-grade military equipment. Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain’s total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion.
In the interview with AP, Zelenskyy noted the increased support but expressed frustration when asked if weapons and equipment Ukraine has received from the West is sufficient to shift the war’s outcome.
“Not yet,” he said, switching to English for emphasis. “Of course it’s not enough.”
Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-russia-sunday/507-6afa4fb8-78b7-4876-8d32-ddf0af8e2b06
| 2022-04-10T12:13:18
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-russia-sunday/507-6afa4fb8-78b7-4876-8d32-ddf0af8e2b06
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With more than 50 job postings, Salina City government is not immune to hiring struggles
Employers across the nation are having a difficult time hiring right now, and one area where that is apparent is the shortage of workers in government.
The City of Salina is facing issues hiring new employees. As of April 5, the city's jobs website showed a total of 51 available openings in fulltime and part-time positions.
There have been a number of factors leading up to this workforce issue, but the pandemic has made things much worse and more pronounced, even as studies have been showing this might be an issue in the public and municipal sector.
"In city management circles 20-plus years ago, publications were predicting, demographically that the day was going to come," said Salina City Manager Mike Schrage. "That shift of baby boomers leaving the (workforce) population was anticipated."
While this issue is seen from the public in areas such as public works, utilities, the police and fire departments and parks and recreation, Schrage said the organization as a whole has struggled to maintain an adequate workforce.
"Across the board we see less applicants for positions and more opportunities for the applicants we do have, in terms of the choices they have and their ability to move on to a better opportunity more quickly," Schrage said.
Natalie Fischer, the human resources director for the City of Salina agreed that these opportunities in other businesses and industries is hampering the efforts of the city to hire more workers, particularly in one area that picked up during the pandemic.
"We are seeing more individuals leaving for opportunities to work from home," Fischer said.
Making changes to address the hiring struggles
Fischer said this struggle to find employees is causing her office and the city as a whole to step back and see what might be done.
"It's making us really review and focus on the way we do things," Fischer said. "(We're reviewing) everything from some of our policies to our benefits."
One thing that is being reviewed is the possibility of hiring younger employees for some positions.
"A couple of our areas we had to review and make sure we complied with child labor laws, whether it's making sure if we're hiring someone under the age of 18 for seasonal, the supervisors know they can't run certain equipment or handle certain chemicals," Fischer said.
The city also has to look at hour limitations for those under 16 years old and make sure those regulations are followed and the employees understand them.
More:The 'whole village' helping solve housing shortage in Salina
Understanding these limitations is something new to the city, but as it is looking for more people to hire for some positions it has to look at where the potential employee base may be.
"(These are) some of the things we've never considered before," Fischer said. "It's forcing us to think differently about our workforce and how to manage it."
The city is hoping to understand the overall hiring market. They are starting a pay plan study that is being conducted by Evergreen Solutions.
"I hope it gives us some data that we can use, rather than just the speculation, that shows if we're falling behind to the market (in regards to pay) exactly how much we are falling short," Fischer said.
Schrage said he's looking forward to seeing the results of this study, especially in terms of how the city compares in its pay to other employers.
"That's going to tell us what our competition is and what our pay rates need to be (so we can) be competitive," Schrage said. "That's one variable that we can address and that would (also) help with recruitment and retention."
Fischer said the study by Evergreen is ongoing, but the city is expecting to see some preliminary results of it by the end of April.
The city knows it is falling behind with people that have and use a commercial driver's license.
"Their market value right now is better than what we pay, and we know that, but we don't have the ability to (get them that value) right now," Fischer said.
Fischer said the need is huge right now for CDL drivers, and there is real competition for these employees.
"When we do hire someone away from another employer, (that employer) has the ability to come back and offer more money," Fischer said. "With our structured pay, that's not an option for us."
Fischer said that is just one example of some of the struggles the public sector faces compared to the private sector.
How Salina is making city employment more attractive
The city is doing what it can to try and recruit employees to work for it. Fischer said in the past there were certain departments that were shorter staffed than others and marketing like billboards for the Salina Police Department were common.
"Unfortunately over the last 24 months particularly, we tend to have more openings in (all) of our areas," she said.
Now, the city is using tools like having a stronger presence on social media, letting people know about positions that are open. Fischer said the city is also doing more advertising for jobs than in the past.
"We're trying some alternative forms of advertising," she said. "For the first time, we've done some radio advertising this year."
In addition to advertising open positions, the city is also making sure to let potential employees know about what it offers, both in terms of traditional work benefits and in what makes working for Salina different.
More:Saline County approves ARPA funding for mental health responders
"We try to focus on what I think sets us apart," Fischer said. "For purely the benefits side of things, we have really, really good health insurance. Our retirement system is good."
She said the city's health insurance includes dental and prescription, and she is proud that the city has been able to keep insurance premiums at a constant level.
Salina understands it's not just health insurance and retirement plans or paid sick and vacation leave that people look at when they apply for a job, though, so Fischer said the city has really been focusing on things that might not seem so tangible.
"We've started trying to appeal to individuals that maybe don't want to travel a whole lot, that get to spend nights at home," she said.
Finally, Fischer said her office focuses on another key benefit of working for the city.
"It's impactful work in our community," Fischer said.
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https://www.salina.com/story/news/2022/04/10/salina-city-goverment-struggles-hire-workers-amid-labor-shortage/7268376001/
| 2022-04-10T12:24:22
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https://www.salina.com/story/news/2022/04/10/salina-city-goverment-struggles-hire-workers-amid-labor-shortage/7268376001/
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Sisters Giselle, Julissa and Anahyssa Nash making an impact for Salina South girls soccer
Soccer is a sport that sisters Julissa, Giselle and Anahyssa Nash love to play.
Now, in their second season at Salina South, they are making an impact together. Giselle, a junior, had her freshman season canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying the start of her high school career until her younger twin sisters Julissa and Anahyssa became freshmen.
Not only were they playing their first season together in 2021, but they made an immediate impact on a senior-laden South team that went 12-5-1, producing the best record in school history.
"I was just impressed with how they were able to come in at a young age and contribute like they did," South coach Trey Crow said. "I think initially, we wouldn't have all of them contribute right away. They just stepped up from day one.
"They all earn their spot and they never looked back, and that's how they are. If they have a challenge in front of them, they're going to meet it head-on."
Nash sisters started playing soccer in elementary school
The Nash sisters got into soccer when twins Anahyssa and Julissa were in third grade. Once they started playing, Giselle followed suit.
"She got hooked watching, so she wanted to play soccer," Julissa said of Giselle.
Giselle said it was an opportunity to play soccer and see if they liked it. Now as high schoolers, they're continuing to play the game they love. Along with soccer they also play basketball for the Cougars during the winter.
"They are a very close group and they will do anything for each other," Crow said. "I think just being able to be with each other, and everything they do is pretty important to them."
More:Salina South girls soccer defeats Salina Central, 2-0: Three takeaways
Nash sisters play a variety of positions on the field
Two-thirds of the Nash sisters, Giselle and Anahyssa, play forward, while Julissa is a defender. Anahyssa and Giselle are South's top two scorers through seven games. Both were named to the McPherson Invitational all-tournament team last month.
"It's nice knowing that we're the ones being the spark for the team," Giselle said. "Just being there for our team and getting there."
With Giselle having a strong sophomore campaign, her role continues to increase along with Anahyssa's. For Julissa, she's had to fill one spot left behind as the Cougars graduated two All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division I defenders in Monique Fair and Sarah Schrage.
"We knew we had some big shoes to fill, and I think her and Lainey (Brown) have both really stepped up," Crow said. "Julissa (has) kind of (done) more from being able to just shut people down similar to what Mo could."
More:Experienced Ell-Saline softball team looking for deep postseason run after strong 2021 season
The sisters' impact is important for success
Creating energy is something that comes naturally for the Nash sisters. And if they bring the energy in a game or in practice, their teammates seem to feed off that.
"They have that fight in them that no matter what, we have a chance," Crow said.
South graduated eight seniors in 2021, and now it's time for the Nash sisters to incorporate what they learned into this year's team.
Giselle is one of the Cougars' team captains alongside Brown and Valeria Lara-Castro.
"Giselle has kind of taken on that role a little bit more than what she did in the past," Crow said. "She's stepped up there. I think Julissa has really stepped up in the back and then Anahyssa on the front. She's kind of vocal and tries to keep everyone upbeat and going.
"(Anahyssa) just has that attitude that we're not giving up, and she doesn't let anyone else give up, either."
At practices, the Nash sisters encourage their teammates to work hard and bring all they have onto the field.
"Just work through it, and if they make a mistake, they just correct (themselves) and move on from that," Julissa said.
After this season, the sisters will have only one more year together at the high school level. However, after Julissa and Anahyssa graduate in 2024, they hope to continue their soccer careers together at the collegiate level.
"That's the plan," Anahyssa said. "I don't think we're separating. I just want to keep playing with my sisters because they just bring joy to my soccer career."
Dylan Sherwood has been a sports reporter for the Salina Journal since August 2019. He can be reached at dsherwood@salina.com or on Twitter @DSherwoodSJ
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https://www.salina.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2022/04/10/giselle-julissa-and-anahyssa-nash-enjoying-time-playing-soccer-together/9498395002/
| 2022-04-10T12:24:28
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https://www.salina.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2022/04/10/giselle-julissa-and-anahyssa-nash-enjoying-time-playing-soccer-together/9498395002/
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HOULKA — A combination of church funds and donations from the community let the Houlka Volunteer Fire Department recently buy and outfit a used truck from Natchez Trace EPA.
The new arrival is already seeing use as a grass fire/rescue truck, Houlka Fire Chief Derek Earp said this week.
Chief Earp explained how the process worked.
Late last year a local church — that wishes to remain anonymous — agreed to put $5,000 toward the purchase of the truck and its equipment if the community would match it.
Other local churches and businesses soon raised an additional $7,500, and $2,300 more came from fundraisers and personal donations. All the money bought and equipped the 2wd 2006 Dodge 2500, which has a service bed on it, the chief said.
Said Chief Earp this week. “Our department is really appreciative of those donations. Without them, we would not have been able to purchase the rescue truck and equipment.”
The northeast Chickasaw County department serves an area of operation that includes about 4,000 people.
It has answered about 20 EMS calls and 25 fire calls this year, and about 116 EMS cals and 17 fire calls last year.
The converted truck replaces a 1986 truck obtained from the U. S. Forest Service, and which will be returned to them. Used by the Houlka department for many years, “we basically wore it out,” Earp said.
The department’s newer vehicle has been in service for several months, and has seen steady use. Its first run was an EMR call to aid a stroke victim. Since then it has seen steady use at several other EMR calls and grass fires.
Natchez Trace EPA had originally planned to auction off the truck. One Houlka VFD member, who works at Natchez Trace, talked with his boss, and Natchez Trace agreed to sell the vehicle to Houlka VFD for $1,000.
The rest of the donated money was used to outfit the truck for use as a rescue/brush fire truck.
The conversion involved installing emergency lights, putting a lot of department tools, saws and other gear aboard it, and purchasing new equipment for the truck as well.
The result: “This lets us go to medical calls or fire calls with all the equipment we need collected on one truck,” the chief said.
Along a related line, David Parker, owner of David’s One Stop in Houlka, has donated to the department a new dual axle 16 ft. trailer to haul equipment.
Hooked up to the new truck, the trailer will easily carry the department’s John Deere Gator, which is used as a grass fire buggy.
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https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/church-community-combine-to-buy-new-houlka-vfd-vehicle/article_9ec784ea-2236-5660-8c7b-3dbbc8d5fa33.html
| 2022-04-10T12:26:02
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https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/church-community-combine-to-buy-new-houlka-vfd-vehicle/article_9ec784ea-2236-5660-8c7b-3dbbc8d5fa33.html
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AMORY • An Afghanistan refugee with Northeast Mississippi connections is in the beginning stages of a new life in the United States after being helped by a Monroe County veteran.
Last August, Dr. Greg Yarbrough, a WIOA career coach through Itawamba Community College at the Monroe County Government Complex, was part of a network making phone calls and social media posts to get his former deployment interpreter out of Afghanistan before the withdrawal of U.S. troops and subsequent Taliban takeover of the country.
In 2005, Yarbrough served with the U.S. Marines as an embedded advisor with the Afghan National Army and continued a relationship through the years with his interpreter and local cultural expert, Daud. As thousands of refugees were fleeing Afghanistan last August, Yarbrough and his wife, Kelly, coordinated with local congressional leaders and other military families to get Daud on a flight out of the country.
Roughly seven months later, Daud now lives in Dallas and is working toward obtaining his driver’s license and Social Security card so he can begin a new life. He's also try getting his immediate family moved to the United States.
While in Afghanistan, Daud and his nephew owned a large excavation business but had to leave it all behind when fleeing the country.
“They had to give up all the equipment and he literally, when he got to the airport, had everything he had in his pockets," Yarbrough said. "His brother got his entire family out, and that goes with the subjective nature of dumb luck. Some people can get their entire family of 25 people out because they hit the wicket at the right time."
Daud told Yarbrough they had to go through four or five different shakedown points between his house and the airport in Kabul.
"It’s a good thing he didn’t take his family, because there’s a number of things that could have gone wrong,” Yarbrough said.
Daud’s brother, who worked as a political advisor for the Afghan government, and his family left on one of the first flights out of the country and ultimately relocated to San Diego, where he is working towards obtaining his documentation and teaching credentials in Southern California.
“The interesting thing about the first ones here is they’re the ones who have resources and money," Yarbrough said. "They’re not going to be ditch diggers. They’re going to be the people who work the higher echelon jobs."
It will require money for Daud to get his immediate family out of Afghanistan and to the United States, and he wants to go through the proper process to legally work.
“He wants to get back into business," Yarbrough said. "That’s what he did in Afghanistan. It doesn’t really matter what kind of business, as long as it’s legal and as long as he’s able to make enough money to support him and his family."
After flying out of Kabul, Daud went to the United Arab Emirates and onto Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Kosovo, Philadelphia, Fort Dix and ultimately Dallas, with stays sometimes lasting for weeks at a time different places.
Yarbrough added everyone from FBI to immigration officials he and Kelly worked with were helpful in the process of securing Daud’s new life.
“Everyone has been very sympathetic from the government’s side and doing their absolute best to push through to get him where he needed to be, but a person can only do so much,” Yarbrough said. “The refugees get to pick two or three different places they want to go, and it’s dependent on what kind of services they have, how many people have already settled there and if it’s actually viable for them to go there.”
Yarbrough is working with officials at ICC and his Alma mater to find out how to correlate Daud’s academic records so they’re viable in the United States. It’s posing a challenge since his college records in Afghanistan aren’t accessible.
Going by information Daud has heard from family in Afghanistan, Yarbrough explained the conditions in the country as chaotic and unsettled.
“Nobody can go to work and make money because there’s no money to be generated,” he said, describing needs for bartering. “One of the issues they’ve got is health care. If you have any kind of higher echelon issue or need medications, it’s catch if catch can and most of the time, you’re going to do without because it doesn’t exist there.
“One thing is the Taliban knew how to tear up stuff, but they didn’t know how to govern at all," he said.
The Yarbroughs and Daud plan to visit after he gets settled.
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https://www.djournal.com/marine-veteran-wife-help-in-securing-a-new-life-for-afghan-refugee-copy/article_7dfe8224-bad9-5229-8bed-d961e9848d76.html
| 2022-04-10T12:26:08
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https://www.djournal.com/marine-veteran-wife-help-in-securing-a-new-life-for-afghan-refugee-copy/article_7dfe8224-bad9-5229-8bed-d961e9848d76.html
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Hebrews 9:27, “And, as it is, it is appointed unto man to die, and after death the judgment.” William Saroyan once quipped, “I know everybody dies but I thought an exception would be made in my case.”
Unless Jesus tarries His coming in bodily return, you will die. Once you are dead, they will put you in a box and put you in the ground, and people will go back to the fellowship hall to eat potato salad and ham, drink sweet tea and talk about you.
For centuries, the Christian preachers were to keep death before our congregation. We exhorted dying parishoners to get ready for death and judgment. Today, the preachers who do that with regularity would empty the pews. Our congregations want to know how to flourish now, as if forever does not exist.
Let me cut to the chase. You will die. There is either a God or there is not. If there is a God, the Bible either is His word or it is not. You will either be Christ in glory or somewhere forever. It’s so horrible we do not even like to think about it. Most Americans believe we survive somewhere after death. Even some agnostics believe the human spirit is so strong that it will survive somewhere.
Folks my age begin to think about mortality. A recent round of medical exams made me think about my own mortality. How can we have the best attitude towards our own mortality? I’ve learned that life and death are all part of the same great adventure.
Live your life knowing that it is a gift. Life is not an entitlement. We do not deserve life. We did not invent our existence. We did not make ourselves come into this world and we do not choose to leave it. What happens during our time here is a gift, every day of it.
Learn what the Irish call “thin places.” Thin places are when the border between time and eternity, Heaven and Earth, is very thin. When someone goes on to the other side and we are standing at a thin place, eternity seems to be right there. Do not flee from thin places. Embrace the times when there seems to be a think membrane between now and forever. Hang out there, feel it and lean into it.
Think about your legacy. You would do well to think about legacy. When folks gather for your viewing, sit through your funeral or visit your grave, what will they remember? You probably do not want them to think, “Regardless, dad always stayed at the office late. Dad always fell into his chair at night and went to sleep. Dad ran off when we needed him.”
You want them to remember something better. Think of that soon and often. “I want them to remember that I was content on where I had been and proud of who I was.”
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https://www.djournal.com/monroe/opinion/from-the-parson-s-pen-god-s-death-warrant-no-reprieve/article_33cb5843-57b5-50e7-8ac8-3e40a67b403d.html
| 2022-04-10T12:26:15
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https://www.djournal.com/monroe/opinion/from-the-parson-s-pen-god-s-death-warrant-no-reprieve/article_33cb5843-57b5-50e7-8ac8-3e40a67b403d.html
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Mississippi has an ugly secret. Women are being abused, raped and humiliated every day at Mississippi’s public universities, and the people who can stop it don’t care.
Parents who are sending their daughters to live in the dormitories of Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss or our other universities probably think that their children are being protected, but they are not. The rules which forbade men from entering women’s dormitories, except for the public area downstairs, have quietly been replaced.
Male visitors are allowed in women’s dormitory rooms now at the following times at Ole Miss and similar times for our other universities: 9 a.m. - midnight on Sundays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The downstairs public rooms have, in some instances, been removed.
A dormitory room has room for two twin beds and little else. The adults in charge of our universities know what the combination of alcohol, hormones and a young couple locked in a spartan bedroom is likely to produce. Men and women are not physically equal; the playing field is not level here.
The Me Too movement has opened the eyes of America to the truth that sexual assaults mostly go unreported because the victims aren’t believed and there are no other witnesses; moreover, if the victim makes waves, she, herself, is blamed.
Mississippians must demand that our university campuses return to the policy of safety which we had in the past – no opposite gender visitation in any dormitory rooms. That policy kept our young people safe for well over 100 years; there was no valid reason to change it.
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https://www.djournal.com/monroe/opinion/letter-to-the-editor/article_684be3c9-2261-5492-9537-d06f994b96a0.html
| 2022-04-10T12:26:21
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https://www.djournal.com/monroe/opinion/letter-to-the-editor/article_684be3c9-2261-5492-9537-d06f994b96a0.html
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Dorothy Molstad, a pillar of the Twin Cities literary community known for her warmth, kindness and varied talents, died Friday. The announcement was made in a Facebook posting by her daughters Jennifer Geisler and Kathy Cote Rogers.
Molstad, who passed away four days before her 80th birthday, was living in a senior residence in Brooklyn Park. She had been challenged by a host of physical difficulties in the past several years, but fought back each time. Her daughters wrote that she died without pain and “left knowing how very loved she was.”
Molstad, a past president of Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MIPA), was known in the book community for joining with Pat Morris and Linda Strommer to create Book Architects in 2009. The business was devoted to helping first-time authors navigate the complicated paths to getting a book published in the days when self-publishing was just grabbing hold of the publishing industry and writers didn’t know where to go for information.
The partners told the Pioneer Press at the time they didn’t know of any other business like Book Architects in the Twin Cities.
Molstad was also a kindergarten teacher in Burnsville and director of visitor programs at the Minnesota Zoo. She served as marketing manager for Voyageur Press, Waldman House Press and Pfeifer-Hamilton Press, all based in Minnesota. For 12 years, ending in 1996, she was director of corporate communications for West Publishing in Eagan.
Always up for a challenge, Molstad was 54 when she left West to do product placement for Creative Entertainment Services in Burbank, Calif. Her credentials included getting West’s law books and computerized legal services into movies and TV shows such as “Law and Order.”
By 1997 Molstad was working for Waldman House Press, finding ways to introduce the Minneapolis-based press’s books to the national market.
Among her successes was PEEF, a stuffed patchwork teddy bear that was a character in a companion picture book. Molstad got the bear in a brief scene in the “George and Leo” TV show in which Bob Newhart, as a bookstore owner, sat at his desk. PEEF was perched on the shelf behind Newhart, right next to 10 copies of “A Cup of Christmas Tea,” also published by Waldman. Both books were written by Minneapolitan Tom Hegg and illustrated by St. Paul artist Warren Hanson.
Molstad, who was twice divorced, was a Belle Plaine homemaker until her two children began school. Then, she took a job as a dental assistant and soon after started college at age 30.
“I would work from eight to four, then drive an hour on Highway 169 to Mankato State, then go to class from five to 10, then drive an hour home,” she recalled in a 1996 Pioneer Press interview. “I played the role of a supermom and got a degree in 3 1/2 years with a 3.97 GPA.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced when they are completed.
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/09/04o922-pp-n-molstad/
| 2022-04-10T12:26:28
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/09/04o922-pp-n-molstad/
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Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said just about every regular rotation player will play for Minnesota in its regular-season finale Sunday against Chicago — sans potentially D’Angelo Russell, who missed Saturday’s practice with an illness.
“I think we’re going to play most of our guys, some version of their minutes. They want to play,” Finch said. “We want to try to stay in rhythm and play.”
Hours later, the injury report informed the public Karl-Anthony Towns would also miss the game to rest.
Of course, Sunday is essentially a tune-up at this point for Tuesday — Minnesota’s next biggest game of the year. That’s when the Wolves will meet the Clippers in the No. 7 seed play-in game. That’s not a win-or-go-home contest — the loser of the game will have one more shot Friday at home against either San Antonio or New Orleans to earn the No. 8 seed, but the significance is massive.
For one thing, both Minnesota and Los Angeles would like to punch their playoff ticket as soon as possible. Perhaps of bigger concern, the No. 7 seed will play Memphis in Round 1 — while the No. 8 seed will be stuck playing a Phoenix team that’s heavily favored to win the title. Whoever is the seven will feel as though it has a shot to pull off a first-round upset. The No. 8, frankly, likely will not.
There is a lot on the line Tuesday at Target Center.
The early line from oddsmakers tout the Timberwolves as a favorite by the slimmest of margins. The Clippers won the first three meetings this season — all within Minnesota’s first 12 games — when both teams were relatively healthy. Each victory came by double-digits. Finch noted that film is “pretty relevant” for Minnesota.
“In that they obviously kicked our (butt) several times. I can’t imagine that their game plan is going to be much different,” Finch said.
Probably not. The Clippers were one of the first teams to put a smaller player on Karl-Anthony Towns in the post, only to have their true big — Ivica Zubac — hovering just feet away in the paint.
Offensively, Paul George manipulated Minnesota’s high-wall pick and roll defense about as well as anyone else has all season. Only one of Minnesota’s three early games against the Clippers was truly competitive.
But both teams are different now. Minnesota found itself offensively after a rough patch to open the season. The Wolves have largely navigated the different defensive looks thrown at Towns and found ways to score regardless — whether via buckets for the big man or others carrying the load.
That might be necessary again, as the Clippers have a number of smaller forwards to throw at Towns, from Marcus Morris to former Timberwolves forward Robert Covington, who’s always done a nice job defending Towns.
The Wolves have sported one of the league’s top offenses since the calendar flipped to 2022. Defensively, Minnesota has slipped, and may again struggle to defend the Clippers. Elite wings such as Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum and George, himself, have found simple ways to manipulate Minnesota’s defense to get easy looks for themselves or their teammates. The Clippers tout the third-best 3-point percentage in the NBA this season (37 percent).
“They look really, really good right now,” Finch said. “They’ve added (Norman) Powell, they’ve added Covington. They’re filling out nicely. But I think there’s some things we can definitely learn from it.”
That’s Minnesota’s biggest advantage. If Tuesday’s game played out similarly to the way the early contests did — the mid-season Wolves’ drubbing of the George-less Clippers not withstanding — then the Wolves would be in trouble.
But “clinching” the No. 7 seed via Denver’s win Thursday gave Minnesota a couple practices to prepare, likely with Los Angeles in mind. And likely having seen exactly how Los Angeles will attack Minnesota, the Wolves have a chance to adjust tactics to swing the advantage back in their favor.
Will they take advantage? That’s to be determined on Tuesday.
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| 2022-04-10T12:26:34
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By SARA BURNETT
Outside the Michigan courthouse where a jury did not convict any of the four men charged with planning to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a defense lawyer said jurors saw the alleged plot as what it was: Dirty FBI tactics and “rough talk.”
The men — who were heard on audio during the trial talking about killing Whitmer, blowing up a bridge and other violence — didn’t say anything shocking, attorney Michael Hills said. He noted one of the defense witnesses he considered calling to testify planned to assert that he’s “heard worse from pregnant mothers up on the Capitol.”
“If I don’t like the governor and it’s rough talk, I can do that in our country. That’s what’s beautiful about this country. That’s what’s great about it,” Hills said. “So hurrah, freedom in America. It’s still here.”
But to others, Friday’s outcome following a weekslong trial was a chilling reminder that the political violence that is raging across the U.S. too often goes unpunished. From attacks on social media and elsewhere that disproportionately affect women lawmakers, to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the plan to abduct Whitmer, people are increasingly angry and feeling emboldened to act on it, they say.
Whitmer, a Democrat, has blamed former President Donald Trump for stoking anger over COVID-19 restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists. On Friday, her office said people across the country are experiencing “a normalization” of violence. A Democratic state lawmaker said the threats posed won’t be taken seriously “until someone dies.”
“The plot to kidnap and kill a governor may seem like an anomaly. But we must be honest about what it really is: the result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country,” Whitmer’s chief of staff, JoAnne Huls, said in a statement. “There must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. Without accountability, extremists will be emboldened.”
Whitmer wasn’t a trial witness, didn’t attend the trial and has not directly commented on the proceedings, but on Saturday, she alluded to the trial’s outcome.
“I have often been asked why the heck do I want to keep doing this job. And after yesterday I’m sure we all have to ask that question maybe once or twice,” she said during a speech at the Michigan Democratic Party Endorsement Convention in Detroit. “But here’s the reason: Tough times call for tough people and we are going to get through this together.”
Four men — Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Brandon Caserta and Daniel Harris — were arrested in October 2020. Federal prosecutors said they wanted to kidnap Whitmer because they were angry over pandemic restrictions she imposed, and saw her as a “tyrant” who needed to be removed.
The charges came at a particularly divisive time, with debate raging over the pandemic and just weeks before the 2020 presidential election between Trump and Joe Biden. Armed protests were occurring at the Michigan Capitol and elsewhere in the U.S., and in the streets of many cities, demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd at times turned violent.
Prosecutors presented evidence at the federal trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from undercover agents, an FBI informant and two men who pleaded guilty to the plot. Jurors also read and heard secretly recorded conversations, violent social media posts and chat messages.
Defense attorneys argued that the men were entrapped by the FBI — pulled into an alleged plot they would never have participated in if not for the government and its informants luring them. They painted the men as wannabes who were frequently high and easily influenced, or in one case, a former member of the military who wanted to brush up on firearms training.
Before returning their verdicts, the jury said that after nearly five days of deliberations they could not agree unanimously on all 10 of the charges against the men.
Harris, 24, and Caserta, 33, were found not guilty of conspiracy. Harris also was acquitted of charges related to explosives and a gun.
The jury could not reach verdicts for Fox, 38, and Croft, 46, which means the government can put them on trial again.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said after the verdicts that “We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that.”
Hills, who defended Caserta, said the outcome was a message to the government that the FBI’s actions were “unconscionable.” He said the federal government should “let it go” rather than take Croft and Fox to trial a second time.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican, tweeted after the verdict that the “FBI and DOJ need a complete and total cleansing. … All the rot must be removed and these agencies must be restored.”
Others were stunned by the jury’s decision, and said it set a dangerous example.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democrat, called for an end to “the hatred and division in this country” and said she is “Deeply concerned that today’s decision in the Whitmer kidnapping trial will give people further license to choose violence and threats.”
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist called on elected officials, parents, teachers and others to stand up to “these hateful actions and teach our kids that there is a better way.”
“Our differences must be settled at the ballot box, not through violence,” he said. “We need to be honest and clear about what causes violence by extremists and do all we can to address the root cause of it.”
Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, a Democrat, noted on Twitter that a man who threatened to kill her in 2020 was acquitted.
“The next time you ask why we can’t get good people to run for office, consider today’s verdict,” she said, adding, “This won’t be taken seriously until someone dies.”
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INDIANAPOLIS – A man is dead and five other people were injured in a shooting at a birthday party on Indianapolis’ northwest side Sunday morning.
Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of a person shot at an event center in the 4200 block of West 38th Street near Lafayette Road just before 3:20 a.m.
When officers arrived, they located three individuals with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims, a male and a female, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transported to an area hospital. A third victim was found inside the building as he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Three other reported male victims were walk-ins at area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries from the incident.
According to a preliminary investigation, detectives a fight broke out at a birthday party inside the building, where shots were fired inside and outside the building.
No information regarding any suspects have been released at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Christopher Winter at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or by email at Christopher.Winter@indy.gov.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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| 2022-04-10T12:26:45
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Here’s a look at what’s happening on Twin Cities classical music stages.
‘Star Wars’ in Concert: ‘Return of the Jedi’
April 21-24: Sarah Hicks conducts the Minnesota Orchestra as they perform John Williams’ score live during a screening of “Return of the Jedi,” the finale of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, first released in 1983. Williams won his third Oscar for the first “Star Wars” and earned nominations for “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Jedi” and the most recent trilogy that ended with 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” 7:30 p.m. April 21-23 and 2 p.m. April 24; Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; $107-$47; 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org.
Stewart Goodyear and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
April 22-24: Director and pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to the SPCO for a program of works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Inspired by Mozart’s concerti, Beethoven’s third piano concerto begins the program, which ends with Mozart’s final symphony, Jupiter, written when he was 32, just a few years before his death. 8 p.m. April 22-23; Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; and 2 p.m. April 24; Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, Arden Hills; $50-$11 (April 23 is sold out, contact the box office for last-minute availability); 651-291-1144 or thespco.org.
Minnesota Orchestra’s MusicMakers
May 6: The orchestra has chosen seven emerging composers out of hundreds who applied as the culmination of the orchestra’s annual Composer Institute. The orchestra promises it will be “bold, colorful, tender and always surprising, the music proclaims with confidence that tomorrow’s orchestra is in superb hands.” It’s co-presented with the American Composers Orchestra. 8 p.m.; Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; $50-$33; 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org.
Minnesota Opera’s ‘Carmen’
May 7-22: French composer Georges Bizet based “Carmen” on a novella of the same name. When it was first performed in Paris in 1875, its breaking of conventions shocked audiences. Bizet died suddenly after the 33rd performance, but “Carmen” went on to become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the classical canon. Renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, who starred in Minnesota Opera’s 1991 production of “Carmen,” returns to make her directorial debut. Co-produced by the Glimmerglass Festival, “Carmen” is sung in French with English translations. 7:30 p.m. May 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 and 2 p.m. May 8, 15, 22; Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; $228-$25; 612-333-6669 or mnopera.org.
At the Summit: B Minor Mass
May 14: The Bach Society of Minnesota celebrates their 90th anniversary with a Minnesota Bach Festival performance of the Mass in B Minor. Conductor Matthias Maute leads soprano Sarah Brailey, alto Victoria Vargas, tenor Nicholas Chalmers and bass Alan Dunbar. 7:30 p.m.; Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; $42; 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.
PaviElle French, Beethoven and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
June 9-12: For the SPCO’s season finale, the orchestra is presenting two works by composers written two centuries apart. Local guest composer, singer and keyboardist PaviElle French will perform the world premiere of “Sands of Time,” an SPCO commission that celebrates love in all its forms. Also on the bill, Beethoven’s 4th Symphony. 6 p.m. June 9, 8 p.m. June 10-11, 2 p.m. June 12; Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; $20 for June 9, the other shows are sold out (contact the box office for last-minute availability); 651-291-1144 or thespco.org.
Minnesota Orchestra performs Mahler’s 8th
June 10-12: Music director Osmo Vanska closes his final season with the Minnesota Orchestra with Mahler’s 8th Symphony, which is known as the Symphony of a Thousand. Four choral ensembles will join the orchestra: Minnesota Chorale, National Lutheran Choir, Angelica Cantanti Concert Choir and Minnesota Boychoir. The performance will also be recorded as part of the orchestra’s ongoing project to record all 10 of Mahler’s symphonies. Just one, Mahler’s 3rd, remains and will be recorded in a future season. 8 p.m. June 10-11 and 2 p.m. June 12; Orchestra Hall; the evening shows are sold out (contact the box office for last-minute availability) matinee is $60; 612-371-5656 or minnesotaorchestra.org.
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
June 26-July 17: Those up for a road trip can soak in three weeks of classical music at the Minnesota Beethoven Festival in the southeastern city of Winona. Unless otherwise noted, performances take place at Page Theatre, St. Mary’s University. The lineup includes pianist Olga Kern (3 p.m. June 26), violinist Ray Chen (7:30 p.m. June 29), Manhattan Chamber Players (7:30 p.m. July 5), Merz Trio (7:30 p.m. July 7), Minnesota Orchestra (8 p.m. July 9; Lake Park Bandshell; and 4 p.m. July 17; Winona Middle School Auditorium), the King’s Singers (3 p.m. July 10; Chapel of St. Mary’s of the Angels), Ariel Quartet (7:30 p.m. July 12) and Pablo Sainz Villegas (7:30 p.m. July 14). Tickets are $25, for more details, see mnbeethovenfestival.org.
Latvian Song Festival
July 1: Soloists, chamber ensembles and Twin Cities-based Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra explore the many colors and timbres of Latvian chamber and orchestral music through refreshing repertoire and unique combinations of instruments. The performance is part of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival (details at latviansongfest2022.org). 1 p.m.; Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; $40-$30; 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.
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INDIANAPOLIS – One person is in serious, but stable condition following a shooting and robbery on Indianapolis’ near northwest side.
IMPD was dispatched to the 1400 block of West 35th Street around 1:19 a.m. early Sunday morning. Upon arrival, officers said they found an adult male inside his home with injuries consistent with gunshot wound(s).
Officers on scene provided medical aid prior to the arrival of medics that downgraded their condition. The adult male was transported to an area hospital in serious, but stable condition.
IMPD believes a robbery occurred outside of the victim’s home and is what led up to the shooting. The suspect fled in their car after the shooting before officers arrived.
Anyone with information about this incident is being asked to call IMPD Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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| 2022-04-10T12:26:51
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By GEOFF MULVIHILL and CLAUDIA LAUER
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Danielle Russell was in the emergency department at an Arizona hospital last fall, sick with COVID-19, when she made the mistake of answering completely when she was asked what medications she was on.
“I said yes, I was taking methadone,” said Russell, a doctoral student who also was in recovery from heroin use. “The smart thing to do, if I wanted to be treated like a human, would be to say no.”
Even though her primary doctor had sent her to the ER, she said she was discharged swiftly without being treated and given a stack of papers about the hospital’s policies for prescribing pain medications — drugs she was not asking for.
“It becomes so absurd and the stigma against methadone especially is so strong,” she said, noting that other people in recovery have had it worse. “You’re getting blocked out from housing resources, employment.”
It’s a problem people in the addiction recovery community have dealt with for decades: On top of the stigma surrounding addiction, people who are in medical treatment for substance abuse can face additional discrimination — including in medical and legal settings that are supposed to help.
This week, the U.S. Department of Justice published new guidelines aimed at dealing with the problem: They assert that it’s illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act to discriminate against people because they are using prescribed methadone or other medications to treat opioid use disorder.
The guidelines don’t change federal government policy, but they do offer clarification and signal that authorities are watching for discrimination in a wide range of settings. The Justice Department’s actions this year also show it’s taken an interest in the issue, reaching multiple legal settlements, filing a lawsuit and sending a warning letter alleging other violations.
One of the government’s recent settlements was with a Colorado program that helps house and employ people who are homeless. A potential client filed a complaint claiming she was denied admission because she uses buprenorphine to treat her addiction. As part of the settlement, Ready to Work is paying the woman $7,500. Stan Garnett, a lawyer for the organization, said Thursday that the organization’s staff is being trained to comply with the law.
“It’s terrifying to be told by some authority — whether it’s a judge, or a child welfare official, or a skilled nursing facility — someone who has something you need is telling you you have to get off the medication that is saving your life,” said Sally Friedman, senior vice president of legal advocacy at the Legal Action Center, which uses legal challenges to try to end punitive measures for people with health conditions, including addiction.
Friedman said advocates and lawyers will cite the new guidelines when they’re making discrimination claims.
Dan Haight, president of The LCADA Way, which runs addiction treatment programs in the Cleveland area, said a suburb where they wanted to put a clinic at one point nixed the idea because of a moratorium in place on new drug counseling centers.
“We’re not looked at as another medical facility or counseling office,” Haight said. “We’re looked at because we do addiction.”
The new guidelines suggest that such broad denials could be violations of the ADA.
Overdoses from all opioids, including prescription drugs containing oxycodone, heroin and illicit laboratory-made varieties including fentanyl, have killed more than 500,000 Americans in the last two decades, and the problem has been growing only worse. That has frustrated advocates, treatment providers and public health experts who see the deaths as preventable with treatment.
Even as the crisis has deepened, there have been glimmers of hope. Drugmakers, distribution companies and pharmacy chains have announced settlements since last year to pay government entities about $35 billion over time plus provide drugs to treat addictions and reverse overdoses. Most of the money is required to be used to fight the epidemic.
It’s still to be determined how the money will be deployed, but one priority for many public health experts is expanding access to medication-based treatments, which are seen as essential to helping people recover.
But there’s still a stigma associated with the treatment programs, which use the medication naltrexone or drugs that themselves are opioids, such as methadone and buprenorphine.
Marcus Buchanan used methadone from 2016 through 2018 to help end a decadelong heroin habit. During that time, he was looking for work near his home in Chouteau, Oklahoma — mostly at factories — and could never land one.
“I can nail an interview. It would be the drug-screen process” when he’d explain why the results showed he was using methadone, said Buchanan, who is now an outreach coordinator for an opioid prevention program. “Every job, more than 20 probably, during those two years, was a door shut in the face.”
Dr. Susan Bissett, president of the nonprofit West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute, said people who are in treatment programs often hide it out of fear that they could lose their jobs.
She said she wants to reach out to business leaders and encourage them to hire and retain people who are using the medications.
“The next step is helping employers understand this is a disease instead of a moral failing,” Bissett said. “We don’t think about substance abuse disorder the way we think about diabetes, for example.”
One of the places where medication-assisted treatment is sometimes restricted or banned is in state drug diversion court programs, which are intended to get people help for addiction rather than incarcerate them.
Fewer than half the states have specific language that prohibits judges from excluding people who are taking the medications from participating in diversion programs or requires that they allow its use as part of the programs. That finding is based on an Associated Press review of legislation, administrative court orders and drug court handbooks that guide state drug diversion court programs.
Some states allow individual courts to make their own rules, while others only include language saying people can’t be excluded. Judges in some states still require defendants to taper off the medications and allow the diversion programs to decide whether the medications are appropriate for each person enrolled.
The Center for Court Innovation is trying to steer the drug courts into creating policies and programs that support people taking those medications instead of incentivizing them to stop.
“It can be frustrating, because nobody needs to tell a judge they need to allow someone to take blood pressure medication,” said Sheila McCarthy, a senior program manager for the Center for Court Innovation. “But for some, there is just a disconnect about the real effect these medications have on a person’s daily life.”
Veronica Pacheco has been off methadone for nearly a year after being on it for more than six years to treat an addiction to pain pills.
She said some people in the medical field — a physician, a dentist, a pharmacist — seemed to treat her differently after they learned she was on methadone treatment. They sometimes assume she was going to ask for new prescriptions for pain medications.
“I felt like I had a sign on my forehead saying, ‘I am a methadone person.’ The minute someone has your medical record, everything changes,” said Pacheco, who lives in the Minneapolis suburb of Dayton. “Now that I’ve been off it, I can see the night-and-day difference.”
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Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
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PIKE COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – On Sunday afternoon, an Indiana State Senior Trooper stopped a car on 1-69 near the 51 mile-marker.
Police say Kyle R. Horstman, 31, of Washington was going 87 mph in a 70 mph zone in a black Dodge Charger. When he pulled Horstman over, the trooper could smell burnt marijuana coming from the car. He could also see a syringe on the passenger side floorboard.
According to police, Horstman was acting impaired, failed field sobriety tests, and refused to submit to a chemical test. During a search of the vehicle, officers located three more syringes and a handgun that was in multiple pieces.
Horstman was arrested and taken to the Pike County Jail where he is currently being held without bond. He’s being charged with:
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| 2022-04-10T12:27:25
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A car crashed into a home on Fort Wayne’s southeast side after colliding with another vehicle just before 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The crash between the two vehicles happened at the intersection of Winter Street and Colerick Street.
Fort Wayne Police say both drivers were treated by EMS on the scene, and only suffered minor injuries.
Both of the vehicles were damaged.
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| 2022-04-10T12:27:31
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia is targeting all of Europe with its invasion of Ukraine, and stopping Moscow’s aggression is essential for the security of all democracies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said as Russian forces prepared for battle in the east of his country.
Addressing the “free people of a brave country,” Zelenskyy said in a late night video message to Ukrainians that Russia’s war aim “was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone” and the “entire European project is a target.”
“That is why it is not just the moral duty of all democracies, all the forces of Europe, to support Ukraine’s desire for peace,” he said. ”This is, in fact, a strategy of defense for every civilized state.”
His address came as civilians continued to flee eastern parts of the country before an expected onslaught and emergency workers searched for survivors in towns north of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, that are no longer occupied by Russian forces.
Russia has pulled its troops from the northern part of the country and refocused on the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian troops for eight years and controlled some territory before the war, now in its 46th day.
Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under assault, from Kharkiv — Ukraine’s second-largest city — in the north to Kherson in the south. Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery collected Friday showed an 8-mile (13-kilometer) convoy of military vehicles headed south to the Donbas through the town of Velykyi Burluk.
However, Western assessments expressed increasing confidence in the ability of Ukraine’s defenders to repel Russian assaults, portraying Russia’s troops as suffering from low morale and mounting casualties.
Britain’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that the Russian military was seeking to respond to mounting losses by boosting troop numbers with personnel who have been discharged from military service since 2012.
In an update on Twitter, the ministry also said that the Russian military’s efforts to “generate more fighting power” also include trying to recruit from Trans-Dniester, a breakaway region in Moldova that borders Ukraine.
Russia-backed separatists in eastern Moldova took up arms in 1992 to establish Trans-Dniester, which is not internationally recognized and where Russia maintains some 1,500 troops.
Several European leaders have made efforts to show solidarity with battle-scarred Ukraine. In his video address, Zelenskyy thanked the leaders of Britain and Austria for their visits to Kyiv on Saturday and pledges of further support.
He also thanked the European Commission president and Canada’s prime minister for a global fundraising event that brought in more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) for the millions of Ukrainians who have fled their homes.
Zelenskyy repeated his call for a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas, which he called the sources of Russia’s “self-confidence and impunity.” Some European countries depend heavily on imported Russian energy.
“Freedom does not have time to wait,” Zelenskyy said. “When tyranny begins its aggression against everything that keeps the peace in Europe, action must be taken immediately.”
In an interview with The Associated Press inside his heavily guarded presidential office complex, Zelenskyy said he was committed to negotiating a diplomatic end to the war even though Russia has “tortured” Ukraine.
He also acknowledged that peace likely will not come quickly. Talks so far have not included Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials.
“We have to fight, but fight for life. You can’t fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. That’s why it is important to stop this war,” the president said.
Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia forces of commiting war crimes against thousands of civilians during the invasion, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed 52 people at a train station Friday and shooting residents of towns in the north at close range.
Graphic evidence of civilian slayings emerged after Russian forces withdrew from Bucha, and firefighters were searching buildings in Borodyanka, another settlement outside Kyiv. Russia has denied engaging in war crimes and falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged.
Ukrainian authorities have said they expect to find more mass killings once they reach the southern port city of Mariupol, which is also in the Donbas and has been subjected to a monthlong blockade and intense fighting. The city’s location on the Sea of Azov is critical to establishing a land bridge from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago.
Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western powers almost daily to send more arms and further punish Moscow with sanctions, including the exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total EU embargo on Russian gas and oil.
During his visit Saturday, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he expects more EU sanctions against Russia, but defended his country’s opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian gas.
A package of sanctions imposed this week “won’t be the last one,” the chancellor said, acknowledging that “as long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient.” Austria is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit came a day after the U.K. pledged an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high-grade military equipment. Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain’s total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion.
In the interview with AP, Zelenskyy noted the increased support but expressed frustration when asked if weapons and equipment Ukraine has received from the West is sufficient to shift the war’s outcome.
“Not yet,” he said, switching to English for emphasis. “Of course it’s not enough.”
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WBNS) – Number 7 jerseys hang on the gates of the Horseshoe.
People are gathering at Ohio State University’s stadium to honor Dwayne Haskins, the former OSU standout and Steelers quarterback who was fatally hit by a dump truck Saturday on a Florida highway.
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$4.6 billion (€ 4.1 billion) in grants and $5.5 billion (€ 5 billion) in loans will support refugee efforts in Ukraine and other European countries in providing accommodation and economic security, as well as support for grassroots organizations and UN agencies working with refugees and internally displaced people.
In using these funds, governments are called on not to cut other crucial development and humanitarian priorities around the world and pit vulnerable people against one another.
Commitments made to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine must not come at the expense of vulnerable populations around the world.
EPK LINK: https://publicity.gettyimages.com/event/global-citizen-stand-up-for-ukraine
WARSAW, Poland and OTTAWA, ON and NEW YORK, April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event, $4.6 billion in grants was pledged in new funding for humanitarian efforts being undertaken by Ukraine and other European countries, UN agencies and grassroots organizations to support all those impacted by the invasion. In addition, $5.5 billion in loans was newly announced to help Ukraine and neighboring countries cope with the crisis.
Convened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in partnership with Global Citizen, with the participation of Andrzej Duda, President of Poland, and moderated by Isha Sesay, the "Stand Up for Ukraine" pledging event sought to raise billions of dollars to bolster efforts to assist the more than 4.4 million refugees who have fled Ukraine and the 6.5 million people displaced within the country.
The campaign also called for commitments to be new and additional, and not to result in cuts to existing development programs. Governments should not use existing ODA budgets to cover costs of welcoming refugees at home, which is unacceptable and counterproductive in the long term.
We must avoid pitting vulnerable groups against one another. This is especially important given the more than 80 million people who are currently displaced around the world. Governments must significantly increase development and humanitarian spending NOW to jointly address the multiple humanitarian, climate, and hunger crises across the world.
New Government and European Commission Pledges for Ukraine and Refugees in Europe
Pledges and in kind contributions made by leaders included:
- European Commission - $1.1B (€1B)
- Canada - $80M (€72M)
- Belgium - $904M (€813M)
- Croatia - $111M (€100M)
- Czech Republic - $222M (€200M)
- Estonia - $111K (€100K)
- Finland - $778M (€700M)
- Ireland - $58M (€53M)
- Italy - $400M (€360M)
- Malta - $55K (€50K)
- Slovakia - $595M (€535M)
- Sweden - $333M (€300M)
- Qatar - $5M (€4.4M)
Announcements of Loans
- Council of Europe Development Bank - $ 1.1B (€1B) in loans
- European Investment Bank - $4.4 (€4B) in loans, which still requires approval by the board of directors.
Additionally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development confirmed it will allocate $1.1 billion (€ 1 billion) out of a previously announced package of $2.25 billion (€2 billion) on March 9, specifically for projects in municipalities impacted by the crisis.
New Corporate Financial Commitments
Global Citizen thanks the companies below for their generous contribution in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and around the world:
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Bridgewater Associates
- Cisco
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Continental Development Corporation
- Crush Music
- CSL Behring
- DocuSign
- Farmamundi Foundation
- Nestlé
- Nespresso
- Verizon
- The Foundation at Sanofi
- Seadream Family Foundation
- Sun Life
Public donations from citizens were also made as part of the Stand Up for Ukraine. Over $500.000 was donated to GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund by almost 5000 people in 66 different countries.
A full breakdown of the impact from the "Stand Up for Ukraine" can be found in the impact report on Global Citizen's website.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: "It's not only Ukraine fighting for its sovereignty and integrity, but they are also fighting for the question of whether humanity will prevail or whether heinous devastation will be the result. We want to rally the world for refugees, inside and outside Ukraine, to support them."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said, "Your voice, donations, and advocacy are making a real difference. You're helping provide food, water, shelter, and medical aid for refugees who had to flee their homes — so thank you. Together, let's keep working to mobilize governments around the world, private companies, and the people in our communities to support refugees from Ukraine and, indeed, support all Ukrainians." He added, "Everyone deserves to be safe. Let's all continue to Stand Up For Ukraine!"
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a special appeal for citizens around the world: "Convince your politicians. Stay with Ukraine. Stay with Freedom. Stay with Bravery."
The Stand Up for Ukraine Social Rally
Leading into the pledging event, on 8 April, artists, athletes, entertainers, advocates and citizens from around the world including, Adam Lambert, Aitana, Alec Benjamin, Alejandro Sanz, Alex Len, Alexandra Stan, Andy Cohen, Angélique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Antytila, Arlo Parks, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Au/Ra, Barbra Streisand, Barenaked Ladies, Bastille, Becky Lynch, Billie Eilish, Billy Porter, Black Eyed Peas, Bobby Weir, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Celine Dion, Chris Isaak, Chris Tomlin, Connie Britton, Dave Matthews, Daymond John, Dead & Company, Drew McIntyre, Dwane Casey, Dylan Dunlap, Ellen DeGeneres, Ellie Goulding, Elton John and David Furnish, Evan Ross, Fall Out Boy, Finn Bälor, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Gelila Assefa Puck, Gloria Steinem, Green Day, Herbert Grönemeyer, Hozier, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness, Isha Sesay, Ivar and Erik, Jamala, Jenna Dewan, Jennifer Lopez, Jesse McCartney, Jewel, Jill Vedder, Jim Kyte, Johnny Orlando, Jon Bon Jovi, Jonas Brothers, Juanes, Julian Lennon, Kacey Musgraves, Katie Couric, Katy Perry, Kerry Washington, KD Lang, Lennon Stella, Leon Bridges, Lilly Singh, Liv Morgan, Lola Lennox, Luis Fonsi, Luke Steele, Madonna, MÅNESKIN, Megan Morant, Metallica, Michael Bublé, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Miley Cyrus, Nicky Jam, Nigel Barker, Nikki A.S.H., Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Nuno Bettencourt, ONEREPUBLIC, Oprah Winfrey, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Padma Lakshmi, Panic! At The Disco, Pearl Jam, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rita Ora, Rufus Wainwright, Sarsa, Seth 'Freakin' Rollins, Shayna Baszler, Shinsuke Nakamura, SOFI TUKKER, Stevie Nicks, Sviatoslav "Svi" Mykhailiuk, Tame Impala, Thalia, The Lumineers, Third Eye Blind, U2, Ukulele U, Usher, Vito Bambino, Weezer, Within Temptation, Young Leosia, Zucchero and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Hugh Evans, CEO and Co-Founder of Global Citizen, said, "Today, and into the future, the world must stand up not just for Ukraine, but for refugees and displaced people everywhere. Now is the time to double-down on our efforts to work together to fund these challenges, taking care of refugees while protecting overseas aid. We need leaders who understand that standing up for Ukraine must not be allowed to mean standing down on climate, extreme poverty or vaccine inequality. We know what's needed, we have the wallet, so the only question is, "do our leaders have the political will to act and act now?"
Highlighting Previous Support
As part of the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event, many governments highlighted the humanitarian support they have already provided to Ukraine and neighboring countries.
Those reiterations of previous humanitarian pledges by governments included: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
Accountability & Follow Through
Global Citizen advocates for all commitments pledged as part of "Stand Up for Ukraine" to be dedicated to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and neighboring countries, without discrimination on the basis of the nationalities of potential beneficiaries in the crisis-affected region. Given the evolving nature of the crisis, we are continuously working to ensure that this criteria is met immediately and throughout the months to come.
The Stand Up For Ukraine event saw a combination of pledges, including funds to Ukrainian authorities, UN Agencies, grassroot organizations, refugee resettlement costs as well as a number of loans and guarantees. Some commitments related to refugee resettlement include funds EU member states have allocated to welcome refugees and provide accommodation, economic opportunities, access to healthcare, and education. Their implementation and the final amount of funds spent will depend on the amount of refugees being resettled in their respective countries.
Funding to Ukraine, while absolutely necessary and desirable, must not lead to cuts to existing development programs, which are unacceptable and counterproductive in the long term. We also advocate for global solidarity with other communities across the globe that are still facing important challenges, from war to poverty, climate injustice and unbearable inequalities. Governments must significantly increase development spending including humanitarian spending now to jointly address the multiple humanitarian, climate, and hunger crises across the world.
Global Citizen believes it is fundamental responsibility for any organization giving a platform to governments, businesses, and decision makers to ensure that their promises are kept. That's why Global Citizen will monitor and track the pledges made during this campaign, reporting back on progress and calling for action when more needs to be done.
Thank You + Acknowledgements
Global Citizen would also like to acknowledge our many partners who supported the "Stand Up for Ukraine" campaign and social media rally, including: AEG, Bridgewater Associates, CAA, Captivate, Cisco, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Dolphin Entertainment, Guy Oseary, GSTV, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness, iHeartMedia, Intersection, Link Media Outdoor, Live Nation, NBA, NBPA, NHL, NHL Alumni Association, NHLPA, OAAA, Oak View Group, the Recording Academy, The Door, TID Agency, Universal Music Group, Verizon, WWE as well as over 70 policy, NGO and civil society partners.
For more information about "Stand Up for Ukraine," visit www.forUkraine.com.
ABOUT GLOBAL CITIZEN:
Global Citizen is the world's largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW. We post, tweet, message, vote, sign, and call to inspire those who can make things happen — government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists, and citizens — together improving lives. By downloading our app, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards, which can be redeemed for tickets to concerts, events, and experiences all over the world. For more information, visit www.globalcitizen.org and follow @GlblCtzn.
CONTACT:
Global Citizen Inquiries: media@globalcitizen.org
Media Inquiries: Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis on behalf of Global Citizen, gc@sunshinesachs.com
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First Bank & Trust Company Recognized As Sponsor Of The Meadows During Grand Opening
ABINGDON, Va., April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During the grand opening of The Meadows Sports Complex on Saturday, First Bank & Trust Company was recognized as a sponsor of the new, state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
First Bank & Trust Company contributed more than $45,000 in support of the landmark recreational facilities located at The Meadows. The bank's support includes a $40,000 sponsorship over five years and a $5,370 contribution to the Enhance Abingdon Foundation, which will assist in maintaining The Meadows.
In a statement ahead of Saturday's ribbon-cutting, First Bank & Trust Company's President & CEO, Mark Nelson said, "As the leading financial institution in Abingdon and Washington County, First Bank & Trust Company has a responsibility to support the current and future economic development efforts of the town and the county, where possible. This contribution represents our commitment to the continued growth and improvement of our local communities."
At Saturday's grand opening, Senior Regional Manager for Southwest Virginia, Brent Dyson, said, "Our leadership team has always been invested in bettering the lives of people within the communities that we serve. The Meadows Sports Complex will benefit the customers we serve in Abingdon and the surrounding communities by providing local citizens with top-notch recreational facilities and by advancing tourism opportunities, which bolster revenue for local businesses."
Saturday's opening ceremony featured comments from Abingdon's Mayor, Mr. Derek Webb and Food City's Vice President of Marketing, Kevin Stafford.
The highly anticipated athletic facility occupies 34 acres and includes four multi-purpose diamond fields, two regulation-size soccer fields and one half-size soccer field. Each of the three soccer fields are designed to serve as multi-use fields suitable for a variety of sports. The property also includes an ADA-accessible playground, a walking track, access to The Virginia Creeper Trail, picnic areas, public and family restrooms and lighted parking lots.
Numerous First Bank & Trust staff attended Saturday's event, including: Eric Moore, Chief Financial Officer; Brent Dyson, Senior Vice President & Southwest Virginia Regional Manager; Chad Taylor, Vice President & Branch Manager – West Abingdon Office; Wendy Mullins, Branch Operations Supervisor – West Abingdon Office; Kaitlyn Widner, Vice President – Marketing Officer; and Shelby Quesenberry, Marketing Coordinator.
About First Bank & Trust Company
First Bank & Trust Company, one of the top community banks in the United States, is a diversified financial services firm with more than thirty office locations throughout Southwest Virginia, Virginia's New River and Shenandoah Valleys and Northeast Tennessee. The bank's financial solutions include free checking products for personal and business accounts, savings, money market and time deposit accounts. Lending solutions are managed by mortgage, agricultural and commercial lending divisions. Comprehensive wealth management solutions are available through First Trust & Wealth Management.
For more information, visit www.firstbank.com.
Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Widner
Vice President – Marketing
276-285-0293
kpruitt@firstbank.com
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RADNOR, Pa., April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Affirm Holdings, Inc. ("Affirm") (NASDAQ: AFRM). The action charges Affirm with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Affirm's materially misleading statements to the public, Affirm's investors have suffered significant losses.
Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.
CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR AFFIRM LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE
FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER:
https://www.ktmc.com/afrm-class-action-
lawsuit?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=afrm
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: APRIL 29, 2022
CLASS PERIOD: FEBRUARY 12, 2021 THROUGH FEBRUARY 10, 2022
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:
James Maro, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ktmc.com
AFFIRM'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT
Affirm describes itself as a "next generation platform for digital and mobile-first commerce." Through its platform, Affirm offers "buy now, pay later" or "BNPL" services to consumers. Affirm represents itself "a more flexible and transparent alternative to credit cards."
On February 12, 2021, Affirm issued a post-market press release announcing Affirm's fiscal year 2021 second quarter results. The press release quoted Max Levchin, Affirm's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, who stated, in relevant part, that: Affirm's "mission has been to build honest financial products that improve lives"; "[w]e've aligned our success with the success of both sides of the commerce ecosystem, winning when our consumers . . . win"; and "we remain committed to empowering consumers to take control of their finances[.]"
Then, on December 16, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it had launched an inquiry into Affirm's BNPL payment service, along with four other companies offering BNPL. The CFPB indicated that it was concerned about how BNPL leads to accumulating debt, regulatory arbitrage, and data harvesting, and is seeking data on the risks and benefits of the products. In a statement addressing BNPL services, the CFPB Director stated, "[t]he consumer gets the product immediately but gets the debt immediately too." Following this news, Affirm's stock price fell $11.74 per share, or 10.58%, to close at $99.24 per share on December 16, 2021.
Then, at approximately 1:15 p.m. on February 10, 2022, Affirm issued a tweet from its official Twitter account, wherein Affirm disclosed certain metrics from its second quarter 2022 financial results. The Tweet, which was published prior to Affirm's planned release of its financial results, portrayed a highly successful quarter, which included an increase in revenue of 77%. This caused Affirm's share price to spike nearly 10% in intra-day trading. Affirm later deleted the Tweet and released its full second quarter financial results ahead of schedule, which were lackluster, posting a loss of $0.57 per share, compared with analyst expectations of $0.37 per share. Following this news, Affirm's share price plummeted from an intra-day high of $83.57 per share on February 10, 2022, to close at $58.68 per share, or approximately 32%.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Affirm investors may, no later than April 29, 2022 seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Affirm investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE
WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?
A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.
ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.
CONTACT:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
James Maro, Jr., Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(484) 270-1453
info@ktmc.com
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NEW YORK, April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Homology Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIXX) between June 10, 2019 and February 18, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 24, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Homology securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Homology class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=4851 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 24, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Homology had overstated the efficacy and risk mitigation regarding HMI-102, which is in Phase I/II pheNIX clinical trial and a gene therapy for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) in adults; (2) accordingly, it was unlikely that Homology would be able to commercialize HMI-102 in its present form; and (3) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Homology class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=4851 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Onewheel takes over the Santa Monica pier this weekend as its first stop on the company's 2022 demo tour. The new Onewheel GT and Pint X boards will be available for a test ride free of charge for anyone ages 14 and older. Onewheel is one of the most rapidly growing boardsports and e-mobility options and has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years.
"If you've ever stepped on a Onewheel, you know it's an amazing experience," explained Chief Evangelist, Jack Mudd. " Onewheel's have the power to make your day better, get you where you're going, and find joy in the process. This Santa Monica demo is about sharing that experience with the people."
The Onewheel Demo event will be open Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 am - to 6:00 pm and will feature DJs, games, giveaways, and fruta picada. The event is free and open to the public. Onewheel instructors will be on hand to teach people of all skill levels and athletic abilities to ride safely.
"The beauty is anyone, and everyone can hop on and get the hang of it in a couple of minutes. There's the perception that you need to be a boardsport enthusiast to ride a Onewheel." Says Mudd. "But the reality is, Onewheel makes life more magical and less stressful for thousands of people who have never been on a surfboard or snowboard in their life. It makes that feeling of flow more accessible than ever."
Onewheel is also teaming up with Meals on Onewheels Sunday from 9 am to 11:00 pm to do local outreach, collecting and distributing essential goods and food to unhoused neighbors in need. Meals on Onewheels has utilized grassroots community support and Onewheels to distribute over 3,000 meals to unhoused neighbors in communities across 15 cities since its inception in 2020.
Location:
Santa Monica Pier
Demo Hours:
Saturday, April 9th: 11am-6pm
Sunday, April 10th: 11am-6pm
Meals on Onewheels Outreach:
Sunday, April 10th: 9 am-11 am
For more information on the Onewheel Demo event on the Santa Monica Pier, visit the event page here.
About Future Motion, Inc
Founded in 2013, Future Motion is committed to designing and developing inspiring vehicles that include both elegant form and unprecedented function. Future Motion's products, Onewheel Pint, Pint X, and GT, exemplify its dedication to crafting products that bridge recreation and transportation. Future Motion designs not only the Onewheel product line but also all the subsystems that power it, including custom brushless motors, power electronics, and battery modules. Onewheel, which provides a riding experience similar to surfing but on paved or unpaved trails, is perfectly situated in Santa Cruz, where the mountains meet the sea. Its products are protected by over 89 issued patents in the US and worldwide.
Press Contacts:
InGoodTaste Studio on Behalf of Onewheel
Garin Fons – garin@igtstudio.com
Andrew Meehan - andrewm@igtstudio.com
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BEIJING, April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RLX Technology Inc. ("RLX Technology" or the "Company") (NYSE: RLX), a leading branded e-vapor company in China, today announced that Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang has resigned as a member and the chairperson of the compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee") and the nominating and corporate governance committee (the "Nominating Committee ") of the Company's board of directors to help the Company comply with the relevant New York Stock Exchange's listing requirements on board committees' independence. Going forward, the Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee will be composed entirely of independent directors, namely Ms. Zhenjing Zhu and Mr. Youmin Xi. Concurrent with Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang's resignation from the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee, Mr. Youmin Xi was appointed as the chairperson of the Nominating Committee and the chairperson of the Compensation Committee.
About RLX Technology Inc.
RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX) is a leading branded e-vapor company in China. The Company leverages its strong in-house technology and product development capabilities and in-depth insights into adult smokers' needs to develop superior e-vapor products. RLX Technology Inc. sells its products through an integrated offline distribution and "branded store plus" retail model tailored to China's e-vapor market.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.relxtech.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" and similar statements. Among other things, business outlook contains forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; trends and competition in China's e-vapor market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; PRC governmental policies, laws and regulations relating to the Company's industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is current as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
In China:
RLX Technology Inc.
Head of Investor Relations
Sam Tsang
Email: ir@relxtech.com
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
The Piacente Group, Inc.
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: RLX@tpg-ir.com
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SOURCE RLX Technology Inc.
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/rlx-technology-announces-changes-board-committee-composition/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:22
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/rlx-technology-announces-changes-board-committee-composition/
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NEW YORK, April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR) between August 3, 2021 and January 20, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 18, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased SunPower securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the SunPower class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3135 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 18, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) certain connectors used by SunPower suffered from cracking issues; (2) as a result, SunPower was reasonably likely to incur costs to remediate the faulty connectors; (3) as a result of the foregoing, SunPower's financial results would be adversely impacted; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about SunPower's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the SunPower class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3135 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/rosen-top-ranked-firm-encourages-sunpower-corporation-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-april-18-deadline-securities-class-action-spwr/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:29
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/rosen-top-ranked-firm-encourages-sunpower-corporation-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-april-18-deadline-securities-class-action-spwr/
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NEW YORK, April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of FAT Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT, FATBB, FATBP, FATBW) between December 4, 2017 and February 18, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 17, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm.
SO WHAT: If you purchased FAT Brands securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the FAT Brands class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3635 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 17, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company and the Wiederhorns engaged in transactions "for no legitimate corporate purpose"; (2) the Company ignored warning signs relating to transactions with the Wiederhorns; (3) as a result, the Company was likely to face increased scrutiny, investigations, and other potential issues; (4) certain executives, who are touted as critical to the Company's success, were at great risk of scrutiny—potentially, at least in part, due to the Company's actions; (5) the Company's touted chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer (COO) were under investigation regarding transactions with the Company; and (6) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the FAT Brands class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3635 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/top-ranked-rosen-law-firm-encourages-fat-brands-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-commenced-by-firm-fat-fatbb-fatbp-fatbw/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:36
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/top-ranked-rosen-law-firm-encourages-fat-brands-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-commenced-by-firm-fat-fatbb-fatbp-fatbw/
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GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair is set to open this April, and preparatory work for the Fair is well underway.
"Since establishing the New Energy section at the 116th Canton Fair, the development of China's new energy industry is moving at breakneck speed," Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, tells the journalist. As China attaches significant importance to clean energy development, unprecedented opportunities are provided for enterprises at home and abroad.
Energy is fundamental for human survival and development. In the early days of the founding of the PRC, the industry developed slowly due to insufficient energy productivity and low production levels. At that time, China needed to import basic commodities for lighting in daily life and furnace coke used in the iron and steel industry.
With rapid development over 70 years, China has grown into the largest energy producer across the globe. From importing energy products to the "dual carbon," goal, from a country short of oil to a "world hydropower kingdom", the Canton Fair has witnessed the extraordinary course of China's energy industry transition.
To reach climate and sustainable development goals, China proposed the targets of peak carbon by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 and made it clear that during the 14th Five Year Plan period, a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system would be built to control the total amount of fossil fuel used and shift to renewable energy. It has become a consensus among Chinese energy companies to focus on advanced technologies and innovation capabilities.
The recent games in Beijing have also become a vivid sample of China's transition toward carbon neutrality. A series of green power supply projects, represented by the Zhangbei VSC-HVDC project, ensured these games were the first to be 100 percent supplied by green power. It is expected to reduce standard coal burning by 128,000 tons and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 320,000 tons. At night, the glittering "Ice Ribbon" has left a deep impression on the global audience.
Alan Liu says, the Canton Fair will encourage and attract more green enterprises to participate, promote the full-scale green development of the exhibition, create a new model of a zero-carbon exhibition hall, set a green benchmark in the exhibition industry, and serve the national "dual carbon" strategy.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-china-emerging-key-player-clean-energy-innovation/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:43
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GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair will be held online from April 15-24. The top trading event in China is once again ready to open its arms to the world.
China's "Two Sessions" have already concluded in Beijing, yet topics on the innovation-driven development strategy are still much discussed among China's chemical industry. As a pillar of the national economy, China's chemical industry is large in scale, long in the industrial chain, concentrated in capital and technology, and massive in driving effect. However, the demand for high-end chemical productions, pronouncedly the new chemical materials, has greatly outrun the supply, making China dependent on imports of superconducting chemical materials featuring high strength, high heat resistance, high ultra-purity, super-fine, high wear resistance.
Thanks to the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan Development Guideline for Petroleum and Chemicals and the Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035, China's basic chemicals industry reaches a tipping point for crucial changes, and high-end, green chemical products become a new trend. A number of key technologies for new chemical materials and high-end chemicals, such as POE and environmental-friendly catalysts, have been developed and obtained patents, breaking foreign monopolies.
The Canton Fair is a world-renowned comprehensive trading event, bringing together Chinese chemical brands and global buyers. The past sessions have witnessed a large number of transactions on high value-added chemical products, special products and brand products, such as silicone, adhesives, special coatings, and plastic products, which buyers favor. Chemical manufacturers with strong R&D and innovation capabilities are thriving with considerable turnover.
Accelerated industrial upgrading is also bringing new opportunities to China's chemical industry. According to CINIC, China's petrochemical industry reported a revenue of RMB14.45 trillion in 2021, up 30% year-on-year; total profits of RMB1.16 trillion, up 126.8%; total imports and exports of US$860.08 billion, up 38.7% compared with last year.
Maggie Pu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, says that Canton Fair has been promoting "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" to the international arena. As with the "Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality" strategy, this year's Canton Fair will continue to encourage chemical exhibitors to showcase more of their latest "green chemicals" and "high-end intelligent" products, enabling global buyers to share opportunities in China and benefits of green development.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-chinas-sustainable-chemical-industry-gathers-great-momentum-thanks-intelligent-manufacturing/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:49
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GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair will be held online from April 15-24. Now, through various social media channels, the Fair has promoted various exhibits including cases and bags.
With the rapid development of the global society and economy and the improvement of people's living standards, luggage has become a necessity in people's lives as travel, business trips and other activities becoming more frequent.
The 130th Canton Fair has displayed a wide range of new commodities, including an anti-theft backpack, a dual-use carbon fiber case, school backpack bags adapted for ergonomics. Many buyers were surprised after watching livestreams, and left comments in social media accounts of Canton Fair. Hakim Jarrar from Spain was one of them, and he said the Cases & Bags section looked like a sci-fi world with everything one expected to find. Many commented in Canton Fair social media accounts, expressing the expectation of more hi-tech luggage at the 131st session.
With over 20,000 enterprises, China is a large luggage producer, occupying more than 70% of the global share. Manufacturers are mainly located in coastal provinces and cities such as Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Shandong, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and inland provinces including Hebei and Hunan.
The huge international luggage demand and the competitive pressure brought about by the high concentration of the industry chain have pushed more and more luggage business owners to focus on improving product quality. Beyond pursuit of beauty, many business owners have explored quality, practicality, and personalization. Some enterprises, taking "human+bag+technology" approaches, have collected numerous independent R&D patents, and their masterpieces have won awards in famous design contests at home and abroad. An example is the sustainable solar energy backpack, which won the Goldreed Industrial Design Awards for its innovative use of flexible solar panels to realize the transformation from light energy into electric energy and energy storage.
According to Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, the USB interface design on luggage has become the standard at the Canton Fair. Gyroscopes are installed in backpacks to send alarms when the elderly fall. The 131st Canton Fair will continue to display a number of intelligent and fashionable new products through its "Cloud Platform", aiming to help China's intelligent manufacturing better go global and benefit the world.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-hi-tech-luggage-showcased-131st-canton-fair/
| 2022-04-10T12:34:56
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-hi-tech-luggage-showcased-131st-canton-fair/
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GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair is a few steps away from its opening. Every time, green and low-carbon development will come into the limelight. It is of great concern to domestic and overseas buyers how China's home building materials industry, the epicenter of carbon emissions, will reduce pollution and carbon footprints.
As indicated in the 2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction by International Energy Agency, carbon emissions from buildings and construction account for 35% to 38% of the total. The 2020 Report on China Building Energy Consumption tells that, in 2018, carbon emissions generated over buildings' life cycle were 4.93 billion tons, 51.3% of the national total emissions. Carbon reduction in the building sector is crucial for carbon peak and carbon neutrality.
PV and wind power are taking up a larger proportion of China's energy mix, which has led to the development of PV glass and glass fiber product industry chains. The building materials industry is transforming into a pillar of the renewable energy industry. More efforts are channeled into energy efficiency, emissions reduction, decarbonization, zero-carbon, and especially innovative technologies such as power generation glass plus energy storage, green hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration. The display glass, carbon fiber, and glass fiber exhibited at the Canton Fair in recent years have been of great interest to international buyers. During the 130th Canton Fair, the China Home Furnishing Industry Green Development Summit Forum was held in the Canton Fair Complex specifically.
In addition to the green transformation of exhibits, the Canton Fair Complex is moving towards zero-carbon. According to Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, green building materials such as recycled concrete blocks and ALC slatwall have been utilized in the Canton Fair Complex expansion project. The concepts of low-carbon technology and energy-efficient operation highlight the charm of "China's No.1 Fair."
According to the China Building Materials Federation, Market Penetration Index (MPI) for FY 2021 was 109.7 points, a rebound of 8.9 points from the previous year. The industry's high-quality development also provided strong support for a stable domestic economy. It is eagerly awaited what the green building materials industry holds for the 131st session, and how it may surprise us and facilitate a brand-new kind of wonderful lifestyle.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-innovation-bolsters-chinas-building-material-sustainability/
| 2022-04-10T12:35:02
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GUANGZHOU, China, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
As China's top comprehensive trade event in terms of scale and turnover, the Canton Fair has prepared well for the 131st session and is ready to welcome international buyers.
Here, we can enjoy the new and chic clothing and joyful modelling displays. In previous Fairs, textiles and apparel have always sit among the most eye-catching sections. Each session, many garment and textile companies flock in from provinces like Shandong, Hebei, Zhejiang, and Fujian. In recent years, technology innovation has revived the quite traditional industry in China. Numerous new products come to the stage featuring new fabrics, design, and manufacturing, dazzling the buyers' eyes. At the 130th Canton Fair, a waterproof beige trench coat made with eco-friendly fabrics is favored by European and American buyers. Another type of popular products is those made by seamless computer knitting machine, which was especially well received among buyers from the U.K., Germany, U.S. and Japan.
The Chinese textile industry has penetrated various fields, from clothing and home textiles to the national defense and military industry, from transportation to medical and healthcare, from environmental protection to new energy development, from artificial blood vessels inside the heart and blades of wind turbines to the metal antenna mesh of the Beidou Satellite System (BDS), as well as the knitted Chinese national flag displayed on the moon.The wide application of Chinese textiles reflect constant innovations of the industry.
According to the reports, China's clothing and textiles have transformed its global targeted market from middle and low-end into high-end with the same share of 60%. Once synonymous with "processing," the Chinese textile industry is embarking on a path of intelligent manufacturing driven by technological innovation.
Hit by COVID-19, more textiles and apparel foreign trade enterprises have switched to online sales. From the 127th Canton Fair, many participant enterprises have arranged live streaming teams. During the Fairs, they advertised their products via 24-hour live streaming to attract buyers. Maggie Pu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, said, with trade promotion activities such as "Discover Canton Fair with Bee and Honey", "Trade Bridge" Virtual Promotion, the 131st Canton Fair will continue to connect buyers and suppliers, and share Chinese intelligent manufacturing products with the world.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-technological-innovation-revitalizes-chinas-textile-industry/
| 2022-04-10T12:35:09
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/canton-fair-2022-technological-innovation-revitalizes-chinas-textile-industry/
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-- Gannex is expected to complete the Phase II trial in 100 patients by the end of 2022.
-- Gannex intends to soon start a Phase III trial in China, the U.S. and European Union after the completion of the Phase II study in China.
-- An epidemiology study in China in 2010 showed that there were approximately 656,000 PBC patients in China including 440,000 in females over age 40. An epidemiology study in the U.S. indicated that there were approximately 120,000 PBC patients in the U.S. in 2014.
SHANGHAI, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gannex Pharma Co., Ltd. ("Gannex"), a wholly owned company of Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672) announces today the first patient dosed in the Phase II clinical trial of ASC42 to treat patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
The Phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05190523) consists of three ASC42 active treatment arms (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg) and one placebo control arm at the ratio of 1:1:1:1 and is expected to enroll a total of 100 patients who have an inadequate response to or are unable to tolerate Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The treatment duration is 12 weeks and the study is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
The protocol of Phase III clinical trial in 210 PBC patients was approved in November 2021 by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). After the completion of the Phase II clinical trial, Gannex will soon initiate the Phase III trial after the communications with China NMPA in terms of drug registration related matters such as Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) and toxicology studies.
ASC42 is an in-house developed, novel non-steroidal, selective, potent Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist with best-in-class potential and global intellectual property. The data from the U.S. Phase I trial of ASC42 indicated there was no pruritus observed during 14-day treatment of the once-daily human therapeutic dose of 15 mg and FXR target engagement biomarker Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) increased 1,780% on Day 14 of treatment with 15 mg dose. Furthermore, mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values remained within the normal range during 14-day, once daily treatment with 15 mg.
UDCA is the only drug which is approved in China for PBC and approximately 40% of PBC patients have an inadequate response to or are unable to tolerate UDCA[1]. Obeticholic Acid (OCA), which is not approved in China, is the only approved medicine in the U.S. for PBC patients who have an inadequate response to or are unable to tolerate UDCA. However, there are significantly increased pruritus rates and LDL-C levels in patients with OCA treatment. Absence of pruritus and mean LDL-C values within the normal range at the therapeutic dose makes ASC42 a potential best-in-class PBC drug candidate. Gannex intends to soon start a Phase III trial in China, the U.S. and European Union after the completion of the Phase II study in China.
An epidemiology study in China in 2010 showed that there were approximately 656,000 PBC patients in China including 440,000 in females over age 40[2]. An epidemiology study in the U.S. indicated that there were approximately 120,000 PBC patients in the U.S. in 2014[3].
Dr. Jinzi J. Wu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis said, "We are excited ASC42 Phase II trial for PBC is on track. Once again, it demonstrated the execution excellence of our clinical team. We are working very hard to transform ourselves into a global R&D leader in hepatobiliary diseases."
[1] Lindor K D, Bowlus C L, Boyer J, et al. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 2018 Practice Guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases [J]. Hepatology 2019, 69(1): 394-419. DOI: 10.1002/hep.30145.
[2] Chinese Rheumatology Association (中华医学会风湿病学分会), "Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis in China (2021)"(原发性胆汁性胆管炎诊疗规范(2021)) [J]. Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi. (中华内科杂志), 2021, 60(8): 709-15. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112138-20210520-00360.
[3] Lu M, Zhou Y, Haller I V, et al. Increasing Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Reduced Mortality With Treatment [J]. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018, 16(8): 1342-50 e1. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.12.033.
About Ascletis
Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), a global platform covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Ascletis is committed to developing and commercializing innovative drugs in the areas of viral diseases, NASH/PBC, and cancer (oral cancer metabolic checkpoint and immune checkpoint inhibitors) to address unmet medical needs both in China and globally. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis targets those therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective, and efficiently advances the developments of pipelines with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has three marketed products and 20 robust R&D pipelines of drug candidates with global competitiveness, and is actively exploring new therapeutic areas.
1. Viral Diseases: (1) Hepatitis B Virus (functional cure): focus on breakthrough therapies for CHB functional cure with a subcutaneously-injected PD-L1 antibody – ASC22 and Pegasys® as cornerstone drugs. (2) COVID-19 pipeline: currently includes (i) ritonavir oral tablet (100 mg), an authorized product, (ii) ASC10, an oral RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor and (iii) ASC11, an oral 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro) inhibitor. (3) HIV/AIDS: ASC22, an immune therapy to restore HIV-specific immune responses and eventually lead to a functional cure of HIV-infected patients. (4) Hepatitis C: successfully launched an all-oral regimen of combining ASCLEVIR® and GANOVO® (RDV/DNV regimen).
2. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis/Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Gannex, a wholly-owned company of Ascletis, is dedicated to the R&D and commercialization of new drugs in the field of NASH. Gannex has three clinical stage drug candidates against three different targets – FASN, THRβ and FXR, three fixed-dose combinations for NASH and one PBC program targeting FXR.
3. Cancer (oral cancer metabolic checkpoint and immune checkpoint inhibitors): a pipeline of oral inhibitors targeting FASN, which plays a key role in cancer lipid metabolism, and a pipeline of oral PD-L1 small molecule next generation immune checkpoint inhibitors.
4. Exploratory Indications: Acne: Following NASH and recurrent GBM, the third indication for ASC40 has been approved to enter Phase 2 clinical trial. For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.
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SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc.
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https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/10/gannex-announces-first-patient-dosed-phase-ii-clinical-trial-asc42-an-fxr-agonist-primary-biliary-cholangitis/
| 2022-04-10T12:35:15
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** Click HERE to access interviews, clips, photos and footage from the show.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 was an epic night filled with a record-breaking 1,000 slimings on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT), live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Hosted by actress Miranda Cosgrove and NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski, Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 featured: show-stopping music performances from Grammy® Award-winning musician and multiplatinum recording artist Kid Cudi, and chart-topping, multiple Grammy® Award-nominated rapper Jack Harlow; appearances from today's top stars; Nick's signature orange blimp which journeyed into the metaverse with celebrity avatars; and exciting surprises revealing fans' favorite tv shows, movies, music and more.
Highlights from Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 include:
- Special appearance from First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, speaking to the resilience of today's youngest generation, especially children of military members and veterans, and encouraging America's youth to keep growing, learning, and giving back to their communities;
- Medley performances from Kid Cudi of his new single "Stars in the Sky" and smash hit "Pursuit of Happiness" as well as Jack Harlow with his chart-topping hit "Industry Baby," and the latest singles from his upcoming album Come Home The Kids Miss You, "Nail Tech" and "First Class;"
- 1,000 outrageous slimings, including: University of Southern California Marching Band; Chance the Rapper and Westcott Elementary School in Chicago; Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana; iconic landmarks across the U.S.; MrBeast; Charlie Puth; Dixie D'Amelio; the cast of Danger Force and Warped!; KCA hosts Miranda Cosgrove and Rob Gronkowski; and more;
- Exclusive teaser clips of animated action-adventure feature film, DC League of Super-Pets, presented by voice cast members Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson; and martial arts animated comedy film, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, presented by voice cast member Samuel L. Jackson;
- Live voting and Nick's signature orange blimp and its journey into the metaverse with celebrity avatars;
- Celebrity appearances from Olivia Rodrigo, Gabrielle Union, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara, Chloe x Halle, Charlie Puth, Chance the Rapper, Charli D'Amelio, Dixie D'Amelio, Jace Norman, MrBeast, Joshua Bassett, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Jordan Fisher, Sabrina Carpenter, Sofia Carson, Josh Peck, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Isla Fisher, Peyton List, Xavier Woods, Ralph Macchio, Unspeakable, and Karl Jacobs;
- And appearances from Nickelodeon stars: That Girl Lay Lay, Gabrielle Nevaeh Green (That Girl Lay Lay); Havan Flores, Dana Heath, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, Luca Luhan, Michael D. Cohen and Cooper Barnes (Danger Force); Jerry Trainor, Laci Mosley, Nathan Kress and Jaidyn Triplett (iCarly); Kate Godfrey, Anton Starkman, Ariana Molkara, Christopher Martinez and Milan Carter (Warped!); Jules LeBlanc, Jayden Bartels and Isaiah Crews (Side Hustle); and Young Dylan (Tyler Perry's Young Dylan).
The following are Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 winners:
TELEVISION:
- FAVORITE KIDS TV SHOW
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series - FAVORITE FAMILY TV SHOW
iCarly - FAVORITE REALITY SHOW
America's Got Talent - FAVORITE CARTOON
SpongeBob SquarePants - FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Olivia Rodrigo (Nini, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) - FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Joshua Bassett (Ricky, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) - FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Miranda Cosgrove (Carly Shay, iCarly) - FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Tom Hiddleston (Loki, Marvel Studios' Loki)
FILM:
- FAVORITE MOVIE
Spider-Man: No Way Home - FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS
Zendaya (MJ, Spider-Man: No Way Home | Chani, Dune) - FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR
Tom Holland (Peter Parker / Spider-Man, Spider-Man: No Way Home) - FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE
Disney's Encanto - FAVORITE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE
Scarlett Johansson (Ash, Sing 2)
MUSIC:
- FAVORITE ALBUM
"Happier Than Ever" – Billie Eilish - FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Ariana Grande - FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Ed Sheeran - FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP
BTS - FAVORITE SONG
"Happier Than Ever" – Billie Eilish - FAVORITE MUSIC COLLABORATION
"Stay" – Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI - FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST
Olivia Rodrigo - FAVORITE SOCIAL MUSIC STAR
Dixie D'Amelio - FAVORITE GLOBAL MUSIC STAR
Adele (UK)
OTHER CATEGORIES:
- FAVORITE FEMALE CREATOR
Charli D'Amelio - FAVORITE MALE CREATOR
MrBeast - FAVORITE FEMALE SPORTS STAR
Chloe Kim - FAVORITE MALE SPORTS STAR
Tom Brady - FAVORITE VIDEO GAME
Minecraft
Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 will encore the following dates and times (ET/PT): Sunday, April 10, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon; Monday, April 11, at 7 p.m. on TeenNick; and Tuesday, April 12, at 8 p.m. on Nicktoons. The show will also be available on Nickelodeon On Demand beginning Sunday, April 10.
Sponsors of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022 include The LEGO® Group, the Kirby and the Forgotten Land™ game, Lunchables, Olive Garden®, and Purse Pets™.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Nickelodeon
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DUBUQUE, Iowa, April 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kendall Hunt is excited to announce that the Illustrative Mathematics K–5 Math curriculum has met all three of the requirements from EdReports. This program fulfills expectations for Alignment to the CCSSM, Focus and Coherence, and Rigor and Practice-Content Connections.
IM K–5 Math is exemplary of Kendall Hunt's commitment to providing innovative programs for educators to use in their class. Illustrative Mathematics K–5 Math provides students and educators with a unique, engaging, and inclusive approach to mathematics, providing all students with the skills, understanding, and practice that will stay with them for life. When developing IM K–5 Math, the elementary writing team at Illustrative Mathematics was committed to providing every student with opportunities to see themselves in the curriculum, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, gender, ability, and socioeconomic status.
"The entire Illustrative Mathematics K-12 Math curriculum is an exceptional and new-aged way to teach students math. It's entirely different from anything we've worked with before," says Charley Cook, Vice President of Kendall Hunt's K-12 Division.
"We are honored that Kendall Hunt's IM Certified version of our grades K–5 curriculum is green-lighted by EdReports. This reinforces that we are creating a high-quality and rigorous mathematics curriculum for all students and teachers," says Dr. William G. McCallum, Illustrative Mathematics' CEO and Cofounder.
By utilizing this standards-aligned curriculum, students will receive learning support in their early years. Teachers can use IM K–5 Math curriculum to provide students with opportunities to connect math to the real world and to foster conceptual understanding of the mathematical material. Recently, the teachings of IM have been further enhanced inside a robust, digital platform; Kiddom. This paid platform allows for students, educators, and admins the ability to easily visualize progress, track pacing, and customize the way the Kendall Hunt curriculum is presented in an easily modifiable format.
For more information about Kendall Hunt, call 800-542-6657 or go to www.k12.kendallhunt.com
About Kendall Hunt Publishing:
Kendall Hunt has a 75-year history of providing innovative educational solutions. As the publisher of hands-on science, mathematics, and gifted curricula for grades K-12, we are also the leading partner in open educational resource offerings, including Illustrative Mathematics and OpenSciEd. In conjunction with offering a variety of stand-alone K-12 products, ConstructEd, a division of Kendall Hunt, allows both educational institutions and teachers to create made-to-order, customized textbooks or digital products using existing products or creating their own. For more information, visit www.k12.kendallhunt.com.
View original content:
SOURCE Kendall Hunt Publishing
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| 2022-04-10T12:35:30
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When the sand sailors cruised Volusia County’s beaches
The broad, hard sands of Daytona Beach attract every kind of vehicle — cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, electric bikes and golf carts. But something you don’t see anymore are the sand sailors — two- and three-wheeled vehicles equipped with boat sails that used to glide along the beach under wind power.
Inventors have tinkered with designs since at least the 1890s, and soon they appeared on the sands in Ormond advertising the Ormond Hotel. They look tippy but were the popular subject of postcard pictures toward the close of the 19th century. “My experience in bicycle sailing has not been very satisfactory. Unless the wind is abaft, it is difficult to obtain favorable results,” complained a letter to the editor of Recreation Magazine in 1895.
A new generation of sand sailors appeared on the beach in the 1940s with more sophisticated rigs, but they proved difficult to control and a bit dangerous on a crowded beach.
“What became of the sand sailors of Daytona Beach?” asked News-Journal city editor Robert Hunter in 1956. “Sand sailors, up to seven years ago, were a picturesque feature of the beach here and widely used in publicity about Daytona Beach.” He said the beach vendors launched two fleets of the craft but couldn’t make a go of it. He reported that Chuck Cockrell rented them for a while, and after many mishaps, saw the crafts washed out to sea in a 1949 storm and soon gave up the operation.
Still, they did look cool while they were around.
— Mark Lane
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/opinion/2022/04/10/when-sand-sailors-cruised-volusia-countys-beaches/7267334001/
| 2022-04-10T12:42:55
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British author Jack Higgins, who wrote “The Eagle Has Landed” and other bestselling thrillers and espionage novels, has died. He was 92.
Publisher HarperCollins said that Higgins died at his home on the English Channel island of Jersey surrounded by his family.
Born Henry Patterson in Newcastle, England, in July 1929, Higgins served in the military before studying sociology at the London School of Economics. He became a teacher in the northern city of Leeds and a writer in his spare time, with novels that sold modestly starting in the late 1950s.
That changed with the 1975 publication of “The Eagle Has Landed,” about a fictional World War II plot to kidnap British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In a 2010 interview with The Guardian, Higgins recounted a pivotal call from his accountant.
“He asked me what I wanted to get out of my writing,” Higgins said. “I replied that I wasn’t really sure, before adding as a joke it would be nice to make a million by the time I retired. He then said: ‘Well you’re a bloody fool. Because you’ve just earned that much this week. So what are you going to do about it?’”
He was advised to leave England because of 1970s taxation rates and settled with his family on Jersey.
“The Eagle Has Landed" became more popular after the 1976 film adaptation was released. Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland and Robert Duvall were among the stars of the eponymously named movie that was a box office success.
In a statement, HarperCollins chief executive Charlie Redmayne said Higgins' death marked “the end of an era.”
“I’ve been a fan of Jack Higgins for longer than I can remember. He was a classic thriller writer: instinctive, tough, relentless,” he said.
“The Eagle Has Landed and his other Liam Devlin books, his later Sean Dillon series, and so many others were and remain absolutely unputdownable."
Patterson wrote nearly 80 books, most under the pseudonym of Jack Higgins. Other Higgins titles included “The Eagle Has Flown,” “Angel of Death," ”Day of Reckoning," and “A Darker Place.”
According to his publisher's website, the novels have sold more than 250 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages.
His survivors include his wife, Denise, and four children from his previous marriage.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/the-eagle-has-landed-author-jack-higgins-dead-at-92/3639027/
| 2022-04-10T12:44:42
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'A great little business': Peoria Camera Shop plans to reopen with new owner
PEORIA — Local photographer Ava Kamm bought a bit more than she planned when she went to check out the clearance sale at Peoria Camera Shop earlier this year.
Kamm, whose work includes portraits, real estate photos and the dogs of Peoria, stopped in to look for camera tripods and other equipment after the family of late owner Bill Dobbins announced the store's 84-year run would end after Dobbins' death.
"The guys that worked there told me I should buy the camera shop," she told the Journal Star. "I thought it actually sounded kind of fun, then I did the research and figured out how it could all work. ... Turns out, it's a great little business."
Peoria Camera Shop first opened in downtown Peoria in 1937, moving from Monroe Street to Main Street then shifting to the Metro Centre in 1990.
Previously:'It's a huge loss': After 84 years in business, this Peoria photography store is closing
As a longtime customer, Kamm knew she wanted to continue the store's sales of cameras and equipment, as well as prints of photographs. But after reopening later this month, she said she plans to add extra offerings to appeal to a broader range of customers. That includes offering more photography classes and some workshops for photographers, she said.
She also hopes to hire one more full-time employee and add a part-time worker. She said she has already hired back the store's two longtime employees.
"They really are invested in the company. They want to see it grow, and they love working here," Kamm said.
50-year anniversary:'The location is personal': Peoria shopping center soon to mark 50 years in business
The space has been closed for about six weeks for renovations. Kamm hopes to reopen the photograph-printing side of the business by month's end, targeting April 25 for a soft opening. She acknowledged it could take a little longer to bring back camera and equipment inventory. But, she hopes, it should be in by the start of local photographers' "busy season" that includes graduations and summer weddings.
She plans to set aside part of the shop space for a photo studio, in part to continue her work photographing area canines and featuring rescue dogs but also to offer on a rental basis to other photographers who don't have their own studio space.
Coming to Metro Centre:80% clean, 20% indulgent: New Peoria restaurant aims to prove healthy doesn't taste bad
Kamm is relieved she came into the store when she did.
"They almost had given up and accepted that they weren't going to find a buyer," she said. "The stars just aligned."
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| 2022-04-10T13:04:59
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Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties for April 10, 2022
These transactions, recorded the week of March 28, are compiled from information on file with the respective counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more.
PEORIA COUNTY
3924 N. Vincent Ave., Peoria Heights: Andrew T. Pedraza to Andre Hurr, $81,500.
901 E. Sciota Ave., Peoria Heights: Joseph Fontana to William and Linda Meritt, $85,000.
601 W. Columbia Terrace, Peoria: Nisse Matlock to Adam and Erin Lettau, $87,500.
15717 N. Sixth St., Chillicothe: Wendy Dietrich to Tanner J. and Cheyenne D. Kilbey, $87,900.
717 N. Idaho St., West Peoria: Narissa J. Price to Janie Bradley, $88,000.
1611 E. Melaik Court, Peoria: William and Laurie Miller to Joseph Williams, $89,500.
107 Hopkins St., Bartonville: Ryan R. Sagmoen to Kelsey E. Reynolds, $90,000.
101 Hill St., Bartonville: Dennis M. Merriman to Joseph Conley, $99,900.
2307 W. Kensington Drive, Peoria: Mohammad S. Al-Salhi to Michelle Hill and James Devries, $108,000.
5742 N. Renwood Ave., Peoria: Larry Peters Jr. to Christopher L. Peters, $110,000.
2109 W. Ayres Ave., West Peoria: Williams N. Akama to Nathan Chasteen and Cassidy Schukat, $110,000.
803 Lauder Ave., Bartonville: Aaron M. and Sarah R. Ellison to Jonathon Crosson, $114,900.
1924 W. Kellogg Ave., West Peoria: Midwest Equipment Business Properties LLC to Pallavi Murari, $115,000.
520 E. Moneta Ave., Peoria Heights: Samantha N. Coake and Sherri L. Coake to Marcus D. and Valerie Y. Brown, $120,000.
4926 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria: Richard V. Laukitis to Abel A. Pimentel and Melissa Rodriguez, $120,000.
1246 N. Second St., Chillicothe: Nathan A. and Laura L. Gray to Luke Bartlett, $125,000.
9502 W. Littlefield Drive, Mapleton: Derek and Tasha M. Scott to Earl D. and Pamela M. Briggs, $135,000.
5522 E. Washington St., Chillicothe: Jason L. Wollard to Troy A. Heuck, $135,300.
714 N. Aten Ave., Princeville: Janet Paquette to Seth A. and Hannah R. Hoerr, $138,000.
612 S. Main St., Peoria: Ryan Stehly to Robert Kulpa, $138,500.
4577 N. Thornhill Drive, Peoria: Blake Batson to Vicki and Kervin Brungardt, $150,000.
14902 W. Schlink Road, Brimfield: Lori Windish to Cody and Rachel Landau, $150,000.
2522 W. Rockwood Court, Peoria: Kimberly W. Gaston to Keith D. McDaniel, $155,000.
3312 W. King James Road, Peoria: Marlo A. Mastalerz to Jacob Shoemaker, $169,000.
SE Quarter Section 29-9N-6E, North Eden Road, Hanna City: Brian L. and Kristina J. Windish to Chad A. Herman, Justin P. Herman and Nathan L. Herman, $174,037.
1813 W. Clarewood Ave., Peoria: Chelsey Milashoski to Jennifer Janssen and Cody Volpe, $174,500.
315 W. Forrest Hill Ave., Peoria: Jonathan A. and Emily F.G. Irons to Cartus Financial Corp., $205,000.
315 W. Forrest Hill Ave., Peoria: Cartus Financial Corp. to Emily Debord, $205,000.
7501 N. Villa Lake Drive, Peoria: Nathan and Kristin Johnson to Lloyd E. and Nancy J. Page, $222,500.
1519 W. Moss Ave., Peoria: Miguel A. and Mayra L. Rocha to Samantha L. Schubach, $224,000.
7303 W. Lancaster Road, Peoria: Nate Bartell and James E. Bartell to Alecia J. Osborne, $230,000.
7309 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: ASG Investments LLC to Springfield Clinic LLP, $235,000.
4818 N. Koerner Road, Peoria: Steven and Hannah Godsil to Daniel Ohlson, $239,500.
10500 N. Schopp Lane, Peoria: Jason R. and Stacey L. Parrish to Vinay Shankar and Rashmi Rani, $249,000.
6502 N. Post Oak Road, Peoria: Brian and Sara Fiddes to Michael S. Boylan and Holly N. Martin, $250,000.
6407 N. Fox Chapel Trail, Edwards: Alice V. Hannon to Robert and Olivia M. Markham, $264,900.
5905 W. Charleston Court & 523 S. Denver Court, Peoria: Mark and Vicky Hoagland to Andrew and Ann Thomas, $285,000.
Boswell Subdivision, SW Quarter Section 17-7N-7E, Lot 2, and SW Quarter Section 17-7N-7E, Mapleton: Steve Bucco to Ryan Merritt, $290,000.
521 W. Merle Lane, Peoria: Gregory G. and Carolyn M. Dickerson to William T.J. Austin, $295,000.
624 E. Bittersweet Lane, Peoria: Budwa J. and Nonnie T. Sous to Maureen S. O’Brien and Sharon T. Tear, $300,000.
2608 W. Stonehenge Court, Peoria: Unatco First Midwest Bank to Bhargavi and Siva R.K. Chitrapu, $305,000.
3831 W. Anchor Drive, Peoria: Alfonso Reyes Rodriguez and Teresa Reyes to Daniel and Emily Barnett, $310,000.
1205 W. Moss Ave., Peoria: Mary Hunt to AJ and Susan Galloway, $350,000.
2119 W. Broadland Drive, Dunlap: Thomas B. and Pamela K. Carr to Randy and Lynn Gorsuch, $359,900.
2909 W. Windpointe Drive, Peoria: Suzanne Jennetten to Matthew and Rachel Hulteen, $395,000.
927 S. Copperpoint Drive, Dunlap: Christopher and Stephanie Grgurich and Morreale Real Estate Services Inc. to Mark and Lisa Lauffer, $709,000.
4600 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: Brian and Kathryn A. Lavin to Donald L. Yakel Jr., $755,000.
1017 S. Copperpoint Drive, Dunlap: Donald L. Yakel Jr. to Rishabh Sinha and Megha Garg, $765,000.
818 & 826 E. War Memorial Drive, 3604 N. Illinois Ave. and 821, 825 & 827 E. Paris Ave., Peoria Heights: JB Real Estate Group LLC to Super Liquor Real Estate Peoria Heights LLC, $1,400,000.
7309 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: Peoria Urological Investment Group LLC to Springfield Clinic LLP, $5,900,000.
More sales:Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties for April 3, 2022
More:The 10 most expensive homes sold in Peoria County in February 2022
TAZEWELL COUNTY
109 Hazel St., North Pekin: Brandon D. Brooks to Tyler Donald, $79,500.
11434 Skyaire Drive, Green Valley: James R. and Kathy A. Saunders to Jonathan M. and Kalene A. Cunningham, $98,000.
312 Ripper St., South Pekin: RRDG 2021 1 LLC to Fredrick and Mary Tisdale, $99,900.
1930 Cole St., East Peoria: Nicolas J. Knollenberg to Brayden Cruz, $104,000.
1714 Memorial Drive, Pekin: Norman Properties LLC to Beth Prosser, $117,000.
201 Woodlawn Blvd., East Peoria: Joshua Vickers and Miranda Mitchem to Mark and Joellyn Doty, $117,500.
27411 Armington Road, Delavan: Donna B. Anderson to Colton Anderson, $117,500.
4980 Edgewater Drive, Groveland: Luckie Enterprises Inc. to Katherine A. Burke, $120,000.
512 Springfield Road, East Peoria: Christopher Berrard to Bo Miller, $123,000.
118 Bryant St., Morton: Traci A. Traylor to S&S Property Management, $127,500.
211 E. Bittersweet Road, Washington: Stephen M. and Vickie L. Howard to Seth Roan and Isaac Wudtke, $130,000.
105 Hamilton Road, Marquette Heights: James and Judy Jackson to Andrew and Anna Beck, $133,000.
607 Amanda Lane, Washington: John and Susan Grieder to Aaron M. Bayless and Gerson Rodriguez, $137,700.
208 Cottage Grove Ave., Pekin: Gerald D. Hunsel to Joshua and Lori Dobyns, $138,000.
112 Justice Drive, East Peoria: Nicholas A. and Mary Swise to Nathan A. Hoffman, $140,000.
1010 Miller St., Washington: Essig Enterprises Inc. to Kent W. Franz II, $147,500.
500 S. Nelson Ave., Morton: Candice C. Duez to Desnee L. Neubauer, $155,000.
114 E. Oakwood Road, East Peoria: Scott W. and Sondra L. Smith to Nathan Lorentz, $172,500.
129 Comfort Way, Washington: Mary E. Arnold to Ruth E. Alcorn, $172,500.
4 Pioneer Court, Pekin: Christopher D. and Misty M. Berardi to Curtis M. Jr. and Kamryn K. Hauk, $175,000.
1844 Court St., Pekin: Kathy J. Ozee to Brandon W. Houston, $179,900.
623 E. South St., Tremont: Eric J. and Pamela K. Rahn to Jacob and Abigail Rumbold, $195,000.
801 E. Marshall St., Morton: Leland and Julie A. Miller to Robert S. II and Jean R. Updegraff, $204,000.
204 Country Drive, Green Valley: Shelly Bryant to Joel and Rachel Kilgus, $210,000.
5030 E. Queenwood Road, Groveland: Gary G. Anderson and Elizabeth A. Ingersoll Swanson to Dustin and Danielle Boyer, $219,000.
503 Park Trail Road, Mackinaw: Cory J. McGrath to Peter S. and Jessica M. Stevens, $219,900.
448 N. Bauman Ave., Morton: Justin and Veronica Hayes to Jonathan and Whitley Jones, $225,000.
204 Regal Lane, East Peoria: David A. Baysinger, Pamela A. Baysinger and Scott D. Baysinger to Charles H. Hill and Elizabeth Brown, $225,670.
2 Lisa Court, Pekin: Cassie J. Murray to William Keltner, $255,000.
Lot 1, Hall & Grants Addition A 26-4, Tazewell County: Vance E. and Carol A. Moore to Donald and Susan Wells, $322,000.
1704 Autumn Ridge, Washington: Elliott W. and Julie A. Zobrist to Barbara J. Evans, $355,000.
13 Cobblestone Lane, Minier: Alisa A. Lancaster to Roger D. and Cindy L. Nafziger, $365,000.
403 Topaz Drive, Morton: Andrew and Aimee Turner to Brandon and Amanda Walter, $421,000.
SW Section 24-25-5, Tazewell County: Curtis A. and Bonnie K. Eeten to Douglas P. Yontz, $997,500.
101 E. Ashland St., Morton: OM Gurudev LLC to Bhakti USA LLC, $1,240,000.
250 S. Main St., East Peoria: 250 S Main Street LLC to First American Bank, $1,562,500.
210-240 S. Main St., East Peoria: Community Plaza LLC to First American Bank Trust, $3,387,500.
More:Here are Tazewell County's 10 most expensive homes sold in 2021
More real estate:Real estate sales in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties for March 27, 2022
WOODFORD COUNTY
338 Maple Leaf Lane, East Peoria: Jason W. Cross to Heather Schmidgall, $135,000.
106 S. Creamery St., Eureka: Anthony E. and Lauren G. Gray to Devin H. and Karisa B. Miller, $185,000.
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https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2022/04/10/il-real-estate-peoria-tazewell-woodford-county-sales-april-10-2022/7272394001/
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Prom season might still be a little way off, but it might pay to start shopping for prom dresses early to avoid disappointment. The hottest prom looks can sell quickly, and adding potential delays into the mix is a recipe for disaster.
If you’re wondering whether you should buy your teen’s prom dress early this year, here’s why it’s a good idea.
Reasons to buy a prom dress early
To beat pandemic-related delays
Although most companies are now running smoothly, the COVID-19 pandemic is still causing staff shortages, which can lead to delays in fulfillment centers and in the postal service. If you order a dress online at the last minute, it’s completely feasible that it will arrive late. Instead, order early, and there’ll be no need to stress about whether or not it will get to you in time.
In case your teen changes their mind
Everyone has the right to change their mind, so you don’t want to get into a situation where your teen decides they no longer like the dress they chose and have nothing suitable to wear.
This can be a particular issue when shopping online because items may look different in person or fit quite differently from the way it fits the model in the photo. Or you may simply discover the dress is too big or too small when tried on.
When you buy early, there’s time to exchange the dress for another one or a different size before the big event if necessary.
To go bespoke
Prom is a big deal for many teens, especially senior prom, which marks a farewell to high school before moving on to college or the world of work. As such, they may want an extra special dress. Bespoke, made-to-measure dresses fit like a glove, which can make teens feel good about themselves as they head off to the dance. They don’t have to cost a fortune, either. This is especially true when you buy dresses from independent brands, which often cost around the same price as high-end off-the-rack dresses.
What to look for in a prom dress
Although there’s no single feature that makes a dress a prom dress, this type of garment is significantly more formal than an everyday dress. Many have full, flouncy skirts, tight bodices and are embellished with beads, lacework, rhinestones or sequins. They can be full-length, knee-length or above knee-length, but many buyers opt for longer styles.
While these are the hallmarks of a classic prom dress, teens can wear any dress they like to the prom, so it’s fine to opt for something quite different. If they prefer casual dresses or want to opt for something with an alternative vibe, there’s nothing stopping them. Not everyone goes for a classic prom dress, and it’s all about what the wearer feels happy, comfortable and confident in.
Best prom dresses
B Darlin Juniors’ Off-The-Shoulder Glitter Gown
With a long, full skirt, fitted bodice, off-the-shoulder design and sparkly pale rose fabric, this is the princess dress of some teens’ dreams.
Sold by Macy’s
Say Yes to the Prom Strapless Embellished Ballgown
This stunning ivory dress is embellished with gold beads. Although it’s described as strapless, it does have two thin spaghetti straps.
Sold by Macy’s
City Studios Juniors’ Embellished Illusion Tulip Gown
Thanks to the lace and crochet bodice backed with nude panels and the long, flowing skirt, this dress has a relaxed, boho look while still being smart enough for the prom. It comes in pink, navy and lemon.
Sold by Macy’s
Superbprom Lace and Tulle Prom Dress
This gorgeously flouncy dress is available in a range of sizes and colors, or you can choose a custom color and a custom size to get a precise fit.
Sold by Etsy
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/dresses-br/why-you-should-buy-your-teens-prom-dress-early-this-year/
| 2022-04-10T13:10:19
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Which Tommee Tippee pacifiers are best?
Finding the correct pacifier takes trial and error since babies’ preferences vary widely. Tommee Tippee pacifiers offer unique features that go beyond the traditional pacifier design. For some parents, a Tommee Tippee pacifier is the only brand their baby will accept. Tommee Tippee is known for producing pacifiers that soothe the transition between breast, bottle and pacifier. The Close to Nature Night Time Breast-Like Pacifier is the top choice for a glow-in-the-dark pacifier that helps both bottle and breastfeeding babies. Tommee Tippee also produces a variety of other valuable pacifiers to consider when purchasing from their brand.
What to know before you buy a Tommee Tippee pacifier
Size
You should match the baby’s size and age to the pacifier’s size and shape. The age suggestions are merely a guideline for purchasing, and the baby’s actual mouth size should dictate whether a small (0-6 months) or large (6-18 months) pacifier is the best fit. Learn more about pacifier sizing in BestReviews guide to the best pacifiers.
Construction
Pacifiers use either a single or three-part design. A pacifier with three parts breaks down into a nipple, a mouth shield and a handle. The mouth shield should be large enough to prevent the child from placing the entire pacifier into the mouth. There are various nipple designs with each brand. For example, the Tommee Tippee brand is known for its breast-like nipple design. However, the three-part pacifier handle presents a possible choking hazard if it is separate from the nipple and shield.
Lifespan
Expect to replace a pacifier after a month or two for safety and hygiene purposes. Users should sanitize pacifiers frequently in the dishwasher or hand-washed with soapy water. This breaks down the materials and can lead to a choking risk or accelerate the risk of puncture areas where mold can grow. Never attempt to clean a pacifier with solvents or harsh chemicals, as this does nothing to extend the lifespan of a pacifier and can be poisonous.
Pacifier holders
Parents can purchase a pacifier holder to clip a Tommee Tippee safely to clothing for easy access. Pacifier holders are beneficial for babies who have not yet developed the motor skills to hold pacifiers themselves.
What to look for in a quality Tommee Tippee pacifier
Shield
Tommee Tippee offers a wide variety of pacifier shields. The glow-in-the-dark shield is convenient when locating a pacifier spat out in a dark room. Another option ideal for babies with sensitive skin is the Tommee Tippee shield with ventilation holes. Drool does not become trapped on the skin due to the cutouts on a shield with ventilation holes.
Nipple
There are various orthodontic-shaped nipples to choose from when purchasing a Tommee Tippee pacifier. Each nipple supports oral development. All Tommee Tippee nipples are also reversible, making it easy to insert them correctly into the mouth. Some Tommee Tippee nipples are shaped like their bottle nipple, so a bottle-fed baby will be more familiar with the design from feeding.
Orthodontic
Orthodontic pacifiers are beneficial as soon as teeth emerge. An orthodontic-shaped nipple is less likely to negatively affect a baby’s dental arch, ridge and gums. Tommee Tippee orthodontic pacifier nipples are symmetrical and not flattened like many other brands’ orthodontic pacifier designs.
Newborns
Specialty-sized and shaped pacifiers are essential for babies 3 months and younger. A newborn should use a one-piece pacifier that has hospital-grade, BPA-free and latex-free silicone.
How much you can expect to spend on the Tommee Tippee pacifier
Tommee Tippee pacifiers are typically between $6-$13, depending upon the style and quantity of multi-pack.
Tommee Tippee pacifier FAQ
What is the best way to clean a Tommee Tippee pacifier?
A. Run pacifiers through the dishwasher daily and hand wash with soap and water whenever dropped on a contaminated surface such as the floor. It is also possible to sterilize a pacifier by boiling it in a pot of water for 2 minutes. When sanitizing a pacifier with boiling water, take extra precautions by using tongs to squeeze out any water that may have gotten stuck inside the nipple. Always allow the pacifier to be sufficiently cooled before returning to the baby.
Is it okay to use a pacifier while breastfeeding?
A. There are pros and cons to using a pacifier while breastfeeding, so it is ultimately up to a parent to determine what is suitable for the family. There is not sufficient evidence to indicate that pacifier use is a hindrance to breastfeeding.
What’s the best Tommee Tippee pacifier to buy?
Top Tommee Tippee pacifier
Tommee Tippee Close to Nature Night Time Breast-Like Pacifier
What you need to know: This option has a glow-in-the-dark handle. The breast-shaped nipple makes that the perfect nighttime pacifier.
What you’ll love: It is easy to clean since there’s no worry about water getting stuck inside the nipple and forming mold.
What you should consider: The hole in the back of the pacifier is large enough to fit a finger.
Where to buy: Amazon
Top Tommee Tippee pacifier for the money
Tommee Tippee Fun Style Pacifiers
What you need to know: These orthodontic pacifiers are lightweight and create a good suction that helps the baby hold it longer.
What you’ll love: The nipples are symmetrical and do not flatten like other orthopedic brands.
What you should consider: The nipple is larger compared to other pacifiers.
Where to buy: Amazon
Worth checking out
Tommee Tippee Advanced Sensitive Skin Pacifiers
What you need to know: This option prevents the shield from touching the face and trapping moisture. It is perfect for sensitive skin.
What you’ll love: There is less moisture on the skin to decrease irritation, rashes and cracked lips.
What you should consider: The nipple is thin and a tad longer compared to other pacifiers.
Where to buy: Amazon
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Elizabeth Foley writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/nursing-feeding-br/best-tommee-tippee-pacifier/
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Which three-sided toothbrushes are best?
Most people try to take good care of their teeth and gums but despite their best efforts, improper brushing technique and not doing it for long enough often results in a less-than-adequate cleaning. Three-sided brushes help solve this problem.
For the best results, opt for an electric model such as the Triple Bristle Sonic Electric Toothbrush. This particular one produces 31,000 strokes per minute at its highest speed setting and features an autotimer to remove the guesswork when it comes to brushing for the recommended amount of time.
What to know before you buy a three-sided toothbrush
Benefits
Three-sided toothbrushes help solve the problem of not brushing for long enough as well as missing hard-to-reach and neglected areas. Thanks to the design, they ensure you brush the front, back and top evenly. The angled brushes on the sides get all the way down to the gum line.
Electric vs. manual
Both electric and manual toothbrushes can remove plaque and tartar but the former do it quicker and more effectively. This is because the small micro-movements combine with your broader strokes to increase the overall amount of brushing. Electric toothbrushes also might be easier to use for those with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or hand weakness.
Despite their benefits, electric toothbrushes may not be for everyone. They are more expensive than manual toothbrushes, which can put them out of reach for those on a tight budget. Some may find the vibrations to be irritating or tickle their nose and gums.
What to look for in a quality three-sided toothbrush
Bristles
Pay attention to the firmness of the bristles when buying a toothbrush. According to a study, firmer bristles remove more biofilm but have a higher chance of causing gingival abrasion. Most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush because of this. If you feel like you don’t get a good enough cleaning with a soft-bristled brush and want to use a medium-bristle option instead, make sure you don’t brush too hard.
Tongue scrubber
Some three-sided toothbrushes have an integrated tongue scrubber. This usually is located at the back of the brush head, but it also can be in the handle. There are some toothbrushes that come bundled with a separate tongue scraper.
Grip
A three-sided toothbrush handle should be comfortable and allow for a secure grip. To aid with this, many manufacturers add high-friction rubber or plastic to the handle. Toothbrushes designed for kids may have thicker, contoured handles that are easier for children with still-developing motor skills to hold.
Colors
If you live in a household with other people, it is helpful to buy everyone a different colored toothbrush. This way, there is never any confusion over whose is whose.
Speed settings
Electric three-sided toothbrushes often have three to five speed settings. The lower speeds are useful for those with sensitive teeth or for massaging the gums, while the higher speeds can remove plaque more quickly.
Timer
Since one of the most common mistakes people make when brushing is not doing it long enough, some manufacturers incorporate timers in their electric toothbrushes. Some three-sided toothbrush timers may signal quadrant intervals to let you know when it is time to move to a different spot in your mouth.
How much you can expect to spend on a three-sided toothbrush
Expect to spend between $25-$100 for an electric three-sided toothbrush. Manual three-sided toothbrushes generally cost between $2-$10.
Three-sided toothbrush FAQ
Can you use a three-sided toothbrush with braces?
A. Yes. Not only can you use a three-sided toothbrush with braces, clinical studies have shown them to be more effective at removing food particles stuck in the nooks and crannies. This should result in less plaque and tartar buildup.
Can you brush for less time if you use a three-sided toothbrush?
A. While you theoretically can brush for less time if you use a three-sided toothbrush and get an adequate cleaning, it is a good idea to get into the habit of spending two minutes brushing your teeth each time. If you really want to do it for less time than that, it is best to consult with your dentist and ask what they recommend.
What’s the best three-sided toothbrush to buy?
Top three-sided toothbrush
Triple Bristle Sonic Electric Toothbrush
What you need to know: With 31,000 vibrations per minute, this three-sided sonic toothbrush provides an incredibly effective cleaning in a short amount of time.
What you’ll love: Its bristles change color to let you know when it is time to change the head. It comes with a tongue scraper, and the charging base is compact so it doesn’t take up much space on the bathroom counter.
What you should consider: It is more than twice the price of the company’s non-rechargeable model.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Top three-sided toothbrush for the money
What you need to know: A great choice for big households on a budget, this combo pack comes with three different colored toothbrushes for a low cost.
What you’ll love: Both kids and adults can use them and they feature an integrated tongue cleaner.
What you should consider: The bristles tend to wear out quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Worth checking out
FridaBaby Triple-Angle Toothhugger Training Toothbrush
What you need to know: Designed to make brushing easy for toddlers, the Toothhugger cleans all sides of the teeth at once and has a thick, soft, contoured grip.
What you’ll love: It has a suction cup on the base so the head doesn’t have to come into contact with dirty counters.
What you should consider: Some children may find the bristles too hard.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/oral-care-br/the-best-three-sided-toothbrush/
| 2022-04-10T13:10:36
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/oral-care-br/the-best-three-sided-toothbrush/
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Which Mario Badescu product is best?
For many years, brands emphasized covering flaws rather than healing skin. Recently, however, beauty treatments have switched to starting with healthy skin. Mario Badescu is a classic cult brand has a philosophy of providing simple, effective skin care. It’s known for its old-school labels and product names as well as for its affordability.
Many high-profile influencers and celebrities have adopted and promoted the brand in the past few years, bringing it forward from its cult status and into the limelight. A favorite is Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.
What to know before you buy a Mario Badescu product
History
Mario Badescu founded his namesake brand in a two-room Manhattan apartment in 1967, back when skin care was the realm for professionals. An aesthetician, Badescu was inspired by the tradition of European facial skin care. More than 50 years later, skin care has boomed and the brand is going strong. After Badescu passed away in the 1980s, Morise Cabasso purchased the company and it has stayed in the family since. For more affordable skin care options, check out the BestReviews guide to best skin care value sets.
Skin concerns
Acne: Acne-prone skin requires skin care that cleanses the skin without stripping everything from it. Consistency is vital in a skin care regimen for acne-prone skin, not just in-the-moment spot treatments.
Aging: Aging is a natural process, so anti-aging skin care doesn’t fight aging but protects the skin from external factors that can prematurely age it. Sun protection is critical, as is moisturizing. Products with high SPF are the best ways of preventing skin damage.
Oiliness: Oily skin requires balance. Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids or other minerals can help with removing excess oil from the skin.
Dryness: Dry skin needs intensive moisturizing. Gentle hydroxy acids can help prep the skin to absorb more heavy-duty moisturizers.
Sensitivity: Sensitive skin responds best to mild products, especially fragrance-free options and those lacking harsher chemicals and ingredients. All skin is different, so those with sensitive skin will benefit from patch testing.
What to look for in a quality Mario Badescu product
Ingredients
Mario Badescu products contain both botanical and ingredients for more personalized skin care. Go by your skin type and skin issues to find ingredients that work for you. For example, gentler botanicals such as chamomile are better for sensitive skin.
Scents
Pick scents that won’t bother you. Fragranced products can irritate some skin, but it can often depend on the product or fragrance, so look at all the options available, including the ingredients. There are a wide variety of scents from which to choose.
How much you can expect to spend on a Mario Badescu product
Mario Badescu products are affordable as a whole, although price varies. Expect to spend as little as $7-$10 for facial sprays and toners and $40-$50 for items like serums.
Mario Badescu product FAQ
Are Mario Badescu products cruelty-free?
A. Mario Badescu products are cruelty-free, as stated on its website. It doesn’t test on animals or allow testing of its products on its behalf. It also doesn’t sell in retail stores in areas that require animal testing.
Are Mario Badescu products vegan?
A. Mario Badescu is not vegan, although some products are. The products aren’t clearly marked vegan or non-vegan, so it may take some digging to find the status.
Are Mario Badescu products safe for sensitive skin?
A. It depends on the product. As a brand focused on skin care for all skin types, Mario Badescu has a line for sensitive skin with gentler ingredients. Not all products are suitable for sensitive skin, so always patch test before using a new product.
Mario Badescu drying lotion how-to-use guide
Mario Badescu’s drying lotion is a classic product with a stand-out two-tone solution that is pink on the bottom and transparent on the top. It’s one of the original products formulated in the 1960s that has stuck around for decades because it works.
- Don’t mix or shake the bottle. The drying lotion is meant to be separated.
- Before bed, after cleansing the skin, take a cotton swab and swipe it into the pink part at the bottom before pulling it up through the clear liquid. This combination of the two components is what will clear up your acne.
- Apply it to the spot you want gone. Don’t rub it in.
- Leave the drying lotion on overnight before rinsing it off in the morning.
- Keep an eye out for skin irritation.
What’s the best Mario Badescu product to buy?
Top Mario Badescu product
What you need to know: The is the brand’s most iconic product and a quick fix for breakouts.
What you’ll love: This drying lotion is an old-school, effective solution for irritating spots. It comes in a glass bottle.
What you should consider: It can irritate sensitive skin.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Ulta
Top Mario Badescu product for the money
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
What you need to know: The Mario Badescu product that initially went viral with influencers in the 2010s is known for its skin-soothing effect and vibrant pink color.
What you’ll love: It’s a low-priced facial spray that includes botanical ingredients for skin health. It’s refreshing and simple.
What you should consider: Some aren’t fans of the plastic packaging.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Ulta
Worth checking out
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
What you need to know: This is a mild, alcohol-free toner to brighten and balance the skin.
What you’ll love: It contains alpha hydroxy acids for resurfacing and balancing the skin.
What you should consider: Alpha hydroxy acids increase sun sensitivity, so avoid sun exposure as long as you’re using this product. It may be too strong for those with sensitive skin.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
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Arabella Matthews writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/skin-treatments-br/best-mario-badescu-product/
| 2022-04-10T13:10:44
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Which Youth to the People skincare product is best?
Youth to the People is dedicated to using naturally sourced ingredients for skincare products that not only leave skin looking fresh but can reduce facial impurities caused by pollutants and environmental stressors over time. The brand strives to provide the best skincare routine to its customers, even helping build customized skincare plans. Youth to the People use all vegan ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. If you are looking for an all-around moisturizing and age-defying beauty product, the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream is the top choice.
What to know before you buy Youth To The People skincare products
Ingredients
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a product that will be directly applied to your skin is the ingredients. Located on the side of the packaging, the ingredients will tell users if the product contains chemicals or substances that won’t benefit their skin type. Youth to the People are very transparent with the ingredients used in their products and try to make formulas that are free of chemicals and other skin-harming ingredients. It’s still a good idea to be aware of each ingredient going onto your skin, and double -heck for anything you may be allergic or sensitive to.
Cruelty-Free
Most brands have adopted a more natural, eco-friendly way of life, including a reduction of animal testing on products. Youth to the People have run an entirely vegan and cruelty-free operation since opening their doors in 2015. To make sure an item is not tested on animals look for a PETA-approved bunny, a leaping bunny or the words “not tested on animals” directly on the packaging.
Mission
Youth To The People products are created with the natural idea that what you are putting on your skin should contain just as many beneficial nutrients as what you put into your body. All of their products are formulated with natural ingredients and are gentle enough for all skin types. This company believes in helping the environment in any way it can and only uses glass containers for its products. On their website, you can find helpful resources and articles on sustainability and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
What to look for in a quality Youth To The People skincare product
Formulas
Products that are a cream will typically be oil-based. These tend to provide a smooth application but may take longer to absorb into the skin. They’re extensively moisturizing and can benefit those with dry or otherwise damaged skin. These products can leave steaks and are usually white in color.
Other products are water-based. These skincare products are typically more lightweight and are more beneficial to oily and combination skin types. These products are typically colorless and absorb quickly into the skin while hydrating. With this type of product, there’s less chance of clogged pores or a buildup of product on the skin. However, it doesn’t deeply moisturize as well as some cream-based products.
Skin type
Purchasing the right product and formula for your skin type will ensure that your skin remains hydrated as needed and will help makeup blend easier and look more natural.
Dry skin: If you have dry skin, consider a cream formula, which deeply hydrates dry skin. Lightweight, water-based formulas may not moisturize as effectively if your skin’s extra dry. Products containing natural oils also benefit those with dry skin. Make sure your Youth to the People skincare product is also alcohol-free to prevent excessive drying.
Oily skin: If you have oily skin, consider an oil-free, lightweight, water-based skincare product. This will lessen the chances of your pores getting clogged and your skin looking extra shiny. If you have oily skin, avoid products that are heavier and contain many oils.
Combination skin: It can be trickier for people with combination skin types to find products that match their skin needs. Hydrating formulas that are oil-free can be a great choice. If you have this skin type, you may experience oil on your forehead, nose and chin and may want to use different types of formulas accordingly. To find the right product for you, test a few different formulas out until you find your optimal combination.
Sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin should avoid use of chemical fragrances. Youth to the People doesn’t use sulfates or parabens in their products, making them less likely to irritate sensitive skin. If a product is particularly good for sensitive skin, it will likely be mentioned in the product description.
How much you can expect to spend on Youth to the People skincare products
Youth to the People products range in price, depending on the quantity and ingredients of the products. You can find all skincare products between $15 on the cheaper end and $80 on the high end.
Youth to the People skincare products FAQ
How do I know when these products expire?
A. On the bottom or side of the product’s container, there will be a small jar graphic. Inside this jar will be a number. That number will specify the time that the product can be used effectively before the ingredients expire. For example, if the product you purchase has a 12 inside the jar graphic, the product expires after 12 months. You can also find the expiration date in the product FAQs on the website listing.
Is it safe to use food ingredients in skincare?
A. Superfoods contain amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties which can make them great for skin health, specifically when it comes to environmental stress and pollution’s effects on the skin.
What are the best Youth to the People skincare products to buy?
Top Youth to the People skincare product
What you need to know: This is a deeply hydrating moisturizer with superior plant extracts and a pro-grade peptide that works to soothe sensitive skin.
What you’ll love: It’s fragrance free and, though the formula is thick, it will not clog the pores.
What you should consider: This moisturizer is not deep enough to be effective for extra dry skin and will take longer to show true effects.
Where to buy: Sold by Youth to the People, Sephora.
Top Youth to the People skincare product for the money
Superfood Hydrate and Firm Peptide Eye Cream
What you need to know: The container is small, but the effects of the cream are significant.
What you’ll love: The peptides contained in this product are used to firm the skin under the eye and naturally reduce the look of dark circles over time. It also contains restorative vitamins that brightens under the eye.
What you should consider: The container is small and the product can go quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Youth to the People.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This powerful, gentle daily face wash is formulated with cold-pressed antioxidants — kale, spinach and green tea — to deeply cleanse the skin.
What you’ll love: It works to prevent buildup in pores, removes makeup and balances pH without drying the skin.
What you should consider: Some users noticed the pump leaking, which results in a waste of product.
Where to buy: Sold by Youth to the People, Sephora, Amazon.
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Logan DeLoye writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/skin-treatments-br/the-best-youth-to-the-people-skincare-product/
| 2022-04-10T13:10:52
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Which bathroom fan is best?
A bathroom fan is an essential feature for bathrooms of all sizes. Without one, the high moisture levels in your bathroom may lead to problems like damaged wood, paint and plaster, the formation of mold and even lung issues if the quality of air suffers. A bathroom fan regulates humidity to keep your bathroom clean and free from moisture damage.
Regardless of your budget and the size of your space, there’s a good bathroom fan option for you. Choosing one can prove overwhelming given the various technical considerations that go into selecting the right bathroom fan, such as the size of your ductwork, the amount of airflow required for the size of your bathroom and whether to opt for additional features, such as lighting, moisture-sensing and heating.
For powerful air movement and quiet performance, the Panasonic WhisperCeiling Ventilation Fan is the best of the best.
What to know before you buy a bathroom fan
Airflow rate
To ensure the circulation power of your fan is good enough, look for its rating of how much air it moves per minute, measured in units of cubic feet per minute or CFM.
Best practice is to select a bathroom fan with at least approximately 1 CFM for every square foot of bathroom space you have. For most small or medium-sized bathrooms, a rating of 50 CFM is sufficient. If you have a large bathroom, look for a fan with a rating of 75-100 CFM.
Noise output level
Look for a bathroom fan that indicates “whisper quiet” operation if low noise levels are a primary concern for you. If members of your household sleep and shower on different schedules, a quiet bathroom fan helps ensure a loud fan early in the morning or late at night doesn’t disturb them.
Bathroom fan noises are measured in sones, which is a subjective unit of perceived noise. Quiet fan models have a rating of less than or equal to 1.0 sones. Very quiet fans can be as low as 0.3 sones, and louder fans may be as loud as 4.0 sones, which would be a very noticeable level of noise.
Size
When selecting a fan, take stock of your current bathroom ventilation ductwork setup. You probably already have ductwork in your bathroom, so you should measure the duct prior to purchasing a new model to avoid purchasing one that’s too small and leaves a gap.
Placement
Install your fan above or near your shower to clear out humidity in the bathroom. It’s also important to have good ventilation near the toilet to dispel odors.
What to look for in a quality bathroom fan
Heating elements
Some high-end bathroom fans include heating elements to keep you warm when you walk out of your bathtub or shower. This is a helpful feature to have, but keep in mind this type of fan uses a lot of energy, similar to a small space heater.
Also, note that heating bathroom fans shouldn’t be installed directly over your shower. This could be problematic if you already have a ventilation system set up over your shower and don’t want to move the duct.
You should consult with an electrician if you choose to install a heating fan to ensure you have the correct wattage hookup in your bathroom and avoid tripping a circuit.
Lighting
Consider whether you want your bathroom fan to include LED lighting. This is a nice feature in a smaller bathroom where installing both a bathroom fan and a lighting fixture takes up too much ceiling space or creates a cluttered look.
Automatic on and off function
A fan with a humidity sensor automatically turns on and off based on the humidity level in the air. This is useful for preserving the quality of the walls in your bathroom and avoiding moisture-related problems, such as mold. This could save you a little bit of mental energy, because without this function, you’ll need to remember to leave your fan on for up to a half an hour after showering.
How much you can expect to spend on a bathroom fan
Bathroom fans range in price from budget models available for less than $50 up to luxury models that cost up to $200 with additional features like LED lights, built-in heaters and variable speed. Expect to pay around $100 for a powerful, durable and quiet fan.
Bathroom fan FAQ
How do you use your bathroom fan separately from the bathroom light?
A. Many bathroom fan models can be set up to operate on a switch that’s separate from your bathroom lighting. If you don’t already have wiring set up for this function, you should consult with a contractor who can take care of wiring for you. Attempting to do this yourself could pose a hazard or lead to work that isn’t up to code.
Where should you install my bathroom fan?
A. Install your bathroom fan above your bathtub or shower to most efficiently reduce humidity in the space. If your fan has a built-in heating function, however, you should install it on the ceiling not above your shower.
What’s the best bathroom fan to buy?
Top bathroom fan
Panasonic WhisperCeiling Ventilation Fan
What you need to know: This is a highly rated fan that operates quietly, moves air efficiently and saves money with Energy-Star rated performance.
What you’ll love: As its name suggests, this fan is very quiet when in operation. It allows users to customize airflow to 110, 130 or 150 CFM.
What you should consider: Some customers find installation of this model difficult, although it’s designed with easy installation in mind.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and The Home Depot
Top bathroom fan for the money
Broan-NuTone 688 Ceiling and Wall Ventilation Fan
What you need to know: This fan costs less than others and provides stunningly powerful performance.
What you’ll love: At a fraction of the cost, this powerful fan moves air and clears humidity with surprising efficiency, especially in small bathrooms. You can also paint this fan to match other finishes in your space. It’s relatively simple to install.
What you should consider: This fan is louder than others on the market.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Easy to install, this quiet fan has an attractive white housing.
What you’ll love: The fan receives high marks for durability, whisper-quiet operation and a simple snap-in ceiling installation process. It offers impressive performance for its price.
What you should consider: Some customers find the plastic housing a bit thin or flimsy, but it performs well once installed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Evelyn Waugh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:11:00
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Which bathtub sliding door is best?
Sliding doors improve the look of your bathtub and make getting in and out easy whether you are bathing or showering. Sliding doors keep water where it belongs better than shower curtains. They are easier to clean and less likely to collect mold. Unlike full-length sliding doors for showers, sliding doors for bathtubs are made so the frame sits atop the side of the tub.
The type of frame, glass and hardware all factor in the price of bathtub sliding doors. If you are looking for a sleek and modern frameless bathtub sliding door for your bathroom makeover, consider the DreamLine Mirage-X 56-60-Inch Frameless Sliding Tub Door.
What to know before you buy a bathtub sliding door
Bathtub sliding doors are almost all glass, so choosing the right glass for your needs and preferences is an important first step.
Glass safety
Safety glass is essential in bathtub doors. You have two choices of what happens if your bathtub sliding door ever breaks.
- Tempered glass is the most common type and is the same material found in car windows. It is stronger and more durable than the window glass found in homes. When broken, safety glass does not fracture into pieces with sharp edges. Instead, it breaks into small pebble-like pieces that do not cause cuts or injuries.
- Laminated glass has two outer layers of thin glass sandwiched around a plastic inner layer. In the case of breakage, the plastic holds both outer glass sheets in place and no pieces fall to the floor.
Glass thickness
Most of the glass in bathtub sliding doors is between ⅛ and ½ inch thick. Thicker glass is used in frameless bathtub sliding doors to provide greater structural support. However, the thinner glass that is used in budget bathtub sliding doors is not as safe and is more likely to break.
Glass style
There are four common styles of glass, each admitting a different type and amount of light.
- Clear glass is the most common choice. It is the least expensive and the hardest to keep clean.
- Patterned glass has designs etched on the surface and is favored by many who want to add a decorator’s touch.
- Textured glass is translucent and offers more privacy by blurring what is seen from both inside and out while still admitting all the light.
- Frosted glass is a privacy glass with an etched or sandblasted finish that obscures the view in both directions.
To learn even more about bathtub sliding doors, take a look at the full bathtub sliding door buying guide from BestReviews.com.
What to look for in a quality bathtub sliding door
Frames
Bathtub sliding doors are made in full-framed, frameless and semi-frameless styles.
- Full-framed doors: These doors are the least expensive of the three, contain the most metal and provide the tightest water seal. The metal runs along the top, bottom and sides of the glass panels.
- Frameless sliding doors: The most elegant and the most expensive are the frameless sliding doors. The only metal is at the hinge points and the handles. Frameless sliding doors are found in minimalist bathrooms.
- Semi-frameless tub doors: These have metal along the top edge of the glass panels but not the sides.
Metal finish
All three door frame types have some metal parts, like hinges and handles, and some have full or partial frames. These metal surfaces are usually finished in chrome because chrome is the most common surface found in the bathtub fixtures, faucets and controls in most homes. However, better finishes like stainless steel, polished brass and brushed nickel allow people to give custom looks to their sliding glass doors.
Glass coatings
Water-resistant coatings applied by the manufacturer are a good feature to have if you want to save cleaning time. They prevent the buildup of mold and soap scum and make the glass easier to clean.
How much you can expect to spend on a bathtub sliding door
Midrange bathtub sliding doors cost between $250-$350. Here you will expect to find better glass and better finishes. Bathtub sliding doors under $250 will be made of lower-quality materials. Above $350, you will find smooth-operating, frameless bathtub sliding doors with the best glass panels and best coatings.
Bathtub sliding door FAQ
Can I install my bathtub sliding door myself?
A. You will be dealing with glass and metal in a tiled environment that is made to be wet. Unless you are an avid DIYer with a workshop full of tools, you are better off leaving it to professionals so you don’t get leaks.
What is the best number of shower doors to have?
A. The choice is yours. Some like a large single movable door. Others like having two or three doors that slide in either direction because different people can use it in different ways.
What’s the best bathtub sliding door to buy?
Top bathtub sliding door
DreamLine Mirage-X 56-60-Inch Frameless Sliding Tub Door
What you need to know: The frameless design of this tub door is very sleek and modern and ideal for custom baths.
What you’ll love: A single large door slides open for easy access to the bathtub. The L-bar provides a streamlined look and structural support. The proprietary ClearMax coating is water-resistant and protects against the buildup of lime and scale. The aluminum frame is anodized to resist corrosion.
What you should consider: This product is pricey, and the installation is challenging.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bathtub sliding door for the money
DreamLine Visions 56-60-Inch Semi-Frameless Sliding Tub Door
What you need to know: The unique dual sliding door design opens at the center.
What you’ll love: This sliding tub door looks great with any bathroom decor. This product has smaller handles than most sliding bathtub doors. The ANSI-certified tempered glass repels water and resists water spotting. The aluminum frame has a chrome finish.
What you should consider: It has only a 4-inch width adjustment.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Delta Trinsic 60-Inch Semi-Frameless Sliding Bathtub Door SD3927410
What you need to know: Choose the glass style, handle and track that you like best.
What you’ll love: This 1-2-3 shower door is a beautiful product that fits many different installations with its 8-inch range of adjustment. The large handles are conveniently placed and easy to use, and this product’s certified safety glass is coated to resist water spots.
What you should consider: This unit needs a perfectly level bathtub area.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which bed frame is best?
Several things contribute to a good night’s sleep: mattress quality, sheet quality and perhaps most important, bed frame quality. A good bed frame holds your mattress in place while supporting it. The best bed frames are made from high-quality wood or metal and do not squeak or move while you are in bed.
For a sturdy bed frame with adjustable settings, you can’t beat the Classic Brands Comfort Upholstered Adjustable Bed Base, which also has a massage function for those days when you’re feeling a little tense.
What to know before you buy a bed frame
Type
The traditional box-spring bed frame puts a bed foundation between the frame and the mattress and is the most common type of bed frame. Usually made with horizontal supports or metal lattice, the frame gives the mattress necessary support. A platform bed frame uses slats to support the mattress. Adjustable bed frames allow users to raise and lower either the head or the foot of the bed to provide extra comfort. Adjustable bed frames typically are far more expensive than traditional bed frames due to the ergonomic technology used.
Size
Making sure the bed frame fits the size of your mattress ensures the frame correctly supports the mattress.
Integrated vs. separate frames
Freestanding bed frames are the typical design you see with most bed frames. You can pair one with a headboard to complete a bedroom’s look. On the other hand, integrated bed frames come fully integrated, typically with a headboard, footboard and side rails, creating a more complete and finished look.
What to look for in a quality bed frame
Material
Most bed frames are made of three materials: metal, wood or upholstery. Wooden frames create a more natural appearance and typically are solid and durable. However, solid-wood options tend to be more expensive. Metal frames are durable and lightweight. They often are more affordable than wooden options and usually fit more in modern room designs. Upholstered bed frames tend to be made from a wood composite or frame and upholstered with fabric padding. They often come in integrated frames.
Height
As a rule of thumb, most standard beds are approximately 25 inches off the ground including the height of the mattress. However, some frames range significantly in height, allowing for beds to be higher or lower. Low-profile beds provide a more contemporary feel to a room, while more elevated beds add a sense of sophistication.
How much you can expect to spend on a bed frame
Bed frame prices are determined by both the construction of the frame and the materials used. The least expensive frames cost between $30 and $100 and generally are metal box spring or platform frames. Midrange bed frames range between $100 and $500 and are made of sturdier materials such as wood, metal or upholstery. Some bed frames in this price range may be adjustable. High-end bed frames cost more than $500 and are constructed with high-quality materials such as ornate solid wood. Some of these frames can cost as much as $5,000.
Bed frame FAQ
Do you need a headboard with a bed frame?
A. Some bed frames come with integrated headboards. However, a headboard is not necessary. This is dependent on your aesthetic style and whether a headboard can fit in your room.
Should you also buy a new mattress with a new bed frame?
A. This is not necessary. As long as the mattress fits the bed frame, the bed will be supported and ready for use. However, you should replace your mattress every five to 10 years.
What’s the best bed frame to buy?
Top bed frame
Classic Brands Comfort Upholstered Adjustable Bed Base
What you need to know: This customer favorite is a versatile, adjustable bed base and one of the best options for bed frames.
What you’ll love: For an affordable price, this frame provides several comfortable settings to accommodate every kind of sleeper. It comes equipped with convenient USB ports and a massage function.
What you should consider: Some users have reported the legs can feel wobbly and the wireless remote has been known to freeze on occasion. Additionally, this frame is more expensive than many others.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bed frame for the money
Zinus SmartBase Super Heavy Duty Mattress Foundation
What you need to know: The ZINUS mattress foundation is one of the most reliable bed frame options providing stability and height.
What you’ll love: This frame has a solid construction that is supportive and stable. It has additional space underneath for extra storage.
What you should consider: Some users have reported this frame may squeak after extended use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Zinus Michelle Compack Adjustable Steel Bed Frame
What you need to know: This is an adjustable frame designed for comfort and years of use.
What you’ll love: The rugged frame stands out with its adjustability and can accommodate full- to king-size beds.
What you should consider: This frame will not work with some headboards with different screw types.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jared Lindsay writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which early childhood education material is best?
The more the learning experience is a pleasurable one, the more your child sees learning as a fun and interesting activity and not a dreary chore. When a child’s brain is exposed to the right stimuli, they have a greater understanding of the world around them, preparing them for school and beyond.
If you’re looking for a set of learning materials that builds your child’s vocabulary while teaching them to sort and match, try the delightful Learning Resources Alphabet Soup Sorters with more than 200 letter, photo and vocabulary cards.
What to know before you buy early childhood education materials
Areas of early childhood development
- Gross motor skills: Gross motor skills include the bigger muscles of the body, such as the arms, legs and torso. Gaining control of these big muscles contributes to a child’s balance, coordination and reaction time.
- Fine motor skills: Fine motor skills develop control of the small muscles, especially those in the hands and fingers. They include reaching, grasping and controlling objects with the hands. The more quickly kids develop a high degree of control and precision with their fine motor skills, the quicker they’re able to do things for themselves.
- Listening skills: Learning to listen means far more than hearing sounds and knowing what they mean. When kids learn to listen, they learn to pay attention to things and others around them. The time-tested way of developing kids’ listening skills is reading to them. If you choose books with topics that interest them, you’re off to a great start.
- Academic skills: The best way to get started on this phase of your kid’s learning journey is with letters and numbers. Learning here is enhanced with rhymes and sounds. Kids learn to sort and count with collections of brightly colored objects like beads, blocks and cards.
- Free play: Also called unstructured or semi-structured play, free play allows kids to develop their creativity and learn how to solve simple problems on their own. You might give kids a simple instruction or two and then give them some interlocking plastic parts to build whatever they can imagine.
What to look for in quality early childhood education materials
Age group
Age ranges for early childhood education materials are broad guidelines and not hard and fast rules. You don’t want to bore children with games and projects they think are “baby stuff”; neither do you want to frustrate them with too great a challenge.
Grab their attention
The best way to keep kids’ attention is with brightly colored objects, games and other educational materials. Kids’ interest levels go up with things that light up, make sounds and play music, especially younger kids.
Safety
Young learners want to put things into their mouths. Make sure all the materials they play with are non-toxic and non-hazardous. Objects should be free of sharp corners. Avoid early childhood education materials that have parts small enough for children to swallow.
How much you can expect to spend on early childhood education materials
Simple early childhood education materials that develop motor skills, like stringing beads together or craft pages that involve cutting and pasting usually cost no more than $5. Learning kits and resource books cost from $10-$25 and develop motor, listening and early academic skills. Above $30, you can find larger items and sets, like numbers and letters.
Early childhood education materials FAQ
When is the best time to get kids started on learning?
A. Once kids reach 24 months or so, they have begun to develop the language skills necessary to interact with others.
What’s the best way to get my young child’s early childhood education started?
A. Read to your child — the more often, the better. The better your children learn to read, the better they can learn every lesson from kindergarten through graduate school.
Can I replace formal classroom learning with at-home learning?
A. Kids who do both generally learn more and learn it more quickly. If you choose to homeschool your child, you’ll need to do a lot of learning on your own so you teach your kids the right things in the right ways.
What are the best early childhood education materials to buy?
Top early childhood education materials
Learning Resources Alphabet Soup Sorters
What you need to know: These fun stackable soup cans teach your child aged 3 and above how letters look and what sounds they make.
What you’ll love: Each set includes 26 durable cardboard 3 x 4-inch “soup cans” with plastic lids. Inside each are one uppercase and one lowercase letter card, as well as five vocabulary cards for hands-on sorting and matching. This set of education materials builds your child’s vocabulary while developing their ability to sort and recall.
What you should consider: The plastic bag the cards come in is not environmentally friendly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top early childhood education materials for the money
The Outdoor Toddler Fun Activity Book by Krissy Bonning-Gould
What you need to know: Use this book to introduce your child to more than 100 outdoor activities.
What you’ll love: This potpourri of learning activities is organized by activity level, loudness and messiness. Icons tell parents which childhood education areas are targeted for each activity. The colorful book includes skill-building exercises and tips and tricks for more successful learning sessions.
What you should consider: Parents need to do some planning and gather some household materials.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! 100-Piece Deluxe Building Set
What you need to know: Get your child started in the world of STEM learning with this 100-piece set of construction toys.
What you’ll love: This set introduces children to sorting, grouping, counting and designing. Kids use gears, axles, pillars, bases and a crank handle to make something out of a bunch of parts. Kids develop fine motor skills as they learn reasoning and problem-solving.
What you should consider: Smaller kids may have some trouble turning the crank.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which Marshall speaker is best?
Even those with limited knowledge of the music industry and all its attendant equipment, you have likely heard of Marshall speakers and their legendary “Wall of Sound” at concert performances. For those looking for a home stereo system that offers incredible performance and advanced technology as a live performance, the Marshall Woburn WiFi and Bluetooth Speaker delivers fantastic audio quality with a timeless style and appearance.
What to know before you buy a Marshall speaker
History of Marshall speakers
Legendary musicians have used Marshall speakers for the best part of 60 years. Therefore, by purchasing a Marshall speaker, you are becoming a small part of a proud musical tradition whose technological capabilities are more impressive than ever before. Check out the Marshall speakers buying guide on BestReviews to learn more about these products.
EU declaration of conformity
As anyone who has ever tried to make an international purchase can attest, you sometimes take risks when buying something from another nation whose technological safety and manufacturing standards are different from those of your country of residence. For multinational groups like the European Union, it is essential that products sold across the EU come with a declaration of conformity certifying a product’s adherence to a set of harmonized and relevant standards. Thankfully, Marshall provides declarations of conformity for 25 speaker models to ensure that international customers can be certain of what they are purchasing.
What to look for in a quality Marshall speaker
Speaker location
Like every speaker model has a specific purpose, it is equally critical to consider what kind of audio setup you wish to create and where you plan to enjoy your favorite audio. To clarify, you should purchase your Marshall speaker based on factors, including their ability to function as either a standalone unit or as part of a single or even multi-room setup. Other factors to consider include portability, IPX-level protection from the elements and battery life, if applicable.
Connections your speaker will need
While there have been many debates over the virtues and superiority of wired versus wireless audio connections, one thing that people can’t argue is that it’s always nice to have a variety of options. While any portable speaker will need to be Bluetooth compatible to get the most out of your music on the go, speakers installed in your home should be able to receive cabled connections for a more hard-wired setup. Many models of Marshall speakers come equipped with both wireless options like AirPlay, Bluetooth and Chromecast and physical inputs for both 3.5mm cable and RCA.
Ease of installation, pre-set audio options and great warranty
Thanks to the handy Marshall Multi-Room app, setting up your new speaker is just a matter of a few taps away, whether you are setting up your streaming room, recording studio, living room or the entire house. Better still, the convenience of several customizable pre-set buttons means that you can access your favorite artists, internet radio stations and Spotify playlist with a single press of a button. If your Marshall speaker suffers from a mechanical defect, a year-long Global warranty with service options covered all purchases, including Carry-In, Mail-in and DIY.
How much you can expect to spend on a Marshall speaker
Depending on your desired features and capabilities, a quality Marshall speaker can easily cost between $300-$480, and sometimes more.
Marshall speaker FAQ
Can I connect my Marshall speaker to my Smart TV?
A. Yes, you can connect your Marshall speaker to any Bluetooth compatible device, using your home WiFi network and employing the Marshall Multi-Room app.
How do I connect two or more Marshall speakers?
A. Simply open your Marshall Multi-Room app, select “couple speakers” and follow the instructions to connect your speakers into a single setup.
What’s the best Marshall speaker to buy?
Top Marshall speaker
Marshall Woburn Multi Room WiFi and Bluetooth Speaker
What you need to know: This is an attractive speaker that is convenient and capable.
What you’ll love: As Marshall’s most prominent speaker, this unit offers the ability to connect with RCA and 3.5mm cables as well as dual 5.25-inch woofers,110 watts of amp power and connects wirelessly through AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth or built-in Chromecast.
What you should consider: Users reported issues with Bluetooth sound delays when watching films and problems with updating Google Home.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Marshall speaker for the money
Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
What you need to know: This is an excellent wireless speaker for taking your music with you around the house.
What you’ll love: This unit features Bluetooth 5.0 aptX lossless wireless sound at up to 30 feet, an iconic design Frequency Range of 50–20 000 Hz, multi-host functionality for connecting and switching between two different Bluetooth devices, as well as RCA and 3.5mm inputs.
What you should consider: Users have reported issues with power failures and the auto-shutoff function engaging for no reason.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
What you need to know: This is the perfect speaker for taking quality audio wherever you go.
What you’ll love: This unit is ultra-portable at only 6.6 pounds while offering over 20 hours of portable music, IPX-4 certification against wind and water damage, solid metal grille and vinyl coating to protect against physical damage and multi-host functionality.
What you should consider: Users have reported units failing within a year of initial purchase, as well as Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Daniel Martin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which multitrack recorder is best?
As recording technology has progressed, the equipment involved in capturing sound has become more complicated. For musicians who don’t want to bother with expensive computers and complicated software, multitrack recorders offer a simple, quality option.
The Zoom R16 Multitrack Tabletop Recorder provides flexibility, portability and a straightforward, physical means of quickly capturing sound. This model’s 8 channel simultaneous recording and built-in digital effects make it the best choice if you want an easy to use, affordable recording experience.
What to know before you buy a multitrack recorder
The benefits of using a multitrack recorder
Musicians who find themselves frustrated by complex recording systems full of hard to use features usually prefer multitrack recorders. These devices provide a more cost-effective recording option, as they are much more affordable than the combined cost of the computer, hardware and software required for recording. They are also great for quickly recording songwriting ideas or capturing interesting field audio.
What kind of recording you want to do
Multitrack recorders are the ideal solution for recording small performances or minimalist songs. If you’re a musician on the go, looking for a quick way to save audio during moments of inspiration outside the studio or just have an interest in recording sound for fun, a multitrack recorder will suit your needs well.
Portability
One of the biggest reasons to use a multitrack recorder is portability. These units are compact and can easily be used in the field to gather recordings on the spot with minimal fuss. Even those with professional studios equipped with the latest computer technology can benefit from the convenience a multitrack recorder brings to the creative process.
What to look for in a quality multitrack recorder
Track count
Consider the kind of recordings you plan to make and the source of the audio you plan to capture. If you want to record simple, solo performances, a recorder with as few as four tracks may be all you need. For those who intend to record full band performances or larger ensembles, a recorder with eight tracks or more is best.
Inputs
Consider the complexity of your audio source. A singer who also plays guitar will require two inputs to allow you to keep their vocal and guitar audio separated for customized mixing. Keep in mind, however, if that same performer uses stereo effects on their voice or guitar, each audio source will then require a separate left and right input to be captured accurately. While it may be tempting to skimp on inputs to keep costs down, it is worth spending the money to have plenty of input options.
Microphones
Many multitrack recorders have microphones built in. This allows for convenient, on-the-spot recording without the need to bring along separate microphones, stands and cables. Built-in microphones will generally not be of the highest quality, but usually suffice for field recording and most small performances. For more info on microphones, check out this BestReviews guide.
Complexity
Some multitrack recorders are basic devices that simply capture audio for listening afterwards. Others are designed to be used as alternatives to full studio workstations. These recorders allow users to add effects, mix and produce their sound to professional standards. Consider what your end goal is for your audio recording, and think about investing in a more robust multitrack recorder to accommodate future projects.
How much you can expect to spend on a multitrack recorder
Quality multitrack recorders can be purchased for around $150. These will be small devices that capture audio, but are not designed for mixing or editing sound. Musicians looking for multitrack recorders with more tracks, features and inputs will have to spend $300-$1,000 to meet their needs.
Multitrack recorder FAQ
How do multitrack recorders save audio?
A. The multitrack recorders of years past used to capture audio on cassette tapes or rewritable CDs. Most of today’s models write data digitally to SD cards. You can swap out SD cards of different sizes to get more recording space.
How do I listen to the audio on my multitrack recorder?
A. Multitrack recorders include a headphone jack as well as outputs for connecting to speakers or studio monitors. These outputs can also connect to your audio interface, allowing you to record audio from your device directly into your DAW in real time.
Do multitrack recorders capture sound as well as a computer?
A. Yes. Multitrack recorders are capable of capturing professional audio. However, whether you’re capturing sound in a studio or in your bedroom at home, the quality of your end result will depend on your familiarity with proper recording techniques as well as the quality of your microphone.
What’s the best multitrack recorder to buy?
Top multitrack recorder
Zoom R16 Multitrack Tabletop Recorder
What you need to know: This multitrack recorder continues Zoom’s history of providing high quality audio gear at competitive prices.
What you’ll love: 16 tracks and built-in microphones make this a great portable recording studio. Eight separate inputs give you flexibility when it comes to capturing sound, and the device can also be used as an audio interface. This recorder can run on battery power for portability.
What you should consider: Users report that Zoom does not provide regular firmware updates, which may result in compatibility issues with some PCs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top multitrack recorder for the money
TASCAM DP-006 6-Track Digital Pocketstudio
What you need to know: This multitrack recorder from TASCAM is a great tool for songwriters or those interested in learning about basic sound recording.
What you’ll love: TASCAM is a well-known company with deep roots in the history of audio recording. This recorder is compact and very light, making it easy to pack in a bag or guitar case. Two built-in microphones and battery power make this device perfect for travel.
What you should consider: The menu on this recorder is challenging to navigate and the device only allows two tracks to be recorded at a time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder
What you need to know: This compact model is incredibly portable and ideal for quick recordings and simple song sketches.
What you’ll love: This unit is small enough to fit in your pocket, but still captures pristine audio. Two inputs allow for the use of external microphones or instruments.
What you should consider: This device is best for collecting audio and is not suitable for mixing or producing a finished product.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:11:40
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What is the best Logitech webcam?
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, the economic focus has shifted from office-bound workers to employees working from home. For those who don’t have a laptop with a built-in camera, a webcam is the next best option.
But where do you start looking if you need one? Logitech has been manufacturing computer accessories and peripherals for a long time and knows a thing or two about webcams. So, for the best video and audio quality, check out the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam.
What to know before you buy a Logitech webcam
Video resolution
The quality of the video stream will be relative to what that camera captures. Webcams are generally available with either 720p, 1080p or 4K recording quality. Consider which video resolution is best suited for your situation. You will need an internet connection fast enough to handle the webcam’s output resolution.
Microphone capabilities
Next to the video resolution quality, another key aspect of the webcam is the microphone. Without it, other people in a video call won’t be able to hear you talk. The quality of the microphone is also important, as any popping or scratching sounds will distract from the discussions.
Mounting and placement
Most users like to mount their webcam on top of their monitor for the best viewing angle. This is done through the attached bracket or clip supplied with the webcam. Some cameras are available on small tripods for use on a desk. Consider which type of mounting or placement you prefer and make sure that everything is in view.
What to look for in a quality Logitech webcam
High-definition video calling
While a video resolution of 720p has been the standard for a long time, the most common resolution now is 1080p and higher. This gives you high-definition visuals, and the participants in a meeting can see you clearly. A good-quality webcam will also be able to adjust the resolution according to your internet connection, making sure that you are visible at all times.
Noise-canceling microphone
Whether it is a dog barking or a vacuum cleaner in the background, a good-quality webcam microphone will have noise-canceling technology. This allows for minimal audio distractions when on a call and ensures all the meeting guests can hear you perfectly.
Additional software
A good-quality webcam will be shipped with software (either on a disk or downloadable) that will allow you to blur your surroundings, replace the background with something else or adjust the contrast and brightness.
How much you can expect to spend on a Logitech webcam
Webcams are available in a variety of configurations, and the average price will depend on the device’s capabilities. An entry-level webcam can retail for $30-$50, while a 4K webcam can sell for as much as $200.
Logitech webcam FAQ
Can you use a Logitech webcam to record YouTube videos?
A. Yes, and in most cases, it will be perfect for that. A webcam isn’t just used for video conferencing, as it can record videos on your hard drive as well. Through the additional software, you can record your daily musings and upload them to any video-sharing platform.
Will a Logitech webcam work with a PC and Mac?
A. Most webcams are capable of functioning with Windows-based computers and Apple’s Mac machines. It is important to check the specifications of the webcam.
What’s the best Logitech webcam to buy?
Top Logitech webcam
What you need to know: A top-of-the-line webcam that records in 4K brilliance.
What you’ll love: In a sleek, matte black enclosure, the BRIO 4K webcam features the highest resolution video-capturing, high-dynamic range and autofocus. With the built-in Right Light 3 software, the webcam adjusts the recording contrast and brightness based on the surrounding environment. It can be digitally zoomed up to five times, and you have the choice of three different fields of view. It has two omnidirectional microphones, and the included USB cable is 7.2 feet in length.
What you should consider: The camera itself can’t swivel from side to side, as panning is done through the included software. You will also need bandwidth capable of streaming 4K video.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Logitech webcam for the money
What you need to know: A no-frills webcam that delivers on what it promises.
What you’ll love: One of the more affordable Logitech webcams, this model is only capable of capturing video at a maximum resolution of 720p. It features two hinges that can be adjusted to the perfect angle and clips onto your computer monitor. It uses a USB 2.0 port and is also capable of capturing still images at a resolution of 3 megapixels.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have an autofocus function, so you’ll need to make sure that you remain in focus at all times.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: An affordable HD webcam that is perfect in any condition.
What you’ll love: With a clip at the top and an angled foot at the bottom, the C920x fits onto the computer monitor securely. It has a maximum video resolution of 1080p and features built-in software that adjusts the lighting according to the surroundings. It has two omnidirectional and noise-canceling microphones, a five-element lens and autofocus.
What you should consider: You can’t replace your background with the included software. If that is something you want to do, you’ll need third-party software.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:11:48
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Which external hard drives for Xbox One are best?
When the first video games were released, they comfortably fit onto several floppy disks. As the games became better, the format changed to 700MB CDs and eventually 4.2GB DVDs. Naturally, you needed a hard drive to store all the data as well.
Today, as digital downloads have become more prevalent than physical disks, the need for an external hard drive is growing. Gaming consoles have not been spared the limitations on storage, which is why you’ll need something like the Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox One. Check out the Best Reviews buying guide for a complete list of options.
What to know before you buy an external hard drive for Xbox One
Size and placement
Depending on the design of the hard drive casing, it can be a rather bulky device. Generally, you cannot use external hard drives in horizontal and vertical positions, making placement a lot easier. Consider the size of the hard drive and where you will place it to ensure that it is both out of the way and accessible to the Xbox One console.
Storage capacity
External hard drives for Xbox One come in a variety of storage sizes. The console has a built-in hard drive, but that can fill up quickly if you have a lot of data. Analyze your gaming habit and library to determine what size hard drive will be sufficient for your purposes.
Additional components
An external hard drive will connect to the Xbox One console through a supplied USB cable. But that isn’t the only way you can use it. Some manufacturers sell additional components that allow you to clip the drive directly onto the console. If that is the case, then you might want to consider some extra cooling options.
What to look for in a quality external hard drive for Xbox One
High-speed data transfer
It is vitally important that you use an external hard drive with a high-speed rate of data transfer. If you want to download the enhanced versions of Xbox games, you can only do so on high-speed drives. A good quality external hard drive for an Xbox One will have around 200MB per second transfer speed. Solid-state drives can go as fast as 540MB per second.
Sturdy case
Protecting your hard drive is the best way also to protect your data. Since the drive is in place, it should be moved around, especially when in use. A quality hard drive will have a sturdy case to protect the external hard drive from light bumps and handling.
USB connectivity
The only connection method of an external hard drive is through the USB cable. Coupled with the hard drive’s transfer speed, the USB speed also plays a vital role. A good quality external hard drive will have a USB 3.0 port and support the corresponding speeds.
How much you can expect to spend on an external hard drive for Xbox One
The cost of an external hard drive for your Xbox will depend on the brand and the drive’s storage capacity. Smaller drives can retail for around $80, while bigger storage options can cost as much as $200.
External hard drive for Xbox One FAQ
Can you use any hard drive with an Xbox One?
A. Yes, as long as the hard drive can connect to the Xbox through a USB connection and is formatted to the correct filing system. The Xbox can do that for you.
Do I need a solid-state drive or a hard disk drive?
A. The difference between an SSD and an HDD will be the rate of transfer. SSDs tend to be more expensive than HDD but operate at a much faster transfer speed. The storage capacity of SSDs is generally also less than HDD.
What’s the best external hard drive for Xbox One to buy?
Top external hard drive for Xbox One
Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox
What you need to know: Perfect in size and color, it will complement an Xbox One rather well.
What you’ll love: The Seagate Game Drive Hub is specifically designed for use with the Xbox One console, and it comes with a massive 8TB of SSD storage capacity. It has two front-facing USB 3.0 ports and connects to the console through a USB cable at the back. You can use the front USB ports to charge controllers or other mobile devices.
What you should consider: You need to connect it to its one power source through the included power adapter.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top external hard drive for Xbox One for the money
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox Game Pass Special Edition
What you need to know: Perfect for gaming, it’s sleek and includes a little something extra.
What you’ll love: Seagate is known for its storage devices, and gamers can’t go wrong with the thin and good-looking Game Drive for the Xbox One. It connects to the console through a USB 3.0 cable and doesn’t need its own power source. For storage capacity, it has a 2TB SSD with super-fast transfer speeds. This Special Edition drive comes with a 14-day free trial to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
What you should consider: The USB cable is only 18-inches, which might be a bit short if you want to store the drive somewhere else.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This option is made for gaming. It’s sturdy and good-looking.
What you’ll love: With a bit of a military look to it, the P10 external hard drive from WD is 5TB in storage capacity. That is more than enough for hundreds of games. It comes with an 18-inch USB-A to micro USB-B cable and is compatible with PCs and PlayStation consoles. The external case is made from metal, making sure that it is always protected.
What you should consider: This version is only a hard disc drive, but some games require that you install them to faster SSDs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:11:56
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Which travel router is best?
Whether you want to backpack across the European Union or make sure you stay in touch with your business partners from half a world away, having a travel router can assist you in circumventing some of the common network issues that occur during international travel.
Having a powerful and slim unit like the HooToo Filehub Wireless Travel Router HT-TM05 at your disposal, you can convert any wired internet connection into a WiFi connection with minimal effort, offering excellent security and a host of great technical options.
What to know before you buy a travel router
Keep your connection safe and secure
No matter where your travels take you, wired connections or accessing a public Wi-Fi connection could result in potential risk issues. Cybercriminals in particular target these public Wi-Fi hotspots where information quite often flows unprotected. Whether you are staying in a luxury hotel or just renting a bed for eight hours at a hostel, it never hurts to take that little bit of extra caution when accessing the internet.
Instead of seeking public unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots or physically plugging your computer into the internet, travel routers provide you with your own secure Wi-Fi network by connecting to an ethernet, act as a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect other devices and even perform the duties of a Wi-Fi range extender. Whatever your particular destination, a travel router will help keep you in touch with your friends, family and contacts and help ensure your digital safety.
Travel routers powering options
As with many advanced electronic devices, it is important to consider exactly how your brand new travel router will be able to power itself up. This will depend on the continent and the country you’re traveling to. While having the ability to simply plug your travel router directly into a wall socket is the most convenient way to keep your device in working order, having the ability to receive power via USB port or even batteries might be the only thing between you and your ability to access the internet. Check out the buying guide at BestReviews.com to learn more about what makes for a reliable and affordable travel router.
What to look for in a quality travel router
Physical specifications
Depending on just how far from the beaten path you intend to travel, you will absolutely need to purchase a travel router that doesn’t take up an excessive amount of room or weigh a ton. When it comes to challenging issues such as packing your luggage to be under the airline’s baggage allowance or needing your tech to easily slip into your backpack or pocket, you should always consider the size and weight of your travel router before you end up stuck with it for thousands of miles and countless hours.
Power banks, file storage and more
While having the ability to ensure secure internet access in a variety of forms is certainly an incredible convenience, some travel routers are capable of offering much more than that. For example, select travel routers contain power banks that can be used to charge and power up other devices while others can serve as file hubs capable of performing TITAN transfers between multiple USB devices simultaneously. In fact, some models of travel routers can even support traditional hard drives or HDDs as well as USB card readers, meaning you might not even need to bring your laptop along.
Additional protection and custom options like VPN and Open Source
On top of providing the protection of conventional Wi-Fi security measures like WPA2, some travel routers come equipped with the ability to connect to VPNs or virtual private networks clients and servers, providing additional layers of security and greatly improving the speed of your internet connection. For those who prefer to take their technological security into their own hands, some models offer extensive options for customization, including the ability to use Open Source operating systems and software, DIY hardware upgrades, extendable USB discs and much more.
How much you can expect to spend on a travel router
Depending on your desired features, a quality travel router can cost anywhere from $29-$59 and sometimes more.
Best travel router FAQ
Why do I need to buy a travel router in the first place?
A. While you technically don’t need to purchase a travel router, it certainly makes managing your Wi-Fi enabled devices and safely connecting to the internet much easier than it otherwise would be.
Will I need to pay a subscription fee to use my travel router?
A. Unless you purchase a device through an internet service provider or ISP to constantly provide services, owning and using a travel router will not incur any additional expenses.
What’s the best travel router to buy?
Top travel router
HooToo Filehub Wireless Travel Router HT-TM05
What you need to know: This multipurpose travel router will serve you well all over the globe.
What you’ll love: This unit includes the ability to instantly convert a wired network to Wi-Fi as well as transfers files between your device and multiple USB hard drives.
What you should consider: Users have reported issues with slow connection speeds as well as poorly written directions which makes operating it confusing in the beginning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top travel router for the money
VONETS Mini 2.4GHz Portable Wireless Travel Travel Router
What you need to know: This affordable travel router offers a wide range of ports and functions.
What you’ll love: This unit offers two ethernet ports that can exchange and support Wi-Fi or WAN access in Wi-Fi router mode as well as Wi-Fi smart bridge mode, AP Client, hotspot, range extender and a one year warranty.
What you should consider: Users have reported being unable to access or change the admin password or creating solid connections.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
GL.iNET GL-AR750S Mini VPN Travel Router
What you need to know: This travel router is ideal for those who prefer to tinker with their technology.
What you’ll love: This unit has a preconfigured Cloudflare DNS and offers compatibility with over 30 VPNs. It has 128MB RAM, three ethernet ports, 16MB NOR Flash + 128MB NAND Flash, and a USB port.
What you should consider: Users have reported issues with the initial setup of the travel router as well as spontaneous failures within months of purchase.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Daniel Martin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:12:04
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Which iPad stand is best?
When it comes to tablets, the iPad is a classic for a reason. No matter which model you own, the battery is long-lasting, the design is convenient and you have access to exclusive apps. However, there is one snag. Most of the time, holding an iPad requires two hands, which can be a challenge if you’re trying to multitask.
Luckily, an iPad stand can help make your iPad more visible and easier to use. Whether you’re looking for a stand that will turn your iPad into a second monitor or a convenient cookbook, there’s an iPad stand for you.
What to know before you buy an iPad stand
Height
The reason for getting an iPad stand will vary from person to person. You might want to use it as a bedside holder, while others would like to prop up their tablet while reading recipes in the kitchen. Consider all the ways you would use the stand and which height would be the best for your specific needs.
Adjustments
An iPad’s display will rotate depending on the tablet’s orientation. Ideally, you want an iPad stand that can just as easily be rotated as the display can. An adjustable stand will increase functionality and be more compatible with the tablet’s orientations.
Display size
There is nothing wrong with getting an iPad stand that fits your current model perfectly. But what happens when you upgrade to a device that is a different size? If that could be the case, consider a stand that is compatible with different iPad sizes. Most stands can also be adjusted in terms of the display’s size, so keep that in mind.
What to look for in an iPad stand
Cable management
As much as we would like it, iPads don’t have an infinite battery life. At some point, your device will need to be charged, but the one thing that can quickly make a space look untidy is messy cable management. A good quality iPad stand will have a spot for you to thread the charging cable through so that it is out of the way and out of sight.
Securing mechanism
The purpose of an iPad stand is to hold your device in place. If the mechanism that holds it there fails, you could end up with a cracked screen or a damaged tablet. A good quality iPad stand will have a mechanism to secure the iPad so that it doesn’t easily slip off or out of the stand.
Material
As with most accessories for tablets and computers, the more affordable products tend to be made from plastic. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a metal or steel iPad stand will provide you with the best aesthetics and durability.
How much you can expect to spend on an iPad stand
Stands for your iPad or other tablets are inexpensive to manufacture, resulting in an affordable purchase. A no-frills stand may be under $10, but more expensive models can retail for as much as $50.
iPad stand FAQ
Can I use a stand if my iPad has a case on it?
A. Yes, but in some instances, it could compromise the securing mechanism of the iPad stand. Most iPad stands are designed to accommodate thick cases though.
Can I secure the iPad stand onto a surface?
A. That will depend on the design of the iPad stand. If the stand has rubber or silicone feet, it won’t need to be secured, as this prevents the stand from slipping or moving around. Look for an iPad stand that isn’t top-heavy but has a large base.
What’s the best iPad stand to buy?
Top iPad stand
Lamicall Adjustable Tablet Stand
What you need to know: A sturdy stand that is big enough to hold most tablet sizes.
What you’ll love: Made from aluminum alloy, this iPad stand has a heavy and wide base to remain in place wherever it is used. The tablet rests on a small shelf, and the arm can be adjusted in two locations. The hinges are tight, which keeps the arm from sliding down or adjusting by itself. It is compatible with tablets ranging in size from 4 inches to 13 inches.
What you should consider: The holder itself can’t be rotated, so if you want to view the iPad in a different orientation, it needs to be picked up and rotated manually.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top iPad stand for your money
Amazon Basics Adjustable Tablet Holder
What you need to know: A no-frills iPad stand that will get the job done.
What you’ll love: Perfect on a bedside table or in the kitchen, the plastic stand consists of a triangle design. Two width-adjustable feet with a groove at the bottom help to secure it on a surface, while a third, upright arm prevents the tablet from toppling over. The arm can also be adjusted at two hinges, allowing for more flexibility.
What you should consider: The iPad stand is made from plastic, so the stand could break if it is knocked over.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Versatile and durable. It works perfectly at any angle.
What you’ll love: The iPad stand is made from durable plastic and features a heavy metal base that can’t be easily knocked over. The iPad is held in place by retractable arms on both sides, which clamp onto the iPad’s edges. The stand can be rotated at two different hinges, while a third swivel is used to rotate the arm a full 360 degrees. You can thread a charging cable through the hole in the middle of the stand arm.
What you should consider: Due to its construction, it might not be suitable for use with iPads that have thick protective cases.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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| 2022-04-10T13:12:12
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Which window shade is best?
Today’s window shades offer much more than just a way to lessen or block the light entering a room from a window. With the wealth of options available regarding look, style and material, window shades have become a foundational part of interior design and insulating your home.
Madison Park Galen Cordless Roman Shades, available in a variety of neutral colors, provide excellent privacy and light control in an aesthetically pleasing package. With many sizes available and a thermal backing material, these are the best window shades. For further analysis and tips regarding window shade options, check out the window shade buying guide courtesy of BestReviews.
What to know before you buy a window shade
Types
- Shade blinds: These look similar to traditional blinds but the slats are connected with no space between them. They block more light and are more energy efficient than regular blinds due to the design. Often made of bamboo, these shades have a natural, earthy look.
- Roman shades: These shades feature stacks of draped or folded fabric when rolled up but have a smooth, seamless look when down. These often are thick canvas or other woven material.
- Cellular shades: Sometimes called honeycomb shades, these shades have cells within them that hold air and create an insulating barrier between your room and the window. They are available in both single-cell and double-cell varieties.
- Pleated shades: This type looks similar to cellular shades but does not have any insulating honeycomb spaces. The accordion design allows them to be tightly drawn up. These shades usually are made from sheer, thin material like paper that allows some light to filter through.
- Roller shades: As the name suggests, these window shades roll up tightly into a tube shape. Pulled down, they have a smooth, even surface. They are affordable and very easy to clean but may look too industrial or utilitarian for some.
Location
The room or area in which you will install your window shades is the most important factor when it comes to what type you should choose. Shades for a bedroom should block as much light as possible, while shades in open rooms that have more activity in them typically won’t need to be as opaque. Shades in sunrooms or outdoor areas should be made from weather-resistant materials that aren’t prone to deteriorating due to moisture or direct sunlight.
What to look for in a quality window shade
Opacity
Some shade types are designed to block light coming from either direction. These shades provide superior privacy and are great for bedrooms, bathrooms, home theaters or other areas where light can be a disturbance. Shades that are sheer and allow light to filter through are better suited for areas of your home that you prefer to be brighter, such as kitchens, breakfast areas or living rooms.
Raising and lowering
You pull a cord to raise and lower most shades. Some shades are constructed with motors that allow you to control their level with the push of a button. You move cordless shades up and down by pulling or pushing them to the desired height.
Size
Window-shade manufacturers provide standard sizes for their products, but many homes require a custom fit. Some companies build shades to specific measurements while others provide cheaper options you can cut to size. Choose a shade from a company whose sizing options best suit your abilities and budget.
Material
Window shades are available in all kinds of materials, from wooden slats connected with natural fibers to flat vinyl or laminated fabric. If you are going to place the shades outdoors or in areas exposed to weather, choose plastic or vinyl because these materials won’t get damaged or saturated if they are kept in damp conditions. The material you choose for indoor shades can be whatever you personally want.
How much you can expect to spend on a window shade
Inexpensive pleated shades are $10-$25, depending on the size. These shades provide little light blockage and are made from thin, fragile material. For quality shades made from strong, lasting materials, expect to pay $60 or more per window.
Window shade FAQ
Will window shades affect my utility bill?
A. Depending on your home, yes. Older houses that have not been updated often have drafty, single-pane windows. Leaving these windows with nothing to block drafts in the winter or hot outside temperatures in the summer can leave your thermostat working overtime to continually regulate your indoor climate. Window shades provide an added layer of protection between you and the outdoors.
Are window shade cords dangerous?
A. Long, dangling window shade cords can pose a strangulation risk to young children and pets. Cordless window shades are recommended due to these safety concerns.
Are window shades hard to install?
A. Potentially. Window shade installation usually requires screwing the necessary hardware into the window frame and ensuring everything is level and secure. You need power tools and a step ladder. Larger windows pose a greater challenge than small ones, so additional help is recommended.
Window shade tips
Stay cool
Keeping your shades pulled down over windows that receive direct sunlight helps keep indoor areas cool.
Be mindful of shadows
Shades that allow light to enter during the day also allow it to escape when it’s dark out. If privacy is a priority, look for shades that won’t show the silhouettes or shadows of indoor occupants at night.
Don’t forget to dust
Window shades are easy to overlook when it comes to cleaning, but they collect dust and odors. Depending on the material of your shade, you can use a vacuum or cloth duster to keep them tidy.
What’s the best window shade to buy?
Top window shade
Madison Park Galen Cordless Roman Shades
What you need to know: These homey fabric shades provide visual warmth and texture and are available in many colors.
What you’ll love: These cordless shades are available in multiple sizes and include mounting hardware. They feature a thermal foam backing that provides additional insulation from drafts.
What you should consider: These shades are not suitable for bathrooms or other areas that are high in humidity. Users have noted they allow light to pass through them easily, providing less privacy than they hoped for.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
Top window shade for the money
Redi Shade Quick Fix Light Filtering Pleated Fabric Shade
What you need to know: Extremely economical, these sheer window shades allow filtered light through, giving your windows a pleasant glow.
What you’ll love: These window shades filter sunlight but also provide decent privacy. You don’t need tools for installation. Multiple sizes are available but you can cut these shades for a perfect fit.
What you should consider: These shades feature an adhesive mounting tape that can damage window-frame paint. The shade’s construction feels low quality even for its price point. It is best as a temporary solution.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
Windowsandgarden Custom Cordless Single-Cell Shades
What you need to know: These window shades provide great insulation and privacy because of their cellular construction and custom fit.
What you’ll love: Featuring the latest in cellular window-shade technology, these cordless shades are available in nine colors and you can choose custom sizes.
What you should consider: Some customers think these shades tear easily and are too flimsy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which KitchenAid blender is best?
Whether you like to start every day with a fresh smoothie, make frozen cocktails for parties or whip up milkshakes for the kids, a blender is usually a must-have kitchen appliance. If you want a top-notch model, you can’t beat a KitchenAid blender when it comes to features and performance.
KitchenAid offers a wide range of blenders so that you can choose from high-performance models, standard countertop options and even immersion blenders. The KitchenAid High Performance Series Blender is the top choice if you want a top-of-the-line blender with great, convenient features.
What to know before you buy a KitchenAid blender
Blender type
KitchenAid offers three main types of blenders:
- KitchenAid high-performance blenders provide the most powerful motors, so they can handle nearly any food, including pulverizing ice with ease. These models can even mix heavy batters, create nut butter and knead dough. However, they are the most expensive KitchenAid blenders.
- KitchenAid standard countertop blenders aren’t as powerful as high-performance models, but they can still handle plenty of tasks in the kitchen. They can effectively blend up smoothies, shakes, frozen cocktails, dips and sauces. Some standard models are more powerful than others, though, so you’ll need to shop around to find the best fit for your needs.
- Kitchen immersion blenders are commonly known as hand or stick blenders because they’re handheld models without a jar. That allows you to bring the blender directly to a pot or bowl to blend ingredients. They work incredibly well for making soup and sauces. KitchenAid immersion blenders are usually the most affordable models, though some come with extras like a whisk or chopper and cost a little more.
Horsepower
You can measure a blender’s motor power in horsepower. KitchenAid high-performance blenders usually offer 3.5 HP, while standard countertop blenders typically run at approximately 0.5 to 1 HP. To learn more, check out the complete KitchenAid blender buying guide at BestReviews.
Capacity
A KitchenAid blender’s jar capacity determines how much you’re able to blend at a time. KitchenAid blender jars typically range from 50 to 90 ounces. Since immersion models don’t have a jar, you can blend in a container of any size with one of these blenders.
Consider how many servings of your morning smoothie or how large a batch of soup you usually make to decide how large a jar you need.
What to look for in a quality KitchenAid blender
Controls
KitchenAid blenders can have a few different control styles. Some models feature buttons, while others have dial controls. Some high-end models even feature a touchpad. All types can work well, but touchpad controls are typically the easiest to clean because there aren’t any nooks and crannies for food residue to become trapped.
The controls that a KitchenAid blender typically offers include multiple speed settings and preset programs for extremely user-friendly operation.
Heating function
Some blenders offer a heating function that allows you to cook and blend soups and sauces without needing to turn on the stove. This is a rare option in KitchenAid blenders, so make sure to read the product specifications carefully if this feature is critical to you.
Jar shape
The jars that come with KitchenAid blenders are either round, square or diamond-shaped. While round jars are the classic option, square- and diamond-shaped models create a more effective vortex to pull the ingredients toward the blades. That helps ensure that your recipe blends until entirely smooth.
Color
Depending on the model, KitchenAid blenders are available in a range of colors. Some blenders only come in three or four shades, but others are available in as many as 15. You can find many neutral options, such as black, white or silver. However, some models also come in bolder colors like red or blue.
How much you can expect to spend on a KitchenAid blender
Depending on the model, you’ll usually pay $50-$600 for a KitchenAid blender. KitchenAid immersion blenders are typically the most affordable, with some models costing as little as $35 and high-end options topping out at $350. Standard countertop models generally cost $100-$200, and high-performance blenders are the most expensive, ranging from $300-$600.
KitchenAid blender FAQ
Do KitchenAid blenders have dishwasher-safe components?
A. It depends on the model, but most KitchenAid blenders have jars, blades and accessories that you can clean in the dishwasher. As a result, these models are the easiest to clean.
What recipes can I make with a KitchenAid blender?
A. A KitchenAid blender can whip up various foods, including basics like smoothies, milkshakes, sauces and dips. High-performance models can make even more recipes, such as nut butter, soups and super-smooth frozen cocktails.
What’s the best KitchenAid blender to buy?
Top KitchenAid blender
KitchenAid High Performance Series Blender
What you need to know: A powerful, high-performance model, this blender can handle any kitchen task you throw at it with ease, though it is one of KitchenAid’s pricier blenders.
What you’ll love: It boasts a potent 3-HP motor for maximum power. The controls offer nine speeds and a pulse function, the die-cast metal base is extremely stable and durable and the sleek, modern design looks great out on a counter too.
What you should consider: The blender only comes in three color options: black, white and gray.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Kitchenaid blender for the money
KitchenAid 5-Speed Immersion Blender
What you need to know: This high-quality immersion blender has all the features you could want at an attractive price point.
What you’ll love: It comes with a variety of attachments, including a whisk and mini chopper. It also includes a 4-cup blending and storage container. It also features a removable blending arm to make it easier to blend in deeper pots.
What you should consider: It’s somewhat pricer than other immersion blenders, but you’re paying for the performance quality and other features.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
KitchenAid 5-Speed Classic Blender
What you need to know: While it’s a fairly basic countertop blender, this model offers excellent durability and solid construction at a price that won’t break the bank.
What you’ll love: It comes with a 56-ounce, BPA-free round pitcher. It features user-friendly controls with five speeds, a pulse function and an ice-crushing feature. Its soft-start feature ensures the most even blending results.
What you should consider: There can sometimes be leaks around the blender’s blade shaft.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which Contigo travel mugs are best?
Contigo is a familiar name in travel mugs and tumblers that has been providing spill-proof mugs to coffee drinkers for years now. Contigo travel mugs are great for people who are on the go. The brand’s name means “with you” in Spanish, and these travel mugs are meant to do just that — accompany you wherever you go.
Their sleek and spill-proof designs are great for commuters who need to get their coffee fix on the road. Our top pick, the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug, is a travel mug with a particularly stylish stainless steel design. Thanks to its autoseal technology, you’ll never have to worry about spills.
What to know before you buy a Contigo travel mug
Why do I need a travel mug?
Travel mugs are great for people who have long commutes or like to take their coffee or tea to the office. These mugs are great for the office since they are spill-proof, portable and will keep your coffee hot for hours. Thus, you won’t have to worry about returning to a cold cup of coffee if you get sidetracked at work.
If you’re interested in checking out a few different types of travel mugs, check the full BestReviews travel mug buying guide.
Travel mug vs. thermos vs. tumbler
While all three of these products are designed to take both hot and cold drinks on the go, there are some key differences to consider.
Travel mugs are normally designed with hot drinks in mind, although they can also carry cold drinks. Travel mugs will sometimes come with a handle. These mugs are designed to be drunk out of directly.
Thermoses are meant to carry hot or cold drinks but are not meant to be drunk from directly like a travel mug. A thermos will often be larger than either a travel mug or a tumbler.
Tumblers are plastic cups that normally come with a lid and a plastic straw. These cups can handle both hot and cold liquids, though they are normally used for cold drinks. However, tumblers are not as spill-proof as travel mugs and thermoses.
Contigo spill-proof travel mugs
While most of Contigo’s travel mugs are marketed as spill-proof, they have a few different designs that use different technology to varying degrees of effectiveness. All of Contigo’s travel mugs are somewhat spill-proof, but some are more spill-proof than others.
For example, some of their travel mugs will have Contigo’s auto-seal technology, whereas some will come with Contigo’s snap seal feature. Therefore, consider which type of travel mug you prefer before deciding on which one to go with.
What to look for in a quality Contigo travel mug
A travel mug with a handle
Some Contigo travel mugs, such as the Contigo Randolph, come with a handle for added portability and comfortability. Travel mugs with handles are a staple in offices around the country.
How to clean a travel mug
Travel mugs can be notoriously hard to clean due to all of the different components in the lid. Most Contigo travel mugs are dishwasher-safe, but you may have to pay extra attention to the lid to ensure there isn’t any built-up grime.
Travel mug size
If you will be using your Contigo travel mug in the car, make sure that the travel mug will fit your car’s cup holders for added ease. Even some larger travel mugs are made to fit into cup holders.
If you choose to go with a Contigo autoseal travel mug, you can easily slip the mug into your bag and not worry about spills.
How much you can expect to spend on Contigo travel mugs
Most Contigo travel mugs are around the $10-$15 range, but some of their more deluxe models can reach up to $30.
Contigo travel mug FAQ
What’s the difference between snapseal and autoseal?
A. Contigo’s snapseal travel mugs seal and open using a convenient snap lid. These work by unsnapping one side of the lid, opening the hole on the other side of the lid. Autoseal travel mugs function by pressing a button on the lid while drinking from the cup.
Are Contigo travel mugs BPA-free?
A. All of Contigo’s travel mugs are BPA-free.
What’s the best Contigo travel mug to buy?
Top Contigo travel mug
Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
What you need to know: The stainless-steel Contigo Luxe is the perfect travel mug for the office. It can keep hot drinks hot for up to 5 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 12 hours.
What you’ll love: While the design of this mug is lovely, this travel mug’s main feature is its 100 percent spill-proof lid. It even features a lock so that the auto seal button can’t be accidentally pressed.
What you should consider: Some users have reported that the stainless-steel lid can get a bit warm when used with hot drinks. However, the main body of the mug will remain cool to the touch.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Contigo travel mug for the money
Contigo Couture Snapseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
What you need to know: This fashionable travel mug is great for anyone looking to make a statement.
What you’ll love: This travel mug can fit most standard cup holders and can keep hot drinks hot for up to 6 hours.
What you should consider: This travel mug is not dishwasher-safe.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
What you need to know: This travel mug is perhaps the most recognizable Contigo design and is great for getting your coffee from point A to point B, thanks to its autoseal lid.
What you’ll love: This travel mug has many of the same features as our top pick, the Luxe, at a slightly cheaper price point. It comes in many colors.
What you should consider: The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe, but the body will need to be hand-washed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Addison Hoggard writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which corn peeler is best?
Eating corn on the cob is always a fun experience, but plenty of recipes call for fresh corn kernels off the cob. Of course, you can use a knife or spoon to scrape the kernels off, but a corn peeler makes the job much quicker and easier.
A corn peeler is a tool that can safely and efficiently remove the kernels from a corn cob. It doesn’t remove pieces of the cob either, so you wind up with the kernels only. The top corn peeler from Beaverve is a popular model because it can do multiple tasks in the kitchen in addition to effective corn peeling, including grating and measuring ingredients.
What to know before you buy a corn peeler
Cob size
Corn cobs can vary in size, with some cobs being shorter and/or thicker than the average cob. Some peelers can only effectively cut the kernels from cobs that are an average or standard size, though.
Look for a peeler that can work with cobs of various lengths and thicknesses, so you’re never stuck with kernels that can’t be removed.
Cutting depth
An average corn kernel measures approximately .25 to .5 inches from the area where it connects to the cob to its top. A corn peeler’s cutting depth affects how much of the kernel is removed. A model with a deeper cutting depth is better able to remove the entire kernel from the cob.
However, the problem with a deeper cutting blade is that it can remove some of the cob when cutting smaller kernels. It’s not a big deal if small bits of the cob make their way into your dish, but the cob is pretty tough, so you don’t want too much of it in your food.
Efficiency
The majority of corn peelers cut the kernels off the cob in narrow sections, so you need to make several trips around the cob with the peeler to fully peel it. You can find some peelers that actually remove all of the kernels in one motion, though. They are obviously the most efficient type of peeler, but they usually can’t work with cobs of different lengths and thicknesses.
Ease of use
It can be challenging to hold a corn cob steady while driving a peeler down it with the necessary force. The best corn peelers are easy to use and feature sharp enough blades that you don’t need to apply too much pressure to remove the kernels. The blades shouldn’t be so sharp that you have to worry about cutting yourself, though.
For even more information, read the full buying guide on corn peelers at BestReviews.
What to look for in a corn peeler
Design
Because removing the corn from a cob requires some strength, you want a peeler that’s ergonomically designed. That allows you to get a firm, comfortable grip on it so you can use it safely and effectively.
Keep in mind that some peelers are designed for right-hand use only. Left-handed individuals should look for a peeler that features a double-sided blade so it can be used in either hand.
Make sure that any corn peeler you choose features a solid, durable design too. You don’t want to worry about it breaking after only a few uses.
Container
Many high-end corn peelers come with an attached container that collects the kernels as they’re removed from the cob. That can limit the mess in your kitchen and keep you from having to wash too many bowls or dishes.
Care
Corn peelers are usually dishwasher safe, but some are more difficult to clean than others. Those with a more complicated design require taking the peeler apart and rinsing it before placing it in your dishwasher.
Smaller, compact corn peelers fit in your hand, making them easy to store in most drawers. You can also find some with a hook for hanging storage. On the other hand, larger peelers with an attached container require more space to store, making them a poor fit for a smaller kitchen.
Warranty
Some corn peelers are backed by a warranty, which can give you more confidence in your purchase. The longer a peeler’s warranty is, the longer you can expect to use it effectively.
How much you can expect to spend on a corn peeler
Corn peelers aren’t especially pricey, so you’ll usually pay between $5-$25 for one. Small, basic peelers typically cost between $5-$8, while more durable, ergonomically designed models generally range from $8-$12. More complex corn peelers with an attached container can cost as much as $12-$25.
Corn peeler FAQ
Should I use a corn peeler before or after I cook the corn?
A. You can remove the corn from the cob before or after cooking. You’ll usually have an easier time if you do it before you cook the corn, because it’s cool and easier to handle. Another benefit of peeling the corn before cooking is that the cooking process can kill any bacteria that might make their way onto the kernels during peeling.
How many kernels do you usually get from peeling an ear of corn?
A. It depends on the length and thickness of the ear you’re peeling. An average-sized cob of corn typically produces a three-quarter cup of kernels.
What’s the best corn peeler to buy?
Top corn peeler
What you need to know: A versatile kitchen tool that not only peels corn, this corn stripper also grates and serves as a measuring cup.
What you’ll love: It features a non-slip silicone ring on the bottom to keep the tool in place. The space-saving design frees up storage space, and the corn peeler offers a money-back guarantee.
What you should consider: It isn’t as durable as some buyers would like.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top corn peeler for the money
What you need to know: As a safe, efficient tool, the corn zipper allows you to quickly remove corn kernels without using a knife and risking a cut.
What you’ll love: It works much more quickly and safely than a knife, and it’s effective for both cooked and uncooked corn. The rubber shield covers the blades and reduces the risk of cuts.
What you should consider: It must be used over a large bowl or baking sheet to limit the mess in your kitchen.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
HIC Quick Corn Cutter Stripper
What you need to know: This is an extremely simple corn peeler that can effectively remove both small and large quantities of corn kernels.
What you’ll love: It offers an extremely easy, user-friendly operation. The ring is adjustable to fit different cob sizes. The peeler features durable stainless steel blades.
What you should consider: It can make a mess in your kitchen with flying kernels.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which infusion pitcher is best?
An infusion pitcher is a powerful tool in the arsenal of anyone trying to drink more water. By combining the taste of fresh fruits with your water or tea, you’re much more likely to drink enough water to maintain healthy hydration levels, not to mention the additional benefits if you’re trying to cut down on the amount of soda you drink.
The best infusion pitcher is the Chef’s INSPIRATIONS 3 Core Infusion Water Pitcher, which is built for maximum durability and includes three separate inserts for ice, loose tea and fruit.
What to know before you buy an infusion pitcher
Material
Infusion pitchers are typically made of either glass or plastic.
Glass: Glass is more expensive than plastic, though it’s far less durable. It is also non-porous, which means that there’s no chance of flavors being absorbed into the material, like with plastics.
Plastic: Plastic is a lighter-weight and much more durable option than glass, though you sacrifice the aesthetic values of a glass pitcher for longevity. If you constantly use the infusion pitcher, plastic is probably a better option.
Infusion rod
Also known as the core, the infusion rod or rods are what hold the ingredients separate from the water, so only their flavor is mixed instead of their body. They come in three varieties: standard, loose tea and ice. Standard cores have medium-sized holes to allow your flavors to seep into the water while loose tea cores use a fine mesh to allow for steeping without the tea materials getting into the water. Ice cores have no holes at all, and simply keep the water cold without diluting the flavors.
Size
As infusion pitchers come in most any size you could want, consider how much need you’ll have of infused water as well as if the pitcher will fit in your refrigerator. It’s always best to get a size equal to what you think you’ll need instead of a size larger. You can always infuse more water, but you can’t shrink a big infusion pitcher if it doesn’t fit your space.
What to look for in a quality infusion pitcher
Rapid cool
Certain infusion pitchers are constructed to allow for vigorous shaking to speed up the cooling process using an ice core, also known as flash chilling if not rapid cooling. These infusion pitchers also tend to be able to speed up the infusion process in the same manner.
No-spill lid
Infusion pitchers that use lids that are completely sealable, spout and all, tend to be rapid coolable in addition to being much easier to store. They’re especially easy to transport if you like picnics or have other destinations in mind.
How much you can expect to spend on an infusion pitcher
Infusion pitchers are very affordable across the board, costing about as much, if not a touch more, than most standard pitchers. You can find small, simple pitchers for as little as $10, though you’ll probably want to spend up to $25 on one of the better, though smaller, infusion pitchers. If you need something in a bigger size, you won’t need to spend more than around $35.
Infusion pitcher FAQ
Are infusion pitchers free of BPA?
A. Most infusion pitchers are, but there are a few that aren’t, so if you’re concerned about BPA then make sure to double check. Glass pitchers obviously won’t contain any BPA, but if they use plastic or acrylic infusion rods, those might contain BPA. It should be fairly easy
to locate BPA-free signage on the product description or packaging, so if you can’t find it, you can be confident that that particular infusion pitcher will contain some amount of BPA.
Can hot drinks be infused in an infusion pitcher?
A. Only some infusion pitchers can infuse hot drinks. Those capable of this will explicitly say this somewhere on the packaging or in an included owner’s manual.
What are some examples of foods I can infuse into my water with my new infusion pitcher?
A. Really, any kind of fruit is a top choice for infusion in your new infusion pitcher as well as combinations of fruit. One of the more popular options is infusing a variety of berries, although oranges or apples are strong contenders as well. Don’t be afraid to add a little mint or cucumber either!
What are the best infusion pitchers to buy?
Top infusion pitcher
Chef’s INSPIRATIONS 3 Core Infusion Water Pitcher
What you need to know: This is a strong, durably designed infusion pitcher with three separate inserts.
What you’ll love: This infusion pitcher is narrow enough to fit in refrigerator shelves and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
What you should consider: The spout is quite large which can mess with your pitcher muscle memory.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top infusion pitcher for the money
Primula Today Shake and Infuse Pitcher
What you need to know: This is an affordable, durable and efficient infusion pitcher with no extra fuss.
What you’ll love: This infusion pitcher is shakeable, which accelerates the infusing process.
What you should consider: The lid can be a little difficult to remove, and it’s a touch too big for some refrigerator shelving.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Mami Wata Fruit & Tea Infusion Water Pitcher
What you need to know: A nice, lightweight infusion pitcher, this model throws some extra features in for good measure.
What you’ll love: Included in the package are a loose tea infuser and an ice ball maker.
What you should consider: The plastic of the handle and body can feel a bit lackluster, and the ice tray is quite simple.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which fertilizer spreaders are best?
The right fertilizer has been known to significantly increase crop yields and is responsible for producing food that can feed more people, so it should be no surprise that it can also be used to bring out the best in your lawn or garden.
You don’t need to be a lawncare expert or a landscaper because it’s easier than ever to apply fertilizer if you have the right equipment. Choices may vary depending on your needs, but a top pick is Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader.
What to know before you buy a fertilizer spreader
Types of fertilizer spreaders
- Handheld spreaders: For smaller gardens, lawns or areas where only limited patching of bare spots is needed, a handheld spreader is a cost-effective, hands-on option. They are easy to use, portable, lightweight and come in both manual or battery powered. However, they aren’t good for large areas and will require a battery replacement.
- Drop spreaders: These deposit fertilizer and seeds for broad coverage. This is a top choice for gardens, flower beds and lawns that have odd shapes. They are available in both the tow-behind and push models, but sometimes they require more passes to provide adequate coverage.
- Broadcast spreaders: Alternatively known as rotary spreaders, they provide an easy-to-use option that is great for covering large amounts of land. These can be more expensive and are not ideal for the specific distribution of fertilizer and seeds.
- Liquid spreaders: These are a great option for potted plants and container gardens, which specifically require a liquid version of fertilizer. They offer a very quick application, although they’re not very accurate. If you’re in the market for garden fertilizer, take a look at the buying guide for best garden fertilizers on Best Reviews.
Benefits of fertilizer spreaders
- Time: A fertilizer spreader is much less time-consuming than manual fertilizing, especially if you have a very large lawn or garden.
- Even distribution: A spreader allows you to evenly distribute fertilizer over a large area of land much better than if you were trying to do it manually. Fertilizer can be expensive, and that can add up over time if you’re using too much.
- Skin protection: Some fertilizers contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation when coming in contact with your skin. A spreader keeps you at a safe distance from these chemicals.
What to look for in a quality fertilizer spreader
Area
The size of the area you need to fertilize should help determine the type of spreader you purchase. The bigger the spreader, the more it can hold and the less you have to refill it.
Material
Are you looking to save money, or do you want a product that will last? A plastic spreader will be less expensive, but a steel spreader is more durable and can last multiple years.
Distribution
It’s not just the size of a spreader and how much fertilizer it can hold that’s important, it’s how much ground you can cover with each pass. Different spreaders allow you to adjust the width of the spread.
How much you can expect to spend on a fertilizer spreader
A quality basic home spreader will range from $20-$50 and can handle space of 2,500 square feet. For larger lawns or commercial and professional use, fertilizer spreaders range between $50-$300.
Fertilizer spreader FAQ
How often should I clean the fertilizer spreader?
A. You should clean your spreader after each use to avoid wear and tear and any contamination if you later change up fertilizer. Lubricating the wheels can help it to move easily and smoothly, so it will last.
Can my fertilizer spreader be used for grass seed as well?
A. It is possible to use the fertilizer spreader for seeds, but depending on the size and texture of those seeds, it may not flow as evenly through the spreader since that’s not what it is designed for.
Is fertilizer dangerous to kids or animals?
A. Spreading fertilizer is safe. However, it is recommended to wait 24 hours before allowing kids or pets on the lawn.
What’s the best fertilizer spreader to buy?
Top fertilizer spreader
Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
What you need to know: Experienced gardeners will agree that this mid-range model is a quality product. This top-selling fertilizer spreader easily handles medium to large lawns.
What you’ll love: This spreader comes assembled, so you can easily use it right away. This has the capacity to cover up to 10,000 square feet while maintaining precise distribution.
What you should consider: Although this model comes pre-calibrated, some customers mentioned it functioned better after re-calibrating.
Where to buy: Amazon
Top fertilizer spreader for the money
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
What you need to know: This budget-conscious fertilizer spreader is good quality and has the capacity to meet the needs of most consumers.
What you’ll love: This model comes pre-calibrated, completely assembled and is also collapsible for easy storage. It holds enough fertilizer to distribute over 5,000 square feet and can also work to treat smaller areas.
What you should consider: Some customers feel the distribution is uneven when fertilizing larger areas.
Where to buy: Amazon
Worth checking out
Brinly BS36BH Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
What you need to know: This is a fan-favorite for those who want to cut down the time of spreading fertilizer on large areas of land over an acre.
What you’ll love: This spreader is long-lasting, durable and constructed with top-of-the-line
materials. With a patented auto flow spread control, this model offers professional-grade results.
What you should consider: Although this is a high-quality spreader for larger areas, the same results may not apply for smaller areas. You should be sure you purchase a spreader that meets the specifics of your lawn or garden.
Where to buy: Amazon
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Ryan Dempsey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which bird carrier is best?
Birds are intelligent, curious animals that require ample time outside of their cages to play, exercise and interact with new objects and environments. Even small birds like parakeets benefit from enrichment.
A bird carrier is a great way to allow your pet a safe way to explore new sights and sounds. It’s also indispensable if you have to travel with your bird or make a trip to the vet. The Petsfit Bird Carrier With Stainless Steel Bowl is the best bird carrier for small to medium birds. It provides excellent visibility and ventilation, allowing for both security and flexibility because of its use of quality materials and its backpack design.
What to know before you buy a bird carrier
Traveling
Air travel: Traveling with a pet bird by airplane can be a challenge. Your bird carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you and will require a security inspection. Check with your preferred airline to determine their requirements and restrictions regarding birds in the cabin. Carefully select a bird carrier that complies with their requests.
Groomer or vet: Like other pets, birds require periodic trips to the veterinarian as well as to the groomer to get their wings, claws and beaks trimmed. If you expect that your bird carrier will only be used as a way to transport your pet for these short visits, you don’t require an especially large model with multiple food and water bowls or other accessories.
Trips for fun: If your bird is comfortable with new people and places, a trip to the park or other outdoor area outside the home is a great way to give them the stimulation and socialization they crave. If you anticipate that your bird carrier will be used for adventure and exploration, consider one that’s easy to move and provides your bird with good visibility, plenty of room and access to food and water.
Your bird’s personality
If your bird is particularly shy or sensitive, choose a carrier that offers them a feeling of security. While many birds enjoy meeting people and taking in new sights, they all appreciate the ability to choose their own level of privacy. For apprehensive birds, select a carrier with opaque sides or a mesh screen as opposed to a clear plastic one that will leave them feeling fully exposed.
What to look for in a quality bird carrier
Visibility
Birds are visual creatures. Not only do they appreciate being able to see their surroundings, they’re also comforted by being able to see their owner. Select a bird carrier that allows you to easily observe your pet.
Ventilation
Because of their delicate respiratory systems, fresh air and good ventilation is necessary for the health of your bird. Carriers with screen windows provide ample airflow. If you prefer a carrier with plastic sides, choose one that provides adequate ventilation through portholes or a mesh door.
Material
Parrots’ powerful bills can make short work of almost anything they determine to be worth chewing. It’s important that your carrier is made from a material that’s strong enough to prevent your bird from biting its way out. Large parrots like cockatoos that are especially prone to chewing require metal carriers.
Food dishes and accessories
Many bird carriers include bowls to provide clean water and food. However, a carrier in motion can result in spills. If you intend to do a lot of walking with your bird, seek out a model that allows you to use a water bottle as opposed to an open dish. While getting your bird to drink from a bottle requires some training, it greatly reduces the mess.
Size
Whether your bird carrier is used for short trips or an afternoon at the park, it should provide ample room for your pet to comfortably turn around and stand up at full height. Birds are especially protective of their tail feathers, so a carrier that extends below your bird’s perch and allows room for their tail to hang without dragging is ideal for your pet’s comfort and cleanliness.
Portability
Some bird carriers come with backpack straps to allow for easy travel. Others are built in the style of a duffel bag with a handle or strap that can be slung over your shoulder. Consider your plans with your pet to determine which configuration works best for you.
Color
From metal cages to patterned bags, bird carriers are available in a variety of colors and styles. Choose a look that best matches your personal aesthetic, but keep in mind that some birds are highly sensitive to brightly colored objects and may take more time to become acclimated to the stimulation.
Toys and accessories
Many bird carriers come with clips or hooks that can be used to hang your pet’s favorite toys or treats. While not necessary for short trips to the groomer, toys and other accessories can prevent your bird from getting bored during travel.
How much you can expect to spend on a bird carrier
Expect to pay $50-$100 for a quality bird carrier made from strong, safe materials. Bird carriers made from metal or those from premium brands can cost $200 or more, depending on size.
Bird carrier FAQ
How long can your bird be safely left in its carrier?
A. To avoid undue stress and mess, your pet bird shouldn’t be in its carrier for more than a couple of hours at a time. While this isn’t possible during extended travel, trips outdoors for socialization should be kept brief. Be sure your bird always has access to drinking water.
Can you put more than one bird in a bird carrier?
A. Depending on the carrier’s size and how well your birds get along, yes. Bonded pairs prefer the security of their partner, but some birds like more solitude. Placing birds who aren’t familiar with one another in a confined space can result in injuries due to fighting.
Will your bird get car sick if you travel with it?
A. You may be surprised to learn that some birds can get car sick. If your bird becomes nauseous during travel, try to limit drives to necessary trips only. If travel by car is a must, some owners recommend installing a hanging perch in your carrier. The swinging motion of a hanging perch provides a more comfortable car ride for some birds.
What’s the best bird carrier to buy?
Top bird carrier
Petsfit Bird Carrier with Stainless Steel Bowl
What you need to know: This bird carrier backpack is versatile and includes features only available in carriers that cost twice as much.
What you’ll love: Stylishly designed and comfortable to carry and wear, this bird carrier is an excellent choice for conures or other small parrots. Its mesh screen provides great ventilation and visibility. All side windows can be covered with flaps to provide your bird with privacy for sleeping or stressful situations.
What you should consider: This bird carrier’s plastic mesh isn’t suitable for aggressive chewers. Only one bowl is included. It is not large enough for many species.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bird carrier for the money
Colorday Lightweight Bird Carrier
What you need to know: This lightweight bird carrier is available in two sizes and provides crystal-clear visibility.
What you’ll love: The included wooden perch provides your bird with a secure grip and stable balance. This carrier’s shoulder strap and handle make it portable and easy to move around.
What you should consider: Users have noted that this bird carrier’s window is covered in a protective plastic film that’s difficult to fully remove. Plastic mesh can be destroyed by birds who are excessive chewers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Featherland Paradise Perch ‘n Go Polycarbonate Bird Carrier
What you need to know: Rugged plastic construction and metal cage doors make this popular carrier a safe, secure option.
What you’ll love: This model’s carrying handle doubles as an additional perch for your bird to use outside of the carrier. It is easily cleaned, and the clear polycarbonate plastic provides great visibility.
What you should consider: This carrier is on the expensive side and is only acceptable for small birds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which bird ladders are best?
Birds are intelligent animals that spend their time in the wild navigating complex environments as they socialize and forage for food. Providing your pet bird with the mental stimulation and activity it requires ensures your companion will remain physically and emotionally healthy.
Bird ladders are popular with bird owners because their pets have a versatile toy with which to perch, play and explore. The Mrli Pet Bird Ladder with its bright colors, spinning beads and poseable internal wires is the best choice for bird owners who wish to give their pets a fun, functional accessory.
What to know before you buy a bird ladder
Type
Ladders come in three basic styles. Rigid ladders are made of wood or plastic dowels that do not flex or bend. Poseable ladders are wood or plastic rods and beads that have a bendable wire running through them, allowing for any number of twists and turns. Rope ladders feature swinging steps tied together and hung with rope.
Many bird owners decorate their cages with all three of these ladders to give their pets a varied environment. For examples of all three of these ladder types, check out the bird ladder buying guide from BestReviews.
Size
Select a ladder sized appropriately for your bird’s species as well as its cage. Cockatiels, budgies, small conures and lovebirds can easily climb a ladder with dowels around ½ inch in diameter. Macaws, cockatoos and other large birds require much bigger ladders. Long ladders are best for cages that house more than one bird so each animal can maintain its personal space.
Material
Bird ladders most commonly are wood. Wood is a natural material that will not cause any stress or irritation to your pet. A wood bird ladder not only provides your pet with an exciting new playground but also a satisfying chew toy. Plastic perches are acceptable for budgies, finches and other small birds that are not excessive chewers.
Extra features
Some ladders come with extras such as bells, swings or ropes for additional stimulation. Birds are fussy animals, with each having its own preferences. Only through experimentation with toys and other items will you be able to determine if a ladder that includes these accessories is right for your pet.
What to look for in a quality bird ladder
Style
From tropical colors and finished surfaces to natural bark and rope, bird ladders come in a variety of styles. Birds are visual creatures that tend to show a great deal of interest in brightly colored objects, making colorful ladders and toys obvious choices. However, natural bark gives your bird an opportunity to peel, shred and strip wood as it would in the wild.
Strength
Select a ladder that safely holds the weight of your bird. Unless the ladder is made of metal, chewing damage among parrots is unavoidable. Consider your bird’s individual enthusiasm for chewing and choose a ladder you feel will last the longest.
Attachment method
Rigid ladders usually attach to the side of your bird’s cage using open hooks as hangers. These are fine for small birds such as finches and parakeets. However, owners of conures and larger birds will find that anything attached in this manner is quickly dislodged. Metal locking hooks and carabiners are the most secure way to attach your bird’s ladders and toys to its cage.
How much you can expect to spend on a bird ladder
Ladders of all types and materials are $10-$15 if sized for small birds. Heavy-duty ladders for large parrots, or those that include additional accessories, platforms and toys, can cost $20-$40.
Bird ladder FAQ
Does my bird need a ladder?
A. From giant hyacinth macaws to tiny zebra finches, toys and enrichment are essential for a pet bird’s wellbeing. While a ladder is not a specific requirement for your pet, it provides a simple way to give your bird opportunities for perching and playing.
Will my bird destroy its ladder?
A. If you own a parrot, yes. Chewing is a favorite pastime among these busy creatures. While it’s disappointing to have to continually replace your pet’s cage furniture, do not expect toys and perches for parrots to last very long.
How do I clean my bird ladder?
A. Use warm water and a gentle brush to remove any droppings or food, then allow the ladder to dry. Avoid soap or bleach as wood can absorb these and pose a health risk to your pet. Replace ladders that become overly soiled or chewed.
Bird ladder tips
Don’t expect your bird ladder to last forever
Birds are both messy and destructive. Bird owners should expect cage furniture to require regular cleaning and replacement because of soiling and chewing.
Keep your bird’s life interesting
Birds are highly inquisitive and get bored easily. Every time you clean your bird’s cage, rearrange or swap out a few toys and perches to give your pet a new environment to explore and new problems to solve.
Treats make anything possible
Many birds are naturally cautious around new objects. If your bird is leery of its new ladder, encourage curiosity by placing treats or favorite toys on the ladder. Your bird will quickly learn its new accessory is not to be feared.
What’s the best bird ladder to buy?
Top bird ladder
What you need to know: This brightly-colored ladder features flexible wires and secure mounting clips.
What you’ll love: Available in three lengths, this poseable ladder allows you to change its shape to give your bird regular updates to its environment. Mounting clips keep the ladder firmly in place.
What you should consider: Larger birds can quickly destroy this ladder. The dye used to color the wood comes off easily when wet and may concern some bird owners.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bird ladder for the money
Prevue Hendryx 62806 Naturals Rope Ladder Bird Toy
What you need to know: Natural wood and rope construction give your bird fun textures and the opportunity for stimulating acrobatics.
What you’ll love: This bird ladder will appeal to bird owners who prefer a more natural, muted look to their cage decor. Rope construction makes this ladder a stimulating climb and the included locking clips keep it secure.
What you should consider: Some users have complained this ladder’s rope has a chemical odor, which may be hazardous.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Chewy
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This natural seagrass ladder alternative gives birds both climbing and foraging challenges.
What you’ll love: You can roll this flexible mat into a shelter as well as hang it like a ladder or hammock. You can thread toys and treats into the material for foraging fun. Natural seagrass is safe for birds to chew and play with. It includes two small toys.
What you should consider: Given its woven seagrass construction, heavy chewers will make short work of this toy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which dog treat bag is best?
It’s always wise to carry dog treats with you on walks to reinforce recall and other good behaviors, but nobody wants a pocket full of dog treats stinking up their pants. Dog treat bags keep your pockets clean while allowing you easy access to treats when you need them.
But that doesn’t mean it’s so simple to know which dog treat bags are worth buying and which features to look out for. If you’re searching for a versatile dog treat bag, the Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch is an excellent choice.
What to know before you buy a dog treat bag
Carrying style
Different dog treat bags have various carrying styles. Some modes are designed to be strapped around the waist like a fanny pack, some are worn across the body like a mini messenger bag, and yet others are simply clipped onto a belt loop or belt. Those worn around the waist or securely fastened to a belt are less likely to get in the way than a crossbody treat bag, but different users have their own preferences.
Capacity
Consider the size and capacity of a dog treat bag before buying. You want a bag that’s large enough to hold all the treats you need but not so large that it will get in your way or even start to tire you out. If you’re unsure how large a bag will be based on its capacity, check the measurements to make sure it isn’t oversized.
Materials
Dog treat pouches are most commonly made from rugged materials such as nylon, which don’t easily stain or absorb odors. They should be tough enough to stand up to daily use, as many dog owners will want to take it along each time they go out with their pooch. The materials used are sometimes water-resistant or completely waterproof to keep treats from getting wet and mushy on rainy days.
What to look for in a quality dog treat bag
Easy access
One of the most frustrating things about some treat bags is that they’re hard to get into when you need to grab a treat. A quality treat pouch offers easy access to what’s inside. It should have a wide mouth or opening to allow you to get your whole hand in to quickly pick a treat. Some models have a hinged opening that might let it stay open unless you specifically close it.
Extra compartments
Some dog treat bags available come with additional zippered compartments for storing small personal items such as keys or a wallet. Models like this preempt the possibility of those without pockets in their clothes needing to take along another bag. Some treat pouches also feature a dedicated pocket for poop bags.
Color
Dog treat bags come in a range of colors and styles. Although this might not matter much to some buyers, others may prefer a dog treat bag that’s as stylish as possible.
How much you can expect to spend on a dog treat bag
Most buyers who decide on a treat bag that’s durable and easy to get into will likely pay $10-$20. Cheaper options are available, but the quality is often lacking.
Dog treat bag FAQ
Do you need a dog treat bag?
A. Sure, you can live without a dog treat bag. Dog owners could put treats inside a plastic sandwich bag or directly in a pocket, but dog treat bags are convenient. When training a dog, it’s important to reinforce good behavior as quickly as possible or it might not be clear to your canine what exactly they’ve done right and why they’re getting a reward. A good dog treat bag allows instant access to treats for more effective training.
How do you clean a dog treat pouch?
A. Check the label inside a treat bag to find its washing instructions. Most are machine washable, although there are some that require hand washing only. As a rule, allowing a treat pouch to air-dry will help it last as long as possible.
What’s the best dog treat bag to buy?
Top dog treat bag
Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch
What you need to know: A reliable multifunction dog treat bag, it is great for anyone who wants a built-in poop bag holder.
What you’ll love: It’s durably made and features a large opening for easy access to treats. You can wear the bag around the waist, over the shoulder or on a belt. It also has extra compartments for personal belongings.
What you should consider: This is a fairly bulky bag that might not be ideal to carry on longer hikes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top dog treat bag for the money
What you need to know: This dog treat pouch offers excellent value for the money, and has standard and mini sizes available.
What you’ll love: It features a hinged mouth you can keep open when you want quick access but close up when you need to. It comes with an adjustable belt for around the waist.
What you should consider: The standard size is larger than many buyers have realized. Check the dimensions and decide if the mini is more appropriate.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Kurgo Dog Training Treat Pouch
What you need to know: This is a rugged treat pouch suitable for regular, heavy-duty use.
What you’ll love: It has a large opening so you can quickly and easily get to treats, plus a drawstring closure when you need to contain them. The carabiner clips onto a belt loop.
What you should consider: Some pet parents find this bag slightly too small.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which balance pads are best?
If you want to bring your workout to the next level, you don’t necessarily have to try an entirely new routine. Introducing a balance pad to your usual strength training workout can help take it up a notch by requiring all of your muscles to spring into action to support and stabilize your body.
A balance pad has a spongy texture, so your body sinks into the material when you step on it. That means all your muscles must engage to keep you balanced on the pad, which makes your regular workout that much harder. If you’re looking for an excellent balance pad for everyday use, the AIREX Balance Pad is the top option.
What to know before you buy a balance pad
Size
Balance pads are typically available in three size options: small, regular and large.
Small balance pads are generally only large enough to place one foot on at a time. They usually have an oval shape and measure 16 by 9 inches or smaller. You can also find some models that are rectangular if that’s more comfortable.
- Regular balance pads are considered the standard size and measure 20 by 16 inches. You can step onto these pads with both feet at the same time, making them excellent for squats and other similar exercises.
- Large balance pads are approximately 38 by 16 inches and are sometimes classified as “extra-large.” Like regular balance pads, you can stand on them with both feet simultaneously, but they provide even more space to maneuver.
- You can also find balance beam-style pads that are a safer alternative to a balance beam since there’s not as much distance from the pad to the floor. They measure approximately 63 by 10 by 2 inches and feature a wider base. You use these pads by walking along them with one foot in front of the other to help you work on your balance.
For more information on size options, take a look at the full balance pad buying guide at BestReviews.
Quantity
The number of balance pads you need largely depends on whether you’ll be working out alone or with a partner.
In general, most workouts only require one balance pad at a time. Exercises like lunges and squats typically call for you to place one foot on the pad at a time, though some may require stepping with both feet. If you tend to work out by yourself, one balance pad is probably all you need.
If you work out with one or more partners, though, you’ll need one pad for each person exercising.
Dry vs. wet
Because of their lightweight construction, balance pads can float in water. As a result, some people actually purchase them to use as a flotation device. A regular-size balance pad can work well as a kickboard, while large models can work as a full-size board for kids. You can also use a balance beam pad as a neck rest when floating in the water.
If you want to use your balance pad for workouts and swimming, it’s a good idea to purchase two — one for dry use during exercise and one for wet use in the pool.
Safety concerns
A balance pad requires you to strain your muscles to remain balanced, so it’s not uncommon to fall when using one. As a result, you must use a balance pad in a wide-open area to prevent injuries. Make sure there is no furniture or other items with sharp edges in the vicinity to pose a risk.
If you don’t have an open place to use the pad, it’s a good idea to ask a friend to spot you while working out.
What to look for in a quality balance pad
Material
Most balance pads are made of some type of closed-cell foam. Some models feature EVA foam, while others offer latex-free foam. You can even find some manufacturers that advertise non-toxic, eco-friendly foam options.
Because all balance pads are made of similar soft foam, you can choose whatever type you like. If you have a latex allergy, though, you definitely want a latex-free option.
Color
Some balance pads are available in a wider range of color options than others. Many brands only offer a single shade. Common balance pad color options include blue, black, green, red and purple.
Textured surface
Higher-end balance pads often have a textured, non-slip surface. You’re generally supposed to use a balance pad barefoot, so some traction on the surface can help you stay balanced. These textured pads tend to cost more, though.
How much you can expect to spend on a balance pad
Most balance pads cost between $19-$75. The majority of small and regular-size pads range from $19-$40, while regular-size, textured pads can cost between $50-$75. For large and balance beam pads, though, you’ll likely pay more than $75.
Balance pad FAQ
Are balance pads the same thing as balance boards?
A. They’re a bit different, though they’re both designed to boost your strength and balance during low-impact workouts. Pads are made of soft foam, while balance boards feature harder materials. A balance pad is typically more effective at engaging multiple sets of muscles because of the softer material.
Can I use a balance pad if I’m a beginner?
A. A balance pad can be somewhat challenging to use if you’re just starting an exercise routine. Because the foam can throw off your balance, it makes exercises more challenging. If you’re not used to doing a particular workout, you may fall and get injured. It’s best to introduce a balance pad to your workout routine once you can complete all of the exercises confidently on solid ground.
What’s the best balance pad to buy?
Top balance pad
What you need to know: This durable, well-designed balance pad holds up to daily use with ease.
What you’ll love: The pad is effective for improving strength and balance. It can also help boost flexibility. It works well for physical therapy and can help improve confidence for everyday activities while you’re recovering. It’s an excellent option for improving balance for those who work at a standing desk, too.
What you should consider: While it’s effective for balance exercises, it’s not ideal for high-impact workouts.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top balance pad for the money
What you need to know: Recommended by physical therapists, this versatile balance pad is effective for both rehabilitation and everyday use.
What you’ll love: It features even padding throughout that’s ideal for people recovering from knee issues. It also comes in handy for regular workouts and can be used during everyday activities like watching TV. It not only improves balance but flexibility, too.
What you should consider: It can feel somewhat stiff compared to other foam pads.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This affordably priced balance pad is effective for improving balance even for beginners.
What you’ll love: The pad features an anti-skid surface to make it easier to maintain your balance. The price is an excellent value, considering how effective it is for building balance and strength. It’s an ideal option for seniors.
What you should consider: The simple design isn’t suited for more complicated rehabilitation exercises.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which putting mat is best?
The putt is one of the trickiest and most important strokes in the entire game of golf. Sure, you need to be able to get your golf ball to the green itself, but that usually boils down to hitting it very hard and as straight or hooked as needed and through the air to boot. A putt has to take into account the shape of the ground, the water concentration of the grass and any other number of complicating factors.
The best putting mat to practice your short game so it’s ready for the big leagues is the Shaun Webb Golf Putting Green. Not only is it more affordable than many top-of-the-line putting mats, but it also has plenty of space to practice longer putts and has multiple holes for honing your precision.
What to know before you buy a putting mat
Coverage size
The most important aspect to consider before purchasing a putting mat is where exactly you plan on placing it. If you have a limited amount of space, you should purchase a smaller putting mat so it actually fits. You should also consider where you want to store it and how it folds away when not in use.
Mat markings
Mat markings are especially helpful for those learning the basic arts of the putting stroke and for those who generally have a rough short game. There are markings that provide a clear line to the hole or perhaps grid lines for assisting in spatial reasoning. If you prefer not to have any markings at all, there are plenty of putting mats without markings as well.
What to look for in a quality putting mat
Ball speed
Some putting mats have something called a stimp rating, which is a measurement of how fast a golf ball will roll on the surface of the mat. Real golf courses have stimp ratings for their various greens, so if you’re trying to improve your short game for a specific course, you can match up your putting mat to your local course’s greens.
Varying breaks
If you have an excellent short game on perfectly straight greens but struggle once uneven surfaces rear their ugly heads, you can purchase a putting mat with uphill and/or downhill breaks to get a feel for those course conditions.
Multiple holes
If you’re someone who detests doing the same things over and over again with no variation, you can purchase a putting mat with multiple holes to break up the repetition and give yourself some extra challenges.
Ball return
Some putting mats have methods of returning your ball to you to expedite setting up for your next stroke. Most will only kick the ball back to you if you get it in the hole, so practice, practice, practice!
Portability
If you want to take a putting mat with you to the office or on vacation, you’ll need one that’s easy to roll up. Seek out a high-quality mat so that repeated rolling won’t damage any part of its construction.
How much you can expect to spend on a putting mat
While you can find inexpensive putting mats for less than $30, you’ll probably want to spend at least $80 to ensure a quality and long-lasting putting mat. There are even putting mats that can reach upwards of $250. For a more detailed breakdown of putting mat price and quality ranges, you can visit the putting mat buying guide from BestReviews.
Putting mat FAQ
How do putting mats compare to the actual conditions of a real grass green on a course?
A. That depends on the putting mat, but most manufacturers try to get as close to real-world course conditions as they can. You won’t be able to practice things like a green logged with water and dew, but you can rest assured that your putting mat practice will be valid when used on a real grass green.
Can you use a putting mat anywhere you want?
A. Some putting mats are designed to be used indoors and outside, but you’ll find just as many that should only be used inside. Pro tip: place your putting mats on flat, firm flooring like tile and concrete; surfaces like plush carpeting can create an inconsistent put.
What’s the best putting mat to buy?
Top putting mat
What you need to know: There are plenty of different practicing options with this top pick putting mat.
What you’ll love: This putting mat is more affordable than many other mats.
What you should consider: The foam can tear in enough time and there’s a bump on the incline that can be difficult to get rid of.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top putting mat for the money
What you need to know: There’s no need to walk back and forth with this mat; you can place holes at each end.
What you’ll love: This 11-foot-long mat allows you to practice plenty of different putting techniques.
What you should consider: This mat tends to wear down faster than most would like.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
MESIXI Indoor/Outdoor Putting Mat
What you need to know: The balls come straight back to you with an automatic return so you can focus on your putting game.
What you’ll love: This mat comes with three bonus balls, so you don’t have to invest in extras.
What you should consider: The holes of this putting mat are smaller than standard, which can be better for developing aim but can be frustrating.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:13:43
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Which gardening cart is best?
Gardeners are always busy planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching and trimming. They need to haul tools and supplies out to the garden from the garage or shed and back again when they’re done. All those activities call for a garden cart that’s sturdy, rolls easily and holds the materials you work with regularly.
If you’re a serious garden enthusiast who needs a rough, tough metal cart that can carry 1,000 pounds, you’re going to like the Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart.
What to know before you buy a gardening cart
Wheels and tires
- Two wheels are good for getting in and out of smaller spaces and are usually found on smaller gardening carts.
- Four wheels are found on gardening carts that carry larger items and heavier weights than two-wheel carts. Four wheels are the most stable by far, not only for transporting things, but when you’re loading and unloading your cart, too.
- Plastic wheels are the cheapest material and effective only with small gardening carts and small loads. They do okay in dirt and grass but get chewed up quickly when used on paved surfaces.
- Pneumatic tires with treads give you the best grip and provide support to gardening carts that carry the biggest and heaviest loads. The downside is they need to be aired up from time to time and repaired or replaced when a tire is punctured or otherwise damaged.
Shape
Some garden carts are shaped like boxes with vertical walls. The walls may be made of wood, metal or plastic. Cart walls may be solid, made of open slats or metal mesh. Some walls are permanent and others are removable to convert the cart to a flatbed. Other carts are shaped like wheelbarrows, with shallow tubs made of a single piece of plastic or steel.
Material
Heavy-duty gardening carts should be made of strong materials like steel, which needs to be protected against rust and corrosion. Light-duty gardening carts are usually made of plastic to save money and weight. Lighter and less sturdy carts can fail if overloaded.
Size
If you have a small garden that you weed regularly, a small cart may be your solution. If you need to move lots of heavy things, you need a big, strong gardening cart. If you have limited storage space, buy a garden cart with a handle that folds down.
What to look for in a quality gardening cart
Assembly
Whatever material you choose, make sure of the quality of the materials and the precision of the assembly. Look for snug-fitting corners, tight seams and bright alloy nuts and bolts.
Body
Open mesh sides are great for carrying leaves, weeds and firewood but lousy for moving dirt. Rectangles carry more than tubs and have the added benefit of removable sides.
How much you can expect to spend on a gardening cart
Simple, light-duty plastic carts with two wheels for small gardens cost around $40. Larger four-wheeled carts cost $60-$100. Heavy-duty gardening carts that can carry 1,000 pounds cost from $150 to more than $300.
Gardening cart FAQ
How do I take care of my gardening cart?
A. Whether your cart is made of metal, plastic or wood, all you need to do is rinse it off and let it dry outside before putting it away. Check and lubricate wheel bearings as directed by the manufacturer. Check your tires regularly to see they stay properly inflated.
Is it better to buy a gardening cart that’s too big or too small?
A. If you go with a bigger one, it’ll be less likely to tip over. Another good reason to get a big cart is that you have to make fewer trips from where you keep your gardening tools and materials out to your garden and back again.
What’s the best gardening cart to buy?
Top gardening cart
Gorilla Carts Heavy Duty Steel Utility Cart
What you need to know: This is the all-around best option for gardening enthusiasts.
What you’ll love: This 56-inch long gardening cart is built for the serious gardener. It rides on 13-inch tires, is made of high-grade alloy steel and has a 1,000-pound capacity. The steel mesh sides can be removed to convert this 7 cubic foot gardening cart into a flatbed trailer.
What you should consider: If you use this cart for heavy loads, make sure you keep the tires properly inflated.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top gardening cart for the money
Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart
What you need to know: Unloading is made quick and easy with this gardening cart’s patented quick-release dump feature.
What you’ll love: The frame is made of steel and the cart bed is made of tough and durable poly plastic. The padded handle and 10-inch pneumatic tires make it easy to pull 600 pounds of anything you can load it with, even over heavy terrain. The 40 x 25-inch bed carries things like dirt, mulch, rocks and more.
What you should consider: Some people say assembly is more of a challenge than it should be.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Suncast 15.5-Gallon Multipurpose Cart with Wheels
What you need to know: This weather-resistant cart handles smaller loads with ease.
What you’ll love: Not everyone needs to move lots of rocks and dirt; some gardeners want to move plants, mulch, weeds and so on. They like how this 11-pound cart is easy to maneuver and the handle telescopes into itself for storing in tight places. Users take this cart beyond the garden, using it to tote laundry and groceries.
What you should consider: This two-wheeled cart is prone to tipping over when overloaded or top-heavy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which aerator shoes are best for fall lawn care?
If you’ve been properly watering, weeding and fertilizing your lawn yet it still doesn’t look bright green and healthy, it may be because your soil isn’t properly aerated. Hard, compacted soil doesn’t allow the water and fertilizer to get down to the roots where it is needed.
There are many ways to aerate your lawn and break up thatch, but if you have a small property, aerator shoes are one of the best. When choosing aerator shoes, it is important to look for a pair with a sturdy strap system like the one featured in Leweio Lawn Aerator Shoes. This helps ensure they stay securely in place throughout the entire job.
What to know before you buy aerator shoes
Why lawns need aeration
Anyone who has ever tried to maintain a lawn knows that keeping it green and healthy is no simple task. It needs proper watering and adequate fertilizer, but just a bit too much or too little of either can result in grass that doesn’t grow well or dies off.
Over time, the soil gets compacted from people walking on it, heavy rains and various other reasons. Additionally, thatch from mowing and other sources can build up on top of the soil. Together, these two factors can result in a nearly impenetrable layer that stops water, oxygen and fertilizer from getting down to the roots of your grass. Periodically aerating your lawn breaks up this impenetrable layer so your grass can get the nutrients, oxygen and water it needs.
When and how often to aerate your lawn
Most experts recommend aerating your lawn at least once a year. That said, some lawns need more frequent aeration, while others can go for two or three years before requiring it. Some signs that your lawn may need aeration include a spongy feeling when you press on the grass, water pooling up after rains rather than quickly draining away and dying patches of grass that won’t grow even with regular watering.
You can aerate your lawn at any time without harming it, but you’ll get the most benefit from doing it during the peak growing season. This is early spring or fall for cool-season grasses and late spring or early summer for hot-season grasses.
What to look for in quality aerator shoes
Aerator shoe straps
One of the most important aspects of aerator shoes are the straps. If the straps aren’t sturdy or tend to loosen up as you work, they will allow the shoes to slip, which can potentially be dangerous. The wider and thicker the straps or the more there are, the better they will secure the shoes in place on your feet.
Aerator shoe buckles vs. velcro
Straps on aerator shoes are generally tightened in place through the use of buckles or Velcro. The latter is easier to don and remove quickly. It also tends to have better holding power. However, buckles can sometimes loosen up as you work, so you may want to avoid them.
How to keep lawn aerator shoes from slipping off
As an additional safeguard against your foot slipping around as you walk, some aerator shoes have a textured footbed which adds some traction.
Aerator spike reinforcement
On many aerator shoes, the spikes are secured to the plastic footbed. While this is often sufficient, it can lead to the shoes cracking with use. Higher-end models incorporate some kind of reinforcement, such as a metal plate, to reduce the chances of this happening.
How to assemble aerator shoes
While not complicated, assembling aerator shoes can be time-consuming because you have to individually secure each screw in place, and there are usually between 24-26 of them between the two shoes. If you don’t want to deal with this, look for a pair that comes pre-assembled.
How much you can expect to spend on aerator shoes
The majority of aerator shoes cost between $15-$35. However, most people may want to avoid models that cost less than $20, as they are often made with low-quality materials.
Aerator shoes FAQ
Do aerator shoes work?
A. Aerator shoes’ spikes are solid and push the soil to the side and downward when used, thus compacting the soil even more. You simply strap them to your feet and walk around your yard. You can even do it while mowing, allowing you to get two jobs done simultaneously.
Do aerator shoes actually work?
A. There is no doubt that aerator shoes work to aerate your lawn, but whether or not they are a suitable choice for your needs is another question. If you have a small property, they are an effective way to loosen your soil and can even be used when you mow to save yourself some time. However, if you have a large property, you will be better off with a push or tow-behind aerator. You can learn more about the different types of lawn aerators on the BestReviews buying guide.
Do aerator shoes come in different sizes?
A. No, they don’t. Pretty much all aerator shoes have a one-size-fits-all design.
What are the best aerator shoes to buy?
Top aerator shoes
What you need to know: With a sturdy platform and thick straps, these aerator shoes should be the go-to choice for those who find other models feel a bit too flimsy.
What you’ll love: Thanks to a combination of laces and Velcro, they are easy to don quickly and stay securely in place. Plus, they conveniently come fully assembled, so you won’t have to waste any time screwing down a bunch of nuts.
What you should consider: The spikes can bend if you hit large rocks in the soil.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top aerator shoes for the money
What you need to know: The Ergomind Aerator shoes stand apart from the rest thanks to an integrated heel support system that helps ensure they stay firmly in place as your stomp all over your yard.
What you’ll love: The spikes are embedded into a steel plate, so you don’t have to worry about plastic breaking if you hit something hard at an odd angle with them. Also, the sturdy metal buckles do an effective job at preventing the straps from loosening as you work.
What you should consider: They only come with two spare spikes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: These basic lawn aerator shoes get the job done but are less durable than more costly models.
What you’ll love: The simple strap system makes them easy to don and doff without much fumbling around, and the textured footbeds offer a bit of traction, so they don’t shift around as you walk.
What you should consider: The spikes can loosen during use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:13:57
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Which activity cubes are best?
If you are looking for a fun way to develop your child’s cognitive and motor skills, activity cubes are the way to go. They can help improve everything from hand-eye coordination to reading and problem-solving skills. Best of all, they keep kids entertained while doing so.
There are plenty of things to consider when choosing an activity cube for your child, such as the build materials and theme, but the most important is how well it fits their developmental age. If you want a cube that can grow with your child from the time they are a baby through to their toddler years, opt for a model with plenty of activities of varying skill levels, such as the Hape Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube.
What to know before you buy an activity cube
Developmental stage
Activity cubes can provide countless hours of entertainment and learning for a child, but only if you get one that fits their skill levels. Most activity cubes list the intended age range, but you’ll also need to consider an individual child’s developmental stage when choosing a model. Ideally, the activities should reinforce and build on things they already know or things you are just beginning to teach them.
For example, if your child understands a few letters, consider buying an activity cube that has the entire alphabet or perhaps a few basic words they can practice spelling out. Very young toddlers tend to do best with activity cubes that provide a lot of tactile sensations because they can enjoy these long before they begin to recognize shapes or letters.
In addition to cognitive skills, consider motor skills. An activity cube should be challenging for a child but not so difficult they become frustrated when trying to use it.
Theme
Along with your child’s developmental stage, consider their interests. Activity cubes are available in a variety of themes, ranging from sports to animals and storybook fantasies. Choosing a model that incorporates pictures, shapes and characters they like should make it more engaging for them. Some models also mix themes, which are great for children who don’t yet have specific likes and dislikes.
Safety
While you might assume any toy marketed for children is safe, this is not always the case. This means the responsibility ultimately falls on parents and other caretakers to ensure they aren’t giving children a toy that could be dangerous. When looking at activity cubes, consider the size of the pieces and if any can be detached or broken off by a determined child. Check that it doesn’t have sharp edges or corners.
Materials
Activity cubes are made from a variety of materials. Wood is the most eco-friendly option but plastic models often are cheaper and more likely to have sounds or music. There also are plushie activity cubes for babies.
What to look for in a quality activity cube
Number and type of activities
Some activity cubes only have a few activities while others might have 15 or more. The greater the number of activities and the more variety, the more time a child will spend playing with it. The most common activities are bead mazes, matching mazes, abacus sliders, shape sorters and spinning gears.
Sounds
Activity cubes with sounds can be more engaging, especially for young children. Some feature pianos, xylophones or other instruments. There also are models that play recordings at the touch of a button, such as counting, animal sounds or nursery rhymes.
Lights
Lights also can make activity cubes more interesting. These often come with models intended for babies between 1-2 years old.
How much you can expect to spend on an activity cube
Small plushies for babies tend to cost between $10-$20. Plastic models range from $10-$50, and wood activity cubes cost between $20-$125.
Activity cube FAQ
How do you clean an activity cube?
A. Activity cubes can be difficult to clean because of the number of nooks and crannies. Start by wiping down the exterior with a solution made from warm water and standard dish soap. Wipe it down one more time with a damp cloth to remove as much of the soap as possible. If you have a place to do it, you can leave it outside in the sun for an hour or two to help kill off germs and bacteria you may have missed when wiping it down.
Is it OK for a child to climb on an activity cube?
A. No. Never allow children to climb or pull too hard on an activity cube. Either of these actions can lead to the activity cube falling on the child and potentially causing injury. To ensure safety, always supervise your child when they’re using their activity cube.
What’s the best activity cube to buy?
Top activity cube
Hape Country Critters Wooden Activity Play Cube
What you need to know: With a country theme, vibrant colors and plenty of activities, this activity cube should keep most children between the ages of 12 months and 6 years entertained for hours.
What you’ll love: It is made from wood sourced from sustainable forests and finished with nontoxic, water-based paint. The durable construction allows it to withstand plenty of use.
What you should consider: You could easily lose some pieces.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Top activity cube for the money
Top Bright Toddler and Baby Activity Cube Toy
What you need to know: This model combines an elephant shape with engaging activities.
What you’ll love: You can remove the bead maze and use it separately, making it a great choice for multi-child households.
What you should consider: It is too small for some babies in the recommended age range.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Worth checking out
Play22 Activity Cube With Bead Maze
What you need to know: This affordably-priced toy keeps children engaged while allowing parents to keep to their budget.
What you’ll love: Most children are drawn to its bright primary colors, and its lack of any notable theme makes it suitable for all children, no matter their interests.
What you should consider: It’s very lightweight and some children may accidentally push it around while playing with it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:14:05
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Which adjustable dumbbell is best?
If you like to work out at home, you need dumbbells — and not just one or two of them, either. You need anywhere from 12-30 dumbbells if you want to work on every part of your body with the right amount of weight. Of course, most people simply don’t have room in their home to store this number of dumbbells. Instead, they try to make do with just a couple of pairs, which isn’t an ideal solution. That’s when adjustable dumbbells can help.
Models such as the Bowflex SelectTech ST552 come as a set of two but take the place of 30 traditional dumbbells. These particular dumbbells have a weight range of 5-52.5 pounds and adjust in 2.5-pound increments, making them ideal for casual and serious lifters alike.
What to know before you buy an adjustable dumbbell
Benefits of an adjustable dumbbell
The largest benefit of adjustable dumbbells is their space-saving design. If you’ve stepped foot in a gym before, you’ve probably noticed a row of dumbbells running the entire length of a wall. While that may be fine for a commercial gym, most people don’t have this kind of space in their home. Instead, you can opt for an adjustable dumbbell to take the place of anywhere from 4-15 traditional dumbbells.
Another benefit of adjustable dumbbells is their portability. If you like to work out at the park or another outdoor location, you only have to toss two dumbbells in your trunk and you’ll have a full set of weights to use.
Although adjustable dumbbells may seem expensive, they usually are more affordable than buying a full set of traditional dumbbells.
Size
Adjustable dumbbells may feel a bit awkward at first because of their unusual size and shape. You may not notice this when using the dumbbell at its maximum weight, but it becomes more apparent when using it at the lower weight settings. This is because the overall length of the dumbbell isn’t reduced as you drop the weight. The dumbbell will feel nearly as large when you use it at 10 pounds as it does when you use it at 50 pounds.
Durability
Adjustable dumbbells are great for traditional workout routines but aren’t ideal for any kind of activity where you are tossing around the weight. Due to the integrated weight adjustment mechanism, they are less durable than traditional dumbbells, which don’t have any moving parts.
What to look for in a quality adjustable dumbbell
Weight range
Every adjustable dumbbell has a minimum and maximum weight. The greater the weight range, the more exercises you can do, and the more users for which a particular pair will be suitable. Beginners need lower weights and serious lifters need heavier dumbbells. If you have several people with varying fitness levels at home, an adjustable dumbbell with a wide weight range will be equally suitable for all of them.
Increments
Along with the weight range, the increments a dumbbell adjusts are important. The most common increments are 2.5 and 5 pounds, but there are options that adjust in as little as 1-pound increments. The smaller the increments, the better. This allows you to only slightly increase the weight rather than making a big jump that may make an exercise too difficult.
Grip
An adjustable dumbbell’s grip determines how secure a hold you have on it as well as how comfortable it is for your hand. Any dumbbell you choose should have some kind of traction-increasing texture that reduces the chances of it slipping out of your hand. If you wear gloves when working out, dumbbells with a knurled metal grip are fine. However, if you normally work out without gloves, opt for a dumbbell with a soft grip.
Storage tray
Most adjustable dumbbells come with a storage tray where the unused weight plates sit while you work out. Put the dumbbells back into these trays when you want to adjust to higher or lower weights.
How much you can expect to spend on an adjustable dumbbell
Adjustable dumbbells can cost from $25-$250 for a single dumbbell. The weight range and ease and reliability of the adjustment mechanism are the two biggest determining factors in the price.
Adjustable dumbbell FAQ
Do you need two dumbbells?
A. While you could certainly put together a workout routine that only requires a single dumbbell, most people will be best served by buying a pair. Having just one dumbbell can make it more difficult to keep your body correctly balanced when performing certain exercises.
Do adjustable dumbbells require any maintenance?
A. As with traditional dumbbells, adjustable dumbbells require essentially no maintenance other than periodically cleaning them off with a damp cloth or sanitizing them with a disinfectant.
What is the best adjustable dumbbell to buy?
Top adjustable dumbbell
Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell ST552
What you need to know: From one of the most reputable brands in home fitness equipment, the SelectTech ST552 can see you through years of constant workouts without you having to worry about their mechanism failing.
What you’ll love: They transition between plates smoothly, adjust in low 2.5-pound increments and have a dial system that is easy to use with gloves on.
What you should consider: Their high price tag can put them out of reach for many consumers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Top adjustable dumbbell for the money
What you need to know: This reasonably-priced option is available as a single dumbbell and has a low weight range, which makes it a good choice for beginners.
What you’ll love: A simple push-pull design allows you to quickly switch between weights, and it features a comfortable, soft and textured grip you won’t mind holding onto without gloves.
What you should consider: It only replaces four standard dumbbells.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Worth checking out
Merax Deluxe 71.5 Pounds Adjustable Dial Dumbbells
What you need to know: This pair is best for serious lifters looking for high-weight adjustable dumbbells.
What you’ll love: Despite having a maximum weight of 71.5 pounds per dumbbell, you can adjust the weight to just 11 pounds.
What you should consider: The measurements are denoted in kilograms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which budget travel accessories are best?
Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to keep costs down when exploring the world. Using travel accessories that are multipurpose and cost-effective is a great way to save money. When purchasing a budget travel product, consider how it was made and if it can be of optimal use at your destination. It’s also important to consider where you will be going, how you will be getting there and what the weather will be like, among many other factors.
If you are looking for a cheap yet high-quality travel accessory that can be used multiple times, the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Pillow is the top choice.
What to know before you buy budget travel accessories
Destination
When searching for the best budget travel accessories, consider where you will be traveling. If you’re traveling to a place that’s higher in elevation, consider purchasing products that will help you ease into the change in altitude. If you’re traveling internationally, there’s a chance that your destination will use different products. For example, each country has a different style of adaptor. This is something to consider as a product that you plan to use may not be of common use in another country and will not function properly. Researching a country’s specific customs before traveling will help you purchase travel accessories accordingly.
Transportation
When choosing a good budget travel accessory, consider how you’ll be getting around when traveling. Whether you’re walking to a campsite, taking a road trip or flying to your destination, it’s important for the travel accessory that you chose to be compact and lightweight for convenience. If you’re traveling by car, especially with multiple people, it’s important to consider compact packing. If there are many people, accessories that help you keep items private and organized will be key in helping the trip go smoothly. If you plan to travel by airplane, consider the ounces restriction and weight restriction for carry-ons for efficient, stress-free traveling.
Season
When choosing a budget travel accessory, consider the season you will be traveling. If you’re traveling in colder seasons and plan to be outside a lot during your trip, choose products that will keep you warm, such as thermal blankets and heavy-duty insulated luggage and other gear. If you plan to travel in the summer months, keep all of your travel accessories lightweight and purchase accordingly.
Some products are specific to the season. For example, if you’re traveling in the summer and plan to be in a place without air conditioning, consider a portable fan. If you’re traveling in the winter, consider bringing hand warmers as a useful travel accessory. It is important to always be prepared for the weather when purchasing a budget travel accessory.
What to look for in quality budget travel accessories
Compact
When choosing a budget travel accessory, make sure it’s compact enough for the type of travel that you’ll be doing. A good travel accessory won’t take up unnecessary space and will fit conveniently into whatever you’re using to store your things. If you’re camping or taking a road trip, there are no restrictions on size. However, if you are flying, there will be restrictions on the number of carry-ons that you can bring with you before a fee is added. If your travel accessory is compact, fitting everything you need into the minimum amount of bags won’t be an issue. Regardless of transportation, you’ll want a product that utilizes space effectively.
Organization
Travel accessories are meant to bring ease to your packing process and convenience to your traveling experience. One of the most important aspects of traveling is keeping everything organized so it can be unloaded easily, and you can be off on your adventures. Consider opting for budget travel accessories that provide more organization to the packing process. Whether this be luggage with different compartments or packing cubes, make sure the product is lightweight and helps with compacting your items into one space.
Multipurpose
A good travel accessory will be able to be used for multiple things. For example, purchasing a universal adapter can be used for trips to various countries. A cube organizer set for luggage can be used to keep dirty laundry apart from clean laundry, as well as organize the clothes in your bag. You can use a travel pillow at the place you are staying as well as on the trip during a bumpy bus ride to protect other parts of your body. Products like these can provide multiple uses, will save space and time in the long run and can be used for more than one trip.
For useful information on a multipurpose travel item, take a look at the full travel pillow buying guide from BestReviews.
How much you can expect to spend on budget travel accessories
A budget travel accessory will cost anywhere from $5-$40, depending on the style of product and its function. Smaller products will be between $5-$20, while larger products will cost anywhere between $20-$40.
Budget travel accessories FAQ
What is the most sustainable way to purchase travel accessories?
A. Shopping for used travel accessories secondhand is the most sustainable way to source items for travel. Thrifting needed products can save you money as well as save the environment. Some products, such as pillows, you may not want to purchased secondhand due to cleanliness.
What is the most efficient way to keep track of all needed accessories?
A. The best way to keep track of all needed accessories is to make a physical list. Write down what you will need to bring and search online for pre-made checklists for people who have traveled to the same destination. For efficiency, you can create a spreadsheet and share it with those you’re traveling with to make sure no one forgets an item and the trip goes smoothly.
What are the best budget travel accessories to buy?
Top budget travel accessory
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Pillow
What you need to know: This product is versatile and can be used to get to your destination and when you arrive at your destination.
What you’ll love: This product is compact, lightweight and portable, and it easily compresses down into a waterproof sack. It is machine washable and made with memory foam for added comfort and firm neck support.
What you should consider: The pillow looks larger than it is in images and may be too small for some.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Top budget travel accessory for the money
Worldwide All-In-One Universal Travel Adapter
What you need to know: This adaptor features four universal plugs and covers more than 150 countries.
What you’ll love: This product features built in safety shutter and an LED power indicator. It has dual USB ports for convenient charging of most electronics.
What you should consider: The Euro-tip on this product is easily breakable, so be careful when packing. It cannot be used in South Africa, India, Sweden or Italy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
Worth checking out
Amazon Basics Small Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set
What you need to know: This organizer cube set includes four gray travel cubes with handles for easy carrying and mesh tops for breathability.
What you’ll love: The mesh is soft enough to keep fabrics from being damaged, and the product is machine washable for convenience. It features interior seams for increased durability and a double zipper for easy open and close.
What you should consider: The fabric can be stiff and too bulky to conveniently fit into some suitcases.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon.
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Logan DeLoye writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-10T13:14:21
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ANAHEIM, Ca. (KTLA) — Service animals go through several 1,000 hours of training before getting certified. On Saturday morning, dozens of service dogs took their training to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Multiple organizations that train service dogs took the pups to Disneyland for a special training session.
The future service dogs got to ride on a bus to the park, some of them went to Downtown Disney, and others just took public transportation because it was a new experience for many of them.
Guide Dogs America was one of the organizations bringing the dogs to Disneyland. The goal was to help the future service dogs gain experience with public transportation and make sure the dogs are comfortable among crowds and the public.
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https://fox59.com/news/service-dogs-in-training-take-trip-to-disneyland/
| 2022-04-10T13:14:47
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Fishermen rescue teens who were swept out to sea
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (KSBW) - Two 16-year-olds are safe after a terrifying ordeal off the coast of California when they got swept up by a riptide while swimming in the ocean.
It was three fishermen returning to Moss Landing, Calif., after a day of salmon fishing who very well may have saved the young swimmers from drowning.
“Thank God we were there because there was nobody behind us and there were no boats coming out. It would’ve taken them at least half an hour to get there and in that water, you can’t last 10 minutes,” boat captain Mike Arujo said.
Lifeguards say the teens were swept out by a rip current and in the water for nearly 30 minutes.
The water temperature was 53 degrees and hypothermia was setting in when they were rescued.
“I grabbed the first girl and helped her up. She was so cold... and she just collapsed on the deck,” Arujo said.
The fishermen say they may have never come across the girls had they not decided to stay in the water longer to catch a sixth salmon and limit out.
THey finally caught the big fish and came across those girls at just the right time.
“It was a close call for those girls, and they didn’t have a whole lot longer. I mean neither one of them could stand up when they got on the boat, and the one young lady said she couldn’t feel her legs,” fisherman Bill Weilbacher said. “They didn’t have a lot of time left so everything worked out as well as it possibly could have and the stars were really aligned for them.”
The girls were checked by paramedics at the harbor and released to their parents.
Copyright 2022 KSBW via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/10/fishermen-rescue-teens-who-were-swept-out-sea/
| 2022-04-10T13:17:22
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EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Truckers and their employers are expressing frustration at a sudden spike in wait times to get their cargo from Mexico to destinations in the United States.
They blame the delays on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructing Department of Public Safety personnel to inspect trucks coming over from Mexico in addition to checks U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts at ports of entry. The governor issued the directive to stem human smuggling activity that he says the federal government isn’t paying due attention to. Separately, DPS said it’s trying to ensure the vehicles comply with safety standards.
“Border security is an important element of this region, but so is the trade that keeps millions of Texans employed,” the Texas International Produce Association told Abbott in a letter Friday.
The group said commercial trucks at border crossings in Pharr, Texas, were lined up for miles on Thursday, waiting to cross their cargo from Mexico into the United States. “This is destroying our business and the reputation of Texas,” the produce association told Abbott. “TIPA urges your office to modify this action.”
In El Paso, some truckers told Border Report they waited several hours on Friday to bring manufactured parts and goods from factories across the border.
“We spent nine hours to cross the export lane. We’re talking from Juarez to El Paso. It affects us because we are wasting too much time. We get paid by the trip, so this is no good for us,” said Miguel Rubio, a trucker from Juarez.
The Juarez Maquiladora Association, also known as INDEX, on Friday urged its members to send their trucks to the United States through the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, port of entry. New Mexico is not conducting additional inspections, but few trucks were seen coming over from Mexico on Saturday.
Likewise, traffic flowed smoothly at the Ysleta-Zaragoza commercial border crossing on Saturday afternoon. There was no sign of a state checkpoint or additional inspections as the trucks headed toward Interstate 10. Still, the line of trucks on the Mexican side stretched for more than a mile due to the previous night’s overflow.
Truckers and the international trade community are leery of the inspections ramping up again on Monday.
“We don’t know when this will end. Apparently, it’s going to continue next week,” trucker Rubio said. “We have to adjust to their protocols. There’s nothing we can do because we have to obey their laws.”
In an email to Border Report, DPS officials declined to answer a set of detailed questions regarding the truck inspections.
“DPS is committed to enforcing compliance with safety standards and one of our primary functions is to ensure Texas roadways are safe for all Texans and visitors to our great state,” the email said. “For security reasons, the department does not discuss operational specifics.”
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https://www.wane.com/border-report-tour/texas-truck-checks-stymie-border-commerce-merchants-say/
| 2022-04-10T13:22:16
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(Reuters) – Police in Spain have seized one of the largest discoveries of taxidermy animals in Europe as they investigate potential smuggling, after a giant warehouse in Valencia was found to contain stuffed animals including rhinos, polar bears and elephants.
The Guardia Civil discovered over 1,000 specimens in a 50,000 square meter (538,000 square foot) industrial warehouse in Betera, Valencia on Wednesday, it said in a statement on Sunday.
The haul of stuffed animals included over 400 protected species, including some that are extinct, such as the scimitar oryx, or severely threatened, such as the Bengal tiger. Others included lions, leopards, cheetahs and lynx.
The warehouse owner is under investigation for smuggling and crimes against flora and fauna, police said. He has not been arrested.
Investigators estimate the stuffed animals are worth 29 million euros ($32 million).
The discovery was the culmination of an investigation by Valencia police’s Nature Protection Team, which began in November 2021 when agents became aware of a possible private collection in Betera.
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https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/watch-police-investigate-warehouse-with-over-1000-taxidermy-animals-in-spain/
| 2022-04-10T13:22:20
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https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/watch-police-investigate-warehouse-with-over-1000-taxidermy-animals-in-spain/
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HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – A Statewide Silver Alert for a Camby man has been canceled.
The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department was investigating the disappearance of 26-year-old Christopher Steadmon. The alert was issued Saturday afternoon and was canceled within a few hours.
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https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/silver-alert-issued-for-missing-hendricks-county-man/
| 2022-04-10T13:22:20
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https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/silver-alert-issued-for-missing-hendricks-county-man/
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Civilian evacuations moved forward in patches of battle-scarred eastern Ukraine on Saturday, a day after a missile strike killed at least 52 people and wounded more than 100 at a train station where thousands clamored to leave before an expected Russian onslaught.
In the wake of the attack in Kramatorsk, several European leaders made efforts to show solidarity with Ukraine, with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visiting Kyiv — the capital city that Russia failed to capture and where troops retreated days ago. Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a surprise visit in which he pledged new military assistance, including 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems.
Zelenskyy noted the increased support in an Associated Press interview, but expressed frustration when asked if weapons and other equipment Ukraine has received from the West is sufficient to shift the war’s outcome.
“Not yet,” he said, switching to English for emphasis. “Of course it’s not enough.”
Zelenskyy later thanked Johnson and Nehammer during his nightly video address to the nation. He also thanked the European Commission president and the Canadian prime minister for a global fundraising event that raised more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) for Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes. He added that democratic countries are united in working to stop the war. “Because Russian aggression was not intended to be limited to Ukraine alone. … The entire European project is a target for Russia.”
Zelenskyy repeated his call for a complete embargo on Russian oil and gas, which he called the sources of Moscow’s “self-confidence and impunity.”
More than six weeks after the invasion began, Russia has pulled its troops from the northern part of the country, around Kyiv, and refocused on the Donbas region in the east. Western military analysts said an arc of territory in eastern Ukraine was under Russian control, from Kharkiv — Ukraine’s second-largest city — in the north to Kherson in the south. But counterattacks are threatening Russian control of Kherson, according to the Western assessments, and Ukrainian forces are repelling Russian assaults elsewhere in the Donbas.
Ukrainian authorities have called on civilians to get out ahead of an imminent, stepped-up offensive by Russian forces in the east. With trains not running out of Kramatorsk on Saturday, panicked residents boarded buses or looked for other ways to leave, fearing the kind of unrelenting assaults and occupations by Russian invaders that brought food shortages, demolished buildings and death to other cities.
“It was terrifying. The horror, the horror,” one resident told British broadcaster Sky, recalling Friday’s attack on the train station. “Heaven forbid, to live through this again. No, I don’t want to.”
Ukraine’s state railway company said residents of Kramatorsk and other parts of the Donbas could flee through other train stations. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 10 evacuation corridors were planned for Saturday.
Zelenskyy called the train station attack the latest example of war crimes by Russian forces and said it should motivate the West to do more to help his country defend itself.
Russia denied responsibility and accused Ukraine’s military of firing on the station to turn blame for civilian casualties on Moscow. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman detailed the missile’s trajectory and Ukrainian troop positions to bolster the argument.
Major Gen. Igor Konashenkov alleged Ukraine’s security services were preparing a “cynical staged” media operation in Irpin, another town near Kyiv, intended to attribute civilian casualties to Russian forces — falsely, he said — and to stage the slaying of a fake Russian intelligence team that intended to kill witnesses. The claims could not be independently verified.
Western experts and Ukrainian authorities insisted that Russia attacked the station. Remnants of the rocket had the words “For the children” in Russian painted on it. The phrasing seemed to suggest the missile was sent to avenge the loss or subjugation of children, although its exact meaning remained unclear.
Ukrainian authorities have worked to identify victims and document possible war crimes in the country’s north. The mayor of Bucha, a town near Kyiv where graphic evidence of civilian slayings emerged after Russian forces withdrew, said search teams were still finding bodies of people shot at close range in yards, parks and city squares.
Workers unearthed 67 bodies Friday from a mass grave near a church, according to Ukraine’s prosecutor general. Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged.
Ukrainian and Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian forces of committing atrocities. A total of 176 children have been killed, while 324 more have been wounded, the Prosecutor General’s Office said Saturday.
Speaking to AP inside the heavily guarded presidential office complex in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he is committed to negotiating a diplomatic end to the war even though Russia has “tortured” Ukraine. He also acknowledged that peace likely will not come quickly. Talks so far have not included Russian President Vladimir Putin or other top officials.
“We have to fight, but fight for life. You can’t fight for dust when there is nothing and no people. That’s why it is important to stop this war,” he said.
Ukrainian authorities have said they expect to find more mass killings once they reach the southern port city of Mariupol, which is also in the Donbas and has been subjected to a monthlong blockade and intense fighting.
As journalists who had been largely absent from the city began to trickle back in, new images emerged of the devastation from an airstrike on a theater last month that reportedly killed hundreds of civilians seeking shelter.
Military analysts had predicted for weeks that Russia would succeed in taking Mariupol but said Ukrainian defenders were still putting up a fight. The city’s location on the Sea of Azov is critical to establishing a land bridge from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago.
Many civilians now trying to evacuate are accustomed to living in or near a war zone because Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014 in the Donbas, a mostly Russian-speaking, industrial region.
Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western powers almost daily to send more arms and further punish Moscow with sanctions, including the exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total EU embargo on Russian gas and oil.
Nehammer said during his visit to Kyiv that he expects more EU sanctions against Russia, but he defended his country’s opposition so far to cutting off deliveries of Russian gas.
A package of sanctions imposed this week “won’t be the last one,” the chancellor said, acknowledging that “as long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient.” Austria is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO.
Johnson’s visit came a day after the U.K. pledged an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high-grade military equipment to Ukraine.
Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain’s total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion.
___
Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Robert Burns in Washington, Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka in London and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
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| 2022-04-10T13:22:20
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Huntington native Zach Buhler dreamed of being a professional athlete. If there was a sport he could think of, he wanted to be involved.
“I played pretty much year-round, every sport I could get my hands on,” Buhler recalls.
Buhler’s love of sports – and his livelihood – was rocked after being diagnosed with a rare disability in his teens.
Zach started having issues with his vision. Doctors discovered Buhler had torn and detached retinas. A few years later he was diagnosed with with Stickler Syndrome – a genetic disorder that breaks down connective tissues in his body.
Buhler became blind at 12 years old.
The active, energetic child was limited in what he could do. Buhler struggled to adjust without his sight.
“Just being an athlete all my life,” Buhler said. “Just having that (vision) taken away was just a little different and really hard to get used to.”
With no vision, Buhler relied on his grandma, his uncle and his best friend, Spencer Ballinger, to adjust to his new reality.
Ballinger, who currently plays basketball at Huntington University, always challenged Buhler to play 1-on-1. Spencer treated Zach like any other player, never giving an inch.
“Zach’s a great guy, great competitor, and it’s always been fun to compete against him in everything we do, and make each other better,” Ballinger said.
The few times Buhler got the better of his friend meant that much more to him.
“It’d just be that much sweeter, and that gave me a drive to want to push harder and not let sight be a limitation,” Buhler said.
Buhler may have lost his vision, but he never lost his competitive spirit. The athlete often visited Turnstone, which is how he learned about goalball, a Paralympic sport designed for athletes with visual impairments.
It didn’t take long for Buhler to get hooked with the sport. What started as a hobby became his new passion.
“I fell in love with the grind,” Buhler said. “I fell in love with how competitive it can be, and just the new level that it can take you to.”
Buhler was determined to land a spot on the roster that would compete in the most recent summer Paralympics. Shortly after the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Buhler was driven to earn a spot in the next summer games. After years of work, Buhler was named to the 6-man roster.
The U.S. men’s goalball team finished in fourth place in Tokyo. Buhler also played a key role for Team USA in this winter’s Americas Championship in Brazil, scoring the third-most goals on the team (17) as the team earned a silver medal.
With just over two years until the next summer games in Paris, Buhler aims to help Team USA finish on the podium in the next Paralympics. The Huntington native also hopes his story inspires those who are living with physical disabilities or anyone that is enduring hardships.
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https://www.wane.com/sports/sunday-spotlight/sunday-spotlight-huntingtons-zach-buhler-climbing-new-heights-with-goalball/
| 2022-04-10T13:22:21
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https://www.wane.com/sports/sunday-spotlight/sunday-spotlight-huntingtons-zach-buhler-climbing-new-heights-with-goalball/
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DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK, (AP) — A 74-year-old woman died while snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is in the Gulf of Mexico west of Key West, Florida.
Monroe County Sheriff’s officials say Carol Murrell Maillet of Seattle, Washington, was snorkeling along the fort wall by the beach Thursday afternoon when family members heard her screaming.
Some nearby people helped bring her to the beach and began CPR. She was then airlifted to the Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island in the Florida Keys.
Officials say she was not on a guided snorkeling trip. The incident remains under investigation, but foul play is not believed to be a factor.
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https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/woman-dies-snorkeling-in-floridas-dry-tortugas/
| 2022-04-10T13:27:23
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Those looking for a hot ride to cruise around the Tampa Bay area for a bit, without the commitment, can check out an open-air roadster though 3-Wheel Rentals at the News Channel 8 Outdoors Expo and Boat Show this weekend.
The company offers “Slingshot” three-wheel vehicles to rent for a day, a weekend or even a week.
Gena Bobo is the owner of the company, which she explained is the only Polaris Adventures outfitter in the Tampa Bay area. She said they have a large inventory of Slingshots for renters to choose from, including automatic and manual models.
“We offer Slingshot rentals in the Tampa Bay community. You can take them out for a whole day. The rentals are 23 hours and we don’t charge mileage, insurance is paid for through the booking process, and rates starts at $199 to $299 for a day,” Bobo said.
While business can get a little slow during the rainy season here in Florida, Bobo said Tampa has been great and people have been wonderful to her business, which offers a unique perspective to the area.
“It’s such a unique way to experience Tampa Bay, to go to the beaches, to cruise around downtown, Ybor City, crossing the Skyway Bridge. I mean it’s such a unique way to experience Tampa Bay,” Bobo said.
A $500 security deposit must be provided at Slingshot pick-up with a major credit or debit card.
The News Channel 8 Outdoors Expo & Boat Show lasts through the weekend. A full list of events and seminars can be found online.
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https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/slingshots-offer-tampa-bay-cruising-no-commitment/
| 2022-04-10T13:27:29
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TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tarpon Springs Police Department arrested a man Thursday whom they said drove recklessly at almost double the speed limit.
Police said at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Haydon Bradley James Anderson, 19, was driving an estimated speed of 100 mph in a 55-mph zone.
He then ran the steady red light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and Martin Luther King Drive while turning left, officers said.
Anderson continued speeding on MLK before he was stopped at the intersection of Lemon Street and U.S. 19 Alternate, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit said that the vehicle Anderson was driving was impounded since its owner was not with him. During the vehicle inventory, police found a box with the name “Haydon” on it that contained 11.8 grams of marijuana and 9.2 grams of marijuana wax.
Anderson admitted that the marijuana belonged to him after he was read his rights, according to police.
He was booked on a count of reckless driving. a count of possession of marijuana, and a count of possession of marijuana wax.
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https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/tarpon-springs-man-drove-100-mph-in-a-55-mph-zone-police-say/
| 2022-04-10T13:27:35
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https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/tarpon-springs-man-drove-100-mph-in-a-55-mph-zone-police-say/
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The Jersey Shore BlueClaws are back, and so are their fans: Let’s play some baseball
With opening day now in the rearview mirror, baseball is poised to take over all across the Garden State. And with good reason, too.
New Jersey is home to some of the best minor league baseball teams, all of which are hoping for a great season in 2022. And with plenty of activities throughout the game, it's a perfect way to spend the day or evening with friends and family.
Something, even more, to look forward to is the return of more normalcy at the game. After two years of challenges, it's time to enjoy America's pastime the way it was meant to be once again.
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws are certainly pulling out all the stops, and their fans were there to help kickoff the action. Friday, April 8 was their home opening game, and what a great evening of baseball it was.
I was there with my wife and twin sons. Not only was I excited for them to experience their first true game, it was also great to see so many others also out to support their favorite local minor league team.
Here's a quick peek at how opening day looked at their Lakewood, NJ, stadium. The turnout was much larger than expected, but also such a great site to see for the first game of the season.
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https://nj1015.com/the-jersey-shore-blueclaws-are-back-and-so-are-their-fans-lets-play-some-baseball/
| 2022-04-10T13:34:28
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https://nj1015.com/the-jersey-shore-blueclaws-are-back-and-so-are-their-fans-lets-play-some-baseball/
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New rector at All Saints Episcopal likes emphasis on service to others
The metaphor is not her own, but the Rev. Lynn Orville shares it as a vision of what churches are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Lewis and Clark set out to find a route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean they had assumed they would be on the water, in canoes, for the entire journey.
Instead, they found themselves facing one mountain range after another as they left the Great Plains and moved westward into the Rockies.
"They were canoeing in the mountains," Orville said, "facing the unexpected, facing a journey they had not planned for and were not prepared for. In a way, that's where churches are today."
Orville, 62, became rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Gastonia late in 2021. She discussed her career and her vision for the church in her office on an early April afternoon while a terrific thunderstorm rolled and crackled outside.
A graduate of Bellevue University in Nebraska with a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a minor in women's studies, she later received her master's degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Now pursuing her doctorate at Duke Divinity School, Orville was ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1998.
Read more:Family Promise of Gaston County provides housing for displaced families
Also:Gaston Vision 2040 seeks comprehensive map toward the future
Most recently, she served as rector of St. Andrew's by the Sea in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and previously served as rector, priest, or consultant in churches in Nebraska, Minnesota, Maine, and Pennsylvania.
Although she did not grow up in the Episcopal Church, she was attracted to it because, "You can ask questions. The church allows people to question and to work out the answers for themselves. I simply know that God is much bigger than anything I can imagine."
Asked about the transition to leading a church in the South for the first time, Orville said she has found All Saints to be "a community of love for God. I'm intrigued by the belief in service I've found here and by the needs of this community."
Of her own service as rector, she said, "I want to be faithful. And, I want people to know that God is all about joy. I don't think God wants us to be morose and focused only on the negative."
Orville added that is looking forward to working cooperatively with St. Mark's Episcopal, noting that her church has a garden ministry while St. Mark's has a feeding ministry.
As to life in the post-COVID church, Orville said, "Normal is our history. Not our future. We have to learn how to minister in a variety of new ways and we have to give people new reasons for wanting to be in church."
Orville and her husband Doug have been married for 43 years and have an adult daughter who is married and lives in Germany.
She enjoys quilting and needlework and says she keeps up with sports enough to "be able to minister to those who really care about sports."
Bill Poteat may be reached at 828-448-0195 or bpoteat@gastongazette.com.
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https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/2022/04/10/new-rector-all-saints-episcopal-likes-emphasis-service-others/9481359002/
| 2022-04-10T13:37:45
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https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/2022/04/10/new-rector-all-saints-episcopal-likes-emphasis-service-others/9481359002/
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