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Proposals to protect DCFS caseworkers move forward in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) - Illinois state lawmakers are one step closer to allowing DCFS caseworkers to carry pepper spray during potentially dangerous home visits.
The proposal was quickly introduced by lawmakers this session after two DCFS investigators were killed on the job in the past few years.
Deidre Silas was murdered in January while visiting a home of six children in Sangamon County. The legislation also recognizes Pam Knight, a caseworker beaten to death while investigating in 2017.
This plan passed out of the Senate with strong bipartisan support last month, but it hit a roadblock in the House until Thursday.
The latest amendment states the Department of Children and Family Services must work with Illinois State Police to identify approved pepper spray devices and develop training for frontline staff by January 1. Mace could only be used if a worker wants to incapacitate someone attempting to assault them or to escape from a dangerous situation when there is no other alternative.
Caseworkers would also be required to seek medical attention for any bystanders near the pepper spray. The language also calls for detailed reporting when mace is used.
However, advocates for youth in care are still opposed.
“There is no protection towards the people that are being sprayed to make sure that they warranted being sprayed whatsoever,” said James McIntyre, Founder of the Foster Care Alumni of America Illinois Chapter. “The way that this bill is written will cause somebody to be sprayed in an inappropriate manner and sue the state of Illinois.”
Sponsor Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said there is already a penalty in place for anyone who misuses mace. She said anyone wrongfully using pepper spray would be charged with a battery.
“I have faith in our frontline workers that they are not going to be willy-nilly spraying,” McCombie said. “And I have faith that these folks that are our frontline staff have the children first and foremost to protect them.”
McIntyre said he wishes lawmakers could hear testimony from DCFS officials or the Illinois Attorney General’s office before moving forward with this plan. McIntyre also stressed that he will work with other lawmakers on a stronger bill to clean up any issues in this proposal.
Under McCombie’s amendment, DCFS would be required to annually report the number of caseworkers trained to use pepper spray and the situations when the mace was used in self-defense starting January 1, 2024. DCFS employees could also be required to report the age, gender, and race of the person they used pepper spray on and whether they were injured after using it.
DCFS would also be tasked with reporting the number of times mace is used against the department’s policy.
Senate Bill 1486 passed out of the House Human Services Committee with unanimous support. It now heads to the House floor for consideration.
Aggravated battery charges for attacking DCFS employees
A separate proposal honoring the legacy of Silas and Knight passed out of the Senate Thursday afternoon. House Bill 3850 states anyone over 21 causing great bodily harm or disfigurement to a DCFS worker would be charged with aggravated battery.
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) worked with stakeholders since January to try and come to an agreement on the best bill language. Republicans also strongly supported this plan to keep DCFS workers safe on the job.
“All of us represent DCFS workers who put themselves in harm’s way for the protection of children,” said Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). “They are short-staffed. They are overstressed and they’re overworked. We have more children that need their services. We have to give them the best protection that we can.”
Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said it is “about damn time that we have a penalty enhancement” for attacking DCFS caseworkers and investigators. He also stressed that DCFS workers need mace and self-defense training paid for by the state instead of employees paying out of their own pockets.
“These people walk into harm’s way. Shame on the DCFS administration for not training these people and telling them to go pay for it themselves and not equipping them with what they need to be as safe as possible,” Rose said. “We all know you can’t eliminate everything. You can’t stop everything. This bill has been around forever and it wasn’t until somebody died that it becomes a priority.”
Turner says she will continue to work on administrative protocols and procedures to keep DCFS workers safe. She emphasized this is an ongoing conversation and it will not be lost when the spring session ends. This is a personal issue for Turner as she has several relatives who work as social workers and caseworkers in the child welfare system.
“DCFS caseworkers and investigators want to go home at the end of their workday,” Turner said.
House Bill 3850 passed on a 47-0 vote. Democratic senators Robert Peters and Cristina Pacione-Zayas voted present. The proposal must return to the House on concurrence before it can move to the governor’s desk.
Copyright 2022 WGEM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wgem.com/2022/04/01/proposals-protect-dcfs-caseworkers-move-forward-springfield/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:10Z |
‘There’s a level of anxiety’: Ricciardo learns to cope with pressures of home grand prix
By Matthew Clayton
Daniel Ricciardo has read the news, scoured social media and heard enough anecdotes from friends to realise this year’s Australian Grand Prix could be the biggest of his Formula One career, but he believes the 2014 event in Melbourne will always stand as his defining home race.
With Albert Park ticket sales at record levels after a dramatic 2021 season, the “Netflix effect” on the sport’s fan base thanks to its Drive to Survive series opening up F1 to a new audience and a three-year gap between grands prix in Melbourne, Ricciardo is itching to take to the grid at a home race for McLaren for the first time, with Melbourne’s 2019 race doubling as his debut for Renault.
The 32-year-old feels the 2014 Melbourne race, where he qualified on the front row of the grid for the first time and finished a superb second before his Red Bull Racing machine was disqualified for breaching a fuel-flow regulation, was the first moment he was considered one of the sport’s premier drivers.
“From what everyone tells me, it feels like this year is going to be big – but for me, 2014 was always the race that felt biggest because I’d just joined Red Bull,” Ricciardo says.
“It was the first race of the season for me and I had a reigning four-time world champion (Sebastian Vettel) as my teammate. They were big stakes because people wanted to know ‘does this guy really have it?’ I wanted to show the team that it wasn’t too much for me, that I could really do this.
“But in terms of the build-up, because Australia hasn’t had a race in so long, they’ve re-done the track and it sounds like the crowd will be huge – 2022 has potential to be something pretty special.”
Ricciardo is well aware of the hoodoo that hangs over home drivers at Albert Park; since Melbourne came on to the grand prix calendar 26 years ago, no local driver has finished on the podium. While McLaren’s early-season struggles in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia before arriving in Melbourne don’t point to that drought ending, he’s learned to cope better with being the centre of attention.
“It’s extremes with Australia because everything is magnified,” he says. “When it’s great, it’s awesome … when it’s bad, it’s way more miserable. In 2019, my race was more or less over after five seconds (after he ran off track and broke his Renault’s front wing) and it wasn’t the most fun day I’ve had.”
Ricciardo admits the pressure of being the sole Australian on the grid for six of his eight grands prix at home has, at times, been difficult to deal with. “It can get to a point where there’s a level of anxiety because of the sheer scale of the attention,” he says.
“It’s quite foreign to get that level of attention, and it can easily get in your head a little bit. I’ve not always done the best job with that, and sometimes it’s best to roll with the punches so you don’t create tension that stops you performing at your best.
“Do you give too much of yourself to things that are outside of driving, or do you shelter yourself away and almost focus too hard on driving and try to shut down everything else? You can lose energy trying to push back and stay under the radar, which you can’t anyway because it’s your home GP.
“Neither is a natural way to go racing, so there’s a compromise you have to accept, and just do the best you can with what you have.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter. | https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/motorsport/there-s-a-level-of-anxiety-ricciardo-learns-to-cope-with-pressures-of-home-grand-prix-20220331-p5a9tb.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
SEOUL -- As a former senior official at the International Monetary Fund, Rhee Chang-yong seemed like a natural pick as chief of the Bank of Korea, South Korea's central bank. Instead, lawmakers have yet to hold a confirmation hearing, and the retirement of Gov. Lee Ju-yeol on Thursday has left a vacant seat at the top of the institution.
South Korea election
South Korea central bank's top seat caught in Moon-Yoon feud
Post remains empty as president-elect faces bitterly divided government | https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/South-Korea-election/South-Korea-central-bank-s-top-seat-caught-in-Moon-Yoon-feud | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
Our review of the Coway AP-1512HH will give you everything you need to know about this air purifier, from how it looks and operates, to how well it performs. We’ll measure how well this air purifier traps and removes particles during a series of tests, using an air particle meter, so you’ll have a great idea of how well the Coway AP-1512HH can perform in your home.
We’ll also test how loud the Coway AP-1512HH is during operation, look at any additional functionality it offers, and assess its design and user interface.
Available from under $200
2 colors (back or white)
Features an Auto and Eco mode
Three fan speeds
True HEPA filter
77W power consumption
3-year warranty
Top pick air purifier by Wirecutter
The Coway AP-1512HH features a GreenHEPA™ filter, which Coway says removes up to 99.97% of harmful airborne particles, such as tobacco smoke and fine dust particles. It also features integrated sensors that analyze the air while the purifier is in use, giving a live indicator of how clean the air is with an air quality sensor light (red for poor quality, blue for good). The purifier also features a deodorization filter to remove odors and gasses and a pre-filter to trap larger particles.
The Coway AP-1512HH is priced reasonably, setting it at around the middle of the market. It’s pretty good value if you’re looking for an affordable air purifier for a home with larger rooms. And if it’s not the right model for you, you’ll find plenty more budget and high-end options in our guide to the best air purifiers.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: How big is it?
- Height: 16.8 (in)
- Diameter: 18.3 (in)
- Length: 9.6 (in)
At 12.3lbs, the Coway AP-1512HH is light enough to pick up with one hand and move around a room as needed, with the built-in handle at the back of the air purifier. A 6ft electric cord gives enough leeway for most spaces.
The Coway AP-1512HH is designed to cover areas of up to 361 sq ft, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms.
The air purifier comes in a choice of two colors, white or black. At first glance, it lacks some of the design flair of other air purifiers, such as the Dyson Purifier Cool or even the Levoit 400S. However, this no-frills design tends to allow it to seamlessly blend into the background of the room. The simple, clean interface is user-friendly and intuitive.
The unit is made of white plastic and is square and squat. The front of the unit features a rounded shallow dome, surrounded by a gray plastic frame. The dome’s translucency suggests it might light up, or provide some other function. But it simply appears to be a design feature. One user pointed out on Amazon that the Coway AP-1512HH looks rather like the world’s largest iPod Nano – if you can remember that.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: How easy is it to use?
It’s fairly straightforward to set up the Coway AP-1512HH before first use. Simply take the front off the purifier, unwrap two of the three filters from their plastic wrap, and reinsert them in the right order before clicking the front of the air purifier back on. Then simply plug the machine in and power on.
Three filters come with the Coway AP-1512HH:
- A pre-filter for removing large particles of dust and mold, human hair and pet dander.
- A deodorization filter for trapping odors and harmful gasses.
- A GreenHEPA™ filter, for removing up to 99.97% of small particles, such as fine dust and tobacco smoke. This is further treated with preservatives to prevent mold growth and prolong the life of the filter.
At the top of the Coway AP-1512HH is a suite of buttons and indicators, including the following:
- Power button
- Speed indicator which displays the fan speed, as well as Auto and Eco mode
- Ionizer indicator
- Timer settings
- Filter replacement indicator
- Air quality indicator
Auto mode automatically optimizes the speed setting of the fan based on the level of indoor air quality. If Eco mode is selected, the purifier powers down if no pollution is detected for 30 minutes, saving energy consumption.
The timer feature allows users to set a limited timeframe for the air purifier to run, from 1 hour, to 4 hours, to 8 hours.
The air quality sensor is set to standard sensitivity, but this can be adjusted to make it more, or less, sensitive. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the air quality sensor every two months, and there are comprehensive instructions in the manual for doing this. It also recommends cleaning the pre-filter every couple of weeks with a vacuum cleaner.
While the pre-filter shouldn’t need replacing unless it is damaged, the deodorization filter needs replacing every 6 months, while the GreenHEPA™ filter needs to be replaced every year. Replacement filters don’t come cheap though, and some users have left negative reviews citing the difficulty in tracking down replacement filters, so something to bear in mind.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: Performance
All our at-home testing took place in a medium-sized 220 sq ft room. We tested ambient air quality before and after use of the purifier, alongside a match smoke test, and an incense smoke test. All trials lasted 30 minutes, so we could evaluate how quickly the air purifier worked to trap and remove air particles.
First, we ran our trials at the highest setting that clocked in below 50 decibels. That was level 2, the second highest setting. It ran at around 42 decibels, similar to a quiet library. We then re-ran the same trials at the higher level 3 setting, a powerful, but noisy, 57 decibels.
First up was ambient air quality. Using an air particle counter before, during, and after the test, we found that the Coway AP-1512HH captured 72.4% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns and 72.7% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, running at the level 2 fan speed.
At the highest fan speed, we found this improved, with the purifier removing 89.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns and 92.8 of particles smaller than 2.5 microns.
Next up was the match test. We burned a series of matches, one after the other, to raise the particle count in the room considerably, then ran the purifier on both level 2 and 3 settings to see how it fared. At level 2, we found it removed 93.8% of 0.3 micron particles, 95.2% of 2.5 microns particles, and an impressive 99.4% of particles at 10 microns.
With these results, we expected level 3 to knock it out of the park. So we weren’t surprised to find the Coway AP-1512HH removed 99.7% of particles measuring 0.3 microns, 97.2% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and 100% of particles measuring 10 microns.
Finally, we burned incense cones to see how well the Coway AP-1512HH could remove larger particles. At level 2 we found that the Coway AP-1512HH removed 84.5% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and 96.9% of particles measuring 10 microns. At level 3 this improved considerably, removing 96.9% of particles measuring 2.5 microns and 99.9% of particles measuring 10 microns.
Based on these limited tests, we found that at its highest level the Coway AP-1512HH did a remarkable job of removing particles, particularly larger particles, in just 30 minutes, and was one of the most powerful air purifiers we tested.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: What’s good about it?
We liked the simplicity of the Coway AP-1512HH and how easy it is to use almost straight out of the box, with just a brief glance at the manual.
We particularly liked the Eco mode, which worked well to power down the air purifier when air pollution was low, saving energy and money. The auto mode also worked well to toggle between fan settings depending on indoor air quality.
The air purifier was also effective during our at-home tests, giving a solid and reliable performance when it came to removing harmful air particles.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: What’s not so good about it?
Compared to more expensive air purifiers, which feature a connected app that can show you the real-time quality of your indoor air, as well as allowing you to change settings, power on and off, and set schedules from your phone, the Coway AP-1512HH can seem a little basic. However, there is a Wi-Fi-enabled version of this model which may offer more connectivity.
It also lacks the wow factor of some air purifiers, with its squat, square design. And at its highest speed setting, we found it too noisy, reaching a high of 57 decibels. At around the same level as normal conversation, this may simply be too much of a distraction for some users, who want their air purifiers to run soundlessly in the background.
We also found that it tended to blast out cool air at its highest setting, which may feel too chilly during the winter months, although it may be a distinct advantage in hot weather.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: User reviews
The Coway AP-1512HH fares very well on Amazon, with 4.5 stars out of 5, and thousands of satisfied customers. In fact, over 80% of users give it the full 5 stars. They praise the air purifier’s thoroughness at getting rid of nasty odors, and how quiet it runs at the lowest fan speed. Many are amazed at how well the Coway AP-1512HH’s auto mode works, highlighting how it kicks into action if a dog passes wind or if they burn the toast.
However, some negative reviews point out that the highest setting, level 3, is much too loud, and jumps considerably in volume from level 2. Others say the lights are too bright for use in a bedroom at night. On the Coway site itself, some users complain that it is hard to come by replacement filters, and that they can be expensive to buy on Amazon.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: Should you buy?
If you’re after a mid-range air purifier that offers a robust and effective performance in a home with large rooms, the Coway AP-1512HH is an excellent choice. It’s a powerful workhouse of a machine, getting on with the job at hand with few bells or whistles.
Users rate this air purifier very highly, with many praising its ability to detect and remove nasty odors almost immediately. However, it’s not the most stylish air purifier available on the market, and it can be noisy at its highest setting. People who enjoy smart, connected devices in their home, may find it too basic.
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier review: If this product isn’t for you
If you’re looking for an air purifier that’s as reliable as the Coway AP-1512HH, but has smart controls, check out the Levoit 400S. It’s perfect for the modern, connected home.
If you’re after a much smaller air purifier to take traveling, or to sit on a desktop or shelf, the KOIOS EPI810 features a True HEPA 3-stage filtration system and is light and compact at just 2.5lbs.
For users with a bigger budget, who want their air purifier to be a stylish talking point, the Dyson Purifier Cool has the wow factor. Beautifully designed, and with a good performance in our at-home testing, it’s everything you’d expect from the Dyson stable. | https://www.livescience.com/coway-ap-512hh-air-purifier-review | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
By Millie Muroi
Bruce Willis was showing signs of cognitive decline for some years, including firing a gun loaded with a blank on the wrong cue while on set, a Los Angeles Times report has revealed.
On Wednesday, Willis’ family said he had been diagnosed with aphasia – a cognitive disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate – and that he would retire from acting.
Numerous sources from a range of productions Willis worked on in recent years have spoken to the LA Times about concerns they had about the actor’s capacity to work.
Mike Burns, the director of 2021’s Out of Death, reduced Willis’s role in the film after noticing he was struggling.
“It looks like we need to knock down Bruce’s page count by about 5 pages,” read an email Burns sent in June 2020 to the film’s screenwriter.
“We also need to abbreviate his dialogue a bit so that there are no monologues, etc.”
Other sources said the star was unable to remember his dialogue and had lines fed to him through an earpiece.
Burns is one of nearly two dozen people who spoke with the LA Times about their concern for his wellbeing.
While on set for 2020’s Hard Kill, Willis fired a gun loaded with a blank – twice in a row – on the wrong cue, although no one was injured, co-star Lala Kent has alleged.
Kent was supposed to duck once Willis had delivered a line, serving as the cue before the weapon was fired. But Willis fired before delivering the line.
“Because my back was to him, I wasn’t aware of what was happening behind me,” Kent said.
“But the first time, it was like, ‘No big deal, let’s reset’.”
The film’s producer disputed that claim but at least two people familiar with the incident have also spoken about it.
Willis’s management team limited his film shoots to two days a week, and no more than eight hours of work per day.
Production sources said he often only stayed for four.
At times, Willis would also question where he was, two crew members recalled.
“I know why you’re here, and I know why you’re here, but why am I here?” Willis is alleged to have said while on the set of White Elephant, a yet-to-be released film.
A crew member said Willis “was just being puppeted” and that the actor would be given a line but not understand what it meant.
The film’s director, Jesse V. Johnson, and his team decided after filming had ended that they would not do another film with Willis.
“We are all Bruce Willis fans, and the arrangement felt wrong and ultimately a rather sad end to an incredible career, one that none of us felt comfortable with,” he said.
It’s also been announced that Willis will no longer be receiving a Golden Raspberry Award as a result of his diagnosis.
The awards, known as the Razzies, is a satirical show that hands out accolades for the worst performances.
Willis had received an award in a special category, “Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie.”
Upon news of his diagnosis, the Razzies controversially decided to go ahead with presenting him the award.
But following backlash, the organisation issued a statement reversing their decision.
“After much thought and consideration, the Razzies have made the decision to rescind the Razzie Award given to Bruce Willis, due to his recently disclosed diagnosis,” the statement read.
“If someone’s medical condition is a factor in their decision-making and/or performance, we acknowledge that it is not appropriate to give them a Razzie.”
Despite his condition worsening in recent years, Willis was still highly sought after, with his involvement helping independent filmmakers sell their films on the international stage.
White Elephant production supervisor Terri Martin said he admired and respected Willis’s work but it was time for him to retire.
“He just looked so lost, and he would say, ‘I’ll do my best.’ He always tried his best.”
Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. | https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/culture/movies/why-am-i-here-concerns-over-bruce-willis-s-health-swirled-for-years-20220401-p5aa0r.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Anna Davis was little more than a silhouette from right of the ninth green as darkness fell quickly at the end of a long day at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. The only light came from a video board and headlights from carts making their way in.
Not the least bit rattled, the 16-year-old from San Diego pitched with perfect pace to 2 feet to save par and post a 4-over 76 at Champions Retreat, one of only nine players to finish the second round.
What started as lingering thunderstorms turned into a heavy rain that delayed the start of the second round for for seven-and-a-half hours. That led to what should be a longer day, but far more fun on Friday.
Fifty-one players will finish the second round in the morning — some with only one hole to play, others with nine holes — before heading over to Augusta National for a practice round.
It starts with an elite competition. It ends for so many of them with a dream come true.
Of the nine players who finished, Davis was at 2-over 146 and in a tie for eighth, virtually assured of being among the 30 players from a field of 60 who advance to the final round at the home of the Masters.
No one was under par.
Beatrice Wallin of Sweden was 1 under for the round through 16 holes and even par for the tournament, tied with Amari Avery, who also was 1 under for the day through 16.
Joining them at even par was Hailey Borjas, the Californian who plays at Michigan. Her day ended on a sour note with consecutive bogeys. Even so, she was excited for Friday.
She was at Augusta National earlier in the week, driving down Magnolia Lane and having a group dinner hosted by the club chairman.
“Seeing Augusta for the first time, it was like a dream come true,” Borjas said.
She was more excited about her first chance to play it than her position in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, in its third year but already considered elite among amateur events because of where it's at.
“I don't really like to think about golf when I'm playing golf, if that makes any sense," Borjas said. “I like to talk about other things, like shoes. So to think about Augusta National tomorrow will keep me going.”
U.S. Women's Amateur champion Jensen Castle had the best round going at 2 under through 16 holes, leaving her one shot out of the lead.
The course was just as difficult as the opening round, when strong wind allowed only five players to break par. The wind subsided after the rain, though it left the course soggy and longer, even as the greens were slightly more receptive.
Rose Zhang, the No. 1 amateur in the world, made progress by not really going anywhere. She put together one bogey and 13 pars and improved from a tie for 39th to a tie for 26th.
Rachel Heck of Stanford, the No. 3 player in women's amateur golf who won six times in one semester last year as a freshman, was going the other direction. Heck had a pair of double bogeys in her opening four holes and was 5 over through 10 holes, leaving her outside the projected cut line at 6 over.
The cut is a hard 30. Any ties lead to a sudden-death playoff to see who advances, although everyone gets to play a practice round at Augusta National on Friday.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.lakecountystar.com/sports/article/Rain-slows-Augusta-Women-s-Amateur-as-no-one-left-17049897.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
Bhanjanagar: Schools in Ganjam district will harness solar energy to electrify their premises instead of using power from conventional energy sources.
The district administration has taken an initiative to make the high schools energy-independent by installing solar panels, Ganjam Collector Vijaya Amruta Kulange said.
The installation is set to be done from Friday by a Noida-based firm and likely to be completed in the next six months. There are 535 government high schools in the district, officials said.
The district administration will spend over Rs 9 crore for the purpose. Reports said 83 smart schools will be electrified in the first phase while 233 smart schools will be taken up in the second phase.
Later, the rest of the schools will be electrified with solar energy. The smaller schools will have solar power systems of 2kw while the bigger schools will be installed with 4kw solar panel systems.
The district Collector talked to all concerned headmasters, block development officers (BDOs) and other officials in this regard through videoconferencing last week.
As part of this move, 25 high schools under Bhanjanagar block will be electrified through solar panels. The move, however, is likely to hit roadblocks as works on many of the schools upgraded to smart schools are yet to get completed.
Meanwhile, work on transformation of 11 schools into smart schools has started in the second phase in Bhanjanagar block. The state government is providing `45 lakh for upgradation of each school into a smart school.
Moreover, those schools which require more funds will be assisted through block funds.
When contacted, Bhanjanagar BDO Anil Kumar Sethi said the schools will go solar for which funds will be made available from Mo School Abhiyan and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The district rural development agency will implement the project.
PNN | https://www.orissapost.com/535-ganjam-high-schools-to-go-solar/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:11Z |
Thornhill were the guests for today’s (April 1) edition of triple j’s Like a Version, where they performed a rendition of Muse‘s ‘Supermassive Black Hole’.
The metalcore outfit’s version stays relatively faithful to Muse’s original but adds the distinctive grit and bite of Thornhill’s recent singles with blistering, distorted guitars and frontman Jacob Charlton’s vocals, which oscillate between a low croon and smooth falsetto.
In addition to ‘Supermassive Black Hole’, Thornhill also performed their original song ‘Casanova’, which arrived last year as the lead single from forthcoming album ‘Heroine’. Watch both performances below:
In a post-performance interview, Charlton and guitarist Ethan McCann explained the band’s decision to cover the song, released in 2006 as the lead single from Muse’s fourth album ‘Black Holes and Revelations’.
“It’s a relatively straightforward song instrumentally, so there was a bit of wiggle room so we could add our own sections and mix it up a little bit which was fun,” McCann said.
“I don’t think there was a lot of songs that we were looking at that suited my voice and also the instruments, so this one was a cool way to have fun and bring our own element to it,” Charlton added.
“I wanted to bring the attitude I bring on [‘Heroine’] a lot to this one and just do it my own way. This one sits really nice in my range, and I could kind of ramp it up and start lower and build up until I was an octave above, just to have some fun with it and push myself a bit harder.”
‘Heroine’, Thornhill’s second album, is set to arrive on June 3 via UNFD. The band announced the album last month alongside third single ‘Hollywood’, following on from ‘Casanova’ and ‘Arkangel’. | https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/watch-thornhill-cover-muses-supermassive-black-hole-for-like-a-version-3195318 | 2022-04-01T01:50:12Z |
(WHTM) – A new WHTM/Emerson College Polling/The Hill poll shows Dr. Mehmet Oz and David McCormick virtually tied in the May 17 Pennsylvania Republican US Senate primary, but a majority of voters remain undecided.
In the poll of 373 Pennsylvania Republicans, the former television personality Oz received one more vote than McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO.
Oz finished first in the poll with 14.4% followed by McCormick at 14.3%.
Fox News contributor and former professor Kathy Barnette finished third at 6.4%, followed by former Danish ambassador under President Donald Trump, Carla Sands, at 5.7%.
Former Lt. Governor candidate Jeff Bartos rounded out the top five with 5.3% of the vote.
George Bochetto and Sean Gale each received less than 3% in the poll.
An overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanian Republican voters (50.5%) say they are still undecided in the crowded race.
Emerson College will be releasing a second poll of Republican voters in early April. Candidates who receive at least 5% in either poll can qualify for a debate hosted by Nexstar Media Inc. and our media partners, WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.
The breakdown in support among younger and older voters is significant with Oz receiving no support from voters 18-29, but leading among the 50-64 age range.
McCormick leads or is tied among every other age group, tying Bartos among the 30-49-year-olds and Bochetto in the 18-29 range. The majority of voters are undecided regardless of age category.
White voters support McCormick by 0.4% over Oz, while Sands received the most support among seven candidates with African American voters.
McCormick also leads among male voters with 15.1%, while Oz has 15.1% support among women. Barnette received 10.8% support among men, followed by Sands at 9.1%. Fifty-nine percent of women are undecided compared to 41.9% of Republican men.
Among urban and city residents, McCormick had a double-digit lead over Oz with 25% support. Oz leads among suburban voters and McCormick has a slight 1.8% edge in rural voters. Nearly 59% of rural voters are undecided compared to 48.6% of suburban residents and 30.4% of those who live in urban/city areas.
More than 55% of Pennsylvania Republican voters with a post-graduate degree or higher are undecided in the race. McCormick leads Oz among those with a high school education or less, while support among those with college degrees or some college are closely split.
Get the latest news on Pennsylvania Politics and the 2022 Election from Your Local Election Headquarters. Sign up here.
The elephant in the room is former President Donald Trump, who, at the time of polling, has not endorsed a candidate in the race. The poll finds 61% of Pennsylvanian Republicans are more likely to support a Trump-endorsed candidate, while 13.2 say they are less likely. Nearly 26% say an endorsement from Trump will not make a difference in their vote.
Republicans and Democrats are also largely in favor of their candidate living in Pennsylvania for a significant amount of time. Forty-six percent say it is very important how long a candidate has lived in Pennsylvania and 28.2% say it is somewhat important.
Both Oz and McCormick have drawn criticism from others in the race for not recently living in Pennsylvania. Oz has previously lived in New Jersey but went to school in Philadelphia.
Fifteen percent say they are unsure and 10.7% say residency is not very or not at all important in their decision. Nearly 64% of voters 65 and older say Trump’s endorsement will more than likely lead them to vote for that candidate.
“I’m very proud that I’m a Pennsylvanian,” Oz told abc27’s Dennis Owens. “They care much more for what I stand for than where I’m from.”
On This Week in Pennsylvania, McCormick highlighted his background as a “seventh-generation Pennsylvanian.”
“I’ve spent more of my life in Pennsylvania, more than half of my life in Pennsylvania. I grew up here in Bloomsburg on the family farm trimming Christmas trees and bailing hay.”
Nearly 91% of Republican voters 65 and older say they are very likely to vote in the race, compared to 84% 50-64, 64% of residents 30-49, and 75% of residents 18-29.
Get the latest news on Pennsylvania Politics and the 2022 Election from Your Local Election Headquarters. Sign up here.
According to the poll, Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether Pennsylvania runs fair elections: 75% of Democrats think the state runs fair elections compared to 42% of Independents and just 28% of Republicans.
Polling methodology
The WHTM/Emerson College Polling/The Hill Pennsylvania poll was conducted from March 26-28, 2022. The general election sample consisted of registered voters in Pennsylvania, n=1,069 with a Credibility Interval (CI) similar to a poll’s margin of error (MOE) of +/- 3 percentage points. The Republican primary sample consisted of likely voters, n=372, with a Credibility Interval (CI) similar to a poll’s margin of error (MOE) of +/-5.0 percentage points. The Democratic primary sample consisted of likely voters, n=471, with a Credibility Interval (CI) similar to a poll’s margin of error (MOE) of +/-4.5 percentage points.
The data sets were weighted by gender, age, education, race, and region based on 2020 turnout modeling. It is important to remember that subsets based on gender, age, party breakdown, ethnicity, and region carry with them higher margins of error, as the sample size is reduced.
Data was collected using a cellphone sample of SMS-to-web, an online panel provided by Amazon MTurk, and an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system of landlines.
The full poll can be reviewed here. | https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania-governor-election-2022/pennsylvania-senate-primary-poll-oz-mccormick-tied-majority-undecided-2/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:12Z |
NAPLES, Fla., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Enveric Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: ENVB) ("Enveric" or the "Company"), a neuroscience-focused biotechnology company developing next-generation, psychedelic-inspired mental health medicines, today reported its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2021, and provided a business update.
"2021 was a foundational year that set the stage for Enveric to execute on its strategy in the future," said Dr. Joseph Tucker, Enveric's Chief Executive Officer. "With the acquisition of MagicMed in September 2021, we immediately began moving forward with the clinical development strategy of our next-generation treatments and therapies for mental health. We find ourselves strategically positioned with an experienced team of industry professionals, collaborative partners including the University of Calgary, a growing intellectual property portfolio, and a robust Central Nervous System pipeline of promising drug candidates. As we build upon the three core pillars of our success, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, and Intellectual Property, we are focused on creating effective mental health medicines."
Corporate Updates During and Subsequent to the Fourth Quarter 2021:
Clinical Trials
- Announced collaboration with the University of Calgary on a groundbreaking clinical trial for EVM-201 in cancer-related distress. A clinical trial, expected to launch in 2023, of EVM-201, a second-generation psychedelic treatment, for Cancer Related Distress will be led by HBI researcher, Dr. Valerie Taylor, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, in Calgary, Canada.
- Announced positive preclinical data for EV102 radiodermatitis drug candidate. EV102 has demonstrated a significant and meaningful reduction in dermatitis severity, skin redness, and duration in a preclinical rodent model.
- PsyAITM, an artificial intelligence platform, successfully identified viable psychedelic molecules for further drug discovery from Enveric's initial list of 500 psychedelic molecular compounds within its "Psybrary." We believe it is a first of its kind to employ this machine-learning technology against an extensive psychedelic molecule library to evaluate higher-likelihood molecules that treat conditions that include cancer-related distress, PTSD, and other central nervous system (CNS) indications.
IP Portfolio
- Filed and published four patent applications for psychedelic-inspired drug candidates by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The four patent applications are focused on the tryptamine family of novel molecules.
- Filed its 10th Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application directed to tryptamine-based derivative molecules, completing the Company's broad series of PCT applications covering this family of compounds.
- Successfully synthesized and filed a provisional patent for EV104, the Company's cannabinoid, and celecoxib conjugate. EV104a and EV104b are the Company's new molecular conjugates for Osteoarthritis ("OA") and other pain indications.
- Filed an additional provisional patent application based on new discoveries by the company. The patent application and claimed drug candidates fall into the Company's EVM201 second-generation, psychedelic-derived drug development program.
Leadership Team
- Appointed Bob Dagher, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Dagher is a Board-certified neurology and psychiatry physician, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive therapeutic knowledge in the neuroscience space.
Capital Markets
- Closed a $10 million public offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and to fund other general corporate purposes.
- Included in the new AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF, trading under the ticker symbol "PSIL" on the NYSE Arca exchange. PSIL is an ETF that focuses on investments in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences companies that are leading the nascent but advancing psychedelic industry.
Financial Results for the Full Year Ended December 31, 2021:
Comprehensive net loss was $48.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, including $36.3 million in net non-cash expenses, with basic and diluted loss per share of $2.07, as compared to a comprehensive net loss of $7.0 million with basic and diluted loss per share of $1.19 per share for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Net cash used in operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $11.5 million consisting of the net loss, adjusted by a net of $36.3 million in non-cash expenses and changes in asset and liability balances of $1.2 million.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $17.4 million and working capital of $15.3 million. Subsequent to December 31, 2021, the Company raised an additional $10 million and expects to use the funds to help advance its new drug discovery platform, robust IP portfolio, and a growing pipeline of promising drug candidates.
About Enveric Biosciences
Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) is a neuroscience company developing next-generation psychedelic-inspired mental health medicines. Enveric's robust pipeline supports drug development from the clinic to commercialization for millions of patients in need around the world suffering from conditions that include cancer-related distress, PTSD, and more. For more information, please visit www.enveric.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", " expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, the ability to achieve the value creation contemplated by technical developments; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on Enveric's ongoing and planned clinical trials; the geographic, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on Enveric's ability to conduct its business and raise capital in the future when needed; delays in planned clinical trials; the ability to establish that potential products are efficacious or safe in preclinical or clinical trials; the ability to establish or maintain collaborations on the development of therapeutic candidates; the ability to obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market potential products; the ability to obtain future funding for developmental products and working capital and to obtain such funding on commercially reasonable terms; Enveric's ability to manufacture product candidates on a commercial scale or in collaborations with third parties; changes in the size and nature of competitors; the ability to retain key executives and scientists; and the ability to secure and enforce legal rights related to Enveric's products, including patent protection. A discussion of these and other factors, including risks and uncertainties with respect to Enveric, is set forth in Enveric's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Enveric disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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SOURCE Enveric Biosciences | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/enveric-biosciences-reports-full-year-2021-financial-results-provides-business-update/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:12Z |
BOSTON (AP) — A bill aimed at banning discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in workplaces, school districts, and school-related organizations was unanimously approved Thursday by the Massachusetts Senate.
The vote comes two weeks after the Massachusetts House approved a similar bill.
Supporters say Black women in particular have faced pressure in school and the workplace to alter their hair to conform to policies biased against natural hairstyles.
The Senate added a provision to the House version of the bill that would include the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the list of school entities banned from adopting and implementing restrictions on natural hairstyles.
Advocates say the change will ensure those participating in sports and extracurricular activities will not be asked to change their natural or protective hairstyles in order to participate.
The bill has its roots in the case of a Massachusetts charter school that came under fire in 2017 for a policy of banning hair braid extensions. After intense criticism, the school abandoned the policy.
The U.S. House also approved a bill earlier this month that would bar discrimination against Black people who wear hairstyles like Afros, cornrows or tightly coiled twists in society, school and the workplace. The federal bill would explicitly say that such discrimination is a violation of federal civil rights law.
President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law. It now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Lawmakers in the Massachusetts House and Senate now have to come up with a single version of the bill before taking a final vote and shipping it to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
If signed into law, Massachusetts would become the fifteenth state to adopt the measure, known as the CROWN Act.
(Copyright (c) 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) | https://whdh.com/news/bill-banning-hairstyle-bias-approved-by-massachusetts-senate/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
MORRISANIA, the Bronx (PIX11) — A 37-year-old man was shot and killed in the Bronx Thursday night, the NYPD said.
The man was shot in the back of the head at E. 169th Street and Washington Avenue in Morrisania, police said. Medics transported the man to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police are investigating the possibility of it being a drive-by shooting. No other information about the incident has been released.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). | https://pix11.com/news/local-news/bronx/man-shot-and-killed-in-the-bronx-nypd/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has made comprehensive reform of aged care the centrepiece of his budget reply delivered on Thursday night.
His “plan to fix the crisis in aged care” is costed at $2.5 billion over four years. But this doesn’t include the cost of a wage increase for workers, which a Labor government would urge and fund.
Labor’s five point plan promises registered nurses on site 24/7, more carers, a pay rise for the sector’s workers, standards to ensure better food for residents, and greater accountability imposed on providers.
“Labor will deliver new funding, more staff and better support to the aged care sector,” Albanese said.
Attacking Tuesday’s budget, the opposition leader said Australians knew the difference between reforms that improved people’s lives and “cynical one off payments designed for an election.
"This government might as well have stapled cash to your ballot paper,” he said.
Nevertheless Labor would “deliver those payments as well, because we know the pressure Australians are under.
"But if you vote Labor in May our work on cost of living won’t stop when the votes are counted.”
Read more: Labor's budget reply goes big on aged care, similar on much else
“The truth is if you want real, permanent, meaningful help with the cost of living, you need a plan to get wages growing again. And you need a Labor government to do it.”
Albanese said the budget was “as it always is with this prime minister, long on politics, short on plans. All announcement, no delivery. Far too little, way too late”.
This was a government that left Australians behind. “If you vote Labor in May, I can promise you this will change.
"If I’m prime minister, I won’t go missing when the going gets tough - or pose for photos and then disappear when there’s a job to be done.
"I’ll show up, I’ll step up - and I’ll work everyday to bring our country together.”
Albanese said the Coalition was asking voters “to trust them that somehow they’ll be better in their fourth term.
Read more: Budget gives $49.5 million for aged care training, but what about wages?
"After all the waste and rorts and scandals, can you imagine how arrogant and dismissive they will be if they enter a second, long decade in office?”
Much of the Labor aged care plan involves tougher regulation of the sector, including giving the Aged Care Safety Commissioner new powers.
Aged care has been a hot button issue in the community with the royal commission, which gave its final report in 2020, finding the sector in need of drastic overhaul.
In the wake of Tuesday’s budget, aged care peak bodies have criticised the government’s lack of action to get improved wages for workers. The government has declined to intervene in the wage case to back a pay increase for workers.
Read more: View from The Hill: if money talks, the government has megaphone out
Albanese said Labor would require every aged care facility to have a registered, qualified nurse present around the clock each day. “This will save thousands of stressful, expensive and ultimately unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments, for issues a nurse could solve on the spot,” he said.
Labor would mandate that everyone living in residential facilities received at least 215 minutes of care everyday, as the royal commission recommended.
“So, if you have a loved one in aged care, you can be certain they will get more time with a registered nurse and more time with enrolled nurses and personal care workers,” he said.
Albanese reiterated a Labor government would support a pay rise for workers before the Fair Work Commission, and fund the outcome of the case. But once again, he did not indicate any amounts Labor believes is appropriate.
Read more: Aged care falls short, but there is another way
“We know if we want to recruit and obtain more carers to look after a population that’s growing older we need to treat their vital and essential workforce with respect and reward it with better pay.”
A Labor government would implement mandatory nutrition standards in aged care homes. It would also improve integrity and accountability, making providers give detailed public reports about what they were spending money on.
“Older Australians fear that the final chapter of their life will be an aged care facility where they are not properly cared for, let alone afforded real dignity,” Albanese said.
“Their children wrestle with the dilemma of sending them to a place that might not be good enough, versus the risk of leaving them at home when it’s becoming unsafe to be on their own.”
Albanese said if the Liberals were reelected “nothing will change - and the bleak present they have created will be the bleak future awaiting so many Australians”.
“If we want to change aged care in this country for the better, then we need to start by changing the government.” | https://theconversation.com/anthony-albanese-offers-2-5-billion-plan-to-fix-crisis-in-aged-care-180419 | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
APRIL FOOLS!
Honestly, you didn't fall for this, did you? No shame if you did but try not to spoil it for others.
In fact, why not share the story with your friends and see if you can catch a few of them out as well!
Or, if you're actually keen on some NRL content, why not browse a few of the links below: | https://www.zerotackle.com/breaking-cameron-munster-granted-early-release-set-to-sign-with-dolphins-115577/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
LSU coach Jay Johnson said on his Monday night radio show that he’s probably used more legal pad paper than anyone else in the country in the past 20 years while figuring out ideal lineup combinations.
The remark was in response to a caller who asked Johnson why he did not load up the back of his lineup with stars such as Cade Doughty and lead off with regular eight-hole hitter Giovanni DiGiacomo.
“When you have four players the way that we do with Cade Doughty, Tre’ Morgan, Dylan Crews and Jacob Berry, I never want to get to a situation where late in the game one of those guys is standing on deck with a chance to make an impact,” Johnson said. “We’ve loaded it up at the top, and what’s allowed us to do that is the bottom of the order has really produced — Jordan Thompson has improved immensely offensively and Brayden Jobert, who we won the (Florida) series basically because of his at-bats — and then we have a guy like Tyler (McManus) or Hayden (Travinski) who can hit some home runs in that nine spot that’s turning the lineup over.”
The top of the lineup didn’t fluctuate until last weekend. After Tre’ Morgan had started every game in the leadoff spot, the Tigers led off with Dylan Crews on Friday night, with Doughty hitting second and Morgan dropping down to the third spot. Jacob Berry hit cleanup.
But from Saturday through Tuesday, Doughty took over the leadoff spot with Morgan shifting to second and Crews and Berry hitting third and fourth, respectively.
“Cade’s a threat from the first pitch of the game, and you could tell Brandon Sproat from Florida was knee deep into his arsenal by the third pitch of the game with Cade standing up there,” Johnson said. “I think it helps Tre’ (Morgan) to see some pitches before he goes up there. Just because he has a unique style and approach, and he’s left-handed. Then, it just doesn't let up when you go Dylan (Crews) and Jacob (Berry).”
There was an immediate difference Saturday as the Tigers got off to a strong start in the first inning. Doughty walked, then Morgan knocked a two-run homer.
After going 4 for 30 on Friday, LSU batted 29 for 79 through the next two games for a .316 batting average against Florida. Before the Florida series, the Tigers were batting .253 against quality competition (Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M).
The domino effect Johnson has alluded to has followed. Before Thursday's game against Auburn, Jobert had hit five home runs with 16 RBIs in his previous three games.
Gavin Dugas, who followed Jobert in the seventh spot, went 2 for 3 with a home run and a double on Tuesday night against UL-Monroe. Travinski, who hit last Sunday, smashed his second home run.
"It's a good balance between left and right," Johnson said of his lineup. "So I like the flow that we have right now, when you have a guy like Gio (DiGiacomo) in the eight-hole or a guy in the catcher's spot hitting home runs like Tyler or Hayden, it's turning the lineup over for Cade, Tre', Dylan and Jacob, so we can maximize their value.
"So when they make pitching changes to match up with one guy, they have to get that guy out because the next guy will be in our favor." | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/article_6940ebdc-b134-11ec-858b-335f530d20c6.html | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
Short Film Chronicles the Quinceañera Dream of One Woman
NEW YORK, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking International Transgender Day of Visibility, Pantene today released a documentary-style short film chronicling the Quinceañera of a transgender woman, Isa, denied one as a teenager. Longtime agency Grey New York created the campaign.
Against great odds (see stats), from job discrimination to systemic violence, transgender women have made significant progress in Latin America, holding elective office and as business leaders.
People begin understanding their gender identity as early as three years old. But many transgender people don't know or share this about their gender until later in life due to safety and issues of cultural acceptance.
"It doesn't matter when or at what age someone knows who they are, whether at 15 or 44. Whenever they feel comfortable being themselves and sharing that truth is a moment to celebrate," said Martina Brubacher, Director of Communications for Pantene for Latin America, "As a brand, we know the power of hair and how it can be a statement for expressing one's true self, so it's important for us to feature stories like Isa's, a transgender woman who celebrates her journey."
The Quinceañera is a dream come true for many Latina girls as they turn fifteen. But this rite of passage to womanhood, celebrated by family and community, has often excluded transgender women from this cultural milestone.
Pantene has partnered with Isa, a transgender woman in her forties, to give her the Quinceañera she never had. The film tells her poignant story and follows her preparations leading up to and including the day with her friends and family. (Link to the film)
"For all the times I had to hide my identity and deny my existence - today I say, I am here. I am Isa," said Isa
The integrated digitally-led campaign includes online video, social media, influencers, and public relations. The brand once again worked with GLAAD, which accelerates the acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people by sharing stories and accessing all forms of media to uplift members of the community.
"The team chose to launch this film on International Day of Trans Visibility – to inspire every young transgender person. Anything is possible; happiness and acceptance is something everyone deserves," said Javier Bonilla, Executive Creative Director at Grey.
Please see statistics on the challenges transgender people face:
- Since Statista started collecting data, 2021 is the year with the highest number of deaths of transgender and gender-diverse people, with 375 murders recorded between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. Most of the murders took place in Brazil (125), Mexico (65), Honduras (53), and the United States (53).
- According to the data reported by Sin Violencia LGBTI, between the years 2014 and 2020, 1403 people from the LGBTI community were murdered for reasons related to prejudice against their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- 94% of the transgender population In Brazil reports suffering some form of violence motivated by discrimination due to their gender identity
- 175 transgender people were murdered in Brazil in 2020, 41% more than in 2019 (the country leads the ranking of murders of trans people in the world)
Source
1. Roa, M. M. (2021, November 18). Infografía: Los países con más asesinatos de personas trans. Statista Infografías. Retrieved March 30, 2022, from
https://es.statista.com/grafico/23552/personas-trans-y-genero-diversas-asesinadas-yhttps://es.statista.com/grafico/23552/personas-trans-y-genero-diversas-asesinadas-y-paises-con-mas-victimas/paises-con-mas-victimas/
2.3.4 Sin Violencia LGBTI. "Des-Cifrando La Violencia En Tiempos De Cuarentena." Sin Violencia LGBT, June 2021, https://sinviolencia.lgbt/des-cifrando-la-violencia-entiempos-de-cuarentena/.
About P&G
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at www.pg.com/news.
About Grey
Grey, the global communications network, is part of AKQA Group. Its parent company is WPP (NYSE: WPP). Under the banner of "Grey Famously Effective" the agency serves a blue-chip roster of many of the world's best-known companies: Procter & Gamble, Google, Volvo, Amazon, GlaxoSmithKline, Kellogg's, Netflix, the NBA, Pfizer, YouTube, Canon, Nestlé and Applebee's. In recent years, Grey has been named ADWEEK'S "Global Agency of the Year" twice; ADVERTISING AGE's "Agency of the Year" and CAMPAIGN magazine's "Global Network of the Year" in recognition of its creative and business performance (www.grey.com).
Contact: Owen Dougherty
Owen.dougherty@grey.com
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SOURCE Grey | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/pantene-celebrates-transgender-visibility-latin-america/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:12Z |
1. What’s a yield curve?
It’s a way to show the difference in the reward investors get for choosing to buy shorter- versus longer-term debt. Most of the time, they demand more for locking away their money for longer periods, with the greater uncertainty that brings. So yield curves usually slope upward.
2. What’s the difference in Japan?
Normally market forces determine the yield curve. The BOJ takes a more hands-on approach. Its policy of yield curve control, adopted in 2016, aims to keep 10-year government bond yields around zero with 25 basis points of wiggle room either side -- part of its effort to flood the economy with cheap money to try to revive growth. But its control came under tremendous pressure this year because the Fed started raising interest rates, prompting investors to speculate that Japan would follow suit, meaning it would allow the yield to go higher.
3. What’s the BOJ’s response?
The bank intervened in the market, aggressively buying government debt to keep a lid on the yield. The bank repeatedly offered to buy an unlimited amount of 10-year Japanese government bonds at fixed yields. It also bought longer-term debt and ramped its scheduled buying on March 30 and its purchase plans for the following three months. The bank has used fixed-rate buying several times before, including purchases of 1.6 trillion yen ($13 billion) on July 30, 2018, but never for such a sustained period. As a result, 10-year yields eased back to 0.21% on March 30, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
4. Why is the yen so weak in 2022?
The biggest reason is the move toward higher interest rates in the U.S., making dollar-denominated assets more attractive for investors seeking higher returns. Kuroda -- who famously rattled markets with a surprise shift to negative interest rates in 2016, before settling on yield curve control -- keeps saying that it’s too early to cut back monetary easing and raise rates in Japan, where inflation remains relatively muted. The different stances are helping weaken the yen. Other factors include the strength of the U.S. economy and its labor market while Japan continues to lag behind its peers in recovering to pre-pandemic levels.
5. What does the weak yen mean for the economy?
Historically Japan has welcomed a weakening of the yen as it helps exporters including carmaking giant Toyota Motor Corp. when they repatriate profits made overseas. In the past decade, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ushered in a period of a much weaker yen largely to the applause of the business world. The mood is shifting now though given that costs for commodities and other inputs are rising at the fastest pace in four decades. A sharply weaker yen amplifies that pain. The average household is also feeling the bite from higher prices for imports from energy to food. With the central bank unlikely to budge, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is left trying to temper the impact through government spending, such as fuel subsidies.
6. Where does this leave Kuroda?
It’s an awkward way to spend the last year of his second five-year term as governor. But he’s shaken off any concerns about the negative side effects of a weaker yen, sticking to protecting the credibility of his policy framework. Kuroda often points out it’s the finance ministry, not the BOJ, that is in charge of foreign exchange matters. Japan’s chief currency official said in March he’d discussed the foreign exchange as a major issue with his U.S. counterpart. What happens after Kuroda leaves in April 2023 is another matter. Kishida may choose a successor who takes a more conventional line on policy.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/why-the-yen-has-weakened-and-what-japan-is-doing-about-it/2022/03/31/a1973772-b15a-11ec-9dbd-0d4609d44c1c_story.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_business | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
Curio Wellness is cultivating a better way of life. As a trusted healthcare partner providing safe, effective and reliable products, we seek to continually elevate the healthcare conversation through education and patient experiences that are truly transformative. Whether for our patients, partners or employees, we seek to inspire and affect innovative healthcare solutions. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/curio-wellness/products/curio-wellness-kush-breath-flower | 2022-04-01T01:50:12Z |
Sale
LIVERMORE — There will be a Craft and Food Sale May 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Livermore Community Building, located at 25 Church Street (In front of the Town Garage) Call 212-8960 if interested in renting a craft table.
Supper
JAY — Frank L. Mitchell VFW post 3335 is still having Friday night take-out suppers. On April 1, the meal will be roast pork, potatoes, green beans, applesauce and apple cake for $11. On April 8, the meal will be homemade mac and cheese w/kielbasa and strawberry shortcake for $11. Takeout meals begin serving at 5 p.m. Call Janice early at 897-2122 to reserve your meal. Thank you for your continued support!
Scholarship
WILTON — The 2022 application for Wilton Scholarship/Hazel Chaney awards for college and trade programs is now available at the Wilton Town Office and online at the MBHS School Counseling website. All current and former graduates of Mt. Blue High School, Foster Tech, and ABE from Wilton, East Wilton, East Dixfield, Dryden, and Weld are eligible. Applications must be returned or postmarked by May 14 for full awards. Late applications will receive partial awards if funds allow. Call Ken Sawyer at 645-3894 for more info.
Egg Hunt
CHESTERVILLE —There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the field beside the Chesterville Town Office on Sunday, April 3 at 1 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers. FMI 778-3156.
Family photos
REGION — Livermore Falls Historical Society and Treat Memorial Library: The Livermore Falls Historical Society is looking to reunite local people with their family photos. The Historical Society is in possession of boxes of photos that may feature you or your family members. Treat Memorial Library has a list of names that we encourage local people to come and take a look at. If you or your family member’s name is on the list, you may contact the Historical Society at 897-4695 or 897-5171 for your photos. Call the library at 897-3631 with any questions.
Comments are not available on this story.
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Maine
Congress hears Rep. Golden’s bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
-
College
College softball: CMCC routs NVU-Johnson in doubleheader sweep
-
Crime
Androscoggin County arrest log: March 25-31, 2022
-
Schools & Education
Lewiston schools aiming for roughly $1 tax impact
-
Crime
Three people facing trafficking charges accused of hiding fentanyl in cans of beans | https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/03/30/briefly-7607/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
As Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the federal government’s pre-election budget on Tuesday night, I watched in anticipation to see what it would hold for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
It’s an important issue, particularly in light of the government’s 2020 commitment to new targets to address the ever-growing disparities between Indigenous peoples and the rest of the population that have yet to be adequately addressed.
It was no surprise to see a strong budget focus on the cost of living. Petrol prices have surged past A$2 a litre, and the cost of food is rising because of COVID-19, floods and climate change.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was quick to criticise the budget, likening it to “fake tan” and claiming that the one-off cost-of-living payments are more about winning the upcoming election than planning for the future. The problem with fake tan, he said, is that “it fades pretty quickly”.
Unfortunately, Indigenous people are used to disappointing budgets that lack the strategic planning needed to address real issues that Indigenous communities themselves constantly raise.
True, the cost of living is soaring for many Australians. But like all things, this is never an even playing field. The cost of living in remote Aboriginal communities beggars belief. It is so outrageous that it triggered a federal parliamentary inquiry in 2020.
Perhaps not unexpectedly, the inquiry failed to deliver any meaningful results. Petrol prices have also been extremely high in rural and remote locations for a long time, significantly impacting Indigenous communities. For example, petrol prices have reached as high as $3 a litre in Arnhem Land.
Read more: There's $1.3 billion for women's safety in the budget and it's nowhere near enough
What’s in the budget for us?
So, what’s in the 2022 pre-election budget that will address the new targets set by the government? Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said in his budget-night press release that the Morrison government has embarked on “the most ambitious Indigenous policy reform agendas”.
The federal budget should address the needs in the broader community, but also the targeted commitments that the government makes, such as those outlined in the Closing the Gap scheme.
The government has pledged $636.4 million in the 2022 budget over six years to expand Indigenous land and sea management on Country. This will provide more education and employment opportunities in remote and regional Australia. Given the lack of any real commitment to climate change, I guess the government is hoping Indigenous rangers will do the work so urgently required.
Housing in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory has been allocated $408 million. The funding will be used for addressing overcrowding, homelessness and much-needed improvements to homes. The government has also allocated $183 million over the next three years to improve economic, social and health outcomes for Indigenous people in the NT.
Although homelessness and affordable housing is a major concern for Indigenous people across Australia, no funding was committed to other locations. Yet most Indigenous people live in urban areas. In Victoria, for example, the number of Indigenous people seeking help from services for housing issues has increased by 33.6% over four years – the highest rate for Indigenous people anywhere in Australia.
Is the budget addressing the Indigenous health gap?
The budget promises an estimated $16.2 million for Indigenous health spending across 2022-23. Specifically, the funding is to combat blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections in the Torres Strait, and improving trachoma control services. Australia is the only developed country where trachoma still exists. It only impacts Indigenous people, and is directly related to overcrowding and poor housing conditions, including access to clean water and sanitation.
The federal government has also pledged $12 million towards combating rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous communities, which continue to have one of the highest rates in the developed world. The ABC 4 Corners report Heart Failure highlighted the ongoing impacts of racism in the health system and the appalling lack of healthcare provided.
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has expressed disappointment at what it describes as the budget’s failure to adequately fund Indigenous health, even though the disparities in health between Indigenous peoples and other populations in Australia are supposedly one of the key areas of the government’s commitment.
The organisation’s chief executive, Pat Turner, said:
As long as this $4.4 billion funding gap remains and as long as there are funding gaps elsewhere – in particular, in housing – we cannot expect the unconscionable health gap to close. This Budget is an opportunity lost. NACCHO calls upon the government to close the funding gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Last year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the “ultimate test” of closing the gap would be that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in particular would have the same opportunities as other children in Australia.
On this scale, the federal government has failed miserably. Indigenous children in Australia are ten times more likely to be removed from their families.
Catherine Liddle, chief executive of SNAICC, the national peak body for Aboriginal children and families, expressed the frustration Indigenous people have on this issue:
People have been saying this for a long time, yet the change in investment and transformation to the system that’s required to fix it hasn’t followed through.
Turner and Liddle both also highlighted the considerable shortfall in the commitment needed to meet the ambitious targets set out in the Closing the Gap agreement.
Overall, the budget falls short of adequate investment across key areas such as health, housing, education and employment. It also fails to provide funding to address the high number of Indigenous deaths in custody and to support families facing the financial burden of seeking legal justice.
Frydenberg acknowledged the women’s safety crisis in Australia, and the government has reiterated its support for a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council on family, domestic and sexual violence. But the budget fails to fund Aboriginal family violence and legal services where resources are urgently needed.
The co-chair of the First Nations-led coalition Change the Record, Cheryl Axleby, said that if a budget was a reflection of a government’s priorities, it’s clear that First Nations’ needs are a long way down the list. | https://theconversation.com/does-the-pre-election-budget-address-ways-to-realistically-close-the-gap-for-indigenous-people-180312 | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
(CNN) — A former Yale administrative employee pleaded guilty on Monday of defrauding the university of more than $40.5 million by reselling electronics purchased with school funds over at least an eight-year period, according to court documents.
Jamie Petrone-Codrington, 42, who was director of finance and lead administrator at the medical school’s department of emergency medicine, used the funds “for various personal expenses, including expensive cars, real estate and travel,” according to a press release from the US Attorney’s Office in Connecticut.
This includes three Connecticut properties that she owns or co-owns, according to prosecutors.
Petrone-Codrington also filed false tax returns from 2013 to 2016, where she claimed the costs of the stolen equipment as business expenses, and failed to file any tax returns from 2017 to 2020. That cost the US Treasury $6 million, according to the press release.
Petrone-Codrington, who was arrested in September 2021, was charged with wire fraud and filing a false tax return. She faces up to 23 years in prison, according to court documents. She is currently out of jail on a $1 million bail bond and is set to be sentenced in June.
Her attorney, Frank Riccio, told CNN his client has “accepted responsibility for her actions and is remorseful.”
“She now looks forward towards sentencing and repairing some of the damage that has been caused,” he said.
The court has also ordered Petrone-Codrington to pay restitution in the amount of $40.5 million to Yale and more than $6 million to the Internal Revenue Service for failing to file and filing a false tax return.
The FBI launched an investigation into Petrone-Codrington in August 2021 after information was provided by the university and found that as early as 2013 she started ordering electronics, like Microsoft Surface Pro tablet computers, with the medical school’s university funds, according to the plea. She then sold them to a third-party business, which would direct funds of the electronics it sold back to Petrone-Codrington via Maziv Entertainment LLC, a company in which she is a principal, according to the press release.
During an eight-year period, Petrone-Codrington placed or ordered other members of Yale’s staff to place thousands of electronics orders. From May to August 2021 alone, she ordered about $2.1 million in computer equipment using Yale funds, according to the original complaint, and law enforcement was still determining how much of those purchases were legitimate.
In a statement provided to law enforcement in August 2021, Petrone-Codrington admitted to having executed the scheme for several years, and “estimated that approximately 90% of her computer-related purchases were fraudulent,” according to the FBI.
“The university thanks local law enforcement, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their handling of the case,” Yale University Spokeswoman Karen Peart told CNN. “Since the incident, Yale has worked to identify and correct gaps in its internal financial controls.”
Petrone-Codrington was employed by Yale beginning in 1999, but held her position as lead administrator and director of finance and administration for the university’s Department of Emergency Medicine since September 2019, according to court documents. She had been working for Yale’s Department of Emergency Medicine since 2008.
Yale University could not confirm when Petrone-Codrington’s employment ended. However, an article on the Yale Daily News reported that she was no longer employed by the university as of September 2021.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://whdh.com/news/former-yale-administrator-defrauded-university-of-more-than-40-million-for-expensive-cars-homes-and-travel-doj-says/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
Brother Martin ralled in three individual matches to capture an unprecedented sixth boys/coed division title Thursday at the LHSAA State Bowling Championships at All Star Lanes.
Those wins helped Brother Martin score a 17-10 win over Catholic High of Baton Rouge.
Brother Martin is the second school in state high school bowling to win four consecutive state tournaments.
On the girls side, Denham Springs became the second school with five titles when it defeated C.E. Byrd 21-6.
After splitting the eight points in the best-of-27 match in the opener, Brother Martin won six points in the second game to take a 10-6 lead.
In the final game the lower average part of the lineup, which had won so many matches for the Crusaders this season, found themselves behind as Catholic's John Feet, Mark Mills and Drew Babin all began stringing strikes.
It took some late heroics by Ashton Catalinotto (245) and Carson Colletti (205) before seven closing strikes by Jacob Vangilder to win a 248-247 decision that put the Crusaders in position to win four individual points and the three-point total by two pins to clinch the win.
“I got up in the seventh or eighth frame and told the guys I don’t know how we are going to do it but we need four points," Brother Martin coach Bruce Himbert said. "You guys are good enough to do it. Jacob Vangilder was special today. I talked to him before the match and for some reason I thought he was going to be there and he was. He had to strike out.”
Vangilder, who was voted the MVP, posted a 694 series. Catalinotto was next at 683, followed by Kade Chatelain (624) and Dylan McDonald (621).
For Catholic, Feet had a 651 with a winning 237 in the final game while Drew Babin rarely missed, rolling 259-728. Benjamin Herman had 614.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” Catholic coach Robin Davis said. “I can’t ask for better bowling than they gave me today. We shot a 1,305 in the last game and we haven’t done that all season.”
Brother Martin and Catholic both advanced easily through their semifinal matches, with Brother Martin winning 18-9 over Vandebilt Catholic and Catholic getting a 23-4 decision over Archbishop Shaw.
Denham Springs made its first appearance in the championship round from 2011 a good one, defeating Dutchtown 19-8 in the semifinals. The Yellow Jackets got seven of nine points in the high average positions.
Dutchtown’s Ashtyn Yoches had the best girls set of the day with a 652.
Byrd, the first north Louisiana team to advance this far since 2010, upset top-seeded Ponchatoula in their semifinal to create a battle of Yellow Jackets.
But after a first game in which Byrd’s Jadyn Martin (215) and Maddisen Rook (214) topped their averages by more than 60 pins, Denham Springs took control en route to a 21-6 decision.
“It’s all been so amazing,” Denham Springs Coach Kim Bogan said. “They came together as a team and did what needed to be done.”
Audrey Cedotal led the way with a 209-601 to earn MVP honors.
The singles championships will be decided Friday with the boys at 10:30 a.m. and the girls to follow at 1 p.m. at All Star Lanes.
Boys semifinals
Catholic BR 18, Archbishop Shaw 9
Catholic: Benjamin Herman 242-650; Drew Babin 245, Mark Mills 246, John Feet 239; Shaw: Jonathan Freeman 268-687; Andrew Hill 237
Brother Martin 23, Vandebilt Catholic 4
Brother Martin: Dylan McDonald 248-213; Ricky Carmona 247-210; Carson Colletti 268-237; Vandebilt: Eli Hebert 230, Josh Sorbert 208
Championship match
Brother Martin 17, Catholic 10
Brother Martin: Jacob Vangilder 248-694; Ashton Catalinotto 245-683
Catholic: Drew Babin 259-728; John Feet 237-653
Girls semifinals
Denham Springs 19, Dutchtown 8
Denham Springs: Gracie Dawson 206, Layla Legendre 205-201; Dutchtown: Ashtyn Yoches 235-652;
Byrd 16½, Ponchatoula 10½
Byrd: Maddisen Rock 205, Cathleen Stevens 191; Ponchatoula: Kelsey Hicks 170, Kayla Cowell 170
Championship match
Denham Springs 21, Byrd 6
Denham Springs: Audrey Cedotal 209-601; Byrd: Maddisen Rook 214-200; Jadyn Martin 215 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/high_schools/article_48f41416-b10d-11ec-ac38-2f1cc034e398.html | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Upholding a Trump-era environmental policy, the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it will not regulate a drinking water contaminant that has been linked to brain damage in infants.
The agency said the Trump administration's decision in 2020 not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water was made with the “best available peer reviewed science.” The chemical is used in rocket fuel and fireworks.
At the time, Trump's EPA said perchlorate was not found widely enough in drinking water or "at levels of public health concern" to warrant federal regulation. The decision was one of many Trump-era rollbacks or eliminations of existing or pending public health and environmental protections. The Biden administration ordered a review of that decision at the start of his term.
EPA Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox said the agency was “applying the right tools to support public health protections.”
Environmental groups slammed the Biden administration’s decision.
“The Trump EPA gave perchlorate a pass; it was a bad decision then, and it’s a bad decision now,” said Erik Olson of the Natural Resources Defense Council advocacy group. “Tap water across America will remain contaminated by this toxic chemical.”
Perchlorate from runoff contaminates the drinking water of as many as 16 million Americans, the Obama administration said in 2011 when it announced the EPA would for the first time set maximum limits for the chemical compound. It has been used in the U.S. for decades, particularly by the military and defense industries, and is commonly found in munitions, fireworks, matches and signal flares.
Exposure to the compound can damage the development of fetuses and children and cause measurable drops in IQ in newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics said in 2019, when it called for stringent federal limits. It damages human development by disrupting the functioning of the thyroid gland.
In its 2020 review, the EPA said state-level regulations and cleanup activities at contaminated sites had lowered the health risks posed by the compound. Massachusetts and California, for example, limit perchlorate in drinking water to 2 parts per billion and 6 parts per billion, respectively.
“But the problem is that for the rest of the country the states have not set standards,” said Olson of the Natural Resources Defense Council. He said the compound is in “the top tier of problematic chemicals in our water.”
In the Southwest, perchlorate has been detected in groundwater that entered Lake Mead in Nevada. Manufacturing facilities in Henderson, Nevada, were the source of the chemical. The EPA said cleanup activities at two industrial sites in the state between 2002 and 2006 resulted in reduced levels of perchlorate in data provided since then by Nevada environmental and water agencies.
The EPA said Thursday it was considering other steps besides a federal drinking water limit, such as setting standards at open burning and detonation sites, where severe perchlorate contamination is generated from the burning of hazardous byproducts from weapons manufacturing and munitions. One such site is in Colfax, Louisiana, where environmentalists have long advocated for reform.
But environmental advocates said such measures fall short of what's needed.
“Simply put, toxic chemicals used in rocket fuel do not belong in our drinking water," said John Rumpler, senior attorney with Environment America.
___
AP reporter Matthew Daly contributed to this report.
___
The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/environment | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/EPA-upholds-Trump-era-decision-not-to-regulate-17049862.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
JAY — Courtney Hogan of Jay, a senior at Spruce Mountain High School, has been selected to receive the 2022 Principal’s Award, SMHS Principal Thomas Plourde announced.
The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.
“Throughout her years at Spruce Mountain High School, Courtney Hogan has distinguished herself in the classroom, as a volunteer, and as a leader in the school and the community,” Plourde noted in making the award. “She very much deserves this recognition.”
Hogan, Plourde, and other award winners and their principals will participate in a Live Virtual Scholarship Drawing Event on Friday, April 1 at 11 a.m. Ten $1,000 scholarships will be drawn in the names of former Maine principals and MPA Executive Directors: Horace O. McGowan, Richard W. Tyler, and Richard A. Durost.
The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association which represents Maine’s school administrators.
Comments are not available on this story.
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Maine
Congress hears Rep. Golden’s bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
-
College
College softball: CMCC routs NVU-Johnson in doubleheader sweep
-
Crime
Androscoggin County arrest log: March 25-31, 2022
-
Schools & Education
Lewiston schools aiming for roughly $1 tax impact
-
Crime
Three people facing trafficking charges accused of hiding fentanyl in cans of beans | https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/03/30/courtney-hogan-receives-mpa-principals-award/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
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Oscars producer Will Packer said Los Angeles police were ready to arrest Will Smith after Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Academy Awards stage.
“They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment," Packer said in a clip released by ABC News Thursday night of an interview he gave to “Good Morning America.” “They said we will go get him. We are prepared. We’re prepared to get him right now. You can press charges, we can arrest him. They were laying out the options.”
But Packer said Rock was “very dismissive” of the idea.
“He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine,” Packer said. "And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish.’ The LAPD officers finished laying out what his options were and they said, ‘Would you like us to take any action?’ And he said no.”
The LAPD said in a statement after Sunday night's ceremony that they were aware of the incident, and that Rock had declined to file a police report. The department declined comment Thursday on Packer's interview, a longer version of which will air on Friday morning.
More Will Smith and Chris Rock Coverage
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences met Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. Smith could be suspended, expelled or otherwise sanctioned.
The academy said in a statement that “Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television."
Without giving specifics, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, but refused to do so.
Smith strode from his front row seat on to the stage and slapped Rock after a joke Rock made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, when he was on stage to present the Oscar for best documentary.
On Monday, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying “I was out of line and I was wrong.”
The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18.
Rock publicly addressed the incident for the first time, but only briefly, at the beginning of a standup show Wednesday night in Boston, where he was greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. He said “I’m still kind of processing what happened.”
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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton | https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/oscars-producer-says-police-offered-to-arrest-will-smith/3013793/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
Schreyer Institute offering summer events and programs for faculty
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at Penn State will offer a short course, reading programs, and writing sessions and retreats for faculty during summer 2022. Some events have limited space and registration deadlines are coming up in April. The deadline for Teaching and Learning Scholarship Grants...
www.psu.edu | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556737253201/schreyer-institute-offering-summer-events-and-programs-for-faculty | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
The Dolphins will continue to chase their tails in Redcliffe, as the Melbourne Storm have secured another piece of their spine long-term, agreeing to a four-year extension with QueenslandMaroons hooker Harry Grant.
Grant has been earmarked as the future Storm number nine following fellow Melbourne hooker Brandon Smith's decision to join the Roosters in 2023.
Within the past few weeks though, discussions between Grant's management and Melbourne brass had picked up, with both sides hoping to get a deal done before the November 1 deadline.
According to James Hooper of Fox Sports, Melbourne has retained the gun hooker until the end of the 2026 season, with the deal expected to deliver Grant almost $1 million a year.
Grant's signature sees an important domino fall for the Storm, with Melbourne now having secured their long-term fullback, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and hooker for the future.
The Storm will now turn all their attention to adding another strong piece to their spine in halfback Jahrome Hughes.
According to Hooper, Hughes' management is currently in the process of trying to finalise a deal with the powerhouse.
With a sizable portion of the Storm's salary cap now consumed, the ambiguity surrounding Cam Munster's contractual status beyond 2023 has continued to grow. | https://www.zerotackle.com/breaking-storm-secure-grants-signature-as-dolphins-continue-to-swim-in-circles-115630/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
WHL
All Times Local
Western Conference
B.C. Division
U.S. Division
Eastern Conference
East Division
Central Division
Note: x - clinched playoff berth; y - clinched division; Two points for a team winning in overtime or shootout; the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns.
Tuesday's results
Winnipeg 8 Moose Jaw 1
Wednesday's results
Everett at Portland, 7 p.m.
Prince Albert 2 Brandon 1
Swift Current 6 Lethbridge 4
Regina 3 Saskatoon 2
Calgary 3 Medicine Hat 2
Kamloops 8 Prince George 2
Friday's games
Calgary at Swift Current, 7 p.m.
Moose Jaw at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg at Regina, 7 p.m.
Medicine Hat at Lethbridge, 7 p.m.
Spokane at Kamloops, 7 p.m.
Prince George at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Portland at Everett, 7:05 p.m.
Tri-City at Seattle, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday's games
Edmonton at Red Deer, 7 p.m.
Lethbridge at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Seattle at Portland, 6 p.m.
Winnipeg at Moose Jaw, 7 p.m.
Regina at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Everett at Tri-City, 6:05 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday's games
Swift Current at Calgary, 2 p.m.
Kamloops at Prince George, 2 p.m.
Red Deer at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 4 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Regina at Brandon, 7 p.m.
Saskatoon at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Kelowna at Prince George, 7 p.m. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/HKO-WHL-Standings-17049892.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
Shark vacuum review
Pets bring much to our lives — including extra messes. Pet parents need vacuums that have the added power necessary to clean up hair, dander and dirt trodden in on paws, and even though a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner can do the trick, it isn’t always necessary.
Shark claims its Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum offers power and versatility in a lightweight package. The company says it can tackle dirt deeply embedded in carpets and makes cleaning stairs and upholstery easy in the handheld mode.
We tested the Shark Rocket Pet Plus to see if there’s truth to these claims and if this vacuum is worth the buy.
Testing the Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum
At BestReviews, we know that testing out a product for a couple of hours isn’t the same as using it day in, day out. That’s why we send products to our group of testers to use them over an extended period, test out the manufacturer’s claims and see how they really perform.
We sent the Shark Rocket Pet Plus to a tester who lives in a three-bedroom home with a short-haired dog. Our tester usually uses a Dyson V8 Animal vacuum, so they were able to compare it to another big brand. They tried it out for two weeks before reporting their findings.
What is the Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum?
The Rocket Pet Plus is a stick vacuum, which is a type of lightweight vacuum cleaner. We found it extremely lightweight and modern compared to traditional upright vacuums. It converts into a hand vacuum for smaller cleaning tasks, stairs and upholstery. It’s also specifically designed as a pet vacuum and comes with a range of tools to make it easier to clean up after pets.
Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum price and where to buy
The Shark Rocket Pet Plus costs around $180 and is available at Amazon.
How to use the Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum
We found this Shark vacuum extremely easy to set up. It comes in three parts: the body, the stick and the cleaning head. All you need to do is fit one end of the stick to the body and the other end to the cleaning head and you’re ready to go. You can also set it up as a handheld vacuum by attaching the cleaning head or another cleaning tool directly to the body without the stick.
As it’s a corded vacuum, it must be plugged into an outlet before you can start vacuuming. It has just two modes to choose from, labeled I and II: I is a less powerful mode that we used for hard floors and II is a more powerful mode that we used for carpeted areas.
Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum benefits
Maneuverability
We found this lightweight vacuum highly maneuverable. We had no problems navigating around furniture and squeezing the cleaning head into tight corners to get the best clean possible. It was just as lightweight and easy to maneuver as the Dyson V8 Animal, although lacking the convenience of being cordless.
Suction power
The suction power was good and we experienced no issues cleaning up the hair from a short-coated dog on both carpets and hard flooring. There’s an indicator light that turns red if there are any clogs, so it’s easy to solve issues that might affect suction power as they arise.
Cleaning modes
You can select between two cleaning modes. Mode I is a standard powered mode, while mode II gives you an extra boost. Although mode I is supposed to be for hard floors and mode II for carpet, we found both worked well for carpets and hard floors, so it’s more dependent on whether you need extra power.
LED headlights
The LED headlights illuminate your cleaning path to help you see dirt. This is especially useful in low-light conditions or for cleaning under furniture.
XL dust cup
While it isn’t as large as the dust cups you’d find on upright vacuums or in canister models, it has a large capacity for a stick vacuum, so you don’t need to empty it too often while cleaning. We found it easy to empty, especially when you remove the body of the vacuum from the stick.
Handheld mode
The handheld mode is great for tackling stairs, upholstery and for spot cleaning. It’s easy to convert into a hand vacuum and back into its regular configuration again, so it’s not a huge ordeal if you want to switch modes during a cleaning session. You can use the regular cleaning head or the other cleaning attachments in handheld mode.
Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum drawbacks
Power cord
Although the power cord is long enough to vacuum large rooms without unplugging it and moving to another outlet, it’s still a pain to switch outlets when you clean your whole home and to coil it up when you’re done. We must say we prefer the convenience of a cordless vacuum, but many buyers are happy to stick with corded options to save money.
Loudness
This is a loud vacuum cleaner. We had the TV playing in the background while cleaning, and it was inaudible over the sound of the vacuum. The lower-powered mode I is somehow louder than the higher-powered mode II.
Top-heavy
We didn’t like the fact that it’s so top-heavy that you can’t leave it standing up if you take a break from cleaning. Even the best stick vacuum has this problem, so it isn’t unique to this one. However, some have sticks that fold in the center so they’ll balance standing or have rest notches to make leaning them easier, which are features this model lacks.
Should you get the Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum?
It might not be the best Shark vacuum of all time, but the Shark Rocket Pet Plus is a good stick vacuum at an affordable price. If you’d rather not pay the premium for a cordless model, it’s an excellent choice, but some buyers long for the convenience of going cord-free. Of course, not every vacuum is right for every buyer, but this one is a solid mid-range option for homes with pets.
Consider other products
Black+Decker Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum
This cordless pet vacuum comes at a similar price to the Shark Rocket Pet Plus. It runs for up to 55 minutes on a full charge and has an anti-tangle brush roll for pet hair.
Sold by Amazon.
Dyson V8 Fluffy Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Thanks to its powerful motor, this vacuum makes light work of cleaning up after pets. It’s on the pricey side but worth the investment.
Sold by Amazon.
Shark Vertex Ultra-Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
With an anti-allergen filter and a dedicated pet tool, it’s a great choice for homes with pets, plus there’s no cord to worry about.
Sold by Amazon.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind Vacuum
If you don’t mind a bulkier upright design, this vacuum does an excellent job at removing pet hair from carpets and hard floors, with a reasonable mid-range price tag.
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.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/reviews/br/home-br/vacuums-br/shark-vacuum-review-can-this-vacuum-tackle-fur-and-other-pet-related-messes/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:13Z |
FRESNO, Calif., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of California recently launched its TECH Clean California initiative which is a $120 million program funded by California gas corporations to implement low emissions space and water heating units for single and multifamily homes.
For some homeowners considering a new air conditioning system, this California rebate can save them up to $7,000. Unlike solar incentives that require the homeowner to apply for the incentive with the State of California after the system is installed, the homeowner realizes the savings upfront with the TECH Clean California Initiative. The HVAC company that installs the system is then required to apply for reimbursement with the State.
To qualify, an electric heating and cooling unit must be installed by an approved HVAC company. Simon DeLaCerda, General Manager of Valley Air Conditioning and Repair has been installing these systems upon the launch and states, "I am pleased to offer the opportunity, we've seen incredible savings for homeowners and urge other homeowners to take advantage of this amazing deal".
The Switch Is On, is an educational campaign that has been launched to promote the TECH initiative and the benefits of home electrification. Learn more about the campaign through their site.
About Valley Air Conditioning
Valley Air Conditioning has over 52 years of experience in commercial and residential heating and air conditioning services in Fresno and the surrounding areas. They have been able to set themselves apart by continuing to build upon the foundation Tobbie Hopper set when he first started business in 1970 as a one-man shop. Valley Air Conditioning & Repair, Inc's goals have remained the same; to earn the trust of our customers by offering expert advice, quality services based on honorable intentions, never rushing to meet sales goals or quotas. It's one simple philosophy but many things have set Valley Air Repair apart over the years. For more information, visit https://valleyairrepair.com/
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SOURCE Valley Air Conditioning & Repair | https://www.ky3.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/new-california-rebate-enables-valley-air-conditioning-amp-repair-help-community-save-7000-ac-systems/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
People who suffered from even mild cases of COVID-19 face an increased risk of being diagnosed with diabetes within a year of recovering from the illness, a new study reports.
Researchers found that people who had COVID-19 were about 40% more likely to develop diabetes within a year after recovering, compared to participants in a control group. The likelihood of developing diabetes grew if the patient suffered from a serious infection that led to hospitalization or a stay in intensive care.
"What's surprising is that it is happening in people with no prior risk factors for diabetes" before becoming infected with COVID-19, said Ziyad Al-Aly, the lead author of the study.
These latest findings add to a growing list of studies showing that people who suffered from COVID-19 are at risk of facing other long-term health problems. Those include heart and kidney ailments and chronic fatigue.
Al-Aly also helped lead the study that showed the prevalence of cardiac issues in people who survived COVID-19 infections.
This newest study, published Monday in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, analyzed data from more than 180,000 patients from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The study's authors compared patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and survived the illness for more than a month with more than 4 million other people who didn't contract COVID in the same period. This data was also compared with another 4.28 million patients who were treated at the VA in 2018 and 2019.
The paper states that around 1% to 2% of people who have been infected with COVID will develop diabetes as a result. That may seem like a small number, but nearly 80 million people in the U.S. have had COVID, Al-Aly told NPR — meaning 800,000 to 1.6 million people developing diabetes who might not have otherwise.
"That translates to a really significant number of people with new onset diabetes in the U.S. and many, many more around the world," Al-Aly said.
Nationwide, approximately 34 million people had diabetes pre-COVID, according to Jorge Moreno, an internal medicine physician at Yale University who didn't work on Al-Aly's study. Doctors expect roughly 1.5 million new people to be newly diagnosed with diabetes each year during normal times, he told NPR.
What to look out for
This study shows that as a nation, more attention needs to be paid to the long-term effects of COVID-19, Al-Aly said. More vigilance can start at the doctor's office.
"We need to start treating COVID as a risk factor for diabetes," Al-Aly said, adding that each person who has come down with the virus needs to be screened.
Moreno told NPR he believes this study will create more awareness among general practitioners and endocrinologists, like himself, to screen patients who have had COVID for diabetes and other complications.
Those who've had COVID should also be closely monitoring their health and changes in their body, Moreno said, and should seek help at the first sign of an issue. Major symptoms for diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination (which is not influenced by how much liquid consumed) and blurry vision. Major weight fluctuations are also a sign.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wvasfm.org/science/2022-03-31/covid-19-infection-increases-your-risk-for-diabetes-a-new-study-says | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest superhero is not, in the conventional sense, either "super" or a "hero," but he does have an unorthodox ailment and a weird skill-set to separate him from mere mortals. His name is Morbius, and while watching his origin story, you may get the feeling that somewhere in the cinematic multiverse, wires got crossed.
The film begins with a helicopter, transporting a cage to the sort of mist-shrouded isle you half expect King Kong to be inhabiting. But Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) is looking to capture smaller game as he approaches the mouth of a cave, hobbling with difficulty on two crutch-like canes.
Positioning himself behind the wires of the cage, he slices open the palm of his hand and, as a roar of batwings echoes from inside the cave, murmurs to the copter pilot "if you're gonna run, do it now."
A rare blood disease treated with a bit o' bat
It's tempting to say "consider yourself warned," but the film's first hour or so, while unremarkable, is decently crafted.
Born with a rare blood disease, Michael Morbius has spent his entire life working on two things — a cure, and origami paper-folding. Natch, it occurs to him to fold together bat and human DNA.
Because the FDA would be unlikely to approve human trials, he and his beautiful co-researcher Martine (Adria Arjona) head in a cargo ship for international waters off the coast of Long Island in the company of eight thuggish mercenaries — think bloodbags — and once Morbius has been injected with bat DNA, it's just a matter of time before things go vampiric.
Let it be said that some side-effects from dabbling in "chiropter-y" are less ghastly than others. Bat DNA evidently gives you great cheekbones and abs to go with increased strength and speed.
Less salutary effects include new fangs that sprout from his gums with decades of decay baked in, and claws that erupt from his fingers pre-filthed. I mean, sure...why not? Except this is a man whose hair has the kind of sheen that comes from brushing it three times a day.
One other thing: he now needs to drink human blood every six hours. Happily, on his way to declining a Nobel Prize, Dr. Morbius invented "artificial blood," though that only fools his system for a while.
Color coded smoke effects for a Jekyll and his Hyde
If you're expecting a conventional Marvel movie, you should be aware going in that what Director Daniel Espinoza and his writers have come up with is more a horror flick with Marvel bells and whistles.
That means Leto's Morbius gets purplish smoke effects to go with those fang-baring snarls as he's riding air currents in subway tunnels, while the similarly afflicted Hyde to his Jekyll – a schoolboy chum played as an adult by an amusingly hopped-up Matt Smith, gets blue-ish vapor trails and snappier lines.
But there isn't much tension to their story. Or logic. At one point, Morbius overhears some counterfeiters passing fake $100s, and commandeers their printing press to make what appears to be an artificial-blood machine — because the technologies for fake-bills and fake-blood match up? Maybe that works better in a comic book.
Bat guys everywhere you look
Speaking of which, when the DC Extended Universe first announced that Twilight star Robert Pattinson would play the lead in The Batman in their corner of the superhero multiverse, it seemed like a nice inside joke — from Vampire-teen to Bat-man. But now that the Marvelverse has Leto going full Dracula, it seems as if the casting maybe could've gone the other way 'round.
Leto is as persuasively haunted by the dark side of vigilantism as Pattinson was, and as a result of corporate positioning, is maybe more determined to avoid being a villain. Not unlike Venom, Morbius was a bad guy when he first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man comics, back in the 1970's. He needs to be at least an anti-hero now, if a franchise is to be built around him.
But bad guy/bat guy...who's to say? As the trailers reveal, another DC bat-guy, Michael Keaton, shows up in his non-batty baddie Marvel persona Adrian Toomes, just to mess with the heads of anyone trying to keep cinematic universes straight.
But bloodlines will have to be clarified in more robust "Morbius" episodes to come, this origin story being merely adequate, and by Marvel standards, slightly anemic.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wksu.org/npr-news/2022-03-31/jared-leto-is-marvels-bat-man-in-the-vampiric-morbius | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled Thursday honoring the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the latest honor for the band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and the recipient of six Grammys.
All four members of the band -- lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante -- spoke at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of Amoeba Music where they will give the first music performance at its new Hollywood location next Thursday.
Emmy-winning actor Woody Harrelson, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame funk singer George Clinton and singer turned chemical dependency counselor Bob Forrest are also set to speak. The ceremony will be streamed on the Walk of Fame's website, www.walkoffame.com.
The star is the 2,717th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars.
Red Hot Chili Peppers were selected for a star in 2008 but just scheduled the ceremony "a few months ago,'' Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, told City News Service.
The ceremony comes one day before the release of the band's first studio album since 2016, "Unlimited Love,'' its first recording with Frusciante since 2006.
Entertainment News
Formed in 1983 by Kiedis, Flea (who was born Michael Peter Balzary), guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons, classmates at Fairfax High School, Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold 80 million albums, generated 5 billion YouTube views, and gathered 22 billion Spotify streams, averaging 21 million monthly listeners on the platform.
Smith has been with the band since 1988. Frusciante also joined in 1988, left in 1992, rejoined in 1998, left in 2009 and rejoined again in 2019.
Red Hot Chili Peppers have received 16 Grammy nominations, the first in 1990 for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal for the single "Higher Ground.'' They won their first Grammy in 1993 for best hard rock performance with vocal for "Give It Away.''
Their other Grammys came in 2000 for best rock song for "Scar Tissue'' and in 2007 for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal and best rock song, both for "Dani California,'' and best rock album and best boxed or special limited edition package, both for "Stadium Arcadium.'' | https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/red-hot-chili-peppers-honored-with-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star/3013870/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:14Z |
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Melbourne drug lord Tony Mokbel is rushed to hospital after suffering chest pains in his jail cell
- Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel rushed to hospital from prison suffering chest pains
- The 56-year-old is currently serving a 30-year sentence for drug trafficking
- Mokbel suffered heart attack and been stabbed during his stint behind bars
- Gangland identity is fighting his drug convictions following Lawyer X saga
- Criminal lawyer Nicola Gobbo was revealed as police informant in March 2019
- Mokbel given avenue of appeal after he claims convictions had been tainted
Jailed drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been rushed to hospital from prison after suffering chest pains.
The 56-year-old, known as 'Fat Tony', was escorted from Barwon Prison, near Geelong in Melbourne's southeast, to the emergency room on Thursday night.
The once-feared figure of Melbourne's underworld is serving a minimum 22 year year sentence for large-scale drug trafficking but continues to fight for his freedom.
Jailed drug kingpin Tony Mokbel (pictured arriving at court in 2007) has been rushed to hospital after suffering chest pains
The drug kingpin has a history of cardiac issues and in 2012 suffered a heart attack behind bars and taken to the secure unit of St Vincents for treatment.
In 2019, the gangland identity was left clinging to life after he was bashed and stabbed with makeshift shivs in February 2019.
Mokbel in December is fighting to walk free from jail off the back of the Lawyer X scandal.
He continues to claim his convictions have been tainted by the notorious police informer and criminal lawyer Nicola Gobbo.
Just over a year ago he had a 12 year conviction quashed after it was revealed Gobbo, a criminal defence lawyer, was acting as a police informant.
Mokbel (right) is hoping to be released from jail on the grounds that he was represented by Lawyer X, Nicola Gobbo (left) who was exposed as a police informant in 2019 | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10674553/Tony-Mokbel-Melbourne-drug-lord-rushed-hospital-prison-suffering-chest-pains.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-01T01:50:15Z |
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tweeted he had discussed steps toward peace in Ukraine with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During the conversation, Zelensky on Thursday noted the high level of organisation of negotiations of Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, Xinhua news agency reported.
Besides, the Ukrainian leader said he appreciates the readiness of Turkey to become a guarantor of Ukraine’s security.
Ukraine and Russia concluded their fresh round of face-to-face peace talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Tuesday.
At the negotiations, Kiev proposed to sign a new international treaty on security guarantees, which enshrines obligations for the guarantor countries to provide Ukraine with military assistance in the event of an attack.
20220401-053202 | https://www.canindia.com/zelensky-says-turkey-ready-to-become-guarantor-of-ukraines-security/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:16Z |
Manly chief executive Stephen Humphreys will front the Sea Eagles board next week over alleged corporate governance issues.
The Sea Eagles have informed the NRL of the development on Friday.
Humphreys is currently unwell after recently contracting COVID-19, while several Sea Eagles directors are also isolating after testing positive.
Humphreys - the son of former NSWRL boss Kevin - took charge of the club three years ago. The Herald has attempted to reach him for comment.
“I can’t make any public comment at this time due to the private nature of this matter,” said Manly chairman Scott Penn.
“We’ll release something more in due course.”
The Sea Eagles will face the Raiders at Mudgee on Saturday afternoon.
More to come. | https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/nrl/manly-boss-humphreys-to-front-board-over-corporate-governance-issues-20220401-p5aa1p.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:17Z |
Fried chicken meets fine dining: putting haute KFC to the taste test
For some it’s a guilty pleasure, a road trip tradition, a reward for the kids or a Friday night blowout. But now KFC - somehow the most sinful of all the fast foods - has become something else entirely: haute cuisine.
As far as marketing stunts go, it’s a winner. More than 20,000 Sydneysiders supposedly signed up for a seat at the KFC Degustation Restaurant, an 11-course romp through popcorn chicken, Twisters and Zinger burgers - deconstructed, reimagined and dolled up by executive chef Nelly Robinson.
Only 180 diners over three nights will be admitted to the top secret set-up down an Alexandria laneway. In a city that fawns over trendy restaurants, this is bizarrely one of the hardest tables in town to nab (at $75-a-head, for charity, it is also one of Sydney’s most affordable degustations).
But how does this Frankenstein feast stack up on the culinary front? Can those 11 secret herbs and spices survive the transition from greasy cardboard box to the fine dining table? Is any of this stuff actually edible while sober?
We won’t get an answer on that front because, unlike most KFC restaurants, there’s champagne on arrival - a stellar innovation in this correspondent’s book. A host shows us to our seats, and we are offered sparking or still water while PR agents buzz about the room fawning and spruiking.
The meal begins with a soft tomato-ey marshmallow dusted in those stubbornly secret spices, and is quickly followed by something they’re calling a Zinger katsu - a piece of fried chicken stacked on a potato block, drizzled with curry mayo and dill.
Then comes the allegedly “supercharged” wings, which resemble your normal KFC chicken wings, except (as per fine dining custom) smaller. They are cooked on a bed of charcoal and set alight at the table, which makes a nice change from the deep fryer.
By this time we have noticed the candle on our table has melted curiously quickly. Greater alarm sets in when the waiter starts pouring something on the melted wax. Of course, it transpires the candle was made of gravy and this is Robinson’s take on KFC’s venerated potato and gravy tubs.
Paired wines arrive, and what vineyard wouldn’t be thrilled to learn it has been judged the best accompaniment to fried chicken? Or, indeed, Zinger kingfish. Robinson told us this controversial creation was the subject of much disagreement with the powers-that-be, who were not convinced fish belonged on a KFC menu.
“This went on and on and on until I won,” Robinson said.
A Twister follows in two parts; first, Colonel Sanders’ face is drawn on a plate with tomato, lettuce, pepper mayo and KFC flavouring. It can only be consumed by licking - perhaps another fine dining first - and precedes a mini Twister embellished with pearl barley risotto, sundried tomato and Manchego cheese in a spinach tortilla, adorned with an edible flower “just to make it posh”.
We move on to this correspondent’s pick of the bunch - a reinvention of the humble delicacy of popcorn chicken. Here the chicken bites are dunked in a roast garlic mushroom soup which also hosts little pillows of mushroom gnocchi, topped with parsley chips.
By this point, one’s enthusiasm for fried chicken may begin to wane, gunned down by attrition, but the main event is still to come; an Original Recipe drumstick rolled in deep-fried “gold quinoa”. No contemporary degustation would be complete without quinoa, but this rocky accoutrement isn’t to everyone’s taste.
A dessert of wattle seed ice cream is popular at our table, and we imagine ourselves shamelessly demanding it from a hapless teenage cashier at George Street KFC at 3.30am after a night out.
The British-born Robinson loves a gimmick; he previously created a Disney-inspired degustation menu and an Aussie feast featuring dishes like ‘vegemite focaccia’ and ‘bunnings sausage sizzle’.
It’s obviously not vegetarian friendly, and it’s not likely to earn many Michelin stars, but there’s no doubt this KFC caper is a bit of fun. It’s fast food for the Instagram generation and, surprisingly, it works - even the fussy foodies on our table were suitably impressed.
You’ll avoid the grease trap, too; there’s surprisingly little need for the refresher toilette when you’re eating fried chicken with a knife and fork.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. | https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/fried-chicken-meets-fine-dining-putting-haute-kfc-to-the-taste-test-20220331-p5a9pw.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:17Z |
Peter Dutton confirms Australia is looking to send Bushmaster armoured vehicles to Ukraine following President's request
Peter Dutton has confirmed the ADF has “identified” up to four heavily armoured vehicles to send to Ukraine following on from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plea to the Australian Parliament.
Australia looks set to rapidly respond to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request for Bushmaster armoured vehicles.
In his address to Parliament on Thursday night, President Zelenskyy said his country was in desperate need of further military aid, identifying the Australian-built Bushmasters to assist in the defence against Russia’s invasion.
“We have to stop any intention from Russia to bypass sanctions; Most of all we have to keep the heroes fighting these people armed,” he told Australian Parliament.
“For example, you have very good armed personal vehicles, bushmasters, that could help Ukraine substantially.”
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said Australia had identified possible vehicles to send to Ukraine but raised concerns around logistics.
“We’re just assessing the stocks of the bushmasters overnight and what they’ve asked for and what’s practical just in terms of deliveries and the quickest timelines,” Mr Dutton told Sky News Australia.
“We’ve identified bushmasters that we can send and we’re just going through logistics of that now whether we could get them there quickly enough.”
He said four C17 military transport planes had already been sent to Ukraine, with another trip planned.
But the Defence Minister said there were transport issues around how many Bushmasters Australia could deliver via the C17s.
“The other option is to try and source something out of Germany out of France or elsewhere in Europe,” he continued.
“Maybe that’s a more practical way of getting them there more quickly because the urgency is obviously there.”
Mr Dutton also praised the Ukrainian President’s address to Parliament and his defiant role in the war against Russia.
“I think yesterday was one of the proudest moments in Parliament that I’ve seen in 20 years,” he said.
“The inspiration that President Zelenskyy provided not only to his own people but to the rest of the world.
“He’s galvanized Europe in way that wasn’t possible before this conflict started.”
The Ukrainian President used the war in eastern Europe to draw a comparison to Australia’s own region, warning of “evil” spreading across the world.
"Whatever is happening in our region because of the Russian aggression has been a real threat to your country and your people as well, because this is the nature of the evil," Mr Zelenskyy said.
"It can instantly cross any distance, any barriers and destroy lives.”
It comes amid ongoing peace negotiations more than a month into the war in Ukraine.
Earlier this week Russia claimed it was withdrawing troops from the surrounding areas of Kyiv, but President Zelenskyy has dismissed it as “still words” without action. | https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/defence-and-foreign-affairs/peter-dutton-confirms-australia-is-looking-to-send-bushmaster-armoured-vehicles-to-ukraine-following-presidents-request/news-story/2ab626cb6c9de6b18d4d0c96d9e0f1a6 | 2022-04-01T01:50:16Z |
Rajnagar: The dolphin population in Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district has increased exponentially this year, according to the latest census.
Forest officials conducted an enumeration of dolphins in the water bodies of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and Bhitarkanika National Park.
During the drive, the forest officials found 540 dolphins of seven species – 45 Irrawaddy, 135 Bottlenose, 332 Humpback, 13 Striped and 15 Spiner dolphins.
A total of 342 dolphins of three species were identified during the annual census last year. This year, favourable climatic conditions played a major role in the dolphin census which helped in identifying an additional 198 dolphins.
Nine teams of enumerators led by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jagnyadatt Pati, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (retired) NV Rajsekhar of West Bengal and scientist Antony Jhonson participated in the census drive.
The census started from outer Wheeler Island and was carried out in Chinchiri sea mouth, Barunei mouth, Paradip, Hansina bridge, Maipura mouth, Hansua river in Rajnagar, Khola, Dhamra mouth, Nalitapatia, Kalibhanjadiha island, Jambu island, Kharanasi, Hukitola island, Jatadhar mouth in Paradip till Devi mouth.
Apart from Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the dolphin census was also carried out in areas of the Chilika Wildlife Division, the Puri Wildlife Division, the Berhampur Wildlife Division, the Bhadrak Wildlife Division and the Balasore Wildlife Division.
The highest numbers of dolphins were identified in Gahirmatha sanctuary.
PNN | https://www.orissapost.com/dolphin-count-up-in-gahirmatha-marine-sanctuary/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:18Z |
USDA forecasting higher food, grocery costs in 2022
(Gray News) - It looks like elevated food prices are going to continue this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA released its Food Price Outlook for 2022 and predicted the cost of groceries would continue to increase to as much as 4%.
According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery and supermarket food prices were already 8.6% higher in February than last year and up nearly 1.5% from January to February in 2022.
As reported by the Associated Press, prices for U.S. consumers have continued to jump recently, leaving families facing the highest inflation rate since 1990.
“We’re getting into this situation where we have spiraling inflation,” said Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors. “Inflation in one area drives inflation in another.”
Currently, the CPI reports all food categories are increasing in price other than fresh vegetables. Last year, the beef and veal categories had the most significant price increase of 9.3%, and the fresh vegetable category had the smallest at 1.1%. However, no food categories decreased in price in 2021.
Poultry prices are also expected to increase up to 7%, with egg prices predicted to increase up to 3.5% in 2022.
Overall, grocery store and supermarket food purchases are expected to increase up to 4%, with restaurant purchases or food away from home forecasted to increase up to 6.5%, according to the USDA.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wgem.com/2022/04/01/usda-forecasting-higher-food-grocery-costs-2022/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:16Z |
Pusha T and Nigo have shared a video for their new collaboration, ‘Hear Me Clearly’ – you can watch it below.
Produced by BoogzDaBeast, Luca Starz, ThaMyind, and Kanye West, it’s the latest track from DJ and Bape founder Nigo’s new album, ‘I Know Nigo’, to get a video release. It follows the ‘Ayra’, ‘Want It Bad’, ‘Heavy’, and ‘Come On, Let’s Go’.
Nigo first announced the forthcoming album back in December, revealing that the project was on the way and that he’d signed to Steven Victor’s Victor Victor Worldwide label, a joint venture between Victor and Universal Music Group.
Guest appearances on the LP include Pharrell, Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, Pusha T, Tyler, The Creator, Fam-Lay and Teriyaki Boyz, with more to be announced.
You can watch the video for ‘Hear Me Clearly’ below:
Outside of his work as the head of the streetwear brand A Bating Ape, Nigo has long had an interest and association with the world of music. He is the DJ for hip hop collective Teriyaki Boyz, who released debut album ‘Beef or Chicken’ in 2005 and follow-up ‘Serious Japanese’ in 2009.
Numerous artists that feature on Nigo’s album have appeared on previous Teriyaki Boyz cuts – Williams on ‘Cho L A R G E’ and ‘Work That!’, Pusha T and Fam-Lay on a remix of ‘Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious)’.
Elsewhere, Pusha T has dropped a new song that takes aim at McDonald’s, nearly two decades after the rapper allegedly came up with Mickey D’s ‘I’m Lovin It’ jingle.
Arriving as part of a partnership with rival fast food chain Arby’s, ‘Spicy Fish Diss Track’ sees Push zero in on the Filet-o-Fish burger.
“How dare you sell a square fish asking us to trust it?/ A half slice of cheese, Mickey D’s on a budget?” he raps over an industrial-tinged beat. A few bars later comes: “Say less, this argument is baseless/ Drowned in tartar, that Filet-o-Fish is tasteless.”
Last month, Pusha shared the Kanye West-produced ‘Diet Coke’, which is set to feature on the rapper’s fourth solo album when it arrives later this year. | https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/pusha-t-and-nigo-share-hear-me-clearly-video-3195462 | 2022-04-01T01:50:18Z |
Curio Wellness is cultivating a better way of life. As a trusted healthcare partner providing safe, effective and reliable products, we seek to continually elevate the healthcare conversation through education and patient experiences that are truly transformative. Whether for our patients, partners or employees, we seek to inspire and affect innovative healthcare solutions. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/curio-wellness/products/curio-wellness-lemon-skunk-cartridges-cartridges | 2022-04-01T01:50:19Z |
EVANSVILLE, Ind., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESCA, or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreational equipment, today announced that it will issue first quarter 2022 results before the market opens on Thursday, April 14, 2022.
A conference call will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET to review the Company's financial results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer session.
A webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of Escalade's website at www.escaladeinc.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.
ABOUT ESCALADE
Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends creating lasting memories. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade's brands include Bear® Archery; STIGA® table tennis; Accudart®; RAVE Sports®; Victory Tailgate®; Onix® Pickleball; Goalrilla™; Lifeline® fitness products; Woodplay®; Brunswick Billiards®. Escalade's products are available online and at leading retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.escaladeinc.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to: specific and overall impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade's financial condition and results of operations; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade's ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to focus; Escalade's ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; Escalade's ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; Escalade's ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; Escalade's ability to control costs; Escalade's ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and/or inclusion in market indices such as the Russell 2000; Escalade's ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade's future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Patrick Griffin
Vice President - Corporate Development & Investor Relations
812-467-1358
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SOURCE Escalade, Incorporated | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/escalade-announces-first-quarter-2022-results-conference-call-date/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:19Z |
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Which coffee maker with a grinder is best?
The smell of fresh coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures. What makes it even better is a coffee maker with a grinder that grinds the beans as you need them for perfect flavor every time.
When you can’t decide whether you want to have coffee or espresso, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a good choice for both.
What to know before you buy a coffee maker with a grinder
Type of grinder
A coffee maker with a grinder can come with one of two types of grinders: blade or burr.
- Blade: Blade grinders are the most economical choice and the simplest to operate. Two or more blades spin to grind the coffee. These blades get the job done, but they can produce inconsistent results. Some coffee beans come out finely ground, while others might remain nearly whole.
- Burr: Grinders are the choice of coffee connoisseurs. Two abrasive grinding surfaces called burrs rub the coffee together between them to grind it. This type of grinder is more expensive, but the results are more consistent and produce a delicious cup of coffee every time.
Drip coffee vs. espresso
Once you decide which type of grinder you want your coffee maker to include, you’ll need to decide whether you want drip coffee or espresso. This is largely a matter of preference, but it’s also a matter of time. Drip coffee can be made with less hands-on time, but espresso requires more attention.
In addition, drip coffee makers make hot coffee for a crowd, but espresso makers can only produce enough for one or two drinks at a time. Espresso is stronger and may not be to the taste of casual coffee drinkers.
Capacity
The capacity of your coffee maker varies depending on whether or not it produces drip coffee or espresso, as well as the size of each of these machines. It’s possible to get a single-serve drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder, and you can also find espresso machines that pull two or more shots at once.
Which you select depends on the number of coffee drinkers in your household, plus the amount of counter or storage space you have. Large espresso machines take up more real estate than a simple drip coffee maker.
What to look for in a quality coffee maker with a grinder
Grind settings
When you’re investing in a coffee maker with a grinder, make sure it has enough grind settings to suit your tastes and the coffee you’re making. If you aren’t particular, a single grind setting may work for you, but for those who like to vary the strength of their coffee, look for different settings such as extra-fine, fine, medium, medium-coarse and coarse. These allow you to customize the strength and flavor of your brew.
Carafe
Carafes are most common with drip coffee makers. Coffee brews directly into a carafe, which keeps it hot for hours. The benefit of a carafe is that the coffee won’t continue to cook on a heated plate.
Timer
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The best coffee makers with grinders come with a timer that can be programmed the night before to freshly grind beans and brew coffee before you get out of bed.
Auto shutoff
The auto shutoff feature is great for those days when you sleep through the alarm (and the sound of coffee grinding). It’s a safety feature that also protects your coffee from burning and ruining the pot.
Water filter
High-quality coffee makers use filtered water to preserve the subtle flavors of the coffee without interference from any minerals or additives in tap water. If you don’t want to use bottled water to make coffee, look for a coffee maker that features a built-in water filter.
How much you can expect to spend on a coffee maker with a grinder
The price range for coffee makers with grinders is wide and depends on the type of coffee you make, the grinder and other features. Expect to spend $70-$600 or more.
Coffee maker with grinder FAQ
Do freshly ground beans really make a difference?
A. Yes. Different coffee varieties have subtle differences in flavor and even texture that are lost when beans are ground and prepackaged in the grocery store. These grocery store ground coffee beans can be months old, and even sealed, they begin to lose their subtle flavor quickly. Grinding only the amount of beans you need each day for coffee ensures that the freshness, flavor and aroma of your coffee is preserved.
Grinding your own coffee at home also allows you to control the fineness of the grind so you can customize your cup to your specific tastes.
How do you store coffee beans?
A. Coffee beans begin to deteriorate in the presence of moisture, air and light. To keep them fresh longer, invest in an opaque, airtight canister. Store this canister in a cool, dark place (i.e. a cabinet or the top shelf of your fridge). Don’t leave coffee beans out on the counter or next to the stove. The light and heat will cause them to break down quickly.
Without storage in an airtight container, your coffee beans will only last for a week or two before losing their flavor.
What’s the best coffee maker with grinder to buy?
Top coffee maker with grinder
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
What you need to know: This produces coffee shop-quality espresso drinks in your own kitchen.
What you’ll love: The temperature is easy to control for perfect brewing every time. The grinder is easy to operate and clean, and this machine comes with both drip coffee and espresso capabilities. It also has a hot water dispenser and an automatic shutoff.
What you should consider: Plastic parts inside the machine make this less sturdy than its commercial counterparts.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Sur La Table
Top coffee maker with grinder for the money
Black + Decker 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker
What you need to know: This machine is easy to use and produces a delicious cup of coffee.
What you’ll love: The filter and grinder are integrated for mess-free brewing. It also takes already-ground coffee, if needed. You can customize the strength of your brew with simple programming, and the automatic shutoff feature is available. This is good for a crowd, with a 12-cup capacity.
What you should consider: If you break the carafe or any other parts, you need to order directly from the manufacturer.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
Cuisinart DGB-400 Automatic Grind & Brew Coffeemaker
What you need to know: This coffee maker works well in small kitchens.
What you’ll love: Coffee beans are ground just before brewing for the freshest cup of coffee. It can be programmed for a hands-off morning cup.
What you should consider: There’s only one grind size.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck 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. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/coffee-accessories-br/best-coffee-maker-with-grinder/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:20Z |
WHL
All Times Local
Western Conference
B.C. Division
U.S. Division
Eastern Conference
East Division
Central Division
Note: x - clinched playoff berth; y - clinched division; Two points for a team winning in overtime or shootout; the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns.
Tuesday's results
Winnipeg 8 Moose Jaw 1
Wednesday's results
Everett at Portland, 7 p.m.
Prince Albert 2 Brandon 1
Swift Current 6 Lethbridge 4
Regina 3 Saskatoon 2
Calgary 3 Medicine Hat 2
Kamloops 8 Prince George 2
Friday's games
Calgary at Swift Current, 7 p.m.
Moose Jaw at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg at Regina, 7 p.m.
Medicine Hat at Lethbridge, 7 p.m.
Spokane at Kamloops, 7 p.m.
Prince George at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Portland at Everett, 7:05 p.m.
Tri-City at Seattle, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday's games
Edmonton at Red Deer, 7 p.m.
Lethbridge at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Seattle at Portland, 6 p.m.
Winnipeg at Moose Jaw, 7 p.m.
Regina at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Everett at Tri-City, 6:05 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday's games
Swift Current at Calgary, 2 p.m.
Kamloops at Prince George, 2 p.m.
Red Deer at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 4 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Regina at Brandon, 7 p.m.
Saskatoon at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Kelowna at Prince George, 7 p.m. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/HKO-WHL-Standings-17049937.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:20Z |
Harrar, Parker honored with 2022 McCoy Award
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — John Harrar, who is seeking a master’s degree in management and organizational leadership in Smeal College of Business after earning a bachelor’s degree in management in 2021; and Jonni Parker, a senior majoring in elementary education, have been selected as the 2022 recipients of the Ernest B....
www.psu.edu | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556737333710/harrar-parker-honored-with-2022-mccoy-award | 2022-04-01T01:50:20Z |
Updated March 31, 2022 at 9:31 PM ET
Oscars' guests and viewers are still reeling over Will Smith's surprising and infamous onstage slap of comedian Chris Rock, who joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's hair. Shortly after, Smith went onstage to accept the Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard.
Will Packer, producer of the Academy Award, ceremony told the ABC News show Good Morning America that Los Angeles police officers were ready to arrest Will Smith if Rock wanted to press charges.
"They were saying, 'This is battery.' That was the word they used in that moment," Packer told T.J. Holmes, in an exclusive interview that was teased during ABC's World News Tonight. "They said, 'We will go get him. We are prepared. We will go get him right now. You can press charges. We can arrest him. They were laying out the options. And as they were talking, Chris was, he was being very dismissive of those options. He was like, 'No, I'm fine.' He was like, 'no, no, no.' And even to the point where I said, 'Rock, let them finish.'"
In the clip, Packer said after the officers finished laying out what Rock's options were, "they said, 'Would you like us to take any action? And he said no.'"
Packer also said he did not speak to Smith at all on Oscar night. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement saying Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused.
In his acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees for the incident, but not Rock. On Instagram the following day, Smith wrote that he was embarrassed by his behavior and told Rock he was sorry. Still, the Academy began disciplinary proceedings against Smith-- which could include "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted."
SAG-AFTRA is also weighing sanctions against Smith.
On Wednesday night, Rock was onstage in Boston with a new comedy routine. He didn't say much about the slap. "I'm still kind of processing what happened," he said, adding that at some point he will talk about it "and it will be serious and funny."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wksu.org/npr-news/2022-03-31/the-lapd-was-ready-to-arrest-will-smith-after-the-slap-will-packer-says | 2022-04-01T01:50:21Z |
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Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/mathworld.in | 2022-04-01T01:50:21Z |
The contract also includes four option years, worth additional $2.5 billion
TUCSON, Ariz., March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a $651 million, with options totaling $2.5 billion, hardware, production and sustainment contract for full-rate production of the AN/SPY-6(V) Family of Radars. The contract, with options, totals $3.2 billion and five years of radar production to equip up to 31 U.S. Navy ships with SPY-6 radars.
Under the contract, RMD will produce solid state, fixed-face and rotating SPY-6 variants that will deliver unprecedented integrated air and missile defense capabilities for seven types of U.S. Navy ships over the next 40 years. Those vessels include the Navy's new Arleigh Burke class Flight III destroyers, aircraft carriers and amphibious ships; today's Flight IIA destroyers will be backfit with an upgraded radar.
"There is no other radar with the surface maritime capabilities of SPY-6," said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "SPY-6 is the most advanced naval radar in existence, and it will provide our military a giant leap forward in capability for decades to come."
Since its inception, more than $600 million has been invested in the development and manufacturing of the SPY-6 family of radars. When compared to legacy radars, SPY-6 will bring new capabilities to the surface fleet, such as advanced electronic warfare protection and enhanced detection abilities.
SPY-6 array radar variants have between nine and 37 radar modular assemblies, known as RMAs. Common RMAs allow SPY-6 to be scalable and modular to support production for the U.S. and partner nations across all variants, to include the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar. This commonality supports standardized logistics and training for those who work on the radars.
SPY-6 radar installation is complete on the Navy's first Flight III destroyer, the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), which is scheduled to be operational in 2024. Radar array deliveries are complete for the next ship in the class, the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128).
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Media Contact
Tara Wood
rmdpr@rtx.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Technologies | https://www.ky3.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/raytheon-missiles-amp-defense-awarded-651-million-produce-spy-6-radars-next-gen-us-navy-ships/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:20Z |
HOUSTON, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. (Ruby), a natural gas pipeline joint venture between Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) and Pembina Pipeline Corporation (NYSE: PBA) that extends from Wyoming to Oregon, filed to reorganize under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in response to an upcoming debt repayment obligation. In recent months, the joint venture owners have been working diligently with Ruby's bondholders in an effort to work out a mutually satisfactory resolution. While those efforts will continue, Ruby's current financial condition necessitates this filing.
KMI will continue to operate the pipeline as chapter 11 permits daily operations to continue. Ruby's customers should notice no difference in its operations.
We will continue to keep Ruby's customers and other stakeholders informed of developments relating to Ruby's reorganization process. The voluntary petition was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington. The case number is 22-10278. Additional information regarding Ruby's petition and claim procedures is available through the following website: https://cases.primeclerk.com/rubypipeline.
Important Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements. Generally the words "expects," "believes," anticipates," "plans," "will," "shall," "estimates," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements in this news release include express or implied statements concerning the anticipated operations of Ruby and potential continued negotiations with Ruby's bondholders. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management, based on information currently available to them. Although Ruby believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance as to when or if any such forward-looking statements will materialize or their ultimate impact on Ruby's operations or financial condition.
Media Contact:
RubyTeam@Primeclerk.com
View original content:
SOURCE Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/ruby-pipeline-files-reorganize-under-chapter-11-bankruptcy-code/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:19Z |
Ringleader of drunken teenage gang that killed Garry Newlove in brutal attack outside his home in 2007 could be moved to open jail
- Adam Swellings led a gang of youths who brutally killed Garry Newlove in 2007
- The father-of-three was set upon by the group outside his home in Warrington
- Swellings, who was 19 at the time, was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in jail
- Now a Parole Board is deciding whether he is fit able to be moved to open prison
A man who led a gang of teenagers in the brutal murder of Garry Newlove could be moved to an open prison, according to reports.
Adam Swellings was the ringleader of a group of boys who viciously attacked the father-of-three outside his home in Warrington in 2007.
Swellings, who was 19 at the time, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of his murder, along with Jordan Cunliffe, then 16, and Steven Sorton, then 17.
Cunliffe and Sorton have since been released on parole, while Swellings, whose minimum 17-year sentence ends in 2024, is still in prison.
Adam Swellings, pictured here when he was 19, is the last member of the gang who killed Garry Newlove to remain behind bars
Garry Newlove was beaten to death outside his home in Warrington in 2007 by a gang of youths
It has been reported that in preparation for this, he has bid to move to an open prison, where he will be under less stringent restrictions.
According to the Mirror, the killer has already had his case heard by the Parole Board on Monday, with a decision expected within days.
The Parole Board said: 'The parole review of Adam Swellings has been referred to [us] by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes with a decision expected in April.'
The attack shocked the nation, with particular attention being drawn to the fact two of his killers were drunk and underage at the time.
The Warrington resident had gone outside his home and reprimanded the three teenagers for vandalising cars on his street.
They subsequently attacked him, punching the 47-year-old repeatedly and kicking his head 'like a football'.
The brutal assault was witnessed by Mr Newlove's 12-year-old daughter Amy, while his wife Helen found him with the bloody imprint of a trainer on his head.
Jordan Cunliffe, who is now registered blind, was released from prison on parole in September 2020
Stephen Sorton had his minimum term reduced from 15 years to 13 years, and was released from prison in 2020
He died three days after the incident having never regained consciousness and left behind his wife and three children.
Mr Newlove's tragic death stunned the nation and became a symbol for 'Broken Britain'.
His widow Helen was made a peer in 2010 following her campaign work on youth crime and served as the Victim's Commissioner from 2012 to 2019.
Swellings, Sorton and Cunliffe were all found guilty of murder and given minimum terms of 17, 15 and 12 years respectively.
It was found that ringleader Swellings had only been released on bail just hours before the attack took place for a similar assault, and flouted a court order banning him from Warrington.
Two other teenage boys were acquitted of all charges.
Helen Newlove, wife of Garry, pictured at a press conference after the teenagers were found guilty of his murder. She would later be made a peer for her campaign work on youth crime
Sorton and Cunliffe have both since been move from closed prison, with Swelling hoping to do the same.
The transfer of Cunliffe to open prison in 2020 sparked controversy when the Parole Board approved the move and he hosted a drunken party in his cell to celebrate his upcoming freedom.
This prompted the then Justice Secretary Robert Buckland to declare there was not a 'wholly acceptable rationale' for this move and Cunliffe was ordered to remain in a 'closed' prison until his next parole hearing.
He was eventually paroled in September that year, but the Secretary of State appealed the decision, something that was dismissed by the courts. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10674567/Ringleader-gang-killed-Garry-Newlove-attack-outside-home-moved-open-jail.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-01T01:50:22Z |
Opinion
Why the excellence of trans athletes raises difficult questions
Darren Kane
Sports ColumnistThe making of laws, or sporting regulations, isn’t easy. There isn’t a rule book for writing the rule book.
We may aim for fairness, equity and integrity but what often happens instead is we establish an entirely new paradigm, which in reality eschews each of those ideals.
This is why important policies must be enacted only once there’s a proper, reasoned and sound basis for doing so. Educated guesstimating is akin to conducting brain surgery blindfolded - it is an insufficient method of solving complex issues. It’s also dangerous.
Crudely crafted rules can have drastic, detrimental, unforeseen outcomes for particular classes of athletes.
Given that, what should the precise rules be regarding binary male and female competition classes across all sports in circumstances where gender itself is not binary? Such rules affect the right of certain people to freely participate in sport at all, which means great care and consideration is demanded.
The British cyclist, Emily Bridges, was due to compete in the British National Omnium Championships this weekend. Now she isn’t allowed to because the sport’s international federation, the Union Cycliste Internationale, has determined she isn’t eligible. Emily Bridges is a trans female athlete and her right to compete has been squashed.
In 2022, organising elite athletes into either the “male” box or the “female” box, as elite sports invariably do, is a borderline impossible task to complete well. The potential for damage to be caused to athletes, like Emily Bridges, is clear.
These questions can’t be considered inside a vacuum-excluding emotion. Yet that’s exactly how such questions perhaps must be examined, even if not answered.
Improperly considered and non-comprehensive schemes of regulation will definitely generate outcomes such as the material distortion of the competitive balance across a spectrum of competitors of the same gender.
Conversely, a severity of regulation disproportionate to any legitimate concern might result in a subset of female athletes being indefinitely banned from all competition, a fate that is worse than that which befalls all but the most wicked of dopers and cheats.
The objectively excellent performances by Penn State athlete Lia Thomas during the recently completed US college swimming titles must be applauded for being exactly that: excellent performances. Thomas’ results and achievements must, however, bring into question the credibility of the very competitions in which she excelled.
Lia Thomas’ achievement in winning the NCAA 500-yard freestyle raises issues that need to be confronted, by aquatic sports and indeed sport generally.
Thomas is a transgender female athlete, studying and competing in elite US college sports. Her collegiate swimming career results, achieved before she began transitioning from male to female, were altogether humdrum.
Swimming at the just-completed NCAA championships, though, Thomas won an NCAA title. In achieving that result, she defeated two cisgender female athletes – Emma Weyant and Erica Sullivan – each of whom won silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics.
And it’s at this point that one must at least question whether the participation of the archetypal Lia Thomas – a transgender athlete participating in a single-sex sporting competition – distorts the Utopian “level playing field” to the degree it challenges the concept of fair and equal competition.
Not everyone who validly questions the participation of a Lia Thomas in an elite female sporting competition deserves to be tarnished a “transphobe”. These are not questions about only the rights of trans peoplebut are rather questions about fairness in competition and the rights and interests of all athletes and the consequences of upturning that finely balanced table.
Again, the issue is one of trying to fit a whole kaleidoscope of gender into either the box labelled XX or the one labelled XY.
Certain sports, obviously, lend themselves to competitions in which men and women can compete on an even basis, where gender isn’t a factor. Horse racing, motor racing and darts are perfect examples, and implementing regulations permitting unhindered participation rights for transgender athletes is a comparatively straightforward process.
But some other sports are inherently more difficult to organise so that transgender athletes have the same rights as cisgender athletes while simultaneously maintaining fairness for all athletes. The relative importance of strength, stamina and physical size in sports such as rugby league, boxing and wrestling means that those sports don’t offer up obvious ways in which a trans female athlete might be permitted to participate in female competition.
It must, however, be observed, that the reaction to the participation of the trans female Kiwi weightlifter Laurel Hubbard in the men’s program at the last Olympics was unwarranted based on her results alone.
Moreover, although most people wouldn’t quibble at the concept of a trans male athlete competing in a heavyweight wrestling competition against a cisgender male opponent, such a scenario actually presents its own conundrums in terms of athlete safety, specifically that of the transgender athlete.
Which means that although questions as to how the binary nature of elite male/female sports competitions should, and can, be adapted are confused, they are also compulsory.
A core failing is there exists no overarching guidance, at least not at any detailed level. In late 2021, the International Olympic Committee released its Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations. Good, you would think.
Disappointingly, but unsurprisingly, the IOC’s framework comprises six pages of high-falutin’ principles and waffle that any lawyer could drive a bus through. In one section, the IOC says the starting point is that an athlete should be allowed to compete in the category that best aligns with their self-determined gender identity.
In the following section, the IOC qualifies this ideal by stating that where sports organisations elect to organise competitions into men’s and women’s categories (and very few don’t), those organisations should do so with a view to ensuring that no athlete within a category has an unfair and disproportionate competitive advantage.
Now, back to Thomas. This isn’t at all about Thomas, but in another way this must be about Thomas.
How can it be fairly put that a trans female athlete in the position of Thomas, who was ranked so far down the pecking order as a NCAA male athlete that nobody ever uttered her name, now could be said to have no unfair and disproportionate competitive advantage?
But if Thomas does have a disproportionate athletic and competitive advantage, how can her sport offer her the opportunities there she should rightfully be afforded? Therein lies the conundrum.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter. | https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/why-the-excellence-of-trans-athletes-raises-difficult-questions-20220331-p5a9u1.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:23Z |
NSW adds 331 previously unreported deaths to COVID-19 toll
By Mary Ward
Health authorities have added more than 300 deaths to the state’s COVID-19 toll following a review of data from Births, Deaths and Marriages, including 66 people who died from the virus in the home.
The 331 previously unreported deaths, which were certified by a doctor on the person’s death certificate as being caused by or contributed to by COVID-19, were added on Thursday.
NSW has now recorded 2433 deaths from COVID-19, including two – a man in his 50s from western NSW and a man in his 70s from the Central Coast, both with significant underlying health conditions – reported on Friday.
Of the previously unreported deaths, 270 occurred this year, 58 in 2021 and three were deaths from 2020, in the first year of the pandemic.
There were 131 previously unreported deaths in aged care facilities (39.6 per cent of the missing deaths). Another 98 (29.6 per cent) occurred in public hospitals, 66 (19.9 per cent) occurred at the person’s home and 22 (6.6 per cent) occurred in private hospitals.
“COVID-19 related deaths are notified to NSW Health from a range of sources, including public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, and the Coroner,” the ministry said in a statement, noting it was “usually” automatically notified when a death from COVID-19 occurred in a public hospital.
“To ensure NSW COVID-19 mortality data is as robust as possible, NSW Health has been cross-checking these deaths with all those identified in death certificates by the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages during this period.”
The deaths followed a similar geographic distribution to those authorities were already aware of. Thirty per cent – 102 deaths – occurred in South Western Sydney Local Health District, where about a quarter of the state’s virus deaths have been recorded.
In a report released by NSW Health on Thursday providing further information about the previously unreported deaths, the ministry said processes had been put in place such that deaths certified by a doctor as caused by COVID-19 would now be included in its figures.
“For people where an expected death occurred at home, for example an elderly person with significant underlying health conditions or people receiving palliative care, the doctor may not have reported the death through any channels other than the [registry],” the report stated.
“As many of the deaths occurred recently, and there is sometimes a delay between a death occurring and it being reported to NSW Health, it is possible that NSW Health would have received a report of the death through the usual channels, but at a later date.”
NSW Health was aware of a positive test result for 256 of the 331 deaths, but did not receive a report of death. It did not have a record of a positive test result for the remaining 75.
The report said health authorities “do not yet know the details of why” the additional deaths in hospitals and aged care facilities had not been reported.
“It is known that some infections may have been identified by a rapid antigen test that was not registered with Service NSW and some may have had a diagnosis based on testing performed outside of NSW, or based on a clinical diagnosis without a laboratory test,” the report read.
“In some cases, it is possible the facilities may have assumed the death was already reported by another authority. Some deaths were associated with other significant conditions such as end-stage cancer or significant neurological conditions.”
NSW Health also plans to use excess mortality data over the pandemic to further assess the impact of the virus on the community.
There were 25,495 new local COVID-19 cases reported in NSW on Friday. The number of people in hospital who are COVID-positive is trending up: there are 1345 cases admitted to hospital including 43 in intensive care.
Stay across the most crucial developments related to the pandemic with the Coronavirus Update. Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter. | https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-adds-331-previously-unreported-deaths-to-covid-19-toll-20220401-p5a9zh.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:24Z |
A first look at Derry Girls season three has been revealed alongside its spring release date.
In the clip, friends Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell) and James (Dylan Llewellyn) are seen visiting a video rental shop when they discover that Dennis (Paul Mallon), their aggressive local corner shop proprietor, is also working at the store.
Dennis is irked when Clare asks him for a film recommendation, to which he says “no”, and then takes issue with her saying that the gang will just keep “reading” around for ideas of what to rent.
“Bit of a read? This isn’t a fucking library, girls,” Dennis responds before screaming to them all to “Get out!” when it’s put to him by James that the shop is actually a “video library”.
The scene previews the new series of the Channel 4/All 4 comedy series, which will return to screens on April 12.
A press release shared with the first trailer released earlier this month reads: “While series one observed the gang navigating their teens in 1990’s Derry against a backdrop of The Troubles, series two charted them navigating their parents, parties, love interests and school against the backdrop of a precarious peace process.
“In series three, which is coming soon to Channel 4 and All 4, viewers will see that while Northern Ireland is growing up this gang of eejits certainly aren’t anytime soon – while there’s hope in the air that The Troubles may finally be over their troubles are only just getting started as they get ever closer to ‘adulthood’.”
Meanwhile, Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee has responded to a recent reference to the hit sitcom in The Simpsons.
Earlier in March, a Twitter account called Wikisimpsons asked The Simpsons producer Matt Selman whether the appearance of Dairy Girls Ice Cream referenced Dairy Queen or Derry Girls, or both. Selman responded saying the ice cream parlour was intended to reference Derry Girls, to which McGee replied: “I. Am. dead.” | https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/tv/first-clip-of-derry-girls-season-3-shared-as-premiere-date-is-revealed-3195369 | 2022-04-01T01:50:24Z |
Bolangir: Two women were found dead with their throats slit and their bodies lying in a pool of blood at their residence in Nuapada village under Tushra police limits in this district, Thursday morning.
Police suspect it to be a case of murder and efforts are on to identify the miscreants and nab them.
The deceased were identified as Ambika Meher, 50, wife of Subhranshu Meher, and her elderly mother-inlaw Premashila Meher, 65. No weapons however, have been found in close proximity to the murder spot.
The tragic incident has created panic in the locality. The alleged murders are stated to have been carried out when no male members were present in the house.
The gruesome killings came to the fore when Ambika’s brother, who lives in the same village, came to meet his sister. He arrived at the residence and found the two women lying dead at around 10.00am.
Subhranshu, who owns a medicine shop in the area, had gone to his workplace at that time. On being informed, police reached the village and launched an investigation.
A forensic team has been pressed into service. A case has been registered in this connection and the bodies have been sent for postmortem. Police are questioning Subhranshu and two of his nephews.
PNN | https://www.orissapost.com/double-murder-rocks-bolangir-village/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:24Z |
Swinburne University recently announced it will remove grades from core aspects of its design degree. Instead it will focus on learning design processes and feedback throughout the semester.
The “ungrading” movement, led by author Jesse Stommel, is gaining momentum internationally. A growing number of teachers are abolishing grading scales and negotiating more meaningful ways of judging individual pieces of work with students.
Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, some saw ditching grades as helpful in a crisis situation. Adam Rosenblatt, a professor at Duke University in the US, wrote
Just as COVID-19 has cast a stark and urgent light on the failures of our healthcare system, our economy and other basic structures of American life, the wave of emergency ungrading allows faculty members to think about whether we ever want to go back to reading papers with half of our thoughts already occupied in justifying the grade we’re going to give.
So, what does the research say about grades? Do they improve or hinder motivation? And are there more constructive ways to “judge” a student’s work?
Why we use grades
Categorising student performance is a long-standing tradition but in recent years, grades have assumed a greater significance than they deserve.
Grades serve a number of functions for course admission and progression, scholarship selection, graduation, and employers’ ranking and selection of employees. For most of these instrumental purposes, it is far quicker to use an easily sorted list than ponder what the categories mean.
Read more: Why A to E grades don't tell the whole story
Grades can also act as a crude form of feedback to students but are a blunt way of describing performance. Think about all the different aspects of performance condensed into a single letter. For instance, should a civil engineer being able to produce good drawings make up for a lack of understanding of bridge construction? Or should medical students graduate if they have an excellent understanding of biochemistry but poor communication skills?
Distilling all the different aspects of a student’s performance into one letter means accuracy itself suffers.
Motivation, competition and anxiety
Awarding grades can have unintended consequences. They can influence students to focus on quick win opportunities to score more marks and ignore useful feedback once they have found out their score.
But not all students are alike – they have individual motivations and goals. Some students are motivated to achieve the highest grades, particularly because it is a system of reward they are used to. Others are satisfied with having learned from the process of completing the assessment or having achieved a “pass” grade.
Grades have been shown to increase anxiety and lead some students to avoid challenging courses. Importantly, they do not communicate sufficient information to enable students to meet the requirements of a course.
Simply removing grades isn’t enough to promote learning
To support student learning, students need a broader range of feedback to understand how they are progressing, and to motivate them to improve what they do.
We conducted a review of studies showing the impacts of feedback on written tasks in higher education. We found it is important for assessment tasks to be designed in ways that support students to feel like they have a relationship with their teachers, to have choice in the task, and for the task to support a sense of competence and achievement.
Read more: I no longer grade my students' work – and I wish I had stopped sooner
The emotional impact of grades and feedback also needs to be considered – they can be demotivating for many as much as they are motivating for a few.
So, while removing grades may be one step, we also need to look carefully at the overall assessment design. Feedback needs to come before students submit their final task for assessment so they have an opportunity to improve. This is something which Swinburne has also committed to.
We must also keep in mind that assessment tasks shouldn’t only focus on the here and now. Discussing qualities of work and how to produce it with students helps students develop a better understanding of what quality work looks like.
Once students graduate from university, they won’t have lecturers to formally assess them every few weeks. A move away from grades to get students more engaged in understanding and judging the quality of their work may better develop graduates who can take up meaningful roles and responsibilities in work and society.
All disciplines can ditch the grades
While it’s easy to imagine how student learning in a design course such as Swinburne’s might benefit from removing grades, it can also work in other disciplines. Researchers in computer science and maths have successfully done this through also adopting a portfolio approach. They demonstrated students achieve their learning goals and are more satisfied when they shifted to a clear outcomes-based system rather than one focusing on marks.
Ditching grades entirely will require some rethinking of ingrained systems and beliefs about how we measure and track student performance. But it is worthwhile when we consider the benefits to student learning and therefore our future graduates. | https://theconversation.com/grading-students-may-be-as-easy-as-abc-but-evidence-shows-better-ways-to-improve-learning-179650 | 2022-04-01T01:50:25Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Thursday passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients, part of an election-year push by Democrats for price curbs on prescription drugs at a time of rising inflation.
Experts say the legislation, which passed 232-193, would provide significant relief for privately insured patients with skimpier plans and for Medicare enrollees facing rising out-of-pocket costs for their insulin. Some could save hundreds of dollars annually, and all insured patients would get the benefit of predictable monthly costs for insulin. The bill would not help the uninsured.
But the Affordable Insulin Now Act will serve as a political vehicle to rally Democrats and force Republicans who oppose it into uncomfortable votes ahead of the midterms. For the legislation to pass Congress, 10 Republican senators would have to vote in favor. Democrats acknowledge they don’t have an answer for how that’s going to happen.
“If 10 Republicans stand between the American people being able to get access to affordable insulin, that’s a good question for 10 Republicans to answer,” said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., a cosponsor of the House bill. “Republicans get diabetes, too. Republicans die from diabetes.”
Public opinion polls have consistently shown support across party lines for congressional action to limit drug costs.
But Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., complained the legislation is only “a small piece of a larger package around government price controls for prescription drugs.” Critics say the bill would raise premiums and fails to target pharmaceutical middlemen seen as contributing to high list prices for insulin.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Democrats could have a deal on prescription drugs if they drop their bid to authorize Medicare to negotiate prices. “Do Democrats really want to help seniors, or would they rather have the campaign issue?” Grassley said.
The insulin bill, which would take effect in 2023, represents just one provision of a much broader prescription drug package in President Joe Biden’s social and climate legislation.
In addition to a similar $35 cap on insulin, the Biden bill would authorize Medicare to negotiate prices for a range of drugs, including insulin. It would penalize drugmakers who raise prices faster than inflation and overhaul the Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.
Biden’s agenda passed the House only to stall in the Senate because Democrats could not reach consensus. Party leaders haven’t abandoned hope of getting the legislation moving again, and preserving its drug pricing curbs largely intact.
The idea of a $35 monthly cost cap for insulin actually has a bipartisan pedigree. The Trump administration had created a voluntary option for Medicare enrollees to get insulin for $35, and the Biden administration continued it.
In the Senate, Republican Susan Collins of Maine and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire are working on a bipartisan insulin bill. Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has introduced legislation similar to the House bill, with the support of Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Stung by criticism that Biden’s economic policies spur inflation, Democrats are redoubling efforts to show how they’d help people cope with costs. On Thursday, the Commerce Department reported a key inflation gauge jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, the largest year-over-year rise since January 1982.
But experts say the House bill would not help uninsured people, who face the highest out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Also, people with diabetes often take other medications as well as insulin. That’s done to treat the diabetes itself, along with other serious health conditions often associated with the disease. The House legislation would not help with those costs, either. Collins says she’s looking for a way to help uninsured people through her bill.
About 37 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 6 million to 7 million use insulin to keep their blood sugars under control. It’s an old drug, refined and improved over the years, that has seen relentless price increases.
Steep list prices don’t reflect the rates insurance plans negotiate with manufacturers. But those list prices are used to calculate cost-sharing amounts that patients owe. Patients who can’t afford their insulin reduce or skip doses, a strategy born of desperation, which can lead to serious complications and even death.
Economist Sherry Glied of New York University said the market for insulin is a “total disaster” for many patients, particularly those with skimpy insurance plans or no insurance.
“This will make private insurance for people with diabetes a much more attractive proposition,” said Glied.
(Copyright (c) 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) | https://whdh.com/news/house-passes-35-a-month-insulin-cap-as-dems-seek-wider-bill/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
Scott Morrison confirms Australia will send Bushmaster armoured vehicles to Ukraine following President's request
Scott Morrison has confirmed Australia will send armoured vehicles to Ukraine as part of ongoing support for the war-torn country.
Australia will deploy Bushmaster armoured vehicles to Ukraine following a plea by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an address to Parliament.
In his address to Parliament on Thursday night, President Zelenskyy said his country was in desperate need of further military aid, identifying the Australian-built Bushmasters to assist in the defence against Russia’s invasion.
“We have to stop any intention from Russia to bypass sanctions; Most of all we have to keep the heroes fighting these people armed,” he told Australian Parliament.
“For example, you have very good armed personal vehicles, bushmasters, that could help Ukraine substantially.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said he would soon be speaking to his Ukrainian counterpart about delivering on his requests.
Mr Morrison did not clarify how many Bushmasters would be sent to eastern Europe, but confirmed they would be delivered via C-17s in the near future.
“We will send out armoured vehicles, Bushmasters as well and we will fly them over their honour C-17s to make sure they can be there to support,” Mr Morrison said during a press conference in western Sydney.
“I’ll be confirming those with the Ukrainian president. We've been in constant dialogue around a range of issues. You can anticipate the support will be greater.”
Defence Minister Peter Dutton earlier indicated Australia would quickly move to supply Ukraine with greater military support.
Mr Dutton also said the defence force had already identified possible vehicles to send to Ukraine but raised concerns around logistics.
“We’re just assessing the stocks of the bushmasters overnight and what they’ve asked for and what’s practical just in terms of deliveries and the quickest timelines,” Mr Dutton told Sky News Australia.
“We’ve identified bushmasters that we can send and we’re just going through logistics of that now whether we could get them there quickly enough.”
He said four C17 military transport planes had already been sent to Ukraine, with another trip planned.
But the Defence Minister said there were transport issues around how many Bushmasters Australia could deliver via the C-17s.
“The other option is to try and source something out of Germany out of France or elsewhere in Europe,” he continued.
“Maybe that’s a more practical way of getting them there more quickly because the urgency is obviously there.”
Mr Dutton also praised the Ukrainian President’s address to Parliament and his defiant role in the war against Russia.
“I think yesterday was one of the proudest moments in Parliament that I’ve seen in 20 years,” he said.
“The inspiration that President Zelenskyy provided not only to his own people but to the rest of the world.
“He’s galvanized Europe in way that wasn’t possible before this conflict started.”
The Ukrainian President used the war in eastern Europe to draw a comparison to Australia’s own region, warning of “evil” spreading across the world.
"Whatever is happening in our region because of the Russian aggression has been a real threat to your country and your people as well, because this is the nature of the evil," Mr Zelenskyy said.
"It can instantly cross any distance, any barriers and destroy lives.”
It comes amid ongoing peace negotiations more than a month into the war in Ukraine.
Earlier this week Russia claimed it was withdrawing troops from the surrounding areas of Kyiv, but President Zelenskyy has dismissed it as “still words” without action. | https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/defence-and-foreign-affairs/scott-morrison-confirms-australia-will-send-bushmaster-armoured-vehicles-to-ukraine-following-presidents-request/news-story/06c05f60c31ae65f46bb063a7b260b42 | 2022-04-01T01:50:24Z |
LSU coach Beth Torina wouldn’t admit to the advantage of a midweek game postponement but it’s clear she appreciates the extra time to prepare for a perennially good conference foe in Kentucky.
The Tigers (22-12, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) take on the Wildcats in a three-game series beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. The Saturday “Teal Game” begins at 5 p.m. with the series finale at noon Sunday.
No. 20 LSU was supposed to play McNeese State at home Wednesday but bad weather moved the game to April 26. LSU got a head start on preparing for its third consecutive highly ranked SEC opponent in No. 12 Kentucky (22-8, 3-3).
“It’s been rough ever since I was a player against them,” said Torina, who played for Florida. “One time I went there and got three losses in the same weekend back in the day when we played them four times.
“They’re always well coached, well prepared. They have a great strategy, and their coach is real smart. They always have a good plan against our hitters and their offense understands counts, locations, what types of pitches our pitchers have.”
Kentucky is coached by Rachel Lawson, who notched her 500th coaching victory earlier this season and is in her 15th season at the helm. Kentucky and Ole Miss are tied with LSU for eighth in the SEC standings after three weeks. The Wildcats are third in team batting with a .347 average and ninth in team pitching with a 3.01 earned run average.
The Wildcats have lost six of their past nine games but are coming off a series win against Auburn in which centerfielder Renee Abernathy hit a three-run walk-off, homer in the deciding game Sunday. Abernathy is tied for the team lead in homers with eight and leads Kentucky with 33 RBIs while batting .352.
Catcher and leadoff hitter Kayla Kowalik leads the team with a .455 average and 11 steals. Shortstop Erin Coffel is batting .419 with eight homers and 32 RBIs.
Kentucky has six pitchers with as many as 18 innings and the other, Tatum Spangler, has been used in relief in SEC play. Usual Friday starter Alexia Lacatena is 6-2 with a 2.83 earned run average. Miranda Stoddard has started 10 games with a 5-3 record and a 3.62 earned run average.
LSU has come out of an early season hitting slump. Ciara Briggs (.417) and Danieca Coffey (.411) have been solid all season. Shortstop Taylor Pleasants is on a five-game hitting streak in which she is batting .687 (11 for 16) has raised her average to .305 after batting under .200 the first three weeks.
“I’ve been simplifying things,” she said of her surge. “When we’re given information on the pitchers, I’m focusing on one small thing and not making it as much as they’re giving us. (I wasn’t pressing) but looking back, there was probably something going on in my head. I’m more confident in myself and what I can do.”
Saturday’s game will be the annual SEC All for Alex Teal Game theme to honor former Mississippi State player Alex Wilcox and her battle with ovarian cancer.
LSU will wear teal jerseys for the 11th time Saturday and hold the ninth annual Teal Walk to raise awareness and money about combating ovarian cancer. Fans wishing to participate can get more information at Geauxteal.com and are encouraged to wear teal clothing to the game. | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_7f9a4998-b155-11ec-add4-e3be96cd5357.html | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
Most readers of Helen Garner will be able to pinpoint a first personal encounter with her work: a book, or even a sentence, that cut through like sharp light; a local landmark suddenly immortalised on the page; an unsayable bodily experience transformed into the unabashedly said.
Reading Garner, it’s as though doors and windows have been flung open and there, over the cups and dishes and fruit bowls, is the stuff of life – frankly, tenderly, impeccably revealed. Garner’s clarity is such that it almost aches.
Review: Writers on Writers – Sean O’Beirne on Helen Garner – Sean O'Beirne (Black Inc. in association with the University of Melbourne and the State Library Victoria)
My first encounter came in Christmas 1984, when an aunt gave me a slender novel called The Children’s Bach. Chosen probably on account of its brevity – I’d just turned 14 – this tensile little book was, for me, bewildering in its adult complexity, disorienting in its fragmentary narrative style, indecipherable if I applied the principles of storytelling I was accustomed to. It refused to fill me in, to explain itself, to tell me. It was an initiation of sorts: my first foray into the exciting work that goes with adult literary reading.
Personal confession and concealment
Sean O’Beirne is the same age as me and has followed the “phases” of Garner – my word, not his – much as I have. In his book-length essay on Garner, he doesn’t organise her works into phases, so much as entwine them into a single unfurling ribbon of the self: in different permutations, across time and intents and, of course, books.
Every phase, every work, gets attention. There is the “close to self I” of Nora in Monkey Grip; the “Not-I” of her early and mid-career fiction (The Children’s Bach, Postcards from Surfers, Honour and Other People’s Children, Cosmo Cosmolino); and the “collective I” of her later non-fiction – which he explains as a sort of personal “I” nested within society.
In puzzling these selves in Garner, O’Beirne examines the impulse towards self in his own work. What results is an essay that examines personal confession and concealment in his own writing as scrupulously as it traces these in Garner’s.
O’Beirne’s is one of a series of book-length essays by writers on writers published by Black Inc., in association with the University of Melbourne and the State Library of Victoria. None of the subjects in the series needs introduction.
Shirley Hazzard, David Malouf, Patrick White, Beverley Farmer: these are the literary cartographers of 20th-century Australia. Some of the essay writers occupy this same rarefied plane – Christos Tsiolkas, Michelle De Kretser – but other highly accomplished contributors (Josephine Rowe, Richard Cooke), like O’Beirne, will be new to many readers. There is clearly a generational impetus to the selections Black Inc. has made in commissioning this series – a desire to trace influences, connections and continuities across time and writers.
Read more: A new literary portrait of Helen Garner leaves you wanting to know more
Impersonal, efficient vulnerability
O’Beirne, for his part, approaches Garner from what he calls a “place in the junior writing position”. He is the author, so far, of one well-received book: the 2020 short-story collection A Couple of Things Before the End (also Black Inc.). A consistently intelligent humility runs throughout his essay, but O’Beirne is no less probing for his preparedness to defer to Garner’s art. He “carefully, respectfully” adjudicates Cosmo Cosmolino as a “bad book”, for instance, describing it as a sliding-doors moment in Garner’s career in which she might’ve fallen prey to a magical realism that is less cogent, less compelling than her signature crisp realism – yet he remains open to the novel’s innovations.
There is a persistent sense that O’Beirne is reaching for something in himself through Garner; something that may well be unreachable, but is worth reaching for all the same. Partly, this is Garner’s receptiveness to self and other, her preparedness to commandeer her vulnerability and plant it, with “brisk impersonal efficiency”, on the page. O’Beirne writes, at one point, that he wishes to “do the good work of less impersonation” in his own writing, to stop disguising himself in fictional personae, to cast off his reticence and put himself frankly there.
His tendency to “hide” is partially explained in the spare details he gives of his traditional Australian boyhood in outer-suburban Melbourne where, in order to survive, an impersonation of “manhood” was crucial. You couldn’t be a soft-thinking, sports-averse, self-doubting “boy” who didn’t even know how to have an orgasm. You had to be pretend that you were part of a “bunch of blokes”, swiftly disguising any weakness if it threatened to spill over into the performance. O'Beirne’s habit of disguise is a habit of self-preservation, and Garner thrilled him by showing that being imprisoned in the ashamed not-quite-right self might be a blessing; that “it was contradictorily interesting and delicious and bad and lonely to be so steeped in, waterlogged with the problem of me”.
But, as he is first to admit, the “real man” behind the essayist does not fully materialise here. O’Beirne remains conceptual, not visceral – he wonders why he feels comfortable giving such bodily experiences as a first sexual encounter to a character, but retreats from owning it on the page as himself. He may, like Garner, be prepared to wriggle on the end of his own hook, but he retreats where Garner boldly goes forth.
In elucidating his ideas, O’Beirne employs an idiosyncratic prose style that determinedly avoids the administrative, structural, institutional literary – the world of “Them”, which, he says, Garner also eschews. Often this enables him to say things for which there are no existing words, or no sufficiently illuminating words.
Sometimes, though, in preserving his prose from the already-said, O’Beirne’s choices confound rather than illuminate. His tendency to noun phrases (“my not-as-socially-approved awareness”, “a starting amount of more open confession”, “a trying to be with someone else”) occasionally ruptured my sense of being a co-traveller on his thought journey. Similarly, his choice of the Australian vernacular (“bloke” and “I reckon”) made aesthetic or even ideological sense but nevertheless grated.
When they work, however, his hyphenated compounds, rammed together like a string of mismatched train carriages, led me on new journeys, or even jumped the rails entirely and deposited me in completely fresh territory. Sometimes I couldn’t go there with him, but I was elated when I could.
Read more: Remembering Janet Malcolm: her intellectual courage shaped journalism, biographies and Helen Garner
Primal shock
“I will not hide” is Garner’s gift, O’Beirne says. It remains a radical gift, even in the face of other recent acts of radical literary self-revelation – in the work, for instance, of Maggie Nelson and Sheila Heti, which O’Beirne cites. Yet, for any shock value in Heti’s Motherhood or Nelson’s bone-crackingly good The Argonauts, the primal, bodily shock of Garner (a forgotten tampon, a slow fuck, a shit sucked back up into the body) has always been the shock of plain-speaking, not of sensation or transgression.
O’Beirne doesn’t seek transgression either: just honesty and bravery, the things he admires in his subject. He wants to be like Garner; he cannot be like Garner; the best he can do is be O’Beirne. Ultimately – for me and for him – that’s enough. In this essay, O’Beirne’s honesty may not be of Garner’s register, but it’s honesty all the same. | https://theconversation.com/i-will-not-hide-helen-garners-radical-gift-is-the-shock-of-plain-speaking-179090 | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol interviewed its first Trump family member and the highest-ranking official from the previous administration by meeting with Jared Kushner on Thursday for more than six hours, a source inside the room told NBC News.
The panel met virtually with Kushner — Donald Trump's son-in-law and a former top White House adviser — after he voluntarily agreed to speak with the committee Trump has accused of conducting a "witch hunt."
The source described Kushner as being cooperative and friendly.
For more on this story, go to NBC News. | https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/jared-kushner-interviewed-by-jan-6-committee-for-over-6-hours/3013847/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former minor league pitcher ran a major league illegal sports betting operation in California that used other former pro athletes to take bets and took wagers from players still in the game, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Wayne Nix, who threw for Oakland Athletics farm teams, used his connections to recruit three former Major League Baseball players and a former pro football player as fellow bookies, prosecutors said.
The MLB began looking into the matter when it learned of it Thursday, but was unaware any of those involved other than Nix, a spokesman said.
Court records offered no names of the players who worked for Nix or those who placed bets with his business, but they provide a glimpse of the kind of money being wagered, earned and lost.
A professional football player paid Nix $245,000 for gambling losses in 2016. An MLB coach paid $4,000 in losses that same year. It was not disclosed if either bet on their own games or their own sports.
MLB prohibits players from betting on baseball or gambling illegally on sports. They can bet on other sports if it’s legal. The National Football League policy bars all personnel from betting on football games.
A Los Angeles check cashing business that has agreed to plead guilty to failing to prevent money laundering in the scheme cashed over $18 million in checks from two single bettors, prosecutors said.
One client wagered $5 million on the Super Bowl but it was not revealed if that gambit paid off.
Sports betting is legal in 30 states, but not in California. However, voters will have a chance to legalize it at the polls in November.
Nix, 45, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to run an illegal gambling operation and faces up to eight years in prison. He also admitted he failed to report $1.4 million in income in 2017 and 2018. He has agreed to pay back taxes and interest of $1.25 million and forfeit $1.3 million seized from bank accounts.
Nix began the sports bookmaking business about 20 years ago after his six-year minor league career — with stops in Arizona, Texas and California — ended, prosecutors said.
His client list was created from contacts he had made in the sports world and included current and former pro athletes. The agents he hired helped expand that clientele.
The operation eventually began using a Costa Rican business, Sand Island Sports, to create accounts where bets could be placed and tracked and credit limits set, prosecutors said. Bets were placed online or through a call center, though Nix paid winners and kept most of the money from losing bets.
Those who exceeded credit limits were shut off, though exceptions were made, according to court documents.
A sports broadcaster's account was reactivated in February 2019 after he told Nix he was refinancing his home mortgage to pay off his gambling debts.
In September 2019, Nix increased the credit limit to a baseball player with debts so he could make additional bets.
In November, 2019, Nix's partner, Edon Kagasoff, told a business manager for a professional basketball player that he would increase the maximum wager he could place to $25,000 per NBA game.
Kagasoff, 44, faces the same conspiracy charge as Nix. He also agreed to plead guilty and forfeit over $3 million in funds seized from his home and bank accounts. | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Ex-minor-leaguer-ran-major-league-sports-betting-17049855.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
MT. VERNON — In 1993, Mandi Clark went to work at the Edgar Clark Pallet Mill in Mt. Vernon. She took the job, at the time “just to help out, for one of the workers was ill.”
She had just graduated from Maranacook School and was looking for work. She was already doing bookkeeping for the family business, when Don Clark asked her if she could operate the Champion Viking pallet nailing gun. Mandi said she knew what she was “getting into,” for besides doing the company’s paperwork, she had grown up in the business.
The year was 1945, when the elder Clarks, Edgar and Bertha Nason Clark purchased the then farm buildings on Route 41 in Mt. Vernon. The plan was chickens. It was said, “not a good time for poultry operations and many houses were closing.”
A small pallet mill came up for sale. The family purchased the mill, moved from the farm and “Edgar Clark and Sons Pallet Mill” took up residence where it remains today.
Edgar and Bertha Clark and their four sons, Bob, Tom, Don and Jerry all worked together, the parents working days, the brothers helping out after school and vacations.
After graduation Bob and Jerry left for other employment. When Tom lost his life in a tragic accident, Edgar and his son Don carried on with the business. Edgar Clark died in 1994. Because of Bertha’s declining health, Mandi, the third generation, came to work with her dad.
Twenty-eight years later, it was time for retirement for her dad. Mandi Clark and her husband Dave Linton are now the owners of Edgar Clark and Sons Pallet Mill.
Dave Linton says he has known the wood business since he was 16. He purchased his own wood/ tree service in 2003. He has to admit he “misses” the big trucks, but from time to time he can be seen driving the big truck of the pallet mill.
Family at Clark Pallet does not stop there. The Linton’s son, Sam, between school and hockey stops in to give a helping hand. And when grandfather, Don makes an appearance, 12-year-old, Jack Clark is not far behind.
In March 2019 the mill caught on fire when ice sliding off the roof took the furnace chimney with it. The fire did not spread because fire fighters from Lakes Region Mutual Aid, (Mt Vernon, Manchester, Readfield, Wayne ,Vienna, Fayette, Belgrade, Winthrop, Monmouth, New Sharon) were quickly on hand. With the firemen as well as employees, family and friends, Mandi Clark Linton says with pride in her voice, “the mill did not have to close.”
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Maine
Congress hears Rep. Golden’s bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
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College
College softball: CMCC routs NVU-Johnson in doubleheader sweep
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Crime
Androscoggin County arrest log: March 25-31, 2022
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Schools & Education
Lewiston schools aiming for roughly $1 tax impact
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Crime
Three people facing trafficking charges accused of hiding fentanyl in cans of beans | https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/03/30/edgar-clark-and-sons-pallet-mill-a-family-business/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
Curio Wellness is cultivating a better way of life. As a trusted healthcare partner providing safe, effective and reliable products, we seek to continually elevate the healthcare conversation through education and patient experiences that are truly transformative. Whether for our patients, partners or employees, we seek to inspire and affect innovative healthcare solutions. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/curio-wellness/products/curio-wellness-lemon-tree-3-5g-flower | 2022-04-01T01:50:25Z |
Rumours have been swirling about star fullback Reece Walsh's future at the New Zealand Warriors since the off-season.
While Walsh had signed a three-year contract with the Warriors as recent as 2021, the desire for the Dolphins to acquire a marquee talent in their rookie season has put even the most unavailable players in their sights.
Much of the conjecture around Walsh being lured from the Warriors after just one season, and 2022 being his first as the full-time fullback, has been his connection to Queensland football.
A product of the Keebra Park rugby league nursery on the Gold Coast, Walsh had spent years in the Brisbane Broncos development system before being lured away by the Warriors in 2021.
And this connection back to his hometown roots is being brought further into the spotlight following News Corp's discovery of a 'get-out clause' in Walsh's contract with the Warriors.
The welfare clause would essentially let Walsh walk away from the Warriors one year prior to his final contracted season, in 2023.
However, it's suggested that the recent early release of New South Wales born Warrior Euan Aitken could set a precedent for the club and their imminent return to New Zealand.
Aitken, similar to Walsh, has deep ties in Australia and upon the announcement of the Warriors' return to New Zealand for home games, requested an early exit from his contract at the end of this year, which was initially slated to finish at the end of 2023.
Walsh, who has spent the beginning of his tenure with the Warriors on the Central Coast and in Queensland's Redcliffe, will be faced with the same reality of leaving Australian soil come the return to New Zealand.
Warriors brass have continued to remain positive on the subject though, reiterating again that while they have a challenge on their hands retaining Walsh past his initial contract the relationship is solid and both parties are happy with how it's progressing.
“The challenge for us will be keeping Reece,” Warriors football chief Craig Hodges said.
“He hasn’t lived in New Zealand, so that will be a big move for him, but what I do know is that he is extremely happy at the Warriors and he feels like his game is developing here.
“We plan to keep him. I understand home is here (Queensland) for him, so whether the Broncos or Dolphins are a chance to get him in two or three years’ time, I can’t worry too much about that. But any suggestion he is unhappy here is not true.
“I’m confident Reece will stay. For some at guys at our club who haven’t lived in New Zealand, there is a bit of unknown about going back there, but I don’t believe it will be an issue for Reece. He has Kiwi heritage so it’s not the big deal people are making out.
“We will finally get to play in front of our fans and supporters and Reece will enjoy it. There has been some disconnection, but moving back home will bring everything back together."
Brisbane Broncos star lock Patrick Carrigan added fuel to a potential homecoming for the Queensland Maroons prospect.
“Reecey and I used to live together. He is my little mate,” said Carrigan.
“He is a classy little player. You always knew he was going to be a freak in the game.
“I’m excited to play him this week. It will feel like an old training run at Red Hill, but he is a massive part of what they are building at the Warriors.
“I’m excited for what he is building for his young family at the Warriors, but I would love to play with Reece again one day.
“It was tough to see him leave, I knew how much he cared for the club, but in terms of the growth he has had as a footy player and learning off Roger, you can’t knock someone too much for taking those opportunities.
“I’m glad I get to play him this week and hopefully we get to link up again one day.”
While there will continue to be speculation about Walsh's future with the Warriors, and a return to New Zealand will surely be a test, he has squashed every rumour that has come his way.
“I feel pretty comfortable, I am not too fazed about where I live,” told News Corp last year.
“The boys at the Warriors have been great support and the club has been excellent. The transition won’t be too hard at all.
“I was a bit scared at first to move. Being away from family was a bit daunting, but I know they will always be there and if I need anything they will be right there.
“But that’s a part of growing up, you have to take the best opportunity for you and I feel that’s what I’ve done." | https://www.zerotackle.com/contract-clause-puts-walsh-in-play-for-shock-homecoming-115617/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
How to choose the best baseball bat for your needs
Unless you play Major League Baseball, you have a choice when it comes to picking the material for your bat. Your options are wood, aluminum or composite. Each of these materials provides the player with a distinct set of advantages. Each also has an inherent set of drawbacks.
When shopping for a baseball bat, you must consider what your needs are and match the type of bat to those needs. A wood bat still has its place, even though aluminum and composite bats offer a performance advantage.
Wood baseball bats
Because of safety (and other) issues, the MLB only uses ash, birch and maple bats. If you want to play like a pro, this would be your bat of choice. It honors tradition and offers a little more safety, although a pair of quality batting gloves will come in handy to reduce the sting.
Wood baseball bats pros
- From a budget perspective, wood bats are appealing because of their lower cost.
- Wood bats are the best bat for training because they provide the most feedback. This helps the player improve their swing mechanics.
- Wood bats are safer because the bat doesn’t increase the ball’s velocity like other materials.
Wood baseball bats cons
- Wood bats break more easily than aluminum or composite bats.
- The sweet spot on a wood bat is smaller than it is on the other options.
- Wood bats are the heaviest type of bat, which means they are harder to swing and may be smaller in size, so they won’t provide as much plate coverage.
Best wood baseball bats
The Big Stick is certified for MLB play. It is made of maple and employs a heavier barrel, making it ideal for power hitters.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Louisville Slugger Series 3X Ash Bat
This bat is from a trusted name in baseball. It is made of ash and has a natural finish. The large sweet spot and lighter weight make this a favorite.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Wilson Sporting Goods Louisville Slugger
This 27-inch wood bat is cupped for reduced weight. The black design features red lettering so your bat is sharp looking and easy to identify.
Sold by Amazon
Aluminum baseball bats
Aluminum bats were introduced to college baseball in the early ’70s to cut down on the rising costs of replacing broken wood bats. Besides being more durable, aluminum is lighter than wood and provides more pop when hitting a ball. However, aluminum bats are not without their downsides.
Aluminum baseball bat pros
- Aluminum bats are best when they are new — there is no break-in period required.
- Aluminum bats have a larger sweet spot, which makes them ideal for a beginner who is having trouble hitting with any sort of power.
- Aluminum bats have a trampoline effect. When the bat makes contact, some of the energy is transferred to the ball, making it travel farther and faster than a ball hit by a wood bat.
- The lighter weight of an aluminum bat means they can be longer and larger, giving the player greater plate coverage and a faster swing.
Aluminum baseball bat cons
- Although an aluminum bat will rarely break, it can lose its pop over time. The more imperfections the bat gains from hitting balls, the more its performance deteriorates.
- Aluminum bats cost slightly more than wooden bats, but they are less than composite bats.
- With an aluminum bat, there is less feedback sent to the batter, so it can be harder for a beginner to develop proper swing mechanics.
Best aluminum baseball bats
Louisville Slugger Omaha USA Youth Bat
The Omaha USA youth bat features a one-piece construction. It feels solid in the batter’s hands and offers enhanced energy transfer. It has a cushioned leather grip for increased comfort and control.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
The lightweight construction of this bat gives the player increased speed, letting them get more power behind their swing. It has a cushioned grip and is approved for all associations that follow the USA Baseball standard.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
This affordable aluminum bat is for entry-level T-ball players. The ultralightweight design is suitable for ages 7 and under. It has a large sweet spot to deliver greater satisfaction and foster confidence.
Sold by Amazon
Composite baseball bats
A composite baseball bat is made of carbon fiber. These crystalline filaments are thinner than a strand of human hair but become remarkably rugged when twisted together. It is a lightweight material that has incredible strength. Some composite bats are made from a single piece of material, while others are two-piece items: a handle and a barrel. A two-piece bat is better for the average player because it doesn’t transfer as much vibration to the hands after a solid hit. Advanced players with greater speed and power, however, may opt for one-piece bats.
Composite baseball bat pros
- Composite bats are the lightest baseball bats available. This lets manufacturers make longer bats without increasing the weight so players have greater plate coverage.
- Since most composite bats have a two-piece design, they are less likely to sting a player’s hands.
- Composite bats have a larger sweet spot, which makes them best for inexperienced players.
- Over time, the trampoline effect increases on a composite bat.
Composite baseball bat cons
- Composite bats are not as durable as aluminum bats, and it is possible to break them.
- Compost bats cost more than wood bats and aluminum bats.
- A composite bat is not ready to go out of the box. You need to break it in. This process takes anywhere from 150 to 300 hits.
Best composite baseball bats
Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR Bat
This is a high-end composite bat that is best for the serious player. It features a large barrel with a balanced design and a comfortable yet secure grip.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Easton Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Bat
This composite bat from Easton is 29 inches long but only weighs 18 ounces. It has a large sweet spot and a balanced swing weight that makes it a good choice for beginners.
Sold by Amazon
This bat is available in five sizes ranging from 27-31 inches. It features an ultralightweight design to help young players succeed. The lower price adds value.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Should you get a wood, aluminum or composite baseball bat?
For the average player, an aluminum bat wins out because it offers the best of all worlds. It has a large sweet spot, a lightweight design, and it is available at a reasonable price. However, if you have an unlimited budget, a composite bat might edge out an aluminum bat. A composite bat won’t help you hit the ball farther, but the larger barrel and lighter weight design could up your batting average. For players who want to perfect their swing mechanics, however, there is no better option than using a wood bat at practice.
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Allen Foster 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. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/baseball-softball-br/wood-vs-aluminum-vs-composite-baseball-bats/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
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DENVER (AP) — A man who shot and wounded two demonstrators while apparently aiming at a Jeep that was headed toward the crowd during a protest in suburban Denver in 2020 was convicted Thursday of several charges.
Samuel Young, 24, was found guilty of two counts of second-degree assault, four counts of attempted manslaughter and a single count of illegally discharging his gun, The Denver Post reported.
Several hundred people who attended the July 2020 protest in Aurora to bring attention to police violence walked onto and blocked all of the lanes of Interstate 225. Shortly after, a Jeep approached from behind and headed toward the crowd, prompting Young to fire five shots.
Two shots hit the back of the Jeep, and two shots hit fellow protesters. One man was shot in the leg, and another man was grazed in the head. A woman also broke her leg when she leaped from the highway.
The driver, who pulled off the highway and contacted police after the shooting, was not criminally charged. During Young’s trial, prosecutors said he didn't intend to hurt any protesters.
The protest was organized in support of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was arrested in August 2019 after someone called 911 to report a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and waving his arms while he walked down the street.
He was arrested by Aurora police and injected with 500 milligrams of ketamine by EMS workers called to the scene. He suffered cardiac arrest, was declared brain dead and taken off life support less than a week later.
McClain’s death became a national rallying cry along with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in protests calling for police reform. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Jury-convicts-man-who-shot-protesters-in-suburban-17049894.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
SALT LAKE CITY, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Extra Space Storage Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: EXR) announced today it will release financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 to discuss its financial results. Hosting the call will be Extra Space Storage's CEO, Joe Margolis. Joining him will be Scott Stubbs, Executive Vice President and CFO.
During the conference call, company officers will review operating performance, discuss recent events, and conduct a question-and-answer period. The question-and-answer period will be limited to registered financial analysts. All other participants will have listen-only capability.
The playback can be accessed beginning on May 4, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. ET through May 11, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The conference call will also be available on the Company's website under Investor Relations at www.extraspace.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the call will also be available for 30 days on the Company's website.
Full Text of the Earnings Report and Supplemental Data
The full text of the earnings report and supplemental data will be available at the Company's website at http://ir.extraspace.com immediately following the earnings release to the wire services after the market close on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
For those without Internet access, the earnings release will be available by mail or fax, on request. To receive a copy, please call Extra Space Storage Investor Relations at (801) 365-1759.
About Extra Space Storage Inc.
Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2021, the Company owned and/or operated 2,096 self-storage properties, which comprise approximately 1.5 million units and approximately 160.9 million square feet of rentable storage space offering customers conveniently located and secure storage units across the country, including boat storage, RV storage and business storage. The Company is the second largest owner and/or operator of self-storage properties in the United States and is the largest self-storage management company in the United States.
For more information, please visit www.extraspace.com.
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SOURCE Extra Space Storage Inc. | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/extra-space-storage-inc-announces-date-earnings-release-conference-call-discuss-1st-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:26Z |
Engineer testifies on microelectronics before congressional subcommittee
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Osama O. Awadelkarim, professor of engineering science and mechanics and the UNESCO Chair on Building Innovation and Manufacturing Capacities through Advanced Technology Education at Penn State, testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Research and Technology on Feb. 15. The hearing was titled “Strengthening the U.S. Microelectronics...
www.psu.edu | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556737386436/engineer-testifies-on-microelectronics-before-congressional-subcommittee | 2022-04-01T01:50:27Z |
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Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line's third new ship to debut in nine months
LISBON, Portugal, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, officially named its 10th ship, Silver Dawn, in Lisbon on March 31. Executives from Royal Caribbean Group®, Silversea Cruises, and Fincantieri, as well as local dignitaries and esteemed guests, celebrated the milestone with a formal ceremony and gala dinner. An expression of Silversea's rapid expansion, Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line's third new ship to debut in nine months. The launch of Silver Dawn also marks the debut of Otium, travel's most indulgent new wellness programme, as well as the next iteration of Silversea's S.A.L.T. culinary programme.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8948652-silversea-christens-silver-dawn-in-lisbon-otivm-wellness-programme/
FIRST: THE NAMING CEREMONY MARKS SILVER DAWN'S OFFICIAL DEBUT
After Royal Caribbean Group's customary bagpipe performance, which opened the formal naming ceremony, performers took to the stage, entertaining attendees with a performance that weaved a narrative from the 2021 launch of Silver Moon to the modern day debut of Silver Dawn. Singers recited the national anthems of the U.S.A., Italy, and Portugal, before a religious leader blessed the ship and dignitaries delivered speeches. The newly named Godmother of Silver Dawn, Nilou Motamed—an influential food and travel editor, tastemaker, and television personality—subsequently cut the ribbon to trigger a champagne bottle to smash on the ship's hull, signalling the end of the ceremony.
"Celebrating the naming of Silver Dawn in Lisbon marked an incredibly proud moment for all involved," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "I thank and congratulate Roberto Martinoli and our entire team, including Captain Failla and the crew, as well as everyone at Fincantieri, our ship building partners. Silver Dawn is a jewel in the Silversea fleet and speaks to Royal Caribbean Group's commitment to delivering the best vacation experiences in a responsible way."
"An evolution of our unique take on luxury, Silver Dawn is the third Silversea ship to be named in the last nine months," said Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises. "As well as S.A.L.T., our immersive culinary programme, Silver Dawn enriches guests' travels with Otium, our indulgent new wellness programme, which is inspired by the ancient Roman lifestyle. She really is magnificent. I extend my gratitude to Jason Liberty and all involved at Royal Caribbean Group, as well as to the team at Silversea, Fincantieri, and Captain Failla and his crew—our most valuable asset. Moreover, I proudly welcome Nilou Motamed as the Godmother of Silver Dawn."
NILOU MOTAMED: GODMOTHER OF SILVER DAWN
An Emmy-nominated television personality and former editor-in-chief of some of the world's leading culinary brands, including Food & Wine and Epicurious, Nilou Motamed has been shaping the conversation in food and travel for more than 20 years. Born in Iran, raised in Paris and New York, Motamed is fluent in four languages — and believes "food is a language of its own, one in which everyone can find comfort, compassion, and community." Her passion for culinary adventures and far-flung cuisines has found a perfect match in Silversea's S.A.L.T. programme, which the New York resident first experienced with its launch in 2021.
"It's a great honour to have been selected as the Godmother of Silver Dawn and to have been on board for her naming ceremony in Lisbon," says Motamed. "Growing up in multiple countries has helped me recognize that one of our deepest common bonds, wherever we go, is food. Like many of Silversea's guests, I always pair my cultural explorations with culinary ones. That's why I've loved seeing the world through Silversea's S.A.L.T. programme. I've dedicated my career to celebrating authentic, local cuisines and cultures. For me, nothing is more rewarding than connecting with people over a shared meal."
"An authority in the world of food and drink, Nilou is a curious, intelligent traveller," continues Martinoli. "Her mission to delve deeper into cultures through food, to truly understand places and their people, reflects that of Silversea's culinary programme, S.A.L.T.. It is this strong spirit of discovery, this commitment to self-enrichment and complete cultural immersion, that makes Nilou the perfect Godmother for our newest ship. Aboard Silver Dawn, our guests will discover the world with purpose, while journeying in Silversea's trademark level of comfort."
SILVER DAWN AND THE OTIVM WELLNESS PROGRAMME
Silver Dawn becomes the latest ship in Silversea's popular Muse class. The most discernible difference between Silver Dawn and her sister ships, Silver Muse® and Silver MoonSM, is the new Otium wellness programme, which launches as a unique innovation. It is the only wellness programme at sea that incorporates champagne, chocolate and other gourmet snacks; signature cocktails; bespoke in-suite experiences; a Roman-influenced spa; and a wellness journey that extends throughout the ship. Grounded in the philosophy and traditions of the ancient Roman lifestyle, in which otium was a period of time dedicated exclusively to leisure, the Otium wellness programme is built on principles of indulgence, pleasure, and pampering. Spanning almost 800m2 on deck six, Silver Dawn's spa has been completely redesigned for a more seamless wellness journey.
Silver Dawn departs on her inaugural voyage on April 1, sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona. She is scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean until November, when she will cross the Atlantic Ocean, via the Canary Islands, to unlock the Caribbean and Central America for guests.
Silver Dawn's media kit:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fqw01ry3zal9ev0/AAB2P40-DmLY3eOO_dclyYMRa?dl=0
Otium media kit:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/upusb70v71w576g/AADzlCltZ9j0D-tXpFvLMvgea?dl=0
Our latest blog post on Otium offers more details. Read it here:
https://discover.silversea.com/ships/silver-dawn/silver-dawn-otium-preview/
Find out more information about Silver Dawn, including her upcoming voyages:
https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-dawn.html
About Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Dawn, Silver Shadow®, Silver Whisper®, Silver Spirit®, Silver Muse®, and Silver MoonSM – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin®, Silver Wind®, Silver Explorer®, and Silver Cloud®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of two new ultra-luxury Nova-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox. Silversea Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group. (NYSE: RCL)
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 61 ships traveling to more than 800 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 12 ships on order as of December 31, 2021. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.
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SOURCE Silversea Cruises | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/silversea-christens-silver-dawnsm-lisbon-introducing-otivm-travels-most-indulgent-new-wellness-programme/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:28Z |
The sound of race cars at the Chicagoland Speedway will, once again, be silent this season. But next season? It’s possible that professional motorsports returns to the oval. Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk joined the Afternoon Rush to speak of the future of Chicagoland.
Officials with the City of Joliet and NASCAR met a month and a half ago to discuss the future of the property. NASCAR is looking to lessen its footprint with several tracks, Chicagoland included, and presented several possibilities in order to do so. O’Dekirk said the only way the city would get serious is if there is commitment to racing at the facility on the city’s south side.
While the track remains dormant of any sports activity, there are still plenty of positions being filled to keep the track in shape, for when the sanctioning body decides to either return to the facility as is, or decide to redesign the 1.5 mile oval
This comes on the heels of NASCAR officials meeting with the City of Chicago to design a street course, currently used on popular racing simulator program iRacing, for possible use for a potential street race through Grant Park, utilizing DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue. While the street course is still not off the table, it’s possible that NASCAR could decide to run the street course and still have a Cup Series date at Chicagoland.
In the meeting with NASCAR, officials said that the Joliet facility still is in the long term plans for racing. Currently, the facility is home for hundreds of vehicles waiting their semiconductor chips. | https://www.wjol.com/positive-future-for-chicagoland-speedway/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:28Z |
National insurance hike will force firms to raise prices and hire fewer staff, new data shows
- 29 per cent of business chiefs say they will have to raise prices as due to tax rise
- And 15 per cent will employ fewer people in response to national insurance rise
- NI will rise by 1.25 percentage points for both workers and businesses this month
Businesses will raise prices and employ fewer staff to offset the impact of the national insurance rise, figures reveal.
Almost one in three business chiefs – 29 per cent – surveyed by the Institute of Directors (IoD) said they will have to raise prices as a result of the tax rise.
And 15 per cent will employ fewer people in response to the 1.25 percentage points rise this month for both workers and businesses.
At the same time as the tax rise, soaring energy bills will pile more pressure on struggling firms and families.
A separate survey by the IoD found that more than half of business leaders said the cost of energy is having a negative impact on their organisation – three times as many as last year.
Last week Rishi Sunak announced that he will raise the threshold at which people start paying NI contributions by £3,000 from July to help lower earners. (Pictured: The Chancellor before his Spring Statement in 11 Downing Street)
Kitty Ussher, chief economist at the IoD, said that the Government’s decision to push ahead with the jobs tax was ‘pushing up inflation even further, and at the worst possible time’.
Last week Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that he will raise the threshold at which people start paying NI contributions by £3,000 from July to help lower earners.
But the Daily Mail and economists said that he should have scrapped the NI hike altogether.
Kitty Ussher, pictured, chief economist at the IoD, said that the Government’s decision to push ahead with the jobs tax was ‘pushing up inflation even further, and at the worst possible time’
Ms Ussher said: ‘It’s understandable for businesses to have no choice but to raise prices because of the international cost of energy and other supply problems, but our data now shows that the Government’s own decision to push ahead with the jobs tax is also of itself pushing up inflation even further, and at the worst possible time.
‘For some firms it is also causing them to hire less people.
‘This is a deliberate policy choice and makes life even more difficult for households facing spiralling costs.’ | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10674593/National-insurance-hike-force-firms-raise-prices-hire-fewer-staff-new-data-shows.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-01T01:50:28Z |
NEW YORK, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Football Business Awards (FBA), considered the industry's foremost and prestigious accolade, has shortlisted TECNO's #AnnounceYourself Augmented Reality (AR) Campaign for the 2022 Best Brand Activation Involving Football. Blending the most advanced AR immersive technology, a storied club and the aspirations of football fans all over the world, the #AnnounceYourself campaign was a runaway success, catching the eyes of many football executives and professionals all around the world.
Into its 10th year, the FBA celebrates the vital role that clubs and businesses play shaping the football industry, and enabling every game to be a success, both on and off the pitch. It recognizes outstanding successes such as excellence in football media, marketing efficiency, as well as business and technology innovation. With an illustrious judging panel selected for their particular experience and expertise, the FBA has grown into a significant annual networking event in the industry.
In the capacity of being Manchester City's Global Official Handset Partner, TECNO created a metaverse-like experience for fans to interact with the club set in Man City. This AR experience saw fans journeying through the club, in a simulated reality akin to a football metaverse. From visiting the Etihad Stadium and Man City Football Academy training campus, to signing a new contract, selecting their squad number, and mingling with first-team players, the AR campaign accorded football fans a ticket to live out their dreams supporting their favorite club.
Users could also take part in the 3D penalty shootout games before showing off their skills and scores on social media. The AR experience campaign culminated in a grand lucky draw where lucky contestants won rare VIP matchday tickets and travel to a Manchester City home fixture during the season.
This campaign received recognition from the judging panel behind the FBA because it reflects a turning point in how technology can be integrated into our passions and to utilize platforms such as AR to unite fans and allow them to share common experiences, such as playing football or supporting a club.
With this AR campaign, TECNO has not only demonstrated the far-reaching effects of utilizing sports marketing but also worked to cement the brand's presence on the global stage. This reflects TECNO's mission as a technology company to bring to consumers, an innovative brand experience through cutting-edge technology and marketing.
The FBAs were designed to celebrate excellence and acknowledge success in the business of football. The Awards recognize the essential role that business plays in football, the positive impact of football on the community and the vital role played by the businesses which serve the game. This is the event at which all the achievements off the pitch are celebrated at the end of each year. With an illustrious judging panel selected for their particular experience and expertise, the FBA has grown into a significant annual networking event in the industry.
With "Stop At Nothing" as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspire consumers to uncover a world of possibilities. This recognition by the FBA marks an important milestone for TECNO, and the global smartphone manufacturer looks forward to bringing forth even more innovations in the coming years.
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SOURCE TECNO | https://www.ky3.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/tecnos-ar-campaign-with-man-city-announceyourself-shortlisted-best-brand-activation-involving-football-fba-2022/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:27Z |
Bend Giving Plate’s hydroponic farm to produce more lettuce, give out free salad kits
(Update: Adding video, comments from Giving Plate, Around the Bend Farms)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Inside The Giving Plate’s food donation facility is a hydroponic farm, ready to grow more fresh lettuce for Central Oregonians in need of fresh, healthy food.
The farm is part of a partnership with Around the Bend Farms, which designed it and is growing lettuce inside, with water and artificial lights.
Russell Simpson is the lead designer with Around the Bend Farms.
“And then after it’s grown into a seedling, we’re going to transfer it to the grow towers over here,” Simpson said Thursday, pointing out equipment in the growing room.
Simpson believes that people eating healthy from an environmentally friendly source is important.
“Because the main part of what we’re trying to do is help people eat healthy, and also provide a little bit of education about how they can do that.,” Simpson said.
He said hydroponic farming uses less water than traditional planting, fewer pesticides, and grows faster.
"You’re getting food to people locally and quickly, without waste,” Simpson said. “Because of that, there's no shipping, there's no trucking time, we're not losing any produce due to rot.”
Ranae Staley, executive director of The Giving Plate, said the project initially was funded in late 2019.
“I had this idea that some day, it would be very fun to have a rooftop garden, where we could grow food and then put it into our guests' food box,” Staley said. “Because a lot of the produce that gets donated is at the end of its life.”
Construction began in 2020, but Staley said the farm had to take a pause in August of last year, due to staffing and maintenance issues.
“There's a steep learning curve, when it comes to growing produce and hydroponics,” Staley said.
The farm is just starting back up, with plans to grow more lettuce and leafy greens, this time with an experienced farmer in charge of the process.
It will produce roughly 120 heads of lettuce each four-week growth cycle.
The Giving Plate plans to use that lettuce and other fresh veggies to make and give out fresh salad kits.
“Really, this whole idea is about giving our guests the best that we can -- because we believe they deserve it,” Staley said. | https://ktvz.com/community/2022/03/31/bend-giving-plates-hydroponic-farm-to-produce-more-lettuce-give-out-free-salad-kits/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:29Z |
Gallery: Ukraine - Russia crisis, April 1st, 2022
12 ImagesClaims of a Russian pullback are not trusted as Ukraine forces re-take positions outside Kyiv.
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We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. | https://www.watoday.com.au/world/gallery-ukraine--russia-crisis-april-1st-2022-20220401-h22u0m.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:29Z |
Stocks spent the last day of March much as they've spent the past few months – trading in negative territory.
Today's decline followed an onslaught of economic reports. On the inflation front, data from the Commerce Department showed that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index – which measures the price change of goods and services purchased by consumers – rose 0.6% month-over-month and 6.4% year-over-year in February, the quickest annual increase since 1982.
Meanwhile, consumer spending ticked up 0.2% from January, though this missed economists' consensus estimate.
And ahead of tomorrow's monthly jobs data, a Labor Department report showed weekly jobless claims rose 14,000 last week to 202,000, slightly more than was expected.
Investors also eyed President Joe Biden's plan to tap into strategic oil reserves – releasing a record 180 million barrels – to combat red-hot gas prices. This sent U.S. crude futures down 7% to $100.28 per barrel – their lowest settlement since March 16.
Still, the " release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will face two key logistical challenges," says Peter McNally, vice president of Global Sector Lead at Third Bridge. "The first is getting the oil out of the underground storage. This will take months to complete a release of 180 million barrels. The second challenge is converting the crude oil into fuel for consumers."
Selling picked up into the close, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending down 1.6% at 34,678, the Nasdaq Composite off 1.5% at 14,220 and the S&P 500 Index giving back 1.6% to 4,530.
For the month, the three indexes gained 2.3%, 3.4% and 3.6%, respectively. As for the first quarter of 2022, the Dow (-4.6%), Nasdaq (-9.1%) and S&P 500 (-5.0%) all finished solidly in the red, marking their worst quarter since Q1 2020.
YCharts
Other news in the stock market today:
- The small-cap Russell 2000 shed 1% to 2,070. For the month, the index rose 2.1%, paring its first-quarter loss to 6.9%.
- Gold futures rose 0.8% to settle at $1,954 an ounce, bringing their quarterly gain to 6.9%.
- Bitcoin wasn't immune to today's selling, sinking 3.2% to $45,616.75. (Bitcoin trades 24 hours a day; prices reported here are as of 4 p.m.)
- Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) was the worst Dow Jones stock today, shedding 5.7% after earnings. In its fiscal second quarter, the drugstore chain reported adjusted earnings of $1.59 per share on $33.8 billion in revenue, beating analysts' consensus estimates. And while the company reiterated its full-year forecast, it warned of slowing demand for COVID-19 testing and vaccines and said investments it made to become more healthcare-oriented, like opening hundreds of doctor's offices, will take time to pay off.
- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) tumbled 8.3% after Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis downgraded the semiconductor stock to Equalweight from Overweight (the equivalents of Hold and Buy, respectively). Curtis cited increasing competition from Intel (INTC). The analyst also questioned AMD's "growth trajectory coming out of this potential correction," and said he is staying on the sidelines until there is "better clarity as to the magnitude of these corrections and what the competitive landscape will look like as Intel catches up and ARM takes more share."
Energy Stocks, Oil Prices Rack Up Big Q1 Gains
Sure, it was an ugly quarter for most stocks, but not all. The energy sector surged 37.7% in the first three months of 2022 thanks in part to a 33% gain in U.S. crude oil futures. According to Dan Wantrobski, technical strategist and associate director of research at Janney Montgomery Scott, this run in oil prices could have legs.
True, crude futures have pulled back recently from the $125-per-barrel mark touched earlier this month, but Wantrobski calls out a major theme driving inflation these days: "Too much liquidity relative to available assets and investment vehicles" – or, more simply put, "too much money chasing too little of anything."
And given that there's plenty of excess liquidity still lingering in the market, Wantrobski believes the longer-term outlook on oil prices remains bullish.
Investors looking to squeeze more profits from the oil patch aren't hurting for options – our top energy stocks for 2022 include a wide array of operators, or you can dig into specific niches such as these three refiners or these high-yielding midstream energy plays.
But those who prefer to spread their risk across 20 or 30 stocks rather than two or three might consider these seven exchange-traded funds (ETFs) amid rising oil prices. The funds featured here allow you to invest in the overall energy sector, in specific industries and even in oil futures.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/stock-market-today%3A-stocks-close-out-worst-quarter-since-q1-2020 | 2022-04-01T01:50:30Z |
Joe Rogan has threatened to stop podcasting if he becomes publicly censored to the point at which he has to “walk on eggshells” and mind his “Ps and Qs”.
The host of The Joe Rogan Experience, which is Spotify‘s biggest podcast, said in a recent episode that he’ll pull out of podcasting altogether if he “can’t do it anymore, [where] I have to do it in some sort of weird way”.
If he did abandon it as a career, that would mean dropping out of his reported $200million, three-and-a-half-year exclusivity deal he agreed with Spotify in 2020.
Rogan became embroiled in controversy recently after Neil Young demanded his music be removed from Spotify if the platform wasn’t willing to remove podcast episodes in which Rogan had broadcasted dangerous misinformation over the COVID vaccines.
During a recent episode, Rogan, an ex-mixed martial arts commentator and TV host, got into a conversation with MMA fighter Josh Barnett about the podcast industry.
“That’s if I become something different because it grew bigger. I’ll quit. If it gets to a point where I can’t do it anymore…I have to do it in some sort of weird way where, you know, I walk on eggshells and mind my Ps and Qs – fuck that.
“If I become something different because it grew bigger, I’ll quit,” he said.
Rogan alluded to other controversies, which include his past use of racial slurs that recently came into the spotlight, saying that he worries about everyone pouring “over every single little thing” he says.
In February, Spotify removed dozens of The Joe Rogan Experience episodes in response to the backlash over him using the N-word in previous episodes. The streaming giant also said that it would add content advisories to all episodes that contain COVID misinformation.
In other news, The Simpsons appeared to mock Rogan in a recent episode of the long-running show in which Homer meets a character resembling the podcaster. | https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/tv/joe-rogan-threatens-to-quit-spotify-if-he-has-to-walk-on-eggshells-3195388 | 2022-04-01T01:50:30Z |
By Jordan Baker
In the past two years, Walgett Community College incident log has recorded almost 50 cases of violence at the school, ranging from student brawls and threats involving weapons to assaults on teachers. Police were notified or called almost 15 times and, on a handful of occasions, lockdown procedures were activated.
“Numerous students displayed aggressive and threatening behaviour on school grounds and a lockdown was implemented,” the log says of an incident in term one last year, in which police were called.
Another incident involved students breaking into a classroom and distributing the equipment, says the log, released under freedom of information laws. On another occasion, some students lit a fire, causing minor property damage. There were multiple fights between students that teachers tried to handle, but in some cases called police for support.
One time, six students approached a student who was leaving with their parent. “[They] assaulted the student,” it said.
Violence has become a fixture of Walgett High. There are deep disagreements over what to do about it; the elders say the students need more help for their disability and trauma and want police kept out, but others say the environment has become dangerous for both students and teachers.
It is not a new problem. Almost 10 years ago, then Education Minister Adrian Piccoli denounced the government’s neglect of Walgett, and rural schools like it, where most students are indigenous. He said Walgett Community College’s ruinous buildings made it the worst school in the state. “I think it is true to say that we as a community have treated Aboriginal people like rubbish.”
To turn the school around, the NSW government gave its buildings a $9 million makeover. It created a new governance structure - known as Connected Communities - to give parents and local leaders a greater voice in decisions made not only by Walgett Community College, but 15 schools with similarly high numbers of Indigenous children in other parts of the state. The department lured former Asquith high principal, Richard Rule, out of retirement to lead the new-look school.
More money, including Gonski funding, flowed over the next few years and gave Walgett the highest per capita funding of any school in the state. In 2020 - the most recent figures available - it received more than $44,500 for each student from state and federal governments.
None of it seems to have helped.
The high school now has its 31st principal in 24 years. Its attendance rate has been trending downwards from a low base since 2011. Last year it was 43.3 per cent, which was slightly higher than the year before, but far lower than the average across the state (90.7 per cent) or statistically similar schools (76.7 per cent), the freedom of information documents show. Just five of 151 students attended school more than 90 per cent of the time, compared with 31 per cent in similar schools.
In the five years to 2018, the average yearly staff turnover was 50 per cent. Potential recruits were deterred by the geographical isolation and the violence. Two female teachers have been on long-term leave due to severe injuries sustained while being assaulted by female students on school grounds, multiple sources say, and staff members have been hit, spat upon and had their cars damaged.
The turnover and vacancies mean, among other things, that there’s little educational continuity in a school where it’s particularly important. NAPLAN results show many of the students struggle with the basic skills they will need to function in society; the average year 9 score was below minimum standard in every subject but spelling and numeracy. In writing, the average year 9 student was functioning at year 3 level.
Some local families do not want to send their children there. They say they don’t learn, and the conflict makes them anxious.
Kathryn Sharpley’s daughter Caroline Ashby, who is 12, finds the work too easy - her mother says it’s often at year 5 level - and doesn’t like the violence. “Some days she doesn’t want to go, because of all the fights around the school,” her mother says. “She loves maths, it’s her favourite subject. Going there, they’re making her take a step back. I tell her, being Aboriginal doesn’t mean you can’t get somewhere in life.”
Mrs Sharpley could send Caroline to Queensland to live with relatives, or to a school in the nearby town of Lightning Ridge. “I’d prefer her to be close to us, than move a long way,” she says.
Local mother Rebecca Trindall has organised a daily bus to Lightning Ridge, which is about 45 minutes away, and is lobbying for Walgett children to be given automatic access to that school rather than having to lodge out of area applications. “Each year, families are forced to relocate from Walgett or send children away to simply be educated as there are no options available to them locally outside of Walgett Community College.”
One ongoing issue has been tension between principals and community leaders. Richard Rule, the principal installed as part of Dr Piccoli’s makeover, lasted two years. He says he came under pressure from the school reference group - community members who help make school decisions - to leave. Few principals since have lasted much longer.
“[They] were of the belief I was not running the school in the spirit of Connected Communities,” he says. “In Walgett’s case, the model just didn’t work. I wanted a well-run school where children stayed in the classroom and had a teacher in front of them and actually learned something in a stable environment.
“That did not seem to satisfy the reference group, who seemed to want some sort of cultural revolution in their school that was never going to happen while the school was unstable, with violence and teachers under threat.”
The Dharriwaa Elders lay the blame for continued dysfunction with the NSW Department of Education, which “continues to fail to provide what’s needed for Walgett students to succeed at school,” they said in a statement published on their website after the Herald requested an interview. They say they are being denied figures on suspension by Aboriginality, which, they say, means NSW Education wants to hide the link between school suspensions and a lack of support for disability and trauma.
They want the school to stop calling police “as their first response to behaviour incidents”, and say officers should be banned from bringing guns onto the school site. “Recently there was an escalation when five police cars attended the high school to arrest a young teenage girl,” their statement says. “ Walgett school leadership must train their staff to de-escalate behaviours in our young people and decommission their hotline to police. The criminalising of our young people when they aren’t well has to stop.
“We conclude that Walgett schools are not culturally or physically safe.”
Piccoli acknowledges the conflicting expectations of school staff and the community. “When incidents occur at school, and the school takes the disciplinary action it would take at any other school, sometimes the community doesn’t respond well to that,” he says. “Walgett is a very unique place. So it has to be a unique school.
“For example, having police - the community didn’t like that. They don’t want it to be seen as a justice precinct. It’s got to be an education precinct. And they’re right, but you have to be able to guarantee staff safety as well.”
The Connected Communities program was supposed to build bridges between schools and the community. The NSW Department of Education evaluated the program a few years ago, and its findings were ambivalent. On the plus side, most of the 15 schools were successfully introducing local Aboriginal language programs, and attempting to incorporate Aboriginal content into their curriculum.
However, the role of School Reference Groups lacked clarity, it says, and there was uncertainty - “and in some cases tension” - around their role in decision-making. The strategy has also, as yet, had little impact on academic outcomes or attendance at the secondary level. Attendance has gone backwards, and schools were still struggling to engage parents in students’ education. The NSW Department of Education has nevertheless expanded the number of schools involved in the program from the original 15 to 31.
Mark Banasiak is an upper house MP representing the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, and is also a former teacher. He has taken a particular interest in Walgett, and worries about the students. “People need to be held accountable for these failures to deliver,” he says.
“I’m turning my attention to people higher up, past the executive principal, who are supposed to be supporting the school. Until you address that core issue about why some elements of the community are not coming along with the school’s plan, you are never going to achieve the change you need. The tragedy is it’s the kids that suffer the most. Education should be a circuit breaker in this community, and a way for the community to grow and prosper, and at the moment that’s not happening.”
Asked about the issue in parliament, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell acknowledged there was more to do. “Part of it is the work we need to do to make sure that our staff feel supported, that they feel empowered and that we work not just with the school but also with the whole of the community,” she says.
“We know that some entrenched issues in the Walgett community have existed for years. These are things that multiple government agencies are working on together, and they will continue to do so.”
Mr Rule is sceptical about the whole-of-government approach. “I went to some of those meetings and there was a lot of rhetoric,” he says. “I don’t think I saw in the school one positive outcome from any of the state and federal agencies.”
The NSW Department of Education refused the Herald’s request to interview the school’s principal, who, some say, has brought relative stability in the past 11 months. It gave a statement saying that the Department of Regional NSW was working with community leaders to improve youth education, vocational training, employment and social outcomes.
There’s no easy solution for Walgett, says Piccoli. “There are deep social and historical issues there, that are difficult to change,” he says. Inter-agency collaboration was important, but often did not involve people senior enough to cut through the bureaucracy.
“If I had five minutes to talk to [Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet] Michael Coutts-Trotter, I would say, ‘we need a minister for Walgett, or a deputy secretary’. It’s very hard to change human behaviour, but we can certainly provide the fundamentals and basics that most people take for granted ... that we haven’t got right there.
“The bottom line is you can never give up. You have to keep getting the best support you can there.”
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. | https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/nsw/violence-is-disrupting-learning-at-walgett-high-no-one-knows-what-to-do-about-it-20220330-p5a9gf.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T01:50:30Z |
New Delhi: Because of the Covid pandemic and lockdown, most of us are working from home, and our time spent on digital screens has increased. You spend almost the entire day staring at your laptop or computer screen. The situation is similar for adults and children who are not working but are watching TV or using social media. Because of the increase in digital screen time, your eyes are under more strain than usual. There are some things you should do to keep your two most valuable assets (your eyes) safe and secure.
Keep laptop/computer at proper distance
Many people use their digital devices by holding them up to their eyes. Such people are frequently at a higher risk of developing eye problems, especially when combined with long hours at the workplace. It is always best to keep your laptop at arm’s length. That is, the screen should be at an appropriate distance from your eyes. Your screen should be at least an arm’s length (25 inches) away and slightly lower than eye level. This reduces the strain on the eyes and reduces the intensity of the light.
Adjust your screen position and brightness
The placement of your screen is more important than you realise. In fact, it has a significant impact on how your eyes feel after a long day at work. Adjust the screen position and brightness so that you can work on your system without straining or focusing too hard. If your eyes are too weak, however, you should see a doctor.
Try to work in natural light
Always try to work in natural light rather than using LED or tube lights. When sunlight enters your room through doors and windows, it relaxes your eyes. It also aids you in remaining active throughout the day.
Take regular breaks
One of the most important things to remember when working from home is to take regular breaks. This is one effective piece of advice that many people disregard because they are constantly focused on their work. However, it is recommended that you take your gaze away from the screen for at least 5 minutes every hour. It also improves your concentration and productivity. This is an all-around win-win situation! So remember to take breaks.
Practice Eye Exercises
Take some time every 24 hours to do some regular eye exercises. Your eyes, like any other muscle, require regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. The 20-20-20 rule is one such simple exercise that you can do while working from home. After every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on any object 20 feet away.
Don’t forget to blink
In general, you blink every four seconds, but some studies show that this decreases by more than half when working with digital screens. Make an effort to blink as frequently as possible to keep your eyes moisturised and prevent them from becoming dry and irritated.
Use bigger fonts
The size of the fonts on your laptop or computer can often influence how our eyes feel. The smaller the font, the more strain on the eyes. This is due to the fact that smaller fonts require more focus while reading, causing your eyes to strain. So, while reading long documents, adjust the screen font as much as possible.
Ensure proper lighting
Glare is a major cause of eye strain. Glare on a digital screen is caused by harsh overhead lighting or light from windows, which are usually directly behind or in front of you. Position your computer/laptop screen to avoid glare and, if necessary, use drapes or blinds on windows.
Stay hydrated
Sufficient liquid intake is critical to the overall health of your body, including your eyes. You can keep your eyes from becoming dry and irritated if you stay hydrated.
Get an eye test
Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good eye health at work. Unless advised otherwise by an optician or a health professional, schedule one every two years. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect eye problems before they rob you of your vision.
IANS | https://www.orissapost.com/here-are-some-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-eyes-safe-at-work/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:30Z |
Tomorrow’s minimum wage increase to NZ$21.20 an hour should help a significant number of New Zealand’s lowest paid workers and their families – 300,000 people, according to the government.
Just how much it will help, however, is less certain.
At 6%, the increase is in line with with the 5.9% annual rise in the consumer price index (CPI) in the December 2021 quarter. But inflation is still rising, with domestic and global pressures meaning it’s likely to keep rising for some time.
Those minimum wage gains, along with simultaneous increases to other benefits and superannuation payments, are already eroding.
The food price index rose 6.8% in February from the previous year. International commodity and oil prices have soared since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some estimates suggest an annual CPI rise of between 7% and 8% in this year’s March quarter.
It’s clear low-income households will continue to struggle to keep pace with the rising cost of living. For that reason, the minimum wage increase must be accompanied by other support measures, and not viewed as a solution in its own right.
Minimum wages and employment
In fact, there are those who don’t see a minimum wage as being productive at all. One school of economic thought proposes that minimum wages actually undermine job creation by making employers avoid paying for more expensive labour at the same time as encouraging more workers into the job market.
This view was articulated by Nobel laureate economist George Stigler, who wrote in 1976:
One evidence of professional integrity of the economist is the fact that it is not possible to enlist good economists to defend protectionist programs or minimum wage laws.
But other economists have argued against this – for example, David Card and Alan Krueger, who published several controversial empirical works in the 1990s finding increasing the minimum wage doesn’t necessarily lead to fewer jobs.
Not everyone agrees with Card and Krueger, however. David Neumark and William Wascher evaluated the evidence and argued minimum wages do reduce employment opportunities for less skilled workers, “especially those who are most directly affected by minimum wage”.
So, there is no real academic consensus on minimum wages – and not even much agreement on what the research literature really says.
Effects on poverty
Given all this, perhaps the better question is whether minimum-wage policies reduce poverty overall. But again, the research has been contradictory.
In one New Zealand study in 2012, researchers found minimum wages do not guarantee people will escape poverty. Another study using Irish data also concluded that minimum wages may be “a blunt instrument” for tackling poverty.
Read more: New Zealand's health restructure is doomed to fall short unless its funding model is tackled first
On the other hand, a 2021 US study found significant positive employment effects for single mothers with aged children five and under, suggesting minimum wages at least have potential as a policy instrument for reducing child poverty.
This is particularly relevant in New Zealand for two reasons: one in five Māori children and one in four Pasifika children meet the criteria for material hardship, and Pacific people and Māori represent 10% and 20% of minimum wage earners, respectively.
Minimum wage just one tool
What does seem clear is that minimum wage policies are most effective as part of a complementary income support bundle, as some overseas research has shown and which was supported by a comprehensive review of minimum wage policies in New Zealand.
Examining the effects on various economic outcomes since 2000, the authors argued that minimum wage policies should be “designed and evaluated in the context of other income support policies”.
Those other supports include the Families Package introduced in 2018, which included an increase to the accommodation supplement, designed to help low income earners with rent, board or mortgages (but is not available to those in public housing).
The same authors recently investigated the impact of increases in the maximum accommodation supplement rates to see if these had simply been swallowed by rising accommodation costs.
Their findings were encouraging: more than 90% of the increase in assistance was captured by the recipients as an increase in after-rent income. A minimum wage policy has a greater chance of success when coupled with successful support policies such as this.
But it’s important such complementary policies are synchronised, especially given only some other social policies, such as Working for Families, are inflation-adjusted.
Read more: The pandemic exposes NZ’s supply chain vulnerability – be ready for more inflation in the year ahead
Getting the mix right
Elsewhere, these policy combinations have been effective. In the United States, for example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – as its title suggests, a refundable tax credit similar to New Zealand’s Working for Families policy – has been shown to benefit low-wage workers and families in combination with a modest increase in the minimum wage.
Again, the combination of policies works better than either in isolation, and some recent studies suggest EITC expansions and minimum wage hikes should be thought of in tendem as complementary policies.
However, one of the big challenges of integrating minimum wage settings with other policies is that each tool affects many economic outcomes. What should be the optimal level of minimum wages? How do minimum wage hikes interact with other supporting policies?
While there have been some official efforts to measure the relationship between the minimum wage and other state interventions, this needs to go further in order to find the right policy mix – especially during a year that will see continued high inflation, low growth and economic uncertainty. | https://theconversation.com/inflation-has-already-eroded-tomorrows-minimum-wage-rise-nzs-low-income-workers-will-need-more-support-178749 | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
Second round play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was suspended by darkness Thursday with an LSU golfer’s name near the top of the leaderboard.
Though probably not the LSU golfer that was expected to be there.
Junior Latanna Stone was at 1 over par for the round and the tournament through 15 holes at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Georgia. That put her in a tie for fourth place, one back of Amari Avery and Hailey Borja and Beatrice Wallin of Sweden.
Meanwhile Stone’s teammate, fellow junior Ingrid Lindblad of Sweden, was 4 over for the round through 12 holes and was tied for 14th place at 3 over. St. Gabriel native Julia Johnson of Ole Miss was at 13 over with one hole left in her second round.
Golfers were expected to resume their second rounds at 6:30 a.m. Friday. After the round is completed, the field will be cut to the low 30 players who play Saturday’s final round at Augusta National Golf Club.
The entire 72-player field will get a practice round at Augusta National after the second round is completed.
A native of Riverview, Florida, Stone started her round on the back nine and made all pars except for a bogey on the par-4 13th hole. Lindblad got off to a bogey-bogey start on Nos. 1 and 2, bogeyed No. 7 and finished with a bogey on No. 12 before play was halted.
It was a difficult day for scoring, with only four players under par for the round.
Live scoring is available at www.anwagolf.com. | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_98188d94-b156-11ec-a2b1-b30b565c2674.html | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
Beware the mailbox that dares anger a bull on the loose, for as the saying goes: you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
Body camera video from a police officer shows the moment a 9-month-old bull named "Butch" on the loose laid waste to such a mailbox in Stafford Township after escaping from a local farm Wednesday.
“Officer Pascale was not amooooosed when he got dispatched to this call on Hilliard Ave today,” the Stafford Township Police Department posted on its Facebook page.
After a quick lick – perhaps to try and sense its fear through taste – the video shows the bull hooking the mailbox from underneath with its horn and yanking it up off the ground, along with the post it was attached to.
It turns out mailboxes are not cut out to be matadors. Who knew?
The officer, parked next to the bovine, can be heard chuckling as he calls someone. “She’s busy assaulting a mailbox right now,” the officer says.
Stafford Township police Capt. Jim Vaughn called it a “great escape” and said the roughly year-old bull got loose – along with several pigs and a goat – through a gate that was not properly secured.
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After a while, animal control arrived and managed to secure the bull by enticing it with food, Vaughn said.
Despite the video also showing the bull darting through the front yard of a house, the only property damage done was to the mailbox, Vaughn added.
On Thursday the bull was taken to Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in Sussex County, New Jersey, where he'll have much more room to roam.
"He'll be fantastic," Mike Stura of Skylands told NBC10. "He's nice as it is. You know. He was playing with that mailbox. That was just playing. He wasn't mad."
The bull's owner, Veronica Tkaczuk, told NBC10 she rescued Butch when he was just weeks old so he wouldn't be raised for slaughter.
"It's a little sad but I know that he's getting to like, he's so strong," she said. "He's so big and so strong and I would hate for something bad to happen." | https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/watch-bull-on-the-loose-in-nj-town-lays-waste-to-mailbox/3013861/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
WHL
All Times Local
Western Conference
B.C. Division
U.S. Division
Eastern Conference
East Division
Central Division
Note: x - clinched playoff berth; y - clinched division; Two points for a team winning in overtime or shootout; the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns.
Tuesday's results
Winnipeg 8 Moose Jaw 1
Wednesday's results
Everett at Portland, 7 p.m.
Prince Albert 2 Brandon 1
Swift Current 6 Lethbridge 4
Regina 3 Saskatoon 2
Calgary 3 Medicine Hat 2
Kamloops 8 Prince George 2
Friday's games
Calgary at Swift Current, 7 p.m.
Moose Jaw at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg at Regina, 7 p.m.
Medicine Hat at Lethbridge, 7 p.m.
Spokane at Kamloops, 7 p.m.
Prince George at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Portland at Everett, 7:05 p.m.
Tri-City at Seattle, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday's games
Edmonton at Red Deer, 7 p.m.
Lethbridge at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Brandon at Saskatoon, 7 p.m.
Seattle at Portland, 6 p.m.
Winnipeg at Moose Jaw, 7 p.m.
Regina at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.
Everett at Tri-City, 6:05 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
Victoria at Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday's games
Swift Current at Calgary, 2 p.m.
Kamloops at Prince George, 2 p.m.
Red Deer at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
Spokane at Vancouver, 4 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Regina at Brandon, 7 p.m.
Saskatoon at Medicine Hat, 7 p.m.
Kelowna at Prince George, 7 p.m. | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/HKO-WHL-Standings-17049937.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
Which basketball hoop is best?
Imagine playing basketball with your friends only to find that a group of kids has already taken over your favorite court. You’ll never face this dilemma again if you have a hoop at home.
If you want a high-quality basketball hoop for your driveway, the Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop is worth your attention. It’s an arena-style hoop made with durable steel and delivers elite performance thanks to its tempered glass backboard and breakaway rim.
What to know before you buy a basketball hoop
Location
You’re going to need ample space to work with if you want a basketball hoop for your home. Driveways are a popular location for hoops, and they’re also the safest since you can put one close to your house. It’s recommended to do so, especially if you have small children, as there’s less chance that the ball will roll or bounce onto the street.
Hoop type
There are three types of home basketball hoops: in-ground, portable and mounted.
In-ground hoops are placed into the ground with cement, so they’re more of a long-term or permanent option. Portable hoops are the most versatile since you can move them around easily, and they have bases that need to be filled with water or stand to stay in place. Both hoop types have mechanisms for adjusting height, so they’re both excellent options for young players who are still growing physically.
Mountable hoops are usually placed on walls or over garage doors. They’re the least expensive option, but unfortunately, they don’t have as many features as in-ground or portable hoops. For example, if you have the space to do so, you must remove a mounted hoop and relocate it to adjust the height.
Playability
If all you want to do is shoot around occasionally, you can save yourself a few dollars by going with a mountable hoop if you have somewhere to put it. However, if you want something that can last you for years and help you or your child develop as a player, a portable or in-ground hoop is the better option. They’re more durable and are engineered with advanced metrics to deliver a professional-level experience.
What to look for in a quality basketball hoop
Backboard size
Small backboards make for an easier target and are designed for children learning to play the game. Backboards with a width of 32 to 48 inches are considered youth sizes and are usually cheaper than hoops with larger backboards. 48 to 52 inches is considered regulation-size and the best option for adults and experienced players.
Backboard material
The backboard can be tempered glass, polycarbonate or acrylic. Tempered glass backboards are the most expensive as it delivers the best bounce and is used for backboards across all competitive levels. Polycarbonate and acrylic backboards are durable and less delicate than tempered glass, making them excellent options for portable hoops.
Height adjustability
The basketball hoops used in the National Basketball Association are 10 feet high, and while that’s the height teenagers and adults should be playing with, younger players need lower nets. As they grow and develop, you can adjust the hoop’s height based on your strength and skill level. Also, lowering the height on a portable hoop can make storage easier.
How much you can expect to spend on a basketball hoop
You can find youth portable and mountable basketball hoops for $100-$300, but if you’re looking for a regulation-size in-ground or portable hoop, it can cost you anywhere from $500-$2,000.
Basketball hoop FAQ
Can in-ground hoops be moved?
A. Some newer in-ground hoops come with goals that can change their orientation and detachable upper portions. However, removing an in-ground hoop can be complicated and requires professional assistance.
Is it better to use water or sand to fill a portable hoop base?
A. Water is more convenient, but sand is denser, so it’s more reliable and adds more weight. More weight means less shifting or shaking, which can be common once water leaks or evaporates from the base.
What’s the best basketball hoop to buy?
Top basketball hoop
Silverback In-Ground Basketball Hoop
What you need to know: This in-ground hoop has sturdy, powder-coated steel construction and offers gymnasium-style performance.
What you’ll love: It’s height adjustable between 7.5 and 10 feet and boasts a tinted tempered glass backboard. It can be unbolted to move around the net’s orientation and has a flexible breakaway rim. Also, it comes with a backboard pad and a five-year limited warranty.
What you should consider: Many customers report that it shakes too much on missed shots.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top basketball hoop for the money
Lifetime 52-Inch MVP Portable Basketball Hoop
What you need to know: It’s an excellent driveway hoop for those who want something easy to maneuver and light on the wallet.
What you’ll love: The backboard isn’t as large as an arena-style basketball hoop, but it’s shatterproof, and at 52 inches, it’s enough for casual pick-up games. It’s adjustable between 7.5 and 10 feet and has a high-quality rim flexible rim.
What you should consider: Assembly isn’t complicated, but it can be time-consuming, even with quality tools.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Worth checking out
Spalding The Beast Glass Portable Basketball Hoop
What you need to know: This is a high-quality hoop with premium features you wouldn’t find on other portable models.
What you’ll love: It has a sturdy alloy-steel frame, a 54-inch tempered glass backboard, and a screw jack lift for easy height-adjusting. The base has four wheels and can be filled with water or sand.
What you should consider: Some reported that the base leaks if filled with water and that sand works best to avoid this.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Kevin Luna 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. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/basketball-br/best-basketball-hoop/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
ORONO— University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering an agricultural symposium for Maine teens April 18–19.
The 4-H Agriculture Symposium is an overnight experience for Maine youth ages 14–18. Participants will take part in hands-on learning opportunities, engage with industry professionals on the UMaine and University of Maine at Augusta-Bangor campuses, develop leadership skills and make friendships with teens from throughout the state. Current 4-H membership is not required. Assistance with transportation can be provided upon request.
The program is free; registration is required. Register on the program webpage. https://extension.umaine.edu/4h/youth/ag-leadership/4-h-agriculture-symposium/. Current CDC and University of Maine health guidelines will be followed for all in-person events. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Alisha Targonski, 207.622.7546; [email protected]
Comments are not available on this story.
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Maine
Congress hears Rep. Golden’s bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from future federal Indian laws
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College
College softball: CMCC routs NVU-Johnson in doubleheader sweep
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Crime
Androscoggin County arrest log: March 25-31, 2022
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Schools & Education
Lewiston schools aiming for roughly $1 tax impact
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Crime
Three people facing trafficking charges accused of hiding fentanyl in cans of beans | https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/03/30/extension-offering-4-h-agriculture-symposium/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
Among the many budget papers is the Women’s Budget Statement, a booklet outlining what the federal government is doing for Australian women. This includes A$2.1 billion for measures on domestic violence, women’s health, training and leadership.
As Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Women’s Minister Marise Payne write, the 2022 budget
demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment and action to achieving greater gender equality in Australia, and puts women at the centre of the economic and social recovery.
Does this stack up? One of the headline budget measures was an “enhanced” parental leave scheme. But the overhaul will not support gender equality in work and care. Meanwhile, the lack of reform to childcare is the biggest missed opportunity of the budget.
Paid parental leave
The budget combines two existing parental leave schemes into one. It merges two weeks of dad and partner pay with 18 weeks of parental leave pay (for the primary carer). Now, either parent can take the leave of up to 20 weeks in a bid to increase “choice and flexibility for families”.
This will especially benefit single parents, most of whom are women. But by removing the specific provision for dads and partners, it undoes good policy architecture designed to “nudge” men to take leave when a baby arrives.
Global research shows parental leave policies available to both parents on a “use it or lose it” basis deliver the best health and economic outcomes for children, women and men. These schemes mean dedicated leave for one parent cannot be taken by the other, pushing both parents to take leave to care.
Policy that supports the shared care of young children has been found to promote women’s participation in paid work and a more equitable division of unpaid care work over the long term.
Dad pay should not have been dumped
Global and Australian research also shows men are most likely to take parental leave when it is at income replacement level.
With the paid parental leave scheme paid at the national minimum wage rather than at wage replacement levels, there is a real risk men will not take up their new leave entitlement. Current cost-of-living pressures mean households are under increased economic strain and unable to afford any drop in income.
Read more: There's $1.3 billion for women's safety in the budget and it's nowhere near enough
So, the dad and partner pay should not have been dumped. Instead, it should have been developed to increase the incentives for men to take up more of the care load that will support women in the workforce, children’s health and men’s well-being.
This is on top of other necessary reforms - parental leave needs to be more generous in time and income. Superannuation also needs to be paid on the national scheme.
This will not change traditional caring roles
Even as the government removes the old categories of “primary” and “secondary” carer in the revised payment, the new scheme still risks entrenching Australian women as primary carers.
Australian women already do the majority of care and domestic work, and this is unlikely to shift without some strong incentives. The pandemic reminded us of just how “sticky” the unequal division of care work is as women shouldered the lion’s share of the pandemic care load.
The bottom line is this is not the kind of policy change that will drive an inclusive economic recovery and a gender equal economy.
Another blokes’ budget
As in previous years, this budget is focused on hard infrastructure such as cyber security, defence and traditional male trades.
These are important, but a better-balanced budget would deliver new investment in the essential care infrastructure our economy relies on. Countries such as Canada and the United States are developing new national care systems to drive productivity and an inclusive pandemic recovery.
A huge missed opportunity with childcare
This has been billed as a “cost-of-living” budget, but early childhood education and care have been overlooked. Even with a record spend of $10.3 billion this financial year, Australia has one of the most expensive early learning systems (for consumers) in the world. Childcare payments are one of the biggest costs to households, alongside housing costs and food.
A 2021 Mitchell Institute report found childcare is unaffordable for almost 40% of families. It is also difficult to access, especially in remote and regional areas.
This makes the $19.4 million allocation for 20 new childcare centres in known childcare “deserts” a welcome budget initiative. But much more is required.
There is widespread consensus amongst economists, business, civil society and community groups about the urgent need for free or more affordable early learning and care services for all children, regardless of what the parents do or do not do for work.
In The Conversation’s annual pre-budget survey of economists, one-third of respondents agreed increasing public subsidies for early learning and care was an appropriate way to spend money, even if it added to the deficit.
Investment in early learning is a key productivity measure – it will drive the pandemic recovery and support women to work at a level that suits their skills and aspirations. It is also a critical investment in our future, supporting all kids to have the best start in life no matter what their background.
Our system is not working for families and children, and this budget just tinkers at the sidelines. | https://theconversation.com/is-the-budget-good-for-women-the-paid-parental-leave-change-takes-us-backwards-and-childcare-costs-were-ignored-179766 | 2022-04-01T01:50:33Z |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The owner of a downtown Los Angeles building where an explosion injured 12 firefighters has been allowed to enter a judicial diversion program that allows him to avoid jail time and potentially have all charges dismissed.
A court commissioner on Wednesday granted the diversion request for Steve Sungho Lee. He and his companies must pay more than $125,000 in investigative fees, make sure the property meets fire and building codes and arranging for Fire Department training.
Lee owned a commercial building on East Boyd Street in the city's Toy District that caught fire on May 16, 2020. Firefighters had to run for their lives when a ball of flames shot out the building and scorched a fire truck across the street.
Firefighters inside the building had to run through a wall of flames he estimated as 30 feet (9 meters) high and wide, and those on the roof scrambled down a ladder that was engulfed in fire.
Fire officials said the building was a warehouse for Smoke Tokes, a wholesale distributor of supplies for smoking and vaping products including butane hash oil, a concentrated cannabis extract that can be eaten, smoked or vaped. Highly flammable butane is used in the manufacturing process.
Most of the injured firefighters still haven't returned to work and one, Capt. Victor Aguirre, was hospitalized for more than two months and all of his fingers had to be partially amputated, according to a lawsuit he filed against the building and business owners.
Aguirre alleged that the area contained “hundreds of illegally and improperly stored butane canisters and thousands of illegally and improperly stored nitrous oxide cylinders.”
A fire department report concluded that the blaze, which spread to a nearby building, was fueled by an “excessive quantity” of the containers.
Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that the fire started under a storage rack in the building and that a worker with a lit cigarette was seen in the area. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental.
However, city prosecutors filed more than 300 misdemeanor charges of violating fire and safety codes against Lee, his companies and owners of businesses in the building and nearby properties. That included more than 160 counts against Lee and his companies.
If Lee meets all conditions of his judicial diversion program for two years, the charges will be dismissed.
“Mr. Lee will be deemed by law to have never been charged," said his attorney, Blair Berk. “The exhaustive federal investigation of the tragic fire objectively concluded that the cause was accidental, and there was no finding of any wrongdoing by Mr. Lee or his companies.”
City Attorney Mike Feuer opposed diversion for Lee, noting the severity of the fire, the injuries suffered by the firefighters and Lee's alleged failure “to take steps which could have mitigated the extent of the blaze."
The owners of Smoke Tokes and another business, Green Buddha, agreed in November 2020 to pay $139,000 each to cover investigative costs and to move out of the building. Charges against them were later dismissed. | https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/No-jail-for-LA-building-owner-over-explosion-that-17049830.php | 2022-04-01T01:50:33Z |
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Investigation underway after pilot and four passengers were killed in helicopter crash at Mount Disappointment
A man who works in Victoria's meat industry has been identified as one of the victims of a mystery helicopter crash at Mount Disappointment on Thursday morning.
An investigation is underway after a pilot and his four passengers were killed in a helicopter crash at Mount Disappointment on Thursday morning.
The chartered chopper took off from Moorabbin Airport before picking up the passengers in Batman Park, Melbourne at about 7am.
The flight was travelling to Ulupna, in northern Victoria, where the passengers were to view an agricultural property.
But the doomed helicopter did not make its destination, crashing near Blair’s Hut, about 80 kilometres north of Melbourne, and killing all five people on board.
Police Air Wing found the wreckage at about 11.45am but struggled to access the scene due to difficult terrain.
It has since been confirmed the pilot was a 32-year-old Cheltenham man.
The four passengers included a 50-year-old woman from Inverloch, a 73-year-old man from Albert Park, a 59-year-old man from New South Wales and a 70-year-old man from New South Wales.
The 73-year-old has now been identified as Paul Troja, the chairman of Radford’s abattoir in Warragul, by The Herald Sun.
The helicopter was one of two choppers en-route to Ulupna on Thursday morning.
“There was two helicopters, they were charted out of Moorabbin this morning. Each helicopter had one pilot, they picked up four passengers each at Batman Park in Melbourne and then they were flying to Ulupna Island,” Acting Inspector Josh Langelaan said.
“One helicopter has landed safely and the other one unfortunately didn’t make it.”
The search and rescue operation is being supported by SES and DELWP including the assistance in clearing a path to the crash site with bulldozers and an excavator.
“The crash is in very difficult terrain. It’s in the middle of the forest,” Mr Langelaan said on Thursday.
“At first light investigators will re-attend the site.”
The Acting Inspector also flagged that the helicopter went missing in an area of low cloud.
"There was low cloud this morning, one helicopter came through the cloud, found that the other one was missing and police were notified," he said.
The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined and will be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, who took over on Friday morning. | https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/investigation-underway-after-pilot-and-four-passengers-were-killed-in-helicopter-crash-at-mount-disappointment/news-story/1c8aedf0777f52ad59bb5dc9b8fe5f65 | 2022-04-01T01:50:32Z |
Brokerages using Turvo will gain access to over 227,000 drivers in the FleetOps network
TORONTO, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FleetOps, North America's fastest-growing capacity aggregation and freight matching platform built exclusively for brokers and third-party logistics, is excited to announce its most recent integration with Turvo, provider of the world's leading collaboration application designed for the supply chain. Turvo connects people, systems and organizations allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to unite their supply chains, deliver outstanding customer experiences, collaborate in real-time, and accelerate growth. Through this partnership, Turvo customers will have access to FleetOps' growing network of more than 227,000 drivers.
For freight brokerages using Turvo, this new integration will allow for easy posting of loads, access to quality capacity, onboarding of carriers, and booking of loads directly within the Turvo platform. Additionally, the partnership will give brokers the ability to reduce the number of external applications required to run their business and maintain their current transportation management system (TMS) processes while allowing access to a new subset of carriers interested in hauling their loads. With trucks driving empty 20% of the time, providing automated load matching is more important than ever.
"Turvo's commitment to providing a comprehensive supply chain management solution to its customers is unmatched, and we are excited about this partnership and opportunity to further their efforts," said Chris Atkinson, CEO of FleetOps. "Without this integration, brokers typically resort to unnecessary and time-consuming manual processes such as outbound calling, email blasts, and negotiations. Through this partnership, FleetOps will proactively bring trucking companies to brokers by aggregating capacity across load boards, then provide easy access to this information through Turvo's TMS platform."
"This partnership will be instrumental in saving brokers' time - from easy posting of loads to on-the-spot booking, all within a platform they already use," said Ron Richardson, Chief Revenue Officer, Turvo. "We are constantly looking for ways to streamline processes and offer efficiencies to our customers, and this integration with FleetOps will further support our efforts.
About FleetOps
Founded in 2017, FleetOps is an on-demand freight marketplace that matches freight from brokers to carriers with available capacity. The system does this by leveraging driver Electronic Logging Device data and Artificial Intelligence to improve on existing systems and increase efficiency in trucking.
Currently boasting more than 227,000 drivers available to haul loads, the company has raised more than $8.5 million to date from investors including Resolute Ventures and Inspired Capital. FleetOps has existing partnerships with Convoy, Edge Logistics, FleetComplete, and Loadsmart.
Visit FleetOps.ai to learn more.
LinkedIn: @FleetOps
Twitter, Facebook: @FleetOpsFreight
About Turvo
Turvo provides the world's leading collaboration application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo connects people and organizations allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to unite their supply chains, deliver outstanding customer experiences, collaborate in real-time, and accelerate growth. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end solution to execute all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo's customers include some of the world's largest, Fortune 500 logistics service providers, shippers, and freight brokers. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. (www.turvo.com)
Visit Turvo.com to learn more.
LinkedIn, Facebook: @TurvoInc
Twitter: @Turvo
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SOURCE FleetOps | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/03/31/fleetops-announces-integration-partnership-with-turvo-bringing-new-capacity-turvo-transportation-management-system/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:33Z |
Penn State engineering rises in U.S. News & World Report graduate rankings
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Engineering Programs rankings released March 29, engineering at Penn State University Park ranked No. 32 overall, advancing one place from last year’s report, and No. 18 among public institutions. Seven engineering specialty disciplines offered by the College...
www.psu.edu | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556737421938/penn-state-engineering-rises-in-u-s-news-world-report-graduate-rankings | 2022-04-01T01:50:33Z |
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Ukraine told not to back down from 'bully' Putin amid Russian withdrawal from key airfield near Kyiv and Chernobyl over fears the Kremlin is simply buying time to let its troops regroup and launch fresh attacks
- Boris Johnson warned Zelensky not to concede to Russian despot Vladimir Putin
- British officials are concerned other allied leaders may push the Ukrainian President to give up too much to Putin in order to secure an early peace deal
- A government source said a deal must be made with Ukraine in a strong position
- Zelensky meanwhile expressed worry that the Russian retreat is in fact a regroup
- He told his soldiers to continue fighting and not let up as the invaders pulled out
- Russian soldiers yesterday abandoned Hostomel airbase - a key strategic position for an assault on Kyiv - and also handed over control of Chernobyl
Britain has warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to remain strong in the face of Russian aggression amid fears other allied leaders could push him to agree a rushed peace deal advantageous to Putin.
Progress towards a ceasefire seemingly got started earlier this week when the Kremlin announced it would pull back some of its troops from Kyiv and Chernihiv as negotiations progressed in Turkey.
But government officials are now concerned that US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz may encourage Zelensky to give up significant concessions to reach a peace deal as soon as possible.
A senior government source told The Times yesterday that the aforementioned allied leaders appeared 'over-eager' to secure a peace deal, which could see Putin enjoy weaker sanctions and avoid persecution as a war criminal among other concessions, in return for an end to hostilities in Ukraine.
'Some of our allies may be too eager for [Zelensky] to settle,' the source said, before adding: 'Ukraine needs to be in the strongest possible position militarily before those talks can take place.'
Zelensky meanwhile is said to have expressed worry to Boris Johnson over Russia's apparent scale-back of military activity in key regions and posited that Russia's negotiators may be feigning progress in peace talks to buy time for fighting forces to regroup and reposition.
It comes after Russian forces withdrew from a series of positions around the Ukrainian capital, including Hostomel airbase which is thought to be a key strategic position, and the Chernobyl nuclear power plant which they had held since day one of the invasion.
In his daily video address yesterday evening, Zelensky said the sight of Russian troops retreating was heartening for all Ukrainians, but appeared confident that Russia will simply refocus its military might after regrouping and urged his forces not to let up
Britain has warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to remain strong in the face of Russian aggression amid fears other allied leaders could push him to agree a rushed peace deal advantageous to Putin. Boris Johnson told Zelensky that Putin is 'a liar and a bully' who would use negotiations to 'wear you down and force you to make concessions'
A view shows residential houses destroyed by shelling, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the village of Hostomel, in Kyiv region, Ukraine March 31, 2022. Russian forces withdrew from a series of positions around the Ukrainian capital yesterday, including Hostomel airbase which is thought to be a key strategic position
Ukrainian service members rest in the village of Hostomel amid Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv region, Ukraine March 31, 2022
A senior government source told The Times yesterday that the aforementioned allied leaders appeared 'over-eager' to secure a peace deal, which could see Putin enjoy weaker sanctions and avoid persecution as a war criminal among other concessions, in return for an end to hostilities in Ukraine
In his daily video address yesterday evening, Zelensky said the sight of Russian troops retreating was heartening for all Ukrainians, but appeared confident that Russia will simply refocus its military might after regrouping and urged his forces not to let up.
'We know their intentions. We know what they are planning and what they are doing,' the Ukrainian leader said.
'We know that they are moving away from those areas where we hit them in order to focus on other, very important ones where it may be difficult for us.
'We all want to win,' Zelensky added. 'But there will be battles ahead. We still have to go through a very difficult path ahead to get everything we are striving for.
'We endured much more than the enemy expected. They said three or five days. They thought that this would be enough for them to seize our entire state. And it's already 36. And we are standing. And we will continue to fight.'
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg last night voiced his agreement with the assessment of Russia's tactics: 'According to our intelligence, Russian units are not withdrawing but repositioning.
'Russia is trying to regroup, resupply and reinforce its offensive in the Donbas region. At the same time, Russia maintains pressure on Kyiv and other cities. So we can expect additional offensive actions bringing even more suffering.'
The Ukrainian President also said he spoke with European Council President Charles Michel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday, while his adviser spoke with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and advocated for more military and monetary support.
Zelensky's mistrust of the Kremlin and rousing speech encouraging his countrymen to keep fighting comes after Boris Johnson told him not to back down.
The Prime Minister told Zelensky that Putin is a 'liar and a bully' who would use talks to 'wear you down and force you to make concessions' during a phonecall just days ago.
Johnson has said Western allies must intensify sanctions on Russia until all the Kremlin's forces withdraw entirely from Ukraine, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
But government officials appear to have questioned the resolve of other allied leaders to support the Ukrainian war effort.
Zelensky himself previously criticised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on several occasions, saying that he was 'mistaken' in his handling of the situation.
The Ukrainian president said Scholz's judgment was clouded by his country's reliance on Russian gas and his earlier refusal to allow even foreign country's to deliver German-supplied weapons to Ukraine's armed forces.
He also accused French President Macron of being 'afraid' of his Russian counterpart.
Macron has perhaps been the Western leader most willing to speak with Putin - the pair have shared frequent phonecalls in the weeks before and since the start of the invasion - but no common ground has yet been reached.
A fresh round of peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates are set to begin today, though Zelensky has maintained that face-to-face negotiations with Putin may be the best way to bring about an end to the conflict.
Ukrainian soldiers walk next to destroyed Russian tanks in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 31, 2022
Local residents are seen in front of an apartment building destroyed during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 31, 2022
A woman walks past a residential area which was destroyed as a result of a rocket strike in Kyiv as Ukraine makes military gains in the region
Russian forces appeared to leave the village of Hostomel and the nearby airbase on the outskirts of Kyiv after more than a month of fighting.
The airbase - located a mere 12 miles from Kyiv city centre - played host to one of the biggest skirmishes so far in the early days of the invasion, and is thought to be a key strategic position for Russia's forces to occupy should they want to launch an all out assault on the Ukrainian capital.
The land changed hands several times amid fierce fighting in late February and early March, before Russian forces ultimately overwhelmed the defenders and seized control.
But after the nearby town of Irpin was retaken in a Ukrainian counter attack earlier this week, the Kremlin's troops today appeared to shut up shop.
Further north, Russian soldiers also withdrew completely from the region around Chernobyl nuclear power plant in what appears to be another victory for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The damaged wreckage of the world's largest plane is pictured after it was burnt during a Russian attack on Hostomel airbase in the early days of the invasion
This close-up image of the plane shows the extent of the damage caused by the Russian attack
But Ukrainian and US defence officials have speculated the troops are unlikely to be withdrawing from the conflict altogether, and warned that the Kremlin's soldiers were likely resupplying before being redeployed to other battle zones.
A US defence official told The Telegraph: 'Just because they're going to put more energy there doesn't mean it's going to be easy for them.
'We have continued to see unit cohesion issues, command and control problems, problems with faulty leadership.
'We continue to believe that this is a repositioning. We certainly haven't seen any indications that any of these troops are going back home, or that they're being taken away from the fight forever.'
Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom announced yesterday afternoon that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is now back under the control of Ukrainian forces for the first time since the war began on February 24.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meanwhile said the Russian forces which were in control of the Chernobyl nuclear plant have 'in writing, transferred control' of the facility to Ukrainian personnel.
Ukraine's state nuclear company Energoatom has announced the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is now back under the control of Ukrainian forces for the first time since the war began on February 24
Though Russian soldiers seized control of Chernobyl soon after the Feb. 24 invasion, the plant's Ukrainian staff continued to oversee the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel and supervise the concrete-encased remains of the reactor that exploded in 1986, causing the world's worst nuclear accident
The UN's nuclear watchdog added that it was in close consultations with Ukrainian authorities on sending a first assistance and support mission to Chernobyl in the next few days.
Ukrainian authorities said that three convoys of Russian forces had left the site toward Belarus, with a small contingent of remaining troops preparing to leave.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said the Russian troops who dug trenches in the forest nearby the plant 'voluntarily received such doses of radiation that the consequences will be explained to them by doctors in special protective suits.'
A Ukrainian official overseeing the exclusion zone around Chernobyl backed up Vereshchuk's claims, saying that several Russian soldiers were transported to Belarus to receive treatment for radiation poisoning. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10674595/Ukraine-told-not-bully-Putin-amid-Russian-withdrawal-key-airfield-near-Kyiv.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-01T01:50:34Z |
Luxury NFT firm teams up with a world-leading photographer.
SINGAPORE, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned photographer Nicolas Gerardin has partnered with pioneering platform 1of1 and ARTM Technologies to produce luxury NFTs based on his photography.
The NFTs will include rare and famous images by the French photographer who works with the world's top celebrities, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jonas Brothers, Priyanka Chopra, Donatella Versace, James Franco, Daniel Radcliffe, Kendall Jenner, Lewis Hamilton, Karim Benzema, Paulo Dybala, Sofia Carson, and many more.
Gerardin's photographs have appeared on the front covers of leading international magazines and were recently hailed by Georgina Rodríguez in the Netflix special 'I am Georgina.' as "the best photographer in Europe."
1of1 is the first official luxury NFT platform for pioneering tech firm ARTM Technologies. It has already established numerous global partnerships with international luxury brands. ARTM is an ERC-20 token used to unlock NFTs, video streaming, metaverse, and gaming add-ons.
Co-Founder Craig Allard shared,
"We are very excited to be linking up with such an internationally-acclaimed photographer. His client list speaks for itself, and we can't wait to see what can be achieved in partnership with our 1of1 luxury NFTs. These will be based on his photographs, including some of his rare work and his more famous pieces. Some will involve experiences and special access to events and celebrities. Our pioneering technology is already changing the world of NFTs, leveraging blockchain technology with new use cases. This latest partnership will add another element to our work, and we look forward to announcing more details in due course."
Notes to editors:
For more information on Nicolas Gerardin and to see more of his work, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/nicolasgerardin/
http://www.nicolasgerardin.com/
For more information on 1of1, visit: https://1of1.biz/
For more information on ARTM, visit: https://getartm.io/
Media Contact: info@getartm.io
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SOURCE ARTM Technologies LLC | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/world-renowned-celebrity-photographer-nicolas-gerardin-signs-with-artm-technologies/ | 2022-04-01T01:50:34Z |