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Lynwood Baptist Church has looked for new ways to “bless the community” throughout the coronavirus pandemic, which members hope to continue at the second annual City2City event Saturday.
Executive pastor Hayes Howell said they have organized a variety of projects for the City2City event, as well as a picnic afterwards to celebrate the church’s accomplishments.
There are two main projects, Howell said. One project involves landscaping around Burfordville Baptist Church and Fruitland Community Church in Cape Girardeau County. The other includes sending gift cards and handwritten notes to public schools in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, where the schools can distribute them to families in need.
“This year, we are doing the gift cards a little bit differently,” Howell said. “We’re actually going to handwrite a card that each one of those gift cards will go into — an encouraging note, so that when that family gets that card, they know it’s been prayed for.”
Howell said about 50 students from Lynwood Baptist’s youth ministry will also be volunteering at the Shining Light Food Distribution Center on Saturday in Charleston, Missouri. Howell said church members realized they needed to “scale back” on this year’s City2City event due to the pandemic, which would allow them to engage in other partnerships within the community.
“As we encountered COVID back in March, we knew that the [City2City] event was going to look drastically different, so we did some other things throughout the year,” Howell said. “We’ve had a couple opportunities to partner with different organizations.”
Some of these partnerships are with local coffee shop Red Banner in Cape Girardeau and coffee trailer Molan Latte in Jackson, Howell said.
“This week, first-responders can go to these locations and get a free cup of coffee on us, just to say ‘thank you’ for all that they’re doing,” Howell said. “That actually began Tuesday and it goes through Friday.”
Howell said the church will be hosting a picnic outside Lynwood Baptist Church at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, with pizza and music, where they will announce some of their other partnerships.
“[The City2City event] is not really about magnifying Lynwood, it’s about blessing the community, and helping people experience the love of Christ in a real way,” Howell said.
For more information, visit www.lynwood.church/city2city.
A previous version of this story listed the wrong county location for Burfordville Baptist Church
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.
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https://www.semissourian.com/news/lynwood-adjusts-city2city-outreach-event-to-help-community-throughout-pandemic-2835165/
| 2024-12-16T05:27:09Z
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Amla or the Indian gooseberry is a great power house of vitamin C and antioxidants. The property that helps boost immunity levels during the winter months also prevents seasonal illnesses. The good thing about amla is that it is really easy to incorporate into your diet using these five yummy recipes which also boost immunity.
Amla Chutney
Amla chutney is a tangy and great flavor condiment which has an excellent combination with any meal. Grind the green chilies, coriander leaves, mint, amla, garlic and salt for taste. Add lemon juice to it for some tartness. This is such a great vitamin C and antitoxin-packed preparation, thus making it the great immunity booster.
Amla Candy
Amla candy is sweet and tangy, which is both delicious and healthy. Cut amla into small pieces, coat them with jaggery or sugar, and dry them in the sun. These candies not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide your body with essential nutrients to strengthen your immune system.
Amla Honey Shot
This simple drink is an immunity booster in itself. Mix fresh amla juice with a tsp of honey and consume on an empty stomach every morning. This mix detoxifies the body, improves digestion, and keeps common colds and flu at bay during winters.
Amla Murabba
Amla murabba is a sweet and health tonic winter favorite. The amlas are cooked in sugar syrup till they soften and then flavored with cardamom and saffron. This recipe does not only boost immunity but also improves digestion and keeps you warm in cold weather.
Amla Soup
Amla soup is perfect for a cold winter evening. Chop amla and boil it with ginger, garlic, and a few spices like cumin and black pepper. Grind it into a soup and have it. This nutritious soup is full of antioxidants and soothes sore throats and strengthens the immune system.
Why amla is a winter superfood?
Amla is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens white blood cells and enhances the body’s ability to fight infections. Its antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Additionally, amla’s warming properties make it ideal for winter consumption.
The bottom line
These five amla recipes bring variation and deliciousness in winter diet; besides the above immunity-booster advantage. Eating such a diet can also maintain healthy lifestyle and a more energized system during a time of gloomy months like winter.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/boost-your-winter-immunity-5-delicious-amla-recipes/articleshow/116319179.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:11Z
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Imagine a world without refrigeration, standardized yeast strains, or precise temperature control. This was the reality faced by early brewers, who relied on their intimate knowledge of nature's bounty to craft beers. From the first spring buds to the last autumn harvest, each season offered a unique set of ingredients, contributing distinct flavours and characteristics to the finished product. Let's explore how these ingredients, as per the seasons, defined the earliest forms of seasonal brewing.
Also Read:Everything you need to know about cooking with alcoholThe Ancient Art of Seasonal BrewingEarly brewers relied on instinct and close observation of the nature. Summer had its own set of challenges, primarily spoilage due to warmer temperatures. Brewers adapted by creating lighter, lower-alcohol beers that were consumed quickly. On the other hand, the fall harvest brought plenty of grain, leading to strong ales brewed with the season's fresh hops. Winter presented a different challenge, and that’s preservation. They compensated by crafting stronger, spicier beers with higher alcohol content, ensuring they lasted through the cold months. Moving forward the next challenge is temperature control before refrigeration existed. They relied on cool cellars or caves to ferment their beers, meaning that certain styles of beers could only be brewed during specific times of the year. Lighter and more delicate beers were brewed in the cooler months, while stronger ales were better for warmer temperatures. This natural temperature regulation played a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of seasonal beers. Next challenge, we have is about yeast management. It was a far cry from the precise science it is today. Brewers relied on wild yeasts present in the air and on their brewing equipment which meant fermentation was less predictable, often resulting in variations in flavour and consistency.
Also Read: 7 benefits of beer and why it becomes harmful for someFrom Art to Science: The Modern Brewer's ToolkitModern brewing techniques have revolutionized the art of crafting beer, transforming it from a largely seasonal practice to a year-round pursuit of flavour and innovation. Climate-controlled fermentation tanks maintain ideal temperatures regardless of the season, allowing for consistent results throughout the year. Ingredients that were once limited by geography and seasonality, are now readily available from across the globe, enabling brewers to explore a vast spectrum of flavours. Yeast management, once reliant on unpredictable wild strains, has changed and now carefully cultivated yeast strains are selected for their specific contributions to get the right aroma.
Furthermore, techniques like cryo-hopping and dry-hopping help in maximizing hop aroma and flavour, while advanced filtration and clarification methods refine the final product, resulting in beers with exceptional clarity and stability. These advancements, coupled with a deeper understanding of brewing science, have empowered brewers to push the boundaries of creativity.
A Toast to Tradition and Innovation: The Enduring Legacy of Seasonal BrewingFrom the earliest harvest ales brewed with freshly picked hops to the complex, innovative seasonal beers crafted with modern technology, the journey of seasonal brewing shows a fascinating interplay between tradition and innovation. While the methods have evolved dramatically, the fundamental connection between beer and the seasons remains constant. So, the next time you enjoy your seasonal brew, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and scientific ingenuity behind every sip.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/how-a-perfect-beer-is-crafted-for-every-season-of-the-year/articleshow/116339651.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:17Z
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Starting from humble beginnings, kitchen designs have evolved remarkably, from cooking on wood in open fires to sleek and innovative culinary solutions. Once known as the heart of the household, the ‘hearth’ was often a secluded room separate from the rest of the residence. The advent of the ‘stove’, brought better control over cooking temperatures and improved ventilation. Today, we have transcended to an ‘open kitchen’ concept, where walls are torn down to merge kitchens with living spaces, where functionality meets aesthetics. One of newest breakthroughs in kitchen design is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cookware, elevating and simplifying the culinary experience. Here are some of the latest trends in kitchenware and designs.
The New Era of Open KitchensOne of the most trending kitchen layouts today, open kitchens are not just space-efficient but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. This design epitomizes the seamless fusion of functionality and elegance. Characterized by its minimalist or upscale aesthetic, it showcases premium cookware and effortlessly transitions from cooking to serving. Consumers often prefer this design as it enhances the ambience with abundant natural light, creating the perfect place for family interactions and enjoyable meals.
Embracing Elegance with Stainless Steel CookwareStainless steel remains a timeless favourite in kitchenware, cherished for its versatility, durability, and health benefits. With the evolution of stainless steel, Triply technology emerges as a game-changer, integrating copper or aluminium layers with stainless steel. Renowned for its ability to evenly distribute heat and prevent hotspots, Triply technology enhances cooking experiences in modern kitchens, prioritizing top-grade
food safety.
Also Read: 7 benefits of using cast iron cookwareSimplifying Cooking & Cleanup with Multipurpose KitchenwareAn example of innovative design in kitchenware, multifunctional kitchenware has become a lifesaver in urban kitchens where space poses a considerable constraint. A single pot capable of frying, steaming, cooking and baking is a boon for those navigating fast-paced life or for those residing in compact or shared spaces. Moreover, these versatile cookware designs excel not only in functionality but also in serving meals in style, eliminating the need for elaborate crockery whilst mitigating clean-up time.
Positive Shifts in Non-stick with Pioneering Innovations like Hexa-Ridge and CeramicToday, there are various innovative options in non-stick technology available for consumers seeking eco-friendly and natural alternatives. Hexa-Ridge technology leads the way in this realm, pioneering scratch-free cookware for non-stick applications. Metal spoons and knives pose no risks of scratches on this cookware. Additionally, ceramic-based non-stick coatings address environmental and health considerations while maintaining the slickness of traditional non-stick surfaces. These advancements not only improve overall cooking performance but also help elevate the look & design with new palettes, textures, and patterns, making the cookware visually delightful.
Bringing back the trusted, classic cast iron with a new-age twistFor centuries, the versatile metal – the classic cast iron, has become a staple in households across the globe. 2024 is witnessing a comeback of this multipurpose metal owing to its durability and sturdiness combined with its ability to heat food to extremely high temperatures without any adverse effects. If treated correctly, cast iron cookware can last decades to cook meat, bake and fry. It is reasonably easy to use and is known to infuse iron into your food while being environmentally friendly. While traditional cast iron is heavy and hard to manoeuvre, new-age cast iron is relatively more lightweight and user-friendly. These designs are also sleek and stylish, apt for modern kitchen spaces.
The Allure of Timeless Dark and Black Themes in Kitchen SpacesExpected to be a hit in modern kitchen designs, more people are opting for stylish black-themed kitchens with dark accents. This trendy décor choice can upgrade your kitchen without major renovations. Black cabinets and cookware bring depth and elegance, seamlessly blending modern and classic styles. Adding shades of blues, deep greys, and black creates a bold and timeless look that will impress.
Elevating Aesthetics of Modern Kitchens with the Beauty of Built-in AppliancesIntegrating built-in appliances into your kitchen not only saves space but also gives your kitchen a clean and organized look. Modern built-in appliances often come with AI integration, making it convenient to operate and control from a touch-screen interface. Not only are these appliances more energy efficient, but they also provide multi-functionality, combining features into a single unit. These appliances elevate the aesthetics of your kitchen, producing a more modern and luxurious look effortlessly.
The rising trends in kitchenware and design entail the selection of smart cookware that seamlessly merges functionality with aesthetics. They not only simplify cooking processes but also elevate user experiences through the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Triply and HexaRidge, promoting efficiency and sustainability. Elevate your culinary experience with innovative kitchenware designs.
Contributed by: Dhruv Agarwal, Director & CEO, Stahl Kitchens
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/how-smart-kitchenware-and-adaptive-design-are-changing-the-shape-of-indian-kitchen/articleshow/116335666.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:19Z
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The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World – a report published by UN agencies in July 2024 – revealed that roughly 2.33 billion people experienced severe or moderate food insecurity worldwide in 2023.Among these, more than 864 million faced severe food insecurity, going without food for an entire day or more. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) notes that almost a third of all the food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted worldwide each year. This highlights the urgent need for efficient food management systems to reduce waste and ensure more equitable distribution of resources.
Introducing Zero-Waste KitchensReducing or saving food waste at every stage of the culinary process is critical. In context, a Zero-waste kitchen based on the Circular Café model can play a key role, especially in commercial kitchens where up to 20% of purchased food is wasted, leading to a staggering $100 billion in losses for the industry. Zero-waste kitchens lead the way in sustainable dining and epitomise the principles of a circular economy. They help reduce environmental impact through the creation of a system wherein nearly everything is reused, repurposed, or recycled and returned safely to the Earth.
Also Read: 7 zero-waste cooking practices to transform your kitchenMaximising Value with Innovative SolutionsVarious strategies are used for reducing kitchen waste and creatively repurposing food to add value. Repurpose programmes turn kitchen scraps into dips, relishes, and infused waters. Whether it is crafting chutneys with peel waste or turning kitchen leftovers into refreshing hydration experiences, every scrap finds a distinct purpose. For example, orange peel marmalade is made from 70% peels and fibres which are procured from juice centres post the juice is extracted, while ridge gourd and peanut chutney use 40% gourd peels which otherwise would have landed in the garbage.
To address food waste, companies have implemented a ground-breaking repurpose programme. More than 150 recipes such as above have been curated meticulously, transforming items meant for the garbage bin into daily delights such as dips, chutneys, and relishes. Generally discarded vegetable and fruit peels find new life with the infusion of water, providing a refreshing twist while supporting hydration.
For elements that resist reduction or repurposing, recycling is the preferred strategy. For instance, oil waste is disposed responsibly which is then used for soap and composting initiatives and breathing life into kitchen and café waste, completing the transformative journey.
AI powered Smart KitchensA dynamic approach based on precision forecasting and preventive measures can also be used to minimise food waste and revolutionise consumption. By deploying an AI-powered system in commercial kitchens, food waste can be reduced by up to 50%. An AI-driven programme also prevents 78,000 tonnes of annual carbon emissions alongside 2-8% savings in food costs. AI can play a powerful role in reducing food waste by helping in planning, sourcing and producing the products accurately and thus minimizing waste.
Also Read: 9 food peels that make for healthy chipsWhile AI-enabled scales and cameras help track waste in real-time, the semi-automated classification of waste helps in pinpointing areas of high waste, providing actionable insights. Consequently, AI-driven waste systems have helped reduce food waste by up to 50% in 67 countries.
Procurement Strategies – Local, Seasonal, SustainableSourcing of the right ingredients goes a long way in supporting and minimizing waste. By prioritizing locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainably produced ingredients, kitchens can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Local sourcing not only reduces transportation emissions but also supports local farmers and communities, fostering a stronger, more resilient food system.
Choosing seasonal produce ensures that ingredients are at their peak freshness and nutrient content, reducing the need for artificial preservation methods and decreasing spoilage rates. Furthermore, sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and regenerative agriculture, promote soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation, contributing to the overall sustainability of the food supply chain.
Incorporating these principles into procurement strategies can lead to a more efficient and effective use of resources, reducing waste from the very beginning of the supply chain. By collaborating with suppliers who share these values, kitchens can create a ripple effect, encouraging more sustainable practices throughout the industry.
Ultimately, the thoughtful sourcing of ingredients is a fundamental aspect of creating a sustainable, zero-waste kitchen. It complements other waste reduction initiatives, such as AI-powered smart kitchens and composting programs, to build a comprehensive approach to sustainability that benefits the environment, the economy, and society as a whole.
Partnership with PurposeCompanies with circular kitchens have a huge impact on curbing food waste, contributing to the well-being of less fortunate people in society. While efforts to reduce waste through smarter purchasing and preparation processes are essential, there is always a chance that excess food will remain.
A partnership with RHA can ensure a regular contribution of surplus foods from events or catering operations. This can be done by coordinating with RHA volunteers to collect excess food and distribute it to various shelters, orphanages and other institutions supported by the NGO. When surplus food is diverted from landfills, the environmental footprint is limited, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Be it partnerships with food NGOs and/or circular kitchens and cafés, companies can use varied means to feed the hungry and promote the goal of food security among communities, society, and the world at large. Through continued innovation and collaboration, we will continue to turn waste into opportunity and hunger into hope, building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Contributed by: Ashwani Vohra, CEO – Food Services, Compass Group India
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/how-zero-waste-kitchens-can-help-address-and-mitigate-global-hunger/articleshow/116331944.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:25Z
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Pumpkin seeds are a naturally rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, which promote heart health, improve immune function, and support muscle and nerve function. Rich in protein and fiber, pumpkin seeds also aid in digestion and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The high antioxidant content, including vitamin E, can reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Consuming pumpkin seeds regularly can boost overall health, enhance energy levels, and contribute to better sleep due to their tryptophan content.
Pumpkin seeds nutritionPumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are nutrient-dense snacks packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Rich in antioxidants, they support heart health, boost immunity, and promote better sleep due to their tryptophan content. Versatile and tasty, they can be eaten raw, roasted, or added to dishes.
Supports Prostate HealthPumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral essential for maintaining prostate health. Studies suggest that consuming these seeds regularly may help reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects the prostate in men as they age. The high zinc content also supports hormone balance and immune function.
Better SleepPumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in the production of serotonin and melatonin, both of which are crucial for regulating sleep cycles. Consuming a small handful of pumpkin seeds before bedtime can help promote restful sleep and combat insomnia.
Skin HealthPacked with antioxidants like vitamin E, pumpkin seeds help fight free radical damage and reduce signs of aging. Their high content of essential fatty acids also helps nourish the skin, keeping it hydrated and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Heart HealthPumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, which plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and supporting heart function. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
Blood Sugar RegulationThe high fiber content in pumpkin seeds helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Additionally, the seeds contain magnesium, which has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. This makes pumpkin seeds a healthy addition to the diet for those looking to manage blood sugar.
Poll
What’s your take on consuming pumpkin seeds daily?
Immune FunctionWith a good amount of zinc and other essential minerals, pumpkin seeds play a significant role in strengthening the immune system. Zinc is known for its ability to enhance immune response, making pumpkin seeds an excellent food choice during cold and flu season to help protect the body from infections.
Digestive HealthThe high fiber content in pumpkin seeds aids digestion by promoting healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound known to support gut health and help eliminate harmful parasites from the digestive tract.
Improves mood Pumpkin seeds are said to be rich in tryptophan, and can support serotonin production, which further helps improve mood and combat depression.
Rich in anti-inflammatory propertiesPumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation in the body. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, both known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption may alleviate symptoms of arthritis, promote joint health, and support overall immune system function.
Who should avoid these seeds?People with pumpkin seed allergies should avoid them to prevent allergic reactions such as rashes or swelling. Individuals with digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome, may experience discomfort due to their fiber content. Those on a low-potassium diet or with kidney problems should limit consumption as pumpkin seeds are high in potassium. Pumpkin seeds may interfere with diuretic or blood pressure medications, potentially lowering blood pressure too much.
(Thumb image courtesy: Canva)
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/lesser-known-benefits-of-consuming-pumpkin-seeds-daily/articleshow/116115547.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:31Z
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Protein powder supplements are said to help build physique and aid in boosting metabolism, but what if the protein powder is an adulterated one, causing more harm than any good? Yes, you read it right. Recently, three people allegedly involved in manufacturing adulterated protein powder of two different brands at a factory in Noida’s Sector 63 were arrested, after a Delhi-based man suffered health issues following the consumption of the protein powder.
Poll
How careful are you about the authenticity of products you buy?
The suspects were booked for cheating and criminal conspiracy at the Sector 63 police station, and a large quantity of the adulterated raw material used in making the protein powder was recovered from their possession. They used to sell a pack of 2.5 kilograms for around ₹8,500 by investing just ₹1,800 per pack. The suspect used to sell the protein powder with the help of two prominent e-commerce companies by marking it as a genuine product.
Importance of protein powder supplement
Protein powder provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth, especially post-exercise. High protein content promotes satiety, reducing cravings and supporting weight loss or maintenance goals.
Protein powders help enhance recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and improve endurance for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It also provides essential amino acids that support skin, hair, nails, and immune system health.
This has surely raised concerns about thousands of protein powders easily available online and how one can check the purity of such protein powders. Take a look at these small and easy measures one can follow while buying a protein powder.
Basic check
While buying protein powder, look for license number, label information, packaging design, date, expiry and other details. Legitimate products typically have professional packaging and accurate labelling. Examine the label for the manufacturer's name, address and contact details as well. Look for seals or logos from their certification bodies on the packaging.
Also read: ICMR warns against protein supplementsLook for crucial details
Fake or adulterated ones may have irregularities in texture, color, or consistency compared to authentic products. Look for any usual clumping, discoloration or foreign particles in the powder. Be careful when purchasing supplements from unauthorised sellers, especially online marketplaces.
Your checklist for protein powder
Make sure to be clear about why you are buying protein powder. Are you looking to build muscle, super weight loss or simply protein supplement. Protein powders come in various forms and each type has its unique characteristics, digestibility, and amino acid profile. Whey protein is popular for its fast absorption and high amino acid content, making it good for post-workout recovery. Casein protein digests slowly, providing a sustained release of amino acids. Plant-based proteins like pea and soy are suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Some protein powders may contain added vitamins and minerals. Evaluate whether these nutrients align with your needs or not.
Also Read: How to make protein powder at homeDon't fall for unrealistic dreams
Many brands claim unrealistic results, avoid them at all costs. Protein powders offer several benefits. It supports muscle growth and repair, making it popular among fitness lovers. They also aid in weight loss and weight management, by prompting the feeling of fullness and supporting metabolism. They also provide quick post-workout recovery, replenishing amino acids lost during exercise.
Seek expert advice
Before buying a protein powder, always seek expert advice, depending upon your need. A certified nutritionist or fitness coach can be of great help in choosing the right supplement and the right brands offering the same.
Try it
Always opt for testers of the brand you wish to go ahead with. This will help you understand the dilution level, taste, and if the powder is causing any bloating or digestive discomfort.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/noida-protein-powder-adulteration-case-how-to-identify-fake-protein-powder/articleshow/116256381.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:37Z
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Yellowstone's Season 5 Finale Gave Fans The Bloody Death We Were Looking For, But I Can't Stop Smiling About Another Character's Surprise Reveal
It won't be the last we hear of the Duttons. Certain ones, anyway.
Spoilers below for the Season 5 finale of Yellowstone, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched.
Without a doubt, Yellowstone’s return with Season 5’s final episodes has been one of the biggest events of the 2024 TV schedule, even if reactions have been mixed regarding how the Kevin Costern-less season has handled John Dutton’s death and the aftermath inspiring several upcoming Yellowstone series. No matter one’s feelings, Taylor Sheridan’s co-creation has now officially closed out its fifth season with a big and deadly finale. (Here's how to watch!)
Thankfully, Yellowstone did indeed pay off on one long-promised death, while also boosting my spirits with a surprise reveal that could potentially shake up our expectations for the 6666 spinoff, which could really use a behind-the-scenes update or two at this point. Let’s take a closer look — though from a safe, DNA-safe distance — at one of the western drama’s most ruthless and gripping hand-to-hand brawls.
Beth Finally Murdered Jamie, But Only After A WWE-Esque Kitchen Brawl
With Beth and Rip’s spinoff already set to carry Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s characters into a new arc or two, I had the innate fear that Sheridan would make an ill-advised call to stave off murdering Jamie so that the heated sibling feud could extend into the continuation series. That fear built up after Jamie’s only early scenes were entirely about his press conference speech.
Thankfully for all involved, except for maybe Wes Bentley, Jamie Dutton did indeed meet his maker with a broken face, a deep stab wound, and pepper spray still burning his ever-shifty eyes. And Beth didn’t waste a single second after leaving John’s burial to drunkenly hit the road with Jamie in her crosshairs.
I probably would have been disappointed had Beth quickly taken Jamie out without him realizing what was happening, No such worries with this ep, however. Jamie was barely in the door after his public address before Beth rearranged his face with a tire iron and covered most of his torso in pepper spray. Which then led to one of the most frightening Yellowstone visuals imaginable: Jamie’s bloody face completely covered in milk.
Nearly as horrifying is the brutality of Beth and Jamie’s fight, with the older brother getting way more wallops on Beth’s face, even if he was only using his weak and stupid Jamie fists. (Take that, ya dumb corpse.) But it turns out Beth had a reason to let Jamie beat the shit out of her, even if he likely took it further than she thought, since she needed as many bodily injuries as she could incur to sell her story to the cops.
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That said, Rip supposedly left an hour after Beth did, but was able to burst into Jamie’s house in the nick of time and stop him from choking her to death. We’ll let that one go, since Beth was waiting in the house before Jamie got home, but still.
In any case, the episode ended with Beth and Rip at their new property outside of Dillon, seemingly without any worries about Jamie’s wrapped-up body or incinerated vehicle being found. I have to wonder if that safety will be threatened in the upcoming spinoff, or if they’ll have other worries to contend with.
I Love That Teeter Gets A Happy Ending, And Hope She's In The 6666 Spinoff
For a much happier ending, we turn to Jen Landon's Teeter, who has been dealing with more than her share of emotional on-screen moments tied to Colby's truly tragic death-by-horse in "Counting Coup." She's been down to some low depths that not even card-game shenanigans could completely shake her out of at first, and didn't seem to have a clear future to follow her time cowboying it up at the Yellowstone, which was sold off to Rainwater.
However, Jimmy and Emily's return for the funeral gave Teeter a chance to carve a new path forward for herself by traveling down to Texas to try her hand working with...errr...for Travis. Not that the gig seems like it would be easy in the slightest, since Travis is a strict sumbitch whose natural instinct is to troll his employees into submission, but it's a step in a positive and grounded direction that she didn't have before.
Teeter has been one of my favorite Yellowstone regulars since she arrived, and is one of the few TV characters whose dialogue I actually enjoy putting closed captioning on to decipher. Landon makes the character feel completely lived in despite only getting a few minutes an episode at most to show off her skills. I'll miss her the most if we don't ever touch base with her again, but...
I'm really hoping that Teeter's story conclusion means Landon will be revealed as a new addition to the 6666 cast, since Yellowstone's flagship ending means the ranch-based spinoff has more of a reason to exist and carry on these characters' stories. All this time, I've been wholly thinking Ryan Bingham's Walker would be the only other Yellowstone regular joining Jefferson White's Jimmy in Texas, and it seems like that could still happen with his and Laramie's story feeling pretty open-ended.
But while it'll be great to see them again and all, Teeter getting a happy ending is quite possibly my favorite thing about Yellowstone's final six episodes. So for that, and for plenty of other memorable moments across all five seasons, I thank Taylor Sheridan and all the widlly talented cast members for keeping us in the Duttons' lives. And also for killing off Jamie, for all of the obvious reasons.
It’s unclear when the entirety of Season 5 will be available to stream with a Peacock subscription, but it’ll likely happen before the next season of a modern-day Yellowstone spinoff airs. 1923 Season 2 is set to hit the 2025 TV schedule on February 25, with the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring The Madison coming at some point later.
Nick is a Cajun Country native and an Assistant Managing Editor with a focus on TV and features. His humble origin story with CinemaBlend began all the way back in the pre-streaming era, circa 2009, as a freelancing DVD reviewer and TV recapper. Nick leapfrogged over to the small screen to cover more and more television news and interviews, eventually taking over the section for the current era and covering topics like Yellowstone, The Walking Dead and horror. Born in Louisiana and currently living in Texas — Who Dat Nation over America’s Team all day, all night — Nick spent several years in the hospitality industry, and also worked as a 911 operator. If you ever happened to hear his music or read his comics/short stories, you have his sympathy.
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https://www.cinemablend.com/television/yellowstone-season-5-finale-jamie-death-teeter-surprise-reveal
| 2024-12-16T05:27:39Z
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Winter brings with it a plethora of seasonal veggies that are not just delightful, but are super healthy. One such fresh winter vegetable is Turnip, also known as Shalgam in Hindi. Interestingly, in most traditional households this vegetable is extensively prepared in the form of sabzis, paratha, curries and pickles, but little do we know about the potent benefits of this small, round vegetable and what makes it so healthy?
What is Shalgam?
Shalgam, or turnip, is a root vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. It’s typically round or oval and comes in a variety of colors, including white, purple, or red on the outside, with creamy white flesh on the inside. Its flavor is mildly sweet with a slight peppery bite, and the texture is crisp when raw, becoming tender and juicy when cooked.Shalgam is widely consumed in different regions of the world. In South Asia, it is known for its use in stews, curries, and pickles. In the Middle East, it’s often pickled and served as a side dish or appetizer. This versatile vegetable can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled, or added to soups and salads.
Nutritional Value of Shalgam
Shalgam is packed with a variety of essential nutrients that provide significant health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this humble root vegetable such a nutritional powerhouse.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin C: One of the standout nutrients in shalgam is vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production for skin health, and protects against oxidative stress.
Vitamin K: Shalgam is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body, contributing to stronger bones and reducing the risk of fractures.
Folate: Folate, or vitamin B9, is important for cell division and the formation of DNA. It is especially important for pregnant women, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
Potassium: Shalgam is also a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain proper heart function, regulate blood pressure, and balance fluid levels in the body.
High in Fiber
Shalgam is rich in dietary fiber, which plays a key role in digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, fiber aids in weight management by making you feel fuller for longer, which may help control appetite and prevent overeating.
Low in Calories
One of the reasons shalgam is considered a great addition to any diet is that it is low in calories. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking to manage their weight while still enjoying a filling, nutrient-dense vegetable. The combination of low calories and high fiber makes shalgam a great option for anyone focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Packed with Antioxidants
Shalgam contains several powerful antioxidants, including glucosinolates, which are compounds found in cruciferous vegetables that have been linked to cancer prevention. These antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Due to its high content of bioactive compounds, shalgam has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular consumption of shalgam may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against these conditions.
Health Benefits of Shalgam
The impressive nutritional profile of shalgam offers numerous health benefits that can positively impact your overall well-being:
Boosts Immunity: With its high vitamin C content, shalgam helps to strengthen the immune system, making the body better equipped to fight off infections and illnesses.
Digestive Health: The fiber in shalgam aids digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting healthy gut flora. This helps to reduce the risk of digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
Heart Health: Shalgam’s high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, and its antioxidants help protect the heart by reducing oxidative stress. By maintaining a healthy heart, shalgam may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regulates Blood Sugar: Shalgam is a low glycemic index food, meaning it has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. The fiber content also helps slow down the absorption of sugars, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
Enhances Skin Health: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. The antioxidants in shalgam also protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution.
Weight Management: The low-calorie, high-fiber nature of shalgam makes it a perfect food for those looking to lose or maintain weight. It provides a sense of fullness, preventing overeating while still delivering a rich array of nutrients.
Bone Health: The high levels of vitamin K and calcium in shalgam help maintain strong bones. Vitamin K plays a vital role in calcium regulation and bone mineralization, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
How to add Shalgam into your diet
Shalgam is a versatile vegetable that can be easily incorporated into your diet in various ways:
Raw: Slice shalgam thinly and add it to salads for a crunchy, peppery bite.
Pickled: In many cuisines, shalgam is pickled and served as a tangy accompaniment to meals.
Soups and Stews: Add diced shalgam to soups, stews, or curries for a hearty, nutritious dish.
Roasted: Roast shalgam with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Smoothies: Blend shalgam with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious smoothie that boosts your vitamin and fiber intake.
Conclusion
Shalgam, or turnip, may be a humble root vegetable, but its impressive nutritional profile and health benefits make it a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you are looking to boost your immune system, improve digestion, maintain a healthy weight, or promote heart and bone health, shalgam can be a valuable addition to your diet. Its versatility in the kitchen allows for easy incorporation into various dishes, making it a tasty and nutritious choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-turnip-what-makes-this-winter-veggie/articleshow/116313134.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:39Z
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Is ‘Extra-Terrestrial Invasion’ the next chapter in The Megalomaniac’s Handbook?
Let’s not be duped this time.
Lately, have you felt like you are living a movie script? Well, this is because, to a large extent, we are. All that we are witnessing and experiencing has already happened – in Hollywood!
Holy Wood was a place the druids of old went to cast spells, and Hollywood is the spell-casting arena of the megalomaniac cabal, where they cast their spell-binding predictive programming. Pandemic/disaster movies are just one way in which our children and we have been, and are still being, programmed for a miserable future.
I’ve always avoided horror movies, but I typed ‘pandemic movie’ into search engines and found that Zombie apocalypse movies have been a megalomaniac psyop for the longest time. If you think a lot of money has been spent on manufacturing a fake pandemic, it is but a fraction of the amount of money spent on Hollywood movies featuring apocalyptic scenarios about deadly viruses, zombies and even vampires. Similarly, the quick billions grossed from some of these films may be second only to the quick billions grossed by the vaccine industry during covid!
Some may take issue with me calling the ‘pandemic’ fake when people have died as a result of the shenanigans of the past 3 years. However, let’s consider the definition of fake. Fake means to prepare or make something specious, deceptive, or fraudulent.
Everything about this ‘pandemic’ was specious, deceptive and fraudulent, right down to the fake ‘vaccines’ and treatment protocols that actually killed people.
In the last three years, not only have we seen fake pandemics and fake vaccines but we have also seen many fake conflicts (I intend to write more about these soon). So, in my opinion, we really need to be thinking about and preparing for what is coming next.
Let’s get back to pandemic predictive programming. An example of this is the 2007 post-apocalyptic movie called I am Legend, about a re-engineered measles virus that kills most of the population, with some being turned into vampires. Apparently, a sequel (I am Legend 2) is on the cards for this year.
Consider this wicked spell of a film from 2011 called "Contagion". “Contagion follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. At the same time, ordinary people struggle to survive in a society coming apart.” The film is absolutely rotten and a clear example of predictive programming to get people to believe in the deadliness of contagious pathogens and the almightiness of a rapidly produced vaccine as our saviour.
This one from 2016 called “Pandemic”, allegedly about “A New York doctor (who) travels with her team to Los Angeles to find survivors of a worldwide pandemic” is described by one unenthralled critic as “A zombie bash fest”. I’m not recommending that you watch it as even the trailer was too much for me. I somehow doubt this one from 2020, also imaginatively called “Pandemic”, is any less bloody and violent. And finally, consider the blurb about this one called “Final Days” from 2020: “A world in chaos, a pandemic left unchecked and humanity on the brink of extinction... This is no time to be alone! As a deadly virus turns humanity into bloodthirsty plague carriers, it's a fight for survival.”
What I’ve deduced from recent events is that The Megalomaniacs Handbook is really a playbook of Hollywood scripts concocted to make the cabal’s dreams (where we have nothing, are near-extinct and have to fight each other and fabricated monsters for our survival) come true.
Having unleashed a deadly pandemic, a dangerous genetic therapy, environmental disasters, wars, and more, could the cabal be finding us more resilient than they expected? So, let’s put ourselves in the cabal’s shoes for a minute and consider what script they might follow next to ensure the compliance and wholescale subjugation and terrorisation of humanity.
Patriotism and love have long been exploited by the cabal. In order to achieve dominion over us they will need to unite us somehow against a common threat, but how can this be done when they have spent the last decades dividing and polarising us in every possible way? Let’s look to Hollywood again for the answer…
Ah…here we go. “When powerful aliens launch an all-out invasion, the world’s only hope lies in uniting for one last strike to save mankind.”
Yep - an alien attack should do it. The logline above is from the 1996 movie called Independence Day. Now before you say “They would never do that…”, never go so far as blowing up whole cities; consider for a moment that they thought nothing of blowing up the Twin Towers on 9/11, if you give any credence to the voluminous, weighty and extremely compelling evidence that that is in fact what happened and which led to the deliberately intended outcome of a permanent introduction and acceptance of massively increased surveillance and invasive security controls. Fergus O’Connor Greenwood’s book is certainly an eye-opener in this regard.
Recent sightings of unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) have made it into various corporate media and we know now that they only show us what they want us to see, to prime and programme us for what they want us to believe. So let’s consider where this is leading.
Project Bluebeam, I discovered, was written about by French investigative journalist Serge Monast who died in 1996 at the age of 51 after alleged ongoing persecution by the police and authorities, and a day after spending a night in jail. Rigorous fact-checking has been conducted by the usual culprits in regard to suggestions that Project Bluebeam is a collaboration between NASA and the United Nations to establish total control over humans through the use of epidemics and powerful technologies demonstrating signs and wonders in the sky.
Project Bluebeam is generally discredited as a ‘conspiracy theory’, which is what immediately piques my interest to learn more. As noted in my other articles, conspiracy theories seem to be coming true, left, right and centre, so I am gaining confidence that they can appropriately and simply be coined ‘Conspiracies’, with the conspirators being the cabal who like to think of themselves, hilariously, as “Elite”.
Given the NAZI-style agenda of the cabal, it is no surprise to hear that the NAZI NASA rocket scientist, Werner von Braun, was involved in this anti-human space conspiracy. In the years before he died of cancer he revealed to a junior corporate colleague, Dr Carol Rosin, that the final card to be played on humanity is “the alien card”. Von Braun told her “Over and over”, apparently, to remember the last card saying, “We are going to have to build space-based weapons against aliens, and all of it, he said, is a lie.” I found this 12-minute clip with Dr Carol Rosin rather illuminating: https://ugetube.com/watch/dr-carol-rosin-fake-alien-invasion-project-bluebeam-blue-beam-wernher-von-braun-prediction_lhdkoxqhzdyfefa.html?lang=german
So putting myself in the shoes of the megalomaniac cabal and imagining how they are feeling about us ‘awakening wonders’, to borrow a term from Russel Brand, I sense that desperation and fear may be leading them to play their final “alien card” fairly soon, perhaps even this summer. Learning that they worship inversion and that total enslavement is their goal, my punt would be as close to the American Independence Day – the 4th of July – as possible.
In conclusion, to echo a sentiment on the last link in this article, the last battlefield of this war exists in the hearts and minds of the people.
If and when an extra-terrestrial invasion happens this summer, please know it’s fake – don’t fall for it.
Thanks for reading. if you would like to access my voice recording of this article, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription.
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https://drtesslawrie.substack.com/p/is-extra-terrestrial-invasions-the
| 2024-12-16T05:27:39Z
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SUVA (Fiji), Dec 16 — Seven guests hospitalised after drinking cocktails in a luxury Fiji hotel — including four Australians and an American — are in a stable condition, the Pacific island government said today.
The seven were taken to hospital on Saturday night suffering from “nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms”, according to Fiji’s health ministry.
They fell ill after drinking a cocktail prepared at a bar in the five-star Warwick Fiji resort on the Coral Coast, about 70 kilometres west of the capital Suva, it said.
“We are reassured that their condition this morning was stable, and we do hope their condition continues to improve,” said a joint statement by Fiji’s health and tourism ministries.
Close to a million tourists visit Fiji each year, it said, stressing that tourism in the country is “typically very safe”.
“This is the only reported case of its kind that we’ve experienced in recent memory, and certainly nothing like this has been experienced this year.”
Officials said the patients had been transferred from a hospital near the hotel to the larger Lautoka Hospital on the island’s west coast.
An official at Lautoka Hospital declined to comment.
Some information provided by Fiji officials has been contradictory.
A Fiji police spokesman said one patient had already been discharged from the Sigatoka Hospital near the hotel.
A spokesperson for the Warwick Fiji hotel said it was conducting an investigation and waiting for test results from the health authorities.
“At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests,” the spokesperson said.
In a separate incident in Laos last month, two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton and two Australians died of suspected methanol poisoning following what local media said was a night out in the town of Vang Vieng. — AFP
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/12/16/fiji-says-seven-foreign-guests-now-stable-after-hospitalised-from-drinking-cocktails-in-luxury-hotel/160049
| 2024-12-16T05:27:39Z
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Detoxing the brain over the weekend is very important to keep the mental and general health in check. The brain needs some time to rejuvenate itself after a week of working, stress, and constant digital stimulation. This down time will help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve focus and emotional resilience.
It provides space for creativity, clearer thinking, and better decision-making. Disconnecting from daily pressures and engaging in restorative activities enhances mood and sleep quality, boosting productivity for the week ahead. Mentally detoxifying also makes people stronger in relationships and self-awareness, creating a better balance between work, personal life, and inner peace.
Immerse yourself in nature with a hike or a stroll through a park. Fresh air and greenery reduce stress, clear your mind, and boost creativity. Let the sounds and sights of nature calm your racing thoughts.
Practice yoga or stretching exercises to connect your body and mind. The gentle movements release tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This synergy can leave you feeling refreshed, balanced, and more in tune with yourself.
Spend time giving back to the community. Helping others fosters gratitude, shifts focus away from personal stress, and boosts your mood. Simple acts of kindness can create profound feelings of fulfillment and purpose.
Engage in activities like painting, gardening, or cooking. Creative outlets stimulate the brain, providing a sense of accomplishment and joy. Doing something hands-on helps you focus on the moment and detach from stressors.
Escape into the pages of a novel or read an inspiring non-fiction book. Reading transports you to a different world, reduces stress, and stimulates cognitive function. Choose topics that intrigue or soothe your mind.
Write down your thoughts, feelings, or even small wins of the week. Journaling helps process emotions, reflect on personal growth, and declutter the mind. It’s a therapeutic way to express and release pent-up worries or stress.
Turn off your devices for a day. The disconnection from screens allows your mind to take a break from constant notifications and digital overload. Use this time to reconnect with yourself or spend quality moments with loved ones.
Practice meditation or mindfulness. It allows for concentration on breath; without judgment, it observes one's thoughts, and a clear picture of awareness. The state calms the mind, reduces anxiety, improves clarity of thought, and boosts emotional resilience.
Prepare a wholesome meal with fresh ingredients. Focus on each step of the process—chopping, stirring, and plating. Mindful cooking turns an everyday task into a meditative and rewarding experience that nourishes both the body and soul.
Lay under the stars and marvel at the vastness of the universe. Stargazing fosters a sense of wonder and perspective, helping you release daily worries and reconnect with the beauty of the present moment.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/10-activities-to-detox-your-brain-and-refresh-mental-well-being/photostory/116332858.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:45Z
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This puzzle will get you in the mood to play Christmas board games if you are planning any. In this challenge, you need to spot a hidden four-leaf clover from a deck of cards. All cards can be seen on the table. Only those sharp of vision and quick to react will find the luck clover in seven seconds.
But this teaser will try your focus skills in an exciting tricky way. This is a challenge not just by volume of cards but also since there is no space in between the cards, hence making it tougher to find that clover.
The trick is not to look at the black symbols on the cards; just look at the red hearts and diamonds. This, of course, will be what distracts you. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on the spades and clubs.
For those who find it hard, the hint is to look from the inside to the outside of the deck. Sometimes, it is easier to build up visual information by concentrating at the center that most often finds the hidden item. This requires concentration with sharp vision skills since a lot of information is taken in a very short time.
It is fast as a solution to the riddle and speaks highly of excellent observation skills as well as high speeds of cognitive processing. Individuals who manage to locate the clover in fewer seconds are more likely to have quick information processing with regards to visuals and less prone to nervousness.
If you haven't found the clover yet, don't worry. Below the puzzle you will find the solution. But even if you're still searching, the challenge is an excellent way to engage your brain, improve focus, and get into the Christmas spirit with a little mental workout.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/optical-illusion-only-people-who-have-a-sharp-vision-can-spot-the-lucky-four-leaf-clover-in-the-deck-of-cards-in-under-7-seconds/articleshow/116318007.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:51Z
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The more you solve brain teasers, the sharper your skills become. If you have been tackling at least one puzzle a day, then this one might just be a breeze for you. Brain teasers are like a workout for your brain, just like how physical exercise can strengthen your body. They stimulate the mind, improve focus, and enhance problem-solving abilities.
Find the Hidden Cereal Box - There is a cereal box to be seen inside the shopping basket. The only clue given for this mind-boggling mystery is a time frame: find it within 13 seconds of starting time. You may well face the test of locating the same before it's over.
Look at the trolley carefully and pay attention to the details. Where is the cereal box? If you could not find it, do not worry. Here is a little clue for you: shift your focus to the left-hand side of the trolley. Still cannot find it? Let's narrow it down further. The answer might be hiding in the top-left section of the trolley.
Was that helpful? If not, do not worry. Most people get stumped by this one. Just remember that these puzzles are to check your patience and observation. Take some time to examine the image properly.
Have you found it? Well, if you do, congratulations! Pat yourself on the back because this isn't easy. You will pass if you can spot that cereal box. Attention and keen observation are usually displayed by people who excel at puzzles of this nature. They would usually notice things that others tend to overlook.
If you didn't catch it this time, it's okay. Brain teasers like this one just require practice. The more you do, the better you'll get. So, just keep challenging yourself with some puzzles, and you will improve your observational skills soon enough. And if you are curious about the answer, scroll down to see where that pesky cereal box was hidden!
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/optical-illusion-only-those-with-20/20-vision-can-spot-a-cereal-box-hiding-in-a-shopping-trolley/articleshow/116338259.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:27:57Z
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Angolan President Calls for Dialogue in Mozambique Crisis
Ferhat Momade/AIM
12 December 2024
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
Pretoria — President João Lourenço appealed on Thursday in Pretoria to the parties involved in the post-election dispute in Mozambique to find the best ways of resolving it through dialogue.
The Angolan president made the statement at the opening of official talks between the governments of the two countries, as part of his state visit to South Africa aimed at strengthening cooperation.
João Lourenço also said that Angola will chair the African Union in 2025 and is currently a member of the organization's Peace and Security Council until 2026.
The President added that Angola's action in these bodies is particularly important given the country's very important commitment to African causes, such as stability, peace and security, the promotion of development and the modernization of infrastructures for the integration of the various regions that make up Africa.
João Lourenço reiterated the need for Angola to count on South Africa's support to carry out all the projects and programs it has outlined for its presidency in 2025, and to be an important voice in the defense of the interests of all Africans whenever the continent is called upon to intervene at the most important stages.
With regard to the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President João Lourenço stressed that, in view of the mandate given to his country by the African Union to help that country find peace, Angola is continuing to develop initiatives to facilitate dialogue between the parties, with the aim of normalizing political-diplomatic relations, friendship, good neighborliness and security between the DRC and Rwanda.
João Lourenço recalled that since March of this year, the facilitator has been carrying out a series of actions that will lead to a tripartite summit to be held in Luanda on 15 December, where the possibility of signing a peace agreement between the two parties will be analyzed in order to put a definitive end to the conflict plaguing the east of the DRC.
The Angolan President reiterated the need to find ways to reactivate the Tripartite Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation between Angola, South Africa and the DRC as a key instrument of cooperation to promote dialogue and strengthen mutual relations between the three countries in the areas of peace and security, economic and social development and respect for human rights and international law.
In addition to this mechanism and other initiatives aimed at pacifying the region, Lourenço expressed his country's interest in developing lines of communication with South Africa for permanent consultations in order to define common positions and strategies in the search for solutions to the various crises emerging in the region, such as the worrying instability in Mozambique, following the non-acceptance by one of the parties of the results of the last general elections held in that country.
In his speech, João Lourenço reiterated his concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, due to the intensification of the war in that country, which currently has millions of refugees and displaced persons in need of humanitarian assistance.
World situation
With regard to the world scenario, the Angolan President said that we cannot remain indifferent to the explosive situation in the Middle East, where the events in Gaza and those that have recently taken place in Syria are causing the international community very serious concern, for reasons linked mainly to the unpredictability of what could happen in the near future in this region, which is already explosive and troubled, and could cause unprecedented instability.
It is essential that none of the major players present in Syria and its neighboring countries seek to gain political, military or any other advantage from this tragedy affecting the Syrian people," Lourenço said.
João Lourenço also took the opportunity to congratulate Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African people on South Africa's assumption of the G-20 presidency for the year 2025.ART/TED/AMP
Read the original article on ANGOP.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/angolan-president-calls-for-dialogue-in.html
| 2024-12-16T05:27:58Z
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Here we are with another challenge. This image contains rows of the "&" symbol, but one character stands out as different: the number "8".
The task involves scanning the image, comparing each symbol visually, and identifying the anomaly. While all other characters are identical, the number "8" is subtly different in shape, making it challenging to detect amidst the uniform "&" symbols. This visual exercise tests a variety of cognitive and perceptual skills, including focus, attention to detail, and pattern recognition.
Spotting the odd character measures how quickly and accurately you can process visual information. Individuals with strong pattern recognition skills may notice subtle differences in shapes, spacing, or design more easily. Others might focus on individual rows and columns systematically, which demonstrates a methodical approach to problem-solving.
This seemingly simple exercise also reflects how people make decisions under constraints, such as time pressure or distractions. Quick identification suggests intuitive decision-making, relying on subconscious recognition of patterns. A slower, deliberate process indicates analytical decision-making, where the focus is on verifying each possibility before concluding.
Visual puzzles like this one not only engage the brain but also improve concentration and cognitive flexibility. They train the mind to filter out irrelevant information, stay focused on the task, and adapt strategies when an approach doesn’t work.
Solving optical illusions quickly requires focus, observation, and the right techniques. Start by taking a step back to view the illusion as a whole—sometimes details are more apparent from a distance. Identify patterns and look for inconsistencies or differences, as these often reveal the hidden elements. Shift your perspective by tilting your head or changing the angle of view to uncover different interpretations. If the illusion contains repetitive elements, scan systematically to find anomalies. Practice improves speed, as your brain becomes more adept at recognizing visual tricks. Remaining patient and calm is crucial, as overthinking can hinder perception.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/optical-illusion-spot-the-odd-character-in-this-image/articleshow/116212626.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:00Z
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Death Toll in French Territory of Mayotte from Cyclone Chido is ‘Several Hundred,’ Top Official Says
By GERALD IMRAY and SYLVIE CORBET
1:59 PM EST, December 15, 2024
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The death toll in the French territory of Mayotte from Cyclone Chido is “several hundred” and may run into the thousands, the island’s top government official told a local broadcaster Sunday.
France rushed rescue teams and supplies to its largely poor overseas department in the Indian Ocean that has suffered widespread destruction.
“I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands ... given the violence of this event,″ Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville told TV station Mayotte la 1ere.
He had previously said it was the worst cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years.
Bieuville said it was extremely difficult to get an exact number of deaths and injuries after Mayotte was pummeled by the intense tropical cyclone on Saturday, causing major damage to public infrastructure, including the airport, flattening neighborhoods and knocking out electricity supplies.
The French Interior Ministry confirmed at least 11 deaths and more than 250 injuries earlier Sunday but said that was expected to increase substantially.
Mayotte in the southwestern Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa is France’s poorest island and the poorest territory in the European Union. It has a population of just over 300,000 spread over two main islands.
Bieuville said the worst devastation had been seen in the slums of metal shacks and informal structures that mark much of Mayotte. Referring to the official death toll so far, he said ″this figure is not plausible when you see the images of the slums.”
“I think the human toll is much higher,” he added.
Mayotte took the brunt of Chido
Chido blew through the southwestern Indian Ocean on Friday and Saturday, also affecting the nearby islands of Comoros and Madagascar. Mayotte was directly in the cyclone’s path, though, and took the brunt. Chido brought winds in excess of 220 kph (136 mph), according to the French weather service, making it a category 4 cyclone, the second strongest on the scale.
Later, Chido made landfall in Mozambique on the African mainland and there were fears for more than 2 million people in the country’s north who could be impacted, according to authorities there.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his “thoughts” were with the Mayotte people and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was due to travel to Mayotte on Monday. Retailleau had warned Saturday night after an emergency meeting in Paris that the death toll “will be high,” while new Prime Minister François Bayrou, who took office on Friday, said infrastructure had been severely damaged or destroyed across Mayotte.
Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims while on a visit Sunday to the French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
France wants to open an air and sea bridge to Mayotte
Rescuers and firefighters were sent from France and the nearby French territory of Reunion and supplies were also rushed in on military aircraft and ships. Damage to the airport’s control tower meant only military aircraft were able to fly in.
Patrice Latron, the prefect of Reunion, said authorities aim to establish an air and sea bridge from Reunion to Mayotte. About 800 more rescuers were to be sent in the coming days and more than 80 tons of supplies had been flown in or were on their way by ship. Some of the priorities were restoring electricity and access to drinking water, Latron said.
The French Interior Ministry said 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed to “help the population and prevent potential looting.”
In some parts of Mayotte, entire neighborhoods of metal shacks and huts were flattened, while residents reported trees had been uprooted, boats flipped or sunk and many areas were without power.
Chad Youyou, a resident in Hamjago in the north of the island, posted videos on Facebook showing the extensive damage in his village and across the surrounding fields and hills, where almost every tree had been leveled.
“Mayotte is destroyed … we are destroyed,” he said.
The cyclone slams into northern Mozambique
Chido continued its eastern trajectory and into northern Mozambique where it continued to cause serious damage, while farther inland landlocked Malawi and Zimbabwe warned they might have to evacuate people because of flooding.
In Mozambique, UNICEF said Cabo Delgado province, home to around 2 million people, was the first region to be hit and many homes, schools and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed.
UNICEF Mozambique spokesman Guy Taylor said that communities faced the prospect of being cut off from schools and health facilities for weeks and Mozambique authorities warned there was a high danger of landslides.
December through to March is cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean and southern Africa has been pummeled by a series of strong ones in recent years. Cyclone Idai in 2019 killed more than 1,300 people, mostly in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Cyclone Freddy left more than 1,000 dead across several countries in the Indian Ocean and southern Africa last year.
The cyclones bring the risk of flooding and landslides, but also stagnant pools of water may later spark deadly outbreaks of the waterborne disease cholera as well as dengue fever and malaria.
Studies say the cyclones are getting worse because of climate change. They can leave poor countries in Africa, which contribute a tiny amount to global warming, having to deal with large humanitarian crises, underlining their call for more help from rich nations to deal with the impact of climate change.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/death-toll-in-french-territory-of.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:04Z
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Winter brings holiday cheer to many, but for others, the season could be a source of dread. As the mercury drops and sun's availability dwindles, many find themselves grappling with their moods and mental health. This isn't just laziness or sadness, but a form of depression, which is called Seasonal Affective Disorder. The symptoms may begin in the fall and last throughout the winter.
Some of the symptoms of winter depression include feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy and feeling sluggish, having problems with sleep, experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain, having difficulty in focussing, hopelessness, worthlessness, feeling guilty, and having thoughts of not wanting to live.
Apart from light therapy, psychotherapy and medications, diet can play an important role in dealing with this form of depression.
Role of magnesium in warding off winter blues
Magnesium is considered a 'feel-good' and plays an important role in mood regulating. It also helps in relaxation and aiding sleep. Magnesium levels are low in some people with certain mental health conditions, including depression. Magnesium is required for the production of serotonin, the "happy hormone" that improves mood and promotes mental resilience.
Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet can help combat winter blues.
Avocados
Fix an avocado sandwich to boost your brain function and get your daily dose of magnesium. A medium avocado contains 58 milligrams of magnesium, which is 14% of the daily value (DV). Avocados are a powerhouse of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are amazing for your neurological health.
Pumpkin seeds
According to Harvard Health, pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of magnesium, the important mineral that can help in the release of happy hormones. Soak 2 cups of raw pumpkin seeds in warm water with 1 tablespoon sea salt for 7 hours or longer before using them in a smoothie or nut butter.
Spinach
Green leafy vegetables like spinach are a storehouse of magnesium and offer a wealth of benefits in the winter season. From salads to curries to sauteed dishes, the veggie can be used in a range of dishes.
Black beans
Black beans are a rich source of magnesium. A cup of cooked black beans contains 120 mg of magnesium, which is 29% of the DV. They are also high in potassium and iron and an amazing source of protein for vegetarians.
Okra
Okra not only helps beat winter blues, but also balances your blood sugar and blood pressure. One cup of raw okra contains 57 milligrams (mg) of magnesium, which is around 14% of the daily value (DV). It is also rich in Vitamins C and K1, folate, fibre, antioxidants, potassium, calcium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, and protein.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great magnesium-rich option to include in your diet during winter. One cup of cooked chickpeas provides around 78 milligrams of magnesium, contributing to 19% of the daily value (DV). Chickpeas are also high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making them a perfect addition to soups, stews, or roasted snacks for maintaining energy and mood.
Tofu
Tofu, a staple for many vegans, is an excellent source of magnesium as well as calcium and iron. Half a cup of firm tofu contains about 37 milligrams of magnesium, which is 9% of the DV. It’s versatile and can be used in stir-fries, soups, salads, or even as a base for creamy winter dips. Additionally, tofu supports bone health and provides plant-based protein to help keep you energized and focused during the colder months.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)
7 Common cravings and the vitamin deficiencies they indicate
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/7-magnesium-rich-foods-to-ward-off-winter-blues/articleshow/116343628.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:06Z
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MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — For longtime Manitou Springs resident Jen Barrow and her store’s mascot, Fern, parking along Manitou Springs’ busy roads can be a tall task.
“This town wasn’t built for cars. It was built for horses," said Barrow, owner of Flowers... and the Moon in Manitou Springs.
December 14 was the first day visitors to Manitou Springs could park free for the first two hours. Barrow says the free two hours came at an important time.
“I think that some people were settling in for the change of the seasons," she said. “We had a huge influx [Saturday] so that could’ve been part of it for sure.”
Just a few doors down is one of Manitou’s newest storefronts.
“I grew up coming to Manitou as a kid," said Orenda Natural Wear's owner Cory Nigbur. “It’s been strikes and gutters, peaks and valleys.”
Cory Nigbur says shoppers at Orenda are taking note of the free parking and says it will help the city end the year on a peak.
"100% people are definitely commenting on it and happy that that they have that option," he said.
Buc-ee's Clears Crucial First Step in Palmer Lake Thursday
The City of Palmer Lake’s Board of Trustees decided in a 4-1 vote that they are legally able to annex the county land for Buc-ee’s.
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Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
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https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/we-saw-a-huge-influx-free-parking-brings-shoppers-to-manitou-springs
| 2024-12-16T05:28:07Z
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Fighting in Eastern DR Congo Between Army and Rebels Intensifies Ahead of Peace Talks Sunday
FILE - M23 rebels stand with theirs weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File)
By JUSTIN KABUMBA
2:28 PM EST, December 14, 2024
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group intensified in eastern Congo in recent days ahead of much anticipated peace talks on Sunday, the army said.
Congo’s army accused the M23 of killing 12 civilians earlier this week in villages of the Lubero territory in the eastern province of North-Kivu in a statement on Friday. An M23 spokesperson told The Associated Press it denied the accusation, discrediting it as “propaganda” from Congo’s government.
M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced.
Congo and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of backing M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo.
Last month, Congo and Rwanda’s foreign ministers agreed on the terms and conditions of the disengagement of Rwandan forces in eastern Congo.
In July, Congo signed a ceasefire with M23 that came into effect in August, but fighting has resumed since. Earlier this month, the United States said it was “gravely concerned” by ceasefire violations by M23 rebels.
The intensification of fighting comes as Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame are set to meet Sunday in Angola, which has been mediating the conflict. It will be their first official meeting since last year.
Aline Kasereka, a mother of six living in Lubero, a town 50 kilometers (30 miles) away from the villages where the fighting took place earlier this week, said the peace talks are urgently needed.
“We are tired of the war, every day we move, we do not know in which country we are anymore,” Kasereka told the AP. “Our authorities have to sit on the negotiation table and find a solution because we want to return to our normal life,” she added.
Henry Pacifique, analyst for the Kivu Security Barometer research project, says he remains pessimistic about the outcome of the summit.
“It seems like Angola is trying to force Congo and Rwanda to participate, while both parties continue to make the other the scapegoat to justify future violations of the agreement,” he said.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/fighting-in-eastern-dr-congo-between.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:10Z
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Fruits have a big role to play in keeping the body nourished and healthy. Of the several fruits that are plenty and easily available, the common ones are guava and apple. Both of these are nutrient dense fruits, are natively available, and are flavorful.
But a comparison between the two can help you make informed decisions. You can select the fruits based on your preference, taste and most importantly health goals.
Guava and apple differ significantly in their nutrient profiles
Guava is renowned for its exceptional vitamin C content. A single guava provides more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, making it a powerhouse for boosting immunity, improving skin health, and fighting oxidative stress. In contrast, an apple contains only a modest amount of vitamin C, about 14% of the recommended daily value in a medium-sized fruit.
Apples, however, shine in their fiber content. A medium apple provides about 4 grams of dietary fiber, particularly pectin. Guava also contains fiber, but slightly less, offering about 3 grams per fruit. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and helps in controlling cholesterol levels. Despite this, guava provides both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a well-rounded choice for digestive health.
Now, let's check their calorie
For those on a calorie diet, both fruits are low in calories but slightly different. A medium apple has about 95 calories, while a medium guava has approximately 68 calories. Both are excellent choices for weight management, but guava offers fewer calories and is packed with more nutrients.
In terms of macronutrients, guava has more protein (2.6 grams per fruit) than an apple, which has less than 1 gram. Protein plays a vital role in muscle repair, energy, and overall bodily functions, making guava a slightly better option for a protein boost.
Both are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients
Guava is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants, including lycopene and quercetin, which have been known to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and consequently lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The high lycopene content in pink-fleshed guava has been especially beneficial for prostate and breast health.
Apples are no slouch in the antioxidant department either. They are rich in flavonoids like quercetin and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. The skin of the apple is where most of these antioxidants are concentrated, so consuming apples unpeeled maximizes their benefits.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/guava-vs-apple-which-one-is-healthier-and-why/articleshow/116240244.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:12Z
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Israel Approves Plans to Advance Settlement Expansion in Syrian Golan Heights
December 15, 2024
Israel plans to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. (Photo: photos8.com, via Wikimedia Commons)
By Palestine Chronicle Staff
Israeli Channel 12 confirmed government approval of plans to promote demographic growth in the Golan Heights and Katzrin, citing “rising threats” in Syria.
The Israeli government announced on Sunday plans to accelerate settlement expansion in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, citing the ongoing conflict in Syria and a strategic goal to double the Israeli population in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of reinforcing Israeli control over the area, calling it vital for the country’s security and sovereignty.
According to the Lebanese news platform Al Mayadeen, Israeli forces have expanded their presence in Quneitra’s countryside and advanced toward key locations, including the town of el-Maalgah in southern Syria.
Israeli troops have reportedly seized control of critical freshwater resources in the al-Yarmouk Basin and are now 15 kilometers from the Damascus-Beirut international highway.
Low-flying drones are allegedly urging local elders to meet with Israeli military representatives, as further incursions into western Daraa, including Koayiah, are anticipated.
For its part, the Anadolu news agency reported that Israeli forces have occupied three villages: Jamlah in Daraa, and Mazraat Beit Jinn and Mughr al-meer near Damascus.
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 confirmed government approval of plans to promote demographic growth in the Golan Heights and Katzrin, citing “rising threats” in Syria.
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz highlighted these risks during discussions on Israel’s defense budget.
Netanyahu reiterated last week that the Golan Heights would remain Israeli “for eternity,” asserting that control of the territory is essential for national security. However, international actors, including the United Nations, consider Israel’s actions as violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s new administration and leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that his administration has no intention of engaging with Israel militarily.
Israeli forces continue to conduct airstrikes in Syria, targeting weapons stockpiles and military sites, with claims of dismantling over 90% of Syria’s air defense systems. Reports from Sputnik noted approximately 52 Israeli strikes over the weekend, leading to widespread destruction across Syrian provinces.
Israeli reconnaissance activity over Syria remains ongoing, intensifying tensions and underlining its strategic military objectives.
(PC, Al Mayadeen)
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/israel-approves-plans-to-advance.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:17Z
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The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and cherished traditions. It's a time to connect with loved ones, share laughter, and indulge in festive treats. However, amidst the merriment, it's easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside. The constant stream of holiday parties, festive dinners, and tempting treats can make it challenging to maintain a balanced approach to eating and drinking.
But fear not! You don't have to sacrifice your health goals to enjoy the festivities. With a little planning and creativity, you can indulge in delicious treats that nourish your body and support your overall well-being. This holiday season, let's prioritize mindful eating and choose options that are both satisfying and wholesome.
Here are a few guilt-free holiday treats that are both delicious and nutritious:
- Spiced apple chips: Baked apple chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Slice apples thinly, toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup, and bake until crispy.
- Dark chocolate-covered berries: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help improve heart health. Dip fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in high-quality dark chocolate for a decadent and healthy treat.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, fibre, and magnesium. Roast them with a touch of salt and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
- Homemade trail mix: Create your own trail mix using a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips. Choose nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
- Gingerbread smoothie: Blend together almond milk, spinach, banana, frozen berries, and a touch of ginger and cinnamon for a warming and nutritious holiday smoothie.
- Baked sweet potato fries: A healthier alternative to traditional French fries, baked sweet potato fries are packed with fiber and vitamins. Season them with paprika, cumin, and a touch of chilli powder for extra flavour.
- Homemade granola: Make your own granola using a combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Top with yoghurt and fresh fruit for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Hot chocolate with a twist: Instead of using store-bought mixes, make your own hot chocolate with unsweetened cocoa powder, almond milk, and a touch of maple syrup. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. While indulging in festive treats is a part of the tradition, it's important to remember that self-care extends beyond festive cheer. Prioritize mindful eating throughout the holiday season. Savour each bite, pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues and choose treats that nourish both your body and your soul. Remember that moderation is key.
Don't let the pressures of the season derail your health goals. Incorporate these healthy swaps into your holiday celebrations and enjoy the festivities knowing you're making choices that support your overall well-being. Happy Holidays!
Dietitian Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico Diet and Aesthetic clinic
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/mindful-eating-tips-guilt-free-holiday-treats-to-nourish-your-body/articleshow/116260450.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:18Z
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2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it.
Proponents of the uniquely volatile commodity argue it is a valuable hedge against inflation, similar to gold.
Many bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are quick to criticize government-backed currencies as prone to devaluation and say increased government buy-in will stabilize bitcoin’s future price swings, give it more legitimacy and further boost an already rising price.
But the risks are significant. Critics say a crypto investment is highly speculative, with so much unknown about projecting its future returns, and warn that investors should be prepared to lose money.
Only a couple public pension funds have invested in cryptocurrency and a new U.S. Government Accountability Office study on 401(k) plan investments in crypto, issued in recent days, warned it has “uniquely high volatility” and that it found no standard approach for projecting the future returns of crypto.
It has already been a landmark year for crypto, with bitcoin hitting $100,000, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approving the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts being cheered by Trump’s promise to make the United States the “bitcoin superpower” of the world.
More legislation on crypto could be coming
Lawmakers in more states can expect to see bills in 2025 to make them crypto-friendly as analysts say crypto is becoming a powerful lobby, bitcoin miners build new installations and venture capitalists underwrite a growing tech sector that caters to cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a new crypto-friendly federal government under Trump and Congress could consider legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, to create a federal bitcoin reserve on which states can piggyback.
A bill introduced last month in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives sought to authorize the state’s treasurer and public pension funds to invest in bitcoin. It went nowhere before the legislative session ended, but it caused a stir.
“I had a friend who is a rep down the road text me, ‘Oh my god, I’m getting so many emails and phone calls to my office,’ more than he ever did about any other bill,” said the measure’s sponsor, Republican Mike Cabell.
Cabell — a bitcoin enthusiast who lost his reelection bid — expects his bill to be reintroduced by a colleague. And leaders of bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action say they expect bills based on their model bill to be introduced in at least 10 other states next year.
But what about public pension funds?
Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, said he doesn’t expect many public pension fund investment professionals, who oversee nearly $6 trillion in assets, to invest in crypto.
Pension fund professionals take risks they deem to be appropriate, but bitcoin investing has a short track record, might only fit into a niche asset class and may not fit the risk-to-reward profile they seek.
“There might be a bit of dabbling in bitcoin,” Brainard said. “But it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which pension funds right now are willing to make a commitment.”
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming helped make the state the first to introduce a system by which people can pay a government agency in cryptocurrencies.
Fleming said he’s not trying to promote cryptocurrency, but rather sees the step as a recognition that government must innovate and be flexible in helping people make financial transactions with the state. He said he would never invest his money, or the state’s, in crypto.
Fleming recalled meeting with a bitcoin lobbyist recently and came away unconvinced that bitcoin makes for a good investment.
“My concern is that at some point it’ll stop growing and then people will want to cash in,” Fleming said. “And when they do, it could tank the value of a bitcoin.”
In Pennsylvania, Treasury Department officials said they have the authority to decide for themselves if cryptocurrencies meet the agency’s investment standards under state law and don’t need new legislation.
Still, a highly volatile asset is ill-suited to the agency’s need for predictability, considering it writes millions of checks a year. The overwhelming majority of the roughly $60 billion it invests at any given time is in short-term, conservative investments designed for an investment period of months, officials there said.
Pension boards, which invest on a 30-year time horizon, may already hold small investments in companies involved in mining, trading and storing cryptocurrencies. But they have been slow to embrace bitcoin.
That could change, said Mark Palmer, managing director and a senior research analyst at The Benchmark Company in New York.
Pension boards got investment tools they like this year when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and, in October, approved listings of options on those funds, Palmer said.
Many “are likely in the process of getting up to speed on what it means to invest in bitcoin and kicking the tires, so to speak, and that’s a process that typically takes a while at the institutional level,” Palmer said.
Several major asset managers like BlackRock, Invesco and Fidelity have bitcoin ETFs.
Some states already are investing in crypto
In May, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first state to invest when it bought $160 million worth of shares in two ETFs, or about 0.1% of its assets. It later scaled back that investment to $104 million in one ETF, as of Sept. 30. A spokesperson declined to discuss it.
Michigan’s state investment board later reported about $18 million in bitcoin ETF purchases while a candidate for New Jersey governor, Steven Fulop, said that if elected he would push the state’s pension fund to invest in crypto.
Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been preparing for months to buy bitcoin ETF shares for up to 2% of the city’s $250 million employee pension fund.
“We were ahead of the curve,” Fulop said. “And I think that’s what you’re eventually going to see is this is widely accepted, with regard to exposure in all pension funds, some sort of exposure.”
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Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/2024-was-big-for-bitcoin-states-could-see-a-crypto-policy-blitz-in-2025-in-spite-of-the-risks/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:18Z
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Despite the Eagles coming into Week 15 sitting at 11-2, there were a lot of negative storylines surrounding the squad.
Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's passing game had struggled ab it over the past few weeks, and wide receiver A.J. Brown was at the center of talks about how the team could rejuvenate its air attack. That's exactly what the Eagles did on Sunday, as Hurts and Brown played key roles in a 27-13 win over the Steelers.
With the victory, Philadelphia improved to 12-2, staying alive in the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed. After the victory, Hurts and Brown each hinted at how they ended any criticism with their performance.
Here's what the Eagles' quarterback and wide receiver said following their win over Pittsburgh, plus a look at Hurts and Browns' numbers on Sunday.
MORE: How the Eagles' win over the Steelers impacted the AFC, NFC playoff races
Jalen Hurts postgame interview after win over Steelers
After the Eagles' scraped by the Panthers in Week 14 with some clear disconnects in their passing game, talks surrounding Hurts' passing ability and how the team can get Brown more involved heated up.
Hurts, certainly aware of the narratives and criticism surrounding the team despite its success, entered his postgame press conference on Sunday with a simple message: "So, that's what y'all wanted to see, huh?"
Jalen Hurts on the win vs. Pittsburgh 😅 pic.twitter.com/wR2HSH4p8B
— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
Hurts found Brown for a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Steelers, putting the talks of issues between the quarterback and receiver to rest.
F is for friends who do stuff together.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 15, 2024
U is for U and Me.
N is for anywhere and anytime at all.@jalenhurts | @1kalwaysopen_ | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/0eBWoVCrdH
A.J. Brown says Eagles 'shut everyone up' with Week 15 win
Brown also had a brief chirp to reporters postgame about the Eagles' stars ending the talks of their passing game struggles.
After Brown scored his touchdown in the first quarter, he linked up with Hurts for a celebratory dance:
This TD celly from Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TN2CRihTqJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
Postgame, Brown said the dance was the duo's moment to "tell everybody to shut up."
#Eagles WR A.J. Brown on his celebratory dance with Jalen Hurts after a TD catch: “That was our moment to tell everybody to shut up.” pic.twitter.com/FM6esnWZJO
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) December 16, 2024
A.J. Brown stats vs. Steelers
- Targets: 11
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving yards: 110
- AVG: 13.8
- TDs: 1
Hurts certainly made it a point to feed Brown on Sunday, as the receiver's 11 targets were a season high and his most since Week 1.
Week 15 also marked Brown's fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season, and he caught his first touchdown pass since Week 12.
Jalen Hurts stats vs. Steelers
- Completions-attempts: 25-32
- Passing yards: 290
- Passing TDs: 2
- INTs: 0
- Rating: 125.3
- Carries: 15
- Rushing yards: 45
- Rush TDs: 1
Hurts had one of his most complete performances of the season against Pittsburgh, making an impact both in the air and on the ground.
His 290 passing yards were his most since Week 3 vs. New Orleans (311). Hurts also hasn't thrown an interception since Week 10, and he's now registered at least one rushing touchdown in 10 of the Eagles' 14 games.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/news/jalen-hurts-aj-brown-postgame-interviews-eagles-win-steelers/dbaad9e36cebe8547356232b
| 2024-12-16T05:28:18Z
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South Korea's top court begins Yoon impeachment review
December 16, 2024South Korea's Constitutional Court said on Monday that it was holding its first meeting on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case that same day, with all six of its judges participating.
After parliament voted for the investigation on Saturday, it falls to the court to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
Yoon is being investigated following his short-lived attempted imposition of martial law on December 3.
Lawmakers voted this down within a matter of hours, even as military personnel tried to enter the National Assembly.
Yoon's presidential powers are suspended pending the verdict.
The court has up to six months to reach a decision but past cases in 2016 and 2004 were resolved much more quickly.
If Yoon is dismissed, an election would have to follow within 60 days.
Yoon wanted for questioning on Wednesday
A joint investigative team involving police, an anti-corruption agency and the Defense Ministry said it plans to ask Yoon's office that the president appear for questioning on Wednesday, as they expand a probe into whether his failed attempt to suspend parliamentary activity amounted to rebellion.
It's not clear whether the president will grant the request for an interview, with him and his office uncooperative with investigators in several related incidents so far.
Yoon has defended his martial law decree as a necessary act of governance against the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, calling its members "anti-state forces" bogging down his policy agenda. He has struggled to pass a budget and other legislation given the opposition's strength in parliament.
Hundreds of thousands of people, both supporters and opponents of the president, took to the streets of Seoul over the weekend amid the impeachment vote in the National Assembly.
Opposition leader calls for swift hearing
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung urged the Constitutional Court to reach a resolution swiftly and recommended a special council for cooperation between the government and parliament.
Lee lost the March 2022 presidential election by less than 1 percentage point of the popular vote.
Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) however criticized this proposal, saying it was an inappropriate attempted power grab from the opposition.
PPP leader quits, in sign of rift over Yoon's move
The PPP has been divided by Yoon's December 3 mobilization of the military, with some members supporting the move and others opposing it.
This became yet more visible on Monday, when party leader Han Dong-hun announced his resignation in Seoul.
Han had publicly backed the bid to impeach Yoon, despite criticism from some party allies, but said he had no regrets.
"If martial law had not been lifted that night, a bloody incident could have erupted that morning between the citizens who would have taken to the streets and our young soldiers," Han told a news conference.
What happened on December 3?
In a surprise late-night TV address soon before midnight, Yoon became the first South Korean president in more than four decades to declare martial law.
The move harkened back to a period of authoritarian leaders not seen in South Korea since the 1980s.
Soldiers were dispatched to parliament to try to shut it down.
But within hours, parliamentarians voted unanimously to rescind martial law again, albeit with only around 60% of them present.
Soldiers and police subsequently withdrew again after this vote.
No major violence occurred.
Foreign allies, not least the US, expressed relief and also surprise in the aftermath, praising the resilience of Seoul's democratic institutions.
msh/sri (AFP, AP, Reuters)
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https://www.dw.com/en/south-koreas-top-court-begins-yoon-impeachment-review/a-71063589?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
| 2024-12-16T05:28:18Z
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PICKENS COUNTY — Boyd Parr, South Carolina State Veterinarian and director of Clemson University’s Livestock Poultry Health (LPH) agency, was awarded an American Veterinary Medicine Foundation 2018 Paws Up Award.
The award recognized Parr and his agency for their efforts helping pet owners and food animal producers protect their animal loved ones and livelihoods from weather disasters.
“Boyd and his agency have wonderfully managed many state and local disasters in an effort to protect animals in South Carolina and promote public health,” said Dr. Jan Strother, American Veterinary Medicine Foundation board member. “Last year, with back-to-back hurricanes, AVMF was very grateful for his exemplary disaster preparedness management and this award is to recognize his great coordination and communication in protecting all animals.”
2018 was unusually busy for Livestock Poultry Health as wind and rain from hurricanes Florence and Matthew battered parts of South Carolina and the southeastern U.S. Much of the state saw record amounts of rainfall.
As part of their statutory responsibilities, Livestock Poultry Health officials design and implement the state Emergency Support Function-17 in the state’s Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate with the South Carolina Emergency Operations Executive Group during disasters.
But the agency’s efforts go far beyond planning and communication. In 2018, Parr’s team used innovative mapping technology to give advanced warning to poultry and swine producers in the path of potentially devastating flooding, coordinated evacuation shelters and stables for small animals and horses and suspended certain requirements to enable neighboring states to evacuate animals to South Carolina.
Clemson Livestock Poultry Health also coordinates and trains the South Carolina Veterinary Reserve Corps, a team of volunteers dedicated to saving the lives of pets during natural disasters. And once the rain and wind has subsided, the agency plays a key role in helping farmers report and recover financial losses.
“I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of Clemson Livestock Poultry Health,” Parr said. “We have a dedicated group of professionals led by emergency preparedness veterinarian Dr. Charlotte Krugler who work tirelessly to support the health and well-being of companion and food animals during natural disasters.”
When Clemson Livestock Poultry Health isn’t dealing with disasters, it is protecting livestock and poultry from disease and protecting the health of South Carolina consumers by ensure meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome and accurately labeled. Livestock Poultry Health is also home to the state meat and poultry inspection department and the state’s veterinary diagnostic center.
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https://www.sentinelprogress.com/news/12103/clemson-vet-lauded
| 2024-12-16T05:28:18Z
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There is no dearth of fad diets in the world of fitness and weight management but some diets have proved their efficacy in weight loss and reducing belly fat, and one of them is the Atlantic diet. A study published in early February in JAMA Network Open has demonstrated the eating style's effectiveness in shrinking belly fat and cutting bad cholesterol. No wonder, the diet is creating buzz over the internet for all good reasons.
What is an Atlantic diet?
The Atlantic diet is a traditional diet and it is followed in northwestern Spain and Portugal. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Atlantic diet emphasises on consumption of fresh and seasonal vegetables, fruits, cereals, and pulses and it stresses the local country vegetables that are harvested in the same region.
While Mediterranean food has more lentils and salads, the Atlantic diet leans towards fish, milk, and potatoes. The study published earlier this year is based on the research conducted on 200 families from the rural Spanish community. The people followed the Atlantic diet for six months and the results showed them developing metabolic syndrome compared to those who were on a regular diet.
The research also measured their waist circumference, triglyceride levels, HDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels - which are the five factors for metabolic syndrome. It found that the waist circumference and LDL cholesterol went down but there was not much difference in other factors. The Atlantic diet is now one of the verified diets in Spain and even the healthcare system ensures that patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, and hypertension follow this diet.
A comparison
Comparing the Atlantic diet and Mediterranean diet, the researchers said that it is very similar and instead of focusing on which is healthier, it is necessary to see the dietary pattern that best suits the population geographically.
The Atlantic diet comparatively became a diet that was known worldwide because not many diets are structured in a way keeping the important factor of geographical location in mind and most of the diets leave out the option of locally cultivated food grains and vegetables.
Tweak the Atlantic diet your way
The Atlantic diet can be followed by anyone and it can be adapted and improved according to the local produce and eating habits. Atlantic diet foods mostly contain foods that are either steamed, baked, or stewed that are available locally in the region.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/want-to-get-rid-of-belly-fat-and-bad-cholesterol-try-this-diet/articleshow/116342994.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:20Z
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Libya's National Oil Company Declares Force Majeure After Zawiya Refinery Suffers Damage
The Zawiya Refinery
By Africa News
Libya's National Oil Corporation to declare force majeure. It comes after some of the Zawiya Refinery's reservoirs were seriously damaged as a result of ongoing faceoffs between armed groups nearby.
Situated in the West of the country, the refinery processes crude oil from the Sharara field, which is among the country's largest.
Producing diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, and LPG, it's essential for domestic fuel supply.
The refinery contributes to Libya's energy needs as well as its economy,
When functioning, it handles more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
As well as its production capability, the refinery plays a part in fulfilling the needs of Libya's power stations, industries, and overal fuel requirements.
Disruptions can result in considerable financial losses for the country, as consequently it has to import fuel from abroad.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/libyas-national-oil-company-declares.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:23Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/as-schools-cut-back-on-bus-service-parents-are-turning-to-rideshare-apps/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:24Z
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The Golden State Warriors have acquired Dennis Schröder, but they're not done making moves.
Golden State remains adamant about adding another superstar. Jimmy Butler and LeBron James are two humongous names that have come up in connection to the Dubs recently.
But Butler will likely end up elsewhere, and Bron ... well, who knows what's going on with him these days.
The Warriors will have to think outside the box to bring in another franchise player. It might seem impossible, but reuniting with Kevin Durant is a move Golden State should try to put into motion; otherwise, they'll probably come up empty on the superstar front.
The specific package for Durant is easy enough to put together. Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga (expiring), Kevon Looney (expiring), and Gary Payton II (expiring). Golden State could also throw in two first-rounders to sweeten the deal for Phoenix.
None of this is likely to happen without Durant requesting a trade, but who's to say he won't? Phoenix is currently 14-11 and they've shown they can't win without KD in the lineup.
At 36 years old, does Durant really want to have to carry a team into a brutal Western Conference playoffs situation? He'd have a much better chance at a title (not to mention an easier load offensively) in Golden State.
KD may realize that his best basketball decision is to reunite with Stephen Curry and add to their trophy collection.
Phoenix would hate to see him go, but then again, it's probably time to start rebuilding or at least re-working the franchise around Devin Booker, especially since they don't look like contenders as currently constructed.
Clearing some cap space starting next summer would be a good start, and the Suns could re-sign the 22-year-old Kuminga and make him their wing of the future to pair with Book if they like what they see between February and the end of this season.
More NBA: Celtics could cut ties with $60 million All-Star via trade to Rockets
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/golden-state-warriors/news/warriors-could-pull-miraculous-trade-194-million-suns-superstar/5ee21db06313fc85acf56fe6
| 2024-12-16T05:28:24Z
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PICKENS COUNTY — Due to widespread flu and illness, The Blood Connection has announced they are experiencing low donor turnout — affecting blood inventory and the ability to provide blood products to local hospitals.
The Blood Connection (TBC) is urging healthy donors — first time donors and regular donors — to help fill in during this time of shortages. All blood types are needed, especially O negative because it can be transfused to almost any patient in need, they stated.
O negative is recognized as the universal type, although only 7 percent of the population has it.
Medical Director Dr. Robert Rainer describes the need as a matter of math.
“When donors are unable to keep their scheduled appointments because of the flu, the community blood supply drops,” said Rainer, who oversees medical and technical processes and procedures that ensure the care and safety of donors and transfusion recipients. “There are patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment and organ transplants, who are depending on donated blood, in addition to the unexpected traumas seen at hospitals on a daily basis. When demand outweighs supply, the lives of these patients are at risk.”
All donation centers are open and operating as normal, they said.
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https://www.sentinelprogress.com/news/12105/blood-donors-needed
| 2024-12-16T05:28:25Z
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The 6-minute walking test is a simple, non-invasive measure of functional capacity; in this case, it focuses on endurance and aerobic capacity. It measures how far one can walk on a hard, flat surface within six minutes at his or her own pace. While not much of a test at first glance, it holds valuable information regarding the health of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and overall physical fitness.
Unlike treadmill or stationary bike tests that measure peak performance in controlled environments, the 6 minute walking test evaluates how a person manages everyday physical activity. This makes it especially relevant for understanding a patient’s quality of life and day-to-day challenges.
Here’s how the test works:
The patient is asked to walk as far as possible for six minutes on a flat, pre-measured path, usually 30 meters long.
They are allowed to rest or slow down if needed but are encouraged to resume walking as soon as they can.
The distance walked in six minutes is measured, typically recorded in meters or feet.
The distance walked during the test is compared to normal values, which vary based on demographic factors like age and gender. For example, a healthy adult under 60 might walk 400–700 meters in six minutes, while the distance might be lower for older adults or individuals with health issues. There are several parameters that are used to interpret the result. Younger individuals and males typically achieve higher distances. Obesity or shorter stature can reduce walking capacity. Heart, lung, or musculoskeletal conditions can limit performance.
The 6 minute walking test is more than just a measure of how far someone can walk—it serves as a predictive tool for several health outcomes:
The test is often used to evaluate patients with heart failure or other cardiovascular diseases. A reduced walking distance can indicate poor heart function, low cardiac output, or diminished blood flow. It helps doctors gauge the severity of a patient’s condition and predict outcomes, such as hospitalization risks or survival rates.
For patients with chronic respiratory conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, the walking test assesses lung function. A shorter walking distance might indicate breathing difficulties or insufficient oxygen exchange. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments, such as supplemental oxygen or pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
The test is a practical way to measure overall physical fitness and endurance, especially in older adults or individuals recovering from illness. A lower walking distance often correlates with reduced physical capacity, muscle weakness, or fatigue, which can signify the need for exercise or rehabilitation.
In chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes, the test can help predict survival and quality of life. Research shows that patients with greater walking distances tend to have better long-term outcomes.
Before surgeries, particularly major ones like lung transplants or cardiac procedures, the test is used to assess a patient’s readiness and potential recovery outcomes. It can also track progress after surgery or during treatments like chemotherapy.
5 Indoor exercises for belly fat loss
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/what-is-a-6-minute-walking-test-know-what-it-can-predict/articleshow/116337014.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:26Z
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Mozambique: Four Police Dead in Clashes With Demonstrators
Ferhat Momade/AIM
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane (file photo)
12 December 2024
Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo)
Maputo — At least four members of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR - the Mozambican riot police) died on Wednesday, during clashes with protesters during mass demonstrations in Chimbazo region, between the districts of Luabo and Mopeia, in the central Mozambican province of Zambezia.
The tragedy, according to sources cited by the local "Rádio Chuabo', took place when the police officers started to shoot into a group of demonstrators who were marching peacefully as part of demonstrations called by the presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane in order to protest against the allegedly fraudulent results of the elections held on 9 October.
In order to retaliate, members of the peasant militia known as the Naparamas resorted to traditional weapons, including spears, machetes and clubs.
The confrontation resulted in the death of four members of the UIR, and one police officer was kidnapped.
In addition to the fatalities, a group of protesters also burned down the offices of the ruling Frelimo party in the locality of Sangaraza. Two UIR vehicles were also set on fire.
The claim in the report is suspect, since it is hard to believe that men armed with spears and clubs can defeat the firearms of the UIR. In the past, during the war of destabilisation, when the Naparamas fought alongside the Mozambican armed forces against the Renamo rebels, they claimed magical powers that made them invulnerable to bullets.
This claim to invincibility was seriously damaged when the first Naparama leader died in a hail of Renamo bullets.
According to the "Decide' Electoral Platform, since the demonstrations began on 21 October, over 100 people have been shot dead by police and hundreds injured.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/mozambique-four-police-dead-in-clashes.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:29Z
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As Trump threatens mass deportations, Central America braces for an influx of vulnerable migrants
Associated Press
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (AP) — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in January with a promise of carrying out mass deportations, leaving Honduras and other Central American countries bracing for a potential influx of vulnerable migrants — a situation they are ill-prepared to handle. Migrants and networks aiding deportees in Central America’s Northern Triangle worry their return could thrust them into even deeper economic and humanitarian crises, fueling migration down the line. “We don’t have the capacity” to take so many people, said Antonio García, Honduras’ deputy foreign minister. “There’s very little here for deportees.” People who return, he said, “are the last to be taken care of.”
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/as-trump-threatens-mass-deportations-central-america-braces-for-an-influx-of-vulnerable-migrants/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:30Z
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Would LeBron James exercise his no trade clause if he was dealt to an Eastern Conference contender?
It's an interesting question. The west playoffs are going to be a blood bath, and James might perk up at an easier path to the Finals, something he'd probably experience were he to join the Orlando Magic.
With LeBron reportedly open to being traded, Orlando could throw a package of former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, and three first-rounders at LA and see what GM Rob Pelinka has to say.
From a basketball standpoint, it wouldn't be a bad trade for Orlando. Caldwell-Pope and Isaac would be winning additions on the wing (especially in the event of a LeBron departure), and three first-round picks (2027, 2029, 2031) would do much to improve the health of LA's post-James future.
From LeBron's perspective, joining the young, talented, and yes -- contending Magic might provide exactly the kind of jolt he needs to finish his career with a bang.
If Orlando was able to add LeBron to their core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, there's no reason they couldn't compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics in a seven-game series.
Plus, depending on the playoff draw, Orlando might only have to face one of those teams en route to the Finals.
Who says no?
More NBA: Celtics could cut ties with $60 million All-Star via trade to Rockets
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers/news/lakers-could-surprisingly-trade-lebron-james-magic-package/77431a5f640cafdcaf3c3bae
| 2024-12-16T05:28:30Z
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December is here and winters are meant to stay at home. With this cold weather, it is never easy to step out of the house. While staying active becomes tough this season, it's crucial to burn those extra calories from the holiday feast. Here are some exercises you can do in the comfort of your home, to eliminate belly fat.
Splitting your exercises into a 7-day model will be beneficial. Starting with HIIT, Cardio, and dance, you can customise your workouts accordingly!
HIIT or the High-Intensity Interval TrainingHIIT as the name suggests is a highly intense workout routine and it makes you breathless while burning more calories in less time. It also boosts your stamina and metabolism. You can incorporate Jumping Jacks, Mountain Climbers, and Burpees, each about 1 minute in your HIIT, and repeat it for 4 sets.
Core strengtheningCore refers to the abdomen and it is important to strengthen your core as it helps in reducing the fat stored in the hips. Core-specific workouts include planks and crunches and they can be modified in various forms such as standard planks, side planks, and plank shoulder taps each about 60 seconds in routine for 3 times. Following a small break, do bicycle crunches and leg raises - 60 seconds each in 4 sets.
Full body movementA full-body movement is an important exercise to reduce belly fat. Do burpee, squat jumps, push up, and pull up - all for about 10 reps in 3 sets. It also combines the upper body and core strength helping you lose weight on the upper body - especially arms and hips.
CardioInstead of running and cycling, try cardio alternatives that burn more calories in less time such as skipping, jumping rope, standing running, step-ups, and box jumps. These exercises can be timed for up to 5 to 10 minutes.
YogaYoga is a low-impact exercise but nothing like it that strengthens the muscles. Do yoga daily following your daily workout routine for about 30 minutes. Include stretches like boat pose, twisting chair, downward dog, and child pose to engage all the muscles in the body.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/winter-workouts-to-blast-belly-fat-without-leaving-home/articleshow/116340926.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:32Z
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Mozambique: No Order to Imprison Opposition Leader, Says Supreme Court
Venancio Mondlane
12 December 2024
Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo)
Maputo — There is no judicial order to imprison fugitive presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, should he return to Mozambique, according to the President of the Supreme Court, Adelino Muchanga.
Cited on Thursday by the independent television station "TV Successo', Muchanga said "in the Mozambican courts there is no order to imprison Engineer Venancio Mondlane. That means that, if he arrives in Mozambique today, he's naturally a free citizen'.
One of the reasons cited by Mondlane and his supporters for remaining outside the country is that he is the subject of several lawsuits. The Attorney-General's Office (PGR) has accused him of incitement to violence, and crimes against the security of the state.
But these charges do not mean that Mondlane will be thrown into jail as soon as he shows his face in Maputo. Muchanga said that the cases against him are still at the stage of preliminary investigation in the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The public prosecutor cannot jail Mondlane. That order, Muchanga said, will have to be given by a court, and to date there is no such order.
He added that Mondlane can also appeal against the PGR's decision to freeze his bank accounts - but he will have to be in the country to do that.
Asked about the clashes between the police and pro-Mondlane demonstrators, which have so far cost about 120 lives, Muchanga stressed that peaceful demonstrations are protected by the Constitution. But the destruction of property, under cover of demonstrations, is a crime.
Muchanga admitted that there could have been "excesses' in the behaviour of the police.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/mozambique-no-order-to-imprison.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:35Z
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China’s economy logs a lackluster performance in November as retail sales slow
AP Business Writer
BANGKOK (AP) — China has reported its economy logged a mixed performance in November, with retail sales slowing as consumers refrained from spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and jewelry. The government reported Monday that retail sales rose 3% year-on-year, down from 4.8% in October. Factory output rose 5.4%, nearly flat compared with the previous month, while investment in fixed assets like factories slowed. Officials said the economy was stable but domestic demand was weak and the “external environment” was more complicated, highlighting risks ahead as Beijing braces for potential tariff hikes once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The report came days after top leaders ended an annual planning meeting that produced no major new policy initiatives.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/chinas-economy-logs-a-lackluster-performance-in-november-as-retail-sales-slow/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:36Z
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With a new era of football underway at North Carolina under head coach Bill Belichick, significant roster changes were inevitable.
Belichick has already managed to retain key pieces, including four-star quarterback Bryce Young and sophomore linebacker Amare Campbell, who briefly entered the transfer portal before recommitting to the Tar Heels.
However, Belichick couldn’t convince star running back Omarion Hampton to stay for his final year in Chapel Hill. Hampton announced on X that he will forgo his senior season and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to play in the NFL, and I am grateful for the opportunities that led me here,” Hampton wrote.
Thank you Chapel Hill 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/2X1khP9EPI
— Omarion Hampton (@OmarionHampton) December 16, 2024
In three seasons at UNC, Hampton established himself as one of the program's all-time greats. He rushed for 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns, with his 2024 campaign being his most productive yet. Hampton recorded a career-high 281 carries for 1,660 rushing yards and matched his career best with 15 rushing touchdowns. Adding 373 receiving yards and two more touchdowns, Hampton totaled 2,033 all-purpose yards, surpassing Don McCauley for the most in a single season in Tar Heels history.
Hampton led the ACC in rushing yards, carries, and rushing attempts for two consecutive seasons. His efforts also placed him fourth on UNC’s all-time rushing list. Nationally, Hampton ranked second in rushing yards this season, trailing only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Projected to be one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hampton leaves Chapel Hill as a cornerstone of the program’s recent success.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/unc-top-rb-omarion-hampton-declares-nfl-draft-2025/cbff7558d9ebaf03dfc27cb9
| 2024-12-16T05:28:36Z
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Whenever most people tend to think of winter related health issues, the first things that come to their mind are probably issues like dry skin, respiratory infections, hypothermia, and pollution or smog related issues. These issues, while not trivial, have easy solutions like moisturizing, masking, wearing winter clothes, working from home etc. However, the real health challenges posed by winter run deeper and can cause serious health issues that endanger life itself.
For instance, winter can cause cardiovascular issues, due to multiple reasons, but primarily due to cold temperatures raising blood pressure and stressing the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart attacks, especially in those with underlying risks. Winter can also be hard on those prone to arthritis, joint stiffness and muscle aches, as cold weather exacerbates joint pain in people with arthritis, and it causes reduced blood circulation resulting in muscle stiffness.
There are also numerous other conditions worsened or triggered by winter, and these include both physical and psychological issues. These include asthma, allergies, bronchitis, eczema, psoriasis, constipation, weight gain, weakened immunity, Vitamin D deficiency due to reduced sun exposure, and serious mood issues like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression and anxiety. While most biohacks are good for winter related issues, here are five that stand out as perfect winter hacks:
1) Personalized epigenetic lifestyle modifications
Winter is notorious for surfacing killer lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions for the first time. However, all these diseases are not overnight issues, but medical phenomenon that are decades in the making. Today, thanks to genetic testing and personalized epigenetic lifestyle management solutions, it is possible to test for these genetic variants causing 250+ lifestyle diseases, years or decades before they develop, through one simple saliva based test, and to generate personalized lifestyle modifications in diet, nutrition, exercise, yoga, meditation, breathwork etc that are epigenetic in nature, that is capable of overriding even these hard coded genetic risks and thus keeping these diseases at bay.
2) Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy
Among the emerging therapeutic biohacks that are administered clinically, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy stands out for its effectiveness against many winter-related diseases. These include circulation issues, inflammation, chronic pain, depression, lethargy, sleeplessness and many such conditions. PEMF is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate and promote healing at the cellular level. It works by delivering electromagnetic pulses to the body, which energize cells, enhance cellular repair, and improve overall function.
3) Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is another therapeutic biohack, especially suitable for winter-related conditions, that is clinically administered. Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to enhance cellular repair and regeneration. It is unique for penetrating deep into tissues without heat, for stimulating collagen production, enhancing circulation, and reducing pain. Like PEMF, Red Light Therapy is also approved by FDA for efficacy and safety. RLT is known to promote wound healing and improve skin health.
4) Health wearables and super apps
Biohacking is not complete today without round the clock health monitoring provided by wearables like smart rings, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), fitness trackers, smartwatches etc. While the earlier generations of such devices from various brands were efficient in churning out a lot of vital health metrics in real time, such data couldn’t be used effectively for lack of proper analytical software running on smartphones. The now emerging wave of health super apps promises to solve this issue to near perfection, and these apps can work with wearables from various leading brands.
5) DNA based weight loss
Winter is notorious for weight gain for two reasons. Firstly, due to the extreme cold weather, and nowadays due to smog too in various cities, people tend to stop going out for walking, jogging, running or cycling. Secondly, the cold weather can speed up our metabolism, making us hungrier faster. Many may react to this situation by eating more sweets and fatty foods, and this response more than negates any burning of additional calories due to the faster metabolism. But a new biohacking system, often called DNA based weight loss, solves this by first doing a genetic test and metabolic assessment to find the individual’s personal genetic & metabolic factors contributing to weight gain or weight regain, and tailors lifestyle modifications across exercise, diet & sleep to achieve breakthrough success in sustained weight loss.
Sajeev Nair, Founder & Chairman, Vieroots Wellness Solutions
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/5-biohacks-for-better-health-this-winter-season/articleshow/116259694.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:38Z
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While some people have modest pain that lasts a day or two, others are in excruciating pain that interferes with their daily activities for numerous days every month. Doctors have given period pain a medical term, dysmenorrhea, because it may be so severe. Severe cramping may occasionally indicate a significant medical issue. But if they’re just cramps, here are some simple herbal remedies you can try to relieve them.
Chamomile
According to a pharmacopuncture study, chamomile contains glycine. This substance helps to lessen contractions by relaxing your uterus. In the days before your menstruation, drink chamomile tea. In the days before my menstruation, drink chamomile tea.
Cinnamon
According to a 2018 Complement Ther Clin Pract study, those who received 1,000 mg of cinnamon experienced less severe pain than those in the placebo (control) group. To find out if taking a cinnamon supplement is safe for you, consult your doctor. For the first 72 hours of your period, you might find it helpful to take a capsule once daily.
Fennel seeds
It's possible that fennel seeds will reduce blood prostaglandin levels.It might be beneficial to take fennel extract drops or capsules multiple times a day. Consult a medical professional about the appropriate dosage for you.
Ginger
Research on ginger's ability to reduce the intensity and duration of menstruation discomfort is scarce. According to some research, ginger can lessen the intensity of menstruation discomfort just as well as NSAIDs. Try sucking on ginger candies, drinking ginger tea, or incorporating dried or fresh ginger into your meals.
Dill
According to some research, dill may be just as successful at easing menstrual cramps as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) mefenamic acid. According to a 2014 study, it works best to take 1,000 mg of dill supplements for five days, beginning two days before your period. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning a dill supplement.
6 easy home remedies to ease period pain
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/5-quick-herbal-remedies-for-period-cramps/articleshow/116322330.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:40Z
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Rwanda and Congo Cancel Peace Talks to End a Conflict in Eastern DR Congo
By JUSTIN KABUMBA
10:09 AM EST, December 15, 2024
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Planned face-to-face peace talks between Congo and Rwanda have been unexpectedly canceled, the Congolese president said.
Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame were set to meet Sunday in Angola, which has been mediating the conflict to put an end to a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo between the Congolese army and M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda.
The Congolese presidency said in a post on X that the Rwandan delegation refused to take part in the meeting. On Saturday, Rwanda had made the signing of a peace agreement conditional on a direct dialogue between Congo and the M23 rebels, which Congo refused, the presidency added.
Rwanda’s government said in a statement that the meeting was postponed.
“No consensus was reached between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on a commitment to direct talks with the Congolese rebel group M23,” read the statement. “This summit would therefore not have resulted in an agreement.”
M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced.
Congo and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of backing M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo.
The foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda last month agreed on the terms and conditions of the disengagement of Rwandan forces in eastern Congo.
In July, Congo signed a ceasefire with Rwanda that came into effect in August, but fighting has since resumed. The United States said in November it was “gravely concerned” by ceasefire violations by M23 rebels.
On Friday, Congo’s army accused M23 of killing 12 civilians in several villages in eastern Congo. An M23 spokesperson told The Associated Press it denied the accusation, discrediting it as “propaganda” from Congo’s government.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/rwanda-and-congo-cancel-peace-talks-to.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:41Z
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Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty on Monday to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress.
Alexander Smirnov is expected to make the plea in Los Angeles to a felony charge in connection with the bogus story, along with a tax evasion charge stemming from a separate indictment accusing him of concealing millions of dollars of income, according to court papers.
Smirnov has been behind bars since his arrest in February on charges that he told his FBI handler that executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid President Biden and Hunter Biden $5 million each around 2015.
Prosecutors and the defense have agreed to recommend a sentence of between four and six years in prison, according to the plea agreement.
Smirnov had been an informant for more than a decade when he made the explosive allegations about the Bidens in June 2020, after “expressing bias” about Joe Biden as a presidential candidate, prosecutors said.
But Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017, according to court documents. An FBI field office investigated the allegations and recommended the case be closed in August 2020, according to charging documents.
No evidence has emerged that Joe Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president.
While his identity wasn’t publicly known before the indictment, Smirnov’s claims played a major part in the Republican effort in Congress to investigate the president and his family, and helped spark a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Before Smirnov’s arrest, Republicans had demanded the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the unverified allegations, though they acknowledged they couldn’t confirm if they were true.
During a September 2023 conversation with investigators, Smirnov also claimed the Russians likely had recordings of Hunter Biden because a hotel in Ukraine’s capital where he had stayed was “wired” and under their control — information he said was passed along to him by four high-level Russian officials.
But Hunter Biden had never traveled to Ukraine, according to Smirnov’s indictment.
Smirnov claimed to have contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, and told authorities after his arrest earlier this year that “officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story” about Hunter Biden.
The case against Smirnov was brought by special counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden on gun and tax charges. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month after being convicted at trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to federal charges in the tax case. But he was pardoned earlier this month by his father, who said he believed “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/former-fbi-informant-will-plead-guilty-to-lying-about-phony-bribery-scheme-involving-the-bidens/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:42Z
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With a little help from the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans are headed back to the playoffs for a second straight year after wrapping up the AFC South on Sunday.
On the back of two Nico Collins touchdowns, DeMeco Ryans’ side won 20-12 over the visiting Miami Dolphins, while the Broncos lived up to their end of the bargain by defeating the Colts.
As a result, the Texans have secured home-field advantage through the first round of the playoffs, and if the season were to end today, they’d be set for a rematch with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium.
After tearing the doors off the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round last year, the Texans saw their season end a week later in a 34-10 loss in Baltimore.
Jackson ran riot on the Texans’ defense, finishing with 100 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. This time though, the Ravens might have a harder time moving the ball against a Houston defense that just held the Dolphins to 52 yards on the ground this week.
The Broncos’ win on Sunday also helped the Steelers clinch a playoff berth, setting up a crucial game next week against the Ravens that could potentially decide the AFC North.
Fittingly, the Texans will face Baltimore in two weeks’ time on Christmas Day, wrapping up a rough two-game stretch that starts next Saturday in Kansas City.
Speaking of next week, if the Ravens were to lose to the Steelers and the Broncos were to beat the Chargers, Denver would slide into the fifth seed for a potential game against Houston in the first round.
There’s still plenty left to play out, and a lot left to learn about a Texans team that appears to be relying more and more on the defense to keep them in the fight.
With the offense still struggling, these next two games against top AFC powerhouses should tell us who the Texans might face, and whether they have enough to hang in the playoffs.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/houston-texans/news/who-would-texans-face-playoffs-if-season-ended-today%C2%A0/3084cf3f5a6e0ea29b680932
| 2024-12-16T05:28:43Z
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The CEO of Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group offered encouraging words to the health care corporation Wednesday, a day after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City last week, was laid to rest.
Thompson, 50, was shot from behind on the sidewalk outside a New York City Hilton hotel Dec. 4 before a shareholder conference.
After a five-day nationwide manhunt for Thompson's killer, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, was taken into custody on Monday at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty posted a message online to his UnitedHealth Group colleagues, offering words of encouragement amid difficult times.
SLAIN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON LAID TO REST IN MINNESOTA
"I know this has been an extraordinarily difficult week," Witty wrote. "Our company remains in a state of mourning. Brian’s family laid him to rest on Monday afternoon. And yesterday, colleagues gathered in Minnesota to celebrate his life. It was a life lived to the absolute fullest. And a life that helped make a profoundly positive impact on the lives of so many people. People he never saw. People he never met. People who never knew him. But people Brian cared so deeply about.
"Brian was one of the good guys. He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I'm going to miss him. And I am incredibly proud to call him my friend," Witty added. "Many have said that we’re all a little better for knowing Brian. There is no truer statement than that. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carry on his legacy — continuing to do right by the people who’ve entrusted us with their care and those who are counting on us to take care of their loved ones.
FAMILY OF UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO SHOOTING SUSPECT SAYS THEY ARE 'SHOCKED' BY SON'S ARREST
"We owe it to Brian to make good on our promise to make health care work better for everybody, in every way. That job never stops. No matter what’s happening, we’re going to be there for the moms and dads who brought one of their kids to a clinic this morning," Witty said. "We’re going to be there for the sickest and the most vulnerable among us, whose homes our nurses and caseworkers are visiting today. We’re going to make sure medicines are filled, infusions are administered and people can navigate their therapies for the rarest states of disease.
"We’ll be there for people who need screenings, who need scans, who need surgery. And we’ll be there when people are coming out of the hospital — if only just to hold their hand as they get back on their feet," he added. "These are the things the people of this company do every day. Behind all of them are thousands more — making sure claims are paid, calls are handled, questions are answered. And, critically, that it’s all done at the highest possible standard of quality. And always — always — upholding the promise we’ve made to help make health care work better and work better for everyone.
WHO IS LUIGI MANGIONE, SUSPECT IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO MURDER?
"I am super proud to be a part of an organization that does so much good for so many and to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most compassionate, most dedicated and truly brilliant people in health care. I hope you feel that, too," he wrote. "The same people who were counting on us last week are counting on us today — none of that’s changed. Our patients, our customers, partners and clients need us to be at our very best. And then again tomorrow. The day after next. Next week. Next month. Next year.
"Never forget: What you do matters. It really, really matters. There is no higher calling than helping people. Nothing more vital to the human condition than health care," Witty said. "And while these days have been dark, our patients, members, customers are sending us light — thousands of phone calls, texts, comments and emails offering condolences, gratitude and encouragement are pouring in. And I thought you might find comfort and strength in their words below.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Please look after yourselves, your teams and your loved ones. Be assured we will continue to take every possible precaution to ensure that you feel safe and supported, because you should expect that we’ll be there for you, too," he concluded, signing just his first name, Andrew.
Fox News Digital’s Mollie Markowitz, Andrea Margolis, and Sophia Compton contributed to this report.
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/uhg-ceo-encourages-staff-make-health-care-work-better-everybody-wake-fatal-shooting
| 2024-12-16T05:28:43Z
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This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else.
In the summer of 2024, Caroline Davis and her partner were doing a DIY home project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. So Davis headed to a home improvement store, and started filling up her Toyota Corolla with 50-pound bags.
"I'm loading, loading. And this older man comes over," she recalled. "And he says, 'Do you know that your car has a weight limit?'"
Davis did not know that. It had never even occurred to her that she could damage her car with a heavy load.
"That feels to me like something your dad would tell you," Davis said. Her dad had died of a heart attack in 2017, at the age of 57.
"So I'm doing DIY later in life," she said. "I didn't [learn] that from him."
Davis started to feel overwhelmed; how was she going to unload the gravel from her car and bring it back to the store? And then how would she transport all the gravel she needed back home for her project? That's when the man made an offer of unusual generosity.
"He says, 'I can load you up in my truck. Do you live nearby?' And I say, 'Yes,'" Davis said.
The man helped her unload all the gravel from her car, and then loaded it into his truck. They exchanged numbers, and she shared her address. When she pulled onto the highway, the kindness of what he had done began to hit her.
"I just start to cry in my car because I was so grateful for the goodness of strangers, of this person helping me," Davis said.
"The whole interaction just reminded me of my dad, of knowing that that's something that he would do."
When they arrived at her house, the man helped her unload all 1,500 pounds of gravel onto her driveway. She thanked him, again and again, and he insisted that she not worry about it.
Davis didn't want him to leave empty-handed. She tried to offer him money, then wine, but he wouldn't accept them. Then she thought of something he might like.
"I have a garden. And it's the end of the season. And I just say, 'Do you like cucumbers?'" Davis recalled.
"He's been pretty serious up until now," she said. "And his face just lights up and he says, 'I love cucumbers.'"
She offered him a tour of the garden; it turned out he, too, had been a gardener, before his work got in the way. Davis twisted a handful of big, prickly cucumbers off the vine, and gave them to the man. He seemed thrilled.
"He tucks them under his arm, and he just marches off back to his truck," she said. "And I watched him drive off, leaving behind my 1,500 pounds of gravel."
Today, inspired by her unsung hero, Davis tries to be on the lookout for others who might need a hand.
"I just am so grateful for people like that, who teach me the things I don't know I don't know."
My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — new episodes are released every Tuesday. To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-14/thats-something-that-he-would-do-a-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-her-dad
| 2024-12-16T05:28:43Z
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Top Corporate Learning Management Systems - Egypt
Corporate learning management systems (LMS) play a crucial role in helping organizations streamline the organization, monitoring, and oversight of training initiatives for employees, customers, and external partners. These systems are instrumental in managing tailored training programs that encompass onboarding, professional growth, and compliance training. Companies leverage corporate LMS platforms to allocate courses to both employees and external users, monitoring their advancement through course modules and assessments. Courses are either generated using integrated tools within the LMS or through dedicated course authoring software. Acting as a centralized hub for learning materials, corporate LMS facilitates efficient content delivery for employee development and customer training, benefiting both learners and administrators alike.
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Moodle
moodle.org
Moodle is an open source, feature-rich, secure and scalable learning management system that integrates seamlessly with other platforms and can be customised for any teaching or training method you choose. With fresh and intuitive interfaces, Moodle has solutions suitable for K-12, higher education, ...
TalentLMS
talentlms.com
TalentLMS is the LMS built for training success. Designed to get a “yes” from everyone, it’s where great teams, and companies, go to grow. With an experience that’s fully customizable, easy to manage, and a joy to use, teams embrace training while feeling right at home. TalentLMS makes it easy to pr...
D2L Brightspace
d2l.com
Break free from the limitations of an LMS with D2L Brightspace, a learning innovation platform built to help you create highly personalized experiences that unlock learner potential at scale. Brightspace is built for learning at every stage of life—from the earliest days of school to higher educatio...
Trainual
trainual.com
Trainual is a knowledge transfer and training platform where growing teams build the playbook for how they do what they do. With Trainual, every process, policy, and procedure for all the roles and responsibilities in your business are easily documented, organized, assignable, and searchable. The re...
Paylocity
paylocity.com
Our all-in-one software platform gives HR pros a way to easily manage daily tasks in payroll, benefits, talent, and workforce management. But what makes us different is that our technology is backed by a culture that truly cares about our clients’ success. Providers will merely sell you a product. B...
Open LMS
openlms.net
Open LMS is a highly configurable learning management system (LMS) that scales to the goals of your organization. We help thousands of customers globally, from industry to higher education, by providing a familiar experience for learners, cutting-edge ecosystem tools, in-depth reporting and data, in...
Rippling
rippling.com
Rippling gives businesses one place to run HR, IT, and Finance—globally. It brings together all of the workforce systems that are normally scattered across a company, like payroll, expenses, benefits, and computers. For the first time ever, you can manage and automate every part of the employee life...
Skillsoft
skillsoft.com
About Skillsoft Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) delivers transformative learning experiences that propel organizations and people to grow together. The Company partners with enterprise organizations and serves a global community of learners to prepare today’s employees for tomorrow’s economy. With Skillsoft,...
Degreed
degreed.com
Do you have the skills to take on tomorrow? Degreed connects learning and career growth to business opportunities through one single, fluid skill-development experience, so your organization and your people are always ready to clear the next big obstacle.
WizIQ
wiziq.com
WizIQ LMS provides a complete solution to tutors, institutes and organizations to deliver live online classes and launch self-paced courses. WizIQ is easy-to-use, affordable and gives the freedom to learners to access the courses from any location and device. With WizIQ, businesses can launch their ...
Mineral
trustmineral.com
Trusted by more than 1 million companies, Mineral is the HR and compliance leader for growing businesses. Our proactive solutions take the guesswork out of HR and compliance, giving clients peace of mind. We combine data, technology, and human expertise to drive innovation and personalized guidance....
Paycom
paycom.com
For 25 years, Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE:PAYC) has simplified businesses and the lives of their employees through easy-to-use HR and payroll technology to empower transparency through direct access to their data. And thanks to its industry-first solution, Beti®, employees now do their own payroll a...
Paycor
paycor.com
Paycor empowers leaders to modernize every aspect of people management so they can focus on what really matters: building winning teams. The unified HCM solution ensures employee data is in one place, so you’ll never have to switch platforms, access multiple systems or re-key information. Automate t...
ServiceNow
servicenow.com
ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) makes the world work better for everyone. Our cloud-based platform and solutions help digitize and unify organizations so that they can find smarter, faster, better ways to make work flow. So employees and customers can be more connected, more innovative, and more agile. And w...
Zoho Learn
zoho.com
Zoho Learn is a cloud-based knowledge and learning management platform for businesses. With Zoho Learn, you can centralize your company’s information, create interactive courses, and get detailed reports on the progress of your learners. With powerful features for effortless content creation and col...
KodeKloud
kodekloud.com
BECOME A DEVOPS EXPERT THROUGH OUR LEARN-BY-DOING PLATFORM. KodeKloud believes in the learn-by-doing teaching approach. We believe this teaching approach allows our students to reach their highest potential, which will help you build a successful DevOps career.
Sana AI
sana.ai
Sana is an AI-powered learning platform that enables organizations to access and share knowledge, automate administrative tasks, and perform faster than ever before. The platform offers tools and functionalities such as creating live and self-paced learning experiences, simplifying live learning, m...
Showpad
showpad.com
Showpad is the world’s leading Enablement Operating System (eOS™) that aligns sales and marketing teams around high-impact buyer interactions while generating the insights needed to continuously improve conversion rates. The bottom line impact: sellers close more deals, faster with Showpad. Showpad’...
LearnDash
learndash.com
The most powerful learning management system for WordPress. Create professional, engaging courses in just a few clicks.
LearnWorlds
learnworlds.com
LearnWorlds is a lightweight LMS that enables businesses to deliver exceptional eLearning experiences to customers, employees, and partners. From unicorn SaaS like Brevo and Lokalise, to international organizations like Unicef and the UN and from global manufacturers such as Yamaha and LG to divers...
Schoox
schoox.com
Schoox is workplace learning software with a people-first twist. People aren’t cogs, and Schoox was designed for how humans actually learn. We keep learners curious by letting you deliver more kinds of content wherever they are, from the front line to the corporate office. And by making learning eas...
Coassemble
coassemble.com
Coassemble is a powerful and intuitive platform for organizations to create and deliver quality online training. The first of its kind, Coassemble combines a user-friendly Learning Management System with outstanding rapid authoring capabilities. With Coassemble, organizations can create and deliver ...
WorkRamp
workramp.com
WorkRamp is the Learning Cloud built for the modern enterprise. Through self-guided learning modules, interactive coaching functionalities, and robust certification paths, WorkRamp allows teams to build customized learning experiences at scale for employees, customers, and partners. With WorkRamp, t...
Docebo
docebo.com
Docebo is the world’s most powerful learning platform, designed to be intuitive for admins, engaging for learners, and transformative for businesses. Key differentiators include: - Capability for delivering a hyperpersonalized learning experience to multiple audiences, including employees, customers...
ProProfs
proprofs.com
ProProfs is a leading provider of SaaS software designed to create smarter employees and happier customers. With a comprehensive suite of tools, including Training Maker, Knowledge Base, Quiz Maker, Survey Maker, CRM, and more, ProProfs empowers organizations to enhance learning, streamline support,...
BrainStorm
brainstorminc.com
Equip your team with the only learning platform that’s purpose-built for software adoption. Accelerate onboarding, reduce support, deepen engagement, and grow usage. Whether you’re a Solution Provider onboarding new clients, an IT team needing a more scalable way to manage end-user training, or an L...
SkillsBoard
skillsboarding.com
The 1st skills-based learning and talent management platform that engages people through a personal and certifying Passport
MangoApps
mangoapps.com
Engage, excite, and connect your entire company! MangoApps is a unified employee experience platform combining intranet, training, teamwork, and content management into a dashboard and workspace. Our user-friendly, infinitely customizable approach fits into how your company already does business, cr...
AdaptiveU
adaptiveu.io
Grow your team. Free learning platform, which lets you create courses, deliver and track progress.
7taps
7taps.com
7taps has pioneered the concept of effective microlearning implementation in the enterprise L&D landscape 3 years ago, and we continue to dominate this space. We uniquely offer lightning-fast, high-quality microlearning creation that enables you to connect with learners wherever they are. 7taps scie...
Cloud Assess
cloudassess.com
Empower your workforce with our real-time training and assessment platform that delivers for skills-driven, high-performance organisations & higher education providers. Our blended learning platform is designed for frontline workers, enabling on-the-go mobile training for technical and soft skills. ...
BizLibrary
bizlibrary.com
At BizLibrary, we’re on a mission to elevate employees’ skills, create better places to work and do our part to build a more compassionate and competent future. We lean into these goals every day by supporting organizations’ learning and development needs through our innovative platforms, best-in-cl...
Go1
go1.com
Go1 is a global content aggregator with the world's most diverse library of development courses and trainings for professionals. With one subscription, L&D leaders can deliver the right content, to the right employee at exactly the right time with AI-enhanced discovery and curation tools from 250+ i...
LearnUpon
learnupon.com
LearnUpon's LMS (Learning Management Software) allows you to deliver engaging learning experiences that impact what matters – performance, retention, and growth. Give your teams the tools to deliver engaging learning experiences that impact what matters – performance, retention, and growth – with L...
CLASSUM
classum.com
Through a cloud-based platform where course members can connect via posts, lives sessions, chats, and unique interactions, CLASSUM offers seamless communication to enhance all learning environments, online or in-person. --- CLASSUM was founded in 2018 by Chaerin Lee and Youjin Choi, two female stude...
Auzmor Learn
auzmor.com
Auzmor Learn is a robust learning management solution that lets you easily assign training and track employee progress. Its intuitive course builder simplifies content creation and a library of pre-built courses offers the training and upskilling your workforce needs. https://auzmor.com/
Engagedly
engagedly.com
Engagedly is a performance review software that incorporates elements of employee engagement. It is simple yet flexible & powerful enough to work with fast growing companies of all sizes. Request a demo!
GTM Buddy
gtmbuddy.ai
GTM Buddy is a revenue enablement platform that enables revenue teams to drive sustainable revenue growth. GTM Buddy is on a quest to enable a new generation of smarter sellers. Imagine a world where AI takes care of tagging and surfacing the right content at the right time to help sellers, right wh...
Teachfloor
teachfloor.com
Teachfloor is a social learning platform designed to enhance engagement and boost knowledge retention through interactive features. Intuitive course creation tools and a flexible learning management system make it easy to build and deliver dynamic training programs. Benefits: - Increased Engagement:...
Trakstar Learn
learn.trakstar.com
Learn is an easy to use, award winning online training platform. Keep your employees and managers on track with training from anywhere. Develop high performing teams with consistent, beautiful, easy-to-use online training with Trakstar Learn. We make it easy to onboard employees, create courses, add...
Disco
disco.co
Unleash the potential of your learning community with Disco. Optimize member onboarding, leverage AI assistance, and gain actionable insights with Disco's award-winning platform. Disco was named one of Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies in Education (2023) and EdTech Startup of the Year by the...
AcademyOcean
academyocean.com
Discover a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) and E-learning Platform software designed to effortlessly create and deliver corporate training courses. Experience rapid course development and schedulea demo today! AcademyOcean is an LMS system that helps businesses automate training for ...
Beeline
beeline.life
Beeline is a modern training and knowledge community platform which makes setting up and operating a digital or blended learning style training academy for your business as easy as possible.
BigSpring
bigspring.ai
BigSpring is an AI-powered work enablement platform. Our people centric approach everboards sales, partners, teams and everyone else, at the pace of innovation. We help showcase relevant content to the right people quickly, support coaching as well as provide insights so you can scale up best practi...
JoomlaLMS
joomlms.com
JoomLMS is a multifunctional Learning Management System with a variety of useful online training tools for instructors and learners, which can be found in much more expensive LMS solutions. JoomLMS has been included in the list of Top Academic LMS by Talented Learning, independent research and consu...
BrainCert
braincert.com
BrainCert makes your eLearning journey easier and helps you deliver high-impact training with measurable results that accelerates your employee, partner, and customer growth at scale. BrainCert platform is designed to deliver any type of training online, from creating, marketing, and selling courses...
eduMe
edume.com
eduMe is the training platform of choice for the frontline workforce. We partner with global retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, on-demand and logistics companies across the world, including Uber, Marriott, Kering and Blue Cross Blue Shield, to seamlessly deliver immersive, consumer-grad...
GoSkills
goskills.com
GoSkills is a leading online learning platform dedicated to providing interactive, personalized, and irresistible learning experiences. By merging a powerful Learning Management System (LMS) and a cutting-edge Learning Experience Platform (LXP) into a unified hub, GoSkills equips organizations to cr...
PrimePay
primepay.com
PrimePay makes payroll and HR complexity disappear for small and midsize businesses. We've packaged 37 years of experience and an unrelenting commitment to service into an intelligent, versatile HCM platform. A platform defined by options and designed to deliver exceptional
Oneteam
oneteam.io
An intro to Oneteam: It might not surprise you that connecting with your deskless workforce is a major challenge. They are spread out over multiple locations, don’t sit behind a computer, don’t have a business email address, and often only work part-time, to name a few reasons. Old-school methods li...
FLOWSPARKS
flowsparks.com
The FLOWSPARKS Group has many years of experience in the development of digital learning modules. From this vision, a full-fledged FLOWSPARKS Suite has come into being. You can easily develop interactive e-Learning by combining the Learning Formats, Smart Templates and Smart Programs in the FLOWSPAR...
Centrical
centrical.com
Centrical is an AI-powered employee Performance eXperience platform that drives best-in-class customer experiences for the world’s leading brands through frontline agent success and growth. The platform provides a unified employee experience with real-time performance management, adaptive microlearn...
RomyLMS
romylms.com
RomyLMS is a new entrant to the LMS market. They have focused on core functionality over trendy features. Doing so has allowed the system to remain intuitive and easy to use. With RomyLMS, you can enter course material, assign it to users, and track those users' progress. The system has robust repor...
BenchPrep
benchprep.com
BenchPrep is an award-winning learning platform purpose-built to help candidates feel more confident and prepared going into their certification test while accelerating revenue growth for companies. Many of the world’s leading associations, credentialing bodies, and training companies trust BenchPre...
Nvolve
nvolvegroup.com
Nvolve helps Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Healthcare Companies accelerate their journey to Workforce and Operational Excellence by moving away from paper based Work Instructions, SOPs and Checklists and delivering improvements in Sustainability, Productivity, Quality and Safety. This includes our...
Innform
innform.io
Innform LMS is the all-in-one online training tool for modern teams. Customers can try Innform Pro free for 14 days, with no credit card required. With Innform's award winning design, companies can create, assign and track their employee training from one place, and go live quickly thanks to Innform...
Shieldbyte LMS
shieldbytelms.com
ShieldbyteLMS platform empowers global organizations to Upright Corporate Employee Training. It simplifies the augmentation of employee knowledge for Governance, Risk, Security, and Compliance training for the worldwide workforce. Self-paced e-learning courses and quizzes accessible from anywhere fo...
Juno Journey
junojourney.com
Juno Journey is the LMS that the world’s fastest-growing companies use to create learning and development programs that employees and partners love – and that drive bottom-line impact.
RedSeed
redseed.com
The RedSeed LMS is the worlds best blended eLearning solution. The entire RedSeed LMS has been built to drive behaviour change with what we call our 'coaching-feedback-loop' which facilitates quality coaching interactions that you can report on. Coupled with a growing library of courses covering; sa...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/corporate-learning-management-systems?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:28:44Z
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The heart is a tireless organ, pumping around 100,000 times a day to keep us alive. Interestingly enough, for all of its incredible resilience, heart health tends to be overlooked until something goes wrong. Despite advances in medical and technological fields, cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Yet looking after your heart is actually very simple — small, regular changes in the way you live can cut the risk of heart-related problems, and help support overall heart health.
1. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet
Food is crucial to heart health. A diet composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein helps control healthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium, which cause arterial plaque buildup and hypertension. Instead, add in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish, nuts and seeds. Dark chocolate, which contains at least 70% cocoa, also has heart-healthy benefits from its antioxidants, when consumed in moderation.
2. Stay Active: Move Your Heart
Regular physical exercise builds up the heart muscle, improves blood circulation and helps in weight control. Get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity like brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Include strength training twice weekly to enhance endurance and flexibility. And every little bit helps — climb the steps, walk the block, these make for a healthier ticker.
3. Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this increases the risk of heart disease. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help manage stress. Deep breathing exercises and hobbies such as gardening or reading provide relaxation and reduce anxiety.
4. Prioritize Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep is indispensable for heart health. Adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep habits can cause high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes — all of which put a strain on the heart. Set a regular sleeping schedule, and cultivate a restful atmosphere by reducing your screen time in the lead up to bed, and ensuring that your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet.
5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. It damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces oxygen in the blood. Quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health within weeks. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption contributes to high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy. Limit alcohol to moderate levels—up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
6. Regular Health Checkups
Monitor your heart health with routine checkups. Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, to catch potential issues early. Discuss with your cardiologist about any family history of heart disease and develop a personalized prevention plans.
The Bottom Line
Small, deliberate changes in daily habits can create a ripple effect on heart health. By embracing a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. The path to a healthier heart begins today, with a commitment to yourself and your well-being.
Remember, your heart works tirelessly for you—give it the care it deserves.
Dr Ravindranath Reddy D R, HOD & Sr Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri Bengaluru
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/6-simple-habits-to-boost-your-heart-health-and-reduce-disease-risk/articleshow/116332177.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:46Z
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Sudan Escalation of Violence in Sudan Raises Concern of Nationwide Collapse
People continue to be displaced by conflict in Sudan (file photo).
12 December 2024
Inter Press Service
By Oritro Karim
United Nations — On December 9, a wave of bombardments hit a market district in Sudan, killing at least 127 people. Over eight barrel bombs were launched on the North Darfur town Kabkabiya, marking the latest attacks on densely populated areas that occurred throughout the course of the Sudanese Civil War. Both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have received immense criticism from humanitarian organizations for committing abuses against civilians that constitute violations of international humanitarian law.
According to figures from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 61,000 people have died in the Khartoum state alone in the wake of hostilities in Sudan. The United Nations (UN) adds that conflict has displaced over 11 million people, making this the biggest displacement crisis in the world. Additionally, there has been considerable damage on critical civilian infrastructure over the course of the war.
On December 11, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) released a report which declared that the 20-month civil war in Sudan has generated "the biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded". Despite Sudan only containing approximately 1 percent of the global population, the nation contains over 10 percent of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally.
The SAF issued a statement on December 11 in which they denied responsibility for the recent attack, describing the accusations levied against it as "lies". They further added that they believed they had the right to target any regions that are occupied by the RSF. The RSF has not responded as of yet.
On December 10, the RSF committed a heavy artillery shelling in a neighborhood in Omdurman, the largest city in the Khartoum state. According to the state government, this attack killed over 65 civilians and wounded hundreds of others. The RSF, described by the government as a "terrorist militia", committed the "largest human massacre by shelling civilians in Karari locality." The shelling also hit the Sabreen market and neighboring districts, as well a public transportation vehicle in the 17th district, killing all passengers on board.
The Director-General of Sudan's Ministry of Health Fath al-Rahman Muhammad al-Amin informed reporters that casualties continue to be documented and that healthcare personnel are struggling to save lives in the midst of an influx of injured persons.
Mohamed Abdiladif, the interim country director for Save the Children in Sudan, described the two attacks as "unacceptable" as they took place in densely populated areas where families shopped for food with their children. Abdalif urged the warring parties to refrain from targeting markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other integral public infrastructure not just as a moral obligation, he said, "but a vital step towards ensuring a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for Sudan."
"All wars are brutal, but the toll of this one is particularly horrifying. Indiscriminate attacks are killing civilians, including young children, some of the areas of most severe need remain cut off entirely, with no access to humanitarian aid," warned Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Amnesty International reports that gender-based violence, mass killings, and blockages of humanitarian aid are regular occurrences in Sudan. Furthermore, there has been a new wave of hostilities in west Darfur, with reports of ethnic cleansing of the Masalit community on the rise.
Additionally, hostilities have continued to escalate in the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur. Thousands of refugees have been faced with sporadic bombardments from the RSF since December 1, causing them to flee in hordes from their makeshift homes. The camp's spokesperson, Mohammed Khamis Doda, confirmed that renewed artillery shelling in the camp resulted in at least 9 civilian casualties on December 9. Numerous witnesses described the RSF using long-range missiles, which destroyed several housing units in the camp.
As a result of extended warfare, living conditions for millions of Sudanese civilians have deteriorated significantly. In August of this year, the Famine Review Committee (FRC) determined the presence of famine within the Zamzam camp. On December 6, Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, reported a total of 737 cases of cholera, indicating the presence of a deepening outbreak.
The situation in Malakal remains critical, and we are concerned that the outbreak is spreading to neighbouring areas such as Tonga and Kodok," said Zakaria Mwatia, MSF's head of mission in the country.
The Sudanese government has urged humanitarian organizations to scale up responses as the scale of needs grows by the day. Additionally, Sudanese civilians have urgently requested an increase in protections.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report in which they indicated a host of violations of international humanitarian law occurring in Sudan. "The Rapid Support Forces' abuse of civilians in South Kordofan is emblematic of continuing atrocities across Sudan. These new findings underscore the urgent need for the deployment of a mission to protect civilians in Sudan," said Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior crisis and conflict researcher at Human Rights Watch.
IPS UN Bureau Report
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Read the original article on IPS.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/sudan-escalation-of-violence-in-sudan.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:48Z
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Germany’s Scholz faces a confidence vote. It’s expected to lead to an election in February
Associated Press
BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a confidence vote in the German parliament on Monday that he’s expected to lose, paving the way for the European Union’s most populous member and biggest economy to hold an early election in February.
Scholz’s notoriously rancorous three-party government collapsed on Nov. 6 when the chancellor fired his finance minister in a long-running dispute over how to revitalize Germany’s stagnant economy, and the minister’s pro-business party quit the coalition. That left the remaining two center-left partners without a majority in parliament.
Leaders of several major parties then agreed that a parliamentary election should be held on Feb. 23, seven months earlier than originally planned. Post-World War II Germany’s constitution doesn’t allow parliament’s lower house, or Bundestag, to dissolve itself — so a confidence vote is needed to set in motion the early election.
What is likely to happen?
Scholz’s Social Democrats hold 207 seats in the Bundestag and are expected to vote for the chancellor. Their remaining coalition partners, the environmentalist Greens, have 117 and plan to abstain. That should mean Scholz gets nowhere near the majority of 367 in the 733-seat chamber needed to win the confidence vote.
If Scholz loses, it will up to up to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to decide whether to dissolve the Bundestag. Steinmeier, who said last month that “this country needs stable majorities and a government that is capable of acting,” has 21 days to make that decision. Once parliament is dissolved, the election must be held within 60 days.
In practice, the campaign is already well underway.
Who is in the race?
As he formally requested the confidence vote on Wednesday, Scholz said that voters will “decide in the election how we answer the big questions that we face.”
Those, he said, include whether Germany decides to “invest strongly in our future,” secure jobs and modernize its industry, keep pension levels stable and “come closer to a just peace in Ukraine without Germany being drawn into the war.” Germany has become Ukraine’s biggest military supplier in Europe, but Scholz also has refused to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles over concerns of escalating the war with Russia.
Center-right challenger Friedrich Merz on Saturday predicted “one of the hardest election campaigns” in modern German history, as Scholz’s Social Democrats “have their backs to the wall.” He said that it’s crucial to make the economy more competitive, because “the competitiveness of our economy is the precondition for everything else.”
Polls show Scholz’s party trailing behind Merz’s main opposition Union bloc. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, whose Greens are further back, is also bidding for the top job.
The far-right Alternative for Germany, which is polling strongly, has nominated Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor but has no chance of taking the job because other parties refuse to work with it.
Confidence votes are rare in Germany, a country of 83 million people that prizes stability. This is only the sixth time in its postwar history that a chancellor has called one.
The last was in 2005, when then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder engineered an early election that was narrowly won by center-right challenger Angela Merkel.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/germanys-scholz-faces-a-confidence-vote-its-expected-to-lead-to-an-election-in-february/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:48Z
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Are Rams fans watching a re-run of 2023? After starting 1-4 and seemingly losing hope of contending as injuries piled up, L.A. is suddenly above .500 and knocking on the door in the NFC West.
The Rams' thrilling 44-42 win over the Bills in Week 14 provided a reminder of how high the team's ceiling can be when both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are available for Matthew Stafford. The question now is whether the hole will be too deep for the team to dig out of even after six wins in their last eight games.
L.A.'s offense wasn't nearly as prolific on Thursday night, but the Rams came away with another win, topping San Francisco 12-6.
Here's a look at the Rams' playoff outlook after Thursday's matchup and what they need to do to punch their ticket.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Rams playoff picture
NFC West standings
The Rams now lead the NFC West after the Seahawks fell to the Packers on Sunday night. L.A. still plays the Seahawks again this season, and would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with a win, so it controls its destiny in the division.
That matchup could decide the NFC West in 2024, but for now Los Angeles holds the top spot in the division.
The Cardinals are also still alive in the the NFC West after a Week 15 win over the Patriots.
NFC wild-card standings
MORE: Updated NFL power rankings entering Week 15
Three teams will earn wild-card spots in the NFC, and with the Rams now leading their division, they're not involved in the wild-card race for the time being. If they weren't leading the NFC West, they would only trail the Commanders by one game for the final NFC playoff spot.
Their best hope might be the NFC West, however. Because two of their final three games come against divisional opponents, a hot streak by the Rams would likely be enough to make them NFC West champions before they leap the Commanders in the wild-card race.
Because the Rams and Commanders don't face each other this season, a head-to-head tiebreaker could come down to conference record. L.A. is only 5-5 against NFC opponents, while Washington is 6-3. Pulling even or ahead isn't impossible, but it's difficult — and, if it does happen, it likely means the Rams played well enough to simply win the NFC West.
Rams remaining schedule
Two of the Rams' last three games come against NFC West opponents, so their divisional fate is in their hands.
After L.A.'s road matchup with the 49ers, Sean McVay's squad travels across the country to face the flailing Jets before coming back to SoFi Stadium for games against the Cardinals and Seahawks. If they play their hand correctly, the Rams could be playing for the NFC West crown in Week 18.
Rams updated playoff chances
ESPN's Football Power Index rates the Rams' playoff chances at 35 percent entering Week 15, with a 32 percent chance of winning the NFC West. L.A.'s playoff odds jumped to 52.2% with the win on Thursday.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/los-angeles-rams/news/rams-playoff-picture-chances-2024-nfl-playoffs-49ers/82b937e0a0cbbfaa3cd8d45c
| 2024-12-16T05:28:49Z
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A Wisconsin kayaker who allegedly faked his own drowning earlier this year before leaving his family and fleeing to Eastern Europe was charged Wednesday with obstructing the search for him.
Ryan Borgwardt turned himself in to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin Tuesday and pleaded not guilty in a hearing Wednesday on the misdemeanor charge after he "came back" to the U.S. "on his own," the Green Lake County sheriff said.
He was released on $500 bail and told the judge he plans to represent himself.
He was also ordered to surrender his passport, according to FOX 6.
HANNAH KOBAYASHI FOUND AFTER MEXICO BORDER CROSSING IN MONTH-LONG DISAPPEARANCE, FAMILY SAYS
Borgwardt, who was reported missing in August, allegedly told investigators he had been researching how to fake one’s own death, including how deep a person needs to sink so they won’t resurface.
After attending church with his family on the morning of Aug. 11, Borgwardt allegedly told investigators he drove to Green Lake, about 50 miles from his home, which he picked because it’s the deepest lake in Wisconsin. He then paddled to the middle of the lake in his kayak and overturned it, according to authorities.
CALIFORNIA MAN FOUND 25 YEARS AFTER GOING MISSING DISCOVERED TO BE REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER
He then paddled back to shore in an inflatable raft he brought with him and dropped his cellphone and ID in the lake.
After attempting to wash away his muddy footprints, Borgwardt then allegedly rode off on a bike he had hidden there.
After riding for 70 miles, he said, he caught a bus from Madison, Wisconsin, to Toronto, Canada, and barely got across the border because he didn’t have his driver’s license.
From there, he caught a flight to Paris and then an unnamed Asian country before he moved to the Eastern European country of Georgia.
A search of Green Lake by authorities lasted for more than a month and cost around $40,000, according to FOX 6.
Investigators eventually found a picture of a woman he met up with in the unnamed Asian country on his laptop at his home in Wisconsin, along with other incriminating information.
They also discovered he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January that he said he wanted to leave for his family.
Borgwardt allegedly admitted he left too much information on the laptop but told investigators he had to leave it behind to make his disappearance seem real.
He had also cleared his browser history, changed his banking information on the day of his disappearance and obtained a second passport, investigators said, according to FOX 6.
Investigators were eventually able to contact Borgwardt through a woman who spoke Russian and whose information they found on his laptop, and he sent U.S. authorities a video message saying, "Good evening, it's Ryan Borgwardt. Safe, secure, no problem."
He told investigators he knew he would eventually be found.
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Investigators have not given a motive for why the husband and father of three allegedly staged his own death.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said that would be "up to him someday," if he wants to reveal why he left. "We’re not going to release that. ... We brought a dad back on his own."
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/wisconsin-kayaker-accused-faking-his-own-death-fleeing-country-charged-obstruction
| 2024-12-16T05:28:49Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Software - Egypt
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) software comprises tools designed to monitor and evaluate the impact of CSR initiatives. Organizations use this software to effectively measure the success of their CSR efforts. It facilitates the management, administration, and tracking of various CSR programs, including environmentally sustainable operations, grants and sponsorships, sustainability management, community contributions, and corporate volunteer activities. These solutions enable companies to communicate their CSR achievements to customers, employees, and investors. Furthermore, CSR software assists businesses in continually enhancing their policies and practices to align with their CSR objectives.
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Submittable
submittable.com
Submittable powers you with tools to launch, manage, measure and grow your social impact programs, locally and globally. From grants and CSR to awards and scholarship programs, we partner with you so you can start making a difference, fast. The start-to-finish platform makes your workflow smarter an...
Clarity AI
clarity.ai
Clarity AI is a sustainability technology platform that uses machine learning and big data to deliver environmental and social insights to investors, organizations, and consumers. As of January 2023, Clarity AI’s platform analyzes more than 70,000 companies, 360,000 funds, 198 countries, and 199 loc...
GivePulse
learn.givepulse.com
GivePulse enables everyone to engage, organize, and understand the impact of positive social change. The mission of GivePulse is to activate all individuals and their affinity/employee resource groups to lift their community to new heights. They do this by providing a platform to list, find, organiz...
Selflessly
selflessly.io
Selflessly provides an all-in-one software to help HR & People Leaders create transformative workplace cultures of giving & corporate social responsibility (CSR). Create & scale your organization’s purpose-driven culture. Your team can donate, volunteer, give back, and create community impact – toge...
Socialsuite
socialsuitehq.com
Socialsuite takes the complexity out of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. Socialsuite helps organizations to measure, monitor and report on their progress to create value through ESG in order to raise capital, improve brand & reputation, as well as mitigate risk. Socialsuite’s s...
Move the Chain
movethechain.com
Move the Chain is an employee engagement and corporate social responsibility platform that helps you stay connected with your company’s philanthropic initiatives, allows you to join communities and participate in Employee Resource Group (ERGs) engagements, join fundraisers and volunteering events, a...
Handprint
handprint.tech
Handprint’s technology enables companies to restore ecosystems that are critical for planetary health, in a transparent, digitized, and quantified way. Our team is actively searching for critically damaged ecosystems on the planet and carefully onboarding the most powerful and verified on-site proje...
allcolibri
get.allcolibri.com
allcolibri is a simple online solution that enables brands to empower their customers to make a real social and ecological impact.
Goodworld
goodworldnow.com
Goodworld is a social impact platform for companies and nonprofits. Launch, manage, and measure your CSR and ESG programs with easy to use tools for purpose-driven business. Your social impact platform engages employees and customers with the causes they care about. Through donations, volunteering a...
Bright Funds
hello.brightfunds.org
Bright Funds, now a part of WizeHive, is a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) software for workplace giving and matching, employee volunteering, and grants management. Bright Funds supports employers of all sizes, helping them to deliver on their employee engagement, CSR initiatives...
Ecovadis
ecovadis.com
EcoVadis is a purpose-driven company whose mission is to provide the world's most trusted business sustainability ratings. Businesses of all sizes rely on EcoVadis’ expert intelligence and evidence-based ratings to monitor and improve the sustainability performance of their business and trading part...
Groundswell
groundswell.io
Groundswell is a corporate social impact platform that effortlessly manages donation matching, gifting, and volunteer programs that empower employees to make an impact on causes that matter most to them. Our platform provides employees with tax-advantaged personal giving accounts. Corporate admins c...
Kambeo
kambeo.io
Kambeo connects those who need help with those looking to help like no platform has before. Cause: Offering a complete toolset to help nonprofits raise more money, reach more people, and realize their mission. Community: Empowering changemakers to find purpose, use their skills for good, support cau...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-software?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:28:50Z
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As the mystery grows around the drones flying over New Jersey, so do the calls from puzzled residents to authorities about the flying machines. Reports of drone sightings have spread from New Jersey to other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut and Ohio.
Federal authorities on Sunday repeated assurances that the drones are not a security threat. But they still don't know where they came from or who is responsible.
Meanwhile, some state and federal officials called for Congress to pass expanded legislation that would give federal authorities greater resources to mitigate risks from drones.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC News' This Week on Sunday that the federal government has deployed additional resources, including personnel and technology, to assist New Jersey State Police with addressing drone sightings and that the Biden administration remains "vigilant" in investigating the drone sightings.
"There's no question that people are seeing drones," he added, but noted that some of the recent sightings on the East Coast are likely crewed aircraft or duplicate sightings.
He called for Congress to act quickly to extend and expand the current drone-countering authorities — authorized in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 — which are set to expire on Dec. 20. The law enables the Homeland Security and Justice Departments to use advanced detection technologies to identify, track and mitigate drones.
"It is critical, as we all have said for a number of years, that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation," Mayorkas said in the ABC interview with George Stephanopoulos.
A joint congressional subcommittee hearing held last week centered on a bipartisan bill — called the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act — that would expand federal drone-countering measures, like bolstering the FAA's oversight powers of drones.
The federal government is also sending a drone detection system to New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday.
"I am grateful for the support, but we need more," she said on X. Passing the Counter-UAS legislation, she said in a separate statement, "will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today."
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday, "There's a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now."
"'We don't know' is not a good enough answer," he said, in reference to what he said is a lack of information from federal agencies.
Drone activity over the weekend forced a pause on air traffic in at least two states. The New York Stewart International Airport runways shut down for an hour on Friday night after the FAA reported drone sightings in the area, a spokesperson confirmed.
In Ohio, there was a temporary closure of the airspace above Wright Patterson Air Force Base between Friday night and Saturday morning after "small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over" the base, base spokesman Bob Purtiman told NPR member station WVXU.
During a call with reporters on Saturday, a Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged that there had also been sightings of drones over two military installations in New Jersey, at Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, but said such sightings are typical.
"This is not a new issue for us," the Joint Staff spokesperson said, according to the Pentagon's news service. "We've had to deal with drone incursions over our bases for quite a time now. It's something that we routinely respond to in each and every case when reporting is cited."
Still unclear who is responsible for drone activity
The military maintained over the weekend that there were no signs of foreign adversary involvement.
"To date, we have no intelligence or observations that would indicate that they were aligned with a foreign actor or that they had malicious intent," the Pentagon spokesperson said. "But ... we don't know. We have not been able to locate or identify the operators or the points of origin."
The spokesperson also said the drones are frustrating the Department of Defense, adding that the military has "limited authorities" to investigate outside military installations in the U.S., and is also prohibited from conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations that could help determine the origins of the drones.
"We don't know what the activity is," the Pentagon news service quoted the spokesperson as saying. "We don't know ... if it is criminal. But I will tell you that it is irresponsible."
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/as-drone-sightings-spread-across-east-coast-federal-officials-still-dont-know-much
| 2024-12-16T05:28:50Z
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Urban air pollution is derived largely from the combustion process of fossil fuels. Vehicle emissions contain many toxic compounds, mainly carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Particulate matter is a complex mixture of microscopic particles and liquid droplets composed of all these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and dust particles. These particles are usually classified according to their size, they can be either PM 10 or PM 2.5 – these particles have diameters of 10 and 2.5 micrometers respectively. If you compare the size of PM 2.5 to a grain of sand or an erythrocyte, a red blood cell, they are 40 times and 3 times bigger than PM 2.5.
The nature of air pollution:
Among the main pollutants mentioned above, particulate matter is the most harmful to health due to its small size and characteristic of adsorbing other toxic agents on its surface. These particles can translocate almost all physiological barriers in the human body like the lungs, blood-brain barrier, dermal barrier, and maternal-fetal interface – the placenta.
Air pollution and the unseen threat to newborns:Air quality is determined by the concentration of key pollutants measured daily. Among all these pollutants present in the complex mixture that constitutes air pollution, it is only known how carbon monoxide exerts its effect on the fetus. The mechanism by which other pollutants influence fetal development remains unclear. It is possible that either DNA damage or the other p450 enzymes' endocrine alterations are involved compromising the placenta function.
Air pollution during pregnancy can have various effects on the fetus, including an infant being small for gestational age or preterm births. These can also result from added associated risk factors like maternal smoking. There is a risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or abruption of the placenta in the mother. Air pollution can also contribute to intrauterine growth restriction. However, there is very little evidence to suggest how early exposure or the amount of exposure to the pollutants affects the fetus. Chronic exposure usually results in long-term health effects in individuals, which can manifest as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, or cancer.
How pregnant women can mitigate air pollution?Usually, we focus on 3 ways to reduce air pollution: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse - which eventually results in sustainable living. At home, as expectant mothers, you can reduce air conditioning usage, which contributes to harmful emissions of gases, including chlorofluorocarbons depleting the ozone layer. Instead, they can use fans or improve their housing ventilation. Conserve energy by turning off the lights or unnecessary electric equipment either at home or work when not in use.
Regarding travel and transportation, you can telecommunicate to reduce driving or go for carpooling, biking, or walking. Plastic takes a longer time to decompose and emits most poisonous gases. Thus, avoid using plastic bags or woven bags, especially when you go shopping, and carry your own bags which can be reused. In addition, use cleaner fuels for vehicles or use electric vehicles if you need to commute regularly.
Take care of the environment by planting more trees and taking care of them. In the kitchen too, kitchen waste can be used for composting at their own home and used for gardening. This can be done by creating a pit around the house which can be used for wet waste. Ensure that they are not burnt because they will emit harmful gases if burned.
Educate the staff, including house helpers, drivers, or cook, on how to lead sustainable living. Teach them the art of reducing, recycling, and reusing so that everybody can contribute in a smaller way which will help in a larger outcome so that everyone becomes a champion of clean air. Therefore, it is time for greater involvement in the health sector to discuss public policies to improve the quality of the environment directly or indirectly and reduce the negative impact on the health of those who were not yet born.
Dr. Meena Muthiah, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road and Sarjapur Road
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/air-pollution-and-the-unseen-threat-to-newborns-the-science-behind-preterm-births/articleshow/116332516.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:52Z
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US-UK Aggression on Yemen Ensues, Strikes Target Bahis Area
By Al Mayadeen English
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that another set of US-UK-launched strikes targeted Yemen early on Sunday.
American and British forces struck several areas in the Bahis area in Midi district, Hajjah Governorate, in western Yemen, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported early on Monday.
This aggression comes as Yemen continues to support Gaza and the Palestinian people, conducting operations in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, targeting Israeli-affiliated ships and US and UK vessels. The Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) have also executed long-range strikes against Israeli targets in occupied Palestine, using both drones and missiles.
Another US-UK-led aggression targeted the country earlier on Sunday. Strikes targeted the al-Tuhayta district in the southern part of the Hodeidah province, located on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Our correspondent in Sanaa, citing field sources, reported that the airstrike on al-Tuhayta did not cause any damage to the military stockpile.
A few days ago, the spokesperson for the YAF Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that the YAF's Unmanned Air Force carried out two operations targeting two sites in occupied Askalan and Yafa (Tel Aviv).
Both operations were executed using drones that were able to bypass Israeli air defense systems and successfully reach their targets, he confirmed.
Saree also revealed a joint operation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, targeting vital targets in the south of occupied Palestine.
Concluding his statement, the spokesperson confirmed Yemen's unwavering support for Palestine, reiterating that its military operations will continue striking enemy strongholds and vital targets until the Israeli siege is lifted and the aggression on the Gaza Strip ends.
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http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2024/12/us-uk-aggression-on-yemen-ensues.html
| 2024-12-16T05:28:54Z
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Luka Doncic has triple-double with season-best 45 points in Mavs’ 143-133 win over Warriors
AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Luka Doncic had his 80th career triple-double with a season-high 45 points along with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat Klay Thompson’s former Golden State Warriors 143-133 on Sunday night in a second visit to Chase Center in just more than a month.
Thompson hit two late 3-pointers for seven total and finished with 29 points after the Mavericks lost 120-117 in his emotional return Nov. 12.
His former Splash Brother Stephen Curry had 26 points and 10 assists for Golden State in a game added to the schedule once the teams were eliminated from the NBA Cup. The Warriors lost by a point at Houston on Wednesday.
Dallas opened 14 of 19 to go ahead 39-18 before Draymond Green hit back-to-back 3-pointers. Green had season highs of five 3s and 21 points.
Takeaways
Mavericks: F/C Maxi Kleber sat out his third consecutive game, the first two with an illness and Sunday because of a fractured rib that coach Jason Kidd said may have happened in a game.
Warriors: New acquisition Dennis Schroder is expected to join the team Monday to undergo his physical and then practice ahead of Thursday’s game at Memphis. Coach Steve Kerr considers him a “perfect fit” to start alongside Curry.
Key moment
Lindy Waters III made a steal with eight seconds remaining in the third, Curry found Jonathan Kuminga for a one-handed slam to end the quarter with Golden State trailing 114-107. Andrew Wiggins then hit a 3 to begin the fourth but Golden State couldn’t make enough defensive stops.
Key stat
Doncic shot 16 for 23, making 9 of his first 11 shots with four 3-pointers on the way to 28 points by halftime.
Up next
The Mavericks host the Clippers on Thursday night. while Golden State is at Memphis on Thursday.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/luka-doncic-has-triple-double-with-season-best-45-points-in-mavs-143-133-win-over-warriors/
| 2024-12-16T05:28:54Z
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Week 15 of the NFL season features a Monday Night Football doubleheader for the first time since Week 7.
First, the Vikings host the Bears in an NFC North showdown. Minnesota (11-2) can punch its ticket to the playoffs with a win.
Sam Darnold and company enter the game riding a six-game winning streak. Last week, Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns — three to Jordan Addison and two to Justin Jefferson.
Chicago (4-9) has lost seven consecutive games after a 4-2 start. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams did toss a pair of touchdowns in last week's 25-point loss to the 49ers.
In the second game, the Falcons hope to pick up ground in the NFC South race when they battle the Raiders. Atlanta (6-7) has lost four in a row to fall a game behind the first-place Buccaneers.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown eight interceptions during the losing skid. Perhaps better days loom against the last-place Raiders (2-11), who have dropped nine straight games.
The Sporting News has everything you need to know to watch this week's Monday Night Football doubleheader.
Who plays on Monday Night Football tonight?
- Matchups: Vikings vs. Bears | Raiders vs. Falcons
- Locations: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota | Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
In the first game of Monday's doubleheader, the Vikings welcome in the struggling Bears.
Then, the Raiders host the Falcons as both teams try to snap their respective losing streaks.
What time is the NFL game on tonight?
- Date: Monday, Dec. 16
- Times: 8 p.m. ET | 8:30 p.m. ET
Kickoff of Vikings vs. Bears is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 16.
Raiders vs. Falcons is set to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is Monday Night Football on tonight?
Vikings vs. Bears will air live on ABC with Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst) and Lisa Salters (reporter) on the call.
ESPN will carry Raiders vs. Falcons with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), Dan Orlovsky (analyst) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) forming the broadcast crew.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream both games with Fubo, which offers a free trial, so you can try the service before you buy.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Those hoping to stream Monday Night Football in Canada can do so with DAZN, which offers NFL Game Pass.
Monday Night Football radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Listen to Monday Night Football live on SiriusXM.
Vikings vs. Bears will air live on channel 88 (national call), channel 225 (Bears call), and channel 226 (Vikings call).
Raiders vs. Falcons will air live on channel 230 (national call), channel 228 (Falcons call), and channel 229 (Raiders call).
Get SiriusXM for free for your first month. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/monday-night-football-time-channel-schedule-nfl-week-15-games/606523246d6cc20419c4a5d4
| 2024-12-16T05:28:55Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Corporate Volunteering Platforms - Egypt
Corporate volunteering platforms provide organizations with the tools they need to organize, manage, and oversee volunteer initiatives. These solutions enhance employee engagement in mission-driven charities, programs, and events. They empower companies and HR departments to increase employee participation and involvement. Features of corporate volunteering solutions include internal dashboards for tracking progress, public-facing dashboards for showcasing company impact, and tools for managing employee engagement and rewards, among others.
Submit New App
Submittable
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Submittable powers you with tools to launch, manage, measure and grow your social impact programs, locally and globally. From grants and CSR to awards and scholarship programs, we partner with you so you can start making a difference, fast. The start-to-finish platform makes your workflow smarter an...
GivePulse
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GivePulse enables everyone to engage, organize, and understand the impact of positive social change. The mission of GivePulse is to activate all individuals and their affinity/employee resource groups to lift their community to new heights. They do this by providing a platform to list, find, organiz...
Selflessly
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Selflessly provides an all-in-one software to help HR & People Leaders create transformative workplace cultures of giving & corporate social responsibility (CSR). Create & scale your organization’s purpose-driven culture. Your team can donate, volunteer, give back, and create community impact – toge...
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Visit.org is an enterprise SaaS company delivering purpose for a more engaged workforce. With its proprietary content across 90+ countries, Visit.org is providing the infrastructure and content for purpose-driven employee and client engagement. Whether you are in CSR, ESG, DEI, or HR, we help you co...
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Field Day is a platform that helps companies build employee volunteer programs and corporate giving programs that foster community and strengthen culture in the workplace. By empowering employees to volunteer together with and match donations to local nonprofits, companies provide meaningful teambui...
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Lets GmbH offers solutions in the field of corporate volunteering & giving to help companies reach, retain and sustainably motivate their employees. Lets makes it possible to manage all volunteering initiatives, communication and employees in one place to save time and resources. One of the great be...
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Millie's workplace giving platform is designed to make charitable giving and volunteering fun, accessible, and impactful. As big believers that change comes from everyone, Millie is on a mission to empower businesses of all sizes to start and grow social impact programs. The platform offers a person...
Bright Funds
hello.brightfunds.org
Bright Funds, now a part of WizeHive, is a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) software for workplace giving and matching, employee volunteering, and grants management. Bright Funds supports employers of all sizes, helping them to deliver on their employee engagement, CSR initiatives...
Groundswell
groundswell.io
Groundswell is a corporate social impact platform that effortlessly manages donation matching, gifting, and volunteer programs that empower employees to make an impact on causes that matter most to them. Our platform provides employees with tax-advantaged personal giving accounts. Corporate admins c...
Kambeo
kambeo.io
Kambeo connects those who need help with those looking to help like no platform has before. Cause: Offering a complete toolset to help nonprofits raise more money, reach more people, and realize their mission. Community: Empowering changemakers to find purpose, use their skills for good, support cau...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/corporate-volunteering-platforms?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:28:56Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
We want to turn back now to the conversation of holiday movies. It is a thing here on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, and a lot of our staff have strong feelings and opinions about them. But one of our producers, Elena Burnett, might top them all. She has some pretty serious rules about what to watch and when.
(SOUNDBITE OF MONTAGE)
ELENA BURNETT, BYLINE: So the most sacred - on the 24th, Christmas Eve, we watch "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" - the Chuck Jones version, not the Jim Carrey version.
..."Charlie Brown Christmas" - you know, earlier in the season, it's more laid back. We go through "Elf," "Nativity"...
...Claymation Christmas - "Scrooge," "It's A Wonderful Life."
...Some of the more special ones, "A Christmas Story"...
DETROW: So it was very clear we had to continue this conversation in studio. Elena, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
BURNETT: Thank you. Bring it on.
DETROW: So we are here to argue about "The Polar Express," which we will do. But before we get to "The Polar Express," walk me through why it is so important to you and your family to watch specific movies on specific dates in a specific order.
BURNETT: I think it's something that kind of just evolved because for me and our - and my family, Christmas movies are so atmospheric. And so for the really - the ones that feel really Christmasy (ph), we got to wait. We got to wait 'cause otherwise it feels like you're starting the season too early.
DETROW: And before we continue, I do have to point out you're wearing reindeer antlers we talk.
BURNETT: Yeah.
DETROW: Yeah.
BURNETT: Yeah. This is my season. This is - I take this seriously.
DETROW: So "The Polar Express," why do you like it? - because I think it is very likely I am watching "The Polar Express" tonight with my family, but I have a lot of problems with it.
BURNETT: You're definitely in the majority. I've definitely, I think, spent more hours of my life defending "The Polar Express" than I have watching it. I feel sad for y'all. For me, it's a beautiful story about growing up.
DETROW: This really puts me on the offensive to dispute that. OK, so here's what I would say. I would say the book by Chris Van Allsburg, it's a beautiful book, one of my favorite books.
BURNETT: Same.
DETROW: The pictures come to life in this dark and mysterious way, and you could feel the three dimensions. You could feel the backstories of the characters, right? So that's that. And then you watch this movie, and it's early Pixaresque (ph) CGI that just doesn't quite click.
BURNETT: So I would say it's motion capture. It came out in 2004, when I think a bunch of studios were trying to do different things. And I will say, I'm not saying the animation's perfect, but I also think they had a hard task in front of them because you have this gorgeous book that I love very much, and they wanted to capture the themes of that. And it's very flat illustrations, and so what happens when you bring flat illustrations to life? It's going to feel a little uncanny valley.
DETROW: Yeah.
BURNETT: I know that's the phrase a lot of people use.
DETROW: In that it's not quite realistic and you know it.
BURNETT: Exactly. Exactly. But I genuinely think the colors and the snow that falls and the way that the steam goes into the cold air and the warmth of the lights from the North Pole, it's so cozy. And that's what settles me into that Christmas feeling.
DETROW: I do think the best part of the movie is when they're at the North Pole, and there's that early 20th century industrial feeling of it all. Like, I do really love that. Are there other favorite parts in the movie for you?
BURNETT: So I - my favorite scene happens at the North Pole, and here's where we're going to go into the weeds. The main character, who's literally in the credits as Hero Boy - that's canon. Hero Boy really wants to believe. You know, he's looking in encyclopedias, trying to figure out if life can exist at the North Pole. He's being skeptical of everything, but he gets on the train. He's hesitant, but he's curious.
And so my favorite scene is everybody is in the - you know, all the elves, all the kids are in the center of the North Pole. The tree's there. And the whole thing with the movie, if you haven't seen it, is Hero Boy cannot hear the bells of Santa's sleigh, and that represents his doubt. And there's - and they bring out these reins with the bells on them. They put them on the reindeer. He can't hear them. Santa shows up. He can't see Santa. And the scene goes all slow motion, and a bell flies off of the reins. And it thunks (ph) on the frozen ground in front of Hero Boy, and he picks it up in his hands. And he says three times...
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "THE POLAR EXPRESS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As Hero Boy) I believe. I believe?
BURNETT: And the second time's a question, and that's important. And then he whispers, I believe. And he rings the bell, and he can hear it.
(SOUNDBITE OF BELL RINGING)
BURNETT: And for me, that's what he asked Santa for as the first gift of Christmas. And it's not something material. It's a guide post that he's taking with him to be able to hold that belief as he goes on throughout his life. He loses in on the seat of the sleigh, but it doesn't matter. He still has found within himself whatever he needs to be moving on into this scary adult world. And that's why the bell comes back to him at the end. Even though he doesn't need it, it's always going to be there for those who truly believe.
(SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)")
DETROW: I will let that be the last word.
(LAUGHTER)
DETROW: That is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED producer Elena Burnett, Christmas season zealot, I feel like...
BURNETT: Sure. Sure.
DETROW: ...And defender of "The Polar Express." Thank you.
BURNETT: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF GEEK MUSIC'S "THE POLAR EXPRESS (MAIN THEME)") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/christmas-movies-the-case-for-the-polar-express
| 2024-12-16T05:28:57Z
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Tonsillitis is one of the common and frequently painful diseases that are widespread among people of all ages. Tonsils are found at the back of the throat and act as part of the body's defense mechanism, providing a kind of barrier between the throat and invading pathogens. However, due to their susceptibility to infection, tonsillitis often appears as an inflamed reaction to this invasion. The symptoms range from merely discomforting to excruciatingly painful, heavily impairing daily activities like speech, swallowing, and sleeping. This makes the cause of tonsillitis very necessary to be identified and cured early.
Tonsillitis occurs more at the peak of winter months, coinciding with a rise in respiratory infections that result from viruses like common cold and flu. Seasonal factors, including crowded indoor environments, weakening the immune system, and dry air, contribute to increasing vulnerability to infections. Common allergens to dust and mold are prevalent during the winter season and can further irritate the throat, thus increasing the likelihood of tonsillitis.
Causes and SymptomsTonsillitis primarily occurs from viral or bacterial infections and also due to environmental irritants. Viral agents that cause tonsillitis include Epstein-Barr virus and viruses that cause common colds, while a primary bacterium responsible for tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes. Environmental causes are also responsible, with allergens and crowding, where patients have to share a space.
Severe tonsillitis can be described as swollen and red tonsils with white or yellow patches. The patient also feels feverish, suffers body aches, and experiences difficulty swallowing. Swollen cervical lymph nodes, bad breath, and severe dehydration due to minimal fluid intake in extreme cases characterize this infection.
Diagnosis and treatmentDiagnosis involves clinical examinations, throat swab cultures to detect bacterial infections, and sometimes blood tests to confirm the absence of mononucleosis.
The course of treatment is usually directed towards the underlying cause of tonsillitis:
• Viral Tonsillitis: Isolated by bed rest, oral fluids, pain relieving medicines and some home remedies such as salt-water gargle.
• Bacterial Tonsillitis: Usually given antibiotics.
• Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis: In case of recurrence and chronic symptoms, the doctors advise that the tonsils be surgically removed.
Doctoral expertiseIn the case of severe cases, an ENT specialist is essential to take care of complications, like abscess formation or severe dehydration. Personalized treatment is always about reducing discomfort, ensuring proper recovery, and preventing the return of symptoms. Advanced interventions like the surgical removal of tonsils are kept for chronic or recurrent cases that do not respond well to other treatments.
Proper management of tonsillitis is based on early diagnosis accompanied by intervention on time. Awareness of the causes of tonsillitis and proper forms of its management and treatment by professionals may help in alleviation of symptoms and improvement in quality of life for these patients, with swift recovery and long-term well-being.
Dr. Rohit Udaya Prasad, Lead & Senior Consultant - ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgery, Aster RV Hospital
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/are-we-overlooking-the-dangers-of-tonsillitis-in-winter-months/articleshow/116332556.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:28:58Z
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McGhee’s 36 lead Cal State Bakersfield over NAIA-member La Sierra 96-47
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — Marvin McGhee’s 36 points led Cal State Bakersfield over La Sierra 96-47 on Sunday night.
McGhee added six rebounds and three steals for the Roadrunners (5-6). Jaden Alexander scored 18 points and added seven rebounds. Jemel Jones went 6 of 14 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points.
Mark Boland finished with 10 points and two blocks for the Golden Eagles. David Odinigwe added nine points for La Sierra, a member of the NAIA. Anthony Montoya finished with five points and four assists.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/mcghees-36-lead-cal-state-bakersfield-over-naia-member-la-sierra-96-47/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:00Z
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As the winter months are rolling in, crisp, chilly air often brings its baggage of skin issues. Drop in temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating make the skin dry and flaky because of its loss of natural moisture. That is why a thoughtful skincare routine is no more a luxury but a necessity.
Nourish from within: The role of nutrition in winter skincare
Hydration: The Foundation of Winter SkincareWinter air has no moisture, and heating systems indoors only make it worse. Drinking plenty of water is the first step to combating dehydration. Your skin's outer layer, the epidermis, loses moisture so quickly in winter that it is essential to hydrate from within. To top this off, add hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine. This humectant draws moisture from the environment, leaving your skin plump and supple.
Include skin-loving foods in your dietYour diet is one of the most important influences on your skin's health, hence the foundation upon which the resilience and glow stand. Salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that keep your skin elastic while reducing inflammation. Fruits such as oranges, berries, and pomegranates and vegetables like spinach, kale, and bell peppers help counteract free radicals and shield skin cells from damage. These foods not only provide a positive texture to your skin but also a youthful glow.
Strengthen your skin’s barrier
Switch to a gentle cleanserFoaming cleansers, as well as harsher surfactants, remove skin natural oils, drying the skin and irritating it. Instead, use a moisturising or oil-based cleanser during winter because their cleansing formulations remove impurities very effectively without affecting moisture layers.
Exfoliate, but don’t overdo itWhile exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and improving product penetration, over-exfoliating during winter may cause increased sensitivity. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and choose chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, which are gentle and hydrating, over physical scrubs.
Choose the right moisturiser Not all moisturisers are the same, and winter requires deeper formulations. Choose creams that contain ceramides, shea butter, or glycerin. These ingredients are emollients and occlusives, locking in moisture with a protective barrier against the environment. Apply moisturiser right after cleansing to hold in the dampness and better absorb it.
Don’t skip sunscreenOne of the most common winter skincare mistakes is not applying sunscreen. Even though there is less sunlight, UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off snow, causing damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from premature ageing and pigmentation.
Invest in overnight treatmentsAt night, the skin gets repaired and regenerated. So use the time wisely by including overnight masks or treatments with ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, and peptides. While you sleep, these products restore moisture in your skin and enhance elasticity.
In short, adopt a customised winter skincare system that protects your skin from harsh factors. Hydrate, rich moisturising, gentle cleanser, and sunscreen. Feed your internal beauty with skin-loving foods and humidify your surroundings. With these simple steps, your skin stays bright, healthy, and glowing all season long—winter beauty, redefined!
Dr. Shifa Yadav, Consultant - Dermatology & Cosmetology, Artemis Hospitals
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/are-you-prepared-to-protect-your-skin-this-winter/articleshow/116332423.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:29:01Z
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Despite the Eagles coming into Week 15 sitting at 11-2, there were a lot of negative storylines surrounding the squad.
Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's passing game had struggled ab it over the past few weeks, and wide receiver A.J. Brown was at the center of talks about how the team could rejuvenate its air attack. That's exactly what the Eagles did on Sunday, as Hurts and Brown played key roles in a 27-13 win over the Steelers.
With the victory, Philadelphia improved to 12-2, staying alive in the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed. After the victory, Hurts and Brown each hinted at how they ended any criticism with their performance.
Here's what the Eagles' quarterback and wide receiver said following their win over Pittsburgh, plus a look at Hurts and Browns' numbers on Sunday.
MORE: How the Eagles' win over the Steelers impacted the AFC, NFC playoff races
Jalen Hurts postgame interview after win over Steelers
After the Eagles' scraped by the Panthers in Week 14 with some clear disconnects in their passing game, talks surrounding Hurts' passing ability and how the team can get Brown more involved heated up.
Hurts, certainly aware of the narratives and criticism surrounding the team despite its success, entered his postgame press conference on Sunday with a simple message: "So, that's what y'all wanted to see, huh?"
Jalen Hurts on the win vs. Pittsburgh 😅 pic.twitter.com/wR2HSH4p8B
— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
Hurts found Brown for a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Steelers, putting the talks of issues between the quarterback and receiver to rest.
F is for friends who do stuff together.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 15, 2024
U is for U and Me.
N is for anywhere and anytime at all.@jalenhurts | @1kalwaysopen_ | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/0eBWoVCrdH
A.J. Brown says Eagles 'shut everyone up' with Week 15 win
Brown also had a brief chirp to reporters postgame about the Eagles' stars ending the talks of their passing game struggles.
After Brown scored his touchdown in the first quarter, he linked up with Hurts for a celebratory dance:
This TD celly from Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TN2CRihTqJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
Postgame, Brown said the dance was the duo's moment to "tell everybody to shut up."
#Eagles WR A.J. Brown on his celebratory dance with Jalen Hurts after a TD catch: “That was our moment to tell everybody to shut up.” pic.twitter.com/FM6esnWZJO
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) December 16, 2024
A.J. Brown stats vs. Steelers
- Targets: 11
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving yards: 110
- AVG: 13.8
- TDs: 1
Hurts certainly made it a point to feed Brown on Sunday, as the receiver's 11 targets were a season high and his most since Week 1.
Week 15 also marked Brown's fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season, and he caught his first touchdown pass since Week 12.
Jalen Hurts stats vs. Steelers
- Completions-attempts: 25-32
- Passing yards: 290
- Passing TDs: 2
- INTs: 0
- Rating: 125.3
- Carries: 15
- Rushing yards: 45
- Rush TDs: 1
Hurts had one of his most complete performances of the season against Pittsburgh, making an impact both in the air and on the ground.
His 290 passing yards were his most since Week 3 vs. New Orleans (311). Hurts also hasn't thrown an interception since Week 10, and he's now registered at least one rushing touchdown in 10 of the Eagles' 14 games.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/news/jalen-hurts-aj-brown-postgame-interviews-eagles-win-steelers/dbaad9e36cebe8547356232b
| 2024-12-16T05:29:01Z
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The collaboration will focus on the implementation of cutting-edge digital technologies to optimise traffic flow and enhance the end-user experience
The Dubai-based company Parkin has signed an agreement to enter the neighbouring Saudi market to offer paid parking services in the kingdom.
The largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai signed an agreement with the Saudi conglomerate Batic Investment and Logistics Company.
The collaboration will focus on the implementation of cutting-edge digital technologies to optimise traffic flow and enhance the end-user experience.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
A statement issued by the Dubai-listed firm said the companies will assess opportunities to expand paid parking services in the Saudi market, collaborating with municipalities, real estate developers, operators of shopping centres, hotels, and other venues.
The envisaged collaboration will prioritise adopting advanced digital technologies, including AI, real-time data analysis, digital gates, sensors and smart cameras to simplify parking, improve utilisation, reduce congestion and create a seamless parking experience for customers.
ALSO READ:
Waheed Abbas is Assistant Editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business stories that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He frequently reports human interest stories, too.
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubais-parkin-signs-deal-to-offer-paid-parking-in-saudi-arabia
| 2024-12-16T05:29:01Z
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This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, from the Hidden Brain team. It features stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression on someone else.
In the summer of 2024, Caroline Davis and her partner were doing a DIY home project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. So Davis headed to a home improvement store, and started filling up her Toyota Corolla with 50-pound bags.
"I'm loading, loading. And this older man comes over," she recalled. "And he says, 'Do you know that your car has a weight limit?'"
Davis did not know that. It had never even occurred to her that she could damage her car with a heavy load.
"That feels to me like something your dad would tell you," Davis said. Her dad had died of a heart attack in 2017, at the age of 57.
"So I'm doing DIY later in life," she said. "I didn't [learn] that from him."
Davis started to feel overwhelmed; how was she going to unload the gravel from her car and bring it back to the store? And then how would she transport all the gravel she needed back home for her project? That's when the man made an offer of unusual generosity.
"He says, 'I can load you up in my truck. Do you live nearby?' And I say, 'Yes,'" Davis said.
The man helped her unload all the gravel from her car, and then loaded it into his truck. They exchanged numbers, and she shared her address. When she pulled onto the highway, the kindness of what he had done began to hit her.
"I just start to cry in my car because I was so grateful for the goodness of strangers, of this person helping me," Davis said.
"The whole interaction just reminded me of my dad, of knowing that that's something that he would do."
When they arrived at her house, the man helped her unload all 1,500 pounds of gravel onto her driveway. She thanked him, again and again, and he insisted that she not worry about it.
Davis didn't want him to leave empty-handed. She tried to offer him money, then wine, but he wouldn't accept them. Then she thought of something he might like.
"I have a garden. And it's the end of the season. And I just say, 'Do you like cucumbers?'" Davis recalled.
"He's been pretty serious up until now," she said. "And his face just lights up and he says, 'I love cucumbers.'"
She offered him a tour of the garden; it turned out he, too, had been a gardener, before his work got in the way. Davis twisted a handful of big, prickly cucumbers off the vine, and gave them to the man. He seemed thrilled.
"He tucks them under his arm, and he just marches off back to his truck," she said. "And I watched him drive off, leaving behind my 1,500 pounds of gravel."
Today, inspired by her unsung hero, Davis tries to be on the lookout for others who might need a hand.
"I just am so grateful for people like that, who teach me the things I don't know I don't know."
My Unsung Hero is also a podcast — new episodes are released every Tuesday. To share the story of your unsung hero with the Hidden Brain team, record a voice memo on your phone and send it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-12-14/thats-something-that-he-would-do-a-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-her-dad
| 2024-12-16T05:29:01Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
For weeks now, residents in New Jersey and across the Northeast have looked up to the night sky and seen drones, dozens of car-sized drones flying above critical infrastructure like reservoirs and military bases.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: ...One low looks pretty close, right?
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: So I - this one's going to fly over us right now.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: You think so?
DETROW: That is footage captured by one New Jersey resident, U.S. Senator Andy Kim, who spent his Thursday night drone hunting with local police in a rural part of the state and posting about it on social media. Naturally, these mysterious drones have raised some questions. Where are they coming from? Who's flying them? Why? Federal officials say they don't have answers to those questions but say they see no evidence so far of a national security threat. Here's Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaking on ABC earlier today.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: There's no question that people are seeing drones, and I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey state police in addressing the drone sightings.
DETROW: So in the era of see-something-say-something, the Feds seem to be assuring the public that there is nothing to see here. Local firefighters do say do not approach any drones that have crashed into the ground.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-12-15/drones-in-new-jersey-skies-something-or-nothing
| 2024-12-16T05:29:01Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Corporate Wellness Software - Egypt
Corporate wellness software provides organizations with tools to organize, manage, and administer wellness programs. These solutions help companies implement initiatives that encourage employees to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being, corporate wellness products benefit businesses by reducing stress, lowering healthcare costs, increasing productivity, boosting morale, and fostering stronger team relationships. Companies across various sizes and industries can benefit from these solutions, which aim to cultivate a health-focused work culture and establish a supportive social network for employees. Corporate wellness solutions may include features such as fitness health education, confidential health assessments, company-wide health challenges, tracking of employee participation and progress, wellness classes, access to mental health professionals, and mobile-friendly options for ease of use. These solutions are often integrated with employee engagement software to monitor job satisfaction and team dynamics, as well as benefits administration software for convenient access to benefits. Businesses can also combine corporate wellness solutions with financial wellness software for a comprehensive wellness initiative that supports employees' financial health alongside their mental and physical well-being.
Submit New App
Calm
calm.com
Calm is the leading mental wellness brand with the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, designed to help you manage stress, sleep better, and live a happier, healthier life. With hundreds of hours of original audio content available in seven languages, Calm supports users in more than 190 c...
Headspace
headspace.com
Your team’s mental health is everything. Loved by employees and tailored for today’s workplace, Headspace for Work is the only employee mental health solution for modern organizations that combines a popular, science-based application with a program fit for the enterprise. Through our member-loved m...
FitOn
fitonapp.com
FitOn Health is the leading enterprise health and wellness platform. We provide whole-health solutions such as condition-management courses, and instant access to the widest variety of workout and meditation classes from world-class trainers, experts, and celebrities. We work with the top health pla...
Bayzat
bayzat.com
Bayzat is changing the way work works for the better. We’ve built innovative HR, payroll and insurance technology, and created a world-class employee experience that benefits everyone. By making it accessible to all employers, we’ll take businesses to the next level and open up entire new possibilit...
Meditopia
meditopia.com
Daily support for your mental health Feel happier and improve your emotional health with our mindfulness meditation program. Reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep better. Talk with a certified expert today and get 1-to-1 support if you need.
Talkspace
talkspace.com
Talkspace is the most convenient and affordable way to improve your mental health. Get matched with a licensed therapist in your state from the comfort of your device, and message via text, audio, and video. Our subscription service provides high-quality mental health care to anyone ages 13 and up, ...
Spring Health
springhealth.com
Spring Health's mission is to eliminate barriers to mental health. We combine clinically-proven technology with world-class providers to deliver precisely what your employees need.
Sequoia One
one.sequoia.com
Sequoia One’s purpose is to help your high tech business thrive by taking care of the administrative burdens that are distracting you from the bigger picture. We offer competitive benefits and outsourced HR designed for innovative, growth-minded companies. We know how important it is to attract and ...
Pazcare
pazcare.com
One card to access all allowances (Food, Fuel, Telecom, Gift, L&D & more) provided by employers. Give your employees the maximum accessibility to their tax benefits and plan monthly expenses with Pazcard. Be it ordering food through Zomato or buying groceries from your nearby departmental store - Pa...
Modern Health
joinmodernhealth.com
We make value-based care easily accessible, personalized, culturally centered, and actionable for employers, all in one app. Request a demo today.
nilo.health
nilohealth.com
nilo.health is the mental well-being support for your entire workforce. Our platform gives employees access to 1:1 sessions with psychologists, self-guided programs and meditiations and expert-guided roundtables. It not only improves the mental well-being of team members, but also makes your company...
ekincare
ekincare.com
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, ekincare is an AI-driven patent-pending integrated health benefits platform helping organizations save up to 25% healthcare costs and lowering their health insurance premiums. Our product ensures that telemedicine, health checks, mental health and fitness and nutrit...
Wellable
wellable.co
Wellable is a Boston-based holistic wellness provider that empowers organizations of all sizes to create engaging employee well-being programs. Working with employers, health plans and properties across the world, Wellable has active users in more than 35 different countries. Clients partner with We...
Workit Health
workithealth.com
Workit Health is the most trusted provider of telemedicine opioid and alcohol treatment, including Suboxone and naltrexone.
Bravely
workbravely.com
Bravely is a next-generation learning solution that centralizes group training, individual on-demand coaching, and digital micro-learning in one platform that equips employees with the skills they need to experience individual transformation and thrive at work. Access to Bravely’s network of vetted ...
Woliba
woliba.io
At Woliba, we redefine the workplace by seamlessly integrating wellness, engagement, recognition, and rewards into a single, mobile-friendly platform. Gone are the days of juggling multiple systems—Woliba consolidates it all. Our all-in-one solution not only streamlines processes but also transcends...
MindNation
mindnation.com
Established in 2019, MindNation is an innovative mental health and well-being organization that has grown globally as a trusted partner for organizations and communities alike. We provide mental healthcare support to help teams and individuals feel heard and perform to their fullest capacity. Our ho...
Dialogue
dialogue.co
Dialogue is proud to be one of the leading telemedicine companies globally and the #1 provider in Canada. We believe that no one should settle when it comes to their health, so we've been working hard for years to build the best telemedicine platform on earth. We learn from millions of Canadians on ...
inKin
inkin.com
inKin Corporate Wellness solution is a simple to use and efficient tool for: 1. Running friendly fitness competitions and helping employees track their well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle in the company; 2. Virtual team building and staff engagement; 3. Corporate wellness facilitation. inKin ...
Ollie Health
ollie.health
Mental Health is the silent killer of company productivity. Depression & Anxiety is estimated to count for up to 400 million lost workdays annually. High-performing individuals & teams need access to mental health support that is finally affordable, anonymous and fits into your daily schedule. Intro...
Nivati
nivati.com
Nivati is a multi-dimensional employee mental health and wellness platform—it's a fancy way of saying—we help companies reduce anxiety and depression and improve overall well-being in the workplace so companies can improve employee retention and performance.
Wellness 360
wellness360.co
Wellness360 is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) wellness technology platform. It provides comprehensive employee wellness program to Healthcare Providers, Payers, Benefits Brokers, Wellness Companies, and Employers. Our mission is to provide people with the right tools to change their habits, improve ...
Headversity
headversity.com
headversity is the only workforce mental health platform based on the science of continuous practice and skill measurement. It’s an any-device solution that’s simplified for everyone, helping employees and teams build foundational skills in mental fitness, psychological safety, caring leadership, an...
Oliva Health
oliva.health
Oliva is the UK & Europe’s #1 rated employee mental wellbeing benefit. We help employees respond to pivotal moments that impact their mental wellbeing at work and beyond—driving staff retention and exceptional effort. We do this by: - Empowering individuals to take control of their mental wellbeing...
MoveSpring
movespring.com
MoveSpring is a fun, easy-to-use activity and step challenge platform for companies. Connect a wearable device or smartphone to track your activity, which syncs in real time to our native iOS, Android and web apps.
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/corporate-wellness-software?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:29:03Z
|
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
For weeks now, residents in New Jersey and across the Northeast have looked up to the night sky and seen drones, dozens of car-sized drones flying above critical infrastructure like reservoirs and military bases.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: ...One low looks pretty close, right?
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: So I - this one's going to fly over us right now.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: You think so?
DETROW: That is footage captured by one New Jersey resident, U.S. Senator Andy Kim, who spent his Thursday night drone hunting with local police in a rural part of the state and posting about it on social media. Naturally, these mysterious drones have raised some questions. Where are they coming from? Who's flying them? Why? Federal officials say they don't have answers to those questions but say they see no evidence so far of a national security threat. Here's Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaking on ABC earlier today.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: There's no question that people are seeing drones, and I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey state police in addressing the drone sightings.
DETROW: So in the era of see-something-say-something, the Feds seem to be assuring the public that there is nothing to see here. Local firefighters do say do not approach any drones that have crashed into the ground.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
|
https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/drones-in-new-jersey-skies-something-or-nothing
| 2024-12-16T05:29:03Z
|
Some 90% of investigational drugs fail—and success rates are even more dire in the neuro space. Here, BioSpace looks at five clinical trial flops that stole headlines over the past 12 months.
This year has seen smashing clinical successes and gut-wrenching failures, opening new markets for some biopharma firms while sending others back to the drawing board.
Several companies have celebrated big clinical wins. Vertex’s non-opioid painkiller secured positive results in three Phase III trials, leading to the FDA’s acceptance of a new drug application; Bristol Myers Squibb got a Phase III win with its purchased schizophrenia asset KarXT, approved in September as Cobenfy; and Alnylam’s Amvuttra aced a Phase III trial in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a space that saw the recent FDA approval of BridgeBio’s Attruby.
But drug development is challenging. For myriad reasons—including the drug candidate itself, dosing and adverse events—around 90% of investigational drug trials fail. The statistics are particularly grim in neurological indications, with relatively high rates of mid- and late-stage failures. The Phase II and III failure rate of drugs targeting diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) is approximately 85%, according to Clinical Endpoints. One study found that between 1995 and 2007, CNS drugs achieved FDA approval at less than half the rate of non-CNS drugs.
Some of this year’s most notable clinical trial failures were in neurological indications such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease and schizophrenia.
“Unfortunately, over this past year, we’ve again seen way too many disappointing mid- and late-stage clinical trial outcomes in neuroscience,” Graig Suvannevejh, senior biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology equity research analyst at Mizuho Americas, told BioSpace in an email. “But this simply reflects the nature of drug development, especially when it comes to advancing new treatments for psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, which remains one of the most challenging areas for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.”
Here, BioSpace looks at five failed assets or clinical trials that have grabbed headlines in 2024.
AbbVie’s Emraclidine
Schizophrenia
In December 2023, AbbVie bet $8.7 billion on Cerevel Therapeutics, with high hopes for the biotech’s lead asset emraclidine. These hopes—and a large portion of the acquisition’s value—came crashing down last month when emraclidine failed to significantly improve symptoms of schizophrenia in two Phase II trials.
In both EMPOWER-1 and EMPOWER-2, emraclidine missed the primary endpoint of change in baseline on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, which measures the different symptoms of schizophrenia, compared to placebo at week 6. In the EMPOWER-2 trial, the lower dose led to an increase in the score, indicating a worsening of symptoms.
The failure was shocking to analysts—Stifel said it was “outright surprising” to see emraclidine “flat out fail” in both pivotal trials—and left investors questioning AbbVie’s long-term neuroscience strategy, the center of which had been emraclidine.
The result was also a coup for BMS, which won FDA approval in September for Cobenfy as the first new treatment class for schizophrenia in 35 years. Like emraclidine, Cobenfy targets the muscarinic receptors—a fact that may have portended a better result for the former. With emraclidine’s demise, BMO Capital Markets’ Evan David Seigerman declared BMS “the sole muscarinic winner.”
Sage Therapeutics’ Dalzanemdor
Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
2024 has not been a good year for Sage Therapeutics. The Cambridge, Mass.–based biotech has seen its stock plummet more than 90% in the past 18 months, spurred in large part by a hat trick of clinical trial failures for lead asset dalzanemdor.
The trouble began in April when dalzanemdor missed the primary endpoint in the Phase II PRECEDENT study, failing to show statistically significant differences versus placebo in patients with mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. Then in October, the candidate was unsuccessful in the Phase II LIGHTWAVE study in Alzheimer’s disease, failing to significantly improve intelligence versus placebo. Finishing off the unfortunate trifecta—and dalzanemdor as an asset—was the Phase II DIMENSION trial in Huntington’s disease, where the drug once again failed to meet the primary endpoint. After this latest miss, Sage announced it would discontinue the drug’s development.
The failure of dalzanemdor, along with a scant pipeline and soon to be just one marketed product—postpartum depression drug Zurzuvae—has led some analysts to question Sage’s future profitability.
Pfizer’s Fordadistrogene Movaparvovec
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
One of the most closely watched assets in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy space came up short in June when Pfizer’s fordadistrogene movaparvovec failed to significantly improve motor function in boys four to seven years of age in the Phase III CIFFREO trial.
Widely anticipated to be the next gene therapy for the neuromuscular disease after Sarepta’s Elevidys was approved in June 2023, fordadistrogene movaparvovec also failed the trial’s key secondary endpoints, including 10-meter run/walk velocity and time to rise from floor.
The gene therapy has a rocky history. In May, Pfizer halted dosing in the Phase II DAYLIGHT study after a patient death. And that wasn’t the first fatality in a study of fordadistrogene movaparvovec. In December 2021, Pfizer was forced to pause screening and dosing in a Phase Ib study after an unexpected patient death.
Despite showing no significant signals of efficacy, Pfizer said fordadistrogene movaparvovec had a manageable safety profile, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity.
Amylyx’s Relyvrio
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Approved in September 2022 as just the third-ever drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Amylyx’s Relvyrio was pulled from U.S. and Canadian markets in April of this year after failing the Phase III PHOENIX trial.
Relvyrio won FDA approval based on results from the Phase II CENTAUR trial, where the drug—a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol—was shown to slow the progression of ALS and extended the lives of patients by several months. However, in PHOENIX, there was no significant difference in the ALSFRS-R total score change from baseline at Week 48 compared to placebo. Survival data were not yet available at the time of this readout.
Prior to Relyvrio’s approval, Amylyx co-CEOs Justin Klee and Josh Cohen pledged that they would pull the drug from the market if the Phase III data were not positive. It took the execs less than a month to make good on that promise.
“We are surprised and deeply disappointed by the PHOENIX results following the positive data from the CENTAUR trial,” Klee and Cohen said in a statement after the readout.
Gilead’s Trodelvy
Non-small cell lung cancer
One of the hottest spaces in biopharma (again) in 2024, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have shown promise in numerous cancer indications. Unfortunately for Gilead Sciences, second-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was not one of these areas for Trodelvy.
In January, Gilead announced that its ADC missed the primary endpoint of overall survival in the Phase III EVOKE-01 study. EVOKE-1 had pitted Trodelvy against docetaxel in patients with metastatic or advanced NSCLC that had progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Gilead did note a more than three-month difference in median overall survival favoring Trodelvy in a sub-group of patients non-responsive to prior anti-PD-L1 therapy, and Chief Medical Officer Merdad Parsey expressed optimism about the readout.
“The totality of our data gives us continued confidence in Trodelvy’s potential in metastatic NSCLC and our broader lung cancer clinical development program,” Parsey said in a statement in January.
Indeed, Trodelvy has shown benefit in first-line NSCLC. In September 2023, the ADC combined with Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with metastatic NSCLC in the Phase II EVOKE-02 study. The trial did reveal concerning safety signals, however, with 18% of participants dropping out due to side effects.
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https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/5-clinical-assets-that-flopped-in-2024
| 2024-12-16T05:29:05Z
|
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Some things are easier to learn when you're a kid, like an instrument or a sport. NPR's Avery Keatley visited a gymnastics class outside of Washington, D.C., to find out why it's important to keep learning new things, no matter your age.
AVERY KEATLEY, BYLINE: On a dark, rainy Tuesday night, the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, is brightly lit and absolutely buzzing. The gymnastics floor is mobbed with kids wearing bright leotards, taking turns on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. It is loud as the kids tumble across the floor and parents wait in the bleachers overlooking the gymnasium. But as the kids' classes begin winding down, a different group files in.
GAELEN WOOD: (Inaudible) forward rolls, so arms up.
ERIN WEISENBERGER: This is the worst one because it really hurts your head. When I was a kid, this didn't hurt, but it really gives me a headache doing it. I don't know why.
KEATLEY: That's 32-year-old Erin Weisenberger. She's warming up doing somersaults across the gymnastics floor along with the rest of her class. It's a group of nearly all women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, and they're all here trying something a little different.
WOOD: So we're going to learn something new today.
KEATLEY: They're part of an adult beginner gymnastics class. It's a bit of a rarity in the gymnastics world, where most classes are geared towards kids and teens.
WOOD: And if you're lefty, you're going to jump, land on your right foot, extend your left foot into your lunge.
KEATLEY: That's Coach Gaelen Wood. Tonight, they're learning how to power hurdle. It's a move that helps generate momentum for tumbling, and the footwork is a little complicated.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: So think about jumping off of two feet and just land on your right foot.
WEISENBERGER: Just land on my right foot. Just land on my right foot.
(LAUGHTER)
KEATLEY: While Erin tries to master the power hurdle, classmate Shateela Winters has a simpler goal in mind.
SHATEELA WINTERS: So my goal is to not injure myself. I have a bad back amongst other things. But if I could pick the dream thing that I had learned to do, if I could just do one back handspring, I'd be incredibly happy.
WOOD: Awesome.
KEATLEY: After warming up on the floor, the class files over to a trampoline that stretches almost halfway across the gym.
WOOD: All right, we're going to straddle jumps. So remember, either straddle jumps can go out to the side or straddle jumps can come up in front of you, OK?
KEATLEY: Gymnastics program supervisor Alex Asante-Dean says that for adult beginners, breaking out of their normal patterns of movement, like jumping really high in the air on a trampoline, can be uncomfortable.
ALEX ASANTE-DEAN: When we start, some of the things are really jarring 'cause you're moving your body in ways that hasn't been done before.
KEATLEY: And it's not just physical movements.
ASANTE-DEAN: When we get older and we have, you know, routines that we're used to, gets hard to break those habits.
KEATLEY: That's an observation backed up by research.
RACHEL WU: Adults might have a more fixed mindset in terms of thinking, if I'm not good at something now, I'm never going to be good at it.
KEATLEY: Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. She studies the way children learn and how those patterns might help adults learn too. She says that in some ways, learning is easier as an adult. Adults generally grasp concepts more quickly. They're less distracted, and they have better motor control than kids. But learning as an adult requires time, money and quality teachers, which can all be harder to find. She also says adults are often convinced they simply lack a talent for something.
WU: I've never been good at languages, or I've never been good at art, or I don't have a musical ear or something like that - that kind of, like, very fixed mindset. So you're either born with some talent or you're not.
KEATLEY: But continuing to learn as an adult has serious brain benefits.
WU: You will increase a lot of different types of cognitive abilities - your attention, memory. You have existing neurons that can be strengthened and existing pathways between neurons that can be strengthened as well.
KEATLEY: She says physical activities can be especially helpful in growing new neurons, which help the brain remain healthy and flexible later in life. Community can also play a big role in supporting adult learning.
WU: Learning new stuff is really hard, and if you're doing it with other people, it may be less depressing (laughter) in some ways because those people can help hold you accountable. You can see through how other people are struggling that you're not the only one struggling.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yes. Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. Good.
KEATLEY: Back in the gym, the class is practicing on the uneven bars.
WEISENBERGER: The Olympians make it look so smooth and so easy and just like a walk in the park. But it is not (laughter).
KEATLEY: Erin Weisenberger says that even though class is challenging, she gets a lot out of it.
WEISENBERGER: Just proud of myself for trying something that I thought I would be really bad at.
KEATLEY: Coach Gaelen Wood says that for him, seeing adult students achieve something new is one of the best parts of the class.
WOOD: I love when people are nervous of something, and they finally take that step forward, and they're like, I can do this.
KEATLEY: As class winds down, one of those moments unfolds as Erin successfully pulls herself all the way over the uneven bar for the first time.
WEISENBERGER: I did it.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yay.
KEATLEY: Avery Keatley, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kuaf.com/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam
| 2024-12-16T05:29:05Z
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Milan’s Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York’s Fifth Avenue as world’s most upscale shopping street
Associated Press
MILAN (AP) — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan’s swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season.
There’s even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company has crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world’s most expensive retail destination, displacing New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield’s annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone’s desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands.
The average rent on the Milan street has surged to 20,000 euros per square meter ($2,047 per square foot), compared with 19,537 euros per square meter ($2,000 per square foot) on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue.
Via MonteNapoleone’s small size — just 350 meters (less than one-quarter mile) long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street’s key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association.
“Not everything can fit, which is a benefit’’ since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan’s Fashion Quadrilateral.
The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and long-time tenant Fendi is expanding.
The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there’s no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue.
The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car’s limited trunk space notwithstanding. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays.
A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home.
“I got a lot,’’ Chen acknowledged. “It’s a fantastic place, a good place for shopping.”
A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, meters-long knit scarf priced at 980 euros.
“I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours,’’ Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal.
Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street’s guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone’s achievement.
“Milan’s investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole,’’ Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association, said.
But she also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, “we’ll be back on top in no time.”
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/milans-via-montenapoleone-usurps-new-yorks-fifth-avenue-as-worlds-most-upscale-shopping-street/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:06Z
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Bloating is a fairly common experience, though it is often underplayed. People usually refer to it as a sensation of tightness or fullness in the lower abdomen, sometimes accompanied by discomfort. While it’s normal to feel bloated occasionally; frequent instances of it may be indicative of problems within your digestive system. As a gastroenterologist, I would suggest a few simple tips to help reduce bloating and keep your gut feeling good.
Understanding bloatingBloating happens when too much gas builds up in the digestive system or when food moves too slowly through the intestines, causing it to linger longer than usual. It can be triggered by overeating, eating foods that produce gas, swallowing air, or even stress. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and food intolerances can also contribute to the issue.
Tips for reducing bloatingEat Slowly - We’ve all done it—eating too fast when we’re busy or distracted. But that can actually make you swallow a bunch of air, which leads to bloating. So, next time, try to slow down, chew your food properly, and just enjoy your meal. It really does help.
Watch out for Gas-Producing Foods - We all love our beans, broccoli, and sodas, but they’re pretty notorious for causing bloating. They may be health inducing, but if bloating is something you deal with often, maybe you should just ease up on them a bit.
Notice Food Intolerances – Sometimes, bloating is just your body telling you it doesn’t like something—like lactose or gluten. If you’re not sure what’s causing it, try keeping a food diary. It can help you figure out what might be triggering the bloating so you can avoid it next time.
Stay Hydrated Drinking water is super important for digestion, and it helps prevent constipation (which we all know can lead to bloating). Just don’t go overboard during meals though, since water can interfere with the process of digestion.
Add Probiotics to Your Routine - Probiotics are your gut’s best friend. Whether it’s yogurt, kefir, or a supplement, they help keep everything in balance. A happy gut means less bloating and better digestion overall.
Get Moving - A little walk or some yoga can do wonders for your digestion. It helps get things moving and can cut down on bloating, especially if you’ve been sitting around for a while.
Stress Less- We all know stress can mess with our stomachs. It can slow down digestion and make bloating worse. Taking a moment to breathe, meditate, or just relax, can really help your gut feel better.
Cut Back on Processed Foods and Sugar- Too many processed foods and sugary drinks can feed the bad bacteria in your gut. Cutting back on them can help reduce bloating and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Severe pain, unintended weight loss, diarrhoea, or blood in the stool, accompanied by persistent bloating indicates the need for quick medical intervention. These symptoms could be indicative of disorders, such as, gastrointestinal infections, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dietary knowledge and mindful behaviour will foster a happier gut. Although very often harmless and non-threatening, bloating can seriously affect quality of life. Long-term gut health is guaranteed by a customised approach combining medical advice with lifestyle adjustments. See a gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat underlying problems if bloating continues even after changes are implemented.
Your general well-being depends largely on the state of your gut. Giving its health top priority will open the path for a life free of digestive problems and blessed with abundant energy.
Dr Adarsh CK, Chief Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/bloating-and-beyond-simple-tips-for-a-happier-gut/articleshow/116340734.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:29:07Z
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The defending NFC Champions haven't been quite as dominant in 2024.
Injuries have played a role in a disappointing season so far for the 49ers, who entered Week 15 just below .500 with a 6-7 record. On the offensive side of the ball alone, running back Christian McCaffrey, his backup Jordan Mason, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are all out of action after significant injuries.
Even so, San Fransisco still had a chance to make the playoffs, but that took a serious hit after Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.
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49ers playoff picture
San Fransisco was headed in the right direction, coming off a 38-13 win over the Bears last week. Before then, though, the 49ers had lost three consecutive games, putting their playoff outlook in a bad spot, which only got worse with Thursday's loss to Los Angeles.
In the updated NFC playoff picture following Sunday of Week 15, San Fransisco is still on the outside looking in. Thursday's loss made every future 49ers game a must-win, as the margin for error is basically zero at this point.
Heading into Thursday's game, the 49ers were in last place in the NFC West but tied with Arizona, one game behind Los Angeles and two games behind Seattle.
A two-game difference would be difficult for San Fransisco to overcome in its division, but no matter how it could potentially reach the playoffs, that's the deficit it was facing. The final NFC wild-card team right now, the Commanders, now has a three-game lead over the 49ers with three weeks remaining.
With the Vikings steamrolling toward one of the wild-card spots and the Packers not far behind, the only position that seems to be up for grabs over the final stretch is the Commanders' current No. 7 spot. With limited time to make a comeback, the 49ers need to start winning games in order to have an outside chance.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
49ers remaining schedule
The 49ers have one divisional matchup remaining after Thursday's matchup against the Rams.
Otherwise, San Fransisco gets two challenging opponents over the final stretch: the Lions and Dolphins. While Detroit has already locked in a playoff spot as a Super Bowl contender, Miami is still in the race for an AFC wild-card spot.
Here's a full look at San Fransisco's final three games to end the regular season:
MORE: Latest injury updates on Isaac Guerendo
49ers updated playoff chances
ESPN's power index gives San Fransisco a 10.7% chance of making the playoffs entering Week 15, including an 8.6% chance to win the NFC West. However, after Thursday's loss, the 49ers chances fell to just 0.5%.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/news/49ers-playoff-picture-san-francisco-2024-nfl-playoffs-week-15/94008b7d0885cf715654330f
| 2024-12-16T05:29:07Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
For weeks now, residents in New Jersey and across the Northeast have looked up to the night sky and seen drones, dozens of car-sized drones flying above critical infrastructure like reservoirs and military bases.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: ...One low looks pretty close, right?
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: So I - this one's going to fly over us right now.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: You think so?
DETROW: That is footage captured by one New Jersey resident, U.S. Senator Andy Kim, who spent his Thursday night drone hunting with local police in a rural part of the state and posting about it on social media. Naturally, these mysterious drones have raised some questions. Where are they coming from? Who's flying them? Why? Federal officials say they don't have answers to those questions but say they see no evidence so far of a national security threat. Here's Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaking on ABC earlier today.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: There's no question that people are seeing drones, and I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey state police in addressing the drone sightings.
DETROW: So in the era of see-something-say-something, the Feds seem to be assuring the public that there is nothing to see here. Local firefighters do say do not approach any drones that have crashed into the ground.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-12-15/drones-in-new-jersey-skies-something-or-nothing
| 2024-12-16T05:29:07Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Some things are easier to learn when you're a kid, like an instrument or a sport. NPR's Avery Keatley visited a gymnastics class outside of Washington, D.C., to find out why it's important to keep learning new things, no matter your age.
AVERY KEATLEY, BYLINE: On a dark, rainy Tuesday night, the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, is brightly lit and absolutely buzzing. The gymnastics floor is mobbed with kids wearing bright leotards, taking turns on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. It is loud as the kids tumble across the floor and parents wait in the bleachers overlooking the gymnasium. But as the kids' classes begin winding down, a different group files in.
GAELEN WOOD: (Inaudible) forward rolls, so arms up.
ERIN WEISENBERGER: This is the worst one because it really hurts your head. When I was a kid, this didn't hurt, but it really gives me a headache doing it. I don't know why.
KEATLEY: That's 32-year-old Erin Weisenberger. She's warming up doing somersaults across the gymnastics floor along with the rest of her class. It's a group of nearly all women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, and they're all here trying something a little different.
WOOD: So we're going to learn something new today.
KEATLEY: They're part of an adult beginner gymnastics class. It's a bit of a rarity in the gymnastics world, where most classes are geared towards kids and teens.
WOOD: And if you're lefty, you're going to jump, land on your right foot, extend your left foot into your lunge.
KEATLEY: That's Coach Gaelen Wood. Tonight, they're learning how to power hurdle. It's a move that helps generate momentum for tumbling, and the footwork is a little complicated.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: So think about jumping off of two feet and just land on your right foot.
WEISENBERGER: Just land on my right foot. Just land on my right foot.
(LAUGHTER)
KEATLEY: While Erin tries to master the power hurdle, classmate Shateela Winters has a simpler goal in mind.
SHATEELA WINTERS: So my goal is to not injure myself. I have a bad back amongst other things. But if I could pick the dream thing that I had learned to do, if I could just do one back handspring, I'd be incredibly happy.
WOOD: Awesome.
KEATLEY: After warming up on the floor, the class files over to a trampoline that stretches almost halfway across the gym.
WOOD: All right, we're going to straddle jumps. So remember, either straddle jumps can go out to the side or straddle jumps can come up in front of you, OK?
KEATLEY: Gymnastics program supervisor Alex Asante-Dean says that for adult beginners, breaking out of their normal patterns of movement, like jumping really high in the air on a trampoline, can be uncomfortable.
ALEX ASANTE-DEAN: When we start, some of the things are really jarring 'cause you're moving your body in ways that hasn't been done before.
KEATLEY: And it's not just physical movements.
ASANTE-DEAN: When we get older and we have, you know, routines that we're used to, gets hard to break those habits.
KEATLEY: That's an observation backed up by research.
RACHEL WU: Adults might have a more fixed mindset in terms of thinking, if I'm not good at something now, I'm never going to be good at it.
KEATLEY: Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. She studies the way children learn and how those patterns might help adults learn too. She says that in some ways, learning is easier as an adult. Adults generally grasp concepts more quickly. They're less distracted, and they have better motor control than kids. But learning as an adult requires time, money and quality teachers, which can all be harder to find. She also says adults are often convinced they simply lack a talent for something.
WU: I've never been good at languages, or I've never been good at art, or I don't have a musical ear or something like that - that kind of, like, very fixed mindset. So you're either born with some talent or you're not.
KEATLEY: But continuing to learn as an adult has serious brain benefits.
WU: You will increase a lot of different types of cognitive abilities - your attention, memory. You have existing neurons that can be strengthened and existing pathways between neurons that can be strengthened as well.
KEATLEY: She says physical activities can be especially helpful in growing new neurons, which help the brain remain healthy and flexible later in life. Community can also play a big role in supporting adult learning.
WU: Learning new stuff is really hard, and if you're doing it with other people, it may be less depressing (laughter) in some ways because those people can help hold you accountable. You can see through how other people are struggling that you're not the only one struggling.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yes. Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. Good.
KEATLEY: Back in the gym, the class is practicing on the uneven bars.
WEISENBERGER: The Olympians make it look so smooth and so easy and just like a walk in the park. But it is not (laughter).
KEATLEY: Erin Weisenberger says that even though class is challenging, she gets a lot out of it.
WEISENBERGER: Just proud of myself for trying something that I thought I would be really bad at.
KEATLEY: Coach Gaelen Wood says that for him, seeing adult students achieve something new is one of the best parts of the class.
WOOD: I love when people are nervous of something, and they finally take that step forward, and they're like, I can do this.
KEATLEY: As class winds down, one of those moments unfolds as Erin successfully pulls herself all the way over the uneven bar for the first time.
WEISENBERGER: I did it.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yay.
KEATLEY: Avery Keatley, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam
| 2024-12-16T05:29:07Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Course Authoring Software - Egypt
Course authoring software enables organizations to generate compelling and interactive multimedia content designed for educational purposes. It is utilized for crafting training courses and materials suitable for both corporate training and traditional academic environments. Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS), a subset of course authoring tools tailored specifically for educational institutions, fall under this category. These tools empower organizations to develop educational content that can be seamlessly integrated into Learning Management Systems (LMS), fostering unique educational programs for employees or students. Commonly deployed within HR departments and educational institutions, course authoring solutions empower administrators to create educational content without requiring programming expertise. These solutions are available in both cloud-based and on-premise formats, often adhering to the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM), which provides standards and specifications for content integration with LMS software. Furthermore, many course authoring products leverage presentation software foundations, offering users a familiar interface for developing course content.
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Udemy Business
business.udemy.com
Udemy Business helps companies stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing workplace by offering fresh, on-demand learning content through a powerful content marketplace. Our mission is to help employees do whatever comes next—whether that’s the next project to tackle, skill to learn, or role to ma...
Genially
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Genially is the world-leader in interactive visual communication. Use Genially as your all-in-one online tool to create stunning presentations, interactive images, infographics, dossiers, quizzes, resumes, etc. and enrich them with interactivity and animation effects in seconds. You no longer need a...
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Visme is the all-in-one platform empowering non-design professionals from leading companies to transform the way they create & share and publish engaging Presentations, documents, visual Reports, data visualizations and other visual formats in less time. Users from IBM, GoldenState Warriors, Gartner...
Learning Studio AI
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Transform any subject into a stunning online course with LearningStudioAI. Our AI-powered authoring tool makes course creation effortless, so you can focus on what matters most - building engaging content. Enjoy seamless scaling across all devices, with magical-feeling features that delight learne...
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360Learning is the LMS for collaborative learning. We enable companies to upskill from within by turning their experts into champions for employee, customer, and partner growth.
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The #1 creator platform for workplace learning. More than 118,000 organizations, including all 100 of the Fortune 100, have created millions of courses using our creator tools.
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Trusted by 250+ exceptional customers across the world including the University of Nebraska, Mortenson Construction, Medtronic, Ibotta, and Tyler Technologies. VidGrid is the fastest growing interactive video platform for learning and development. VidGrid is the most simple, yet robust video platfor...
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ProProfs is a leading provider of SaaS software designed to create smarter employees and happier customers. With a comprehensive suite of tools, including Training Maker, Knowledge Base, Quiz Maker, Survey Maker, CRM, and more, ProProfs empowers organizations to enhance learning, streamline support,...
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Accelerate your eLearning development with generative AI. Mindsmith is a course authoring tool that uses generative AI to make it easy (and extremely fast) to create and share learning content.
Rise
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Rise is the online training system employees love. It’s an all-in-one system that makes online training easy to create, enjoyable to take, and simple to manage. You get everything you need to manage online training in one intuitive, enterprise-class system. With gorgeous samples, helpful templates, ...
Gnowbe
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Create interactive, group-based, microlearning experiences in minutes! Gnowbe’s award-winning authoring tool empowers creators to design, facilitate and analyze shared learning experiences- ideal for training and onboarding. Key features include: - Microlearning - Social learning - Push and email no...
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Engage, excite, and connect your entire company! MangoApps is a unified employee experience platform combining intranet, training, teamwork, and content management into a dashboard and workspace. Our user-friendly, infinitely customizable approach fits into how your company already does business, cr...
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The most interactive no code builder. Developed by a Parisian team and launched in 2015, PandaSuite is a simple & creative SaaS platform to build applications and interactive experiences without a line of code. Create visually using PandaSuite Studio: design your screens, play with +40 components an...
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Instruqt is a hands-on virtual IT lab for product-led growth. We help software companies generate demand at scale and boost adoption and usage by offering hands-on product experience from the browser. Instruqt instantiates a running version of your software in a protected lab environment. With the l...
Thriving Springs
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Thriving Springs is a Gen AI-powered employee learning and engagement platform that helps businesses onboard, upskill, and retain employees through interactive learning modules, EQ-based soft skill courses, and engagement surveys. The platform can reduce training costs per employee and improve cours...
7taps
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7taps has pioneered the concept of effective microlearning implementation in the enterprise L&D landscape 3 years ago, and we continue to dominate this space. We uniquely offer lightning-fast, high-quality microlearning creation that enables you to connect with learners wherever they are. 7taps scie...
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LearnUpon's LMS (Learning Management Software) allows you to deliver engaging learning experiences that impact what matters – performance, retention, and growth. Give your teams the tools to deliver engaging learning experiences that impact what matters – performance, retention, and growth – with L...
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Flowclass is a platform designed for educators and tutors to build landing pages for courses that can be used as a standalone profile page or integrated into an existing website. We integrated marketing tools, booking and payment systems into the same platform so you can scale your education busines...
CLASSUM
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Through a cloud-based platform where course members can connect via posts, lives sessions, chats, and unique interactions, CLASSUM offers seamless communication to enhance all learning environments, online or in-person. --- CLASSUM was founded in 2018 by Chaerin Lee and Youjin Choi, two female stude...
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Exly
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Exly is a codeless all-in-one SaaS platform to build and grow your business from scratch. Not only can you organize recorded courses but also live classes, and webinars and send the links via WhatsApp. You can record & manage your courses and list them on your selling page of the website created wit...
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Gamified Skills & Language learning platform for Frontline workers. 100+ languages supported! Create hyper-relevant, AI-powered courses in seconds Our AI Course Creator quickly whips training material into stimulating, custom-made courses in seconds to empower employees to exceed expectations and en...
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Unleash the potential of your learning community with Disco. Optimize member onboarding, leverage AI assistance, and gain actionable insights with Disco's award-winning platform. Disco was named one of Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies in Education (2023) and EdTech Startup of the Year by the...
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Discover a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) and E-learning Platform software designed to effortlessly create and deliver corporate training courses. Experience rapid course development and schedulea demo today! AcademyOcean is an LMS system that helps businesses automate training for ...
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Coursebox in AI-powered LMS (learning management system). The AI functionality will create a draft course for you and sit within a drag and drop course editor so you can edit the course and add any missing parts. This substantially reduces the time it takes to create coursework. Organisations can us...
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Create, design and deliver engaging scenario - based e-learning in your browser. Use with Lectora, Storyline, Captivate and almost any other e-learning software.
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The FLOWSPARKS Group has many years of experience in the development of digital learning modules. From this vision, a full-fledged FLOWSPARKS Suite has come into being. You can easily develop interactive e-Learning by combining the Learning Formats, Smart Templates and Smart Programs in the FLOWSPAR...
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Detailed manuals and documentations, numerous live or web trainings and still the feeling that the knowledge simply does not reach your colleagues - or not at the right time? Then you should get to know SlidePresenter! Empower your employees to turn their knowledge into engaging video content withou...
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The RedSeed LMS is the worlds best blended eLearning solution. The entire RedSeed LMS has been built to drive behaviour change with what we call our 'coaching-feedback-loop' which facilitates quality coaching interactions that you can report on. Coupled with a growing library of courses covering; sa...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/course-authoring-software?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:29:09Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Seeing a total solar eclipse along its path of totality is a rare, often once-in-a-lifetime event. It only lasts a few minutes, which is enough time to wow and awe observers but not nearly enough time for scientists who study the sun and its outer atmosphere called the corona. A new mission from the European Space Agency wants to solve this problem. Last week, a pair of satellites rocketed into orbit with a simple goal - to create more solar eclipses, ones that last hours instead of minutes. Here to tell us more about this and how it works is Damien Galano. He's the project manager for this mission, called Proba-3. Welcome.
DAMIEN GALANO: Thank you for having me.
DETROW: Let's just start with a question that I think anybody hearing that introduction is asking - how exactly does this work? How do two satellites create solar eclipses?
GALANO: So there are two satellite, and basically, we want to recreate the condition of a total solar eclipse. So the first spacecraft - we call it the Occulter spacecraft and - plays the role of the moon and to block out the light from the sun. And the other spacecraft - that we call the Coronagraph - will have to be positioned precisely in the shadow cast by the Occulter spacecraft at a distance of about 500 feet.
DETROW: So this is creating an eclipse for the second satellite. How much beyond that will this eclipse last and reach? I mean, somebody might be thinking, can I see this from Earth? I assume the answer is no, but I want to ask.
GALANO: No, no. This will be done when the spacecraft are at their maximum altitude at about 40,000 miles. And when they are far from the gravity of the Earth, that is a perturbation for us to be able to control precisely the spacecraft. And they will maintain this formation for about six hours.
DETROW: Six hours - and will this be a one-time experiment or will this be able to be recreated over and over with these two satellites?
GALANO: We expect to be able to recreate it every orbit. So the period of the orbit is 20 hours.
DETROW: Oh, wow.
GALANO: So every orbit, every 20 hours, we expect to be able to have a consecutive six hours of eclipse condition.
DETROW: I love this image of two satellites almost dancing with each other in this aligned orbit. Can you tell us why you want to do this, though? What are you looking for? What does a solar eclipse allow scientists to study?
GALANO: So the solar corona matters because it's intimately linked to the sun, the way the sun - our star - works and all the physics. We know that it's in the corona that originates the solar wind, so the constant flow of charged particles expanding from the sun. So observing the corona help the solar physicist to better model how the sun works and to better understand the activities inside this corona and how it can affect the Earth. That's through what we call the space weather.
DETROW: So the satellites launch, they're in orbit now. When are you expecting the first attempt at creating an eclipse?
GALANO: So we are performing at the moment the commissioning of the spacecraft. So little by little, we are activating the different equipment, the different functions on board. We expect if everything goes well that in March, we should be able to have the two spacecraft aligned to observe for the first time and take the first images of the corona with our system.
DETROW: That's Damien Galano, the project manager for the Proba-3 mission at the European Space Agency. Thanks so much, and good luck.
GALANO: Thank you, Scott. Bye-bye.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/how-satellites-are-helping-scientists-study-the-sun
| 2024-12-16T05:29:10Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Two important food holidays are meeting up this year. December 25 is both Christmas and also the first night of Hanukkah.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Well, we did not want to miss the opportunity to explore the potential for a feast for all. And to help us imagine what to prepare, we have called on Sarah Lohman, who's a food historian and writer. Sarah has put together a menu for us, and my only regret here is that this is a remote interview and I cannot eat it all right now. So that being said, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, Sarah.
SARAH LOHMAN: Hi, Scott. Thank you.
DETROW: When you first realized the alignment here, what was your first thought?
LOHMAN: OK, first thought was, of course, fry everything.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: I mean, maybe it's obvious, maybe it's my first thought, but I was like, let's fry things that have never been fried before. Let's make it the Iowa State Fair up in here.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: OK, so the fun part of this project for me was I got to reach out to my community. And I started talking to my friend Leah Koenig, who is the author of the recent cookbook "Portico," which is about Roman Jewish culture. And she pointed out to me that latke, the traditional Hanukkah fried potato pancake - they really aren't that old in terms of Judaism. The practice originates with German Jews in the late 18th century. So that's like a drop in the bucket of the multiple-thousand-year history. So that's when I said, OK, well, is there another direction we can go here?
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DETROW: So you have put together a menu. And before we go into it, tell me...
LOHMAN: Feast.
DETROW: A feast - important correction.
LOHMAN: (Laughter) I think.
DETROW: Tell me what you ended up organizing it around. What were the central thoughts? What were you trying to bring together?
LOHMAN: Well, I also happen to know a lot of people who are Christian or specifically Catholic and Jewish from populations around the world. And I think particularly in America, we can get sort of lost the idea of Christian as being a majority faith here, whereas in most of the world, it is a minority faith. And so I decided to put together a multicourse menu that looks at regions that have traditional, historical Christian and Jewish populations and look at where their food intersects and differentiates. I really believe that, like, cooking can be an act of learning; eating can be an act of education. And so I wanted to use this moment, this party, this feast, this festival to make space for the understanding of the long histories of these faiths throughout the world.
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DETROW: That being said, let's get going. Tell us what the first course is.
LOHMAN: OK, so for the first course, we're going to go to China, which does have a historical Jewish population. No one's quite sure when they came, but they came into the area around Kaifeng, which is in Henan, which - not Hunan, Henan, which is a northern Chinese province. And it's difficult to trace dishes from Jewish ancestry there. There's maybe only about 1,000 Kaifeng Jews today. But one we know of is a Kaifeng noodle-blanketed carp. And it's a whole fish that's wok fried, and it's served with a sauce made from vinegar, rice wine, ginger and scallions. And then you top it with crispy fried noodles.
But if you're not up for frying a whole fish, which not everybody is, I would recommend ordering in some Henanese cuisine. Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are from the Henan area. But don't get the pork ones. Get ones made with lamb or chicken and vegetables, or you could also order in some hui mian (ph), which are wide wheat noodles. I should note in this whole menu, I decided to avoid pork, shellfish, and I didn't serve meat and dairy so that anyone can come to your house for this party of any religious background and be able to eat the food.
DETROW: All right, so walk me through the last main dish.
LOHMAN: OK, so last main dish, we're going to go to Ethiopia. And I think, you know, this might be - sound like a simple answer, but the national dish of Ethiopia is dora wat, which is a chicken stew, and it's dark meat chicken, slow cooked with hard boiled eggs, garlic ginger, onions, tomato, and you finish the top with a sprinkle of black cardamom. So I also love the connections, the spice connections and flavor connections made through these dishes. Now, dora wat is sort of the Coptic Christian name for it, but it's also known as sanbat wat in Ethiopian Jewish communities. And sanbat means Shabbat. So a lot of these two aren't necessarily Hanukkah dishes. Actually, the Ethiopian Jews didn't traditionally celebrate Hanukkah in Ethiopia. But now over 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have moved to Israel and another thousand are here in America too. So they've moved in the cultures that celebrate Hanukkah. And definitely, you should make it with injera, too.
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DETROW: So assuming there's any room left at all after all of these dishes so far, I know you've put a lot of thought into a very important holiday item, and that is desserts.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, of course. I mean, but there is always room for dessert.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: So I've got two ideas here. One is cassola, which is from my original person who gave me this idea, Leah Koenig. It's a cheesecake that was created by Roman Jews, and it actually descends from this idea of pancake-making on Hanukkah. Hanukkah, you know, oil, things that are fried and things that are dairy are sort of traditional Hanukkah foods. Cassola was originally made on stove tops, like a really thick pancake. Now it's baked, and now it's actually crossed over that it's a favorite served by Roman Catholics on Christmas. So it's a ricotta cheesecake made with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.
Now, for some people, having dairy after meat is OK, but for some people, it's not. So if you want to stick to a menu that's kosher friendly, I'd also recommend bolo menino. Bolo menino is named after the Christ child, and it's a cake made in Macao, which is governed somewhat by China, but not totally, so they have more religious freedom. And many people there are also Portuguese descendants, as well. So this is a cake made with crumbled cookies, coconut and pine nuts that is always served on Christmas in Macao.
DETROW: You know, I think a lot of people listening might be taking notes and thinking, I want to do this. And I think there might be a lot of people listening who are thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this sounds so overwhelming.
LOHMAN: (Laughter).
DETROW: What do you say to somebody who, like, loves the idea, but when it comes to, especially, like, a multicourse meal, just kind of gets intimidated?
LOHMAN: You know, there is always a potluck. There's always divvying this up. Or, you know, hey, if you love throwing a party like me, make the whole thing. But if not, just make the one dish that appeals to you. I think that food is always better with a story. And I love the idea of using this December 25 to reflect on these cultures throughout the world. And sometimes they're often difficult stories, too.
DETROW: Yeah. You know, we're talking about learning about different cultures, as this menus together. But, you know, I think for a lot of people, a holiday is also about kind of leaning into your heritage - right? - your family story - right? - in terms of food.
LOHMAN: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that we can't forget that many of these cultures that I talked about today also exist within America. These communities are here. And I think for all of us during this holiday season, this is often a time where we connect to our own ancestry. I'm sure that there are people listening right now thinking about the recipes that they're going to make that have been passed down through their families and that really are labors of love that make this feel like a special and important time of year.
DETROW: Absolutely.
LOHMAN: It's religion, but it's celebration, it's family, it's ancestry, too.
DETROW: And all of this is kind of very American, right? Like, you've put together a meal that touches on a dozen different countries and cultures.
LOHMAN: Yeah, but they can all be found here, absolutely.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: And to me, I think that that's the most powerful and beautiful thing about America, our diversity. We can be a little hard to govern sometime. We're an unruly lot. But just how many different people become American too, I think that's really the most wonderful thing about living here and celebrating the holidays here.
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DETROW: That is food historian Sarah Lohman. Her most recent book is just out in paper, "Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods." Thank you so much for taking up the challenge and crafting a Christmas Hanukkah feast for us.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, my pleasure. Now the real challenge is I'm going to have to sit down and make all of this.
DETROW: I think there's no question now. Thank you.
LOHMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kuaf.com/2024-12-15/what-to-cook-on-hanumas-chrismukah
| 2024-12-16T05:29:11Z
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Even as Biogen and Eisai’s Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla slowly roll out onto the market, experts question the efficacy of these anti-amyloid antibodies and the amyloid hypothesis overall.
Despite the recent FDA approval of anti-amyloid antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease and new investment in the space, skepticism remains about the value of these first disease-modifying drugs and the validity of the amyloid hypothesis.
“These approaches have not worked,” George Perry, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told BioSpace, referring to Biogen and Eisai’s Aduhelm and Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla. “The patients are not getting better.”
Christian Hölscher, co-founder and chief scientific officer at neuroscience-focused Kariya Pharmaceuticals, agreed, raising concerns in a November interview about the drugs’ safety and efficacy profiles. “The antibodies are too toxic, and the effect in patients is so small that it is unlikely that patients even notice a difference,” he told BioSpace.
Hölscher is not alone. In a recent Reuters survey, interviews with 20 neurologists and geriatricians revealed that many doctors still doubted the drug’s efficacy and safety, while others had “therapeutic nihilism,” or a belief that it is futile to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
One source of skepticism surrounding anti-amyloid antibodies is their scientific foundation. The amyloid hypothesis holds that the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Proponents of this theory believe that when amyloid beta clumps together to form deposits in the brain, it triggers neurodegenerative processes that lead to the loss of memory and cognitive abilities that characterize the disorder.
Aβ was discovered to be a major component of senile plaques in 1984, Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, told BioSpace. “That was really what started the drug discovery and development process for trying to get rid of the plaques by removing the beta-amyloid from the plaques or by preventing the beta-amyloid accumulating in the plaques.” The FDA approved the first anti-amyloid antibody for Alzheimer’s, Aduhelm, in June 2021.
The following summer, allegations broke calling into question seminal research behind the amyloid hypothesis. While looking into claims of misconduct by Alzheimer’s drug developer Cassava Sciences, Vanderbilt neuroscientist and physician Matthew Schrag discovered that the pioneering research possibly contained tampered images of Western blots, a laboratory technique used to visualize proteins. These data, published in a 2006 paper, formed the backbone of the argument that Aβ*56—an oligomer of Aβ proteins—is responsible for the memory loss seen in Alzheimer’s.
But the hypothesis gained new life over the next two years, as the FDA approved two more anti-amyloid antibodies—Leqembi in January 2023 and Kisunla in July 2024. While Aduhelm was withdrawn from the market in January after it failed to gain traction, Leqembi and Kisunla are now slowly rolling out, with sales of Leqembi lower than expected but steadily climbing throughout 2024.
Companies are also continuing to invest in this approach. In October, AbbVie paid $1.4 billion in cash to acquire Aliada Therapeutics and its anti-amyloid antibody ALIA-1758. In an investor note at the time, Stifel analysts said the deal “seemingly offers a vote of confidence in amyloid, just as sentiment in the space is reaching an all-time low.”
The Role of Amyloid Beta in Alzheimer’s
While the exact role of Aβ in Alzheimer’s is up for debate, anti-amyloid antibodies without a doubt have some effect on the disease process. In the Phase III Clarity-AD study, Leqembi reduced clinical decline by 27% compared to placebo based on the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) assessment in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s, while Kisunla reduced decline by 29% on the CDR-SB.
“Clearly, it is a validated mechanism of action,” Graig Suvannevejh, senior biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology equity research analyst at Mizuho Americas, told BioSpace. “We have three approved anti-beta amyloid drugs. We have data that supports a view that if you’re able to lower beta-amyloid, that can lead to measurable improvement in patients.”
Fillit concurred, saying, “We have proof of concept that getting rid of the plaques is actually efficacious and has a reasonable benefit-to-risk ratio.”
But Perry contends that this efficacy is limited. “The effect is less than Aricept [an earlier Alzheimer’s drug], and yet they’re moving forward. If the theory was correct, if you remove the amyloid, some patients should get better.”
Perry argued that while amyloid is “important” to the Alzheimer’s disease process, it is not the driver. Rather, he said, amyloid accumulation is a response to neural damage, adding that antioxidant qualities found in amyloid-beta support this conclusion.
Suvannevejh agreed that amyloid-beta’s role in Alzheimer’s is “an outstanding question.”
“We don’t know what the trigger is for Alzheimer’s disease. We just know that a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is presence of beta-amyloid plaques in your brain.”
Improving on Leqembi and Kisunla
Ultimately, Suvannevejh said anti-amyloid antibodies are a “viable approach” to Alzheimer’s, but that Leqembi, Kisunla and Aduhelm are “probably not” the most optimal treatments. The challenge, he said, is getting them past the blood-brain barrier (BBB). “The body has been built wonderfully to protect the brain from outside insult, and a beta amyloid-directed antibody is viewed as that insult.”
With the currently approved anti-amyloid antibodies, “the amount of drug that gets into your brain is about 1%,” Suvannevejh said. “[That’s] not a very efficient way of treating Alzheimer’s disease.” Several companies—including Denali Therapeutics, Voyager Therapeutics and Aliada—are developing technologies to improve on that number.
Aliada’s Modular Delivery (MODEL) platform is “engineered for both efficient BBB (blood-brain barrier) transport and downstream therapeutic functionality,” according to the company’s website. Speculating on AbbVie’s interest in the company, Suvannevejh said, “It could easily be that Aliada has got the secret sauce” to solve the BBB challenge in Alzheimer’s.
Fillit agreed that efficiently crossing the BBB is key to treating Alzheimer’s and pointed to Roche’s anti-amyloid antibody trontinemab as an example of a therapy attempting to do that. Developed using the company’s proprietary Brainshuttle platform, trontinemab can cross the BBB and achieve higher levels of brain exposure and broader distribution across the central nervous system, according to Roche.
Safety is another challenge for antibodies targeting Aβ, in particular, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which are characterized by brain swelling and can lead to death. Anti-amyloid antibodies are “putting patients at risk of death, or serious side effects,” Perry said.
However, Fillit pointed to the FDA advisory committee for Kisunla, which in June “voted 11-0 that the monoclonal antibody had a favorable benefit to risk ratio.”
‘Stuck in the Amyloid Trap’
Experts largely agree that anti-amyloid antibodies will be a part of the treatment landscape emerging for Alzheimer’s disease, but that they will only be a part of the arsenal.
“It’s pretty clear, I think, at this point, that Alzheimer’s will have to be treated with multiple drugs attacking multiple mechanisms that are related to the biology of aging,” Fillit said.
Some companies are exploring the potential of GLP-1s to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Kariya is developing KP405, a first-in-class, dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, initially for Parkinson’s disease with plans for a study in Alzheimer’s, and several others are targeting tau and neuroinflammation.
Still, anti-amyloid remains the main focus, according to Hölscher. “The pharmaceutical industry is still stuck in the amyloid trap,” he said. Hölscher revealed that Kariya had spoken with AbbVie “and they were interested in what we’re doing.” Then AbbVie bought Aliada Therapeutics.
After 40 years, it would be difficult to give up on a theory that has produced the first three disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer’s. But Hölscher argued it’s time for a new approach. “What is wrong with these people? Don’t they understand what failure is? [Don’t they] know when to stop?”
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https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/amyloid-hypothesis-in-doubt-as-newly-approved-drugs-hit-hurdles
| 2024-12-16T05:29:11Z
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Popeye and Tintin enter the public domain in 2025 along with novels from Faulkner and Hemingway
AP Entertainment Writer
Popeye can punch without permission and Tintin can roam freely starting in 2025. The two classic comic characters who first appeared in 1929 are among the intellectual properties becoming public domain in the United States on Jan. 1. That means they can be used and repurposed without permission or payment to copyright holders.
This year’s crop of newly public artistic creations lacks the landmark vibes of last year’s entrance of into the public domain of Mickey Mouse. But they include a deep well of canonical works whose 95-year copyright maximums will expire. And the Disney icon’s public domain presence expands.
“It’s a trove! There are a dozen new Mickey cartoons — he speaks for the first time and dons the familiar white gloves,” said Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. “There are masterpieces from Faulkner and Hemingway, the first sound films from Alfred Hitchcock, Cecil B. DeMille, and John Ford, and amazing music from Fats Waller, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin. Pretty exciting!”
Here’s a closer look at this year’s crop.
Comics characters loom large
Popeye the Sailor, with his bulging forearms, mealy-mouthed speech, and propensity for fistfights, was created by E.C. Segar and made his first appearance in the newspaper strip “Thimble Theater” in 1929, speaking his first words, “’Ja think I’m a cowboy?” when asked if he was a sailor. What was supposed to be a one-off appearance became permanent, and the strip would be renamed ”Popeye.”
But as with Mickey Mouse last year and Winnie the Pooh in 2022, only the earliest version is free for reuse. The spinach that gave the sailor his super-strength was not there from the start, and is the kind of character element that could spawn legal disputes. And the animated shorts featuring his distinctive mumbly voice didn’t begin until 1933 and remain under copyright. As does director Robert Altman’s 1980 film, starring Robin Williams as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as his oft-fought-over sweetheart Olive Oyl.
That movie was tepidly received initially. So was director Steven Spielberg’s “Adventures of Tintin” in 2011. But the comics about the boy reporter that inspired it, the creation of Belgian artist Hergé, were among the most popular in Europe for much of the 20th century.
The simply drawn teen with dots for eyes and bangs like an ocean wave first appeared in a supplement to the Belgian newspaper Le Vingtième Siècle, and became a weekly feature.
The comic also first appeared in the U.S. in 1929. Its signature bright colors — including Tintin’s red hair — didn’t appear until years later, and could, like Popeye’s spinach, be the subject of legal disputes.
And in much of the world, Tintin won’t become public property until 70 years after the 1983 death of his creator.
Books show American lit at its height
The books becoming public this year read like the syllabus for an American literature seminar.
“The Sound and the Fury,” arguably William Faulkner’s quintessential novel with its modernist stream-of-consciousness style, was a sensation after its publication despite being famously difficult for readers. It uses multiple non-linear narratives to tell the story of a prominent family’s ruin in the author’s native Mississippi, and would help lead to Faulkner’s Nobel Prize.
And Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” joins his earlier “The Sun Also Rises” in the public domain. The partly autobiographical story of an ambulance driver in Italy during the First World War cemented Hemingway’s status in the American literary canon. It has been frequently adapted for film, TV and radio, which can now be done without permission.
John Steinbeck’s first novel, “A Cup of Gold,” from 1929, will also enter the public domain.
The British novelist Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own,” an extended essay that would become a landmark in feminism from the modernist literary luminary, is also on the list. Her novel “Mrs. Dalloway” is already in the U.S. public domain.
Movie legends in the making
While a host of truly major movies will become public in the coming decade, for now early works by major figures from the not-always-stellar early sound era will have to suffice.
A decade before he would move to Hollywood and make films like “Psycho,” and “Vertigo,” Alfred Hitchcock made “Blackmail” in Britain. The film was begun as a silent but shifted to sound during production, resulting in two different versions, one of them the UK’s — and Hitchcock’s — first sound film.
John Ford, whose later Westerns would put him among film’s most vaunted directors, also made his first foray into sound with 1929’s “The Black Watch,” an adventure epic that includes Ford’s future chief collaborator John Wayne as a young extra.
Cecil B. DeMille, already a Hollywood bigwig through silents, made his first talkie with the melodrama “Dynamite.”
Groucho, Harpo and the other Marx Brothers had their first starring movie roles in 1929’s “The Cocoanuts,” a forerunner to future classics like “Animal Crackers” and “Duck Soup.”
“The Broadway Melody,” the first sound film and the second film ever to win the Oscar for best picture — known as “outstanding production” at the time — will also become public, though it’s often ranked among the worst of best picture winners.
And after “Steamboat Willie” made the earliest Mickey Mouse public, a dozen more of his animations will get the same status, including “The Karnival Kid,” where he spoke for the first time.
Music rings out the 20s
Songs from the last year of the Roaring Twenties are also about to become public property.
Cole Porter’s compositions “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” are among the highlights, as is the jazz classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’, written by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks.
“Singin’ in the Rain,” which would later forever be associated with the 1952 Gene Kelly film, made its debut in the 1929 movie “The Hollywood Revue” and will now be public domain.
Different laws regulate sound recordings, and those newly in the public domain date to 1924. They include a recording of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” from future star and civil rights icon Marian Anderson, and “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by its composer George Gershwin.
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/popeye-and-tintin-enter-the-public-domain-in-2025-along-with-novels-from-faulkner-and-hemingway/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:12Z
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Early onset bowel cancer is increasing in people aged 25-49 across the world but the rise is more sharp in England compared to other countries, says a new Lancet study. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in raising the risk of this cancer. Poor diet with low fibre, more ultra-processed foods, obesity and a lack of exercise are key factors that are fueling its growth. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK.
Bowel cancer develops in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum and depending on its location is named as either colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Diet is a significant factor when it comes to prevention of bowel cancer as well as while recovering from it. Ultra-processed foods like sweetened breakfast cereals, candy, white bread, and chips not only raise risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, but also lead to obesity as well as cognitive decline. Being obese is one of the risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Poll
How important are lifestyle changes in preventing bowel cancer?
Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in your stool, diarrhoea or constipation that isn't usual, increase in frequency of visiting toilet, blood in your stool which may look red or black, bleeding from your bottom, feeling the need to pass stools frequently, stomach pain, a lump in your tummy, bloating, losing weight without trying, and feeling very tired for no reason.
Consumption of high amounts of red and processed meat and low intake of fibre might be responsible for the high incidence of bowel cancer in the Western world. Additionally, obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, sleep deprivation, and other factors have been proven to further increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Key points:
A cancer of the colon or rectum is located at the digestive tract's lower end.
Early cases can begin as non-cancerous polyps. These often have no symptoms but can be detected by screening. For this reason, doctors recommend screenings for those at high risk or over the age of 50 or even earlier if a family history of colon cancer is present.
Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the size and location of the cancer. Some commonly experienced symptoms include changes in bowel habits, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool and abdominal discomfort.
Healthy lifestyle changes can significantly help prevent bowel cancer. Here are a few you can make.
1. Eat more fibre
Bowel cancer chances could be greatly reduced with a diet rich in fibre. This includes a wealth of leafy green vegetables, fibrous fruits, nuts and seeds, and consuming other fibre-rich foods. Foods like wholegrain cereals, wholewheat pasta, oats, beans, chickpeas, and lentils are all sources of fibre. Eating at 30 gm fibre every day can cut the risk of bowel cancer.
According to a study published in Springer, fibre in meals contributes to decreased transit time through the gastrointestinal tract, dilution of colonic contents, and enhancement of bacterial fermentation, which leads to increased production of short-chain fatty acids.
2. Drink sufficient water
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water is recommended to ward off bowel cancer risk. Water helps flush out harmful toxins and waste products from the colon, preventing their accumulation in the colon cells which could damage the organ. You can increase your fluid consumption by drinking milk, sugar-free drinks, fruit juices, smoothies etc.
3. Exercise regularly
One of the reasons of rise in colon cancer could be the sedentary lifestyle people are leading nowadays. An active lifestyle and workout routine can help reduce chances of this cancer. Walking, skipping, running, cycling - any workout can be considered to stay active.
4. Lose weight
Obesity or being overweight can increase your risk of bowel cancer. It is estimated that 11 out of 100 bowel cancers (11%) in the UK are linked to people not having a healthy body weight. Making efforts to shed pounds can cut the risk of developing bowel cancer.
5. Don't smoke or drink
While 6 out of 100 bowel cancers occur due to alcohol consumption in the UK, 7 such cases happen due to smoking tobacco. The UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) advise that it is safest not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis.
Amid growing cases of bowel cancer, it's crucial to not only address risk factors but stay vigilant about the early signs and symptoms. Apart from the healthy lifestyle changes, it's important to get screened at the right time as the majority of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if they are found early. Screening can detect bowel cancer even before symptoms begin, which can ensure a great possibility to recover from the disease.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)
Healthy changes that can improve the quality of life
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/bowel-cancer-skyrockets-among-youth-simple-lifestyle-changes-to-prevent-it/articleshow/116264898.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:29:13Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Some things are easier to learn when you're a kid, like an instrument or a sport. NPR's Avery Keatley visited a gymnastics class outside of Washington, D.C., to find out why it's important to keep learning new things, no matter your age.
AVERY KEATLEY, BYLINE: On a dark, rainy Tuesday night, the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, is brightly lit and absolutely buzzing. The gymnastics floor is mobbed with kids wearing bright leotards, taking turns on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. It is loud as the kids tumble across the floor and parents wait in the bleachers overlooking the gymnasium. But as the kids' classes begin winding down, a different group files in.
GAELEN WOOD: (Inaudible) forward rolls, so arms up.
ERIN WEISENBERGER: This is the worst one because it really hurts your head. When I was a kid, this didn't hurt, but it really gives me a headache doing it. I don't know why.
KEATLEY: That's 32-year-old Erin Weisenberger. She's warming up doing somersaults across the gymnastics floor along with the rest of her class. It's a group of nearly all women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, and they're all here trying something a little different.
WOOD: So we're going to learn something new today.
KEATLEY: They're part of an adult beginner gymnastics class. It's a bit of a rarity in the gymnastics world, where most classes are geared towards kids and teens.
WOOD: And if you're lefty, you're going to jump, land on your right foot, extend your left foot into your lunge.
KEATLEY: That's Coach Gaelen Wood. Tonight, they're learning how to power hurdle. It's a move that helps generate momentum for tumbling, and the footwork is a little complicated.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: So think about jumping off of two feet and just land on your right foot.
WEISENBERGER: Just land on my right foot. Just land on my right foot.
(LAUGHTER)
KEATLEY: While Erin tries to master the power hurdle, classmate Shateela Winters has a simpler goal in mind.
SHATEELA WINTERS: So my goal is to not injure myself. I have a bad back amongst other things. But if I could pick the dream thing that I had learned to do, if I could just do one back handspring, I'd be incredibly happy.
WOOD: Awesome.
KEATLEY: After warming up on the floor, the class files over to a trampoline that stretches almost halfway across the gym.
WOOD: All right, we're going to straddle jumps. So remember, either straddle jumps can go out to the side or straddle jumps can come up in front of you, OK?
KEATLEY: Gymnastics program supervisor Alex Asante-Dean says that for adult beginners, breaking out of their normal patterns of movement, like jumping really high in the air on a trampoline, can be uncomfortable.
ALEX ASANTE-DEAN: When we start, some of the things are really jarring 'cause you're moving your body in ways that hasn't been done before.
KEATLEY: And it's not just physical movements.
ASANTE-DEAN: When we get older and we have, you know, routines that we're used to, gets hard to break those habits.
KEATLEY: That's an observation backed up by research.
RACHEL WU: Adults might have a more fixed mindset in terms of thinking, if I'm not good at something now, I'm never going to be good at it.
KEATLEY: Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. She studies the way children learn and how those patterns might help adults learn too. She says that in some ways, learning is easier as an adult. Adults generally grasp concepts more quickly. They're less distracted, and they have better motor control than kids. But learning as an adult requires time, money and quality teachers, which can all be harder to find. She also says adults are often convinced they simply lack a talent for something.
WU: I've never been good at languages, or I've never been good at art, or I don't have a musical ear or something like that - that kind of, like, very fixed mindset. So you're either born with some talent or you're not.
KEATLEY: But continuing to learn as an adult has serious brain benefits.
WU: You will increase a lot of different types of cognitive abilities - your attention, memory. You have existing neurons that can be strengthened and existing pathways between neurons that can be strengthened as well.
KEATLEY: She says physical activities can be especially helpful in growing new neurons, which help the brain remain healthy and flexible later in life. Community can also play a big role in supporting adult learning.
WU: Learning new stuff is really hard, and if you're doing it with other people, it may be less depressing (laughter) in some ways because those people can help hold you accountable. You can see through how other people are struggling that you're not the only one struggling.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yes. Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. Good.
KEATLEY: Back in the gym, the class is practicing on the uneven bars.
WEISENBERGER: The Olympians make it look so smooth and so easy and just like a walk in the park. But it is not (laughter).
KEATLEY: Erin Weisenberger says that even though class is challenging, she gets a lot out of it.
WEISENBERGER: Just proud of myself for trying something that I thought I would be really bad at.
KEATLEY: Coach Gaelen Wood says that for him, seeing adult students achieve something new is one of the best parts of the class.
WOOD: I love when people are nervous of something, and they finally take that step forward, and they're like, I can do this.
KEATLEY: As class winds down, one of those moments unfolds as Erin successfully pulls herself all the way over the uneven bar for the first time.
WEISENBERGER: I did it.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yay.
KEATLEY: Avery Keatley, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam
| 2024-12-16T05:29:13Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
By many measures, California is a shining success story. On its own, it boasts the world's fifth-largest economy. It's one of the richest states in the U.S., with one of the country's highest per capita incomes. And California is also a place where Hollywood and Silicon Valley have set a standard for the U.S. and created a mythical, romantic version of the state that looms over pop culture. But in recent years, it is a story that has been told of one as a state in decline. And according to that narrative, the most populous state is overregulated and too expensive to live in, and so much so, according to some, that people are fleeing it in droves. But how true is that story? To answer, I am joined now by Tessa McLean, the California editor at the online publication SFGATE. She dug into this narrative - not just the current one, but previous times that everybody has been talking about California failing. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
TESSA MCLEAN: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: Let's just start with the now - how dire is it? Is the California dream over? Are we packing it up?
MCLEAN: (Laughter) No, the California dream is not quite over yet, though many would say it is dying. The population in the last three years has declined, but it's never declined more than 1%. Each year since 2021, it's declined by a smaller and smaller number, and in 2023, it only declined 0.09%, according to figures from the State Department of Finance. So growth is simply slowing. It has not fully declined.
DETROW: But this led you to take a broader look because, you know, I covered California politics for a couple of years, and I heard this at the time I was there, and it seems like such a constant. This state is too expensive. It's overregulated. It's killing itself, and people are leaving in droves. And yet, the population - big-picture - continues to go up, the economy continues to grow. Why did you want to take a look back at these previous moments of doom and gloom? What was interesting about it to you?
MCLEAN: I write a lot about the movement of Californians, whether that's leaving the state entirely for a different state like Texas or Montana or whether they're moving around within the state itself. So I really wanted to take a look at the population data and see how big any decline has been in recent years and find out if this was a new phenomenon or if this had in fact been happening for years.
DETROW: Yeah.
MCLEAN: And leading up to the most recent election, it felt like California was in the spotlight more than ever. Kamala Harris was born in the Bay Area. She started her career in California, and that fact was often used against her. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is boasting about how Elon Musk left California for Texas. And Governor Gavin Newsom is sparring with the governors of Texas and Florida, and these conversations are making the national news. I wanted to take a step back and examine America's obsession with California failing.
DETROW: To be clear, though, you're not saying that some of the real problems that are being flagged, like the high cost of living, the cost of housing, in particular, aren't real. It's just that they may be overblown in terms of leading people to flee the state in droves?
MCLEAN: Absolutely. California is an expensive place to live. There's no doubt about it. And that high housing costs and all the cost of living expenses that come along with that are a big reason - the main reason, mainly - why people leave. There's been a lot more migration within the state itself, especially since the pandemic. You know, people might be leaving large coastal metros like San Francisco or Los Angeles for places like the Inland Empire or Sacramento, more so than are leaving the state itself.
DETROW: Why do you think then there's such an impulse over the years - and you're talking about the dot-com bust, you're talking about earlier periods in the 20th century. Why do you think there's such an interest in declaring the death of California?
MCLEAN: California has always been a prosperous place. It's a place that people look to, to go find wealth and success. People have been migrating out to California, looking for the California dream since the Gold Rush. And so I think that idea of the California dream is really important for people, and it really draws people out there.
DETROW: Were there any interesting parallels that you picked up on when you compared these moments?
MCLEAN: Yeah. I mean, the parallels is that the reasons that people are leaving are almost always the same. It's high housing costs. It's traffic. It's overpopulated cities, people just being fed up with the politics of the state. Those reasons never really changed, whether it's 1989 or 2023.
DETROW: That's Tessa McLean, the California editor at SFGATE. Her piece, "America's Obsession With California Failing," is at sfgate.com. Thanks so much for talking to us.
MCLEAN: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-12-15/the-love-hate-tug-of-war-with-california
| 2024-12-16T05:29:13Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Dark Web Monitoring Tools - Egypt
Dark web monitoring tools are designed to detect mentions of an organization on deep and dark web forums and marketplaces, particularly those involving compromised business data being illegally shared or sold. The deep web includes non-indexed pages on the internet, while the dark web refers to non-indexed, illicit sites and private communications accessible only through tools like Tor and I2P. This software employs automated scanners, web crawlers, and scraping techniques to continuously monitor and analyze leaked sensitive business information, such as customer data, employee login credentials, trade secrets, proprietary technology, and other valuable datasets on illicit markets. Businesses use dark web monitoring to mitigate risks, detect data breaches early, and protect their intellectual property and brand reputation. Typically, a company’s IT or security team manages these tools, which often integrate with ticketing systems to facilitate the distribution of real-time alerts to the appropriate parties for remediation.
Submit New App
1Password
1password.com
1Password is a password manager developed by AgileBits Inc. It provides a place for users to store various passwords, software licenses, and other sensitive information in a virtual vault that is locked with a PBKDF2-guarded master password. By default, this encrypted vault is stored on the company'...
LastPass
lastpass.com
LastPass is a freemium password manager that stores encrypted passwords online. The standard version of LastPass comes with a web interface, but also includes plugins for various web browsers and apps for many smartphones. It also includes support for bookmarklets. LogMeIn, Inc. acquired LastPass in...
Webz.io
webz.io
Webz.io is the leading provider of machine-defined web data. It transforms the vast pool of web data from across the open and dark web into structured web data feeds, ready for machines to consume. Using Webz.io’s data, enterprises, developers, and analysts can now unlock the raw potential of web da...
InsecureWeb
insecureweb.com
InsecureWeb is a great tool to protect your business from the dangers of the DarkWeb. The platform scans the darkest places of the internet 24x7 and alerts you when your information is found so you can take preventive actions. This tool is also a great way to start your own dark web monitoring busin...
Progress
progress.com
Progress (Nasdaq: PRGS) provides software that enables organizations to develop and deploy their mission-critical applications and experiences, as well as effectively manage their data platforms, cloud and IT infrastructure. As an experienced, trusted provider, we make the lives of technology profes...
PhishLabs
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Fortra's PhishLabs is a cyber threat intelligence company that delivers Digital Risk Protection through curated threat intelligence and complete mitigation. PhishLabs provides brand impersonation, account takeover, data leakage and social media threat protection in one complete solution for the worl...
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Guardz is a leading unified cybersecurity solution designed for managed service providers (MSPs), empowering them to protect their clients from evolving digital threats by leveraging AI and a multilayered approach to combat phishing, ransomware attacks, data loss, and user risks. Our technology stre...
Flashpoint
flashpoint.io
Connect, collaborate, and remediate risk faster with timely and active intelligence. Gain visibility into intelligence landscapes across cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and physical security. With Ignite, security experts can connect the dots across data and intelligence to coordinate a better-infor...
Flare
flare.io
Flare is the proactive digital footprint monitoring solution for organizations. Our AI-driven technology constantly scans the online world, including the dark, deep and clear web, to discover unknown events, automatically prioritize risks and deliver actionable intelligence you can use instantly to ...
Cybernod
cybernod.com
Pioneering Cybersecurity Solutions for Tomorrow's Digital Landscape Welcome to Cybernod, your premier partner in fortifying digital defenses for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In an era where cyber threats evolve at an unprecedented pace, Cybernod stands at the forefront of providing cutti...
usecure
usecure.io
usecure enables businesses to measure their employee security posture against evolving cyber threats, reduce security incidents caused by human error and demonstrate compliance with core security standards To manage human cyber risk, usecure combines user-tailored security awareness training program...
Recorded Future
recordedfuture.com
Recorded Future is the world’s largest threat intelligence company. Recorded Future’s Intelligence Cloud provides end-to-end intelligence across adversaries, infrastructure, and targets. Indexing the internet across the open web, dark web, and technical sources, Recorded Future provides real-time vi...
Cyble
cyble.ai
Cyble is one of the fastest-growing threat intelligence provider. Cyble provides the fastest and most comprehensive coverage across adversaries, infrastructure, exposure, weaknesses, and targets. Cyble empowers governments and enterprises to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure by providing...
Defendify
defendify.com
Founded in 2017, Defendify is pioneering All-In-One Cybersecurity® for organizations with growing security needs, backed by experts offering ongoing guidance and support. Delivering multiple layers of protection, Defendify provides an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform designed to strengthen cybersecu...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/dark-web-monitoring-tools?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:29:15Z
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As the mystery grows around the drones flying over New Jersey, so do the calls from puzzled residents to authorities about the flying machines. Reports of drone sightings have spread from New Jersey to other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut and Ohio.
Federal authorities on Sunday repeated assurances that the drones are not a security threat. But they still don't know where they came from or who is responsible.
Meanwhile, some state and federal officials called for Congress to pass expanded legislation that would give federal authorities greater resources to mitigate risks from drones.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC News' This Week on Sunday that the federal government has deployed additional resources, including personnel and technology, to assist New Jersey State Police with addressing drone sightings and that the Biden administration remains "vigilant" in investigating the drone sightings.
"There's no question that people are seeing drones," he added, but noted that some of the recent sightings on the East Coast are likely crewed aircraft or duplicate sightings.
He called for Congress to act quickly to extend and expand the current drone-countering authorities — authorized in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 — which are set to expire on Dec. 20. The law enables the Homeland Security and Justice Departments to use advanced detection technologies to identify, track and mitigate drones.
"It is critical, as we all have said for a number of years, that we need from Congress additional authorities to address the drone situation," Mayorkas said in the ABC interview with George Stephanopoulos.
A joint congressional subcommittee hearing held last week centered on a bipartisan bill — called the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act — that would expand federal drone-countering measures, like bolstering the FAA's oversight powers of drones.
The federal government is also sending a drone detection system to New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday.
"I am grateful for the support, but we need more," she said on X. Passing the Counter-UAS legislation, she said in a separate statement, "will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today."
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday, "There's a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now."
"'We don't know' is not a good enough answer," he said, in reference to what he said is a lack of information from federal agencies.
Drone activity over the weekend forced a pause on air traffic in at least two states. The New York Stewart International Airport runways shut down for an hour on Friday night after the FAA reported drone sightings in the area, a spokesperson confirmed.
In Ohio, there was a temporary closure of the airspace above Wright Patterson Air Force Base between Friday night and Saturday morning after "small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over" the base, base spokesman Bob Purtiman told NPR member station WVXU.
During a call with reporters on Saturday, a Pentagon spokesperson acknowledged that there had also been sightings of drones over two military installations in New Jersey, at Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, but said such sightings are typical.
"This is not a new issue for us," the Joint Staff spokesperson said, according to the Pentagon's news service. "We've had to deal with drone incursions over our bases for quite a time now. It's something that we routinely respond to in each and every case when reporting is cited."
Still unclear who is responsible for drone activity
The military maintained over the weekend that there were no signs of foreign adversary involvement.
"To date, we have no intelligence or observations that would indicate that they were aligned with a foreign actor or that they had malicious intent," the Pentagon spokesperson said. "But ... we don't know. We have not been able to locate or identify the operators or the points of origin."
The spokesperson also said the drones are frustrating the Department of Defense, adding that the military has "limited authorities" to investigate outside military installations in the U.S., and is also prohibited from conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations that could help determine the origins of the drones.
"We don't know what the activity is," the Pentagon news service quoted the spokesperson as saying. "We don't know ... if it is criminal. But I will tell you that it is irresponsible."
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kuaf.com/npr-news/2024-12-15/as-drone-sightings-spread-across-east-coast-federal-officials-still-dont-know-much
| 2024-12-16T05:29:18Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Some things are easier to learn when you're a kid, like an instrument or a sport. NPR's Avery Keatley visited a gymnastics class outside of Washington, D.C., to find out why it's important to keep learning new things, no matter your age.
AVERY KEATLEY, BYLINE: On a dark, rainy Tuesday night, the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, is brightly lit and absolutely buzzing. The gymnastics floor is mobbed with kids wearing bright leotards, taking turns on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor. It is loud as the kids tumble across the floor and parents wait in the bleachers overlooking the gymnasium. But as the kids' classes begin winding down, a different group files in.
GAELEN WOOD: (Inaudible) forward rolls, so arms up.
ERIN WEISENBERGER: This is the worst one because it really hurts your head. When I was a kid, this didn't hurt, but it really gives me a headache doing it. I don't know why.
KEATLEY: That's 32-year-old Erin Weisenberger. She's warming up doing somersaults across the gymnastics floor along with the rest of her class. It's a group of nearly all women ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 40s, and they're all here trying something a little different.
WOOD: So we're going to learn something new today.
KEATLEY: They're part of an adult beginner gymnastics class. It's a bit of a rarity in the gymnastics world, where most classes are geared towards kids and teens.
WOOD: And if you're lefty, you're going to jump, land on your right foot, extend your left foot into your lunge.
KEATLEY: That's Coach Gaelen Wood. Tonight, they're learning how to power hurdle. It's a move that helps generate momentum for tumbling, and the footwork is a little complicated.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: So think about jumping off of two feet and just land on your right foot.
WEISENBERGER: Just land on my right foot. Just land on my right foot.
(LAUGHTER)
KEATLEY: While Erin tries to master the power hurdle, classmate Shateela Winters has a simpler goal in mind.
SHATEELA WINTERS: So my goal is to not injure myself. I have a bad back amongst other things. But if I could pick the dream thing that I had learned to do, if I could just do one back handspring, I'd be incredibly happy.
WOOD: Awesome.
KEATLEY: After warming up on the floor, the class files over to a trampoline that stretches almost halfway across the gym.
WOOD: All right, we're going to straddle jumps. So remember, either straddle jumps can go out to the side or straddle jumps can come up in front of you, OK?
KEATLEY: Gymnastics program supervisor Alex Asante-Dean says that for adult beginners, breaking out of their normal patterns of movement, like jumping really high in the air on a trampoline, can be uncomfortable.
ALEX ASANTE-DEAN: When we start, some of the things are really jarring 'cause you're moving your body in ways that hasn't been done before.
KEATLEY: And it's not just physical movements.
ASANTE-DEAN: When we get older and we have, you know, routines that we're used to, gets hard to break those habits.
KEATLEY: That's an observation backed up by research.
RACHEL WU: Adults might have a more fixed mindset in terms of thinking, if I'm not good at something now, I'm never going to be good at it.
KEATLEY: Rachel Wu is an associate professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside. She studies the way children learn and how those patterns might help adults learn too. She says that in some ways, learning is easier as an adult. Adults generally grasp concepts more quickly. They're less distracted, and they have better motor control than kids. But learning as an adult requires time, money and quality teachers, which can all be harder to find. She also says adults are often convinced they simply lack a talent for something.
WU: I've never been good at languages, or I've never been good at art, or I don't have a musical ear or something like that - that kind of, like, very fixed mindset. So you're either born with some talent or you're not.
KEATLEY: But continuing to learn as an adult has serious brain benefits.
WU: You will increase a lot of different types of cognitive abilities - your attention, memory. You have existing neurons that can be strengthened and existing pathways between neurons that can be strengthened as well.
KEATLEY: She says physical activities can be especially helpful in growing new neurons, which help the brain remain healthy and flexible later in life. Community can also play a big role in supporting adult learning.
WU: Learning new stuff is really hard, and if you're doing it with other people, it may be less depressing (laughter) in some ways because those people can help hold you accountable. You can see through how other people are struggling that you're not the only one struggling.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yes. Pull, pull, pull, pull, pull. Good.
KEATLEY: Back in the gym, the class is practicing on the uneven bars.
WEISENBERGER: The Olympians make it look so smooth and so easy and just like a walk in the park. But it is not (laughter).
KEATLEY: Erin Weisenberger says that even though class is challenging, she gets a lot out of it.
WEISENBERGER: Just proud of myself for trying something that I thought I would be really bad at.
KEATLEY: Coach Gaelen Wood says that for him, seeing adult students achieve something new is one of the best parts of the class.
WOOD: I love when people are nervous of something, and they finally take that step forward, and they're like, I can do this.
KEATLEY: As class winds down, one of those moments unfolds as Erin successfully pulls herself all the way over the uneven bar for the first time.
WEISENBERGER: I did it.
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: There you go. Yay.
KEATLEY: Avery Keatley, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
|
https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/learning-as-an-adult-can-be-hard-its-even-harder-on-a-balance-beam
| 2024-12-16T05:29:17Z
|
Novartis, Biogen, Takeda and Novo Nordisk are all betting on advances in the molecular glue degraders space, collectively investing billions in hopes of treating cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiometabolic disease and more.
When the mechanism of action behind a decades-old drug was serendipitously discovered, a new field of drug discovery was ripped open and molecular glue degraders were born. Now, nearly 15 years later, Big Pharma is taking notice. In 2024, Biogen, Novartis, Takeda and Novo Nordisk each struck deals to add molecular glue degraders to their pipelines—collaborations that could collectively be worth over $6 billion.
“This year in particular seems to be a big year for deals,” Ryan Schoenfeld, CEO of The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, told BioSpace. “This is a kind of next stage maturity in this space.”
The investments have not only been in dollars and cents but on the research front as well, Schoenfeld said. “The whole field of chemical biology has spent a lot of effort in this area the last 10 years, so it’s nice that this inflection point seems to be here.”
A big part of the appeal for molecular glue degraders lays in their potential to go where no small molecule has gone before.
Many small molecule drugs work by binding to specific target proteins to inhibit function. However, over 90% of disease-causing proteins lack binding pockets where a small molecule can grab hold. A molecular glue degrader (MGD) is a small molecule that enhances the interaction between a disease-causing protein and a ligase that will help initiate its destruction—the ultimate goal of all protein degrader drugs, which have earned a reputation for being able to reach targets once thought “undruggable.”
“For years companies have had to work according to the conventional rules governing druggability with a limited druggable genome,” Phil Chamberlain, CEO of Neomorph, told BioSpace. “Glues give companies the opportunity to go after the most impactful targets with a completely different set of rules. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
The therapeutic potential for MGDs is far reaching, with initial indications ranging from oncology to neurodegeneration to autoimmune and cardiometabolic diseases. Vienna-based Proxygen’s lead program is in oncology, but CEO Bernd Boidol told BioSpace that MGDs are disease agnostic. “Any disease driven by a misfunctioning protein, glue degraders can be an answer to that,” he said.
A Serendipitous Discovery
The majority of the players in the MGD space are focused on one of two E3 ubuiquitin ligases—cereblon and the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein. The discovery of cereblon was the “launch pad” for glue research efforts, Georg Winter, a principal investigator at the Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Proxygen co-founder, told BioSpace.
It all started with an infamous drug discovered in the 1950s. Thalidomide was commonly used, especially in Europe, to treat morning sickness until it was discovered to be the cause of severe limb abnormalities in babies when given to pregnant women. The drug was then withdrawn from the market, until it was later approved for a complication of leprosy in 1998 and then for myeloma in 2006.
Still, its mechanism of action remained a bit of a mystery. Then in 2010, a group of Japanese researchers discovered the cellular target to be cereblon. Further research revealed the drug was not inhibiting cereblon but reprogramming the ligase to act as a molecular glue degrader. Their discoveries opened the door to the potential targets whose degradation can be initiated by cereblon, according to Winter.
Catching the Craze
Today, several pharmaceutical companies are cashing in on the headway made by researchers and biotech companies in the MGD space, striking deals to add promising molecules to their pipelines through collaborations and acquisitions.
In 2019, BMS bought thalidomide’s U.S. manufacturer Celgene for $74 billion, bringing in a handful of MGDs. Three molecules are in multiple Phase III trials for lupus and various blood cancers.
This year has seen a number of deals in the space. In November, Novartis handed over $150 million upfront to Boston–based Monte Rosa Therapeutics, with another $2.1 billion on the line in potential milestones. The deal has Novartis queuing to take the reins on development of Monte Rosa’s MGDs targeting the VAV1 protein for immune-mediated diseases.
VAV1 is a key signaling protein involved in T and B cell cascades. According to Monte Rosa, destroying it could have potential for multiple systemic and neurological autoimmune indications such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and dermatological disorders.
Meanwhile, Neomorph garnered two big name collaborations with Biogen and Novo Nordisk. While the out-of-pocket payments on both deals remain under wraps, they include potential payouts of $1.45 billion and $1.46 billion, respectively. Each of the larger companies is targeting indications near and dear to their core pipelines. Biogen’s partnership will focus on developing an MGD for Alzheimer’s, rare and immunological diseases, while Novo’s will prioritize cardiometabolic and rare diseases. Neomorph also has its own pipeline of glue degraders targeting solid tumors. Elsewhere, Takeda signed an up to $1.2 billion deal in May with China-based Degron Therapeutics to develop MGDs for various oncology, neuroscience and inflammatory disease targets.
This all follows the considerable investment in 2023, when Roche’s Genentech tied up with Orionis Biosciences to target cancer and neurodegeneration in a deal that could exceed $2 billion and Proxygen and Merck drew up a deal worth up to $2.55 billion.
The Molecular Glue Degrader Advantage
Molecular glue degraders aren’t the only protein degradation option in the works. Another, called PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras), are bifunctional molecules with two distinct binding sites—one for a target protein and one for an E3 ubiquitin ligase—that also act as a molecular glue to target a protein for destruction.
One advantage of MGDs over other varieties of protein degraders is their small size. They are typically around the size of your average small molecule and half the size of PROTACs, Winter explained. He noted that pharma has a lot of interest in using MGDs in neurological diseases, where size particularly matters.
Schoenfeld noted that one company, Arvinas, has optimized its PROTAC to be able to cross the BBB. “But I think you’re always going to be better off starting with a smaller molecule,” he said.
Perhaps the tallest challenge in the space has been finding a rational way to design MGDs, Schoenfeld said, adding that he believes the field has finally cracked the code for rational design. Based on the big dollar deals, “There’s presumably some breakthroughs.”
Neomorph’s ambition is to have broader activity across the proteome, Chamberlain said. Research he conducted with collaborators while working at Celgene resulted in the discovery of a structural component of cereblon’s mechanism of action that opened up the potential field even further.
Neomorph has now identified additional structures within proteins that can be targeted, as well as novel ligases beyond cereblon and VHL, Chamberlain said, offering access to thousands of proteins that may be tractable for the MGD approach.
“It’s exciting to see this happen for this field,” Schoenfeld said. “There’s been so much hope and so much investment. It’s been a long time coming to reach this point, and I don’t see any signs that [interest] is slowing.”
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https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/molecular-glue-degraders-at-inflection-point-as-pharma-dives-in
| 2024-12-16T05:29:18Z
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Suns send Trail Blazers to 6th straight loss with 116-109 victory
Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns beat Portland 116-109 on Sunday night to extend the Trail Blazers’ losing streak to six games.
Kevin Durant added 20 points, Tyus Jones had 19, and Royce O’Neale — starting for the injured Bradley Beal — scored 13 points. Jusuf Nurkic had 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Anfernee Simons scored 20 points to lead the Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant and reserve Deni Avdija scored 17 apiece.
A game after the Suns made 22 3-pointers in a victory at Utah, they hit 15 on Sunday. Booker and Grayson Allen each made four to lead Phoenix.
Former Suns No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton didn’t make the trip for the Trail Blazers due to illness. Rookie Donovan Clingan started in his place and finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
The Suns never trailed in the first half, but the Trail Blazers began the third quarter with an 11-0 run to take a 62-57 lead. Simons’ 3-pointer gave Portland its first lead at 60-57 early in the third quarter and Shaedon Sharpe’s steal and dunk completed an 11-0 run
Takeaways
Trail Blazers: Robert Williams III returned from a concussion and scored eight points, going 4 for 4 from the field. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said Williams will be on limited minutes for the time being.
Suns: With Beal sidelined due to right knee swelling, coach Mike Budenholzer used 12 players, with 11 scoring. Allen led the bench player with 12 points.
Key moment
After Portland took a five-point lead, Booker scored 12 points in the third quarter and the Suns regained the lead, staying ahead the rest of the way.
Key stat
The Suns (14-11) are 13-2 when Durant plays and 1-9 when he doesn’t.
Up next
Both teams are back in action Thursday night. The Trail Blazers are at Denver, and the Suns host Indiana.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/suns-send-trail-blazers-to-6th-straight-loss-with-116-109-victory/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:18Z
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Prostate cancer is among the common types of cancer that occur in male individuals and has equally contributed to the deaths of many individuals. It is widely understood that genetic predisposition is a contributing factor to the development of prostate cancer, but the study showed that adopting a fit lifestyle reduces the risk.
Genetics and prostate cancerStudies show that heredity plays a significant role in the development of the prostate cancer. Some inherited genes like BRCA2, BRCA1, and HOXB13 gene mutations are potential markers of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in men with a history of family members having the same disease. Yet, a genetic relation is not sufficient to dictate that every person with a certain susceptibility gene will definitely get prostate cancer.
Lifestyle factors influencing prostate cancer riskMost research also agrees that lifestyle factors do play a very big role when it comes to developing prostate cancer. Key lifestyle modifications can help mitigate genetic risk:
Dietary factors reveal that high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain food products has a long-term decreased impact on the development of prostate cancer. Tomatoes which contain lycopene and Selenium containing foods like the Brazil nut are protective agents.
Physical activity, again, at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity would reduce the risk for prostate cancer.
A number of factors have been linked to aggressive prostate cancer, including obesity, therefore a healthy weight can help in preventing aggressive prostate cancer.
Reducing smoking and avoiding alcohol also reduces prostate cancer risk.
Relaxation methods, including meditation and Yoga assist in enhancing general health of an individual.
How lifestyle compensates for genetic riskPeople cannot change their genes, but the way they live does have a say over gene function. A healthy lifestyle:
Analyzes the proteins that control one or many of the pathways that lead to cancer.
Boosts the rate of immunocompetent cells thus improving their capability to recognize and destroy cancerous cells
Slows oxidation in the body and chronic inflammation, which is also responsible for encouraging the growth of cancer cells.
Enhance in hormone balance such as testosterone and IGF-1 associated with Prostate Cancer
Promotes the protection of telomere or the aging cell.
Epigenetics and Gene ExpressionEpigenetic changes concern the modulation of chromatin structure and codes with out changing DNA matters. This is contributed to by lifestyle modifications which alter the characteristics of genes either for enhancement or inhibition. A healthy lifestyle:
Activates tumor-suppressor genes
Silences oncogenes (cancer-promoting genes)
Enhances DNA repair mechanisms
Real-World Implications
Numerous studies demonstrate the benefits of lifestyle modifications:
The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial found that finasteride combined with lifestyle changes reduced prostate cancer risk.
The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study linked high fruit and vegetable consumption to lower prostate cancer risk.
ConclusionThe study finds that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of prostate cancer even if the individual has a hereditary gene that puts him at higher risk. Men can lower their prostate cancer risk by following a healthy diet, engaging in plenty of exercises, managing stress and practicing other healthy practices. Thus it can be seen that though genetic influence cannot be completely negated, certain lifestyles go a long way in controlling genes affecting cancer. Leading a healthy life enhances personal control over one’s health, and is an effective supplement to the genes people are endowed with.
It is advisable to seek medical advice from professional healthcare practitioners for more information on how to reduce probabilities of acquiring the disease. Take preventive examinations, get standard screenings, and reveal genetic risks and changes in behavior. When tripled with the genetic understanding of the disease, men are encouraged to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments towards preventing prostate cancer and improved health.
Dr. Aravind Badiger Technical Director BDR Pharmaceuticals
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/can-a-healthy-lifestyle-compensate-for-the-genetic-risk-of-prostate-cancer/articleshow/116332134.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:29:19Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
Associated Press
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group’s leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group’s ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened,” said Webb. “But there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The secret sect’s origin story
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Abusers live among their victims
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family’s home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect’s regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. “And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
Many more cases of abuse
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
Members told to keep abuse reports quiet
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man’s victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it,” she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Former minister recounts culture of downplaying misdeeds
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect’s culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
The case that exposed the sect to more scrutiny
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Survivors and law enforcement dig deeper
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer’s death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI’s field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions.”
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/survivors-seek-a-reckoning-as-fbi-investigates-child-sex-abuse-in-little-known-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:20Z
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Updated December 15, 2024 at 19:06 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning.
Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe.
The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow.
On Saturday, a tornado touched down around 1:40 p.m. near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said. The Scotts Valley Police Department said several people were injured and taken to hospitals.
In San Francisco, some trees toppled onto cars and streets and damaged roofs. The damage was due to 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, not a tornado, weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Sunday.
Roger Gass, a meteorologist in the weather service's office in Monterey, California, said the warning of a possible tornado in San Francisco was a first for the city, noting an advanced alert did not go out before the last tornado struck nearly 20 years ago.
"I would guess there wasn't a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005," said Gass, who was not there at the time.
The fast-moving storm prompted warnings for residents to take shelter, but few people have basements in the area.
Heavy snow fell at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a 112-mph (181-kph) gust of wind was recorded at the Mammoth Mountain resort south of Yosemite National Park, according to the weather service's office in Reno, Nevada. Up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow was forecast for Sierra Nevada mountaintops.
The weekend Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California went ahead as planned in spite of a snowstorm Saturday. Lil Wayne and Diplo were scheduled to perform Sunday, the festival's website said. The resort said it has received 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow since Friday. An avalanche warning was in effect at least until Monday morning in the area.
Interstate 80 was closed along an 80-mile (130-kilometer) stretch from Applegate, California, to the Nevada line just west of Reno on Saturday. The California Highway Patrol reopened the road in the afternoon for passenger vehicles with chains or four-wheel drive and snow tires.
The severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Nebraska said a 57-year-old woman died after she lost control of her pickup on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
Businesses announced plans to open late Saturday as temperatures rose high enough in the afternoon to melt the ice in most places.
"Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary," said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's office in Davenport, Iowa.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california
| 2024-12-16T05:29:20Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Fear was central to President Bashar al-Assad's control over Syria. For many Syrians, it didn't feel safe to express dissent anywhere. Even a whispered word against the government spoken at home was often enough for someone to disappear into a network of dozens of prisons where torture was routine. Since the fall of Assad's regime, many families have been searching, trying to find answers about their missing loved ones who vanished in places like this. NPR's Ruth Sherlock and Jawad Rizkallah visited one of these feared intelligence branches.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Non-English language spoken).
JAWAD RIZKALLAH, BYLINE: He's saying this is the dirtiest place in Syria.
RUTH SHERLOCK, BYLINE: Palm trees growing on either side to the entrance way, the torn picture of Bashar al-Assad - we go inside what used to be the Assad regime's state security complex. It's huge, and the rebels who now control it take us to prison branch 85.
RIZKALLAH: Here, nobody was allowed to come in.
SHERLOCK: This is a grim place. These are the solitary cells. No light - there's only a blacked out grate for air, leading to the outside world, but no window.
RIZKALLAH: Oh, look.
SHERLOCK: Oh, my gosh. Somebody's marked lines on the wall in rows to keep track of how many days they've been in here. One, two, three, four, eight weeks - someone was here for eight weeks in this cell, 1 meter wide by about 2 meters long. Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: (Non-English language spoken).
SHERLOCK: These intelligence branches were places of torture and terror in Syria. In branch 85, we're told, both Syrians and foreigners were held. There's even been claims that Austin Tice, the American journalist who disappeared in 2012, may have spent time here.
Hey, guys. There's English here. Somebody's turned these walls into a classroom - I see you, for you, listen to me, look at me, go away, miss you.
Last week, when opposition militias took Damascus from the regime, one of the first things they did was free the prisoners. Here, everything has been abandoned, left exactly as it was, including the art prisoners etched into the walls.
Somebody's drawn a beautiful picture of a house. It looks like a log cabin somewhere in mountains and a tree beside it and a forest in the background and a bridge over a river in the foreground. They've tried to make - there's a waterfall. They've tried to make this beautiful.
UNIDENTIFIED GUARD: (Non-English language spoken).
SHERLOCK: A guard breaks down in tears as he tells me if you're in prison and you don't know how to draw, you'll be driven to madness. He remembers how his cousin was jailed.
UNIDENTIFIED GUARD: (Non-English language spoken).
RIZKALLAH: And he told them everything that he went through there. And now when he's here and he's looking at everything, he's remembering everything his cousin told him.
SHERLOCK: The guard tells us that when they arrived, they found people dead.
RIZKALLAH: There were bodies, the corpses that were found here, and they took them to the hospital. And they're still in the morgue for people if they want to come check if their families are.
SHERLOCK: And there are so many thousands of families searching all across Syria, over 100,000 missing, a conservative estimate by rights groups. They come to places like this to search for threads of their loved ones' existence.
This is just one prison in a network of prisons that are all over the city. We know about the big ones - Sednaya, where thousands of people disappeared. But there's also these. Across the capitol, there's branch after branch, security branch after security branch after security branch.
The regime was meticulous in its brutality. Bureaucrats and intelligence officials kept detailed notes of every person detained, of every interrogation, of the torture applied and of every execution.
RIZKALLAH: Ruth.
SHERLOCK: Yeah?
RIZKALLAH: Come.
SHERLOCK: Coming, coming.
RIZKALLAH: The papers are still here. We still have papers.
SHERLOCK: These documents could provide families with the answers about what happened to their loved ones. They are valuable evidence of crimes, and the guards say we have to go and get permission to see them. We make our way outside.
Gosh, you just feel relief coming back out into the fresh air. You can't imagine what it must have been like to be held there, not knowing when you'd get out.
We walk away on a road that runs above the dungeon prison that holds so many secrets, many of which will be revealed, and many more will lie in darkness. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, Damascus. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-12-15/we-head-inside-a-feared-intelligence-branch-after-the-fall-of-assad-regime-in-syria
| 2024-12-16T05:29:20Z
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A new study has confirmed a link between Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and an increased risk of a rare form of vision loss known as NAION, particularly among diabetes patients. Even more disturbing is the fact that the eye condition is irreversible, untreatable and potentially blinding, which necessitates the need to keep patients on drug informed about the possible risk.
The research, which supports earlier findings from Harvard University says that people on Ozempic are more than twice as likely to develop this potentially blinding condition compared to those using other diabetes medications.
The team of researchers uncovered these findings after studying years of patient records from Denmark and Norway. However, the study, The published on medRxiv, a website that posts studies before being peer-reviewed, wasn't able to prove if Wegovy, the sister drug of Ozempic leads to similar consequences.
What is NAION?
As per American Academy of Ophthamology, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common cause of acute optic nerve injury in individuals over 50 years old.
It has no treatment and occurs when a loss of blood flow damages the optic nerve. In the United States, NAION affects about 2.3 to 10.2 people per 100,000 each year for those over 50, and 0.54 people per 100,000 for all ages. The condition affects men and women equally, and the average age when it starts is 66. White people are at a higher risk of developing NAION compared to other ethnic groups.
Among the top risk factors for NAION are diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Use of certain medications like phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil) has been associated with an increased risk of NAION.
Symptoms of NAION
NAION usually causes sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. While it's rare, it can happen in both eyes if there are major changes in blood pressure due to surgery, dialysis, or severe blood loss. Some people might feel mild discomfort, headache, or pain around the eye, but this happens in only 10% of cases. If there is pain, doctors should check for other possible causes of vision loss.
The vision loss in NAION is usually not as severe as in another condition called AAION. In NAION, it’s uncommon for people to lose all light perception. When it does happen, doctors might consider AAION instead. When NAION first appears, half of patients still have vision better than 20/64, and two-thirds have vision better than 20/200. Some people with NAION may have normal vision.
The risk remains low
However, the risk of the condition for Ozempic patients remains low as per the study, with just 1.4 additional cases per 10,000 years of patient observation among patients who took Ozempic compared with those who took the other diabetes drug.
“It is crucial to weigh the potential risk of NAION against the substantial therapeutic benefits of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy," according to authors from the University of Southern Denmark, Norwegian Institute of Public Health and University of Copenhagen, as well as other institutions that conducted the research.
NOVO said very few cases of NAION were witnessed in its own trials with no imbalance disfavouring its drugs, said the company.
A smaller study published in July by a team from the Harvard-affiliated hospital Massachusetts Eye and Ear hinted at Ozempic's link to NAION.
Potential therapeutic targets to prevent hearing loss due to antibiotics identified by researchers
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/can-ozempic-cause-sudden-vision-loss-a-study-uncovers-the-link/articleshow/116339266.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:29:21Z
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Top Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software - Egypt
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software, also referred to as data leak prevention software, is designed to safeguard and manage sensitive business information. A fundamental aspect of DLP solutions is distribution control, which prevents users from sending confidential data outside corporate networks. Security teams and network administrators establish rules that regulate who can access, modify, and share sensitive information. DLP tools manage data protection both at the network level and on individual endpoints, maintaining consistent policy enforcement across the organization. These tools are crucial for protecting data and preventing internal leaks.
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Teramind
teramind.co
Teramind is the leading global provider of insider threat management, data loss prevention, and productivity and process optimization solutions powered by user behavior analytics. Serving enterprise, government and SMBs, Teramind has provided over 10,000 organizations around the world with actionabl...
Coro
coro.net
Coro is a new breed of cybersecurity platform. A single platform that secures your entire company. When you use Coro, you protect email, data, endpoint devices, cloud apps, and even user activity. With Coro, everybody can be a cybersecurity expert. Coro takes minutes to master and is designed to rem...
Nightfall AI
nightfall.ai
Nightfall AI's Zendesk DLP is an AI-native tool designed for data leak prevention. It is designed to reduce the risk of sharing confidential, malicious, or personally identifiable content in Zendesk. The tool, which is also cloud-native, is touted to be accurate and easy to use. Its central functio...
1Fort
1fort.com
1Fort streamlines the process of placing cyber insurance for middle-market businesses, saving insurance brokers and their clients time and money. Brokers use 1Fort to quote more markets in less time by helping their clients get insurable in days, not weeks. Businesses use 1Fort to automate up to 90%...
Trustifi
trustifi.com
Trustifi is a cybersecurity firm featuring solutions delivered on a software-as-a-service platform. Trustifi leads the market with the easiest-to-use and deploy email security products providing both inbound and outbound email security from a single vendor. The most valuable asset to any organizatio...
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/data-loss-prevention-dlp-software?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:29:22Z
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App store for web apps
Find the right software and services.
Turn websites into desktop apps with WebCatalog Desktop, and access a wealth of exclusive apps for Mac, Windows. Use spaces to organize apps, switch between multiple accounts with ease, and boost your productivity like never before.
Top Data Masking Software - Egypt
Data masking software protects an organization’s important data by disguising it with random characters or other data so that it is still usable by the organization but not outside forces.
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Salesforce
salesforce.com
Salesforce.com, inc. is an American cloud-based software company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It provides (CRM) customer relationship management service and also sells a complementary suite of enterprise applications focused on customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and ap...
Very Good Security
verygoodsecurity.com
Very Good Security (VGS) lets you operate on sensitive data without the cost or liability of securing the data. VGS also helps you achieve PCI, SOC2, and other compliance certifications. VGS is a sensitive data custodian that provides turnkey security with no changes to existing products or systems....
Informatica
informatica.com
Informatica (NYSE: INFA), an enterprise cloud data management leader, brings data and AI to life by empowering businesses to realize the transformative power of their most critical assets. We have created a new category of software, the Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud™ (IDMC), powered ...
K2View
k2view.com
At K2view, we believe that every enterprise should be able to use its data to become as disruptive and agile as the best companies in its industry. Our Data Product Platform provides a trusted, holistic, and real-time view of anything important to the business - whether it's customers, suppliers, e...
Nymiz
nymiz.com
AI-Driven Data Anonymization For Knowledge Management -> Nymiz detects sensitive data in unstructured files (doc, docx, xls, xlsx, jpg, tlf, png, pdf) and also in structured data (databases), and anonymizes or pseudonymizes them reversibly or irreversibly. -> By recognizing context-specific data lik...
Tonic.ai
tonic.ai
Tonic.ai democratizes data access for all technical data consumers by eliminating trade-offs between privacy and data availability. Tonic’s solutions synthesize safe, high-fidelity versions of production data devoid of sensitive information and PII. Hundreds of customers across industries depend on...
LiveRamp
liveramp.com
LiveRamp is the leading data connectivity platform for the safe and effective use of data. Powered by core identity resolution capabilities and an unparalleled network, LiveRamp enables companies and their partners to better connect, control, and activate data to transform customer experiences and g...
Protegrity
protegrity.com
Protegrity’s data protection solutions and products can improve your business capabilities through protected and dynamic data sharing. Our comprehensive range of methods enable you to unlock your data and bring it to life. The Protegrity Data Protection Software provides the most comprehensive range...
Satori
satoricyber.com
Satori is a Data Security Platform (DSP) that enables self-service data and analytics. Unlike the traditional manual data access process, with Satori, users have a personal data portal where they can see all available datasets and gain immediate access to them. Satori’s DSP dynamically applies the a...
Original Software
originalsoftware.com
Our enterprise testing platform is trusted by hundreds of companies in lowering risk from bugs and failed updates and saving up to 60% in time spent testing. Step into the future with a single, powerful platform to manage, capture and automate your testing across your ERP and entire tech stack. On-p...
TrueVault
truevault.com
TrueVault is a comprehensive privacy platform that manages compliance with data privacy laws. Built by experienced attorneys, our software takes your business from 0 to 100 — and keeps you there.
InfoSum
infosum.com
The InfoSum Data Clean Room powers fast, easy, and effective first-party data collaboration that maximizes marketing performance in a privacy-first world.
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https://webcatalog.io/en/apps/tag/data-masking-software?country=eg
| 2024-12-16T05:29:22Z
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Updated December 15, 2024 at 19:06 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado near a mall in central California swept up cars, uprooted trees and sent several people to the hospital. In San Francisco, authorities issued the first-ever tornado warning.
Elsewhere, inclement weather plagued areas of the U.S., with dangerous conditions including heavy snow in upstate New York, a major ice storm in Midwest states and severe weather warnings around Lake Tahoe.
The ice storm beginning Friday evening created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Friday and into Saturday and prompted temporary closures of Interstate 80 after numerous cars and trucks slid off the road. In upstate New York, more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) was reported near Orchard Park, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow.
On Saturday, a tornado touched down around 1:40 p.m. near a shopping mall in Scotts Valley, California, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The tornado overturned cars and toppled trees and utility poles, the National Weather Service said. The Scotts Valley Police Department said several people were injured and taken to hospitals.
In San Francisco, some trees toppled onto cars and streets and damaged roofs. The damage was due to 80-mph (130-kph) straight-line winds, not a tornado, weather service meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Sunday.
Roger Gass, a meteorologist in the weather service's office in Monterey, California, said the warning of a possible tornado in San Francisco was a first for the city, noting an advanced alert did not go out before the last tornado struck nearly 20 years ago.
"I would guess there wasn't a clear signature on radar for a warning in 2005," said Gass, who was not there at the time.
The fast-moving storm prompted warnings for residents to take shelter, but few people have basements in the area.
Heavy snow fell at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts, and a 112-mph (181-kph) gust of wind was recorded at the Mammoth Mountain resort south of Yosemite National Park, according to the weather service's office in Reno, Nevada. Up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow was forecast for Sierra Nevada mountaintops.
The weekend Tahoe Live music festival at Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California went ahead as planned in spite of a snowstorm Saturday. Lil Wayne and Diplo were scheduled to perform Sunday, the festival's website said. The resort said it has received 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow since Friday. An avalanche warning was in effect at least until Monday morning in the area.
Interstate 80 was closed along an 80-mile (130-kilometer) stretch from Applegate, California, to the Nevada line just west of Reno on Saturday. The California Highway Patrol reopened the road in the afternoon for passenger vehicles with chains or four-wheel drive and snow tires.
The severe weather in the Midwest resulted in at least one death. The Washington County Sheriff's office in Nebraska said a 57-year-old woman died after she lost control of her pickup on Highway 30 near Arlington and hit an oncoming truck. The other driver sustained minor injuries.
Businesses announced plans to open late Saturday as temperatures rose high enough in the afternoon to melt the ice in most places.
"Luckily some warmer air is moving in behind this to make it temporary," said Dave Cousins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's office in Davenport, Iowa.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.northernpublicradio.org/2024-12-15/storms-across-u-s-bring-heavy-snow-dangerous-ice-and-a-tornado-in-california
| 2024-12-16T05:29:24Z
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What to stream: MrBeast jumps to TV, Little Big Town’s holiday special and Squid Game: Unleashed
The griping Vatican-based movie thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy series “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases. There’s a Little Big Town Christmas special on NBC, the video game Squid Game: Unleashed offers an online battle royale for up to 32 players and Dwayne Johnson stars as Santa’s bodyguard in the movie “Red One.” And internet star MrBeast becomes the host of his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games.”
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https://kyma.com/news/2024/12/15/what-to-stream-mrbeast-jumps-to-tv-little-big-towns-holiday-special-and-squid-game-unleashed/
| 2024-12-16T05:29:26Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
By many measures, California is a shining success story. On its own, it boasts the world's fifth-largest economy. It's one of the richest states in the U.S., with one of the country's highest per capita incomes. And California is also a place where Hollywood and Silicon Valley have set a standard for the U.S. and created a mythical, romantic version of the state that looms over pop culture. But in recent years, it is a story that has been told of one as a state in decline. And according to that narrative, the most populous state is overregulated and too expensive to live in, and so much so, according to some, that people are fleeing it in droves. But how true is that story? To answer, I am joined now by Tessa McLean, the California editor at the online publication SFGATE. She dug into this narrative - not just the current one, but previous times that everybody has been talking about California failing. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
TESSA MCLEAN: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: Let's just start with the now - how dire is it? Is the California dream over? Are we packing it up?
MCLEAN: (Laughter) No, the California dream is not quite over yet, though many would say it is dying. The population in the last three years has declined, but it's never declined more than 1%. Each year since 2021, it's declined by a smaller and smaller number, and in 2023, it only declined 0.09%, according to figures from the State Department of Finance. So growth is simply slowing. It has not fully declined.
DETROW: But this led you to take a broader look because, you know, I covered California politics for a couple of years, and I heard this at the time I was there, and it seems like such a constant. This state is too expensive. It's overregulated. It's killing itself, and people are leaving in droves. And yet, the population - big-picture - continues to go up, the economy continues to grow. Why did you want to take a look back at these previous moments of doom and gloom? What was interesting about it to you?
MCLEAN: I write a lot about the movement of Californians, whether that's leaving the state entirely for a different state like Texas or Montana or whether they're moving around within the state itself. So I really wanted to take a look at the population data and see how big any decline has been in recent years and find out if this was a new phenomenon or if this had in fact been happening for years.
DETROW: Yeah.
MCLEAN: And leading up to the most recent election, it felt like California was in the spotlight more than ever. Kamala Harris was born in the Bay Area. She started her career in California, and that fact was often used against her. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is boasting about how Elon Musk left California for Texas. And Governor Gavin Newsom is sparring with the governors of Texas and Florida, and these conversations are making the national news. I wanted to take a step back and examine America's obsession with California failing.
DETROW: To be clear, though, you're not saying that some of the real problems that are being flagged, like the high cost of living, the cost of housing, in particular, aren't real. It's just that they may be overblown in terms of leading people to flee the state in droves?
MCLEAN: Absolutely. California is an expensive place to live. There's no doubt about it. And that high housing costs and all the cost of living expenses that come along with that are a big reason - the main reason, mainly - why people leave. There's been a lot more migration within the state itself, especially since the pandemic. You know, people might be leaving large coastal metros like San Francisco or Los Angeles for places like the Inland Empire or Sacramento, more so than are leaving the state itself.
DETROW: Why do you think then there's such an impulse over the years - and you're talking about the dot-com bust, you're talking about earlier periods in the 20th century. Why do you think there's such an interest in declaring the death of California?
MCLEAN: California has always been a prosperous place. It's a place that people look to, to go find wealth and success. People have been migrating out to California, looking for the California dream since the Gold Rush. And so I think that idea of the California dream is really important for people, and it really draws people out there.
DETROW: Were there any interesting parallels that you picked up on when you compared these moments?
MCLEAN: Yeah. I mean, the parallels is that the reasons that people are leaving are almost always the same. It's high housing costs. It's traffic. It's overpopulated cities, people just being fed up with the politics of the state. Those reasons never really changed, whether it's 1989 or 2023.
DETROW: That's Tessa McLean, the California editor at SFGATE. Her piece, "America's Obsession With California Failing," is at sfgate.com. Thanks so much for talking to us.
MCLEAN: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-12-15/the-love-hate-tug-of-war-with-california
| 2024-12-16T05:29:26Z
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